bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar‐blind AlxGa1–xN MSM photodetectors on patterned AlN/sapphire templates with 0.4 < x < 1
Authors: Knigge A. , Brendel M. , Brunner F. , Einfeldt S. , Knauer A. , Kueller V. , Zeimer U. , Weyers M.
Published: February 2014

Solar‐blind Schottky‐type metal‐semiconductor‐metal (MSM) photodetectors (PDs) based on AlxGa1–xN absorber layers with x varying between 0.4 and 1 are investigated. The impact of the epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) technique on stripe patterned AlN/sapphire templates is evaluated by comparing devices on ELO as well as planar AlN/sapphire templates. Device characteristics have been found to depend on the orientation of the finger‐electrodes with respect to the stripe pattern. The responsivity of ELO PDs with finger‐electrodes perpendicular to the stripes is higher than that for the parallel case or for PDs on planar templates. For x ≥ 0.9 an enhancement of about 50% and for x = 0.4 of more than two orders of magnitude due to photoconductive gain are observed. The orientation dependence is explained by a non‐uniform dislocation density on the ELO template, involving channels of low dislocation density. Additionally, the Al/Ga incorporation is found to be non‐uniform, particularly for low values of x. Due to the absence of photoconductive gain for x ≥ 0.9, the gain observed for x = 0.4 using ELO templates with perpendicular finger orientation is attributed to compositional modulation of the absorber layer. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Polarization dependent, surface plasmon induced photoconductance in gold nanorod arrays
Authors: Diefenbach S. , Erhard N. , Schopka J. , Martin A. , Karnetzky C. , Iacopino D. , Holleitner A. W.
Published: February 2014

We report on the photoconductance in two‐dimensional arrays of gold nanorods. The arrays are formed by a combination of droplet deposition and stamping methods. We find that the plasmon induced photoconductance is sensitive to the linear polarization of the exciting photons consistent with the excitation of the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance of the nanorods.

magnified image

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Insights on the Fundamental Capacitive Behavior: A Case Study of MnO2
Authors: Yan Jian , Sumboja Afriyanti , Wang Xu , Fu Chaopeng , Kumar Vipin , Lee Pooi See
Published: February 2014

In this work, an insightful study on the fundamental capacitive behavior of MnO2 based electrodes is carried out using MnO2 hierarchical spheres (MHSs) and MnO2 nanoneedles (MNs) as examples. An overall understanding of the relationship between the capacitive performance and the electrode configuration as well as the morphology of active material, loading density, porosity of electrode, and electrolyte concentration is investigated comprehensively. Our analyses show that MnO2 with thin structure is of advantage to increase the utility of active material and to deliver higher specific capacitance, as the faradic reaction happens at/near the surface. Creation of an efficient path for the transport of electrons and ions is crucial to achieve high rate capabilities. Cycling stability could be improved by suppressing the side reaction. It is also important to shed light on the charge contribution from a graphite paper (GP) substrate since it may cause a misinterpretation of the capacitive behavior. This study provides a comprehensive understanding on the fundamental capacitive behavior of MnO2 based electrodes and gives useful clues for designing high performance supercapacitors.
Targeting Unique Metabolic Properties of Breast Tumor Initiating Cells
Authors: Feng Weiguo , Gentles Andrew , Nair Ramesh V. , Huang Min , Lin Yuan , Lee Cleo Y. , Cai Shang , Scheeren Ferenc A. , Kuo Angera H. , Diehn Maximilian
Published: February 2014

Normal stem cells from a variety of tissues display unique metabolic properties compared to their more differentiated progeny. However, relatively little is known about metabolic properties of cancer stem cells, also called tumor initiating cells (TICs). In this study we show that, analogous to some normal stem cells, breast TICs have distinct metabolic properties compared to nontumorigenic cancer cells (NTCs). Transcriptome profiling using RNA-Seq revealed TICs underexpress genes involved in mitochondrial biology and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolic analyses revealed TICs preferentially perform glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation compared to NTCs. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that decreased expression and activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase (Pdh), a key regulator of oxidative phosphorylation, plays a critical role in promoting the proglycolytic phenotype of TICs. Metabolic reprogramming via forced activation of Pdh preferentially eliminated TICs both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings reveal unique metabolic properties of TICs and demonstrate that metabolic reprogramming represents a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting these cells. Stem Cells  2014;32:1734–1745
Stage-Specific Roles for Cxcr4 Signaling in Murine Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells in the Process of Bone Marrow Repopulation
Authors: Lai Chen-Yi , Yamazaki Satoshi , Okabe Motohito , Suzuki Sachie , Maeyama Yoshihiro , Iimura Yasuaki , Onodera Masafumi , Kakuta Shigeru , Iwakura Yoichiro , Nojima Masanori , Otsu Makoto , Nakauchi Hiromitsu
Published: February 2014

Hematopoietic cell transplantation has proven beneficial for various intractable diseases, but it remains unclear how hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) home to the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, initiate hematopoietic reconstitution, and maintain life-long hematopoiesis. The use of newly elucidated molecular determinants for overall HSPC engraftment should benefit patients. Here, we report that modification of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (Cxcr4) signaling in murine HSPCs does not significantly affect initial homing/lodging events, but leads to alteration in subsequent BM repopulation kinetics, with observations confirmed by both gain- and loss-of-function approaches. By using C-terminal truncated Cxcr4 as a gain-of-function effector, we demonstrated that signal augmentation likely led to favorable in vivo repopulation of primitive cell populations in BM. These improved features were correlated with enhanced seeding efficiencies in stromal cell cocultures and altered ligand-mediated phosphorylation kinetics of extracellular signal-regulated kinases observed in Cxcr4 signal-augmented HSPCs in vitro. Unexpectedly, however, sustained signal enhancement even with wild-type Cxcr4 overexpression resulted in impaired peripheral blood (PB) reconstitution, most likely by preventing release of donor hematopoietic cells from the marrow environment. We thus conclude that timely regulation of Cxcr4/CXCR4 signaling is key in providing donor HSPCs with enhanced repopulation potential following transplantation, whilst preserving the ability to release HSPC progeny into PB for improved transplantation outcomes. Stem Cells  2014;32:1929–1942
Concise Review: Forkhead Pathway in the Control of Adult Neurogenesis
Authors: Genin Emmanuelle C. , Caron Nicolas , Vandenbosch Renaud , Nguyen Laurent , Malgrange Brigitte
Published: February 2014

New cells are continuously generated from immature proliferating cells in the adult brain in two neurogenic niches known as the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus and the sub-ventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating their proliferation, differentiation, migration and functional integration of newborn neurons in pre-existing neural network remain largely unknown. Forkhead box (Fox) proteins belong to a large family of transcription factors implicated in a wide variety of biological processes. Recently, there has been accumulating evidence that several members of this family of proteins play important roles in adult neurogenesis. Here, we describe recent advances in our understanding of regulation provided by Fox factors in adult neurogenesis, and evaluate the potential role of Fox proteins as targets for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative diseases. Stem Cells  2014;32:1398–1407
Killing strategies for model‐based mutation testing
Authors: Aichernig Bernhard K. , Brandl Harald , Jöbstl Elisabeth , Krenn Willibald , Schlick Rupert , Tiran Stefan
Published: February 2014

This article presents the techniques and results of a novel model‐based test case generation approach that automatically derives test cases from UML state machines. The main contribution of this article is the fully automated fault‐based test case generation technique together with two empirical case studies derived from industrial use cases. Also, an in‐depth evaluation of different fault‐based test case generation strategies on each of the case studies is given and a comparison with plain random testing is conducted. The test case generation methodology supports a wide range of UML constructs and is grounded on the formal semantics of Back's action systems and the well‐known input–output conformance relation. Mutation operators are employed on the level of the specification to insert faults and generate test cases that will reveal the faults inserted. The effectiveness of this approach is shown and it is discussed how to gain a more expressive test suite by combining cheap but undirected random test case generation with the more expensive but directed mutation‐based technique. Finally, an extensive and critical discussion of the lessons learnt is given as well as a future outlook on the general usefulness and practicability of mutation‐based test case generation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Re: The sonopartogram: a novel method for recording the progress of labor by ultrasound. W. A. Hassan, T. Eggebø, M. Ferguson, A. Gillett, J. Studd, D. Pasupathy and C. C. Lees. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43: 189–194
Authors: Yeo L.
Published: February 2014

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014; 43: 189–194
Preparation and characterization of waterborne epoxy latexes and epoxy/(silica sol) composites
Authors: Zhao Qian , Guan Rong , Zhai Liangfang , Ye Qing , Fan Niannian
Published: February 2014

A series of waterborne epoxy latexes was synthesized, and epoxy/(silica sol) composite latexes were prepared. The effects of functional monomer methacrylic acid (MAA) and silica sol on the latex particle size, morphology, and stability were investigated. With increasing amounts of MAA, the conversion rate increased, the particle size reduced, and the viscosity of the epoxy latexes increased. The epoxy latexes had storage stability and could be stored at room temperature for more than 6 months with a solid content variation of less than 1%. For the (silica sol)‐modified waterborne epoxy latexes, the effects of preparation techniques and silica sol content on the latexes and latex films were investigated. When the silica sol content increased, the particle size of the composite latexes decreased. The morphology investigation showed that when the silica sol content increased, the uneven surface level of the latex films was increased. The increase of elemental silica on the surface was in accord with the improvement of the water resistance of the composite latex films. The heat resistance of these films was improved as well, and their overall performance was better than that of the epoxy latex films. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:57–64, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Yttrium Polyphosphates AY(PO3)4 (A = Rb, Tl, Cs) and Site‐selective Spectroscopy of Eu3+ Doped Samples
Authors: Oudahmane Abdelghani , Barros Anthony , Avignant Daniel , Zambon Daniel
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Three new long‐chain polyphosphates of yttrium AIY(PO3)4 (AI = Rb, Tl, Cs) were synthesized by heating stoichiometric mixtures of alkaline or thallous carbonates A2CO3, yttrium oxide Y2O3, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate in a platinum crucible at temperatures ranging from 400 °C (Rb and Tl) to 450 °C (Cs). Their crystal structures were solved from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. All colorless compounds are isotypic and belong to the type IV of the long‐chain polyphosphates (monoclinic, P21/n, No. 14). The crystal structure is built of infinite helical chains of corner‐sharing PO4 tetrahedra with a repetition unit of eight tetrahedra. These chains are further linked by corner sharing to isolated YO8 square antiprisms, thus forming a three‐dimensional framework. The ions AI are located in hexagonally shaped channels running along [100] and are surrounded by eleven oxygen atoms in distorted environments. The luminescence properties of Eu3+ doped samples were investigated and used as structural probe in these polyphosphates. They are proving to be in good agreement with the crystallographic data.
Twenty‐First Century Science as a Relational Process: From Eureka! To Team Science and a Place for Community Psychology
Authors: Tebes Jacob Kraemer , Thai Nghi D. , Matlin Samantha L.
Published: February 2014

In this paper we maintain that twenty‐first century science is, fundamentally, a relational process in which knowledge is produced (or co‐produced) through transactions among researchers or among researchers and public stakeholders. We offer an expanded perspective on the practice of twenty‐first century science, the production of scientific knowledge, and what community psychology can contribute to these developments. We argue that: (1) trends in science show that research is increasingly being conducted in teams; (2) scientific teams, such as transdisciplinary teams of researchers or of researchers collaborating with various public stakeholders, are better able to address complex challenges; (3) transdisciplinary scientific teams are part of the larger, twenty‐first century transformation in science; (4) the concept ofheterarchyis a heuristic for team science aligned with this transformation; (5) a contemporary philosophy of science known as perspectivism provides an essential foundation to advance twenty‐first century science; and (6) community psychology, through its core principles and practice competencies, offers theoretical and practical expertise for advancing team science and the transformation in science currently underway. We discuss the implications of these points and illustrate them briefly with two examples of transdisciplinary team science from our own work. We conclude that a new narrative is emerging for science in the twenty‐first century that draws on interpersonal transactions in teams, and active engagement by researchers with the public to address critical accountabilities. Because of its core organizing principles and unique blend of expertise on the intersection of research and practice, community psychologists are well‐prepared to help advance these developments, and thus have much to offer twenty‐first century science.
CO2/N2 Triggered Switchable Surfactants with Imidazole Group
Authors: Chai Mingfeng , Zheng Zhibo , Bao Lei , Qiao Weihong
Published: February 2014

In order to overcome the hydrolysis of 2‐alkyl‐1‐hydroxyethyl imidazoline and its unsatisfactory emulsification–demulsification switchability to water‐alkane, the long‐chain N‐alkylimidazole compounds were synthesized by n‐octyl bromide, n‐decyl bromide, n‐dodecyl bromide, n‐tetradecyl bromide and n‐hexadecyl bromide with imidazole, respectively and characterized by MS, 1H NMR and FTIR. The long‐chain N‐alkylimidazole compounds can be reversibly transformed into charged surfactants by exposure to CO2. Surface tension values indicated that N‐alkylimidazolium bicarbonates had excellent surface activity compared with corresponding conventional surfactants with a lower γCMC. The surface behaviors of the five surfactants can be illustrated by Amin. Five conductivity cycles by bubbling CO2 and N2 alternately indicated that these surfactants could be switched by CO2 reversibly and repeatedly. Emulsions were repeatedly stabilized for five cycles by N‐alkylimidazolium bicarbonate and broken by bubbling N2 through the solutions to reverses the reaction, releasing CO2.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Quaternized Glucosamide‐Based Trisiloxane Surfactant
Authors: Han Fu , Liu Yi‐lang , Gao Ya‐di , Liang Yin‐lian , Zhou Ya‐wen , Xu Bao‐cai
Published: February 2014

The synthesis of quaternized glucosamide‐based trisiloxane surfactant (QGS) of the general formula Me3SiOSiMeR1OSiMe3(R1= (CH2)3N+(CH3)2(CH2)2R2, R2= glucosamide group) was described, and the surface activity properties of the surfactant were studied. TheN‐[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]‐d‐gluconamide was synthesized by amidation of the ethylenediamine withd‐gluconolactone. The 3‐(3‐chloropropyl)‐1,1,1,3,5,5,5‐heptamethyltrisiloxane was prepared by the acid‐catalyzed reaction of a silane monomer. The QGS was prepared by quaternization of the precursor halogenated hydrocarbon with a tertiary amine. They were structurally characterized by IR,1H NMR and MS. And it reduced the surface tension of water to approximately 21 mN m−1at concentration levels of 10−3mol L−1.
Origin and evolution of the Peptidyl Transferase Center from proto‐tRNAs
Authors: Farias Sávio T. , Rêgo Thais G. , José Marco V.
Published: February 2014

We tested the hypothesis of Tamura (2011) [3] that molecules of tRNA gave origin to ribosomes, particularly to the Peptidyl Transferase Center (PTC) of the 23S ribosomal RNA. We reconstructed the ancestral sequences from all types of tRNA and compared them in their sequences with the current PTC of 23S ribosomal RNA from different organisms. We built an ancestral sequence of proto‐tRNAs that showed a remarkable overall identity of 50.53% with the catalytic site of PTC. We conclude that the Peptidyl Transferase Center was indeed originated by the fusion of ancestral sequences of proto‐tRNA.
Reversibility of changes in brain cholinergic receptors and acetylcholinesterase activity in rats following early life arsenic exposure
Authors: Chandravanshi Lalit P. , Yadav Rajesh S. , Shukla Rajendra K. , Singh Anshuman , Sultana Sarwat , Pant Aditya B. , Parmar Devendra , Khanna Vinay K.
Published: February 2014

In view of the increasing incidences of arsenic induced health effects and the vulnerability of the developing brain to its toxic effects, studies have been carried out to investigate the mechanism of arsenic induced cholinergic alterations and understand if such changes are persistent or transient on withdrawal of arsenic exposure. Male rats were exposed to arsenic (2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg body weight, p.o) from post‐lactational day (PD)22 to PD59, and the effect on selected behavioral and neurochemical end points associated with cholinergic functions was assessed on PD60 and PD90. Decrease in the binding of muscarinic‐cholinergic receptors in frontal cortex (26%, 43%) and hippocampus (21%, 34%) associated with reduced CHRM2 mRNA levels, acetylcholinesterase activity and expression of ChAT and PKC β‐1 was observed in arsenic exposed rats on PD60 as compared to controls. Spatial learning and memory and muscle strength were affected following arsenic exposure in rats on PD60 and associated with arsenic induced cholinergic alterations. Enhanced oxidative stress associated with increased expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins and decreased expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins was distinct in both frontal cortex and hippocampus following arsenic exposure in rats on PD60. The cholinergic alterations and other neurochemical modifications were found to be linked with increased arsenic levels in frontal cortex (1.39, 3.90‐fold) and hippocampus (3.23, 5.48‐fold) on PD60. Although a trend of recovery was observed both in behavioral and neurochemical endpoints on withdrawal of arsenic exposure on PD90, the results indicate that continuous arsenic exposure may have detrimental effects.
Prognostic impact of atrial fibrillation in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Tateyama Shunta , Higuma Takumi , Endo Tomohide , Shibutani Shuji , Hanada Kenji , Yokoyama Hiroaki , Yamada Masahiro , Abe Naoki , Sasaki Shingo , Kimura Masaomi , Okumura Ken
Published: February 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular tachyarrhythmia in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known about the impact of AF on in‐hospital and long‐term mortalities in patients with AMI in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Six hundred ninety‐four consecutive patients with AMI admitted within 48 h after symptom onset were analyzed. All patients successfully underwent primary PCI at the acute phase of AMI. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of AF at admission or during index hospitalization. We retrospectively evaluated the in‐hospital and long‐term all‐cause mortalities between patients with and those without AF.

Results

AF was detected in 38 patients (5.5%) at admission and in 51 patients (7.3%) during hospitalization. Patients with AF were older and had a higher heart rate, lower ejection fraction, higher prevalence of hypertension, worse renal function, higher peak level of creatine phosphokinase, and lower rate of final TIMI flow grade 3 than those without AF. Although patients with AF had a more complicated clinical course and higher in‐hospital mortality (11.2% vs. 4.0%, P=0.009), there was no significant association between presenting AF and in‐hospital death after adjustment for baseline confounders (odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–5.47; P=0.076). During the follow‐up period of 3.0±1.7 years, patients with AF had a higher all‐cause mortality than those without AF (30.3% vs. 22.1%, P=0.004 by log‐rank test). However, after adjustment for clinical characteristics, presenting AF was not an independent predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.67–1.88; P=0.588).

Conclusions

AF is a common complication of AMI and associated with a more complicated clinical course. However, AF is not an independent predictor of both in‐hospital and long‐term mortalities in the PCI era.
Posttraumatic Perineal Pubic Rami Protrusion: A Simple Surgical Management
Authors: Voon Victor , Arshad Homa , Davis Ben
Published: February 2014

Although pubic ramus fractures are common, they usually heal without surgical intervention and result in little long-term disability. We herein present two cases of symptomatic malunion of pubic rami fracture, which was successfully treated with a simple and safe surgical technique. The patients' local symptoms resolved afterwards.
The predictability of aggregate returns on commodity futures
Authors: Lutzenberger Fabian T.
Published: February 2014

This paper provides evidence that aggregate returns on commodity futures (without the returns on collateral) are predictable, both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample, by various lagged variables from the stock market, bond market, macroeconomics, and the commodity market. Out of the 32 candidate predictors we consider, we find that investor sentiment is the best in‐sample predictor of short‐horizon returns, whereas the level and slope of the yield curve have much in‐sample predictive power for long‐horizon returns. We find that it is possible to forecast aggregate returns on commodity futures out‐of‐sample through several combination forecasts (the out‐of‐sample return forecasting R2 is up to 1.65% at the monthly frequency).
THE IMPACT OF INFLATION RISK ON FINANCIAL PLANNING AND RISK-RETURN PROFILES
Authors: Graf Stefan , Haertel Lena , Kling Alexander , Ruß Jochen
Published: February 2014

The importance of funded private or occupational old-age provision is expected to increase due to demographic changes and the resulting problems for government-run pay-as-you-go systems. Clients and advisors therefore need reliable methodologies to match offered products with clients' needs and risk appetite. In Grafet al. (2012), the authors have introduced a methodology based on stochastic modeling to properly assess the risk-return profiles — i.e. the probability distribution of future benefits — of various old-age provision products. In this paper, we additionally consider the impact of inflation on the risk-return profile of old-age provision products. In a model with stochastic interest rates, stochastic inflation and equity returns including stochastic equity volatility, we derive risk-return-profiles for various types of existing unit-linked products with and without embedded guarantees and especially focus on the difference between nominal and real returns. We find that typical “rule of thumb” approximations for considering inflation risk are inappropriate and further show that products that are considered particularly safe by practitioners because of nominal guarantees may bear significant inflation risk. Finally, we propose product designs suitable to reduce inflation risk and investigate their risk-return profile in real terms.
A Review of Android Apps for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Bennett Melanie E. , Toffey Kristin , Dickerson Faith , Himelhoch Seth , Katsafanas Emily , Savage Christina L.G.
Published: February 2014

Introduction: The use of applications (apps) on smartphones and tablet devices is a fast growing component of health behaviour change efforts, including smoking cessation. While the content and utility of iPhone apps for smoking cessation have been systematically reviewed, Android apps have not been examined.

Aims: This study reviewed and evaluated free Android apps for smoking cessation available for download from Google Play and Amazon's USA homepage in January 2013.

Methods: Apps were reviewed; those targeting smoking cessation were identified and examined to ensure that they targeted tobacco smoking and were focused on quitting. Remaining apps were independently rated by three reviewers for 24 clinical strategies for smoking cessation. Results: Overall, 284 free apps were identified using the search terms ‘quit smoking’, ‘smoking cessation’, and ‘stop smoking’; 113 apps that targeted smoking cessation were downloaded for further review. Of these, 21 targeted tobacco smoking and were focused on quitting. These apps had moderate to low ratings for the 24 strategies, indicating that they lacked several of the most helpful strategies for quitting smoking. The apps were strongest in helping users track the number of cigarettes smoked. None connected users to on-line sources of support, referred users to smoking cessation counselling, or recommended the use of nicotine replacement therapies.

Conclusions: While Android apps for smoking cessation have some strengths, they would benefit from incorporating a broader range of strategies for helping people quit smoking.
The Impact of Recentralization on Public Services: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis of the Abolition of Elected Councils in Vietnam
Authors: MALESKY EDMUND J. , NGUYEN CUONG VIET , TRAN ANH
Published: February 2014

Comparative political economy offers a wealth of hypotheses connecting decentralization to improved public service delivery. In recent years, influential formal and experimental work has begun to question the underlying theory and empirical analyses of previous findings. At the same time, many countries have grown dissatisfied with the results of their decentralization efforts and have begun to reverse them. Vietnam is particularly intriguing because of the unique way in which it designed its recentralization, piloting a removal of elected people's councils in 99 districts across the country and stratifying the selection by region, type of province, and urban versus rural setting. We take advantage of the opportunity provided by this quasi experiment to test the core hypotheses regarding the decision to shift administrative and fiscal authority to local governments. We find that recentralization significantly improved public service delivery in areas important to central policy-makers, especially in transportation, healthcare, and communications.
The Upside of Accents: Language, Inter-group Difference, and Attitudes toward Immigration
Authors: Hopkins Daniel J.
Published: February 2014

Many developed democracies are experiencing high immigration, and public attitudes likely shape their policy responses. Prior studies of ethnocentrism and stereotyping make divergent predictions about anti-immigration attitudes. Some contend that culturally distinctive immigrants consistently generate increased opposition; others predict that natives’ reactions depend on the particular cultural distinction and associated stereotypes. This article tests these hypotheses using realistic, video-based experiments with representative American samples. The results refute the expectation that more culturally distinctive immigrants necessarily induce anti-immigration views: exposure to Latino immigrants with darker skin tones or who speak Spanish does not increase restrictionist attitudes. Instead, the impact of out-group cues hinges on their content and related norms, as immigrants who speak accented English seem to counteract negative stereotypes related to immigrant assimilation.
Une nouvelle culture émergente ? L'évaluation du positionnement des groupes d'intérêt anglophones face au Cadre stratégique agricole canadien de 2007*
Authors: Benoit Maude , Cantin Marie-Hélène , Duchesne Érick
Published: February 2014

Résumé.Cet article présente une analyse de texte innovatrice, à l'aide d'outils quantitatif et qualitatif, des mémoires anglophones déposés par les groupes d'intérêt au ministère de l'Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada lors des consultations reliées au cadre stratégiqueCultivons l'aveniren 2007. Nous observons une multiplication des acteurs intéressés par les politiques publiques de ce secteur et un éclatement de leurs discours, qui ne s'articulent plus seulement autour du protectionnisme agricole. Nos résultats signalent une forte fragmentation des débats agricoles, certains groupes favorisant une libéralisation accrue, d'autres défendant la reconnaissance de la multifonctionnalité de l'agriculture. Face à cette polarisation, l'analyse lexicographique du Cadre stratégique canadien indique que le gouvernement affiche une position d'équilibre entre ces discours contrastés, tout en recourant à un argumentaire manifestement en faveur d'une plus grande libéralisation de l'agriculture.

Abstract.This article uses quantitative and qualitative instruments to present an innovative content analysis of the English-language briefs presented by interest groups to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada during the 2007 consultations for theGrowing Forwardpolicy framework. Our analysis shows a proliferation in the number of actors interested in agricultural public policy as well as a diversification of their discussions, which are no longer structured solely around the idea of agricultural protectionism. Our results indicate that stakeholders' objectives in agriculture are highly fragmented, with some groups promoting an increased liberalization and other stakeholders strongly defending the recognition of the multifunctionality of agriculture. Considering these disparate pressures, the lexicographic analysis of the Canadian policy framework indicates that the Canadian government takes a balanced position between these contrasted interests while, nevertheless, putting forward arguments that are clearly in favour of greater agricultural liberalization.
Brand New Party: Political Branding and the Conservative Party of Canada
Authors: Marland Alex , Flanagan Tom
Published: February 2014

Abstract.Little has been written about the use of branding by Canadian political parties. We draw on interviews with 30 party elites to document the branding of the Conservative party of Canada from 2003 to 2006. We disclose that preparations to re-brand the Canadian Alliance party were subsumed into the new party and that the colour of the maple leaf in the Conservative logo was a contentious topic because of its political symbolism. We conclude that partisans' attachment to colours and the use of negative advertising constitute important differences between the practice of branding in the political and business spheres.

Résumé.Fort peu d'écrits ont été consacrés au processus de développement d'images de marque (oubranding) par les partis politiques canadiens. Cet article présente des données tirées d'entrevues réalisées auprès de 30 dirigeants et stratèges du Parti conservateur du Canada sur cette question entre 2003 et 2006. Les entretiens révèlent que les préparatifs menant au repositionnement de l'image de l'Alliance canadienne ont mené à la création de la nouvelle formation et qu'un débat important sur l'arrimage chromatique de la feuille d'érable présente dans le nouveau logo conservateur a secoué le parti en raison de sa symbolique politique. En conclusion, nous posons que l'identité partisane liée à certaines couleurs et le recours à la publicité négative représentent des différences notables dans l'exercice de développement d'images de marque entre les sphères politiques et commerciales.
Per-oral flexible laryngoscopy in awake neonates and infants: the ‘pacifier’ technique
Authors: Loizou P , Haloob N , Evgeniou E
Published: February 2014

Background:

It is common for ENT specialists to be called to neonatal intensive care units to assess neonates with suspected laryngomalacia. At Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK, it is standard practice to initially try to assess the larynx whilst the patient is awake. This can cause the patient to cry and become irritable, and can induce worry in the parents. A literature search revealed that numerous procedures have been successfully performed on neonates and infants whilst they were being pacified.

Objectives:

This paper describes various procedures where pacification has been used effectively. Furthermore, it reports a pacification technique developed for per-oral flexible laryngoscopy in awake neonates and infants.
‘This pasture is ours since ancient times’: An ethnographic analysis of the reduction in conflicts along the post-1991 Afar-Tigray regional boundary
Authors: Lenaerts Lutgart , Breusers Mark , Dondeyne Stefaan , Bauer Hans , Haile Mitiku , Deckers Jozef
Published: February 2014

The role of post-1991 ethnic-based federalism on conflicts along regional boundaries has been a topic of great dispute in Ethiopianist literature. This article sheds new light on the on-going debate based on original ethnographic material from the Afar-Tigray regional border zone. Contrary to other studies, conflicts appear to have reduced in that area. Two key questions are addressed: how do different groups lay future claims to land; and which role does the post-1991 government play in those claims to land and in reducing conflicts? The case study reveals that people materialise religion to lay future claims to land and that conflicts have reduced with increased involvement of the state over the past two decades, but that this reduction has come at a high cost and may therefore not be sustainable in the long term.
Predicting the Success Rate of Long-baseline GPS+Galileo (Partial) Ambiguity Resolution
Authors: Odijk Dennis , Arora Balwinder S. , Teunissen Peter J.G.
Published: February 2014

This contribution covers precise (cm-level) relative Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning for which the baseline length can reach up to a few hundred km. Carrier-phase ambiguity resolution is required to obtain this high positioning accuracy within manageable observation time spans. However, for such long baselines, the differential ionospheric delays hamper fast ambiguity resolution as based on current dual-frequency Global Positioning System (GPS). It is expected that the modernization of GPS towards a triple-frequency system, as well as the development of Galileo towards a full constellation will be beneficial in speeding up long-baseline ambiguity resolution. In this article we will predict ambiguity resolution success rates for GPS+Galileo for a 250 km baseline based on the ambiguity variance matrix, where the Galileo constellation is simulated by means of Yuma almanac data. From our studies it can be concluded that ambiguity resolution will likely become faster (less than ten minutes) in the case of GPS+Galileo when based on triple-frequency data of both systems, however much shorter times to fix the ambiguities (one-two minutes) can be expected when only a subset of ambiguities is fixed instead of the complete vector (partial ambiguity resolution).
Gender Differences in Deliberate Self-Poisoning in Hungary
Authors: Tóth  , Ádám Szilvia , Birkás Emma , Székely András , Stauder Adrienne , Purebl György
Published: February 2014

Background: The suicide rate in Hungary is one of the highest in the European Union, with a male–female ratio of 3.55:1. Suicide rates correlate positively with suicide attempts, for which depression is the most frequent underlying disorder. Aims: The aim of this qualitative study was to examine gender differences in suicide attempts, with a focus on the effect of precipitating factors on depression. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted among 150 suicide attempters. Data on circumstances, reason, and method of attempt were recorded. Patients completed the Shortened Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Sense of Coherence Scale, and the Social Support Questionnaire. Results: Interpersonal conflict was found to be the most frequent precipitating factor. There were significant gender differences in depressive symptoms among patients with interpersonal conflicts. We found differences in depressive symptoms according to presence or absence of interpersonal conflicts among men, but not among women. Male suicide attempters who indicated interpersonal conflicts had lower levels of depression. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are frequent among suicide attempters. However, a subgroup of male attempters reporting interpersonal conflicts are characterized by a lower level of depression. This subgroup of attempters would probably not be detected with depression screening programs and may have an unmet need for other forms of screening and prevention.
Out-Group Flies in the In-Group’s Ointment
Authors: Rubin Mark , Paolini Stefania
Published: February 2014

People tend to misclassify ambiguous individuals as members of the out-group rather than the in-group. This in-group overexclusion effect (IO effect) is thought to occur because people are motivated to maintain their in-group’s positivity by protecting it from potential out-group intrusions. The present research tested this explanation by asking university students (N = 122) to complete a self-esteem scale and then recall the group memberships of individuals who belonged to minimal groups. Consistent with predictions, participants misassigned significantly fewer individuals to the in-group than to the out-group when the in-group was positive and the out-group was negative but not when these valences were reversed. In addition, self-esteem negatively predicted the IO effect. Alternative explanations of the IO effect are discussed.
Using the Past to Promote a Peaceful Future
Authors: Routledge Clay , Juhl Jacob , Abeyta Andrew , Roylance Christina
Published: February 2014

Recent research has demonstrated that nostalgia is a source of meaning in life that people utilize when managing existential concerns. The current studies further explored the existential function of nostalgia by testing the prediction that nostalgia decreases ideologically extreme defenses against existential threat (i.e., self-sacrifice on behalf of one’s nation or religion). Results supported this hypothesis. In Study 1, mortality salience increased willingness to engage in nationalistic self-sacrifice for those low, but not high, in trait nostalgia. In Study 2, manipulated nostalgia mitigated the relationship between death-thought accessibility and willingness to engage in religious self-sacrifice.
The unconventional expression of IL‐15 and its role in NK cell homeostasis
Authors: Huntington Nicholas D
Published: February 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells are the founding members of the innate lymphoid cell family and contribute to the rapid production of inflammatory mediators upon pathogen detection. The evolution of receptors for self major histocompatibility complex‐I and stress‐induced ligands also bestows upon NK cells an important effector role in the clearance of virus‐infected and transformed cells. NK cells are dependent on the pleiotropic cytokine interleukin (IL)‐15 for their development, differentiation and optimal function. Here I review the regulation of IL‐15 in vivo, its role in driving NK cell differentiation and discuss the function of NK cell diversification with regard to innate immunity.
Toll‐like receptors and NLRP3 as central regulators of pancreatic islet inflammation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Westwell‐Roper Clara , Nackiewicz Dominika , Dan Meixia , Ehses Jan A
Published: February 2014

The global health and economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has reached staggering proportions. Current projections estimate that 592 million people will have diabetes by 2035. T2D—which comprises 90% of cases—is a complex disease, in most cases resulting from a combination of predisposing genes and an unhealthy environment. Clinical onset of the disease occurs when pancreatic β cells fail in the face of insulin resistance. It has long been appreciated that chronic activation of the innate immune system is associated with T2D, and many organs critical to the regulation of glucose homeostasis show signs of a chronic inflammatory process, including the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Recent clinical trials using IL‐1‐targeting agents have confirmed that inflammation contributes to β‐cell failure in humans with T2D. However, little is known about the nature of the pro‐inflammatory response within the islet, and there is considerable debate about the triggers for islet inflammation, which may be systemically derived and/or tissue‐specific. In this review, we present evidence that Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 and the NLRP3 (Nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, Leucine‐rich Repeat and Pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome are triggers for islet inflammation in T2D and propose that the activation of macrophages by these triggers mediates islet endocrine cell dysfunction. Therapeutically targeting these receptors may improve hyperglycemia and protect the β cell in T2D.
Controllability of Vortex Domain Structure in Ferroelectric Nanodot: Fruitful Domain Patterns and Transformation Paths
Authors: Wu C. M. , Chen W. J. , Zheng Yue , Ma D. C. , Wang B. , Liu J. Y. , Woo C. H.
Published: February 2014

Ferroelectric vortex domain structure which exists in low-dimensional ferroelectrics is being intensively researched for future applications in functional nanodevices. Here we demonstrate that adjusting surface charge screening in combination with temperature can provide an efficient way to gain control of vortex domain structure in ferroelectric nanodot. Systematical simulating experiments have been conducted to reveal the stability and evolution mechanisms of domain structure in ferroelectric nanodot under various conditions, including processes of cooling-down/heating-up under different surface charge screening conditions and increasing/decreasing surface charge screening at different temperatures. Fruitful phase diagrams as functions of surface screening and temperature are presented, together with evolution paths of various domain patterns. Calculations discover up to 25 different kinds of domain patterns and 22 typical evolution paths of phase transitions. The fruitful controllability of vortex domain structure by surface charge screening in combination with temperature should shed light on prospective nanodevice applications of low-dimensional ferroelectric nanostructures.
Determination of the contents of magnesium and potassium in rapeseeds using FTIR-PAS combined with least squares support vector machines and uninformative variable elimination
Authors: Lu Yuzhen , Du Changwen , Yu Changbing , Zhou Jianmin
Published: February 2014

Fourier transform mid-infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) was employed to determine the contents of magnesium and potassium in rapeseeds.
Cancer glycan biomarkers and their detection – past, present and future
Authors: Svarovsky Sergei A. , Joshi Lokesh
Published: February 2014

Despite most of the known cancer biomarkers being glycoproteins, the full diagnostic potential of their glycan alterations remains largely untapped.
Catalytic enantioselective intramolecular cyclization of N-aryl diazoamides using a titanium–BINOLate complex
Authors: Hashimoto Takuya , Yamamoto Kumiko , Maruoka Keiji
Published: February 2014

Catalytic enantioselective intramolecular cyclization of N-aryl diazoamides was achieved by using titanium–BINOLate as a chiral Lewis acid-assisted Brønsted acid.
The importance of charge-transfer interactions in determining chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) optical and photochemical properties
Authors: Sharpless Charles M. , Blough Neil V.
Published: February 2014

A critical review presenting the case for an electronic interaction model as the basis for CDOM optical and photochemical properties.
The formation of ice mantles on interstellar grains revisited – the effect of exothermicity
Authors: Lamberts T. , de Vries X. , Cuppen H. M.
Published: February 2014

Modelling of grain surface chemistry generally deals with the simulation of rare events. Usually deterministic methods or statistical approaches such as the kinetic Monte Carlo technique are applied for these simulations. All assume that the surface processes are memoryless, the Markov chain assumption, and usually also that their rates are time independent. In this paper we investigate surface reactions for which these assumptions are not valid, and discuss what the effect is on the formation of water on interstellar grains. We will particularly focus on the formation of two OH radicals by the reaction H + HO2. Two reaction products are formed in this exothermic reaction and the resulting momentum gained causes them to move away from each other. What makes this reaction special is that the two products can undergo a follow-up reaction to form H2O2. Experimentally, OH has been observed, which means that the follow-up reaction does not proceed with 100% efficiency, even though the two OH radicals are formed in each other's vicinity in the same reaction. This can be explained by a combined effect of the directionality of the OH radical movement together with energy dissipation. Both effects are constrained by comparison with experiments, and the resulting parametrised mechanism is applied to simulations of the formation of water ice under interstellar conditions.
Synthesis of high-mannose 1-thio glycans and their conjugation to protein
Authors: Bailey Justin J. , Bundle David R.
Published: February 2014

Mannosylthiol derivatives of the high-mannose structure Man9GlcNAc2were synthesized and conjugated to ubiquitin in high copy number as determined by LC-UV-MS.
Diverse silver(i) sulfobenzoate coordination polymers and their recycling property as homogeneous catalyst in oxygenation of sulfide
Authors: Ma Ai-Qing , Zhu Long-Guan
Published: February 2014

Four silver sulfobenzoate coordination polymers with bpmb ligands were prepared. The variable positions of sulfonate groups on benzene rings gave rise to different coordination polymers and variable chemical properties.
Assembly of evenly distributed Au nanoparticles on thiolated reduced graphene oxide as an active and robust catalyst for hydrogenation of 4-nitroarenes
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Sun Dengrong , Fu Jinlong , Yuan Rusheng , Li Zhaohui
Published: February 2014

Au/SRG nanohybrid with evenly distributed Au nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide via covalent thiol linkage shows superior catalytic performance for hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol.
Detection of single methylated cytosine using junction-forming DNA probes
Authors: Takanashi Kenta , Kato Teru
Published: February 2014

Sequence-selective modification of a single cytosine using junction-forming DNA probes was applied for the quantitative-PCR-based detection of methylated cytosine.