bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Key Genes Associated with Ischemic Stroke via Microarray Data
Authors: Wang Jianmin , Zhou Dongliang , Qin Hongwei , Xu Ying , Guan Ying , Zang Weidong
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To promote understandings about the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS) through mining key genes, functions and pathways with microarray technology.

Methods:

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in blood between patients with IS and healthy people were screened out through comparing microarray data obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. Overrepresented functions in DEGs were revealed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. Interaction network was constructed for the top 24 DEGs with information from Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD). Relevant microRNAs (miRNAs) were retrieved from three databases: TargetScan, miRBase and miRanda.

Results:

A total of 503 DEGs were obtained. Functional enrichment analysis showed that immune response, signaling pathways and apoptosis were significantly over-represented. Six key genes with big degree, betweenness and clustering coefficient were then revealed, which might play important roles in the development of IS. In addition, 57 differentially expressed miRNAs targeting the 6 genes were retrieved.

Conclusions:

Our study provides insights into the pathogenesis of IS and potential targets to treat the disease.
Multifocal Cerebellar Liponeurocytoma
Authors: Pelz David , Khezri Navid , Mainprize Todd , Phan Nicolas , Keith Julia , Bilbao Juan , Aviv Richard I. , Tsao May , Symons Sean P.
Published: December 2014

A 54-year-old female presented with a two year history of progressive headaches and upper neck pain. The headaches were worse with coughing and bending. Neurological examination was unremarkable including a normal cranial nerve examination. There was no papilloedema. A computed tomogram (CT) demonstrated a midline, posterior fossa, partly fatty, partly solid mass (Figure 1). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a mixed fatty, solid mass arising from the fourth ventricle and extending downward below the foramen magnum to the C1 level (Figure 2). The solid portions demonstrated enhancement. In addition, in the lateral right cerebellar hemisphere, there was a second, separate, solid, enhancing mass without any connection to the larger central lesion. A subtotal resection of the tumor was achieved through a suboccipital craniectomy.
Neurosurgical Management of Intracranial Metastatic Mesothelioma
Authors: Westwick Harrison J. , Jansen Gerard H. , Da Silva Vasco F.
Published: December 2014

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare tumor arising from the pleura, most notably associated with exposure to asbestos. Typically, mesothelioma is a locally aggressive tumor with a poor outcome in the order of months from the time of diagnosis. Although cases of distant metastases of mesothelioma have been documented in the literature, this tumor has less reported cases of metastases than other malignancies of the chest, and most reported cases of metastases have been identified in autopsy studies, likely related to the short survival times of patients harboring these tumors.
PROGRESS IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES: Advances in the Management of Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Mason Warren P.
Published: December 2014

The management of low-grade gliomas represents one of the most challenging and controversial areas in neuro-oncology. Many aspects of the treatment of low-grade gliomas are debated, including the optimal timing of surgery and radiotherapy, the benefit of extensive surgery, and the impact of these variables on the natural history of these indolent and generally incurable tumours. The recently published results of several large multicentre trials addressing the timing and dose of radiotherapy have provided solid evidence for delayed and reduced dose irradiation. These studies have also confirmed prognostic variables that can be used to guide management of individual patients. Among these variables is the observation that tumours with oligodendroglial features have a better natural history and response profile. The recognition that as many as two thirds of low-grade gliomas have oligodendroglial features, advances in molecular diagnostics making accurate pathologic diagnosis of oligodendroglial tumours possible, and the established chemosensitivity of malignant oligodendrogliomas, have raised new issues surrounding the potential value of chemotherapy for low-grade gliomas. This review will be restricted to low-grade diffuse astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and low-grade mixed oligoastrocytomas in adults, and provide evidence-based guidelines for the management of these tumours, including the emerging role of chemotherapy as initial treatment.
Incidence and Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Newfoundland and Labrador
Authors: Sloka J.S. , Pryse-Phillips W.E.M. , Stefanelli M.
Published: December 2014

Background:

The incidence and prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) had been reported in 1984 and was considered to be relatively low at that time. This study revisits the incidence and prevalence of MS in NL for the year 2001.

Methods:

Case searches through patient files of neurologists in NL were conducted. A complete list of patients billed for MS in NL between 1996 and 2003 was obtained and all cases were confirmed via chart review.

Results:

There were 493 living MS patients yielding a prevalence of 94.4/100,000 which is significantly higher than previously reported. Of the living patients, 330 had relapsing remitting (RRMS), 94 had secondary progressive, 66 had primary progressive (PPMS) and three had unspecified MS. The total female to male ratio was 2.7:1. There was no difference between the female to male ratios for RRMS vs PPMS. Patients with PPMS had a later onset compared to RRMS (p<0.00001). Yearly incidences were relatively constant from 1994 to 2001 (5.6/100,000). Significant delays between first symptoms and final diagnosis were common and the delay time has not changed over the past 15 years. A prevalence of 88.9/100,000 was estimated from survival and incidence trends and was not significantly different than the measured prevalence (p=0.38).

Conclusion:

The increase in incidence and prevalence are accounted for through both better access to diagnostic facilities and more practicing neurologists. The revised prevalence and incidence are more in keeping with recently reported values throughout Canada.

Conclusion:

L’augmentation de l’incidence et de la prÉvalence se justifient par une plus grande accessibilitÉ aux moyens diagnostiques et par la prÉsence d’un plus grand nombre de neurologues. La prÉvalence et l’incidence que nous rapportons sont plus conformes à celles rapportÉes rÉcemment à travers le Canada.
Indicators of Functional Status for Primary Malignant Brain Tumour Patients
Authors: Bussière Miguel , Hopman Wilma , Day Andrew , Pombo Alicia Paris , Neves Teresa , Espinosa Francisco
Published: December 2014

Background:

We compared the functional status and survival time of patients with malignant gliomas.

Methods:

This retrospective review included 143 patients diagnosed with malignant gliomas. Patients were grouped according to histopathological diagnosis. To measure functional status, patients were assigned a Karnofksy performance status (KPS) score at the time of presentation and at one, three, six, nine, 12 months and yearly intervals thereafter. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods as well as Kruskal-Wallis tests, Chi-square tests, Log-Rank tests and Cox’s proportional hazards modeling.

Results:

Eighty-four patients were male. The median age of patients was 63 years. One hundred and seven patients had a histopathological diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme, 23 of anaplastic astrocytoma and 13 of anaplastic oligodendroglioma. Twenty-nine patients received aggressive multimodal treatment, 83 received intermediate treatment and the remaining 31 patients received conservative therapy. Significant treatment complications occurred in 33% of patients including four post-operative deaths. The anaplastic oligodendroglioma group had lower mortality and maintained better KPS scores over time, as did patients receiving full treatment. The most significant prognostic factors for functional status included age, pretreatment KPS, and type of treatment received. The most significant factors associated with time until death included age, severity of comorbidities, pretreatment KPS, presence of confusion, histopathological diagnosis and type of treatment received.

Conclusion:

In patients with malignant gliomas, younger age, better functional status at presentation and aggressive multimodal treatment were associated with improved longer-term functional status and survival. Confirmation of the effect of multimodal treatment on patient functional status would require a randomised controlled clinical trial.
Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in a Large Canadian Health Region
Authors: Zygun David A. , Laupland Kevin B. , Hader Walter J. , Kortbeek John B. , Findlay Christi , Doig Christopher J. , Hameed S. Morad
Published: December 2014

Background:

Although severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a devastating condition with tremendous public health implications, the epidemiology of this disease has not previously been described in Canada. We sought to define the incidence, risk factors and outcome of patients suffering sTBI in a large Canadian region.

Methods:

A population-based surveillance cohort design was utilized to identify all Calgary Heath Region residents who were victims of trauma with an injury severity score ³12. Subsequent application of a specific sTBI case definition defined the final cohort.

Results:

The annual incidence of sTBI was 11.4 per 100,000 population. The incidence of sTBI was significantly higher for males as compared to females [17.1 vs. 5.9 per 100,000; relative risk (RR) = 2.91, 95% confidence interval; 2.17, 3.94; p<0.0001]. There was a striking increase in the annual age specific population incidence of sTBI observed among those older than 74 years of age. The relative risk among the highest risk group of elderly (>85 years) males as compared to the lowest risk female group (50-64 years) was 19.78 (95% CI; 6.27, 62.3; p<0.0001). One hundred and eight patients died prior to hospital discharge for a mortality rate of 5.1 per 100,000 per year.

Conclusion:

Severe traumatic brain injury is common among residents of the Calgary Health Region and is associated with a high mortality rate. Males and the elderly are at the highest risk for acquiring sTBI and may represent target groups for preventive efforts.

Conclusion:

Les lÉsions cÉrÉbrales par traumatisme crânien sÉvère sont frÉquentes parmi les rÉsidents de la rÉgion sanitaire de Calgary et sont associÉes à une mortalitÉ ÉlevÉe. Les hommes et les personnes âgÉes sont les groupes les plus à risque et constituent des groupes cibles pour les interventions à visÉe prÉventive.
Acute Bilateral Opercular Strokes Causing Loss of Emotional Facial Movements
Authors: Sim Valerie L. , Guberman Alan , Hogan Matthew J.
Published: December 2014

The classic anterior opercular syndrome of Foix-Chavany-Marie presents with loss of voluntary facial, pharyngeal, lingual, and mastication movements, with preservation of emotional and automatic movements. Most commonly, sequential strokes affecting bilateral opercula cause this syndrome. The inverse clinical presentation, with selective loss of emotional facial movements, has only rarely been reported, and is less well-localized.

Case report:

We report a case of selective loss of emotional facial movements which resulted from bilateral acute infarcts. No etiology was discovered, and the syndrome was reversible.

Discussion:

The available literature, and findings in this case, suggest that voluntary and automatic facial movements have distinct pathways, and damage to the insula bilaterally may lead to the selective loss of emotional facial movements. The clinical presentation of this inverse automatic/voluntary dissocation needs to be recognized as a rare syndrome with bilateral localization, so that patients at higher risk of further stroke can quickly be identified.
What's New in the Medical Management of Pediatric Epilepsy?
Authors: Wirrell Elaine C.
Published: December 2014

Epilepsy affects approximately 45 per 100,000 children per year. While many cases respond favorably to antiepileptic therapy, approximately 20% will prove to be medically intractable. This paper reviews some of the recently identified important metabolic and autoimmune etiologies for which there are specific therapies. Additionally, newer antiepileptic medications, including rufinamide, lacosamide, retigabine, eslicarbazepine and brivaracetam and newer dietary options, including the modified Atkins diet and low-glycemic index diet are discussed.
Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms with Hydrogel Coated Expandable Coils
Authors: Gunnarsson Thorsteinn , Klurfan Paula , terBrugge Karel G. , Willinsky Robert A.
Published: December 2014

Background:

Coiling of intracranial aneurysms with platinum coils sometimes results in relatively poor angiographic results which may be is related to low packing volumes achieved. Hydrogel coated expandable coils (HydroCoil®) have been shown to achieve better aneurysm volume filling which may potentially result in lower recanalization rates. Currently there is limited clinical data on their safety and efficacy in aneurysm treatment.

Methods:

We analyzed data from a prospectively collected database on patients treated at the Toronto Western Hospital. The analysis included the patients' characteristics, aneurysm size, packing, procedure related complications, recanalization and clinical outcome.

Results:

Twenty-nine aneurysms were treated with HydroCoils only or in combination with other coils. The average calculated filling of the aneurysm volume was 74-76%. On the immediate post treatment angiograms, 44% of the berry type aneurysms were completely obliterated, 33% had a residual neck and, in 20%, a residual aneurysm was seen. Follow-up imaging was available in 23 cases. On imaging follow-up (from 2 days to 11 months) one dissecting aneurysm had recanalized. There were six technical/medical complications with no clinical consequences. Two clinically significant procedural related complications occurred.

Conclusion:

HydroCoils can be used effectively to treat intracranial aneurysms. The volume expansion allows for much greater packing than described for bare platinum coils, which may result in better long-term results. The recanalization rate is low but the limited follow-up does not allow for any conclusion regarding the long-term outcome. The complication rate is similar to larger current series using bare platinum coils.
Acute heart failure in the older patient in the emergency department
Authors: Martín-Sánchez F. Javier , Rodríguez-Adrada Esther , Casado José Manuel Ribera
Published: December 2014

Acute heart failure is a highly prevalent geriatric syndrome presenting one of the most frequent reasons for visits to the emergency department and hospital admission, and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality and acute functional impact. The present study reviews some of the features that characterize diagnosis and immediate management of acute heart failure in older people, as well as recommendations about the management of co-morbidity, risk stratification and the decisión-making process, and the design of care plans in this older age group within the setting of hospital emergency departments.
Preface
Authors: FU YUXI , UEDA KAZUNORI
Published: December 2014

This special issue contains selected papers from the Eighth Asian Symposium on Programming Languages and Systems (APLAS 2010), held from 28 November – 1 December 2010, in Shanghai, China. The symposium was sponsored by the Asian Association for Foundation of Software (AAFS) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Preface to special issue: EXPRESS 2011
Authors: LUTTIK BAS , VALENCIA FRANK D.
Published: December 2014

This issue of Mathematical Structures in Computer Science contains a selection of papers presented at the 18th International Workshop on Expressiveness in Concurrency (EXPRESS'11), a satellite event of CONCUR'11, held on September 5th, 2011 in Aachen, Germany.
Unusual cause of aborted sudden cardiac death in a teen athlete: homozygosity for the 4G allele of the plasminogen activase inhibitor type 1 gene
Authors: Phillips Susie B. , Batlivala Sarosh , Knudson Jarrod D.
Published: December 2014

Common aetiologies of sudden cardiac death in children include coronary anomalies, channelopathies, and cardiomyopathies. Less frequently, hypercoagulable states cause sudden arrest. We report an unusual case of aborted sudden cardiac death in a teenager, ultimately found to have homozygosity for the 4G allele of the plasminogen activase inhibitor type 1 gene.
THE DERIVED CATEGORY OF AN ÉTALE EXTENSION AND THE SEPARABLE NEEMAN–THOMASON THEOREM
Authors: Balmer Paul
Published: December 2014

We prove that étale morphisms of schemes yield separable extensions of derived categories. We then generalize the Neeman–Thomason localization theorem to separable extensions of triangulated categories.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN: RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND ONTOLOGICAL CLAIMS
Authors: Pitt-Payne Timothy
Published: December 2014

Some religious believers have defended themselves from philosophical criticism by arguing that religion, properly understood, makes no ontological claims: they are referred to here, for short, as ‘NOC-believers’. In order to make sense of the position of NOC-believers, the article discusses the different senses in which children and adults might plausibly claim to believe in Santa Claus. An adult might believe in Santa, in the sense of choosing to engage in a particular social practice; likewise, the NOC-believer chooses to take part in the social practices of prayer and worship. The comparison is used as a basis for illustrating some of the difficulties with the NOC-believer's position.
A PHILOSOPHICAL AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF WILLIAM LANE CRAIG'S RESURRECTION OF JESUS ARGUMENT
Authors: Lataster Raphael
Published: December 2014

William Lane Craig is a prolific Christian apologist who has written many articles and popular books on the mainly philosophical arguments for God's existence, and is famed for his debating, and his engaging with the public. His work with philosophical arguments is significant, as there is no confirmed empirical evidence for the existence of God, nor can there be any good historical evidence; sound historical methodology necessarily being dismissive of supernatural claims. Craig has formulated a number of arguments that he presents in a clear and accessible cumulative case.
IMAGINE THERE'S NO (PLATONIC) HEAVEN
Authors: Plebani Matteo
Published: December 2014

Some people think that numbers and other mathematical entities exist. They believe in a platonic heaven of ideal mathematical objects, as some (other) people like to put it. This may seem a very strange thing to believe in: after all, we cannot see numbers, nor touch them, nor smell them. So why should one believe that they exist? Because, as Putnam and Quine used to say, numbers are indispensable to science: it seems almost impossible to state our best scientific theories without mentioning numbers or other mathematical objects.
Molecular markers to assess genetic diversity of Gentiana lutea L. from the Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: Mosula Maryana Z. , Andreev Igor O. , Bublyk Olena M. , Mel'nyk Vitaliy M. , Konvalyuk Iryna I. , Drobyk Nadiya M. , Kunakh Viktor A.
Published: December 2014

The aim of the study was to develop the system of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based markers for the assessment of genetic diversity and population genetic studies of Gentiana lutea L. as well as to determine the utility of two indices of marker informativeness. The informativeness was determined for 40 PCR primers of different types (random amplified polymorphic DNA, inter simple sequence repeat, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism, resistance gene analog polymorphism and conserved DNA-derived polymorphism markers) by evaluating discriminating power (DL) and resolving power (Rp) in a sample of 30 plants from two populations. Analysis of correlation between the index value and the number of differentiated pairs of genotypes in the given sample revealed that DL is more efficient than Rp; therefore, we selected primers based on the DL value. In total, 12 primers with the largest values of DL were chosen. Analysis of genetic relationship among 86 plants from six populations showed that the number of bands produced by the three of selected primers was sufficient to give average bootstrap support across six key nodes in the dendrogram higher than 85%, while using six of the primers resulted in average bootstrap value exceeding 99%. Thus, a minimal set of three to six selected primers are sufficient for a quick assessment of genetic diversity of G. lutea populations, depending on the sample size and degree of differentiation between populations, while the rest of the primers with DL values above 0.8 may be used for ecogenetic surveys. Preliminary results obtained with selected primers indicate the moderate level of genetic variation within the species and significant differentiation among individual populations.
Highly Sensitive Ultraviolet Photodetectors Fabricated from ZnO Quantum Dots/Carbon Nanodots Hybrid Films
Authors: Guo Deng-Yang , Shan Chong-Xin , Qu Song-Nan , Shen De-Zhen
Published: December 2014

Ultraviolet photodetectors have been fabricated from ZnO quantum dots/carbon nanodots hybrid films and the introduction of carbon nanodots improves the performance of the photodetectors greatly. The photodetectors can be used to detect very weak ultraviolet signals (as low as 12 nW/cm2). The detectivity and noise equivalent power of the photodetector can reach 3.1 × 1017 cmHz1/2/W and 7.8 × 10−20 W, respectively, both of which are the best values ever reported for ZnO-based photodetectors. The mechanism for the high sensitivity of the photodetectors has been attributed to the enhanced carrier-separation at the ZnO/C interface.
An azodye–rhodamine-based fluorescent and colorimetric probe specific for the detection of Pd2+ in aqueous ethanolic solution: synthesis, XRD characterization, computational studies and imaging in live cells
Authors: Mahapatra Ajit Kumar , Manna Saikat Kumar , Maiti Kalipada , Mondal Sanchita , Maji Rajkishor , Mandal Debasish , Mandal Sukhendu , Uddin Md. Raihan , Goswami Shyamaprosad , Quah Ching Kheng , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: December 2014

An azodye–rhodamine hybrid colorimetric fluorescent probe (L) has been designed and synthesized.
A terminal protection system for the detection of adenosine triphosphate via enzyme-assisted signal amplification
Authors: Li Zhongjie , Song Yang , Zhu Wenhui , Deng Le
Published: December 2014

A low-background fluorescence biosensor was developed for the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) making use of terminal protection from exonuclease I, and exonuclease III-catalyzed target recycling amplification.
A novel hydroxylamine ionic liquid salt resulting from the stabilization of NH2OH by a SO3H-functionalized ionic liquid
Authors: Li Zhihui , Yang Qiusheng , Qi Xudong , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Yanji , Zhao Xinqiang
Published: December 2014

Hydroxylamine was stabilized by ionic liquid, producing a novel hydroxylamine salt that exhibits improved reactivity in one-step synthesis of caprolactam.
Organocatalytic multicomponent synthesis of enantioenriched polycyclic 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridines: key substrate selection enabling regio- and stereoselectivities
Authors: Dudognon Yohan , Du Haiying , Rodriguez Jean , Bugaut Xavier , Constantieux Thierry
Published: December 2014

A completely regioselective and highly enantioselective organocatalytic multicomponent synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridines is described.
Metal-free nitrative cyclization of N-aryl imines with tert-butyl nitrite: dehydrogenative access to 3-nitroindoles
Authors: Deng Guo-Bo , Zhang Jia-Ling , Liu Yan-Yun , Liu Bang , Yang Xu-Heng , Li Jin-Heng
Published: December 2014

A novel metal-free oxidative C–H functionalization and nitrative cyclization access to 3-nitroindoles from N-aryl imines is described.
Catalytic behaviour in the ring-opening polymerisation of organoaluminiums supported by bulky heteroscorpionate ligands
Authors: Castro-Osma Jose A. , Alonso-Moreno Carlos , Lara-Sánchez Agustín , Otero Antonio , Fernández-Baeza Juan , Sánchez-Barba Luis F. , Rodríguez Ana M.
Published: December 2014

A series of alkyl organoaluminium complexes based on bulky heteroscorpionate ligands were designed as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerisation of cyclic esters.
Synthesis and bactericidal evaluation of imide N-halamine-loaded PMMA nanoparticles
Authors: Dong Qigeqi , Cai Qian , Gao Yangyang , Zhang Shiqi , Gao Ge , Harnoode Chokto , Morigen Morigen , Dong Alideertu
Published: December 2014

Antibacterial imideN-halamine-loaded PMMA nanoparticles were fabricated, and their bactericidal activities were systematically evaluated.
The permeability and transport mechanism of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) across the biological barrier
Authors: Wang Xin-yi , Lei Rong , Huang Hong-duang , Wang Na , Yuan Lan , Xiao Ru-yue , Bai Li-dan , Li Xue , Li Li-mei , Yang Xiao-da
Published: December 2014

This work details the preparation of graphene quantum dots and investigates their membrane permeabilities and transport properties across the MDCK cell monolayer.
Static friction scaling of physisorbed islands: the key is in the edge
Authors: Varini Nicola , Vanossi Andrea , Guerra Roberto , Mandelli Davide , Capozza Rosario , Tosatti Erio
Published: December 2014

The free “superlubric” sliding of a physisorbed rare gas island is paradoxically hindered even on a perfect incommensurate crystalline surface by portions of the island's own edges. As a consequence, the island's static friction scales for growing area with a lower power than 1/2.
Investigation of templated and supported polyaniline adsorbent materials
Authors: Mohamed M. H. , Dolatkhah A. , Aboumourad T. , Dehabadi L. , Wilson L. D.
Published: December 2014

Diverse poly(aniline) (PANI) were synthesized in water, acid catalyzed solution with various acids (CH3COOH, HCl, or H2SO4) and/or a chitosan support to afford nanoparticle PANI (in water), bulk-PANI (in aqueous acids), and a chitosan-PANI composite.
Preparation of magnetic calcium silicate hydrate for the efficient removal of uranium from aqueous systems
Authors: Zhang Hongsen , Liu Qi , Wang Jun , Liu Jingyuan , Yan Huijun , Jing Xiaoyan , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2014

Preparation of a magnetic adsorbent for uranium with rapidly and effectively adsorption characteristicsviasonochemical andin situgrowth method.
Gemini quaternary ammonium-incorporated biodegradable multiblock polyurethane micelles for brain drug delivery
Authors: Liang Rui-Chao , Fang Fang , Wang Yan-Chao , Song Ni-Jia , Li Jie-Hua , Zhao Cheng-Jian , Peng Xing-Chen , Tong Ai-Ping , Fang Yuan , He Min , You Chao , Tan Hong
Published: December 2014

Gemini quaternary ammonium (GQA) incorporated biodegradable multiblock polyurethane (BMPUs) micelles could transport drug across blood–brain barrier and improve brain drug accumulation.
Confinement effects of levitons in a graphene cosmology laboratory
Authors: Forrester Derek Michael
Published: December 2014

Full confinement of the leviton/anti-leviton can occur inside a potential. Bifurcations in the wavefunction show the onset of internal vortex structures. Transmission and reflection occurs as a function of a leviton energy/potential barrier ratio.
Synergistic effect of carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes on improving thermal stability and flame retardancy of polypropylene: a combination of a physical network and chemical crosslinking
Authors: Gong Jiang , Niu Ran , Wen Xin , Yang Hongfan , Liu Jie , Chen Xuecheng , Sun Zhao-Yan , Mijowska Ewa , Tang Tao
Published: December 2014

CFs and CNTs showed a synergistic effect on significantly improving the thermal stability and flame retardancy of PP.
Enzymatic degradation and porous morphology of poly(l-lactide) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) blends
Authors: Ju Dandan , Han Lijing , Bian Junjia , Guo Ziqi , Li Fan , Chen Shan , Dong Lisong
Published: December 2014

Due to the specificity of the degradation enzymes, the porous PLLA and the porous P(3HB-co-4HB) could be acquired by selectively removal of the P(3HB-co-4HB) component and the PLLA component, respectively.
Investigation of luminescence properties and the energy transfer mechanism of Li6Lu(BO3)3:Ce3+, Tb3+ green-emitting phosphors
Authors: Maggay Irish Valerie B. , Lin Pin-Chun , Liu Wei-Ren
Published: December 2014

Novel green-emitting phosphor – Li6Lu(BO3)3:Ce3+, Tb3+ phosphors exhibit intense green emission via the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+. The data demonstrated that the phosphor is a promising green-emitting phosphor for UV LED applications.
Interaction of the core fragments of the LL-37 host defense peptide with actin
Authors: Sol Asaf , Wang Guangshun , Blotnick Edna , Golla Radha , Bachrach Gilad , Muhlrad Andras
Published: December 2014

Host defense peptides are effector molecules of the innate immunity that possess antimicrobial and health-promoting properties.
Acid base co-crystal converted into porous carbon material for energy storage devices
Authors: Khan Inayat Ali , Badshah Amin , Altaf Ataf Ali , Tahir Nawaz , Haider Naghma , Nadeem Muhammad Arif
Published: December 2014

A simple and facile method is adopted for the synthesis of pure and catalyst free carbon material for supercapacitor applications.
Terminal protection of small molecule-linked ssDNA for label-free and highly sensitive colorimetric detection of folate receptor biomarkers
Authors: Gong Xue , Zhou Wenjiao , Chai Yaqin , Xiang Yun , Yuan Ruo
Published: December 2014

Protection of ssDNA from digesting by Exo I generates amplified color transition for label-free and sensitive detection of folate receptors.
Magnetically separable CuFe2O4 nanoparticles as a recoverable catalyst for the addition reaction of C(sp3)–H bond of azaarenes to aldehydes
Authors: Wang Zu-Li
Published: December 2014

A green and efficient method for CuFe2O4-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-alkyl azaarenes has been developed. The catalyst can be magnetically recycled and reused for eight times without significant decrease in catalytic activity.
Investigation of structural and magnetic properties for two one-dimensional platinum-bis-dithiolene spin-Peierls-like transition salts
Authors: Ning Wei-Hua , Chen Tian-Yu , Sui Yun-Xia , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2014

Two 1-D spin-Peierls-like salts, [1-N-(4′-R-benzyl)pyridinium-d5][Pt(mnt)2] (R = Cl or Br), show different isotopic effect, which is related to H-bond pattern.
Investigation of the melting of ionic liquid [emim][PF6] confined inside carbon nanotubes using molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Akbarzadeh Hamed , Abbaspour Mohsen , Salemi Sirous , Abdollahzadeh Somayeh
Published: December 2014

The pore diameter and chirality of the CNTs have significant effects on the melting of the confined ionic liquids.
A facile pathway to polyurea nanofiber fabrication and polymer morphology control in copolymerization of oxydianiline and toluene diisocyanate in acetone
Authors: Yang Yanan , Jiang Xubao , Zhu Xiaoli , Kong Xiang Zheng
Published: December 2014

Polyurea nanofibers, of high thermal stability and solvent resistance, were obtained through simple precipitation polymerization of TDI and ODA in acetone at 30 °C.
Simple approach to advanced binder-free nitrogen-doped graphene electrode for lithium batteries
Authors: Park Hyean-Yeol , Singh Kiran Pal , Yang Dae-Soo , Yu Jong-Sung
Published: December 2014

A binder-free nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide electrode is prepared, which imparts lower electrode resistance and thus results in excellent LIB performance. This method is highly reproducible, effective and also scalable for commercial use.
Design of SnO2/C hybrid triple-layer nanospheres as Li-ion battery anodes with high stability and rate capability
Authors: Hu Hao , Cheng Haoyan , Li Guojian , Liu Jinping , Yu Ying
Published: December 2014

Schematic illustration of the unique nanostructure and composition of STNs for alleviating the pulverization problem of SnO2 anode materials and their superior electrochemical performance.
Facile synthesis of three-dimensional Mn3O4hierarchical microstructures and their application in the degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Wang Yuli , Zhu Ling , Yang Xing , Shao Erlei , Deng Xiaoyong , Liu Ning , Wu Minghong
Published: December 2014

3D hierarchical structures composed of Mn3O4nanosheets are synthesized and show high photocatalytic performance.
Heterostructure formation from hydrothermal annealing of preformed nanocrystals
Authors: de Mendonça Vagner R. , Dalmaschio Cleocir J. , Leite Edson R. , Niederberger Markus , Ribeiro Caue
Published: December 2014

The collision-induced heteroaggregation is a versatile way to obtain the benefits of heterostructures by using nanoparticles with controlled morphology and surface characteristics.
N-doped carbon foam based three-dimensional electrode architectures and asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jie , Shen Laifa , Nie Ping , Yun Xiaoliang , Xu Yunling , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: December 2014

A high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor was constructed with a self-supported carbon foam (CF)/ordered mesoporous carbon film and a free-standing CF-NiCo2O4composite.
Ultrafast phase change and long durability of BN-incorporated GeSbTe
Authors: Jang Moon Hyung , Park Seung Jong , Ahn Min , Jeong Kwang Sik , Park Sung Jin , Cho Mann-Ho , Song Jae Yong , Jeong Hongsik
Published: December 2014

BN-incorporated amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) films were deposited by an ion beam sputtering deposition method. The power-time-effect (PTE) diagrams showed that as the amount of BN increased, the crystallization temperature and phase change speed increased.
Outage‐optimal relay strategy under outdated channel state information in decode‐and‐forward cooperative communication systems
Authors: Fei Li , Zhang Jun , Gao Qiang , Peng Xiao‐Hong
Published: December 2014

In this study, the authors investigate the outage‐optimal relay strategy under outdated channel state information (CSI) in a decode‐and‐forward cooperative communication system. They first confirm mathematically that minimising the outage probability under outdated CSI is equivalent to minimising the conditional outage probability on the outdated CSI of all the decodable relays’ links. They then propose a multiple‐relay strategy with optimised transmitting power allocation (MRS‐OTPA) that minimises the conditional outage probability. It is shown that this MRS is a generalised relay approach to achieve the outage optimality under outdated CSI. To reduce the complexity, they also propose a MRS with equal transmitting power allocation (MRS‐ETPA) that achieves near‐optimal outage performance. It is proved that full spatial diversity, which has been achieved under ideal CSI, can still be achieved under outdated CSI through MRS‐OTPA and MRS‐ETPA. Finally, the outage performance and diversity order of MRS‐OTPA and MRS‐ETPA are evaluated by simulation.
Compute‐and‐forward two‐way relaying
Authors: Azimi‐Abarghouyi Seyed Mohammad , Hejazi Mohsen , Nasiri‐Kenari Masoumeh
Published: December 2014

In this study, a new two‐way relaying scheme based on compute‐and‐forward (CMF) framework and relay selection strategies is proposed, which provides a higher throughput than the conventional two‐way relaying schemes. Two cases of relays with or without feedback transmission capability are considered. An upper bound on the computation rate of each relay is derived, and based on that, a lower bound on the outage probability of the system is presented assuming block Rayleigh fading channels. Numerical results show that while the average sum rate of the system without feedback, named as max‐CMF (M‐CMF), reaches the derived upper bound only in low SNRs, that of the system with feedback, named as aligned‐CMF (A‐CMF) reaches the bound in all SNRs. However, both schemes approach the derived lower bound on the outage probability in all SNRs. For the A‐CMF, another power assignment based on applying the constraint on the total powers of both users rather than on the power of each separately, is introduced. The numerical results show that the outage performance, average sum rate, and symbol error rate of the proposed schemes are significantly better than those of two‐step and three‐step decode‐and‐forward and amplify‐and‐ forward strategies for the examples considered.
Interesting components detection for space satellites from inverse synthetic aperture radar image via feature probabilistic estimation
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Lei , Xing Mengdao , von Deneen Karen M. , Ran Lei
Published: December 2014

Since inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging is a valuable technique in the identification of space satellites, it can potentially detect interesting components of space satellites in ISAR images to further conduct identification. This study proposes a novel method, defined as feature probabilistic estimation (FPE), to detect interesting components of space satellites based on ISAR image registration. In FPE, area feature registration is provoked to establish the relationship between space satellites and off‐line templates of interesting components, followed by detection accuracy based on weighted Gaussian probabilistic density function. Electromagnetic simulations with different aspects, interesting components' structures and scenery noise demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed FPE, compared with the normalised cross coefficient.
Robust voltage‐mode controller for DC–DC boost converter
Authors: Yazici İrfan
Published: December 2014

In this study, a robust voltage‐mode controller for DC–DC boost converter subject to time varying parameters is presented. The time‐varying parameters of the boost converter are considered as the input voltage, the load resistance and the passive components (inductor and capacitor). The proposed controller, designed in discrete time, is based on the sliding mode control combined with the model‐reference approach. In addition to this controller structure, the system dynamics are augmented by integral action to ensure zero steady‐state tracking error. Experimental results, obtained from prototype operating at the fixed frequency, are provided to demonstrate the excellent robustness of the designed controller against wide input voltage variations and large load transients and also variation in passive components.
Assessment of the adaptive routing performance of a Wireless Sensor Network using smart antennas
Authors: Loh Tian‐Hong , Liu Ke , Qin Fei , Liu Haitao
Published: December 2014

Wireless sensor networks are built from nodes which have at least one sensor attached to them. To increase robustness and capacity, a signal from one node can be routed through many different nodes before it reaches its destination node (i.e. a base station). A smart antenna with a steerable beam has the potential, compared to a monopole, to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio between nodes and hence provide more reliable communication paths. In this study, the data routing and link performance of a rhombus‐shaped mesh network using four IEEE 802.15.4 compliant MICAz sensor nodes (motes) is assessed using both monopole and smart antennas. Both reflectionless and multipath‐rich environments are used. It is shown that the electronically steerable parasitic array smart antenna offers a superior performance to a monopole antenna in both environments, while still consuming a similar amount of input power.
Energy‐efficient data aggregation and transfer in periodic sensor networks
Authors: Harb Hassan , Makhoul Abdallah , Tawil Rami , Jaber Ali
Published: December 2014

Limited battery power and high transmission energy consumption in wireless sensor networks make in‐network aggregation and prediction a challenging area for researchers. The most energy consumable operation is transmitting data by a sensor node, comparing it with the energy consumption of in‐network computation which is negligible. The energy trade‐off between communication and computation provides applications benefit when processing the data at the network side rather than simply transmitting sensor data. In this study, the authors consider a cluster‐based technique with which data is sent periodically from sensor nodes to their appropriate cluster‐heads (CH). The proposed technique manages energy efficiency in periodic sensor network and it consists of two phases: ‘aggregation phase and adaptation phase’. The aggregation phase is used to find similarities between data (measurements captured during a period p) in order to eliminate redundancy from raw data, thus reducing the amount of data‐sets sent to the CH. The adaptation phase provides sensors the ability to identify duplicate data‐sets captured among successive periods, using the sets‐similarity joins functions. To evaluate the performance of the proposed technique, experiments on real sensor data have been conducted. Results show that the proposed technique is effective in term of energy consumption and quality of data.
Growth of non-polar (11-20) InGaN quantum dots by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy using a two temperature method
Authors: Griffiths J. T. , Zhu T. , Oehler F. , Emery R. M. , Fu W. Y. , Reid B. P. L. , Taylor R. A. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J. , Oliver R. A.
Published: December 2014

Non-polar (11-20) InGaN quantum dots (QDs) were grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy. An InGaN epilayer was grown and subjected to a temperature ramp in a nitrogen and ammonia environment before the growth of the GaN capping layer. Uncapped structures with and without the temperature ramp were grown for reference and imaged by atomic force microscopy. Micro-photoluminescence studies reveal the presence of resolution limited peaks with a linewidth of less than ∼500 μeV at 4.2 K. This linewidth is significantly narrower than that of non-polar InGaN quantum dots grown by alternate methods and may be indicative of reduced spectral diffusion. Time resolved photoluminescence studies reveal a mono-exponential exciton decay with a lifetime of 533 ps at 2.70 eV. The excitonic lifetime is more than an order of magnitude shorter than that for previously studied polar quantum dots and suggests the suppression of the internal electric field. Cathodoluminescence studies show the spatial distribution of the quantum dots and resolution limited spectral peaks at 18 K.
Investigation of direct current electrical properties of electrochemically etched mesoporous silicon carbide
Authors: Gautier G. , Biscarrat J. , Defforge T. , Fèvre A. , Valente D. , Gary A. , Menard S.
Published: December 2014

In this study, we show I-V characterizations of various metal/porous silicon carbide (pSiC)/silicon carbide (SiC) structures. SiC wafers were electrochemically etched from the Si and C faces in the dark or under UV lighting leading to different pSiC morphologies. In the case of low porosity pSiC etched in the dark, the I-V characteristics were found to be almost linear and the extracted resistivities of pSiC were around 1.5 × 104 Ω cm at 30 °C for the Si face. This is around 6 orders of magnitude higher than the resistivity of doped SiC wafers. In the range of 20-200 °C, the activation energy was around 50 meV. pSiC obtained from the C face was less porous and the measured average resistivity was 10 Ω cm. In the case high porosity pSiC etched under UV illumination, the resistivity was found to be much higher, around 1014 Ω cm at room temperature. In this case, the extracted activation energy was estimated to be 290 meV.
Electronic and thermoelectric properties of InN studied using ab initio density functional theory and Boltzmann transport calculations
Authors: Borges P. D. , Scolfaro L.
Published: December 2014

The thermoelectric properties of indium nitride in the most stable wurtzite phase (w-InN) as a function of electron and hole concentrations and temperature were studied by solving the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equations in conjunction with ab initio electronic structure calculations, within Density Functional Theory. Based on maximally localized Wannier function basis set and the ab initio band energies, results for the Seebeck coefficient are presented and compared with available experimental data for n-type as well as p-type systems. Also, theoretical results for electric conductivity and power factor are presented. Most cases showed good agreement between the calculated properties and experimental data for w-InN unintentionally and p-type doped with magnesium. Our predictions for temperature and concentration dependences of electrical conductivity and power factor revealed a promising use of InN for intermediate and high temperature thermoelectric applications. The rigid band approach and constant scattering time approximation were utilized in the calculations.
The influence of charge injection from intermediate connectors on the performance of tandem organic light-emitting devices
Authors: Zhou Dong-Ying , Siboni Hossein Zamani , Wang Qi , Liao Liang-Sheng , Aziz Hany
Published: December 2014

Charge generation in a typical intermediate connector, composed of “n-type doped layer/transition metal oxide (TMO)/hole transporting layer (HTL),” of a tandem organic light-emitting device (OLED) has recently been found to arise from charge transfer at the TMO/HTL interfaces. In this paper, we investigate the effect of hole injection barriers from intermediate connectors on the performance of tandem OLEDs. The hole injection barriers are caused by the offset of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels between HTLs contained in the intermediate connector and the top electroluminescence (EL) unit. We also find that although charge generation can occur at the interfaces between the TMO and a wide variety of HTLs of different HOMO values, an increase in the hole injection barrier however limits the electroluminescence efficiency of the top EL units. In the case of large hole injection barriers, significant charge accumulation in the HTLs makes the intermediate connector lose its functionality gradually over operating time, and limits device stability.
Origin of the Bloch-type polarization components at the 180° domain walls in ferroelectric PbTiO3
Authors: Wang Y. J. , Chen D. , Tang Y. L. , Zhu Y. L. , Ma X. L.
Published: December 2014

Determination of atomic and electronic structures of ferroelectric domain walls is crucial to understand and explore their unusual properties. Using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory, we explored the atomic and electronic structures of 180° domain walls in PbTiO3, in order to understand the origin of Bloch-type polarization components. It is found that Bloch-type polarization components originate from the large displacements of Pb atoms and the Pb-O hybridization at the domain walls. The development of Bloch-type polarization components significantly reduce the domain wall energies and change the Peierls barriers of domain wall motion in different orientations.
Heat flux concentration through polymeric thermal lenses
Authors: Kapadia R. S. , Bandaru P. R.
Published: December 2014

A significant contributor to energy inefficiency is the generation as well as the uneven dissipation of heat. Practical methods to adeptly channel heat flux (Q) would then have widespread applications to improved energy utilization and thermal energy management. It would be beneficial to engineer lens-like composite materials (graded in terms of length or thermal conductivity) with augmented attributes for heat control. Here, we propose and demonstrate polymeric composite based Q focusing lenses, architected through geometrical considerations. We indicate a five-fold enhancement of the Q, at the level of ∼2500 W/m2, enabled through such thermal lenses.