bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current applications and limitations of surgical treatments for movement disorders
Authors: Krack Paul , Martinez‐Fernandez Raul , del Alamo Marta , Obeso Jose A.
Published: January 2017

Functional neurosurgery for the treatment of both psychiatric and neurological disorders has been performed regularly since the 1940s. However, misuse in the early days and the appearance of effective medical treatments, such as levodopa and neuroleptic drugs, greatly reduced surgical approaches over several decades. The development of a comprehensive model of basal ganglia pathophysiology in the 1990s facilitated the resurgence of functional neurosurgery, mainly for the treatment of levodopa‐related motor complications in Parkinson's disease. This led first to the re‐emergence of posteroventral pallidotomy and subsequently to deep brain stimulation. Thirty years on from this turning point, we find ourselves looking at a new scenario. Although deep brain stimulation is accepted worldwide and technical advances continue to improve this therapy, new questions and challenges such as long‐term benefits and optimal targeting have emerged. In addition, new nonincisional tools used to perform ablative treatments, such as high‐intensity focused ultrasound and gamma‐knife, are challenging classical reluctance to therapeutic lesioning, and it remains to be determined how these approaches will fit into the array of movement disorder treatments. This review discusses the current clinical state of the art of functional neurosurgery in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, tremor, and dystonia. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A novel double balanced image‐rejected mixer for ultra‐wide band communication systems
Authors: Cao Xin , Tang Zongxi , Wang Fei
Published: January 2017

In this article, a novel double balanced image‐rejected mixer is proposed. To increase image‐rejection, a novel power divider based on quarter‐wavelength resonators, a pair of radial‐stub‐loaded coupled line filters, and a 3 dB RF quadrature microstrip/slot line coupler are employed in our design. The measurement is implemented using the Rohde & Schwarz four‐port vector analyzer. The measured results show that, the conversion loss is less than 17 dB with the image rejection over 14 dB within the operating band from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz. Good performances have been achieved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:578–584, 2017
Optical‐wireless integration of W‐band wireless and free‐space optical links
Authors: Han Xifeng , Chen Long , Li Xinying , Xiao Jiangnan , Yu Jianjun
Published: January 2017

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel optical‐wireless architecture for the integration of W‐band wireless and free‐space optical (FSO) links with intensity modulation and direct detection (IM/DD). This architecture can be used to increase the data rate, capacity, and flexibility. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:561–563, 2017
A novel power efficient asynchronous time difference of arrival indoor localization system using CC1101 radio transceivers
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Bozkurt Ayhan , Tekin Ibrahim
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a novel 434MHz asynchronous time difference of arrival (A‐TDOA) Indoor Localization System (ILS) using three CC1101 ultra low power radio transceivers from Texas Instruments as asynchronous measuring receivers for time difference of arrival estimation. The three deployed TDOA measuring units are not required to be precisely synchronized in contrast to conventional TDOA localization systems where stringent time synchronization is required between measuring units. Time synchronization is achieved by using a reference transmitter to record the time offset in two TDOA measurements. Actual TDOA measurements are obtained by compensating the time difference measurements for real transmitter using time offsets caused by asynchronous receivers. The implemented system demodulates the obtained time difference pulses to mitigate the clock jitter effect and provides voltage levels corresponding to time differences which are mapped to distance differences. The performance of implemented ILS is evaluated using two sets of real time indoor measurements to estimate the position of mobile transmit node in two dimensional space. The positioning accuracy of implemented system is better than 1.8m along with telemetry data reception capability and low DC power consumption. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:550–555, 2017
Quad‐band planar monopole antenna with bent ground plane for WLAN and WiMAX applications
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Sajjad , Kim Che Young
Published: January 2017

A quad‐band planar monopole antenna that consists of a bent ground plane, pair of parasitic patches, and a radiating patch excited by a coaxial feeding is proposed. The proposed antenna design has ability to maintain its resonant frequencies in standalone mode, extended planar ground plane mode, and even when attached to a metal case. This antenna can be used for multiple applications that operate at WLAN 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz, WiMAX 3.5/5.5 GHz and 4.5 GHz, which is used for point‐to‐point microwave and telemetry applications. The simulated and measured results of the antenna are in agreement with industry standards. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:588–593, 2017
Real‐time 2.5 Gbit/s ultra‐wideband transmission using a Schottky diode‐based envelope detector
Authors: Rommel Simon , Cimoli Bruno , Silva Valdecasa Guillermo , Jensen Jesper B. , Johansen Tom Keinicke , Vegas Olmos Juan J. , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: January 2017

An experimental demonstration of 2.5 Gbit/s real‐time ultra‐wideband transmission is presented, using a Schottky diode‐based envelope detector fabricated ad‐hoc using microstrip technology on a Rogers6002 substrate and surface‐mount components. Real‐time transmission with a BER below FEC threshold is achieved for 20 cm of wireless transmission at 2.5 Gbit/s and 50 cm at 1.25 Gbit/s. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:606–609, 2017
Wideband antenna for 4G MIMO applications
Authors: Kenny Caitlin , Odendaal Johann W. , Joubert Johan
Published: January 2017

A small, wideband, multiple‐input‐multiple‐output antenna is presented for 4G long term evolution (LTE) applications. The proposed antenna consists of a vertically polarized wideband stepped slot, as well as a horizontally polarized narrowband, uniform slot, integrated on a single substrate and fed by two ports. A prototype of the proposed antenna was designed, fabricated, and measured. The stepped slot antenna achieves an enhanced bandwidth of 122% from 0.77 GHz to 3.12 GHz, covering the 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. The narrowband slot achieves a bandwidth of 35% from 2.11 GHz to 3.01 GHz, covering the 4G band frequencies only. The isolation between the two slots is greater than 21 dB over the entire band of interest. The radiation pattern of the wideband slot in the horizontal plane is omnidirectional in nature while the narrowband slot exhibits a bidirectional radiation pattern in the horizontal plane. The proposed antenna is suitable for indoor, ceiling‐mount, microcell 4G LTE applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:601–604, 2017
Miniaturized implantable antenna integrated with split resonate rings for wireless power transfer and data telemetry
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Li Long , Liu Changrong , Guo Yong‐Xin , Wu Sirao
Published: January 2017

In this article, a new miniaturized implantable antenna (MIA) is proposed for biomedical applications. The antenna is composed of a loop integrated with split resonate rings (SRRs), which produces two resonant modes to make the antenna operate at both Medical Implantable Communications Service (MICS) 402–405 MHz and Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) 2.40–2.48 GHz bands. Compared to the traditional dual‐band implantable antennas, the proposed MIA has a few advantages: it is small, easy to operate, and has a wide bandwidth. Most importantly, −8 dB coupling strength can be obtained when the distance between the proposed antenna and the external antenna is 5 mm. The vitro test in a minced‐pork environment was performed to demonstrate the reliability of the proposed antenna in the real implantation. The size of the proposed antenna is 152.4 mm3 (10 mm × 12 mm × 1.27 mm). The simulated and measured impedance bandwidths are 43.4% and 33.9% at the MICS band, 64.2% and 58.7% at the ISM band, respectively. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:710–714, 2017
The impact of telephonic wellness coaching on weight loss: A “Natural Experiments for Translation in Diabetes (NEXT‐D)” study
Authors: Schmittdiel Julie A. , Adams Sara R. , Goler Nancy , Sanna Rashel S. , Boccio Mindy , Bellamy David J. , Brown Susan D. , Neugebauer Romain S. , Ferrara Assiamira
Published: January 2017

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a population‐based telephonic wellness coaching program on weight loss.

Methods

Individual‐level segmented regression analysis of interrupted time series data comparing the BMI trajectories in the 12 months before versus the 12 months after initiating coaching among a cohort of Kaiser Permanente Northern California members (n = 954) participating in The Permanente Medical Group Wellness Coaching program in 2011. The control group was a 20:1 propensity‐score matched control group (n = 19,080) matched with coaching participants based on baseline demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Wellness coaching participants had a significant upward trend in BMI in the 12 months before their first wellness coaching session and a significant downward trend in BMI in the 12 months after their first session equivalent to a clinically significant reduction of greater than one unit of baseline BMI (P < 0.01 for both). The control group did not have statistically significant decreases in BMI during the post‐period.

Conclusions

Wellness coaching has a positive impact on BMI reduction that is both statistically and clinically significant. Future research and quality improvement efforts should focus on disseminating wellness coaching for weight loss in patients with diabetes and those at risk for developing the disease.
Nuchal translucency measurement in the era of prenatal screening for aneuploidy using cell free (cf)DNA
Authors: O'Brien Barbara M. , Halliday Jacquelyn , Lambert‐Messerlian Geralyn , Eklund Elizabeth E. , Kloza Edward , Palomaki Glenn E.
Published: January 2017

What's already known about this topic?

Nuchal translucency measurement in the first trimester is a proven marker to assess risk of common aneuploidies.

Prenatal screening using cfDNA performs better than any combined ultrasound and serum marker test.

The value of an NT scan in women having screening by cfDNA is questionable.

What does this study add?

A positive NT ultrasound scan did not add to the cases of aneuploidy that were detected by cfDNA screening.
Comparative effectiveness of recommended versus less intensive drug combinations in secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Bezin Julien , Groenwold Rolf H.H. , Ali M. Sanni , Lassalle Régis , Robinson Philip , de Boer Anthonius , Moore Nicholas , Klungel Olaf H. , Pariente Antoine
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The secondary prevention treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is based on the combined use of drugs from four therapeutic classes (beta‐blockers, antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers). The objective of this study was to compare the long‐term effectiveness of the recommended therapeutic combination with those of incomplete combinations in secondary prevention of ACS.

Methods

This cohort study used data from a representative sample of the French national healthcare insurance system database. Patients hospitalised for an incident ACS between 2006 and 2011 and aged ≥20 years at the time of ACS were included in the study. Effectiveness in preventing the composite outcome ACS, transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke or all‐cause‐death was estimated using time‐fixed and time‐dependent Cox proportional hazards models with different definitions of exposure (at inclusion or determined daily during follow‐up) and adjustment for patient characteristics, co‐morbidities and co‐medications.

Results

Of the 2874 patients included in the study, 33.9% were women; median age was 67 years (interquartile range: 56–77). The median duration of follow‐up was 3.6 years (interquartile range: 2.2–5.3). Compared with the use of recommended combination, use of combination with three classes increased the risk of the composite outcome from 1.25 (95% confidence interval (95%CI), [1.07–1.47]) in the time‐fixed model and from 1.40 (95%CI, [1.15–1.70]) or 1.42 (95%CI, [1.13–1.79]) in the time‐dependent models.

Conclusions

After ACS, the use of incomplete drugs combinations compared with the recommended four drugs combination was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and all‐cause mortality. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment decision making in early‐stage papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: D'Agostino Thomas A. , Shuk Elyse , Maloney Erin K. , Zeuren Rebecca , Tuttle R. Michael , Bylund Carma L.
Published: January 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop an in‐depth understanding of papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) patients' decision‐making process when offered options of surgery and active surveillance.

Methods

Fifteen PMC patients and 6 caregivers participated in either a focus group or individual interview. Focus groups were segmented by patients' treatment choice. Primary themes were identified in transcripts using thematic text analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged from the surgery subsample: (1) Decision to undergo thyroidectomy quickly and with a sense of urgency; (2) Perception of PMC as a potentially life‐threatening disease; (3) Fear of disease progression and unremitting uncertainty with active surveillance; and (4) Surgery as a means of control and potential cure. Three themes emerged from the active surveillance subsample: (1) View of PMC as a common, indolent, and low‐risk disease; (2) Concerns about adjusting to life without a thyroid and becoming reliant on hormone replacement medication; and (3) Openness to reconsidering surgery over the long run. Two themes were identified that were shared by participants from both subsamples: (1) Deep level of trust and confidence in physician and cancer center; and (2) Use of physician and internet as primary sources of disease and treatment‐related information.

Conclusions

Several factors influenced participants' treatment choice, with similarities and differences noted between surgery and active surveillance subsamples. Many of the emergent themes are consistent with research on decision making among localized prostate cancer patients. Findings suggest that participants from both PMC treatment subsamples are motivated to reduce illness and treatment‐related uncertainty.
Static and Dynamic Strength of Paperboard Containers Subjected to Variations in Climatic Conditions
Authors: Lamb Matthew James , Rouillard Vincent
Published: January 2017

The variability in climatic conditions during product distribution, especially across large distances, can be significant and is well known to affect the mechanical properties of many packaging materials. As the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as paperboard and bio‐cushions, increases, the challenge associated with overcoming the effects of extremes in temperature and relative humidity in the distribution chain becomes critical. To date, in the case of paperboard boxes, this is dealt with by accounting for the loss of static (compression) strength with increasing relative humidity. However, no method exists to address the dynamic loads induced by vehicle shocks and vibrations especially for configurations that involve stacked boxes and where the vibration intensity within the stack is influenced by the dynamic characteristic of the boxes themselves. In such scenarios, it is the variation in the stiffness of the box as a function of environmental conditions and dynamic load that needs to be established. This paper describes the evaluation of the fatigue resistance of paperboard boxes subjected to random excitation and compares the results with those obtained from quasi‐static compression tests under various environmental conditions. Results reveal a lack of correlation between the static and dynamic tests. This finding is attributed to changes in internal damping of the paperboard box samples which, when reduced, results in increased dynamic force. The paper concludes that static testing alone is insufficient to establish the fatigue resistance of stacked packaging subject to variations in climatic conditions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global output‐feedback stabilization for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems via sampled‐data control
Authors: Lan Qixun , Li Shihua
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the global sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilization problem is considered for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems. First, based on output‐feedback domination technique and emulation approach, a systematic design procedure for sampled‐data output‐feedback controller is proposed for a class of stochastic lower‐triangular nonlinear systems. It is proved that the proposed sampled‐data output‐feedback controller will stabilize the given stochastic nonlinear system in the sense of mean square exponential stability. Because of the domination nature of the proposed control approach, it is shown that the proposed control approach can also be used to handle the global sampled‐data output‐feedback stabilization problems for a more general class of stochastic non‐triangular nonlinear systems. Finally, simulation examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Game theory‐based global optimization for inter‐WBAN interference mitigation
Authors: Wu Tin‐Yu , Liu Wen‐Kai
Published: January 2017

Researchers' attempts to monitor and collect environmental data have led to the emergence of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). In light of WSN, the monitoring target has been changed recently from the environment to the human or animal body: sensor nodes are placed on, in, or around the body to gather biosignals, which will be stored by a wearable sink node. But, WSN has an important problem, that is, the coverage problem, which may generate interference signals and influence system reliability during data transmission. Some biosignals are very important. The reduction of system reliability due to high latency or packet loss may result in significant loss of important data and can be life‐threatening (A patient's heartbeat or breathing stops but no staff receives the medical alerts). For this reason, this study makes use of a cooperative non‐zero‐sum game model for controlling the transmit power of the system as well as reducing the obstructions between simultaneous transmissions and avoiding contention between messages. In our simulated scenario, every WBAN is a regarded as a node. To avoid the situation that any one of the sensors stops running, this study further includes a global optimization technique to cover all nodes in the game and improve the time difference of sensors' lifetime. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LATIN-MH: a model for building research capacity within Latin America
Authors: Bonini B. B. , Araya R. , Quayle J. , Silva Evangelista M. , Price LeS. N. , Menezes P. R.
Published: January 2017

Background.

Latin America Treatment and Innovation Network in Mental Health (LATIN-MH) is a research hub located in Brazil and Peru that conducts a research project to help reduce the treatment gap in mental health in Latin America (LA). Besides its research core, LATIN-MH has a Capacity Building (CB) component that aims to help young researchers receive the specific training to contribute to the growing scientific production in mental health in LA.

Methods.

LATIN-MH proposal in CB includes a series of actions to prepare professionals in the research area. The main proposals are described here, which include online study groups, promotion of scientific meetings, hands-on training in different levels and sharing of information.

Results.

LATIN-MH CB activities are at its initial stages but the proposed activities were well evaluated by the participants. The first participating fellows who finished their fellowships are contributing elsewhere in the mental treatment and human resources formation area.

Conclusion.

The repercussion of LATIN-MH actions in CB and its evaluation, particularly on the formation of human resources and dissemination of information, show that the hub is contributing to the critic formation of young researchers and the circulation of important information.
Sheltering the perturbed vortical layer of electroconvection under shear flow
Authors: Kwak Rhokyun , Pham Van Sang , Han Jongyoon
Published: January 2017

Sheltering of a perturbed vortical layer by a shear flow is a common method to control turbulence and transport in plasma physics. Despite the desire to exploit this phenomenon in wider engineering applications, shear sheltering has rarely been observed in general non-ionized fluids. In this study, we visualize this shear sheltering in a generic neutral-fluid situation in electromembrane desalination: electroconvection (EC) under the Hagen–Poiseuille flow initiated by ion concentration polarization. Our work is the first demonstration of shear sheltering in electrochemical systems. Experiment, numerical simulation and scaling analysis accurately capture the effect by pinpointing the threshold for shear suppression. Determined by balancing the velocity fluctuation (with EC vortices) and the flow shear (with no-slip walls), the threshold for shear suppression is scaled as the EC height. Stable EC with coherent unidirectional vortices occurs under the threshold height, whereas chaotic EC occurs beyond this height as the EC-induced vortical perturbation overwhelms the flow shear. Attractors in a time-delay phase space illustrate this sequence of steady–periodic (stable EC)–chaotic transitions precisely. Going one step further, the shear sheltering effect is decoupled from the shear-independent mechanism of vortex suppression, i.e. vortex sweeping by the mean flow. In the frequency domain, this shear-independent effect is negligible for stable EC (when shear sheltering dominates), whereas it can reduce the level of chaotic fluctuations of chaotic EC (when shear sheltering weakens). Lastly, taken together, we describe the EC-induced convective ion transport by the new scaling law for the electric Nusselt number as a function of the electric Rayleigh number and the Reynolds number. This work not only expands the scientific understanding of EC and the shear sheltering effect, but also affects a broad range of electrochemical applications, including desalination, energy harvesting and sensors.
Thatcher’s Children, Blair’s Babies, Political Socialization and Trickle-down Value Change: An Age, Period and Cohort Analysis
Authors: Grasso Maria Teresa , Farrall Stephen , Gray Emily , Hay Colin , Jennings Will
Published: January 2017

To what extent are new generations ‘Thatcherite’? Using British Social Attitudes data for 1985–2012 and applying age-period-cohort analysis and generalized additive models, this article investigates whether Thatcher’s Children hold more right-authoritarian political values compared to other political generations. The study further examines the extent to which the generation that came of age under New Labour – Blair’s Babies – shares these values. The findings for generation effects indicate that the later political generation is even more right-authoritarian, including with respect to attitudes to redistribution, welfare and crime. This view is supported by evidence of cohort effects. These results show that the legacy of Thatcherism for left-right and libertarian-authoritarian values is its long-term shaping of public opinion through political socialization.
Anticancer Drug Camptothecin Test in 3D Hydrogel Networks with HeLa cells
Authors: Liang Jun , Susan Sun Xiuzhi , Yang Zhilong , Cao Shuai
Published: February 2017

Development of a biomimetic 3D culture system for drug screening is necessary to fully understand thein vivoenvironment. Previously, a self-assembling peptide hydrogel has been reported; the hydrogel exhibited physiological properties superior to a 3D cell culture matrix. In this work, further research using H9e hydrogel with HeLa cells was carried out considering H9e hydrogel’s interaction with camptothecin, a hydrophobic drug. According to AFM images, a PGworks solution triggered H9e hydrogel fiber aggregation and forms a 3D matrix suitable for cell culture. Dynamic rheological studies showed that camptothecin was encapsulated within the hydrogel network concurrently with peptide self-assembly without permanently destroying the hydrogel’s architecture and remodeling ability. Fluorescence measurement indicated negligible interaction between the fluorophore part of camptothecin and the hydrogel, especially at concentration 0.25 and 0.5 wt%. Using a dialysis method, we found that H9e hydrogel could not significantly inhibit the diffusion of camptothecin encapsulated inside the hydrogel matrix. In the cell culture experiment, HeLa cells were simultaneously embedded in the H9e hydrogel with the initialization of hydrogelation. Most importantly, cell viability data after camptothecin treatment showed responses that were drug-dose dependent but unaffected by the H9e hydrogel concentration, indicating that the hydrogel did not inhibit the drug.
Detection of glycosylation and iron-binding protein modifications using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Ashton Lorna , Brewster Victoria L. , Correa Elon , Goodacre Royston
Published: February 2017

We have used Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to determine protein modification as a result of glycosylation and iron binding.
Doubly charged trimeric cluster ions: effective in mutual chiral recognition of tadalafil and three proton pump inhibitors
Authors: Wang Lu , Chai Yunfeng , Zhu Wenquan , Pan Yuanjiang , Sun Cuirong , Zeng Su
Published: February 2017

Mutual chiral recognition of four stereoisomers of tadalafil and three pairs of enantiomers of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), as well as enantiomers excess analysis are achieved on the basis of the competitive fragmentation of doubly charged trimeric NiIIcluster ion.
Low-fouling and functional poly(carboxybetaine) coating via a photo-crosslinking process
Authors: Chien Hsiu-Wen , Cheng Po-Hsiu , Chen Shao-Yung , Yu Jiashing , Tsai Wei-Bor
Published: January 2017

Antifouling modification technology is developed for many biomedical applications such as blood-contact devices and biosensors.
The polyketide backbone of thiolactomycin is assembled by an unusual iterative polyketide synthase
Authors: Yurkovich Marie E. , Jenkins Robert , Sun Yuhui , Tosin Manuela , Leadlay Peter F.
Published: January 2017

Thiotetronate polyketide assembly by an unusual iterative synthase is reconstructedvia in vitroenzymology and chemical probes.
Enhanced adsorption of CO2at steps of ultrathin ZnO: the importance of Zn–O geometry and coordination
Authors: Deng Xingyi , Sorescu Dan C. , Lee Junseok
Published: January 2017

Ultrathin ZnO grown on Au(111) offers a unique environment of the Zn cations and O anions at the steps to facilitate enhanced adsorption of CO2.
p-Cu2S/n-ZnxCd1−xS nanocrystals dispersed in a 3D porous graphene nanostructure: an excellent photocatalyst for hydrogen generation through sunlight driven water splitting
Authors: Wang Chun-Chieh , Chang Je-Wei , Lu Shih-Yuan
Published: January 2017

p-Cu2S/n-ZnxCd1−xS nanocrystals dispersed in a 3D porous graphene nanostructure, because of drastically enhanced charge separations, act as excellent photocatalysts for hydrogen generation through water splitting.
Low temperature modified sludge-derived carbon catalysts for efficient catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of m-cresol
Authors: Wang Yamin , Wei Huangzhao , Zhao Ying , Sun Wenjing , Sun Chenglin
Published: January 2017

A sludge-derived carbon catalyst modified at 0 °C revealed excellent catalytic performance in the CWPO reaction of m-cresol.
A Brønsted acid catalysed enantioselective Biginelli reaction
Authors: Barbero Margherita , Cadamuro Silvano , Dughera Stefano
Published: February 2017

A chiral derivative of 1,2-benzenedisulfonimide, namely (−)-4,5-dimethyl-3,6-bis(o-tolyl)-1,2-benzenedisulfonimide is herein proven to be an efficient chiral catalyst in a one pot three-component Biginelli reaction.
Modulating motility of intracellular vesicles in cortical neurons with nanomagnetic forces on-chip
Authors: Kunze Anja , Murray Coleman Tylor , Godzich Chanya , Lin Jonathan , Owsley Keegan , Tay Andy , Di Carlo Dino
Published: January 2017

On-chip modulation of cell internal vesicle motion pattern.
Insight into a high temperature selective oxidation of HP40 alloy under a H2–H2O environment
Authors: Bao Binbin , Liu Jinglei , Xu Hong , Liu Bo , Zhang Kai , Jin Zhaorong
Published: January 2017

A MnCr2O4 spinel coating initially forms at grain boundaries under a H2–H2O gas mixture at high temperature.
Exploiting intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy to discriminate between Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii complex species
Authors: Silva Ana Sofia , Quintelas Cristina , Ferreira Eugénio C. , Lopes João A. , Sousa Clara
Published: January 2017

Spectroscopy for bacterial typing purposes. Instrisinc fluorescence versus FTIR-ATR and MALDI-TOF MS.
Iminodiacetic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for speciation of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection
Authors: Wei Wenye , Zhao Bingshan , He Man , Chen Beibei , Hu Bin
Published: January 2017

In this work, iminodiacetic acid (IDA) functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@SiO2@IDA) were prepared and the adsorption behavior of Cr(iii)/(vi) on them was investigated.
ALD preparation of high-k HfO2 thin films with enhanced energy density and efficient electrostatic energy storage
Authors: Zhang Le , Liu Ming , Ren Wei , Zhou Ziyao , Dong Guohua , Zhang Yijun , Peng Bin , Hao Xihong , Wang Chenying , Jiang Zhuang-De , Jing Weixuan , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: January 2017

The energy density and energy efficiency deteriorate slightly from room temperature to 150 °C.
Coumarin polycaprolactone polymeric nanoparticles: light and tumor microenvironment activated cocktail drug delivery
Authors: Karthik S. , Jana Avijit , Selvakumar M. , Venkatesh Yarra , Paul Amrita , Shah Sk. Sheriff , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: January 2017

Highly sensitive hypoxia (H2O2)-activated photoresponsive polymeric nanoparticles for cocktail delivery of anticancer drugs doxorubicin (Dox) and chlorambucil (Cbl) were developed.
Mixing cations with different alkyl chain lengths markedly depresses the melting point in deep eutectic solvents formed from alkylammonium bromide salts and urea
Authors: Chen Zhengfei , Greaves Tamar L. , Warr Gregory G. , Atkin Rob
Published: February 2017

Mixing cations with different alkyl chain lengths markedly depresses the freezing point in deep eutectic solvents.
Effects of miRNA-200b on the development of diabetic retinopathy by targetingVEGFAgene
Authors: Li En-Hui , Huang Qin-Zhu , Li Gao-Chun , Xiang Zhen-Yang , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2017

The present study explored the effect of miR-200b on the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene. The study populations consisted of 255 DR patients (case group) and 253 healthy people (control group), while the expressions of miR-200b and VEGFA mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatics software and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to confirm VEGFA as a target gene of miR-200b. Also, a total of 70 Wistar male rats were selected and randomly assigned into blank, normal control (NC), miR-200b mimics, miR-200b inhibitors, miR-200b inhibitors + silencing vascular endothelial growth factor A (siVEGFA), and siVEGFA groups (n=10/group) respectively. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat models of DR were successfully established. VEGFA, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) were detected using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. In comparison with the control group, the case group showed lower expression of miR-200b but higher expression of VEGFA mRNA. VEGFA was confirmed as a target gene of miR-200b. Rats in the miR-200b mimics and siVEGFA groups exhibited higher expression of PEDF mRNA and protein but lower expressions of VEGFA, TGF-β1, HGF protein, and mRNA than the NC group. There was no remarkable difference in expressions of PEDF, VEGFA, TGF-β1, HGF protein, and mRNA between the miR-200b inhibitors + siVEGFA and NC groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that miR-200b might alleviate DR development by down-regulating its target gene VEGFA.
Doped expectation propagation for low‐complexity message passing based detection
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Zhongyong , Guo Qinghua , Zhang Chuanzong , Sun Peng
Published: January 2017

Expectation propagation (EP) has been used for Gaussian approximation of discrete‐valued symbols to achieve low‐complexity message passing based detection. It has been shown that EP‐based Gaussian approximation significantly outperforms the direct Gaussian approximation. A doped EP (DEP) approach to Gaussian approximation is proposed, where the EP message is mixed with the Gaussian message obtained through direct approximation. It is demonstrated that the DEP approach delivers remarkably better performance than the EP one.
Preamble‐based synchronisation scheme for electromagnetic wireless nanocommunications
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Kim Byung Wook , Jung Sung Yoon
Published: January 2017

Terahertz band (0.1–10 THz) nanocommunications are expected to have a plethora of biomedical, industrial, and military applications. A pulse‐based modulation scheme could enable communications among nano‐devices. Nevertheless, synchronisation could be a significant performance limiting factor and an arduous task to accomplish considering the huge bandwidth of the transmitted pulse, and the simple design and energy constraint requirements of the nano‐transceivers. This study proposes a novel synchronisation scheme for pulse‐based nanocommunication based on a continuous‐time moving average (CTMA) algorithm. Since CTMA uses an energy collection approach, it does not increase the energy and complexity requirements of nano‐transceivers. This approach is based on continuously moving sub‐integration windows and searching for the maximum energy over the entire preamble duration. The simulation results showed that using the proposed scheme, for a distance of up to 5 mm, a synchronisation probability of >0.7 was obtained for a signal energy to noise ratio (SNR) of 20 dB. The results showed good performance in terms of the tradeoff among the synchronisation probability, SNR, and distance between nanonodes. Moreover, synchronisation error was also evaluated to check the overall performance of the scheme. Altogether, the proposed scheme makes an appropriate step forward to enable nanocommunication among resource‐constrained nanonetworks.
FIMPsy – Fragebogen zur Inanspruchnahme medizinischer und nicht medizinischer Versorgungsleistungen bei psychischen Erkrankungen: Entwicklung und Verwendung
Authors: Grupp Helen , König Hans-Helmut , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Konnopka Alexander
Published: January 2017

Ziel der Studie Entwicklung eines Instruments zur Erfassung der Leistungsinanspruchnahme bei psychischen Erkrankungen.

Methodik Es wurde nach Leistungen zur Versorgung von Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen recherchiert. Häufig in Anspruch genommene Leistungen wurden zu Leistungskomplexen zusammengefasst.

Ergebnisse Der FIMPsy ermöglicht die retrospektive Erfassung der Inanspruchnahme medizinischer und nicht medizinischer Leistungen bei Patienten mit psychischen Erkrankungen über einen Zeitraum von 6 Monaten.

Schlussfolgerung Der FIMPsy deckt weite Bereiche der Versorgung von Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen ab und kann in ökonomischen Evaluationsstudien eingesetzt werden.
Cultivating the Edge: An Ethnography of -First-Generation Women Farmers in the American Midwest
Authors: Larmer Megan
Published: January 2017

In the US, an emergent cultural icon of resistant agriculture, the agrarian heroine, attests to growing popular interest in first-generation women farmers. Drawing on practice theory, historical geographical materialism, intersubjective ethnography and feminist scholarship, this ethnography focusses on three first-generation women farmers growing organic vegetable crops for the Chicago market, with critical attention to the body, the land and their uses. By applying permaculture's theory of ‘the edge’ anthropologically, this study explores the work these women do to cultivate relational spaces that promote fluidity, diversity and solidarity in opposition to industrial agriculture and the homogenising forces of globalisation. The portraits that emerge problematise popular representations of first-generation women farmers.
Raman-strain relations in highly strained Ge: Uniaxial ⟨100⟩, ⟨110⟩ and biaxial (001) stress
Authors: Gassenq A. , Tardif S. , Guilloy K. , Duchemin I. , Pauc N. , Hartmann J. M. , Rouchon D. , Widiez J. , Niquet Y. M. , Milord L. , Zabel T. , Sigg H. , Faist J. , Chelnokov A. , Rieutord F. , Reboud V. , Calvo V.
Published: February 2017

The application of high values of strain to Ge considerably improves its light emission properties and can even turn it into a direct band gap semiconductor. Raman spectroscopy is routinely used for strain measurements. Typical Raman-strain relationships that are used for Ge were defined up to ∼1% strain using phonon deformation potential theory. In this work, we have studied this relationship at higher strain levels by calculating and measuring the Raman spectral shift-strain relations in several different strain configurations. Since differences were shown between the usual phonon deformation potential theory and ab-initio calculations, we highlight the need for experimental calibrations. We have then measured the strain in highly strained Ge micro-bridges and micro-crosses using Raman spectroscopy performed in tandem with synchrotron based micro-diffraction. High values of strain are reported, which enable the calibration of the Raman-strain relations up to 1.8% of in plane strain for the (001) biaxial stress, 4.8% strain along ⟨100⟩, and 3.8% strain along ⟨110⟩. For Ge micro-bridges, oriented along ⟨100⟩, the nonlinearity of the Raman shift-strain relation is confirmed. For the ⟨110⟩ orientation, we have shown that an unexpected non-linearity in the Raman-strain relationship has also to be taken into account for high stress induction. This work demonstrates an unprecedented level of strain measurement for the ⟨110⟩ uniaxial stress and gives a better understanding of the Raman-strain relations in Ge.
Inchworm Monte Carlo for exact non-adiabatic dynamics. II. Benchmarks and comparison with established methods
Authors: Chen Hsing-Ta , Cohen Guy , Reichman David R.
Published: February 2017

In this second paper of a two part series, we present extensive benchmark results for two different inchworm Monte Carlo expansions for the spin–boson model. Our results are compared to previously developed numerically exact approaches for this problem. A detailed discussion of convergence and error propagation is presented. Our results and analysis allow for an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of inchworm Monte Carlo compared to other approaches for exact real-time non-adiabatic quantum dynamics.
Single layer graphene protective gas barrier for copper photocathodes
Authors: Liu Fangze , Moody Nathan A. , Jensen Kevin L. , Pavlenko Vitaly , Narvaez Villarrubia Claudia W. , Mohite Aditya D. , Gupta Gautam
Published: January 2017

Photocathodes can benefit from a thin protection layer and attain long-term stability. Graphene is potentially a good candidate for such application. We report direct growth of single-layer graphene on single crystal Cu(110) photocathodes using chemical vapor deposition and the effective protection of copper photocathodes with graphene against degradation under atmospheric conditions. Due to the interaction and charge transfer between graphene and copper, the graphene-protected cathodes have 0.25 eV lower work function and 17% higher quantum efficiency at 250 nm compared with bare Cu cathodes. The graphene coating can protect copper photocathodes from degradation for more than 20 min in an exposure to 200 Torr of air. The validation of graphene-photocathode compatibility opens a new route to the lifetime-extension for photocathodes.
Thermal transport at the nanoscale: A Fourier's law vs. phonon Boltzmann equation study
Authors: Kaiser J. , Feng T. , Maassen J. , Wang X. , Ruan X. , Lundstrom M.
Published: January 2017

Steady-state thermal transport in nanostructures with dimensions comparable to the phonon mean-free-path is examined. Both the case of contacts at different temperatures with no internal heat generation and contacts at the same temperature with internal heat generation are considered. Fourier's law results are compared to finite volume method solutions of the phonon Boltzmann equation in the gray approximation. When the boundary conditions are properly specified, results obtained using Fourier's law without modifying the bulk thermal conductivity are in essentially exact quantitative agreement with the phonon Boltzmann equation in the ballistic and diffusive limits. The errors between these two limits are examined in this paper. For the four cases examined, the error in the apparent thermal conductivity as deduced from a correct application of Fourier's law is less than 6%. We also find that the Fourier's law results presented here are nearly identical to those obtained from a widely used ballistic-diffusive approach but analytically much simpler. Although limited to steady-state conditions with spatial variations in one dimension and to a gray model of phonon transport, the results show that Fourier's law can be used for linear transport from the diffusive to the ballistic limit. The results also contribute to an understanding of how heat transport at the nanoscale can be understood in terms of the conceptual framework that has been established for electron transport at the nanoscale.
Nanoscale martensitic phase transition at interfaces in shape memory materials
Authors: Dar Rebecca D. , Chen Ying
Published: January 2017

In polycrystalline shape memory materials, mechanical interactions between martensitic transformation and grain boundaries at small scales play a critical role. Using a cobalt-based shape memory alloy, instrumented nanoindentation that probes nanoscale behavior reveals that grain boundary regions are resistant to transformation and have an adverse effect on shape memory possibly because an increase in strain energy outweighs reduction in interface energy. When grain boundaries are replaced by a thin, intergranular layer of a ductile and more malleable phase, grain boundary constraints are greatly alleviated, and transformation nearby can be well accommodated. Statistical analysis of results from a large number of nanoindents shows a decrease in shape recovery near grain boundaries and an increase in shape recovery near the new grain boundary phase, compared to grain interior. This is corroborated by analysis of nanoscale hardness and energy dissipation. Nanoscale martensitic transformation near interfaces depends largely on how the material across the interface accommodates transformation displacement. Engineering interfaces and enhancing local compatibility could drastically alter the energetics for phase transition at interfaces favorable for shape memory.
Iron doped InGaAs: Competitive THz emitters and detectors fabricated from the same photoconductor
Authors: Globisch B. , Dietz R. J. B. , Kohlhaas R. B. , Göbel T. , Schell M. , Alcer D. , Semtsiv M. , Masselink W. T.
Published: February 2017

Today, the optimum material systems for photoconductive emitters and receivers are different. In THz reflection measurements, this leads to complicated optics or performance compromises. We present photoconductive emitters and detectors fabricated from molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown iron (Fe) doped InGaAs, which are well suited for a THz time-domain spectroscopy as both emitters and detectors. As a photoconductive emitter, 75 μW ± 5 μW of radiated THz power was measured. As a detector, THz pulses with a bandwidth of up to 6 THz and a peak dynamic range of 95 dB could be detected. These results are comparable to state-of-the-art THz photoconductors, which allows for simple reflection measurements without a performance decrease. The incorporation of Fe in InGaAs during MBE growth is investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy, Hall, and transient differential transmission measurements. Growth temperatures close to 400 °C allow for homogeneous Fe doping concentrations up to 5 × 1020 cm−3 and result in a photoconductor with an electron lifetime of 0.3 ps, a resistivity of 2 kΩ cm, and an electron mobility higher than 900 cm2 V−1 s−1. We show that iron dopants are incorporated up to a maximum concentration of 1 × 1017 cm−3 into substitutional lattice sites. The remaining dopants are electrically inactive and form defects that are anneal-stable up to a temperature of 600 °C. The fast recombination center in Fe-doped InGaAs is an unidentified defect, representing ≈0.5% of the nominal iron concentration. The electron and hole capture cross section of this defect is determined as σe = 3.8 × 10−14 cm2 and σh = 5.5 × 10−15 cm2, respectively.
Raman study of the vibrational modes in ZnGeN2 (0001)
Authors: Blanton Eric W. , Hagemann Mark , He Keliang , Shan Jie , Lambrecht Walter R. L. , Kash Kathleen
Published: February 2017

A Raman spectroscopy study was carried out on ZnGeN2 hexagonal single crystal (0001)-oriented platelets obtained by reaction of gaseous ammonia with a Zn-Ge-Sn liquid alloy at 758 °C. The sample geometry allowed measurement of the A2 and A1 Raman modes. First-principles calculations of the spectra were carried out using an improved pseudopotential. Measurements with crossed polarizers yielded spectra that agreed well with first-principles calculations of the A2 modes. Measurements with parallel polarizers should in principle provide the A1L modes. However, for most of the Raman modes, the LO-TO splitting was calculated to be smaller than could be resolved experimentally, and for the few modes which were predicted to have larger LO-TO splittings, the LO mode was not observed. This absence is tentatively explained in terms of overdamped LO-plasmon coupling.
Phase-sensitive dc magnetometer based on magnetic–electromagnetic–magnetostrictive–piezoelectric heterostructure
Authors: Zhang Mingji , Or Siu Wing
Published: January 2017

A phase-sensitive dc magnetometer is developed by combining a pair of permanent magnets, an electromagnetic coil, and a magnetostrictive–piezoelectric laminate in one direction to form a four-phase magnetic–electromagnetic–magnetostrictive–piezoelectric heterostructure. The dc magnetic field sensing in the magnetometer is based on the detection of the phase difference between the off-resonance magnetoelectric voltage manipulated by the dc magnetic field to be measured and the resonance electric current referenced at zero dc magnetic field, both under a preset bias magnetic field. The theoretical and experimental results confirm a high and linear dc magnetic field sensitivity of –0.21 °/Oe over a positive and negative dc magnetic field range of ±150 Oe with a small nonlinearity of 1.7%. The magnetometer has the ability to determine dc magnetic field direction and its sensitivity is independent of zero-field resonance electric current amplitude.