bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault tolerance properties and motion planning of a six-legged robot with multiple faults
Authors: Du Hui , Gao Feng
Published: April 2016

The six-legged robot Octopus is designed for nuclear disaster relief missions. When the robot suffers from failures, its performance can be significantly affected. Thus, fault tolerance is essential for walking and operating in environments inaccessible to humans. The current fault-tolerant gaits for legged robots usually either initially lock the entire broken leg or just abandon the broken leg, but then fail to take full advantage of the normal actuators on the broken leg and add extra constraints. As the number of broken legs increases, the robot will no longer be able to walk using the existing fault-tolerant gaits. To solve this problem, screw theory is used for analyzing the remaining mobility after failure. Based on the analysis, a method of motion planning through fault-tolerant Jacobian matrices, which are linear, is presented. This method can enable the robot to accomplish desired movement using broken legs along with other certain concomitant motions as compensation. Finally, experiments and simulations of multiple faults demonstrate the real effects on the Octopus robot.
Grammar Advice in the Age of Web 2.0: Introducing the new (and keeping the old) language authorities
Authors: Lukač Morana
Published: April 2016

When I launched an online survey last December with the aim of learning about people's practices of looking up usage advice, I anticipated that searching for answers to grammar questions would not differ considerably from what are currently most common practices in searching for any kind of information. The answers are, as a rule, simply looked up online. From a group of 189 respondents, among whom the majority were university-educated language professionals such as linguists, editors, journalists and translators, more than half reported that they preferred consulting online rather than printed sources. The respondents below the age of 25 who reported looking up usage advice in printed books were few and far between (11%). The question that can be consequently raised is what implications this finding has for the future of the printed usage advice literature, which includes usage guides, all-in-one reference books we are researching in the context of the Bridging the Unbridgeable project. What is more, the number of sources that are available on the Internet is growing exponentially, and we need to probe more deeply into the matter to ask which of the available sources are in fact consulted.
Implications of Mougeon et al.’s study for future research on Canadian French
Authors: NADASDI TERRY
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this article is to consider the main contributions of Mougeon et al.’s study and to examine the implications of their findings for future research on Canadian French. We first give a brief overview of results obtained, then present a critical analysis of their findings. In our comments, we consider alternative methodological approaches with a view to reflect on how such alternatives would enhance Mougeon et al.’s results and those of future research.
From Transnationalism to Olympic Internationalism: Polish Medical Experts and International Scientific Exchange, 1885–1939
Authors: KREUDER-SONNEN KATHARINA
Published: April 2016

The article analyses forms of international scientific exchange practised by Polish medical experts around 1900. Applying a transnational historiographical approach it asks whether and how the Polish nation mattered to Polish bacteriologists and epidemiologists travelling abroad or communicating with colleagues internationally. It shows that in the 1880s and 1890s the Warsaw bacteriologist Odo Bujwid rarely connected his scientific knowledge to Polish national causes but rather benefited from imperial structures. What was more, he transcended the borders between the two nationalised bacteriological thought styles of Louis Pasteur on the one hand and Robert Koch on the other. Bujwid thus eluded a clear link between science and nationalism. His practices of international scientific exchange can be called ‘transnational’. When a Polish state was re-established in 1918 bacteriology and epidemiology became closely entwined with Polish state- and nation-building. Polish medical scientists now worked for Polish state institutions and acted as state representatives in the international arena. International exchange and border-crossing scientific mobility now served, first of all, to underline Polish statehood and to present it as a modern and civilised country. These practices of international scientific exchange can be described as ‘Olympic Internationalism’.
The Dangers of ‘Going Native’: George Montandon in Siberia and the International Committee of the Red Cross, 1919–1922
Authors: PIANA FRANCESCA
Published: April 2016

This article focuses on humanitarians by studying the interactions between the International Committee of the Red Cross and one of his delegates, George Montandon, between 1919 and 1922. Montandon was charged with a fact-finding mission in Siberia that set the basis for larger repatriation plans on behalf of prisoners of war from the Central Powers. This article explores the nature and circulation of expertise – formal and informal – in connection with Montandon's private and professional life before the mission, during the mission itself and once the mission was over. Being a delegate for the ICRC was not a profession but rather a break from established professions as doctors, military officers and scholars in Switzerland. However, experts associated with the work of the Geneva organisation at the headquarters and at the ground level brought a vast set of skills to international humanitarianism. Through a spectrum of transnational connections and networks, at the end of the First World War the ICRC experienced processes of specialisation and standardisation of tasks which had already started in wartime. This article argues that the impulse towards an increasing professionalisation of humanitarianism ‘clashed’ with the ambiguities of the ICRC's mandate, on the one hand, and the tensions between the agency of individual relief workers and the institutions they represented, on the other.
Cultural Diplomacy and International Cultural Relations in Twentieth-Century Europe
Authors: FAUCHER CHARLOTTE
Published: April 2016

In a 2004 review essay on transnational history published in the pages of this journal, Akira Iriye discussed the ‘internationalisation of scholarship’ and concluded that ‘historians easily cross oceans and traverse national boundaries’. The books under review here offer a striking example of this internationalisation, not only in their geographical remit but equally in the transnational interests and collaboration of their authors. Three of them are edited volumes – which, in their showcasing of different approaches, methodologies and topics, are particularly suited to addressing the hybrid nature of cultural diplomacy. Their rich variety of case studies reveals the interplay of micro and macro history, as well as the complex relations between local, national and transnational, as well as between governmental and non-governmental historical actors. The fourth volume is a jointly authored work by François Chaubet and Laurent Martin that presents a synthetic approach to cultural exchange, the relations between culture and policy and cultural globalisation. Together these recent books represent the evolution of a cultural approach to diplomatic history and international relations, epitomised by an interest in ‘soft power’ and closely shaped by the development of transnational history, entangled history (histoire croisée) and the study of cultural transfers. As such, they allow a more cumulative consideration of the roles and meanings of cultural diplomacy in twentieth-century Europe.
New Directions in the History of Medicine in European, Colonial and Transimperial Contexts
Authors: JOHNSON JENNIFER
Published: April 2016

In the late 1970s scholars of Europe and its colonies began probing the relationship between medicine and empire. In the decades since, following the cue of Steven Feierman, John Janzen, Megan Vaughan and Randall Packard, the literature has demonstrated that colonial medicine constructed an African ‘other’ and greatly contributed to harmful practices that did not improve the overall health and welfare of the local populations European administrations claimed to be civilising. Through the 1990s, scholarship concentrated primarily on local agency and socio-economic and political factors that furthered our understanding of how medicine and health care operated in a colonial context. These foundational studies have enabled the most recent wave of research in the history of medicine to turn its attention to questions of public health, especially as it relates to the politics of development, nationalism, and decolonisation. Historians, including Sunil Amrith and Clifford Rosenberg, have emphasised the significant role medicine has played in projecting state power in European colonies and have shown how international organisations became prominent agents in shaping national and global health policies. However, their important work has left unanswered questions about the intellectual networks that formed the elite scientific and medical minds of the day and the legacies of health policies under colonial rule.
‘A Jolly Romp We Were Always Destined to Win’: The BBC's’Allo ’Allo!and British Memories of Downed Aircrew in Occupied France during the Second World War
Authors: DEACON VALERIE
Published: April 2016

The long-running BBC sitcom,’Allo ’Allo!, has been thoroughly criticised for its use of various racial, gendered and sexualised tropes, not to mention its cynical view of the French experience of the Second World War. This article, however, reassesses the programme in light of what it highlights about the lived experience of Anglo-American airmen who were forced to bale from their planes over Occupied France. It uses the comedic aspects of the programme to investigate escape and evasion training, the use of language, ‘fitting in’ and the prominence of peasants in the wartime lives of Anglo-American aircrews in France. The programme, rather than being just another example of Gaullophobia, accurately represents some elements of the Second World War in France. In addition, changes in the plot over its nine seasons suggest that the sitcom reflects broader British concerns, as well as the Anglo-French relationship.
THE DYNAMICS OF STAGNATION: A PANEL ANALYSIS OF THE ONSET AND CONTINUATION OF STAGNATION
Authors: Bluhm Richard , de Crombrugghe Denis , Szirmai Adam
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes periods of economic stagnation in a panel of countries. We test whether stagnation can be predicted by institutional characteristics and political shocks and compare the impacts of such variables with those of traditional macroeconomic variables. We examine the determinants of stagnation episodes using dynamic linear and nonlinear models. In addition, we analyze whether the effects of the included variables on the onset of stagnation differ from their effects on the continuation of stagnation. We find that inflation, negative regime changes, real exchange rate undervaluation, financial openness, and trade openness have significant effects on both the onset and the continuation of stagnation. Only for trade openness is there robust evidence of a differential impact. Open economies have a significantly lower probability of falling into stagnation, but once in stagnation they do not recover faster.
A MODEL OF CHINESE CAPITAL ACCOUNT LIBERALIZATION
Authors: He Dong , Luk Paul
Published: April 2016

We provide a theory-based inquiry into the contours of China's international balance sheets after the renminbi becomes convertible under the capital account. We construct a two-country general equilibrium model with trading in equities and bonds and calibrate the model with U.S. and Chinese data. We interpret Chinese capital account liberalization as a removal of restrictions that prohibit agents trading Chinese bonds and U.S. equities. We explore how international risk-sharing can be achieved through portfolio diversification in each of these asset market configurations. We also look at how these holdings would change as China gradually rebalanced its production with a larger share of labor income, and as the productivity gap between China and the United States narrowed. We find that both U.S. and Chinese residents would have incentives to increase their holdings in each other's equities and to issue debt in each other's currency.
RESTRICTIVENESS RELATIVE TO NOTIONS OF INTERPRETATION
Authors: INCURVATI LUCA , LÖWE BENEDIKT
Published: April 2016

Maddy gave a semi-formal account of restrictiveness by defining a formal notion based on a class of interpretations and explaining how to handle false positives and false negatives. Recently, Hamkins pointed out some structural issues with Maddy’s definition. We look at Maddy’s formal definitions from the point of view of an abstract interpretation relation. We consider various candidates for this interpretation relation, including one that is close to Maddy’s original notion, but fixes the issues raised by Hamkins. Our work brings to light additional structural issues that we also discuss.
Comparison Between Monochorionic and Dichorionic Placentas With Special Attention to Vascular Anastomoses and Placental Share
Authors: Zhao Depeng , Lipa Michal , Wielgos Miroslaw , Cohen Danielle , Middeldorp Johanna M , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: April 2016

Placental vascular anastomoses in twins lead to a shared circulation and may subsequently enable the development of severe complications such as twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS). The presence of vascular anastomoses has frequently and systematically been studied in monochorionic (MC) placentas, but only rarely in dichorionic (DC) placentas. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of vascular anastomoses and evaluate the sharing discordance in MC and DC placentas. All consecutive placentas of MC and DC twins delivered at the Leiden University Medical Center (the Netherlands) and Medical University of Warsaw (Poland) from 2012 to 2015 were routinely injected with colored dye and included in the study. We excluded twin pregnancies treated with fetoscopic laser surgery. A total of 258 placentas were analyzed in this study, including 134 MC placentas and 124 DC placentas. Vascular anastomoses were present in 99% (133/134) of MC placentas and 0% of DC placentas (p < .01). Placental share discordance between MC twins was significantly larger compared to DC twins, 19.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 8.1–33.3) and 10.8 (IQR 6.2–19.0), respectively (p < .01). Vascular anastomoses associated complications occurred in 16% (22/134) MC twins. Our findings show that vascular anastomoses are almost ubiquitous in MC placentas, but non-existent in DC placentas. In addition, unequal placental sharing appears to be more common in MC than in DC placentas.
Applicant Reactions as a Function of Test Length
Authors: Speer Andrew B. , King Brandon S. , Grossenbacher Michael
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This study investigated how the length of preemployment assessments affects applicant reactions to the testing process and organization. Using a between-subjects design, participants took one of four assessments (short personality, long personality, short cognitive, long cognitive) where they were incentivized to perform well, followed by a survey assessing perceptions of procedural justice, organizational attractiveness, and likelihood of accepting a job offer. Longer tests did not worsen applicant reactions for either personality or cognitive tests, and in fact individuals taking a longer cognitive assessment reported more favorable applicant reactions. Implications are discussed.
Highly tunable exchange in donor qubits in silicon
Authors: Wang Yu , Tankasala Archana , Hollenberg Lloyd C L , Klimeck Gerhard , Simmons Michelle Y , Rahman Rajib
Published: April 2016

In this article we have investigated the electrical control of the exchange coupling (J) between donor-bound electrons in silicon with a detuning gate bias, crucial for the implementation of the two-qubit gate in a silicon quantum computer. We found that the asymmetric 2P–1P system provides a highly tunable exchange curve with mitigated J-oscillation, in which 5 orders of magnitude change in the exchange coupling can be achieved using a modest range of electric field (3 MV/m) for ~15-nm qubit separation. Compared with the barrier gate control of exchange in the Kane qubit, the detuning gate design reduces the gate density by a factor of ~2. By combining large-scale atomistic tight-binding method with a full configuration interaction technique, we captured the full two-electron spectrum of gated donors, providing state-of-the-art calculations of exchange energy in 1P–1P and 2P–1P qubits.
Limitations and tradeoffs in synchronization of large-scale networks with uncertain links
Authors: Diwadkar Amit , Vaidya Umesh
Published: April 2016

The synchronization of nonlinear systems connected over large-scale networks has gained popularity in a variety of applications, such as power grids, sensor networks and biology. Stochastic uncertainty in the interconnections is a ubiquitous phenomenon observed in these physical and biological networks. We provide a size-independent network sufficient condition for the synchronization of scalar nonlinear systems with stochastic linear interactions over large-scale networks. This sufficient condition, expressed in terms of nonlinear dynamics, the Laplacian eigenvalues of the nominal interconnections and the variance and location of the stochastic uncertainty, allows us to define a synchronization margin. We provide an analytical characterization of important trade-offs between the internal nonlinear dynamics, network topology and uncertainty in synchronization. For nearest neighbour networks, the existence of an optimal number of neighbours with a maximum synchronization margin is demonstrated. An analytical formula for the optimal gain that produces the maximum synchronization margin allows us to compare the synchronization properties of various complex network topologies.
An eco-epidemiological study of Morbilli-related paramyxovirus infection in Madagascar bats reveals host-switching as the dominant macro-evolutionary mechanism
Authors: Mélade Julien , Wieseke Nicolas , Ramasindrazana Beza , Flores Olivier , Lagadec Erwan , Gomard Yann , Goodman Steven M. , Dellagi Koussay , Pascalis Hervé
Published: April 2016

An eco-epidemiological investigation was carried out on Madagascar bat communities to better understand the evolutionary mechanisms and environmental factors that affect virus transmission among bat species in closely related members of the genusMorbillivirus, currently referred to asUnclassified Morbilli-related paramyxoviruses(UMRVs). A total of 947 bats were investigated originating from 52 capture sites (22 caves, 18 buildings, and 12 outdoor sites) distributed over different bioclimatic zones of the island. Using RT-PCR targeting the L-polymerase gene of theParamyxoviridaefamily, we found that 10.5% of sampled bats were infected, representing six out of seven families and 15 out of 31 species analyzed. Univariate analysis indicates that both abiotic and biotic factors may promote viral infection. Using generalized linear modeling ofUMRVinfection overlaid on biotic and abiotic variables, we demonstrate that sympatric occurrence of bats is a major factor for virus transmission. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that all paramyxoviruses infecting Malagasy bats areUMRVsand showed little host specificity. Analyses using the maximum parsimony reconciliation tool CoRe-PA, indicate that host-switching, rather than co-speciation, is the dominant macro-evolutionary mechanism ofUMRVsamong Malagasy bats.
Cymatics for the cloaking of flexural vibrations in a structured plate
Authors: Misseroni D. , Colquitt D. J. , Movchan A. B. , Movchan N. V. , Jones I. S.
Published: April 2016

Based on rigorous theoretical findings, we present a proof-of-concept design for a structured square cloak enclosing a void in an elastic lattice. We implement high-precision fabrication and experimental testing of an elastic invisibility cloak for flexural waves in a mechanical lattice. This is accompanied by verifications and numerical modelling performed through finite element simulations. The primary advantage of our square lattice cloak, over other designs, is the straightforward implementation and the ease of construction. The elastic lattice cloak, implemented experimentally, shows high efficiency.
Overlapping Community Detection based on Network Decomposition
Authors: Ding Zhuanlian , Zhang Xingyi , Sun Dengdi , Luo Bin
Published: April 2016

Community detection in complex network has become a vital step to understand the structure and dynamics of networks in various fields. However, traditional node clustering and relatively new proposed link clustering methods have inherent drawbacks to discover overlapping communities. Node clustering is inadequate to capture the pervasive overlaps, while link clustering is often criticized due to the high computational cost and ambiguous definition of communities. So, overlapping community detection is still a formidable challenge. In this work, we propose a new overlapping community detection algorithm based on network decomposition, called NDOCD. Specifically, NDOCD iteratively splits the network by removing all links in derived link communities, which are identified by utilizing node clustering technique. The network decomposition contributes to reducing the computation time and noise link elimination conduces to improving the quality of obtained communities. Besides, we employ node clustering technique rather than link similarity measure to discover link communities, thus NDOCD avoids an ambiguous definition of community and becomes less time-consuming. We test our approach on both synthetic and real-world networks. Results demonstrate the superior performance of our approach both in computation time and accuracy compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Genetic architecture and mechanism of seed number per pod in rapeseed: elucidated through linkage and near-isogenic line analysis
Authors: Yang Yuhua , Shi Jiaqin , Wang Xinfa , Liu Guihua , Wang Hanzhong
Published: April 2016

Seed number per pod (SNPP) is one of the major yield components and breeding targets in rapeseed that shows great variation and is invaluable for genetic improvement. To elucidate the genetic architecture and uncover the mechanism of SNPP, we identified five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) using the BnaZNRIL population, which were integrated with those of previous studies by physical map to demonstrate a complex and relatively complete genetic architecture of SNPP. A major QTL, qSN.A6, was successfully fine-mapped from 1910 to 267 kb using near-isogenic line (NIL). In addition, qSN.A6 exhibited an antagonistic pleiotropy on seed weight (SW), which is caused by a physiological interaction in which SNPP acts “upstream” of SW. Because the negative effect of qSN.A6 on SW cannot fully counteract its positive effect on SNPP, it also enhanced the final yield (17.4%), indicating its great potential for utilization in breeding. The following genetic and cytological experiments further confirmed that the different rate of ovule abortion was responsible for the ~5 seed difference between Zhongshuang11 and NIL-qSN.A6. This systematic approach to dissecting the comprehensive genetic architecture of SNPP and characterizing the underlying mechanism has advanced the understanding of SNPP and will facilitate the development of high-yield cultivars.
Treatment with hyperimmune equine immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin fragments completely protects rodents from Ebola virus infection
Authors: Zheng Xuexing , Wong Gary , Zhao Yongkun , Wang Hualei , He Shihua , Bi Yuhai , Chen Weijin , Jin Hongli , Gai Weiwei , Chu Di , Cao Zengguo , Wang Chong , Fan Quanshui , Chi Hang , Gao Yuwei , Wang Tiecheng , Feng Na , Yan Feihu , Huang Geng , Zheng Ying , Li Nan , Li Yuetao , Qian Jun , Zou Yong , Kobinger Gary , Gao George Fu , Qiu Xiangguo , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu
Published: April 2016

Recent successes with monoclonal antibody cocktails ZMappTM and MIL77 against Ebola virus (EBOV) infections have reignited interest in antibody-based therapeutics. Since the production process for monoclonal antibodies can be prolonged and costly, alternative treatments should be investigated. We produced purified equine antisera from horses hyperimmunized with EBOV virus-like particles, and tested the post-exposure efficacy of the antisera in a mouse model of infection. BALB/c mice were given up to 2 mg of purified equine antisera per animal, at 30 minutes, 1 or 2 days post-infection (dpi), in which all animals survived. To decrease the possibility of serum sickness, the equine antisera was digested with pepsin to generate F(ab′)2 fragments, with in vitro neutralizing activity comparable to whole immunoglobulin. Full protection was achieved with when treatment was initiated at 1 dpi, but the suboptimal protection observed with the 30 minute and 2 dpi groups demonstrate that in addition to virus neutralization, other Fc-dependent antibody mechanisms may also contribute to survival. Guinea pigs given 20 mg of antisera or F(ab′)2 at or starting at 1 or 2 dpi were also fully protected from EBOV infection. These results justify future efficacy studies for purified equine products in NHPs.
Incorporation of Fucoidan in β-Tricalcium phosphate-Chitosan scaffold prompts the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells into osteogenic lineage
Authors: Puvaneswary Subramaniam , Raghavendran Hanumantharao Balaji , Talebian Sepehr , Murali Malliga Raman , A Mahmod Suhaeb , Singh Simmrat , Kamarul Tunku
Published: April 2016

In our previous study, we reported the fabrication and characterization of a novel tricalcium phosphate-fucoidan-chitosan (TCP-Fu-Ch) biocomposite scaffold. However, the previous report did not show whether the biocomposite scaffold can exhibit osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in osteogenic media and normal media supplemented with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). On day 15, the release of osteocalcin, was significant in the TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold, when compared with that in the TCP-Ch scaffold and the level of release was approximately 8 and 6 ng/ml in osteogenic and normal media supplemented with PDGF-BB, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy of the TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold demonstrated mineralization and apatite layer formation on day 14, while the addition of PDGF-BB also improved the osteogenic differentiation of the scaffold. An array of gene expression analysis demonstrated that TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold cultured in osteogenic and normal media supplemented with PDGF-BB showed significant improvement in the expression of collagen 1, Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteonectin, bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, alkaline phosphatase and PPA2, but a decline in the expression of integrin. Altogether, the present study demonstrated that fucoidan-incorporated TCP-Ch scaffold could be used in the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and can be a potential candidate for the treatment of bone-related ailments through tissue engineering technology.
Ontogeny of sex differences in the energetics and kinematics of terrestrial locomotion in leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Rose K. A. , Bates K. T. , Nudds R. L. , Codd J. R.
Published: April 2016

Sex differences in locomotor performance may precede the onset of sexual maturity and/or arise concomitantly with secondary sex characteristics. Here, we present the first study to quantify the terrestrial locomotor morphology, energetics and kinematics in a species, either side of sexual maturation. In domestic leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) sexual maturation brings about permanent female gravidity and increased male hind limb muscle mass. We found that the sexes of a juvenile cohort of leghorns shared similar maximum sustainable speeds, while in a sexually mature cohort maximum sustainable speeds were greater by 67% (males) and 34% (females). Furthermore, relative to that in juveniles of the same sex, the absolute duration of leg swing was longer in mature males and shorter in mature females. Consequently, the proportion of a stride that each limb was in contact with the ground (duty factor) was higher in sexually mature females compared to males. Modulation of the duty factor with the development of secondary sex characteristics may act to minimize mechanical work in males; and minimise mechanical power and/or peak force in females. A greater incremental response of mass-specific metabolic power to speed in males compared to females was common to both age cohorts and, therefore, likely results from physiological sexual dimorphisms that precede sexual maturation.
Major Bleeding in Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Time in Therapeutic Range on Contemporary Bleeding Risk Scores
Authors: Proietti Marco , Senoo Keitaro , Lane Deirdre A. , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: April 2016

Bleeding risk represents a major concern in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Several bleeding prediction scores have been described: HAS-BLED, ATRIA, HEMORR2HAGES and ORBIT. Of these, only HAS-BLED considers quality of anticoagulation control amongst vitamin K antagonist (VKA) users. We hypothesised that predictive value of bleeding risk scores other than HAS-BLED could be improved incorporating time in therapeutic range (TTR) in warfarin-treated patients. Of the 127 adjudicated major bleeding events, 21.3% of events occurred in ‘low-risk’ HAS-BLED category (1.8 per 100 patient-years), compared to higher proportions (≥50% of events; ~2.5 per 100 patient-years) in ‘low-risk’ categories for other scores. Only the ‘low-risk’ HAS-BLED category was associated with the absence of investigator-defined major bleeding events (OR: 1.46;95% CI: 1.00–2.15). ‘High’ or ‘medium/high’ risk categories for the HAS-BLED (p = 0.023) or ORBIT (p = 0.022) scores, respectively, conferred significant risk for adjudicated major bleeding events. On Cox regression analysis, adjudicated major bleeding was associated only with HAS-BLED (HR: 1.62;95% CI: 1.06–2.48) and ORBIT (HR: 1.83;95% CI: 1.08–3.09) ‘high-risk’ categories. Adding ‘labile INR’ (TTR < 65%) to ORBIT, ATRIA and HEMORR2HAGES significantly improved their reclassification and discriminatory performances. In conclusion, HAS-BLED categorised adjudicated major bleeding events in low-risk and high-risk patients appropriately, whilst ORBIT and ATRIA categorised most major bleeds into their ‘low-risk’ patient categories. Adding TTR to ORBIT, ATRIA and HEMORR2HAGES led to improved predictive performance for major bleeding.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of metallic glass fiber-reinforced Al alloy matrix composites
Authors: Wang Z. , Georgarakis K. , Nakayama K. S. , Li Y. , Tsarkov A. A. , Xie G. , Dudina D. , Louzguine-Luzgin D. V. , Yavari A. R.
Published: April 2016

Metallic glass-reinforced metal matrix composites are an emerging class of composite materials. The metallic nature and the high mechanical strength of the reinforcing phase offers unique possibilities for improving the engineering performance of composites. Understanding the structure at the amorphous/crystalline interfaces and the deformation behavior of these composites is of vital importance for their further development and potential application. In the present work, Zr-based metallic glass fibers have been introduced in Al7075 alloy (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) matrices using spark plasma sintering (SPS) producing composites with low porosity. The addition of metallic glass reinforcements in the Al-based matrix significantly improves the mechanical behavior of the composites in compression. High-resolution TEM observations at the interface reveal the formation of a thin interdiffusion layer able to provide good bonding between the reinforcing phase and the Al-based matrix. The deformation behavior of the composites was studied, indicating that local plastic deformation occurred in the matrix near the glassy reinforcements followed by the initiation and propagation of cracks mainly through the matrix. The reinforcing phase is seen to inhibit the plastic deformation and retard the crack propagation. The findings offer new insights into the mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites reinforced with metallic glasses.
Training sensory signal-to-noise resolution in children with ADHD in a global mental health setting
Authors: Mishra J , Sagar R , Joseph A A , Gazzaley A , Merzenich M M
Published: April 2016

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have impaired focus on goal-relevant signals and fail to suppress goal-irrelevant distractions. To address both these issues, we developed a novel neuroplasticity-based training program that adaptively trains the resolution of challenging sensory signals and the suppression of progressively more challenging distractions. We evaluated this sensory signal-to-noise resolution training in a small sample, global mental health study in Indian children with ADHD. The children trained for 30 h over 6 months in a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Training completers showed steady and significant improvements in ADHD-associated behaviors from baseline to post training relative to controls, and benefits sustained in a 6-month follow-up. Post-training cognitive assessments showed significant positive results for response inhibition and Stroop interference tests in training completers vs controls, while measures of sustained attention and short-term memory showed nonsignificant improvement trends. Further, training-driven improvements in distractor suppression correlated with the improved ADHD symptoms. This initial study suggests utility of signal-to-noise resolution training for children with ADHD; it emphasizes the need for further research on this intervention and substantially informs the design of a larger trial.
Serum BDNF levels before and after the development of mood disorders: a case–control study in a population cohort
Authors: Ihara K , Yoshida H , Jones P B , Hashizume M , Suzuki Y , Ishijima H , Kim H K , Suzuki T , Hachisu M
Published: April 2016

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are low in major depressive disorder (MDD), and were recently shown to decrease in chronic depression, but whether this is a trait or state marker of MDD remains unclear. We investigated whether serum BDNF levels decrease before or after the developments of MDD and other mood disorders through a case–control study nested in a cohort of 1276 women aged 75–84 years in 2008. Psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV identified incident cases of mood disorders at follow-up surveys in 2010 and 2012: 28 of MDDs, 39 of minor depressive disorders (minDDs) and 8 of minor depressive episodes with a history of major depressive episodes (minDEs with MDE history). A total of 106 representative non-depressed controls were also identified in the 2012 follow-up. We assayed BDNF levels in preserved sera of cases and controls at baseline and at follow-up. Serum BDNF levels at baseline in cases of MDD, minDD or minDE with MDE history were no lower than those in controls. The decrease in the serum BDNF level from baseline to follow-up was greater in cases of MDD or minDE with MDE history than in controls or cases of minDD. These results show that serum BDNF levels are not a trait marker of MDD in old women but appeared to be a state marker. The different changes in BDNF levels among diagnostic groups suggest that MDD has a pathophysiologic relation to minDE with MDE history, rather than to minDD.
Antioxidant properties of formula derived Maillard reaction products in colons of intrauterine growth restricted pigs
Authors: Elmhiri Ghada , Hamoudi Dounia , Dou Samir , Bahi-Jaber Narges , Reygnier Julie , Larcher Thibaut , Firmin Stéphane , Abdennebi-Najar Latifa
Published: April 2016

The present study has been conducted to evaluate the impact of the consumption of high MRP formula on changes in the microbiota and oxidative stress in the colon of IUGR piglets.
Transport properties of catalyst supports studied by pulsed field gradient (PFG) and 2D exchange (EXSY) NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Weiland Erika , Springuel-Huet Marie-Anne , Nossov Andrei , Guenneau Flavien , Quoineaud Anne-Agathe , Gédéon Antoine
Published: April 2016

2D-EXSY and PFG 129Xe NMR provide a powerful means for probing tortuosity and pore connectivity in bimodal alumina catalysts.
Effect of a chelating agent at different pH on the spectroscopic and structural properties of microwave derived hydroxyapatite nanoparticles: a bone mimetic material
Authors: Mishra Vijay Kumar , Bhattacharjee Birendra Nath , Kumar Devendra , Rai Shyam Bahadur , Parkash Om
Published: April 2016

Asparagusroot-like and scattered needle-like formation of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles under microwave irradiation.
Supramolecular organic network assembled from quadruple hydrogen-bonding motifs
Authors: Huang Xue , Zhao Yan-Chao , Han Bao-Hang
Published: April 2016

A rigid triptycene derivative with three 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) terminals was employed to construct a supramolecular hydrogen-bonded organic polymer (HOP-1).
Insights into enzyme point mutation effect by molecular simulation: phenylethylamine oxidation catalyzed by monoamine oxidase A
Authors: Oanca Gabriel , Purg Miha , Mavri Janez , Shih Jean C. , Stare Jernej
Published: April 2016

The active site of monoamine oxidase A with a phenylethylamine substrate molecule and residue 335 subjected to mutation.
Positron annihilation and nuclear magnetic resonance study of the phase behavior of water confined in mesopores at different levels of hydration
Authors: Maheshwari Priya , Dutta Dhanadeep , Mukherjee Saurabh , Madhu Perunthiruthy K. , Mote Kaustubh R. , Pujari Pradeep K.
Published: April 2016

Phase transition behavior of water confined in mesopores at different levels of hydration using positron annihilation and NMR spectrometry.
Sub-50 fs excited state dynamics of 6-chloroguanine upon deep ultraviolet excitation
Authors: Mondal Sayan , Puranik Mrinalini
Published: April 2016

Instantaneous structural distortions of 6-chloroguanine in Bbelectronic state from resonance Raman intensity analysis.
Solvent influence on the thermodynamics for hydride transfer from bis(diphosphine) complexes of nickel
Authors: Connelly Robinson Samantha J. , Zall Christopher M. , Miller Deanna L. , Linehan John C. , Appel Aaron M.
Published: April 2016

Hydride transfer from a molecular nickel hydride to CO2 changes from unfavourable in organic solvent to favourable in aqueous solution.
pH-Controlled assembly of two novel Dawson-sandwiched clusters involving the in situ reorganization of trivacant α-[P2W15O56]12− into divacant α-[P2W16O57]8−
Authors: Guo Ling-Yu , Jagodič Marko , Zeng Su-Yuan , Wang Zhi , Shi Zhi-Qiang , Wang Xing-Po , Tung Chen-Ho , Sun Di
Published: April 2016

Two novel Dawson-sandwiched clusters involving the in situ reorganization of trivacant α-[P2W15O56]12− into divacant α-[P2W16O57]8− were assembled.
New hybrid organic-zincophosphate frameworks: single-crystal-to-single-crystal structural transformation and remarkable thermal and chemical stabilities
Authors: Chang Tsung-Yuan , Yan Zhao-Nan , Wang Chun-Chi , Li Hsing-Chun , Lin Hsiu-Mei , Wang Chih-Min
Published: April 2016

This research is the first example of hybrid metal phosphates that undergo SCSC structural transformations and exhibit remarkable thermal and chemical stabilities.
Correction: EPR detection and characterisation of a paramagnetic Mo(iii) dihydride intermediate involved in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Prior Christopher , Webster Lee R. , Ibrahim Saad K. , Wright Joseph A. , Alghamdi Ali F. , Oganesyan Vasily S. , Pickett Christopher J.
Published: April 2016

Correction for ‘EPR detection and characterisation of a paramagnetic Mo(iii) dihydride intermediate involved in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution’ by Christopher Prior, et al., Dalton Trans., 2016, 45, 2399–2403.
Niacin and olive oil promote skewing to the M2 phenotype in bone marrow-derived macrophages of mice with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Montserrat-de la Paz Sergio , Naranjo Maria C. , Lopez Sergio , Abia Rocio , Muriana Francisco J. G. , Bermudez Beatriz
Published: April 2016

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with obesity, dyslipemia, type 2 diabetes and chronic low-grade inflammation.
Fabrication of fluorescent nanoparticles based on AIE luminogens (AIE dots) and their applications in bioimaging
Authors: Chen Sijie , Wang Hong , Hong Yuning , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2016

This review outlines the fabrication methods and bioimaging applications of the fluorescent nanoparticles based on AIE luminogens (AIE dots).
Dendrimeric magnetic nanoparticle cores with Co-phthalocyanine tags and their application in the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives
Authors: Zolfigol Mohamad Ali , Safaiee Maliheh , Bahrami-Nejad Neda
Published: April 2016

A novel magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst was synthesized and used for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives under mild conditions.
Chemoselectivity and stereoselectivity of cyclisation pathways leading to bicyclic tetramates controlled by ring-chain tautomerisation in thiazolidines
Authors: Panduwawala Tharindi D. , Iqbal Sarosh , Tirfoin Rémi , Moloney Mark G.
Published: April 2016

N-Malonyl thiazolidine templates derived from cysteine and aromatic aldehydes may be used to access bicyclic tetramates.
Synthesis of cyclic 1,3-diols as scaffolds for spatially directed libraries
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Aubé Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

A series of 1,3-diols has been synthesized and used to create a pilot library of spatially diverse compounds.
Visible-light-promoted syntheses of β-keto sulfones from alkynes and sulfonylhydrazides
Authors: Cai Shunyou , Chen Danling , Xu Yaohui , Weng Wen , Li Lihuang , Zhang Ruijie , Huang Mingqiang
Published: April 2016

Functionalized β-keto sulfones were prepared under the synergistic interactions of visible light irradiation, Ru(bpy)3Cl2, oxygen, KI, and NaOAc basic additive.
Ionothermal synthesis and magnetic study of a new manganese(ii) phosphite with an unprecedented Mn/P ratio
Authors: Su Tan , Xing Hongzhu , Li Yi , Wu Junbiao , Song Xiaowei , Nakano Takehito , Yu Jihong
Published: April 2016

A new layered manganese(ii) phosphite, JIS-10, has been synthesised ionothermally; its structure features antiferromagnetic manganese dimers with S = 5/2.
Photooxidation of benzyl alcohols and photodegradation of cationic dyes by Fe3O4@sulfur/reduced graphene oxide as catalyst
Authors: Rahimi Rahmatollah , Moshari Mahsa , Rabbani Mahboubeh , Azad Alireza
Published: April 2016

The degradation efficiency of MB and CV in presence of Fe3O4@S/RGO and other catalysts in the dark and under 7 W LED visible light irradiation.
Catalysis performance comparison for electrochemical reduction of CO2 on Pd–Cu/graphene catalyst
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhu Liangsheng , Wang Hui , He Guangya , Bian Zhaoyong
Published: April 2016

Pd–Cu/graphene catalyst exhibits high ability about electrochemical reduction of CO2 compared with Pd/graphene and Cu/graphene catalysts.
Epoxy coating with embedded self-healing networks formed by nanogel particles
Authors: Atta Ayman M. , Al-Lohedan Hamad A. , Al-Haddad Khalid A.
Published: April 2016

The paper describes the use of a nanogel for the preparation of epoxy-based, self-healing organic coatings for steel.
Hydrodynamics of a continuous countercurrent liquid–solid system: experiments and modeling
Authors: Nagarajan K. , Renganathan T. , Krishnaiah K.
Published: April 2016

Pressure drop, solid holdup and flooding velocities are experimentally measured and theoretically predicted in a continuous countercurrent liquid–solid system.
Coupled instabilities of surface crease and bulk bending during fast free swelling of hydrogels
Authors: Takahashi Riku , Ikura Yumihiko , King Daniel R. , Nonoyama Takayuki , Nakajima Tasuku , Kurokawa Takayuki , Kuroda Hirotoshi , Tonegawa Yoshihiro , Gong Jian Ping
Published: April 2016

This work investigates the mechanical coupling of surface instability and bulk bending.
Structure and performance analysis of an SαS‐based digital modulation system
Authors: Xu Zhi‐Jiang , Wang Kang , Gong Yi , Lu Wei‐Dang , Hua Jing‐Yu
Published: April 2016

In this study, the parameter of a symmetric α‐stable (SαS) noise sequence is modulated by the binary message sequence to achieve a secure communication system. The characteristic exponent ‘α’ of an SαS noise sequence carries the binary information. In order to recover the binary message sequence at the receiver, the authors propose a logarithmic moments estimator to estimate the characteristic exponent ‘α’ of the transmitted noise sequence. The optimal decision threshold and the minimum theoretical bit error ratio are derived. It is shown that the simulation results of the presented logarithmic moments estimator are consistent with the analytical results. Moreover, this estimator shows better performance and lower computational complexity than the conventional SINC estimator based on the fractional low‐order moment method.
Wide input and wide output topology analysis for tapped‐inductor converters with consideration of parasitic elements
Authors: Li Siyang , Cheng Ka Wai E. , Ye Yuanmao , Shi Zhanghai
Published: April 2016

In this study, a new circuit topology of tapped‐inductor DC–DC converter has been introduced, considering the impacts of parasitic elements. The converter is able to provide wide input and wide output voltage range with high efficiency, including buck, boost and buck–boost modes. First, the principle and algorithm of the new converter has been investigated in detail. Then, the power conversion efficiency has been examined under different duty ratios. The voltage gain and efficiency have simultaneously been analysed with various loads. Finally, the experimental results show that the efficiencies of the new topology are high in most ranges, thus verified the correctness of theory and the effectiveness of the proposed topology.
Iron phthalocyanine nanorods for ethanol sensoring
Authors: Wang Xiuhua , Wang Xiuqin , Gao Jie , Xu Bingang
Published: April 2016

Iron phthalocyanine (FePc) nanorods were synthesised by a solvothermal method without any surfactant. The as‐synthesised materials were monoclinic FePc phase according to X‐ray diffraction. The FePc nanorods were applied as gas sensor to detect the ethanol with good sensitivity and selectivity. The results demonstrated that FePc nanorods were excellent candidates for gas sensor to ethanol.