bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ligand control in the photochemical generation of high-valent porphyrin-iron–oxo derivatives
Authors: Chen Tse-Hong , Asiri Nawras , Kwong Ka Wai , Malone Jonathan , Zhang Rui
Published: May 2015

A new photochemical access to compound I and/or compound II derivatives by visible-light photolysis of bromate iron(iii) porphyrins was reported.
Enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in microgels
Authors: Chang Aiping , Wu Qingshi , Xu Wenting , Xie Jianda , Wu Weitai
Published: May 2015

The physical trapping of cellulose in microgels leads to a low-ordered cellulose, favoring enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose to generate glucose.
Porphyrinic supramolecular daisy chains incorporating pillar[5]arene–viologen host–guest interactions
Authors: Fathalla Maher , Strutt Nathan L. , Sampath Srinivasan , Katsiev Khabiboulakh , Hartlieb Karel J. , Bakr Osman M. , Fraser Stoddart J.
Published: May 2015

Daisy chains and organogels have been prepared by utilising noncovalent interactions between viologens and pillar[5]arenes together with stacked porphyrins.
Enhanced dye-sensitized solar cell photocurrent and efficiency using a Y-shaped, pyrazine-containing heteroaromatic sensitizer linkage
Authors: Watson Brian L. , Sherman Benjamin D. , Moore Ana L. , Moore Thomas A. , Gust Devens
Published: May 2015

A new approach to dye sensitized solar cells using a pyrazine-containing linkage to join two dyes to the TiO2 photoanode enhances photovoltage, photocurrent and solar efficiency.
Nanodusty plasma chemistry: a mechanistic and variational transition state theory study of the initial steps of silyl anion–silane and silylene anion–silane polymerization reactions
Authors: Bao Junwei Lucas , Seal Prasenjit , Truhlar Donald G.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present work is to understand the detailed reaction mechanisms in the growth of nanodusty particles, which is critical in plasma chemistry, physics and engineering.
Gas sensing using porous materials for automotive applications
Authors: Wales Dominic J. , Grand Julien , Ting Valeska P. , Burke Richard D. , Edler Karen J. , Bowen Chris R. , Mintova Svetlana , Burrows Andrew D.
Published: May 2015

The use of zeolites and metal–organic frameworks in the sensing of gases emitted from automobile exhausts is reviewed.
An efficient route to prepare highly dispersed metallic copper nanoparticles on ordered mesoporous silica with outstanding activity for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Rudolf Constantin , Abi-Ghaida Fatima , Dragoi Brindusa , Ungureanu Adrian , Mehdi Ahmad , Dumitriu Emil
Published: May 2015

Highly dispersed copper nanoparticles synthesized on polyether-functionalized ordered mesoporous silica show outstanding activity for hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde.
Surface synergistic effect in well-dispersed Cu/MgO catalysts for highly efficient vapor-phase hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Hu Qi , Fan Guoli , Yang Lan , Li Feng
Published: May 2015

Well-dispersed Cu/MgO catalysts exhibited excellent catalytic performance in vapor-phase hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds based on surface synergistic effect.
New thiocyanate-free ruthenium(ii) sensitizers with different pyrid-2-yl tetrazolate ligands for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Colombo Alessia , Dragonetti Claudia , Magni Mirko , Meroni Daniela , Ugo Renato , Marotta Gabriele , Grazia Lobello Maria , Salvatori Paolo , De Angelis Filippo
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of two new stable thiocyanate free Ru(ii) complexes with different pyrid-2-yl tetrazolate ligands is reported, along with promising DSSCs.
Syntheses, structures, photoluminescence and photocatalysis of chiral 3D Cd(ii) frameworks from achiral mixed flexible ligands by spontaneous resolution
Authors: Sun Yan-Qiong , Zhong Jie-Cen , Ding Ling , Chen Yi-Ping
Published: May 2015

Two three-interpenetrating chiral cadmium MOF enantiomers with good photocatalytic activities for degradation of dyes were constructed from achiral flexible ligands.
Ligand field influence on the electronic and magnetic properties of quasi-linear two-coordinate iron(ii) complexes
Authors: Chilton Nicholas F. , Lei Hao , Bryan Aimee M. , Grandjean Fernande , Long Gary J. , Power Philip P.
Published: May 2015

The magnetic properties and ligand-field effects for quasi-linear iron(ii) complexes are explored with the aid of theoretical models.
Chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition for advanced lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Xinran , Yushin Gleb
Published: May 2015

Recent developments and applications of atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition in energy storage devices are reviewed.
Research highlights: natural passive samplers – plants as biomonitors
Authors: Lin Vivian S.
Published: May 2015

This Highlight presents several recent publications that demonstrate how plant biomonitoring can be used to map the distribution of a variety of pollutants and identify their sources.
Stability and immunogenicity of hypoallergenic peanut protein–polyphenol complexes during in vitro pepsin digestion
Authors: Plundrich Nathalie J. , White Brittany L. , Dean Lisa L. , Davis Jack P. , Foegeding E. Allen , Lila Mary Ann
Published: May 2015

Allergenic peanut proteins are relatively resistant to digestion, and if digested, metabolized peptides tend to remain large and immunoreactive, triggering allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of gardenia fruit oil with bioactive components and their identification and quantification by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS2
Authors: Cai Xiaoshuang , Zhang Rui , Guo Ying , He Jingren , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou , Liu Gang , Liu Zhiwei , Yang Jun
Published: May 2015

Bioactive components in Gardenia oil were extracted by ultrasound-assisted extraction, identified and quantified by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS2 and HPLC-DAD analysis.
Efficient vapor-assisted aging synthesis of functional and highly crystalline MOFs from CuO and rare earth sesquioxides/carbonates
Authors: Feng Xiao , Jia Chunmei , Wang Jing , Cao Xiaocong , Tang Panjuan , Yuan Wenbing
Published: May 2015

HKUST-1 and rare earth MOFs are synthesized from metal oxides or carbonates under VAG conditions within hours or days at room temperature.
In situ development of self-defensive antibacterial biomaterials: phenol-g-keratin-EC based bio-composites with characteristics for biomedical applications
Authors: Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Kyazze Godfrey , Locke Ian Charles , Tron Thierry , Keshavarz Tajalli
Published: May 2015

Recently, the development of highly inspired biomaterials with multi-functional characteristics has gained considerable attention, especially in biomedical and other health-related areas of the modern world.
Synthesis of biologically active natural products, aspergillides A and B, entirely from biomass derived platform chemicals
Authors: Koh P.-F. , Loh T.-P.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis of aspergillides A and B was achieved whereby all the carbon atoms originated from biomass derived platform chemicals.
Tarantula myosin free head regulatory light chain phosphorylation stiffens N-terminal extension, releasing it and blocking its docking back
Authors: Alamo Lorenzo , Li Xiaochuan (Edward) , Espinoza-Fonseca L. Michel , Pinto Antonio , Thomas David D. , Lehman William , Padrón Raúl
Published: May 2015

Tarantula thick filament activation stiffens myosin regulatory light chain N-terminal extension by sequential phosphorylation hindering the docking back of the free head.
Cerium bis(tetradiazepinoporphyrazinate): synthesis and peculiarities of spectral and electrochemical behavior
Authors: Tarakanova Ekaterina N. , Levitskiy Oleg A. , Magdesieva Tatiana V. , Tarakanov Pavel A. , Pushkarev Victor E. , Tomilova Larisa G.
Published: May 2015

A cerium sandwich double-decker complex of tetradiazepinoporphyrazine was synthesized for the first time, which exhibited specific spectral and electrochemical properties.
Preparation of network-like ZnO–FeWO4 mesoporous heterojunctions with tunable band gaps and their enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Ma Yongchao , Guo Yunhua , Jiang Haiyan , Qu Dan , Liu Jing , Kang Wukui , Yi Ying , Zhang Wei , Shi Jinsheng , Han Zhongzhi
Published: May 2015

The enhanced photocatalytic activity of ZnO–FeWO4 composites is ascribed to both heterojunction construction and their tunable band gaps.
Rapid and scalable synthesis of innovative unnatural α,β or γ-amino acids functionalized with tertiary amines on their side-chains
Authors: Schneider Séverine , Ftouni Hussein , Niu Songlin , Schmitt Martine , Simonin Frédéric , Bihel Frédéric
Published: May 2015

We report a selective ruthenium catalyzed reduction of tertiary amides on the side chain of Fmoc-Gln-OtBu derivatives, leading to innovative unnatural α,β or γ-amino acids functionalized with tertiary amines.
Covalently layer-by-layer assembled homogeneous nanolayers with switchable wettability
Authors: Topuz Fuat , Möller Martin , Groll Jürgen
Published: May 2015

A layer-by-layer growth through alternating chemisorption of isocyanate functional star-shaped polyethers (NCO-sP(EO-stat-PO)) and a linear polymer ((PVFA-co-PVAm)) is described.
Amidoxime functionalization of mesoporous silica and its high removal of U(vi)
Authors: Zhao Yingguo , Wang Xiangxue , Li Jiaxing , Wang Xiangke
Published: May 2015

Amidoxime-functionalized mesoporous silica has been prepared and applied to eliminate U(vi) from aqueous solutions.
Prediction of the quantized axis of rare-earth ions: the electrostatic model with displaced point charges
Authors: Jiang Shang-Da , Qin Si-Xue
Published: May 2015

An electrostatic model with displaced point charges to predict the quantized axis of rare-earth ions is proposed.
Synthesis of a flower-like Co-doped Ni(OH)2 composite for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Suwen , Sun Haiyan , Lu Qifang
Published: May 2015

Flower-like architectures of a Co-doped Ni(OH)2 composite were prepared using Ni(NO3)2·6H2O, Co(NO3)2·6H2O and CO(NH2)2 as raw materials via a hydrothermal process.
Efficient removal of atrazine in water with a Fe3O4/MWCNTs nanocomposite as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst
Authors: Yu Lian , Yang Xiaofang , Ye Yushi , Wang Dongsheng
Published: May 2015

TEM images of the treated MWCNTs (a), Fe3O4 (b), Fe3O4/MWCNTs (c) and reused Fe3O4/MWCNTs (d).
Catalytic mechanism study on manganese oxide in the catalytic supercritical water oxidation of nitrobenzene
Authors: Dong Xiuqin , Zhang Ya’nan , Xu Yongwei , Zhang Minhua
Published: May 2015

MnO2and Mn2O3transform into each other, and the mixture acts as an electron relay to promote the generation of strong oxidizing agents and the catalytic oxidation of nitrobenzene during catalytic supercritical water oxidation.
The freezing tendency towards 4-coordinated amorphous networks causes an increase in the heat capacity of supercooled Stillinger–Weber silicon
Authors: Apte Pankaj A. , Pingua Nandlal , Gautam Arvind Kumar , Kumar Uday , Willow Soohaeng Yoo , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Kulkarni B. D.
Published: May 2015

A heat-capacity increase near the liquid-amorphous (glass) transition temperature (1060 K) is caused by dynamical instability leading to the freezing of the 4-coordinated network.
Synthesis, growth, structure and characterization of potassium lithium hydrogen phthalate mixed crystals
Authors: Manonmoni J. Vijila , Ramasamy G. , Prasad A. Aditya , Meenakshisundaram S. P. , Amutha M.
Published: May 2015

Mixed crystals of lithium-incorporated potassium hydrogen phthalate were grown by the slow evaporation solution growth technique from an aqueous solution containing equimolar quantities of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) and lithium carbonate.
Impact of fluorine substitution upon the photovoltaic properties of benzothiadiazole-fluorene alternate copolymers
Authors: Cartwright Luke , Iraqi Ahmed , Zhang Yiwei , Wang Tao , Lidzey David. G.
Published: May 2015

The impact of replacing hydrogen with fluorine in efficient moderate-band gap alternating benzothiadiazole-fluorene copolymers is studied. The optical, electrochemical, thermal and photovoltaic properties in bulk heterojunction solar cells are investigated.
Synthesis and structure of nickel(ii) thiocarboxamide complexes: effect of ligand substitutions on DNA/protein binding, antioxidant and cytotoxicity
Authors: Raj Kumar Ramasamy , Mohamed Subarkhan Mohamed Kasim , Ramesh Rengan
Published: May 2015

Four Ni(ii) thiocarboxamide complexes were synthesized and characterized. The effect of ligand substitution on DNA and protein binding is described. The complexes exhibit excellent radical scavenging abilities and show better cytotoxicity against HeLa and MG-63 cell lines.
A series of multidimensional MOFs incorporating a new N-heterocyclic building block: 5,5′-di(pyridin-4-yl)-3,3′-bi(1,2,4-triazole)
Authors: Yao Peng-Fei , Li Hai-Ye , Huang Fu-Ping , Yu Qing , Qin Xao-Huan , Tang Jie , Tao Ye , Bian He-Dong
Published: May 2015

By using a new N-heterocyclic building block: 4,4′-H2dbpt, six novel coordination polymers with diversiform connectivity from one to three dimensional were constructed and characterized by X-ray crystallography successfully.
A novel, rapid and green method of phosphorylation under ultrasound irradiation and catalyst free conditions
Authors: Bouzina Abdeslem , Belhani Billel , Aouf Nour-Eddine , Berredjem Malika
Published: May 2015

Phosphorylation of N-acylamines, N-acylaminoesters, N-acylaminoalcohols and N-acylsulfonamides with trialkylphosphite was promoted under ultrasound irradiation using solvent and catalyst free conditions to afford amidophosponates with 75–90% yield in 5–15 min.
Synthesis and characterization of UV upconversion material Y2SiO5:Pr3+, Li+/TiO2 with enhanced the photocatalytic properties under a xenon lamp
Authors: Wu Jianhong , Song Yanjie , Han Boning , Wei Jun , Wei Zhiren , Yang Yanmin
Published: May 2015

The upconversion luminescence agents Y2SiO5:Pr3+, Li+, that can be effectively excited by the blue light from a xenon lamp 150 W, are fabricated by a hydrothermal method with mesoporous molecular sieves of MCM-48 as the suitable silica source.
Bio-inspired adhesion: fabrication and evaluation of molecularly imprinted nanocomposite membranes by developing a “bio-glue” imprinted methodology
Authors: Wu Yilin , Cui Jiuyun , Meng Minjia , Yan Ming , Yan Yongsheng , Li Chunxiang
Published: May 2015

A novel “bio-glue” inspired m-cresol-imprinted nanocomposite membrane was first prepared.
I2/Cu-mediated self-sorting domino reaction of aryl β-ketoesters into symmetrical 2-carboalkoxy-1,4-enediones: application to synthesis of pyrazine, β-carboline and quinoxalines
Authors: Satish Gandhesiri , Ilangovan Andivelu
Published: May 2015

A self-sorting domino reaction of aryl β-ketoesters into symmetrical 1,4-enediones is reported by an I2/Cu system.
Step economical synthesis of o-aryl benzamides via C–H activation relayed by the in situ installation of directing group: a multicomponent method
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Zhang Yi , Huang Meiying , Wan Jie-Ping
Published: May 2015

Multicomponent reactions have been successfully applied as a platform for the step economical C–H activation based synthesis wherein the in situ installation of directing group and the subsequent C–H arylation have been achieved in one-step.
In vitro reconstitution of α-pyrone ring formation in myxopyronin biosynthesis
Authors: Sucipto H. , Sahner J. H. , Prusov E. , Wenzel S. C. , Hartmann R. W. , Koehnke J. , Müller R.
Published: May 2015

α-Pyrone rings exist in many polyketide synthase (PKS) derived natural products. We report the first in vitro reconstitution of α-pyrone ring formation by a type I PKS using chemically synthesized substrates.
Luminescence switch-on detection of protein tyrosine kinase-7 using a G-quadruplex-selective probe
Authors: Lin Sheng , Gao Wei , Tian Zeru , Yang Chao , Lu Lihua , Mergny Jean-Louis , Leung Chung-Hang , Ma Dik-Lung
Published: May 2015

A novel luminescent G-quadruplex-selective iridium(iii) complex was employed in a G-quadruplex-based detection assay for PTK7.
Cobalt diselenide nanobelts grafted on carbon fiber felt: an efficient and robust 3D cathode for hydrogen production
Authors: Zheng Ya-Rong , Gao Min-Rui , Yu Zi-You , Gao Qiang , Gao Huai-Ling , Yu Shu-Hong
Published: May 2015

An easily scaled-up 3D CoSe2/CFF hierarchical electrode has been developed as a highly active and stable hydrogen evolution reaction cathode.
Robust liquid-infused surfaces through patterned wettability
Authors: Wexler Jason S. , Grosskopf Abigail , Chow Melissa , Fan Yuyang , Jacobi Ian , Stone Howard A.
Published: May 2015

Liquid-infused surfaces can fail due to gravitational drainage or due to shear stress from an external flow. Patterning the textured surface with regions of contrasting wettability prevents both failure modes.
Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of CdSe quantum dot sensitized SrTiO3
Authors: Sreedhar Gosipathala , Sivanantham A. , Venkateshwaran S. , Panda Subhendu K. , Eashwar M.
Published: May 2015

The efficient water splitting performance of novel CdSe/SrTiO3 photoanodes is studied. CdSe quantum dots with various band gaps are sensitized on SrTiO3. An enhanced photocurrent density is achieved up to ∼1 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl.
Improved capacity and stability of integrated Li and Mn rich layered-spinel Li1.17Ni0.25Mn1.08O3 cathodes for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Nayak Prasant Kumar , Grinblat Judith , Levi Mikhael , Haik Ortal , Levi Elena , Sun Yang-Kook , Munichandraiah N. , Aurbach Doron
Published: May 2015

A layered-spinel composite Li1.17Ni0.25Mn1.08O3 exhibits a highly stable specific capacity of 200 mA h g−1 in the potential range of 2.4–4.9 V.
A flexible, sandwiched high-performance super-insulation fabric
Authors: Bai Fan , Wu Juntao , Gong Guangming , Guo Lin
Published: May 2015

A flexible, sandwiched high-performance super-insulation polyimide fabric has been designed and fabricated. The sandwiched fabric possesses ultra-low thermal conductivity (16.7 mW m−1 K−1), excellent mechanical properties and a wide operating temperature range. The sandwiched fabric will have potential applications under some harsh conditions.
Enhanced oxygen reduction and evolution by in situ decoration of hematite nanoparticles on carbon nanotube cathodes for high-capacity nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Jee Sang-Won , Choi Woongchul , Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Yang Gang , Cho Hyung Koun , Lee Jung-Ho , Yu Choongho
Published: May 2015

Enhanced oxygen reduction and evolution reaction with hematite nanoparticle decorated carbon nanotube array cathode for nonaqueous Li–O2batteries.
Facile fabrication of porous carbon nanofibers by electrospun PAN/dimethyl sulfone for capacitive deionization
Authors: Pan Haojie , Yang Jianmao , Wang Shiping , Xiong Zhubiao , Cai Wenshu , Liu Jianyun
Published: May 2015

Flexible porous CNFs via facile heat treatment of electrospun PAN/DMSO2 nanofibers were successfully used for CDI with excellent desalination performance.
A mitochondrial-targeting and NO-based anticancer nanosystem with enhanced photo-controllability and low dark-toxicity
Authors: Xu Jiangsheng , Zeng Fang , Wu Hao , Wu Shuizhu
Published: May 2015

A spatiotemporally controllable NO-releasing nanosystem for killing cancer cells with high efficiency based on carbon dots has been developed, which exhibits mitochondrial targeting, light-responsive NO-releasing and cell imaging capabilities.
Influence of the synthetic method on the properties of two-photon-sensitive mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Croissant Jonas G. , Mongin Olivier , Hugues Vincent , Blanchard-Desce Mireille , Cattoën Xavier , Wong Chi Man Michel , Stojanovic Vanja , Charnay Clarence , Maynadier Marie , Gary-Bobo Magali , Garcia Marcel , Raehm Laurence , Durand Jean-Olivier
Published: May 2015

The two-photon properties of MSN were studied as a function of the synthetiic method.
An efficient organic–inorganic hybrid hole injection layer for organic light-emitting diodes by aqueous solution doping
Authors: Deng Ya-Li , Xie Yue-Min , Zhang Lei , Wang Zhao-Kui , Liao Liang-Sheng
Published: May 2015

An efficient anode interfacial layer, MoO3 doped TS-CuPc, in OLEDs through an environmentally-friendly fabrication process is developed.
Tunable near-infrared localized surface plasmon resonances of djurleite nanocrystals: effects of size, shape, surface-ligands and oxygen exposure time
Authors: Zhu Dongxu , Tang Aiwei , Ye Haihang , Wang Miao , Yang Chunhe , Teng Feng
Published: May 2015

The effects of size, shape, surface ligands and oxygen exposure time on the localized surface plasmon resonance absorption in monoclinic djurleite nanocrystals have been demonstrated.
Relay selection for secure backscatter wireless communications
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Su Zhou , Wang Guangyi
Published: May 2015

The growing demand for anti‐eavesdropping security has inspired the study of physical‐layer security in wireless communications. Relay‐assisted secure backscatter communications are considered. The secrecy rate of the system is studied and the condition for a positive secrecy rate is analysed. The optimal relay selection algorithm and a suboptimal selection algorithm with much lower computational complexity are proposed. Simulation results show that the designed selection algorithms significantly outperform random selection in terms of average secrecy rate. The suboptimal selection approximately achieves the same average secrecy rate as the optimal selection.
Improving isolation of slot‐coupled directional couplers
Authors: Moradian M.
Published: May 2015

A suitable method is introduced to improve the isolation of slot‐coupled directional couplers. The proposed coupler consists of two trapezoidal‐shaped patches that are coupled through a trapezoidal‐shaped slot in a common ground plane. The inherent phase velocity differences between the even‐ and odd‐modes of the slot‐coupled directional coupler are compensated around the centre frequency of the coupler by introducing some slots to the trapezoidal‐shaped patches. A design graph is derived by sweeping some dimensions of the coupler. A hatched area is also added to the design graph that indicates the appropriate coupler dimensions which lead to the equal even‐ and odd‐mode phase velocities around the centre frequency. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed coupler, an 8 dB coupler operating from 1 to 3.3 GHz is designed and constructed. The measurement results are in good agreement with the simulation results. The results show that the isolation of the designed coupler has improved significantly in comparison with the other designed coupler with no cut slots in the patches.
Accuracy enhancement of low‐cost spatially distributed passive localisation system
Authors: Wei Junming , Yu Changbin
Published: May 2015

To achieve a good trade‐off between accuracy and cost in practical localisation, methods are studied to enhance the accuracy of a low‐cost spatially distributed passive localisation system. First, error sources are systematically analysed. Moreover, measurement error mitigation and localisation algorithm optimisation are implemented. Experiments show these methods can enhance the accuracy of the localisation system significantly.
Substrate cross‐talk analysis flow for submicron CMOS system‐on‐chip
Authors: Noulis T. , Baumgartner P.
Published: May 2015

A substrate coupling analysis flow is presented. The proposed method is fully compatible with the industry analogue/radio‐frequency design methodology, seamlessly integrates into the design environment, provides accurate estimation of the coupling effects and can model adequately all the mask design level isolation performance trends. Its accuracy is confirmed by correlating simulation results against on‐wafer silicon measurements in a 28 nm CMOS set of ring oscillators with a carrier frequency of 670 MHz. The mean error of the proposed method is 665 μV, whereas the error sigma is 765 μV.
Monolithic ultra‐low‐power 6 Gbit/s inductorless PRBS generator for silicon HBT‐based carrier‐injection electro‐absorption modulator
Authors: Fu E. , Koomson V.J.
Published: May 2015

A low‐power pseudo‐random bit sequence (PRBS) generator for testing a high‐speed optical transmitter module has been realised in a 130 nm bipolar CMOS process. The transmitter consists of a monolithic driver circuit architecture and a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT)‐based carrier‐injection electro‐absorption modulator. A 10 Gbit/s current mode logic latch with only 0.6 mW power consumption is designed by scaling down the current density without degrading the overall transmitter speed performance. The 27−1 PRBS generator circuit consumes only 42.75 mW at 6 Gbit/s operating speeds with a 1.5 V dc power supply. The core circuit power consumption is 9 mW.
Monolithic integration of four‐colour InGaN‐based nanocolumn LEDs
Authors: Kishino K. , Yanagihara A. , Ikeda K. , Yamano K.
Published: May 2015

The monolithic integration of four‐colour indium gallium nitride (InGaN)‐based nanocolumn light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) is demonstrated. In the integrated nanocolumn LED unit, blue‐, sky‐blue‐, green‐ and yellow‐emitting micro‐LEDs (LEDs 1–4) with a 65 μm diameter circular indium tin oxide emission window were arrayed in a 2 × 2 square lattice with a lattice constant of 190 μm. LEDs 1–4 consisted of nanocolumn arrays arranged in a triangular lattice with a lattice constant of 300 nm and their nanocolumn diameters at the position of the InGaN/gallium nitride (GaN) multiple quantum wells (MQWs) were 119, 145, 188 and 231 nm, respectively. The increase in nanocolumn diameter from LED 1 to LED 4 resulted in increasing emission peak wavelengths, which were 465, 489, 510 and 570 nm for LEDs 1–4, respectively. On the same substrate, a red‐emitting micro‐LED was prepared, in which the nanocolumn diameter was increased to 260 nm by using a 350 nm‐lattice‐constant nanocolumn array. A combination of different lattice constants in an integrated LED unit is expected to contribute to the achievement of red–green–blue–yellow (RGBY)‐colour‐integrated nanocolumn LEDs.
Adaptive notch filter solution under unbalanced and/or distorted point of common coupling voltage for three‐phase four‐wire shunt active power filter with sinusoidal utility current strategy
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Duy , Tuyen Nguyen Duc , Fujita Goro , Funabashi Toshihisa
Published: May 2015

In this study, the three‐phase four‐wire shunt active power filter (ShAPF) dealing with non‐ideal point of common coupling (PCC) voltages will be presented. The instantaneous power theory is applied to design the ShAPF controller which shows reliable performances. An adaptive notch filter (ANF) is proposed to process those unbalanced and/or distorted PCC voltage. The power balance among utility, load and ShAPF while applying ANF is clarified by an in‐depth explanation. The simulation results prove that the ANF can successfully facilitate the ShAPF in terms of compensating unbalanced/distorted current of loads under a non‐ideal PCC voltage circumstance.
Analysis on bandwidth enhancement of compact probe‐fed patch antenna with equivalent transmission line model
Authors: Malekpoor Hossein , Jam Shahrokh
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a comprehensive study of miniaturised broadband microstrip patch antennas for ultra‐wideband applications is presented. At first, design and analysis of a compact wideband basic antenna which is composed of a folded‐patch feed, a symmetric E‐shaped edge, a U‐shaped‐slot patch and shorting pins are studied and investigated. The measured −10 dB impedance bandwidth of the proposed basic antenna is about 92% in the frequency range 3.94–10.65 GHz. To explicitly demonstrate the mechanism of the bandwidth enhancement method, the equivalent transmission line model of the basic antenna is exhibited. This model contributes the effect of different parts used in the basic antenna structure in order to predict the broadband behaviour of it. Moreover, with the use of a V‐shaped slot instead of the U‐shaped slot on the patch, an improved antenna with a wider bandwidth in order to cover the frequency range from 4 to 14.4 GHz is obtained. This improved design introduces comparatively a simpler structure with considerable size reduction and an enhancement of 21% in impedance bandwidth compared with the basic antenna. Experimental investigations and detailed simulations based on the parametric study are performed to describe and optimise the broadband performance of the proposed designs.
Along‐track SAR interferometry using a single reflector antenna
Authors: Bertl Sebastian , López Dekker Paco , Younis Marwan , Krieger Gerhard
Published: May 2015

A method to generate several phase centres on a single parabolic reflector antenna fed by a digital beamforming array is presented. Among other applications, along‐track SAR interferometry at higher frequencies, as for example, in the Ka‐band, is considered. Flexibility in size, position and amount of phase centres is similar as for a setup using a direct radiating array.
Perioperative Outcomes and Adverse Events of Minimally Invasive versus Open Posterior Lumbar Fusion: Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goldstein Christina , Macwan Kevin , Sundararajan Kala , Rampersaud Raja
Published: May 2015

Introduction

The perioperative outcomes and adverse events of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for lumbar fusion remain unclear. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the perioperative outcomes and adverse event rates for MIS transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF/PLIF) compared with traditional open midline techniques.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were performed. A hand search of reference lists was performed. Studies were reviewed by two independent assessors to identify randomized controlled trials or comparative cohort studies including ≥ 10 patients undergoing MIS or open TLIF/PLIF for degenerative lumbar spinal disorders and reporting at least one of the following: clinical outcome measure; perioperative surgical performance or outcome measure; radiographic outcome; or adverse events. Study quality was assessed using the GRADE protocol. When appropriate, a meta-analysis of outcomes data was conducted.

Results

The systematic review and reference list search identified 3,306 articles, with 26 meeting study inclusion criteria. All studies, including one randomized controlled trial, were of low or very low quality. No significant difference regarding age, gender, surgical levels, or diagnosis was identified between the two cohorts ( n = 856 MIS/ n = 806 open). Meta-analysis revealed changes in the perioperative outcomes of mean estimated blood loss, time to ambulation, and length of stay favoring an MIS approach by 260 mL ( p < 0.00001), 3.5 days ( p = 0.0006) and 2.9 days ( p < 0.00001), respectively. Operative time was not significantly different between the surgical techniques ( p = 0.78). There was no significant difference in surgical adverse events ( p = 0.97); however, MIS cases were significantly less likely to experience medical adverse events (RR [95% CI] MIS vs. open = 0.39 [0.23–0.69], p = 0.001). No difference in nonunion ( p = 0.97) or reoperation rates ( p = 0.97) was observed. Mean Oswestry Disability Index scores were slightly better in the patients with MIS at a median follow-up time of 24 months (mean difference MIS [ n = 346] vs. open [ n = 346] = 3.32, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The quality of the current comparative evidence is low to very low with significant inherent bias. The result of this quantitative systematic review of clinical comparative effectiveness research examining MIS versus open TLIF/PLIF for degenerative lumbar pathology suggests equipoise in patient reported clinical outcomes. Furthermore, meta-analysis of adverse event data suggests equivalent rates of surgical complications with lower rates of medical complications in patients undergoing MIS TLIF/PLIF compared with open surgery.
Epidemiology of Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zarate-Kalfopulos Baron , Robles-Ortíz Ricardo , Obil Chavaria Claudia , Jiménez González Adriana , Reyes-Sánchez Alejandro
Published: May 2015

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of patients with diagnosis of nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) in a tertiary care hospital in Latin America. Patient and Methods: Retrospective single center study including 122 patients who were discharged between January 2005 and December 2012 from their initial inpatient rehabilitation after the onset of NTCSI confirmed by clinical and image studies. Descriptive statistics were performed for demographic characteristics, etiology, and the degree of neurological injury.

Results

From 585 patients admitted with diagnosis of spinal cord injury during the study period, 122 had NTSCI, the prevalence of NTSCI in our center was 20.9%. Of these 122 patients, 35 patients were excluded for the following different reasons: incomplete patient data in 22, 9 patients with cerebrovascular disease associated, and 4 patients with associated lesions below L2 level. Overall, 87 patients were included in the final statistical analysis, 48% male and 35.6% female. The mean age was 45.2 years, marital status of patients was 42.5% married and 29% single. Overall, 34% of patients had elementary education and 35.6% of patients were unemployed before NTSCI occurred. The lesions were classified using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) results was AIS D (motor incomplete) in 40.22%, C (motor incomplete) in 14.94%, B (sensor incomplete) in 19.54%, and A (complete) in 24.13% of patients. The most frequent etiology was tumoral cord compression in 50 patients (57.4%) in 47 of these patients lesions were metastatic (94%) and 3 (6%) primary bone tumors. The second most frequent etiology was cervical or thoracic degenerative disease causing myelopathy in 17 patients (19.5%) followed by transverse myelitis in 9 patients (10.3%), and vertebral osteomyelitis in 7 patients (8%), arteriovenous malformations was present in 2 patients (2.29%), and undetermined in 2 patients (2.29%).

Conclusion

The results confirm that nontraumatic spinal cord injury represents a significant proportion of the population with spinal cord injury with a prevalence of 20.9%. Males with median age of 45 years are more frequently affected. The most common etiology is metastatic spinal lesion in 54% of patients. Most of the neurological lesions are classified as incomplete (75.87%) using the AIS scale. Epidemiological data of spinal cord injury is needed for an effective implementation of primary prevention strategies, appropriate management programs, and allocations of health resources in the field of spine surgery and rehabilitation care.
Will Immediate Postoperative Imbalance Improve in Patients with Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Degenerative Kyphoscoliosis? A Comparison between Smith–Petersen Osteotomy and Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy with an Average 4 Years' Follow-Up
Authors: Qiu Yong , Bao Hongda , Zhu Feng , Qian Bang-Ping , Wang Bin , Sun Xu , Yu Yang , Liu Zhen , Zhu Zezhang
Published: May 2015

Introduction

There was a paucity of literature paying attention to the postoperative imbalance after pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) or Smith–Petersen osteotomy (SPO) and natural evolution of the imbalance. This study aims to compare compensatory behavior of coronal and sagittal alignment following PSO and SPO for degenerative kyphoscoliosis.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 68 consecutive patients with degenerative kyphoscoliosis treated by lumbar PSO (25 patients) or SPO (43 patients) procedures at a single institution. Long-cassette standing radiographs were taken preoperatively, postoperatively, and at last, follow-up and radiographic parameters were measured. The LIV and level of osteotomy were compared between the patients with and without improvement.

Results

Negative SVA was observed in PSO group postoperatively, implying an overcorrection of SVA. This negative SVA improved spontaneously during follow-up ( p < 0.05). Coronal balance was found to worsen immediately post-op in the SPO group ( p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, spontaneous improvement was observed in 15 patients and the average CB decreased to 16.35 mm. For the 15 patients with improved CB, fusion at L5 or above was more common compared with the 11 patients with persisted postoperative imbalance ( p = 0.027), whereas no difference in term of levels of osteotomy was found ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The overcorrection of SVA is more often seen in PSO group. The coronal imbalance is more likely to occur in SPO group. The postoperative sagittal imbalance often spontaneously improves with time. LIV at S1 or with pelvic fixation should be regarded as potential risk factors for persistent coronal imbalance in patients with SPO.
Transoral Decompression and Posterior Stabilization in Fixed Anterior Pathology of the Craniocervical Junction
Authors: Paidakakos Nikolaos , Sklavounou Maria , Bouramas Dimos
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Management of the anterior compressive pathology of the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) is complex and demanding. We review our experience with the transoral surgical decompression of fixed anterior CVJ lesions, with particular attention to the decision making and to the indication for a consecutive stabilization.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective study (2000–2013) of 47 consecutive patients (14 males and 13 females). Mean age was 59.2 years (range, 32–82 years). Encountered lesions were rheumatoid arthritis with pannus (29, 9 of which with associated cranial settling), ankylosing spondylitis (four), tumors (seven: six extradural chordomas/chondrosarcomas and one metastasis), odontoid fractures with hypoporosis, and rotational instability (seven). Patients presented with a variety of following symptoms: high cervical pain (82%), varying degrees of quadriparesis (64%), lower cranial nerve deficits (23%), and central cord syndrome with neurogenic bladder (14%). All patients underwent one-stage transoral decompression and consecutive posterior atlantoaxial or occipitocervical stabilization. Clinical evaluation was made pre- and postoperatively using the Ranawat score. Follow-up period ranged between 6 and 48 months (average, 22 months).

Results

According to the Ranawat score, we had 21 grade I patients, in 20 of which pain was eradicated, 10 grade II patients, 8 of which passed to grade I, 11 grade IIIA patients, of which 6 passed to grade I and 5 to grade II, and 5 grade IIIB patients of which 4 passed to grade IIIA. In seven patients, the transarticular screws crossed the anterior cortex of the atlas, without clinical manifestations. In five patients, complete reduction of the C1–C2 rotation was not possible, because of the chronic nature of the defect. Surgical morbidity occurred in five cases (three dural tears and two occipital wound infections). There were two perioperative deaths ([a] dural rupture, pneumoencephaly, meningitis, and massive pulmonary embolism, [b] pulmonary infection, and cardiorespiratory arrest).

Conclusion

Successful and stable decompression of the CVJ requires extensive preoperative evaluation, appropriate tailoring, and adequate expertise. The transarticular C1–C2 fixation is a safe and effective stabilization method when the atlanto-occipital joints remain competent. Complications appear mostly in patients with rotational deformity of the C1–C2 complex. Patients with clinical and radiological findings of myelopathy improve less even if surgery is successful.
Spinal Injury in Pediatric Population: Review of 152 Cases
Authors: Bansal M. L.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Injury to the spinal cord and the spinal column is relatively uncommon in pediatric population. It accounts for roughly 5% of the total spinal cord injuries. SCI in children younger 5 years are even rarer. Objective of the study was to analyze the incidence, type of spinal injuries, and epidemiological parameters in Indian children with spinal injury admitted at Indian Spinal Injury Centre (ISIC).

Patients and Methods

Hospital medical records were reviewed and patients with the diagnosis of cervical spine injury in age group 0 to 18 years admitted between 2002 and 2011 were included. The injury characteristics of patients were compared across three groups of 0 to 9, 10 to 14 and 15 to 18 years of age.

Results

A total of 152 spinal injury patients were included in this study, which represents 10% of the total pediatric trauma admitted at our hospital. Boys (78%) were more commonly injured than girls. Fall (51%) was the most common mode of injury followed by motor vehicle accident. Cervical spine was the most common level of injury with 34% of cases followed by thoracic region with 30% of cases. However, the proportion of both genders, mode of injury, and levels of injury were not different across the age groups ( p < 0.05). Fracture was the most common pattern of injury in all age groups. SCIWORA was not very common (6.6%) in our study. Patients were divided according to ASIA scale in to complete and incomplete category. Outcome was measured on the basis of improvement in patient neurological level and their dependency level.

Conclusion

This retrospective study in Indian children is comparable with other international studies and provides important information regarding patient and injury characteristics of pediatric trauma cases.
Impact of Regional and Focal Cervical Alignment on Myelopathy Severity: Report of 151 Patients
Authors: Protopsaltis Themistocles , Fehlings Michael , Liu Shian , Smith Justin , Lafage Virginie , Shaffrey Christopher , Kim Han Jo , Arnold Paul , Chapman Jens , Lafage Renaud , Challier Vincent , Schwab Frank , Massicotte Eric , Yoon S. Tim , Ames Christopher
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Cervical sagittal alignment (C2–C7 SVA) has been correlated to myelopathy severity but kyphosis as a regional parameter has not been demonstrated to correlate with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures. We hypothesized that regional and focal sagittal cervical alignment may also correlate with HRQOLs in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Patients and Methods

Post hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter database of patients with CSM. A total of 151 patients met inclusion criteria (47%): symptomatic CSM, age > 18 years, baseline lateral radiographs, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) and neck disability index (NDI). Average age was 56.3 ± 11.7 years with females making up 43.9% ( n = 69) of the study population. Regional alignment and HRQOLs were analyzed with patients stratified into a high-cSVA group (hiSVA, n = 45, 0.5 SD ≥ mean) or a low cSVA group (loSVA, n = 43, 0.5 SD ≤ mean). Focal alignment (kyphosis and olisthesis between adjacent vertebrae) analysis was also conducted.

Results

The hiSVA (mean cSVA 39.4 ± 7.4 mm) cohort had a significantly worse mJOA than the loSVA (mean cSVA 11.31 ± 5.3 mm) cohort (mean mJOA 12.5 vs. 13.7, p = 0.037). No significant correlations between C2–C7 lordosis and HRQOLs existed. There were significant correlations with focal alignment and worse clinical assessments: max sagittal slip with mJOA ( R = −0.24, p = 0.002) and Nurick ( R = 0.18, p = 0.024). Level of slip was also significant, with olisthesis at higher levels correlating with worse health status. Number of kyphotic segments also positively correlated with NDI ( R = 0.19, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Similar to previous studies, high baseline cSVA correlated with significantly worse mJOA. Interestingly, the mean cSVA of the hiSVA cohort was 39.4 ± 7.4 mm, suggesting that 40 mm may be a potential threshold below which cervical sagittal malalignment should be corrected. Regarding focal alignment, increased olisthesis is correlated with worse mJOA and Nurick grade, especially at higher cervical levels. Even focal abnormalities all along the cervical spine are correlated with worse NDI, demonstrating that while level of olisthesis may matter, the number of vertebrae with a kyphotic relationship may also cause pain and disability.
Posterior-Only Approach for Reduction of Occipitocervical Instability with Vertical Migration of the Dens
Authors: Paidakakos Nikolaos , Sklavounou Maria , Bouramas Dimos
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Occipitocervical instability with vertical odontoid migration is a rare but potentially debilitating anomaly. Anterior decompression followed by posterior stabilization is commonly used to address the pathology, but the former is associated with significant morbidity. More recently, posterior-only techniques have been described to obtain reduction and stabilization for nonfused cases of cranial settling.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of seven cases of patients (four males, three females, age range 34–73 years) who suffered from occipitocervical instability with reducible vertical dislocation of the odontoid in the setting of various underlying pathology. Six patients were myelopathic preoperatively. The neurological status was classified according to the Nurick scale. Pain was assessed according to the Visual Analog Scale. Radiological measurements included preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the position of the tip of the odontoid process in relation to Chamberlain, McGregor, McRae, and Wackenheim lines, and measurement of the Ranawat line, the clival angle, and the Klaus height index. Follow-up ranged from 8 to 42 months.

Results

Five patients improved neurologically, and one remained stable. Pain improved significantly in these patients, and was completely eliminated in three of them. Obvious reduction of the deformity was demonstrated by the postoperative radiological craniometric measurements. One patient did not improve neurologically. Postoperative imaging revealed a very small reduction with practically unchanged ventral compression of the cord. He underwent transoral decompression at a second stage. No patient suffered from severe complications. No screw pullout, loosening, or fracture of implant has been observed so far.

Conclusion

Modern screw–rod systems enable intraoperative correction of nonfused deformity and indirect decompression of the cervicomedullary junction obviating the need for ventral decompression or preoperative traction. Patient selection is critical to ensure successful application of the reduction maneuvers.