bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature-mediated phase transformation, pore geometry and pore hysteresis transformation of borohydride derived in-born porous zirconium hydroxide nanopowders
Authors: Nayak Nadiya B. , Nayak Bibhuti B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDevelopment of in-born porous nature of zirconium hydroxide nanopowders through a facile hydrogen (H2) gas-bubbles assisted borohydride synthesis route using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) and novel information on the temperature-mediated phase transformation, pore geometry as well as pore hysteresis transformation of in-born porous zirconium hydroxide nanopowders with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) isotherm and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images are the main theme of this research work. Without any surfactants or pore forming agents, the borohydride derived amorphous nature of porous powders was stable up to 500 °C and then the seed crystals start to develop within the loose amorphous matrix and trapping the inter-particulate voids, which led to develop the porous nature of tetragonal zirconium oxide at 600 °C and further sustain this porous nature as well as tetragonal phase of zirconium oxide up to 800 °C. The novel hydrogen (H2) gas-bubbles assisted borohydride synthesis route led to develop thermally stable porous zirconium hydroxide/oxide nanopowders with an adequate pore size, pore volume and surface area and thus these porous materials are further suggested for promising use in different areas of applications.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Gd-doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles and mechanism insight
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Da , Niu Feng , Wang Sen , Qin Laishun , Huang Yuexiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo investigate the effect of Gd doping on photocatalytic activity of BiFeO3 (BFO), Gd-doped BFO nanoparticles containing different Gd doping contents (Bi(1−x)GdxFeO3, x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05) were synthesized using a facile sol-gel route. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and their photocatalytic activities were evaluated by photocatalytic decomposition of Rhodamine B in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. It was found that the Gd doping content could significantly affect the photocatalytic activity of as-prepared Gd-doped BFO, and the photocatalytic activity increased with increasing the Gd doping content up to the optimal value and then decreased with further enhancing Gd doping content. To elucidate the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism of Gd-doped BFO, the trapping experiments, photoluminescence, photocurrent and electrochemical impedance measurements were performed. On the basis of these experimental results, the enhanced photocatalytic activities of Gd-doped BFO could be ascribed to the increased optical absorption, the efficient separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers as well as the decreased recombination probability of electron-hole pairs derived from the Gd doping effect. Meanwhile, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of Gd-doped BFO was critically discussed.
A dual-detector optical receiver for PDM signals detection
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Yu Yu , Zhang Xinliang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe propose and fabricate a silicon based dual-detector optical receiver, which consists of a two dimensional (2D) grating coupler (GC) and two separate germanium photodetectors (Ge PDs). The 2D GC performs polarization diversity and thus demultiplexing and detection for polarization division multiplexed (PDM) signals can be achieved. Through a specific design with double-sides illumination, the space charge density can be reduced and the responsivity and saturation power can be improved significantly. The measured dark current, responsivity and bandwidth are 0.86 μA, 1.06 A/W and 36 GHz under 3 V reverse biased voltage, respectively. Both DC currents and eye diagrams are measured for the proposed device and the results validate its performance successfully. The power penalty between the single and dual polarized signals is about 1.9 dB under 10 and 20 Gb/s cases for both the two Ge PDs. The proposed direct detection (DD) for PDM signals with high speed, high responsivity and large saturation power is cost-effective and promising for short reach optical communication.
Growth responses of Ulva prolifera to inorganic and organic nutrients: Implications for macroalgal blooms in the southern Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Li Hongmei , Zhang Yongyu , Han Xiurong , Shi Xiaoyong , Rivkin Richard B. , Legendre Louis 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe marine macrophyte Ulva prolifera is the dominant green-tide-forming seaweed in the southern Yellow Sea, China. Here we assessed, in the laboratory, the growth rate and nutrient uptake responses of U. prolifera to different nutrient treatments. The growth rates were enhanced in incubations with added organic and inorganic nitrogen [i.e. nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), urea and glycine] and phosphorus [i.e. phosphate (PO43−), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glucose 6-phosphate (G-6-P)], relative to the control. The relative growth rates of U. prolifera were higher when enriched with dissolved organic nitrogen (urea and glycine) and phosphorus (ATP and G-6-P) than inorganic nitrogen (NO3− and NH4+) and phosphorus (PO43−). In contrast, the affinity was higher for inorganic than organic nutrients. Field data in the southern Yellow Sea showed significant inverse correlations between macroalgal biomass and dissolved organic nutrients. Our laboratory and field results indicated that organic nutrients such as urea, glycine and ATP, may contribute to the development of macroalgal blooms in the southern Yellow Sea.
Drosophila insulin-like peptide 1 (DILP1) is transiently expressed during non-feeding stages and reproductive dormancy
Authors: Liu Yiting , Liao Sifang , Veenstra Jan A. , Nässel Dick R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved in animals and is part of nutrient-sensing mechanisms that control growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress responses and lifespan. In Drosophila, eight insulin-like peptides (DILP1-8) are known, six of which have been investigated in some detail, whereas expression and functions of DILP1 and DILP4 remain enigmatic. Here we demonstrate that dilp1/DILP1 is transiently expressed in brain insulin producing cells (IPCs) from early pupa until a few days of adult life. However, in adult female flies where diapause is triggered by low temperature and short days, within a time window 0–10h post-eclosion, the dilp1/DILP1 expression remains high for at least 9 weeks. The dilp1 mRNA level is increased in dilp2, 3, 5 and dilp6 mutant flies, indicating feedback regulation. Furthermore, the DILP1 expression in IPCs is regulated by short neuropeptide F, juvenile hormone and presence of larval adipocytes. Male dilp1 mutant flies display increased lifespan and reduced starvation resistance, whereas in female dilp1 mutants oviposition is reduced. Thus, DILP1 is expressed in non-feeding stages and in diapausing flies, is under feedback regulation and appears to play sex-specific functional roles.
Seismic assessment of low ductile RC structures: buildings from before the modern seismic codes
Authors: Dias-Oliveira João , Rodrigues H , Varum Humberto 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– When a numerous amount of buildings was built in reinforced concrete, in a period when the regulations did not have the design philosophy for the occurrence of earthquakes, it is of extreme importance to carry out full and effective structural assessments, specially considering and comparing bare frame and infilled structure. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Among several possibilities to make the evaluation as, simplified, linear analysis and static non-linear analysis, the non-linear dynamic can provide the most accurate numerical behaviour compared to the real one. The time-history non-linear analyses are developed on the software SeismoStruct for different levels of intensity. Local verifications are then applied separately from both Eurocode and Italian Code.

Findings
– The application of validated models for the analysis of real buildings allows a complete seismic assessment. The level of uncertainty increases integrating particularities regarding the infill masonry walls. The paper shows important global and local seismic safety for these complex typology of buildings.

Originality/value
– A representative common concrete structure without seismic provisions is first analysed and discussed in terms of global behaviour, deformations and progression of forces. The case study structure is considered both as bare structure and with integrated infill panels. It is also discussed in a local level, about brittle and ductile mechanisms, and extra comparisons between different interpretations of different standards. The case study structure is considered both as bare structure and with integrated infill panels.
Simulation-driven design of compact ultra-wideband antenna structures
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate strategies and algorithms for expedited design optimization and explicit size reduction of compact ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas.

Design/methodology/approach
– Formulation of the compact antenna design problem aiming at explicit size reduction while maintaining acceptable electrical performance is presented. Algorithmic frameworks are described suitable for handling various design situations and involving simulation models without and with response gradients available. Numerical and experimental case studies are provided demonstrating feasibility of solving real-world miniaturized antenna design tasks.

Findings
– It is possible, through appropriate combination of the global and local optimization methods, surrogate modeling techniques and response correction methods, to find optimum dimensions of antenna structures that minimize antenna size while maintaining acceptable electrical performance. Design optimization can be performed at practically feasible computational costs.

Research limitations/implications
– The study summarizes recent advances in miniaturization-oriented design optimization of UWB antennas. The presented techniques reach far beyond the commonly used design approaches based on parameter sweeps and similar hands-on methods, particularly in terms of automation, reliability, and reduction of the computational costs of the design processes.

Originality/value
– The proposed design problem formulation and algorithmic frameworks proved useful for rapid design of compact UWB antenna structures, which is extremely challenging when using conventional methods. To the knowledge, this is the first attempt to efficient solving of this type of design problems, especially in the context of explicit antenna size reduction.
Design of TENS electrodes using conductive yarn
Authors: Erdem Duygu , Yesilpinar Sevil , Senol Yavuz , Karadibak Didem , Akkan Taner 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to develop textile-based transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electrodes using conductive yarn to bring a solution to uncomfortable feelings and hygiene problems of conventional conductive hydrogel electrodes. It proposes washing process, resistance measurements and subjective tests to evaluate the performance of the developed textile-based electrode.

Design/methodology/approach
– In this study, six different textile electrode pairs were designed and produced with different patterns. Designed electrodes were washed for ten times. In order to evaluate the effect of pattern differences and washing process on electrode performances, two different tests were realized before and after washing. The first of these tests is resistance measurement with a multimeter, and the second one is subjective test carried out on subjects.

Findings
– The results obtained from resistance measurements indicated that the pattern differences cause resistance values of electrodes to change. It is reported that subjects had electrical stimulation from all electrode samples in conducted trials and it is noticed that washing process does not cause any stimulation problems.

Originality/value
– In this study, textile-based TENS electrodes having different patterns were produced by machine stitching technique and their long-term usage behaviors were examined with repeated washing processes and trials on the subjects.
Designing and delivering online curriculum in higher education: riding the perfect storm
Authors: Chernikova Irina A. , Varonis Evangeline Marlos 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– In a time that could be described as a “perfect storm” in higher education, faculty and administration have been exploring all possible tools to attract students and help them stay on a curriculum path so they can graduate within a reasonable time. The purpose of this paper is to explore three strategies for riding the storm in a large mid-western USA university.

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors identify three strategies for increasing student retention and course completion, including: increased choices in scheduling; redesigning the curriculum; and offering multiple options for mode of delivery. In addition, the pilot of these strategies in a Technical Data Analysis class will be described and evaluated.

Findings
– Providing choices in scheduling courses (strategy 1), redesigning the curriculum to offer flexible pathways to graduation (strategy 2), and offering students options in delivery modes (strategy 3) increase the likelihood of student success, allowing them to find a way out of and therefore escape the “perfect storm” that higher education finds itself in today.

Practical implications
– Flexibility in scheduling courses by offering multiple delivery modes increases student access while maintaining the same learning objectives and outcomes.

Originality/value
– This paper addresses a known challenge in higher education and offers three strategies to improve retention and completion.
Online (web-based) education for mentors of newly qualified teachers
Authors: Fransson Göran 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to report on a research project concerning a web-based (online) course for mentors of newly qualified teachers (NQTs).Design/methodology/approach– A mixed-method approach with questionnaires and interviews was used to collect the data.Findings– Positive attitudes towards online education were discerned and initial concerns about the use of technical tools were dissipated during the course. It was found that the mentoring-related content of the online course could be mediated. The most significant difference in the participants’ meaning making and ability to “connect theory and practice” with “concrete knowledge” was between those with experience of mentorship before or during the course and those without.Research limitations/implications– The study focuses on one cohort of mentor participants (n=18) attending one mentor education course.Practical implications– The paper contributes to the value of online education for mentors of NQTs and includes some practical recommendations for mentor education providers.Originality/value– This paper reports on an under-researched area. Research on professional development programmes for mentors in general is limited, and even more so when it comes to online education for mentors.
Fuzzy risk assessment for electro-optical target tracker
Authors: Roy Soumen Kumar , Sarkar A K , Mahanty Biswajit 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to evolve a guideline for scientists and development engineers to the failure behavior of electro-optical target tracker system (EOTTS) using fuzzy methodology leading to success of short-range homing guided missile (SRHGM) in which this critical subsystems is exploited.

Design/methodology/approach
– Technology index (TI) and fuzzy failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) are used to build an integrated framework to facilitate the system technology assessment and failure modes. Failure mode analysis is carried out for the system using data gathered from technical experts involved in design and realization of the EOTTS. In order to circumvent the limitations of the traditional failure mode effects and criticality analysis (FMECA), fuzzy FMCEA is adopted for the prioritization of the risks. FMEA parameters – severity, occurrence and detection are fuzzifed with suitable membership functions. These membership functions are used to define failure modes. Open source linear programming solver is used to solve linear equations.

Findings
– It is found that EOTTS has the highest TI among the major technologies used in the SRHGM. Fuzzy risk priority numbers (FRPN) for all important failure modes of the EOTTS are calculated and the failure modes are ranked to arrive at important monitoring points during design and development of the weapon system.

Originality/value
– This paper integrates the use of TI, fuzzy logic and experts’ database with FMEA toward assisting the scientists and engineers while conducting failure mode and effect analysis to prioritize failures toward taking corrective measure during the design and development of EOTTS.
Functional properties and safety assessment of lactic acid bacteria isolated from goat colostrum for application in food fermentations
Authors: Ruiz Patricia , Barragán Iris , Seseña Susana , Palop María Llanos 
Published: May 2016

Thirty representative isolates from genotypes obtained after RAPD‐PCR analysis of 191 presumptive LAB isolates from goat colostrum were assessed. They were identified as Leu. mesenteroides, Leu. lactis and Lac. garvieae. Only Lac. garvieae P27M15 showed a high resistance to low pH, while 93.3% of the isolates retained their viability after exposure to bile salts. Leu. lactis V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15 displayed the best technological properties. Lac. garvieae P27M15 and Leu. lactis V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15 were susceptible to 8 of the 13 antibiotics assayed. Therefore, it can be concluded that the isolates P27M15, V22M11, V42M18 and V23M15, showing potentially important properties, could be valuable for practical applications in biotechnological processes.
Selection of Streptococcus thermophilus strains able to produce exopolysaccharides in milk
Authors: Tidona Flavio , Zago Miriam , Corredig Milena , Locci Francesco , Contarini Giovanna , Giraffa Giorgio , Carminati Domenico 
Published: May 2016

A collection of 139 Streptococcus thermophilus strains was genetically screened by PCR targeting some genes involved in exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis. Twenty‐nine strains were found to be PCR positive and were grown in skim milk to highlight their ropy character, that is the ability to efficiently thicken the milk cultures and minimise syneresis. Three strains producing a skim milk culture with apparent viscosities of 275 ± 14, 340 ± 21 and 510 ± 42 mPa.s, significantly higher than the average value (135 ± 87.3 mPa.s), were selected. EPS from milk cultures of these three strains was extracted and quantified from 84.4 to 209.2 mg/L.
The medication reconciliation process and classification of discrepancies: a systematic review
Authors: Almanasreh Enas , Moles Rebekah , Chen Timothy F. 
Published: May 2016

AimsMedication reconciliation is a part of the medication management process and facilitates improved patient safety during care transitions. The aims of the study were to evaluate how medication reconciliation has been conducted and how medication discrepancies have been classified.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (IPA), and Web of Science (WOS), in accordance with the PRISMA statement up to April 2016. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the types of medication discrepancy found through the medication reconciliation process and contained a classification system for discrepancies. Data were extracted by one author based on a predefined table, and 10% of included studies were verified by two authors.ResultsNinety‐five studies met the inclusion criteria. Approximately one‐third of included studies (n = 35, 36.8%) utilized a ‘gold’ standard medication list. The majority of studies (n = 57, 60%) used an empirical classification system and the number of classification terms ranged from 2 to 50 terms. Whilst we identified three taxonomies, only eight studies utilized these tools to categorize discrepancies, and 11.6% of included studies used different patient safety related terms rather than discrepancy to describe the disagreement between the medication lists.ConclusionsWe suggest that clear and consistent information on prevalence, types, causes and contributory factors of medication discrepancy are required to develop suitable strategies to reduce the risk of adverse consequences on patient safety. Therefore, to obtain that information, we need a well‐designed taxonomy to be able to accurately measure, report and classify medication discrepancies in clinical practice.
Anti-C1q autoantibodies are linked to autoimmune thyroid disorders in pregnant women
Authors: Vitkova H , Jiskra J , Springer D , Limanova Z , Telicka Z , Bartakova J , Trendelenburg M , Potlukova E 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAnti-C1q antibodies (anti-C1q) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between anti-C1q and thyroid function in pregnancy-associated AITD. In 96 pregnant women screened positive for AITD (thyroid dysfunction and/or antibodies against thyroperoxidase – TPOAb), anti-C1q were measured during the 9-11th gestational week and after delivery (median 16 months after delivery), and compared to the corresponding serum levels of thyroid hormones. As controls, 80 healthy pregnant women, 72 non-pregnant AITD patients and 72 blood donors were included. In the non-pregnant AITD group, two serum samples ≥ 6 months apart were analysed. Compared to blood donors, anti-C1q levels were substantially higher in all pregnant women analysed. In pregnancy, anti-C1q levels were higher in the TPOAb-positive women than in controls (37 versus 17·5%, P &lt; 0·0001). Anti-C1q-positive pregnant women screened positive for AITD had higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels than anti-C1q-negative women (2·41 versus 1·94 mU/l, P = 0·01), and TSH correlated positively with anti-C1q (r = 0·226, P = 0·045) in the TPOAb-positive women. After delivery, serum levels of anti-C1q decreased in the positively screened TPOAb-negative women (8·8 versus 5·9 U/l, P = 0·002), but not in the TPOAb-positive ones, and they no longer correlated with TSH. Anti-C1q antibody levels increase during pregnancy in general and even more in the context of AITD, where they correlate with thyroid stimulating hormone levels.