bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat stability and acid gelation properties of calcium-enriched reconstituted skim milk affected by ultrasonication
Authors: Chandrapala Jayani , Bui Don , Kentish Sandra , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: April 2014

The aggregation of proteins after heating of calcium-fortified milks has been an ongoing problem in the dairy industry. This undesirable effect restricts the manufacture of calcium rich dairy products. To overcome this problem, a completely new approach in controlling the heat stability of dairy protein solutions, developed in our lab, has been employed. In this approach, high intensity, low frequency ultrasound is applied for a very short duration after a pre-heating step at ⩾70 °C. The ultrasound breaks apart whey/whey and whey/casein aggregates through the process of acoustic cavitation. Protein aggregates do not reform on subsequent post-heating, thereby making the systems heat stable. In this paper, the acid gelation properties of ultrasonicated calcium-enriched skim milks have also been investigated. It is shown that ultrasonication alone does not change the gelation properties significantly whereas a sequence of preheating (72 °C/1 min) followed by ultrasonication leads to decreased gelation times, decreased gel syneresis and increased skim milk viscosity in comparison to heating alone. Overall, ultrasonication has the potential to provide calcium-fortified dairy products with increased heat stability. However, enhanced gelation properties can only be achieved when ultrasonication is completed in conjunction with heating.
Growth and hatching of annular seabream, Diplodus annularis, from Turkey determined from otolith microstructure
Authors: Ayyildiz Hakan , Ozen Ozcan , Altin Aytac
Published: April 2014

Otolith microstructure analysis was used to determine daily growth rate and hatching periods of young of the year (YOY) annular seabream, Diplodus annularis, collected by using beach seine from Çanakkale shallow waters between January and December 2007. Total length of the YOY D. annularis was between 20 and 85 mm and the daily ages ranged between 27 and 205 d. Somatic growth rate, estimated by fitting a linear regression to the age–length data set, was calculated as 0.369 mm d−1. Seasonal changes in the growth rate of the YOY D. annularis have been found to be 0.381, 0.369, 0.357 and 0.308 mm d−1 for individuals that hatched in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Analysis of covariance indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the growth rates between the seasons. Hatching period of the YOY D. annularis was estimated to occur between March and September, with relatively higher hatching frequency in June.
Visual-somatosensory integration in aging: Does stimulus location really matter?
Authors: MAHONEY JEANNETTE R. , WANG CUILING , DUMAS KRISTINA , HOLTZER ROEE
Published: April 2014

Individuals are constantly bombarded by sensory stimuli across multiple modalities that must be integrated efficiently. Multisensory integration (MSI) is said to be governed by stimulus properties including space, time, and magnitude. While there is a paucity of research detailing MSI in aging, we have demonstrated that older adults reveal the greatest reaction time (RT) benefit when presented with simultaneous visual-somatosensory (VS) stimuli. To our knowledge, the differential RT benefit of visual and somatosensory stimuli presented within and across spatial hemifields has not been investigated in aging. Eighteen older adults (Mean = 74 years; 11 female), who were determined to be non-demented and without medical or psychiatric conditions that may affect their performance, participated in this study. Participants received eight randomly presented stimulus conditions (four unisensory and four multisensory) and were instructed to make speeded foot-pedal responses as soon as they detected any stimulation, regardless of stimulus type and location of unisensory inputs. Results from a linear mixed effect model, adjusted for speed of processing and other covariates, revealed that RTs to all multisensory pairings were significantly faster than those elicited to averaged constituent unisensory conditions (p< 0.01). Similarly, race model violation did not differ based on unisensory spatial location (p= 0.41). In summary, older adults demonstrate significantVSmultisensory RT effects to stimuli both within and across spatial hemifields.
Description of the ontogenic and larval period of discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
Authors: Mattos Douglas da Cruz , Cardoso Leonardo Demier , Fosse Paulo José , Radael Marcella Costa , Filho João Carlos Fosse , Manhães João Vitor de Azevedo , de Andrade Dalcio Ricardo , Vidal Manuel Vazquez
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to describe the embryonic and larval development of discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus), and to determine the time required, hours post fertilization (hpf), for the emergence of various structures. To describe embryonic and larval stages, observations were made at regular periods under an optical microscope and images were taken with a digital camera attached to a microscope. The average temperature reached in the experimental tank was 27.9°C. Important facts in embryonic and larval development are described, such as the closure of the blastopore, which occurred at 31.5 hpf; a period of eruption, which occurred at 58.5 hpf; and a mouth opening, which occurred at 90.5 hpf; and larvae that exhibited oriented swimming and eating exogenous food at 136.5 hpf.
Successful slide tracheoplasty and partial atrioventricular septal defect repair following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support
Authors: Kelleher Eoin M. , Nolke Lars , McMahon Colin J.
Published: April 2014

A two-year-old boy with a background history of Down syndrome and partial atrioventricular septal defect presented with acute respiratory distress requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. He continued to deteriorate, despite ventilation; direct laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and computed tomography demonstrated severe long segment tracheal stenosis. He was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to stabilise his condition. A slide tracheoplasty and complete repair of the partial atrioventricular septal defect was successfully undertaken. His post-operative recovery was complicated by myocardial infarction and stroke but he made a full recovery. This represents the first report of slide tracheoplasty and partial atrioventricular septal defect repair in a child following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.
Clozapine: an effective treatment for seriously violent and psychopathic men with antisocial personality disorder in a UK high-security hospital
Authors: Brown Darcy , Larkin Fintan , Sengupta Samrat , Romero-Ureclay Jose L. , Ross Callum C. , Gupta Nitin , Vinestock Morris , Das Mrigendra
Published: April 2014

Objective

A number of studies have demonstrated the anti-aggressive properties of clozapine in schizophrenia and its positive effect in borderline personality disorder. There is no published literature on the treatment of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with clozapine. We present a case series of 7 patients with primary ASPD and high psychopathic traits treated with clozapine, having a significant history of serious violence and currently detained in a UK based high-security hospital.

Methods

A retrospective review of case notes was carried out to formulate Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores and record incidents of violence and aggression. Effect on specific symptom domains (cognitive-perceptual, impulsive-behavioural dyscontrol, affective dysregulation) was also noted. Metabolic parameters and serum clozapine levels were also sampled.

Results

All 7 patients showed significant improvement on clozapine. It was shown to benefit all symptom domains, especially impulsive behavioral dyscontrol and anger. The number of violent incidents committed by 6 of the 7 patients reduced significantly, and all patients’ risk of violence reduced. Clozapine serum levels for 6 of the 7 patients were in the range 150–350 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Clozapine is of benefit in reducing the clinical severity of ASPD. It improved all symptom domains, especially impulsive-behavioral dyscontrol and anger, and reduced levels of aggression and violence, especially at lower doses (serum levels <350 ng/m). To our knowledge, this is the first account of clozapine treatment in patients with ASPD and high psychopathy.
The Monastic Guidelines (bCa’ yig) by Sidkeong Tulku: Monasteries, Sex and Reform in Sikkim
Authors: JANSEN BERTHE
Published: April 2014

Sidkeong Namgyal Tulku was a colourful figure in the history of Sikkim. This crown prince was an incarnated lama as well as a student at Oxford, and a member of the Royal Asiatic Society. This article considers the various roles of Sidkeong Tulku in the light of a Tibetan work by his hand, which has been previously not connected to his person. Written in 1909, it consists of ‘monastic guidelines’ (bCa’ yig) which are a clear witness to the time and circumstances they were written in. This traditionally framed work, authored by a supposed Buddhist modernist, addresses the education of monks, monastic economy, sex, and preaching to the laity. These guidelines shed light on the changing status of the monastery in Sikkim, in the midst of reforms and threats to Sikkimese sovereignty. In this article I examine the contents of these guidelines in the context of its author's eventful but short life, against the political, religious and social backdrop of a Buddhist kingdom in turmoil.
Parental and self-reported dietary and physical activity habits in pre-school children and their socio-economic determinants
Authors: Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Santos-Beneit Gloria , Pocock Stuart , Redondo Juliana , Fuster Valentín , Peñalvo José L
Published: April 2014

Objective

To assess the agreement between self-reported and parent-reported dietary and physical activity habits in children; and to evaluate the socio-economic determinants of healthier habits (Mediterranean diet and physical activity) among children.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of children recruited to a cluster-randomized controlled trial (Program SI!). Information about children’s and parents’ dietary and physical activity habits was obtained through validated questionnaires (Program SI! questionnaires, Kidmed, Krece Plus and Predimed scores).

Setting

Twenty-four schools in Madrid, Spain.

Subjects

Children (n 2062) aged 3–5 years and their parents (n 1949).

Results

There was positive agreement between parental- and self-reporting for three of the six children’s habits examined. Parents’ dietary and physical activity patterns were associated with those of their children. The main determinants of higher scores in children were higher parental age, the mother’s scores, Spanish origin and higher awareness of human health (P<0·005). Children from parents with a low educational level had lower odds for scoring positively on items such as using olive oil (OR=0·23; 95 % CI 0·13, 0·41) and not skipping breakfast (OR=0·36; 95 % CI 0·23, 0·55), but higher odds for meeting the recommendations for consuming pulses (OR=1·71; 95 % CI 1·14, 2·55). Other habits being influenced by parental socio-economic status included the consumption of vegetables, fish, nuts, avoidance of fast food, and consumption of bakery products for breakfast.

Conclusions

Children’s habits may be influenced by their parents’ health awareness and other socio-economic characteristics. These findings suggest that intervention strategies, even in very young children, should also target parents in order to achieve maximum success.
Structural and Chemical Evolution of the Spontaneous Core-Shell Structures of AlxGa1-xN/GaN Nanowires
Authors: Fath Allah Rabie , Ben Teresa , González David
Published: April 2014

A study by electron microscopy techniques of the structural and compositional properties of AlxGa1-xN/GaN nanowire (NW) heterostructures on Si(111) is presented. AlxGa1-xN depositions grown without catalyst by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy were designed to form NWs in the range of 0.20<x<0.40 with different lengths and growth temperatures. The NWs exhibit a well-defined core-shell radial structure with a complex chemical distribution along and across the growth direction that finally affects the NW morphology. All the wires have an initial stage with a maximum Al content in the core slightly above the GaN/AlxGa1-xN interface, which initially decreases exponentially with the NW height depending on the nominal Al content and the growth temperature. In longer NWs, this trend changes and evolves increasing both the Al/Ga ratio and the core diameter as well as sharpening the shell. Adatom surface kinetic differences and the geometrical shadow effect during the growth are the probable drivers of this behavior.
Diversity of environmental single-stranded DNA phages revealed by PCR amplification of the partial major capsid protein
Authors: Hopkins Max , Kailasan Shweta , Cohen Allison , Roux Simon , Tucker Kimberly Pause , Shevenell Amelia , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , Breitbart Mya
Published: April 2014

The small single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) bacteriophages of the subfamily Gokushovirinae were traditionally perceived as narrowly targeted, niche-specific viruses infecting obligate parasitic bacteria, such as Chlamydia. The advent of metagenomics revealed gokushoviruses to be widespread in global environmental samples. This study expands knowledge of gokushovirus diversity in the environment by developing a degenerate PCR assay to amplify a portion of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene of gokushoviruses. Over 500 amplicons were sequenced from 10 environmental samples (sediments, sewage, seawater and freshwater), revealing the ubiquity and high diversity of this understudied phage group. Residue-level conservation data generated from multiple alignments was combined with a predicted 3D structure, revealing a tendency for structurally internal residues to be more highly conserved than surface-presenting protein–protein or viral–host interaction domains. Aggregating this data set into a phylogenetic framework, many gokushovirus MCP clades contained samples from multiple environments, although distinct clades dominated the different samples. Antarctic sediment samples contained the most diverse gokushovirus communities, whereas freshwater springs from Florida were the least diverse. Whether the observed diversity is being driven by environmental factors or host-binding interactions remains an open question. The high environmental diversity of this previously overlooked ssDNA viral group necessitates further research elucidating their natural hosts and exploring their ecological roles.
Habitat stress initiates changes in composition, CO2 gas exchange and C-allocation as life traits in biological soil crusts
Authors: Colesie Claudia , Allan Green T G , Haferkamp Ilka , Büdel Burkhard
Published: April 2014

Biological soil crusts (BSC) are the dominant functional vegetation unit in some of the harshest habitats in the world. We assessed BSC response to stress through changes in biotic composition, CO2 gas exchange and carbon allocation in three lichen-dominated BSC from habitats with different stress levels, two more extreme sites in Antarctica and one moderate site in Germany. Maximal net photosynthesis (NP) was identical, whereas the water content to achieve maximal NP was substantially lower in the Antarctic sites, this apparently being achieved by changes in biomass allocation. Optimal NP temperatures reflected local climate. The Antarctic BSC allocated fixed carbon (tracked using 14CO2) mostly to the alcohol soluble pool (low-molecular weight sugars, sugar alcohols), which has an important role in desiccation and freezing resistance and antioxidant protection. In contrast, BSC at the moderate site showed greater carbon allocation into the polysaccharide pool, indicating a tendency towards growth. The results indicate that the BSC of the more stressed Antarctic sites emphasise survival rather than growth. Changes in BSC are adaptive and at multiple levels and we identify benefits and risks attached to changing life traits, as well as describing the ecophysiological mechanisms that underlie them.
Global link between deformation and volcanic eruption quantified by satellite imagery
Authors: Biggs J. , Ebmeier S. K. , Aspinall W. P. , Lu Z. , Pritchard M. E. , Sparks R. S. J. , Mather T. A.
Published: April 2014

A key challenge for volcanological science and hazard management is that few of the world’s volcanoes are effectively monitored. Satellite imagery covers volcanoes globally throughout their eruptive cycles, independent of ground-based monitoring, providing a multidecadal archive suitable for probabilistic analysis linking deformation with eruption. Here we show that, of the 198 volcanoes systematically observed for the past 18 years, 54 deformed, of which 25 also erupted. For assessing eruption potential, this high proportion of deforming volcanoes that also erupted (46%), together with the proportion of non-deforming volcanoes that did not erupt (94%), jointly represent indicators with ‘strong’ evidential worth. Using a larger catalogue of 540 volcanoes observed for 3 years, we demonstrate how this eruption–deformation relationship is influenced by tectonic, petrological and volcanic factors. Satellite technology is rapidly evolving and routine monitoring of the deformation status of all volcanoes from space is anticipated, meaning probabilistic approaches will increasingly inform hazard decisions and strategic development.
Porphyrin–phospholipid liposomes permeabilized by near-infrared light
Authors: Carter Kevin A. , Shao Shuai , Hoopes Matthew I. , Luo Dandan , Ahsan Bilal , Grigoryants Vladimir M. , Song Wentao , Huang Haoyuan , Zhang Guojian , Pandey Ravindra K. , Geng Jumin , Pfeifer Blaine A. , Scholes Charles P. , Ortega Joaquin , Karttunen Mikko , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: April 2014

The delivery of therapeutic compounds to target tissues is a central challenge in treating disease. Externally controlled drug release systems hold potential to selectively enhance localized delivery. Here we describe liposomes doped with porphyrin–phospholipid that are permeabilized directly by near-infrared light. Molecular dynamics simulations identified a novel light-absorbing monomer esterified from clinically approved components predicted and experimentally demonstrated to give rise to a more stable porphyrin bilayer. Light-induced membrane permeabilization is enabled with liposomal inclusion of 10 molar % porphyrin–phospholipid and occurs in the absence of bulk or nanoscale heating. Liposomes reseal following laser exposure and permeability is modulated by varying porphyrin–phospholipid doping, irradiation intensity or irradiation duration. Porphyrin–phospholipid liposomes demonstrate spatial control of release of entrapped gentamicin and temporal control of release of entrapped fluorophores following intratumoral injection. Following systemic administration, laser irradiation enhances deposition of actively loaded doxorubicin in mouse xenografts, enabling an effective single-treatment antitumour therapy.
Practical measures for reducing the risk of environmental contamination in shale energy production
Authors: Ziemkiewicz Paul , Quaranta John D. , McCawley Michael
Published: April 2014

Recommended practices to reduce environmental and human health risk during shale gas development.
Morphological and structural evolution from akaganeite to hematite of nanorods monitored by ex situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: Xavier Allan Moreira , Ferreira Fabio Furlan , Souza Flavio Leandro
Published: April 2014

(Right) A quasi-crystal hematite nanorod illustrates a low concentration of defects favoring the electronic charge transfer through the nanorod, while a polycrystalline hematite nanorod shows a weak ferromagnetic behavior important for medical applications (Left).
1-Aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines as potential antimalarials: synthesis, in vitro antiplasmodial activity and in silico pharmacokinetics evaluation
Authors: Hanna Joelle Ngo , Ntie-Kang Fidele , Kaiser Marcel , Brun Reto , Efange Simon M. N.
Published: April 2014

In the present study, twenty-one 1-aryl-6-hydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) analogues were synthesized by base-catalyzed Pictet–Spengler reaction, and testedin vitroagainstP. falciparumusing the [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation assay.
Perylene derivative-bridged Au–graphene nanohybrid for label-free HpDNA biosensor
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Fenghua , Hu Yuwei , Gan Shiyu , Han Dongxue , Zhang Qixian , Niu Li
Published: April 2014

A novel PDI-bridged Au–graphene nanohybrid was synthesized and used to fabricate a label-free hpDNA biosensor.
A rapid validated HPLC method for determination of sulforaphane and glucoraphanin in broccoli and red cabbage prepared by various cooking techniques
Authors: Celik Hayati , Ariburnu Etil , Baymak Melek Sirin , Yesilada Erdem
Published: April 2014

In this work, the effects of common cooking practices such as boiling, microwaving, steaming, and oven cooking and their influence on the amount and release of glucoraphanin (GCP) and sulforaphane (SFP) in broccoli and red cabbage were investigated using HPLC.
Diffusive fingering in a precipitation reaction driven by autocatalysis
Authors: Tóth-Szeles Eszter , Tóth Ágota , Horváth Dezső
Published: April 2014

The interaction of an autocatalytic reaction with a fast precipitation reaction produces a permanent pattern with precipitate-free zones.
The use of a rigid tritopic phosphonic ligand for the synthesis of a robust honeycomb-like layered zirconium phosphonate framework
Authors: Taddei Marco , Costantino Ferdinando , Vivani Riccardo , Sabatini Stefano , Lim Sang-Ho , Cohen Seth M.
Published: April 2014

1,3,5-Tris(4-phosphonophenyl)benzene was synthesized via a microwave heating assisted route and was subsequently used for the preparation of a new zirconium phosphonate with honeycomb-like structure displaying remarkable thermal stability and hydrolysis resistance.
A unique surface-initiated property of nanoparticles and application for the synthesis of hybrid organic–inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Wang H. W. , Xing Y. F. , Li Y. , Ni D. D. , Wei X. F. , Chen H. H. , Song H. H. , Qi X. W. , Wen X. J.
Published: April 2014

Fe3O4 nanoparticles initiate the polymerization of a vinyl monomer of acrylamide on the surface to form novel organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.
A physical operation of hydrodynamic orientation of an azobenzene supramolecular assembly with light and sound
Authors: Hotta Yasuhisa , Suiko Shunsuke , Motoyanagi Jin , Onishi Hiroshi , Ihozaki Taisuke , Arakawa Ryuichi , Tsuda Akihiko
Published: April 2014

Photoisomerizations of a newly designed azobenzene derivative reversibly change its self-assembly in a solution to form twisted supramolecular nanofibers and amorphous aggregates, respectively, and turns their capability for acoustic alignment on and off.
Solvent-controlled 3D lanthanide–polyoxometalate frameworks: reduction and stabilization of Ag nanocomposites and catalytic properties
Authors: Gao Guang-Gang , Song Chao-Yu , Zong Xi-Ming , Chai Dong-Feng , Liu Hong , Zou Yu-Long , Liu Jian-Xun , Qiu Yun-Feng
Published: April 2014

Solvent-controlled 3D lanthanide–polyoxometalate frameworks could reduce and stabilize the Ag nanocomposites possessing high catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol.
Switching magnetic interactions in the NiFe Prussian Blue Analogue: an ab initio inspection
Authors: Krah Tim , Amor Nadia Ben , Robert Vincent
Published: April 2014

Wave function embedded cluster calculations are performed to stress a cation-coupled electron transfer process in the NiFe Prussian Blue Analogue.
Molecular modeling of membrane tube pearling and the effect of nanoparticle adsorption
Authors: Yue Tongtao , Zhang Xianren , Huang Fang
Published: April 2014

DPD simulations suggest that the membrane tube pearling can be regulated by the inner water pressure and NP adsorption.
Organic nanophotonics: from controllable assembly of functional molecules to low-dimensional materials with desired photonic properties
Authors: Yan Yongli , Zhao Yong Sheng
Published: April 2014

The tutorial review aims to provide an insight into the relationship among opto-functional molecules, controllable assembly, diverse nanostructures and photonic properties, which can further guide the function-oriented design and synthesis of low-dimensional materials for integrated photonic devices.
Layered rare earth hydroxides (LREHs): synthesis and structure characterization towards multifunctionality
Authors: Liang Jianbo , Ma Renzhi , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: April 2014

Layered solids comprising cationic rare earth hydroxide layers have become a new source of multifunctionality.
Benzyl-substituted metallocarbene antibiotics and anticancer drugs
Authors: Hackenberg F. , Tacke M.
Published: April 2014

Benzyl-substituted metallocarbene compounds synthesised by our group and others during the past 5 years give a new perspective on their activity as antibiotic and antitumoral drugs.
Water quality assessment of the Li Canal using a functional fuzzy synthetic evaluation model
Authors: Feng Yan , Ling Liu
Published: April 2014

This study initially establishes a functional fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FFSE) method to make dynamic fuzzy assessment of water quality.
Towards energy neutral wastewater treatment: methodology and state of the art
Authors: Gao Han , Scherson Yaniv D. , Wells George F.
Published: April 2014

An optimal way to maximize energy recovery from wastewater treatment is to separate carbon and nutrient (particular N) removal processes.
Design and synthesis of 3,3′-biscoumarin-based c-Met inhibitors
Authors: Xu Jimin , Ai Jing , Liu Sheng , Peng Xia , Yu Linqian , Geng Meiyu , Nan Fajun
Published: April 2014

A series of 3,3′-biscoumarin analogues were synthesized as non-ATP competitive c-Met inhibitors.
Nano-building block based-hybrid organic–inorganic copolymers with self-healing properties
Authors: Potier F. , Guinault A. , Delalande S. , Sanchez C. , Ribot F. , Rozes L.
Published: April 2014

New dynamic materials, that can repair themselves after strong damage, have been designed by hybridization of polymers with structurally well-defined nanobuilding units.
Photoredox catalyst-mediated atom transfer radical addition for polymer functionalization under visible light
Authors: Xu Jiangtao , Atme Amir , Marques Martins Ana Flavia , Jung Kenward , Boyer Cyrille
Published: April 2014

A facile method for post-functionalization of polymers with side olefin groups was developed by visible light-mediated atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) employing a photoredox catalyst, fac-Ir(ppy)3.
Fluorescent bowl-shaped nanoparticles from ‘clicked’ porphyrin–polymer conjugates
Authors: Roberts Derrick A. , Crossley Maxwell J. , Perrier Sébastien
Published: April 2014

We report the synthesis and post-synthetic modification of a library of hydrophilic and hydrophobic ‘clicked’ triazole-linked porphyrin–polymer conjugates (PPCs), and their subsequent assembly into fluorescent bowl-shaped nanoparticles.
Cyclodextrin–calixarene co-polymers as a new class of nanosponges
Authors: Lo Meo Paolo , Lazzara Giuseppe , Liotta Leonarda , Riela Serena , Noto Renato
Published: April 2014

Novel nanosponge materials, obtained by co-polymerization of cyclodextrin and calixarene derivatives, have been characterized by various techniques and tested for the removal of model pollutants from aqueous solution.
Novel polyethersulfone (PES)/hydrous manganese dioxide (HMO) mixed matrix membranes with improved anti-fouling properties for oily wastewater treatment process
Authors: Jamshidi Gohari R. , Halakoo E. , Lau W. J. , Kassim M. A. , Matsuura T. , Ismail A. F.
Published: April 2014

The improvement in flux recovery from ∼42% in pristine PES membranes to >75% in PES/HMO-2 mixed matrix membranes indicated the greater anti-fouling properties of the PES/HMO-2 membrane in treating synthetic wastewater.
An octahedral aluminium(iii) complex as a three-fold node for supramolecular heterometallic self-assemblies: solution and solid state chemistry
Authors: Simond Damien , Clifford Sarah E. , Vieira Andreia F. , Besnard Céline , Williams Alan F.
Published: April 2014

A ligand possessing two orthogonal metal binding sites is designed to bind three-fold and four-fold symmetric metal ions in such a way as to form a cage.
Polystyrene-block-poly(methylmethacrylate) composite material film as a gate dielectric for plastic thin-film transistor applications
Authors: Meena Jagan Singh , Chu Min-Ching , Singh Ranjodh , Wu Chung-Shu , Chand Umesh , You Hsin-Chiang , Liu Po-Tsun , Shieh Han-Ping D. , Ko Fu-Hsiang
Published: April 2014

Low-temperature process PS-b-PMMA composite film as gate dielectric deposited over plastic substrate, which exhibits high surface energy, high air stability, very low leakage current and better dielectric constant compared to their conventional polymer dielectrics for use in ZnO–TFT applications.
Synthesis and characterization of a novel organophosphorus oligomer and its application in improving flame retardancy of epoxy resin
Authors: Tian Nana , Gong Jiang , Wen Xin , Yao Kun , Tang Tao
Published: April 2014

A novel organophosphorus oligomer (PCPBO) was synthesized and the incorporation of PCPBO into epoxy resin (EP) significantly improved their flame retardancy and thermal stability.
Fabricating conductive poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven fabrics using an aqueous dispersion of reduced graphene oxide as a sheet dyestuff
Authors: Liu Xin , Qin Zongyi , Dou Zhenjun , Liu Na , Chen Long , Zhu Meifang
Published: April 2014

A continuous conductive nonwoven poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric with a low percolation fraction was produced applying reduced graphene oxide as sheet dyestuff in aqueous systems and polyurethane as a middle adhesive layer to ensure structural stability.
Facile non-injection synthesis of high quality CZTS nanocrystals
Authors: Gao Yuanhao , Yang Huaizhi , Zhang Yange , Li Jing , Zhao Hongxiao , Feng Jianjun , Sun Jintao , Zheng Zhi
Published: April 2014

High quality CZTS nanocrystals were facilely synthesized. The uniqueness is the use of KTB as sulfur activating agent and stabilizer.
Sponge-like NiCo2O4/MnO2 ultrathin nanoflakes for supercapacitor with high-rate performance and ultra-long cycle life
Authors: Li Gao , Li Wenyao , Xu Kaibing , Zou Rujia , Chen Zhigang , Hu Junqing
Published: April 2014

We present a simple strategy for synthesis of sponge-like NiCo2O4/MnO2 ultrathin nanoflakes which exhibit a high specific capacitance of 935 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, excellent rate performance (700 F g-1 at 50 A g−1), and ultra-long cycling stability (103.1% of the initial value after 25 000 cycles).
Crafting NPB with tetraphenylethene: a win–win strategy to create stable and efficient solid-state emitters with aggregation-induced emission feature, high hole-transporting property and efficient electroluminescence
Authors: Qin Wei , Liu Jianzhao , Chen Shuming , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Arseneault Mathieu , Yang Zhiyong , Zhao Qiuli , Kwok Hoi Sing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2014

A win–win strategy to create efficient solid-state emitters for OLED application is proposed.
p–(p,π*) interaction mechanism revealing and accordingly designed new member in deep-ultraviolet NLO borates LinMn−1B2n−1O4n−2(M = Cs/Rb, n = 3, 4, 6)
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Yang Zhihua , Yang Yun , Lee Ming-Hsien , Pan Shilie , Jing Qun , Su Xin
Published: April 2014

Exploration on the compounds in the complex alkali metal borate system had resulted in the discovery of a class of deep-ultraviolet second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials LinMn−1B2n−1O4n−2(M = Cs/Rb,n= 3, 4, 6).
Synthesis of widely tunable and highly luminescent zinc nitride nanocrystals
Authors: Taylor Peter N. , Schreuder Michael A. , Smeeton Tim M. , Grundy Alastair J. D. , Dimmock James A. R. , Hooper Stewart E. , Heffernan Jonathan , Kauer Matthias
Published: April 2014

Highly emissive zinc nitride nanocrystals have been prepared from the reaction of ammonia with diethylzinc. The peak photoluminescence wavelength can be tuned from below 500 nm to above 1100 nm.
Role of MIF in myocardial ischaemia and infarction: insight from recent clinical and experimental findings
Authors: Dayawansa Nalin H. , Gao Xiao-Ming , White David A. , Dart Anthony M. , Du Xiao-Jun
Published: April 2014

First discovered in 1966 as an inflammatory cytokine, MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) has been extensively studied for its pivotal role in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Although initial studies over a decade ago reported increases in circulating MIF levels following acute MI (myocardial infarction), the dynamic changes in MIF and its pathophysiological significance following MI have been unknown until recently. In the present review, we summarize recent experimental and clinical studies examining the diverse functions of MIF across the spectrum of acute MI from brief ischaemia to post-infarct healing. Following an acute ischaemic insult, MIF is rapidly released from jeopardized cardiomyocytes, followed by a persistent MIF production and release from activated immune cells, resulting in a sustained increase in circulating levels of MIF. Recent studies have documented two distinct actions of MIF following acute MI. In the supra-acute phase of ischaemia, MIF mediates cardioprotection via several distinct mechanisms, including metabolic activation, apoptosis suppression and antioxidative stress. In prolonged myocardial ischaemia, however, MIF promotes inflammatory responses with largely detrimental effects on cardiac function and remodelling. The pro-inflammatory properties of MIF are complex and involve MIF derived from cardiac and immune cells contributing sequentially to the innate immune response evoked by MI. Emerging evidence on the role of MIF in myocardial ischaemia and infarction highlights a significant potential for the clinical use of MIF agonists or antagonists and as a unique cardiac biomarker.
Hearing Loss Prevention Education Using Adopt-a-Band: Changes in Self-Reported Earplug Use in Two High School Marching Bands
Authors: Auchter Melissa , Le Prell Colleen G.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Hearing loss prevention has always been an important issue for audiologists. The importance of hearing loss prevention education for young musicians is now recognized by the National Association for Music Education as well as the National Association of Schools of Music. Adopt-a-Band is a commercial program designed to foster hearing loss prevention behavior in young musicians.

Method

This study assessed changes in earplug use, measured using self-report surveys, after Adopt-a-Band training. Participants were members of 2 high school marching bands who viewed an informational DVD and reviewed fact sheets. Flat-attenuation earplugs were distributed, and training was provided. In addition, study participants engaged in discussion of hearing loss with a doctor of audiology student.

Results

Before training, 23% of participants reported they had previously used hearing protection. Immediately after training, 94% of participants reported they planned to use hearing protection at least occasionally. In a final end-of-season survey, earplug use had reliably increased; 62% of participants reported they used earplugs at least occasionally.

Conclusions

Earplug use increased, but self-reported behavioral change was not as robust as predicted from self-reported participant intentions. Participant comments regarding factors that influenced their earplug use decisions suggest opportunities to improve training.
A Review of 30 Speech Assessments in 19 Languages Other Than English
Authors: McLeod Sharynne , Verdon Sarah
Published: April 2014

Purpose

In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate instruments designed to assess children's speech production in languages other than English.

Method

Ninety-eight speech assessments in languages other than English were identified: 62 were commercially published, 17 published within journal articles, and 19 informal assessments. A review was undertaken of 30 commercially published assessments that could be obtained.

Results

The 30 instruments assessed 19 languages: Cantonese, Danish, Finnish, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Maltese-English, Norwegian, Pakistani-heritage languages (Mirpuri, Punjabi, Urdu), Portuguese, Putonghua (Mandarin), Romanian, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish. The majority (70.0%) assessed speech sound production in monolingual speakers, 20.0% assessed one language of bilingual speakers, and 10.0% assessed both languages of bilingual speakers. All used single-word picture elicitation. Approximately half (53.3%) were norm-referenced, and the number of children in the normative samples ranged between 145 and 2,568. The remaining assessments were criterion-referenced (50.0%) (one fitted both categories). The assessments with English manuals met many of the psychometric criteria for operationalization; however, only 2 provided sensitivity and specificity data.

Conclusions

Despite the varying countries of origin, there were many similarities between speech assessments in languages other than English. Few were designed for use with multilingual children, so validation is required for use in English-speaking contexts.
Ultra‐low‐power wireless transmitter for neural prostheses with modified pulse position modulation
Authors: Goodarzy Farhad , Skafidas Stan E.
Published: April 2014

An ultra‐low‐power wireless transmitter for embedded bionic systems is proposed, which achieves 40 pJ/b energy efficiency and delivers 500 kb/s data using the medical implant communication service frequency band (402–405 MHz). It consumes a measured peak power of 200 µW from a 1.2 V supply while occupying an active area of 0.0016 mm2 in a 130 nm technology. A modified pulse position modulation technique called saturated amplified signal is proposed and implemented, which can reduce the overall and per bit transferred power consumption of the transmitter while reducing the complexity of the transmitter architectures, and hence potentially shrinking the size of the implemented circuitry. The design is capable of being fully integrated on single‐chip solutions for surgically implanted bionic systems, wearable devices and neural embedded systems.
Straightforward and robust QRS detection algorithm for wearable cardiac monitor
Authors: Manikandan M. Sabarimalai , Ramkumar Barathram
Published: April 2014

This Letter presents a fairly straightforward and robust QRS detector for wearable cardiac monitoring applications. The first stage of the QRS detector contains a powerful ℓ1‐sparsity filter with overcomplete hybrid dictionaries for emphasising the QRS complexes and suppressing the baseline drifts, powerline interference and large P/T waves. The second stage is a simple peak‐finding logic based on the Gaussian derivative filter for automatically finding locations of R‐peaks in the ECG signal. Experiments on the standard MIT‐BIH arrythmia database show that the method achieves an average sensitivity of 99.91% and positive predictivity of 99.92%. Unlike existing methods, the proposed method improves detection performance under small‐QRS, wide‐QRS complexes and noisy conditions without using the searchback algorithms.
New approach for automatic classification of Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment and healthy brain magnetic resonance images
Authors: Lahmiri Salim , Boukadoum Mounir
Published: April 2014

Explored is the utility of modelling brain magnetic resonance images as a fractal object for the classification of healthy brain images against those with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). More precisely, fractal multi‐scale analysis is used to build feature vectors from the derived Hurst's exponents. These are then classified by support vector machines (SVMs). Three experiments were conducted: in the first the SVM was trained to classify AD against healthy images. In the second experiment, the SVM was trained to classify AD against MCI and, in the third experiment, a multiclass SVM was trained to classify all three types of images. The experimental results, using the 10‐fold cross‐validation technique, indicate that the SVM achieved 97.08% ± 0.05 correct classification rate, 98.09% ± 0.04 sensitivity and 96.07% ± 0.07 specificity for the classification of healthy against MCI images, thus outperforming recent works found in the literature. For the classification of MCI against AD, the SVM achieved 97.5% ± 0.04 correct classification rate, 100% sensitivity and 94.93% ± 0.08 specificity. The third experiment also showed that the multiclass SVM provided highly accurate classification results. The processing time for a given image was 25 s. These findings suggest that this approach is efficient and may be promising for clinical applications.
Multi‐coil approach to reduce electromagnetic energy absorption for wirelessly powered implants
Authors: RamRakhyani Anil Kumar , Lazzi Gianluca
Published: April 2014

Near‐field inductive coupling is a commonly used technique for wireless power transfer (WPT) in biomedical implants. Owing to the close proximity of the implant coil(s) with the tissue (∼1 mm) and high current (∼100–300 mA) in the magnetic coil(s), a significant induced electric field can be generated for the operating frequency (1–20 MHz). In this Letter, a multi‐coil‐based WPT technique is proposed to selectively control the currents in the external and implant coils to reduce the specific absorption rate (SAR). A three‐coil WPT system, that can achieve 26% reduction in peak 1‐g SAR and 15% reduction in peak 10‐g SAR, as compared to a two‐coil WPT system with the same dimensions, is implemented and used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. To achieve the seamless design for the external and implant electronics, the multi‐coil system achieves the same voltage gain and bandwidth as the two‐coil design with 46% improvement in the power transfer efficiency.
Towards personalised management of atherosclerosis via computational models in vascular clinics: technology based on patient‐specific simulation approach
Authors: Díaz‐Zuccarini Vanessa , Di Tomaso Giulia , Agu Obiekezie , Pichardo‐Almarza Cesar
Published: April 2014

The development of a new technology based on patient‐specific modelling for personalised healthcare in the case of atherosclerosis is presented. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of death in the world and it has become a burden on clinical services as it manifests itself in many diverse forms, such as coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease/stroke and peripheral arterial disease. It is also a multifactorial, chronic and systemic process that lasts for a lifetime, putting enormous financial and clinical pressure on national health systems. In this Letter, the postulate is that the development of new technologies for healthcare using computer simulations can, in the future, be developed as in‐silico management and support systems. These new technologies will be based on predictive models (including the integration of observations, theories and predictions across a range of temporal and spatial scales, scientific disciplines, key risk factors and anatomical sub‐systems) combined with digital patient data and visualisation tools. Although the problem is extremely complex, a simulation workflow and an exemplar application of this type of technology for clinical use is presented, which is currently being developed by a multidisciplinary team following the requirements and constraints of the Vascular Service Unit at the University College Hospital, London.
When change happens: computer assistance and image guidance for minimally invasive therapy
Authors: Linte Cristian A. , Yaniv Ziv
Published: April 2014

Computer‐assisted interventions are medical procedures that rely on image guidance and computer‐based systems to provide visualisation and navigation information to the clinician, when direct vision of the sites or targets to be treated is not available, during minimally invasive procedures. Recent advances in medical image acquisition and processing, accompanied by technological breakthroughs in image fusion, visualisation and display have accelerated the adoption of minimally invasive approaches for a variety of medical procedures. This Letter is intended to serve as a brief overview of available image guidance and computer‐assisted technology in the context of popular minimally invasive applications, while outlining some of the limitations and challenges in the transition from laboratory to clinical care.
Simultaneous measurements of several state variables in shocked carbon by imaging x-ray scattering
Authors: Gamboa E. J. , Drake R. P. , Falk K. , Keiter P. A. , Montgomery D. S. , Benage J. F. , Trantham M. R.
Published: April 2014

We apply the novel experimental technique of imaging x-ray Thomson scattering to measure the spatial profiles of the temperature, ionization state, relative material density, and the shock speed in a high-energy density system. A blast wave driven in a low-density foam is probed with 90∘ scattering of 7.8 keV helium-like nickel x-rays, which are spectrally dispersed and resolved in one spatial dimension by a doubly curved crystal. The inferred properties of the shock are shown to be self-consistent with 1D analytical estimates. These high-resolution measurements enable a direct comparison of the observed temperature with the results from hydrodynamic simulations. We find good agreement with the simulations for the temperature at the shock front but discrepancies in the modeling of the spatial temperature profile and shock speed. These results indicate the challenges in modeling the shock dynamics of structured materials like foams, commonly used in many high-energy density and laboratory astrophysics experiments.
Transition in vortex breakdown modes in a coaxial isothermal unconfined swirling jet
Authors: Santhosh R. , Miglani Ankur , Basu Saptarshi
Published: April 2014

This paper reports first observations of transition in recirculation pattern from an open-bubble type axisymmetric vortex breakdown to partially open bubble mode through an intermediate, critical regime of conical sheet formation in an unconfined, co-axial isothermal swirling flow. This time-mean transition is studied for two distinct flow modes which are characterized based on the modified Rossby number (Rom), i.e., Rom ≤ 1 and Rom > 1. Flow modes with Rom ≤ 1 are observed to first undergo cone-type breakdown and then to partially open bubble state as the geometric swirl number (SG) is increased by ∼20% and ∼40%, respectively, from the baseline open-bubble state. However, the flow modes with Rom > 1 fail to undergo such sequential transition. This distinct behavior is explained based on the physical significance associated with Rom and the swirl momentum factor (ξ). In essence, ξ represents the ratio of angular momentum distributed across the flow structure to that distributed from central axis to the edge of the vortex core. It is observed that ξ increases by ∼100% in the critical swirl number band where conical breakdown occurs as compared to its magnitude in the SG regime where open bubble state is seen. This results from the fact that flow modes with Rom ≤ 1 are dominated by radial pressure gradient due to swirl/rotational effect when compared to radial pressure deficit arising from entrainment (due to the presence of co-stream). Consequently, the imparted swirl tends to penetrate easily towards the central axis causing it to spread laterally and finally undergo conical sheet breakdown. However, the flow modes with Rom > 1 are dominated by pressure deficit due to entrainment effect. This blocks the radial inward penetration of imparted angular momentum thus preventing the lateral spread of these flow modes. As such these structures fail to undergo cone mode of vortex breakdown which is substantiated by a mere 30%–40% rise in ξ in the critical swirl number range.