bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal analysis in lens and aqueous humor of cataract patients by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Schmeling Martina , Gaynes Bruce I. , Tidow-Kebritchi Susanne
Published: April 2014

The human eye is continuously exposed to the environment yet little is known about how much of toxins, specifically heavy metals are present in its different parts and how they influence vision and acuity. To shed light into this subject, aqueous humor and lens samples were collected from 14 cataract patients to study the presence and concentration of selected metals in the eye. Subjects undergoing routine cataract surgery were consecutively enrolled for study by simple random sampling. Prior to surgery, subject demographic were compiled. The surgical procedure involved small incision cataract removal using phacoemulsification. During the procedure, a small aliquot of aqueous humor was retained for analysis, whereas homogenized lens fragments were obtained during phacoemulsification. A balanced salt solution was used as control for each set of samples. Both ocular specimens were analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry after dilution and addition of an internal standard. The data obtained show substantial variations in elemental signature between the two media (aqueous humor and lens) and the patients themselves. Most commonly found heavy metals in both types of media were chromium and manganese. Barium was found in the lens, but not in aqueous tissue, whereas nickel was found only in the aqueous humor. Concentrations were generally higher in aqueous samples. Further study and increased sample size are required to more accurately elucidate the relationship between systemic and ocular metal accumulation and the impact of metal accumulation on measures of visual function and ocular disease.
Lois Mémoriellesin Post-Genocide Societies: The Rwandan Law on Genocide Ideology under International Human Rights Law Scrutiny
Authors: SULLO PIETRO
Published: April 2014

This article discusses the Rwandan Law 18/2008 on genocide ideology in the light of international human rights standards. In order to put the genocide ideology law into context, it sketches a brief overview of the post-genocide scenario. Because of the influence that provisions restricting freedom of expression aimed at fighting negationism might exert on testimonies during genocide trials, it pays particular attention to the transitional justice strategies adopted in Rwanda. Finally, it assesses the law on the genocide ideology against the background provided by the measures implemented in some European countries to deal with the phenomenon of negationism.
First description of NDM-1-, KPC-2-, VIM-2- and IMP-4-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in a single Chinese teaching hospital
Authors: LIU Y. , WAN L.-G. , DENG Q. , CAO X.-W. , YU Y. , XU Q.-F.
Published: April 2014

A total of 180 non-duplicate carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were recovered from patients hospitalized between December 2010 and January 2012 at a Chinese hospital. Eight KPC-2, four NDM-1, one VIM-2, and five KPC-2 plus IMP-4 producers were identified and all were multidrug resistant due to the presence of other resistance determinants, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (CTX-M-15, SHV-12), 16S rRNA methylases (armA, rmtB) and plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance determinants (qnrA, B, S, aac(6′)-Ib-cr). Nine K. pneumoniae clones (Kpn-A1/ST395, Kpn-A3/ST11, Kpn-A2/ST134, Kpn-B/ST263, Kpn-C/ST37, Kpn-D/ST39, Kpn-E/ST1151, Kpn-F/ST890, Kpn-G/ST1153) were identified. blaKPC-2 was located on transferable ~65 kb IncL/M (ST395, ST11, ST134, ST39) and ~100 kb IncA/C (ST37, ST1153, ST890) plasmids, respectively. On the other hand, blaNDM-1 was associated with a ~70 kb IncA/C plasmid (ST263). However, non-typable plasmids of ~40 kb containing blaVIM-2 were detected in the ST1151 clone. This work reports the first co-occurrence of four diverse types of carbapenemase of K. pneumoniae clones from a single hospital in China. IncA/C, IncL/M, and other successful plasmids may be important for the dissemination of carbapenemases, producing a complex epidemiological picture.
Anthropometric parameters in relation to glycaemic status and lipid profile in a multi-ethnic sample in Italy
Authors: Gualdi-Russo Emanuela , Zaccagni Luciana , Dallari Giovanna V , Toselli Stefania
Published: April 2014

Objective

To examine the health status of ethnic minorities in Italy. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between anthropometric and blood parameters connected with health status.

Design

A cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data were collected by direct measurements and blood glucose, total cholesterol and TAG were analysed.

Setting

Bologna, northern Italy.

Subjects

A multi-ethnic sample of adult immigrants and Roma.

Results

Significant correlations between anthropometric and blood parameters were found. Among the ethnic groups, Roma males had the highest values of glucose, total cholesterol and TAG. In the females the situation was more balanced among ethnic groups.

Conclusions

The data from this survey indicate that poor health status is a very common problem among ethnic groups living in Italy, especially the Roma. The use of anthropometric parameters as rapid indicators of health status in screenings of a large number of subjects could be an effective and cheap method to provide preliminary indications on individuals or ethnic groups at greater risk of poor health.
Contribution to the development of a food guide in Benin: linear programming for the optimization of local diets
Authors: Levesque Sarah , Delisle Hélène , Agueh Victoire
Published: April 2014

Objective

Food guides are important tools for nutrition education. While developing a food guide in Benin, the objective was to determine the daily number of servings per food group and the portion sizes of common foods to be recommended.

Design

Linear programming (LP) was used to determine, for each predefined food group, the optimal number and size of servings of commonly consumed foods. Two types of constraints were introduced into the LP models: (i) WHO/FAO Recommended Nutrient Intakes and dietary guidelines for the prevention of chronic diseases; and (ii) dietary patterns based on local food consumption data recently collected in southern Benin in 541 adults. Dietary intakes of the upper tertile of participants for diet quality based on prevention and micronutrient adequacy scores were used in the LP algorithms.

Setting

Southern area of the Republic of Benin.

Subjects

Local key-players in nutrition (n30) from the government, academic institutions, international organizations and civil society were partners in the development of the food guide directed at the population.

Results

The number of servings per food group and the portion size for eight age–sex groups were determined. For four limiting micronutrients (Fe, Ca, folate and Zn), local diets could be optimized to meet only 70 % of the Recommended Nutrient Intakes, not 100 %.

Conclusions

It was possible to determine the daily number of servings and the portion sizes of common foods that can be recommended in Benin with the help of LP to optimize local diets, although Recommended Nutrient Intakes were not fully met for a few critical micronutrients.
Comparative Study of the Measurement of Enamel Demineralization and Remineralization Using Transverse Microradiography and Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Cochrane Nathan J. , Iijima Youichi , Shen Peiyan , Yuan Yi , Walker Glenn D. , Reynolds Coralie , MacRae Colin M. , Wilson Nicholas C. , Adams Geoffrey G. , Reynolds Eric C.
Published: April 2014

Transverse microradiography (TMR) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) are commonly used for characterizing dental tissues. TMR utilizes an approximately monochromatic X-ray beam to determine the mass attenuation of the sample, which is converted to volume percent mineral (vol%min). An EPMA stimulates the emission of characteristic X-rays from a variable volume of sample (dependent on density) to provide compositional information. The aim of this study was to compare the assessment of sound, demineralized, and remineralized enamel using both techniques. Human enamel samples were demineralized and a part of each was subsequently remineralized. The same line profile through each demineralized lesion was analyzed using TMR and EPMA to determine vol%min and wt% elemental composition and atomic concentration ratio information, respectively. The vol%min and wt% values determined by each technique were significantly correlated but the absolute values were not similar. This was attributable to the complex ultrastructural composition, the variable density of the samples analyzed, and the nonlinear interaction of the EPMA-generated X-rays. EPMA remains an important technique for obtaining atomic ratio information, but its limitations in determining absolute mineral content indicate that it should not be used in place of TMR for determining the mineral density of dental hard tissues.
Effectiveness of collage activity based on a life review in elderly cancer patients: A preliminary study
Authors: Sakaguchi Satoko , Okamura Hitoshi
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Much of the cancer rehabilitation research that has been conducted has consisted of relatively early recovery-of-function rehabilitation, and little attention has been paid to the psychosocial aspects of palliative rehabilitation. The aim of the present preliminary study was to examine the “narratives” of elderly cancer patients that emerged as a result of a life review performed in association with collage activity and to assess the effectiveness of this intervention.

Method:

We conducted a collage activity based on a life review in two sessions. Some 11 cancer patients who were 65 years of age or older and receiving palliative care participated. Evaluations using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual (FACIT–Sp) Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Self-Efficacy Scale for Terminal Cancer (SESTC) were administered before and immediately after the intervention.

Results:

The mean scores for the FACIT–Sp and affect regulation efficacy on the SESTC significantly increased, while the mean HADS score significantly decreased. Regarding the impressions after completion of the intervention, generally favorable evaluations were heard from families and medical staff members as well as from the subjects.

Significance of results:

A collage activity based on a life review may be effective for improving spiritual well-being, mitigating anxiety and depression, and improving self-efficacy. The collage itself was also useful in facilitating interactions with others, including family members, and the activity provided psychological support for families.
Palliative sedation for cancer patients included in a home care program: A retrospective study
Authors: Calvo-Espinos Claudio , Ruiz de Gaona Estefania , Gonzalez Cristina , Ruiz de Galarreta Lucia , Lopez Cristina
Published: April 2014

Objective:

Palliative sedation is a common treatment in palliative care. The home is a difficult environment for research, and there are few studies about sedation at home. Our aim was to analyze this practice in a home setting.

Method:

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study in a home cohort during 2011. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 18 years or older and enrolled in the Palliative Home Care Program (PHCP) with advanced cancer. The variables employed were: sex, age, primary tumor location, and place of death. We also registered indication, type, drug and dose, awareness of diagnosis and prognosis, consent, survival, presence or absence of rales, painful mouth, and ulcers in patients sedated at home. We also collected the opinions of family members and professionals about the suffering of sedated patients.

Results:

A total of 446 patients (56% at home) of the 617 admitted to the PHCP between January and December of 2011 passed away. The typical patient in our population was a 70-year-old man with a lung tumor. Some 35 (14%) home patients required sedation, compared to 93 (49%) at the hospital. The most frequent indication was delirium (70%), with midazolam the most common drug (mean dose, 40 mg). Survival was around three days. Rales were frequent (57%) as well as awareness of diagnosis and prognosis (77 and 71%, respectively). Perception of suffering after sedation was rare among relatives (17%) and professionals (8%). In most cases, the decision was made jointly by professionals and family members.

Significance of Results:

Our study confirmed the role of palliative sedation as an appropriate therapeutic tool in the home environment.
Genetic characterization of some wild grape populations (Vitis viniferasubsp.sylvestris) of Zagros mountains (Iran) to indentify a conservation strategy
Authors: Doulati-Baneh Hamed , Mohammadi Seyed Abolghasem , Labra Massimo , De Mattia Fabrizio , Bruni Ilaria , Mezzasalma Valerio , Abdollahi Rahim
Published: April 2014

In this study, the genetic constitution of wild grape populations distributed in the Zagros Mountains in the north-west part of Iran was investigated to assess their risk of extinction and to identify the most suitable conservation strategy. A total of 65 wild grapevine samples from five different populations were analysed using 23 SSR loci. Consistent allelic richness was detected in all the analysed populations (from 4.01 to 5.35). The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were high with mean values of 0.67 and 0.69, respectively. A modest heterozygosity deficiency was detected only in the Piranshahr and Sardasht-Shalmash populations. The neighbour-joining dendrogram clustered the accessions into three groups corresponding to the geographical distribution of the populations. Molecular data combined with field evaluation revealed that anex situconservation approach is the most suitable strategy for preserving the genetic richness of Iranian wild grape populations with consistent rare alleles (about 20%). We proposein situpreservation only in the case of the Sardasht-Ghasmarash population to ensure that evolutionary dynamic forces continue to influence plant adaptation and survival in response to environmental alterations.
Evaluation of GaN-HEMT power amplifiers using BST-based components for load modulation
Authors: Arnous Mhd. Tareq , Wiens Alex , Saad Paul , Preis Sebastian , Zhang Zihui , Jakoby Rolf , Boeck Georg
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the concept of load-modulated power amplifiers (PAs) is studied. Two GaN-HEMT power amplifiers (PAs), targeted for high efficiency at maximum and output back-off (OBO) power levels, are designed, implemented, and tested across 1.8–2.2 GHz. The load modulation in the first design is realized by tuning the shunt capacitors in the output matching network. A novel method is employed in the second design, where barium–stronrium–titante is used for the realization of load modulation. The large-signal measurement results across the desired band show 59–70% drain efficiency at 44–44.5 dBm output power for both designs. Using the available tunable technique, the drain efficiency of the PAs is enhanced by 4–20% at 6 dB OBO across the bandwidth.
Low-pass filter with deep and wide stop band and controllable rejection bandwidth
Authors: Nesic Dusan A. , Kolundzija Branko M. , Tošić Dejan V. , Jeremic Dario S.
Published: April 2014

Novel design of low-pass microwave filters based on cascading of identical unit cells is proposed. Dispersion relation is used to determine the cell parameters for a given relative stop-band width. For a filter consisting of two cells, each made of single- or two-section transmission lines, the design formulas and curves are presented. Based on them typical filters are designed, fabricated, and measured. The presented filters feature a deep stop band and a wide rejection band, which can be controlled within the proposed design procedure. The design procedure and the simulation results are verified experimentally by measurement of the fabricated structures containing two and three cells.
A Ku-band RF-MEMS frequency-reconfigurable multimodal bandpass filter
Authors: Contreras Adrián , Casals-Terré Jasmina , Pradell Lluís , Giacomozzi Flavio , Iannacci Jacopo , Ribó Miquel
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a uniplanar RF-MEMS second-order bandpass filter with reconfigurable center frequency is presented. It is based on quarter-wavelength slotline resonators and coplanar waveguide (CPW)-to-slotline multimodal immitance inverters (MIIs), which are reconfigured using RF-MEMS switchable CPW air-bridges (SABs). The filter can be adequately explained and designed using multimodal theory and circuit models. A surface micromachining process on high-resistivity silicon substrate was used to fabricate the filter. Experimental results show frequency reconfiguration from 12 to 13 GHz, maintaining the same relative bandwidth, and insertion losses of 4.6 and 4.7 dB, respectively.
Annular ring microstrip patch antenna with finite ground plane for ultra-wideband applications
Authors: Rawat Sanyog , Sharma Kamalesh Kumar
Published: April 2014

A design of annular ring microstrip antenna with finite ground structure is proposed in this paper. The proposed geometry offers impedance bandwidth of 2.362 GHz and has stable radiation patterns for all resonant frequencies in the operational band. It is also found that shape and dimension of the finite ground plane is a key factor in improving the bandwidth of the proposed geometry. The geometry is low profile and has simple structure, therefore can be used for lower band of ultra-wideband applications.
Genomic analysis of the blood attributed to Louis XVI (1754–1793), king of France
Authors: Olalde Iñigo , Sánchez-Quinto Federico , Datta Debayan , Marigorta Urko M. , Chiang Charleston W. K. , Rodríguez Juan Antonio , Fernández-Callejo Marcos , González Irene , Montfort Magda , Matas-Lalueza Laura , Civit Sergi , Luiselli Donata , Charlier Philippe , Pettener Davide , Ramírez Oscar , Navarro Arcadi , Himmelbauer Heinz , Marquès-Bonet Tomàs , Lalueza-Fox Carles
Published: April 2014

A pyrographically decorated gourd, dated to the French Revolution period, has been alleged to contain a handkerchief dipped into the blood of the French king Louis XVI (1754–1793) after his beheading but recent analyses of living males from two Bourbon branches cast doubts on its authenticity. We sequenced the complete genome of the DNA contained in the gourd at low coverage (~2.5×) with coding sequences enriched at a higher ~7.3× coverage. We found that the ancestry of the gourd's genome does not seem compatible with Louis XVI's known ancestry. From a functional perspective, we did not find an excess of alleles contributing to height despite being described as the tallest person in Court. In addition, the eye colour prediction supported brown eyes, while Louis XVI had blue eyes. This is the first draft genome generated from a person who lived in a recent historical period; however, our results suggest that this sample may not correspond to the alleged king.
6Li-loaded directionally sensitive anti-neutrino detector for possible geo-neutrinographic imaging applications
Authors: Tanaka H. K. M. , Watanabe H.
Published: April 2014

Despite the latent and unique benefits of imaging uranium and thorium's distribution in the earth's interior, previously proposed experimental techniques used to identify the incoming geo-neutrino's direction are not applicable to practical imaging due to the high miss-identification in a neutrino's track reconstruction. After performing experimental studies and Monte-Carlo simulations, we confirmed that a significant improvement is possible in neutrino tracking identification with a 6Li-loaded neutrino detector. For possible imaging applications, we also explore the feasibility of producing geo-neutrinographic images of gigantic magmatic reservoirs and deep structure in the mantle. We anticipate and plan to apply these newly designed detectors to radiographic imaging of the Earth's interior, monitoring of nuclear reactors and tracking astrophysical sources of neutrinos.
Mesosilica materials and organic pollutant adsorption: part B removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Gibson L. T.
Published: April 2014

This tutorial review will focus on the removal of organic pollutants from the aqueous phase by mesoporous silica.
Electrospun nanofibers prepared using polystyrene (PS) with polymeric additives for the determination of nicotine in cigarette mainstream smoke
Authors: Guo Zhifeng , Wu Xiaoyang , Dong Jingjing , Su Hiudan , Cai Ru
Published: April 2014

The objective of this paper is to use electrospun nanofibers as the adsorbents in solid phase extraction (SPE) to improve the extraction efficiency.
Binary role of an ylide in formation of a terminal methylidene complex of niobium
Authors: Searles Keith , Keijzer Karlijn , Chen Chun-Hsing , Baik Mu-Hyun , Mindiola Daniel J.
Published: April 2014

The methylidene complex can be prepared readily in high yield from the reaction of [(Ar′O)2Nb(CH3)2Cl] (Ar′ = (2,6-CHPh2)2-4-tBu-C6H2) and two equivalents of H2CPPh3. The nucleophilic methylidene of [(Ar′O)2NbCH2(CH3)(H2CPPh3)] can undergo Wittig-like or protonation chemistry to form structurally similar molecules.
An organometallic complex revealing an unexpected, reversible, temperature induced SC–SC transformation
Authors: Taylor Rupert G. D. , Yeo Benjamin R. , Hallett Andrew J. , Kariuki Benson M. , Pope Simon J. A.
Published: April 2014

A reversible, temperature driven phase transformation that takes place at ca. 180 K, in a single-crystal to single-crystal manner, has been observed for a monometallic transition metal coordination complex based on a fac-Re(CO)3 core, with a chelated 2,2′-bipyridine unit and a halogenated N-(4-iodophenyl)nicotinamide axial co-ligand.
Zn2SiO4urchin-like microspheres: controlled synthesis and application in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Ren Lei , Peng Shengjie
Published: April 2014

Three-dimensional Zn2SiO4urchin-like microspheres have been fabricated by a one-step hydrothermal procedure.
Head-to-tail photodimerization of a thiophene in a co-crystal and a rare adipic acid dimer in the presence of a heterosynthon
Authors: Hutchins Kristin M. , Sumrak Joseph C. , Swenson Dale C. , MacGillivray Leonard R.
Published: April 2014

Head-to-tail photodimerization of thiophene is achieved in a co-crystal while a co-crystal with an acid dimer and heterosynthon is also described.
Structural relaxation of vapor-deposited molecular glasses and supercooled liquids
Authors: Ishii Kikujiro , Nakayama Hideyuki
Published: April 2014

The properties of vapor-deposited molecular glasses largely depend on deposition conditions, and stable and/or dense glasses are formed with several compounds.
Synthesis and electronic structure of the first cyaphide-alkynyl complexes
Authors: Trathen Nicola , Leech Matthew C. , Crossley Ian R. , Greenacre Victoria K. , Roe S. Mark
Published: April 2014

The novel complexes trans-[Ru(dppe)2(CCR)(CP)] (R = CO2Me, C6H4OMe), the first to incorporate cyaphide as part of a conjugated system, are obtained in facile manner. The electronic structure of these compounds is probed by X-ray, DFT and UV/Vis studies.
Hydrogen-bond-rich ionic liquids as effective organocatalysts for Diels–Alder reactions
Authors: Erfurt Karol , Wandzik Ilona , Walczak Krzysztof , Matuszek Karolina , Chrobok Anna
Published: April 2014

The synthesis and characterisation of new hydrogen-bond-rich ionic liquids and studies of their catalytic performance in Diels–Alder reactions are described. An increase in the number of hydroxyl groups present in the ionic liquid structure resulted in higher efficiency.
Electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid on supported Au and Pd bimetallic nanoparticles
Authors: Chadderdon David J. , Xin Le , Qi Ji , Qiu Yang , Krishna Phani , More Karren L. , Li Wenzhen
Published: April 2014

Electrocatalytic oxidation of HMF to FDCA was achieved on Pd/C, Au/C and Pd–Au/C catalysts and the synergistic effect of Pd–Au alloying is clearly demonstrated with electrochemical methods.
Highly sensitive MRI contrast agent for enhanced visualization of tumors
Authors: Song Xiao-xia , Liu Zhi-jun , Xu Xian-zhu , Tang Qun
Published: April 2014

We developed c(RGDyK)-conjugated KMnF3 nanoparticles (NPs) as a highly sensitive T1 contrast agent for tumor target imaging, and achieved an optimal tumor to background ratio under an injection dosage of 10−3 mmol kg−1.
Palladium-catalyzed tandem reaction of 2-hydroxyarylacetonitriles with sodium sulfinates: one-pot synthesis of 2-arylbenzofurans
Authors: Chen Jiuxi , Li Jianjun , Su Weike
Published: April 2014

Palladium-catalyzed desulfinative addition and intramolecular annulation tandem reactions of 2-hydroxyarylacetonitriles with sodium sulfinates for one-pot synthesis of 2-arylbenzofurans.
Syntheses, X-ray structures, catalytic activity and magnetic properties of two new coordination polymers of Co(ii) and Ni(ii) based on benzenedicarboxylate and linear N,N′-donor Schiff base linkers
Authors: Bhattacharya Biswajit , Maity Dilip Kumar , Pachfule Pradip , Colacio Enrique , Ghoshal Debajyoti
Published: April 2014

Mixed ligand coordination polymers showing excellent catalytic activity for Knoevenagel condensation reaction.
Simultaneous influence of Zn2+/Mg2+ on the luminescent behaviour of La2O3:Tm3+–Yb3+ phosphors
Authors: Kumari Astha , Pandey Anurag , Dey Riya , Rai Vineet Kumar
Published: April 2014

Appreciable enhancement of the UC emission bands due to incorporation of Zn2+ and Mg2+ ions in Tm3+–Yb3+ codoped La2O3 phosphor can be visualized from the figure.
Tin-doped perovskite mixed conducting membrane for efficient air separation
Authors: Zhang Zhenbao , Chen Yubo , Tade Moses O. , Hao Yong , Liu Shaomin , Shao Zongping
Published: April 2014

The substitution of B-site cations in BaCo0.7Fe0.3O3−δ with tin is effective in improving oxygen permeability and stability of the membrane.
Enhanced field emission of p-type 3C-SiC nanowires with B dopants and sharp corners
Authors: Yang Yang , Yang Hao , Wei Guodong , Wang Lin , Shang Minghui , Yang Zuobao , Tang Bin , Yang Weiyou
Published: April 2014

We report the enhanced field emission of B-doped SiC nanowires with a low turn-on field and enhanced high-temperature stability.
Detergent-free purification of ABC (ATP-binding-cassette) transporters
Authors: Gulati Sonali , Jamshad Mohammed , Knowles Timothy J. , Morrison Kerrie A. , Downing Rebecca , Cant Natasha , Collins Richard , Koenderink Jan B. , Ford Robert C. , Overduin Michael , Kerr Ian D. , Dafforn Timothy R. , Rothnie Alice J.
Published: April 2014

ABC (ATP-binding-cassette) transporters carry out many vital functions and are involved in numerous diseases, but study of the structure and function of these proteins is often hampered by their large size and membrane location. Membrane protein purification usually utilizes detergents to solubilize the protein from the membrane, effectively removing it from its native lipid environment. Subsequently, lipids have to be added back and detergent removed to reconstitute the protein into a lipid bilayer. In the present study, we present the application of a new methodology for the extraction and purification of ABC transporters without the use of detergent, instead, using a copolymer, SMA (polystyrene-co-maleic acid). SMA inserts into a bilayer and assembles into discrete particles, essentially solubilizing the membrane into small discs of bilayer encircled by a polymer, termed SMALPs (SMA lipid particles). We show that this polymer can extract several eukaryotic ABC transporters, P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), MRP1 (multidrug-resistance protein 1; ABCC1), MRP4 (ABCC4), ABCG2 and CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator; ABCC7), from a range of different expression systems. The SMALP-encapsulated ABC transporters can be purified by affinity chromatography, and are able to bind ligands comparably with those in native membranes or detergent micelles. A greater degree of purity and enhanced stability is seen compared with detergent solubilization. The present study demonstrates that eukaryotic ABC transporters can be extracted and purified without ever being removed from their lipid bilayer environment, opening up a wide range of possibilities for the future study of their structure and function.
Inactivation of mammalian Ero1α is catalysed by specific protein disulfide-isomerases
Authors: Shepherd Colin , Oka Ojore B. V. , Bulleid Neil J.
Published: April 2014

Disulfide formation within the endoplasmic reticulum is a complex process requiring a disulfide exchange protein such as PDI (protein disulfide-isomerase) and a mechanism to form disulfides de novo. In mammalian cells, the major pathway for de novo disulfide formation involves the enzyme Ero1α (endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1α) which couples oxidation of thiols to the reduction of molecular oxygen to form hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Ero1α activity is tightly regulated by a mechanism that requires the formation of regulatory disulfides. These regulatory disulfides are reduced to activate and reform to inactivate the enzyme. To investigate the mechanism of inactivation we analysed regulatory disulfide formation in the presence of various oxidants under controlled oxygen concentration. Neither molecular oxygen nor H2O2 was able to oxidize Ero1α efficiently to form the correct regulatory disulfides. However, specific members of the PDI family, such as PDI or ERp46 (endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein 46), were able to catalyse this process. Further studies showed that both active sites of PDI contribute to the formation of regulatory disulfides in Ero1α and that the PDI substrate-binding domain is crucial to allow electron transfer between the two enzymes. The results of the present study demonstrate a simple feedback mechanism of re-gulation of mammalian Ero1α involving its primary substrate.
Sentence Imitation as a Marker of SLI in Czech: Disproportionate Impairment of Verbs and Clitics
Authors: Smolík Filip , Vávrů Petra
Published: April 2014

Purpose

The authors examined sentence imitation as a potential clinical marker of specific language impairment (SLI) in Czech and its use to identify grammatical markers of SLI.

Method

Children with SLI and the age- and language-matched control groups (total
N
= 57) were presented with a sentence imitation task, a receptive vocabulary task, and digit span and nonword repetition tasks. Sentence imitations were scored for accuracy and error types. A separate count of inaccuracies for individual part-of-speech categories was performed.

Results

Children with SLI had substantially more inaccurate imitations than the control groups. The differences in the memory measures could not account for the differences between children with SLI and the control groups in imitation accuracy, even though they accounted for the differences between the language-matched and age-matched control groups. The proportion of grammatical errors was larger in children with SLI than in the control groups. The categories that were most affected in imitations of children with SLI were verbs and clitics.

Conclusion

Sentence imitation is a sensitive marker of SLI. Verbs and clitics are the most vulnerable categories in Czech SLI. The pattern of errors suggests that impaired syntactic representations are the most likely source of difficulties in children with SLI.
On 3-gauge transformations, 3-curvatures, and Gray-categories
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: April 2014

In the 3-gauge theory, a 3-connection is given by a 1-form A valued in the Lie algebra \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {g}$\end{document}g, a 2-form B valued in the Lie algebra \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {h}$\end{document}h, and a 3-form C valued in the Lie algebra \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathfrak {l}$\end{document}l, where \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$(\mathfrak {g},\mathfrak {h}, \mathfrak {l})$\end{document}(g,h,l) constitutes a differential 2-crossed module. We give the 3-gauge transformations from one 3-connection to another, and show the transformation formulae of the 1-curvature 2-form, the 2-curvature 3-form, and the 3-curvature 4-form. The gauge configurations can be interpreted as smooth Gray-functors between two Gray 3-groupoids: the path 3-groupoid \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal {P}_3(X)$\end{document}P3(X) and the 3-gauge group \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal {G}^{\mathscr L}$\end{document}GL associated to the 2-crossed module \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathscr L$\end{document}L, whose differential is \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$(\mathfrak {g},\mathfrak {h}, \mathfrak {l})$\end{document}(g,h,l). The derivatives of Gray-functors are 3-connections, and the derivatives of lax-natural transformations between two such Gray-functors are 3-gauge transformations. We give the 3-dimensional holonomy, the lattice version of the 3-curvature, whose derivative gives the 3-curvature 4-form. The covariance of 3-curvatures easily follows from this construction. This Gray-categorical construction explains why 3-gauge transformations and 3-curvatures have the given forms. The interchanging 3-arrows are responsible for the appearance of terms with the Peiffer commutator {, }.
Remainder terms for some quantum entropy inequalities
Authors: Carlen Eric A. , Lieb Elliott H.
Published: April 2014

We consider three von Neumann entropy inequalities: subadditivity; Pinsker's inequality for relative entropy; and the monotonicity of relative entropy. For these we state conditions for equality, and we prove some new error bounds away from equality, including an improved version of Pinsker's inequality.
ADL ORVIS: An air-delay-leg, line-imaging optically recording velocity interferometer system
Authors: Trott Wayne M. , Castañeda Jaime N. , Cooper Marcia A.
Published: April 2014

An interferometry system that enables acquisition of spatially resolved velocity-time profiles with very high velocity sensitivity has been designed and applied to two diverse, instructive experimental problems: (1) measurement of low-amplitude reverberations in laser-driven flyer plates and (2) measurement of ramp-wave profiles in symmetric impact studies of fused silica. The delay leg in this version of a line-imaging optically recording velocity interferometer system (ORVIS) consists of a long air path that includes relay optics to transmit the optical signal through the interferometer cavity. Target image quality from the delay path at the image recombination plane is preserved by means of a compact and flexible optical design utilizing two parabolic reflectors (serving as the relay optics) in a folded path. With an instrument tuned to a velocity per fringe constant of 22.4 m s−1 fringe−1, differences of 1–2 m s−1 across the probe line segment can be readily distinguished. Measurements that capture small spatial variations in flyer velocity are presented and briefly discussed. In the fused silica impact experiments, the ramp-wave profile observed by this air-delay instrument compares favorably to the profile recorded simultaneously by a conventional line-imaging ORVIS.
Origin of the enhanced flexoelectricity of relaxor ferroelectrics
Authors: Narvaez Jackeline , Catalan Gustau
Published: April 2014

We have measured the bending-induced polarization of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 single crystals with compositions at the relaxor-ferroelectric phase boundary. The crystals display flexocoupling coefficients f > 100 V, an order of magnitude bigger than the theoretical upper limit set by the theories of Kogan and Tagantsev. This enhancement persists in the paraphase up to a temperature T* = 500 ± 25 K that coincides with the onset of anelastic softening in the crystals; above T*, the true (lattice-based) flexocoupling coefficient is measured as f13 ≈ 10 V for both compositions. Cross-correlation between flexoelectric, dielectric, and elastic properties indicates that the enhancement of bending-induced polarization of relaxor ferroelectrics is not caused by intrinsically giant flexoelectricity but by the reorientation of polar nanodomains that are ferroelastically active below T*.
Efficient multi-keV x-ray source generated by nanosecond laser pulse irradiated multi-layer thin foils target
Authors: Tu Shao-yong , Hu Guang-yue , Miao Wen-yong , Zhao Bin , Zheng Jian , Yuan Yong-teng , Zhan Xia-yu , Hou Li-fei , Jiang Shao-en , Ding Yong-kun
Published: April 2014

A new target configuration is proposed to generate efficient multi-keV x-ray source using multiple thin foils as x-ray emitters. The target was constructed with several layers of thin foils, which were placed with a specific, optimized spacing. The thin foils are burned though one by one by a nanosecond-long laser pulse, which produced a very large, hot, underdense plasma. One-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulations show that the emission region and the multi-keV x-ray flux generated by multi-layer thin foil target are similar to that of the low-density gas or foam target, which is currently a bright multi-keV x-ray source generated by laser heating. Detailed analysis of a range of foil thicknesses showed that a layer-thickness of 0.1 μm is thin enough to generate an efficient multi-keV x-ray source. Additionally, this type of target can be easily manufactured, compared with the complex techniques for fabrication of low-density foam targets. Our preliminary experimental results also verified that the size of multi-keV x-ray emission region could be enhanced significantly by using a multi-layer Ti thin foil target.
Inelastic incoherent neutron scattering study of the molecular properties of pure hydrogen peroxide and its water mixtures of different concentration
Authors: Albers Peter W. , Glenneberg Jürgen , Refson Keith , Parker Stewart F.
Published: April 2014

We have investigated the spectra of shock-frozen H2O2–H2O mixtures across the full composition range 99.1%–0.0% H2O2. In contrast to literature reports, we find that intermediate compositions (30%–70% H2O2) freeze to a solid solution rather than phase separating, which only occurs on annealing to just below the melting point. We have fully characterised the dihydrate H2O2·2H2O (48.6% H2O2) for the first time and shown that its spectrum can account for the features previously observed on the surface of a Au/TiO2 catalyst.
Effect of supersonic molecular-beam injection on edge fluctuation and particle transport in Heliotron J
Authors: Zang L. , Ohshima S. , Mizuuchi T. , Nishino N. , Yamamoto S. , Kasajima K. , Hashimoto K. , Sha M. , Takeuchi M. , Mukai K. , Lee H. Y. , Kenmochi N. , Nagasaki K. , Kado S. , Okada H. , Minami T. , Kobayashi S. , Shi N. , Konoshima S. , Nakamura Y. , Sano F.
Published: April 2014

Edge fluctuation in a supersonic molecular-beam injection (SMBI) fueled plasma has been measured using an electrostatic probe array. After SMBI, the plasma stored energy (Wp) temporarily decreased then started to increase. The local plasma fluctuation and fluctuation induced particle transport before and after SMBI have been analyzed. In a short duration (∼4 ms) just after SMBI, the density fluctuation of broad-band low frequency increased, and the probability density function (PDF) changed from a nearly Gaussian to a positively skewed non-Gaussian one. This suggests that intermittent structures were produced due to SMBI. Also the fluctuation induced particle transport was greatly enhanced during this short duration. About 4 ms after SMBI, the low frequency broad-band density fluctuation decreased, and the PDF returned to a nearly Gaussian shape. Also the fluctuation induced particle transport was reduced. Compared with conventional gas puff, Wp degradation window is very short due to the short injection period of SMBI. After this short degradation window, fluctuation induced particle transport was reduced and Wp started the climbing phase. Therefore, the short period of the influence to the edge fluctuation might be an advantage of this novel fueling technique. On the other hand, although their roles are not identified at present, coherent MHD modes are also suppressed as well by the application of SMBI. These MHD modes are thought to be de-exited due to a sudden change of the edge density and/or excitation conditions.
Edge-localized mode avoidance and pedestal structure in I-mode plasmas
Authors: Walk J. R. , Hughes J. W. , Hubbard A. E. , Terry J. L. , Whyte D. G. , White A. E. , Baek S. G. , Reinke M. L. , Theiler C. , Churchill R. M. , Rice J. E. , Snyder P. B. , Osborne T. , Dominguez A , Cziegler I.
Published: April 2014

I-mode is a high-performance tokamak regime characterized by the formation of a temperature pedestal and enhanced energy confinement, without an accompanying density pedestal or drop in particle and impurity transport. I-mode operation appears to have naturally occurring suppression of large Edge-Localized Modes (ELMs) in addition to its highly favorable scalings of pedestal structure and overall performance. Extensive study of the ELMy H-mode has led to the development of the EPED model, which utilizes calculations of coupled peeling-ballooning MHD modes and kinetic-ballooning mode (KBM) stability limits to predict the pedestal structure preceding an ELM crash. We apply similar tools to the structure and ELM stability of I-mode pedestals. Analysis of I-mode discharges prepared with high-resolution pedestal data from the most recent C-Mod campaign reveals favorable pedestal scalings for extrapolation to large machines—pedestal temperature scales strongly with power per particle Pnet/n¯e, and likewise pedestal pressure scales as the net heating power (consistent with weak degradation of confinement with heating power). Matched discharges in current, field, and shaping demonstrate the decoupling of energy and particle transport in I-mode, increasing fueling to span nearly a factor of two in density while maintaining matched temperature pedestals with consistent levels of Pnet/n¯e. This is consistent with targets for increased performance in I-mode, elevating pedestal βp and global performance with matched increases in density and heating power. MHD calculations using the ELITE code indicate that I-mode pedestals are strongly stable to edge peeling-ballooning instabilities. Likewise, numerical modeling of the KBM turbulence onset, as well as scalings of the pedestal width with poloidal beta, indicates that I-mode pedestals are not limited by KBM turbulence—both features identified with the trigger for large ELMs, consistent with the observed suppression of large ELMs in I-mode.
Intersubband transitions in InxGa1−xN/InyGa1−yN/GaN staggered quantum wells
Authors: Yıldırım Hasan , Aslan Bulent
Published: April 2014

Intersubband transition energies and absorption lineshape in staggered InGaN/GaN quantum wells surrounded by GaN barriers are computed as functions of structural parameters such as well width, In concentrations, and the doping level in the well. Schrödinger and Poisson equations are solved self-consistently by taking the free and bound surface charge concentrations into account. Many-body effects, namely, depolarization and excitonic shifts are also included in the calculations. Results for transition energies, oscillator strength, and the absorption lineshape up to nonlinear regime are represented as functions of the parameters mentioned. The well width (total and constituent layers separately) and In concentration dependence of the built-in electric field are exploited to tune the intersubband transition energies.
Aspects of the non-zonal transition
Authors: Pueschel M. J. , Terry P. W. , Hatch D. R.
Published: April 2014

The non-zonal transition, a process which can bring about very large heat fluxes in gyrokinetic simulations, occurs once a certain threshold plasma β is reached. This threshold is parameterized via a simulation database, yielding an expression estimating at what β a given system may approach the transition. Furthermore, the diffusive outward transport of a heat blob in a temperature profile marginally stable with respect to the non-zonal transition is discussed: the resulting transport timescale combines the underlying turbulent transport timescale and the linear instability growth time, thus demonstrating that the non-zonal transition provides a mechanism for very fast heat dissipation.
Solitons and shocks in dense astrophysical magnetoplasmas with relativistic degenerate electrons and positrons
Authors: Ali S. , Ata-ur-Rahman
Published: April 2014

The linear and nonlinear properties of the ion-acoustic (IA) waves are investigated in a relativistically degenerate magnetoplasma, whose constituents are the electrons, positrons, and ions. The electrons and positrons are assumed to obey the Fermi-Dirac statistics, whereas the cold ions are taken to be inertial and magnetized. In linear analysis, various limiting cases are discussed both analytically and numerically. However, for nonlinear studies, the well-known reductive perturbation technique is employed to derive the Zakharov-Kuznetsov and Zakharov-Kuznetsov Burgers equations in the presence of relativistically degenerate electrons and positrons. Furthermore, with the use of hyperbolic tangent method, the equations are simplified to admit the soliton and shock wave solutions. Numerically, it is shown that the amplitude, width, and phase speed associated with the localized IA solitons and shocks are significantly influenced by the various intrinsic plasma parameters relevant to our model. The present analysis can be useful for understanding the collective processes in dense astrophysical environments like neutron stars, where the electrons and positrons are expected to be relativistic and degenerate.
Phase diagram of tin determined by sound velocity measurements on multi-anvil apparatus up to 5 GPa and 800 K
Authors: Xu Liang , Bi Yan , Li Xuhai , Wang Yuan , Cao Xiuxia , Cai Lingcang , Wang Zhigang , Meng Chuanmin
Published: April 2014

The tin β–γ–liquid triple point and the melting curve at high pressure have been controversial for a long time. Apart from being of fundamental importance, the sound velocity at high pressure and high temperature also provides a practical approach for determining melting curves and phase boundaries. We investigated the sound velocities and phase diagram of tin up to 5 GPa and 800 K by ultrasonic measurements on a multi-anvil apparatus. The β–γ–liquid triple point obtained in this work is 3.02 ± 0.05 GPa and 562 ± 2 K. The experimental data and the extrapolated melting curve of the γ phase using the Simon-type equation are in good agreement with the theoretical and most of the experimental results at high pressure. These results indicate that sound velocity measurements based on multi-anvil apparatus can be a convenient and reliable approach to determine the high-pressure melting curve and phase boundaries of materials.
Energy shift of collective electron excitations in highly corrugated graphitic nanostructures: Experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Sedelnikova O. V. , Bulusheva L. G. , Asanov I. P. , Yushina I. V. , Okotrub A. V.
Published: April 2014

Effect of corrugation of hexagonal carbon network on the collective electron excitations has been studied using optical absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy in conjunction with density functional theory calculations. Onion-like carbon (OLC) was taken as a material, where graphitic mantle enveloping agglomerates of multi-shell fullerenes is strongly curved. Experiments showed that positions of π and π + σ plasmon modes as well as π → π* absorption peak are substantially redshifted for OLC as compared with those of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite and thermally exfoliated graphite consisted of planar sheets. This effect was reproduced in behavior of dielectric functions of rippled graphite models calculated within the random phase approximation. We conclude that the energy of electron excitations in graphitic materials could be precisely tuned by a simple bending of hexagonal network without change of topology. Moreover, our investigation suggests that in such materials optical exciton can transfer energy to plasmon non-radiatively.