bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Half‐Heusler superlattices as model systems for nanostructured thermoelectrics
Authors: Komar Paulina , Jaeger Tino , Euler Christoph , Chávez Angel Emigdio , Kolb Ute , Müller Mathis M. , Balke Benjamin , Aguirre Myriam Haydee , Populoh Sascha , Weidenkaff Anke , Jakob Gerhard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe efficiency of thermoelectric materials is directly related to the dimensionless figure of merit , therefore, one of the means to improve ZT is to reduce the thermal conductivity. Our research focuses on half‐Heusler superlattices (SLs) and the relationship between the SL period and the thermal conductivity. The cross‐plane thermal conductivity of DC‐sputtered TiNiSn/HfNiSn SLs was measured by the 3 method at room temperature and a clear reduction of was achieved for all SL periods, in particular for periods smaller than 20 nm. Moreover, the thermal conductivities of TiNiSn and HfNiSn single films display reduced values compared to the literature data for bulk materials. Furthermore, we also found that the quality of interfaces has an influence on , namely, SLs with rougher interfaces exhibit an about 20% lower thermal conductivity compared to samples with sharp interfaces.
The impact of the QNSE‐EDMF scheme and its modifications on boundary layer parameterization in WRF: modelling of CASES‐97
Authors: Tastula Esa‐Matti , LeMone Margaret A. , Dudhia Jimy , Galperin Boris 
Published: December 2015

In recent years, many eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux (EDMF) planetary boundary layer (PBL) parametrizations have been introduced. Yet most validations are based on idealized set‐ups and/or single‐column models. To address this gap, this article focuses on the effect the mass‐flux part has on the performance in the Quasi‐Normal Scale Elimination‐EDMF (QNSE‐EDMF) PBL scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model by comparing the results to observations from the CASES‐97 field campaign. In addition, two refined versions, one introducing the parametrized clouds to the WRF radiation scheme, and the second adding a different entrainment formulation, have been evaluated.The introduction of mass flux reduced errors in the average moisture profile, but virtual temperature and wind speed profiles did not change as much. The modelled mixed‐layer depth, while still low compared to observations, was closer to observed values with the addition of mass flux. The major changes in the virtual potential temperature flux profiles were an increase in entrainment ratios and a slight decrease in surface values. Allowing for biases in the observed fluxes, modelled and observed flux profiles had a similar shape. However, the agreement among the modelled and between the modelled and observed water‐vapour flux profiles and vertical flux divergence was often poor, a likely result of the model's failure to capture the timing of the morning boundary‐layer water‐vapour maximum. Further, both virtual potential temperature and water‐vapour flux profiles display spurious spikes attributed to the way the non‐local and local terms interact in the model. Adding mass‐flux‐based clouds to the radiation calculation improved the time‐and space‐averaged modelled incoming short‐wave flux. The choice of the representation for entrainment/detrainment often affected the results to the same extent as adding mass flux.
Consensus for constrained multi‐agent systems with input saturation
Authors: Lyu Jianting , Qin Jiahu , Gao Dai , Liu Qingqing 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe consensus problem for multi‐agent systems with input saturation is addressed in this paper. For agents with double‐integrator dynamics, we first propose two consensus algorithms, respectively, for the cases with and without velocity measurements. Based on graph theory, homogeneous method and the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that the proposed algorithms can guarantee not only the state agreement in finite time for all the agents but also the input saturation requirement. Then, the obtained results and techniques are extended to the finite‐time consensus problem for multiple mechanical systems. Numerical simulations are finally provided to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Background to the European seismic design provisions for retrofitting RC elements using FRP materials
Authors: Pantazopoulou Stavroula J. , Tastani Souzana P. , Thermou Georgia E. , Triantafillou Thanasis , Monti Giorgio , Bournas Dionysios , Guadagnini Maurizio 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper is a comprehensive background document on the state of the art in European seismic design provisions which was assembled by fib committee 5.1 to support the development of design guidelines regarding the use of externally applied fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials in the seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete structures. In the context of developing design guidelines, the underlying mechanistic models that support the derivation of provisions were assembled following critical evaluation of the existing proposals and with careful reference to the experimental evidence available, the comparative assessment of past models in the literature and requirements established from first principles.
Urine-powered microbial fuel cell using a hyperpiliated pilT mutant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Shreeram Devesh Dadhich , Hassett Daniel J , Schaefer Dale W 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This report documents the first observation of a urine-powered microbial fuel cell operating with a genetically engineered bacterial strain. Under identical conditions, a pilT mutant of the Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a 2.7-fold increase in peak power density compared to the wild-type strain, PAO1. The reduced twitching motility and hyperpiliation of the pilT mutant enhances the formation of electrogenic biofilms. For both strains, the observed high internal resistance near open-circuit voltage is attributed to sluggish redox reactions on the anode surface and not to slow bacterial metabolism. This work lays the groundwork for optimization of multiple bacterial traits leading to increased electroactive properties and opens new opportunities for urine-based mini-devices.
Biobutanol production from C5/C6 carbohydrates integrated with pervaporation: experimental results and conceptual plant design
Authors: Van Hecke Wouter , Vandezande Pieter , Dubreuil Marjorie , Uyttebroek Maarten , Beckers Herman , De Wever Heleen 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this study, a simulated lignocellulosic hydrolyzate was used in a continuous two-stage fermentor setup for production of acetone, butanol and ethanol. An organophilic pervaporation unit was coupled to the second fermentor. The dilution rate in the first fermentor was kept constant at 0.109 h−1, while the dilution rate in the second fermentor was gradually decreased from 0.056 to 0.020 h−1. Glucose was completely consumed, while 61 % of the xylose was consumed at the lowest dilution rate, leading to an overall solvent productivity of 0.65 g L−1 h−1 and a high concentration of 185 g kg−1 solvents in the permeate in the last fermentation zone during 192 h. Based on the experimental results, a process integrated with organophilic pervaporation was conceptually designed and compared with a base-case. Chemcad simulations indicate an energy reduction of ~50 % when organophilic pervaporation is used. This study also demonstrates significant reductions in process flows and energy consumption by the use of organophilic pervaporation as in situ product recovery technology.
Synthesis of Ecofriendly Functionalized Oxadiazole, Imidazole, Triazole and Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: El‐Sayed Refat , Shaldom Amani , Mazrouee Layla Al 
Published: December 2015

Abstract5‐Pentadecyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2‐amine (2) was employed as key intermediate for the synthesis of some new functionalized five and six membered heterocyclic derivatives. The synthesized compounds were reacted with propylene oxide to obtain surface active agents having good surface activity, high solubility in water and good biodegradability. Moreover, the functionalized surfactants showed good antimicrobial activity against gram negative and gram positive organisms. The new compounds are easily synthesized, economical and environmentally friendly and are expected to constitute an important class of organic compounds for medicinal purposes in the future.
Sulfonated Beet Pulp as Solid Catalyst in One‐Step Esterification of Industrial Palm Fatty Acid Distillate
Authors: Babadi Farahnaz Eghbali , Hosseini Soraya , Soltani Salman Masoudi , Aroua Mohamed Kheireddine , Shamiri Ahmad , Samadi Mahtab 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this research a new heterogeneous catalyst has been prepared for biodiesel production. The catalyst was prepared by sulfonating industrial sugar waste. Unlike homogeneous catalysts, which require further purification and separation from the biodiesel production reaction media, this inexpensive synthetic catalyst does not need to go through an additional separation process. This advantage consequently minimizes the total application costs. The catalyst was prepared by partially carbonizing sugar beet pulp at 400 °C. The carbonization product was then sulfonated with concentrated H2SO4 vapor in order to produce a solid catalyst. The prepared catalyst was used in the esterification reaction between palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) and methanol. The effects of the temperature, methanol/PFAD ratio, reaction time and catalyst dosage on the efficiency of the production were individually investigated. The optimum biodiesel production occurred at 85 °C, a reaction time of 300 min, catalyst dosage of 3 g and methanol/PFAD ratio of 5:1 (mol/mol), lowering the acid value from 198 to 13.1 (mg KOH/g oil) or the equivalent, with a fatty acid methyl ester yield of around 92 %. The results suggest that the synthesized inexpensive catalyst is useful for biodiesel production from PFAD.
The Impact of Nighttime Intensivists on Medical Intensive Care Unit Infection-Related Indicators
Authors: Trivedi Abhaya , McMullen Kathleen M. , Babcock Hilary M. , Kollef Marin H. 
Published: December 2015

In 2013, a before-and-after intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effect 24-hour intensivist coverage on length of stay and rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infection, central-line associated blood stream infection, and ventilator-associated events. Intensivist coverage for 24 hours did not decrease length of stay or result in a decrease in any specific infection rate.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):352–354
The piglet as a model for studying dietary components in infant diets: effects of galacto-oligosaccharides on intestinal functions
Authors: Alizadeh A. , Akbari P. , Difilippo E. , Schols H. A. , Ulfman L. H. , Schoterman M. H. C. , Garssen J. , Fink-Gremmels J. , Braber S. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPrebiotic oligosaccharides, including galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are used in infant formula to mimic human milk oligosaccharides, which are known to have an important role in the development of the intestinal microbiota and the immune system in neonates. The maturation of the intestines in piglets closely resembles that of human neonates and infants. Hence, a neonatal piglet model was used to study the multi-faceted effect of dietary GOS in early life. Naturally farrowed piglets were separated from the mother sow 24–48 h postpartum and received a milk replacer with or without the addition of GOS for 3 or 26 d, whereafter several indicators of intestinal colonisation and maturation were measured. Dietary GOS was readily fermented in the colon, leading to a decreased pH, an increase in butyric acid in caecum digesta and an increase in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria numbers at day 26. Histomorphological changes were observed in the intestines of piglets fed a GOS diet for 3 or 26 d. In turn, differences in the intestinal disaccharidase activity were observed between control and GOS-fed piglets. The mRNA expression of various tight junction proteins was up-regulated in the intestines of piglet fed a GOS diet and was not accompanied by an increase in protein expression. GOS also increased defensin porcineβ-defensin-2in the colon and secretory IgA levels in saliva. In conclusion, by applying a neonatal piglet model, it could be demonstrated that a GOS-supplemented milk replacer promotes the balance of the developing intestinal microbiota, improves the intestinal architecture and seems to stimulate the intestinal defence mechanism.
Not Too Old, Not Too Young: Older Women’s Perceptions of Physicians
Authors: MacRae Hazel 
Published: December 2015

RÉSUMÉLes femmes plus âgées interagissent avec les médecins plus souvent que les hommes âgés et les personnes plus jeunes; pourtant, la connaissance et la compréhension de leurs expériences avec les médecins sont limitées. Le but de cette étude était d'étudier les perceptions des femmes âgées de leurs interactions avec les médecins et d'identifier ce que les femmes veulent de leurs médecins. Les entrevues en profondeur avec 30 femmes âgées montrent que la majorité veulent être impliquée activement dans leurs propres soins de santé. Dans la relation patient-médecin, les femmes donnent généralement la priorité aux qualités personnelles de médecins et leur comportement à l'égard du patient. Pour de nombreuses femmes, l'âge et le sexe du médecin ont aussi leur importance.
Patients' perspectives on information from physicians during palliative chemotherapy: A qualitative study
Authors: Martinsson Lisa , Axelsson Bertil , Melin-Johansson Christina 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTObjective:During the course of their disease, patients with cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy receive extensive amounts of information from physicians. The objective of our study was to describe patients' perspectives on the information they received from physicians during palliative chemotherapy with regard to their cancer diagnosis, treatments, prognosis, and future planning.Method:A total of 15 semistructured face-to-face interviews with patients who had incurable cancer were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.Results:Three categories were defined during the analytical process: “having a chronic disease,” “depending on chemotherapy,” and “living with an unpredictable future.”Significance of results:Our study demonstrated that patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy perceived that their disease was incurable and chronic, that they were dependent on chemotherapy, and that their future was uncertain. Compared with other studies, the patients in our study seemed to be more aware of their prognosis and the goals of care.
Spin-orbit engineering in transition metal dichalcogenide alloy monolayers
Authors: Wang Gang , Robert Cedric , Suslu Aslihan , Chen Bin , Yang Sijie , Alamdari Sarah , Gerber Iann C. , Amand Thierry , Marie Xavier , Tongay Sefaattin , Urbaszek Bernhard 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBinary transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers share common properties such as a direct optical bandgap, spin-orbit splittings of hundreds of meV, light–matter interaction dominated by robust excitons and coupled spin-valley states. Here we demonstrate spin-orbit-engineering in Mo(1−x)WxSe2 alloy monolayers for optoelectronics and applications based on spin- and valley-control. We probe the impact of the tuning of the conduction band spin-orbit spin-splitting on the bright versus dark exciton population. For MoSe2 monolayers, the photoluminescence intensity decreases as a function of temperature by an order of magnitude (4–300 K), whereas for WSe2 we measure surprisingly an order of magnitude increase. The ternary material shows a trend between these two extreme behaviours. We also show a non-linear increase of the valley polarization as a function of tungsten concentration, where 40% tungsten incorporation is sufficient to achieve valley polarization as high as in binary WSe2.
Efficient quasi-monoenergetic ion beams from laser-driven relativistic plasmas
Authors: Palaniyappan Sasi , Huang Chengkun , Gautier Donald C. , Hamilton Christopher E. , Santiago Miguel A. , Kreuzer Christian , Sefkow Adam B. , Shah Rahul C. , Fernández Juan C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTable-top laser–plasma ion accelerators have many exciting applications, many of which require ion beams with simultaneous narrow energy spread and high conversion efficiency. However, achieving these requirements has been elusive. Here we report the experimental demonstration of laser-driven ion beams with narrow energy spread and energies up to 18 MeV per nucleon and ∼5% conversion efficiency (that is 4 J out of 80-J laser). Using computer simulations we identify a self-organizing scheme that reduces the ion energy spread after the laser exits the plasma through persisting self-generated plasma electric (∼1012 V m−1) and magnetic (∼104 T) fields. These results contribute to the development of next generation compact accelerators suitable for many applications such as isochoric heating for ion-fast ignition and producing warm dense matter for basic science.
Draxin from neocortical neurons controls the guidance of thalamocortical projections into the neocortex
Authors: Shinmyo Yohei , Asrafuzzaman Riyadh M. , Ahmed Giasuddin , Bin Naser Iftekhar , Hossain Mahmud , Takebayashi Hirohide , Kawasaki Hiroshi , Ohta Kunimasa , Tanaka Hideaki 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe thalamocortical tract carries sensory information to the neocortex. It has long been recognized that the neocortical pioneer axons of subplate neurons are essential for thalamocortical development. Herein we report that an axon guidance cue, draxin, is expressed in early-born neocortical neurons, including subplate neurons, and is necessary for thalamocortical development. In draxin−/− mice, thalamocortical axons do not enter the neocortex. This phenotype is sufficiently rescued by the transgenic expression of draxin in neocortical neurons. Genetic interaction data suggest that draxin acts through Deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and Neogenin (Neo1), to regulate thalamocortical projections in vivo. Draxin promotes the outgrowth of thalamic axons in vitro and this effect is abolished in thalamic neurons from Dcc and Neo1 double mutants. These results suggest that draxin from neocortical neurons controls thalamocortical projections into the neocortex, and that this effect is mediated through the DCC and Neo1 receptors.
Inverted polymer fullerene solar cells exceeding 10% efficiency with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) nanodots on electron-collecting buffer layers
Authors: Nam Sungho , Seo Jooyeok , Woo Sungho , Kim Wook Hyun , Kim Hwajeong , Bradley Donal D. C. , Kim Youngkyoo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPolymer solar cells have been spotlighted due to their potential for low-cost manufacturing but their efficiency is still less than required for commercial application as lightweight/flexible modules. Forming a dipole layer at the electron-collecting interface has been suggested as one of the more attractive approaches for efficiency enhancement. However, only a few dipole layer material types have been reported so far, including only one non-ionic (charge neutral) polymer. Here we show that a further neutral polymer, namely poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOz) can be successfully used as a dipole layer. Inclusion of a PEOz layer, in particular with a nanodot morphology, increases the effective work function at the electron-collecting interface within inverted solar cells and thermal annealing of PEOz layer leads to a state-of-the-art 10.74% efficiency for single-stack bulk heterojunction blend structures comprising poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-alt-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-2-carboxylate] as donor and [6,6]-phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester as acceptor.
Yb- and Er-doped fiber laser Q-switched with an optically uniform, broadband WS2 saturable absorber
Authors: Zhang M. , Hu Guohua , Hu Guoqing , Howe R. C. T. , Chen L. , Zheng Z. , Hasan T. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe demonstrate a ytterbium (Yb) and an erbium (Er)-doped fiber laser Q-switched by a solution processed, optically uniform, few-layer tungsten disulfide saturable absorber (WS2-SA). Nonlinear optical absorption of the WS2-SA in the sub-bandgap region, attributed to the edge-induced states, is characterized by 3.1% and 4.9% modulation depths with 1.38 and 3.83 MW/cm2saturation intensities at 1030 and 1558 nm, respectively. By integrating the optically uniform WS2-SA in the Yb- and Er-doped laser cavities, we obtain self-starting Q-switched pulses with microsecond duration and kilohertz repetition rates at 1030 and 1558 nm. Our work demonstrates broadband sub-bandgap saturable absorption of a single, solution processed WS2-SA, providing new potential efficacy for WS2in ultrafast photonic applications.
Composition formulas of binary eutectics
Authors: Ma Y. P. , Dong D. D. , Dong C. , Luo L. J. , Wang Q. , Qiang J. B. , Wang Y. M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe present paper addresses the long-standing composition puzzle of eutectic points by introducing a new structural tool for the description of short-range-order structural unit, the cluster-plus-glue-atom model. In this model, any structure is dissociated into a 1st-neighbor cluster and a few glue atoms between the clusters, expressed by a cluster formula [cluster]gluex. This model is applied here to establish the structural model for eutectic liquids, assuming that a eutectic liquid consist of two subunits issued from the relevant eutectic phases, each being expressed by the cluster formula for ideal metallic glasses, i.e., [cluster](glue atom)1 or 3. A structural unit is then composed of two clusters from the relevant eutectic phases plus 2, 4, or 6 glue atoms. Such a dual cluster formulism is well validated in all boron-containing (except those located by the extreme phase diagram ends) and in some commonly-encountered binary eutectics, within accuracies below 1 at.%. The dual cluster formulas vary extensively and are rarely identical even for eutectics of close compositions. They are generally formed with two distinctly different cluster types, with special cluster matching rules such as cuboctahedron plus capped trigonal prism and rhombidodecahedron plus octahedral antiprism.
Screening of the key volatile organic compounds of Tuber melanosporum fermentation by aroma sensory evaluation combination with principle component analysis
Authors: Liu Rui-Sang , Jin Guang-Huai , Xiao Deng-Rong , Li Hong-Mei , Bai Feng-Wu , Tang Ya-Jie 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAroma results from the interplay of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the attributes of microbial-producing aromas are significantly affected by fermentation conditions. Among the VOCs, only a few of them contribute to aroma. Thus, screening and identification of the key VOCs is critical for microbial-producing aroma. The traditional method is based on gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), which is time-consuming and laborious. Considering the Tuber melanosporum fermentation system as an example, a new method to screen and identify the key VOCs by combining the aroma evaluation method with principle component analysis (PCA) was developed in this work. First, an aroma sensory evaluation method was developed to screen 34 potential favorite aroma samples from 504 fermentation samples. Second, PCA was employed to screen nine common key VOCs from these 34 samples. Third, seven key VOCs were identified by the traditional method. Finally, all of the seven key VOCs identified by the traditional method were also identified, along with four others, by the new strategy. These results indicate the reliability of the new method and demonstrate it to be a viable alternative to the traditional method.