bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stall Inception and Development Process Due to Tip Leakage Flow in Axial Compressor Rotor Blades Row
Authors: Taghavi-Zenou R. , Abbasi S. , Eslami S.
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with tip leakage flow structure in subsonic axial compressor rotor blades row under different operating conditions. Analyses are based on flow simulation utilizing computational fluid dynamic technique. Three different circumstances at near stall condition are considered in this respect. Tip leakage flow frequency spectrum was studied through surveying instantaneous static pressure signals imposed on blades surfaces. Results at the highest flow rate, close to the stall condition, showed that the tip vortex flow fluctuates with a frequency close to the blade passing frequency. In addition, pressure signals remained unchanged with time. Moreover, equal pressure fluctuations at different passages guaranteed no peripheral disturbances. Tip leakage flow frequency decreased with reduction of the mass flow rate and its structure was changing with time. Spillage of the tip leakage flow from the blade leading edge occurred without any backflow in the trailing edge region. Consequently, various flow structures were observed within every passage between two adjacent blades. Further decrease in the mass flow rate provided conditions where the spilled flow ahead of the blade leading edge together with trailing edge backflow caused spike stall to occur. This latter phenomenon was accompanied by lower frequencies and higher amplitudes of the pressure signals. Further revolution of the rotor blade row caused the spike stall to eventuate to larger stall cells, which may be led to fully developed rotating stall.
Probability Distribution for Mobilized Shear Strengths of Saturated Undrained Clays Modeled by 2-D Stationary Gaussian Random Field - A 1-D Stochastic Process View
Authors: Ching J. , Lin C.-J.
Published: March 2014

This paper shows that the mobilized shear strength of a two-dimensional (2-D) spatially variable saturated undrained clay is closely related to the extreme value of a one-dimensional (1-D) continuous stationary stochastic process. This 1-D stochastic process is the integration of the 2-D spatially variable shear strength along potential slip curves. Based on this finding, a probability distribution model for the mobilized shear strength of the 2-D clay is developed based on a probability distribution model for the extreme value of the 1-D stochastic process. The latter (the model for the 1-D extreme value) has analytical expressions. With the proposed probability distribution model, the mobilized shear strength of a 2-D clay can be simulated without the costly random field finite element analyses.
A Converse of the Loewner–Heinz Inequality, Geometric Mean and Spectral Order
Authors: Uchiyama Mitsuru
Published: March 2014

Let A, B be non-negative bounded self-adjoint operators, and let a be a real number such that 0 < a < 1. The Loewner–Heinz inequality means that A ≤ B implies that Aa ≦ Ba. We show that A ≤ B if and only if (A + λ)a ≦ (B + λ)a for every λ > 0. We then apply this to the geometric mean and spectral order.
Onα-Polynomial Regular Functions, with Applications to Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Fenton Peter , Grohn Janne , Heittokangas Janne , Rossi John , Rattya Jouni
Published: March 2014

This research deals with properties of polynomial regular functions, which were introduced in a recent study concerning Wiman-Valiron theory in the unit disc. The relation of polynomial regular functions to a number of function classes is investigated. Of particular interest is the connection to the growth classGα, which is closely associated with the theory of linear differential equations with analytic coefficients in the unit disc. If the coefficients are polynomial regular functions, then it turns out that a finite set of real numbers containing all possible maximum modulus orders of solutions can be found. This is in contrast to what is known about the case when the coefficients belong toGα.
Asset Specificity, Industry-Driven Recovery Risk, and Loan Pricing
Authors: James Christopher , Kizilaslan Atay
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the relationship between a firm’s exposure to industry downturns that we call industry risk and bank loan pricing. We measure industry risk based on the relationship between a firm’s stock returns and industry returns conditional on an industry downturn. We find industry risk is significantly related to the recovery rates in bankruptcy and the likelihood of the firm experiencing financial distress when its peers are also in distress. More importantly, we find that the spreads on unsecured bank loans are positively related to industry risk measures. These relationships are stronger for firms with more industry-specific assets.
Indécidabilité de corps de séries formelles
Authors: Delon Françoise , Rouani Yamina
Published: March 2014

Consider k((G)) in the language of valued fields enriched with a unary predicate for the set of constants and another one for the cross-section. For perfect k, this structure is undecidable if it does not satisfy Kaplansky's conditions.
Addendum to “The truth is never simple”
Authors: Burgess John P.
Published: March 2014

The present note outlines an answer to a question listed as open in our recent survey article [1], familiarity with which is assumed.

Let Γ be the class of all X ⊆ ω such that X is reducible to for some some arithmetical and some positive with Y ⊆ p(Y) for all Y.

A.1. Theorem. is a complete set of class Γ.

A.2. Corollary, (a) is-in-a--parameter.

(b) (i) Every set-in-a--parameter is reducible to.

(ii) Every set-in-a--parameter is reducible to.

Remarks. A.1 answers 7.3 of [1]. A.2 says as much as can be said about in terms of the coarse classifications of the analytical hierarchy. A.2 follows from A.1 by general methods and results in the theory of inductive definitions (having nothing specifically to do with truth), and its proof will be omitted.

Proof of A.1. We omit subscripts vF.

Upper Bound. Define
Correction to “Simple r. e. degree structures”
Authors: Lubarsky Robert S.
Published: March 2014

In the paper mentioned in the title (this Journal, vol. 52 (1987), pp. 208–213), it is shown that if ⊨ “V = HC is recursively inaccessible” is ω-standard -nonstandard, then = s.p.() has at most four r. e. degrees. They are 0 = deg(∅), = deg{e ∣ We is a recursive well-ordering of ω}, = deg{R ∣ ⊨ “R codes a well-ordering”}, and ∨ . Furthermore, 0 < < ∨ and 0 < . Then it is claimed that < < ∨ and = ∨ if are each possible. In fact, < < ∨ always.

The mistake in the argument is that the model ≤T is really a structure on a set, which we may as well take as ω: there is an R ⊆ ω × ω, R ≤T, and ‹ω, R› ≃ . So a copy of coded as a relation on ω is ≤ over . But there is no reason to think that the restriction of the isomorphism of and ‹ω, R› to is Σ1().
Finite automata, real time processes and counting problems in bounded arithmetics
Authors: Kutyłowski Mirosław
Published: March 2014

In this paper we present a negative solution of counting problems for some classes slightly different from bounded arithmetic (Δ0sets). To get the results we study properties of chains of finite automata.
Initial segments ofΔ2n+11-degrees
Authors: Kastanas Ilias G.
Published: March 2014

A standard result about hyperdegrees is proved (under PD) for allΔ2n+11-degrees.
Dominical categories: recursion theory without elements
Authors: di Paola Robert A. , Heller Alex
Published: March 2014

Dominical categories are categories in which the notions of partial morphisms and their domains become explicit, with the latter being endomorphisms rather than subobjects of their sources. These categories form the basis for a novel abstract formulation of recursion theory, to which the present paper is devoted. The abstractness has of course its usual concomitant advantage of generality: it is interesting to see that many of the fundamental results of recursion theory remain valid in contexts far removed from their classic manifestations. A principal reason for introducing this new formulation is to achieve an algebraization of the generalized incompleteness theorem, by providing a category-theoretic development of the concepts and tools of elementary recursion theory that are inherent in demonstrating the theorem.

Dominical recursion theory avoids the commitment to sets and partial functions which is characteristic of other formulations, and thus allows for an intrinsic recursion theory within such structures as polyadic algebras. It is worthy of notice that much of elementary recursion theory can be developedwithout referencetoelements.

By Gödel's generalized incompleteness theorem for consistent arithmetical systemTwe mean any statement of the following sort:

(1) if every recursive set is definable inT, thenTis essentially undecidable [41]; or

(2) if all recursive functions are definable inT, thenTis essentially undecidable [41]; or

(3) if every recursive set is definable inT, thenT0andR0(the sets of Gödel numbers of the theorems and refutables ofT) are recursively inseparable [39]; or

(4) if all re sets are representable inT, thenT0is creative [28], [39]; or

(5) ifTis a Rosser theory (i.e., all disjoint re sets are strongly separable inT), thenT0andR0are effectively inseparable [39].
Von Mises' definition of random sequences reconsidered
Authors: van Lambalgen Michiel
Published: March 2014

We review briefly the attempts to define random sequences (§0). These attempts suggest two theorems: one concerning the number of subsequence selection procedures that transform a random sequence into a random sequence (§§1–3 and 5); the other concerning the relationship between definitions of randomness based on subsequence selection and those based on statistical tests (§4).
Périodicité des théories élémentaires des corps de séries formelles itérées
Authors: Delon Françoise
Published: March 2014

C. U. Jensen suggested the following construction, starting from a fieldK:

and asked when two fieldsKαandKβare equivalent. We give a complete answer in the case of a fieldKof characteristic 0.
The theory of the Gödel functionals
Authors: Goodman Nicolas D.
Published: March 2014

In [2] we described an arithmetic theory of constructions (ATC) and showed that first-order intuitionistic arithmetic (HA) could be interpreted in it. In [3] we went on to show that the interpretation of HA in ATC is faithful. The purpose of the present paper is to apply these ideas to intuitionistic arithmetic in all finite types. Tait has shown [6] that a conservative extension of HA is obtained by adding the Gödel functionals with intuitionistic logic and intensional identity in all finite types. Below we show that this extension remains conservative on the addition of certain axioms of choice which are evident on the intended interpretation of the intuitionistic logical connectives. This theorem (Corollary 6.2 below) was first obtained by a more complicated argument in our dissertation [1]. Some of its implications are discussed in Goodman and Myhill [4].

We assume that the reader is familiar with [2] and [3].
Modal reduction principles
Authors: van Benthem J.F.A.K.
Published: March 2014

Modal reduction principles (MRPs) are modal formulas of the following form: Mp → Np, where M, N are (possibly empty) sequences of modal operators (i.e. □ or ◊). The notation M, N will be used to abbreviate such an MRP. We study a certain semantic correspondence between modal formulas and relational properties and obtain two main results. (1) On transitive semantic structures every MRP corresponds to a first-order relational property. (2) For the general case a syntactic criterion exists for distinguishing modal formulas with corresponding first-order properties from the others.
The inconsistency of
Authors: Bunder M. W.
Published: March 2014

In [4] Curry raised the possibility that his system proposed in ξ15C of [3] might be inconsistent. In this paper this inconsistency is proved using a method also employed in [1].

From Curry's axiom ⊦LH, it follows that

holds for arbitrary X.

The other results from that are required are

Modus Ponens, and the Deduction Theorem for implication:

Assuming ⊦HA, we define as in [1]:

and let

where Y is the paradoxical (or fixed point) combinator.

We have X = G2X, so, by (2), H X ⊦ X ⊃ G2X which is HX ⊦ X ⊃. H2X ⊃ G1X. Clearly HX ⊦ H(G1X) and, by (5), HX ⊦ H3X, so that, by (3), H X ⊦ H2X ⊃. X ⊃ G1X and by (5) and Modus Ponens HX ⊦ X ⊃ G1X. This is HX ⊦ X ⊃: HX ⊃. X ⊃ A which by (3) and Modus Ponens gives

which gives, by (4), HX ⊦ X ⊃ A. Now, by (1) and (DT),

which is ⊦G1X. But we have ⊦H2X so, by the (DT), ⊦H2X ⊃ G1X which is ⊦G2X. Thus we have proved ⊦X.
A combinatorial property of pκλ
Authors: Menas Telis K.
Published: March 2014

In a paper on combinatorial properties and large cardinals [2], Jech extended several combinatorial properties of a cardinal κ to analogous properties of the set of all subsets of λ of cardinality less than κ, denoted by “pκλ”, where λ is any cardinal ≤κ. We shall consider in this paper one of these properties which is historically rooted in a theorem of Ramsey [10] and in work of Rowbottom [12].

As in [2], define [pκλ]2 = {{x, y}: x, y ∈ pκλ and x ≠ y}. An unbounded subset A of pκλ is homogeneous for a function F: [pκλ]2 → 2 if there is a k < 2 so that for all x, y ∈ A with either x ⊊ y or y ⊊ x, F({x, y}) = k. A two-valued measure ü on pκλ is fine if it is κ-complete and if for all α < λ, ü({x ∈ pκλ: α ∈ x}) = 1, and ü is normal if, in addition, for every function f: pκλ → λsuch that ü({x ∈ pκλ: f(x) ∈ x}) = 1, there is an α < λ such that ü({x ∈ pκλ: f(x) = α}) = 1. Finally, a fine measure on pκλ has the partition property if every F: [pκλ]2 → 2 has a homogeneous set of measure one.
An Abstract form of the church-rosser theorem. I
Authors: Hindley R.
Published: March 2014

One of the basic results in the theory of λ-conversion is the Church-Rosser Theorem, which says that, using certain rules for conversion and reduction of λ-formulae, any two interconvertible formulae can both be reduced to one formula. (I will not explain this in detail, as λ-conversion is described fully in Church's [2], where the Church-Rosser Theorem is Theorem 7 XXVII; see also Chapter 4 of Curry and Feys' [3].) The first part of the present paper contains an abstract form of this theorem.
Inflectional morphological awareness and word reading and reading comprehension in Greek
Authors: ROTHOU KYRIAKOULA M. , PADELIADU SUSANA
Published: March 2014

The study explored the contribution of two aspects of inflectional morphological awareness, verb inflection and noun–adjective inflection, to word reading and reading comprehension in the Greek language, which is an orthographically transparent language. Participants (120 first graders, 123 second graders, 126 third graders) were given two oral language experimental tasks of inflectional morphological awareness. Furthermore, phonological awareness, receptive vocabulary, expressive vocabulary, decoding, and reading comprehension were evaluated. It was revealed that noun–adjective inflectional morphology contributed significantly to decoding only in first grade, while verb inflectional morphology had a significant contribution to reading comprehension in third grade. It is interesting that inflectional morphological awareness did not predict reading skills for second graders. Phonological awareness was a firm predictor of word reading in all grades and made a unique contribution in Grades 2 and 3. Finally, in all grades, receptive vocabulary was a steady predictor of reading comprehension, whereas expressive vocabulary predicted only first-grade reading comprehension. It is suggested that inflectional morphological awareness may be an important predictor of early reading in a language with a shallow orthography and a rich morphology.
Design of 3-legged XYZ compliant parallel manipulators with minimised parasitic rotations
Authors: Hao Guangbo , Li Haiyang
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with the design of 3-legged distributed-compliance XYZ compliant parallel manipulators (CPMs) with minimised parasitic rotations, based on the kinematically decoupled 3-PPPRR (P: prismatic joint, and R: revolute joint) and 3-PPPR translational parallel mechanisms (TPMs). The designs are firstly proposed using the kinematic substitution approach, with the help of the stiffness center (SC) overlapping based approach. This is done by an appropriate embedded arrangement so that all of the SCs associated with the passive compliant modules overlap at the point where all of the input forces applied at the input stages intersect. Kinematostatic modelling and characteristic analysis are then carried out for the proposed large-range 3-PPPRR XYZ CPM with overlapping SCs. The results from finite element analysis (FEA) are compared to the characteristics found for the developed analytical models, as are experimental testing results (primary motion) from the prototyped 3-PPPRR XYZ CPM with overlapping SCs. Finally, issues on large-range motion and dynamics of such designs are discussed, as are possible improvements of the actuated compliant P joint. It is shown that the potential merits of the designs presented here include a) minimised parasitic rotations by only using three identical compliant legs; b) compact configurations and small size due to the use of embedded designs; c) approximately kinematostatically decoupled designs capable of easy controls; and d) monolithic fabrication for each leg using existing planar manufacturing technologies such as electric discharge machining (EDM).
Differential plant damage due to litterfall in palm-dominated forest stands in a Central Pacific atoll
Authors: Young Hillary S. , McCauley Douglas J. , Pollock Amanda , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: March 2014

High densities of palms are common in many tropical forests. In some cases, the dominance of palms has been associated with a depauperate understorey and high rates of native seedling mortality. A variety of different potential mechanisms has been suggested to explain the sustained palm dominance in the understorey and canopy of these forests. Working in a Cocos nucifera-dominated wet tropical forest at Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific, we examine how litterfall from this pantropical, and economically important palm, impacts seedling survival. We compare rates of litterfall, and rates of litterfall-associated damage, between forest stands dominated by C. nucifera (coconut palm) and forest stands with low abundance of C. nucifera. To assess litterfall damage we survey damage to both artificial seedlings (n = 711), outplanted real seedlings of two species (with and without protection via caging; n = 204), and standing rates of litterfall damage. We find that rates of large-litterfall damage were an average of five times higher in sites with high densities of C. nucifera. Associated with these increases we observe that levels of physical damage to artificial model seedlings caused by litterfall over a 4-mo period increased from 4.9% in sites with low abundance of C. nucifera to 16.1% in sites with high abundance of C. nucifera. Extrapolated to annual rates, litterfall damage of this magnitude exceeds the average levels observed in other published studies. Living native seedlings also showed more than 300% higher levels of mortality in forest stands with high densities of C. nucifera, a difference that was greatly reduced when protected by caging from litterfall. In contrast, uncaged C. nucifera seedlings actually had slightly higher survivorship in habitats dominated by conspecifics. We suggest that litterfall damage may be an important mechanism by which this tropical palm reaches and maintains near monodominance in many coastal and insular habitats.
Abstraction, Idealization and Ideology in Ethics
Authors: O'Neill Onora
Published: March 2014

Although Burke, Bentham, Hegel and Marx do not often agree, all criticized certain ethical theories, in particular theories of rights, for being too abstract. The complaint is still popular. It was common in Existentialist and in Wittgensteinian writing that stressed the importance of cases and examples rather than principles for the moral life; it has been prominent in recent Hegelian and Aristotelian flavoured writing, which stresses the importance of the virtues; it is reiterated in discussions that stress the distinctiveness and particularity of moral vicissitudes and query the importance of ethical theory. Recent critics of abstraction are opposed not only to theories of rights, and the Kantian notions with which these are linked, but also to consequentialist ethical theories. The two ethical theories that are most influential in the English-speaking world now both stand accused of being too abstract.
Does Amount and Type of Activity Matter in Behavioral Activation? A Preliminary Investigation of the Relationship between Pleasant, Functional, and Social Activities and Outcome
Authors: Hershenberg Rachel , Paulson Daniel , Gros Daniel F. , Acierno Ron
Published: March 2014

Background: Accumulating evidence supports behavioral activation (BA) as an effective stand-alone treatment for improving depression and related conditions, though little is known about the factors that influence positive outcomes. Such research is ripe for future dissemination and implementation efforts, particularly among vulnerable older adult populations in need of such efficacious and transportable treatments.Aims: Given the central but largely unexamined role that increasing activities plays in BA, we investigated the association between participation in weekly activities and treatment outcome.Method: As a preliminary study of this research question, we report on a sample of 20 older adults with symptoms of depression and complicated bereavement who completed 5 weeks of BA, pre- and posttreatment measures, and weekly planners of BA activities. All activities were coded as either functional or pleasurable (by participants) and if they were social in nature (by trained coders).Results: Overall, BA was associated with reductions in symptomatology. However, participants’ total number of reported activities, and their relative proportion of functional, pleasurable, and social activities, did not significantly relate to their improvement in symptoms.Conclusion: One interpretation of the findings suggests that countering avoidance more generally, potentially independent of the specific type or total amount of activation activities, may be associated with amelioration of symptomatology.
POLICY AND WELFARE EFFECTS OF WITHIN-PERIOD COMMITMENT
Authors: Martin Fernando M.
Published: March 2014

Consider the problem of a benevolent government that needs to finance the provision of a public good with distortionary taxes and cannot commit to policies beyond the current period. In such a case, public expenditure is inefficiently low. If the government further loses the ability to set tax rates before production in the period takes place, then it will not internalize how its policy choices distort current factor markets. Thus, to counterbalance the costs of future distortions, it increases public good provision. For a calibrated economy, removing within-period commitment implies a welfare gain worth half a percent of yearly consumption. A similar gain can be obtained if instead, capital depreciation is allowed to be fully deducted from taxable income.
Family stories of end-of-life cancer care when unable to fulfill a loved one's wish to die at home
Authors: Seal Karen , Murray Craig D. , Seddon Lesley
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Control over place of death is deemed important, not only in providing a “good death,” but also in offering person-centered palliative care. Despite the wish to die at home being endorsed by many, few achieve it. The present study aimed to explore the reasons why this wish is not fulfilled by examining the stories of ten individuals who lost a loved one to cancer.

Method:

We adopted a narrative approach, with stories synthesized to create one metastory depicting plot similarities and differences.

Results:

Stories were divided into four chapters: (1) the cancer diagnosis, (2) the terminal stage and advancement of death, (3) death itself, and (4) reflections on the whole experience. Additionally, several reasons for cessation of home care were uncovered, including the need to consider children's welfare, exhaustion, and admission of the loved one by professionals due to a medical emergency. Some participants described adverse effects as a result of being unable to continue to support their loved one's wish to remain at home.

Significance of Results:

Reflections upon the accounts are provided with a discussion around potential clinical implications.
Caring for people dying in acute hospitals: A mixed-methods study to examine relative's perceptions of care
Authors: Clark Katherine , Cain Jess , Campbell Lyn , Byfieldt Naomi
Published: March 2014

Objective:

Improving the care provided for people dying in acute healthcare facilities has been identified as a priority for Australian healthcare. Previous observations support the idea that quality care improves outcomes for the dying person as well as for their relatives. To improve care it is essential that there be a clear understanding of which issues require attention. The aim of our project was to improve the understanding of the experiences of family members whose relatives had died on an acute medical ward.

Method:

A mixed-methods approach was adopted for our study. With the approval of the human ethics committee, relatives were approached within three months of the death of their family member and invited to participate in an interview based on a quality-of-dying-and-death (QoDD) tool.

Results:

Of the 50 families approached, 10 agreed to be interviewed. When they were asked to reflect on the experiences of the dying person, the issues that they articulated most strongly related to the need to have time before death to address issues and spend time with important others. With regards to the needs of the dying person's relatives, people articulated strongly that they needed information, support, and evidence of good symptom control. The provision of support post-death was also poignantly highlighted.

Significance of Results:

This study supports observations made in other clinical areas that have identified that timely communication, good symptom control, and ongoing support for both the dying person and their family has important ramifications. Articulating such details is an important part of understanding which aspects of care require attention.
New insights into Oculina patagonica coral diseases and their associated Vibrio spp. communities
Authors: Rubio-Portillo Esther , Yarza Pablo , Peñalver Cindy , Ramos-Esplá Alfonso A , Antón Josefa
Published: March 2014

Bleaching of Oculina patagonica has been extensively studied in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, although no studies have been carried out in the Western basin. In 1996 Vibrio mediterranei was reported as the causative agent of bleaching in O. patagonica but it has not been related to bleached or healthy corals since 2003, suggesting that it was no longer involved in bleaching of O. patagonica. In an attempt to clarify the relationship between Vibrio spp., seawater temperature and coral diseases, as well as to investigate the putative differences between Eastern and Western Mediterranean basins, we have analysed the seasonal patterns of the culturable Vibrio spp. assemblages associated with healthy and diseased O. patagonica colonies. Two sampling points located in the Spanish Mediterranean coast were chosen for this study: Alicante Harbour and the Marine Reserve of Tabarca. A complex and dynamic assemblage of Vibrio spp. was present in O. patagonica along the whole year and under different environmental conditions and coral health status. While some Vibrio spp. were detected all year around in corals, the known pathogens V. mediteranei and V. coralliilyticus were only present in diseased specimens. The pathogenic potential of these bacteria was studied by experimental infection under laboratory conditions. Both vibrios caused diseased signs from 24 °C, being higher and faster at 28 °C. Unexpectedly, the co-inoculation of these two Vibrio species seemed to have a synergistic pathogenic effect over O. patagonica, as disease signs were readily observed at temperatures at which bleaching is not normally observed.
The mid-domain effect in ectomycorrhizal fungi: range overlap along an elevation gradient on Mount Fuji, Japan
Authors: Miyamoto Yumiko , Nakano Takashi , Hattori Masahira , Nara Kazuhide
Published: March 2014

Mid-domain effect (MDE) models predict that the random placement of species’ ranges within a bounded geographical area leads to increased range overlap and species richness in the center of the bounded area. These models are frequently applied to study species-richness patterns of macroorganisms, but the MDE in relation to microorganisms is poorly understood. In this study, we examined the characteristics of the MDE in richness patterns of ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi, an ecologically important group of soil symbionts. We conducted intensive soil sampling to investigate overlap among species ranges and the applicability of the MDE to EM fungi in four temperate forest stands along an elevation gradient on Mount Fuji, Japan. Molecular analyses using direct sequencing revealed 302 EM fungal species. Of 73 EM fungal species found in multiple stands, 72 inhabited a continuous range along the elevation gradient. The maximum overlap in species range and the highest species richness occurred at elevations in the middle of the gradient. The observed richness pattern also fit within the 95% confidence interval of the mid-domain null model, supporting the role of the MDE in EM fungal richness. Deviation in observed richness from the mean of the mid-domain null estimation was negatively correlated with some environmental factors, including precipitation and soil C/N, indicating that unexplained richness patterns could be driven by these environmental factors. Our results clearly support the existence of microbial species’ ranges along environmental gradients and the potential applicability of the MDE to better understand microbial diversity patterns.
Picocyanobacteria containing a novel pigment gene cluster dominate the brackish water Baltic Sea
Authors: Larsson John , Celepli Narin , Ininbergs Karolina , Dupont Christopher L , Yooseph Shibu , Bergman Bigitta , Ekman Martin
Published: March 2014

Photoautotrophic picocyanobacteria harvest light via phycobilisomes (PBS) consisting of the pigments phycocyanin (PC) and phycoerythrin (PE), encoded by genes in conserved gene clusters. The presence and arrangement of these gene clusters give picocyanobacteria characteristic light absorption properties and allow the colonization of specific ecological niches. To date, a full understanding of the evolution and distribution of the PBS gene cluster in picocyanobacteria has been hampered by the scarcity of genome sequences from fresh- and brackish water-adapted strains. To remediate this, we analysed genomes assembled from metagenomic samples collected along a natural salinity gradient, and over the course of a growth season, in the Baltic Sea. We found that while PBS gene clusters in picocyanobacteria sampled in marine habitats were highly similar to known references, brackish-adapted genotypes harboured a novel type not seen in previously sequenced genomes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the novel gene cluster belonged to a clade of uncultivated picocyanobacteria that dominate the brackish Baltic Sea throughout the summer season, but are uncommon in other examined aquatic ecosystems. Further, our data suggest that the PE genes were lost in the ancestor of PC-containing coastal picocyanobacteria and that multiple horizontal gene transfer events have re-introduced PE genes into brackish-adapted strains, including the novel clade discovered here.
Measuring masses of large biomolecules and bioparticles using mass spectrometric techniques
Authors: Peng Wen-Ping , Chou Szu-Wei , Patil Avinash A.
Published: March 2014

Mass spectrometric techniques can measure the masses and fragments of large biomolecules and bioparticles.
Rod-like NaNbO3: mechanisms for stable solvothermal synthesis, temperature-mediated phase transitions and morphological evolution
Authors: Gu Qilin , Zhu Kongjun , Liu Jinsong , Liu Pengcheng , Cao Yang , Qiu Jinhao
Published: March 2014

Solvothermal synthesis is developed for rod-like NaNbO3, and mechanisms for stable synthesis as well as structural and morphological transitions are proposed.
Ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering nanosensor for mercury ion detection based on functionalized silver nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Lingxin , Qi Nan , Wang Xiaokun , Chen Ling , You Huiyan , Li Jinhua
Published: March 2014

A SERS strategy for ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+ based on 4-mercaptopyridine functionalized AgNPs in the presence of spermine.
Mechanochemical destruction of decabromodiphenyl ether into visible light photocatalyst BiOBr
Authors: Zhang Kunlun , Huang Jun , Wang Haizhu , Yu Gang , Wang Bin , Deng Shubo , Kano Junya , Zhang Qiwu
Published: March 2014

By milling with Bi2O3, the destruction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers was achieved with the preparation of a visible light photocatalyst.
One-pot metal-free synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles from 2-acetyl-3-methylene-1,4-dicarbonyl compounds and primary amines via TBHP and activated carbon oxidative aromatization of dihydropyrrole
Authors: Yang Wei , Zhou Yu , Sun Haifeng , Zhang Lei , Zhao Fei , Liu Hong
Published: March 2014

A metal-free cascade process for the synthesis of highly substituted pyrroles with high yields and broad substrate toleranceviaenamine, aza-Michael addition and TBHP, activated carbon oxidative aromatization is reported.
Development of epoxy mixtures for application in aeronautics and aerospace
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Raimondo Marialuigia , Vittoria Vittoria , Vertuccio Luigi , Naddeo Carlo , Russo Salvatore , De Vivo Biagio , Lamberti Patrizia , Spinelli Giovanni , Tucci Vincenzo
Published: March 2014

The presence of reactive diluent 1,4-Butandioldiglycidylether in epoxy mixtures reduces the sorption at equilibrium of liquid water (graphic on the right) and eases the step of nanofiller dispersion (figure on the left).
A highly sensitive method for quantification of iohexol
Authors: Schulz Anna , Boeringer Falko , Swifka Janine , Kretschmer Axel , Schaefer Mandy , Jankowski Vera , van der Giet Markus , Schuchardt Mirjam , Toelle Markus , Tepel Martin , Schlieper George , Zidek Walter , Jankowski Joachim
Published: March 2014

Iohexol (1-N,3-N-bis(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-5-[N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) acetamide-2,4,6-triiodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxamide) is used for accurate determination of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
Guest dependent dielectric properties of nickel(ii)-based supramolecular networks
Authors: Mendiratta Shruti , Usman Muhammad , Luo Tzuoo-Tsair , Lee Shang-Fan , Lin Ying-Chih , Lu Kuang-Lieh
Published: March 2014

Nickel-based supramolecular compounds exhibit interesting guest dependent dielectric behaviour and high thermal stability. This study serves as a motivation to expand our research to create both high and low-κmaterials with a judicious selection of guest molecules.
Morphology-controllable Li2SiO3 nanostructures
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Yang Huaming
Published: March 2014

Hydrothermal synthesis of lithium metasilicate (Li2SiO3) has been systematically studied in aqueous alkaline environments by varying the Li/Si molar ratios of the solid materials and the hydrothermal temperatures.
Crystal phase effects on the structure and performance of ruthenium nanoparticles for CO2hydrogenation
Authors: Lin Qingquan , Liu Xiao Yan , Jiang Ying , Wang Yong , Huang Yanqiang , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2014

Rutile-type TiO2is a promising support for the preparation of a highly dispersed Ru catalyst, which exhibited high activity in CO2methanation.
One-pot synthesis of ultralong coaxial Au@Pt nanocables with numerous highly catalytically active perpendicular twinning boundaries and Au@Pt core–shell bead structures
Authors: Yoon Jisun , Baik Hionsuck , Lee Sangmin , Kwon Seong Jung , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: March 2014

Ultralong coaxial Au@Pt nanocables prepared by one-pot synthesis exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity due to structural features of (1) numerous twinning boundaries and (2) lattice mismatch between the core and the shell.
Cu(0)-mediated polymerization of hydrophobic acrylates using high-throughput experimentation
Authors: Voorhaar Lenny , Wallyn Sofie , Du Prez Filip E. , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: March 2014

In this paper the optimization of the Cu(0)-mediated polymerization of n-butyl acrylate and 2-methoxyethyl acrylate is reported using an automated parallel synthesizer.
Ce3+ impregnated ZnO: a highly efficient photocatalyst for sunlight mediated mineralization
Authors: Ismail Iqbal M. I. , Aslam M. , Almeelbi T. , Chandrasekaran S. , Hameed A.
Published: March 2014

The surface of pre-synthesized hexagonal ZnO was tailored by Ce3+ states.
In situ growth of hierarchical boehmite on 2024 aluminum alloy surface as superhydrophobic materials
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Gong Jinghua , Ma Jinghong , Xu Jian
Published: March 2014

Super-hydrophobic lotus leaf like surface has been fabricated via growth of flower-like boehmite on 2024 aluminum alloy surface and subsequent POTS modification.
Aligned carbon nanotube/copper sheets: a new electrocatalyst for CO2reduction to hydrocarbons
Authors: Koo Youngmi , Malik Rachit , Alvarez Noe , White Leon , Shanov Vesselin N. , Schulz Mark , Collins Boyce , Sankar Jagannathan , Yun Yeoheung
Published: March 2014

We controlled the morphologies of copper (Cu) nanostructure on aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets, influencing the efficiency of the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2.
Ion responsive near-IR BODIPY dyes: two isomers, two different signals
Authors: Ozdemir Tugba , Kostereli Ziya , Guliyev Ruslan , Yalcin Soydan , Dede Yavuz , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: March 2014

Different responses of two isomeric tetrastyryl-BODIPY's were studied, shedding light on the path to near IR sensors for metal ions.
Hybrid zinc oxide:Cu-phthalocyanine bulk-heterojunction photovoltaic device
Authors: Izaki Masanobu , Hisamatsu Ryo , Saito Takamasa , Murata Kazufumi , Sasano Junji , Shinagawa Tsutomu
Published: March 2014

The effects of the GZO:CuPC bulk-heterojunction were demonstrated in the change in surface potential and improvement of the photovoltaic performance.
Aerobic synthesis of biocompatible copper nanoparticles: promising antibacterial agent and catalyst for nitroaromatic reduction and C–N cross coupling reaction
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Showmya , Veerappan Ganapathy , Elamparuthi Elangovan , Veerappan Anbazhagan
Published: March 2014

Herein, we report the synthesis of copper nanoparticles at ambient conditions using biopolymer, pectin, as a protecting agent and hydrazine as a reducing agent.
Black TiO2 nanotube arrays for high-efficiency photoelectrochemical water-splitting
Authors: Cui Houlei , Zhao Wei , Yang Chongyin , Yin Hao , Lin Tianquan , Shan Yufeng , Xie Yian , Gu Hui , Huang Fuqiang
Published: March 2014

Black titania nanotube arrays are prepared for the first time, which exhibit an excellent photoelectrochemical water-splitting performance.
Aqueous synthesis of highly luminescent CdSe quantum dots with narrow spectra using hydrazine hydrate reduction selenium
Authors: Lan Yuwei , Yang Kun , Wang Yilin , Li Huaimei
Published: March 2014

Highly luminescent CdSe quantum dots (QDs) with narrow spectra were synthesised by the reaction of CdCl2 ·2.5H2O, Se and hydrazine hydrate (N2H4 ·H2O), respectively, in water and in the presence of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid as the stabiliser. The effects of the experimental conditions, including the refluxing time and the selenium to cadmium molar ratio, on the luminescent properties of the obtained QDs have been investigated. Furthermore, the obtained QDs were characterised by UV–vis absorption spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, X‐ray powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results showed that the proposed method led to the formation of the cubic CdSe QDs with a narrow fluorescence full‐width at half‐maximum (47 nm) and a high PL quantum yield (up to 16%), respectively.
Thermal modeling of hydrogen storage by absorption in a magnesium hydrides tank
Authors: Lahmer Karim , Bessaïh Rachid , Scipioni Angel , El Ganaoui Mohammed
Published: March 2014

This paper summarizes numerical results of hydrogen absorption simulated in an axisymmetric tank geometry containing magnesium hydride heated to 300 °C and at moderate storage pressure 1 MPa. The governing equations are solved with a fully implicit finite volume numerical scheme used by a commercial software FLUENT. The effect of the different kinetic reaction equations modeling hydrogen absorption was studied by the introduction of a specific subroutine at each time step in order to consider which one will provide results close to available experimental results. Spatial and temporal profiles of temperature and concentration in hydride bed are plotted. Results show that suitable method for our two-dimensional study is a CV-2D technique because it generates the smallest error especially during the beginning of the reaction. Also, its computational time is the shortest one compared to the other methods.
Calculation of excitation energies from the CC2 linear response theory using Cholesky decomposition
Authors: Baudin Pablo , Marín José Sánchez , Cuesta Inmaculada García , Sánchez de Merás Alfredo M. J.
Published: March 2014

A new implementation of the approximate coupled cluster singles and doubles CC2 linear response model is reported. It employs a Cholesky decomposition of the two-electron integrals that significantly reduces the computational cost and the storage requirements of the method compared to standard implementations. Our algorithm also exploits a partitioning form of the CC2 equations which reduces the dimension of the problem and avoids the storage of doubles amplitudes. We present calculation of excitation energies of benzene using a hierarchy of basis sets and compare the results with conventional CC2 calculations. The reduction of the scaling is evaluated as well as the effect of the Cholesky decomposition parameter on the quality of the results. The new algorithm is used to perform an extrapolation to complete basis set investigation on the spectroscopically interesting benzylallene conformers. A set of calculations on medium-sized molecules is carried out to check the dependence of the accuracy of the results on the decomposition thresholds. Moreover, CC2 singlet excitation energies of the free base porphin are also presented.
Stokes polarimetry using analysis of the nonlinear voltage-retardance relationship for liquid-crystal variable retarders
Authors: López-Téllez J. M. , Bruce N. C.
Published: March 2014

We present a method for using liquid-crystal variable retarders (LCVR’s) with continually varying voltage to measure the Stokes vector of a light beam. The LCVR's are usually employed with fixed retardance values due to the nonlinear voltage-retardance behavior that they show. The nonlinear voltage-retardance relationship is first measured and then a linear fit of the known retardance terms to the detected signal is performed. We use known waveplates (half-wave and quarter-wave) as devices to provide controlled polarization states to the Stokes polarimeter and we use the measured Stokes parameters as functions of the orientation of the axes of the waveplates as an indication of the quality of the polarimeter. Results are compared to a Fourier analysis method that does not take into account the nonlinear voltage-retardance relationship and also to a Fourier analysis method that uses experimental voltage values to give a linear retardance function with time. Also, we present results of simulations for comparison.
Exploring the topography of the stress-modified energy landscapes of mechanosensitive molecules
Authors: Konda Sai Sriharsha M. , Avdoshenko Stanislav M. , Makarov Dmitrii E.
Published: March 2014

We propose a method for computing the activation barrier for chemical reactions involving molecules subjected to mechanical stress. The method avoids reactant and transition-state saddle optimizations at every force by, instead, solving the differential equations governing the force dependence of the critical points (i.e., minima and saddles) on the system's potential energy surface (PES). As a result, only zero-force geometry optimization (or, more generally, optimization performed at a single force value) is required by the method. In many cases, minima and transition-state saddles only exist within a range of forces and disappear beyond a certain critical point. Our method identifies such force-induced instabilities as points at which one of the Hessian eigenvalues vanishes. We elucidate the nature of those instabilities as fold and cusp catastrophes, where two or three critical points on the force-modified PES coalesce, and provide a classification of various physically distinct instability scenarios, each illustrated with a concrete chemical example.
Measurements of dispersion forces between colloidal latex particles with the atomic force microscope and comparison with Lifshitz theory
Authors: Elzbieciak-Wodka Magdalena , Popescu Mihail N. , Ruiz-Cabello F. Javier Montes , Trefalt Gregor , Maroni Plinio , Borkovec Michal
Published: March 2014

Interaction forces between carboxylate colloidal latex particles of about 2 μm in diameter immersed in aqueous solutions of monovalent salts were measured with the colloidal probe technique, which is based on the atomic force microscope. We have systematically varied the ionic strength, the type of salt, and also the surface charge densities of the particles through changes in the solution pH. Based on these measurements, we have accurately measured the dispersion forces acting between the particles and estimated the apparent Hamaker constant to be (2.0 ± 0.5) × 10−21 J at a separation distance of about 10 nm. This value is basically independent of the salt concentration and the type of salt. Good agreement with Lifshitz theory is found when roughness effects are taken into account. The combination of retardation and roughness effects reduces the value of the apparent Hamaker constant and its ionic strength dependence with respect to the case of ideally smooth surfaces.
On the existence of point spectrum for branching strips quantum graph
Authors: Popov I. Yu. , Skorynina A. N. , Blinova I. V.
Published: March 2014

The quantum graph having the form of branching strips with hexagonal (honeycomb) structure is considered. The Hamiltonian is determined as free 1D Schrödinger operator on each edge and some “boundary” conditions at each vertex. We obtain the conditions ensuring the point spectrum's existence for the Schrödinger operator of the system and relations that give us the eigenvalues.
Electronic properties of linear carbon chains: Resolving the controversy
Authors: Al-Backri Amaal , Zólyomi Viktor , Lambert Colin J.
Published: March 2014

Literature values for the energy gap of long one-dimensional carbon chains vary from as little as 0.2 eV to more than 4 eV. To resolve this discrepancy, we use the GW many-body approach to calculate the band gap Eg of an infinite carbon chain. We also compute the energy dependence of the attenuation coefficient β governing the decay with chain length of the electrical conductance of long chains and compare this with recent experimental measurements of the single-molecule conductance of end-capped carbon chains. For long chains, we find Eg = 2.16 eV and an upper bound for β of 0.21 Å−1.