bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placental lipoprotein lipase DNA methylation levels are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal and cord blood lipid profiles
Authors: Houde A. A. , St-Pierre J. , Hivert M. F. , Baillargeon J. P. , Perron P. , Gaudet D. , Brisson D. , Bouchard L.
Published: February 2014

Placental lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is crucial for placental lipid transfer. ImpairedLPLgene expression and activity were reported in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and intra-uterine growth restriction. We hypothesized that placentalLPLDNA methylation is altered by maternal metabolic status and could contribute to fetal programming. The objective of this study was thus to assess whether placentalLPLDNA methylation is associated with GDM and both maternal and newborn lipid profiles. Placenta biopsies were sampled at delivery from 126 women including 27 women with GDM diagnosed following a post 75 g-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation. PlacentalLPLDNA methylation and expression levels were determined using bisulfite pyrosequencing and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. DNA methylation levels withinLPLproximal promoter region (CpG1) and intron 1 CpG island (CpGs 2 and 3) were lower in placenta of women with GDM. DNA methylation levels atLPL-CpG1 and CpG3 were also negatively correlated with maternal glucose (2-h post OGTT;r=–0.22;P=0.02) and HDL-cholesterol levels (third trimester of pregnancy;r=–0.20;p=0.03), respectively. Moreover, we report correlation betweenLPL-CpG2 DNA methylation and cord blood lipid profile. DNA methylation levels within intron 1 CpG island explained up to 26% (r⩽–0.51;P<0.001) of placentalLPLmRNA expression variance. Overall, we showed that maternal metabolic profile is associated with placentalLPLDNA methylation dysregulation. Our results suggest that site-specificLPLepipolymorphisms in the placenta are possibly functional and could potentially be involved in determining the future metabolic health of the newborn.
Therapie chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen
Authors: Mecklenburg Ingo
Published: February 2014

Die Inzidenz chronisch-entzündlicher Darmerkrankungen (Morbus Crohn und Colitis ulcerosa) steigt in der Schweiz stetig an. Das therapeutische Ziel für diese Patienten ist nicht nur eine Symptomfreiheit, sondern die vollständige Erkrankungskontrolle mit Abheilung der mukosalen Entzündung und dauerhaftem Erhalt der Lebensqualität. Durch eine rechtzeitige und bedarfsadaptierte Therapie können in den meisten Fällen strukturelle gastrointestinale Schäden und chirurgische Interventionen vermieden werden. Hierfür ist jedoch eine klinische Risikostratifizierung notwendig, um Patienten mit komplizierten Verläufen und erhöhtem Therapiebedarf frühzeitig zu erkennen. Bei ungünstigen Prognoseparametern muss eine rasche Therapieeskalation vorgenommen werden, wofür eine Vielzahl an immunmodulierenden Substanzen zur Verfügung steht. Die publizierten Praxisleitlinien mehrerer Fachgesellschaften haben in den letzten Jahren einen breiten Konsens für die Therapieauswahl erreichen können, die Therapie ist hierdurch jedoch insgesamt komplexer geworden. Weitreichende klinische Erfahrung und regelmässige klinische Verlaufskontrollen sind weiterhin Voraussetzungen für eine erfolgreiche und nachhaltige Therapie von Patienten mit chronisch-entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen.
Role of Unphosphorylated Transcription Factor STAT3 in Late Cerebral Ischemia after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Samraj Ajoy K , Müller Anne H , Grell Anne-Sofie , Edvinsson Lars
Published: February 2014

Molecular mechanisms behind increased cerebral vasospasm and local inflammation in late cerebral ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are poorly elucidated. Using system biology tools and experimental SAH models, we have identified signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) transcription factor as a possible major regulatory molecule. On the basis of the presence of transcription factor binding sequence in the promoters of differentially regulated genes (significant enrichment PE: 6 × 105) and the consistent expression of STAT3 (mRNA, P = 0.0159 and Protein, P = 0.0467), we hypothesize that unphosphorylated STAT3 may directly DNA bind and probably affect the genes that are involved in inflammation and late cerebral ischemia to influence the pathologic progression of SAH.
Water Deprivation Induces Neurovascular and Cognitive Dysfunction through Vasopressin-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Faraco Giuseppe , Wijasa Teodora Stella , Park Laibaik , Moore Jamie , Anrather Joseph , Iadecola Costantino
Published: February 2014

Adequate hydration is essential for normal brain function and dehydration induces cognitive deterioration. In addition, dehydration has emerged as a stroke risk factor. However, it is unknown whether alterations in cerebrovascular regulation are responsible for these effects. To address this issue, C57BI/6 mice were water deprived for 24 or 48 hours and somatosensory cortex blood flow was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry in a cranial window. Dehydration increased plasma osmolality and vasopressin levels, and suppressed the increase in blood flow induced by neural activity, by the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine and the smooth muscle relaxant adenosine. The cerebrovascular dysfunction was associated with oxidative stress and cognitive deficits, assessed using the Y maze. The vasopressin la receptor antagonist SR49059 improved the dehydration-induced oxidative stress and vasomotor dysfunction. Dehydration upregulated endothelin-1 in cerebral blood vessels, an effect blocked by SR49059. Furthermore, the endothelin A receptor antagonist BQ123 ameliorated cerebrovascular function. These findings show for the first time that dehydration alters critical mechanisms regulating the cerebral circulation through vasopressin and oxidative stress. The ensuing cerebrovascular dysregulation may alter cognitive function and increase the brain's susceptibility to cerebral ischemia.
Zebrafish Models of Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Walcott Brian P , Peterson Randall T
Published: February 2014

Perturbations in cerebral blood flow and abnormalities in blood vessel structure are the hallmarks of cerebrovascular disease. While there are many genetic and environmental factors that affect these entities through a heterogeneous group of disease processes, the ultimate final pathologic insult in humans is defined as a stroke, or damage to brain parenchyma. In the case of ischemic stroke, blood fails to reach its target destination whereas in hemorrhagic stroke, extravasation of blood occurs outside of the blood vessel lumen, resulting in direct damage to brain parenchyma. As these acute events can be neurologically devastating, if not fatal, development of novel therapeutics are urgently needed. The zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is an attractive model for the study of cerebrovascular disease because of its morphological and physiological similarity to human cerebral vasculature, its ability to be genetically manipulated, and its fecundity allowing for large-scale, phenotype-based screens.
In Cold Blood: Intraarteral Cold Infusions for Selective Brain Cooling in Stroke
Authors: Esposito Elga , Ebner Matthias , Ziemann Ulf , Poli Sven
Published: February 2014

Hypothermia is a promising therapeutic option for stroke patients and an established neuroprotective treatment for global cerebral ischemia after cardiac arrest. While whole body cooling is a feasible approach in intubated and sedated patients, its application in awake stroke patients is limited by severe side effects: Strong shivering rewarms the body and potentially worsens ischemic conditions because of increased O2 consumption. Drugs used for shivering control frequently cause sedation that increases the risk of aspiration and pneumonia. Selective brain cooling by intraarterial cold infusions (IACIs) has been proposed as an alternative strategy for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. Preclinical studies and early clinical experience indicate that IACI induce a highly selective brain temperature decrease within minutes and reach targeted hypothermia 10 to 30 times faster than conventional cooling methods. At the same time, body core temperature remains largely unaffected, thus systemic side effects are potentially diminished. This review critically discusses the limitations and side effects of current cooling techniques for neuroprotection from ischemic brain damage and summarizes the available evidence regarding advantages and potential risks of IACI.
A medium hyperglycosylated podocalyxin enables noninvasive and quantitative detection of tumorigenic human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Tateno Hiroaki , Onuma Yasuko , Ito Yuzuru , Hiemori Keiko , Aiki Yasuhiko , Shimizu Madoka , Higuchi Kumiko , Fukuda Masakazu , Warashina Masaki , Honda Susumu , Asashima Makoto , Hirabayashi Jun
Published: February 2014

While human pluripotent stem cells are attractive sources for cell-replacement therapies, a major concern remains regarding their tumorigenic potential. Thus, safety assessment of human pluripotent stem cell-based products in terms of tumorigenicity is critical. Previously we have identified a pluripotent stem cell-specific lectin probe rBC2LCN recognizing hyperglycosylated podocalyxin as a cell surface ligand. Here we demonstrate that hyperglycosylated podocalyxin is secreted from human pluripotent stem cells into cell culture supernatants. We establish a sandwich assay system, named the GlycoStem test, targeting the soluble hyperglycosylated podocalyxin using rBC2LCN. The GlycoStem test is sufficiently sensitive and quantitative to detect residual human pluripotent stem cells. This work provides a proof of concept for the noninvasive and quantitative detection of tumorigenic human pluripotent stem cells using cell culture supernatants. The developed method should increase the safety of human pluripotent stem cell-based cell therapies.
Anisotropic charge-transfer effects in the asymmetric Fe(CN)5NO octahedron of sodium nitroprusside: a soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy study
Authors: Nanba Yu̅suke , Asakura Daisuke , Okubo Masashi , Zhou Haoshen , Amemiya Kenta , Okada Kozo , Glans Per-Anders , . Jenkins Catherine A , Arenholz Elke , Guo Jinghua
Published: February 2014

The electronic structure of Na2[Fe(CN)5NO]·2H2O (sodium nitroprusside: SNP) was investigated by using soft X-ray absorption (XA) spectroscopy and a configuration-interaction full-multiplet calculation for the [Fe(CN)5NO]2−cluster model.
Platinum(ii)–phosphole complexes: synthesis and evaluation as enyne cycloisomerisation catalysts
Authors: Fourmy Kévin , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Dechy-Cabaret Odile , Gouygou Maryse
Published: February 2014

cis-[Pt(TMP)2Cl2] is the most efficient of the series of platinum(ii)–monophosphole complexes synthesized and used in various enyne cycloisomerisations.
Robust nanostructures with exceptionally high electrochemical reaction activity for high temperature fuel cell electrodes
Authors: Jung WooChul , Gu Kevin L. , Choi Yoonseok , Haile Sossina M.
Published: February 2014

Combination of nanostructured ceria and nanoscale metal particles leads to unprecedented activity for hydrogen and methane electro-oxidation along with excellent morphological stability.
Supercapacitor/biofuel cell hybrids based on wired enzymes on carbon nanotube matrices: autonomous reloading after high power pulses in neutral buffered glucose solutions
Authors: Agnès C. , Holzinger M. , Le Goff A. , Reuillard B. , Elouarzaki K. , Tingry S. , Cosnier S.
Published: February 2014

An original supercapacitor/biofuel cell hybrid system based on compression of enzyme–carbon nanotubes enables high power discharge cycles with autonomous reloading.
Microfluidic fuel cells on paper: meeting the power needs of next generation lateral flow devices
Authors: Esquivel J. P. , Del Campo F. J. , Gómez de la Fuente J. L. , Rojas S. , Sabaté N.
Published: February 2014

Microfluidic fuel cells as paper-based power sources in a standard lateral flow test format.
Aqueous-phase selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone over soluble Pd nanoparticles
Authors: Zhu Jing-Fang , Tao Guo-Hong , Liu Hang-Yu , He Ling , Sun Qian-Hui , Liu Hai-Chao
Published: February 2014

The water-soluble Pd nanoparticles are highly-efficient catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone in water under mild conditions.
Guidelines based on life cycle assessment for solvent selection during the process design and evaluation of treatment alternatives
Authors: Amelio Antonio , Genduso Giuseppe , Vreysen Steven , Luis Patricia , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: February 2014

This work allows the gathering of information during the process design to assist in the choice of the solvent and technology to use.
Extraction and stability of selected proteins in ionic liquid based aqueous two phase systems
Authors: Desai Rupali K. , Streefland Mathieu , Wijffels Rene H. , H. M. Eppink Michel
Published: February 2014

This article discusses the extraction of Rubisco in an ionic liquid (IL) based aqueous two phase system and the stability of proteins in aqueous solutions of IL.
Necrosulfonamide inhibits necroptosis by selectively targeting the mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein
Authors: Liao Daohong , Sun Liming , Liu Weilong , He Sudan , Wang Xiaodong , Lei Xiaoguang
Published: February 2014

Through high-throughput screening of 200 000 compounds and subsequent structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies we identified necrosulfonamide (NSA) as a potent small molecule inhibitor for necroptosis, induced by a combination of TNF-a, Smac mimetic, and z-VAD-fmk (T/S/Z).
The induction of apoptosis in BEL-7402 cells through the ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathway by a ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complex
Authors: Jiang Guang-Bin , Yao Jun-Hua , Wang Ji , Li Wei , Han Bing-Jie , Xie Yang-Yin , Lin Gan-Jian , Huang Hong-Liang , Liu Yun-Jun
Published: February 2014

The in vitro cytotoxicity, apoptosis, cellular uptake, cell cycle arrest, ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot analysis and DNA-binding induced by Ru1 were investigated.
Surface grafted poly(ε-caprolactone) prepared using organocatalysed ring-opening polymerisation followed by SI-ATRP
Authors: Ercole Francesca , Rodda Andrew E. , Meagher Laurence , Forsythe John S. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: February 2014

The controlled ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of an ATRP initiator-containing lactone, γ-BMPCL, and its copolymerisation with ε-caprolactone is reported. One resulting copolymer was successfully used as a substrate for surface initiated ATRP to produce surface-grafted poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) brushes.
Influence of Al doping on microstructural, optical and photocatalytic properties of sol–gel based nanostructured zinc oxide films on glass
Authors: Pal Moumita , Bera Susanta , Sarkar Saswati , Jana Sunirmal
Published: February 2014

Al content dependent defect concentration (oxygen vacancies) and Rhodamine 6G dye photodecomposition activity of sol–gel nanostructured ZnO thin films.
Ultraviolet emission of amorphous SiO2+x nanowires with connected bead-chain morphology
Authors: Cao Hui , Zhang Yin , Che Renchao
Published: February 2014

SiO2+x nanowires composed of multi-beads were prepared and the association between structural features and ultraviolet photoluminescence performances was established.
The long persistent luminescence properties of phosphors: Li2ZnGeO4 and Li2ZnGeO4:Mn2+
Authors: Jin Yahong , Hu Yihua , Duan He , Chen Li , Wang Xiaojuan
Published: February 2014

The blue emitting long persistent phosphor (LPP) Li2ZnGeO4 and green emitting LPP Li2ZnGeO4:Mn2+ were newly prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction method.
Enhanced thermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS nanofilms by a chemical dedoping process
Authors: Park Hongkwan , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Felix Sunjoo , Choi Hyang Hee , Cheong In Woo , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: February 2014

Our results indicate that a well-designed simple post-processing process can boost the efficiency of thermoelectric power generators made of conjugated polymer thin films.
Electrical characterization of nanocrystal solids
Authors: Bozyigit D. , Wood V.
Published: February 2014

Here we provide a primer for correctly selecting and implementing optoelectronic characterization techniques on semiconductor nanocrystal solids and choosing the appropriate models with which to interpret the data.
β-Hydroxy-γ-lactones as nucleophiles in the Nicholas reaction for the synthesis of oxepene rings. Enantioselective formal synthesis of (−)-isolaurepinnacin and (+)-rogioloxepane A
Authors: Rodríguez-López Julio , Ortega Nuria , Martín Victor S. , Martín Tomás
Published: February 2014

The enantioselective formal synthesis of (−)-isolaurepinnacin and (+)-rogioloxepane A has been achieved.
Straightforward access to 4-membered sulfurated heterocycles: introducing a strategy for the single and double functionalization of thietane 1-oxide
Authors: Carroccia Laura , Degennaro Leonardo , Romanazzi Giuseppe , Cuocci Corrado , Pisano Luisa , Luisi Renzo
Published: February 2014

A strategy for the stereoselective functionalization of thietane 1-oxide has been developed by using the corresponding organometallic intermediates that reacted with electrophiles leaving intact the 4-membered ring.
[M3(μ3-O)(O2CR)6] and related trigonal prisms: versatile molecular building blocks for crystal engineering of metal–organic material platforms
Authors: Schoedel Alexander , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: February 2014

This review details the emergence of metal–organic materials (MOMs) sustained by high symmetry trigonal prismatic molecular building blocks (MBBs).
A novel p38 MAPK docking-groove-targeted compound is a potent inhibitor of inflammatory hyperalgesia
Authors: Willemen Hanneke L. D. M. , Campos Pedro M. , Lucas Elisa , Morreale Antonio , Gil-Redondo Rubén , Agut Juan , González Florenci V. , Ramos Paula , Heijnen Cobi , Mayor Federico , Kavelaars Annemieke , Murga Cristina
Published: February 2014

The MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) p38 is an important mediator of inflammation and of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We have described recently that docking-groove-dependent interactions are important for p38 MAPK-mediated signal transduction. Thus virtual screening was performed to identify putative docking-groove-targeted p38 MAPK inhibitors. Several compounds of the benzo-oxadiazol family were identified with low micromolar inhibitory activity both in a p38 MAPK activity assay, and in THP-1 human monocytes acting as inhibitors of LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) secretion. Positions 2 and 5 in the phenyl ring are essential for the described inhibitory activity with a chloride in position 5 and a methyl group in position 2 yielding the best results, giving an IC50 value of 1.8 μM (FGA-19 compound). Notably, FGA-19 exerted a potent and long-lasting analgesic effect in vivo when tested in a mouse model of inflammatory hyperalgesia. A single intrathecal injection of FGA-19 completely resolved hyperalgesia, being 10-fold as potent and displaying longer lasting effects than the established p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063. FGA-19 also reversed persistent pain in a model of post-inflammatory hyperalgesia in LysM (lysozyme M)-GRK2 (G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase)+/− mice. These potent in vivo effects suggested p38 MAPK docking-site-targeted inhibitors as a potential novel strategy for the treatment of inflammatory pain.
Smad7 inhibits AngII-mediated hypertensive nephropathy in a mouse model of hypertension
Authors: Liu Guan-Xian , Li You-Qi , Huang Xiao R. , Wei Li Hua , Zhang Yang , Feng Min , Meng Xiao-Ming , Chen Hai-Yong , Shi Yong-Jun , Lan Hui Y.
Published: February 2014

The TGFβ (transforming growth factor β)/SMAD and NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signalling pathways play a key role in hypertensive nephropathy. The present study examined whether targeting these pathways by SMAD7, a downstream inhibitor of both pathways, blocks AngII (angiotensin II)-induced hypertensive kidney disease in mice. A doxycycline-inducible SMAD7-expressing plasmid was delivered into the kidney by a non-invasive ultrasound-microbubble technique before and after AngII infusion. Results showed that pre-treatment with SMAD7 prevented AngII-induced progressive renal injury by inhibiting an increase in proteinuria and serum creatinine while improving the glomerular filtration rate. Similarly, treatment with SMAD7 in the established hypertensive nephropathy at day 14 after AngII infusion halted the progressive renal injury. These preventive and therapeutic effects of SMAD7 on hypertensive kidney injury were associated with inhibition of AngII-induced up-regulation of SMURF2 (SMAD-specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2) and Sp1 (specificity protein 1), blockade of TGFβ/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and suppression of NF-κB-driven renal inflammation. Moreover, overexpression of SMAD7 also prevented AngII-induced loss of renal miR-29b, an miRNA with an inhibitory role in both TGFβ/Smad3 and NF-κB pathways. In conclusion, SMAD7 may be a therapeutic agent for AngII-mediated hypertensive nephropathy. Inhibition of the Sp1/SMAD3/NF-κB/miR-29b regulatory network may be a mechanism by which SMAD7 inhibits hypertensive nephropathy.
Unequal error protection for layered source coding using MIMO technology
Authors: Barmada B. , Baker O.F. , Khoshnaw A.
Published: February 2014

The use of multiple‐input, multiple‐output (MIMO) technology is proposed to provide unequal error protection (UEP) for layered source coding. Two priority layers are considered: a base (high priority (HP)) layer and an enhancement (low priority (LP)) layer. The MIMO is composed of two transmit antennas and two receive antennas. The HP bit stream is modulated by using four quadrature amplitude modulation (4‐QAM) and the LP bit stream is modulated by using 16‐QAM. The HP and the LP symbols are then coded by using a spatial–time block coding and multiplexed before transmission. The performance of the proposed system is compared with an equal error protection (EEP) system of 64‐QAM and two transmit and two receive antennas. The EEP system uses spatial diversity in its MIMO to improve the decision reliability at the receiver. Both systems provide a similar capacity. The simulation results show a considerable improvement in performance for the UEP system over the EEP one.
Direct three‐dimensional head pose estimation from Kinect‐type sensors
Authors: Kondori F.A. , Yousefi Sh. , Li H.
Published: February 2014

A direct method for recovering three‐dimensional (3D) head motion parameters from a sequence of range images acquired by Kinect sensors is presented. Based on the range images, a new version of the optical flow constraint equation is derived, which can be used to directly estimate 3D motion parameters without any need of imposing other constraints. Since all calculations with the new constraint equation are based on the range images, Z(x, y, t), the existing techniques and experiences developed and accumulated on the topic of motion from optical flow can be directly applied simply by treating the range images as normal intensity images I(x, y, t). In this reported work, it is demonstrated how to employ the new optical flow constraint equation to recover the 3D motion of a moving head from the sequences of range images, and furthermore, how to use an old trick to handle the case when the optical flow is large. It is shown, in the end, that the performance of the proposed approach is comparable with that of some of the state‐of‐the‐art approaches that use range data to recover 3D motion parameters.
Resistive switching behaviour in ZnO and VO2 memristors grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Macaluso R. , Mosca M. , Costanza V. , D'Angelo A. , Lullo G. , Caruso F. , Calì C. , Di Franco F. , Santamaria M. , Di Quarto F.
Published: February 2014

The resistive switching behaviour observed in microscale memristors based on laser ablated ZnO and VO2 is reported. A comparison between the two materials is reported against an active device size. The results show that devices up to 300 × 300 μm2 exhibit a memristive behaviour regardless of the device size, and 100 × 100 μm2 ZnO‐based memristors have the best resistance off/on ratio.
Check‐node lazy scheduling approach for layered belief propagation decoding algorithm
Authors: Zhang Jianjun , Lei Yiming , Jin Ye
Published: February 2014

A novel check‐node lazy scheduling (CLS) approach is presented for the layered belief propagation (LBP) decoding algorithm in low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) applications. In the cases where the check nodes are highly reliable, this proposed CLS approach skips the check nodes in the belief propagation processes, and thus it clearly reduces the iteration times of LDPC decoding. Simulations show that, when this CLS approach is integrated into the classical LBP decoding algorithm, the needed maximum iterations is improved by nearly 30%.
Rapid preconditioning of data for accelerating convex hull computations
Authors: Cadenas J. , Megson G.M.
Published: February 2014

Given a dataset of two‐dimensional points in the plane with integer coordinates, the method proposed reduces a set of n points down to a set of s points s ≤ n, such that the convex hull on the set of s points is the same as the convex hull of the original set of n points. The method is O(n). It helps any convex hull algorithm run faster. The empirical analysis of a practical case shows a percentage reduction in points of over 98%, that is reflected as a faster computation with a speedup factor of at least 4.
Switching architecture for CMOS exponential function generators eliminating squarer/multiplier circuits
Authors: Ray S. , Hella M.M.
Published: February 2014

A switching architecture for exponential function generators in submicron CMOS technology is proposed. The architecture is based on second‐order rational approximation of exponential functions and can be realised using MOS transistors in the saturation regime. An implementation eliminating complex squarer/multiplier circuits is presented in 0.13 μm CMOS technology. Simulation results show a dB‐linear range of 46 dB with less than ± 0.5 dB linear error while dissipating a maximum of 0.45 mW from a 1.2 V power supply.
Broadband and high‐K passive balun using 16 sides geometry for silicon‐based RFICs
Authors: Zhang Hua Bin , Cai Min , He Xiaoyong , Wu Haijun , Li Zhengpin , Tang F.
Published: February 2014

A broadband and high‐K monolithic passive balun for silicon‐based radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) are presented. It utilises the top level thick Cu metal and adopts a 16‐side geometry. The proposed balun is designed and fabricated with a 0.13‐μm CMOS mixed‐signal 1P6M process. The measured results show that the amplitude imbalance is < 0.2 dB and the phase imbalance is within 4° from the frequency range of 0.1–7 GHz. Compared with the typical octagonal balun, the proposed design achieves the same coupling coefficients K and attains an enhancement in the transmission efficiency S21 within the frequency range of 0.1–20 GHz, and the consumed chip area is reduced by 3%.
25 Gbaud/s 4‐PAM (50 Gbit/s) modulation and 10 km SMF transmission with 1.3 μm InGaAlAs‐based DML
Authors: Kobayashi W. , Fujisawa T. , Kanazawa S. , Sanjoh H.
Published: February 2014

The first 25 Gbaud/s four‐level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) of a 1.3 μm directly modulated laser (DML) is achieved and a 10 km transmission over a single‐mode fibre (SMF) with clear eye openings is demonstrated.
Camera matching based on spatiotemporal activity and conditional random field model
Authors: Xiaokai Liu , Hongyu Wang , Hongbo Gao
Published: February 2014

In this study, the authors investigate how to find correspondences (pixel‐level matches) between two video sequences with overlapping views, recorded by different stationary uncalibrated video cameras, without imposing any constrains on, or requiring any a priori knowledge of, the viewing or the illumination conditions under which these videos were obtained. They propose a matching method using a low‐level feature, spatiotemporal activity (STA), which effectively combines both the photometric features and the statistic features and makes the proposed method robust to the pose, illumination and geometric effects. They formulate the author's matching problem as a conditional random field model and optimise it by using graph cuts, instead of applying exhaustive pixel‐wise matching. A qualitative analysis of the performance improvement compared with the temporal activity‐based matching method (TAM) is given by inference from a mathematical model and the quantitative results compared with the TAM and the scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) are presented with real life examples. The experiments show that their method significantly outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods with a higher accuracy and is orders of magnitudes faster than the comparable ones.
Adaptive zero sequence compensation algorithm for double‐circuit transmission line protection
Authors: Seyedi Heresh , Teimourzadeh Saeed , Soleiman Nezhad Peyman
Published: February 2014

This study presents an adaptive zero sequence compensation algorithm to improve the conventional ground distance relays performance, in double‐circuit transmission lines. The proposed approach corrects the estimated impedance by correcting the degree of zero sequence compensation of ground distance relays. The new scheme is proposed for the standalone distance relays and does not inherently require any communication link. However, it is applicable to all well‐known pilot protection schemes. The proposed method utilises zero sequence equivalent circuit in order to estimate the compensation term. Afterwards, the estimated impedance is corrected by using a recursive approach. Finally, the proposed method compensates the fault resistance effect. The simulation and experimental results verify the efﬁciency, security and dependability of the proposed method. The results indicate that by using the proposed method, the maloperation of the conventional distance relay because of the mutual coupling is mostly resolved.
Osteotomy for Sigmoid Notch Obliquity and Ulnar Positive Variance
Authors: Dickson Lisa M. , Tham Stephen K. Y.
Published: February 2014

Background Several causes of ulnar wrist pain have been described. One uncommon cause is ulnar carpal abutment associated with a notable distally facing sigmoid notch (reverse obliquity). Such an abnormality cannot be treated with ulnar shortening alone because it will result in incongruity of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ).

Case Description A 23-year-old woman presented with ulnar wrist pain aggravated by forearm rotation. Ten years earlier she had sustained a distal radius fracture that was conservatively treated. Examination revealed mild tenderness at the DRUJ and decreased wrist flexion and grip strength on the affected side. Radiographic examination demonstrated 1 cm ulnar positive variance, ulnar styloid nonunion, and a 37° reverse obliquity of the sigmoid notch. The patient was treated with ulnar shortening and rotation sigmoid notch osteotomy to realign the sigmoid notch with the ulnar head.

Literature Review Sigmoid notch incongruity is one of several causes of wrist pain after distal radius fracture. Traditional salvage options for DRUJ arthritis may result in loss of grip strength, painful ulnar shaft instability, or reossification and are not acceptable options in the young patient. Sigmoid notch osteotomy or osteoplasty have been described to correct the shape of the sigmoid notch in the axial plane.

Clinical Relevance We report a coronal plane osteotomy of the sigmoid notch to treat reverse obliquity of the sigmoid notch associated with ulnar carpal abutment. The rotation osteotomy described is particularly useful for patients in whom a salvage procedure is not warranted.
Alternative back contacts in kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film solar cells
Authors: Altamura G. , Grenet L. , Roger C. , Roux F. , Reita V. , Fillon R. , Fournier H. , Perraud S. , Mariette H.
Published: February 2014

Molybdenum (Mo) is the most used back contact in Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 based solar cells. However, it has been suggested recently that Mo is not stable at the interface with Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, no experimental study has been carried out so far to test whether solar cells built on another back contact could exhibit better photovoltaic properties. For this purpose, various metals (Au, W, Pd, Pt, and Ni) are deposited on top of Mo, and it is demonstrated that it is possible to synthesize device-quality Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin films on W, Au, and Pt back contacts. It is shown that that W and Au back contacts allow enhancing the photogenerated current, but that Mo remains the best back contact in terms of power conversion efficiency.
Magnetic hysteresis curve influenced by power-semiconductor characteristics in pulse-width-modulation inverter
Authors: Fujisaki Keisuke , Liu Sungju
Published: February 2014

The influence of power semiconductor characteristic in Pulse-width-modulation (PWM) inverter on the magnetic hysteresis curve in silicon steel is discussed through the measured magnetic hysteresis curves. The magnetic hysteresis curve of PWM inverter-fed silicon steel has a lot of minor loops as closed loops and open loops, which make an influence on the iron loss. Two shapes of minor loops are found to be caused by the voltage shifts and they are derived from the on-voltage of the semiconductors in PWM inverter circuit. Therefore, it is concluded that the power-semiconductor characteristic in PWM inverter makes an influence on the magnetic hysteresis curve in silicon steel.
Maximal quantum mechanical symmetry: Projective representations of the inhomogeneous symplectic group
Authors: Low Stephen G.
Published: February 2014

A symmetry in quantum mechanics is described by the projective representations of a Lie symmetry group that transforms between physical quantum states such that the square of the modulus of the states is invariant. The Heisenberg commutation relations that are fundamental to quantum mechanics must be valid in all of these physical states. This paper shows that the maximal quantum symmetry group, whose projective representations preserve the Heisenberg commutation relations in this manner, is the inhomogeneous symplectic group. The projective representations are equivalent to the unitary representations of the central extension of the inhomogeneous symplectic group. This centrally extended group is the semidirect product of the cover of the symplectic group and the Weyl-Heisenberg group. Its unitary irreducible representations are computed explicitly using the Mackey representation theorems for semidirect product groups.
MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction sensors array for non-destructive testing applications
Authors: Guo D. W. , Cardoso F. A. , Ferreira R. , Paz E. , Cardoso S. , Freitas P. P.
Published: February 2014

A MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor including 72 MTJs in series with 50 × 50 μm2 was successfully microfabricated. Due to a two-step annealing strategy, a linear transfer curve was obtained. The tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) value is as high as 159% and the sensitivity reaches 2.9%/Oe. The field detectivity exhibits the lowest value at 1 V bias current, attaining 1.76 nT/Hz0.5 and 170 pT/Hz0.5 for 10 Hz and 1 kHz, respectively. The results show that the sensor could be applied in non-destructive testing systems which are used for detecting small defects inside conductive materials.
Laser-assisted electron diffraction for femtosecond molecular imaging
Authors: Morimoto Yuya , Kanya Reika , Yamanouchi Kaoru
Published: February 2014

We report the observation of laser-assisted electron diffraction (LAED) through the collision of 1 keV electrons with gas-phase CCl4 molecules in a femtosecond near-infrared laser field. In the angular distribution of the scattered electrons with the energy shifts of ±ℏω, we observed clear diffraction patterns which reflect the geometrical structure of the molecules at the moment of laser irradiation. Our results demonstrate that ultrafast nuclear dynamics of molecules can be probed by LAED with the high temporal (<10 fs) and spatial (∼0.01 Å) resolutions.
The antimony-group 11 chemical bond: Dissociation energies of the diatomic molecules CuSb, AgSb, and AuSb
Authors: Carta V. , Ciccioli A. , Gigli G.
Published: February 2014

The intermetallic molecules CuSb, AgSb, and AuSb were identified in the effusive molecular beam produced at high temperature under equilibrium conditions in a double-cell-like Knudsen source. Several gaseous equilibria involving these species were studied by mass spectrometry as a function of temperature in the overall range 1349–1822 K, and the strength of the chemical bond formed between antimony and the group 11 metals was for the first time measured deriving the following thermochemical dissociation energies ($D_0^\circ$D0∘, kJ/mol): 186.7 ± 5.1 (CuSb), 156.3 ± 4.9 (AgSb), 241.3 ± 5.8 (AuSb). The three species were also investigated computationally at the coupled cluster level with single, double, and noniterative quasiperturbative triple excitations (CCSD(T)). The spectroscopic parameters were calculated from the potential energy curves and the dissociation energies were evaluated at the Complete Basis Set limit, resulting in an overall good agreement with experimental values. An approximate evaluation of the spin-orbit effect was also performed. CCSD(T) calculations were further extended to the corresponding group 11 arsenide species which are here studied for the first time and the following dissociation energies ($D_0^\circ$D0∘, kJ/mol): 190 ± 10 (CuAs), 151 ± 10 (AgAs), 240 ± 15 (AuAs) are proposed. Taking advantage of the new experimental and computational information here presented, the bond energy trends along group 11 and 4th and 5th periods of the periodic table were analyzed and the bond energies of the diatomic species CuBi and AuBi, yet experimentally unobserved, were predicted on an empirical basis.
Tomographic analysis of neutron and gamma pulse shape distributions from liquid scintillation detectors at Joint European Torus
Authors: Giacomelli L. , Conroy S. , Gorini G. , Horton L. , Murari A. , Popovichev S. , Syme D. B. ,   JET EFDA Contributors
Published: February 2014

The Joint European Torus (JET, Culham, UK) is the largest tokamak in the world devoted to nuclear fusion experiments of magnetic confined Deuterium (D)/Deuterium-Tritium (DT) plasmas. Neutrons produced in these plasmas are measured using various types of neutron detectors and spectrometers. Two of these instruments on JET make use of organic liquid scintillator detectors. The neutron emission profile monitor implements 19 liquid scintillation counters to detect the 2.45 MeV neutron emission from D plasmas. A new compact neutron spectrometer is operational at JET since 2010 to measure the neutron energy spectra from both D and DT plasmas. Liquid scintillation detectors are sensitive to both neutron and gamma radiation but give light responses of different decay time such that pulse shape discrimination techniques can be applied to identify the neutron contribution of interest from the data. The most common technique consists of integrating the radiation pulse shapes within different ranges of their rising and/or trailing edges. In this article, a step forward in this type of analysis is presented. The method applies a tomographic analysis of the 3-dimensional neutron and gamma pulse shape and pulse height distribution data obtained from liquid scintillation detectors such that n/γ discrimination can be improved to lower energies and additional information can be gained on neutron contributions to the gamma events and vice versa.
Stability of the steady three-dimensional lid-driven flow in a cube and the supercritical flow dynamics
Authors: Kuhlmann Hendrik C. , Albensoeder Stefan
Published: February 2014

The stability of the steady flow in a lid-driven cube is investigated by a collocation method making use of asymptotic solutions for the singular edges of the cavity up- and downstream of the moving wall. Owing to the rapid convergence of the method high-accuracy critical data are obtained. To determine the critical point subcritical growth rates of small perturbations are extrapolated to zero. We find the bifurcation to be of Hopf-type and slightly subcritical. Above the critical point, the oscillatory flow is symmetric with respect to the symmetric midplane of the cavity and characterized by nearly streamwise vortices in the boundary layer on the wall upstream of the moving wall. The oscillation amplitude grows slowly and seems to saturate. On a long time scale, however, the constant-amplitude oscillations are unstable. The periodic oscillations are interrupted by short bursts during which the oscillation amplitude grows substantially and the spatial structure of the oscillating streamwise vortices changes. Towards the end of each burst the mirror symmetry of the oscillatory flow is lost, the flow returns to the vicinity of the unstable steady state and the growth of symmetric oscillations starts again leading to an intermittent chaotic flow.
Strong vortex core pinning and Barkhausen-free magnetization response in thin Permalloy disks induced by implantation of 1 × 104 Ga+ ions
Authors: Fani Sani F. , Losby J. E. , Diao Z. , Parsons L. C. , Burgess J. A. J. , Vick D. , Hiebert W. K. , Freeman M. R.
Published: February 2014

Artificial vortex core pinning sites are induced in thin Permalloy disks by point exposure to as few as 10 000 ions from a focused Ga+ beam. These pinning sites yield a first-order change in the magnetization response of the disk. A single site can keep the vortex core pinned over an applied field range comparable to the vortex annihilation field of the unaltered disk. Several widely separated sites can work together to keep the core pinned in one place, while the Barkhausen effect is eliminated from the magnetization curve over a range approaching the saturation moment of the disk.
Solution processed nickel oxide anodes for organic photovoltaic devices
Authors: Mustafa Bestoon , Griffin Jonathan , Alsulami Abdullah S. , Lidzey David G. , Buckley Alastair R.
Published: February 2014

Nickel oxide thin films have been prepared from a nickel acetylacetonate (Ni(acac)) precursor for use in bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices. The conversion of Ni(acac) to NiOx has been investigated. Oxygen plasma treatment of the NiO layer after annealing at 400 °C affords solar cell efficiencies of 5.2%. Photoelectron spectroscopy shows that high temperature annealing converts the Ni(acac) to a reduced form of nickel oxide. Additional oxygen plasma treatment further oxidizes the surface layers and deepens the NiO work function from 4.7 eV for the annealed film, to 5.0 eV allowing for efficient hole extraction at the organic interface.
Analysis of the multigroup model for muon tomography based threat detection
Authors: Perry J. O. , Bacon J. D. , Borozdin K. N. , Fabritius J. M. , Morris C. L.
Published: February 2014

We compare different algorithms for detecting a 5 cm tungsten cube using cosmic ray muon technology. In each case, a simple tomographic technique was used for position reconstruction, but the scattering angles were used differently to obtain a density signal. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare images made using average angle squared, median angle squared, average of the squared angle, and a multi-energy group fit of the angular distributions for scenes with and without a 5 cm tungsten cube. The receiver operating characteristic curves show that the multi-energy group treatment of the scattering angle distributions is the superior method for image reconstruction.
Topical Review: Molecular reaction and solvation visualized by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering: Structure, dynamics, and their solvent dependence
Authors: Hwan Kim Kyung , Kim Jeongho , Hyuk Lee Jae , Ihee Hyotcherl
Published: February 2014

Time-resolved X-ray solution scattering is sensitive to global molecular structure and can track the dynamics of chemical reactions. In this article, we review our recent studies on triiodide ion (I3–) and molecular iodine (I2) in solution. For I3–, we elucidated the excitation wavelength-dependent photochemistry and the solvent-dependent ground-state structure. For I2, by combining time-slicing scheme and deconvolution data analysis, we mapped out the progression of geminate recombination and the associated structural change in the solvent cage. With the aid of X-ray free electron lasers, even clearer observation of ultrafast chemical events will be made possible in the near future.
Oxygen-induced inhibition of silicon-on-insulator dewetting
Authors: Curiotto S. , Leroy F. , Cheynis F. , Müller P.
Published: February 2014

We report that solid state dewetting of Si thin film on SiO2 can be reversibly inhibited by exposing the Si surface to a partial pressure of dioxygen (∼10−7Torr) at high temperature (∼1100K). Coupling in situ Low-Energy Electron Microscopy and ex situ atomic force microscopy we propose that the pinning of the contact line induced by the presence of small amounts of silicon oxide is the main physical process that inhibits the dewetting.
Synergistic effect of self-assembled carbon nanopaper and multi-layered interface on shape memory nanocomposite for high speed electrical actuation
Authors: Lu Haibao , Liang Fei , (Jan) Gou Jihua , Min Huang Wei , Leng Jinsong
Published: February 2014

The synergistic effect of self-assembled carbon nanofiber (CNF) nanopaper and the multi-layered interface on the electrical properties and electro-activated recovery behavior of shape memory polymer (SMP) nanocomposites is investigated. The CNFs were self-assembled by deposition into sheets of multi-layered nanopaper form to significantly enhance the bonding strength between the nanopaper and SMP via van der Waals force. The self-assembled multi-layered CNF nanopaper resulted in improved electrical conductivity and temperature distribution in the SMP nanocomposites. This not only significantly enhances the reliability of bonding between the nanopaper and the SMP, resulting in an improved recovery ratio, but also provides high speed electrical actuation.
A performance evaluation of the cross-strait solar photovoltaic industry
Authors: Chiu Yung-ho , Yi Ke Tsz , Zhou Zhong-Sheng , Chun Cheng Shih
Published: February 2014

Awareness of energy savings and carbon reduction is gradually on the rise throughout the world, and in addition to lowering wasted energy use, countries are putting forth great efforts to develop renewable energies. Among these energies, the greatest growth is in solar photovoltaic. While the cross-strait (China and Taiwan) solar photovoltaic industry makes up over half of the global solar photovoltaic market share, its size can certainly not be underestimated, and thus its operating performance is very important. In this research, we take 2007–2012 cross-strait solar photovoltaic industry manufacturers as the research objectives in order to measure their operating performances, using the meta frontier production function by data envelopment analysis. The empirical results show that although in the six observation years Taiwan solar photovoltaic firms are better than China counterparts, the gap between them is getting smaller and smaller. Returns to scale analysis reveal that China solar photovoltaic firms still have room for improvement to adjust the scale to optimal level.