bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A JUMP-FLUID PRODUCTION–INVENTORY MODEL WITH A DOUBLE BAND CONTROL
Authors: Barron Yonit , Perry David , Stadje Wolfgang
Published: April 2014

We consider a production–inventory control model with two reflecting boundaries, representing the finite storage capacity and the finite maximum backlog. Demands arrive at the inventory according to a Poisson process, their i.i.d. sizes having a common phase-type distribution. The inventory is filled by a production process, which alternates between two prespecified production rates ρ1 and ρ2: as long as the content level is positive, ρ1 is applied while the production follows ρ2 during time intervals of backlog (i.e., negative content). We derive in closed form the various cost functionals of this model for the discounted case as well as under the long-run-average criterion. The analysis is based on a martingale of the Kella–Whitt type and results for fluid flow models due to Ahn and Ramaswami.
Materials characterization from diffraction intensity distribution in the γ-direction
Authors: He Bob B.
Published: April 2014

Two-dimensional X-ray diffraction (XRD2) pattern can be described by the diffraction intensity distribution in both 2θ and γ-directions. The XRD2 images can be reduced to two kinds of profiles: 2θ-profile and γ-profile. The 2θ-profile can be evaluated for phase identification, crystal structure refinement, and many applications with many existing algorithms and software. In order to evaluate the materials structure associated with the intensity distribution along γ-angle, either the XRD2 pattern should be directly analyzed or the γ-profile can be generated by 2θ-integration. A γ-profile contains information on texture, stress, crystal size, and crystal orientation relations. This paper introduces the concept and fundamental algorithms for stress, texture, and crystal size analysis by the γ-profile analysis.
Hooker, Warburton, Coleridge and the ‘Quadruple Lock’: State and Church in the Twenty-first Century
Authors: Sagovsky Nicholas
Published: April 2014

This lecture – delivered before the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 became law – discusses three conceptions of the relation of Church and state: those of Richard Hooker, Thomas Warburton and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Hooker and Coleridge bind Church and state together more closely than does Warburton in The Alliance between Church and State (1736). It is argued is that the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act points to an increasingly Warburtonian, superficial, pragmatic understanding of the relation between state and Church, which can all too easily be pulled apart. The subtler positions of Hooker and Coleridge are excluded. The ‘quadruple lock’, by which the Government affirms that it protects the position of the Church of England in upholding a traditional doctrine of marriage, has been put in place as promised, but the Act marks a significant step on the road to the disestablishment of the Church of England.
Phosphorylated H2AX in parthenogenetically activated,in vitrofertilized and cloned bovine embryos
Authors: Pereira A.F. , Melo L.M. , Freitas V.J.F. , Salamone D.F.
Published: April 2014

In vitroembryo production methods induce DNA damage in the embryos. In response to these injuries, histone H2AX is phosphorylated (γH2AX) and forms foci at the sites of DNA breaks to recruit repair proteins. In this work, we quantified the DNA damage in bovine embryos undergoing parthenogenetic activation (PA),in vitrofertilization (IVF) or somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) by measuring γH2AX accumulation at different developmental stages: 1-cell, 2-cell and blastocyst. At the 1-cell stage, IVF embryos exhibited a greater number of γH2AX foci (606.1 ± 103.2) and greater area of γH2AX staining (12923.6 ± 3214.1) than did PA and SCNT embryos. No differences at the 2-cell stage were observed among embryo types. Although PA, IVF and SCNT were associated with different blastocyst formation rates (31.1%, 19.7% and 8.3%,P< 0.05), no differences in the number of γH2AX foci or area were detected among the treatments. γH2AX is detected in bovine preimplantation embryos produced by PA, IVF and SCNT; the amount of DNA damage was comparable among those embryos developing to the blastocyst stage among different methods forin vitroembryo production. While IVF resulted in increased damage at the 1-cell embryo stage, no difference was observed between PA and SCNT embryos at any developmental stage. The decrease in the number of double-stranded breaks at the blastocyst stage seems to indicate that DNA repair mechanisms are functional during embryo development.
Dextrose 10% in the Treatment of Out-of-Hospital Hypoglycemia
Authors: Kiefer Matthew V. , Gene Hern H. , Alter Harrison J. , Barger Joseph B.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Prehospital first responders historically have treated hypoglycemia in the field with an IV bolus of 50 mL of 50% dextrose solution (D50). The California Contra Costa County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system recently adopted a protocol of IV 10% dextrose solution (D10), due to frequent shortages and relatively high cost of D50. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this approach are reported using the experience of this EMS system.

Methods

Over the course of 18 weeks, paramedics treated 239 hypoglycemic patients with D10 and recorded patient demographics and clinical outcomes. Of these, 203 patients were treated with 100 mL of D10 initially upon EMS arrival, and full data on response to treatment was available on 164 of the 203 patients. The 164 patients’ capillary glucose response to initial infusion of 100 mL of D10 was calculated and a linear regression line fit between elapsed time and difference between initial and repeat glucose values. Feasibility, safety, and the need for repeat glucose infusions were examined.

Results

The study cohort included 102 men and 62 women with a median age of 68 years. The median initial field blood glucose was 38 mg/dL, with a subsequent blood glucose median of 98 mg/dL. The median time to second glucose testing was eight minutes after beginning the 100 mL D10 infusion. Of 164 patients, 29 (18%) required an additional dose of IV D10 solution due to persistent or recurrent hypoglycemia, and one patient required a third dose. There were no reported adverse events or deaths related to D10 administration. Linear regression analysis of elapsed time and difference between initial and repeat glucose values showed near-zero correlation.

Conclusions

In addition to practical reasons of cost and availability, theoretical risks of using 50 mL of D50 in the out-of-hospital setting include extravasation injury, direct toxic effects of hypertonic dextrose, and potential neurotoxic effects of hyperglycemia. The results of one local EMS system over an 18-week period demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of using 100 mL of D10 as an alternative. Additionally, the linear regression line of repeat glucose measurements suggests that there may be little or no short-term decay in blood glucose values after D10 administration.

KieferMV, HernHG, AlterHJ, BargerJB. Dextrose 10% in the treatment of out-of-hospital hypoglycemia. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(2):1-5.
Do Females with Bulimia Nervosa and Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified Have Selective Memory Biases?
Authors: Griffith Emma , Kuyken Willem , Watkins Ed , Jones Alysun
Published: April 2014

Background:The cognitive model suggests memory biases for weight/shape and food related information could be important in the maintenance of eating disorders.Aims:The current study aims to evaluate this and extend previous research by (a) including females with eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS) as a discreet group; (b) considering whether levels of hunger and the pleasantness of the stimulus words are important in word recall.Method:The study includes three groups of females, 16 with bulimia nervosa, 18 with EDNOS and 17 non-dieting general population controls. All participants completed a self-referential encoding and memory recall task.Results:A main effect of word type (p< .01) with no group by word type interaction or between group difference was found. A priori contrasts indicated that both eating disorder groups recalled significantly more weight/shape and food words compared to all other word categories (p< .01) compared to the control group; with no significant difference found between the eating disorder groups. In relation to the recall of food words, no significant differences were found between groups for levels of hunger. Both eating disorder groups rated the negative weight/shape (p< .01), negative food (p< .01) and neutral body words (p< .01) as more unpleasant than the control group.Conclusions:The implications for cognitive theory and future research are discussed.
From Partial to Full Dialogue with Luxembourg: The Last Cooperative Step of the Italian Constitutional Court
Authors: Pollicino Oreste
Published: April 2014

The year 2013 will be remembered as a very good year for the evolution of the judicial conversation between the Court of Justice and the constitutional courts of the member states. This is true at least with regard to the particular form of judicial cooperation that may be considered the institutional channel of dialogue between the Luxembourg Court and national judges: the preliminary ruling mechanism. In 2013 the French Conseil Constitutionnel for the first time in its history sent a request for a preliminary ruling to the ECJ and the latter answered the first preliminary ruling sought in 2011 by the Spanish Tribunal Constitucional. Moreover, the Italian Corte Costituzionale decided for the first time to raise a preliminary reference to the Luxembourg judges in the context of incidenter proceedings. This represents a second step, following an initial one taken in 2008 in so called direct proceedings. The new judicial path of the Italian Constitutional Court (ICC) is in line with the new season of cooperative constitutionalism in Europe.
Reconsidering the nature and effects of habits in urban transportation behavior
Authors: BRETTE OLIVIER , BUHLER THOMAS , LAZARIC NATHALIE , MARECHAL KEVIN
Published: April 2014

This paper adds to the growing empirical evidence on the importance of habits in governing human behavior, and sheds new light on individual inertia in relation to transportation behavior. An enriched perspective rooted in Veblenian evolutionary economics (VEE) is used to construct a theoretical framework in order to analyze the processes at play in the formation and reinforcement of habits. The empirical study explores more specifically the synchronic processes strengthening the car-using habit. In addition to underlining the shortcomings of a ‘decision theory’ perspective to address urban transportation behaviors, we find that synchronic habits can have a significant effect on behavioral inertia. Our results suggest the existence of positive feedback between the development of synchronic habits, qualitative perceptions of driving times, and reinforcement of the car-using habit. The paper points out also that the diachronic dimension of habits would constitute another promising domain for further research on behavioral inertia in transportation.
Economics for a creative world
Authors: KOPPL ROGER , KAUFFMAN STUART , FELIN TEPPO , LONGO GIUSEPPE
Published: April 2014

Drawing on current biology, we argue that the phase space of economic evolution is not stable. Thus, there are no entailing laws of economic dynamics. In this sense, economic dynamics are creative and the economy is not a causal system. Because economic dynamics are creative, the implicit frame of analysis for the econosphere changes in unprestatable and non-algorithmic ways. New-venture, social, and political entrepreneurs solve the frame problem of the econosphere. Economic evolution is unpredictable, not entailed, and the number of things traded (‘cambiodiversity’) increases over time. Our metatheoretic framework points out how institutions, entrepreneurs, and disparate actors enable what we call ‘novelty intermediation’. We provide examples of novelty intermediation from Rennaissance Italy to Silicon Valley. Our framework does not automatically provide clear policy prescriptions in part because our main result is negative. It may nevertheless provide a useful prolegomenon to a future economics fit for a creative world.
Association Between Physical and Motor Development in Childhood: A Longitudinal Study of Japanese Twins
Authors: Silventoinen Karri , Pitkäniemi Janne , Latvala Antti , Kaprio Jaakko , Yokoyama Yoshie
Published: April 2014

Length and weight in infancy are associated with neurodevelopment, but less is known about growth in other anthropometric measures. In this study we analyzed how the development in length, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference over infancy is associated with motor development in early childhood, using a twin study design. Information on physical development over infancy and the age at achievement of eight developmental milestones over early childhood was collected for 370 Japanese twin pairs. Linear mixed models were used to analyze how physical development is associated with motor development between individual twins, as well as within twin pairs, adjusting the results for shared maternal and postnatal environmental factors. Delayed motor development was associated with smaller body size over infancy, and we also found some suggestive evidence that it was associated with catch-up growth as well. When studying the associations within twin pairs discordant for motor development, similar associations were found. However, chest circumference showed the most robust association within discordant twin pairs. Smaller body size and rapid catch-up growth are associated with delayed motor development. When studying these associations within twin pairs and thus adjusting the results for gestational age as well as many other maternal and postnatal environmental factors, chest circumference showed the most robust association. Chest circumference, rarely used in developed countries, can offer additional information on prenatal conditions relevant for further motor development not achieved by more traditional anthropometric measures.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: JNK confers 5-fluorouracil resistance in p53-deficient and mutant p53-expressing colon cancer cells by inducing survival autophagy
Authors: Sui Xinbing , Kong Na , Wang Xian , Fang Yong , Hu Xiaotong , Xu Yinghua , Chen Wei , Wang Kaifeng , Li Da , Jin Wei , Lou Fang , Zheng Yu , Hu Hong , Gong Liu , Zhou Xiaoyun , Pan Hongming , Han Weidong
Published: April 2014

Deficiency or mutation in the p53 tumor suppressor gene commonly occurs in human cancer and can contribute to disease progression and chemotherapy resistance. Currently, although the pro-survival or pro-death effect of autophagy remains a controversial issue, increasing data seem to support the idea that autophagy facilitates cancer cell resistance to chemotherapy treatment. Here we report that 5-FU treatment causes aberrant autophagosome accumulation in HCT116 p53−/− and HT-29 cancer cells. Specific inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA, CQ or small interfering RNA treatment targeting Atg5 or Beclin 1 can potentiate the re-sensitization of these resistant cancer cells to 5-FU. In further analysis, we show that JNK activation and phosphorylation of Bcl-2 are key determinants in 5-FU-induced autophagy. Inhibition of JNK by the compound SP600125 or JNK siRNA suppressed autophagy and phosphorylation of c-Jun and Bcl-2 but increased 5-FU-induced apoptosis in both HCT116 p53−/− and HT29 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that JNK activation confers 5-FU resistance in HCT116 p53−/− and HT29 cells by promoting autophagy as a pro-survival effect, likely via inducing Bcl-2 phosphorylation. These results provide a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of 5-FU-based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer patients harboring a p53 gene mutation.
Computer modeling of the complexes of Chlorin e6 with amphiphilic polymers
Authors: Tsvetkov Vladimir B. , Solov'eva Anna B. , Melik-Nubarov Nickolay S.
Published: April 2014

Analysis of Chlorin e6 docking on Pluronic and PVP coils revealed that polymer complexes are stabilized by an ensemble of multipoint van der Waals interactions, with the Chlorin e6 ring lying flat on the surface of polymer molecules.
Fucoidan from the sea cucumber Acaudina molpadioides exhibits anti-adipogenic activity by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and down-regulating the SREBP-1c expression
Authors: Xu Hui , Wang Jingfeng , Chang Yaoguang , Xu Jie , Wang Yuming , Long Tengteng , Xue Changhu
Published: April 2014

A novel fucoidan, which consists of a 1 → 3-linked tetrafucose repeating unit that is distinctive in its sulphation pattern, was isolated from the sea cucumberAcaudina molpadioides.
A novel protocol for generating high-affinity ssDNA aptamers by using alternating magnetic fields
Authors: Lai Ji-Ching , Hong Chin-Yih
Published: April 2014

A novel non-evolutionary protocol for generating high-affinity ssDNA aptamers using alternating magnetic fields is presented and demonstrated.
Two-dimensional g-C3N4: an ideal platform for examining facet selectivity of metal co-catalysts in photocatalysis
Authors: Bai Song , Wang Xijun , Hu Canyu , Xie Maolin , Jiang Jun , Xiong Yujie
Published: April 2014

Two-dimensional g-C3N4 nanosheets with few-layer thickness, ensuring equivalent charge migrations to various Pd facets, provide an ideal model system for examining the facet selectivity of Pd co-catalysts.
Synthesis and in vitro assessment of a bifunctional closomer probe for fluorine (19F) magnetic resonance and optical bimodal cellular imaging
Authors: Goswami Lalit N. , Khan Aslam A. , Jalisatgi Satish S. , Hawthorne M. Frederick
Published: April 2014

The design, synthesis and in vitro assessment of a closo-borane based bifunctional imaging probe for dual fluorine (19F) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (19F-MRS) and fluorescence detection is reported.
A tetraphenylethene-based zinc complex as a sensitive DNA probe by coordination interaction
Authors: Zhu Zece , Xu Li , Li Hao , Zhou Xiang , Qin Jingui , Yang Chuluo
Published: April 2014

A new DNA probe based on coordination interactions exhibited higher sensitivity than the corresponding probe based on electrostatic interactions.
High entropy alloy mediated growth of graphene
Authors: Kao Yih-Farn , Hung Chia-I , Chang Shih-Hsin , Yeh Jien-Wei , Hsu Wen-Kuang
Published: April 2014

Pyrolysis of acetylene over thin films made of CuxFeCoNiMn yields graphene and its sheet dimensions are found to be controlled by x. A monolayer structure forms at x = 0.5 and the sheet size reaches a value as large as 600 μm2.
Intermolecular interactions in organic crystals: gaining insight from electronic structure analysis by density functional theory
Authors: Zhang Mingtao , Li Tonglei
Published: April 2014

Conceptual density functional theory is exploited to extend the HSAB (hard and soft acids and bases) principle for investigating the locality and regioselectivity of intermolecular interactions in organic crystals.
Adsorption of linear aliphatic α,ω-dithiols on plasmonic metal nanoparticles: a structural study based on surface-enhanced Raman spectra
Authors: Kubackova J. , Izquierdo-Lorenzo I. , Jancura D. , Miskovsky P. , Sanchez-Cortes S.
Published: April 2014

The adsorption mechanism of linear aliphatic α,ω-dithiols with chain lengths of 6, 8 and 10 carbon atoms on silver and gold nanoparticles has been studied by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy.
Electrochemistry of orthosilicate-based lithium battery cathodes: a perspective
Authors: Ferrari Stefania , Capsoni Doretta , Casino Simone , Destro Matteo , Gerbaldi Claudio , Bini Marcella
Published: April 2014

In this perspective we highlight the electrochemical features of lithium metal orthosilicates, investigated by combined in or ex situ XRD and electrochemical measurements.
Cobalt porphyrin electrode films for electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Han Ali , Jia Hongxing , Ma Hao , Ye Shifan , Wu Haotian , Lei Haitao , Han Yongzhen , Cao Rui , Du Pingwu
Published: April 2014

Two water-insoluble cobalt porphyrin complexes were synthesized and used to prepare electrode films on FTO. The films showed good activities and possible recyclability for water oxidation catalysis under benign conditions. No heterogeneous cobalt oxides were observed in the reaction system, as have been confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, SEM, and EDX measurements.
Interstellar H adsorption and H2formation on the crystalline (010) forsterite surface: a B3LYP-D2* periodic study
Authors: Navarro-Ruiz Javier , Sodupe Mariona , Ugliengo Piero , Rimola Albert
Published: April 2014

Interstellar H2formation on an extended crystalline (010) Mg2SiO4slab surface model has been studied by means of B3LYP-D2* periodic simulations.
The UV absorption spectrum of the simplest Criegee intermediate CH2OO
Authors: Ting Wei-Lun , Chen Ying-Hsuan , Chao Wen , Smith Mica C. , Lin Jim Jr-Min
Published: April 2014

The absolute UV absorption spectrum of CH2OO was determined using multiple methods.
Spectral evidence for hydrogen-induced reversible segregation of CO adsorbed on titania-supported rhodium
Authors: Panayotov D. , Mihaylov M. , Nihtianova D. , Spassov T. , Hadjiivanov K.
Published: April 2014

Adsorption of hydrogen on titania-supported Rh nanoparticles partially covered by CO causes compression of the CO adlayer.
Dielectric spectra of ionic liquids and their conversion to solvation dynamics: a detailed computational analysis of polarizable systems
Authors: Schmollngruber Michael , Schröder Christian , Steinhauser Othmar
Published: April 2014

Using the reaction field continuum model the dielectric spectra of three selected ionic liquids were converted to the solvation dynamics of coumarin 153. It is shown in detail that the inclusion of the static conductivity in this model is essential.
Structural modification strategies for the rational design of red/NIR region BODIPYs
Authors: Lu Hua , Mack John , Yang Yongchao , Shen Zhen
Published: April 2014

The structure–property relationships of red/NIR region BODIPY dyes is analyzed, so that trends in their photophysical properties can be readily compared.
Incorporation of Zn2+ ions into the secondary structure of heteropoly tungstate: catalytic efficiency for synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and urea
Authors: Jagadeeswaraiah K. , Kumar Ch. Ramesh , Prasad P. S. Sai , Lingaiah N.
Published: April 2014

Zinc exchanged heteropoly tungstates (ZnxTPA) are highly active catalysts for the synthesis of glycerol carbonate from glycerol and urea. The activity depends on the number of Zn2+ ions in the secondary structure of heteropoly tungstate.
Adsorption and desulfurization reaction mechanism of thiophene and its hydrogenated derivatives over NbC(001) and NbN(001): an ab initio DFT study
Authors: de Souza Eugenio Furtado , Ramalho Teodorico C. , Chagas Carlos Alberto , de Alencastro Ricardo Bicca
Published: April 2014

Herein, we present periodic DFT-based calculations on the thiophene and its H-derivatives adsorption and reaction pathways over niobium carbide and nitride cubic face-centered (001) surfaces.
An examination of traditional foods and cigarette smoking as cadmium sources among the nine First Nations of Eeyou Istchee, northern Quebec, Canada
Authors: Charania Nadia A. , Tsuji Leonard J. S. , Martin Ian D. , Liberda Eric N. , Coté Suzanne , Ayotte Pierre , Dewailly Eric , Nieboer Evert
Published: April 2014

Blood cadmium concentrations, dietary patterns, and personal information for nine Cree First Nations communities of northern Quebec (Canada) are used to investigate sources of the toxic metal cadmium.
Characterization of calcified reference materials for assessing the reliability of manganese determinations in teeth and bone
Authors: Praamsma Meredith L. , Parsons Patrick J.
Published: April 2014

Robust values for manganese with expanded uncertainties were assigned to several calcified reference materials, which were evaluated for use in LA-ICP-MS analysis.
Precise determination of Os isotope ratios in the 15–4000 pg range using a sparging method using enhanced-sensitivity multiple Faraday collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Kimura Jun-Ichi , Nozaki Tatsuo , Senda Ryoko , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: April 2014

Precise determination of Os isotope ratios in 15–4000 pg Os by sparging-Multiple Faraday Cup-ICP-MS.
A paper microfluidic cartridge for automated staining of malaria parasites with an optically transparent microscopy window
Authors: Horning Matthew P. , Delahunt Charles B. , Singh S. Ryan , Garing Spencer H. , Nichols Kevin P.
Published: April 2014

A capillary flow driven microfluidic system for the generation and staining of thin and thick blood smears prior to microscopy is presented.
A facile route to monodisperse MPd (M = Co or Cu) alloy nanoparticles and their catalysis for electrooxidation of formic acid
Authors: Ho Sally Fae , Mendoza-Garcia Adriana , Guo Shaojun , He Kai , Su Dong , Liu Sheng , Metin Önder , Sun Shouheng
Published: April 2014

MPd (M: Co, Cu) nanoparticles were synthesized by borane–amine reduction of metal acetylacetonates and showed high catalytic performance in formic acid oxidation.
Construction of rotacatenanes using rotaxane and catenane frameworks
Authors: Xue Wen , Li Ziyong , Liu Guoxing , Chen Xiaoqiang , Li Tingting , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun
Published: April 2014

The construction of novel mechanically interlocked structures has become a topic of great current interest due to the requirements of topology and their potential application in molecular machines and devices.
A facile and convenient sequential homobimetallic catalytic approach towards β-methylstyrenes. A one-pot Stille cross-coupling/isomerization strategy
Authors: Simonetti Sebastián O. , Larghi Enrique L. , Kaufman Teodoro S.
Published: April 2014

A one-pot approach towards β-methylstyrenes is reported. The transformation involves a Stille cross-coupling reaction of aryl halides with allyltributylstannane, followed by anin situPd-catalyzed double bond conjugative migration.
Rapid, semi-automated convergent synthesis of low generation triazine dendrimers using microwave assisted reactions
Authors: Enciso Alan E. , Abid Zachary M. , Simanek Eric E.
Published: April 2014

Microwave assisted synthesis allows for the rapid access of low generation triazine dendrimers in high yields.
Effects of cyano (CN)-groups on the planarity, film morphology and photovoltaic performance of benzodithiophene-based polymers
Authors: Lu Jialing , Yuan Jianyu , Guo Wenping , Huang Xiaodong , Liu Zeke , Zhao Haibing , Wang Hai-Qiao , Ma Wanli
Published: April 2014

A class of polymers (POT-DH, POT-HCN and POT-DCN) were synthesized and they contain the same donor (BDT) and acceptor units but different numbers of cyano (CN)-groups, i.e. 0, 1 and 2.
Synthesis and photophysics of a broadband absorbing texaphyrin derivative bearing a Rhodamine 6G motif
Authors: Hu Lei , Pei Chengkui , Li Zhongjing , Wang Chengzhe , Yang Guichun , Sun Wenfang
Published: April 2014

A texaphyrin derivative with Rhodamine 6G attached via a CC bond was synthesized and its photophysics was systematically investigated.
Simultaneously improving the tensile strength and modulus of aramid fiber by enhancing amorphous phase in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Kong Haijuan , Teng Cuiqing , Liu Xindong , Zhou Jianjun , Zhong Hongpeng , Zhang Yue , Han Keqing , Yu Muhuo
Published: April 2014

Improving the tensile strength and modulus of aramid fibers by enhancement of the amorphous phase in supercritical carbon dioxide.
Electrochemical and DFT study on the inhibition of 316L stainless steel corrosion in acidic medium by 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-amino-1H-tetrazole
Authors: Ehsani Ali , Mahjani Mohammad Ghasem , Moshrefi Reza , Mostaanzadeh Hossein , Shayeh Javad Shabani
Published: April 2014

This article describes the best corrosion inhibition behavior and adsorption of newly synthesized amino tetrazole using electrochemical and computational methods.
Urchin-like Au-nanoparticles@Ag-nanohemisphere arrays as active SERS-substrates for recognition of PCBs
Authors: Tang Haibin , Meng Guowen , Huang Qing , Zhu Chuhong , Huang Zhulin , Li Zhongbo , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Yao
Published: April 2014

Large-scale ordered urchin-like Au-nanoparticles decorated Ag-nanohemisphere nanodot arrays show highly active surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect for rapid recognition of PCB-3.
Tuned surface area and mesopore diameter of ordered mesoporous carbon: ultrahigh decontamination of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
Authors: Tripathi Pranav K. , Liu Mingxian , Gan Lihua
Published: April 2014

High surface area ordered mesoporous carbons were fabricated as superior adsorbents for ultrahigh decontamination of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate from a model water pollutant.
Expedient synthesis of novel 1,4-benzoxazine and butenolide derivatives
Authors: Choudhary Garima , Naganaboina Ram Tilak , Peddinti Rama Krishna
Published: April 2014

A rapid and efficient protocol for the synthesis of 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives has been developed. These intermediates served as precursors for the synthesis of a series of novel butenolide derivatives and 2-amino-1,4-benzoxazine derivatives.
Layer-by-layer self-assembly of Nafion–[CS–PWA] composite membranes with suppressed vanadium ion crossover for vanadium redox flow battery applications
Authors: Lu Shanfu , Wu Chunxiao , Liang Dawei , Tan Qinglong , Xiang Yan
Published: April 2014

CS–PWA–Nafion composite membranes were successfully synthesized via a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. They exhibited low vanadium ion permeability and improved comprehensive performance in VRFBs.
Photocatalytic hydrogenation of alkenes to alkanes in alcoholic suspensions of palladium-loaded titanium(iv) oxide without the use of hydrogen gas
Authors: Imamura Kazuya , Okubo Yuki , Ito Tomohiko , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

Styrene was successfully hydrogenated to ethylbenzene in alcoholic suspensions of a Pd–TiO2 photocatalyst.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver(i) reduction by the periplasmic nitrate reductase c-type cytochrome subunit NapC in a silver-resistant E. coli
Authors: Lin Iris Wing-Shan , Lok Chun-Nam , Che Chi-Ming
Published: April 2014

The periplasmic nitrate reductase c-type cytochrome subunit NapC plays a major role in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from the reduction of silver ions in a silver-resistantE. coli.
Highly selective and efficient heavy metal capture with polysulfide intercalated layered double hydroxides
Authors: Ma Shulan , Chen Qingmei , Li Hao , Wang Pengli , Islam Saiful M. , Gu Qingyang , Yang Xiaojing , Kanatzidis Mercouri G.
Published: April 2014

Intercalation of polysulfides into LDHs forms layered composites that can separate Hg2+, Ag+ and Cu2+ from mixed ions with high selectivity and capacity.
Kaolin-reinforced 3D MBG scaffolds with hierarchical architecture and robust mechanical strength for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Tang Wei , Yuan Yuan , Lin Dan , Niu Haoyi , Liu Changsheng
Published: April 2014

Mechanically stable MBG-XK scaffolds with hierarchical porous structure and excellent biologic performance were prepared via a facile multi-template method with kaolin as reinforcing agent.
Drug delivery systems based on pharmaceutically active ionic liquids and biocompatible poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Jouannin Claire , Tourné-Péteilh Corine , Darcos Vincent , Sharkawi Tahmer , Devoisselle Jean-Marie , Gaveau Philippe , Dieudonné Philippe , Vioux André , Viau Lydie
Published: April 2014

API-ILs were encapsulated into biocompatible PLLA. The morphology and crystallinity of the resulting membranes can be tuned by varying the IL nature and content leading to controlled release.
Compact 433 MHz antenna for wireless smart system applications
Authors: Buckley J. , Gaetano D. , McCarthy K.G. , Loizou L. , O'Flynn B. , O'Mathuna C.
Published: April 2014

A compact, planar antenna operating at 433 MHz is proposed for wireless smart systems with dimensions of 51 × 28 mm2 including a ground plane, and printed on a low‐cost FR4 material. Significant size reduction is achieved using the variation of an inverted‐F antenna configuration with a square‐spiral section and rectangular patch element. Fine‐tuning of the antenna's resonant frequency is possible using a small capacitive stub. Sensor and radio transceiver electronics can be accommodated above the ground plane. The measured results indicate a 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 4.5 MHz, and a peak realised gain of −13 dBi with omnidirectional radiation characteristics.
Low‐power readout circuit for quanta image sensors
Authors: Masoodian S. , Odame K. , Fossum E.R.
Published: April 2014

A low‐power analogue readout circuit for quanta image sensors is reported. A modified charge‐transfer amplifier is used in column‐parallel circuits to reduce the internal readout circuit power 50‐fold compared to the state of the art, and will achieve 2 mW total power dissipation (all columns) when applied to a 1 Mpixel binary image sensor operating at 1000 fields per second.
Can V2 control be applied to boost converter?
Authors: Zhou Guohua , He Sheng Zhong , Chen Xin , Cui Hengfeng
Published: April 2014

It is 18 years since the V2 control was proposed in 1996. Many publications have shown that the V2 controlled switching converter exhibits an ultra‐fast load transient response. Recently, it has been reported that the conventional V2 control is inherently a peak V2 control, based on which V2 control can be classified as peak V2 and valley V2 controls. However, till now the switching converter with V2 control is almost a buck converter. This leads to the investigation of whether the V2 control can be applied to a boost converter.
On the linear complexity of interleaved binary sequences of period 4p obtained from Hall sequences or Legendre and Hall sequences
Authors: Edemskiy V.
Published: April 2014

Sequences with an optimal autocorrelation property and with large linear complexity are needed in certain communication systems and cryptography. Tang and Ding obtained new classes of almost balanced binary sequences with an optimal autocorrelation value. In this reported work, it is explored as to when interleaved binary sequences of period 4p obtained by Tang and Ding's technique from Hall sequences or Legendre and Hall sequences possess high linear complexity.
Linear matrix inequalities‐based membership‐function‐dependent stability analysis for non‐parallel distributed compensation fuzzy‐model‐based control systems
Authors: Lam Hak Keung , Wu Ligang , Zhao Yanbin
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the stability of fuzzy‐model‐based (FMB) control system, which is formed by a Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy model representing a non‐linear plant and a fuzzy controller connected in a closed loop. The proposed fuzzy controller considers a higher design flexibility that the premise membership functions and the number of fuzzy rules are allowed to be not the same as those of the T–S fuzzy model. By employing simple membership functions and a smaller number of fuzzy rules, the complexity of the fuzzy controller can be reduced to facilitate its implementation. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, a membership‐function‐dependent (MFD) stability analysis is proposed to develop stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to determine the system stability and facilitate the control synthesis. The information of the membership functions is brought to the MFD LMI‐based stability conditions, which are dedicated to the FMB control system under consideration. It is thus the proposed MFD stability analysis result is more relaxed compared with the existing membership‐function‐independent stability analysis results. A simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Synchronised tracking control for multiple strict‐feedback non‐linear systems under switching network
Authors: Yoo Sung Jin
Published: April 2014

This study addresses a synchronised tracking problem for multiple strict‐feedback systems with different non‐linear functions under a jointly switching directed graph topology. A group with a stationary leader or with a dynamic leader is considered separately and each follower only shares information with its neighbours locally. For the case with each leader, the authors propose each distributed consensus algorithm based on the dynamic surface design to guarantee the consensus between the followers and the leader in any dimensional space where the leader's velocity and the derivatives of non‐linear functions of neighbours are not required to implement the controller even if the order of followers increases. In particular, it is shown from the Lyapunov‐based analysis that consensus errors are cooperatively semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the consensus tracking is achieved in the presence of the stationary leader under the switching jointly connected interaction network and in the presence of the dynamic leader under the directed switching network.
Multiplayer tracking system for short track speed skating
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Cheng Hengda D. , Shan Juan
Published: April 2014

In this study, the authors propose a novel and effective short track speed skating tracking system. Aimed at several challenging tracking problems of short track skating: long‐time occlusion and complex group situations, size variations, similar or identical uniforms, fast motion speed, quick orientation changes etc.; a novel fuzzy model is proposed to initialise contours of skaters even they wear the same kind of uniform. Then, a novel approach for multiple object tracking is developed to track skaters reliably. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can solve the above challenging problems very effectively. The information provided by the proposed system, including trajectories, velocity analysis and two‐dimensional reconstruction animations, is valuable to broadcasters, athletes and coaches alike. The proposed tracking algorithm can obtain better results than that by the other eight state‐of‐the‐art trackers in short track speed skating tracking.
Three‐phase transient state estimation algorithm for distribution systems
Authors: Watson Neville R. , Farzanehrafat Ali
Published: April 2014

The detection of the source and severity of disturbances is important as this allows network companies to respond faster and remediate the problem more quickly. After an event, knowledge of the severity of a disturbance at various busbars gives understanding of what equipment was subjected to and an indication of possible improvements needed to mitigate further events. Owing to the cost, it is impractical to fully monitor the network, however, with judicious selection of measurement points, and using state estimation techniques, allows information at unmonitored locations to be determined. Hence, a cost effective detection system can be developed. This study documents a new three‐phase transient state estimation algorithm and demonstrates its performance with realistic background harmonic voltage distortion and with measurement error. The transient state estimation is based on the numerical integrator substitution method (Dommel's method for discretising the differential equations).
Night‐time pedestrian classification with histograms of oriented gradients‐local binary patterns vectors
Authors: Hurney Patrick , Waldron Peter , Morgan Fearghal , Jones Edward , Glavin Martin
Published: April 2014

The use of night vision systems in vehicles is becoming increasingly common, not just in luxury cars but also in the more cost sensitive sectors. Numerous approaches using infrared sensors have been proposed in the literature to detect and classify pedestrians in low visibility situations. However, the performance of these systems is limited by the capability of the classifier. This paper presents a novel method of classifying pedestrians in far‐infrared automotive imagery. Regions of interest are segmented from the infrared frame using seeded region growing. A novel method of filtering the region growing results based on the location and size of the bounding box within the frame is described. This results in a smaller number of regions of interest for classification, leading to a reduced false positive rate. Histograms of oriented gradient features and local binary pattern features are extracted from the regions of interest and concatenated to form a feature for classification. Pedestrians are tracked with a Kalman filter to increase detection rates and system robustness. Detection rates of 98%, and false positive rates of 1% have been achieved on a database of 2000 images and streams of video; this is a 3% improvement on previously reported detection rates.
Energy efficient resource sharing using a traffic‐oriented routing scheme for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Mastorakis George , Bourdena Athina , Pallis Evangelos
Published: April 2014

This study proposes a resource intensive traffic‐aware scheme, incorporated into an energy‐efficient routing protocol that enables maximum energy conservation and efficient data flow coordination, among secondary communicating nodes with heterogeneous spectrum availability in cognitive radio networks. The proposed scheme associates the backward difference of the traffic moments of each node according to a Fibonacci model, with the sleep‐time duration, in order to tune the activity periods for achieving optimal energy conservation. Efficient routing protocol operation, as a matter of maximum‐possible routing paths establishments and minimum delays is obtained, by utilising a signalling mechanism, developed based on a simulation scenario that includes secondary communication nodes, operating over television white spaces. The validity of the proposed Fibonacci‐based backward traffic difference is verified, by conducting experimental simulation tests. Simulation results validate the efficiency of the proposed traffic‐aware scheme for minimising energy consumption and routing delays, as well as maximising resources exchange between secondary communication nodes.
Transient response evaluation of stationary‐frame resonant current controllers for grid‐connected applications
Authors: Vidal Ana , Freijedo Francisco D. , Yepes Alejandro G. , Malvar Jano , López Óscar , Doval‐Gandoy Jesús
Published: April 2014

This study deepens on the transient response analysis of the so‐called vector proportional–integral (VPI) controllers and compares them with the popular proportional–resonant (PR) controllers for grid‐connected applications. The employed methodology is based on the study of the error signal roots: both reference tracking and disturbance rejection abilities are considered for proper gain tuning. This study proves that PR controllers lead to shorter settling times than VPI controllers. A three‐phase voltage source converter prototype has been implemented. Experimental results comparing the transient behaviour of VPI and PR controllers in different conditions are provided: a + 90° phase‐angle jump in the current reference and a ‘type C’ voltage sag at the point of common coupling.
Low‐angle tracking algorithm using polarisation sensitive array for very‐high frequency radar
Authors: Xu Zhen‐hai , Wu Jia‐ni , Xiong Ziyuan , Xiao Shun‐ping
Published: April 2014

Low‐angle tracking algorithm using polarisation sensitive array is proposed for very‐high frequency radar. First, the receiving signal model is established in multipath environment based on the complex reflection coefficient model. Then the decorrelating efficiency of polarisation smoothing (PS) is presented by analysing the condition number of envelop covariance matrix by PS. After that, the PS‐MUSIC algorithm which combines the PS preprocessing and the MUSIC algorithm is established. Its performances, in terms of the signal‐to‐noise ratio, elevation angle of target and polarisation angle, are evaluated by simulations. The PS‐MUSIC algorithm needs only a few snapshots or even a single one. This method can work well in a narrow band system and is not restrained by array configuration. It can also be applied in other scenarios, where multipath effect is serious.
Risk model for landslide hazard assessment
Authors: Morello Rosario , De Capua Claudio , Lugarà Mariacarla , Lamonaca Francesco , Fabbiano Laura
Published: April 2014

Landslide is a natural phenomenon widely spread in the Mediterranean. It is a process that shapes the Earth's surface. Landslide events affect principally mountainous areas and zones with cut slopes. Consequences can be catastrophic when they occur in proximity of residential areas. Therefore a landslide event is often a cause of death and economic damages. Risk evaluation, hazard assessment or prediction of landslides represent an interesting field of research. Landslide risk assessment needs for measurements and data processing with specific requirements of accuracy. As a consequence, the development of reliable risk models and prediction systems is a current and important challenge for researchers. In the manuscript, the authors deal with the landslide issue. A risk model for landslide hazard assessment is proposed. Information on landslide triggering events and historical data on previous landslides are used to draw hazard maps for the monitored area. Topographical and environmental information is used to divide the area in several local zones. For each zone, the associated risk level is estimated. A final hazard map provides general information on landslide risk, so to single out hazard situations for exposed population. The model can support the management and planning of suitable interventions and actions to reduce death and economic damages.
Multiwavelengths lidar to detect atmospheric aerosol properties
Authors: De Tomasi Ferdinando , Perrone Maria Rita
Published: April 2014

The peculiarity of lidar systems is to provide profiles of optical properties of the atmosphere. The use of specific wavelengths and the selection of different kinds of backscattering (elastic, Raman, polarisation selective) permit to obtain information about suspended particles (aerosols). The authors show here a case study in which particle signals are detected from the boundary layer up to the stratosphere. Information on the size distribution of the different layers can be obtained, using a graphical method relying on the spectral dependence of aerosol extinction. The authors apply this method, for the first time to their knowledge, to stratospheric aerosol.
Flow sensing and energy harvesting characteristics of a wind‐driven piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52, Ti0.48)O3 microcantilever
Authors: Liu Huicong , Zhang Songsong , Kobayashi Takeshi , Chen Tao , Lee Chengkuo
Published: April 2014

Wind flow regarded as a renewable energy source is present everywhere in indoor or open environments. A self‐sustained flow‐sensing microsystem is especially desirable in future applications of smart home, remote sensing and environmental monitoring. Piezoelectric thin films are commonly adopted in microenergy harvesters for converting the mechanical strain into an electrical charge based on the piezoelectric effect. It is also a promising candidate for flow sensors because of its passive nature, that is, the detectable output charge is a function of flow rate. The aim of this reported work has been to investigate the flow sensing and energy harvesting capabilities of a flexible piezoelectric Pb(Zr0.52, Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) microcantilever under wind flow. A self‐sustained flow‐sensing microsystem is possible by integrating the arrays of PZT microcantilevers, which measure the flow rate of ambient wind by one microcantilever and scavenge wind‐flow energy as a power source by the rest.