bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependence of energy transfer in tunable white light-emitting phosphor BaY2Si3O10:Bi3+,Eu3+ for near UV LEDs
Authors: Zhou Hongpeng , Wang Qingping , Jin Ye
Published: September 2015

The white light emission of BaY2Si3O10:0.01 Bi3+, mEu3+ phosphor can be realized and utilizing the energy transfer under near UV light pumped. The energy transfer efficiency between Bi(i) and Bi(ii) change with the temperature increasing due to phonon-assisted process. It is rare in the experiment on directly proof with the phonon-assisted energy transfer.
GPU‐accelerated ADI‐PE method for analysis of EM scatterings
Authors: He Zi , Chen Ru Shan
Published: September 2015

The parabolic equation (PE) can be solved in one dimension by using the alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme. In this way, the reduced scattered fields can be calculated line by line in each transverse plane. Thus both the CPU time and the memory requirement can be largely reduced. In this reported work, the ADI‐PE method is adapted to graphics processing units (GPUs) implementation with the CUDA. The processes of both the matrix‐filling and the equation‐solving can be accelerated by the CUDA‐based GPU. A couple of numerical results are given to demonstrate that the speedup of over 87 times can be obtained by the GPU implementation when compared with the CPU one.
Electric field energy harvesting for on‐line condition‐monitoring device installed on high‐voltage transmission tower
Authors: Zhao Dongsheng , Dai Dong , Li Licheng
Published: September 2015

A method for powering an on‐line condition‐monitoring device installed on a high‐voltage transmission tower is presented. The technique uses the harvesting plate and a transformer both installed away from the transmission line to harvest the electric field energy. The circuit model of the method is analysed and the power equation given. The method has been experimentally validated. When the stray capacitance is 40 pF, about 645 mW was obtained with the load resistance 0.9 kΩ once 50 kV AC was applied on the electric field generator.
Substrate integrated waveguide slot array antenna covered by circularly polarised array patches
Authors: Li Teng , Wang Baoping , Dou Wenbin
Published: September 2015

A novel substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) slot array antenna covered by circularly polarised array patches is proposed. The corner‐truncated rectangular patch covering the radiating slot is introduced to generate the circular polarisation. To increase the normalised resonant conductance, the patch is moved from the centre line of the slot. The design procedure is similar to the conventional SIW slot array antenna due to the slot combined with the patch that can be seen as a radiating element. A 4×4 array antenna with uniform distribution is designed, fabricated and measured at the Ka‐band. The measured results agree well with the simulations.
Comparison of radar waveforms combining pseudo‐random binary phase coding and chirp modulation for an high‐frequency monostatic radar
Authors: Shi Shu‐zhu , Zhao Zheng‐yu , Liu Jing‐nan
Published: September 2015

Wuhan ionospheric oblique backscattering sounding system (WIOBSS) is a low‐power high‐frequency monostatic radar used for ionospheric sensing and aircraft detection. In this study, a novel waveform combining the pseudo‐random binary phase coding (PRBPC) and the chirp modulation is proposed for this radar. Furthermore, in terms of the radar waveform requirements, four subclasses of this waveform are theoretically compared to determine which one of them is most suitable for WIOBSS, including the inter‐pulse PRBPC waveform where the width of the subpulse is equal to the chirp duration, the inter‐pulse PRBPC waveform where the period of the coding sequence is equal to the chirp duration, the intra‐pulse PRBPC waveform where the width of the subpulse is equal to the chirp duration, and the intra‐pulse PRBPC waveform where the period of the coding sequence is equal to the chirp duration. The radar waveform requirements, the ambiguity function analysis, and the performance comparison of aforementioned waveforms are described. The analysis results show that the inter‐pulse PRBPC waveform where the period of the coding sequence is equal to the chirp duration has the best performance, and can achieve higher range resolution, larger signal processing gain, and better Doppler tolerance than the conventional binary phase coded waveforms.
Bistatic three‐dimensional interferometric ISAR
Authors: Staglianò Daniele , Giusti Elisa , Lischi Stefano , Martorella Marco
Published: September 2015

An algorithm for three‐dimensional (3D) target reconstruction is proposed in this study. Such an algorithm is based on the use of 2D inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging and interferometry. The proposed algorithm is able to operate with both bistatic and squinted geometry, thus allowing its applicability to all possible geometrical configurations. A mathematical foundation of the algorithm is provided in this study followed by a validation through the use of both simulated and real data.
Evaluation of mixing quality in anaerobic digester
Authors: Karaeva J. V. , Khalitova G. R.
Published: September 2015

A new criterion of mixing quality in anaerobic digester based on the most important process parameters of methane fermentation is proposed. A set of numerical studies of mixing quality in anaerobic digesters of cylindrical shape with various systems of hydraulic mixing was carried out. Comparative analysis using the proposed criterion as well as other known methods of evaluation of mixing quality showed that results of evaluation of mixing quality in anaerobic digester using different methods are consistent with each other and are not contradictory.
An EQT-based cDFT approach for a confined Lennard-Jones fluid mixture
Authors: Motevaselian M. H. , Mashayak S. Y. , Aluru N. R.
Published: September 2015

Empirical potential-based quasi-continuum theory (EQT) provides a route to incorporate atomistic detail into continuum framework such as the Nernst-Planck equation. EQT can also be used to construct a grand potential functional for classical density functional theory (cDFT). The combination of EQT and cDFT provides a simple and fast approach to predict the inhomogeneous density, potential profiles, and thermodynamic properties of confined fluids. We extend the EQT-cDFT approach to confined fluid mixtures and demonstrate it by simulating a mixture of methane and hydrogen inside slit-like channels of graphene. We show that the EQT-cDFT predictions for the structure of the confined fluid mixture compare well with the molecular dynamics simulation results. In addition, our results show that graphene slit nanopores exhibit a selective adsorption of methane over hydrogen.
Influence of interfacial coherency on ferroelectric switching of superlattice BaTiO3/SrTiO3
Authors: Wu Pingping , Ma Xingqiao , Li Yulan , Eom Chang-Beom , Schlom Darrell G. , Gopalan Venkatraman , Chen Long-Qing
Published: September 2015

The switching behavior of a (BaTiO3)8/(SrTiO3)4 superlattice grown on a SrTiO3 substrate was simulated utilizing the phase field method. To investigate the effect of the mechanical constraint of the substrate on switching, three types of superlattice/substrate interface mechanical relaxation conditions were considered: (1) fully commensurate, (2) partially relaxed, and (3) fully relaxed. Our simulation results demonstrate that the hysteresis loops under the three types of constraints are very different. The interfacial coherency dramatically affects the coercive field and remanent polarization of the superlattices. The mechanism underlying the hysteresis loop variation with interfacial coherency was investigated by analyzing the ferroelectric domain configuration and its evolution during the switching process. The simulated hysteresis loop of the fully relaxed superlattice exhibits a shape that is potentially relevant to the application of ferroelectrics for energy storage materials.
In situ resistivity of endotaxial FeSi2 nanowires on Si(110)
Authors: Tobler S. K. , Bennett P. A.
Published: September 2015

We present in situ ultra-high vacuum measurements of the resistivity ρ of self-assembled endotaxial FeSi2 nanowires (NWs) on Si(110) using a variable-spacing two-point method with a moveable scanning tunneling microscope tip and fixed contact pad. The resistivity at room temperature was found to be nearly constant down to NW width W = 4 nm, but rose sharply to nearly double the bulk value at W = 3 nm. These data are not well-fit by a simple Fuch-Sondheimer model for boundary scattering, suggesting that other factors, possibly quantum effects, may be significant at the smallest dimensions. For a NW width of 4 nm, partial oxidation increased ρ by approximately 50%, while cooling from 300 K to 150 K decreased ρ by approximately 10%. The relative insensitivity of ρ to NW size or oxidation or cooling is attributed to a high concentration of vacancies in the FeSi2 structure, with a correspondingly short length for inelastic electron scattering, which obscures boundary scattering except in the smallest NWs. It is remarkable that the vacancy concentration persists in very small structures.
Tuning the effective plasma frequency of nanorod metamaterials from visible to telecom wavelengths
Authors: Nasir M. E. , Peruch S. , Vasilantonakis N. , Wardley W. P. , Dickson W. , Wurtz G. A. , Zayats A. V.
Published: September 2015

Hyperbolic plasmonic metamaterials are important for designing sensing, nonlinear, and emission functionalities, which are, to a large extent, determined by the epsilon-near-zero behaviour observed close to an effective plasma frequency of the metamaterial. Here, we describe a method for tuning the effective plasma frequency of a gold nanorod-based metamaterial throughout the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges. These metamaterials, fabricated by two-step anodization in selenic acid and chemical post-processing, consist of nanorods with diameters of around 10 nm and interrod distances of around 100 nm and have a low effective plasma frequency down to a wavelength range below 1200 nm. Such metamaterials open up new possibilities for a variety of applications in the fields of bio- and chemical sensing, nonlinearity enhancement, and fluorescence control in the infrared.
Influence of pressure derivative of partition function on thermodynamic properties of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium thermal plasma
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Sharma Rohit , Singh Kuldip
Published: September 2015

Thermodynamic properties (compressibility coefficient Zγ, specific heat at constant volume cv, adiabatic coefficient γa, isentropic coefficient γisen, and sound speed cs) of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium hydrogen thermal plasma have been investigated for different values of pressure and non-equilibrium parameter θ (=Te/Th) in the electron temperature range from 6000 K to 60 000 K. In order to estimate the influence of pressure derivative of partition function on thermodynamic properties, two cases have been considered: (a) in which pressure derivative of partition function is taken into account in the expressions and (b) without pressure derivative of partition function in their expressions. Here, the case (b) represents expressions already available in literature. It has been observed that the temperature from which pressure derivative of partition function starts influencing a given thermodynamic property increases with increase of pressure and non-equilibrium parameter θ. Thermodynamic property in the case (a) is always greater than its value in the case (b) for compressibility coefficient and specific heat at constant volume, whereas for adiabatic coefficient, isentropic coefficient, and sound speed, its value in the case (a) is always less than its value in the case (b). For a given value of θ, the relationship of compressibility coefficient with degree of ionization depends upon pressure in the case (a), whereas it is independent of pressure in the case (b). Relative deviation between the two cases shows that the influence of pressure derivative of partition function is significantly large and increases with the augmentation of pressure and θ for compressibility coefficient, specific heat at constant volume, and adiabatic coefficient, whereas for isentropic coefficient and sound speed, it is marginal even at high values of pressure and non-equilibrium parameter θ.
Research Update: Photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen production using ferrites (MFe2O4) under visible light irradiation
Authors: Dillert Ralf , Taffa Dereje H. , Wark Michael , Bredow Thomas , Bahnemann Detlef W.
Published: September 2015

The utilization of solar light for the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic production of molecular hydrogen from water is a scientific and technical challenge. Semiconductors with suitable properties to promote solar-driven water splitting are a desideratum. A hitherto rarely investigated group of semiconductors are ferrites with the empirical formula MFe2O4 and related compounds. This contribution summarizes the published results of the experimental investigations on the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties of these compounds. It will be shown that the potential of this group of compounds in regard to the production of solar hydrogen has not been fully explored yet.
Probing carrier dynamics of individual layers in a heterostructure using transient reflectivity
Authors: Khan Salahuddin , Jayabalan J. , Singh Asha , Yogi Rachana , Chari Rama
Published: September 2015

We report the wavelength dependent transient reflectivity measurements in AlGaAs-GaAs heterostructures having two-dimensional electron (or hole) gas near the interface. Using a multilayer model for transient reflectivity, we show that the magnitude and sign of contributions from the carriers in two-dimensional electron (or hole) gas and GaAs to the total signal depends on the wavelength. Further, it has been shown that it is possible to study the carrier dynamics in a given layer of a heterostructure by performing transient reflectivity at specific wavelengths.
Structural, mechanical and electronic properties of in-plane 1T/2H phase interface of MoS2 heterostructures
Authors: Guo Xiaoyan , Yang Guohui , Zhang Junfeng , Xu Xiaohong
Published: September 2015

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) phase hybrid system composed by 2H and 1T phase is a natural metal/semiconductor heterostructures and promised a wide range of potential applications. Here, we report the first principle investigations on the structural, mechanical and electronic properties of hybrid system with armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ) interfaces. The ZZ type 1T/2H interface are more energy favorable than AC type interface with 3.39 eV/nm. Similar with that of bulked 1T MoS2, the intrinsic strengths of the heterostructures are lower than that of the bulk 2H, especially for that with ZZ interface. Analysis of density of states shows that the electronic properties gradually transmitted from the metallic 1T phase to the semiconducting 2H phase for the structural abrupt interface. The present theoretical results constitute a useful picture for the 2D electronic devices using current MoS2 1T/2H heterostructures and provide vital insights into the other 2D hybrid materials.
Structural determination of argon trimer
Authors: Xie Xiguo , Wu Chengyin , Yuan Ying , Li Xin-Zheng , Wu Cong , Wang Peng , Deng Yongkai , Liu Yunquan , Gong Qihuang
Published: September 2015

Rare gas clusters are model systems to investigate structural properties at finite size. However, their structures are difficult to be determined with available experimental techniques because of the strong coupling between the vibration and the rotation. Here we experimentally investigated multiple ionization and fragmentation dynamics of argon trimer by ultrashort intense laser fields and reconstructed their structures with Coulomb explosion technique. The measured structure distribution was compared with our finite-temperature ab initio calculations and the discrepancy was discussed. The present study provides a guidance for the development of theoretical methods for exploring the geometric structure of rare gas clusters.
Grain size tuning of nanostructured Cu2O films through vapour phase supersaturation control and their characterization for practical applications
Authors: Anu A. , Abdul Khadar M.
Published: September 2015

A strategy for creating nanostructured films is the alignment of nanoparticles into ordered superstructures as living organisms synthesize biomaterials with superior physical properties using nanoparticle building blocks. We synthesized nanostructured films of Cu2O of variable grain size by establishing the condition of supersaturation for creation of nanoparticles of copper which deposited as nanograined films and which was then oxidized. This technique has the advantage of being compatible with conventional vacuum processes for electronic device fabrication. The Cu2O film samples consisted of a secondary structure of spherical particles of almost uniform size, each particle being an agglomerate of primary nanocrystals. Fractal analysis of the AFM images of the samples is carried out for studying the aggregation mechanism. Grain size tuning of the nanostructured Cu2O films has been studied using XRD, and micro-Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Inducing ovulation with oestradiol cypionate allows flexibility in the timing of insemination and removes the need for gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in timed AI protocols for dairy cows
Authors: Ferreira R. M. , Ayres H. , Gimenes L. U. , Torres F. P. , Lima F. A. , Veras M. B. , Guida T. G. , Sala R. V. , Baruselli P. S.
Published: September 2015

The effects of addition of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to a progesterone plus oestradiol-based protocol and timing of insemination in Holstein cows treated for timed AI (TAI) were evaluated. Cows (n = 481) received a progesterone device and 2 mg oestradiol benzoate. After 8 days, the device was removed and 25 mg dinoprost was administered. Cows were allocated to one of three (Study 1; n = 57) or four (Study 2; n = 424) groups, accordingly to ovulation inducer alone (Study 1; oestradiol cypionate (EC), GnRH or both) or ovulation inducer (EC alone or combined with GnRH) and timing of insemination (48 or 54 h after device removal; Study 2). In Study 1, the diameter of the ovulatory follicle was greater for GnRH than EC. Oestrus and ovulation rates were similar regardless of ovulatory stimuli. However, time to ovulation was delayed when GnRH only was used. In Study 2, cows treated with GnRH or not had similar pregnancy per AI (P/AI) 30 days (41.5% vs 37.3%; P = 0.28) and 60 days (35.9% vs 33.0%; P = 0.61) after TAI. TAI 48 and 54 h after device removal resulted similar P/AI at 30 days (40.3% vs 38.5%; P = 0.63) and 60 days (33.8% vs 35.1%; P = 0.72). Thus, adding GnRH at TAI does not improve pregnancy rates in dairy cows receiving EC. The flexibility of time to insemination enables TAI of a large number of cows using the same protocol and splitting the time of AI.
Integrated pest management in temperate horticulture: seeing the wood for the trees.
Authors: Harvey C. D.
Published: September 2015

Owing to the decreasing availability of synthetic pesticides, there is an urgent need for developing and improving alternative pest control methods in horticulture. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to reduce and control the damage caused by pest organisms by making use of ecological interactions between the pest, its antagonists and the environment. IPM usually involves combined use of pesticides, pest antagonists, mass trapping and environmental manipulation. This gives rise to potentially negative interference amongst these components as well as with other environmental and crop-related factors. Such interference has the potential to reduce IPM efficacy, especially as the use of IPM is broadened and intensified. Evidence for such interference among components of IPM is briefly reviewed and the need for a research agenda that investigates such interference experimentally is discussed along with the potential for using 'big data' generated in IPM to conduct meta-analyses and construct powerful models for IPM. These approaches to research and data management should support the expansion and improvement of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for IPM practitioners that combine databases, expert networks and models. The success of DSS based on increasingly complex and extensive knowledge and data greatly depends on their accessibility, ease of use and whether they produce clear outputs that support decision-making by growers and consultants. The aim must be to improve IPM efficacy, predictability, cost-effectiveness and sustainability, while still finding ways of helping IPM practitioners identify IPM strategies that are optimal for their needs amongst an increasing number of options.
Elections without recognition: presidential and parliamentary contests in Abkhazia and Nagorny Karabakh
Authors: Ó Beacháin Donnacha
Published: September 2015

While various debates have arisen on the relationship between non-recognition and democratization, empirical case studies on elections in de facto states are extremely rare. This article examines recent presidential and parliamentary elections in two unrecognized or partially recognized de facto states in the South Caucasus, namely Abkhazia and Nagorny Karabakh. Accordingly, the emphasis is on the Abkhazian presidential elections of August 2011 and August 2014 and parliamentary elections of 2007 and 2012, along with the most recent executive and legislative elections in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) in July 2012 and May 2015 respectively. On the basis of extensive interviews and participant observation, this article demonstrates how although both parliamentary and presidential elections in Abkhazia are competitive, they favour the titular nation, while in homogeneous Nagorny Karabakh fear of a renewed conflagration has until recently produced relatively uncompetitive presidential contests. The dynamics of majoritarian versus party list, party, ethnic and gender representation are examined in each case. The case studies reveal weak political parties, but the NKR has made incremental changes to the electoral law that might encourage a less personality-based parliamentary system.
Aortic Arch Stiffness Is Associated With Incipient Brain Injury in Patients
With Hypertension
Authors: Sala Michiel , van den Berg-Huysmans Annette , van der Grond Jeroen , Huisman Menno , Brandts Anne , Westenberg Jos J. , de Roos Albert
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that microstructural brain tissue damage can be detected in hypertension patients, while the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We aim to explore the association between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of brain injury and aortic arch pulse wave velocity (PWV) in hypertensive patients without clinically manifest cerebrovascular disease.

METHODS

Sixty-six hypertension patients (30 men, mean age 46±14 years) were prospectively included. Aortic arch PWV was assessed using velocity-encoded magnetic resonance imaging (VE-MRI). Brain tissue integrity was assessed by using DTI. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the association between aortic arch PWV and fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AxD), and radial diffusivity (RD).

RESULTS

Increased aortic arch PWV was associated with decreased white matter FA ( β = −0.30, P = 0.018), increased gray matter AxD ( β = 0.28, P = 0.016), and increased gray and white matter RD ( β = 0.30, P = 0.008 and β = 0.35, P = 0.003, respectively). These effects were independent of age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic arch stiffness relates to incipient brain injury before overt brain abnormalities may become apparent in patients with hypertension.
Geophysical imaging using trans-dimensional trees
Authors: Hawkins Rhys , Sambridge Malcolm
Published: September 2015

In geophysical inversion, inferences of Earth's properties from sparse data involve a trade-off between model complexity and the spatial resolving power. A recent Markov chain Monte Carlo (McMC) technique formalized by Green, the so-called trans-dimensional samplers, allows us to sample between these trade-offs and to parsimoniously arbitrate between the varying complexity of candidate models. Here we present a novel framework using trans-dimensional sampling over tree structures. This new class of McMC sampler can be applied to 1-D, 2-D and 3-D Cartesian and spherical geometries. In addition, the basis functions used by the algorithm are flexible and can include more advanced parametrizations such as wavelets, both in Cartesian and Spherical geometries, to permit Bayesian multiscale analysis. This new framework offers greater flexibility, performance and efficiency for geophysical imaging problems than previous sampling algorithms. Thereby increasing the range of applications and in particular allowing extension to trans-dimensional imaging in 3-D. Examples are presented of its application to 2-D seismic and 3-D teleseismic tomography including estimation of uncertainty.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Sayer David , Vindindlacheruvu Raghu
Published: September 2015

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension has also been called benign intracranial hypertension (despite not running a benign course) and pseudotumour cerebri. The clinical and imaging features of the syndrome are of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) without dilated ventricles or intracranial mass lesions but with evidence of papilloedema. In 90% of cases this affects obese women with an incidence of 3.5/100 000 in the 20-44 age group. This chapter discusses the diagnosis and management of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. This is a poorly understood condition, and the natural history is variable. It may be self-limiting, intermittent or progressively worse. Approximately a third of patients are in each of these categories. The worst complication is visual loss and can be severe in up to 25% of patients. The variety of management options available demonstrates that there is no single therapy which works for all patients and treatment needs to be directed by the patient’s response.
Multimodality monitoring in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Helmy Adel , Hutchinson Peter J.
Published: September 2015

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the commonest cause of death aged in those under 40 years of age in the UK. This chapter explores many of the most contentious clinical issues following severe TBI. The management of severe TBI can provide many challenges both to the neurosurgeon and to the neurointensivist. This includes, intracranial pressure (ICP) control, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) targets and multi-modality monitoring in the intensive care setting. From the surgical perspective, the research evidence on craniectomy, post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting and seizure risk is presented in this chapter. Great strides have been made by developing protocolised treatment regimens for the intensive care management of ICP which have led to improvements in patient outcome when compared to historical controls. The use of craniectomy in TBI is recognised as a method for reducing ICP, but presently there is still some debate about the overall efficacy of this surgical intervention.
The surgical management of the rheumatoid spine
Authors: Bhatia Robin , Casey Adrian
Published: September 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1% of the population, and of those affected approximately 50% will have cervical spine involvement. Therefore, there appears to be a significant difference at present in the numbers of rheumatoid spine patients managed by rheumatologists and those managed by spinal surgeons. This chapter discusses the fundamental questions which a spinal neurosurgeon needs to address when managing the rheumatoid cervical spine. The rheumatoid patient presents many challenges in diagnosis, pre-operative optimisation and selection of levels to instrument. The fixation and bony healing is in a challenging enviroment with immunosuppressive agents and often osteoporosis from historical use of steroids. The results of surgery for pain relief and preservation of neurological function are good provided that it is not left too late. If the patient is no longer ambulant surgery may be too much, too late with high complication rates. Surgical fixation for atlanto-axial fixation for those patients who can still walk has a lot to offer patients in temrs of neurological protection and pain relief and is a rewarding area.
Brainstem cavernous malformation
Authors: Akram Harith , Murphy Mary
Published: September 2015

Cavernous malformations or cavernomas are angiographically occult vascular malformations that affect the brain and the spinal cord. When they present in the brainstem they pose a real challenge due to the increased risk of symptomatic heamorrhage that can lead to serious morbidity and even death. The management of these lesions is controversial owing to the lack of hard evidence for the best practice and the high stakes at hand in view of the possible serious complications presented by almost all management options, including conservative treatment. This chapter describes a case study of a 53 year old woman who presented with multiple episodes of symptomatic haemorrhages of a brainstem cavernous malformation and discusses the management options, casting a light on the aetiology, histopathology, and radiological features of these lesions. Management of brainstem cavernomas and spinal cord cavernomas differs from the management of cavernomas elsewhere in the CNS due to the much higher risk of re-bleeding and the fact that very little mass effect or haemorrhage can lead to catastrophic consequences. Another relatively modern treatment modality is stereotactic radiosurgery i.e. Gamma Knife or Cyberknife to lesions in eloquent locations when surgery is contraindicated or is expected to result in significant morbidity or mortality.
Intracranial arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Ekanayake Jinendra , Kitchen Neil
Published: September 2015

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVM) were first described by Virchow in 1851, although clinical descriptions of extracranial vascular abnormalities date back to the Ebers Papyrus (ca. 1500 BC). This chapter explores the diagnostics and management options for intracranial arteriovenous malformations. These are complex vascular lesions with a number of associated neuroparenchymal, hemodynamic and angioarchitectural changes. The fundamental abnormality is one or more direct fistulous communications between afferent feeding arteries and efferent draining veins, without the presence of an intervening capillary bed. The increased blood flow through these arteriovenous shunts causes the characteristic changes of vascular dilatation, tortuosity, and the formation of the ‘nidus’- an intervening network of vessels. The treatment of AVMs uses three modalities, alone or in combination. They are microsurgery, embolization and radiosurgery. The manner in which these are applied take into account patient factors (i.e. age, co-morbidities, mode of presentation), AVM factors (size, location, Spetzler-Martin grade), and available expertise.
The genetics of cancer
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

An overview of the multiple genetic and and environmental factors which contribute to the aetiology of malignancy.
Principles of radiation oncology
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

This chapter examines the principles of the surgical management of cancer including both curative and palliative resections, and the role of surgery in metastatic disease.
Late effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

An introduction to the theory of palliative care, followed by a practical step-by-step guide to the management of physical and psychological symptoms, including advice on appropriate prescribing in this complex group of patients.
Hormone therapy
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

There are growing numbers of long-term survivors of increasingly complex anti-cancer treatments. This chapter summarises some of the complex, often multi-organ, late effects of modern cancer treatments.
Targeted and biological therapies
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Hormone therapy describes the role of hormones in the growth of a variety of cancers, and the therapeutic effects of manipulation of hormone levels in these diseases. Sex hormones stimulate the growth of breast and prostate cancers, many of which respond to surgical removal of the hormone-secreting gonad. Pharmacological measures to deliver hormone therapy in these diseases include luteinising hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists and antagonists, inhibitors of sex hormone synthesis, and inhibitors of hormone-receptor binding. These treatments have established benefits in both in the control of advanced disease and the adjuvant therapy of early-stage disease. The pros and cons of combination hormone therapy are discussed. Resistance to hormone therapy may be primary or acquired, and the likely mechanisms are described.
Cancer prevention
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Introduces the reader to importance of clinical trials in cancer therapy. Describes the phases of development and some of the “traditional” guidelines for such studies. Focuses particularly on early phase trials of novel compounds. Also describes endpoints used in such trials. Section on quality of life which highlights the growing importance of this aspect of trail design and interpretation
Population screening for cancer
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

This chapter addresses aetiological risk factors associated with the development of a range of different tumours, and looks at the roles of diet, chemotherapy, and surgery in preventing the development of cancer.
Anal cancer
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Outlines the symptoms, epidemiology, aetiology, pathology and metastatic patterns of the disease. Guides to diagnosis, staging and planning therapy. Outlines surgical, radiotherapy and chemotherapy options for both early stage and metastatic disease. Describes the more commonly used chemotherapy regimens and the rationale for choice between them. Illustrates some of the controversial aspects of care.
Upper gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Outlines the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology and metastatic patterns of the disease. Guides to symptoms,diagnosis, staging and planning therapy. Outlines surgical, radiotherapy and chemotherapy options for both early stage and metastatic disease.
Genitourinary cancers
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

A concise, up-to-date overview of the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, presentation and multi-disciplinary management of endocrine cancers.
Childhood cancers presenting in adults
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Immunosuppression due to infection with HIV is associated with a unique spectrum of malignancies, some of which are AIDS-defining. This chapter offers an overview of this specialist area, with particular emphasis on aspects more likely to be encountered in the non-specialist setting.
Airway obstruction
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

A practical step-by-step guide to the aetiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigation and appropriate management of common biochemical emergencies in patients with uderlyng malignancies.
Novel therapeutic strategies
Authors: Cassidy Jim , Bissett Donald , Spence OBE Roy A. J. , Payne Miranda , Morris-Stiff Gareth
Published: September 2015

Describes 4 areas of research and development in oncology. Discusses design of clinical trials for chemotherapy agents, newer modalities of radiotherapy including targeted and intra-operative therapy. Explians rationale for combined modality therapy
Whole-genome analysis of genetic recombination of hepatitis delta virus: molecular domain in delta antigen determining trans-activating efficiency
Authors: Chao Mei , Lin Chia-Chi , Lin Feng-Ming , Li Hsin-Pai , Iang Shan-Bei
Published: September 2015

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is the only animal RNA virus that has an unbranched rod-like genome with ribozyme activity and is replicated by host RNA polymerase. HDV RNA recombination was previously demonstrated in patients and in cultured cells by analysis of a region corresponding to the C terminus of the delta antigen (HDAg), the only viral-encoded protein. Here, a whole-genome recombination map of HDV was constructed using an experimental system in which two HDV-1 sequences were co-transfected into cultured cells and the recombinants were analysed by sequencing of cloned reverse transcription-PCR products. Fifty homologous recombinants with 60 crossovers mapping to 22 junctions were identified from 200 analysed clones. Small HDAg chimeras harbouring a junction newly detected in the recombination map were then constructed. The results further indicated that the genome-replication level of HDV was sensitive to the sixth amino acid within the N-terminal 22 aa of HDAg. Therefore, the recombination map established in this study provided a tool for not only understanding HDV RNA recombination, but also elucidating the related mechanisms, such as molecular elements responsible for the trans-activation levels of the small HDAg.
Direct whole-genome deep-sequencing of human respiratory syncytial virus A and B from Vietnamese children identifies distinct patterns of inter- and intra-host evolution
Authors: Do Lien Anh Ha , Wilm Andreas , van Doorn H. Rogier , Lam Ha Minh , Sim Shuzhen , Sukumaran Rashmi , Tran Anh Tuan , Nguyen Bach Hue , Tran Thi Thu Loan , Tran Quynh Huong , Vo Quoc Bao , Dac Nguyen Anh Tran , Trinh Hong Nhien , Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai , Binh Bao Tinh Le , Le Khanh , Nguyen Minh Tien , Thai Quang Tung , Vo Thanh Vu , Ngo Ngoc Quang Minh , Dang Thi Kim Huyen , Cao Ngoc Huong , Tran Thu Van , Ho Lu Viet , Farrar Jeremy , de Jong Menno , Chen Swaine , Nagarajan Niranjan , Bryant Juliet E. , Hibberd Martin L.
Published: September 2015

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children < 2 years of age. Little is known about RSV intra-host genetic diversity over the course of infection or about the immune pressures that drive RSV molecular evolution. We performed whole-genome deep-sequencing on 53 RSV-positive samples (37 RSV subgroup A and 16 RSV subgroup B) collected from the upper airways of hospitalized children in southern Vietnam over two consecutive seasons. RSV A NA1 and RSV B BA9 were the predominant genotypes found in our samples, consistent with other reports on global RSV circulation during the same period. For both RSV A and B, the M gene was the most conserved, confirming its potential as a target for novel therapeutics. The G gene was the most variable and was the only gene under detectable positive selection. Further, positively selected sites in G were found in close proximity to and in some cases overlapped with predicted glycosylation motifs, suggesting that selection on amino acid glycosylation may drive viral genetic diversity. We further identified hotspots and coldspots of intra-host genetic diversity in the RSV genome, some of which may highlight previously unknown regions of functional importance.
Structure of the novel monomeric glyoxalase I fromZea mays
Authors: Turra Gino L. , Agostini Romina B. , Fauguel Carolina M. , Presello Daniel A. , Andreo Carlos S. , González Javier M. , Campos-Bermudez Valeria A.
Published: September 2015

The glyoxalase system is ubiquitous among all forms of life owing to its central role in relieving the cell from the accumulation of methylglyoxal, a toxic metabolic byproduct. In higher plants, this system is upregulated under diverse metabolic stress conditions, such as in the defence response to infection by pathogenic microorganisms. Despite their proven fundamental role in metabolic stresses, plant glyoxalases have been poorly studied. In this work, glyoxalase I fromZea mayshas been characterized both biochemically and structurally, thus reporting the first atomic model of a glyoxalase I available from plants. The results indicate that this enzyme comprises a single polypeptide with two structurally similar domains, giving rise to two lateral concavities, one of which harbours a functional nickel(II)-binding active site. The putative function of the remaining cryptic active site remains to be determined.
In situremoval of carbon contamination from a chromium-coated mirror: ideal optics to suppress higher-order harmonics in the carbonK-edge region
Authors: Toyoshima Akio , Kikuchi Takashi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Mase Kazuhiko , Amemiya Kenta
Published: September 2015

Carbon-free chromium-coated optics are ideal in the carbonK-edge region (280–330 eV) because the reflectivity of first-order light is larger than that of gold-coated optics while the second-order harmonics (560–660 eV) are significantly suppressed by chromiumL-edge and oxygenK-edge absorption. Here, chromium-, gold- and nickel-coated mirrors have been adopted in the vacuum ultraviolet and soft X-ray branch beamline BL-13B at the Photon Factory in Tsukuba, Japan. Carbon contamination on the chromium-coated mirror was almost completely removed by exposure to oxygen at a pressure of 8 × 10−2 Pa for 1 h under irradiation of non-monochromated synchrotron radiation. The pressure in the chamber recovered to the order of 10−7 Pa within a few hours. The reflectivity of the chromium-coated mirror of the second-order harmonics in the carbonK-edge region (560–660 eV) was found to be a factor of 0.1–0.48 smaller than that of the gold-coated mirror.
Crystal structure of 7-isopropyl-1,4a,N-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,4b,5,6,7,8,10,10a-dodecahydrophenanthrene-1-carboxamide
Authors: Liu Li , Yan Xin-Yan , Rao Xiao-Ping
Published: September 2015

In the title compound, C26H37NO, a new derivative of dihydroabietic acid, the two cyclohexene rings adopt half chair conformations, whereas the cyclohexane ring has a chair conformation. Each of the methyl groups is in an axial position with respect to the tricyclic hydrophenanthrene residue. In the crystal packing, methylene-C—H...π(phenyl) interactions lead to supramolecular helical chains along [010]; the amide-H atom does not form a significant intermolecular interaction owing to steric pressure.
Crystal structure of 5-[4-(diethylamino)benzylidene]-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione
Authors: Stepina Egija , Stepanovs Dmitrijs , Mierina Inese , Jure Mara
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C17H21NO4, consists of substituted Meldrum's acid with a [4-(diethylamino)phenyl]methylidene fragment attached to the fifth position. The heterocycle assumes a distorted boat conformation. The planar part of heterocycle is almost coplanar with the benzene ring due to the presence of a long conjugated system in the molecule. This leads to the formation of C—H...O-type intramolecular contacts. As a result of the absence of hydrogen-bond donors in the structure, the crystal packing is controlled by van der Waals forces and weak C—H...O interactions, which associate the molecules into inversion dimers.
Crystal structure of 4′-{[4-(2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridyl-4′-yl)phenyl]ethynyl}biphenyl-4-yl (2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-1-oxyl-3-pyrrolin-3-yl)formate benzene 2.5-solvate
Authors: Meyer Andreas , Schnakenburg Gregor , Schiemann Olav
Published: September 2015

The title compound, C44H35N4O3·2.5C6H6(1), consists of a terpyridine and aN-oxylpyrroline-3-formate group separated by an aromatic spacer,viz.4-(phenylethynyl)-1,1′-biphenyl. It crystallized in the triclinic space groupP-1 with two and a half benzene solvate molecules (one benzene molecule is located about an inversion center), while the dichloromethane solvate (2) of the same molecule [Ackermannet al.(2015).Chem. Commun.51, 5257–5260] crystallized in the tetragonal space groupP42/n, with considerable disorder in the molecule. In (1), the terpyridine (terpy) group assumes an all-transconformation typical for terpyridines. It is essentially planar with the two outer pyridine rings (BandC) inclined to the central pyridine ring (A) by 8.70 (15) and 14.55 (14)°, respectively. The planes of the aromatic spacer (D,EandF) are nearly coplanar with dihedral anglesD/E,D/FandE/Fbeing 3.42 (15), 5.80 (15) and 4.00 (16)°, respectively. It is twisted with respect to the terpy group with, for example, dihedral angleA/Dbeing 24.48 (14)°. The mean plane of theN-oxylpyrroline is almost normal to the biphenyl ringF, making a dihedral angle of 86.57 (16)°, and it is inclined to pyridine ringAby 72.61 (15)°. The intramolecular separation between the O atom of the nitroxyl group and the N atom of the central pyridine ring of the terpyridine group is 25.044 (3) Å. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers stack along thecaxis forming columns. Within and between the columns, the spaces are occupied by benzene molecules. The shortest oxygen–oxygen separation between nitroxyl groups is 4.004 (4) Å. The details of the title compound are compared with those of the dichloromethane solvate (2) and with the structure of a related molecule, 4′-{4-[(2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-N-oxyl-3-pyrrolin-3-yl)ethynyl]phenyl}-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (3), which has an ethynylphenyl spacer [Meyeret al.(2015).Acta Cryst.E71, 870–874].
The changing nature of collective employment relations
Authors: Marginson Paul
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to survey developments in four aspects of collective employment relations (ER) since the mid-1960s: collective representation and organisation; collective bargaining coverage and structure; the collective bargaining agenda; and joint consultation arrangements. It considers the reasons underlying change.

Design/methodology/approach

– A range of published sources are drawn on, including quantitative, survey based and qualitative, case-study and other evidence.

Findings

– The landscape of collective ER has changed markedly over the past half century. Membership of trade unions has fallen from around half of the workforce to one-quarter. Employers who mainly conducted collective bargaining through employers’ associations now negotiate, if at all, on a firm-by-firm basis. Collective bargaining coverage has sharply declined and now only extends to a minority of the private sector workforce. The bargaining agenda has been hollowed out. Joint consultation arrangements too are less widespread than they were around 1980.

Originality/value

– The paper contends that change has been driven by three underlying processes. “Marketization” of collective ER entailing a shift from an industrial or occupational to an enterprise frame of reference. The rise of “micro-corporatism”, reflecting increased emphasis on the common interests of collective actors within an enterprise frame. Finally, the voluntarism, underpinning Britain’s collective ER became more “asymmetric”, with employers’ preferences increasingly predominant.