bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive psychological determinants of treatment adherence among primary care patients
Authors: Nsamenang Sheri A. , Hirsch Jameson K.
Published: August 2014

Background

Patient adherence to medical treatment recommendations can affect disease prognosis, and may be beneficially or deleteriously influenced by psychological factors.

Aim

We examined the relationships between both adaptive and maladaptive psychological factors and treatment adherence among a sample of primary care patients.

Methods

One hundred and one rural, primary care patients completed the Life Orientation Test-Revised, Trait Hope Scale, Future Orientation Scale, NEO-FFI Personality Inventory (measuring positive and negative affect), and Medical Outcomes Study General Adherence Scale.

Findings

In independent models, positive affect, optimism, hope, and future orientation were beneficially associated with treatment adherence, whereas pessimism and negative affect were negatively related to adherence. In multivariate models, only negative affect, optimism and hope remained significant and, in a comparative model, trait hope was most robustly associated with treatment adherence.

Implications

Therapeutically, addressing negative emotions and expectancies, while simultaneously bolstering motivational and goal-directed attributes, may improve adherence to treatment regimens.
Planet formation in a triple stellar system: implications of the third star's orbital inclination
Authors: Domingos R. C. , Winter O. C. , Izidoro A.
Published: August 2014

Planets have been revealed both in binary and triple stellar systems. Although there have been several studies of the late stages of planet formation in binary stars this process does not appear to have been studied in triple stellar systems. To understand how the late stage of planetary accretion is affected by a third companion, in this work we have numerically investigated the formation of planets in a hypothetical triple stellar system. The system is composed by an inner binary formed by two half-solar-mass components orbited by a solar-mass star. In our experiments, lunar and Mars-sized planetary embryos are distributed around the centre of mass of the inner binary system. Our main goal is to analyse how the formation of planets evolves depending on the orbital configuration of the massive distant companion. We have performed an extensive number of numerical simulations considering different orbital configurations for the third star. All simulations were numerically integrated for at least 107 years. The results show that when the protoplanetary disc and the stars are initially on coplanar orbits, one or two planets are quickly formed between 6 and 8 AU. In general such planets have also small eccentricities with values about 10−2. On the other hand, when the third star is considered initially on inclined orbits (even tiny values), there tends to occur a significant increase in the inclination of bodies of protoplanetary disc, which prevents the collisions between these objects and their growth. As a result, in this latter case we do not evidence the formation of planets during the timescale of our integrations but note the existence of several leftover objects that can survive for longer than 10 Myr, moving in orbits with semi-major axes ranging between ~6 and 8 AU. Thus, our results do not rule out the planet formation in this kind of stellar arrangements at all, but they indicate that, if planetary bodies keep stable orbits, the late stage of planet formation in systems with a highly inclined third star can be a very long process and many of these triple hierarchical systems might not have had time to form planets and planetary systems. They could be harbouring only debris discs, fragments or planetesimals.
How older people with incurable cancer experience daily living: A qualitative study from Norway
Authors: Haug Sigrid Helene Kjørven , Danbolt Lars J. , Kvigne Kari , Demarinis Valerie
Published: August 2014

Objective:

An increasing number of older people are living with incurable cancer as a chronic disease, requiring palliative care from specialized healthcare for shorter or longer periods of time. The aim of our study was to describe how they experience daily living while receiving palliative care in specialized healthcare contexts.

Method:

We conducted a qualitative research study with a phenomenological approach called “systematic text condensation.” A total of 21 participants, 12 men and 9 women, aged 70–88, took part in semistructured interviews. They were recruited from two somatic hospitals in southeastern Norway.

Results:

The participants experienced a strong link to life in terms of four subthemes: to acknowledge the need for close relationships; to maintain activities of normal daily life; to provide space for existential meaning-making and to name and handle decline and loss. In addition, they reported that specialized healthcare contexts strengthened the link to life by prioritizing and providing person-centered palliative care.

Significance of results:

Older people with incurable cancer are still strongly connected to life in their daily living. The knowledge that the potential for resilience remains despite aging and serious decline in health is considered a source of comfort for older people living with this disease. Insights into the processes of existential meaning-making and resilience are seen as useful in order to increase our understanding of how older people adapt to adversity, and how their responses may help to protect them from some of the difficulties inherent to aging. Healthcare professionals can make use of this information in treatment planning and for identification of psychosocial and sociocultural resources to support older people and to strengthen patients' life resources.
Frequency-reconfigurable microstrip filter with dual-mode resonators using RF PIN diodes and DGS
Authors: Mohamed Hesham A. , El-Shaarawy Heba B. , Abdallah Esmat A.F. , El-Hennawy Hadia M.
Published: August 2014

This work presents a novel frequency miniaturized reconfigurable dual-mode stub-loaded resonator switchable from bandpass filter to single/double-notched bandnotch filter. The proposed filter topology employs RF PIN diodes as the switching device. Based on the odd- and even-mode equivalent circuits, the resonant characteristics of the proposed microstrip resonator are investigated. The defected ground structure pattern enhanced the performance; the 3-dB bandwidth reached 63%, with insertion loss of −0.5 dB. There was great sharpness of 55 dB in the low-frequency edge (from 1.7982 to 1.8466 GHz) and 33 dB in the high-frequency edge (from 3.4329 to 3.4995 GHz). The frequency-reconfigurable microstrip filter has been designed, fabricated, and measured for application in narrow band and ultra-wideband.
Some Aspects of the Statutory Valuation
Authors: Elliott S. F.
Published: August 2014

The burden of legislation upon authorized insurers in the U.K. continues to grow and this is particularly true for the statutory valuation. In recent years regulations have been introduced to cover such matters as the valuation rates of interest, the provision for changes in investment conditions and the setting up of solvency margins.

The purpose of this paper is to summarize some of the more important aspects of the Regulations and comment upon their interpretation with reference to current practice. A substantial part of the paper is concerned with the provision for changes in investment conditions. Some implications for financial control and product pricing are also mentioned.

The paper will concentrate on the valuation of liabilities and is written in the context of assets taken in accordance with the asset valuation regulations, that is to say broadly at market value. Most of the paper is addressed to conventional business but a few comments on linked business are included. The material is discussed under various headings but is so interdependent that it is difficult to concentrate on one aspect without impinging on several others.
Fitting the Truncated Pareto Distribution to Loss Distributions
Authors: Boyd Albert V.
Published: August 2014

Hogg and Klugman use the truncated Pareto distribution with probability density function

where δ≥0 is specified and α > 0 and λ > 0 are unknown parameters, to describe insurance claims. This is fitted first of all by the method of moments, using the estimators

and

where is the mean of a simple random sample, and the (biased) variance

The authors then suggest, on pp. 113–16, that these estimates be used as starting values in a Newton iteration to get the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters, but this technique can fail as a result of convergence problems. The object of this note is to show that this has led Hogg and Klugman to underestimate seriously the area in the tail of a fitted loss distribution, and to discuss a method of circumventing this difficulty.
Universal Life
Authors: Weatherhead R. D.
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this paper is to document some recent developments in unit linked life assurance and in particular Universal Life policies, highlighting some areas of current controversy and some potential problems.

Some of the reasons for the current design of Universal Life products are given in §2. Section 3 contains a detailed description of the operation of the policy and §4 describes briefly the benefits and options available. The methods used to make charges for expenses, commissions, benefits and profit are described in § 5 and some of the problems involved in deciding the levels of charges for benefits are discussed in § 6. Section 7 discusses the profit objective of the office and §8 highlights some aspects of valuation which are peculiar to Universal Life. Future developments and some speculation about the effect these will have on the Universal Life product are discussed in § 9 and a brief summary containing the major conclusions of the paper is given in § 10.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who gave advice and comments on the paper and to Andrea Hills for typing it.
Financing Healthcare for the Elderly
Authors: Webber James
Published: August 2014

This paper is about financial products which meet the healthcare costs of the elderly. It covers products that include elements of housing and healthcare provision, as well as insurance products with financial benefits that meet or reduce the cost of healthcare. It is hoped that the paper will be of interest to property developers and managers of retirement housing and nursing homes, as well as to the actuarial profession and the financial services community.

The paper introduces some of the areas that the author has researched and worked in over the past three years. During the same period, many insurance companies and developers are known to have researched the market for financial products which cover the cost of healthcare for the elderly. Demographic changes, coupled with more widespread home ownership and occupational pensions, have created a major opportunity for new products. Continuation of these trends, and political and cultural changes away from State provision, suggest that the need for new products will grow. In the U.S.A., similar trends have led to a rapidly growing market for many products combining finance and healthcare for the elderly. In the U.K., the market has been slower to respond to the opportunities.
Dread Disease Cover—An Actuarial Perspective
Authors: Dash A. C. , Grimshaw D. L.
Published: August 2014

A Dread Disease contract pays out a lump sum on the diagnosis of any of a number of specified diseases. Those most commonly covered are heart attack, coronary artery disease requiring surgery, cancer and stroke. The benefit can take either of two main forms—it may provide an acceleration of all or part of any death benefit or it may be an additional benefit. It can be sold in conjunction with many conventional products or as a stand-alone policy.

Dread Disease contracts were originally developed in South Africa in the early 1980's, although cancer riders had previously been sold in the U.S.A., Japan and Israel. To some extent the marketing of these contracts was insensitive and preyed on people's fears in a distasteful way. This may explain some initial reluctance amongst U.K. insurers to enter this market; however with marketing literature now emphasizing more positive aspects, this appears to have been overcome.
Cerebral Volumetric Changes Induced by Prolonged Hypoxic Exposure and Whole-Body Exercise
Authors: Rupp Thomas , Jubeau Marc , Lamalle Laurent , Warnking Jan M , Millet Guillaume Y , Wuyam Bernard , Esteve François , Levy Patrick , Krainik Alexandre , Verges Samuel
Published: August 2014

The present study assessed the isolated and synergetic effects of hypoxic exposure and prolonged exercise on cerebral volume and subedema and symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Twelve healthy males performed three semirandomized blinded 11- hour sessions with (1) an inspiratory oxygen fraction (FiO2) of 12% and 4-hour cycling, (2) FiO2 = 21% and 4-hour cycling, and (3) FiO2 = 8.5% to 12% at rest (matching arterial oxygen saturation measured during the first hypoxic session). Volumetric, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and arterial spin labelling 3T magnetic resonance imaging sequences were performed after 30 minutes and 10 hours in each session. Thirty minutes of hypoxia at rest induced a significant increase in white-matter volume (+0.8 ± 1.0% compared with normoxia) that was exacerbated after 10 hours of hypoxia at rest (+1.5 ± 1.1%) or with cycling (+1.6 ± 1.1%). Total brain parenchyma volume increased significantly after 10 hours of hypoxia with cycling only (+1.3 ± 1.1%). Apparent diffusion coefficient was significantly reduced after 10 hours of hypoxia at rest or with cycling. No significant change in cerebral blood flow was observed. These results demonstrate changes in white-matter volume as early as after 30 minutes of hypoxia that worsen after 10 hours, probably due to cytotoxic edema. Exercise accentuates the effect of hypoxia by increasing total brain volume. These changes do not however correlate with AMS symptoms.
Microbial communities evolve faster in extreme environments
Authors: Li Sheng-Jin , Hua Zheng-Shuang , Huang Li-Nan , Li Jie , Shi Su-Hua , Chen Lin-Xing , Kuang Jia-Liang , Liu Jun , Hu Min , Shu Wen-Sheng
Published: August 2014

Evolutionary analysis of microbes at the community level represents a new research avenue linking ecological patterns to evolutionary processes, but remains insufficiently studied. Here we report a relative evolutionary rates (rERs) analysis of microbial communities from six diverse natural environments based on 40 metagenomic samples. We show that the rERs of microbial communities are mainly shaped by environmental conditions and the microbes inhabiting extreme habitats (acid mine drainage, saline lake and hot spring) evolve faster than those populating benign environments (surface ocean, fresh water and soil). These findings were supported by the observation of more relaxed purifying selection and potentially frequent horizontal gene transfers in communities from extreme habitats. The mechanism of high rERs was proposed as high mutation rates imposed by stressful conditions during the evolutionary processes. This study brings us one stage closer to an understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underlying the adaptation of microbes to extreme environments.
Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) as an Analytical Tool in the Geosciences
Authors: Kilburn Matt R. , Wacey David
Published: August 2014

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is one of the most versatile microbeam techniques for studying geological and environmental processes, with the ability to detect the majority of elements within a wide range of materials. The limitation with SIMS has previously been the lateral resolution, with a range of microns to tensofmicrons. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) allows for submicron elemental and isotopic characterisation of materials. NanoSIMS has applications within several geoscientific fields, including biogeoscience, palaeontology, mineralogy and petrology, and cosmochemistry. NanoSIMS can correlate nano- to microscale morphological features with chemical and isotopic signals characteristic of biology, making it suitable for studying iron oxide concretions, ooids, microbialites, bio-alteration of volcanic rocks, and biomineralization and palaeoenvironmental indicators. Palaeontologists have a better understanding of Earth's earliest life following analysis of microfossils and trace fossils, stromatalites, and biominerals, as NanoSIMS enables elemental mapping on the nanometre scale. NanoSIMS has been used to study diffusion in minerals and map ‘invisible gold’ in pyrite, i.e.gold present in concentrations below the sensitivity of other surface analytical techniques. The highspatial resolution and imaging capabilities of NanoSIMS has also enabled cosmochemists to locate individual micron-sized, presolar dust grains within a background of millions of interplanetary dust particles.
Clumped Isotope Geochemistry
Authors: Chivas Allan R. , Dux Florian W.
Published: August 2014

Clumped isotope geochemistry builds upon conventional light-element gas-source stable-isotope mass spectrometry. For carbon dioxide liberated from carbonate minerals, as well as measuring cardinal masses 44, 45, and 46 to deduce 13C/12C and 18O/16O ratios, mass 47 (largely 13C18O16O) provides information about the temperature of carbonate formation. The ‘clumping’ of 13C-18O-16O or deviation (Δ47) in its abundance from a stochastic distribution (attained at high temperature) of this isotopologue has a temperature sensitivity of about 0.004 per ml per °C, at low temperatures. With care, Δ47 can be measured to a precision of±0.01‰, implying a resolution, at Earth-surface conditions, of about ±2 °C. Furthermore, Δ47 is independent of the 18O/16O ratio of the water from which inorganic or biogenic carbonate minerals precipitate. Accordingly, palaeotemperatures can be deduced without knowledge of the past 18O/16O (as δ18O) of the water; indeed, this value is also derived when all three isotopic ratios (m/e 47/44, 46/44, and 45/44) are measured. The technique is finding wide application in palaeoceanography, even to older parts of the geological record (to approximately 500 Ma), and is particularly important in the terrestrial realm for palaeosols and lake carbonates. As phosphatic bones also contain a few percent carbonate, they can also be analysed. One surprising result is that the Δ47 data from some dinosaur bones indicate their warm-bloodedness. The systematics of clumping in non-carbonates such as oxygen (17O-18O and 18O-18O) and the isotopologues of methane, the latter also being temperature-dependent, indicate the expanding field will find wide application in atmospheric, biological, and earth sciences.
Application of Radiogenic Isotopes in Geosciences: Overview and Perspectives
Authors: Tessalina Svetlana , Jourdan Fred , Nunes Laurie , Kennedy Allen , Denyszyn Steven , Puchtel Igor , Touboul Mathieu , Creaser Robert , Boyet Maud , Belousova Elena , Trinquier Anne
Published: August 2014

Wider use of radiogenic isotopes in geosciences has been enabled by developments in massspectrometry at the beginning of the 21st century. Nowadays, radiogenic isotope geochemistry forms an integrated part of geosciences in a range of applications, starting from formation of planetary systems, genesis, and the evolution of Earth's lithosphere and associated mineral and oil deposits, as well as environmental tracers. Two primary types of information are available from radiogenic isotopes studies: age determination and isotopic source tracing. In this chapter, the range of isotope systematics currently used in geosciences and their applications are reviewed, together with progress in analytical technologies. The chapter brings together internationally recognised researchers whohave been at the forefront of analytical technologies in the field of geochemistry of radiogenic isotopes.
Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS): Principles and Practice in the Biogeosciences
Authors: Thiel Volker , Sjövall Peter
Published: August 2014

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) provides chemical information on the outermost molecular layers of sample surfaces without solvent extraction. In TOF-SIMS, a pulsed beam of high-energy ions (primary ions) is scanned over a selected analysis area on the sample. During the primary ion bombardment, neutral and charged particles (secondary ions) are released from the outermost molecular layers of the sample surface. Analysis of the secondary ions in a TOF analyser yields a mass spectral data set that allows the retrospective production of(1) ion images showing the spatial signal intensity distribution from selected ions over the analysis area; (2) mass spectra from the total analysis area; or (3) mass spectra from user-defined regions of interest inside the analysis area. In the so-called static SIMS regime, the primary ions are provided in very short pulses and the analysis is completed before the incoming primary ions damage a significant fraction of the surface. Static TOF-SIMS is therefore capable of providing molecularly specific secondary ions, and thus mass spectra with detailed organic information, which is not possible with other (‘dynamic’) SIMS techniques. In this chapter, we describe the principles of static TOF-SIMS instrumentation and data evaluation, review a number of relevant applications, and discuss the potential of this technique in the biogeosciences, with a focus on organic biomarker applications.
High-Precision MC-ICP-MS Measurements of δ11B: Matrix Effects in Direct Injection and Spray Chamber Sample Introduction Systems
Authors: Holcomb Michael , Rankenburg Kai , McCulloch Malcolm
Published: August 2014

Multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is increasingly being adopted for measurements of δ11B with several approaches being adopted to overcome inherent issues of high blank or memory during sample introduction. Here we examine the advantages of direct injection of samples versus use of a cyclonic spray chamber introduction system and the effects of different matrices. Consistent with previous reports, direct injection yielded faster washout times and reduced memory compared to the spray chamber; however, signal intensity drifted over time, requiring periodic retuning, and the system was not robust to bubbles in the sample introduction line. The more conventional spray chamber approach, due to its larger surface area, required long washout times to reduce memory to acceptable levels, but the system was stable over time and robust to air introduction. We assessed the sensitivity of both direct injection and spray chamber sample introduction methods to matrix induced biases, in particular the effects of anions and different acid types (nitric versus hydrochloric acid) as well as the sensitivity to differing acid concentrations in sample-standard bracketing. Chloride had the largest influence on the measured δ11B values, with direct injection exhibiting shifts in δ11B of up to ∼−4‰ for changes in hydrochloric acid concentration from 0.1 to 0.2 N. In contrast, similar variations in nitric acid concentrations between sample and standard had comparatively little effect (<0.5‰). In addition measurements made via direct injection were more sensitive to the presence of sulfate. Thus, while direct injection has much reduced memory it is generally a less robust measurement system compared to spray chamber sample introduction. However, we show that by operating below matrix-critical thresholds both direct injection and spray chamber methods yield comparable values, with direct injection having the advantage of faster washout times, allowing increased sample throughput and analysis of smaller sample volumes.
Advances in Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC)
Authors: Eiserbeck Christiane , Nelson Robert K. , Reddy Christopher M. , Grice Kliti
Published: August 2014

Thirty years ago Giddings (1984) proposed a vision of2D separation techniques that has only now been realisedwith comprehensive 2D gas chromatography (GC×GC). This technique has revolutionised the separation power of complex organic mixtures using chromatographic techniques. The additional dimension of separation compared to traditional 1D GC is particularly valuable for analyses of geological samples such as petroleum and rock extracts. Many applications have been explored in the past decade including monitoring of oil spills, tracking of contaminants, fingerprinting of crude oils, and detailed biomarker identification. Recent developments and applications across the geosciences are discussed and the potential of GC×GC unveiled.
An anthraquinone moiety/cysteamine functionalized-gold nanoparticle/chitosan based nanostructured composite for the electroanalytical detection of dissolved oxygen within aqueous media
Authors: Tiwari Ida , Gupta Mandakini , Prakash Rajiv , Banks Craig E.
Published: August 2014

This work reports a nanostructured composite electrode comprising gold nanoparticles, anthraquinone derivatives and chitosan electrically wiredviaimmobilisation upon a glassy carbon macroelectrode.
An automated in-chip-catalytic–spectrophotometric method for determination of copper(ii) using a multisyringe flow injection analysis-multipumping flow system
Authors: Phansi Piyawan , Henríquez Camelia , Palacio Edwin , Nacapricha Duangjai , Cerdà Víctor
Published: August 2014

An automated in-chip-catalytic–spectrophotometric method for determination of copper(ii) using a multisyringe flow injection analysis-multipumping flow system (Chip–MSFIA–MPFS).
A base-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 5-cyano-pentyne derivatives: an efficient synthesis of 3-cyano-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrroles
Authors: Meng Jia , Li Yi-Jin , Zhao Yu-Long , Bu Xiu-Bin , Liu Qun
Published: August 2014

A base-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 5-cyano-pentyne bearing a terminal alkyne group has been developed under metal-free conditions. This reaction provides an efficient access to 3-cyano-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrroles with 1,3-cyano migration as the key transformation.
Preparation of multi-shelled conductive polymer hollow microspheres by using Fe3O4 hollow spheres as sacrificial templates
Authors: Pang Rui , Hu Xiujie , Zhou Shuyun , Sun Chenghua , Yan Jun , Sun Xingming , Xiao Shizhuo , Chen Ping
Published: August 2014

An ingenious and controllable sacrificial template method has been reported to prepare multi-shelled conductive polymer hollow microspheres with excellent microwave absorbing properties.
Supramolecular self-assembly of three-dimensional polyaniline and polypyrrole crystals
Authors: Tao Yulun , Li Juchuan , Xie Anjian , Li Shikuo , Chen Ping , Ni Liping , Shen Yuhua
Published: August 2014

Supramolecular self-assembly of 3D conductive polymer crystals in a suitable solvent environment at room temperature.
A new approach to molecular self-assembly through formation of dipeptide-based unique architectures by artificial supersaturation
Authors: Sakurai Makoto , Koley Pradyot , Aono Masakazu
Published: August 2014

Morphological transition and the fabrication of unique architectures through molecular self-assembly of dipeptides are caused by artificial local supersaturation. Their growth process is analyzed using new experimental methods.
Disentangling scalar coupling patterns by real-time SERF NMR
Authors: Gubensäk Nina , Fabian Walter M. F. , Zangger Klaus
Published: August 2014

One-dimensional NMR spectra showing scalar coupling to only one selected signal can be obtained by the real-time SERF experiment.
On the coordination chemistry of phosphinecarboxamide: assessing ligand basicity
Authors: Geeson M. B. , Jupp A. R. , McGrady J. E. , Goicoechea J. M.
Published: August 2014

We describe the coordination chemistry of the primary phosphine PH2C(O)NH2 (phosphinecarboxamide) to form the novel complexes W(CO)5(PH2C(O)NH2) (1) and cis-Mo(CO)4(PH2C(O)NH2)2 (2).
Solvation and stabilization of palladium nanoparticles in phosphonium-based ionic liquids: a combined infrared spectroscopic and density functional theory study
Authors: Zvereva Elena E. , Grimme Stefan , Katsyuba Sergey A. , Ermolaev Vadim V. , Arkhipova Daria A. , Yan Ning , Miluykov Vasili A. , Sinyashin Oleg G. , Aleksandrov Alexey
Published: August 2014

Pd nanoparticles interact with both the anions and cations of tri-tert-butyl-R-phosphonium-based ionic liquids. Dispersion forces dominate the cation–nanoparticle interactions.
Inorganic–organic hybrid silica based tin complex as a novel, highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot preparation of spirooxindoles in water
Authors: Ghahremanzadeh Ramin , Rashid Zahra , Zarnani Amir-Hassan , Naeimi Hossein
Published: August 2014

A tin complex immobilized on silica gel was prepared and applied as a green and heterogeneous reusable catalyst for one-pot three-component synthesis of spirooxindoles in water.
Anion-controlled formation of an aminal-(bis)imine Fe(ii)-complex
Authors: Giri Chandan , Topić Filip , Mal Prasenjit , Rissanen Kari
Published: August 2014

The subcomponent self-assembly of 1,2-diaminobenzene and 2-formylpyridine with iron(ii) salts yields an unprecedented complex containing both the aminal and imine groups and can be controlled by the choice of counter-anion.
Aspects of the coordination chemistry of rac-trans-1,2-diphosphinocyclohexane and the preparation of reinforced 9aneP3and 9anePN2macrocycles
Authors: Edwards Peter G. , Kariuki Benson M. , Newman Paul D. , Tallis Huw A. , Williams Craig
Published: August 2014

Rac,trans-1,2-diphosphinocyclohexane (t-chxnP2) has been prepared and coordinated to Cu(i), Ag(i), Fe(ii) and Mn(i) and the latter two metals used as templates for the formation of structurally reinforced 9aneP3and 9anePN2macrocycles.
Synthesis of tsetse fly attractants from a cashew nut shell extract by isomerising metathesis
Authors: Baader S. , Podsiadly P. E. , Cole-Hamilton D. J. , Goossen L. J.
Published: August 2014

Starting from a cashew nut shell extract, the tsetse fly attractants 3-ethyl- and 3-propylphenol were selectively synthesised via (isomerising) olefin cross-metathesis and hydrogenation steps.
A highly flexible and compact magnetoresistive analytic device
Authors: Lin Gungun , Makarov Denys , Melzer Michael , Si Wenping , Yan Chenglin , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: August 2014

A highly flexible GMR-based microfluidic analytic device was demonstrated to analyze droplets of various dimensions and different concentrations of magnetic contents.
Dehydroabietylamine derivatives as multifunctional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cao Yingying , Wang Ling , Lin Zhongxiang , Liang Fengyin , Pei Zhong , Xu Jun , Gu Qiong
Published: August 2014

Dehydroabietylamine derivatives were found to show activity against Alzheimer's disease. Compound3b, in particular, showed potent multifunctional activity for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Photoresponsive metal–organic materials: exploiting the azobenzene switch
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rahul Dev , Praveen Vakayil K. , Ajayaghosh Ayyappanpillai
Published: August 2014

With a s‘light’ twist: in this minireview we describe how azobenzene photochemistry can be used to design smart photoresponsive metal–organic materials (MOMs).
Thermoresponsive biopolymer hydrogels with tunable gel characteristics
Authors: Dashtimoghadam Erfan , Mirzadeh Hamid , Taromi Faramarz Afshar , Nyström Bo
Published: August 2014

Here we describe the design of thermosensitive biopolymer-based hydrogels with adjustable gel properties.
The required level of isosteric heat for the adsorptive/storage delivery of H2 in the UiO series of MOFs
Authors: Kumar K. Vasanth , Charalambopoulou G. , Kainourgiakis M. , Gotzias A. , Stubos A. , Steriotis Th.
Published: August 2014

The required level of isosteric heat of adsorption for efficient storage and delivery of H2 in the UiO series of MOFs was theoretically predicted using molecular simulations.
Study on the photophysical and electrochemical property and molecular simulation of broadly absorbing and emitting perylene diimide derivatives with large D–π–A structure
Authors: Yang Long , Yu Yuyan , Zhang Jin , Song Yuanqing , Jiang Long , Gao Fang , Dan Yi
Published: August 2014

A simple synthetic route to obtain perylene diimide candidate materials with large conjugation, obvious ICT, broad light-absorption/emission, concentration-dependant ð–ð staking induced fluorescence and low-lying LUMO energy level.
Highly proton conducting fluorinated sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers with side chain grafting
Authors: Mukherjee Rajdeep , Banerjee Susanta , Komber Hartmut , Voit Brigitte
Published: August 2014

A series of new copolymers HPPQSH-XX PS were synthesized from preformed sulfonated ionomers HPPQSH-XX in order to get high proton conductivity along with other excellent properties.
Chemical modification of starch and the application of expanded starch and its esters in hot melt adhesive
Authors: Zhang Zhanrong , Macquarrie Duncan J. , Clark James H. , Matharu Avtar S.
Published: August 2014

Development of expanded starch and its propionate esters as hot melt adhesives for metal–metal bonding is reported.
Enantioselective synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines, tetrahydroquinoxalines, and tetrahydroisoquinolines via Pd-Catalyzed alkene carboamination reactions
Authors: Hopkins B. A. , Wolfe J. P.
Published: August 2014

Asymmetric palladium-catalyzed carboamination reactions of aminoalkene substrates provide substituted six-membered heterocycles bearing quaternary stereocenters in good yield and high enantioselectivity.
Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide to methanol using a homogeneous ruthenium–Triphos catalyst: from mechanistic investigations to multiphase catalysis
Authors: Wesselbaum Sebastian , Moha Verena , Meuresch Markus , Brosinski Sandra , Thenert Katharina M. , Kothe Jens , Stein Thorsten vom , Englert Ulli , Hölscher Markus , Klankermayer Jürgen , Leitner Walter
Published: August 2014

The hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol using a recyclable molecular organometallic catalyst in the absence of an alcohol additive is demonstrated for the first time.
A novel carbon nanotubes reinforced superhydrophobic and superoleophilic polyurethane sponge for selective oil–water separation through a chemical fabrication
Authors: Wang Huaiyuan , Wang Enqun , Liu Zhanjian , Gao Dong , Yuan Ruixia , Sun Liyuan , Zhu Yanji
Published: August 2014

A novel carbon nanotubes reinforced polyurethane sponge with superhydrophobic, superoleophilic and high mechanical properties shows potential for applications in oil–water separation.
Cellular uptake of ribonuclease A-functionalised core–shell silica microspheres
Authors: Chimonides G. F. , Behrendt J. M. , Chundoo E. , Bland C. , Hine A. V. , Devitt A. , Nagel D. A. , Sutherland A. J.
Published: August 2014

Protein transduction: core–shell microspheres have been synthesised and coupled to ribonuclease A. Cellular uptake of these microspheres causes significantly reduced levels of intracellular RNA and reduced cell viability demonstrating that core–shell microsphere-mediated delivery of active enzymes into cells is effective.
Strong enhancement of second harmonic generation in nonlinear optical crystals: 2-amino-3-nitropyridinium halides (Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Chen Tianliang , Sun Zhihua , Liu Xitao , Wang Jinyun , Zhou Yuelan , Ji Chengmin , Zhang Shuquan , Li Lina , Chen Zhong-Ning , Luo Junhua
Published: August 2014

Strong enhancement of nonlinear optical activities in 2-amino-3-nitropyridinium halides have been achieved by choosing moderate anions.
Wet-process feasible novel carbazole-type molecular host for high efficiency phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Jou Jwo-Huei , Kumar Sudhir , Tavgeniene Daiva , An Chih-Chia , Fang Po-Hsun , Zaleckas Ernestas , Grazulevicius Juozas V. , Grigalevicius Saulius
Published: August 2014

Wet-process feasible high triplet energy carbazole type host materials are synthesized. On doping a green emitter into a host carbazole, the device shows an efficacy of 51 lm W¬1 and current efficiency of 52 cd A¬1 at 100 cd m−2.
The effect of thiadiazole out-backbone displacement in indacenodithiophene semiconductor polymers
Authors: Planells Miquel , Nikolka Mark , Hurhangee Michael , Tuladhar Pabitra S. , White Andrew J. P. , Durrant James R. , Sirringhaus Henning , McCulloch Iain
Published: August 2014

We explore the effect of moving the well-known thiadiazole unit away from the polymer backbone on polymer optoelectronic properties and ultimately on device performance.
Molecular communication with Brownian motion and a positive drift: performance analysis of amplitude modulation schemes
Authors: Singhal Amit , Mallik Ranjan K. , Lall Brejesh
Published: August 2014

In this study, the authors consider molecular communication between two nanomachines placed in a fluid medium for three different amplitude modulation schemes. The number of molecules transmitted represents the amplitude levels for these schemes. Each molecule released by the transmitter travels with Brownian motion and a positive drift to reach the receiver nanomachine. They consider a time slotted channel, where the information in every slot is corrupted by stray molecules from the previous slots. The capacity of such a molecular communication channel is investigated for all the three modulation schemes. Analytical expressions for the end‐to‐end symbol error probability are derived, considering maximum likelihood detection at the receiver. Numerical results indicate that arbitrarily low probabilities of error can be achieved for high drift velocities. An increase in the slot length further improves the performance, albeit at the cost of data rate. The results also demonstrate the improvements offered by the amplitude modulation schemes over the previously proposed time modulation schemes.
Performance analyses and enhancement of distributed cooperative localisation on position ambiguity
Authors: Cui Qimei , Shi Yulong , Zhang Xuefei , Cao Siqi , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: August 2014

Distributed cooperative localisation, owing to its low computational burden, is more attractive in wireless networks than the centralised paradigm. However, the distributed algorithms tend to have worse location accuracy among existing works. In this study, the authors focus on the performance dissimilarity between distributed and centralised localisation algorithms, and analyse the Cramér–Rao lower bound. Then, their performance relationship is investigated, and verified by theoretical proof and extensive simulations. Furthermore, it is observed that the position ambiguity of cooperative mobile terminal is the primary cause of performance loss in the distributed algorithm, in contrast with the centralised one. To suppress the impact of position ambiguity, the authors establish an element‐wise‐weighted total least‐squares model and devise the corresponding distributed localisation algorithm. Numerical simulations indicate that the proposed algorithm outperforms traditional methods.
On multiple‐input–multiple‐output performance for Terrestrial Trunked Radio systems
Authors: Holm Peter D. , Persson Daniel , Wiklundh Kia , Stenumgaard Peter
Published: August 2014

Measurements for outdoor multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) capacity assessment are generally technically complicated, time consuming and expensive activities and few results are therefore published in the literature. Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) systems suffer from poor capacity and could be significantly improved by MIMO technology. However, performing outdoor channel measurements in relevant environments is very difficult because of interference problems with operating systems. In this study, the authors propose an estimation of the MIMO capacity for TETRA systems, based on outdoor MIMO measurements carried out at 300 MHz.
Switching design of stabilising switched neutral systems with application to lossless transmission lines
Authors: Li Tai‐Fang , Zhao Jun , Qi Yiwen
Published: August 2014

The authors study the problem of asymptotically stabilising a class of switched neutral systems whose states cannot be directly measured. A state observer for each individual subsystem is constructed, based on which a switching law and a switching controller are designed. The designed switching law sufficiently considers the delayed states information. The authors adopt the multiple Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals method to obtain a sufficient solvability condition for stabilisation which possesses less conservativeness. The authors also extend this method to stabilise switched neutral systems with time‐varying structural uncertainties. Two examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the authors’ proposed method.
Leucomes et traitement orthodontique. Prévention, traitement
Authors: Morrier Jean-Jacques
Published: August 2014

Les lésions opaques blanches (leucomes) ou white spots observés autour des attachements orthodontiques constituent une complication assez fréquente observée au cours des traitements orthodontiques fixes. En effet, les attaches orthodontiques et les résines de collage sont des facteurs de rétention du biofilm dentaire, à l’origine de ces lésions. La prise en charge des leucomes comprend la prévention des phénomènes de déminéralisation, les méthodes de reminéralisation des lésions existantes et les techniques de restauration. Elle commence par le respect d’une hygiène bucco-dentaire rigoureuse et d’une hygiène alimentaire correcte. Les fluorures (dentifrices, gels, vernis, bains de bouche, ciments adhésifs, ligature...), les antiseptiques, la CPP-ACP, le laser, les techniques d’éclaircissement, d’érosion-infiltration, de micro-abrasion, font partie des procédures et traitements principalement préconisés. L’objectif de cet article est de faire la synthèse de l’efficacité de ces différents traitements et procédures par une analyse des données basée sur les preuves.
Wide-angle ITER-prototype tangential infrared and visible viewing system for DIII-D
Authors: Lasnier C. J. , Allen S. L. , Ellis R. E. , Fenstermacher M. E. , McLean A. G. , Meyer W. H. , Morris K. , Seppala L. G. , Crabtree K. , Van Zeeland M. A.
Published: August 2014

An imaging system with a wide-angle tangential view of the full poloidal cross-section of the tokamak in simultaneous infrared and visible light has been installed on DIII-D. The optical train includes three polished stainless steel mirrors in vacuum, which view the tokamak through an aperture in the first mirror, similar to the design concept proposed for ITER. A dichroic beam splitter outside the vacuum separates visible and infrared (IR) light. Spatial calibration is accomplished by warping a CAD-rendered image to align with landmarks in a data image. The IR camera provides scrape-off layer heat flux profile deposition features in diverted and inner-wall-limited plasmas, such as heat flux reduction in pumped radiative divertor shots. Demonstration of the system to date includes observation of fast-ion losses to the outer wall during neutral beam injection, and shows reduced peak wall heat loading with disruption mitigation by injection of a massive gas puff.
Orientational switching of protein conformation as a function of nanoparticle curvature and their geometrical fitting
Authors: Khan Syamantak , Gupta Abhishek , Chaudhary Abhishek , Nandi Chayan K.
Published: August 2014

Among the various surface properties, nanoparticle curvature has a direct effect on the inner root of protein nanoparticle interaction. However, the orientation of adsorbed proteins onto the nanoparticle surface and its binding mechanism still remains elusive because of the lack of in-depth knowledge at the molecular level. Here, we demonstrate detail molecular insights of the orientational switching of several serum proteins as a function of nanoparticle curvature using theoretical simulation along with some experimental results. With the variation of binding stability, four distinctly different classes of orientation were observed for human serum albumin, whereas only two unique classes of conformations were observed for ubiquitin, insulin, and haemoglobin. As a general observation, our data suggested that orientations were exclusively dependent on the specific protein structure and the geometrical fitting onto the nanoparticle surface.
Mid-infrared intersubband polaritons in dispersive metal-insulator-metal resonators
Authors: Manceau J.-M. , Zanotto S. , Ongarello T. , Sorba L. , Tredicucci A. , Biasiol G. , Colombelli R.
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate room-temperature strong coupling between a mid-infrared (λ = 9.9 μm) intersubband transition and the fundamental cavity mode of a metal-insulator-metal resonator. Patterning of the resonator surface enables surface-coupling of the radiation and introduces an energy dispersion which can be probed with angle-resolved reflectivity. In particular, the polaritonic dispersion presents an accessible energy minimum at k = 0 where—potentially—polaritons can accumulate. We also show that it is possible to maximize the coupling of photons into the polaritonic states and—simultaneously—to engineer the position of the minimum Rabi splitting at a desired value of the in-plane wavevector. This can be precisely accomplished via a simple post-processing technique. The results are confirmed using the temporal coupled mode theory formalism and their significance in the context of the strong critical coupling concept is highlighted.
Point matching: A new electronic method for homogenizing the phase characteristics of giant magnetoimpedance sensors
Authors: Silva E. Costa , Barbosa C. R. Hall , Gusmão L. A. P. , Leipner Y. , Fortaleza L. G. S. , Monteiro E. Costa
Published: August 2014

Recently, our research group at PUC-Rio discovered that magnetic transducers based on the impedance phase characteristics of GMI sensors have the potential to multiply by one hundred the sensitivity values when compared to magnitude-based GMI transducers. Those GMI sensors can be employed in the measurement of ultra-weak magnetic fields, which intensities are even lower than the environmental magnetic noise. A traditional solution for cancelling the electromagnetic noise and interference makes use of gradiometric configurations, but the performance is strongly tied to the homogeneity of the sensing elements. This paper presents a new method that uses electronic circuits to modify the equivalent impedance of the GMI samples, aiming at homogenizing their phase characteristics and, consequently, improving the performance of gradiometric configurations based on GMI samples. It is also shown a performance comparison between this new method and another homogenization method previously developed.
Dual-mode behavior of the complementary electric-LC resonators loaded on transmission line: Analysis and applications
Authors: Ebrahimi Amir , Withayachumnankul Withawat , Al-Sarawi Said F. , Abbott Derek
Published: August 2014

This article presents an analysis of metamaterial resonators coupled with microstrip transmission line. The behavior of complementary electric-LC resonators loaded on a microstrip line is analyzed using the equivalent circuit model. In this paper, it is shown that a special type of these resonators show a dual-mode behavior when excited through the electromagnetic field around the microstrip transmission lines. The bandstop and bandpass configurations of these dual mode resonators loaded with microstrip lines are introduced and analyzed. Their potential applications are highlighted through designing a displacement sensor and a dual-mode bandpass filter prototypes.