bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of TbFe on Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy and Giant Magnetoresistance Effect in [Co/Ni]N-Based Spin Valves
Authors: Tang Minghong , Zhang Zongzhi , Zhu Yanyan , Ma Bin , Jin Qinyuan
Published: October 2014

The exchange-coupled [Co/Ni]N/TbFe nano-magnetic films can display strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) which depends on the Tb:Fe component ratio, TbFe layer thickness and the repetition number N of [Co/Ni]N multilayer. Perpendicular spin valves in the nano thickness scale, consisting of a [Co/Ni]3 free and a [Co/Ni]5/TbFe reference multilayer, show high giant magnetoresistance (GMR) signal of 6.5 % and a large switching field difference over 3 kOe. However, unexpected slanting of the free layer magnetization, accompanied by a reduced GMR ratio, was found to be caused by the presence of a thick Fe-rich or even a thin but Tb-rich TbFe layer. We attribute this phenomenon to the large magnetostriction effect of TbFe which probably induces strong stress acting on the free layer and hence reduces its interfacial PMA.
Video game genre preference, physical activity and screen‐time in adolescent boys from low‐income communities
Authors: Thorne Hayden T. , Smith Jordan J. , Morgan Philip J. , Babic Mark J. , Lubans David R.
Published: October 2014

The primary aim of this study was to examine the association between the types of video games played by adolescent boys and their participation in physical activity and recreational screen‐time. Participants were 320 boys (mean age = 12.7, ±0.5 years) from 14 secondary schools located in low‐income areas of New South Wales, Australia. Outcomes included height, weight, physical activity (accelerometers), total screen‐time, and video game genre preference. Significant differences in both weekday and weekend screen‐time were found between video game genre groups. In addition, significant differences in overall activity and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity were found between genre groups on weekdays. Between‐group differences in physical activity on weekends were not statistically significant. This cross‐sectional study has demonstrated that video game genre preference is associated with physical activity and screen‐time in adolescent boys from low‐income communities.
Mining cancer gene expression databases for latent information on intronic microRNAs
Authors: Monterisi Simona , D'Ario Giovanni , Dama Elisa , Rotmensz Nicole , Confalonieri Stefano , Tordonato Chiara , Troglio Flavia , Bertalot Giovanni , Maisonneuve Patrick , Viale Giuseppe , Nicassio Francesco , Vecchi Manuela , Di Fiore Pier Paolo , Bianchi Fabrizio
Published: October 2014

Around 50% of all human microRNAs reside within introns of coding genes and are usually co‐transcribed. Gene expression datasets, therefore, should contain a wealth of miRNA‐relevant latent information, exploitable for many basic and translational research aims. The present study was undertaken to investigate this possibility. We developed an in silico approach to identify intronic‐miRNAs relevant to breast cancer, using public gene expression datasets. This led to the identification of a miRNA signature for aggressive breast cancer, and to the characterization of novel roles of selected miRNAs in cancer‐related biological phenotypes. Unexpectedly, in a number of cases, expression regulation of the intronic‐miRNA was more relevant than the expression of their host gene. These results provide a proof of principle for the validity of our intronic miRNA mining strategy, which we envision can be applied not only to cancer research, but also to other biological and biomedical fields.
Difference in Selective Muscle Activity of Thoracic Erector Spinae During Prone Trunk Extension Exercise in Subjects With Slouched Thoracic Posture
Authors: Park Kyung‐hee , Oh Jae‐seop , An Duk‐hyun , Yoo Won‐gyu , Kim Jong‐man , Kim Tae‐ho , Kang Min‐hyeok
Published: October 2014

Background

The prone trunk extension (PTE) exercise is often used to strengthen the back extensors. Although altered trunk posture is associated with movement impairment, the influences of a slouched thoracic posture on muscle activity of the thoracic erector spinae and thoracic movement during the PTE exercise were overlooked in previous studies.

Objectives

To compare the muscle activity of the erector spinae muscles and the relative ratio of the thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscles during a PTE exercise in subjects with and without slouched thoracic posture.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

University motion analysis laboratory.

Participants

The study included 22 subjects with slouched thoracic posture (defined as ≥40°) and 22 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy subjects.

Methods

All participants performed the PTE exercise.

Main outcome measures

Bilateral surface electromyographic signals of the longissimus thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum pars thoracis, and pars lumborum muscles were measured during PTE exercises. Thoracic kyphosis (the angle of T1 minus T12) and lumbar lordosis (absolute value of the angle of L5 minus T12) were recorded using inclinometers during the PTE exercise.

Results

The results showed no difference in muscle activity of the erector spinae in subjects with slouched thoracic posture versus those without during the PTE exercise. However, selective recruitment of the erector spinae pars thoracis was decreased significantly, and the thoracic kyphotic angle and lumbar lordotic curve were increased, during the PTE exercise in subjects with a slouched posture.

Conclusions

Although the PTE exercise has historically been a key component of correction of hyperkyphosis, the increased spinal curvature inhibits muscle activation of the erector spinae pars thoracis in these individuals, thus limiting effective strength gains. Therefore, modified methods to maintain a neutral posture of the spine and facilitate muscle activation of the erector spinae pars thoracis are needed in these individuals.
Prehospital Medical Care and the National Ski Patrol: How Does Outdoor Emergency Care Compare to Traditional EMS Training?
Authors: Constance Benjamin B. , Auerbach Paul S. , Johe David H.
Published: October 2014

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify the differences between the educational curricula, skill sets, and funds of knowledge required for certification as an Outdoor Emergency Care Technician (OEC-T), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR).

Methods

We directly and in detail compared topics and skills presented in the OEC-T curriculum with those presented in the EMT and EMR education and training curricula.

Results

The information and skills taught in the OEC-T curriculum are in general more extensive than those taught in EMR training but are not equivalent to EMT. The OEC-T program has more depth in environmental medical issues, such as altitude illness, hyperthermia and hypothermia. Completion of the EMR program is 112 hours shorter and constitutes 30% of the duration of the EMT program. Completion of the OEC-T program (for certification only and not including additional “on-hill” patroller training) is 80 hours shorter and is half the duration of the EMT program.

Conclusions

The OEC-T curriculum includes a skill set and fund of knowledge that exceeds those of the EMR program, but does not include all the knowledge needed for an EMT program. The OEC-T program prepares out-of-hospital providers to care for patients in the wilderness, with special emphasis on snowsports pathology. The EMT program places a greater emphasis on medical disease and emergency medication administration. These differences should be considered when determining staffing requirements for agencies caring for patients with snowsports pathology.
Change in Oxygen Saturation Does Not Predict Acute Mountain Sickness on Jade Mountain
Authors: Chen Hang-Cheng , Lin Wen-Ling , Wu Jiunn-Yih , Wang Shih-Hao , Chiu Te-Fa , Weng Yi-Ming , Hsu Tai-Yi , Wu Meng-Huan
Published: October 2014

Objective

The purpose of this trial was to establish whether changes in resting oxygen saturation (Spo2) during ascent of Jade Mountain is useful in predicting acute mountain sickness (AMS). AMS–risk factors were also assessed.

Methods

A prospective trial was conducted on Jade Mountain, Taiwan from October 18 to October 27, 2008. Resting oxygen saturation (Spo2) and heart rate (HR) were measured in subjects at the trail entrance (2610 m), on arrival at Paiyun Lodge (3402 m) on day 1, and at Paiyun Lodge after reaching the summit (3952 m) the next day (day 2). AMS was diagnosed with Lake Louise criteria (AMS score ≥4). A total of 787 subjects were eligible for analysis; 286 (32.2%) met the criteria for AMS.

Results

Subjects who developed AMS had significantly lower Spo2 than those who did not at the trail entrance (93.1% ± 2.1% vs 93.5% ± 2.3%; P = .023), on arrival at Paiyun Lodge on day 1 (86.2% ± 4.7% vs 87.6% ± 4.3%; P < .001), and on the return back to the Paiyun Lodge after a summit attempt on day 2 (85.5% ± 3.5% vs 89.6% ± 3.2%; P < .001), respectively. Trekkers with AMS were significantly younger (40.0 vs 43.2 years; P < .001), and had less high altitude (>3000 m) travel in the previous 3 months (29.9% vs 37.1%; P = .004).

Conclusions

Subjects with AMS had a lower Spo2 than those without AMS; however, the differences between the 2 groups were not clinically significant. The results of this study do not support the use of pulse oximetry in predicting AMS on Jade Mountain.
Associations between antioxidants and all-cause mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function
Authors: Ford Earl S. , Li Chaoyang , Cunningham Timothy J. , Croft Janet B.
Published: October 2014

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterised by oxidative stress, but little is known about the associations between antioxidant status and all-cause mortality in adults with this disease. The objective of the present study was to examine the prospective associations between concentrations of α- and β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, Se, vitamin C and α-tocopherol and all-cause mortality among US adults with obstructive lung function. Data collected from 1492 adults aged 20–79 years with obstructive lung function in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988–94) were used. Through 2006, 629 deaths were identified during a median follow-up period of 14 years. After adjustment for demographic variables, the concentrations of the following antioxidants modelled as continuous variables were found to be inversely associated with all-cause mortality among adults with obstructive lung function: α-carotene (P= 0·037); β-carotene (P= 0·022); cryptoxanthin (P= 0·022); lutein/zeaxanthin (P= 0·004); total carotenoids (P= 0·001); vitamin C (P< 0·001). In maximally adjusted models, only the concentrations of lycopene (P= 0·013) and vitamin C (P= 0·046) were found to be significantly and inversely associated with all-cause mortality. No effect modification by sex was detected, but the association between lutein/zeaxanthin concentrations and all-cause mortality varied by smoking status (Pinteraction= 0·048). The concentrations of lycopene and vitamin C were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in this cohort of adults with obstructive lung function.
Islamic Law and Legal Hybridity in Nigeria
Authors: Lawan Mamman
Published: October 2014

The British colonial administration created a hybrid legal system in Nigeria where English, Islamic and customary laws apply. The English system, having a written constitution, was made dominant and the other laws apply to the extent permitted by it. However, Muslims in the northern part of the country have been making efforts to reverse this dominance, including the recent re-introduction of Islamic criminal law by 12 states. This effort is seen to be revolutionary, reverting the states to the position when Islamic law applied in full, devoid of colonial influence. This article asks whether this can break the legal hybridity and answers in the negative, arguing instead that the effort accentuates the hybridity. For example, the re-introduction of Islamic criminal law is enabled by the constitution, the constitution institutionalises the hybridity and the 12 states operate, and are bound by, the constitution. The article discusses other variables depicting the hybridity and concludes that it was a conscious colonial act, nearly impossible to break.
Effect of spin-induced magnetization and Hall current on self-gravitational instability of magnetized viscous quantum plasma
Authors: Sharma Prerana , Chhajlani R. K.
Published: October 2014

The Jeans self-gravitational instability is studied for dense quantum viscous plasma with Hall term and intrinsic magnetization generated by collective electron spin. The quantum magnetohydrodynamic model is employed to formulate the basic equations of the problem. The dispersion relation is obtained using the normal mode analysis, and further reduced for both transverse and longitudinal modes of propagation. The transverse mode of propagation is found to be unaffected by the Hall term but affected by quantum effect, viscosity, and magnetization parameters. The Jeans criterion of instability in the transverse direction is modified by Alfven velocity, magnetization parameter, and quantum effect. The non-gravitating magnetized mode is obtained in the longitudinal direction, which is modified by Hall parameter and is not affected by quantum term, whereas the gravitational mode is unaffected by the magnetization parameter but affected by viscosity and quantum parameters. It is observed that the Jeans condition of instability is affected by the quantum term. The growth rate of Jeans instability is plotted for various values of magnetization, quantum, and viscosity parameters of the quantum plasma medium.
Misinterpretation and obfuscation
Authors: Barr William
Published: October 2014

The thrust of my note (Barr 2014), to which Ken McGoogan was responding (McGoogan 2014), was that in discovering Rae Strait in the spring of 1854 John Rae did not discover the final link in the northwest passage, since a substantial section of that particular variant of the passage some 240 km in length (namely Franklin Strait and Larsen Sound) lying further north, had not yet been discovered. McGoogan has wrongly concluded that I must therefore support the notion that Sir John Franklin discovered the passage. This is an unwarranted assumption. I do not subscribe to this belief; in this, at least McGoogan and I are in agreement. As David Buisseret, the editor of theThe Oxford companion to world explorationhas elegantly defined it, geographical discovery is ‘the process by which one or more people leave their society and venture to another part of the world [. . .] then return in order to explain what they have seen’ (Buisseret 2007, I: xxiii). Neither Franklin nor any of his officers and men returned.
Distributed formation control of networked mobile robots in environments with obstacles
Authors: Seng Whye Leon , Barca Jan Carlo , Şekercioğlu Y. Ahmet
Published: October 2014

A distributed control mechanism for ground moving nonholonomic robots is proposed. It enables a group of mobile robots to autonomously manage formation shapes while navigating through environments with obstacles. The mechanism consists of two stages, with the first being formation control that allows basic formation shapes to be maintained without the need of any inter-robot communication. It is followed by obstacle avoidance, which is designed with maintaining the formation in mind. Every robot is capable of performing basic obstacle avoidance by itself. However, to ensure that the formation shape is maintained, formation scaling is implemented. If the formation fails to hold its shape when navigating through environments with obstacles, formation morphing has been incorporated to preserve the interconnectivity of the robots, thus reducing the possibility of losing robots from the formation.

The algorithm has been implemented on a nonholonomic multi-robot system for empirical analysis. Experimental results demonstrate formations completing an obstacle course within 12 s with zero collisions. Furthermore, the system is capable of withstanding up to 25% sensor noise.
An efficient algorithm for real time collision detection involving a continuum manipulator with multiple uniform-curvature sections
Authors: Li Jinglin , Xiao Jing
Published: October 2014

A continuum manipulator, such as a multisection trunk/tentacle robot, performs manipulation tasks by continuously deforming into different concave shapes. While such a robot is promising for manipulating a wide range of objects in less-structured and cluttered environments, it poses a greater challenge to collision detection than conventional, articulated manipulators. Existing collision detection algorithms are built upon intersection checking between convex primitives, such as between two convex polygons or polyhedra, with the assumption that both the manipulator and the objects in the environment are modeled in terms of those primitives, for example, as polygonal meshes. However, to approximate a continuum manipulator with a polygonal mesh requires a fine mesh because of its concavity, and each time the manipulator changes its configuration by deforming its shape, the mesh has to be updated for the new configuration. This makes mesh-based collision detection involving such a robot much more computationally expensive than that involving an articulated manipulator with rigid links.

Hence, we introduce an efficient algorithm for Collision Detection between a Continuum Manipulator (CD-CoM) and its environment based on analytical intersection checking with nonconvex primitives. Our algorithm applies to the exact model of any continuum manipulator consisting of multiple uniform-curvature sections of toroidal and (sometimes) cylindrical shapes as well as more general continuum manipulators whose sections can be approximated by toroidal and cylindrical primitives. Our test results show that using this algorithm is both more accurate and efficient in time and space to detect collisions than approximating a continuum manipulator as a polygonal mesh. Moreover, the CD-CoM algorithm also provides the minimum distance information between the continuum manipulator and objects when there is no collision. Such an efficient algorithm is essential for path/trajectory planning of continuum manipulators in real-time.
Virtual decomposition control of an exoskeleton robot arm
Authors: Ochoa Luna Cristóbal , Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Saad Maarouf , Archambault Philippe , Zhu Wen-Hong
Published: October 2014

Exoskeleton robots, which can be worn on human limbs to improve or to rehabilitate their function, are currently of great importance. When these robots are used in rehabilitation, one aspect that must be fulfilled is their capacity to adapt to different patients without significantly varying their performance. This paper describes the application of a relatively new control technique called virtual decomposition control (VDC) to a seven degrees-of-freedom (DOF) exoskeleton robot arm, named ETS-MARSE. The VDC approach mainly involves decomposing complex systems into subsystems, and using the resulting simpler dynamics to conduct control computation, while strictly ensuring global stability and having the subsystem dynamics interactions rigorously managed and maintained by means of virtual power flow. This approach is used to deal with different masses, joint stiffness and biomechanical variations of diverse subjects, allowing the control technique to naturally adapt to the variances involved and to maintain a successful control task. The results obtained in real time on a 7DOF exoskeleton robot arm show the effectiveness of the approach.
Synthesis and X-ray powder diffraction data of Ba2.64Ta11.25O30.81
Authors: Babaryk A. A. , Odynets I. V. , Khainakov S. , Slobodyanik N. S.
Published: October 2014

The Ba2.64Ta11.25O30.81was prepared by conventional solid-state reaction technique as a single phase. It was found that the compound crystallizes in the tetragonal system, space groupP4/mbm(No. 127) and unit-cell parameters area = 12.508 59(8) Å,c = 3.912 81(2) Å,V = 612.218(7) Å3, andZ = 1. The crystal structure of the Ba2.64Ta11.25O30.81phase is found to be closely related to the tetragonal tungsten bronze structure type, comprising interstitial (TaO)+inclusions. Reference data were derived from the Rietveld analysis and reported here.
X-ray powder diffraction data for Copper (II). bis[(2E)-3-methoxy-2- [(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imino]-4-[(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imino-κN]- 3-pentanolato-κO] complex
Authors: Pažout R. , Maixner J. , Sokolohorskyj A. , Merna J.
Published: October 2014

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters and space group for a new bis(β-diiminato) Cu(II) complex, C48H62CuN4O4 are reported [a = 13.330 (3) Å, b = 11.137(2) Å, c = 8.832(2) Å, α = 78.88(2), β = 94.73(2), γ = 114.55(2), unit-cell volume V = 1170.26 Å3, Z = 1, and space group P − 1]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with the P−1 space group. No detectable impurity was observed.
Low-power total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer using diffractometer guide rail
Authors: Liu Ying , Imashuku Susumu , Kawai Jun
Published: October 2014

An X-ray diffractometer (XRD) was modified to a low-power total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer. This was realized by reducing the XRD tube power (3 kW) down to 10 W by a Spellman power supply. The present spectrometer consisted of a waveguide slit, Si-PIN detector, a goniometer and two Z-axis stages that were set on a diffractometer guide rail. This unit was easy in assembly. The first measurements with this spectrometer were presented. The minimum detection limit for Cr was estimated to be a few nanograms or at the level of 1013 atoms cm−2.
Refining bimodal microstructure of materials with MSTRUCT
Authors: Matěj Z. , Kadlecová A. , Janeček M. , Matějová L. , Dopita M. , Kužel R.
Published: October 2014

The possibilities of modelling the diffraction profiles from bimodal microstructure in computer program MSTRUCT are demonstrated on two examples. A special “Double Component” profile effect can be utilized for such problems. At first it was applied to an analysis of a mixture of two nanocrystalline anatase powders with different crystallite sizes and the relative ratio of both components was determined from X-ray diffraction data. In the second case study, diffraction peaks from a pure polycrystalline copper sample treated by equal channel angular pressing were fitted using a two-phase model of large recrystallized defect-free grains and ultrafine crystallites with high dislocation density. The method is shown to be suitable for determination of the relative fraction of the microstructural components as well as other parameters (e.g. dislocation density).
The utility and public health implications of PCR and whole genome sequencing for the detection and investigation of an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliserogroup O26:H11
Authors: DALLMAN T. J. , BYRNE L. , LAUNDERS N. , GLEN K. , GRANT K. A. , JENKINS C.
Published: October 2014

Many serogroups of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) other than serogroup O157 (non-O157 STEC), for example STEC O26:H11, are highly pathogenic and capable of causing haemolytic uraemic syndrome. A recent increase in non-O157 STEC cases identified in England, resulting from a change in the testing paradigm, prompted a review of the current methods available for detection and typing of non-O157 STEC for surveillance and outbreak investigations. Nineteen STEC O26:H11 strains, including four from a nursery outbreak were selected to assess typing methods. Serotyping and multilocus sequence typing were not able to discriminate between thestx-producing strains in the dataset. However, genome sequencing provided rapid and robust confirmation that isolates of STEC O26:H11 associated with a nursery outbreak were linked at the molecular level, had a common source and were distinct from the other strains analysed. Virulence gene profiling of DNA extracted from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive/culture-negative faecal specimen from a case that was epidemiologically linked to the STEC O26:H11 nursery outbreak, provided evidence at the molecular level to support that link. During this study, we describe the utility of PCR and the genome sequencing approach in facilitating surveillance and enhancing the response to outbreaks of non-O157 STEC.
Neonatal aortic arch obstruction due to pedunculated left ventricular foetal myxoma
Authors: Kaulitz Renate , Haen Susanne , Sieverding Ludger
Published: October 2014

Myxoma in neonatal life are extremely rare. We report a case of a neonate with a pedunculated cardiac tumour arising from the anterolateral left ventricular wall protruding across the left ventricular outflow tract and continuously extending into the distal aortic arch. Surgical removal at 14 days of age via combined transaortic approach and apical ventriculotomy was indicated because of the risk of further compromise of aortic valve function and aortic arch obstruction. Histopathologic examination was consistent with a myxoma.
“The unpredictable death”—The last year of life for patients with advanced COPD: Relatives' stories
Authors: Ek Kristina , Andershed Birgitta , Sahlberg-Blom Eva , Ternestedt Britt-Marie
Published: October 2014

Objective:

The end stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is described as prolonged, and the symptom burden for patients with COPD is often high. It progresses slowly over several years and can be punctuated by abrupt exacerbations that sometimes end in sudden death or a recovery of longer or shorter duration. This makes it difficult to identify the critical junctures in order to prognosticate the progress and time of death. Patients with COPD often express a fear that the dying process is going to be difficult. There is a fear that the dyspnea will worsen and lead to death by suffocation. The present article aimed to retrospectively describe the final year of life for patients with advanced COPD with a focus on death and dying from the perspective of relatives.

Method:

Interviews were conducted with the relatives of deceased family members who had advanced COPD. In total, 13 interviews were conducted and analyzed by means of content analysis.

Result:

All relatives described the patients as having had a peaceful death that did not correspond with the worry expressed earlier by both the patients and themselves. During the final week of life, two different patterns in the progress of the illness trajectory emerged: a temporary improvement where death was unexpected and a continued deterioration where death was inevitable.

Significance of Results:

The patients and their relatives lived with uncertainty up until the time of death. Little support for psychosocial and existential needs was available. It is essential for the nurse to create relationships with patients and relatives that enable them to talk about dying and death on their own terms.
Increasing microtubule acetylation rescues axonal transport and locomotor deficits caused by LRRK2 Roc-COR domain mutations
Authors: Godena Vinay K. , Brookes-Hocking Nicholas , Moller Annekathrin , Shaw Gary , Oswald Matthew , Sancho Rosa M. , Miller Christopher C. J. , Whitworth Alexander J. , De Vos Kurt J.
Published: October 2014

Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson’s disease. LRRK2 is a multifunctional protein affecting many cellular processes and has been described to bind microtubules. Defective microtubule-based axonal transport is hypothesized to contribute to Parkinson’s disease, but whether LRRK2 mutations affect this process to mediate pathogenesis is not known. Here we find that LRRK2 containing pathogenic Roc-COR domain mutations (R1441C, Y1699C) preferentially associates with deacetylated microtubules, and inhibits axonal transport in primary neurons and in Drosophila, causing locomotor deficits in vivo. In vitro, increasing microtubule acetylation using deacetylase inhibitors or the tubulin acetylase αTAT1 prevents association of mutant LRRK2 with microtubules, and the deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) restores axonal transport. In vivo knockdown of the deacetylases HDAC6 and Sirt2, or administration of TSA rescues both axonal transport and locomotor behavior. Thus, this study reveals a pathogenic mechanism and a potential intervention for Parkinson’s disease.
Motor contributions to the temporal precision of auditory attention
Authors: Morillon Benjamin , Schroeder Charles E. , Wyart Valentin
Published: October 2014

In temporal—or dynamic—attending theory, it is proposed that motor activity helps to synchronize temporal fluctuations of attention with the timing of events in a task-relevant stream, thus facilitating sensory selection. Here we develop a mechanistic behavioural account for this theory by asking human participants to track a slow reference beat, by noiseless finger pressing, while extracting auditory target tones delivered on-beat and interleaved with distractors. We find that overt rhythmic motor activity improves the segmentation of auditory information by enhancing sensitivity to target tones while actively suppressing distractor tones. This effect is triggered by cyclic fluctuations in sensory gain locked to individual motor acts, scales parametrically with the temporal predictability of sensory events and depends on the temporal alignment between motor and attention fluctuations. Together, these findings reveal how top-down influences associated with a rhythmic motor routine sharpen sensory representations, enacting auditory ‘active sensing’.
Relevance of LIG4 gene polymorphisms with cancer susceptibility: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Shang , Shan Xiao-Feng , Shang Kun , Xu Hui , He Jing , Cai Zhi-Gang
Published: October 2014

Polymorphisms of LIG4 gene may influence DNA repair ability, thus altering the genetic stability and resulting in carcinogenesis. A growing number of studies have investigated the relevance of LIG4 T9I (rs1805388) and D501D (rs1805386) polymorphisms with cancer risk, however, the results are conflicting. To obtain a comprehensive conclusion, we searched relevant literatures from PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid and Embase databases on May 15, 2014 and performed a meta-analysis. In this meta-analysis, a total of 17 articles were included. Of them, there were 15 studies with 5873 cases and 5771 controls for rs1805388 and 6 studies with 4161 cases and 4881 controls for rs1805386. Overall, our results suggested that there was no obvious relevance of LIG4 T9I polymorphism with cancer susceptibility. However, in subgroup analysis, we found the LIG4 T9I was associated with a slightly decreased cancer risk among Caucasians. As to the rs1805386, the genetic variant had no significant association with cancer risk. In conclusion, despite several limitations, this meta-analysis suggested that LIG4 T9I genetic variant is associated with a decreased risk of cancer among Caucasians, however, the rs1805386 gene polymorphism is not a risk factor of cancer.
NMR–DMF: a modular nuclear magnetic resonance–digital microfluidics system for biological assays
Authors: Lei Ka-Meng , Mak Pui-In , Law Man-Kay , Martins Rui P.
Published: October 2014

We present a modular nuclear magnetic resonance–digital microfluidics (NMR–DMF) system as a portable diagnostic platform for miniaturized biological assays.
Rapid adulteration detection for flaxseed oil using ion mobility spectrometry and chemometric methods
Authors: Shuai Qian , Zhang Liangxiao , Li Peiwu , Zhang Qi , Wang Xiupin , Ding Xiaoxia , Zhang Wen
Published: October 2014

To prevent the potential adulteration of flaxseed oil with high amounts of nutritional components, a simple and rapid adulteration detection method was proposed based on ion mobility spectrometry (IMS).
Poly-γ-glutamic acid modified magnetic nanoparticles for fast solid phase extraction of trace amounts of Cu(ii) and Pb(ii)
Authors: Yuan Honglun , Wei Xuetuan , Zeng Zhaorui , Yang Daikai , Chen Shouwen
Published: October 2014

In the present study, poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) was applied to functionalize the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles for solid-phase extraction of Cu(ii) and Pb(ii).
Spectroscopic evidence for a gas-phase librating G-quartet–Na+ complex
Authors: Fraschetti C. , Montagna M. , Guarcini L. , Guidoni L. , Filippi A.
Published: October 2014

The Na+–G4 adduct exists as a mixture of two metastable populations, rapidly interconverting at room temperature.
A supramolecular hyperbranched polymer based on molecular recognition between benzo-21-crown-7 and secondary ammonium salt
Authors: Li Hui , Fan Xiaodong , Tian Wei , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Wanbin , Yang Zhen
Published: October 2014

This study provides an effective strategy for preparing a crown ether-based A2-B3-type supramolecular hyperbranched polymer with stimuli-responsive behavior.
Solid-state photoreactivity of 9-substituted acridizinium bromide salts
Authors: Stratford Samuel A. , Arhangelskis Mihails , Bučar Dejan-Krešimir , Jones William
Published: October 2014

A series of substituted acridizinium bromides was studied to determine how substituents affect the regioselectivity of the solid-state [4 + 4] photodimerisation.
The effect of the reactant internal excitation on the dynamics of the C+ + H2 reaction
Authors: Herráez-Aguilar D. , Jambrina P. G. , Menéndez M. , Aldegunde J. , Warmbier R. , Aoiz F. J.
Published: October 2014

This theoretical study has shown that rotational excitation is as effective as vibrational excitation in promoting the reactivity.
The low frequency motions of solvated Mn(ii) and Ni(ii) ions and their halide complexes
Authors: Sharma Vinay , Böhm Fabian , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina
Published: October 2014

Concentration dependent THz/FIR absorption measurements allow determination of individual solvated ion resonances and their influence on the hydration water spectrum.
Fluorescent probes and bioimaging: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and pH
Authors: Yin Jun , Hu Ying , Yoon Juyoung
Published: October 2014

This review highlights the recent advances that have been made in the design and bioimaging applications of fluorescent probes for alkali metals, alkaline earth metal cations and for pH determination within biological systems.
A luminescent cadmium metal–organic framework for sensing of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Zhang Chuanqi , Sun Libo , Yan Yan , Li Jiyang , Song Xiaowei , Liu Yunling , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2014

A novel metal–organic framework 1 was synthesized using a new rigid unsymmetrical tricarboxylate ligand p-terphenyl-3,4′′,5 tricarboxylate (H3TPT). The micrometer-sized material 1′ dispersed in ethanol exhibits high efficiency for the detection of PA.
Integrin-targeted delivery into cancer cells of a Pt(iv) pro-drug through conjugation to RGD-containing peptides
Authors: Massaguer Anna , González-Cantó Alejandro , Escribano Esther , Barrabés Silvia , Artigas Gerard , Moreno Virtudes , Marchán Vicente
Published: October 2014

Conjugation of a Pt(iv) pro-drug derivative of picoplatin to a tetrameric RGD-containing peptide leads to selective accumulation and antitumor activity in cancer cells overexpressing αVβ3 and αVβ5 integrins.
A diet with lactosucrose supplementation ameliorates trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats
Authors: Zhou Yan , Ruan Zheng , Zhou Xiaoli , Huang Xiaoliu , Li Hua , Wang Ling , Zhang Cui , Liu Shiqiang , Deng Zeyuan , Wu Guoyao , Yin Yulong
Published: October 2014

Chronic intestinal inflammation contributes to an increased risk of colon cancer.
Toxicity assessment of Arisaematis Rhizoma in rats by a1H NMR-based metabolomics approach
Authors: Dong Ge , Wang Junsong , Guo Pingping , Wei Dandan , Yang Minghua , Kong Lingyi
Published: October 2014

A1H NMR based metabolomics approach combined with serum biochemistry and histopathological examination was used to study the toxicity ofArisaematis Rhizomaby intragastrical administration for the first time.
8-Hydroxyquinoline: a privileged structure with a broad-ranging pharmacological potential
Authors: Song Yu'ning , Xu Hao , Chen Wenmin , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong
Published: October 2014

An overview of the broad-ranging pharmacological applications of 8-HQ derivatives.
Preparation of 1 : 1 alternating, nucleobase-containing copolymers for use in sequence-controlled polymerization
Authors: Williams Elizabeth G. L. , Fairbanks Benjamin , Moad Graeme , Mulder Roger J. , Rizzardo Ezio , Thang San H.
Published: October 2014

Despite recent advances in template polymerization, control of repeat unit sequence requires further development. We describe herein the synthesis of StyThy-alt-MAh sequence-regulated copolymers.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of (1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methyl benzoate derivatives as potential BRAFV600E inhibitors
Authors: Qin Ya-Juan , Xing Man , Zhang Ya-Liang , Makawana Jigar A. , Jiang Ai-Qin , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: October 2014

A series of (1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methyl benzoate derivatives (6a–10d) were designed and synthesized and evaluated as BRAFV600 inhibitors. Among them, compound 10a showed the most potent inhibitory activity against A375, WM266.4 and BRAFV600Ein vitro with IC50 values of 1.36 μM, 0.94 μM and 0.11 μM, respectively.
A combination of polyunsaturated fatty acid, nonribosomal peptide and polyketide biosynthetic machinery is used to assemble the zeamine antibiotics
Authors: Masschelein Joleen , Clauwers Charlien , Awodi Ufedo R. , Stalmans Karen , Vermaelen Wesley , Lescrinier Eveline , Aertsen Abram , Michiels Chris , Challis Gregory L. , Lavigne Rob
Published: October 2014

Zeamine assembly involves nonribosomal peptide, polyketide and polyunsaturated fatty acid-like biosynthetic pathways.
A simple strategy based on upconversion nanoparticles for a fluorescent resonant energy transfer biosensor
Authors: Zhu Hao , Ding Yujie , Wang Anqi , Sun Xu , Wu Xing-Cai , Zhu Jun-Jie
Published: October 2014

A novel biosensor was fabricated for lysozyme and DNA detection based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer between UCNPs and TAMRA-aptamer.
Regulation of the morphology and photoluminescence of silicon nanowires by light irradiation
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: October 2014

We successfully synthesized porous Si nanowire arrays with excellent photoluminescence properties.
Robust power control for underlay cognitive radio networks under probabilistic quality of service and interference constraints
Authors: Xu Yongjun , Zhao Xiaohui
Published: October 2014

In cognitive radio networks, conventional power control algorithms (PCAs) based on instantaneous perfect channel gain may lead to performance degradation in practical systems, since channel uncertainties are inevitable because of quantisation errors and estimation errors. As a result, robustness of the algorithms becomes an important issue. However, traditional robust PCAs with probabilistic models require to perfectly know the distribution information of the estimation error (e.g. Gaussian distribution) which is difficult to obtain. Moreover, the distribution function of the actual error may not be Gaussian distribution. In this study, instead of using deterministic distribution model, a robust PCA based on a distribution‐free method is designed to minimise total transmit power of secondary users subject to probabilistic interference and signal to interference plus noise ratio constraints. Based on the minimax probability machine, the original problem is reformulated as a second order cone programming problem solved by interior‐point method. An adaptive estimation scheme is proposed to estimate the actual mean and covariance matrix of uncertain parameters. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm by comparing with the robust algorithms under worst‐case constraints and probabilistic constraints, respectively.
Pinning consensus for multi‐agent systems with non‐linear dynamics and time‐varying delay under directed switching topology
Authors: Wang Yangling , Cao Jinde , Hu Jianqiang
Published: October 2014

This paper studies the leader‐following consensus problem in directed networks of agents with non‐linear dynamics and time‐varying coupling delay by using the pinning control method. The main contribution of this study is that we obtain two classes of sufficient leader‐following consensus criteria without assuming that the topology among followers is strongly connected or has a spanning tree, and without assuming that the derivative of the time‐varying communication delay is less than 1. In addition, to be more practical we consider the general network whose coupling topology is arbitrarily switching among a finite set of topologies. Based on the common Lyapunov theory and linear matrix inequalities approach, we prove that the leader‐following consensus problem can be solved only with the assumption that the topology among the followers has p (p  > 1) and there is a directed path from the leader to each follower. Two examples are presented to show the applications of the criteria obtained in this study.
Design of robust sliding‐mode output‐feedback control with suboptimal guaranteed cost
Authors: Xi Liu , Xiuxia Sun , Shuguang Liu , Song Xu , Ming Cai
Published: October 2014

The design approach of robust sliding‐mode output‐feedback (SMOF) controller in static nature is proposed for a class of uncertain systems with mismatched uncertainty in the state matrix. The main contribution of the approach is in that the quadratic performance can be optimised with guaranteed cost. At first, a new existence condition of linear sliding surface with guaranteed cost is derived, which only involves the original system parameters. Secondly, based on the existence condition, an iterative linear matrix inequality approach is proposed to optimise the quadratic performance on the sliding surface. At last, by using linear matrix inequalities approach, a design framework for synthesising the SMOF controller is presented, as a consequence, finite time convergence to the sliding mode can be guaranteed and, the quadratic performance can be optimised under input constraints. The superiority of the proposed method is verified by numeric examples.
Plannar light source using a phosphor screen with single-walled carbon nanotubes as field emitters
Authors: Bahena-Garrido Sharon , Shimoi Norihiro , Abe Daisuke , Hojo Toshimasa , Tanaka Yasumitsu , Tohji Kazuyuki
Published: October 2014

We developed and successfully fabricated a plannar light source device using a phosphor screen with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as field emitters in a simple diode structure composed of the cathode containing the highly purified and crystalline SWCNTs dispersed into an organic In2O3–SnO2 precursor solution and a non-ionic surfactant. The cathode was activated by scratching process with sandpaper to obtain a large field emission current with low power consumption. The nicks by scratching were treated with Fourier analysis to determine the periodicity of the surface morphology and designed with controlling the count number of sandpapers. The anode, on the other hand, was made with phosphor deliberately optimized by coverage of ITO nanoparticles and assembled together with the cathode by the new stable assembling process resulting to stand-alone flat plane-emission panel. The device in a diode structure has a low driving voltage and good brightness homogeneity in that plane. Furthermore, field emission current fluctuation, which is an important factor in comparing luminance devices too, has a good stability in a simple diode panel. The flat plane-emission device employing the highly purified and crystalline SWCNTs has the potential to provide a new approach to lighting in our life style.
Direct simulation of single bubble motion under vertical magnetic field: Paths and wakes
Authors: Zhang Jie , Ni Ming-Jiu
Published: October 2014

Motion of single Ar bubbles rising in GaInSn under vertical magnetic fields is studied numerically using a volume-of-fluid method and adaptive mesh refinement technique for two-phase interface treatment; a consistent and conservative scheme calculates induced current density and Lorentz force. Numerical results are compared with published experimental data [C. Zhang, S. Eckert, and G. Gerbeth, “Experimental study of single bubble motion in a liquid metal column exposed to a DC magnetic field,” Int. J. Multiphase Flow 31, 824–842 (2005)], where bubble diameters range from 2.5 to 6.4 mm, producing Reynolds numbers that vary between 2000 and 4000. Maximum experimental magnetic field strength was set to 0.3 T because of experimental restrictions, although we increased it to 0.5 T for firm conclusions. Apart from terminal rising velocity comparisons, we focused on variations in bubble motion paths and wake structures under magnetic fields, which cannot be observed experimentally because liquid metal is opaque. Magnetic field effects on bubble trajectory are exerted through vortex structure modification, which reinforced the conjecture that path instability is mainly attributed to wake instability. In bubble motion without magnetic fields, vortex threads in the bubble wake wrap around each other while vortex filaments incline parallel to the field with increasing magnetic intensity. Additionally, high magnetic fields will induce secondary bubble path instabilities, which contribute to the high Reynolds number flow that instabilities develop around the bubble, producing an asymmetrical Lorentz force distribution. This instability vanishes under higher magnetic intensities because flow instability is suppressed. Rising bubble aspect ratios decrease considerably under magnetic fields and may also contribute to smaller vorticities at the bubble surface. A close relationship between fluctuations in rising velocity and shape variations is found.
Resonant- and avalanche-ionization amplification of laser-induced plasma in air
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhang Zhili , Jiang Naibo , Roy Sukesh , Gord James R.
Published: October 2014

Amplification of laser-induced plasma in air is demonstrated utilizing resonant laser ionization and avalanche ionization. Molecular oxygen in air is ionized by a low-energy laser pulse employing (2 + 1) resonance-enhanced multi-photon ionization (REMPI) to generate seed electrons. Subsequent avalanche ionization of molecular oxygen and nitrogen significantly amplifies the laser-induced plasma. In this plasma-amplification effect, three-body attachments to molecular oxygen dominate the electron-generation and -loss processes, while either nitrogen or argon acts as the third body with low electron affinity. Contour maps of the electron density within the plasma obtained in O2/N2 and O2/Ar gas mixtures are provided to show relative degrees of plasma amplification with respect to gas pressure and to verify that the seed electrons generated by O2 2 + 1 REMPI are selectively amplified by avalanche ionization of molecular nitrogen in a relatively low-pressure condition (≤100 Torr). Such plasma amplification occurring in air could be useful in aerospace applications at high altitude.