bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired integration of disambiguating evidence in delusional schizophrenia patients
Authors: Sanford N. , Veckenstedt R. , Moritz S. , Balzan R. P. , Woodward T. S.
Published: February 2014

Background

It has been previously demonstrated that a cognitive bias against disconfirmatory evidence (BADE) is associated with delusions. However, small samples of delusional patients, reliance on difference scores and choice of comparison groups may have hampered the reliability of these results. In the present study we aimed to improve on this methodology with a recent version of the BADE task, and compare larger groups of schizophrenia patients with/without delusions to obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) patients, a population with persistent and possibly bizarre beliefs without psychosis.

Method

A component analysis was used to identify cognitive operations underlying the BADE task, and how they differ across four groups of participants: (1) high-delusional schizophrenia, (2) low-delusional schizophrenia, (3) OCD patients and (4) non-psychiatric controls.

Results

As in past studies, two components emerged and were labelled ‘evidence integration’ (the degree to which disambiguating information has been integrated) and ‘conservatism’ (reduced willingness to provide high plausibility ratings when justified), and only evidence integration differed between severely delusional patients and the other groups, reflecting delusional subjects giving higher ratings for disconfirmed interpretations and lower ratings for confirmed interpretations.

Conclusions

These data support the finding that a reduced willingness to adjust beliefs when confronted with disconfirming evidence may be a cognitive underpinning of delusions specifically, rather than obsessive beliefs or other aspects of psychosis such as hallucinations, and illustrates a cognitive process that may underlie maintenance of delusions in the face of counter-evidence. This supports the possibility of the BADE operation being a useful target in cognitive-based therapies for delusions.
Research in foreign language education in Portugal (2006–2011): Its transformative potential
Authors: Vieira Flávia , Moreira Maria Alfredo , Peralta Helena
Published: February 2014

This article reviews a selective corpus of empirical and theoretical texts on foreign language pedagogy and teacher education, produced in Portugal between 2006 and 2011. A descriptive and interpretative approach is adopted to inquire into the transformative potential of research, with a focus on its scope, purposes, conceptual and methodological frameworks, outcomes and implications. Four major themes were identified, primarily related to current language policies and theoretical developments in language didactics: intercomprehension and plurilingualism, teacher and learner autonomy, Portuguese as a non-native language, and technology-based learning and teaching. The transformative potential of the studies reviewed is enhanced by their intention to question and reshape dominant practices on the basis of democratic values; an empowering view of language, pedagogy and teacher education; a close relation between pedagogy and teacher education; participatory research methodologies; and the identification of constraints on, and conditions for, change. However, there is a need for strategies that remain somewhat marginal but may enhance that potential: expanding university–school partnerships, professional learning communities and school-based inquiry; strengthening the political dimension of research outcomes; finding strategies to counteract limitations on the scope and impact of naturalistic inquiry; and fostering scholarship in teacher education.
Active disturbance rejection for walking bipedal robots using the acceleration of the upper limbs
Authors: Hill Joshua , Fahimi Farbod
Published: February 2014

A disturbance rejection controller is proposed based on the general dynamic model of 3D biped robots. For the first time, with this proposed approach, not only the Zero Moment Point (ZMP) location remains unchanged in presence of disturbances but also the longitudinal and lateral ground reaction forces and the vertical twist moment remain unchanged. This way, slipping as well as tipping is prevented by the controller. The swing phase of the robot's walking gait is considered. An integral sliding mode architecture is chosen for the disturbance rejection. The support forces and moments of the stance foot are the control outputs. The acceleration of the arm/body joints are chosen as the inputs. During the disturbance rejection, the leg joints remain at their desired trajectory. Since the leg joint trajectories are unaffected, the robot is still able to complete its step as planned, even when bounded disturbances are experienced. For simulations, the general method is applied to an 18-degree of freedom biped humanoid robot. Simulations show that the controller successfully mitigates bounded disturbances and maintains all of the support reactions extremely close to their desired values. Consequently, the shift in the position of the ZMP is negligible, and the robot foot does not slip.
Post-catheterisation arterial thrombosis in children – pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment
Authors: Silva Marques João , Gonçalves Cristina
Published: February 2014

Lower limb ischaemia is the most frequent complication of cardiac catheterisation in children. It is often overlooked, but it can cause significant disability and may limit arterial access sites to repeat diagnostic or interventional catheterisations. A narrative review of the literature on arterial access site thrombosis in children was carried out with a special focus on current evidence that supports preventive and treatment strategies. Anticoagulation, thrombolysis, and thrombectomy have been used successfully to treat arterial access site thrombosis. However, it is not completely established which is the role of each treatment modality and what is the most appropriate timing to deliver it. Therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have to be prospectively investigated, particularly for clarifying the role of new pharmacologic interventions and of percutaneous and surgical thrombectomy in the current era.
In Vivo Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy of the Ocular Surface in Glaucoma
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , Agnifili Luca , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Fasanella Vincenzo , Nubile Mario , Toto Lisa , Carpineto Paolo , Ciancaglini Marco
Published: February 2014

Over the past decade, knowledge about the ocular surface in glaucoma has significantly increased through the use of in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). This in vivo imaging method can show modifications at the cellular level induced by anti-glaucoma drugs on ocular surface structures and adnexa in the eye. High-quality images of the conjunctiva, cornea, limbus, meibomian glands, and lymphoid structures during therapy can be obtained. In addition, LSCM opened new fields of research on the patho-physiology of aqueous humor (AH) hydrodynamics in untreated, and in medically or surgically treated glaucomatous patients. In these conditions, an enhancement of the trans-scleral AH outflow contributed to clarification of the mechanism of action of different anti-glaucoma medications and surgical approaches. Finally, the use of LSCM represented a huge advance in evaluation of bleb functionality after filtration surgery, defining the hallmarks of AH filtration through the bleb-wall and distinguishing functional from nonfunctional blebs. Thus, signs seen with LSCM may anticipate clinical failure, guiding the clinician in planning the appropriate timing of the various steps in bleb management. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about in vivo LSCM of the ocular surface in glaucoma.
The need for palliative care education, support, and reflection among rural nurses and other staff: A quantitative study
Authors: Eriksson Gerd , Bergstedt Tina Wahlström , Melin-Johansson Christina
Published: February 2014

Objective:

Many people now die in community care, and, considering the aging population, all healthcare staff members must be prepared to provide palliative care. Our objectives were to describe the total staff working in different care organizations in a rural community in Sweden and to explore palliative care competence, to describe educational gaps and the need for support and reflection, and to determine whether there are differences in care organizations, professions, age, and gender.

Method:

A 4-section 20-item questionnaire was distributed to 1686 staff (65% response rate): in nursing homes (n = 395), home care (n = 240), and group residential settings (n = 365). Registered nurses (n = 70), assistant nurses (n = 916), managers (n = 43), and paramedics (n = 33) participated. Descriptive and correlational statistics were employed.

Results:

Significant differences were found, and 40% (53% among men) lacked palliative care education, Fewer than 50% lacked education in the spiritual/existential areas, and 75% of those aged 20–66 (75% women, 55% men) needed further education. More women than men and staff aged 50–59 had an increased need to reflect.

Significance of Results:

Our study may provide guidance for managers in rural communities when planning educational interventions in palliative care for healthcare staff and may support direct education with content for specific professions.
Molecular characterization of almond accessions from the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) using SSR markers
Authors: Padilla Guillermo , Socias i Company Rafel , Ordás Amando
Published: February 2014

In this study, 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used for genetic diversity analysis of 45 almond accessions, which included 25 local cultivars from La Palma Island and three other commercial cultivars. A total of 110 amplification fragments were produced, with an average value of 7.9 alleles per locus. Twelve of the SSR markers can be considered as highly informative, with values of expected heterozygosity and power of discrimination above 0.5 and 0.8, respectively. Due to cases of synonymy and homonymy, 37 different genetic profiles were obtained, with the homonymy of the soft-shell varieties known as ‘Mollar’ being the most significant. Cluster analysis identified four groups within the accessions. One of these groups exclusively consisted of the two commercial cultivars ‘Guara’ and ‘Ferraduel’. The other commercial cultivar used in the study, ‘Desmayo Largueta’, was in a cluster with three cultivars from the same locality. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that the within-localities component accounts for most of the total variation, suggesting that La Palma almond cultivars did not originate independently in different parts of the island. The results of the study reveal the genetic singularity of La Palma almond cultivars and the genetic diversity among them.
Political Intersectionality and Democratic Politics in the European Public Sphere
Authors: Siim Birte
Published: February 2014

The European Union (EU) consists of 27 nation states, and its motto “united in diversity” refers to the right of EU citizens to cross borders and work and live legally in another EU country as well as to the accommodation of national minorities. In spite of this common fate, “diversity” issues have increasingly been associated with conflicts between citizens and noncitizens about integration of new migrant groups. At a time of rising populism in Europe, it is important to assess how major political actors of the European Public Sphere (EPS) articulate issues regarding the intersection of gender and ethnic diversity. To do so, this article draws on the findings from the Eurosphere project, which compares sixteen European countries to investigate the inclusion or exclusion of women and minority groups in the EPS (Siim & Mokre 2013). The Eurosphere project provides timely insight into how key actors representing selected political parties and social movements/NGOs across Europe perceive intersections of gender and ethnic diversity.
Solidarity under Austerity: Intersectionality in France and the United Kingdom
Authors: Bassel Leah , Emejulu Akwugo
Published: February 2014

In this article, we argue that in order to understand and counter the asymmetrical effects of the current economic crisis, intersectional analyses and coalition building are required. Our research aims to address a tendency in some intersectionality research to underplay or sideline social class and capitalist relations (Anthias 2012, 6, 15; Skeggs 2008). Our goal is to expand intersectionality to questions of political economy that are not typically viewed through this lens (Strolovitch 2013, 168). Sophisticated theorizations of social locations, divisions, processes of differentiation, and systems of domination (Dhamoon 2011) within intersectionality literature can thus become tools to name and challenge the effects of the economic crises that are deepening social and economic inequalities in Europe.
Ambivalent Intersectionality
Authors: Townsend-Bell Erica
Published: February 2014

Debates about whether states can act intersectionally have resulted in mostly negative responses (Kantola and Nousiainen 2009; Koldinská 2009; Lombardo and Verloo 2009; Skjeie and Langvasbråten 2009; Squires 2008). Notably, most of the theorizing on this concern is situated within a European context in which scholars are grappling simultaneously with the questions of whether states can act intersectionally, and what intersectionality itself means within local contexts outside of its U.S. genesis. That is, scholars are asking both whether states can be committed to acting intersectionally and whether and how the theory travels in the first place. Similar concerns are relevant to the Latin American case, where, as is true for Europe, there is some promotion of intersectional action at the level of academic theorizing, state, and civil society, alongside some ambivalence about whether and how the concept is meaningful at the local level. States like Uruguay are open to fostering a more inclusive environment because of the commitment of its own state actors, what might be termed diffuse support at the international level, and the work of local actors who see the need—and some of whom have pushed for—greater insertion. But this openness is accompanied by a lack of clarity around, and ambivalence about, intersectionality even within the context of the state, much less among the organized community. I focus here on said ambivalence and the incomplete elaboration of intersectionality within the National Women's Institute (Inmujeres), which is exemplified by distinct approaches to intersectionality within the Institution, distinct approaches to the question of difference, and a lack of civil society insertion.
Design and characterization of an integrated microwave generator for BIST applications
Authors: Lahbib Imene , Doukkali Mohamed Aziz , Descamps Philippe , Gamand Patrice , Kelma Christophe , Tesson Olivier
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a circuit architecture for a new integrated on chip test method for microwave circuits. The proposed built-in-self-test (BIST) cell targets a direct low-cost measurement technique of the gain and the 1 dB input compression point (CP1) of a K-band satellite receiver in the 18–22 GHz frequency bandwidth. A signal generator at the radiofrequency (RF) front end input of the device under test (DUT) has been integrated on the same chip. To inject this RF signal, a loopback technique has been used and the design has been accommodated for it. This paper focuses on the design of the most sensitive block of the BIST circuit, i.e. the RF signal generator. This circuit, fabricated in a SIGe:C BiCMOS process, consumes 10 mA. It presents a dynamic power range of 17 dB (−41; −24 dBm) and operates in a frequency range of 5.6 GHz (17.5; 23 GHz). This BIST circuit gives new perspectives in terms of test strategy, cost reduction, and measurement accuracy for microwave-integrated circuits and could be adapted for mm-wave circuits.
Adolescent experience predicts longevity: evidence from historical epidemiology
Authors: Falconi A. , Gemmill A. , Dahl R. E. , Catalano R.
Published: February 2014

Human development reportedly includes critical and sensitive periods during which environmental stressors can affect traits that persist throughout life. Controversy remains over which of these periods provides an opportunity for such stressors to affect health and longevity. The elaboration of reproductive biology and its behavioral sequelae during adolescence suggests such a sensitive period, particularly among males. We test the hypothesis that life expectancy at age 20 among males exposed to life-threatening stressors during early adolescence will fall below that among other males. We apply time-series methods to cohort mortality data in France between 1816 and 1919, England and Wales between 1841 and 1919, and Sweden between 1861 and 1919. Our results indicate an inverse association between cohort death rates at ages 10–14 and cohort life expectancy at age 20. Our findings imply that better-informed and more strategic management of the stressors encountered by early adolescents may improve population health.
DSM-5 Kommentar: Tourette Syndrom und andere Tic-Störungen im DSM-5
Authors: Roessner Veit , Ludolph Andrea G. , Müller-Vahl Kirsten , Neuner Irene , Rothenberger Aribert , Woitecki Katrin , Münchau Alexander
Published: February 2014

In der neu erschienenen, fünften Ausgabe des Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) wurde die Klassifikation von Tic-Störungen überarbeitet. Der im Vorfeld geäußerte Vorschlag, Tic-Störungen bei «Angst- und Zwangsstörungen» einzuordnen, hat sich nicht durchsetzen können. Der Abschnitt «Störungen, die gewöhnlich zuerst im Kleinkindalter, in der Kindheit oder Adoleszenz diagnostiziert werden», wurde überarbeitet und in «Entwicklungsstörungen» (Neurodevelopmental Disorders) umbenannt. Tic-Störungen wurden dort unter der Überschrift «Bewegungsstörungen» eingruppiert. Die meisten Änderungen stellen sowohl aus klinischer als auch aus wissenschaftlicher Sicht eine eindeutige Verbesserung dar. So ist die Definition von Tics durch das Entfernen des Adjektivs «stereotyp» präziser und wurde vereinheitlicht. Die nun mehr gültigen Zeitkriterien sind im klinischen Alltag praktikabler: z. B. wurde das Ausschlusskriterium eines tic-freien Intervalls von mehr als drei Monaten bei persistierenden (chronischen) Tic-Störungen ersatzlos gestrichen. Sowohl die Umbenennung von «vorübergehender» in «vorläufige Tic-Störung» als auch von «chronischer» in «persistierende Tic-Störung» sind aus klinischer Sicht zu begrüßen. Insgesamt ist mit der Überarbeitung der Kriterien ein wichtiger Schritt hin zu mehr Klarheit und Praktikabilität gelungen. Allerdings orientiert sich auch die nun in revidierter Fassung vorliegende Klassifikation von Tic-Störungen weiterhin ausschließlich an klinischen Merkmalen, ohne dass es hierfür eine wissenschaftliche Evidenz gibt. Zukünftige Studien werden zeigen müssen, ob dies dauerhaft gerechtfertigt ist.
DJ-1 protects against cell death following acute cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Dongworth R K , Mukherjee U A , Hall A R , Astin R , Ong S-B , Yao Z , Dyson A , Szabadkai G , Davidson S M , Yellon D M , Hausenloy D J
Published: February 2014

Novel therapeutic targets are required to protect the heart against cell death from acute ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). Mutations in the DJ-1 (PARK7) gene in dopaminergic neurons induce mitochondrial dysfunction and a genetic form of Parkinson’s disease. Genetic ablation of DJ-1 renders the brain more susceptible to cell death following ischemia–reperfusion in a model of stroke. Although DJ-1 is present in the heart, its role there is currently unclear. We sought to investigate whether mitochondrial DJ-1 may protect the heart against cell death from acute IRI by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Overexpression of DJ-1 in HL-1 cardiac cells conferred the following beneficial effects: reduced cell death following simulated IRI (30.4±4.7% with DJ-1 versus 52.9±4.7% in control; n=5, P<0.05); delayed mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening (a critical mediator of cell death) (260±33 s with DJ-1 versus 121±12 s in control; n=6, P<0.05); and induction of mitochondrial elongation (81.3±2.5% with DJ-1 versus 62.0±2.8% in control; n=6 cells, P<0.05). These beneficial effects of DJ-1 were absent in cells expressing the non-functional DJ-1L166P and DJ-1Cys106A mutants. Adult mice devoid of DJ-1 (KO) were found to be more susceptible to cell death from in vivo IRI with larger myocardial infarct sizes (50.9±3.5% DJ-1 KO versus 41.1±2.5% in DJ-1 WT; n≥7, P<0.05) and resistant to cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning. DJ-1 KO hearts showed increased mitochondrial fragmentation on electron microscopy, although there were no differences in calcium-induced MPTP opening, mitochondrial respiratory function or myocardial ATP levels. We demonstrate that loss of DJ-1 protects the heart from acute IRI cell death by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. We propose that DJ-1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for cardioprotection.
PTEN regulates AMPA receptor-mediated cell viability in iPS-derived motor neurons
Authors: Yang D-J , Wang X-L , Ismail A , Ashman C J , Valori C F , Wang G , Gao S , Higginbottom A , Ince P G , Azzouz M , Xu J , Shaw P J , Ning K
Published: February 2014

Excitatory transmission in the brain is commonly mediated by the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), AMPA receptors allow cytotoxic levels of calcium into neurons, contributing to motor neuron injury. We have previously shown that oculomotor neurons resistant to the disease process in ALS show reduced AMPA-mediated inward calcium currents compared with vulnerable spinal motor neurons. We have also shown that PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) knockdown via siRNA promotes motor neuron survival in models of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and ALS. It has been reported that inhibition of PTEN attenuates the death of hippocampal neurons post injury by decreasing the effective translocation of the GluR2 subunit into the membrane. In addition, leptin can regulate AMPA receptor trafficking via PTEN inhibition. Thus, we speculate that manipulation of AMPA receptors by PTEN may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for neuroprotective intervention in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders. To this end, the first step is to establish a fibroblast–iPS–motor neuron in vitro cell model to study AMPA receptor manipulation. Here we report that iPS-derived motor neurons from human fibroblasts express AMPA receptors. PTEN depletion decreases AMPA receptor expression and AMPA-mediated whole-cell currents, resulting in inhibition of AMPA-induced neuronal death in primary cultured and iPS-derived motor neurons. Taken together, our results imply that PTEN depletion may protect motor neurons by inhibition of excitatory transmission that represents a therapeutic strategy of potential benefit for the amelioration of excitotoxicity in ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Reset of a critically disturbed microbial ecosystem: faecal transplant in recurrent Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Fuentes Susana , van Nood Els , Tims Sebastian , Heikamp-de Jong Ineke , ter Braak Cajo J F , Keller Josbert J , Zoetendal Erwin G , de Vos Willem M
Published: February 2014

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can be effectively treated by infusion of a healthy donor faeces suspension. However, it is unclear what factors determine treatment efficacy. By using a phylogenetic microarray platform, we assessed composition, diversity and dynamics of faecal microbiota before, after and during follow-up of the transplantation from a healthy donor to different patients, to elucidate the mechanism of action of faecal infusion. Global composition and network analysis of the microbiota was performed in faecal samples from nine patients with recurrent CDI. Analyses were performed before and after duodenal donor faeces infusion, and during a follow-up of 10 weeks. The microbiota data were compared with that of the healthy donors. All patients successfully recovered. Their intestinal microbiota changed from a low-diversity diseased state, dominated by Proteobacteria and Bacilli, to a more diverse ecosystem resembling that of healthy donors, dominated by Bacteroidetes and Clostridium groups, including butyrate-producing bacteria. We identified specific multi-species networks and signature microbial groups that were either depleted or restored as a result of the treatment. The changes persisted over time. Comprehensive and deep analyses of the microbiota of patients before and after treatment exposed a therapeutic reset from a diseased state towards a healthy profile. The identification of microbial groups that constitute a niche for C. difficile overgrowth, as well as those driving the reinstallation of a healthy intestinal microbiota, could contribute to the development of biomarkers predicting recurrence and treatment outcome, identifying an optimal microbiota composition that could lead to targeted treatment strategies.
Electric coupling between distant nitrate reduction and sulfide oxidation in marine sediment
Authors: Marzocchi Ugo , Trojan Daniela , Larsen Steffen , Louise Meyer Rikke , Peter Revsbech Niels , Schramm Andreas , Peter Nielsen Lars , Risgaard-Petersen Nils
Published: February 2014

Filamentous bacteria of the Desulfobulbaceae family can conduct electrons over centimeter-long distances thereby coupling oxygen reduction at the surface of marine sediment to sulfide oxidation in deeper anoxic layers. The ability of these cable bacteria to use alternative electron acceptors is currently unknown. Here we show that these organisms can use also nitrate or nitrite as an electron acceptor thereby coupling the reduction of nitrate to distant oxidation of sulfide. Sulfidic marine sediment was incubated with overlying nitrate-amended anoxic seawater. Within 2 months, electric coupling of spatially segregated nitrate reduction and sulfide oxidation was evident from: (1) the formation of a 4–6-mm-deep zone separating sulfide oxidation from the associated nitrate reduction, and (2) the presence of pH signatures consistent with proton consumption by cathodic nitrate reduction, and proton production by anodic sulfide oxidation. Filamentous Desulfobulbaceae with the longitudinal structures characteristic of cable bacteria were detected in anoxic, nitrate-amended incubations but not in anoxic, nitrate-free controls. Nitrate reduction by cable bacteria using long-distance electron transport to get privileged access to distant electron donors is a hitherto unknown mechanism in nitrogen and sulfur transformations, and the quantitative importance for elements cycling remains to be addressed.
Fine-scale spatial patterns in bacterial community composition and function within freshwater ponds
Authors: Lear Gavin , Bellamy Julia , Case Bradley S , Lee Jack E , Buckley Hannah L
Published: February 2014

The extent to which non-host-associated bacterial communities exhibit small-scale biogeographic patterns in their distribution remains unclear. Our investigation of biogeography in bacterial community composition and function compared samples collected across a smaller spatial scale than most previous studies conducted in freshwater. Using a grid-based sampling design, we abstracted 100+ samples located between 3.5 and 60 m apart within each of three alpine ponds. For every sample, variability in bacterial community composition was monitored using a DNA-fingerprinting methodology (automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis) whereas differences in bacterial community function (that is, carbon substrate utilisation patterns) were recorded from Biolog Ecoplates. The exact spatial position and dominant physicochemical conditions (for example, pH and temperature) were simultaneously recorded for each sample location. We assessed spatial differences in bacterial community composition and function within each pond and found that, on average, community composition or function differed significantly when comparing samples located >20 m apart within any pond. Variance partitioning revealed that purely spatial variation accounted for more of the observed variability in both bacterial community composition and function (range: 24–38% and 17–39%) than the combination of purely environmental variation and spatially structured environmental variation (range: 17–32% and 15–20%). Clear spatial patterns in bacterial community composition, but not function were observed within ponds. We therefore suggest that some of the observed variation in bacterial community composition is functionally ‘redundant’. We confirm that distinct bacterial communities are present across unexpectedly small spatial scales suggesting that populations separated by distances of >20 m may be dispersal limited, even within the highly continuous environment of lentic water.
Cheap, Gram-Scale Fabrication of BN Nanosheets via Substitution Reaction of Graphite Powders and Their Use for Mechanical Reinforcement of Polymers
Authors: Liu Fei , Mo Xiaoshu , Gan Haibo , Guo Tongyi , Wang Xuebin , Chen Bin , Chen Jun , Deng Shaozhi , Xu Ningsheng , Sekiguchi Takashi , Golberg Dmitri , Bando Yoshio
Published: February 2014

As one of the most important two-dimensional (2D) materials, BN nanosheets attracted intensive interest in the past decade. Although there are many methods suitable for the preparation of BN sheets, finding a cheap and nontoxic way for their mass and high-quality production is still a challenge. Here we provide a highly effective and cheap way to synthesize gram-scale-level well-structured BN nanosheets from many common graphite products as source materials. Single-crystalline multi-layered BN sheets have a mean lateral size of several hundred nanometers and a thickness ranging from 5 nm to 40 nm. Cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis shows that the structures exhibit a near band-edge emission and a broad emission band from 300 nm to 500 nm. Utilization of nanosheets for the reinforcement of polymers revealed that the Young's modulus of BN/PMMA composite had increased to 1.56 GPa when the BN's fraction was only 2 wt.%, thus demonstrating a 20% gain compared to a blank PMMA film. It suggests that the BN nanosheet is an ideal mechanical reinforcing material for polymers. In addition, this easy and nontoxic substitution method may provide a universal route towards high yields of other 2D materials.
Surface-confined core–shell structures based on gold nanoparticles and metal–organic networks
Authors: Kaminker Revital , Lahav Michal , Altman Marc , Evmenenko Guennadi , Dutta Pulak , Gulino Antonino , van der Boom Milko E.
Published: February 2014

A gold nanoparticle platform enhances the optical properties and order in a metal–organic network (MON).
Strain engineering of selective chemical adsorption on monolayer MoS2
Authors: Kou Liangzhi , Du Aijun , Chen Changfeng , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: February 2014

Nanomaterials are prone to influence by chemical adsorption because of their large surface to volume ratios.
Ultra-small gold nanoparticles synthesized in aqueous solution and their application in fluorometric collagen estimation using bi-ligand functionalization
Authors: Agarwal Sankalp Vinod , Reddy Shyam Sunder , Dhayal Marshal
Published: February 2014

Ultra-small hydrosol LBH-AuNPs were synthesized, and their application in the FRET based estimation of collagen investigated using bi-ligand functionalised LBH-AuNPs.
Freestanding redox buckypaper electrodes from multi-wall carbon nanotubes for bioelectrocatalytic oxygen reduction via mediated electron transfer
Authors: Bourourou Mariem , Elouarzaki Kamal , Holzinger Michael , Agnès Charles , Le Goff Alan , Reverdy-Bruas Nadège , Chaussy Didier , Party Mikael , Maaref Abderrazak , Cosnier Serge
Published: February 2014

The design of redox buckypapersviacross-linking of carbon nanotubes with bis-pyrene modified ABTS.
An intercompartmental enzymatic cascade reaction in channel-equipped polymersome-in-polymersome architectures
Authors: Siti Winna , de Hoog Hans-Peter M. , Fischer Ozana , Shan Wong Yee , Tomczak Nikodem , Nallani Madhavan , Liedberg Bo
Published: February 2014

A multicompartment cascade reaction is presented in a polymersome-in-polymersome architecture, which is regulated by insertion of a channel protein in the inner compartment's polymer membrane.
Synergistic–cooperative combination of enamine catalysis with transition metal catalysis
Authors: Deng Yongming , Kumar Siddhartha , Wang Hong
Published: February 2014

This review article highlights recent discoveries in synergistic–cooperative combination of enamine catalysis with transition metal catalysis.
NMR mapping of protein conformational landscapes using coordinated behavior of chemical shifts upon ligand binding
Authors: Cembran Alessandro , Kim Jonggul , Gao Jiali , Veglia Gianluigi
Published: February 2014

The CONCISE statistical analysis of chemical shifts measures the population shifts and collectiveness of protein response associated with ligand titrations.
Significant enhancement of photocatalytic activity of rutile TiO2compared with anatase TiO2upon Pt nanoparticle deposition studied by far-ultraviolet spectroscopy
Authors: Tanabe Ichiro , Ryoki Takayuki , Ozaki Yukihiro
Published: February 2014

The charge-separation efficiency of rutile TiO2is considerably enhanced compared to that of anatase TiO2upon the Pt nanoparticle deposition.
Combined activation strain model and energy decomposition analysis methods: a new way to understand pericyclic reactions
Authors: Fernández Israel
Published: February 2014

In this perspective article, we present selected illustrative examples of the application of the combined activation strain model and energy decomposition analysis methods to pericyclic reactions.
Electrospun BiOI nano/microtectonic plate-like structure synthesis and UV-light assisted photodegradation of ARS dye
Authors: Babu Veluru Jagadeesh , Bhavatharini R. S. R. , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: February 2014

Techtonic plate-like nano structures synthesized by electrospinning and were employed for photocatalytic degradation. The possible photodegradation has been explained based on the band edge position.
A new polymorph of Cd3B2O6: synthesis, crystal structure and phase transformation
Authors: Zhang Xingwen , Yu Hongwei , Wu Hongping , Pan Shilie , Jiao Anqing , Zhang Bingbing , Yang Zhihua
Published: February 2014

A new high-temperature phase of Cd3B2O6 (β-Cd3B2O6) has been discovered and the phase transformation process between α- and β-Cd3B2O6 was investigated.
Comic Strip Videos
Authors: Diehl Sylvia
Published: February 2014

This article describes a pilot of an intervention strategy that combined established evidence from the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with evidence from other fields along with clinician experience to provide a pivotal learning experience that addressed reading comprehension along with social communication skills. The intervention strategy coined “comic strip videos” used speech and thought bubbles in comic strip form followed by video supported self-management. The comic strip format was used much like a storyboard to show the overall outline of the story designed to help the students to focus on important information. The speech and thought bubbles were utilized to help the students gain character perspective and social information. Finally, a video of the students acting out the story was intended to support the development self-management of social communication skills. The intervention addressed a combination of literacy and social communication goals in a single process.
Improvement of global navigation satellite system signal acquisition using different grade inertial measurement units for high dynamic applications
Authors: Qin Feng , Zhan Xingqun , Du Gang
Published: February 2014

Most global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers cannot work in high dynamic scenarios because of poor navigation satellite acquisition in these environments. Hence, inertial navigation system (INS) is used to aid the GNSS signal acquisition and improve the acquisition capability of the receivers. In INS‐aided acquisition, the Doppler estimation accuracy, which has an effect on the acquisition performance, is largely dependent on the quality of the selected inertial measurement unit (IMU). However, the mathematical relation between the IMU errors and the Doppler estimation errors is yet to be determined. This relation is derived and the relation curves are provided. Owing to the insufficiency of the researches on high dynamic applications, such as missiles and aircrafts, a high dynamic scenario is designed and acquisition experiments with different grade IMU assists are performed. The results of these experiments verify that the INS aid can reduce local frequency search space and achieve fast acquisition. Moreover, the experiments also compare the acquisition capabilities of the receivers aided by different grade IMUs and verify the effect of the IMU quality on acquisition performances. Finally, according to these experimental results, a suitable IMU can be determined for the INS‐aided acquisition.
Quantum Monte Carlo methods for rovibrational states of molecular systems
Authors: Blume D. , Lewerenz M. , Whaley K. B.
Published: February 2014

We present applications to molecular problems of a recently developed quantum Monte Carlo algorithm [Phys. Rev. E 55, 3664 (1997)] for the calculation of excited state energies of multi-dimensional quantum systems, employing a projection operator imaginary time spectral evolution (POITSE). The extraction of vibrational energies is demonstrated on a double well potential and on two coupled harmonic oscillators, and on excited rotational states of a rotating harmonic oscillator. All energies extracted by the quantum Monte Carlo algorithm are in good agreement with exact results, showing that the new method is very promising for the calculation of tunneling splittings, and of vibrational and rotational excitations in real multi-dimensional molecular systems.
Empirical pseudopotential calculations of Cd1−xMnxTe
Authors: Long Fei , Harrison P. , Hagston W. E.
Published: February 2014

Empirical pseudopotential calculations for the entire range of alloy concentrations of cubic Cd1−xMnxTe are presented. The atomic form factors have been deduced empirically by fitting the band structure to spectroscopic data available from the literature. The pseudopotential band structures indicate optical bowing may occur in the alloy Cd1−xMnxTe and have been used to determine the effective masses of the electron and light, and heavy holes, which for CdTe are in agreement with accepted values. The effective masses for Cd1−xMnxTe are given for the first time, and are expressed as first- and second-order polynomials in x. The implications of these results for spectroscopic experiments are discussed.
H-shaped double graft copolymers: Effect of molecular architecture on morphology
Authors: Lee Chin , Gido Samuel P. , Poulos Yiannis , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Tan Nora Beck , Trevino Samuel F. , Mays Jimmy W.
Published: February 2014

The morphologies formed by block copolymers with a double-graft, H or S2IS2 architecture were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Here S and I represent blocks of polystyrene and polyisoprene, respectively. These materials were synthesized using anionic polymerization and chlorosilane linking, and they were characterized using size exclusion chromatography, membrane osmometry, and low-angle laser light scattering. This characterization work confirmed the desired molecular architectures and narrow molecular weight distributions. The results of morphological characterization indicate that one can understand complex grafting architectures by decomposing them into fundamental building blocks, which are taken as the component single graft structures out of which the larger structure is constructed. We propose rules for dividing structures into these components, which we call constituting block copolymers. The morphological behavior of the more complex architecture is approximately equivalent to that of the constituting block copolymer structure. Through the use of the constituting block copolymers we map the experimentally determined morphological behavior of the H architecture onto the morphology diagram calculated by Milner for miktoarm stars [Macromolecules 27, 2333 (1994)]. Mapping the H architecture onto the morphology diagram in this way produces general agreement between experimental results and the model. However, it is found that in the case of the H architecture, as well as in previously published results for I2S and I3S miktoarm star materials, that the morphology diagram slightly overestimates the amount of shift in the order-order transition lines produced by asymmetry in molecular architecture. This overestimation in the theory is attribute to a junction point localization effect which was neglected in Milner’s calculation.
Vibrational relaxation in supercritical fluids near the critical point
Authors: Cherayil Binny J. , Fayer M. D.
Published: February 2014

We present a theory for the temperature and density dependence of the vibrational lifetime T1 and the vibrational line position ν of a solute in a supercritical solvent, both close to and far from the critical point. The theory is based on the relation between a classical force correlation function and T1 and ν. The force correlation function is determined from density functional theory, and can be expressed in terms of the solvent structure factor and the solute–solvent direct correlation function, thereby allowing physical properties in the region of large critical fluctuations to be described by various phenomenological scaling laws. The theory has been used to investigate recent experiments on the density dependence of the lifetimes and frequencies of the asymmetric CO stretching mode of W(CO)6 in supercritical ethane. Near the critical point, the experimental data are essentially independent of the density over a fairly broad range of densities. This behavior is ascribed to the existence of long-range correlations in the fluid mixture near the critical point. Such correlations, manifested in the divergence or vanishing of thermodynamic quantities, are shown to essentially eliminate the density dependence in the static and dynamic correlation functions that enter the theory. Because it is the anomalous thermodynamics near the critical point that ultimately governs changes in T1 and ν, the results are not dependent on specific intermolecular interactions. The lack of a theoretical dependence on specific intermolecular interactions is supported by experiments that display the same behavior for various solute/solvent systems.
The quadrature discretization method in the solution of the Fokker–Planck equation with nonclassical basis functions
Authors: Shizgal Bernie D. , Chen Heli
Published: February 2014

Fokker–Planck equations are used extensively to study a variety of problems in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. A discretization method referred to as the quadrature discretization method (QDM) is introduced for the time-dependent solution of Fokker–Planck equations. The QDM is based on the discretization of the probability density function on a grid of points that coincide with the points of a quadrature. The quadrature is based on a set of nonclassical polynomials orthogonal with respect to some weight function. For the Fokker–Planck equation, the weight functions that have often provided rapid convergence of the eigenvalues of the Fokker–Planck operator are the steady distributions at infinite time. Calculations are carried out for several systems with bistable potentials that arise in the study of optical bistability, reactive systems and climate models. The rate of convergence of the eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions of the Fokker–Planck equation is very rapid with this approach. The time evolution is determined in terms of the expansion of the distribution function in the eigenfunctions.
Production of high intensity 48Ca for the 88-Inch Cyclotron and other updates
Authors: Benitez J. Y. , Franzen K. Y. , Hodgkinson A. , Lyneis C. M. , Strohmeier M. , Thullier T. , Todd D. , Xie D.
Published: February 2014

Recently the Versatile ECR for NUclear Science (VENUS) ion source was engaged in a 60-day long campaign to deliver high intensity 48Ca11+ beam to the 88-Inch Cyclotron. As the first long term use of VENUS for multi-week heavy-element research, new methods were developed to maximize oven to target efficiency. First, the tuning parameters of VENUS for injection into the cyclotron proved to be very different than those used to tune VENUS for maximum beam output of the desired charge state immediately following its bending magnet. Second, helium with no oxygen support gas was used to maximize the efficiency. The performance of VENUS and its low temperature oven used to produce the stable requested 75 eμA of 48Ca11+ beam current was impressive. The consumption of 48Ca in VENUS using the low temperature oven was checked roughly weekly, and was found to be on average 0.27 mg/h with an ionization efficiency into the 11+ charge state of 5.0%. No degradation in performance was noted over time. In addition, with the successful operation of VENUS the 88-Inch cyclotron was able to extract a record 2 pμA of 48Ca11+, with a VENUS output beam current of 219 eμA. The paper describes the characteristics of the VENUS tune used for maximum transport efficiency into the cyclotron as well as ongoing efforts to improve the transport efficiency from VENUS into the cyclotron. In addition, we briefly present details regarding the recent successful repair of the cryostat vacuum system.
Note: Spring constant calibration of nanosurface-engineered atomic force microscopy cantilevers
Authors: Ergincan O. , Palasantzas G. , Kooi B. J.
Published: February 2014

The determination of the dynamic spring constant (kd) of atomic force microscopy cantilevers is of crucial importance for converting cantilever deflection to accurate force data. Indeed, the non-destructive, fast, and accurate measurement method of the cantilever dynamic spring constant by Sader et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 83, 103705 (2012)] is confirmed here for plane geometry but surface modified cantilevers. It is found that the measured spring constants (keff, the dynamic one kd), and the calculated (kd,1) are in good agreement within less than 10% error.
Implicit solvation model for density-functional study of nanocrystal surfaces and reaction pathways
Authors: Mathew Kiran , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Letchworth-Weaver Kendra , Arias T. A. , Hennig Richard G.
Published: February 2014

Solid-liquid interfaces are at the heart of many modern-day technologies and provide a challenge to many materials simulation methods. A realistic first-principles computational study of such systems entails the inclusion of solvent effects. In this work, we implement an implicit solvation model that has a firm theoretical foundation into the widely used density-functional code Vienna ab initio Software Package. The implicit solvation model follows the framework of joint density functional theory. We describe the framework, our algorithm and implementation, and benchmarks for small molecular systems. We apply the solvation model to study the surface energies of different facets of semiconducting and metallic nanocrystals and the SN2 reaction pathway. We find that solvation reduces the surface energies of the nanocrystals, especially for the semiconducting ones and increases the energy barrier of the SN2 reaction.