bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing climate risks in rainfed farming using farmer experience, crop calendars and climate analysis
Authors: NIDUMOLU U. B. , HAYMAN P. T. , HOCHMAN Z. , HORAN H. , REDDY D. R. , SREENIVAS G. , KADIYALA D. M.
Published: April 2015

Climate risk assessment in cropping is generally undertaken in a top-down approach using climate records while critical farmer experience is often not accounted for. In the present study, set in south India, farmer experience of climate risk is integrated in a bottom-up participatory approach with climate data analysis. Crop calendars are used as a boundary object to identify and rank climate and weather risks faced by smallhold farmers. A semi-structured survey was conducted with experienced farmers whose income is predominantly from farming. Interviews were based on a crop calendar to indicate the timing of key weather and climate risks. The simple definition of risk as consequence × likelihood was used to establish the impact on yield as consequence and chance of occurrence in a 10-year period as likelihood. Farmers’ risk experience matches well with climate records and risk analysis. Farmers’ rankings of ‘good’ and ‘poor’ seasons also matched up well with their independently reported yield data. On average, a ‘good’ season yield was 1·5–1·65 times higher than a ‘poor’ season. The main risks for paddy rice were excess rains at harvesting and flowering and deficit rains at transplanting. For cotton, farmers identified excess rain at harvest, delayed rains at sowing and excess rain at flowering stages as events that impacted crop yield and quality. The risk assessment elicited from farmers complements climate analysis and provides some indication of thresholds for studies on climate change and seasonal forecasts. The methods and analysis presented in the present study provide an experiential bottom-up perspective and a methodology on farming in a risky rainfed climate. The methods developed in the present study provide a model for end-user engagement by meteorological agencies that strive to better target their climate information delivery.
Design of fuzzy expert system for predicting of surface roughness in high-pressure jet assisted turning using bioinspired algorithms
Authors: Kramar Davorin , Cica Djordje , Sredanovic Branislav , Kopac Janez
Published: April 2015

The surface roughness of the machined parts is one of the most important factors that have considerable influence on the quality and functional properties of products. The objective of this study is development of a surface roughness prediction model for machining Inconel 718 in high-pressure jet assisted turning using the fuzzy expert system, where the fuzzy system is optimized using two bioinspired algorithms: genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization. The effect of various influential machining parameters, such as diameter of the nozzle, pressure of the jet, cutting speed, feed rate, and distance between the impact point of the jet and cutting edge were taken into consideration in this study. The predicted surface roughness values obtained from developed fuzzy expert systems were compared with the experimental data, and the results indicate that proposed systems can be effectively used to estimate the surface roughness in high-pressure jet assisted turning.
Paradoxical Effect of Dopamine Medication on Cognition in Parkinson’s Disease: Relationship to Side of Motor Onset
Authors: Hanna-Pladdy Brenda , Pahwa Rajesh , Lyons Kelly E.
Published: April 2015

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by asymmetric motor symptom onset attributed to greater degeneration of dopamine neurons contralateral to the affected side. However, whether motor asymmetries predict cognitive profiles in PD, and to what extent dopamine influences cognition remains controversial. This study evaluated cognitive variability in PD by measuring differential response to dopamine replacement therapy (DRT) based on hemispheric asymmetries. The influence of DRT on cognition was evaluated in mild PD patients (n=36) with left or right motor onset symptoms. All subjects were evaluated on neuropsychological measures on and off DRT and compared to controls (n=42). PD patients were impaired in executive, memory and motor domains irrespective of side of motor onset, although patients with left hemisphere deficit displayed greater cognitive impairment. Patients with right hemisphere deficit responded to DRT with significant improvement in sensorimotor deficits, and with corresponding improvement in attention and verbal memory functions. Conversely, patients with greater left hemisphere dopamine deficiency did not improve in attentional functions and declined in verbal memory recall following DRT. These findings support the presence of extensive mild cognitive deficits in early PD not fully explained by dopamine depletion alone. The paradoxical effects of levodopa on verbal memory were predicted by extent of fine motor impairment and sensorimotor response to levodopa, which reflects extent of dopamine depletion. The findings are discussed with respect to factors influencing variable cognitive profiles in early PD, including hemispheric asymmetries and differential response to levodopa based on dopamine levels predicting amelioration or overdosing. (JINS, 2015, 21, 259–270)
Semantic relatedness and first-second language effects in the bilingual brain: a brain mapping study
Authors: KHATEB ASAID , PEGNA ALAN J. , MICHEL CHRISTOPH M. , MOUTHON MICHAËL , ANNONI JEAN-MARIE
Published: April 2015

Behavioural studies investigating word processing in bilinguals generally report faster response times (RTs) for first (L1) than for second (L2) language words. To examine the locus of this language effect, this study used behavioural data and event-related potentials (ERPs) collected from bilinguals while performing a semantic categorisation task on visual word pairs. RTs revealed both language and semantic relatedness effects. Spatio-temporal analysis of ERP map series showed that the semantic effect was explained by a condition-specific map segment occurring during the N400 component. The language effect was primarily explained by a map segment that started at ~170 ms and covered the period of the P2 component, that was longer in L2 than in L1 and whose duration correlated with RTs. Source localisation showed that this early segment involved the bilateral occipito-temporal regions including the fusiform area. These findings indicate that ERPs differentiated L1 and L2 during early word recognition steps.
What is the source of L1 attrition? The effect of recent L1 re-exposure on Spanish speakers under L1 attrition
Authors: CHAMORRO GLORIA , SORACE ANTONELLA , STURT PATRICK
Published: April 2015

The recent hypothesis that L1 attrition affects the ability to process interface structures but not knowledge representations (Sorace, 2011) is tested by investigating the effects of recent L1 re-exposure on antecedent preferences for Spanish pronominal subjects, using offline judgements and online eye-tracking measures. Participants included a group of native Spanish speakers experiencing L1 attrition (‘attriters’), a second group of attriters exposed exclusively to Spanish before they were tested (‘re-exposed’), and a control group of Spanish monolinguals. The judgement data shows no significant differences between the groups. Moreover, the monolingual and re-exposed groups are not significantly different from each other in the eye-tracking data. The results of this novel manipulation indicate that attrition effects decrease due to L1 re-exposure, and that bilinguals are sensitive to input changes. Taken together, the findings suggest that attrition affects online sensitivity with interface structures rather than causing a permanent change in speakers’ L1 knowledge representations.
Hunger, Food Charity and Social Policy – Challenges Faced by the Emerging Evidence Base
Authors: Lambie-Mumford Hannah , Dowler Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

This review builds on issues raised in the themed section relating to household level food insecurity, and the food charity response specifically. It looks at key elements in the development of this body of work and at some of the evidence gaps which remain. In particular, it engages with literature on determinants of household food insecurity with relevance to social policy (for example sufficiency of income), and on research which has examined charitable food responses through the lens of food insecurity. The review is necessarily limited in scope and therefore does not cover other elements of household food insecurity and food charity, including research on nutrition or food skills, or work on food charity operation, food sourcing and reach, for example.
Introduction to a forum on the judgment-based approach to entrepreneurship: accomplishments, challenges, new directions
Authors: FOSS NICOLAI J. , KLEIN PETER G.
Published: April 2015

Over the last three decades entrepreneurship has become a hot topic in economics and management. Much of the entrepreneurship research literature has built upon insights of economists such as Schumpeter, Knight, and Kirzner, each of whom has inspired a distinct strand of entrepreneurship theory and application. Schumpeterian innovation and Kirznerian alertness are the best-known concepts of entrepreneurship, but a newer research stream is building on Knight's idea of entrepreneurship as judgmental decision-making under uncertainty. What we call the judgment-based view models entrepreneurs as owning, controlling, and combining heterogeneous assets, which differ in their attributes, and deploying these assets within a firm to produce goods and services in anticipation of economic profit. This Forum presents three papers that develop, extend, and challenge the judgment-based view of entrepreneurship, focusing on the foundations of judgment, the processes of entrepreneurial resource assembly, and the relationship between the judgment-based view and other theories of economic organization.
Kant and Herder on colonialism, indigenous peoples, and minority nations
Authors: Spencer Vicki A.
Published: April 2015

It is the orthodox view in the cosmopolitan and normative international relations literature that Immanuel Kant is a staunch critic of European colonialism. This paper offers a far more critical stance towards Kant’s position with respect to minority nations and stateless Indigenous peoples through an analysis that draws on the criticisms developed by his contemporary and former student, Johann Gottfried Herder. The paper proceeds in three parts. In the first section, I present the evidence in favour of seeing both Kant and Herder as strident opponents of colonialism. In the second section, I then show the problems that arise in Kant’s position when his views on the state and property rights are taken into consideration. Kant’s coupling of the nation and state in contrast to Herder’s insistence that they are separate entities is highlighted as a crucial distinguishing point in their positions. In the third and final section, I indicate how Herder provides a far deeper critique of colonialism than Kant, also due to his recognition of the problematic nature of ideological pronouncements of progress.
Ozone Hole to Remain Large During Cold Years
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: April 2015

Despite the Montreal Protocol's success, it will take years of observations to be sure that regulations are allowing the ozone hole to recover.
20-HETE is Associated with Unfavorable Outcomes in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Donnelly Mark K , Crago Elizabeth A , Conley Yvette P , Balzer Jeffery R , Ren Dianxu , Ducruet Andrew F , Kochanek Patrick M , Sherwood Paula R , Poloyac Samuel M
Published: April 2015

Emerging evidence has suggested that patients experiencing aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) develop vascular dysregulation as a potential contributor to poor outcomes. Preclinical studies have implicated the novel microvascular constrictor, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in aSAH pathogenesis, yet the translational relevance of 20-HETE in patients with aSAH is largely unknown. The goal of this research was to determine the relationship between 20-HETE cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels, gene variants in 20-HETE synthesis, and acute/long-term aSAH outcomes. In all, 363 adult patients (age 18 to 75) with aSAH were prospectively recruited from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center neurovascular Intensive Care Unit. Patients were genotyped for polymorphic variants and cytochrome P450 (CYP)-eicosanoid CSF levels were measured over 14 days. Outcomes included delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), clinical neurologic deterioration (CND), and modified Rankin Scores (MRS) at 3 and 12 months. Patients with CND and unfavorable 3-month MRS had 2.2- and 2.7-fold higher mean 20-HETE CSF levels, respectively. Patients in high/moderate 20-HETE trajectory groups (35.7%) were 2.5-, 2.1-, 3.1-, 3.3-, and 2.1-fold more likely to have unfavorable MRS at 3 months, unfavorable MRS at 12 months, mortality at 3 months, mortality at 12 months, and CND, respectively. These results showed that 20-HETE is associated with acute and long-term outcomes and suggest that 20-HETE may be a novel target in aSAH.
Correction of human phospholamban R14del mutation associated with cardiomyopathy using targeted nucleases and combination therapy
Authors: Karakikes Ioannis , Stillitano Francesca , Nonnenmacher Mathieu , Tzimas Christos , Sanoudou Despina , Termglinchan Vittavat , Kong Chi-Wing , Rushing Stephanie , Hansen Jens , Ceholski Delaine , Kolokathis Fotis , Kremastinos Dimitrios , Katoulis Alexandros , Ren Lihuan , Cohen Ninette , Gho Johannes M.I.H. , Tsiapras Dimitrios , Vink Aryan , Wu Joseph C. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Li Ronald A. , Hulot Jean-Sebastien , Kranias Evangelia G. , Hajjar Roger J.
Published: April 2015

A number of genetic mutations is associated with cardiomyopathies. A mutation in the coding region of the phospholamban (PLN) gene (R14del) is identified in families with hereditary heart failure. Heterozygous patients exhibit left ventricular dilation and ventricular arrhythmias. Here we generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a patient harbouring the PLN R14del mutation and differentiate them into cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). We find that the PLN R14del mutation induces Ca2+ handling abnormalities, electrical instability, abnormal cytoplasmic distribution of PLN protein and increases expression of molecular markers of cardiac hypertrophy in iPSC-CMs. Gene correction using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) ameliorates the R14del-associated disease phenotypes in iPSC-CMs. In addition, we show that knocking down the endogenous PLN and simultaneously expressing a codon-optimized PLN gene reverses the disease phenotype in vitro. Our findings offer novel strategies for targeting the pathogenic mutations associated with cardiomyopathies.
A cluster of noncoding RNAs activates the ESR1 locus during breast cancer adaptation
Authors: Tomita Saori , Abdalla Mohamed Osama Ali , Fujiwara Saori , Matsumori Haruka , Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Iwase Hirotaka , Saitoh Noriko , Nakao Mitsuyoshi
Published: April 2015

Estrogen receptor-α (ER)-positive breast cancer cells undergo hormone-independent proliferation after deprivation of oestrogen, leading to endocrine therapy resistance. Up-regulation of the ER gene (ESR1) is critical for this process, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we show that the combination of transcriptome and fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses revealed that oestrogen deprivation induced a cluster of noncoding RNAs that defined a large chromatin domain containing the ESR1 locus. We termed these RNAs as Eleanors (ESR1 locus enhancing and activating noncoding RNAs). Eleanors were present in ER-positive breast cancer tissues and localized at the transcriptionally active ESR1 locus to form RNA foci. Depletion of one Eleanor, upstream (u)-Eleanor, impaired cell growth and transcription of intragenic Eleanors and ESR1 mRNA, indicating that Eleanors cis-activate the ESR1 gene. Eleanor-mediated gene activation represents a new type of locus control mechanism and plays an essential role in the adaptation of breast cancer cells.
Demonstration of a quantum error detection code using a square lattice of four superconducting qubits
Authors: Córcoles A.D. , Magesan Easwar , Srinivasan Srikanth J. , Cross Andrew W. , Steffen M. , Gambetta Jay M. , Chow Jerry M.
Published: April 2015

The ability to detect and deal with errors when manipulating quantum systems is a fundamental requirement for fault-tolerant quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that are subject to only digital bit-flip errors, quantum bits are susceptible to a much larger spectrum of errors, for which any complete quantum error-correcting code must account. Whilst classical bit-flip detection can be realized via a linear array of qubits, a general fault-tolerant quantum error-correcting code requires extending into a higher-dimensional lattice. Here we present a quantum error detection protocol on a two-by-two planar lattice of superconducting qubits. The protocol detects an arbitrary quantum error on an encoded two-qubit entangled state via quantum non-demolition parity measurements on another pair of error syndrome qubits. This result represents a building block towards larger lattices amenable to fault-tolerant quantum error correction architectures such as the surface code.
Emergence of Soft Communities from Geometric Preferential Attachment
Authors: Zuev Konstantin , Boguñá Marián , Bianconi Ginestra , Krioukov Dmitri
Published: April 2015

All real networks are different, but many have some structural properties in common. There seems to be no consensus on what the most common properties are, but scale-free degree distributions, strong clustering and community structure are frequently mentioned without question. Surprisingly, there exists no simple generative mechanism explaining all the three properties at once in growing networks. Here we show how latent network geometry coupled with preferential attachment of nodes to this geometry fills this gap. We call this mechanism geometric preferential attachment (GPA) and validate it against the Internet. GPA gives rise to soft communities that provide a different perspective on the community structure in networks. The connections between GPA and cosmological models, including inflation, are also discussed.
Radiation-driven lipid accumulation and dendritic cell dysfunction in cancer
Authors: Gao Fu , Liu Cong , Guo Jiaming , Sun Weimin , Xian Linfeng , Bai Dongchen , Liu Hu , Cheng Ying , Li Bailong , Cui Jianguo , Zhang Chaoxiong , Cai Jianming
Published: April 2015

Dendritic cells (DCs) play important roles in the initiation and maintenance of the immune response. The dysfunction of DCs contributes to tumor evasion and growth. Here we report our findings on the dysfunction of DCs in radiation-induced thymic lymphomas and the up-regulation of the expression of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and the fatty acid binding protein (FABP4) and the level of triacylglycerol (TAG) in serum after total body irradiation, which contribute to DCs lipid accumulation. DCs with high lipid content showed low expression of co-stimulatory molecules and DCs-related cytokines and were not able to effectively stimulate allogeneic T cells. Normalization of lipid abundance in DCs with an inhibitor of acetyl-CoA carboxylase restored the function of DCs. A high-fat diet promoted radiation-induced thymic lymphoma growth. In all, our study shows that dysfunction of DCs in radiation-induced thymic lymphomas was due to lipid accumulation and may represent a new mechanism in radiation-induced carcinogenesis.
Remodeling of RecG Helicase at the DNA Replication Fork by SSB Protein
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Tan Hui Yin , Bianco Piero R. , Lyubchenko Yuri L.
Published: April 2015

The RecG DNA helicase a key player in stalled replication fork rescue. The single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) participates in this process, but its role in the interaction of RecG with the fork remains unclear. We used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to visualize the interaction of RecG with a fork DNA in the presence of SSB. We discovered that SSB enhances RecG loading efficiency onto the DNA fork by threefold. Additionally, SSB interacts with RecG leading to the RecG remodeling. As a result, RecG separates from the fork, but remains bound to the DNA duplex. Moreover, in this new binding mode RecG is capable of translocation along the parental duplex DNA. We propose a model of RecG interaction with the replication fork involving two RecG binding modes. SSB plays the role of a remodeling factor defining the mode of RecG binding to the fork mediated by the SSB C-terminus. In the translocating mode, RecG remains in the vicinity of the fork and is capable of initiating the fork regression. Our results afford novel mechanistic insights into RecG interaction with the replication fork and provide the basis for further structural studies.
Disruption of the rice nitrate transporter OsNPF2.2 hinders root-to-shoot nitrate transport and vascular development
Authors: Li Yuge , Ouyang Jie , Wang Ya-Yun , Hu Rui , Xia Kuaifei , Duan Jun , Wang Yaqin , Tsay Yi-Fang , Zhang Mingyong
Published: April 2015

Plants have evolved to express some members of the nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporter family (NPF) to uptake and transport nitrate. However, little is known of the physiological and functional roles of this family in rice (Oryza sativaL.). Here, we characterized the vascular specific transporter OsNPF2.2. Functional analysis using cDNA-injectedXenopus laevisoocytes revealed that OsNPF2.2 is a low-affinity, pH-dependent nitrate transporter. Use of a green fluorescent protein tagged OsNPF2.2 showed that the transporter is located in the plasma membrane in the rice protoplast. Expression analysis showed thatOsNPF2.2is nitrate inducible and is mainly expressed in parenchyma cells around the xylem. Disruption ofOsNPF2.2increased nitrate concentration in the shoot xylem exudate when nitrate was supplied after a deprivation period; this result suggests that OsNPF2.2 may participate in unloading nitrate from the xylem. Under steady-state nitrate supply, theosnpf2.2mutants maintained high levels of nitrate in the roots and low shoot:root nitrate ratios; this observation suggests that OsNPF2.2 is involved in root-to-shoot nitrate transport. Mutation ofOsNPF2.2also caused abnormal vasculature and retarded plant growth and development. Our findings demonstrate that OsNPF2.2 can unload nitrate from the xylem to affect the root-to-shoot nitrate transport and plant development.
Scaling behaviours in the growth of networked systems and their geometric origins
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Li Xintong , Wang Xinran , Wang Wen-Xu , Wu Lingfei
Published: April 2015

Two classes of scaling behaviours, namely the super-linear scaling of links or activities and the sub-linear scaling of area, diversity, or time elapsed with respect to size have been found to prevail in the growth of complex networked systems. Despite some pioneering modelling approaches proposed for specific systems, whether there exists some general mechanisms that account for the origins of such scaling behaviours in different contexts, especially in socioeconomic systems, remains an open question. We address this problem by introducing a geometric network model without free parameter, finding that both super-linear and sub-linear scaling behaviours can be simultaneously reproduced and that the scaling exponents are exclusively determined by the dimension of the Euclidean space in which the network is embedded. We implement some realistic extensions to the basic model to offer more accurate predictions for cities of various scaling behaviours and the Zipf distribution reported in the literature and observed in our empirical studies. All of the empirical results can be precisely recovered by our model with analytical predictions of all major properties. By virtue of these general findings concerning scaling behaviour, our models with simple mechanisms gain new insights into the evolution and development of complex networked systems.
A Novel Brain Stimulation Technology Provides Compatibility with MRI
Authors: Serano Peter , Angelone Leonardo M. , Katnani Husam , Eskandar Emad , Bonmassar Giorgio
Published: April 2015

Clinical electrical stimulation systems — such as pacemakers and deep brain stimulators (DBS) — are an increasingly common therapeutic option to treat a large range of medical conditions. Despite their remarkable success, one of the significant limitations of these medical devices is the limited compatibility with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a standard diagnostic tool in medicine. During an MRI exam, the leads used with these devices, implanted in the body of the patient, act as an electric antenna potentially causing a large amount of energy to be absorbed in the tissue, which can lead to serious heat-related injury. This study presents a novel lead design that reduces the antenna effect and allows for decreased tissue heating during MRI. The optimal parameters of the wire design were determined by a combination of computational modeling and experimental measurements. The results of these simulations were used to build a prototype, which was tested in a gel phantom during an MRI scan. Measurement results showed a three-fold decrease in heating when compared to a commercially available DBS lead. Accordingly, the proposed design may allow a significantly increased number of patients with medical implants to have safe access to the diagnostic benefits of MRI.
InAs/Si Hetero-Junction Nanotube Tunnel Transistors
Authors: Hanna Amir N. , Fahad Hossain M. , Hussain Muhammad M.
Published: April 2015

Hetero-structure tunnel junctions in non-planar gate-all-around nanowire (GAA NW) tunnel FETs (TFETs) have shown significant enhancement in ‘ON’ state tunnel current over their all-silicon counterpart. Here we show the unique concept of nanotube TFET in a hetero-structure configuration that is capable of much higher drive current as opposed to that of GAA NW TFETs.Through the use of inner/outer core-shell gates, a single III-V hetero-structured nanotube TFET leverages physically larger tunneling area while achieving higher driver current (ION) and saving real estates by eliminating arraying requirement. Numerical simulations has shown that a 10 nm thin nanotube TFET with a 100 nm core gate has a 5×normalized output current compared to a 10 nm diameter GAA NW TFET.
Instantaneous physico-chemical analysis of suspension-based nanomaterials
Authors: Meng Fanxu , Ugaz Victor M.
Published: April 2015

High-throughput manufacturing of nanomaterial-based products demands robust online characterization and quality control tools capable of continuously probing the in-suspension state. But existing analytical techniques are challenging to deploy in production settings because they are primarily geared toward small-batch ex-situ operation in research laboratory environments. Here we introduce an approach that overcomes these limitations by exploiting surface complexation interactions that emerge when a micron-scale chemical discontinuity is established between suspended nanoparticles and a molecular tracer. The resulting fluorescence signature is easily detectable and embeds surprisingly rich information about composition, quantity, size and morphology of nanoparticles in suspension independent of their agglomeration state. We show how this method can be straightforwardly applied to enable continuous sizing of commercial ZnO nanoparticles and to instantaneously quantify the anatase and rutile composition of multicomponent TiO2 nanoparticle mixtures pertinent to photocatalysis and solar energy conversion.
Real-time direct cell concentration and viability determination using a fully automated microfluidic platform for standalone process monitoring
Authors: Nunes P. S. , Kjaerulff S. , Dufva M. , Mogensen K. B.
Published: April 2015

Bioreactor process monitoring through cell-based assays using a high throughput automated microfluidic platform, implementing Dean vortices for sample mixing and dilution.
Multiresidue analysis of pesticides in peanuts using modified QuEChERS sample preparation and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Lopes Renata Pereira , Oliveira Fabiano A. S. , Madureira Fernando D. , Oliveira Mauro Lúcio G. , Silva Gilsara
Published: April 2015

A multiclass method has been optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of 113 pesticide residues belonging to several classes in peanuts.
Simultaneous quantification of seventeen bioactive components in rhizome and aerial parts of Alpinia officinarum Hance using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Zhang Jun-Qing , Wang Yong , Li Hai-Long , Wen Qi , Yin Hang , Zeng Nian-Kai , Lai Wei-Yong , Wei Na , Cheng Shou-Qian , Kang Sheng-Li , Chen Feng , Li You-Bin
Published: April 2015

Simultaneous quantification of 17 phytochemicals in rhizome and aerial parts of Alpinia officinarum Hance sampled at different growing periods using LC-MS/MS.
A practical method for the rapid detection and structural characterization of major constituents from traditional Chinese medical formulas: analysis of multiple constituents in Yinchenhao Decoction
Authors: Fu Zhiwen , Li Zhixiong , Hu Pei , Feng Qin , Xue Rui , Hu Yiyang , Huang Chenggang
Published: April 2015

A rapid characterization process of major constituents from Yinchenhao Decoction using FBF algorithms.
Controlled formation of barium fluoride nanocrystals by electric-assisted phase separation and precipitation
Authors: Song Wei , Liu Kuo , Feng Lei , Shen Qing
Published: April 2015

This work demonstrated that barium fluoride (BaF2) nanocrystals can be controllably formed by an electric-assisted phase separation and precipitation method, EAPSP, in a water/ethanol mixture.
The effect of anaesthetics on the properties of a lipid membrane in the biologically relevant phase: a computer simulation study
Authors: Fábián Balázs , Darvas Mária , Picaud Sylvain , Sega Marcello , Jedlovszky Pál
Published: April 2015

Phospholipid membranes containing four different general anaesthetic molecules are simulated in the biologically relevant Lα phase at atmospheric and high pressures.
Ultrafast primary processes of the stable neutral organic radical, 1,3,5-triphenylverdazyl, in liquid solution
Authors: Weinert Christoph , Wezisla Boris , Lindner Jörg , Vöhringer Peter
Published: April 2015

Femtosecond pump–probe spectroscopy reveals ultrafast photochemical processes of a stable neutral organic radical in solution.
Carboxy derivatised Ir(iii) complexes: synthesis, electrochemistry, photophysical properties and photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Paul Avishek , Das Nivedita , Halpin Yvonne , Vos Johannes G. , Pryce Mary T.
Published: April 2015

In this contribution the synthesis and characterisation of a series of novel mixed ligand iridium(iii) complexes, functionalised with a carboxy ester or phosphonate groups are reported.
You can't have an energy revolution without transforming advances in materials, chemistry and catalysis into policy change and action
Authors: Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: April 2015

CO2-to-fuel, an emerging area of renewable energy research, will require radical policy change and action to enable its implementation globally.
Metabolism of chicoric acid by rat liver microsomes and bioactivity comparisons of chicoric acid and its metabolites
Authors: Liu Qian , Wang Yutang , Xiao ChunXia , Wu Wanqiang , Liu Xuebo
Published: April 2015

Chicoric acid has recently become a hot research topic due to its potent bioactivities.
Environmentally friendly synthesis of graphene–silver composites with surface-enhanced Raman scattering and antibacterial activity via reduction with l-ascorbic acid/water vapor
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Libin , Wu Xiwen , Zhang Xiaokai , Li Tianduo
Published: April 2015

Free-standing reduced graphene oxide–Ag composite films with different Ag contents not only possess high Raman enhancement, but also have antibacterial activity.
Efficient assembly of oligomannosides using the hydrophobically assisted switching phase method
Authors: Meng Shuai , Tian Tian , Han Dong , Wang Lin-Na , Tang Shao-Geng , Meng Xiang-Bao , Li Zhong-Jun
Published: April 2015

The hydrophobically assisted switching phase (HASP) method was applied in the assembly of oligomannosides.
Synthesis and photo-postmodification of zeolite L based polymer brushes
Authors: Buscher Tim , Barroso Álvaro , Denz Cornelia , Studer Armido
Published: April 2015

Zeolite L macroinitiators are used for controlled radical copolymerization of a photo-active monomer and subsequent spin trapping of nitroxides results in diversely functionalized particles.
Efficiency assessment of single unit monomer insertion reactions for monomer sequence control: kinetic simulations and experimental observations
Authors: Haven Joris J. , Vandenbergh Joke , Kurita Rafael , Gruber Jonas , Junkers Tanja
Published: April 2015

On-line microreactor/ESI-MS experiments and kinetic simulations on single unit monomer insertions are combined to assess the efficiency of the SUMI process.
Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular rearrangement of vinylidenecyclopropanes through C–C bond activation
Authors: Pan Dong , Chen Gen-Qiang , Tang Xiang-Ying , Shi Min
Published: April 2015

An intramolecular rearrangement of vinylidenecyclopropanes to dimethylenecyclopropanes through C–C bond activation has been developed.
Bioleaching of an oil-fired residual: process optimization and nanostructure NaV6O15 synthesis from the bioleachate
Authors: Rastegar Seyed Omid , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad , Shojaosadati Seyed Abbas
Published: April 2015

The main objective of this work was to optimize metals recovery from a residual oil-fired ash produced in a thermal power plant using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.
Mechanism of cytotoxicity of micron/nano calcium oxalate monohydrate and dihydrate crystals on renal epithelial cells
Authors: Sun Xin-Yuan , Ouyang Jian-Ming , Li Yu-Bao , Wen Xiao-Ling
Published: April 2015

The toxicity difference and distribution in Vero cells of calcium oxalate with different crystal phases and sizes.
The constitutive behavior of ammonium ionic liquids: a physiochemical approach
Authors: Gupta Akash Kumar , Gardas Ramesh L.
Published: April 2015

A huge number of possible molecular variants often forms a puzzle about their identity and integrity to processes, which can be resolved by adopting a concrete selection procedure of significance.
Ga-based magnetic fluid with Al2O3-coated Ni nanoparticles
Authors: Zhao Shuchun , Yang Chuncheng , Bian Xiufang , Guo Tongxiao , Yu Mengchun
Published: April 2015

Ga-based magnetic fluid with Al2O3-coated Ni nanoparticles is prepared successfully and it shows good magnetic property as well as strong stability.
Bipolar resistive switching behavior of CaTiO3 films grown by hydrothermal epitaxy
Authors: Lv Fengzhen , Gao Cunxu , Zhang Peng , Dong Chunhui , Zhang Chao , Xue Desheng
Published: April 2015

Epitaxial CaTiO3 films, with smooth and dense surface, were fabricated by the promising hydrothermal synthesis on the Nb:SrTiO3(001) substrate.
Preparation and electrochemical characteristics of electrospun water-soluble resorcinol/phenol-formaldehyde resin-based carbon nanofibers
Authors: Tian Xiaodong , Zhao Ning , Wang Kai , Xu Defang , Song Yan , Guo Quangui , Liu Lang
Published: April 2015

Porous carbon nanofibers prepared by combining electrospinning and one-step activation exhibit remarkable capacitance performances due to the synergistic effect of the optimized pore size distribution, specific surface area and surface properties.
Synthesis of a tetrasaccharide and its glycoconjugate corresponding to the capsular polysaccharide of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup X and its immunochemical studies
Authors: Harale Kishore R. , Dumare Nilesh B. , Singh Deepti , Misra Anup Kumar , Chhikara Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2015

A tetrameric unit of capsular polysaccharide ofNeisseria meningitidisX has been synthesized and conjugated with tetanus toxoid. Their immunochemical property has been evaluated which indicates towards the development of a potential MenX vaccine.
LIF excitation spectrum of cyclohexylmethoxy and 2-cyclohexylethoxy
Authors: Wu Qijun , Zhang Hongyan , Gong Xun , Zhang Fengjun
Published: April 2015

The LIF excitation spectrum following photolysis of cyclohexylmethyl nitrite (graph a) and 2-cyclohexylethyl nitrite (graph b) were acquired for the first time.
Ultrasonic, spectrophotometric and theoretical studies of sigma and PI interactions of iodine with substituted benzene
Authors: Adaikala Baskar A. Justin , Kumar R. , Solomon R. Vijay , Sundararajan Mahesh , Kannappan Venu , Singh D. Roop , Jaccob M.
Published: April 2015

The acoustical method shows the ability to study the structure, energetics and spectroscopic aspects of charge transfer complexes of three different benzenoid compounds with iodine and is supported by the UV-Visible and DFT methods.
Exploring the influence of electron beam irradiation on the morphology, physico-mechanical, thermal behaviour and performance properties of EVA and TPU blends
Authors: Dutta Joyeeta , Chatterjee Tuhin , Dhara Gopal , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: April 2015

Investigation of electron beam irradiated EVA/TPU blends leads to significant improvements in performance properties suitable for various technological applications.
Ordering and dynamics of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) self-assembled monolayers on Au(111)
Authors: Wu Hairong , Sotthewes Kai , Schön Peter M. , Vancso G. Julius , Zandvliet Harold J. W.
Published: April 2015

Striped-phase of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) molecules on Au(111).
Green recyclable SO3H-carbon catalyst for the selective synthesis of isomannide-based fatty acid monoesters as non-ionic bio-surfactants
Authors: Vijai Kumar Reddy T. , Sandhya Rani G. , Prasad R. B. N. , Prabhavathi Devi B. L. A.
Published: April 2015

Solvent free one-pot synthesis of isomannide-based fatty acid monoesters as non-ionic bio-surfactants employing a green recyclable SO3H-carbon catalyst was demonstrated.
Graphene oxide/polystyrene composite nanofibers on quartz crystal microbalance electrode for the ammonia detection
Authors: Jia Yongtang , Chen Lizhu , Yu Hui , Zhang Yumei , Dong Fengchun
Published: April 2015

Nanoporous G-COOH/PS nanofiber integrated with QCM equipment was established to realize ammonia gas detection.
Synthesis of a graphene oxide/sodium silicate nanocomposite using sodium silicate solution
Authors: Choi Jin Seok , Lee Hyun-Kwuon , An Sung Jin
Published: April 2015

A stable graphene oxide/sodium silicate sol was synthesized by sodium silicate solution. The highest electrical conductivity of reduced graphene oxide/sodium silicate nanocomposite was 35.4 S cm−1.
Viscoelasticity of wood cell walls with different moisture content as measured by nanoindentation
Authors: Meng Yujie , Xia Yuzhi , Young Timothy M. , Cai Zhiyong , Wang Siqun
Published: April 2015

The mechanical properties and creep behaviour of wood cell walls were measured over a range of various steady moisture conditions using instrumental indentation.
Light trapping effect in plasmonic blockade at the interface of Fe3O4@Ag core/shell
Authors: Yazdani Ahmad , Ghazanfari Mahdi , Johar Fatemeh
Published: April 2015

Spherical isotropic Fe3O4nanoparticles were coated with Ag-shell in order to investigate the possibility of trapping photons through plasmon or plasmonic energy transfer at the magnetic–plasmonic interface coupling structure of core/shell.
Enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-serinolamide A
Authors: Gahalawat Suraksha , Pandey Satyendra Kumar
Published: April 2015

A short and highly efficient enantioselective synthetic approach to (+)-serinolamide A 1 from racemic butadiene monoepoxide as a starting material is described.
Development of new graphene oxide incorporated tricomponent scaffolds with polysaccharides and hydroxyapatite and study of their osteoconductivity on MG-63 cell line for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Rajesh R. , Ravichandran Y. Dominic
Published: April 2015

GO–alginate–HAP, GO–amylopectin–HAP and GO–gellan gum–HAP were prepared and characterized and their osteoconductivity were checked for the first time.
Self-assembled core–shell nanospheres and dendritic nanostructure of novel tetra-(3-phenyprop-2-allyloxy) phthalocyanine in different solvents
Authors: Bian Yinghui , Chen Jinshe , Xu Shaotang , Zhu Lijun , Zhou Yulu , Xiang Yuzhi , Xia Daohong
Published: April 2015

Novel metal-free tetra-(3-phenyprop-2-allyloxy) phthalocyanine was synthesized and characterized, and self-assemblies of it with a core–shell nanospherical and dendritic morphology were formed with H-bonds and π–π interactions probably being the main driving force.
The role of capsule stiffness on cellular processing
Authors: Sun Huanli , Wong Edgar H. H. , Yan Yan , Cui Jiwei , Dai Qiong , Guo Junling , Qiao Greg G. , Caruso Frank
Published: April 2015

A systematic and quantitative study on the role of capsule stiffness in cellular processing was performed using hyaluronic acid capsules with tunable stiffness constructedviacontinuous assembly of polymers.
Persulfate salt as an oxidizer for biocidal energetic nano-thermites
Authors: Zhou Wenbo , DeLisio Jeffery B. , Li Xiangyu , Liu Lu , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: April 2015

The nano-Al/K2S2O8thermite shows a low ignition temperature (600 °C), extensive O2/SO2generation, as well as persistent combustion. An ignition mechanism involving gaseous oxygen was proposed for the nano-Al/K2S2O8reaction.
Porous carbon-coated CuCo2O4 concave polyhedrons derived from metal–organic frameworks as anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ma Jingjing , Wang Huijun , Yang Xia , Chai Yaqin , Yuan Ruo
Published: April 2015

A MOF is employed as a template and carbon resource for the synthesis of porous carbon-coated CuCo2O4 concave polyhedra, exhibiting an excellent capacity and cycling reversibility.
Exceptionally highly performing Na-ion battery anode using crystalline SnO2 nanoparticles confined in mesoporous carbon
Authors: Jahel Ali , Ghimbeu Camélia Matei , Darwiche Ali , Vidal Loïc , Hajjar-Garreau Samar , Vix-Guterl Cathie , Monconduit Laure
Published: April 2015

Confined SnO2 in mesoporous carbon exhibits high capacity retention at a high current rate and unprecedented long cycling life vs. Na+.
Low-temperature fabrication of Cu(i) sites in zeolites by using a vapor-induced reduction strategy
Authors: Qin Ju-Xiang , Wang Zhi-Min , Liu Xiao-Qin , Li Yu-Xia , Sun Lin-Bing
Published: April 2015

Cu(ii) ions in zeolites can be selectively converted to Cu(i) ions at low temperatures using the strategy of vapor-induced reduction.
Tin perovskite/fullerene planar layer photovoltaics: improving the efficiency and stability of lead-free devices
Authors: Marshall Kenneth P. , Walton Richard I. , Hatton Ross A.
Published: April 2015

The preparation of CsSnI3 films at room temperature with defect densities low enough for light harvesting in photovoltaic devices is reported, along with a new strategy for improving device stability and evidence that the energetics at the perovskite/fullerene interface is a key determinant of the open-circuit voltage.
An overview of the suitability of hydrogel-forming polymers for extrusion-based 3D-printing
Authors: Kirchmajer D. M. , Gorkin III R. , in het Panhuis M.
Published: April 2015

In this review hydrogel-forming polymers that are suitable for extrusion-based 3D printing are evaluated.
Photoluminescence of CsMI3:Eu2+ (M = Mg, Ca, and Sr) – a spectroscopic probe on structural distortions
Authors: Suta Markus , Wickleder Claudia
Published: April 2015

The delicate dependence of the photoluminescence properties of Eu2+ on the structure of the perovskite-analogue iodides CsMI3 (M = Mg, Ca, Sr) is discussed.
A promising direct visualization of an Au@Ag nanorod-based colorimetric sensor for trace detection of alpha-fetoprotein
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhu Jian , Li Jian-Jun , Zhao Jun-Wu
Published: April 2015

The Ag coating-induced blue shift and enhancement of longitudinal plasmon of Au nanorods result in abundant and tunable optical absorptions in the visible region, which leads to the Au@Ag nanorod becoming a good candidate for colorimetric sensing.
Model reduction on Markovian jump systems with partially unknown transition probabilities: balanced truncation approach
Authors: Zhang Huiyan , Wu Ligang , Shi Peng , Zhao Yuxin
Published: April 2015

In this study, the problem of model reduction based on balancing is investigated for both discrete‐ and continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems with partially unknown transition probabilities. By balancing transformation, the reduced‐order model with the same structure as that of the original one is obtained by truncating the balanced model. For the obtain reduced order model, stability property is preserved under simultaneous balanced truncation. An upper bound of the model reduction error is guaranteed in the sense of a perturbation operator norm. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the method presented in this study.
Idiopathic Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Moore Justin M. , Jithoo Rondhir , Hwang Peter
Published: April 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Spinal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SSAH) makes up less than 1.5% of all the cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Most cases of spontaneous SSAH occur in association with coagulopathy, lumbar punctures, or minor trauma. Idiopathic SSAH is extremely rare with only 17 cases published. Idiopathic SSAH presents a diagnostic dilemma, and the appropriate investigations and treatment remain a matter of controversy. We report a case of idiopathic SSAH and a review of the literature regarding its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

A 73-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after spontaneously developing severe right leg and lower back pain while bending over to vomit. After a review of the patient's history and examination, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the thoracolumbar spine revealed T1 hyperintensity and T2 hypointensity, a diffusion-restricted collection at the T11–T12 level, and a posterior collection from L3 to S1 producing a mild displacement of the thecal sac.

Results

The patient was taken for an L5 laminectomy. Intraoperatively, rust-colored, xanthochromic fluid was drained from the subarachnoid space, confirming SSAH. The thecal sac was decompressed. The cultures and Gram stains were negative. Computer tomography (CT) and CT angiography of the brain were normal. She recovered postoperatively with resolution of the pain and no further episodes of hemorrhage after 2 years of follow-up. Repeat thoracolumbar MRI, selective spinal angiogram, and six-vessel cerebral angiogram did not reveal pathology.

Conclusion

We suggest a clinical algorithm to aid in the diagnosis and management of such patients.