bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of graphene/graphene oxide with polymer brushes using controlled/living radical polymerization
Authors: Badri Albert , Whittaker Michael R. , Zetterlund Per B. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGraphene nanosheets possess a range of extraordinary physical and electrical properties with enormous potential for applications in microelectronics, photonic devices, and nanocomposite materials. However, single graphene platelets tend to undergo agglomeration due to strong π–π and Van der Waals interactions, which significantly compromises the final material properties. One of the strategies to overcome this problem, and to increase graphene compatibility with a receiving polymer host matrix, is to modify graphene (or graphene oxide (GO)) with polymer brushes. The research to date can be grouped into approaches involving grafting‐from and grafting‐to techniques, and further into approaches relying on covalent or noncovalent attachment of polymer chains to the suitably modified graphene/GO. The present Highlight article describes research efforts to date in this area, focusing on the use of controlled/living radical polymerization techniques. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Testing the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a ‘decision navigation’ intervention for early stage prostate cancer patients in Scotland – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hacking Belinda , Wallace Louise , Scott Sarah , Kosmala‐Anderson Joanna , Belkora Jeffrey , McNeill Alan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveDoes decision navigation (DN) increase prostate cancer patients' confidence and certainty in treatment decisions, while reducing regret associated with the decisions made?MethodsTwo hundred eighty‐nine newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients were eligible. 123 consented and were randomised to usual care (n = 60) or navigation (n = 63).The intervention involved a ‘navigator’ guiding the patient in creating a personal question list for a consultation and providing a CD and typed summary of the consultation to patients, the general practitioner and physician.The primary outcome was decisional self efficacy. Secondary outcomes included decisional conflict (DCS) and decisional regret (RS). Measures of mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and adjustment (Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale) were included to detect potential adverse effects of the intervention.ResultsANOVA showed a main effect for the group (F = 7.161, df 1, p = 0.009). Post hoc comparisons showed significantly higher decisional self efficacy in the navigated patients post‐consultation and 6 months later. Decisional conflict was lower for navigated patients initially (t = 2.005, df = 105, p = 0.047), not at follow‐up (t = 1.969, df = 109, p = 0.052). Regret scores were significantly lower in the navigation group compared to the controls 6 months later (t = −2.130, df = 100, p = 0.036). There was no impact of the intervention on mood or adjustment.ConclusionCompared to control patients, navigated patients were more confident in making decisions about cancer treatment, were more certain they had made the right decision after the consultation and had less regret about their decision 6 months later. Decision navigation was feasible, acceptable and effective for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients in Scotland. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A feasibility study of group cognitive rehabilitation for cancer survivors: enhancing cognitive function and quality of life
Authors: Schuurs Alana , Green Heather J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveThis research aimed to address the gap in evidence‐based treatment available for cancer survivors who are experiencing cognitive dysfunction, through piloting a novel treatment intervention. The overall research question was whether a group cognitive rehabilitation intervention would be feasible for improving cognitive function and quality of life for people who have completed cancer treatment.MethodsThree groups of adults were recruited as follows: an intervention group of 23 cancer survivors who completed a 4‐week group cognitive rehabilitation treatment, a comparison group of nine cancer survivors, and a community sample of 23 adults who had never experienced cancer. Measures of objective and subjective cognitive function, quality of life, psychosocial distress, and illness perceptions were used. The research design was non‐randomised.ResultsThe results indicated that the intervention was effective in improving overall cognitive function, visuospatial/constructional performance, immediate memory, and delayed memory beyond practice effects alone. It was helpful in reducing participants' perceptions of cognitive impairment and psychosocial distress, as well as promoting social functioning and understanding of cognition. The improvements were maintained at 3 months after the intervention. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the treatment.ConclusionsThe results provided evidence for the feasibility of a brief group‐based cognitive rehabilitation intervention to treat cognitive problems experienced by cancer survivors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrodynamic vortices and their gravity duals
Authors: Evslin J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this talk we review analytical and numerical studies of hydrodynamic vortices in conformal fluids and their gravity duals. We present two conclusions. First, (3+1)‐dimensional turbulence is within the range of validity of the AdS/hydrodynamics correspondence. Second, the local equilibrium of the fluid is equivalent to the ultralocality of the holographic correspondence, in the sense that the bulk data at a given point is determined, to any given precision, by the boundary data at a single point together with a fixed number of derivatives. With this criterion we see that the cores of hot and slow (3+1)‐dimensional conformal generalizations of Burgers vortices are everywhere in local equilibrium and their gravity duals are thus easily found. On the other hand local equilibrium breaks down in the core of singular (2+1)‐dimensional vortices, but the holographic correspondence with Einstein gravity may be used to define the boundary field theory in the region in which the hydrodynamic description fails.
Mixed auxeticity of auxetic sandwich structures
Authors: Lim Teik‐Cheng 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPreviously, a sandwich structure in which the Poisson ratios of the core and facesheets possess opposite signs has been shown to exhibit overall conventional and auxetic behavior depending on the loading mode – axial loading or bending – for an intermediate range of relative core thickness. In addition to these two loading modes, sandwich structures in aerospace applications encounter torsional loads. In this paper, the effective Poisson's ratio for torsional loading is proposed. Results show that, depending on the loading mode and the relative core thickness, there can be up to four levels of overall auxeticity, namely (i) full auxeticity (FA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure under all three modes of loading, (ii) high auxeticity (HA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure in two of the loading modes, (iii) low auxeticity (LA) if the structure behaves as an auxetic structure in only one of the loading modes, and (iv) no auxeticity (NA) if the structure behaves as a conventional structure under all of the three loading modes. These results indicate that by selecting the Poisson's ratios and the thickness of the cores and facesheets, the sandwich structure can be made to respond differently under different external loading conditions.
On input‐to‐state stability‐based design for leader/follower formation control with measurement delays
Authors: Chen Xingping , Yan Peng , Serrani Andrea 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYThis paper addresses the design of low‐level controllers for leader–follower formations of nonholonomic vehicles in the presence of bounded measurement delays. The concept of input‐to‐state stability is extended to encompass the effect of bounded delays and restrictions on the input. A method is proposed to integrate a Smith predictor in a backstepping design on the basis of nested saturations and nonlinear small‐gain assignment, which allows for time delays in the feedback loop. Robustness analysis under uncertain bounded time delays is provided, and design tradeoffs resulting from the use of bounded controls are discussed. Illustrative simulations are shown to validate the design and robustness analysis in the context of a simple leader–follower trailing control problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual private key generator based escrow‐free certificateless public key cryptosystem for mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Lv Xixiang , Li Hui , Wang Baocang 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTA certificateless public key cryptosystem can make a special contribution to building key distribution and management architecture in resource‐constrained mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) because it has no separate certificate and no complex certificate management problems. In this paper, we present a virtual private key generator (VPKG)‐based escrow‐free certificateless public key cryptosystem as a novel combination of certificateless and threshold cryptography. Using secret sharing, we build a VPKG whose members collaboratively calculate the partial private key and send it to the user via public channels. The private key of a user is generated jointly by the VPKG and the user. Each of them has “half” of the secret information about the private key of the user. In addition, binding a user's public key with its identity and partial private key, respectively, raises our schemes to the same trust level as is enjoyed in a traditional public key infrastructure. We also show that the proposed scheme is secure against public key replacement attacks and passive attacks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneity in turnover: The effect of relative compensation dispersion of firms on the mobility and entrepreneurship of extreme performers
Authors: Carnahan Seth , Agarwal Rajshree , Campbell Benjamin A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe explore the strategic implications of firm compensation dispersion on the heterogeneous turnover outcomes of employee mobility and entrepreneurship. We theorize that individuals' turnover decisions are affected by the interaction of individual performance with the firm's compensation dispersion relative to its competitors. We test our theory using linked employer‐employee data from the legal services industry. We find that individuals with extreme high performance are less likely to leave firms that offer higher compensation dispersion than competitors, however, if they do leave these employers, they are more likely to create new ventures. In contrast, employees with extreme low performance are more likely to leave firms with more compensation dispersion than competitors, and these individuals are less likely to engage in new venture creation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistive Pulse Sensing of Analyte‐Induced Multicomponent Rod Aggregation Using Tunable Pores
Authors: Platt Mark , Willmott Geoff R. , Lee Gil U. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractResistive pulse sensing is used to monitor individual and aggregated rod‐shaped nanoparticles as they move through tunable pores in elastomeric membranes. By comparing particles of similar dimensions, it is demonstrated that the resistive pulse signal of a rod is fundamentally different from that of a sphere. Rods can be distinguished using two measurements: the blockade event magnitude (Δip), which reveals the particle's size, and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) duration, which relates to the particle's speed and length. While the observed Δip values agree well with simulations, the measured FWHM times are much larger than expected. This increase in dwell time, caused by rods moving through the pore in various orientations, is not observed for spherical particles. These differences are exploited in a new agglutination assay using rod‐shaped particles. By controlling the surface chemistry and location of the capture ligand, rods are made to form either long “end‐on‐end” or wide “side‐on” aggregates upon the addition of an analyte. This observation will facilitate multiplexed detection in agglutination assays, as particles with a particular aspect ratio can be distinguished by two measurements. This is first demonstrated with a biotinylated target and avidin capture probe, followed by the detection of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB) using an aptamer capture probe, with limits of detection down to femtomolar levels.
Design of a coordinated robust controller of SMES and blade pitch for smart‐grid power systems
Authors: Nandar Cuk Supriyadi Ali , Hashiguchi Takuhei , Goda Tadahiro , Tsuji Takao 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper presents the design of a coordinated superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and blade pitch controller (BPC) to stabilize the frequency in a smart‐grid power system. To compensate for such power variations, a SMES that is able to supply and absorb active power quickly can be applied to control the frequency fluctuation. The structure of the controller is that of a first‐order lead–lag compensator. The robustness of the controller is guaranteed by applying an inverse additive perturbation to represent possible unstructured uncertainties in the power system such as variation of system parameters, generating and loading conditions, etc. Genetic algorithm (GA) is applied to solve and achieve the control parameters. Simulation studies have been done to show the control effect and robustness of the proposed SMES and blade pitch in comparison with SMES & Pitch against various disturbances. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Investigations of transformer oil characteristics
Authors: Karthik R. , Sree Renga Raja T. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this paper, the behavior of various critical parameters of transformer oil is interpreted with a view to enhancing its life time. Systems abnormalities such as excess loading, switching, and ambient conditions are responsible for the accelerated aging and sudden failure of transformer. The level of insulation plays a significant role in the life expectancy of the transformer. The diagnostics of the critical parameters for the defined ranges of aging of transformer oil attempts to determine the level of insulation and serve to ensure its efficient operation. The approach includes formulation of suggestions for determining the insulation level of the power transformer. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Twisted quaternary neural networks
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Nakajima Akihiro 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe quaternary neural network (QNN) proposed by Nitta is a high‐dimensional neural network. Nitta showed that its learning is faster than that of ordinary neural networks and the number of required parameters is almost one‐third of that of real‐valued neural networks by computer simulations. In this paper, we propose the twisted quaternary neural network (TQNN) which modifies the directions of multiplications of the QNN. Since quaternions are noncommutative on multiplication, we can get another neural network. When the activation function is linear, multilayered neural networks can be expressed by single‐layered neural networks. But the TQNN cannot be expressed by a single‐layered QNN even if the activation function is linear. Therefore, the TQNN is expected to produce a variety of signal‐processing systems. We performed computer simulations to compare the QNN and the TQNN. Then we found that the latter's learning is a little faster. Moreover, computer simulation showed that the QNN tended to be trapped in local minima or plateaus but the TQNN did not. It is said that reducibility causes local minima and plateaus. We discuss the differences of reducibility between the QNN and the TQNN as well. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A hybrid input charge‐pump using micropower thermoelectric generators
Authors: Eguchi Kei , Fujimoto Kuniaki , Sasaki Hirofumi 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFor industrial wireless transmitters, a hybrid input charge‐pump utilizing thermoelectric energy from waste heat is proposed in this paper. Unlike conventional converters, the proposed capacitor‐based converter supplies energy to a wireless transmitter by using a thermoelectric power source in combination with a rechargeable battery source. By combining the battery voltage and the thermoelectric generator (TEG) voltage, the proposed converter achieves a wider input range than conventional converters. Consequently, the proposed converter will enable the development of not only an industrial wireless transmitter but also various clean energy applications. Through theoretical analyses, simulations, and experiments, the following results are shown: 1. Even if the voltage of the TEG is small, the proposed converter can provide the sufficient voltage by compensating the insufficient voltage of the TEG with the battery voltage. 2. The formulas obtained by the theoretical analyses are useful for designing the proposed converter because the theoretical results correspond well with the simulation results. © 2012 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Synthesis and Surface Activities of Amidobetaine Surfactants with Ultra‐long Unsaturated Hydrophobic Chains
Authors: Feng Dan , Zhang Yongmin , Chen Quansheng , Wang Jiyu , Li Bin , Feng Yujun 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the surfactants bearing an ultra‐long hydrophobic chain (>C18) exhibit unique self‐assembly properties. However, their synthesis and surface activities have been less documented. In this work, monounsaturated alkyl dimethyl amidopropyl betaines, UCnDAB (n = 18, 22, and 24), were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding fatty acids with N,N‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine, followed by quaternization with sodium choloroacetate of the obtained intermediates. The intermediates and final surfactants were characterized by 1H NMR and ESI‐HRMS, respectively. Krafft temperature (TK) and surface activities of the surfactants were also examined. It was found that TK of all these surfactants is lower than 0 °C, and their critical micellar concentration (CMC) is within the range of 10−3 mmol/L. In addition, the linear relationship between lg CMC and n is still in evidence.
Improved Extraction of Saturated Fatty Acids but not Omega‐3 Fatty Acids from Sheep Red Blood Cells Using a One‐Step Extraction Procedure
Authors: Clayton Edward H. , Gulliver Catherine E. , Piltz John W. , Taylor Robert D. , Blake Robert J. , Meyer Richard G. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSeveral methods are available to extract total lipid and methylate fatty acids from a range of samples including red blood cells (RBC). Fatty acid analysis of human RBC can be undertaken using a two‐step extraction and methylation or a combined one‐step extraction and methylation procedure. The lipid composition of sheep RBC differs significantly from that of humans and may affect their extraction. The purpose of the current study was to examine the efficiency of extraction of lipid and detection of fatty acids from sheep RBC using a one‐step procedure. Fatty acids were analysed using a one‐step extraction and methylation procedure using methanol:toluene and acetyl chloride in comparison with a two‐step procedure involving extraction of lipid using chloroform:methanol and separate methylation. Concentrations of saturated fatty acids including C16:0 and C18:0 were significantly higher (42.6 and 33.9 % respectively) following extraction using the one‐step procedure compared with the two‐step procedure. However, concentrations of some polyunsaturated fatty acids, including C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3 were not significantly different between either procedure. The improved detection of fatty acids may be related to the ability of different solvents to extract different lipid fractions. The differential extraction of lipids and detection of fatty acids from sheep RBC may have important implications in studies examining the effect of dietary treatment on the possible health benefits of fatty acids.
Avoiding the Pitfall of Progress and Associated Perils of Evolutionary Education
Authors: Werth Alexander 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPeople reflexively see all change as implying inevitably increasing progress and complexity. This expected directionality is especially observed in students’ views of living things, with some species envisioned as “higher” or more evolved. Students tend naturally to see all evolutionary change as adaptive, progressive, optimal, and teleological, with improvement achieved as needed or desired by organisms (if not as planned in advance). Following an extended outline of many interrelated ways, this basic yet unfortunately widespread and deep-seated misconception of evolutionary thinking ensnares students and hinders proper understanding of the actual pattern and process of evolution, a more useful pedagogical approach is presented. A strategy that involves eliciting preconceptions, engaging in numerous counterexamples, and continually reinforcing an alternative view is generally effective. This is best achieved by tackling the misconception of progress head-on, with an active learning model that forces students to come up with substitute explanations. Several examples of exercises and activities to combat the universal and automatically intuitive inclination toward teleological notions of progress are given, including analyses of paleontology, ecology, biochemistry, development, and systematics.
The Abundances of some Trace-elements in the First-ever Reported Sample of Spinifex-Textured Komatiite from Ghatti Hosahalli, Karnataka
Authors: Ramakrishnan M. , Mahabaleswar B. , Viswanathan S. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The paper reports wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometric data on the abundances of Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, Pb, and Th in the first-ever reported sample of spinifex-textured komatiite from India at Ghatti Hosahalli in Karnataka. With some exceptions, these abundances are similar to those reported for the spinifex-textured komatiite from the Barberton greenstone belt in South Africa. The values for some alteration-resistant element ratios — Ti/Zr, Ti/Y, Ti/Sc, Ti/V, Zr/Y, Zr/Sc, Sc/Y, V/Zr, and V/Sc — for chondrite and for spinifex-textured komatiites from Ghatti Hosahalli (India), Barberton (South Africa), Munro (Canada), and Yilgarn (Australia) reveal that, except for the Ti/Zr ratio for the Ghatti Hosahalli komatiite, the other ratios from the four terrains define a unique trend that is almost superimposed on the trend defined by these ratios for chondrite. This suggests that the processes of formation of komatiitic lavas from the four far-separated terrains were similar, and that, the source regions from which these lavas formed had a chondritic composition.