bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Internal Performance Assessment of CancerGene Connect: An Electronic Tool to Streamline, Measure and Improve the Genetic Counseling Process
Authors: Pritzlaff Mary , Yorczyk Arielle , Robinson Linda S. , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara , Lin Tirun , Euhus David , Ross Theodora S
Published: June 2014

CancerGene Connect (CGC) is a web‐based program that combines the collection of family and medical history, cancer risk assessment, psychosocial assessment, report templates, a result tracking system, and a patient follow up system. The performance ofCGCwas assessed in several ways: pre‐appointment completion data analyzed for demographic and health variables; a time study to assess overall time per case and to compare the data entry by the genetic counselor compared to the patient, and a measured quality assessment of the program via observation and interview of patients. Prior to their appointment, 52.3 % of 2,414 patients completed the online patient questionnaire section ofCGC. There were significant differences in completion rates among racial and ethnic groups. County hospital patients were less likely to complete the questionnaire than insured patients (p < 0.0001); and likewise uninsured patients and patients with Medicare/Medicaid were less likely to complete the questionnaire than private patients (p < 0.0001). The average genetic counseling time per case was 82 min, with no significant differences whether the counselor or the patient completedCGC. CGCreduces genetic counselor time by approximately 14–46 % compared to average time per case using traditional risk assessment and documentation methods previously reported. All surveyed users felt the questionnaire was easy to understand.CGCis an effective tool that streamlines workflow, and provides a standardized data collection tool that can be used to evaluate and improve the genetic counseling process.
Quantification of the Molecular Species of TAG and DAG in Lesquerella (Physaria fendleri) Oil by HPLC and MS
Authors: Lin Jiann‐Tsyh , Chen Grace Q.
Published: June 2014

Ten diacylglycerols (DAG) and 74 triacylglycerols (TAG) in the seed oil of Physaria fendleri were recently identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). These acylglycerols (AG) were quantified by HPLC with evaporative light scattering detector and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of the lithium adducts of the AG in the HPLC fractions of lesquerella oil. The MS1 ion signal intensities of molecular ions [M + Li]+ in HPLC fractions of an HPLC peak were used to estimate the ratios of AG in the HPLC peak. The ratios of TAG with the same mass in HPLC fractions were estimated by the ratios of the sums of MS2 ion signal intensities from the neutral loss of the three fatty acids [M + Li − FA]+. The ratio of DAG with the same mass were estimated by the ratio of the sums of two MS2 ion signal intensities [M + Li − FA]+ and [FA + Li]+ from the two different FA of a DAG. We have estimated the contents of ten molecular species of DAG and 74 molecular species of TAG in P. fendleri oil using this new method. The content of ten DAG combined was about 1 % and 74 TAG was about 98 %. The contents of DAG in decreasing order were: LsLs (0.25 %), LsLn (0.25 %), LsO (0.24 %), and LsL (0.11 %); and the contents of TAG in decreasing order were: LsLsO (31.3 %), LsLsLn (24.9 %), LsLsL (15.8 %), LsL‐OH20:2 (4.3 %), LsO‐OH20:2 (2.8 %), and LsLn‐OH20:2 (2.5 %).
Remote monitoring of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in Japan
Authors: Okamura Hideo
Published: June 2014

The number of patients with chronically implanted cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) keeps growing, and device clinics of major hospitals may soon be unable to fully accommodate the increasing amount of follow‐up activities. Consequently, the remote monitoring (RM) technology introduced in Japan in 2010 has been rapidly gaining widespread application in the management of CIEDs.

A modern remote monitor not only acts as an alternative to a device clinic, but also as a security monitor for the device and the patient. A number of papers have confirmed the safety, feasibility, and cost‐effectiveness of RM systems. Importantly, remote monitors allow physicians to quickly detect and respond to lead problems, atrial arrhythmias, heart failure, and other adverse events, which may also improve the patients' survival rate. Several reports from Japan have demonstrated that RM systems are well accepted by both the patients and physicians.

However, there remain limitations and problems of the RM technology to be solved, and rules and guidelines for monitor management should be established to fully utilize the advantages of RM systems.
RalA signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Authors: Ezzeldin Mohamad , Borrego-Diaz Emma , Taha Mohammad , Esfandyari Tuba , Wise Amanda L. , Peng Warner , Rouyanian Alex , Asvadi Kermani Atabak , Soleimani Mina , Patrad Elham , Lialyte Kristina , Wang Kun , Williamson Stephen , Abdulkarim Bashar , Olyaee Mojtaba , Farassati Faris
Published: June 2014

Ral (Ras like) leads an important proto‐oncogenic signaling pathway down‐stream of Ras. In this work, RalA was found to be significantly overactivated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and tissues as compared to non‐malignant samples. Other elements of RalA pathway such as RalBP1 and RalGDS were also expressed at higher levels in malignant samples. Inhibition of RalA by gene‐specific silencing caused a robust decrease in the viability and invasiveness of HCC cells. Additionally, the use of geranyl–geranyl transferase inhibitor (GGTI, an inhibitor of Ral activation) and Aurora kinase inhibitor II resulted in a significant decrease in the proliferation of HCC cells. Furthermore, RalA activation was found to be at a higher level of activation in HCC stem cells that express CD133. Transgenic mouse model for HCC (FXR‐Knockout) also revealed an elevated level of RalA‐GTP in the liver tumors as compared to background animals. Finally, subcutaneous mouse model for HCC confirmed effectiveness of inhibition of aurora kinase/RalA pathway in reducing the tumorigenesis of HCC cells in vivo. In conclusion, RalA overactivation is an important determinant of malignant phenotype in differentiated and stem cells of HCC and can be considered as a target for therapeutic intervention.
Treatment of post-dural puncture headache using epidural injection of fibrin sealant as an alternative to autologous epidural blood patch (case report)
Authors: Atallah Joseph , Gage Emmanuel , Koning Jonathan , Duggan Joan , Ramsey-Williams Vicki , Scott Samuel , Gaudin Daniel , Sarhan Mazin
Published: June 2014

Background

Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is an iatrogenic cause of patient morbidity in pain management after spinal or epidural anaesthesia, as well as after diagnostic lumbar puncture. Most patients respond to conservative treatment or to epidural blood patch, yet limited options for effective treatment are available for patients who fail these treatments or present with theoretical contraindication.

Case report

We present a case of a patient with previously diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C, who presented with signs of PDPH, which placed him at a theoretical risk of meningeal seeding of the virus during the blood patching procedure.

Conclusion

We successfully treated the post dural puncture headache and avoided the risk of viral seeding of the meninges by using a fibrin sealant.
A Proposed Disaster Literacy Model
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Haun Jolie N. , Peterson Lindsay
Published: June 2014

Although numerous government, nonprofit, and relief organizations have endeavored to educate and prepare the American public for disasters, adults with physical, mental, and educational disabilities remain among the most vulnerable and least prepared subgroups of the population. The lack of alignment between the literacy demands of existing disaster preparedness and recovery materials and the literacy skills of many vulnerable subgroups limits their ability to understand and effectively use potentially life-saving information. We review the literature on literacy and vulnerable populations, propose a new model for disaster literacy, and describe opportunities for incorporating best practices into planning and preparedness activities. Disaster literacy is defined here as an individual's ability to read, understand, and use information to make informed decisions and follow instructions in the context of mitigating, preparing, responding, and recovering from a disaster. Recommendations are made for developing and evaluating disaster communication materials for vulnerable populations. To meet and improve the disaster literacy of vulnerable populations we suggest pilot-testing and evaluation be routinely used to inform selection of media type, message, and point of contact. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–9)
PROMOTING ACTION IN WARRING STATES POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: A FIRST LOOK AT THE CHU MANUSCRIPTCAO MIE'S BATTLE ARRAYS
Authors: Caldwell Ernest
Published: June 2014

Recent excavations of Chinese bamboo manuscripts have so far yielded a wealth of information about classical philosophical debates, but conspicuously absent have been contemporary manuscript copies of texts on the most prevalent socio-political issue of the aptly named Warring States Period, namely warfare. Recently, however, the Shanghai Museum began publishing several Warring States bamboo manuscripts from the kingdom of Chu, which it acquired in 1994. Among them is the manuscript of a previously unknown Warring States text titledCao Mie's Battle Arrays. Through a lengthy dialogue between Duke Zhuang of Lu and his advisor Cao Mie, this manuscript offers new insight into statecraft methods designed to ensure the viability of a small kingdom surrounded by larger bellicose neighbors. While many contemporary philosophical schools considered the welfare of a kingdom or army to be linked to the power of both virtue and the will of Heaven, Cao Mie gives precedence to the real-world efficacy of the ruler's actions and the subsequent response of the populace and soldiers. In this paper I offer an introductory codicological analysis of the manuscript, followed by a study of Cao Mie's central theme of personal action— which requires the ruler to be a visible, decisive, and active participant in handling mundane affairs of the kingdom and in commanding the military.
Interactions of large amplitude solitary waves in viscous fluid conduits
Authors: Lowman Nicholas K. , Hoefer M. A. , El G. A.
Published: June 2014

The free interface separating an exterior, viscous fluid from an intrusive conduit of buoyant, less viscous fluid is known to support strongly nonlinear solitary waves due to a balance between viscosity-induced dispersion and buoyancy-induced nonlinearity. The overtaking, pairwise interaction of weakly nonlinear solitary waves has been classified theoretically for the Korteweg–de Vries equation and experimentally in the context of shallow water waves, but a theoretical and experimental classification of strongly nonlinear solitary wave interactions is lacking. The interactions of large amplitude solitary waves in viscous fluid conduits, a model physical system for the study of one-dimensional, truly dissipationless, dispersive nonlinear waves, are classified. Using a combined numerical and experimental approach, three classes of nonlinear interaction behaviour are identified: purely bimodal, purely unimodal, and a mixed type. The magnitude of the dispersive radiation due to solitary wave interactions is quantified numerically and observed to be beyond the sensitivity of our experiments, suggesting that conduit solitary waves behave as ‘physical solitons’. Experimental data are shown to be in excellent agreement with numerical simulations of the reduced model. Experimental movies are available with the online version of the paper.
Effects of iron supplementation on dominant bacterial groups in the gut, faecal SCFA and gut inflammation: a randomised, placebo-controlled intervention trial in South African children
Authors: Dostal Alexandra , Baumgartner Jeannine , Riesen Nathalie , Chassard Christophe , Smuts Cornelius M. , Zimmermann Michael B. , Lacroix Christophe
Published: June 2014

Fe supplementation is a common strategy to correct Fe-deficiency anaemia in children; however, it may modify the gut microbiota and increase the risk for enteropathogenic infection. In the present study, we studied the impact of Fe supplementation on the abundance of dominant bacterial groups in the gut, faecal SCFA concentration and gut inflammation in children living in rural South Africa. In a randomised, placebo-controlled intervention trial of 38 weeks, 6- to 11-year-old children with Fe deficiency received orally either tablets containing 50 mg Fe as FeSO4 (n 22) for 4 d/week or identical placebo (n 27). In addition, Fe-sufficient children (n 24) were included as a non-treated reference group. Faecal samples were analysed at baseline and at 2, 12 and 38 weeks to determine the effects of Fe supplementation on ten bacterial groups in the gut (quantitative PCR), faecal SCFA concentration (HPLC) and gut inflammation (faecal calprotectin concentration). At baseline, concentrations of bacterial groups in the gut, faecal SCFA and faecal calprotectin did not differ between Fe-deficient and Fe-sufficient children. Fe supplementation significantly improved Fe status in Fe-deficient children and did not significantly increase faecal calprotectin concentration. Moreover, no significant effect of Fe treatment or time × treatment interaction on the concentrations of bacterial groups in the gut or faecal SCFA was observed compared with the placebo treatment. Also, there were no significant differences observed in the concentrations of any of the bacterial target groups or faecal SCFA at 2, 12 or 38 weeks between the three groups of children when correcting for baseline values. The present study suggests that in African children with a low enteropathogen burden, Fe status and dietary Fe supplementation did not significantly affect the dominant bacterial groups in the gut, faecal SCFA concentration or gut inflammation.
The “ICE” Study: Feasibility of Inexpensive Commercial Coolers on Mobile EMS Units
Authors: Kane Kathleen E. , Tomsho Robert J. , Pheasant Karen , Stauffer Thomas , Schoenfeldt Brent , Hamilton Scott , Kain Travis , Kane Bryan G.
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Prehospital postresuscitation induced hypothermia (IH) has been shown to reduce neurological complications in comatose cardiac-arrest survivors. Retrofitting ambulances to include equipment appropriate to initiate hypothermia, such as refrigeration units for cooled saline, is expensive. The objective of this nonhuman subject research study was to determine if inexpensive, commercially available coolers could, in conjunction with five reusable ice packs, keep two 1 L bags of precooled 0.9% normal saline solution (NSS) at or below 4°C for an average shift of eight to 12 hours in a real-world environment, on board in-service Emergency Medical Service (EMS) units, over varying weather conditions in all seasons.

Methods

The coolers were chosen based on availability and affordability from two nationally available brands: The Igloo MaxxCold (Igloo Products Corp., Katy, Texas USA) and Coleman (The Coleman Company, Wichita, Kansas USA). Both are 8.5 liter (nine-quart) coolers that were chosen because they adequately held two 1 L bags of saline solution, along with the reusable ice packs designated in the study design, and were small enough for ease of placement on ambulances. Initial testing of the coolers was conducted in a controlled environment. Thereafter, each EMS unit was responsible to cool the saline to less than 4°C prior to shift. Data were collected by emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and resident physicians working in seven different ambulance squads. Data analysis was performed using repeated measurements recorded over a 12-hour period from 19 individual coolers and were summarized by individual time points using descriptive statistics.

Results

Initial testing determined that the coolers maintained temperatures of 4°C for 12 hours in a controlled environment. On the ambulances, results based on the repeated measurements over time revealed that the saline solution samples as defined in the protocol, remained consistently below 4°C for 12 hours. Utilizing the lower bound of the 2-sided 95% exact binomial confidence intervals, there was less than a five percent chance that saline samples could not be maintained below 4°C for 12 hours, even during the summer months.

Conclusions

Simple, commercially available coolers can maintain two 1 L bags of 0.9% NSS at 4°C for 12 hours in ambulances in varying environmental conditions. This suggests that EMS agencies could inexpensively initiate prehospital IH in appropriate cases.

KaneKE, TomshoRJ, PheasantK, StaufferT, SchoenfeldtB, HamiltonS, KainT, KaneBG. The “ICE” study: feasibility of inexpensive commercial coolers on mobile EMS units. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(3):1-8.
Urinary and Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Equit Monika , Sambach Heike , Niemczyk Justine , Gontard Alexander von
Published: June 2014

A new and effective training program for children and adolescents with continence difficulties
Elimination disorders (such as bed-wetting or soiling) are common in childhood. This manual presents a new and effective training program for children and adolescents with nocturnal enuresis, daytime urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence,or a combination of these forms, who do not respond to standard measures.
After discussing the different types of incontinence and comorbid psychological disorders, the expert team of authors (a psychotherapist, a pediatric nurse, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist) describe a 7-9 session program of bladder and boweltraining, primarily for use in groups but which can also be used with individuals. The training encompasses psychoeducation, operant reinforcement, emotion regulation, and relaxation techniques – all presented in a “child-friendly”, playful manner.
The manual itself is accompanied by a wealth of colorful, attractive, printable worksheets and other educational materials suitable for youngsters, which cover topics such as healthy drinking and eating habits, stress and emotion regulation,body perception, toilet training, and relaxation techniques.
This manual is a superb resource for pediatricians, specialists in child and adolescent psychiatry, psychologists, nurses, urotherapists, and all other professionals looking for well-founded, hands-on guidance on treating children and adolescents with incontinence.
Imaging Neurovascular Function and Functional Recovery after Stroke in the Rat Striatum Using Forepaw Stimulation
Authors: Shih Yen-Yu Ian , Huang Shiliang , Chen You-Yin , Lai Hsin-Yi , Kao Yu-Chieh Jill , Du Fang , Hui Edward S , Duong Timothy Q
Published: June 2014

Negative functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response in the striatum has been observed in several studies during peripheral sensory stimulation, but its relationship between local field potential (LFP) remains to be elucidated. We performed cerebral blood volume (CBV) fMRI and LFP recordings in normal rats during graded noxious forepaw stimulation at nine stimulus pulse widths. Albeit high LFP-CBV correlation was found in the ipsilateral and contralateral sensory cortices (r = 0.89 and 0.95, respectively), the striatal CBV responses were neither positively, nor negatively correlated with LFP (r = 0.04), demonstrating that the negative striatal CBV response is not originated from net regional inhibition. To further identify whether this negative CBV response can serve as a marker for striatal functional recovery, two groups of rats ( n = 5 each) underwent 20- and 45-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were studied. No CBV response was found in the ipsilateral striatum in both groups immediately after stroke. Improved striatal CBV response was observed on day 28 in the 20-minute MCAO group compared with the 45-minute MCAO group ( P<0.05). This study shows that fMRI signals could differ significantly from LFP and that the observed negative CBV response has potential to serve as a marker for striatal functional integrity in rats.
Dual Vulnerability of TDP-43 to Calpain and Caspase-3 Proteolysis after Neurotoxic Conditions and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Lin Fan , Robertson Claudia S , Wang Kevin KW
Published: June 2014

Transactivation response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) proteinopathy has recently been reported in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative condition linked to prior history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While TDP-43 appears to be vulnerable to proteolytic modifications under neurodegenerative conditions, the mechanism underlying the contribution of TDP-43 to the pathogenesis of TBI remains unknown. In this study, we first mapped out the calpain or caspase-3 TDP-43 fragmentation patterns by in vitro protease digestion. Concurrently, in cultured cerebrocortical neurons subjected to cell death challenges, we identified distinct TDP-43 breakdown products (BDPs) of 35, 33, and 12kDa that were indicative of dual calpain/caspase attack. Cerebrocortical culture incubated with calpain and caspase-fragmented TDP-43 resulted in neuronal injury. Furthermore, increased TDP-43 BDPs as well as redistributed TDP-43 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm were observed in the mouse cortex in two TBI models: controlled cortical impact injury and overpressure blast-wave-induced brain injury. Finally, TDP-43 and its 35 kDa fragment levels were also elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of severe TBI patients. This is the first evidence that TDP-43 might be involved in acute neuroinjury and TBI pathology, and that TDP-43 and its fragments may have biomarker utilities in TBI patients.
Larger CO2 source at the equatorial Pacific during the last deglaciation
Authors: Kubota Kaoru , Yokoyama Yusuke , Ishikawa Tsuyoshi , Obrochta Stephen , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: June 2014

While biogeochemical and physical processes in the Southern Ocean are thought to be central to atmospheric CO2 rise during the last deglaciation, the role of the equatorial Pacific, where the largest CO2 source exists at present, remains largely unconstrained. Here we present seawater pH and pCO2 variations from fossil Porites corals in the mid equatorial Pacific offshore Tahiti based on a newly calibrated boron isotope paleo-pH proxy. Our new data, together with recalibrated existing data, indicate that a significant pCO2 increase (pH decrease), accompanied by anomalously large marine 14C reservoir ages, occurred following not only the Younger Dryas, but also Heinrich Stadial 1. These findings indicate an expanded zone of equatorial upwelling and resultant CO2 emission, which may be derived from higher subsurface dissolved inorganic carbon concentration.
Determination of thirteen antibiotics in drug products – A new LC-MS/MS tool for screening drug product quality
Authors: Bekoe Samuel Oppong , Bak Søren Alex , Björklund Erland , Krogh Kristine A. , N. N. A. Okine Nathaniel , Adosraku Reimmiel K. , Styrishave Bjarne , Hansen Martin
Published: June 2014

Analysis of several drug products on the Ghanaian market, using a novel LC-MS/MS methodology, revealed unacceptably low antibiotic content.
The single GUV method for revealing the functions of antimicrobial, pore-forming toxin, and cell-penetrating peptides or proteins
Authors: Islam Md. Zahidul , Alam Jahangir Md. , Tamba Yukihiro , Karal Mohammad Abu Sayem , Yamazaki Masahito
Published: June 2014

The single GUV method provides detailed information on the elementary processes of peptide/protein-induced pore formation in lipid membranes and the entry of peptides into a GUV; specifically, the GUV method provides the rate constants of these processes.
Observation of guanidine–carbon dioxide complexation in solution and its role in the reaction of carbon dioxide and propargylamines
Authors: Nicholls Rachel , Kaufhold Simon , Nguyen Bao N.
Published: June 2014

The first observation of guanidine–CO2 ‘activation’ complexes in solution and their implications on the catalytic activity of guanidines are reported.
Theoretical and experimental investigation on clarithromycin, erythromycin A and azithromycin and descladinosyl derivatives of clarithromycin and azithromycin with 3-O substitution as anti-bacterial agents
Authors: Arsic Biljana , Awan Abida , Brennan Richard J. , Aguilar Juan A. , Ledder Ruth , McBain Andrew J. , Regan Andrew C. , Barber Jill
Published: June 2014

The macrolide antibiotics erythromycin A, clarithromycin and azithromycin are all clinically important.
A highly conducting graphene film with dual-side molecular n-doping
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Park Jaesung , Kang Junmo , Yoo Je Min , Choi Kyoungjun , Kim Eun Sun , Choi Jae-Boong , Hwang Chanyong , Novoselov K. S. , Hong Byung Hee
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate a simple method to tune the electrical properties of graphene synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with dual-side chemical doping – the bottom-side dopingviasubstrate modification with NH2-SAMs and the top-side doping with diethylenetriamine (DETA) molecules.
Light-induced reversible modification of the work function of a new perfluorinated biphenyl azobenzene chemisorbed on Au (111)
Authors: Masillamani Appan Merari , Osella Silvio , Liscio Andrea , Fenwick Oliver , Reinders Federica , Mayor Marcel , Palermo Vincenzo , Cornil Jérôme , Samorì Paolo
Published: June 2014

Self-assembled monolayers of fluorinated azobenzene molecules on gold display an optical switch of the work function with magnitude 220 meV.
Nazarov-like cyclization reactions
Authors: Di Grandi Martin J.
Published: June 2014

This review discusses novel Nazarov cyclization variations and their application to the synthesis of complex molecules.
Integrated lignin-mediated adsorption-release process and electrochemical reduction for the removal of trace Cr(vi)
Authors: Jin Wei , Zhang Zhaoyang , Wu Guosheng , Tolba Rasha , Chen Aicheng
Published: June 2014

Hexavalent chromium Cr(vi) is extremely toxic and is classified as a human carcinogen, even at trace concentrations.
Strong addition effect of charge-bridging polymer in polymer:fullerene solar cells with low fullerene content
Authors: Nam Sungho , Park Soohyeong , Kim Hwajeong , Lee Joon-Hyung , Kim Youngkyoo
Published: June 2014

The efficiency of polymer:fullerene solar cells with low fullerene content is significantly improved by adding a charge-bridging polymer.
A non-Bornian analysis of the Gibbs energy of hydration for organic ions
Authors: Murakami Wataru , Yamamoto Masahiro , Eda Kazuo , Osakai Toshiyuki
Published: June 2014

The hydration energy of organic ions can be well evaluated from the distribution of surface field strength, by using a simple semi-empirical equation.
First synthesis of unexpected functionalized trifluoromethylated 8-oxa-2,4-diazaspiro[5.5]undecanes via one-pot MCRs
Authors: Li Jia , Shi Wei , Yang WenXin , Kang ZhangPing , Zhang Min , Song LiPing
Published: June 2014

The present study describes the first example of the synthesis of functionalized trifluoromethylated 8-oxa-2,4-diazaspiro[5.5]undecanes via one-pot MCRs.
Effect of ligands on the characteristics of (CdSe)13quantum dots
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhou Bo , Kang Seung-gu , Xin Minsi , Yang Ping , Dai Xing , Wang Zhigang , Zhou Ruhong
Published: June 2014

The absorption peak displays a clear blue-shift on the scale of 95 nm for quantum dots (CdSe)13passivated by OPMe2(CH2)nMe ligands in the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra.
Hydroxyapatite-nanosphere supported ruthenium(0) nanoparticle catalyst for hydrogen generation from ammonia-borane solution: kinetic studies for nanoparticle formation and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Durak Halil , Gulcan Mehmet , Zahmakiran Mehmet , Ozkar Saim , Kaya Murat
Published: June 2014

Nanohydroxyapatite-supported ruthenium(0) nanoparticles formed in situ during the hydrolysis of AB have been found to be a highly active catalyst in the generation of hydrogen from aqueous AB solution.
A general, simple and green process to access pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines using a KI/TBHP catalytic system
Authors: Huang Huan-Ming , Huang Fang , Li Yu-Jin , Jia Jian-Hong , Ye Qing , Han Liang , Gao Jian-Rong
Published: June 2014

A novel KI/TBHP-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/oxidation/aromatization cascade reaction provided a general, efficient and green access to biologically important pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines.
EG-Assisted hand-in-hand growth of prism-like Cu2O nanorods with high aspect ratios and their thermal conductive performance
Authors: Zhu Jingchao , Shang Yang , Sun Xiaobo , Guo Lin
Published: June 2014

EG acts as a “bridge” that controls the “hand-in-hand” growth and transforms the Cu2O wires into prism-like nanorods.
Hexahapto-chromium complexes of graphene: a theoretical study
Authors: Liu Song , Lei Yu , Li Yingzi , Zhang Tao , Wang Huan , Lan Yu
Published: June 2014

Newly reported density functional M11-L is employed to elucidate the coordination of chromium fragments with oligoacenes as the model of graphene.
Catalyst-free cascade reaction of heterocyclic ketene aminals with N-substituted maleimide to synthesise bicyclic pyrrolidinone derivatives
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhang Hai-Rui , Lin Xin-Rong , Yan Sheng-Jiao , Lin Jun
Published: June 2014

An efficient synthesis of bicyclic pyrrolidinones via a cascade reaction of HKAs and N-substituted maleimide in an environmentally friendly medium is described. This protocol uses group-assisted purification (GAP) chemistry. The library of bicyclic pyrrolidinone derivatives has been constructed with moderate to excellent yields.
Hyperbranched polyethers with tunable glass transition temperature: controlled synthesis and mixing rules
Authors: Liu Tuan , Geng Xinxin , Nie Yongxing , Chen Ruoshi , Meng Yan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: June 2014

Using competing reactions to achieve controllability in hyperbranched polymers and Tg mixing laws in hyperbranched blends and copolymers.
Substrate porosity induces phenotypic alterations in retinal cells cultured on silicon nanowires
Authors: Piret Gaëlle , Perez Maria-Thereza , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: June 2014

Limitations of silicon nanowire arrays produced using chemical etching for drug delivery.
Liquid crystalline assembly of rod–coil diblock copolymer and homopolymer blends by dissipative particle dynamics simulation
Authors: Wu Huihui , He Linli , Wang Xianghong , Wang Yanwei , Jiang Zhouting
Published: June 2014

Liquid crystalline assembly of rod–coil diblock copolymers blended with homopolymers is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics simulation, considering systematically the effect of the interactions between rods and coils, volume fraction and length of added coil or rod homopolymers.
Structural tuning of quinoxaline-benzodithiophene copolymers via alkyl side chain manipulation: synthesis, characterization and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Tessarolo Marta , Gedefaw Desta , Bolognesi Margherita , Liscio Fabiola , Henriksson Patrik , Zhuang Wenliu , Milita Silvia , Muccini Michele , Wang Ergang , Seri Mirko , Andersson Mats R.
Published: June 2014

Effect of the alkyl side chain(s) on the optical, electronic, morphological and photovoltaic properties.
Polymeric watersplitting photocatalysts; a computational perspective on the water oxidation conundrum
Authors: Guiglion Pierre , Butchosa Cristina , Zwijnenburg Martijn A.
Published: June 2014

A computational scheme to predict the thermodynamic ability of photocatalysts to drive watersplitting is applied to a number of polymeric systems in order to explain their apparent inability to oxidise water.
Ta and Nb co-doped TiO2 and its carbon-hybrid materials for supporting Pt–Pd alloy electrocatalysts for PEM fuel cell oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Yan-Jie , Wilkinson David P. , Neburchilov Vladimir , Song Chaojie , Guest Alan , Zhang Jiujun
Published: June 2014

The addition of Ta0.01Nb0.03Ti0.96O2 improves the electrocatalytic activity and stability of carbon for the oxygen reduction reaction.
Thiol–ene photo-curable hybrid silicone resin for LED encapsulation: enhancement of light extraction efficiency by facile self-keeping hemisphere coating
Authors: Gan Yanchang , Jiang Xuesong , Yin Jie
Published: June 2014

Encapsulation with polymer materials can not only protect LED chips, but also enhance light extraction efficiency (LEE), and thus it has become necessary for the fabrication of LED devices.
Printed frequency selective surfaces on textiles
Authors: Whittow W.G. , Li Y. , Torah R. , Yang K. , Beeby S. , Tudor J.
Published: June 2014

A novel technique for inkjet printing frequency selective surfaces (FSSs) on textiles is introduced. The challenge of printing an inkjet layer of 3 µm thickness on polyester cotton with a surface roughness of the order of 150 µm is achieved with a screen‐printed interface layer. The conducting inkjet layer is then printed directly on top of the interface layer. A screen mask was used so that the interface layer was only printed directly below the conducting ink. A square FSS structure has been fabricated and the measured shielding has been compared to simulations.
fLRR: fast low‐rank representation using Frobenius‐norm
Authors: Zhang Haixian , Yi Zhang , Peng Xi
Published: June 2014

Low‐rank representation (LRR) intends to find the representation with lowest rank of a given data set, which can be formulated as a rank‐minimisation problem. Since the rank operator is non‐convex and discontinuous, most of the recent works use the nuclear norm as a convex relaxation. It is theoretically shown that, under some conditions, the Frobenius‐norm‐based optimisation problem has a unique solution that is also a solution of the original LRR optimisation problem. In other words, it is feasible to apply the Frobenius norm as a surrogate of the non‐convex matrix rank function. This replacement will largely reduce the time costs for obtaining the lowest‐rank solution. Experimental results show that the method (i.e. fast LRR (fLRR)) performs well in terms of accuracy and computation speed in image clustering and motion segmentation compared with nuclear‐norm‐based LRR algorithm.
H∞ fuzzy controller synthesis for large‐scale systems with non‐linear interconnections and disturbance
Authors: Chang Wei , Wang Wen‐June
Published: June 2014

This study studies the H∞ fuzzy controller design problem for a non‐linear large‐scale system with non‐linear interconnections and disturbance. In the large‐scale system, each subsystem, excluding non‐linear interconnections and disturbance, is transformed into a Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy system and the nonlinear interconnections of each subsystem must satisfy a norm inequality. The number of rules for the large‐scale system as a whole can be reduced through the use of the norm inequality because the interconnection terms do not need to be transformed into fuzzy rule sets and thus the controller synthesis will be much easier. On the other hand, the H∞ performance can be improved by adjusting the weighting value of the norm inequality. The main theorems of this paper are obtained through the use of S ‐procedure and linear matrix inequality method. Lastly, the authors provide three examples to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Tracking with spatial constrained coding
Authors: Tian Xiaolin , Jiao Licheng , Zhao Fandi , Zhang Xiaohua
Published: June 2014

A video tracking method based on spatial constrained coding (SCC) is proposed in this study. To characterise local image structure information, the dense scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) descriptor is extracted for each pixel in the image. The proposed tracking method uses SCC model which adopts a new constrained strategy – weighted code, which is achieved by considering the sum of the weighted codes based on grey values of neighbouring pixels and distances between them. The proposed model is able to obtain robust code of corresponding pixels in the frames of complex scenes by taking spatial information into account, which enhances the stability of coding and makes the tracker more robust for object tracking. Twelve challenging sequences involving partial or full occlusion, large pose variation and drastic illumination change are chosen to test the proposed method. The experimental results show the proposed method performs excellent in comparison with other previously proposed trackers.
Moving shadow detection and removal – a wavelet transform based approach
Authors: Khare Manish , Srivastava Rajneesh Kumar , Khare Ashish
Published: June 2014

Shadow detection and removal is an important problem in computer vision. The real challenge in moving shadow detection and removal is to classify moving shadow points which are many times misclassified as moving object points in a video sequences. Various shadow detection and removal algorithms have been proposed for images but only a few works have been done for moving objects. In this study, a novel method for shadow detection and removal is proposed using discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The authors have used DWT because of its multi‐resolution property that decomposes an image into four different bands without loss of the spatial information. For detection and removal of shadow, they have proposed a new threshold in the form of relative standard deviation. The value of threshold is automatically determined and does not require any supervised learning or manual calibration. The proposed method is flexible and depends on only one parameter, namely, wavelet coefficients. Results of shadow detection and removal from moving object after applying the proposed method are compared with the results of other state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of visual performance and a number of quantitative performance parameters. The proposed method is found to be better and more robust than other methods.
Distribution network reliability improvements in presence of demand response
Authors: Safdarian Amir , Degefa Merkebu Z. , Lehtonen Matti , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud
Published: June 2014

Demand response (DR) as a key integral part of the future smart grid is gaining a great and still growing focus of attention in nowadays electric power industries. However, many potential benefits of DR, although they have been envisioned to be significant, have not been yet thoroughly and quantitatively investigated. DR provides network operators with the opportunity to mitigate operational limit violations by load modification in place of load shedding when network reliability is jeopardised. This paper aims to comprehensively assess the potential impacts of DR on major attributes of service reliability in a residential distribution network. For doing so, firstly, load profiles for major residential appliances are extracted from grossly metered consumptions. Secondly, the flexibility associated with individual load profiles is estimated using the statistical data gathered through surveys and questionnaires. Thirdly, for every contingency, appliance level load profiles are modified based on their flexibilities such that the least possible interruption cost is realised. The obtained results are finally combined to calculate service reliability indices. The proposed framework is applied to Finnish distribution system and the obtained results demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the proposed approach in real‐world systems.
Synchronised data‐based adaptive backup protection for series compensated line
Authors: Sarangi Saumendra , Pradhan Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2014

Metal oxide varistor (MOV) protected series capacitor, when present in a fault loop, modulates the impedance seen by the relay. With series capacitor placed away from the relay, the information on the level of compensation is required for proper protection decision by distance relay. In this study, synchronised data obtained at both ends are applied to calculate the compensation level which is used to adapt the relay setting for backup protection of adjacent line. The mutual coupling in the compensation portion is also considered in the apparent impedance computation. The status of capacitor during fault (bypassed or not) is obtained through impedance calculation during fault and the relay setting is adapted accordingly. Using data simulated through EMTDC/PSCAD for a series compensated line the technique is tested and found to be accurate.
Robust n–k contingency constrained unit commitment with ancillary service demand response program
Authors: Aghaei Jamshid , Alizadeh Mohammad‐Iman
Published: June 2014

Today, many Independent System Operators (ISOs) establish programs to manipulate the reserve provided by Demand Response (DR) in ancillary service markets. In this study, Ancillary Service DR (ASDR) programs, recently introduced by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is integrated to an n–k Contingency Constrained Unit Commitment problem to investigate the capability of the DR Providers (DRPs), newly added ancillary market participants, in mitigating the impacts of simultaneous multiple contingencies in a power system. In the proposed model, an n–k security criterion by which power balance constraint is satisfied under any contingency state comprising simultaneous outages in generation units is investigated in the presence of the ASDR programs. Demand side reserve is supplied by DRPs, which have the responsibility of aggregating and managing customer responses to offer a bid‐quantity to the ISO. The proposed formulation is a Mixed Integer Programming problem based on primal‐dual optimisation, reported recently in literature. In addition, a detailed discussion about versatile effects of ASDR programs on n–k security criterion is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model.
Distributed photovoltaic solar system architecture with single‐power inductor single‐power converter and single‐sensor single maximum power point tracking controller
Authors: Abu Qahouq Jaber A. , Jiang Yuncong
Published: June 2014

This study presents a distributed photovoltaic (PV) solar system architecture with a single‐power inductor, single‐power converter and single maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller that only requires one sensor. This PV architecture is able to perform MPPT for a multichannel distributed PV system at panel level, cell group level and/or single cell level under mismatching and partial shading conditions. The single power stage is a multiple‐input single‐inductor boost power converter which operates in continuous conduction mode. This work targets the high‐cost and high‐complexity issues of module integrated converter (MIC) and sub‐MIC PV architectures, which affect their practicality in many applications. The concept and operation of the single‐power‐converter single‐controller single‐sensor MPPT architecture is presented, analysed and verified by results obtained from a proof‐of‐concept experimental prototype.
Design and implementation of weaving‐type pad for contactless EV inductive charging system
Authors: Lee Jia‐You , Shen Hung‐Yu , Lee Kun‐Wei
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study is to develop a new weaving‐type pad for electric vehicles (EV) contactless inductive charging system. This proposed charging pad which consists of a weaving‐type coil is fabricated to obtain a uniform mutual inductance profile over the charging surface and to solve the problem of present inductive coupled structure in which the EV has to be placed exactly on a specific place. Apart from weaving‐type pad, type E core and two overlapping coils are utilised as a secondary pickup to guide and to pick more magnetic flux. The analysis and simulation of magnetic characteristic for comparing the proposed weaving‐type pad to simple shape pad are performed by finite‐element‐analysis (FEA) software. Phase locked loop circuit is utilised to match the operating frequency and resonant frequency in order to solve the loading effect problem caused by impedance variation during the battery charging procedure. To validate the concept and system design, a laboratory scale test system with weaving‐type pad for EV contactless inductive charging is built and tested. The coupling efficiency is found to be 66% for an air gap of 9 cm between the weaving‐type charging pad and pickup when a 2 Ah lithium iron phosphate battery is charged.
Individual‐phase control of 3‐phase 4‐wire voltage–source converter
Authors: Fazeli Seyed Mahdi , Ping Hew Wooi , Rahim Nasrudin Bin Abd , Ooi Boon Teck
Published: June 2014

An innovative method of operating 3‐phase, 4‐wire voltage–source converters, based on decoupled P–Q control of individual phases, is presented. Individual‐phase control has six independent degrees of control freedom to deal with both symmetrical and asymmetrical operating conditions. Experimental tests on a laboratory distribution static synchronous compensator (D‐STATCOM) show that individual‐phase control can simultaneously (i) support the voltages of unbalanced 3‐phase loads against droop; (ii) equalise the complex powers at source‐side of the transmission line; (iii) balance the voltage magnitudes and (iv) balance the angles of ‘ac’ voltages at the point‐of‐common‐coupling.
Radar high‐resolution range profile recognition via geodesic weighted sparse representation
Authors: Wang Jianqiao , Li Yuehua , Chen Kun
Published: June 2014

One of the radar high‐resolution range profile (HRRP) recognition issues is the target‐aspect sensitivity. Both theoretical analysis and real‐world data show that the HRRP shows a high correlation only in a very small aspect region. To overcome this problem, in traditional methods, the scattering centre model and averaged range profile are utilised. In this study, the authors present a graph‐based semi‐supervised method, called geodesic weighted sparse representation (GWSR), to overcome the target‐aspect sensitivity problem. It is assumed that HRRP from different targets is located on different manifolds and the correlation information is utilised to separate these manifolds. In GWSR, the geodesic distance is calculated firstly and then the labelled HRRP is reconstructed by the geodesic weight. The nonlinear structure of HRRP can be transformed into a linear one through the reconstruction process. Then, the unlabelled HRRP is sparsely reconstructed and the sparse reconstruction weight can be utilised to estimate the label of the unlabelled HRRP from the given labels. Experiments on three kinds of ground target HRRPs with different backgrounds demonstrate the effectiveness of the authors’ method.
Use of Intraoperative Computed Tomography in Complex Craniofacial Trauma: An Example of On-Table Change in Management
Authors: Morrison Clinton S. , Taylor Helena O. , Collins Scott , Oyelese Adetokunbo , Sullivan Stephen R.
Published: June 2014

The primary goals in repairing complex craniofacial fractures are restoration of occlusion and mastication, and anatomic reconstruction of a symmetric facial skeleton. Failure to accomplish these goals may result in the need for secondary operations. Recognition of malreduction may not be appreciated until review of a postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scan. Intraoperative CT scanning enables immediate on-table assessment of reduction and fixation, allowing alteration of the surgical plan as needed. We report using intraoperative CT scanning while repairing a panfacial injury in which malreduction was appreciated intraoperatively and corrected. Intraoperative CT can be used to improve outcomes and quality of complex facial fracture repair.