bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersion relation and growth rate in a free-electron laser with a background plasma
Authors: Mohsenpour T. , Maraghechi B.
Published: February 2015

The method of perturbation has been applied to derive a general dispersion relation for a free-electron laser (FEL) with background plasma and helical wiggler in the presence of an axial magnetic field. This dispersion relation is solved numerically to find unstable interactions among all of the wave modes. Numerical calculations show that new coupling between the left wave and positive-energy space-charge of electron beam are found when wiggler induced velocity is large. This coupling does not change with increasing the plasma density. The growth rate of FEL is changed with increasing the plasma density and the normalized axial magnetic field.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise interventions in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Firth J. , Cotter J. , Elliott R. , French P. , Yung A. R.
Published: February 2015

Background

The typically poor outcomes of schizophrenia could be improved through interventions that reduce cardiometabolic risk, negative symptoms and cognitive deficits; aspects of the illness which often go untreated. The present review and meta-analysis aimed to establish the effectiveness of exercise for improving both physical and mental health outcomes in schizophrenia patients.

Method

We conducted a systematic literature search to identify all studies that examined the physical or mental effects of exercise interventions in non-affective psychotic disorders. Of 1581 references, 20 eligible studies were identified. Data on study design, sample characteristics, outcomes and feasibility were extracted from all studies and systematically reviewed. Meta-analyses were also conducted on the physical and mental health outcomes of randomized controlled trials.

Results

Exercise interventions had no significant effect on body mass index, but can improve physical fitness and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Psychiatric symptoms were significantly reduced by interventions using around 90 min of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week (standardized mean difference: 0.72, 95% confidence interval −1.14 to −0.29). This amount of exercise was also reported to significantly improve functioning, co-morbid disorders and neurocognition.

Conclusions

Interventions that implement a sufficient dose of exercise, in supervised or group settings, can be feasible and effective interventions for schizophrenia.
Exploring the boundaries between interpersonal and financial institution mistreatment of older people through a social ecology framework
Authors: NAUGHTON CORINA , DRENNAN JONATHAN
Published: February 2015

Interpersonal financial abuse of older people is well documented but the potential role of financial institutions is rarely examined. Financial institution mistreatment describes direct and indirect practices by financial institutions that threaten the financial wellbeing of older people. This analysis was based on a survey of community-dwelling older people (N = 2,021) aged 65 years and older, and examined self-reports of interpersonal and financial institution mistreatment. The prevalence of interpersonal financial abuse was reported by nearly 2 per cent of respondents compared to 1 per cent for financial institution mistreatment. The socio-demographic and health characteristics of the group who experienced interpersonal financial mistreatment were different from those who reported financial institution mistreatment. The boundaries between the two phenomena were explored using a social ecology framework that reflects the influences of ageism and normative practices on elder abuse. The study confirms previous international evidence on interpersonal financial abuse and provides preliminary data on financial mistreatment by financial institutions. The evidence has implications for policy and current preventative strategies that tend to ignore the influence of macro-contextual factors such as legislative and institutional normative practices, government policies and societal attitudes that can act aspermissorsof some types of financial mistreatment.
Did Alan Turing have Asperger's syndrome?
Authors: O'Connell Henry , Fitzgerald Michael
Published: February 2015

Alan Turing was born in Paddington, London on June 23, 1912 . His family were middle-class and well-off. He was fascinated with science from an early age and showed precocious talent, especially in the areas of chemistry and mathematics. He attended Sherbourne Public School and then King's College, Cambridge where he studied mathematics. His areas of interest at Cambridge were probability theory and mathematical logic. It was at Cambridge that he first conceptualised the Universal Turing Machine, an idea that was to evolve into the modern theory of computing. He has been referred to as the father of the computer.

He worked on a cipher machine at Princeton University between 1936 and 1938. He worked for the British Government during World War II with the Government Code and Cipher School at Bletchley Park. He was ultimately the key player in deciphering the German 'Enigma' code used by its submarines during the war. After the war he took up a post in Manchester University where he continued to work on ideas of artificial intelligence. He was arrested and charged for homosexual activity in 1952 and underwent a course of oestrogen therapy. He committed suicide in 1954.

He was regarded as being socially aloof and eccentric by colleagues and friends. He was interested in mathematics, chemistry and logic from an early age, to the exclusion of other activities. This paper attempts to establish whether he fulfilled the criteria for Asperger's syndrome.
Daily Stress and Concept of Self in Swedish Ambulance Personnel
Authors: Jonsson Anders , Segesten Kerstin
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

This study investigated the prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms among professional ambulance personnel in Sweden and investigated the question: “Does self-knowledge have influence on how well one copes with the effects of daily work exposure from such events?” Little is known about the variables that might be associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms in highrisk occupational groups such as ambulance service groups.

Methods:

Data were gathered from ambulance personnel by means of an anonymous questionnaire. Survey responses of 362 ambulance personnel from the county of Västra Götaland were analyzed. A correlation was established between post-traumatic symptoms using the impact of event scale (IES-15) and the Professional Self-Description Form (PSDF).

Results:

Of those who reported a traumatic situation, 21.5% scored ≥ 26 on the IES-15 subscale. Scores >26 indicate “PTSD caseness”. There were significant differences on PSDF subscales between those presenting with or without posttraumatic symptoms.

Conclusions:

The mental health and emotional well-being of ambulance personnel appear to be compromised by accident and emergency work. The high prevalence of PTSD symptoms in ambulance personnel indicates an inability to cope with post-traumatic stress caused by daily work experiences.
On ‘common-sense ontology’: a comment on the paper by Frank Hindriks and Francesco Guala
Authors: SUGDEN ROBERT
Published: February 2015

This note comments on Hindriks and Guala's ‘unified theory of institutions’. One of the components that Hindriks and Guala seek to unify, and which they claim is unsatisfactory on its own, is the analysis of conventions that derives from the work of Lewis. I argue that the Lewisian approach provides simple and powerful explanations of many regularities in the social behaviour of humans and other animals. Those explanations can be seen as good social science even if, as Hindriks and Guala argue, they do not fit with common-sense ontology.
From the Global to the Local: The Development of Indigenous Peoples’ Land Rights Internationally and in Southeast Asia
Authors: INMAN Derek
Published: February 2015

Despite a noticeable shift in recent years, indigenous peoples in Asia continue to experience many forms of human rights violations, with the most serious perhaps being the loss of traditional lands and territories. The purpose of this paper is to examine indigenous peoples’ land rights and its application in Southeast Asia. To that end, the paper will provide an overview of the development of indigenous peoples’ land rights internationally; offer regional perspectives from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights; analyze the concept of indigenous peoples in Asia, juxtaposing it with concurrent difficulties being experienced on the African continent; examine three countries (Cambodia, the Philippines, and Malaysia) that recognize indigenous peoples’ land rights to some extent, whether through constitutional amendments, legislative reform, or domestic jurisprudence; and highlight the implementation gap between the rights of indigenous peoples in law and practice.
Quantification of [18F]DPA-714 Binding in the Human Brain: Initial Studies in Healthy Controls and Alzheimer'S Disease Patients
Authors: Golla Sandeep SV , Boellaard Ronald , Oikonen Vesa , Hoffmann Anja , van Berckel Bart NM , Windhorst Albert D , Virta Jere , Haaparanta-Solin Merja , Luoto Pauliina , Savisto Nina , Solin Olof , Valencia Ray , Thiele Andrea , Eriksson Jonas , Schuit Robert C , Lammertsma Adriaan A , Rinne Juha O
Published: February 2015

Fluorine-18 labelled N,N-diethyl-2-(2-[4-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl]-5,7-dimethylpyrazolo[1,5-α]pyrimidine-3-yl)acetamide ([18F] DPA-714) binds to the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) with high affinity. The aim of this initial methodological study was to develop a plasma input tracer kinetic model for quantification of [18F]DPA-714 binding in healthy subjects and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, and to provide a preliminary assessment whether there is a disease-related signal. Ten AD patients and six healthy subjects underwent a dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) study along with arterial sampling and a scan protocol of 150 minutes after administration of 250 ± 10 MBq [18F]DPA-714. The model that provided the best fits to tissue time activity curves (TACs) was selected based on Akaike Information Criterion and F-test. The reversible two tissue compartment plasma input model with blood volume parameter was the preferred model for quantification of [18F]DPA-714 kinetics, irrespective of scan duration, volume of interest, and underlying volume of distribution ( VT). Simplified reference tissue model (SRTM)-derived binding potential (BPND) using cerebellar gray matter as reference tissue correlated well with plasma input-based distribution volume ratio (DVR). These data suggest that [18F]DPA-714 cannot be used for separating individual AD patients from heathy subjects, but further studies including TSPO binding status are needed to substantiate these findings.
Lasting Pure-Motor Deficits after Focal Posterior Internal Capsule White-Matter Infarcts in Rats
Authors: Blasi Francesco , Whalen Michael J , Ayata Cenk
Published: February 2015

Small white-matter infarcts of the internal capsule are clinically prevalent but underrepresented among currently available animal models of ischemic stroke. In particular, the assessment of long-term outcome, a primary end point in clinical practice, has been challenging due to mild deficits and the rapid and often complete recovery in most experimental models. We, therefore, sought to develop a focal white-matter infarction model that can mimic the lasting neurologic deficits commonly observed in stroke patients. The potent vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 ( n = 24) or vehicle ( n = 9) was stereotactically injected into the internal capsule at one of three antero-posterior levels (1, 2, or 3 mm posterior to bregma) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Endothelin-injected animals showed highly focal (~1 mm3) and reproducible ischemic infarcts, with severe axonal and myelin loss accompanied by cellular infiltration when examined 2 and 4 weeks after injection. Only those rats injected with endothelin-1 at the most posterior location developed robust and pure-motor deficits in adhesive removal, cylinder and foot-fault tests that persisted at 1 month, without detectable sensory impairments. In summary, we present an internal capsule stroke model optimized to produce lasting pure-motor deficits in rats that may be suitable to study neurologic recovery and rehabilitation after white-matter injury.
Total synthesis and antiviral activity of indolosesquiterpenoids from the xiamycin and oridamycin families
Authors: Meng Zhanchao , Yu Haixin , Li Li , Tao Wanyin , Chen Hao , Wan Ming , Yang Peng , Edmonds David J. , Zhong Jin , Li Ang
Published: February 2015

Indolosesquiterpenoids are a growing class of natural products that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Here, we report the total syntheses of xiamycin A and oridamycins A and B, indolosesquiterpenoids isolated from Streptomyces. Two parallel strategies were exploited to forge the carbazole core: 6π-electrocyclization/aromatization and indole C2–H bond activation/Heck annulation. The construction of their trans-decalin motifs relied on two diastereochemically complementary radical cyclization reactions mediated by Ti(III) and Mn(III), respectively. The C23 hydroxyl of oridamycin B was introduced by an sp3 C–H bond oxidation at a late stage. On the basis of the chemistry developed, the dimeric congener dixiamycin C has been synthesized for the first time. Evaluation of the antiviral activity of these compounds revealed that xiamycin A is a potent agent against herpes simplex virus–1 (HSV-1) in vitro.
The 3D-architecture of individual free silver nanoparticles captured by X-ray scattering
Authors: Barke Ingo , Hartmann Hannes , Rupp Daniela , Flückiger Leonie , Sauppe Mario , Adolph Marcus , Schorb Sebastian , Bostedt Christoph , Treusch Rolf , Peltz Christian , Bartling Stephan , Fennel Thomas , Meiwes-Broer Karl-Heinz , Möller Thomas
Published: February 2015

The diversity of nanoparticle shapes generated by condensation from gaseous matter reflects the fundamental competition between thermodynamic equilibration and the persistence of metastable configurations during growth. In the kinetically limited regime, intermediate geometries that are favoured only in early formation stages can be imprinted in the finally observed ensemble of differently structured specimens. Here we demonstrate that single-shot wide-angle scattering of femtosecond soft X-ray free-electron laser pulses allows three-dimensional characterization of the resulting metastable nanoparticle structures. For individual free silver particles, which can be considered frozen in space for the duration of photon exposure, both shape and orientation are uncovered from measured scattering images. We identify regular shapes, including species with fivefold symmetry and surprisingly large aspect ratio up to particle radii of the order of 100 nm. Our approach includes scattering effects beyond Born’s approximation and is remarkably efficient—opening up new routes in ultrafast nanophysics and free-electron laser science.
Brillouin-scattering-induced transparency and non-reciprocal light storage
Authors: Dong Chun-Hua , Shen Zhen , Zou Chang-Ling , Zhang Yan-Lei , Fu Wei , Guo Guang-Can
Published: February 2015

Stimulated Brillouin scattering is a fundamental interaction between light and travelling acoustic waves and arises primarily from electrostriction and photoelastic effects, with an interaction strength several orders of magnitude greater than that of other relevant non-linear optical processes. Here we report an experimental demonstration of Brillouin-scattering-induced transparency in a high-quality whispering-gallery-mode optical microresonantor. The triply resonant Stimulated Brillouin scattering process underlying the Brillouin-scattering-induced transparency greatly enhances the light–acoustic interaction, enabling the storage of light as a coherent, circulating acoustic wave with a lifetime up to 10 μs. Furthermore, because of the phase-matching requirement, a circulating acoustic wave can only couple to light with a given propagation direction, leading to non-reciprocal light storage and retrieval. These unique features establish a new avenue towards integrated all-optical switching with low-power consumption, optical isolators and circulators.
KCl ultra-thin films with polar and non-polar surfaces grown on Si(111)7 × 7
Authors: Beinik Igor , Barth Clemens , Hanbücken Margrit , Masson Laurence
Published: February 2015

The growth of ultra-thin KCl films on the Si(111)7 × 7 reconstructed surface has been investigated as a function of KCl coverage and substrate temperature. The structure and morphology of the films were characterized by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions. Detailed analysis of the atomically resolved STM images of islands grown at room and high temperatures (400 K–430 K) revealed the presence of KCl(001) and KCl(111) islands with the ratio between both structures depending on the growth temperature. At room temperature, the growth of the first layer, which covers the initial Si(111)7 × 7 surface, contains double/triple atomic layers of KCl(001) with a small fraction of KCl(111) islands. The high temperature growth promotes the appearance of large KCl(111) areas, which are built up by three atomic layers. At room and high temperatures, flat and atomically well-defined ultra-thin KCl films can be grown on the Si(111)7 × 7 substrate. The formation of the above mentioned (111) polar films is interpreted as a result of the thermally activated dissociative adsorption of KCl molecules on Si(111)7 × 7, which produces an excess of potassium on the Si surface.
Focused-Ion-Beam Induced Rayleigh-Plateau Instability for Diversiform Suspended Nanostructure Fabrication
Authors: Li Can , Zhao Lurui , Mao Yifei , Wu Wengang , Xu Jun
Published: February 2015

A novel method for fabricating diversiform suspended nanostructures is reported. The method utilizes focused-ion-beam (FIB) induced material redistribution and Rayleigh-Plateau instability, which determine the resulting shapes of formed nanostructures. By choosing target materials, their predefined patterns as well as FIB settings, we have achieved parallel nanofabrication of various kinds including nanostrings, nanobead chains and nanopore membranes with smooth surfaces due to the self-perfection effect of the material redistribution upon the minimization of system free energy. The diameters of the nanostrings and nanopores reach about 10 nm and 200 nm, respectively. The average period of the nanobead chains is 250 nm.
Inhibition of IAPP aggregation by insulin depends on the insulin oligomeric state regulated by zinc ion concentration
Authors: Nedumpully-Govindan Praveen , Ding Feng
Published: February 2015

While islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) aggregation is associated with β-cell death in type-II diabetes (T2D), environmental elements of β-cell granules — e.g. high concentrations of insulin and Zn2+ — inhibit IAPP aggregation in healthy individuals. The inhibition by insulin is experimentally known, but the role of Zn2+ is controversial as both correlations and anti-correlations at the population level are observed between T2D risk and the activity of a β-cell specific zinc ion transporter, ZnT8. Since Zn2+ concentration determines insulin oligomer equilibrium, we computationally investigated interactions of IAPP with different insulin oligomers and compared with IAPP homodimer formation. We found that IAPP binding with insulin oligomers competes with the formation of both higher-molecular-weight insulin oligomers and IAPP homodimers. Therefore, zinc deficiency due to loss-of-function ZnT8 mutations shifts insulin oligomer equilibrium toward zinc-free monomers and dimers, which bind IAPP monomers more efficiently compared to zinc-bound hexamers. The hetero-molecular complex formation prevents IAPP from self-association and subsequent aggregation, reducing T2D risk.
Exploration of diarrhoea seasonality and its drivers in China
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Hu Wenbiao , Zhang Yewu , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhou Maigeng , Su Hong , Huang Cunrui , Tong Shilu , Guo Qing
Published: February 2015

This study investigated the diarrhoea seasonality and its potential drivers as well as potential opportunities for future diarrhoea control and prevention in China. Data on weekly infectious diarrhoea cases in 31 provinces of China from 2005 to 2012 and data on demographic and geographic characteristics, as well as climatic factors, were complied. A cosinor function combined with a Poisson regression was used to calculate the three seasonal parameters of diarrhoea in different provinces. Regression tree analysis was used to identify the predictors of diarrhoea seasonality. Diarrhoea cases in China showed a bimodal distribution. Diarrhoea in children <5 years was more likely to peak in fall-winter seasons, while diarrhoea in persons > = 5 years peaked in summer. Latitude was significantly associated with spatial pattern of diarrhoea seasonality, with peak and trough times occurring earlier at high latitudes (northern areas) and later at low latitudes (southern areas). The annual amplitudes of diarrhoea in persons > = 5 years increased with latitude (r = 0.62, P<0.001). Latitude 27.8° N and 38.65° N were the latitudinal thresholds for diarrhoea seasonality in China. Regional-specific diarrhoea control and prevention strategies may be optimal for China. More attention should be paid to diarrhoea in children <5 years during fall-winter seasons.
Evaluation of different tissue de-paraffinization procedures for infrared spectral imaging
Authors: Nallala Jayakrupakar , Lloyd Gavin Rhys , Stone Nicholas
Published: February 2015

Differential distribution of paraffin in a normal colon tissue section after various de-Waxing procedures in comparison to a paraffinized tissue.
Triphenylarsonium-functionalised gold nanoparticles: potential nanocarriers for intracellular therapeutics
Authors: Lalwani Nikhil , Chen Yu-Su , Brooke Gemma , Cross Neil A. , Allen David W. , Reynolds Alan , Ojeda Jesús , Tizzard Graham J. , Coles Simon J. , Bricklebank Neil
Published: February 2015

Gold nanoparticles functionalised with triphenylarsonium alkylthiolate ligands have been synthesised; both arsonium ligands show comparatively low cytotoxicity in cells.
Conversion of methane to methanol on copper-containing small-pore zeolites and zeotypes
Authors: Wulfers M. J. , Teketel S. , Ipek B. , Lobo R. F.
Published: February 2015

Several small-pore Cu-zeolites (SSZ-13, SSZ-16, and SSZ-39) and a zeotype (SAPO-34) can produce methanol from methane and water.
Development of an enzymatic pretargeting strategy for dual-modality imaging
Authors: Knight J. C. , Mosley M. , Stratford M. R. L. , Uyeda H. T. , Benink H. A. , Cong M. , Fan F. , Faulkner S. , Cornelissen B.
Published: February 2015

An in vitro pretargeted imaging strategy based on the HaloTag enzyme is described. Dual-modality (SPECT and optical) HaloTag ligands enable the detection of HER2 expression.
Site-selective photodeposition of Pt on a particulate Sc-La5Ti2CuS5O7 photocathode: evidence for one-dimensional charge transfer
Authors: Ma Guijun , Liu Jingyuan , Hisatomi Takashi , Minegishi Tsutomu , Moriya Yosuke , Iwase Motoki , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Katayama Masao , Yamada Taro , Domen Kazunari
Published: February 2015

One-dimensional charge transfer on a rod-like La5Ti2CuS5O7 semiconductor is proved through tracking the Pt nanoparticles loaded by photodeposition.
Diversified syntheses of multifunctionalized thiazole derivatives via regioselective and programmed C–H activation
Authors: Liu Xiang-Wei , Shi Jiang-Ling , Wei Jiang-Bo , Yang Chao , Yan Jia-Xuan , Peng Kun , Dai Le , Li Chen-Guang , Wang Bi-Qin , Shi Zhang-Jie
Published: February 2015

The direct construction of 5-alkenylated thiazole derivatives from 2-/4-substituted thiazole derivatives or challenging thiazole via palladium-catalyzed regioselective 5-alkenylation has been realized.
Optical discrimination of racemic from achiral solutions
Authors: Steinbacher Andreas , Nuernberger Patrick , Brixner Tobias
Published: February 2015

We demonstrate purely optical discrimination between achiral and racemic solutions by selectively triggering an asymmetric photoreaction with femtosecond laser pulses.
Atmospheric pressure PECVD nanoparticles: mechanism of nanoparticle self-organisation into micron sized fractal clusters on a solid surface
Authors: Mishin M. V. , Zamotin K. Y. , Protopopova V. S. , Alexandrov S. E.
Published: February 2015

A physical model of the micron fractal clusters formation from nanoparticles synthesized in an atmospheric pressure PECVD process is proposed.
Controlling the self-assembly of homochiral coordination architectures of CuII by substitution in amino acid based ligands: synthesis, crystal structures and physicochemical properties
Authors: Kumar Navnita , Khullar Sadhika , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: February 2015

In this paper we report six chiral ligands based on l-tyrosine, l-serine and l-phenylalanine and their homochiral CuII complexes to study the effect of various substitutions in the ligands on the formation of diverse coordination architectures.
Binding of an organo–osmium(ii) anticancer complex to guanine and cytosine on DNA revealed by electron-based dissociations in high resolution Top–Down FT-ICR mass spectrometry
Authors: Wootton Christopher A. , Sanchez-Cano Carlos , Liu Hong-Ke , Barrow Mark P. , Sadler Peter J. , O'Connor Peter B.
Published: February 2015

Binding of an organo–osmium anticancer complex not only to guanine but also cytosine on DNA is revealed by electron-detachment dissociation tandem MS.
Environmental and health impact assessment of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) systems – challenges and preliminary results
Authors: Markiewicz M. , Zhang Y. Q. , Bösmann A. , Brückner N. , Thöming J. , Wasserscheid P. , Stolte S.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the first account on the ecotoxicological profile of some potential LOHC structures.
Phytoscreening for perchlorate: rapid analysis of tree sap
Authors: Limmer Matt A. , West Danielle M. , Mu Ruipu , Shi Honglan , Whitlock Kim , Burken Joel G.
Published: February 2015

This study presents the first demonstration of perchlorate phytoscreening, successfully delineating areas of contaminated groundwater quickly and with minimal environmental impact.
Challenging wax-cast figurine serial production unravelled by multi-analytical techniques
Authors: Le Gac Agnès , Madeira Teresa Isabel , Pereira Marco Stanojev , Santos Joana , Piorro Luís , Dias Luís , Manso Marta , Bleton Jean , Longelin Stéphane , Prazeres Cátia Marques , Mirão José , Candeias António , Marques José Gonçalves , Luísa de Carvalho Maria
Published: February 2015

Eight complementary techniques were successfully applied to study a pair of very alike Baroque colored wax figurines.
Depth profiling of low energy ion implantations in Si and Ge by means of micro-focused grazing emission X-ray fluorescence and grazing incidence X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Kayser Yves , Hönicke Philipp , Banaś Dariusz , Dousse Jean-Claude , Hoszowska Joanna , Jagodziński Paweł , Kubala-Kukuś Aldona , Nowak Stanisław H. , Pajek Marek
Published: February 2015

Grazing XRF measurements allow for a non-destructive investigation of the depth distribution of ion implantations.
Direct laser writing of μ-chips based on hybrid C–Au–Ag nanoparticles for express analysis of hazardous and biological substances
Authors: Bashouti M. Y. , Manshina A. , Povolotckaia A. , Povolotskiy A. , Kireev A. , Petrov Y. , Mačković M. , Spiecker E. , Koshevoy I. , Tunik S. , Christiansen S.
Published: February 2015

μ-Chips based on metal nanoparticles embedded in amorphous carbon matrix were realized by laser writing. The μ-chips can detect small fractions of bio-agents & hazardous compound.
Monolithic multilayer microfluidics via sacrificial molding of 3D-printed isomalt
Authors: Gelber Matthew K. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: February 2015

Here we demonstrate a method for creating multilayer or 3D microfluidics by casting a curable resin around a water-soluble, freestanding sacrificial mold.
Synthesis, crystal structure, optical and electrochemical properties of novel diphenylether-based formazan derivatives
Authors: Turkoglu Gulsen , Berber Halil , Kani Ibrahim
Published: February 2015

A new class of formazan derivatives was synthesized and the existence of hydrogen bond in formazan skeleton was explored with experimental and computational studies.
A solution-processed molybdenum oxide treated silver nanowire network: a highly conductive transparent conducting electrode with superior mechanical and hole injection properties
Authors: Chang Jung-Hao , Chiang Kai-Ming , Kang Hao-Wei , Chi Wei-Jung , Chang Jung-Hung , Wu Chih-I , Lin Hao-Wu
Published: February 2015

The solution-processed s-MoOx-treated AgNW TCEs exhibit a high transmission of 96% and a low sheet resistance of 30 ohm sq−1.
Patterning of individual Staphylococcus aureus bacteria onto photogenerated polymeric surface structures
Authors: Palacios-Cuesta Marta , Cortajarena Aitziber L. , García Olga , Rodríguez-Hernández Juan
Published: February 2015

This manuscript describes the fabrication of bacterial surface arrays by using photolithographic techniques having in addition some particularly interesting features.
Ligand effect and oxygen tolerance studies in photochemically induced copper mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in dimethyl sulfoxide
Authors: Mosnáček J. , Eckstein-Andicsová A. , Borská K.
Published: February 2015

Well-defined PMMA can be prepared using photoRDRP without the necessity of degassing of MMA and/or DMSO.
A two-dimensional flexible porous coordination polymer based on Co(ii) and terpyridyl phosphine oxide
Authors: Feng Juan , Li Hongmiao , Yang Qiuli , Wei Shi-Chao , Zhang Jianyong , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: February 2015

A 2D framework with –P(O)Ph2phenyl groups on the layer surface has been obtained, which shows remarkable dynamic sorption behaviours.
Negishi coupling in the synthesis of advanced electronic, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic materials
Authors: Huo Shouquan , Mroz Robert , Carroll Jeffrey
Published: February 2015

Negishi coupling is an efficient and versatile tool for selective C–C bond formation in the synthesis of organic electronic, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic materials.
Synthesis and electromagnetic, microwave absorbing properties of polyaniline/graphene oxide/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Jing , Lin Junpin , Xiao Junping , Fan Huili
Published: February 2015

Ternary composites of polyaniline/graphene oxide/Fe3O4 (PANI/GO/Fe3O4) were synthesized by a simple method and the electromagnetic absorption properties of the composites were investigated in the paper.
Physicochemical characteristics of attached biofilm on granular activated carbon for thermophilic biohydrogen production
Authors: Lutpi Nabilah Aminah , Jahim Jamaliah Md , Mumtaz Tabassum , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Mohd Nor Mohd Tusirin
Published: February 2015

In this study, thermophilic biohydrogen production by a mixed culture, obtained from a continuous acidogenic reactor treating palm oil mill effluent, was improved by using granular activated carbon (GAC) as the support material.
Experimental and theoretical evaluation on the conformational behavior of l-aspartic acid dimethyl ester and its N-acetylated derivative
Authors: Braga Carolyne B. , Ducati Lucas C. , Rittner Roberto
Published: February 2015

The AspOMe and AcAspOMe conformational preferences and their corresponding intramolecular interactions were studied through spectroscopic and theoretical methodologies.
Application of nanoparticle mediated N-arylation of amines for the synthesis of pharmaceutical entities using vit-E analogues as amphiphiles in water
Authors: Kumar Atul , Bishnoi Ajay Kumar
Published: February 2015

The first CuI-nanoparticle catalyzed inter and intramolecular N-arylation of amines using vitamin E analogues as amphiphiles was developed in water and is extended to azoles, substituted indoles, a bioactive natural product and intermediates of pharmaceutical entities.
1,3:2,4-di-(3,4-dimethyl)benzylidene sorbitol organogels used as phase change materials: solvent effects on structure, leakage and thermal performance
Authors: Niu Libo , Bai Guoyi , Song Jian
Published: February 2015

Organogels used as shape-stable phase change materials were prepared by impregnating a low molecular mass organogelator into organic phase change materials.
Carbon-doped titania nanoplates with exposed {001} facets: facile synthesis, characterization and visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Shi Jian-Wen , Liu Chang , He Chi , Li Jun , Xie Chong , Yang Shenghui , Chen Jian-Wei , Li Shi , Niu Chunming
Published: February 2015

C-doped TiO2 nanoplates (CTNP) with exposed {001} facets were synthesized for the first time. The obtained CTNP presented high visible-light photocatalytic activity. A reasonable mechanism of photocatalysis on CTNP under visible light was proposed.
Adsorption and decomposition of methylamine on a Pt(100) surface: a density functional theory study
Authors: Liu Jianhong , Lv Cunqin , Jin Chun , Guo Yong , Wang Guichang
Published: February 2015

The decomposition of methylamine was investigated on a Pt(100) surface using DFT, and it was found that the C–N bond was not broken.
Root exudates as natural ligands that alter the properties of graphene oxide and environmental implications thereof
Authors: Du Junjie , Hu Xiangang , Mu Li , Ouyang Shaohu , Ren Chaoxiu , Du Yingda , Zhou Qixing
Published: February 2015

Root exudates as natural ligands that alter the property of graphene oxide and environmental implications.
Interaction in multilayer clusters: a theoretical survey of [Sn@Cu12@Sn20]12−, a three-layer matryoshka-like intermetalloid
Authors: Rauhalahti Markus , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: February 2015

Concentric bond approach has been employed to rationalize the electronic structure of endohedral clusters.
High performance blue-green and green phosphorescent OLEDs based on iridium complexes with N^C^N-coordinated terdentate ligands
Authors: Chen Dong , Han Liang , Liu Dong , Ye Kaiqi , Liu Yu , Zhang Jingying , Wang Yue
Published: February 2015

Two iridium complexes with N^C^N-coordinated terdentate ligands exhibit high PE and EQE values of 35.5 lm W−1 & 15.8% for blue-green emission, 47.4 lm W−1 & 16.7% for green emission via direct charge recombination on both dopant emitters in the bipolar host–dopant systems.
Electron induced ionisation of C3 to C6 ethanoates
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Naghma Rahla , Antony Bobby
Published: February 2015

The present article reports the calculation of electron impact total ionisation cross sections for C3 to C6 ethanoates for the energy range from the ionisation threshold of the target to 5000 eV.
Combinatorial optimization of spinel Co3−xMxO4M = (Al, Ga, In) alloyed thin films prepared by ink jet printing: photoelectrochemical, optical, and structural properties
Authors: Newhouse Paul F. , Parkinson B. A.
Published: February 2015

The photoelectrochemical, optical, and structural properties of semiconducting spinel oxide solid solutions and mixed phase thin films of Co3−xMxO4[M = (Al, Ga, In)] are investigated as a function the Al : Ga : In alloying ratio and the total Co substitution amount,x.
Advances in dielectric barrier discharge-optical emission spectrometry for the analysis of trace species
Authors: Yu Yong-Liang , Zhuang Yu-Ting , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: February 2015

This mini-review presents and discusses the progress of dielectric barrier discharge-optical emission spectrometry systems in the analysis of gaseous species and those in an aqueous medium.
Electromembrane extraction of heavy metal cations from aqueous media based on flat membrane: method transfer from hollow fiber to flat membrane
Authors: Hosseiny Davarani Saied Saeed , Sheikhi Noshin , Nojavan Saeed , Ansari Reza , Mansori Sozan
Published: February 2015

In the present study, the electromembrane extraction (EME) procedure was used for extraction of heavy metal cations from aqueous samples.
Elucidating the elusive crystal structure of 2,4,6-tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine
Authors: Safin Damir A. , Tumanov Nikolay A. , Leitch Alicea A. , Brusso Jaclyn L. , Filinchuk Yaroslav , Murugesu Muralee
Published: February 2015

2,4,6-Tris(2-pyrimidyl)-1,3,5-triazine has been synthesized using two approaches: via trimerization of 2-cyanopyrimidine at 160 °C and by the reaction of 2-cyanopyrimidine with pyrimidine-2-carboximidamide.
Novel scalable synthesis of highly conducting and robust PEDOT paper for a high performance flexible solid supercapacitor
Authors: Anothumakkool Bihag , Soni Roby , Bhange Siddheshwar N. , Kurungot Sreekumar
Published: February 2015

A scalable method to produce flexible PEDOT/cellulose paper by surfactant-free interfacial polymerization is developed and its application is demonstrated for a flexible solid-state supercapacitor.
Microwave synthesis of a CoSe2/graphene–TiO2 heterostructure for improved hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions in the presence of sacrificial agents
Authors: Ullah Kefayat , Lei Zhu , Ye Shu , Ali Asghar , Oh Won-Chun
Published: February 2015

A heterogeneous material consisting of a tube type TiO2 was grown in the presence of a CoSe2/graphene hybrid, as a high-performance photocatalyst material, through a fast microwave-assisted technique.
Noble-metal-free Cu2S-modified photocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production by forming nanoscale p–n junction structure
Authors: Chen Yubin , Qin Zhixiao , Wang Xixi , Guo Xu , Guo Liejin
Published: February 2015

Low-cost and environment-friendly p-type Cu2S efficiently promoted photocatalytic hydrogen production of n-type semiconductor photocatalysts by forming nanoscale p–n junction structure.
Seaweed-derived polymeric materials for multiapplications including marine algal cultivation
Authors: Chaudhary Jai Prakash , Chejara Dharmesh R. , Eswaran K. , Meena Ramavatar , Ghosh Pushpito K.
Published: February 2015

This study described the preparation of phycocolloids based polymeric materials for multiapplications including seaweed cultivation in open sea water conditionsviagrafting reaction of phycocolloids with vinyl acetate (VAc).
Rapid water oxidation electrocatalysis by a ruthenium complex of the tripodal ligand tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide
Authors: Walden Andrew G. , Miller Alexander J. M.
Published: February 2015

A ruthenium complex of the tripodal ligand tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide exhibits rapid water oxidation electrocatalysis over a wide pH range.
Activation of AtMPK9 through autophosphorylation that makes it independent of the canonical MAPK cascades
Authors: Nagy Szilvia K. , Darula Zsuzsanna , Kállai Brigitta M. , Bögre László , Bánhegyi Gábor , Medzihradszky Katalin F. , Horváth Gábor V. , Mészáros Tamás
Published: February 2015

AtMPK9, a plant-specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is autoactivated independently of canonical MAPK cascades. Phosphoacceptor amino acid residues of the activation loop are bisphosphorylated by intramolecular autophosphorylation.
Blind image quality assessment based on fractal description of natural scenes
Authors: Ding Yong , Zhang Hang , Luo Xiaohua , Dai Hang
Published: February 2015

Motivated by the observation that visual perception is quite sensitive to the irregularities of natural scenes, the incorporation of the multi‐fractal spectrum and the fractal dimension into blind image quality assessment for perceptual features extraction is introduced. On the basis of a box‐counting method, the multi‐fractal spectrum and fractal dimension are extracted from natural scenes and then their discrepancies are quantified. Experiments on the LIVE image database show that consistency with subjective evaluation is achieved. In addition, these are remarkable advantages when compared with other popular methods are demonstrated.
Prediction interval estimations for electricity demands and prices: a multi‐objective approach
Authors: Shrivastava Nitin Anand , Panigrahi Bijaya Ketan
Published: February 2015

Electricity price and demand forecasting are becoming essential practices for the deregulated market participants such as system operators, generation companies, industries and end use consumers. With a prominent growth in the uncertainty aspect of the energy sources, climatic changes and demand patterns, it is essential to supplement the traditional point forecasts with prediction intervals (PIs) which are an important tool for quantifying the uncertainty of forecasted entities. This study proposes a novel approach for generation of PIs using a differential evolution‐based multi‐objective approach. The traditional PI generation is framed as a multi‐objective problem and a set of Pareto‐optimal solutions are generated. The proposed technique is validated using electricity price and demand data from the Ontario electricity market. Experimental results indicate that the proposed technique can successfully generate high‐quality PIs.
Neuro‐fuzzy controller for battery equalisation in serially connected lithium battery pack
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Thi Thu , Yoo Hyon‐Gi , Oruganti Sai K. , Bien Franklin
Published: February 2015

This study presents a non‐linear, dynamic control method for equalising battery cell voltages in a serially connected lithium‐ion battery system based on an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system. By using a combination of neuron networks and fuzzy logic, the optimal control method is obtained by self‐learning capability to equalise the current between battery cells. The duty cycle used to control the metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors in individual battery cell equalisers are changed based on the dynamic equalising and system status. While energy is transferred from higher voltage cells to lower voltage cells, online measurement is utilised to collect data for tracking. Therefore the duty cycle control has an optimal response in this battery system. The state of the optimal control output is presented in simulation results. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme and robustness of the acquired neuron‐fuzzy controller, the controller was implemented in a serially connected lithium battery system model using a microprocessor. The proposed system achieved a learning accuracy error of 1.8 × 10−5, and the equalising time was approximately 3000 s for a 0.25‐V voltage gap.
State feedback control strategy and voltage balancing scheme for a transformer‐less STATic synchronous COMpensator based on cascaded H‐bridge converter
Authors: Neyshabouri Yousef , Iman‐Eini Hossein , Miranbeigi Mohammadreza
Published: February 2015

In this study, a transformer‐less STATic synchronous COMpensator (STATCOM) based on cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) multilevel converter with floating DC links is presented. This study introduces a control strategy based on state feedback control algorithm in order to supply reactive power to the grid and to compensate the total losses in the internal H‐bridge cells. Using this strategy, the converter stability and the fast dynamic response are guaranteed. Moreover, a voltage balancing strategy is proposed, which not only regulates the DC‐link voltage of H‐bridge cells to the reference value, but also evenly distributes total reactive power among the converter cells, even when there is difference between the losses of H‐bridge cells. A 21‐level CHB‐based STATCOM is simulated in PSCAD/EMTDC environment to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the new control strategy. Furthermore, the validity of new method is verified on a down‐scaled 7‐level CHB prototype.
Power active filter control based on a resonant disturbance observer
Authors: Ramos Fuentes Germán A. , Cortés‐Romero John A. , Zou ZhiXiang , Costa‐Castelló Ramon , Zhou Keliang
Published: February 2015

Active filters are power electronics devices used to eliminate harmonics from the distribution network. This article presents an active disturbance rejection control scheme for active filters. The controller is based on a linear disturbance observer combined with a disturbance rejection scheme. The parameter tuning is based on a combined pole placement and an optimal estimation based on Kalman–Bucy filter. Proposed scheme is validated through simulation and experimental work in an active filter.
Phase diagram of selectively cross-linked block copolymers shows chemically microstructured gel
Authors: von der Heydt Alice , Zippelius Annette
Published: February 2015

We study analytically the intricate phase behavior of cross-linked AB diblock copolymer melts, which can undergo two main phase transitions due to quenched random constraints. Gelation, i.e., spatially random localisation of polymers forming a system-spanning cluster, is driven by increasing the number parameter μ of irreversible, type-selective cross-links between random pairs of A blocks. Self-assembly into a periodic pattern of A/B-rich microdomains (microphase separation) is controlled by the AB incompatibility χ inversely proportional to temperature. Our model aims to capture the system’s essential microscopic features, including an ensemble of random networks that reflects spatial correlations at the instant of cross-linking. We identify suitable order parameters and derive a free-energy functional in the spirit of Landau theory that allows us to trace a phase diagram in the plane of μ and χ. Selective cross-links promote microphase separation at higher critical temperatures than in uncross-linked diblock copolymer melts. Microphase separation in the liquid state facilitates gelation, giving rise to a novel gel state whose chemical composition density mirrors the periodic AB pattern.
C60 chain phases on ZnPc/Ag(111) surfaces: Supramolecular organization driven by competing interactions
Authors: Jin W. , Liu Q. , Dougherty D. B. , Cullen W. G. , Reutt-Robey J. E. , Weeks J. , Robey S. W.
Published: February 2015

Serpentine chain C60 phases were observed in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of C60 layers on zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) or pentacene covered Ag(111) and Au(111) surfaces. This low-density, quasi-one-dimensional organization contrasts starkly with the close-packed hexagonal phases observed for C60 layers on bare metal substrates. STM was employed to perform a detailed investigation of these chain structures for C60/ZnPc/Ag(111) heterolayers. Motivated by the similarity of these chain phases, and the chain and stripe organization occurring in dipole-fluid systems, we investigated a model based on competing van der Waals attractions and electrostatic repulsions between C60 molecules as an explanation for the driving force behind these monolayer phases. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed significant charge transfer to C60 from the Ag(111) substrate, through the intervening ZnPc layer, inducing electrostatic interactions between C60 molecules. Molecular dynamics simulations performed with attractive van der Waals interactions plus repulsive dipole-dipole interactions reproduced the C60 chain phases with dipole magnitudes consistent with DFT calculations.