bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LabDisk with complete reagent prestorage for sample-to-answer nucleic acid based detection of respiratory pathogens verified with influenza A H3N2 virus
Authors: Stumpf F. , Schwemmer F. , Hutzenlaub T. , Baumann D. , Strohmeier O. , Dingemanns G. , Simons G. , Sager C. , Plobner L. , von Stetten F. , Zengerle R. , Mark D.
Published: November 2015

Sample supply remains the only manual handling step for pathogen detection at the point-of-care.
Identifying miRNA synergistic regulatory networks in heterogeneous human data via network motifs
Authors: Zhang Junpeng , Duy Le Thuc , Liu Lin , He Jianfeng , Li Jiuyong
Published: November 2015

We present a causality based framework called mirSRN to infer miRNA synergism in human molecular systems.
HydPred: a novel method for the identification of protein hydroxylation sites that reveals new insights into human inherited disease
Authors: Li Shuyan , Lu Jun , Li Jiazhong , Chen Ximing , Yao Xiaojun , Xi Lili
Published: November 2015

HydPred was presented as the most reliable tool up to now for the identification of protein hydroxylation sites with a user-friendly web server at http://lishuyan.lzu.edu.cn/hydpred/.
Molecular modeling and synthesis of some new 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone derivatives with promising TNF-α inhibitory activity
Authors: Ali Yakub , Alam Mohammad Sarwar , Hamid Hinna , Husain Asif , Dhulap Abhijeet , Hussain Firasat , Bano Sameena , Kharbanda Chetna
Published: November 2015

Out of 32 novel 2-imino-4-thiazolidinones, compounds3f&3gshowed potent anti-inflammatory activity without causing any damage to the stomach.
Synthesis of porous NiO/CeO2 hybrid nanoflake arrays as a platform for electrochemical biosensing
Authors: Cui Jiewu , Luo Jinbao , Peng Bangguo , Zhang Xinyi , Zhang Yong , Wang Yan , Qin Yongqiang , Zheng Hongmei , Shu Xia , Wu Yucheng
Published: November 2015

Porous NiO/CeO2 hybrid nanoflake arrays are synthesized and employed as the substrate for the construction of biosensors. These nanomaterials exhibit a remarkable and excellent platform for electrochemical biosensing.
Large scale atomistic simulation of single-layer graphene growth on Ni(111) surface: molecular dynamics simulation based on a new generation of carbon–metal potential
Authors: Xu Ziwei , Yan Tianying , Liu Guiwu , Qiao Guanjun , Ding Feng
Published: November 2015

A molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of carbon atom self-assembly on a Ni(111) surface based on a well-designed empirical reactive bond order potential and atomistic details.
Molecular disorder and translation/rotation coupling in the plastic crystal phase of hybrid perovskites
Authors: Even J. , Carignano M. , Katan C.
Published: November 2015

Room temperature properties of hybrid perovskites viewed as a merging of properties of all-inorganic perovskites, conventional semiconductors and plastic crystals.
pH-Responsive biodegradable polymeric micelles with anchors to interface magnetic nanoparticles for MR imaging in detection of cerebral ischemic area
Authors: Yang Hong Yu , Jang Moon-Sun , Gao Guang Hui , Lee Jung Hee , Lee Doo Sung
Published: November 2015

A new type of pH-responsive copolymer was developed, which was used to carry Fe3O4 nanoparticles and act as a pH-triggered contrast agent for MR imaging.
Direct carbonization of cobalt-doped NH2-MIL-53(Fe) for electrocatalysis of oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Han Yujie , Zhai Junfeng , Zhang Lingling , Dong Shaojun
Published: November 2015

Direct carbonization of Co-doped NH2-MIL-53(Fe) with high electrochemical activity for oxygen evolution reaction.
Mass production of graphene nanoscrolls and their application in high rate performance supercapacitors
Authors: Zheng Bingna , Xu Zhen , Gao Chao
Published: November 2015

The large scale production of high quality graphene nanoscrolls (GNS) is achieved using a spray-freeze-drying method. With the intercalation of GNS, the all-graphene films exhibit high specific capacitance together with excellent rate performance.
Synthetic and theoretical investigation on the one-pot halogenation of β-amino alcohols and nucleophilic ring opening of aziridinium ions
Authors: Chen Yunwei , Sun Xiang , Wu Ningjie , Li Jingbai , Jin Shengnan , Zhong Yongliang , Liu Zirui , Rogachev Andrey , Chong Hyun-Soon
Published: November 2015

One-pot formation and nucleophilic ring opening of aziridinium ions are reported.
[3 + 2]-Annulations of N-alkyl-3-substituted indoles with quinone monoketals catalysed by Brønsted acids
Authors: Chai Zhuo , Chen Jia-Nan , Liu Zhen , Li Xue-Fei , Yang Pei-Jun , Hu Ji-Ping , Yang Gaosheng
Published: November 2015

An organocatalytic dearomative [3 + 2]-annulation of 3-alkylindoles and quinone monoketals provided benzofuro[2,3-b]indolines, while the reaction with 3-phenylindole leads to 2,3-diarylindoles in moderate yields.
Syntheses and cellular investigations of di-aspartate and aspartate-lysine chlorin e6 conjugates
Authors: Jinadasa R. G. Waruna , Zhou Zehua , Vicente M. Graça H. , Smith Kevin M.
Published: November 2015

Regioselective syntheses of chlorin e6 bis(amino acid) conjugates bearing aspartates in the 131,173-, 152,173- and 131,152-positions, and their cell studies are reported.
Correction: One-pot synthesis of carbazoles via tandem C–C cross-coupling and reductive amination
Authors: Goo Deuk-Young , Woo Sang Kook
Published: November 2015

Correction for ‘One-pot synthesis of carbazoles via tandem C–C cross-coupling and reductive amination’ by Deuk-Young Goo, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2016, DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01952d.
Antimicrobial coatings against biofilm formation: the unexpected balance between antifouling and bactericidal behavior
Authors: Voo Zhi Xiang , Khan Majad , Xu Qingxing , Narayanan Karthikeyan , Ng Brandon W. J. , Bte Ahmad Raidah , Hedrick James L. , Yang Yi Yan
Published: November 2015

There is a balance between antibacterial and antifouling functions, and the polymer without cationic antibacterial components effectively prevents biofilm formation.
Metal-free photoinduced electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization (PET–ATRP) via a visible light organic photocatalyst
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: November 2015

This work developed the first example of PET-ATRP using a reductive pathway, which provides new opportunities for the synthesis of well-controlled polymer architectures through a photochemical approach.
Glycerol acetins: fuel additive synthesis by acetylation and esterification of glycerol using cesium phosphotungstate catalyst
Authors: Sandesh Swetha , Manjunathan Pandian , Halgeri Anand B. , Shanbhag Ganapati V.
Published: November 2015

Glycerol acetylation and esterification reactions with acetic anhydride and acetic acid respectively give acetins, in which di and tri acetins are commercially important products used as fuel additives.
Phase purification of Cu–S system towards Cu1.8S and its catalytic properties for a clock reaction
Authors: Liu Yuanjun , Zhu Guoxing , Yang Jing , Bao Chunlin , Wang Jing , Yuan Aihua
Published: November 2015

TPP can be used for the phase-selective extraction of sulfur from sulfur-rich copper sulfides. The clock reaction catalyzed by Cu–S based product has been demonstrated.
New ion-imprinted polymer-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 for selective separation and preconcentration of Cr(iii) ions: modeling and optimization
Authors: Jamshidi Mahdi , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Dashtian Kheibar , Hajati Shaaker
Published: November 2015

A new Cr(iii) ion-imprinted polymer (Cr(iii)-IIP), prepared by functionalizing an SBA-15 support with dithizone (DZ) indicator, is promising and highly efficient for the separation and preconcentration of Cr(iii) ions from aqueous media.
Preparation of self-promoted hydroxy-containing phthalonitrile resins by an in situ reaction
Authors: Wang Jianbo , Hu Jianghuai , Zeng Ke , Yang Gang
Published: November 2015

The in situ reaction of a hydroxy group with a phthalonitrile system was carried out in a one-pot reaction and the prepared polymers showed outstanding thermal stability, a high modulus and a high glass transition temperature.
Electrochemical properties of layered SnO and PbO for energy applications
Authors: Lim Chee Shan , Sofer Zdeněk , Jankovský Ondřej , Wang Hong , Pumera Martin
Published: November 2015

In this paper we synthetized four different lead oxides with tetragonal or orthorhombic symmetry either by thermal decomposition or a chemical route.
Triethylenetetramine modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the efficient preconcentration of Pb(ii), Cu(ii), Ni(ii) and Cd(ii) before FAAS detection
Authors: ALOthman Zeid A. , Yilmaz Erkan , Habila Mohamed A. , Alsohaimi Ibrahim H. , Aldawsari Abdullah M. , AL-Harbi Nasser M. , Soylak Mustafa
Published: November 2015

Triethylenetetramine modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (TETA-MWCNTs) were prepared and used as an efficient adsorbent for the solid phase extraction of heavy metal ions.
Methods and strategies for the synthesis of diverse nanoparticles and their applications: a comprehensive overview
Authors: Dhand Chetna , Dwivedi Neeraj , Loh Xian Jun , Jie Ying Alice Ng , Verma Navin Kumar , Beuerman Roger W. , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: November 2015

Various methods to synthesize diverse nanoparticles with their different applications.
The effect of silica sols on electrodeposited zinc coatings for sintered NdFeB
Authors: Cao Rui , Zhu Liqun , Liu Huicong , Yang Wei , Li Weiping
Published: November 2015

We developed anin situmethod to prepare silica particle-containing zinc coatings on NdFeB.
Iron-mediated AGET ATRP with crown ether as both ligand and solvent
Authors: Peng Jinying , Ding Mingqiang , Cheng Zhenping , Zhang Lifen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: November 2015

A facile iron-mediated AGET ATRP system suitable for a wide range of monomers was successfully developed with crown ether without any additional ligands.
Magnetic nano-organocatalysts: impact of surface functionalization on catalytic activity
Authors: Nehlig E. , Motte L. , Guénin E.
Published: November 2015

Nano-organocatalysts were synthesized using controlled click chemistry and studied in aldolization and Michael addition reactions. It was shown that small modifications of the nanosurface can have a drastic effect on the catalysis.
Role of tryptophan 135 of Chandipura virus phosphoprotein P in dimerization and complex formation with leader RNA: structural aspect using time resolved anisotropy and simulation
Authors: Mukherjee Manini , Sarkar Aditya , Roy Arunava , Sardar Pinki Saha , Lahiri Ansuman , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Ghosh Sanjib
Published: November 2015

The nanosecond and picosecond dynamics of wild type protein and its tryptophan mutants have been used to study structural change as a function of protein concentration and binding with leader RNA by time resolved anisotropy and molecular dynamics.
Synthesis of polyacrylamides hydrophobically modified with butyl acrylate using a nanoclay with interlayer spaces for butyl acrylate aggregation: studies on the microstructure and aqueous solution viscosity
Authors: Abdollahi Mahdi , Khakpour Hossein
Published: November 2015

Aqueous solution copolymerization of acrylamide and butyl acrylate can be affected by the hydrophobic nature of the nanoclay, resulting in different copolymer microstructures.
A simple method to experimentally determine the accurate RC-constant in nanosecond timescale transient photocurrent measurements on organic solar cells
Authors: Xiang Jin , Cai Lun , Yao Yan Qing , Ding Bao Fu , Alameh Kamal , Song Qun Liang
Published: November 2015

Experimentally determine the RC-constant in ns-TPC measurements on OSCs.
Photovoltaic performance of a N719 dye based dye-sensitized solar cell with transparent macroporous anti-ultraviolet photonic crystal coatings
Authors: Cai Chang-Yun , Tseng Sheng-Kai , Kuo Meng , Andrew Lin Kun-Yi , Yang Hongta , Lee Rong-Ho
Published: November 2015

Photovoltaic performance of dye-sensitized solar cell with transparent macroporous anti-ultraviolet photonic crystal coatings.
Adsorption of bovine serum albumin on superparamagnetic composite microspheres with a Fe3O4/SiO2 core and mesoporous SiO2 shell
Authors: Hou Xuemei , Xu Hongbo , Pan Lei , Tian Yanlong , Zhang Xiang , Ma Lihua , Li Yao , Zhao Jiupeng
Published: November 2015

Magnetic sandwich structured mesoporous silica microspheres containing a silica-coated Fe3O4 core and a layered mesoporous silica shell have been successfully synthesized by multi-step reactions.
A green method for the quantification of polysaccharides in Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Yun Yong-Huan , Wei Yang-Chao , Zhao Xing-Bing , Wu Wei-Jia , Liang Yi-Zeng , Lu Hong-Mei
Published: November 2015

We report a NIR spectroscopy method for the quantification of polysaccharides inDendrobium officinaleusing a PLS calibration model.
Complexation of arsenate with ferric ion in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yang Jinqin , Chai Liyuan , Yue Mengqing , Li Qingzhu
Published: November 2015

Ferric arsenate complexes (FeH2AsO42+ and FeHAsO4+) formed in acidic solutions were confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopic techniques, which transformed into gel-like material under higher pH (pH ≥ 2.38) or higher temperature (T ≥ 90 °C) conditions.
An in situ polymerized PEDOT/Fe3O4 composite as a Pt-free counter electrode for highly efficient dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Zheng Min , Huo Jinghao , Tu Yongguang , Jia Jinbiao , Wu Jihuai , Lan Zhang
Published: November 2015

PEDOT/Fe3O4 hybrid is in situ polymerized and used as Pt-free counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cell. Owing to large active area and low charge transfer resistance for the hybrid, the cell achieves a high power conversion efficiency of 8.69%.
Engineering porous and compact two-dimensional nanoarchitectures on surfaces taking advantage of bisterpyridine-derivatives self-assembly
Authors: Silly Fabien , Kervella Yann , Jousselme Bruno
Published: November 2015

The self-assembly of bis-terpyridine molecules is investigated using STM. Images reveal that close-packed as well as porous two-dimensional nanoarchitectures can be engineered by changing the molecular backbone separating the terpyridine groups.
Efficient Passerini reactions in an aqueous vesicle system
Authors: Paprocki Daniel , Koszelewski Dominik , Walde Peter , Ostaszewski Ryszard
Published: November 2015

The formation of α-acyloxy carboxamides from a carboxylic acid, an aldehyde and an isocyanide (Passerini reaction) was investigated in aqueous solution in the presence of different types of surfactants.
New conjugated poly(pyridinium salt) derivative: AIE characteristics, the interaction with DNA and selective fluorescence enhancement induced by dsDNA
Authors: Chang Ying , Jin Lu , Duan Jingjing , Zhang Qiang , Wang Jing , Lu Yan
Published: November 2015

Fluorescence turn-on DNA sensor with excellent sensitivity and selectivity is developed based on a new conjugated poly(pyridinium salt) with AIE characteristics. The probe is also successfully utilized to follow the DNA cleavage process by DNase I.
Biological investigation of a supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of Piper cubeba essential oil
Authors: Shakeel Faiyaz , Shazly Gamal A. , Raish Mohammad , Ahmad Ajaz , Kalam Mohd Abul , Ali Naushad , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Elosaily Gehan M.
Published: November 2015

In this work, the mechanism ofPiper cubebaessential oil anti-inflammatory activity alone and as a supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) was evaluated.
Porous and low-defected graphitic carbon nitride nanotubes for efficient hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation
Authors: Huang Zhijun , Li Fengbo , Chen Bingfeng , Yuan Guoqing
Published: November 2015

Porous and low-defected g-C3N4 nanotubes with high SBET and optimized optical and electronic properties exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity.
β-Ketophosphonates formation via deesterification or deamidation of cinnamyl/alkynyl carboxylates or amides with H-phosphonates
Authors: Zhou Yao , Zhou Mingxin , Chen Ming , Su Jihu , Du Jiangfeng , Song Qiuling
Published: November 2015

We report here an unprecedented Fe/Cu synergistically catalyzed deesterificative or deamidative oxyphosphorylation of unsaturated carboxylates or amides with H-phosphonates.
Bisisoindigo: using a ring-fusion approach to extend the conjugation length of isoindigo
Authors: Randell Nicholas M. , Boutin Philip C. , Kelly Timothy L.
Published: November 2015

A new building block for organic semiconductors is synthesized, based on the ring fusion of two isoindigo groups across the 6 and 7 positions.
Photo-activity and low resistivity in N/Nb Co-doped TiO2 thin films by combinatorial AACVD
Authors: Chadwick Nicholas P. , Glover Emily N. K. , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Basahel Sulaiman N. , Althabaiti Shaeel A. , Alyoubi Abdulrahman O. , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: November 2015

Combinatorial AACVD has achieved the production of various niobium/nitrogen co-doped TiO2 materials in a single film. The co-doping concentrations have been correlated with functional properties.
Inverse high internal phase emulsion polymerization (i-HIPE) of GMMA, HEMA and GDMA for the preparation of superporous hydrogels as a tissue engineering scaffold
Authors: Nalawade Archana C. , Ghorpade Ravindra V. , Shadbar Sadiqua , Qureshi Mohammed Shadbar , Chavan N. N. , Khan Ayesha A. , Ponrathnam S.
Published: November 2015

Synthesis of superporous hydrogels as tissue engineering scaffolds via inverse high internal phase emulsion (i-HIPE) polymerization.
Crystallization induced enhanced emission in conformational polymorphs of a rotationally flexible molecule
Authors: Mallia Ajith R. , Sethy Ramarani , Bhat Vinayak , Hariharan Mahesh
Published: November 2015

The crystallization of weakly fluorescent 4-amino-2,2′-bipyridine (AMBPY) in solution phase under ambient conditions afforded three conformational polymorphs possessing enhanced emission.
Tuning the electrochemical properties of silicon wafer by grafted-from micropatterned polymer brushes
Authors: Panzarasa G. , Soliveri G. , Pifferi V.
Published: November 2015

Powering up silicon wafer with micropatterned functional polymer brushes: a new route towards the development of on-chip integrated electrochemical sensors.
Actin polymerization is stimulated by actin cross-linking protein palladin
Authors: Gurung Ritu , Yadav Rahul , Brungardt Joseph G. , Orlova Albina , Egelman Edward H. , Beck Moriah R.
Published: November 2015

The actin scaffold protein palladin regulates both normal cell migration and invasive cell motility, processes that require the co-ordinated regulation of actin dynamics. However, the potential effect of palladin on actin dynamics has remained elusive. In the present study, we show that the actin-binding immunoglobulin-like domain of palladin, which is directly responsible for both actin binding and bundling, also stimulates actin polymerization in vitro. Palladin eliminated the lag phase that is characteristic of the slow nucleation step of actin polymerization. Furthermore, palladin dramatically reduced depolymerization, slightly enhanced the elongation rate, and did not alter the critical concentration. Microscopy and in vitro cross-linking assays reveal differences in actin bundle architecture when palladin is incubated with actin before or after polymerization. These results suggest a model whereby palladin stimulates a polymerization-competent form of globular or monomeric actin (G-actin), akin to metal ions, either through charge neutralization or through conformational changes.
Efficacy of Multiple-Talker Phonetic Identification Training in Postlingually Deafened Cochlear Implant Listeners
Authors: Miller Sharon E. , Zhang Yang , Nelson Peggy B.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

This study implemented a pretest-intervention-posttest design to examine whether multiple-talker identification training enhanced phonetic perception of the /ba/-/da/ and /wa/-/ja/ contrasts in adult listeners who were deafened postlingually and have cochlear implants (CIs).

Method

Nine CI recipients completed 8 hours of identification training using a custom-designed training package. Perception of speech produced by familiar talkers (talkers used during training) and unfamiliar talkers (talkers not used during training) was measured before and after training. Five additional untrained CI recipients completed identical pre- and posttests over the same time course as the trainees to control for procedural learning effects.

Results

Perception of the speech contrasts produced by the familiar talkers significantly improved for the trained CI listeners, and effects of perceptual learning transferred to unfamiliar talkers. Such training-induced significant changes were not observed in the control group.

Conclusion

The data provide initial evidence of the efficacy of the multiple-talker identification training paradigm for CI users who were deafened postlingually. This pattern of results is consistent with enhanced phonemic categorization of the trained speech sounds.
Rendezvous points and routing path‐selection strategies for wireless sensor networks with mobile sink
Authors: Suh Bongsue , Berber Stevan
Published: November 2015

Efficient data‐forwarding strategies for wireless sensor networks with a mobile sink which visits rendezvous points (RPs) to gather data from sensor nodes are proposed. With the first proposed strategy, selections of the RP nodes and the final routing paths are based on the latest information of the already selected RP nodes. The second proposed strategy adopts a simpler RP node‐ and routing path‐selection algorithm with the same level of complexity of an existing algorithm. Numerical results show that both of the proposed strategies result in more efficient energy consumption and reduce forwarding hop counts compared with the existing algorithm.
Multi‐group–multi‐class domain adaptation for event recognition
Authors: Feng Yang , Wu Xinxiao , Jia Yunde
Published: November 2015

In this study, the authors propose a multi‐group–multi‐class domain adaptation framework to recognise events in consumer videos by leveraging a large number of web videos. The authors’ framework is extended from multi‐class support vector machine by adding a novel data‐dependent regulariser, which can force the event classifier to become consistent in consumer videos. To obtain web videos, they search them using several event‐related keywords and refer the videos returned by one keyword search as a group. They also leverage a video representation which is the average of convolutional neural networks features of the video frames for better performance. Comprehensive experiments on the two real‐world consumer video datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of their method for event recognition in consumer videos.
Vocal Parameters of Elderly Female Choir Singers
Authors: Aquino Fernanda , Ferreira Léslie
Published: November 2015

Introduction Due to increased life expectancy among the population, studying the vocal parameters of the elderly is key to promoting vocal health in old age.

Objective This study aims to analyze the profile of the extension of speech of elderly female choristers, according to age group.

Method The study counted on the participation of 25 elderly female choristers from the Choir of Messianic Church of São Paulo, with ages varying between 63 and 82 years, and an average of 71 years (standard deviation of 5.22). The elders were divided into two groups: G1 aged 63 to 71 years and G2 aged 72 to 82. We asked that each participant count from 20 to 30 in weak, medium, strong, and very strong intensities. Their speech was registered by the software Vocalgrama that allows the evaluation of the profile of speech range. We then submitted the parameters of frequency and intensity to descriptive analysis, both in minimum and maximum levels, and range of spoken voice.

Results The average of minimum and maximum frequencies were respectively 134.82–349.96 Hz for G1 and 137.28–348.59 Hz for G2; the average for minimum and maximum intensities were respectively 40.28–95.50 dB for G1 and 40.63–94.35 dB for G2; the vocal range used in speech was 215.14 Hz for G1 and 211.30 Hz for G2.

Conclusion The minimum and maximum frequencies, maximum intensity, and vocal range presented differences in favor of the younger elder group.
Choice of Approach Does Not Affect Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes: A Comparative Cohort of Patients Having Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Patients Having Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion at 24 Months
Authors: Malham Gregory M. , Parker Rhiannon M. , Blecher Carl M. , Chow Fiona Y. , Seex Kevin A.
Published: November 2015

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected registry data.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes between comparative cohorts of patients having anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and patients having lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF).

Methods

Ninety consecutive patients were treated by a single surgeon with either ALIF ( n = 50) or LLIF ( n = 40). Inclusion criteria were patients age 45 to 70 years with degenerative disk disease or grade 1 to 2 spondylolisthesis and single-level pathology from L1 to S1. Patient-reported outcome measures included pain (visual analog scale), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), and quality of life (Short Form 36 physical component score [PCS] and mental component scores [MCS]). Assessment of fusion and measurement of lordosis and posterior disk height were performed on computed tomography scans.

Results

At 24 months, patients having ALIF had significant improvements in back (64%) and leg (65%) pain and ODI (60%), PCS (44%), and MCS (26%; p < 0.05) scores. Patients having LLIF had significant improvements in back (56%) and leg (57%) pain and ODI (52%), PCS (48%), and MCS (12%; p < 0.05) scores. Fourteen complications occurred in the ALIF group, and in the LLIF group, there were 17 complications ( p > 0.05). The fusion rate was 100% for ALIF and 95% for LLIF ( p = 0.1948). ALIF added ∼6 degrees of lordosis and 3 mm of height, primarily measured at L5–S1, and LLIF added ∼3 degrees of lordosis and 2 mm of height between L1 to L5. Mean follow-up was 34.1 months.

Conclusions

In comparative cohorts of patients having ALIF and patients having LLIF at 24 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, complication rates, or fusion rates.
Large deviations of Rouse polymer chain: First passage problem
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhu Jian , Wang Zuowei , Likhtman Alexei E.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this paper is to investigate several analytical methods of solving first passage (FP) problem for the Rouse model, a simplest model of a polymer chain. We show that this problem has to be treated as a multi-dimensional Kramers’ problem, which presents rich and unexpected behavior. We first perform direct and forward-flux sampling (FFS) simulations and measure the mean first-passage time τ(z) for the free end to reach a certain distance z away from the origin. The results show that the mean FP time is getting faster if the Rouse chain is represented by more beads. Two scaling regimes of τ(z) are observed, with transition between them varying as a function of chain length. We use these simulation results to test two theoretical approaches. One is a well known asymptotic theory valid in the limit of zero temperature. We show that this limit corresponds to fully extended chain when each chain segment is stretched, which is not particularly realistic. A new theory based on the well known Freidlin-Wentzell theory is proposed, where dynamics is projected onto the minimal action path. The new theory predicts both scaling regimes correctly, but fails to get the correct numerical prefactor in the first regime. Combining our theory with the FFS simulations leads us to a simple analytical expression valid for all extensions and chain lengths. One of the applications of polymer FP problem occurs in the context of branched polymer rheology. In this paper, we consider the arm-retraction mechanism in the tube model, which maps exactly on the model we have solved. The results are compared to the Milner-McLeish theory without constraint release, which is found to overestimate FP time by a factor of 10 or more.
Four-fold symmetric anisotropic magnetoresistance of single-crystalline Ni(001) film
Authors: Xiao X. , Li J. X. , Ding Z. , Wu Y. Z.
Published: November 2015

Temperature, current-direction, and film-thickness dependent anisotropic magnetoresistance measurements were performed on single-crystalline face-centered-cubic nickel films. An additional four-fold symmetry was confirmed besides the typical two-fold term even at room temperature. The angular-dependent longitudinal resistivity resolves into a two-fold term, which varies as a function of current direction, and a four-fold term, which is isotropically independent of current direction. The experimental results are interpreted well using an expression based on the phenomenological model. Both the two- and four-fold terms vary inversely proportional to film thickness, indicating that interfacial scattering can significantly influence the spin-dependent transport properties.
Improvement of accelerator of negative ion source on the Large Helical Device
Authors: Kisaki M. , Ikeda K. , Osakabe M. , Tsumori K. , Nakano H. , Geng S. , Nagaoka K. , Kaneko O. , Takeiri Y.
Published: November 2015

To improve the performance of negative-ion based neutral beam injection on the Large Helical Device, the accelerator was modified on the basis of numerical investigations. A field limiting ring was installed on the upper side of a grounded grid (GG) support and a multi-slot GG was adopted instead of a multi-aperture GG. As a result, the voltage holding capability is improved and the heat load on the GG decreases by 40%. In addition, the arc efficiency is improved significantly only by replacing the GG.
Ca doping dependence of resistive switching characteristics in ferroelectric capacitors comprising Ca-doped BiFeO3
Authors: Liu Liang , Tsurumaki-Fukuchi Atsushi , Yamada Hiroyuki , Sawa Akihito
Published: November 2015

We have investigated the transport and ferroelectric properties of ferroelectric capacitors comprising Ca-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) to elucidate the correlation between resistive switching and ferroelectricity. A capacitor consisting of Ca-doped (3.6 at. %) BFO film exhibited polarization–voltage hysteresis, indicating ferroelectricity of the film. As the Ca-doping ratio was increased, the leakage current increased, and zero-crossing hysteretic current–voltage characteristics, i.e., bipolar resistive switching, were observed in capacitors consisting of Ca-doped BFO films with doping ratios of 6.4–13 at. %. A capacitor consisting of a highly Ca-doped BFO (23 at. %) film showed neither resistive switching nor ferroelectric behavior. Distinct changes in the retention and pulsed-voltage-induced resistive switching characteristics were observed around a Ca-doping ratio of 9.0 at. %. The Ca-doping dependence of the resistive switching appeared to correlate with the ferroelectric phase diagram of the Ca-doped BFO films [Yang et al., Nat. Mater. 8, 485 (2009)].
Compact flat-panel gas-gap heat switch operating at 295 K
Authors: Krielaart M. A. R. , Vermeer C. H. , Vanapalli S.
Published: November 2015

Heat switches are devices that can change from a thermally conducting (on-) state to an insulating (off-) state whenever the need arises. They enable adaptive thermal management strategies in which cooling rates are altered either spatially or temporally, leading to a substantial reduction in the energy and mass budget of a large range of systems. State-of-the-art heat switches are only rarely employed in thermal system architectures, since they are rather bulky and have a limited thermal performance (expressed as the heat transfer ratio between the on- and off-state heat conductance). Using selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing, we developed a compact flat-panel gas-gap heat switch that offers superior thermal performance, is simpler and more economic to produce and assemble, contains no moving parts, and is more reliable because it lacks welded joints. The manufactured rectangular panel heat switch has frontal device dimensions of 10 cm by 10 cm, thickness of 3.2 mm and weighs just 121 g. An off heat conductance of 0.2 W/K and on-off heat conductance ratio of 38 is observed at 295 K.
Perpendicular coercivity enhancement of CoPt/TiN films by nitrogen incorporation during deposition
Authors: An Hongyu , Wang Jian , Szivos Janos , Harumoto Takashi , Sannomiya Takumi , Muraishi Shinji , Safran Gyorgy , Nakamura Yoshio , Shi Ji
Published: November 2015

The effect of N incorporation on the structure and magnetic properties of CoPt thin films deposited on glass substrates with TiN seed layers has been investigated. During the deposition of CoPt, introducing 20% N2 into Ar atmosphere promotes the (001) texture and enhances the perpendicular coercivity of CoPt film compared with the film deposited in pure Ar and post-annealed under the same conditions. From the in situ x-ray diffraction results, it is confirmed that N incorporation expands the lattice parameter of CoPt, which favors the epitaxial growth of CoPt on TiN. During the post-annealing process, N releases from CoPt film and promotes the L10 ordering transformation of CoPt.
Impact of carrier localization on radiative recombination times in semipolar (202¯1) plane InGaN/GaN quantum wells
Authors: Ivanov R. , Marcinkevičius S. , Zhao Y. , Becerra D. L. , Nakamura S. , DenBaars S. P. , Speck J. S.
Published: November 2015

Semipolar (202¯1) plane InxGa1−xN quantum wells (QWs) of varying alloy composition were studied by time-resolved photoluminescence. A large difference in effective radiative lifetimes, from sub-ns for x=0.11 to ∼30 ns for x≈0.35 was found. This effect is attributed to different properties of carrier localization. In low In content QWs, recombination at extended states with short recombination times is prevalent. In QWs with a high In content, the lifetimes are increased by localization of electrons and holes at separate sites. The zigzag shape of the QW interfaces and the resulting in-plane electric field are proposed as the cause for the separate electron and hole localization.
Study of the foundation design for a linear generator wave energy converter using stochastic methods
Authors: Li Wei , Isberg Jan , Engström Jens , Waters Rafael , Leijon Mats
Published: November 2015

This paper presents design studies of the gravity-based foundation for a linear generator wave energy converter. The wave energy converter is based on a direct driven generator mounted on the gravity-based foundation located at the seabed. The linear generator is connected to a point absorbing buoy on the sea surface via a connection rope. Such a device, developed at Uppsala University, has been in operation on the Swedish west coast since 2006. Study is focused on the analysis of the impact from undesirable motions of the gravity-based foundation, particularly the study of the tip and lifts phenomena with regard to the heave and surge forces. Long-term extreme significant wave heights are extrapolated from the statistical analysis of the measured wave climate data in the test site where the wave energy converter is deployed. The joint distribution of the significant wave height and the zero-crossing period from the measured wave climate is also analyzed to estimate the associated periods with respect to the long-term extreme significant wave height. The 25 years return extreme significant wave height 4.8 m which is associated with its mean zero-crossing period 8.25 s from the joint distribution is chosen to determine the characteristics of the possible maximum wave for the Lysekil test site. The estimated maximum wave 9.2 m is used to estimate the extreme values of the heave and surge forces on the wave energy converter and the gravity-based foundation. The results with respect to the foundation of a new generation wave energy converter about 35 tons with the presented methodology indicate that a heavier foundation which is about 70 tons needs to be designed in terms of considering the stability of the mooring foundation for long term real sea operation. The purpose of this paper is to propose a reliable approach to estimate the appropriate dimensions for gravity-based foundation of the linear generator wave energy converter and provides a theoretical reference to the construction of the gravity-based foundation.
Interfacial synthesis of polypyrrole microparticles for effective dissipation of electromagnetic waves
Authors: Xie Aming , Jiang Wanchun , Wu Fan , Dai Xiaoqing , Sun Mengxiao , Wang Yuan , Wang Mingyang
Published: November 2015

A strategy has been adopted to regulate the dielectric properties of polypyrrole microparticles for good electromagnetic absorption performance through an interfacial synthesis process. Classical Debye relaxation theory and resistor-capacitor model have been employed to illustrate the electromagnetic dissipation mechanism of polypyrrole microparticles. The prepared polypyrrole microparticles exhibit an effective electromagnetic absorption bandwidth 5.48 GHz (deeper than −10 dB) from 12.52 to 18 GHz with a filler loading of 15 wt. % in paraffin. It was demonstrated that the morphologies of conducting polymers can significantly affect the dissipation of electromagnetic waves, supplying a strategy for the design of effective electromagnetic absorption materials.
A comprehensive assessment of maximum power point tracking techniques under uniform and non-uniform irradiance and its impact on photovoltaic systems: A review
Authors: Kumar Dash Soubhagya , Nema Savita , Nema R. K. , Verma Deepak
Published: November 2015

Under shading condition, the power–voltage characteristics of the photovoltaic (PV) modules exhibit complexity with multiple numbers of peaks. Existence of multiple peaks leads to additional difficulties in tracking maximum power point (MPP) and shall mar efficiency of PV arrays under shading, if appropriate measures are not taken. It is due to the nonlinear characteristics of PV cell, maximum power can be extracted under particular weather condition. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques are used to maximize PV array output power continuously, by tracking MPP, the location of which depends on atmospheric temperature and solar insolation. The major drawbacks of traditional MPPT techniques are that they are unable to track global peak under non-uniform irradiance/insolation. Numerous techniques are reported in literature to find MPP in both under uniform insolation and partial shading condition. This paper presents a comprehensive review of various MPPT techniques under uniform and non-uniform irradiances and comparatively evaluates them for their merits and demerits. The review is helpful in selecting appropriate MPPT techniques and adjudges its impact on the given solar PV applications.
Feasibility analysis and optimal planning of renewable energy systems for industrial loads of a dairy factory in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Mirzaei M. , Vahidi B.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents the feasibility study and optimal design of different stand-alone and grid-connected renewable energy systems (RES) to supply power for a dairy factory in Tehran, Iran. To achieve an optimal system, different technical, economical, and environmental factors including net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE), renewable fraction (RF), and greenhouse gases emission (GHGE) are considered in the design process. An optimal system is a system that supplies the load with specified constraints, while having the least NPC, COE, and GHGE. Modeling, simulation, and analysis of power supply systems are implemented in Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER). Due to the current low price of energy and subsidies in Iran, the best choice for the energy supply is the utilization of the external grid. Despite the laws related to the exchange of RES-produced electricity in Iran, no laws are legislated to deal with the environmental issues especially the GHGE. However, as the environmental protection laws are to be passed in the near future, we assumed typical values for the sellback rate and emission penalties and investigated the effect of these two parameters on NPC, COE, RF, and GHGE. In this paper, a systematic approach to select an optimal power supply system by effective utilization of dedicated optimization software like HOMER is presented. The simulations showed that when considering both the increase in the energy cost and suitable penalties for GHGE, the grid-connected RES was the optimum configuration for the energy supply. In general, if environmental protection laws take effect in developing countries, the grid-connected RES shows its great potential as an economic and pollution-free supply of energy.
Separation of bulk and contact interface degradation in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Corpus-Mendoza Asiel N. , De Souza M. M. , Hamelmann Frank
Published: November 2015

The use of current injection and light exposure is shown to distinguish the impact of degradation in the contact, and intrinsic regions of a-Si:H solar cells, respectively. The drop in the maximum power conversion capability of the cell after light exposure is a consequence of an increase of dangling bonds in the intrinsic layer of the cell due to the Staebler-Wronksi effect. This has a detrimental effect on short circuit current, open circuit voltage, and fill factor. On the other hand, injected current increases the open circuit voltage and greatly reduces the fill factor without affecting the short circuit current, which is attributed to an increase of defects in the p-layer. A clear distinction from both degradation mechanisms is observed from evolution of the ideality factor m of the main junction, and the ideality factor n of the ZnO/a-Si:H(p) interface. A back-to-back diode model of a solar cell that considers the effect of non-ideal contacts, where a high value of n represents an increased tunneling transport at the contact interface, can effectively address the separation of damage in the two regions.
Asymmetric acoustic transmission in multiple frequency bands
Authors: Sun Hong-xiang , Yuan Shou-qi , Zhang Shu-yi
Published: November 2015

We report both experimentally and numerically that the multi-band device of the asymmetric acoustic transmission is realized by placing two periodic gratings with different periods on both sides of two brass plates immersed in water. The asymmetric acoustic transmission can exist in four frequency bands below 1500 kHz, which arises from the interaction between various diffractions from the two gratings and Lamb modes in the brass plates immersed in water. The results indicate that the device has the advantages of multiple band, broader bandwidth, and simpler structure. Our finding should have great potential applications in ultrasonic devices.
Experimental demonstration of hyperbolic property in conventional material—Ferrite
Authors: Lan Chuwen , Bi Ke , Zhou Ji , Li Bo
Published: November 2015

In this study, we report the experimental demonstration of hyperbolic property in a conventional material—ferrite. The hyperbolic permeability dispersion originates from ferromagnetic resonance. Using 2D-Field mapping system, the negative refraction with a broad bandwidth of 1.5 GHz was observed in a bulk Ba-Ferrite with no magnetic field applied, therefore confirming the hyperbolic dispersion property. This work also provides an identification of several other similar hyperbolic materials based on permeability changes over a broad range of spectral frequencies.
Observation of a periodic runaway in the reactive Ar/O2 high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge
Authors: Shayestehaminzadeh Seyedmohammad , Arnalds Unnar B. , Magnusson Rögnvaldur L. , Olafsson Sveinn
Published: November 2015

This paper reports the observation of a periodic runaway of plasma to a higher density for the reactive discharge of the target material (Ti) with moderate sputter yield. Variable emission of secondary electrons, for the alternating transition of the target from metal mode to oxide mode, is understood to be the main reason for the runaway occurring periodically. Increasing the pulsing frequency can bring the target back to a metal (or suboxide) mode, and eliminate the periodic transition of the target. Therefore, a pulsing frequency interval is defined for the reactive Ar/O2 discharge in order to sustain the plasma in a runaway-free mode without exceeding the maximum power that the magnetron can tolerate.
Wild dogs and village dogs in New Guinea: were they different?
Authors: Dwyer Peter D. , Minnegal Monica
Published: November 2015

Recent accounts of wild-living dogs in New Guinea argue that these animals qualify as an ‘evolutionarily significant unit’ that is distinct from village dogs, have been and remain genetically isolated from village dogs and merit taxonomic recognition at, at least, subspecific level. These accounts have paid little attention to reports concerning village dogs. This paper reviews some of those reports, summarises observations from the interior lowlands of Western Province and concludes that: (1) at the time of European colonisation, wild-living dogs and most, if not all, village dogs of New Guinea comprised a single though heterogeneous gene pool; (2) eventual resolution of the phylogenetic relationships of New Guinean wild-living dogs will apply equally to all or most of the earliest New Guinean village-based dogs; and (3) there remain places where the local village-based population of domestic dogs continues to be dominated by individuals whose genetic inheritance can be traced to precolonisation canid forebears. At this time, there is no firm basis from which to assign a unique Linnaean name to dogs that live as wild animals at high altitudes of New Guinea.
The extent to which the public health ‘war on obesity’ reflects the ethical values and principles of critical health promotion: a multimedia critical discourse analysis
Authors: O'Hara Lily , Taylor Jane , Barnes Margaret
Published: November 2015

Issue addressed

The discipline of health promotion is responsible for implementing strategies within weight‐related public health initiatives (WR‐PHI). It is imperative that such initiatives be subjected to critical analysis through a health promotion ethics lens to help ensure ethical health promotion practice.

Methods

Multimedia critical discourse analysis was used to examine the claims, values, assumptions, power relationships and ideologies within Australian WR‐PHI. The Health Promotion Values and Principles Continuum was used as a heuristic to evaluate the extent to which the WR‐PHI reflected the ethical values of critical health promotion: active participation of people in the initiative; respect for personal autonomy; beneficence; non‐maleficence; and strong evidential and theoretical basis for practice.

Results

Ten initiatives were analysed. There was some discourse about the need for participation of people in the WR‐PHI, but people were routinely labelled as ‘target groups’ requiring ‘intervention’. Strong evidence of a coercive and paternalistic discourse about choice was identified, with minimal attention to respect for personal autonomy. There was significant emphasis on the beneficiaries of the WR‐PHI but minimal attention to the health benefits, and nothing about the potential for harm. Discourse about the evidence of need was objectivist, and there was no discussion about the theoretical foundations of the WR‐PHI.

Conclusion

The WR‐PHI were not reflective of the ethical values and principles of critical health promotion.