bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic body radiation therapy induces fast tumor control and symptom relief in patients with iliac lymph node metastasis
Authors: Wang Zhongqiu , Wang Jing , Zhuang Hongqing , Wang Ping , Yuan Zhiyong
Published: November 2016

The CyberKnife is a robotic stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) system which has shown promising results for many malignances with good efficacy and low toxicity. This study aims to evaluate the response and local control (LC) obtained with CyberKnife in the management of iliac lymph node metastases (ILNM). Twenty-two patients with 27 ILNM were treated by CyberKnife from May 2010 to May 2016. Median follow-up time was 33 months (8–97). The complete response, partial response, stable disease and progression disease rates were 37.0%, 48.0%, 7.5% and 7.5% respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year LC rates were all 90.6%, and overall survival rates were 78.8%, 60.6%, and 43.3% respectively. All patients with pelvic pain and ureter obstruction achieved good and fast symptom relief, while leg edema persisted in 2 patients. The general treatment tolerance was acceptable and no severe toxicities were reported. No factors were found correlated with local failure. While overall survival (OS) was better for patients who had received a total dose more than 30 Gy or prior systemic treatment, and whose symptoms were relieved. Taken together, CyberKnife is an effective therapeutic option for ILNM, providing high LC rate and good symptom relief with minimal toxicity.
Synergetic signal amplification of multi-walled carbon nanotubes-Fe3O4 hybrid and trimethyloctadecylammonium bromide as a highly sensitive detection platform for tetrabromobisphenol A
Authors: Zhou Feng , Wang Yue , Wu Wei , Jing Tao , Mei Surong , Zhou Yikai
Published: November 2016

In this work, we fabricated an electrochemical sensor based on trimethyloctadecylammonium bromide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes-Fe3O4 hybrid (TOAB/MWCNTs-Fe3O4) for sensitive detection of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques. The electrochemical behaviors of TBBPA on TOAB/MWCNTs-Fe3O4 composite film modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. The experimental results indicated that the incorporation of MWCNTs-Fe3O4 with TOAB greatly enhanced the electrochemical response of TBBPA. This fabricated sensor displayed excellent analytical performance for TBBPA detection over a range from 3.0 nM to 1000.0 nM with a detection limit of 0.73 nM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited good reproducibility and stability, and could be successfully applied to detect TBBPA in water samples with satisfactory results.
Fold formation at the compartment boundary of Drosophila wing requires Yki signaling to suppress JNK dependent apoptosis
Authors: Liu Suning , Sun Jie , Wang Dan , Pflugfelder Gert O. , Shen Jie
Published: November 2016

Compartment boundaries prevent cell populations of different lineage from intermingling. In many cases, compartment boundaries are associated with morphological folds. However, in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, fold formation at the anterior/posterior (A/P) compartment boundary is suppressed, probably as a prerequisite for the formation of a flat wing surface. Fold suppression depends on optomotor-blind (omb). Omb mutant animals develop a deep apical fold at the A/P boundary of the larval wing disc and an A/P cleft in the adult wing. A/P fold formation is controlled by different signaling pathways. Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Yorkie (Yki) signaling are activated in cells along the fold and are necessary for the A/P fold to develop. While JNK promotes cell shape changes and cell death, Yki target genes are required to antagonize apoptosis, explaining why both pathways need to be active for the formation of a stable fold.
Structural mechanism of the enhanced glass-forming ability in multicomponent alloys with positive heat of mixing
Authors: Wu S. Y. , Wei S. H. , Guo G. Q. , Wang J. G. , Yang L.
Published: November 2016

The issue, microalloying certain element with positive heat of mixing leading to the enhanced glass forming ability (GFA) in multicomponent alloys, has been investigated by systematic experimental measurements coupled with theoretical calculations. It is found that in the Nb-doped CuZr alloys, strong interaction between Nb and Zr atoms leads to a shortened pair distance. In addition, fraction of the icosahedral-like local structures increases with Nb addition and Nb solutes are apt to be separated with each other. These factors contribute to an increase of the atomic level efficiency to fill space and formation of the short-to-medium range orderings. As a result, the amorphous structure is stabilized and the GFA is enhanced accordingly. This work provides an in-depth understanding of microalloying-induced high GFAs in multicomponent alloys and is helpful for guiding the development of more metallic glasses with high GFAs via microalloying, despite the positive heat of mixing between the constituent elements.
Diabetes Onset at 31–45 Years of Age is Associated with an Increased Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zou Wenjun , Ni Lisha , Lu Qianyi , Zou Chen , Zhao Minjie , Xu Xun , Chen Haibing , Zheng Zhi
Published: November 2016

This hospital-based, cross-sectional study investigated the effect of age of diabetes onset on the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. A total of 5,214 patients with type 2 DM who were referred to the Department of Ophthalmology at the Shanghai First People’s Hospital from 2009 to 2013 was eligible for inclusion. Diabetic retinopathy status was classified using the grading system of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). Logistic and hierarchical regression analyses were used to identify independent variables affecting the development of DR. Upon multiple logistic regression analysis, patient age at the time of diabetes onset was significantly associated with development of DR. Further, when the risk of retinopathy was stratified by patient age at the onset of diabetes, the risk was highest in patients in whom diabetes developed at an age of 31–45 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.815 [1.139–2.892]; p = 0.012). Furthermore, when patients were divided into four groups based on the duration of diabetes, DR development was maximal at a diabetes onset age of 31–45 years within each group. A diabetes onset age of 31–45 years is an independent risk factor for DR development in Chinese type 2 DM patients.
Transcriptome sequencing of the choroid plexus in schizophrenia
Authors: Kim S , Hwang Y , Lee D , Webster M J
Published: November 2016

The choroid plexus (CP) has a key role in maintaining brain homeostasis by producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), by mediating transport of nutrients and removing metabolic products from the central nervous system and by responding to peripheral inflammatory signals. Although abnormal markers of immune response and inflammation are apparent in individuals with schizophrenia, the CP of these individuals has not been characterized. We therefore sequenced mRNA from the CP from two independent collections of individuals with schizophrenia and unaffected controls. Genes related to immune function and inflammation were upregulated in both collections. In addition, a co-expression module related to immune/inflammation response that was generated by combining mRNA-Seq data from both collections was significantly associated with disease status. The immune/inflammation-related co-expression module was positively correlated with levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol and several immune modulator proteins in the serum of the same individuals and was also positively correlated with CRP, cortisol and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the frontal cortex of the same individuals. In addition, we found a substantial number of nodes (genes) that were common to our schizophrenia-associated immune/inflammation module from the pooled data and a module we generated from lippopolysaccharides-treated mouse model data. These results suggest that the CP of individuals with schizophrenia are responding to signals from the periphery by upregulating immune/inflammation-related genes to protect the brain and maintain the homeostasis but nevertheless fails to completely prevent immune/inflammation related changes in the brain.
Preliminary indications of the effect of a brief yoga intervention on markers of inflammation and DNA methylation in chronically stressed women
Authors: Harkess K N , Ryan J , Delfabbro P H , Cohen-Woods S
Published: November 2016

Yoga is associated with reduced stress and increased well-being, although the molecular basis for these benefits is not clear. Mounting evidence implicates the immune response, with current studies focused on protein immune markers (such as cytokines) in clinical populations. To explore the molecular impact, this pilot study uses a subsample (n=28) from a randomised waitlist control trial investigating the impact of an 8-week yoga intervention in a community population of women reporting psychological distress (N=116). We measured interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) protein levels, and the DNA methylation of these genes and the global indicator, LINE-1. Correlations between these and psychological variables were explored, identifying moderate correlations with CRP protein levels, and methylation of IL-6, CRP and LINE-1. Many cytokine samples were below detection, however a Mann–Whitney U demonstrated a trend of moderate between-group effect for elevated IL-6 in the yoga group. Methylation analyses applied cross-sectional and non-controlled longitudinal analyses. Waist-to-height ratio and age were covaried. We demonstrated reduced methylation of the TNF region in the yoga group relative to the waitlist control group. No other genes demonstrated a significant difference. Longitudinal analysis further supported these results. This study is one of the first to explore yoga and immunological markers in a non-clinical population, and is the first study to explore DNA methylation. These findings indicate that further research into molecular impact of yoga on markers of immune function is warranted, with larger studies required.
Elevated brain lactate in schizophrenia: a 7 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Rowland L M , Pradhan S , Korenic S , Wijtenburg S A , Hong L E , Edden R A , Barker P B
Published: November 2016

Various lines of evidence suggest that brain bioenergetics and mitochondrial function may be altered in schizophrenia. On the basis of prior phosphorus-31 (31P)-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), post-mortem and preclinical studies, this study was designed to test the hypothesis that abnormal glycolysis leads to elevated lactate concentrations in subjects with schizophrenia. The high sensitivity of 7 Tesla proton (1H)-MRS was used to measure brain lactate levelsin vivo. Twenty-nine controls and 27 participants with schizophrenia completed the study. MRS scanning was conducted on a Philips ‘Achieva’ 7T scanner, and spectra were acquired from a voxel in the anterior cingulate cortex. Patients were assessed for psychiatric symptom severity, and all participants completed the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and University of California, San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA). The relationship between lactate, psychiatric symptom severity, MCCB and UPSA was examined. Lactate was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (P=0.013). Higher lactate was associated with lower MCCB (r=−0.36,P=0.01) and UPSA total scores (r=−0.43,P=0.001). We believe this is the first study to report elevatedin vivocerebral lactate levels in schizophrenia. Elevated lactate levels in schizophrenia may reflect increased anaerobic glycolysis possibly because of mitochondrial dysfunction. This study also suggests that altered cerebral bioenergetics contribute to cognitive and functional impairments in schizophrenia.
Large-scale fabrication of a flexible, highly conductive composite paper based on molybdenum disulfide–Pt nanoparticle–single-walled carbon nanotubes for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Chen I-Wen Peter , Chen Yu-Xiang , Wu Chien-Wei , Chiu Chun-Chien , Hsieh Yu-Chieh
Published: November 2016

Creating efficient hydrogen production properties from the macroscopic assembly of two-dimensional materials is still an unaccomplished goal.
Synthesis and full characterization of an iridium B–H activation intermediate of the monocarba-closo-dodecaborate anion
Authors: Shen Yunjun , Pan Yani , Liu Jiyong , Sattasathuchana Tosaporn , Baldridge Kim K. , Duttwyler Simon
Published: November 2016

The preparation and characterization of an iridium complex of the monocarba-closo-dodecaborate anion is reported. It was prepared by B–H bond activation using a tosyl amide directing group.
Near-infrared photoswitching of cyclodextrin–guest complexes using lanthanide-doped LiYF4 upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Möller Nadja , Hellwig Tim , Stricker Lucas , Engel Sabrina , Fallnich Carsten , Ravoo Bart Jan
Published: November 2016

This communication reports a new type of supramolecular cyclodextrin–guest complexes using cyclodextrin coated upconversion nanoparticles as hosts and monovalent and divalent azobenzenes and arylazopyrazoles as guests.
Construction of 2D nanoporous networks by coupling on-surface dynamic imine chemistry and dipole-stabilized self-assembly
Authors: Yue Jie-Yu , Markoulides Marios , Regan Andrew C. , Li Shu-Ying , Chronakis Nikos , Gourdon André , Chen Ting , Yan Hui-Juan , Wang Dong
Published: November 2016

Double-walled nanoporous networks based on the Schiff base reaction of nonplanar tripodic building blocks and subsequent dipole-directed self-assembly were fabricated on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG).
Single molecule based SNP detection using designed DNA carriers and solid-state nanopores
Authors: Kong Jinglin , Zhu Jinbo , Keyser Ulrich F.
Published: November 2016

A novel nanopore-DNA carrier method is demonstrated for SNP detection and following DNA strand displacement kinetics at the single molecule level.
CO2 capture in ionic liquid 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate: a concerted mechanism without carbene
Authors: Yan Fangyong , Dhumal Nilesh R. , Kim Hyung J.
Published: November 2016

Ionic liquids (ILs) provide a promising medium for CO2 capture.
Uniform and perfectly linear current–voltage characteristics of nitrogen-doped armchair graphene nanoribbons for nanowires
Authors: Liu Lingling , Li Xiao-Fei , Yan Qing , Li Qin-Kun , Zhang Xiang-Hua , Deng Mingsen , Qiu Qi , Luo Yi
Published: November 2016

Edge nitrogen-doping induces uniform and perfectly linearI–Vcharacteristics in AGNRs for nanowire applications in molectronics.
Intramolecular dehydration of biomass-derived sugar alcohols in high-temperature water
Authors: Yamaguchi Aritomo , Muramatsu Natsumi , Mimura Naoki , Shirai Masayuki , Sato Osamu
Published: November 2016

The intramolecular dehydration of biomass-derived sugar alcohols d-sorbitol, d-mannitol, galactitol, xylitol, ribitol, l-arabitol, erythritol, l-threitol, and dl-threitol was investigated in high-temperature water at 523–573 K without the addition of any acid catalysts.
Electrolytes at interfaces: accessing the first nanometers using X-ray standing waves
Authors: ben Jabrallah Soumaya , Malloggi Florent , Belloni Luc , Girard Luc , Novikov Dmitri , Mocuta Cristian , Thiaudière Dominique , Daillant Jean
Published: November 2016

Ion–surface interactions are of high practical importance in a wide range of technological, environmental and biological problems.
What will freestanding borophene nanoribbons look like? An analysis of their possible structures, magnetism and transport properties
Authors: García-Fuente A. , Carrete J. , Vega A. , Gallego L. J.
Published: November 2016

The geometry, magnetism and electronic transport properties of nanoribbons made of the boron-based analogue of graphene are studied.
Hydrothermal synthesis of a layered-type W–Ti–O mixed metal oxide and its solid acid activity
Authors: Murayama Toru , Nakajima Kiyotaka , Hirata Jun , Omata Kaori , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Ueda Wataru
Published: November 2016

A layered-type W–Ti–O mixed oxide was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis from an aqueous solution of ammonium metatungstate and titanium sulfate.
Synthesis of a lithium–cyclopentadienide complex by addition of LiNTf2 to a zwitterionic fulvalene
Authors: Schmid Dominic , Seyboldt Alexander , Eichele Klaus , Kunz Doris
Published: November 2016

LiNTf2 adds to a zwitterionic fulvalene yielding a η5-CpLi complex that is in equilibrium with its lithiocene at −80 °C as revealed by 7Li NMR spectroscopy.
N-Heterocyclic carbene or phosphorus ylide: which one forms a stronger bond with group 11 metals? A theoretical study
Authors: Bayat Mehdi , Sedghi Asieh , Ebrahimkhani Leila , Sabounchei Seyyed Javad
Published: November 2016

Comparison of the results of EDA-NOCV for the M←C bond in [NHC(R) → MR′] and [{P(Ph)3CHR} ← MCl] complexes reveals that the phosphorus ylides are slightly better σ-donors and weaker π-acceptors than the corresponding NHC(R).
Minimal architecture zinc–bromine battery for low cost electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Biswas Shaurjo , Senju Aoi , Mohr Robert , Hodson Thomas , Karthikeyan Nivetha , Knehr Kevin W. , Hsieh Andrew G. , Yang Xiaofang , Koel Bruce E. , Steingart Daniel A.
Published: November 2016

A minimal-architecture zinc–bromine battery that eliminates expensive balance-of-plant components is demonstrated with stable performance and low cost.
In situ Rb–Sr and K–Ca dating by LA-ICP-MS/MS: an evaluation of N2O and SF6 as reaction gases
Authors: Hogmalm K. Johan , Zack Thomas , Karlsson Andreas K.-O. , Sjöqvist Axel S. L. , Garbe-Schönberg Dieter
Published: November 2016

Significant improvements to the analytics and calibration of in situ Rb–Sr dating; extending the concept to in situ K–Ca dating.
The effect of pore diameter in the arrangement of chelating species grafted onto silica surfaces with application to uranium extraction
Authors: Charlot A. , Cuer F. , Grandjean A.
Published: November 2016

A series of five silica supports were functionalized producing three types of material: (1) supports with pores smaller than 4 nm are heterogeneously functionalized (2) when the pores range from 5 to 20 nm in diameter, a homogeneous organic monolayer is grafted (3) when the pores are larger than 30 nm, an organic multilayer is obtained.
Facilitation of DNA self-assembly by relieving the torsional strains between building blocks
Authors: Shen Weili , Liu Qing , Ding Baoquan , Zhu Changqing , Shen Zhiyong , Seeman Nadrian C.
Published: November 2016

Overwound and underwound paranemic crossover (PX) DNA motifs have been self-assembled to generate high uniformity lattices, by adjusting the number of base pairs in the JX region adjacent to the PX structure to relieve torsional strain.
Bioinspired total syntheses of terpenoids
Authors: Hugelshofer Cedric L. , Magauer Thomas
Published: November 2016

Some recent examples of conceptually different bioinspired total syntheses of complex terpenoids are presented that highlight the numerous benefits of pursuing bioinspired strategies.
A metal–organic framework as a “turn on” fluorescent sensor for aluminum ions
Authors: Yu Mei-Hui , Hu Tong-Liang , Bu Xian-He
Published: November 2016

A new three-dimensional (3D) metal–organic framework exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for Al3+ ions as a “turn on” fluorescent sensor.
Gold and nickel alkyl substituted bis-thiophenedithiolene complexes: anionic and neutral forms
Authors: Andrade Marta M. , Silva Rafaela A. L. , Santos Isabel C. , Lopes Elsa B. , Rabaça Sandra , Pereira Laura C. J. , Coutinho Joana T. , Telo João P. , Rovira Concepció , Almeida Manuel , Belo Dulce
Published: November 2016

The effect of substituents on the magnetic and transport properties is assessed for Au and Ni alkyl substituted bisthiophenedithiolates.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed directed C–H benzylation and allylation of indoles with organosilicon reagents
Authors: Lu Ming-Zhu , Wang Cheng-Qiang , Song Sheng-Jin , Loh Teck-Peng
Published: November 2016

Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C2-benzylation and allylation of indoles with organosilicon reagents via chelation-assisted C–H activation has been developed.
Palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination: enantioselective synthesis of chiral α-methylene substituted β-aminophosphonates
Authors: Wang Xubin , Wang Xiaoming , Han Zhaobin , Wang Zheng , Ding Kuiling
Published: November 2016

Palladium catalyzed asymmetric allylic amination of 2-diethylphosphonate-substituted allylic acetates in the presence of SKP ligands afforded the corresponding chiral β-aminophosphonates in good yields, high regioselectivities, and excellent enantioselectivities.
Electromagnetic shielding and mechanical properties of thermally stable poly(ether ketone)/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites prepared using a twin-screw extruder equipped with novel fractional mixing elements
Authors: Chauhan Sampat Singh , Abraham Mathew , Choudhary Veena
Published: November 2016

A light weight, mechanically strong and thermally stable efficient EMI shielding material based on PEK/MWCNT composites prepared using a twin-screw extruder equipped with novel fractional mixing elements (for enhanced mixing) is reported.
Electrosynthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline UO2coating from aqueous alkaline electrolyte
Authors: Varshney J. , Rajak S. , Ghosh S. K. , Vishwanadh B. , Tewari R. , Sastry P. U. , Kain V. , Dey G. K.
Published: November 2016

In this study, UO2coating was deposited by direct current (DC) electrolysis from an aqueous electrolyte containing UO2(NO3)2as source of uranium.
Targetable and fixable rotor for quantifying mitochondrial viscosity of living cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging
Authors: Song Xinbo , Li Ning , Wang Chao , Xiao Yi
Published: November 2016

A fixable probe, namedVis-A, to quantify mitochondrial viscosity of living cells by fluorescence lifetime imaging.
Use of decomposable polymer-coated submicron Cu particles with effective additive for production of highly conductive Cu films at low sintering temperature
Authors: Yong Yingqiong , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Yonezawa Tetsu , Asano Takashi , Matsubara Masaki , Tsukamoto Hiroki , Liao Ying-Chih , Zhang Tengfei , Isobe Shigehito , Nakagawa Yuki
Published: November 2016

Decomposable polymer was used for low temperature sintering of Cu fine particles for conductive films.
Rectangular waveguide coupler with adjustable coupling coefficient using gap waveguide technology
Authors: Sun Dongquan , Xu Jinping
Published: November 2016

Gap waveguide is a promising alternative to traditional waveguide. One of the most important advantages of gap waveguide is that electrical contact between its subcomponents is not necessary. Therefore, it is flexible to adjust its performance by replacing part components of it without the need of reassembling the entire circuit. A slot coupled narrow‐wall rectangular waveguide coupler with adjustable coupling coefficient is presented. Coupling slots with different inclined angles are realised in the replaceable narrow‐wall coupling plate. By changing the coupling plate, the coupling coefficient can be adjusted flexibly. Corrugated edges are loaded on both sides of the replaceable plate to eliminate resonance maybe excited between the fixed metal plate and replaceable plate. A Ka‐band prototype working at the frequency band from 30 to 40 GHz is successfully designed, manufactured and tested. Two replaceable coupling plates with coupling slots inclined of 15° and 45° are manufactured. The measured average coupling coefficient is, respectively, 18.5 and 9 dB. The measured return loss is >17 dB from 30 to 36.5 GHz and >12 dB from 36.5 to 40 GHz. The simulated and measured results agree well.
Adaptive transmission in heterogeneous networks
Authors: Li Zhao , Zhen Lu , Dai Xiaoqin , Shen Biao , Bai Yujiao , Ren Xiaohui , Shin Kang G.
Published: November 2016

An Adaptive tranSmission mechanism exploiting both interference loCality and the relationship between dEsired sigNal and inTerference (ASCENT) is proposed for uplink transmission in heterogeneous networks. The authors adopt both X channel and Z channel models according to which spatial signal processing is designed. In the X channel, the picocell base station (PBS) exploits information the macrocell base station (MBS) shares to cancel local interference, and cooperatively decodes the data carried by strong interference from a macro‐user (MU), which is then fed to the MBS. As a result, a pico‐user (PU) can transmit simultaneously with an MU on the same channel. In addition, adaptive reception is employed to achieve good tradeoff between interference suppression and the desired level of signal distortion. For the Z channel, the PU and the PBS adopt signal processing suitable for their own channel state. At a PBS, interference cancellation is adopted to eliminate disturbance from an MU via inter‐base station collaboration. ASCENT is also extended to the case of multiple picocells. The authors’ simulation results show that in X channel mode, the achievable uplink rate of an MU can be significantly enhanced. In the case of Z channel, the PU's rate is improved while guaranteeing the MU's data rate.
Quantised MPC for LPV systems by using new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional
Authors: Lee Sangmoon , Kwon Ohmin
Published: November 2016

This study deals with the problem of sampled‐data model predictive control (MPC) for linear parameter varying (LPV) systems with input quantisation. The LPV systems under consideration depend on a set of parameters that are bounded and available online. To deal with a piecewise constant sampled‐data and quantisation of the control input, the closed‐loop system is modelled as a continuous‐time impulsive dynamic model with sector non‐linearity. The control problem is formulated as a minimisation of the upper bound of infinite horizon cost function subject to a sufficient condition for stability. The stability of the proposed MPC is guaranteed by constructing new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness and benefits of the proposed theoretical results.
Improved output‐feedback second order sliding mode control design with implementation for underactuated slosh‐container system having confined track length
Authors: S. Thakar Parth , Bandyopadhyay Bijnan , Gandhi Prasanna
Published: November 2016

In this study, a new second order sliding mode controller is designed through a novel non‐linear sliding surface proposal for a slosh‐container system. A linear sliding surface based controller using second order sliding mode is also derived for the comparison purpose. Both the controllers need only output measurements. The super‐twisting algorithm is employed to ensure the finite time convergence of system trajectories to a second order sliding set. In sliding phase, the asymptotic stability of the system states to a desired origin is proved by proposing a new Lyapunov function for the system. A slosh‐container system representing underactuated interconnected non‐linear dynamics is considered. It is shown that how the consideration of limited track length of container affects the stability conditions. To generate a position trajectory for container from the control input signal, a new approach is employed for the implementation purpose. It is demonstrated through simulations and experimental results that the proposed controller based on the novel non‐linear sliding surface outperforms the other controller based on the linear surface and it is more suitable on various practical aspects. This also validates the theoretical findings of the study.
Switched reluctance motor drive from an AC supply
Authors: Moussa Mona Fouad , Dessouky Yasser Gaber
Published: November 2016

In this study, a novel idea to drive SRM from single‐phase AC supply is presented. Each stator winding is connected in series to thyristor to form one branch. All branches are connected in parallel to an AC supply. Thereby, a magnetic flux is generated between each pair of stator pole portions when a current is supplied to stator coil and repeated many cycles as long as the rate of change of inductance of stator phase is positive. The number of cycles of phase current depends on the ratio between rotor speeds to the supply angular frequency in radian per second. A magnetic attractive force occurs between rotor and stator pole portions as they approach one another, which produces motoring torque controlled by controlling switching delay angle of the switch. The advantage of this drive is its lower cost because the usage of simple shaft encoder and one thyristor per phase and its associated firing circuit, while the disadvantage of this drive is the more torque ripple and the deterioration of torque at high speed, and like most machine drives the supply current has high total harmonic distortion. A simulation model is presented and verified by experimental rig for two‐phase SRM.
Enhanced visible photocatalytic activity in flower‐like CuO–WO3–Bi2WO6 ternary hybrid through the cascadal electron transfer
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Yu Qianqian , Liu Jin , Li Tao , Huang Fengtao
Published: November 2016

The flower‐like CuO–WO3–Bi2WO6 with p–n–n heterostructure was prepared via a simple two‐step approach, which was using hydrothermal method synthesising WO3–Bi2WO6 and subsequent CuO recombination through impregnation‐calcination technique. The products were characterised by X‐ray powder diffraction, energy dispersion spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption measurements (BET), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra, photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, photocurrent transient responses and EIS Nyquist plots. The photodegradation results of products under visible light irradiation revealed the order: CuO–WO3–Bi2WO6 (0.3:0.2:1) > CuO–WO3–Bi2WO6 (0.5:0.2:1) > CuO–WO3–Bi2WO6 (0.1:0.2:1) > CuO–Bi2WO6 > WO3–Bi2WO6 > Bi2WO6. The enhanced activity can be attributed to the p–n–n type heterojunction, which resulted in the cascade electron transfer from CuO to Bi2WO6 and then to WO3 through the interfacial potential gradient in the ternary hybrids conduction bands and improved separation rate of photogenerated charge carriers.
ZIF‐8 as an adsorbent of aqueous phase for Eu and Tb ions
Authors: Dai Xiao‐qi , Hang Yun‐hai , Zhao Xin , Sun Chao , Ju Li‐na , Gui Xiao‐jiao , Sun Shuang , Xu Yan‐bo , Wang Yuan‐rui , Li Ya‐feng
Published: November 2016

In the present work, the adsorption behaviours of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) as the adsorbent to europium (Eu) and terbium (Tb) in aqueous phase have considerably been investigated. ZIF‐8 shows the excellent adsorption performance such as quickness (in several minutes), efficiency (∼14% saturated amount) and lower adsorption limit (tens of parts per billion). Specially, ZIF‐8 prefers to adsorb lanthanide ions of low concentration (40 ppm) under high pH value (>6). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction of used ZIF‐8 display that the hydroxyls generated from the hydrolysis of ZIF‐8 are responsible for catching the Eu or Tb by the formation of zinc (Zn)–O–Eu or Zn–O–Tb.
Identifying an Ideal Time Frame for Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty to Maximize Functional Outcome
Authors: Chen Jerry , Lee Wu , Chong Hwei , Pang Hee , Tay Darren , Chia Shi-Lu , Lo Ngai , Yeo Seng , Yeh Jared
Published: November 2016

Compared with staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA), simultaneous bilateral TKA carries a higher risk of cardiac complications, pulmonary complications, and mortality, especially in patients with preexisting cardiopulmonary disease or advanced age. However, the period of time between staged TKAs that would eliminate these increased risks has yet to be determined. The purpose of this study is to evaluate complication rates and functional outcome in patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA and to determine an optimal time frame for the second knee. The authors retrospectively reviewed 306 patients who underwent staged bilateral TKA between 2002 and 2013. Patients were grouped into 31 to 90, 91 to 180, 181 to 270, and 271 to 365 days interval, where complication and 90-day readmission rates for the second TKA were identified. Patients were also assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively using the Oxford knee score (OKS) and Short-Form (SF)-36. There was no significant difference in complication and 90-day readmission rates between the various groups. The functional outcome of the knees scored 2 years postoperatively using OKS and SF-36 showed comparable results across all four groups. Thus, the authors could not identify an ideal time frame for performing the second TKA with the objective of maximizing functional outcome.
Probabilistic information transmission in a network of coupled oscillators reveals speed-accuracy trade-off in responding to threats
Authors: Chicoli Amanda , Paley Derek A.
Published: November 2016

Individuals in a group may obtain information from other group members about the environment, including the location of a food source or the presence of a predator. Here, we model how information spreads in a group using a susceptible-infected-removed epidemic model. We apply this model to a simulated shoal of fish using the motion dynamics of a coupled oscillator model, in order to test the biological hypothesis that polarized or aligned shoaling leads to faster and more accurate escape responses. The contributions of this study are the (i) application of a probabilistic model of epidemics to the study of collective animal behavior; (ii) testing the biological hypothesis that group cohesion improves predator escape; (iii) quantification of the effect of social cues on startle propagation; and (iv) investigation of the variation in response based on network connectivity. We find that when perfectly aligned individuals in a group are startled, there is a rapid escape by individuals that directly detect the threat, as well as by individuals responding to their neighbors. However, individuals that are not startled do not head away from the threat. In startled groups that are randomly oriented, there is a rapid, accurate response by individuals that directly detect the threat, followed by less accurate responses by individuals responding to neighbor cues. Over the simulation duration, however, even unstartled individuals head away from the threat. This study illustrates a potential speed-accuracy trade-off in the startle response of animal groups, in agreement with several previous experimental studies. Additionally, the model can be applied to a variety of group decision-making processes, including those involving higher-dimensional motion.
Atomic and electronic structure of Ti substitution in Ca3Co4O9
Authors: Hu Xuan , Phillips Patrick J , Mazumdar Dipanjan , Idrobo Juan Carlos , Kolesnik Stanislaw , Gupta Arunava , Ogut Serdar , Klie Robert F.
Published: November 2016

We examine the role of Ti doping in the incommensurately layered thermoelectric oxide material Ca3Co4O9 (CCO). The measured Seebeck coefficient of S = 135 μV/K in Ti-doped CCO thin films of composition Ca3Co3.8Ti0.2O9 indicates no significant enhancement of S compared to pristine CCO, thus confirming prior experimental results. Using a combination of aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy-loss spectroscopy and first-principles computations, we determine the atomic and electronic structures of Ti-doped CCO, including the preferred location of Ti dopants and valence states of Ti and Co atoms. Our findings on the structural, electronic, and transport properties of the Ti-doped CCO are discussed in light of the previously published results.
Diffusive dynamics on paper matrix
Authors: Chaudhury Kaustav , Kar Shantimoy , Chakraborty Suman
Published: November 2016

Writing with ink on a paper and the rapid diagnostics of diseases using paper cartridge, despite their remarkable diversities from application perspective, both involve the motion of a liquid from a source on a porous hydrophilic substrate. Here we bring out a generalization in the pertinent dynamics by appealing to the concerned ensemble-averaged transport with reference to the underlying molecular picture. Our results reveal that notwithstanding the associated complexities and diversities, the resultant liquid transport characteristics on a paper matrix, in a wide variety of applications, resemble universal diffusive dynamics. Agreement with experimental results from diversified applications is generic and validates our unified theory.
A simple approach to spectrally resolved fluorescence and bright field microscopy over select regions of interest
Authors: Dahlberg Peter D. , Boughter Christopher T. , Faruk Nabil F. , Hong Lu , Koh Young Hoon , Reyer Matthew A. , Shaiber Alon , Sherani Aiman , Zhang Jiacheng , Jureller Justin E. , Hammond Adam T.
Published: November 2016

A standard wide field inverted microscope was converted to a spatially selective spectrally resolved microscope through the addition of a polarizing beam splitter, a pair of polarizers, an amplitude-mode liquid crystal-spatial light modulator, and a USB spectrometer. The instrument is capable of simultaneously imaging and acquiring spectra over user defined regions of interest. The microscope can also be operated in a bright-field mode to acquire absorption spectra of micron scale objects. The utility of the instrument is demonstrated on three different samples. First, the instrument is used to resolve three differently labeled fluorescent beads in vitro. Second, the instrument is used to recover time dependent bleaching dynamics that have distinct spectral changes in the cyanobacteria, Synechococcus leopoliensis UTEX 625. Lastly, the technique is used to acquire the absorption spectra of CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskites and measure differences between nanocrystal films and micron scale crystals.
A storage ring experiment to detect a proton electric dipole moment
Authors: Anastassopoulos V. , Andrianov S. , Baartman R. , Baessler S. , Bai M. , Benante J. , Berz M. , Blaskiewicz M. , Bowcock T. , Brown K. , Casey B. , Conte M. , Crnkovic J. D. , D’Imperio N. , Fanourakis G. , Fedotov A. , Fierlinger P. , Fischer W. , Gaisser M. O. , Giomataris Y. , Grosse-Perdekamp M. , Guidoboni G. , Hacıömeroğlu S. , Hoffstaetter G. , Huang H. , Incagli M. , Ivanov A. , Kawall D. , Kim Y. I. , King B. , Koop I. A. , Lazarus D. M. , Lebedev V. , Lee M. J. , Lee S. , Lee Y. H. , Lehrach A. , Lenisa P. , Levi Sandri P. , Luccio A. U. , Lyapin A. , MacKay W. , Maier R. , Makino K. , Malitsky N. , Marciano W. J. , Meng W. , Meot F. , Metodiev E. M. , Miceli L. , Moricciani D. , Morse W. M. , Nagaitsev S. , Nayak S. K. , Orlov Y. F. , Ozben C. S. , Park S. T. , Pesce A. , Petrakou E. , Pile P. , Podobedov B. , Polychronakos V. , Pretz J. , Ptitsyn V. , Ramberg E. , Raparia D. , Rathmann F. , Rescia S. , Roser T. , Kamal Sayed H. , Semertzidis Y. K. , Senichev Y. , Sidorin A. , Silenko A. , Simos N. , Stahl A. , Stephenson E. J. , Ströher H. , Syphers M. J. , Talman J. , Talman R. M. , Tishchenko V. , Touramanis C. , Tsoupas N. , Venanzoni G. , Vetter K. , Vlassis S. , Won E. , Zavattini G. , Zelenski A. , Zioutas K.
Published: November 2016

A new experiment is described to detect a permanent electric dipole moment of the proton with a sensitivity of 10−29 e ⋅ cm by using polarized “magic” momentum 0.7 GeV/c protons in an all-electric storage ring. Systematic errors relevant to the experiment are discussed and techniques to address them are presented. The measurement is sensitive to new physics beyond the standard model at the scale of 3000 TeV.
Stochastic simulation of anharmonic dissipation. I. Linear response regime
Authors: Yan Yun-An
Published: November 2016

Over decades, the theoretical study of the quantum dissipative dynamics was mainly based on the linear dissipation model. The study of the nonlinear dissipative dynamics in condensed phases, where there exist an infinite number of bath modes, is extremely difficult even if not impossible. This work put forward a stochastic scheme for the simulation of the nonlinear dissipative dynamics. In the linear response regime, the second-order cumulant expansion becomes exact to reproduce the effect of the bath on the evolution of the reduced system. Consequently, a Hermitian stochastic Liouville equation is derived without explicit treatment of the bath. Stochastic simulations for an anharmonic model illustrate that the dynamics dissipated by anharmonic bath exhibits substantial difference on temperature dependence compared to that with the Caldeira-Leggett model.
Information-theoretical noninvasive damage detection in bridge structures
Authors: Sudu Ambegedara Amila , Sun Jie , Janoyan Kerop , Bollt Erik
Published: November 2016

Damage detection of mechanical structures such as bridges is an important research problem in civil engineering. Using spatially distributed sensor time series data collected from a recent experiment on a local bridge in Upper State New York, we study noninvasive damage detection using information-theoretical methods. Several findings are in order. First, the time series data, which represent accelerations measured at the sensors, more closely follow Laplace distribution than normal distribution, allowing us to develop parameter estimators for various information-theoretic measures such as entropy and mutual information. Second, as damage is introduced by the removal of bolts of the first diaphragm connection, the interaction between spatially nearby sensors as measured by mutual information becomes weaker, suggesting that the bridge is “loosened.” Finally, using a proposed optimal mutual information interaction procedure to prune away indirect interactions, we found that the primary direction of interaction or influence aligns with the traffic direction on the bridge even after damaging the bridge.
Investigating tunnel and above-barrier ionization using complex-scaled coupled-cluster theory
Authors: Jagau Thomas-C.
Published: November 2016

The theory and implementation of the complex-scaled coupled-cluster method with singles and doubles excitations (cs-CCSD) for studying resonances induced by static electric fields are presented. Within this framework, Stark shifts and ionization rates are obtained directly from the real and imaginary parts of the complex energy. The method is applied to the ground states of hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, neon, argon, and carbon at varying field strengths. Complex-scaled Hartree-Fock, second-order many-body perturbation theory, and CCSD results are reported and analyzed with a focus on the impact of electron correlation on the ionization process. cs-CCSD calculations with suitably augmented standard Gaussian basis sets are found to deliver accurate strong-field ionization rates over a range of six orders of magnitude. The field-induced resonances are characterized beyond energy and ionization rate through their dipole moments, second moments, as well as Dyson orbitals and comparisons are drawn to autoionizing and autodetaching resonances. Marked differences are found between the tunneling and above-barrier regimes allowing for a clear distinction of the two mechanisms.
Absolute calibration of the OMEGA streaked optical pyrometer for temperature measurements of compressed materials
Authors: Gregor M. C. , Boni R. , Sorce A. , Kendrick J. , McCoy C. A. , Polsin D. N. , Boehly T. R. , Celliers P. M. , Collins G. W. , Fratanduono D. E. , Eggert J. H. , Millot M.
Published: November 2016

Experiments in high-energy-density physics often use optical pyrometry to determine temperatures of dynamically compressed materials. In combination with simultaneous shock-velocity and optical-reflectivity measurements using velocity interferometry, these experiments provide accurate equation-of-state data at extreme pressures (P > 1 Mbar) and temperatures (T > 0.5 eV). This paper reports on the absolute calibration of the streaked optical pyrometer (SOP) at the Omega Laser Facility. The wavelength-dependent system response was determined by measuring the optical emission from a National Institute of Standards and Technology–traceable tungsten-filament lamp through various narrowband (40-nm-wide) filters. The integrated signal over the SOP’s ∼250-nm operating range is then related to that of a blackbody radiator using the calibrated response. We present a simple closed-form equation for the brightness temperature as a function of streak-camera signal derived from this calibration. Error estimates indicate that brightness temperature can be inferred to a precision of <5%.
Time-dependent density functional theory for the charging kinetics of electric double layer containing room-temperature ionic liquids
Authors: Lian Cheng , Zhao Shuangliang , Liu Honglai , Wu Jianzhong
Published: November 2016

Understanding the charging kinetics of electric double layers is of fundamental importance for the design and development of novel electrochemical devices such as supercapacitors and field-effect transistors. In this work, we study the dynamic behavior of room-temperature ionic liquids using a classical time-dependent density functional theory that accounts for the molecular excluded volume effects, the electrostatic correlations, and the dispersion forces. While the conventional models predict a monotonic increase of the surface charge with time upon application of an electrode voltage, our results show that dispersion between ions results in a non-monotonic increase of the surface charge with the duration of charging. Furthermore, we investigate the effects of van der Waals attraction between electrode/ionic-liquid interactions on the charging processes.
Electrical properties of p-ZnTe/n+-GaAs junctions grown at different Te/Zn beam equivalent pressure ratios by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kolkovsky V. , Kolkovsky Vl. , Karczewski G.
Published: November 2016

Electrical properties of undoped and N-doped p-ZnTe/n+-GaAs diodes grown by molecular beam epitaxy at different Te/Zn beam equivalent pressure (BEP) ratios were investigated. For undoped p-ZnTe layers, the diodes exhibited pronounced rectifying features at room temperature, with a rectification ratio of more than 104 and leakage currents of about 10−6 A/cm2. The leakage current increased in samples grown with a higher Te/Zn BEP ratio, and a higher net free carrier concentration, which can be correlated with the presence of zinc vacancies, was observed in such samples. Intentional doping of p-type ZnTe by nitrogen further increased the net free carrier concentration and leakage currents in the structures. This effect can be ascribed to the formation of NTe defects acting as shallow acceptors in ZnTe. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and high-resolution Laplace DLTS studies of undoped p-ZnTe/n+-GaAs diodes showed two dominant peaks H330 and H330′ in samples grown with the Te/Zn BEP ratio below 2. We tentatively assigned H330 to an oxygen-related defect, which also resulted in a broad photoluminescence band at about 1.78 eV.