bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Daytime Fast Track Improves Throughput in a Single Physician Coverage Emergency Department
Authors: Copeland Julie , Gray Andrew
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Fast tracks are one approach to reduce emergency department (ED) crowding. No studies have assessed the use of fast tracks in smaller hospitals with single physician coverage. Our study objective was to determine if implementation of an ED fast track in a single physician coverage setting would improve wait times for low-acuity patients without negatively impacting those of higher acuity.

Methods

A daytime fast track opened in 2010 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, a southwestern Ontario community hospital. Before and after intervention groups comprised of ED visits in 2009 and 2011 were compared. Pooled comparison of all Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) patients in each period, and between subgroups CTAS 2-5 comparisons were performed for: wait time (WT), length of stay (LOS), WTs that met national CTAS time guidelines (MNCTG), and proportion of patients that left without being seen (LWBS).

Results

WT and LOS were six minutes (88 min to 82 min, p=0.002) and 15 minutes (158 min to 143 min, p<0.001) lower, respectively, in the post-intervention period. Subgroup analysis showed CTAS 4 had the most pre- to post-intervention decrease in WT, of 13 minutes (98 min to 85 min, p<0.001). There was statistical improvement in MNCTG in the post-intervention period. No differences were found in outcome measures for higher-acuity patients or LWBS rates.

Conclusions

Implementation of a fast track in a medium-volume community hospital with single physician coverage can improve patient throughput by decreasing WT and LOS without negatively impacting high-acuity patients. This may be clinically relevant, particularly for hospital administrators, given the improvement in meeting national WT standards we found post-intervention.
Radical settlements to conflict: Conflict management and its implications for institutional change
Authors: Helms Wesley S. , Oliver Christine
Published: June 2015

This paper theorizes that conflict management strategies influenceradical settlementsin institutional fields. Radical settlements are truces to conflict reached between field constituents that significantly change constituents’ relations and their institutional context. We develop theory on the concept of radical settlements by introducing a typology of conflict management strategies that predicts variance in the likelihood of a radical settlement in institutional fields. We ground this typology within a framework of two key antecedents – ideological salience and field polarization – proposed to influence conflict management strategies. Our paper provides new insights to the literature on conflict and institutional change by shedding new light on the counter-intuitive phenomenon of conflict settlement or cessation as a catalyst for change within institutional fields.
Metabolism, health and fillet nutritional quality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed diets containing n-3-rich microalgae
Authors: Kousoulaki Katerina , Østbye Tone-Kari Knutsdatter , Krasnov Aleksei , Torgersen Jacob Seilø , Mørkøre Turid , Sweetman John
Published: June 2015

Microalgae, as primary producers of EPA and DHA, are among the most prominent alternative sources to fish oil for n-3 long-chain PUFA in animal and human nutrition. The present study aimed to assess technical, nutritional and fish health aspects of producing n-3-rich Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fish fillets by dietary supplementation of increasing levels of a DHA-producing Schizochytrium sp. and reduced or without use of supplemental fish oil. Atlantic salmon smolt were fed diets with graded levels of microalgae for 12 weeks, during which all fish showed high feed intake rates with postprandial plasma leptin levels inversely correlating with final mean fish body weights. Fish performance was optimal in all experimental treatments (thermal growth coefficient about 4·0 and feed conversion ratio 0·8–0·9), protein digestibility was equal in all diets, whereas dietary lipid digestibility inversely correlated with the dietary levels of the SFA 16 : 0. Fillet quality was good and similar to the control in all treatments in terms of n-3 long-chain PUFA content, gaping, texture and liquid losses during thawing. Histological fluorescence staining and immunofluorescence analysis of salmon intestines (midgut: base of intestine and villi) revealed significant effects on slime, goblet cell production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity with increasing levels of dietary Schizochytrium sp. supplementation. Microarray analysis did not reveal any signs of toxicity, stress, inflammation or any other negative effects from Schizochytrium sp. supplementation in diets for Atlantic salmon.
The rational Islamic actor? Evidence from Islamic banking
Authors: Demiralp Seda , Demiralp Selva
Published: June 2015

Islamic banks create an interest in their own right as a rising branch in financial intermediation, particularly in the post-crisis era. In addition, they also deserve the attention of students of Islamism due to their possible connection with Islamic movements. Through a comparison of Islamic and conventional banking, we analyze the motivations and behavior of Islamic economic actors who determine the cash flow to Islamic banks. Our findings suggest that, in contrast to popular views that portray these actors as ideologues or financiers of radical Islam, they have pragmatic motivations and may adapt to liberal systems in order to seize economic incentives.
Generation in debt: Family, politics, and youth subjectivities in Diyarbakır
Authors: Neyzi Leyla , Darıcı Haydar
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates the political subjectivities of Kurdish youth in Diyarbakır through the interplay of kinship and politics. We argue that it is through a framework of kinship that young people make sense of the Kurdish issue. We show that the war between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan, PKK) and the Turkish military has reshaped the Kurdish family, leading to a crisis in the life cycle. We suggest that the young feel indebted to the Kurdish movement, which they express using the term bedel (“debt”). Debt is related to the family, as the individual becomes indebted as part of a kinship group. We argue that the expansion of public space in Diyarbakır has created alternative ways of paying debt and doing politics.
Sivakumaran's ‘Law of Non-International Armed Conflict’: A Criminal Lawyer's Perspective
Authors: Arnold Roberta
Published: June 2015

One of the least clarified areas of international law is the legal regime applicable to non-international armed conflict (NIAC) – that is, where hostilities occur between state and non-state actors (NSAs) or between two or more NSAs.1This can be explained by the reticence of states to grant legality to such movements and their preference to label them as criminal movements or terrorist groups.2The result is that the regulation of NIAC is still limited to the application of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions of 1949 (GCs) and their Additional Protocol II of 1977 (Additional Protocol II or AP II).3While Common Article 3 provides only a rudimentary framework of minimum standards, Additional Protocol II, which usefully supplements it, is still less detailed than the rules governing international armed conflict (IAC). Moreover, in contrast to Common Article 3,4it has not yet attained customary status.5This situation is a source of concern. Faced with the horrors committed in NIACs such as those in Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Liberia in the 1990s, and the awareness of an inadequate legal framework, the international criminal law (ICL) community decided to resort to international human rights law (IHRL) and ICL to fill the gaps of international humanitarian law (IHL) applicable to NIAC.6
The Development of a Humanitarian Health Ethics Analysis Tool
Authors: Fraser Veronique , Hunt Matthew R. , de Laat Sonya , Schwartz Lisa
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Health care workers (HCWs) who participate in humanitarian aid work experience a range of ethical challenges in providing care and assistance to communities affected by war, disaster, or extreme poverty. Although there is increasing discussion of ethics in humanitarian health care practice and policy, there are very few resources available for humanitarian workers seeking ethical guidance in the field. To address this knowledge gap, a Humanitarian Health Ethics Analysis Tool (HHEAT) was developed and tested as an action-oriented resource to support humanitarian workers in ethical decision making.

While ethical analysis tools increasingly have become prevalent in a variety of practice contexts over the past two decades, very few of these tools have undergone a process of empirical validation to assess their usefulness for practitioners.

Methods

A qualitative study consisting of a series of six case-analysis sessions with 16 humanitarian HCWs was conducted to evaluate and refine the HHEAT.

Results

Participant feedback inspired the creation of a simplified and shortened version of the tool and prompted the development of an accompanying handbook.

Conclusion

The study generated preliminary insight into the ethical deliberation processes of humanitarian health workers and highlighted different types of ethics support that humanitarian workers might find helpful in supporting the decision-making process.

FraserV,HuntMR,de LaatS,SchwartzL.The development of a humanitarian health ethics analysis tool.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(4):19.
The human rights framework, the school and healthier eating among young people: a European perspective
Authors: Mikkelsen Bent Egberg , Engesveen Kaia , Afflerbach Thorsten , Barnekow Vivian
Published: June 2015

Objective

To give an account of provisions in the framework of international human rights and intergovernmental policy agreements in relation to eating at school and discuss how these provisions could be invoked to ensure healthy eating at school.

Design

A review of provisions in the international and European human rights frameworks and policy documents was performed in order to identify evidence and examples of provisions implying responsibilities of the school as a public service provider to ensure healthy eating.

Results

The review of the human rights and policy texts showed that there are a large number of provisions that can be invoked in support of measures at school which can contribute to ensuring healthier eating as well as better education supporting such measures.

Conclusions

The international frameworks of human rights and intergovernmental policy agreements should be invoked and translated into concrete strategies, policies, regulations and accountability mechanisms at national, regional, local and school levels. Ensuring healthy eating should be a top priority among all stakeholders in and around the school environment since it is a good investment in children’s short- and long-term health and educational achievements.
Toward a systematic approach to assessment and care planning in palliative care: A practical review of clinical tools
Authors: Hudson Peter , Collins Anna , Bostanci Adam , Willenberg Lisa , Stephanov Nikola , Phillip Jennifer
Published: June 2015

Objective:

Ensuring a consistent and systematic approach to the delivery of care for people with advanced disease is a priority for palliative care services worldwide. Many clinical tools are available to aid in this process; however, they are often used sporadically, and implementation of a routine set of clinical tools to guide care planning in the specialist palliative care sector in Australia has not been achieved. This study sought to recommend key clinical tools that may assist with the assessment and care planning of specialist palliative care provision for patients and family caregivers admitted to specialist palliative care settings (home, hospital, and hospice).

Method:

A mixed-methods sequential approach over four phases was employed, involving: (1) a palliative care sector survey, (2) a systematic literature review, (3) an appraisal of identified clinical tools, and (4) a focus group with an expert panel who critiqued and endorsed a final suite of clinical tools recommended for specialist palliative care.

Results:

Twelve tools with practical relevance were recommended for use across settings of care.

Significance of Results:

Palliative services should review current practices and seek to implement this recommended suite of tools to enhance assessment and guide care delivery across care settings. Subsequent evaluation should also occur.
1α, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and the vitamin D receptor regulates ΔNp63α levels and keratinocyte proliferation
Authors: Hill N T , Zhang J , Leonard M K , Lee M , Shamma H N , Kadakia M
Published: June 2015

1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3), a secosteriod that has been explored as an anti-cancer agent, was also shown to promote cell survival. Its receptor, the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), is a direct target of the proto-oncogene ΔNp63α, which is overexpressed in non-melanoma skin cancers. The interconnection between VDR/VD3 signaling and ΔNp63α, led us to examine whether VDR/VD3 signaling promotes keratinocyte proliferation by regulating ΔNp63α levels. Our data demonstrate that VDR regulates ΔNp63α expression at both the transcript and protein level. Interestingly, although low doses of VD3 led to an increase in ΔNp63α protein levels and keratinocyte proliferation, high doses of VD3 failed to increase ΔNp63α protein levels and resulted in reduced proliferation. Increased expression of ΔNp63α by low dose VD3 was shown to be dependent on VDR and critical for the proliferative effects of VD3. VD3-mediated increases in ΔNp63α protein levels occur via activation of both p38 MAPK and Akt kinases. Finally, analysis of samples from patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma and precursors to invasive SCC demonstrated a significant correlation between p63 and VDR levels when compared with healthy normal skin control samples. Delineation of the mechanisms by which VD3 exerts its effect on ΔNp63α and cell proliferation is critical for determining the future of VD3 in cancer therapies.
Polarization-independent actively tunable colour generation on imprinted plasmonic surfaces
Authors: Franklin Daniel , Chen Yuan , Vazquez-Guardado Abraham , Modak Sushrut , Boroumand Javaneh , Xu Daming , Wu Shin-Tson , Chanda Debashis
Published: June 2015

Structural colour arising from nanostructured metallic surfaces offers many benefits compared to conventional pigmentation based display technologies, such as increased resolution and scalability of their optical response with structure dimensions. However, once these structures are fabricated their optical characteristics remain static, limiting their potential application. Here, by using a specially designed nanostructured plasmonic surface in conjunction with high birefringence liquid crystals, we demonstrate a tunable polarization-independent reflective surface where the colour of the surface is changed as a function of applied voltage. A large range of colour tunability is achieved over previous reports by utilizing an engineered surface which allows full liquid crystal reorientation while maximizing the overlap between plasmonic fields and liquid crystal. In combination with imprinted structures of varying periods, a full range of colours spanning the entire visible spectrum is achieved, paving the way towards dynamic pixels for reflective displays.
Insights into the origin of the nuclear localization signals in conserved ribosomal proteins
Authors: Melnikov Sergey , Ben-Shem Adam , Yusupova Gulnara , Yusupov Marat
Published: June 2015

Eukaryotic ribosomal proteins, unlike their bacterial homologues, possess nuclear localization signals (NLSs) to enter the cell nucleus during ribosome assembly. Here we provide a comprehensive comparison of bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes to show that NLSs appear in conserved ribosomal proteins via remodelling of their RNA-binding domains. This finding enabled us to identify previously unknown NLSs in ribosomal proteins from humans, and suggests that, apart from promoting protein transport, NLSs may facilitate folding of ribosomal RNA.
Context influences on TALE–DNA binding revealed by quantitative profiling
Authors: Rogers Julia M. , Barrera Luis A. , Reyon Deepak , Sander Jeffry D. , Kellis Manolis , Keith Joung J , Bulyk Martha L.
Published: June 2015

Transcription activator-like effector (TALE) proteins recognize DNA using a seemingly simple DNA-binding code, which makes them attractive for use in genome engineering technologies that require precise targeting. Although this code is used successfully to design TALEs to target specific sequences, off-target binding has been observed and is difficult to predict. Here we explore TALE–DNA interactions comprehensively by quantitatively assaying the DNA-binding specificities of 21 representative TALEs to ∼5,000–20,000 unique DNA sequences per protein using custom-designed protein-binding microarrays (PBMs). We find that protein context features exert significant influences on binding. Thus, the canonical recognition code does not fully capture the complexity of TALE–DNA binding. We used the PBM data to develop a computational model, Specificity Inference For TAL-Effector Design (SIFTED), to predict the DNA-binding specificity of any TALE. We provide SIFTED as a publicly available web tool that predicts potential genomic off-target sites for improved TALE design.
Dietary ω3 fatty acid exerts anti-allergic effect through the conversion to 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid in the gut
Authors: Kunisawa Jun , Arita Makoto , Hayasaka Takahiro , Harada Takashi , Iwamoto Ryo , Nagasawa Risa , Shikata Shiori , Nagatake Takahiro , Suzuki Hidehiko , Hashimoto Eri , Kurashima Yosuke , Suzuki Yuji , Arai Hiroyuki , Setou Mitsutoshi , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: June 2015

ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties, but the immune-metabolic progression from dietary oil remains to be investigated. Here we identified 17,18-epoxyeicostetraenoic acid (17,18-EpETE) as an anti-allergic metabolite generated in the gut from dietary ω3 α-linolenic acid (ALA). Biochemical and imaging mass spectrometry analyses revealed increased ALA and its metabolites, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), in the intestines of mice receiving ALA-rich linseed oil (Lin-mice). In murine food allergy model, the decreased incidence of allergic diarrhea in Lin-mice was due to impairment of mast cell degranulation without affecting allergen-specific serum IgE. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry-based mediator lipidomics identified 17,18-EpETE as a major ω3 EPA-derived metabolite generated from dietary ALA in the gut and 17,18-EpETE exhibits anti-allergic function when administered in vivo. These findings suggest that metabolizing dietary ω3 PUFAs generates 17,18-EpETE, which is an endogenous anti-allergic metabolite and potentially is a therapeutic target to control intestinal allergies.
Measuring multiple evolution mechanisms of complex networks
Authors: Zhang Qian-Ming , Xu Xiao-Ke , Zhu Yu-Xiao , Zhou Tao
Published: June 2015

Numerous concise models such as preferential attachment have been put forward to reveal the evolution mechanisms of real-world networks, which show that real-world networks are usually jointly driven by a hybrid mechanism of multiplex features instead of a single pure mechanism. To get an accurate simulation for real networks, some researchers proposed a few hybrid models by mixing multiple evolution mechanisms. Nevertheless, how a hybrid mechanism of multiplex features jointly influence the network evolution is not very clear. In this study, we introduce two methods (link prediction and likelihood analysis) to measure multiple evolution mechanisms of complex networks. Through tremendous experiments on artificial networks, which can be controlled to follow multiple mechanisms with different weights, we find the method based on likelihood analysis performs much better and gives very accurate estimations. At last, we apply this method to some real-world networks which are from different domains (including technology networks and social networks) and different countries (e.g., USA and China), to see how popularity and clustering co-evolve. We find most of them are affected by both popularity and clustering, but with quite different weights.
Strategies to improve quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent labelling
Authors: Johnson Sarah J. , Walker F. Rohan
Published: June 2015

Binary image thresholding is the most commonly used technique to quantitatively examine changes in immunolabelled material. In this article we demonstrate that if implicit assumptions predicating this technique are not met then the resulting analysis and data interpretation can be incorrect. We then propose a transparent approach to image quantification that is straightforward to execute using currently available software and therefore can be readily and cost-effectively implemented.
Origin of White Electroluminescence in Graphene Quantum Dots Embedded Host/Guest Polymer Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kyu Kim Jung , Bae Sukang , Yi Yeonjin , Jin Park Myung , Jin Kim Sang , Myoung NoSoung , Lee Chang-Lyoul , Hee Hong Byung , Hyeok Park Jong
Published: June 2015

Polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) using quantum dots (QDs) as emissive materials have received much attention as promising components for next-generation displays. Despite their outstanding properties, toxic and hazardous nature of QDs is a serious impediment to their use in future eco-friendly opto-electronic device applications. Owing to the desires to develop new types of nano-material without health and environmental effects but with strong opto-electrical properties similar to QDs, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted great interest as promising luminophores. However, the origin of electroluminescence from GQDs incorporated PLEDs is unclear. Herein, we synthesized graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) using a modified hydrothermal deoxidization method and characterized the PLED performance using GOQDs blended poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) as emissive layer. Simple device structure was used to reveal the origin of EL by excluding the contribution of and contamination from other layers. The energy transfer and interaction between the PVK host and GOQDs guest were investigated using steady-state PL, time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Experiments revealed that white EL emission from the PLED originated from the hybridized GOQD-PVK complex emission with the contributions from the individual GOQDs and PVK emissions.
Room Temperature, Hybrid Sodium-Based Flow Batteries with Multi-Electron Transfer Redox Reactions
Authors: Shamie Jack S. , Liu Caihong , Shaw Leon L. , Sprenkle Vincent L.
Published: June 2015

We introduce a new concept of hybrid Na-based flow batteries (HNFBs) with a molten Na alloy anode in conjunction with a flowing catholyte separated by a solid Na-ion exchange membrane for grid-scale energy storage. Such HNFBs can operate at ambient temperature, allow catholytes to have multiple electron transfer redox reactions per active ion, offer wide selection of catholyte chemistries with multiple active ions to couple with the highly negative Na alloy anode and enable the use of both aqueous and non-aqueous catholytes. Further, the molten Na alloy anode permits the decoupled design of power and energy since a large volume of the molten Na alloy can be used with a limited ion-exchange membrane size. In this proof-of-concept study, the feasibility of multi-electron transfer redox reactions per active ion and multiple active ions for catholytes has been demonstrated. The critical barriers to mature this new HNFBs have also been explored.
Heterogeneous distribution of plankton within the mixed layer and its implications for bloom formation in tropical seas
Authors: Calbet Albert , Agersted Mette Dalgaard , Kaartvedt Stein , Møhl Malene , Møller Eva Friis , Enghoff-Poulsen Søren , Paulsen Maria Lund , Solberg Ingrid , Tang Kam W. , Tönnesson Kajsa , Raitsos Dionysios E. , Nielsen Torkel Gissel
Published: June 2015

Intensive sampling at the coastal waters of the central Red Sea during a period of thermal stratification, prior to the main seasonal bloom during winter, showed that vertical patches of prokaryotes and microplankton developed and persisted for several days within the apparently density uniform upper layer. These vertical structures were most likely the result ofin situgrowth and mortality (e.g., grazing) rather than physical or behavioural aggregation. Simulating a mixing event by adding nutrient-rich deep water abruptly triggered dense phytoplankton blooms in the nutrient-poor environment of the upper layer. These findings suggest that vertical structures within the mixed layer provide critical seeding stocks that can rapidly exploit nutrient influx during mixing, leading to winter bloom formation.
Y-junction carbon nanocoils: synthesis by chemical vapor deposition and formation mechanism
Authors: Ding Er-Xiong , Wang Jing , Geng Hong-Zhang , Wang Wen-Yi , Wang Yan , Zhang Ze-Chen , Luo Zhi-Jia , Yang Hai-Jie , Zou Cheng-Xiong , Kang Jianli , Pan Lujun
Published: June 2015

Y-junction carbon nanocoils (Y-CNCs) were synthesized by thermal chemical vapor deposition using Ni catalyst prepared by spray-coating method. According to the emerging morphologies of Y-CNCs, several growth models were advanced to elucidate their formation mechanisms. Regarding the Y-CNCs without metal catalyst in the Y-junctions, fusing of contiguous CNCs and a tip-growth mechanism are considered to be responsible for their formation. However, as for the Y-CNCs with catalyst presence in the Y-junctions, the formation can be ascribed to nanoscale soldering/welding and bottom-growth mechanism. It is found that increasing spray-coating time for catalyst preparation generates agglomerated larger nanoparticles strongly adhering to the substrate, resulting in bottom-growth of CNCs and appearance of the metal catalyst in the Y-junctions. In the contrary case, CNCs catalyzed by isolated smaller nanoparticles develop Y-junctions with an absence of metal catalyst by virtue of weaker adhesion of catalyst with the substrate and tip-growth of CNCs.
An enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2/antibody-binding domain fusion protein (APEX2–ABD) as a recombinant target-specific signal amplifier
Authors: Lee Jisu , Song Eun Kyung , Bae Yoonji , Min Junseon , Rhee Hyun-Woo , Park Tae Joo , Kim Moonil , Kang Sebyung
Published: June 2015

A recombinant target-specific signal amplifier was constructed and used in a TSA assay for amplifying signals.
A near-infrared multifunctional fluorescent probe with an inherent tumor-targeting property for bioimaging
Authors: Zhao Xu , Li Yang , Jin Di , Xing Yuzhi , Yan Xilong , Chen Ligong
Published: June 2015

A mitochondria-targeting near-infrared switchable probe for in vitro and in vivo tumor-targeting imaging.
Organic-free synthesis of ultrathin gold nanowires as effective SERS substrates
Authors: Zhou Man , Lin Ming , Wang Yongzheng , Guo Xuefeng , Guo Xiangke , Peng Luming , Ding Weiping
Published: June 2015

Ultrathin gold nanowires (Au NWs) were synthesized in the absence of organic reagents. The obtained organic-free ultrathin Au NWs present great potential for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications.
Water oxidation catalysed by a mononuclear CoII polypyridine complex; possible reaction intermediates and the role of the chloride ligand
Authors: Das Biswanath , Orthaber Andreas , Ott Sascha , Thapper Anders
Published: June 2015

Catalytic water oxidation using mononuclear CoII complex with a chloride ligand has been investigated. Spectroscopic measurements show that the chloride ligand is an integral component of the catalytic process.
Quantitative multivariate analysis of dynamic multicellular morphogenic trajectories
Authors: White Douglas E. , Sylvester Jonathan B. , Levario Thomas J. , Lu Hang , Todd Streelman J. , McDevitt Todd C. , Kemp Melissa L.
Published: June 2015

A modular pattern identification algorithm enables comparisons across different data formats, different multicellular systems, and between experiment and simulation through quantitative network analysis.
Synthesis of oligo-closo-dodecaborates by Hüisgen click reaction as encapsulated agents for the preparation of high-boron-content liposomes for neutron capture therapy
Authors: Koganei Hayato , Tachikawa Shoji , El-Zaria Mohamed E. , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: June 2015

High boron-content molecules and their encapsulated liposomes.
Parallel synthesis and biological evolution of quinic acid derivatives as immuno-suppressing agents against T-cell receptors
Authors: Huang Chih-Yu , Chen Li-Hsun , Huang Hsuan-Yu , Kao Feng-Sheng , Lee Yun-Ta , Selvaraju Manikandan , Sun Chung-Ming , Chen Hueih-Min
Published: June 2015

A parallel synthesis of quinic acid derivatives is explored and their biological evolution against T-cells is studied.
Exploration of stable stoichiometries, physical properties and hardness in the Rh–Si system: a first-principles study
Authors: Wang Jing-Jing , Hermann Andreas , Kuang Xiao-Yu , Jin Yuan-Yuan , Lu Cheng , Zhang Chuan-Zhao , Ju Meng , Si Meng-Ting , Iitaka Toshiaki
Published: June 2015

Exploration of stable stoichiometries of the Rh–Si system.
Enhancing undergraduate chemistry learning by helping students make connections among multiple graphical representations
Authors: Rau Martina A.
Published: June 2015

Multiple representations are ubiquitous in chemistry education. To benefit from multiple representations, students have to make connections between them. However, connection making is a difficult task for students. Prior research shows that supporting connection making enhances students' learning in math and science domains. Most prior research has focused on supporting one type of connection-making process: conceptually making sense of connections among representations. Yet, recent research suggests that a second type of connection-making process plays a role in students' learning: perceptual fluency in translating among representations. I hypothesized that combining support for both conceptual sense making of connections and for perceptual fluency in connection making leads to higher learning gains in general chemistry among undergraduate students. I tested this hypothesis in two experiments with altogetherN= 158 undergraduate students using an intelligent tutoring system for chemistry atomic structure and bonding. Results suggest that the combination of conceptual sense-making support and perceptual fluency-building support for connection making is effective for students with low prior knowledge, whereas students with high prior knowledge benefit most from receiving perceptual fluency-building support alone. This finding suggests that students' learning in chemistry can be enhanced if instruction provides support for connection making among multiple representations in a way that tailors to their specific learning needs.
Segregated structures of ring polymer melts near the surface: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Lee Eunsang , Jung YounJoon
Published: June 2015

A ring polymer in a melt under confinement shows a very compact and segregated structure.
Tuning of thermal and dielectric properties for epoxy composites filled with electrospun alumina fibers and graphene nanoplatelets through hybridization
Authors: Zha Jun-Wei , Zhu Tian-Xing , Wu Yun-Hui , Wang Si-Jiao , Li Robert K. Y. , Dang Zhi-Min
Published: June 2015

Epoxy resin is widely used for electrical and electronics packaging in various forms due to its excellent adhesion, low cure shrinkage and good electrical insulation.
A four-dimensional potential energy surface for the Ar–D2O van der Waals complex: Bending normal coordinate dependence
Authors: Wang Shenhao , He Shanshan , Dai Liangchen , Feng Eryin , Huang Wuying
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we report a four-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) of the Ar–D2O complex. The ab initio calculations are carried out by the coupled-cluster singles and doubles level with noniterative inclusion of connected triples [CCSD(T)] method with a large basis set supplemented with bond functions. The PES includes explicit dependence on the ν2 bending normal coordinate of Q2 the D2O molecule. Two vibrationally averaged PESs with D2O molecule in its ground and first ν2 excited vibrational states are generated by integrating over the Q2 normal coordinate. Based on these two PESs, the bound state energies are determined and used in the infrared spectra prediction. The theoretical frequencies for 104 infrared transitions of Π111(ν2 = 1)←Σ000, Σ111(ν2 = 1)←Σ000, Π110(ν2 = 1)←Σ001, and Π101(ν2 = 1)←Σ101 of Ar–D2O complex are in good agreement with the available experimental values.
Direct numerical simulation studies of Lagrangian intermittency in turbulence
Authors: Sawford Brian L. , Yeung P. K.
Published: June 2015

Lag-averaged Lagrangian statistics from direct numerical simulations over a range of Reynolds numbers are analyzed to test the predictions of the Lagrangian Refined Similarity Hypothesis (LRSH). The analysis uses the Lagrangian integral time scale to scale the lag since it is the natural time scale to reveal trends and scaling with Reynolds number. Both the velocity difference and the dissipation rate probability density functions (PDFs) collapse across inertial sub-range and diffusive scales for approximately the same values of the scaled lag, and in the zero lag limit are independent of the lag and depend only on the Reynolds number. These findings are consistent with the LRSH. The velocity difference PDFs are characterized by stretched exponential tails, while the dissipation rate PDFs for small lags have a log normal core with power law tails at both large and small values of the dissipation rate. The velocity structure functions show inertial sub-range similarity scaling with Reynolds number which extends to smaller scales with increasing Reynolds number. Estimates of the scaling exponents obtained are consistent with those from previous studies. They tend to saturate at a value of about two for high order moments. Non-dimensional acceleration moments show a striking power law dependence on Reynolds number from which novel estimates of the scaling exponents have been determined. Similarity scaling is much more elusive to demonstrate in the dissipation rate moments. The data are consistent with, but do not confirm, the Oboukhov relationship connecting velocity structure functions and dissipation rate moments on inertial sub-range scales.
Toward broad-band x-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance in longitudinal geometry
Authors: Ollefs K. , Meckenstock R. , Spoddig D. , Römer F. M. , Hassel Ch. , Schöppner Ch. , Ney V. , Farle M. , Ney A.
Published: June 2015

An ultrahigh-vacuum-compatible setup for broad-band X-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) in longitudinal geometry is introduced which relies on a low-power, continuous-wave excitation of the ferromagnetic sample. A simultaneous detection of the conventional ferromagnetic resonance via measuring the reflected microwave power and the XFMR signal of the X-ray absorption is possible. First experiments on the Fe and Co L3-edges of a permalloy film covered with Co nanostripes as well as the Fe and Ni K-edges of a permalloy film are presented and discussed. Two different XFMR signals are found, one of which is independent of the photon energy and therefore does not provide element-selective information. The other much weaker signal is element-selective, and the dynamic magnetic properties could be detected for Fe and Co separately. The dependence of the latter XFMR signal on the photon helicity of the synchrotron light is found to be distinct from the usual x-ray magnetic circular dichroism effect.
Density matrix renormalization group with efficient dynamical electron correlation through range separation
Authors: Hedegård Erik Donovan , Knecht Stefan , Kielberg Jesper Skau , Jensen Hans Jørgen Aagaard , Reiher Markus
Published: June 2015

We present a new hybrid multiconfigurational method based on the concept of range-separation that combines the density matrix renormalization group approach with density functional theory. This new method is designed for the simultaneous description of dynamical and static electron-correlation effects in multiconfigurational electronic structure problems.
Low temperature structural variations of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-7%BaTiO3 single crystal: Evidences from optical ellipsometry and Raman scattering
Authors: Huang T. , Guo S. , Xu L. P. , Chen C. , Hu Z. G. , Luo H. S. , Chu J. H.
Published: June 2015

Optical properties and structural variations of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-7%BaTiO3 (NBT-7%BT) single crystal have been studied by temperature-dependent optical ellipsometry and Raman spectroscopy from 4.2 to 300 K. The second derivative of the complex dielectric functions reveals two interband transitions (Ecp1 and Ecp2) located at about 3.49 and 4.25 eV, respectively. Depending on the temperature evolution of electronic transitions, structural variations appear near 60, 150, and 240 K, respectively. These anomalies are also well illustrated from the low-frequency phonon modes involving vibrations of Bi. The low-temperature structural variations of NBT-7%BT crystal can be associated with instability of the crystalline lattice driven by off-centered Bi ions, followed by the variations of polarizability of the unit cells.
Effects of trace elements on the crystal field parameters of Nd ions at the surface of Nd2Fe14B grains
Authors: Toga Yuta , Suzuki Tsuneaki , Sakuma Akimasa
Published: June 2015

Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the positional dependence of trace elements such as O and Cu on the crystal field parameter A20, proportional to the magnetic anisotropy constant Ku of Nd ions placed at the surface of Nd2Fe14B grains. The results suggest the possibility that the A20 parameter of Nd ions at the (001) surface of Nd2Fe14B grains exhibits a negative value when the O or Cu atom is located near the surface, closer than its equilibrium position. At the (110) surface, however, O atoms located at the equilibrium position provide a negative A20, while for Cu additions A20 remains positive regardless of Cu's position. Thus, Cu atoms are expected to maintain a positive local Ku of surface Nd ions more frequently than O atoms when they approach the grain surfaces in the Nd-Fe-B grains.
In operandi observation of dynamic annealing: A case study of boron in germanium nanowire devices
Authors: Koleśnik-Gray Maria M. , Sorger Christian , Biswas Subhajit , Holmes Justin D. , Weber Heiko B. , Krstić Vojislav
Published: June 2015

We report on the implantation of boron in individual, electrically contacted germanium nanowires with varying diameter and present a technique that monitors the electrical properties of a single device during implantation of ions. This method gives improved access to study the dynamic annealing ability of the nanowire at room temperature promoted by its quasi-one-dimensional confinement. Based on electrical data, we find that the dopant activation efficiency is nontrivially diameter dependent. As the diameter decreases, a transition from a pronounced dynamic-annealing to a radiation-damage dominated regime is observed.
High refractive index composite for broadband antireflection in terahertz frequency range
Authors: Wang Xuecheng , Li Yunzhou , Cai Bin , Zhu YiMing
Published: June 2015

In this study, titania–polymer composites with a very high refractive-index tenability and high transparency in the terahertz region were prepared. By controlling the blending ratio of the titania particle, a broad refractive-index tuning range from 1.5 to 3.1 was realized. Then, the composites were used to fabricate antireflective (AR) layers of high-resistivity silicon (HR-Si). By utilizing the thermoplasticity of the titania–polymer composite, a graded-index structure was fabricated via a hot-embossing method. Because of the good refractive-index matching between the composite and the HR-Si substrate, a broadband (0.2–1.6 THz, 7% reflection) AR layer was fabricated.
Neutron radiation effects on linear CCDs at different clock pulse frequency
Authors: Wang Zujun , Chen Wei , Tang Benqi , Xiao Zhigang , Yao Zhibin , He Baoping , Liu Minbo
Published: June 2015

The experiments of reactor neutron radiation effects on linear CCDs are presented. The output voltage in dark field after neutron radiation are presented and compared at different clock pulse frequency. The degradation phenomena are analyzed in depth. The mean dark signal (KD) and dark signal non-uniformity (DSNU) versus neutron fluence is investigated at different clock pulse frequency. The degradation mechanisms of the dark signal and DSNU in linear CCDs are analyzed. The flux of the reactor neutron beams was about 1.33 × 108 n/cm2/s. The samples were exposed to 1MeV neutron-equivalent fluences of 1 × 1011, 5 × 1011, and 1 × 1012 n/cm2, respectively.
Uncertainty and Certainty Relations for Successive Projective Measurements of a Qubit in Terms of Tsallis' Entropies
Authors: Rastegin Alexey E.
Published: June 2015

We study uncertainty and certainty relations for two successive measurements of two-dimensional observables. Uncertainties in successive measurement are considered within the following two scenarios. In the first scenario, the second measurement is performed on the quantum state generated after the first measurement with completely erased information. In the second scenario, the second measurement is performed on the post-first-measurement state conditioned on the actual measurement outcome. Induced quantum uncertainties are characterized by means of the Tsallis entropies. For two successive projective measurement of a qubit, we obtain minimal and maximal values of related entropic measures of induced uncertainties. Some conclusions found in the second scenario are extended to arbitrary finite dimensionality. In particular, a connection with mutual unbiasedness is emphasized.
Quantization of Space in the Presence of a Minimal Length*
Authors: Wang Lun-Zhou , Long Chao-Yun , Long Zheng-Wen
Published: June 2015

In this article, we apply the Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP), which is consistent with quantum gravity theories to an elementary particle in a finite potential well, and study the quantum behavior in this system. The generalized Hamiltonian contains two additional terms, which are proportional to ap3 (the result of the maximum momentum assumption) and α2p4 (the result of the minimum length assumption), where α ∼ 1/MPIc is the GUP parameter. On the basis of the work by Ali et al., we solve the generalized Schrödinger equation which is extended to include the α2 correction term, and find that the length L of the finite potential well must be quantized. Then a generalization to the double-square-well potential is discussed. The result shows that all the measurable lengths especially the distance between the two potential wells are quantized in units of α0lPI in GUP scenario.
Asymmetric Evolution of Two Two-Level Atoms Induced by Position-Dependent Excitation Phase*
Authors: Zhou Chun-Xiao , Zhang Rui , Su Xue-Mei
Published: June 2015

We report a phenomenon of asymmetric evolution of two two-level atoms which results from pump laser phase based on the model of [Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 (2008) 153601]. Other than investigating the dynamical behavior of whole system, in this paper we investigate the effects of the pump laser phase on dynamic behavior of each atom. We find that two atoms show asymmetry both in time evolution of (population) excitation probability and quantum correlation with environment due to the quantum interference induced by pump laser phase as well as the dipole-dipole interaction. These phenomena are deeply related to the dynamical behavior of the whole system, therefore we can understand the dynamical behavior of whole system caused by pump laser phase from this point of view.
Hypoelliptic heat kernels on infinite-dimensional Heisenberg groups
Authors: Driver Bruce , Eldredge Nathaniel , Melcher Tai
Published: June 2015

We study the law of a hypoelliptic Brownian motion on an infinite-dimensional Heisenberg group based on an abstract Wiener space. We show that the endpoint distribution, which can be seen as a heat kernel measure, is absolutely continuous with respect to a certain product of Gaussian and Lebesgue measures, that the heat kernel is quasi-invariant under translation by the Cameron–Martin subgroup, and that the Radon–Nikodym derivative is Malliavin smooth.
Connexin43 phosphorylation by PKC and MAPK signals VEGF-mediated gap junction internalization
Authors: Nimlamool Wutigri , Andrews Rachael M. Kells , Falk Matthias M.
Published: June 2015

Gap junctions (GJs) exhibit a complex modus of assembly and degradation to maintain balanced intercellular communication (GJIC). Several growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have been reported to disrupt cell–cell junctions and abolish GJIC. VEGF directly stimulates VEGF-receptor tyrosine kinases on endothelial cell surfaces. Exposing primary porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) to VEGF for 15 min resulted in a rapid and almost complete loss of connexin43 (Cx43) GJs at cell–cell appositions and a concomitant increase in cytoplasmic, vesicular Cx43. After prolonged incubation periods (60 min), Cx43 GJs reformed and intracellular Cx43 were restored to levels observed before treatment. GJ internalization correlated with efficient inhibition of GJIC, up to 2.8-fold increased phosphorylation of Cx43 serine residues 255, 262, 279/282, and 368, and appeared to be clathrin driven. Phosphorylation of serines 255, 262, and 279/282 was mediated by MAPK, whereas serine 368 phosphorylation was mediated by PKC. Pharmacological inhibition of both signaling pathways significantly reduced Cx43 phosphorylation and GJ internalization. Together, our results indicate that growth factors such as VEGF activate a hierarchical kinase program—including PKC and MAPK—that induces GJ internalization via phosphorylation of well-known regulatory amino acid residues located in the Cx43 C-terminal tail.
A complex of ZO-1 and the BAR-domain protein TOCA-1 regulates actin assembly at the tight junction
Authors: Van Itallie Christina M. , Tietgens Amber Jean , Krystofiak Evan , Kachar Bechara , Anderson James M.
Published: June 2015

Assembly and sealing of the tight junction barrier are critically dependent on the perijunctional actin cytoskeleton, yet little is known about physical and functional links between barrier-forming proteins and actin. Here we identify a novel functional complex of the junction scaffolding protein ZO-1 and the F-BAR–domain protein TOCA-1. Using MDCK epithelial cells, we show that an alternative splice of TOCA-1 adds a PDZ-binding motif, which binds ZO-1, targeting TOCA-1 to barrier contacts. This isoform of TOCA-1 recruits the actin nucleation–promoting factor N-WASP to tight junctions. CRISPR-Cas9–mediated knockout of TOCA-1 results in increased paracellular flux and delayed recovery in a calcium switch assay. Knockout of TOCA-1 does not alter FRAP kinetics of GFP ZO-1 or occludin, but longer term (12 h) time-lapse microscopy reveals strikingly decreased tight junction membrane contact dynamics in knockout cells compared with controls. Reexpression of TOCA-1 with, but not without, the PDZ-binding motif rescues both altered flux and membrane contact dynamics. Ultrastructural analysis shows actin accumulation at the adherens junction in TOCA-1–knockout cells but unaltered freeze-fracture fibril morphology. Identification of the ZO-1/TOCA-1 complex provides novel insights into the underappreciated dependence of the barrier on the dynamic nature of cell-to-cell contacts and perijunctional actin.