bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Describing bilinguals: A systematic review of labels and descriptions used in the literature between 2005–2015
Authors: SURRAIN SARAH , LUK GIGI
Published: December 2017

Recent years have seen a surge in research comparing bilinguals to monolinguals, yet synthesizing this literature is complicated by the diversity of language and social backgrounds behind these dichotomous labels. The current study examines the labels and descriptions reported in 186 studies comparing bilinguals and monolinguals published between 2005–2015 in order to understand how bilingualism has been operationalized and to describe the degree to which different facets of bilingual experience are reported. Proficiency and usage were the most frequently reported features (77% and 79%), followed by language history (67%) and the language of schooling (60%). However, less than half of the studies measured proficiency objectively or reported proportional usage, and even less – 30% – described the sociolinguistic context from which the sample was drawn. Given the increase in language contact due to globalization, more transparent and comprehensive reporting of participant characteristics is critical to building our understanding of how bilingualism affects experience.
Why is lexical retrieval slower for bilinguals? Evidence from picture naming
Authors: SULLIVAN MARGOT D. , POARCH GREGORY J. , BIALYSTOK ELLEN
Published: December 2017

Proficient bilinguals demonstrate slower lexical retrieval than comparable monolinguals. The present study tested predictions from two main accounts of this effect, the frequency-lag and competition hypotheses. Both make the same prediction for bilinguals but differ for trilinguals and for age differences. 200 younger or older adults who were monolingual, bilingual, or trilingual performed a picture naming task in English that included high and low frequency words. Naming times were faster for high than for low frequency words and, in line with frequency-lag, group differences were larger for low than high frequency items. However, on all other measures, bilinguals and trilinguals performed equivalently, and lexical retrieval differences between language groups did not attenuate with age, consistent with the competition view.
Rethinking the critical period for language: New insights into an old question from American Sign Language
Authors: MAYBERRY RACHEL I. , KLUENDER ROBERT
Published: December 2017

The hypothesis that children surpass adults in long-term second-language proficiency is accepted as evidence for a critical period for language. However, the scope and nature of a critical period for language has been the subject of considerable debate. The controversy centers on whether the age-related decline in ultimate second-language proficiency is evidence for a critical period or something else. Here we argue that age-onset effects for first vs. second language outcome are largely different. We show this by examining psycholinguistic studies of ultimate attainment in L2 vs. L1 learners, longitudinal studies of adolescent L1 acquisition, and neurolinguistic studies of late L2 and L1 learners. This research indicates that L1 acquisition arises from post-natal brain development interacting with environmental linguistic experience. By contrast, L2 learning after early childhood is scaffolded by prior childhood L1 acquisition, both linguistically and neurally, making it a less clear test of the critical period for language.
Evaluating the ≤10:1 wholegrain criterion in identifying nutrient quality and health implications of UK breads and breakfast cereals
Authors: Ghodsian Bahar , Madden Angela M
Published: December 2017

Objective

To evaluate the nutrient quality of breads and breakfast cereals identified using the wholegrain definition of ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre ratio.

Design

Following a cross-sectional study design, nutritional information was systematically gathered from food labels of breads and breakfast cereals that met the ≤10:1 carbohydrate:fibre criterion. The median nutrient content was compared with the UK Food Standards Agency’s nutrient profiling standards and the associations between carbohydrate:fibre ratio and other nutrients were analysed. Subgroup analyses were undertaken for products with and without fruit, nuts and/or seeds.

Setting

Products from four major supermarket stores in the UK.

Subjects

Breads (n 162) and breakfast cereals (n 266).

Results

Breads which met the ≤10:1 criterion typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, low sugar and medium Na. Breakfast cereals typically contained medium fat, low saturated fat, high sugar and low Na. In both groups, as the carbohydrate:fibre ratio decreased, fat content increased (bread: P=0·029, r=−0·171; breakfast cereal: P=0·033, r=−0·131) and, in breakfast cereals, as the ratio increased, sugar content increased (P<0·0005, r=0·381). Breakfast cereals with fruit, nuts and/or seeds contained, per 100 g, more energy (P=0·002), fat, saturated fat and sugar (all P<0·0005), while seeded breads had more energy, fat and saturated fat (all P<0·0005).

Conclusions

Overall, breads and breakfast cereals meeting the ≤10:1 criterion have good nutritional quality, suggesting that the criterion could be useful in public health and/or food labelling. The utility of applying the ≤10:1 criterion to products containing fruit, nuts and/or seeds is less clear and requires further research.
Physicians’ experiences of SBIRT training and implementation for SUD management in primary care in the UAE: a qualitative study
Authors: Pflanz-Sinclair Christiane , Matheson Catriona , Bond Christine M. , Almarzouqi Amna , Lee Amanda J. , Batieha Anwar , Ghaferi Hamad Al , El Kashef Ahmed
Published: December 2017

Aim

The objective of this paper is to present a qualitative study of introducing substance misuse screening using the Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model, in primary care in Abu Dhabi.

Background

Substance misuse in the UAE is an increasing problem. However religious beliefs and fear of legal consequences have prevented this topic from being openly discussed, risk levels identified through screening and treatment options offered.

Methods

A controlled trial was undertaken which included a qualitative process study which is reported here. Qualitative interviews with primary care physicians from two intervention clinics were undertaken to explore their views, experiences and attitudes towards substance misuse management in their clinic. Physicians were trained on SBIRT and on the research project process and documentation. At completion of the project, 10 months after the training, physicians (n=17) were invited to participate in an interview to explore their experiences of training and implementation of SBIRT. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Inductive thematic coding was applied.

Findings

In total, 11 physicians were interviewed and three main themes emerged: (1) The SBIRT screening project, (2) cultural issues and (3) patient follow-up. Findings revealed a general willingness toward the concept of screening and delivering brief interventions in primary care although increased workload and uncertainties about remuneration for the service may be a barrier to future implementation. There was a perceived problem of substance misuse that was not currently being met and a strong perception that patients were not willing to reveal substance use due cultural barriers and fear of police involvement. In conclusion this qualitative process evaluation provided essential insight into implementing SBIRT in the Middle East. In conclusion, despite physician willingness and a clinical need for a substance misuse care pathway, the reluctance among patients to admit to substance use in this culture needs to be addressed to enable successful implementation.
Subclinical thiamine deficiency in patients with abdominal cancer
Authors: Onishi Hideki , Ishida Mayumi , Tanahashi Iori , Takahashi Takao , Taji Yoshitada , Ikebuchi Kenji , Furuya Daisuke , Akechi Tatsuo
Published: December 2017

Objective

Thiamine is an essential coenzyme for oxidative metabolisms; however, it is not synthesized in the human body, and the average thiamine storage capacity is approximately 18 days. Therefore, thiamine deficiency (TD) can occur in any condition of unbalanced nutrition. If TD is left untreated, it causes the neuropsychiatric disorder Wernicke encephalopathy (WE). Although WE is a medical emergency, it is sometimes overlooked because most patients with WE do not exhibit all of the typical symptoms, including delirium, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. If all of the typical clinical symptoms of WE are absent, diagnosis of TD or WE becomes more difficult.

Method

From a series of cancer patients, we reported three patients who developed TD without the typical clinical symptoms of WE.

Result

A 69-year-old woman with pancreatic body cancer receiving chemotherapy with paclitaxel and gemcitabine for six months. Her performance status (PS) was 1. A detailed interview revealed that she had appetite loss for six months. Another 69-year-old woman with ovarian cancer received nedaplatin; her PS was 0. A detailed interview revealed that she had appetite loss for three months. A 67-year-old woman with colon cancer receiving ramucirumab in combination with second-line fluorouracil with folinic acid and irinotecan. Her PS was 1. A detailed interview revealed that she had appetite loss for three weeks. None exhibited typical clinical signs of WE, but they developed appetite loss for six months, three months, and three weeks, respectively. The diagnosis of TD was supported by abnormally low serum thiamine levels.

Significance of the results

This report emphasizes the possibility of TD in cancer patients even when patients do not develop typical clinical signs of WE. The presence of appetite loss for more than two weeks may aid in diagnosing TD. Patients receiving chemotherapy may be at greater risk for developing TD.
Post-intensive care syndrome symptoms and health-related quality of life in family decision-makers of critically ill patients
Authors: Petrinec Amy B. , Martin Bradley R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Family members of critically ill patients can suffer symptoms of post-intensive care syndrome-family (PICS-F), including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with a diminished quality of life. Our aim was to examine the relationship between coping strategies used by family decision-makers (FDMs) of critically ill patients and the severity of PICS-F symptoms and to examine the relationship between FDM PICS-F symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Method

A single-center, prospective, longitudinal descriptive study was undertaken of FDMs of intensive care unit (ICU) patients admitted to a large tertiary care hospital. PICS-F symptoms and coping strategy use were measured upon ICU admission (T1), 30 days (T2) after ICU admission, and 60 days (T3) after ICU admission. HRQOL was measured by the Short Form-36 version 2 at T1 and T3.

Results

We found a significant prevalence of anxiety (45.8%), depression (25%), and PTSD (11.1%) symptoms among FDMs over the course of the study. The patient mortality rate in our sample was 50%. The HRQOL mental summary score in FDMs was low at T1 and decreased to M = 41.72 (standard deviation = 12.47) by T3. Avoidant coping demonstrated moderate relationships with PTSD symptoms and anxiety at T3. A previous history of anxiety, depression, or PTSD was a significant predictor of PICS-F symptom severity and prevalence. PICS symptom severity at T3 explained 75% of the variance in HRQOL mental summary score.

Significance of results

This study describes a significant prevalence of PICS-F symptoms in FDMs with a diminished mental HRQOL.
Criterion validity and inter-rater reliability of a palliative care screening tool for patients admitted to an emergency department intensive care unit
Authors: Corrêa da Costa Ribeiro Sabrina , Tavares de Carvalho Ricardo , Aparecida Rocha Juraci , Daglius Dias Roger
Published: December 2017

Objective

The use of palliative care (PC) screening criteria to trigger PC consultations may optimize the utilization of PC services, improve patient comfort, and reduce invasive and futile end-of-life care. The aim of the present study was to assess the criterion validity and inter-rater reliability of a PC screening tool for patients admitted to an emergency department intensive care unit (ED-ICU).

Method

Observational retrospective study evaluating PC screening criteria based on the presence of advanced diagnosis and the use of two “surprise questions” (traditional and modified). Patients were classified at ED-ICU admission in four categories according to the proposed algorithm.

Result

A total of 510 patients were included in the analysis. From these, 337 (66.1%) were category 1, 0 (0.0%) category 2, 63 (12.4%) category 3, and 110 (21.6%) category 4. Severity of illness (Simplified Acute Physiology Score III score and mechanical ventilation), mortality (ED-ICU and intrahospital), and PC-related measures (order for a PC consultation, time between admission and PC consultation, and transfer to a PC bed) were significantly different across groups, more evidently between categories 4 and 1. Category 3 patients presented similar outcomes to patients in category 1 for severity of illness and mortality. However, category 3 patients had a PC consultation ordered more frequently than did category 1 patients. The screening criteria were assessed by two independent raters (n = 100), and a substantial interrater reliability was found, with 80% of agreement and a kappa coefficient of 0.75 (95% confidence interval = 0.62, 0.88).

Significance of results

This study is the first step toward the implementation of a PC screening tool in the ED-ICU. The tool was able to discriminate three groups of patients within a spectrum of increasing severity of illness, risk of death, and PC needs, presenting substantial inter-rater reliability. Future research should investigate the implementation of these screening criteria into routine practice of an ED-ICU.
A European late starter: lessons from the history of reform in Irish health care
Authors: Wren Maev-Ann , Connolly Sheelah
Published: December 2017

The Irish health care system is unusual within Europe in not providing universal, equitable access to either primary or acute hospital care. The majority of the population pays out-of-pocket fees to access primary health care. Due to long waits for public hospital care, many purchase private health insurance, which facilitates faster access to public and private hospital services. The system has been the subject of much criticism and repeated reform attempts. Proposals in 2011 to develop a universal health care system, funded by Universal Health Insurance, were abandoned in 2015 largely due to cost concerns. Despite this experience, there remains strong political support for developing a universal health care system. By applying an historical institutionalist approach, the paper develops an understanding of why Ireland has been a European outlier. The aim of the paper is to identify and discuss issues that may arise in introducing a universal healthcare system to Ireland informed by an understanding of previous unsuccessful reform proposals. Challenges in system design faced by a late-starter country like Ireland, including overcoming stakeholder resistance, achieving clarity in the definition of universality and avoiding barriers to access, may be shared by countries whose universal systems have been compromised in the period of austerity.
A versatile reconfigurable antenna with integrated sensing mechanism
Authors: Sharma Sonia , Tripathi Chandra Charu , Rishi Rahul
Published: December 2017

An integrated reconfigurable antenna capable of spectrum sensing along with various reconfiguration features such as polarization, frequency, bandwidth, and radiation pattern is proposed here. The proposed antenna senses the spectrum by UWB antenna from 2 to 11 GHz to identify the spectrum conditions. After identifying the direction of maximum traffic or interference, the proposed antenna accordingly reconfigures its radiation pattern in order to mitigate the interference using switchable shorting posts. The antenna can reconfigure its polarization state using a switchable slot in the circular antenna. Frequency reconfigurability is obtained by using a varactor diode from 2 to 4 GHz. The antenna can reconfigure its bandwidth from UWB to NB by switching the active ports state. Measured and simulated results of the proposed antenna shows very good agreement, hence, validating the proposed design.
More Talk, Less Need for Monitoring: Communication and Deterrence in a Public Good Game
Authors: Kingsley David C. , Muise Daniel
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the impact of communication in a public good game with a central authority. The central authority includes a fixed cost that increases with the level of monitoring which in turn determines the level of deterrence. The level of monitoring is both exogenously and endogenously determined. Across three treatments subjects either have no opportunity to communicate, communicateonlywhen the level of monitoring is exogenously imposed, or communicateonlywhen the level of monitoring is endogenously selected. Results suggest that, in both treatments, average earnings are significantly higher with the opportunity to communicate. Most significantly, with the opportunity to communicate prior to endogenous selection, groups practically eliminate monitoring (imposing a low cost, non-deterrent, central authority), while maintaining a high level of contributions. Communication appears to make groups less dependent on institutional deterrence and allows them to reduce the costs of central authority.
Sensitive determination of l-hydroxyproline in dairy products by capillary electrophoresis with in-capillary optical fiber light-emitting diode-induced fluorescence detection
Authors: Ji Hongyun , Zhang Xueyan , Yang Feng , Wang Jiali , Yuan Hongyan , Xiao Dan
Published: December 2017

A sensitive capillary electrophoretic method with in-capillary optical fiber light-emitting diode-induced fluorescence detection (ICOF-LED-IFD-CE) was developed for determination of l-Hyp and further for identification of hydrolyzed leather proteins in dairy products.
Determination of ultra-trace levels of cobalt in water and wheat flour samples using cloud point extraction coupled with laser thermal lens spectrometry
Authors: Han Quan , Huo Yanyan , Yang Xiaohui , He Yaping , Wu Jiangyan , Cai Hongli
Published: December 2017

A highly sensitive method for the determination of ultra-trace levels of cobalt using cloud point extraction (CPE) coupled with thermal lens spectrometry was proposed.
First HPLC method for the simultaneous quantification of levetiracetam, zonisamide, lamotrigine, pentylenetetrazole and pilocarpine in rat plasma and brain
Authors: Fonseca Beatriz M. , Rodrigues Márcio , Alves Gilberto
Published: December 2017

A new HPLC-DAD method is herein reported for the first time for the simultaneous determination of three antiepileptic drugs [levetiracetam (LEV), zonisamide (ZNS) and lamotrigine (LTG)] and two convulsant agents [pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and pilocarpine (PIL)] in rat plasma and brain matrices.
A series of salen-type asymmetric dinuclear Dy(iii) complexes: site-resolved two-step magnetic relaxation process
Authors: Zhang Wan-Ying , Chen Peng , Tian Yong-Mei , Li Hong-Feng , Sun Wen-Bin , Yan Peng-Fei
Published: December 2017

A series of asymmetric Dy2 complexes were structurally and magnetically characterized, in which the one-to-one relationship between the spin sites and the relaxation processes was successfully confirmed by fine-tuning the local environment of one anisotropic center.
Synthesis of tunable, red fluorescent aggregation-enhanced emissive organic fluorophores: stimuli-responsive high contrast off–on fluorescence switching
Authors: Hariharan Palamarneri Sivaraman , Gayathri Parthasarathy , Kundu Anu , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: December 2017

Molecular conformation controlled tunable and stimuli-responsive off–on fluorescence switching.
Template-free synthesis of Co3O4 nanorings and their catalytic application
Authors: Chen Huihui , Yang Mei , Tao Sha , Chen Guangwen
Published: December 2017

Co3O4 nanorings were prepared through the formation of CoOOH nanorings by oxidation of β-Co(OH)2 nanoplates with H2O2, followed by high-temperature calcination.
Citric acid-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of a self-modified Bi2SiO5/Bi12SiO20 heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of aqueous pollutants
Authors: Li W. Q. , Wen Z. H. , Tian S. H. , Shan L. J. , Xiong Y.
Published: December 2017

The phase composition and weight ratio of Bi12SiO20 and Bi2SiO5 in the heterojunction can be tuned by simply adjusting the CA dosage.
Copper(i) complexes with phosphine derived from sparfloxacin. Part III: multifaceted cell death and preliminary study of liposomal formulation of selected copper(i) complexes
Authors: Kyzioł A. , Cierniak A. , Gubernator J. , Markowski A. , Jeżowska-Bojczuk M. , Komarnicka U. K.
Published: December 2017

Apoptosis induced by copper(i) complexes is connected to caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathways supported by ROS production and irreversible DNA fragmentation.
Synthesis, characterization and Pd(ii)-coordination chemistry of the ligand tris(quinolin-8-yl)phosphite. Application in the catalytic aerobic oxidation of amines
Authors: Rodríguez-Lugo R. E. , Chacón-Terán M. A. , De León S. , Vogt M. , Rosenthal A. J. , Landaeta V. R.
Published: December 2017

The ligand P(Oquin)3 is reported and was coordinated to Pd(ii). This complex is a catalyst precursor for the homocoupling of amines.
A novel covalent post-synthetically modified MOF hybrid as a sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for Al3+detection in aqueous media
Authors: Zhu Shu-Yin , Yan Bing
Published: December 2017

A novel ratiometric and colorimetric PL probe was designed and prepared to detect Al3+in an aqueous environmentviathe covalent post-synthetic modification of the amine group in the ligand of the UiO-66-NH2MOF.
Nitrogen/sulfur dual-doped reduced graphene oxide supported CuFeS2 as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Man , Hong Wei , Xue Ruinan , Li Lingzhi , Huang Guanbo , Xu Xiaoyang , Gao Jianping , Yan Jing
Published: December 2017

At present, low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for accelerating the oxygen reduction reaction in fuel cells are highly desired.
TiO2nanotubes/Ti plates modified by silver–benzene with enhanced photocatalytic antibacterial properties
Authors: Faraji Masoud , Mohaghegh Neda , Abedini Amir
Published: December 2017

A novel Ag/Benzene-Mod/TiO2nanotubes/Ti plate was fabricatedviaphoto-modification by benzene, followed by electrodeposition of Ag on the TiO2nanotubes/Ti plate.
Hydrotalcite-supported palladium nanoparticles as catalysts for the hydroarylation of carbon–carbon multiple bonds
Authors: Di Nicola A. , Arcadi A. , Gallucci K. , Mucciante V. , Rossi L.
Published: December 2017

Palladium nanoparticles supported on hydrotalcites catalyze the hydroarylation reaction of carbon–carbon multiple bonds.
An ampyrone based azo dye as pH-responsive and chemo-reversible colorimetric fluorescent probe for Al3+ in semi-aqueous medium: implication towards logic gate analysis
Authors: Bartwal Gaurav , Aggarwal Komal , Khurana Jitender M.
Published: December 2017

A novel ampyrone based azo dye, 4-((6-hydroxybenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)diazenyl)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one (1), was synthesized by coupling sesamol and 4-amino antipyrine (ampyrone).
Studies on a multifunctional chromo-fluorogenic sensor for dual channel recognition of Zn2+ and CN− ions in aqueous media: mimicking multiple molecular logic gates and memory devices
Authors: Rezaeian Khatereh , Khanmohammadi Hamid , Gholizadeh Dogaheh Samira
Published: December 2017

A new effectual naphthalene-based azomethine receptor has been systematically designed and synthesized as a selective colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for dual channel detection of cations and anions in aqueous environments.
Preparation of supramolecular silicone elastomersviahomo- and hetero-assembly
Authors: Cao Jinfeng , Feng Linglong , Feng Shengyu
Published: December 2017

Supramolecular silicone elastomers were preparedviaself-assembly and they exhibit ultra-low temperature resistance and tunable mechanical properties.
Bio-inspired unprecedented synthesis of reduced graphene oxide: a catalytic probe for electro-/chemical reduction of nitro groups in an aqueous medium
Authors: Mahata Suhasini , Sahu Anjumala , Shukla Prashant , Rai Ankita , Singh Manorama , Rai Vijai K.
Published: December 2017

The first green reduction of graphene oxide (GO) using cashew leaf extract as a biorenewable catalyst containing water soluble tannins and gallic acid is reported herein. The synthesized rGO has been well characterized.
Optimum morphology of gold nanorods for light-induced hyperthermia
Authors: Morales-Dalmau Jordi , Vilches Clara , de Miguel Ignacio , Sanz Vanesa , Quidant Romain
Published: December 2017

A systematic study of the influence of gold nanorod morphology on cellular toxicity, uptake and light to heat conversion.
Interface engineered in situ anchoring of Co9S8 nanoparticles into a multiple doped carbon matrix: highly efficient zinc–air batteries
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Wei , Dong Juncai , Luo Yun , An Pengfei , Liu Juan , Wu Xin , Xu Guilan , Zhang Huabin , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2017

Interface optimization is an effective and promising strategy for developing bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst.
Mechanical and thermal properties of grain boundary in a planar heterostructure of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Li Yinfeng , Wei Anran , Ye Han , Yao Haimin
Published: December 2017

In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of grain boundaries (GBs) in planar heterostructures of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were studied using the molecular dynamics method in combination with the density functional theory and classical disclination theory.
Co2P quantum dot embedded N, P dual-doped carbon self-supported electrodes with flexible and binder-free properties for efficient hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Zhang Chengtian , Pu Zonghua , Amiinu Ibrahim Saana , Zhao Yufeng , Zhu Jiawei , Tang Yongfu , Mu Shichun
Published: December 2017

Co2P quantum dots embedded in N, P dual-doped carbon on carbon cloth, as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrode, present superb activity and stability.
A thin CdSe shell boosts the electron transfer from CdTe quantum dots to methylene blue
Authors: Dworak L. , Roth S. , Scheffer M. P. , Frangakis A. S. , Wachtveitl J.
Published: December 2017

The CdSe coating of CdTe nanocrystals produces quasi type-II quantum dots with improved charge transfer properties.
Chiral evolution of carbon dots and the tuning of laccase activity
Authors: Hu Lulu , Li Hao , Liu Chang'an , Song Yuxiang , Zhang Mengling , Huang Hui , Liu Yang , Kang Zhenhui
Published: December 2017

Chiral CDs synthesized by an alkali-assisted method have been demonstrated to tune the activity of laccase selectively for the first time.
A displacement-type fluorescent probe reveals active species in the coordinative polymerization of olefins
Authors: Yu Chao , Zhang Pengfei , Gao Fei , Zhang Shaowen , Li Xiaofang
Published: December 2017

The correct identification of active species is an important prerequisite to study the mechanism of coordinative polymerization of olefins, which can afford important theoretical guidance for the design and synthesis of new organometallic catalysts and high-performance polyolefin materials.
Pyridine coupled mono and bisbenzimidazoles as supramolecular gelators: selective metal ion sensing and ionic conductivity
Authors: Panja Santanu , Bhattacharya Subhratanu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: December 2017

Pyridine coupled mono and bisbenzimidazoles1–6are synthesized and their gelation properties are examined in various polar as well as nonpolar solvents. The gel states are exploited in metal ion sensing and conductivity measurements.
Electrochemically tuned cobalt hydroxide carbonate with abundant grain boundaries for highly efficient electro-oxidation of hydrazine
Authors: Yan Xiaodong , Liu Yuan , Lan Jinle , Yu Yunhua , Murowchick James , Yang Xiaoping , Peng Zhonghua
Published: December 2017

Electrochemical tuning generated grain boundaries in Co(OH)x(CO3)0.5(2−x)offer numerous unparalleled active sites for highly efficient electro-oxidation of hydrazine.
The Roles of Vowel Fronting, Lengthening, and Listener Variables in the Perception of Vocal Femininity
Authors: Shport Irina A.
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The goal of this study was to test whether fronting and lengthening of lax vowels influence the perception of femininity in listeners whose dialect is characterized as already having relatively fronted and long lax vowels in male and female speech.

Method

Sixteen English words containing the /ɪ ɛ ʊ ɑ/ vowels were produced by a male speaker with 2 degrees of vowel fronting. Then, the vowel duration was manipulated in 3 steps. Thirty-nine listeners from the Southern United States judged how feminine each word sounded to them on an interval scale.

Results

The results of mixed-effects modeling showed that the words with more fronted and longer variants of the vowels were perceived as more feminine than the same words with less fronted and shorter variants of the vowels. These effects, however, were modulated by the vowel type, listener's area of upbringing, and gender.

Conclusions

Fronting (except for /ʊ/) and lengthening of lax vowels make words sound more feminine for Southern listeners, which has implications for clients who wish to modify the perception of femininity invoked by their speech. The relative strength of the gender and regional associations of these vowel characteristics should be further examined across dialects.
Lesión osteocondral extensa de cóndilo femoral; tratamiento en un tiempo con matriz colágena y concentrado de médula ósea – reporte de un caso
Authors: Calvo R Rafael , Figueroa P David , Morales C Nelson , Figueroa B Francisco , Calvo M Rafael
Published: December 2017

El tratamiento de las lesiones osteocondrales de gran tamaño y profundidad resultan un desafío debido a que las técnicas habituales (microfractura o transplante osteocondral autólogo), son insuficientes para cubrir el defecto; eso es particularmente importante en pacientes jóvenes, pues se debe intentar técnicas que generen la menor comorbilidad posible. Presentamos un caso de un paciente de 18 años con una lesión osteocondral de 6 cm2 por 14 mm de profundidad, tratado mediante autoinjerto óseo, concentrado de médula ósea y matriz colágena, con resultados satisfactorios tanto en lo funcional como en lo imagenológico. Esa técnica presenta la ventaja de realizarse en un tiempo y con una fuente de células troncales mesenquimáticas (Médula ósea), validada en la literatura y altamente reproducible.
Evaluación biomecánica de reparación de roturas del tendón patelar: ¿Es mejor doble Bunnell paralelo o perpendicular?
Authors: Vaisman Alex , Guiloff Rodrigo , Uauy Pablo , Taborga Rodolfo , Abello Nikola , Joannon Jorge , Guzmán Rodrigo , Calvo Rafael , Figueroa David
Published: December 2017

Introducción En tendón patelar, se ha probado que agregar un segundo punto Bunnell dispuesto perpendicular al punto clásico, es más resistente, sin embargo, esa técnica dispuesta paralelamente no ha sido evaluada.

Propósito Comparar la resistencia entre la técnica doble Bunnell dispuesta en perpendicular y en paralela.

Método 28 muestras frescas de tendones patelares porcinos, asignadas aleatoriamente a 2 grupos. Grupo 1: 14 muestras reparadas con doble Bunnell perpendicular. Grupo 2: 14 muestras reparadas con doble Bunnell paralelo. Todas realizadas con la misma sutura ultrarresistente. Con una máquina computarizada de tracción, se aplicó tracción axial continua hasta el fallo. Se registró el punto máximo de fallo (PMF) y el modelo de falla mecánica. Análisis estadístico con t-student (p < 0,05).

Resultados Grupo 1: PMF = 342 ± 50,7 Newton. Todas las muestras sufrieron avulsión central, preservando fibras perimetrales. Grupo 2: PMF = 358 ± 34,1 Newton. Todas las muestras sufrieron un split longitudinal del tendón. Sin diferencia significativa entre los grupos (p = 0,340).

Conclusión Este estudio no demostró diferencias significativas en la resistencia de una técnica de doble Bunnell paralelo versus perpendicular, aplicada en un modelo experimental de tendón patelar.

Relevancia Clínica Ambas técnicas tienen propiedades biomecánicas similares y dejan un remanente de tejido tendinoso luego del fallo que permitiría una segunda reparación directa, potencialmente sin necesidad de requerir el uso de injertos.

Nivel de Evidencia Estudio de Laboratorio Controlado - Nivel IV.
Noise characterization for resonantly enhanced polarimetric vacuum magnetic-birefringence experiments
Authors: Hartman M. T. , Rivère A. , Battesti R. , Rizzo C.
Published: December 2017

In this work we present data characterizing the sensitivity of the Biréfringence Magnetique du Vide (BMV) instrument. BMV is an experiment attempting to measure vacuum magnetic birefringence (VMB) via the measurement of an ellipticity induced in a linearly polarized laser field propagating through a birefringent region of vacuum in the presence of an external magnetic field. Correlated measurements of laser noise alongside the measurement in the main detection channel allow us to separate measured sensing noise from the inherent birefringence noise of the apparatus. To this end, we model different sources of sensing noise for cavity-enhanced polarimetry experiments, such as BMV. Our goal is to determine the main sources of noise, clarifying the limiting factors of such an apparatus. We find our noise models are compatible with the measured sensitivity of BMV. In this context, we compare the phase sensitivity of separate-arm interferometers to that of a polarimetry apparatus for the discussion of current and future VMB measurements.
Effect of atomic layer deposited Al2O3:ZnO alloys on thin-film silicon photovoltaic devices
Authors: Abdul Hadi Sabina , Dushaq Ghada , Nayfeh Ammar
Published: December 2017

In this work, we present the effects of the Al2O3:ZnO ratio on the optical and electrical properties of aluminum doped ZnO (AZO) layers deposited by atomic layer deposition, along with AZO application as the anti-reflective coating (ARC) layer and in heterojunction configurations. Here, we report complex refractive indices for AZO layers with different numbers of aluminum atomic cycles (ZnO:Al2O3 = 1:0, 39:1, 19:1, and 9:1) and we confirm their validity by fitting models to experimental data. Furthermore, the most conductive layer (ZnO:Al2O3 = 19:1, conductivity ∼4.6 mΩ cm) is used to fabricate AZO/n+/p-Si thin film solar cells and AZO/p-Si heterojunction devices. The impact of the AZO layer on the photovoltaic properties of these devices is studied by different characterization techniques, resulting in the extraction of recombination and energy band parameters related to the AZO layer. Our results confirm that AZO 19:1 can be used as a low cost and effective conductive ARC layer for solar cells. However, AZO/p-Si heterojunctions suffer from an insufficient depletion region width (∼100 nm) and recombination at the interface states, with an estimated potential barrier of ∼0.6–0.62 eV. The work function of AZO (ZnO:Al2O3 = 19:1) is estimated to be in the range between 4.36 and 4.57 eV. These material properties limit the use of AZO as an emitter in Si solar cells. However, the results imply that AZO based heterojunctions could have applications as low-cost photodetectors or photodiodes, operating under relatively low reverse bias.
Near-field microwave tomography of planar semiconductor microstructures
Authors: Reznik A. N. , Vostokov N. V. , Vdovicheva N. K. , Korolyov S. A. , Shashkin V. I.
Published: December 2017

A method for determining the parameters of a layered semiconductor structure, using the data obtained by near-field microwave probing with a micron-size lateral resolution, was developed and tested experimentally. We have measured a frequency spectrum of the impedance of a coaxial antenna formed on a test structure surface. The corresponding inverse problem has been solved based on the quasistatic theory for the impedance of a monopole antenna interacting with a layered medium, which was proposed earlier [A. N. Reznik and S. A. Korolyov, J. Appl. Phys. 119, 094504 (2016)]. This method was applied to a low-barrier Mott diode structure with a nearly 100 nm thick undoped layer grown on a conducting substrate GaAs. Computer simulation allowed us to establish the optimal frequency intervals and estimate the accuracy of determining the structure parameters. Measurements were taken in the frequency range of 0.1–67 GHz on commercially available equipment. Three antennas with a radius of the central conductor of 5.5, 11, and 25 μm, respectively, were used. The accuracy of the experimental evaluation of the layer thickness d and conductivity σ was ∼1–3%, and for the substrate conductivity, it came to about 15%. As an example, we also present the parameters σ and d in four points of the sample surface image. These data show strong lateral inhomogeneity of the structure under study.
Preferential solvation, ion pairing, and dynamics of concentrated aqueous solutions of divalent metal nitrate salts
Authors: Yadav Sushma , Chandra Amalendu
Published: December 2017

We have investigated the characteristics of preferential solvation of ions, structure of solvation shells, ion pairing, and dynamics of aqueous solutions of divalent alkaline-earth metal nitrate salts at varying concentration by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Hydration shell structures and the extent of preferential solvation of the metal and nitrate ions in the solutions are investigated through calculations of radial distribution functions, tetrahedral ordering, and also spatial distribution functions. The Mg2+ ions are found to form solvent separated ion-pairs while the Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions form contact ion pairs with the nitrate ions. These findings are further corroborated by excess coordination numbers calculated through Kirkwood-Buff G factors for different ion-ion and ion-water pairs. The ion-pairing propensity is found to be in the order of Mg(NO3)2 < Ca(NO3)2 < Sr(NO3)2, and it follows the trend given by experimental activity coefficients. It is found that proper modeling of these solutions requires the inclusion of electronic polarization of the ions which is achieved in the current study through electronic continuum correction force fields. A detailed analysis of the effects of ion-pairs on the structure and dynamics of water around the hydrated ions is done through classification of water into different subspecies based on their locations around the cations or anions only or bridged between them. We have looked at the diffusion coefficients, relaxation of orientational correlation functions, and also the residence times of different subspecies of water to explore the dynamics of water in different structural environments in the solutions. The current results show that the water molecules are incorporated into fairly well-structured hydration shells of the ions, thus decreasing the single-particle diffusivities and increasing the orientational relaxation times of water with an increase in salt concentration. The different structural motifs also lead to the presence of substantial dynamical heterogeneity in these solutions of strongly interacting ions. The current study helps us to understand the molecular details of hydration structure, ion pairing, and dynamics of water in the solvation shells and also of ion diffusion in aqueous solutions of divalent metal nitrate salts.
Rigorous results in space-periodic two-dimensional turbulence
Authors: Kuksin Sergei , Shirikyan Armen
Published: December 2017

We survey the recent advance in the rigorous qualitative theory of the 2d stochastic Navier–Stokes system that is relevant to the description of turbulence in two-dimensional fluids. After discussing briefly the initial-boundary value problem and the associated Markov process, we formulate results on the existence, uniqueness, and mixing of a stationary measure. We next turn to various consequences of these properties: strong law of large numbers, central limit theorem, and random attractors related to a unique stationary measure. We also discuss the Donsker–Varadhan and Freidlin–Wentzell type large deviations, the inviscid limit, and asymptotic results in 3d thin domains. We conclude with some open problems.
Frequency dependence of microflows upon acoustic interactions with fluids
Authors: Tiller Benjamin , Reboud Julien , Tassieri Manlio , Wilson Rab , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: December 2017

Rayleigh surface acoustic waves (SAWs), generated on piezoelectric substrates, can interact with liquids to generate fast streaming flows. Although studied extensively, mainly phenomenologically, the effect of the SAW frequency on streaming in fluids in constrained volumes is not fully understood, resulting in sub-optimal correlations between models and experimental observations. Using microfluidic structures to reproducibly define the fluid volume, we use recent advances modeling the body force generated by SAWs to develop a deeper understanding of the effect of acoustic frequency on the magnitude of streaming flows. We implement this as a new predictive tool using a finite element model of fluid motion to establish optimized conditions for streaming. The model is corroborated experimentally over a range of different acoustic excitation frequencies enabling us to validate a design tool, linking microfluidic channel dimensions with frequencies and streaming efficiencies. We show that in typical microfluidic chambers, the length and height of the chamber are critical in determining the optimum frequency, with smaller geometries requiring higher frequencies.
Carrier trajectory tracking equations for Simple-band Monte Carlo simulation of avalanche multiplication processes
Authors: Ong J. S. L. , Charin C. , Leong J. H.
Published: December 2017

Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with steep electric field gradients generally have low excess noise that arises from carrier multiplication within the internal gain of the devices, and the Monte Carlo (MC) method is among popular device simulation tools for such devices. However, there are few articles relating to carrier trajectory modeling in MC models for such devices. In this work, a set of electric-field-gradient-dependent carrier trajectory tracking equations are developed and used to update the positions of carriers along the path during Simple-band Monte Carlo (SMC) simulations of APDs with non-uniform electric fields. The mean gain and excess noise results obtained from the SMC model employing these equations show good agreement with the results reported for a series of silicon diodes, including a p+n diode with steep electric field gradients. These results confirm the validity and demonstrate the feasibility of the trajectory tracking equations applied in SMC models for simulating mean gain and excess noise in APDs with non-uniform electric fields. Also, the simulation results of mean gain, excess noise, and carrier ionization positions obtained from the SMC model of this work agree well with those of the conventional SMC model employing the concept of a uniform electric field within a carrier free-flight. These results demonstrate that the electric field variation within a carrier free-flight has an insignificant effect on the predicted mean gain and excess noise results. Therefore, both the SMC model of this work and the conventional SMC model can be used to predict the mean gain and excess noise in APDs with highly non-uniform electric fields.
Laser pulse number dependent nanostructure evolution by illuminating self-assembled microsphere array
Authors: Feng Dong , Weng Ding , Wang Bao , Wang Jiadao
Published: December 2017

Pulse number dependent evolution from nanodents to nanobumps has been studied on a bearing steel substrate, which was coated with a self-assembled monolayer of silica microspheres and repeatedly irradiated by an 800 nm femtosecond laser. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope were employed to characterize nanopatterns, the dimensions of which were related to the laser pulse number and pulse fluences. The transformation depending on the number of laser pulses could be attributed to the changes of electric field distribution and material property after the impacts of multiple laser pulses, the process of which could be divided into three steps. First, the bottoms of silica microspheres were ablated because of the incubation effects from repeated irradiation. Second, strong plasmonic localization at the edges of the deep nanodents resulted in plasma-chemical reactions between ablated materials, which was confirmed by electromagnetic simulations. Third, recrystallized solid matter from ablated materials deposited in nanodents and then formed nanobumps, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analyses on their longitudinal sections.
Fabrication of 4H-SiC PiN diodes without bipolar degradation by improved device processes
Authors: Bu Yuan , Yoshimoto Hiroyuki , Watanabe Naoki , Shima Akio
Published: December 2017

We developed a simple technology for fabricating bipolar degradation-free 6.5 kV SiC PiN diodes on the basal plane dislocation (BPD)-free areas of commercially available 4H-SiC wafers. In order to suppress process-induced basal plane dislocation, we first investigated the causes of BPD generation during fabrication and then improved the processes. We found that no BPD was induced on a flat Si-face, but a large number of BPDs were concentrated in the mesa edge after high-dose Al ions were implanted [p++ ion implantation (I. I.)] at room temperature (RT) followed by activation annealing. Therefore, we examined new technologies in device processes including (I) long-term high-temperature oxidation after the mesa process to remove etching damage in the mesa edge and (II) reducing the Al dose (p+ I. I.) in the mesa edge to suppress BPD generation. We investigated the effect of the Al dose in the mesa edge on BPD generation and bipolar degradation. The results indicated that no BPD appeared when the dose was lower than 1 × 1015 atoms/cm2 and when long-term high-temperature oxidation was applied after the mesa process. As a result, we successfully fabricated 6.5 kV PiN diodes without bipolar degradation on BPD-free areas. Moreover, the diodes are very stable when applying 270 A/cm2 for over 100 h. Photoluminescence (PL) observation indicated that no BPD was generated during the improved fabrication processes. Besides, the Ir-Vr measurements showed that the breakdown voltage was over 8 kV at RT. The leakage currents are as low as 7.6 × 10−5 mA/cm2 (25 °C) and 6.3 × 10−4 mA/cm2 (150 °C) at 6.5 kV. Moreover, this result is applicable not only for PiN diodes but also for MOSFETs (body diode), IGBTs, thyristors, etc.
Practical dispersion relations for strongly coupled plasma fluids
Authors: Khrapak Sergey A.
Published: December 2017

Very simple explicit analytical expressions are discussed, which are able to describe the dispersion relations of longitudinal waves in strongly coupled plasma systems such as one-component plasma and weakly screened Yukawa fluids with a very good accuracy. Applications to other systems with soft pairwise interactions are briefly discussed.