bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Electron Injection in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells by Adopting W6+‐Doped TiO2 Nanowires: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Hao Li , Wang Jian , Bai Fu‐Quan , Xie Mo , Zhang Hong‐Xing 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAs a donor type dopant in titanium dioxide, W6+ was found to move the conduction band (CB) edge of TiO2 downward and also to influence the electron‐injection process in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To investigate the electron‐injection capabilities of DSSCs and to optimize their efficiency by W6+ doping, the geometry and electronic properties of both free and adsorbed TiO2 nanowires were investigated on the basis of extensive density functional theory calculations. A four‐layer (TiO2)12 nanowire with 12 possible doping sites was set up, and the effect of W6+ in different positions was analyzed. The results indicate that in the W6+‐doped (TiO2)12 systems, the Ti–OW (OW = oxygen atom that is connected to the W atom) bonds are longer than the corresponding Ti–O bonds in (TiO2)12. The CB edge is significantly influenced by the doping position. The CB energy level moves upward gradually as doped W6+ moves deep into (TiO2)12. For all adsorbed catechol/(TiO2)12 systems with the W6+ dopant, the LUMO maps are distributed over the layer in which W6+ is doped. The W6+ doping position plays a crucial role in the electron‐injection and electron‐transport process in DSSCs. Therefore, different positions of W6+ doping in TiO2 would be a feasible strategy to control and improve semiconductor materials to obtain DSSCs with more efficient electron injection.
Finite‐Element Analysis of a Varying‐Width Bistable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Kumar Tarun , Kumar Rajeev , Chauhan Vishal S. , Twiefel Jens 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this study, a finite‐element analysis of a varying‐width piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) has been presented. A varying‐width piezoelectric energy harvester (cantilever type) has variation in the width at definite intervals along its length. To harvest the energy over the wide frequency range of environmental vibrations, nonlinearity is introduced in the stiffness by mean of two neodymium magnets. The width of the proposed varying‐width cantilever PEH is calculated using block pulse functions (BPFs). The objective of applying BPFs is to proximate a triangular PEH (with fixed base) into a proposed varying‐width PEH with three rectangular sections along length. The use of BPFs enable the use of rectangular patches of lead zirconate titanate (PZT‐5A). This leads to a reduction in cost as machining PZT at other than straight cuts results in an extensive increase in the production costs. The varying‐width piezoelectric cantilever beam is subjected to harmonic base excitations by applying a vertical acceleration of 0.2 g (g=9.81 m s−2). Numerical study indicates that the bistable varying‐width PEH generates at least two times the average power than that generated by a bistable uniform‐width PEH for the same volume of piezoelectric material and for the same linear natural frequency. Furthermore, the bistable varying‐width PEH is optimized using a genetic algorithm technique to maximize the mean power density.
Probabilistic seismic demand model for nonstructural components
Authors: Lucchini Andrea , Franchin Paolo , Mollaioli Fabrizio 
Published: November 2015

SummaryPast earthquakes have shown the importance for critical facilities to remain functional during seismic events. In the performance assessment of these facilities, it is therefore essential to accurately evaluate the seismic demand of nonstructural components. Evaluation of these components is also important when estimation of nonstructural repair costs is a concern. In this paper, the use of a multivariate demand model for nonstructural components is proposed, in which demand is expressed in terms of both interstory drifts and floor acceleration spectra. A model is built using statistics of the demand vector derived from the results of a limited number of inelastic response history analyses of a structure. The model is then used to simulate any number of additional realizations of the demand vector required for an accurate estimation of the probability of functionality loss. A new proposal for a predictive equation to generate approximate realizations of floor response spectra is presented. A reinforced concrete frame is selected as an illustrative example to show the implementation of the probabilistic seismic demand model and to evaluate the proposed predictive equation for the floor response spectra. The results of the case study are used to demonstrate the importance of accounting for the correlation among the demand parameters when realizations of the seismic demand of nonstructural components are simulated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of processing methods on nutritional, sensory, and physicochemical characteristics of biofortified bean flour
Authors: Nkundabombi Marie Grace , Nakimbugwe Dorothy , Muyonga John H. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCommon beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are rich nutritious and affordable by vulnerable groups, thus a good choice for biofortification to address malnutrition. However, increasing micronutrients content of beans, without improving micronutrients bioavailability will not improve the micronutrients status of consumers. Effect of different processing methods on the physicochemical characteristics of biofortified bean flour was determined. Processing methods used in this study were malting (48 h), roasting (170°C/45 min), and extrusion cooking using a twin screw extruder with three heating sections, the first set at 60°C, the second at 130°C, and the last one at 150°C. The screw was set at a speed of 35 Hz (123g) and bean flour moisture content was 15%. Mineral extractability, in vitro protein digestibility, pasting properties, and sensory acceptability of porridge and sauce from processed flour were determined. All processing methods significantly increased (P < 0.05) mineral extractability, iron from 38.9% to 79.5% for K131 and from 40.7% to 83.4% for ROBA1, in vitro protein digestibility from 58.2% to 82% for ROBA1 and from 56.2% to 79% for K131. Pasting viscosities of both bean varieties reduced with processing. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between sensory acceptability of porridge or sauce from extruded biofortified bean flour and malted/roasted biofortified bean flour. Acceptability was also not affected by the bean variety used. Mineral bioavailability and in vitro protein digestibility increased more for extruded flour than for malted/roasted flours. Sauce and porridge prepared from processed biofortified bean flour had lower viscosity (extruded flour had the lowest viscosity), thus higher nutrient and energy density than those prepared from unprocessed biofortified bean flour. Estimated nutritional contribution of sauce and porridge made from processed ROBA1 flour to daily requirement of children below 5 years and women of reproductive age found to be high. These results show that processing methods enhanced nutritional value of biofortified bean flour and that processed biofortified bean flour can be used to prepare nutrient and energy‐dense gruel to improve on nutritional status of children under 5 years and women of reproductive age.
A semi‐analytic and cellular approach to rational system characterization through equivalent circuits
Authors: Zadehgol Ata 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe partial fraction form of linear time‐invariant system transfer function is characterized through a cellular perspective, where each pole/residue fraction term is transformed into an equivalent circuit branch via an exact transformation. Minimal expressions for transformation of partial fraction form to/from equivalent circuit form are provided. The time‐domain and frequency‐domain impedance and admittance transfer function for resistor (R)–inductor (L), and resistance (R), inductance (L), capacitance (C), and conductance (G) equivalent circuit branches are presented in a form that is amenable to expedient inspection of cellular causality and stability and used to derive explicit expressions for the average power amenable to inspection of cellular passivity. The characteristics of passivity, causality, and stability at the cellular level are discussed to gain insight into the macro‐level network characteristics. Numerical examples are given to elucidate the aforementioned concepts and to provide insight into the behavior of linear time‐invariant systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Need for Seed
Authors: Scholz Friedemann 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn recent years, high power lasers have become a matter of course. A superior laser source can be described by its brilliance, a combination of beam quality and output power, its versatility in terms of pulse generation, its size and weight, its stability as well as reliability and by its total cost of ownership. Traditional high power lasers use gaseous gain media like carbon dioxide or crystals like yttrium aluminum garnet doped with rare earth elements. During the last ten years, fiber lasers have become widely used. These lasers have doped glass cores that act as gain media.
The Next Generation of Ultra‐short Pulsed Laser Micro Processing
Authors: Ryll Joachim , Schmitz Frank 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUltra‐short pulsed (USP) laser processes for industrial applications put high demands on the machine concept: The need for high flexibility in the machine configuration, constant machining results over long process cycles and efficient laser processes to reduce processing costs require a holistic approach in the design of a laser micro machine. For the development of a new laser machine for USP laser micromachining, the joint venture Micar combines expert competences in the fields of laser system technology, sheet metal system design and manufacturing and simulation of mechanical and fluid systems. The result is a new machine concept based on a mineral casted machine base for high flexibility in the machine structure and application.
Noninterceptive Beam Profiling of High‐Power Industrial Lasers
Authors: Guttman Jeffrey L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHigh‐power 1 — 100 kW industrial lasers typically undergo thermally‐in‐duced optical effects that change the laser beam and laser beam delivery to the work piece. Knowledge of any changes such as focal shift may be important for particular welding or cutting processes. Conventional beam profile diagnostic methods are not practical and fall short at such high powers. A new profiling technique that uses Rayleigh scatter from the beam overcomes the power obstacle and allows laser characterization that was previously impossible to perform.
Laser‐based Preparation of Biological Tissue
Authors: Will Fabian , Richter Heiko 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHistological analysis of biological specimens is the gold standard and mandatory if medical products like implants shall get approval according to FDA (USA), The Act on Medical Devices (Germany) or others. Unfortunately, most of these specimens with implants are extremely difficult to process due to the hardness of the materials. Femtosecond lasers are known to process a variety of materials without any significant thermal damage [1, 2]. Femtosecond laser based microtomy is much faster, saves valuable material of the specimens and can provide better histological sections than standard methods.
Analysis of Molecular Parameters Determining the Antimalarial Activity of Polymer‐Based Nanomimics
Authors: Najer Adrian , Thamboo Sagana , Duskey Jason T. , Palivan Cornelia G. , Beck Hans‐Peter , Meier Wolfgang 
Published: November 2015

Malaria and other infectious diseases are major global public health problems, which need to be tackled using new technologies to cope with the lack of efficacious vaccines and emerging drug resistance. A recently developed anti‐infectious concept based on nanomimics tested with Plasmodium falciparum is analyzed for the molecular parameters determining its applicability. Nanomimics—nanoscaled polymer‐based mimics of host cell membranes—are designed with a reduced number of surface‐exposed malaria parasite receptor molecules (heparin), resulting in less potent invasion inhibition as determined in antimalarial assays. In contrast, when shorter receptor molecules are used to form nanomimics, more molecules are needed to obtain nanomimic potency similar to nanomimics with longer receptor molecules. The interaction of heparin on nanomimics with the processed Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1–42 (PfMSP142) have a high affinity, Kd = 12.1 ± 1.6 × 10−9 m, as measured by fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy (FCCS). This detailed characterization of nanomimics and their molecular variants are an important step towards defining and optimizing possible nanomimic therapies for infectious diseases.
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UV‐Induced [2+2] Grafting‐To Reactions for Polymer Modification of Cellulose
Authors: Conradi Matthias , Ramakers Gijs , Junkers Tanja 
Published: November 2015

Benzaldehyde‐functional cellulose paper sheets have been synthesized via tosylation of cellulose (Whatman No 5) followed by addition of p‐hydroxy benzaldehyde. Via UV‐induced Paterno–Büchi [2+2] cycloaddition reactions, these aldehyde functional surfaces are grafted with triallylcyanurate, trimethylolpropane allyl ether, and vinyl chloroacetate. In the following, allyl‐functional polymers (poly(butyl acrylate), pBA, Mn = 6990 g mol−1, Đ = 1.12 and poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide), pNIPAAm, Mn = 9500 g mol−1, Đ = 1.16) synthesized via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization are conjugated to the celloluse surface in a UV‐induced grafting‐to approach. With pBA, hydrophobic cellulose sheets are obtained (water contact angle 116°), while grafting of pNIPAAm allows for generation of “smart” surfaces, which are hydrophilic at room temperature, but that become hydrophobic when heated above the characteristic lower critical solution temperature (93° contact angle). The Paterno–Büchi reaction has been shown to be a versatile synthetic tool that also performs well in grafting‐to approaches whereby its overall performance seems to be close to that of radical thiol‐ene reactions.
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Origin and nature of pelvic ureter innervation
Authors: Zaitouna Mazen , Alsaid Bayan , Lebacle Cédric , Timoh Krystel Nyangoh , Benoît Gérard , Bessede Thomas 
Published: November 2015

AimsInnervation of the pelvic ureter traditionally comes from the pelvic plexus. This innervation is independent: adrenergic and cholinergic. The purpose of this study was to describe more precisely the origin and nature of its innervation (adrenergic, cholinergic, nitrergic, and somatic).MethodsSix specimens of normal human fetal pelvis (four male and two female) from 20 to 30 weeks gestation were studied. The sections of these fetuses, carried out every 5 µm without interval, were treated with Hematoxylin Eosin (HE), with Masson's trichrome (TriM), immunolabeling of smooth muscle cells with smooth anti‐actin, of nerves with anti‐S100 protein, anti‐tyrosine hydroxylase, anti‐VAChT, anti‐nNOS, and with anti‐ peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP 22). The slides were scanned and two‐dimensional images reconstructed in 3D, and analyzed.ResultsThe terminal pelvic ureter travels above and inside the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP). The nerve fibers that innervate the ureterovesical junction come mainly from the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) which gives off the hypogastric nerves and pelvic branches of the sacral plexus that form the IHP. Most nerve fibers meet below the ureter, behind the bladder to form an ascending bundle, which innervates the pelvic ureter. Immunohistochemical analysis shows that the nerves of the pelvic ureter consist of adrenergic, cholinergic, and nitrergic fibers.ConclusionThe innervation of the distal ureter depends mainly on the SHP. This innervation is adrenergic, cholinergic, and nitrergic. It innervates the pelvic ureter in an ascending manner. This anatomical information can change rectal resection and ureteral reimplantation techniques and drug treatments for pelvic ureter stones. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:271–279, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring what nonprofit branding can learn from contemporary art
Authors: Durgee Jeffrey F. 
Published: November 2015

As more and more nonprofits seek to refashion themselves as brands, they tend to take inspiration from for‐profit organizations. Another domain that has had similar purposes to those of nonprofit branding for many years is contemporary art. This is an exploratory paper that looks at a recent trend in art, “message art,” and how it might inform nonprofit branding. Message art deals with many social issues that drive major nonprofits today including everything from pro‐environment causes to anti‐segregationist issues. This paper has two purposes: (1) to call attention to message art among nonprofit brand managers and (2) to explain how they can use this art. Message art is useful to the extent that it calls attention to new ideological trends and often provides selected pieces of art that can serve as exemplars of brand essence for relevant causes. Results are provided from a small, qualitative study of women's feelings about selected examples of feminist art. Two pieces of art drew the most positive responses. One piece, “Egyptian Rocket Goddess,” is felt to be a harbinger of Third Wave Feminism. Another piece, “Blessed Art Thou Among Women,” is felt to be an effective source of inspiration and direction for feminist organizations, which focus on mother–daughter relationships.
Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Autotaxin/ENPP2 correlates with insulin resistance in older humans with obesity
Authors: Reeves Valerie L. , Trybula Joy S. , Wills Rachel C. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Dubé John J. , Kienesberger Petra C. , Kershaw Erin E. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveAutotaxin (ATX) is an adipocyte‐derived lysophospholipase D that generates the lipid signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The ATX/LPA pathway in adipose tissue has recently been implicated in obesity and insulin resistance in animal models, but the role of circulating ATX in humans remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between serum ATX and insulin resistance.MethodsOlder (60‐75 years), nondiabetic human participants with overweight or obesity (BMI 25‐37 kg m−2) were characterized for metabolic phenotype including measures of energy, glucose, and lipid homeostasis. The relationship between serum ATX and metabolic parameters was then determined using correlative and predictive statistics.ResultsSerum ATX was higher in females than in males. After controlling for sex, serum ATX correlated with multiple measures of adiposity and glucose homeostasis/insulin action. Serum ATX and BMI also independently predicted glucose infusion rate during a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance after controlling for sex and medication use.ConclusionsSerum ATX correlates with and predicts measures of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in older humans, suggesting that it may be a potential pathogenic factor and/or diagnostic/therapeutic target for insulin resistance in this population.
Relationship between sleep duration and body mass index depends on age
Authors: Grandner Michael A. , Schopfer Elizabeth A. , Sands‐Lincoln Megan , Jackson Nicholas , Malhotra Atul 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveSleep duration is associated with obesity and cardiometabolic disease. It is unclear, though, how these relationship differs across age groups.MethodsData from 2007 to 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used, including respondents aged 16+ with complete data (N = 5,607). Sleep duration and age were evaluated by self‐report, and body mass index (BMI) was assessed objectively. Sleep duration was evaluated continuously and categorically [very short (≤4 h), short (5‐6 h), and long (≥9 h) versus average (7‐8 h)]. Age was also evaluated continuously and categorically [adolescent (16‐17 years), young adult (18‐29 years), early middle age (30‐49 years), late middle age (50‐64 years), and older adult (≥65 years)].ResultsThere was a significant interaction with age for both continuous (Pinteraction = 0.014) and categorical (Pinteraction = 0.035) sleep duration. A pseudo‐linear relationship was seen among the youngest respondents, with the highest BMI associated with the shortest sleepers and the lowest BMI associated with the longest sleepers. This relationship became U‐shaped in middle‐age, and less of a relationship was seen among the oldest respondents.ConclusionsThese findings may provide insights for clinical recommendations and could help to guide mechanistic research regarding the sleep‐obesity relationship.
Einsteins Suche nach der vereinheitlichten Feldtheorie
Authors: Kiefer Claus 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMit seiner Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie von 1915 gelang Albert Einstein sein größter Wurf. Es handelt sich hier um die moderne geometrische Beschreibung der Gravitation. In den Jahren danach – und bis an sein Lebensende – versuchte er, alleine aus geometrischen Prinzipien eine einheitliche klassische Feldtheorie von Gravitation und Elektromagnetismus zu konstruieren, aber vergeblich. Dieser Weg und die Ursache des Scheiterns werden hier beschrieben. Moderne Vereinigungsversuche sind ohne die Einbeziehung der Quantentheorie undenkbar.
Immune modulatory mesenchymal stem cells derived from human embryonic stem cells through a trophoblast-like stage
Authors: Wang Xiaofang , Lazorchak Adam S. , Song Li , Li Enqin , Zhang Zhenwu , Jiang Bin , Xu Ren-He 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have great clinical potential in modulating inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have recently emerged as a potentially superior cell source for MSCs. However, the generation methods reported so far vary greatly in quality and efficiency. Here, we describe a novel method to rapidly and efficiently produce MSCs from hESCs via a trophoblast-like intermediate stage in approximately 11–16 days. We term these cells “T-MSCs” and show that T-MSCs express a phenotype and differentiation potential minimally required to define MSCs. T-MSCs exhibit potent immunomodulatory activity in vitro as they can remarkably inhibit proliferation of cocultured T and B lymphocytes. Unlike bone marrow MSCs, T-MSCs do not have increased expression of inflammatory mediators in response to IFNγ. Moreover, T-MSCs constitutively express a high level of the immune inhibitory ligand PD-L1 and elicit strong and durable efficacy in two distinct animal models of autoimmune disease, dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, at doses near those approved for clinical trials. Together, we present a simple and fast derivation method to generate MSCs from hESCs, which possess potent immunomodulatory properties in vitro and in vivo and may serve as a novel and ideal candidate for MSC-based therapies.