bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-temperature quantum oscillations of the Hall resistance in bulk Bi2Se3
Authors: Busch Marco , Chiatti Olivio , Pezzini Sergio , Wiedmann Steffen , Sánchez-Barriga Jaime , Rader Oliver , Yashina Lada V. , Fischer Saskia F.
Published: January 2018

Helically spin-polarized Dirac fermions (HSDF) in protected topological surface states (TSS) are of high interest as a new state of quantum matter. In three-dimensional (3D) materials with TSS, electronic bulk states often mask the transport properties of HSDF. Recently, the high-field Hall resistance and low-field magnetoresistance indicate that the TSS may coexist with a layered two-dimensional electronic system (2DES). Here, we demonstrate quantum oscillations of the Hall resistance at temperatures up to 50 K in nominally undoped bulk Bi2Se3 with a high electron density n of about 2·1019 cm−3. From the angular and temperature dependence of the Hall resistance and the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations we identify 3D and 2D contributions to transport. Angular resolved photoemission spectroscopy proves the existence of TSS. We present a model for Bi2Se3 and suggest that the coexistence of TSS and 2D layered transport stabilizes the quantum oscillations of the Hall resistance.
An efficient, flexible perovskite solar module exceeding 8% prepared with an ultrafast PbI2 deposition rate
Authors: Li Kunpeng , Xiao Junyan , Yu Xinxin , Li Tianhui , Xiao Da , He Jiang , Zhou Peng , Zhang Yangwen , Li Wangnan , Ku Zhiliang , Zhong Jie , Huang Fuzhi , Peng Yong , Cheng Yibing
Published: January 2018

Large-area, pinhole-free CH3NH3PbI3perovskite thin films were successfully fabricated on 5 cm × 5 cm flexible indium tin oxide coated polyethylene naphthalate (ITO-PEN) substrates through a sequential evaporation/spin-coating deposition method in this research. The influence of the rate-controlled evaporation of PbI2films on the quality of the perovskite layer and the final performance of the planar-structured perovskite solar cells were investigated. An ultrafast evaporation rate of 20 Å s−1was found to be most beneficial for the conversion of PbI2to CH3NH3PbI3perovskite. Based on this high-quality CH3NH3PbI3film, a resultant flexible perovskite solar sub-module (active area of 16 cm2) with a power conversion efficiency of more than 8% and a 1.2 cm2flexible perovskite solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 12.7% were obtained.
Developing an in silico minimum inhibitory concentration panel test for Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Nguyen Marcus , Brettin Thomas , Long S. Wesley , Musser James M. , Olsen Randall J. , Olson Robert , Shukla Maulik , Stevens Rick L. , Xia Fangfang , Yoo Hyunseung , Davis James J.
Published: January 2018

Antimicrobial resistant infections are a serious public health threat worldwide. Whole genome sequencing approaches to rapidly identify pathogens and predict antibiotic resistance phenotypes are becoming more feasible and may offer a way to reduce clinical test turnaround times compared to conventional culture-based methods, and in turn, improve patient outcomes. In this study, we use whole genome sequence data from 1668 clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to develop a XGBoost-based machine learning model that accurately predicts minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for 20 antibiotics. The overall accuracy of the model, within ±1 two-fold dilution factor, is 92%. Individual accuracies are ≥90% for 15/20 antibiotics. We show that the MICs predicted by the model correlate with known antimicrobial resistance genes. Importantly, the genome-wide approach described in this study offers a way to predict MICs for isolates without knowledge of the underlying gene content. This study shows that machine learning can be used to build a complete in silico MIC prediction panel for K. pneumoniae and provides a framework for building MIC prediction models for other pathogenic bacteria.
Real-time Humidity Sensor Based on Microwave Resonator Coupled with PEDOT:PSS Conducting Polymer Film
Authors: Park Jin-Kwan , Kang Tae-Gyu , Kim Byung-Hyun , Lee Hee-Jo , Choi Hyang Hee , Yook Jong-Gwan
Published: January 2018

A real-time humidity sensor based on a microwave resonator coupled with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) conducting polymer (CP) film is proposed in this paper. The resonator is patterned on a printed circuit board and is excited by electromagnetic field coupling. To enhance the sensitivity of the sensor, the CP film is located in the area with the strongest electric field in the resonator. To investigate the performance, the proposed sensor is placed alongside a reference sensor in a humidity chamber, and humidity is injected at room temperature. The experimental results indicate that the electrical properties of the resonator with the CP film, such as the transmission coefficient (S21) and resonance frequency, change with the relative humidity (RH). Specifically, as the RH changes from 5% to 80%, S21 and the resonance frequency change simultaneously. Moreover, the proposed sensor exhibits great repeatability in the middle of the sensing range, which is from 40% to 60% RH. Consequently, our resonator coupled with the CP film can be used as a real-time humidity-sensing device in the microwave range, where various radio-frequency devices are in use.
Hydrological simulation and uncertainty analysis using the improved TOPMODEL in the arid Manas River basin, China
Authors: Xue Lianqing , Yang Fan , Yang Changbing , Wei Guanghui , Li Wenqian , He Xinlin
Published: January 2018

Understanding the mechanism of complicated hydrological processes is important for sustainable management of water resources in an arid area. This paper carried out the simulations of water movement for the Manas River Basin (MRB) using the improved semi-distributed Topographic hydrologic model (TOPMODEL) with a snowmelt model and topographic index algorithm. A new algorithm is proposed to calculate the curve of topographic index using internal tangent circle on a conical surface. Based on the traditional model, the improved indicator of temperature considered solar radiation is used to calculate the amount of snowmelt. The uncertainty of parameters for the TOPMODEL model was analyzed using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method. The proposed model shows that the distribution of the topographic index is concentrated in high mountains, and the accuracy of runoff simulation has certain enhancement by considering radiation. Our results revealed that the performance of the improved TOPMODEL is acceptable and comparable to runoff simulation in the MRB. The uncertainty of the simulations resulted from the parameters and structures of model, climatic and anthropogenic factors. This study is expected to serve as a valuable complement for widely application of TOPMODEL and identify the mechanism of hydrological processes in arid area.
Mouse Antibody of IgM Class is Prone to Non-Enzymatic Cleavage between CH1 and CH2 Domains
Authors: Klaus Tomasz , Stalińska Krystyna , Czaplicki Dominik , Mak Paweł , Skupien-Rabian Bozena , Kedracka-Krok Sylwia , Wiatrowska Karolina , Bzowska Monika , Machula Monika , Bereta Joanna
Published: January 2018

IgM is a multivalent antibody which evolved as a first line defense of adaptive immunity. It consists of heavy and light chains assembled into a complex oligomer. In mouse serum there are two forms of IgM, a full-length and a truncated one. The latter contains μ’ chain, which lacks a variable region. Although μ’ chain was discovered many years ago, its origin has not yet been elucidated. Our results indicate that μ’ chain is generated from a full-length heavy chain by non-enzymatic cleavage of the protein backbone. The cleavage occurred specifically after Asn209 and is prevented by mutating this residue into any other amino acid. The process requires the presence of other proteins, preferentially with an acidic isoelectric point, and is facilitated by neutral or alkaline pH. This unique characteristic of the investigated phenomenon distinguishes it from other, already described, Asn-dependent protein reactions. A single IgM molecule is able to bind up to 12 epitopes via its antigen binding fragments (Fabs). The cleavage at Asn209 generates truncated IgM molecules and free Fabs, resulting in a reduced IgM valence and probably affecting IgM functionalityin vivo.
Facile synthesis of TiO2/ZrO2 nanofibers/nitrogen co-doped activated carbon to enhance the desalination and bacterial inactivation via capacitive deionization
Authors: Yasin Ahmed S. , Mohamed Ibrahim M. A. , Mousa Hamouda M. , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: January 2018

Capacitive deionization, as a second generation electrosorption technique to obtain water, is one of the most promising water desalination technologies. Yet; in order to achieve high CDI performance, a well-designed structure of the electrode materials is needed, and is in high demand. Here, a novel composite nitrogen-TiO2/ZrO2 nanofibers incorporated activated carbon (NACTZ) is synthesized for the first time with enhanced desalination efficiency as well as disinfection performance towards brackish water. Nitrogen and TiO2/ZrO2 nanofibers are used as the support of activated carbon to improve its low capacitance and hydrophobicity, which had dramatically limited its adequacy during the CDI process. Importantly, the as-fabricated NACTZ nanocomposite demonstrates enhanced electrochemical performance with significant specific capacitance of 691.78 F g−1, low internal resistance and good cycling stability. In addition, it offers a high capacitive deionization performance of NACTZ yield with electrosorptive capacity of 3.98 mg g−1, and, good antibacterial effects as well. This work will provide an effective solution for developing highly performance and low-cost design for CDI electrode materials.
Caveolin 1 Promotes Renal Water and Salt Reabsorption
Authors: Willière Yan , Borschewski Aljona , Patzak Andreas , Nikitina Tatiana , Dittmayer Carsten , Daigeler Anna L. , Schuelke Markus , Bachmann Sebastian , Mutig Kerim
Published: January 2018

Caveolin-1 (Cav1) is essential for the formation of caveolae. Little is known about their functional role in the kidney. We tested the hypothesis that caveolae modulate renal salt and water reabsorption. Wild-type (WT) and Cav1-deficient (Cav1−/−) mice were studied. Cav1 expression and caveolae formation were present in vascular cells, late distal convoluted tubule and principal connecting tubule and collecting duct cells of WT but not Cav1−/− kidneys. Urinary sodium excretion was increased by 94% and urine flow by 126% in Cav1−/− mice (p < 0.05). A decrease in activating phosphorylation of the Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) of the distal convoluted tubule was recorded in Cav1−/− compared to WT kidneys (−40%; p < 0.05). Isolated intrarenal arteries from Cav1−/− mice revealed a fourfold reduction in sensitivity to phenylephrine (p < 0.05). A significantly diminished maximal contractile response (−13%; p < 0.05) was suggestive of enhanced nitric oxide (NO) availability. In line with this, the abundance of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was increased in Cav1−/− kidneys +213%; p < 0.05) and cultured caveolae-deprived cells showed intracellular accumulation of eNOS, compared to caveolae-intact controls. Our results suggest that renal caveolae help to conserve water and electrolytes via modulation of NCC function and regulation of vascular eNOS.
Dual chain extension effect and antibacterial properties of biomolecules interleaved within LDH dispersed into PBS by in situ polymerization
Authors: Totaro Grazia , Sisti Laura , Celli Annamaria , Aloisio Irene , Di Gioia Diana , Marek Adam A. , Verney Vincent , Leroux Fabrice
Published: January 2018

Nanocomposites based on poly(butylene succinate) and hydrotalcite-type anionic clays organo-modified with antibacterial biomolecules have been prepared by in situ polymerization.
Environmental Science: Nano – looking towards the future
Authors: Vikesland Peter J.
Published: January 2018

Peter Vikesland, the new Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Science: Nano, welcomes you to the first issue of 2018.
Dietary pectin and mango pulp effects on small intestinal enzyme activity levels and macronutrient digestion in grower pigs
Authors: Pluschke Anton M. , Williams Barbara A. , Zhang Dagong , Gidley Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Addition of pectin and to a lesser extent mango pulp to pig diets caused either an increase (α-amylase) or decrease (lipase, protease) in small intestinal enzyme activity, which either was (starch, lipid) or was not (protein) associated with residual digesta macronutrient levels.
Charge transport in a single molecule transistor probed by scanning tunneling microscopy
Authors: Bouvron Samuel , Maurand Romain , Graf Alexander , Erler Philipp , Gragnaniello Luca , Skripnik Maxim , Wiedmann Dirk , Engesser Clara , Nef Cornelia , Fu Wangyang , Schönenberger Christian , Pauly Fabian , Fonin Mikhail
Published: January 2018

Using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy, we investigate the impact of the gate voltage on the electronic levels of CoPc molecules deposited on top of a graphene/SiO2/Si device.
Tailoring the properties of a hypoxia-responsive 1,8-naphthalimide for imaging applications
Authors: Yang Kylie , Leslie Kathryn G. , Kim Sally Y. , Kalionis Bill , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Jolliffe Katrina A. , New Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2018

A series of bioreductive fluorescent sensors based on nitro-naphthalimide enables matching of probe properties to biological application.
Vertical liquid crystal orientation of phytochemical-based oryzanol modified polystyrene
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Ju Changha , Kang Hyo
Published: January 2018

The liquid crystal (LC) orientation properties on phytochemical oryzanol modified polystyrene film were investigated. This can contribute to development of eco-friendly LC orientation layers based on bioavailable resources containing polymer films.
Novel spirocyclic tranylcypromine derivatives as lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) inhibitors
Authors: Shi Ying , Wu Yan-Ran , Su Ming-Bo , Shen Dong-Hao , Gunosewoyo Hendra , Yang Fan , Li Jia , Tang Jie , Zhou Yu-Bo , Yu Li-Fang
Published: January 2018

Herein we describe the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of tranylcypromine-based LSD1 inhibitors via conformational restriction using spiro ring systems.
The interplay between ceria particle size, reducibility, and ethanol oxidation activity of ceria-supported gold catalysts
Authors: Mullen Gregory M. , Evans Edward J. , Siegert Benjamin C. , Miller Nathan R. , Rosselet Benjamin K. , Sabzevari Iliya , Brush Adrianna , Duan Zhiyao , Buddie Mullins C.
Published: January 2018

The size of ceria particles influenced the activity of Au/CeO2 catalysts for ethanol oxidation, demonstrating a linear correlation between oxygen storage capacity and catalytic activity.
Traceless β-mercaptan-assisted activation of valinyl benzimidazolinones in peptide ligations
Authors: Wang Yinglu , Han Lin , Yuan Ning , Wang Hanxuan , Li Hongxing , Liu Jinrong , Chen Huan , Zhang Qiang , Dong Suwei
Published: January 2018

An internal activation strategy-enabled traceless ligation at sterically hindered Val-Xaa site is accomplished under thiol additive-free conditions assisted by a β-mercaptan on the C-terminal valine residue.
Inedible saccharides: a platform for CO2 capturing
Authors: Qaroush Abdussalam K. , Alshamaly Hiba S. , Alazzeh Shrouq S. , Abeskhron Ream H. , Assaf Khaleel I. , Eftaiha Ala’a F.
Published: January 2018

Renewable materials, viz. cellulose, chitin, chitosan and cyclodextrins are promising alternatives to petroleum-based feedstocks for CO2 sequestration.
Metal alkyls programmed to generate metal alkylidenes by α-H abstraction: prognosis from NMR chemical shift
Authors: Gordon Christopher P. , Yamamoto Keishi , Searles Keith , Shirase Satoru , Andersen Richard A. , Eisenstein Odile , Copéret Christophe
Published: January 2018

Chemical shift analysis predicts the ease of alkylidene formation from bis-alkyl d0 complexes via α-H abstraction.
Revealing the real high temperature performance and depolarization characteristics of piezoelectric ceramics by combined in situ techniques
Authors: Huang Chengcheng , Cai Kai , Wang Yingcong , Bai Yang , Guo Dong
Published: January 2018

Polarization variation in a thermal cycle and in situ HT d33 revealed real depolarization temperature and distinct d33 recovery.
Protein acetylation: an important mechanism in actinobacteria
Authors: Zhang Huaidong , Xu Ximing
Published: January 2018

This is a commentary on the research article by Lu et al. recently published in Bioscience Reports. The GCN5-like acetyltransferases with amino acid-binding (ACT)-GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) domain organization have been identified in actinobacteria by Lu et al. (2017). The ACT domain is fused to the GNAT domain, conferring amino acid-induced allosteric regulation to these protein acetyltransferases (Pat) (amino acid sensing acetyltransferase (AAPatA)). Members of the AAPatA family share similar secondary structure and are divided into two groups based on the allosteric ligands of the ACT domain: the asparagine (Asn)-activated PatA and the cysteine (Cys)-activated PatA. The former are mainly found in Streptomyces; the latter are distributed in other actinobacteria. The authors investigated the effect of Asn and Cys on the acetylation activity of Sven_0867 (SvePatA, from Streptomyces venezuelae DSM 40230) and Amir_5672 (AmiPatA, from Actinosynnema mirum strain DSM 43827), respectively, as well as the relationship between the structure and function of these enzymes. Research history and progress on acetyltransferases and lysine acetylation of proteins were discussed. The activity of PatA and acetylation level of proteins may be closely correlated with intracellular concentrations of Asn and Cys in actinobacteria.
Investigating the Knowledge, Skills, and Tasks Required for Hearing Aid Management: Perspectives of Clinicians and Hearing Aid Owners
Authors: Bennett Rebecca J. , Meyer Carly J. , Eikelboom Robert H. , Atlas Marcus D.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify hearing aid owners' and clinicians' opinions of the knowledge, skills, and tasks required for hearing aid management and the importance of each of these to overall success with hearing aids.

Method

Concept mapping techniques were used to identify key themes, wherein participants generated, sorted, and rated the importance of statements in response to the question “What must hearing aid owners do in order to use, handle, manage, maintain, and care for their hearing aids?” Twenty-four hearing aid owners (56 to 91 years of age; 54.2% men, 45.8% women) and 22 clinicians (32 to 69 years of age; 9.1% men, 90.9% women) participated.

Result

Participants identified 111 unique items describing hearing aid management within 6 concepts: (a) “Daily Hearing Aid Use,” (b) “Hearing Aid Maintenance and Repairs,” (c) “Learning to Come to Terms with Hearing Aids,” (d) “Communication Strategies,” (e) “Working With Your Clinician,” and (f) “Advanced Hearing Aid Knowledge.” Clinicians' opinions of the importance of each statement varied only slightly from the opinions of the hearing aid owner group. Hearing aid owners indicated that all 6 concepts were of similar importance, whereas clinicians indicated that the concept “Advanced Hearing Aid Knowledge” was significantly less important than the other 5 concepts.

Conclusion

The results highlight the magnitude of information and skill required to optimally manage hearing aids. Clinical recommendations are made to improve hearing aid handling education and skill acquisition.
Effects of Familiarization on Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech in Older Adults With and Without Hearing Loss
Authors: Lansford Kaitlin L. , Luhrsen Stephani , Ingvalson Erin M. , Borrie Stephanie A.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Familiarization tasks offer a promising platform for listener-targeted remediation of intelligibility disorders associated with dysarthria. To date, the body of work demonstrating improved understanding of dysarthric speech following a familiarization experience has been carried out on younger adults. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the intelligibility effects of familiarization in older adults.

Method

Nineteen older adults, with and without hearing loss, completed a familiarization protocol consisting of three phases: pretest, familiarization, and posttest. The older adults' initial intelligibility and intelligibility improvement scores were compared with previously reported data collected from 50 younger adults (Borrie, Lansford, & Barrett, 2017a).

Results

Relative to younger adults, initial intelligibility scores were significantly lower for older adults, although additional analysis revealed that the difference was limited to older adults with hearing loss. Key, however, is that irrespective of hearing status, the older and younger adults achieved comparable intelligibility improvement following familiarization (gain of roughly 20 percentage points).

Conclusion

This study extends previous findings of improved intelligibility of dysarthria following familiarization to a group of listeners who are critical to consider in listener-targeted remediation, namely, aging caregivers and/or spouses of individuals with dysarthria.
Comment on “Sensitivity of the Speech Intelligibility Index to the Assumed Dynamic Range,” by Jin et al. (2017)
Authors: Smits Cas , Theo Goverts S. , Versfeld Niek J.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This letter to the editor is in response to a research note by Jin, Kates, and Arehart (2017), “Sensitivity of the Speech Intelligibility Index to the Assumed Dynamic Range,” published in June 2017 by the
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
.

Conclusion

The authors argue that the approach and line of reasoning in the Jin et al. (2017) research note suggest new findings but do not lead to essentially new insights.
Grammar Clinical Marker Yields Substantial Heritability for Language Impairments in 16-Year-Old Twins
Authors: Dale Philip S. , Rice Mabel L. , Rimfeld Kaili , Hayiou-Thomas Marianna E.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

There is a need for well-defined language phenotypes suitable for adolescents in twin studies and other large-scale research projects. Rice, Hoffman, and Wexler (2009) have developed a grammatical judgment measure as a clinical marker of language impairment, which has an extended developmental range to adolescence.

Method

We conducted the first twin analysis, along with associated phenotypic analyses of validity, of an abridged, 20-item version of this grammatical judgment measure (GJ-20), based on telephone administration using prerecorded stimuli to 405 pairs of 16-year-olds (148 monozygotic and 257 dizygotic) drawn from the Twins Early Development Study (Haworth, Davis, & Plomin, 2012).

Results

The distribution of scores is markedly skewed negatively, as expected for a potential clinical marker. Low performance on GJ-20 is associated with lower maternal education, reported learning disability (age 7 years), and low scores on language tests administered via the Twins Early Development Study (age 16 years) as well as General Certificate of Secondary Education English and Math examination performance (age 16 years). Liability threshold estimates for the genetic influence on low performance on GJ-20 are substantial, ranging from 36% with a lowest 10% criterion to 74% for a lowest 5% criterion.

Conclusions

The heritability of GJ-20 scores, especially at more extreme cutoffs, along with the score distribution and association with other indicators of language impairments, provides additional evidence for the potential value of this measure as a clinical marker of specific language impairment.
Adaptive continuous action‐set learning automata scheme
Authors: Guo Ying , Li Shenghong , Fan Bo
Published: January 2018

Learning automata (LA) has been widely encountered in signal processing for images, speeches, videos and so on. One special type of LA, i.e. the CALA (continuous action‐set LA) issue is handled. It first fills the existing gap aimed at the classic Beigy's algorithm, based on which a novel adaptive CALA (ACALA) algorithm is proposed. The proposed ACALA algorithm includes a sampling process and an iterating process, where the learning parameters are adaptively adjusted, not only between the two stages but also inside the core stage. Experiments with regard to noisy function optimisation reveal its outperformance, in accordance with the general evaluation system built. Specifically, the final result of the proposed algorithm could always judge as the global optimum even in noise‐added scenarios, regardless of the initial parameters.
Influence of ambient refractive index on radiation modes
Authors: Tian Yu Lu , Yang Li
Published: January 2018

To explore fibre refractive index (RI) sensing based on radiation modes, the influences of ambient RI on radiation modes are investigated by a leaky mode approximation in a two‐layer fibre. Based on the analytical analysis and simulation results, it is identified that the change of ambient RI has no effect on the real part of the complex propagation constant of a leaky mode, but a remarkable effect on the imaginary part. More importantly, the influence of the medium's absorption loss on the imaginary part is almost negligible. If the medium's absorption loss is lower than 3.521 × 103 dB/cm, the induced average deviation rate of the imaginary part is <1.91%.
Optimal allocation of series FACTS devices in large‐scale systems
Authors: Zhang Xiaohu , Tomsovic Kevin , Dimitrovski Aleksandar
Published: January 2018

Series flexible AC transmission systems devices, such as the variable series reactor, have the ability to continuously regulate the transmission line reactance so as to control power flow. This study presents a new approach to optimally locating such devices in the transmission network considering multiple operating states and contingencies. To investigate optimal investment, a single target year planning with three different load patterns is considered. The transmission contingencies may occur under any of the three load conditions and the coupling constraints between base case and contingencies are included. A reformulation technique transforms the original mixed integer non‐linear programming model into mixed integer linear programming model. To further relieve the computational burden and enable the planning model to be directly applied to practical large‐scale systems, a two‐phase decomposition algorithm is introduced. Detailed numerical simulation results on IEEE 118‐bus system and the Polish 2383‐bus system illustrate the efficient performance of the proposed algorithm.
Criteria to evaluate the fidelity of image enhancement by MSRCR
Authors: Liu Yuhong , Yan Hongmei , Gao Shaobing , Yang Kaifu
Published: January 2018

Image fidelity refers to the ability of a process to render an image accurately. As image enhancement algorithms have been developed in recent years, how to assess the performances of different image enhancement algorithms has become an important question. Some objective image quality assessment (IQA) methods have been proposed, but there is little research on the image fidelity evaluation when comparing the performances of enhancement algorithms. Therefore, the authors proposed a new image fidelity assessment framework consisting of three components: the information entropy fidelity, constituent fidelity and colour fidelity. To verify the rationality of the fidelity criteria, they used the popular IQA database (LIVE), and the results indicated that the method matched better with the subjective assessment. Then, they verified the effectiveness of their method with the famous technique of image enhancement: multi‐scale Retinex with colour restoration (MSRCR). The experimental results demonstrate MSRCR can improve the image quality, but it gives rise to obvious distortions. It is necessary to keep a moderate balance between image fidelity and image quality when they assess the enhanced images. Their results showed that the proposed objective fidelity index could provide an additional objective basis for the quality evaluation of image enhancement algorithms.
Modelling cascaded cylindrical metasurfaces using sheet impedances and a transmission matrix formulation
Authors: Sipus Zvonimir , Bosiljevac Marko , Grbic Anthony
Published: January 2018

Metasurfaces that manipulate electromagnetic waves have gained significant attention in recent years. The focus has primarily been on planar devices, while many applications require curved surfaces. In this study, the authors propose an analysis approach for cylindrical cascaded (multilayer) metasurfaces. The approach combines the concept of sheet impedance in the spectral domain with a new transmission matrix formulation that is applicable to stratified, canonical curved geometries. Approximate formulas for the sheet impedance of common planar, metallic patterns are also adapted to curved geometries. The reported analysis approach allows one to determine the optimal spectral‐domain, azimuthal dependence of a sheet impedance, as well as the best geometrical elements to obtain the required azimuthal variation. The results are verified through several cylindrical metsurface examples.
Dust arcs in the region of Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: January 2018

Aims. The surfaces of the Trojan asteroids are steadily bombarded by interplanetary micrometeoroids, which releases ejecta of small dust particles. These particles form the faint dust arcs that are associated with asteroid clouds. Here we analyze the particle dynamics and structure of the arc in the region of the L4 Trojan asteroids.

Methods. We calculate the total cross section of the L4 Trojan asteroids and the production rate of dust particles. The motion of the particles is perturbed by a variety of forces. We simulate the dynamical evolution of the dust particles, and explore the overall features of the Trojan dust arc.

Results. The simulations show that the arc is mainly composed of grains in the size range 4−10 microns. Compared to the L4 Trojan asteroids, the dust arc is distributed more widely in the azimuthal direction, extending to a range of [30, 120] degrees relative to Jupiter. The peak number density does not develop at L4. There exist two peaks that are azimuthally displaced from L4.
The concept of estimation of elevator shaft control measurement results in the local 3D coordinate system
Authors: Filipiak-Kowszyk Daria , Gierski Waldemar , Kaminski Waldemar , Makowska Karolina
Published: January 2018

Geodetic control measurements play an important part because they provide information about the current state of repair of the construction, which has a direct impact on the safety assessment of its exploitation. Authors in this paper have focused on control measurements of the elevator shaft. The article discusses the problem of determining the deviation of elevator shaft walls from the vertical plane in the local 3D coordinate system. It presents a concept of estimation of measurements results base on the parametric method with conditions on parameters. The simulated measurement results were used to verify the concept presented in the paper.
Institutional Issues of International Power Grid Development in Northeast Asia
Authors: Korneev Konstantin , Maksakova Darya , Popov Sergei
Published: January 2018

With regard to the initiative of “International power interconnections in northeast Asia” here examines the challenges which may hinder the establishment of a common energy system in region. The analysis is based on the APERC methodology for international energy cooperation in the APEC region, and on historical approach to the development of pricing mechanisms and policy in the European common market of electricity trade and system services. Mechanisms for the prevention and overcoming of the revealed problems of regional cooperation in the power sector are proposed.
Analysis of the prospective energy interconnections in Northeast Asia and development of the data portal
Authors: Churkin Andrey , Bialek Janusz
Published: January 2018

Development of power interconnections in Northeast Asia becomes not only engineering but also a political issue. More research institutes are involved in the Asian Super Grid initiative discussion, as well as more politicians mention power interconnection opportunities. UNESCAP started providing a platform for intragovernmental discussion of the issue. However, there are still a lack of comprehensive modern research of the Asian Super Grid. Moreover, there is no unified data base and no unified power routes concept. Therefore, this article discusses a tool for optimal power routes selection and suggest a concept of the unified data portal.
Muon g – 2 theory: The hadronic part
Authors: Jegerlehner Fred
Published: January 2018

I present a status report of the hadronic vacuum polarization effects for the muon g–2, to be considered as an update of [1]. The update concerns recent new inclusive R measurements from KEDR in the energy range 1.84 to 3.72 GeV. For the leading order contributions I find [see formula in PDF] based on e+e- data [incl. τ data], [see formula in PDF] (NLO) and [see formula in PDF] (NNLO). Collecting recent progress in the hadronic light-by-light scattering I adopt π0, η, η' [95 ± 12] + axial-vector [8 ± 3] + scalar [-6 ± 1] + π, K loops [-20 ± 5] + quark loops [22 ± 4] + tensor [1 ± 0] + NLO [3 ± 2] which yields [see formula in PDF]. With these updates I find [see formula in PDF] a 4.1 σ deviation. Recent lattice QCD results and future prospects to improve hadronic contributions are discussed.
Obstetric History and Likelihood of Preterm Birth of Twins
Authors: Little Sarah , Robinson Julian , Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Chauhan Suneet , Easter Sarah
Published: January 2018

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between preterm birth in a prior pregnancy and preterm birth in a twin pregnancy.

Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial evaluating 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate in twins. Women were classified as nulliparous, multiparous with a prior term birth, or multiparous with a prior preterm birth. We used logistic regression to examine the odds of spontaneous preterm birth of twins before 35 weeks according to past obstetric history.

Results Of the 653 women analyzed, 294 were nulliparas, 310 had a prior term birth, and 49 had a prior preterm birth. Prior preterm birth increased the likelihood of spontaneous delivery before 35 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–4.66), whereas prior term delivery decreased these odds (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38–0.78) in the current twin pregnancy compared with the nulliparous reference group. This translated into a lower odds of composite neonatal morbidity (aOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27–0.53) for women with a prior term delivery.

Conclusion For women carrying twins, a history of preterm birth increases the odds of spontaneous preterm birth, whereas a prior term birth decreases odds of spontaneous preterm birth and neonatal morbidity for the current twin pregnancy. These results offer risk stratification and reassurance for clinicians.
Ergotherapie bei Morbus Dupuytren – Auf die Streckung kommt es an
Authors: Seyhan Harun , Paries Cornelia
Published: January 2018

Ergotherapeuten behandeln Patienten mit Morbus Dupuytren in der Regel früh postoperativ. Das Wissen um die Erkrankung, ihre Pathophysiologie und die Operationsmethoden unterstützt sie dabei, die Therapie sinnvoll und fundiert aufzubauen.
Intensivtherapie – Fall für Vier
Authors: Becher Thomas , Hägele Anke , Groth Uta , Herting Caroline
Published: January 2018

Der dreijährige Jannik hat eine unilaterale spastische Zerebralparese. Neben ambulanter Therapie bekam er die Chance einer stationären Therapie in einer spezialisierten Düsseldorfer Klinik. Sein Arzt, seine Ergo- und Physio- therapeutin und seine Motopädin schildern, wie sie den Jungen in dieser Zeit therapiert haben.
Mythos Kryotherapie – Väterchen Frost kann in Rente gehen
Authors: Bringeland Nils
Published: January 2018

Manchmal lohnt es sich, Altbekanntes zu überdenken. Schaut man genau hin, ist etwa die Wirkung von Kryotherapie nicht nachgewiesen. Weder scheint sie bei Schwellungen zu helfen noch bei Schmerzen. Im Gegenteil: Kälteanwendungen während der Wundheilung können sogar schaden, sagt Physiotherapeut Nils E. Bringeland.
Median filters as a tool to determine dark noise thresholds in high resolution smartphone image sensors for scientific imaging
Authors: Igoe Damien P. , Parisi Alfio V. , Amar Abdurazaq , Rummenie Katherine J.
Published: January 2018

An evaluation of the use of median filters in the reduction of dark noise in smartphone high resolution image sensors is presented. The Sony Xperia Z1 employed has a maximum image sensor resolution of 20.7 Mpixels, with each pixel having a side length of just over 1 μm. Due to the large number of photosites, this provides an image sensor with very high sensitivity but also makes them prone to noise effects such as hot-pixels. Similar to earlier research with older models of smartphone, no appreciable temperature effects were observed in the overall average pixel values for images taken in ambient temperatures between 5 °C and 25 °C. In this research, hot-pixels are defined as pixels with intensities above a specific threshold. The threshold is determined using the distribution of pixel values of a set of images with uniform statistical properties associated with the application of median-filters of increasing size. An image with uniform statistics was employed as a training set from 124 dark images, and the threshold was determined to be 9 digital numbers (DN). The threshold remained constant for multiple resolutions and did not appreciably change even after a year of extensive field use and exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Although the temperature effects’ uniformity masked an increase in hot-pixel occurrences, the total number of occurrences represented less than 0.1% of the total image. Hot-pixels were removed by applying a median filter, with an optimum filter size of 7 × 7; similar trends were observed for four additional smartphone image sensors used for validation. Hot-pixels were also reduced by decreasing image resolution. The method outlined in this research provides a methodology to characterise the dark noise behavior of high resolution image sensors for use in scientific investigations, especially as pixel sizes decrease.
Transport coefficients for drifting Maxwellian plasmas: The effect of Coulomb collisions
Authors: Jubeh Walaa’ Najeeb , Barghouthi Imad Ahmad
Published: January 2018

We derive the collisional momentum and energy transport coefficients in Maxwellian plasmas with a general drift velocity with respect to the ambient magnetic field by using two approaches, the Fokker-Planck approximation and Boltzmann collision integral. We find the transport coefficients obtained from Fokker-Planck representation are similar to those obtained by using Boltzmann collision integral approach, and both results are presented in a closed form in terms of hypergeometric functions. This has been done for drifting Maxwellian plasmas with special emphasis on Coulomb collision, i.e. inverse-square force. Also, we calculate the transport coefficients for two special cases, firstly, when the drift velocity is parallel to the ambient magnetic field (i.e. u = u∥, and zero perpendicular drift velocity), and secondly, when the drift velocity is perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field (i.e. u = u⊥, and zero parallel drift velocity). It is worthy to mention that, up to our knowledge, none of the derived transport coefficients for the above mentioned case are presented in closed form and in terms of hypergeometric function.
Integrated genomics, physiology and breeding approaches for improving nitrogen use efficiency in potato: translating knowledge from other crops
Authors: Tiwari Jagesh K. , Plett Darren , Garnett Trevor , Chakrabarti Swarup K. , Singh Rajesh K.
Published: January 2018

Potato plays a key role in global food and nutritional security. Potato is an N fertiliser-responsive crop, producing high tuber yields. However, excessive use of N can result in environmental damage and high production costs, hence improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of potato plants is one of the sustainable options to address these issues and increase yield. Advanced efforts have been undertaken to improve NUE in other plants like Arabidopsis, rice, wheat and maize through molecular and physiological approaches. Conversely, in potato, NUE studies have predominantly focussed on agronomy or soil management, except for a few researchers who have measured gene expression and proteins relevant to N uptake or metabolism. The focus of this review is to adapt knowledge gained from other plants to inform investigation of N metabolism and associated traits in potato with the aim of improving potato NUE using integrated genomics, physiology and breeding methods.
D-Aspartate amends reproductive performance of aged roosters by changing gene expression and testicular histology
Authors: Ansari Mahdi , Zhandi Mahdi , Kohram Hamid , Zaghari Mojtaba , Sadeghi Mostafa , Gholami Maedeh , Deldar Hamid , Di Fiore Maria Maddalena , Benson Andrew Parks
Published: January 2018

Male broiler breeders (n = 32) of 55 weeks of age were administered four different doses of capsulated d-aspartate (DA; 0, 100, 200 or 300 mg kg−1 day−1, p.o. (DA0, DA100, DA200 and DA300 respectively)) for 12 successive weeks to assess reproductive performance, blood testosterone, testicular histology and transcript levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), androgen receptor (AR), LH receptor (LHR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3BHSD), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 1 (GRIN1) and glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B). Blood samples and ejaculates were collected, and bodyweight was recorded weekly for 10 weeks. AI was performed weekly for the last 2 weeks to determine the number of sperm penetration holes in the perivitelline layer, fertility and hatchability. Testes histology and transcript levels were evaluated in the 12th week. Bodyweight, numbers of Leydig cells and blood vessels, testis index and levels of sperm abnormalities were not affected (P > 0.05) by the treatment. However, sperm total and forward motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality of sperm, ejaculate volume, testosterone concentration and fertility were higher (P < 0.05) in both the DA200 and DA300 groups compared with the other groups. In the DA100 and DA200 groups, sperm concentration, number of spermatogonia, thickness of the seminiferous epithelium and the diameter of tubules were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other DA-treated groups. The number of penetration holes, hatchability and malondialdehyde concentration were higher in the DA200, all DA-treated and DA300 groups respectively compared with the control and other treatment groups. Except for P450scc, AR, LHR and PCNA transcript levels in the DA300 groups, the relative expression of the genes evaluated improved significantly in the other DA-treated groups. Based on these experimental findings, it is concluded that DA improves reproductive performance of aged roosters.
Contrasting responses of functional diversity to major losses in taxonomic diversity
Authors: Edie Stewart M. , Jablonski David , Valentine James W.
Published: January 2018

Significance

Global biodiversity consists not only of the sum of taxonomic units such as species, but also of their ecological or functional variety. These two components of biodiversity might be expected to rise or fall in tandem, but we find they are capable of strikingly independent behavior. In three major declines in taxonomic diversity—spatially from equator to poles today and temporally in the Permian–Triassic and Cretaceous–Paleogene extinctions—only the first one shows a concomitant drop in the number of functional groups, whereas virtually all functional categories survived the extinction events. We present a conceptual framework for understanding this contrast, and we suggest that the differing behavior of these two biodiversity components will be important in anticipating the impacts of impending losses in today’s biota.
The partial productivity of schematic idioms in Chinese
Authors: Liu Li , Cheung Hin Tat
Published: January 2018

Idiomatic expressions are generally manifested as lexically fixed. Yet some expressions allow lexical variations in their open slots and thus show certain degree of productivity in actual use. How young children acquire the productive use of idiomatic expressions, however, has rarely been addressed in current literature. The present study explores the developmental trajectory in learning idiom productivity by targeting the quadra-syllabic schematic idioms in Chinese. Results of two Graded Acceptability Judgment tests showed that acquisition of the selective productivity of schematic idioms may undergo an interactive process shaped by its token frequency, structural complexity, inherent semantic relation and the chunk effect of its open morphemes at different age levels. Findings in the studies are further discussed in relation to the emergentist model in idiom learning.
Ellipsis of terms of address and reference in casual communication events in Vietnamese
Authors: Ton Thoai Nu-Linh
Published: January 2018

There is a general view that pro-drop only occurs in languages with either a ‘rich’ inflectional system (Taraldsen 1978; Chomsky 1981; Jaeggli 1982; Suñer 1982), or in languages whose pronouns are agglutinating for case, number, or other nominal feature (Huang 1989; Neeleman & Szendrői 2005). The Vietnamese language fits neither of these categories. The explanation of the phenomenon of ellipsis of terms of address and reference (toa) in this paper is, therefore, not based on these morphological grounds. Rather, it is presented from a pragmatic perspective, which employs discourse analysis as its major methodology. The paper attempts to demonstrate the fact that although Vietnamese is not a pro-drop language in its traditional definition, ellipsis of toa in casual communication events among Vietnamese speakers is very common, and highly situational. In other words, these elliptic items in this case are referred to as references “in a form of situational (exophoric) presupposition” (Halliday & Hasan 1976: 145).
Plant mutation breeding for the improvement of vegetatively propagated crops: successes and challenges.
Authors: Bado S. , Yamba N. G. G. , Sesay J. V. , Laimer M. , Forster B. P.
Published: January 2018

Many staple food crops, such as banana, cassava, potato, sweet potato, sugarcane, taro, yam, are propagated vegetatively. Crop improvement using vegetative propagules has special challenges compared with breeding of seed propagated species. Genetic variability is a fundamental necessity for crop improvement; this may be available within the germplasm used by breeders, or may be induced. Mutation breeding can provide a rapid and effective means of crop improvement for both seed and vegetatively propagated crops. Most successes in mutation breeding have been with seed crops as seeds are easy to treat and handle. Mutation induction of vegetatively propagated crops has lagged behind, as a more varied range of target plant materials, and thereby methods, are required. Developments in a range of biotechnologies, but especially cell and tissue culture, provide new and efficient tools for the propagation of target materials, mutation induction, mutant population development and selection. Methods developed for vegetatively propagated crops may also be used in crops with a normal fertile system, but have long life cycles (e.g. fruit trees), where the methods can accelerate the production of new cultivars. This review describes new developments and opportunities for plant mutation breeding in vegetatively propagated crops.