bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edge state magnetism in zigzag-interfaced graphene via spin susceptibility measurements
Authors: Makarova T. L. , Shelankov A. L. , Zyrianova A. A. , Veinger A. I. , Tisnek T. V. , Lähderanta E. , Shames A. I. , Okotrub A. V. , Bulusheva L. G. , Chekhova G. N. , Pinakov D. V. , Asanov I. P. , Šljivančanin Ž.
Published: August 2015

Development of graphene spintronic devices relies on transforming it into a material with a spin order. Attempts to make graphene magnetic by introducing zigzag edge states have failed due to energetically unstable structure of torn zigzag edges. Here, we report on the formation of nanoridges, i.e., stable crystallographically oriented fluorine monoatomic chains and provide experimental evidence for strongly coupled magnetic states at the graphene-fluorographene interfaces. From the first principle calculations, the spins at the localized edge states are ferromagnetically ordered within each of the zigzag interface whereas the spin interaction across a nanoridge is antiferromagnetic. Magnetic susceptibility data agree with this physical picture and exhibit behaviour typical of quantum spin-ladder system with ferromagnetic legs and antiferromagnetic rungs. The exchange coupling constant along the rungs is measured to be 450 K. The coupling is strong enough to consider graphene with fluorine nanoridges as a candidate for a room temperature spintronics material.
Neural stem/progenitor cell properties of glial cells in the adult mouse auditory nerve
Authors: Lang Hainan , Xing Yazhi , Brown LaShardai N. , Samuvel Devadoss J. , Panganiban Clarisse H. , Havens Luke T. , Balasubramanian Sundaravadivel , Wegner Michael , Krug Edward L. , Barth Jeremy L.
Published: August 2015

The auditory nerve is the primary conveyor of hearing information from sensory hair cells to the brain. It has been believed that loss of the auditory nerve is irreversible in the adult mammalian ear, resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. We examined the regenerative potential of the auditory nerve in a mouse model of auditory neuropathy. Following neuronal degeneration, quiescent glial cells converted to an activated state showing a decrease in nuclear chromatin condensation, altered histone deacetylase expression and up-regulation of numerous genes associated with neurogenesis or development. Neurosphere formation assays showed that adult auditory nerves contain neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPs) that were within a Sox2-positive glial population. Production of neurospheres from auditory nerve cells was stimulated by acute neuronal injury and hypoxic conditioning. These results demonstrate that a subset of glial cells in the adult auditory nerve exhibit several characteristics of NSPs and are therefore potential targets for promoting auditory nerve regeneration.
Net analyte signal based interferent modelling (NAS-IM) for solving matrix effects and unknown spectral interferents
Authors: Shariati-Rad Masoud , Irandoust Mohsen , Sheikhi Sara
Published: August 2015

Processing of the standard addition data by using the net analyte signal (NAS) was introduced for analyte determination in the presence of matrix effects and spectral interference caused by unknown interferent(s).
An electrochemical sensor for the sensitive determination of nitrites based on Pt–PANI–graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Zhang Sai , Li Bo-Qiang , Zheng Jian-Bin
Published: August 2015

Electrochemical sensing of nitrites based on novel Pt–PANI–graphene nanocomposites.
Multi-element determination of copper, iron, nickel, manganese, lead and zinc in environmental water samples by ICP OES after solid phase extraction with a C18 cartridge loaded with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol
Authors: Carvalho Roberta N. C. S. , Brito Geysa B. , Korn Maria G. A. , Teixeira Josanaide S. R. , Dias Fábio de S. , Dantas Alailson F. , Teixeira Leonardo S. G.
Published: August 2015

A pre-concentration solid-phase procedure for determination of metals in water samples by ICP OES.
Highly selective copper-catalyzed trifunctionalization of alkynyl carboxylic acids: an efficient route to bis-deuterated β-borylated α,β-styrene
Authors: Feng Qiang , Yang Kai , Song Qiuling
Published: August 2015

A copper-catalyzed highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of bis-deuterated β-borylated α,β-styrene derivatives from alkynyl carboxylic acids and B2pin2 has been achieved by employing readily available and cheap D2O as a deuterium source under base-free conditions at ambient temperature.
Nanostructured high-performance dielectric block copolymers
Authors: Liu Wenmei , Liao Xiaojuan , Li Yawei , Zhao Qiuhua , Xie Meiran , Sun Ruyi
Published: August 2015

A dielectric block copolymer was synthesized by metathesis polymerization. It self-assembles into micelle or hollow sphere nanostructures, which exhibit excellent dielectric properties due to dipolar and interfacial polarization contributions.
Catalytic asymmetric construction of spiro[pyrrolidine-2,3′-oxindole] scaffolds through chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition involving 3-amino oxindoles
Authors: Zhu Guodong , Wang Baomin , Bao Xiaoze , Zhang Huanrui , Wei Qian , Qu Jingping
Published: August 2015

The catalytic asymmetric three-component 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of 3-amino oxindoles with aldehydes and nitroolefins with a chiral phosphoric acid is reported.
Dual functionality of phosphonic-acid-appended phthalocyanines: inhibitors of urokinase plasminogen activator and anticancer photodynamic agents
Authors: Venkatramaiah N. , Pereira Patrícia M. R. , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Ribeiro Carlos A. F. , Fernandes Rosa , Tomé João P. C.
Published: August 2015

Phthalocyanines with phosphonic acid groups have a PDT effect on UM-UC-3 bladder cancer cells and inhibit urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase-9.
Synthesis of functionalized tryptamines by Brønsted acid catalysed cascade reactions
Authors: Melis Nicola , Secci Francesco , Boddaert Thomas , Aitken David J. , Frongia Angelo
Published: August 2015

A new solvent-free Brønsted acid catalysed cascade reaction has been established, allowing access to highly substituted tryptamines under mild conditions.
An unprecedented organic–inorganic hybrid material with an I3O3 framework based on cadmium hydroxide and in situ generated 1H-tetrazolate-5-acetic acid
Authors: Wu Mei-Feng , Shen Ting-Ting , He Shuai , Wu Ke-Qin , Wang Shuai-Hua , Liu Zhi-Fa , Zheng Fa-Kun , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: August 2015

A novel I3O3 hybrid framework was generated, based on a rare ths inorganic subnet of cadmium hydroxide and 3-D organic network linked by tza2− ligands and Cd(ii) centers.
Smooth heuristic optimization on a complex chemical subspace
Authors: Elward Jennifer M. , Rinderspacher B. Christopher
Published: August 2015

In the present work, several heuristic reordering algorithms for deterministic optimization on a combinatorial chemical compound space are evaluated for performance and efficiency.
A polarizable coarse-grained protein model for dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Peter Emanuel K. , Lykov Kirill , Pivkin Igor V.
Published: August 2015

We present a new coarse-grained polarizable protein model for the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method.
Enhanced electron spin rotation in CdS quantum dots
Authors: Masumoto Yasuaki , Umino Hikaru , Sun Jianhui , Suzumura Eri
Published: August 2015

We studied the spin rotation of electrons in CdS quantum dots (QDs) and CdS QDs with charge acceptors by means of time-resolved Faraday rotation (TRFR) at room temperature.
CN stretching vibration of 5-cyanotryptophan as an infrared probe of protein local environment: what determines its frequency?
Authors: Zhang Wenkai , Markiewicz Beatrice N. , Doerksen Rosalie S. , Smith, III Amos B. , Gai Feng
Published: August 2015

This study shows that the CN frequency of 5-cyanotryptophan depends, and hence reports, on multiple interactions with the solvent.
Synthesis of functionalised BTPhen derivatives – effects on solubility and americium extraction
Authors: Higginson Matthew A. , Kyle Nichola D. , Marsden Olivia J. , Thompson Paul , Livens Francis R. , Heath Sarah L.
Published: August 2015

Separation of the minor actinides (Am/Cm) from spent nuclear fuel post-PUREX process is expected to play a key part in new reprocessing methodologies.
Saccharin salts of biologically active hydrazone derivatives
Authors: Surov Artem O. , Voronin Alexander P. , Simagina Anna A. , Churakov Andrei V. , Skachilova Sophia Y. , Perlovich German L.
Published: August 2015

Crystal structures, solubility and formation thermodynamics of saccharin salts with biologically active hydrazone derivatives were investigated.
An efficient aldol-type direct reaction of isatins with TMSCH2CN
Authors: Bhaskara Rao V. U. , Kumar Krishna , Singh Ravi P.
Published: August 2015

Cesium fluoride catalyzed direct cyanomethylation of various isatins by using trimethylsilyl acetonitrile (TMSAN) as a nucleophile has been developed. The reaction has been explored for a number of isatins, with various substitutions on its aromatic ring. Further, the versatility of the reaction is demonstrated by converting the direct aldol adducts to various corresponding intermediates.
Fabrication and properties of hybrid Mo-CPF/P1B from cardanol
Authors: Xu Guomei , Shi Tiejun , Xiang Yu , Yuan Wei , Wang Quan
Published: August 2015

A Mo-CPF/P1B hybrid has been prepared from molybdenum modified cardanol phenolic resin (Mo-CPF) and cardanol benzoxazine with phosphorus (P1B).
Co3O4nanoparticles grown on N-doped Vulcan carbon as a scalable bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: An Tao , Ge Xiaoming , Hor T. S. Andy , Goh F. W. Thomas , Geng Dongsheng , Du Guojun , Zhan Yi , Liu Zhaolin , Zong Yun
Published: August 2015

Balancing the loading ofin situgrown Co3O4nanoparticles with the N-doped Vulcan carbon underneath is essential to produce scalable high-performance bifunctional catalysts of Co3O4/NVC for rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Redox structural control of Pd and PdO silica matrices
Authors: Ballinger Benjamin J. , Motuzas Julius , Smart Simon , Diniz da Costa João C.
Published: August 2015

Pd crystallite sizes within silica were controlled by calcination in either oxidation or reduction conditions. Control was imparted by the temperature of decomposition of the PdCl2 precursor, and thus the degree of condensation of the silica matrix.
Enthalpy–entropy relations in the acid–base equilibrium of warfarin and 10-hydroxywarfarin; joint experimental and theoretical studies
Authors: Nowak Paweł Mateusz , Woźniakiewicz Michał , Mitoraj Mariusz Paweł , Sagan Filip , Kościelniak Paweł
Published: August 2015

Warfarin and 10-hydroxywarfarin are structurally similar molecules, however, they exhibit considerably different thermodynamics of acid dissociation. Intramolecular H-bonds and solvent composition are the factors of great importance.
Preparation and characterization of composite magnetic photocatalyst MnxZn1−xFe2O4/β-Bi2O3
Authors: Zhang Zhaodi , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun
Published: August 2015

Composite magnetic photocatalyst MnxZn1−xFe2O4/β-Bi2O3 was synthesized by a dip-calcination method using manganese zinc ferrite as a magnetic substrate.
An in situ prepared photo-luminescent transparent biocompatible hyperbranched epoxy/carbon dot nanocomposite
Authors: De Bibekananda , Kumar Manishekhar , Mandal Biman B. , Karak Niranjan
Published: August 2015

An excitation wavelength dependent photo-luminescent, high performance, transparent and biocompatible hyperbranched epoxy/carbon dot nanocomposite was obtained through in situ technique.
Concise template syntheses of gallium phosphates driven by in situ direct alkylation of aliphatic and aromatic precursors by methanol
Authors: Wang Guo-Ming , Li Jin-Hua , Wei Li , Zhang Xiao , Bao Zhen-Zhen
Published: August 2015

In situ template design and generation strategy is applied to synthesize microporous materials. We report five new organically templated gallium phosphates with different structures varying from 1D chain to 2D layer and 3D framework.
Improving nutraceutical bioavailability using mixed colloidal delivery systems: lipid nanoparticles increase tangeretin bioaccessibility and absorption from tangeretin-loaded zein nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Zheng Jinkai , Decker Eric A. , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang
Published: August 2015

The use of a multi-particle delivery system to increase the bioavailability of tangeretin.
Halogen bonding interactions in ion pairs versus conventional charge-assisted and neutral halogen bonds: a theoretical study based on imidazolium species
Authors: Zhang Shaoze , Chen Zhaoqiang , Lu Yunxiang , Xu Zhijian , Wu Weihong , Zhu Weiliang , Peng Changjun , Liu Honglai
Published: August 2015

The properties of three different types of halogen bonds in the complexes of imidazolium species are characterized.
SiO2-directed surface control of hierarchical MoS2 microspheres for stable lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Qiuhong , Wu Zhenjun , Huo Jia , Ma Zhaoling , Dou Shuo , Wang Shuangyin
Published: August 2015

Hierarchical MoS2 microspheres with nanosheets and dense spheres prepared by SiO2-directed surface control show excellent cycle ability.
Identification of MRC2 and CD209 receptors as targets for photodynamic therapy of retinoblastoma using mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Gallud A. , Warther D. , Maynadier M. , Sefta M. , Poyer F. , Thomas C. D. , Rouxel C. , Mongin O. , Blanchard-Desce M. , Morère A. , Raehm L. , Maillard P. , Durand J. O. , Garcia M. , Gary-Bobo M.
Published: August 2015

An overexpression of MRC2 and CD209 mannose receptors was revealed in retinoblastoma and antibodies against these receptors were grafted to multifunctional nanoparticles for targeting of imaging and photodynamic therapy.
3D Fe3O4 nanoparticle/graphene aerogel for NO2 sensing at room temperature
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Jinwei , Sun Jianbo , Zhang Xitian
Published: August 2015

Three-dimensional graphene aerogel-supported Fe3O4 nanoparticles for efficient detection of NO2 at room temperature are reported.
Versatile hierarchical Cu/Fe3O4 nanocatalysts for efficient degradation of organic dyes prepared by a facile, controllable hydrothermal method
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Zhai Shangru , Lv Jialing , Qi Haixin , Zheng Wei , Zhai Bin , An Qingda
Published: August 2015

A novel monodispersed hierarchical nanocomposite catalyst, Cu/Fe3O4, aimed at efficient degradation of traditional dyes, was successfully synthesized through a short-time, facile, eco-friendly hydrothermal method.
Magnesium-catalyzed hydrosilylation of α,β-unsaturated esters
Authors: Lampland Nicole L. , Pindwal Aradhana , Neal Steven R. , Schlauderaff Shealyn , Ellern Arkady , Sadow Aaron D.
Published: August 2015

A magnesium hydridoborate compound catalyzes the 1,4-hydrosilylation of α,β-unsaturated esters to give silyl ketene acetals.
Calorimetric evidence for a mobile surface layer in ultrathin polymeric films: poly(2-vinyl pyridine)
Authors: Madkour Sherif , Yin Huajie , Füllbrandt Marieke , Schönhals Andreas
Published: August 2015

Specific heat spectroscopy was used to study the dynamic glass transition of ultrathin poly(2-vinyl pyridine) films (thicknesses: 405–10 nm).
Homodiamine-functionalized metal–organic frameworks with a MOF-74-type extended structure for superior selectivity of CO2 over N2
Authors: Yeon Je Seon , Lee Woo Ram , Kim Nam Woo , Jo Hyuna , Lee Hanyeong , Song Jeong Hwa , Lim Kwang Soo , Kang Dong Won , Seo Jeong Gil , Moon Dohyun , Wiers Brian , Hong Chang Seop
Published: August 2015

The functionalized MOFs exhibit exceptional CO2/N2 adsorption capacity and selectivity, associated with the basicity of the introduced amine groups.
High-performance inverted planar perovskite solar cells without a hole transport layer via a solution process under ambient conditions
Authors: Bao Xichang , Zhu Qianqian , Qiu Meng , Yang Ailing , Wang Yujin , Zhu Dangqiang , Wang Junyi , Yang Renqiang
Published: August 2015

High-quality CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite films were directly prepared on simple treated ITO glass in air under a relative humidity of lower than 30%.
Hybrid cathode architectures for lithium batteries based on TiS2 and sulfur
Authors: Ma Lin , Wei Shuya , Zhuang Houlong L. , Hendrickson Kenville E. , Hennig Richard G. , Archer Lynden A.
Published: August 2015

A high energy density Li–S battery is realized by a hybrid system of sulfur infused TiS2 foam.
Controlled H2O2 release via long-lived electron–hole separation mediated to induce tumor cell apoptosis
Authors: Wang Cong , Gao Xinghua , Gao Yibo , Cao Wenbin , Tian Jingxuan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Ye Ziran , Zeng Xiping , Zhou Bingpu , Wu Jinbo , Fang Zhengyu , Wan Jun , Qin Jianhua , Wen Weijia
Published: August 2015

Controllable H2O2 release from a “band-aid” artificial film induces the apoptosis of tumor.
The effect of Co doping on the conductive properties of ferromagnetic ZnxCo1−xO films
Authors: Di Trolio Antonio , Alippi Paola , Ciatto Gianluca , Scavia Guido , Valentini Matteo , Amore Bonapasta Aldo
Published: August 2015

The reduction of conductivity and the enhancement of ferromagnetic order following Co-doping in ZnO films are interpreted within a (Co–VO)-mediated model of magnetic coupling.
Correction: Structural, optical, and electronic studies of wide-bandgap lead halide perovskites
Authors: Comin Riccardo , Walters Grant , Thibau Emmanuel Sol , Voznyy Oleksandr , Lu Zheng-Hong , Sargent Edward H.
Published: August 2015

Correction for ‘Structural, optical, and electronic studies of wide-bandgap lead halide perovskites’ by Riccardo Comin et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2015, 3, 8839–8843.
Verhaltenstherapie in der Homöopathie
Authors: Zanker Isa
Published: August 2015

Der Fallbericht berichtet von Bryan, einem Hovawart-Mischling, der mir am 16.09.2014 wegen Verhaltensproblemen vorgestellt wurde. Die Besitzerin (selbst Heilpraktikerin und mit Homöopathie vertraut) und die Lehrerin der Hundeschule kamen bei der Erziehung von Bryan nicht weiter und baten um eine homöopathische Unterstützung, um Bryan in seiner Entwicklung weiterzuhelfen.
Temporal resolution limit estimation of x-ray streak cameras using a CsI photocathode
Authors: Li Xiang , Gu Li , Zong Fangke , Zhang Jingjin , Yang Qinlao
Published: August 2015

A Monte Carlo model is developed and implemented to calculate the characteristics of x-ray induced secondary electron (SE) emission from a CsI photocathode used in an x-ray streak camera. Time distributions of emitted SEs are investigated with an incident x-ray energy range from 1 to 30 keV and a CsI thickness range from 100 to 1000 nm. Simulation results indicate that SE time distribution curves have little dependence on the incident x-ray energy and CsI thickness. The calculated time dispersion within the CsI photocathode is about 70 fs, which should be the temporal resolution limit of x-ray streak cameras that use CsI as the photocathode material.
Earth-to-air heat exchangers for passive houses located in South-Eastern European countries
Authors: Badescu Viorel , Tudor Alexandru
Published: August 2015

Earth-to-air heat exchangers (EAHEs) increase the energy performance of passive houses (PHs). The EAHE's performance depends on the climatology of the place and on design and operational parameters. The current commercial practice for implementing EAHEs in the PHs of South-Eastern Europe is by ad litteram importing the existing German design solutions. This is not always a good strategy from the point of view of thermal performance. In this paper, a reference EAHE with fixed design and operational parameters is defined and its performance is studied, when moved in different geographical places in Germany and other Western and South-Eastern European countries. The maximum yearly heating energy for Western Europe is 2730.6 kW h at Stockholm, while in Munich it is 2202.3 kW h. The same quantity in South-Eastern Europe is 2544.4 kW h at Bucharest. The maximum yearly cooling energy in South-Eastern Europe is 973.5 kW h at Belgrade and 739.7 kW h at Bucharest. This quantity is significantly larger than that for Western Europe (149 kW h at Munich). The EAHEs are indeed effective in the climate of South-Eastern Europe, especially as a cooling source during the warm season. Appropriate design solutions and operational parameters are needed in order to obtain the best EAHE's performance. A few practical recommendations for the implementation of EAHEs operating with forced air circulation are given.
Generators of quantum Markov semigroups
Authors: Androulakis George , Ziemke Matthew
Published: August 2015

Quantum Markov Semigroups (QMSs) originally arose in the study of the evolutions of irreversible open quantum systems. Mathematically, they are a generalization of classical Markov semigroups where the underlying function space is replaced by a non-commutative operator algebra. In the case when the QMS is uniformly continuous, theorems due to the works of Lindblad [Commun. Math. Phys. 48, 119-130 (1976)], Stinespring [Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 6, 211-216 (1955)], and Kraus [Ann. Phys. 64, 311-335 (1970)] imply that the generator of the semigroup has the form L(A)=∑n=1∞Vn∗AVn+GA+AG∗, where Vn and G are elements of the underlying operator algebra. In the present paper, we investigate the form of the generators of QMSs which are not necessarily uniformly continuous and act on the bounded operators of a Hilbert space. We prove that the generators of such semigroups have forms that reflect the results of Lindblad and Stinespring. We also make some progress towards forms reflecting Kraus’ result. Finally, we look at several examples to clarify our findings and verify that some of the unbounded operators we are using have dense domains.
Spectral dependence of carrier lifetime in high aluminum content AlGaN epitaxial layers
Authors: Saxena T. , Nargelas S. , Mickevičius J. , Kravcov O. , Tamulaitis G. , Shur M. , Shatalov M. , Yang J. , Gaska R.
Published: August 2015

The spectral dependences of the nonequilibrium carrier lifetimes obtained by using time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy reveal new features in the carrier dynamics in AlGaN epilayers with high aluminum content. Three decay components can be traced in the PL decay. The fast, intermediate, and slow components are attributed to the decay of the free carriers, localized carriers, and the carriers trapped in deep states, respectively. The spectral dependence of the fast component is flat with a very weak dependence on temperature. At low temperatures, the intermediate decay component has the longest effective decay times in the vicinity of the PL band peak and exhibits a decrease on both high and low energy slopes. The spectral dependence of the lifetimes flattens at elevated temperatures. To interpret the decrease in the carrier lifetime at lower energies, we suggest the modification of the double-scaled potential profile in AlGaN alloys by introducing a gradual potential decrease to the low-potential regions instead of the abrupt walls of the regions previously assumed.
Catalytic efficiency of Nb and Nb oxides for hydrogen dissociation
Authors: Isobe Shigehito , Kudoh Katsuhiro , Hino Satoshi , Hara Kenji , Hashimoto Naoyuki , Ohnuki Somei
Published: August 2015

In this letter, catalytic efficiency of Nb, NbO, Nb2O3, NbO2, and Nb2O5 for dissociation and recombination of hydrogen were experimentally investigated. On the surface of Nb and Nb oxides in a gas mixture of H2 and D2, H2 and D2 molecules can be dissociated to H and D atoms; then, H2, D2, and HD molecules can be produced according to the law of probability. With increase of frequency of the dissociation and recombination, HD ratio increases. The ratio of H2 and HD gas was analyzed by quadrupole mass spectrometry. As a result, NbO showed the highest catalytic activity towards hydrogen dissociation and recombination.
Performance of smart maximum power point tracker under partial shading conditions of photovoltaic systems
Authors: Eltamaly Ali. M.
Published: August 2015

Partial shading on photovoltaic (PV) modules reduces the generated power of the PV system than the maximum power generated from each module separately. The shaded PV module acts as a load to unshaded ones which can lead to hot-spot. To alleviate the effect of partial shading, bypass diodes should be connected across each PV modules. Connecting several PV modules together produces multiple peaks (one global peak (GP) and multiple local peaks (LPs)) on partial shading conditions. Maximum power point tracker conventional techniques are designed to follow the GP but they stuck around LPs such as fuzzy logic controller (FLC). In this paper, modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) using genetic algorism has been used to follow the GP under any operating conditions. MPSO has been studied and compared with the FLC technique to show the superiority of this technique under all operating conditions. Co-simulation between Matlab/Simulink and PSIM has been used to model the PV system under partial shading conditions. The simulation results show that the MPSO technique is more effective than FLC in following the GP. The generated power increases considerably with the MPSO than the FLC technique in shading conditions.
Defect-induced bandgap narrowing in low-k dielectrics
Authors: Guo X. , Zheng H. , King S. W. , Afanas'ev V. V. , Baklanov M. R. , de Marneffe J.-F. , Nishi Y. , Shohet J. L.
Published: August 2015

In this work, core-level X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was utilized to determine the surface bandgap for various porous and non-porous low-k a-SiCOH dielectrics before and after ion sputtering. By examining the onset of inelastic energy loss in O 1s core-level spectra, the gap narrowing was universally found in Ar+ ion sputtered low-k dielectrics. The reduction of the bandgap ranges from 1.3 to 2.2 eV depending on the film composition. We show that the bandgap narrowing in these low-k dielectrics is caused by development of the valence-band tail as evidenced by the presence of additional electronic states above the valence-band maximum. Electron-spin-resonance measurements were made on a-SiCOH films to gain atomic insight into the nature of the sputtering-induced defects and reveal formation of carbon-related defects as the most probable origin of the gap states.
Perpendicularly magnetized ferrimagnetic [Mn50Ga50/Co2FeAl] superlattice and the utilization in magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Ma Q. L. , Zhang X. M. , Miyazaki T. , Mizukami S.
Published: August 2015

The ferrimagnetic superlattice (SL) [MnGa/Co2FeAl]n exhibiting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy opened a new method for spintronics materials used in magnetic random access memory, because of the high anisotropy, small damping constant and tunable magnetization. In this work, we fabricated SLs with different MnGa composition and studied the MnGa composition dependence of the structure and magnetic properties of the SLs. Furthermore, we fabricated fully perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with SLs as both top and bottom electrodes. A clear tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) effect with TMR ratio of 1.3% at room temperature was observed.
Psychological distress among Vietnamese adults attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices in South Western Sydney: prevalence and associations
Authors: Nguyen Thi , Dennis Sarah , An Huy , Vagholkar Sanjyot , Liaw Siaw Teng
Published: August 2015

Objective
The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of psychological distress among Vietnamese adults attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices and explore possible risk factors in this population.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of Vietnamese adult patients was conducted at 25 general practices with Vietnamese-speaking general practitioners (GPs) in south-western Sydney between October 2012 and February 2013. Patients completed the Kessler (K10) scale and a demographic questionnaire, available in Vietnamese or English. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results
Of the 350 patients invited to participate, 247 completed surveys (response rate 71%). One-quarter (25%) of participants had a very high K10 score for psychological distress, nearly twice that reported in the NSW Health Survey. Participants with high exposure to trauma were at increased risk of psychological distress (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.4–14.4; P < 0.0001) compared with those with mild or no trauma exposure. Similarly, risk was increased if there was a past history of mental health problems and a lack of personal and social support.

Conclusion
The high prevalence of mental health problems in adult Vietnamese people attending Vietnamese-speaking general practices is associated with exposure to trauma. This highlights the importance of personal, social and professional support in effective management. Vietnamese-speaking GPs who see Vietnamese or similar refugee groups should actively seek out a history of exposure to trauma, a past history of mental illness and the existence of support systems.
Kinetic effect of oestrogen on secretion of prostaglandins E2 and F2α in bovine oviduct epithelial cells
Authors: Dong Zhiheng , Zhang Nan , Mao Wei , Liu Bo , Huang Na , Li Peifeng , Li Changyou , Cao Jinshan
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to investigate the effect of oestrogen on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) secretion in bovine oviduct epithelial cells. Bovine oviduct epithelial cells were obtained from the lumen of fresh bovine oviducts. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and in-cell western assays were used to measure PGE2 and PGF2α synthase activity and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the concentrations of the two prostaglandins in extracellular fluid. We observed that oestradiol caused a short-term increase in cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), which stimulated PGE2 and PGF2α secretion, and that a subsequent decrease in COX-2 and an increase in cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX-1) produced a high PGE2 : PGF2α ratio. These findings reflect the dynamic change in PGE2 and PGF2α levels under the influence of oestrogen, which may be essential for fertilisation.
The function and dynamics of the apical scaffolding protein E3KARP are regulated by cell-cycle phosphorylation
Authors: Sauvanet Cécile , Garbett Damien , Bretscher Anthony
Published: August 2015

We examine the dynamics and function of the apical scaffolding protein E3KARP/NHERF2, which consists of two PDZ domains and a tail containing an ezrin-binding domain. The exchange rate of E3KARP is greatly enhanced during mitosis due to phosphorylation at Ser-303 in its tail region. Whereas E3KARP can substitute for the function of the closely related scaffolding protein EBP50/NHERF1 in the formation of interphase microvilli, E3KARP S303D cannot. Moreover, the S303D mutation enhances the in vivo dynamics of the E3KARP tail alone, whereas in vitro the interaction of E3KARP with active ezrin is unaffected by S303D, implicating another factor regulating dynamics in vivo. A-Raf is found to be required for S303 phosphorylation in mitotic cells. Regulation of the dynamics of EBP50 is known to be dependent on its tail region but modulated by PDZ domain occupancy, which is not the case for E3KARP. Of interest, in both cases, the mechanisms regulating dynamics involve the tails, which are the most diverged region of the paralogues and probably evolved independently after a gene duplication event that occurred early in vertebrate evolution.
Changes in weight-at-length and size-at-age of mature Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) from 1984 to 2013: effects of mackerel stock size and herring (Clupea harengus) stock size
Authors: Olafsdottir Anna H. , Slotte Aril , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Oskarsson Guðmundur J. , Utne Kjell R. , Nøttestad Leif
Published: August 2015

Weight-at-length and length-/weight-at-age were analysed for mature 3- to 8-year-old Northeast Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus; n= 26 084) collected annually in autumn (September and October) at the end of the annual feeding season during 1984–2013 in the northern North Sea. The age range represented 92% of the mackerel stock size (age 3+). During the most recent decade, mackerel length- and weight-at-age continually declined. In 2013, the average mackerel was 3.7 cm shorter and weighed 175 g less than the average individual in 2002. Individual weight-at-length, demonstrating annual summer feeding success, continually declined during the most recent 5 years, whereas somatic growth of cohorts aged 3–8 continually declined for the last 11 of 25 cohorts investigated. Growth of the latest cohort was 34% of the maximum cohort growth recorded. Both weight-at-length and cohort growth were negatively affected by mackerel stock size and Norwegian spring-spawning herring (Clupea harengus) stock size (weight-at-length: r2 = 0.89; growth (length): r2 = 0.68; growth (weight): r2 = 0.78), while temperature was not significant. Conspecific density-dependence was most likely mediated via intensified competition associated with greater mackerel density. Negative effects of herring were likely mediated by exploitative competition for shared food resources rather than direct competition due to limited spatio-temporal overlap between mackerel and herring during the feeding season. Herring begin their seasonal feeding migration at least a month before mackerel; therefore, herring consumption influences prey availability for the later-arriving mackerel. Record low mackerel growth and negative effects of mackerel and herring stock size suggest that the carrying capacity of the Norwegian Sea and adjacent areas for plankton-feeding fish stocks have been reached. However, compounding effects of a less productive Norwegian Sea during the 30-year period cannot be excluded.
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells in disease
Authors: Halim Timotheus Y. F.
Published: August 2015

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are now recognized as an important innate source of type-2 effector cytokines. Although initially associated with mucosal tissues, it is clear that ILC2 are present in diverse anatomical locations. The function of ILC2 at these sites is equally varied, and although ILC2 represent a relatively minor population, they are fundamentally important regulators of innate and adaptive immune processes. As such, there is much interest to understand the role of ILC2 in diseases with a type-2 inflammatory component. This review explores the known roles of ILC2 in disease, and the diseases that show associations or other strong evidence for the involvement of ILC2.
Subsidizing Institutions vs. Outputs vs. Individuals: States’ Choices for Financing Public Postsecondary Education
Authors: Lowry Robert C.
Published: August 2015

Governments that want to subsidize goods or services can delegate responsibility for production to a public agency as part of its overall mission, subsidize production of specific outputs, or subsidize specific beneficiaries of excludable goods and services. For public postsecondary education, the corresponding funding mechanisms are operating appropriations that delegate authority to choose outputs and beneficiaries to public colleges and universities, grants and contracts, or student financial aid. Consistent with theories explaining delegation of policymaking authority, I find that the mix of funding mechanisms depends on institutions that affect planning capacity and oversight costs: States with more professional legislatures or statewide coordinating boards delegate less, that is, they spend more on grants and contracts and need-based student aid relative to appropriations. Relative use of grants and contracts decreases as the number of institutional governing boards increases, but use of need-based aid does not.
The Swedish specialist examination in emergency medicine: form and function
Authors: Dryver Eric T. , Eriksson Anders , Söderberg Patrik , Kurland Lisa
Published: August 2015

Aim/Background

The purpose of the Swedish specialist examination in Emergency Medicine is not only to determine whether residents have attained the level of competence of specialists, but also to guide and facilitate residency training.

Methods

The Swedish Society for Emergency Medicine has developed checklists that delineate criteria of consideration and action items for particular processes. These checklists are freely available and used to assess competence during the examination. They are also intended for use during teaching and clinical care, thus promoting alignment between clinical practice, teaching and assessment. The examination is carried out locally by residency program educators, thereby obviating travel expenses. It consists of a total of 24 stations and over 100 potential scenarios, thereby minimizing case specificity. Each station consists of a scenario based on a real case. The checklists allow for direct feedback to the examinee after each station.

Results and Conclusion

This model may be of interest to other European countries.
Hatching late in the season requires flexibility in the timing of song learning
Authors: Leitner Stefan , Teichel Johanna , Ter Maat Andries , Voigt Cornelia
Published: August 2015

Most songbirds learn their songs from adult tutors, who can be their father or other male conspecifics. However, the variables that control song learning in a natural social context are largely unknown. We investigated whether the time of hatching of male domesticated canaries has an impact on their song development and on the neuroendocrine parameters of the song control system. Average age difference between early- and late-hatched males was 50 days with a maximum of 90 days. Song activity of adult tutor males decreased significantly during the breeding season. While early-hatched males were exposed to tutor songs for on average the first 99 days, late-hatched peers heard adult song only during the first 48 days of life. Remarkably, although hatching late in the season negatively affected body condition, no differences between both groups of males were found in song characteristics either in autumn or in the following spring. Similarly, hatching date had no effect on song nucleus size and circulating testosterone levels. Our data suggest that late-hatched males must have undergone accelerated song development. Furthermore, the limited tutor song exposure did not affect adult song organization and song performance.
Cavitation and bubble dynamics: the Kelvin impulse and its applications
Authors: Blake John R. , Leppinen David M. , Wang Qianxi
Published: August 2015

Cavitation and bubble dynamics have a wide range of practical applications in a range of disciplines, including hydraulic, mechanical and naval engineering, oil exploration, clinical medicine and sonochemistry. However, this paper focuses on how a fundamental concept, the Kelvin impulse, can provide practical insights into engineering and industrial design problems. The pathway is provided through physical insight, idealized experiments and enhancing the accuracy and interpretation of the computation. In 1966, Benjamin and Ellis made a number of important statements relating to the use of the Kelvin impulse in cavitation and bubble dynamics, one of these being ‘One should always reason in terms of the Kelvin impulse, not in terms of the fluid momentum…’. We revisit part of this paper, developing the Kelvin impulse from first principles, using it, not only as a check on advanced computations (for which it was first used!), but also to provide greater physical insights into cavitation bubble dynamics near boundaries (rigid, potential free surface, two-fluid interface, flexible surface and axisymmetric stagnation point flow) and to provide predictions on different types of bubble collapse behaviour, later compared against experiments. The paper concludes with two recent studies involving (i) the direction of the jet formation in a cavitation bubble close to a rigid boundary in the presence of high-intensity ultrasound propagated parallel to the surface and (ii) the study of a ‘paradigm bubble model’ for the collapse of a translating spherical bubble, sometimes leading to a constant velocity high-speed jet, known as the Longuet-Higgins jet.
Tiny bubbles challenge giant turbines: Three Gorges puzzle
Authors: Li Shengcai
Published: August 2015

Since the birth of the first prototype of the modern reaction turbine, cavitation as conjectured by Euler in 1754 always presents as a challenge. Following his theory, the evolution of modern reaction (Francis and Kaplan) turbines has been completed by adding the final piece of the element ‘draft-tube’ that enables turbines to explore water energy at efficiencies of almost 100%. However, during the last two and a half centuries, with increasing unit capacity and specific speed, the problem of cavitation has been manifested and complicated by the draft-tube surges rather than being solved. Particularly, during the last 20 years, the fierce competition in the international market for extremely large turbines with compact design has encouraged the development of giant Francis turbines of 700–1000 MW. The first group (24 units) of such giant turbines of 700 MW each was installed in the Three Gorges project. Immediately after commission, a strange erosion phenomenon appeared on the guide vane of the machines that has puzzled professionals. From a multi-disciplinary analysis, this Three Gorges puzzle could reflect an unknown type of cavitation inception presumably triggered by turbulence production from the boundary-layer streak transitional process. It thus presents a fresh challenge not only to this old turbine industry, but also to the fundamental sciences.
An integrated approach to quantitative modelling in angiogenesis research
Authors: Connor Anthony J. , Nowak Radosław P. , Lorenzon Erica , Thomas Markus , Herting Frank , Hoert Stefan , Quaiser Tom , Shochat Eliezer , Pitt-Francis Joe , Cooper Jonathan , Maini Philip K. , Byrne Helen M.
Published: August 2015

Angiogenesis, the process by which new vessels form from existing ones, plays an important role in many developmental processes and pathological conditions. We study angiogenesis in the context of a highly controllable experimental environment: the cornea micropocket assay. Using a multidisciplinary approach that combines experiments, image processing and analysis, and mathematical modelling, we aim to provide mechanistic insight into the action of two angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). We use image analysis techniques to extract quantitative data, which are both spatially and temporally resolved, from experimental images, and we develop a mathematical model, in which the corneal vasculature evolves in response to both VEGF-A and bFGF. The experimental data are used for model parametrization, while the mathematical model is used to assess the utility of the cornea micropocket assay and to characterize proposed synergies between VEGF-A and bFGF.
Escaping the tragedy of the commons through targeted punishment
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: August 2015

Failures of cooperation cause many of society's gravest problems. It is well known that cooperation among many players faced with a social dilemma can be maintained thanks to the possibility of punishment, but achieving the initial state of widespread cooperation is often much more difficult. We show here that there exist strategies of ‘targeted punishment’ whereby a small number of punishers can shift a population of defectors into a state of global cooperation. We conclude by outlining how the international community could use a strategy of this kind to combat climate change.
The advantage of short paper titles
Authors: Letchford Adrian , Moat Helen Susannah , Preis Tobias
Published: August 2015

Vast numbers of scientific articles are published each year, some of which attract considerable attention, and some of which go almost unnoticed. Here, we investigate whether any of this variance can be explained by a simple metric of one aspect of the paper's presentation: the length of its title. Our analysis provides evidence that journals which publish papers with shorter titles receive more citations per paper. These results are consistent with the intriguing hypothesis that papers with shorter titles may be easier to understand, and hence attract more citations.
The nonlinear Schrödinger equation with
t
-periodic data: II. Perturbative results
Authors: Lenells J. , Fokas A. S.
Published: August 2015

We consider the nonlinear Schrödinger equation on the half-line with a given Dirichlet boundary datum which for large
t
tends to a periodic function. We assume that this function is sufficiently small, namely that it can be expressed in the form

α

g
0
b

(
t
)

, where
α
is a small constant. Assuming that the Neumann boundary value tends for large
t
to the periodic function

g
1
b

(
t
)

, we show that

g
1
b

(
t
)

can be expressed in terms of a perturbation series in
α
which can be constructed explicitly to any desired order. As an illustration, we compute

g
1
b

(
t
)

to order
α
8
for the particular case that

g
0
b

(
t
)

is the sum of two exponentials. We also show that there exist particular functions

g
0
b

(
t
)

for which the above series can be summed up, and therefore, for these functions,

g
1
b

(
t
)

can be obtained in closed form. The simplest such function is

exp
⁡
(

i

ω
t
)

, where
ω
is a real constant.
Quantum speedup of Monte Carlo methods
Authors: Montanaro Ashley
Published: August 2015

Monte Carlo methods use random sampling to estimate numerical quantities which are hard to compute deterministically. One important example is the use in statistical physics of rapidly mixing Markov chains to approximately compute partition functions. In this work, we describe a quantum algorithm which can accelerate Monte Carlo methods in a very general setting. The algorithm estimates the expected output value of an arbitrary randomized or quantum subroutine with bounded variance, achieving a near-quadratic speedup over the best possible classical algorithm. Combining the algorithm with the use of quantum walks gives a quantum speedup of the fastest known classical algorithms with rigorous performance bounds for computing partition functions, which use multiple-stage Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques. The quantum algorithm can also be used to estimate the total variation distance between probability distributions efficiently.
Bacteriocin-mediated competition in cystic fibrosis lung infections
Authors: Ghoul Melanie , West Stuart A. , Johansen Helle Krogh , Molin Søren , Harrison Odile B. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Jelsbak Lars , Bruce John B. , Griffin Ashleigh S.
Published: August 2015

Bacteriocins are toxins produced by bacteria to kill competitors of the same species. Theory and laboratory experiments suggest that bacteriocin production and immunity play a key role in the competitive dynamics of bacterial strains. The extent to which this is the case in natural populations, especially human pathogens, remains to be tested. We examined the role of bacteriocins in competition using
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains infecting lungs of humans with cystic fibrosis (CF). We assessed the ability of different strains to kill each other using phenotypic assays, and sequenced their genomes to determine what bacteriocins (pyocins) they carry. We found that (i) isolates from later infection stages inhibited earlier infecting strains less, but were more inhibited by pyocins produced by earlier infecting strains and carried fewer pyocin types; (ii) this difference between early and late infections appears to be caused by a difference in pyocin diversity between competing genotypes and not by loss of pyocin genes within a lineage over time; (iii) pyocin inhibition does not explain why certain strains outcompete others within lung infections; (iv) strains frequently carry the pyocin-killing gene, but not the immunity gene, suggesting resistance occurs via other unknown mechanisms. Our results show that, in contrast to patterns observed in experimental studies, pyocin production does not appear to have a major influence on strain competition during CF lung infections.