bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using ApoE Genotyping to Promote Healthy Lifestyles in Finland – Psychological Impacts: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hietaranta‐Luoma H.‐L. , Luomala H. T. , Puolijoki H. , Hopia A.
Published: March 2015

Common health recommendations often incite very little public response, as people instead require individualized information. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological effects of personal genetic information, provided by different apoE genotypes, as a tool to promote lifestyle changes. This study was a one‐year intervention study using healthy adults, aged 20–67 years (n = 107). Their experiences of state anxiety, threat and stage of change were measured three times over a 12 months period. These psychological experiences were assessed, during the genetic information gathering, for three groups: a high‐risk group (Ɛ4+, n = 16); a low‐risk group (Ɛ4−, n = 35); and a control group (n = 56). The psychological effects of personal genetic risk information were shown to be short‐term, although the levels of state anxiety and threat experiences in the high‐risk group both remained at a slightly higher level than in the baseline. Threat experiences differed almost significantly (alpha = 0.017) between the Ɛ4+ and Ɛ4− groups (p = 0.034). Information on the apoE genotype impacted the experience of cardiovascular threat; this effect was most intense immediately after genetic feedback was received. However, fears of threat and anxiety may not be an obstacle for using gene information to motivate healthy, stable adults towards making lifestyle changes. Further studies should thus focus on how to utilize genetic screening in prevention of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Clinical features of fallopian tube accessory ostium and outcomes after laparoscopic treatment
Authors: Zheng Xingbang , Han Hongjing , Guan Jing
Published: March 2015

Objective

To investigate the clinical features of fallopian tube accessory ostium and treatment outcomes after laparoscopic treatment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent laparoscopy for infertility at Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China, between June 1, 2009, and January 31, 2012. Fallopian tube accessory ostium was treated surgically when identified. Other procedures were conducted simultaneously, if indicated. Patients were interviewed by telephone every 6 months after treatment.

Results

Among 1113 patients who underwent laparoscopy for infertility, 21 (1.9%) were diagnosed with fallopian tube accessory ostium. Furthermore, 19 (90.5%) of these 21 women were diagnosed with pelvic endometriosis. Accessory ostium was identified in 19 (4.7%) of 403 women with endometriosis versus 2 (0.3%) of 710 women without endometriosis (P = 0.001). Among 18 patients with accessory ostium who completed follow‐up and wished to conceive, 12 (66.7%) conceived after surgery, one of whom experienced a spontaneous abortion. No ectopic pregnancies occurred.

Conclusion

Accessory ostium was confirmed by a thorough examination of the entire fallopian tube, especially the distal portion, during laparoscopy. Patients experienced satisfactory outcomes after surgical intervention.
Effective judgmental forecasting in the context of fashion products⋆
Authors: Seifert Matthias , Siemsen Enno , Hadida Allègre L. , Eisingerich Andreas B.
Published: March 2015

We study the conditions that influence judgmental forecasting effectiveness when predicting demand in the context of fashion products. Human judgment is of practical importance in this setting. Our goal is to investigate what type of decision support, in particular historical and/or contextual predictors, should be provided to human forecasters to improve their ability to detect and exploit linear and nonlinear cue–criterion relationships in the task environment. Using a field experiment on new product forecasts in the music industry, our analysis reveals that when forecasters are concerned with predictive accuracy and only managerial judgments are employed, providing both types of decision support data is beneficial. However, if judgmental forecasts are combined with a statistical forecast, restricting the decision support provided to human judges to contextual anchors is beneficial. We identify two novel interactions demonstrating that the exploitation of nonlinearities is easiest for human judgment if contextual data are present but historical data are absent. Thus, if the role of human judgment is to detect these nonlinearities (and the linearities are taken care of by some statistical model with which judgments are combined), then a restriction of the decision support provided makes sense. Implications for the theory and practice of building decision support models are discussed.
Advances in upper airway cough syndrome
Authors: Yu Li , Xu Xianghuai , Lv Hanjing , Qiu Zhongmin
Published: March 2015

Upper airway cough syndrome (UACS), previously referred to as postnasal drip syndrome, is one of the most common causes of chronic cough. However, the pathogenesis of UACS/postnasal drip syndrome remains unclear, and physicians in countries throughout the world have different definitions and ways of treating this disease. The various proposed pathogeneses of UACS include the early postnasal drip theory, subsequent chronic airway inflammation theory, and a recent sensory neural hypersensitivity theory. Additionally, some researchers suggest that UACS is a clinical phenotype of cough hypersensitivity syndrome. While the general principles involved in treating UACS are similar throughout the world, the specific details of treatment differ. This review summarizes the various definitions, pathogenic mechanisms, treatments, and other aspects of UACS, to aid clinicians in expanding their knowledge of how to diagnose and treat this syndrome.
Comparing the Roles of Ambiguity and Unpredictability in Intolerance of Uncertainty
Authors: Byrne Simon Patrick , Hunt Caroline Jane , Chang Betty P. I.
Published: March 2015

One means by which Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) purports to contribute to anxiety is by increasing Threat Perception (TP). This process was examined by comparing two different definitions of uncertainty: ambiguity versus unpredictability. N = 104 participants were measured for IU and then made worry and TP estimates for four different scenario types: Ambiguous Scenarios (where an outcome could be interpreted as threatening), Unpredictable Positive Scenarios (where a surprising and positive outcome was anticipated), as well as Positive and Negative Scenarios (with certain outcome). Both Ambiguous and Unpredictable Positive Scenarios more strongly predicted the relationship between IU and worry scores than (certain) Positive or Negative Scenarios. The relationship between IU and ‘ambiguous worry’ was largely explained by TP estimates, whereas the relationship between IU and ‘Unpredictable Positive Worry’ was largely independent of TP. Results suggest ambiguity and unpredictability are differentially explained by TP such that they produce different types of response. The authors argue ambiguity and unpredictability are explanatory components within IU.
The influence of wing morphology on the three-dimensional flow patterns of a flapping wing at bird scale
Authors: Thielicke William , Stamhuis Eize J.
Published: March 2015

The effect of airfoil design parameters, such as airfoil thickness and camber, are well understood in steady-state aerodynamics. But this knowledge cannot be readily applied to the flapping flight in insects and birds: flow visualizations and computational analyses of flapping flight have identified that in many cases, a leading-edge vortex (LEV) contributes substantially to the generation of aerodynamic force. In flapping flight, very high angles of attack and partly separated flow are common features. Therefore, it is expected that airfoil design parameters affect flapping wing aerodynamics differently. Existing studies have focused on force measurements, which do not provide sufficient insight into the dominant flow features. To analyse the influence of wing morphology in slow-speed bird flight, the time-resolved three-dimensional flow field around different flapping wing models in translational motion at a Reynolds number of$22\,000<\mathit{Re}<26\,000$was studied. The effect of several Strouhal numbers ($0.2<\mathit{St}<0.4$), camber and thickness on the flow morphology and on the circulation was analysed. A strong LEV was found on all wing types at high$\mathit{St}$. The vortex is stronger on thin wings and enhances the total circulation. Airfoil camber decreases the strength of the LEV, but increases the total bound circulation at the same time, due to an increase of the ‘conventional’ bound circulation at the inner half of the wing. The results provide new insights into the influence of airfoil shape on the LEV and force generation at low$\mathit{Re}$. They contribute to a better understanding of the geometry of vertebrate wings, which seem to be optimized to benefit from LEVs in slow-speed flight.
Cavitation about a jet in crossflow
Authors: Brandner P. A. , Pearce B. W. , de Graaf K. L.
Published: March 2015

Cavitation occurrence about a jet in crossflow is investigated experimentally in a variable-pressure water tunnel using still and high-speed photography. The 0.012 m diameter jet is injected on the centreplane of a 0.6 m square test section at jet to freestream velocity ratios ranging from 0.2 to 1.6, corresponding to jet-velocity-based Reynolds numbers of$25\times 10^{3}$to$160\times 10^{3}$respectively. Measurements were made at a fixed freestream-based Reynolds number, for which the ratio of the undisturbed boundary layer thickness to jet diameter is 1.18. The cavitation number was varied from inception (up to about 10) down to 0.1. Inception is investigated acoustically for bounding cases of high and low susceptibility to phase change. The influence of velocity ratio and cavitation number on cavity topology and geometry are quantified from the photography. High-speed photographic recordings made at 6 kHz provide insight into cavity dynamics, and derived time series of spatially averaged pixel intensities enable frequency analysis of coherent phenomena. Cavitation inception was found to occur in the high-shear regions either side of the exiting jet and to be of an intermittent nature, increasing in occurrence and duration from 0 to 100 % probability with decreasing cavitation number or increasing jet to freestream velocity ratio. The frequency and duration of individual events strongly depends on the cavitation nuclei supply within the approaching boundary layer. Macroscopic cavitation develops downstream of the jet with reduction of the cavitation number beyond inception, the length of which has a power-law dependence on the cavitation number and a linear dependence on the jet to freestream velocity ratio. The cavity closure develops a re-entrant jet with increase in length forming a standing wave within the cavity. For sufficiently low cavitation numbers the projection of the re-entrant jet fluid no longer reaches the cavity leading edge, analogous to supercavitation forming about solid cavitators. Hairpin-shaped vortices are coherently shed from the cavity closure via mechanisms of shear-layer roll-up similar to those shed from protuberances and jets in crossflow in single-phase flows. These vortices are shed at an apparently constant frequency, independent of the jet to freestream velocity ratio but decreasing in frequency with reducing cavitation number and cavity volume growth. Highly coherent cavitating vortices form along the leading part of the cavity due to instability of the jet upstream shear layer for jet to freestream velocity ratios greater than about 0.8. These vortices are cancelled and condense as they approach the trailing edge in the shear layer of opposing vorticity associated with the cavity closure and the hairpin vortex formation. For lower velocity ratios, where there is decreased jet penetration, the jet upstream shear velocity gradient reverses and vortices of the opposite sense form, randomly modulated by boundary layer turbulence.
Substance use in individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis
Authors: Buchy L. , Cadenhead K. S. , Cannon T. D. , Cornblatt B. A. , McGlashan T. H. , Perkins D. O. , Seidman L. J. , Tsuang M. T. , Walker E. F. , Woods S. W. , Heinssen R. , Bearden C. E. , Mathalon D. , Addington J.
Published: March 2015

Background

A series of research reports has indicated that the use of substances such as cannabis, alcohol and tobacco are higher in youth at clinical high risk (CHR) of developing psychosis than in controls. Little is known about the longitudinal trajectory of substance use, and findings on the relationship between substance use and later transition to psychosis in CHR individuals are mixed.

Method

At baseline and 6- and 12-month follow-ups, 735 CHR and 278 control participants completed the Alcohol and Drug Use Scale and a cannabis use questionnaire. The longitudinal trajectory of substance use was evaluated with linear mixed models.

Results

CHR participants endorsed significantly higher cannabis and tobacco use severity, and lower alcohol use severity, at baseline and over a 1-year period compared with controls. CHR youth had higher lifetime prevalence and frequency of cannabis, and were significantly younger upon first use, and were more likely to use alone and during the day. Baseline substance use did not differentiate participants who later transitioned to psychosis (n = 90) from those who did not transition (n = 272). Controls had lower tobacco use than CHR participants with a prodromal progression clinical outcome and lower cannabis use than those with a psychotic clinical outcome at the 2-year assessment.

Conclusions

In CHR individuals cannabis and tobacco use is higher than in controls and this pattern persists across 1 year. Evaluation of clinical outcome may provide additional information on the longitudinal impact of substance use that cannot be detected through evaluation of transition/non-transition to psychosis alone.
Empirical foundations for medium of instruction policies: Approximate replications of Afolayan (1976) and Siegel (1997b)
Authors: Willans Fiona , Leung Constant
Published: March 2015

With global attention currently focused on the challenge of providing Education for All (UNESCO 2000), we must ensure that the language of teaching and learning remains a topic on the agenda towards making sure that the education being provided is effective. This is therefore a critical time to review medium of instruction debates, and to reassess what empirical evidence exists to guide policymaking that is both appropriate and achievable. Contributing to this endeavour, this paper argues for the approximate replication of two key studies. The first is Afolayan (1976), a widely-cited study conducted in Ife, Nigeria to test the effectiveness of teaching children in the mother tongue for six years of primary education. We argue that the frequency with which the success of this study is cited, without due attention paid to the details of its methodological procedure, may actually be detrimental to the success of other experiments, thus necessitating the careful replication of the original study. The second study is Siegel (1997b), one of the few studies that have been conducted to evaluate the impact of initial education in an English-based pidgin on the subsequent learning of English. We argue that there is an urgent need for replication of one of the few available studies of pidgins and creoles in education, given the prevalence of negative attitudes towards this category of languages.
The pattern of support networks among the community dwelling elderly in urban Ireland: variations with mental disorder
Authors: Kirby Michael , Denihan Aisling , Bruce Irene , Coakley Davis , Lawlor Brian A
Published: March 2015

Objectives: The changing family and social patterns in modern society are likely to influence the availability of informal support for older people. The aims of this study were to determine the support network distribution of a community dwelling elderly population in Dublin, and of those with mental disorders (dementia, depression and anxiety).

Methods: Interviews with 1,001 community dwelling older people using GMS-AGECAT. In addition, a support network assessment instrument was administered, which identifies five different support network types. The local integrated and wider community focused networks are characterised by extensive community involvement, family dependent networks by close family support, and the local self contained and private restricted networks by low levels of family and community involvement.

Results: Of the elderly population, 83% had support networks characterised by close community and/or family involvement. Subjects with cognitive impairment had lower levels of informal support from the community, as indicated by a lower proportion of local integrated (44% v 63%) and a higher proportion of private restricted (6% v 12%) networks. Late life depression was also associated with decreased levels of community integration.

Conclusions: The elderly in Dublin appear to have high levels of informal support. The extensive support may be a factor in the lower rates of depression found in Dublin than in London and New York. While the overall level of informal support available to older people with mental disorders in the community remains high, a proportion have low levels of family and community involvement and consequently their mental health problems may go unrecognised.
Predictors of early vaginal stenosis during pelvic radiotherapy for locally advanced cervix cancer: a study from a tertiary cancer centre in Eastern India
Authors: Gangopadhyay Aparna , Biswas Jaydip
Published: March 2015

Aim

To explore possible predictors of early vaginal stenosis among patients with locally advanced cervix cancer on pelvic chemoradiation.

Patients and methods

A total of 232 patients with locally advanced cervix cancer, who received pelvic radiotherapy at our institute from November 2011 to October 2013, were prospectively studied. Possible predictors chosen were age, tumour stage, initial vaginal involvement, concomitant chemotherapy and development of vaginitis of Radio Therapy Oncology Group grade 2 or more during radiotherapy. Multiple logistic regression was carried out to assess predictors and the relative risk of predictors was calculated.

Results

Initial vaginal involvement and addition of concomitant chemotherapy are predictors of early vaginal stenosis in locally advanced cervix cancer patients on pelvic chemoradiation. Relative risk for early vaginal stenosis with vaginal involvement at presentation was 16·31, whereas that for concomitant chemotherapy was 9·95.

Conclusion

Among patients with locally advanced cervix cancer receiving pelvic chemoradiation, two factors, namely, initial vaginal involvement and concomitant chemotherapy are predictive of early vaginal stenosis. Patients with these factors should be assessed at regular intervals for early vaginal stenosis during pelvic chemoradiation to assess the optimal timing of intracavitary brachytherapy. This is particularly of importance in the absence of facilities for interstitial brachytherapy to ensure appropriate target coverage.
Impact of breathing on post-mastectomy radiotherapy: a dosimetric comparison between intensity-modulated radiotherapy and 3D tangential radiotherapy
Authors: Aaron J. , Sasidharan B. , Ebenezer S. , Thangakunam B. , Antonisamy B. , Selvamani B.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To quantify the effect of breathing motion on post-mastectomy radiotherapy with three-dimensional (3D) tangents and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

Materials and methods

Patients trained for breath-hold underwent routine free breathing (FB) computed tomography (CT) simulation for radiotherapy as well as additional CT scans with breath held at the end of normal inspiration (NI scan) and expiration (NE scan) for study. The FB scan was used to develop both tangents and IMRT plans. To simulate breathing, each plan was copied and applied on NI and NE scans. The respiratory parameters of the patients as well as the dosimetric data with both the plans were analysed.

Results

Breathing motion resulted in mean fall in target coverage (V95) with IMRT by more than 5% when compared with tangents, and this effect significantly correlated with higher tidal volume. There was also a decrease in the mean target minimal dose by 20–25% with IMRT when compared with 10–12% with tangents, attributable to breathing motion. However, the cardiac dose crossed the limit (V25<10%) with breathing in the 3D tangents plan.

Conclusions

Dosimetric coverage of the chest wall is sensitive to breathing motion for the IMRT technique when compared with standard tangents, especially in patients with large tidal volume.
Emotionswissen, exekutive Funktionen und Veränderungen bei Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen von Vorschulkindern
Authors: Salisch Maria von , Hänel Martha , Denham Susanne A.
Published: March 2015

Um die Beziehungen zwischen den rasch wachsenden Fähigkeiten zur Selbstregulation durch Exekutive Funktionen (EF) und dem Emotionswissen einerseits und Veränderungen bei Aufmerksamkeitsproblemen andererseits auszuleuchten, wurden 261 3- bis 6-jährige Kinder einzeln zu diesen Konstrukten befragt und ihre Erzieherinnen im Kindergarten zu zwei Messzeitpunkten im Abstand von etwa 14 Monaten um Einschätzungen eventueller Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme gebeten. Hierarchische Regressionsanalysen weisen darauf hin, dass die beiden Testverfahren zur Messung von Arbeitsgedächtnis und Inhibition bei den EF und das Emotionswissen jeweils zur Vorhersage der Veränderungen der Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme beitrugen, auch wenn bekannte Prädiktoren wie Geschlecht, sozioökonomischer Status und Sprachverständnis kontrolliert worden waren. Wurden Emotionswissen und EF in ein gemeinsames Modell einbezogen, dann klärte das Emotionswissen über die beiden Varianten der EF hinaus zusätzliche Varianz bei den Veränderungen der Aufmerksamkeitsprobleme auf. Diskutiert werden die Wege, durch die das Emotionswissen die Aufmerksamkeitslenkung beeinflusst.
Common Ground with New Congress Sought by Interior Secretary
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: March 2015

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell discusses working with Congress, climate change, and scientific integrity during talks at the American Geophysical Union’s Fall Meeting.
Colorado Hydrocarbon Leakage Rates Much Higher Than Reported
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: March 2015

Airborne measurements put methane emissions from Colorado's Denver-Julesburg Basin at 12 to 26 tons per hour.
Chigomezyo Mudala Ngwira Receives 2014 Science for Solutions Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: March 2015

Chigomezyo Mudala Ngwira was awarded the 2014 Science for Solutions Award at the AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 17 December 2014 in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for "significant contributions in the application and use of Earth and space sciences to solve societal problems."
Pacific Plate's Underbelly Revealed Through Explosive Means
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2015

Scientists produce their own seismic waves—via explosives—to image the bottom region of the plate subducting under the New Zealand.
The environmental genomics of metazoan thermal adaptation
Authors: Porcelli D , Butlin R K , Gaston K J , Joly D , Snook R R
Published: March 2015

Continued and accelerating change in the thermal environment places an ever-greater priority on understanding how organisms are going to respond. The paradigm of ‘move, adapt or die’, regarding ways in which organisms can respond to environmental stressors, stimulates intense efforts to predict the future of biodiversity. Assuming that extinction is an unpalatable outcome, researchers have focussed attention on how organisms can shift in their distribution to stay in the same thermal conditions or can stay in the same place by adapting to a changing thermal environment. How likely these respective outcomes might be depends on the answer to a fundamental evolutionary question, namely what genetic changes underpin adaptation to the thermal environment. The increasing access to and decreasing costs of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, which can be applied to both model and non-model systems, provide a much-needed tool for understanding thermal adaptation. Here we consider broadly what is already known from non-NGS studies about thermal adaptation, then discuss the benefits and challenges of different NGS methodologies to add to this knowledge base. We then review published NGS genomics and transcriptomics studies of thermal adaptation to heat stress in metazoans and compare these results with previous non-NGS patterns. We conclude by summarising emerging patterns of genetic response and discussing future directions using these increasingly common techniques.
Limited role of functional differentiation in early diversification of animals
Authors: Knope M.L. , Heim N.A. , Frishkoff L.O. , Payne J.L.
Published: March 2015

The origin of most animal phyla and classes during the Cambrian explosion has been hypothesized to represent an ‘early burst’ of evolutionary exploration of functional ecological possibilities. However, the ecological history of marine animals has yet to be fully quantified, preventing an assessment of the early-burst model for functional ecology. Here we use ecological assignments for 18,621 marine animal genera to assess the relative timing of functional differentiation versus taxonomic diversification from the Cambrian to the present day. We find that functional diversity increased more slowly than would be expected given the history of taxonomic diversity. Contrary to previous inferences of rapid ecological differentiation from the early appearances of all well-fossilized phyla and classes, explicit coding of functional characteristics demonstrates that Cambrian genera occupied comparatively few modes of life. Functional diversity increased in the Ordovician and, especially, during the recoveries from the end-Permian and end-Cretaceous mass extinctions. Permanent shifts in the relationship between functional and taxonomic diversity following the era-bounding extinctions indicates a critical role for these biotic crises in coupling taxonomic and functional diversity.
Long-tip high-speed atomic force microscopy for nanometer-scale imaging in live cells
Authors: Shibata Mikihiro , Uchihashi Takayuki , Ando Toshio , Yasuda Ryohei
Published: March 2015

Visualization of morphological dynamics of live cells with nanometer resolution under physiological conditions is highly desired, but challenging. It has been demonstrated that high-speed atomic force microscopy is a powerful technique for visualizing dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions. However, application of high-speed atomic force microscopy for imaging larger objects such as live mammalian cells has been complicated because of the collision between the cantilever and samples. Here, we demonstrate that attaching an extremely long (~3 μm) and thin (~5 nm) tip by amorphous carbon to the cantilever allows us to image the surface structure of live cells with the spatiotemporal resolution of nanometers and seconds. We demonstrate that long-tip high-speed atomic force microscopy is capable of imaging morphogenesis of filopodia, membrane ruffles, pit formation and endocytosis in COS-7, HeLa cells and hippocampal neurons.
Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoscale and sub-nanoscale friction behavior between graphene and a silicon tip: analysis of tip apex motion
Authors: Yoon Hong Min , Jung Youngmo , Jun Seong Chan , Kondaraju Sasidhar , Lee Joon Sang
Published: March 2015

Schematic of (a) MD simulation system, (b) detailed simulation process, and (c) FFM experiment setup.
PtI2-catalyzed cyclization of 3-acyloxy-1,5-enynes with the elimination of HOAc and a benzyl shift: synthesis of unsymmetrical m-terphenyls
Authors: Huang Kaimeng , Ke Xiaona , Wang Hongkai , Wang Junying , Zhou Chenchen , Xu Xiufang , Liu Lingyan , Li Jing
Published: March 2015

A new cyclization of 1,5-enyne was developed to synthesize the m-terphenyls via the elimination of HOAc and a benzyl shift.
Metallophthalocyanin-ocenes: scandium phthalocyanines with an η5-bound Cp ring
Authors: Platel Rachel H. , Teixeira Tasso Thiago , Zhou Wen , Furuyama Taniyuki , Kobayashi Nagao , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: March 2015

A series of scandium complexes supported by the phthalocyanine (Pc) ligand have been prepared and structurally characterized, including the first examples of η5-Cp metal phthalocyanines where the Cp fragment sandwiches the metal centre.
Enhanced CO2 electroreduction efficiency through secondary coordination effects on a pincer iridium catalyst
Authors: Ahn Steven T. , Bielinski Elizabeth A. , Lane Elizabeth M. , Chen Yanqiao , Bernskoetter Wesley H. , Hazari Nilay , Palmore G. Tayhas R.
Published: March 2015

An iridium trihydride complex supported by a bifunctional pincer ligand promotes the electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to formate in with excellent Faradaic efficiency and low overpotential.
Singlet–triplet gaps in polyacenes: a delicate balance between dynamic and static correlations investigated by spin–flip methods
Authors: Ibeji Collins U. , Ghosh Debashree
Published: March 2015

In this work, we use various spin–flip methods to benchmark the singlet triplet (ST) gaps of small polyacenes and show that the error in the ST gaps with respect to the experiment is small and does not increase appreciably with the system size.
Crystal structure of A-site deficient La0.2Sr0.7−xCaxTiO3 perovskite at ambient conditions and high temperatures: a neutron powder diffraction study
Authors: Aljaberi Ahmed D. , Irvine John T. S.
Published: March 2015

Phase diagram of the ternary system CaTiO3–La2/3TiO3–SrTiO3. All numbers represent calcium content. Solid symbols represent the samples in the series La0.2Sr0.7−xCaxTiO3 studied in this work and analysed using NPD.
Electrochemical behavior of Zn–graphene composite coatings
Authors: Punith Kumar M. K. , Singh Mahander Pratap , Srivastava Chandan
Published: March 2015

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of highly corrosion resistant Zn–graphene composite coating.
Mixed capacitor switching scheme for SAR ADC with highest switching energy efficiency
Authors: Ni Yabo , Liu Lu , Xu Shiliu
Published: March 2015

A high energy‐efficiency mixed capacitor switching scheme is proposed for the successive approximation register (SAR) analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC). The new switching scheme combines a new switching method, monotonic switching method and split‐capacitor technique. The new switching method achieves no switching energy consumption until the fourth comparison, and the low‐power monotonic switching method is utilised for the remaining comparisons. Moreover, fewer bit capacitors are needed at the same resolution because of the split‐capacitor technique. The proposed method achieves a 99.4% reduction in switching energy when compared with the conventional SAR architecture.
Design of GMR‐based narrow bandpass filters using improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm
Authors: Bahar M.A. , Shokooh‐Saremi M.
Published: March 2015

A narrowband, guided‐mode resonance (GMR)‐based, bandpass filter is designed employing one of the powerful types of memetic algorithms known as the improved shuffled frog leaping algorithm. A high‐quality filter with robust performance with a SOI structure is designed with a transmittance of >99.6% at 10.6 μm wavelength. The proposed optimisation/design method is very powerful and is able to optimise complex structures with desired optical responses.
Compact filtering power divider with high frequency selectivity and wide stopband using embedded dual‐mode resonator
Authors: Song Kaijun
Published: March 2015

A novel compact filtering power divider with high frequency selectivity and a wide stopband is proposed. The bandpass filtering response is implemented by using embedded dual‐mode resonators. Source/load cross‐coupling is used to improve the frequency selectivity of the passband. In addition, the even‐ and odd‐mode method can be applied to analyse the proposed power divider. The presented filtering power divider has been designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results show reasonable agreement with the simulated ones.
Generation of OAM waves with circular phase shifter and array of patch antennas
Authors: Wei Wenlong , Mahdjoubi Kourosh , Brousseau Christian , Emile Olivier
Published: March 2015

The design of an ‘orbital angular momentum (OAM) antenna’ based on an original phase shifter and power divider combination at 2.5 GHz is presented. A prototype is manufactured and characterised based on return loss, radiation and phase patterns. Both simulation and experimental results evidence the properties of waves carrying OAM. This OAM antenna is simple, compact and easy to realise, which makes it suitable for radio communications and radar applications.
Electromagnetic interference frequencies prediction model of flyback converter for snubber design
Authors: Rucinski Marcin , Musznicki Piotr , Chrzan Piotr J.
Published: March 2015

Snubber design for flyback converters usually requires experimental prototype measurements or simulation based on accurate and complex models. In this study simplified circuit modelling of a flyback converter has been described to dimension snubbers in early stage of design process. Simulation based prediction of the transistor and diode ringing frequencies has been validated by measurements in a prototype setup. In that way obtained simulation data enabled fast and precise snubbers dimensioning. Application example has illustrated effectiveness of the proposed methodology by line impedance stabilisation network (LISN) spectra evaluation of the experimental flyback converter resulting from snubbers dimensioning.
Charge equalisation for series‐connected LiFePO4 battery strings
Authors: Hua Chih‐Chiang , Fang Yi‐Hsiung , Li Pei‐Hong
Published: March 2015

LiFePO4 batteries are suitable for high power applications because of their advantages of large discharge current and high efficiency. Owing to the characteristics of LiFePO4 batteries, it may cause overcharge/over‐discharge and reduce the cycle life of the battery when series‐connected batteries are used. This study proposes a charge equaliser based on an interleaved active clamp flyback converter. The interleaved topology reduces the output ripple current. Therefore the rectifier diode conduction loss can be reduced. With a clamp capacitor and leakage inductance, the switches are turned on with zero‐voltage switching while the voltage stress of switch is reduced. Furthermore, a constant switching frequency and duty ratio are designed to achieve a simple control for the proposed system. The simulations and experimental results are provided to verify the performance of the proposed charge equaliser.
Synthesis of dye‐loaded NaYF4:Yb, Er superparticles for tunable upconversion emissions
Authors: You Huiling , Xie Jianjian , Bao Longyi , Qiao Ru , Zhang Yong , Li Zhengquan
Published: March 2015

Spherical superparticles consisting of small NaYF4:Yb, Er nanocrystals are developed with an emulsion method. Within each superparticle, many individual upconversion nanocrystals are condensed together and lots of small vacancies are simultaneously produced because of the packing of primary nanocrystals. Through the loading fluorescent dyes inside the vacancies of these superparticles during assembly, one can fine‐tune the upconversion fluorescence of these superparticles. Nearly single‐band red upconversion emission can also be achieved by loading suitable amounts of dyes in these superparticles.
Untersuchung von bovinem Perikard (Tutomesh®) und beschichtetem Polypropylen (Proceed®) in paraösophagealer Position im Schweinemodell
Authors: Scheuerlein H. , El-Asfar T. , Dittmar Y. , Tannapfel A. , Settmacher U. , Rauchfuss F.
Published: March 2015

Hintergrund: Hiatushernien werden heute zunehmend netzgestützt versorgt, wobei hierzu immer häufiger auch biologische Implantate eingesetzt werden. Im Zusammenhang mit synthetischen Netzen am Hiatus oesophageus sind Ösophagusperforationen als seltene, aber schwerwiegende Komplikation beschrieben. Der Stellenwert der verschiedenen Netzarten ist in der experimentellen Forschung bislang nur unvollständig herausgearbeitet. Im vorliegenden Großtiermodell wurden 2 Implantattypen (Tutomesh® und Proceed®) hinsichtlich ihrer Biokompatibilität und mechanischen Stabilität untersucht. Material und Methoden: Als Versuchstiere kamen 12 drei Monate alte Hausschweine zum Einsatz. Bei jeweils 6 Tieren wurde Tutomesh® bzw. Proceed® am Hiatus oesophageus im Sinne eines Bridging implantiert. Nach einer Beobachtungszeit von 3 Monaten wurde der Versuch beendet. Es erfolgte eine Endoskopie und die intraoperative makroskopische Befundbeurteilung. Anhand repräsentativer histologischer Schnitte wurden histopathologische und immunhistochemische Parameter der Biokompatibilität untersucht sowie an standardisierten Gewebeproben eine Zugfestigkeitsprüfung durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: Bei 1 Tier der Proceed®-Gruppe bestand endoskopisch eine Ösophagitis Grad II. Eine Ösophagusarrosion bestand bei keinem Tier. Die Adhäsionsanalyse zeigte diskret weniger Adhäsionen in der Tutomesh®-Gruppe. Es bestand kein signifikanter Unterschied im Hinblick auf die untersuchte Entzündungs- und Immunantwort zwischen beiden Netzen. Der wesentlichste Befund der mechanischen Analyse ist ein Reißkraftverlust des Tutomesh®-Gewebe-Komplexes von 30 % gegenüber nativem Gewebe bzw. mehr als 50 % gegenüber Tutomesh® vor Implantation. Schlussfolgerungen: Nach 3 Monaten zeigt sich beim Vergleich der Entzündungsantwort kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen beiden Implantaten. Der Reißkraftverlust des Tutomesh®-Gewebe-Komplexes ist unter klinischen Gesichtspunkten am Hiatus oesophageus vermutlich nicht relevant und wird durch das sog. Remodeling biologischer Materialien erklärt. Das Remodeling wiederum hängt vom Ausmaß des Cross-linkings des jeweiligen Materials ab. Biologischen Hernienimplantaten wie Tutomesh® wird am Hiatus oesophageus im langfristigen Verlauf ein deutliches Potenzial zur Komplikationsvermeidung zugetraut. Dieses Potenzial ist nach 3 Monaten anhand unserer Daten nicht eindeutig belegbar. Zur Klärung dieser Fragestellung sind daher weitere experimentelle Untersuchungen v. a. zum Langfristverlauf wünschenswert.
Competitive effects between stationary chemical reaction centres: A theory based on off-center monopoles
Authors: Biello Joseph A. , Samson René
Published: March 2015

The subject of this paper is competitive effects between multiple reaction sinks. A theory based on off-center monopoles is developed for the steady-state diffusion equation and for the convection-diffusion equation with a constant flow field. The dipolar approximation for the diffusion equation with two equal reaction centres is compared with the exact solution. The former turns out to be remarkably accurate, even for two touching spheres. Numerical evidence is presented to show that the same holds for larger clusters (with more than two spheres). The theory is extended to the convection-diffusion equation with a constant flow field. As one increases the convective velocity, the competitive effects between the reactive centres gradually become less significant. This is demonstrated for a number of cluster configurations. At high flow velocities, the current methodology breaks down. Fixing this problem will be the subject of future research. The current method is useful as an easy-to-use tool for the calibration of other more complicated models in mass and/or heat transfer.
Accurate nonadiabatic quantum dynamics on the cheap: Making the most of mean field theory with master equations
Authors: Kelly Aaron , Brackbill Nora , Markland Thomas E.
Published: March 2015

In this article, we show how Ehrenfest mean field theory can be made both a more accurate and efficient method to treat nonadiabatic quantum dynamics by combining it with the generalized quantum master equation framework. The resulting mean field generalized quantum master equation (MF-GQME) approach is a non-perturbative and non-Markovian theory to treat open quantum systems without any restrictions on the form of the Hamiltonian that it can be applied to. By studying relaxation dynamics in a wide range of dynamical regimes, typical of charge and energy transfer, we show that MF-GQME provides a much higher accuracy than a direct application of mean field theory. In addition, these increases in accuracy are accompanied by computational speed-ups of between one and two orders of magnitude that become larger as the system becomes more nonadiabatic. This combination of quantum-classical theory and master equation techniques thus makes it possible to obtain the accuracy of much more computationally expensive approaches at a cost lower than even mean field dynamics, providing the ability to treat the quantum dynamics of atomistic condensed phase systems for long times.
Structural phase transition of ternary dielectric SmGdO3: Evidence from angle dispersive x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic studies
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Sahoo Satyaprakash , Mishra A. K. , Misra Pankaj , Pavunny Shojan P. , Dwivedi Abhilash , Sharma S. M. , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: March 2015

High-pressure synchrotron based angle dispersive x-ray diffraction (ADXRD) studies were carried out on SmGdO3 (SGO) up to 25.7 GPa at room temperature. ADXRD results indicated a reversible pressure-induced phase transition from ambient monoclinic to hexagonal phase at ∼8.9 GPa. The observed pressure-volume data were fitted with the third order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state yielding zero pressure bulk modulus B0 = 132(22) and 177(9) GPa for monoclinic (B-type) and hexagonal (A-type) phases, respectively. Pressure dependent micro-Raman spectroscopy further confirmed the monoclinic to hexagonal phase transition at about 5.24 GPa. The mode Grüneisen parameters and pressure coefficients for different Raman modes corresponding to each individual phases of SGO were calculated using pressure dependent Raman mode analysis.
Topological phases in oxide heterostructures with light and heavy transition metal ions (invited)
Authors: Fiete Gregory A. , Rüegg Andreas
Published: March 2015

Using a combination of density functional theory, tight-binding models, and Hartree-Fock theory, we predict topological phases with and without time-reversal symmetry breaking in oxide heterostructures. We consider both heterostructures containing light transition metal ions and those containing heavy transition metal ions. We find that the (111) growth direction naturally leads to favorable conditions for topological phases in both perovskite structures and pyrochlore structures. For the case of light transition metal elements, Hartree-Fock theory predicts the spin-orbit coupling is effectively enhanced by on-site multiple-orbital interactions and may drive the system through a topological phase transition, while heavy elements with intrinsically large spin-orbit coupling require much weaker or even vanishing electron interactions to bring about a topological phase.
Outdoor areas of Australian residential aged care facilities do not facilitate appropriate sun exposure
Authors: Durvasula Seeta , Mason Rebecca S. , Kok Cindy , Macara Monique , Parmenter Trevor R. , Cameron Ian D.
Published: March 2015

Objective
The aim of the present study was to assess whether the outdoor areas of residential aged care facilities used for a sunlight intervention trial had the design features that encouraged participants’ use of these spaces.

Methods
The design principles recommended in the ‘Vitamin D and the Built Environment in Victoria’ guidelines were used to assess the outdoor spaces of residential aged care facilities that were used in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of sunlight exposure. Attendance rates in the sunlight RCT were analysed in relation to global impression scores of the facilities using one-way analysis of variance.

Results
Thirty-six outdoor areas of 31 facilities were assessed. The facilities met the guidelines for sun exposure, and were generally safe and accessible. However, many lacked privacy, security and aesthetic appeal. Most of the outdoor spaces were not used for regularly scheduled activities. Attendance rates were higher in those facilities with the highest global impression scores compared with those with the lowest scores (F(2,367) = 3.262, P = 0.039).

Conclusions
The physical environment of the outdoor areas of residential aged care facilities was associated with their use for sunlight exposure. Suitably designed or modified spaces have the potential to encourage their greater use, and residential aged care facilities should also plan regular activities in those areas. These measures can facilitate safe sun exposure, as well as physical activity and social interaction in older people.

What is known about the topic?
Older people living in aged care facilities have inadequate outdoor sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency. The outdoor spaces of aged care facilities are not well used by residents. Design features that encourage greater use of outdoor spaces have been identified.

What does this paper add?
Participation rates in a trial of outdoor sun exposure in residents of aged care facilities were found to be higher in those facilities with better design features in their outdoor spaces. Most facilities do not schedule their regular activities outdoors.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Suitable design or modification of outdoor spaces of residential aged care facilities can encourage their greater use. Regular scheduling of leisure and social activities can further promote their utilisation.
New activity-based funding model for Australian private sector overnight rehabilitation cases: the rehabilitation Australian National Sub-Acute and Non-Acute Patient (AN-SNAP) model
Authors: Hanning Brian , Predl Nicolle
Published: March 2015

Traditional overnight rehabilitation payment models in the private sector are not based on a rigorous classification system and vary greatly between contracts with no consideration of patient complexity. The payment rates are not based on relative cost and the length-of-stay (LOS) point at which a reduced rate applies (step downs) varies markedly. The rehabilitation Australian National Sub-Acute and Non-Acute Patient (AN-SNAP) model (RAM), which has been in place for over 2 years in some private hospitals, bases payment on a rigorous classification system, relative cost and industry LOS. RAM is in the process of being rolled out more widely. This paper compares and contrasts RAM with traditional overnight rehabilitation payment models. It considers the advantages of RAM for hospitals and Australian Health Service Alliance. It also considers payment model changes in the context of maintaining industry consistency with Electronic Claims Lodgement and Information Processing System Environment (ECLIPSE) and health reform generally.

What is known about this topic?
The Australian Health Service Alliance is unaware of any recent studies comparing and contrasting current Australian private sector rehabilitation models with AN-SNAP-based models.

What does this paper add?
This paper outlines the advantages of an AN-SNAP payment model with regard to paying for services in relation to relative cost and avoiding perverse incentives in relation to rehabilitation patient admission and LOS.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Basing private sector rehabilitation payment models on AN-SNAP can address deficiencies of traditional payment models.