bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Porous Mn2O3 Nanoplates and Their Electrochemical Behavior as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yanjun , Yan Yang , Wang Xueyun , Li Gen , Deng Dingrong , Jiang Li , Shu Chunying , Wang Chunru
Published: April 2014

Porous Mn2O3 nanoplates were prepared by a facile polyol solution method combined with a simple post‐annealing process. The porous Mn2O3 nanoplates were characterized by XRD, field‐emission SEM, high‐resolution TEM, and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm measurements. The formation process for the Mn2O3 nanoplates was proposed as a morphology‐conserved transformation strategy. These porous nanoplates exhibited improved electrochemical performance with excellent cycling stability and good rate capability when applied as anode materials in lithium ion batteries.
Enzyme‐Responsive Intracellular‐Controlled Release Using Silica Mesoporous Nanoparticles Capped with ε‐Poly‐L‐lysine
Authors: Mondragón Laura , Mas Núria , Ferragud Vicente , de la Torre Cristina , Agostini Alessandro , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Sancenón Félix , Amorós Pedro , Pérez‐Payá Enrique , Orzáez Mar
Published: April 2014

The synthesis and characterization of two new capped silica mesoporous nanoparticles for controlled delivery purposes are described. Capped hybrid systems consist of MCM‐41 nanoparticles functionalized on the outer surface with polymer ε‐poly‐L‐lysine by two different anchoring strategies. In both cases, nanoparticles were loaded with model dye molecule [Ru(bipy)3]2+. An anchoring strategy involved the random formation of urea bonds by the treatment of propyl isocyanate‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles with the lysine amino groups located on the ε‐poly‐L‐lysine backbone (solid Ru‐rLys‐S1). The second strategy involved a specific attachment through the carboxyl terminus of the polypeptide with azidopropyl‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanoparticles (solid Ru‐tLys‐S1). Once synthesized, both nanoparticles showed a nearly zero cargo release in water due to the coverage of the nanoparticle surface by polymer ε‐poly‐L‐lysine. In contrast, a remarkable payload delivery was observed in the presence of proteases due to the hydrolysis of the polymer’s amide bonds. Once chemically characterized, studies of the viability and the lysosomal enzyme‐controlled release of the dye in intracellular media were carried out. Finally, the possibility of using these materials as drug‐delivery systems was tested by preparing the corresponding ε‐poly‐L‐lysine capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with cytotoxic drug camptothecin (CPT), CPT‐rLys‐S1 and CPT‐tLys‐S1. Cellular uptake and cell‐death induction were studied. The efficiency of both nanoparticles as new potential platforms for cancer treatment was demonstrated.
Synthesis of α‐Dawson‐Type Silicotungstate [α‐Si2W18O62]8− and Protonation and Deprotonation Inside the Aperture through Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Minato Takuo , Suzuki Kosuke , Kamata Keigo , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: April 2014

The design of structurally well‐defined anionic molecular metal–oxygen clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs), leads to inorganic receptors with unique and tunable properties. Herein, an α‐Dawson‐type silicotungstate, TBA8[α‐Si2W18O62]⋅3 H2O (II) that possesses a −8 charge was successfully synthesized by dimerization of a trivacant lacunary α‐Keggin‐type silicotungstate TBA4H6[α‐SiW9O34]⋅2 H2O (I) in an organic solvent. POM II could be reversibly protonated (in the presence of acid) and deprotonated (in the presence of base) inside the aperture by means of intramolecular hydrogen bonds with retention of the POM structure. In contrast, the aperture of phosphorus‐centered POM TBA6[α‐P2W18O62]⋅H2O (III) was not protonated inside the aperture. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that the basicities and charges of internal μ3‐oxygen atoms were increased by changing the central heteroatoms from P5+ to Si4+, thereby supporting the protonation of II. Additionally, II showed much higher catalytic performance for the Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with benzaldehyde than I and III.
Zr4+ Doping in Li4Ti5O12 Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Open Li+ Diffusion Paths through Structural Imperfection
Authors: Kim Jae‐Geun , Park Min‐Sik , Hwang Soo Min , Heo Yoon‐Uk , Liao Ting , Sun Ziqi , Park Jong Hwan , Kim Ki Jae , Jeong Goojin , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Jung Ho , Dou Shi Xue
Published: April 2014

One‐dimensional nanomaterials have short Li+ diffusion paths and promising structural stability, which results in a long cycle life during Li+ insertion and extraction processes in lithium rechargeable batteries. In this study, we fabricated one‐dimensional spinel Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) nanofibers using an electrospinning technique and studied the Zr4+ doping effect on the lattice, electronic structure, and resultant electrochemical properties of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Accommodating a small fraction of Zr4+ ions in the Ti4+ sites of the LTO structure gave rise to enhanced LIB performance, which was due to structural distortion through an increase in the average lattice constant and thereby enlarged Li+ diffusion paths rather than changes to the electronic structure. Insulating ZrO2 nanoparticles present between the LTO grains due to the low Zr4+ solubility had a negative effect on the Li+ extraction capacity, however. These results could provide key design elements for LTO anodes based on atomic level insights that can pave the way to an optimal protocol to achieve particular functionalities.
Risk of cancer in patients with medically diagnosed hay fever or allergic rhinitis
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta , Fallah Mahdi , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Ji Jianguang
Published: April 2014

Data on allergic conditions as risk or protective factors for cancer are controversial probably because most studies have used self‐reported data on mixed groups of allergies in a case–control setting. We define cancer risks in medically diagnosed hay fever/allergic rhinitis patients in a nationwide cohort study. A total of 138,723 hay fever/allergic rhinitis patients were identified from three Swedish health care databases and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for subsequent cancers identified from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Overall cancer risk was not changed (SIR 1.03). For individual cancers, the highest SIR was observed for nasal cancer (SIR 2.63), followed by testicular (1.46) and endocrine tumors (1.42), and kidney (1.31), prostate (1.18) and breast (1.11) cancers. The results were consistent in the three sources of data and all SIRs were above unity, albeit mainly not statistically significant. The SIRs for nervous system tumors were above unity and of borderline significance. SIRs were decreased for esophageal (0.50), liver (0.62) and lung (0.78) cancers, and the three sources of data agreed in the direction of the effect. The increased risks for testicular, renal, prostate and endocrine cancers may be explained by immunological mechanisms. Excess risk for these cancer accounts for a significant population attributable fraction. Nervous system cancers showed a borderline increase and none of the histological types were significantly decreased, providing strong evidence against the published case–control studies, which have reported protective effects. The reasons for the reduced risks for esophageal, liver and lung cancer remain to be explained.
Primary Cilium Regulates CaV1.2 Expression Through Wnt Signaling
Authors: Muntean Brian S. , Jin Xingjian , Williams Frederick E. , Nauli Surya M.
Published: April 2014

Primary cilia are sensory organelles that provide a feedback mechanism to restrict Wnt signaling in the absence of endogenous Wnt activators. Abnormal Wnt signaling has been shown to result in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) although the exact mechanism has been debated. Previously, we reported that the calcium channel CaV1.2 functions in primary cilia. In this study, we show that CaV1.2 expression level is regulated by Wnt signaling. This occurs through modulation of mitochondrial mass and activity resulting in increased reactive oxygen species which generate oxidative DNA lesions. We found that the subsequent cellular DNA damage response triggers increased CaV1.2 expression. In the absence of primary cilia where Wnt signaling is upregulated, we found that CaV1.2 is overexpressed as a compensatory mechanism. We show for the first time that CaV1.2 knockdown in zebrafish results in classic primary cilia defects including renal cyst formation, hydrocephalus, and left‐right asymmetry defects. Our study shows that suppressed Wnt signaling prevents CaV1.2 expression ultimately resulting in PKD phenotypes. Thus, CaV1.2 expression is tightly regulated through Wnt signaling and plays an essential sensory role in primary cilia necessary for cellular homeostasis. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1926–1934, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endplate deflection is a defining feature of vertebral fracture and is associated with properties of the underlying trabecular bone
Authors: Jackman Timothy M. , Hussein Amira I. , Adams Alexander M. , Makhnejia Kamil K. , Morgan Elise F.
Published: April 2014

Endplate deflection frequently occurs with vertebral failure, but the relationship between the two remains poorly defined. This study examined associations between endplate deflection under compressive loading and characteristics of the neighboring subchondral bone and intervertebral disc (IVD). Ten L1 vertebrae with adjacent IVDs were dissected, compressed axially in a stepwise manner to failure, and imaged with micro‐computed tomography before each loading step. From the images, deflection was measured across the surface of each endplate at each step. Trabecular microstructure and endplate volume fraction were evaluated in 5 mm regions just under the superior endplate. IVDs were assessed using computed tomography and histology. A marked increase in superior endplate deflection coincided with a drop in the load‐displacement curve. Endplate deflection was higher in regions with less robust bone microstructure (p < 0.009), though these associations tended to weaken as loading progressed. Immediately following the ultimate point, endplate deflection was higher in regions underlying the nucleus pulposus versus annulus fibrosus (p = 0.035), irrespective of disc grade (p = 0.346). These results indicate that a sudden increase in endplate deflection signals that the mechanical competence of the vertebra has been compromised. The mechanisms of endplate failure likely relate to anatomical features of the endplate, neighboring trabecular bone, and IVD. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:880–886, 2014.
Pre‐harvest nitrogen and azoxystrobin application enhances raw product quality and post‐harvest shelf‐life of baby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Conversa Giulia , Bonasia Anna , Lazzizera Corrado , Elia Antonio
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND

Baby spinach was cultivated under spring or winter conditions to investigate the effect of azoxystrobin and, only in the winter cycle, of nitrogen fertilisation (0, 80 and 120 kg ha−1 of N) on yield and product morphological traits at harvest and on the physical, visual, bio‐physiological, nutritional and anti‐nutritional characteristics change during cold storage.

RESULTS

The yield was 37% higher in spring than in the overwinter cycle. Spring grown plant had leaves of lighter colour, lower in dry matter content, higher in ascorbic acid, nitrate, and total phenol content. They had higher weight loss during storage than the winter product. Fresh weight was favoured by azoxystrobin only in the non‐fertilised plants. During storage azoxystrobin reduced leaf dehydration, contrasted weight loss and the increase in phenols in leaves from fertilised plants. N supply positively affected yield, and greenness of raw and stored leaves. N fertilisation lowered weight loss due to respiration and showed a protective effect on membrane integrity during storage. Azoxystrobin proved effective in reducing nitrate leaf content.

CONCLUSION

Azoxystrobin, especially in fertilised crop, is useful in improving the physiological quality, the safety, and the nutritional quality of baby spinach. A rate of 80 kg ha−1 can be suggested as optimum N fertilisation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Weakly conformal Finsler geometry
Authors: Rafie‐Rad Mehdi
Published: March 2014

An extension of conformal equivalence for Finsler metrics is introduced and called weakly conformal equivalence and is used to define the weakly conformal transformations. The conformal Lichnerowicz‐Obata conjecture is refined to weakly conformal Finsler geometry. It is proved that: If X is a weakly conformal complete vector field on a connected Finsler space (M, F) of dimension , then, at least one of the following statements holds: (a) There exists a Finsler metric F1 weakly conformally equivalent to F such that X is a Killing vector field of the Finsler metric, (b) M is diffeomorphic to the sphere and the Finsler metric is weakly conformally equivalent to the standard Riemannian metric on , and (c) M is diffeomorphic to the Euclidean space and the Finsler metric F is weakly conformally equivalent to a Minkowski metric on . The considerations invite further dynamics on Finsler manifolds.
Accelerated Solvent‐ and Catalyst‐Free Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazolium‐Based Poly(Ionic Liquid)s
Authors: Obadia Mona M. , Mudraboyina Bhanu P. , Allaoua Imène , Haddane Ali , Montarnal Damien , Serghei Anatoli , Drockenmuller Eric
Published: April 2014

A straightforward and expeditious monotopic approach for the preparation of 1,2,3‐triazolium‐based poly(ionic liquids) (TPILs) is reported. It is based on the solvent‐ and catalyst‐free polyaddition of an α‐azide‐ω‐alkyne monomer in the presence of methyl iodide or N‐methyl bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide alkylating agents. Poly(1,2,3‐triazole)s generated in bulk or by thermal azide–alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) are quaternized in‐situ to afford TPILs composed of 1,3,4‐ and 1,3,5‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolium units. The physical and ion‐conducting properties of the prepared samples are compared with the TPILs composed solely of 1,3,4‐trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolium units obtained through a multistep approach involving copper(I)‐catalyzed AAC polyaddition, quaternization of the 1,2,3‐triazole groups, and anion metathesis. TPILs obtained through the monotopic approach display thermal stabilities and ionic conductivities comparable to their pure regioisomeric analogues.

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A chromatin structure‐based model accurately predicts DNA replication timing in human cells
Authors: Gindin Yevgeniy , Valenzuela Manuel S , Aladjem Mirit I , Meltzer Paul S , Bilke Sven
Published: April 2014

The metazoan genome is replicated in precise cell lineage‐specific temporal order. However, the mechanism controlling this orchestrated process is poorly understood as no molecular mechanisms have been identified that actively regulate the firing sequence of genome replication. Here, we develop a mechanistic model of genome replication capable of predicting, with accuracy rivaling experimental repeats, observed empirical replication timing program in humans. In our model, replication is initiated in an uncoordinated (time‐stochastic) manner at well‐defined sites. The model contains, in addition to the choice of the genomic landmark that localizes initiation, only a single adjustable parameter of direct biological relevance: the number of replication forks. We find that DNase‐hypersensitive sites are optimal and independent determinants of DNA replication initiation. We demonstrate that the DNA replication timing program in human cells is a robust emergent phenomenon that, by its very nature, does not require a regulatory mechanism determining a proper replication initiation firing sequence.
Fabrication and characterization of Cu2O, ZnO and ITO thin films toward oxide thin film solar cell by mist chemical vapor deposition method
Authors: Ikenoue Takumi , Sakamoto Shin‐ichi , Inui Yoshitaka
Published: March 2014

N‐type zinc oxide (ZnO) and p‐type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films were fabricated by an ultrasonic spray‐assisted mist chemical vapor deposition (mist CVD) method. The films of transparent conductive gallium‐doped ZnO (ZnO:Ga) and indium tin oxide (ITO) were also formed by the same technique. ZnO thin films have showed n‐type conductivity with carrier concentration of 3.6 × 1019 cm–3 and mobility of 8.6 cm2/V·s. Cu2O thin films showed p‐type conductivity whose carrier density and mobility were 3.3 × 1015 cm–3 and 0.20 cm2/V·s, respectively. ZnO:Ga and ITO thin films have high transmittance over 85% in visible region and low resistivity values of 2.3 × 10–3 and 1.4 × 10–4 Ω·cm, respectively. These properties are suitable for transparent electrodes of solar cells. The results encourage the successive fabrication by the same process technique of solar cell structure, that is, the multilayer structure of ITO (or conductive ZnO), n‐ZnO, and p‐Cu2O films on a glass substrate. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Determination of the association constant between the B domain of protein A and the Fc region of IgG
Authors: Ansalone P.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this work is the numerical modelling of the binding mechanism between the Fc region of human IgG interacting with the B domain of Staphylococcal protein A (SpA). The comprehension of the involved kinetics is of noticeable impact for immunosensor diagnostic applications and consequently contributes to increase the sensitivity and efficiency of such devices based on the immobilization of antibodies on biosensor surface. Brownian dynamics methodology is applied to simulate the Fc–SpA encounter. Then, the association rates kon and koff are estimated from the analysis of the diffusional motion between the Fc region and the B domain of SpA combined with continuum electrostatic calculations. Therefore, the association constant Ka between Fc and SpA is calculated. The behaviour of Ka is analysed taking into account the relative distance between SpA and the Fc fragments. The analyses also include the effects on the binding affinity between SpA and Fc due to the variation of the solvent ionic strength and pH values. The association rates and their analyses are presented and discussed showing that the binding mechanism between the SpA and the Fc fragments is enhanced by the nonpolar interaction, while dissociation is driven by the electrostatic repulsion that occurs at relatively low pH. The numerical estimation of the association constant will support the definition of robust protocols for the detection of antibodies via protein A. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin film surfaces suitable to multimodal ionization for TOF‐SIMS and LDI mass spectrometry of biomolecules
Authors: Kim Shin Hye , Shon Hyun Kyong , Lee Tae Geol , Han Sang Yun
Published: April 2014

We report that the flat surfaces of thin films (50‐nm‐thick Si and Au) prepared on thermal insulator (SiO2) substrates provide versatile sample plates exhibiting multimodality for TOF‐SIMS and LDI MS (laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry). Previously, the crystalline Si thin film was reported to be applicable to matrix‐free LDI of biomolecules using SOI (silicon‐on‐insulator) wafers. One of the benefits from the previous LDI method is that various surface materials can be employed while still maintaining LDI performance, including materials that are also amenable to TOF‐SIMS ionization. In this work, we demonstrate that SOI wafers (50‐nm‐thick Si on SiO2) and Au thin films (50‐nm‐thick Au on glass wafer) display sensitive ionization of peptide and drug molecules both in TOF‐SIMS and LDI MS, offering an important platform for multimodal ionization that will open a new opportunity combining unique advantages of each mass spectrometry for bimolecular detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of adolescent self‐regulation: Reviewing the role of parent, peer, friend, and romantic relationships
Authors: Farley Julee P. , Kim‐Spoon Jungmeen
Published: April 2014

Self‐regulation plays an important role in adolescent development, predicting success in multiple domains including school and social relationships. While researchers have paid increasing attention to the influence of parents on the development of adolescent self‐regulation, we know little about the influence of peers and friends and even less about the influence of romantic partners on adolescent development of self‐regulation. Extant studies examined a unidirectional model of self‐regulation development rather than a bidirectional model of self‐regulation development. Given that relationships and self‐regulation develop in tandem, a model of bidirectional development between relationship context and adolescent self‐regulation may be relevant. This review summarizes extant literature and proposes that in order to understand how adolescent behavioral and emotional self‐regulation develops in the context of social relationships one must consider that each relationship builds upon previous relationships and that self‐regulation and relationship context develop bidirectionally.
Global solutions for the critical Burgers equation in the Besov spaces and the large time behavior
Authors: Iwabuchi Tsukasa
Published: April 2014

We consider the Cauchy problem for the critical Burgers equation. The existence and the uniqueness of global solutions for small initial data are studied in the Besov space

\.{B}_{\infty ,1}^{0}(\mathbb{R}^{n})

and it is shown that the global solutions are bounded in time. We also study the large time behavior of the solutions with the initial data

u_{0} \in L^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{n}) \cap \.{B}_{\infty ,1}^{0}(\mathbb{R}^{n})

to show that the solution behaves like the Poisson kernel.
Initial experience of robotic anterior pelvic exenteration at a single institute
Authors: Puntambekar Shailesh , Lawande Akhil , Desai Riddhi , Puntambekar Seema , Joshi Geetanjali A. , Joshi Saurabh N.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To present the initial experience with robotic anterior pelvic exenteration in patients with advanced pelvic cancer at Galaxy Care Laparoscopy Institute, Pune, India.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of data from 10 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma and bladder involvement or with vault recurrence following hysterectomy who were treated at the study hospital between November 2009 and May 2011. Clinicopathologic data and postoperative data including operative time, blood loss, blood transfusions, hospital stay, lymph node yield, and complications were recorded.

Results

The mean operative time was 180 minutes, the mean blood loss was 110 mL, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 5 days. There were no treatment‐related morbidities or mortalities. A mean parametrial clearance of 3 cm with a distal vaginal margin of 3.5 cm was achieved. All patients had tumor‐free margins. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 24. Six patients had positive lymph nodes on pathologic examination and were treated with chemoradiotherapy. At a median follow‐up of 11 months, 8 patients were disease‐free.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted anterior pelvic exenteration had favorable operative, pathologic, and short‐term clinical outcomes. A large multicenter study is required to confirm the results.
Community mobilization and service strengthening to increase awareness and use of postabortion care and family planning in Kenya
Authors: Undie Chi‐Chi , Van Lith Lynn M. , Wahome Mercy , Obare Francis , Oloo Esther , Curtis Carolyn
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether a community engagement and service‐strengthening intervention raised awareness of family planning (FP) and early pregnancy bleeding (EPB), and increased FP and postabortion care (PAC) use.

Methods

The intervention was carried out in 3 communities in Kenya over 18 months; 3 additional communities served as the comparison group. A pre–post, contemporaneously controlled, quasi‐experimental evaluation was conducted independently from the intervention.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar. Awareness of FP methods increased (P ≤ 0.001) in the intervention group. The incidence of reported EPB (before 5 months of pregnancy) in the comparison group was 13.3% at baseline and 6.0% at endline (P = 0.02); 79% at baseline and 100% at endline sought care (P > 0.05). In the intervention group, recognition and reporting of EPB increased from 9.8% to 13.1% (P > 0.05); 65% sought PAC at baseline and 80% at endline (P = 0.11). The relative increase in EPB reports after the intervention was over 3 times greater in the intervention group (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion

The intervention raised FP and EPB awareness but not FP and PAC services use. As fewer comparison group respondents reported experiencing EPB, the PAC impact of the intervention is unclear. Mechanisms to improve EPB reporting are needed to avoid this reporting bias.
Obstetric competence among primary healthcare workers in Mali
Authors: Traoré Mamadou , Arsenault Catherine , Schoemaker‐Marcotte Camille , Coulibaly Aliou , Huchon Cyrille , Dumont Alexandre , Fournier Pierre
Published: April 2014

Objective

To determine individual and contextual factors associated with emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) competency among primary healthcare staff in Mali.

Methods

Between November 2011 and April 2012, a competency test was administered to 196 healthcare workers in 65 community health centers in Mali. The test was scored from 0 to 100, and differences among 5 areas of EmONC were assessed. A multilevel linear regression model was used to determine individual and contextual factors associated with score.

Results

The mean score was 66.7 (minimum, 15.9; maximum, 97.7). Knowledge was most deficient for postpartum infection and hypertensive complications. Type of health worker, years of experience, number of days absent, and availability of guidelines for management of obstetric complications within the health center were positively associated with test score (P < 0.05). Availability of guidelines was associated with higher competency of physicians, health technicians, and obstetric nurses (P < 0.001), and seemed to influence the competency of healthcare workers with fewer than 10 years of experience in particular.

Conclusion

Guidelines must be developed that will facilitate standardization of the management of postpartum infection and other less common complications for which healthcare workers show low competence. Strategies to increase use of these guidelines will be necessary.
Electromagnetic radiation from laser wakefields in underdense plasma
Authors: Liu Yue , Wang Wei-Min , Sheng Zheng-Ming
Published: April 2014

It is demonstrated by simulations and analysis that a wakefield driven by an ultrashort intense laser pulse in underdense plasma can emit tunable electromagnetic radiation along the laser propagation direction. The profile of such a kind of radiation is closely associated with the structure of the laser wakefield. In general, electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range with its frequency a few times the electron plasma frequency can be generated in the moderate intensity regime. In the highly nonlinear case, a chain of radiation pulses is formed corresponding to the nonlinear structure of the wake. Study shows that the radiation is associated with the self-modulation process of the laser pulse in the wakefield and resulting transverse electron momenta from modulated asymmetric laser fields.
Terrestrial bird population trends on Aguiguan (Goat Island), Mariana Islands
Authors: AMIDON FRED , CAMP RICHARD J. , MARSHALL ANN P. , PRATT THANE K. , WILLIAMS LAURA , RADLEY PAUL , CRUZ JUSTINE B.
Published: April 2014

The island of Aguiguan is part of the Mariana archipelago and currently supports populations of four endemic species, including one endemic genus,Cleptornis. Bird population trends since 1982 were recently assessed on the neighbouring islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota indicating declines in some native species. Point-transect surveys were conducted in 2008 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess population densities and trends on Aguiguan. Densities for six of the nine native birds—White-throated Ground-doveGallicolumba xanthonura, Collared KingfisherTodiramphus chloris, Rufous FantailRhipidura rufifrons, Golden White-eyeCleptornis marchei, Bridled White-eyeZosterops conspicillatusand Micronesian StarlingAplonis opaca—and the non-native bird—Island Collared-doveStreptopelia bitorquata—were significantly greater in 2008 than in 1982. No differences in densities were detected among the surveys for Mariana Fruit-dovePtilinopus roseicapilla, and Micronesian MyzomelaMyzomela rubratra. Three federally and locally listed endangered birds—Nightingale Reed-warblerAcrocephalus luscinius, Mariana SwiftletCollocalia bartschi, and Micronesian MegapodeMegapodius laperous)—were either not detected during the point-transect counts, the surveys were not appropriate for the species, or the numbers of birds detected were too small to estimate densities. The factors behind the increasing trends for some species are unknown but may be related to increased forest cover on the island since 1982. With declining trends for some native species on neighbouring islands, the increasing and stable trends on Aguiguan is good news for forest bird populations in the region, as Aguiguan populations can help support conservation efforts on other islands in the archipelago.
Soviet Modernity: Stephen Kotkin and the Bolshevik Predicament
Authors: KRYLOVA ANNA
Published: April 2014

‘Modernity’ has long been a working category of historical analysis in Russian and Soviet studies. Like any established category, it bears a history of its own characterised by founding assumptions, conceptual possibilities and lasting interpretive habits. Stephen Kotkin's work has played a special role in framing the kind of scholarship this category has enabled and the kind of modernity it has assigned to twentieth-century Russia. Kotkin's 1995Magnetic Mountainintroduced the concept of ‘socialist modernity’. His continued work with the concept in his 2001Kritikaarticle ‘Modern Times’ and his 2001Armageddon Avertedmarked crucial moments in the history of the discipline and have positioned the author as a pioneering and dominant voice on the subject for nearly two decades. Given the defining nature of Kotkin's work, a critical discussion of its impact on the way the discipline conceives of Soviet modernisation and presents it to non-Russian fields is perhaps overdue. Here, I approach Kotkin's work on modernity as the field's collective property in need of a critical, deconstructive reading for its underlying assumptions, prescribed master narratives, and resultant paradoxes.
The Flavanol (−)-Epicatechin Prevents Stroke Damage through the Nrf2/HO1 Pathway
Authors: Shah Zahoor A , Li Rung-chi , Ahmad Abdullah S , Kensler Thomas W , Yamamoto Masayuki , Biswal Shyam , Doré Sylvain
Published: April 2014

Correction to: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2010) 30, 1951–1961; doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2010.53

After the publication of this article, the following errors in the Materials and Methods section were noticed:

On page 1953 in the Materials and Methods section it is erroneously stated that ‘Cells were washed and incubated with rhodamine-conjugated, affinity-purified donkey anti-rat IgG (H+L) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated, affinity-purified goat anti-rabbit IfG (H+L)’.

Correction: Cells were washed and incubated with rhodamine-conjugated, affinity-purified donkey anti-rabbit IgG (H+L) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated, affinity-purified goat anti-mouse IgG (H+L).

In Figure 5B the +and – representation is incorrect as published. The corrected appears below. [Figure: see text]
Heme–Hemopexin Complex Attenuates Neuronal Cell Death and Stroke Damage
Authors: Li Rung-chi , Saleem Sofiyan , Zhen Gehua , Cao Wangsen , Zhuang Hean , Lee Jongseok , Smith Ann , Altruda Fiorella , Tolosano Emanuela , Doré Sylvain
Published: April 2014

Correction to: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2009) 29, 953–964; doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2009.19

After the publication of this article, errors in the Materials and Methods section were noticed.

The section on immunofluorescence should read:

IMMUNOCYTOFLUORESCENCE STAINING AND FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY

Cultured embryonic neurons were grown on poly-D-lysine-coated glass coverslips for 10 days. The neurons then were permeabilized for 2 mins with 0.5% Triton X-100 followed by fixation with 3% paraformaldehyde for 20 mins at room temperature. The cells were incubated with primary antibodies to microtubule-associated protein (MAP2, a neuronal marker; Chemicon International) and to HPX for 30 mins, washed, and then incubated with rhodamine-conjugated, affinity-purified donkey anti-goat IgG (H+L) and FITC-conjugated, affinity-purified goat anti-rabbit IgG (H+L) (Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, West Grove, PA, USA) secondary antibodies for 30 mins. For fluorescence microscopy, cells were observed by epifluorescence on a Nikon TE-200 microscope. Images were captured with a CoolSNAP HQ camera (Image Processing Solutions Inc., North Reading, MA, USA) with OpenLab software (Improvision Inc., Boston, MA, USA).
MRI before Intraarterial Therapy in Ischemic Stroke: Feasibility, Impact, and Safety
Authors: Simonsen Claus Z , Sørensen Leif H , Karabegovic Sanja , Mikkelsen Irene K , Schmitz Marie L , Juul Niels , Yoo Albert J , Andersen Grethe
Published: April 2014

Intraarterial therapy (IAT) in acute ischemic stroke is effective for opening occlusions of major extracranial or intracranial vessels. Clinical efficacy data are lacking pointing to a need for proper patient selection. We examined feasibility, clinical impact, and safety profile of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patient selection before IAT. In this single-center study, we collected epidemiologic, imaging, and outcome data on all intraarterial-treated patients presenting with anterior circulation occlusions at our center from 2004 to 2011. Magnetic resonance imaging was the first imaging choice. Computer tomography (CT) was performed in the presence of a contraindication. We treated 138 patients. Mean age was 64 years and median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 17. Major reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2b + 3) was achieved in 52% and good outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0 to 2 at 90 days was achieved in 41%. Mortality at 90 days was 10%. There was only one symptomatic hemorrhage. Recanalization, age, and stroke severity were associated with outcome. Preprocedure MRI was obtained in 83%. Good outcome was significantly associated with smaller diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion size at presentation and not with the size of the perfusion lesion. It is feasible to triage patients for IAT using MRI with acceptable rates of poor outcome and symptomatic hemorrhage.
The usefulness of EPR spectroscopy in the study of compounds with metal–metal multiple bonds
Authors: Dalal Naresh S. , Murillo Carlos A.
Published: March 2014

A discussion of how EPR spectroscopy has contributed to the understanding of the electronic structure of paddlewheel compounds with multiple bonds between metal atoms is presented while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the paper describing the quadruple bond and the identification of the delta bond in the Re2Cl82− anion.
Mechanism of N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed chemical fixation of CO2 with aziridines: a theoretical study
Authors: Li Weiyi , Huang Dongfeng , Lv Yajing
Published: April 2014

Free NHC is a catalyst precursor, while the carboxylate intermediate is the active species in the catalytic cycle.
Tuneable radical cyclisations: a tin-free approach towards tricyclic and spirocyclic heterocycles via a common precursor
Authors: Patel B. , Saviolaki G. , Ayats C. , Garcia M. A. E. , Kapadia T. , Hilton S. T.
Published: April 2014

A novel common precursor approach towards both tricyclic and spirocyclic heterocycles is described. Cyclisations are based on thiyl radical/isocyanide methodology and avoid the use of tin.
Stratum corneum molecular mobility in the presence of natural moisturizers
Authors: Björklund Sebastian , Andersson Jenny Marie , Pham Quoc Dat , Nowacka Agnieszka , Topgaard Daniel , Sparr Emma
Published: April 2014

Natural moisturizers act to retain the fluidity of the molecular components of the skin barrier under dehydrating conditions – a situation similar to skin hydration.
Analysis of liquid metal foams through X-ray radioscopy and microgravity experiments
Authors: García-Moreno F. , Tobin S. T. , Mukherjee M. , Jiménez C. , Solórzano E. , Vinod Kumar G. S. , Hutzler S. , Banhart J.
Published: April 2014

The foaming process of a thixocast AlSi6Cu4 precursor material followed in situ by X-ray radioscopy shown for different experimental stages with and without drainage during the plane parabolic trajectory and the corresponding temperature T(t) (red line) and gravity g(t) profiles (blue line) during the parabolas.
Influence of sorbitol on protein crowding in solution and freeze-concentrated phases
Authors: Khodadadi S. , Clark N. J. , McAuley A. , Cristiglio V. , Curtis J. E. , Shalaev E. Y. , Krueger S.
Published: April 2014

Small-angle neutron scattering was employed to study protein crowding under freezing conditions that mimic those used in pharmaceutical processing.
Morphology controlled synthesis of wurtzite ZnS nanostructures through simple hydrothermal method and observation of white light emission from ZnO obtained by annealing the synthesized ZnS nanostructures
Authors: Kanti Kole Arup , Sekhar Tiwary Chandra , Kumbhakar Pathik
Published: April 2014

A controllable synthesis of phase pure wurtzite (WZ) ZnS nanostructures at a low temperature of ∼220 °C by varying the zinc and sulphur precursor.
Pourquoi un visage plaît
Authors: Philippe Julien
Published: March 2014

Sont beaux les visages normaux qui, par des variations de leur forme, de l’aspect de leur
surface et de leurs mouvements, expriment une idée qui éveille l’intérêt de l’observateur.
À l’expressivité du visage et de la denture correspond la sensibilité de celui qui les
regarde. Toutefois, mieux vaut éviter ce qui évoque l’agressivité et prévoir la sénescence
du visage.
Effect of polarization and focusing on laser pulse driven auto-resonant particle acceleration
Authors: Sagar Vikram , Sengupta Sudip , Kaw Predhiman
Published: April 2014

The effect of laser polarization and focusing is theoretically studied on the final energy gain of a particle in the Auto-resonant acceleration scheme using a finite duration laser pulse with Gaussian shaped temporal envelope. The exact expressions for dynamical variables viz. position, momentum, and energy are obtained by analytically solving the relativistic equation of motion describing particle dynamics in the combined field of an elliptically polarized finite duration pulse and homogeneous static axial magnetic field. From the solutions, it is shown that for a given set of laser parameters viz. intensity and pulse length along with static magnetic field, the energy gain by a positively charged particle is maximum for a right circularly polarized laser pulse. Further, a new scheme is proposed for particle acceleration by subjecting it to the combined field of a focused finite duration laser pulse and static axial magnetic field. In this scheme, the particle is initially accelerated by the focused laser field, which drives the non-resonant particle to second stage of acceleration by cyclotron Auto-resonance. The new scheme is found to be efficient over two individual schemes, i.e., auto-resonant acceleration and direct acceleration by focused laser field, as significant particle acceleration can be achieved at one order lesser values of static axial magnetic field and laser intensity.
Chaos control of parametric driven Duffing oscillators
Authors: Jin Leisheng , Mei Jie , Li Lijie
Published: April 2014

Duffing resonators are typical dynamic systems, which can exhibit chaotic oscillations, subject to certain driving conditions. Chaotic oscillations of resonating systems with negative and positive spring constants are identified to investigate in this paper. Parametric driver imposed on these two systems affects nonlinear behaviours, which has been theoretically analyzed with regard to variation of driving parameters (frequency, amplitude). Systematic calculations have been performed for these two systems driven by parametric pumps to unveil the controllability of chaos.
Microfluidics platform for measurement of volume changes in immobilized intestinal enteroids
Authors: Jin Byung-Ju , Battula Sailaja , Zachos Nick , Kovbasnjuk Olga , Fawlke-Abel Jennifer , In Julie , Donowitz Mark , Verkman Alan S.
Published: April 2014

Intestinal enteroids are ex vivo primary cultured single-layer epithelial cell spheroids of average diameter ∼150 μm with luminal surface facing inward. Measurement of enteroid swelling in response to secretagogues has been applied to genetic testing in cystic fibrosis and evaluation of drug candidates for cystic fibrosis and secretory diarrheas. The current measurement method involves manual addition of drugs and solutions to enteroids embedded in a Matrigel matrix and estimation of volume changes from confocal images of fluorescently stained enteroids. We developed a microfluidics platform for efficient trapping and immobilization of enteroids for quantitative measurement of volume changes. Multiple enteroids are trapped in a “pinball machine-like” array of polydimethylsiloxane posts for measurement of volume changes in unlabeled enteroids by imaging of an extracellular, high-molecular weight fluorescent dye. Measurement accuracy was validated using slowly expanding air bubbles. The method was applied to measure swelling of mouse jejunal enteroids in response to an osmotic challenge and cholera toxin-induced chloride secretion. The microfluidics platform allows for parallel measurement of volume changes on multiple enteroids during continuous superfusion, without an immobilizing matrix, and for quantitative volume determination without chemical labeling or assumptions about enteroid shape changes during swelling.
Anisotropy of Thermal-expansion for β-Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro- 1,3,5,7-tetrazocine: Quantum Chemistry Calculation and Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Qian Wen , Zhang Chao-yang , Shu Yuan-jie , Xiong Ying , Zong He-hou , Zhang Wei-bin
Published: March 2014

Molecular dynamics simulations on octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) at 303–383 K and atmospheric pressure are carried out under NPT ensemble and COMPASS force field, the equilibrium structures at elevated temperatures were obtained and showed that the stacking style of molecules don't change. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values were calculated by linear fitting method. The results show that the CTE values are close to the experimental results and show anisotropy. The total energies of HMX cells with separately increasing expansion rates (100%–105%) along each crystallographic axis was calculated by periodic density functional theory method, the results of the energy change rates are anisotropic, and the correlation equations of energy change-CTE values are established. Thus the hypostasis of the anisotropy of HMX crystal's thermal expansion, the determinate molecular packing style, is elucidated.
Mental health service delivery: a profile of mental health non-government organisations in south-east Queensland, Australia
Authors: Byrne Louise , Wilson Michael , Burke Karena J. , Gaskin Cadeyrn J. , Happell Brenda
Published: April 2014

Objective
Non-government organisations make a substantial contribution to the provision of mental health services; despite this, there has been little research and evaluation targeted at understanding the role played by these services within the community mental health sector. The aim of the present study was to examine the depth and breadth of services offered by these organisations in south-east Queensland, Australia, across five key aspects of reach and delivery.

Methods
Representatives from 52 purposively targeted non-government organisations providing mental health services to individuals with significant mental health challenges were interviewed regarding their approach to mental health service provision.

Results
The findings indicated a diverse pattern of service frameworks across the sector. The results also suggested a positive approach to the inclusion of consumer participation within the organisations, with most services reporting, at the very least, some form of consumer advocacy within their processes and as part of their services.

Conclusions
This paper offers an important first look at the nature of non-government service provision within the mental health sector and highlights the importance of these organisations within the community sector.

What is known about the topic?
Non-government organisations make a substantial contribution to the multisectorial provision of services to mental health consumers in community settings. Non-government organisations in Australia are well established, with 79.9% of them being in operation for over 10 years. There is an increasing expectation that consumers influence the development, delivery and evaluation of mental health services, especially in the community sector.

What does this paper add?
This paper provides a profile of non-government organisations in one state in Australia with respect to the services they provide, the consumers they target, the practice frameworks they use, the use of peer workers and consumer participation, the success they have had with obtaining funding and the extent to which they collaborate with other services.

What are the implications for practitioners?
This paper provides readers with an understanding of the non-government organisations and the services they provide to people with mental health conditions. In addition, the findings provide an opportunity to learn from the experience of non-government organisations in implementing consumer participation initiatives.
Changes in soil carbon fractions due to incorporating corn residues in organic and conventional vegetable farming systems
Authors: Bajgai Yadunath , Kristiansen Paul , Hulugalle Nilantha , McHenry Melinda
Published: March 2014

Vegetable production systems rely on frequent tillage to prepare beds and manage weeds, thereby accelerating losses of soil organic carbon (SOC). They are also characterised by scant crop residue input. Residue incorporation and organic fertiliser application could counteract SOC loss due to tillage. We tested this hypothesis in a Chromosol and a Vertosol in northern NSW, Australia, where the effects of incorporating sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) residue in soil in a corn–cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) rotation under either organic or conventional system on soil C fractions were studied during two rotation cycles (2 years). A laboratory experiment was conducted to isolate the effect of tillage on the soil organic matter (SOM) fractions, because both the residue-incorporated and without-residue treatments for organic systems received tillage for weed control in the field, whereas conventional systems did not. Residue incorporation increased particulate OC (POC) by 32% in the field experiment and 48% in the laboratory experiment, whereas dissolved OC was increased only in the organic system. Concentrations of mineral-associated OC (MOC) and total OC (TOC) were increased by residue incorporation in both field and laboratory experiments. Simulated tillage had a limited effect on POC, MOC and TOC, suggesting that cultivation for weed control may have only a minor effect on short-term SOM mineralisation rates. In both experiments, MOC accounted for ≥83% in the Vertosol and ≥73% in the Chromosol. Due to frequent tillage in vegetable production systems, physicochemical stabilisation of C predominates over protection through aggregation.