bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated interceptor guidance and control with prescribed performance
Authors: Song Haitao , Zhang Tao , Zhang Guoliang , Lu Changjie
Published: October 2014

Robustness and transient performance are the key performance indexes of the integrated interceptor guidance and control. However, these two performances have not yet been guaranteed comprehensively before. In this paper, a robust integrated interceptor guidance and autopilot controller is presented with prescribed steady state and transient performances of interception. On the basis of the dynamic surface control technique, the robustness of the proposed controller is improved by signal compensation. By utilizing the prescribed performance control theory, the transformed system of original integrated guidance and control model is stabilized to guarantee the prescribed performance of interception. It is proven that the stability of the transformed system is obtained by the loose selection of controller parameters, and therefore, the system robustness has been improved. Simulation results are included to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lattice‐based obfuscation for re‐encryption functions
Authors: Cheng Rong , Zhang Fangguo
Published: October 2014

Program obfuscation is a compiler that transfers a program into an unintelligible form while preserving the original functionality. Secure obfuscation for several particular function families has been raised out despite the general impossibility result presented by Barak et al. Re‐encryption function is a useful primitive, which transforms ciphertexts for one party into ciphertexts under another party's public key. Hohenberger et al. constructed a special re‐encryption function and securely obfuscated it in TCC'07, and the security is based on classical hardness assumption. In this paper, we construct a new re‐encryption function and securely obfuscate it based on the standard learning with error (LWE) assumption. LWE is proved to be reducible to standard lattice problems, which are conjectured immune to quantum cryptanalysis or ‘post‐quantum’. Besides, we discuss about the relations between these two cryptographic primitives in detail: proxy re‐encryption and obfuscation for re‐encryption functions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the Chiral Index of a Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Zhao Qiuchen , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2014

The properties of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) mainly depend on their geometry. However, there are still formidable difficulties to determine the chirality of SWCNTs accurately. In this review, some efficient methods to characterize the chiral indices of SWCNTs are illuminated. These methods are divided into imaging techniques and spectroscopy techniques. With these methods, diameter, helix angle, and energy states can be measured. Generally speaking, imaging techniques have a higher accuracy and universality, but are time‐consuming with regard to the sample preparation and characterization. The spectroscopy techniques are very simple and fast in operation, but these techniques can be applied only to the particular structure of the sample. Here, the principles and operations of each method are introduced, and a comprehensive understanding of each technique, including their advantages and disadvantages, is given. Advanced applications of some methods are also discussed. The aim of this review is to help readers to choose methods with the appropriate accuracy and time complexity and, furthermore, to put forward an idea to find new methods for chirality characterization.
Parkin Mutations Reduce the Complexity of Neuronal Processes in iPSC-Derived Human Neurons
Authors: Ren Yong , Jiang Houbo , Hu Zhixing , Fan Kevin , Wang Jun , Janoschka Stephen , Wang Xiaomin , Ge Shaoyu , Feng Jian
Published: October 2014

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of nigral dopaminergic (DA) neurons and non-DA neurons in many parts of the brain. Mutations of parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that strongly binds to microtubules, are the most frequent cause of recessively inherited PD. The lack of robust PD phenotype in parkin knockout mice suggests a unique vulnerability of human neurons to parkin mutations. Here, we show that the complexity of neuronal processes as measured by total neurite length, number of terminals, number of branch points, and Sholl analysis was greatly reduced in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived TH+ or TH− neurons from PD patients with parkin mutations. Consistent with these, microtubule stability was significantly decreased by parkin mutations in iPSC-derived neurons. Overexpression of parkin, but not its PD-linked mutant nor green fluorescent protein, restored the complexity of neuronal processes and the stability of microtubules. Consistent with these, the microtubule-depolymerizing agent colchicine mimicked the effect of parkin mutations by decreasing neurite length and complexity in control neurons while the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol mimicked the effect of parkin overexpression by enhancing the morphology of parkin-deficient neurons. The results suggest that parkin maintains the morphological complexity of human neurons by stabilizing microtubules. Stem Cells  2015;33:68–78
Collapse‐resistant performance of RC beam–column sub‐assemblages with varied section depth and stirrup spacing
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Hao , Chang Yu‐Ting
Published: October 2014

Four reinforced concrete (RC) beam–column sub‐assemblages designed with different span‐to‐depth ratios and two with varied stirrup spacing were tested, and associated pseudo‐static analyses were conducted to investigate their collapse resistance under gravitational loading. The span‐to‐depth ratio was varied from 4.57 to 8.0, and the stirrup spacing was increased from 10 cm to 20 cm. The experimental results indicated that the resistance enhancement decreased with increasing span‐to‐depth ratio in the arch phase and the opposite was true in the catenary resistance. The specimen failed to recover its peak arch resistance in the catenary phase as the span‐to‐depth ratio was reduced to 4.5. Significant shear failure was observed when the stirrup spacing was increased, and it induced premature catenary action under the gravitational loading. The pseudo‐static analysis results suggested that the catenary action was effective only if the peak arch resistance could be recovered. Hence, the peak arch resistance should be regarded as the collapse resistance for RC members with lower span‐to‐depth ratios. Also, the dynamic increase factor increased with plastic deformation and span‐to‐depth ratio in the catenary phase. This indicated that the empirical formulae recommended in current available guidelines are only suitable for alternate load path analysis without considering the catenary action. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A gradient‐based multiple‐path routing protocol for low duty‐cycled wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hao Jie , Yao Zheng , Huang Kui , Zhang Baoxian , Li Cheng
Published: October 2014

Routing in a low duty‐cycled wireless sensor network (WSN) has attracted much attention recently because of the challenge that low duty‐cycled sleep scheduling brings to the design of efficient distributed routing protocols for such networks. In a low duty‐cycled WSN, a big problem is how to design an efficient distributed routing protocol, which uses only local network state information while achieving low end‐to‐end (E2E) packet delivery delay and also high packet delivery efficiency. In this paper, we study low duty‐cycled WSNs wherein sensor nodes adopt pseudorandom sleep scheduling for energy saving. The objective of this paper is to design an efficient distributed routing protocol with low overhead. For this purpose, we design a simple but efficient hop‐by‐hop routing protocol, which integrates the ideas of multipath routing and gradient‐based routing for improved routing performance. We conduct extensive simulations, and the results demonstrate the high performance of the proposed protocol in terms of E2E packet delivery latency and packet delivery efficiency as compared with existing protocols. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of residual metal concentration in metallurgical slag after acid extraction using total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: De La Calle I. , Quade M. , Krugmann T. , Fittschen U. E. A.
Published: October 2014

Total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) was used to determine residual metal content in metallurgical slag after sulfuric acid extraction. A slag sample provided by a copper smelter industry and submitted to a recycling process with the aim of extracting valuable metals was analyzed. Slurry sampling was evaluated as a simple sample preparation procedure for the determination of major (Si, Fe, K, Ca) and trace elements (Ti, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Sr, Rb, Mn) in two certified reference materials (lake and river sediments) to evaluate the accuracy of the procedure. Precision was evaluated as relative standard deviation (%) of three replicates, being usually lower than 10%. Detection limits were in the range of 1.1–1079 µg g−1. Additionally, it was evaluated to use Si – a major component of the slag – as intrinsic reference to determine residual elements in the slag residues. A two‐element internal standard (Ga + P) was employed to determine all the elements. Ga was used as internal standard for the determination of elements from K to Pb, and P was required for the quantification of Si. The optimal procedure of slurry sampling was applied for the analysis of the original metallurgical slag and the solid residues. It was found that As and Pb are accumulated in the slag, whereas Cu, Zn, and Fe are extracted to a percentage >90% from the slag. This was confirmed by analysis of the sulfuric acid extracts of the metallurgical slag. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray fluorescence analysis on a group of coins from the ancient roman city of Tridentum (Trento, Italy)
Authors: Scuotto Marilena , Bassi Cristina , Lezzerini Marco , Grifoni Emanuela , Legnaioli Stefano , Lorenzetti Giulia , Pagnotta Stefano , Palleschi Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

A group of 83 coins, found in the archeological excavations of the ancient Roman city of Tridentum (Trento, Italy), was studied for the determination of their composition, finalized to their classification and cataloging.

The coins, mainly made of copper‐based alloys, were minted between the republican period (II century BC) and the last decades of the western empire (V century AD).

The X‐Ray Fluorescence archaeometric analysis has allowed a revision of the typological classification of the coins through the identification of six broad groups, each one characterized by a peculiar composition of the coins in the group. A tentative assignation of all the unreadable coins to one of the groups identified was proposed, in a way that could suggest also a possible dating of these coins. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Structure of Sodium‐ and Iron‐deintercalated NaFeAs
Authors: Cassidy Simon J. , Ramos Silvia , Clarke Simon J.
Published: October 2014

The local structures around Fe and As were probed using X‐ray absorption spectroscopy in metastable derivatives of NaFeAs obtained by deintercalation of the metals with iodine in THF at room temperature. The deintercalated product with a defective ThCr2Si2 structure is unattainable through conventional high temperature routes due to the size‐mismatch between the eight‐coordinate site and the Na+ radius in the ThCr2Si2 structure type, and is poorly crystalline. X‐ray absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) measurements show a shift of the Fe K‐edge consistent with oxidation of iron to the +3 oxidation state. Changes to the features in the XANES at the As K‐edge and analysis of the Extended X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) data from both Fe and As K‐edges show that the local structures of Fe and As may only be modelled adequately using a highly defective ThCr2Si2 structural model. This shows that deintercalation of both Na and Fe from NaFeAs occurs to produce NaFe1.7As2, which shares local structural features with the related iron selenides K0.8Fe1.6Se2.
Synthesis, Structure, and Chemical Bonding in CaCoSi
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea V. , Hlukhyy Viktor , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: October 2014

The intermetallic compound CaCoSi was synthesized by solid state synthesis and investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction (both powder and single crystal method): PbClF type structure, P4/nmm (No.129): a = 3.977(1) Å, c = 7.089(5) Å, R1 = 0.0303, 121 F2, 9 variable parameters. CaCoSi contains isolated [CoSi]2– 2D layers in the ab plane, which are separated by Ca2+ cations along the c direction. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of CaCoSi are discussed in terms of LMTO band structure calculation and analyzed using the Electron Localization Function (ELF).
Prospective Cohort Study of Symptom Resolution outside of the Ulnar Nerve Distribution following Cubital Tunnel Release
Authors: Chimenti Peter C. , McIntyre Allison W. , Childs Sean M. , Hammert Warren C. , Elfar John C.
Published: October 2014

Background

Resolution of symptoms including pain, numbness, and tingling outside of the median nerve distribution has been shown to occur following carpal tunnel release. We hypothesized that a similar effect would be found after release of the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Methods

Twenty patients with isolated cubital tunnel syndrome were prospectively enrolled. The upper extremity was divided into six zones, and the location of pain, numbness, tingling, or strange sensations was recorded pre-operatively. Two-point discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, and validated questionnaires were collected. The same data were collected at 6-week follow-up. Paired t tests or non-parametric Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were used where appropriate to examine for significant ( p≤0.05) changes between pre- and post-operative scores.

Results

Probability of resolution was greater outside of the ulnar nerve distribution than within at early follow-up. There was a decrease in pain, numbness, and tingling symptoms both within and outside the ulnar distribution after cubital tunnel release. There was a decrease in pain as measured by several validated questionnaires.

Conclusion

This study documents resolution of symptoms in an extra-ulnar distribution after cubital tunnel release. Improvement in pain and function after cubital tunnel release may be associated with an improvement in symptoms both within and outside the ulnar nerve distribution. Future studies could be directed at correlating pre-operative disease severity with probability of extra-territorial symptom resolution using a larger sample population.
Hydroxyoctadecadienoic Acids Regulate Apoptosis in Human THP‐1 Cells in a PPARγ‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Vangaveti Venkat N. , Shashidhar Venkatesh M. , Rush Catherine , Malabu Usman H. , Rasalam Roy R. , Collier Fiona , Baune Bernhard T. , Kennedy Richard L.
Published: October 2014

Macrophage apoptosis, a key process in atherogenesis, is regulated by oxidation products, including hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids (HODEs). These stable oxidation products of linoleic acid (LA) are abundant in atherosclerotic plaque and activate PPARγ and GPR132. We investigated the mechanisms through which HODEs regulate apoptosis. The effect of HODEs on THP‐1 monocytes and adherent THP‐1 cells were compared with other C18 fatty acids, LA and α‐linolenic acid (ALA). The number of cells was reduced within 24 hours following treatment with 9‐HODE (p < 0.01, 30 μM) and 13 HODE (p < 0.01, 30 μM), and the equivalent cell viability was also decreased (p < 0.001). Both 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE (but not LA or ALA) markedly increased caspase‐3/7 activity (p < 0.001) in both monocytes and adherent THP‐1 cells, with 9‐HODE the more potent. In addition, 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE both increased Annexin‐V labelling of cells (p < 0.001). There was no effect of LA, ALA, or the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (1μM), but the effect of HODEs was replicated with apoptosis‐inducer camptothecin (10μM). Only 9‐HODE increased DNA fragmentation. The pro‐apoptotic effect of HODEs was blocked by the caspase inhibitor DEVD‐CHO. The PPARγ antagonist T0070907 further increased apoptosis, suggestive of the PPARγ‐regulated apoptotic effects induced by 9‐HODE. The use of siRNA for GPR132 showed no evidence that the effect of HODEs was mediated through this receptor. 9‐HODE and 13‐HODE are potent—and specific—regulators of apoptosis in THP‐1 cells. Their action is PPARγ‐dependent and independent of GPR132. Further studies to identify the signalling pathways through which HODEs increase apoptosis in macrophages may reveal novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.
Autophagic activity as an indicator for selecting good quality embryos
Authors: Tsukamoto Satoshi
Published: October 2014

Is it possible to predict the quality of embryos that appear to be morphologically identical when viewed under a microscope? Thirty‐five years have passed since the world's first human birth from in vitro fertilization. While the dissemination of assisted reproduction technologies during this time has been remarkable, the evaluation of embryo quality in both humans and mice currently relies entirely on morphological observation. More efficient infertility treatments will likely be possible if high‐quality embryos can be selected by screening. To develop a novel quality evaluation method that does not rely on morphology, we focused on autophagy, one of the molecular mechanisms essential for the early embryonic development. Autophagy is a massive cytoplasmic degradation pathway mediated by the lysosome. Our previous studies have demonstrated that fertilization‐induced autophagy is essential for preimplantation embryonic development. This autophagy is thought to supply the nutrients and amino acids necessary for maintaining subsequent embryo development, through the bulk degradation of maternal cytoplasmic factors that are accumulated during oogenesis. Here, we briefly summarize autophagy and its physiological function, and describe a recently developed method for using autophagic activity as an indicator to predict embryo quality.
IL‐1β increases necrotic neuronal cell death in the developing rat hippocampus after status epilepticus by activating type I IL‐1 receptor (IL‐1RI)
Authors: Medel‐Matus Jesús‐Servando , Álvarez‐Croda Dulce‐Mariely , Martínez‐Quiroz Joel , Beltrán‐Parrazal Luis , Morgado‐Valle Consuelo , López‐Meraz María‐Leonor
Published: October 2014

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is associated with seizure‐induced neuronal cell death in the adult brain. The contribution of IL‐1β to neuronal injury induced by status epilepticus (SE) in the immature brain remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of IL‐1β administration on hippocampal neuronal cell death associated with SE in the immature brain, and the role of the type I receptor of IL‐1β (IL‐1RI). SE was induced with lithium–pilocarpine in 14‐days‐old (P14) rat pups. Six hours after SE onset, pups were i.c.v. injected in the right ventricle with IL‐1β (0, 0.3, 3, 30, or 300 ng), 30 ng of IL‐1RI antagonist (IL‐1Ra) alone, or 30 ng of IL‐1Ra plus 3 ng of IL‐1β. As control groups, pups without seizures were injected with 3 ng of IL‐1β or vehicle. Twenty‐four hours after SE onset, neuronal cell death in the CA1 field of dorsal hippocampus was assessed by hematoxylin–eosin, Fluoro‐Jade B and in vivo propidium iodide (PI) staining; expression of active caspase‐3 (aCas‐3) was also determined, using immunohistochemistry. The concentration–response curve of IL‐1β showed a bell‐shape. Only pups injected with 3 ng of IL‐1β after SE showed a significant increase in the number of cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, as well as F‐JB positive cells with respect to the vehicle group. This effect was prevented when IL‐1β was injected with IL‐1Ra. Injection of 3 ng of IL‐1β increased the number of PI‐positive cells in CA1 area after SE. Injection of 3 ng of IL‐1β did not produce hippocampal cell death in rats without seizures. Active caspase‐3 expression was not observed after treatments in hippocampus. The activation of the IL‐1β/IL‐1RI system increases necrotic neuronal cell death caused by SE in rat pups.
DNA methylation: the pivotal interaction between early-life nutrition and glucose metabolism in later life
Authors: Zheng Jia , Xiao Xinhua , Zhang Qian , Yu Miao
Published: October 2014

Traditionally, it has been widely acknowledged that genes together with adult lifestyle factors determine the risk of developing some metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes mellitus in later life. However, there is now substantial evidence that prenatal and early-postnatal nutrition play a critical role in determining susceptibility to these diseases in later life. Maternal nutrition has historically been a key determinant for offspring health, and gestation is the critical time window that can affect the growth and development of offspring. The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis proposes that exposures during early life play a critical role in determining the risk of developing metabolic diseases in adulthood. Currently, there are substantial epidemiological studies and experimental animal models that have demonstrated that nutritional disturbances during the critical periods of early-life development can significantly have an impact on the predisposition to developing some metabolic diseases in later life. The hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms may link imbalanced early-life nutrition with altered disease risk has been widely accepted in recent years. Epigenetics can be defined as the study of heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic processes play a significant role in regulating tissue-specific gene expression, and hence alterations in these processes may induce long-term changes in gene function and metabolism that persist throughout the life course. The present review focuses on how nutrition in early life can alter the epigenome, produce different phenotypes and alter disease susceptibilities, especially for impaired glucose metabolism.
Why People Vote: Estimating the Social Returns to Voting
Authors: Gerber Alan S. , Huber Gregory A. , Doherty David , Dowling Conor M.
Published: October 2014

This article measures the social rewards and sanctions associated with voting. A series of survey experiments shows that information about whether a person votes directly affects how favorably that person is viewed. Importantly, the study also compares the rewards and sanctions associated with voting to other activities, including the decisions to recycle, volunteer and return one’s library books on time. It presents a behavioral test of the consequences of non-voting and finds that individuals are willing to take costly action in a dictator game to reward political participation. Finally, it shows that survey measures of social norms about voting are correlated with county-level voter turnout. The study adds to the growing literature documenting the important influence of social concerns on turnout and other political choices.
Leadership Competition and Disagreement at Party National Congresses
Authors: Greene Zachary , Haber Matthias
Published: October 2014

Theories often explain intraparty competition based on electoral conditions and intraparty rules. This article further opens this black box by considering intraparty statements of preferences. In particular, it predicts that intraparty preference heterogeneity increases after electoral losses, but that candidates deviating from the party’s median receive fewer intraparty votes. Party members grant candidates greater leeway to accommodate competing policy demands when in government. The study tests the hypotheses using a new database of party congress speeches from Germany and France, and uses automated text classification to estimate speakers’ relative preferences. The results demonstrate that speeches at party meetings provide valuable insights into actors’ preferences and intraparty politics. The article finds evidence of a complex relationship between the governing context, the economy and intraparty disagreement.
Measuring living standards of older people using Sen's Capability Approach: development and validation of the LSCAPE-24 (Living Standards Capabilities for Elders) and LSCAPE-6
Authors: BREHENY MARY , STEPHENS CHRISTINE , HENRICKSEN ANNETTE , STEVENSON BRENDAN , CARTER KRISTIE , ALPASS FIONA
Published: October 2014

The impact of disparities in socio-economic status on the health of older people is an important issue for policy makers in the context of population ageing. As older people live in different types of economic circumstances and because, as people age, their desires and needs are different to those of younger generations, measures of living standards need to be appropriate for older people. This paper reports on the validation of a measure of living standards for older people based on Sen's Capability Approach. Using this approach, living standards are conceptualised as varying from constraint to freedom rather than from hardship to comfort. Using the New Zealand Longitudinal Study of Ageing omnibus survey of 3,923 adults aged 50–87 years, the validity of the measure was assessed. The results indicate that this measure assesses what older people are able to achieve. In addition, this measure discriminates better at the higher end of the living standards spectrum than an existing measure that assesses living standards from hardship to comfort in terms of what people possess. From this, a short form of the measure has been developed which offers a conceptually based and valid measure useful for survey research with older people. This measure of living standards provides future avenues for improved understandings of socio-economic position in later life.
What's new in GSAS-II
Authors: Toby Brian H. , Von Dreele Robert B.
Published: October 2014

The General Structure and Analysis Software II (GSAS-II) package is an all-new crystallographic analysis package written to replace and extend the capabilities of the universal and widely used GSAS and EXPGUI packages. GSAS-II was described in a 2013 article, but considerable work has been completed since then. This paper describes the advances, which include: rigid body fitting and structure solution modules; improved treatment for parametric refinements and equation of state fitting; and small-angle scattering data reduction and analysis. GSAS-II offers versatile and extensible modules for import and export of data and results. Capabilities are provided for users to select any version of the code. Code documentation has reached 150 pages and 17 web-tutorials are offered.
Powder diffraction data of the PrAlFeNi3 quaternary compound
Authors: He Bing , Qin Ming , Li Degui , Liang Liuqing , Zeng Lingmin
Published: October 2014

A new quaternary compound PrAlFeNi3 was synthesized and studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction technique. The powder pattern of PrAlFeNi3 was indexed and refined, giving a hexagonal structure, space group P6/mmm (No. 191) with the CaCu5 structure type, a = 5.1132(2) Å, c = 4.0737(1) Å, V = 92.19 Å3, Z = 1, ρx = 7.20 g cm−3, F30 = 173.61 (0.0054, 32) and RIR = 0.77.
Calibration for ED-XRF profiling of coal cores for the Itrax Core Scanner
Authors: Kelloway Sarah J. , Ward Colin R. , Marjo Christopher E. , Wainwright Irene E. , Cohen David R.
Published: October 2014

Recent developments in instrumentation mean that chemical analysis of large drill cores taken for geological purposes can be performed rapidly at sub-millimetre scales using core scanners equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometers. The present study describes the development of a calibration for the Itrax Core Scanner (Cox Analytical, Sweden), intended for whole cores of coal-seam sections, without the need for sample preparation. The calibration was developed for key major elements (Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe) based on pressed pellets of reference coals, allowing semi-quantitative and, at times, quantitative analyses. The influence of core curvature and surface roughness compared with an ideal flat-surface was also examined using model samples, and their influence on the apparent sample composition evaluated.
Experiences of Violence, Perceptions of Neighborhood, and Psychosocial Adjustment Among West African Refugee Youth
Authors: O’Donnell Deborah A. , Roberts William C.
Published: October 2014

The present study examined experiences of school and community violence exposure, perceptions of neighborhood, and socio-emotional health among refugee and nonrefugee youth in The Republic of The Gambia, West Africa. Participants included 943 10th and 11th grade students at 6 Gambian senior secondary schools. Participants completed a self-report survey (the Social and Health Assessment). Findings indicate that, although both refugee ( n = 33) and nonrefugee ( n = 910) youth reported frequent exposure to community and school violence, refugee youth report the highest levels. Refugee youth also reported significantly higher levels of post-traumatic stress reaction and delinquent behavior compared with their Gambian peers. Refugee youth were significantly more likely to report having been high from alcohol or marijuana at school, and having sold drugs to earn money within the past year compared to Gambian youth. Among Gambian youth, those living in neighborhoods with a refugee presence were more likely than those living in neighborhoods without refugees to report higher levels of community and school violence exposure. Perceptions of neighborhood emerged as a significant moderator in the link between refugee status and delinquent behavior and depression. Negative perceptions of neighborhood were related to increased levels of delinquent behavior among refugee youth, but not among Gambian youth. Neighborhood perceptions did not appear to influence post-traumatic stress reaction among refugee or Gambian youth. The research sheds light on the socio-emotional health of refugee youth who are in the resettlement stage of adjustment and their nonrefugee peers.
Characterizing the genetic basis of innate immune response in TLR4-activated human monocytes
Authors: Kim Sarah , Becker Jessica , Bechheim Matthias , Kaiser Vera , Noursadeghi Mahdad , Fricker Nadine , Beier Esther , Klaschik Sven , Boor Peter , Hess Timo , Hofmann Andrea , Holdenrieder Stefan , Wendland Jens R. , Fröhlich Holger , Hartmann Gunther , Nöthen Markus M. , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Pütz Benno , Hornung Veit , Schumacher Johannes
Published: October 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in innate immunity. Apart from their function in host defense, dysregulation in TLR signalling can confer risk to autoimmune diseases, septic shock or cancer. Here we report genetic variants and transcripts that are active only during TLR signalling and contribute to interindividual differences in immune response. Comparing unstimulated versus TLR4-stimulated monocytes reveals 1,471 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) that are unique to TLR4 stimulation. Among these we find functional SNPs for the expression of NEU4, CCL14, CBX3 and IRF5 on TLR4 activation. Furthermore, we show that SNPs conferring risk to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease are immune response eQTLs for PDGFB and IL18R1. Thus, PDGFB and IL18R1 represent plausible candidates for studying the pathophysiology of these disorders in the context of TLR4 activation. In summary, this study presents novel insights into the genetic basis of the innate immune response and exemplifies the value of eQTL studies in the context of exogenous cell stimulation.
Chip-integrated optical power limiter based on an all-passive micro-ring resonator
Authors: Yan Siqi , Dong Jianji , Zheng Aoling , Zhang Xinliang
Published: October 2014

Recent progress in silicon nanophotonics has dramatically advanced the possible realization of large-scale on-chip optical interconnects integration. Adopting photons as information carriers can break the performance bottleneck of electronic integrated circuit such as serious thermal losses and poor process rates. However, in integrated photonics circuits, few reported work can impose an upper limit of optical power therefore prevent the optical device from harm caused by high power. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a feasible integrated scheme based on a single all-passive micro-ring resonator to realize the optical power limitation which has a similar function of current limiting circuit in electronics. Besides, we analyze the performance of optical power limiter at various signal bit rates. The results show that the proposed device can limit the signal power effectively at a bit rate up to 20 Gbit/s without deteriorating the signal. Meanwhile, this ultra-compact silicon device can be completely compatible with the electronic technology (typically complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technology), which may pave the way of very large scale integrated photonic circuits for all-optical information processors and artificial intelligence systems.
Electrochemical immunosensor assay (EIA) for sensitive detection of E. coli O157:H7 with signal amplification on a SG–PEDOT–AuNPs electrode interface
Authors: Guo Yuna , Wang Yu , Liu Su , Yu Jinghua , Wang Hongzhi , Cui Min , Huang Jiadong
Published: October 2014

The SG–PEDOT–AuNPs composites not only enhance interface electron transfer efficiency, but also offer a multivalent recognition interface for conjugating E. coli.
“V-junction”: a novel structure for high-speed generation of bespoke droplet flows
Authors: Ding Yun , Casadevall i Solvas Xavier , deMello Andrew
Published: October 2014

We present the use of microfluidic “V-junctions” as a droplet generation strategy that incorporates enhanced performance characteristics when compared to more traditional “T-junction” formats.
Chemiluminescence diminishment on a paper-based analytical device: high throughput determination of β-agonists in swine hair
Authors: Chen Xu , Luo Yong , Shi Bo , Liu Xianming , Gao Zhigang , Du Yuguang , Zhao Weijie , Lin Bingcheng
Published: October 2014

We introduced a novel method to determine β-agonists based on a chemiluminescence diminishment phenomenon and a paper-based analytical device.
Supramolecular chirality in peptide microcrystals
Authors: Kurouski Dmitry , Handen Joseph D. , Dukor Rina K. , Nafie Laurence A. , Lednev Igor K.
Published: October 2014

VCD reveals supramolecular chirality in microcrystals of two peptide segments from human islet amyloid (IAPP, amylin). Previously such supramolecular chirality has been observed by VCD only for amyloid fibrils.
Postsynthetic lanthanide functionalization of nanosized metal–organic frameworks for highly sensitive ratiometric luminescent thermometry
Authors: Zhou You , Yan Bing , Lei Fang
Published: October 2014

A facile and general approach was demonstrated to generate ratiometric luminescent nanothermometers through postsynthetic incorporation of lanthanide cations within nanosized metal–organic frameworks bearing the open bipyridine sites. The obtained nanothermometers exhibit ultrahigh sensitivities.
MoS2 nanosheet/TiO2 nanowire hybrid nanostructures for enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities
Authors: Shen Meng , Yan Zhiping , Yang Lei , Du Pingwu , Zhang Jingyu , Xiang Bin
Published: October 2014

The enhanced photocatalytic performance of as-synthesized MoS2 nanosheet–TiO2 hybrid nanostructures.
2-Arylcyclopropylmethanol as a substitute for homoallyl aryl alcohol in the construction of cis-2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran: synthesis of (±)-centrolobine
Authors: Yadav Veejendra K. , Verma Ashish K. , Kumar Piyush , Hulikal Vijaykumar
Published: October 2014

The combination of a 2-arylcyclopropylmethanol with an aliphatic aldehyde in the presence of SnCl4 leads to Prins cyclization, free from 2-oxonia-Cope rearrangement, leading to cis-4-chloro-2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyran in high yield.
Coordination of Ln3+ in ortho-tetramethyl-substituted cucurbituril supramolecular assemblies formed in the presence of cadmium nitrate: potential applications for isolation of heavier lanthanides
Authors: Zhou Jia-Jia , Yu Xin , Zhao Ying-Chun , Xiao Xin , Zhang Yun-Qian , Xue Sai-Feng , Tao Zhu , Liu Jing-Xin , Zhu Qian-Jiang
Published: October 2014

Coordination in supramolecular assemblies was investigated by reacting a series of lanthanide cations (Ln3+) and a new alkyl-substituted cucurbituril, (o-TMeQ[6]).
First-principles study of ground-state properties of U2Mo
Authors: Wang Xin , Cheng Xiyue , Zhang Yuting , Li Ronghan , Xing Weiwei , Zhang Pengcheng , Chen Xing-Qiu
Published: October 2014

By means of first-principles calculations, we have systematically investigated the structural, elastic, vibrational, thermal and electronic properties of the ground-state phase for the intermetallic compound U2Mo.
Thermal conductivity of organic bulk heterojunction solar cells: an unusual binary mixing effect
Authors: Guo Zhi , Lee Doyun , Strzalka Joseph , Gao Haifeng , Huang Libai , Khounsary Ali M. , Luo Tengfei
Published: October 2014

The thermal conductivity of a bulk heterojunction structure composed of low-band-gap conjugated copolymer and fullerene derivative is shown to have a unusual dependence on relative volumetric ratio of two components.
Effective AC needleless and collectorless electrospinning for yarn production
Authors: Pokorny P. , Kostakova E. , Sanetrnik F. , Mikes P. , Chvojka J. , Kalous T. , Bilek M. , Pejchar K. , Valtera J. , Lukas D.
Published: October 2014

Alternating current electrospinning based on a needleless spinning-electrode provides a highly productive smoke-like aerogel composed of nanofibers.
Recent advances in controlled synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides via vapour deposition techniques
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Li Henan , Li Lain-Jong
Published: October 2014

This review describes recent progress in the synthesis of transition metal dichalcogenides via vapour deposition methods with the control of the layer number and band gap energy.
Mixed sandwich thorium complexes incorporating bis(tri-isopropylsilyl)cyclooctatetraenyl and pentamethylcyclopentadienyl ligands: synthesis, structure and reactivity
Authors: Button Zoë E. , Higgins Jessica A. , Suvova Markéta , Cloke F. Geoffrey N. , Roe S. Mark
Published: October 2014

The synthesis of thorium complexes of the type Th(COTTIPS2)Cp*X (X = Cl, I, CH2Ph, H) and their reactivity towards CO2, including reductive coupling to form an oxalate complex, are reported.
Oxidative halogenation of cisplatin and carboplatin: synthesis, spectroscopy, and crystal and molecular structures of Pt(iv) prodrugs
Authors: Johnstone Timothy C. , Alexander Sarah M. , Wilson Justin J. , Lippard Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

The oxidative halogenation of cisplatin and carboplatin has been explored spectroscopically, crystallographically, and computationally.
Amino acid derived CuII compounds as catalysts for asymmetric oxidative coupling of 2-naphthol
Authors: Adão Pedro , Barroso Sónia , Carvalho M. Fernanda N. N. , Teixeira Carlos M. , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Costa Pessoa João
Published: October 2014

Several chiral amino acid-derived CuII complexes were prepared and used as catalysts in the aerobic oxidative coupling of 2-naphthol. Moderate homocoupling product yields and enantiomeric excesses were obtained under mild, aqueous conditions.
Mercury methylation and demethylation in highly contaminated sediments from the Deûle River in Northern France using species-specific enriched stable isotopes
Authors: Ouddane Baghdad , Monperrus Mathilde , Kadlecova Milada , Daye Mirna , Amouroux David
Published: October 2014

The methylation–demethylation processes in sediments of the Deûle River were determined using well-established isotope experiments.
Microbial electrolysis cell accelerates phosphate remobilisation from iron phosphate contained in sewage sludge
Authors: Fischer Fabian , Zufferey Géraldine , Sugnaux Marc , Happe Manuel
Published: October 2014

Phosphate was remobilised from iron phosphate contained in digested sewage sludge using a bio-electric cell.
Solubilization by freeze-milling of water-insoluble subunits in rice proteins
Authors: Wang Tao , Liu Fengru , Wang Ren , Wang Li , Zhang Hao , Chen Zhengxing
Published: October 2014

Rice proteins were innovatively solubilized by freeze-milling, and showed superior functional properties and thermostability.
Fatty acid biosynthesis revisited: structure elucidation and metabolic engineering
Authors: Beld Joris , Lee D. John , Burkart Michael D.
Published: October 2014

Fatty acids are primary metabolites synthesized by complex, elegant, and essential biosynthetic machinery.
Sulfinate derivatives: dual and versatile partners in organic synthesis
Authors: Aziz Jessy , Messaoudi Samir , Alami Mouad , Hamze Abdallah
Published: October 2014

Recent advances in the preparation and synthetic uses of sulfinic acids and their derivatives are highlighted in this review. They are used as versatile partners in sulfonylative and desulfitative reactions.
Synthesis and antifungal activity of 1,2,3-triazole phenylhydrazone derivatives
Authors: Dai Zhi-Cheng , Chen Yong-Fei , Zhang Mao , Li Sheng-Kun , Yang Ting-Ting , Shen Li , Wang Jian-Xin , Qian Shao-Song , Zhu Hai-Liang , Ye Yong-Hao
Published: October 2014

A series of 1,2,3-triazole phenylhydrazone derivatives were designed and synthesized as antifungal agents.
Synthesis of maculalactone A and derivatives for environmental fate tracking studies
Authors: Bader Samuel L. , Luescher Michael U. , Gademann Karl
Published: October 2014

Labelled probes of the antifouling natural product, maculalactone A, allow for distribution studies in Artemia salina.
Copper-catalysed intramolecular O-arylation: a simple and efficient method for benzoxazole synthesis
Authors: Wu Fengtian , Zhang Jie , Wei Qianbing , Liu Ping , Xie Jianwei , Jiang Haojie , Dai Bin
Published: October 2014

An efficient protocol has been developed for the copper-catalysed intramolecular cyclization of N-(2-iodo-/bromo-/chloro-phenyl)benzamides for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzoxazoles.
Aluminophosphate monoliths with high CO2-over-N2 selectivity and CO2 capture capacity
Authors: Akhtar F. , Keshavarzi N. , Shakarova D. , Cheung O. , Hedin N. , Bergström L.
Published: October 2014

Monoliths of microporous aluminophosphates (AlPO4-17 and AlPO4-53) were structured by binder-free pulsed current processing.
Thermodynamics and kinetic investigation of electron transfer reactions of surfactant cobalt(iii) complexes containing diimine ligands with iron(ii) in the presence of liposome vesicles and amphiphilic salt media
Authors: Nagaraj Karuppiah , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Arunachalam Sankaralingam
Published: October 2014

The kinetics of reductions of surfactant cobalt(iii) complexes by iron(ii) in liposome vesicles (DPPC) and amphiphilic salt ((BMIM)Br) were studied at different temperatures by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy method under pseudo first order conditions using an excess of the reductant.
A combined experimental and computational study of supramolecular assemblies in ternary copper(ii) complexes with a tetradentate N4donor Schiff base and halides
Authors: Bhattacharyya Anik , Bhaumik Prasanta Kumar , Bauzá Antonio , Jana Partha Pratim , Frontera Antonio , Drew Michael G. B. , Chattopadhyay Shouvik
Published: October 2014

Three new copper(ii) Schiff base complexes have been prepared and characterized. DFT calculations were employed to estimate the contribution of different non-covalent interactions in the extended supra-molecular networks.
Solid state plasmonic dye sensitized solar cells based on solution processed perovskite CsSnI3 as the hole transporter
Authors: Chander N. , Chandrasekhar P. S. , Komarala V. K.
Published: October 2014

Solution synthesized perovskite CsSnI3 works well as a solid-state electrolyte in DSCs and Au nanoparticles enhance device photocurrent by plasmonic effects.
Engineering a functional neuro-muscular junction model in a chip
Authors: Tong Ziqiu , Seira Oscar , Casas Cristina , Reginensi Diego , Homs-Corbera Antoni , Samitier Josep , Del Río José Antonio
Published: October 2014

A large open-reservoir, fluidically-isolated, compartmentalized microfluidic co-culture platform was utilized as an in vitro model for establishing neuro-muscular junction formation.
Design of multifunctional FePt/GO nanocomposites for targeting, dual-modal imaging diagnostic and in situ therapeutic potential theranostic platform
Authors: Zheng Xiuwen , Chen Weihong , Cui Ping , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2014

In this work, highly monodispersed chemically disordered face centered cubic (fcc) FePt nanoparticles (NPs) were assembled on graphene oxide (GO) surface to form FePt/GO nanocomposites via a simple polyol protocol.
Non-aqueous microgel particles: synthesis, properties and applications
Authors: Bonham J. A. , Faers M. A. , van Duijneveldt J. S.
Published: October 2014

Advances in microgel particles swollen in non-aqueous solvents and the challenges in their characterisation, synthesis and potential applications are discussed.
Complementary solvent additives tune the orientation of polymer lamellae, reduce the sizes of aggregated fullerene domains, and enhance the performance of bulk heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Liu Chih-Ming , Su Yu-Wei , Jiang Jian-Ming , Chen Hsiu-Cheng , Lin Shu-Wei , Su Chun-Jen , Jeng U-Ser , Wei Kung-Hwa
Published: October 2014

The binary additives approach lead to a better active layer that combines the face-on polymer lamellae and finer fullerenes dispersion.
Using common salt to impart pseudocapacitive functionalities to carbon nanofibers
Authors: Singhal Richa , Kalra Vibha
Published: October 2014

A novel approach to fabricate freestanding heteroatom-enriched carbon nanofibers using sodium chloride is presented. The fabricated nanofibers demonstrate excellent supercapacitive performance.
Synthesis, structure and optical properties of cerium-doped calcium barium phosphate – a novel blue-green phosphor for solid-state lighting
Authors: Komuro Naoyuki , Mikami Masayoshi , Shimomura Yasuo , Bithell Erica G. , Cheetham Anthony K.
Published: October 2014

A new blue-green phosphor, Ca6BaP4O17:Ce3+, which can be prepared by conventional solid-state synthesis, is reported as a candidate phosphor for solid-state lighting with near-ultraviolet LEDs.
New photoswitchable mesogenic polyurethanes with gelation ability
Authors: Topnani Neha , Kašpar Miroslav , Hamplová Věra , Gorecka Ewa , Pociecha Damian
Published: October 2014

New liquid crystalline polyurethanes, which show the gelation ability for several organic solvents, are presented.
Evaluating the Impact of Land-Use Density and Mix on Spatiotemporal Urban Activity Patterns: An Exploratory Study Using Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Jacobs-Crisioni Chris , Rietveld Piet , Koomen Eric , Tranos Emmanouil
Published: October 2014

Dense and mixed land-use configurations are assumed to encourage high and prolonged activity levels, which in turn are considered to be important for the condition of urban neighbourhoods. We used mobile phone usage data recorded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as a proxy for urban activity to test whether the density in different forms of urban land use increases the level of activity in urban areas, and whether mixed land uses can prolong high levels of activity in an area. Our results indicate that higher densities correspond with higher activity levels, mixed land uses do indeed diversify urban activity dynamics and colocating particular land uses prolongs high activity levels in the evening hours. We proceed to demonstrate that mixed activity provisions and high urban activity levels coincide with urban neighbourhoods that are considered attractive places in which to live and work, while lower activity levels and markedly low activity mixes coincide with neighbourhoods that are considered disadvantaged.