bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium(0)-mediated C–H bond activation of N-(naphthyl)salicylaldimine and related ligands: utilization of the resulting organopalladium complexes in catalytic C–C and C–N coupling reactions
Authors: Dutta Jayita , Richmond Michael G. , Bhattacharya Samaresh
Published: June 2015

Aldimine ligands undergo palladium(0) mediated C–H bond activation to afford cyclopalladated complexes, which efficiently catalyze C–C and C–N coupling.
Research highlights: under-recognized precursors and sources for disinfection byproduct formation
Authors: Ye Tao , Shuai Danmeng , Tan David T.
Published: June 2015

This Highlight article covers several unconventional precursors and sources for disinfection byproduct formation from recent studies.
Evaluation of anti-diabetic and alpha glucosidase inhibitory action of anthraquinones from Rheum emodi
Authors: Arvindekar Aditya , More Tanaji , Payghan Pavan V. , Laddha Kirti , Ghoshal Nanda , Arvindekar Akalpita
Published: June 2015

The 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinones from the culinary and medicinally important plant Rheum emodi exert anti-hyperglycemic potential but notably different α-glucosidase actions as established by in vitro, in vivo, kinetics and molecular docking studies.
Instrumental isotope fractionation in multiple-collector icp-ms
Authors: Albarède Francis , Albalat Emmanuelle , Télouk Philippe
Published: June 2015

A new law is proposed to account for the decrease of instrumental isotope fractionation in MC-ICP-MS with increasing transmission.
New PKS-NRPS tetramic acids and pyridinone from an Australian marine-derived fungus, Chaunopycnis sp.
Authors: Shang Zhuo , Li Li , Espósito Breno P. , Salim Angela A. , Khalil Zeinab G. , Quezada Michelle , Bernhardt Paul V. , Capon Robert J.
Published: June 2015

Marine-derived fungus Chaunopycnis sp. yielded the tetramic acid F-14329 (1) and new analogues, chaunolidines A–C (2–4), together with the new pyridinone chaunolidone A (5), and pyridoxatin (6).
Q2DSTD NMR deciphers epitope-mapping variability for peptide recognition of integrin αvβ6
Authors: Sorge Jessica L. , Wagstaff Jane L. , Rowe Michelle L. , Williamson Richard A. , Howard Mark J.
Published: June 2015

1H T1 relaxation modified 2D STD NMR reveals integrin αvβ6 molecular specificity.
High-efficiency fluorescent polyimides based on locally excited triarylamine-containing dianhydride moieties
Authors: Wu Jia-Hao , Liou Guey-Sheng
Published: June 2015

Three fluorescent polyimides (PIs) were readily synthesized from the polycondensation of triarylamine-based tetracarboxylic dianhydride monomers with aliphatic diamine. The PL intensity of solid films and nanofibers revealed high PL quantum yields of up to 32% and 35%, respectively.
Dispersion and distribution of bimetallic oxides in SBA-15, and their enhanced activity for reverse water gas shift reaction
Authors: Lu Baowang , Ju Yiwen , Abe Takayuki , Kawamoto Katsuya
Published: June 2015

Bimetallic oxides could be well distributed on the SBA-15 surface, and exhibited high catalytic perforation for RWGS reaction.
Cr effect on the durability of Pt–TM catalysts for PEMFCs
Authors: Kim Jungdo , Lee Eung-Seok , Chun Yoon-Soo , Lim Dae-Soon
Published: June 2015

Pt–TM–Cr/C alloy catalysts were produced by a polyol method. We investigated the improvement of durability by the addition of a small amount of Cr, which is expected to prevent dissolution of transition metals.
Effect of adsorbed molecules on surface-enhanced Raman scattering of metal/molecule/metal junctions
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Zhou Qun , Chu Wenya , Zhao Wei , Zheng Junwei
Published: June 2015

Effect of microenvironments on molecular junctions can be elucidated by variation in surface-enhanced Raman scattering of 4-aminothiophenol interconnected in silver/4-aminothiophenol/silver junctions modified with different molecules.
Voltammetric analysis of nitroxoline in tablets and human serum using modified carbon paste electrodes incorporating mesoporous carbon or multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ghoneim Mohamed M. , El-Desoky Hanaa S. , Matsuda Atsunori , Hattori Toshiaki , Abdel-Galeil Mohamed M.
Published: June 2015

Mesoporous carbon (MC) was synthesized using mesoporous SiO2template material (SBA-15) and sucrose as the carbon source. SBA-15, MC and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were used as sensors for determination of nitroxoline drug.
Au@ZnO hybrid nanostructures: correlation between morphology and optical response
Authors: Encina Ezequiel R. , Pérez Manuel A. , Coronado Eduardo A.
Published: June 2015

Au@ZnO HNs were synthesized implementing a simple method, the modeling of its optical properties allowed estimate the water content in the ZnO shell.
Magnetic nanoparticle-supported imidazole tribromide: a green, mild, recyclable and metal-free catalyst for the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides in the presence of aqueous hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Otokesh Somayeh , Kolvari Eskandar , Amoozadeh Ali , Koukabi Nadiya
Published: June 2015

Imidazole tribromide immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles as a bromine source was prepared and characterized by XRD, TGA, FT-IR, EDS, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques.
Non-corroding α-alumina@TiO2 core–shell nanoplates appearing metallic gold in colour
Authors: Suh Myung Won , Lee Su Jin , You Myoung Sang , Park Seung Bin , Im Sang Hyuk
Published: June 2015

Non-corroding α-alumina@TiO2 core–shell nanoplates exhibiting a lustrous metallic gold colour were synthesized using sol–gel solution chemistry with controlled reaction conditions for the formation of anatase and rutile TiO2 nanocrystals.
Solid simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of rice straw for bioethanol production using nitrogen gas stripping
Authors: Wang Yong-Zhong , Liao Qiang , Lv Feng-Lin , Zhu Xun , Ran Yao , Hou Chang-Jun
Published: June 2015

SSSF for ethanol production using N2strippingwas mainly conducted by the synergy of hydrolytic enzymes and yeast cells.
Intense red emitting monoclinic LaPO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles: host–dopant energy transfer dynamics and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Ghosh P. S. , Sahu M. , Bhattacharyya K. , Tewari R. , Natarajan V.
Published: June 2015

Visible host emission and dynamics of host–dopant energy transfer in LaPO4:Eu phosphor is investigated using PL and complimented by DFT.
Nanonet-structured poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide)–polyurethane membranes with enhanced thermostability and wettability for high power lithium ion batteries
Authors: Xiao Ke , Zhai Yunyun , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: June 2015

Nanonet-structured PMIA–PU nanofibrous membranes for high power lithium ion batteries are fabricated via a one-step electrospinning technique, and show enhanced thermostability and nonflammability as well as good wettability.
A stable Bi2S3 quantum dot–glass nanosystem: size tuneable photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar light
Authors: Kadam Sunil R. , Panmand Rajendra P. , Sonawane Ravindra S. , Gosavi Suresh W. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: June 2015

Herein, we have demonstrated the growth of uniformly distributed Bi2S3 QDs in a glass matrix as a visible light active catalyst for efficient solar H2 production.
Visible light photoredox catalysis: regioselective radical addition of aminoalkyl radicals to 2,3-allenoates
Authors: Dai Xiaojun , Mao Renjie , Guan Baochuan , Xu Xiaoliang , Li Xiaonian
Published: June 2015

Visible-light-mediated regioselective addition of α-aminoalkyl radicals to 2,3-allenoates catalyzed by a photoredox catalyst was developed. The scope and generality of the substrates were broad.
Perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Cr1−xCoxO3−δ solid solutions for solar-thermochemical fuel production: strategies to lower the operation temperature
Authors: Bork A. H. , Kubicek M. , Struzik M. , Rupp J. L. M.
Published: June 2015

Storing abundant solar energy in synthetic fuels is key to ensure a sustainable energy future by replacing fossil fuels and reducing global warming emissions.
Sulfur embedded in one-dimensional French fries-like hierarchical porous carbon derived from a metal–organic framework for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Yan Na , Zhou Wei , Zhang Hongzhang , Li Xianfeng , Zhang Huamin
Published: June 2015

A novel one-dimensional French fries-like hierarchical porous carbon with unique pore distribution was well designed for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Low‐complexity colour‐shift keying‐based visible light communications system
Authors: Luna‐Rivera Jose Martin , Suarez‐Rodriguez Cristo , Guerra Victor , Perez‐Jimenez Rafael , Rabadan‐Borges Jose , Rufo‐Torres Julio
Published: June 2015

Colour‐shift keying (CSK) has emerged as a new modulation scheme for indoor visible light communication (VLC) systems, standardised in IEEE 802.15.7. This scheme transmits data by modulating the intensity of red‐green‐blue light‐emitting diodes using a colour coding format. To support VLC, CSK requires the application of multiple light sources and detectors without changing the white light target condition. In this study, a low‐complexity VLC system is proposed for multiple light sources that offers important reductions to the overall system complexity while maintaining the compatibility with the premises of the IEEE 802.15.7 standard. The contributions of this work are two‐fold. First, a new RGB‐based modulation scheme is proposed. This modulation scheme suggests to replace the CSK‐based colour coding format by a more flexible, versatile and simplified mapping structure without the need of sending target colour information to the receiver. The second contribution is a novel single‐photodiode based receiver that reduces the number of inputs to demodulate RGB signals. Closed‐form error performance expressions are verified to analyse the proposed VLC system performance which are verified through Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, the performance of the proposed system is also presented and compared in terms of complexity and throughput efficiency.
Atraumatic Sacral Fracture in Late Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Giannoulis Dionysios K. , Koulouvaris Panagiotis , Zilakou Evgenia , Papadopoulos Dimitrios V. , Lykissas Marios G. , Mavrodontidis Alexandros N.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Sacral fractures, traumatic or atraumatic, are a rather rare cause of low back pain. The majority of the cases of pregnancy-related sacral fractures are reported as a postpartum complication, and only few cases of sacral atraumatic fractures have been reported in the last trimester of the pregnancy. The aim of this study is to report a rare case of atraumatic sacral fracture in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

We report the case of a 30-year-old Caucasian European woman during her 37th week (36 weeks and 4 days) of gestation, who complained during her scheduled obstetric examination of continuous low back pain with no associated history of trauma. The patient performed activities of daily living with a normal level of fatigue and reported no running or walking long distances. She was examined in our department, and a magnetic resonance imaging scan was performed that showed a vertical nondisplaced fracture in her left sacrum.

Results

The patient was treated conservatively, and analgesics were administrated according to the consensus of the orthopedic and the anesthesiology departments. No further complications were recognized in the remaining period of her pregnancy, and a healthy child was born by caesarean section.

Conclusions

Atraumatic fractures of the sacrum should be included in the differentiated diagnosis of pregnant patients with low back pain.
Fatal Isolated Cervical Spine Injury in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Report
Authors: Gelalis Ioannis D. , Lykissas Marios G. , Dimou Apostolos A. , Giannoulis Dionysios K. , Beris Alexandros E.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

The purpose of the present case report was to present a patient with a history of ankylosing spondylitis who sustained a dislocation of C6 on C7 and died soon after his presentation in the emergency room (ER).

Methods

An 88-year-old man was brought to the ER due to a neck injury secondary to a fall. Imaging of the cervical spine revealed anterior dislocation of C6 on C7 and the characteristic “bamboo” spine of ankylosing spondylitis.

Results

The patient died within 30 minutes due to respiratory insufficiency.

Conclusion

Isolated cervical spine injuries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis can be fatal. A high degree of clinical suspicion, thorough imaging with computed tomography, and meticulous handling are required in this patient population.
Postoperative Shingles Mimicking Recurrent Radiculopathy after Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion
Authors: Montgomery Jason T. , Lawrence Brandon D. , Brodke Darrel S. , Patel Alpesh A.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Case report and review of literature.

Objective

To report the case of a 67-year-old woman who developed delayed onset (6 months) of symptomatic shingles after cervical nerve root decompression in a previously symptomatic dermatome.

Methods

The patient's clinic course and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. The study required no outside funding. The study authors have no financial interest in any of the products or techniques discussed.

Results

The patient received definitive treatment for shingles once the zoster form rash manifested. The patient, however, developed postherpetic neuralgia and remained symptomatic at her 2-year postoperative visit.

Conclusions

Although shingles is a common disease state affecting patients in the fifth and sixth decades of life, it is rarely seen in the setting of cervical nerve root decompression. This case demonstrates the need to include shingles on the differential diagnosis of recurrent neurogenic pain after anterior cervical decompression and fusion.
Spontaneous Ankylosis of Occiput to C2 following Closed Traction and Halo Treatment of Atlantoaxial Rotary Fixation
Authors: Krengel Walter F. , Kim Paul H. , Wiater Brett
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

We report a case of spontaneous atlantoaxial rotatory fixation (AARF) presenting 9 months after onset in an 11-year-old boy.

Methods

This is a retrospective case report of spontaneous ankylosis of occiput to C2 following traction, manipulative reduction, and halo immobilization for refractory atlantoaxial rotatory fixation.

Results

The patient underwent traction followed by close manual reduction and placement of halo immobilization after 6 months of severe spontaneous-onset AARF that had been refractory to chiropractic manipulation and physical therapy. Imaging demonstrated dislocation of the left C1–C2 facet joint and remodeling changes of the C2 superior facet prior to reduction, followed by near complete reduction of the dislocation after manipulation and halo placement. Symptoms and clinical appearance were satisfactorily improved and the halo vest was removed after 3 months. At late follow-up, computed tomography demonstrated complete bony ankylosis of the occiput to C2. The patient was found to be HLA B27-positive, but he had no family history of ankylosing spondyloarthropathy or other joint symptoms. The underlying reasons for spontaneous fusion of the occiput to C2 could include the traction, HLA-B27-related spondyloarthropathy, or arthropathic changes caused by traction, reduction, the inciting insult, or immobilization.

Conclusion

When discussing treatment of childhood refractory AARF by traction, closed manipulation, and halo immobilization, the possibility of developing “spontaneous” ankylosis needs to be considered.
Spinal Myeloid Sarcoma “Chloroma” Presenting as Cervical Radiculopathy: Case Report
Authors: Hu Xiaobang , Shahab Imran , Lieberman Isador H.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Case report.

Objective

Myeloid sarcoma (also known as chloroma) is a rare, extramedullary tumor composed of immature granulocytic cells. It may occur early in the course of acute or chronic leukemia or myeloproliferative disorders. Spinal cord invasion by myeloid sarcoma is rare. The authors report a rare case of spinal myeloid sarcoma presenting as cervical radiculopathy.

Methods

A previously healthy 43-year-old man presented with progressive neck, right shoulder, and arm pain. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a very large enhancing extradural soft tissue mass extending from C7 through T1, with severe narrowing of the thecal sac at the T1 level. The patient underwent posterior cervical open biopsy, laminectomy, and decompression. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. Postoperatively, a bone marrow biopsy was done, which showed myeloproliferative neoplasm with eosinophilia. The patient then received systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Results

At the 10-month follow-up, the patient reported complete relief of arm pain and neck pain. X-rays showed that the overall cervical alignment was intact and there was no evidence of a recurrent lesion. MRI showed no evidence of compressive or remnant lesion.

Conclusions

Spinal myeloid sarcoma presenting as cervical radiculopathy is rare, and it may be easily misdiagnosed. Knowledge of its clinical presentation, imaging, and histologic characterization can lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Traumatic Spondylopelvic Dissociation: A Report of Two Cases of Spondylolisthesis at L5–S1 and Review of Literature
Authors: Robbins Michael , Mallon Zachary , Roberto Rolando , Patel Ravi , Gupta Munish , Klineberg Eric
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective chart review and review of literature.

Objective

Few case reports of traumatic L5–S1 displacement have been presented in the literature. Here we present two cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis showing both anterior and posterior displacement, the treatment algorithm, and a review of the literature.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of representative patients and a literature review of traumatic spondylolisthesis at the L5–S1 junction. Two representative patients were identified with traumatic spondylolisthesis: one with an anterior dissociation, and the other with a posterior dissociation.

Results

Radiographic, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging illustrated the bony and soft tissue injury found in each patient, as well as the final stabilization and outcomes. Operative stabilization was necessary, and both patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation. The patient with posterior dissociation had complete recovery without neurologic sequelae. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent bilateral L5–S1 radiculopathy with intact rectal tone, due to neurologic compression.

Conclusions

Few cases of traumatic spondylopelvic dissociation that are isolated to the L5–S1 disk space are described in the literature. We examined both an anterior and a posterior dissociation and treated both with L5–S1 posterior spinal fusion. The patient with anterior dissociation had persistent L5–S1 root injury; however, the patient with posterior dissociation had no neurologic deficits. This is the opposite of what is expected based on anatomy. These cases offer insight into the management of anterior and posterior L5–S1 spondylopelvic dissociation.
Unilateral versus Bilateral Instrumentation in Spinal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Molinari Robert W. , Saleh Ahmed , Molinari Robert , Hermsmeyer Jeff , Dettori Joseph R.
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Systematic review.

Clinical Questions

(1) What is the comparative efficacy of unilateral instrumentation compared with bilateral instrumentation in spine surgery? (2) What is the safety of unilateral instrumentation compared with bilateral instrumentation in spine surgery?

Methods

Electronic databases and reference lists of key articles were searched up to September 30, 2014, to identify studies reporting the comparative efficacy and safety of unilateral versus bilateral instrumentation in spine surgery. Studies including recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 as adjunct therapy and those with follow-up of less than 2 years were excluded.

Results

Ten randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria: five compared unilateral with bilateral instrumentation using open transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF/PLIF), one used open posterolateral fusion, and four used minimally invasive TLIF/PLIF. There were no significant differences between unilateral and bilateral screw instrumentation with respect to nonunion, low back or leg pain scores, Oswestry Disability Index, reoperation, or complications.

Conclusions

The existing literature does not identify significant differences in clinical outcomes, union rates, and complications when unilateral instrumentation is used for degenerative pathologic conditions in the lumbar spine. The majority of published reports involve single-level lumbar unilateral instrumentation.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Pregnancy: An Unsolved Paradigm
Authors: Falick-Michaeli Tal , Schroeder Josh E. , Barzilay Yair , Luria Mijal , Itzchayek Eyal , Kaplan Leon
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study with a cross-sectional comparison.

Objective

To compare the rates of anesthesia prescription and satisfaction with surgery, prevalence and severity of low back pain, prevalence of depression, and sexual dysfunction among pregnant and nonpregnant patients with AIS undergoing correction surgery with pedicle-based systems and healthy woman with a history of pregnancy.

Methods

Women between the ages of 18 and 40 years who underwent correction surgery for AIS with a pedicle screw system were interviewed regarding pregnancies, child delivery, method of pain control during delivery, and any long-term outcome after delivery. In addition, sexual dysfunction (Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised [FSDS]), depression (the Beck Depression Assessment Questionnaire), and Scoliosis Research Society 24 (SRS24) questionnaires were administered. Data was compared between patients with AIS without a history of pregnancy and healthy controls.

Results

Satisfaction with surgery in the AIS pregnant group using the SRS24 questionnaire scored 3.76/5 ( p = 0.0047 when compared with nonpregnant AIS group). Six of the 17 of the women with AIS had severe back pain during pregnancy (35%) mandating home treatment or hospitalization. Of the 17 women, 13 complained of a sustained back pain after child delivery (76%) that impacted their life. In the nonscoliosis group, no back pain attributed to pregnancy was reported. The rates of regional anesthesia prescription among pregnant patients with AIS who underwent correction surgery was 30% (5/17), whereas among healthy pregnant women, rates were 100% (6/6). The SRS24 scores in the patients with AIS were 72% (88/120), showing a low score of 3.69/5 in the pain domains ( p = 0.0048 when compared with nonpregnant patients with AIS). Depression rates were in the normal range and similar in all groups. FSDS scores, used to assess sexual dysfunction, were 4.02 in the pregnancy group and 5.67 in the nonpregnant group (not significant) and 4.6 in the nonscoliosis control group (not significant).

Conclusion

Women who underwent scoliosis correction suffered from long-term back pain after pregnancy and had decreased satisfaction with surgery. In addition, anesthesiologists refused epidurals in a large number of these patients. A larger study is needed on the topic.
Expandable Polyaryl-Ether-Ether-Ketone Spacers for Interbody Distraction in the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Alimi Marjan , Shin Benjamin , Macielak Michael , Hofstetter Christoph P. , Njoku Innocent , Tsiouris Apostolos J. , Elowitz Eric , Härtl Roger
Published: June 2015

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Objective

StaXx XD (Spine Wave, Inc., Shelton, CT, United States) is an expandable polyaryl-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) wafer implant utilized in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. PEEK implants have been successfully used as interbody devices. Few studies have focused on expandable PEEK devices. The aim of the current study is to determine the radiographic and clinical outcome of expandable PEEK cages utilized for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods

Forty-nine patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion with implantation of expandable PEEK cages and posterior instrumentation were included. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Radiographic parameters including disk height, foraminal height, listhesis, local disk angle of the index level/levels, regional lumbar lordosis, and graft subsidence were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at latest follow-up.

Results

At an average follow-up of 19.3 months, the minimum clinically important difference for the ODI and VAS back, buttock, and leg were achieved in 64, 52, 58, and 52% of the patients, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in VAS back (6.42 versus 3.11, p < 0.001), VAS buttock (4.66 versus 1.97, p = 0.002), VAS leg (4.55 versus 1.96, p < 0.001), and ODI (21.7 versus 12.1, p < 0.001) scores. There was a significant increase in the average disk height (6.49 versus 8.18 mm, p = 0.037) and foraminal height (15.6 versus 18.53 mm, p = 0.0001), and a significant reduction in the listhesis (5.13 versus 3.15 mm, p = 0.005). The subsidence of 0.66 mm (7.4%) observed at the latest follow-up was not significant ( p = 0.35).

Conclusions

Midterm results indicate that expandable PEEK spacers can effectively and durably restore disk and foraminal height and improve the outcome without significant subsidence.
Contribution to an effective design method for stationary reaction-diffusion patterns
Authors: Szalai István , Horváth Judit , De Kepper Patrick
Published: June 2015

The British mathematician Alan Turing predicted, in his seminal 1952 publication, that stationary reaction-diffusion patterns could spontaneously develop in reacting chemical or biochemical solutions. The first two clear experimental demonstrations of such a phenomenon were not made before the early 1990s when the design of new chemical oscillatory reactions and appropriate open spatial chemical reactors had been invented. Yet, the number of pattern producing reactions had not grown until 2009 when we developed an operational design method, which takes into account the feeding conditions and other specificities of real open spatial reactors. Since then, on the basis of this method, five additional reactions were shown to produce stationary reaction-diffusion patterns. To gain a clearer view on where our methodical approach on the patterning capacity of a reaction stands, numerical studies in conditions that mimic true open spatial reactors were made. In these numerical experiments, we explored the patterning capacity of Rabai's model for pH driven Landolt type reactions as a function of experimentally attainable parameters that control the main time and length scales. Because of the straightforward reversible binding of protons to carboxylate carrying polymer chains, this class of reaction is at the base of the chemistry leading to most of the stationary reaction-diffusion patterns presently observed. We compare our model predictions with experimental observations and comment on agreements and differences.
Coherent states for nonlinear harmonic oscillator and some of its properties
Authors: Amir Naila , Iqbal Shahid
Published: June 2015

A one-dimensional nonlinear harmonic oscillator is studied in the context of generalized coherent states. We develop a perturbative framework to compute the eigenvalues and eigenstates for the quantum nonlinear oscillator and construct the generalized coherent states based on Gazeau-Klauder formalism. We analyze their statistical properties by means of Mandel parameter and second order correlation function. Our analysis reveals that the constructed coherent states exhibit super-Poissonian statistics. Moreover, it is shown that the coherent states mimic the phenomena of quantum revivals and fractional revivals during their time evolution. The validity of our results has been discussed in terms of various parametric bounds imposed by our computational scheme.
Characteristics of SnO2 nanofiber/TiO2 nanoparticle composite for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gong Jiawei , Qiao Hui , Sigdel Sudhan , Elbohy Hytham , Adhikari Nirmal , Zhou Zhengping , Sumathy K. , Wei Qufu , Qiao Qiquan
Published: June 2015

SnO2 nanofibers and their composites based photoanodes were fabricated and investigated in the application of dye-sensitized solar cells. The photoanode made of SnO2/TiO2 composites yielded an over 2-fold improvement in overall conversion efficiency. The microstructure of SnO2 nanofibers was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A compact morphology of composites was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A long charge diffusion length (62.42 μm) in the composites was derived from time constant in transient photovoltage and photocurrent analysis. These experimental results demonstrate that one-dimensional nanostructured SnO2/TiO2 composites have a great potential for application in solar cells.
Minimizing magnetic fields for precision experiments
Authors: Altarev I. , Fierlinger P. , Lins T. , Marino M. G. , Nießen B. , Petzoldt G. , Reisner M. , Stuiber S. , Sturm M. , Taggart Singh J. , Taubenheim B. , Rohrer H. K. , Schläpfer U.
Published: June 2015

An increasing number of measurements in fundamental and applied physics rely on magnetically shielded environments with sub nano-Tesla residual magnetic fields. State of the art magnetically shielded rooms (MSRs) consist of up to seven layers of high permeability materials in combination with highly conductive shields. Proper magnetic equilibration is crucial to obtain such low magnetic fields with small gradients in any MSR. Here, we report on a scheme to magnetically equilibrate MSRs with a 10 times reduced duration of the magnetic equilibration sequence and a significantly lower magnetic field with improved homogeneity. For the search of the neutron's electric dipole moment, our finding corresponds to a 40% improvement of the statistical reach of the measurement. However, this versatile procedure can improve the performance of any MSR for any application.
Polarization sensitivity of light diffraction for periodic array of anisotropic gold nanoparticles
Authors: Tsai Ming-shan , Liu Tung-kai , Tsen Chun-yu , Ting Chen-ching
Published: June 2015

This article aims to analyze the first order diffraction intensity of the incident polarized light which is diffracted by the gold nanoparticles array in terms of the surface plasmon effect. The inspected gold nanoparticles array films are built in grating pattern with stripe thickness of 4 μm and diameters of gold nanoparticles ca. 10–56 nm, which are formed by annealing at temperatures of 400, 450, 500, and 550 °C, respectively. The probing light is linearly polarized with wavelengths of 450–800 nm and counterclockwise turns its polarization direction from 0° to 90° during measurements. The results show that the diffraction intensity depends on the anisotropic configuration samples which gold nanoparticles are orientated by analyzing the scanning electron microscope images. It results that the localized surface plasmon effect induced by incident field depends on orientation and causes the sample polarization-sensitive.
Modeling source-drain tunneling in ultimately scaled III–V transistors
Authors: Pan Andrew , Chui Chi On
Published: June 2015

Intraband source-drain tunneling is predicted to limit leakage current in sub-10 nm field-effect transistors (FETs). We use non-equilibrium Green's function simulations to study this effect in III-V multigate FETs and derive simple, accurate intraband tunneling formulas suitable for use in compact models or semiclassical device simulators. Band nonparabolicity effects are shown to be quantitatively important and incorporated using band gap scaling. We also supply a general subthreshold electrostatic model including source and drain depletion effects for analytical modeling. Our results enable rapid modeling and simulation of ultimately scaled III-V FETs for device evaluation and optimization.
Optimised nitrogen fertiliser management achieved higher diversity of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and high-yielding maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Wang Xinxin , Feng Gu
Published: June 2015

The integrated soil–crop system management (ISSM) approach can potentially mitigate the loss of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, ensuring crop yield with lower nitrogen (N) fertiliser input and minimised environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that overuse of N fertiliser could reduce the biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and that ISSM could help to maintain higher AMF biodiversity than the conventionally managed system in maize (Zea mays L.). The AMF community composition under three different treatments (conventionally managed, N-optimised and non-N-fertilised fields) was assessed by using both spore-based morphological taxonomy and DNA-based T-RFLP fingerprinting approaches. Maize roots in intensively managed fields formed functioning mycorrhizal symbioses even when a high rate of N fertiliser was applied. AMF diversity was higher under optimised N input, whereas AMF richness decreased when more N fertiliser was used. The N-optimised farms had AMF communities similar to those in the conventionally managed fields. The ISSM approach is recommended for sustaining crop yields without incurring continuing environmental costs and for maintaining AMF communities in intensively managed agro-ecosystems, especially in rapidly developing countries.
Characteristics of nest trees and nest hollows used by the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) in south-west Western Australia: comments on Johnstone et al. (2013)
Authors: Whitford K. R. , Wiseman D. , McCaw W. L. , Bradshaw F. J.
Published: June 2015

Johnstone et al. (2013) (Pacific Conservation Biology 19, 122–141) make a substantial contribution to the knowledge of the forest red-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso) (FRTBC), presenting data on nest hollows and nest tree attributes. They discuss the threats to the current and future breeding hollows and conclude that ‘we are facing a major crisis in southern forests’. Although there are sound reasons for concern over the conservation of cockatoo species, the imminence of a crisis is not established by the data presented. We provide spatial and management context and present data relevant to discussion of threats to FRTBC hollows in south-west Western Australia. The primary strategy for providing habitat across the publicly owned forests is reservation, which formally excludes timber harvesting from more than 50% (1.3 million ha) of the forest, informally protects a further 11%, and protects habitat trees within harvested areas. Timber harvesting in these forests generally involves partial cutting, which retains trees of a wide range of size and age classes. A realistic minimum age for trees bearing hollows used by FRTBC in the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest is ~120–150 years (trees diameters of 50–60 cm), well below the 209 years highlighted by Johnstone et al. (2013). Most nest hollows occur in intermediate-sized trees. Clustering of FRTBC nest trees was not demonstrated in their data but is worthy of further investigation. Improved estimates of nest tree availability and loss would provide perspective on the threats to FRTBC, as would knowledge of population size and age structure of the FRTBC. The protection of known nest trees and control of feral competitors, where possible, would benefit FRTBC.
Gaming the system: culture, process, and perspectives supporting a game and app design curriculum
Authors: Herro Danielle
Published: June 2015

Games and digital media experiences permeate the lives of youth. Researchers have argued the participatory attributes and cognitive benefits of gaming and media production for more than a decade, relying on socio‐cultural theory to bolster their claims. Only recently have large‐scale efforts ensued towards moving game play and design into formal schooling. Educators are beginning to recognize the instructional potential of games but are seeking ways to understand and effectively support them in learning environments. This paper offers a working example detailing the process of creating a high school curriculum focused on game and app design. Through the example, the author addresses the ‘why’ and ‘how’ to move forward with games in schools and argue the necessity of cultivating a participatory culture. The example concludes with assumptions from this experience and an invitation for scholars to critique and discuss the instance.
The productive and protective dimensions of welfare in Asia and the Pacific: pathways towards human development and income equality?
Authors: Kühner Stefan
Published: June 2015

This article draws on recent data provided by the Asian Development Bank'sSocial Protection Indexand usesFuzzy Set Ideal Type Analysisto develop ideal types of welfare activity to which 29 countries in Asia and the Pacific can have varying degrees of membership. There is little evidence that the commitment to “productive” and “protective” welfare is oriented along broad geographical units or predetermined by economic affluence and the size of the informal economy. It also adds an explorativeFuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysisto test the effect of “productive” and “protective” welfare properties on human development and income equality. Here, it finds that the absence of strong income protection is most clearly linked to low human development at the macro-level; high education investment is linked to high income inequality if governments fail to invest in employment and income protection or employment protection and training, respectively.
Index of varieties over Henselian fields and Euler characteristic of coherent sheaves
Authors: Esnault Hélène , Levine Marc , Wittenberg Olivier
Published: June 2015

Let XXbe a smooth proper variety over the quotient field of a Henselian discrete valuation ring with algebraically closed residue field of characteristic pp. We show that for any coherent sheaf EEon XX, the index of XXdivides the Euler–Poincaré characteristicχ(X,E)\chi (X,E)ifp=0p=0orp>dim⁡(X)+1p>\dim (X)+1. If0>p≤dim⁡(X)+10>p\leq \dim (X)+1, the prime-to-pppart of the index of XXdividesχ(X,E)\chi (X,E). Combining this with the Hattori–Stong theorem yields an analogous result concerning the divisibility of the cobordism class of XXby the index of XX.

As a corollary, rationally connected varieties over the maximal unramified extension of app-adic field possess a zero-cycle ofpp-power degree (a zero-cycle of degree 11ifp>dim⁡(X)+1p>\dim (X)+1). Whenp=0p=0, such statements also have implications for the possible multiplicities of singular fibers in degenerations of complex projective varieties.
Hypersurfaces that are not stably rational
Authors: Totaro Burt
Published: June 2015

We show that a wide class of hypersurfaces in all dimensions are not stably rational. Namely, for all

d
≥
2
⌈
(
n
+
2
)

/

3
⌉

d\geq 2\lceil (n+2)/3\rceil

and

n
≥
3

n\geq 3

, a very general complex hypersurface of degree

d
d

in

P

n
+
1

\textbf {P}^{n+1}

is not stably rational. The statement generalizes Colliot-Thélène and Pirutka’s theorem that very general quartic 3-folds are not stably rational. The result covers all the degrees in which Kollár proved that a very general hypersurface is non-rational, and a bit more. For example, very general quartic 4-folds are not stably rational, whereas it was not even known whether these varieties are rational.
Non-harmonic cones are sets of injectivity for the twisted spherical means on ℂⁿ
Authors: Srivastava R.
Published: June 2015

In this article, we prove that a complex cone is a set of injectivity for the twisted spherical means for the class of all continuous functions on

C

n

\mathbb C^n

as long as it does not completely lay on the level surface of any bi-graded homogeneous harmonic polynomial on

C

n

.

\mathbb C^n.

Further, we produce examples of such level surfaces.
Reduced tubulin polyglutamylation suppresses flagellar shortness inChlamydomonas
Authors: Kubo Tomohiro , Hirono Masafumi , Aikawa Takumi , Kamiya Ritsu , Witman George B.
Published: June 2015

Ciliary length control is an incompletely understood process essential for normal ciliary function. The flagella of Chlamydomonas mutants lacking multiple axonemal dyneins are shorter than normal; previously it was shown that this shortness can be suppressed by the mutation suppressor of shortness 1 ( ssh1) via an unknown mechanism. To elucidate this mechanism, we carried out genetic analysis of ssh1 and found that it is a new allele of TPG2 (hereafter tpg2-3), which encodes FAP234 functioning in tubulin polyglutamylation in the axoneme. Similar to the polyglutamylation-deficient mutants tpg1 and tpg2-1, tpg2-3 axonemal tubulin has a greatly reduced level of long polyglutamate side chains. We found that tpg1 and tpg2-1 mutations also promote flagellar elongation in short-flagella mutants, consistent with a polyglutamylation-dependent mechanism of suppression. Double mutants of tpg1 or tpg2-1 and fla10-1, a temperature-sensitive mutant of intraflagellar transport, underwent slower flagellar shortening than fla10-1 at restrictive temperatures, indicating that the rate of tubulin disassembly is decreased in the polyglutamylation-deficient flagella. Moreover, α-tubulin incorporation into the flagellar tips in temporary dikaryons was retarded in polyglutamylation-deficient flagella. These results show that polyglutamylation deficiency stabilizes axonemal microtubules, decelerating axonemal disassembly at the flagellar tip and shifting the axonemal assembly/disassembly balance toward assembly.
Identification of Wasaṭiyyah
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter ascertains the indicators of wasaṭiyyah, beginning with the qualifier that no definitive methodology exists by which to identify moderate positions. That said, wasaṭiyyah is often manifested by one’s openness to consultative engagement, dialogue, attempt to develop consensus, avoidance of rash decisions, and observance of people’s benefits and preferences. In our times, the rule of law and constitutionalism also tend to serve as instruments of moderation in public affairs. The chapter makes clear, however, the point that ultimately, no judgment in the name of moderation should contravene the essentials of Islam and rationality, citing a few examples to this effect.
The Moderating Role of Ikhtilāf (Reasoned Disagreement)
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

Difference of opinion and interpretation is a well-recognized feature of law and theology in Islam, originating in the fact that the bulk of the textual data of the Qur’an and hadith is open to interpretation. This has led, in turn, to the emergence of a large number of legal and theological schools throughout the Islamic history, many of which have survived to this day. This chapter reviews scriptural evidence in the Qur’an, hadith, and Islamic scholarship that support freedom of expression and interpretation in various ways, including consultation, sincere advice, independent reasoning, and constructive criticism, all pointing to the reality of ikhtilaf, diversity and pluralism in Islamic thought.
Harm (Ḍarar) Must Be Eliminated
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter highlights one of the cardinal maxims of Islamic law, both Sunni and Shi’ah, on the prevention of harm and hardship. The maxim is supplemented, in turn, by a number of other maxims and guidelines, which help to preserve normalcy and equilibrium in society and human relations. The chapter also examines the role that this principle can play in protecting the natural environment by enabling individuals and governments alike to curb abusive practices and take remedial action against the violators who inflict harm and make the earth and its environment hazardous to humans and other inhabitants of planet earth.
Forbearance, Bringing Ease, and Removing Hardship (Taysīr, Raf c al-Ḥaraj, Samāḥah)
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter complements the preceding discussion on the elimination of prejudice and harm. Bringing ease to the people and removal of hardship and harshness from them is a Qur’anic principle of general application to theology, law, and social relations. This also instructs judges and jurisconsults to opt for easier solutions in their decisions and religious verdicts (fatwas) as far as possible. Muslims are generally advised to follow the spirit of these guidelines in their dealings with fellow Muslims as well as the followers of other faiths. The chapter then explains some of the limits to the application of these principles.
Character and Lifestyle
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter draws attention to pervasive imbalances in consumption and wastage of food, and the resulting obesity and health problems. Then follows a review of the Qur’an and hadith, and a selection of scholarly opinion on personal lifestyle, from eating and drinking, speech and humor, to religiosity and worship, work and leisure, art and music. The question in all of this is how to make wasaṭiyyah a guide to conducting personal, lifestyle, and social relations. Another question posed is whether Islam has visualized, if at all, a model personality that integrates the best attributes of moderation, one that can be emulated by others.
Islam Between Antiquity and the Modern World
Authors: Kamali Mohammad Hashim
Published: June 2015

This chapter juxtaposes Islam’s historical narrative with its scriptural commitment to moderation, and raises questions as to how Islam has positioned itself in its relationship with other major religions on one hand, and the European Enlightenment, as well as post-Enlightenment, modernity on the other. Clear responses are difficult to ascertain, but the Qur’anic narrative of the Abrahamic Faith, its affirmation of Christianity and Judaism, and its commitment to universality, rationality, unicity (tawhid), and equality all in all signify elements of continuity and a persistent quest for a moderating role in the larger arenas of history and civilization, with countries such as Malaysia, Iran, and Turkey serving as examples.
The New Wandering Rocks
Authors: Watt Stephen
Published: June 2015

This chapter takes its title from an episode in James Joyce’s Ulysses in which Leopold Bloom visits a tawdry book stand seeking salacious titles, most of which are concealed from view. Using this trope of the hidden, a characteristic of the Freudian uncanny, this chapter explores uncanny affinities between—and eruptions of—hidden Irishness and Jewishness in selected works of John Banville, Brendan Behan, Norman Mailer, Harold Pinter, and Howard Jacobson. The chapter also makes the case for a “multidirectional” historical memory that juxtaposes such widespread traumas as the Great Famine and the Holocaust, in the process continuing a long tradition of paralleling Irish and Jewish diasporic experiences. One test case of multidirectional reading is provided by Bernard MacLaverty’s adducing of parallels between the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Shoah. The chapter and book conclude with a summary of more recent representations of immigrant America by Brian Friel and Gish Jen.