bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Texturing and Photocatalytic Efficiency in TiO2 Films Grown Using Aerosol‐Assisted CVD and Atmospheric Pressure CVD
Authors: Diesen Veronica , Jonsson Mats , Parkin Ivan P.
Published: November 2013

Four different TiO2 films are formed on glass at 500°C by aerosol‐assisted (AA)CVD, atmospheric pressure (AP)CVD, AACVD followed by APCVD, and APCVD followed by AACVD. The APCVD films are formed from reaction of TiCl4(g) whilst the AACVD films are made by decomposing Ti[OCH(CH3)2]4 contained in an aerosol. The film composition is studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to ascertain the purity of the films, and no Cl traces can be found on any of the surfaces. The use of different combinations of CVD gives rise to significant changes in microstructure and preferred orientations. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Raman spectroscopy (RS) confirm that TiO2 in the anatase form is the dominant phase on all samples. All films show superhydrophilicity after 50 min of black‐light irradiation. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the films are assessed qualitatively by an ink test based on Resazurin, and quantitatively studied by measuring formaldehyde formation from tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris). Both methods show that the AACVD film and the film seeded by APCVD are the most photocatalytically efficient ones, both having an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of around 4.2%, while the APCVD film and the film seeded by AACVD have an AQY of 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively. The changes in photocatalytic activity are explained in part by changes in film microstructure and the accessible surface area.
A Proxy Communication Method in Machine‐to‐Machine System to Enable the Device Connection to Different Multiple Services and Its Implementation
Authors: Kitagami Shinji , Kaneko Yosuke , Yasuda Akihisa , Minemura Harumi , Koizumi Hisao
Published: November 2013

The use of machine‐to‐machine (M2M) systems has spread among people seeking to connect devices with remote systems via the Internet to provide services such as remote maintenance and remote energy management without human intervention. For the access network for M2M systems, not only security and immediacy, but also multiservice connectivity is required, which makes it possible to connect devices with multiple services. In this paper, an M2M proxy communication method is proposed as a communication method that achieves multiservice connectivity and security and immediacy at the same time. In the proposed method, a proxy server located between devices and application servers relays communications among them. In the relay processing, multiservice connectivity of the access network is achieved by performing access or exclusive control to devices. By adopting the M2M proxy communication method, the access network simultaneously provides multiservice connectivity, security, and immediacy at low cost without introducing any special scheme into devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 74–84, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11474
Study of Plant Bioelectric Potential Response Due to Photochemical Reaction and Carbon‐Fixation Reaction in Photosynthetic Process
Authors: Ando Ki , Hasegawa Yuki , Yaji Tamaki , Uchida Hidekazu
Published: November 2013

We focused on measurement of the bioelectric potential as a method of evaluating plant activities and supporting effective cultivation. In this study, we investigated the bioelectric potential response due to photochemical reactions and carbon‐fixation reactions in the process of photosynthesis. First, we measured the bioelectric potential when illumination was started and stopped, under N2 gas conditions in order to suppress the carbon‐fixation reaction and respiration. It was found that the amplitude of the potential response was related to the illumination intensity and the wavelength. We considered that the amplitude of the potential response under N2 conditions indicated the activity of the photochemical reaction. Based on this result, we investigated the potential response under room air conditions. If the carbon‐fixation reaction was deactivated by a long dark period, a significant potential decrease was observed when illumination started. In contrast, if the carbon‐fixation reaction remained active during a short dark period, the potential decrease was slight or none regardless of the photosynthetic rate. Therefore, we considered that this potential decrease is related to the activation of the carbon‐fixation reaction. Next, we investigated the relationship between plant activity and the potential response when illumination stopped. The results showed that the amplitude of the response is related to the illumination intensity and the respiration rate. We conclude that plant activities such as photosynthesis can be evaluated in more detail by measurement of the bioelectric potential, as an application of this study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 85–92, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11518
Recognition of Human Combined Motion from Haptic Information Using Similarly Structured Master and Slave Robot Hands
Authors: Nozaki Takahiro , Mizoguchi Takahiro , Suzuki Yusuke , Yashiro Daisuke , Ohnishi Kouhei
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a motion recognition method that uses haptic information of the human hand is proposed. The haptic information is measured by master and slave robot hands. The robot has five degrees of freedom, and bilateral control of the robot is implemented. The operator wears the master robot hand and manipulates an object through the slave robot hand. A motion database is prepared, containing haptic information in the form of reference vectors for eight kinds of human motion. The motion database utilizes the cosine similarity to distinguish different human motions on the basis of the haptic information acquired by the master robot. Expansion and contraction of the time axes are corrected by dynamic programming matching, and combination motion is then recognized. The validity of the proposed method is experimentally confirmed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 96(12): 15–23, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.11566
Reductive Elimination of Anhydrides from Anionic Iodo Acetyl Carboxylato Rhodium Complexes
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Duc , Lassauque Nicolas , Vendier Laure , Mallet‐Ladeira Sonia , Le Berre Carole , Serp Philippe , Kalck Philippe
Published: November 2013

The first part of this study is devoted to the search for improved and highly efficient synthetic procedures for the preparation of rhodium carbonyl precursors, and the second part to the production of acetyl derivatives. Microwave heating of a methanol solution of RhCl3·xH2O for 10 min under 5–10 bar CO produces the complex [H]+[RhCl2(CO)2]–, which is quantitatively converted into the dimeric complex [Rh2(μ‐Cl)2(CO)4] (1) by rapid solvent evaporation under a stream of CO. The treatment of1with NaI or AgOAc under a CO atmosphere gives [Rh2(μ‐I)2(CO)4] (2) and [Rh2(μ‐OAc)2(CO)4] (3), respectively. The complexcis‐[PPN][RhI2(CO)2] (4) is prepared in high yield by the reaction of RhI3withN,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at 160 °C under CO followed by metathesis of the [NH2Me2]+cation with [bis(triphenylphosphoranylidene)ammonium]chloride ([PPN]Cl). The analoguecis‐[PPN][Rh(OAc)2(CO)2] (5) is obtained by reaction of4with AgOAc. Complex4reacts with neat CH3I to afford quantitatively the dimeric rhodium(III) complex [PPN]2[Rh2(μ‐I)2I4(COMe)2(CO)2] (7). The cleavage of the iodo bridging ligands in7occurs readily with CO, pyridine or 1,2‐dimethylimidazole to give [PPN][RhI3(COMe)(CO)2] (8), [PPN][RhI3(COMe)(CO)(Py)] (9) and [PPN][RhI3(COMe)(CO)(1,2‐MeIm)] (10), respectively, whereas the reactions with the chelating 2‐acetylpyridine and methyl‐2‐picolinate ligands give the neutral [Rh(COMe)I2(CO)(κ2‐2‐acetylpyridine)] (11) and [Rh(COMe)I2(CO)(κ2‐methyl‐2‐picolinate)] (12) complexes, respectively. The X‐ray crystal structures of4,7(centrosymmetric isomer),8,11and12have been solved. The reductive elimination from7and8in the presence of various carboxylato sources to provide acid anhydrides is described.
What are the trans fatty acids issues in foods after discontinuation of industrially produced trans fats? Ruminant products, vegetable oils, and synthetic supplements
Authors: Aldai Noelia , de Renobales Mertxe , Barron Luis Javier R. , Kramer John K. G.
Published: November 2013

Adverse health effect of trans fatty acids (TFAs) are well recognized, which has precipitated efforts to reduce their content in food products. With the decline of dietary TFAs derived from partial oil hydrogenation, interest is focused on the remaining sources of dietary TFAs derived from ruminants (rTFA), deodorized vegetable oils, trans isomerization during frying, and synthetic conjugated FA (CFA) supplements. Partial hydrogenation and heat‐treated oils result in a random distribution of TFA isomers, whereas rTFAs contain specific isomers resulting from enzymatic processes. Reviews of human observational and metabolic intervention studies have suggested that consumption of rTFAs at current levels should not raise health concerns. However, these studies were not based on rTFA levels currently sold in retail markets. Current feeding practices of ruminants result in higher total TFAs with trans‐18:1 isomers other than vaccenic acid, and many CFAs other than rumenic acid. The definition of TFA adopted by several countries does not distinguish among isolated TFAs of concern and ignores CFAs that should be included in total TFA due to their negative health effects. Accurate TFA definition establishment and nutritional assessment of individual TFA isomers is needed for labeling purposes. Also required are adoptions of analytical methods to resolve all TFA isomers. This information can then be used to construct a database and as a basis for meaningful recommendations.

Practical applications: Areas that require further investigations have been identified: 1) Establish a uniform TFA nomenclature based on chemical structure. 2) Standardize, assess and normalize appropriate methodologies for the analysis of TFAs. 3) Synthesize pure reference standards for TFA identification. 4) Report total TFA levels with undesirable biological activities rather than total TFA content. 5) Assess the nutritional characteristics of individual TFAs independent of their origin. 6) Develop strategies to increase the content of desirable TFA isomers in ruminants. 7) Identify potential bioactive trans metabolites produced from PUFAs in ruminants. 8) Develop labeling regulations based on specific chemical structures and physiological effects regardless of their origin. 9) Construct an accurate database complemented with specific surveys of ruminant product fatty acid (FA) composition that can be accessed by regulatory agencies to make appropriate TFA recommendations.
A Novel Rearrangement Reaction of N‐Acyliminium Ions Leading to Heterobicycles Arylated at Bridgehead Atom
Authors: Germer Wiebke , Stalling Timo , Kramer Uwe , Saak Wolfgang , Martens Jürgen
Published: November 2013

Starting with thiazolines, an important class of heterocyclic imines, a novel rearrangement reaction of corresponding N‐acyliminium ions is described. Furthermore, a new class of heterobicyclic compounds arylated at a single bridgehead atom is obtained diastereospecifically.
A Crank–Nicolson Scheme with ADI to Compute Heat Conduction in Laser Surface Hardening
Authors: Kartono Agus
Published: November 2013

In this article, a two‐dimensional (2D) numerical model of a Crank–Nicolson scheme with alternating‐direction implicit (ADI) is developed for a heat conduction model in the laser surface hardening process. A numerical solution is compared to the analytical solution and shows a better suitability. Numerical experiment of the repetitive heating is carried out using the present model in order to investigate influences of processing parameters on temperature profiles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 43(6): 522–541, 2014; Published online 11 November 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21085
Soret and Dufour Effects on Non‐Darcy Free Convection in a Power‐Law Fluid in the Presence of a Magnetic Field and Stratification
Authors: Srinivasacharya D. , RamReddy Ch. , Pranitha J. , Postelnicu Adrian
Published: November 2013

In this article, effects of Soret and Dufour on free convection heat and mass transfer along a vertical plate embedded in a doubly stratified power‐law fluid‐ saturated non‐Darcy porous medium in the presence of a magnetic field is considered. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, with the location along the plate as a parameter and then solved numerically. A parametric study of the physical parameters involved in the problem is conducted and a representative set of numerical results is illustrated by insisting on the comparison between pseudo‐plastic, dilatant, and Newtonian fluids. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res, 43(7): 592–606, 2014; Published online 11 November 2013 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21098
Mesenchymal stromal cells induce epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in human colorectal cancer cells through the expression of surface‐bound TGF‐β
Authors: Mele Valentina , Muraro Manuele G. , Calabrese Diego , Pfaff Dennis , Amatruda Nunzia , Amicarella Francesca , Kvinlaug Brynn , Bocelli‐Tyndall Chiara , Martin Ivan , Resink Therese J. , Heberer Michael , Oertli Daniel , Terracciano Luigi , Spagnoli Giulio C. , Iezzi Giandomenica
Published: November 2013

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent precursors endowed with the ability to home to primary and metastatic tumor sites, where they can integrate into the tumor‐associated stroma. However, molecular mechanisms and outcome of their interaction with cancer cells have not been fully clarified. In this study, we investigated the effects mediated by bone marrow‐derived MSC on human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro and in vivo. We found that MSC triggered epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells in vitro, as indicated by upregulation of EMT‐related genes, downregulation of E‐cadherin and acquisition of mesenchymal morphology. These effects required cell‐to‐cell contact and were mediated by surface‐bound TGF‐β newly expressed on MSC upon coculture with tumor cells. In vivo tumor masses formed by MSC‐conditioned CRC cells were larger and characterized by higher vessel density, decreased E‐cadherin expression and increased expression of mesenchymal markers. Furthermore, MSC‐conditioned tumor cells displayed increased invasiveness in vitro and enhanced capacity to invade peripheral tissues in vivo. Thus, by promoting EMT‐related phenomena, MSC appear to favor the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype by CRC cells.
Solution to An Isotopism Question Concerning Rank 2 Semifields
Authors: Lavrauw Michel , Marino Giuseppe , Polverino Olga , Trombetti Rocco
Published: November 2013

In [8] Dempwolff gives a construction of three classes of rank two semifields of order , with q and n odd, using Dembowski–Ostrom polynomials. The question whether these semifields are new, i.e. not isotopic to previous constructions, is left as an open problem. In this paper we solve this problem for , in particular we prove that two of these classes, labeled and , are new for , whereas presemifields in family are isotopic to Generalized Twisted Fields for each .
The effect of CYP2C19 genotype on the time course of platelet aggregation inhibition after clopidogrel administration
Authors: Kim Ho‐Sook , Cho Doo‐Yeoun , Park Bo‐Min , Bae Soo‐Kyoung , Yoon Yune‐Jung , Oh Minkyung , Ghim Jong‐lyul , Kim Eun‐Young , Kim Dong‐Hyun , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: November 2013

We evaluated the effect of CYP2C19 genotype over time on the antiplatelet response of clopidogrel in healthy subjects. Seventy subjects enrolled for a pharmacodynamic study and 22 subjects for a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study took 300 mg clopidogrel on the first day and 75 mg once daily for six consecutive days. The subjects with CYP2C19 poor metabolizers (PM, N = 22) and intermediate metabolizers (IM, N = 37) had significantly delayed time to inhibition of platelet aggregation (IPA) compared with CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EM, N = 33) (12 vs. 9 vs. 2 hours as median Tmax, P < .05) after a 300 mg of clopidogrel. During maintenance doses of clopidogrel, IPA values of only CYP2C19 PM subjects were gradually decreased from 30.0 ± 21.9% on day 2 to 23.7 ± 16.6% on day 8 (P > .05 for time effect; P < .05 for time and genotype interaction effect). CYP2C19 PM had decreased Cmax and AUC of thiol metabolite compared with CYP2C19 EM (0.42‐ and 0.37‐fold on day 1, P < .01; 0.39‐ and 0.34‐fold on day 7, P < .01, respectively). Delayed time to reach maximal IPA as well as decreased IPA may influence the increased risk of the acute cardiac events in CYP2C19 PM and IM.
Flexible and Elastic Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Prepared by Stereolithography Using Poly(trimethylene carbonate)‐Based Resins
Authors: Schüller‐Ravoo Sigrid , Teixeira Sandra M. , Feijen Jan , Grijpma Dirk W. , Poot André A.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study is to investigate the applicability of flexible and elastic poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) structures prepared by stereolithography as scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. A three‐armed methacrylated PTMC macromer with a molecular weight of 3100 g mol−1 is used to build designed scaffolds with a pore diameter of 350 ± 12 μm and a porosity of 54.0 ± 2.2%. Upon seeding of bovine chondrocytes in the scaffolds, the cells adhere and spread on the PTMC surface. After culturing for 6 weeks, also cells with a round morphology are present, indicative of the differentiated chondrocyte phenotype. Sulphated glycosaminoglycans and fibrillar collagens are deposited by the cells. During culturing for 6 weeks, the compression moduli of the constructs increases 50% to approximately 100 kPa.
Visible Light Mediated Fast Iterative RAFT Synthesis of Amino‐Based Reactive Copolymers in Water at 20 °C
Authors: Tong Jianyu , Shi Yi , Liu Guhuan , Huang Tao , Xu Na , Zhu Zhengguang , Cai Yuanli
Published: November 2013

The attempts to mediate iterative RAFT polymerization of ionic monomers through visible light irradiation in water at 20 °C is reported, in which complete conversions are attained in several tens of minutes and the propagation suspends/restarts immediately for multiple times on cycling irradiation. This technique suits the one‐pot synthesis of NH2/imidazole‐based polymers with tuned structures from homo to random, block, random‐block, and block‐random‐block, thus is robust and promising to control the sequence of the ionized water‐soluble reactive copolymers.

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Triptycene‐Based Microporous Polymer with Pending Tetrazole Moieties for CO2‐Capture Application
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2013

Triptycene‐based micorporous polymer is functionalized with CO2‐philic tetrazole moieties via ZnCl2‐catalyzed post‐polymerization. Gas adsorption experiments indicate that it possesses high CO2 uptake capacity, reaching 134 cm3 g−1 (26.5 wt%) at 1.0 bar and 273 K, along with high selectivity towards CO2 over N2 and CH4. The porous polymeric networks present the promising potentials as efficient adsorbents in clean energy applications.

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Genistein alleviates the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in ApoE―/― mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Jeon Sookyoung , Park Youn‐Jin , Kwon Young Hye
Published: November 2013

Scope

Genistein (GEN) is a compound that has been shown to alleviate hepatic steatosis. Here, we investigated its protective effects against non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE―/―) mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD).

Methods and results

Wild‐type and ApoE―/― mice were fed an HFD with or without GEN (0.5 g/kg diet) for 24 weeks. Body weights were reduced and fecal cholesterol excretion was increased by GEN. GEN supplementation lowered serum and hepatic cholesterol and lipid peroxidation levels, and hepatic heme oxygenase 1 protein levels in ApoE―/― mice. Hepatic expressions of scavenger receptors involved in oxidized LDL uptake, CD36 and scavenger receptor A, were downregulated by GEN. GEN reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 levels, and hepatic nuclear factor‐κB‐mediated inflammatory gene expressions in ApoE―/― mice. These levels were higher in ApoE―/― mice fed an HFD than their corresponding wild‐type mice. GEN also alleviated hepatic steatosis by reducing mRNA levels of monoacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase 1, a target gene of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ.

Conclusion

GEN alleviated NASH as well as hypercholesterolemia and obesity in ApoE―/― mice fed an HFD. Restoration of altered cholesterol metabolism and oxidative stress may be involved in the protective effect of GEN against NASH development.
Comparison of anti‐inflammatory potential of four different dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in microglia; action via activation of PKA and Nrf‐2 signaling and inhibition of MAPK/STAT/NF‐κB pathways
Authors: Park Sun Young , Bae Yoe‐Sik , Ko Min Jung , Lee Sang‐Joon , Choi Young‐Whan
Published: November 2013

Scope

The aim of our study was to determine the signaling pathways associated with the antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective responses induced by dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in microglia.

Methods and results

We employed ELISA, gelatin zymography, transient transfection, Western blot, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assays to characterize the effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans on microglia. We found that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans suppress TLR 2/4 agonist‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, PGE2, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and MMP‐9 enzymatic activity through the suppression of MAPK, NF‐κB, and JAK‐STAT activation. We next demonstrated that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans induced the expression of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes and suppressed the iNOS and ROS activation induced by TLR 2/4 agonists. Interestingly, we also found that dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans induced PKA/CREB/Nrf‐2 activation in microglia and that activation of phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes via stimulation of the PKA/CREB/Nrf‐2 pathway attenuated TLR 2/4 agonist‐induced iNOS and ROS activation. Furthermore, dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans protected primary cortical neurons against microglia‐mediated neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that phase II detoxifying/antioxidant enzymes and their upstream effectors, PKA/CREB/Nrf‐2, play a pivotal role in the antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in TLR 2/4 agonist‐stimulated microglia.
Dynamic hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MR metabolic imaging of nonhuman primate brain
Authors: Park Ilwoo , Larson Peder E. Z. , Tropp James L. , Carvajal Lucas , Reed Galen , Bok Robert , Robb Fraser , Bringas John , Kells Adrian , Pivirotto Philip , Bankiewicz Krystof , Vigneron Daniel B. , Nelson Sarah J.
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To investigate hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging methods in the primate brain that can be translated into future clinical trials for patients with brain cancer.

Methods

13C coils and pulse sequences designed for use in humans were tested in phantoms. Dynamic 13C data were obtained from a healthy cynomolgus monkey brain using the optimized 13C coils and pulse sequences. The metabolite kinetics were estimated from two‐dimensional localized 13C dynamic imaging data from the nonhuman primate brain.

Results

Pyruvate and lactate signal were observed in both the brain and the surrounding tissues with the maximum signal‐to‐noise ratio of 218 and 29 for pyruvate and lactate, respectively. Apparent rate constants for the conversion of pyruvate to lactate and the ratio of lactate to pyruvate showed a difference between brain and surrounding tissues.

Conclusion

The feasibility of using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate for assessing in vivo metabolism in a healthy nonhuman primate brain was demonstrated using a hyperpolarized 13C imaging experimental setup designed for studying patients with brain tumors. The kinetics of the metabolite conversion suggests that this approach may be useful in future studies of human neuropathology. Magn Reson Med 71:19–25, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Upscaling permeability for fractured concrete: meso–macro numerical approach coupled to strong discontinuities
Authors: Jourdain X. , Colliat J.‐B. , De Sa C. , Benboudjema F. , Gatuingt F.
Published: November 2013

A two‐scales numerical analysis is set up in order to upscale the permeability of fractured materials such as concrete. To that aim, we couple finite element (FE) kinematics enhancements (strong discontinuities) representing fine scale cracks to the fine scale permeability tensor. The latter may be split into two parts: the first one is isotropic and corresponds to flows within the porosity of the material; the second one, based upon a set of cracks with different orientations and openings, is anisotropic. For the latter, each crack is a path for mass flow according to the Poiseuille law considering two infinite planes. We show how the upscaling procedure leads both to the definition of macroscopic permeability tensors as well as the flow rate evaluation for components of concrete structures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear quadratic regulator control of multi‐agent systems
Authors: Zhang D.M. , Meng L. , Wang X.G. , Ou L.L.
Published: November 2013

This paper considers a collection of agents performing a shared task making use of relative information communicated over an information network. The designed suboptimal controllers are state feedback and static output feedback, which are guaranteed to provide a certain level of performance in terms of a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) cost. Because of the convexity of the LQR performance region, the suboptimal LQR control problem with state feedback is reduced to the solution of two inequalities, with the minimum and maximum eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix as the coefficients. The advantage of the method is that the LQR control problem of network multi‐agent systems can be converted into the LQR control of a set of single‐agent systems, and the structure constraint on the feedback gain matrix can be eliminated. It can be shown that the size of the LQR control problem will not increase according to the number of the node in the fairly general framework. The method can be extended to the synthesis of the static output feedback, which is derived from the weighting matrices in LQR. Through some coordinate transformation and the augmentation of the output matrix, the LQR synthesis is provided on the basis of the output measurements of the adjacent agents. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ADAPTATION AND PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF A RESILIENCE MEASURE IN GREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Nearchou Finiki A. , Stogiannidou Ariadni , Kiosseoglou Grigoris
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to adapt the Resilience Youth Development Module (RYDM) and assess its psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency and convergent validity in Greek elementary students. Participants (N = 346) completed a battery of self‐report questionnaires, including the RYDM, School Connectedness Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficients indicated that the reliability of the RYDM is satisfactory. The confirmatory factor analysis results demonstrated that the proposed structure, which derived from the explorative principal component analyses of the RYDM's internal and external assets, adequately fit the current data. Moreover, the canonical functions derived from the canonical correlation analysis provided evidence for the convergent validity of the RYDM. In conclusion, the RYDM is a psychometrically sound measure, and it can be applied to assess internal and external resilience assets in Greek school‐aged children.
Exploring intercellular signaling by proteomic approaches
Authors: Tian Ruijun
Published: November 2013

Cells live in a close social context by having mutual communication with their local microenvironment. This complex intercellular communication activates dynamic signaling pathways and regulates specific cell fate. MS‐based proteomics has been approved to be inevitable for characterizing dynamic protein expression and PTMs on a global scale. However, because of technical difficulties for targeting membrane receptors and secreted proteins, especially in a physiologically relevant manner, systematic characterization of intercellular signaling by MS‐based proteomics has largely lagged behind. Here, I will review the latest proteomics technology development and its application to characterizing different modes of intercellular communication including indirect and direct cell–cell communication, and protein translocalization. I will discuss how MS‐based proteomics has been applied for systems‐level profiling intercellular signaling in defined biological contexts including tumor microenvironment, bacteria/virus–host cell interaction, immune cell interaction, and stem cell niche.
From Every Direction–-How Personality Traits and Dimensions of Project Managers Can Conceptually Affect Project Success
Authors: Creasy Todd , Anantatmula Vittal S.
Published: November 2013

Based on extensive literature review, this theoretical paper adds to the “soft skill” research stream by enlarging the scope of personality dimensions and their subsequent effects on project success and, second, considers dimensions heretofore not explored within the project management body of knowledge. We posit that a project manager's extent of communication apprehension, degree of innovativeness, level of self-monitoring, conflict management style, degree of change orientation and Myers-Briggs (MBTI) personality type can affect project outcomes. Additionally, we conjecture that organizational dynamics such as structure, incentive systems, and organizational project management maturity can moderate the relationship between these personality dimensions and project success.
Biobased poly(2,5‐furandimethylene succinate‐co‐butylene succinate) crosslinked by reversible Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Ikezaki Tabito , Matsuoka Reishi , Hatanaka Kenichi , Yoshie Naoko
Published: November 2013

We synthesized biobased poly(2,5‐furandimethylene succinate‐co‐butylene succinate) [P(FS‐co‐BS)] copolymers by polycondensation of 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan, 1,4‐butanediol, and succinic acid. These copolymers could be crosslinked to form network polymers by means of a reversible Diels–Alder reaction with bis‐maleimide. The thermal properties, mechanical properties, and healing abilities of the P(FS‐co‐BS)s and the network polymers were investigated. The mechanical properties of the network polymers depended on the comonomer composition of the P(FS‐co‐BS)s and the maleimide/furan ratio in the network polymers. Some of the copolymers exhibited healing ability at room temperature, and their healing efficiency was enhanced by solvent or heat. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 216–222
Relict Talus‐Foot Rock Glaciers at Øyberget, Upper Ottadalen, Southern Norway: Schmidt Hammer Exposure Ages and Palaeoenvironmental Implications
Authors: Matthews John A. , Nesje Atle , Linge Henriette
Published: November 2013

Three relict talus‐foot rock glaciers at Øyberget, upper Ottadalen, were dated using high‐precision Schmidt hammer exposure‐age dating (SHD). A SHD calibration curve was constructed for the local banded gneiss using two control points: (1) fresh bedrock in a road cutting; and (2) glacially scoured bedrock surfaces deglaciated c. 9.7 ka. Two alternative hypotheses are suggested to explain SHD ages (± 95% confidence intervals) of 10 340 ± 1280, 9920 ± 1385 and 8965 ± 1700 years obtained for the three rock glaciers located ~ 1000 m below the present lower limit of mountain permafrost, at a site covered by glacier ice throughout the Late Weichselian. First, the rock glaciers may be paraglacial features, which formed rapidly during deglaciation when enhanced debris supply may have buried residual ice bodies. If this was the case, the SHD ages are a true reflection of rock glacier age. Second, the rock glaciers may have formed during several thousand years of permafrost conditions in the Mid‐Weichselian (possibly during the Ålesund Interstadial, c. 34.5–38.2 ka) and then been preserved beneath a cold‐based ice sheet until renewed exposure during Holocene deglaciation. If the second hypothesis is true, then the true age of the rock glaciers is much older than their SHD ages, the latter failing to record the interval of burial when rock weathering would have been zero. Although evidence is currently insufficient to distinguish between these two interpretations, the paper demonstrates both the potential and limitations of high‐precision SHD in the context of rock glaciers. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of parasitic phases with growth temperature in sputtered BiFeO3 thick films and their effect on magnetic properties
Authors: Kang Limin , Zhang Wei , Sun Yi , Ouyang Jun
Published: November 2013

In this work, BiFeO3 thick films (∼500 nm) with tunable magnetic properties were prepared on (100) LaAlO3 substrates at temperatures of 650, 700, and 750 °C by using a radio‐frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique, followed by a cooling process in a low pressure, pure oxygen atmosphere. The thick films contain small amount of Bi2O3 and Fe2O3 parasitic phases, in addition to the main crystalline phase of {100}‐oriented rhombohedral BiFeO3. It was disclosed that the growth temperature had a paramount effect on the morphology and crystallinity of parasitic phases in the BiFeO3 thick films, which determined their magnetic properties including coercive field, magnetization, magnetic susceptibility, and magnetic anisotropy.
Characteristics of ZnO Schottky photodiode and effects of high‐energy proton irradiation
Authors: Narita S. , Endo H. , Chiba T. , Sakemi Y. , Itoh M. , Yoshida H.
Published: November 2013

We fabricated a Pt/ZnO Schottky photodiode based on single‐crystal substrates grown by the hydrothermal growth method. We measured the electrical properties and the spectral responsivity in UV region. The responsivity was 0.1 W/A and there was a sharp cutoff wavelength corresponding to the band gap of ZnO. The fabricated diode can be used as a visible–blind sensor. We also investigated the performance of the diode for the incidence of X‐rays and observed the signal obtained. We demonstrated the potential of the ZnO device for ionizing radiation.In addition, we investigated the effects of irradiating the photodiode with high energy protons. For a sample irradiated with ∼1015 protons/cm2, the dark currents were observed to increase by a factor of 10. Moreover, the behavior of the forward currents significantly changed. In the current–voltage measurement 2 months after irradiation, the dark current decreased to the same level as that before irradiation. This behavior of the dark current may indicate that the defects generated by proton irradiation had been annihilated.
Epitaxial growth of Mg2Si films on strontium titanate single crystals
Authors: Akiyama Kensuke , Katagiri Atsuo , Ogawa Shota , Matsushima Masaaki , Funakubo Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

(110)‐ and (111)‐oriented Mg2Si films were grown at 325 °C on (100) and (110), and (111) SrTiO3 substrates, respectively, by RF magnetron sputtering method. X‐ray pole figure measurement showed that (110)‐oriented Mg2Si films on (100) and (110) SrTiO3 substrates were in‐plane‐aligned epitaxially grown ones. (110)‐oriented epitaxial films on (100) SrTiO3 substrates consisted of two types of varians in‐plane rotating at an angle of 90°, while epitaxial films on (110) SrTiO3 substrates consisted of single type of domains. On the other hand, (111)‐oriented Mg2Si films on (111) SrTiO3 substrates were in‐plane‐random one‐axis oriented films. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low‐temperature preparation and thermoelectric properties of CrSi2, MnSi1.7+δ, and CoSi using a Na flux
Authors: Yamada Takahiro , Yamane Hisanori
Published: November 2013

Powders of transition metal silicides, CrSi2, MnSi1.7+δ, and CoSi, were prepared by heating powder mixtures of Cr, Mn, and Co metals and Si with a Na flux at 773–823 K for 12 h. The grains of the prepared metal silicide powders were composed of primary particles with sizes smaller than those of the source powders of the metals and Si. The bulk samples prepared by sintering the metal silicide powders were characterized. Maximum ZT values of 0.10, 0.42, and 0.13 were obtained for the samples of CrSi2 at 873 K, MnSi1.7+δ at 773 K, and CoSi at 623 K, respectively. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Semiconducting silicides as potential candidates for light detectors: ab initio predictions
Authors: Migas D. B. , Borisenko V. E.
Published: November 2013

By means of ab initio calculations we show that some semiconducting silicides (namely Ca2Si, BaSi2, CrSi2, Mn4Si7, ReSi1.75, β‐FeSi2, OsSi2, Os2Si3 and Ir3Si5) are characterized by significant values of the absorption coefficient near the absorption edge even though they are mainly indirect band‐gap semiconductors. These values are substantially larger that the ones of silicon independently of the band gaps of these semiconducting silicides indicting their prospects for efficient light detectors being fabricated within conventional silicon technology. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Conduction properties of β‐FeSi2 epitaxial films with low carrier density
Authors: Terai Yoshikazu , Suzuki Nozomu , Noda Keiichi , Fujiwara Yasufumi
Published: November 2013

The electrical transport properties of β‐FeSi2 epitaxial films grown on Si(001) or Si(111) substrates were investigated to clarify the growth‐orientation dependence of the electrical conduction mechanism in the β‐FeSi2 epitaxial films with low electron density of ∼1016 cm‐3. As temperature was decreased, the transition from band conduction to hopping conduction was observed in both the epitaxial films. The β‐FeSi2 on Si(111) film showed the transition at higher temperature than the β‐FeSi2 on Si(001). When the epitaxial films were annealed, the transition temperature shifted to lower temperature. The β‐FeSi2 on Si(001) film annealed at 800ºC showed the largest electron mobility of 14800 cm2/V·s at 70 K. These results were understood by the conduction through the defect levels in the β‐FeSi2 epitaxial films. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystallization of magnesium silicide droplets prepared on unheated silicon substrate by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Sugawara Hiroharu , Izutsu Asuka , Igarashi Takashi , Kubo Genki
Published: November 2013

A sintered Mg2Si target was subjected to ArF‐excimer pulsed laser deposition for preparing Mg2Si droplets on an unheated silicon substrate. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that droplets deposited on a chemically treated porous silicon substrate were inhomogeneous, and contained at least two precipitate phases of magnesium silicide. One was identified as cubic β‐phase Mg2Si precipitates. Unconventional precipitates were also observed at point where atomic composition of Mg:Si was about 1:2 and were suggested to be one of the precipitate phases of Al–Mg–Si alloys. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Size and surface orientation dependence of structures and morphologies of Ni clusters on SrTiO3 substrates
Authors: Tanaka Miyoko
Published: November 2013

Ni clusters and particles grown on SrTiO3 substrates were investigated with UHV‐TEM /STM combined system. The dependence of Ni/SrTiO3 interface structure and Ni deposits morphologies on deposit size and substrate surface orientation was found. While small clusters tend to grow semi‐commensurately with substrates, bigger particles grow incommensurately. Clusters and particles on SrTiO3 (110) have more random growth configuration and morphologies than those on SrTiO3 (001). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Solution growth and optical characterization of Mn11Si19
Authors: Iioka Masaru , Ishida Daisuke , Kojima Shyuhei , Udono Haruhiko
Published: November 2013

We have investigated the optical property of single‐phase Mn11Si19 bulk crystals grown by the temperature gradient solution growth (TGSG) method using Ga solvent. The optical absorption spectrum near the fundamental absorption edge was evaluated by transmission and reflectance measurements between 5 K and 300 K. Optical constants of refractive index n and extinction coefficient k were determined from normal reflectance spectrum by Kramers‐Kronig analysis. The value of n was 5‐6 near the band edge energy. From the relation of the optical absorption spectra to photon energy, we found that Mn11Si19 has indirect band gap structure with the absorption edge energy of approximately 0.64 eV at 5 K. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure analysis of β‐FeSi2 grown on Ag‐coated Si(001) substrate
Authors: Motomura Shunichi , Hayashi Kohei , Itakura Masaru , Akiyama Kensuke
Published: November 2013

Microstructure of epitaxial β‐FeSi2 crystalline film grown on Ag‐coated Si (001) substrate was investigated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEMs). It was found that the film consists of two types of β‐FeSi2 grains, or rod‐like polygonal and thin platelet grains. The platelet grains are connected mutually to form large continuous‐film areas on the Si(001) substrate. The crystallographic orientation relationship obtained is: β‐FeSi2(100)[011]//Si(001)[110], which is a rare epitaxial relationship. However, the interface between the platelet grains and the Si substrate is very flat at an atomic level. Moreover, remains of Ag impurities are not detected in the β‐FeSi2 grains. These results indicate that the continuous crystalline film consisting of high quality β‐FeSi2 crystals can be produced by using Ag‐coated Si(001) substrate. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
H ∞  output tracking control for discrete‐time switched systems via output feedback
Authors: Li Jiao , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2013

This paper studies the problem of H ∞  output tracking control for a class of discrete‐time switched systems. Neither the measurability of the system state nor the solvability of the output tracking control problem for each individual subsystem is required. We design controllers for subsystems and a switching law to solve the H ∞  output tracking problem for the switched system. The designed controllers use only the measured output feedback, and the switching law is based on the measured output tracking error. In addition, the quadratic function corresponding to each subsystem is not required to be positive definite. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed design method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exponential stability criteria for discrete time‐delay systems
Authors: Medina Rigoberto , Martinez Carlos
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we study the exponential stability of linear discrete time‐delay systems with slowly varying coefficients and nonlinear perturbations. We establish the robustness of the exponential stability in Hilbert spaces, in the sense that the exponential stability for a given linear equation persists under sufficiently small perturbations. As an application of the main results, we discuss the exponential stability of a general nonlinear system. The main novelty of this work is that we always consider the exponential behavior of solutions with respect to an specific ball. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient algorithms for three‐dimensional axial and planar random assignment problems
Authors: Frieze Alan , Sorkin Gregory B.
Published: November 2013

Beautiful formulas are known for the expected cost of random two‐dimensional assignment problems, but in higher dimensions even the scaling is not known. In three dimensions and above, the problem has natural “Axial” and “Planar” versions, both of which are NP‐hard. For 3‐dimensional Axial random assignment instances of size n, the cost scales as Ω(1/ n), and a main result of the present paper is a linear‐time algorithm that, with high probability, finds a solution of cost O(n–1+o(1)). For 3‐dimensional Planar assignment, the lower bound is Ω(n), and we give a new efficient matching‐based algorithm that with high probability returns a solution with cost O(n log n). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 46, 160–196, 2015
Enhanced spread spectrum ALOHA system level performance assessment
Authors: Gallinaro Gennaro , Di Cecca Filippo , Marchitti Maria‐Antonietta , De Gaudenzi Riccardo , Del Rio Herrero Oscar
Published: November 2013

This paper describes the simulated system performances of the enhanced spread spectrum ALOHA (E‐SSA) random access scheme in a realistic mobile satellite multibeam scenario operating in S‐band. The E‐SSA random access scheme has been selected for supporting messaging services in the ETSI S‐band Mobile Interactive Multimedia (S‐MIM) standard. Finally, the operation and the performance of E‐SSA is elaborated in the context of a terrestrial gap‐filler component complementing the satellite coverage in densely populated areas. It is shown that the terrestrial network is able to off‐load traffic from the satellite component while ensuring continuity of service in areas that cannot be covered by a satellite only system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design pattern based model transformation with tool support
Authors: Kim Dae‐Kyoo
Published: November 2013

A design pattern helps to improve the quality of a software system by providing a proven solution for recurring design problems. However, the abstract and informal nature of prevailing pattern descriptions makes it hard to use design patterns and hinders the development of tool support. In this paper, we present an approach that systematically applies a design pattern to a problem model and transforms it to a solution model with traceability, which helps to understand how a design pattern addresses its intended design problem. In the approach, a design pattern is defined as a pair of solution and problem specifications and a transformation specification. A problem model is checked for pattern applicability, and if applicable, the pattern is applied to the model using the pattern's transformation specification, which results in a solution model conforming to the solution specification of the pattern. This approach establishes an explicit traceability of how pattern properties are incorporated into a model. We demonstrate the approach using the Visitor pattern applied to two case studies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.