bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Orally Available, Small-Molecule Polymerase Inhibitor Shows Efficacy Against a Lethal Morbillivirus Infection in a Large Animal Model
Authors: Krumm Stefanie A. , Yan Dan , Hovingh Elise S. , Evers Taylor J. , Enkirch Theresa , Reddy G. Prabhakar , Sun Aiming , Saindane Manohar T. , Arrendale Richard F. , Painter George , Liotta Dennis C. , Natchus Michael G. , von Messling Veronika , Plemper Richard K.
Published: April 2014

An orally available, shelf-stable pan-morbillivirus inhibitor targeting a viral polymerase effectively treats ferrets infected with a lethal dose of a measles-like virus.
Matrix in the Driver’s Seat
Authors: Dela Cruz Charles S.
Published: April 2014

The extracellular matrix can alter fibroblasts and affect the fibrogenic process that leads to disease.
Oxygen Limitation within a Bacterial Aggregate
Authors: Wessel Aimee K. , Arshad Talha A. , Fitzpatrick Mignon , Connell Jodi L. , Bonnecaze Roger T. , Shear Jason B. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: April 2014

Cells within biofilms exhibit physiological heterogeneity, in part because of chemical gradients existing within these spatially structured communities. Previous work has examined how chemical gradients develop in large biofilms containing >10
8
cells. However, many bacterial communities in nature are composed of small, densely packed aggregates of cells (≤10
5
bacteria). Using a gelatin-based three-dimensional (3D) printing strategy, we confined the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
within picoliter-sized 3D “microtraps” that are permeable to nutrients, waste products, and other bioactive small molecules. We show that as a single bacterium grows into a maximally dense (10
12
 cells ml
−1
) clonal population, a localized depletion of oxygen develops when it reaches a critical aggregate size of ~55 pl. Collectively, these data demonstrate that chemical and phenotypic heterogeneity exists on the micrometer scale within small aggregate populations.

IMPORTANCE
Before developing into large, complex communities, microbes initially cluster into aggregates, and it is unclear if chemical heterogeneity exists in these ubiquitous micrometer-scale aggregates. We chose to examine oxygen availability within an aggregate since oxygen concentration impacts a number of important bacterial processes, including metabolism, social behaviors, virulence, and antibiotic resistance. By determining that oxygen availability can vary within aggregates containing ≤10
5
bacteria, we establish that physiological heterogeneity exists within
P. aeruginosa
aggregates, suggesting that such heterogeneity frequently exists in many naturally occurring small populations.
Delayed rupture of flexor tendons in zone V complicated by neuritis 18 years following Galeazzi fracture-dislocation
Authors: Nagy Mathias Thomas , Ghosh Sabyasachi , Shah Bhavik , Sankar Thangasamy
Published: April 2014

We report a rare case of an 84-year-old woman who presented with delayed, complete rupture of superficial (flexor digitorum superficialis) and deep flexor tendons (flexor digitorum profundus) of the third, fourth and fifth digits of the right hand in zone V of the flexor tendons. The patient, who was otherwise healthy, active and independent, incurred a closed fracture of her right wrist 18 years ago, which was treated conservatively. Current X-rays and operative findings confirmed a malunited Galeazzi fracture-dislocation with volar dislocation of the ulna from the distal radioulnar joint. She underwent surgical treatment to improve her hand function and agonising neuritis symptoms, as she was unable to use her middle, ring and little fingers and had developed severe neuritis of the ulnar nerve. Exploration and repair of the flexor tendons, nerve decompressions and Darrach procedure were performed. On follow-up, the patient showed improvement in hand function with the neuritis completely resolved.
Surgical repair following trauma to vascular graft causing spinal cord infarction
Authors: Vivekanantham Sayinthen , Phoenix Gokulan , Khatri Chetan , Das Saroj
Published: April 2014

A 55-year-old woman with a background of vascular disease presented with signs of bilateral limb ischaemia. Following elective axillobifemoral bypass and hospital discharge, accidental axillary trauma causing a chest wall haematoma, the patient underwent an emergency graft repair. Postextubation, she reported with absent sensation in her legs. Spinal cord infarction was diagnosed through clinical assessment and exclusion of other causes. The aetiology of compromise to the spinal cord blood supply is unclear. Possibilities include intraoperative hypotension, inadvertent compromise to blood supply of thoracic radicular arteries, dislodged atherosclerotic emboli or a combination of these factors. Spinal cord infarction recognised early can be treated. Sedation to assist ventilation had obscured the problem early enough to consider treatment. Patients with vascular risk factors should be carefully managed intraoperatively to minimise hypotensive episodes and care should also be taken not to compromise blood flow of radicular arteries.
Acute acalculous cholecystitis after abdominal wall repair (Rives-Stoppa)
Authors: Reurings Jurrian C , Diaz Ruben P D , Penninga Luit , Nellensteijn David R
Published: April 2014

Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a rare condition normally occurring in critically ill patients. Compared to acute calculous cholecystitis, AAC is associated with complications and has a worse outcome. Hence, knowledge of this condition is very important. We describe a case of a 31-year-old man who developed AAC after abdominal wall repair with mesh (Rives-Stoppa procedure) 1 day after discharge from the hospital. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper to report AAC after abdominal incisional hernia repair. Although it is known to be more common in critically ill patients, AAC can also occur postoperatively in outpatients. Early recognition and treatment of AAC may improve outcome.
Submucosal uterine fibroid prolapsed into vagina in a symptomatic patient with IUS
Authors: Matytsina-Quinlan Lyubov , Matytsina Laura
Published: April 2014

A female patient in her mid 40s presents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and a history of spotting/irregular light per vagina (PV) bleeding since intrauterine system (IUS) insertion 1 year ago. She is known to have submucosal uterine fibroid (SMUF). The patient reported abdominal pain and sudden onset of ‘miscarriage-like’ HMB with clots 2 days ago. On speculum examination there was a smooth round-shaped mass lying over the external cervical os. On bimanual examination PV, a round-shaped smooth mass of a walnut's size was palpable in the upper third of the vagina. Subsequent ultrasound imaging revealed an SMUF prolapsed into the vagina. Further surgical treatment was undertaken. Histology showed a fibroid (leiomyoma) with no evidence of malignancy.
Australian football players’ Achilles tendons respond to game loads within 2 days: an ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) study
Authors: Rosengarten Samuel D , Cook Jill L , Bryant Adam L , Cordy Justin T , Daffy John , Docking Sean I
Published: April 2014

Background/aim

The Achilles tendon is a tissue that responds to mechanical loads at a molecular and cellular level. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the expression of anabolic and/or catabolic proteins can change within hours of loading and return to baseline levels within 72 h. These biochemical changes have not been correlated with changes in whole tendon structure on imaging. We examined the nature and temporal sequence of changes in Achilles tendon structure in response to competitive game loads in elite Australian football players.

Methods

Elite male Australian football players with no history of Achilles tendinopathy were recruited. Achilles tendon structure was quantified using ultrasound tissue characterisation (UTC) imaging, a valid and reliable measure of intratendinous structure, the day prior to the match (day 0), and then reimaged on days 1, 2 and 4 postgame.

Results

Of the 18 participants eligible for this study, 12 had no history of tendinopathy (NORM) and 6 had a history of patellar or hamstring tendinopathy (TEN). Differences in baseline UTC echopattern were observed between the NORM and TEN groups, with the Achilles of the TEN group exhibiting altered UTC echopattern, consistent with a slightly disorganised tendon structure. In the NORM group, a significant reduction in echo-type I (normal tendon structure) was seen on day 2 (p=0.012) that returned to baseline on day 4.

There was a transient change in UTC echopattern in the Achilles tendon as a result of an Australian football game in individuals without a history of lower limb tendinopathy.
Medical complications and deaths in 21 and 56 km road race runners: a 4-year prospective study in 65 865 runners—SAFER study I
Authors: Schwabe Karen , Schwellnus Martin , Derman Wayne , Swanevelder Sonja , Jordaan Esme
Published: April 2014

Background

Cardiac arrest and sudden death during distance-running events have been reported but other medical complications, including serious life-threatening complications have not been well described.

Objective

To document the incidence and nature of medical complications during 21 and 56 km running races.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Two Oceans Marathon races (21 and 56 km races).

Participants

65 865 race starters (39 511—21 km runners, 26 354—56 km runners).

Methods

Medical complications (defined as any runner requiring assessment by a doctor at the race medical facility or a local hospital on race day) were recorded in each of the 4 years of the study period. Complications were further subdivided into serious (potentially life-threatening) complications and deaths and were also analysed by system and final diagnosis.

Results

In the 4 years, 545 medical complications were recorded, resulting in an overall incidence (per 1000 race starters) of 8.27. The incidence of serious (potentially life-threatening) medical complications was 0.56 (37 serious complications). Two deaths occurred in 21 km runners (incidence of 0.05). The most common specific medical complications were exercise-associated collapse (postural hypotension), dermatological conditions, musculoskeletal injuries and serious exercise-associated muscle cramping.

Conclusions

The incidence of medical complications was higher in 56 km runners but sudden cardiac deaths only occurred in 21 km runners. Serious medical complications were as common in 21 km as in 56 km runners. Risk factors for medical complications need to be determined in 21 and 56 km runners to plan strategies to reduce the risk of adverse medical events in endurance runners.
Introducing structured caregiver training in stroke care: findings from the TRACS process evaluation study
Authors: Clarke David J , Hawkins R , Sadler E , Harding G , McKevitt C , Godfrey M , Dickerson J , Farrin A J , Kalra L , Smithard D , Forster A
Published: April 2014

Objective

To evaluate the process of implementation of the modified London Stroke Carers Training Course (LSCTC) in the Training Caregivers After Stroke (TRACS) cluster randomised trial and contribute to the interpretation of the TRACS trial results. The LSCTC was a structured competency-based training programme designed to help develop the knowledge and skills (eg, patient handling or transfer skills) essential for the day-to-day management of disabled survivors of stroke. The LSCTC comprised 14 components, 6 were mandatory (and delivered to all) and 8 non-mandatory, to be delivered based on individual assessment of caregiver need.

Design

Process evaluation using non-participant observation, documentary analysis and semistructured interviews.

Participants

Patients with stroke (n=38), caregivers (n=38), stroke unit staff (n=53).

Settings

10 of the 36 stroke units participating in the TRACS trial in four English regions (Yorkshire, North West, South East and South West, Peninsula).

Results

Preparatory cascade training on delivery of the LSCTC did not reach all staff and did not lead to multidisciplinary team (MDT) wide understanding of, engagement with or commitment to the LSCTC. Although senior therapists in most intervention units observed developed ownership of the LSCTC, MDT working led to separation rather than integration of delivery of LSCTC elements. Organisational features of stroke units and professionals’ patient-focused practices limited the involvement of caregivers. Caregivers were often invited to observe therapy or care being provided by professionals but had few opportunities to make sense of, or to develop knowledge and stroke-specific skills provided by the LSCTC. Where provided, caregiver training came very late in the inpatient stay. Assessment and development of caregiver competence was not commonly observed.

Conclusions

Contextual factors including service improvement pressures and staff perceptions of the necessity for and work required in caregiver training impacted negatively on implementation of the caregiver training intervention. Structured caregiver training programmes such as the LSCTC are unlikely to be practical in settings with short inpatient stays. Stroke units where early supported discharge is in place potentially offer a more effective vehicle for introducing competency based caregiver training.

LINKED TRACS Cluster randomised controlled trial number

ISRCTN49208824.
Development of a patient safety climate survey for Chinese hospitals: cross-national adaptation and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Zhu Junya , Li Liping , Zhao Hailei , Han Guangshu , Wu Albert W , Weingart Saul N
Published: April 2014

Background

Existing patient safety climate instruments, most of which have been developed in the USA, may not accurately reflect the conditions in the healthcare systems of other countries.

Objectives

To develop and evaluate a patient safety climate instrument for healthcare workers in Chinese hospitals.

Methods

Based on a review of existing instruments, expert panel review, focus groups and cognitive interviews, we developed items relevant to patient safety climate in Chinese hospitals. The draft instrument was distributed to 1700 hospital workers from 54 units in six hospitals in five Chinese cities between July and October 2011, and 1464 completed surveys were received. We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and estimated internal consistency reliability, within-unit agreement, between-unit variation, unit-mean reliability, correlation between multi-item composites, and association between the composites and two single items of perceived safety.

Results

The final instrument included 34 items organised into nine composites: institutional commitment to safety, unit management support for safety, organisational learning, safety system, adequacy of safety arrangements, error reporting, communication and peer support, teamwork and staffing. All composites had acceptable unit-mean reliabilities (≥0.74) and within-unit agreement (Rwg≥0.71), and exhibited significant between-unit variation with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from 9% to 21%. Internal consistency reliabilities ranged from 0.59 to 0.88 and were ≥0.70 for eight of the nine composites. Correlations between composites ranged from 0.27 to 0.73. All composites were positively and significantly associated with the two perceived safety items.

Conclusions

The Chinese Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Climate demonstrates adequate dimensionality, reliability and validity. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methods is essential to produce an instrument that is culturally appropriate for Chinese hospitals.
Current distribution in an infinite plate
Authors: Czarnecki Andrzej
Published: April 2014

Distribution of the electric potential in a very long plate (for example, a long metal ruler) is determined. This is achieved by conformally mapping the plate into a plane, simplifying the geometry of the boundary conditions. Singularities of the potential are discussed as well as their regularization by the final size of electrical contacts. An analogy with renormalization is pointed out. Results are compared with previous studies.
The effect of epigallocatechin gallate on hepatocytes isolated from normal and partially hepatectomized rats
Authors: Mezera Vojtech , Kucera Otto , Moravcova Alena , Peterova Eva , Cervinkova Zuzana
Published: April 2014

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant found in green tea. In this study, male Wistar rats were subjected either to partial hepatectomy (PHx), or a sham operation (LAP). Twenty-four hours after surgery, hepatocytes were isolated and treated with various concentrations of EGCG for up to 72 h. We then measured markers of cell viability, oxidative stress, DNA synthesis, and caspase activity. Morphological criteria, cell viability tests, and albumin synthesis revealed toxicity starting at 10 μmol/L. DNA synthesis was higher in hepatocytes isolated from rats after PHx and inhibited by EGCG. Furthermore, EGCG increased the activity of caspases 3 and 7, seen more in hepatocytes from PHx rats. In conclusion, EGCG at a concentration of 10 μmol/L was toxic for hepatocytes isolated from both PHx and LAP rats.
Nanoparticles aggregation in nanofluid flow through nanochannels: Insights from molecular dynamic study
Authors: Aminfar Habib , Jafarizadeh Mohammad Ali , Razmara Nayyer
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) of nanofluid under Poiseuille flow in a model nanochannel. The nanofluid is created by exerting four solid nanoparticles dispersed in Argon ( Ar ), as base fluid, between two parallel solid walls. The flow is simulated by molecules with the Lennard-Jones (LJ) intermolecular potential function. Different simulations are done with two different types of solid particles and two cut-off radii. In each case, Copper ( Cu ) and Platinum ( Pt ) LJ parameters are applied for the nanoparticles and solid walls particles with cut-off ratios of 2.2σ and 2.5σ. The microstructure of the system at different time steps is investigated to describe the aggregation kinetics of nanofluid on Poiseuille flow. When a few nanoparticles or a cluster of them reach each other, they stick together and the interaction surface of the solid–fluid interface reduces, so the potential energy of the system decreases at these time steps. Therefore, the system enthalpy reduces at the aggregation time steps. Results show that the simulations with cut-off radius 2.5σ indicate minimum clustering effect at the same time. Based on the obtained results, the system with Cu nanoparticles makes it to aggregate later than that of Pt nanoparticles which is due to differences in potential interaction of two materials. The new simulation results enhance our understanding of cluster morphology and aggregation mechanisms.
V-SET CACHE: AN EFFICIENT ADAPTIVE SHARED CACHE FOR MULTI-CORE PROCESSORS
Authors: EL-MOURSY ALI A. , SIBAI FADI N.
Published: April 2014

Development in VLSI design allows multi- to many-cores to be integrated on a single microprocessor chip. This increase in the core count per chip makes it more critical to design an efficient memory sub-system especially the shared last level cache (LLC). The efficient utilization of the LLC is a dominant factor to achieve the best microprocessor throughput. Conventional set-associative cache cannot cope with the new access pattern of the cache blocks in the multi-core processors. In this paper, the authors propose a new design for LLC in multi-core processor. The proposed v-set cache design allows an adaptive and dynamic utilization of the cache blocks. Unlike lately proposed design such as v-way caches, v-set cache design limits the serial access of cache blocks. In our paper, we thoroughly study the proposed design including area and power consumption as well as the performance and throughput. On eight-core microprocessor, the proposed v-set cache design can achieve a maximum speedup of 25% and 12% and an average speedup of 16% and 6% compared to conventional n-way and v-way cache designs, respectively. The area overhead of v-set does not exceed 7% compared to n-way cache.
A HIGH EFFICIENCY ADAPTIVE CURRENT MODE STEP-UP/STEP-DOWN DC–DC CONVERTER WITH FOUR MODES FOR SMOOTH TRANSITION
Authors: MA YANZHAO , WANG SHAOXI , ZHANG SHENGBING , FAN XIAOYA
Published: April 2014

This paper presents a current mode step-up/step-down DC–DC converter with high efficiency, small output voltage ripple, and fast transient response. The control scheme adaptively configures the converter into the proper operation mode. The efficiency is improved by reducing the switching loss, wherein the converter operates like a buck or boost converter, and conduction loss, wherein the average inductor current is reduced in transition modes. The output voltage ripple is significantly reduced by incorporating two constant time transition modes. A fast line transient response is achieved with small overshoot and undershoot voltage. An adaptive substrate selector (ASS) is introduced to dynamically switch the substrate of PMOS power transistors to the highest on-chip voltage. A lossless self-biased current sensor with high-speed and high-accuracy is also achieved. The proposed converter was designed with a standard 0.5 μm CMOS process, and can regulate an output voltage within the input voltage ranged from 2.5 V to 5.5 V. The maximum load current is 600 mA, and the maximum efficiency is 94%. The output voltage ripple is less than 15 mV in all operation modes.
On the geometry of burnside quotients of torsion free hyperbolic groups
Authors: Coulon Rémi
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we detail the geometrical approach of small cancellation theory used by Delzant and Gromov to provide a new proof of the infiniteness of free Burnside groups and periodic quotients of torsion-free hyperbolic groups.
Identifying Important Segments in Videos: A Collective Intelligence Approach
Authors: Karydis Ioannis , Avlonitis Markos , Chorianopoulos Konstantinos , Sioutas Spyros
Published: April 2014

This work studies collective intelligence behavior of Web users that share and watch video content. Accordingly, it is proposed that the aggregated users' video activity exhibits characteristic patterns. Such patterns may be used in order to infer important video scenes leading thus to collective intelligence concerning the video content. To this end, experimentation is based on users' interactions (e.g., pause, seek/scrub) that have been gathered in a controlled user experiment with information-rich videos. Collective information seeking behavior is then modeled by means of the corresponding probability distribution function. Thus, it is argued that the bell-shaped reference patterns are shown to significantly correlate with predefined scenes of interest for each video, as annotated by the users. In this way, the observed collective intelligence may be used to provide a video-segment detection tool that identifies the importance of video scenes. Accordingly, both a stochastic and a pattern matching approach are applied on the users' interactions information. The results received indicate increased accuracy in identifying the areas selected by users as having high importance information. In practice, the proposed techniques might improve both navigation within videos on the web as well as video search results with personalised video thumbnails.
Graphene based Q-switched tunable S-band fiber laser incorporating arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG)
Authors: Muhammad F. D. , Zulkifli M. Z. , Ahmad H.
Published: April 2014

We present in this paper, the result of successful fabrication of a novel graphene-based Q-switched fiber laser in the S-band region using an arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs). The S-band lasing is realized by employing a depressed-cladding erbium doped fiber (DC-EDF), as the gain medium. A new ferrule-to-ferrule and stepwise optical extraction method is introduced and employed for depositing the thin graphene layer within the fiber laser cavity as the saturable absorber, while a tunable laser source (TLS) is used for depositing graphene onto the fiber ferrule. A demonstration of performance characteristics of this device is presented showing a Q-switched threshold of 65.29 mW and a range of repetition rate from 73.6 kHz to 331.1 kHz, with a linear increment. Minimum pulse duration of 1.218 μs is obtained at a pump power of 100.44 mW. Additional measurements are performed on the characteristics of the output power, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, pulse energy, and peak power with respect to the pump power.
Optical loss analysis in 13-channel SOI-based AWG for CWDM network
Authors: Juhari Nurjuliana , Menon P Susthitha , Ehsan Abang Annuar , Shaari Sahbudin
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we report the insertion loss and adjacent crosstalk for tapered and conventional configuration of double S-shaped design of arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) using 1.2 μm and 1.0 μm core width. The 13-channel AWG on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) was simulated using beam propagation method (BPM) at central wavelength of 1.49 μm, producing a transmission spectrum ranging from 1310–1620 nm. Tapered AWG for both core widths gave the lowest insertion loss of < 7 dB while only the AWG with the 1.2 μm core width produced the lowest crosstalk at < -19 dB compared to the other configurations. A 13-channel transmission spectrum of the AWG device has been produced which fits closely the standard ITU-T CWDM wavelength grid.
Q-switched multi-wavelength Brillouin erbium fiber laser
Authors: Ali N. M. , Anyi C. L. , Arof H. , Harun S. W.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a demonstration of performance of a multi-wavelength Brillouin Erbium Fiber Laser (BEFL) with double Brillouin spacing (DBS) output comb and Q-switching characteristics featuring a figure-of-eight configuration is presented. It utilizes a four-port circulator to discriminate the odd and even order Stokes lines which allows, using 7 km long dispersion shifted fiber (DSF), the generation of a spectrum with DBS, multi-wavelength comb of nine lasing lines and a 0.16 nm spacing. The Q-switched pulse trains are obtained from the proposed BEFL configured with the DSF and pumped at 1480 nm and power ranging from 20 mW to 40 mW based on relaxation oscillation technique. It has the highest repetition rate of 609 kHz and the smallest pulse width of 0.73 μs at the pump power of 40 mW. The highest pulse energy of 6.15 nJ is obtained at pump power of 30 mW. The repetition rate and pulse width of the BEFL are reduced by replacing the DSF with 10 km long nonzero dispersion shifted fiber (NZ-DSF).
Quasi-phase-matching of laser harmonics using variable multi-jet plasmas
Authors: Ganeev R. A. , Suzuki M. , Redkin P. V. , Kuroda H.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we demonstrate the enhancement of high-order harmonics induced by the quasi-phase-matching (QPM) in different spectral ranges. The tuning of QPM harmonics was accomplished by changing the sizes of multiple plasma jets. The 40× and 15× enhancement factors for the QPM harmonics were achieved in the silver and manganese multiple-jet plasmas for the 35th and 55th harmonics.
Effect of Substrate Bias Voltage on the Physical Properties of Zirconium Nitride (ZrN) Films Deposited by Mid Frequency Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Kavitha A. , Kannan R. , Loganathan S.
Published: April 2014

Present work involves the preparation of Zirconium Nitride thin films on stainless steel (SS) (304L grade) substrate by reactive cylindrical magnetron sputtering method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile of the ZrN thin films prepared with different bias voltage conforms face centered cubic structure with preferred orientation along the (111) plane at lower bias voltage (100 V) and at higher bias voltage (300 V) the preferred orientation shifted to (220) plane. The influences of bias voltage on the thickness and microhardness ZrN thin films have been studied. ZrN thin film sputtered with 300 V bias voltage shows the maximum reflectance of 90% at a wavelength of 1000 nm. The coated substrates have been found to exhibit improved corrosion resistance compared to the SS plate. The root mean square surface roughness and surface morphology were investigated from 3D atomic force microscope (AFM) images and scanning electron microscope (SEM), which indicate smooth and uniform surface pattern without any pin holes.
Physical theories in hypercomplex geometric description
Authors: Yefremov Alexander P.
Published: April 2014

Compact description is given of algebras of poly-numbers: quaternions, bi-quaternions, double (split-complex) and dual numbers. All units of these (and exceptional) algebras are shown to be represented by direct products of 2D vectors of a local basis defined on a fundamental surface. In this math medium a series of equalities identical or similar to known formulas of physical laws is discovered. In particular, a condition of the algebras' stability with respect to transformations of the 2D-basis turns out equivalent to the spinor (Schrödinger–Pauli and Hamilton–Jacobi) equations of mechanics. It is also demonstrated that isomorphism of SO(3, 1) and SO(3, ℂ) groups leads to formulation of a quaternion relativity theory predicting all effects of special relativity but simplifying solutions of relativistic problems in non-inertial frames. Finely it is shown that the Cauchy–Riemann type equations written for functions of quaternion variable repeat vacuum Maxwell equations of electrodynamics, while a quaternion space with non-metricity comprises main relations of Yang–Mills field theory.
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF INNOVATIVENESS AND OPINION LEADERSHIP IN DIFFUSION
Authors: SHI XIAOHUI , FERNANDES KIRAN
Published: April 2014

Despite the extensive studies in the field of diffusion, the role of innovativeness in diffusion models has not reached a consensus and the literature has dedicated little effort to modelling customers' heterogeneous opinion leadership. These gaps could be some of the key limits for the further exploration of the diffusion phenomena. This study proposes that the use of innovativeness in diffusion models can be seen as a filter for potential customers and as an indicator for customers' opinion leadership. We analyse the respective roles of innovativeness and opinion leadership in diffusion based on the suggested model. We also show the model's potential to identify and predict the opinion leaders of a diffusion system. We implement the proposed model in the case of a 3G mobile phone technology. The results demonstrate good fitting and forecasting performance of the model. We hope the insights offered by this study can benefit both innovation academics and practitioners.
Power integral bases for certain pure sextic fields
Authors: Ahmad Shahzad , Nakahara Toru , Husnine Syed Muhammad
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we characterize whether the pure sextic fields [Formula: see text] with square-free integers m ≢ ±1( Mod 9) have power integral bases or do not; if m ≡ 2, 3 (Mod 4), then [Formula: see text] have power integral bases. We prove this by determining relative integral bases of such fields with respect to their cubic and quadratic subfields. Based on the works of Kovács and Pethő, several examples on application of monogenic fields to CNS (Canonical Number System) are shown.
FTIR and VSM properties of samarium-doped nickel ferrite
Authors: Şabikoğlu İsrafil , Paralı Levent
Published: April 2014

Nickel Ferrite ( NiFe2O4) doped with Samarium (Sm) (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mol.%) was prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure, surface morphology, infrared spectrum of absorption, and magnetic properties of samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD patterns were indexed with inverse spinel cubic phase with the space group of Fd-3m of nickel ferrite. The average grain size was about 5–10 μm. FTIR spectral study on the NiFe2O4ferrite phase was recorded between 350 cm-1and 4000 cm-1. Two fundamental absorption bands of the ferrites were appeared at 450 cm-1and 1000 cm-1characteristic of metal vibrations. VSM measurements show that the NiFe2O4doped with Sm 0.3% has the highest value of saturation magnetization. It is also easily demagnetized due to the low value of coercivity field it has. Both NiFe2O4doped with Sm 0.2 mol.% and 0.4 mol.% materials have same values of coercivity field. However, NiFe2O4doped with Sm 0.4 mol.% material has the comparatively high value of saturation magnetization than NiFe2O4doped with Sm 0.2%, also this material was hardly demagnetized, and has highest coercivity field.
The $\bar B \bar B$ strong interaction with chiral perturbation theory
Authors: Liu Zhan-Wei , Li Ning , Zhu Shi-Lin
Published: April 2014

We study the strong interaction potentials of [Formula: see text] up to order [Formula: see text] with the heavy meson chiral perturbation theory. Besides the leading contributions from the contact terms we also consider the one-loop corrections to the contact diagrams and the contributions from the 2ϕ-exchange diagrams. Hopefully, the analytical structures of our result will be helpful in the extrapolation of the relevant heavy meson interaction in the lattice QCD simulation.
Strange and multi-strange particle production in Pb-Pb collisions at $\sqrt{s_{{\rm NN}}} = 2.76~{\rm TeV}$ with ALICE
Authors: Yin Zhongbao ,   (for the ALICE Collaboration)
Published: April 2014

We present ALICE results on strange and multi-strange hadron production as a function of centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. Their transverse momentum spectra, yields and particle ratios are compared to the corresponding measurements in pp collisions to address strangeness enhancement and high p T particle suppression. The results are also compared to measurements at RHIC and SPS energies.
Study the early stage of heavy ion collisions with direct photons
Authors: Liu Fu-Ming , Liu Sheng-Xu
Published: April 2014

Based on the modelling of the collective motion in AuAu collisions at [Formula: see text] at centrality 0-20% and 20-40% and PbPb collisions at [Formula: see text] at centrality 0-40% with a 3+1D event-averaged ideal hydrodynamics constrained with hadronic data, we study the transverse momentum spectrum and elliptic flow of direct photons and find that the recent direct photon data from both PHENIX collaboration at RHIC and ALICE collaboration at LHC favour an early beginning of collective expansion (τ0 < 0.6 fm/c) and a late formation of quark gluon plasma (τ ~ 2 fm/c).
Hidden-bottom decays of $Z_b/Z_b^\prime$ in intermediate meson loops model
Authors: Li Gang
Published: April 2014

With the recent measurement of Zb(10610) and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we investigate the transitions from the Zb(10610) and Zb(10650) to bottomonium states with emission of a pion via intermediate B B* meson loops. The experimental data can be reproduced in this approach with a commonly accepted range of values for the form factor cutoff parameter α. The ϒ(3S)π decay channels appear to experience obvious threshold effects which can be understood by the property of the loop integrals. By investigating the α-dependence of partial decay widths and ratios between different decay channels, we show that the intermediate B B* meson loops are crucial for driving the transitions of [Formula: see text] with n = 1, 2, 3, and hb(mP)π with m = 1 and 2.
Recent results from BESIII
Authors: Ji Xiao-Bin ,   (for BESIII Collaboration: Yuquan Road 19(2), Shijingshan district, Beijing, China.)
Published: April 2014

Selected results of BESIII are reported, including the observation of charged, charmonium-like states, the Zc(3900), Zc(4020), and Zc(4025); observation of e+e- → γX(3872); study of ηη system in J/ψ → γηη; baryon excited study in [Formula: see text]; precise measurements of the decay constant fD from D+ → μ+ν and form-factors in D0 → K-e+ν,π-e+ν.
Stable Charge/Discharge Cycle Performance of a LiFePO4 Cathode Prepared with a Carboxymethly Cellulose Binder
Authors: Wakao Toshiyuki , Gunji Takao , Jeevagan Arockiam John , Mochizuki Yasumasa , Kaneko Shingo , Baba Kunihito , Watanabe Mitsuhiro , Kanda Yusuke , Murakami Koh , Omura Masaya , Kobayashi Genki , Matsumoto Futoshi
Published: April 2014

Chemically treated aluminum (Al) foils were used as cathode current collectors to prevent the repulsion of a water-based cathode slurry. Measuring the angle of contact between the water and the Al foils prepared via deep chemical treatment proved difficult because the water dropped onto the Al foil could not form a measureable droplet and spread evenly across the Al surface. Increasing the apparent wettability of the Al foils via chemical treatment allowed the formation of uniform cathode films with a water-based cathode slurry. The uniform cathode films composed of LiFePO4, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and conducting carbon exhibited stable charge/discharge cycling behavior and good rate performance, comparable to that of a LiFePO4 cathode film prepared with a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVdF) binder.
Electrochemical Construction of Ni and Co Core - Pt Shell Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Nagai Haruna , Aso Hikaru , Kawabuchi Mari , Kondo Toshihiro
Published: April 2014

Platinized Ni and Co nanoparticles have been constructed on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a two steps process. First, Ni or Co nanoparticles were electrodeposited on GCE and subsequently converted of their outermost surface layer with Pt monoatomic layer. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of these electrocatalysts was investigated by the rotating disk electrode and we demonstrated that the ORR activity of these electrocatalysts was better than that of the Pt polycrystalline electrode.
An Electrochemical Study of Bulk and Nanowire Morphologies of Electrodeposited Polypyrrole
Authors: Herdman Karen , Breslin Carmel B.
Published: April 2014

Pyrrole was electrochemically polymerised onto gold electrodes at a fixed potential of 0.80 V vs. SCE to generate polypyrrole (PPy). Depending on the pH of the solution, PPy, was deposited in either a bulk or nanowire conformation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS, experiments were subsequently carried out on a bare gold electrode, PPy nanowires and bulk PPy of two different film surface areas. The impedance data were analysed using equivalent circuits giving information on the electrochemical properties of the polymers. The influence of different electrolytes on the impedance was also examined.
The Development of Pseudocapacitive Molybdenum Oxynitride Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wu Haoran , Lian Keryn
Published: April 2014

Mo oxynitride was developed as pseudocapacitive electrode material for supercapacitors. A thin film Mo oxynitride was produced by first electrodeposition of Mo oxide on a Ti substrate followed by a low-temperature (400 oC) heat treatment in N2 environment. XPS analyses showed that the surface of the Mo oxynitride film was composed of a mixture of MoO3, MoO2 and less than 20 at.% Mo2N. However, the electrochemical behavior of the Mo oxynitride film was significantly different from that of Mo oxide but much similar to the behavior of pure Mo2N, a known pseudocapacitive material. The cycle life and stability of the Mo oxynitride were much improved over the Mo oxide. A two-electrode symmetric cell using the developed Mo oxynitride electrodes was demonstrated and showed high rate performance. An asymmetric cell using a Mo oxynitride as negative electrode and a carbon as positive electrode was also established and showed an extended voltage window and, thus, an increased energy density.
Electrochemical Oscillations during Reduction of Nitrate Ions on Cu and Ag
Authors: Mukouyama Yoshiharu , Yamamoto Shuhei , Nakanishi Shuji , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

We have found that two types of oscillations, named oscillations I and II, occur during the electrochemical reduction of nitrate ions, not only on Cu, as has been reported in our earlier paper (ECS Transactions 50 (2013) 61), but also on Ag in acidic solutions, such as HNO3 solutions. As for the reduction on Cu, oscillation II also occurs in non-acidic solutions, e.g. KNO3 solutions with or without NaOH. The hydrogen bubbles produced by the water reduction evolve synchronously with oscillation II. The mechanism of oscillation II can be explained by a solution-stirring effect due to the bubble evolution. Furthermore, we have found that another oscillation, named oscillation III, appears for Cu in basic solutions, such as NaOH + KNO3 solutions, while hydrogen bubbles evolve constantly. The mechanism of oscillation III cannot be explained by the solution-stirring effect and it awaits further investigation.
Hardness Studies of RF Sputtered Deposited BCN Thin Films
Authors: Prakash Adithya , Todi Vinit , Sundaram Kalpathy B , King Sean W.
Published: April 2014

In today’s technological advancement of ULSI integration, the inter-dielectric layer (IDL) with small RC delays needs low-k materials which are sturdy enough to withstand mechanical stress posed by multilayer devices. Using organic polymers that are porous in nature can achieve dielectric values as low as 2, but these cannot withstand considerable mechanical stress. Boron Nitride (BN) films can achieve low-k values around and hardness comparable to diamond [1][2]. BN is hygroscopic in nature. In this respect carbon can be added to the BN structure to produce Boron Carbon Nitride (BCN) films as the possible substitute for BN. The minimum dielectric constant achieved by plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition for a BCN thin film was reported to be 1.9. [2] The BCN films are also instrumental in suppressing the Cu migration [3]. The Young’s modulus of BCN films are reported well above 20 GPa making it one of the suitable options for low-k materials [4]. In the present work, BCN films were deposited by RF sputtering of boron carbide (BC) target in nitrogen ambient with argon. The films were deposited under various N2/Ar gas flow ratios. FTIR measurements were performed to find the chemical bonds of the deposited films. Investigations were performed to evaluate the Hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E) of the deposited films under various conditions.
D-Glucose Derived Micro/Mesoporous Carbons for Ultra-High Rate Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Thomberg Thomas , Tooming Tauno , Romann Tavo , Palm Rasmus , Jänes Alar , Lust Enn
Published: April 2014

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the cyclic voltammetry, and the constant power discharge methods have been applied to establish the electrochemical characteristics for the electrical double–layer capacitor consisting of the 1 M (C2H5)3CH3NBF4 electrolyte in acetonitrile. The microporous carbon was synthesised by the hydrothermal carbonization method from D-(+)-glucose and subsequent pyrolysis and carbon dioxide activation steps. The total specific surface area (S
BET = 1539 m2 g-1), micropore surface area (S
micro = 1534 m2 g-1), total pore volume (V
tot = 0.694 cm3 g-1) and the pore size distributions, obtained from the N2 sorption data and using the non–local density functional theory, have been correlated with the electrochemical characteristics for electrical double–layer capacitors as the region of ideal polarizability (DE = 3.0 V), characteristic time constant (0.34 s) and the series capacitance (126 F g-1), dependent on the carbon activation conditions, have been calculated.
Electrochemical Growth of Copper Nanowires Inside of Semiconducting TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Sitler Steven J. , Raja Krishnan S.
Published: April 2014

Growth of metal/oxide nanowires inside of semiconducting nanotubes has several applications for energy storage and energy conversion. In this study, the bottom-up growth of copper nanowires through electrodeposition techniques was studied as a method to fill TiO2 nanotube arrays. Specifically, emphasis was placed on the study of copper containing electrolyte solution kinetics through inhibitor and accelerator additives commonly used in the damascene process. It was observed that the electrical conductivity and wetting characteristics of the TiO2 nanotubes played significant roles in the bottom-up growth of copper nanowire deposition. The electrolytes commonly used in the damascene process were found not to be useful for direct copper deposition inside of the TiO2 nanotubes. Higher pH solution of CuSO4 with tartaric acid as a complexing agent and pulsed deposition conditions showed promising results for copper deposition within the TiO2 nanotubes.
Electrodeposited Metal Nanotube/Nanowire Arrays in Mesoporous Silicon and Their Morphology Dependent Magnetic Properties
Authors: Granitzer Petra , Rumpf Klemens , Koshida Nobuyoshi , Poelt Peter , Michor Herwig
Published: April 2014

Porous silicon in the mesoporous regime is used as template for electrodeposition of ferromagnetic metals within the pores to fabricate self-assembled three dimensional arrays of nanotubes, nanowires or nanoparticles. Depending on the electrochemical deposition parameters the geometry of the metal deposits can be tuned and thus desired magnetic properties can be achieved. The morphology of the templates is modified due to different anodization processes. Additional to a conventional etching process magnetic field assisted etching is applied. Furthermore the magnetic properties in dependence on the morphological characteristics, especially the pore-growth of the porous silicon are investigated. An important point is the concomitant modification of the magnetic coupling of metal nanostructures of adjacent pores.
High Surface Nickel-Based Air Electrode for Rechargeable Alkaline Metal-Air Batteries
Authors: Büker Florian , Hertkorn Daniel , Müller Claas , Reinecke Holger
Published: April 2014

In this paper a new concept of a bidirectional air electrode for alkaline rechargeable batteries is introduced. The functionality of this concept, which bases on high surface nickel-foam, is shown by a demonstrator. In order to enable the charging-reaction, the concept integrates the catalytic properties of the nickel-foam based current collector. For the discharging-direction well established catalysts like carbon black or MnO2 can be utilized. Compared to common air electrodes this provides several advantages, like the avoidance of expensive catalysts and a very simple design.
Modeling of a Vanadium Redox Flow Battery for Energy Storage
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Lung , Jhong Yue-Lin , Hsueh Kan-Lin , Dai Chih-Yang
Published: April 2014

The objective of this work is to evaluate the technical feasibility and the outcome of using VRB as the energy storage for wind turbine in Taiwan. This work divided into two parts. Part 1 evaluates the power required from wind turbines and energy storage required. Part 2 models an energy storage system made by a vanadium redox flow battery. In the winter season, we need about 6% power produced from wind turbine in couple with 23.1 GWh energy storage capacity. Vanadium redox flow battery is attractive for energy storage application. Its power density and energy density are very low.
Synthesis and Characterization of RhxSy/C Catalysts for HOR/HER in HBr
Authors: Masud Jahangir , Walter Jack , Nguyen Trung Van , Lin Guangyu , Singh Nirala , McFarland Eric , Metiu Horia , Ikenberry Myles , Hohn Keith , Pan Chun-Jern , Hwang Bing-Joe
Published: April 2014

Rhodium sulfide on carbon support (denoted as Rh2S3/C) was synthesized by refluxing of rhodium chloride (RhCl3) with ammonium thiosulfate. By thermal treatment in Ar, Rh2S3 can be transformed into different phases, such as Rh17S15, Rh3S4 and Rh, which were evident from XRD analysis. The particle size distribution of catalysts with the range from 3 to 12 nm (average 6 nm) was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The activity in terms of exchange current density (i
0) for hydrogen oxidation (HOR) and hydrogen evaluation (HER) reaction in H2-saturated 1M hydrobromic acid (HBr) solution was obtained from the slope of Butler-Volmer plots.