bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constructing Robust Cooperative Networks using a Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Jing
Published: January 2017

The design and construction of network structures oriented towards different applications has attracted much attention recently. The existing studies indicated that structural heterogeneity plays different roles in promoting cooperation and robustness. Compared with rewiring a predefined network, it is more flexible and practical to construct new networks that satisfy the desired properties. Therefore, in this paper, we study a method for constructing robust cooperative networks where the only constraint is that the number of nodes and links is predefined. We model this network construction problem as a multi-objective optimization problem and propose a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, named MOEA-Netrc, to generate the desired networks from arbitrary initializations. The performance of MOEA-Netrc is validated on several synthetic and real-world networks. The results show that MOEA-Netrc can construct balanced candidates and is insensitive to the initializations. MOEA-Netrc can find the Pareto fronts for networks with different levels of cooperation and robustness. In addition, further investigation of the robustness of the constructed networks revealed the impact on other aspects of robustness during the construction process.
Quantum Interference and Selectivity through Biological Ion Channels
Authors: Salari Vahid , Naeij Hamidreza , Shafiee Afshin
Published: January 2017

The mechanism of selectivity in ion channels is still an open question in biology for more than half a century. Here, we suggest that quantum interference can be a solution to explain the selectivity mechanism in ion channels since interference happens between similar ions through the same size of ion channels. In this paper, we simulate two neighboring ion channels on a cell membrane with the famous double-slit experiment in physics to investigate whether there is any possibility of matter-wave interference of ions via movement through ion channels. Our obtained decoherence timescales indicate that the quantum states of ions can only survive for short times, i.e. ≈100 picoseconds in each channel and ≈17–53 picoseconds outside the channels, giving the result that the quantum interference of ions seems unlikely due to environmental decoherence. However, we discuss our results and raise few points, which increase the possibility of interference.
IL-32 promoter SNP rs4786370 predisposes to modified lipoprotein profiles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Damen Michelle S. M. A. , Agca Rabia , Holewijn Suzanne , de Graaf Jacqueline , Dos Santos Jéssica C. , van Riel Piet L. , Fransen Jaap , Coenen Marieke J. H. , Nurmohamed Mike T. , Netea Mihai G. , Dinarello Charles A. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Heinhuis Bas , Popa Calin D.
Published: January 2017

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Interleukin (IL)-32 has previously been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of RA and might be linked to the development of atherosclerosis. However, the exact mechanism linking IL-32 to CVD still needs to be elucidated. The influence of a functional genetic variant of IL-32 on lipid profiles and CVD risk was therefore studied in whole blood from individuals from the NBS cohort and RA patients from 2 independent cohorts. Lipid profiles were matched to the specific IL-32 genotypes. Allelic distribution was similar in all three groups. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) were observed in individuals from the NBS cohort and RA patients from the Nijmegen cohort homozygous for the C allele (p = 0.0141 and p = 0.0314 respectively). In contrast, the CC-genotype was associated with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and total cholesterol (TC) in individuals at higher risk for CVD (plaque positive) (p = 0.0396; p = 0.0363 respectively). Our study shows a functional effect of a promoter single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in IL32 on lipid profiles in RA patients and individuals, suggesting a possible protective role of this SNP against CVD.
Litchi seed extracts diminish prostate cancer progression
via induction of apoptosis and attenuation of EMT through Akt/GSK-3β
signaling
Authors: Guo Hongwei , Luo Hua , Yuan Hebao , Xia Yudui , Shu Pan , Huang Xin , Lu Yi , Liu Xia , Keller Evan T. , Sun Duxin , Deng Jiagang , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2017

Litchi (Litchi chinensisSonnnerat,
Sapindaceae), known as Chinese Cherry, is a subtropical fruit tree
originating from southern China. Litchi seed extracts have diverse pharmacological
effects, including anticancer. However, its anticancer effects and mechanisms on
prostate cancer have not been determined. In this study, we used n-butyl alcohol
extract of Litchi seed (NLS) to treat prostate cancer PC3, DU145, RM1 and C4-2B
cells. NLS induced a significant decrease in cell viability and clonogenic growth in
a dose-dependent manner. NLS induced cell apoptosis and cell cycle G1/S phase arrest
by inactivating Akt signaling pathway, which were associated with activation of
mitochondrial caspase-dependent apoptotic cascades, up-regulation of
cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p21 and p27, and inhibition of correlated
cyclin/CDK network. In addition, NLS treatment significantly decreased cell
migration and invasion via phenotypic inversion of EMT, correlated with increased
expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and decreased expression of vimentin and
snail, which is partially attributed to inhibiting Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
Finally, PC3 xenograft nude mice treated with NLS in
vivo showed a significant decrease in tumor size without toxicity.
These findings suggest that NLS has potential for development into a safe and potent
alternative therapy for prostate cancer patients.
Baseline quasispecies selection and novel mutations contribute to emerging resistance-associated substitutions in hepatitis C virus after direct-acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Kai Yugo , Hikita Hayato , Morishita Naoki , Murai Kazuhiro , Nakabori Tasuku , Iio Sadaharu , Hagiwara Hideki , Imai Yasuharu , Tamura Shinji , Tsutsui Syusaku , Naito Masafumi , Nishiuchi Meiko , Kondo Yasuteru , Kato Takanobu , Suemizu Hiroshi , Yamada Ryoko , Oze Tsugiko , Yakushijin Takayuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: January 2017

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) appear upon failure of treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, their origin has not been clarified in detail. Among 11 HCV genotype 1b patients who experienced virologic failure with asunaprevir (ASV)/daclatasvir (DCV), 10 had major NS5A L31M/V-Y93H variants after treatment. L31M/V-Y93H variants were detected as a minor clone before therapy in 6 patients and were the most closely related to the post-treatment variants by phylogenetic tree analysis in 4 patients. Next, to consider the involvement of a trace amount of pre-existing variants below the detection limit, we analysed human hepatocyte chimeric mice infected with DAA-naïve patient serum. L31V-Y93H variants emerged after treatment with ledipasvir (LDV)/GS-558093 (nucleotide NS5B inhibitor) and decreased under the detection limit, but these variants were dissimilar to the L31V-Y93H variants reappearing after ASV/DCV re-treatment. Finally, to develop an infection derived from a single HCV clone, we intrahepatically injected full-genome HCV RNA (engineered based on the wild-type genotype 1b sequence) into chimeric mice. A new Y93H mutation actually occurred in this model after LDV monotherapy failure. In conclusion, post-treatment RASs appear by 2 mechanisms: the selection of pre-existing substitutions among quasispecies and the generation of novel mutations during therapy.
Emergence of consensus as a modular-to-nested transition in communication dynamics
Authors: Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Baños Raquel A. , Gracia-Lázaro Carlos , Moreno Yamir
Published: January 2017

Online social networks have transformed the way in which humans communicate and interact, leading to a new information ecosystem where people send and receive information through multiple channels, including traditional communication media. Despite many attempts to characterize the structure and dynamics of these techno-social systems, little is known about fundamental aspects such as how collective attention arises and what determines the information life-cycle. Current approaches to these problems either focus on human temporal dynamics or on semiotic dynamics. In addition, as recently shown, information ecosystems are highly competitive, with humansandmemes striving for scarce resources –visibility and attention, respectively. Inspired by similar problems in ecology, here we develop a methodology that allows to cast all the previous aspects into a compact framework and to characterize, using microblogging data, information-driven systems as mutualistic networks. Our results show that collective attention around a topic is reached when the user-meme network self-adapts from a modular to a nested structure, which ultimately allows minimizing competition and attaining consensus. Beyond a sociological interpretation, we explore such resemblance to natural mutualistic communitiesviawell-known dynamics of ecological systems.
Basophil-derived IL-6 regulates TH17 cell differentiation and CD4 T cell immunity
Authors: Yuk Chae Min , Park Hyeung Ju , Kwon Bo-In , Lah Sang Joon , Chang Jun , Kim Ji-Young , Lee Kyung-Mi , Park Su-Hyung , Hong Seokchan , Lee Seung-Hyo
Published: January 2017

Basophils are rare, circulating granulocytes proposed to be involved in T helper (TH) type 2 immunity, mainly through secretion of interleukin (IL)-4. In addition to IL-4, basophils produce IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in response to immunoglobulin E (IgE) crosslinking. Differentiation of TH17 cells requires IL-6 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, but whether basophils play a significant role in TH17 induction is unknown. Here we show a role for basophils in TH17 cell development by usingin vitroT cell differentiation andin vivoTH17-mediated inflammation models. Bone marrow derived-basophils (BMBs) and splenic basophils produce significant amounts of IL-6 as well as IL-4 following stimulation with IgE crosslink or cholera toxin (CT). In addition, through IL-6 secretion, BMBs cooperate with dendritic cells to promote TH17 cell differentiation. In the TH17 lung inflammation model, basophils are recruited to the inflamed lungs following CT challenge, and TH17 responses are significantly reduced in the absence of basophils or IL-6. Furthermore, reconstitution with wild-type, but not IL-6-deficient, basophils restored CT-mediated lung inflammation. Lastly, basophil-deficient mice showed reduced phenotypes of TH17-dependent experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Therefore, our results indicate that basophils are an important inducer of TH17 cell differentiation, which is dependent on IL-6 secretion.
Quantitative glycomics using liquid phase separations coupled to mass spectrometry
Authors: Smith Josh , Mittermayr Stefan , Váradi Csaba , Bones Jonathan
Published: January 2017

Current state of the art technologies in the field of quantitative glycomics using liquid phase separations and mass spectrometry and associated informatics strategies are reviewed.
Collision energy dependence of state-to-state differential cross sections for rotationally inelastic scattering of H2O by He
Authors: Sarma Gautam , Saha Ashim Kumar , Bishwakarma Chandan Kumar , Scheidsbach Roy , Yang Chung-Hsin , Parker David , Wiesenfeld Laurent , Buck Udo , Mavridis Lazaros , Marinakis Sarantos
Published: January 2017

The inelastic scattering of H2O by He as a function of collision energy in the range 381 cm−1 to 763 cm−1 has been investigated using velocity map imaging.
Unbinding of fluorinated oxime drug from the AChE gorge in polarizable water: a well-tempered metadynamics study
Authors: Pathak Arup Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Tusar
Published: January 2017

A well-tempered metadynamics study reveals that fluorinated obidoxime is held more firmly in the AChE gorge in comparison to obidoxime.
Large improvement of visible-light photocatalytic H2-evolution based on cocatalyst-free Zn0.5Cd0.5S synthesized through a two-step process
Authors: Shen Cong-Cong , Liu Ya-Nan , Zhou Xiao , Guo Hong-Li , Zhao Zhi-Wei , Liang Kuang , Xu An-Wu
Published: January 2017

Cocatalyst-free Zn0.5Cd0.5S (ZnCdS-CH) is synthesized through a two-step process as a highly active and stable photocatalyst for visible-light hydrogen evolution.
SERENADE: safer and ecodesign research and education applied to nanomaterial development, the new generation of materials safer by design
Authors: Bottero J. Y. , Rose J. , de Garidel C. , Masion A. , Deutsch Th. , Brochard G. , Carrière M. , Gontard N. , Wortham H. , Rabilloud T. , Salles B. , Dubosson M. , Cathala B. , Boutry D. , Ereskovsky A. , Auplat C. , Charlet L. , Heulin T. , Frejafon E. , Lanone S.
Published: January 2017

The SERENADE project aims to develop and apply the “safer by design” process to create safer nanoproducts.
Boron-doped reduced graphene oxide-based bimetallic Ni/Fe nanohybrids for the rapid dechlorination of trichloroethylene
Authors: Sahu Rama Shanker , Bindumadhavan Kartick , Doong Ruey-an
Published: January 2017

In this study, a simple chemical reduction method for the synthesis of novel and efficient graphene-based bimetallic Fe/Ni nanoparticles was developed for the rapid and effective dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE).
Single-cell resolution of intracellular T cell Ca2+dynamics in response to frequency-based H2O2stimulation
Authors: Kniss-James Ariel S. , Rivet Catherine A. , Chingozha Loice , Lu Hang , Kemp Melissa L.
Published: January 2017

Integration of a microfluidic device with live cell imaging enables the application of control theory for analyzing features T cell signaling at the single cell level.
High-precision isotopic analysis of Cu in blood serum via multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry for clinical investigation: steps towards improved robustness and higher sample throughput
Authors: Lauwens Sara , Costas-Rodríguez Marta , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Vanhaecke Frank
Published: January 2017

A procedure for Cu isolation from serum prior to MC-ICP-MS measurements was developed and applied in a clinical context. The serum Cu isotopic composition does not show diurnal variation.
Resealable, optically accessible, PDMS-free fluidic platform for ex vivo interrogation of pancreatic islets
Authors: Lenguito Giovanni , Chaimov Deborah , Weitz Jonathan R. , Rodriguez-Diaz Rayner , Rawal Siddarth A. K. , Tamayo-Garcia Alejandro , Caicedo Alejandro , Stabler Cherie L. , Buchwald Peter , Agarwal Ashutosh
Published: January 2017

Pancreatic islets on a chip platform.
Circularly polarized luminescence based chirality transfer of the chiral BINOL moiety via rigid π-conjugation chain backbone structures
Authors: Meng Fandian , Li Yunzhi , Zhang Wenjie , Li Shuhua , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: January 2017

Three kinds of chiral BINOL-based polymers could be synthesized by polymerization in a Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction.
Blue and orange oxygen responsive emissions in the solid state based on copper(i) complexes bearing dodecafluorinated diphosphine and 1,10-phenanthroline derivative ligands
Authors: Washimi Masaya , Nishikawa Michihiro , Shimoda Naohiro , Satokawa Shigeo , Tsubomura Taro
Published: January 2017

The copper(i) complexes bearing dodecafluoronated diphosphine and diimine ligands show reversible oxygen sensing abilities in the solid state.
Evaluation of a chloroaluminium phthalocyanine-loaded magnetic nanoemulsion as a drug delivery device to treat glioblastoma using hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy
Authors: de Paula L. B. , Primo F. L. , Pinto M. R. , Morais P. C. , Tedesco A. C.
Published: January 2017

The study describes the development of magnetic nanoemulsion loaded with citrate-coated maghemite nanoparticles and photosensitizer and the in vitro studies using cell lines while combining the use of hyperthermia and photodynamic therapy therapies.
The hematinic effect of Colla corii asini (Ejiao) using 1H-NMR metabolomics coupled with correlation analysis in APH-induced anemic rats
Authors: Tian Jun-sheng , Zhang Xiao , Liu Huan , Xiang Huan , Xing Jie , Zhang Li-zeng , Qin Xue-mei
Published: January 2017

Colla corii asini (Ejiao), a gelatin-like food and drug obtained from Equus asinus Linnaeus, has been widely used in clinical hematic antianemic therapy for more than 2000 years.
Development of small-volume, microfluidic chaotic mixers for future application in two-dimensional liquid chromatography
Authors: Ianovska Margaryta A. , Mulder Patty P. M. F. A. , Verpoorte Elisabeth
Published: January 2017

We report a microfluidic chaotic micromixer with staggered herringbone grooves having a geometry optimized for fast mobile-phase modification at the interface of a two-dimensional liquid chromatography system.
Catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction of Euglena sp. microalgae over zeolite catalysts for the production of bio-oil
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lin Qisong , Zhang Qinhui , Wu Kejing , Pu Weihua , Yang Mingde , Wu Yulong
Published: January 2017

In this paper, Euglena sp. microalgae with low lipid and high ash contents were successfully converted into bio-oil with/without catalysts through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) at 280 °C and a reaction time of 30 min.
Facile design of a ZnO nanorod–Ni core–shell composite with dual peaks to tune its microwave absorption properties
Authors: Deng Jiushuai , Wang Qibiao , Zhou Yuanyuan , Zhao Biao , Zhang Rui
Published: January 2017

The Ni/ZnO composites show two wide attractive absorption bands, which could broaden the effective absorption bandwidth.
Organocatalytic, enantioselective synthesis of benzoxaboroles via Wittig/oxa-Michael reaction Cascade of α-formyl boronic acids
Authors: Hazra Gurupada , Maity Sanjay , Bhowmick Sudipto , Ghorai Prasanta
Published: January 2017

An enantioselective synthesis of 3-substituted benzoxaboroles has been developed using organocatalysts with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%). The resulting benzoxaboroles were converted to the chiral β-hydroxy ketones without affecting the enantioselectivity.
Biomimicry of Cuscuta electrode design endows hybrid capacitor with ultrahigh energy density exceeding 2 mW h cm−2 at a power delivery of 25 mW cm−2
Authors: Chen Ying-Chu , Lin Yan-Gu , Hsu Yu-Kuei
Published: January 2017

Biomimicry of the Cuscutae design resulted in a supercapacitor with massive pseudocapacitive functionality implantation.
Grain-size dependence of the deterioration of oxygen transport for pure and 3 mol% Zr-doped Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ induced by thermal annealing
Authors: Saher Saim , Meffert Matthias , Störmer Heike , Gerthsen Dagmar , Bouwmeester Henny J. M.
Published: January 2017

Grain size, temperature and Zr-substitution are found to influence the performance decay of the mixed-conducting perovskite oxide Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ.
The application of Al2TiO5 at the TiO2/perovskite interface to decrease carrier losses in solar cells
Authors: Zhao Bingxin , Wen Xiaoru , Jiang Minlin , Wu Jiamin , Lan Fei , Wang Jinshu , Engelsen Daniel den , Li Guangyong , Gao Di
Published: January 2017

Recombination processes in Al-PSCs have been minimized by using ‘thickness-free’ post modification.
Selective and simultaneous removal of dibenzothiophene and 4-methyldibenzothiophene using double-template molecularly imprinted polymers on the surface of magnetic mesoporous silica
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Wei Jun
Published: January 2017

The double-template molecularly imprinted polymer on the surface of magnetic mesoporous silica could be separated by applying an external magnet.
Enhancing the biofuel upgrade performance for Pd nanoparticles via increasing the support hydrophilicity of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Sun Qi , Chen Meng , Aguila Briana , Nguyen Nicholas , Ma Shengqian
Published: January 2017

In this work, the influence of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials on the catalytic performance of supported Pd nanoparticles for biofuel upgrade was studied. We show that the introduction of hydrophilic groups on a MOF can greatly enhance the performance of the resultant catalyst. Specifically, Pd nanoparticles supported on MIL-101–SO3Na with superhydrophilicity (Pd/MIL-101–SO3Na) far outperforms pristine MIL-101 and the benchmark catalyst Pd/C in the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of vanillin, a model component of pyrolysis oil derived from the lignin fraction. This is attributed to a favorable mode of adsorption of the highly water soluble reactants on the more hydrophilic support in the vicinity of the catalytically active Pd nanoparticles, thereby promoting their transformation.
Comparison of free-radical inhibiting antioxidant properties of carvedilol and its phenolic metabolites
Authors: Malig Thomas C. , Ashkin Mitchell R. , Burman Austin L. , Barday Manuel , Heyne Belinda J. M. , Back Thomas G.
Published: January 2017

Carvedilol is a widely prescribed drug for the treatment of heart failure and the prevention of associated ventricular arrhythmias.
Correction: PEGylated gold nanoparticles: polymer quantification as a function of PEG lengths and nanoparticle dimensions
Authors: Rahme Kamil , Chen Lan , Hobbs Richard G. , Morris Michael A. , O'Driscoll Caitriona , Holmes Justin D.
Published: January 2017

Correction for ‘PEGylated gold nanoparticles: polymer quantification as a function of PEG lengths and nanoparticle dimensions’ by Kamil Rahme et al., RSC Adv., 2013, 3, 6085–6094.
Reduction chemistry of neptunium cyclopentadienide complexes: from structure to understanding
Authors: Dutkiewicz Michał S. , Apostolidis Christos , Walter Olaf , Arnold Polly L.
Published: January 2017

Structural investigation on neptunium cyclopentadienyl organometallic complexes in the formal oxidation states II, III, and IV: similarities and differences between Np and U.
Retrograde apoptotic signaling by the p75 neurotrophin receptor
Authors: Pathak Amrita , Carter Bruce D.
Published: January 2017

Neurotrophins are target-derived factors necessary for mammalian nervous system development and maintenance. They are typically produced by neuronal target tissues and interact with their receptors at axonal endings. Therefore, locally generated neurotrophin signals must be conveyed from the axon back to the cell soma. Retrograde survival signaling by neurotrophin binding to Trk receptors has been extensively studied. However, neurotrophins also bind to the p75 receptor, which can induce apoptosis in a variety of contexts. Selective activation of p75 at distal axon ends has been shown to generate a retrograde apoptotic signal, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. The present review summarizes the available evidence for retrograde proapoptotic signaling in general and the role of the p75 receptor in particular, with discussion of unanswered questions in the field. In-depth knowledge of the mechanisms of retrograde apoptotic signaling is essential for understanding the etiology of neurodegeneration in many diseases and injuries.
Reconfigurable multi‐channel RF crossbar switch matrix for MRI receiver front‐end
Authors: Lee H.L.
Published: January 2017

In this Letter, a highly reconfigurable crossbar transmission line switch matrix for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is proposed. Unlike the conventional M × N crossbar switch configuration, the proposed structure can manipulate 2M × N matrix without doubling the area occupancy. Also, the proposed structure includes the signal loss‐compensation circuitry based on inductor banks to enhance signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Thus, for any required numbers of input and output channels, the proposed structure can reduce the overall size, the number of required component, and even increase the quality of MR images by SNR enhancement. The proposed structure was implemented and verified at 4‐Tesla (170 MHz) MR system through the comparison of RF path loss, SNR and phantom test image qualities.
Lumped circuit‐based sizing of quasi‐Halbach PM excited T‐LSMs: application to free piston engines
Authors: Zouaghi Mohamed Wael , Abdennadher Imen , Masmoudi Ahmed
Published: January 2017

The study is aimed at a lumped circuit‐based sizing of tubular‐linear synchronous machines (T‐LSMs) equipped by quasi‐Halbach magnetised PMs in the mover. The proposed approach is initiated by the synthesis the T‐LSM lumped circuit, taking into account: (i) the saturation of the magnetic circuit, (ii) the leakage fluxes, (iii) the armature magnetic reaction, and (iv) the variation of the mover position. Then, formulations of different no‐load and load operation features are derived in terms of selected variables yielded by the proposed lumped circuit. Among these features, the main value of the developed force is selected as a sizing criterion whose variation with respect to different influent design parameters is investigated along with the armature current density. The lumped circuit‐based sizing approach enables the selection of a set of appropriate design parameters for which the formulated no‐load and load operation features are predicted. A dual validation of the obtained results by an analytical model based on the air gap flux density formulation on one hand, and a 2D finite element analysis on the other hand, proves the effectiveness of the proposed sizing approach.
Real‐time monitoring of zone 3 vulnerable distance relays to prevent maloperation under load encroachment condition
Authors: Ghanizadeh Bolandi Tohid , Haghifam Mahmoud Reza , Khederzadeh Mojtaba
Published: January 2017

Undesired trip operation of zone 3 units of distance relays in power transmission network, during static and dynamic load encroachment can lead to cascading failures and even catastrophic power system blackouts. Stressed conditions such as power ﬂow redistribution and power swing can cause maloperation of the third zone of distance relays. Fast and dependable detection of the symmetrical faults, occurring during these conditions poses an additional challenge. One of the effective methods to avoid the zone 3 contribution in cascading failure propagation is the detection and monitoring of vulnerable relays which are exposed to maloperation in power system stressed conditions. In this study, a new relay ranking index is proposed for real‐time identifying the zone 3 of distance relays, most vulnerable to incorrect operation due to load encroachment. A novel synchrophasor data‐based monitoring index is also presented for supervision of critical distance relays operation. This index is extracted based on positive‐sequence fault component phasors of the current and voltage signals obtained by modern PMUs or GPS based digital relays which have been reconfigured for this application. The proposed monitoring scheme is able to quickly distinguish the fault from load encroachment condition. The performance of the proposed supervisory scheme is evaluated and approved on a nine‐bus WSCC system.
Surgical Management of Ruptured Posterior Circulation Aneurysms – A Single Center Experience
Authors: Silva João , Machado Joana , Machado Ana , Pinheiro Célia , Rei Joaquim , Gomes Mário , Martins Valdemar , Carvalho Ernesto
Published: January 2017

Objective The treatment of ruptured aneurysms of the posterior circulation is a controversy in neurosurgery. The aim of this work is to describe the experience and results of the early surgical treatment of this pathology at Centro Hospitalar do Porto.

Method We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of all patients aged over 18 who, in the period between 1999–2013, were admitted to our center with the diagnosis of ruptured saccular posterior circulation aneurysm. The patients were clinically staged at admission using the Hunt & Hess (H&H) scale. The modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (mGOS) was used to assess the outcome at discharge and after 6 months.

Results Between 1999–2013, 59 patients underwent surgery for ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms. Eighty percent of the patients were female, and their average age was 58.7 years. Posterior-inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms accounted for 49.2% of surgeries, while basilar aneurysms accounted for 28.8%. Upon admission, 86.4% of patients were classified as H&H1–3, and 13.6% as H&H4–5. The outcomes at discharge and at 6 months were as follows: at discharge, mGOS1 in 5.1%, mGOS2–3 in 18.6%, and mGOS4–5 in 76.3%; at 6 months, mGOS1 in 10.2%, mGOS2–3 in 10.2%, and mGOS4–5 in 79.6%. There was a statistically significant correlation between basilar aneurysms and worse outcomes (p = 0.011). No correlation was found between the values of the H&H scale upon admission and outcome.

Conclusions The functional outcome of our group of patients is mainly in line with what is described in other series from the literature. However, there is a trend toward lower mortality but higher morbidity rates.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Effects of Struthanthus vulgaris
Authors: Marques Franciane , da Costa Maycow , Vittorazzi Cátia , Gramma Luciane , Barth Thiago , de Andrade Tadeu , Endringer Denise , Scherer Rodrigo , Fronza Marcio
Published: January 2017

Struthanthus vulgaris is probably the most common medicinal mistletoe plant in Brazil, and has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent and for cleaning skin wounds. Our proposal was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract and provide further insights of how this biological action could be explained using in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was preliminarily investigated in lipopolysaccharide/interferon gamma-stimulated macrophages based on their ability to inhibit nitric oxide production and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract was investigated in the mice carrageenan-induced inflammation air pouch model. The air pouches were inoculated with carrageenan and then treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg of S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract or 1 mg/kg of dexamethasone. Effects on the immune cell infiltrates, pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1, interleukin 10, and nitric oxide, were evaluated. The chemical composition of S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract was characterized by LC-MS/MS. In vitro S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in macrophages and did not reveal any cytotoxicity. In vivo, S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract significantly suppressed the influx of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, protein exudation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1 concentrations in the carrageenan-induced inflammation air pouch. In conclusion, S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract exhibited prominent anti-inflammatory effects, thereby endorsing its usefulness as a medicinal therapy against inflammatory diseases, and suggesting that S. vulgaris ethanol leaf extract may be a source for the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory agents.
Inverse-collimated proton radiography for imaging thin materials
Authors: Freeman Matthew S. , Allison Jason , Andrews Malcolm , Ferm Eric , Goett John J. , Kwiatkowski Kris , Lopez Julian , Mariam Fesseha , Marr-Lyon Mark , Martinez Michael , Medina Jason , Medina Patrick , Merrill Frank E. , Morris Chris L. , Murray Matthew M. , Nedrow Paul , Neukirch Levi P. , Prestridge Katherine , Rigg Paolo , Saunders Alexander , Schurman Tamsen , Tainter Amy , Trouw Frans , Tupa Dale , Tybo Josh , Vogan-McNeil Wendy , Wilde Carl
Published: January 2017

Relativistic, magnetically focused proton radiography was invented at Los Alamos National Laboratory using the 800 MeV LANSCE beam and is inherently well-suited to imaging dense objects, at areal densities >20 g cm−2. However, if the unscattered portion of the transmitted beam is removed at the Fourier plane through inverse-collimation, this system becomes highly sensitive to very thin media, of areal densities <100 mg cm−2. Here, this inverse-collimation scheme is described in detail and demonstrated by imaging Xe gas with a shockwave generated by an aluminum plate compressing the gas at Mach 8.8. With a 5-mrad inverse collimator, an areal density change of just 49 mg cm−2 across the shock front is discernible with a contrast-to-noise ratio of 3. Geant4 modeling of idealized and realistic proton transports can guide the design of inverse-collimators optimized for specific experimental conditions and show that this technique performs better for thin targets with reduced incident proton beam emittance. This work increases the range of areal densities to which the system is sensitive to span from ∼25 mg cm−2 to 100 g cm−2, exceeding three orders of magnitude. This enables the simultaneous imaging of a dense system as well as thin jets and ejecta material that are otherwise difficult to characterize with high-energy proton radiography.
An origin behind Rashba spin splitting within inverted doped sGe heterostructures
Authors: Hassan A. H. A. , Morris R. J. H. , Mironov O. A. , Gabani S. , Dobbie A. , Leadley D. R.
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we demonstrate why cubic Rashba spin splitting is observed within inverted doped strained germanium (sGe) hetrostructures. Magnetotransport measurements showed beating within the SdH oscillation, with fast Fourier analysis revealing cubic Rashba spin splitting to be present. A cubic Rashba coefficient of β=7.97×10−29 eVm3 and a spin-splitting energy of Δ=1.17 meV were determined. The source of the cubic Rashba spin splitting was identified from a combination of ultra low energy secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis and subsequent band structure modelling using Nextnano3. Ultra-low energy secondary ion mass spectrometry revealed an unintentional, highly B doped near surface region accounted for structure inversion asymmetry, whereas subsequent band structure modelling using Nextnano3 demonstrates how this asymmetric B doping generates structural inversion asymmetry within the sGe QW structure and cubic Rashba spin splitting realized.
Data-driven sensitivity inference for Thomson scattering electron density measurement systems
Authors: Fujii Keisuke , Yamada Ichihiro , Hasuo Masahiro
Published: January 2017

We developed a method to infer the calibration parameters of multichannel measurement systems, such as channel variations of sensitivity and noise amplitude, from experimental data. We regard such uncertainties of the calibration parameters as dependent noise. The statistical properties of the dependent noise and that of the latent functions were modeled and implemented in the Gaussian process kernel. Based on their statistical difference, both parameters were inferred from the data. We applied this method to the electron density measurement system by Thomson scattering for the Large Helical Device plasma, which is equipped with 141 spatial channels. Based on the 210 sets of experimental data, we evaluated the correction factor of the sensitivity and noise amplitude for each channel. The correction factor varies by ≈10%, and the random noise amplitude is ≈2%, i.e., the measurement accuracy increases by a factor of 5 after this sensitivity correction. The certainty improvement in the spatial derivative inference was demonstrated.
Photoisomerization pathways and Raman activity of 1,1′-difluorostilbene
Authors: Dobryakov A. L. , Quick M. , Richter C. , Knie C. , Ioffe I. N. , Granovsky A. A. , Mahrwald R. , Ernsting N. P. , Kovalenko S. A.
Published: January 2017

The photoisomerization of 1,1′-difluorostilbene, following S0→S1 optical excitation in solution, was studied with femtosecond broadband transient absorption and stimulated Raman spectroscopy, and by quantum-chemical calculations. In n-hexane, trans-to-cis (t→c) isomerization starts with Franck-Condon relaxation (τ1t = 0.07 ps) followed by nearly barrierless torsion around the ethylenic bond (τ2t ≈ 0.3 ps) to a perpendicular conformation P. About 50% of the excited molecules are trapped in P, while others reach the S1(cis) conformation adiabatically. For the opposite cis-to-trans (c→t) path, the dynamics in n-hexane (τ1c = 0.04 ps, τ2c = 0.7 ps) suggest a 5 kJ/mol barrier between the relaxed S1(cis) and P states. The subsequent P decay with τ3 = 0.4 ps is followed by much slower ground-state recovery (τ4 ≈ 3 ps), indicating an intermediate state X. The t→P and c→P torsion depend on solvent viscosity and polarity, whereas the P→X→S0 relaxation and residual torsion is viscosity-independent but still polarity-dependent. Photoisomerization yields are derived from the transient absorption data and compared to those from actinometric measurements. Low-frequency oscillations in the transient signal are assigned to nuclei motions. Transient and stationary stimulated Raman spectra are compared to calculations. Early Franck-Condon Raman spectra differ from those of the quasistationary trans or cis S1 state. The photoisomerization behavior of stilbene and vinyl-substituted derivatives is compared and the general features are discussed.
Radially symmetric sign-definite solutions for a class of nonlocal Schrödinger equations
Authors: Zhang Yong-Chao , Zhou Qinglong
Published: January 2017

We study a class of nonlinear Schrödinger equations driven by the infinitesimal generators of some general rotationally invariant Lévy processes and with general nonlinearity. Regularity, sign-preserving property, and radial symmetry are shown for the solutions to the Schrödinger equations.
Effect of cracking on the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials
Authors: Zhang A. B. , Wang B. L. , Wang J. , Du J. K. , Xie C.
Published: January 2017

Analytical solutions for a rectangular thermoelectric plate with a crack under combined electrical and temperature loadings are obtained. The electric current density and energy flux intensity factors at the crack tip are calculated. The effective thermoelectric properties are obtained. From the results, it is found that both effective electric and heat conductivities are reduced by increasing the crack size. However, the thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the thermoelectric plate is independent of the crack size if the crack face boundary conditions are assumed to be electrically and thermally insulated. In addition, the effect of thermoelectric properties and size of an inclusion on the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is also discussed, and the condition for high efficiency thermoelectric materials is identified. This is the first theoretical paper to study the effect of cracking on the thermoelectric properties by a rigorous inference of mathematics and physics.
A first principle study of graphene functionalized with hydroxyl, nitrile, or methyl groups
Authors: Barhoumi M. , Rocca D. , Said M. , Lebègue S.
Published: January 2017

By means of ab initio calculations, we study the functionalization of graphene by different chemical groups such as hydroxyl, nitrile, or methyl. Two extreme cases of functionalization are considered: a single group on a supercell of graphene and a sheet of graphene fully functionalized. Once the equilibrium geometry is obtained by density functional theory, we found that the systems are metallic when a single group is attached to the sheet of graphene. With the exception of the nitrile functionalized boat configuration, a large bandgap is obtained at full coverage. Specifically, by using the GW approximation, our calculated bandgaps are direct and range between 5.0 and 5.5 eV for different configurations of hydroxyl functionalized graphene. An indirect GW bandgap of 6.50 eV was found in nitrile functionalized graphene while the methyl group functionalization leads to a direct bandgap with a value of 4.50 eV. Since in the two limiting cases of minimal and full coverage, the electronic structure changes drastically from a metal to a wide bandgap semiconductor, a series of intermediate states might be expected by tuning the amount of functionalization with these different groups.
An easily fabricated three-dimensional threaded lemniscate-shaped micromixer for a wide range of flow rates
Authors: Rafeie Mehdi , Welleweerd Marcel , Hassanzadeh-Barforoushi Amin , Asadnia Mohsen , Olthuis Wouter , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid
Published: January 2017

Mixing fluid samples or reactants is a paramount function in the fields of micro total analysis system (μTAS) and microchemical processing. However, rapid and efficient fluid mixing is difficult to achieve inside microchannels because of the difficulty of diffusive mass transfer in the laminar regime of the typical microfluidic flows. It has been well recorded that the mixing efficiency can be boosted by migrating from two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) geometries. Although several 3D chaotic mixers have been designed, most of them offer a high mixing efficiency only in a very limited range of Reynolds numbers (Re). In this work, we developed a 3D fine-threaded lemniscate-shaped micromixer whose maximum numerical and empirical efficiency is around 97% and 93%, respectively, and maintains its high performance (i.e., >90%) over a wide range of 1 < Re < 1000 which meets the requirements of both the μTAS and microchemical process applications. The 3D micromixer was designed based on two distinct mixing strategies, namely, the inducing of chaotic advection by the presence of Dean flow and diffusive mixing through thread-like grooves around the curved body of the mixers. First, a set of numerical simulations was performed to study the physics of the flow and to determine the essential geometrical parameters of the mixers. Second, a simple and cost-effective method was exploited to fabricate the convoluted structure of the micromixers through the removal of a 3D-printed wax structure from a block of cured polydimethylsiloxane. Finally, the fabricated mixers with different threads were tested using a fluorescent microscope demonstrating a good agreement with the results of the numerical simulation. We envisage that the strategy used in this work would expand the scope of the micromixer technology by broadening the range of efficient working flow rate and providing an easy way to the fabrication of 3D convoluted microstructures.
The importance of the electron mean free path for superconducting radio-frequency cavities
Authors: Maniscalco J. T. , Gonnella D. , Liepe M.
Published: January 2017

Impurity-doping of niobium is an exciting new technology in the field of superconducting radio-frequency accelerators, producing cavities with record-high quality factor Q0 and Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer surface resistance that decreases with increasing radio-frequency field. Recent theoretical work has offered a promising explanation for this so-called “anti-Q-slope,” but the link between the decreasing surface resistance and the shortened electron mean free path of doped cavities has remained elusive. In this work, we investigate this link, finding that the magnitude of this decrease varies directly with the mean free path: shorter mean free paths correspond to stronger anti-Q-slopes. We draw a theoretical connection between the mean free path and the overheating of the quasiparticles, which leads to the reduction of the anti-Q-slope towards the normal Q-slope of long-mean-free-path cavities. We also investigate the sensitivity of the residual resistance to trapped magnetic flux, a property that is greatly enhanced for doped cavities, and calculate an optimal doping regime for a given amount of trapped flux.
Temperature and pressure coefficients of iron resonant impurity level in PbTe
Authors: Skipetrov E. P. , Kruleveckaya O. V. , Skipetrova L. A. , Slynko V. E.
Published: January 2017

We investigate temperature dependences of galvanomagnetic parameters in weak magnetic fields (4.2 ≤ T ≤ 300 K, B ≤ 0.07 T) in the p-Pb1−yFeyTe alloy from the middle part of the single-crystal ingot, where the Fermi level is pinned by the resonant impurity level lying under the top of the valence band. Experiments are performed under hydrostatic compression up to 10 kbar. Using scanning electron microscopy, we find microscopic inclusions of the secondary phase enriched with iron and show that the main phase is characterized by a good uniformity of the spatial distribution of impurities. A monotonous increase of the free hole concentration at liquid-helium temperature under pressure and anomalous temperature dependences of the Hall coefficient in the whole investigated pressure range are revealed. Experimental results are explained by a model assuming pinning of the Fermi level by the impurity level and a redistribution of electrons between the valence band and impurity states with increasing temperature and under pressure. In the framework of the two-band Kane dispersion law, theoretical temperature dependences of the Hall coefficient under pressure, which are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental ones at low temperatures, are calculated and temperature and pressure coefficients of the iron deep level are determined. Diagrams of the electronic structure rearrangement with increasing temperature for Pb1−yFeyTe at pressures up to 10 kbar are proposed.
Ab initio modeling of vacancies, antisites, and Si dopants in ordered InGaAs
Authors: Wang Jingyang , Lukose Binit , Thompson Michael O. , Clancy Paulette
Published: January 2017

In0.53Ga0.47As, a III–V compound semiconductor with high electron mobility, is expected to bring better performance than silicon in next-generation n-type MOSFET devices. However, one major challenge to its wide scale adoption is the difficulty of obtaining high enough dopant activation. For Si-doped InGaAs, the best current experimental result, involving 10 min of furnace annealing at temperatures above 700 °C, yields a free electron concentration of 1.4×1019 cm–3, a value that still falls short of requirement for practical applications. In this paper, we investigate the origin of low dopant activation in InGaAs by calculating formation energies for a wide variety of single point defects (Si substutionals, Si tetrahedral interstitials, vacancies, and antisites) in Si-doped In0.5Ga0.5As in a CuAu-I type crystal structure. We find that (1) a high electron concentration can only be achieved under In/Ga-poor growth conditions, while As-poor conditions inhibit n-type doping; and (2) in heavily n-doped samples, cation vacancies VIn/Ga−3 contribute the most to the compensation of excess Si donors via the Si  III-VIII mechanism (III = In/Ga), thus becoming the limiting factor to higher dopant activation. Under the most favorable growth conditions for n-doping, we find the maximum carrier concentration to be 5.2×1018 cm−3 under thermal equilibrium, within an order of magnitude of the best experimental value.
Droplet etched GaAs quantum dots close to surfaces and metallic interfaces
Authors: Heyn Ch. , Zocher M. , Pudewill L. , Runge H. , Küster A. , Hansen W.
Published: January 2017

GaAs quantum dots (QDs) with a thin cap layer are studied as building blocks for self-aligned hybrids with a metallic nanostructure (MN). Both constituents are filled into a nanohole template that is drilled into an AlGaAs surface by self-assembled local droplet etching during molecular beam epitaxy. In a first series of samples, the interaction of a near AlGaAs surface with a single QD at varied distance is studied using microphotoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. With decreasing distance down to 12.5 nm, surface charges cause an increase in the exciton radiative lifetime, the formation of charged excitons, and a broadening of the exciton PL peaks. The PL peak broadening is quantitatively analyzed on the basis of an analytical model assuming temporal fluctuations of the surface charge. In a second sample series, the nanoholes are filled in addition with an Au nanostructure. The optical spectra are similar to those from QDs without a metal but with a slightly stronger PL peak broadening. For a small distance of 12.5 nm clearly within the optical near-field of the MN, the QDs show a typical PL linewidth of 430 μeV that is still small enough to separate different excitonic lines.