bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct observation of liquid nucleus growth in homogeneous melting of colloidal crystals
Authors: Wang Ziren , Wang Feng , Peng Yi , Han Yilong
Published: April 2015

The growth behaviour of liquid nucleus is crucial for crystal melting, but its kinetics is difficult to predict and remains challenging in experiment. Here we directly observed the growth of individual liquid nuclei in homogeneous melting of three-dimensional superheated colloidal crystals with single-particle dynamics by video microscopy. The growth rate of nucleus at weak superheating is well fitted by generalizing the Wilson–Frenkel law of crystallization to melting and including the surface tension effects and non-spherical-shape effects. As the degree of superheating increases, the growth rate is enhanced by nucleus shape fluctuation, nuclei coalescence and multimer attachment. The results provide new guidance for the refinement of nucleation theory, especially for the poorly understood strong-superheating regime. The universal Lindemann parameter observed at the superheat limit and solid–liquid interfaces indicates a connection between homogeneous and heterogeneous melting.
Osmosensing and scaffolding functions of the oligomeric four-transmembrane domain osmosensor Sho1
Authors: Tatebayashi Kazuo , Yamamoto Katsuyoshi , Nagoya Miho , Takayama Tomomi , Nishimura Akiko , Sakurai Megumi , Momma Takashi , Saito Haruo
Published: April 2015

The yeast high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway activates the Hog1 MAP kinase, which coordinates adaptation to high osmolarity conditions. Here we demonstrate that the four-transmembrane (TM) domain protein Sho1 is an osmosensor in the HKR1 sub-branch of the HOG pathway. Crosslinking studies indicate that Sho1 forms planar oligomers of the dimers-of-trimers architecture by dimerizing at the TM1/TM4 interface and trimerizing at the TM2/TM3 interface. High external osmolarity induces structural changes in the Sho1 TM domains and Sho1 binding to the cytoplasmic adaptor protein Ste50, which leads to Hog1 activation. Besides its osmosensing function, the Sho1 oligomer serves as a scaffold. By binding to the TM proteins Opy2 and Hkr1 at the TM1/TM4 and TM2/TM3 interface, respectively, Sho1 forms a multi-component signalling complex that is essential for Hog1 activation. Our results illuminate how the four TM domains of Sho1 dictate the oligomer structure as well as its osmosensing and scaffolding functions.
Abnormal connectivity between the default mode and the visual system underlies the manifestation of visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease: a task-based fMRI study
Authors: Shine James M , Muller Alana J , O’Callaghan Claire , Hornberger Michael , Halliday Glenda M , Lewis Simon JG
Published: April 2015

Background:

The neural substrates of visual hallucinations remain an enigma, due primarily to the difficulties associated with directly interrogating the brain during hallucinatory episodes.

Aims:

To delineate the functional patterns of brain network activity and connectivity underlying visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease.

Methods:

In this study, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a behavioral task capable of eliciting visual misperceptions, a confirmed surrogate for visual hallucinations, in 35 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. We then applied an independent component analysis to extract time series information for large-scale neuronal networks that have been previously implicated in the pathophysiology of visual hallucinations. These data were subjected to a task-based functional connectivity analysis, thus providing the first objective description of the neural activity and connectivity during visual hallucinations in patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Results:

Correct performance of the task was associated with increased activity in primary visual regions; however, during visual misperceptions, this same visual network became actively coupled with the default mode network (DMN). Further, the frequency of misperception errors on the task was positively correlated with the strength of connectivity between these two systems, as well as with decreased activity in the dorsal attention network (DAN), and with impaired connectivity between the DAN and the DMNs, and ventral attention networks. Finally, each of the network abnormalities identified in our analysis were significantly correlated with two independent clinical measures of hallucination severity.

Conclusions:

Together, these results provide evidence that visual hallucinations are due to increased engagement of the DMN with the primary visual system, and emphasize the role of dysfunctional engagement of attentional networks in the pathophysiology of hallucinations.
Conceptualization and validation of an open-source closed-loop deep brain stimulation system in rat
Authors: Wu Hemmings , Ghekiere Hartwin , Beeckmans Dorien , Tambuyzer Tim , van Kuyck Kris , Aerts Jean-Marie , Nuttin Bart
Published: April 2015

Conventional deep brain stimulation (DBS) applies constant electrical stimulation to specific brain regions to treat neurological disorders. Closed-loop DBS with real-time feedback is gaining attention in recent years, after proved more effective than conventional DBS in terms of pathological symptom control clinically. Here we demonstrate the conceptualization and validation of a closed-loop DBS system using open-source hardware. We used hippocampal theta oscillations as system input and electrical stimulation in the mesencephalic reticular formation (mRt) as controller output. It is well documented that hippocampal theta oscillations are highly related to locomotion, while electrical stimulation in the mRt induces freezing. We used an Arduino open-source microcontroller between input and output sources. This allowed us to use hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs) to steer electrical stimulation in the mRt. Our results showed that closed-loop DBS significantly suppressed locomotion compared to no stimulation and required on average only 56% of the stimulation used in open-loop DBS to reach similar effects. The main advantages of open-source hardware include wide selection and availability, high customizability and affordability. Our open-source closed-loop DBS system is effective and warrants further research using open-source hardware for closed-loop neuromodulation.
Comparing the model-simulated global warming signal to observations using empirical estimates of unforced noise
Authors: Brown Patrick T. , Li Wenhong , Cordero Eugene C. , Mauget Steven A.
Published: April 2015

The comparison of observed global mean surface air temperature (GMT) change to the mean change simulated by climate models has received much public and scientific attention. For a given global warming signal produced by a climate model ensemble, there exists an envelope of GMT values representing the range of possible unforced states of the climate system (the Envelope of Unforced Noise; EUN). Typically, the EUN is derived from climate models themselves, but climate models might not accurately simulate the correct characteristics of unforced GMT variability. Here, we simulate a new, empirical, EUN that is based on instrumental and reconstructed surface temperature records. We compare the forced GMT signal produced by climate models to observations while noting the range of GMT values provided by the empirical EUN. We find that the empirical EUN is wide enough so that the interdecadal variability in the rate of global warming over the 20th century does not necessarily require corresponding variability in the rate-of-increase of the forced signal. The empirical EUN also indicates that the reduced GMT warming over the past decade or so is still consistent with a middle emission scenario’s forced signal, but is likely inconsistent with the steepest emission scenario’s forced signal.
Effects of substrate conductivity on cell morphogenesis and proliferation using tailored, atomic layer deposition-grown ZnO thin films
Authors: Choi Won Jin , Jung Jongjin , Lee Sujin , Chung Yoon Jang , Yang Cheol-Soo , Lee Young Kuk , Lee You-Seop , Park Joung Kyu , Ko Hyuk Wan , Lee Jeong-O
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate that ZnO films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be employed as a substrate to explore the effects of electrical conductivity on cell adhesion, proliferation and morphogenesis. ZnO substrates with precisely tunable electrical conductivity were fabricated on glass substrates using ALD deposition. The electrical conductivity of the film increased linearly with increasing duration of the ZnO deposition cycle (thickness), whereas other physical characteristics, such as surface energy and roughness, tended to saturate at a certain value. Differences in conductivity dramatically affected the behavior of SF295 glioblastoma cells grown on ZnO films, with high conductivity (thick) ZnO films causing growth arrest and producing SF295 cell morphologies distinct from those cultured on insulating substrates. Based on simple electrostatic calculations, we propose that cells grown on highly conductive substrates may strongly adhere to the substrate without focal-adhesion complex formation, owing to the enhanced electrostatic interaction between cells and the substrate. Thus, the inactivation of focal adhesions leads to cell proliferation arrest. Taken together, the work presented here confirms that substrates with high conductivity disturb the cell-substrate interaction, producing cascading effects on cellular morphogenesis and disrupting proliferation and suggests that ALD-grown ZnO offers a single-variable method for uniquely tailoring conductivity.
Intrinsic Functional Plasticity of the Sensory-Motor Network in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Zhou F. Q. , Tan Y. M. , Wu L. , Zhuang Y. , He L. C. , Gong H. H.
Published: April 2015

Several neuroimaging studies have suggested brain reorganisation in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM); however, the changes in spontaneous neuronal activity that are associated with connectedness remain largely unknown. In this study, functional connectivity strength (FCS), a data-driven degree centrality method based on a theoretical approach, was applied for the first time to investigate changes in the sensory-motor network (SMN) at the voxel level. Comparatively, CSM not only showed significantly decreased FCS in the operculum-integrated regions, which exhibited reduced resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) around the Rolandic sulcus, but it also showed increased FCS in the premotor, primary somatosensory and parietal-integrated areas, which primarily showed an enhanced rsFC pattern. Correlation analysis showed that altered FCS (in the left premotor-ventral/precentral-operculum, right operculum-parietale 4 and right S1) was associated with worsening Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and that the rsFC pattern was influenced by cervical cord micro-structural damage at the C2 level. Together, these findings suggest that during myelopathy, the intrinsic functional plasticity of the SMN responds to the insufficient sensory and motor experience in CSM patients. This knowledge may improve our understanding of the comprehensive functional defects found in CSM patients and may inspire the development of new therapeutic strategies in the future.
Therapeutic targeting of CBP/β-catenin signaling reduces cancer stem-like population and synergistically suppresses growth of EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells with cisplatin
Authors: Chan King Chi , Chan Lai Sheung , Ip Joseph Chok Yan , Lo Carman , Yip Timothy Tak Chun , Ngan Roger Kai Cheong , Wong Ricky Ngok Shun , Lo Kwok Wai , Ng Wai Tong , Lee Anne Wing Mui , Tsao George Sai Wah , Kahn Michael , Lung Maria Li , Mak Nai Ki
Published: April 2015

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an EBV-associated epithelial malignancy prevalent in southern China. Presence of treatment-resistant cancer stem cells (CSC) may associate with tumor relapse and metastasis in NPC. ICG-001 is a specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist that can block CBP/β-catenin-mediated transcription of stem cell associated genes and enhance p300/β-catenin-mediated transcription, thereby reducing the CSC-like population via forced differentiation. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of ICG-001 on the CSC-like population and the combination effect of ICG-001 with cisplatin in the C666-1 EBV-positive NPC cells. Results showed that ICG-001 inhibited C666-1 cell growth and reduced expression of CSC-associated proteins with altered expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. ICG-001 also inhibited C666-1 tumor sphere formation, accompanied with reduced SOX2hi/CD44hi CSC-like population. ICG-001 was also found to restore the expression of a tumor suppressive microRNA-145 (miR-145). Ectopic expression of miR-145 effectively repressed SOX2 protein expression and inhibited tumor sphere formation. Combination of ICG-001 with cisplatin synergistically suppressed in vitro growth of C666-1 cells and significantly suppressed growth of NPC xenografts. These results suggested that therapeutically targeting of the CBP/β-catenin signaling pathway with ICG-001 can effectively reduce the CSC-like population and combination with cisplatin can effectively suppress the growth of NPC.
Electrochemical behavior of thin-film Sm-doped ceria: insights from the point-contact configuration
Authors: Oh Tae-Sik , Haile Sossina M.
Published: April 2015

The electrochemical behavior of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown porous films of Sm-doped ceria (SDC) for hydrogen oxidation has been evaluated by impedance spectroscopy using a point contact geometry at a temperature of 650 °C.
A simple spiro-type hole transporting material for efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ganesan Paramaguru , Fu Kunwu , Gao Peng , Raabe Ines , Schenk Kurt , Scopelliti Rosario , Luo Jingshan , Wong Lydia H. , Grätzel Michael , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: April 2015

Spiro is beautiful. Two spiro-type molecules are compared at molecular level via single-crystallography. Through molecular engineering, we synthesized new hole transporting material PST1 which works efficiently in perovskite solar cells without cobalt dopant.
Use of a gas-tight syringe sampling method for the determination of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in E-cigarette aerosols by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Cho Young-Hwan , Shin Ho-Sang
Published: April 2015

We report here a sampling method using a gas-tight syringe (GTS) in the determination of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in aerosols from electronic cigarettes.
A MEKC method for naringenin from natural and biological samples
Authors: Memon Almas F. , Solangi Amber R. , Memon Saima Q. , Mallah Arfana , Memon Najma
Published: April 2015

The work reported describes the development of a micellar electrokinetic chromatographic (MEKC) method for the determination of naringenin in real samples including grapefruit juice and human blood serum using a PDA detector.
An easy ‘Filter-and-Separate’ method for enantioselective separation and chiral sensing of substrates using a biomimetic homochiral polymer
Authors: Senthilkumar T. , Asha S. K.
Published: April 2015

A new homochiral polyfluorene appended withl-glutamic acid demonstrated successful heterogeneous enatioselective separation of a wide variety of enantiomers from their aqueous racemic mixtures by selective uptake ofl-enantiomer into the polymer.
Cucurbit[6]uril is an ultrasensitive129Xe NMR contrast agent
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Dmochowski Ivan J.
Published: April 2015

A lack of molecular contrast agents has slowed the application of ultrasensitive hyperpolarized129Xe NMR methods.
A new ligand skeleton for imaging applications with d–f complexes: combined lifetime imaging and high relaxivity in an Ir/Gd dyad
Authors: Jana Atanu , Baggaley Elizabeth , Amoroso Angelo , Ward Michael D.
Published: April 2015

The rigid dinuclear complexes Ir·Ln (Ln = Eu, Gd) show potential for use in dual magnetic resonance + time-resolved luminescence imaging (Ir·Gd) and d → f energy-transfer (Ir·Eu).
Elucidating the intercalation mechanism of zinc ions into α-MnO2 for rechargeable zinc batteries
Authors: Lee Boeun , Lee Hae Ri , Kim Haesik , Chung Kyung Yoon , Cho Byung Won , Oh Si Hyoung
Published: April 2015

The intercalation of zinc into 2 × 2 tunnel of an α-MnO2 leads to reversible transition to a layered polymorph with an interlayer spacing of 11 Å.
A water-stable lanthanide-organic framework as a recyclable luminescent probe for detecting pollutant phosphorus anions
Authors: Xu Hang , Cao Chun-Shuai , Zhao Bin
Published: April 2015

An Eu-MOF can selectively detect PO43− and it represents the first example of regenerable MOF-based luminescent probes for detecting PO43−.
A scanometric antibody probe for facile and sensitive immunoassays
Authors: Yi So Yeon , Lee UiJin , Chung Bong Hyun , Jung Juyeon
Published: April 2015

We have developed a novel scanometric antibody probe for rapid, sensitive, and naked-eye-visible immunoassays.
Polyoxometalate-directed assembly of various multinuclear metal–organic complexes with 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole and selective photocatalysis for organic dye degradation
Authors: Wang Xiu-Li , Gong Chun-Hua , Zhang Ju-Wen , Liu Guo-Cheng , Kan Xiao-Min , Xu Na
Published: April 2015

Five POM-based metal–organic complexes ranging from 0D trinuclear cluster, 1D chain, 2D network, to 3D framework have been successfully prepared in the presence/absence of citric or boric acid.
A model for predicting the thermal conductivity of SiO2–Ge nanoparticle composites
Authors: Kuryliuk Vasyl , Nadtochiy Andriy , Korotchenkov Oleg , Wang Chin-Chi , Li Pei-Wen
Published: April 2015

A simple and time consuming theoretical model that predicts the thermal conductivity of SiO2 layers with embedded Ge quantum dots is proposed. It takes into account the structural relaxation in the SiO2 matrix, deviation in mass density of the dots compared to the surrounding matrix and strains associated with the dots.
Formation and thermodynamics of gaseous germanium and tin vanadates: a mass spectrometric and quantum chemical study
Authors: Shugurov S. M. , Panin A. I. , Lopatin S. I. , Emelyanova K. A.
Published: April 2015

The stability of gaseous GeV2O6and SnV2O6were confirmed by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. To obtain the structural parameters of these gaseous salts, a quantum chemical investigation of its molecular properties was undertaken.
Visible-light-mediated difunctionalization of styrenes: an unprecedented approach to 5-aryl-2-imino-1,3-oxathiolanes
Authors: Yadav Arvind K. , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: April 2015

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of 5-aryl-2-imino-1,3-oxathiolanes from styrenes and NH4SCN is developed. The protocol utilizes visible light and air as eco-sustainable and cheapest reagents.
Single-virus force spectroscopy unravels molecular details of virus infection
Authors: Herrmann Andreas , Sieben Christian
Published: April 2015

Single-virus manipulation and detection techniques allow to study virus infection at an unforeseen level.
Frequency modulated microrheology
Authors: Shindel Matthew M. , Furst Eric M.
Published: April 2015

Coupling analog frequency modulation (FM) to the driving stimulus in active microrheology measurements conducted with optical tweezers effectively parallelizes numerous single-frequency experiments.
Discovery and optimisation of 1-acyl-2-benzylpyrrolidines as potent dual orexin receptor antagonists
Authors: Williams Jodi T. , Gatfield John , Roch Catherine , Treiber Alexander , Jenck Francois , Bolli Martin H. , Brotschi Christine , Sifferlen Thierry , Heidmann Bibia , Boss Christoph
Published: April 2015

The evolution of our lead compound1into thein vivoactive, competitive, dual orexin receptor antagonist27, is described.
A facile synthesis of branched graft copolymers via combination of RAFT self-condensing vinyl polymerization and aldehyde–aminooxy reaction
Authors: Huang Jianbing , Lin Lvhuan , Liang Hui , Lu Jiang
Published: April 2015

A facile synthetic route to the branched graft copolymer BPDEM-g-PEO has been developed by combination of the RAFT-SCVP technique and aldehyde–aminooxy reaction.
NIR-responsive polypeptide copolymer upconversion composite nanoparticles for triggered drug release and enhanced cytotoxicity
Authors: Liu Gang , Liu Na , Zhou Linzhu , Su Yue , Dong Chang-Ming
Published: April 2015

Near infrared light-responsive polypeptide copolymer upconversion composite nanoparticles exhibited controllable drug release and triggered cytotoxicity useful for on-demand drug delivery and cancer therapy.
Development of voriconazole loaded large porous particles for inhalation delivery: effect of surface forces on aerosolisation performance, assessment of in vitro safety potential and uptake by macrophages
Authors: Arora Sumit , Mahajan Rahul R. , Kushwah Varun , Baradia Dipesh , Misra Ambikanandan , Jain Sanyog
Published: April 2015

Inhalation delivery of voriconazole loaded large porous particles represent an effective and safe way to prolong pulmonary residence of voriconazole.
Functionalized titanate nanotube–polyetherimide nanocomposite membrane for improved salt rejection under low pressure nanofiltration
Authors: Sumisha Anappara , Arthanareeswaran Gangasalam , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Kumar Dharani Praveen , Shankar Muthukonda V.
Published: April 2015

Copper functionalised titanium dioxide (Cu-TNT) nanotubes dispersed polyetherimide (PEI mixed matrix membrane showed a better salt rejection of salts solution of potassium sulphate (K2SO4), sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl2).
Synthesis, crystal structure and physical properties of [Li0.85Fe0.15OH][FeS]
Authors: Zhang Xian , Lai Xiaofang , Yi Na , He Jianqiao , Chen Haijie , Zhang Hui , Lin Jianhua , Huang Fuqiang
Published: April 2015

The layered compound [Li0.85Fe0.15OH][FeS], whose structure features alternately packed [Li0.85Fe0.15OH] and [FeS] layers, was synthesized via a hydrothermal method.
Synthesis, electron microscopy and anti-microbial properties of Fe3O4–Ag nanotubes
Authors: Singh Mahander Pratap , Raghupathy Y. , Natarajan K. A. , Srivastava Chandan
Published: April 2015

Electrodeposition was used for synthesizing 200 nm diameter Fe3O4–Ag nanotubes.
Bipyridine-functionalized amphiphilic block copolymers as support materials for the aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols in aqueous media
Authors: Sand Henning , Weberskirch Ralf
Published: April 2015

A micellar catalytic version of the aerobic oxidation of primary alcohols was successfully developed based on core-functionalized polymer nanoparticles.
Salt-induced counterion condensation and related phenomena in sodium carboxymethylcellulose–sodium halide–methanol–water quaternary systems
Authors: Das Bijan , Chatterjee Amritendu
Published: April 2015

Transport and frictional behaviour of sodium carboxymethylcellulose dissolved in methanol–water mixed solvent media with varying volume fractions (v) of methanol have been investigated conductometrically in presence of different concentrations of NaCl and NaBr.
Declined ionic flux through the nano-pores of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes filled with PNIPAm hydrogel
Authors: Pan Yuanyuan , Wu Qiang , Weng Yuyan , Zhang Xiaohua , Yang Zhaohui , Meng Jianqiang , Tsui Ophelia K. C.
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate a novel nano-porous membrane of 10 nm diameter multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) filled with thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel.
Photoinduced switchable underwater superoleophobicity–superoleophilicity on laser modified titanium surfaces
Authors: Yong Jiale , Chen Feng , Yang Qing , Farooq Umar , Hou Xun
Published: April 2015

A one-step way to achieve smart reversible switching between the underwater superoleophobicity and underwater superoleophilicity of femtosecond laser ablated Ti materials.
Dye-sensitized solar cells composed of photoactive composite photoelectrodes with enhanced solar energy conversion efficiency
Authors: Thi Vu Hong Ha , Atabaev Timur Sh. , Ahn Ji Young , Dinh Nguyen Nang , Kim Hyung-Kook , Hwang Yoon-Hwae
Published: April 2015

Phosphor particles were introduced as a luminescent medium to improve the overall efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
All-solid-state MoS2/Li6PS5Br/In–Li batteries as a novel type of Li/S battery
Authors: Chen Maohua , Yin Xuesong , Reddy M. V. , Adams Stefan
Published: April 2015

High-performance all-solid-state lithium/sulfur batteries stably running over 700 high-rate cycles are demonstrated by combining a MoS2 precursor cathode with argyrodite-type solid electrolyte.
3D porous hierarchical Li2FeSiO4/C for rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Zhang Ling , Ni Jiangfeng , Wang Wencong , Guo Jun , Li Liang
Published: April 2015

Three-dimensional porous hierarchical Li2FeSiO4/C was fabricated using a facile hydrothermal reaction and served as an efficient cathode for rechargeable lithium batteries.
Capillary number encouraged the construction of smart biomimetic eyes
Authors: Wang Lanlan , Liu Hongzhong , Jiang Weitao , Li Rui , Li Fang , Yang Zhongbo , Yin Lei , Shi Yongsheng , Chen Bangdao
Published: April 2015

By tuning capillary number, the proposed smart biomimetic eyes were endowed with advantages of insects' compound eyes and human eyes.
H2O-steered size/phase evolution and magnetic properties of large-scale, monodisperse FexOy nanomaterials
Authors: Tong Guoxiu , Liu Yun , Wu Tong , Tong Chaoli , Du Fangfang
Published: April 2015

A H2O-steered switch behavior can be observed in controlling the size, phase, and magnetic properties of monodisperse monocrystal FexOy nanomaterials.
Access is the Issue, Not Hearing Loss: New Policy Clarification Requires Schools to Ensure Effective Communication Access
Authors: Anderson Karen L.
Published: April 2015

Communication access is a key component of 504, IDEA and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A November 2014 policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice clarified that, under Title II of the ADA, schools are required to ensure that students with disabilities receive communication with others through the provision of appropriate auxiliary aids and services. In other words, they are responsible for ensuring that communication access is as effective for children with hearing loss as it is for their typically hearing peers. Hearing loss is invisible and the impact is often mistaken for a learning disorder rather than performance issues secondary to decreased access to communication. Information in this article is presented to assist the educational audiologist, teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, or speech-language pathologist in demonstrating the impact of hearing loss on access to classroom communication so that the question “Does this student have effective access to communication in school?” can be answered in an evidence-based manner.
Thinking Anew: Trends in the Education of Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Their Implications
Authors: Miller Kevin J.
Published: April 2015

In this article, the author describes three trends currently impacting the education of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, including service delivery, students who are deaf or hard of hearing with additional disabilities, and evidence-based practice. Implications of these trends are discussed as they relate primarily to teachers of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, but speech-language pathologists as well. The article concludes with recommendations for improving practices used with this population.
Compact tri‐band bandpass filter with stub‐loaded stepped‐impedance resonator
Authors: Yu Bin , Jia Baofu , Zhu Zhaojun
Published: April 2015

A compact microstrip tri‐band bandpass filter (BPF) based on two open stub‐loaded multimode λ/4 stepped‐impedance resonators (SIRs) with two separate coupling paths is investigated. A source–load coupling configuration is arranged to produce several extra transmission zeros for realising high‐isolation performance. The centre frequencies of three passbands can be controlled by tuning the dimensions of two high impedance lines of the proposed open stub‐loaded SIRs. The bandwidth of the three passbands could be conventionally controlled by adjusting the coupling strength of two coupling paths. The prototype of the BPF achieved insertion losses of 0.46, 1.05 and 1.4 dB at 0.82, 1.67 and 2.17 GHz, respectively. The measured results are in good agreement with electromagnetic simulation. The circuit only occupies 0.126λg × 0.108λg, where λg is the guided wavelength at a lower passband centre frequency.
Radiation pattern reconfigurable microstrip antenna for WiMAX application
Authors: Shi S.‐J. , Ding W.‐P.
Published: April 2015

A microstrip antenna with reconfigurable radiation pattern characteristics in the wireless interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) band is presented. By controlling the states of these four pin diodes, different radiating elements can be activated, which leads to four different radiation patterns for WiMAX application in the 3.44–3.6 GHz range. By sequentially activating the pin diodes, the antenna main beam rotates by 90° in azimuth planes, with 30° deflection in the elevation plane. Moreover, the proposed antenna has a compact structure and good realised gain levels with a minimum value of 8 dBi. The measured results of the fabricated antenna prototype verify the simulation analysis.
Superposition feature of the switching functions for the dynamic phasor model of the converters under commutation failure
Authors: Liu Chongru , Zhao Yunhao , Wang Chao , Li Haifeng , Li Gengyin
Published: April 2015

Switching function is very important for the dynamic phasor model of converters. It is used to represent the relationship between the AC side voltage/current and the DC side voltage/current in the dynamic phasor models of converters. The existing switching functions consider no effect of the commutation failure (CF), which restricts the development of the dynamic phasor model of converters. A method to obtain the switching functions considering the effects of the CF is proposed in this study. First, following a detailed analysis, the two phenomenon are found that: (1) if there is only a single CF, then the corresponding switching functions can be calculated through the normal three phase switching functions; and (2) if there is an occurrence of continuous CFs, the switching functions in the dynamic phasor model can be obtained through the normal switching functions and the corresponding single CFs, which consists of the continuous CFs. Second, the details of the method to obtain the switching functions considering various operation conditions are presented. Finally, numerical tests show that the proposed method and the modified switching functions are valid and effective.
Solution-processed polycrystalline silicon on paper
Authors: Trifunovic M. , Shimoda T. , Ishihara R.
Published: April 2015

Printing electronics has led to application areas which were formerly impossible with conventional electronic processes. Solutions are used as inks on top of large areas at room temperatures, allowing the production of fully flexible circuitry. Commonly, research in these inks have focused on organic and metal-oxide ink materials due to their printability, while these materials lack in the electronic performance when compared to silicon electronics. Silicon electronics, on the other hand, has only recently found their way in solution processes. Printing of cyclopentasilane as the silicon ink has been conducted and devices with far superior electric performance have been made when compared to other ink materials. A thermal annealing step of this material, however, was necessary, which prevented its usage on inexpensive substrates with a limited thermal budget. In this work, we introduce a method that allows polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) production directly from the same liquid silicon ink using excimer laser irradiation. In this way, poly-Si could be formed directly on top of paper even with a single laser pulse. Using this method, poly-Si transistors were created at a maximum temperature of only 150 °C. This method allows silicon device formation on inexpensive, temperature sensitive substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate or paper, which leads to applications that require low-cost but high-speed electronics.
Subsystem density functional theory with meta-generalized gradient approximation exchange-correlation functionals
Authors: Śmiga Szymon , Fabiano Eduardo , Laricchia Savio , Constantin Lucian A. , Della Sala Fabio
Published: April 2015

We analyze the methodology and the performance of subsystem density functional theory (DFT) with meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA) exchange-correlation functionals for non-bonded molecular systems. Meta-GGA functionals depend on the Kohn-Sham kinetic energy density (KED), which is not known as an explicit functional of the density. Therefore, they cannot be directly applied in subsystem DFT calculations. We propose a Laplacian-level approximation to the KED which overcomes this limitation and provides a simple and accurate way to apply meta-GGA exchange-correlation functionals in subsystem DFT calculations. The so obtained density and energy errors, with respect to the corresponding supermolecular calculations, are comparable with conventional approaches, depending almost exclusively on the approximations in the non-additive kinetic embedding term. An embedding energy error decomposition explains the accuracy of our method.
A compact frequency tunable radio frequency phase shifter with patterned Py enabled transmission line
Authors: Rahman B. M. Farid , Divan Ralu , Rosenmann Daniel , Wang Tengxing , Peng Yujia , Wang Guoan
Published: April 2015

A well designed frequency tunable phase shifter using patterned Py with different thickness has been demonstrated. Phase shifter is implemented with a slow wave coplanar wave guide (CPW) transmission line, where the signal line has alternate short narrow and wide sections. Py is patterned on the top of narrow section for high inductance density, and inter-digital capacitor is implemented in wide section for high capacitance density. Compared with phase shifter using regular CPW, the dimension of the developed phase shifter has been reduced from 14.86 mm to 4.70 mm at 2 GHz. Phase shifter based on 100 nm and 200 nm thick patterned Py with the same dimensions (14 μm × 10 μm) are implemented and investigated comprehensively. FMR frequency of 3.2 GHz and 3.6 GHz without any external magnetic field has been achieved for 100 nm and 200 nm thick Py film, respectively. Thicker Py has increased inductance density from 1067.2 nH/m to 1193.2 nH/m while the center frequency of the phase shifter has been shifted to 1.80 GHz. Frequency tunability of the phase shifter has been also demonstrated with DC current. The phase shifter can provide 90° phase shift continuously from 2 GHz to 1.80 GHz with DC current from 0 mA to 150 mA. The design concept has great potential in design arbitrary tunable RF components such as filters and couplers.
Unusual enhancement of multiferroicity in YMn2−xTixO5 due to ferroelectrically active TiO6 oxygen octahedral units
Authors: Li S. Z. , Wang X. Z. , Yan Z. B. , Wang K. F. , Li H. , Liu J.-M.
Published: April 2015

Polycrystalline YMn2−xTixO5 (x = 0.00–0.05) samples with partial substitution of Mn by Ti are prepared in order to modulate the multiferroicity of YMn2O5. It is revealed that the substituting Ti ions are in the Ti4+ valence state and prefer to occupy the Mn4+ sites. The lattice structure has slight volume expansion upon the Ti substitution, although the symmetry remains unchanged. A proper Ti4+ substitution surprisingly allows significant enhancement of ferroelectric polarization and appearance of weak ferromagnetism. It is suggested that the substitution induced Ti4+O6 octahedra and modulated exchange-striction are possibly responsible for the enhanced ferroelectricity and improved ferromagnetism.
Line shape analysis of two-dimensional infrared spectra
Authors: Guo Qi , Pagano Philip , Li Yun-Liang , Kohen Amnon , Cheatum Christopher M.
Published: April 2015

Ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy probes femtosecond to picosecond time scale dynamics ranging from solvation to protein motions. The frequency-frequency correlation function (FFCF) is the quantitative measure of the spectral diffusion that reports those dynamics and, within certain approximations, can be extracted directly from 2D IR line shapes. A variety of methods have been developed to extract the FFCF from 2D IR spectra, which, in principle, should give the same FFCF parameters, but the complexity of real experimental systems will affect the results of these analyses differently. Here, we compare five common analysis methods using both simulated and experimental 2D IR spectra to understand the effects of apodization, anharmonicity, phasing errors, and finite signal-to-noise ratios on the results of each of these analyses. Our results show that although all of the methods can, in principle, yield the FFCF under idealized circumstances, under more realistic experimental conditions they behave quite differently, and we find that the centerline slope analysis yields the best compromise between the effects we test and is most robust to the distortions that they cause.
Measurements of deuterium quadrupole coupling in propiolic acid and fluorobenzenes using pulsed-beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometers
Authors: Sun Ming , Sargus Bryan A. , Carey Spencer J. , Kukolich Stephen G.
Published: April 2015

The pure rotational spectra of deuterated propiolic acids (HCCCOOD and DCCCOOH), 1-fluorobenzene (4-d1), and 1,2-difluorobenzene (4-d1) in their ground states have been measured using two Fourier transform microwave (FTMW) spectrometers at the University of Arizona. For 1-fluorobenzene (4-d1), nine hyperfine lines of three different ΔJ = 0 and 1 transitions were measured to check the synthesis method and resolution. For 1,2-difluorobenzene (4-d1), we obtained 44 hyperfine transitions from 1 to 12 GHz, including 14 different ΔJ = 0, 1 transitions. Deuterium quadrupole coupling constants along the three principal inertia axes were well determined. For deuterated propiolic acids, 37 hyperfine lines of Pro-OD and 59 hyperfine lines of Pro-CD, covering 11 and 12 different ΔJ = − 1, 0, 1 transitions, respectively, were obtained from 5 to 16 GHz. Deuterium quadrupole coupling constants along the three inertia axes were well resolved for Pro-OD. For Pro-CD, only eQqaa was determined due to the near coincidence of the CD bond and the least principal inertia axis. Some measurements were made using a newer FTMW spectrometer employing multiple free induction decays as well as background subtraction. For 1-fluorobenzene (4-d1) and 1,2-difluorobenzene (4-d1), a very large-cavity (1.2 m mirror dia.) spectrometer yielded very high resolution (2 kHz) spectra.
Stochastic dynamics of penetrable rods in one dimension: Entangled dynamics and transport properties
Authors: Craven Galen T. , Popov Alexander V. , Hernandez Rigoberto
Published: April 2015

The dynamical properties of a system of soft rods governed by stochastic hard collisions (SHCs) have been determined over a varying range of softness using molecular dynamics simulations in one dimension and analytic theory. The SHC model allows for interpenetration of the system’s constituent particles in the simulations, generating overlapping clustering behavior analogous to the spatial structures observed in systems governed by deterministic bounded potentials. Through variation of an assigned softness parameter δ, the limiting ranges of intermolecular softness are bridged, connecting the limiting ensemble behavior from hard to ideal (completely soft). Various dynamical and structural observables are measured from simulation and compared to developed theoretical values. The spatial properties are found to be well predicted by theories developed for the deterministic penetrable-sphere model with a transformation from energetic to probabilistic arguments. While the overlapping spatial structures are complex, the dynamical properties can be adequately approximated through a theory built on impulsive interactions with Enskog corrections. Our theory suggests that as the softness of interaction is varied toward the ideal limit, correlated collision processes are less important to the energy transfer mechanism, and Markovian processes dominate the evolution of the configuration space ensemble. For interaction softness close to hard limit, collision processes are highly correlated and overlapping spatial configurations give rise to entanglement of single-particle trajectories.
Slow viscous gravity-driven interaction between a bubble and a free surface with unequal surface tensions
Authors: Guémas Marine , Sellier Antoine , Pigeonneau Franck
Published: April 2015

The axisymmetric gravity-driven dynamics of a bubble rising toward a free surface is addressed for gas-liquid interfaces having unequal surface tensions. The liquid flow is governed by the Stokes equations which are here solved using a boundary element method in axisymmetric configuration. Within this framework, two dimensionless numbers arise: the Bond number Bo1 based on the surface tension of the bubble interface and the surface tension ratio γˆ comparing the free surface and bubble surface tensions. Under a careful and discussed selection of the code key settings (number of boundary elements, initial bubble location, and distance beyond which the free surface is truncated), it has been possible to numerically and accurately track in time the bubble and free surface shapes for several values of (Bo1,γˆ). The long-time shapes are found to deeply depend upon both Bo1 and γˆ and also to compare well with the shapes predicted in Princen and Mason [“Shape of a fluid drop at a fluid-liquid interface. II. Theory for three-phase systems,” J. Colloid. Sci. 20, 246–266 (1965)] using a hydrostatic model in which both surfaces are touching. Similarly, the drainage dynamics of the liquid film thickness between the bubble and the free surface depends on (Bo1,γˆ). The long-time film thickness exponentially decays in time and a so-called thinning rate α for which the numerical behaviors and a simple model reveal two basic behaviors: (i) at small Bond number, α behaves as 1/Bo1 and (ii) at large Bond number, α is nearly constant. In addition, it is found that in the entire range of the quantity χ=(1+γˆ)Bo1/(2γˆ), the thinning rate α is well approximated by the function 1/(18χ) + α∞ with α∞ ≈ 0.158. Such a result also permits one to estimate the typical drainage time versus the initial bubble radius a, the liquid density ρ and viscosity μ, the gravity and the free surface, and bubble surface tensions.
Probing environment fluctuations by two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy of molecular systems at temperatures below 5 K
Authors: Rancova Olga , Jankowiak Ryszard , Abramavicius Darius
Published: April 2015

Two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectroscopy at cryogenic and room temperatures reveals excitation energy relaxation and transport, as well as vibrational dynamics, in molecular systems. These phenomena are related to the spectral densities of nuclear degrees of freedom, which are directly accessible by means of hole burning and fluorescence line narrowing approaches at low temperatures (few K). The 2D spectroscopy, in principle, should reveal more details about the fluctuating environment than the 1D approaches due to peak extension into extra dimension. By studying the spectral line shapes of a dimeric aggregate at low temperature, we demonstrate that 2D spectra have the potential to reveal the fluctuation spectral densities for different electronic states, the interstate correlation of static disorder and, finally, the time scales of spectral diffusion with high resolution.
Influence of length and conformation of saccharide head groups on the mechanics of glycolipid membranes: Unraveled by off-specular neutron scattering
Authors: Yamamoto Akihisa , Abuillan Wasim , Burk Alexandra S. , Körner Alexander , Ries Annika , Werz Daniel B. , Demé Bruno , Tanaka Motomu
Published: April 2015

The mechanical properties of multilayer stacks of Gb3 glycolipid that play key roles in metabolic disorders (Fabry disease) were determined quantitatively by using specular and off-specular neutron scattering. Because of the geometry of membrane stacks deposited on planar substrates, the scattered intensity profile was analyzed in a 2D reciprocal space map as a function of in-plane and out-of-plane scattering vector components. The two principal mechanical parameters of the membranes, namely, bending rigidity and compression modulus, can be quantified by full calculation of scattering functions with the aid of an effective cut-off radius that takes the finite sample size into consideration. The bulkier “bent” Gb3 trisaccharide group makes the membrane mechanics distinctly different from cylindrical disaccharide (lactose) head groups and shorter “bent” disaccharide (gentiobiose) head groups. The mechanical characterization of membranes enriched with complex glycolipids has high importance in understanding the mechanisms of diseases such as sphingolipidoses caused by the accumulation of non-degenerated glycosphingolipids in lysosomes or inhibition of protein synthesis triggered by the specific binding of Shiga toxin to Gb3.
Excited state reaction dynamics of Ti(a5FJ) + O2 → TiO(A3Φ, B3Π, C3Δ) + O studied by a crossed-beam velocity map imaging technique
Authors: Honma Kenji , Tanaka Yuhki
Published: April 2015

Oxidation reactions of the gas-phase titanium atom in its excited state with oxygen molecule, Ti(a5FJ) + O2 → TiO(A3Φ, B3Π, C3Δ) + O, were studied by a crossed-beam velocity map imaging technique at 14.3 kJ/mol of collision energy. Metastable excited Ti, Ti(a5FJ), was generated by an optical pumping method and the reaction products were detected by single photon-ionization followed by a time-of-flight mass analysis and a two dimensional detection. Three wavelengths were selected to ionize electronically excited TiO∗, TiO(A3Φ, B3Π, C3Δ). Time sliced images were measured, and angular and speed distributions of TiO∗ were determined. In all three ionization wavelengths, the angular distributions showed a forward-backward symmetry with low intensity at the sideway direction. The speed distributions were represented by the distributions based on the statistical energy partition into products. These results suggested that the reaction of Ti(a5FJ) to form TiO(B) and TiO(C) proceeds via a long-lived intermediate and confirmed that the mechanism proposed by the previous chemiluminescence study.
Relaxation dynamics and exciton energy transfer in the low-temperature phase of MEH-PPV
Authors: Consani Cristina , Koch Federico , Panzer Fabian , Unger Thomas , Köhler Anna , Brixner Tobias
Published: April 2015

Understanding the effects of aggregation on exciton relaxation and energy transfer is relevant to control photoinduced function in organic electronics and photovoltaics. Here, we explore the photoinduced dynamics in the low-temperature aggregated phase of a conjugated polymer by transient absorption and coherent electronic two-dimensional (2D) spectroscopy. Coherent 2D spectroscopy allows observing couplings among photoexcited states and discriminating band shifts from homogeneous broadening, additionally accessing the ultrafast dynamics at various excitation energies simultaneously with high spectral resolution. By combining the results of the two techniques, we differentiate between an initial exciton relaxation, which is not characterized by significant exciton mobility, and energy transport between different chromophores in the aggregate.