bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface etching of CZTS absorber layer by Br‐related solution
Authors: Miyazaki H. , Aono M. , Kishimura H. , Katagiri H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) material has many advantages for high‐efficiency thin‐film solar cell absorber layer. A detailed study of the surface of the CZTS and the hetero‐interface of the CZTS/buffer layer is important to improve the conversion efficiency of CZTS thin film solar cells. We investigated the surface condition of the CZTS films by carrying out the surface treatment using bromine solution. The activation energy of the etching using bromine solution was estimated from the slope of the line fitting the graph of the temperature dependence of the etching rate. The activation energy is about 0.35 eV. This value suggests that etching mechanism of CZTS using bromine solution is diffusion‐limited process. There were no significant changes in the structural characteristics after surface treatment by X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. From the results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, a relative surface composition was shifted to Cu‐ and Zn‐rich phase after surface treatment. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the assessment of CIGS surface passivation by photoluminescence
Authors: Joel Jonathan , Vermang Bart , Larsen Jes , Donzel‐Gargand Olivier , Edoff Marika 
Published: April 2015

An optimized test structure to study rear surface passivation in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells by means of photoluminescence (PL) is developed and tested. The structure – illustrated in the abstract figure – is examined from the rear side. To enable such rear PL assessment, a semi‐transparent ultra‐thin Mo layer has been developed and integrated in place of the normal rear contact. The main advantages of this approach are (i) a simplified representation of a rear surface passivated CIGS solar cell is possible, (ii) it is possible to assess PL responses originating close to the probed rear surface, and (iii) a stable PL response as a function of air exposure time is obtained. In this work, PL measurements of such structures with and without rear surface passivation layers have been compared, and the measured improvement in PL intensity for the passivated structures is associated with enhanced CIGS rear interface properties.
magnified imageTransmission electron microscope (TEM) bright field cross‐section image of the rear illuminated test structure fabricated for PL characterization.(© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Partial‐state stabilization and optimal feedback control
Authors: L'Afflitto Andrea , Haddad Wassim M. , Bakolas Efstathios 
Published: April 2015

SummaryIn this paper, we develop a unified framework to address the problem of optimal nonlinear analysis and feedback control for partial stability and partial‐state stabilization. Partial asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop nonlinear system is guaranteed by means of a Lyapunov function that is positive definite and decrescent with respect to part of the system state, which can clearly be seen to be the solution to the steady‐state form of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation and hence guaranteeing both partial stability and optimality. The overall framework provides the foundation for extending optimal linear‐quadratic controller synthesis to nonlinear nonquadratic optimal partial‐state stabilization. Connections to optimal linear and nonlinear regulation for linear and nonlinear time‐varying systems with quadratic and nonlinear nonquadratic cost functionals are also provided. Finally, we also develop optimal feedback controllers for affine nonlinear systems using an inverse optimality framework tailored to the partial‐state stabilization problem and use this result to address polynomial and multilinear forms in the performance criterion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Better bitmap performance with Roaring bitmaps
Authors: Chambi Samy , Lemire Daniel , Kaser Owen , Godin Robert 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBitmap indexes are commonly used in databases and search engines. By exploiting bit‐level parallelism, they can significantly accelerate queries. However, they can use much memory, and thus, we might prefer compressed bitmap indexes. Following Oracle's lead, bitmaps are often compressed using run‐length encoding (RLE). Building on prior work, we introduce the Roaring compressed bitmap format: it uses packed arrays for compression instead of RLE. We compare it to two high‐performance RLE‐based bitmap encoding techniques: Word Aligned Hybrid compression scheme and Compressed ‘n’ Composable Integer Set. On synthetic and real data, we find that Roaring bitmaps (1) often compress significantly better (e.g., 2×) and (2) are faster than the compressed alternatives (up to 900× faster for intersections). Our results challenge the view that RLE‐based bitmap compression is best. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivation
Authors: Jang Bong Gee , Conradi Kristin , McKenna Michael C. , Jones Jill S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe main purpose of this article is to provide educators with clear definitions of motivational factors in reading so that instructional planning can capitalize on important distinctions. The authors present definitions of a small set of related motivational concepts (including attitudes, interests, self‐efficacy, self‐concept, goals, and value) and show how awareness of the distinctions can lead to more effective teaching. They provide descriptions of appropriate assessments and detail effective instructional techniques.
Chemical looping technology for energy and chemical production
Authors: Bayham Samuel C. , Tong Andrew , Kathe Mandar , Fan Liang‐Shih 
Published: April 2015

Chemical looping has been considered as a promising technology for CO2 capture and for producing electricity and/or chemicals from various carbonaceous feedstocks. This article provides an overview of chemical looping processes, their potential process configurations, and applications for power and chemical production. The designs and results of various demonstration units are discussed in relation to parameters required for commercialization. Furthermore, the barriers to commercialization of a chemical looping plant for power or syngas production are illustrated. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:216–241. doi: 10.1002/wene.173This article is categorized under:

Fossil Fuels > Science and Materials
Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Airway Reconstruction with Autologous Pulmonary Tissue Flap and an Elastic Metallic Stent
Authors: Zhang Suning , Liu Zongang 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo pursue a suitable central airway replacement, we conducted central airway reconstruction using autologous pulmonary tissue flaps lined with alloy stents in five patients after extensive tracheal resection. Preoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function tests were used to evaluate efficacy of this technique. All patients demonstrated improved arterial blood gas values and pulmonary function. Follow‐up bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography scan showed that each reconstructed trachea lacked swing or structural damage, and that each transplanted pulmonary tissue flap had ample blood circulation. After as long as 84 months follow‐up, four patients reported no complications, although one patient died from severe hemoptysis 14 months after the surgery. The application of central airway reconstruction using an autologous pulmonary tissue flap lined with an elastic metallic stent provides a promising alternative for patients with thoracic tracheal defects.
A prospective 10‐year study of individualized, intensified enzyme replacement therapy in advanced Fabry disease
Authors: Schiffmann Raphael , Swift Caren , Wang Xuan , Blankenship Derek , Ries Markus 
Published: April 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that more frequent enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) slows the decline in kidney function in adult patients with Fabry disease.MethodsA single center open label 10‐year prospective clinical trial of 12 patients with advanced Fabry disease who, after having experienced an ongoing decline in renal function after 2‐4 years of receiving ERT at the approved dose of 0.2 mg/kg agalsidase alfa every other week (EOW), were switched to weekly (EW) ERT at the same dose. We used linear regression to fit each individual patient's longitudinal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) record in order to compare the deterioration rates between EOW and EW ERT.ResultsFor the entire group, mean slope on agalsidase alfa every 2 weeks was ‐7.92 ± 2.88 ml/min/1.73 m2/year and 3.84 ± 4.08 ml/min/1.73 m2/year on weekly enzyme infusions (p = 0.01, two‐tailed paired t test). Three patients (25 %) completed the entire study with relatively preserved renal function while 50 % of patients reached end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) during the 10 years of this study. The estimated average delay to ESRD was 13.8 years [n = 11; 95 % CI 0.66, 27]. One patient had a positive eGFR slope on weekly infusions while the patient with the highest antibody titer had a steeper slope after switching. Mean globotriaosylceramide concentrations in urine and plasma as well as urine protein excretion remained unchanged.ConclusionsWeekly enzyme infusions slow the decline of renal function in a subgroup of more severe patients thus showing that existing ERT can be further optimized.
Adolescent hallux valgus: A systematic review of outcomes following surgery
Authors: Harb Ziad , Kokkinakis Michail , Ismail Hiba , Spence Gavin 
Published: April 2015

Purpose The management of adolescent hallux valgus (AHV) remains controversial, with reservations about both conservative and surgical treatments. Non-operative management has a limited role in preventing progression. Surgical correction of AHV has, amongst other concerns, been associated with a high prevalence of recurrence of deformity after surgery. We conducted a systematic review to assess clinical and radiological outcomes following surgery for AHV. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar and PubMed. The study was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Demographic data, radiographic parameters and results of validated clinical scoring systems were analysed. Results The published literature on AHV is largely heterogeneous and retrospective. Nine contemporary studies reporting on 140 patients (201 osteotomies) were included. The female to male ratio was 10:1. The mean age at operation was 14.5 years (range 10.5–22). The mean follow-up was 41.6 months (range 12–134). The mean post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 85.8 (standard deviation, SD ±7.38). The mean AOFAS patient satisfaction showed that 86 % (SD ±11.27) of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcome. On the duPont Bunion Rating Score (BRS), 90 % rated their outcome as good or excellent. There was a statistically significant improvement in the inter-metatarsal angle (IMA, p = 0.0003), hallux valgus angle (HVA, p < 0.0001) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA, p = 0.019). Conclusion Based on the most current published evidence, contemporary surgical interventions for AHV show excellent clinical and radiological outcomes, with high patient satisfaction. The rates of recurrence and other complications are lower than the historically reported figures. There is a need for high-level, multi-centre collaborative studies with prospective data to establish the long-term outcomes and optimal surgical procedure(s).
Microbiota associated with pollen, bee bread, larvae and adults of solitary beeOsmia cornuta(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Lozo J. , Berić T. , Terzić-Vidojević A. , Stanković S. , Fira D. , Stanisavljević L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractUsing cultivation-dependant method, we isolated 184 strains from fresh and old bee bread, pollen, larvae and adults of solitary beeOsmia cornuta. The 16S rDNA sequencing of 79 selected isolates gave the final species-specific identification of strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that microbiota isolated from five different sources were represented with 29 species within three different phyla, Firmicutes with 25 species, Actinobacteria with only one species and Proteobacteria with three species of Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial biodiversity presented with Shannon–Wiener index (H′) was highest in the alimentary tract of adults and old bee bread (H′ = 2.43 andH′ = 2.53, respectively) and in the same time no dominance of any species was scored. On the contrary, results obtained for Simpson index (D) showed that in pollen samples the dominant species wasPantoea agglomerans(D= 0.42) while in fresh bee bread that wasStaphylococcussp. (D= 0.27). We assume that microbial diversity detected in the tested samples of solitary beeO. cornutaprobably come from environment.
Mitochondrial DNA revealed the extent of genetic diversity and invasion origin of populations from two separate invaded areas of a newly invasive pest,Cydia pomonella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in China
Authors: Li Y. , Duan X. , Qiao X. , Li X. , Wang K. , Men Q. , Chen M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCydia pomonellais a serious invasive insect pest in China, and has caused severe damage to the production of apple and pear in its invaded areas. This species is distributing in the northwest and northeast of China, but no occurrence of it has been recorded in the large areas (about 3000–5000 km away) between the invaded northwestern and northeastern regions despite continuous monitoring. As yet the genetic diversity and invasion origin of theC. pomonellapopulations in Northwestern and Northeastern China is obscure. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of 14 populations ofC. pomonellasampled throughout the main distribution regions in Northwestern (Xinjiang and Gansu Provinces) and Northeastern (Heilongjiang Province) China and compared them with nine populations from Europe and other continents using the mitochondrial COI, COII and Cytb genes. Both the populations from Northeastern and Northwestern China shared some haplotypes with populations from other countries. Haplotypes of the three mitochondrial genes had a different distribution in Northeastern and Northwestern China. The northeastern populations had more private haplotypes than the northwestern populations. A large number of the individuals from northwestern populations shared a few haplotypes of each of the three genes. The haplotype numbers and haplotype diversities of the northeastern populations were similar to those of field populations in other countries, but were higher than those of the northwestern populations. Populations from the Northwestern China showed similar haplotype number and haplotype diversity. We conclude that the population genetic background ofC. pomonellapopulations in Northeastern and Northwestern China varies due to different invasion sources and that this should be considered before the application of new pest control tactics.
Nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus as compensatory measures in the context of building renovation: efficacy and predictors of occupancy
Authors: SCHAUB TONIO , MEFFERT PETER J. , KERTH GERALD 
Published: April 2015

SummaryCurrently, renovation and thermal insulation of buildings is happening at a high rate in many European countries, driven in part by the political aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, building renovations often lead to a loss of structures, such as accessible cavities, on which synanthropic species, for example house-nesting birds, depend. In Germany, due to legislative regulations, it is a common practice to install nest-boxes as compensation for destroyed nest sites of birds. However, studies on the efficacy of such measures remain sparse. We monitored the occupancy of 477 compensatory nest-boxes for Common Swifts Apus apus, predominantly placed on renovated prefabricated buildings in a city in Germany. We found 24.3% of the boxes occupied by Swifts. On most buildings, the number of occupied boxes was as high as or even higher than the assumed number of breeding sites prior to renovation. Furthermore, in a district where nearly all buildings had been renovated in the past 10 years, we recorded a remarkably high density of Swifts breeding in nest-boxes. Using boosted regression trees, we analysed whether eight different nest-box properties influenced box occupation probability. The number of neighbouring boxes was the most important. Additionally, box age, facade orientation, city district, relative and absolute height, and manner of installation (external/internal) also played a role. Between different nest-box types, we found only negligible differences in occupation probability. Our findings suggest that installing nest-boxes is likely to be an appropriate measure to compensate for nesting sites of Swifts lost during building renovations. Based on our results, we recommend mounting the boxes a few metres apart from each other and close to the roof edge to maximise success. Further studies should be carried out to assess whether our results and conclusions can be confirmed in other situations.
Erratum: Culture and molecular-based profiles show shifts in bacterial communities of the upper respiratory tract that occur with age
Authors: Stearns Jennifer C , Davidson Carla J , McKeon Suzanne , Whelan Fiona J , Fontes Michelle E , Schryvers Anthony B , Bowdish Dawn M E , Kellner James D , Surette Michael G 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Correction to: The ISME Journal advance online publication, 9 January 2015; doi:10.1038/ismej.2014.250 After the publication of this paper, it was noticed that the names were not spelled out in full as per the ISME Journal’s style. The following is how the names should appear: ‘Jennifer C Stearns, Carla J Davidson, Suzanne McKeon, Fiona J Whelan, Michelle E Fontes, Anthony B Schryvers, Dawn ME Bowdish, James D Kellner and Michael G Surette.
Causal factors for seismicity near Azle, Texas
Authors: Hornbach Matthew J. , DeShon Heather R. , Ellsworth William L. , Stump Brian W. , Hayward Chris , Frohlich Cliff , Oldham Harrison R. , Olson Jon E. , Magnani M. Beatrice , Brokaw Casey , Luetgert James H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn November 2013, a series of earthquakes began along a mapped ancient fault system near Azle, Texas. Here we assess whether it is plausible that human activity caused these earthquakes. Analysis of both lake and groundwater variations near Azle shows that no significant stress changes were associated with the shallow water table before or during the earthquake sequence. In contrast, pore-pressure models demonstrate that a combination of brine production and wastewater injection near the fault generated subsurface pressures sufficient to induce earthquakes on near-critically stressed faults. On the basis of modelling results and the absence of historical earthquakes near Azle, brine production combined with wastewater disposal represent the most likely cause of recent seismicity near Azle. For assessing the earthquake cause, our research underscores the necessity of monitoring subsurface wastewater formation pressures and monitoring earthquakes having magnitudes of ∼M2 and greater. Currently, monitoring at these levels is not standard across Texas or the United States.
Combinatorial code governing cellular responses to complex stimuli
Authors: Cappuccio Antonio , Zollinger Raphaël , Schenk Mirjam , Walczak Aleksandra , Servant Nicolas , Barillot Emmanuel , Hupé Philippe , Modlin Robert L. , Soumelis Vassili 
Published: April 2015

AbstractCells adapt to their environment through the integration of complex signals. Multiple signals can induce synergistic or antagonistic interactions, currently considered as homogenous behaviours. Here, we use a systematic theoretical approach to enumerate the possible interaction profiles for outputs measured in the conditions 0 (control), signals X, Y, X+Y. Combinatorial analysis reveals 82 possible interaction profiles, which we biologically and mathematically grouped into five positive and five negative interaction modes. To experimentally validate their use in living cells, we apply an original computational workflow to transcriptomics data of innate immune cells integrating physiopathological signal combinations. Up to 9 of the 10 defined modes coexisted in context-dependent proportions. Each interaction mode was preferentially used in specific biological pathways, suggesting a functional role in the adaptation to multiple signals. Our work defines an exhaustive map of interaction modes for cells integrating pairs of physiopathological and pharmacological stimuli.
APOBEC3A cytidine deaminase induces RNA editing in monocytes and macrophages
Authors: Sharma Shraddha , Patnaik Santosh K. , Thomas Taggart R. , Kannisto Eric D. , Enriquez Sally M. , Gollnick Paul , Baysal Bora E. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe extent, regulation and enzymatic basis of RNA editing by cytidine deamination are incompletely understood. Here we show that transcripts of hundreds of genes undergo site-specific C>U RNA editing in macrophages during M1 polarization and in monocytes in response to hypoxia and interferons. This editing alters the amino acid sequences for scores of proteins, including many that are involved in pathogenesis of viral diseases. APOBEC3A, which is known to deaminate cytidines of single-stranded DNA and to inhibit viruses and retrotransposons, mediates this RNA editing. Amino acid residues of APOBEC3A that are known to be required for its DNA deamination and anti-retrotransposition activities were also found to affect its RNA deamination activity. Our study demonstrates the cellular RNA editing activity of a member of the APOBEC3 family of innate restriction factors and expands the understanding of C>U RNA editing in mammals.
Patterning two-dimensional chalcogenide crystals of Bi2Se3 and In2Se3 and efficient photodetectors
Authors: Zheng Wenshan , Xie Tian , Zhou Yu , Chen Y. L. , Jiang Wei , Zhao Shuli , Wu Jinxiong , Jing Yumei , Wu Yue , Chen Guanchu , Guo Yunfan , Yin Jianbo , Huang Shaoyun , Xu H. Q. , Liu Zhongfan , Peng Hailin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPatterning of high-quality two-dimensional chalcogenide crystals with unique planar structures and various fascinating electronic properties offers great potential for batch fabrication and integration of electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, it remains a challenge that requires accurate control of the crystallization, thickness, position, orientation and layout. Here we develop a method that combines microintaglio printing with van der Waals epitaxy to efficiently pattern various single-crystal two-dimensional chalcogenides onto transparent insulating mica substrates. Using this approach, we have patterned large-area arrays of two-dimensional single-crystal Bi2Se3 topological insulator with a record high Hall mobility of ∼1,750 cm2 V−1 s−1 at room temperature. Furthermore, our patterned two-dimensional In2Se3 crystal arrays have been integrated and packaged to flexible photodetectors, yielding an ultrahigh external photoresponsivity of ∼1,650 A W−1 at 633 nm. The facile patterning, integration and packaging of high-quality two-dimensional chalcogenide crystals hold promise for innovations of next-generation photodetector arrays, wearable electronics and integrated optoelectronic circuits.