bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene-assisted growth of high-quality AlN by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zeng Qing , Chen Zhaolong , Zhao Yun , Wei Tongbo , Chen Xiang , Zhang Yun , Yuan Guodong , Li Jinmin
Published: July 2016

High-quality AlN films were directly grown on graphene/sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The graphene layers were directly grown on sapphire by atmospheric-pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD), a low-cost catalyst-free method. We analyzed the influence of the graphene layer on the nucleation of AlN at the initial stage of growth and found that sparse AlN grains on graphene grew and formed a continuous film via lateral coalescence. Graphene-assisted AlN films are smooth and continuous, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) values for (0002) and

reflections are 360 and 622.2 arcsec, which are lower than that of the film directly grown on sapphire. The high-resolution TEM images near the AlN/sapphire interface for graphene-assisted AlN films clearly show the presence of graphene, which kept its original morphology after the 1200 °C growth of AlN.
Magneto-optical switch with amorphous silicon waveguides on magneto-optical garnet
Authors: Ishida Eiichi , Miura Kengo , Shoji Yuya , Mizumoto Tetsuya , Nishiyama Nobuhiko , Arai Shigehisa
Published: July 2016

We fabricated a magneto-optical (MO) switch with a hydrogenated amorphous silicon waveguide on an MO garnet. The switch is composed of a 2 × 2 Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The switch state is controlled by an MO phase shift through a magnetic field generated by a current flowing in an electrode located on the MZI. The switching operation was successfully demonstrated with an extinction ratio of 11.7 dB at a wavelength of 1550 nm.
Analysis of high-voltage metal–oxide–semiconductor transistors with gradual junction in the drift region
Authors: Chen Jone F. , Ai Teng-Jen , Tsai Yan-Lin , Hsu Hao-Tang , Chen Chih-Yuan , Hwang Hann-Ping
Published: July 2016

The device characteristics and hot-carrier-induced degradation of high-voltage n-type metal–oxide–semiconductor transistors with traditional and gradual junctions in the drift region are studied in this work. The gradual junction used in this study is realized by self-aligned N− implantation through dual thicknesses of screen oxide during N− drift implantation. Compared with traditional devices, devices with gradual junctions have improved off-state breakdown voltage (V
BD) without sacrificing on-state driving current and hot-carrier-induced degradation. More improvement in V
BD is observed if the dimensions of the device are larger. The mechanism responsible for V
BD improvement in devices with gradual junctions is also investigated by using technology computer-aided-design simulations.
Optical two-beam traps in microfluidic systems
Authors: Berg-Sørensen Kirstine
Published: July 2016

An attractive solution for optical trapping and stretching by means of two counterpropagating laser beams is to embed waveguides or optical fibers in a microfluidic system. The microfluidic system can be constructed in different materials, ranging from soft polymers that may easily be cast in a rapid prototyping manner, to hard polymers that could even be produced by injection moulding, or to silica in which waveguides may either be written directly, or with grooves for optical fibers. Here, we review different solutions to the system and also show results obtained in a polymer chip with DUV written waveguides and in an injection molded polymer chip with grooves for optical fibers.
Quantum well intermixing technique using proton implantation for carrier confinement of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers
Authors: Moriwaki Shouhei , Saitou Minoru , Miyamoto Tomoyuki
Published: July 2016

We investigated quantum well intermixing (QWI) using proton implantation to form the carrier confinement structure in the active layer of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The required potential barrier height is discussed referring to the result of numerical analysis. The bandgap change due to the QWI was investigated experimentally for various quantum well structures, proton dose densities, and thermal annealing conditions. A potential barrier height of 30 meV was observed using a high-indium and thin-well structure. High crystalline quality was confirmed by photoluminescence intensity measurement, even after the QWI process, and the lasing of the fabricated QWI-VCSEL was observed without any deterioration. The proposed technique would be effective in improving the device performance in a simple fabrication process.
Numerical simulations on inter-page crosstalk characteristics in three-dimensional shift multiplexed self-referential holographic data storage
Authors: Eto Taisuke , Takabayashi Masanori , Okamoto Atsushi , Bunsen Masatoshi , Okamoto Takashi
Published: July 2016

A three-dimensional (3D) shift multiplexing technique is applied to increase the number of multiplexed datapages in self-referential holographic data storage (SR-HDS), enabling holographic recording with purely one-beam geometry. In the 3D shift multiplexing technique, the recording medium is shifted not only along the x- and y-axes but also along the z-axis to multiplex the datapages. Because the shift directions in the 3D shift multiplexing technique are expanded compared with the conventional 2D technique, the number of multiplexed datapages is expected to be increased. We numerically clarify the appropriate 3D recording layout of holograms in which the effect of the inter-page crosstalk can be reduced after showing that datapages are multiplexed on shifting the recording medium along the z-axis. The results show 3D shift multiplexing can effectively realize high-density SR-HDS when appropriately designed layouts are used.
Coating-free reflection technique for fiber-optic sensors based on multimode interference: A temperature sensing study
Authors: Taue Shuji , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Fukano Hideki
Published: July 2016

A novel reflection technique for use in fiber-optic sensors is investigated and applied to a multimode interference structure. The reflectivity at a fiber end face is increased with two operations. Firstly, the light intensity is increased toward the periphery of the end-face by adjusting the fiber length, which is determined theoretically. Secondly, the fiber end-face is deformed into an ellipsoid by heating it with a gas torch. The deformed shape is characterized from microscopic images. The reflected light intensity is increased by more than 10 dB as a result of controlling the fiber length and deforming its end-face. Temperature sensing was performed using the reflection-type multimode interference structure immersed in temperature-controlled silicone oil. The resulting sensitivity was 0.028 °C for a 29.60 mm sensing region, achieved without using any reflection coating.
New occurrences of fossilized feathers: systematics and taphonomy of the Santana Formation of the Araripe Basin (Cretaceous), NE, Brazil
Authors: Prado Gustavo M.E.M. , Anelli Luiz Eduardo , Petri Setembrino , Romero Guilherme Raffaeli
Published: July 2016

Here we describe three fossil feathers from the Early Cretaceous Santana Formation of the Araripe Basin, Brazil. Feathers are the most complex multiform vertebrate integuments; they perform different functions, occurring in both avian and non-avian dinosaurs. Despite their rarity, fossil feathers have been found across the world. Most of the Brazilian feather fossil record comes from the Santana Formation. This formation is composed of two members: Crato (lake) and Romualdo (lagoon); both of which are predominantly reduced deposits, precluding bottom dwelling organisms, resulting in exceptional preservation of the fossils. Despite arid and hot conditions during the Cretaceous, life teemed in the adjacency of this paleolake. Feathered non-avian dinosaurs have not yet been described from the Crato Member, even though there are suggestions of their presence in nearby basins. Our description of the three feathers from the Crato laminated limestone reveals that, despite the small sample size, they can be referred to coelurosaurian theropods. Moreover, based on comparisons with extant feather morphotypes they can be identified as one contour feather and two downy feathers. Despite their rareness and low taxonomic potential, fossilized feathers can offer insights about the paleobiology of its owners and the paleoecology of the Araripe Basin.
Contribution of prosthetic treatment considerations for dental extractions of permanent teeth
Authors: Fernández-Barrera Miguel Ángel , Medina-Solís Carlo Eduardo , Casanova-Rosado Juan Fernando , Mendoza-Rodríguez Martha , Escoffié-Ramírez Mauricio , Casanova-Rosado Alejandro José , Navarrete-Hernández José de Jesús , Maupomé Gerardo
Published: July 2016

Background.Tooth loss is an easily identifiable outcome that summarizes a complex suite of factors in an individual’s history of dental disease and its treatment by dental services over a lifetime. Assessment of overall tooth loss data is essential for epidemiologically evaluating the adequacy of dental care provided at a systems level, as well as for placing in context tooth loss for non-disease causes. For example, when derived from prosthetic treatment planning, the latter may unfortunately lead to some teeth being extracted (pulled) for the sake of better comprehensive clinical results. The objective of the present manuscript was to identify the contribution to overall tooth loss, by extraction of permanent teeth because of prosthetic treatment reasons.

Material and Methods.A cross-sectional study included sex, age, total number of extractions performed by subject, sextant (anterior vs. posterior), group of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars and molars), upper or lower arch, and the main reason underlying extraction (extraction for any reason vs. prosthetic treatment), in patients 18 years of age and older seeking care at a dental school clinic in Mexico. A multivariate logistic regression model was generated.

Results.A total of 749 teeth were extracted in 331 patients; 161 teeth (21.5% of total) were extracted for explicit prosthetic treatment indications. As age increased, the likelihood of having an extraction for prosthetic reasons increased 3% (OR = 1.03,p< 0.001). Women (OR = 1.57,p< 0.05) were more likely to be in this situation, and molars (OR = 2.70,p< 0.001) were most at risk. As the total number of extractions increased, the risk of having an extraction for prosthetic reasons decreased (OR = 0.94,p< 0.05).

Conclusions.A significant amount (21.5%) of the extractions of permanent teeth were performed for prosthetic reasons in this dental school clinical environment; age, sex, type of tooth, and the total number of extractions moderated such pattern.
The modulatory effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on endogenous antioxidant systems and inflammatory markers in an acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxic mice model
Authors: Karthivashan Govindarajan , Kura Aminu Umar , Arulselvan Palanisamy , Md. Isa Norhaszalina , Fakurazi Sharida
Published: July 2016

N-Acetyl-p-Aminophenol (APAP), aka acetaminophen, is the most commonly used over-the counter analgesic and antipyretic medication. However, its overdose leads to both liver and kidney damage. APAP-induced toxicity is considered as one of the primary causes of acute liver failure; numerous scientific reports have focused majorly on APAP hepatotoxicity. Alternatively, not many works approach APAP nephrotoxicity focusing on both its mechanisms of action and therapeutic exploration.Moringa oleifera(MO) is pervasive in nature, is reported to possess a surplus amount of nutrients, and is enriched with several bioactive candidates including trace elements that act as curatives for various clinical conditions. In this study, we evaluated the nephro-protective potential of MO leaf extract against APAP nephrotoxicity in male Balb/c mice. A single-dose acute oral toxicity design was implemented in this study. Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 received a toxic dose of APAP (400 mg/kg of bw, i.p) and after an hour, these groups were administered with saline (10 mL/kg), silymarin—positive control (100 mg/kg of bw, i.p), MO leaf extract (100 mg/kg of bw, i.p), and MO leaf extract (200 mg/kg bw, i.p) respectively. Group 1 was administered saline (10 mL/kg) during both the sessions. APAP-treated mice exhibited a significant elevation of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, potassium and chloride levels. A remarkable depletion of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GSH-Px with elevated MDA levels has been observed in APAP treated kidney tissues. They also exhibited a significant rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and decreased anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine level in the kidney tissues. Disorganized glomerulus and dilated tubules with inflammatory cell infiltration were clearly observed in the histology of APAP treated mice kidneys. All these pathological changes were reversed in a dose-dependent manner after MO leaf extract treatment. Therefore, MO leaf extract has demonstrated some therapeutic effectiveness against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity through enhancement of the endogenous antioxidant system and a modulatory effect on specific inflammatory cytokines in kidney tissues.
The effects of gamelike features and test location on cognitive test performance and participant enjoyment
Authors: Lumsden Jim , Skinner Andy , Woods Andy T. , Lawrence Natalia S. , Munafò Marcus
Published: July 2016

Computerised cognitive assessments are a vital tool in the behavioural sciences, but participants often view them as effortful and unengaging. One potential solution is to add gamelike elements to these tasks in order to make them more intrinsically enjoyable, and some researchers have posited that a more engaging task might produce higher quality data. This assumption, however, remains largely untested. We investigated the effects of gamelike features and test location on the data and enjoyment ratings from a simple cognitive task. We tested three gamified variants of the Go-No-Go task, delivered both in the laboratory and online. In the first version of the task participants were rewarded with points for performing optimally. The second version of the task was framed as a cowboy shootout. The third version was a standard Go-No-Go task, used as a control condition. We compared reaction time, accuracy and subjective measures of enjoyment and engagement between task variants and study location. We found points to be a highly suitable game mechanic for gamified cognitive testing because they did not disrupt the validity of the data collected but increased participant enjoyment. However, we found no evidence that gamelike features could increase engagement to the point where participant performance improved. We also found that while participants enjoyed the cowboy themed task, the difficulty of categorising the gamelike stimuli adversely affected participant performance, increasing No-Go error rates by 28% compared to the non-game control. Responses collected online vs. in the laboratory had slightly longer reaction times but were otherwise very similar, supporting other findings that online crowdsourcing is an acceptable method of data collection for this type of research.
CORPOS DESORDENADOS, VERDADES EM TENSÃO: AS MULHERES TRANS NOS FILMES A LEI DO DESEJO E TUDO SOBRE MINHA MÃE
Authors: Pessoa Berto Hedilberto , Soares Thiago
Published: July 2016

Este artigo analisa as matrizes do feminino transgênero nos filmes A Lei do Desejo (1987) e Tudo Sobre a Minha Mãe (1999) do cineasta espanhol Pedro Almodóvar, a partir da ideia de desordenamento do corpo. Evidencia-se como as personagens observadas nas películas desconstroem as normas que tentam legitimar o que vem a ser corpo e sexualidade “coerentes”, sólidos e imutáveis, afirmados a partir de paradigmas científicos, religiosos e/ou biológicos. Tina, Agrado e Lola são desconstruídas a partir de autores que trabalham com estudos de de gênero e Teoria Queer, propondo chaves de leitura que operem sob uma estética que propõe colocar uma certa ideia de verdade em tensã
Amorphous Silica: A New Antioxidant Role for Rapid Critical‐Sized Bone Defect Healing
Authors: Ilyas Azhar , Odatsu Tetsuro , Shah Ami , Monte Felipe , Kim Harry K. W. , Kramer Philip , Aswath Pranesh B. , Varanasi Venu G.
Published: July 2016

Traumatic fractures cause structurally unstable sites due to severe bone loss. Such fractures generate a high yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to oxidative stress. Excessive and prolonged ROS activity impedes osteoblast differentiation and instigates long healing times. Stimulation of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD1), are crucial to reduce ROS, stimulate osteogenesis, and strengthen collagen and mineral formation. Yet, no current fixative devices have shown an ability to enhance collagen matrix formation through antioxidant expression. This study reports plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition based amorphous silicon oxynitride (Si(ON)x) as a potential new fracture healing biomaterial that adheres well to the implant surface, releases Si+4 to enhance osteogenesis, and forms a surface hydroxyapatite for collagen mineral attachment. These materials provide a sustained release of Si+4 in physiological environment for extended times. The dissolution rate partially depends on the film chemistry and can be controlled by varying O/N ratio. The presence of Si+4 enhances SOD1, which stimulates other osteogenic markers downstream and leads to rapid mineral formation. In vivo testing using a rat critical‐sized calvarial defect model shows a more rapid bone‐regeneration for these biomaterials as compared to control groups, that implies the clinical significance of the presented biomaterial.
Micro/Nanoparticle‐Augmented Sonodynamic Therapy (SDT): Breaking the Depth Shallow of Photoactivation
Authors: Qian Xiaoqin , Zheng Yuanyi , Chen Yu
Published: July 2016

The fast development of photoactivation for cancer treatment provides an efficient photo‐therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment, but traditional photodynamic or photothermal therapy suffers from the critical issue of low in vivo penetration depth of tissues. As a non‐invasive therapeutic modality, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) can break the depth barrier of photoactivation because ultrasound has an intrinsically high tissue‐penetration performance. Micro/nanoparticles can efficiently augment the SDT efficiency based on nanobiotechnology. The state‐of‐art of the representative achievements on micro/nanoparticle‐enhanced SDT is summarized, and specific functions of micro/nanoparticles for SDT are discussed, from the different viewpoints of ultrasound medicine, material science and nanobiotechnology. Emphasis is put on the relationship of structure/composition‐SDT performance of micro/nanoparticle‐based sonosensitizers. Three types of micro/nanoparticle‐augmented SDT are discussed, including organic and inorganic sonosensitizers and micro/nanoparticle‐based but sonosensitizer‐free strategies to enhance the SDT outcome. SDT‐based synergistic cancer therapy augmented by micro/nanoparticles and their biosafety are also included. Some urgent critical issues and potential developments of micro/nanoparticle‐augmented SDT for efficient cancer treatment are addressed. It is highly expected that micro/nanoparticle‐augmented SDT will be quickly developed as a new and efficient therapeutic modality which will find practical applications in cancer treatment. At the same time, fundamental disciplines regarding materials science, chemistry, medicine and nanotechnology will be advanced.
Photovoltaic Diode Effect Induced by Positive Bias Poling of Organic Layer‐Mediated Interface in Perovskite Heterostructure α‐HC(NH2)2PbI3/TiO2
Authors: Feng Hong‐Jian , Huang Jinsong , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: July 2016

It is shown that in the formamidinium (FA) lead iodide/titania heterostructure α‐HC(NH2)2PbI3/TiO2 the organic layer‐mediated interface, i.e., FAI/TiO2, can induce photovoltaic diode effect via positive bias poling. The band gap of the heterostructure is reduced to zero upon the positive poling due to combined effects of ion diffusion, rotation of organic moieties, and ferroelectric redistribution. The perovskite part in the organic layer‐mediated interface FAI/TiO2 gives rise to a strong polarization of 18.69 μC cm−2, compared to that (0.89 μC cm−2) in the inorganic layer‐mediated interface PbI2/TiO2. The strong polarization of the organic layer‐mediated interface is closely related to the diode effect associated with the reordering of the ferroelectric polarization and charge distribution, as a consequence of the mobility and rotation of organic moieties in FAI/TiO2 upon the positive bias poling. The latter effect also provides an explanation on why the FAPbI3‐based devices can largely reduce the scanning hysteresis in the J–V curves (Yang et al., Science 2015, 348, 1234) and why the organic layer‐mediated halide perovskite heterostructure is one of the most promising candidates for the fabrication of highly efficient solar cells or optoelectronic devices.
Flexible and Stretchable Oxide Electronics
Authors: Sharma Bhupendra K. , Ahn Jong‐Hyun
Published: July 2016

Electronic applications that offer flexibility and stretchability have attracted increasing interest over the past few years because of their potential applications in, for example, electronic skin and bio‐inspired devices, where electronics based on current wafer‐based technology are not suitable. Metal‐oxide‐based binary and ternary systems offer the opportunity for large‐area uniform synthesis of materials with excellent electrical performance. This review mainly focuses on basic flexibility and stretchability concepts that can be integrated and applied to all inorganic‐material‐based electronic devices. Possible fabrication methods are also discussed, and oxide‐based electronic applications summarized in this context. Finally, the review is concluded with a discussion of future prospects of oxides in flexible and stretchable devices.
Development and validation of multivariable predictive model for thromboembolic events in lymphoma patients
Authors: Antic Darko , Milic Natasa , Nikolovski Srdjan , Todorovic Milena , Bila Jelena , Djurdjevic Predrag , Andjelic Bosko , Djurasinovic Vladislava , Sretenovic Aleksandra , Vukovic Vojin , Jelicic Jelena , Hayman Suzanne , Mihaljevic Biljana
Published: July 2016

Lymphoma patients are at increased risk of thromboembolic events but thromboprophylaxis in these patients is largely underused. We sought to develop and validate a simple model, based on individual clinical and laboratory patient characteristics that would designate lymphoma patients at risk for thromboembolic event. The study population included 1,820 lymphoma patients who were treated in the Lymphoma Departments at the Clinics of Hematology, Clinical Center of Serbia and Clinical Center Kragujevac. The model was developed using data from a derivation cohort (n = 1,236), and further assessed in the validation cohort (n = 584). Sixty‐five patients (5.3%) in the derivation cohort and 34 (5.8%) patients in the validation cohort developed thromboembolic events. The variables independently associated with risk for thromboembolism were: previous venous and/or arterial events, mediastinal involvement, BMI>30 kg/m2, reduced mobility, extranodal localization, development of neutropenia and hemoglobin level < 100g/L. Based on the risk model score, the population was divided into the following risk categories: low (score 0‐1), intermediate (score 2‐3), and high (score >3). For patients classified at risk (intermediate and high‐risk scores), the model produced negative predictive value of 98.5%, positive predictive value of 25.1%, sensitivity of 75.4%, and specificity of 87.5%. A high‐risk score had positive predictive value of 65.2%. The diagnostic performance measures retained similar values in the validation cohort. Developed prognostic Thrombosis Lymphoma – ThroLy score is more specific for lymphoma patients than any other available score targeting thrombosis in cancer patients. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1014–1019, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dense red blood cell and oxygen desaturation in sickle‐cell disease
Authors: Di Liberto Gaetana , Kiger Laurent , Marden Michael C. , Boyer Laurent , Poitrine Florence Canoui , Conti Marc , Rakotoson Marie Georgine , Habibi Anoosha , Khorgami Sanam , Vingert Benoit , Maitre Bernard , Galacteros Frederic , Pirenne France , Bartolucci Pablo
Published: July 2016

Production of abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) in sickle‐cell disease (SCD) results in its polymerization in deoxygenated conditions and in sickled‐RBC formation. Dense RBCs (DRBCs), defined as density >1.11 and characterized by increased rigidity are absent in normal AA subjects, but present at percentages that vary of a patient to another remaining stable throughout adulthood for each patient. Polymerized HbS has reduced affinity for oxygen, demonstrated by the rightward shift of the oxygen‐dissociation curve, leading to disturbances in oxygen transport. Ninety‐two SCD patients' total RBCs were separated into LightDRBC (LRBC) (d < 1.11 g/mL) and DRBC fractions. Venous blood partial oxygen pressure and RBC‐fraction–deoxygenation and –reoxygenation Hb–oxygen‐equilibrium curves were determined. All patients took a 6‐minute walking test (6MWT); 10 had results before and after >6 months on hydroxyurea. 6MWT time with SpO2 < 88% (TSpO2 < 88) assessed the physiological impact of exertion. Elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, decreased %HbF, and 2,3‐bisphosphoglycerates in DRBCs modulated Hb–oxygen affinity. Deoxygenation and reoxygenation Hb–oxygen equilibrium curves differed between normal Hb AA and SS RBCs and between LRBCs and DRBCs, with rightward shifts confirming HbS‐polymerization's role in affinity loss. In bivariate analyses, 50% Hb saturation correlated positively with %DRBCs (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.34) and negatively with %HbF (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.25). The higher the %DRBCs, the longer the TSpO288 (P = 0.04). Hydroxyurea was associated with significantly shorter TSpO2 < 88 (P = 0.01). We report that the %DRBCs directly affects SCD patients' SpO2 during exertion; hydroxyurea improves oxygen affinity and lowers the %DRBCs. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1008–1013, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of initiation methods in the structure of CPAM and sludge flocs properties
Authors: Sun Yongjun , Zhu Chengyu , Xu Yanhua , Zheng Huaili , Xiao Xuefeng , Zhu Guocheng , Ren Mengjiao
Published: July 2016

Cationic polyacrylamides (CPAMs) synthesized by thermal, ultrasonic, microwave, and UV initiation were characterized through magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (1H NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The CPAMs for flocculation and dewatering of alum sludge produced through drinking water treatment were evaluated based on the residual turbidity of the supernatant, dry solid content, mean volume diameter and floc size distribution, fractal dimension of the flocs, and zeta potential as a function of flocculant dosage. Comparisons of the characteristics and performance of CPAMs synthesized through different initiation methods were systematically conducted. Flocculation and dewatering test results demonstrated that CPAMs synthesized through microwave and UV initiation had better flocculation performance and dewatering capability than those synthesized through thermal and ultrasonic initiation. All four CPAMs exhibited a similar final floc size distribution but different mean volume diameters and floc structures. The fractal dimension of the flocs and the zeta potential were in the following order: CPAM3 (microwave initiation) > CPAM4 (UV initiation) > CPAM1 (thermal initiation) > CPAM2 (ultrasonic initiation). Discussions on fractal dimension and zeta potential indicated that the electrostatic patches model and adsorption/bridging effect mechanisms played the main role in the formation of sludge flocs. Lastly, microwave and UV initiation were found to be alternative and recommendable initiation methods for the synthesis of CPAMs with improved flocculation performance and sludge dewatering capability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44071.
Performance and structure changes of the aromaticco‐polysulfonamide fibers during thermal‐oxidative aging process
Authors: Yu Jinchao , Chen Kang , Li Xiaoyun , Tian Feng , Chen Shenghui , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping
Published: July 2016

The changes in performance during thermal‐oxidative aging process of the aromaticco‐polysulfonamide (co‐PSA) fibers over a broad temperature range from 250 °C to 320 °C have been investigated. In addition, the mechanism of thermal‐oxidative aging process has been studied by using structural information obtained from the fibers at varying length scales. The results showed that a significant reduction in tensile strength was observed compared with that of initial modulus during aging process. Macroscopically, thermal‐oxidative aging mainly causes color changes of fibers and thermally induced macro defects begin to appear only at 320 °C for 100 h. On a micro level, the crystal structure of fibers remained stable and did not show significant changes expect that aging at 320 °C. In addition, thermo‐degradation as well as crosslinking has been observed primarily in amorphous region. With the increase of temperature and time duration, the crosslinking became more dominant and crosslinking density increases. Correspondingly, the fibril length decreases due to degradation and then increases due to the formation of crosslinked structures within the fibers. The results suggest that molecular degradation is the main cause of strength loss and the formation of crosslinking structure within the fibers contributes to the retention of modulus and improvement of creep resistance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 44078.
Timing, magnitude and effects of late Holocene sea level drawdown on island habitability, Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Authors: ALLEN MELINDA S. , MORRISON ALEX E. , LORREY ANDREW M. , ZHAO JIAN‐XIN , JACOBSEN GERALDINE E.
Published: July 2016

Geologist Bill Dickinson argued that prior to late Holocene sea level fall, in many Pacific island settings low‐lying islands were awash, shallow nearshore environments were restricted and human settlement was constrained or sometimes impossible. Stable coastlines and islets of modern configuration only developed after the “cross‐over date”, when declining high‐tide levels fell below mid‐Holocene low‐tide levels, a regionally variable process. We evaluate evidence from the almost‐atoll of Aitutaki, Cook Islands against this model, providing: (1) a local late Holocene sea level reconstruction including nine U/Th‐dated microatolls; (2) 22 new AMS dates on human activities, many from small, low‐lying offshore islets; and (3) elevation data for 14C‐dated cultural deposits on three islets. Our results include an early first millennium sea level position 0.74–0.97 m (± 0.126) above modern height‐of‐living‐corals, an eighth to eleventh century AD minimum relative to the long‐term trend, and a sea level rise peaking in the mid‐fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. This reconstruction, combined with twelfth century AD Cocos nucifera charcoal, informs on the timing and distribution of human activities across Aitutaki's evolving land and seascapes and sea level impacts. While our findings do not contradict Dickinson's model of sea level constrained island settlement, other explanations cannot be excluded.
Case report: Intraneural perineurioma of the sciatic nerve in an adolescent – strategies for revealing the diagnosis
Authors: Dahlin Lars B. , Nennesmo Inger , Besjakov Jack , Ferencz Istvan , Andersson Gert S. , Backman Clas
Published: July 2016

Key Clinical Message

Diagnosis of intraneural conditions can be revealed by a combination of clinical examination, electrophysiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and targeted fascicular biopsy with subsequent microscopic analyses.
Shaping Covalent Triazine Framework for the Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid
Authors: Bavykina Anastasiya V. , Rozhko Elena , Goesten Maarten G. , Wezendonk Tim , Seoane Beatriz , Kapteijn Freek , Makkee Michiel , Gascon Jorge
Published: July 2016

The front cover artwork for Issue 13/2016 is provided by researchers from the Catalysis Engineering group, Chemical Engineering Department, Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands). The image shows the formation of covalent triazine framework (CTF) based spheres by using commercially available polyimide as a binder. See the Full Paper itself at http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201600419.
Effect of Shear Work on the Heat Transfer Characteristics of Gaseous Flows in Microchannels
Authors: Kushwaha* Hari M. , Raj Poris B. , Sahu Santosh K.
Published: July 2016

The effect of shear work at solid boundaries for parallel plates and a micropipe is considered to analyze the heat transfer characteristics in the slip flow region for gaseous flow. The fluid flow is assumed to be laminar, incompressible, steady, and hydrodynamically and thermally fully developed. The effects of second‐order velocity slip, temperature jump, shear work at the solid surface, and viscous dissipation are considered. The constant heat flux boundary condition is used at the surface of the parallel plates and of the micropipe. Closed‐form expressions are obtained for the temperature distribution and Nusselt number as a function of various modeling parameters for both geometries. The results show that neglecting the shear work underpredicts the Nusselt number.
Coalescence Deformation of Bubble Pairs Generated from Twin Nozzles in CMC Solutions
Authors: Fan Wenyuan , Qi Tong , Sun Yawei , Zhu Ping , Chen Hui
Published: July 2016

A coupled level‐set/volume‐of‐fluid method, under the consideration of the rheological characteristics of a fluid, is employed to investigate numerical coalescence deformation of bubble pairs generated at two adjacent nozzles in carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solutions. The satisfactory agreement between numerical results and experimental measurements proves the validity of this approach in predicting the surface evolution of bubbles. Simulated results show that the bubble coalescence process involves four stages of independent growth, rapid mergence, radial expansion, and vertical stretching. The various effects of surfactant concentration, gas flow rate, nozzle spacing, and nozzle diameter on the aspect ratio depend greatly on each coalescence period.
Layered Xerogel Films Incorporating Monolayer‐Protected Cluster Networks on Platinum‐Black‐Modified Electrodes for Enhanced Sensitivity in First‐Generation Uric Acid Biosensing
Authors: Wayu Mulugeta B. , Pannell Michael J. , Leopold Michael C.
Published: July 2016

Amperometric uric acid (UA) biosensing schemes incorporating networks of alkanethiolate‐protected gold nanoparticles, monolayer protected clusters (MPCs), and platinum black (Pt‐B) electrode modification through the layer‐by‐layer construction of xerogels are investigated. MPC doping and Pt‐B augmentation are implemented within hydroxymethyltriethoxysilane xerogel bilayers at platinum electrodes. The first xerogel adlayer is doped with an MPC network and houses uricase for the enzymatic reaction required for first‐generation schemes. Polyluminol–aniline and polyurethane are used as selective/stabilizing interfacial layers. The sensing performance with and without Pt‐B and/or MPC doping is assessed by amperometry with standardized UA injections. The use of each individual material results in an enhancement of UA sensitivity compared with analogous films without these materials. The use of Pt‐B and MPC doping in concert results in a biosensor design with the highest observed UA sensitivity (0.97 μA mm−1) and fast, linear responses over physiologically relevant UA concentrations. Enhancement is attributed to Pt‐B providing increased electrode surface area and integration into the xerogel for greater electronic coupling of the MPC network and more efficient reporting of H2O2 oxidation. The findings have implications for advancing clinical in vivo sensing devices that require scalability or additional biocompatibility layering, both of which would benefit from signal enhancement strategies.
Aerosol‐Assisted Synthesis of Porous TiNxOy@C Nanocomposites
Authors: Maurice Vincent , Clavel Guylhaine , Antonietti Markus , Giordano Cristina
Published: July 2016

Porous TiNxOy‐based particles were synthesized by an aerosol spray process. At first, the starting sol solution containing the metal precursor and the nitrogen source is sprayed to form an aerosol that is subsequently pyrolysed at different temperatures. The obtained dried particles are an amorphous coordination “polymer” rich in carbon and nitrogen. These “glassy” particles are finally thermally treated at 800 °C, promoting the crystallization of the particles and the release of a major part of the carbon. As the particles keep their original shape, carbon loss and density increase during the crystallization step and lead to the development of an accessible pore structure. The process was analyzed and extended to the synthesis of other metal nitrides, such as VN and W2N, thereby showing its general validity for the production of functional nanocrystalline nitride ceramics with high porosity still occupying a relatively small volume, and otherwise not easily accessible.
Fast and Efficient Oxidative Cycloreversion Reaction of a π‐Extended Photochromic Terarylene
Authors: Calupitan Jan Patrick , Nakashima Takuya , Hashimoto Yuichiro , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2016

We report herein a dramatic improvement in the kinetics and efficiency of an oxidative cycloreversion reaction of photochromic dithiazolylthiazoles. The cycloreversion reaction of a colored isomer of dithiazolylthiazole proceeds not only by photo‐irradiation, but also through chemical oxidation with a net efficiency far exceeding 100 % owing to a chain reaction mechanism. By introducing aromatic groups on the reactive carbon atoms at the ends of a photoreactive 6π system in a dithiazolylthiazole, the net bleaching reaction rates were increased by up to 1300‐fold, and turnover rates increased by two orders of magnitude. Based on a combination of classical kinetic analyses and DFT calculations, we attribute this improvement to acceleration of the rate‐determining step to produce the active species in the chain‐reaction oxidative cycloreversion.
Enhanced Electrocatalytic Performance of a Porous g‐C3N4/Graphene Composite as a Counter Electrode for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Guiqiang , Zhang Juan , Kuang Shuai , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2016

A porous graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4)/graphene composite was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and explored as the counter electrode of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The obtained g‐C3N4/graphene composite was characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that incorporating graphene nanosheets into g‐C3N4 forms a three‐dimensional architecture with a high surface area, porous structure, efficient electron‐transport network, and fast charge‐transfer kinetics at the g‐C3N4/graphene interfaces. These properties result in more electrocatalytic active sites and facilitate electrolyte diffusion and electron transport in the porous framework. As a result, the as‐prepared porous g‐C3N4/graphene composite exhibits an excellent electrocatalytic activity. In I−/I3− redox electrolyte, the charge‐transfer resistance of the porous g‐C3N4/graphene composite electrode is 1.8 Ω cm2, which is much lower than those of individual g‐C3N4 (70.1 Ω cm2) and graphene (32.4 Ω cm2) electrodes. This enhanced electrocatalytic performance is beneficial for improving the photovoltaic performance of DSCs. By employing the porous g‐C3N4/graphene composite as the counter electrode, the DSC achieves a conversion efficiency of 7.13 %. This efficiency is comparable to 7.37 % for a cell with a platinum counter electrode.
Deliberate Design of TiO2 Nanostructures towards Superior Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Sun Ziqi , Liao Ting , Sheng Liyuan , Kou Liangzhi , Kim Jung Ho , Dou Shi Xue
Published: July 2016

TiO2 nanostructures are being sought after as flexibly utilizable building blocks for the fabrication of the mesoporous thin‐film photoelectrodes that are the heart of the third‐generation photovoltaic devices, such as dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum‐dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and the recently promoted perovskite‐type solar cells. Here, we report deliberate tailoring of TiO2 nanostructures for superior photovoltaic cells. Morphology engineering of TiO2 nanostructures is realized by designing synthetic protocols in which the precursor hydrolysis, crystal growth, and oligomer self‐organization are precisely controlled. TiO2 nanostructures in forms varying from isolated nanocubes, nanorods, and cross‐linked nanorods to complex hierarchical structures and shape‐defined mesoporous micro‐/nanostructures were successfully synthesized. The photoanodes made from the shape‐defined mesoporous TiO2 microspheres and nanospindles presented superior performances, owing to the well‐defined overall shapes and the inner ordered nanochannels, which allow not only a high amount of dye uptake, but also improved visible‐light absorption. This study provides a new way to seek an optimal synthetic protocol to meet the required functionality of the nanomaterials.
A Systematic Study of Structure and E−H Bond Activation Chemistry by Sterically Encumbered Germylene Complexes
Authors: Usher Matthew , Protchenko Andrey V. , Rit Arnab , Campos Jesús , Kolychev Eugene L. , Tirfoin Rémi , Aldridge Simon
Published: July 2016

A series of new germylene compounds has been synthesized offering systematic variation in the σ‐ and π‐capabilities of the α‐substituent and differing levels of reactivity towards E−H bond activation (E=H, B, C, N, Si, Ge). Chloride metathesis utilizing [(terphenyl)GeCl] proves to be an effective synthetic route to complexes of the type [(terphenyl)Ge(ERn)] (1–6: ERn=NHDipp, CH(SiMe3)2, P(SiMe3)2, Si(SiMe3)3 or B(NDippCH)2; terphenyl=C6H3Mes2‐2,6=ArMes or C6H3Dipp2‐2,6=ArDipp; Dipp=C6H3iPr2‐2,6, Mes=C6H2Me3‐2,4,6), while the related complex [{(Me3Si)2N}Ge{B(NDippCH)2}] (8) can be accessed by an amide/boryl exchange route. Metrical parameters have been probed by X‐ray crystallography, and are consistent with widening angles at the metal centre as more bulky and/or more electropositive substituents are employed. Thus, the widest germylene units (θ>110°) are found to be associated with strongly σ‐donating boryl or silyl ancillary donors. HOMO–LUMO gaps for the new germylene complexes have been appraised by DFT calculations. The aryl(boryl)‐germylene system [ArMesGe{B(NDippCH)2}] (6‐Mes), which features a wide C‐Ge‐B angle (110.4(1)°) and (albeit relatively weak) ancillary π‐acceptor capabilities, has the smallest HOMO–LUMO gap (119 kJ mol−1). These features result in 6‐Mes being remarkably reactive, undergoing facile intramolecular C−H activation involving one of the mesityl ortho‐methyl groups. The related aryl(silyl)‐germylene system, [ArMesGe{Si(SiMe3)3}] (5‐Mes) has a marginally wider HOMO–LUMO gap (134 kJ mol−1), rendering it less labile towards decomposition, yet reactive enough to oxidatively cleave H2 and NH3 to give the corresponding dihydride and (amido)hydride. Mixed aryl/alkyl, aryl/amido and aryl/phosphido complexes are unreactive, but amido/boryl complex 8 is competent for the activation of E−H bonds (E=H, B, Si) to give hydrido, boryl and silyl products. The results of these reactivity studies imply that the use of the very strongly σ‐donating boryl or silyl substituents is an effective strategy for rendering metallylene complexes competent for E−H bond activation.
Atom and Bond Fukui Functions and Matrices: A Hirshfeld‐I Atoms‐in‐Molecule Approach
Authors: Oña Ofelia B. , De Clercq Olivier , Alcoba Diego R. , Torre Alicia , Lain Luis , Van Neck Dimitri , Bultinck Patrick
Published: July 2016

The Fukui function is often used in its atom‐condensed form by isolating it from the molecular Fukui function using a chosen weight function for the atom in the molecule. Recently, Fukui functions and matrices for both atoms and bonds separately were introduced for semiempirical and ab initio levels of theory using Hückel and Mulliken atoms‐in‐molecule models. In this work, a double partitioning method of the Fukui matrix is proposed within the Hirshfeld‐I atoms‐in‐molecule framework. Diagonalizing the resulting atomic and bond matrices gives eigenvalues and eigenvectors (Fukui orbitals) describing the reactivity of atoms and bonds. The Fukui function is the diagonal element of the Fukui matrix and may be resolved in atom and bond contributions. The extra information contained in the atom and bond resolution of the Fukui matrices and functions is highlighted. The effect of the choice of weight function arising from the Hirshfeld‐I approach to obtain atom‐ and bond‐condensed Fukui functions is studied. A comparison of the results with those generated by using the Mulliken atoms‐in‐molecule approach shows low correlation between the two partitioning schemes.
A simultaneously bidirectional inductively coupled link in a 0.13‐µm CMOS technology
Authors: Jeon Min‐Ki , Yoo Changsik
Published: July 2016

A simultaneously bidirectional inductively coupled link has been developed to provide higher signaling bandwidth for a given inductively coupled channel. Two types of echo signals, that is, the resistive and inductive echo signals, are canceled without an inductive replica load to save silicon area. The resistive echo signal is canceled with a replica driver driving a resistive replica load, while the inductive echo signal is canceled by deliberately controlling the timing of a receiver comparator. The prototype implemented in a 0.13‐µm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology occupies 0.019 mm2 including an on‐chip channel inductor and shows 9.1‐pJ/b energy efficiency at 3.0‐Gbps signaling bandwidth, that is, 1.5 Gbps in each signaling direction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A family of functional dissimilarity measures for presence and absence data
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Podani János , Pavoine Sandrine
Published: July 2016

Plot‐to‐plot dissimilarity measures are considered a valuable tool for understanding the complex ecological mechanisms that drive community composition. Traditional presence/absence coefficients are usually based on different combinations of the matching/mismatching components of the 2 × 2 contingency table. However, more recently, dissimilarity measures that incorporate information about the degree of functional differences between the species in both plots have received increasing attention. This is because such “functional dissimilarity measures” capture information on the species' functional traits, which is ignored by traditional coefficients. Therefore, functional dissimilarity measures tend to correlate more strongly with ecosystem‐level processes, as species influence these processes via their traits. In this study, we introduce a new family of dissimilarity measures for presence and absence data, which consider functional dissimilarities among species in the calculation of the matching/mismatching components of the 2 × 2 contingency table. Within this family, the behavior of the Jaccard coefficient, together with its additive components, species replacement, and richness difference, is examined by graphical comparisons and ordinations based on simulated data.