bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed aggregation of heterogeneous Web-based Fine Art Information: enabling multi-source accessibility and curation
Authors: Buchanan Frances , Capanni Niccolo , González-Vélez Horacio
Published: March 2015

The sources of information on the Web relating to Fine Art and in particular to Fine Artists are numerous, heterogeneous and distributed. Data relating to the biographies of an artist, images of their artworks, location of the artworks and exhibition reviews invariably reside in distinct and seemingly unrelated, or at least unlinked, sources. While communication and exchange exists, there is a great deal of independence between major repositories, such as museum, often owing to their ownership or heritage. This increases the individuality in the repository’s own processes and dissemination. It is currently necessary to browse through numerous different websites to obtain information about any one artist, and at this time there is little aggregation of Fine Art Information. This is in contrast to the domain of books and music, where the aggregation and re-grouping of information (usually by author or artist/band name) has become the norm. A Museum API (Application Programming Interface), however, is a tool that can facilitate a similar information service for the domain of Fine Art, by allowing the retrieval and aggregation of Web-based Fine Art Information, whilst at the same time increasing public access to the content of a museum’s collection. In this paper, we present the case for a pragmatic solution to the problems of heterogeneity and distribution of Fine Art Data and this is the first step towards the comprehensive re-presentation of Fine Art Information in a more ‘artist-centric’ way, via accessible Web applications. This paper examines the domain of Fine Art Information on the Web, putting forward the case for more Web services such as generic Museum APIs, highlighting this via a prototype Web application known as the ArtBridge. The generic Museum API is the standardisation mechanism to enable interfacing with specific Museum APIs.
Teaching Chinese in the Global Context: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Aimin Cheng
Published: March 2015

In the past 30 years, teaching Chinese as a foreign/second language (TCSL/TCFL) has made great achievements in Mainland China. However, TCSL/TCFL is at a crucial point at present, and its global development in the 21st century presents us with new questions and challenges. There are many issues involved as TCSL/TCFL adapts to this rapid change from a largely domestic context to a global one. This article attempts to address such issues as the significance, challenges and strategies of TCSL/TCFL in mainland China by outlining its brief history and development since the 1950s, and calls for the establishment of an international ‘framework of reference’ for Chinese language teaching.
Re-visioning Global Modernity through the Prism of China
Authors: Lu Sheldon
Published: March 2015

This essay reviews and assesses recent attempts to revisit and revise the position of China in the configuration of global modernity. Such re-descriptions question the implicit Eurocentric teleology of modern world history. First, the discourse of East Asian modernity or Confucian capitalism draws on late imperial (early modern) East Asia to locate an alternative origin of global modernity. Second, recent scholarship in world-systems analysis repudiates previous Eurocentric narratives of global capitalism and locates China at the center of the world economy in the early modern period up to 1800. Third, China’s revolutionary legacy (what was called ‘Maoism’) and its current ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’ in official parlance are considered by New Leftist theorists as a viable alternative to capitalist modernity. Fourth, universal modernity as such is regarded as a social and political imperative by the opposing camp of Neo-Liberalists as modernity is still an ‘incomplete project’ in Chinese history. Overall, such debates are efforts to chart out a cultural and theoretical landscape that does not easily fit in existing models of Western cultural studies that are often based on the colonial and postcolonial experiences of the Anglophone and Francophone world.

Global modernity refers to a moment of the breakdown of the hegemony of a Eurocentric modernity and the fragmentation into many cultural spheres of the very idea of the modern without any promise so far of how modernity might be reconstituted and some coherence restored to its claims.... On the other hand, Global Modernity as a concept is also intended to transcend the situation of which it is the product, as this very situation enables the possibility of re-envisioning modernity, rescuing it from entrapment in a vision of history dominated by Eurocentrism and imagining it differently. (Arif Dirlik,Culture and History in Postrevolutionary China: The Perspective of Global Modernity)1
Highlighting the Humanistic Spirit in the Age of Globalization: Humanities Education in China
Authors: Ning Wang
Published: March 2015

The essay first describes the Chinese intellectual condition in the age of globalization and the necessity of liberal arts or humanities education, and then deals with the function of humanities education in China’s institutions of higher learning with Tsinghua University as the particular case. Since current Chinese universities are divided into three types: (1) research universities; (2) teaching-research universities; and (3) teaching-oriented universities, liberal arts education always plays an important part in students’ comprehensive schooling although in most of the research universities priority is given to science and technology. As China has a long tradition of humanities education, even long before the establishment of those Western type universities, offering humanities education to all the university students as a major educational task has never changed. Even during the Cultural Revolution when all the universities stopped teaching and research work, students and faculty members were still educated with Mao’s instructions. Along with the rapid development of Chinese economy, traditional humanities are suffering more or less. But the author argues that no matter how rapidly the Chinese economy has been developing and how well Chinese people are pursuing the so-called Chinese Dream, it is necessary to pay attention to the humanities and to offer humanities education to young students. The author also offers his reconstruction of Neo-Confucianism as an alternative discourse to various postmodern discourses in the new framework of global culture.
Cooking with soyabean oil increases whole-blood α-linolenic acid in school-aged children: results from a randomized trial
Authors: Villamor Eduardo , Marín Constanza , Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Casale Mia , Vargas Luz N , Baylin Ana
Published: March 2015

Objective

Supply of essentialn-3 PUFA is limited worldwide. While fish-oil supplementation effectively improvesn-3 PUFA status, it may not be a sustainable intervention. The use of α-linolenic acid (ALA)-rich cooking oils in the household may be a suitable alternative but its effect on PUFA status is unclear. We aimed to compare the effect of providing families with soyabean oil, an ALA-rich cooking oil,v. sunflower oil on whole-blood PUFA levels of children aged 11–18 years.

Design

In a randomized, masked, parallel trial, we assigned families to receive a one-month supply of either soyabean or sunflower oil. Fatty acid concentrations were quantified in whole-blood samples obtained from the children before and at the end of the intervention. Changes in fatty acids were compared between treatment arms with use of linear regression for repeated measures.

Subjects

Sixty low- and middle-income families.

Setting

Bogotá, Colombia.

Results

Soyabean oil significantly increased ALA concentrations by 0·05 percentage points of total serum fatty acids whereas sunflower oil decreased them by 0·12 percentage points (soyabeanv. sunflower oil effect=0·17; 95 % CI 0·11, 0·24). Concentrations of bothn-3 andn-6 very-long-chain PUFA, including docosapentaenoic acid, DHA, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid, increased significantly in both intervention arms. Levels of oleic acid and palmitic acid decreased, irrespective of oil assignment. Total energy or energy intake from saturated fat did not change.

Conclusions

Replacing cooking oils at the household level is an effective intervention to improve essential PUFA status of children.
Gain enhancement of microstrip patch antenna using Sierpinski fractal-shaped EBG
Authors: Rao Neeraj , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: March 2015

This is the first report on novel mushroom-type electromagnetic band gap (EBG) structures, consisting of fractal periodic elements, used for enhancing the gain of microstrip patch antennas. Using CST Microwave studio the performance of rectangular patch antenna has been examined on proposed fractal EBG substrates. It is found that fractal EBGs are more effective in suppressing surface wave thus resulting in higher gain. The gain of rectangular patch has been improved from 6.88 to 10.67 dBi. The proposed fractal EBG will open new avenues for the design and development of variety of high-frequency components and devices with enhanced performance.
Coastal Altimetry Challenges Our Understanding of Short Scales in the Ocean
Authors: Cipollini Paolo , Vignudelli Stefano , Benveniste Jérôme
Published: March 2015

8th Coastal Altimetry Workshop; Konstanz, Germany, 23–24 October 2014
Changing of the Guard: Satellite Will Warn Earth of Solar Storms
Authors: Knipp Delores J. , Biesecker Douglas A.
Published: March 2015

This summer, Earth gets a new guardianthe Deep Space Climate Observatoryto help warn astronauts and operators of critical planetary infrastructure about the Sun's raging magnetic storms.
Targeting Neutrophils in Ischemic Stroke: Translational Insights from Experimental Studies
Authors: Jickling Glen C , Liu DaZhi , Ander Bradley P , Stamova Boryana , Zhan Xinhua , Sharp Frank R
Published: March 2015

Neutrophils have key roles in ischemic brain injury, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. As such, neutrophils are of great interest as targets to treat and prevent ischemic stroke. After stroke, neutrophils respond rapidly promoting blood–brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and brain injury. A surge of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species, proteases, and cytokines are released as neutrophils interact with cerebral endothelium. Neutrophils also are linked to the major processes that cause ischemic stroke, thrombosis, and atherosclerosis. Thrombosis is promoted through interactions with platelets, clotting factors, and release of prothrombotic molecules. In atherosclerosis, neutrophils promote plaque formation and rupture by generating oxidized-low density lipoprotein, enhancing monocyte infiltration, and degrading the fibrous cap. In experimental studies targeting neutrophils can improve stroke. However, early human studies have been met with challenges, and suggest that selective targeting of neutrophils may be required. Several properties of neutrophil are beneficial and thus may important to preserve in patients with stroke including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective functions.
Hydrophobic mismatch demonstrated for membranolytic peptides and their use as molecular rulers to measure bilayer thickness in native cells
Authors: Grau-Campistany Ariadna , Strandberg Erik , Wadhwani Parvesh , Reichert Johannes , Bürck Jochen , Rabanal Francesc , Ulrich Anne S.
Published: March 2015

Hydrophobic mismatch is a well-recognized principle in the interaction of transmembrane proteins with lipid bilayers. This concept was extended here to amphipathic membranolytic α-helices. Nine peptides with lengths between 14 and 28 amino acids were designed from repeated KIAGKIA motifs and their helical nature was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. Biological assays for antimicrobial activity and hemolysis, as well as fluorescence vesicle leakage and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, were used to correlate peptide length with membranolytic activity. These data show that the formation of transmembrane pores is only possible under the condition of hydrophobic matching: the peptides have to be long enough to span the hydrophobic bilayer core to be able to induce vesicle leakage, kill bacteria and cause hemolysis. By correlating the threshold lengths for biological activity with the biophysical results on model vesicles, the peptides could be utilized as molecular rulers to measure the membrane thickness in different cells.
Annexin V-induced rat Leydig cell proliferation involves Ect2 via RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway
Authors: Jing Jun , Chen Li , Fu Hai-Yan , Fan Kai , Yao Qi , Ge Yi-Feng , Lu Jin-Chun , Yao Bing
Published: March 2015

This study investigated the effect of annexin V on the proliferation of primary rat Leydig cells and the potential mechanism. Our results showed that annexin V promoted rat Leydig cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Increased level of annexin V also enhanced Ect2 protein expression. However, siRNA knockdown of Ect2 attenuated annexin V-induced proliferation of rat Leydig cells. Taken together, these data suggest that increased level of annexin V induced rat Leydig cell proliferation and cell cycle progression via Ect2. Since RhoA activity was increased following Ect2 activation, we further investigated whether Ect2 was involved in annexin V-induced proliferation via the RhoA/ROCK pathway and the results showed that annexin V increased RhoA activity too and this effect was abolished by the knockdown of Ect2. Moreover, inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway by a ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, also attenuated annexin V-induced proliferation and cell cycle progression. We thus conclude that Ect2 is involved in annexin V-induced rat Leydig cell proliferation through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Investigating a new neuromodulation treatment for brain disorders using synchronized activation of multimodal pathways
Authors: Markovitz Craig D. , Smith Benjamin T. , Gloeckner Cory D. , Lim Hubert H.
Published: March 2015

Neuromodulation is an increasingly accepted treatment for neurological and psychiatric disorders but is limited by its invasiveness or its inability to target deep brain structures using noninvasive techniques. We propose a new concept called Multimodal Synchronization Therapy (mSync) for achieving targeted activation of the brain via noninvasive and precisely timed activation of auditory, visual, somatosensory, motor, cognitive and limbic pathways. In this initial study in guinea pigs, we investigated mSync using combined activation of just the auditory and somatosensory pathways, which induced differential and timing dependent plasticity in neural firing within deep brain and cortical regions of the auditory system. Furthermore, by varying the location of somatosensory stimulation across the body, we increased or decreased spiking activity across different neurons. These encouraging results demonstrate the feasibility of systematically modulating the brain using mSync. Considering that hearing disorders such as tinnitus and hyperacusis have been linked to abnormal and hyperactive firing patterns within the auditory system, these results open up the possibility for using mSync to decrease this pathological activity by varying stimulation parameters. Incorporating multiple types of pathways beyond just auditory and somatosensory inputs and using other activation patterns may enable treatment of various brain disorders.
GLI2-dependent c-MYC upregulation mediates resistance of pancreatic cancer cells to the BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Raza Sania S. , Knab Lawrence M. , Chow Christina R. , Kwok Benjamin , Bentrem David J. , Popovic Relja , Ebine Kazumi , Licht Jonathan D. , Munshi Hidayatullah G.
Published: March 2015

JQ1 and I-BET151 are selective inhibitors of BET bromodomain proteins that have efficacy against a number of different cancers. Since the effectiveness of targeted therapies is often limited by development of resistance, we examined whether it was possible for cancer cells to develop resistance to the BET inhibitor JQ1. Here we show that pancreatic cancer cells developing resistance to JQ1 demonstrate cross-resistance to I-BET151 and insensitivity to BRD4 downregulation. The resistant cells maintain expression of c-MYC, increase expression of JQ1-target genes FOSL1 and HMGA2 and demonstrate evidence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, reverting EMT fails to sensitize the resistant cells to JQ1 treatment. Importantly, the JQ1-resistant cells remain dependent on c-MYC that now becomes co-regulated by high levels of GLI2. Furthermore, downregulating GLI2 re-sensitizes the resistant cells to JQ1. Overall, these results identify a mechanism by which cancer cells develop resistance to BET inhibitors.
The effect of music performance on the transcriptome of professional musicians
Authors: Kanduri Chakravarthi , Kuusi Tuire , Ahvenainen Minna , Philips Anju K. , Lähdesmäki Harri , Järvelä Irma
Published: March 2015

Music performance by professional musicians involves a wide-spectrum of cognitive and multi-sensory motor skills, whose biological basis is unknown. Several neuroscientific studies have demonstrated that the brains of professional musicians and non-musicians differ structurally and functionally and that musical training enhances cognition. However, the molecules and molecular mechanisms involved in music performance remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of music performance on the genome-wide peripheral blood transcriptome of professional musicians by analyzing the transcriptional responses after a 2-hr concert performance and after a ‘music-free’ control session. The up-regulated genes were found to affect dopaminergic neurotransmission, motor behavior, neuronal plasticity and neurocognitive functions including learning and memory. Particularly, candidate genes such asSNCA,FOSandDUSP1that are involved in song perception and production in songbirds, were identified, suggesting an evolutionary conservation in biological processes related to sound perception/production. Additionally, modulation of genes related to calcium ion homeostasis, iron ion homeostasis, glutathione metabolism and several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases implied that music performance may affect the biological pathways that are otherwise essential for the proper maintenance of neuronal function and survival. For the first time, this study provides evidence for the candidate genes and molecular mechanisms underlying music performance.
Contrasting regulation of macrophage iron homeostasis in response to infection with Listeria monocytogenes depending on localization of bacteria
Authors: Haschka David , Nairz Manfred , Demetz Egon , Wienerroither Sebastian , Decker Thomas , Weiss Günter
Published: March 2015

We describe for the first time the changes of iron homeostasis in response to infection of macrophages withListeria monocytogenes.
Quantum-size-effect accommodation of gold clusters with altered fluorescence of dyes
Authors: Liu Xianhu , Wu Yishi , Li Shuanghao , Zhao Yan , Yuan Chengqian , Jia Meiye , Luo Zhixun , Fu Hongbing , Yao Jiannian
Published: March 2015

Quantum-size-effect accommodation towards Au25 nanoclusters is demonstrated with tunable fluorescence quenching and enhancement of analyte dyes.
Polydopamine-embedded Cu2−xSe nanoparticles as a sensitive biosensing platform through the coupling of nanometal surface energy transfer and photo-induced electron transfer
Authors: Zou Hong Yan , Gao Peng Fei , Gao Ming Xuan , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: March 2015

This study innovatively highlights the mechanistic details of NSET and PET (NSET©PET) coupling processes, and the disclosed mechanism provides new opportunities for sensitive biosensing applications.
β,γ-Bis-substituted PNA with configurational and conformational switch: preferred binding to cDNA/RNA and cell-uptake studies
Authors: Bose Tanaya , Banerjee Anjan , Nahar Smita , Maiti Souvik , Kumar Vaijayanti A.
Published: March 2015

β,γ-Bis-methoxymethyl and β,γ-bis-hydroxymethyl PNA show highly differential binding properties while interacting with cDNA/cRNA and can access intracellular space.
Palladium catalyzed selective mono-arylation of o-carboranes via B–H activation
Authors: Cao Ke , Huang Yawen , Yang Junxiao , Wu Ji
Published: March 2015

Palladium catalyzed selective mono-arylation of o-carborane on B(8) and B(9).
CH3NH3PbI3from non-iodide lead salts for perovskite solar cells via the formation of PbI2
Authors: Balaji Ganapathy , Joshi Pranav H. , Abbas Hisham A. , Zhang Liang , Kottokkaran Ranjith , Samiee Mehran , Noack Max , Dalal Vikram L.
Published: March 2015

CH3NH3PbI3perovskites were formed from non-iodide lead salts, such as Pb(NO3)2and Pb(SCN)2,viathe formation of PbI2. PCEs over 7.5% were obtained for the perovskite devices formed from these precursors.
High intrinsic carrier mobility and photon absorption in the perovskite CH3NH3PbI3
Authors: Wang Youwei , Zhang Yubo , Zhang Peihong , Zhang Wenqing
Published: March 2015

High intrinsic carrier mobilities and absorption coefficients in perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 are studied using first-principles approaches to improve photovoltaic performance.
Bent-core liquid crystalline cyanostilbenes: fluorescence switching and thermochromism
Authors: Martínez-Abadía Marta , Varghese Shinto , Milián-Medina Begoña , Gierschner Johannes , Giménez Raquel , Ros M. Blanca
Published: March 2015

Incorporation of the cyanostilbene unit in a bent-core liquid crystal-type structure gives rise to fluorescent systems whose emission is very sensitive to different environments.
Influence of acid–base properties on the Lebedev ethanol-to-butadiene process catalyzed by SiO2–MgO materials
Authors: Angelici Carlo , Velthoen Marjolein E. Z. , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: March 2015

The preparation method greatly influences morphology, acid–base properties and performance of SiO2–MgO catalysts. Wet-kneaded catalysts possess an improved distribution, proximity and strength of acidic-basic sites, thus leading to higher butadiene yields.
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of water-soluble silver(i) complexes of metronidazole drug and selected counter-ions
Authors: Kalinowska-Lis Urszula , Felczak Aleksandra , Chęcińska Lilianna , Zawadzka Katarzyna , Patyna Emilia , Lisowska Katarzyna , Ochocki Justyn
Published: March 2015

The antimicrobial activity of silver(i) complexes of the type [Ag(MTZ)2X] (MTZ = metronidazole; X = NO3−, ClO4−, CF3COO−, BF4− and CH3SO3−) was evaluated.
Structure and properties of binder gels formed in the system Mg(OH)2–SiO2–H2O for immobilisation of Magnox sludge
Authors: Walling Sam A. , Kinoshita Hajime , Bernal Susan A. , Collier Nick C. , Provis John L.
Published: March 2015

Magnesium silicate hydrate gels, synthesised for nuclear waste immobilisation, are shown by NMR spectroscopy to be structurally similar to lizardite.
In vitrocharacterization of a novel C,N-cyclometalated benzimidazole Ru(ii) arene complex: stability, intracellular distribution and binding, effects on organic osmolyte homeostasis and induction of apoptosis
Authors: Støving Dam Celina , Alejo Perez Henarejos Sergio , Tsolakou Theodosia , Alexander Segato Christian , Gammelgaard Bente , Yellol Gorakh S. , Ruiz José , Henry Lambert Ian , Stürup Stefan
Published: March 2015

Applying a novel protocol for the characterization of metal-based drugs reveals the potential of a new Ru-based compound in overcoming Cisplatin resistance.
2D assemblies of ionic liquid crystals based on imidazolium moieties: formation of ion-conductive layers
Authors: Sakuda Junji , Yoshio Masafumi , Ichikawa Takahiro , Ohno Hiroyuki , Kato Takashi
Published: March 2015

Organization of imidazolium ionic liquids into 2D ion-conductive pathways enhances the ionic conductivity of the imidazolium-based ionic liquid crystals.
Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic behaviour of beta-Li3VF6 and Na3VF6
Authors: Ge Lei , Yuan Long , Huang Keke , Feng Wenchun , Fang Hairui , Feng Shouhua
Published: March 2015

Fluorides Li3VF6 and Na3VF6 were synthesized without using harmful and corrosive HF acid.
Enhanced output-power of nanogenerator by modifying PDMS film with lateral ZnO nanotubes and Ag nanowires
Authors: Yue Xule , Xi Yi , Hu Chenguo , He Xianming , Dai Shuge , Cheng Lu , Wang Guo
Published: March 2015

Design of hybrid nanogenerator that can simultaneously light up 99 commercial blue LEDs connected in series. Additionally, by placing a hand on the nanogenerator the maximum peak current could reach 115 μA.
An approach towards expanding the scope of masked o-benzoquinone dimers to generate diverse compound libraries
Authors: Chittimalla Santhosh Kumar , Laxmi Shoba , Ming Liing Amerlyn Chong , Kai Jun Jerald Lam , Kuppusamy Rajesh , Putturu Sireesha , Bandi Chennakesavulu
Published: March 2015

In this report, a simple and rapid approach for the synthesis of maskedo-benzoquinone (MOB) heterodimers is presented.
A novel and efficient zinc-catalyzed thioetherification of aryl halides
Authors: Thankachan Amrutha P. , Sindhu K. S. , Krishnan K. Keerthi , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: March 2015

The first Zn-catalyzed protocol for C–S cross-coupling reactions for the synthesis of substituted aryl and alkyl sulfides with good yields under mild reaction conditions is described.
exo-Methylene-BEDT-TTF and alkene-functionalised BEDT-TTF derivatives: synthesis and radical cation salts
Authors: Zecchini Matteo , Lopez Jordan R. , Allen Scott W. , Coles Simon J. , Wilson Claire , Akutsu Hiroki , Martin Lee , Wallis John D.
Published: March 2015

The syntheses of novel BEDT-TTF donors with either an exo-alkene group or a terminal alkene side chain are described along with the crystal structures of their first radical cation salts which include a new semiconductor.
Enhanced performance of a nanocrystalline dye-sensitized solar cell based on polyurethane dendrimers
Authors: Veerapandian S. , Amudha S. , Suthanthiraraj S. Austin , Rahman M. Abdul , Nasar A. Sultan
Published: March 2015

The photovoltaic parameters of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) fabricated with and without fourth generation polyurethane dendrimers have been discussed.
Hierarchical polymorphic MnCO3 series induced by cobalt doping via a one-pot hydrothermal route for CO catalytic oxidation
Authors: Niu Xiaoran , Wei Huiying , Liu Wei , Wang Shuping , Zhang Jingcai , Yang Yanzhao
Published: March 2015

A series of cobalt-doped MnCO3 hierarchical microstructures with different morphologies were synthesized by tuning a single variable (the dopant content) via a one-step, mild solvothermal synthesis in a N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution system.
Simple one-step synthesis of fluorine-doped carbon nanoparticles as potential alternative metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Panomsuwan Gasidit , Saito Nagahiro , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: March 2015

Fluorine-doped carbon nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a simple one-step solution plasma process at room temperature and atmospheric pressure without the addition of a metal catalyst.
Porous TiNb2O7 nanofibers decorated with conductive Ti1−xNbxN bumps as a high power anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Park Hyunjung , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: March 2015

Porous TiNb2O7 nanofibers with metal nitride bumps show ultra-fast rate capability even at 100 C.
Pd–Ag alloy nanocages: integration of Ag plasmonic properties with Pd active sites for light-driven catalytic hydrogenation
Authors: Zhao Xueyu , Long Ran , Liu Dong , Luo Binbin , Xiong Yujie
Published: March 2015

Pd–Ag alloy nanocages have been developed for light-driven catalytic hydrogenation, in which Pd provides active sites for hydrogenation reactions and Ag offers plasmonic properties to convert light into heat.
Microbead-guided reconstruction of the 3D osteocyte network during microfluidic perfusion culture
Authors: Gu Yexin , Zhang Wenting , Sun Qiaoling , Hao Yi , Zilberberg Jenny , Lee Woo Y.
Published: March 2015

A biomimetic approach is used to reconstruct the 3-dimensional cellular network of osteocytes found in native bones.
Examination of the magnetism dynamics from intermixing effects in γ-Fe2O3/MnO core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Skoropata E. , Su T. T. , Ouyang H. , Freeland J. W. , van Lierop J.
Published: March 2015

We have examined the effects of core-shell intermixing on the dynamical magnetism of γ-Fe2O3/MnO nanoparticles. The core and shell phases were identified using x-ray diffraction, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy identified Mn ions in both octahedral and tetrahedral sites, consistent with a significant amount of substitution at the core-shell interface to form an Fe/Mn-ferrite. The dynamical response was probed by Mössbauer spectroscopy, which decouples surface and core spins, and suggested a change in the relaxation behaviour among the spin populations within γ-Fe2O3/MnO relative to the γ-Fe2O3 seed particles. Interestingly, the magnetic relaxation effects at the atomic scale, measured via Mössbauer spectroscopy, were enhanced, indicating that the addition of an MnO shell and intermixing affected the dynamical freezing process which altered the surface magnetism of the γ-Fe2O3 core. Our results show that both the MnO shell and the interfacial intermixed layer are important in determining the core-shell nanoparticle magnetism.
The electrochemical impact on electrostatic modulation of the metal-insulator transition in nickelates
Authors: Bubel Simon , Hauser Adam J. , Glaudell Anne M. , Mates Thomas E. , Stemmer Susanne , Chabinyc Michael L.
Published: March 2015

For physical studies of correlated electron systems and for realizing novel device concepts, electrostatic modulation of metal-insulator transitions (MITs) is desired. The inherently high charge densities needed to modulate MITs make this difficult to achieve. The high capacitance of ionic liquids are attractive but, voltages are needed that can be in excess of the electrochemical stability of the system. Here, we show temperature/resistivity data that suggest electrostatic modulation of the MIT temperature of NdNiO3 in a wide regime. However, additional voltammetric and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements demonstrate the electrochemical impact of the electrostatic doping approach with ionic liquids.
Experimental demonstration of Martian soil simulant removal from a surface using a pulsed plasma jet
Authors: Ticoş C. M. , Scurtu A. , Toader D. , Banu N.
Published: March 2015

A plasma jet produced in a small coaxial plasma gun operated at voltages up to 2 kV and working in pure carbon dioxide (CO2) at a few Torr is used to remove Martian soil simulant from a surface. A capacitor with 0.5 mF is charged up from a high voltage source and supplies the power to the coaxial electrodes. The muzzle of the coaxial plasma gun is placed at a few millimeters near the dusty surface and the jet is fired parallel with the surface. Removal of dust is imaged in real time with a high speed camera. Mars regolith simulant JSC-Mars-1A with particle sizes up to 5 mm is used on different types of surfaces made of aluminium, cotton fabric, polyethylene, cardboard, and phenolic.
Kinetic electron and ion instability of the lunar wake simulated at physical mass ratio
Authors: Haakonsen Christian Bernt , Hutchinson Ian H. , Zhou Chuteng
Published: March 2015

The solar wind wake behind the moon is studied with 1D electrostatic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations using a physical ion to electron mass ratio (unlike prior investigations); the simulations also apply more generally to supersonic flow of dense magnetized plasma past non-magnetic objects. A hybrid electrostatic Boltzmann electron treatment is first used to investigate the ion stability in the absence of kinetic electron effects, showing that the ions are two-stream unstable for downstream wake distances (in lunar radii) greater than about three times the solar wind Mach number. Simulations with PIC electrons are then used to show that kinetic electron effects can lead to disruption of the ion beams at least three times closer to the moon than in the hybrid simulations. This disruption occurs as the result of a novel wake phenomenon: the non-linear growth of electron holes spawned from a narrow dimple in the electron velocity distribution. Most of the holes arising from the dimple are small and quickly leave the wake, approximately following the unperturbed electron phase-space trajectories, but some holes originating near the center of the wake remain and grow large enough to trigger disruption of the ion beams. Non-linear kinetic-electron effects are therefore essential to a comprehensive understanding of the 1D electrostatic stability of such wakes, and possible observational signatures in ARTEMIS data from the lunar wake are discussed.
Differential cross sections for electron-impact vibrational-excitation of tetrahydrofuran at intermediate impact energies
Authors: Do T. P. T. , Duque H. V. , Lopes M. C. A. , Konovalov D. A. , White R. D. , Brunger M. J. , Jones D. B.
Published: March 2015

We report differential cross sections (DCSs) for electron-impact vibrational-excitation of tetrahydrofuran, at intermediate incident electron energies (15-50 eV) and over the 10°-90° scattered electron angular range. These measurements extend the available DCS data for vibrational excitation for this species, which have previously been obtained at lower incident electron energies (≤20 eV). Where possible, our data are compared to the earlier measurements in the overlapping energy ranges. Here, quite good agreement was generally observed where the measurements overlapped.
The role of electron-impact vibrational excitation in electron transport through gaseous tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Duque H. V. , Do T. P. T. , Lopes M. C. A. , Konovalov D. A. , White R. D. , Brunger M. J. , Jones D. B.
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we report newly derived integral cross sections (ICSs) for electron impact vibrational excitation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) at intermediate impact energies. These cross sections extend the currently available data from 20 to 50 eV. Further, they indicate that the previously recommended THF ICS set [Garland et al., Phys. Rev. A 88, 062712 (2013)] underestimated the strength of the electron-impact vibrational excitation processes. Thus, that recommended vibrational cross section set is revised to address those deficiencies. Electron swarm transport properties were calculated with the amended vibrational cross section set, to quantify the role of electron-driven vibrational excitation in describing the macroscopic swarm phenomena. Here, significant differences of up to 17% in the transport coefficients were observed between the calculations performed using the original and revised cross section sets for vibrational excitation.
Spin waves in micro-structured yttrium iron garnet nanometer-thick films
Authors: Jungfleisch Matthias B. , Zhang Wei , Jiang Wanjun , Chang Houchen , Sklenar Joseph , Wu Stephen M. , Pearson John E. , Bhattacharya Anand , Ketterson John B. , Wu Mingzhong , Hoffmann Axel
Published: March 2015

We investigated the spin-wave propagation in a micro-structured yttrium iron garnet waveguide of 40 nm thickness. Utilizing spatially-resolved Brillouin light scattering microscopy, an exponential decay of the spin-wave amplitude of (10.06 ± 0.83) μm was observed. This leads to an estimated Gilbert damping constant of α=(8.79±0.73)×10−4, which is larger than damping values obtained through ferromagnetic resonance measurements in unstructured films. The theoretically calculated spatial interference of waveguide modes was compared to the spin-wave pattern observed experimentally by means of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy.
Protons acceleration in thin CH foils by ultra-intense femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Kosarev I. N.
Published: March 2015

Interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with the intensities 1021, 1022 W/cm2 with CH plastic foils is studied in the framework of kinetic theory of laser plasma based on the construction of propagators (in classical limit) for electron and ion distribution functions in plasmas. The calculations have been performed for real densities and charges of plasma ions. Protons are accelerated both in the direction of laser pulse (up to 1 GeV) and in the opposite direction (more than 5 GeV). The mechanisms of forward acceleration are different for various intensities.
Urothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Two New ZnII Compounds Constructed by the Mixed Ligands of 1,2,4-Triazole and 1,4-Naphthalenedicarboxylic Acid or 2,6-Naphthalenedicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Meng Xufeng , Zhang Lihui , Jia Anqiang
Published: March 2015

Under urothermal conditions, the self-assembly of ZnII ions, 1,2,3-triazole, and two isomeric dicarboxylate ligands (1,4-H2ndc and 2,6-H2ndc) afforded two new metal–organic frameworks, namely [Zn(1,4-ndc)0.5(taz)]n·n(e-urea) (1) and [Zn(2,6-ndc)0.5(taz)]n·n(H2O)·n(e-urea) (2) (1,4-H2ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; 2,6-H2ndc = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid; Htaz = 1,2,4-triazole; e-urea = ethyleneurea), which were further determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction analyses, and IR spectra. Compound 1 features a 3D pillar-layered framework with 6-connected pcu topology (pcu = α-Po), and compound 2 also features a 3D pillar-layered framework with 6-connected pcu topology. In addition, the thermal stabilities and solid-state photoluminescent properties of compounds 1 and 2 were also studied.
Hydroxyl radical initiated oxidation of formic acid on mineral aerosols surface: a mechanistic, kinetic and spectroscopic study
Authors: Iuga Cristina , Sainz-Díaz C. Ignacio , Vivier-Bunge Annik
Published: March 2015

Environmental context
The presence of air-borne mineral dust containing silicates in atmospheric aerosols should be considered in any exploration of volatile organic compound chemistry. This work reports the mechanisms, relative energies and kinetics of free-radical reactions with formic acid adsorbed on silicate surface models. We find that silicate surfaces are more likely to act as a trap for organic radicals than to have a catalytic effect on their reactions.

Abstract
Heterogeneous reactions of atmospheric volatile organic compounds on aerosol particles may play an important role in atmospheric chemistry. Silicate particles are present in air-borne mineral dust in atmospheric aerosols, and radical reactions can be different in the presence of these mineral particles. In this work, we use quantum-mechanical calculations and computational kinetics to explore the reaction of a hydroxyl free radical with a formic acid molecule previously adsorbed on several models of silicate surfaces. We find that the reaction is slower and takes place according to a mechanism that is different than the one in the gas phase. It is especially interesting to note that the reaction final products, which are the formyl radical attached to the cluster surface, and a water molecule, are much more stable than those formed in the gas phase, the overall reaction being highly exothermic in the presence of the surface model. This suggests that the silicate surface is a good trap for the formed formyl radical. In addition, we have noted that, if a second hydroxyl radical approaches the adsorbed formyl radical, the formation of carbonic acid on the silicate surface is a highly exothermic and exergonic process. The carbonic acid molecule remains strongly attached to the surface, thus blocking CO2 formation in the formic acid oxidation reaction. The spectroscopic properties of the systems involved in the reaction have been calculated, and interesting frequency shifts have been identified in the main vibration modes.
The Dialogical Tradition of Iranian Modernity:Monazereh, Simultaneity, and the Making of Modern Iran
Authors: Rezaeiyazdi Hamid
Published: March 2015

Iranian modernity has chiefly been examined in the context of a dialectical antagonism between “traditionalists” and “modernists”—main categories comprised of related sub-headings such as “Islamist” versus “secular,” “reactionary” versus “revolutionary,” and “regressive” versus “progressive.” Following this approach, Iranian adaptations of modernity have often been (de)historicized as a theater of national “awakening” resulting from the toils of secular intellectuals in overcoming the obstinate resistance of traditional reactionaries, a confrontation between two purportedly well-defined and mutually exclusive camps. Such reductionist dialectics has generally overwritten the dialogic narrative of Iranian modernity, a conflicted dialogue misrepresented as a conflicting dialectic. It has also silenced an important feature of Iranian modernity: the universally acknowledged premise of the simultaneity and commensurability of tradition with modernity. Themonazereh(disputation or debate) is the account of the interaction between rival discourses that engaged in opposing, informing, and appropriating each other in the process of adapting modernity. Narrativizing the history of Iranian modernity as the conflict between mutually exclusive binaries overlooks its hyphenated, liminal1identity—a narrative of adaptation rather than wholesale adoption, of heterogeneity rather than homogeneity, of dialogues rather than dialectics. Themonazerehis the account of modern Iranian histories.
Counterpoints about predatory open access and knowledge publishing in Africa
Authors: NWAGWU Williams Ezinwa
Published: March 2015

The promise of open access (OA) as a replacement for existing scientific information dissemination ethos and practice has been contentious, with the interests of different stakeholders – countries, publishers, and OA activists, among others – clashing on an unprecedented scale. This paper examines some of the challenges that have been triggered by the OA movement, particularly at the Africa regional level. Basically, OA is technology heavy and its economic arrangements benefit mainly the developed world. There is evidence of OA initiatives in Africa, but these initiatives are mainly individually based, defragmented, and largely underdeveloped, and sometimes predatory. This author argues that policy‐makers in Africa need to embrace OA and establish useful policies – for regional journals and regional repositories and for academic reward, and support this with technical investment to enable quality online publishing.
How the role of the independent editor is changing in relation to traditional and self‐publishing
Authors: BAVERSTOCK Alison , BLACKBURN Robert , ISKANDAROVA Marfuga
Published: March 2015

This paper reports on a survey of editors undertaken during 2013. The survey asked about lifestyle and work, and in particular how these are changing with the growth of self‐publishing authors. This article reports on the changing opportunities for editorial work and the practices of independent editors, and how their working routines have changed over the past three years. It reveals a shift from working for traditional publishers towards working for new clients, including self‐publishing authors; relationships with traditional publishers are strained for a variety of reasons, and increasing satisfaction levels are discernible in relationships with experienced self‐publishers. The paper considers the consequences of editors' changing patterns of work and client base, and likely future outcomes. Areas for further close monitoring and research are suggested.
The promise of post‐publication peer review: how do we get there from here?
Authors: WINKER Margaret
Published: March 2015

Key points

Post‐publication peer review (PPPR) has not achieved its promise and potential.

Few articles receive PPPR – even those in high‐profile journals.

PPPR is difficult to find and needs to be linked to the original article.

Academics require recognition if they are to contribute their time to PPPR.

Improving PPPR would improve the scholarly corpus.
Book reviews
Authors: Watkinson Anthony
Published: March 2015

Publishing and the Advancement of Science: From Selfish Genes to Galileo's Finger Michael Rodgers London, Imperial College Press, 2014, viii + 178pp. ISBN 978‐1‐78326‐370‐7 (hbk) £50.00; ISBN 978‐1‐78326‐371‐4 (pbk) £19.00; ISBN 978‐1‐78326‐373‐8 (ebook) £19.00; www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/p918
Exploring Relationships Between Pancake Quality and Grain and Flour Functionality in Soft Wheats
Authors: Fajardo Carlos A. , Ross Andrew S.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to observe the influence of differences in genotype (variety) and protein concentration on batter flow and pancake making performance of a collection of soft white winter wheats. Wheats were chosen to express contrasting absorption characteristics and oxidative gelation potentials. Pancakes were processed with two formulations, one (“old”) with egg, soy, and dairy and one (“new”) without. Pancake performance was compared with grain, milling, flour, solvent retention capacity (SRC), pasting, and oxidative gelation characteristics of the flours. Kernel texture, break flour yield, carbonate SRC, and lactic acid SRC were not significantly associated with pancake performance for either formulation. ANOVA showed that flour protein concentration had a dominant effect on pancake batter flow and dimensions. Flour protein concentration affected pancakes more than flour protein quality (lactic acid SRC). Water and sucrose SRCs and Rapid Visco Analyzer pasting temperature were negatively correlated with pancake batter flow and dimensions. Pasting temperature was significantly and positively correlated with flour protein, suggesting that correlations with pancake properties might be simply a cross‐correlation with protein concentration. Notably, and in contrast to our hypothesis, oxidative gelation potential had no relationship with pancake processing or quality.
Effects of Cultivars, Organic Cropping Management, and Environment on Antioxidants in Whole Grain Rice
Authors: Chen Ming‐Hsuan , McClung Anna M.
Published: March 2015

Whole grain rice contains functional antioxidants such as phenolics, flavonoids (including proanthocyanidins), vitamin E homologs (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and γ‐oryzanol that have positive effects on human health. These antioxidants are secondary metabolites in plants that can be induced under external stress. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effects of cultivars, crop management method (organic and conventional), and growing environment on the concentrations of these antioxidants in whole grain rice. Cultivars and environment contributed to a higher percentage of variation in the concentrations of these antioxidants than did crop management method. Cultivars accounted for a greater proportion of the variation than environment for all traits except total tocotrienols and γ‐oryzanol. Cultivars that are high in concentrations of these antioxidants were identified, but no one cultivar contained the highest concentration of all antioxidants evaluated. These cultivar differences indicate that improvement for phytochemical and antioxidant traits can be accomplished through traditional breeding. Because of the limited effect of crop management on these antioxidants, choice of cultivar should be the focus for organic production of whole grain rice high in these antioxidants.