bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
London, Wigmore Hall and R.A.M.: String Quartets by Hans Abrahamsen, Rebecca Saunders, Colin Matthews, Graham Williams and John Hawkins
Authors: Conway Paul
Published: April 2013

Due to Hurricane Sandy, the New York-based JACK Quartet were unable to cross the Atlantic to join forces with the Arditti Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall on 31 October 2012 for the British premières, now postponed, of 2012-S for two string quartets by James Clarke and the string octet Kampf zwischen Karneval und Fasten by Mauro Lanza. In lieu, the Ardittis substituted James Clarke's String Quartet No. 1 (2002–03) and Wolfgang Rihm's String Quartet No. 13 (2011), joining the first performances in the UK, as originally advertised, of quartets by Danish composer Hans Abrahamsen and British-born, Berlin-domiciled Rebecca Saunders.
Technocratic manager, imperial agent, or diplomatic champion? The IMF in the anarchical society
Authors: BRÜTSCH CHRISTIAN
Published: April 2013

Even before the global financial crisis restored the International Monetary Fund's (‘IMF’ or ‘Fund’) political fortunes, the ‘monetary managers’ regained ground in supposedly hostile parts of the world, most notably in sub-Saharan Africa. To shed light on the Fund's appeal to governments that do not need its leverage to put dithering cabinets, unruly coalition partners, or restive opposition forces in line, this article examines the interplay between intergovernmental organisations (IGO) and the ‘master institutions’ of the anarchical society. It builds on classic English School inquiries into the ‘words and deeds’ of agents that define, maintain, and transform international societies; tracks collective efforts to harness international credit and debt; and probes bureaucratic obstinacy and great power management in the Fund's conduct in three member states that differ in terms of their borrowing habits, funding options, and creditor relations. It concludes that, in contrast to its reputation as a technocratic manager of cooperation or an imperial agent of contestation, the IMF's appeal lies in its willingness to act as a diplomatic champion of coexistence.
Pouvoir,puissance, and politics: Hans Morgenthau's dualistic concept of power?
Authors: RÖSCH FELIX
Published: April 2013

Hans Morgenthau's concept of power is widely debated among scholars of International Relations. Superficial accounts present Morgenthau's concept of power in the Hobbesian tradition as a means of self-preservation; however, more thorough investigations demonstrate Morgenthau's psychogenic and praxeological understanding. By referring to Sigmund Freud and Max Weber, such accounts identify Morgenthauian power as the ability to dominate others. This article contributes to this discourse by demonstrating that Morgenthau separated power into two dualistic conceptualisations. Although analytically Morgenthau worked with a concept of power understood as domination, normatively – in reference to Friedrich Nietzsche and Hannah Arendt – he promoted a concept of power that focused on the will and ability to act together. Elaborating this dualistic concept has wider implications for current International Relations because it reminds scholars to be self-reflexive. In addition, it is argued that a Morgenthauian scholarship helps scholars to gain a more profound understanding of depoliticising tendencies in Western democracies.
War under transnational surveillance: framing ambiguity and the politics of shame
Authors: VENNESSON PASCAL
Published: April 2013

‘Naming and shaming’ those accused of abuse and misconduct is one of the most common strategies of transnational activists. Yet both qualitative and quantitative studies show that the policy and behavioural effects of naming and shaming are often contradictory. Named and shamed actors do respond at least partially by adjusting their policies and behaviour to some extent, but the actions challenged publicly as human rights violations may not cease and can even become more widespread. This ambivalent outcome is usually explained by the uneven capacity of the target to reform or by its ‘strategic’ response to escape the consequences of naming and shaming. By contrast, I show that naming and shaming can be brought to a standstill when the frame used by transnational activists is ambiguous. I trace the role of framing ambiguity during the Human Rights Watch (HRW) ‘naming and shaming’ campaigns against the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in the course of the July–August 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war (Lebanon war), and the December 2008–January 2009 Israel-Hamas war (Gaza war). I argue that HRW's use of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as a frame led to an argumentative deadlock (frame implication contest). This legal frame, and the process of legal framing, did genuinely constrain the IDF, affecting its operations and behaviour. However, the ambiguity of the frame also provided the IDF with a range of material and ideational assets that gave it scope to claim that its actions were actually in conformity with applicable law, and to justify continuing to use force in densely populated areas.
Incongruent pronominal case in the Swedish dialect of Västra Nyland (Finland)
Authors: Jørgensen Henrik
Published: April 2013

This paper reports on field work conducted during 1994 in Västra Nyland (Finland) in order to obtain independent and current documentation of the incongruent case forms in the dialect, as reported by Lundström (1939). The data collected substantiated the existence of incongruent case forms in the dialect, but the actual use of such forms could not be traced any longer. Due to this, several details in the actual use of certain incongruency types could not be clarified. The loss of case incongruency in this dialect area raises the question of how a vernacular can change such a grammatical feature. According to Emonds (1986), such losses cannot be remedied, but this is exactly the case here. The changing status of a modern Scandinavian dialect seems to be the only way to explain this change.
Effect of Co substitution on the martensitic transformation and magnetocaloric properties of Ni50Mn35−xCoxSn15
Authors: Liu F.S. , Wang Q.B. , Li S.P. , Ao W.Q. , Li J.Q.
Published: April 2013

Martensitic transformation and magnetic entropy change in Co substituted Ni50Mn35−xCoxSn15 (x = 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0) Heusler alloys have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and magnetic measurements. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the Ni50Mn35−xCoxSn15 alloys have L21 Heusler structure at room temperature. The phase decomposition of the sample with x = 3.0, after annealing 48 h at 1173 K, is confirmed by both X-ray powder diffraction analysis and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy in scanning electron microscopy. With the increase of the Co content from 0 to 2.0, the martensitic transformation temperature TM increases from 185 to 245 K, which is in good agreement with the rule of valence electron concentration e/a-dependence of TM. The magnetic entropy change ∆SM is investigated in the vicinity of the martensitic transformation.
Assessing Therapist Adherence to Recovery-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis Delivered by Telephone with Support from a Self-Help Guide: Psychometric Evaluations of a New Fidelity Scale
Authors: Hartley Samantha , Scarratt Phillippa , Bucci Sandra , Kelly James , Mulligan John , Neil Sandra T. , Rivers Zoe , Taylor Christopher D. J. , Welford Mary , Haddock Gillian
Published: April 2013

Background:Recent research has highlighted the importance of psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in improving outcomes and promoting recovery for people with experience of psychosis, although a lack of trained therapists means that availability of face-to-face CBT is low. Alternative modes of delivering CBT are being explored, such as telephone and self-help methods, although research to date on whether they can be implemented effectively is limited.Aims:The aims of the present study were to describe and evaluate a new therapy fidelity scale (ROSTA; Recovery Oriented Self-help and Telephone therapy Adherence). This scale was developed to assess fidelity to cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) focused on improving recovery, with optional subscales for delivery over the telephone and alongside a self-help guide.Method:Experienced CBT therapists rated recorded therapy sessions using the ROSTA scale. The scores were used to assess internal consistency and inter-rater reliability, before being compared to scores from an independent expert rater using an alternative fidelity scale for cognitive therapy in psychosis (the CTS-Psy), to investigate concurrent validity.Results:The ROSTA scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency, inter-rater reliability and validity when evaluated as a whole, although findings were mixed in terms of the individual subscales and items.Conclusions:The ROSTA scale is, on the whole, a reliable and valid tool, which may be useful in training and supervision, a utility that would be further emphasized if the therapeutic intervention it assesses is deemed to be efficacious based on future work.
Mortality Improvement by Socio-Economic Circumstances in England (1982 to 2006) ‐ Abstract of the London discussion
Authors: Lu Joseph
Published: April 2013

This abstract relates to the following paper:

LuJ. L. C., WongW. and BajekalM.Mortality improvement by socioeconomic circumstances in England (1982 to 2006).British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321712000359
Low Temperature SEM of Precipitated and Metamorphosed Snow
Crystals Collected and Transported from Remote Sites
Authors: Wergin William P. , Rango Albert , Erbe Eric F. , Murphy Charles A.
Published: April 2013

Procedures were developed to sample, store, ship, and process
precipitated and metamorphosed snow crystals, collectively known
as “snowflakes,” from remote sites to a laboratory
where they could be observed and photographed using low temperature
scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM). Snow samples were collected
during 1994–96 from West Virginia, Colorado, and Alaska
and sent to Beltsville, Maryland for observation. The samples
consisted of freshly precipitated snowflakes as well as snow
that was collected from pits that were excavated in winter
snowfields measuring up to 1.5m in depth. The snow crystals
were mounted onto copper plates, plunged into
lN2 and then transferred to a storage dewar
that was shipped to the laboratory. Observations, which could
be easily recorded in stereo format (three-dimension), revealed
detailed surface features on the precipitated crystals consisting
of rime, graupel, and skeletal features. Samples from snowpacks
preserved the metamorphosed crystals, which had unique structural
features and bonding patterns resulting from temperature and
vapor pressure gradients. In late spring, the surface of a snowpack
in an alpine region exhibited a reddish hue. Undisturbed surfaces
from these snowpacks could be sampled to observe the snow crystals
as well as the organisms responsible for the coloration. Etching
the surface of samples from these sites exposed the presence
of numerous cells believed to be algae. The results of this
study indicate that LTSEM can be used to provide detailed
information about the surface features of precipitated and
metamorphosed snow crystals sampled at remote locations. The
technique can also be used to increase our understanding about
the ecology of snow. The results have application to research
activities that attempt to forecast the quantity of water in
the winter snowpack and the amount that will ultimately reach
reservoirs and be available for agriculture and hydroelectric
power.
Microscopy Society of America Presidential Message
Authors: Albrecht Ralph
Published: April 2013

Microscopy continues to be a rapidly evolving field. Advances in
instrumentation and image processing/analysis in traditional areas of
TEM, SEM, and micro-analysis have taken place in tandem with developments
in force-based microscopy and light microscopic imaging systems. MSA,
through its programs and publications, has been evolving as well to meet
the challenges and opportunities these advances provide for investigators
in both the biological and physical sciences.
Minimizing Transmission Electron Microscopy Beam Damage during the
Study of Surface Reactions on Sodium Chloride
Authors: Allen Heather C. , Mecartney Martha L. , Hemminger John C.
Published: April 2013

Electron beam damage is a significant limitation for transmission electron
microscopy (TEM) studies of beam-sensitive samples. An approach for studying
surface reactions on alkali halide crystals using 200 kV TEM is presented.
Experiments were designed to monitor the reaction of NaCl crystals with
HNO3 gas followed by water vapor to form solid NaNO3.
During beam damage experiments, TEM micrographs record structural changes to
both NaCl and NaNO3, including dislocation loops, void formation,
and decomposition. Sample decomposition can be successfully minimized by a
combination of commonly used techniques: (1) focusing the beam
adjacent to the area of interest, (2) lowering the electron density,
(3) choosing to image larger (micrometer- versus submicrometer-sized)
alkali halide crystals, and (4) lowering temperature by the use of a
liquid nitrogen cooling stage. From these results, additional studies were
designed that monitored sequential experiments. Sensitive micrometer-sized
sodium chloride single crystals before and after exposure to nitric acid vapor
and water vapor and the subsequent growth of submicrometer-sized sodium
nitrate single crystals could then be successfully imaged using TEM.
Experimental System for X-ray Cone-Beam Microtomography
Authors: Pan Shanjen , Liou Wenshan , Shih Ang , Park Mun-Soo , Wang Ge , Newberry Sterling P. , Kim Hyogun , Shinozaki Doug M. , Cheng Ping-Chin
Published: April 2013

A laboratory test of X-ray tomography employing a diverging beam of
X-rays rather than the usual parallel X-ray beam is described. We chose to
test and demonstrate the advantages of divergent beam tomography by
imaging an extracted juvenile human premolar using an ordinary dental
X-ray source and a cooled CCD camera. Experiments with a three-piece
cover-glass sample and with the human tooth demonstrated that
three-dimensional reconstruction can be achieved at 34 μm per pixel
resolution employing an X-ray tube spot 800 μm in its smallest
direction without requiring close contact with the fluorescent screen.
Reconstruction of a 256 x 256 pixel single-plane image from 100 projection
images took only 45 sec on a personal computer with a Pentium 166 MHz
processor. We have also demonstrated a volume reconstruction of 256 x 256
x 256 voxels from the data. Successful extension of this work to
submicrometer projection X-ray microscopy is predicted. Improved
resolution of medical tomography is another possible application.
Measurement of Polystyrene Mean Inner Potential by Transmission
Electron Holography of Latex Spheres
Authors: Wang Y.C. , Chou T.M. , Libera M. , Voelkl E. , Frost B.G.
Published: April 2013

This study describes the use of transmission electron holography to
determine the mean inner potential of polystyrene. Spherical nanoparticles
of amorphous polystyrene are studied so that the effect of specimen
thickness on the phase shift of an incident electron wave can be separated
from the intrinsic refractive properties of the specimen. A recursive
four-parameter χ-squared minimization routine is developed to
determine the sphere center, radius, and mean inner potential
(Φ0) at each pixel in the phase image. Because of the
large number of pixels involved, the statistics associated with
determining a single Φ0 value characteristic of a given sphere are
quite good. Simulated holograms show that the holographic reconstruction
procedure and the χ-squared analysis method are robust. Averaging the
Φ0 data derived from ten phase images from ten different
polystyrene spheres gives a value of Φ0PS = 8.5
V (σ) = 0.7 V). Specimen charging and electron-beam damage, if present,
affect the measurement at a level below the current precision of the
experiment.
Use of Pt Markers in the Study of Solid-State Reactions in the
Presence of an Electric Field
Authors: Johnson Matthew T. , Gilliss Shelley R. , Carter C. Barry
Published: April 2013

The use of Pt to mark the initial location of heterophase boundaries
in solid-state reactions was extended to investigate the motion of
interfaces during a thin-film solid-state reaction between
In2O3 and MgO in the presence of an electric field.
The Pt markers were prepared by sputtering a thin Pt film onto a
single-crystal substrate. The resulting multilayer was then heated prior
to thin-film deposition to de-wet the Pt film and thus form an array of
small, isolated particles. These particles serve as fine-scale markers for
tracking the motion of interfaces. However, there are certain situations in
which the markers can move with the interface.
Focused Ion Beam Interfaced with a 200 keV Transmission Electron
Microscope for In Situ Micropatterning on Semiconductors
Authors: Tanaka Miyoko , Furuya Kazuo , Saito Tetsuya
Published: April 2013

A focused ion beam (FIB) interface attached to a column of 200 keV
transmission electron microscope (TEM) was developed for in situ
micropatterning to semiconductors. TEM specimens of Si and GaAs, and those
of a thin Ni2Si layer on a Si substrate were micromilled in the
TEM during observation. A set of 6 x 6-um squares and alphabet letters
were patterned with a 25 keV Ga+-FIB of 0.2-μm beam diameter
at room temperature. The effect of FIB irradiation on the structural
evolution was observed simultaneously by a TV-rate video camera and
sequentially by regular film. FIB micropatterning to semiconductor
specimens caused amorphization and Ga injection. The excess Ga in the
specimens precipitated as metastable solid γ-phase for Si and as liquid
phase for GaAs. Ni2Si/Si specimens lost silicide crystallinity
after FIB patterning. Annealing of these bilayer specimens at 673K
resulted in the precipitation of Ni-rich silicide.
Techniques for Studying Nanoparticle Sintering by Plan-View In Situ
Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Yeadon M. , Yang J.C. , Averback R.S. , Gibson J.M.
Published: April 2013

We discuss various techniques for the characterization of supported
nanoparticles by in situ plan-view transmission electron microscopy. In
particular, we discuss here mechanisms of image contrast formation by
particles undergoing reorientation on the surface of a single crystal
substrate. We consider reorientation by a variety of mechanisms including
rotation, sintering and grain growth, and surface diffusion. Experimental
observations are presented and the data compared with theoretical
predictions.
Multi-photon Excitation Microscopy and Confocal Microscopy Imaging of In Vivo Human Skin: A Comparison
Authors: Masters Barry R. , So Peter T.C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract: We compare here multi-photon excitation microscopy and tandem scanning reflected light confocal microscopy for the microscopic observation of human skin in vivo. Multi-photon excitation is induced by a 80-MHz pulse train of femtosecond laser pulses at 780 nm wavelength. This nonlinear microscopic technique is inherently suitable for tissue fluorescence imaging because of its deeper penetration depth and lower specimen photodamage. This technique has noninvasively obtained tissue structural information in human epidermis and dermis. Alternatively, tandem scanning confocal light microscopy based on a white light source can provide video-rate image acquisition with high resolution and high contrast. Reflected light confocal methods have been used to obtain images from the skin surface to the epidermal–dermal junction. The relative merits of these two techniques can be identified by comparing three-dimensionally resolved images obtained from the forearm skin of the same volunteer.
Dosimetric effects of bladder and rectal contrast agents in prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Gleeson Ian
Published: April 2013

Background and purpose

Accurate delineation of the target volume and organs at risk (OARs) are vital to ensure systematic errors are small. The use of contrast agents (CAs) in the bladder and rectum may aid contouring and reduce inter and intra-observer variability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosimetric effect of the presence of such contrast on the monitor units (MUs), planning target volume (PTV), rectum and bladder.

Materials and methods

The prostate, seminal vesicles, rectum and bladder were contoured by a single observer on ten patients with bladder and rectal contrast. To evaluate the dosimetric effect of the presence of contrast, the density of the ten patients with contrast in the bladder and rectum was virtually changed to 1 g/cm3. A four-field 15 MV conformal radiation therapy technique was applied in which dose volume histograms and MUs were compared using computed tomographic (CT) density and the 1 g/cm3density.

Results

The presence of contrast resulted in a 0·09% (<1 MU) increase in anterior MUs and decrease of 1% (<1 MU) in the posterior beam MUs. Lateral beams were not affected. The PTV and bladder dose increased slightly without contrast. The rectum showed a maximum change of 0·62% dose among the measured dose values. A maximum dose of 0·3 Gy at the 30% volume was also seen.

Conclusions

The dosimetric effect of bladder and rectal CAs on MUs, dose to the PTV and OARs in using this technique was very small. This would not be clinically significant, but only if the extreme limits of dose volume constraints were being reached.
Significance of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cancer antigen 15.3 in patients with triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Chanana Priyanka , Pandey Awadesh Kumar , Yadav Budhi Singh , Kaur Jasbinder , Singla Seema , Dimri Kislay , Trehan Romeeta , Krishan Pawan
Published: April 2013

Background

A pilot study was undertaken to find significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cancer antigen (CA 15.3) in breast cancer patients.

Materials and methods

Total 70 patients with breast cancer were divided into triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-TNBC depending on oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or HER-2/neu receptors status. Serum CA 15.3 and VEGF levels were evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the time of diagnosis and were correlated with age, tumour size and stage of the disease in both the groups. Spearman's test was used to find the correlation.

Results

VEGF levels were found to be >400 pg/ml in 27 patients, 19 (54·33%) of them were TNBC and only 8 (22·87%) non-TNBC. Mean values of the VEGF were, 784·34 pg/ml in TNBC and 334·60 pg/ml non-TNBC patients, respectively. CA 15.3 level was found to be higher in non-TNBC group (60·72 U/ml) than in TNBC group (45·24 U/ml). In all patients significant correlation was found between serum CA 15.3 level and tumour size and stage of the disease. In non-TNBC patients significant correlation was seen between CA 15.3 values and stage of the disease, but VEGF had no correlation with any of the disease parameters. In TNBC patients, there was no correlation between CA 15.3 level and any of the disease parameters but VEGF showed a significant correlation with both tumour size and stage of the disease.

Conclusion

Expression profile of VEGF was high in TNBC than non-TNBC patients. VEGF serves to be a better biomarker as compared with CA 15.3 in TNBC patients.
Evaluation of an adapted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group programme for people with obsessive compulsive disorder: a case study
Authors: Wroe Abigail L. , Wise Caroline
Published: April 2013

Despite a strong evidence base for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of group therapy compared to individual therapy. As services struggle to manage high demands, CBT for OCD is often offered in group format. This paper examines the current evidence base for group CBT for OCD considering both clinical outcomes and cost, and describes a group CBT intervention for people with OCD. A CBT group was set up, consistent with NICE guidelines, but slightly adapted from standard group protocols, in line with recommendations from experts in the field. It was evaluated as part of an audit of the service. Statistical analyses demonstrated significant improvements in both measures of depression and the impact of difficulties, and on specific measures of OCD, in clients who attended group CBT (n = 17). The analyses also demonstrated improved effectiveness of therapist hours for group therapy compared to individual therapy. It is concluded that group therapy for OCD should be considered as an alternative to individual therapy when there are significant demands on the service. Recommendations regarding specific adaptations to the standard group CBT format are made.
Performance of a behavioral model with long-term memory effects
Authors: Crespo-Cadenas Carlos , Reina-Tosina Javier , Madero-Ayora María J.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a new behavioral model for power amplifiers that accomplishes the capture of nonlinear low-frequency memory effects with reduced complexity and superior precision. It has been extensively evaluated with a commercial amplifier using wideband code-division multiple-access (WCDMA)-like modulated data with symbol rates in the range of 2 ksym/s to 1 Msym/s, and it is shown that the first dynamic reduction of the proposed model is successfully compared with other highly efficient methods in terms of complexity and generalization capacity.
Die Krankheit Depression kann jeden treffen
Authors: Hättenschwiler Josef , Seifritz Erich , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Hemmeter Ulrich , Keck Martin , Preisig Martin , Rennhard Stefan , Walitza Susanne , Modestin Jiri
Published: April 2013

Die Umfrage «Datenerhebung zur Depression in der Allgemeinbevölkerung» wurde vom Herbst 2010 bis Frühling 2011 auf verschiedenen Online-Plattformen durchgeführt. Die Resultate zeigen, dass bei den meisten Betroffenen viel Zeit zwischen dem Auftreten erster Depressions-Symptome und der Erstdiagnose vergeht. Bei einem frühen Behandlungsbeginn kann jedoch ein potenziell langer Leidensweg verkürzt und die Depression erfolgreich therapiert werden. Dabei spielt der Hausarzt als Bindeglied zwischen Patient und Psychiater eine entscheidende Rolle.
Mein erstes Ausbildungsjahr
Authors: Meyer Simon
Published: April 2013

Vor nicht allzu langer Zeit hatte ich zwar keine klare Idee, was ich nach dem Abitur machen wollte, aber ziemlich klare Vorstellungen davon, welche Berufe auf keinen Fall in die engere Auswahl kommen könnten. Erziehung und Pflege standen damals bei den „unmännlichen“ Berufen ganz weit oben und damit außerhalb der Zukunftsplanung.
„Lehren – Lernen – Anwenden“
Authors: Büker Christa
Published: April 2013

Im dualen Bachelorstudiengang Pflege an der Hochschule München erwerben die Studierenden vielfältige Kenntnisse und Kompetenzen für eine professionelle Information, Schulung und Beratung von Patienten, Angehörigen und sonstigen Helfern. Wie die konkrete Umsetzung im Rahmen der Lehre erfolgt, steht im Mittelpunkt dieses Beitrags.
„Jetzt reicht's!“
Authors: Tolsdorf Mareike
Published: April 2013

Erstmalig wurden 2011 Pflegeexperten in einem Modellseminar der Unfallkasse NRW in der Beratung von Familien in konfliktreichen Pflegesituationen geschult. Der Beitrag beleuchtet den Hintergrund des Seminars, die Umsetzung sowie erste Erfahrungen.
Mechanism of miRNA-mediated repression of mRNA translation
Authors: Dalmay Tamas
Published: April 2013

MicroRNAs regulate the expression of protein-coding genes in animals and plants. They function by binding to mRNA transcripts with complementary sequences and inhibit their expression. The level of sequence complementarity between the microRNA and mRNA transcript varies between animal and plant systems. Owing to this subtle difference, it was initially believed that animal and plant microRNAs act in different ways. Recent developments revealed that, although differences still remain in the two kingdoms, the differences are smaller than first thought. It is now clear that both animal and plant microRNAs mediate both translational repression of intact mRNAs and also cause mRNA degradation.
Role of small nuclear RNAs in eukaryotic gene expression
Authors: Valadkhan Saba , Gunawardane Lalith S.
Published: April 2013

Eukaryotic cells contain small, highly abundant, nuclear-localized non-coding RNAs [snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs)] which play important roles in splicing of introns from primary genomic transcripts. Through a combination of RNA–RNA and RNA–protein interactions, two of the snRNPs, U1 and U2, recognize the splice sites and the branch site of introns. A complex remodelling of RNA–RNA and protein-based interactions follows, resulting in the assembly of catalytically competent spliceosomes, in which the snRNAs and their bound proteins play central roles. This process involves formation of extensive base-pairing interactions between U2 and U6, U6 and the 5′ splice site, and U5 and the exonic sequences immediately adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ splice sites. Thus RNA–RNA interactions involving U2, U5 and U6 help position the reacting groups of the first and second steps of splicing. In addition, U6 is also thought to participate in formation of the spliceosomal active site. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests additional roles for snRNAs in regulation of various aspects of RNA biogenesis, from transcription to polyadenylation and RNA stability. These snRNP-mediated regulatory roles probably serve to ensure the co-ordination of the different processes involved in biogenesis of RNAs and point to the central importance of snRNAs in eukaryotic gene expression.
The functions of natural antisense transcripts
Authors: Wight Megan , Werner Andreas
Published: April 2013

NATs (natural antisense transcripts) are widespread in eukaryotic genomes. Experimental evidence indicates that sense and antisense transcripts interact, suggesting a role for NATs in the regulation of gene expression. On the other hand, the transcription of a gene locus in both orientations and RNA hybrid formation can also lead to transcriptional interference, trigger an immune response or induce gene silencing. Tissue-specific expression of NATs and the compartmentalization of cells ensure that the regulatory impact of NATs prevails. Consequently, NATs are now acknowledged as important modulators of gene expression. New mechanisms of action and important biological roles of NATs keep emerging, making regulatory RNAs an exciting and quickly moving area of research.
Pseudogenes as regulators of biological function
Authors: Pink Ryan C. , Carter David R.F.
Published: April 2013

A pseudogene arises when a gene loses the ability to produce a protein, which can be due to mutation or inaccurate duplication. Previous dogma has dictated that because the pseudogene no longer produces a protein it becomes functionless and evolutionarily inert, being neither conserved nor removed. However, recent evidence has forced a re-evaluation of this view. Some pseudogenes, although not translated into protein, are at least transcribed into RNA. In some cases, these pseudogene transcripts are capable of influencing the activity of other genes that code for proteins, thereby altering expression and in turn affecting the phenotype of the organism. In the present chapter, we will define pseudogenes, describe the evidence that they are transcribed into non-coding RNAs and outline the mechanisms by which they are able to influence the machinery of the eukaryotic cell.
Multi-soliton propagation in a generalized inhomogeneous nonlinear Schrödinger-Maxwell-Bloch system with loss/gain driven by an external potential
Authors: Rajan M. S. Mani , Mahalingam A.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we introduce a system of the nonlinear Schrödinger-Maxwell-Bloch equation with variable coefficients which represents the propagation of optical pulses in an inhomogeneous erbium doped fiber with loss/gain driven by an external potential. The one and two soliton solutions in explicit forms are generated by using the Darboux transformation and the associated Lax pair. We consider the distributed amplification system, and some main features of the solutions are demonstrated graphically. We also consider the concept of soliton propagation in a dispersion managed erbium doped fiber and through symbolic computation, we have carried out our study from an analytic viewpoint.
An all-electron density functional theory study of the structure and properties of the neutral and singly charged M12 and M13 clusters: M = Sc–Zn
Authors: Gutsev G. L. , Weatherford C. W. , Belay K. G. , Ramachandran B. R. , Jena P.
Published: April 2013

The electronic and geometrical structures of the M12 and M13 clusters where M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn along with their singly negatively and positively charged ions are studied using all-electron density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The geometries corresponding to the lowest total energy states of singly and negatively charged ions of V13, Mn12, Co12, Ni13, Cu13, Zn12, and Zn13 are found to be different from the geometries of the corresponding neutral parents. The computed ionization energies of the neutrals, vertical electron detachment energies from the anions, and energies required to remove a single atom from the M13 and M13+ clusters are in good agreement with experiment. The change in a total spin magnetic moment of the cation or anion with respect to a total spin magnetic moment of the corresponding neutral is consistent with the one-electron model in most cases, i.e., they differ by ±1.0 μB. Exceptions are found only for Sc12−, Ti12+, Mn12−, Mn12+, Fe12−, Fe13+, and Co12+.
Surface adsorption in strontium chloride ammines
Authors: Ammitzbøll Andreas L. , Lysgaard Steen , Klukowska Agata , Vegge Tejs , Quaade Ulrich J.
Published: April 2013

An adsorbed state and its implications on the ab- and desorption kinetics of ammonia in strontium chloride ammine is identified using a combination of ammonia absorption measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and density functional theory calculations. During thermogravimetric analysis, ammonia desorption originating from the adsorbed state is directly observed below the bulk desorption temperature, as confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The desorption enthalpy of the adsorbed state of strontium chloride octa-ammine is determined with both techniques to be around 37-39 kJ/mol. A simple kinetic model is proposed that accounts for the absorption of ammonia through the adsorbed state.
High accuracy ab initio studies of electron-densities for the ground state of Be-like atomic systems
Authors: Komasa J. , Słupski R. , Jankowski K. , Wasilewski J. , Teale A. M.
Published: April 2013

Benchmark results for electron densities in the ground states of Li−, Be, C2+, Ne6+, and Ar14+ have been generated from very accurate variational wave functions represented in terms of extensive basis sets of exponentially correlated Gaussian functions. For Ne6+, and Ar14+, the upper bounds to the energies improve over previous results known from the literature. For the remaining systems our bounds are from 0.1 to 1.1 μhartree higher than the most accurate ones. We present in graphical and, partially, numerical form results both for the radial electron densities and for the difference radial density distributions (DRD) (defined with respect to the Hartree-Fock radial density) that highlight the impact of correlation effects on electron densities. Next, we have employed these DRD distributions in studies of the performance of several broadly used orbital-based quantum-chemical methods in accounting for correlation effects on the density. Our computed benchmark densities for Be have been also applied for testing the possibility of using the mathematically strict result concerning exact atomic electron densities, obtained by Ahlrichs et al. [Phys. Rev. A 23, 2106 (1981)10.1103/PhysRevA.23.2106], for the determination of the reliability range of computed densities in the long-range asymptotic region. The results obtained for Be are encouraging.
Analytic second derivatives of the energy in the fragment molecular orbital method
Authors: Nakata Hiroya , Nagata Takeshi , Fedorov Dmitri G. , Yokojima Satoshi , Kitaura Kazuo , Nakamura Shinichiro
Published: April 2013

We developed the analytic second derivatives of the energy for the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method. First we derived the analytic expressions and then introduced some approximations related to the first and second order coupled perturbed Hartree-Fock equations. We developed a parallel program for the FMO Hessian with approximations in GAMESS and used it to calculate infrared (IR) spectra and Gibbs free energies and to locate the transition states in SN2 reactions. The accuracy of the Hessian is demonstrated in comparison to ab initio results for polypeptides and a water cluster. By using the two residues per fragment division, we achieved the accuracy of 3 cm−1 in the reduced mean square deviation of vibrational frequencies from ab initio for all three polyalanine isomers, while the zero point energy had the error not exceeding 0.3 kcal/mol. The role of the secondary structure on IR spectra, zero point energies, and Gibbs free energies is discussed.
Hydrodynamic force measurements under precisely controlled conditions: Correlation of slip parameters with the mean free path
Authors: Sedmik René I. P. , Borghesani Armando F. , Heeck Kier , Iannuzzi Davide
Published: April 2013

A customized atomic force microscope has been utilized in dynamic mode to measure hydrodynamic forces between a sphere and a flat plate, both coated with gold. In order to study the influence of the mean free path on slippage without systematic errors due to varying surface properties, all data have been acquired at precisely the same spot on the plate. Local accommodation coefficients and slip lengths have been extracted from experimental data for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, as well as N2, CO2, and C2H6, at Knudsen numbers between 3 × 10−4 and 3. We found that slippage is effectively suppressed if the mean free path of the fluid is lower than the roughness amplitude on the surface, while we could not observe a clear correlation between the accommodation coefficient and the molecular mass.
Highly efficient generation of vector beams through polarization holograms
Authors: Ruiz U. , Pagliusi P. , Provenzano C. , Cipparrone G.
Published: April 2013

We report a highly efficient and flexible method to yield vector beams (VBs) with spatially variant amplitude, phase and polarization by means of two polarization holograms (PHs). Left- and right-hand circularly polarized scalar beams, generated by the first hologram, are collinearly recombined by the second one to produce the vector beams. By taking advantage of the diffraction properties, the high efficiency, and the intrinsic achromaticity of the polarization holograms, the method aims to overcome the limitations related to stability and efficiency, making it attractive for applications. Theoretical analysis, based on the Jones formalism, and experimental results are shown.
Equivalence of the Ehrenfest theorem and the fluid-rotor model for mixed quantum/classical theory of collisional energy transfer
Authors: Semenov Alexander , Babikov Dmitri
Published: April 2013

The theory of two seemingly different quantum/classical approaches to collisional energy transfer and ro-vibrational energy flow is reviewed: a heuristic fluid-rotor method, introduced earlier to treat recombination reactions [M. Ivanov and D. Babikov, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 144107 (2011)10.1063/1.3576103], and a more rigorous method based on the Ehrenfest theorem. It is shown analytically that for the case of a diatomic molecule + quencher these two methods are entirely equivalent. Notably, they both make use of the average moment of inertia computed as inverse of average of inverse of the distributed moment of inertia. Despite this equivalence, each of the two formulations has its own advantages, and is interesting on its own. Numerical results presented here illustrate energy and momentum conservation in the mixed quantum/classical approach and open opportunities for computationally affordable treatment of collisional energy transfer.
A natural orbital analysis of the long range behavior of chemical bonding and van der Waals interaction in singlet H2: The issue of zero natural orbital occupation numbers
Authors: Sheng X. W. , Mentel Ł. M. , Gritsenko O. V. , Baerends E. J.
Published: April 2013

This paper gives a natural orbital (NO) based analysis of the van der Waals interaction in (singlet) H2 at long distance. The van der Waals interaction, even if not leading to a distinct van der Waals well, affects the shape of the interaction potential in the van der Waals distance range of 5–9 bohrs and can be clearly distinguished from chemical bonding effects. In the NO basis the van der Waals interaction can be quantitatively covered with, apart from the ground state configurations (1σg)2 and (1σu)2, just the 4 configurations (2σg)2 and (2σu)2, and (1πu)2 and (1πg)2. The physics of the dispersion interaction requires and explains the peculiar relatively large positive CI coefficients of the doubly excited electron configurations (2σu)2 and (1πg)2 (the occupancy amplitudes of the 2σu and 1πgx, y NOs) in the distance range 5–9 bohrs, which have been observed before by Cioslowski and Pernal [Chem. Phys. Lett. 430, 188 (2006)]10.1016/j.cplett.2006.08.111. We show that such positive occupancy amplitudes do not necessarily lead to the existence of zero occupation numbers at some H-H distances.
Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal contact resistance of individual carbon fibers using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jinhui , Wang Haidong , Ma Weigang , Zhang Xing , Song Yan
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a new method employing Raman spectroscopy to determine thermal conductivity (TC) and thermal contact resistance (TCR) of an individual fiber was developed. Laser absorption is accounted for, but there is no need to be determined in this method. The local temperatures along the fiber longitudinal direction were determined by Raman shift. Two independent equations related to TC and TCR were established through measuring the temperature variation induced by changing electrical heating power at the center of the sample and the local temperature rise induced by a focused laser heating from Raman spectroscopy at two different positions on the sample, respectively. By solving the two equations, TC and TCR can then be obtained. This method has been validated by measuring two suspended carbon fibers.
Core hole screening and decay rates of double core ionized first row hydrides
Authors: Inhester L. , Groenhof G. , Grubmüller H.
Published: April 2013

Because of the high intensity, X-ray free electron lasers allow one to create and probe double core ionized states in molecules. The decay of these multiple core ionized states crucially determines the evolution of radiation damage in single molecule diffractive imaging experiments. Here we have studied the Auger decay in hydrides of first row elements after single and double core ionization by quantum mechanical ab initio calculations. In our approach the continuum wave function of the emitted Auger electron is expanded into spherical harmonics on a radial grid. The obtained decay rates of double K-shell vacancies were found to be systematically larger than those for the respective single K-shell vacancies, markedly exceeding the expected factor of two. This enhancement is attributed to the screening effects induced by the core hole. We propose a simple model, which is able to predict core hole decay rates in molecules with low Z elements based on the electron density in the vicinity of the core hole.
Excitation energies and Stokes shifts from a restricted open-shell Kohn-Sham approach
Authors: Kowalczyk Tim , Tsuchimochi Takashi , Chen Po-Ta , Top Laken , Van Voorhis Troy
Published: April 2013

Restricted open-shell Kohn-Sham (ROKS) theory provides a powerful computational tool for calculating singlet excited state energies and dynamics. However, the possibility of multiple solutions to the ROKS equations — with the associated difficulty of automatically selecting the physically meaningful solution — limits its usefulness for intensive applications such as long-time Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics. We present an implementation of ROKS for excited states which prescribes the physically correct solution from an overlap criterion and guarantees that this solution is stationary, allowing for straightforward evaluation of nuclear gradients. The method is used to benchmark ROKS for vertical excitation energies of small and large organic dyes and for the calculation of Stokes shifts. With common density functional approximations, ROKS vertical excitation energies, and Stokes shifts show similar accuracy to those from time-dependent density functional theory and Δ-self-consistent-field approaches. Advantages of the ROKS approach for excited state structure and molecular dynamics are discussed.
Heat-conduction error of temperature sensors in a fluid flow with nonuniform and unsteady temperature distribution
Authors: Minn Khine Soe , Houra Tomoya , Tagawa Masato
Published: April 2013

In temperature measurement of non-isothermal fluid flows by a contact-type temperature sensor, heat conduction along the sensor body can cause significant measurement error which is called “heat-conduction error.” The conventional formula for estimating the heat-conduction error was derived under the condition that the fluid temperature to be measured is uniform. Thus, if we apply the conventional formula to a thermal field with temperature gradient, the heat-conduction error will be underestimated. In the present study, we have newly introduced a universal physical model of a temperature-measurement system to estimate accurately the heat-conduction error even if a temperature gradient exists in non-isothermal fluid flows. Accordingly, we have been able to successfully derive a widely applicable estimation and/or evaluation formula of the heat-conduction error. Then, we have verified experimentally the effectiveness of the proposed formula using the two non-isothermal fields—a wake flow formed behind a heated cylinder and a candle flame—whose fluid-dynamical characteristics should be quite different. As a result, it is confirmed that the proposed formula can represent accurately the experimental behaviors of the heat-conduction error which cannot be explained appropriately by the existing formula. In addition, we have analyzed theoretically the effects of the heat-conduction error on the fluctuating temperature measurement of a non-isothermal unsteady fluid flow to derive the frequency response of the temperature sensor to be used. The analysis result shows that the heat-conduction error in temperature-fluctuation measurement appears only in a low-frequency range. Therefore, if the power-spectrum distribution of temperature fluctuations to be measured is sufficiently away from the low-frequency range, the heat-conduction error has virtually no effect on the temperature-fluctuation measurements even by the temperature sensor accompanying the heat-conduction error in the mean-temperature measurements.