bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of non‐stationary time series
Authors: Krzemieniewska Karolina , Eckley Idris A. , Fearnhead Paul
Published: May 2014

In this paper we consider the problem of classifying non‐stationary time series. The method that we introduce is based on the locally stationary wavelet paradigm and seeks to take account of the fact that there may be within‐class variation in the signals being analysed. Specifically, we seek to identify the most stable spectral coefficients within each training group and use these to classify a new, previously unseen, time series. In both simulated examples and an aerosol spray example provided by an industrial collaborator, our approach is found to yield superior classification performance when compared against the current state of the art. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perioperative Mortality Rate (POMR): A Global Indicator of Access to Safe Surgery and Anaesthesia
Authors: Watters David A. , Hollands Michael J. , Gruen Russell L. , Maoate Kiki , Perndt Haydn , McDougall Robert J. , Morriss Wayne W. , Tangi Viliami , Casey Kathleen M. , McQueen Kelly A.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The unmet global burden of surgical disease is substantial. Currently, two billion people do not have access to emergency and essential surgical care. This results in unnecessary deaths from injury, infection, complications of pregnancy, and abdominal emergencies. Inadequately treated surgical disease results in disability, and many children suffer deformity without corrective surgery.

Methods

A consensus meeting was held between representatives of Surgical and Anaesthetic Colleges and Societies to obtain agreement about which indicators were the most appropriate and credible. The literature and state of national reporting of perioperative mortality rates was reviewed by the authors.

Results

There is a need for a credible national and/or regional indicator that is relevant to emergency and essential surgical care. We recommend introducing the perioperative mortality rate (POMR) as an indicator of access to and safety of surgery and anaesthesia. POMR should be measured at two time periods: death on the day of surgery and death before discharge from hospital or within 30 days of the procedure, whichever is sooner. The rate should be expressed as the number of deaths (numerator) over the number of procedures (denominator). The option of before‐discharge or 30 days is practical for those low‐ to middle‐income countries where postdischarge follow‐up is likely to be incomplete, but it allows those that currently can report 30‐day mortality rates to continue to do so. Clinical interpretation of POMR at a hospital or health service level will be facilitated by risk stratification using age, urgency (elective and emergency), procedure/procedure group, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade.

Conclusions

POMR should be reported as a health indicator by all countries and regions of the world. POMR reporting is feasible, credible, achieves a consensus of acceptance for reporting at national level. Hospital and Service level POMR requires interpretation using simple measures of risk adjustment such as urgency, age, the condition being treated or the procedure being performed and ASA status.
Enhancement of 1,3-propanediol production by expression of pyruvate decarboxylase and aldehyde dehydrogenase from Zymomonas mobilis in the acetolactate-synthase-deficient mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Lee Sung-Mok , Hong Won-Kyung , Heo Sun-Yeon , Park Jang Min , Jung You Ree , Oh Baek-Rock , Joe Min-Ho , Seo Jeong-Woo , Kim Chul Ho
Published: May 2014

The acetolactate synthase (als)-deficient mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae fails to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) or 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), and is defective in glycerol metabolism. In an effort to recover production of the industrially valuable 1,3-PD, we introduced the Zymomonas mobilis pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (aldB) genes into the als-deficient mutant to activate the conversion of pyruvate to ethanol. Heterologous expression of pdc and aldB efficiently recovered glycerol metabolism in the 2,3-BD synthesis-defective mutant, enhancing the production of 1,3-PD by preventing the accumulation of pyruvate. Production of 1,3-PD in the pdc- and aldB-expressing als-deficient mutant was further enhanced by increasing the aeration rate. This system uses metabolic engineering to produce 1,3-PD while minimizing the generation of 2,3-BD, offering a breakthrough for the industrial production of 1,3-PD from crude glycerol.
Optimization of Mixing Parameters for α‐Tocopherol Nanodispersions Prepared Using Solvent Displacement Method
Authors: Anarjan Navideh , Jaberi Naghmeh , Yeganeh‐Zare Samal , Banafshehchin Elham , Rahimirad Amir , Jafarizadeh‐Malmiri Hoda
Published: May 2014

A bottom‐up approach based on a solvent displacement technique was used for the production of α‐tocopherol nanodispersions. Response surface methodology was utilized to study the effect of the mixing conditions of organic and aqueous phases, namely, mixing speed (1 × 100–6 × 100 rpm) and mixing time (30–150 s) on the average particle size (nm), polydispersity index and α‐tocopherol concentration (mg/L) of the nanodispersions. Second order regression models, with high coefficient of determination values (R2 > 0.94 and adjusted R2 > 0.79), were significantly (p < 0.05) fitted for predicting the α‐tocopherol nanodispersion characteristics as functions of mixing parameters. A multiple optimization procedure presented the optimum mixing speed and time as 3.8 × 100 rpm and 70 s, respectively. The statistically insignificant differences between experimental and predicted values of studied responses, verified the satisfactoriness of the models found for explaining the variation of produced nanodispersions, as a function of mixing conditions.
The economic burden of schizophrenia in Germany: A population-based retrospective cohort study using genetic matching
Authors: Frey S.
Published: May 2014

Objective

Prior studies to determine the economic consequences of schizophrenia have largely been undertaken in clinical settings with a small number of cases and have been unable to analyze effects across different age cohorts. The aim of this study is to investigate the burden of schizophrenia in Germany.

Methods

Costs, service utilization, and premature mortality attributable to schizophrenia were estimated for the year 2008 using a retrospective matched cohort design. Therefore, 26,977 control subjects as well as 9411 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia were drawn from a sickness fund claims database. To reduce conditional bias, the non-parametric genetic matching method was employed.

Results

The final study population comprised 8224 matched pairs. The annual cost attributable to schizophrenia was €11,304 per patient from the payers’ perspective and €20,609 from the societal perspective with substantial variations among age groups: direct medical expenses were highest among patients aged > 65 years, whereas younger individuals (< 25 years) incurred the greatest non-medical costs. The annual burden of schizophrenia from the perspective of German society ranges between €9.63 billion and €13.52 billion.

Conclusion

There are considerable differences in the distribution of costs and service utilization for schizophrenia. Because schizophrenia is characterized by an early age of onset and a long duration, research efforts should be targeted at particular populations to obtain the most beneficial outcomes, both clinically and economically.
Are policy-makers interested in social research? Exploring the sources and uses of valued information among public servants in Australia
Authors: Head Brian , Ferguson Michele , Cherney Adrian , Boreham Paul
Published: May 2014

This article explores the use of research and expertise within a selection of government agencies at state and federal levels in Australia. A recent survey of public officials provides new data on the reported use of evidence and expertise sourced from within the public service and from external sources. The survey instrument targeted the policy, program and evaluation staff in human service agencies and central policy coordination agencies. The survey findings provide new information on public servants’ policy skills and organisational context, their attitudes to non-government sources of expert evidence and knowledge, and their perceptions of the relevance of academic social research. Data are reported on the relative importance assigned by public officials in state and federal agencies to various sources of expert information. Factors that hinder and facilitate the uptake of external research by policy-related officials are canvassed, with special attention to organisational cultures and practices. Some similarities and differences between types of agencies are noted, especially those between state-level and federal agencies. The broader political context of policy work is also highlighted.
Limited state and strong social forces: Fishing lot management in Cambodia
Authors: Sok Say
Published: May 2014

All observers and stakeholders agree that the Cambodian state's capacity for development has been rather limited, although there are signs of expansion. The management of its important fisheries is no exception. Drawing upon existing literature, primary documents, and field interviews in two provinces and in Phnom Penh with various state and non-state actors, this study provides a background to the reasons for Cambodia's failure to manage its fisheries, enforce compliance within fishing lots, and curtail corruption in the fishing industry. It shows how fishing concessionaires' power has grown vis-à-vis that of the state and other actors. This study concludes that the considerable power held by concessionaires to make and enforce their own rules, together with their ability to accommodate or co-opt relevant state agents, has impeded Cambodia's capacity to fully benefit from, conserve, and manage its fisheries.
Chinese mestizo and natives' disputes in Manila and the 1812 Constitution: Old privileges and new political realities (1813–15)
Authors: de Llobet Ruth
Published: May 2014

Set in Manila in 1813 during the implementation of the Liberal Spanish Constitution of 1812, this case study of the conflict between natives and Chinese mestizos over seating arrangements in a small parish church demonstrates how the new charter challenged the hierarchies of colonial political space. Despite its centralist aim, the Constitution instead empowered multiple ethnic groups, while reinforcing local notions of self-government and autonomy. Though a brief period, it was a significant one, as natives and Chinese mestizos constructed complex political identities. In turn, these identities set a political precedent which re-emerged during the second constitutional period (1820–23) with more wide-ranging political consequences.
Triumphs or tragedies: A new perspective on the Vietnamese revolution
Authors: Vu Tuong
Published: May 2014

A new perspective has begun to challenge both the conventional portrayal of the Vietnamese revolution and the communist account of its success. This essay takes stock of new research that presents revolutionary Vietnam in a more complex and less triumphal way. It is argued that Vietnam's nationalist revolution (1945–46) should be conceptually distinguished from the subsequent socialist revolution (1948–88). The former had a distinctly urban and bourgeois character, was led by a coalition of the upper and middle classes, and lacked ideological intensity. The latter was imposed from above, based on socialist visions, and dependent on foreign assistance. The failure to disentangle the two revolutions in existing narratives assigns little agency to Vietnamese actors and leads to triumphs being exaggerated while tragedies are overlooked.
Pijin and shifting language ideologies in urban Solomon Islands
Authors: Jourdan Christine , Angeli Johanne
Published: May 2014

Through the analysis of the various language ideologies that have shaped the sociolinguistic history of Pijin, the lingua franca of Solomon Islands, this article attempts to shed light on the peculiar complexity of the postcolonial linguistic situations where more prestigious and less prestigious languages coexist in the same sociological niche. These ideologies are: reciprocal multilingualism, hierarchical multilingualism, linguistic pragmatism, and linguistic nationalism. Specifically, the article focuses on the development and coalescence of linguistic ideologies that lead Pijin speakers to shift perceptions of Pijin—in a context of urban identity construction that acts as a force of its own. In the case of Pijin, linguistic legitimacy seems to be lagging behind social legitimacy. We show that the development of new ideologies can lead to the re-evaluation of the meaning of symbolic domination of one language (in this case English) over another one (Pijin), without necessarily challenging this symbolic domination. (Language ideology, youth, urbanization, pidgins and creoles, Solomon Islands)*
Can listeners assess the sociocultural status of speakers who use a language they are unfamiliar with? A case study of Senegalese and European students listening to Wolof speakers
Authors: Moreau Marie-Louise , Thiam Ndiassé , Harmegnies Bernard , Huet Kathy
Published: May 2014

In this study, two groups of students were asked to listen to recordings made of Senegalese Wolof speakers and make deductions about their social and caste status. The responses of the first group, made up of Senegalese students, did not go beyond the threshold of chance with regard to caste status, but were 65.7% correct regarding the speakers' social status. The second group, who were European students with no prior knowledge of the Wolof language, achieved percentages of correct answers similar to those of the Senegalese listeners with regard to social status. Theimposed norm hypothesis, which predicts that sociolinguistic features cannot be gauged by those who have had no previous contact with the community, should thus be reconsidered and enlarge its scope to include a more general, and therefore nuanced, view of language.(Imposed norm hypothesis, inherent value hypothesis, social stratification of language, social identification, Wolof, Senegal, castes)*
Design and experimental characterization of an omnidirectional unmanned ground vehicle for unstructured terrain
Authors: Nie Chenghui , Assaliyski Marin , Spenko Matthew
Published: May 2014

This paper describes the design and experimental validation of an omnidirectional unmanned ground vehicle built for operation on real-world, unstructured terrains. The omnidirectional capabilities of this robot give it advantages over skid-steered or Ackermann-steered vehicles in tight and confined spaces. The robot's conventional wheels allow for operation in natural, outdoor environments as compared to omnidirectional robots that use specialized wheels with small, slender rollers and parts that can easily become obstructed with debris and dirt. Additionally, the robot's active split offset caster design allows the robot to kinematically follow continuous but non-differentiable paths and heading angles regardless of its current kinematic configuration. The active split offset caster design also results in less scrubbing torque and therefore less energy consumption during steering as compared to actively steered caster designs. The focus of this paper is the robot's mechanical design as it relates to kinematic isotropy and experimental validation of the design.
Liberal Neutrality and the Value of Autonomy
Authors: Sher George
Published: May 2014

Many liberals believe that government should not base its decisions on any particular conception of the good life. Many believe, further, that this principle of neutrality is best defended through appeal to some normative principle about autonomy. In this essay, I shall discuss the prospects of mounting one such defense. I say only “one such defense” because neutralists can invoke the demands of autonomy in two quite different ways. They can argue, first, that because autonomy itself has such great value, the state can produce the best results by simply allowing each citizen to shape his own life; or they can argue, second, that even if non-neutral policies would produce the most value, the state remains obligated to eschew them out of respect for its citizens' autonomy. Here I shall discuss only the first and more consequentialist of these arguments.
A theory of complex adaptive inquiring organizations: application to continuous assurance of corporate financial information
Authors: Kuhn John R. , Courtney James F. , Morris Bonnie
Published: May 2014

Drawing upon the theories of complexity and complex adaptive systems and the Singerian inquiring system from C. West Churchman's seminal workThe Design of Inquiring Systems, the study herein develops a systems design theory for continuous auditing systems. The discussion focuses on the two foundational theories, development of the theory of Complex Adaptive Inquiring Organizations (CAIO) and associated design principles for a continuous auditing system supporting a CAIO, and instantiation of the CAIO theory. The instantiation consists of an agent-based model depicting the marketplace for Frontier Airlines that generates an anticipated market share used as an integral component in a mock auditor going concern opinion for the airline. As a whole, the study addresses the lack of an underlying system design theory and comprehensive view needed to build upon and advance the continuous assurance movement and addresses the question of how continuous auditing systems should be designed to produce knowledge – knowledge that benefits auditors, clients, and society as a whole.
Website analysis in an EFL context: content comprehension, perceptions on web usability and awareness of reading strategies
Authors: Roy Debopriyo , Crabbe Stephen
Published: May 2014

Website analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy and language competence (Brugger, 2009). Website analysis in an EFL learning context has the potential to facilitate logical thinking and in the process develop functional language proficiency. This study reported on an English language website (http://www.travelbelize.org/)analysis experiment carried out for three weeks as an in-class and homework activity in a third year (junior) level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course at a Japanese technical university. The purpose was to explore EFL learners’ ability to analyze an English language website and produce concrete design responses in English. During the first week of the analysis (involving sixteen students selected due to performing the best during earlier in-class website analysis activities on the course), participants produced their own responses to eight open-ended design questions about the website. The second week of the analysis (involving all 59 students on the course) tested the students’ ability to search for information from the website, and recorded their impressions about the website design based on standard usability questionnaires (CSUQ, QUIS,andMPRC). The third week of the analysis had the 59 students self-report on their use of meta-cognitive reading strategies (MARSI 1.0 Questionnaire) during the website analysis. The results of the questionnaires showed that, overall, the EFL students had a basic understanding of major design questions related to information organization, screen interface design, audience, technology used, etc. However, there was statistically significant variability between responses in different groups (comprehensive evaluation, webpage design, terminology and website information and website capabilities) and the respondents were not unanimous in their impressions about the website. The result of the student self-reports on metacognitive reading strategies showed wide acceptability and use of problem-solving strategies.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THERAPIES WITH STEM CELLS FROM AMNIOTIC FLUID AND PLACENTA
Authors: LOUKOGEORGAKIS STAVROS P. , MAGHSOUDLOU PANAGIOTIS , DE COPPI PAOLO
Published: May 2014

Significant advances in the field of regenerative medicine have intensified the search for novel sources of stem cells with potential for therapy. Although embryonic and adult tissues can be used for the isolation of pluripotent stem cells, significant limitations including ethical concerns, complexity of isolation/culture and tumorigenicity have hindered translation of laboratory findings to clinical practice.
Faith Deployed for a New Shiʿi Polity in India: The Theology of Sayyid Dildar ‘Ali Nasirabadi
Authors: RIZVI SAJJAD
Published: May 2014

While Shiʿi Islam and its imperial expressions were known in the Deccan sultanates from the sixteenth century and expressed in court-sponsored production of theology, it was only in the eighteenth century that Shiʿi political theology emerged in North India in the new state of Awadh. In this paper, I argue that one can discern in the theology of Sayyid Dildar ʿAli Nasirabadi (d. 1820) a clear attempt at forging a new Shiʿi theological dispensation to bolster the state, based upon a tripartite attack on three rival approaches to faith and politics: Akhbarism, Sufism, and the Sunni rationalism of Farangi Mahall. A careful examination of these textual practices within the Awadhi context demonstrates one example of how Indian thinkers responded to the decline of Mughal power and articulated alternative epistemologies in vernacular contexts before the advent of the British Empire.
Co-immobilized poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polyamines promote sensitivity and restrict biofouling on gold sensor surface for detecting factor IX in human plasma
Authors: Lakshmipriya Thangavel , Horiguchi Yukichi , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: May 2014

In order to detect a low amount of human coagulation factor IX (FIX), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/aptamer co-immobilized surface was constructed using original PEG–polyamine on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor chip.
Determination of COREXIT components used in the Deepwater Horizon cleanup by liquid chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Parker Austa M. , Ferrer Imma , Thurman E. Michael , Rosario-Ortiz Fernando L. , Linden Karl G.
Published: May 2014

Dispersants, like COREXIT, are used for oil spill cleanups. This analytical method could aid scientists in identifying specific dispersant mixtures.
Comparative pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution study of baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, wogonin and oroxylin-A after oral administration of Component compatibility of SHT and total flavonoids fractions of Radix scutellariae to rats
Authors: Li Tingting , Feng Zhiqiang , Yao Meicun , Liao Qiongfeng , Zhao Zhongxiang , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2014

Sanwu-Huangqin-Tang (SHT) is a classical prescription used for treatment of gynecological disease, and its key ingredient is Radix scutellariae (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Labiatae).
Coupled chemical oscillators and emergent system properties
Authors: Epstein Irving R.
Published: May 2014

We review recent work on a variety of systems, from the nanometre to the centimetre scale, including microemulsions, microfluidic droplet arrays, gels and flow reactors, in which chemical oscillators interact to generate novel spatiotemporal patterns and/or mechanical motion.
Chemically regulating Rh(i)-Bodipy photoredox switches
Authors: Lifschitz A. M. , Young R. M. , Mendez-Arroyo J. , Roznyatovskiy V. V. , McGuirk C. M. , Wasielewski M. R. , Mirkin C. A.
Published: May 2014

Photoinduced electron transfer from a Rh(i) center to an excited Bodipy unit within coordination complexes is regulated in situ by affecting the redox potential of either moiety thought the introduction of neutral and anionic ligands.
Water soluble octa-functionalized POSS: all-click chemistry synthesis and efficient host–guest encapsulation
Authors: Han Jin , Zheng Yaochen , Zheng Shuai , Li Sipei , Hu Tiannan , Tang Aijin , Gao Chao
Published: May 2014

Water soluble octa-functional POSSs were readily synthesized via all-click chemistry, affording a precise multifunctional platform for host–guest encapsulation and drug-delivery.
Development of a redox-free Mitsunobu reaction exploiting phosphine oxides as precursors to dioxyphosphoranes
Authors: Tang Xiaoping , Chapman Charlotte , Whiting Matthew , Denton Ross
Published: May 2014

The development of a redox-free protocol for Mitsunobu inversion is described.
pH-responsive self-assembly of fluorophore-ended homopolymers
Authors: Zhang Jin , You Shusen , Yan Shouke , Müllen Klaus , Yang Wantai , Yin Meizhen
Published: May 2014

pH-responsive perylene-ended amphiphilic homopolymers can self-assemble into flower-like structures by the pH-adjustment.
Single-molecule dynamics of site-specific labeled transforming growth factor type II receptors on living cells
Authors: Cheng Ming , Zhang Wei , Yuan Jinghe , Luo Wangxi , Li Nan , Lin Shixian , Yang Yi , Fang Xiaohong , Chen Peng R.
Published: May 2014

Single-molecule dynamics of the transforming growth factor type II receptor (TβRII) labeled by an unnatural amino acid.
An exceptional kinetic quantum sieving separation effect of hydrogen isotopes on commercially available carbon molecular sieves
Authors: Xing Yanlong , Cai Jinjun , Li Liangjun , Yang Menglong , Zhao Xuebo
Published: May 2014

An exceptional quantum sieving is demonstrated on CMS 1.5GN-H where D2 diffuses 5.83 times faster than H2 at 77 K.
Correlation of intercalation potential with d-electron configurations for cathode compounds of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Zhenlian , Zhang Caixia , Zhang Zhiyong , Li Jun
Published: May 2014

The d-electron localization is widely recognized as important to transport properties of transition metal compounds, but its role in the energy conversion of intercalation reactions of cathode compounds is still not fully explored.
The effect of sulfur loading on the electrochemical performance of a sulfur–polymer composite cathode coated on aluminium foil
Authors: Doan The Nam Long , Gosselink Denise , Hoang Tuan K. A. , Chen P.
Published: May 2014

This study encompasses optimization of the composite cathode preparation in large quantities, and evaluates the obtained cathode against the requirements of battery performance and material loadings.
Characterization of organic fluorophores forin vivoFRET studies based on electroporated molecules
Authors: Plochowietz A. , Crawford R. , Kapanidis A. N.
Published: May 2014

We optimized electroporation conditions and characterized photostability and brightness of organic fluorophores for single-cell FRET studies in live bacteria.
Single molecule confocal fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy for accurate nanoparticle size determination
Authors: Chon Bonghwan , Briggman Kimberly , Hwang Jeeseong
Published: May 2014

Experimental procedure in confocal single molecule fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy to determine the excitation power and molecular or particulate concentration under which the application of an unmodified model autocorrelation function is justified.
Controlled synthesis, photoluminescence, and the quantum cutting mechanism of Eu3+ doped NaYbF4 nanotubes
Authors: Wang Xiangfu , Liu Chun-sheng , Yu Tonghui , Yan Xiaohong
Published: May 2014

Eu3+ doped NaYbF4 nanotubes show quantum cutting down-conversion under 393 nm excitation. An improved method is proposed to calculate Judd–Ofelt parameters and to study the energy transfer mechanism.
In situ oxidation study of Pd–Rh nanoparticles on MgAl2O4(001)
Authors: Müller Patrick , Hejral Uta , Rütt Uta , Stierle Andreas
Published: May 2014

Oxidation induced dealloying of PdRh nanoparticles: Rh wins the oxidation race.
Performance of the MM/GBSA scoring using a binding site hydrogen bond network-based frame selection: the protein kinase case
Authors: Adasme-Carreño Francisco , Muñoz-Gutierrez Camila , Caballero Julio , Alzate-Morales Jans H.
Published: May 2014

Conformational clustering using hydrogen bond network analysis improved the MM/GBSA scoring for some protein-kinase–ligand systems used as case studies.
Atomistic account of structural and dynamical changes induced by small binders in the double helix of a short DNA
Authors: Fresch Barbara , Remacle F.
Published: May 2014

How drug molecules perturb the conformational freedom of a helical DNA fragment is investigated by molecular dynamics simulations.
Synergy between experimental and theoretical methods in the exploration of homogeneous transition metal catalysis
Authors: Lupp D. , Christensen N. J. , Fristrup P.
Published: May 2014

In this Perspective, we will focus on the use of both experimental and theoretical methods in the exploration of reaction mechanisms in homogeneous transition metal catalysis. The current state-of-the-art is highlighted using examples from the literature with particular focus on the synergy between experiment and theory.
Phase transitions and interface phenomena in the cryogenic temperature domain of a niobate nanostructured ceramic
Authors: Lanfredi S. , Darie C. , Bellucci F. S. , Colin C. V. , Nobre M. A. L.
Published: May 2014

The SEM image of the KSr2Nb5O15 nanoceramic based on grains G1, G2 and G3 (90 to 500 nm) with the plot of the unit cell of KSr2Nb5O15 and the set of equivalent circuits representing the several interfaces of the nanostructured ceramic.
Controlled translocation of palladium(ii) within a 22 ring atom macrocyclic ligand
Authors: Burgess Michael G. , Naveed Zafar M. , Horner Stephen T. , Clark George R. , James Wright L.
Published: May 2014

Palladium can be directed to coordinate to the “tail” region of the macrocycleH4Lto give3b. Translocation of the palladium from the tail coordination pocket to the head coordination pocket occurs on treatment with amines such asn-BuNH2to give4.
Annealing effects on the properties of BFe2As2 (B = Ca, Sr, Ba) superconducting parents
Authors: Saparov Bayrammurad , Sefat Athena S.
Published: May 2014

Thermal annealing results in ∼6 K shifts in the structural and magnetic transition temperatures of BaFe2As2 and SrFe2As2.
The impact of the Maillard reaction on the in vitro proteolytic breakdown of bovine lactoferrin in adults and infants
Authors: Moscovici Alice M. , Joubran Yousef , Briard-Bion Valerie , Mackie Alan , Dupont Didier , Lesmes Uri
Published: May 2014

The impact of the Maillard reaction on proteolysis of the bioactive bovine lactoferrin is comparedin vitrobetween adults and infants for the first time, coupling proteomics to elucidate bioactive peptide formation.
Selective production of 1,3-butadiene using glucose fermentation liquor
Authors: Baek Jayeon , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Wooyoung , Lee Hee Jong , Yi Jongheop
Published: May 2014

An alternative biomass-based route to the petrochemical process for the production of 1,3-butadiene has been developed using glucose fermentation products.
AC electric field induced dipole-based on-chip 3D cell rotation
Authors: Benhal Prateek , Chase J. Geoffrey , Gaynor Paul , Oback Björn , Wang Wenhui
Published: May 2014

First report on 3D rotation of cells using alternating current electric field on a single, open-top, and cost effective biochip.
Fluorescent quantum dots derived from PEDOT and their applications in optical imaging and sensing
Authors: Prasad Kenath Priyanka , Chen Yun , Sk Mahasin Alam , Than Aung , Wang Yue , Sun Handong , Lim Kok-Hwa , Dong Xiaochen , Chen Peng
Published: May 2014

Fluorescent polymer quantum dots derived from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) are synthesized and utilized for optical imaging and Hg2+ sensing applications.
Molecular recognition with nanostructures fabricated by photopolymerization within metallic subwavelength apertures
Authors: Urraca J. L. , Barrios C. A. , Canalejas-Tejero V. , Orellana G. , Moreno-Bondi M. C.
Published: May 2014

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanostructures synthesized by photopolymerization within metallic subwavelength apertures.
The ultrastructure of type I collagen at nanoscale: large or small D-spacing distribution?
Authors: Su Hai-Nan , Ran Li-Yuan , Chen Zhi-Hua , Qin Qi-Long , Shi Mei , Song Xiao-Yan , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Xie Bin-Bin
Published: May 2014

The large distribution ofD-spacing values of type I collagen fibrils was due to image drift during measurement, and theD-spacing values were nearly identical both within a single fibril bundle and in different fibril bundles, exhibiting only a narrow distribution of 2.5 nm.
Conversion of silica nanoparticles into Si nanocrystals through electrochemical reduction
Authors: Nishihara Hirotomo , Suzuki Takashi , Itoi Hiroyuki , An Bai-Gang , Iwamura Shinichiroh , Berenguer Raúl , Kyotani Takashi
Published: May 2014

SiO2nanoparticles (<50 nm) are electrochemically reduced into Si nanocrystals (<20 nm) inside spherical carbon shells.
RNA intrusions change DNA elastic properties and structure
Authors: Chiu Hsiang-Chih , Koh Kyung Duk , Evich Marina , Lesiak Annie L. , Germann Markus W. , Bongiorno Angelo , Riedo Elisa , Storici Francesca
Published: May 2014

Ribonucleotides in DNA can alter the elastic and structural properties of DNA.
Enhanced thermoelectric behaviour and visible light activity of Ag@TiO2/polyaniline nanocomposite synthesized by biogenic-chemical route
Authors: Ansari Mohd Omaish , Khan Mohammad Mansoob , Ansari Sajid Ali , Lee Jintae , Cho Moo Hwan
Published: May 2014

Synthesis of an Ag@TiO2/Pani nanocomposite by a biogenic-chemical route.
Green interfacial synthesis of two-dimensional poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) nanosheets as a promising electrode for high performance electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Yuan Changzhou , Zhang Longhai , Hou Linrui , Lin Jingdong , Pang Gang
Published: May 2014

2D poly(2,5-dimethoxyaniline) nanosheets were designed via a green interfacial strategy, and demonstrated large specific capacitance and striking stability at high rates as a pseudo-capacitive electrode.
Photocatalytic dye degradation properties of wafer level GaN nanowires by catalytic and self-catalytic approach using chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Purushothaman V. , Prabhu S. , Jothivenkatachalam K. , Parthiban S. , Kwon J. Y. , Jeganathan K.
Published: May 2014

We report the photocatalytic dye degradation properties of self-assembled gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires grown using chemical vapor deposition.
A facile synthesis of sialylated oligolactosamine glycans from lactose via the Lafont intermediate
Authors: Peng Peng , Liu Han , Gong Jianzhi , Nicholls John M. , Li Xuechen
Published: May 2014

We have developed a facile synthesis of sialylated oligolactosamine glycans, including Neu5Ac-α-2,3LacNAc-β-1,3LacNAc (3′SLN-LN) and Neu5Ac-α-2,3LacNAc-β-1,3LacNAc-β-1,3LacNAc (3′SLN-LN-LN), also providing a useful method for the preparation of 2-amino sugar building blocks.
In situ generation of ion-paired chiral ligands: rapid identification of the optimal ligand for palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylation
Authors: Ohmatsu Kohsuke , Hara Yoshiyuki , Ooi Takashi
Published: May 2014

A method for the in situ generation of ion-paired chiral ligands has been established and successfully applied in combinatorial ligand screening.
An emerging platform from renewable resources: selection guidelines for human exposure of furfural-related compounds
Authors: Frade R. F. M. , Coelho J. A. S. , Simeonov S. P. , Afonso C. A. M.
Published: May 2014

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a precursor for the synthesis of potential chemical building blocks and biofuel products. Therefore, it is expected to be a very important bioplatform player in the future due to reduction of fossil resources. Controversial data exist about HMF toxicity and, in addition, toxicological data of its derivatives are scarce. We evaluated the impact of several HMF derivatives in human skin fibroblast cells and data demonstrate that the dialdehyde (10), dihydroxymethyl (12), dimethyl (18) and the dimer (20) derivatives are potentially more harmful than the dicarboxylic acid derivative (17). HMF was not cytotoxic whereas the reported derivative 5-sulfoxymethylfurfural (SMF) was weakly cytotoxic. Some examples of derivatives are presented which are considerably more toxic than SMF.
MicroRNA-34A inhibits the growth, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer by targeting PDGFR and MET expression
Authors: Peng Yang , Guo Jin-Jun , Liu Yan-Min , Wu Xiao-Ling
Published: May 2014

Within the family of RTKs (receptor tyrosine kinases), PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) has been implicated in carcinogenesis and tumour development. miRNAs (microRNAs), which can target the mRNAs (messenger RNAs) of cancer-associated genes, are abnormally expressed in various cancers. In this study, our aim was to identify the miRNAs that target PDGFR-α/β and to study the functions of these miRNAs. miR-34a was predicted to target PDGFR, and luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-34a could directly target PDGFR. Meanwhile, we found that miR-34a was down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues and was associated with metastasis. Our findings showed that miR-34a could inhibit gastric cancer cell migration, invasion and proliferation, but these tumourigenic properties were only partially restored when PDGFR-α/β was overexpressed. In subsequent experiments, we found that the overexpression of both PDGFR and MET could completely restore the gastric cancer tumourigenic properties. Moreover, the cancer-associated cell signalling pathway was studied, and we found that miR-34a could inhibit Akt [PKB (protein kinase B)] phosphorylation, which was restored by the overexpression of both PDGFR and MET. In conclusion, miR-34a may act as a potential tumour suppressor in gastric cancer and is associated with the mechanisms of gastric cancer metastasis; miR-34a can inhibit gastric cancer tumourigenesis by targeting PDGFR and MET through the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt pathway.
The carbohydrate-binding domain of overexpressed STBD1 is important for its stability and protein–protein interactions
Authors: Zhu Yuanqi , Zhang Mei , Kelly Amber Renee , Cheng Alan
Published: May 2014

STBD1 (starch-binding domain-containing protein 1) belongs to the CBM20 (family 20 carbohydrate binding module) group of proteins, and is implicated in glycogen metabolism and autophagy. However, very little is known about its regulation or interacting partners. Here, we show that the CBM20 of STBD1 is crucial for its stability and ability to interact with glycogen-associated proteins. Mutation of a conserved tryptophan residue (W293) in this domain abolished the ability of STBD1 to bind to the carbohydrate amylose. Compared with the WT (wild-type) protein, this mutant exhibited rapid degradation that was rescued upon inhibition of the proteasome. Furthermore, STBD1 undergoes ubiquitination when expressed in COS cells, and requires the N-terminus for this process. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy did not significantly affect protein stability. In overexpression experiments, we discovered that STBD1 interacts with several glycogen-associated proteins, such as GS (glycogen synthase), GDE (glycogen debranching enzyme) and Laforin. Importantly, the W293 mutant of STBD1 was unable to do so, suggesting an additional role for the CBM20 domain in protein–protein interactions. In HepG2 hepatoma cells, overexpressed STBD1 could associate with endogenous GS. This binding increased during glycogenolysis, suggesting that glycogen is not required to bridge this interaction. Taken together, our results have uncovered new insights into the regulation and binding partners of STBD1.
Investigation on power line communication in aircrafts
Authors: Degardin Virginie , Laly Pierre , Lienard Martine , Degauque Pierre
Published: May 2014

Power line communication is envisaged for the future more electric aircraft and the scenario studied in this work deals with the cabin lighting system, since its tree‐shaped architecture is sufficiently complicated to be representative of many other aircraft harness configurations. The statistical characteristics of the propagation channels are deduced from the measurements made on a representative test bench, the experimental values of the insertion gain being also compared with those obtained from a theoretical model based on the multiconductor transmission line theory. Field‐programmable gate array‐based modems have been designed and the performance of links are described and compared with predicted values deduced from a software tool simulating the link.
Outage probability analysis of space–time block coding‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing cooperative systems
Authors: Poursajadi Sajad , Madani Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2014

In this study, the performance of a multi‐carrier (MC) multi‐relay system with multi‐antenna at source and destination nodes is investigated based on Alamouti space–time block coding (STBC) and amplify‐and‐forward (AF) cooperative diversity protocol with different schemes. In particular, transmission of each STBC in the system is initiated by signal broadcasting from the source node to the destination node and all the relay nodes. Depending on the cooperative scheme, one or more relays, applying AF protocol, transmit the signal to the destination. Applying maximum ratio combination technique to both the direct and the relayed subcarriers at the destination, the outage probability bounds are analytically derived for various schemes of relaying. Simulation results confirm the validity of the derived bounds, and show that the cooperative MC‐multiple‐input–multiple‐output channel yields a notable outage performance with an acceptable capacity, especially in the average best relay selection scheme, which exploits the limited feedback.
Fabrication of template with dual‐scale structures based on glass wet etching and its application in hydrophobic surface preparation
Authors: Wang Quandai , Song Yixiong , Wang Li , Xiao Jiming
Published: May 2014

Template‐based methods are a commonly used way to prepare superhydrophobic surfaces, in which, one of the critical issues, is template fabrication. In this work, a template with a dual‐scale hierarchical structures fabrication method is investigated, in which, using the Cr and photoresist as etching mask, the fused silica glass substrate is etched in a buffered hydrofluoric solution. Optical photos and atomic force microscopy (AFM) scans show that the excellent ordered and uniform microstructures with a feature size less than 4 μm combining with the nanostructures with a feature size of about 20–30 nm on the etched surface have been fabricated, indicating hierarchical structures being obtained. Then the template with dual‐scale structures is used as a master template and experiments of pattern transferring to PDMS and photoresist by cast moulding and by imprint lithography, respectively, have been conducted. The duplicating fidelity is characterised through optical photos and AFM scans. The contact angles of water on various fabricated surfaces are characterised and the influence of the surface roughness on wettability has been discussed.
Fungal Metabolites as Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Beekman Andrew M. , Barrow Russell A.
Published: May 2014

Natural products, their derivatives or compounds based on natural product leads constitute ~50 % of clinically used pharmaceuticals. This review highlights pharmaceuticals currently used in Australia and New Zealand that have their origins in fungal metabolites, discussing the natural products chemistry and medicinal chemistry leading to their application as pharmaceuticals.
Expenditure and motivation of Australian recreational hunters
Authors: Finch Neal , Murray Peter , Hoy Julia , Baxter Greg
Published: May 2014

Context
Recreational hunting has a long history in Australia, as in other parts of the world. However, the number, characteristics and motivations of Australian hunters have never been investigated in the same way as those in other countries where hunting occurs.

Aims
In this report, we aimed to systematically survey Australian recreational hunters to determine their demographic characteristics, patterns of spending and motivations.

Methods
Between September 2011 and June 2012, we encouraged hunters to participate in an anonymous online survey hosted by SurveyMonkey. We asked 53 questions about the hunters, their hunting patterns, expenditure on hunting and their motivations to hunt.

Key results
In total, 7202 hunters responded to the survey. The respondents were overwhelmingly male and 67% were aged between 31 and 60 years. Almost 34% of respondents were from Victoria, 26.7% from New South Wales and 22.0% from Queensland. Average direct expenditure on hunting was A$1835 per person per annum, whereas indirect expenditure was A$2168. Over 99% of respondents said that they would be willing to participate in pest-control activities if they had the opportunity.

Conclusions
There are likely to be at least 200 000 and more likely 300 000 recreational hunters in Australia and they spend in excess of A$1 billion dollars annually on hunting. Almost all of these hunters are willing to participate in direct wildlife management activities, such as pest control.

Implications
The Australian recreational hunting community is large, active and willing to spend large amounts of money on hunting. Their activities need to be understood and participants engaged by wildlife managers so as to obtain the best outcomes for wildlife management in Australia.
Locating species range frontiers: a cost and efficiency comparison of citizen science and hair-tube survey methods for use in tracking an invasive squirrel
Authors: Goldstein Emily A. , Lawton Colin , Sheehy Emma , Butler Fidelma
Published: May 2014

Context Improved knowledge of changing species distributions is critically important for conservation managers in the face of increasing species invasions, habitat disturbance and climate change. Efficient monitoring of the location of advancing species invasion frontiers is especially crucial for effective species community and habitat management. Aims To compare the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of two survey methods, a citizen science survey and a traditional hair-tube survey, in their abilities to locate the current southern invasion frontier of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Ireland. Methods In the citizen science survey, we collected sighting reports of the grey squirrel and its native congener, the red squirrel (S. vulgaris), from the geographic region of the invasion frontier from untrained members of the public over a 2-year period. Hair-tube surveys were carried out in 14 woodlands (≥30 ha) in the same geographic area to test the ability of this indirect field method to identify colonising grey squirrel populations. The costs, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of each method were compared. Key results The citizen science sighting reports resulted in the clear delineation of the southern frontier of the zone invaded by the grey squirrel. The hair-tube survey ascertained the presence of grey squirrels in 4 of 14 sites, but did not detect this species close to the invasion frontier defined by the citizen science survey. Even though the total cost of the citizen science survey was higher, it was more cost-effective and efficient on a per detection basis for the purposes of detecting the presence of grey and red squirrels. Conclusions The citizen science survey detected invasive squirrels in sites where the hair-tube survey did not. As such, the citizen science survey provided a more comprehensive snapshot of the location of the grey squirrel invasion frontier more efficiently and cost-effectively than did traditional field techniques. Implications In the face of increasing ecological and economic costs of biological invasions, we recommend straightforward citizen science surveys, over indirect field surveys, to managers and researchers seeking to efficiently track progressing invasions of readily observable animals cost-effectively.
The human urogenital microbiome.
Authors: Bengtson E. , Forney L. J. , Nelson D. E.
Published: May 2014

This chapter provides an overview on the microbial composition of the human urogenital tract in male and female healthy individuals. Perturbations in microbial composition in relation to the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted diseases are also discussed.