bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compact CMOS active quenching/recharge circuit for SPAD arrays
Authors: Vornicu Ion , Carmona‐Galán Ricardo , Pérez‐Verdú Belén , Rodríguez‐Vázquez Ángel 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAvalanche diodes operating in Geiger mode are able to detect single photon events. They can be employed to photon counting and time‐of‐flight estimation. In order to ensure proper operation of these devices, the avalanche current must be rapidly quenched, and, later on, the initial equilibrium must be restored. In this paper, we present an active quenching/recharge circuit specially designed to be integrated in the form of an array of single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors. Active quenching and recharge provide benefits like an accurately controllable pulse width and afterpulsing reduction. In addition, this circuit yields one of the lowest reported area occupations and power consumptions. The quenching mechanism employed is based on a positive feedback loop that accelerates quenching right after sensing the avalanche current. We have employed a current starved inverter for the regulation of the hold‐off time, which is more compact than other reported controllable delay implementations. This circuit has been fabricated in a standard 0.18 µm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The SPAD has a quasi‐circular shape of 12 µm diameter active area. The fill factor is about 11%. The measured time resolution of the detector is 187 ps. The photon‐detection efficiency (PDE) at 540 nm wavelength is about 5% at an excess voltage of 900 mV. The break‐down voltage is 10.3 V. A dark count rate of 19 kHz is measured at room temperature. Worst case post‐layout simulations show a 117 ps quenching and 280 ps restoring times. The dead time can be accurately tuned from 5 to 500 ns. The pulse‐width jitter is below 1.8 ns when dead time is set to 40 ns. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wide‐locking range divide‐by‐4 injection‐locked frequency divider using injection MOSFET DC‐biased above threshold region
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Chang Yu–Tai , Hsue Ching‐Wen , Juang Miin‐Horng 
Published: July 2015

SummaryA novel wide locking range divide‐by‐4 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed in the paper and was implemented in the TSMC 0.18 µm 1P6M CMOS process. The divide‐by‐4 ILFD uses two injection transistors in series and DC‐biased above threshold voltage and a frequency doubler to enhance the function of linear mixers. At the drain‐source bias of 0.9 V and at the incident power of 0 dBm, the locking range of the divide‐by‐4 is 2.6 GHz; from the incident frequency 12.2 to 14.8 GHz, the percentage is 19.26%. The core power consumption is 10.35 mW. The die area of ILFD is 1.026 × 0.943 mm2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Naturally occurring variation in tadpole morphology and performance linked to predator regime
Authors: Johnson James B. , Saenz Daniel , Adams Cory K. , Hibbitts Toby J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDivergent natural selection drives a considerable amount of the phenotypic and genetic variation observed in natural populations. For example, variation in the predator community can generate conflicting selection on behavioral, life‐history, morphological, and performance traits. Differences in predator regime can subsequently increase phenotypic and genetic variations in the population and result in the evolution of reproductive barriers (ecological speciation) or phenotypic plasticity. We evaluated morphology and swimming performance in field collected Bronze Frog larvae (Lithobates clamitans) in ponds dominated by predatory fish and those dominated by invertebrate predators. Based on previous experimental findings, we hypothesized that tadpoles from fish‐dominated ponds would have small bodies, long tails, and large tail muscles and that these features would facilitate fast‐start speed. We also expected to see increased tail fin depth (i.e., the tail‐lure morphology) in tadpoles from invertebrate‐dominated ponds. Our results support our expectations with respect to morphology in affecting swimming performance of tadpoles in fish‐dominated ponds. Furthermore, it is likely that divergent natural selection is playing a role in the diversification on morphology and locomotor performance in this system.
Production and Photoelectric Activity of P and Al Co‐Doped ZnO Nanomaterials
Authors: Deng Ya‐Juan , Lu Yi , Liu Jin‐Ku , Yang Xiao‐Hong 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMaterials that have both conductivity and photocatalytic activity are widely applied in electrical devices and as environmental pollution handles. Based on such requirements, phosphorus and aluminium co‐doped conductive zinc oxide nanocrystals (PAZO NCs) with novel visible‐light catalytic activities have been mass produced by the combustion method. The PAZO NCs have diameters of 30–100 nm and BET specific surface areas of 15.27–18.99 m2 g–1. These PAZO NCs exhibited novel photocatalytic activity and good conductivity [the powder conductivity was (0.98–1.76) ×10–4 S cm–1], the reason being mainly attributed to the increase in carrier concentration and defects through P and Al co‐doping. In addition, we found that the 3PAZO NCs, in which the molar ratio of Zn to P atoms is 100:3, had the best visible‐light catalytic efficiency of the PAZO NCs, and the size of PAZO NCs decreased with increasing doping of phosphorus and aluminium. This study is useful as a reference for the mass production of modified ZnO NCs and its applications, such as in environmental management, photocatalysis, and anti‐static electricity.
Silver‐Based 4A Zeolite Composite Catalyst for Styrene Epoxidation by One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Hu Xiaosong , Bai Jie , Li Chunping , Liang Haiou , Sun Weiyan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA silver‐based 4A zeolite composite catalyst had been successfully synthesized by a facile one‐pot hydrothermal method. Silver ions were fully mixed with the zeolite crystal nucleus and formed silver nanoparticles in the process of zeolite crystallization. The catalyst was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, diffuse‐reflectance UV/Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field‐emission SEM (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The distribution of the silver nanoparticles is relatively homogeneous inside and outside of the 4A zeolite. Furthermore, the catalytic performance for the epoxidation of styrene was tested, and the prepared catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity. The catalyst amount, reaction time, and different solvents were comprehensively investigated, and the catalytic activity of the silver‐based 4A zeolite composite catalyst was displayed fully in acetonitrile. The conversion of styrene was 80.8 %, and the selectivity of styrene oxide (SO) reached 89.2 %.
A Hierarchical MoO2/Au/MnO2 Hetero­structure with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Application as Supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Xia , Xu Yuandong , Ma Ying , Yang Min , Qi Yanxing 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA hierarchical MoO2/Au/MnO2 heterostructure was prepared by a two‐step electrodeposition method. The ion‐diffusion and charge‐collection capacity improved after spraying a Au layer. Electrochemical tests show that the areal specific capacitance for MoO2/Au/MnO2 is up to 112 mF cm–2 at a scan rate of 5 mV s–1. Furthermore, the obtained MoO2/Au/MnO2 heterostructure also displays an excellent rate capability and remarkable cycling stability.
Formulation of bio‐based epoxy foams from epoxidized cardanol and vegetable oil amine
Authors: Dworakowska Sylwia , Cornille Adrien , Bogdał Dariusz , Boutevin Bernard , Caillol Sylvain 
Published: July 2015

This article deals with the synthesis of new bio‐based epoxy foams from the reaction between cardanol‐derived epoxy compounds and vegetable oil‐derived diamines. Cardanol is a natural alkylphenol obtained from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), an abundant non‐edible by‐product of the cashew nutshell industry. Curing of epoxy monomers proceeded by reaction with Priamine 1073 diamine. Poly(methylhydrogenosiloxane) was used as blowing agent in order to expand epoxy material. Bio‐based epoxy foams were formulated with different amounts of blowing agent and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal analysis, and by measurement of their apparent density. The foams exhibited good thermal stability above 210°C and glass transition temperatures around 20°C. Obtained materials can be considered as promising low cost and environmentally friendly foams for structural applications.Practical applications: The reactant described in this article, i.e., epoxidized cardanol from CNSL, provides bio‐based aromatic building blocks for further epoxy foam syntheses by reaction with vegetable oil‐derived amine and blowing agent. The obtained rigid epoxy foams are partially bio‐based and may be applied as shock, thermal and vibration insulation, and for the production of lightweight materials for the transportation industry such as aircraft‐interior panels and crash pads.This paper proposes new epoxy foams from cardanol epoxy and fatty amines.
Electrochemical Detection of Rutin on Mg2Al‐Cl Layered Double Hydroxide Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode
Authors: Lou Jin , Yan Lijun , Wang Wencheng , Ruan Chengxiang , Hu Anhui , Sun Wei 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this paper a Mg2Al‐Cl layered double hydroxide (Mg2Al‐LDH) modified carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was prepared and further used for the electrochemical detection of rutin. Cyclic voltammograms of rutin on Mg2Al‐LDH/CILE were recorded with a pair of well‐defined redox peaks appeared in pH 2.5 phosphate buffer solution, which was ascribed to the electrochemical reaction of rutin. Due to the presence of Mg2Al‐LDH on the electrode surface, the redox peak currents increased greatly and the electrochemical parameters were calculated. Under the optimal conditions the oxidation peak current was proportional to rutin concentration in the range from 0.08 μmol L‐1 to 800.0 μmol L‐1 with the detection limit on 0.0255 μmol L‐1 (3σ). The fabricated electrode showed good reproducibility and stability, which was successfully applied to rutin tablet samples determination.
Effect of the specific proteasome inhibitor bortezomib on cancer‐related muscle wasting
Authors: Penna Fabio , Bonetto Andrea , Aversa Zaira , Minero Valerio Giacomo , Rossi Fanelli Filippo , Costelli Paola , Muscaritoli Maurizio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundMuscle wasting, a prominent feature of cancer cachexia, is mainly caused by sustained protein hypercatabolism. The enhanced muscle protein degradation rates rely on the activity of different proteolytic systems, although the Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐ubiquitin‐proteasome‐dependent pathway and autophagy have been shown to play a pivotal role. Bortezomib is a potent reversible and selective proteasome and NF‐κB inhibitor approved for the clinical use, which has been shown to be effective in preventing muscle wasting in different catabolic conditions. The aim of the present study has been to investigate whether pharmacological inhibition of proteasome by bortezomib may prevent skeletal muscle wasting in experimental cancer cachexia.MethodsCancer cachexia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of Yoshida AH‐130 ascites hepatoma cells and in mice by subcutaneous inoculation of C26 carcinoma cells. Animals were then further randomized to receive bortezomib. The AH‐130 hosts were weighted and sacrificed under anaesthesia, on Days 3, 4, 5, and 7 after tumour inoculation, while C26‐bearing mice were weighted and sacrificed under anaesthesia 12 days after tumour transplantation. NF‐κB and proteasome activation, MuRF1 and atrogin‐1 mRNA expression and beclin‐1 protein levels were evaluated in the gastrocnemius of controls and AH‐130 hosts.ResultsBortezomib administration in the AH‐130 hosts, although able to reduce proteasome and NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity in the skeletal muscle on Day 7 after tumour transplantation, did not prevent body weight loss and muscle wasting. In addition, bortezomib exerted a transient toxicity, as evidenced by the reduced food intake and by the increase in NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity in the AH‐130 hosts 3 days after tumour transplantation. Beclin‐1 protein levels were increased by bortezomib treatment in Day 3 controls but were unchanged on both Days 3 and 7 in the AH‐130 hosts, suggesting that an early compensatory induction of autophagy may exist in healthy but not in tumour‐bearing animals. Regarding C26‐bearing mice, bortezomib did not prevent as well body and muscle weight loss 12 days after tumour implantation.ConclusionsThe results obtained suggest that proteasome inhibition by bortezomib is not able to prevent muscle wasting in experimental cancer cachexia. Further studies are needed to address the issue whether a different dosage of bortezomib alone or in combination with other drugs modulating different molecular pathways may effectively prevent muscle wasting during cancer cachexia.
Changes in temperature and precipitation extreme indices over China: analysis of a high‐resolution grid dataset
Authors: Zhou Botao , Xu Ying , Wu Jia , Dong Siyan , Shi Ying 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTBased on the high‐resolution gridding data (CN05) from 2416 station observations, a grid dataset of temperature and precipitation extreme indices with the resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° for China region was developed using the approach recommended by the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices. This article comprehensively presents temporal and spatial changes of these indices for the time period 1961–2010. Results showed widespread significant changes in temperature extremes consistent with warming, for instance, decreases in cold extremes and increases in warm extremes over China. The warming in the coldest day and night is larger than the warmest day and night, respectively, which is concurrent with the coldest night larger than the coldest day and the warmest night larger than the warmest day. Changes in the number of the cold and warm nights are more remarkable than the cold and warm days. Changes in precipitation extremes are, in general, spatially more complex and exhibit a less widespread spatial coverage than the temperature indices, for instance, the patterns of annual total precipitation amount, average daily precipitation rate, and the proportion of heavy precipitation in total annual precipitation are similar with negative trends in a southwest–northeast belt from Southwest China to Northeast China while positive trends in eastern China and northwestern China. The consistency of changes in climate extremes from the CN05 with other datasets based on the stations and reanalyses is also analysed.
Absolute continuity and singularity of Palm measures of the Ginibre point process
Authors: Osada Hirofumi , Shirai Tomoyuki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe prove a dichotomy between absolute continuity and singularity of the Ginibre point process$$\mathsf {G}$$Gand its reduced Palm measures$$\{\mathsf {G}_{\mathbf {x}}, \mathbf {x} \in \mathbb {C}^{\ell }, \ell = 0,1,2\ldots \}$${Gx,x∈Cℓ,ℓ=0,1,2…}, namely, reduced Palm measures$$\mathsf {G}_{\mathbf {x}}$$Gxand$$\mathsf {G}_{\mathbf {y}}$$Gyfor$$\mathbf {x} \in \mathbb {C}^{\ell }$$x∈Cℓand$$\mathbf {y} \in \mathbb {C}^{n}$$y∈Cnare mutually absolutely continuous if and only if$$\ell = n$$ℓ=n; they are singular each other if and only if$$\ell \not = n$$ℓ≠n. Furthermore, we give an explicit expression of the Radon–Nikodym density$$d\mathsf {G}_{\mathbf {x}}/d \mathsf {G}_{\mathbf {y}}$$dGx/dGyfor$$\mathbf {x}, \mathbf {y} \in \mathbb {C}^{\ell }$$x,y∈Cℓ.
Detection of respiratory viral and bacterial pathogens causing pediatric community‐acquired pneumonia in Beijing using real‐time PCR
Authors: Zhang Tie‐Gang , Li Ai‐Hua , Lyu Min , Chen Meng , Huang Fang , Wu Jiang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the etiology and prevalence of pediatric CAP in Beijing using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.MethodsBetween February 15, 2011 and January 18, 2012, 371 pediatric patients with CAP were enrolled at Beijing Children's Hospital. Sixteen respiratory viruses and two bacteria were detected from tracheal aspirate specimens using commercially available multiplex real‐time reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) kits.ResultsA single viral pathogen was detected in 35.3% of enrolled patients, multiple viruses in 11.6%, and virus/bacteria coinfection in 17.8%. In contrast, only 6.5% of patients had a single bacterial pathogen and 2.2% were infected with multiple bacteria. The etiological agent was unknown for 26.7% of patients. The most common viruses were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (43.9%), rhinovirus (14.8%), parainﬂuenza virus (9.4%), and adenovirus (8.6%). In patients under three years of age, RSV (44.6%), rhinovirus (12.8%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.9%) were the most frequent pathogens. In children aged 3–7 years, S. pneumoniae (38.9%), RSV (30.6%), Haemophilus inﬂuenzae (19.4%), and adenovirus (19.4%) were most prevalent. Finally in children over seven years, RSV (47.3%), S. pneumoniae (41.9%), and rhinovirus (21.5%) infections were most frequent.ConclusionsViral pathogens, specifically RSV, were responsible for the majority of CAP in pediatric patients. However, both S. pneumoniae and H. inﬂuenzae contributed as major causes of disease. Commercially available multiplexing real‐time PCR allowed for rapid detection of the etiological agent.
Mindfulness and relaxation treatment reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with psychosis
Authors: Moritz S. , Cludius B. , Hottenrott B. , Schneider B.C. , Saathoff K. , Kuelz A.K. , Gallinat J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIntroductionSelf-help is increasingly accepted for the treatment of mental disorders, including psychosis, as both a provisional first step and a way to bridge the large treatment gap. Though mindfulness-based interventions do not belong to first line treatment strategies in psychosis and randomized controlled trials are lacking, encouraging preliminary findings speak for the usefulness of this approach. For the present study, we examined whether patients with psychosis benefit from mindfulness bibliotherapy.MethodsA sample of 90 patients with psychosis (including a subsample with a verified diagnosis of schizophrenia) took part in the study via the Internet. Following baseline assessment, participants were randomized to either a mindfulness group or a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) control group and received the respective self-help manual including accompanying audio files. Symptom change was measured six weeks after the baseline assessment with self-rating scales including the Paranoia Checklist. The retention rate was 71%. The quality of the online dataset was confirmed by various strategies (e.g., psychosis lie scale; examination of response biases). The trial was registered at the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN86762253).ResultsNo changes across time or between groups were noted for the Paranoia Checklist. Both conditions showed a decline in depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms at a medium effect size (per protocol and intention to treat analyses).Discussion/conclusionThe study provided partial support for the effectiveness of self-help mindfulness and PMR for depression in psychosis. Whether mindfulness delivered by a licensed therapist might lead to improved treatment adherence and a superior outcome relative to PMR remains to be established. The results underscore that bibliotherapy is a worthwhile approach to narrow the large treatment gap seen in psychosis.
The Effect of Yoga on Balance and Fear of Falling in Older Adults
Authors: Nick Narjes , Petramfar Peyman , Ghodsbin Fariba , Keshavarzi Sareh , Jahanbin Iran 
Published: July 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effect of yoga on balance and fear of falling in older adults.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingJahandidegan Center in Shiraz, southern Iran.ParticipantsForty persons (17 men and 23 women) between the ages of 60‐74 years with a Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES) score <8 and a Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score <45. After completing the MFES questionnaire and BBS measurement, the participants were divided into intervention and control groups. BBS measurement and the MFES questionnaire were completed again immediately after the intervention.InterventionThe intervention group participated in 2 yoga practice sessions per week for 8 weeks. The control group received no intervention.Main Outcome MeasurementsFear of falling was measured with the MFES and balance was measured with the BBS.ResultsWe found significant changes in both variables (P < .0001). Mean differences before and after the intervention for the BBS for yoga and control groups were 10.19 and –1.16, respectively. Mean differences before and after the intervention for the MFES for yoga and control groups were 1.62 and –0.21, respectively.ConclusionYoga is a potential intervention to reduce fear of falling and improve balance in older adults.
Health Information Seeking and Technology Use Among Veterans With Spinal Cord Injuries and Disorders
Authors: Hogan Timothy P. , Hill Jennifer N. , Locatelli Sara M. , Weaver Frances M. , Thomas Florian P. , Nazi Kim M. , Goldstein Barry , Smith Bridget M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundAccess to health information is crucial to persons living with a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Although previous research has provided insights on computer and Internet use among persons with SCI/D, as well as how and where persons with SCI/D gather health information, few studies have focused on U.S. veterans with SCI/D.ObjectiveTo characterize health information seeking among veterans with SCI/D and to examine the association between technology use and the characteristics of veterans with SCI/D.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingVeterans Health Administration (VHA).ParticipantsSample of 290 veterans with SCI/D who utilize services at 2 VHA SCI/D Centers.MethodsPostal mail survey.Main Outcome MeasurementsExtent of computer, Internet, and text messaging use, information source use, and e‐Health literacy rates.ResultsThe survey response rate was 38%. The majority of respondents were male (97.2%), younger than 65 years (71.0%), and white (71.7%). Of the respondents, 64.8% indicated that they use a computer, 62.9% reported use of the Internet, and 26.2% reported use of text messaging. The mean overall e‐Health Literacy Scale score was 27.3 (standard deviation = 7.2). Similar to findings reported in studies focused outside the veteran population, the most frequent source that veterans turned to for information about SCI/D was a health professional (85.1%); this was also the most frequent source that veterans indicated they would turn to first to get information about SCI/D (75.9%). Other frequently reported sources of information included other persons with SCI/D (41.0%), Internet resources (31.0%), and family and friends (27.9%).ConclusionsFairly high levels of computer and Internet use exist among veterans with SCI/D. Veterans with SCI/D also have a strong preference for people—particularly health professionals, and to a lesser extent peers and family and friends—as sources of information about SCI/D. These findings highlight the importance of combining technology and human interaction to meet the information needs of this population.