bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peter Maxwell Davies's Symphony No. 10, LSO and chorus, Barbican Centre, London
Authors: Cole William
Published: June 2014

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies' Tenth Symphony was given its premiere by the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at the Barbican on 2 February 2014. The work concerns itself with both the architecture and the death of Francesco Borromini; while perhaps an unusual subject for a symphony, there is precedence in Maxwell Davies's work, as the same man is the subject of his Third Naxos Quartet, and the Third Symphony takes Brunelleschi as its subject. Maxwell Davies has suggested direct links between Borromini's creations and his own – in the programme note we discover that ‘the precise parameters and proportions by which a huge basilica of Borromini's was constructed’ control portions of the work – and indeed the architect's presence pervades the symphony. As well as guiding Maxwell Davies's constructive parameters in the instrumental movements, Borromini is the subject of the chorus' music throughout and almost becomes a character in an operatic scena in the final passage, as he plays out his own suicide to the backdrop of the chorus intoning the names of his most celebrated work. Yet this new symphony rarely betrays its rigorous origins, and aside from passages for percussion mimetic of building activity (hammers, vibraphone, anvils and so on) many aspects in fact suggest a softer, smoother musical language.
ADAPTIVE APPROACHES TO LICENSING, HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT, AND INTRODUCTION OF DRUGS AND DEVICES
Authors: Husereau Don , Henshall Chris , Jivraj Jamil
Published: June 2014

Background: Adaptive approaches to the introduction of drugs and medical devices involve the use of an evolving evidence base rather than conventional single-point-in-time evaluations as a proposed means to promote patient access to innovation, reduce clinical uncertainty, ensure effectiveness, and improve the health technology development process.

Methods: This report summarizes a Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) Policy Forum discussion, drawing on presentations from invited experts, discussions among attendees about real-world case examples, and background paper.

Results: For adaptive approaches to be understood, accepted, and implemented, the Forum identified several key issues that must be addressed. These include the need to define the goals of and to set priorities for adaptive approaches; to examine evidence collection approaches; to clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders; to understand the implications of adaptive approaches on current legal and ethical standards; to determine costs of such approaches and how they will be met; and to identify differences in applying adaptive approaches to drugs versus medical devices. The Forum also explored the different implications of adaptive approaches for various stakeholders, including patients, regulators, HTA/coverage bodies, health systems, clinicians, and industry.

Conclusions: A key outcome of the meeting was a clearer understanding of the opportunities and challenges adaptive approaches present. Furthermore, the Forum brought to light the critical importance of recognizing and including a full range of stakeholders as contributors to a shared decision-making model implicit in adaptive pathways in future discussions on, and implementation of, adaptive approaches.
Schorlomite and morimotoite: what's in a name?
Authors: Antao Sytle M.
Published: June 2014

The crystal structure of an isotropic, single phase, Ti-rich schorlomite garnet, ideally Ca3Ti4+2(Fe3+2Si)O12, from Magnet Cove, Arkansas was refined with the Rietveld method, space group $Ia\overline 3 d$, and monochromatic synchrotron high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction data. Electron-microprobe analysis gave an average composition {Ca2.92Na0.04Mn2+0.03Mg0.01}Σ3[Ti1.04Fe3+0.46Mg0.18Fe2+0.16Zr4+0.13V3+0.04]Σ2(Si2.21Fe3+0.71Al0.07)Σ3O12, and corresponds to the general garnet formula of [8]X3[6]Y2[4]Z3[4]O12. Schorlomite is the dominant component, but the composition contains significant amounts (>15 mol.%) of andradite, Ca3(Fe3+2)Si3O12, morimotoite, Ca3(Ti4+Fe2+)Si3O12, and morimotoite-(Mg), Ca3(Ti4+Mg)Si3O12. The crystal structure model was refined well using isotropic and anisotropic displacement parameters. Using isotropic displacement parameters, the χ2 and R (F2) Rietveld refinement values are 1.148 and 0.0742, respectively. The unit-cell parameter, a = 12.18599(1) (Å), is large for a natural schorlomite for which complete structural data are available. The bond distances are average  = 2.4461, Ti–O = 2.0085(5), Si–O = 1.7022(5) Å, and site occupancy factors (sofs) for Ca(sof) = 0.963(1), Ti(sof) = 1.045(1), and Si(sof) = 1.150(2). Comparison of schorlomite data from the type locality in Magnet Cove with morimotoite from Ice River, Canada and the type locality in Japan show that they are quite similar and cast doubts as to morimotoite being different from schorlomite.
A Cognitive Construction Grammar approach to the pluralization of presentational haber in Puerto Rican Spanish
Authors: Claes Jeroen
Published: June 2014

In this paper, I present an analysis of the pluralization of haber ‘there is/are’ in Puerto Rican Spanish (e.g., habían fiestas ‘there were parties’) as an ongoing language change from below in which the impersonal argument-structure construction () is being replaced by a personal variant (). Speakers pluralize presentational haber in about 41% of the cases, and linguistic conditioning factors are ‘typical action chain-position of the noun's referent,’ polarity of the clause, verb tense, comprehension-to-production priming, and production-to-production priming. I argue that the effect of these independent variables can be traced back to three cognitive factors: the preference for unmarked coding, statistical preemption, and structural priming. Social distributions can also be modeled in constructionist frameworks, with results for social class, formality, and gender advocating in favor of considering this variation as an ongoing change from below, which allows speakers to position themselves in terms of gender and social class.
ELNgene triplication responsible for familial supravalvular aortic aneurysm
Authors: Guemann Anne-Sophie , Andrieux Joris , Petit Florence , Halimi Emmanuel , Bouquillon Sonia , Manouvrier-Hanu Sylvie , Van De Kamp Jiddeke , Boileau Catherine , Hanna Nadine , Jondeau Guillaume , Vaksmann Guy , Houfflin-Debarge Veronique , Holder-Espinasse Muriel
Published: June 2014

Supravalvular aortic aneurysms are less frequent than abdominal ones. Among Supravalvular aortic aneurysm aetiologies, we focused on dystrophic lesions as they can be secondary to genetic causes such as elastin anomaly. We report on a familial 7q11.23 triplication – including theELNgene – segregating with a supravalvular aortic aneurysm. During her first pregnancy, our index patient was diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and with a Supravalvular aortic aneurysm. The foetus was affected equally. For the second pregnancy, parents applied for preimplantation diagnosis, and a subsequent prenatal diagnosis was offered to the couple, comprisingTSC1molecular analysis, karyotype, and multiplex ligation probe amplification.TSC1mutation was not found on foetal deoxyribo nucleic acid. Foetal karyotype was normal, but multiplex ligation probe amplification detected a 7q11.23 duplication. Quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and array-comparative genomic hybridisation carried out to further assess this chromosome imbalance subsequently identified a 7q11.23 triplication involvingELNandLIMK1. Foetal heart ultrasound identified a Supravalvular aortic aneurysm. A familial screening was offered for the 7q11.23 triplication and, when found, heart ultrasound was performed. The triplication was diagnosed in our index case as well as in her first child. Of the 17 individuals from this family, 11 have the triplication. Of the 11 individuals with the triplication, 10 were identified to have a supravalvular aortic aneurysm. Of them, two individuals received a medical treatment and one individual needed surgery. We provide evidence of supravalvular aortic aneurysm segregating with 7q11.23 triplication in this family. We would therefore recommend cardiac surveillance for individuals with 7q11.23 triplication. It would also be interesting to offer a quantitative-polymerase chain reaction or an array-comparative genomic hybridisation to a larger cohort of patients presenting with isolated supravalvular aortic aneurysm, as it may provide further information.
Plasma adiponectin levels and relations with cytokines in children with acute rheumatic fever
Authors: Ozgen Huriye , Ucar Birsen , Yildirim Ali , Colak Omer , Bal Cengiz , Kilic Zubeyir
Published: June 2014

Aim: We aimed to investigate the role of adiponectin in acute rheumatic fever by evaluating correlations with cytokines and acute-phase reactants. Methods: Patients were divided into three groups by clinical findings. Group 1 included 8 patients with only chorea, Group 2 included 13 patients with arthritis and carditis, and Group 3 included 12 patients with only carditis. A total of 54 age- and gender-matched children were enrolled in the control group. Blood samples were drawn for analysing acute-phase reactants, adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-8 levels at baseline on Days 2, 5, 10, and 15, and at 8 weeks. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between baseline age, gender, body mass index, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels of the study and control groups (p>0.05). No correlation was found between baseline plasma adiponectin levels, age, body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, oestradiol, total testosterone, and blood lipid levels of the study and control groups (p>0.05). We found that adiponectin and interleukin-6 levels increased, tumour necrosis factor-α levels decreased, and interleukin-8 levels remained unchanged in acute rheumatic fever, which is an inflammatory disease. Moreover, adiponectin level was higher and tumour necrosis factor-α level was lower in the improvement period in comparison with the acute period, particularly in the carditis group. Conclusion: It was considered that, increasing throughout the treatment period, adiponectin may have anti-inflammatory effects in acute rheumatic fever. In addition, adiponectin levels are associated with a decline in inflammatory mediators in rheumatic fever.
Rare combination of bilateral divided atrial chambers and pulmonary vein stenosis with review of the literature
Authors: Al-Mousily Faris , Baslaim Ghassan , Kouatli Amjad , Al-Ata Jameel , Arfi Amin M.
Published: June 2014

Introduction:The term cor triatriatum is used to describe a fibromuscular partition that divides an atrium into two compartments. It was first used by Borst in 1905, although the lesion had been described before by Church in 1868. Both described divided left atrial chamber (also referred to as cor triatriatum sinister). The incidence of the divided left atrial chamber among patients with congenital heart disease is reported at 0.1% and 0.4% in an autopsy study. Divided right atrial chamber – also referred to as cor triatriatum dexter – is even rarer to an extent that there is no reported incidence and only few hundred cases have been reported so far. A search through pubMed library revealed only 90 publications on humans, either under the term “dexter” or “dextrum”. We would like to report a new association of bilateral divided atrial chambers and pulmonary vein stenosis, with a review of the literature.
Approach-Avoidance Attitudes Associated with Initial Therapy Appointment Attendance: A Prospective Study
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Mansell Warren , Craven Sally , McEvoy Phil
Published: June 2014

Background: Initial therapy appointments have high nonattendance rates yet the reasons remain poorly understood. Aims: This study aimed to identify positive and negative attitudes towards therapy that predicted initial attendance, informed by a perceptual control theory account of approach-avoidance conflicts in help-seeking. Method: A prospective study was conducted within a low intensity CBT service using first appointment attendance (n = 96) as an outcome. Measures included attitudes towards therapy, depression and anxiety scales, and demographic variables. Results: Endorsement of a negative attitude item representing concern about self-disclosure was independently predictive of nonattendance. Positive attitudes predicted increased attendance, especially endorsement of motives for self-reflection, but only among less depressed individuals. Conclusions: Self-disclosure concerns contribute to therapy avoidance and having goals for self-reflection may represent approach motivation for therapy; however, the latter has less impact among more highly depressed people.
The Law Library Profession in Germany
Authors: Wolf Christian
Published: June 2014

In this article Christian Wolf seeks to identify and understand the nature of the profession of law librarianship in Germany. The first question he seeks to address is whether there is a recognised profession at all. He explains some basic principles of German public and labour law and then, having laid this foundation, he describes the profession of law librarianship in Germany in detail.
Retrospective Digitisation of Legal Sources in Germany
Authors: Vogel Ivo , Schrecklinger Elisabeth
Published: June 2014

This article, written by Ivo Vogel and Elisabeth Schrecklinger, deals with the efforts of German libraries to digitise historical legal sources and make them publicly available. Although the main focus is on two selected libraries, a general overview is included. Commercial products are not considered since their contents are likely to become increasingly less relevant due to German law libraries' own initiatives. More attention is paid to problems that have been identified during the implementation of digitisation projects such as the recording of full texts is highlighted. The retrieval of digitised legal materials and, eventually, the digitisation of historical legal gazettes or parliamentary literature is also discussed. This contribution focuses exclusively on the retrospective digitisation of historical legal materials.
Public Access to Primary Legal Information in China: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Zhang Xiaomeng
Published: June 2014

Despite a lack of a national legislation that mandates open government information in the People's Republic of China, each major government branch has taken proactive efforts to make primary legal information issued within their power available to the public. A close examination of Chinese official legal information portals on the national level reveal issues such as a lack of uniformity and a lack of access to authenticated primary legal information. This article, by Xiaomeng Zhang1, proposes a solution that would not only offer more consistent guidelines for the government but would empower the public to assert their right to primary legal information more powerfully and effectively.
Tablets in the Library: Trialling eBooks and iPads at Middle Temple Library
Authors: Satterley Renae
Published: June 2014

This article by Renae Satterley discusses a trial conducted over a four month period at Middle Temple Library where members were allowed to borrow iPads for a week, free of charge. The iPads were lent to the library by LexisNexis and had ebooks and a subscription to LexisLibrary loaded on to them. In this article the author discusses the pros and cons of lending tablets to library users and whether law ebooks are as popular as some claim. It also examines the possibilities of integrating tablet computers into legal research training sessions.
Monitoring Developmental Risk and Promoting Success for Children With Congenital Heart Disease: Recommendations for Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Programs
Authors: Brosig Cheryl , Butcher Jennifer , Butler Samantha , Ilardi Dawn L. , Sananes Renée , Sanz Jacqueline H. , Sood Erica , Struemph Kari , Ware Janice
Published: June 2014

Survival of children born with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved dramatically in recent years. However, research studies document high rates of neurologic abnormality and neurodevelopmental impairment in this patient population. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released guidelines for developmental screening, surveillance, and evaluation of children with CHD. The AHA and AAP jointly developed the guidelines in light of increased awareness of long-term cognitive, behavioral, and social sequelae of CHD and the underutilization of remedial services and supports that address these concerns. The guidelines provide an impetus for hospitals to incorporate formal neurodevelopmental follow-up as an integral component of cardiac care. Existing cardiac neurodevelopment programs are rapidly emerging in the United States, Canada, and abroad. Members of the Society of Pediatric Psychology’s Cardiology Special Interest Group collaborated in this effort to describe the essential components of cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up programs, review implementation and program development challenges, and consider future directions for the field of cardiac neurodevelopment.
The largest Silurian vertebrate and its palaeoecological implications
Authors: Choo Brian , Zhu Min , Zhao Wenjin , Jia Liaotao , Zhu You'an
Published: June 2014

An apparent absence of Silurian fishes more than half-a-metre in length has been viewed as evidence that gnathostomes were restricted in size and diversity prior to the Devonian. Here we describe the largest pre-Devonian vertebrate (Megamastax amblyodusgen. et sp. nov.), a predatory marine osteichthyan from the Silurian Kuanti Formation (late Ludlow, ~423 million years ago) of Yunnan, China, with an estimated length of about 1 meter. The unusual dentition of the new form suggests a durophagous diet which, combined with its large size, indicates a considerable degree of trophic specialisation among early osteichthyans. The lack of large Silurian vertebrates has recently been used as constraint in palaeoatmospheric modelling, with purported lower oxygen levels imposing a physiological size limit. Regardless of the exact causal relationship between oxygen availability and evolutionary success, this finding refutes the assumption that pre-Emsian vertebrates were restricted to small body sizes.
Stable acetate production in extreme-thermophilic (70°C) mixed culture fermentation by selective enrichment of hydrogenotrophic methanogens
Authors: Zhang Fang , Zhang Yan , Ding Jing , Dai Kun , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M. , Zeng Raymond J.
Published: June 2014

The control of metabolite production is difficult in mixed culture fermentation. This is particularly related to hydrogen inhibition. In this work, hydrogenotrophic methanogens were selectively enriched to reduce the hydrogen partial pressure and to realize efficient acetate production in extreme-thermophilic (70°C) mixed culture fermentation. The continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) was stable operated during 100 days, in which acetate accounted for more than 90% of metabolites in liquid solutions. The yields of acetate, methane and biomass in CSTR were 1.5 ± 0.06, 1.0 ± 0.13 and 0.4 ± 0.05 mol/mol glucose, respectively, close to the theoretical expected values. The CSTR effluent was stable and no further conversion occurred when incubated for 14 days in a batch reactor. In fed-batch experiments, acetate could be produced up to 34.4 g/L, significantly higher than observed in common hydrogen producing fermentations. Acetate also accounted for more than 90% of soluble products formed in these fed-batch fermentations. The microbial community analysis revealed hydrogenotrophic methanogens (mainly Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus and Methanobacterium thermoaggregans) as 98% of Archaea, confirming that high temperature will select hydrogenotrophic methanogens over aceticlastic methanogens effectively. This work demonstrated a potential application to effectively produce acetate as a value chemical and methane as an energy gas together via mixed culture fermentation.
Pre-processing in vibrational spectroscopy – when, why and how
Authors: Rinnan Åsmund
Published: June 2014

Pre-processing is nothing without scattering.
The nanoporous PdCr alloy as a nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide and glucose
Authors: Zhao Dianyun , Wang Zhihong , Wang Jinping , Xu Caixia
Published: June 2014

The nanoporous PdCr alloy fabricated by one-step mild dealloying exhibits superior sensing performance and durability toward H2O2 and glucose compared to Pt/C and NP-Pd catalysts.
Fluorometric/colorimetric logic gates based on BODIPY-functionalized mesoporous silica
Authors: Choi Heekyoung , Lee Ji Ha , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: June 2014

We have demonstrated that metal ions acting as modulators in BODIPY-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles can generate absorbance changes in accordance with the operation of a half-adder digital circuit.
Aptamer-based competitive binding assay for one-step quantitation of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Suh Sung-Kwan , Song Seongeun , Oh Heung-Bum , Hwang Sang-Hyun , Hah Sang Soo
Published: June 2014

A robust aptamer- and FRET-based competitive binding assay is reported for the one-step quantitation of hepatitis B surface antigen.
Lipase catalyzed inclusion of gastrodigenin for the evolution of blue light emitting peptide nanofibers
Authors: Rasale Dnyaneshwar B. , Maity Indrajit , Das Apurba K.
Published: June 2014

Lipase catalysed regioselective inclusion of gastrodigenin (p-hydroxy benzyl alcohol) to a peptide Nmoc-Leu-Trp-OH at physiological pH 7.4 leads to the formation of blue light emitting peptide nanofibers.
Inherent anchorages in UiO-66 nanoparticles for efficient capture of alendronate and its mediated release
Authors: Zhu Xiangyang , Gu Jinlou , Wang Yao , Li Bing , Li Yongsheng , Zhao Wenru , Shi Jianlin
Published: June 2014

An unprecedented alendronate loading capacity was achieved in UiO-66 nanoparticles thanks to the inherent drug anchorages of Zr–O clusters therein.
A sensitivity tuneable tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent probe for directly indicating the concentration of hydrogen sulfide
Authors: Cai Yunbo , Li Lingzhi , Wang Zongtan , Sun Jing Zhi , Qin Anjun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: June 2014

A selective tetraphenylethene-based fluorescent H2S probe was designed and synthesized, which exhibits tuneable sensitivity and could directly indicate the concentration of H2S.
Palladium-catalyzed thiolation of alkanes and ethers with arylsulfonyl hydrazides
Authors: Guo Sheng-rong , He Wei-ming , Xiang Jian-nan , Yuan Yan-qin
Published: June 2014

A new method for the preparation of alkyl aryl sulfides through direct oxidative thiolation of alkanes or ethers with arylsulfonyl hydrazides using DTBP as an oxidant catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2 has been reported. The C–H bonds in various alkanes or ethers were successfully converted into C–S bonds with moderate to good yields.
An acyl-SAM analog as an affinity ligand for identifying quorum sensing signal synthases
Authors: Kai Kenji , Fujii Hiroki , Ikenaka Rui , Akagawa Mitsugu , Hayashi Hideo
Published: June 2014

We here report the affinity purification of N-acylhomoserine lactone synthases using beads conjugated with an enzyme inhibitor, which was designed based on the catalytic intermediate acyl-SAM.
Near IR excitation of heavy atom free Bodipy photosensitizers through the intermediacy of upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Topel Seda Demirel , Cin Gunseli Turgut , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: June 2014

Orthogonal dimers of Bodipy can be effectively excited to generate singlet oxygen at 980 nm.
Photoinduced thiol–ene polymerization reaction for fast preparation of macroporous hybrid monoliths and their application in capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Liu Zhongshan , Ou Junjie , Lin Hui , Liu Zheyi , Wang Hongwei , Dong Jing , Zou Hanfa
Published: June 2014

Macroporous hybrid monoliths were directly prepared via a photoinduced thiol–ene polymerization reaction and demonstrated good separation performance in cLC.
Unprecedented colorimetric responses of polydiacetylenes driven by plasma induced polymerization and their patterning applications
Authors: Lee Songyi , Cho Yukyung , Ye Byeong Uk , Baik Jeong Min , Kim Myung Hwa , Yoon Juyoung
Published: June 2014

In this communication, we report that polydiacetylenes (PDAs) can be alternatively prepared via a plasma induced polymerization process.
Ionothermal effects on low-dimensionality uranyl compounds using task specific ionic liquids
Authors: Smith P. A. , Burns P. C.
Published: June 2014

Task specific ionic liquids are employed in the development of two new low-dimensionality uranyl compounds.
Hydrogen bonding tunes the early stage of hydrogen-atom abstracting reaction
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Lei , Chen Junsheng , Han Keli
Published: June 2014

The spontaneous and collision-assisted hydrogen-atom abstracting reaction dynamics of triplet benzil are investigated through a combination of transient absorption spectroscopy with TD-DFT calculations.
Left or right cholesterics? A matter of helix handedness and curliness
Authors: Frezza Elisa , Ferrarini Alberta , Bindu Kolli Hima , Giacometti Achille , Cinacchi Giorgio
Published: June 2014

Using an Onsager-like theory, we have investigated the relationship between the morphology of hard helical particles and the features (pitch and handedness) of the cholesteric phase that they form.
On the photostability of peptides after selective photoexcitation of the backbone: prompt versus slow dissociation
Authors: Byskov Camilla Skinnerup , Jensen Frank , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: June 2014

To significantly induce backbone dissociation in a prompt process by ultraviolet light, the photon should be absorbed by the amide.
Solar-to-hydrogen efficiency exceeding 2.5% achieved for overall water splitting with an all earth-abundant dual-photoelectrode
Authors: Ding Chunmei , Qin Wei , Wang Nan , Liu Guiji , Wang Zhiliang , Yan Pengli , Shi Jingying , Li Can
Published: June 2014

Overall water splitting with STH efficiency exceeding 2.5% using an all earth-abundant dual-photoelectrode device under parallel illumination without bias.
Simultaneous concentration and detection of biomarkers on paper
Authors: Chiu Ricky Y.T. , Jue Erik , Yip Allison T. , Berg Andrew R. , Wang Stephanie J. , Kivnick Alexandra R. , Nguyen Phuong T. , Kamei Daniel T.
Published: June 2014

A polyethylene glycol–potassium phosphate ATPS has been seamlessly integrated with downstream LFA detection in a simple, inexpensive, power-free, and portable all-in-one diagnostic device.
Inkjet printing of flexible high-performance carbon nanotube transparent conductive films by “coffee ring effect”
Authors: Shimoni Allon , Azoubel Suzanna , Magdassi Shlomo
Published: June 2014

Inkjet printing of CNT “coffee rings” on a flexible substrate is reported enabling direct patterning of transparent conductors with a sheet resistance of 156 Ω sq−1 and transparency of 81%.
Multimodal Mn-doped I–III–VI quantum dots for near infrared fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging: from synthesis to in vivo application
Authors: Sitbon Gary , Bouccara Sophie , Tasso Mariana , Francois Aurélie , Bezdetnaya Lina , Marchal Frédéric , Beaumont Marine , Pons Thomas
Published: June 2014

Cadmium-free quantum dots doped with Mn2+ions show promising results forin vivobimodal MRI and NIR fluorescence imaging.
Comprehensive interrogation of the cellular response to fluorescent, detonation and functionalized nanodiamonds
Authors: Moore Laura , Grobárová Valéria , Shen Helen , Man Han Bin , Míčová Júlia , Ledvina Miroslav , Štursa Jan , Nesladek Milos , Fišerová Anna , Ho Dean
Published: June 2014

Nanodiamonds have been gaining popularity in a variety of applications. These studies compare the cellular response to fluorescent, detonation, functionalized and drug-loaded nanodiamonds.
Water soluble multiarm-polyethylene glycol–betulinic acid prodrugs: design, synthesis, and in vivo effectiveness
Authors: Dai Lin , Li Dan , Cheng Jing , Liu Jing , Deng Li-Hong , Wang Lu-Ying , Lei Jian-Du , He Jing
Published: June 2014

Multiarm-polyethylene glycol–betulinic acid prodrugs were prepared by using multiarm-polyethylene glycol linkers and betulinic acid, which exhibited high drug loading capacity, good water solubility, and excellent anticancer activity.
Optimized electronic structure of a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell with atomic layer deposited Zn(O,S) buffer layer for high power conversion efficiency
Authors: Uhm Gi-Ryung , Jang Shin Young , Jeon Yong Han , Yoon Hee Kyung , Seo Hyungtak
Published: June 2014

The band alignment optimization of a Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell with a Zn(O,S) buffer layer yielded a power conversion efficiency of 16.7%.
Modified Bridgman growth and characterization of a novel mid-infrared transparent optical crystal: LiGa3Te5
Authors: Wang Shanpeng , Liu Guandong , Shi Qiong , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Xixia , Li Chunlong , Gao Zeliang , Dong Chunming , Lu Qingming , Tao Xutang
Published: June 2014

A promising MIR NLO crystal LiGa3Te5 with large size (Ø16 mm × 50 mm) and wide transparency range (0.9–25 μm) was grown by modified Bridgman method.
A simple copper-catalysed tandem cyclisation of ynamides leading to triazolo-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxides in PEG-400 medium
Authors: Reddy Alla Siva , Reddy M. Nagarjuna , Swamy K. C. Kumara
Published: June 2014

Tandem cyclisation of ynamides to triazolo-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-1,1-dioxides by using copper-catalysis is reported.
New understanding in the influence of melt structure and β-nucleating agents on the polymorphic behavior of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Kang Jian , Weng Gengsheng , Chen Zhengfang , Chen Jinyao , Cao Ya , Yang Feng , Xiang Ming
Published: June 2014

Schematic illustration of the two-stage β-nucleation mechanism of β-iPP nucleated with dual-selective β-nucleating agents and the role of ordered structures.
A facile approach to cross-reactive colorimetric sensor arrays: an application in the recognition of the 20 natural amino acids
Authors: Qian Sihua , Lin Hengwei
Published: June 2014

A very facile approach for the design and fabrication of a colorimetric sensor array, by using only a single indicator–receptor couple at various ratios and concentrations, is described for the first time.
Traditional dyeing – an educational approach
Authors: Alves H. , Manhita A. , Barrocas Dias C. , Ferreira T.
Published: June 2014

This paper describes a mini-project developed with 10th grade Portuguese students where, by using an experimental activity involving the use of natural dyes to colour wool, students acquired a better understanding of the concepts and relationship between the colour, the electromagnetic spectrum, and chemical bonding. As demonstrated by the results of a laboratory activity interest survey, the interdisciplinary nature of the mini-project contributed to raise student awareness to the existing relationship between science, culture and daily life, promoting their overall interest in scientific topics.
Continuous assembly of polymers via solid phase reactions
Authors: Nam Eunhyung , Kim Jinguk , Guntari Stefanie N. , Seyler Helga , Fu Qiang , Wong Edgar H. H. , Blencowe Anton , Jones David J. , Caruso Frank , Qiao Greg G.
Published: June 2014

The formation of cross-linked polymer films, with tunable thickness, proceeds directionally from the substrate surface by controlled polymerization in the solid state.
Swelling of chemical and physical planar brushes of gradient copolymers in a selective solvent
Authors: Venev Sergey V. , Potemkin Igor I.
Published: June 2014

We propose a mean-field theory of chemical and physical planar brushes of linear gradient copolymers swollen in a selective solvent.
Photo-responsive polymeric micelles
Authors: Huang Yu , Dong Ruijiao , Zhu Xinyuan , Yan Deyue
Published: June 2014

Photo-responsive polymeric micelles with different photo-reaction mechanisms and their applications in various fields have been discussed.
Ordered liquids and hydrogels from alkenyl succinic ester terminated bola-amphiphiles for large-scale applications
Authors: Lohmeier Thomas , Bredol Michael , Schreiner Eduard , Hintze-Bruening Horst
Published: June 2014

An economic and scalable route to ordered liquids and hydrogels based on novel and ill-defined, alkenyl succinic ester terminated bola-amphiphiles.
Novel solution-processable, dedoped semiconductors for application in thermoelectric devices
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Park Hongkwan , Son Woohyun , Choi Hyang Hee , Kim Jung Hyun
Published: June 2014

The thermoelectric performance of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) complexed with a poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) film was enhanced by a three-step process.
Chemical sensors based on polymer composites with carbon nanotubes and graphene: the role of the polymer
Authors: Salavagione Horacio J. , Díez-Pascual Ana M. , Lázaro Eduardo , Vera Soledad , Gómez-Fatou Marián A.
Published: June 2014

The performance of chemical sensors based on polymer nanocomposites with CNTs and graphene is revised, highlighting the role of the polymeric material.
Co-liposomes comprising a lipidated multivalent RGD-peptide and a cationic gemini cholesterol induce selective gene transfection in αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrin receptor-rich cancer cells
Authors: Misra Santosh K. , Kondaiah Paturu , Bhattacharya Santanu , Boturyn Didier , Dumy Pascal
Published: June 2014

Palmitoylated-RGD4 mediated gene transfer and cell targeting using a cationic gemini cholesterol based liposome.
Wheat germin vitrotranslation to produce one of the most toxic sodium channel specific toxins
Authors: Gad Wael , Ben-Abderrazek Rahma , Wahni Khadija , Vertommen Didier , Muyldermans Serge , Bouhaouala-Zahar Balkiss , Messens Joris
Published: June 2014

Envenoming following scorpion sting is a common emergency in many parts of the world. During scorpion envenoming, highly toxic small polypeptides of the venom diffuse rapidly within the victim causing serious medical problems. The exploration of toxin structure-function relationship would benefit from the generation of soluble recombinant scorpion toxins in Escherichia coli. We developed an in vitro wheat germ translation system for the expression of the highly toxic Aah (Androctonus australis hector)II protein that requires the proper formation of four disulphide bonds. Soluble, recombinant N-terminal GST (glutathione S-transferase)-tagged AahII toxin is obtained in this in vitro translation system. After proteolytic removal of the GST-tag, purified rAahII (recombinant AahII) toxin, which contains two extra amino acids at its N terminal relative to the native AahII, is highly toxic after i.c.v. (intracerebroventricular) injection in Swiss mice. An LD50 (median lethal dose)-value of 10 ng (or 1.33 pmol), close to that of the native toxin (LD50 of 3 ng) indicates that the wheat germ in vitro translation system produces properly folded and biological active rAahII. In addition, NbAahII10 (Androctonus australis hector nanobody 10), a camel single domain antibody fragment, raised against the native AahII toxin, recognizes its cognate conformational epitope on the recombinant toxin and neutralizes the toxicity of purified rAahII upon injection in mice.
Efficiency‐enhanced self‐biased PA driver for multi‐standard applications
Authors: Yin Yun , Chi Baoyong , Wang Zhihua
Published: June 2014

An efficiency‐enhanced multiband power amplifier (PA) driver is proposed. It introduces a self‐biasing circuit and improved switch‐capacitor banks to enhance the efficiency. The presented PA driver has been implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology. Measurement results demonstrate a broad frequency coverage of 0.7–5.6 GHz and a flat gain within 2 dB variation. The PA driver has an output power above 6 dBm over the broadband, and it consumes a comparatively low power of 38 mA from a 2.5 V supply.
Generating unique identifiers for smartphones using software
Authors: Hammouri G. , Sunar B.
Published: June 2014

A fast and simple technique for reliably fingerprinting smartphones is presented. This technique extracts the fingerprint by capturing the small variation found in digital imaging sensors used in smartphone cameras. These variations are a result of manufacturing variability and, as such, they are different even for identical digital cameras. The main advantage of the technique presented is that it can quickly generate a fingerprint for a given phone using a mobile software that can be easily downloaded and installed without any changes to the hardware. Furthermore, this technique generates a reliable fingerprint using as little as five images while allowing the fingerprint to be used as a key to any cryptographic application. The techniques are summarised and the experimental data is presented.
Compact dual‐band BPF with SR and SMR for wideband and WLAN applications
Authors: Deng Hong‐wei , Zhao Yongjiu , He Ying , Jia Sheng‐li , Wang Min
Published: June 2014

A compact dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) with a slotline resonator (SR) and a short stub centre‐loaded microstrip resonator (SMR) is proposed for wideband and wireless local area network (WLAN) applications. The high‐impedance microstrip feedlines for the filter with the SMR can function as the quarter‐wavelength resonators for the filter with the SR to realise a wideband passband. Owing to the source–load coupling, the loaded short stub and the intrinsic characteristics of the SMR, three transmission zeros can be created to improve selectivity and isolation. Compact size can be obtained by adopting the folded SR and folded SMR inserted between the arms of the SR. A compact dual‐band BPF for wideband and WLAN applications is simulated and measured, and good agreement can be obtained between the measured and simulated results.
1.3 μm InGaAlAs asymmetric corrugation‐pitch‐modulated DFB lasers with high mask margin at 28 Gbit/s
Authors: Nakahara K. , Wakayama Y. , Kitatani T. , Fukamachi T. , Sakuma Y. , Tanaka S.
Published: June 2014

Direct modulation of a 1.3 µm InGaAlAs asymmetric corrugation‐pitch‐modulated (ACPM) distributed feedback (DFB) laser operated at 28 Gbit/s was experimentally demonstrated. The laser exhibits linear light–current characteristics and a high‐frequency response with a small roll‐off at low frequency compared with a conventional λ/4‐shifted DFB laser. Moreover, it attains a high mask margin (20%) under 28 Gbit/s operation at 55°C. These superior properties are due to a superior ACPM grating that suppresses longitudinal spatial hole‐burning.
Classification of free rigid targets with micro‐motions using inertial characteristic from radar signatures
Authors: Lei Peng , Wang Jun , Sun Jinping
Published: June 2014

The potential of an object's inertial characteristic is studied for the purpose of classification of free rigid targets in radar. Through the estimation of micro‐motion parameters from micro‐Doppler signals, the inertial characteristic can be further obtained. It is an intrinsic property of the targets themselves, and essentially independent of their diverse micro‐motion states. Then a simple Bayesian classifier is adopted to make the target discrimination. Numerical results and analysis finally show that the inertia‐based feature performs better than classic time–frequency and micro‐dynamic characteristics in the classification application.
Generalised loading algorithm for adaptive beamforming in ULAs
Authors: Kukrer O. , Mohammadzadeh S.
Published: June 2014

A new method for adaptive beamforming in uniform linear arrays (ULAs) is introduced. The proposed method is based on generalised loading of the covariance matrix of the data vector received by the array. The covariance matrix is loaded with a Hermitian matrix which is chosen to shape the directional response of the array. Simulation results show that the proposed approach offers better handling of mismatches between presumed and actual array steering vectors. It produces output signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio values higher than some well‐known approaches in the literature with much less complexity.
Event‐triggered hybrid control based on multi‐agent system for microgrids
Authors: Dou Chun‐xia , Liu Bin , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: June 2014

This study is focused on a multi‐agent system‐based event‐triggered hybrid control for intelligently restructuring the operating mode of an microgrid (MG) to ensure the energy supply with high security, stability and cost effectiveness. Owing to the MG is composed of different types of distributed energy resources, thus it is typical hybrid dynamic network. Considering the complex hybrid behaviours, a hierarchical decentralised coordinated control scheme is firstly constructed based on multi‐agent system, then, the hybrid model of the MG is built by using differential hybrid Petri nets. Based on the hybrid models, an event‐triggered hybrid control including three kinds of switching controls is constructed by designing multiple enabling functions that can be activated by different triggering conditions, and the interactive coordination among different switching controls is implemented through the intelligent multiple‐agent system platform, so that the operating mode of MG can be intelligently restructured in flexible manner according to the changes of operating situation. The validity of proposed control scheme is demonstrated by means of simulation results.
A hybrid model for integrated day‐ahead electricity price and load forecasting in smart grid
Authors: Wu Lei , Shahidehpour Mohammad
Published: June 2014

Load and price forecasting are two key issues for market participants and system operators in electricity markets. Most existing works predict load and price separately. However, a dynamic pricing type scenario is envisioned in smart grid, where consumers may have the ability to react to constantly changing price signals by shifting electricity usages from expensive hours to others, which would consequently impact electricity prices. Thus, price and load signals are strongly coupled, and previous separated forecast models may not be as effective. In this study, a two‐stage integrated price and load forecasting framework is developed. The first stage provides initial price and load forecasts separately, and the second stage considers load and price interaction with initial forecasts as inputs. At each stage, a hybrid time‐series and adaptive wavelet neural network (AWNN) model is used, in which multivariate autoregressive integrated moving average catches the linear relationship of price and load log return series, generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic unveils heteroscedastic character of residuals and AWNN presents non‐linear impacts. Several criteria such as average mean absolute percentage error and error variance are used to measure the forecasting accuracy. Illustrative forecasting examples of the New York Independent System Operator market are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Performance analysis of proposed local link repair schemes for ad hoc on demand distance vector
Authors: Jain Jyoti , Gupta Roopam , Bandhopadhyaya Tushar K.
Published: June 2014

Reactive routing protocols are better options for the communication in ad hoc network. In this study, a novel approach for local link repairing of ad hoc on demand routing protocol is suggested for the performance enhancement of the basic protocol. Alternate route finding for next‐to‐next node in case of link breakage is a better option of route management. These protocols are beacon‐less to improve bandwidth utilisation. Control overheads have been reduced by using 802.11b protocol to maintain connectivity of moving nodes. Significant improvement is observed in the Quality of service parameters like throughput, end‐to‐end delay, packet delivery ratio and link breakage through simulations.
Clutter space‐time covariance matrix estimate based on multi‐polarised data
Authors: Du Wentao , Liao Guisheng , Yang Zhiwei
Published: June 2014

The problem of training sample insufficiency is frequently encountered in the space‐time adaptive processing and significantly degrades the performance of radar target detection. In this study, the authors propose a clutter covariance matrix estimation algorithm using multi‐polarised data in the polarimetric radar system, which can mitigate this problem with an enlarged training sample set. Based on the space‐time signal model, they validate that the clutter snapshots for different polarisations share a common spectral structure theoretically. Then, the maximum likelihood estimations of clutter covariance matrixes with multi‐polarised training samples are deduced under Gaussian and non‐Gaussian statistic. Finally, the performance improvement of our method with limited training samples is demonstrated with simulated data.
Online clutter estimation using a Gaussian kernel density estimator for multitarget tracking
Authors: Chen Xin , Tharmarasa Ratnasingham , Kirubarajan Thia , McDonald Mike
Published: June 2014

In this study, the spatial distribution of false alarms is assumed to be a non‐homogeneous Poisson point (NHPP) process. Then, a new method is developed under the kernel density estimation (KDE) framework to estimate the spatial intensity of false alarms for the multitarget tracking problem. In the proposed method, the false alarm spatial intensity estimation problem is decomposed into two subproblems: (i) estimating the number of false alarms in one scan and (ii) estimating the variation of the intensity function value in the measurement space. Under the NHPP assumption, the only parameter that needs to be estimated for the first subproblem is the mean of false alarm number, and the empirical mean is used here as the maximum likelihood estimate of that parameter. Then, for the second subproblem, an online multivariate local adaptive Gaussian kernel density estimator is proposed. Furthermore, the proposed estimation method is seamlessly integrated with widely used multitarget trackers, like the joint integrated probabilistic data association algorithm and the multiple hypotheses tracking algorithm. Simulation results show that the proposed KDE‐based method can provide a better estimate of the false alarm spatial intensity and help the multitarget trackers yield superior performance in scenarios with spatially non‐homogeneous false alarms.
Iron–cobalt–graphite core–shell nanoparticles as efficient electromagnetic wave absorbers at X‐band frequency range
Authors: Seyyed Afghahi Seyyed Salman , Shokuhfar Ali , Saberi Behzad , Javidan Abdollah
Published: June 2014

In this reported work, FeCo@C core–shell nanoparticles were synthesised using a novel two‐step process. Characterisation of samples confirms the formation of graphite‐coated FeCo nanoparticles. The electromagnetic wave absorption of nanocomposites containing 40%wt of FeCo@C and FeCo nanoparticles in the paraffin matrix was measured at 8–12.4 GHz frequency range. Two samples were prepared with thickness of 9 mm for FeCo and FeCo@C nanoparticles, respectively. Then the reflection loss was measured at ten different thicknesses between 9 and 1.4 mm by slicing the samples and measuring the scattering parameter S11 for each sample thickness using a metal backing. Results show that by graphite coating of FeCo nanoparticles the maximum reflection loss (−5.5 dB) grows up to four times higher (−19.2 dB) and the corresponding thickness reduces to half. The reason lies in active dielectric‐magnetic loss mechanisms in FeCo@C nanoparticles.