bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of non‐ablative and ablative fractional laser treatments in a postoperative scar study
Authors: Shin Jung U , Gantsetseg Dorjsuren , Jung Jin Young , Jung Inhee , Shin Sungsik , Lee Ju Hee
Published: November 2014

Background and Objective

Postoperative scarring after thyroidectomy is a problem for both patients and clinicians. Recently, both non‐ablative and ablative fractional laser (NFL and AFL) systems have attracted attention as potential therapies for the revision of thyroidectomy scars. The present split‐scar study was designed to directly compare the efficacy of these two methods for the treatment of post‐thyroidectomy scars.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty females (mean age 42.1 years, range 22–55) with scarring 2–3 months post‐thyroidectomy were enrolled in the study. One half of the scar (chosen at random) was treated with NFL and the other half was treated with AFL. In each case, two treatments were given at 2‐month intervals. Clinical photographs were taken at baseline, before each treatment, and at the final 3‐month evaluation. Independent clinician grading of improvement and patient satisfaction were measured on a quartile scale. Color (erythema and melanin indices) and scar hardness were measured at baseline and at three months post‐treatment with a dermaspectrometer and durometer, respectively.

Results

The mean clinical improvement grades for AFL and NFL were highly similar, 2.45 ± 0.99 and 2.35 ± 0.85, respectively, without statistical significance (P = 0.752). However, NFL treatment resulted in statistically significant changes in erythema and pigmentation (P = 0.035 and P = 0.003, respectively), and skin hardness was significantly reduced after AFL treatment (P = 0.026).

Conclusions

Clinical improvement was not significantly different between the two systems; however, AFL was better at reducing scar hardness whereas NFL was superior for lightening color. These data suggest that a study assessing the feasibility of a combined approach for the revision of post‐thyroidectomy scarring might be warranted. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:741–749, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classification of sodium MRI data of cartilage using machine learning
Authors: Madelin Guillaume , Poidevin Frederick , Makrymallis Antonios , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To assess the possible utility of machine learning for classifying subjects with and subjects without osteoarthritis using sodium magnetic resonance imaging data. Theory: support vector machine, k‐nearest neighbors, naïve Bayes, discriminant analysis, linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, decision tree, and tree bagging were tested.

Methods

Sodium magnetic resonance imaging with and without fluid suppression by inversion recovery was acquired on the knee cartilage of 19 controls and 28 osteoarthritis patients. Sodium concentrations were measured in regions of interests in the knee for both acquisitions. Mean (MEAN) and standard deviation (STD) of these concentrations were measured in each regions of interest, and the minimum, maximum, and mean of these two measurements were calculated over all regions of interests for each subject. The resulting 12 variables per subject were used as predictors for classification.

Results

Either Min [STD] alone, or in combination with Mean [MEAN] or Min [MEAN], all from fluid suppressed data, were the best predictors with an accuracy >74%, mainly with linear logistic regression and linear support vector machine. Other good classifiers include discriminant analysis, linear regression, and naïve Bayes.

Conclusion

Machine learning is a promising technique for classifying osteoarthritis patients and controls from sodium magnetic resonance imaging data. Magn Reson Med 74:1435–1448, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regeneration efficiency of composites containing two‐sized capillaries
Authors: Gumula Teresa , Szatkowski Piotr
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work is to develop a composite material containing a regeneration system and to demonstrate its self‐healing properties. For this purpose, we will study the self‐healing behavior of composites that are fabricated with a regeneration system consisting of two‐sized capillaries filled with epoxy resin and hardener. Composites with restorative systems containing identical microtube diameters can be found in the literature, but until now no comparative studies with multiple diameter structures have been published. We will prove that a regeneration system containing two types of capillaries with diameters of 100 and 50 μm is more efficient (68% recovery of bending strength and Young's modulus after third regeneration) than a regeneration system containing capillaries with the same diameter (44% recovery of bending strength and 44% recovery of Young's modulus after third regeneration). POLYM. COMPOS. 37:1223–1230, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Das Quantengrinsen der Cheshire‐Katze
Authors: Lemmel Hartmut
Published: November 2014

Nach den Gesetzen der Quantenmechanik können sich Teilchen in einer Überlagerung verschiedener Zustände befinden. Daher können sie auch beide Wege eines Interferometers gleichzeitig durchlaufen. Kürzlich gelang es einer Forschergruppe sogar, Neutronen so zu manipulieren, dass sie selbst den einen Weg und ihr magnetisches Moment den anderen Weg nahmen.
One‐sided Control Charts Based on Precedence and Weighted Precedence Statistics
Authors: Balakrishnan N. , Paroissin C. , Turlot J.‐C.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we study one‐sided control charts based on precedence statistics. Because we focus on the problem of detecting ‘smaller’ lifetime than expected, we consider only one‐sided control charts that have not received much attention in the literature. Alarm rate and average run length are derived when the process is in control and also when the process is out of control for two Lehmann alternatives. On the basis of the alarm rate and average run length, we propose suitable randomized procedures to determine the best precedence control chart. Control charts based on weighted precedence statistics are then studied. The charts developed here are illustrated with coal mining disasters data. Finally, a comparison of the performance of these two charts is made with that of a Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney control chart and a cumulative sum chart based on the precedence statistic, and some conclusions are drawn. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intention‐to‐treat analysis with treatment discontinuation and missing data in clinical trials
Authors: Little Roderick , Kang Shan
Published: November 2014

Motivated by a recent National Research Council study, we discuss three aspects of the analysis of clinical trials when participants prematurely discontinue treatments. First, we distinguish treatment discontinuation from missing outcome data. Data collection is often stopped after treatment discontinuation, but outcome data could be recorded on individuals after they discontinue treatment, as the National Research Council study recommends. Conversely, outcome data may be missing for individuals who do not discontinue treatment, as when there is loss to follow up or missed clinic visits. Missing outcome data is a standard missing data problem, but treatment discontinuation is better viewed as a form of noncompliance and treated using ideas from the causal literature on noncompliance. Second, the standard intention to treat estimand, the average effect of randomization to treatment, is compared with three alternative estimands for the intention to treat population: the average effect when individuals continue on the assigned treatment after discontinuation, the average effect when individuals take a control treatment after treatment discontinuation, and a summary measure of the effect of treatment prior to discontinuation. We argue that the latter choice of estimand has advantages and should receive more consideration. Third, we consider when follow‐up measures after discontinuation are needed for valid measures of treatment effects. The answer depends on the choice of primary estimand and the plausibility of assumptions needed to address the missing data. Ideas are motivated and illustrated by a reanalysis of a past study of inhaled insulin treatments for diabetes, sponsored by Eli Lilly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A High Energy and Power Li‐Ion Capacitor Based on a TiO2 Nanobelt Array Anode and a Graphene Hydrogel Cathode
Authors: Wang Huanwen , Guan Cao , Wang Xuefeng , Fan Hong Jin
Published: November 2014

A novel hybrid Li‐ion capacitor (LIC) with high energy and power densities is constructed by combining an electrochemical double layer capacitor type cathode (graphene hydrogels) with a Li‐ion battery type anode (TiO2 nanobelt arrays). The high power source is provided by the graphene hydrogel cathode, which has a 3D porous network structure and high electrical conductivity, and the counter anode is made of free‐standing TiO2 nanobelt arrays (NBA) grown directly on Ti foil without any ancillary materials. Such a subtle designed hybrid Li‐ion capacitor allows rapid electron and ion transport in the non‐aqueous electrolyte. Within a voltage range of 0.0−3.8 V, a high energy of 82 Wh kg−1 is achieved at a power density of 570 W kg−1. Even at an 8.4 s charge/discharge rate, an energy density as high as 21 Wh kg−1 can be retained. These results demonstrate that the TiO2 NBA//graphene hydrogel LIC exhibits higher energy density than supercapacitors and better power density than Li‐ion batteries, which makes it a promising electrochemical power source.
Development and characterization of high‐amylose wheat lines
Authors: Rakszegi Marianna , Kisgyörgy Boglárka N. , Kiss Tibor , Sestili Francesco , Láng László , Lafiandra Domenico , Bedő Zoltán
Published: November 2014

A complete SGP null mutant (Sgp‐A1B1D1 null) winter wheat line was crossed with three wheat varieties: ‘Ukrainka’, ‘Lona’ and ‘Solstice’. Three backcrosses (BCs) were carried out and marker assisted selection used to identify lines carrying all the three mutant alleles for each cross. BC3 and BC2xBC2 F3, F4 and F5 lines (2012‐2014) were studied in detail for physical (thousand kernel weight), compositional (protein, gluten, amylose) and starch viscosity properties (rapid visco analyser‐RVA). Ten triple mutant high‐amylose lines (∼40%) were identified among the BC2xBC2 lines, which had high protein content (>14%), low starch content, gluten index, starch viscosity values and thousand kernel weight. Two of these lines had moderately high amylose (∼30%) content, with outstanding gluten quality, but modified starch viscosity properties.
Academic and Social Integration on Campus Among Sexual Minority Students: The Impacts of Psychological and Experiential Campus Climate
Authors: Woodford Michael R. , Kulick Alex
Published: November 2014

A heterosexist campus climate can increase risk for mental health problems for sexual minority students; however, the relationship between campus climate for sexual minorities and academic outcomes remains understudied. Using a sample of sexual minority respondents extracted from a campus climate survey conducted at a large university in the Midwest, we examine relationships between multiple dimensions of psychological and experiential campus climate for sexual minorities with academic integration (academic disengagement, grade‐point average [GPA]) and social integration (institutional satisfaction, acceptance on campus). We also investigate the protective role of engagement with informal academic and peer‐group systems. Findings suggest campus climate affects sexual minority students’ integration. In multivariate analyses, perceptions of whether lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people could be open about their sexual identity was positively associated with acceptance on campus; personal heterosexist harassment was positively associated with academic disengagement and negatively with GPA. Students’ informal academic integration (instructor relations) and informal social integration (LGB friends) demonstrated influential main effects but did not moderate any of the climate‐outcome relationships. Researchers should further explore the relationships between climate and academic outcomes among sexual minority students, both collectively and among specific sub‐groups, and address the role of other protective factors.
Genetics Health Professionals’ Views on Quality of Genetic Counseling Service Provision for Presymptomatic Testing in Late‐Onset Neurological Diseases in Portugal: Core Components, Specific Challenges and the Need for Assessment Tools
Authors: Paneque M. , Mendes Á. , Guimarães L. , Sequeiros J. , Skirton H.
Published: November 2014

Quality assessment of genetic counseling practice for improving healthcare is a challenge for genetic services worldwide; however, there is scarce literature regarding quality issues in genetic counseling in the context of presymptomatic testing for late‐onset neurological diseases (Paneque et al. 2012) The aims of this qualitative study were to: (1) explore the views of professionals’ who provide genetic counseling services for presymptomatic testing for late‐onset neurological diseases regarding relevant quality indicators for counseling practice; and (2) examine current assessment of such counseling practice for Portuguese genetic services. Quality indicators are a means of measuring either the process or outcomes of patient services, with the aim of evaluating and improving quality of care (Mainz 2003). In this study, we defined quality indicators as measurable outcomes of the counseling process that may reflect good professional practice and desirable end‐term effects. We undertook interviews with 18 genetic health professionals (85 % of all genetic counseling professionals involved) from the major genetic services in Portugal. Results indicate that professionals valued some core components of genetic counseling, including providing information and decision‐making support, informing the consultand about the genetic counseling protocol, as well as exploring motivations, expectations for test results, consequent anticipated life changes, psychosocial adjustment, and personal and familial experience with the disease. Professionals were not, however, able to clearly elucidate quality indicators for effective practice and some reported they had not reflected on that topic before. Professionals also reported specific challenges in their practice, such as ambiguity of the health/illness status and affirming consultands’ autonomy. Results of the study have revealed a lack of knowledge about quality indicators and tools to assess counseling practice. A credible set of quality indicators for presymptomatic testing is required as a foundation for the development of specific tools.
Pollicization of the Index Finger for Radial Hypoplasia
Authors: Eccles Christian , Dunn John , Kozin Scott , Pirela-Cruz Miguel
Published: November 2014

Background

Associated with anomalies such as VACTERL and Fanconi anemia, congenital hypoplasia of the thumb has a strong association with radial hypoplasia. The majority of patients have bilateral thumb underdevelopment, and those that have a unilateral deformity tend to have the right hand more commonly affected. In order to gain an opposable thumb, patients with a deficient carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, a floating thumb, or complete absence of the thumb can benefit with a thumb amputation and a translocation of the index finger (pollicization) to the thumb position. This video demonstrates the technical steps involved in performing a pollicization procedure in a patient with radial hypoplasia. The video is available electronically.

Methods

All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2008 (5). Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the video. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Results

Pollicization allows for improved functional results in patients with radial hypoplasia.

Conclusions

This video has reviewed the essential steps in performing a pollicization procedure in patients with radial hypoplasia.
Language Barriers in Hispanic Patients: Relation to Upper-Extremity Disability
Authors: Menendez Mariano E. , Eberlin Kyle R. , Mudgal Chaitanya S. , Ring David
Published: November 2014

Background

Although upper-extremity disability has been shown to correlate highly with various psychosocial aspects of illness (e.g., self-efficacy, depression, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing), the role of language in musculoskeletal health status is less certain. In an English-speaking outpatient hand surgery office setting, we sought to determine (1) whether a patient's primary native language (English or Spanish) is an independent predictor of upper-extremity disability and (2) whether there are any differences in the contribution of measures of psychological distress to disability between native English- and Spanish-speaking patients.

Methods

A total of 122 patients (61 native English speakers and 61 Spanish speakers) presenting to an orthopaedic hand clinic completed sociodemographic information and three Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-based computerized adaptive testing questionnaires: PROMIS Pain Interference, PROMIS Depression, and PROMIS Upper-Extremity Physical Function. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression modeling were performed.

Results

Spanish-speaking patients reported greater upper-extremity disability, pain interference, and symptoms of depression than English-speaking patients. After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates and measures of psychological distress using multivariable regression modeling, the patient's primary language was not retained as an independent predictor of disability. PROMIS Depression showed a medium correlation ( r=–0.35; p<0.001) with disability in English-speaking patients, while the correlation was large ( r=–0.52; p<0.001) in Spanish-speaking patients. PROMIS Pain Interference had a large correlation with disability in both patient cohorts (Spanish-speaking: r=–0.66; p<0.001; English-speaking: r=–0.77; p<0.001). The length of time since immigration to the USA did not correlate with disability among Spanish speakers.

Conclusion

Primary language has less influence on symptom intensity and magnitude of disability than psychological distress and ineffective coping strategies. Interventions to optimize mood and to reduce pain interference should be considered in patients of all nationalities. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic II.
Primary adrenal lymphoma: three case reports and review of Japanese cases
Authors: Nakazawa Shigeaki , Uemura Motohide , Ujike Takeshi , Fujita Kazutoshi , Takao Tetsuya , Miyagawa Yasushi , Nonomura Norio
Published: November 2014

Although primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is thought to be extremely rare, its prognosis is much worse than that of other extranodal malignant lymphomas. There are so far about 130 reported cases in the English literature, while 186 cases have been reported in the Japanese literature. Thus, the incidence of PAL in the Japanese population may be higher than in other races. The typical characteristics of PAL in Japanese patients are similar to those previously reported in Western literature: it predominantly occurs in male and elderly patients and involves bilateral involvement of the adrenal glands, which frequently leads to adrenal insufficiency. Here, we review three recent cases of PAL at our hospital, and analyze data from our institution regarding patients with PAL from 2002 to 2014. On biochemical analysis, median levels of sIL2R (5027.5 U/mL) and LDH (1111.46 U/L) were elevated in Japanese PAL patients compared to other adrenal tumors. It is critical that clinicians be familiar with the traits of PAL, especially for its differential diagnosis from adrenal large tumors.
Exon expression QTL (eeQTL) analysis highlights distant genomic variations associated with splicing regulation
Authors: Guan Leying , Yang Qian , Gu Mengting , Chen Liang , Zhang Xuegong
Published: November 2014

Alternative splicing is a ubiquitous mechanism of post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression and produces multiple isoforms from the same genes. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) has been a major method for finding associations between gene expression and genomic variations. Differences in alternative splicing isoforms are resulted from differences in the expression of exons. We propose to use exon expression QTL (eeQTL) to study the genomic variations that are associated with splicing regulation. A stringent criterion was adopted to study gene‐level eQTLs and exon‐level eeQTLs for both cis‐ and trans‐ factors. From experiments on an RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) data set of HapMap samples, we observed that compared with eQTLs, more eeQTL trans‐factors can be found than cis‐factors, and many of the eeQTLs cannot be found at the gene level. This work highlights that the regulation of exons adds another layer of regulation on gene expression, and that eeQTL analysis is a new approach for investigating genome‐wide genomic variations that are involved in the regulation of alternative splicing.
Cognition, structural brain changes and complicated grief. A population-based study
Authors: Saavedra Pérez H. C. , Ikram M. A. , Direk N. , Prigerson H. G. , Freak-Poli R. , Verhaaren B. F. J. , Hofman A. , Vernooij M. , Tiemeier H.
Published: November 2014

Background

Several psychosocial risk factors for complicated grief have been described. However, the association of complicated grief with cognitive and biological risk factors is unclear. The present study examined whether complicated grief and normal grief are related to cognitive performance or structural brain volumes in a large population-based study.

Method

The present research comprised cross-sectional analyses embedded in the Rotterdam Study. The study included 5501 non-demented persons. Participants were classified as experiencing no grief (n= 4731), normal grief (n= 615) or complicated grief (n= 155) as assessed with the Inventory of Complicated Grief. All persons underwent cognitive testing (Mini-Mental State Examination, Letter–Digit Substitution Test, Stroop Test, Word Fluency Task, word learning test – immediate and delayed recall), and magnetic resonance imaging to measure general brain parameters (white matter, gray matter), and white matter lesions. Total brain volume was defined as the sum of gray matter plus normal white matter and white matter lesion volume. Persons with depressive disorders were excluded and analyses were adjusted for depressive symptoms.

Results

Compared with no-grief participants, participants with complicated grief had lower scores for the Letter–Digit Substitution Test [Z-score −0.16v.0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.36 to −0.04,p= 0.01] and Word Fluency Task (Z-score −0.15v.0.03, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.02,p= 0.02) and smaller total volumes of brain matter (933.53 mlv.952.42 ml, 95% CI −37.6 to −0.10,p= 0.04).

Conclusions

Participants with complicated grief performed poorly in cognitive tests and had a smaller total brain volume. Although the effect sizes were small, these findings suggest that there may be a neurological correlate of complicated grief, but not of normal grief, in the general population.
Maritime Silk Roads’ Ornament Industries: Socio-political Practices and Cultural Transfers in the South China Sea
Authors: Bellina Bérénice
Published: November 2014

The interlocking of the maritime basin network that took place with the development of the Maritime Silk Roads by the late first millennium bc led to major cultural transfers. This research investigates Southeast Asia's cultural integration and takes into consideration what I call a South China Sea network culture, a result of long-established and extensive connectivity of its populations. The assumption is that this cultural matrix also laid the ground for socio-political practices hypothesized to be at the core of identity building and cultural transfers. These issues are investigated through the technological analysis of hybrid ornament industries in a recently excavated early city-port of the South China Sea which developed with the Maritime Silk Roads that thrived from the fourth to the first centuries bc. This enclosed cosmopolitan settlement hosting populations from various Asian horizons was structured by socio-professional quarters. This node concentrated various craft centres where artisans of different origins made culturally hybrid products with what were then the most advanced technologies. The chronological sequence allows characterization of the evolution of these industries along with the socio-political strategies which they may have served and how otherness was handled in the construction of social identity.
Glycol chitosan nanoparticles as specialized cancer therapeutic vehicles: Sequential delivery of doxorubicin and Bcl-2 siRNA
Authors: Yoon Hong Yeol , Son Sejin , Lee So Jin , You Dong Gil , Yhee Ji Young , Park Jae Hyung , Swierczewska Maggie , Lee Seulki , Kwon Ick Chan , Kim Sun Hwa , Kim Kwangmeyung , Pomper Martin G.
Published: November 2014

Conventional chemotherapy is plagued with adverse side effects because cancer treatments are subject to numerous variations, most predominantly from drug resistance. Accordingly, multiple or multistage chemotherapeutic regimens are often performed, combining two or more drugs with orthogonal and possibly synergistic mechanisms. In this respect, glycol chitosan (GC)-based nanoparticles (CNPs) serve as an effective platform vehicle that can encapsulate both chemotherapeutics and siRNA to achieve maximal efficacy by overcoming resistance. Herein, DOX-encapsulated CNPs (DOX-CNPs) or Bcl-2 siRNA-encapsulated CNPs (siRNA-CNPs) exhibited similar physicochemical properties, including size, surface properties and pH sensitive behavior, regardless of the different physical features of DOX and Bcl-2 siRNA. We confirmed that the CNP platform applied to two different types of drugs results in similar in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetics, enhancing treatment in a dose-dependent fashion.
An electronically enhanced chiral sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy study of lipid-bound cytochrome c
Authors: Nguyen Khoi Tan
Published: November 2014

Electronically enhanced chiral SFG spectroscopy was employed to study the lipid bound cytc in situ. It was directly observed that upon interacting with anionic phospholipids, the amino acid residues around the heme adopted the β-sheet conformation. In addition, the orientation of this newly formed β-sheet structure was found to be sensitive to the bulk pH.
“AND” logic gate regulated pH and reduction dual-responsive prodrug nanoparticles for efficient intracellular anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Bai Lan , Wang Xiao-hui , Song Fei , Wang Xiu-li , Wang Yu-zhong
Published: November 2014

A copper ion-based core-cross-linking strategy is used to develop an AND logic gate regulated pH-/reduction-responsive antitumor drug delivery system.
Supramolecular assemblies of novel aminonucleoside phospholipids and their bonding to nucleic acids
Authors: Pan Delin , Sun Jing , Jin Hongwei , Li Yating , Li Liyu , Wu Yun , Zhang Lihe , Yang Zhenjun
Published: November 2014

A novel class of aminonucleoside phospholipids has been developed for potential use as non-viral vectors for gene delivery.
Rim-functionalized cryptophane-111 derivatives via heterocapping, and their xenon complexes
Authors: Joseph Akil I. , El-Ayle Gracia , Boutin Céline , Léonce Estelle , Berthault Patrick , Holman K. Travis
Published: November 2014

Rim-functionalization of cryptophane-111 narrows the achievable conformational range of the cage, resulting in unprecedentedly crowded Xe@cryptophane complexes.
Can metal-free silicon-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and nanotubes exhibit activity toward CO oxidation?
Authors: Lin Sen , Ye Xinxin , Huang Jing
Published: November 2014

Si-doped hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets and nanotubes have been investigated by first-principle methods.
Production of alcohols via hydroformylation
Authors: Torres Galina Morales , Frauenlob Robin , Franke Robert , Börner Armin
Published: November 2014

The numerous approaches for the catalytic synthesis of alkyl alcohols using an intermediate hydroformylation step are reviewed.
Tuning the luminescence behaviors of a chloroplatinum(ii) complex by component exchanges of dynamic acylhydrazone bonds
Authors: Liang Jianjun , Huang Huanting , He Lipeng , Liu Nijuan , Chen Yanhuan , Bu Weifeng
Published: November 2014

The exchange reactions of dynamic acylhydrazone bonds with acylhydrazine or aldehyde lead to controllable emissions of a cationic chloroplatinum(ii) complex in water.
Mechanical degradation and stability of organic solar cells: molecular and microstructural determinants
Authors: Savagatrup Suchol , Printz Adam D. , O'Connor Timothy F. , Zaretski Aliaksandr V. , Rodriquez Daniel , Sawyer Eric J. , Rajan Kirtana M. , Acosta Raziel I. , Root Samuel E. , Lipomi Darren J.
Published: November 2014

The mechanical properties of organic semiconductors and the mechanical failure mechanisms of devices play critical roles in the yield of modules in roll-to-roll manufacturing and the operational stability of organic solar cells.
Eco-friendly synthesis of pyridines via rhodium-catalyzed cyclization of diynes with oximes
Authors: Xu Fen , Wang Chunxiang , Wang Haolong , Li Xincheng , Wan Boshun
Published: November 2014

We describe a new route for the synthesis of pyridines via [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of diynes and oximes catalyzed by Rh(NBD)2BF4/MeO-Biphep using ethanol as an alternative reaction medium, affording the desired pyridine derivatives in yields of up to 93%.
Conversion of biomass derived valerolactone into high octane number gasoline with an ionic liquid
Authors: Xin Jiayu , Yan Dongxia , Ayodele Olubunmi , Zhang Zhan , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Suojiang
Published: November 2014

Biomass-derived γ-valerolactone was converted into high octane number gasoline with SiO2/Al2O3 and [CF3CH2OH2][CF3CH2OBF3] as efficient catalysts.
Cyanobacteria as photosynthetic biocatalysts: a systems biology perspective
Authors: Gudmundsson Steinn , Nogales Juan
Published: November 2014

A review of cyanobacterial biocatalysts highlighting their metabolic features that argues for the need for systems-level metabolic engineering.
Confined surface plasmon sensors based on strongly coupled disk-in-volcano arrays
Authors: Ai Bin , Wang Limin , Möhwald Helmuth , Yu Ye , Zhang Gang
Published: November 2014

Disk-in-volcano arrays make sensing processes confined in the cavity of nanovolcanos and greatly enhance the sensitivity due to strong coupling in the nanogaps between the inner wall and nanodisks.
Targeted labeling of an early-stage tumor spheroid in a chorioallantoic membrane model with upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Kai , Holz Jasmin A. , Ding Yadan , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Youlin , Tu Langping , Kong Xianggui , Priem Bram , Nadort Annemarie , Lambrechts Saskia A. G. , Aalders Maurice C. G. , Buma Wybren Jan , Liu Yichun , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2014

In this work target labeling of an early-stage tumor spheroid is realized in a chick embryo CAM model with monoclonal antibody functionalized upconversion NPs.
PEGylation enhances the tumor selectivity of melanoma-targeted conjugates
Authors: André Mathieu , Besse Sophie , Chezal Jean-Michel , Mounetou Emmanuelle
Published: November 2014

Three preselected conjugates of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR) to the ICF01012 melanoma-carrier, PEGylated and non-PEGylated, were radiolabelled with iodine-125, and their in vivo distribution profile was evaluated for potential intratumoural selective delivery.
New synthesis and biological evaluation of uniflorine A derivatives: towards specific insect trehalase inhibitors
Authors: D'Adamio Giampiero , Sgambato Antonella , Forcella Matilde , Caccia Silvia , Parmeggiani Camilla , Casartelli Morena , Parenti Paolo , Bini Davide , Cipolla Laura , Fusi Paola , Cardona Francesca
Published: November 2014

(–)-Uniflorine A and 7-deoxy-uniflorine A are selective inhibitors of insect trehalases from C. riparius and S. littoralis.
Free-standing polyaniline–porous carbon nanofiber electrodes for symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Dirican Mahmut , Yanilmaz Meltem , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: November 2014

Polyaniline–porous carbon nanofiber composites were introduced for use as flexible, binder-less electrodes for high-performance supercapacitors.
Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of crystalline molecular complexes of the {[C5H3(SiMe3)2]3Th}1− anion containing thorium in the formal +2 oxidation state
Authors: Langeslay Ryan R. , Fieser Megan E. , Ziller Joseph W. , Furche Filipp , Evans William J.
Published: November 2014

Structural, spectroscopic, and DFT analysis of the first molecular complexes of Th2+ indicate they have a 6d2 electron configuration of the type expected for the transactinide ions Rf2+ and Db3+.
Cobalt–citrate framework armored with graphene oxide exhibiting improved thermal stability and selectivity for biogas decarburization
Authors: Shen Yangcan , Li Ziyin , Wang Lihua , Ye Yingxiang , Liu Qing , Ma Xiuling , Chen Qianhuo , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang
Published: November 2014

The first example of core–shell MOF–GO composites exhibits significantly improved thermal stability and CO2/CH4 selectivity compared with their parent materials.
Gold nanoparticles as drug carriers: a contribution to the quest for basic principles for monolayer design
Authors: Boccalon Mariangela , Bidoggia Silvia , Romano Francesco , Gualandi Lorenzo , Franchi Paola , Lucarini Marco , Pengo Paolo , Pasquato Lucia
Published: November 2014

Fluorinated monolayers on the surface of gold NPs display enhanced binding affinities for hydrophobic fluorinated compounds with respect to hydrogenated ones.
Fabrication of a nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot from MOF-derived porous carbon and its application for highly selective fluorescence detection of Fe3+
Authors: Xu Hongbo , Zhou Shenghai , Xiao Lili , Wang Huanhuan , Li Shouzhu , Yuan Qunhui
Published: November 2014

A new strategy for in situ formation and separation of fluorescent N-GQDs for Fe3+ sensing was developed, with MOFs as precursors.
Does topological information matter for power grid vulnerability?
Authors: Ouyang Min , Yang Kun
Published: November 2014

Power grids, which are playing an important role in supporting the economy of a region as well as the life of its citizens, could be attacked by terrorists or enemies to damage the region. Depending on different levels of power grid information collected by the terrorists, their attack strategies might be different. This paper groups power grid information into four levels: no information, purely topological information (PTI), topological information with generator and load nodes (GLNI), and full information (including component physical properties and flow parameters information), and then identifies possible attack strategies for each information level. Analyzing and comparing power grid vulnerability under these attack strategies from both terrorists' and utility companies' point of view give rise to an approach to quantify the relative values of these three types of information, including PTI, GLNI, and component parameter information (CPI). This approach can provide information regarding the extent to which topological information matters for power system vulnerability decisions. Taking several test systems as examples, results show that for small attacks with p ≤ 0.1, CPI matters the most; when taking attack cost into consideration and assuming that the terrorists take the optimum cost-efficient attack intensity, then CPI has the largest cost-based information value.
Josephson effect and Andreev reflection in Ba1–xNaxFe2As2 (x = 0.25 and 0.35) point contacts
Authors: Fisun V. V. , Balkashin O. P. , Kvitnitskaya O. E. , Korovkin I. A. , Gamayunova N. V. , Aswartham S. , Wurmehl S. , Naidyuk Yu. G.
Published: November 2014

I(V) characteristics and their first derivatives of ScS and ScN-type (S is superconductor, c is constriction, N is normal metal) point contacts (PCs) based on Ba1–xNaxFe2As2 (x = 0.25 and 0.35) were studied. ScS-type PCs with S = Nb,Ta, and Pb show Josephson-like resistively shunted I(V) curves with microwave induced Shapiro steps which satisfy relation 2 eV = ℏω. The IcRN product (Ic is critical current, RN is normal state PC resistance) in these PCs is found to be up to 1.2 mV. All this data with the observed dependence of the Ic on the microwave power of ScS PCs with Pb counter electrode indicates the presence of the singlet s-wave type pairing in Ba1–xNaxFe2As2. From the dV/dI(V) curves of ScN-type PCs demonstrating Andreev-reflection like features, the superconducting gap Δ ratio 2Δ/kBTc = 3.6 ± 1 for the compound with x = 0.35 was evaluated. Analysis of these dV/dI(V) at high biases V, that is well above Δ, testifies transition to the thermal regime in PCs with a voltage increase.
Frustration phenomena in Josephson point contacts between single-band and three-band superconductors
Authors: Yerin Y. S. , Omelyanchouk A. N.
Published: November 2014

Within the formalizm of Usadel equations the Josephson effect in dirty point contacts between single-band and three-band superconductors is investigated. The general expression for the Josephson current, which is valid for arbitrary temperatures, is obtained. We calculate current-phase relations for very low temperature and in the vicinity of the critical temperature. For three-band superconductors with broken time-reversal symmetry (BTRS) point contacts undergo frustration phenomena with different current-phase relations, corresponding to φ-contacts. For three-band superconductors without BTRS we have close to sinusoidal current-phase relations and absence of the frustration, excepting the case of very low temperature, where under certain conditions two ground states of the point contact are realized. Our results can be used as the potential probe for the detection of the possible BTRS state in three-band superconducting systems.
The significant effect of the thickness of Ni film on the performance of the Ni/Au Ohmic contact to p-GaN
Authors: Li X. J. , Zhao D. G. , Jiang D. S. , Liu Z. S. , Chen P. , Zhu J. J. , Le L. C. , Yang J. , He X. G. , Zhang S. M. , Zhang B. S. , Liu J. P. , Yang H.
Published: November 2014

The significant effect of the thickness of Ni film on the performance of the Ohmic contact of Ni/Au to p-GaN is studied. The Ni/Au metal films with thickness of 15/50 nm on p-GaN led to better electrical characteristics, showing a lower specific contact resistivity after annealing in the presence of oxygen. Both the formation of a NiO layer and the evolution of metal structure on the sample surface and at the interface with p-GaN were checked by transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The experimental results indicate that a too thin Ni film cannot form enough NiO to decrease the barrier height and get Ohmic contact to p-GaN, while a too thick Ni film will transform into too thick NiO cover on the sample surface and thus will also deteriorate the electrical conductivity of sample.
Transfer matrix theory of monolayer graphene/bilayer graphene heterostructure superlattice
Authors: Wang Yu
Published: November 2014

We have formulated a transfer matrix method to investigate electronic properties of graphene heterostructure consisting of monolayer graphene and bilayer counterpart. By evaluating transmission, conductance, and band dispersion, we show that, irrespective of the different carrier chiralities in monolayer graphene and bilayer graphene, superlattice consisting of biased bilayer graphene barrier and monolayer graphene well can mimic the electronic properties of conventional semiconductor superlattice, displaying the extended subbands in the quantum tunneling regime and producing anisotropic minigaps for the classically allowed transport. Due to the lateral confinement, the lowest mode has shifted away from the charge neutral point of monolayer graphene component, opening a sizeable gap in concerned structure. Following the gate-field and geometry modulation, all electronic states and gaps between them can be externally engineered in an electric-controllable strategy.
Crystal orientation mechanism of ZnTe epilayers formed on different orientations of sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Nakasu T. , Yamashita S. , Aiba T. , Hattori S. , Sun W. , Taguri K. , Kazami F. , Kobayashi M.
Published: November 2014

The electrooptic effect in ZnTe has recently attracted research attention, and various device structures using ZnTe have been explored. For application to practical terahertz wave detector devices based on ZnTe thin films, sapphire substrates are preferred because they enable the optical path alignment to be simplified. ZnTe/sapphire heterostructures were focused upon, and ZnTe epilayers were prepared on highly mismatched sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Epitaxial relationships between the ZnTe thin films and the sapphire substrates with their various orientations were investigated using an X-ray diffraction pole figure method. (0001) c-plane, (1-102) r-plane, (1-100) m-plane, and (11-20) a-plane oriented sapphire substrates were used in this study. The epitaxial relationship between ZnTe and c-plane sapphire was found to be (111) ZnTe//(0001) sapphire with an in-plane orientation relationship of [−211] ZnTe//[1-100] sapphire. It was found that the (211)-plane ZnTe layer was grown on the m-plane of the sapphire substrates, and the (100)-plane ZnTe layer was grown on the r-plane sapphire. When the sapphire substrates were inclined from the c-plane towards the m-axis direction, the orientation of the ZnTe thin films was then tilted from the (111)-plane to the (211)-plane. The c-plane of the sapphire substrates governs the formation of the (111) ZnTe domain and the ZnTe epilayer orientation. These crystallographic features were also related to the atom arrangements of ZnTe and sapphire.
The influence of Se pressure on the electronic properties of CuInSe2 grown under Cu-excess
Authors: Deprédurand Valérie , Bertram Tobias , Regesch David , Henx Benjamin , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: November 2014

Standard Cu-poor Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell absorbers are usually prepared under high Se excess since the electronic properties of the absorbers are better if prepared under high Se pressure. However, in CuInSe2, grown under Cu-excess, it was found that solar cell properties improve with lowering the Se pressure, mostly because of reduced tunnel contribution to the recombination path. Lower Se pressure during Cu-rich growth leads to increased (112) texture of the absorber films, to better optical film quality, as seen by increased excitonic luminescence and to lower net doping levels, which explains the reduced tunnelling effect. These findings show an opposite trend from the one observed in Cu-poor Cu(In,Ga)Se2.
Size-tunable strain engineering in Ge nanocrystals embedded within SiO2 and Si3N4
Authors: Liao P. H. , Hsu T. C. , Chen K. H. , Cheng T. H. , Hsu T. M. , Wang C. C. , George T. , Li P. W.
Published: November 2014

We report a unique ability to control the sign and size of the stress within Ge nanocrystals or nanodots fabricated using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor-compatible process within SiO2 and Si3N4 layers. Very large (as much as 4.5%), size-dependent compressive and tensile strains can be generated depending on whether the dot is embedded within either a Si3N4 or a SiO2 layer. Raman measurements reveal significant anharmonicity for smaller Ge dots and possible distortions of the diamond cubic lattice as evidenced by the measured Grünesien parameters and confirmed by their transmission electron diffraction patterns. Two completely different mechanisms are proposed to explain the formation of the tensile and compressive strain states, respectively.
Magnetic vortex observation in FeCo nanowires by quantitative magnetic force microscopy
Authors: Vock S. , Hengst C. , Wolf M. , Tschulik K. , Uhlemann M. , Sasvári Z. , Makarov D. , Schmidt O. G. , Schultz L. , Neu V.
Published: November 2014

An approach is presented that allows quantifying the three dimensional magnetization pattern of a magnetic nanoobject from measured two dimensional Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) data. This is based on a MFM deconvolution approach, which quantitatively determines the effective surface charges, on a micromagnetic calculation of the total magnetic charges at and below the sample surface, and on a projection of the lower lying charges onto the sample surface for a comparison of the such obtained effective surface charges with the experimentally determined ones. Thus, by making use of the depth sensitivity of MFM and by applying a quantitative contrast analysis, we are able to reconstruct the inhomogeneous magnetization state at the end of individual cylindrical Fe52Co48 nanowires arranged in a triangular array. As a result, we prove the existence of a magnetic vortex state at their ends.
Frequency stabilization of the zero-phonon line of a quantum dot via phonon-assisted active feedback
Authors: Hansom Jack , Schulte Carsten H. H. , Matthiesen Clemens , Stanley Megan J. , Atatüre Mete
Published: November 2014

We report on the feedback stabilization of the zero-phonon emission frequency of a single InAs quantum dot. The spectral separation of the phonon-assisted component of the resonance fluorescence provides a probe of the detuning between the zero-phonon transition and the resonant driving laser. Using this probe in combination with active feedback, we stabilize the zero-phonon transition frequency against environmental fluctuations. This protocol reduces the zero-phonon fluorescence intensity noise by a factor of 22 by correcting for environmental noise with a bandwidth of 191 Hz, limited by the experimental collection efficiency. The associated sub-Hz fluctuations in the zero-phonon central frequency are reduced by a factor of 7. This technique provides a means of stabilizing the quantum dot emission frequency without requiring access to the zero-phonon emission.
Effect of carrier recombination on ultrafast carrier dynamics in thin films of the topological insulator Bi2Se3
Authors: Glinka Yuri D. , Babakiray Sercan , Johnson Trent A. , Holcomb Mikel B. , Lederman David
Published: November 2014

Transient reflectivity (TR) from thin films (6–40 nm thick) of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 revealed ultrafast carrier dynamics, which suggest the existence of both radiative and non-radiative recombination between electrons residing in the upper cone of initially unoccupied high energy Dirac surface states (SS) and holes residing in the lower cone of occupied low energy Dirac SS. The modeling of measured TR traces allowed us to conclude that recombination is induced by the depletion of bulk electrons in films below ∼20 nm thick due to the charge captured on the surface defects. We predict that such recombination processes can be observed using time-resolved photoluminescence techniques.
Beware the tail that wags the dog: informal and formal models in biology
Authors: Gunawardena Jeremy
Published: November 2014

Informal models have always been used in biology to guide thinking and devise experiments. In recent years, formal mathematical models have also been widely introduced. It is sometimes suggested that formal models are inherently superior to informal ones and that biology should develop along the lines of physics or economics by replacing the latter with the former. Here I suggest to the contrary that progress in biology requires a better integration of the formal with the informal.