bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Beck Hopelessness Scale
Authors: Szabó Marianna , Mészáros Veronika , Sallay Judit , Ajtay Gyöngyi , Boross Viktor , Udvardy-Mészáros Àgnes , Vizin Gabriella , Perczel-Forintos Dóra
Published: February 2015

Abstract. The aim of the present study was to examine the construct and cross-cultural validity of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS; Beck, Weissman, Lester, & Trexler, 1974 ). Beck et al. applied exploratory Principal Components Analysis and argued that the scale measured three specific components (affective, motivational, and cognitive). Subsequent studies identified one, two, three, or more factors, highlighting a lack of clarity regarding the scale’s construct validity. In a large clinical sample, we tested the original three-factor model and explored alternative models using both confirmatory and exploratory factor analytical techniques appropriate for analyzing binary data. In doing so, we investigated whether method variance needs to be taken into account in understanding the structure of the BHS. Our findings supported a bifactor model that explicitly included method effects. We concluded that the BHS measures a single underlying construct of hopelessness, and that an incorporation of method effects consolidates previous findings where positively and negatively worded items loaded on separate factors. Our study further contributes to establishing the cross-cultural validity of this instrument by showing that BHS scores differentiate between depressed, anxious, and nonclinical groups in a Hungarian population.
Ultra-Brief Measures for the Situational Eight DIAMONDS	Domains
Authors: Rauthmann John F. , Sherman Ryne A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. People perceive psychological situations on the “Situational Eight” DIAMONDS characteristics (Duty, Intellect, Adversity, Mating, pOsitivity, Negativity, Deception, Sociality; Rauthmann et al., 2014 ). To facilitate situational assessment and economically measure these dimensions, we propose four ultra-brief one-item scales (S8-I, S8-II, S8-III-A, S8-III-P) validated against the already existing 24-item S8*. Convergent/discriminant validity of the four S8-scales was examined by analyses of the multi-characteristics multi-measures matrix, and their nomological associations with external criteria were compared. Application areas of the scales are discussed.
Measuring the Situational Eight DIAMONDS Characteristics of	Situations
Authors: Rauthmann John F. , Sherman Ryne A.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. It has been suggested that people perceive psychological characteristics of situations on eight major dimensions ( Rauthmann et al., 2014 ): The “Situational Eight” DIAMONDS (Duty, Intellect, Adversity, Mating, pOsitivity, Negativity, Deception, Sociality). These dimensions have been captured with the 32-item RSQ-8. The current work optimizes the RSQ-8 to derive more economical yet informative and precise scales, captured in the newly developed S8*. Nomological associations of the original RSQ-8 and the S8* with situation cues (extracted from written situation descriptions) were compared. Application areas of the S8* are outlined.
Enhanced Performance of nano-Bi2WO6-Graphene as Pseudocapacitor Electrodes by Charge Transfer Channel
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Pengliang , Zhang Yupeng , Xu Guolong , Lu Zhengda , Wang Xiyu , Wang Yan , Yang Lingxia , Tao Xi , Wang Hongbo , Zhang Erpan , Xi Junhua , Ji Zhenguo
Published: February 2015

The nano-Bi2WO6/reduced graphene oxide composite obtained by a simple hydrothermal reaction demonstrates a larger specific capacitance of 922 F/g at a charge and discharge currents of 3 A/g with longer cycle life. The As comparison, pristine Bi2WO6 nanoparticles have poor specific capacitance of 574 F/g at a charge and discharge currents of 2 A/g with weak cycle life. Though analyzing the Cyclic voltammetry curves, it is found that there are two oxidation reaction occurring in the materials: oxidation of Bi (III) to Bi (IV) and Bi (III) to Bi (V). The oxidation of Bi (III) to Bi (IV) is reversible while Bi (III) to Bi (V) will cause nonreversible destroy on structure. In this nano-Bi2WO6/reduced graphene oxide composite, graphene with well conductivity will enhance the electrically conducting as charge transfer channel, so that electrons will be transfer much faster in oxidation and most Bi (III) is oxidized to be Bi (IV) which ensure larger specific capacitance and long cycle life. This nano-Bi2WO6/reduced graphene oxide composite has application prospect in high-performance pseudo-capacitors.
Theory of nodal s±-wave pairing symmetry in the Pu-based 115 superconductor family
Authors: Das Tanmoy , Zhu Jian-Xin , Graf Matthias J.
Published: February 2015

The spin-fluctuation mechanism of superconductivity usually results in the presence of gapless or nodal quasiparticle states in the excitation spectrum. Nodal quasiparticle states are well established in copper-oxide and heavy-fermion superconductors, but not in iron-based superconductors. Here, we study the pairing symmetry and mechanism of a new class of plutonium-based high-Tc superconductors and predict the presence of a nodal s+− wave pairing symmetry in this family. Starting from a density-functional theory (DFT) based electronic structure calculation we predict several three-dimensional (3D) Fermi surfaces in this 115 superconductor family. We identify the dominant Fermi surface “hot-spots” in the inter-band scattering channel, which are aligned along the wavevector Q = (π, π, π), where degeneracy could induce sign-reversal of the pairing symmetry. Our calculation demonstrates that the s+− wave pairing strength is stronger than the previously thought d-wave pairing; and more importantly, this pairing state allows for the existence of nodal quasiparticles. Finally, we predict the shape of the momentum- and energy-dependent magnetic resonance spectrum for the identification of this pairing symmetry.
Ruthenium complexes as antimicrobial agents
Authors: Li Fangfei , Collins J. Grant , Keene F. Richard
Published: February 2015

This review surveys the on-going search for ruthenium complexes that are potentially toxic to bacteria but relatively non-toxic to eukaryotic cells.
An ionic liquid process for mercury removal from natural gas
Authors: Abai Mahpuzah , Atkins Martin P. , Hassan Amiruddin , Holbrey John D. , Kuah Yongcheun , Nockemann Peter , Oliferenko Alexander A. , Plechkova Natalia V. , Rafeen Syamzari , Rahman Adam A. , Ramli Rafin , Shariff Shahidah M. , Seddon Kenneth R. , Srinivasan Geetha , Zou Yiran
Published: February 2015

Efficient ionic liquid based mercury scrubbing technology from gram to ton scale.
Planar microfluidic drop splitting and merging
Authors: Collignon Sean , Friend James , Yeo Leslie
Published: February 2015

Open droplet microfluidic platforms offer attractive alternatives to closed microchannel devices, including lower fabrication cost and complexity, significantly smaller sample and reagent volumes, reduced surface contact and adsorption, as well as drop scalability, reconfigurability, and individual addressability.
Doxorubicin conjugated phospholipid prodrugs as smart nanomedicine platforms for cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Haibo , Liu Xiangsheng , Wang Yin , Chen Yangjun , Jin Qiao , Ji Jian
Published: February 2015

A pH-sensitive small-molecule phospholipid prodrug based on phosphorylcholine (PC) was designed for enhancing the drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic outcome.
A novel method for the analysis of clinical biomarkers to investigate the effect of diet on health in a rat model
Authors: Hopes K. , Cauchi M. , Walton C. , MacQueen H. , Wassif W. , Turner C.
Published: February 2015

We demonstrate differentiation between two diets fed to rats across timeviainstrumentation combined with multivariate data analysis.
Linifanib – a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and a low molecular weight gelator
Authors: Marlow Maria , Al-Ameedee Mohammed , Smith Thomas , Wheeler Simon , Stocks Michael J.
Published: February 2015

Linifanib (1), a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, self-assembles into a hydrogel in the presence of low amounts of solvent.
Lithium-cyclo-difluoromethane-1,1-bis(sulfonyl)imide as a stabilizing electrolyte additive for improved high voltage applications in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Murmann Patrick , Streipert Benjamin , Kloepsch Richard , Ignatiev Nikolai , Sartori Peter , Winter Martin , Cekic-Laskovic Isidora
Published: February 2015

LiDMSI was evaluated as an electrolyte additive and shows promising results as an additive for high voltage applications in lithium-ion batteries.
Correction: Ring-opening polymerization of a 2,3-disubstituted oxirane leading to a polyether having a carbonyl–aromatic π-stacked structure
Authors: Merlani Maia , Koyama Yasuhito , Sato Hiroyasu , Li Geng , Barbakadze Vakhtang , Chankvetadze Bezhan , Nakano Tamaki
Published: February 2015

Correction for ‘Ring-opening polymerization of a 2,3-disubstituted oxirane leading to a polyether having a carbonyl–aromatic π-stacked structure’ by Maia Merlani et al., Polym. Chem., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4py01711k.
Solid state synthesis, characterization, optical properties and cooperative catalytic performance of bismuth vanadate nanocatalyst for Biginelli reactions
Authors: Khademinia Shahin , Behzad Mahdi , Jahromi Hamideh Samari
Published: February 2015

Bi2V2O7 nano powders were synthesized via a solid state reaction at 500 °C for 8 h using Bi(NO3)3 and VO(acac)2 at stoichiometric 1 : 1 Bi : V molar ratio as raw materials.
High yield synthesis of nano-size g-C3N4 derivatives by a dissolve-regrowth method with enhanced photocatalytic ability
Authors: Xu Yuanguo , Xie Meng , Huang Shuquan , Xu Hui , Ji Haiyan , Xia Jiexiang , Li Yeping , Li Huaming
Published: February 2015

Bulk g-C3N4 was “cut” into nano-size g-C3N4 by HNO3 scissors.
Utility of a heterogeneous palladium catalyst for the synthesis of a molecular semiconductor via Stille, Suzuki, and direct heteroarylation cross-coupling reactions
Authors: McAfee Seth M. , McCahill Jenny S. J. , Macaulay Casper M. , Hendsbee Arthur D. , Welch Gregory C.
Published: February 2015

Demonstration of the utility of a commercially available heterogeneous palladium catalyst in the synthesis of a relevant high performance molecular semiconductor.
Synchronization between two coupled direct current glow discharge plasma sources
Authors: Chaubey Neeraj , Mukherjee S. , Sekar Iyengar A. N. , Sen A.
Published: February 2015

Experimental results on the nonlinear dynamics of two coupled glow discharge plasma sources are presented. A variety of nonlinear phenomena including frequency synchronization and frequency pulling are observed as the coupling strength is varied. Numerical solutions of a model representation of the experiment consisting of two coupled asymmetric Van der Pol type equations are found to be in good agreement with the observed results.
Phase transitions and octahedral rotations in epitaxial Ag(TaxNb1−x)O3 thin films under tensile strain
Authors: Johnson-Wilke R. L. , Wilke R. H. T. , Yeager C. B. , Tinberg D. S. , Reaney I. M. , Levin I. , Fong D. D. , Trolier-McKinstry S.
Published: February 2015

Epitaxial Ag(Ta0.5Nb0.5)O3 (ATN) films under tensile strain were deposited on (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3/LaAlO3 (001)p and KTaO3 (001) substrates. These films exhibited a domain structure with the c-axis aligned primarily along the in-plane direction in contrast with the poly-domain nature of bulk ATN ceramics or relaxed films. While the generic phase transition sequence of the tensile films was qualitatively similar to bulk, the tetragonal and orthorhombic phase field regions expanded by ∼270 °C in ATN/(Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3/LaAlO3. Furthermore, the films were found to be in the M3 (complex octahedral tilting with disordered Nb/Ta displacements) phase at room temperature with either significantly reduced tilt angles or a suppression of the long range order of the complex tilt as compared to bulk materials. It was observed that the octahedral tilt domains were oriented with the complex tilt axes lying in the plane of the film due to the tensile strain. This work demonstrates that tensile strain can be used to strain-engineer materials with complex tilt systems and thereby modify functional properties.
Towards time-dependent current-density-functional theory in the non-linear regime
Authors: Escartín J. M. , Vincendon M. , Romaniello P. , Dinh P. M. , Reinhard P.-G. , Suraud E.
Published: February 2015

Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory (TDDFT) is a well-established theoretical approach to describe and understand irradiation processes in clusters and molecules. However, within the so-called adiabatic local density approximation (ALDA) to the exchange-correlation (xc) potential, TDDFT can show insufficiencies, particularly in violently dynamical processes. This is because within ALDA the xc potential is instantaneous and is a local functional of the density, which means that this approximation neglects memory effects and long-range effects. A way to go beyond ALDA is to use Time-Dependent Current-Density-Functional Theory (TDCDFT), in which the basic quantity is the current density rather than the density as in TDDFT. This has been shown to offer an adequate account of dissipation in the linear domain when the Vignale-Kohn (VK) functional is used. Here, we go beyond the linear regime and we explore this formulation in the time domain. In this case, the equations become very involved making the computation out of reach; we hence propose an approximation to the VK functional which allows us to calculate the dynamics in real time and at the same time to keep most of the physics described by the VK functional. We apply this formulation to the calculation of the time-dependent dipole moment of Ca, Mg and Na2. Our results show trends similar to what was previously observed in model systems or within linear response. In the non-linear domain, our results show that relaxation times do not decrease with increasing deposited excitation energy, which sets some limitations to the practical use of TDCDFT in such a domain of excitations.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of color-tunable Dy3+-activated CaWO4 phosphors
Authors: Du Peng , Bharat L. Krishna , Guan Xiang-Yu , Yu Jae Su
Published: February 2015

Color-tunable CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors were prepared via a simple conventional solid-state reaction and their luminescent properties were investigated as a function of Dy3+ ion concentration under 258 and 353 nm excitations. A gradual enhancement in the emission intensity was observed with the increment of Dy3+ ion concentration, reaching its maximum value when x = 0.05. The main reason for the concentration quenching of Dy3+ emission in CaWO4 host lattice is due to the electric dipole-dipole interaction. The cathodoluminescence spectra, which were measured at different accelerating voltages and filament currents, were in consistent with the photoluminescence spectrum excited at 258 nm. Additionally, the emission color of CaWO4:xDy3+ phosphors can be suitably tuned from blue to green, and finally to yellow by the modulation of excitation wavelength and Dy3+ ion concentration. Ultimately, these color-tunable phosphors may have potential applications in the fields of miniature color displays.
Magnetic phase transitions and monopole excitations in spin ice under uniaxial pressure: A Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Xie Y. L. , Lin L. , Yan Z. B. , Liu J.–M.
Published: February 2015

In this work, we explore the spin ice model under uniaxial pressure using the Monte Carlo simulation method. For the known spin ices, the interaction correction (δ) introduced by the uniaxial pressure varies in quite a wide range from positive to negative. When δ is positive, the ground state characterized by the ferromagnetic spin chains is quite unstable, and in real materials it serves as intermediate state connecting the ice state and the long range ordered dipolar spin ice ground state. In the case of negative δ, the system relaxes from highly degenerate ice state to ordered ferromagnetic state via a first order phase transition. Furthermore, the domain walls in such ferromagnetic state are the hotbed of the excitations of magnetic monopoles, thus indicating that the uniaxial pressure can greatly increase the monopole density.
Self-assembly of patchy colloidal dumbbells
Authors: Avvisati Guido , Vissers Teun , Dijkstra Marjolein
Published: February 2015

We employ Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the self-assembly of patchy colloidal dumbbells interacting via a modified Kern-Frenkel potential by probing the system concentration and dumbbell shape. We consider dumbbells consisting of one attractive sphere with diameter σ1 and one repulsive sphere with diameter σ2 and center-to-center distance d between the spheres. For three different size ratios, we study the self-assembled structures for different separations l = 2d/(σ1 + σ2) between the two spheres. In particular, we focus on structures that can be assembled from the homogeneous fluid, as these might be of interest in experiments. We use cluster order parameters to classify the shape of the formed structures. When the size of the spheres is almost equal, q = σ2/σ1 = 1.035, we find that, upon increasing l, spherical micelles are transformed to elongated micelles and finally to vesicles and bilayers. For size ratio q = 1.25, we observe a continuously tunable transition from spherical to elongated micelles upon increasing the sphere separation. For size ratio q = 0.95, we find bilayers and vesicles, plus faceted polyhedra and liquid droplets. Our results identify key parameters to create colloidal vesicles with attractive dumbbells in experiments.
Magnetohydrodynamic equilibria with incompressible flows: Symmetry approach
Authors: Cicogna G. , Pegoraro F.
Published: February 2015

We identify and discuss a family of azimuthally symmetric, incompressible, magnetohydrodynamic plasma equilibria with poloidal and toroidal flows in terms of solutions of the Generalized Grad Shafranov (GGS) equation. These solutions are derived by exploiting the incompressibility assumption, in order to rewrite the GGS equation in terms of a different dependent variable, and the continuous Lie symmetry properties of the resulting equation and, in particular, a special type of “weak” symmetries.
Turbulence in strongly coupled dusty plasmas using generalized hydrodynamic description
Authors: Tiwari Sanat Kumar , Dharodi Vikram Singh , Das Amita , Patel Bhavesh G. , Kaw Predhiman
Published: February 2015

The properties of decaying turbulence have been studied with the help of a Generalized Hydrodynamic (GHD) fluid model in the context of strongly coupled dusty plasma medium in two dimensions. The GHD model treats the strongly coupled dusty plasma system as a visco-elastic medium. The incompressible limit of the GHD model is considered here. The studies carried out here are, however, applicable to a wider class of visco-elastic systems, and are not merely confined to the dusty plasma medium. Our simulations studies show that an initial spectrum that is confined in a limited domain of wave numbers becomes broad, even when the Reynold's number is much less than the critical value required for the onset of turbulence in Newtonian fluids. This is a signature of elastic turbulence, where Weissenberg's number also plays an important role on the onset of turbulence. This feature has been observed in several experiments. It is also shown that the existence of memory relaxation time parameter and the transverse shear wave inhibit the normal process (for 2-D systems) of inverse spectral cascade in this case. A detailed simulation study has been carried out for the understanding of this inhibition.
Growth of very large InN microcrystals by molecular beam epitaxy using epitaxial lateral overgrowth
Authors: Kamimura J. , Kishino K. , Kikuchi A.
Published: February 2015

Very thick InN (∼40 μm) was grown by molecular beam epitaxy using the epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) technique. In some regions, the ELO of InN was observed as expected, indicating an important step toward fabricating quasi-bulk InN substrates. Interestingly, most parts of the sample consist of large flat-topped microcrystals and well-faceted microstructures. This is likely due to local growth condition variations during ELO, which is supported by an experiment where ELO of InN was performed on a substrate with various stripe mask patterns. TEM characterization of a flat top InN microcrystal revealed few stacking faults and only related threading dislocations. Defect-free small faceted microcrystals were also observed. The thick InN crystals show a narrow photoluminescence spectrum with a peak at 0.679 eV and linewidth of 16.8 meV at 4 K.
Metastable bcc phase formation in 3d ferromagnetic transition metal thin films sputter-deposited on GaAs(100) substrates
Authors: Minakawa Shigeyuki , Ohtake Mitsuru , Futamoto Masaaki , Kirino Fumiyoshi , Inaba Nobuyuki
Published: February 2015

Co100−xFex and Ni100−yFey (at. %, x = 0–30, y = 0–60) films of 10 nm thickness are prepared on GaAs(100) substrates at room temperature by using a radio-frequency magnetron sputtering system. The detailed growth behavior is investigated by in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction. (100)-oriented Co and Ni single-crystals with metastable bcc structure are formed in the early stage of film growth, where the metastable structure is stabilized through hetero-epitaxial growth. With increasing the thickness up to 2 nm, the Co and the Ni films start to transform into more stable hcp and fcc structures through atomic displacements parallel to bcc{110} slide planes, respectively. The stability of bcc phase is improved by adding a small volume of Fe atoms into a Co film. The critical thickness of bcc phase formation is thicker than 10 nm for Co100−xFex films with x ≥ 10. On the contrary, the stability of bcc phase for Ni-Fe system is less than that for Co-Fe system. The critical thicknesses for Ni100−yFey films with y = 20, 40, and 60 are 1, 3, and 5 nm, respectively. The Co100−xFex single-crystal films with metastable bcc structure formed on GaAs(100) substrates show in-plane uniaxial magnetic anisotropies with the easy direction along GaAs[011], similar to the case of Fe film epitaxially grown on GaAs(100) substrate. A Co100−xFex film with higher Fe content shows a higher saturation magnetization and a lower coercivity.
Complete vertical M-H loop shift in La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3 thin film heterostructures
Authors: Singamaneni Srinivasa Rao , Fan Wu , Prater J. T. , Narayan J.
Published: February 2015

In the current work, we have epitaxially integrated La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrRuO3 (LSMO/SRO) BLs with the technologically important substrate Si (100) using pulsed laser deposition. Interestingly, at 4 K, under the magnetic field sweep of ±1500 Oe, a complete vertical M-H loop shift is observed in the sample prepared with 180 nm SRO thickness, which is unusual. This vertical shift persists even up to a field sweep range of ±6000 Oe, at which point the shift disappears and a symmetrical hysteresis loop centered at the origin is observed. In contrast, at the same temperature, under the same field sweep range, we observe a normal M-H loop (no or little vertical shift) from the sample with 45 nm SRO thickness. In both the cases, the LSMO thickness was held constant at ∼100 nm. It appears that SRO moment is frozen in place in the latter case, providing a clear demonstration of the effect that biasing layer (SRO) thickness can have on the magnetic characteristics of bilayer films. We attribute this vertical shift to the strong interplay between the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy and microscopic interface domain structure.
The manipulation of magnetization damping in FeNi1–xNdx/Cu/FeCo1–yGdy sandwich structured multilayers
Authors: Zhang Dong , Jiang Sheng , Zhang Wen , Luo Chen , Wang Yukun , Xu Yunxia , Huang Haibo , Wong P. K. Johnny , Zhai Ya , Du Jun , Zhai Hongru
Published: February 2015

The magnetic properties and magnetization damping in a series of Ta(5 nm)/Fe20Ni80Nd0.075(3 nm)/Cu(tCunm)/Fe50Co50Gd0.07(3 nm)/Cu(2 nm) multilayers with varying nonmagnetic Cu layer thickness are investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Two-step hysteresis loops are observed, indicative of individual switching of the two magnetic layers. The saturation magnetization of the multilayers possesses a very close magnitude to the sum of those for the Fe20Ni80Nd0.075 and Fe50Co50Gd0.07 single layer films, and the difference between each other is within 3% only. Element-specific hysteresis loops of each magnetic elements involved the multilayers are further probed by x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, which reveals that Fe, Ni, and Co are ferromagnetically coupled with Nd and anti-ferromagnetically with Gd. The FMR spectra for the multilayers exhibit two-resonance peaks originated from the two magnetic layers. Compared with the NiFe-Nd and FeCo-Gd single magnetic films, the linewidth of NiFe-Nd layer in the multilayers shows a large enhancement, while that of the FeCo-Gd layer decreases. Theoretical fitting of the FMR data indicates that the contribution of two-magnon scattering has played an important role in the observed linewidth of single FeCo-Gd films, which, in turn, causes the larger FMR linewidth than that in the multilayers. The intrinsic Gilbert damping constant of both FeNi-Nd and FeCo-Gd layers is found to increase with increasing thickness of nonmagnetic Cu layer from 0.8 nm to 2 nm.
Design of grid-type microwave absorbers with high-permittivity composites of Ag-coated Ni-Zn ferrite particles
Authors: Cho Han-Shin , Kim Sung-Soo
Published: February 2015

We investigate the microwave absorbing characteristics in grid-shaped rubber composite sheets containing Ag-coated Ni-Zn ferrite particles. The improvements in the microwave absorbance are obtained through the insertion of a periodic air cavity in the high-permittivity composites. In the bulk specimens containing conductive and magnetic Ag-coated ferrite microspheres, the impedance matching is not satisfied due to the high dielectric permittivity of the composite. The insertion of an air cavity in those absorbers reduces the permittivity and permeability, and thereby leading to impedance matching at a higher frequency. In the grid-type absorber with an optimum air cavity volume rate, the reflection loss can be decreased to as low as −30 dB at 10.5 GHz with a small layer thickness of 2 mm. The proposed grid-type microwave absorber has advantages of a small matching thickness and a considerable reduction in weight in comparison with conventional ferrite composite absorbers.
Hydrogel-based microfluidic incubator for microorganism cultivation and analyses
Authors: Puchberger-Enengl Dietmar , van den Driesche Sander , Krutzler Christian , Keplinger Franz , Vellekoop Michael J.
Published: February 2015

This work presents an array of microfluidic chambers for on-chip culturing of microorganisms in static and continuous shear-free operation modes. The unique design comprises an in-situ polymerized hydrogel that forms gas and reagent permeable culture wells in a glass chip. Utilizing a hydrophilic substrate increases usability by autonomous capillary priming. The thin gel barrier enables efficient oxygen supply and facilitates on-chip analysis by chemical access through the gel without introducing a disturbing flow to the culture. Trapping the suspended microorganisms inside a gel well allows for a much simpler fabrication than in conventional trapping devices as the minimal feature size does not depend on cell size. Nutrients and drugs are provided on-chip in the gel for a self-contained and user-friendly handling. Rapid antibiotic testing in static cultures with strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli is presented. Cell seeding and diffusive medium supply is provided by phaseguide technology, enabling simple operation of continuous culturing with a great flexibility. Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae are utilized as a model to demonstrate continuous on-chip culturing.
Dense and half-dense NiZnCo ferrite ceramics: Their respective relevance for antenna downsizing, according to their dielectric and magnetic properties at microwave frequencies
Authors: Mattei J.-L. , Le Guen E. , Chevalier A.
Published: February 2015

Spinel ferrite Ni0.5Zn0.3Co0.2Fe1.98O4−x nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method, and samples were realized by moulding and annealing at key temperatures (TM = 800 °C, 900 °C, 1050 °C, determined beforehand through shrinkage measurements) going with calcining and sintering processes. Annealing at 800 °C and 900 °C led to half-dense ceramics (porosity ∼50 vol. %), whereas bulky ferrite was obtained after annealing at 1050 °C. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and ion chromatography analysis were performed. Complex dielectric permittivity (ε*) and magnetic permeability (μ*) were investigated up to 6 GHz. With increasing TM, a decreasing amount of Fe2+ was observed, going with increasing sample density. Coupled effects of the Fe2+ concentration and of the porosity, both on dielectric and magnetic properties, were chiefly investigated and discussed. The materials show almost constant permittivities (ε′ = 5.0, 6.0, and 14.8 for TM = 800 °C, 900 °C and 1050 °C, respectively). The bulk value at f = 1 GHz (ε′ = 14.8) can be interpreted well according to Shannon's theory. The permittivities of the half-dense ceramics are discussed on the basis of Bruggeman's Effective Medium Theory. The materials annealed at 800 °C and 900 °C show almost constant magnetic permeabilities in the frequency range from 0.2 to 1 GHz (μ′ = 3.4 and 6.0 for TM = 800 °C and 900 °C). The observed permeability behavior is typical of monodomain particles, except for the sample annealed at 1050 °C, for which domain wall contribution to μ* is suspected because of non-negligible losses at low frequency (μ″ = 1.3–1.8 at f < 0.3 GHz). This finding is supported by estimations of the upper and lower values for the critical grain size, on the basis of Brown–Van der Zaag's theory. Facing bulk ceramics, and in view of using Ni0.5Zn0.3Co0.2Fe1.98O4−x ferrite as substrate for antenna miniaturization, the electromagnetic properties of half-dense ceramics materials seem to be very competitive at frequencies beyond 0.2 GHz, and up to 0.7–0.8 GHz.
Mechanical behavior of carbon nanotubes in the rippled and buckled phase
Authors: Jackman H. , Krakhmalev P. , Svensson K.
Published: February 2015

We have studied the mechanical behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for bending strains beyond the onset for rippling and buckling. We found a characteristic drop in the bending stiffness at the rippling and buckling onset and the relative retained stiffness was dependent on the nanotube dimensions and crystallinity. Thin tubes are more prone to buckle, where some lose all of their bending stiffness, while thicker tubes are more prone to ripple and on average retain about 20% of their bending stiffness. In defect rich tubes, the bending stiffness is very low prior to rippling, but these tubes retain up to 70% of their initial bending stiffness.
Spatial filter based light-sheet laser interference technique for three-dimensional nanolithography
Authors: Mohan Kavya , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: February 2015

We propose a laser interference technique for the fabrication of 3D nano-structures. This is possible with the introduction of specialized spatial filter in a 2π cylindrical lens system (consists of two opposing cylindrical lens sharing a common geometrical focus). The spatial filter at the back-aperture of a cylindrical lens gives rise to multiple light-sheet patterns. Two such interfering counter-propagating light-sheet pattern result in periodic 3D nano-pillar structure. This technique overcomes the existing slow point-by-point scanning, and has the ability to pattern selectively over a large volume. The proposed technique allows large-scale fabrication of periodic structures. Computational study shows a field-of-view (patterning volume) of approximately 12.2 mm3 with the pillar-size of 80 nm and inter-pillar separation of 180 nm. Applications are in nano-waveguides, 3D nano-electronics, photonic crystals, and optical microscopy.
Multicolor generation using silicon nanodisk absorber
Authors: Yang Sheng-Chieh , Richter Karola , Fischer Wolf-Joachim
Published: February 2015

A multicolored matrix that spans the visible range was demonstrated by using silicon nanodisk arrays. A nanostructured silicon substrate, which featured periodic silicon nanodisk arrays of various diameters, inter-nanodisk distances, and heights, was fabricated using electron-beam lithography and reactive ion etching. These silicon nanodisks were able to support HE1m leaky modes, which depended on the diameter of the nanodisks, resulting in wavelength-dependent reflection spectra. The resonant wavelength redshifted linearly with the increasing nanodisk diameter. The output color lay in the visible range and was observed to be tunable when varying the diameter, interdistance, and height. The results of finite-difference time-domain simulations exhibited close agreement with the observed optical properties of the periodic silicon nanodisk arrays.
Assessing improvements in survival for stroke patients in the Northern Territory 1992–2013: a marginal structural analysis
Authors: Zhao Yuejen , Condon John , You Jiqiong , Guthridge Steven , He Vincent
Published: February 2015

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in stroke survival among Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients in the Northern Territory (NT). Methods A longitudinal study was undertaken of stroke patients admitted to NT public hospitals between 1992 and 2013. The Kaplan–Meier method and proportional hazards regression were used for survival analysis. A marginal structural model was applied to adjust for time-dependent confounders and informative censoring. Results There were 4754 stroke in-patients over the period, with 3540 new cases and 837 stroke deaths. Mean age of onset for Indigenous patients (51.7 years) was 12.3 years younger than that for non-Indigenous patients. After adjustments for confounders and loss to follow-up, in-hospital deaths were more likely among Indigenous patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.56; P < 0.01) and less likely among males (HR = 0.86; P < 0.05) and patients from remote areas (HR = 0.72; P < 0.01). There was a 3% decrease annually in mortality hazard from 1992 to 2013. Renal disease, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had deleterious effects on stroke survival. Conclusions Stroke survival has improved in the NT over the past two decades. The marginal structural models provide a powerful methodological tool that can be applied to hospital administrative data to assess changes in quality of care and the impact of interventions. What is known about the topic? Stroke-related mortality has fallen in the past 30 years in Australia. Indigenous Australians have much worse health outcomes than other Australians, including higher stroke incidence and mortality, but it is not known whether stroke survival has improved for Indigenous stroke patients. What does this paper add? This study measured long-term survival for Indigenous and non-Indigenous patients after hospital admissions for stroke care, using hospital admission data analysed by marginal structural models. The present study demonstrates the usefulness of this approach to the quality assessment of health care interventions. What are the implications for practitioners? Hospital administrative data can, and should, be routinely used for monitoring long-term outcomes of acute care. Although survival has improved for Indigenous stroke patients over the past two decades, their survival remains lower than that of non-Indigenous patients. Coordinated acute and primary care plays a vital role in management of chronic diseases to improve stroke survival.
Costly chronic diseases: a retrospective analysis of Chronic Disease Dental Scheme expenditure
Authors: Crocombe Leonard A. , Kraatz Jennifer , Hoang Ha , Qin Daiyi , Godwin Diana
Published: February 2015

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate Medicare rebate claim trends under the Australian Chronic Disease Dental Scheme (CDDS) over time, region and type of service. Methods CDDS data obtained from the Department of Human Services reflected all Medicare item claims lodged under the CDDS by dental practitioners and processed by Medicare. Retrospective analysis of CDDS rebate claims was conducted. Results The CDDS rebates for the period 2008–13 totalled A$2.8 billion. Just under 81% of claims were from dental practitioners working in major cities. The most frequent rebates were for crown, bridge and implant (32.4%), removable prostheses (22.4%) and restorative services (21.3%). The rebate claims of restorative services, crown and bridge, and removable prostheses per dentist in all regional areas increased over the time of the CDDS. Per capita, the rebates for every type of dental service were lower in the more remote regions. Conclusions Rebate claims increased in each of the last 3 full years of the CDDS across all areas. The majority of Medicare rebate claims were from major city areas and for crown and bridge, removable prostheses and restorative services. The service mix varied between regions. What is known about the topic? The CDDS was described as ‘unsustainable’ from the governmental budgetary perspective, being controversial around the value of the program, ‘poorly targeted’ and having implementation and administrative requirement shortfalls. What does this paper add? The CDDS rebates for the period 2008–13 totalled A$2.8 billion, with just under 81% of claims from dental practitioners working in major cities. The services with the highest rebate claims were crown and bridge, removable prostheses and restorative services. What are the implications for practitioners? In future such schemes, the type of services offered could be reviewed regularly by policymakers in order to control item expenses. The take-up of Government dental schemes may be slow to start, but will tend to increase rapidly over the life of the scheme.
Inter-hospital lateral transfer does not increase length of stay
Authors: Russell Patrick , Hakendorf Paul , Thompson Campbell
Published: February 2015

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an inter-hospital transfer on efficiency and quality of in-patient care. Methods A retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2012 inclusive was conducted in two tertiary-referral urban hospitals within a single area healthcare network. The study included 14 571 acutely unwell patients admitted to a general medical service. The main outcome measures were length of in-patient stay, relative stay index, readmission rate within 7 and 28 days of discharge and in-hospital mortality rate. Results Compared with patients who were transferred to a long-stay ward within the original hospital (n = 3465), transferred patients (n = 1531) were older (71 vs 80 years, respectively; P < 0.001) but suffered less comorbidity (Charlson index 0.84 vs 1.22, respectively; P < 0.001). Transferred patients spent a shorter time in hospital (5.69 vs 6.25 days; P < 0.001) and were less likely to be re-admitted within 7 days (1.5% vs 4.0%; P < 0.001) or 28 days (6.3% vs 9.3%; P < 0.001) than patients who were not transferred. Mortality was lower in the transferred patients (1.1% vs 4.1%). Conclusion Appropriate patients for inter-hospital transfer can be selected within 24 h of arrival at an index hospital. The efficiency of their care at the receiving hospital appears not to be compromised. The present study provides support for inter-hospital transfer as a strategy to optimise regional bed capacity. What is known about the topic? Little has been written about lateral inter-hospital transfers; it was first labelled a ‘sideways transfer’ in a publication about hospital reimbursement published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1998. What does this paper add? This paper adds quality and safety data to what little is known about lateral transfers. ‘Lateral transfer’ better describes the process than ‘sideways transfer’. What are the implications for practitioners? Our data helped us understand that a lateral transfer does not by itself increase the cost of the hospital stay, nor does it increase readmission rate or mortality. It also means that if a patient is hospitalised in a hospital with limited capacity and the patient’s acute medical problem has improved, but not resolved, that patient can be safely transferred to a hospital with available beds to continue receiving acute services.
The pitfalls of wildlife camera trapping as a survey tool in Australia
Authors: Meek Paul D. , Ballard Guy-Anthony , Fleming Peter J. S.
Published: February 2015

Camera trapping is a relatively new addition to the wildlife survey repertoire in Australia. Its rapid adoption has been unparalleled in ecological science, but objective evaluation of camera traps and their application has not kept pace. With the aim of motivating practitioners to think more about selection and deployment of camera trap models in relation to research goals, we reviewed Australian camera trapping studies to determine how camera traps have been used and how their technological constraints may have affected reported results and conclusions. In the 54 camera trapping articles published between 1991 and 2013, mammals (86%) were studied more than birds (10%) and reptiles (3%), with small to medium-sized mammals being most studied. Australian camera trapping studies, like those elsewhere, have changed from more qualitative to more complex quantitative investigations. However, we found that camera trap constraints and limitations were rarely acknowledged, and we identified eight key issues requiring consideration and further research. These are: camera model, camera detection system, camera placement and orientation, triggering and recovery, camera trap settings, temperature differentials, species identification and behavioural responses of the animals to the cameras. In particular, alterations to animal behaviour by camera traps potentially have enormous influence on data quality, reliability and interpretation. The key issues were not considered in most Australian camera trap papers and require further study to better understand the factors that influence the analysis and interpretation of camera trap data and improve experimental design.
Estimating the abundance of the bilby (Macrotis lagotis): a vulnerable, uncommon, nocturnal marsupial
Authors: Lollback Gregory William , Mebberson Rachel , Evans Niki , Shuker Jonathan David , Hero Jean-Marc
Published: February 2015

The bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is listed as Vulnerable in Australia, is strictly nocturnal and shy, and it has proven difficult to estimate its population abundance. The aim of this study was to determine methodology that would reliably estimate the abundance of the bilby within an enclosure at Currawinya National Park, south-west Queensland. We estimated the abundance of bilbies on long-term monitoring plots by counting pellets comparing two methods: counting standing odorous pellets using distance sampling and counting newly deposited pellets (FAR). Pellet deposition rate and decay rate were also estimated to enable population estimation using distance sampling. The density of odorous (<14 days old) standing pellets and old pellets was highest in October 2011 and dropped dramatically when plots were revisited in March 2012 and July 2012. Counting standing pellets using distance sampling provided a rigorous estimate of abundance of bilbies at Currawinya. Bilby density and pellet deposition rates were too low for the FAR method to accurately or precisely estimate bilby density. A population crash within the enclosure following an invasion of feral cats was mirrored by a dramatic decrease in pellet density. Incorporating detectability into abundance estimation should be carefully considered for conservation purposes.
Sri Lankan-born women who have given birth in Victoria: a survey of their primary postpartum health-care needs
Authors: Nilaweera Irosha , Rowe Heather , Nguyen Hau , Burns Joanna , Doran Frances , Fisher Jane
Published: February 2015

Women who migrate are vulnerable after giving birth. Normal postpartum adaptive challenges are heightened by separation from family and lack of familiarity with local services. The aim was to investigate primary care needs among Sri Lankan-born women with at least one Victorian-born child aged under 2 years. Health care, information and support needs and unmet needs were assessed in a structured Sinhala or English survey offered in print, online or by telephone. Fifty women provided data. Most (80%) had at least one relative from Sri Lanka to stay for postpartum support. Despite this, many had difficulties settling (62%), feeding (58%) and soothing (42%) their babies. They used significantly fewer health services on average (2.3) than mothers in the general community (2.8) (P < 0.004). Only 32% of primiparous women attended at least one First-Time Parents’ group session. Of women experiencing infant care difficulties, only two-thirds accessed care from a Maternal and Child Health Nurse and only one-third from a General Practitioner. Sri Lankan-born mothers have significant unmet needs for primary care, which are not reduced by informal support. A two-pronged approach is indicated in which women are informed about primary care availability, and the cultural competence and client friendliness of services is strengthened.
Gene expression in the mammary gland of the tammar wallaby during the lactation cycle reveals conserved mechanisms regulating mammalian lactation
Authors: Vander Jagt C. J. , Whitley J. C. , Cocks B. G. , Goddard M. E.
Published: February 2015

The tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), an Australian marsupial, has evolved a different lactation strategy compared with eutherian mammals, making it a valuable comparative model for lactation studies. The tammar mammary gland was investigated for changes in gene expression during key stages of the lactation cycle using microarrays. Differentially regulated genes were identified, annotated and subsequent gene ontologies, pathways and molecular networks analysed. Major milk-protein gene expression changes during lactation were in accord with changes in milk-protein secretion. However, other gene expression changes included changes in genes affecting mRNA stability, hormone and cytokine signalling and genes for transport and metabolism of amino acids and lipids. Some genes with large changes in expression have poorly known roles in lactation. For instance, SIM2 was upregulated at lactation initiation and may inhibit proliferation and involution of mammary epithelial cells, while FUT8 was upregulated in Phase 3 of lactation and may support the large increase in milk volume that occurs at this point in the lactation cycle. This pattern of regulation has not previously been reported and suggests that these genes may play a crucial regulatory role in marsupial milk production and are likely to play a related role in other mammals.