bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Gas Migration, Sustained Casing Pressure, and Surface Casing Vent Flow in Onshore Oil and Gas Wells
Authors: Lackey G. , Rajaram H.
Published: December 2018

Faulty oil and gas wellbores are a primary pathway of concern for gas migration from the deep subsurface into shallow freshwater aquifers. Leaked gases migrating vertically along wellbores either collect and build a pressure at the wellhead known as sustained casing pressure (SCP) or escape into the atmosphere as surface casing vent flow (SCVF). SCP and SCVF are valuable indicators of integrity loss that provide insight into the potential for groundwater contamination through gas migration. Previous models of SCP and SCVF have focused on offshore wells and have not considered the relationship between SCP/SCVF and gas migration away from onshore wells. We present the first modeling framework for SCP and SCVF that is applicable to onshore oil and gas wells constructed with outermost annuli that are hydraulically connected or “open” to the surrounding formation. Our results show that SCP behavior is unique in onshore wells with open annuli, because steady state SCP is not achieved in an open annulus unless gas escapes the wellbore via gas migration (Darcy Flow), a wellhead leak, or a controlled bleed‐off test. We show that appropriately modeling gas leakage along the wellbore and SCP/SCVF helps to constrain methane leakage fluxes from faulty wells and could be integrated with subsurface flow and transport models of stray gas contamination. By relating gas fluxes to SCP/SCVF, our model can provide information used to support regulatory actions informed by SCP/SCVF, which are easy to measure and monitor.
First principles calculation of spin-related quantities for point defect qubit research
Authors: Ivády Viktor , Abrikosov Igor A. , Gali Adam
Published: December 2018

Point defect research in semiconductors has gained remarkable new momentum due to the identification of special point defects that can implement qubits and single photon emitters with unique characteristics. Indeed, these implementations are among the few alternatives for quantum technologies that may operate even at room temperature, and therefore discoveries and characterization of novel point defects may highly facilitate future solid state quantum technologies. First principles calculations play an important role in point defect research, since they provide a direct, extended insight into the formation of the defect states. In the last decades, considerable efforts have been made to calculate spin-dependent properties of point defects from first principles. The developed methods have already demonstrated their essential role in quantitative understanding of the physics and application of point defect qubits. Here, we review and discuss accuracy aspects of these novel ab initio methods and report on their most relevant applications for existing point defect qubits in semiconductors. We pay attention to the advantages and limitations of the methodological solutions and highlight additional developments that are expected in the near future. Moreover, we discuss the opportunity of a systematic search for potential point defect qubits, as well as the possible development of predictive spin dynamic simulations facilitated by ab initio calculations of spin-dependent quantities.
Tailoring properties of hybrid perovskites by domain-width engineering with charged walls
Authors: Chen Lan , Paillard Charles , Zhao Hong Jian , Íñiguez Jorge , Yang Yurong , Bellaiche Laurent
Published: December 2018

Charged ferroelectric domain walls are fascinating electrical topological defects that can exhibit unusual properties. Here, in the search for novel phenomena, we perform and analyze first-principles calculations to investigate the effect of domain width on properties of domains with charged walls in the photovoltaic material consisting of methylammonium lead iodide hybrid perovskite. We report that such domains are stable and have rather low domain wall energy for any investigated width (that is, up to 13 lattice constants). Increasing the domain width first linearly decreases the electronic band gap from ≃1.4 eV to about zero (which therefore provides an efficient band-gap engineering), before the system undergoes an insulator-to-metal transition and then remains metallic (with both the tail-to-tail and head-to-head domain walls being conductive) for the largest widths. All these results can be understood in terms of: (i) components of polarization along the normal of the domain walls being small in magnitude; (ii) an internal electric field that is basically independent of the domain width; and (iii) rather negligible charge transfer between walls. These findings deepen the knowledge of charged ferroelectric domain walls and can further broaden their potential for applications, particularly in the context of halide perovskites for photovoltaics.
Spike sorting based on shape, phase, and distribution features, and K-TOPS clustering with validity and error indices
Authors: Caro-Martín Carmen Rocío , Delgado-García José M. , Gruart Agnès , Sánchez-Campusano R.
Published: December 2018

Spike sorting is one of the most important data analysis problems in neurophysiology. The precision in all steps of the spike-sorting procedure critically affects the accuracy of all subsequent analyses. After data preprocessing and spike detection have been carried out properly, both feature extraction and spike clustering are the most critical subsequent steps of the spike-sorting procedure. The proposed spike sorting approach comprised a new feature extraction method based on shape, phase, and distribution features of each spike (hereinafter SS-SPDF method), which reveal significant information of the neural events under study. In addition, we applied an efficient clustering algorithm based on K-means and template optimization in phase space (hereinafter K-TOPS) that included two integrative clustering measures (validity and error indices) to verify the cohesion-dispersion among spike events during classification and the misclassification of clustering, respectively. The proposed method/algorithm was tested on both simulated data and real neural recordings. The results obtained for these datasets suggest that our spike sorting approach provides an efficient way for sorting both single-unit spikes and overlapping waveforms. By analyzing raw extracellular recordings collected from the rostral-medial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) of behaving rabbits during classical eyeblink conditioning, we have demonstrated that the present method/algorithm performs better at classifying spikes and neurons and at assessing their modulating properties than other methods currently used in neurophysiology.
Rotational direction of flagellar motor from the conformation of FliG middle domain in marine Vibrio
Authors: Nishikino Tatsuro , Hijikata Atsushi , Miyanoiri Yohei , Onoue Yasuhiro , Kojima Seiji , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Homma Michio
Published: December 2018

FliG, which is composed of three distinctive domains, N-terminal (N), middle (M), and C-terminal (C), is an essential rotor component that generates torque and determines rotational direction. To determine the role of FliG in determining flagellar rotational direction, we prepared rotational biased mutants of fliG in Vibrio alginolyticus. The E144D mutant, whose residue is belonging to the EHPQR-motif in FliGM, exhibited an increased number of switching events. This phenotype generated a response similar to the phenol-repellent response in chemotaxis. To clarify the effect of E144D mutation on the rotational switching, we combined the mutation with other che mutations (G214S, G215A and A282T) in FliG. Two of the double mutants suppressed the rotational biased phenotype. To gain structural insight into the mutations, we performed molecular dynamic simulations of the FliGMC domain, based on the crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima FliG and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Furthermore, we examined the swimming behavior of the fliG mutants lacking CheY. The results suggested that the conformation of FliG in E144D mutant was similar to that in the wild type. However, that of G214S and G215A caused a steric hindrance in FliG. The conformational change in FliGM triggered by binding CheY may lead to a rapid change of direction and may occur in both directional states.
Rational truncation of aptamer for cross-species application to detect krait envenomation
Authors: Dhiman Abhijeet , Anand Anjali , Malhotra Anita , Khan Eshan , Santra Vishal , Kumar Amit , Sharma Tarun Kumar
Published: December 2018

In majority of snakebite cases, the snake responsible for the bite remains unidentified. The traditional snakebite diagnostics method relies upon clinical symptoms and blood coagulation assays that do not provide accurate diagnosis which is important for epidemiological as well as diagnostics point of view. On the other hand, high batch-to-batch variations in antibody performance limit its application for diagnostic assays. In recent years, nucleic acid aptamers have emerged as a strong chemical rival of antibodies due to several obvious advantages, including but not limited to in vitro generation, synthetic nature, ease of functionalization, high stability and adaptability to various diagnostic formats. In the current study, we have rationally truncated an aptamer developed for α-Toxin of Bungarus multicinctus and demonstrated its utility for the detection of venom of Bungarus caeruleus. The truncated aptamer α-Tox-T2 (26mer) is found to have greater affinity than its 40-mer parent counterpart α-Tox-FL. The truncated aptamers are characterized and compared with parent aptamer for their binding, selectivity, affinity, alteration in secondary structure and limit of detection. Altogether, our findings establish the cross-species application of a DNA aptamer generated for α-Toxin of Bungarus multicinctus (a snake found in Taiwan and China) for the reliable detection of venom of Bungarus caeruleus (a snake found in the Indian subcontinent).
Quantitative evaluation of comb-structure correction methods for multispectral fibrescopic imaging
Authors: Waterhouse Dale J. , Luthman A. Siri , Yoon Jonghee , Gordon George S. D. , Bohndiek Sarah E.
Published: December 2018

Removing the comb artifact introduced by imaging fibre bundles, or ‘fibrescopes’, for example in medical endoscopy, is essential to provide high quality images to the observer. Multispectral imaging (MSI) is an emerging method that combines morphological (spatial) and chemical (spectral) information in a single data ‘cube’. When a fibrescope is coupled to a spectrally resolved detector array (SRDA) to perform MSI, comb removal is complicated by the demosaicking step required to reconstruct the multispectral data cube. To understand the potential for using SRDAs as multispectral imaging sensors in medical endoscopy, we assessed five comb correction methods with respect to five performance metrics relevant to biomedical imaging applications: processing time, resolution, smoothness, signal and the accuracy of spectral reconstruction. By assigning weights to each metric, which are determined by the particular imaging application, our results can be used to select the correction method to achieve best overall performance. In most cases, interpolation gave the best compromise between the different performance metrics when imaging using an SRDA.
The function of supplemental foods for improved crop establishment of generalist predators Orius insidiosus and Dicyphus hesperus
Authors: Labbé Roselyne M. , Gagnier Dana , Kostic Ana , Shipp Les
Published: December 2018

As with many biological control agents, generalist predators rarely survive prolonged periods of prey scarcity. Towards improving crop establishment of two major predators used in North America, Orius insidiosus and Dicyphus hesperus, this study examined the role of supplemental foods in achieving greater predator survival and faster development. In controlled environment trials, developmental time and survival were compared for predators offered diets including Ephestia eggs, Artemia cysts, Typha pollen, or combinations of these. Nymphal developmental time was significantly shorter and survival greater for both predators reared on diets that included Ephestia eggs. Interestingly, D. hesperus could successfully complete nymphal development on Artemia cysts whereas O. insidiosus could not, alluding to fundamental physiological differences between these predators. In greenhouse assays, D. hesperus was more abundant after six weeks when offered diets that included Ephestia eggs either alone or in combination with pollen or Artemia cysts relative to other diets. In contrast, only diets of Ephestia eggs, Typha pollen or their combination could significantly increase O. insidiosus crop abundance relative to the unfed control. Together, this work highlights important differences in the relative values of supplemental foods for generalist predators used in crop protection. It is also meaningful in guiding biocontrol practitioners globally in the rapidly growing sector of greenhouse vegetable production.
Increased expression of EZH2 indicates aggressive potential of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhou , Liu Nan , Zhang Jingqi , Ji Huixiang , Liu Yuting , Yang Jin , Chen Zhiwen
Published: December 2018

Here, we attempt to better define the long-term outcomes of radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial carcinoma (UC) in a Chinese population and to investigate the relationship between EZH2 protein expression levels and the clinicopathological parameters and outcomes in patients with UC. We detected the relative EZH2 protein expression levels by immunohistochemistry in tumour specimens from a cohort of 189 Chinese UC patients. In patients who underwent RC, the 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were 69% and 61% respectively. EZH2 expression was increased in UC compared with normal urothelium. The expression levels of EZH2 were elevated in parallel with tumour stage (p = 0.001) and tumour grade (p = 0.001) and were increased in cases with lymph node metastasis compared with node-negative cases (p = 0.018). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that higher EZH2 expression was related to significantly shorter CSS and OS in patients who underwent RC. High EZH2 expression was associated with worse CSS (HR = 3.51; p = 0.037) and OS (HR = 2.15; p = 0.047) in the univariate analysis, but only lymph node invasion maintained its predictive value for CSS in a multivariate model. This contemporary and homogeneous single-centre series found acceptable outcomes for Chinese UC patients who underwent RC. Clinically, our retrospective studies suggest that EZH2 levels can be used to identify more aggressive phenotypes in UC patients, thereby improving our prognostic knowledge.
Frequent lucid dreaming associated with increased functional connectivity between frontopolar cortex and temporoparietal association areas
Authors: Baird Benjamin , Castelnovo Anna , Gosseries Olivia , Tononi Giulio
Published: December 2018

Humans typically lack awareness that they are dreaming while dreaming. However, at times a remarkable exception occurs and reflective consciousness can be regained while dreaming, referred to as lucid dreaming. While most individuals experience lucid dreams rarely there is substantial variance in lucid dream frequency. The neurobiological basis of lucid dreaming is unknown, but evidence points to involvement of anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) and parietal cortex. This study evaluated the neuroanatomical/neurofunctional correlates of frequent lucid dreams and specifically whether functional connectivity of aPFC is associated with frequent lucid dreams. We analyzed structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging from an exceptional sample of fourteen individuals who reported ≥3 lucid dreams/week and a control group matched on age, gender and dream recall that reported ≤1 lucid dream/year. Compared to controls, the frequent lucid dream group showed significantly increased resting-state functional connectivity between left aPFC and bilateral angular gyrus, bilateral middle temporal gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus, and higher node degree and strength in left aPFC. In contrast, no significant differences in brain structure were observed. Our results suggest that frequent lucid dreaming is associated with increased functional connectivity between aPFC and temporoparietal association areas, regions normally deactivated during sleep.
Deep sequencing of circulating exosomal microRNA allows non-invasive glioblastoma diagnosis
Authors: Ebrahimkhani Saeideh , Vafaee Fatemeh , Hallal Susannah , Wei Heng , Lee Maggie Yuk T. , Young Paul E. , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Beadnall Heidi , Barnett Michael H. , Shivalingam Brindha , Suter Catherine M. , Buckland Michael E. , Kaufman Kimberley L.
Published: December 2018

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles released by many cells that contain molecules characteristic of their cell of origin, including microRNA. Exosomes released by glioblastoma cross the blood–brain barrier into the peripheral circulation and carry molecular cargo distinct to that of “free-circulating” miRNA. In this pilot study, serum exosomal microRNAs were isolated from glioblastoma (n = 12) patients and analyzed using unbiased deep sequencing. Results were compared to sera from age- and gender-matched healthy controls and to grade II–III (n = 10) glioma patients. Significant differentially expressed microRNAs were identified, and the predictive power of individual and subsets of microRNAs were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses. Additional sera from glioblastoma patients (n = 4) and independent sets of healthy (n = 9) and non-glioma (n = 10) controls were used to further test the specificity and predictive power of this unique exosomal microRNA signature. Twenty-six microRNAs were differentially expressed in serum exosomes from glioblastoma patients relative to healthy controls. Random forest modeling and data partitioning selected seven miRNAs (miR-182-5p, miR-328-3p, miR-339-5p, miR-340-5p, miR-485-3p, miR-486-5p, and miR-543) as the most stable for classifying glioblastoma. Strikingly, within this model, six iterations of these miRNA classifiers could distinguish glioblastoma patients from controls with perfect accuracy. The seven miRNA panel was able to correctly classify all specimens in validation cohorts (n = 23). Also identified were 23 dysregulated miRNAs in IDHMUT gliomas, a partially overlapping yet distinct signature of lower-grade glioma. Serum exosomal miRNA signatures can accurately diagnose glioblastoma preoperatively. miRNA signatures identified are distinct from previously reported “free-circulating” miRNA studies in GBM patients and appear to be superior.
An ultra-sensitive and ratiometric fluorescent probe based on the DTBET process for Hg2+detection and imaging applications
Authors: Jiang Yin , Duan Qinya , Zheng Guansheng , Yang Liu , Zhang Jie , Wang Yafeng , Zhang Huatang , He Jun , Sun Hongyan , Ho Derek
Published: December 2018

A ratiometric fluorescent probe based on DTBET has been designed, which shows >30 000-fold fluorescence ratio increment upon reaction with Hg2+.
Multi-modal optimization of bismuth vanadate photoanodes via combinatorial alloying and hydrogen processing
Authors: Newhouse P. F. , Guevarra D. , Umehara M. , Boyd D. A. , Zhou L. , Cooper J. K. , Haber J. A. , Gregoire J. M.
Published: December 2018

Exploration of alloying and thermal processing of BiVO4 reveals the ability to combine strategies for improving carrier transport, and the common role of rare earths in co-alloying.
Directly monitoring the active sites of charge transfer in heterocyclesin situand in real time
Authors: Ye Shuji , Tan Junjun , Tian Kangzhen , Li Chuanzhao , Zhang Jiahui , Luo Yi
Published: December 2018

Coherent degenerate infrared-infrared-visible sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy provides a powerful label-free probe for identifying the vibrational modes that are coupled through the electronic statesin situand in real time.
Customized mesoporous metal organic frameworks engender stable enzymatic nanoreactors
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Baslyman Walaa , Yang Peng , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: December 2018

Here, the porosity of a metal organic framework (MIL-101) is tailored by the choice of the solvent occupying the pores in a template free acid etching process.
Elucidating cation–cation interactions in neptunyl dications using multi-referenceab initiotheory
Authors: Łachmańska Aleksandra , Tecmer Paweł , Legeza Örs , Boguslawski Katharina
Published: December 2018

Understanding the binding mechanism in neptunyl clusters formed due to cation–cation interactions is of crucial importance in nuclear waste reprocessing and related areas of research.
Theoretical insights into photo-induced electron transfer at BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) (001) surfaces and interfaces
Authors: Li Tan , Zhang Xiaochao , Zhang Changming , Li Rui , Liu Jianxin , Lv Rui , Zhang Hui , Han Peide , Fan Caimei , Zheng Zhanfeng
Published: December 2018

Self-endowed internal electric field (IEF) of BiOX crystals affects the effective electrons through O → Bi → X → X → Bi → O path to BiOX(001) interfaces with the key roles of X as “Magpie Bridge”.
Understanding the entropic effect in chorismate mutase reaction catalyzed by isochorismate-pyruvate lyase fromPseudomonas aeruginosa(PchB)
Authors: Xie Liangxu , Yang Mingjun , Chen Zhe-Ning
Published: December 2018

The substrate preorganization process in the entropically driven PchB-catalyzed chorismate mutase reaction leads to a remarkable apparent entropic effect.
Ethyl lactate as a renewable carbonyl source for the synthesis of diynones
Authors: Solas Marta , Suárez-Pantiga Samuel , Sanz Roberto
Published: December 2018

Ethyl lactate, a sustainable feedstock, serves as a highly attractive building block for the synthesis of value-added chemicals such as skipped diynones and, after gold-catalyzed transposition, conjugated diynones.
Versatile platform for performing protocols on a chip utilizing surface acoustic wave (SAW) driven mixing
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Devendran Citsabehsan , Lupton Christopher , de Marco Alex , Neild Adrian
Published: December 2018

We present a dextrous microfluidic device which features a reaction chamber with volume flexibility and acoustic mixing.
In situmanipulation of fluorescence resonance energy transfer between quantum dots and monolayer graphene oxide by laser irradiation
Authors: He Wenjun , Qin Chengbing , Qiao Zhixing , Gong Yani , Zhang Xiaorong , Zhang Guofeng , Chen Ruiyun , Gao Yan , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: December 2018

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer between CdSeTe/ZnS quantum dots and monolayer graphene oxide isin situmanipulated by laser irradiation.
Unexpected redox behaviour of large surface alumina containing highly dispersed ceria nanoclusters
Authors: Fonseca Juliana , Bion Nicolas , Licea Yordy E. , Morais Cláudia M. , Rangel Maria do Carmo , Duprez Daniel , Epron Florence
Published: December 2018

In CeO2–Al2O3 prepared by the EISA route, Ce4+ can be totally reduced into Ce3+ between 400 and 500 °C with the participation of Al2O3 in the reversible reduction process.
In vivoprogramming of tumor mitochondria-specific doxorubicin delivery by a cationic glycolipid polymer for enhanced antitumor activity
Authors: Tan Yanan , Yang Xiqin , Dai Suhuan , Lian Keke , Wen Lijuan , Zhu Yun , Meng Tingting , Liu Xuan , Yuan Hong , Hu Fuqiang
Published: December 2018

C-P-CSOSA/DOX exhibited effective mitochondria-targeted capabilityin vitroandin vivo, based on a skeletal polymer with cationic and lipophilic character.
Tungstic acid-functionalized Fe3O4@TiO2: preparation, characterization and its application for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives as a reusable magnetic nanocatalyst
Authors: Gholtash Jamileh Etemad , Farahi Mahnaz
Published: December 2018

A new nanocatalyst based on the immobilization of tungstic acid onto 3-chloropropyl-grafted TiO2-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@TiO2@(CH2)3OWO3H) was prepared, characterized, and applied for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles.
Design of a multi-well plate for high-throughput characterization of heterogeneous catalysts by XRD, FT-IR, Raman and XRF spectroscopies
Authors: Thuriot-Roukos J. , Bennis M. , Heuson E. , Roussel P. , Dumeignil F. , Paul S.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a methodology to design a versatile, unique multi-well plate for high-throughput characterisation of heterogeneous catalyst by 4 different techniques (IR, Raman, XRF and XRD).
NMR-based investigations of acyl-functionalized piperazines concerning their conformational behavior in solution
Authors: Wodtke Robert , Steinberg Janine , Köckerling Martin , Löser Reik , Mamat Constantin
Published: December 2018

The influence of substituents on rotational and inversion barriers in benzoylpiperazines was investigated by dynamic NMR and the observed effects were quantified by correlation analyses using Hammett substituent parameters.
Sonochemical synthesis of a 2D–2D MoSe2/graphene nanohybrid electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Kirubasankar Balakrishnan , Vijayan Shobana , Angaiah Subramania
Published: December 2018

A sonochemical route is used to prepare a few layers of MoSe2 and its 2D–2D nanohybrid is prepared with graphene by a solvothermal process. This nanohybrid exhibits a high specific capacitance of 945 F g−1. An ASC device MoSe2/G‖AC is fabricated, which delivers an energy density of 26.6 W h kg−1 and a power density of 0.8 kW kg−1.
A simple landscape of metastable state energies for two-dimensional cellular matter
Authors: Kim Sangwoo , Hilgenfeldt Sascha
Published: December 2018

A linear theory accurately predicts the entire range of metastable state energies in diverse soft matter and biological cellular systems.
Realizing stable lithium deposition by in situ grown Cu2S nanowires inside commercial Cu foam for lithium metal anodes
Authors: Huang Zhijia , Zhang Chen , Lv Wei , Zhou Guangmin , Zhang Yunbo , Deng Yaqian , Wu Haoliang , Kang Feiyu , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: December 2018

Cu2S NWs are grown inside a commercial Cu foam which help realize the uniform lithium deposition and suppress the dendrite growth by the increased surface area and lithiophilic surface modification at the same time.
Enzymatic synthesis of PEG–poly(amine-co-thioether esters) as highly efficient pH and ROS dual-responsive nanocarriers for anticancer drug delivery
Authors: Gong Yi-hong , Shu Man , Xie Jian-hua , Zhang Chao , Cao Zhong , Jiang Zhao-zhong , Liu Jie
Published: December 2018

Novel multifunctional drug nanocarriers with pH and ROS dual-responsibilities were developed using enzymatically synthesized materials.
Two new magnetic hollandites A1.5Ru6.1Cr1.9O16 (A = Sr, Ba): magnetoresistance and thermopower
Authors: Pawula Florent , Hébert Sylvie , Pelloquin Denis , Maignan Antoine
Published: December 2018

The magnetic and transport properties of two hollandites, Sr1.5Ru6.1Cr1.9O16 and Ba1.5Ru6.1Cr1.9O16, crystallizing in the I4/m space group, have been investigated.
Diverse sensor responses from two functionalized tris(phthalocyaninato)europium ambipolar semiconductors towards three oxidative and reductive gases
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Wang Haoyuan , Wang Xiangyang , Li Shaoren , Liu Heyuan , Chen Yanli , Li Xiyou
Published: December 2018

The first sensor array consisting of two ambipolar triphthalocyanines for sensitive detection and discrimination of three toxic gases with ultralow concentrations.
The split protein phosphatase system
Authors: Bertolotti Anne
Published: December 2018

Reversible phosphorylation of proteins is a post-translational modification that regulates all aspect of life through the antagonistic action of kinases and phosphatases. Protein kinases are well characterized, but protein phosphatases have been relatively neglected. Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of a major fraction of phospho-serines and phospho-threonines in cells and thereby controls a broad range of cellular processes. In this review, I will discuss how phosphatases were discovered, how the view that they were unselective emerged and how recent findings have revealed their exquisite selectivity. Unlike kinases, PP1 phosphatases are obligatory heteromers composed of a catalytic subunit bound to one (or two) non-catalytic subunit(s). Based on an in-depth study of two holophosphatases, I propose the following: selective dephosphorylation depends on the assembly of two components, the catalytic subunit and the non-catalytic subunit, which serves as a high-affinity substrate receptor. Because functional complementation of the two modules is required to produce a selective holophosphatase, one can consider that they are split enzymes. The non-catalytic subunit was often referred to as a regulatory subunit, but it is, in fact, an essential component of the holoenzyme. In this model, a phosphatase and its array of mostly orphan substrate receptors constitute the split protein phosphatase system. The set of potentially generalizable principles outlined in this review may facilitate the study of these poorly understood enzymes and the identification of their physiological substrates.
Application of the Communication Complexity Scale in Peer and Adult Assessment Contexts for Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Thiemann-Bourque Kathy S. , Brady Nancy , Hoffman Lesa
Published: December 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure changes in communication of preschoolers with autism using the Communication Complexity Scale (CCS;
Brady et al., 2012
) and to examine the utility of the CCS in measuring pretreatment and posttreatment changes within peer and adult assessment contexts.

Method

The CCS was used to code preassessment and postassessment for 23 children with autism randomly assigned to a treatment that incorporated a peer-mediated approach and a speech-generating device and 22 assigned to a business-as-usual condition with untrained peers. Children were assessed in 2 structured 30-min contexts—1 with an adult examiner and 1 with a peer partner coached by an adult.

Results

Children in both groups showed significant changes in communication complexity CCS scores from pretreatment to posttreatment in the adult and peer contexts. At both occasions, CCS scores were higher with adult partners yet showed greater improvements over time with peer partners.

Conclusions

Results showed that the CCS was sensitive to change over time but did not discriminate changes in communication complexity associated with maturation versus treatment. It did show some differences based on interactions with peer versus adult partners. Outcomes provide preliminary support for using this scale to measure communication changes in different contexts.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7408856
Evaluation of Can eddy current losses and Can circulating current losses between the Can and end structures in double canned induction motors
Authors: Gao Lianlian , Wang Dongmei , Liang Yanping , Wang Chenguang
Published: December 2018

The stator Can and rotor Can are unique structures in double canned induction motors, and Can losses include Can eddy current losses and Can circulating current losses between the Can and other end structures. However, the current research of Can losses is mainly focused on Can eddy current losses, and operation conditions are limited to the no‐load condition, rated‐load condition and start condition. Aiming at this problem, two kinds of Can losses are calculated and analysed in details. The influence factors are researched. Based on this, a reduction method of Can losses is proposed, and the efficiency curve is provided. Calculation results are compared with test values to validate the accuracy of the solving model. The reliable basis is provided for reducing Can losses in double canned induction motors.
Sliding‐mode observer based sensorless vector control of LFSPM motor for long‐distance drive system
Authors: Cao Ruiwu , Jiang Ning , Lu Minghang , Zhang Yanze , Cheng Ming
Published: December 2018

A new series of linear flux‐switching permanent magnet (LFSPM) motors has elicited considerable attention. This series incorporates the merits of the high efficiency of permanent magnet linear motors and the low cost of linear switched reluctance motors for a long‐distance drive system. However, the vector control of the LFSPM motor requires an expensive and unreliable linear encoder, which must be as long as the entire railway (or at least the whole linear motor). Such a large encoder will lead to extra costs and will even weaken the benefit of the motor performance. Thus, developing its sensorless control for engineering applications is necessary. Sliding‐mode sensorless control has the advantage of strong robustness to parameter variations and external disturbances, as well as high dynamic performance, which is important for long‐distance drive systems. The proposed algorithms can extend the minimum operating speed, thereby enabling the motor to work at a lower speed. Both simulation and experimental results are provided for verification.
InP AAC for data compression applications
Authors: Pinho Cátia , Neto Berta , Morgado Tiago , Neto Hugo , Lima Mário , Teixeira António
Published: December 2018

The authors propose a 2 × 2 asymmetric adiabatic coupler (AAC) indium phosphide (InP) photonic integrated circuit (PIC), suitable for tunable power applications such as all‐optical data processing. The device was idealised as the key building block in Haar transform network used for image compression, allowing to perform the necessary separate addition and subtraction of incoming input signals at its output ports. The tunable behaviour of the coupler was demonstrated experimentally for addition/subtraction and splitting (with experimental coupling ratios of 77:23/14:86 and 50:50, respectively) through phase control. The use of the developed InP PIC enables a low footprint structure design together with the high‐quality active components (lasers, photodetectors and phase modulators) of Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Heinrich Hertz Institute design toolkit. The proposed study provides a full experimental characterisation of the AAC, exploring its tuning properties and enabling further usage in a plethora of applications in high processing computing and data communications.
Influence of light source on the strain sensitivity of a polarisation maintaining fibre loop mirror based on voltage demodulation
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhang Mengqi
Published: December 2018

The sensitivity is an important performance for a polarisation maintaining fibre (PMF) loop mirror (PM‐FLM) sensor based on voltage demodulation. This paper investigates the method of improving the strain sensitivity of a PM‐FLM based on voltage demodulation, including the demodulation principle, the derivation of the output light power equation, and experimentally studies on the strain sensitivity of a PM‐FLM with different narrow‐band input light source. The results show that the PM‐FLM using a high‐power light source as input has a high strain sensitivity but a small linear range of strain measurement, and the PM‐FLM using a low‐power light source as input has a low strain sensitivity but a large linear range of strain measurement. Hence, a high‐power narrow‐band light source as input can be chosen to improve the strain sensitivity, and the authors can also reduce the input light source power to enlarge the linear range of strain measurement.
Overview of wireless charging and vehicle‐to‐grid integration of electric vehicles using renewable energy for sustainable transportation
Authors: Joseph Peter K. , Devaraj Elangovan , Gopal Arunkumar
Published: December 2018

The quest for energy conservation is a thought‐provoking conundrum to researchers. Time to time they contributed towards this pursuit. In the 19th century, it was a fascinating idea about electric vehicles (EVs). As most of the developing countries depend on conventional energy sources, integration of EVs with renewable energy sources justified the cause. The parking slots became transformed into unlimited sources of clean energy. For the comfort of charging and better energy management, wireless power transfer technology was introduced to the charging station. As a fulfilment of the technology, the vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) integration was implemented. It helped the bi‐directional power flow between the vehicle and the grid with renewable energy. This study presents an extensive review of the renewable energy powered wireless charging and V2G integration of EVs. Various topologies are discussed with mathematical explanations and block diagrams. Concepts are validated with PSIM simulations.
Sliding mode observer for sensorless control of surface permanent magnet synchronous motor equipped with LC filter
Authors: Xu Yongxiang , Wang Minghui , Zhang Wentao , Zou Jibin
Published: December 2018

This study proposes a sliding mode observer (SMO) based method for sensorless speed control of surface permanent magnet synchronous motor equipped with LC filter. To deal with side effects of pulse width modulation technique, LC filters are equipped between inverters and motors in some industrial applications. Therefore, filter input currents rather than stator currents will be measured by current sensors on the inverter board. Sensorless operation becomes complicated due to the differences between filter input and stator currents. When only inverter‐side current sensors are installed, the mathematical model of the LC filter should be considered. Hereby, the proposed SMO takes the LC filter into consideration, so additional measurement of stator currents is not necessary. Back electromotive forces of the PMSM are estimated by the SMO, and the rotor speed and position are calculated by the phase locked loop. The proposed approach features simplicity, and it is suitable for medium‐ and high‐speed ranges. Simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Improvements in primary frequency regulation of the grid‐connected variable speed wind turbine
Authors: Abouzeid Said I. , Guo Yufeng , Zhang Hao‐Chun , Ma Xintong
Published: December 2018

Primary frequency regulation capability of the wind turbine generators is an appealing topic in order to consider safe increasing of the wind power integration into power grids. This study introduces improvements in the primary frequency contribution of the grid‐connected variable speed wind turbine generators, which operate under de‐loaded conditions. A new dynamic droop control approach based on the fuzzy logic system is proposed. In this control approach, the droop setting is continuously adjusted in response to the de‐loaded rotor speed, the frequency deviation, and the rate of change of frequency. In addition, a new dynamic de‐loading technique based on the Sugeno–Fuzzy inference system is proposed where the de‐loading percentage of the wind turbine generator is decided continuously according to the frequency deviation. The effectiveness of the proposed dynamic de‐loading and dynamic droop control approaches is verified through extensive comparative studies. The simulation results confirmed that the proposed control approaches have the ability to provide transient and steady‐state power‐sharing and improve effectively the frequency stabilisation of the power system within the stable and secure limits of the wind turbine.
One‐day ahead predictive management of building hybrid power system improving energy cost and batteries lifetime
Authors: Habib Mustapha , Ladjici Ahmed Amine , Bollin Elmar , Schmidt Michael
Published: December 2018

In recent times, the energy consumed by buildings facilities became considerable. Efficient local energy management is vital to deal with building power demand penalties. This operation becomes complex when a hybrid energy system is included in the power system. This study proposes new energy management between photovoltaic (PV) system, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and the power network in a building by controlling the PV/BESS inverter. The strategy is based on explicit model predictive control (MPC) to find an optimal power flow in the building for one‐day ahead. The control algorithm is based on a simple power flow equation and weather forecast. Then, a cost function is formulated and optimised using genetic algorithms‐based solver. The objective is reducing the imported energy from the grid preventing the saturation and emptiness of BESS. Including other targets to the control policy as energy price dynamic and BESS degradation, MPC can optimise dramatically the efficacy of the global building power system. The strategy is implemented and tested successfully using MATLAB/SimPowerSystems software, compared to classical hysteresis management, MPC has given 10% in energy cost economy and 25% improvement in BESS lifetime.
Grid‐connection analysis of hydro‐turbine generator unit with stochastic disturbance
Authors: Liu Jing , Xu Beibei , Chen Diyi , Li Jianling , Gao Xiang , Liu Gongcheng
Published: December 2018

Here, the authors bring attention to the stability of the hydro‐turbine generator unit (HTGU) with stochastic disturbance during the grid‐connection process. First, the stochastic factor of the water head is innovatively introduced to the hydro‐turbine governing system (HTGS) during the start‐up process of the HTGU. Then, the dynamic characteristics of the start‐up and grid‐connection process are studied under different stochastic intensities and different values of three system parameters by two different methods, in detail. The results show that the stability of grid‐connection is affected obviously by the various intensities of stochastic water head, and there are some interesting phenomena and significant laws. Meanwhile, the values of the HTGS parameters show certain effect on the resistance of HTGS to the stochastic disturbance. Finally, this study can provide a theoretical basis for improving the probability of success in combining the HTGU to the grid in practical process.
Research on variable pressure characteristics of step variable hydraulic hybrid system based on cartridge value group
Authors: Li Chunshuang , Wang Xin , Wang Jiayi , Wang Li , Liu Xinhui
Published: December 2018

Compared with the traditional hydraulic hybrid system, step variable hydraulic hybrid power system has the advantages of low cost, fast response and pollution resistance. However, the existing variable elements are heavy, and the control valve group has the disadvantages of insufficient through‐flow capacity, large flow resistance, large leakage and reversing impact. In this study, the hydraulic components integrated by the cartridge valve group which can replace the traditional three‐position four‐way valve group are applied to the hydraulic hybrid power system. The AMESim simulation models of directional cartridge valve and the step variable hydraulic hybrid power system are established in this study. Through simulation analysis, it is verified that the cartridge valve integrated element can replace the traditional reversing valve to solve the defects of cumbersome components and insufficient through‐flow capacity. Some important parameters of the system components are simulated and analysed. The simulation results can be used to improve the design efficiency and ensure the design quality.
Single‐phase cuprite thin films prepared by a one‐step low‐vacuum thermal oxidation technique
Authors: Du Wenhan , Yang Jingjing , Zhang Keke
Published: December 2018

Cu2 O thin film solar cells have attracted the interest of many researchers owing to their non‐toxic and earth‐abundant properties. High‐quality pure‐phase Cu2 O thin films were prepared by using a simple low‐vacuum thermal annealing technique. The growth temperatures of the Cu2 O thin films were varied from 400 to 1000°C. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the structural and morphological changes of the thin films. The XRD results suggested that all the films were pure‐phase Cu2 O; thus, no second‐phase CuO was observed. The detailed evolution of the surface morphology was investigated. The electron dispersion spectrum (EDS) results show that the atomic ratio of Cu and O were changed with the annealing temperature, the ratio change from around 2:1 to 1.84:1 with the turning temperature of 800°C, indicating copper vacancy formed during annealing temperature higher than 800°C. EDS results well matched the d‐spacing changes of the XRD results.
The ALHAMBRA survey: tight dependence of the optical mass-to-light ratio on galaxy colour up to z = 1.5
Authors: López-Sanjuan C. , Díaz-García L. A. , Cenarro A. J. , Fernández-Soto A. , Viironen K. , Molino A. , Benítez N. , Cristóbal-Hornillos D. , Moles M. , Varela J. , Arnalte-Mur P. , Ascaso B. , Castander F. J. , Cerviño M. , González Delgado R. M. , Husillos C. , Márquez I. , Masegosa J. , Del Olmo A. , Pović M. , Perea J.
Published: December 2018

Aims. Our goal is to characterise the dependence of the optical mass-to-light ratio on galaxy colour up to z = 1.5, expanding the redshift range explored in previous work.

Methods. From the redshifts, stellar masses, and rest-frame luminosities of the ALHAMBRA multi-filter survey, we derive the mass-to-light ratio versus colour relation for quiescent and for star-forming galaxies. The intrinsic relation and its physical dispersion are derived with a Bayesian inference model.

Results. The rest-frame i-band mass-to-light ratio of quiescent and star-forming galaxies presents a tight correlation with the rest-frame (g − i) colour up to z = 1.5. The mass-to-light ratio versus colour relation is linear for quiescent galaxies and quadratic for star-forming galaxies. The intrinsic dispersion in these relations is 0.02 dex for quiescent galaxies and 0.06 dex for star-forming ones. The derived relations do not present a significant redshift evolution and are compatible with previous local results in the literature. Finally, these tight relations also hold for g- and r-band luminosities.

Conclusions. The derived mass-to-light ratio versus colour relations in ALHAMBRA can be used to predict the mass-to-light ratio from a rest-frame optical colour up to z = 1.5. These tight correlations do not change with redshift, suggesting that galaxies have evolved along the derived relations during the last 9 Gyr.