bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SELLING SUCCESS, NURTURING THE SELF: SELF-HELP LITERATURE, CAPITALIST VALUES, AND THE SACRALIZATION OF SUBJECTIVE LIFE IN EGYPT
Authors: Kenney Jeffrey T.
Published: October 2015

The growing strength of self-help literature in Egypt represents a new cultural expression of accommodation with capitalism, and markedly expands the mix of modern ideas and ethical practices rendered legitimate through association with tradition. The ideas and practices found in self-help, however, are anything but traditional. In its style and content, self-help expresses the values of individualism and neoliberal understandings of subjectivity. Informed by modern insights into the self and its formation, the genre blurs the boundary between psychology and religion, valorizing the process of self-exploration and self-fulfillment. The inherent message of self-help is not simply the glorification of the individual but, more pointedly, the sacralization of the self and subjective life choices—an interpretive trend that, in Egypt, simultaneously functionalizes Islam and fosters new understandings of what it means to be Muslim.
Possible effect of Balanus improvisus on Cerastoderma glaucum distribution in the south-western Caspian Sea
Authors: Mirzajani Alireza , Hamidian Amir Hossein , Bagheri Siamak , Karami Mahmoud
Published: October 2015

We studied the communities of the invasive Balanus improvisus and native Cerastoderma glaucum populations in the south-western Caspian Sea. The massive movement of live Bivalvia attached to Cirripedia colonies along the studied coastline strengthens the hypotheses asserting the possible negative effects of exotic species on endemic species. Different live stages of both animals including meroplankton and macro-invertebrates were considered in the analysis. Bivalvia larvae showed a downward trend in population, in contrast with an upward trend of Cirripedia larvae from 1996 to 2013. The abundance of C. glaucum decreased west to east along the sea shore in contrast with increasing biomass of B. improvisus. Both Bivalvia and Cirripedia larvae did not show any overlapping temporal abundance. The Cirripedia larvae showed its highest abundance in winter while the bloom of Bivalvia larvae occurred in April and May during 2004–2013. The biomass of B. improvisus reported in this study was higher than those reported for the northern parts and for the middle parts. Distribution patterns of both species were described based on temperature, salinity gradient and local nutrient content. A non-linear growth model of Bivalvia showed the short-term effects of Cirripedia on Bivalvia growth. The controversy between the effects of Cirripedia on the movement of two different Cardiidae (C. glaucum, which is affected by the presence of B. improvisus, and Adacna vitrea with no attached Cirripedia) highlights the contributing role of several other factors including ecosystem degradation.
Genetic population structure ofGyrodactylus thymalli(Monogenea) in a large Norwegian river system
Authors: PETTERSEN RUBEN ALEXANDER , MO TOR ATLE , HANSEN HAAKON , VØLLESTAD LEIF ASBJØRN
Published: October 2015

The extent of geographic genetic variation is the result of several processes such as mutation, gene flow, selection and drift. Processes that structure the populations of parasite species are often directly linked to the processes that influence the host. Here, we investigate the genetic population structure of the ectoparasiteGyrodactylus thymalliŽitňan, 1960 (Monogenea) collected from grayling (Thymallus thymallusL.) throughout the river Glomma, the largest watercourse in Norway. Parts of the mitochondrial dehydrogenase subunit 5 (NADH 5) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes from 309G. thymalliwere analysed to study the genetic variation and investigated the geographical distribution of parasite haplotypes. Three main clusters of haplotypes dominated the three distinct geographic parts of the river system; one cluster dominated in the western main stem of the river, one in the eastern and one in the lower part. There was a positive correlation between pairwise genetic distance and hydrographic distance. The results indicate restricted gene flow between sub-populations ofG. thymalli, most likely due to barriers that limit upstream migration of infected grayling. More than 80% of the populations had private haplotypes, also indicating long-time isolation of sub-populations. According to a molecular clock calibration, much of the haplotype diversity ofG. thymalliin the river Glomma has developed after the last glaciation.
Scaling of ion energies in the relativistic-induced transparency regime
Authors: Jung D. , Albright B.J. , Yin L. , Gautier D.C. , Dromey B. , Shah R. , Palaniyappan S. , Letzring S. , Wu H.-C. , Shimada T. , Johnson R.P. , Habs D. , Roth M. , Fernández J.C. , Hegelich B.M.
Published: October 2015

Experimental data are presented showing maximum carbon C6+ ion energies obtained from nm-scaled targets in the relativistic transparent regime for laser intensities between 9 × 1019 and 2 × 1021 W/cm2. When combined with two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, these results show a steep linear scaling for carbon ions with the normalized laser amplitude a0 ($a_0 \propto \sqrt ( I)$). The results are in good agreement with a semi-analytic model that allows one to calculate the optimum thickness and the maximum ion energies as functions of a0 and the laser pulse duration τλ for ion acceleration in the relativistic-induced transparency regime. Following our results, ion energies exceeding 100 MeV/amu may be accessible with currently available laser systems.
Collisional effects on the modulational instability of intense laser pulses in magnetoactive plasmas
Authors: Niknam A. R. , Barzegar S. , Bokaei B. , Mirzaei F. Haji , Aliakbari A.
Published: October 2015

The modulational instability associated with propagation of an intense laser pulse through a transversely magnetized plasma is investigated in the presence of collisional effects. The source-dependent expansion method for analyzing the wave equation is employed. The dispersion relation is obtained and modulational instability and its growth rate are studied. It is shown that in the absence of collisional effects the modulational instability is restricted to the small wavenumber region and the constant magnetic field reduces the growth rate of the instability. In contrast, in the collisional plasma, there is no upper limit of wavenumber for the existence of modulational instability. In addition, in this case, the growth rate of instability increases as the collision frequency goes up.
LINEAR BIRTH/IMMIGRATION-DEATH PROCESS WITH BINOMIAL CATASTROPHES
Authors: Kapodistria Stella , Phung-Duc Tuan , Resing Jacques
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we study birth/immigration-death processes under mild (binomial) catastrophes. We obtain explicit expressions for both the time-dependent (transient) and the limiting (equilibrium) factorial moments, which are then used to construct the transient and equilibrium distribution of the population size. We demonstrate that our approach is also applicable to multidimensional systems such as stochastic processes operating under a random environment and other variations of the model at hand. We also obtain various stochastic order results for the number of individuals with respect to the system parameters, as well as the relaxation time.
Expression of angiotensin II receptors in the caprine ovary and improvement of follicular viability in vitro
Authors: Bruno J.B. , Lima-Verde I.B. , Celestino J.J.H. , Lima L.F. , Matos M.H.T. , Faustino L.R. , Donato M.A.M. , Peixoto C.A. , Campello C.C. , Silva J.R.V. , Figueiredo J.R.
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to evaluate mRNA levels of angiotensin II (ANG II) receptors (AGTR1 and AGTR2) in caprine follicles and to investigate the influence of ANG II on the viability and in vitro growth of preantral follicles. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify AGTR1 and AGTR2 mRNA levels in the different follicular stages. For culture, caprine ovaries were collected, cut into 13 fragments and then either directly fixed for histological and ultrastructural analysis (fresh control) or placed in culture for 1 or 7 days in α-minumum essential medium plus (α-MEM+) with 0, 1, 5, 10, 50 or 100 ng/ml ANG II. Then, the fragments were destined to morphological, viability and ultrastructural analysis. The results showed that primordial follicles had higher levels of AGTR1 and AGTR2 mRNA than secondary follicles. Granulosa/theca cells from antral follicles had higher levels of AGTR1 mRNA than their respective cumulus–oocyte complex (COCs). After 7 days of culture, ANG II (10 or 50 ng/ml) maintained the percentages of normal follicles compared with α-MEM+. Fluorescence and ultrastructural microscopy confirmed follicular integrity in ANG II (10 ng/ml). In conclusion, a high expression of AGTR1 and AGTR2 is observed in primordial follicles. Granulosa/theca cells from antral follicles had higher levels of AGTR1 mRNA. Finally, 10 ng/ml ANG II maintained the viability of caprine preantral follicles after in vitro culture.
Teenagers' reasoning about a parent's recent death in cancer
Authors: Sveen Josefin , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Melcher Ulrica , Alvariza Anette
Published: October 2015

Objective:

The aim of the study was to explore how teenagers reason about a parent's recent death and about their life without that parent.

Method:

A total of 10 teenagers (aged 14–19 years, 7 boys and 3 girls) were interviewed twice, 3–12 months after their parent's death. The interviews were carried out individually and as free-ranging conversations. A content analysis with a descriptive and interpretive design was conducted.

Results:

Importantly, all teenagers appreciated participating in the interviews. Some had not previously talked in such depth about this with anyone, while others had more open communications within their families and with others. Their parent's death was the worst thing that could happen, but they still expressed the feeling that it had been a relief for both the ill parent and themselves. The death had relieved the parent from suffering and a life with severe illness. Many of the teenagers empathized with the surviving parent's grief and worried about him or her as well as the entire home situation. As a consequence, the teenagers did not show their grief, as they did not want to burden the grieving parent. Seeing the parent grieving could lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness and that the support they needed was not there for them. Nevertheless, some teenagers could grieve together with the surviving parent in common understanding and with openness.

Significance of Results:

A tentative conclusion is that the teenagers who were more likely to talk and grieve together with their surviving parent coped better with their situation than teenagers who did not. Parentally bereaved teenagers tend to take on a responsibility to support the grieving parent, when it is they themselves who need and should receive support.
The Costs of Policing: Psychosocial Capital and Mental Health Outcomes in a Nigeria Police Sample
Authors: Ojedokun Oluyinka , Balogun Shyngle K.
Published: October 2015

This study examined the influence of psychosocial capital (psychological and workplace social capital) on mental health outcomes among 340 police personnel in Nigeria. Data were collected via anonymously completed questionnaires. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling, and the results revealed that in the context of stress and traumatic stress, resilience p < .05, optimism p < .05, self-efficacy p < .05, hope p < .05, and workplace social capital p < .05 can influence the development of mental health problems or adaptation. The findings imply that it is important that both researchers and police organization pay attention to how psychological capital influence the development of psychopathology or resilience and how such issues can be addressed through psychological training in the workplace.
Nalmefen und Opioid-Entzugssyndrom: systematische Analyse der globalen PharmacovigilanceDatenbank
Authors: Dahmke Hendrike , Kupferschmidt Hugo , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A. , Weiler Stefan
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Nalmefen (Selincro®) ist ein selektiver Opioidrezeptorantagonist, der im April 2014 in der Schweiz zur Reduktion des Alkoholkonsums bei Patienten auf einem hohen Risikoniveau zugelassen wurde. Eine systematische Suche in der globalen WHO Datenbank der Pharmacovigilance VigiBase™ ergab weltweit 200 Meldungen unerwünschter Arzneimittelwirkungen unter Nalmefen im Zeitraum vom 7. März 1997 bis 1. März 2015. In 21 Fällen (10,5%) wurde Nalmefen zusammen mit einem Opioid verabreicht, was zu Entzugssymptomen führte. Bisher wurden dem regionalen Pharmacovigilance Zentrum Zürich vier Fälle gemeldet, in denen Nalmefen mit Opioiden kombiniert wurde. Diese Arzneimittelkombination sollte strikt vermieden werden.
Eine nicht alltägliche Diagnose
Authors: Leonhard Nicole , Aeberhard Carla , Birrenbach Tanja , Stanga Zeno
Published: October 2015

Zusammenfassung. Wir berichten über eine 61-jährige Patientin, die wegen einer inadäquat behandelten exokrinen Pankreasinsuffizienz an einer schweren Protein-Energie-Mangelernährung litt. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde ein Thiaminmangel nicht erkannt, und es kam zur klinischen Manifestation eines Beriberi mit einer dekompensierten biventrikulären Herzinsuffizienz. Im weiteren Verlauf trat ein manifester Niacinmangel (Pellagra) auf mit Dermatitis, hartnäckigem Durchfall und deliranten Zuständen, der erkannt und behandelt werden konnte. Wir beleuchten differenzialdiagnostische Überlegungen über die Folgen und Behandlung der Mangelernährung, speziell der klassischen Mangelerkrankungen Beriberi und Pellagra.
The Lin28/let-7 axis is critical for myelination in the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Gökbuget Deniz , Pereira Jorge A. , Bachofner Sven , Marchais Antonin , Ciaudo Constance , Stoffel Markus , Schulte Johannes H. , Suter Ueli
Published: October 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of myelination in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, the miRNAs species involved and the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. We found that let-7 miRNAs are highly abundant during PNS myelination and that their levels are inversely correlated to the expression of lin28 homolog B (Lin28B), an antagonist of let-7 accumulation. Sustained expression of Lin28B and consequently reduced levels of let-7 miRNAs results in a failure of Schwann cell myelination in transgenic mouse models and in cell culture. Subsequent analyses revealed that let-7 miRNAs promote expression of the myelination-driving master transcription factor Krox20 (also known as Egr2) through suppression of myelination inhibitory Notch signalling. We conclude that the Lin28B/let-7 axis acts as a critical driver of PNS myelination, in particular by regulating myelination onset, identifying this pathway also as a potential therapeutic target in demyelinating diseases.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves both hearing function and tinnitus perception in sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients
Authors: Zhang Dai , Ma Yuewen
Published: October 2015

The occurrence of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) affects not only cochlear activity but also neural activity in the central auditory system. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) above the auditory cortex has been reported to improve auditory processing and to reduce the perception of tinnitus, which results from network dysfunction involving both auditory and non-auditory brain regions. SSHL patients who were refractory to standard corticosteroid therapy (SCT) and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy received 20 sessions of 1 Hz rTMS to the temporoparietal junction ipsilateral to the symptomatic ear (rTMS group). RTMS therapy administered in addition to SCT and HBO therapy resulted in significantly greater recovery of hearing function and improvement of tinnitus perception compared SCT and HBO therapy without rTMS therapy. Additionally, the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) measurements obtained in a subgroup of patients suggested that the rTMS therapy could have alleviated the decrease in regional cerebral brain flow (rCBF) in SSHL patients. RTMS appears to be an effective, practical and safe treatment strategy for SSHL.
Regulating Biocompatibility of Carbon Spheres via Defined Nanoscale Chemistry and a Careful Selection of Surface Functionalities
Authors: Misra Santosh K. , Chang Huei-Huei , Mukherjee Prabuddha , Tiwari Saumya , Ohoka Ayako , Pan Dipanjan
Published: October 2015

A plethora of nanoarchitectures have been evaluated preclincially for applications in early detection and treatment of diseases at molecular and cellular levels resulted in limited success of their clinical translation. It is important to identify the factors that directly or indirectly affect their use in human. We bring a fundamental understanding of how to adjust the biocompatibility of carbon based spherical nanoparticles (CNPs) through defined chemistry and a vigilant choice of surface functionalities. CNPs of various size are designed by tweaking size (2–250 nm), surface chemistries (positive, or negatively charged), molecular chemistries (linear, dendritic, hyperbranched) and the molecular weight of the coating agents (MW 400–20 kDa). A combination of in vitro assays as tools were performed to determine the critical parameters that may trigger toxicity. Results indicated that hydrodynamic sizes are potentially not a risk factor for triggering cellular and systemic toxicity, whereas the presence of a highly positive surface charge and increasing molecular weight enhance the chance of inducing complement activation. Bare and carboxyl-terminated CNPs did present some toxicity at the cellular level which, however, is not comparable to those caused by positively charged CNPs. Similarly, negatively charged CNPs with hydroxyl and carboxylic functionalities did not cause any hemolysis.
Molecular difference between WASP and N-WASP critical for chemotaxis of T-cells towards SDF-1α
Authors: Jain Neeraj , Thanabalu Thirumaran
Published: October 2015

Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP) integrates cell signaling pathways to the actin cytoskeleton, which play a critical role in T-cell activation and migration. Hematopoietic cells express both WASP and neural-WASP (N-WASP) which share similar domain structure, yet WASP deficiency causes Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, suggesting that N-WASP present in the cells is not able to carry out all the functions of WASP. We have identified a unique internal thirty amino acid region (I30) in WASP, which regulates its function in chemotaxis of Jurkat T-cells. Deletion of the I30 region altered the WASP’s closed conformation and impaired its ability to rescue the chemotactic defect of WASP-deficient (JurkatWKD) T-cells. Expression of N-WASP in JurkatWKD T-cells using WASP promoter restored the migration velocity without correcting the chemotactic defect. However, insertion of I30 region in N-WASP (N-WASP-I30) enabled N-WASP to rescue the chemotactic defect of JurkatWKD T-cells. N-WASP-I30-EGFP displayed a punctate localization in contrast to the predominant nuclear localization of N-WASP-EGFP. Thus, our study has demonstrated that the I30 region of WASP is critical for localization and chemotaxis. This suggests that N-WASP’s failure to compensate for WASP in rescuing chemotaxis could be due to the absence of this I30 region.
Capturing ultrafast photoinduced local structural distortions of BiFeO3
Authors: Wen Haidan , Sassi Michel , Luo Zhenlin , Adamo Carolina , Schlom Darrell G. , Rosso Kevin M. , Zhang Xiaoyi
Published: October 2015

The interaction of light with materials is an intensively studied research forefront, in which the coupling of radiation energy to selective degrees of freedom offers contact-free tuning of functionalities on ultrafast time scales. Capturing the fundamental processes and understanding the mechanism of photoinduced structural rearrangement are essential to applications such as photo-active actuators and efficient photovoltaic devices. Using ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy aided by density functional theory calculations, we reveal the local structural arrangement around the transition metal atom in a unit cell of the photoferroelectric archetype BiFeO3 film. The out-of-plane elongation of the unit cell is accompanied by the in-plane shrinkage with minimal change of interaxial lattice angles upon photoexcitation. This anisotropic elastic deformation of the unit cell is driven by localized electric field as a result of photoinduced charge separation, in contrast to a global lattice constant increase and lattice angle variations as a result of heating. The finding of a photoinduced elastic unit cell deformation elucidates a microscopic picture of photocarrier-mediated non-equilibrium processes in polar materials.
Evaluating the Role of Microbial Internal Storage Turnover on Nitrous Oxide Accumulation During Denitrification
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Peng Lai , Guo Jianhua , Chen Xueming , Yuan Zhiguo , Ni Bing-Jie
Published: October 2015

Biological wastewater treatment processes under a dynamic regime with respect to carbon substrate can result in microbial storage of internal polymers (e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)) and their subsequent utilizations. These storage turnovers play important roles in nitrous oxide (N2O) accumulation during heterotrophic denitrification in biological wastewater treatment. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to evaluate the key role of PHB storage turnovers on N2O accumulation during denitrification for the first time, aiming to establish the key relationship between N2O accumulation and PHB storage production. The model is successfully calibrated and validated using N2O data from two independent experimental systems with PHB storage turnovers. The model satisfactorily describes nitrogen reductions, PHB storage/utilization and N2O accumulation from both systems. The results reveal a linear relationship between N2O accumulation and PHB production, suggesting a substantial effect of PHB storage on N2O accumulation during denitrification. Application of the model to simulate long-term operations of a denitrifying sequencing batch reactor and a denitrifying continuous system indicates the feeding pattern and sludge retention time would alter PHB turnovers and thus affect N2O accumulation. Increasing PHB utilization could substantially raise N2O accumulation due to the relatively low N2O reduction rate when using PHB as carbon source.
Association between Use of Oral Anti-Diabetic Drugs and the Risk of Sepsis: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Shih Chia-Jen , Wu Yueh-Lin , Chao Pei-Wen , Kuo Shu-Chen , Yang Chih-Yu , Li Szu-Yuan , Ou Shuo-Ming , Chen Yung-Tai
Published: October 2015

Although oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) have been associated with immunomodulation in preclinical studies, little is still known about the association between the use of OADs and the risk of sepsis. Using a cohort of patients, extracted from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, with type 2 diabetes who were newly diagnosed between 2010 and 2012 and treated with OADs, we conducted a nested case-control study involving 43,015 cases (patients who were first hospitalized for sepsis) and 43,015 matched controls. Compared with non-use, metformin use was associated with a decreased risk of developing sepsis (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77–0.83, P < 0.001), but meglitinide (adjusted OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.25–1.40, P < 0.001) use was associated with the increased risk of developing sepsis. The risk for development of sepsis was also lower among current (adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78–0.96) and recent (adjusted OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94) thiazolidinedione users. Current or recent sulfonylurea use and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use were not significantly associated with the development of sepsis. Our results highlight the need to consider the potential pleiotropic effect of OADs against sepsis in addition to the lowering of blood glucose.
Preparation and Characterization of Starch Nanocrystals
Authors: Ghasemlou Mehran , Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Cran Marlene J.
Published: October 2015

Starch is a well-known and highly characterized biopolymer comprised of blocklets of semicrystalline segments. The crystalline segments of starch granules can be isolated by mild acid hydrolysis employing either hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. This results in the formation of starch nanocrystals, which have attracted growing attention in recent decades for their interesting and unique properties. This chapter critically reviews the recent advances in the preparation of starch nanocrystals and reports the critical steps needed to modify them chemically for new applications. Novel and improved techniques are outlined in order to optimize the preparation of starch nanocrystals from a wide range of starch sources. Advanced methods used to characterize starch nanocrystals and to understand their interactions with polymer matrices are also reported. In addition, the physicochemical properties, including mechanical, barrier, morphological, thermal, swelling and emulsification, are presented with potentially new insights into the development of starch nanocrystals for industrial applications.
Effects of Additives on the Properties of Starch
Authors: Wang Wei , Yang Hong , Cui Min
Published: October 2015

Blending of starch with other additives or ingredients, such as hydrocolloids and salt, is a common application in the food industry. Additives not only change the physicochemical properties of starch, but also improve the quality of starch-based products. This chapter provides an overview of recent progress in the interaction between starch and its additives. It includes the effect of additives on the properties of starch, the mechanism of the interactions between starch and additives and recent applications of additives in starch-based products.
Molecular versus exciton diffusion in fluorescence-based explosive vapour sensors
Authors: Ali M. A. , Geng Y. , Cavaye H. , Burn P. L. , Gentle I. R. , Meredith P. , Shaw P. E.
Published: October 2015

Real time vapour detection efficiency is reliant on analyte diffusion rather than amplified fluorescence quenching processes based on exciton diffusion.
Molybdenum-doped α-MnO2 as an efficient reusable heterogeneous catalyst for aerobic sulfide oxygenation
Authors: Uematsu Tsubasa , Miyamoto Yumi , Ogasawara Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Kosuke , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Mizuno Noritaka
Published: October 2015

In the presence of Mo6+-doped α-MnO2 (Mo–MnO2), various sulfides could efficiently be oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides as the major products. In addition, Mo–MnO2 could repeatedly be reused.
Facile electrochemical synthesis of CeO2@Ag@CdS nanotube arrays with enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance
Authors: Zhao Mi , Li Haohua , Shen Xiaoping , Ji Zhenyuan , Xu Keqiang
Published: October 2015

Three-component CeO2@Ag@CdS heterostructured nanotube arrays synthesized by electrodeposition show significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance.
Biomass-derived binderless fibrous carbon electrodes for ultrafast energy storage
Authors: Berenguer R. , García-Mateos F. J. , Ruiz-Rosas R. , Cazorla-Amorós D. , Morallón E. , Rodríguez-Mirasol J. , Cordero T.
Published: October 2015

Lignin valorization into binderless interconnected and porous carbon fiber electrodes, with excellent performance for supercapacitors, is demonstrated for low-cost, efficient and sustainable energy storage.
Synthesis and characterisation of a mesocyclic tripodal triamine ligand
Authors: Ure Andrew D. , Lázaro Isabel Abánades , Cotter Michelle , McDonald Aidan R.
Published: October 2015

The preparation and characterisation of mesocyclic polydentate amine ligands is described. The novel tridentate ligands will be employed in the stabilisation of highly reactive high-valent oxidants.
Stereoselective total synthesis of (−)-nupharamine utilizing an α-chlorosulfide and a sulfinimine for C–C bond formation
Authors: Raghavan Sadagopan , Rajendar Sheelamanthula
Published: October 2015

A stereoselective route to nupharamine is disclosed using α-chlorosulfide and sulfinimine as reactive intermediates.
Synthesis of α-diazo-β-keto esters, phosphonates and sulfones via acylbenzotriazole-mediated acylation of a diazomethyl anion
Authors: Pramanik Mukund M. D. , Rastogi Namrata
Published: October 2015

TheN-o-amino-acylbenzotriazoles exhibited an unprecedented transphosphorylation reaction leading to diazoacetyl phenylphosphoramidates.
The application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in domestic detergent residues detection
Authors: Zhao Xiande , Dong Daming , Zheng Wengang , Jiao Leizi , Han Pengcheng
Published: October 2015

With the increasingly wide application of detergents, the hazards of detergent residues have gained extensive attention.
An annealing-free anatase TiO2 nanocrystal film as an electron collection layer in organic solar cells
Authors: Li Di , Chen Yanli , Du Peng , Zhao Zhao , Zhao Haifeng , Ma Yuejia , Sun Zaicheng
Published: October 2015

An annealing-free TiO2 electron collection layer in organic solar cell based on ultrafine, clean and high-quality anatase TiO2 nanocrystals.
CuCO3–CuO nanocomposite as a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst for triazole synthesis
Authors: Hadj Mokhtar Halima , Boukoussa Bouhadjar , Hamacha Rachida , Bengueddach Abdelkader , El Abed Douniazad
Published: October 2015

This paper focuses on the use of natural sources for the preparation of efficient and low cost catalysts for triazole synthesis.
Microwave-assisted synthesis in water: first one-pot synthesis of a novel class of polysubstituted benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines via intramolecular SNAr
Authors: Behbehani Haider , Ibrahim Hamada Mohamed
Published: October 2015

A novel and straightforward one-pot synthesis protocol has been developed for the synthesis of benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines through intramolecular SNAr, utilizing water as a green solvent and microwaves as an efficient green energy source.
Novel soluble thieno[3,2-b]thiophene fused porphyrazine
Authors: Casey Abby , Han Yang , Wyatt Mark F. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. , Heeney Martin
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of the first soluble thieno[3,2-b]thiophene based porphyrazine (ZnTTPz) is reported from the cyclisation of 2,3-dicyano-5-octylthieno[3,2-b]thiophene.
Preparation of uniform poly(urea–siloxane) microspheres through precipitation polymerization
Authors: Li Shusheng , Kong Xiangzheng , Feng Shengyu
Published: October 2015

Preparation of PUSs through precipitation polymerization.
Two-step process for programmable removal of oxygen functionalities of graphene oxide: functional, structural and electrical characteristics
Authors: Dave Kashyap , Park Kyung Hee , Dhayal Marshal
Published: October 2015

Here we report a two-step programmable reduction of graphene oxide (GO) which was synthesized by oxidation of graphite.
Stereoselective synthesis of medicinally relevant furo[2,3-d]pyrimidine framework by thermal rearrangement of spirocyclic barbiturates
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Elinson Michail N. , Dorofeeva Evgeniya O. , Sokolova Olga O. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Egorov Michail P.
Published: October 2015

The thermally initiated transformation of substituted spirocyclic barbiturates in DMSO at 100 °C results in the stereoselective formation of medicinally relevant furo[2,3-d]pyrimidines in 50–75% yields.
Synthesis and electrochemical properties of monoclinic fluorine-doped lithium manganese oxide (LixMnO2−yFy) for lithium secondary batteries
Authors: Zhang Yu , Su Zhi , Yao Xiang , Wang YingBo
Published: October 2015

A series of monoclinic fluorine-doped lithium manganese oxide (LixMnO2−yFy) were prepared by the ion exchange of sodium for lithium in NaxMnO2−yFy precursors that were obtained using a high-temperature solid-state reaction.
Correction: An efficient aqueous phase synthesis of benzimidazoles/benzothiazoles in the presence of β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Katla Ramesh , Chowrasia Rakhi , Manjari Padma Sunitha , Domingues Nelson Luís C.
Published: October 2015

Correction for ʻAn efficient aqueous phase synthesis of benzimidazoles/benzothiazoles in the presence of β-cyclodextrinʼ by Ramesh Katla et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 41716–41720.
Controlled synthesis of mesoporous hollow SnO2nanococoons with enhanced lithium storage capability
Authors: Li Lu , Guan Bo , Zhang Lingyu , Su Zhongmin , Xie Haiming , Wang Chungang
Published: October 2015

Mesoporous SnO2hollow nanococoons with a unique functional nanoarchitecture were for the first time fabricated by a facile method, which exhibit highly reversible lithium storage as well as outstanding cycling performance as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Controllable molecular aggregation and fluorescence properties of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Authors: Wang Haitao , Chen Fangyi , Jia Xiaoshi , Liu Huimin , Ran Xia , Ravva Mahesh Kumar , Bai Fu-Quan , Qu Songnan , Li Min , Zhang Hong-Xing , Brédas Jean-Luc
Published: October 2015

In H-aggregation, BOXD-6 adopts a linear conformation and forms a one-dimensional layered structure; in J-aggregation, it adopts a Z-shaped conformation and forms a more ordered two-dimensional layered structure.
Cyclic thrombospondin-1 mimetics: grafting of a thrombospondin sequence into circular disulfide-rich frameworks to inhibit endothelial cell migration
Authors: Chan Lai Yue , Craik David J. , Daly Norelle L.
Published: October 2015

Tumour formation is dependent on nutrient and oxygen supply from adjacent blood vessels. Angiogenesis inhibitors can play a vital role in controlling blood vessel formation and consequently tumour progression by inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation, sprouting and migration. The primary aim of the present study was to design cyclic thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) mimetics using disulfide-rich frameworks for anti-angiogenesis therapies and to determine whether these peptides have better potency than the linear parent peptide. A short anti-angiogenic heptapeptide fragment from TSP-1 (GVITRIR) was incorporated into two cyclic disulfide-rich frameworks, namely MCoTI-II (Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor-II) and SFTI-1 (sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1). The cyclic peptides were chemically synthesized and folded in oxidation buffers, before being tested in a series of in vitro evaluations. Incorporation of the bioactive heptapeptide fragment into the cyclic frameworks resulted in peptides that inhibited microvascular endothelial cell migration, and had no toxicity against normal primary human endothelial cells or cancer cells. Importantly, all of the designed cyclic TSP-1 mimetics were far more stable than the linear heptapeptide in human serum. The present study has demonstrated a novel approach to stabilize the active region of TSP-1. The anti-angiogenic activity of the native TSP-1 active fragment was maintained in the new TSP-1 mimetics and the results provide a new chemical approach for the design of TSP-1 mimetics.
Classification of loaded/unloaded micro‐drones using multistatic radar
Authors: Fioranelli F. , Ritchie M. , Griffiths H. , Borrion H.
Published: October 2015

Preliminary results on the use of multistatic radar and micro‐Doppler analysis to detect and discriminate between micro‐drones hovering carrying different payloads are presented. Two suitable features related to the centroid of the micro‐Doppler signature have been identified and used to perform classification, investigating also the added benefit of using information from a multistatic radar as opposed to a conventional monostatic system. Very good performance with accuracy above 90% has been demonstrated for the classification of hovering micro‐drones.
Improvement on the problem of output feedback fuzzy H∞ ‐tracking control design for non‐linear discrete‐time systems with state and input delay
Authors: Esfahani Said H.
Published: October 2015

This study is concerned with the problem of output feedback fuzzy H∞ ‐tracking control design for nonlinear time‐delay systems. Initially, a discrete‐time Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) modelling approach is applied. Then a general and extended structure for the controller is assumed. Finally, a linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach is offered to find the possible solutions. The final design will result in the closed‐loop stability of the system together with minimising the H∞ ‐tracking control norm to some reference and bounded signals. Despite the existing results which offer a set of coupled LMIs and a double step algorithm to find a possible solution, the authors' results are a single step and less conservative. Moreover, the authors let the time delay to exist both in state and input matrices of the T–S fuzzy model. Two simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained method in comparison with the existing ones.
Physical Activity Measured with Accelerometer and Self-Rated Disability in Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mobbs Ralph J. , Phan Kevin , Maharaj Monish , Rao Prashanth J.
Published: October 2015

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Objective

Patient-based subjective ratings of symptoms and function have traditionally been used to gauge the success and extent of recovery following spine surgery. The main drawback of this type of assessment is the inherent subjectivity involved in patient scoring. We aimed to objectively measure functional outcome in patients having lumbar spine surgery using quantitative physical activity measurements derived from accelerometers.

Methods

A prospective study of 30 patients undergoing spine surgery was conducted with subjective outcome scores (visual analog scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Short Form 12 [SF-12]) recorded; patients were given a Fitbit accelerometer (Fitbit Inc., San Francisco, California, United States) at least 7 days in advance of surgery to record physical activity (step count, distance traveled, calories burned) per day. Following surgery, postoperative activity levels were reported at 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-up.

Results

Of the 28 compliant patients who completed the full trial period, mean steps taken per day increased 58.2% ( p = 0.008) and mean distance traveled per day increased 63% ( p = 0.0004) at 3-month follow-up. Significant improvements were noted for mean changes in VAS back pain, VAS leg pain, ODI, and SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores. There was no significant correlation between the improvement in steps or distance traveled per day with improvements in VAS back or leg pain, ODI, or PCS scores at follow-up.

Conclusions

High compliance and statistically significant improvement in physical activity were demonstrated in patients who had lumbar decompression and lumbar fusion. There was no significant correlation between improvements in subjective clinical outcome scores with changes in physical activity measurements at follow-up. Limitations of the present study include its small sample size, and the validity of objective physical activity measurements should be assessed in future larger, prospective studies.
Upper Cervical Epidural Abscess in Clinical Practice: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Al-Hourani Khalid , Al-Aref Rami , Mesfin Addisu
Published: October 2015

Study Design

Narrative review.

Objective

Upper cervical epidural abscess (UCEA) is a rare surgical emergency. Despite increasing incidence, uncertainty remains as to how it should initially be managed. Risk factors for UCEA include immunocompromised hosts, diabetes mellitus, and intravenous drug use. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature including the history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of UCEA.

Methods

Using PubMed, studies published prior to 2015 were analyzed. We used the keywords “Upper cervical epidural abscess,” “C1 osteomyelitis,” “C2 osteomyelitis,” “C1 epidural abscess,” “C2 epidural abscess.” We excluded cases with tuberculosis.

Results

The review addresses epidemiology, etiology, imaging, microbiology, and diagnosis of this condition. We also address the nonoperative and operative management options and the relative indications for each as reviewed in the literature.

Conclusion

A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this rare condition with magnetic resonance imaging being the imaging modality of choice. There has been a shift toward surgical management of this condition in recent times, with favorable outcomes.
Design and fabrication of a duoplasmatron extraction geometry and LEBT for the LANSCE H+ RFQ project
Authors: Fortgang C. M. , Batygin Y. K. , Draganic I. N. , Garnett R. W. , McCrady R. C. , Rybarcyk L. J.
Published: October 2015

The 750-keV H+ Cockcroft-Walton at LANSCE will be replaced with a recently fabricated 4-rod Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) with injection energy of 35 keV. The existing duoplasmatron source extraction optics need to be modified to produce up to 35 mA of H+ current with an emittance <0.02 π-cm-mrad (rms, norm) for injection into the RFQ. Parts for the new source have been fabricated and assembly is in process. We will use the existing duoplasmatron source with a newly designed extraction system and low energy beam transport (LEBT) for beam injection into the RFQ. In addition to source modifications, we need a new LEBT for transport and matching into the RFQ. The LEBT uses two magnetic solenoids with enough drift space between them to accommodate diagnostics and a beam deflector. The LEBT is designed to work over a range of space-charge neutralized currents and emittances. The LEBT is optimized in the sense that it minimizes the beam size in both solenoids for a point design of a given neutralized current and emittance. Special attention has been given to estimating emittance growth due to source extraction optics and solenoid aberrations. Examples of source-to-RFQ matching and emittance growth (due to both non-linear space charge and solenoid aberrations) are presented over a range of currents and emittances about the design point. A mechanical layout drawing will be presented along with the status of the source and LEBT, design, and fabrication.
Charge state breeding experiences and plans at TRIUMF
Authors: Ames F. , Marchetto M. , Mjøs A. , Morton A. C.
Published: October 2015

At the Isotope Separation and ACceleration (ISAC) facility at TRIUMF, an electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) has been set up for the charge state breeding of radioactive ions. In order to reduce background from stable ions generated in the ECRIS, several measures, including changing materials for the plasma chamber and the surrounding components, have been implemented. Further reduction has been achieved by using the post-accelerator chain as a mass filter. Since the implementation of those measures in 2013, physics experiments with accelerated radioactive isotopes of Rb, Sr, K, and Mg have been performed. In most cases, a charge breeding efficiency of several percent has been achieved. With the planned expansion of the isotope production capabilities at TRIUMF within the Advanced Rare IsotopE Laboratory project, two new target stations, one using photo-fission induced by a high-power electron beam at 50 MeV and the other one using 480 MeV protons as at ISAC, will be put into operation within the next 5 yr. Additionally, a new electron beam ion source (EBIS) based charge state breeding system will be installed. Background from such a source is expected to be much lower. The drawback is that for the efficient operation of such a system, pulsed beam operation is required, which makes the installation of an additional ion buncher in front of the EBIS necessary.
Electron stripping processes of H− ion beam in the 80 kV high voltage extraction column and low energy beam transport line at LANSCE
Authors: Draganic I. N.
Published: October 2015

Basic vacuum calculations were performed for various operating conditions of the Los Alamos National Neutron Science H− Cockcroft-Walton (CW) injector and the Ion Source Test Stand (ISTS). The vacuum pressure was estimated for both the CW and ISTS at five different points: (1) inside the H− ion source, (2) in front of the Pierce electrode, (3) at the extraction electrode, (4) at the column electrode, and (5) at the ground electrode. A static vacuum analysis of residual gases and the working hydrogen gas was completed for the normal ion source working regime. Gas density and partial pressure were estimated for the injected hydrogen gas. The attenuation of H− beam current and generation of electron current in the high voltage acceleration columns and low energy beam transport lines were calculated. The interaction of H− ions on molecular hydrogen (H2) is discussed as a dominant collision process in describing electron stripping rates. These results are used to estimate the observed increase in the ratio of electrons to H− ion beam in the ISTS beam transport line.
Effect of duty-cycles on the air plasma gas-phase of dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Barni R. , Biganzoli I. , Dell'Orto E. C. , Riccardi C.
Published: October 2015

An experimental investigation concerning the effects of a duty-cycle in the supply of a dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric pressure air has been performed. Electrical characteristics of the discharge have been measured, focusing mainly on the statistical properties of the current filaments and on dielectric surface charging, both affected by the frequent repetition of breakdown imposed by the duty-cycle. Information on the gas-phase composition was gathered too. In particular, a strong enhancement in the ozone formation rate is observed when suitable long pauses separate the active discharge phases. A simulation of the chemical kinetics in the gas-phase, based on a simplified discharge modeling, is briefly described in order to shed light on the observed increase in ozone production. The effect of a duty-cycle on surface modification of polymeric films in order to increase their wettability has been investigated too.
Steric and Electronic Effects in the Synthesis and Regioselective Hydrolysis of Unsymmetrical Imides
Authors: Shang Jing , Pourvali Aysa , Cochrane James R. , Hutton Craig A.
Published: October 2015

The AgI-promoted coupling reaction of thioamides and carboxylic acids is shown to be a useful method for the generation of unsymmetrical imides. The reaction proceeds efficiently with unhindered and electron-rich or neutral coupling partners, but not with hindered thioamides (such as thiopivalamides) or electron deficient thioamides (such as trifluorothioacetamides). Intriguingly, thioformamides are also ineffective coupling partners, despite having minimal steric or electronic influence. Hindered carboxylic acid coupling partners (such as pivalic acid) are tolerated, but electron deficient acids, such as trifluoroacetic acid, are ineffective coupling partners. Furthermore, an interplay of both steric and electronic effects is observed in the subsequent hydrolysis of unsymmetrical imides. Imides with a dimethoxybenzoyl group give high regioselectivity upon hydrolysis, favouring cleavage of the distal acyl group. Imides with a p-nitrobenzoyl or pivaloyl group give reversed selectivity, favouring cleavage of the proximal acyl group.