bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greek adolescents' intimate relations before their transition to adulthood
Authors: Pnevmatikos Dimitris , Bardos Achilles N.
Published: August 2014

The study examined whether the characteristics of the other partner in a dyad could reveal some unique intimate relationships regardless of the commonalties in the intimate relationships adolescents and emerging adults endorse with four important partners (mother, father, female and male peers). Six hundred and thirteen (56.8% female) Greek adolescents and emerging adults participated in the study. Participants endorsed their agreement to nine items addressing issues of intimacy and companionship. The intimate relationships with the four important partners share some common characteristics reflecting the person who endorses the intimate relationships and are also reciprocal, depending on who is the other partner in the dyad. The intimacy participants endorsed with their parents contributed to the intimate relationship with their peers of the same sex with the parent. The way Greek youth is gendered could explain the characteristics of the intimate relationships they endorse with the other partners in the dyads.
Effect of Ski Mountaineering Track on Foot Sole Loading Pattern
Authors: Haselbacher Matthias , Mader Katharina , Werner Maximiliane , Nogler Michael
Published: August 2014

Objective

Ski mountaineering is becoming a popular sport. The ascending techniques (tracks) can be divided into 3 different groups: flat field, direct ascent, and traversing. This study examines the relationship between different mechanical loads on the foot and the 4 different mountaineering ascending techniques.

Methods

All subjects used the same pair of ski boots and the same skis while performing the 4 different ascending techniques. An in-shoe dynamic pressure measuring system was used to measure the mechanical load on the foot soles of each ski mountaineer. The foot sole was divided into 6 anatomic sections to measure the different loads in each section.

Results

Thirteen men with an average age of 29 years were enrolled in the study. The results showed small, not significant differences in the mechanical foot load in the flat field or in the direct ascent. The average mechanical foot load was highest on the valley side foot while traversing (179 kPa to 117 kPa). The higher load forces were in the medial ball of the foot and the longitudinal aspect of the foot side closer to the hill.

Conclusions

The higher impact placed on the valley side foot and the concentration of force placed on the medial ball of the valley side foot suggested the influence of the track on the load pattern of the foot sole. This higher impact may result in upward forces that affect the force distribution in the ankle and knee joints.
Wake transition in the flow around a circular cylinder with a splitter plate
Authors: Serson Douglas , Meneghini Julio R. , Carmo Bruno S. , Volpe Ernani V. , Gioria Rafael S.
Published: August 2014

A simple way to decrease the drag and oscillating lift forces in the flow around a circular cylinder consists of positioning a splitter plate in the wake, parallel to the flow. In this paper, the effect of the splitter plate on the wake dynamics, more specifically on the wake transition, is described in detail. First, two-dimensional and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS) using the spectral element method were used to observe the behaviour of the wake in the presence of the splitter plate. Then, a linear stability analysis based on the Floquet theory was performed in order to obtain information on how the splitter plate changes the instabilities that lead to wake transition. Simulations were carried out for several gaps between the splitter plate and the cylinder, with the Reynolds number varying in the range between 100 and 350, which corresponds to the wake transition in the flow around a circular cylinder. The results of the simulations showed a discontinuity in the Strouhal number curve that is consistent with the results available in the literature. The stability analysis showed how the splitter plate modifies the transition of the flow to a three-dimensional configuration. The splitter plate has a stabilizing effect on the flow for small gaps, delaying the appearance of three-dimensional structures to higher Reynolds numbers. Mode A and a quasi-periodic (QP) mode are observed for such small gaps. As the gap is increased the discontinuity in the Strouhal number curve also caused a clear change in the characteristics of the neutral stability curve, and the existence of an unstable period-doubling mode was observed. The onset characteristics of the unstable modes are analysed and discussed in depth.
Evolution of localized disturbances in the elliptic instability
Authors: Hattori Yuji , bin Marzuki Mohd Syafiq
Published: August 2014

The time evolution of localized disturbances in an elliptical flow confined in an elliptical cylinder is studied by direct numerical simulation (DNS). The base flow is subject to the elliptic instability. The unstable growth of localized disturbances predicted by the short-wavelength stability analysis is captured. The time evolution can be divided into four stages: linear, weakly nonlinear, nonlinear and turbulent. In the linear stage a single wavepacket grows exponentially without changing its shape. The exponential growth is accompanied by large oscillations which have time period half that of the fluid particles in the elliptical flow. An averaged wavepacket, which is a train of bending waves that has a finite spatial extent, also grows exponentially, while the oscillations of the growth rate are small. The averaged growth rate increases as the kinematic viscosity decreases; the inviscid limit is close to the value predicted by the short-wavelength stability analysis. In the weakly nonlinear stage the energy stops growing. The vortical structure of the initial disturbances is deformed into wavy patterns. The energy spectrum loses the peak at the initial wavenumber, developing a broad spectrum, and the flow goes into the next stage. In the nonlinear stage weak vorticity is scattered in the whole domain although strong vorticity is still localized. The probability density functions (p.d.f.) of a velocity component and its longitudinal derivative are similar to those of isotropic turbulence; however, the energy spectrum does not have an inertial range showing the Kolmogorov spectrum. Finally in the turbulent stage fine-scale structures appear in the vorticity field. The p.d.f. of the longitudinal derivative of velocity shows the strong intermittency known for isotropic turbulence. The energy spectrum attains an inertial range showing the Kolmogorov spectrum. The turbulence is not symmetric because of rotation and strain; the component of vorticity in the compressing direction is smaller than the other two components. The energy of the mean flow as well as the total energy decreases. The ratio of the lost energy to the initial energy of the mean flow is large in the core region.
An Empirical Evaluation of Explanations for State Repression
Authors: HILL DANIEL W. , JONES ZACHARY M.
Published: August 2014

The empirical literature that examines cross-national patterns of state repression seeks to discover a set of political, economic, and social conditions that are consistently associated with government violations of human rights. Null hypothesis significance testing is the most common way of examining the relationship between repression and concepts of interest, but we argue that it is inadequate for this goal, and has produced potentially misleading results. To remedy this deficiency in the literature we use cross-validation and random forests to determine thepredictivepower of measures of concepts the literature identifies as important causes of repression. We find that few of these measures are able to substantially improve the predictive power of statistical models of repression. Further, the most studied concept in the literature, democratic political institutions, predicts certain kinds of repression much more accurately than others. We argue that this is due to conceptual and operational overlap between democracy and certain kinds of state repression. Finally, we argue that the impressive performance of certain features of domestic legal systems, as well as some economic and demographic factors, justifies a stronger focus on these concepts in future studies of repression.
ON HOMOLOGICAL FROBENIUS COMPLEXES AND BIMODULES
Authors: GARCÍA ROZAS J. R. , OYONARTE LUIS , TORRECILLAS BLAS
Published: August 2014

We introduce the concept of homological Frobenius functors as the natural generalization of Frobenius functors in the setting of triangulated categories, and study their structure in the particular case of the derived categories of those of complexes and modules over a unital associative ring. Tilting complexes (modules) are examples of homological Frobenius complexes (modules). Homological Frobenius functors retain some of the nice properties of Frobenius ones as the ascent theorem for Gorenstein categories. It is shown that homological Frobenius ring homomorphisms are always Frobenius.
LOCAL SUPREMA OF DIRICHLET POLYNOMIALS AND ZEROFREE REGIONS OF THE RIEMANN ZETA-FUNCTION
Authors: WEBER MICHEL J. G.
Published: August 2014

A new family of zerofree region of the Riemann Zeta-function ζ is identified by using Turán's (P. Turán, Eine neue Methode inter Analysis und deren Anwendungen (Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary, 1953); Analytic number theory, Proc. Symp. Pure Math., vol. XXIV (Amer. Math. Soc. Providence, RI, 1972)) localization criterion linking zeros of ζ with uniform local suprema of sets of Dirichlet polynomials expanded over the primes. The proof is based on a randomization argument. An estimate for local extrema for some finite families of shifted Dirichlet polynomials is established by preliminary considering their local increment properties by means of Montgomery-Vaughan's variant of Hilbert's inequality. A covering argument combined with Turán's localization criterion allows to conclude.
GORENSTEIN AND Sr PATH IDEALS OF CYCLES
Authors: KIANI DARIUSH , SAEEDI MADANI SARA , TERAI NAOKI
Published: August 2014

Let R = k[x1,…,xn], where k is a field. The path ideal (of length t ≥ 2) of a directed graph G is the monomial ideal, denoted by It(G), whose generators correspond to the directed paths of length t in G. Let Cn be an n-cycle. We show that R/It(Cn) is Sr if and only if it is Cohen-Macaulay or $\lceil \frac{n}{n-t-1}\rceil\geq r+3$. In addition, we prove that R/It(Cn) is Gorenstein if and only if n = t or 2t + 1. Also, we determine all ordinary and symbolic powers of It(Cn) which are Cohen-Macaulay. Finally, we prove that It(Cn) has a linear resolution if and only if t ≥ n − 2.
ON THE p-ADIC BINOMIAL SERIES AND A FORMAL ANALOGUE OF HILBERT'S THEOREM 90 – ADDENDUM
Authors: TZERMIAS PAVLOS
Published: August 2014

The proof of Theorem 3.2 in [1] (P. Tzermias, On the p-adic binomial series and a formal analogue of Hilbert's Theorem 90, Glasgow Math. J.47 (2005), 319–326) contains two opaque claims. The necessary clarifications are provided here.
BIHARMONIC CURVES INTO QUADRICS
Authors: MONTALDO S. , RATTO A.
Published: August 2014

We develop an essentially algebraic method to study biharmonic curves into an implicit surface. Although our method is rather general, it is especially suitable to study curves in surfaces defined by a polynomial equation: In particular, we use it to give a complete classification of biharmonic curves in real quadrics of the three-dimensional Euclidean space.
MIXED QUASI-ÉTALE QUOTIENTS WITH ARBITRARY SINGULARITIES
Authors: FRAPPORTI DAVIDE , PIGNATELLI ROBERTO
Published: August 2014

A mixed quasi-étale quotient is the quotient of the product of a curve of genus at least 2 with itself by the action of a group which exchanges the two factors and acts freely outside a finite subset. A mixed quasi-étale surface is the minimal resolution of its singularities. We produce an algorithm computing all mixed quasi-étale surfaces with given geometric genus, irregularity and self-intersection of the canonical class. We prove that all irregular mixed quasi-étale surfaces of general type are minimal. As an application, we classify all irregular mixed quasi-étale surfaces of general type with genus equal to the irregularity, and all the regular ones with K2 > 0, thus constructing new examples of surfaces of general type with χ = 1. We mention the first example of a minimal surface of general type with pg = q = 1 and Albanese fibre of genus bigger than K2.
A BOUND ON THE p-LENGTH OF P-SOLVABLE GROUPS
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-SÁNCHEZ JON , SPAGNUOLO FRANCESCA
Published: August 2014

Let G be a finite p-solvable group and P a Sylow p-subgroup of G. Suppose that $\gamma_{\ell (p-1)}(P)\subseteq \gamma_r(P)^{p^s}$ for ℓ(p−1) < r + s(p − 1), then the p-length is bounded by a function depending on ℓ.
COMPUTING WITH SUBGROUPS OF THE MODULAR GROUP
Authors: KIRSCHMER MARKUS , LEEDHAM-GREEN CHARLES
Published: August 2014

We give several algorithms for finitely generated subgroups of the modular group PSL2(ℤ) given by sets of generators. First, we present an algorithm to check whether a finitely generated subgroup H has finite index in the full modular group. Then we discuss how to parametrise the right cosets of H in PSL2(ℤ), whether the index is finite or not. Further, we explain how an element in H can be written as a word in a given set of generators of H.
Social Policy Digest Online
Authors: Croft Jacqui
Published: August 2014

The Social Policy Digest is a major online resource providing up-to-date listings of developments across the whole range of UK and pan-European social policy issues – including links to source materials and commentary. The Digest is published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Social Policy Association.
EXPLORING TWO COST-ADJUSTMENT METHODS FOR SELECTION BIAS IN A SMALL SAMPLE: USING A FETAL CARDIOLOGY DATASET
Authors: Mistry Hema
Published: August 2014

Objectives: In economic evaluations of healthcare technologies, situations arise where data are not randomized and numbers are small. For this reason, obtaining reliable cost estimates of such interventions may be difficult. This study explores two approaches in obtaining cost estimates for pregnant women screened for a fetal cardiac anomaly.

Methods: Two methods to reduce selection bias in health care: regression analyses and propensity scoring methods were applied to the total mean costs of pregnancy for women who received specialist cardiac advice by means of two referral modes: telemedicine and direct referral.

Results: The observed total mean costs of pregnancy were higher for the telemedicine group than the direct referral group (4,918 versus 4,311 GBP). The regression model found that referral mode was not a significant predictor of costs and the cost difference between the two groups was reduced from 607 to 94 GBP. After applying the various propensity score methods, the groups were balanced in terms of sizes and compositions; and again the cost differences between the two groups were smaller ranging from -62 (matching “by hand”) to 333 GBP (kernel matching).

Conclusions: Regression analyses and propensity scoring methods applied to the dataset may have increased the homogeneity and reduced the variance in the adjusted costs; that is, these methods have allowed the observed selection bias to be reduced. I believe that propensity scoring methods worked better for this dataset, because after matching the two groups were similar in terms of background characteristics and the adjusted cost differences were smaller.
An assessment of threats to Anatidae in Iran
Authors: NOURANI ELHAM , KABOLI MOHAMMAD , COLLEN BEN
Published: August 2014

The network of wetland systems in Iran provides valuable staging and wintering areas for waterbirds in the African-Western Eurasian flyways. The West Siberian/Caspian/Nile populations of Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans) regularly overwinter and stop over in Iran, and are considered an economically and culturally important group of birds in the country. Conservation of such migratory birds requires the identification of key threat factors impacting them throughout the flyway. Since documented data on the status and threats facing Anatidae in Iran are very scarce, in this paper, we attempted to determine the general population trends for the 26 Anatidae species in Iran, using annual waterbird census data, and to identify and score the most important threat factors affecting each species, by consulting the top ornithologists and professional birdwatchers in the country by means of a survey. Our results indicate that the most prevalent threats affecting all 26 species are dam construction, water management practices, and hunting. Our results provide the necessary material for Red List assessment of these species at the national level, an important tool for conservation priority setting within Iran and in the flyway.
The Vukovar Hospital case from the perspective of a national investigative judge
Authors: Alimpić Miroslav
Published: August 2014

Among the increasingly frequent acts of non-compliance with, and grievous violations of, international humanitarian law around the world, especially in non-international armed conflicts, attacks on objects and persons enjoying special protection, and their abuse, as well as the misuse of the distinctive emblems of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, come as no surprise. Although a repressive approach to the problem – through the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators – cannot completely prevent such occurrences, an effective and appropriate judicial stigmatisation can significantly contribute to making them as rare as possible. In this regard, the court proceedings held before the War Crimes Chamber in Belgrade and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague in connection with the events in and around the Vukovar Hospital and Ovčara farm have provided an appropriate judicial response. This is notwithstanding the fact that, at least for now, not all perpetrators have been prosecuted for their acts (or failure to act) at the time of the commission of these grave crimes.
Asymptomatic peripheral artery disease and antiplatelet management
Authors: Raparelli Valeria , Proietti Marco , Napoleone Laura , Bucci Tommaso , Talerico Giovanni , Pignataro Francesca S. , Basili Stefania
Published: August 2014

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a hallmark of generalized atherosclerosis. Depending on the specific diagnostic criteria that are being used, the prevalence of PAD may be as high as 30 % in the population of people 70 or more years old. Unfortunately, although PAD is prevalent and has many important consequences for patients, it is often under-detected and under-treated by primary care physicians. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available literature on epidemiology and antiplatelets management of PAD patients. In particular, we focus on the hidden side of PAD burden, the asymptomatic patients, who are at high risk of negative cardiovascular outcomes. Identification of such PAD patients is therefore an important clinical goal to reduce mortality and morbidity and reduce the social cost of atherosclerotic disease. Early screening of PAD and an evidence-based antithrombotic approach are also discussed as potential strategies to counteract the negative impact of such condition in general population, as well as, in patients with other cardiovascular diseases.
Lower extremity vasculitis in giant cell arteritis: Important differential diagnosis in patients with lower limb claudication
Authors: Sigl Martin , Hsu Eric , Scheffel Hans , Haneder Stefan , Rümenapf Gerhard , Amendt Klaus
Published: August 2014

Most patients with peripheral arterial disease suffer from arteriosclerosis, the prevalence of which increases with age. In some of these patients, however, the ischemic symptoms are not caused by stenotic arteriosclerosis, but by large vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA), a disease also predominantly affecting patients of the older generation. Identifying large vessel vasculitis is a challenge for all physicians caring for patients with peripheral artery disease. The results of invasive treatment such as bypass surgery and angioplasty of inflammatory vascular lesions differ fundamentally from those of patients with atherosclerosis. Duplex ultrasound is a widely available diagnostic method for examining patients with lower limb claudication and pathological ankle-/toe- brachial index or pulse volume recording with or without exercise. Knowledge of characteristic sonographic findings suspicious about large vessel vasculitis is essential for a differential diagnosis of vasculitis versus atherosclerosis. In addition to clinical and laboratory findings, further imaging techniques, e.g. contrast-enhanced computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or a combination of positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) can provide information on further vessel involvement and inflammatory activity. The present study focuses on diagnostic imaging of LV-GCA in patients presenting with claudication, illustrated by a series of cases.
Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buergers disease)
Authors: Klein-Weigel Peter F. , Richter Jutta G.
Published: August 2014

Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO, Buerger`s disease) is an inflammatory vascular disease affecting small and medium sized arteries and veins. It is characterized by segmental thrombotic occlusions by highly mononuclear cellular thrombi. Its occurrence and re-occurrence is closely related to tobacco use. Immunohistological examinations and the detections of various autoantibodies led to the new paradigm of an immunopathogenesis of TAO. Clinically it is characterized by distal ischemia syndromes in young people and high amputation rates. This article summarizes the disease characteristics, clinical features, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and focuses on new therapeutic options, i.e. stem cell derived therapies, immunoadsorption, and the endothelin-receptor-blocking agent bosentan.
New oral anticoagulants in the treatment of acute venous thromboembolism - a systematic review with indirect comparisons
Authors: Hirschl Mirko , Kundi Michael
Published: August 2014

Background: For decades, heparins and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) have been the gold standards in therapy of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The advent of factor IIa and Xa inhibitors provides new therapeutic options. The aim of this analysis is to compare the currently available new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with VKAs and also indirectly the NOACs with each other, as it is unlikely that a head-to-head comparison will ever be available. Patients and methods: In total, 27,024 patients were included in the RE-COVER, RE-COVER II, EINSTEIN DVT and PE, AMPLIFY and HOKUSAI studies with 13,511 in the VKA arm and 13,513 in the NOAC arm. Efficacy and safety endpoints were assessed by relative risks (RR) and absolute risk reductions (ARR) relative to VKA. The indirect comparison between the NOACs was performed according to ISPOR guidelines. Results: No differences between NOACs and VKA were found regarding recurrent VTE and death. Bleeding was significantly reduced by NOACs: major bleeding by rivaroxaban (RR 0.55; 0.38 - 0.81) and apixaban (RR 0.31; 0.17 - 0.55); major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding by dabigatran (RR 0.63; 0.51 - 0.77), apixaban (RR 0.44; 0.36 - 0.55) and edoxaban (RR 0.81; 0.71 - 0.93). The ARR for major bleeding was 1 % for rivaroxaban and apixaban; and for the composite bleeding endpoint 3.2 % for dabigatran, 5.4 % for apixaban, and 1.9 % for edoxaban. Regarding efficacy, no differences were found between NOACs. Apixaban reduced incidence of major bleeding more than dabigatran and edoxaban. Regarding occurrence of the composite bleeding endpoint, apixaban performed better than all other NOACs and dabigatran better than rivaroxaban and edoxaban. Conclusions: NOACs are as efficient in the treatment of VTE as VKA but with reduced risk of bleeding complications. Indirect comparisons indicate differences in the risk of clinically relevant bleeding events. Important issues such as monitoring and reversal of anticoagulation are still unresolved, but introduction of NOACs increased the therapeutic spectrum and thereby the potential for individualized therapy.
Functionally relevant diversity of closely related Nitrospira in activated sludge
Authors: Gruber-Dorninger Christiane , Pester Michael , Kitzinger Katharina , Savio Domenico F , Loy Alexander , Rattei Thomas , Wagner Michael , Daims Holger
Published: August 2014

Nitrospira are chemolithoautotrophic nitrite-oxidizing bacteria that catalyze the second step of nitrification in most oxic habitats and are important for excess nitrogen removal from sewage in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To date, little is known about their diversity and ecological niche partitioning within complex communities. In this study, the fine-scale community structure and function of Nitrospira was analyzed in two full-scale WWTPs as model ecosystems. In Nitrospira-specific 16S rRNA clone libraries retrieved from each plant, closely related phylogenetic clusters (16S rRNA identities between clusters ranged from 95.8% to 99.6%) within Nitrospira lineages I and II were found. Newly designed probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) allowed the specific detection of several of these clusters, whose coexistence in the WWTPs was shown for prolonged periods of several years. In situ ecophysiological analyses based on FISH, relative abundance and spatial arrangement quantification, as well as microautoradiography revealed functional differences of these Nitrospira clusters regarding the preferred nitrite concentration, the utilization of formate as substrate and the spatial coaggregation with ammonia-oxidizing bacteria as symbiotic partners. Amplicon pyrosequencing of the nxrB gene, which encodes subunit beta of nitrite oxidoreductase of Nitrospira, revealed in one of the WWTPs as many as 121 species-level nxrB operational taxonomic units with highly uneven relative abundances in the amplicon library. These results show a previously unrecognized high diversity of Nitrospira in engineered systems, which is at least partially linked to niche differentiation and may have important implications for process stability.
Superabsorption of light via quantum engineering
Authors: Higgins K. D. B. , Benjamin S. C. , Stace T. M. , Milburn G. J. , Lovett B. W. , Gauger E. M.
Published: August 2014

Almost 60 years ago Dicke introduced the term superradiance to describe a signature quantum effect: N atoms can collectively emit light at a rate proportional to N2. Structures that superradiate must also have enhanced absorption, but the former always dominates in natural systems. Here we show that this restriction can be overcome by combining several well-established quantum control techniques. Our analytical and numerical calculations show that superabsorption can then be achieved and sustained in certain simple nanostructures, by trapping the system in a highly excited state through transition rate engineering. This opens the prospect of a new class of quantum nanotechnology with potential applications including photon detection and light-based power transmission. An array of quantum dots or a molecular ring structure could provide a suitable platform for an experimental demonstration.
Association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma susceptibility: Evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: He Jing , Liao Xiao-Yu , Zhu Jin-Hong , Xue Wen-Qiong , Shen Guo-Ping , Huang Shao-Yi , Chen Wei , Jia Wei-Hua
Published: August 2014

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme involved in folate metabolism and DNA synthesis. A number of studies have examined the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) susceptibility; however, the conclusions were contradictory. We searched available publications assessing the polymorphisms of MTHFR and NHL susceptibility from MEDLINE, EMBASE and CBM. Genotype-based mRNA expression analysis was performed using data from 270 individuals with three different ethnicities. Ultimately, a total of 7448 cases and 11146 controls from 25 studies were included for the C677T polymorphism, 6173 cases and 9725 controls from 19 studies for the A1298C polymorphism. Pooled results indicated that neither C677T nor A1298C polymorphism was associated with NHL susceptibility. However, C677T polymorphism showed a statistically significantly increased risk for Caucasians, but a decreased risk for Asians in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity. The same variants may confer increased susceptibility to develop follicular lymphoma (FL). Moreover, A1298C polymorphism was associated with increased NHL risk for Asians. This meta-analysis indicated that C677T polymorphism was associated with altered NHL susceptibility for Caucasians, Asians and FL. Increased NHL risk was also shown for A1298C among Asians. These findings warrant validation in large and well-designed prospective studies.
Nanothorn electrodes for ionic polymer-metal composite artificial muscles
Authors: Palmre Viljar , Pugal David , Kim Kwang J. , Leang Kam K. , Asaka Kinji , Aabloo Alvo
Published: August 2014

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have recently received tremendous interest as soft biomimetic actuators and sensors in various bioengineering and human affinity applications, such as artificial muscles and actuators, aquatic propulsors, robotic end-effectors and active catheters. Main challenges in developing biomimetic actuators are the attainment of high strain and actuation force at low operating voltage. Here we first report a nanostructured electrode surface design for IPMC comprising platinum nanothorn assemblies with multiple sharp tips. The newly developed actuator with the nanostructured electrodes shows a new way to achieve highly enhanced electromechanical performance over existing flat-surfaced electrodes. We demonstrate that the formation and growth of the nanothorn assemblies at the electrode interface lead to a dramatic improvement (3- to 5-fold increase) in both actuation range and blocking force at low driving voltage (1–3 V). These advances are related to the highly capacitive properties of nanothorn assemblies, increasing significantly the charge transport during the actuation process.
Simultaneous determination of hydroquinone and catechol using an electrode modified by a composite of graphene/lanthanum hydroxide nanowires
Authors: Guo Zhuo , Lu Yin , Li Jian , Xu Xian-feng , Huang Guo-qing , Wang Ze-yu
Published: August 2014

An electrochemical sensor modified by La(OH)3 nanorods and graphene hybrids for the simultaneous detection of hydroquinone and catechol.
Biomimetic honeycomb-patterned surface as the tunable cell adhesion scaffold
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Lu Xuemin , Hu Ying , Lu Qinghua
Published: August 2014

PS honeycomb structured surfaces were modified into both cell-philic and cell-phobic by dip-coating and casting polySBMA, respectively, which was inspired by two typically adhesive behaviours of fish skin and Parthenocissus tricuspidata.
Kinetics of the NH3and CO2solid-state reaction at low temperature
Authors: Noble J. A. , Theule P. , Duvernay F. , Danger G. , Chiavassa T. , Ghesquiere P. , Mineva T. , Talbi D.
Published: August 2014

Ammonia and carbon dioxide play an important role in both atmospheric and interstellar ice chemistries.
Theoretical studies on the quinoidal thiophene based dyes for dye sensitized solar cell and NLO applications
Authors: Nithya R. , Senthilkumar K.
Published: August 2014

The designed quinoidal thiophene molecules are good candidates for DSSC applications.
Band gap engineering of early transition-metal-doped anatase TiO2: first principles calculations
Authors: Li C. , Zhao Y. F. , Gong Y. Y. , Wang T. , Sun C. Q.
Published: August 2014

Doping with early transition metals leads to the rising of the energy level of the valence band center by about 0.2 eV and declining of the energy level of the conductor band center by about 0.8 eV.
Homogeneous catalytic oxidation of styrene and styrene derivatives with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of transition metal-substituted polyoxotungstates
Authors: Duarte Tiago A. G. , Estrada Ana C. , Simões Mário M. Q. , Santos Isabel C. M. S. , Cavaleiro Ana M. V. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: August 2014

Homogeneous catalytic oxidation of styrene and styrene derivatives with H2O2in the presence of polyoxotungstates.
Stabilization of n-cadmium telluride photoanodes for water oxidation to O2(g) in aqueous alkaline electrolytes using amorphous TiO2 films formed by atomic-layer deposition
Authors: Lichterman Michael F. , Carim Azhar I. , McDowell Matthew T. , Hu Shu , Gray Harry B. , Brunschwig Bruce S. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: August 2014

Protection of n-CdTe by ALD-grown TiO2 film for water oxidation to O2(g) in alkaline media.
Corn protein-derived nitrogen-doped carbon materials with oxygen-rich functional groups: a highly efficient electrocatalyst for all-vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Park Minjoon , Ryu Jaechan , Kim Youngsik , Cho Jaephil
Published: August 2014

Corn protein-derived nitrogen-doped carbon nanomaterial was fabricated, and has abundant oxygen active sites and nitrogen defects for vanadium redox reactions.
Particulate metals and organic compounds from electronic and tobacco-containing cigarettes: comparison of emission rates and secondhand exposure
Authors: Saffari Arian , Daher Nancy , Ruprecht Ario , De Marco Cinzia , Pozzi Paolo , Boffi Roberto , Hamad Samera H. , Shafer Martin M. , Schauer James J. , Westerdahl Dane , Sioutas Constantinos
Published: August 2014

Emission of organic compounds and metals from electronic cigarettes are quantified.
A pressure-tolerant polymer microfluidic device fabricated by the simultaneous solidification-bonding method and flash chemistry application
Authors: Ren Wurong , Kim Heejin , Lee Hyune-Jea , Wang Jun , Wang Hao , Kim Dong-Pyo
Published: August 2014

Polymer-glass microreactors fabricated by the simultaneous solidification-bonding technique are transparent and pressure-tolerant for flash chemistry under high pressure conditions.
Cryo-solvatochromism in ionic liquids
Authors: Yu Linpo , Chen George Z.
Published: August 2014

The colour changing temperature of the thermo-solvatochromic solution of a chloro-nickel complex, di-(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium) tetrachloronickelate, [bmim]2NiCl4 (0.14 mol L−1 in the photograph), in 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C2OHmim]BF4, can be continuously decreased from above room temperature to well below 0 °C simply by addition of excess [bmim]Cl (1.4 mol L−1 in the photograph), bringing about unprecedented cryo-solvatochromism in ionic liquids.
Self-assembling few-layer MoS2 nanosheets on a CNT backbone for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Ren Dayong , Jiang Hao , Hu Yanjie , Zhang Ling , Li Chunzhong
Published: August 2014

We demonstrate the self-assembly of few-layer MoS2 nanosheets on a CNT backbone via a facile hydrothermal reaction with a subsequent annealing process.
Thin multicomponent films for functional enzyme devices and bioreactor particles
Authors: Rusling James F. , Wasalathanthri Dhanuka P. , Schenkman John B.
Published: August 2014

Complex functional films containing enzymes and other biomolecules are easily fabricated in nm-scale thicknesses by using layer-by-layer (LbL) methodologies.
Surface treated pollen performance as a renewable reinforcing filler for poly(vinyl acetate)
Authors: Fadiran Oluwatimilehin O. , Meredith J. Carson
Published: August 2014

Surface treatments can be used to enhance adhesion of native pollen in polymers, optimizing pollen performance as a reinforcing filler.
Chitosan-coated nano-liposomes for the oral delivery of berberine hydrochloride
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Xuan , Huang Lin , Liu Li , Elamin Abdalla Ahmed Mohammed , Gauthier Mario , Yang Guang
Published: August 2014

Since desirable in vitro and in vivo characteristics were achieved, chitosan-coated nano-liposomes are promising release devices for the oral delivery of berberine hydrochloride increasing the bioavailability of the drug.
NIR-light active hybrid nanoparticles for combined imaging and bimodal therapy of cancerous cells
Authors: Topete A. , Melgar D. , Alatorre-Meda M. , Iglesias P. , Argibay B. , Vidawati S. , Barbosa S. , Costoya J. A. , Taboada P. , Mosquera V.
Published: August 2014

Multifunctional hybrid polymeric-based nanoplatforms for simultaneous fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging and multimodal chemo- and phothermal therapies.
Air-stable organic semiconductors based on 6,6′-dithienylindigo and polymers thereof
Authors: Głowacki E. D. , Apaydin D. H. , Bozkurt Z. , Monkowius U. , Demirak K. , Tordin E. , Himmelsbach M. , Schwarzinger C. , Burian M. , Lechner R. T. , Demitri N. , Voss G. , Sariciftci N. S.
Published: August 2014

We report on the synthesis and properties of 6,6′-dithienylindigo (DTI) and poly(DTI). Redox chemistry and ambipolar charge transport with μh = 0.11 cm2 V−1 s−1 and μe = 0.08 cm2 V−1 s−1 and excellent air stability are shown.
Interplay of alternative conjugated pathways and steric interactions on the electronic and optical properties of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers
Authors: Lima Igo T. , Risko Chad , Aziz Saadullah G. , da Silva Filho Demétrio A. , Brédas Jean-Luc
Published: August 2014

Orthogonally conjugated moieties appended to a conjugated polymer backbone are used to control solubility and packing. Here, electronic-structure calculations show how such configurations impact the polymer geometry and the electronic/optical properties.
Electron–phonon interaction in bulk layered graphene and its oxide in the presence of alcohols in a device: equilibrium molecular doping
Authors: Vempati Sesha , Celebioglu Asli , Uyar Tamer
Published: August 2014

Intensity variation of G band from bulk layered graphene and its oxide in ambient atmosphere or isopropanol vapor showing mutually contrasting behavior under bias.
Controlling gene networks and cell fate with precision-targeted DNA-binding proteins and small-molecule-based genome readers
Authors: Eguchi Asuka , Lee Garrett O. , Wan Fang , Erwin Graham S. , Ansari Aseem Z.
Published: August 2014

Transcription factors control the fate of a cell by regulating the expression of genes and regulatory networks. Recent successes in inducing pluripotency in terminally differentiated cells as well as directing differentiation with natural transcription factors has lent credence to the efforts that aim to direct cell fate with rationally designed transcription factors. Because DNA-binding factors are modular in design, they can be engineered to target specific genomic sequences and perform pre-programmed regulatory functions upon binding. Such precision-tailored factors can serve as molecular tools to reprogramme or differentiate cells in a targeted manner. Using different types of engineered DNA binders, both regulatory transcriptional controls of gene networks, as well as permanent alteration of genomic content, can be implemented to study cell fate decisions. In the present review, we describe the current state of the art in artificial transcription factor design and the exciting prospect of employing artificial DNA-binding factors to manipulate the transcriptional networks as well as epigenetic landscapes that govern cell fate.
Optimal motion planning for overhead cranes
Authors: Wu Zhou , Xia Xiaohua
Published: August 2014

Overhead cranes are widely used in industrial applications for material displacing. Many linear or non‐linear control schemes have been proposed for overhead cranes and implemented on electronic systems, but energy efficiency of transportation has seldom been considered in motion planning. This study aims at finding an optimal solution of motion planning in terms of energy efficiency for overhead cranes. Using the optimal control method an optimal trajectory is obtained with less energy consumption than the compared trajectories and is also satisfying physical and practical constraints such as swing, acceleration and jerk. Besides the energy optimal model, the authors also propose two other models to optimise time efficiency and safety during transportation. The results obtained have been compared with some existing motion trajectories, and have been shown to be superior to these benchmarks in terms of energy efficiency, time efficiency and safety, respectively.
Multiple phases of Cu2ZnSnSe4 detected by room temperature photoluminescence
Authors: Djemour Rabie , Redinger Alex , Mousel Marina , Gütay Levent , Siebentritt Susanne
Published: August 2014

Cu2ZnSnSe4 based solar cells are promising but suffer from low open circuit voltage relative to their band gap. Additionally, the bandgap as extrapolated from quantum efficiency (QE) measurements varies without clear correlation to the growth conditions. Using room temperature photoluminescence, we show that different materials with different bandgaps coexist within micrometer sized areas of the absorbers. Simulations of the effect of multiple bandgaps on both the absorption and the Shockley-Queisser radiative recombination limit, explain the variations of the bandgap extrapolated from QE and the deficiencies of the solar cell parameters.
Enhancing the quantum efficiency of InGaN yellow-green light-emitting diodes by growth interruption
Authors: Du Chunhua , Ma Ziguang , Zhou Junming , Lu Taiping , Jiang Yang , Zuo Peng , Jia Haiqiang , Chen Hong
Published: August 2014

We studied the effect of multiple interruptions during the quantum well growth on emission-efficiency enhancement of InGaN-based yellow-green light emitting diodes on c-plane sapphire substrate. The output power and dominant wavelength at 20 mA are 0.24 mW and 556.3 nm. High resolution x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and electroluminescence measurements demonstrate that efficiency enhancement could be partially attributed to crystal quality improvement of the active region resulted from reduced In clusters and relevant defects on the surface of InGaN layer by introducing interruptions. The less tilted energy band in the quantum well is also caused by the decrease of In-content gradient along c-axis resulted from In segregation during the interruptions, which increases spatial overlap of electron-hole wavefunction and thus the internal quantum efficiency. The latter also leads to smaller blueshift of dominant wavelength with current increasing.
Metal–semiconductor transition in atomically thin Bi2Sr2Co2O8 nanosheets
Authors: Wang Yang , Cheng Rui , Dong Jianjin , Liu Yuan , Zhou Hailong , Yu Woo Jong , Terasaki Ichiro , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: August 2014

Two-dimensional layered materials have attracted considerable attention since the discovery of graphene. Here we demonstrate that the layered Bi2Sr2Co2O8 (BSCO) can be mechanically exfoliated into single- or few-layer nanosheets. The BSCO nanosheets with four or more layers display bulk metallic characteristics, while the nanosheets with three or fewer layers have a layer-number-dependent semiconducting characteristics. Charge transport in bilayer or trilayer BSCO nanosheets exhibits Mott 2D variable-range-hopping (VRH) conduction throughout 2 K–300 K, while the charge transport in monolayers follows the Mott-VRH law above a crossover temperature of 75 K, and is governed by Efros and Shklovskii-VRH laws below 75 K. Disorder potentials and Coulomb charging both contribute to the transport gap of these nanodevices. Our study reveals a distinct layer number-dependent metal-to-semiconductor transition in a new class of 2D materials, and is of great significance for both fundamental investigations and practical devices.
Ferroelectric properties of BaZrO3/PbZrO3 and SrZrO3/PbZrO3 superlattices: An ab-initio study
Authors: Al-Aqtash Nabil , Alsaad Ahmad , Sabirianov Renat
Published: August 2014

Ferroelectric properties of tetragonal (BaZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)n and (SrZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)n superlattices are studied as the ratio of PbZrO3 was changed (n = 1–3) in the superlattices using density functional theory (DFT) method as well as an electrostatic model. We show that PbZrO3—an antiferroelectric in bulk displays ferroelectric behavior in the superlattices combined with the paraelectric cubic (BaZrO3) or (SrZrO3). The electrostatic model and the DFT calculations show that the polarization and the tetragonality (c/a ratio) are reduced in the BaZrO3/PbZrO3 and SrZrO3/PbZrO3 superlattices with respect to the bulk tetragonal PbZrO3. Moreover, the polarization and the tetragonality of superlattices increase with increasing the fraction of PbZrO3 in superlattices. The estimated polarization of the (BaZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)1 superlattice is (36.21 μC/cm2), while it is (56.82 μC/cm2) for the (BaZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)3 superlattice. The estimated polarization of the (SrZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)1 superlattice is (55.28 μC/cm2), while it is (64.86 μC/cm2) for the (SrZrO3)1/(PbZrO3)3 superlattice. These ferroelectric superlattices have good lattice matching with many Heusler alloys and they could be very useful as ferroelectric substrates to these systems.
Nano-fabricated perpendicular magnetic anisotropy electrodes for lateral spin valves and observation of Nernst-Ettingshausen related signals
Authors: Chejanovsky N. , Sharoni A.
Published: August 2014

Lateral spin valves (LSVs) are efficient structures for characterizing spin currents in spintronics devices. Most LSVs are based on ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes for spin-injection and detection. While there are advantages for using perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) FM, e.g., stability to nano-scaling, these have almost not been studied. This is mainly due to difficulties in fabricating PMA FMs in a lateral geometry. We present here an efficient method, based on ion-milling through an AlN mask, for fabrication of LSVs with multi-layered PMA FMs such as Co/Pd and Co/Ni. We demonstrate, using standard permalloy FMs, that the method enables efficient spin injection. We show the multi-layer electrodes retain their PMA properties as well as spin injection and detection in PMA LSVs. In addition, we find a large asymmetric voltage signal which increases with current. We attribute this to a Nernst-Ettingshausen effect caused by local Joule heating and the perpendicular magnetic easy axis.
Shockley-Read-Hall recombination in pre-filled and photo-filled intermediate band solar cells
Authors: Mayani Maryam Gholami , Reenaas Turid Worren
Published: August 2014

In this work, we study how Shockley-Read-Hall (SRH) recombination via energy levels in the bandgap, caused by defects or impurities, affects the performance of both photo-filled and pre-filled intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs). For a pre-filled cell, the IB is half-filled in equilibrium, while it is empty for the photo-filled cell in equilibrium. The energy level, density, and capture cross-sections of the defects/impurities are varied systematically. We find that the photo-filled cells are, in general, less efficient than pre-filled cells, except when the defect level is between the conduction band and the IB. In that case, for a range of light intensities, the photo-filled cell performs better than the pre-filled. When the defect level is at the same energy as the IB, the efficiency is above 82% of the defect-free case, when less than 50% of the states at the IB lead to SRH recombination. This shows that even if SRH recombination via the IB takes place, high efficiencies can be achieved. We also show that band gap optimization can be used to reduce the SRH recombination.