bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of switch‐and‐examine diversity systems with interference and Rayleigh fading channels
Authors: Salhab Anas M. , Zummo Salam A.
Published: January 2015

This paper studies the behavior of the low‐complexity switch‐and‐examine diversity combining (SEC) and switch‐and‐examine diversity combining with post‐examine selection (SECps) antenna selection schemes with interference. In this paper, we first derive the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the end‐to‐end (e2e) signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio at the selection scheme combiner output. This CDF is then used to derive closed‐form expressions for the e2e outage and symbol error probabilities for the independent nonidentically distributed and independent identically distributed cases of diversity branches. In the analysis, the channels of the desired user and the interferers are assumed to follow Rayleigh distribution. Furthermore, to have more details about the system insights, the performance is evaluated at the high signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) values where the diversity order and coding gain are derived and analyzed. The derived analytical and asymptotic results are validated via a comparison with Monte‐Carlo simulations. Main findings show that with interference power does not scale with average SNR; the system can still achieve performance gain when more receive antennas are used. This happens at the values of switching threshold that are close to average SNR. Also, results illustrate that the interference is noticeably affecting the gain achieved in system performance when more antennas are used. Furthermore, findings show that the SECps selection scheme outperforms the conventional SEC scheme when more antennas are added with the switching threshold is much larger than the average SNR. Finally, findings show that the SEC and SECps antenna selection schemes are efficient for systems which operate at the range of low SNR values and this makes them attractive candidates to be implemented in the emerging mobile broadband communication systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of Energy Devices During Liver Parenchymal Transection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gotohda Naoto , Yamanaka Takeharu , Saiura Akio , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Hashimoto Masaji , Konishi Masaru , Shimada Kazuaki
Published: January 2015

Objective

To clarify the benefit of energy devices such as ultrasonically activated device and bipolar vessel sealing device in liver surgeries.

Background

Several studies have suggested the benefit of energy devices in liver transection, while a randomized trial has found no association between their use and surgical outcomes.

Patients and methods

Patients scheduled to undergo open liver resection were eligible for this multicenter non‐blinded randomized study. They were randomized to receive an energy device (experimental group) or not (control group) during liver transection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with intraoperative blood loss >1,000 mL. The primary aim was to show non‐inferiority of hepatectomy with energy device to that without energy device.

Results

A total of 212 patients were randomized and 211 (105 and 106 in the respective groups) were analyzed. Intraoperative blood loss >1,000 mL occurred in 15.0 % patients with energy device and 20.2 % patients without energy device. The experimental minus control group difference was −5.2 % (95 % confidence interval −13.8 to 3.3 %; non‐inferiority test, p = 0.0248). Hepatectomy with energy device resulted in a shorter median liver transection time (63 vs. 84 min; p < 0.001) and a lower rate of postoperative bile leakage (4 vs. 16 %; p = 0.002).

Conclusions

The hypothesis that hepatectomy with energy device is not inferior to that without energy device in terms of blood loss has been demonstrated. The use of energy devices during liver surgery is clinically meaningful as it shortens the liver transection time and reduces the incidence of postoperative bile leakage.
Thermodynamic Activities and Distributions of Calcium and Magnesium Between Silicon and CaO-MgO-SiO2 Slags at 1873 K (1600 °C)
Authors: Jakobsson Lars Klemet , Tangstad Merete
Published: January 2015

The distributions of calcium and magnesium between silicon and CaO-MgO-SiO2 slags have been determined in the present study at 1873 K (1600 °C). The distribution equilibria were used to estimate the activities of the slag components in the binary CaO-SiO2 and MgO-SiO2 systems. These activities were used to determine the Henrian activity coefficients of calcium and magnesium in liquid silicon at 1873 K (1600 °C). The distribution equilibria were also used to estimate the activity of SiO2 in the ternary CaO-MgO-SiO2 system. Finally, the activities of CaO and MgO were estimated in the ternary CaO-MgO-SiO2 system using the determined Henrian activity coefficients in liquid silicon together with the distribution equilibria and the estimated activities of SiO2.
Nicht-kodierende Mutationen
Authors: Spielmann Malte , Mundlos Stefan
Published: January 2015

Trotz der enormen Fortschritte genomweiter Analyseverfahren bleiben über 40 % der Patienten in der Humangenetik ohne molekulare Diagnose. Dies könnte unter anderem an der Tatsache liegen, dass Varianten im nicht-kodierenden Teil des Genoms bisher außer Acht gelassen wurden. In den letzten Jahren wurden entscheidende Fortschritte in der Analyse und Annotierung von cis-regulatorischen Elementen gemacht. Diese Daten können nun gezielt genutzt werden, um regulatorische Mutationen zu identifizieren und zu bewerten. Zudem konnte gezeigt werden, dass das menschliche Genom in Domänen eingeteilt ist, die über Chromatinstrukturen eine dreidimensionale regulatorisch aktive Architektur einnehmen. Mutationen oder strukturelle Aberrationen können diese Struktur verändern und damit zum Funktionsverlust oder zur Fehlexpression von benachbarten Genen führen. All diese Erkenntnisse können zur Interpretation von nicht-kodierenden Varianten eingesetzt werden.
Friend or foe: Endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29) in epithelial cancer
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Zhang Daohai
Published: January 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein 29 (ERp29) is a molecular chaperone that plays a critical role in protein secretion from the ER in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies have also shown that ERp29 plays a role in cancer. It has been demonstrated that ERp29 is inversely associated with primary tumor development and functions as a tumor suppressor by inducing cell growth arrest in breast cancer. However, ERp29 has also been reported to promote epithelial cell morphogenesis, cell survival against genotoxic stress and distant metastasis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding on the biological and pathological functions of ERp29 in cancer and discuss the pivotal aspects of ERp29 as “friend or foe” in epithelial cancer.
Survival Analysis of Risk Factors for Major Recurrence of Intracranial Aneurysms after Coiling
Authors: dos Santos Marlise P. , Sabri Armin , Dowlatshahi Dar , Bakkai Ali Muraback , Elallegy Abed , Lesiuk Howard , Lum Cheemun
Published: January 2015

Background: Recurrence after intracranial aneurysm coiling is a highly prevalent outcome, yet to be understood. We investigated clinical, radiological and procedural factors associated with major recurrence of coiled intracranial aneurysms. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected coiling data (2003-12). We recorded characteristics of aneurysms, patients and interventional techniques, pre-discharge and angiographic follow-up occlusion. The Raymond-Roy classification was used; major recurrence was a change from class I or II to class III, increase in class III remnant, and any recurrence requiring any type of retreatment. Identification of risk factors associated with major recurrence used univariate Cox Proportional Hazards Model followed by multivariate regression analysis of covariates with P<0.1. Results: A total of 467 aneurysms were treated in 435 patients: 283(65%) harboring acutely ruptured aneurysms, 44(10.1%) patients died before discharge and 33(7.6%) were lost to follow-up. A total of 1367 angiographic follow-up studies (range: 1-108 months, Median [interquartile ranges (IQR)]: 37[14-62]) was performed in 384(82.2%) aneurysms. The major recurrence rate was 98(21%) after 6(3.5-22.5) months. Multivariate analysis (358 patients with 384 aneurysms) revealed the risk factors for major recurrence: age>65 y (hazard ratio (HR): 1.61; P=0.04), male sex (HR: 2.13; P<0.01), hypercholesterolemia (HR: 1.65; P=0.03), neck size ≥4 mm (HR: 1.79; P=0.01), dome size ≥7 mm (HR: 2.44; P<0.01), non-stent-assisted coiling (HR: 2.87; P=0.01), and baseline class III (HR: 2.18; P<0.01). Conclusion: Approximately one fifth of the intracranial aneurysms resulted in major recurrence. Modifiable factors for major recurrence were choice of stent-assisted technique and confirmation of adequate baseline occlusion (Class I/II) in the first coiling procedure.
Ultrasonic atomization of liquids in drop-chain acoustic fountains
Authors: Simon Julianna C. , Sapozhnikov Oleg A. , Khokhlova Vera A. , Crum Lawrence A. , Bailey Michael R.
Published: February 2015

When focused ultrasound waves of moderate intensity in liquid encounter an air interface, a chain of drops emerges from the liquid surface to form what is known as a drop-chain fountain. Atomization, or the emission of micro-droplets, occurs when the acoustic intensity exceeds a liquid-dependent threshold. While the cavitation-wave hypothesis, which states that atomization arises from a combination of capillary-wave instabilities and cavitation bubble oscillations, is currently the most accepted theory of atomization, more data on the roles of cavitation, capillary waves, and even heat deposition or boiling would be valuable. In this paper, we experimentally test whether bubbles are a significant mechanism of atomization in drop-chain fountains. High-speed photography was used to observe the formation and atomization of drop-chain fountains composed of water and other liquids. For a range of ultrasonic frequencies and liquid sound speeds, it was found that the drop diameters approximately equalled the ultrasonic wavelengths. When water was exchanged for other liquids, it was observed that the atomization threshold increased with shear viscosity. Upon heating water, it was found that the time to commence atomization decreased with increasing temperature. Finally, water was atomized in an overpressure chamber where it was found that atomization was significantly diminished when the static pressure was increased. These results indicate that bubbles, generated by either acoustic cavitation or boiling, contribute significantly to atomization in the drop-chain fountain.
Intraspecific and interspecific attraction of threeTomicusbeetle species during the shoot-feeding phase
Authors: Wang J. , Zhang Z. , Kong X. , Wang H. , Zhang S.
Published: January 2015

The shoot beetlesTomicus minor, Tomicus yunnanensis, andTomicus brevipilosushave been decimatingPinus yunnanensistrees for more than 30 years in Southwestern China. To understand the chemical ecological relationship between pines andTomicus, and among the three beetle species, we compared the attraction of these beetles to damaged shoots, extracts from damaged shoots, and volatiles from damaged shoots collected by the dynamic headspace sampling method. Experiments were performed using a modified open-arena olfactometer. The maleT. minorand both sexes ofT. brevipilosuswere more strongly attracted to damaged shoots than to undamaged shoots and they showed attraction to shoots damaged by the same species. FemaleT. minorand both sexes ofT. yunnanensiswere attracted to shoots damaged by femaleT. brevipilosus. The three beetle species were attracted to shoot extracts and dynamic headspace volatiles from shoots damaged by the same species and sex. FemaleT. minorand maleT. yunnanensiswere also attracted to dynamic headspace volatiles from shoots damaged by both sexes ofT. brevipilosus. The results suggested that specific semiochemicals that are induced or produced byT. brevipilosusalso attractT. minorandT. yunnanensis. The semiochemicals in damaged shoots affect the attraction of the three beetle species and play an important chemical communication role in weakening the host trees during the beetles’ shoot-feeding phase.
A CHIEF IS A CHIEF BY THE WOMEN? THE NAZARETHA CHURCH, GENDER, AND TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY IN MTUNZINI, SOUTH AFRICA, 1900–48
Authors: JARVIS LAUREN V.
Published: January 2015

In a historiography that paints relations between chiefs and women as antagonistic, the history of the Nazaretha Church in Mtunzini, South Africa in the early twentieth century sheds light on conditions that allowed chiefs and women to find common ground. During the era of segregation, Mtunzini was, on one hand, subject to relatively less interference from white government officials, but, on the other, ravaged by social and economic change. In this context, the Nazaretha Church flourished thanks to the support of many chiefs and women. The religious community not only proposed new answers to related questions about health, healing, and morality, but it also afforded chiefs and women important social options amid rural decline and challenges to traditional authority.
THE ART OF (RE)POSSESSION: HERITAGE AND THE CULTURAL POLITICS OF CONGO'S DECOLONIZATION
Authors: VAN BEURDEN SARAH
Published: January 2015

This article argues for a thematic and periodization shift in the approach to the history of Congo's decolonization. It demonstrates how debates about cultural heritage and demands for cultural restitution became important aspects of Congolese interpretations of decolonization, and argues that they played an important role in the national and international politics that were central to the construction of the cultural sovereignty of the postcolonial Zairian state.
Clinical study of tympanostomy tube placement for patients with intractable Ménière's disease
Authors: Ogawa Y , Otsuka K , Hagiwara A , Inagaki A , Shimizu S , Nagai N , Itani S , Saito Y , Suzuki M
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of tympanostomy tube placement in controlling symptoms of intractable Ménière's disease.

Methods:

Fifteen patients with intractable Ménière's disease underwent tympanostomy tube placement in the affected ear. Post-operative changes in vertigo attacks and hearing level were recorded, and were evaluated according to American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria.

Results:

At 12 months after treatment, 3 patients (20 per cent) showed complete control of vertigo, 7 (47 per cent) showed substantial control and 2 (13 per cent) showed limited control; 3 patients (20 per cent) required other treatment. At 24 months after treatment, 7 patients (47 per cent) showed complete control of vertigo, 3 (20 per cent) showed substantial control and 1 (7 per cent) showed limited control; 1 patient required other treatment 15 months after tympanostomy tube placement.

Conclusion:

There is no definite pathophysiological explanation for the effect of tympanostomy tube placement in reducing vertigo attacks. This treatment is not effective for all patients with intractable Ménière's disease. However, tympanostomy tube placement might be an additional surgical therapeutic option to consider prior to contemplating other, more invasive treatments.
The composition of parents’ and grandparents’ child-care time: gender and generational patterns in activity, multi-tasking and co-presence
Authors: CRAIG LYN , JENKINS BRIDGET
Published: January 2015

How do grandparents spend their child-care time? We examine how the composition of grandparent child care differs from parent child care, and whether child-care composition is more gender-similar for grandparents than for parents. Using the most recent (2006) Australian Bureau of Statistics Time Use Survey, we investigate along three dimensions: (a) the activities child care consists of (routineversusnon-routine), (b) whether it is multi-tasked (and whether it is paired with productive activities or with leisure), and (c) whether it is done solo or with a partner present. We find fathers and grandmothers' active child care is similarly apportioned between routine and non-routine activities, while mothers spend much more, and grandfathers spend much less, of their child-care time in routine care activities. Fathers and grandfathers spend similar proportions of their child-care time multi-tasking with leisure (about 50%) and performing care without their spouse present (about 20%), differing significantly from women on both these measures. Gender differences in the proportion of child care multi-tasked with productive activities (paid work, domestic work or other child care) are the same in both generations, but gender differences in the proportion of child care that is spent in routine activities, and that is done without a partner present, are significantly less for grandparents than for parents. The narrower gender gaps result from grandmothers spending less of their child-care time on these measures than mothers, not from grandfathers spending more of their child-care time on these measures than fathers.
Animal Husbandry, Tragedy, and the Patriarchal Psychosis
Authors: Meyer Sylke Rene
Published: January 2015

In this article Sylke Rene Meyer traces the historical derivation of tragedy as a patriarchal cultural achievement. To this end, she organizes the pertinent developments, and shows how tragedy came into being with the transition from nomadic to sedentary agrarian societies, principally through the onset of livestock farming in the Mediterranean. Tragedy in this context is the reinterpretation of pre-patriarchal myth in the mindset of this new way of life, and can be seen as developing in response to the male guilt complex in early patriarchal society, serving as a non-religious exculpation instrument and collective therapy. Until today, the dramatic form consolidates power by privileging an ideology of change (that is, drama) that individualizes conflict as an opportunity for personal growth, and in so doing, distracts from the systemic conflict that can be solved only by subverting the dominant social order. Sylke Rene Meyer is Professor of Screenwriting and Dramaturgy at the International Film School in Cologne. She works as a writer and director in theatre, film, and mixed media works, some of which have received significant awards.
Strong (r, s)-stability in the de Sitter space
Authors: de Lima Henrique F. , de Sousa Antonio F. , Velásquez Marco Antonio L.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we establish the notion of strong (r, s)-stability concerning closed space-like hypersurfaces immersed with higher-order mean curvatures linearly related in the de Sitter space . In this setting, we prove that totally umbilical round spheres of are strongly (r, s)-stable. Afterwards, we obtain sufficient geometric conditions that guarantee that a closed strongly (r, s)-stable space-like hypersurface in must be a totally umbilical round sphere.
Geometric properties of generalized symmetric spaces
Authors: Calviño-Louzao Esteban , García-Río Eduardo , Vázquez-Abal María Elena , Vázquez-Lorenzo Ramón
Published: January 2015

It is shown that four-dimensional generalized symmetric spaces can be naturally equipped with some additional structures defined by means of their curvature operators. As an application, those structures are used to characterize generalized symmetric spaces.
Nonconceptualist Readings of Kant and the Transcendental Deduction
Authors: Land Thomas
Published: January 2015

I give an argument against nonconceptualist readings of Kant’sFirst Critique, according to which one can enjoy a Kantian intuition without possessing any concepts, and present an alternative reading. The argument is that nonconceptualist readings are forced to construe the Transcendental Deduction in one of three ways, none of which is acceptable: The Deduction is seen either (i) as inconsistent with the Transcendental Aesthetic; or (ii) as addressing a question of fact rather than a question of legitimacy; or (iii) as articulating a position that Kant himself criticizes as a form of scepticism. Consideration of the third alternative, in particular, shows that a more promising construal of the Deduction must be based on a different interpretation of Kant’s claim that intuitions and concepts constitute two distinct kinds of representation than is assumed by proponents of nonconceptualist readings. I present such an interpretation and outline the alternative reading of the Deduction that results.
Kant on the Independence of the Moral Law from Sensibility
Authors: Papish Laura
Published: January 2015

There are several senses in which Kant’s moral law is independent of sensibility. This paper is devoted mainly to Kant’s account of ‘physical conditions independence’, or the idea that the moral law can compel us to pursue ends that might be impossible to realize empirically. Since this idea has received little attention from commentators, this paper addresses both its textual basis in Kant’s writings and its overall philosophical viability.
On Becoming Anglican: Emerging Anglican Thought in the Works of Thomas Traherne
Authors: Inge Denise
Published: January 2015

The writings of Thomas Traherne (1637–74) are explored as a source of and model for the idea of Anglicanism. In his concern for a middle way between Roman Catholicism and reformed Protestantism (including interest in Calvin as well as the Fathers), his concern for a national Church, and in emphasizing the importance of a common liturgy, Traherne anticipates what has characterized the later global Anglican Communion and important aspects of what has been seen as characteristic Anglican theology.
Common Article 1 to the Geneva Conventions and the obligation to prevent international humanitarian law violations
Authors: Dörmann Knut , Serralvo Jose
Published: January 2015

Common Article 1 to the four Geneva Conventions lays down an obligation to respect and ensure respect for the Conventions in all circumstances. This paper focuses on the second part of this obligation, in particular on the responsibility of third States not involved in a given armed conflict to take action in order to safeguard compliance with the Geneva Conventions by the parties to the conflict. It concludes that third States have an international legal obligation not only to avoid encouraging international humanitarian law violations committed by others, but also to take measures to put an end to on-going violations and to actively prevent their occurrence.
Stress During Pregnancy
Authors: La Marca-Ghaemmaghami Pearl , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: January 2015

High levels of stress during pregnancy are associated with a number of adverse psychological and physiological outcomes for mother and child. These effects seem to be transmitted in part by one of the major stress-responsive systems, namely the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which includes the hormone cortisol. However, as inconsistent study results indicate, methodology poses a substantial challenge to the investigation of stress during pregnancy. For example, although measures of maternal psychological stress and stress hormones are independently related to adverse pregnancy outcome, they seldom have been found to correlate with one another directly. Repeated measurement of psychological and biological responses to acute standardized stress challenges appears to reveal stronger associations. This article reviews the literature on experienced stress and stress hormones in pregnant women and presents studies that used standardized stress challenges (e.g., the Trier Social Stress Test, the cortisol response to morning awakening) to examine maternal stress reactivity more systematically. This review also takes a look at the few studies that examined the protective effects of psychological and psychosocial resources or stress interventions on experienced stress and stress hormones in pregnant women. Overall, results indicate that baseline stress hormone levels advance incrementally during gestation, presumably to prepare mother and fetus for delivery, while responses to acute stress appear to be increasingly attenuated. Moreover, the acute maternal stress response seems to be predictive of neonatal birth outcome and maternal well-being postpartum. Preliminary findings also suggest that much can be done toward coping with stress during pregnancy. Further research and a closer collaboration between science and clinical practice are required.
Hydrophobic mismatch sorts SNARE proteins into distinct membrane domains
Authors: Milovanovic Dragomir , Honigmann Alf , Koike Seiichi , Göttfert Fabian , Pähler Gesa , Junius Meike , Müllar Stefan , Diederichsen Ulf , Janshoff Andreas , Grubmüller Helmut , Risselada Herre J. , Eggeling Christian , Hell Stefan W. , van den Bogaart Geert , Jahn Reinhard
Published: January 2015

The clustering of proteins and lipids in distinct microdomains is emerging as an important principle for the spatial patterning of biological membranes. Such domain formation can be the result of hydrophobic and ionic interactions with membrane lipids as well as of specific protein–protein interactions. Here using plasma membrane-resident SNARE proteins as model, we show that hydrophobic mismatch between the length of transmembrane domains (TMDs) and the thickness of the lipid membrane suffices to induce clustering of proteins. Even when the TMDs differ in length by only a single residue, hydrophobic mismatch can segregate structurally closely homologous membrane proteins in distinct membrane domains. Domain formation is further fine-tuned by interactions with polyanionic phosphoinositides and homo and heterotypic protein interactions. Our findings demonstrate that hydrophobic mismatch contributes to the structural organization of membranes.
Fractionation of human spermatogenic cells using STA-PUT gravity sedimentation and their miRNA profiling
Authors: Liu Yun , Niu Minghui , Yao Chencheng , Hai Yanan , Yuan Qingqing , Liu Yang , Guo Ying , Li Zheng , He Zuping
Published: January 2015

Human spermatogenic cells have not yet been isolated and notably, their global miRNA profiles remain unknown. Here we have effectively isolated human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids using STA-PUT velocity sedimentation. RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and meiosis spread assays revealed that the purities of isolated human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids were 90% and the viability of these isolated cells was over 98%. MiRNA microarrays showed distinct global miRNA profiles among human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Thirty-two miRNAs were significantly up-regulated whereas 78 miRNAs were down-regulated between human spermatogonia and pachytene spermatocytes, suggesting that these miRNAs are involved in the meiosis and mitosis, respectively. In total, 144 miRNAs were significantly up-regulated while 29 miRNAs were down-regulated between pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, reflecting potential roles of these miRNAs in mediating spermiogenesis. A number of novel binding targets of miRNAs were further identified using various softwares and verified by real-time PCR. Our ability of isolating human spermatogonia, pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids and unveiling their distinct global miRNA signatures and novel targets could provide novel small RNA regulatory mechanisms mediating three phases of human spermatogenesis and offer new targets for the treatment of male infertility.
Development of a new clean methodology with ultrasound-assisted extraction for analysis of sodium in pet foods
Authors: Milani Maria Izabel , Rossini Eduardo Luiz , Pezza Leonardo , Pezza Helena Redigolo
Published: January 2015

A green analytical methodology was developed employing ultrasound-assisted extraction to analyze sodium in pet foods without the need for corrosive acids.
Uncertainty in CCD detectors with and without cooling devices when used for molecular fluorescence measurements
Authors: Aramburu Itxaso , Galbán Javier , Ostra Miren , Ubide Carlos , Vidal Maider , Zuriarrain Juan
Published: January 2015

The uncertainty of CCDs used as detectors for fluorescence measurements was studied as a function of signal and detector temperature.
A three dimensional magnetically frustrated metal–organic framework via the vertices augmentation of underlying net
Authors: Zhao Jiong-Peng , Han Song-De , Jiang Xue , Xu Jian , Chang Ze , Bu Xian-He
Published: January 2015

A 3D magnetically frustrated MOF was successfully constructed from the augmentation on the vertices of a simple 3-connected underlying net. This MOF features a unique interpenetrating geometric spin frustration framework.
Bonding situation in Be[N(SiMe3)2]2– an experimental and computational study
Authors: Naglav D. , Neumann A. , Bläser D. , Wölper C. , Haack R. , Jansen G. , Schulz S.
Published: January 2015

The solid state structure of Be[N(SiMe3)2]2(1) was determined byin situcrystallisation and the bonding situation investigated by quantum chemical calculations. The Be–N bond is predominantly ionic but also shows some π-bonding character.
Increased photocurrent in a tandem dye-sensitized solar cell by modifications in push–pull dye-design
Authors: Wood C. J. , Summers G. H. , Gibson E. A.
Published: January 2015

New donor–π–acceptor dyes functionalised with a bodipy or indolium acceptor are described, which have an excellent spectral response in the red region and generate record photocurrent in tandem dye-sensitized solar cells. Our cationic acceptor dye, CAD3, generated a cathodic photocurrent density of 8.2 mA cm−2, the highest reported for a NiO p-type solar cell to date.
AIEE active perylene bisimide supported mercury nanoparticles for synthesis of amides via aldoximes/ketoximes rearrangement
Authors: Kaur Sandeep , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: January 2015

AIEE active perylene bisimide derivatives 3 serve as reactors and stabilizers for the preparation of HgNPs which exhibit high catalytic efficiency in the synthesis of amides via aldoximes/ketoximes rearrangement.
Isotope sensitive branching and kinetic isotope effects to analyse multiproduct terpenoid synthases from Zea mays
Authors: Gatto Nathalie , Vattekkatte Abith , Köllner Tobias , Degenhardt Jörg , Gershenzon Jonathan , Boland Wilhelm
Published: January 2015

Deuterium surrounded carbocations support branching point analyses of multi product terpenoid synthases.
A novel Ni–WC/AC catalyst with enhanced electroactivity for glucose oxidation
Authors: Qi Suitao , Yue Jiaqi , Hao Chen , Li Yingying , Yi Chunhai , Yang Bolun
Published: January 2015

A novel Ni–WC/AC catalyst possessed enhanced electroactivity for glucose oxidation due to the synergistic effect between Ni and WC.
Local optical responses of plasmon resonances visualised by near-field optical imaging
Authors: Okamoto Hiromi , Narushima Tetsuya , Nishiyama Yoshio , Imura Kohei
Published: January 2015

Near-field optical imaging visualises spatial features of plasmon resonances that cause unique optical characteristics of noble metal nanostructures.
Single-displacement controlled spontaneous electrolysis towards CuTCNQ microribbon electrodes in organic single-crystal transistors
Authors: He Liangfu , Ji Zhuoyu , Zhen Yonggang , Liu Jie , Yang Fangxu , Zhao Qiang , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: January 2015

CuTCNQ microribbons prepared by a controllable and solution-processed method give rise to interfacial energetic match with organic semiconductor.
Electrocatalytic stereoselective transformation of aldehydes and two molecules of pyrazolin-5-one into (R*,R*)-bis(spiro-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one)cyclopropanes
Authors: Elinson M. N. , Dorofeeva E. O. , Vereshchagin A. N. , Nasybullin R. F. , Egorov M. P.
Published: January 2015

The electrocatalytic transformation of aldehydes and pyrazolin-5-one stereoselectively leads to (R*,R*)-bis(spiro-2,4-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one)cyclopropanes in 65–80% yields.
Structure-based design, synthesis by click chemistry and in vivo activity of highly selective A3 adenosine receptor agonists
Authors: Tosh Dilip K. , Paoletta Silvia , Chen Zhoumou , Crane Steven , Lloyd John , Gao Zhan-Guo , Gizewski Elizabeth T. , Auchampach John A. , Salvemini Daniela , Jacobson Kenneth A.
Published: February 2015

C2-phenylethynyl (dark green) and C2-phenyl-triazolyl (light green) nucleosides in the A3AR.
Hyperhydrophilic three-dimensional crosslinked beads as an effective drug carrier in acidic medium: adsorption isotherm and kinetics appraisal
Authors: Mane Sachin , Ponrathnam Surendra , Chavan Nayaku
Published: January 2015

Langmuir adsorption isotherm demonstrates monolayer drug loading with hyperhydrophilic three-dimensional crosslinked polymers. Furthermore, the pseudo order kinetics were also evaluated.
Nucleobase-functionalized acrylic ABA triblock copolymers and supramolecular blends
Authors: Zhang Keren , Aiba Motohiro , Fahs Gregory B. , Hudson Amanda G. , Chiang William D. , Moore Robert B. , Ueda Mitsuru , Long Timothy E.
Published: January 2015

The supramolecular blend of complementary nucleobase-functionalized ABA triblock copolymers self-assemble into a microphase-separated morphology with enhanced mechanical performance and thermal responsiveness.
Organic–inorganic halide perovskite based solar cells – revolutionary progress in photovoltaics
Authors: Liu Xiangye , Zhao Wei , Cui Houlei , Xie Yi'an , Wang Yaoming , Xu Tao , Huang Fuqiang
Published: January 2015

This review outlines the latest progress in perovskite-based solar cells, including device achievements and underlying insights and mechanisms of the perovskite materials.
Palladium nanoparticles in glycerol: a clear-cut catalyst for one-pot multi-step processes applied in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
Authors: Chahdoura Faouzi , Mallet-Ladeira Sonia , Gómez Montserrat
Published: January 2015

Palladium/TPPTS nanoparticles in glycerol represent a versatile catalyst leading to a large variety of heterocycles through domino/sequential one-pot approaches.
Microbial adaptation to ionic liquids
Authors: Álvarez M. S. , Rodríguez A. , Sanromán M. A. , Deive F. J.
Published: February 2015

One out of 10 microorganisms from extreme locations was adapted to the presence of common families of ionic liquids, which have lately emerged as “contaminants on the horizon”.
Impact of the maximum foam reaction temperature on reducing foam shrinkage
Authors: Al-Moameri Harith , Ghoreishi Rima , Zhao Yusheng , Suppes Galen J.
Published: January 2015

One of the obstacles to displacing petroleum-based polyols with soy-based polyols in rigid urethane foam formulations is foam shrinkage, especially at displacements greater than 50%.
Ni cluster nucleation and growth on the anatase TiO2(101) surface: a density functional theory study
Authors: Wang Yanxin , Su Yan , Zhu Mingyuan , Kang Lihua
Published: January 2015

The Ni–TiO2 interaction is the main driving force at the initial stage of Ni nucleation. The Ni–Ni interaction begins to control the growth process as the cluster size gets larger.
Synthesis of electrocrystallized cobalt ferrite nanopowders by tuning the cobalt salt concentration
Authors: Mosivand Saba , Kazeminezhad Iraj
Published: February 2015

Cobalt ferrite nanopowders were electrocrystallized in an electrochemical cell containing two iron electrodes, and an electrolyte solution of cobalt sulphate.
Enhancing H2evolution performance of an immobilised cobalt catalyst by rational ligand design
Authors: Willkomm Janina , Muresan Nicoleta M. , Reisner Erwin
Published: February 2015

Rational ligand design was employed to improve the proton reduction activity of an immobilised cobalt diimine–dioxime catalyst.
Precursor-based designs of nano-structures and their processing for Co(W) alloy films as a single layered barrier/liner layer in future Cu-interconnect
Authors: Shimizu H. , Shima K. , Suzuki Y. , Momose T. , Shimogaki Y.
Published: January 2015

We designed Co(W) films with the self-assembled grain-boundary stuffing as a single-layer barrier/liner for future ULSI Cu-interconnects. HR-TEM and EDX observations confirmed the validity of our materials design and good barrier performance in Co(W) films.
A hybrid linkage mode between T2,2 and T3 selenide clusters
Authors: Han Xiaohui , Xu Jin , Wang Zhenqing , Liu Dan , Wang Cheng
Published: January 2015

The synthesis and structural characterization of a multi-level 3D selenide framework with a novel T2,2–T3 linkage mode.
Cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate mediated 5-endo-dig cyclization of α-amino allenylphosphonates to spirodienones
Authors: Adler Pauline , Fadel Antoine , Rabasso Nicolas
Published: January 2015

α-Amino allenylphosphonates were treated with cerium(iv) ammonium nitrate under various conditions to form spirodienones in good to excellent yields.
Surface diagnostics of evaporating droplets of nanosphere suspension: Fano interference and surface pressure
Authors: Kolwas Maciej , Kolwas Krystyna , Derkachov Gennadiy , Jakubczyk Daniel
Published: January 2015

The demonstrated temporal Fano interference of light scattered by evaporating droplets of a nano-suspension can be a powerful tool to characterize interfaces of evaporating liquids.
Quantum interference and electron correlation in charge transport through triangular quantum dot molecules
Authors: Chen Chih-Chieh , Chang Yia-chung , Kuo David M. T.
Published: January 2015

Charge transport through a triangular quantum dot molecule junction is calculated. The electrical conductance versus gate voltages of any two dots is shown in the right.
PDMS-based turbulent microfluidic mixer
Authors: You Jae Bem , Kang Kyowon , Tran Thanh Tinh , Park Hongkeun , Hwang Wook Ryol , Kim Ju Min , Im Sung Gap
Published: January 2015

Turbulent microfluidic mixer in simple linear geometry was developed for the first time by bonding PDMS and glass with strong nano-adhesion layer
Spatial resolution comparison of AC-SECM with SECM and their characterization of self-healing performance of hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer microcapsule coatings
Authors: Wang Wei , Xu Likun , Sun Huyuan , Li Xiangbo , Zhao Shouhuan , Zhang Weining
Published: January 2015

ACSECM monitored the self-healing process of scratched epoxy resin coatings with hexamethylene diisocyanate trimer microcapsules as functional additives.
Anomalous White Matter Morphology in Adults Who Stutter
Authors: Cieslak Matthew , Ingham Roger J. , Ingham Janis C. , Grafton Scott T.
Published: January 2015

Aims

Developmental stuttering is now generally considered to arise from genetic determinants interacting with neurologic function. Changes within speech-motor white matter (WM) connections may also be implicated. These connections can now be studied in great detail by high-angular-resolution diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Therefore, diffusion spectrum imaging was used to reconstruct streamlines to examine white matter connections in people who stutter (PWS) and in people who do not stutter (PWNS).

Method

WM morphology of the entire brain was assayed in 8 right-handed male PWS and 8 similarly aged right-handed male PWNS. WM was exhaustively searched using a deterministic algorithm that identifies missing or largely misshapen tracts. To be abnormal, atract(defined as all streamlines connecting a pair of gray matter regions) was required to be at least one 3rd missing, in 7 out of 8 subjects in one group and not in the other group.

Results

Large portions of bilateral arcuate fasciculi, a heavily researched speech pathway, were abnormal in PWS. Conversely, all PWS had a prominent connection in the left temporo-striatal tract connecting frontal and temporal cortex that was not observed in PWNS.

Conclusion

These previously unseen structural differences of WM morphology in classical speech-language circuits may underlie developmental stuttering.
Smart radio‐frequency identification tag for diaper moisture detection
Authors: Ziai M.A. , Batchelor John C.
Published: February 2015

A passive smart tag is described that responds to dampness in diapers once a pre‐defined threshold value is reached. A high‐frequency (HF) system at 13.56 MHz is used as this allows operation through water or human tissues with less absorption that would occur for an ultra‐HF signal. A circular spiral coil and swelling substrate facilitate a reaction to dampness that can be detected without contact to the diaper wearer. A prototype design is simulated and measured results are provided together with a demonstration of a tag integrated into a worn diaper.
Structured quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity‐check codes based on cyclotomic cosets
Authors: Esmaeili Morteza , Najafian Mehrab , Gulliver Aaron T.
Published: January 2015

This study considers the construction of four‐cycle free quasi‐cyclic low‐density parity‐check (QC‐LDPC) codes. These codes are based on the cyclotomic cosets of q modulo n where q is a prime power, n is a prime and (n, q) = 1. If s is the order of q modulo n, then n − 1 = sl for some integer l. Then there are l distinct cyclotomic cosets , 1 ≤ i ≤ l. Concatenation of the l circulant matrices formed using these sets gives an s × sl matrix Mco(n, q). In addition, the Kronecker product of the transpose of ∪i with itself modulo n gives an sl × sl matrix Mkr(n, q). Replacing the entries of these matrices with their associated dispersed binary n × n matrices provides binary QC‐LDPC codes with girth at least six. Furthermore, for any prime power q′ such that q′ = n + 1 or q′ ≥ 2n, these two matrices can be used to construct q′‐ary QC‐LDPC codes with girth at least six. These constructions produce large classes of four‐cycle free binary and non‐binary QC‐LDPC codes. Among the structured LDPC codes, the introduced technique, from code‐construction‐complexity perspective, which is an engineering factor, is at least among the best ones if not the best. Performance results are presented which show that the codes obtained perform well over additive white Gaussian noise channel with the iterative sum‐product decoding algorithm.
Advanced compensation mode for cascade multilevel static synchronous compensator under unbalanced voltage
Authors: Chunyan Zang , Zhao Liu
Published: February 2015

An improved control scheme for delta‐connected cascade multilevel static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) operating under unbalanced conditions is proposed. The individual phase instantaneous current control is suitable for delta‐connected cascade multilevel STATCOM which can be equivalent to three single‐phase inverters. To compensate the system imbalance, the reactive control mode and the voltage control mode are studied, and the discrete current loop controller has been designed. Accordingly, the cascade multilevel STATCOM can maintain normal operation under unbalanced voltage by using the individual phase instantaneous current control strategy while the unbalanced system can be effectively compensated by the two modified compensation modes. The proposed control scheme has been verified by simulation and experimental results based on a three‐phase 36‐chain cascade multilevel STATCOM laboratory prototype are shown.
Aglossia: Case Report
Authors: Bommarito Silvana , Zanato Luciana , Vieira Marilena , Angelieri Fernanda
Published: January 2015

Introduction Aglossia is a rare condition caused by failure of the tongue embryogenesis process (in the fourth to eighth weeks of gestation). The tongue is an organ used in different activities such as sucking, swallowing, chewing, and talking. It is also responsible for shaping palate dental arches (in its absence, they become atrophic). There are few similar cases reported in the literature.

Objective To describe a rare case of aglossia and the multidisciplinary professionals working together for 5 years to treat the patient.

Resumed Report An 8-year-old girl with aglossia had an assessment comprising: (1) clinical assessment of the stomatognathic system related to resting posture, tonus, and mobility; (2) orthodontic assessment; (3) surface electromyography of the chewing muscles; (4) swallowing videofluoroscopy.

Conclusion The authors confirmed the need of multidisciplinary cooperation to improve the patient's quality of life, because agenesia implicates many activities/functions that depend on the tongue to fully work. Multiprofessional cooperation helps the patient learn compensation mechanisms.
The role of boundary variability in polycrystalline grain-boundary diffusion
Authors: Moghadam M. M. , Rickman J. M. , Harmer M. P. , Chan H. M.
Published: January 2015

We investigate the impact of grain-boundary variability on mass transport in a polycrystal. More specifically, we perform both numerical and analytical studies of steady-state diffusion in prototypical microstructures in which there is either a discrete spectrum of grain-boundary activation energies or else a complex distribution of grain-boundary character, and hence a continuous spectrum of boundary activation energies. An effective diffusivity is calculated for these structures using simplified multi-state models and, for the case of a continuous spectrum, employing experimentally obtained grain-boundary energy data. We identify different diffusive regimes for these cases and quantify deviations from Arrhenius behavior using effective medium theory. Finally, we examine the diffusion kinetics of a simplified model of an interfacial layering (i.e., complexion) transition.
Compact femtosecond electron diffractometer with 100 keV electron bunches approaching the single-electron pulse duration limit
Authors: Waldecker Lutz , Bertoni Roman , Ernstorfer Ralph
Published: January 2015

We present the design and implementation of a highly compact femtosecond electron diffractometer working at electron energies up to 100 keV. We use a multi-body particle tracing code to simulate electron bunch propagation through the setup and to calculate pulse durations at the sample position. Our simulations show that electron bunches containing few thousands of electrons per bunch are only weakly broadened by space-charge effects and their pulse duration is thus close to the one of a single-electron wavepacket. With our compact setup, we can create electron bunches containing up to 5000 electrons with a pulse duration below 100 fs on the sample. We use the diffractometer to track the energy transfer from photoexcited electrons to the lattice in a thin film of titanium. This process takes place on the timescale of few-hundred femtoseconds and a fully equilibrated state is reached within 1 ps.
Random flights through spaces of different dimensions
Authors: Reimberg Paulo H. F. , Abramo L. Raul
Published: January 2015

We shall study random flights that start in a space of one given dimension and, after performing a definite number of steps, continue to develop in a space of higher dimension. We show that if the difference of the dimension of spaces is even, then the probability density describing the composite flight can be expressed as marginalizations of the probability density associated to a random flight in the space of less dimensions. This dimensional reduction is a consequence of Gegenbauer addition theorem.
The synergistic effect in the Fe-Co bimetallic catalyst system for the growth of carbon nanotube forests
Authors: Hardeman D. , Esconjauregui S. , Cartwright R. , Bhardwaj S. , D'Arsié L. , Oakes D. , Clark J. , Cepek C. , Ducati C. , Robertson J.
Published: January 2015

We report the growth of multi-walled carbon nanotube forests employing an active-active bimetallic Fe-Co catalyst. Using this catalyst system, we observe a synergistic effect by which—in comparison to pure Fe or Co—the height of the forests increases significantly. The homogeneity in the as-grown nanotubes is also improved. By both energy dispersive spectroscopy and in-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we show that the catalyst particles consist of Fe and Co, and this dramatically increases the growth rate of the tubes. Bimetallic catalysts are thus potentially useful for synthesising nanotube forests more efficiently.