bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic energy conversion at dipolarization fronts: Multispacecraft results
Authors: Huang S. Y. , Fu H. S. , Yuan Z. G. , Zhou M. , Fu S. , Deng X. H. , Sun W. J. , Pang Y. , Wang D. D. , Li H. M. , Li H. M. , Yu X. D.
Published: May 2015

Dipolarization fronts (DFs) are believed to play important roles in transferring plasmas, magnetic fluxes, and energies in the magnetotail. Using the Cluster observations in 2003, electromagnetic energy conversion at the DFs is investigated by case and statistical studies. The case study indicates strongest energy conversion at the DF. The statistical study shows the similar features that the energy of the fields can be significantly transferred to the plasmas (load, J · E > 0) at the DFs. These results are consistent with some recent simulations. Examining the electromagnetic fluctuations at the DFs, we suggest that the wave activities around the lower hybrid frequency may play an important role in the energy dissipation.
Solar wind control of ionospheric equivalent currents and their time derivatives
Authors: Juusola L. , Kauristie K. , van de Kamp M. , Tanskanen E. I. , Mursula K. , Asikainen T. , Andréeová K. , Partamies N. , Vanhamäki H. , Viljanen A.
Published: May 2015

A solid understanding of the solar wind control of ground magnetic field disturbances is essential for utilizing the existing long time series of ground data to obtain information on solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. We have used 20 years of International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects magnetometer data (54°–76° magnetic latitude) to study the solar wind control of the ionospheric equivalent current density and its time derivative (<|dJeq/dt|>). We found that <|dJeq/dt|> peaks at the premidnight and prenoon ends of the westward electrojet. The prenoon <|dJeq/dt|> peak was most intense during fast solar wind and radial interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The location of the peak was not affected by the IMF orientation but persisted at 8–10 magnetic local time and 70°–75° latitude, near the boundary between the westward and eastward electrojets. Sensitivity of this boundary to disturbances was suggested as a possible explanation for the persistent prenoon location of the peak. The premidnight peak was most intense during southward IMF orientation. While faster solar wind mainly resulted in more intense <|dJeq/dt|> in the premidnight sector, stronger IMF caused the region of intense <|dJeq/dt|> to spread to the postmidnight, dawn, and dusk sectors. A good correspondence was found between development of the nightside <|dJeq/dt|> intensification and average substorm bulge and oval aurora as determined by Gjerloev et al. (2007). The bulge aurora covered the western end of the westward electrojet where the equivalent current also had a significant poleward component. The substorm oval aurora, on the other hand, extended eastward along the westward electrojet.
Hydrogen Bistability as the Origin of Photo‐Bias‐Thermal Instabilities in Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors
Authors: Kang Youngho , Ahn Byung Du , Song Ji Hun , Mo Yeon Gon , Nahm Ho‐Hyun , Han Seungwu , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: May 2015

Zinc‐based metal oxide semiconductors have attracted attention as an alternative to current silicon‐based semiconductors for applications in transparent and flexible electronics. Despite this, metal oxide transistors require significant improvements in performance and electrical reliability before they can be applied widely in optoelectronics. Amorphous indium–zinc–tin oxide (a‐IZTO) has been considered an alternative channel layer to a prototypical indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) with the aim of achieving a high mobility (>40 cm2 Vs−1) transistors. The effects of the gate bias and light stress on the resulting a‐IZTO field‐effect transistors are examined in detail. Hydrogen impurities in the a‐IZTO semiconductor are found to play a direct role in determining the photo‐bias stability of the resulting transistors. The Al2O3‐inserted IZTO thin‐film transistors (TFTs) are hydrogen‐poor, and consequently show better resistance to the external‐bias‐thermal stress and photo‐bias‐thermal stress than the hydrogen‐rich control IZTO TFTs. First‐principles calculations show that even in the amorphous phase, hydrogen impurities including interstitial H and substitutional H can be bistable centers with an electronic deep‐to‐shallow transition through large lattice relaxation. The negative threshold voltage shift of the a‐IZTO transistors under a negative‐bias‐thermal stress and negative‐bias‐illumination stress condition is attributed to the transition from the acceptor‐like deep interstitial Hi− (or substitutional H‐DX−) to the shallow Hi+ (or HO+) with a high (low) activation energy barrier. Conclusively, the delicate controllability of hydrogen is a key factor to achieve the high performance and stability of the metal oxide transistors.
Efficient Vacuum‐Deposited Tandem Organic Solar Cells with Fill Factors Higher Than Single‐Junction Subcells
Authors: Shim Hyun‐Sub , Lin Francis , Kim Jihun , Sim Bomi , Kim Tae‐Min , Moon Chang‐Ki , Wang Chun‐Kai , Seo Yongsok , Wong Ken‐Tsung , Kim Jang‐Joo
Published: May 2015

Efficient vacuum‐deposited tandem organic photovoltaic cells (TOPVs) composed of pristine fullerenes as the acceptors and two complementary absorbing donors, 2‐((2‐(5‐(4‐(diphenylamino)phenyl)thieno[3,2‐b]thiophen‐2‐yl)thiazol‐5‐yl)methylene)malononitrile for the visible absorption and 2‐((7‐(5‐(dip‐tolylamino)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[c]‐[1,2,5]thiadiazol‐4‐yl)methylene)malononitrile for the near‐infrared absorption, are reported. Two subcells are connected by the interconnection unit (ICU) composed of electron‐transporting layer/metal/p‐doped hole‐transporting layer. The p‐doped layer in the ICU enables increasing the short‐circuit current density (J
SC) of TOPVs by tuning the relative position of subcells in the tandem devices to have the maximum optical field distribution response, which is well matched with theoretical calculation. Moreover, the introduction of the doped layer benefits to the higher fill factor (FF) of the consisting subcells without losing open‐circuit voltage (V
OC) even with the thick active layers. As a result, power conversion efficiency of 9.2% is achieved with higher FF of 0.62 than that of single‐junction subcells (0.54, 0.57), J
SC of 8.7 mA cm−2, and V
OC of 1.71 V using 80 nm thick active layers in both subcells.
Chromosome fragility at FRAXA in human cleavage stage embryos at risk for fragile X syndrome
Authors: Verdyck Pieter , Berckmoes Veerle , De Vos Anick , Verpoest Willem , Liebaers Inge , Bonduelle Maryse , De Rycke Martine
Published: May 2015

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited intellectual disability syndrome, is caused by expansion and hypermethylation of the CGG repeat in the 5′ UTR of the FMR1 gene. This expanded repeat, also known as the rare fragile site FRAXA, causes X chromosome fragility in cultured cells from patients but only when induced by perturbing pyrimidine synthesis. We performed preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) on 595 blastomeres biopsied from 442 cleavage stage embryos at risk for FXS using short tandem repeat (STR) markers. In six blastomeres, from five embryos an incomplete haplotype was observed with loss of all alleles telomeric to the CGG repeat. In all five embryos, the incomplete haplotype corresponded to the haplotype carrying the CGG repeat expansion. Subsequent analysis of additional blastomeres from three embryos by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) confirmed the presence of a terminal deletion with a breakpoint close to the CGG repeat in two blastomeres from one embryo. A blastomere from another embryo showed the complementary duplication. We conclude that a CGG repeat expansion at FRAXA causes X chromosome fragility in early human IVF embryos at risk for FXS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Regioselective Formal Coupling Reaction Between C(sp2) and C(sp3): o‐Quinodimethane (o‐QDM)‐Mediated Domino Process for the Construction of 3‐(2‐methylbenzyl)indole Derivatives
Authors: Wang Miao , Wang Jungang , Xiang Jiachen , Wu Anxin
Published: May 2015

In this work, a metal‐free, regioselective, formal coupling reaction between C(sp2) of indoles and the C(sp3) of benzo[c]oxepines has been realized. This method provides an efficient approach for the synthesis of 3‐(2‐methylbenzyl)indole derivatives. Based on the experimental results, a sequential ring‐opening/[1,5]H‐shift/Michael addition mechanism was proposed.
Direct Synthesis of 5‐Aryl Barbituric Acids by Rhodium(II)‐Catalyzed Reactions of Arenes with Diazo Compounds
Authors: Best Daniel , Burns David J. , Lam Hon Wai
Published: May 2015

A commercially available rhodium(II) complex catalyzes the direct arylation of 5‐diazobarbituric acids with arenes, allowing straightforward access to 5‐aryl barbituric acids. Free NH groups are tolerated on the barbituric acid, with no complications arising from NH insertion processes. This method was applied to the concise synthesis of a potent matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor.
Acceptor Reactivity in the Total Synthesis of Alginate Fragments Containing α‐L‐Guluronic Acid and β‐D‐Mannuronic Acid
Authors: Zhang Qingju , van Rijssel Erwin R. , Walvoort Marthe T. C. , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Codée Jeroen D. C.
Published: May 2015

The total synthesis of mixed‐sequence alginate oligosaccharides, featuring both β‐D‐mannuronic acid (M) and α‐L‐guluronic acid (G), is reported for the first time. A set of GM, GMG, GMGM, GMGMG, GMGMGM, GMGMGMG, and GMGGMG alginates was assembled using GM building blocks, having a guluronic acid acceptor part and a mannuronic acid donor side to allow the fully stereoselective construction of the cis‐glycosidic linkages. It was found that the nature of the reducing‐end anomeric center, which is ten atoms away from the reacting alcohol group in the key disaccharide acceptor, had a tremendous effect on the efficiency with which the building blocks were united. This chiral center determines the overall shape of the acceptor and it is revealed that the conformational flexibility of the acceptor is an all‐important factor in determining the outcome of a glycosylation reaction.
Tuning Cerium(IV)‐Assisted Hydrolysis of Phosphatidylcholine Liposomes under Mildly Acidic and Neutral Conditions
Authors: Williams Dominique E. , Basnet Kanchan , Grant Kathryn B.
Published: May 2015

With the goal of designing a lysosomal phospholipase mimic, we optimized experimental variables to enhance CeIV‐assisted hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) liposomes. Our best result was obtained with the chelating agent bis–tris propane (BTP). Similar to the hydrolytic enzyme, CeIV‐assisted hydrolysis of PC phosphate ester bonds was higher at lysosomal pH (∼4.8) compared to pH 7.2. In the presence of BTP, the average cleavage yield at ∼pH 4.8 and 37 °C was: 67±1 %, 5.7‐fold higher than at ∼pH 7.2 and roughly equivalent to the percent of phospholipid found on the metal‐accessible exo leaflet of small liposomes. No CeIV precipitation was observed. When BTP was absent, there was significant turbidity, and the amount of cleavage at ∼pH 4.8 (69±1 %) was 2.1‐fold higher than the yield obtained at ∼pH 7.2. Our results show that BTP generates homogenous solutions of CeIV that hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine with enhanced selectivity for lysosomal pH.
Helicene‐Grafted Silica Nanoparticles Capture Hetero‐Double‐Helix Intermediates during Self‐Assembly Gelation
Authors: Miyagawa Masamichi , Yamaguchi Masahiko
Published: May 2015

A mixture of a pseudoenantiomeric ethynylhelicene (M)‐tetramer and a (P)‐pentamer forms a hetero‐double‐helix in a solution, which self‐assembles and gelates solvents. When gelation was conducted in the presence of chiral silica (P)‐nanoparticles grafted with (P)‐helicene, the resulting hetero‐double‐helix intermediate was adsorbed on the (P)‐nanoparticles, and was removed from the solution by aggregation and precipitation. The resulting precipitates contained only the hetero‐double‐helix, not random coil or clusters of the hetero‐double‐helix. (P)‐Nanoparticles did not extract the hetero‐double‐helix from the self‐assembly gels. The hetero‐double‐helix was then isolated by liberating it from the precipitates in 2‐bromopropionic acid, and was crystallized from the solution. The crystalline hetero‐double‐helices were isolated for several other combinations of pseudoenantiomeric ethynylhelicene oligomers.
Impact of Insurance Carrier, Prior Authorization, and Socioeconomic Status on Appropriate Use of SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in Private Community‐Based Office Practice
Authors: Doukky Rami , Hayes Kathleen , Frogge Nathan , Nazir Noreen T. , Collado Fareed M. , Williams Kim A.
Published: May 2015

Background

The impact of health insurance carrier and socioeconomic status (SES) on the adherence to appropriate use criteria (AUC) for radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is unknown.

Hypothesis

Health insurance carrier's prior authorization and patient's SES impact adherence to AUC for MPI in a fee‐for‐service setting.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1511 consecutive patients who underwent outpatient MPI in a multi‐site, office‐based, fee‐for‐service setting. The patients were stratified according to the 2009 AUC into appropriate/uncertain appropriateness and inappropriate use groups. Insurance status was categorized as Medicare (does not require prior authorization) vs commercial (requires prior authorization). Socioeconomic status was determined by the median household income in the ZIP code of residence.

Results

The proportion of patients with Medicare was 33% vs 67% with commercial insurance. The rate of inappropriate use was higher among patients with commercial insurance vs Medicare (55% vs 24%; P < 0.001); this difference was not significant after adjusting for confounders known to impact AUC determination (odds ratio: 1.06, 95% confidence interval: 0.62‐1.82, P = 0.82). The mean annual household income in the residential areas of patients with inappropriate use as compared to those with appropriate/uncertain use was $72 000 ± 21 000 vs $68 000 ± 20 000, respectively (P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates known to impact AUC determination, SES (top vs bottom quartile income area) was not independently predictive of inappropriate MPI use (odds ratio: 0.9, 95% confidence interval: 0.53‐1.52, P = 0.69).

Conclusions

Insurance carriers prior authorization and SES do not seem to play a significant role in determining physicians adherence to AUC for MPI.
Synthesis and Nanostructures of Metal Selenide Precursors for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Cha Ji‐Hyun , Noh Se Jin , Jung Duk‐Young
Published: May 2015

A nanoink solution‐based process was developed as a low‐costing method for the fabrication of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) thin‐film photovoltaic cells. The sonochemical synthesis of CIGSe nanocrystals of the nanoink through step‐by‐step mixing of the reactants was investigated. To achieve the ideal stoichiometry of Cu(In0.7Ga0.3)Se2 to tune the bandgap and to fabricate high‐efficiency photovoltaic cells, the synthetic parameters, the concentration of hydrazine, and the amount used of the gallium precursor were investigated. As the hydrazine concentration increased, gallium loss was observed in the CIGSe product. The gallium content in the reactant mixture strongly affected the metal stoichiometry of the prepared CIGSe nanocrystals. The nanoink solution based fabrication of thin‐film photovoltaic cells was also explored, and the resulting device showed a conversion efficiency of 5.17 %.
Environmentally Friendly Carbon‐Preserving Recovery of Noble Metals From Supported Fuel Cell Catalysts
Authors: Latsuzbaia R. , Negro E. , Koper G. J. M.
Published: May 2015

The dissolution of noble‐metal catalysts under mild and carbon‐preserving conditions offers the possibility of in situ regeneration of the catalyst nanoparticles in fuel cells or other applications. Here, we report on the complete dissolution of the fuel cell catalyst, platinum nanoparticles, under very mild conditions at room temperature in 0.1 M HClO4 and 0.1 M HCl by electrochemical potential cycling between 0.5–1.1 V at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1. Dissolution rates as high as 22.5 μg cm−2 per cycle were achieved, which ensured a relatively short dissolution timescale of 3–5 h for a Pt loading of 0.35 mg cm−2 on carbon. The influence of chloride ions and oxygen in the electrolyte on the dissolution was investigated, and a dissolution mechanism is proposed on the basis of the experimental observations and available literature results. During the dissolution process, the corrosion of the carbon support was minimal, as observed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Facile Rearrangement of a Bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)borate Chelate Ligand and Access to [:GeX]+ Complexes (X = H, Cl)
Authors: Xiong Yun , Yao Shenglai , Szilvási Tibor , Driess Matthias
Published: May 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Matthias Driess at the Technische Universität Berlin, Germany. The cover image shows the unexpected rearrangement of the bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene)borate chelating ligand induced by the “Kalium” (German for potassium) ion in toluene. This rearrangement affords a unique imidazolyl–NHC–borate potassium salt, which represents a new chelating bis(donor) ligand, allowing access to a novel hydridogermyliumylideneborate complex.
A 3D mesh deformation technique for irregular in‐flight ice accretion
Authors: Pendenza Andrew , Habashi Wagdi G. , Fossati Marco
Published: May 2015

Aircraft holding around busy airports may be requested to sustain as much as 45 min of icing before landing or being diverted to another airport. In this paper, a three‐dimensional mesh deformation scheme, based on a structural frame analogy, is proposed for the numerical simulation of ice accretion during extended exposure to adverse weather conditions. The goal is to provide an approach that is robust and efficient enough to delay or altogether avoid re‐meshing while preserving (enforcing) nearly orthogonal elements at the highly distorted ice surface. Robustness is achieved by suitably modifying the axial and torsional stiffness components of the frame elements in order to handle large and irregular grid displacements typical of in‐flight icing. Computational efficiency is obtained by applying the mesh displacement to an automatically selected small subset of the entire computational domain. The methodology is validated first in the case of deformations typical of fluid‐structure interaction problems, including wing bending, a helicopter rotor in forward flight, and the twisting of a high‐lift wing configuration. The approach is then assessed for aero‐icing on two swept wings and compared against experimental measurements where available. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooling rate effects on thermal, structural, and microstructural properties of bio‐hydroxyapatite obtained from bovine bone
Authors: Ramirez‐Gutierrez Cristian F. , Palechor‐Ocampo Anderzon F. , Londoño‐Restrepo Sandra M. , Millán‐Malo Beatriz M. , Rodriguez‐García Mario E.
Published: May 2015

This article is focused on the study of cooling rate effects on the thermal, structural, and microstructural properties of hydroxyapatite (HAp) obtained from bovine bone. A three‐step process was used to obtain BIO‐HAp: hydrothermal, calcinations, and cooling. Calcined samples in a furnace and cooling in air (HAp‐CAir), water (HAp‐CW), and liquid nitrogen (HAp‐CN2), as well as an air cooled sample inside the furnace (HAp‐CFAir), were studied. According to this study, the low cooling rate that was achieved for air cooled samples inside the furnace produce single crystal BIO‐HAp with better crystalline quality; other samples exhibited polycrystalline structures forming micron and submicron grains. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 339–344, 2016.
A new methodology for quantifying bubble flow rates in deep water using splitbeam echosounders: Examples from the Arctic offshore NW‐Svalbard
Authors: Veloso M. , Greinert J. , Mienert J. , De Batist M.
Published: May 2015

Quantifying marine methane fluxes of free gas (bubbles) from the seafloor into the water column is of importance for climate related studies, for example, in the Arctic, reliable methodologies are also of interest for studying man‐made gas and oil leakage systems at hydrocarbon production sites. Hydroacoustic surveys with singlebeam and nowadays also multibeam systems have been proven to be a successful approach to detect bubble release from the seabed. A number of publications used singlebeam echosounder data to indirectly quantify free gas fluxes via empirical correlations between gas fluxes observed at the seafloor and the hydroacoustic response. Others utilize the hydroacoustic information in an inverse modeling approach to derive bubble fluxes. Here, we present an advanced methodology using data from splitbeam echosounder systems for analyzing gas release water depth (> 100 m). We introduce a new MATLAB‐based software for processing and interactively editing data and we present how bubble‐size distribution, bubble rising speed and the model used for calculating the backscatter response of single bubbles influence the final gas flow rate calculations. As a result, we highlight the need for further investigations on how large, wobbly bubbles, bubble clouds, and multi‐scattering influence target strength. The results emphasize that detailed studies of bubble‐size distributions and rising speeds need to be performed in parallel to hydroacoustic surveys to achieve realistic mediated methane flow rate and flux quantifications.
The minor ecdysteroids from Ajuga turkestanica
Authors: Guibout Louis , Mamadalieva Nilufar , Balducci Christine , Girault Jean‐Pierre , Lafont René
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Ajuga turkestanica is a plant used in traditional medicine for its high ecdysteroid content, including the presence of the particularly active turkesterone, which possess efficient anabolic activity.

Objectives

To isolate and identify minor ecdysteroids present in a semi‐purified plant fraction containing ca. 70% turkesterone.

Material and Methods

Multi‐step preparative HPLC (combining RP‐ and NP‐HPLC systems) was used to purify the different components present in the turkesterone fraction. Isolated compounds were identified by high‐resolution mass spectrometry and 2D‐NMR.

Results

Fourteen ecdysteroids (including turkesterone and 20‐hydroxyecdysone) were isolated. Seven of these, all bearing an 11α‐hydroxy group, were previously unreported.

Conclusion

Ajuga turkestanica ecdysteroids are characterised by the abundance of 11α‐hydroxylated compounds and by the simultaneous presence of 24C, 27C, 28C and 29C ecdysteroids. It is expected that even more ecdysteroids are to be found in this plant since the starting material for this study lacked the less polar ecdysteroids. The simultaneous presence of 20‐hydroxyecdysone and turkesterone (its 11α‐hydroxy analogue) as the two major ecdysteroids suggests that every ecdysteroid is probably present in both 11α‐hydroxy and 11‐deoxy forms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perspectives on Sexual Health and Function of Recent Male Combat Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Helmer Drew A. , Beaulieu Gregory , Powers Catherine , Houlette Cheryl , Latini David , Kauth Michael
Published: May 2015

Background

U.S. veterans of recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be at greater risk for sexual dysfunction due to injuries, mental health conditions, medications used to treat those conditions, and psychosocial factors.

Objective

To explore the perceptions of recent Veterans about sexual health and dysfunction, contributing factors, its impact and solutions.

Design

Qualitative study.

Participants

Eight men who screened positive for sexual dysfunction at initial presentation to a postdeployment clinic at a Veterans Affairs medical center

Approach

Patients who screened positive for sexual dysfunction and indicated an interest in participating were contacted and scheduled for an in-person private interview with a researcher. Interviews were semistructured, utilizing open-ended and follow-up probe questions to elicit the individual's perspective about sexual dysfunction and its cause, impact and solutions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed for themes.

Key Results

These heterosexual men discussed a range of sexual dysfunction in their activities including lack of desire, erectile dysfunction, delayed orgasm, premature ejaculation, and distraction. They also discussed the importance of setting or context and changes over time to their sexual health and function. The men shared their ideas about contributory factors, including normal aging, medication side effects, injury and a possible role for combat deployment more generally. Reported solutions for sexual dysfunction included medications, herbal remedies, and new positions and approaches to sexual activity. Participants reported discussing sexual dysfunction with their health-care providers and what was helpful. Finally, the men expressed in their own words the significant impact of sexual dysfunction on their self-perception, their partners, and their relationships.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction in recent combat veterans can have important negative effects on their health and relationships. Our findings elucidate perceived contributory factors and preferred solutions, which can be applied by health-care providers to improve the management of sexual dysfunction in these patients.
Internet Use, Facebook Intrusion, and Depression: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Błachnio A. , Przepiórka A. , Pantic I.
Published: May 2015

Facebook has become a very popular social networking platform today, particularly among adolescents and young adults, profoundly changing the way they communicate and interact. However, some reports have indicated that excessive Facebook use might have detrimental effects on mental health and be associated with certain psychological problems. Because previous findings on the relationship between Facebook addiction and depression were not unambiguous, further investigation was required. The main objective of our study was to examine the potential associations between Internet use, depression, and Facebook intrusion. A total of 672 Facebook users took part in the cross-sectional study. The Facebook Intrusion Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used. For collecting the data, the snowball sampling procedure was used. We showed that depression can be a predictor of Facebook intrusion. Our results provides additional evidence that daily Internet use time in minutes, gender, and age are also predictors of Facebook intrusion: that Facebook intrusion can be predicted by being male, young age, and an extensive number of minutes spent online. On the basis of this study, it is possible to conclude that there are certain demographic – variables, such as age, gender, or time spent online – that may help in outlining the profile of a user who may be in danger of becoming addicted to Facebook. This piece of knowledge may serve for prevention purposes.
Numerical simulation of supersquare patterns in Faraday waves
Authors: Kahouadji L. , Périnet N. , Tuckerman L. S. , Shin S. , Chergui J. , Juric D.
Published: May 2015

We report the first simulations of the Faraday instability using the full three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in domains much larger than the characteristic wavelength of the pattern. We use a massively parallel code based on a hybrid front-tracking/level-set algorithm for Lagrangian tracking of arbitrarily deformable phase interfaces. Simulations performed in square and cylindrical domains yield complex patterns. In particular, a superlattice-like pattern similar to those of Douady & Fauve (Europhys. Lett., vol. 6, 1988, pp. 221–226) and Douady (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 221, 1990, pp. 383–409) is observed. The pattern consists of the superposition of two square superlattices. We conjecture that such patterns are widespread if the square container is large compared with the critical wavelength. In the cylinder, pentagonal cells near the outer wall allow a square-wave pattern to be accommodated in the centre.
Growth Directions of Precipitates in the Al–Si–Mg–Hf Alloy Using Combined EBSD and FIB 3D-Reconstruction Techniques
Authors: Wang Xueli , Xing Yuan , Huang Huilan , Li Yanjun , Jia Zhihong , Liu Qing
Published: May 2015

Nanobelt-like precipitates in an Al–Si–Mg–Hf alloy were studied using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and focused ion beam (FIB) scanning electron microscopy techniques. One grain of the Al matrix with a near [111] normal direction was identified by EBSD and the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of nanobelt-like precipitates in this grain was studied using 3D-FIB. Ten growth directions of the nanobelt-like precipitates in the grain were identified.
Automatic Evaluation of Collagen Fiber Directions from Polarized Light Microscopy Images
Authors: Novak Kamil , Polzer Stanislav , Tichy Michal , Bursa Jiri
Published: May 2015

Mechanical properties of the arterial wall depend largely on orientation and density of collagen fiber bundles. Several methods have been developed for observation of collagen orientation and density; the most frequently applied collagen-specific manual approach is based on polarized light (PL). However, it is very time consuming and the results are operator dependent. We have proposed a new automated method for evaluation of collagen fiber direction from two-dimensional polarized light microscopy images (2D PLM). The algorithm has been verified against artificial images and validated against manual measurements. Finally the collagen content has been estimated. The proposed algorithm was capable of estimating orientation of some 35 k points in 15 min when applied to aortic tissue and over 500 k points in 35 min for Achilles tendon. The average angular disagreement between each operator and the algorithm was −9.3±8.6° and −3.8±8.6° in the case of aortic tissue and −1.6±6.4° and 2.6±7.8° for Achilles tendon. Estimated mean collagen content was 30.3±5.8% and 94.3±2.7% for aortic media and Achilles tendon, respectively. The proposed automated approach is operator independent and several orders faster than manual measurements and therefore has the potential to replace manual measurements of collagen orientation via PLM.
Dissection of C. elegans behavioral genetics in 3-D environments
Authors: Kwon Namseop , Hwang Ara B. , You Young-Jai , V. Lee Seung-Jae , Ho Je Jung
Published: May 2015

The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis a widely used model for genetic dissection of animal behaviors. Despite extensive technical advances in imaging methods, it remains challenging to visualize and quantifyC. elegansbehaviors in three-dimensional (3-D) natural environments. Here we developed an innovative 3-D imaging method that enables quantification ofC. elegansbehavior in 3-D environments. Furthermore, for the first time, we characterized 3-D-specific behavioral phenotypes of mutant worms that have defects in head movement or mechanosensation. This approach allowed us to reveal previously unknown functions of genes in behavioral regulation. We expect that our 3-D imaging method will facilitate new investigations into genetic basis of animal behaviors in natural 3-D environments.
Maternal salt and fat intake causes hypertension and sustained endothelial dysfunction in fetal, weanling and adult male resistance vessels
Authors: Gray Clint , Harrison Claudia J. , Segovia Stephanie A. , Reynolds Clare M. , Vickers Mark H.
Published: May 2015

Maternal salt and fat intake can independently programme adult cardiovascular status, increasing risk of cardiovascular disease in offspring. Despite its relevance to modern western-style dietary habits, the interaction between increased maternal salt and fat intake has not been examined. Female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats were fed, a standard control diet (CD) (10% kcal fat, 1% NaCl), High-fat diet (HF) (45% kcal fat, 1% NaCl), High-salt diet (SD) (10% kcal fat, 4% NaCl), High-fat high-salt diet (HFSD) (45% kcal fat, 4% NaCl) prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy and throughout lactation. Fetal, weanling and adult vessels were mounted on a pressure myograph at fetal day 18, weaning day 21 and day 135 of adulthood. Increased blood pressure in SD, HFD and HFSD male offspring at day 80 and 135 of age was consistent with perturbed vascular function in fetal, weanling and adult vessels. Maternal salt intake reduced EDHF and calcium-mediated vasodilation, maternal fat reduced NO pathways and maternal fat and salt intake, a combination of the two pathways. Adult offspring cardiovascular disease risk may, in part, relate to vascular adaptations caused by maternal salt and/or fat intake during pregnancy, leading to persistent vascular dysfunction and sustained higher resting blood pressure throughout life.
Toxin acidic residue evolutionary function-guided design of de novo peptide drugs for the immunotherapeutic target, the Kv1.3 channel
Authors: Chen Zongyun , Hu Youtian , Hong Jing , Hu Jun , Yang Weishan , Xiang Fang , Yang Fan , Xie Zili , Cao Zhijian , Li Wenxin , Lin Donghai , Wu Yingliang
Published: May 2015

During the long-term evolution of animal toxins acting on potassium channels, the acidic residues can orientate the toxin binding interfaces by adjusting the molecular polarity. Based on the evolutionary function of toxin acidic residues, de novo peptide drugs with distinct binding interfaces were designed for the immunotherapeutic target, the Kv1.3 channel. Using a natural basic toxin, BmKTX, as a template, which contains 2 acidic residues (Asp19 and Asp33), we engineered two new peptides BmKTX-19 with 1 acidic residue (Asp33) and BmKTX-196 with 2 acidic residues (Asp6 and Asp33) through only adjusting acidic residue distribution for reorientation of BmKTX binding interface. Pharmacological experiments indicated that BmKTX-19 and BmKTX-196 peptides were specific inhibitors of the Kv1.3 channel and effectively suppressed cytokine secretion. In addition to the structural similarity between the designed and native peptides, both experimental alanine-scanning mutagenesis and computational simulation further indicated that the binding interface of wild-type BmKTX was successfully reoriented in BmKTX-19 and BmKTX-196, which adopted distinct toxin surfaces as binding interfaces. Together, these findings indicate not only the promising prospect of BmKTX-19 and BmKTX-196 as drug candidates but also the desirable feasibility of the evolution-guided peptide drug design for discovering numerous peptide drugs for the Kv1.3 channel.
Controlled motion of electrically neutral microparticles by pulsed direct current
Authors: Zhang Xinfang , Qin Rongshan
Published: May 2015

A controlled motion of electrically neutral microparticles in a conductive liquid at high temperatures has not yet been realized under the uniform direct electric current field. We propose a simple method, which employs pulsed direct current to a conductive liquid metal containing low-conductivity objects at high temperature. The electric current enables the low-conductivity particles to pass from the centre towards the various surfaces of the high-conductivity liquid metal. Most interestingly, the directionality of microparticles can be controlled and their speed can be easily regulated by adjusting pulsed current density. We find that the movement may arise from the configuration of electrical domains which generates a driving force which exceeds the force of gravity and viscous friction. All of these features are of potential benefit in separating the particles of nearly equal density but distinctly different electrical conductivities and also offer considerable promise for the precise and selective positioning of micro-objects or the controlled motion of minute quantities of surrounding fluids.
A universal halogen-free solvent system for highly efficient polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhao Wenchao , Ye Long , Zhang Shaoqing , Sun Mingliang , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2015

A high power conversion efficiency over 9.4% was realized in polymer solar cells by halogen-free solvent processing.
Silicon cantilever functionalization for cellulose-specific chemical force imaging of switchgrass
Authors: Lee Ida , Evans Barbara R. , Foston Marcus , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: May 2015

A method for cantilever functionalization with bifunctional silanes was used to impart cellulose specificity for CFM imaging of switchgrass.
Strain induced crystallization and melting of natural rubber during dynamic cycles
Authors: Candau Nicolas , Chazeau Laurent , Chenal Jean-Marc , Gauthier Catherine , Ferreira José , Munch Etienne , Thiaudière Dominique
Published: May 2015

The investigation on strain-induced crystallization, during complete cycles at high frequencies, highlighted for the first time the concomitant effects of the strain rate, memory of the chain alignment and self-heating.
Correction: A rational computational study of surface defect-mediated stabilization of low-dimensional Pt nanostructures on TiN(100)
Authors: Tak Young Joo , Jang Woosun , Richter Norina A. , Soon Aloysius
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘A rational computational study of surface defect-mediated stabilization of low-dimensional Pt nanostructures on TiN(100)’ by Young Joo Tak et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 9680–9686.
Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of an unusual family of carbonate-panelled [LnIII6ZnII2] cages
Authors: Sethi Waqas , Sanz Sergio , Pedersen Kasper S. , Sørensen Mikkel A. , Nichol Gary S. , Lorusso Giulia , Evangelisti Marco , Brechin Euan K. , Piligkos Stergios
Published: May 2015

The magnetic properties of Ln6Zn2 bicapped octahedra are studied through susceptibility, magnetisation and specific heat measurements.
Identification of a novel class of autotaxin inhibitors through cross-screening
Authors: Castagna Diana , Duffy Emma L. , Semaan Dima , Young Louise C. , Pritchard John M. , Macdonald Simon J. F. , Budd David C. , Jamieson Craig , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: May 2015

Starting from the known LPA1antagonist4, three novel series of autotaxin inhibitors exemplified by7,8and9were identified using a combination of scaffold hopping and ligand-based design.
Catalyst free, multicomponent-tandem synthesis of spirooxindole-indazolones and spirooxindole-pyrazolines: a glycerol mediated green approach
Authors: Singh Swastika , Saquib Mohammad , Singh Shyam Babu , Singh Mandavi , Singh Jagdamba
Published: May 2015

The development of a versatile new one pot, catalyst free, multicomponent-tandem strategy for assembly of spirooxindole-indazolones and spirooxindole-pyrazolines is described.
Impact of curing on the corrosion performance of an eco-friendly silane sol–gel coating on 304L stainless steel
Authors: Rafiaei F. , Naderi R. , Dehghanian C.
Published: May 2015

In this study, the effect of curing on the structure and protective performance of an eco-friendly silane sol–gel coating on stainless steel 304L was investigated using electrochemical methods as well as surface analysis.
Synthesis and characterization of acrylic polyols and polymers from soybean oils for pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Li Yonghui , Sun Xiuzhi Susan
Published: May 2015

Soybean oil based acrylic polyol with modulated acrylate and hydroxyl functionalities was polymerized under UV radiation for biobased pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA).
Fabrication and in vivo chondrification of a poly(propylene carbonate)/l-lactide-grafted tetracalcium phosphate electrospun scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Deng JiaoJiao , Wang YueLong , Zhou LiangXue , Gou MaLing , Luo Na , Chen HaiFeng , Tong AiPing , You Chao , Guo Gang
Published: May 2015

Fabrication and in vivo chondrification of poly(propylene carbonate)/l-lactide-grafted tetracalcium phosphate electrospun scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.
A flexible free-standing defect-rich MoS2/graphene/carbon nanotube hybrid paper as a binder-free anode for high-performance lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Longsheng , Fan Wei , Liu Tianxi
Published: May 2015

Flexible free-standing defect-rich MoS2/graphene/carbon nanotube (dr-MGC) hybrid papers exhibit extraordinary electrochemical performance as a binder-free anode for high performance lithium ion batteries.
Complexes of fluconazole with sodium p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes: characterization, solubility and antifungal activity
Authors: Abranches P. A. S. , Varejão E. V. V. , da Silva C. M. , de Fátima Â. , Magalhães T. F. F. , da Silva D. L. , de Resende-Stoianoff M. A. , Reis S. , Nascimento C. S. , de Almeida W. B. , Figueiredo I. M. , Fernandes S. A.
Published: May 2015

Aiming at providing new formulations capable of improving the biopharmaceutical properties of fluconazole, we studied the formation of host–guest complexes of this antifungal agent with water-soluble sodiump-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes.
Preparation and magneto-optical properties of stable bismuth phosphate nanoparticles in phosphate glass
Authors: Ambekar Jalindar D. , Panmand Rajendra P. , Sonawane Ravindra S. , Apte Sanjay K. , Hundiwale Dilip G. , Kale Bharat B.
Published: May 2015

We fabricated stable bismuth phosphate (BiPO4) nanocrystals in a low melting point phosphate glass and determined its magneto-optical properties via a Faraday rotation study.
Eco-friendly cationic modification of cotton fabrics for improving utilization of reactive dyes
Authors: Fang Long , Zhang Xiaodong , Ma Jinhai , Sun Deshuai , Zhang Botao , Luan Jimei
Published: May 2015

The cotton fabric was modified by the eco-friendly cationic polymer. The modified cotton fabric could be dyed with reactive dyes without salt. This investigation provided a feasible and eco-friendly way to realize salt-free dyeing of reactive dyes.
A highly efficient and magnetically retrievable functionalized nano-adsorbent for ultrasonication assisted rapid and selective extraction of Pd2+ ions from water samples
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Kumar Harish , Kumar Anil
Published: May 2015

A novel and highly efficient magnetic core shell based nanoadsorbent has been fabricated and applied for the extraction of Pd2+ ions.
Bicyclic CN2O2 as a high-energy density material: promising or not?
Authors: He Fei-fei , Zhang Xiao-yong , Ding Yi-hong
Published: May 2015

A previously unreported decomposition transition state TS2 was located, which could significantly reduce the decomposition barrier of C to be less than the half of the previously reported value. So C seems unlikely to act as a molecular HEDM!
Synthesis, characterization, enhanced sunlight photocatalytic properties, and stability of Ag/Ag3PO4nanostructure-sensitized BiPO4
Authors: Huang Tzu-Yun , Chen Yen-Jui , Lai Chi-Yung , Lin Yang-Wei
Published: May 2015

Sunlight-induced photocatalytic activity using Ag/Ag3PO4/BiPO4.
Coordination assemblies of Zn(NO3)2 with 4-pyr-poly-2-ene and polycarboxylates: structural diversification and photoluminescence properties
Authors: Liu Dong , Ge Yu , Li Ni-Ya , Ma Wei , Tang Xiao-Yan
Published: May 2015

Reactions of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O with 4-pyr-poly-2-ene and five polycarboxylates afforded a series of coordination polymers with different architectures. Their thermal and photoluminescence properties were also investigated.
New insights into structure–activity relationships for propane hydrogenolysis over Ni–Cu bimetallic catalysts
Authors: Yao Yunxi , Goodman D. Wayne
Published: May 2015

The structure–activity relationships of Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts in propane hydrogenolysis reactions were investigated by using model catalyst systems.
Elastomeric and soft conducting microwires for implantable neural interfaces
Authors: Kolarcik Christi L. , Luebben Silvia D. , Sapp Shawn A. , Hanner Jenna , Snyder Noah , Kozai Takashi D. Y. , Chang Emily , Nabity James A. , Nabity Shawn T. , Lagenaur Carl F. , Cui X. Tracy
Published: May 2015

Novel ultra-soft neural microwire electrodes demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, high surface charge capacity, large electrochemical surface area, and sufficient electrical properties for recording single-unit activity from rodent visual cortex.
Toward a new generation of white phosphors for solid state lighting using glassy yttrium aluminoborates
Authors: Guimarães Vinicius Ferraz , Maia Lauro J. Q. , Gautier-Luneau Isabelle , Bouchard Christophe , Hernandes Antonio Carlos , Thomas Fabrice , Ferrier Alban , Viana Bruno , Ibanez Alain
Published: May 2015

We present a new family of highly emissive white phosphors.
Critical roles of Mn-ions in enhancing the insulation, piezoelectricity and multiferroicity of BiFeO3-based lead-free high temperature ceramics
Authors: Guo Yongquan , Xiao Ping , Wen Rui , Wan Yang , Zheng Qiaoji , Shi Dongliang , Lam Kwok Ho , Liu Milan , Lin Dunmin
Published: May 2015

A lead-free multiferroic ceramic of BiFe0.96Sc0.04O3–BaTiO3 is a type of ABO3 perovskite structure, belonging to the R3c space group, but exhibiting poor insulation and weak multiferroicity.
Low‐power sub‐1‐V compact bandgap reference for passive RFID tags
Authors: Zhang Hualei , Xiao Zhibin , Tan Xi , Min Hao
Published: May 2015

A sub‐1‐V bandgap used for passive radio‐frequency identification (RFID) tags is presented. The bandgap circuit needs to work under a low supply voltage in the power starving application environment. In the literature, there are lots of low‐voltage structures with large current to realise high performance. However, they are not suitable for low‐cost RFID tags, so a low‐power sub‐1‐V bandgap is realised. First, the basic structure of the proposed compact low‐voltage supply low‐power bandgap reference is shown. Secondly, a circuit analysis is presented and some detail considerations in the design processing are given. Finally, the chip is fabricated in a 0.13 μm mixed signal CMOS process. This low‐power sub‐1‐V bandgap can work well at 0.85 V and at only needs 2.5 μA current at the 1.2 V supply voltage.
Effects of channel thickness on characteristics of HZO‐TFTs fabricated at low temperature
Authors: Wu J. , Han D.D. , Cong Y.Y. , Zhao N.N. , Chen Z.F. , Dong J.C. , Zhao F.L. , Zhang S.D. , Liu L.F. , Zhang X. , Wang Y.
Published: May 2015

The channel process to further improve the performance of bottom gate hafnium‐doped zinc oxide (HZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is optimised. The effects of channel thickness on the electrical performances of HZO TFTs is studied. The results show that the extracted saturation mobility increases first and then decreases with the increase of HZO film thickness, reaching maximum when the channel thickness is optimum. The dependence of the optimum thickness on channel length is studied and it is found that optimum thickness increases with the increase of channel length.
Low‐cost E‐band Lange coupler with vialess load
Authors: Chan K.Y. , Ramer R.
Published: May 2015

A vialess E‐band Lange coupler is presented. The design combines a novel ‘pseudo‐dot’ termination with impedance matching techniques. The multiple stage impedance matching network technique is used to design a 50 Ω Lange coupler. The ‘pseudo‐dot’ termination provides a suitable load to the isolation port, avoiding via connection to ground, thus reducing the cost of the fabrication process. The design achieves better than 2 dB insertion losses in the through and coupled paths with <0.8 dB amplitude and ±2° phase errors for the entire E‐band.