bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isalonactis, a new genus ofRoccellaceae(Arthoniales), from southern Madagascar
Authors: ERTZ Damien , TEHLER Anders , FISCHER Eberhard , KILLMANN Dorothee , RAZAFINDRAHAJA Tahina , SÉRUSIAUX Emmanuël
Published: February 2014

The new genus and speciesIsalonactis madagascariensisis characterized by a crustose, non-corticate, often sorediate thallus containing psoromic acid, tiny white pruinose ascomata with a thalline margin, an inconspicuous excipulum, a pale brown hypothecium, 3-septate hyaline ascospores and curved filiform conidia. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU andRPB2sequences placeIsalonactisin theRoccellaceae, close to the generaLecanactisandChiodecton. The new species was collected on sheltered siliceous rocks in the dry landscape of the Isalo Massif (S Madagascar).Dermatiscum thunbergiiis newly recorded from Madagascar.
Three Problems with Contractarian-Consequentialist Ways of Assessing Social Institutions
Authors: Pogge Thomas W.
Published: February 2014

With each of our three criminal-law topics—defining offenses, apprehending suspects, and establishing punishments—we feel, I believe, strong moral resistance to the idea that our practices should be settled by a prospective-participant perspective. This becomes quite clear when we look at how the “reforms” suggested by institutional viewing might combine once we consider all three topics together: imagine a more extensive and swifter use of the death penalty in homicide cases coupled with somewhat lower standards of evidence; or think of backing a strict-liability criminal statute with the death penalty. Of course, such “reforms” would increase the execution of innocents; but, their proponents will tell us, any penal system involves the punishment of some innocents, and, if it provides for the death penalty, the execution of some innocents. Moreover, why is it worse for innocents to be punished than for innocents to suffer an equivalent harm in some other way? Formulated from a prospective-participant perspective: Why not run a small risk of being innocently executed in exchange for reducing, much more significantly, the risk of dying prematurely in other ways?
SOME REMARKS ON DISTRIBUTED SENSING WITH COSTS
Authors: Gut Allan
Published: February 2014

A recent paper by Pozdnyakov and Steele [6] is devoted to distributed sensor networks in which the sensors send summarized information to some remotely located fusion agents. Main focus is on sensors that send their information according to a so-called binary-plus-passive design. Some exact relations in a sequential approach, aimed at making decisions before a given budget is exhausted are presented. In this paper, we provide asymptotic results in the case of more general sensors for increasing budgets. The essential ingredient is the observation that the setting can be modeled within the framework of certain stopped two-dimensional random walks. We also provide asymptotics for the cost for large decision boundaries, and, finally, some comments on the probability of a positive/negative decision as well as on the duration of the process until a decision is made in the binary-plus-passive design.
Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot: neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging
Authors: Bellinger David C. , Rivkin Michael J. , DeMaso David , Robertson Richard L. , Stopp Christian , Dunbar-Masterson Carolyn , Wypij David , Newburger Jane W.
Published: February 2014

Background: Few data are available on the neuropsychological, behavioural, or structural brain imaging outcomes in adolescents who underwent corrective surgery in infancy for tetralogy of Fallot. Methods: In this single-centre cross-sectional study, we enrolled 91 adolescents (13–16 years old) with tetralogy of Fallot and 87 referent subjects. Assessments included tests of academic achievement, memory, executive functions, visual-spatial skills, attention, and social cognition, as well as brain magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Genetic abnormalities or syndromes were present in 25% of tetralogy of Fallot patients, who had markedly greater neuropsychological morbidities than did patients without a syndrome. However, even patients without a syndrome performed significantly worse than the referent group or population norms in all of the neuropsychological domains assessed. In multivariable regression in those without a genetic/phenotypic syndrome, the strongest predictors of adverse late neurodevelopmental outcomes included a greater number of complications at the first operation, more total surgical complications across all operations, and occurrence of post-operative seizures. The presence of at least one abnormality on structural magnetic resonance imaging was more frequent in tetralogy of Fallot patients than the referent group (42% versus 8%). Conclusions: Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot are at increased neurodevelopmental risk and would benefit from ongoing surveillance and educational supports even after childhood.
Adolescent Heavy Episodic Drinking: Neurocognitive Functioning during Early Abstinence
Authors: Winward Jennifer L. , Hanson Karen L. , Bekman Nicole M. , Tapert Susan F. , Brown Sandra A.
Published: February 2014

The present study investigated the rate and pattern of neuropsychological recovery in heavy episodic drinking teens during the initial days to weeks of abstinence from alcohol. Adolescents (ages, 16–18 years) with histories of heavy episodic drinking (HED; N = 39) and socio-demographically similar control teens (CON; N = 26) were recruited from San Diego area schools. HED and CON were comparable on 5th grade standardized math and language arts test performance to ensure similar functioning before onset of substance use. Participants were administered three neuropsychological test batteries with 2-week intervals during a 4-week monitored abstinence period. HED teens performed worse overall than CON on tests of prospective memory (p = .005), cognitive switching (p = .039), inhibition task accuracy (p = .001), verbal memory (p's < .045), visuospatial construction (p's < .043), and language and achievement (p's < .008). The statistically significant group × time interaction for block design demonstrated normalization within the 4 weeks of abstinence for the HED (p = .009). This study identified cognitive performance deficits associated with heavy episodic drinking in adolescence during early abstinence and with sustained 4-week abstention. These findings suggest alcohol-related influences on several underlying brain systems that may predate the onset of alcohol abuse or dependence or take longer than 4 weeks to recover. (JINS, 2014, 20, 218–229)
Dimensionale Vergleichseffekte zwischen Lesen, Rechtschreiben und Rechnen. Eine Erweiterung des I/E-Modells für die Grundschule
Authors: Ehm Jan-Henning , Nagler Telse , Lindberg Sven , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: February 2014

Das Internal/External-Frame-of-Reference Modell (I/E-Modell) erklärt die Entwicklung bereichsspezifischer Fähigkeitsselbstkonzepte durch das Zusammenspiel sozialer und dimensionaler Vergleichsprozesse. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird an einer Stichprobe von 1631 Drittklässlern eine Erweiterung des I/E-Modells geprüft, indem die Leistungen im Lesen, Rechtschreiben und Rechnen zu den Selbstkonzepten dieser Fähigkeiten in Beziehung gesetzt werden. Während das Modell für Lesen und Mathematik klar gestützt wird, zeigt sich hinsichtlich des Rechtschreibens keine eindeutige Evidenz für die Erweiterung. Kontrastierende Leistungsvergleiche innerhalb der verbalen Domäne zwischen Lesen und Rechtschreiben konnten nicht aufgezeigt werden.
Training des induktiven Denkens – Fortschreibung der Metaanalyse von 2008
Authors: Klauer Karl Josef
Published: February 2014

Die Metaanalyse von Klauer und Phye (2008) über den Effekt des induktiven Trainings von Klauer basierte auf 74 experimentellen Studien mit 3.595 Probanden und belegte, (a) dass das induktive Training die fluide Intelligenz substantiell verbessert, (b) dass sich der Fördereffekt mittelfristig nicht vermindert und (c) dass Lernen im Unterricht von dem Training mindestens ebenso stark wie die fluide Intelligenz profitiert. Inzwischen wurden weitere 35 experimentelle Studien mit 1.325 Probanden veröffentlicht, wobei das Spektrum der Trainingsprogramme so erweitert worden ist, dass Förderungen fast über die ganze Lebensspanne hinweg möglich wurden. In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst die Ergebnisse der neuen Studien Metaanalysen unterzogen, dann aber auch der Gesamtbestand der vorliegenden Daten (n = 109 Studien, N = 4.668). Über alle Fälle resultieren positive Ergebnisse auf die fluide Intelligenz (d = 0.60), auf Lernen in Unterrichtslektionen (d = 0.68) und auf weitere kognitive Variablen (d = 0.65).
Identification of a probiotic bacteria‐derived activator of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor that inhibits colitis
Authors: Fukumoto Suguru , Toshimitsu Takayuki , Matsuoka Shuji , Maruyama Atsushi , Oh‐oka Kyoko , Takamura Takeyuki , Nakamura Yuki , Ishimaru Kayoko , Fujii‐Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Ikegami Shuji , Itou Hiroyuki , Nakao Atsuhito
Published: February 2014

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) recognizes environmental xenobiotics and is originally thought to be involved in the metabolism (detoxification) of the substances. Recently, AhR is highlighted as an important regulator of inflammation. Notably, accumulating evidence suggests that activation of the AhR suppresses inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Therefore, non‐toxic AhR activators become attractive drug candidates for IBD. This study identified 1,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid (DHNA), a precursor of menaquinone (vitamin K2) abundantly produced by Propionibacterium freudenreichii ET‐3 isolated from Swiss‐type cheese, as an AhR activator. DHNA activated the AhR pathway in human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco2 cells and in the mouse intestine. Oral treatment of mice with DHNA induced anti‐microbial proteins RegIIIβ and γ in the intestine, altered intestinal microbial flora and inhibited dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis, which recapitulated the phenotypes of AhR activation in the gut. As DHNA is commercially available in Japan as a prebiotic supplement without severe adverse effects, DHNA or its derivatives might become a promising drug candidate for IBD via AhR activation. The results also implicate that intestinal AhR might act not only as a sensor for xenobiotics in diet and water but also for commensal bacterial activity because DHNA is a precursor of vitamin K2 produced by vitamin K2‐synthesizing commensal bacteria as well as propionic bacteria. Hence, DHNA might be a key bacterial metabolite in the host–microbe interaction to maintain intestinal microbial ecosystem.
Caspases and inflammasomes in metabolic inflammation
Authors: Skeldon Alexander M , Faraj May , Saleh Maya
Published: February 2014

Inflammation is an important contributor to the development of metabolic disease. Recent work has strongly implicated the inflammasome and caspase‐1 as having a pivotal role in the regulation of metabolism, obesity, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Through multiple murine and human studies we now know that the inflammasome can be activated by metabolic triggers in vivo. Clinical studies also reveal the inflammasome to be a potential candidate for therapeutic intervention and provide a clear incentive for future work on this inflammatory pathway.
Estimates of the changing age-burden of Plasmodium falciparum malaria disease in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Griffin Jamie T. , Ferguson Neil M. , Ghani Azra C.
Published: February 2014

Estimating the changing burden of malaria disease remains difficult owing to limitations in health reporting systems. Here, we use a transmission model incorporating acquisition and loss of immunity to capture age-specific patterns of disease at different transmission intensities. The model is fitted to age-stratified data from 23 sites in Africa, and we then produce maps and estimates of disease burden. We estimate that in 2010 there were 252 (95% credible interval: 171–353) million cases of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa that active case finding would detect. However, only 34% (12–86%) of these cases would be observed through passive case detection. We estimate that the proportion of all cases of clinical malaria that are in under-fives varies from above 60% at high transmission to below 20% at low transmission. The focus of some interventions towards young children may need to be reconsidered, and should be informed by the current local transmission intensity.
Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) with atmospheric pressure ion mobility spectrometry for drug detection
Authors: Roscioli Kristyn M. , Tufariello Jessica A. , Zhang Xing , Li Shelly X. , Goetz Gilles H. , Cheng Guilong , Siems William F. , Hill Herbert H.
Published: February 2014

Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) was coupled to an ambient pressure drift tube ion mobility time-of-flight mass spectrometer (IM-TOFMS) for the direct analysis of active ingredients in pharmaceutical samples.
An unusual macrocyclization reagent for highly selective one-pot synthesis of strained macrocyclic aromatic hexamers
Authors: Fu Haoliang , Chang Hu , Shen Jie , Yu Lin , Qin Bo , Zhang Kun , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: February 2014

One-pot, multi-molecular macrocyclization allows the highly selective preparation of strained macrocyclic hexamers stabilized by an inward-pointing continuous hydrogen-bonding network.
Selective synthesis of secondary amines from nitriles using Pt nanowires as a catalyst
Authors: Lu Shuanglong , Wang Jiaqing , Cao Xueqin , Li Xinming , Gu Hongwei
Published: February 2014

A series of both symmetrical and unsymmetrical secondary amines are synthesized from hydrogenation of nitriles under mild conditions.
Temperature-responsive DNA-gated nanocarriers for intracellular controlled release
Authors: Yu Zhengze , Li Na , Zheng Peipei , Pan Wei , Tang Bo
Published: February 2014

We report a novel strategy to construct temperature-responsive nanocarriers for controlled release based on mesoporous silica and single-stranded DNA valves.
One-step fabrication of a highly conductive and durable copper paste and its flexible dipole tag-antenna application
Authors: Shin Keun-Young , Lee James S. , Hong Jin-Yong , Jang Jyongsik
Published: February 2014

A novel approach to fabricate a highly conductive and durable Cu paste as a screen printing metal ink is explored using acid treatment and mechanical blending with corrosion inhibitors.
The rapid synthesis of photocatalytic (BiO)2CO3 single-crystal nanosheets via an eco-friendly approach
Authors: Dong Fan , Bian Ji , Sun Yanjuan , Xiong Ting , Zhang Wendong
Published: February 2014

(BiO)2CO3 single-crystal nanosheets with an efficient and durable photocatalytic performance were fabricated using CO2 as feed stock within a short time of 30 min.
Ab initio and semi-empirical Molecular Dynamics simulations of chemical reactions in isolated molecules and in clusters
Authors: Gerber R. B. , Shemesh D. , Varner M. E. , Kalinowski J. , Hirshberg B.
Published: February 2014

Recent progress in “on-the-fly” trajectory simulations of molecular reactions, using different electronic structure methods is discussed, with analysis of the insights that such calculations can provide and of the strengths and limitations of the algorithms available.
Mercury availability by operationally defined fractionation in granulometric distributions of soils and mine wastes from an abandoned cinnabar mine
Authors: Fernández-Martínez R. , Loredo J. , Ordóñez A. , Rucandio I.
Published: February 2014

Mercury contamination from historic cinnabar mines represents a potential risk to the environment.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – catalysts for molecular hydrogen formation
Authors: Skov A. L. , Thrower J. D. , Hornekær L.
Published: February 2014

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been shown to catalyse molecular hydrogen formation. The process occurs via atomic hydrogen addition reactions leading to the formation of super-hydrogenated PAH species, followed by molecular hydrogen forming abstraction reactions. Here, we combine quadrupole mass spectrometry data with kinetic simulations to follow the addition of deuterium atoms to the PAH molecule coronene. When exposed to sufficiently large D atom fluences, coronene is observed to be driven towards the completely deuterated state (C24D36) with the mass distribution peaking at 358 amu, just below the peak mass of 360 amu. Kinetic models reproduce the experimental observations for an abstraction cross-section of σabs = 0.01 Å2 per excess H/D atom, and addition cross-sections in the range of σadd = 0.55–2.0 Å2 for all degrees of hydrogenation. These findings indicate that the cross-section for addition does not scale with the number of sites available for addition on the molecule, but rather has a fairly constant value over a large interval of super-hydrogenation levels.
Development of the smartphone-based colorimetry for multi-analyte sensing arrays
Authors: Hong Jong Il , Chang Byoung-Yong
Published: February 2014

Here we describe a smartphone-based colorimetry to quantify multiple analytes by employing automatic recognition and self color-correction.
A novel approach to identify molecular binding to the influenza virus H5N1: screening using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)
Authors: Wangchareansak Thipvaree , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Chuakheaw Daungmanee , Gleeson M. Paul , Lieberzeit Peter A. , Sangma Chak
Published: February 2014

We investigate whether a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) of influenza A H5N1 could be used to help identify molecules capable of binding to, and inhibiting the function of the virus,viaeither competitive or allosteric mechanisms.
Novel 3,5-bis(arylidiene)-4-piperidone based monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin: anticancer activity evaluation and mode of action study
Authors: Thakur Anuj , Manohar Sunny , Vélez Gerena Christian E. , Zayas Beatriz , Kumar Vineet , Malhotra Sanjay V. , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: February 2014

Piperidone-sulphonamide and curcumin based molecular hybrids were synthesised, which showed anti-cancer activity on 60 human tumor cell line panels and their inhibitory effect due to apoptosis.
A structure–property relationship study of bent-core mesogens with pyridine as the central unit
Authors: Marković J. M. , Trišović N. P. , Tóth-Katona T. , Milčić M. K. , Marinković A. D. , Zhang C. , Jákli A. J. , Fodor-Csorba K.
Published: February 2014

The synthesis and characterization of pyridine bent-core liquid crystals are reported. Some compounds exhibit B1 and B7 mesophases. Lower and wider mesophase ranges are obtained by decreasing the polarity of linkers between the pyridine ring and the inner aromatic rings, and increasing the length of terminal chains.
Biodegradable lignin nanocontainers
Authors: Yiamsawas Doungporn , Baier Grit , Thines Eckhard , Landfester Katharina , Wurm Frederik R.
Published: February 2014

“Trees in miniemulsion” – the biopolymer lignin was used to generate biodegradable nanocontainers via an interfacial polyaddition reaction.
Highly sensitive and selective detection of the pyrophosphate anion biomarker under physiological conditions
Authors: Sánchez Guzmán , Curiel David , Tatkiewcz Witold , Ratera Imma , Tárraga Alberto , Veciana Jaume , Molina Pedro
Published: February 2014

Self-assembled monolayers on gold of a multidentate adsorbate bearing a bis(carbazolyl)urea unit are prepared and used as a surface resonance plasmon sensor for the detection of hydrogen pyrophosphate anions under physiological conditions.
Ferroelectric and antiferroelectric odd–even behavior in a tricarbosilane-terminated liquid crystal homologous series
Authors: Hu Nan , Shao Renfan , Zhu Chenhui , Shen Yongqiang , Park Cheol , Korblova Eva , Guerra Carlos , Rego James A. , Hexemer Alexander , Clark Noel A. , Walba David M.
Published: February 2014

An odd–even behavior for the alternative appearance of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity in a tricarbosilane-terminated liquid crystal homologous series is reported.
Light-triggered CO release from nanoporous non-wovens
Authors: Bohlender Carmen , Gläser Steve , Klein Moritz , Weisser Jürgen , Thein Susanne , Neugebauer Ute , Popp Jürgen , Wyrwa Ralf , Schiller Alexander
Published: February 2014

A versatile CO releasing material (CORMA) was generated by embedding light-sensitive Mn2(CO)10 into nanoporous non-wovens via electrospinning.
Fluorescent AuAg alloy clusters: synthesis and SERS applications
Authors: Paramanik Bipattaran , Patra Amitava
Published: February 2014

Top down and bottom up approaches for the synthesis of alloy metal clusters.
Versatile dendrimer-derived nanocrystal microreactors towards fluorescence colloidal photonic crystals
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ling Luting , Wang Cai-Feng , Chen Su , Chen Li , Son David Y.
Published: February 2014

Versatile dendrimer-derived nanocrystal microreactors were first demonstrated in this work to fabricate self-assembled functional colloids and photonic materials.
A highly permeable and selective amino-functionalized MOF CAU-1 membrane for CO2–N2 separation
Authors: Yin Huimin , Wang Jinqu , Xie Zhong , Yang Jianhua , Bai Ju , Lu Jinming , Zhang Yan , Yin Dehong , Lin Jerry Y. S.
Published: February 2014

A CAU-1 membrane with high separation performance for CO2–N2 mixtures demonstrates for the first time the potential of amino-functionalized MOF membranes for CO2 capture.
Interfacial charge separation in Cu2O/RuOx as a visible light driven CO2 reduction catalyst
Authors: Pastor Ernest , Pesci Federico M. , Reynal Anna , Handoko Albertus D. , Guo Mingjia , An Xiaoqiang , Cowan Alexander J. , Klug David R. , Durrant James R. , Tang Junwang
Published: February 2014

Transient absorption spectroscopy as a tool to monitor charge carriers in Cu2O–RuOx photocathodes for CO2 reduction.
Interactions between alkanes and aromatic molecules: a rotational study of pyridine–methane
Authors: Gou Qian , Spada Lorenzo , Vallejo-López Montserrat , Lesarri Alberto , Cocinero Emilio J. , Caminati Walther
Published: February 2014

In its complex with pyridine methane behaves like a rare gas: it can be labeled as “pseudo” rare gas.
Photocatalytic reactions under irradiation of visible light over gold nanoparticles supported on titanium(iv) oxide powder prepared by using a multi-step photodeposition method
Authors: Tanaka Atsuhiro , Sakaguchi Satoshi , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

TiO2 having both smaller and larger Au particles exhibited a H2 formation rate higher than that of the sample without smaller particles.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of novel purine nucleosides as selective cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Schwarz S. , Csuk R. , Rauter A. P.
Published: February 2014

A series of new purine nucleosides bearingd-glucosyl,d-mannosyl andd-galactosyl groups was synthesized. Selective inhibition of butyryl- or acetylcholinesterase could be tuned by purine substitution and glycosyl moiety. The 2-acetamidopurine nucleoside exhibiting ad-mannosyl group, α-configuration and N7-ligation was the most active and selective competitive inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase.
New insight into the effect of the formation environment of ferrihydrite on its structure and properties
Authors: Liu Hui , Li Xiuling , Wang Yan , Yang Xin , Zhen Zhen , Chen Rufen , Hou Denglu , Wei Yu
Published: February 2014

The adsorption and photocatalysis activities of ferrihydrites formed under different environments are porosity-, surficial- and local structure-dependent.
Derivatized cardo-polyetherketone anion exchange membranes for all-vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Yun Sukhwan , Parrondo Javier , Ramani Vijay
Published: February 2014

The stability of cardo-poly(etherketone) based anion exchange membranes was investigated by performing 1-D and 2-D HMQC NMR spectroscopy.
pH-responsive hydrogel cubes for release of doxorubicin in cancer cells
Authors: Kozlovskaya Veronika , Chen Jun , Tedjo Chrysanty , Liang Xing , Campos-Gomez Javier , Oh Jonghwa , Saeed Mohammad , Lungu Claudiu T. , Kharlampieva Eugenia
Published: February 2014

Doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogel cubes release the drug at pH <5. These hydrogels are developed for shape-directed cellular uptake for drug delivery.
Thrombin induces ICAM-1 expression in human lung epithelial cells via c-Src/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt-dependent NF-κB/p300 activation
Authors: Cheng Shin-Ei , Lee I-Ta , Lin Chih-Chung , Hsiao Li-Der , Yang Chuen-Mao
Published: February 2014

Up-regulation of ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) is frequently implicated in lung inflammation and lung diseases, such as IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). Thrombin has been shown to play a key role in inflammation via the induction of adhesion molecules, which then causes lung injury. However, the mechanisms underlying thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression in HPAEpiCs (human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells) remain unclear. In the present study, we have shown that thrombin induced ICAM-1 expression in HPAEpiCs. Pre-treatment with the inhibitor of thrombin [PPACK (D-Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethyl ketone)], c-Src (PP1), PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) (AG1296), PI3K (phosohinositide 3-kinase) (LY294002), NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) (Bay11-7082) or p300 (GR343) and transfection with siRNAs of c-Src, PDGFR, Akt, p65 and p300 markedly reduced thrombin-induced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adherence to HPAEpiCs challenged with thrombin. In addition, we established that thrombin stimulated the phosphorylation of c-Src, PDGFR, Akt and p65, which were inhibited by pre-treatment with their respective inhibitors PP1, AG1296, LY294002 or Bay11-7082. In addition, thrombin also enhanced Akt and NF-κB translocation from the cytosol to the nucleus, which was reduced by PP1, AG1296 or LY294002. Thrombin induced NF-κB promoter activity and the formation of the p65–Akt–p300 complex, which were inhibited by AG1296, LY294002 or PP1. Finally, we have shown that thrombin stimulated in vivo binding of p300, Akt and p65 to the ICAM-1 promoter, which was reduced by AG1296, LY294002, SH-5 or PP1. These results show that thrombin induced ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adherence via a c-Src/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/NF-κB-dependent pathway in HPAEpiCs. Increased understanding of the signalling mechanisms underlying ICAM-1 gene regulation will create opportunities for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.
Edge‐preserving colour‐to‐greyscale conversion
Authors: Wu Ziran , Robinson John
Published: February 2014

This study introduces a colour‐to‐greyscale conversion method using colour clustering and multidimensional scaling that preserves region integrity, that is, it preserves edge structure without low‐frequency distortion. Edges can be extracted from the resulting greyscale images and the results will be close to those obtainable from the original colour image. We compare with prior‐art colour‐to‐greyscale conversion and a recent colour‐edge extractor and show superior performance in each case.
Wideband in‐phase/quadrature imbalance compensation using finite impulse response filter
Authors: Cheng Chi‐Hao , Liou Lee L. , Lin David M. , Tsui James B. , Tai Heng‐Ming
Published: February 2014

The authors proposed an in‐phase/quadrature (I/Q) imbalance compensation technique for wideband digital receiver applications. An I/Q channel‐based receiver can double the receiver working bandwidth. However, the amplitude/phase imbalance of an imperfect hybrid coupler can generate image signals thus reducing the receiver's instantaneous dynamic range. They developed a finite impulse response filter‐based technique to mitigate deleterious effects because of the amplitude/phase imbalance. Both simulations and experiments were conducted to verify validity of the developed algorithm. The simulation and experiment results show that the proposed imbalance mitigation technique can reduce image signal powers by more than 24 dB or down to noise level. A receiver system level simulation is also conducted to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed imbalance mitigation method.
Dynamic voltage restorer control using bi‐objective optimisation to improve power quality's indices
Authors: Khalghani Mohammad Reza , Shamsi‐nejad Mohammad Ali , Khooban Mohammad Hassan
Published: February 2014

Dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) is one of the custom power devices for compensating power quality indices which is used. The main function of DVR that is discussed in many studies is to compensate voltage sag at times when faults occur. For the first time, a new control structure is presented for considering the voltage sag as the main objective and voltage total harmonic distortion (THD) as the second objective of DVR controller. In this strategy, a new and powerful optimisation algorithm (known as chaotic accelerated particle swarm optimisation (CAPSO)) which is an improved version of particle swarm optimisation algorithm is used for determining the coefficients of the proportional–integral controller of DVR. These coefficients are determined in a way that voltage sag is considered as the main objective of optimisation algorithm and voltage THD is considered as its second objective. By fuzzifying the objectives, an appropriate objective function is proposed for the optimisation process. Results obtained from simulation and a comparison made between these results and those of other controllers show that the proposed strategy outperforms other strategies.
Viscosity, relaxation time, and dynamics within a model asphalt of larger molecules
Authors: Li Derek D. , Greenfield Michael L.
Published: February 2014

The dynamics properties of a new “next generation” model asphalt system that represents SHRP AAA-1 asphalt using larger molecules than past models is studied using molecular simulation. The system contains 72 molecules distributed over 12 molecule types that range from nonpolar branched alkanes to polar resins and asphaltenes. Molecular weights range from 290 to 890 g/mol. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations conducted at six temperatures from 298.15 to 533.15 K provide a wealth of correlation data. The modified Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts equation was regressed to reorientation time correlation functions and extrapolated to calculate average rotational relaxation times for individual molecules. The rotational relaxation rate of molecules decreased significantly with increasing size and decreasing temperature. Translational self-diffusion coefficients followed an Arrhenius dependence. Similar activation energies of ∼42 kJ/mol were found for all 12 molecules in the model system, while diffusion prefactors spanned an order of magnitude. Viscosities calculated directly at 533.15 K and estimated at lower temperatures using the Debye-Stokes-Einstein relationship were consistent with experimental data for asphalts. The product of diffusion coefficient and rotational relaxation time showed only small changes with temperature above 358.15 K, indicating rotation and translation that couple self-consistently with viscosity. At lower temperatures, rotation slowed more than diffusion.
Conformational transitions in random heteropolymer models
Authors: Blavatska Viktoria , Janke Wolfhard
Published: February 2014

We study the conformational properties of heteropolymers containing two types of monomers A and B, modeled as self-attracting self-avoiding random walks on a regular lattice. Such a model can describe in particular the sequences of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues in proteins [K. F. Lau and K. A. Dill, Macromolecules 22, 3986 (1989)] and polyampholytes with oppositely charged groups [Y. Kantor and M. Kardar, Europhys. Lett. 28, 169 (1994)]. Treating the sequences of the two types of monomers as quenched random variables, we provide a systematic analysis of possible generalizations of this model. To this end we apply the pruned-enriched Rosenbluth chain-growth algorithm, which allows us to obtain the phase diagrams of extended and compact states coexistence as function of both the temperature and fraction of A and B monomers along the heteropolymer chain.
Bimodal switching field distributions in all-perpendicular spin-valve nanopillars
Authors: Gopman D. B. , Bedau D. , Mangin S. , Fullerton E. E. , Katine J. A. , Kent A. D.
Published: February 2014

Switching field measurements of the free layer element of 75 nm diameter spin-valve nanopillars reveal a bimodal distribution of switching fields at low temperatures (below 100 K). This result is inconsistent with a model of thermal activation over a single perpendicular anisotropy barrier. The correlation between antiparallel to parallel and parallel to antiparallel switching fields increases to nearly 50% at low temperatures. This reflects random fluctuation of the shift of the free layer hysteresis loop between two different magnitudes, which may originate from changes in the dipole field from the polarizing layer. The magnitude of the loop shift changes by 25% and is correlated to transitions of the spin-valve into an antiparallel configuration.
Coercivity enhancement in hot-pressed Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets with low melting eutectics
Authors: Sawatzki Simon , Dirks Almut , Frincu Bianca , Löwe Konrad , Gutfleisch Oliver
Published: February 2014

Nd-Fe-B melt-spun ribbons with optimized composition for hot workability have been hot-compacted together with low melting DyCu, DyNiAl, NdCu, and NdAl powders to enhance coercivity. Annealing at 600 °C leads to an interdiffusion of Dy and Nd at the interfaces between the Nd-Fe-B flakes and the Dy-rich phase. This modifies the grain boundary phase and thus further enhances coercivity without decreasing remanence. The higher coercivity for DyCu compared to DyNiAl was attributed to the lower melting point obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. For NdCu and NdAl, annealing was found to be ineffective.
Evolution of the magnetic properties along the RCuBi2 (R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Sm) series of intermetallic compounds
Authors: Jesus C. B. R. , Piva M. M. , Rosa P. F. S. , Adriano C. , Pagliuso P. G.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the evolution of the magnetic properties along the series of intermetallic compounds RCuBi2 (R = Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Sm) is discussed. These compounds crystallize in a tetragonal ZrCuSi2 (P4/nmm) structure, and our single crystals of RCuBi2 grown from Bi-flux show no evidence for Cu-deficiency [Ye et al., Acta Crystallogr. C 52, 1325 (1996)] as previously reported for R = Ce. For R = Ce, Pr, Gd, and Sm, we found an antiferromagnetic ordering at TN ∼ 16 K, 4.2 K, 13.6 K, and 4.9 K, respectively. For R = Nd, we saw no evidence for a magnetic phase transition down to T = 2 K. These values of TN clearly show a dramatic breakdown of the De Gennes factor in this series. We discuss our data taken into account the tetragonal crystalline electrical field and the anisotropic Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida magnetic interaction between the R-ions in this family of compounds.
Texture formation of hot-deformed nanocomposite Nd2Fe14B/α-Fe magnets by Nb and Zn additions
Authors: Ma Y. L. , Shen Q. , Liu X. B. , Qiu Y. , Li C. H. , Zhou A. R. , Sun J. C. , Chen D. M.
Published: February 2014

The effect of Zn addition on the magnetic properties and microstructure of bulk hot-deformed (NdDy)11.5Fe82.5−xNbxB6 (x = 0–2) alloys has been investigated. The remanence (Br) and coercivity (Hci) can be enhanced substantially by the addition of Nb and can be further improved by the combined addition of Nb and Zn. The addition of Nb increases the volume fraction of intergranular phase and promotes more Zn to diffuse into the grain boundary. This grain boundary with changed properties may benefit the c-axis texture formation during hot-deformation. Additionally, the coercivity of alloys with both Nb and Zn increased up to 22% with increasing deformation ratio, which may be due to the further diffusion of Zn into the grain boundary and the enhancement of magnetic decoupling effect between Nd2Fe14B grains.
Magnetic properties of full Heusler alloys Ni2MnGa1−xZx with Z = Sn or Zn
Authors: Barton L. S. , Lazott R. T. , Marsten E. R.
Published: February 2014

The full Heusler alloys Ni2MnGa1−xZx were prepared by rf-induction melting, with Z = Sn over the range from x = 0 to x = 1, and with Z = Zn for x = 0.0 to x = 0.1. Bulk magnetic properties were measured from 77 K to 450 K. The substitution of Ga with Sn is shown to strongly suppress the martensitic transition. Martensite transition temperatures decrease 25 K per percent Sn. Four Sn bearing samples with x < 0.05 map this effect. The ferromagnetic Curie temperature varies little with Sn content. Thirteen samples spanning the range from x = 0.0 to x = 1.0 show that Tc varies only from 378 K (x = 0) to 333 K (x = 1). Conversely, the substitution of Ga with Zn rapidly increases the martensitic transition temperature. With several percent Zn, the martensite transition is at room temperature. The sample preparation difficulties of Zn substitution, due to the low vaporization temperature of metallic zinc, are discussed.
Hydrodynamic effects on scale-free polymer networks in external fields
Authors: Galiceanu M.
Published: February 2014

We numerically analyze the influence of hydrodynamic interactions (HI) on scale-free polymer networks under external forces. We envisage that these polymer networks move under external applied fields: mechanical or electrical type. We work in the framework of the bead-spring model and include the HI in a preaveraged Oseen manner. We focus on physical quantities which depend on the eigenvalue spectrum: averaged monomer displacement and the mechanical relaxation modulus with its two components: the storage and the loss modulus. We analyze how these quantities depend on the underlying topology, such as the number of monomers and γ, which is the parameter that measures the connectivity of a network. The influence of topology appears in the intermediate region of time or frequency. For intermediate time/frequency region we do not encounter regions of constant slope by considering the hydrodynamic interactions, differently from the Rouse model, which neglects these HI. As expected we observe a more linear-like topology for high values of γ and a more star-like shape for low γs.
A reinterpretation of the electronic spectrum of pyrrole: A quantum dynamics study
Authors: Neville S. P. , Worth G. A.
Published: February 2014

The first band in the electronic spectrum of pyrrole is calculated from wavepacket propagations performed using the MCTDH method. To do so, two model Hamiltonians are constructed to describe seven low-lying excited electronic states of pyrrole. These Hamiltonians are based on the vibronic coupling model, and are parameterised via fitting to extensive CASPT2 and EOM-CCSD calculations. A detailed analysis of the structure of pyrrole's electronic spectrum in the range 5.5 to 6.5 eV is made. The role of intensity borrowing from transitions to ππ* states by lower-lying 3s and 3p Rydberg states is assessed, and reassignments of much of the spectrum are subsequently made which indicate that most of the states in the spectrum are predominantly Rydberg in character. The resulting conclusions drawn serve to highlight the limitations of assignments based on the matching of calculated vertical excitation energies and the positions of peak maxima observed in electronic spectra.
Influence of the interface on the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic ultrathin films with various adjacent copper thicknesses
Authors: Zhang Dong , Jiang Sheng , Luo Chen , Wang Yukun , Rui Wenbin , Zhai Ya , Du Jun , Zhai Hongru
Published: February 2014

The interface and magnetic properties of two series of films with Ta(5 nm)/Fe20Ni80Nd0.017(3 nm)/Cu(t nm) and Ta(5 nm)/Cu(t nm)/Fe50Co50Gd0.07(3 nm)/Cu(2 nm) structures have been investigated by atomic force microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The roughness of all films increases with increasing copper thickness, which causes the different grain sizes in the surface of films. The coercivity of FeCo-Gd films increases with increasing thickness of inserted Cu layer while decreases with increasing thickness of Cu capping layer for FeNi-Nd films. FMR linewidth exhibits huge dependence on the thickness of inserted Cu layer for FeCo-Gd films, increasing from 2270 to 3680 Oe, which comes from the additional contribution of effect of the two-magnon scattering. And the thickness of Cu capping layer shows also an influence on FMR linewidth of FeNi-Nd films, increasing from 190 to 320 Oe, which mainly comes from intrinsic FMR linewidth and plus minor inhomogeneous broadening. All of these extrinsic linewidth broadening are related to the interface roughness.
Magneto-optical properties of biogenic photonic crystals in algae
Authors: Iwasaka M. , Mizukawa Y.
Published: February 2014

In the present study, the effects of strong static magnetic fields on the structural colors of the cell covering crystals on a microalgae, coccolithophore, were investigated. The coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi, generates a precise assembly of calcite crystals called coccoliths by biomineralization. The coccoliths attached to the cells exhibited structural colors under side light illumination, and the colors underwent dynamic transitions when the magnetic fields were changed between 0 T and 5 T, probably due to diamagnetically induced changes of their inclination under the magnetic fields. The specific light-scattering property of individual coccoliths separated from the cells was also observed. Light scattering from a condensed suspension of coccoliths drastically decreased when magnetic fields of more than 4 T were applied parallel to the direction of observation. The magnetically aligned cell-covering crystals of the coccolithophores exhibited the properties of both a photonic crystal and a minimum micromirror.
Performance of FeCoB based thin-film microwave noise suppressor applied to the electromagnetic interference design in the GHz frequency range
Authors: Qiu Jing , Wen Yumei , Li Ping , Yang Jin , Li Wenli
Published: February 2014

To develop high performance microwave noise suppressor, the microwave noise suppressors based on a microstrip line using FeCoB based magnetic thin film are presented, whose microwave noise suppression effects have been investigated. It was found that suitable low argon pressure is beneficial to the improvement of microwave noise suppression. In addition, the microwave noise suppression properties of microwave noise suppressor could be tuned by controlling the geometric dimension of FeCoB based magnetic thin film and SiO2 dielectric layer, resulted from the ferromagnetic resonance loss and eddy current loss. The maximum power loss ratio (Ploss/Pin) of thin-film microwave noise suppressor (the length, width, and thickness of FeCoNiB thin film are 25 mm, 10 mm, and 250 nm, respectively) achieves 0.75 at 3.4 GHz. These results show that the presented film noise suppressors have potential for the electromagnetic interference design in the GHz frequency range.
Core/shell/shell-structured nickel/carbon/polyaniline nanocapsules with large absorbing bandwidth and absorber thickness range
Authors: Liu Xianguo , Wing Or Siu , Ming Leung Chung , Ho S. L.
Published: February 2014

Core/shell/shell-structured nickel/carbon/polyaniline nanocapsules are prepared by a modified arc-discharge method and a chemical polymerization method, and their microwave absorbing properties are evaluated in the 2–18 GHz range covering the full S–Ku bands of microwaves. The bandwidth-broadening effect in various core/shell/shell material phases of the nanocapsules leads to Debye-type multidielectric polarizations in complex permittivity, a broad magnetic natural resonance of 2–8 GHz in complex permeability as well as extended absorbing bandwidth and absorber thickness range. A 3 mm-thick paraffin-bonded nanocapsule absorber shows an optimal reflection loss (RL) of −9.3 dB at 6.2 GHz with an extremely broad −5 dB-bandwidth of 3.4–18 GHz in almost the whole S–Ku bands as well as a very large absorber thickness range of down to 1 mm without deteriorating RL by 10%.
Charge symmetric dissociation of doubly ionized N2 and CO molecules
Authors: Pandey A. , Bapat B. , Shamasundar K. R.
Published: February 2014

We report a comparative study of the features in dissociative double ionization by high energy electron impact of N2 and CO molecules. The ratio of cross-section of charge symmetric dissociative ionization to non-dissociative ionization (CSD-to-ND ratio) and the kinetic energy release (KER) spectra of dissociation are experimentally measured and carefully corrected for various ion transmission losses and detector inefficiencies. Given that the double ionization cross sections of these iso-electronic diatomics are very similar, the large difference in the CSD-to-ND ratios must be attributable to the differences in the evolution dynamics of the dications. To understand these differences, potential energy curves (PECs) of dications have been computed using multi-reference configuration interaction method. The Franck-Condon factors and tunneling life times of vibrational levels of dications have also been computed. While the KER spectrum of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm N}_2^{++}$\end{document}N2++ can be readily explained by considering dissociation via repulsive states and tunneling of meta-stable states, indirect dissociation processes such as predissociation and autoionization have to be taken into account to understand the major features of the KER spectrum of CO++. Direct and indirect processes identified on the basis of the PECs and experimental KER spectra also provide insights into the differences in the CSD-to-ND ratios.
Investigation of site preference of Zn doped Ba3Co2−xZnxFe24O41 by Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Lim Jung Tae , Kim Chul Sung
Published: February 2014

The polycrystalline Ba3Co2−xZnxFe24O41 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0) samples were prepared by using solid-state-reaction method. The crystal structures and magnetic properties of samples were investigated with x-ray diffractometer, vibrating sample magnetometer, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The crystal structure of Ba3Co2−xZnxFe24O41 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0) samples was determined to be a hexagonal structure with P63/mmc space group at 295 K, and the saturation magnetization (Ms) of Ba3Co2−xZnxFe24O41 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0) samples were found to be Ms = 50.9, 53.1, 55.0 emu/g, respectively. From the temperature dependence of magnetization curves under 100 Oe between 4.2 and 740 K, we were able to observe the spin transition, and both spin transition temperature (Ts) and Curie temperature (TC) decrease with increasing Zn concentration. Mössbauer spectra of all samples were obtained and analyzed at various temperatures ranging from 4.2 to 295 K. With ten-sextets for Fe sites corresponding to the Z-type hexagonal crystallographic sites, all spectra below TC were fitted by least-square method. In addition, from the site occupation numbers of Fe, calculated from the relative areas fitted to the Mössbauer spectra, we find that Zn ions preferentially occupy the tetrahedral sublattices of down sites.