bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment withSaccharomyces boulardiireduces the inflammation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis in mice
Authors: Justino Priscilla F. C. , Melo Luis F. M. , Nogueira Andre F. , Costa Jose V. G. , Silva Luara M. N. , Santos Cecila M. , Mendes Walber O. , Costa Marina R. , Franco Alvaro X. , Lima Aldo A. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A. , Souza Marcellus H. L. P. , Soares Pedro M. G.
Published: February 2014

Intestinal mucositis is an important toxic side effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment.Saccharomyces boulardiiis known to protect from intestinal injury via an effect on the gastrointestinal microbiota. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect ofS. boulardiion intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU in a murine model. Mice were divided into saline, saline (control)+5-FU or 5-FU+S. boulardii(16 × 109colony-forming units/kg) treatment groups, and the jejunum and ileum were removed after killing of mice for the evaluation of histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and non-protein sulfhydryl group (mainly reduced glutathione; GSH), nitrite and cytokine concentrations. To determine gastric emptying, phenol red was administered orally, mice were killed 20 min after administration, and the absorbance of samples collected from the mice was measured by spectrophotometry. Intestinal permeability was measured by the urinary excretion rate of lactulose and mannitol following oral administration.S. boulardiisignificantly reversed the histopathological changes in intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU and reduced the inflammatory parameters: neutrophil infiltration (control 1·73 (sem0·37) ultrastructural MPO (UMPO)/mg, 5-FU 7·37 (sem1·77) UMPO/mg and 5-FU+S. boulardii4·15 (sem0·73) UMPO/mg); nitrite concentration (control 37·00 (sem2·39) μm, 5-FU 59·04 (sem11·41) μmand 5-FU+S. boulardii37·90 (sem5·78) μm); GSH concentration (control 477·60 (sem25·25) μg/mg, 5-FU 270·90 (sem38·50) μg/mg and 5-FU+S. boulardii514·00 (sem38·64) μg/mg). Treatment with S.Boulardiisignificantly reduced the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β by 48·92 and 32·21 % in the jejunum and 38·92 and 61·79 % in the ileum. In addition,S. boulardiidecreased the concentrations of chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand 1 by 5-fold in the jejunum and 3-fold in the ileum. Interestingly,S. boulardiireduced the delay in gastric emptying (control 25·21 (sem2·55) %, 5-FU 54·91 (sem3·43) % and 5-FU+S. boulardii31·38 (sem2·80) %) and induced the recovery of intestinal permeability (lactulose:mannitol ratio: control 0·52 (sem0·03), 5-FU 1·38 (sem0·24) and 5-FU+S. boulardii0·62 (sem0·03)). In conclusion,S. boulardiireduces the inflammation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU.
Storming the Citadels of Poverty: Family Planning under the Emergency in India, 1975–1977
Authors: Williams Rebecca Jane
Published: February 2014

This article examines family planning during the Emergency in India, drawing upon the archive of the Shah Commission of Inquiry. It aims, primarily, to understand why family planning became such an important point of state intervention during the Emergency, when millions were sterilized. I argue that family planning was intended as a technocratic fix for the problem of poverty and that, although the family planning program existed before the Emergency, it received a fillip through Indira Gandhi's Emergency-era push for poverty eradication thanks to the established position of population control as a prerequisite for economic development. Secondly, it aims to understand how the Emergency and sterilization have become conflated in popular memory, such that the driving forces of poverty eradication and economic development have dropped out of the story altogether. The link between poverty eradication and population control has been forgotten, and a narrative of arbitrary family planning “excess” endured.
WHO SHOULD CONDUCT MODELING AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS?
Authors: Rosén Måns
Published: February 2014

In some countries, reimbursement of drugs is based on cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), in others not. In times of ageing populations, increasing number of possible interventions, and limited resources, it seems likely that CEA will be more and more important as a basis for decision making.
The Female Bomber's Body in Performance
Authors: Salimi Rana
Published: February 2014

Following the rules of self-sacrifice for a higher cause, the Palestinian female bomber performs the values of the struggle through and on her body in a farewell video statement. She leaves herself behind to create an image of a strong and victorious soldier. The female bomber's performance of the new self introduces her as a role model for younger generations. Her public appearance in hijab challenges notions of the body, physical beauty, and freedom in the secularist world at the same time as it deviates from the norms of a fundamentalist view of women. It is the dual impact on local and international viewers that politicizes the female bomber's public performance and makes it significant. Rana Salimi has received her PhD from the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of California, San Diego. She currently lectures at UCSD and at National University on a variety of subjects, including theatre history and language arts.
Possession and Dispossession in Corporate New France, 1600–1663: Debunking a “Juridical History” and RevisitingTerra Nullius
Authors: Cavanagh Edward
Published: February 2014

Following Jacques Cartier's voyages up and down the St. Lawrence River in 1534, 1535–36 and 1541–42, French interest in the region surged. This interest was confined to the region's potential deposits of minerals, and then diverted realistically to the trade of furs, before ultimately, during the seventeenth century, it diversified to take into account the prospect of agricultural smallholding. So confined, this interest did not account for customary tenure and systems of property relations among indigenous inhabitants; generally these were matters avoided by merchants, traders, missionaries, and early settlers until the expediencies of settlement on the ground required otherwise. These were matters for which, in New France, the companies in charge devised no coherent policy. These were matters for which, at home, the French Crown was no beacon of advice either, meting out meager and inconsistent policies of empire before 1663, preferring instead to endorse trade monopolies while preparing for disputes with neighboring nations with competing designs to the New World.
Can a Chimp Say “No”?
Authors: FENTON ANDREW
Published: February 2014

Among the “hard cases” of captive animal research is the continued use of chimpanzees in harmful experimental science. In a recent article I contend that contemporary animal welfare science and chimpanzee behavioral studies permit, if not require, a reappraisal of the moral significance of chimpanzee dissent from participation in certain experiments. In what follows, I outline my earlier argument, provide a brief survey of some central concepts in pediatric research ethics, and use these to enrich an understanding of chimpanzee dissent useful for research ethics.
Editorial: Microscopy and Microanalysis—Journal Updates, FAQs, and Some Random Thoughts from the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Price Robert
Published: February 2014

It is difficult to believe that I have now completed five years as the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of Microscopy and Microanalysis (MAM) and that this issue, Volume 20(1), is the start of the 20th year of the journal. Time passes quickly when one enjoys their work, and I have certainly enjoyed interacting with the majority of the many authors, reviewers, and editors associated with MAM. During my five years as EIC, we have seen significant growth of the journal and have experienced some growing pains along the way. Despite some of these growing pains and associated problems, I believe (although obviously a biased opinion) that we have been able to significantly enhance the quality of the manuscripts we are publishing and the overall product that the members of the Microscopy Society of America (MSA) and other subscribers receive. The purpose of this editorial is to provide some details on how much MAM has grown, to describe some of the problems and solutions associated with the growth, and to provide information to prospective authors on how to improve their experience of publishing in MAM by discussing some common errors that occur during submission and review of manuscripts.
The Redistributive Effects of British Subsidies to Higher Education
Authors: Mishkin Elizabeth , Straub John
Published: February 2014

This article examines the distribution of net benefits from subsidies to higher education in the United Kingdom, focusing on the system in place in the mid-1990s. We find the distribution to be regressive with respect to graduate income, with high lifetime earners receiving large net subsidies, while low lifetime earners are net contributors to the system. Our findings are of particular relevance to policymakers in the UK in light of the ongoing debate over tuition fees. However, these results should also be of interest to anyone who studies the socioeconomic implications of higher education.
Defining Secularism in the Particular: Caste and Citizenship in India, 1909–1950
Authors: Tejani Shabnum
Published: February 2014

Drawing on recent debates on secularism, this article addresses the methodological problem of writing histories of secularism in context. It considers the experience of India. I argue that a study of the issues from which secularism emerged historically offers a way out of the secularism-religion binary which, in India, has obscured contemporary problems related to democracy. These issues had to do with ensuring the public representation of minorities, both religious and caste, regardless of their relative size or social power. Scholarship on the minority question has begun with the constituent assembly and that on secularism centered on the category of religion. In contrast, this article argues that caste was central to the formulation of Indian secularism and requires a longer historical perspective. It maintains that secularism reified the religious minority and, in so doing, denied both its potential to overcome marginality and the legitimacy of the community in the nation.
Quantification of Isotope-Labeled and Unlabeled Folates and Folate Catabolites in Urine Samples by Stable Isotope Dilution Assay
Authors: Büttner Barbara E. , Öhrvik Veronica E. , Köhler Peter , Witthöft Cornelia M. , Rychlik Michael
Published: February 2014

Dual-label stable isotope dilution assays for the simultaneous quantification of isotopologic folates in clinical samples offer the perspective for differentiating between unlabeled folates from endogenous body pools and administered [13C5]-labeled folates from a test dose when performing bioavailability trials. In contrast to intact folates, this methodology could hitherto not be applied to the quantification of the folate catabolites, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate. In this study, [2H4]-p-aminobenzoyl glutamate, [2H4]-p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, and unlabeled p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate were synthesized. The synthesis of the [2H4]-labeled compounds started at unlabeled p-aminobenzoic acid. For the formation of p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate was acetylated. The new substances were applied successfully in stable isotope dilution assays for the simultaneous quantification of the [13C5]-labeled and unlabeled folate catabolites, p-aminobenzoyl glutamate and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, along with the predominant folate vitamers in urine. The assays were based on clean-up by strong anion exchange followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection. Assay sensitivity was sufficient to detect the folate catabolites in physiologic concentrations. The limit of detection was below 0.4 and 0.3 nmol/100 g for p-aminobenzoyl glutamate isotopologues and p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate isotopologues in urine, respectively. The successful synthesis of [2H4]-p-aminobenzoyl glutamate, [2H4]-p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate, and unlabeled p-acetamidobenzoyl glutamate and the implementation of these substances in stable isotope dilution assays allows dual-label designs that provide a more detailed insight into human folate metabolism.
Auf dem Weg der Generalistischen Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Roes Martina
Published: February 2014

Vorab sei angemerkt, dass an dieser Stelle darauf verzichtet wird, einen umfänglich historischen Überblick – von den ersten Überlegungen zur Einrichtung der Pflegeausbildung bis zur heutigen Debatte um die Akademisierung der Grundausbildung – darzustellen. Insofern sind hier nur Bezüge zu Ereignissen zu finden, die zeitlich und inhaltlich relativ zum Schwerpunktthema stehen.
Die Generalistische Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Ammende Rainer
Published: February 2014

Die generalistische Pflegeausbildung ist ein notwendiger Schritt, um das Niveau der Ausbildung anzugleichen, zu verbessern und international anschlussfähig zu machen. Zudem ist sie ein Baustein, um die künftige Patientenversorgung in der Fläche in Deutschland sicher zu stellen. Tradierte generationstypische Pflegeausbildungen werden durch den Gesetzgeber seit 2000 schrittweise zusammengeführt und auf ein EU-kompatibles Niveau angehoben. Die Überspezialisierung in der Erstausbildung wird überwunden.
Praxisanleitung
Authors: Quernheim German
Published: February 2014

Nachdem im ersten Teil der Artikelserie der problembehaftete aktuelle Zustand der praktischen Pflegeausbildung und die Situation der Praxisanleiter und -anleiterinnen dargestellt wurde, sollen im zweiten Teil die Haftungsrechtlichen Folgen bei unzureichender Anleitung thematisiert und Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung diskutiert werden.
Das physische Selbstkonzept, die individuell präferierte Bezugsnormorientierung und die Zielorientierung bei Grundschulkindern der zweiten und vierten Jahrgangsstufe
Authors: Lohbeck Annette , Tietjens Maike , Bund Andreas
Published: February 2014

Diese Studie untersucht an 365 Grundschulkindern aus zwei Jahrgängen die Unterschiede im physischen Selbstkonzept (PSK), in der individuell präferierten Bezugsnormorientierung (BNO) und in der Zielorientierung in Abhängigkeit von Alter, Geschlecht und Sportvereinszugehörigkeit sowie den Zusammenhang zwischen diesen Konstrukten. Bezogen auf das PSK finden sich in den ANOVAs ein signifikanter Altersunterschied für die Allgemeine Sportlichkeit zugunsten der Zweitklässler sowie Geschlechtsdifferenzen zugunsten der Jungen auf nahezu allen Subskalen. Jungen weisen öfter eine individuelle BNO und Zweitklässler höhere Werte in der Zielorientierung auf. Sportvereinsmitglieder zeigen bessere Werte auf den PSK-Skalen und eine geringere Vermeidungs-Leistungszielorientierung und Arbeitsvermeidung. Die PSK-Skalen korrelieren mit der individuellen BNO (.08 ≤ r ≤ .25), mit der Lernzielorientierung (.09 ≤ r ≤ .34) sowie mit der Sportnote (.16 ≤ r ≤ .51) positiv und mit der sozialen BNO (−.26 ≤ r ≤ −.05) negativ.
Atomic-scale Chemical Imaging and Quantification of Metallic Alloy Structures by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Ping , Zhou Lin , Kramer M. J. , Smith David J.
Published: February 2014

Determination of atomic-scale crystal structure for nanostructured intermetallic alloys, such as magnetic alloys containing Al, Ni, Co (alnico) and Fe, is crucial for understanding physical properties such as magnetism, but technically challenging due to the small interatomic distances and the similar atomic numbers. By applying energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping to the study of two intermetallic phases of an alnico alloy resulting from spinodal decomposition, we have determined atomic-scale chemical composition at individual lattice sites for the two phases: one is the B2 phase with Fe0.76Co0.24 -Fe0.40Co0.60 ordering and the other is the L21 phase with Ni0.48Co0.52 at A-sites, Al at BΙ-sites and Fe0.20Ti0.80 at BΙΙ-sites, respectively. The technique developed through this study represents a powerful real-space approach to investigate structure chemically at the atomic scale for a wide range of materials systems.
Fully Solution-Processed Flexible Organic Thin Film Transistor Arrays with High Mobility and Exceptional Uniformity
Authors: Fukuda Kenjiro , Takeda Yasunori , Mizukami Makoto , Kumaki Daisuke , Tokito Shizuo
Published: February 2014

Printing fully solution-processed organic electronic devices may potentially revolutionize production of flexible electronics for various applications. However, difficulties in forming thin, flat, uniform films through printing techniques have been responsible for poor device performance and low yields. Here, we report on fully solution-processed organic thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays with greatly improved performance and yields, achieved by layering solution-processable materials such as silver nanoparticle inks, organic semiconductors and insulating polymers on thin plastic films. A treatment layer improves carrier injection between the source/drain electrodes and the semiconducting layer and dramatically reduces contact resistance. Furthermore, an organic semiconductor with large-crystal grains results in TFT devices with shorter channel lengths and higher field-effect mobilities. We obtained mobilities of over 1.2 cm2V−1s−1in TFT devices with channel lengths shorter than 20 μm. By combining these fabrication techniques, we built highly uniform organic TFT arrays with average mobility levels as high as 0.80 cm2V−1s−1and ideal threshold voltages of 0 V. These results represent major progress in the fabrication of fully solution-processed organic TFT device arrays.
Near Field Enhanced Photocurrent Generation in P-type Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Xiaobao , Cui Jin , Han Junbo , Zhang Junpei , Zhang Yibo , Luan Lin , Alemu Getachew , Wang Zhong , Shen Yan , Xiong Dehua , Chen Wei , Wei Zhanhua , Yang Shihe , Hu Bin , Cheng Yibing , Wang Mingkui
Published: February 2014

Over the past few decades, the field of p-type dye-sensitized solar cell (p-DSSC) devices has undergone tremendous advances, in which Cu-based delafossite nanocrystal is of prime interest. This paper presents an augment of about 87% improvement in photocurrent observed in a particular configuration of organic dye P1 sensitized CuCrO2 delafossite nanocrystal electrode coupled with organic redox shuttle, 1-methy-1H- tetrazole-5-thiolate and its disulfide dimer when Au nanoparticles (NPs, with diameter of about 20 nm) is added into the photocathode, achieving a power convert efficiency of 0.31% (measured under standard AM 1.5 G test conditions). Detailed investigation shows that the local electrical-magnetic field effect, induced by Au NPs among the mesoporous CuCrO2 film, can improve the charge injection efficiency at dye/semiconductor interface, which is responsible for the bulk of the gain in photocurrent.
Image-based detection of oligonucleotides – a low cost alternative to spectrophotometric or fluorometric methods
Authors: Ahirwar Rajesh , Tanwar Swati , Parween Shahila , Kumar Ashok , Nahar Pradip
Published: February 2014

We report the simple and low cost image-based quantitative detection of oligonucleotides without using a spectrophotometer or fluorometer.
One-pot synthesis of elastin-like polypeptide hydrogels with grafted VEGF-mimetic peptides
Authors: Cai Lei , Dinh Cong B. , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: February 2014

We present a one-pot, single-step, cell-compatible strategy to tether VEGF-mimetic QK peptides into elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) hydrogels while simultaneously encapsulating endothelial cells to promote their three-dimensional outgrowth.
Benzo[f]benzo[5,6]indolo[3,2-b]indole: a stable unsubstituted 4nπ-electron acene with an antiaromatic 1,4-diazapentalene core
Authors: Qiu Li , Zhuang Xuhui , Zhao Na , Wang Xiao , An Zengjian , Lan Zhenggang , Wan Xiaobo
Published: February 2014

A stable unsubstituted 4nπ-electron acene with an antiaromatic 1,4-diazapentalene core was prepared via an unprecedented mild oxidation. Further investigation showed that the stability of such acenes was dependent on the fusion patterns of the peripheryl benzene rings to the centre core.
Diffusion of finite-size particles in two-dimensional channels with random wall configurations
Authors: Bauer Maximilian , Godec Aljaž , Metzler Ralf
Published: February 2014

For the diffusion of finite-size particles in channels with randomised walls and reactive boundary conditions we find transient anomalous diffusion.
Highly efficient, NiAu-catalyzed hydrogenolysis of lignin into phenolic chemicals
Authors: Zhang Jiaguang , Asakura Hiroyuki , van Rijn Jeaphianne , Yang Jun , Duchesne Paul , Zhang Bin , Chen Xi , Zhang Peng , Saeys Mark , Yan Ning
Published: February 2014

A highly efficient, stable NiAu catalyst that exhibits unprecedented low temperature activity in lignin hydrogenolysis was for the first time developed, leading to the formation of 14 wt% aromatic monomers from organosolv lignin at 170 °C in pure water.
Laser-induced microbubble poration of localized single cells
Authors: Fan Qihui , Hu Wenqi , Ohta Aaron T.
Published: February 2014

Microbubbles induced by microsecond laser pulses can deliver molecules to nearby cells with a high poration efficiency, while maintaining high cell viability.
When tight is too tight: Dasatinib and its lower affinity analogue for profiling kinase inhibitors in a three-hybrid split-luciferase system
Authors: Ogunleye Luca O. , Jester Benjamin W. , Riemen Alexander J. , Badran Ahmed H. , Wang Ping , Ghosh Indraneel
Published: February 2014

We report new CIDs based on Dasatinib and its analogues for profiling kinase inhibitors using a split-luciferase screen.
Spatial atmospheric atomic layer deposition: a new laboratory and industrial tool for low-cost photovoltaics
Authors: Muñoz-Rojas David , MacManus-Driscoll Judith
Published: February 2014

Fast air printing of functional oxide films: spatial atomic layer deposition, a new technique with a high potential in the field of low cost photovoltaics.
A novel rapid and green synthesis of highly luminescent carbon dots with good biocompatibility for cell imaging
Authors: Gong Jun , An Xueqin , Yan Xiaojuan
Published: February 2014

Fluorescent C-dots with up-conversion luminescence were synthesized by novel microwave digestion involved hydrothermal method.
Growth of rutile TiO2on the convex surface of nanocylinders: from nanoneedles to nanorods and their electrochemical properties
Authors: Kong Junhua , Wei Yuefan , Zhao Chenyang , Toh Meng Yew , Yee Wu Aik , Zhou Dan , Phua Si Lei , Dong Yuliang , Lu Xuehong
Published: February 2014

Hydrothermal growth of diverging rutile TiO2nanoneedles/nanorods from a convex surface is investigated. With optimized TiO2content as well as size and morphology tailoring, TiO2-on-CNFs exhibit excellent cyclability and rate capacity.
An efficient optical-electrochemical dual probe for highly sensitive recognition of dopamine based on terbium complex functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Zhou Zhan , Wang Qianming
Published: February 2014

An optical/electrochemical dopamine sensor based on diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid modified reduced graphene oxide with terbium has been designed.
Hydrogen-induced structural transformation of AuCu nanoalloys probed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques
Authors: Yamauchi M. , Okubo K. , Tsukuda T. , Kato K. , Takata M. , Takeda S.
Published: February 2014

In situ X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the transformation of a AuCu nanoalloy from a face-centered-cubic to an L10 structure is accelerated under a hydrogen atmosphere.
Low-temperature crosslinking of anion exchange membranes
Authors: Wang Lizhu , Hickner Michael A.
Published: February 2014

Crosslinked anion exchange membranes using low-temperature metathesis crosslinking showed excellent morphological order and displayed good membrane properties including ionic conductivity.
Biotransformation of diterpenes
Authors: Rico-Martínez María , Medina Fernanda G. , Marrero Joaquín G. , Osegueda-Robles Soraya
Published: February 2014

Structural modification of the diterpenes to enhance their pharmaceutical relevance can be efficiently carried out by the application of biotransformational under mild reaction.
N-Heterocyclic carbene palladium complex supported on ionic liquid-modified graphene oxide as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Suzuki reaction
Authors: Movahed Siyavash Kazemi , Esmatpoursalmani Rahele , Bazgir Ayoob
Published: February 2014

An N-heterocyclic carbene Pd complex immobilized on GO with an ionic liquid framework synthesized by the modification of GO through a silylation reaction displayed a high catalytic activity in the Suzuki reaction.
Thermal behavior of long-chain alkanoylcholine soaps
Authors: Tolentino Ainhoa , Alla Abdelilah , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon , Font-Bardía Mercè , León Salvador , Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián
Published: February 2014

Long-chain alkanoylcholines prepared from fatty acids adopt a diversity of thermally interconvertible phases made of a bilayered structure with alkanoyl chains crystallized or interdigitated in a more or less extent depending on temperature and alkanoyl chain length.
Computational modelling and characterisation of nanoparticle-based tuneable photonic crystal sensors
Authors: Tsangarides Constantinos P. , Yetisen Ali K. , da Cruz Vasconcellos Fernando , Montelongo Yunuen , Qasim Malik M. , Wilkinson Timothy D. , Lowe Christopher R. , Butt Haider
Published: February 2014

Photonic crystals are materials that are used to control or manipulate the propagation of light through a medium for a desired application.
Polymer-bound antioxidants in grafted membranes for fuel cells
Authors: Buchmüller Yves , Wokaun Alexander , Gubler Lorenz
Published: February 2014

Antioxidants are covalently attached to the polymer backbone in radiation grafted fuel cell membranes. The obtained membranes displayed superior stability compared to non-stabilized membranes.
Oxidative addition of ether O-methyl bonds at a Pt(0) centre
Authors: Jasim Naseralla A. , Perutz Robin N. , Procacci Barbara , Whitwood Adrian C.
Published: February 2014

Fluorinated (hetero)aromatic ethers undergo O–Me oxidative addition to form Pt–CH3 complexes at Pt(PCyp3)2 in preference to C–H or C–F activation.
The ternary amide KLi3(NH2)4: an important intermediate in the potassium compound-added Li–N–H systems
Authors: Dong Bao-Xia , Song Liang , Ge Jun , Teng Yun-Lei , Zhang Shi-Yang
Published: February 2014

Formation mechanism of KLi3(NH2)4 as an important intermediate in the potassium compound-added Li–N–H system was clarified.
3D high-energy-density and low sensitivity materials: synthesis, structure and physicochemical properties of an azide–Cu(ii) complex with 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Yang Qi , Su Zhiyong , Chen Sanping , Xie Gang , Wei Qing , Gao Shengli
Published: February 2014

A novel 3D energetic coordination polymer of azide–Cu(ii), Cu(3,5-DNBA)(N3), was synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, where 3,5-DNBA represents 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid.
Application of alkoxyamine in self-healing of epoxy
Authors: Yuan Chan'e , Zhang Ming Qiu , Rong Min Zhi
Published: February 2014

Cracks in epoxy containing alkoxyamine can be repeatedly healed through dynamic equilibrium of thermally reversible reaction of C–ON bond.
Volumes of Discrete Sips From Straws of Varying Internal Diameters
Authors: Clark Heather M. , Anderson Caroline C. , Hietpas Fletcher
Published: February 2014

Purpose

In this study, the authors examined mean volumes of discrete sips performed by healthy adults from straws varying in internal diameter.

Method

Forty healthy adults sipped water from each of 7 straws varying in internal diameter (0.65–5.00 mm). Bolus volumes associated with 3 discrete sips were recorded under each sip condition.

Results

Straw diameter had a significant effect on bolus size, with the smallest diameter straws eliciting the smallest bolus volumes. Bolus volumes did not vary according to age or sex. Considerable intersubject variation was observed, particularly for the straws with the largest diameters. Intrasubject variability across 3 trials was minimal.

Conclusions

The findings support the hypothesis that narrower straw diameters are associated with smaller bolus volumes in healthy adults. Additional study is needed to determine whether individuals with dysphagia demonstrate similar patterns of bolus size associated with straws varying in internal diameter and whether such variations have clinical benefit.
What Crocodile Dundee Never Told Us
Authors: Reed Vicki A.
Published: February 2014

Many of the same issues that confront American speech-language pathologists are present in Australia. Where differences exist, they reflect the history of the country and the profession and the population size. As I indicated at the beginning, these differences are mostly surface ones. At the deep structure, the quality of Australian speech-language pathologists compares favorably to that of American clinicians, and the professional association is committed to high standards of professional preparation and practice. In light of these significant similarities, perhaps speech-language pathologists can look forward to the day when professional associations across oceans find a mechanism for readily acknowledging international colleagues’ competencies. As the insightful Mr. Crocodile Dundee might say, "There’s more than one way to skin a wombat and still have everything be ridgy-didge, mate. Fair dinkum."
Introduction to the
AJA
Research Forum on Aging and Hearing: Mechanisms and Effects
Authors: Paglialonga Alessia , Grandori Ferdinando
Published: February 2014

Purpose

This Research Forum, “Aging and Hearing: Mechanisms and Effects,” highlights 6 contributions presented at the 2nd International Conference on Adult Hearing Screening (AHS 2012), held in Cernobbio (Lake Como, Italy) in June 2012. Overall, the articles in this Research Forum give insight into the causes, mechanisms, and consequences of auditory dysfunctions in adults, with particular focus on their implications for screening, assessment, and intervention.
The Creation of a Comprehensive and a Brief Core Set for Hearing Loss Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Danermark Berth , Granberg Sarah , Kramer Sophia E. , Selb Melissa , Möller Claes
Published: February 2014

Purpose

In May 2001, to integrate biological, psychological, and social aspects of human functioning, the World Health Assembly endorsed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The aim of this article is to describe the creation of Comprehensive and Brief ICF Core Sets for Hearing Loss. The core sets consist of the most relevant ICF categories for hearing loss.

Method and Results

Four preparatory studies were carried out and presented at a consensus conference, resulting in a Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hearing Loss, consisting of 117 ICF categories, and a Brief ICF Core Set for Hearing Loss, consisting of 27 categories (of the 117).

Conclusion

The Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Hearing Loss can be a user-friendly tool for conducting comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessments. The Brief ICF Core Set can be used for many purposes, such as research and population studies. However, its most common use is by individuals seeking to provide a brief description and assessment of functioning of a person with hearing loss.
Utility of Genetic Testing for the Detection of Late-Onset Hearing Loss in Neonates
Authors: Lim B. Gail , Clark Reese H. , Kelleher Amy S. , Lin Zhili , Spitzer Alan R. ,   the Pediatrix SoundGene Study Group Principal Investigators and Contributors
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the utility of molecular testing in the detection of potentially important causes of delayed hearing loss missed by current audiometric screening at birth.

Method

We enrolled infants who had received a newborn audiometric hearing screen and a filter paper blood collection for state newborn screening. A central laboratory ran the SoundGene
®
panel.

Results

Of 3,681 infants studied, 35 (0.95%) had a positive SoundGene panel, 16 had mitochondrial mutations, 9 had Pendred mutations, 5 were cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA positive, 2 had connexin mutations, and 3 had a combination of different mutations. Infants with an abnormal SoundGene panel were at increased risk for hearing loss compared to neonates without mutations. Three (8.6%) of the 35 subjects had persistent hearing loss compared to 5 (0.21%) of 2,398 subjects with no report of mutation (
p
< .01). Of 3,681 infants studied, 8 (0.22%) had persistent hearing loss: 5 (62.5%) had abnormal newborn audiometric screens, 2 (25%) had an abnormal SoundGene panel (1 was CMV positive, 1 had a mitochondrial mutation), and 1 (12.5%) had no identifiable risk factors.

Conclusion

A positive SoundGene panel identifies infants who are not identified by audiometric testing and may be at risk for hearing loss.
Introduction to the
AJA
Research Forum on Intervention and Rehabilitation Strategies for Adults and Older Adults
Authors: Paglialonga Alessia , Grandori Ferdinando
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To give an overview of the third in a series of research forums emerged from the second International Conference on Adult Hearing Screening (AHS 2012), which was held in Cernobbio (Lake Como, Italy) in June 2012. The first two research forums, published in the previous and current issues of this journal, included several key contributions from the AHS meeting in 2 major topic areas, “Hearing Screening in Adults and Older Adults” (Vol. 22, June 2013) and “Aging and Hearing: Mechanisms and Effects” (this issue). In the 7 articles showcased in this Research Forum on “Intervention and Rehabilitation Strategies for Adults and Older Adults,” the authors provide a multifaceted view on recent advancements in intervention strategies for adults with hearing loss, with ample emphasis on auditory training; discuss the research challenges that need to be tackled in this field; and explore new ways to take into account the individual needs and obtain a deeper understanding of the peculiar attributes of hearing in older adults.
Tinnitus and Normal Hearing: A Study on Contralateral Acoustic Reflex
Authors: da Cruz Fernandes Luciene , Momensohn-Santos Teresa Maria , Carvalho Josiane Silva Martins , Carvalho Fernando Luís de Queiroz
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference of the contralateral acoustic reflex (AR) threshold between adult subjects with hearing within clinically normal limits, with and without tinnitus.

Method

The study sample in this exploratory, descriptive, and comparative study comprised 40 female subjects who were evaluated: 20 had tinnitus and 20 formed the control group. The contralateral AR threshold was evaluated at the frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz.

Results

Elevated or absent AR thresholds were found only in subjects with complaints of tinnitus. At all frequencies and in either ear, the median AR threshold was higher in the group that complained of tinnitus (100.0 dB; range = 95.0–100.0 dB) compared with the control group (90.0 dB; range = 86.3–95.0 dB;
p
< .01). There was a statistically significant difference (
p
< .05) in the group with tinnitus, in each of the frequencies studied and in both the right and left ear.

Conclusion

The results suggest that evaluation of the efferent system, through AR, could be an important tool for the differential diagnosis of tinnitus in patients whose hearing was within clinically normal limits.
Better Together: Reduced Compliance After Sequential Versus Simultaneous Bilateral Hearing Aids Fitting
Authors: Lavie Limor , Banai Karen , Attias Joseph , Karni Avi
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To determine the effects of sequential versus simultaneous bilateral hearing aids fitting on client compliance.

Method

Thirty-six older adults with hearing impairment participated in this study. Twelve were fitted with bilateral hearing aids simultaneously. The remaining participants were fitted sequentially: One hearing aid (to the left or to the right ear) was used initially; one month later, the other ear was also fitted with a hearing aid for bilateral use. Self-reports on usefulness and compliance were elicited after the first and second months of hearing aid use. In addition, the number of hours the hearing aids were used was extracted from the data loggings of each device.

Results

Simultaneous fitting resulted in high levels of compliance and consistent usage throughout the study period. Sequential fitting resulted in abrupt reduction in compliance and hours of use once the second hearing aid was added, both in the clinical scoring and in the data loggings.

Conclusions

Simultaneous fitting of bilateral hearing aids results in better compliance compared to sequential fitting. The addition of a second hearing aid after a relatively short period of monaural use may lead to inconsistent use of both hearing aids.
Survey of modelling techniques used in optimisation of power electronic components
Authors: Mirjafari Mehran , Balog Robert S.
Published: February 2014

Design optimisation techniques for power electronic converters have been the subject of numerous research studies for the past 15 years. Accurate modelling is the most important task in the optimisation, and, because the nature of optimisation problem demands evaluating an objective function numerous times, fast and simplified modelling techniques are required. The objective of this study is to categorise and analyse the previous studies related to modelling techniques incorporated in design optimisation of power electronic converters. Common trends in modelling and optimisation of power electronic converters are analysed and suggestions for future research in this field will be presented.
FPGA‐based real time incremental conductance maximum power point tracking controller for photovoltaic systems
Authors: Faraji Rasoul , Rouholamini Amin , Naji Hamid Reza , Fadaeinedjad Roohollah , Chavoshian Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2014

Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is an important issue in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Hence, we need to design an efficient and cost‐effective system which is able to transfer the maximum power received from PV cell to the load. This study describes the hardware implementation of a real time incremental conductance (INC) MPPT algorithm for a PV module. According to the PV dynamic model, a criterion is presented that by modifying the original algorithm, an adaptive variable step size INC algorithm is realised and efficiently is implemented on XILINX XC3S400 field programmable gate array (FPGA). At first, the PV model characteristics and the proposed algorithm with the mathematical equations are modelled and simulated using ‘MATLAB/Simulink‐system generator’ environment; then the system performance is examined. It is worth that some solutions are proposed to simplify the system based on the design constraints for hardware implementation of digital controller on FPGA. The optimised design of hardware architecture and the high processing speed of FPGA have enhanced the performance of digital controller in designed MPPT system. The experimental results show the proposed method provides a good tracking speed and also mitigation of fluctuation output power.
A study of planar anchor groups for graphene-based single-molecule electronics
Authors: Bailey Steven , Visontai David , Lambert Colin J. , Bryce Martin R. , Frampton Harry , Chappell David
Published: February 2014

To identify families of stable planar anchor groups for use in single molecule electronics, we report detailed results for the binding energies of two families of anthracene and pyrene derivatives adsorbed onto graphene. We find that all the selected derivatives functionalized with either electron donating or electron accepting substituents bind more strongly to graphene than the parent non-functionalized anthracene or pyrene. The binding energy is sensitive to the detailed atomic alignment of substituent groups over the graphene substrate leading to larger than expected binding energies for –OH and –CN derivatives. Furthermore, the ordering of the binding energies within the anthracene and pyrene series does not simply follow the electron affinities of the substituents. Energy barriers to rotation or displacement on the graphene surface are much lower than binding energies for adsorption and therefore at room temperature, although the molecules are bound to the graphene, they are almost free to move along the graphene surface. Binding energies can be increased by incorporating electrically inert side chains and are sensitive to the conformation of such chains.
Shock wave interaction with a phospholipid membrane: Coarse-grained computer simulations
Authors: Santo Kolattukudy P. , Berkowitz Max L.
Published: February 2014

We used MARTINI coarse-grained force field to study poration of a lipid bilayer by a shock wave induced nanobubble collapse. Different systems containing different sized nanobubbles that were exposed to shock waves propagating with different velocities were simulated. We observed creation of pores and damage to bilayers and also subsequent pore closing and the bilayer recovery after shock wave passed the bilayer. In all our systems where bilayers were damaged, they recovered; nevertheless we observed that a large amount of water crossed the pore that was temporarily created. We also observed that not every lipid molecule remained in the bilayer after recovery, some lipids moved out into water and created micelles.
Cation effect in the ionic solution optical Kerr effect measurements: A simulation study
Authors: Zhang Ruiting , Zhuang Wei
Published: February 2014

We carried out the modeling of the Optical Kerr effect (OKE) signals of several metallic chloride ionic solutions to study the microscopic origin of the cation effect on the OKE spectral features. The modeling was based on molecular dynamic simulation and the dipole-induced-dipole method for induced polarization calculation. Decent agreement was achieved between the simulation and the experiment. An extended projection method was adapted to decompose the OKE signals into the contributions from the reorientational and the collision-induced motions of the bulk and the shell water. Further analysis suggested that the different cation effects on the OKE measured relaxation time constant originate from their different water affinities. The weak water affinity of Na+ causes the water in its first solvation shell to be only insignificantly perturbed in dynamics and frequently exchanges with water in bulk, which results in an negligible concentration dependence of the OKE time constant. The OKE time constants of Mg2 + and Al3 + have much stronger dependences on concentration due to their stronger water affinities, which create the more stable first solvation shells and slower water motion in the shell. Compared with Mg2 +, Al3 + can more significantly retard the water motion outside of the shell, which causes an even stronger concentration dependence of the OKE time constant. Our study provided a microscopic picture on how the cation effect on the water dynamics is reflected in the OKE measurements.
Experimental investigation of magnetic anisotropy in spin vortex discs
Authors: Garraud N. , Arnold D. P.
Published: February 2014

We present experimental 2D vector vibrating sample magnetometer measurements to demonstrate the shape anisotropy effects occurring in micrometer-diameter supermalloy spin vortex discs. Measurements made for different disc sizes and orientations confirm the out-of-plane susceptibility is several orders of magnitude smaller than the in-plane susceptibility. These results validate with a high certitude that spin vortices with high diameter to thickness ratio retain in-plane-only magnetization, even when subjected to fields in the out-of-plane direction. These results contribute to further computational simulations of the dynamics of spin vortex structures in colloidal suspensions where external fields may be applied in any arbitrary direction.
Thermal property and assessment of biocompatibility of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Adhikari Ananta R. , Rusakova Irene , Haleh Ardebili , Luisi Jonathan , Panova Neli I. , Laezza Fernanda , Chu Wei-Kan
Published: February 2014

Polymer-matrix nanocomposites based on Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and Graphene platelets (GNPs) were studied. GNPs, nanomaterials with a 2D flat surface, were chosen with or without chemical modification in PLGA/GNP nanocomposites and their microstructure, thermal property, and their compatibility as scaffolds for cell growth were investigated. PLGA/GNP nanocomposites (0, 1, and 5 wt. % of GNPs) were prepared using a solution based technique. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Differential scanning calorimeter, and Thermogravimetric analyzer were used to analyze morphology and thermal properties. This work demonstrated the role of GNPs flat surface to provide a favorable platform resulting in an enhanced PLGA crystallization. Functionalized GNPs suppress both the thermal stability and the crystallization of PLGA. Finally, to determine the potential usefulness of these scaffolds for biomedical applications, mammalian cells were cultured on various PLGA/GNP nanocomposites (0, 1, and 5 wt. % GNPs). 1 wt. % PLGA/GNP nanocomposites showed better biocompatibility for cell growth with/without graphenes functionalization compared to pure PLGA and 5 wt. % PLGA/GNP. The function of GNPs in PLGA/GNPs (1 wt. %) composites is to provide a stage for PLGA crystallization where cell growth is favored. These results provide strong evidence for a new class of materials that could be important for biomedical applications.
Origin of InGaN/GaN light-emitting diode efficiency improvements using tunnel-junction-cascaded active regions
Authors: Piprek Joachim
Published: February 2014

This Letter investigates the efficiency enhancement achieved by tunnel junction insertion into the InGaN/GaN multi-quantum well (MQW) active region of blue light emitting diodes (LEDs). The peak quantum efficiency of such LED exceeds 100%, but the maximum wall-plug efficiency (WPE) hardly changes. However, due to the increased bias, the WPE peaks at much higher input power, i.e., the WPE droop is significantly delayed, and the output power is strongly enhanced. The main physical reason for this improvement lies in the non-uniform vertical carrier distribution typically observed within InGaN MQWs.
Full phosphorescent white-light organic light-emitting diodes with improved color stability and efficiency by fine tuning primary emission contributions
Authors: Hua Wang , Du Xiaogang , Su Wenming , Lin Wenjing , Zhang Dongyu
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a novel type of white-light organic light emitting diode (OLED) with high color stability was reported, in which the yellow-light emission layer of (4,4′-N,N′-dicarbazole)biphenyl (CBP) : tris(2-phenylquinoline-C2,N′)iridium(III) (Ir(2-phq)3) was sandwiched by double blue-light emission layers of 1,1-bis-[(di-4-tolylamino)pheny1]cyclohexane (TAPC) : bis[4,6-(di-fluorophenyl)-pyridinato-N,C2′]picolinate (FIrpic) and tris[3-(3-pyridyl)mesityl]borane (3TPYMB):FIrpic. And, it exhibited the maximum current efficiency of 33.1 cd/A, the turn-on voltage at about 3 V and the maximum luminance in excess of 20000 cd/m2. More important, it realized very stable white-light emission, and its CIE(x, y) coordinates only shift from (0.34, 0.37) to (0.33, 0.37) as applied voltage increased from 5 V to 12 V. It is believed that the new scheme in emission layer of white-light OLED can fine tune the contribution of primary emission with applied voltage changed, resulting in high quality white-light OLED.