bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tinnitus in patients with hearing loss due to mitochondrial DNA pathogenic variants
Authors: Lechowicz Urszula , Pollak Agnieszka , Raj-Koziak Danuta , Dziendziel Beata , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyński Henryk , Ołdak Monika
Published: June 2018

Purpose

Tinnitus described as individual perception of phantom sound constitutes a significant medical problem and has become an essential subject of many studies conducted worldwide. In the study, we aimed to examine the prevalence of tinnitus among Polish hearing loss (HL) patients with identified mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants.

Methods

Among the selected group of unrelated HL patients with known mtDNA pathogenic variants, two questionnaires were conducted, i.e. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory translated into Polish (THI-POL) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for measuring subjectively perceived tinnitus loudness, distress, annoyance and possibility of coping with this condition (VASs). Pathogenic mtDNA variants were detected with real-time PCR and sequencing of the whole mtDNA.

Results

This is the first extensive tinnitus characterization using THI-POL and VASs questionnaires in HL patients due to mtDNA variants. We have established the prevalence of tinnitus among the studied group at 23.5%. We found that there are no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of tinnitus and its characteristic features between HL patients with known HL mtDNA variants and the general Polish population. In Polish HL patients with tinnitus, m.7511T>C was significantly more frequent than in patients without tinnitus. We observed that the prevalence of tinnitus is lower in Polish patients with m.1555A>G as compared to other available data.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the mtDNA variants causative of HL may affect tinnitus development but this effect seems to be ethnic-specific.
Overexpression of SNF4 and deletions of REG1- and REG2-enhanced maltose metabolism and leavening ability of baker’s yeast in lean dough
Authors: Lin Xue , Zhang Cui-Ying , Meng Lu , Bai Xiao-Wen , Xiao Dong-Guang
Published: June 2018

Maltose metabolism of baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in lean dough is suppressed by the glucose effect, which negatively affects dough fermentation. In this study, differences and interactions among SNF4 (encoding for the regulatory subunit of Snf1 kinase) overexpression and REG1 and REG2 (which encodes for the regulatory subunits of the type I protein phosphatase) deletions in maltose metabolism of baker’s yeast were investigated using various mutants. Results revealed that SNF4 overexpression and REG1 and REG2 deletions effectively alleviated glucose repression at different levels, thereby enhancing maltose metabolism and leavening ability to varying degrees. SNF4 overexpression combined with REG1/REG2 deletions further enhanced the increases in glucose derepression and maltose metabolism. The overexpressed SNF4 with deleted REG1 and REG2 mutant ΔREG1ΔREG2 + SNF4 displayed the highest maltose metabolism and strongest leavening ability under the test conditions. Such baker’s yeast strains had excellent potential applications.
Health Promotion and Wellness Initiatives Targeting Chronic Disease Prevention and Management for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Recent Advancements in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Taggart L. , Truesdale M. , Dunkley A. , House A. , Russell A. M.
Published: June 2018

Purpose of Review

The aim of this paper was to review the recent international developments in health promotion and wellness initiatives targeting chronic disease prevention and management for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) targeting type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Recent Findings

There has been one diabetes prevention program (STOP) and two self-management T2D education programs (DESMOND-ID; OK diabetes) adapted for this population. All three programs have been adapted from other theoretically informed and tested programs developed for the general population. Each program has employed co-design and co-production techniques with all stakeholders. The three programs all target the high-risk lifestyle factors that can lead to T2D and contribute to poor glycaemia control, and have undertaken randomized-feasibility studies, the results of which are promising.

This paper shows that any health promotion and wellness initiatives need to be tailored and reasonable adjustments made in order to address this population’s cognitive impairments and communication difficulties.
Structural Design of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries: From Fundamental Research to Practical Application
Authors: Yang Xiaofei , Li Xia , Adair Keegan , Zhang Huamin , Sun Xueliang
Published: June 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have been considered as one of the most promising energy storage devices that have the potential to deliver energy densities that supersede that of state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries. Due to their high theoretical energy density and cost-effectiveness, Li–S batteries have received great attention and have made great progress in the last few years. However, the insurmountable gap between fundamental research and practical application is still a major stumbling block that has hindered the commercialization of Li–S batteries. This review provides insight from an engineering point of view to discuss the reasonable structural design and parameters for the application of Li–S batteries. Firstly, a systematic analysis of various parameters (sulfur loading, electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio, discharge capacity, discharge voltage, Li excess percentage, sulfur content, etc.) that influence the gravimetric energy density, volumetric energy density and cost is investigated. Through comparing and analyzing the statistical information collected from recent Li–S publications to find the shortcomings of Li–S technology, we supply potential strategies aimed at addressing the major issues that are still needed to be overcome. Finally, potential future directions and prospects in the engineering of Li–S batteries are discussed.

Graphical Abstract
Emotional engagement, educational aspirations, and their association during secondary school
Authors: Gutman Leslie Morrison , Schoon Ingrid
Published: June 2018

Previous research has demonstrated the link between school engagement and academic attainment, but there is less understanding of the relationship between school engagement and educational aspirations. Using the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England (LSYPE), this study examines the association between emotional engagement and educational aspirations during secondary school, covering ages 14 to 16. On average, emotional engagement increased over time. A significant proportion of adolescents shifted from expressing uncertainty to aspiring to continue in education. Males were more likely than females to shift from aspiring to continue in education to planning to leave school early. Greater emotional engagement was associated with a lower likelihood of having low or uncertain aspirations, especially for high‐achieving, ethnic minority, and male adolescents. Findings highlight the importance of emotional engagement, particularly for those at risk of uncertain educational aspirations and those least likely to continue in education following post‐compulsory schooling.
Childhood sexual abuse and current suicidal ideation among adolescents: Problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping skills
Authors: Yoon Yoewon , Cederbaum Julie A. , Schwartz Alix
Published: June 2018

Introduction

The present study aims to investigate whether problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping skills were associated with suicidal ideation. In addition, we examined whether childhood maltreatment (i.e. physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and neglect) is a risk factor for later‐on suicidal ideation.

Methods

Youths aged 16 or 18 (n = 307, 56% females) from San Diego and Seattle at Wave 6 and Wave 7 of the LONGSCAN were included in the study. We used hierarchical logistic regression.

Results & Conclusions

17.6% reported suicidal ideation. Those who reported better emotion‐focused coping were .80 times less likely to report suicidal ideation. However, even after controlling for coping skills, adolescents with sexually abuse histories were 3.08 times more likely to report suicidal ideation. Our findings suggest implications for early intervention efforts. Building youth assets through promotion of positive youth development may serve as a driving force to reduce negative outcomes in youth who have experienced sexual abuse.
The Determinants of Green Packaging that Influence Buyers’ Willingness to Pay a Price Premium
Authors: Singh Gaganpreet , Pandey Neeraj
Published: June 2018

The study examined the impact of green packaging on consumer behaviour. It was measured through willingness to pay since it acts as a proxy for actual behaviour. Using a sample of 343 respondents, the study empirically confirmed the effect of six factors grounded from “theory of consumption values” and “customer value creation framework” that offered uniqueness to green packaging and influenced buyers’ willingness to pay a price premium.
Biomarkers of agitation and aggression in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review
Authors: Ruthirakuhan Myuri , Lanctôt Krista L. , Di Scipio Matteo , Ahmed Mehnaz , Herrmann Nathan
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Agitation is one of the most challenging neuropsychiatric symptoms to treat in Alzheimer's disease and has significant implications for patient and caregiver. A major source of difficulty in identifying safe and effective treatments for agitation is the lack of validated biomarkers. As such, patients may not be appropriately targeted, and biological response to pharmacotherapy cannot be adequately monitored.

Methods

This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence on the association between biomarkers and agitation/aggression in patients with Alzheimer's disease, utilizing the National Institute on Aging–Alzheimer's Association Research Framework and the Biomarkers, EndpointS, and other Tools Resource of the Food and Drug Association‐National Institutes of Health Biomarker Working Group.

Results

This review identified six classes of biomarkers (neuropathological, neurotransmitter, neuroimaging, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, inflammatory, and clusterin) associated with agitation/aggression, which were mostly diagnostic in nature.

Discussion

Future studies should investigate the predictive, prognostic, and monitoring capacity of biomarkers to provide insight into the longitudinal course of agitation/aggression, as well as predict and monitor biological response to a pharmacological intervention.
The impact of preanalytical variables on measuring cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis: A review
Authors: Hansson Oskar , Mikulskis Alvydas , Fagan Anne M. , Teunissen Charlotte , Zetterberg Henrik , Vanderstichele Hugo , Molinuevo Jose Luis , Shaw Leslie M. , Vandijck Manu , Verbeek Marcel M. , Savage Mary , Mattsson Niklas , Lewczuk Piotr , Batrla Richard , Rutz Sandra , Dean Robert A. , Blennow Kaj
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of Alzheimer's disease, yet there is a lack of harmonized preanalytical CSF handling protocols.

Methods

This systematic review summarizes the current literature on the influence of preanalytical variables on CSF biomarker concentration. We evaluated the evidence for three core CSF biomarkers: β‐amyloid 42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau.

Results

The clinically important variables with the largest amount of conflicting data included the temperature at which samples are stored, the time nonfrozen samples can be stored, and possible effects of additives such as detergents, blood contamination, and centrifugation. Conversely, we discovered that there is consensus that tube material has a significant effect.

Discussion

A unified CSF handling protocol is recommended to reduce preanalytical variability and facilitate comparison of CSF biomarkers across studies and laboratories. In future, experiments should use a gold standard with fresh CSF collected in low binding tubes.
Late Cretaceous Construction of the Mantle Lithosphere Beneath the Central California Coast Revealed by Crystal Knob Xenoliths
Authors: Quinn D. P. , Saleeby J. B. , Ducea M. N. , Luffi P. , Asimow P. D.
Published: June 2018

The Pleistocene (1.65 Ma) Crystal Knob volcanic neck in the California Coast Ranges is an olivine‐plagioclase phyric basalt containing dunite and spinel peridotite xenoliths. Crystal Knob erupted through the Nacimiento belt of the Franciscan complex and adjacent to Salinian crystalline nappes. Its xenoliths sample the mantle lithosphere beneath the outboard exhumed remnants of the southern California Cretaceous subducting margin. This sample set augments previously studied xenolith suites in the Mojave Desert and Sierra Nevada, which linked the mantle lithosphere architecture and crustal structure of the western Cordillera. We examine six peridotite samples ranging from fertile lherzolites to harzburgite residues. Time‐corrected (εNd) of 10.3–11.0 and 87Sr/86Sr of 0.702 are characteristic of underplated suboceanic mantle. Pyroxene exchange geothermometry shows equilibration at 950–1060 °C. Phase stability, Ca‐in‐olivine barometry, and 65‐ to 90‐mW/m2 regional geotherms suggest entrainment at 45‐ to 75‐km depth. The samples were variably depleted by partial melting, and re‐enrichment of the hottest samples suggests deep melt‐rock interaction. We test the Crystal Knob temperature depth array against model geotherms matching potential sources for the mantle lithosphere beneath the Coast Ranges: (A) a shallow Mendocino slab window, (B) a young Monterey plate stalled slab, and (C) Farallon plate mantle nappes, underplated during the Cretaceous and reheated at depth by the Miocene slab window. Models B and C fit xenolith thermobarometry, but only model C fits the tectonic and geodynamic evolution of southern California. We conclude that the mantle lithosphere beneath the central California coast was emplaced after Cretaceous flat slab subduction and records a thermal signature of Neogene subduction of the Pacific‐Farallon ridge.
Acceleration of Northern Ice Sheet Melt Induces AMOC Slowdown and Northern Cooling in Simulations of the Early Last Deglaciation
Authors: Ivanovic R. F. , Gregoire L. J. , Burke A. , Wickert A. D. , Valdes P. J. , Ng H. C. , Robinson L. F. , McManus J. F. , Mitrovica J. X. , Lee L. , Dentith J. E.
Published: June 2018

The cause of a rapid change in Atlantic Ocean circulation and northern cooling at the onset of Heinrich Stadial 1 ~18.5 ka is unclear. Previous studies have simulated the event using ice sheet and/or iceberg meltwater forcing, but these idealized freshwater fluxes have been unrealistically large. Here we use a different approach, driving a high‐resolution drainage network model with a recent time‐resolved global paleo‐ice sheet reconstruction to generate a realistic meltwater forcing. We input this flux to the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3 (HadCM3) climate model without adjusting the timing or amplitude and find that an acceleration in northern ice sheet melting (up to ~7.5 m/kyr global mean sea level rise equivalent) triggers a 20% reduction in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The simulated pattern of ocean circulation and climate change matches an array of paleoclimate and ocean circulation reconstructions for the onset of Heinrich Stadial 1, in terms of both rates and magnitude of change. This is achieved with a meltwater flux that matches constraints on sea level changes and ice sheet evolution around 19–18 ka. Since the rates of melting are similar to those projected for Greenland by 2200, constraining the melt rates and magnitude of climate change during Heinrich Stadial 1 would provide an important test of climate model sensitivity to future ice sheet melt.
Exploring a More Dynamic Arctic Icescape
Authors: Granskog Mats
Published: June 2018

A joint special issue presents new findings from a field campaign in the Arctic Ocean which highlights key processes that need to be taken into account to predict the future of the Arctic ice pack.
Refining Remote Sensing of Dissolved Organic Carbon in Waterways
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: June 2018

Nearby vegetation affects the color of organic matter, a new study finds.
New Version of Popular Climate Model Released
Authors: Joel Lucas
Published: June 2018

After spending months addressing a big glitch, researchers released the second version of the Community Earth System Model.
Advancing Mg/Ca Analysis of Coralline Algae as a Climate Proxy by Assessing LA‐ICP‐OES Sampling and Coupled Mg/Ca‐δ18O Analysis
Authors: Light Tricia , Williams Branwen , Halfar Jochen , Hou Alicia , Zajacz Zoltan , Tsay Alexandra , Adey Walter
Published: June 2018

High‐latitude climate reconstructions are essential for discerning anthropogenic climate change from natural climate variability. Since observational high‐latitude climate records are rare prior to the satellite era, climate proxies such as the coralline algae Clathromorphum compactum are needed to generate these reconstructions. C. compactum is distributed across the northern high latitudes and documents environmental variability in the magnesium‐to‐calcium ratio (Mg/Ca) and δ18O composition of its calcite skeleton. Therefore, paired Mg/Ca and δ18O analyses in C. compactum are a promising new tool for reconstructing historic high‐latitude climate change. Here a new method for C. compactum Mg/Ca analysis, laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (LA‐ICP‐OES), was verified through comparisons with parallel Mg/Ca transects using established techniques in a specimen from Labrador, Canada. Next, LA‐ICP‐OES Mg/Ca analysis in two specimens from Nunavut, Canada, was paired with δ18O analyses. While Mg/Ca data across all specimens captured seasonal sea surface temperature (SST) variability, Mg/Ca values differed in replicate transects within skeleton formed at the same time regardless of technique used. This reduces the effectiveness of C. compactum Mg/Ca as a SST proxy on interannual time scales. Mg/Ca values and δ18O composition differed between the two Nunavut specimens, and only one of them documented local SST, sea ice cover, and sea surface salinity. This indicates that climate archive verification is required for each unique coralline algal specimen. In the specimen from Nunavut verified here, paired Mg/Ca and δ18O analyses produced more robust sea ice cover/sea surface salinity reconstructions than δ18O analyses alone, supporting further development of this proxy system.
Monsoon Climate Change Projection for the Orographic West Coast of India Using High‐Resolution Nested Dynamical Downscaling Model
Authors: Jayasankar C. B. , Rajendran Kavirajan , Surendran Sajani
Published: June 2018

An efficient, reliable very high resolution dynamical downscaling model, a regional climate model (Weather Research and Forecasting‐Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting) one‐way nested into skillful general circulation model (National Center for Atmospheric Research‐Community Climate System Model version 4), is configured and implemented for ecologically sensitive, densely populated west coast of India encompassing Western Ghats (WG) having complex, meridionally oriented orography and wide biodiversity. This model with 3 km resolution resolves orographic features enabling realistic simulation of physical and dynamical characteristics of present‐day Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and extreme events, particularly recent trends in ISM rainfall over WG as observed. Marked skill of this model provides confidence in its future climate projection at regional scale. Future ISM rainfall projection shows significant increase (reduction) over 50.7% (5.8%) of Indian grid points. Significant reduction (10–20% of mean) over WG is due to upper‐tropospheric warming effect that stabilizes the atmosphere. Projected changes in extreme events show overall increase in warm days and warm nights over India with maximum increase over South India. Projected changes show widespread increase in wet days over most of India and reduction over WG. Projection of consecutive dry days implies wetter future for most parts of India but strengthened drought conditions for WG. Wind extreme projection shows strengthened (weakened) low (high) winds probability over WG and increase (decrease) in very high (low) winds over central India. This study establishes the importance of (i) employing sufficiently high‐resolution model, (ii) using bias‐corrected boundary data, and (iii) configuring model for realistic present‐day climate over complex topographic coastlines such as the west coast, in order to obtain useful climate change information for adaptation measures.
Characteristics of the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer Over the Southern Ocean in Response to the Synoptic Forcing
Authors: Lang F. , Huang Y. , Siems S. T. , Manton M. J.
Published: June 2018

The characteristics of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) in relation to synoptic meteorology over the Southern Ocean are examined using upper‐air soundings and surface precipitation at Macquarie Island (54.62°S, 158.85°E), with a primary focus on the post‐cold‐frontal environment where large cloud and radiative biases are presented in a multitude of climate models. Thermodynamic profiles from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐Interim reanalyses are compared with the observations to evaluate their representation of the MABL characteristics. Observations confirm that boundary layer clouds over the Southern Ocean commonly reside within a shallow MABL under the influence of frequent midlatitude cyclones and fronts. The evaluation of MABL height shows that, for both observations and reanalysis, the inversion is higher northward of the low center and under postcold front conditions. Under cold frontal passages, however, the main inversions are not well represented by ERA‐Interim, which is featured by an underestimate of the MABL height by 22%. Significant differences are found in the moisture profiles within the MABL between the observations and ERA‐Interim soundings within the context of cold frontal passages. The moisture in the ERA‐Interim is found to be too confined to the surface layer, which is consistent with the shallower MABL represented by the ERA‐Interim. Analysis of the surface precipitation shows that ERA‐Interim overestimates the amount of precipitation over Macquarie Island in the vicinity of cyclone cores but underestimates the precipitation not immediately associated with cold fronts, leading to an overall underestimate of the annual precipitation by 11%.
A Comparison of Late Quaternary Organic Proxy‐Based Paleotemperature Records of the Central Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Lattaud Julie , Lo Li , Huang Jyh‐Jaan , Chou Yu‐Min , Gorbarenko Sergey A. , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan
Published: June 2018

The long‐chain diol index (LDI) is a new organic sea surface temperature (SST) proxy based on the distribution of long‐chain diols. It has been applied in several environments but not yet in subpolar regions. Here we tested the LDI on surface sediments and a sediment core from the Sea of Okhotsk, which is the southernmost seasonal sea ice‐covered region in the Northern Hemisphere, and compared it with other organic temperature proxies, that is,
and TEXL86. In the surface sediments, the LDI is correlated with autumn SST, similar to the
but different from the TEXL86 that correlates best with summer sea subsurface temperature. Remarkably, the obtained local LDI calibration was significantly different from the global core‐top calibration. We used the local LDI calibration to reconstruct past SST changes in the central Sea of Okhotsk. The LDI‐SST record shows low glacial (Marine Isotope Stage, MIS 2, 4, and 6) and high interglacial (MIS 1 and MIS 5) temperatures and follows the same pattern as the
‐SST and a previously published TEXL86 temperature record. Similar to the modern situation, the reconstructed temperatures during the interglacials likely reflect different seasons, that is, summer for the TEXL86 and autumn for
and LDI. During glacials, the reconstructed temperatures of all three proxies are similar to each other, likely reflecting summer temperatures as this was the only season free of sea ice. Our results suggest that the LDI is a suitable proxy to reconstruct subpolar seawater temperatures.
Polar Topside Ionosphere During Geomagnetic Storms: Comparison of ISIS‐II With TDIM
Authors: Sojka J. J. , Rice D. , Eccles V. , David M. , Schunk R. W. , Benson R. F. , James H. G.
Published: June 2018

Space weather deposits energy into the high polar latitudes, primarily via Joule heating that is associated with the Poynting flux electromagnetic energy flow between the magnetosphere and ionosphere. One way to observe this energy flow is to look at the ionospheric electron density profile (EDP), especially that of the topside. The altitude location of the ionospheric peak provides additional information on the net field‐aligned vertical transport at high latitudes. To date, there have been few studies in which physics‐based ionospheric model storm simulations have been compared with topside EDPs. A rich database of high‐latitude topside ionograms obtained from polar orbiting satellites of the International Satellites for Ionospheric Studies (ISIS) program exists but has not been utilized in comparisons with physics‐based models. Of specific importance is that the Alouette/ISIS topside EDPs spanned the timeframe from 1962 to 1983, a period that experienced very large geomagnetic storms. We use a physics‐based ionospheric model, the Utah State University Time Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM), to simulate ionospheric EDPs for quiet and storm high‐latitude passes of ISIS‐II for two geomagnetic storms. This initial study finds that under quiet conditions there is good agreement between model and observations. During disturbed conditions, however, a large difference is seen between model and observations. The model limitation is probably associated with the inability of its topside boundary to replicate strong outflow conditions. As a result, modeling of the ionospheric outflows needs to be extended well into the magnetosphere, thereby moving the upper boundary much higher and requiring the use of polar wind models.
The influence of NHCs on C–Si and C–C reductive elimination: a computational study of the selectivity of Ni-catalyzed C–H activation of arenes with vinylsilanes
Authors: Liu Xiao-Jun , Tian Ying-Ying , Cui Hong-Qiang , Fan Hui-Jun
Published: June 2018

NHCs control the selectivityviadifferent impacts on the C–Si/C–C reductive elimination of the square-planar/T-shaped intermediate.
DNA assisted synthesis of CeO2 nanocrystals with enhanced peroxidase-like activity
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Mei-Fang , Wang Yi-Ming , Shen Ji-Wei , Wang Zhi-Ying , Gao Han , Wang Li-Li , Ouyang Xiangyuan
Published: June 2018

We have synthesized a series of CeO2 nanocrystals in different sizes with DNA as the template by a hydrothermal synthesis method.
Why develop photoactivated chemotherapy?
Authors: Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: June 2018

Some inorganic compounds kill cancer cells upon light irradiation without a need for dioxygen to be present. To which clinical needs could these compounds respond?
Formation of borata-alkene/iminium zwitterions by ynamine hydroboration
Authors: Wang Long , Jian Zhongbao , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: June 2018

The ynamine TMP–CC–CH3 adds HB(C6F5)2 to give the unsaturated C2-bridged N/B FLP, which shows a marked participation of the mesomeric zwitterionic borata-alkene/iminium form.
Facile synthesis of nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots for multiple sensing capacities: alkaline fluorescence enhancement effect, temperature sensing, and selective detection of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Liu Guannan , Li Shan , Cheng Ming , Zhao Lianjing , Zhang Bo , Gao Yuan , Xu Yan , Liu Fangmeng , Lu Geyu
Published: June 2018

In this work, we prepared nitrogen and sulfur co-doped carbon dots (C-dots) via a one-pot facile hydrothermal method using methionine and ethylenediamine as the precursors.
Synthesis of Boscalidviaa three-step telescoped continuous flow process implemented on a MJOD reactor platform
Authors: Drageset Audun , Elumalai Vijayaragavan , Bjørsvik Hans-René
Published: June 2018

A three step continuous/semi-flow process leading to the fungicide Boscalid® is disclosed.
Investigation of n-type doping strategies for Mg3Sb2
Authors: Gorai Prashun , Ortiz Brenden R. , Toberer Eric S. , Stevanović Vladan
Published: June 2018

Computational investigation of n-type doping strategies for Mg3Sb2reveals new cation site dopants.
MoO3 nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic N2 fixation to NH3
Authors: Han Jingrui , Ji Xuqiang , Ren Xiang , Cui Guanwei , Li Lei , Xie Fengyu , Wang Hui , Li Baihai , Sun Xuping
Published: June 2018

MoO3 nanosheets act as an efficient electrocatalyst for N2 fixation to NH3 with excellent selectivity at ambient conditions. In 0.1 M HCl, they show high activity with an NH3 yield of 4.80 × 10−10 mol s−1 cm−2 (29.43 μg h−1 mgcat.−1) and a faradaic efficiency of 1.9%.
Fluorescence-guided magnetic nanocarriers for enhanced tumor targeting photodynamic therapy
Authors: Dehvari Khalilalrahman , Lin Po-Ting , Chang Jia-Yaw
Published: June 2018

Fe3O4-HA-Ce6 nanotheranostic agents demonstrated specific targeting ability toward cancer cells with subsequent improvement in dual modal MR/NIR imaging and photodynamic therapeutic effects.
Aggregation-induced emission luminogen-based fluorescence detection of hypoxanthine: a probe for biomedical diagnosis of energy metabolism-related conditions
Authors: Zhang Zhiling , Kwok Ryan T. K. , Yu Yong , Tang Ben Zhong , Ng Ka Ming
Published: June 2018

Highly sensitive and specific detection of hypoxanthine based on an aggregation-induced emission fluorescent probe is developed for energy metabolism-related diagnostics.
Comprehensive design and analysis of a PMaSynRM for washing machine applications
Authors: Tap Alper , Xheladini Liridon , Yilmaz Murat , Imeryuz Murat , Asan Tasdemir , Ergene Lale T.
Published: June 2018

This study presents a comprehensive design procedure of a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMaSynRM) for replacing a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in a commercial washer. The motors used in these applications have to perform efficiently on a wide speed range with constant‐torque region for washing, and field‐weakening region for spinning. A design methodology is determined consisting of electromagnetic design, thermal/mechanical stress analysis, optimisation and prototyping. There are limitations and decisions on the initial design steps, considering the volume allocated for the machine, magnetic material and permanent magnet (PM) selection and the electromagnetic parameters for constant‐torque and field‐weakening regions. Design process is carried out following the initial parameter selection then the motor is produced and tested. Test results show that the PMaSynRM is 8.26% higher in volume and lower in power density than those of PMSM with a better field‐weakening characteristic and fault tolerance. As a result, the authors proposed a methodology to design a PMaSynRM which becomes a good alternative for the mass produced home appliance motors since the materials’ amount are decreased in 20% for silicon steel and 50% for PMs consequently decreasing the total cost and offering nearly the same efficiency and power density for the application.
Evaluation study on an integration method for a DDQP using LCC and series compensation topologies for inductive power transfer
Authors: Rasekh Navid , Mirsalim Mojtaba
Published: June 2018

Nowadays, inductive power transfer is of great interest to the system working with electric power by virtue of its safety, reliability, and convenient characteristics. In fact, efficiency and compactness are the two parameters which play an important role in recharging electric vehicles. Double‐D quadrature pad (DDQP) is a suitable magnetic structure that due to the use of an additional coil, can enhance the X‐axis tolerance. Although there are several compensation methods to boost the efficiency, series and inductor–capacitor–capacitor (LCC) compensation types seem to be more practical and optimal. In this study, the LCC and series compensations are used together in the DDQP as the receiver side and calculated the value of the primary capacitor for enhancing the efficiency. Moreover, it is shown that, in the misaligned position which compensation has a better performance when utilising in the quadrature coil. Also, it is demonstrated that for making a system more compact, the quadrature and compensated coils integrated with the main coil in the secondary side do not have any significant effect on each other, neither on the other coils. Finally, the double‐D pad transmitter and DDQP receiver with the integrated LCC compensation method is prototyped to verify the results.
Adaptive fuzzy control method for a linear switched reluctance motor
Authors: Masoudi Siamak , Soltanpour Mohammad Reza , Abdollahi Hasan
Published: June 2018

A new direct adaptive fuzzy speed control method for a linear switched reluctance motor with unknown control gain sign is presented. The proposed control system consists of two parts: a fuzzy system and an adaptive law. Fuzzy system approximates an unknown ideal control law with unknown adjustable parameters. After determination of the control law, an appropriate adaptation law is designed to update the adjustable parameters to achieve control objectives. The adaptation law is designed using the error between the unknown ideal control law and fuzzy control law. Unlike previous works, in this study, the unknown control gain sign is taken as an unknown constant parameter and is determined online by an appropriate adaptation law. Proposed control method along with a fuzzy sliding mode speed control and a proportional integral speed control strategies are experimentally studied and the performance index is used to evaluate each strategy. The robustness of the proposed method to the parameters and external load force change has been verified via simulation and experiments. The results indicate that the proposed control method has an acceptable performance.
Handwritten Hindi character recognition: a review
Authors: Yadav Madhuri , Purwar Ravindra Kumar , Mittal Mamta
Published: June 2018

As the years passed by, computers became more powerful and automation became the need of generation. Humans tried to automate their work and replace themselves with machines. This effort of transition from manual to automatic gave rise to various research fields, and document character recognition is one such field. From the last few years, there is a sincere contribution from researchers for the development of optical character recognition systems for various scripts and languages. As a result of intensive research and development, there has been a significant improvement in handwritten devnagari text recognition. The main focus of this study is detailed survey of existing techniques for recognition of offline handwritten Hindi characters. It addresses all the aspects of Hindi character recognition starting from database to various phases of character recognition. The most relevant techniques of preprocessing, feature extraction and classification are discussed in various sections of this study. Moreover, this study is a zest of work accepted and published by research community in recent years. This study benefits its readers by discussing limitations of existing techniques and by providing beneficial directions of research in this field.
Semantic image segmentation using an improved hierarchical graphical model
Authors: Noormohamadi Neda , Adibi Peyman , Saeed Ehsani Sayyed Mohammad
Published: June 2018

Hierarchical graphical models can incorporate jointly several tasks in a unified framework. By applying this approach, information exchange among tasks would improve the results. A hierarchical conditional random field (CRF) is proposed here to improve the semantic image segmentation. Although this newly proposed model applies the information of several tasks, its run time is comparable with the contemporary approaches. This method is evaluated on MSRC dataset and has shown similar or better segmentation accuracy in comparison with models where CRFs or hierarchical models are adopted.
Gradation of diabetic retinopathy on reconstructed image using compressed sensing
Authors: Sil Kar Sudeshna , Maity Santi P.
Published: June 2018

This study explores neovascularisation and lesion detection in an integrated framework for gradation in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Imaging is assumed to be done from sub‐sample measurements following compressed sensing. Blind estimation of the scale of the matched filter (MF) followed by fuzzy entropy maximisation is done for extraction and classification of the thick and the thin vessels. Mutual information (MI) between vessel density and tortuosity of the thin vessel class is maximised in two dimensions (2D) for neovascularisation detection. For lesion detection, MI between the maximum MF response and the maximum Laplacian of Gaussian filter response is jointly maximised in 2D. The outcomes are then combined in a common platform for gradation in DR. Simulation results demonstrate that 95% images of each of DRIVE, STARE and DIARETDB1 databases and 94% images of MESSIDOR database are correctly graded by the proposed method when 80% measurement space is considered.
Fully automated brain tumour segmentation system in 3D‐MRI using symmetry analysis of brain and level sets
Authors: Kermi Adel , Andjouh Khaled , Zidane Ferhat
Published: June 2018

This study presents a new fully automated, fast, and accurate brain tumour segmentation method which automatically detects and extracts whole tumours from 3D‐MRI. The proposed method is based on a hybrid approach that relies on a brain symmetry analysis method and a combining region‐based and boundary‐based segmentation methods. The segmentation process consists of three main stages. In the first one, image pre‐processing is applied to remove any noise, and to extract the brain from the head image. In the second stage, automated tumour detection is performed. It is based essentially on FBB method using brain symmetry. The obtained result constitutes the automatic initialisation of a deformable model, thus removing the need of selecting the initial region of interest by the user. Finally, the third stage focuses on the application of region growing combined with 3D deformable model based on geodesic level‐set to detect the tumour boundaries containing the initial region, computed previously, regardless of its shape and size. The proposed segmentation system has been tested and evaluated on 3D‐MRIs of 285 subjects with different tumour types and shapes obtained from BraTS'2017 dataset. The obtained results turn out to be promising and objective as well as close to ground truth data.
Using feature points and angles between them to recognise facial expression by a neural network approach
Authors: Li Taihao , Du Cuifen , Naren Tuya , Chen Zhiqiang , Liu Shupeng , Zhou Jianshe , Xu Xiaoyin
Published: June 2018

In this study, the authors propose a neural network (NN) method that uses feature points and the angles formed between the points to recognise facial expressions. Accurate facial expression recognition is an important part of affective computing with many practical applications. Yet, achieving acceptable levels of facial recognition accuracy has proven difficult. Feature points and the distances between the points are used to model basic expressions in NN‐based approaches, but, in some cases, they cannot generate satisfactory performance. They expand on the characterisation of facial expression by considering the angles formed between feature points to augment the amount of information that is sent to the NNs. Furthermore, to circumvent a common challenge in facial expressions recognition, which is the difficulty of differentiating among several expressions, they designed a post‐processing step to assess the output of the NN against a threshold. The whole method makes a decision only when the output of the NN exceeds the threshold. Otherwise, the frame under consideration is assigned to a ‘no decision’ class. They tested our method on the widely used facial expression CK + database and found that it can achieve good accuracy.
New transient Galactic bulge intermediate polar candidate XMMU J175035.2-293557
Authors: Hofmann F. , Ponti G. , Haberl F. , Clavel M.
Published: June 2018

Context. For the past decades, a rare subclass of cataclysmic variables (CV), with magnetised white dwarfs (WD) as accretors, has been studied. They are called intermediate polars (IP) and have been suggested to be the main contributors to the diffuse, hard X-ray emission close to the Galactic center (GC) and in the Galactic bulge (GB), because most of them are unresolved there.

Aims. In an ongoing X-ray survey (0.5–10 keV energy band) of 3° × 3° around the GC with the XMM-Newton observatory, we conducted a systematic search for transient X-ray sources.

Methods. Promising systems were analyzed for spectral, timing, and multiwavelength properties to constrain their nature.

Results. We discovered a new highly variable (factor ≳20) X-ray source about 1.25° south of the GC. We found evidence that makes the newly discovered system a candidate IP. The X-ray light curve shows a period of 511 ± 10 s, which can be interpreted as the spin period of the WD. The X-ray spectrum is well fit by a bremsstrahlung model with a temperature of 13.9 ± 2.5 keV, suggesting a WD mass of 0.4−0.5 M⊙. We were unable to identify a blue optical counterpart in any of the candidate sources, as would be expected for IPs.

Conclusions. The high X-ray absorption and absence of a clear optical counterpart suggest that the source is most likely located in the GB. This would make the system a transient IP (GK Per class) with an especially high peak X-ray luminosity, which means that it is a very faint X-ray transient.
A quantitative spectral analysis of 14 hypervelocity stars from the MMT survey
Authors: Irrgang A. , Kreuzer S. , Heber U. , Brown W.
Published: June 2018

Context. Hypervelocity stars (HVSs) travel so fast that they may leave the Galaxy. The tidal disruption of a binary system by the supermassive black hole in the Galactic center is widely assumed to be their ejection mechanism.

Aims. To test the hypothesis of an origin in the Galactic center using kinematic investigations, the current space velocities of the HVSs need to be determined. With the advent of Gaia’s second data release, accurate radial velocities from spectroscopy are complemented by proper motion measurements of unprecedented quality. Based on a new spectroscopic analysis method, we provide revised distances and stellar ages, both of which are crucial to unravel the nature of the HVSs.

Methods. We reanalyzed low-resolution optical spectra of 14 HVSs from the MMT HVS survey using a new grid of synthetic spectra, which account for deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium, to derive effective temperatures, surface gravities, radial velocities, and projected rotational velocities. Stellar masses, radii, and ages were then determined by comparison with stellar evolutionary models that account for rotation. Finally, these results were combined with photometric measurements to obtain spectroscopic distances.

Results. The resulting atmospheric parameters are consistent with those of main sequence stars with masses in the range 2.5–5.0 M⊙. The majority of the stars rotate at fast speeds, providing further evidence for their main sequence nature. Stellar ages range from 90 to 400 Myr and distances (with typical 1σ-uncertainties of about 10–15%) from 30 to 100 kpc. Except for one object (B 711), which we reclassify as A-type star, all stars are of spectral type B.

Conclusions. The spectroscopic distances and stellar ages derived here are key ingredients for upcoming kinematic studies of HVSs based on Gaia proper motions.
Inventory optimization model considering consumer shift and inventory transshipment in dual-channel supply chains
Authors: Fan Dandan , Xu Qi , Fan Tijun , Cheng Fangzheng
Published: June 2018

In this paper we consider a dual-channel supply chain which consists of an online store and multiple independent retail stores. In this system, customer shift induces inventory competition while transshipment brings inventory cooperation, both of which inuences inventory optimization and control. Therefore we respectively construct inventory optimization models under the two situations: customer shift and inventory transshipment. Specifically, unilateral customer shift and inventory transshipment are considered, and a one-for-one replenishment strategy is applied. We first solve the equilibrium state probability of on-hand inventory through Markov chain theory, then optimize performance measure (i.e., the total costs) to obtain the optimal basic inventory level. Finally, we analyze the impact of customer shift rate and inventory transshipment rate on the inventory strategies through numerical simulation, and further compare the differences in inventory decisions between the above two situations, which prove that inventory cooperation brought by inventory transshipment is not necessarily better than inventory competition brought by customer shift. In addition, we discuss several insights that are evident from the parametric analysis of the model.
Mecillinam: Old Molecule, New Option
Authors: Yetik Mevliye , Bayındır Bilman Fulya
Published: June 2018

Background Mecillinam is a β-lactam antibiotic that is increasingly being used for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Nevertheless, the international guidelines still recommend nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin trometamol, and pivmecillinam as first-line agents in the treatment of such infections.

Aim The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro efficacy of mecillinam against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from children with urinary tract infections.

Materials Methods We investigated E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, obtained within the period from January 2016 to October 2017, from urine samples of patients aged 0 to 16 years. Antibiotics susceptibility testing was conducted through the disk diffusion method based on the guidelines provided by EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing). Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positivity was detected by the double-disk synergy test. Isolates with mecillinam inhibition-zone diameter breakpoints lower than < 15 mm were considered to be resistant according to EUCAST criteria.

Results A total of 450 isolates were assessed in the study, 135 of which were ESBL-producing E.coli, 230 were non-ESBL-producing E. coli, 35 were ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae, and 50 were non-ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. Mecillinam susceptibility was observed in most of the non-ESBL-producing and ESBL-producing E. coli isolates (230/230, 100% and 115/135, 85.1%, respectively). The rates of susceptibility of the non-ESBL-producing and ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were 37/50 (74%) and 24/35 (68.6%), respectively.

Conclusion The in vitro susceptibility results obtained support the usage of mecillinam as a first-line agent. The high susceptibility of non-ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates established in vitro brings the hope that this antibiotic could soon be used in clinical practice in Turkey.