bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Energy Capacity with Vitamin C Treated Dual‐Layered Graphene–Sulfur Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kim Jin Won , Ocon Joey D. , Kim Ho‐Sung , Lee Jaeyoung 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA graphene‐based cathode design for lithium–sulfur batteries (LSB) that shows excellent electrochemical performance is proposed. The dual‐layered cathode is composed of a sulfur active layer and a polysulfide absorption layer, and both layers are based on vitamin C treated graphene oxide at various degrees of reduction. By controlling the degree of reduction of graphene, the dual‐layered cathode can increase sulfur utilization dramatically owing to the uniform formation of nanosized sulfur particles, the chemical bonding of dissolved polysulfides on the oxygen‐rich sulfur active layer, and the physisorption of free polysulfides on the absorption layer. This approach enables a LSB with a high specific capacity of over 600 mAh gsulfur−1 after 100 cycles even under a high current rate of 1C (1675 mA gsulfur−1). An intriguing aspect of our work is the synthesis of a high‐performance dual‐layered cathode by a green chemistry method, which could be a promising approach to LSBs with high energy and power densities.
Bi2WO6 Nanosheets Synthesized by a Hydrothermal Method: Photocatalytic Activity Driven by Visible Light and the Superhydrophobic Property with Water Adhesion
Authors: Yang Chengyu , Huang Yan , Li Taohai , Li Feng 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Bi2WO6 nanosheets have been synthesized at different pH values by a hydrothermal method. Various characterization techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis absorption spectra and contact angle (CA) analysis, were employed to investigate the as‐prepared products. The Bi2WO6 nanosheets prepared at pH = 9 (BW9) showed excellent photocatalytic performance by degradation of the methylene blue (MB) solution (10 mg/L) and the degradation rate was found to be 93 % under visible light for 3 h. Furthermore, the wettability of the as‐synthesized Bi2WO6 film was studied by measuring the water CA. It was found that they show extraordinary superhydrophobicity and excellent adhesion of water, even without modification by low‐surface‐energy materials.
Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with Galinstan as Working Electrode
Authors: Surmann Peter , Channaa Hanan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe liquid alloy galinstan is used to determine low concentrations in microgram per liter level of trace metals like copper, cadmium, lead, bismuth, antimony and thallium using anodic stripping voltammetry. Like the conventionally applied HMDE, the hanging galinstan drop electrode (HGDE) is able to accumulate the investigated metal ions at the electrode surface. Hence, simultaneous determination of Pb and Cd is possible. Both, DPASV and SWASV were used as measuring methods. The influence of different parameters like accumulation potential and time and the frequency in SWASV were studied. By the use of acetic buffer solutions, the potential window reaches from −900 mV to 150 mV. The limit of detection (LOD) varies from 6 ppm (worst case, Sb3+) to 2 ppb (best case, Pb2+). Therefore, the use of galinstan in the form of the HGDE is possible as a “mercury‐free” and environmentally friendly electrode in stripping analysis.
Site‐specific recombination for cloning of large DNA fragments in vitro
Authors: Dai Ruixue , Zhang Bo , Zhao Guoping , Ding Xiaoming 
Published: April 2015

Natural‐product biosynthetic gene clusters are composed of large DNA fragments, which are difficult to synthesize in vitro. In this study, a Streptomyces phage site‐specific ΦBT1 integrase‐mediated recombination reaction was employed to obtain the 55 kb erythromycin biosynthesis gene cluster of Saccharopolyspora erythraea. Genome fragments inserted by ΦBT1 integrase recognition att‐sites (attachment site of bacteria and attachment site of phage) and two selectable markers (aphII gene and aac(3)IV gene) on both sides of the target gene cluster were extracted and subjected to an in vitro site‐specific recombination reaction to yield a plasmid pZB201 carrying the erythromycin biosynthesis gene cluster. This technique avoids mutations caused by PCR and limitations caused by restriction enzyme sites, making heterologous expression much more effective and convenient.
Saving for delivery through technology: an inquiry into an electronic commitment savings product for maternal healthcare in Kenya
Authors: van Bastelaer Thierry , Woodman Benjamin , Chatterji Minki , Long David 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMany women in low‐income countries cannot afford maternal healthcare services. Changamka, a Kenyan company, developed an electronic, stored‐value card to help pregnant women save for maternal healthcare at a Nairobi hospital. This paper reports results from a mixed‐methods process evaluation of the card's implementation. The study found high levels of uptake and identified several benefits of the program, such as facilitating payment for services. The evaluation also identified several challenges. Most users completed only one transaction before discontinuing card use; only 6% of women who acquired the card used it to pay for delivery, and slightly less than 1% used it as it was originally intended—to pay for several antenatal care visits and for delivery. According to respondents, the main reason for this discontinuation was a lack of understanding about how to use the card. Users were, on average, of a higher socioeconomic and educational status than non‐card users. Most users obtained the card in their third trimester, and among those who used the card to save for delivery, most started to do so too late in pregnancy to accumulate sufficient savings to pay for that service. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posterior regeneration following fission in the holothurian Cladolabes schmeltzii (Dendrochirotida: Holothuroidea)
Authors: Kamenev Yaroslav O. , Dolmatov Igor Yu. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe regeneration of the posterior portion of the body after fission was studied in the holothurian Cladolabes schmeltzii using electron microscopy methods. Following fission, the aquapharyngeal complex, gonad and anterior portion of the first descending part of the intestine remain in the anterior fragment of the body. The entire regeneration process is divided into five stages. In the first three stages, the digestive system and damaged ends of the longitudinal muscle bands regenerate. The intestine is formed through the rearrangement and growth of the remaining portion of the first descending part of the intestine. The gut anlage grows down the mesentery and joins the regenerating cloaca. The cloaca is formed from two sources: its posterior portion appears as a result of immersion of the epidermis, while the anterior portion develops from the terminal segment of the growing intestine. Regeneration of muscles progresses in the typical manner for echinoderms: through immersion and myogenic transformation of the coelomic epithelium. Respiratory trees appear in animals when the growth of the external part of the body has begun (fourth stage). They are formed as an outgrowth of the dorsal wall of the anterior portion of the cloaca. It was concluded that regeneration of the posterior portion of the body in the holothurian C. schmeltzii following fission is realized through morphallactic rearrangements of the remaining parts of organs. The main mechanism through which the digestive, respiratory, and contractile systems are formed is epithelial morphogenesis. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:540–552, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three Ternary Rare Earth(III) Complexes Based on 3‐[(4,6‐Dimethyl‐2‐pyrimidinyl)thio]‐propanoic Acid and 1,10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Chen Xiao , Qu Jian‐Qiang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThree ternary rare earth [NdIII (1), SmIII (2) and YIII (3)] complexes based on 3‐[(4,6‐dimethyl‐2‐pyrimidinyl)thio]‐propanoic acid (HL) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) were synthesized and characterized by IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, TGA, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structures showed that complexes 1–3 contain dinuclear rare earth units bridged by four propionate groups and are of general formula [REL3(Phen)]2·nH2O (for 1 and 2: n = 2; for 3: n = 0). All rare earth ions are nine‐coordinate with distorted mono‐capped square antiprismatic coordination polyhedra. Complex 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 16.241(7) Å, b = 16.095(7) Å, c = 19.169(6) Å, β = 121.48(2)°. Complex 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P21/c with a = 16.187(5) Å, b = 16.045(4) Å, c = 19.001(4) Å, β = 120.956(18)°. Complex 3 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1 with a = 11.390(6) Å, b = 13.636(6) Å, c = 15.958(7) Å, α = 72.310(17)°, β = 77.548(15)°, γ = 78.288(16)°. The antioxidant activity test shows that all complexes own higher antioxidant activity than free ligands.
Ciderius cooperi gen. nov., sp. nov., the earliest known euphaneropid from the Lower Silurian of Scotland
Authors: van der Brugghen Gambit 
Published: April 2015

AbstractA new genus and species of euphaneropid, Ciderius cooperi, is recorded from the Lower Silurian Fish Bed Formation of the Midland Valley of Scotland on the basis of articulated material. Euphaneropids constitute an enigmatic group which is known from Devonian deposits in Scotland and Canada. The new find adds to our understanding of this group, in particular with regard to the morphology of some common anatomical elements. The paired head stains are here shown to contain clefts which can be interpreted as optic fissures, indicating that these are the remains of eyes. The anterior head stain is reconstructed and demonstrated to be a barrel-shaped object of an uncertain nature. Paired mineralisations situated in the posterior part of the cranial region appear to represent remains of the parachordals, while fossilised blood vessels might be preserved in the form of black lines which mark a greatly elongated branchial region, similar to euphaneropids. Serially repetitive rows of short horizontal stripes on the posterior half of the body are unique for the new taxo, but their interpretation is problematic.
The Core Pattern Analysis on Chinese Herbal Medicine for Sjögren's syndrome: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Chang Ching-Mao , Chu Hsueh-Ting , Wei Yau-Huei , Chen Fang-Pey , Wang Shengwen , Wu Po-Chang , Yen Hung-Rong , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chang Hen-Hong 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis large-scale survey aimed to evaluate frequencies and patterns of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) used for Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in Taiwan by analyzing the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) for cases in which CHM was used as an alternative therapy to Western medicine for improving patients' discomforts. We analyzed cases of SS principal diagnosis (ICD-9:710.2) with a catastrophic illness certificate (CIC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outpatient clinics from three cohorts of the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID) in the NHIRD between 2002 and 2011. CHM prescription patterns for SS were evaluated from claimed visitation files and corresponding prescription files. There were 15,914 SS patients with CIC (SS/CIC) and we found only 130 SS/CIC cases visiting TCM clinics in LHID2000, 133 in LHID2005 and 126 in LHID2010. After removing duplicate data, 366 SS/CIC and 4,867 visits were analyzed. The 50–59 year age group showed the highest ratio (29.51%) in both women and men. “Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan” and “Xuan-Shen” (Scrophularia ningpoensisHemsl.) was the most commonly used formula and single herb, respectively. “Qi-Ju-Di-Huang-Wan, Gan-Lu-Yin, Xuan-Shen, Mai-Men-Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus(L. f.) Ker-Gawl.) and Sheng-Di-Huang (rawRehmannia glutinosaLibosch)” were the core pattern prescriptions in treating SS/CIC.
Magnetoreception in the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): influence of weak frequency-modulated radio frequency fields
Authors: Malkemper E. Pascal , Eder Stephan H. K. , Begall Sabine , Phillips John B. , Winklhofer Michael , Hart Vlastimil , Burda Hynek 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe mammalian magnetic sense is predominantly studied in species with reduced vision such as mole-rats and bats. Far less is known about surface-dwelling (epigeic) rodents with well-developed eyes. Here, we tested the wood mouse Apodemus sylvaticus for magnetoreception using a simple behavioural assay in which mice are allowed to build nests overnight in a visually symmetrical, circular arena. The tests were performed in the ambient magnetic field or in a field rotated by 90°. When plotted with respect to magnetic north, the nests were bimodally clustered in the northern and southern sectors, clearly indicating that the animals used magnetic cues. Additionally, mice were tested in the ambient magnetic field with a superimposed radio frequency magnetic field of the order of 100 nT. Wood mice exposed to a 0.9 to 5 MHz frequency sweep changed their preference from north-south to east-west. In contrast to birds, however, a constant frequency field tuned to the Larmor frequency (1.33 MHz) had no effect on mouse orientation. In sum, we demonstrated magnetoreception in wood mice and provide first evidence for a radical-pair mechanism in a mammal.
Programmable leaky‐wave antenna with periodic J‐shaped metamaterial patches
Authors: Luo Yong , Kikuta Kazutaka , Han Zhengli , Takahashi Takuya , Hirose Akira , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi 
Published: April 2015

The feasibility of digital tuning of a programmable metamaterial‐based antenna is explored. A leaky‐wave antenna is implemented by cascading metallic J‐shaped units in a composite right–left handed formation to create tunable metamaterial properties in terms of the radiation direction. The gaps in the J‐shaped units are programmed in either open or close to alter the radiation patterns. Owing to the electromagnetic homogeneity where the unit length is smaller than one‐fifth of the wavelength, changing the gap states has an equivalent effect to gradually tune the dispersion diagram. Eight J‐shaped patches are integrated in the leaky‐wave antenna, and nine different gap states are designed. The dispersion diagram is found to vary the transition frequency from 9.4 to 8.7 GHz with steps of 0.1 GHz, thereby frequency‐dependent scanning radiation patterns are realised. Moreover, thanks to the gradually varying dispersion diagram, a state‐dependent which also means programmable scanning radiation patterns are acquired in the band from 9 to 9.3 GHz. Experiment results agree well with the finite‐element‐method numerical analysis.
Lung cancer detection using frequency‐domain microwave imaging
Authors: Zamani A. , Rezaeieh S.A. , Abbosh A.M. 
Published: April 2015

A frequency‐domain algorithm for the early detection of lung cancer is presented. The algorithm predicts the distribution of scattered fields inside the imaged domain (torso) using the measured fields around that domain. That prediction is based on using the first‐order Bessel function of the first kind to relate the fields outside the imaged domain to the fields inside that domain. The predicted field distribution shows the relative differences between the dielectric properties of tissues within the torso and thus enables detecting lung cancer, which has a significantly larger dielectric constant that the lung's healthy tissues. To validate the proposed algorithm, an integrated imaging system, which includes a three‐dimensional slot‐rotated antenna that circularly scans an artificial torso phantom using the band 1.5–3 GHz, a wideband microwave transceiver and a laptop for control, processing and image generation, is built. The obtained experimental results confirm the reliability of the proposed method in lung cancer detection.
Modular double‐cascade converter for high‐power medium‐voltage drives
Authors: Sankala Arto , Korhonen Juhamatti , Ström Juha‐Pekka , Luukko Julius , Silventoinen Pertti , Komulainen Risto , Sarén Hannu , Södö Nicklas , Isaksson Dan 
Published: April 2015

The modular double‐cascade converter (MDC) is a new multilevel AC/AC converter topology, which has a modular structure. The proposed topology can be used in medium‐voltage motor and generator drives, and in interfacing of grids of different voltages and frequencies. MDC is formed with two sets of cascaded H‐bridges where the isolation of the power modules is carried out with medium‐frequency multiwinding transformers. Although the transformers have a transformation ratio of one, the presented topology can be used to transform the voltage level by using different connections for the input and output H‐bridges. The number of steps of input and output voltages can be varied by connecting the modular units of MDC in series or in parallel. The functionality of the topology is verified by simulations of a seven‐level version for a 3.3 kV, 1.1 MW application and experimental results are shown for a 400 V, 76 kW three‐level inverter. In particular, an inherent submodule energy sharing capability through the transformer is analysed and assessed by simulations and experimental tests.
Brown Trout Removal Effects on Short‐Term Survival and Movement of Myxobolus cerebralis‐Resistant Rainbow Trout
Authors: Fetherman Eric R. , Winkelman Dana L. , Bailey Larissa L. , Schisler George J. , Davies K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFollowing establishment of Myxobolus cerebralis (the parasite responsible for salmonid whirling disease) in Colorado, populations of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss experienced significant declines, whereas Brown Trout Salmo trutta densities increased in many locations across the state, potentially influencing the success of M. cerebralis‐resistant Rainbow Trout reintroductions. We examined the effects of Brown Trout removal on the short‐term (3‐month) survival and movement of two crosses of reintroduced, M. cerebralis‐resistant Rainbow Trout in the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado. Radio frequency identification passive integrated transponder tags and antennas were used to track movements of wild Brown Trout and stocked Rainbow Trout in reaches where Brown Trout had or had not been removed. Multistate mark–recapture models were used to estimate tagged fish apparent survival and movement in these sections 3 months following Brown Trout removal. A cross between the German Rainbow Trout and Colorado River Rainbow Trout strains exhibited similar survival and movement probabilities in the reaches, suggesting that the presence of Brown Trout did not affect its survival or movement. However, a cross between the German Rainbow Trout and Harrison Lake Rainbow Trout exhibited less movement from the reach in which Brown Trout had been removed. Despite this, the overall short‐term benefits of the removal were equivocal, suggesting that Brown Trout removal may not be beneficial for the reintroduction of Rainbow Trout. Additionally, the logistical constraints of conducting removals in large river systems are substantial and may not be a viable management option in many rivers.
Abundance, Survival, and Life History Strategies of Juvenile Chinook Salmon in the Skagit River, Washington
Authors: Zimmerman Mara S. , Kinsel Clayton , Beamer Eric , Connor Edward J. , Pflug David E. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo identify potential actions for conserving Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytschain the Skagit River, Washington, we used a 16‐year time series of streamflow data, adult escapement, and out‐migrant abundance to understand how out‐migrant abundance and life history diversity were related to spawner abundance and incubation flows. Three freshwater rearing strategies were distinguished based on body size at out‐migration: fry (≤45 mm FL), subyearling parr (46–100 mm FL), and yearling smolts (>100 mm FL). Density‐independent and density‐dependent processes were hypothesized to influence survival in sequence, with density‐independent mechanisms operating during incubation and density‐dependent mechanisms operating between emergence and out‐migration. A model selection process compared spawner–recruit models with and without different incubation flow metrics. Density‐independent models that included measures of flow duration and magnitude were strongly supported (Akaike's information criterion [AIC] difference ≤ 3). Sustained flow events of moderate magnitude (1‐year recurrence interval) were an equivalent if not better predictor of freshwater survival than short‐duration flow events of high magnitude (peak flows). A second model selection process evaluated density dependence of each life history type. The composition of out‐migrants (fry, subyearling parr, and yearling smolts) was a density‐dependent function of spawner abundance. Fry out‐migrant abundance was density independent, and subyearling parr out‐migrant abundance was density dependent. Neither model was supported for yearling smolts. At least one out‐migrant life history, subyearling parr, should benefit from continued restoration of freshwater habitats in the Skagit River system. Factors contributing to the yearling smolt life history will benefit from additional study.
A hot water extract ofCurcuma longainhibits adhesion molecule protein expression and monocyte adhesion to TNF-α-stimulated human endothelial cells
Authors: Kawasaki Kengo , Muroyama Koutarou , Yamamoto Norio , Murosaki Shinji 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe recruitment of arterial leukocytes to endothelial cells is an important step in the progression of various inflammatory diseases. Therefore, its modulation is thought to be a prospective target for the prevention or treatment of such diseases. Adhesion molecules on endothelial cells are induced by proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and contribute to the recruitment of leukocytes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hot water extract of Curcuma longa (WEC) on the protein expression of adhesion molecules, monocyte adhesion induced by TNF-α in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment of HUVECs with WEC significantly suppressed both TNF-α-induced protein expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adhesion. WEC also suppressed phosphorylation and degradation of nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (IκBα) induced by TNF-α in HUVECs, suggesting that WEC inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Walking the walk: practical measures to undermine the business of organised crime
Authors: Murray Kenneth Roderick 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this article was to argue that developing an understanding of organised crime business structures is a necessary component of a modern effective law enforcement response and this must found on initiatives to improved capture of relevant business intelligence and developments of suitable methods to analyse it.

Design/methodology/approach
– Consideration of the dynamics of the challenge set by the business of organised crime, review of relevant academic studies; adaption of a template model to assess organised crime business structures; description of how this informs a new initiative being currently undertaken within Police Scotland under the name of “Project Jackal”.

Findings
– Project Jackal rolled out in the summer of 2014. Report on experience will follow in subsequent papers.

Research limitations/implications
– Further research and reporting on field experience is implied.

Practical implications
– Development of more effective business intelligence capture by law enforcement and of analytical methods to exploit this intelligence against organised crime.

Social implications
– Protection of communities and commerce from the corruptive influence of organised crime.

Originality/value
– To stimulate discussion on methods and responses to tackle the challenges outlined.