bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HBV quasispecies composition in Lamivudine-failed chronic hepatitis B patients and its influence on virological response to Tenofovir-based rescue therapy
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Chakraborty Abhijit , Mondal Rajiv Kumar , Khatun Mousumi , Datta Somenath , Das Kausik , Pandit Pratap , Mukherjee Souvik , Banerjee Soma , Ghosh Saurabh , Chakrabarti Saikat , Chowdhury Abhijit , Datta Simanti
Published: March 2017

The present study sought to evaluate the structure of HBV quasispecies in Lamivudine (LMV)-failed chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and its impact in defining the subsequent virological responses to Tenofovir (TDF)-based rescue-therapy. By analyzing HBV clones encompassing reverse transcriptase (RT) and surface (S) region from LMV-failed and treatment-naïve CHB patients, we identified 5 classical and 12 novel substitutions in HBV/RT and 9 substitutions in immune-epitopes of HBV/S that were significantly associated with LMV failure.In silicoanalysis showed spatial proximity of some of the newly-identified, mutated RT residues to the RT catalytic centre while most S-substitutions caused alteration in epitope hydrophobicity. TDF administration resulted in virological response in 60% of LMV-failed patients at 24-week but non-response in 40% of patients even after 48-weeks. Significantly high frequencies of 6 S-substitutions and one novel RT-substitution, rtH124N with 6.5-fold-reduced susceptibility to TDFin vitro, were noted at baseline in TDF non-responders than responders. Follow-up studies depicted greater evolutionary drift of HBV quasispecies and significant decline in frequencies of 3 RT and 6 S-substitutions in responder-subgroup after 24-week TDF-therapy while most variants persisted in non-responders. Thus, we identified the HBV-RT/S variants that could potentially predict unfavorable response to LMV/TDF-therapy and impede immune-mediated viral clearance.
Physics of microstructures enhancement of thin film evaporation heat transfer in microchannels flow boiling
Authors: Bigham Sajjad , Fazeli Abdolreza , Moghaddam Saeed
Published: March 2017

Performance enhancement of the two-phase flow boiling heat transfer process in microchannels through implementation of surface micro- and nanostructures has gained substantial interest in recent years. However, the reported results range widely from a decline to improvements in performance depending on the test conditions and fluid properties, without a consensus on the physical mechanisms responsible for the observed behavior. This gap in knowledge stems from a lack of understanding of the physics of surface structures interactions with microscale heat and mass transfer events involved in the microchannel flow boiling process. Here, using a novel measurement technique, the heat and mass transfer process is analyzed within surface structures with unprecedented detail. The local heat flux and dryout time scale are measured as the liquid wicks through surface structures and evaporates. The physics governing heat transfer enhancement on textured surfaces is explained by a deterministic model that involves three key parameters: the drying time scale of the liquid film wicking into the surface structures (τd), the heating length scale of the liquid film (δH) and the area fraction of the evaporating liquid film (Ar). It is shown that the model accurately predicts the optimum spacing between surface structures (i.e. pillars fabricated on the microchannel wall) in boiling of two fluids FC-72 and water with fundamentally different wicking characteristics.
Dependence of nighttime sleep duration in one-month-old infants on alterations in natural and artificial photoperiod
Authors: Iwata Sachiko , Fujita Fumie , Kinoshita Masahiro , Unno Mitsuaki , Horinouchi Takashi , Morokuma Seiichi , Iwata Osuke
Published: March 2017

Human sleep–wake cycles are entrained by both natural and artificial light–dark cycles. However, little is known regarding when and how the photoperiod changes entrain the biological clock after conception. To investigate the dependence of sleep patterns in young infants on the natural and artificial light–dark cycles, 1,302 pairs of one-month-old infants and their mothers were asked to answer a questionnaire. Birth in spring, longer daytime sleep duration, early/regular light-off times, and longer maternal nighttime sleep duration were identified as independent variables for longer infant nighttime sleep duration in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Longer maternal nighttime sleep duration was dependent on shorter naps and early/regular bed times but not on the season. We found that nighttime sleep duration depended on both natural and artificial diurnal photoperiod changes in one-month-old infants. Although sleep patterns of infants mimicked those of their mothers, nighttime sleep duration depended on the season, and was positively associated with daytime sleep duration, only in the infants. These specific variables, which render sleep patterns of the infants different from those of their mothers, might be a clue to reveal the covert acquisition process of mature circadian rhythms after birth.
Antifibrotic effect of pirfenidone in a mouse model of human nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Komiya Chikara , Tanaka Miyako , Tsuchiya Kyoichiro , Shimazu Noriko , Mori Kentaro , Furuke Shunsaku , Miyachi Yasutaka , Shiba Kumiko , Yamaguchi Shinobu , Ikeda Kenji , Ochi Kozue , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Hata Ken-ichiro , Itoh Michiko , Suganami Takayoshi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: March 2017

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis with lobular inflammation and hepatocyte injury. Pirfenidone (PFD) is an orally bioavailable pyridone derivative that has been clinically used for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. However, it remains unknown whether PFD improves liver fibrosis in a mouse model with human NASH-like phenotypes. In this study, we employed melanocortin 4 receptor-deficient (MC4R-KO) mice as a mouse model with human NASH-like phenotypes to elucidate the effect and action mechanisms of PFD on the development of NASH. PFD markedly attenuated liver fibrosis in western diet (WD)-fed MC4R-KO mice without affecting metabolic profiles or steatosis. PFD prevented liver injury and fibrosis associated with decreased apoptosis of liver cells in WD-fed MC4R-KO mice. Pretreatment of PFD inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced liver injury and fibrogenic responses associated with decreased apoptosis of liver cells in wild-type mice. PFD also prevented TNF-α-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in vitro with reduced activation of caspase-8 and -3. This study provides evidence for the antifibrotic effect of PFD in a mouse model of human NASH. The data of this study highlight hepatocyte apoptosis as a potential therapeutic target, and suggest that PFD can be repositioned as an antifibrotic drug for human NASH.
Transparent polycrystalline cubic silicon nitride
Authors: Nishiyama Norimasa , Ishikawa Ryo , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Marquardt Hauke , Kurnosov Alexander , Taniguchi Takashi , Kim Byung-Nam , Yoshida Hidehiro , Masuno Atsunobu , Bednarcik Jozef , Kulik Eleonora , Ikuhara Yuichi , Wakai Fumihiro , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: March 2017

Glasses and single crystals have traditionally been used as optical windows. Recently, there has been a high demand for harder and tougher optical windows that are able to endure severe conditions. Transparent polycrystalline ceramics can fulfill this demand because of their superior mechanical properties. It is known that polycrystalline ceramics with a spinel structure in compositions of MgAl2O4 and aluminum oxynitride (γ-AlON) show high optical transparency. Here we report the synthesis of the hardest transparent spinel ceramic, i.e. polycrystalline cubic silicon nitride (c-Si3N4). This material shows an intrinsic optical transparency over a wide range of wavelengths below its band-gap energy (258 nm) and is categorized as one of the third hardest materials next to diamond and cubic boron nitride (cBN). Since the high temperature metastability of c-Si3N4 in air is superior to those of diamond and cBN, the transparent c-Si3N4 ceramic can potentially be used as a window under extremely severe conditions.
Targeted delivery of doxorubicin by nano-loaded mesenchymal stem cells for lung melanoma metastases therapy
Authors: Zhao Yuekui , Tang Shanshan , Guo Jiamin , Alahdal Murad , Cao Shunxiu , Yang Zhaocong , Zhang Fangfang , Shen Yumeng , Sun Minjie , Mo Ran , Zong Li , Jin Liang
Published: March 2017

Poor antigenic presentation of tumor tissues and a lack of specific targets currently limit the success of nanoparticle delivery system. Cellular carrier technique has been recently explored extensively as a substitutive or supplement for traditional targeting delivery system. Here, we demonstrate the usage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) loaded with doxorubicin containing polymer nanoparticles in pulmonary melanoma metastases therapy, as a modified technique of targeted delivery system. The characterizations of prepared nanoparticles and MSCs sensitivity to DOX and PLGA-DOX were measured. In vitro tumor tropism, and in vivo distributions of nanoparticles loaded MSCs were also investigated. The findings have demonstrated that, the modified system not only integrates the controlled-release property of nanoparticles but also exhibits tumor tropism and penetrative characteristics of MSCs. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo anti-tumor study has demonstrated that drug loaded MSCs had potent efficacy in lung melanoma metastases treatment.
Integrated multi-ISE arrays with improved sensitivity, accuracy and precision
Authors: Wang Chunling , Yuan Hongyan , Duan Zhijuan , Xiao Dan
Published: March 2017

Increasing use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) in the biological and environmental fields has generated demand for high-sensitivity ISEs. However, improving the sensitivities of ISEs remains a challenge because of the limit of the Nernstian slope (59.2/n mV). Here, we present a universal ion detection method using an electronic integrated multi-electrode system (EIMES) that bypasses the Nernstian slope limit of 59.2/n mV, thereby enabling substantial enhancement of the sensitivity of ISEs. The results reveal that the response slope is greatly increased from 57.2 to 1711.3 mV, 57.3 to 564.7 mV and 57.7 to 576.2 mV by electronic integrated 30 Cl−electrodes, 10 F−electrodes and 10 glass pH electrodes, respectively. Thus, a tiny change in the ion concentration can be monitored, and correspondingly, the accuracy and precision are substantially improved. The EIMES is suited for all types of potentiometric sensors and may pave the way for monitoring of various ions with high accuracy and precision because of its high sensitivity.
Effect of grain structure on Charpy impact behavior of copper
Authors: Liang Ningning , Zhao Yonghao , Wang Jingtao , Zhu Yuntian
Published: March 2017

Nanostructured (NS) and ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials have high strength and relatively low ductility. Their toughness has not been comprehensively investigated. Here we report the Charpy impact behavior and the corresponding microstructural evolutions in UFG Cu with equi-axed and elongated grains which were prepared by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) for 2 and 16 passes at room temperature. It is found that their impact toughness (48 J/cm2) is almost comparable to that of coarse grained (CG) Cu: 55 J/cm2. The high strain rate during the Charpy impact was found to enhance the strain hardening capability of the UFG Cu due to the suppression of dynamic dislocation recovery. The crack in the CG Cu was blunted by dislocation-slip mediated plastic deformation, while the cracks in the UFG Cu were formed at grain boundaries and triple junctions due to their limited plasticity. Near the crack surfaces the elongated grains in ECAP-2 sample were refined by recrystallization, while equi-axed grains in the ECAP-16 sample grew larger.
Effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Li Yanda , Ren Xiaomeng , Xiong Xingjiang , Wu Lijun , Li Jie , Wang Jie , Gao Yonghong , Shang Hongcai , Xing Yanwei
Published: March 2017

In this study, we assessed the effect of rehabilitation exercise after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effects of exercise in patients after PCI. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, the Embase database, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), and the Wanfang Database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The key words used for the searches were PCI, exercise, walking, jogging, Tai Chi, and yoga. Six studies with 682 patients met our inclusion criteria; we chose the primary endpoint events of cardiac death, recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), repeated PCI, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and restenosis, and the secondary endpoint measures included recurrent angina, treadmill exercise (total exercise time, ST-segment decline, angina, and maximum exercise tolerance). The results showed that exercise was not clearly associated with reductions in cardiac death, recurrence of MI, repeated PCI, CABG, or restenosis. However, the exercise group exhibited greater improvements in recurrent angina, total exercise time, ST-segment decline, angina, and maximum exercise tolerance than did the control group. Future studies need to expand the sample size and improve the quality of reporting of RCTs.
Astragalus polysaccharides exerts immunomodulatory effects via TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhou Lijing , Liu Zijing , Wang Zhixue , Yu Shuang , Long Tingting , Zhou Xing , Bao Yixi
Published: March 2017

Astragaluspolysaccharides (APS), which is widely used as a remedy to promote immunity of breast cancer patients, can enhance immune responses and exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of APS on macrophage RAW 264.7 and EAC tumor-bearing mice. Griess reaction and ELISA assays revealed that the concentrations of nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased by APS. However, this effect was diminished in the presence of TAK-242 (TLR4 inhibitor) or ST-2825(MyD88 inhibitor). In C57BL/10J (TLR4+/+wild-type) and C57BL/6J (MyD88+/+wild-type) tumor-bearing mice, the tumor apoptosis rate, immune organ indexes and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in blood increased and the tumor weight decreased by oral administration of APS for 25 days. APS had no obvious effects on IL-12p70. However, these effects were not significant in C57BL/10ScNJ (TLR4-deficient) and C57BL/B6.129P2(SJL)-Myd88m1.1Defr/J (MyD88-deficient) tumor-bearing mice. qRT-PCR and Western blot indicated that APS stimulated the key nodes in the TLR4-MyD88 dependent signaling pathway, including TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, NF-κB and AP-1, bothin vitroandin vivo. However, TRAM was an exception. Moreover, TRAF-6 and NF-κB were not triggered by APS ingene-deficient tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, APS may modulate immunity of host organism through activation of TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway.
Organometallic chemistry using partially fluorinated benzenes
Authors: Pike Sebastian D. , Crimmin Mark R. , Chaplin Adrian B.
Published: March 2017

Fluorobenzenes, in particular fluorobenzene (FB) and 1,2-difluorobenzene (1,2-DiFB), are versatile solvents for conducting organometallic chemistry and transition-metal-based catalysis.
Prediction of luciferase inhibitors by the high-performance MIEC-GBDT approach based on interaction energetic patterns
Authors: Chen Fu , Sun Huiyong , Liu Hui , Li Dan , Li Youyong , Hou Tingjun
Published: March 2017

The MIEC-GBDT model can be used as a powerful tool to identify potential interference compounds in luciferase-based high-throughput screening.
Do GluN2B subunit containing NMDA receptors tolerate a fluorine atom in the phenylalkyl side chain?
Authors: Shuto Yoshihiro , Thum Simone , Temme Louisa , Schepmann Dirk , Kitamura Masato , Wünsch Bernhard
Published: March 2017

An F-atom in the phenylalkyl side chain of GluN2B antagonists does not affect the affinity towards GluN2B receptors.
TiO2–Pd/C composited photocatalyst with improved photocatalytic activity for photoreduction of CO2into CH4
Authors: Yu Yanlong , Zheng Wenjun , Cao Yaan
Published: March 2017

O–Pd–O surface species and carbon enhance the visible response and separate photogenerated charge carriers effectively.
Azobenzene-benzoylphenylureas as photoswitchable chitin synthesis inhibitors
Authors: Tian Xue , Zhang Chao , Xu Qi , Li Zhong , Shao Xusheng
Published: March 2017

A prepared azobenzene-benzoylphenylurea can be activated upon irradiation with UV light, and shows 6-fold activity difference to armyworm (Mythimna separata) receptors.
A novel porous Ti/TiN/Ti thin film as a working electrode for back-contact, monolithic and non-TCO dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Shen Po-Shen , Li Ming-Hsien , Yang Yu-Syuan , Sung-Yen Juang Sean , Lin Chia-Wei , Yin Tan-Ya , Chen Peter
Published: March 2017

A porous electrode for use in back-contact, monolithic and non-TCO dye-sensitized solar cells was proposed.
O deficient LaAlO3/SrTiO3(110) and (001) superlattices under hydrostatic pressure: a comparative first principles study
Authors: Albar A. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: March 2017

We compare the electronic properties of O deficient LaAlO3/SrTiO3 superlattices oriented along the (001) and (110) directions, taking into account the effect of hydrostatic compression and tension.
Site-specific antibody modification and immobilization on a microfluidic chip to promote the capture of circulating tumor cells and microemboli
Authors: Lai Chian-Hui , Choon Lim Syer , Wu Liang-Chun , Wang Chien-Fang , Tsai Wen-Sy , Wu Han-Chung , Chang Ying-Chih
Published: March 2017

Antibody coating via Fc-domain site-specific immobilization improves capture efficiency of circulating tumor cells and microemboli in microfluidics.
Encapsulation induced aggregation: a self-assembly strategy for weakly pi-stacking chromophores
Authors: Sao Soumik , Mukherjee Ishita , De Priyadarsi , Chaudhuri Debangshu
Published: March 2017

Confinement of weakly pi-stacking dyes within a micellar core leads to a rapid aggregation.
Charge transfer induced energy storage in CaZnOS:Mn – insight from experimental and computational spectroscopy
Authors: Joos Jonas J. , Lejaeghere Kurt , Korthout Katleen , Feng Ang , Poelman Dirk , Smet Philippe F.
Published: March 2017

A spectroscopic study shows that energy storage prior to mechanoluminescence and thermoluminescence in CaZnOS:Mn can be effectuated by a ligand-to-Mn charge transfer.
Anomalously high Na+ and low Li+ mobility in intercalated Na2Ti6O13
Authors: Ling Chen , Zhang Ruigang
Published: March 2017

We report an anomalous diffusion behavior in intercalated Na2Ti6O13.
Kinetic investigation into the chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by Ni(0) nanoparticles
Authors: Zaramello Laíze , Albuquerque Brunno L. , Domingos Josiel B. , Philippot Karine
Published: March 2017

Nickel nanoparticle chemoselective hydrogenation catalytic activity revealed: The catalytic role of high active chemoselective magnetic Ni(0) nanocatalysts for olefin hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds was investigated by kinetic means.
Interactions between aromatic hydrocarbons and functionalized C60 fullerenes – insights from experimental data and molecular modelling
Authors: Hüffer Thorsten , Sun Huichao , Kubicki James D. , Hofmann Thilo , Kah Melanie
Published: March 2017

The integration of experimental and modelling approaches highlights the roles that aromaticity and functionalization play in sorption to fullerenes.
Structural models of the biological oxygen-evolving complex: achievements, insights, and challenges for biomimicry
Authors: Paul Satadal , Neese Frank , Pantazis Dimitrios A.
Published: March 2017

Recent developments on structural mimics for the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II are reviewed and discussed.
Matrix effects using an ICP-MS with a single positive ion lens and grounded stop: analyte mass dependent?
Authors: Olesik John W. , Jiao Shi
Published: March 2017

Comprehensive characterization of ICP-MS matrix effects as a function of analyte mass, matrix mass, lens voltage and nebulizer gas flow rate was carried out.
Preparation of TiO2:TiN composite nanowires as a support with improved long-term durability in acidic medium for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Dhanasekaran P. , Vinod Selvaganesh S. , Bhat Santoshkumar D.
Published: March 2017

TiO2:TiN composite nanowire supported platinum shows improved oxygen reduction reaction activity and long-term durability in PEFCs.
Metal-containing polymers bearing pendant nickel(ii) complexes of Goedken's macrocycle
Authors: Paquette Joseph A. , Rabiee Kenaree Amir , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: March 2017

The design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers bearing pendant nickel(ii) complexes of Goedken's macrocycle are described.
New insights into mechanisms of small vessel disease stroke from genetics
Authors: Tan Rhea , Traylor Matthew , Rutten-Jacobs Loes , Markus Hugh
Published: March 2017

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is a common cause of lacunar strokes, vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and vascular dementia. SVD is thought to result in reduced cerebral blood flow, impaired cerebral autoregulation and increased blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SVD are incompletely understood. Recent studies in monogenic forms of SVD, such as cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and ‘sporadic’ SVD have shed light on possible disease mechanisms in SVD. Proteomic and biochemical studies in post-mortem monogenic SVD patients, as well as in animal models of monogenic disease have suggested that disease pathways are shared between different types of monogenic disease, often involving the impairment of extracellular matrix (ECM) function. In addition, genetic studies in ‘sporadic’ SVD have also shown that the disease is highly heritable, particularly among young-onset stroke patients, and that common variants in monogenic disease genes may contribute to disease processes in some SVD subtypes. Genetic studies in sporadic lacunar stroke patients have also suggested distinct genetic mechanisms between subtypes of SVD. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have also shed light on other potential disease mechanisms that may be shared with other diseases involving the white matter, or with pathways implicated in monogenic disease. This review brings together recent data from studies in monogenic SVD and genetic studies in ‘sporadic’ SVD. It aims to show how these provide new insights into the pathogenesis of SVD, and highlights the possible convergence of disease mechanisms in monogenic and sporadic SVD.
Clinical Science–linking basic science to disease mechanisms
Authors: Touyz Rhian M.
Published: March 2017

For more than 50 years, Clinical Science has been at the interface linking basic science to disease mechanisms. Here, Rhian Touyz, the Editor-in-Chief, describes the journal, its aims and scope, and recent developments.
Factors Influencing Consonant Acquisition in Brazilian Portuguese–Speaking Children
Authors: Ceron Marizete Ilha , Gubiani Marileda Barichello , de Oliveira Camila Rosa , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: March 2017

Purpose

We sought to provide valid and reliable data on the acquisition of consonant sounds in speakers of Brazilian Portuguese.

Method

The sample comprised 733 typically developing monolingual speakers of Brazilian Portuguese (ages 3;0–8;11 [years;months]). The presence of surface speech error patterns, the revised percentage consonants correct, and the age of sound acquisition were evaluated using phonological assessment software. The normative values for these variables were reported using means and standard deviations.

Results

Age had a significant impact on phoneme production. Increasing age was generally associated with an increase in correct phoneme production, a reduction in error patterns, and an increase in scores on revised percentage consonants correct. Phonological error patterns persisted for a longer time in consonants and consonant clusters acquired later in development. The 2 youngest age groups differed from the remainder of the sample on the frequency of the following phonological patterns: cluster reduction, liquid gliding, fricative deletion–coda, and weak-syllable deletion. Performance was similar between groups starting at 5;0 years old.

Conclusion

This study confirmed that nasal and stop consonants are acquired first, followed by fricatives and, finally, liquids. We suggest that future studies replicate our investigation in larger samples and younger age groups.
Anti‐windup design for time‐delay systems via generalised delay‐dependent sector conditions
Authors: Chen Yonggang , Li Yongmin , Fei Shumin
Published: March 2017

This study is concerned with the anti‐windup design problem for linear time‐delay systems with actuator saturation. By utilising the information of the time delay sufficiently, the authors first propose the generalised delay‐dependent sector conditions. Then, based on the novel sector conditions, augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and several integral inequalities, improved delay‐dependent sufficient conditions are established for saturated time‐delay systems in terms of linear matrix inequalities, which ensure the existence of the anti‐windup gain. Finally, numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and the reduced conservatism of the results in this study.
Collaborative processing in distributed control for resource constrained systems
Authors: Ma Wann‐Jiun , Gupta Vijay , Quevedo Daniel E.
Published: March 2017

A distributed control algorithm using a new idea of collaborative processing for networked control systems with limited computational resources is proposed. In a networked control system, the processing unit is required to complete multiple tasks (such as control, sensing, signal processing, etc.) in a timely manner. Due to limited computational resources that are available to the processing unit, the assumption that the control input is computed at every time step may no longer hold. There are multiple remote controllers and each controller controls its own plant is considered. The authors give the controllers within a neighbourhood the ability to compute their neighbours' control inputs. By suitable design of the processor collaboration algorithm, their are able to ensure the stochastic stability of the entire system even if there are random computation interruptions occurring at different time steps. Numerical results verify the effectiveness of the algorithm.
From weighted potential game to weighted harmonic game
Authors: Wang Yuanhua , Liu Ting , Cheng Daizhan
Published: March 2017

It was shown that the vector space of finite non‐cooperative games can be decomposed into three orthogonal subspaces: the pure potential games (PGs) (), non‐strategic games (), and pure harmonic games (). This study proposes the concept of weighted harmonic game, and shows that in the aforementioned decomposition the can be replaced by weighted pure PGs , and the can be replaced by WPHGs . Then the bases for corresponding orthogonal subspaces are presented, respectively. Finally, certain properties of the new decomposed subspaces are investigated.
Robust stabilisation for non‐linear time‐delay semi‐Markovian jump systems via sliding mode control
Authors: Qi Wenhai , Park Ju H. , Cheng Jun , Kao Yonggui
Published: March 2017

This study deals with the problem of robust stabilisation for non‐linear time‐delay semi‐Markovian jump systems via sliding mode control (SMC). Such a switching is governed by a semi‐Markovian process which is time‐varying and dependent on the sojourn‐time h. The time delay is considered as time‐varying and meets the requirements of the upper and lower bounds. By introducing free‐connection weighting matrix method and Lyapunov functional, sufficient conditions for the resulting sliding mode dynamics in the form of linear matrix inequalities are derived to guarantee the closed‐loop system robustly stochastically stable for all admissible uncertainties and non‐linear perturbations. Then, an SMC law is synthesised to drive the system trajectories onto the predefined switching surface in a finite time. Finally, an example illustrates the validity of the obtained results.
Extraforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion at the L5–S1 Level: Technical Considerations and Feasibility
Authors: Kaech Denis , Baranowski Pawel , Baranowska Alicja , Recoules-Arche Didier , Kurzbuch Arthur
Published: March 2017

Background Extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) surgery is a muscle-sparing approach that allows the treatment of various degenerative spinal diseases. It is technical challenging to perform the ELIF approach at the L5–S1 level because the sacral ala obstructs the view of the intervertebral disk space.

Methods We reported earlier on the ELIF technique in which the intervertebral disk is targeted at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the midline. In this article we describe the technical process we developed to overcome the anatomic relation between the sacral ala and the intervertebral disk space L5–S1 that hinders the ELIF approach at this level. We then report in a retrospective analysis on the short-term clinical and radiologic outcome of 100 consecutive patients with degenerative L5–S1 pathologies who underwent ELIF surgery.

Results The L5–S1 ELIF approach could be realized in all patients. The short-term clinical outcome was evaluated 5 months after surgery: 92% of the patients were satisfied with their postoperative result; 8% had a poor result. Overall, 17% of the patients presented light radicular or low back pain not influencing their daily activity, and 82% of the patients working before surgery returned to work 3 to 7 months after surgery. The radiologic outcome was documented by computed tomography at 5 months after surgery and showed fusion in 99% of the patients. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging performed in 5 patients at 6 months after surgery revealed the integrity of the paraspinal muscles.

Conclusions ELIF surgery at the L5–S1 level is technically feasible for various degenerative spinal diseases. Analysis of the clinical and radiologic data in a consecutive retrospective cohort of patients who underwent this surgical procedure showed a good short-term clinical outcome and fusion rate.
Long Volar Plating for Metadiaphyseal Fractures of Distal Radius: Study Comparing Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Conventional Approach
Authors: Pire Emilie , Hidalgo Diaz Juan , Salazar Botero Santiago , Facca Sybille , Liverneaux Philippe
Published: March 2017

Background Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) has been used in wrist surgery for several years. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare clinical and radiologic outcomes of MIPO technique with those of a conventional approach in the treatment of metadiaphyseal distal radius fracture by long volar plating.

Materials and Methods Our series consisted of 32 fractures in 31 patients, mean age 63.9 years, including 16 men and 15 women. MIPO technique was used in 15 wrists (group 1) and conventional approach (> 60 mm of skin incision) in 17 wrists (group 2). In group 1, a long volar plate was inserted under pronator quadratus through a 15- to 30-mm distal incision then fixed to the epiphysis of the distal radius. Then, through a 15- to 30-mm proximal incision, the plate was fixed to the diaphysis of the radius, thus reducing the fracture.

Results In group 1, mean distal incision size was 23.5 and 16.9 mm for proximal one. Mean total scar size (sum of both distal and proximal incisions) was 40.0 mm in group 1 and 84.1 mm in group 2. Mean tourniquet time was 58.4 minutes in group 1 and 68.9 minutes in group 2. At latest follow-up, no significant difference was noted in both the groups concerning pain, quick-DASH score, grip strength, ROM, and radiologic data. One extensor pollicis longus rupture treated by tendon transfer was done in group 1.

Conclusion The MIPO technique for metadiaphyseal fractures of the distal radius by long volar plating has cosmetic and economic advantages compared with the conventional approach. Conversion to conventional approach is possible at any time in case of technical difficulties.

Level of Evidence III.
Intramedullary Screw Fixation of a Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Stress Fracture in an Elite Athlete: A Case Report
Authors: Sauer Steffen
Published: March 2017

Intramedullary screw fixation of proximal fifth metatarsal fractures is a simple surgical procedure, enabling early postoperative weight-bearing and subsequently rapid return to competitive sport, which is of great significance for elite athletes. The procedure is described in an elite basketball player in this article. Pes cavus and hindfoot varus alignment potentiate cyclic loading onto the fifth metatarsal and should be addressed as it may represent underestimated factors concerning fracture prognosis.
Cross Sections for Electron Collisions with Acetylene
Authors: Song Mi-Young , Yoon Jung-Sik , Cho Hyuck , Karwasz Grzegorz P. , Kokoouline Viatcheslav , Nakamura Yoshiharu , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Cross section data are compiled from the literature for electron collisions with the acetylene (HCCH) molecule. Cross sections are collected and reviewed for total scattering, elastic scattering, momentum transfer, excitations of rotational and vibrational states, dissociation, ionization, and dissociative attachment. The data derived from swarm experiments are also considered. For each of these processes, the recommended values of the cross sections are presented. The literature has been surveyed through early 2016.
Fluctuation solution theory of pure fluids
Authors: Ploetz Elizabeth A. , Pallewela Gayani N. , Smith Paul E.
Published: March 2017

Fluctuation Solution Theory (FST) provides an alternative view of fluid thermodynamics in terms of pair fluctuations in the particle number and excess energy observed for an equivalent open system. Here we extend the FST approach to provide a series of triplet and quadruplet particle and excess energy fluctuations that can also be used to help understand the behavior of fluids. The fluctuations for the gas, liquid, and supercritical regions of three fluids (H2O, CO2, and SF6) are then determined from accurate equations of state. Many of the fluctuating quantities change sign on moving from the gas to liquid phase and, therefore, we argue that the fluctuations can be used to characterize gas and liquid behavior. Further analysis provides an approach to isolate contributions to the excess energy fluctuations arising from just the intermolecular interactions and also indicates that the triplet and quadruplet particle fluctuations are related to the pair particle fluctuations by a simple power law for large regions of the phase diagram away from the critical point.
Design of a 75–140 GHz high-pass printed circuit board dichroic filter
Authors: Kim Dong Hwi , Mohyuddin Wahab , Woo Dong Sik , Choi Hyun Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: March 2017

A new high-performing PCB (Printed Circuit Board) dichroic filter, which can be used for the KSTAR (Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research) electron cyclotron emission imaging system, is proposed. The current dichroic filter consists of a triangular lattice array of circular holes on the 6-mm thick metal plate, while circular hole spacing limitation caused relatively narrow passband (∼20 GHz). On the other hand, the proposed PCB dichroic filter utilizes the inexpensive commercial PCB fabrication process with a flexible adjustment of circular hole spacing. Therefore, the proposed PCB dichroic filter provides significantly wider passband (∼60 GHz with 0.84 dB insertion loss) with much reduced weight and expense. Also, it is shown that a steep skirt property can be obtained with the thick PCB filter substrate. The design process, fabrication, and measurement results of the new PCB dichroic filter are described.
Energy transfer and motion synchronization between mechanical oscillators through microhydrodynamic coupling
Authors: Wan Yu , Jin Kai , Ahmad Talha J. , Black Michael J. , Xu Zhiping
Published: March 2017

Fluidic environment is encountered for mechanical components in many circumstances, which not only damps the oscillation but also modulates their dynamical behaviors through hydrodynamic interactions. In this study, we examine energy transfer and motion synchronization between two mechanical micro-oscillators by performing thermal lattice-Boltzmann simulations. The coefficient of inter-oscillator energy transfer is measured to quantify the strength of microhydrodynamic coupling, which depends on their distance and fluid properties such as density and viscosity. Synchronized motion of the oscillators is observed in the simulations for typical parameter sets in relevant applications, with the formation and loss of stable anti-phase synchronization controlled by the oscillating frequency, amplitude, and hydrodynamic coupling strength. The critical ranges of key parameters to assure efficient energy transfer or highly synchronized motion are predicted. These findings could be used to advise mechanical design of passive and active devices that operate in fluid.
Precisely synchronous and cascadable multi-channel arbitrary waveform generator
Authors: Liu Ke , Tian Shulin , Guo Guangkun , Xiao Yindong
Published: March 2017

The output bandwidth and the capability to generate multiple analog outputs with accurately adjustable relative phase are important specifications of arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). To increase the output bandwidth, AWG with a multi-memory paralleled direct digital synthesizer structure (DDS) was proposed to break through operating speed limitations of memory and field programmable gate array. But this structure does complicate synchronization of the analog outputs. This paper proposes a structure for synchronization of the outputs of multi-channel high speed AWG that generates arbitrary waveforms using a multi-memory paralleled DDS. Careful distribution of the clock and trigger signals enables elimination of the random initial phase caused by the frequency divider. Based on this structure, a four-channel 600 mega samples per second AWG is designed. An embedded clock synchronization calibration module is designed to eliminate the random phase difference caused by a frequency divider inside a digital-to-analog converter. The AWG provides a 240 MHz bandwidth, 16 mega-samples storage depth, inter-channel initial skew accuracy less than 150 ps, and 0.0001° phase resolution, which can be used to generate two pairs of I/Q signals or a pair of differential I/Q signals for the quadrature modulator. Additionally, more AWGs can be cascaded to obtain more output channels with an output timing skew between adjacent channels of less than 1.6 ns.
New Products
Authors: Mandelis Andreas
Published: March 2017

In order to supplement manufacturers’ information, this Department will welcome the submission by our readers of brief communications reporting measurements on the physical properties of materials which supersede earlier data or suggest new research applications.
Jacobi-Maupertuis-Eisenhart metric and geodesic flows
Authors: Chanda Sumanto , Gibbons G. W. , Guha Partha
Published: March 2017

The Jacobi metric derived from the line element by one of the authors is shown to reduce to the standard formulation in the non-relativistic approximation. We obtain the Jacobi metric for various stationary metrics. Finally, the Jacobi-Maupertuis metric is formulated for time-dependent metrics by including the Eisenhart-Duval lift, known as the Jacobi-Eisenhart metric.
On the global solvability and the non-resistive limit of the one-dimensional compressible heat-conductive MHD equations
Authors: Zhang Jianwen , Zhao Xiaokui
Published: March 2017

In general, the resistivity is inversely proportional to the electrical conductivity and is usually taken to be zero when the conducting fluid is of extremely high conductivity (e.g., ideal conductors). In this paper, the global well-posedness of strong solution to the one-dimensional compressible, viscous, heat-conductive, non-resistive magnetohydrodynamics equations with large data, and general heat-conductivity is proved. Moreover, the non-resistive limit is justified and the convergence rates in L2-norm are obtained, provided the heat-conductivity satisfies some growth condition.
A room-temperature-operated Si LED with β-FeSi2 nanocrystals in the active layer: μW emission power at 1.5 μm
Authors: Shevlyagin A. V. , Goroshko D. L. , Chusovitin E. A. , Balagan S. A. , Dotsenko S. A. , Galkin K. N. , Galkin N. G. , Shamirzaev T. S. , Gutakovskii A. K. , Latyshev A. V. , Iinuma M. , Terai Y.
Published: March 2017

This article describes the development of an Si-based light-emitting diode with β-FeSi2 nanocrystals embedded in the active layer. Favorable epitaxial conditions allow us to obtain a direct band gap type-I band alignment Si/β-FeSi2 nanocrystals/Si heterostructure with optical transition at a wavelength range of 1500–1550 nm at room temperature. Transmission electron microscopy data reveal strained, defect-free β-FeSi2 nanocrystals of diameter 6 and 25 nm embedded in the Si matrix. Intense electroluminescence was observed at a pumping current density as low as 0.7 A/cm2. The device reached an optical emission power of up to 25 μW at 9 A/cm2 with an external quantum efficiency of 0.009%. Watt–Ampere characteristic linearity suggests that the optical power margin of the light-emitting diode has not been exhausted. Band structure calculations explain the luminescence as being mainly due to radiative recombination in the large β-FeSi2 nanocrystals resulting from the realization of an indirect-to-direct band gap electronic configuration transformation arising from a favorable deformation of nanocrystals. The direct band gap structure and the measured short decay time of the luminescence of several tens of ns give rise to a fast operation speed for the device. Thus a method for developing a silicon-based photonic integrated circuit, combining complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology functionality and near-infrared light emission, is reported here.
Self-focusing property of a laser beam interacting with a lattice of nanoparticles in the presence of a planar magnetostatic wiggler
Authors: Esmaeildoost N. , Zolghadr S. H. , Jafari S.
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we study the nonlinear interaction of a laser beam with a periodic lattice of nanoparticles in the presence of a planar magnetostatic wiggler. The static magnetic field of the wiggler can couple with the electric field of the laser wave and change the electric field intensity of the pumped wave, leading to the formation of a nonlinear force. In consequence, the nonlinear force enhances plasmonic oscillations of the electronic cloud of each nanoparticle causing electron density modulation, which improves self-focusing property of the laser beam propagating through a periodic lattice of nanoparticles. By manipulating a classical microscopic approach into plasmonic oscillations of electronic clouds of the nanoparticles and the well–known perturbative method, a nonlinear dispersion relation describing the evolution of the laser amplitude propagating through the nanoparticle lattice has been obtained. The effect of the wiggler magnetic strength on the evolution of the laser transverse profile has been discussed. It was found that by increasing the wiggler strength, the transverse profile bandwidth shrinks and laser focusing is enhanced. In addition, further numerical results indicated that by increasing the wiggler field strength, the cut-off frequency of the body waves increases.
Capillarity-based preparation system for optical colorimetric sensor arrays
Authors: Luo Xiao-gang , Yi Xin , Bu Xiang-nan , Hou Chang-jun , Huo Dan-qun , Yang Mei , Fa Huan-bao , Lei Jin-can
Published: March 2017

In recent years, optical colorimetric sensor arrays have demonstrated beneficial features, including rapid response, high selectivity, and high specificity; as a result, it has been extensively applied in food inspection and chemical studies, among other fields. There are instruments in the current market available for the preparation of an optical colorimetric sensor array, but it lacks the corresponding research of the preparation mechanism. Therefore, in connection with the main features of this kind of sensor array such as consistency, based on the preparation method of contact spotting, combined with a capillary fluid model, Washburn equation, Laplace equation, etc., this paper develops a diffusion model of an optical colorimetric sensor array during its preparation and sets up an optical colorimetric sensor array preparation system based on this diffusion model. Finally, this paper compares and evaluates the sensor arrays prepared by the system and prepared manually in three aspects such as the quality of array point, response of array, and response result, and the results show that the performance index of the sensor array prepared by a system under this diffusion model is better than that of the sensor array of manual spotting, which meets the needs of the experiment.
Momentum transfer cross-section for ion scattering on dust particles
Authors: Semenov I. L. , Khrapak S. A. , Thomas H. M.
Published: March 2017

The momentum transfer cross-section for ion scattering on charged dust particles is calculated using different models of the interaction potential. The results are applied to estimate the ion drag force for typical conditions used in the experiments with complex (dusty) plasmas. The influence of two factors on the ion-dust collision cross section is discussed. The first is related to the nonlinear screening effects associated with the strong coupling between ions and dust particles. The second factor is the plasma absorption by dust particles. It is shown that the nonlinear screening effects are of importance and affect both the momentum transfer cross-section and the ion drag force. On the other hand, the absorption process affects the scattering momentum transfer cross-section only at low collision energies and thus can be neglected in estimating the ion drag force.
Driven phase space vortices in plasmas with nonextensive velocity distribution
Authors: Trivedi Pallavi , Ganesh Rajaraman
Published: March 2017

The evolution of chirp-driven electrostatic waves in unmagnetized plasmas is numerically investigated by using a one-dimensional (1D) Vlasov-poisson solver with periodic boundary conditions. The initial velocity distribution of the 1D plasma is assumed to be governed by nonextensive q distribution [C. Tsallis, J. Stat. Phys. 52, 479 (1988)]. For an infinitesimal amplitude of an external drive, we investigate the effects of chirp driven dynamics that leads to the formation of giant phase space vortices (PSV) for both Maxwellian (q = 1) and non-Maxwellian (q≠1) plasmas. For non-Maxwellian plasmas, the formation of giant PSV with multiple extrema and phase velocities is shown to be dependent on the strength of “q”. Novel features such as “shark”-like and transient “honeycomb”-like structures in phase space are discussed. Wherever relevant, we compare our results with previous work.