bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting Ahead through Our Own Efforts: Public Attitudes towards the Deservingness of the Rich in New Zealand
Authors: SKILLING PETER , McLAY JESSICA
Published: September 2014

The high level of academic, public and policy attention paid to the deservingness of the poor and (especially) of welfare recipients contrasts with the scant attention paid to the deservingness – or otherwise – of the rich. This discrepancy reflects socially dominant – but contestable – ideas about equality of opportunity and the role of individual merit within market systems. In this journal, Karen Rowlingson, Stewart Connor and Michael Orton have noted that wealth and riches have remained invisible as policy ‘problems’. This invisibility is socially important, in that policy efforts to address current, socially damaging, levels of economic inequality require attention to the deservingness of the rich, as well as of the poor. This article draws on recent survey data from New Zealand to provide new insights into public attitudes to the rich. It finds that the New Zealand public view the rich as more individually deserving of their outcomes than the poor are deserving of social assistance, and that attitudes towards the rich are related to redistributive sentiments at least as strongly as attitudes towards the poor. In concluding, the article reflects on the limitations of existing data sources and makes suggestions for future research.
Health as status? Network relations and social structure in an American retirement community
Authors: SCHAFER MARKUS H.
Published: September 2014

This study examines social ties within a community of retirement residents to examine how health influences patterns of social interaction. Drawing from a social fields perspective, I anticipated that health would emerge as a key form of status. I hypothesised that this would manifest in the healthiest residents receiving a disproportionate share of social tie nominations, and that the network would be characterised by distinct patterns of health-based sorting. Exponential random graph models were used to disentangle individual, dyadic and higher-order influences on reports of interaction. Findings support the main hypotheses, pointing to the importance of health as a basis of micro-level social structure in contexts where it is a scarce and valued resource. I urge further research to trace out these implications in other unique settings.
Home language and literacy practices among immigrant second-language learners
Authors: Dixon L. Quentin , Wu Shuang
Published: September 2014

Because certain home language and literacy practices have been found to be beneficial to monolingual children's literacy development, we examine immigrant children's home language and literacy practices in different countries. Presenting findings from 92 post-2000 articles, we examine research into these practices, what factors influence their occurrence, how they influence immigrant children's development of literacy in the societal language, and what factors seem to moderate or mediate the effects of home literacy activities on societal-language literacy. We found that immigrant families engage in a wide variety of oral language and literacy activities at home, but that most of these practices have not been investigated in relation to immigrant children's literacy development. Book reading, the most-studied practice, seems to promote such development. Additional research is needed into the many factors that influence children's literacy development, including government policies and community context. In addition, researchers need to build on existing descriptive and correlational studies to design and implement innovative school curricula and family literacy programs that connect home and school practices and encourage parental involvement in the school.
Synthesis and crystal structure of the novel metal organic framework Zn(C3H5NO2S)2
Authors: Ferrer P. , da Silva I. , Rubio-Zuazo J. , Castro G. R.
Published: September 2014

The crystal structure of the novel metal organic framework (MOF) Zn(C3H5NO2S)2 is described. This MOF can serve as a model for active sites in metalloproteins, on diverse activities such as structural or catalytic functions. Each half of the amino acid act as a bidentate ligand to one Zn and as a monodentate ligand to another Zn, while the disulphide bond presents an important structural function, stabilizing the crystal packing. The structure has been obtained ab initio from synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system (space group P212121), with a = 20.0906(7), b = 9.5842(3), c = 5.018 89(13), and V = 966.40(5) Å3, with Z = 4. The structure was determined using a direct space approach, by means of the Monte Carlo technique, followed by Rietveld refinement.
Asymptomatic isolated congenital left ventricular diverticulum: a cardiac MRI report about a 19-year-old man
Authors: Ho-Mouye Fabien , Travers Jean-Yves , Maillot Julie
Published: September 2014

Asymptomatic isolated congenital left ventricular diverticulum: a cardiac MRI report about a 19-year-old man.
Oesophageal perforation in a neonate during transoesophageal echocardiography for cardiac surgery
Authors: Miller Jeffrey W. , Hart Catherine K. , Statile Christopher J.
Published: September 2014

Oesophageal perforation is a rarely reported complication of transoesophageal echocardiography in infants. This case involves a 3.1-kg neonate with Trisomy 21, atrioventricular septal defect, and hypoplastic aortic arch undergoing aortic arch advancement and pulmonary artery banding. A paediatric transoesophageal echocardiography probe was placed intraoperatively causing a contained false passage from the oesophagus below the cricopharyngeus muscle with extension into the left posterior mediastinum. The perforation healed within 2 weeks without permanent sequelae after conservative medical management.
MODULES OVER ÉTALE GROUPOID ALGEBRAS AS SHEAVES
Authors: STEINBERG BENJAMIN
Published: September 2014

The author has previously associated to each commutative ring with unit $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\Bbbk $ and étale groupoid $\mathscr{G}$ with locally compact, Hausdorff, totally disconnected unit space a $\Bbbk $-algebra $\Bbbk \, \mathscr{G}$. The algebra $\Bbbk \, \mathscr{G}$ need not be unital, but it always has local units. The class of groupoid algebras includes group algebras, inverse semigroup algebras and Leavitt path algebras. In this paper we show that the category of unitary$\Bbbk \, \mathscr{G}$-modules is equivalent to the category of sheaves of $\Bbbk $-modules over $\mathscr{G}$. As a consequence, we obtain a new proof of a recent result that Morita equivalent groupoids have Morita equivalent algebras.
The habitable epoch of the early Universe
Authors: Loeb Abraham
Published: September 2014

In the redshift range 100≲(1+z)≲137, the cosmic microwave background (CMB) had a temperature of 273–373 K (0–100°C), allowing early rocky planets (if any existed) to have liquid water chemistry on their surface and be habitable, irrespective of their distance from a star. In the standard ΛCDM cosmology, the first star-forming halos within our Hubble volume started collapsing at these redshifts, allowing the chemistry of life to possibly begin when the Universe was merely 10–17 million years old. The possibility of life starting when the average matter density was a million times bigger than it is today is not in agreement with the anthropic explanation for the low value of the cosmological constant.
Cancer-related fatigue and depression in breast cancer patients postchemotherapy: Different associations with optimism and stress appraisals
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Cohen Miri , Pollack Shimon , Drumea Karen , Fried Georgeta
Published: September 2014

Objective:

Symptoms of depression and cancer-related fatigue (CRF) are common among breast cancer patients postchemotherapy and may seriously impair quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the relationship between depression and CRF in breast cancer patients postchemotherapy and to examine their relationships to optimism and to threat and challenge appraisals.

Method:

Participants included 95 breast cancer patients (stages 1–3) 1 to 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Patients submitted personal and medical details and completed the following: physical symptom questionnaires (EORTC QLQ–C30, and QLQ–BR23), a symptoms of depression questionnaire (CES–D), the Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI), the Life Orientation Test (LOT–R), and a stress appraisals questionnaire.

Results:

We found levels of depression, CRF, and appraisals of cancer as a threat to be moderate and levels of optimism and appraisals of cancer as a challenge to be high. Depression and CRF were positively associated. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that 51% of the CRF variance was explained and, together with physical symptoms and threat appraisal, were significantly associated with CRF. A total 67% of depression was explained and, and together with challenge and threat appraisals, were significantly associated with depression.

Significance of Results:

Although CRF and depression were often experienced simultaneously and both were found to be higher among individuals who gave higher appraisals of cancer as a threat, only depression was related to optimism and challenge appraisals, while CRF was related mainly to intensity of physical symptoms. The different pattern of associations between optimism and appraisals warrants further clinical attention as well as future study.
Measuring social support in patients with advanced medical illnesses: An analysis of the Duke–UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire
Authors: Saracino Rebecca , Kolva Elissa , Rosenfeld Barry , Breitbart William
Published: September 2014

Objective:

To date, no measure of social support has been developed specifically for either palliative care or oncology settings. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Duke–University of North Carolina Functional Social Support Questionnaire (DUFSS) in order to (1) assess the adequacy of the scale in the context of severe medical illness and (2) evaluate whether a brief subset of items might generate roughly comparable utility.

Method:

The 14-item DUFSS was administered to 1,362 individuals with advanced cancer or AIDS. Classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT) analyses were utilized to develop an abbreviated version of the DUFSS that maintained adequate reliability and validity and might increase the feasibility of its administration in a palliative care setting. The reliability and concurrent validity of the DUFSS-5 were evaluated in a separate validation sample of patients with advanced cancer.

Results:

Analyses generated a five-item version of the DUFSS (the DUFSS-5) that collapsed response levels into only three options, instead of five. Correlations between the DUFSS-5 and measures of depression, quality of life, and desire for hastened death, as well as regression models testing the main-effect and buffering models of social support, provided support for the utility of the DUFSS-5.

Significance of results:

Both the DUFSS and the abbreviated DUFSS-5 appear to have adequate reliability and validity in this setting. Moreover, the DUFSS-5 represents a potentially important option for healthcare researchers, particularly for those working in palliative care settings where issues of patient burden are paramount. Such analyses are critical for advancing the development and refinement of psychosocial measures, but have often been neglected.
Design of compact microstrip lowpass filter with ultra-wide stopband using modified T-shaped resonator
Authors: Afzali Behnam , Karkhanehchi Mohammad Mehdi , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: September 2014

A new microstrip lowpass filter with compact size and ultra-wide stopband using T-shaped resonator is proposed. To make smaller the circuit size of the filter, cursive transmission line is also suggested. Moreover, exact equation of most important transmission zero is calculated based on LC equivalent circuit and transformation function. A demonstration filter with 3 dB cut-off frequency at 1.02 has been designed, fabricated, and measured. Results show that a relative stopband band width of 166.3% (referred to suppression degree of 20 dB) is achieved while obtaining high figure of merit of 46 274.
Seasonal and interannual variability of the marine bacterioplankton community throughout the water column over ten years
Authors: Cram Jacob A , Chow Cheryl-Emiliane T , Sachdeva Rohan , Needham David M , Parada Alma E , Steele Joshua A , Fuhrman Jed A
Published: September 2014

Microbial activities that affect global oceanographic and atmospheric processes happen throughout the water column, yet the long-term ecological dynamics of microbes have been studied largely in the euphotic zone and adjacent seasonally mixed depths. We investigated temporal patterns in the community structure of free-living bacteria, by sampling approximately monthly from 5 m, the deep chlorophyll maximum (∼15–40 m), 150, 500 and 890 m, in San Pedro Channel (maximum depth 900 m, hypoxic below ∼500 m), off the coast of Southern California. Community structure and biodiversity (inverse Simpson index) showed seasonal patterns near the surface and bottom of the water column, but not at intermediate depths. Inverse Simpson’s index was highest in the winter in surface waters and in the spring at 890 m, and varied interannually at all depths. Biodiversity appeared to be driven partially by exchange of microbes between depths and was highest when communities were changing slowly over time. Meanwhile, communities from the surface through 500 m varied interannually. After accounting for seasonality, several environmental parameters co-varied with community structure at the surface and 890 m, but not at the intermediate depths. Abundant and seasonally variable groups included, at 890 m, Nitrospina, Flavobacteria and Marine Group A. Seasonality at 890 m is likely driven by variability in sinking particles, which originate in surface waters, pass transiently through the middle water column and accumulate on the seafloor where they alter the chemical environment. Seasonal subeuphotic groups are likely those whose ecology is strongly influenced by these particles. This surface-to-bottom, decade-long, study identifies seasonality and interannual variability not only of overall community structure, but also of numerous taxonomic groups and near-species level operational taxonomic units.
A function-based screen for seeking RubisCO active clones from metagenomes: novel enzymes influencing RubisCO activity
Authors: Böhnke Stefanie , Perner Mirjam
Published: September 2014

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO) is a key enzyme of the Calvin cycle, which is responsible for most of Earth’s primary production. Although research on RubisCO genes and enzymes in plants, cyanobacteria and bacteria has been ongoing for years, still little is understood about its regulation and activation in bacteria. Even more so, hardly any information exists about the function of metagenomic RubisCOs and the role of the enzymes encoded on the flanking DNA owing to the lack of available function-based screens for seeking active RubisCOs from the environment. Here we present the first solely activity-based approach for identifying RubisCO active fosmid clones from a metagenomic library. We constructed a metagenomic library from hydrothermal vent fluids and screened 1056 fosmid clones. Twelve clones exhibited RubisCO activity and the metagenomic fragments resembled genes from Thiomicrospira crunogena. One of these clones was further analyzed. It contained a 35.2 kb metagenomic insert carrying the RubisCO gene cluster and flanking DNA regions. Knockouts of twelve genes and two intergenic regions on this metagenomic fragment demonstrated that the RubisCO activity was significantly impaired and was attributed to deletions in genes encoding putative transcriptional regulators and those believed to be vital for RubisCO activation. Our new technique revealed a novel link between a poorly characterized gene and RubisCO activity. This screen opens the door to directly investigating RubisCO genes and respective enzymes from environmental samples.
A universal electromagnetic energy conversion adapter based on a metamaterial absorber
Authors: Xie Yunsong , Fan Xin , Wilson Jeffrey D. , Simons Rainee N. , Chen Yunpeng , Xiao John Q.
Published: September 2014

On the heels of metamaterial absorbers (MAs) which produce near perfect electromagnetic (EM) absorption and emission, we propose a universal electromagnetic energy conversion adapter (UEECA) based on MA. By choosing the appropriate energy converting sensors, the UEECA is able to achieve near 100% signal transfer ratio between EM energy and various forms of energy such as thermal, DC electric, or higher harmonic EM energy. The inherited subwavelength dimension and the EM field intensity enhancement can further empower UEECA in many critical applications such as energy harvesting, photoconductive antennas and nonlinear optics. The principle of UEECA is understood with a transmission line model, which further provides a design strategy that can incorporate a variety of energy conversion devices. The concept is experimentally validated at a microwave frequency with a signal transfer ratio of 96% by choosing an RF diode as the energy converting sensor.
NAMPT and NAPRT1: novel polymorphisms and distribution of variants between normal tissues and tumor samples
Authors: Duarte-Pereira Sara , Silva Sarah S. , Azevedo Luísa , Castro Luísa , Amorim António , Silva Raquel M.
Published: September 2014

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase domain containing 1 (NAPRT1) are the main human NAD salvage enzymes. NAD regulates energy metabolism and cell signaling and the enzymes that control NAD availability are linked to pathologies such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Here, we have screened normal and tumor samples from different tissues and populations of origin for mutations in human NAMPT and NAPRT1 and evaluated their potential pathogenicity. We have identified several novel polymorphisms and showed that NAPRT1 has a greater genetic diversity than NAMPT, where any alteration can have a greater functional impact. Some variants presented different frequencies between normal and tumor samples that were most likely related to their population of origin. The novel mutations described that affect protein structure or expression levels can be functionally relevant and should be considered in a disease context. Particularly, mutations that decrease NAPRT1 expression can predict the usefulness of Nicotinic Acid in tumor treatments with NAMPT inhibitors.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the orbitofrontal cortex for obsessive-compulsive disorder: a double-blind, crossover study
Authors: Nauczyciel C , Le Jeune F , Naudet F , Douabin S , Esquevin A , Vérin M , Dondaine T , Robert G , Drapier D , Millet B
Published: September 2014

This pilot study was designed to assess the efficacy of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) by means of a double-cone coil in patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. We hypothesized that low-frequency stimulation of the OFC would lead to a reduction in clinical symptoms, as measured on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). A randomized, double-blind, crossover design was implemented with two 1-week treatment periods (active stimulation versus sham stimulation) separated by a 1-month washout period. Concomitantly, a subgroup of patients underwent a positron emission tomography (PET) scan after each stimulation sequence. Statistical analyses compared the Y-BOCS scores at the end of each period. At day 7, we observed a significant decrease from baseline in the Y-BOCS scores, after both active (P<0.01) and sham stimulation (P=0.02). This decrease tended to be larger after active stimulation than after sham stimulation: −6 (−29, 0) points versus −2 (−20, 4) points (P=0.07). Active versus sham PET scan contrasts showed that stimulation was related to a bilateral decrease in the metabolism of the OFC. The OFC should definitely be regarded as a key neuroanatomical target for rTMS, as it is easier to reach than either the striatum or the subthalamic nucleus, structures favored in neurosurgical approaches.
Discrimination of human and nonhuman blood using visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Linna , Zhou Mei , Li Xiao-xia , Li Gang , Lin Ling
Published: September 2014

Discrimination of human blood from nonhuman blood.
Topographically grooved gel inserts for aligning epithelial cells during air–liquid-interface culture
Authors: Soleas John P. , Waddell Thomas K. , McGuigan Alison P.
Published: September 2014

A moulding based strategy to explore the interplay between various polarization forces in epithelial cells during air liquid interface culture.
Size-dependent patterned recognition and extraction of metal ions by a macrocyclic aromatic pyridone pentamer
Authors: Shen Jie , Ma Wenliang , Yu Lin , Li Jin-Bo , Tao Hu-Chun , Zhang Kun , Zeng Huaqiang
Published: September 2014

A macrocyclic aromatic pyridine pentamer was found to exhibit patterned recognition of metal ions and efficiently extract larger ions, such as Cs+, Ba2+, Tl+, Au+, K+ and Rb+ preferentially over the other 18 smaller metal ions from the aqueous phase into the chloroform layer.
An optimised scalable synthesis of H2O@C60 and a new synthesis of H2@C60
Authors: Krachmalnicoff Andrea , Levitt Malcolm H. , Whitby Richard J.
Published: September 2014

New efficient and practical routes to H2O@C60, D2O@C60 and H2@C60 are described.
Thermodynamics of halogen bonded monolayer self-assembly at the liquid–solid interface
Authors: Song W. , Martsinovich N. , Heckl W. M. , Lackinger M.
Published: September 2014

The overall enthalpy change associated with hexabromotriphenylene monolayer self-assembly at the heptanoic acid–graphite interface was assessed by an adapted Born–Haber cycle.
Solvent-mediated phase transformation between two tegafur polymorphs in several solvents
Authors: Bobrovs Raitis , Seton Linda , Actiņš Andris
Published: September 2014

Here we show that the solvent-mediated polymorphic transformation rate depends linearly on the difference between equilibrium solubilities of tegafur polymorphs.
Isopolymolybdate-induced organic–inorganic hybrid assemblies with copper ions and bichelate-bridging ligands
Authors: Hao Xiu-Li , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Wang Yong-Hui , Zang Hong-Ying , Li Yang-Guang
Published: September 2014

Heptamolybdate is used as a “molecular adaptor” to modulate the metal–organic coordination building units in the hydrothermal environment, with new polyoxometalate-induced hybrid assemblies isolated demonstrating good photocatalytic activity.
The catalytic reactions in the Cu–Li–Mg–H high capacity hydrogen storage system
Authors: Braga M. H. , El-Azab A.
Published: September 2014

Cu–Li–Mg–H novel hydrides and catalytic processes will open new vistas in the field of storage for both hydrogen and batteries.
First and second deprotonation of H2SO4on wet hydroxylated (0001) α-quartz
Authors: Murdachaew Garold , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre , Halonen Lauri , Gerber R. Benny
Published: September 2014

We present anab initiomolecular dynamics study of deprotonation of sulfuric acid on wet quartz, a topic of atmospheric interest.
In operando monitoring of the state of charge and species distribution in zinc air batteries using X-ray tomography and model-based simulations
Authors: Arlt Tobias , Schröder Daniel , Krewer Ulrike , Manke Ingo
Published: September 2014

A novel combination of in operando X-ray tomography and model-based analysis of zinc air batteries is introduced.
Band-gap engineering by molecular mechanical strain-induced giant tuning of the luminescence in colloidal amorphous porous silicon nanostructures
Authors: Mughal A. , El Demellawi J. K. , Chaieb Sahraoui
Published: September 2014

A novel approach for producing and tuning the emission of a colloidal dispersion of amorphous porous silicon nanoparticles via controlled oxidation and disorder increase.
Self-assembly and mesophase formation in a non-ionic chromonic liquid crystal system: insights from dissipative particle dynamics simulations
Authors: Walker Martin , Masters Andrew J. , Wilson Mark R.
Published: September 2014

Results are presented from a dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation of a model non-ionic chromonic system, TP6EO2M, composed of a poly(ethylene glycol) functionalised aromatic (triphenylene) core.
Band gap modulation of functionalized metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Musho Terence , Li Jiangtan , Wu Nianqiang
Published: September 2014

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been envisioned as alternatives to planar metallic catalysts for solar-to-fuel conversion.
Nanostructured Mn-based oxides for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
Authors: Zhang Kai , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Zhe , Zhang Xiaolong , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun
Published: September 2014

This review summarizes recent efforts made to use nanostructured Mn-based oxides for primary batteries, Li secondary batteries, metal–air batteries, and pseudocapacitors.
TiO2-supported heteropoly acid catalysts for dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether: relevance of dispersion and support interaction
Authors: Ladera Rosa María , Ojeda Manuel , Fierro José Luis G. , Rojas Sergio
Published: September 2014

TiO2-supported heteropoly acids are very active catalysts for DME production from methanol. Due to the interaction with the support, the most active catalysts are obtained when a monolayer of HPA is deposited on the support.
Pd(ii) coordinated deprotonated diphenyl phosphino amino pyridine: reactivity towards solvent, base, and acid
Authors: Pratihar Sanjay , Pegu Rupa , Guha Ankur Kanti , Sarma Bipul
Published: September 2014

The reactivity and stability of P(iii)–N and P(iii)≈N bonds will be different towards various solvents, bases, and acids because of their difference in bond strength due to different N-pπ–P-dπ donor bonding.
Transition metal complexes containing the S(NtBu)42− tetraimidosulfate dianion
Authors: Matussek Julia , Herbst-Irmer Regine , Objartel Ina , Stalke Dietmar
Published: September 2014

Three novel metal complexes [(acac)2Cu2(NtBu)4S] (3), [Li(thf)4]2[I4Cd2(NtBu)4S] (4) and [(thf)2Li{(SiMe3)2N}Zn(NtBu)4S] (5) are prepared from the intended transmetalation of the dilithium complex of N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetrakis(tert-butyl)tetraimidosulfate [(thf)4Li2(NtBu)4S] (1).
Enforcement of a high-spin ground state for the first 3d heterometallic 12-metallacrown-4 complex
Authors: Happ Peter , Rentschler Eva
Published: September 2014

Applying a novel magnetic director approach, we have realized Cu(ii)(DMF)2Cl2[12-MCFe(III)N(Shi)-4](DMF)4·2DMF as the first heterometallic transition metal 12-MC-4 complex in order to provide this type of compound with a high-spin ground state.
Direct catalytic conversion of cellulose to liquid straight-chain alkanes
Authors: Op de Beeck Beau , Dusselier Michiel , Geboers Jan , Holsbeek Jensen , Morré Eline , Oswald Steffen , Giebeler Lars , Sels Bert F.
Published: September 2014

A novel one-pot catalytic approach is presented that is able to directly transform cellulose into straight-chain alkanes (mainly n-hexane).
Evaluation and guidelines for using polyurethane foam (PUF) passive air samplers in double-dome chambers to assess semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in non-industrial indoor environments
Authors: Bohlin Pernilla , Audy Ondřej , Škrdlíková Lenka , Kukučka Petr , Vojta Šimon , Přibylová Petra , Prokeš Roman , Čupr Pavel , Klánová Jana
Published: September 2014

PUF passive air samplers perform well for gas phase SVOCs while they are inconsistent for particle associated SVOCs in non-industrial indoor environments.
Influence of hydration and starch digestion on the transient rheology of an aqueous suspension of comminuted potato snack food
Authors: Boehm Michael W. , Warren Frederick J. , Moore Jackson E. , Baier Stefan K. , Gidley Michael J. , Stokes Jason R.
Published: September 2014

Hydration kinetics controls ‘bolus’ rheology and starch digestion of comminuted snack foods; in vitro rheology provides new insights into oral processing and food design.
Morphological analysis of the antimicrobial action of silver and gold nanoparticles stabilized with ceftriaxone on Escherichia coli using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Shah Muhammad Raza , Ali Shujat , Ateeq Muhammad , Perveen Samina , Ahmed Shakil , Bertino Massimo F. , Ali Mumtaz
Published: September 2014

Monitoring the antibacterial action of gold and silver nanoparticlesviaAFM.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Au–scopoletin nanoconjugates
Authors: Shah Muhammad Raza , Shamim Anwar , White Lauren S. , Bertino Massimo F. , Mesaik M. Ahmed , Soomro Samreen
Published: September 2014

Au particles capped with scopoletin, isolated from Artemisia roxburghiana using column chromatography, show no change in NO inhibitory activity and inhibition of the oxidative burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in whole blood phagocytes and isolated neutrophils is enhanced by three times when compared to pure scopoletin.
A convenient base-mediated synthesis of 3-aryol-4-methyl (or benzyl)-2-methylthio furans from α-oxo ketene dithioacetals and propargyl alcohols via domino coupling/annulations
Authors: Yang Xiaobing , Hu Fangzhong , Di Hongjing , Cheng Xinxin , Li Dan , Kan Xiaoli , Zou Xiaomao , Zhang Qichun
Published: September 2014

A convenient base-mediated synthesis of 3-aryol-4-methyl (or benzyl)-2-methylthio furans2has been developed through the domino coupling/annulations from α-oxo ketene dithioacetals1and propargyl alcohols.
Stability and bioactivity of thrombin binding aptamers modified withd-/l-isothymidine in the loop regions
Authors: Cai Baobin , Yang Xiantao , Sun Lidan , Fan Xinmeng , Li Liyu , Jin Hongwei , Wu Yun , Guan Zhu , Zhang Liangren , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: September 2014

d-/l-IsoT were used to modify the loop regions of TBA and greatly improved its bioactivity as well as stability.
Utilizing electrostatic interactions to facilitate F-18 radiolabeling of poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimers
Authors: Zhou Dong , Kim Sung Hoon , Carroll Vincent M. , Dence Carmen S. , Katzenellenbogen John A.
Published: September 2014

Electrostatic interactions facilitate conjugation reactions of cationic poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimers with anionic NHS reagents.
A carboxylic azo monomer and its homopolymer: synthesis, self-organization and fluorescence behaviour in solution
Authors: Ren Hao , Chen Dong , Shi Yan , Yu Haifeng , Fu Zhifeng
Published: September 2014

The fluorescence of a carboxylic azo monomer and its homopolymer was studied in solution, which can be controlled by solvent polarity, pH value and photoirradiation.
Pt-based nanoparticles on non-covalent functionalized carbon nanotubes as effective electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Yuan Weiyong , Lu Shanfu , Xiang Yan , Jiang San Ping
Published: September 2014

This review presents the latest progress in the development of non-covalent functionalized CNT supported Pt-based electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Embedded cobalt oxide nano particles on carbon could potentially improve oxygen reduction activity of cobalt phthalocyanine and its application in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Ahmed Jalal , Kim Hyung Joo , Kim Sunghyun
Published: September 2014

The increasing cost of precious metals, especially platinum, as oxygen reduction catalysts has hindered their widespread use in microbial fuel cells (MFCs).
Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of the Aurivillius phase Bi6Fe2−xMnxTi3O18 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8)
Authors: Zuo Xuzhong , Yang Jie , Yuan Bin , Song Dongpo , Tang Xianwu , Zhang Kejun , Zhu Xuebin , Song Wenhai , Dai Jianming , Sun Yuping
Published: September 2014

The n = 5 Aurivillius phase ceramics Bi6Fe2−xMnxTi3O18 (BFMTO) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) were synthesized with a conventional solid-state reaction method.
Environmentally benign enhanced hydrogen production via lethal H2S under natural sunlight using hierarchical nanostructured bismuth sulfide
Authors: Kawade U. V. , Panmand R. P. , Sethi Y. A. , Kulkarni M. V. , Apte S. K. , Naik S. D. , Kale B. B.
Published: September 2014

Orthorhombic bismuth sulfide nanorods and flower-like hierarchical nanostructures were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method. Photocatalytic hydrogen production was observed to be excellent under sunlight.
Host–guest inclusion complexes of α and β-cyclodextrins with α-amino acids
Authors: Roy Mahendra Nath , Ekka Deepak , Saha Subhadeep , Chandra Roy Milan
Published: September 2014

The innovative study reveals the formation of 1:1 hosts–guest inclusion complexes for all the titled α-amino acids in the hydrophobic cavity of both α and β-cyclodextrin. The thermodynamic parameters for inclusion were studied depending on size and state of the guest molecules to draw inferences about contributions to the overall binding.
A new composite thixotropic hydrogel composed of a low-molecular-weight hydrogelator and a nanosheet
Authors: Ohsedo Yutaka , Oono Masashi , Saruhashi Kowichiro , Watanabe Hisayuki , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi
Published: September 2014

New composite comprised of low-molecular-weight hydrogelator and the nanosheet Laponite®, showed thixotropic behaviour.
Asymmetric α-oxyamination of aldehydes by synergistic catalysis of imidazolethiones and metal salts
Authors: Liang Xianrui , Li Na , Chen Xinlei , Su Weike
Published: September 2014

The novel and efficient imidazolethione catalysts combined with metal salts were successfully introduced to the asymmetric α-oxyamination of aldehydes.
Novel quaternary phosphonium-type cationic polyacrylamide and elucidation of dual-functional antibacterial/antiviral activity
Authors: Xue Yan , Pan Yuanfeng , Xiao Huining , Zhao Yi
Published: September 2014

A novel quaternary phosphonium-type cationic polyacrylamide, which can kill bacteria by destroying the cell membrane, as well as inactivate adenovirus by blocking the viral entry, is developed.
Diagnosing the miR-141 prostate cancer biomarker using nucleic acid-functionalized CdSe/ZnS QDs and telomerase
Authors: Jou Amily Fang-ju , Lu Chun-Hua , Ou Yen-Chuan , Wang Shian-Shiang , Hsu Shih-Lan , Willner Itamar , Ho Ja-an Annie
Published: September 2014

The miR-141 prostate cancer biomarker is optically detected by a two-step analytical platform that includes telomerase and semiconductor quantum dots.
Laser-induced pinpoint hydrogen evolution from benzene and water using metal free single-walled carbon nanotubes with high quantum yields
Authors: Ohkubo Kei , Kohno Naoki , Yamada Yusuke , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: September 2014

Metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution occurred efficiently in benzene containing SWCNTs under laser irradiation with an extremely high turnover number of 2 000 000 and a high quantum yield of 130%.
Control and Prediction Components of Movement Planning in Stuttering Versus Nonstuttering Adults
Authors: Daliri Ayoub , Prokopenko Roman A. , Flanagan J. Randall , Max Ludo
Published: September 2014

Purpose

Stuttering individuals show speech and nonspeech sensorimotor deficiencies. To perform accurate movements, the sensorimotor system needs to generate appropriate control signals and correctly predict their sensory consequences. Using a reaching task, we examined the integrity of these control and prediction components separately for movements unrelated to the speech motor system.

Method

Nine stuttering and 9 nonstuttering adults made fast reaching movements to visual targets while sliding an object under the index finger. To quantify control, we determined initial direction error and end point error. To quantify prediction, we calculated the correlation between vertical and horizontal forces applied to the object—an index of how well vertical force (preventing slip) anticipated direction-dependent variations in horizontal force (moving the object).

Results

Directional and end point error were significantly larger for the stuttering group. Both groups performed similarly in scaling vertical force with horizontal force.

Conclusions

The stuttering group's reduced reaching accuracy suggests limitations in generating control signals for voluntary movements, even for nonorofacial effectors. Typical scaling of vertical force with horizontal force suggests an intact ability to predict the consequences of planned control signals. Stuttering may be associated with generalized deficiencies in planning control signals rather than predicting the consequences of those signals.
Internationally Adopted Children in the Early School Years: Relative Strengths and Weaknesses in Language Abilities
Authors: Glennen Sharon
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the relative strengths and weaknesses in language and verbal short-term memory abilities of school-age children who were adopted from Eastern Europe.

Method

Children adopted between 1;0 and 4;11 (years;months) of age were assessed with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals—Preschool, Second Edition (CELF–P2) and the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals, Fourth Edition (CELF–4) at age 5 and ages 6–7. Language composites and subtests were compared across time.

Results

All CELF–P2 and CELF–4 mean scores fell in the average range. Receptive composites were 102.74 and 103.86, and expressive composites were 100.58 and 98.42, at age 5 and ages 6–7, respectively. Age of adoption did not correlate to test scores. At ages 6–7, receptive language, sentence formulation, and vocabulary were areas of strength, with subtest scores significantly better than test norms. Verbal short-term memory and expressive grammar subtest scores were within the average range but significantly worse than test norms. A high percentage of children scored 1 standard deviation below the mean on these 2 subtests (27.3%–34.1%).

Conclusion

Eastern European adoptees had average scores on a variety of language tests. Vocabulary was a relative strength; enriching the environment substantially improved this language area. Verbal short-term memory and expressive grammar were relative weaknesses. Children learning a language later in life may have difficulty with verbal short-term memory, which leads to weaknesses in expressive syntax and grammar.
Synthetic aperture radar image despeckling via total generalised variation approach
Authors: Feng Wensen , Lei Hong , Qiao Hong
Published: September 2014

Speckle reduction is an important task in synthetic aperture radar. One extensively used approach is based on total variation (TV) regularisation, which can realise significantly sharp edges, but on the other hand brings in the undesirable staircasing artefacts. In essence, the TV‐based methods tend to create piecewise‐constant images even in regions with smooth transitions. In this study, a new method is proposed for speckle reduction via total generalised variation (TGV) penalty. This is reasonable from the fact that the TGV‐based model can reduce the staircasing artefacts of TV by being aware of higher‐order smoothness. An efficient numerical scheme based on the Nesterov's algorithm is also developed for solving the TGV‐based optimisation problem. Monte Carlo experiments show that the proposed scheme yields state‐of‐the‐art results in terms of both performance and speed. Especially when the image has some higher‐order smoothness, the authors’ scheme outperforms the TV‐based methods.
Wireless network‐on‐chip: a survey
Authors: Wang Shuai , Jin Tao
Published: September 2014

To alleviate the complex communication problems arising in the network‐on‐chip (NoC) architectures as the number of on‐chip components increases, several novel interconnect infrastructures have been recently proposed to replace the traditional on‐chip interconnection systems that are reaching their limits in terms of performance, power and area constraints. Wireless NoC (WiNoC) is among the most promising scalable interconnection architectures for future generation NoCs. In this study, the authors first provide a general description of the WiNoC architecture. Then, they discuss the research problems under five categories: topology, routing, flow control, antenna and reliability. Open research issues for the realisation of the WiNoC are also discussed.
Vedic division methodology for high‐speed very large scale integration applications
Authors: Saha Prabir , Kumar Deepak , Bhattacharyya Partha , Dandapat Anup
Published: September 2014

Transistor level implementation of division methodology using ancient Vedic mathematics is reported in this Letter. The potentiality of the ‘Dhvajanka (on top of the flag)’ formula was adopted from Vedic mathematics to implement such type of divider for practical very large scale integration applications. The division methodology was implemented through half of the divisor bit instead of the actual divisor, subtraction and little multiplication. Propagation delay and dynamic power consumption of divider circuitry were minimised significantly by stage reduction through Vedic division methodology. The functionality of the division algorithm was checked and performance parameters like propagation delay and dynamic power consumption were calculated through spice spectre with 90 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The propagation delay of the resulted (32 ÷ 16) bit divider circuitry was only ∼300 ns and consumed ∼32.5 mW power for a layout area of 17.39 mm2. Combination of Boolean arithmetic along with ancient Vedic mathematics, substantial amount of iterations were reduced resulted as ∼47, ∼38, 34% reduction in delay and ∼34, ∼21, ∼18% reduction in power were investigated compared with the mostly used (e.g. digit‐recurrence, Newton–Raphson, Goldschmidt) architectures.
Design and implementation of adaptive inverse control algorithm for a micro‐hand control system
Authors: Wang Wan‐Cheng , Liu Tian‐Hua , Syaifudin Yuddy , Wang Tsan‐Kai
Published: September 2014

The Letter proposes an online tuned adaptive inverse position control algorithm for a micro‐hand. First, the configuration of the micro‐hand is discussed. Next, a kinematic analysis of the micro‐hand is investigated and then the relationship between the rotor position of micro‐permanent magnet synchronous motor and the tip of the micro‐finger is derived. After that, an online tuned adaptive inverse control algorithm, which includes an adaptive inverse model and an adaptive inverse control, is designed. The online tuned adaptive inverse control algorithm has better performance than the proportional–integral control algorithm does. In addition, to avoid damaging the object during the grasping process, an online force control algorithm is proposed here as well. An embedded micro‐computer, cRIO‐9024, is used to realise the whole position control algorithm and the force control algorithm by using software. As a result, the hardware circuit is very simple. Experimental results show that the proposed system can provide fast transient responses, good load disturbance responses, good tracking responses and satisfactory grasping responses.
Large‐scale multi‐zone optimal power dispatch using hybrid hierarchical evolution technique
Authors: Pandit Manjaree , Srivastava Laxmi , Sharma Manisha , Dubey Hari Mohan , Panigrahi Bijaya Ketan
Published: September 2014

A new hybrid technique based on hierarchical evolution is proposed for large, non‐convex, multi‐zone economic dispatch (MZED) problems considering all practical constraints. Evolutionary/swarm intelligence‐based optimisation techniques are reported to be effective only for small/medium‐sized power systems. The proposed hybrid hierarchical evolution (HHE) algorithm is specifically developed for solving large systems. The HHE integrates the exploration and exploitation capabilities of particle swarm optimisation and differential evolution in a novel manner such that the search efficiency is improved substantially. Most hybrid techniques export or exchange features or operations from one algorithm to the other, but in HHE their entire individual features are retained. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm has been verified on six‐test systems having different sizes and complexity levels. Non‐convex MZED solution for such large and complex systems has not yet been reported.
Accurate geometry scalable complementary metal oxide semiconductor modelling of low‐power 90 nm amplifier circuits
Authors: Roy Apratim , Rashid A.B.M.H.
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes a technique to accurately estimate radio frequency behaviour of low‐power 90 nm amplifier circuits with geometry scalable discrete complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) modelling. Rather than characterising individual elements, the scheme is able to predict gain, noise and reflection loss of low‐noise amplifier (LNA) architectures made with bias, active and passive components. It reduces number of model parameters by formulating dependent functions in symmetric distributed modelling and shows that simple fitting factors can account for extraneous (interconnect) effects in LNA structure. Equivalent‐circuit model equations based on physical structure and describing layout parasites are developed for major amplifier elements like metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitor, spiral symmetric inductor, polysilicon (PS) resistor and bulk RF transistor. The models are geometry scalable with respect to feature dimensions, i.e. MIM/PS width and length, outer‐dimension/turns of planar inductor and channel‐width/fingers of active device. Results obtained with the CMOS models are compared against measured literature data for two 1.2 V amplifier circuits where prediction accuracy for RF parameters (S 21, noise figure, S 11, S 22) lies within the range of 92–99%.

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Further investigation on adaptive search
Authors: Pi Ming Hong , Ma Jun , Basu Anup , Mandal Mrinal
Published: September 2014

Adaptive search is one of the fastest fractal compression algorithms and has gained great success in many industrial applications. By substituting the luminance offset by the range block mean, the authors create a completely new version for both the encoding and decoding algorithms. In this paper, theoretically, they prove that the proposed decoding algorithm converges at least as fast as the existing decoding algorithms using the luminance offset. In addition, they prove that the attractor of the decoding algorithm can be represented by a linear combination of range‐averaged images. These theorems are very important contributions to the theory and applications of fractal image compression. As a result, the decoding image can be represented as the sum of the DC and AC component images, which is similar with discrete cosine transform or wavelet transform. To further speed up this algorithm and reduce the complexity of range and domain blocks matching, they propose two improvements in this paper, that is, employing the post‐quantisation and geometric neighbouring local search to replace the currently used pre‐quantisation and the global search, respectively. The corresponding experimental results show the proposed encoding and decoding algorithms can provide a better performance compared with the existing algorithms.
Energy‐efficient network reprogramming scheme with Raptor code by using transmission power control in WSNs
Authors: Kim Dongwan , An Sunshin
Published: September 2014

In wireless sensor networks, the necessity of reprogramming becomes more and more important for variety of purposes. However, the reprogramming produces a large amount of data and causes large energy consumption and interference. In this Letter, we propose an energy‐efficient reprogramming scheme with Raptor code by using transmission power control. By selecting proper relay nodes, relay nodes’ transmission power and Raptor code overhead, the proposed scheme minimises energy consumption while guaranteeing reliable transmission. This is verified by comparing it with conventional schemes.