bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyrenaican Church Floor Mosaics of the Justinianic Period: Decoration or Meaning?
Authors: Cowell Norman D.
Published: November 2014

The well-preserved church floor mosaics of the Justinianic period discovered at Qasr Libya have been dismissed as a haphazard collection of motifs, most of which are purely decorative. The author presents arguments to question this statement and carries out a re-examination to see if a symbolic programme can be recovered from them. In this task two principal sources of imagery are drawn on; bible passages and, in view of the wide variety of fauna represented, the stories in early bestiaries where the alleged behaviour of animals is given a theological interpretation. This analysis was extended to cover a selection of other church floor mosaics of similar age. In each case it has been found possible to construct a coherent programme of symbolism and to link this to rites which would have been celebrated in those locations.
Weichselian and Holocene climate history reflected in temperatures in the upper crust of the Netherlands
Authors: ter Voorde M. , van Balen R. , Luijendijk E. , Kooi H.
Published: November 2014

In the Netherlands the present-day thermal gradient in the shallow subsurface (i.e. the upper few 100 m), is around 20°C km–1, whereas at depths between 0.5 and 3 km it is ∼33°C km–1. This large contrast in the gradient between shallow and deeper parts of the subsurface occurs throughout the country and cannot be explained by either systematic thermal property changes with depth or the depositional setting of the region. In this paper we use a 1D thermal model for the crust and demonstrate that this observed temperature-depth trend most likely reflects a transient condition inherited from past climate change. It is shown that the prolonged cold period during the Weichselian (∼110–10 kya) and the subsequent warmer conditions during the Holocene account for the increase in the thermal gradient with depth. Moreover, we demonstrate that thermal history further back in time still influences the present-day subsurface temperature. Geothermal climate-change influences on these long time scales have not been documented before for the Netherlands.
Food, Technology and Culture in the Late Bronze Age of Southern Britain: Perforated Clay Plates of the Lower Thames Valley
Authors: CHAMPION TIMOTHY
Published: November 2014

Perforated plates of fired clay have long been recognised as a component of Late Bronze Age material culture in south-eastern England, but recent developer-funded excavations have produced a wealth of new evidence. These artefacts, showing a considerable degree of standardisation, are now known from more than 70 sites, which show a markedly riverine and estuarine distribution along the lower Thames. Their function is still uncertain, but it is suggested that they were parts of ovens for baking bread, a new technology for food preparation in the later Bronze Age. Some of the largest assemblages of such plates are found at strongly defended sites, and it is further suggested that the baking and consumption of bread was particularly associated with such sites of social authority. The estuarine distribution is discussed in this paper, and it presents further evidence for the regionally distinctive nature of food consumption in later prehistory.
Will Cost-Effectiveness Decisions Determine Future 4D Air Traffic Management Concepts?
Authors: Brooker Peter
Published: November 2014

Would an increased emphasis on cost-effectiveness and markedly reduced controller workload/costs determine the Four-Dimensional Air Traffic Management (4D ATM) Concept – a mindset change? Are there workable concepts that focus on flightpath conformance monitoring rather than a combination of conformance and hazard monitoring? Fundamental criteria for a conformance management-based system are identified to meet workload and cost goals. A ‘Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)/Feedback Concept’ is sketched, with radical ingredients to convert GNSS's accurate position fixes into accurate aircraft flightpath navigation. This eliminates air/ground trajectory synchronisation processing, and focuses conflict probing/planning tools on non-conforming flights. This concept would need to address key Human Factor concerns satisfactorily.
NEW CHROMOSOME COUNTS OF BERBERIS L. (BERBERIDACEAE) SUGGEST THAT POLYPLOIDY DOES NOT PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THE GENUS IN THE NEPAL HIMALAYA
Authors: Adhikari B. , Pendry C. A. , Möller M.
Published: November 2014

Chromosomes were counted for nine of the 24 taxa of Berberis (Berberidaceae) from Nepal, five of which were counted for the first time. The results show that all these species have somatic chromosome numbers of 2n = 28. The absence of polyploids suggests that polyploidy may not have been a major driver of speciation and diversification of Berberis in the Nepal Himalaya.
A NEW SPECIES OF GENTIANA (GENTIANACEAE) FROM THE SIKKIM HIMALAYA
Authors: Maity D.
Published: November 2014

Gentiana springateana D.Maity sp. nov. (Gentianaceae) is described from the Sikkim Himalaya and placed in G. section Phyllocalyx (Kusn.) T.N.Ho. This new taxon is described and illustrated, and compared morphologically with two related taxa, Gentiana phyllocalyx C.B.Clarke and G. urnula Harry Sm.
HIRAEA CUNEATA, H. MACROPHYLLA, AND
FOUR NEW SPECIES CONFUSED WITH THEM: H. HATSCHBACHII,
H. OCCHIONII, H. REITZII, AND H.
RESTINGAE (MALPIGHIACEAE)
Authors: Anderson C.
Published: November 2014

Specimens of Hiraea (Malpighiaceae) from the Brazilian states of
eastern Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, Paraná, and Santa Catarina that
had been determined as H. cuneata Griseb. and H.
wiedeana A.Juss. were found to include four undescribed species.
The assemblage traditionally named Hiraea cuneata includes, in
addition to H. cuneata (Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro), two
novelties: H. hatschbachii C.E.Anderson (Paraná) and
H. occhionii C.E.Anderson (Rio de Janeiro). The gatherings
labelled Hiraea wiedeana comprise specimens of H.
reitzii C.E.Anderson (Paraná, Santa Catarina) and
H. restingae C.E.Anderson (Rio de Janeiro), here newly
described, and of H. macrophylla (Colla) P.L.R.Moraes
& Guglielmone (Rio de Janeiro), the earlier and correct name for the
species also known as H. wiedeana. In all, the flowers are
borne in a single 4-flowered umbel instead of a compound arrangement, as is
often characteristic of other species of Hiraea. Specimens
assigned to Hiraea cuneata have the laminas abaxially sericeous
initially but glabrous at maturity. In those assigned to Hiraea
wiedeana the laminas are abaxially velutinous (eventually glabrescent
in H. restingae). Full descriptions and synonymies are
supplied, and all species are illustrated.
WERDERMANN’S ‘PLANTAE CHILENSES’ AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
Authors: Braidwood D. W. , Morales V. , Gardner M. F.
Published: November 2014

The Erich Werdermann collection ‘Plantae Chilenses’ held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh constitutes an important set of herbarium specimens from the Chilean flora, and represents over 10% of preserved specimens from Chile in the herbarium. Duplicate sets of specimens were distributed from the Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem to a further 15 major international herbaria. Here we provide a description of this collection, highlighting aspects of Werdermann’s journey in Chile. Included are his itinerary and maps showing where the specimens were collected. An important aspect of the paper is to clarify ambiguities concerning label data in order to provide more accurate detail for researchers using Werdermann’s specimens.
ON POSITIVE PROPORTION OF RANK-ZERO TWISTS OF ELLIPTIC CURVES OVER
Authors: XIONG MAOSHENG
Published: November 2014

Extending the idea of Dabrowski [‘On the proportion of rank 0 twists of elliptic curves’, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 346 (2008), 483–486] and using the 2-descent method, we provide three general families of elliptic curves over $\mathbb{Q}$ such that a positive proportion of prime-twists of such elliptic curves have rank zero simultaneously.
Factors that influence producer decisions to implement management strategies
Authors: Field Thomas G.
Published: November 2014

Cow–calf enterprises in the USA are widely divergent in size, locale, resource availability, management skill, and market focus. Furthermore, variation exists in dependence on the cow–calf enterprise as a primary source of income, perception about the utility of a particular management practice or technology, and assessment of cost: benefit resulting from implementation impact decisions. Enterprises with larger cow inventories, greater dependence on income from the cattle enterprise, and that retain ownership further into the supply chain beyond the cow–calf operation are more likely to institute management protocols such as vaccination programs, defined calving seasons, and reproductive technologies. Successful cow–calf managers place the highest priority on herd nutrition, pasture and range management, herd health, financial management marketing, production management, and genetics. Management practices are more likely to be adopted when they align with a manager's perception of the utility, labor availability, favorable cost: benefit outcomes and profit motivation.
Schlafgewohnheiten, Schlafqualität und Schlafmittelkonsum der Schweizer Bevölkerung – Ergebnisse aus einer neuen Umfrage bei einer repräsentativen Stichprobe
Authors: Tinguely Gilberte , Landolt Hans-Peter , Cajochen Christian
Published: November 2014

Eine Umfrage bei einer repräsentativen Stichprobe der Schweizer Bevölkerung hat ergeben, dass die durchschnittliche Schlafdauer werktags 7.5 und an freien Tagen 8.5 Stunden betrug, und damit in den letzten 28 Jahren, dem Zeitpunkt der letzten vergleichbaren Erhebung in der Schweiz, um mehr als eine halbe Stunde (38 min) kürzer wurde. Die durchschnittliche Bettzeit lag werktags zwischen 22:41 und 06:37 Uhr und an freien Tagen zwischen 23:29 und 08:27 Uhr. Sowohl an Werktagen als auch an freien Tagen verspätete sich die Bettgehzeit um 47 Minuten im Vergleich zur Umfrage vor 28 Jahren, während sich die durchschnittliche Aufstehzeit nicht änderte. Die benötigte Schlafdauer, um gut ausgeruht zu sein, wurde mit 7 Stunden angegeben, was 41 Minuten kürzer war als noch vor 28 Jahren. Rund 90 % der Befragten gaben an, sich gesund zu fühlen, und 75 % bezeichneten ihren Schlaf als gut oder sehr gut im Vergleich zu 79 % vor 28 Jahren. Die meistgenannten Ursachen für schlechten Schlaf waren persönliche Probleme und Belastung am Arbeitsplatz. Die Auswirkungen von schlechtem Schlaf auf den Alltag empfanden 65 % als bedeutend im Vergleich zu 69 % vor 28 Jahren. Schlafmittelkonsum wurde von 2.8 % (2.7 % vor 28 Jahren) der Befragten angegeben, am häufigsten Benzodiazepine, aber auch Valeriana-Präparate und so genannte Z-drugs. Im Vergleich zu ähnlichen Umfragestudien aus anderen Ländern (Frankreich, Großbritannien und den USA) schliefen die Schweizer ca. eine halbe Stunde länger, zeigten aber ähnlich wie in anderen Länder eine deutliche Verkürzung der Schlafdauer über die letzten Dekaden.
Nicht pharmakologische Insomnietherapie
Authors: Riemann Dieter
Published: November 2014

Chronische Insomnie, d. h. Klagen über Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen, frühmorgendliches Erwachen und damit verbundene Beeinträchtigung der Befindlichkeit während des Tages betreffen etwa 10 % der Bevölkerung in den meisten westlichen Industrienationen. Ursächlich für chronische Schlaflosigkeit können körperliche Erkrankungen, psychische Erkrankungen, die Einnahme von Medikamenten, Genussmittel oder Drogen sein. Ein Drittel aller chronischen Insomnien wird als primäre Insomnie oder insomnische Störung bezeichnet, wenn keiner der oben genannten Faktoren ursächlich identifiziert werden kann. Üblicherweise werden chronische Insomnien in der ärztlichen Praxis medikamentös mit Hypnotika oder anderen sedierenden Substanzen, wie etwa sedierenden Antidepressiva behandelt. In den letzten 20 Jahren hat sich gezeigt, dass kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutische Ansätze (KVT) bei chronischen Insomnien auch unabhängig von der Ursache erfolgreich eingesetzt werden können. Zu den Methoden der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie gehört die Aufklärung über Schlaf und Schlafhygiene (Psychoedukation), Entspannungstechniken wie etwa die progressive Muskelentspannung, spezifische verhaltenstherapeutische Techniken wie etwa die Stimuluskontrolle oder die Schlafrestriktion sowie kognitive Techniken zur Reduktion nächtlicher Grübeleien. Aufgrund von mehreren, in den letzten Jahren veröffentlichten Meta-Analysen können diese Techniken insbesondere in ihrer Applikation als Kombinationstherapie, als evidenz-basiert und der pharmakologischen Therapie als kurzzeitig gleichwertig und langfristig überlegen angesehen werden. Die kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Techniken der Insomniebehandlung können von darin geschulten Ärzten und Psychotherapeuten mit Erfolg eingesetzt werden.
Tunnel Vision or Desensitization?
Authors: Breuer Johannes , Scharkow Michael , Quandt Thorsten
Published: November 2014

Most of the studies on violence in digital games have investigated its effects on arousal or aggression. Little attention has been paid to how in-game violence is actually perceived and evaluated. To investigate this issue we conducted two experimental studies (N = 30 and N = 74) in which participants either played or watched a violent shooter game and reported how they perceived and evaluated the violent content. Results showed that playing the games led to an increased awareness for in-game violence, but also to less-negative subjective evaluations of the violent content. Gaming frequency had a negative effect on both the perception and evaluation of in-game violence, suggesting a desensitization effect. The results of our studies illustrate that individual perceptions and evaluations of violence in digital games have to be taken into account when studying their effects. Implications for further research and the system of age ratings are discussed based on our findings.
Understanding the Experience of Imaginary Audience in a Social Media Environment
Authors: Cingel Drew P. , Krcmar Marina
Published: November 2014

Adolescent use of social networking sites has grown quickly over the past decade. Despite this high level of use, less research has examined the interaction between adolescent development and use of social networking sites. Thus, the present study seeks to understand the relationship between adolescents’ Facebook use and their experience of a developmental construct, Imaginary Audience. Using survey data collected from 260 participants between the ages of 9 and 26, results suggested a positive relationship between Facebook use and Imaginary Audience ideation. Furthermore, to better understand this relationship, behavioral rehearsal was tested as a mediating variable. Results were supportive of this mediator. The present study was limited in two main ways: First, given the cross-sectional survey design, we were unable to make causal claims from our data. Second, the sample was predominantly homogenous in nature. Despite these limitations, however, the implications of these findings are twofold: First, this research indicates that Facebook use is related to characteristics of adolescent development. Future research should continue to examine this relationship pattern. Second, by connecting the study of media behaviors and developmental theory, we call attention to a timely and fruitful avenue for the interdisciplinary study of developmental phenomena and media.
Understanding of how Propionibacterium acidipropionici respond to propionic acid stress at the level of proteomics
Authors: Guan Ningzi , Shin Hyun-dong , Chen Rachel R. , Li Jianghua , Liu Long , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: November 2014

Propionic acid (PA) is an important platform chemical in the food, agriculture and pharmaceutical industries and is mainly biosynthesized by propionibacteria. Acid tolerance in PA-producing strains is crucial. In previous work, we investigated the acid tolerance mechanism of Propionibacterium acidipropionici at microenvironmental levels by analyzing physiological changes in the parental strain and three PA-tolerant mutants obtained by genome shuffling. However, the molecular mechanism of PA tolerance in P. acidipropionici remained unclear. Here, we performed a comparative proteomics study of P. acidipropionici CGMCC 1.2230 and the acid-tolerant mutant P. acidipropionici WSH1105; MALDI-TOF/MS identified 24 proteins that significantly differed between the parental and shuffled strains. The differentially expressed proteins were mainly categorized as key components of crucial biological processes and the acid stress response. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to confirm differential expression of nine key proteins. Overexpression of the secretory protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and ATP synthase subunit α in Escherichia coli BL21 improved PA and acetic acid tolerance; overexpression of NADH dehydrogenase and methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase improved PA tolerance. These results provide new insights into the acid tolerance of P. acidipropionici and will facilitate the development of PA production through fermentation by propionibacteria.
Self-assembled Supramolecular Materials in Organic Electronics
Authors: Moulin Emilie , Busseron Eric , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: November 2014

Supramolecular organic electronics rests on the use of bottom-up chemical self-assembly phenomena in order to design conducting components on the 5–100 nm scale. The challenges to take up in this field are both the construction of 1D-nanostructures displaying optimized charge transport properties and their insertion in optoelectronic devices. This chapter describes the supramolecular structures and transport properties of various conducting self-assemblies based on the nature of their molecular constituents. In addition, it describes several processing strategies to engineer and integrate them in (opto)electronic devices such as field effect transistors, light emitting diodes, and organic solar cells. These functional materials open new doors for further fundamental investigations on charge transport phenomena and for technological applications in which bottom-up fabrication processes can overlap with pre-patterned top-down circuitries for improved miniaturization and efficiency.
Low-Dimensional Supramolecular Assemblies on Surfaces
Authors: Niu Tianchao , Lin Zhang Jia , Chen Wei
Published: November 2014

Low-dimensional supramolecular architectures with well-defined arrangement and desired functionalities over macroscopic area are important building blocks for functional organic nanodevices as well as ideal model systems by which to investigate the working mechanism of molecular electronics at the atomic scale. This chapter discusses the construction of one-dimensional (1D) molecular chains and two-dimensional (2D) molecular networks involving single component or binary molecular building blocks based on the non-covalent interactions, including the hydrogen-bonding and metal–ligand coordination. We will also discuss the on-surface polymerization induced covalently bonded 1D molecular chains and 2D molecular networks.
Self-Assembled Mono- and Multilayers for Functional Opto-Electronic Devices
Authors: Facchetti Antonio , Ortiz Rocio Ponce , Marks Tobin J.
Published: November 2014

Organic electronics pursues the fabrication of low cost, lightweight, mechanical flexible opto-electronic devices on plastic substrates eventually fabricated using roll-to-roll printing methodologies. Since opto-electronic device performance and lifetime strongly depends on the device functional interfaces, great effort has been devoted in their optimization and/or functionalization. Such functional interfaces affect charge exchange, control light confinement, enable efficient adhesion among the different layers as well as determine rheological parameters (viscosity, surface energy, wettability) for device fabrication if carried out from solution. In this chapter we describe the utilization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and multilayers (SAMTs) as key elements for the realization of opto-electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and organic nonlinear optical devices such as electro-optic (EO) modulators.
Chiral Supramolecular Structures as Spin Filters
Authors: Naaman Ron , Waldeck David H.
Published: November 2014

We describe a newly discovered effect, termed chiral induced spin selectivity (CISS), which offers promise for the use of organic materials to manipulate electron spins. CISS has been reported for electron transmission and conduction through organic molecules. In particular, the electron transport through chiral molecules is spin selective, and the consequent spin polarization is very large as compared to inorganic spin filters. This phenomenon is unanticipated, as organic molecules are known for their small spin–orbit coupling (SOC) and the molecules used are not magnetic. Results are presented in which spin polarization was measured for photoelectrons and for bound electrons transmitted through various chiral molecules. In addition a CISS based memory device is presented, demonstrating the new horizons opened by this effect.
Concepts and Modeling for Charge Transport in Organic Electronic Materials
Authors: Radke K. Sebastian , Ortmann F. , Cuniberti G.
Published: November 2014

Organic electronics emerged as a promising research field many decades ago and has matured in recent years to a technology that is already present in various electronic devices. However, a full understanding of the involved fundamental charge-transport mechanisms is still lacking, which inhibits the establishment of an in silico materials design encompassing molecular properties, supramolecular morphology, and charge transport characteristics. Different theoretical approaches try to remove this roadblock for a more rapid development of this field based on deeper theoretical insight and rational materials design. In this chapter, starting from the Kubo formalism, we discuss several theoretical approaches to describe charge-transport characteristics of organic semiconductors that can be applied to a broad spectrum of potential candidate materials. We discuss how these approaches can be connected to specific materials by means of ab initio simulations and present illustrative examples for prototypical molecular systems.
A novel electrochemical sensor based on zirconia/ordered macroporous polyaniline for ultrasensitive detection of pesticides
Authors: Wang Yonglan , Jin Jun , Yuan Caixia , Zhang Fan , Ma Linlin , Qin Dongdong , Shan Duoliang , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: November 2014

A simple and mild strategy was proposed to develop a novel electrochemical sensor based on zirconia/ordered macroporous polyaniline (ZrO2/OMP) and further used for the detection of methyl parathion (MP), one of the organophosphate pesticides (OPPs).
Photothermal deflectometry enhanced by total internal reflection enables non-invasive glucose monitoring in human epidermis
Authors: Pleitez M. A. , Hertzberg O. , Bauer A. , Seeger M. , Lieblein T. , Lilienfeld-Toal H. v. , Mäntele W.
Published: November 2014

We present an IR-pump/VIS-probe method for the measurement of ir absorption spectra by means of photothermal deflectometry (ptd) enhanced by total internal reflection (tir). This technique is termed tir-ptd spectroscopy.
Bladder cancer biomarker array to detect aberrant levels of proteins in urine
Authors: Gogalic S. , Sauer U. , Doppler S. , Preininger C.
Published: November 2014

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a serious malignancy of the urinary tract worldwide and also prominent for its high rate of recurrence incorporating 50% of all treated patients.
The application of a Tchebichef moment method to the quantitative analysis of multiple compounds based on three-dimensional HPLC fingerprint spectra
Authors: Li Bao Qiong , Chen Jing , Li Jiao Jiao , Wang Xue , Zhai Hong Lin
Published: November 2014

A Tchebichef moment method was proposed and used to successfully quantify four compounds based on 3D HPLC-PAD spectra.
The use of handheld near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the proximate analysis of poultry feed and to detect melamine adulteration of soya bean meal
Authors: Haughey Simon A. , Galvin-King Pamela , Malechaux Astrid , Elliott Christopher T.
Published: November 2014

Application of Handheld NIRS to proximate analysis of animal feed and detection of melamine adulteration of soya.
Synthesis of unsymmetrical N-carboranyl NHCs: directing effect of the carborane anion
Authors: Asay Matthew J. , Fisher Steven P. , Lee Sarah E. , Tham Fook S. , Borchardt Dan , Lavallo Vincent
Published: November 2014

The selective synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted anionic C-2 and dianionic C-2/C-5 N-carboranyl NHCs is reported, revealing a directing effect conveyed by the anionic carborane substituent.
Choline phosphate functionalized surface: protein-resistant but cell-adhesive zwitterionic surface potential for tissue engineering
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Chen Tianchan , Lin Zaifu , Li Xian'e , Wu Wei , Li Jianshu
Published: November 2014

A choline phosphate (CP) modified zwitterionic surface is prepared with both protein-resistant and cell-adhesive properties, exhibiting great potential for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering.
Copper(ii) chlorofluorophosphate: a new layered square-net for intercalating amines
Authors: Williams Edward R. , Marshall Kayleigh , Weller Mark T.
Published: November 2014

Three different cationic species, [NH4]+, [H-piperazine]+ and [H-1,4-diaminocyclohexane]+, can be incorporated between the inorganic square-net layers of the composition [Cu4Cl(PO3F)4]−.
Pyrrolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline with 2-(2-aminoethyl)pyridine chain highly selective fluorescent receptor for Zn2+ exhibiting a dual fluorescence and AIEE in crystalline state
Authors: Ostrowska Katarzyna , Dudek Łukasz , Grolik Jarosław , Gryl Marlena , Stadnicka Katarzyna
Published: November 2014

The article describes the synthesis of selective dual emissive intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) receptor for zinc ion in acetonitrile, exhibiting aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in solid state.
Near field plasmonic gradient effects on high vacuum tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Fang Yurui , Zhang Zhenglong , Chen Li , Sun Mengtao
Published: November 2014

Near field gradient effects in high vacuum tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (HV-TERS) are a recent developing ultra-sensitive optical and spectral analysis technology on the nanoscale, based on the plasmons and plasmonic gradient enhancement in the near field and under high vacuum.
The role of Schottky barrier in the resistive switching of SrTiO3: direct experimental evidence
Authors: Yin Xue-Bing , Tan Zheng-Hua , Guo Xin
Published: November 2014

Different Schottky barrier heights are responsible for the different resistance states in the metallic electrode/donor-doped SrTiO3 stack.
Dual relaxation and structural changes under uniaxial strain in main-chain smectic-C liquid crystal elastomer
Authors: Agra-Kooijman Dena M. , Fisch Michael R. , Joshi Leela , Ren Wanting , McMullan Philip J. , Griffin Anselm C. , Kumar Satyendra
Published: November 2014

Relaxation rate of the chevron angle,αbecomes about ten times faster at strains exceeding 0.7 than at low strains.
Argentivorous molecules bearing three aromatic side arms: synthesis of triple-armed cyclens and their complexing property towards Ag+
Authors: Habata Yoichi , Kizaki Juli , Hosoi Yasuhiro , Ikeda Mari , Kuwahara Shunsuke
Published: November 2014

Triple-armed cyclens bearing three aromatic side-arms were prepared, and the Ag+-ion-induced1H NMR and UV-vis spectral changes and X-ray structures suggested that the new armed cyclens behave like an insectivorous plant (Venus flytrap).
Oxyanions in perovskites: from superconductors to solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Hancock C. A. , Porras-Vazquez J. M. , Keenan P. J. , Slater P. R.
Published: November 2014

Perovskite materials exhibit the ability to accommodate large levels of oxyanions (from carbonate to phosphate). This review highlights work in this area from superconductivity to solid oxide fuel cells.
A real-time fluorescent sensor specific to Mg2+: crystallographic evidence, DFT calculation and its use for quantitative determination of magnesium in drinking water
Authors: Men Guangwen , Chen Chunrong , Zhang Shitong , Liang Chunshuang , Wang Ying , Deng Mengyu , Shang Hongxing , Yang Bing , Jiang Shimei
Published: November 2014

An “off-the-shelf” fluorescence “turn-on” Mg2+ chemosensor BCSA has been developed for real-time quantitative monitoring of magnesium in drinking water.
Microwave, ultrasound and ball mill procedures for bio-waste valorisation
Authors: Tabasso S. , Carnaroglio D. , Calcio Gaudino E. , Cravotto G.
Published: November 2014

Bio-waste valorisation has been one of the hottest research topics worldwide over the last decade.
Facile control of copper nanowire dimensions via the Maillard reaction: using food chemistry for fabricating large-scale transparent flexible conductors
Authors: Kevin M. , Lim Gregory Y. R. , Ho G. W.
Published: November 2014

Copper nanowires synthesizedviaMaillard's reaction were sprayed onto various substrates to fabricate flexible conductors.
An aerobic oxidative synthesis of aryl nitriles and primary aryl amides from benzylic alcohols catalyzed by a polymer supported Cu(ii) complex
Authors: Molla Rostam Ali , Ghosh Kajari , Tuhina K. , Manirul Islam Sk
Published: November 2014

A new polymer anchored Cu(ii) complex has been synthesized and characterized. The catalytic performance of this complex has been tested for the synthesis of nitriles and amides from benzylic alcohols. This catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity, recyclability and could be reused more than five times without appreciable loss of its initial activity.
Preparation, characterization and the effect of PANI coated TiO2 nanocomposites on the performance of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Pereira Valeen Rashmi , Isloor Arun M. , Ahmed Amir Al , Ismail A. F.
Published: November 2014

The PANI coated TiO2 nanotubes serve as effective additives for polysulfone membranes, for improving their properties.
A comparative study of the effects of the Hofmeister series anions of the ionic salts and ionic liquids on the stability of α-chymotrypsin
Authors: Kumar Awanish , Rani Anjeeta , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: November 2014

Direct interactions between the anion and the catalytic amino acid residues lead to denaturation of CT.
Artificial metalloenzymes for the diastereoselective reduction of NAD+ to NAD2H
Authors: Quinto Tommaso , Häussinger Daniel , Köhler Valentin , Ward Thomas R.
Published: November 2014

Stereoselectively labelled isotopomers of NAD(P)H are highly relevant for mechanistic studies of enzymes which utilize them as redox equivalents.
Interface instabilities and chaotic rheological responses in binary polymer mixtures under shear flow
Authors: Guo Xiao-Wei , Zou Shun , Yang Xuejun , Yuan Xue-Feng , Wang Miao
Published: November 2014

The numerical results of RP–FH model reveal another possible cause of the rheochaos: a vortex structure emerges within the central band.
Enhanced performance of p-type dye sensitized solar cells based on mesoporous Ni1−xMgxO ternary oxide films
Authors: Huang Zhanfeng , Zeng Xianwei , Wang Huan , Zhang Wenjun , Li Yanmin , Wang Mingkui , Cheng Yi-Bing , Chen Wei
Published: November 2014

Mesoporous Ni1−xMgxO ternary oxides are used as highly efficient photocathodes in p type dye-sensitized solar cells.
Syntheses, supramolecular structures, magnetic and photochromic properties of six lanthanide complexes based on the 5-azotetrazolyl salicylic acid ligand
Authors: Chen Wen-Bin , Li Zhi-Xin , Ouyang Zhi-Jian , Lin Wen-Ning , Yang Liu , Dong Wen
Published: November 2014

Six lanthanide complexes based on 5-azotetrazolyl salicylic acid were synthesized and their crystal structures, magnetic and photochromic properties were reported.
One-pot synthesis of 6,11-dihydro-5H-indolizino[8,7-b]indoles via sequential formation of β-enamino ester, Michael addition and Pictet–Spengler reactions
Authors: Zhu Dan , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: November 2014

One pot sequential reaction of generation of β-enamino ester, Michael addition and Pictet–Spengler reaction.
Hydrothermal growth of large-size UO2 nanoparticles mediated by biomass and environmental implications
Authors: Cheng Yangjian , Xu Xinya , Yan Shungao , Pan Xiaohong , Chen Zhi , Lin Zhang
Published: November 2014

We reveal the hydrothermal conversion rule for amorphous U(vi) to large-size UO2.
Stimulating changes in the elastic modulus of polymer materials by molecular photochromism
Authors: Jin Yuhuan , Harrington Daniel , Rachford Aaron A. , Rack Jeffrey J.
Published: November 2014

Photonastic effects are observed in an amorphous polymer via irradiation of a pendant photoreversible photochrome.
Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on Fe3O4nanoparticle retrieval of chitosan for the determination of flavonoids in biological samples coupled with high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Xiao Deli , Zhang Chan , Yuan Danhua , He Jia , Wu Jianrong , Zhang Kai , Lin Rui , He Hua
Published: November 2014

Schemes of two-step magnetic retrieval of chitosan and its application as MSPE adsorbents for simultaneous extraction and preconcentration of targeted analytes in urine and serum samples.
DNA cross-triggered cascading self-amplification artificial biochemical circuit
Authors: Nie Ji , Zhao Ming-Zhe , Xie Wen Jun , Cai Liang-Yuan , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang
Published: November 2014

A novel DNA cross-triggered cascading self-amplification artificial biochemical circuit can be triggered by either of two fully independent oligonucleotide factors (∼2 amol) and amplify both of them by 105–107 fold.
Structural behaviour differences in low methoxy pectin solutions in the presence of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Zn2+): a process driven by the binding mechanism of the cation with the galacturonate unit
Authors: Assifaoui Ali , Lerbret Adrien , Uyen Huynh T. D. , Neiers Fabrice , Chambin Odile , Loupiac Camille , Cousin Fabrice
Published: November 2014

Pectin chains form a more heterogeneous network with Zn2+ than with Ca2+ and associate in an egg-box-like configuration only with Zn2+.
Visible light-initiated interfacial thiol-norbornene photopolymerization for forming an islet surface conformal coating
Authors: Shih Han , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Lin Chien-Chi
Published: November 2014

A cytocompatible visible light-mediated interfacial thiol-norbornene photopolymerization scheme was developed for creating a hydrogel conformal coating on the surface of isolated pancreatic islets. The step-growth network in the hydrogel coating permits facile transport of nutrients and metabolites critical for maintaining islet survival and function.
Interactions of nitroxide radicals with dendrimer-entrapped Au8-clusters: a fluorescent nanosensor for intracellular imaging of ascorbic acid
Authors: Liu Ching-Ping , Wu Te-Haw , Liu Chia-Yeh , Cheng Hsien-Jen , Lin Shu-Yi
Published: November 2014

The fluorescence of the dendrimer-entrapped Au8-cluster is quenched by the paramagnetic nitroxide radical and then restored by AA, which can be applied for intracellular imaging of AA in living cells.
New insights into the cross-linking and degradation mechanism of Diels–Alder hydrogels
Authors: Kirchhof Susanne , Strasser Andrea , Wittmann Hans-Joachim , Messmann Viktoria , Hammer Nadine , Goepferich Achim M. , Brandl Ferdinand P.
Published: November 2014

Degradation of Diels–Alder hydrogels occurs by retro-Diels–Alder reaction followed by OH−-catalyzed ring-opening hydrolysis of maleimide groups to unreactive maleamic acid derivatives.
Hierarchical SiO2@Bi2O3 core/shell electrospun fibers for infrared stealth camouflage
Authors: Liu Xin-Fang , Lai Yue-Kun , Huang Jian-Ying , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: November 2014

Hierarchical SiO2@Bi2O3 core/shell electrospun fibrous membranes with low infrared emissivity were successfully prepared. And the infrared emissivity is influenced by the Bi2O3 nanoparticles with different phase structures on the surfaces of the SiO2 fibers.
Sensing‐energy efficiency tradeoff for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zheng Fu‐Chun , Gao Xi‐Qi , Zhu Hong‐Bo
Published: November 2014

In this study, the authors focus on the tradeoff between spectrum sensing and energy efficiency of cognitive radio networks (CRN). Considering two interference‐avoidance schemes, that is, channel handoff and stop‐and‐wait, the authors, respectively, model the energy efficiency (EE) of CRN as the mean of the throughput‐to‐power ratio. Research shows that stop‐and‐wait scheme is a special case of channel handoff from an EE perspective. Based on the proposed EE model, the authors build up an EE optimisation problem under the constraint of the sensing quality, and formulate the sensing‐energy efficiency tradeoff (SET) for CRN. The similarity and difference between the SET and the sensing‐throughput tradeoff are also investigated. Simulation analysis confirms that there is indeed an optimal sensing time to make the EE maximum, and it is larger than that for maximum throughput. Another interesting result is that the EE and the throughput of CRN can be enhanced together by optimising MAC frame structure in combination with sensing bandwidth adjustment and power control. Our work provides some insights for green CRN in view of MAC frame optimisation.
Passive lossless snubber for double‐ended flyback converter
Authors: Mohammadi Mehdi , Adib Ehsan , Farzanehfard Hosein
Published: November 2014

Double‐ended flyback converter is one of the most popular topologies employed as a power supply or a power factor correction converter. Reducing switching losses at high switching frequencies is essential. In this study, a passive lossless snubber for double‐ended flyback converter is introduced. This snubber circuit provides soft switching condition for all semiconductor elements at turn on and turn off instants. Furthermore, the converter is controlled just like regular pulse‐width modulation converter. The proposed converter is analysed and the theoretical analysis is justified using experimental results.
Modification using additional NaOH for the preparation of γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles by chemically induced transition
Authors: Mao Hong , Li Jian , Chen Longlong , Lin Yueqiang , Liu Xiaodong , Li Junming , Gong Xiaomin , Li Decai
Published: November 2014

γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles coated with a layer of FeCl3 ·6H2O were prepared by chemically induced transition in FeCl2 solution. NaOH was added to the reaction solution, to investigate the effect of alkalinity on the resulting particles. Vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterise the products. Additional NaOH stimulated the epitaxial growth of γ‐Fe2O3 on the γ‐Fe2O3 crystallites and more FeCl3 ·6H2O adsorbed on γ‐Fe2O3. Under the experimental conditions, the increase in γ‐Fe2O3 content was larger than that of FeCl3 ·6H2O, at ≤0.7 M NaOH. At >0.7 M NaOH, the increase in γ‐Fe2O3 content was less than that of FeCl3 ·6H2O. The non‐monotonic variation of the FeCl3 ·6H2O/γ‐Fe2O3 ratio was consistent with this result, and was consistent with the variation in apparent specific magnetisation with increasing NaOH concentration.
Delayed Surgical Intervention in Central Cord Syndrome with Cervical Stenosis
Authors: Park Moon Soo , Moon Seong-Hwan , Lee Hwan-Mo , Kim Tae-Hwan , Oh Jae Keun , Suh Bo-Kyung , Lee Seung Jin , Riew K. Daniel
Published: November 2014

Study Design

Review of the literature.

Objective

It is generally accepted that surgical treatment is necessary for central cord syndrome (CCS) with an underlying cervical stenosis. However, the surgical timing for decompression is controversial in spondylotic cervical CCS. The purpose of this study is to review the results of early and delayed surgery in patients with spondylotic cervical CCS.

Methods

MEDLINE was searched for English-language articles on CCS. There were 1,653 articles from 1940 to 2012 regarding CCS, 5 of which dealt with the timing of surgery for spondylotic cervical CCS.

Results

All five reports regarding the surgical timing of spondylotic cervical CCS were retrospective. Motor improvement, functional independence measures, and walking ability showed similar improvement in early and late surgery groups in the studies with follow-up longer than 1 year. However, greater improvement was seen in the early surgery group in the studies with follow-up shorter than 1 year. The complication rates did not show a difference between the early and late surgery groups. However, there are controversies regarding the length of intensive care unit stay or hospital stay for the two groups.

Conclusions

There was no difference in motor improvement, functional independence, walking ability, and complication rates between early and late surgery for spondylotic cervical CCS.
Study of electrical conductivity response upon formation of ice and gas hydrates from salt solutions by a second generation high pressure electrical conductivity probe
Authors: Sowa Barbara , Zhang Xue Hua , Kozielski Karen A. , Dunstan Dave E. , Hartley Patrick G. , Maeda Nobuo
Published: November 2014

We recently reported the development of a high pressure electrical conductivity probe (HP-ECP) for experimental studies of formation of gas hydrates from electrolytes. The onset of the formation of methane-propane mixed gas hydrate from salt solutions was marked by a temporary upward spike in the electrical conductivity. To further understand hydrate formation a second generation of window-less HP-ECP (MkII), which has a much smaller heat capacity than the earlier version and allows access to faster cooling rates, has been constructed. Using the HP-ECP (MkII) the electrical conductivity signal responses of NaCl solutions upon the formation of ice, tetrahydrofuran hydrates, and methane–propane mixed gas hydrate has been measured. The concentration range of the NaCl solutions was from 1 mM to 3M and the driving AC frequency range was from 25 Hz to 5 kHz. This data has been used to construct an “electrical conductivity response phase diagrams” that summarize the electrical conductivity response signal upon solid formation in these systems. The general trend is that gas hydrate formation is marked by an upward spike in the conductivity at high concentrations and by a drop at low concentrations. This work shows that HP-ECP can be applied in automated measurements of hydrate formation probability distributions of optically opaque samples using the conductivity response signals as a trigger.
An investigation of the liquid to glass transition using integral equations for the pair structure of coupled replicae
Authors: Bomont Jean-Marc , Hansen Jean-Pierre , Pastore Giorgio
Published: November 2014

Extensive numerical solutions of the hypernetted-chain (HNC) and Rogers-Young (RY) integral equations are presented for the pair structure of a system of two coupled replicae (1 and 2) of a “soft-sphere” fluid of atoms interacting via an inverse-12 pair potential. In the limit of vanishing inter-replica coupling ɛ12, both integral equations predict the existence of three branches of solutions: (1) A high temperature liquid branch (L), which extends to a supercooled regime upon cooling when the two replicae are kept at ɛ12 = 0 throughout; upon separating the configurational and vibrational contributions to the free energy and entropy of the L branch, the Kauzmann temperature is located where the configurational entropy vanishes. (2) Starting with an initial finite coupling ɛ12, two “glass” branches G1 and G2 are found below some critical temperature, which are characterized by a strong remnant spatial inter-replica correlation upon taking the limit ɛ12 → 0. Branch G2 is characterized by an increasing overlap order parameter upon cooling, and may hence be identified with the hypothetical “ideal glass” phase. Branch G1 exhibits the opposite trend of increasing order parameter upon heating; its free energy lies consistently below that of the L branch and above that of the G2 branch. The free energies of the L and G2 branches are found to intersect at an alleged “random first-order transition” (RFOT) characterized by weak discontinuities of the volume and entropy. The Kauzmann and RFOT temperatures predicted by RY differ significantly from their HNC counterparts.
All the Lagrangian relative equilibria of the curved 3-body problem have equal masses
Authors: Diacu Florin , Popa Sergiu
Published: November 2014

We consider the 3-body problem in 3-dimensional spaces of nonzero constant Gaussian curvature and study the relationship between the masses of the Lagrangian relative equilibria, which are orbits that form a rigidly rotating equilateral triangle at all times. There are three classes of Lagrangian relative equilibria in 3-dimensional spaces of constant nonzero curvature: positive elliptic and positive elliptic-elliptic, on 3-spheres, and negative elliptic, on hyperbolic 3-spheres. We prove that all these Lagrangian relative equilibria exist only for equal values of the masses.
The effect of hydrogen bonding on torsional dynamics: A combined far-infrared jet and matrix isolation study of methanol dimer
Authors: Kollipost F. , Andersen J. , Mahler D. W. , Heimdal J. , Heger M. , Suhm M. A. , Wugt Larsen R.
Published: November 2014

The effect of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding on torsional degrees of freedom is investigated by far-infrared absorption spectroscopy for different methanol dimer isotopologues isolated in supersonic jet expansions or embedded in inert neon matrices at low temperatures. For the vacuum-isolated and Ne-embedded methanol dimer, the hydrogen bond OH librational mode of the donor subunit is finally observed at ∼560 cm−1, blue-shifted by more than 300 cm−1 relative to the OH torsional fundamental of the free methanol monomer. The OH torsional mode of the acceptor embedded in neon is observed at ∼286 cm−1. The experimental findings are held against harmonic predictions from local coupled-cluster methods with single and double excitations and a perturbative treatment of triple excitations [LCCSD(T)] and anharmonic. VPT2 corrections at canonical MP2 and density functional theory (DFT) levels in order to quantify the contribution of vibrational anharmonicity for this important class of intermolecular hydrogen bond vibrational motion.
Progress on ion cyclotron range of frequencies heating physics and technology in support of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor
Authors: Wilson J. R. , Bonoli P. T.
Published: November 2014

Ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) heating is foreseen as an integral component of the initial ITER operation. The status of ICRF preparations for ITER and supporting research were updated in the 2007 [Gormezano et al., Nucl. Fusion 47, S285 (2007)] report on the ITER physics basis. In this report, we summarize progress made toward the successful application of ICRF power on ITER since that time. Significant advances have been made in support of the technical design by development of new techniques for arc protection, new algorithms for tuning and matching, carrying out experimental tests of more ITER like antennas and demonstration on mockups that the design assumptions are correct. In addition, new applications of the ICRF system, beyond just bulk heating, have been proposed and explored.