bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A CBT-Based Psychoeducational Intervention for Suicide Survivors
Authors: Wittouck Ciska , Van Autreve Sara , Portzky Gwendolyn , van Heeringen Kees
Published: June 2014

Background: Bereavement following suicide is associated with an increased vulnerability for depression, complicated grief, suicidal ideation, and suicide. There is, however, a paucity of studies of the effects of interventions in suicide survivors. Aims: This study therefore examined the effects of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducational intervention on depression, complicated grief, and suicide risk factors in suicide survivors. Method: In total, 83 suicide survivors were randomized to the intervention or the control condition in a cluster randomized controlled trial. Primary outcome measures included maladaptive grief reactions, depression, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness. Secondary outcome measures included grief-related cognitions and coping styles. Results: There was no significant effect of the intervention on the outcome measures. However, the intensity of symptoms of grief, depressive symptoms, and passive coping styles decreased significantly in the intervention group but not in the control group. Conclusion: The CBT-based psychoeducational intervention has no significant effect on the development of complicated grief reactions, depression, and suicide risk factors among suicide survivors. The intervention may, however, serve as supportive counseling for suicide survivors.
Distinct signatures of host–microbial meta-metabolome and gut microbiome in two C57BL/6 strains under high-fat diet
Authors: Walker Alesia , Pfitzner Barbara , Neschen Susanne , Kahle Melanie , Harir Mourad , Lucio Marianna , Moritz Franco , Tziotis Dimitrios , Witting Michael , Rothballer Michael , Engel Marion , Schmid Michael , Endesfelder David , Klingenspor Martin , Rattei Thomas , zu Castell Wolfgang , de Angelis Martin Hrabé , Hartmann Anton , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: June 2014

A combinatory approach using metabolomics and gut microbiome analysis techniques was performed to unravel the nature and specificity of metabolic profiles related to gut ecology in obesity. This study focused on gut and liver metabolomics of two different mouse strains, the C57BL/6J (C57J) and the C57BL/6N (C57N) fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 weeks, causing diet-induced obesity in C57N, but not in C57J mice. Furthermore, a 16S-ribosomal RNA comparative sequence analysis using 454 pyrosequencing detected significant differences between the microbiome of the two strains on phylum level for Firmicutes, Deferribacteres and Proteobacteria that propose an essential role of the microbiome in obesity susceptibility. Gut microbial and liver metabolomics were followed by a combinatory approach using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography time of tlight MS/MS with subsequent multivariate statistical analysis, revealing distinctive host and microbial metabolome patterns between the C57J and the C57N strain. Many taurine-conjugated bile acids (TBAs) were significantly elevated in the cecum and decreased in liver samples from the C57J phenotype likely displaying different energy utilization behavior by the bacterial community and the host. Furthermore, several metabolite groups could specifically be associated with the C57N phenotype involving fatty acids, eicosanoids and urobilinoids. The mass differences based metabolite network approach enabled to extend the range of known metabolites to important bile acids (BAs) and novel taurine conjugates specific for both strains. In summary, our study showed clear alterations of the metabolome in the gastrointestinal tract and liver within a HFD-induced obesity mouse model in relation to the host–microbial nutritional adaptation.
Mapping polarization induced surface band bending on the Rashba semiconductor BiTeI
Authors: Butler Christopher John , Yang Hung-Hsiang , Hong Jhen-Yong , Hsu Shih-Hao , Sankar Raman , Lu Chun-I , Lu Hsin-Yu , Yang Kui-Hon Ou , Shiu Hung-Wei , Chen Chia-Hao , Kaun Chao-Cheng , Shu Guo-Jiun , Chou Fang-Cheng , Lin Minn-Tsong
Published: June 2014

Surfaces of semiconductors with strong spin-orbit coupling are of great interest for use in spintronic devices exploiting the Rashba effect. BiTeI features large Rashba-type spin splitting in both valence and conduction bands. Either can be shifted towards the Fermi level by surface band bending induced by the two possible polar terminations, making Rashba spin-split electron or hole bands electronically accessible. Here we demonstrate the first real-space microscopic identification of each termination with a multi-technique experimental approach. Using spatially resolved tunnelling spectroscopy across the lateral boundary between the two terminations, a previously speculated on p-n junction-like discontinuity in electronic structure at the lateral boundary is confirmed experimentally. These findings realize an important step towards the exploitation of the unique behaviour of the Rashba semiconductor BiTeI for new device concepts in spintronics.
Investigating the association between obesity and asthma in 6- to 8-year-old Saudi children: a matched case–control study
Authors: Nahhas Mahmoud , Bhopal Raj , Anandan Chantelle , Elton Rob , Sheikh Aziz
Published: June 2014

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated an association between obesity and asthma, but there remains considerable uncertainty about whether this reflects an underlying causal relationship.

Aims:

To investigate the association between obesity and asthma in pre-pubertal children and to investigate the roles of airway obstruction and atopy as possible causal mechanisms.

Methods:

We conducted an age- and sex-matched case–control study of 1,264 6- to 8-year-old schoolchildren with and without asthma recruited from 37 randomly selected schools in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and skin fold thickness of the 632 children with asthma were compared with those of the 632 control children without asthma. Associations between obesity and asthma, adjusted for other potential risk factors, were assessed separately in boys and girls using conditional logistic regression analysis. The possible mediating roles of atopy and airway obstruction were studied by investigating the impact of incorporating data on sensitisation to common aeroallergens and measurements of lung function.

Results:

BMI was associated with asthma in boys (odds ratio (OR)=1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–1.20; adjusted OR=1.11, 95% CI, 1.03–1.19) and girls (OR=1.37, 95% CI, 1.26–1.50; adjusted OR=1.38, 95% CI, 1.23–1.56). Adjusting for forced expiratory volume in 1 s had a negligible impact on these associations, but these were attenuated following adjustment for allergic sensitisation, particularly in girls (girls: OR=1.25; 95% CI, 0.96–1.60; boys: OR=1.09, 95% CI, 0.99–1.19).

Conclusions:

BMI is associated with asthma in pre-pubertal Saudi boys and girls; this effect does not appear to be mediated through respiratory obstruction, but in girls this may at least partially be mediated through increased risk of allergic sensitisation.
Surface recombination and charged exciton in nanocrystal quantum dots on photonic crystals under two-photon excitation
Authors: Xu Xingsheng
Published: June 2014

In this study, the two-photon excited fluorescence spectra from cadmium selenide quantum dots (QDs) on a silicon nitride photonic crystal (PhC) membrane under femtosecond laser irradiation were investigated. These spectra can be fit to a tri-Gaussian function in which one component is negative in amplitude and in which the Gaussian components with positive amplitude are assigned to exciton emission and charged-exciton emission and that with negative amplitude is assigned to absorption from surface recombination. The photonic crystal enhance the charged-exciton emission and exciton emission and, at the same time, also the absorption from surface recombination. Both the charged-exciton emission and the surface recombination are related to Auger recombination; therefore, the photonic crystal controls both radiative recombination and non-radiative recombination. The asymmetries of the two-photon excited fluorescence spectra are due to not only the location of the resonant guide mode of the PhC slab but also the enhancement of the absorption from surface recombination by PhC.
The Carbon Cycle and Hurricanes in the United States between 1900 and 2011
Authors: Dahal Devendra , Liu Shuguang , Oeding Jennifer
Published: June 2014

Hurricanes cause severe impacts on forest ecosystems in the United States. These events can substantially alter the carbon biogeochemical cycle at local to regional scales. We selected all tropical storms and more severe events that made U.S. landfall between 1900 and 2011 and used hurricane best track database, a meteorological model (HURRECON), National Land Cover Database (NLCD), U. S. Department of Agirculture Forest Service biomass dataset and pre- and post-MODIS data to quantify individual event and annual biomass mortality. Our estimates show an average of 18.2 TgC/yr of live biomass mortality for 1900–2011 in the US with strong spatial and inter-annual variability. Results show Hurricane Camille in 1969 caused the highest aboveground biomass mortality with 59.5 TgC. Similarly 1954 had the highest annual mortality with 68.4 TgC attributed to landfalling hurricanes. The results presented are deemed useful to further investigate historical events and the methods outlined are potentially beneficial to quantify biomass loss in future events.
X-ray phase-contrast imaging at 100 keV on a conventional source
Authors: Thüring T. , Abis M. , Wang Z. , David C. , Stampanoni M.
Published: June 2014

X-ray grating interferometry is a promising imaging technique sensitive to attenuation, refraction and scattering of the radiation. Applications of this technique in the energy range between 80 and 150 keV pose severe technical challenges and are still mostly unexplored. Phase-contrast X-ray imaging at such high energies is of relevant scientific and industrial interest, in particular for the investigation of strongly absorbing or thick materials as well as for medical imaging. Here we show the successful implementation of a Talbot-Lau interferometer operated at 100 keV using a conventional X-ray tube and a compact geometry, with a total length of 54 cm. We present the edge-on illumination of the gratings in order to overcome the current fabrication limits. Finally, the curved structures match the beam divergence and allow a large field of view on a short and efficient setup.
Identification of the sulfoxide functionality in protonated analytes via ion/molecule reactions in linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Sheng Huaming , Williams Peggy E. , Tang Weijuan , Zhang Minli , Kenttämaa Hilkka I.
Published: June 2014

A mass spectrometric method utilizing gas-phase ion/molecule reactions of 2-methoxypropene (MOP) has been developed for the identification of the sulfoxide functionality in protonated analytes in a LQIT mass spectrometer.
A new spectrophotometric assay for measuring pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity: a comparative evaluation
Authors: Ke Chen-Juan , He Ya-Hui , He Hong-Wu , Yang Xu , Li Rui , Yuan Junlin
Published: June 2014

We describe a new spectrophotometric assay for measuring pyruvate dehydrogenase complex activity using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) as an electron acceptor.
Boron–nitrogen substituted perylene obtained through photocyclisation
Authors: Müller Matthias , Behnle Stefan , Maichle-Mössmer Cäcilia , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: June 2014

A BN substituted hexabenzotriphenylene (B3N3) closes one C–C-bond upon irradiation in the presence of iodine to yield a phenanthrene annelated B3N3 tribenzoperylene. Upon hydrolysis a B2N2 dibenzoperylene is obtained.
Modifying a known gelator scaffold for nitrite detection
Authors: Zurcher Danielle M. , Adhia Yash J. , Romero Julián Díaz , McNeil Anne J.
Published: June 2014

This communication describes the process of selecting and modifying a known gelator scaffold to develop a new gelation-based sensor. Specifically, a sensor for detecting nitrite in aqueous samples is described.
Enantiomeric guests with the same signs of chiral optical responses
Authors: Rizzo Paola , Lepera Eugenia , Guerra Gaetano
Published: June 2014

The chiral response of non-racemic molecules, being guests of s-PS co-crystalline films, does not depend on their R or S molecular chirality but essentially only on the polymer host supramolecular chirality.
The influence of a S-to-S bridge in diiron dithiolate models on the oxidation reaction: a mimic of the Hairox state of [FeFe]-hydrogenases
Authors: Zheng Dehua , Wang Mei , Chen Lin , Wang Ning , Cheng Minglun , Sun Licheng
Published: June 2014

A diiron complex replicates the [FeFe]-hydrogenase Hairox state and the reversible interconversion with an FeIFeI model of the Hred state.
HERFD-XAS and valence-to-core-XES: new tools to push the limits in research with hard X-rays?
Authors: Bauer Matthias
Published: June 2014

This perspective accounts for the benefits of the high resolution hard X-ray spectroscopic methods HERFD-XANES and valence-to-core-XES.
A linear diffusion model for ion current across blocking grain boundaries in oxygen-ion and proton conductors
Authors: Kim Seong K. , Khodorov Sergey , Lubomirsky Igor , Kim Sangtae
Published: June 2014

We demonstrate the applicability of the linear diffusion model recently proposed for the current–voltage characteristics of grain boundaries in solid electrolytes.
Accessing the third dimension in localization-based super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Hajj Bassam , El Beheiry Mohamed , Izeddin Ignacio , Darzacq Xavier , Dahan Maxime
Published: June 2014

We present an overview of optical and computational techniques used for 3D super-resolution localization microscopy.
Searching for cheaper catalysts with high activity and stability in Ce–M–O systems (M = Fe, Co, Ni)
Authors: Zuo Ying , Li Liping , Huang Xinsong , Li Guangshe
Published: June 2014

A cheaper catalyst with enhanced catalytic activity and stability was investigated among Ce–M–O (M = Fe, Co, Ni) systems.
Uncovering allosteric pathways in caspase-1 using Markov transient analysis and multiscale community detection
Authors: Amor B. , Yaliraki S. N. , Woscholski R. , Barahona M.
Published: June 2014

Atomistic graph–theoretical analysis of caspase-1 reveals details of intra-protein communication pathways.
An integrated molecular dynamics, principal component analysis and residue interaction network approach reveals the impact of M184V mutation on HIV reverse transcriptase resistance to lamivudine
Authors: Bhakat Soumendranath , Martin Alberto J. M. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: June 2014

The emergence of different drug resistant strains of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV RT) remains of prime interest in relation to viral pathogenesis as well as drug development.
A facile method for the synthesis of Co-core Au-shell nanohybrid
Authors: Sardar Debasmita , Neogi S. K. , Bandyopadhyay S. , Satpati Biswarup , Jain Ruchi , Gopinath Chinnakonda S. , Bala Tanushree
Published: June 2014

Heterostructured Co–Au core–shell nanoparticles have been synthesized by reducing AuCl4− ions on cobalt nanoparticles after a minor but effective modification of cobalt surface by an amine.
Multispectral upconversion luminescence intensity ratios for ascertaining the tissue imaging depth
Authors: Liu Kai , Wang Yu , Kong Xianggui , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Youlin , Tu Langping , Ding Yadan , Aalders Maurice C. G. , Buma Wybren Jan , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2014

Ascertaining the tissue imaging depth from upconversion emission of nanoparticles.
Direct electrochemical and AFM detection of amyloid-β peptide aggregation on basal plane HOPG
Authors: Lopes Paula , Xu Meng , Zhang Min , Zhou Ting , Yang Yanlian , Wang Chen , Ferapontova Elena E.
Published: June 2014

AFM and electrochemical characterization of β-amyloid peptide aggregation was for the first time performed on the same substrate thus enabling advanced screening of amyloidosis progression.
Bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials: layered structures meet photocatalysis
Authors: Li Jie , Yu Ying , Zhang Lizhi
Published: June 2014

In recent years, layered bismuth oxyhalide nanomaterials have received more and more interest as promising photocatalysts because their unique layered structures endow them with fascinating physicochemical properties; thus, they have great potential photocatalytic applications for environment remediation and energy harvesting.
Synthesis of nanoscaled poly(styrene-co-n-butyl acrylate)/silica particles with dumbbell- and snowman-like morphologies by emulsion polymerization
Authors: Bladé Tatiana , Malosse Lucie , Duguet Etienne , Lansalot Muriel , Bourgeat-Lami Elodie , Ravaine Serge
Published: June 2014

Nanosized dumbbell- and snowman-like P(Sty-co-BuA)/silica particles have been successfully synthesized via emulsion polymerization.
The impact of selective solvents on the evolution of structure and function in solvent annealed organic photovoltaics
Authors: Hu Sheng , Dyck Ondrej , Chen Huipeng , Hsiao Yu-che , Hu Bin , Duscher Gerd , Dadmun Mark , Khomami Bamin
Published: June 2014

Moderate PCBM phase separation and elevated PCBM vertical distribution for 2-CP annealed P3HT/PCBM thin film.
Magnetically enhanced plasma coating of nanostructures with ultrathin diamond-like carbon films
Authors: Beard J. D. , Aleksandrov S. , Walker C. H. , Wolverson D. , Mitchels J. M. , Gordeev S. N.
Published: June 2014

Coating using magnetically enhanced plasma deposition gives smooth diamond-like carbon films that increase hardness and wear resistance of nanostructures.
Fabrication of natural rubber nanocomposites with high graphene contents via vacuum-assisted self-assembly
Authors: Yang Hongsheng , Liu Ping , Zhang Tongping , Duan Yongxin , Zhang Jianming
Published: June 2014

High-nanofiller-content graphene/natural rubber nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical properties have been obtained via vacuum-assisted self-assembly.
Star-shaped POSS diblock copolymers and their self-assembled films
Authors: Pan Aizhao , Yang Shao , He Ling , Zhao Xiang
Published: June 2014

This first example of 16-arm, star-shaped diblock copolymers s-POSS-PMMA277.3-b-P(MA-POSS)5.8,16.4,25.4 can be used as solvent-dependent coatings.
An unusual Wittig reaction with sugar derivatives: exclusive formation of a 4-deoxy analogue of α-galactosyl ceramide
Authors: Sawant Ratnnadeep C. , Lih Yu-Hsuan , Yang Shih-An , Yeh Chun-Hong , Tai Hung-Ju , Huang Chung-Li , Lin Hua-Shuan , Badsara Satpal Singh , Luo Shun-Yuan
Published: June 2014

The Wittig reaction of reducing sugars undergoes an unexpected formation of dienes in the presence of base t-BuOK.
Vanadium nitride@N-doped carbon nanocomposites: tuning of pore structure and particle size through salt templating and its influence on supercapacitance in ionic liquid media
Authors: Fechler Nina , Tiruye Girum Ayalneh , Marcilla Rebeca , Antonietti Markus
Published: June 2014

Using salts as porogens, highly porous metal nitride@N-doped carbon composites with tunable surface area, pore size, pore volume and particle size are synthesized and systematically tested as supercapacitor electrodes.
Tailoring the adsorption rate of porous chitosan and chitosan–carbon nanotube core–shell beads
Authors: Ouyang An , Liang Ji
Published: June 2014

Porous chitosan beads are widely used as adsorption media in environmental and biomedical areas.
Dissipative assembly of a membrane transport system
Authors: Dambenieks A. K. , Vu P. H. Q. , Fyles T. M.
Published: June 2014

A membrane transport system functions only when activated by a chemical fuel.
Self-assembly in an evaporating nanofluid droplet: rapid transformation of nanorods into 3D fibre network structures
Authors: Wu H. , Chen L. X. , Zeng X. Q. , Ren T. H. , Briscoe Wuge H.
Published: June 2014

Evaporative self-assembly in a nanofluid droplet: ZnO nanorods undergo rapid chemical and morphological transformation into ultra-long fibres via evaporation controlled self-assembly.
Mechanical vibrations of magnetically levitated viscoelastic droplets
Authors: Temperton Robert H. , Hill Richard J. A. , Sharp James S.
Published: June 2014

A simple optical deflection technique was used to extract the rheological properties of millilitre levitated droplets of polymer solutions.
Synthesis of visible-light-absorptive and hole-transporting periodic mesoporous organosilica thin films for organic solar cells
Authors: Ikai Masamichi , Maegawa Yoshifumi , Goto Yasutomo , Tani Takao , Inagaki Shinji
Published: June 2014

Mesoporous films containing 4,7-dithienyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole units in the frameworks were synthesized and demonstrated to function as a p-type layer for organic solar cells by filling an n-type PCBM in the mesopores.
Ultrathin single-crystalline vanadium pentoxide nanoribbon constructed 3D networks for superior energy storage
Authors: Cao Liujun , Zhu Jixin , Li Yanhong , Xiao Peng , Zhang Yunhuai , Zhang Shengtao , Yang Shubin
Published: June 2014

A new 3D V2O5@PPy network built from numerous ultrathin, flexible and single-crystalline nanoribbons was successfully fabricated for superior energy storage.
Sodium-ion battery cathodes Na2FeP2O7 and Na2MnP2O7: diffusion behaviour for high rate performance
Authors: Clark John M. , Barpanda Prabeer , Yamada Atsuo , Islam M. Saiful
Published: June 2014

Na-ion batteries are currently the focus of significant research interest due to the relative abundance of sodium and its consequent cost advantages.
Highly bright water-soluble silica coated quantum dots with excellent stability
Authors: Ma Yunfei , Li Yan , Ma Shijian , Zhong Xinhua
Published: June 2014

A facile Stöber method for the synthesis of isolated silica coated QDs with high PL efficiencies, tunable small size and excellent stability leads to the practical bioapplication as robust biomarkers.
Ultra-effective photothermal therapy for prostate cancer cells using dual aptamer-modified gold nanostars
Authors: Jo Hunho , Youn Hyungjun , Lee Seonghwan , Ban Changill
Published: June 2014

A novel general platform for disease-specific photothermal therapy. This is the first demonstration of gold nanostars with tremendous efficiency and impressive selectivity for the targeted cancer, particularly the simultaneous targeting of PSMA(+) and PSMA(−) prostate cancers.
Topotactic fluorination of strontium iron oxide thin films using polyvinylidene fluoride
Authors: Katayama T. , Chikamatsu A. , Hirose Y. , Takagi R. , Kamisaka H. , Fukumura T. , Hasegawa T.
Published: June 2014

SrFeO3−xFx epitaxial thin films were obtained from SrFeOx thin films (x ≈ 2, 2.5, and 3) by polyvinylidene fluoride treatment at 150–270 °C.
A unique phosphorylation-dependent eIF4E assembly on 40S ribosomes co-ordinated by hepatitis C virus protein NS5A that activates internal ribosome entry site translation
Authors: Panda Swarupa , Vedagiri Dhiviya , Viveka Thangaraj Soundara , Harshan Krishnan Harinivas
Published: June 2014

We previously reported that the HCV (hepatitis C virus) protein NS5A up-regulated mRNA cap binding eIF4F (eukaryotic initiation factor 4F) complex assembly through mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin)–4EBP1 (eIF4E-binding protein 1) pathway and that NS5A (non-structural protein 5A) physically interacted with translation apparatus. In the present study, we demonstrate that NS5A co-ordinates a unique assembly of the cap binding protein eIF4E and 40S ribosome to form a complex that we call ENR (eIF4E–NS5A–ribosome). Recruitment of NS5A and eIF4E to 40S ribosome was confirmed by polysome fractionation, subcellular fractionation and high-salt-wash immunoprecipitation. These observations were also confirmed in HCV-infected cells, validating its biological significance. eIF4E phosphorylation was critical for ENR assembly. 80S ribosome dissociation and RNase integrity assays revealed that, once associated, the ENR complex is stable and RNA interaction is dispensable. Both the N- and C-terminal regions of NS5A domain 1 were indispensable for this assembly and for the NS5A-induced HCV IRES (internal ribosome entry site) activation. The present study demonstrates that NS5A initially associates with phosphorylated eIF4E of eIF4F complex and subsequently recruits it to 40S ribosomes. This is the first time the interaction of viral protein with both eIF4E and ribosomes has been reported. We propose that this assembly would determine the outcome of HCV infection and pathogenesis through regulation of viral and host translation.
Intricate effects of primary motor neuronopathy on contractile proteins and metabolic muscle enzymes as revealed by label-free mass spectrometry
Authors: Holland Ashling , Schmitt-John Thomas , Dowling Paul , Meleady Paula , Henry Michael , Clynes Martin , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: June 2014

While the long-term physiological adaptation of the neuromuscular system to changed functional demands is usually reflected by unilateral skeletal muscle transitions, the progressive degeneration of distinct motor neuron populations is often associated with more complex changes in the abundance and/or isoform expression pattern of contractile proteins and metabolic enzymes. In order to evaluate these intricate effects of primary motor neuronopathy on the skeletal muscle proteome, label-free MS was employed to study global alterations in the WR (wobbler) mouse model of progressive neurodegeneration. In motor neuron disease, fibre-type specification and the metabolic weighting of bioenergetic pathways appear to be strongly influenced by both a differing degree of a subtype-specific vulnerability of neuromuscular synapses and compensatory mechanisms of fibre-type shifting. Proteomic profiling confirmed this pathobiochemical complexity of disease-induced changes and showed distinct alterations in 72 protein species, including a variety of fibre-type-specific isoforms of contractile proteins, metabolic enzymes, metabolite transporters and ion-regulatory proteins, as well as changes in molecular chaperones and various structural proteins. Increases in slow myosin light chains and the troponin complex and a decrease in fast MBP (myosin-binding protein) probably reflect the initial preferential loss of the fast type of neuromuscular synapses in motor neuron disease.
Sparse recovery‐based space‐time adaptive processing with array error self‐calibration
Authors: Ma Zeqiang , Liu Yimin , Meng Huadong , Wang Xiqin
Published: June 2014

A sparse recovery‐based space‐time adaptive processing approach for airborne array radars with array amplitude/phase error self‐calibration is proposed. The amplitude/phase error of the array is considered, and the clutter characteristic, i.e. the clutter space‐time spectrum, is estimated as a sparse recovery problem with perturbations in the basis matrix and additive measurement noise. An optimisation problem is formulated to estimate the clutter space‐time spectrum and array error parameters simultaneously. An iterative alternating descent sparse recovery algorithm to solve the problem is developed. The numerical results indicate that the algorithm can realise array error self‐calibration, and thus can obtain accurate clutter characteristic estimation for better clutter suppression.
Performance analysis of two‐way opportunistic decode‐and‐forward based systems in Nakagami‐m fading environments
Authors: Fredj Kaïs Ben , Ikki Salama S. , Aïssa Sonia
Published: June 2014

This paper studies the performance of a two‐way relay‐based communication system with opportunistic relay selection in Nakagami‐m fading environments. The authors consider a two‐way wireless communication system where two nodes, acting as sources and using different modulation schemes for transmission, are unable to exchange data because of deep fading on their direct link and proceed via L relay terminals. They provide closed‐form expression for the probability density function of the link between the ‘selected’ best relay and each source, and use this result to derive a closed‐form expression for the average symbol error probability which, to the best knowledge of the authors, has never been done before. This result is further approximated for the high signal‐to‐noise ratio regions and used to develop closed‐form expressions for the optimised power allocated to each node involved in the communication process. The authors asset their formulae with numerical results and interpretations to complete this work.
Performance analysis of network coding‐based content distribution in vehicular ad‐hoc networks
Authors: Amerimehr Mohammad H. , Ashtiani Farid
Published: June 2014

The authors investigate the content distribution among the vehicles of a cluster in a vehicular ad‐hoc network, exploiting network coding. The vehicles collaborate to disseminate the coded data packets, received from a roadside info‐station based on IEEE 802.11 medium access control (MAC) protocol. Two types of network coding are considered: random linear network coding (RLNC) over a large finite field and random XORed network coding (RXNC). An analytical model is proposed to address the effect of random access MAC as well as the correlation among received coded packets on the performance of content distribution. First, a p‐persistent carrier sense multiple access approximation for IEEE 802.11 MAC is adopted, to derive the expected amount of time necessary to deliver the whole information (a data file) to the vehicles, that is, content distribution delay, based on RLNC. Second, the content distribution delay for RXNC is investigated. In this respect, the authors determine the probability of a newly received packet to be innovative for RXNC and characterise the probability that all nodes succeed to retrieve the data file, that is, content delivery ratio. Finally, the success of content distribution process for erasure channels is assessed.
Low‐complexity iterative interference cancellation multiuser detection based on channel selection and adaptive transmission
Authors: Chen Min , Burr Alister G.
Published: June 2014

In this study, a new iterative interference cancellation (IIC) multiuser detection method is proposed for overloaded multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems. A channel analyser is used to detect those channels for which the IIC detector will not converge. For these we propose two adaptive methods to enable detection. The first is to use a lower code rate for these channels. The second is to divide the transmitters into several groups which transmit in separate slots. Low‐complexity matched filter is applied, and both successive interference cancellation and parallel interference cancellation are considered for interference reconstruction. The simulation results show that the proposed technique can achieve near‐optimum bit error rate performance and optimum frame error rate performance, with lower complexity than optimum maximum‐likelihood methods.
Partial area under the receiver operating characteristics curves of diversity‐enabled energy detectors in generalised fading channels
Authors: Adebola Eyidayo , Olaluwe Abiodun , Annamalai Annamalai
Published: June 2014

A known exponential‐type integral representation for the generalised Marcum‐Q function Qv(a, b) is exploited (which is valid for integer order v but for any ratio of a/b) to unify the performance evaluation of the partial area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (partial AUC) metric of average energy detectors with diversity reception in a myriad of fading environments (including the η − μ, κ − μ, α − μ, K, G and KG generalised fading distributions). This new metric facilitates the comparison of two different energy detectors within a specified detection threshold range and can also be used to compute the total AUC as a special case. The numerical results also show that the partial AUC performance of an average energy detector is superior to that of the classical total energy detector with the increasing sample size owing to the noise averaging effect. The new analytical framework also facilitates the investigation of the effects of dissimilar fading parameters and/or signal strengths, diversity order and diversity combining techniques on the partial AUC performance of energy detectors.
Design of amplify‐and‐forward relaying schemes for layered relay networks
Authors: Liu Binyue , Cai Ning
Published: June 2014

This paper studies amplify‐and‐forward (AF) relaying schemes for layered relay networks. The design of the network‐wide optimal AF scheme in terms of maximum end‐to‐end transmission rate is mathematically formulated as a non‐convex optimisation problem which is computationally intractable in general. Therefore, the authors restrict it to a localised optimisation problem and develop a second‐order cone programming‐based approach to efficiently solve it, which yields localised optimal AF schemes for the relays at a specific layer. To improve the performance of a given network‐wide AF scheme, a low‐complexity alternating algorithm is proposed based on the localised optimisation technique. To reduce the computational complexity, they also derive localised suboptimal schemes in closed form. With relays at one layer applying this scheme and the other relays transmitting with the maximum allowable powers, a simple network‐wide AF scheme is derived, which is proved to be asymptotically optimal in the generalised high‐SNR regime. Finally, simulations are used to illustrate the validity of the proposed schemes.
Analysis of quality‐of‐service aware orthogonal frequency division multiple access system considering energy efficiency
Authors: Ting T.O. , Chien Su Fong , Yang Xin‐She , Lee Sanghyuk
Published: June 2014

The increasing demand of high‐speed and secure wireless broadband networks has generated significant interests in the optimisation and the analysis of energy‐efficiency in orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) system. In this study, the authors present an in‐depth mathematical analysis of the maximisation of energy‐efficiency by taking into consideration the quality of service (QoS). By using optimality conditions, they have shown that the optimal solutions can be obtained analytically. Furthermore, it has been proved in this study that this optimisation problem is strictly concave with the existence of a global maximum. Case studies with multiple subchannels validate the consistency of numerical results with the results obtained from derivative‐free method like genetic algorithm. Graphical illustrations also validate and confirm the numerical values obtained from the mathematical analysis. Therefore the solution is optimal with respect to the OFDMA model adopted in this study. The authors proposed approach can be used for practical applications because of its simplicity and efficacy with QoS guaranteed for efficient energy consumption.
Physical layer security for some classes of three‐receiver broadcast channels
Authors: Salehkalaibar Sadaf , Aref Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2014

In this study, the authors consider the secrecy of a one‐receiver, two‐eavesdropper broadcast channel (BC) with three degraded message sets. Consider a three‐receiver BC with three messages, where the first message is decoded by all the receivers. The second message is decoded by the first and the second receivers and is to be kept secret from the third receiver. The third message is decoded by the first receiver and is to be kept secret from the second and the third receivers. The authors consider the imperfect secrecy condition at the second receiver, that is, it is allowed to partially decode the third message. However, the perfect secrecy condition at the third receiver, does not allow it to decode the confidential messages. The coding scheme for this model requires decoding strategy for finding the messages at different destinations. The authors propose a coding scheme which uses indirect decoding. The authors also obtain an outer bound and use it to determine the secrecy capacity region of some classes of one‐receiver, two‐eavesdropper BCs with three degraded message sets. The authors extend our results to the Gaussian case and evaluate the achievable region.
Learning multi‐planar scene models in multi‐camera videos
Authors: Yin Fei , Velastin Sergio A. , Ellis Tim , Makris Dimitrios
Published: June 2014

Many man‐made environments are constructed with multiple levels where people walk, joined by stairs, ramps and overpasses. This study proposes a novel method to learn the geometry of a scene containing more than a single ground plane by tracking pedestrians and combining information from multiple views. The method estimates a scene model with multiple planes by measuring the variation of pedestrian heights across each camera's field of view. It segments the image into separate plane regions, estimating the relative depth and altitude for each image pixel, thus building a three‐dimensional reconstruction of the scene. By estimating the multiple planes, the method enables tracking algorithms to follow objects (pedestrians and/or vehicles) that are moving on different ground planes in the scene. The authors also introduce what they believe is the first public dataset with pedestrian traffic on multiple planes to encourage other researchers to compare their work in this field.
Photovoltaic plant with reduced output current harmonics using generation‐side active power conditioner
Authors: Hamid Muhammad Imran , Jusoh Awang , Anwari Makbul
Published: June 2014

This study presents a study on a scheme to reduce the current harmonics from a photovoltaic (PV) plant. The scheme uses a power conditioner unit, which is placed parallel with the plant and works in feed‐forward mode, and behaves to compensate the PV plant's output current distortion, so that the total current flows to the grid is sinusoidal. In addition, this scheme includes an effective control structure, which combines a simple sine‐wave generation for synchronisation, as well as a distortion current's components extraction, and a conditioner current control. In this study, the control system was implemented to a voltage source inverter with LCL output filter as conditioner power circuit. The workability of the scheme and the power quality improvement achieved were evaluated by using a TMS320F28335 DSP‐based control conditioner proto‐type; using real signal from PV plant operation. Then, the effect on the conditioner installation to the power quality improvement for different power operation of PV‐inverter was analysed. Finally, the improvement on the utilisation factor of PV‐inverter and plant was analysed and described.
Calibration of triaxial MEMS vector field measurement system
Authors: Xiaoming Zhang , Guobin Chen , Jie Li , Jun Liu
Published: June 2014

Triaxial MEMS vector field measurement system with triaxial MEMS sensors, such as accelerometer and magnetometer, is typically used to acquire navigation information in strap‐down inertial navigation system (SINS). The navigation accuracy of the body is directly affected by the measurement accuracy of the measurement system. This study presents a two‐step calibration algorithm for the triaxial MEMS vector field measurement system based on a detailed analysis of the measurement system error model. In the calibration procedure of this method, the first step is to calibrate the triaxial vector sensor error, including bias, scale factors and non‐orthogonality using the ellipsoid fitting method; the second step is to calibrate the misalignment between the orthogonal sensor frame and the system body frame using the four‐position method. Furthermore, the mathematical analysis of four‐position method calibration error is done to study on the factors influencing the misalignment calibration accuracy, numerical simulation and experiments, which are performed for validating the analysis. A series of calibration experiments on a triaxial MEMS accelerometer in the measurement system show signiﬁcant enhancement of the accuracy of three components measurement data in the system body frame.
Development of dual‐channel surface plasmon resonance imaging system applied to living tumour cell analyses
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Chen Xing , Wei Haitao , Li Hui , Sun Jianhai , Chen Jilong , Cui Dafu
Published: June 2014

Presented is homemade dual‐channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging (SPRI) system enabling living cell analysis in various stimuli based on refractive index (RI) variations. The system was constructed with a laser source of 650 nm, a P‐polariser, a glass prism, an objective lens, a CCD camera, a dual‐channel gold sensor chip, a dual‐channel PDMS flow cell and a mechanical scanning device. Living human type II alveolar epithelial cell line A549 cells were cultured on the surface of a gold sensor chip. Different solutions were loaded into two independently parallel flow channels to make comparison of the cells’ reaction results. Cells' responses in both the testing and the reference channels with and without K+ stimuli were collected. Furthermore, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) was loaded to stimulate cells in the testing channel while a mixture of EGF and Iressa (ZD1839) were loaded in the reference channel. The SPR response signal was different from the two channels, which indicated that Iressa as an EGFR inhibitor effectively inhibited the signal transduction of the EGF and EGFR bonding process of A549 cells. The use of the dual‐channel SPRI system to study the behaviour of living cells to stimuli is of great help in understanding the life activities of living cells.
Temperature dependence of localised surface plasmon resonance effect on photoisomerisation of azobenzene units in Ag/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly{6‐[4‐(4‐methylphenyl‐azo)phenoxy] hexylacrylate} composite particles
Authors: Zhang Yujuan , Wu Wenxuan , Shen Guangyong , Gao Jiangang , Zhang Qijin
Published: June 2014

A series of Ag/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly{6‐[4‐(4‐methylphenyl‐azo)phenoxy] hexylacrylate} (PNIPAM‐b‐PAzoM) composite particles (CPAs) with varying concentrations of Ag nanoparticles are prepared by self‐assembly of PNIPAM‐b‐PAzoM in a mixture of H2O and THF at first, and then by chemical reduction of AgNO3 in the suspension of the self‐assembled particles. The distance between Ag nanoparticles and azobenzene units is determined by the concentration of Ag nanoparticles and temperature because hydrophilic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chains are thermosensitive and adsorbed with Ag nanoparticles. Both trans‐ to‐cis and cis‐ to‐trans photoisomerisations of the CPAs are investigated at different temperatures and concentrations of Ag nanoparticles. Experimental results reveal that, at room temperature, both rates of the trans‐ to‐cis and the cis‐ to‐trans photoisomerisations are decreased by the localised surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles with experimental concentrations lower than 0.04 mmol/l. With the temperature increasing and gradually closing to the low critical solution temperature of PNIPAM chains the rate of the trans‐ to‐cis photoisomerisation can be found to be enhanced gradually within the same concentration range of Ag nanoparticles. However, the rate of the cis‐ to‐trans photoisomerisation is little affected. Detailed analysis shows that this effect is related to the overlap of azobenzene absorption and Ag nanoparticle absorption.
Analysis of Road Traffic Crashes—Related Maxillofacial Injuries Severity and Concomitant Injuries in 201 Patients Seen at the UCH, Ibadan
Authors: Aladelusi Timothy , Akinmoladun Victor , Olusanya Adeola , Akadiri Oladimeji , Fasola Abiodun
Published: June 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of road traffic crashes (RTC)–related maxillofacial injuries, the concomitant injuries occurring with them, and to assess the relationship between the severity of maxillofacial and concomitant injuries. This was a prospective study involving 201 victims of RTC seen at the Accident and Emergency Department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan with maxillofacial injuries during the study period. Demographic data of the patients, the types of maxillofacial injuries, and concomitant injuries sustained were recorded. Severity of maxillofacial injury was determined using the maxillofacial injury severity scale (MFISS), while the severity of concomitant injuries was based on the ISS. Correlations between types and severity of maxillofacial injury and types and severity of concomitant injury were conducted to determine the predictability of concomitant injuries based on maxillofacial injury severity. Data were processed using SPSS Statistical software (SPSS, version 20.0 for windows, IBM SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL).

Maxillofacial injuries constituted 25.4% of RTC-related admission by the Accident and Emergency Department. A total of 151 (75.1%) patients who presented with concomitant injuries participated in the study. Eighty-one (53.6%) sustained injuries to more than one body region. Head injury was the commonest (99, 65.6%) concomitant injury, followed by orthopedic injury (69, 45.7%). Increasing severity of maxillofacial injury showed a positive correlation with increasing ISS. Also, positive correlation was noted with increasing severity of maxillofacial injury and presence of polytrauma ( p = 0.01), traumatic brain injury ( p = 0.034), and eye injuries ( p = 0.034). There was a high prevalence of maxillofacial injuries in victims of RTC. There was a high incidence of concomitant injuries noted with these maxillofacial injuries. Significantly, this study showed a direct relationship between the severity of maxillofacial injury and head, ocular and polytrauma. This study further emphasizes the need for thorough examination of patients presenting with RTC-related maxillofacial injuries.
Order and disorder in calcium–silicate–hydrate
Authors: Bauchy M. , Qomi M. J. Abdolhosseini , Ulm F.-J. , Pellenq R. J.-M.
Published: June 2014

Despite advances in the characterization and modeling of cement hydrates, the atomic order in Calcium–Silicate–Hydrate (C–S–H), the binding phase of cement, remains an open question. Indeed, in contrast to the former crystalline model, recent molecular models suggest that the nanoscale structure of C–S–H is amorphous. To elucidate this issue, we analyzed the structure of a realistic simulated model of C–S–H, and compared the latter to crystalline tobermorite, a natural analogue of C–S–H, and to an artificial ideal glass. The results clearly indicate that C–S–H appears as amorphous, when averaged on all atoms. However, an analysis of the order around each atomic species reveals that its structure shows an intermediate degree of order, retaining some characteristics of the crystal while acquiring an overall glass-like disorder. Thanks to a detailed quantification of order and disorder, we show that, while C–S–H retains some signatures of a tobermorite-like layered structure, hydrated species are completely amorphous.