bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PNIPAmx–PPO36–PNIPAmx thermo-sensitive triblock copolymers: chain conformation and adsorption behavior on a hydrophobic gold surface
Authors: Li Jianyuan , Zhang Zhijun , Zhou Xianjing , Chen Tongquan , Nie Jingjing , Du Binyang
Published: November 2015

The presence of the PNIPAm block is not a sufficient condition for the complex adsorption behavior of PNIPAmx–PPO36–PNIPAmx triblock copolymers.
σ-Aromatic cyclic M3+ (M = Cu, Ag, Au) clusters and their complexation with dimethyl imidazol-2-ylidene, pyridine, isoxazole, furan, noble gases and carbon monoxide
Authors: Pan Sudip , Saha Ranajit , Mandal Subhajit , Chattaraj Pratim K.
Published: November 2015

The structure, stability, bonding and σ-aromaticity in dimethyl imidazol-2-ylidene, pyridine, isoxazole, furan, noble gas and carbon monoxide bound M3+ (M = Cu, Ag, Au) complexes are analyzed.
Photostable ester-substituted bis-cyclometalated cationic iridium(iii) complexes for continuous monitoring of oxygen
Authors: Liu Chun , Yu Hongcui , Xing Yang , Gao Zhanming , Jin Zilin
Published: November 2015

Bis-cyclometalated cationic iridium(iii) complexes bearing an ester group possess long luminescence lifetimes, good oxygen-sensitivity and excellent photostability.
Safe disposal of radioactive iodide ions from solutions by Ag2O grafted sodium niobate nanofibers
Authors: Mu Wanjun , Li Xingliang , Liu Guoping , Yu Qianhong , Xie Xiang , Wei Hongyuan , Jian Yuan
Published: November 2015

To capture radioactive iodine from wastewater, Ag2O particles are anchored firmly onto Nb2Na2O6·H2O nanofibers with a large specific surface area that allows them to disperse sufficiently without forming aggregates.
A vacuum-annealing strategy for improving near-infrared super long persistent luminescence in Cr3+ doped zinc gallogermanate nanoparticles for bio-imaging
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Yuxue , Yan Duanting , Zhu Hancheng , Liu Chunguang , Xu Changshan , Ma Li , Wang Xiaojun
Published: November 2015

Novel ZGGO:Cr3+ nanoparticles with NIR super long afterglow were prepared via a hydrothermal method and a subsequent vacuum-annealing strategy.
Synthesis and electronic properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons doped with phosphorus and sulfur
Authors: Delaunay W. , Szűcs R. , Pascal S. , Mocanu A. , Bouit P.-A. , Nyulászi L. , Hissler M.
Published: November 2015

Synthesis and physical properties of polyaromatic hydrocarbons containing phosphole and thiophene rings at the edge.
Fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy for in vivo diagnosis of gastric dysplasia
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Lin Kan , Zheng Wei , Ho Khek Yu , Teh Ming , Yeoh Khay Guan , Huang Zhiwei
Published: November 2015

This study aims to assess the clinical utility of a rapid fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy technique developed for enhancingin vivodiagnosis of gastric precancer during endoscopic examination. We have developed a real-time fiber-optic Raman spectroscopy system capable of simultaneously acquiring both fingerprint (FP) (i.e., 800–1800 cm−1) and high-wavenumber (HW) (i.e., 2800–3600 cm−1) Raman spectra from gastric tissuein vivoat endoscopy. A total of 5792 high-qualityin vivoFP/HW Raman spectra (normal (n= 5160); dysplasia (n= 155), and adenocarcinoma (n= 477)) were acquired in real-time from 441 tissue sites (normal (n= 396); dysplasia (n= 11), and adenocarcinoma (n= 34)) of 191 gastric patients (normal (n= 172); dysplasia (n= 6), and adenocarcinoma (n= 13)) undergoing routine endoscopic examinations. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) together with leave-one-patient-out cross validation (LOPCV) were implemented to develop robust spectral diagnostic models. The FP/HW Raman spectra differ significantly between normal, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma of the stomach, which can be attributed to changes in proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and the bound water content. PLS-DA and LOPCV show that the fiber-optic FP/HW Raman spectroscopy provides diagnostic sensitivities of 96.0%, 81.8% and 88.2%, and specificities of 86.7%, 95.3% and 95.6%, respectively, for the classification of normal, dysplastic and cancerous gastric tissue, superior to either the FP or HW Raman techniques alone. Further dichotomous PLS-DA analysis yields a sensitivity of 90.9% (10/11) and specificity of 95.9% (380/396) for the detection of gastric dysplasia using FP/HW Raman spectroscopy, substantiating its clinical advantages over white light reflectance endoscopy (sensitivity: 90.9% (10/11), and specificity: 51.0% (202/396)). This work demonstrates that the fiber-optic FP/HW Raman spectroscopy technique has great promise for enhancingin vivodiagnosis of gastric precancer during routine endoscopic examination.
Mixed-monolayer glyconanoparticles for the detection of cholera toxin by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Simpson Jonathan , Craig Derek , Faulds Karen , Graham Duncan
Published: November 2015

Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) is detected sensitively in samples of synthetic freshwater by measuring changes in the SERS intensity of the glyconanoparticles upon their binding of CTB and subsequently aggregating. The particles are coated in both galactose and sialic acid.
Facile synthesis of Sn/MoS2/C composite as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries with outstanding performance
Authors: Wang Hongqiang , Pan Qichang , Chen Jing , Zan Yahui , Huang Youguo , Yang Guanhua , Yan Zhixiong , Li Qingyu
Published: November 2015

A Sn/MoS2/C composite has been synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method with stable electrochemical performance.
Electro-triggering and electrochemical monitoring of dopamine exocytosis from a single cell by using ultrathin electrodes based on Au nanowires
Authors: Kang Mijeong , Yoo Seung Min , Gwak Raekeun , Eom Gayoung , Kim Jihwan , Lee Sang Yup , Kim Bongsoo
Published: November 2015

An Au nanowire stimulator−Au nanowire detector is developed for electrical cell stimulation and analysis of the subsequent exocytosis.
Carbon nanotubes as an efficient hole collector for high voltage methylammonium lead bromide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Zhen , Boix Pablo P. , Xing Guichuan , Fu Kunwu , Kulkarni Sneha A. , Batabyal Sudip K. , Xu Wenjing , Cao Anyuan , Sum Tze Chien , Mathews Nripan , Wong Lydia Helena
Published: November 2015

A high open circuit voltage close to 1.4 V is achieved when carbon nanotubes are used as a hole conductor in methyl ammonium lead bromide perovskite solar cells.
Insights into the epimerization activities of RaCE and pAGE: the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulations
Authors: Zhang Yulai , Zheng Qingchuan , Zhang Jilong , Zhang Hongxing
Published: November 2015

Ruminococcus albus cellobiose 2-epimerase (RaCE) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine 2-epimerase from porcine kidney (pAGE) belong to the AGE superfamily and have a detectable AGE activity.
Efficient functionalization of gold nanoparticles using cysteine conjugated protoporphyrin IX for singlet oxygen production in vitro
Authors: Ashjari Mohsen , Dehfuly Soheila , Fatehi Daryoush , Shabani Ronak , Koruji Morteza
Published: November 2015

Gold nanoparticles with suitable properties are supreme therapeutic agents and provide effective signal enhancement in photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Thiacalix[4]arene-functionalized vesicles as phosphorescent indicators for pyridoxine detection in aqueous solution
Authors: Burilov V. A. , Mironova D. A. , Ibragimova R. R. , Solovieva S. E. , König B. , Antipin I. S.
Published: November 2015

Luminescent DPPC vesicles, decorated by new amphiphilic tetracarboxylate derivatives ofp-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene with Tb(iii) were used for the selective detection of pyridoxine hydrochloride.
Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of Na2MgGeO4:Mn2+ green phosphors
Authors: Hu Lingzhi , Wang Qian , Wang Xicheng , Li Yang , Wang Yuhua , Peng Xingping
Published: November 2015

The cathodoluminescence properties of green phosphor Na2MgGeO4:0.03Mn2+.
Synthesis of a novel dendrimer core of oxo-vanadium phthalocyanine magnetic nano particles: as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromenes derivatives under green condition
Authors: Safaiee Maliheh , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Afsharnadery Fatemeh , Baghery Saeed
Published: November 2015

A novel magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst with an amino vanadium oxo phthalocyanine pending, was synthesized, characterized and applied for the preparation of 3,4-dihydropyrano[c]chromenes derivatives.
Largely enhanced fracture toughness of an immiscible polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene blend achieved by adding chemically modified graphene oxide
Authors: Huang Wenbin , Zhang Tingting , Yang Jinghui , Zhang Nan , Huang Ting , Wang Yong
Published: November 2015

Schematic showing of dual effect of PS–GO with PA6 and ABS components.
Enhanced thermal decomposition kinetics of poly(lactic acid) sacrificial polymer catalyzed by metal oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Lu , Zachariah Michael R. , Stoliarov Stanislav I. , Li Jing
Published: November 2015

Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and 1 wt% PLA/Fe2O3, PLA/CuO, PLA/Bi2O3 composites are prepared by solvent evaporation casting and their enhanced thermal decomposition kinetics catalyzed by low loading metal oxide nanoparticles are studied.
A facile approach for fabrication of mechanically strong graphene/polypyrrole films with large areal capacitance for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Ge Yu , Wang Caiyun , Shu Kewei , Zhao Chen , Jia Xiaoteng , Gambhir Sanjeev , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: November 2015

Mechanically strong and flexible graphene/polypyrrole composite films with hierarchical structures are fabricated. They demonstrate very high areal capacitances.
A QM/MM study of the catalytic mechanism of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 and Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Yongjun
Published: November 2015

The catalytic mechanism of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) has been studied using a combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics (QM/MM) approach.
Controlled synthesis of the monoclinic and orthorhombic polymorphs of Sr2SiO4 activated with Ce3+ or Eu2+
Authors: Madej A. , Zych E.
Published: November 2015

Phase-pure orthorhombic and monoclinic Sr2SiO4 and its Ce3+- or Eu2+-activated versions were synthesized using H3BO3 or SrCl2 fluxes.
High-efficiency self-healing materials based on supramolecular polymer networks
Authors: Cheng Chih-Chia , Chang Feng-Chih , Chen Jem-Kun , Wang Tzu-Yin , Lee Duu-Jong
Published: November 2015

A new urea–cytosine-functionalized supramolecular polymer can be rapidly reshaped and reprocessed under mild conditions via rearrangement of the hydrogen bonding network.
Gelation behaviour of a bent-core dihydrazide derivative: effect of incubation temperature in chloroform and toluene
Authors: Zhang Chunxue , Zhang Tianren , Ji Nan , Zhang Yan , Bai Binglian , Wang Haitao , Li Min
Published: November 2015

Both transparent and opaque gels were obtained with sols of BP8-C in chloroform. The transparent gel formed at higher incubation temperatures and was more stable than the opaque gel, however, the gelators precipitated below 0 °C and formed gels at higher temperatures in toluene.
Geometric order parameters derived from the Voronoi tessellation show signatures of the jamming transition
Authors: Morse Peter K. , Corwin Eric I.
Published: November 2015

Order parameters derived from the Voronoi tesselation show a clear signature of the jamming transition with power law scaling.
Theoretical and experimental studies of highly active graphene nanosheets to determine catalytic nitrogen sites responsible for the oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Vazquez-Arenas J. , Galano A. , Lee D. U. , Higgins D. , Guevara-García A. , Chen Z.
Published: November 2015

Graphene nanosheets with heterogeneously doped nitrogen atoms are synthesized using a facile one-step method based on extremely rapid heating (temperature ramps ≥ 150 °C s−1).
Facile synthesis of palladium nanodendrites supported on graphene nanoplatelets: an efficient catalyst for low overpotentials in lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Ye Seong Ji , Kim Do Youb , Kim Dong Wook , Park O Ok , Kang Yongku
Published: November 2015

Morphology-controlled Pd nanodendrites were synthesized on CPC-functionalized graphene and they exhibited excellent catalytic activity towards oxygen reduction and evolution reactions.
Novel AgPd hollow spheres anchored on graphene as an efficient catalyst for dehydrogenation of formic acid at room temperature
Authors: Jiang Yiqun , Fan Xiulin , Xiao Xuezhang , Qin Teng , Zhang Liuting , Jiang Fulei , Li Meng , Li Shouquan , Ge Hongwei , Chen Lixin
Published: November 2015

Highly dispersed AgPd hollow spheres anchored on graphene (denoted as AgPd-Hs/G) were successfully synthesized through a facile one-pot wet-chemical route for the first time.
Conversion of titania (TiO2) into conductive titanium (Ti) nanotube arrays for combined drug-delivery and electrical stimulation therapy
Authors: Gulati Karan , Maher Shaheer , Chandrasekaran Soundarrajan , Findlay David M. , Losic Dusan
Published: November 2015

The conversion of titania (TiO2) nanotubes into titanium (Ti), while preserving their nanotubular structures is demonstrated for proposed application as bone implants and electrodes for combined local drug delivery and electrical stimulation therapy.
Energy savings and operation improvement of rotating cement kiln by the implementation of a unique new drive system
Authors: Christopoulos George A. , Safacas Athanasios N. , Zafiris Athanasios
Published: November 2015

Analysis, simulation, implementation and results of a new kiln drive system consisting of two AC motors of 315 kW each, on an existing common tooth gear, as a new contribution for the operational optimisation of rotating kilns, are presented in this study. Two separate inverter units control the two asynchronous motors with a common rectifier. This study also illustrates how backlash problems on tooth gear and maintenance needs are eliminated while reducing operational costs, down‐times and energy consumption, by applying contemporary technology, including power electronics and dynamic performance in control systems.
Condition monitoring approach for permanent magnet synchronous motor drives based on the INFORM method
Authors: Arellano‐Padilla Jesus , Sumner Mark , Gerada Chris
Published: November 2015

This study proposes a monitoring scheme based on saliency tracking to assess the health condition of permanent magnet synchronous motor drives operating under non‐stationary conditions. The evaluated scheme is based on the INFORM methodology, which is associated to the accurate sensorless control of PM drives without zero speed limitation. The result is a monitoring scheme that is able to detect faults that would be very difficult to evaluate under non‐stationary conditions. A relevant aspect of the proposed scheme is that it remains valid for full speed range, and can be used for standstill operation. In addition, the approach is insensitive to the inverter non‐linearities which enhance the detection capabilities further respect to similar topologies. In this study the proposed approach is evaluated numerically and experimentally in the presence of incipient winding faults and inter‐turn short circuits in a PM conventional drive. The obtained results show quick response and excellent detection capabilities not only in the detection of faults, but to determine their magnitude which is vital to avoid further degradation.
Circulating current losses analysis and improved incomplete transposition for stator bars in large hydro‐generators
Authors: Liang Yanping , Chen Yuanqi
Published: November 2015

How to reduce circulating current is extremely crucial to the design of stator windings. Many general transposition bars are used in AC machine to reduce circulating current losses, and incomplete transposition is widely used considering the level of reducing circulating current losses. However, the circulating current between strands with incomplete transposition will fluctuate to different extent when load current is changed. This study puts forward an improved incomplete transposition structure based on previous incomplete structure such that load current has little impact on circulating current, which could reduce circulating current losses in further. To validate the new structure, a 180 MW hydro‐generator is taken as an example, and circulating current losses in strands are calculated by three‐dimensional finite element method. The calculating results indicate that the improved incomplete transposition structure could reduce circulating current losses more effectively compared with previous structure.
Computation over fading multiple‐access channels based on free deconvolution
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Xiaodong , Jiang Guoping
Published: November 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) enable the collection of physical measurements over a large geographic area. It is often the case that the authors are interested in computing and tracking the spatial‐average of a function of the sensor measurements over a region covered by the WSN. Unfortunately, conventional methods need a large number of channel uses for collecting sensor data in the case of a large amount of sensors. They propose a novel computation scheme over fading multiple‐access channels based on the asymptotic free behaviour of random matrices and the property of limit spectrum distribution of random matrices. The proposed scheme can greatly reduce the channel uses and does not need channel estimation. Moreover, the performance evaluations over multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) and MIMO‐orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system demonstrate that the proposed method offers reliable mean computation of common functions of sensor data even for the case of small sample sizes.
Energy balanced optimum path determination based on graph theory for wireless sensor network
Authors: Mahajan Shilpa , Malhotra Jyoteesh , Sharma Sandeep
Published: November 2015

One of the challenging tasks in wireless sensor network is to route data efficiently from source to destination. Sensors collect data from the sensor network area and pass on the aggregated data to the base station. Three techniques have been proposed in the literature: namely, direct, hierarchal and hybrid to fulfil this data transmission task. Sending data on a single path multiple times results in depletion of energy and hence failure of those nodes. Thus, a fault tolerance mechanism is essential for finding multiple disjoint paths for data transmission. In this mechanism, the system can switch from an inaccessible path with broken links to available candidate paths. In this study, a new graph theory method for optimal path selection based on quality of service parameters is proposed. To prolong the lifetime of the network, a fault tolerant mechanism is also adopted. Simulation results show that the proposed approach enhances network lifetime and improves path stability.
Curvature inducing macroion condensation driven shape changes of fluid vesicles
Authors: Sreeja K. K. , Ipsen John H. , Sunil Kumar P. B.
Published: November 2015

We study the effect of curvature inducing macroion condensation on the shapes of charged deformable fluid interfaces using dynamically triangulated Monte Carlo simulations. In the weak electrostatic coupling regime, surface charges are weakly screened and the conformations of a vesicle, with fixed spherical topology, depend on the charge-charge interaction on the surface. While in the strong coupling regime, condensation driven curvature induction plays a dominant role in determining the conformations of these surfaces. Condensation itself is observed to be dependent on the induced curvature, with larger induced curvatures favoring increased condensation. We show that both curvature generation and curvature sensing, induced by the interplay of electrostatics and curvature energy, contribute to determination of the vesicle configurations.
Preliminary design of electrostatic sensors for MITICA beam line components
Authors: Spagnolo S. , Spolaore M. , Dalla Palma M. , Pasqualotto R. , Sartori E. , Serianni G. , Veltri P.
Published: November 2015

Megavolt ITER Injector and Concept Advancement, the full-scale prototype of ITER neutral beam injector, is under construction in Italy. The device will generate deuterium negative ions, then accelerated and neutralized. The emerging beam, after removal of residual ions, will be dumped onto a calorimeter. The presence of plasma and its parameters will be monitored in the components of the beam-line, by means of specific electrostatic probes. Double probes, with the possibility to be configured as Langmuir probes and provide local ion density and electron temperature measurements, will be employed in the neutralizer and in the residual ion dump. Biased electrodes collecting secondary emission electrons will be installed in the calorimeter with the aim to provide a horizontal profile of the beam.
Behavior of moving plasma in solenoidal magnetic field in a laser ion source
Authors: Ikeda S. , Takahashi K. , Okamura M. , Horioka K.
Published: November 2015

In a laser ion source, a solenoidal magnetic field is useful to guide the plasma and to control the extracted beam current. However, the behavior of the plasma drifting in the magnetic field has not been well understood. Therefore, to investigate the behavior, we measured the plasma ion current and the total charge within a single pulse in the solenoid by changing the distance from the entrance of the solenoid to a detector. We observed that the decrease of the total charge along the distance became smaller as the magnetic field became larger and then the charge became almost constant with a certain magnetic flux density. The results indicate that the transverse spreading speed of the plasma decreased with increasing the field and the plasma was confined transversely with the magnetic flux density. We found that the reason of the confinement was not magnetization of ions but an influence induced by electrons.
Ab initio approaches for the determination of heavy element energetics: Ionization energies of trivalent lanthanides (Ln = La-Eu)
Authors: Peterson Charles , Penchoff Deborah A. , Wilson Angela K.
Published: November 2015

An effective approach for the determination of lanthanide energetics, as demonstrated by application to the third ionization energy (in the gas phase) for the first half of the lanthanide series, has been developed. This approach uses a combination of highly correlated and fully relativistic ab initio methods to accurately describe the electronic structure of heavy elements. Both scalar and fully relativistic methods are used to achieve an approach that is both computationally feasible and accurate. The impact of basis set choice and the number of electrons included in the correlation space has also been examined.
Experimental research of different plasma cathodes for generation of high-current electron beams
Authors: Shafir G. , Kreif M. , Gleizer J. Z. , Gleizer S. , Krasik Ya. E. , Gunin A. V. , Kutenkov O. P. , Pegel I. V. , Rostov V. V.
Published: November 2015

The results of experimental studies of different types of cathodes—carbon-epoxy rods, carbon-epoxy capillary, edged graphite, and metal-dielectric—under the application of high-voltage pulses with an amplitude of several hundreds of kV and pulse duration of several nanoseconds are presented. The best diode performance was achieved with the edged graphite and carbon-epoxy-based cathodes characterized by uniform and fast (<1 ns) formation of explosive emission plasma spots and quasi-constant diode impedance. This result was achieved for both annular cathodes in a strong magnetic field and planar cathodes of a similar diameter (∼2 cm) with no external magnetic field. The cathodes based on carbon-epoxy rods and carbon-epoxy capillaries operating with an average current density up to 1 kA/cm2 showed insignificant erosion along 106 pulses of the generator and the generated electron beam current showed excellent reproducibility in terms of the amplitude and waveform.
Radiation from particles moving in small-scale magnetic fields created in solid-density laser-plasma laboratory experiments
Authors: Keenan Brett D. , Medvedev Mikhail V.
Published: November 2015

Plasmas created by high-intensity lasers are often subject to the formation of kinetic-streaming instabilities, such as the Weibel instability, which lead to the spontaneous generation of high-amplitude, tangled magnetic fields. These fields typically exist on small spatial scales, i.e., “sub-Larmor scales.” Radiation from charged particles moving through small-scale electromagnetic (EM) turbulence has spectral characteristics distinct from both synchrotron and cyclotron radiation, and it carries valuable information on the statistical properties of the EM field structure and evolution. Consequently, this radiation from laser-produced plasmas may offer insight into the underlying electromagnetic turbulence. Here, we investigate the prospects for, and demonstrate the feasibility of, such direct radiative diagnostics for mildly relativistic, solid-density laser plasmas produced in lab experiments.
High-power laser interaction with low-density C–Cu foams
Authors: Pérez F. , Colvin J. D. , May M. J. , Charnvanichborikarn S. , Kucheyev S. O. , Felter T. E. , Fournier K. B.
Published: November 2015

We study the propagation of high-power laser beams in micro-structured carbon foams by monitoring the x-ray output from deliberately introduced Cu content. In particular, we characterize this phenomenon measuring absolute time-resolved x-ray yields, time-resolved x-ray imaging, and x-ray spectroscopy. New experimental results for C–Cu foams show a faster heat front velocity than simulation that assumed homogeneous plasma. We suggest the foam micro-structure may explain this trend.
Analysis of diagnostic calorimeter data by the transfer function technique
Authors: Delogu R. S. , Poggi C. , Pimazzoni A. , Rossi G. , Serianni G.
Published: November 2015

This paper describes the analysis procedure applied to the thermal measurements on the rear side of a carbon fibre composite calorimeter with the purpose of reconstructing the energy flux due to an ion beam colliding on the front side. The method is based on the transfer function technique and allows a fast analysis by means of the fast Fourier transform algorithm. Its efficacy has been tested both on simulated and measured temperature profiles: in all cases, the energy flux features are well reproduced and beamlets are well resolved. Limits and restrictions of the method are also discussed, providing strategies to handle issues related to signal noise and digital processing.
Optical functions of silicon from reflectance and ellipsometry on silicon-on-insulator and homoepitaxial samples
Authors: Humlíček J. , Šik J.
Published: November 2015

The optical properties of silicon have been determined from 0.2 to 6.5 eV at room temperature, using reflectance spectra of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and ellipsometric spectra of homoepitaxial samples. Optimized Fabry-Perot-type SOI resonators exhibit high finesse even in near ultraviolet. Very high precision values of the real part of the refractive index are obtained in infrared up to a photon energy of 1.3 eV. The spectra of the extinction coefficient, based on observations of light attenuation, extend to 3.2 eV due to measurements on SOI layers as thin as 87 nm. These results allowed us to correct spectroellipsometric data on homoepitaxial samples for the presence of reduced and stabilized surface layers.
Surface modification on polydimethylsiloxane-based microchannels with fragmented poly(l-lactic acid) nanosheets
Authors: Yang Lu , Okamura Yosuke , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: November 2015

Surface modification is a critical issue in various applications of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based microfluidic devices. Here, we describe a novel method through which PDMS-based microchannels were successfully modified with fragmented poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanosheets through a simple patchwork technique that exploited the high level of adhesiveness of PLLA nanosheets. Compared with other surface modification methods, our method required neither complicated chemical modifications nor the use of organic solvents that tend to cause PDMS swelling. The experimental results indicated that the modified PDMS exhibited excellent capacity for preventing the adhesion and activation of platelets. This simple yet efficient method can be used to fabricate the special PDMS microfluidic devices for biological, medical, and even hematological purposes.
Genesis plural
Authors: Bertrand Ingrid
Published: November 2015

This article is devoted to Jenny Diski’s polyphonic rewriting of the biblical myth of Abraham and Sarah in Only Human: A Divine Comedy (2000). It shows how this subversive novel, through its juxtaposition of two competing narrative voices – an unidentified human narrator and God himself –, challenges the omniscience and transcendence usually attributed to God, but also the power of his creative Word, and launches a reflection on storytelling and truth, presenting thereby an “only human” Bible.
Conjunctive structures in learner English
Authors: Davidse Kristin , Heyvaert Liesbet , Laffut An
Published: November 2015

In this paper we address the issue of conjunction use in learner writing from a text-structuring angle, focusing on hortatory expositions by NNS learners and NS professionals. The learners are advanced Dutch-speaking students of English, while the professionals are journalists writing for British quality newspapers. We investigate how external conjunctive items (CIs), which express real-world relations between states of affairs, interact with internal CIs, which relate to the writer’s speech acts or modal positions, to construct specific rhetorical macro-structures, or conjunctive profiles. On the basis of qualitative and quantitative analysis, we identify four profiles: (1) predominance of internal CIs, (2) predominant use of external CIs, (3) spreading of external and internal CIs over the whole essay, (4) concentration of internal CIs in introduction and conclusion. The first profile is exclusive to NNS learner writing, but the other three profiles are found in both NNS and NS expositions. Gross overuse of CIs is found in the first and second learner profiles only. Overall, the advanced learner essays display emergent conjunctive macro-structuring, which teaching can build on.
Utility of Single-Channel Electronic Resistivity Counters for Monitoring River Herring Populations
Authors: Sheppard John J. , Bednarski Michael S.
Published: November 2015

Automated electronic counting systems are used to estimate river herring populations throughout New England. Measuring the accuracy of these counting systems is essential to understanding the limitations of counter-derived estimates, which comprise a vital component of river herring stock assessments. Our objective was to conduct a direct visual–electronic comparison of passage to evaluate the accuracy and biases of using single-channel electronic resistivity counting systems to monitor river herring. From 1999 to 2012, we conducted 1,189 direct comparisons. Of these, 555 occurred when river herring were actively migrating through the system. The counting system consistently underestimated passage, with 34–87% of seasonal observations recording fewer fish than were known to pass. Mixed-effects logistic regression indicated that the probability of an inexact count increased with increasing passage rate, which we attribute to simultaneous passage. We explored two techniques to correct for the biases observed during our sampling period and produce corrected estimates of run size. Although our results have limitations, the consistency of observed bias provides evidence that single-channel counters yield the resolution needed to infer population trend. Future monitoring should endeavor to correct the biases in single-channel counters and to explore alternative technologies that provide greater accuracy.

Received April 3, 2015; accepted August 10, 2015
Perioperative Dextromethorphan as an Adjunct for Postoperative Pain
Authors: King Michael R. , Ladha Karim S. , Gelineau Amanda M. , Anderson T. Anthony
Published: November 2015

AbstractAbstract

This meta-analysis identified 21 studies describing the effects of dextromethorphan on postoperative pain and opioid consumption. Dextromethorphan was found to reduce pain from 1 to 24 h postoperatively and was found to reduce morphine requirements 24 to 48 h after surgery.

Background

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists have been shown to reduce perioperative pain and opioid use. The authors performed a meta-analysis to determine whether the use of perioperative dextromethorphan lowers opioid consumption or pain scores.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Pubget, and EMBASE were searched. Studies were included if they were randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials written in English, and performed on patients 12 yr or older. For comparison of opioid use, included studies tracked total consumption of IV or intramuscular opioids over 24 to 48 h. Pain score comparisons were performed at 1, 4 to 6, and 24 h postoperatively. Difference in means (MD) was used for effect size.

Results

Forty studies were identified and 21 were eligible for one or more comparisons. In 848 patients from 14 trials, opioid consumption favored dextromethorphan (MD, −10.51 mg IV morphine equivalents; 95% CI, −16.48 to −4.53 mg; P = 0.0006). In 884 patients from 13 trials, pain at 1 h favored dextromethorphan (MD, −1.60; 95% CI, −1.89 to −1.31; P < 0.00001). In 950 patients from 13 trials, pain at 4 to 6 h favored dextromethorphan (MD, −0.89; 95% CI, −1.11 to −0.66; P < 0.00001). In 797 patients from 12 trials, pain at 24 h favored dextromethorphan (MD, −0.92; 95% CI, −1.24 to −0.60; P < 0.00001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggests that dextromethorphan use perioperatively reduces the postoperative opioid consumption at 24 to 48 h and pain scores at 1, 4 to 6, and 24 h.
A lack of α1A-adrenergic receptor-mediated antidepressant-like effects of S-(+)-niguldipine and B8805-033 in the forced swim test
Authors: Kreiner Grzegorz , Roman Adam , Zelek-Molik Agnieszka , Kowalska Marta , Nalepa Irena
Published: November 2015

The α1-adrenergic receptors (α1-ARs), which belong to a G protein-coupled receptor family, consist of three highly homologous subtypes known as α1A-ARs, α1B-ARs, and α1D-ARs. Our previous findings suggested that α1A-ARs are an important target for imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy. The current study sought to evaluate whether S-(+)-niguldipine and B8805-033, two selective antagonists of α1A-ARs, can evoke antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test in rats. Both compounds were administered at three time points (24, 5, and 1 h before testing), and the effects of three doses (2, 5, and 10 mg/kg) of each compound were investigated. S-(+)-Niguldipine produced no antidepressant-like effects other than a 14% reduction in immobility time at the highest dose. Although B8805-033 at a dose of 2 mg/kg did not influence the rats’ behavior, higher B8805-033 doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) produced significant reductions in immobility time (approximately 42 and 44% vs. controls, respectively; P<0.01). However, this effect was abolished by the concomitant administration of WAY100135, a serotonin receptor antagonist, suggesting that the observed antidepressant-like effects of B8805-033 are unrelated to α1A-ARs. Nevertheless, given the current dearth of selective α1A-AR agonists, the question of whether this particular subtype could be involved in antidepressant therapy mechanisms remains unresolved.
Practice environments and job satisfaction and turnover intentions of nurse practitioners
Authors: Poghosyan Lusine , Liu Jianfang , Shang Jingjing , D’Aunno Thomas
Published: November 2015

Background:

Health care professionals, organizations, and policy makers are calling for expansion of the nurse practitioner (NP) workforce in primary care to assure timely access and high-quality care. However, most efforts promoting NP practice have been focused on state level scope of practice regulations, with limited attention to the organizational structures.

Purpose:

We examined NP practice environments in primary care organizations and the extent to which they were associated with NP retention measures.

Methodology:

Data were collected through mail survey of NPs practicing in 163 primary care organizations in Massachusetts in 2012. NP practice environment was measured by the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Organizational Climate Questionnaire, which has four subscales: Professional Visibility, NP–Administration Relations, NP–Physician Relations, and Independent Practice and Support. Two global items measured job satisfaction and NPs’ intent to leave their job. We aggregated NP level data to organization level to attain measures of practice environments. Multilevel logistic regression models were used.

Findings:

NPs rated the relationship between NPs and physicians favorably, contrary to the relationship between NPs and administrators. All subscales measuring NP practice environment had similar influence on the outcome variables. With every unit increase in each standardized subscale score, the odds of job satisfaction factors increased about 20% whereas the odds of intention of turnover decreased about 20%. NPs from organizations with higher mean scores on the NP–Administration subscale had higher satisfaction with their jobs (OR = 1.24, 95% CI [1.12, 1.39]) and had lower intent to leave (OR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.70, 0.90]).

Practice Implications:

NPs were more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to report intent to leave if their organizations support NP practice, favorable relations with physicians and administration, and clear role visibility. Creating productive practice environments that can retain NPs is a potential strategy for increasing the primary care workforce capacity.
Secondary Orbital Reconstruction in Patients with Prior Orbital Fracture Repair
Authors: Kim Jane S. , Lee Bradford W. , Scawn Richard L. , Korn Bobby S. , Kikkawa Don O.
Published: November 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging findings, pre- and post-operative outcomes, and satisfaction of patients requiring secondary reconstruction after inadequate primary orbital fracture repair.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 13 patients requiring secondary orbital reconstruction following unsatisfactory primary repair. Primary outcomes were postoperative changes in enophthalmos, hypo- or hyper-globus, superior sulcus deformity, and restrictive strabismus. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction.

Results:

Of 13 patients, 9 patients had primary orbital implants, and 4 patients did not. Of the 9 with implants, 6 had inferior displacement posteriorly, 2 had superior displacement posteriorly, and 1 had good position but had entrapped orbital tissues beneath it. Findings from primary surgery included enophthalmos (12/13), hypoglobus (10/13), hyperglobus (1/13), superior sulcus deformity (9/13), restricted supraduction (12/13), and restricted infraduction (7/13). Mean preoperative enophthalmos and hypoglobus were 4.4 ± 2.6 mm and 2.9 ± 1.4 mm, respectively. Secondary reconstruction resulted in mean reduction of enophthalmos by 3.4 ± 1.4 mm (p < 0.001), of hypoglobus by 2.9 ± 1.5 mm (p < 0.001), and of hyperglobus by 1 mm (n = 1). All 9 patients had resolution of their superior sulcus deformity. Of 12 cases with restricted ocular motility, all had improvements in postoperative motility following secondary surgery. Mean improvement in supraduction and infraduction was 1.8 ± 1.0 points (p < 0.001) and 1.4 ± 1.3 points (p = 0.025), respectively. Twelve patients reported being very satisfied or satisfied with secondary surgery; 1 patient was neutral.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that secondary orbital reconstruction can achieve excellent functional and cosmetic results with high patient satisfaction and minimal complications. Secondary reconstruction of previously repaired orbital fractures should be considered when clinically indicated.
Toxic‐metabolic Risk Factors in Pediatric Pancreatitis
Authors: Husain Sohail Z. , Morinville Veronique , Pohl John , Abu‐El‐Haija Maisam , Bellin Melena D. , Freedman Steve , Hegyi Peter , Heyman Melvin B. , Himes Ryan , Ooi Chee Y. , Schwarzenberg Sarah J. , Usatin Danielle , Uc Aliye
Published: November 2015

Pancreatitis in children can result from metabolic and toxic risk factors, but the evidence linking these factors is sparse. We review the evidence for association or causality of these risk factors in pancreatitis, discuss management strategies, and their rationale. We conducted a review of the pediatric pancreatitis literature with respect to the following risk factors: hyperlipidemia, hypercalcemia, chronic renal failure, smoking exposure, alcohol, and medications. Areas of additional research were identified. Hypertriglyceridemia of 1000 mg/dL or greater poses an absolute risk for pancreatitis; persistent elevations of calcium are predisposing. Further research is necessary to determine whether end‐stage renal disease leads to increased pancreatitis in children similar to adults. It is unknown whether cigarette smoking exposure, which clearly increases risk in adults, also increases risk in children. The role of alcohol in pediatric pancreatitis, whether direct or modifying, needs to be elucidated. The evidence supporting most cases of medication‐induced pancreatitis is poor. Drug structure, improper handling of drug by host, and bystander status may be implicated. Other pancreatitis risk factors must be sought in all cases. The quality of evidence supporting causative role of various toxic and metabolic factors in pediatric pancreatitis is variable. Careful phenotyping is essential, including search for other etiologic risk factors. Directed therapy includes correction/removal of any agent identified, and general supportive measures. Further research is necessary to improve our understanding of these pancreatitis risk factors in children.
Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Diagnostic Evaluation of Esophageal Varices in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Qiu Lanyan , Zhang Xiaoli , Liu Dong , Qian Linxue , Hu Xiangdong
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this study was to clarify the usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for the diagnosis of esophageal varices (EVs) in patients with cirrhosis. A total of 81 cases (56 patients with EVs and 25 control subjects without EV) were examined by CEUS and by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. According to the esophagogastroduodenoscopy results, we divided the subjects into 3 groups: G0, G1, and G2. The G0 group had 25 patients who exhibited no liver abnormality other than liver cyst or hemangioma without EVs, G1 comprised 9 patients with small EVs and 13 with medium EVs. G2 was composed of 34 cases of severe EVs. Under CEUS, the following parameters were measured: the thickness of double-layer mucosa and submucosa in the lower esophagus (Tm), the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the lower esophagus (De), and the ratio of Tm to De (Tm/De). Time-intensity curves of the lower esophagus and aorta were drawn using QLAB software. One-factor analysis of variance was used to compare means between the 3 groups. The diagnostic value of CEUS was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curves. Bayes discriminant analysis was adopted for building discriminant equations. Tm, De, Tm/De, Tep, and Iep/Iap were greater in patients with EVs (G1 and G2) than in those without EVs (G0). The Tms for the G0, G1, and G2 groups were 4.16 ± 0.59 mm, 7.06 ± 0.89 mm, and 10.10 ± 1.77 mm (P < 0.01), respectively, with 7.65 mm being the best cutoff value for diagnosing ≥ G2 (sensitivity 96.9%, specificity 90.0%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.987. Three discriminant equations were obtained by Bayes discriminant analysis: y
0 = −6.2 + 2.5Tm, y
1 = −15.1 + 4.1Tm and y
2 = −31.7 + 6.0Tm, respectively. The equations correctly classified 91.7% of cases in the study, making an error rate of 8.3%. Tm attained from CEUS can be a new, convenient, noninvasive parameter for evaluating esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Beyond the Bifurcation
Authors: Deurdulian Corinne , Emmanuel Neelmini , Tchelepi Hisham , Grant Edward G. , Malhi Harshawn
Published: November 2015

Carotid ultrasonography (US) is most commonly performed to identify potential areas of flow-limiting stenosis in the internal carotid artery. Identification of stenosis and unstable plaque is important because these entities are leading predictors of stroke, the fourth most common cause of death in the United States. However, US can detect other important but less common vascular pathologies if proper techniques and nuances of these entities are understood.

In this article, we discuss the US appearance of abnormalities involving the carotid, vertebral, subclavian, and innominate arteries as well as the key clinical components of each diagnosis. These include congenital variants, dissection, stenosis, and vasculopathy. In addition, correlation of US findings with both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography more comprehensively demonstrates the complementary nature of these imaging modalities.
Context-dependent modulation of Pol II CTD phosphatase SSUP-72 regulates alternative polyadenylation in neuronal development
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhou Yu , Qi Yingchuan B. , Khivansara Vishal , Li Hairi , Chun Sang Young , Kim John K. , Fu Xiang-Dong , Jin Yishi
Published: November 2015

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is widespread in neuronal development and activity-mediated neural plasticity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. We used systematic genetic studies and genome-wide surveys of the transcriptional landscape to identify a context-dependent regulatory pathway controlling APA in the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system. Loss of function in ssup-72, a Ser5 phosphatase for the RNA polymerase II (Pol II) C-terminal domain (CTD), dampens transcription termination at a strong intronic polyadenylation site (PAS) in unc-44/ankyrin yet promotes termination at the weak intronic PAS of the MAP kinase dlk-1. A nuclear protein, SYDN-1, which regulates neuronal development, antagonizes the function of SSUP-72 and several nuclear polyadenylation factors. This regulatory pathway allows the production of a neuron-specific isoform of unc-44 and an inhibitory isoform of dlk-1. Dysregulation of the unc-44 and dlk-1 mRNA isoforms in sydn-1 mutants impairs neuronal development. Deleting the intronic PAS of unc-44 results in increased pre-mRNA processing of neuronal ankyrin and suppresses sydn-1 mutants. These results reveal a mechanism by which regulation of CTD phosphorylation controls coding region APA in the nervous system.
Crystal structure ofcis-bis{4-phenyl-1-[(3R)-1,7,7-trimethyl-2-oxobicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-3-ylidene]thiosemicarbazidato-κ3O,N1,S}cadmium(II) with an unknown solvent molecule
Authors: Nogueira Vanessa Senna , Bresolin Leandro , Näther Christian , Jess Inke , Oliveira Adriano Bof de
Published: November 2015

The reaction between the racemic mixture of the camphor-4-phenylthiosemicarbazone derivative and cadmium acetate dihydrate yielded the title compound, [Cd(C17H20N3OS)2]. The CdIIion is six-coordinated in a distorted octahedral environment by two deprotonated thiosemicarbazone ligands acting as anO,N,S-donor in a tridentate chelating mode, forming five-membered chelate rings. In the crystal, the molecules are connectedviapairs of N—H...S and C—H...S interactions, building centrosymmetric dimers. One of the ligands is disordered in the campher unit over two sets of sites with site-occupancy factors of 0.7 and 0.3. The structure contains additional solvent molecules, which are disordered and for which no reasonable split model was found. Therefore, the data were corrected for disordered solvent using the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2015).Acta Cryst.C71, 9–18] inPLATON. Since the disordered solvents were removed by data processing, and the number of solvent entities was a suggestion only, they were not considered in the chemical formula and subsequent chemical or crystal information.