bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital nature: Are field trips a thing of the past?
Authors: McCauley Douglas J.
Published: October 2017

Expand the reach of science education using games and simulations, but choose tools wisely
A liquid metal reaction environment for the room-temperature synthesis of atomically thin metal oxides
Authors: Zavabeti Ali , Ou Jian Zhen , Carey Benjamin J. , Syed Nitu , Orrell-Trigg Rebecca , Mayes Edwin L. H. , Xu Chenglong , Kavehei Omid , O’Mullane Anthony P. , Kaner Richard B. , Kalantar-zadeh Kourosh , Daeneke Torben
Published: October 2017

Expanding the world of 2D materials

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have a wide variety of potential applications in the electronics industry. However, certain compositions of 2D materials are difficult to obtain owing to the challenges in exfoliating thin sheets from bulk crystals. Zavabeti
et al.
exploited liquid metals to synthesize 2D Ga
2
O
3
, HfO
2
, Gd
2
O
3
, and Al
2
O
3
. The 2D sheets appear as a surface layer in gallium-based liquid metals after the Hf, Gd, or Al is dissolved into the bulk alloy. The 2D oxide that appears on the surface is the oxide with the lowest energy, suggesting that it should be possible to make other 2D oxides by using the same process.

Science
, this issue p.
332
Flicking the switch on a molecular gate
Authors: Gascon Jorge
Published: October 2017

Electric fields change the permeability of a metal-organic framework membrane
Brexit and European science
Authors: Halliday Alex , Hacker Jörg
Published: October 2017

The United Kingdom's vote in favor of leaving the European Union (EU) has considerable ramifications for science. As the UK negotiates its “Brexit,” there is recognition that research is crucial to long-term economic success and that Europe needs a strong knowledge and innovation system to compete internationally and tackle challenges such as climate change and improved health care. It would be unacceptable to allow Brexit to jeopardize this.
Correlation of Treponemal Immunoassay Signal Strength Values with Reactivity of Confirmatory Treponemal Testing
Authors: Fakile Yetunde F. , Jost Heather , Hoover Karen W. , Gustafson Kathleen J. , Novak-Weekley Susan M. , Schapiro Jeff M. , Tran Anthony , Chow Joan M. , Park Ina U.
Published: October 2017

Automated treponemal immunoassays are used for syphilis screening with the reverse-sequence algorithm; discordant results (e.g., enzyme immunoassay [EIA] reactive and reactive plasma reagin [RPR] nonreactive) are resolved with a second treponemal test. We conducted a study to determine automated immunoassay signal strength values consistently correlating with reactive confirmatory treponemal testing. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of four automated immunoassays (BioPlex 2200 microbead immunoassay [MBIA], Liaison chemiluminescence immunoassay [CIA], Advia-Centaur CIA, and Trep-Sure EIA) and three manual assays (
Treponema pallidum
particle agglutination [TP-PA], fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption [FTA-ABS] test, and Inno-LIA line immunoassay). We compared signal strength values of automated immunoassays and positive and negative agreement. Among 1,995 specimens, 908 (45.5%) were true positives (≥4/7 tests reactive) and 1,087 (54.5%) were true negatives (≥4/7 tests nonreactive). Positive agreement ranged from 86.1% (83.7 to 88.2%) for FTA-ABS to 99.7% (99.0 to 99.9%) for Advia-Centaur CIA; negative agreement ranged from 86.3% (84.1 to 88.2%) for Trep-Sure EIA to 100% for TP-PA (99.6 to 100%). Increasing signal strength values correlated with increasing reactivity of confirmatory testing (
P
< 0.0001 for all automated immunoassays by Cochran-Armitage test for trend). All automated immunoassays had signal strength cutoffs corresponding to ≥4/7 reactive treponemal tests. BioPlex MBIA and Liaison CIA had signal strength cutoffs correlating with ≥99% and 100% TP-PA reactivity, respectively. The Advia-Centaur CIA and Trep-Sure EIA had signal strength cutoffs correlating with at least 95% TP-PA reactivity. All automated immunoassays had signal strength cutoffs correlating with at least 95% FTA-ABS reactivity. Assuming that a 95% level of confirmation is adequate, these signal strength values can be used in lieu of confirmatory testing with TP-PA and FTA-ABS.
Myeloid Dendritic Cells Repress Human Cytomegalovirus Gene Expression and Spread by Releasing Interferon-Unrelated Soluble Antiviral Factors
Authors: Kasmapour Bahram , Kubsch Tobias , Rand Ulfert , Eiz-Vesper Britta , Messerle Martin , Vondran Florian W. R. , Wiegmann Bettina , Haverich Axel , Cicin-Sain Luka
Published: October 2017

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a betaherpesvirus that latently infects most adult humans worldwide and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Latent human CMV (HCMV) is believed to reside in precursors of myeloid-lineage leukocytes and monocytes, which give rise to macrophages and dendritic cells (DC). We report here that human monocyte-derived DC (mo-DC) suppress HCMV infection in coculture with infected fibroblast target cells in a manner dependent on the effector-to-target ratio. Intriguingly, optimal activation of mo-DC was achieved under coculture conditions and not by direct infection with HCMV, implying that mo-DC may recognize unique molecular patterns on, or within, infected fibroblasts. We show that HCMV is controlled by secreted factors that act by priming defenses in target cells rather than by direct viral neutralization, but we excluded a role for interferons (IFNs) in this control. The expression of lytic viral genes in infected cells and the progression of infection were significantly slowed, but this effect was reversible, indicating that the control of infection depended on the transient induction of antiviral effector molecules in target cells. Using immediate early or late-phase reporter HCMVs, we show that soluble factors secreted in the cocultures suppress HCMV replication at both stages of the infection and that their antiviral effects are robust and comparable in numerous batches of mo-DC as well as in primary fibroblasts and stromal cells.

IMPORTANCE
Human cytomegalovirus is a widespread opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe disease and complications in vulnerable individuals. This includes newborn children, HIV AIDS patients, and transplant recipients. Although the majority of healthy humans carry this virus throughout their lives without symptoms, it is not exactly clear which tissues in the body are the main reservoirs of latent virus infection or how the delicate balance between the virus and the immune system is maintained over an individual's lifetime. Here, for the first time, we provide evidence for a novel mechanism of direct virus control by a subset of human innate immune cells called dendritic cells, which are regarded as a major site of virus latency and reactivation. Our findings may have important implications in HCMV disease prevention as well as in development of novel therapeutic approaches.
Functional Carboxy-Terminal Fluorescent Protein Fusion to Pseudorabies Virus Small Capsid Protein VP26
Authors: Hogue Ian B. , Jean Jolie , Esteves Andrew D. , Tanneti Nikhila S. , Scherer Julian , Enquist Lynn W.
Published: October 2017

Fluorescent protein fusions to herpesvirus capsids have proven to be a valuable method to study virus particle transport in living cells. Fluorescent protein fusions to the amino terminus of small capsid protein VP26 are the most widely used method to visualize pseudorabies virus (PRV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles in living cells. However, these fusion proteins do not incorporate to full occupancy and have modest effects on virus replication and pathogenesis. Recent cryoelectron microscopy studies have revealed that herpesvirus small capsid proteins bind to capsids via their amino terminus, whereas the carboxy terminus is unstructured and therefore may better tolerate fluorescent protein fusions. Here, we describe a new recombinant PRV expressing a carboxy-terminal VP26-mCherry fusion. Compared to previously characterized viruses expressing amino-terminal fusions, this virus expresses more VP26 fusion protein in infected cells and incorporates more VP26 fusion protein into virus particles, and individual virus particles exhibit brighter red fluorescence. We performed single-particle tracking of fluorescent virus particles in primary neurons to measure anterograde and retrograde axonal transport, demonstrating the usefulness of this novel VP26-mCherry fusion for the study of viral intracellular transport.

IMPORTANCE
Alphaherpesviruses are among the very few viruses that are adapted to invade the mammalian nervous system. Intracellular transport of virus particles in neurons is important, as this process underlies both mild peripheral nervous system infection and severe spread to the central nervous system. VP26, the small capsid protein of HSV and PRV, was one of the first herpesvirus proteins to be fused to a fluorescent protein. Since then, these capsid-tagged virus mutants have become a powerful tool to visualize and track individual virus particles. Improved capsid tags will facilitate fluorescence microscopy studies of virus particle intracellular transport, as a brighter particle will improve localization accuracy of individual particles and allow for shorter exposure times, reducing phototoxicity and improving the time resolution of particle tracking in live cells.
Prion Protein Devoid of the Octapeptide Repeat Region Delays Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Pathogenesis in Mice
Authors: Hara Hideyuki , Miyata Hironori , Das Nandita Rani , Chida Junji , Yoshimochi Tatenobu , Uchiyama Keiji , Watanabe Hitomi , Kondoh Gen , Yokoyama Takashi , Sakaguchi Suehiro
Published: October 2017

Conformational conversion of the cellular isoform of prion protein, PrP
C
, into the abnormally folded, amyloidogenic isoform, PrP
Sc
, is a key pathogenic event in prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and scrapie and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in animals. We previously reported that the octapeptide repeat (OR) region could be dispensable for converting PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
after infection with RML prions. We demonstrated that mice transgenically expressing mouse PrP with deletion of the OR region on the PrP knockout background, designated Tg(PrPΔOR)/

Prnp
0

/
0

mice, did not show reduced susceptibility to RML scrapie prions, with abundant accumulation of PrP
Sc
ΔOR in their brains. We show here that Tg(PrPΔOR)/

Prnp
0

/
0

mice were highly resistant to BSE prions, developing the disease with markedly elongated incubation times after infection with BSE prions. The conversion of PrPΔOR into PrP
Sc
ΔOR was markedly delayed in their brains. These results suggest that the OR region may have a crucial role in the conversion of PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
after infection with BSE prions. However, Tg(PrPΔOR)/

Prnp
0

/
0

mice remained susceptible to RML and 22L scrapie prions, developing the disease without elongated incubation times after infection with RML and 22L prions. PrP
Sc
ΔOR accumulated only slightly less in the brains of RML- or 22L-infected Tg(PrPΔOR)/

Prnp
0

/
0

mice than PrP
Sc
in control wild-type mice. Taken together, these results indicate that the OR region of PrP
C
could play a differential role in the pathogenesis of BSE prions and RML or 22L scrapie prions.

IMPORTANCE
Structure-function relationship studies of PrP
C
conformational conversion into PrP
Sc
are worthwhile to understand the mechanism of the conversion of PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
. We show here that, by inoculating Tg(PrPΔOR)/

Prnp
0

/
0

mice with the three different strains of RML, 22L, and BSE prions, the OR region could play a differential role in the conversion of PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
after infection with RML or 22L scrapie prions and BSE prions. PrPΔOR was efficiently converted into PrP
Sc
ΔOR after infection with RML and 22L prions. However, the conversion of PrPΔOR into PrP
Sc
ΔOR was markedly delayed after infection with BSE prions. Further investigation into the role of the OR region in the conversion of PrP
C
into PrP
Sc
after infection with BSE prions might be helpful for understanding the pathogenesis of BSE prions.
Copper Chaperone CupA and Zinc Control CopY Regulation of the Pneumococcal
cop
Operon
Authors: Neubert Miranda J. , Dahlmann Elizabeth A. , Ambrose Andrew , Johnson Michael D. L.
Published: October 2017

As mechanisms of copper toxicity are emerging, bacterial processing of intracellular copper, specifically inside
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated two proteins encoded by the copper export operon: the repressor, CopY, and the copper chaperone, CupA. Zinc suppressed transcription of the copper export operon by increasing the affinity of CopY for DNA. Furthermore, CupA was able to chelate copper from CopY not bound to DNA and reduce it from Cu
2+
to Cu
1+
. This reduced copper state is essential for bacterial copper export via CopA. In view of the fact that innate immune cells use copper to kill pathogenic bacteria, understanding the mechanisms of copper export could expose new small-molecule therapeutic targets that could work synergistically with copper against pathogenic bacteria.
Synergistic Activity between Two Antifungal Proteins, the Plant Defensin NaD1 and the Bovine Pancreatic Trypsin Inhibitor
Authors: Bleackley Mark R. , Dawson Charlotte S. , McKenna James A. , Quimbar Pedro , Hayes Brigitte M. E. , van der Weerden Nicole L. , Anderson Marilyn A.
Published: October 2017

This work describes the increased activity of a natural antifungal peptide in the presence of another antifungal peptide from a different family. This is termed antifungal synergy. Synergy is important for decreasing the amount of antifungal molecule needed to control the disease. Traditionally, naturally occurring antifungal molecules are assayed in isolation. Identification of synergistic interactions between antifungal peptides means that their activities in a complex biological system are likely to be different from what we observe when examining them individually. This study identified synergy between an antifungal peptide and a group of peptides that do not affect fungal growthin vitro. This provides the foundation for generation of transgenic plants with increased resistance to fungal disease and identification of antifungal accessory factors that enhance the activity of innate immune molecules but do not have an antifungal effect on their own.
Velocity of the muscle tendon unit is sex-dependent and not altered with acute static stretch
Authors: Simpson Carey L. , Smart Rowan R. , Melady Dylan E.E. , Jakobi Jennifer M.
Published: October 2017

Contraction velocity of a muscle tendon unit (MTU) is dependent upon the interrelationship between fascicles shortening and the tendon lengthening. Altering the mechanical properties of these tissues through a perturbation such as static stretching slows force generation. Females, who have inherently greater compliance compared with males, have slower velocity of MTU components. The addition of a static stretch might further exacerbate this sex difference. The purpose of this study was to investigate the velocity of fascicle shortening and tendon lengthening in males and females during isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the plantar flexors prior to and following an acute static stretch. The MTU was imaged with ultrasound and voluntary activation tested with twitch interpolation for the 5-s plantar flexion MVC, which proceeded and followed an acute stretch. For the 3-min stretch the ankle was passively rotated to maximal dorsi-flexion. The males were stronger (128.71 ± 7.88 Nm) than the females (89.92 ± 4.70 Nm) but voluntary activation did not differ. Tendon lengthening velocity (p = 0.001) and fascicle shortening velocity (p = 0.01) were faster in males than females. Tendon velocity was positively and significantly correlated with fascicle velocity, (r2 = 0.307, p = 0.02). Although sex was significant as a predictor (p = 0.05) time was not independently significant. Thus, stretch did not alter this relationship in either sex (p = 0.6). The velocity of the individual components of the MTU is slower in females when compared with males; however, acute stretch does not alter the relationship between these components in males or females.
DNA methylation signatures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a lifestyle intervention for women at midlife: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: McEwen Lisa M. , Gatev Evan G. , Jones Meaghan J. , MacIsaac Julia L. , McAllister Megan M. , Goulding Rebecca E. , Madden Kenneth M. , Dawes Martin G. , Kobor Michael S. , Ashe Maureen C.
Published: October 2017

Physical activity confers many health benefits, but the underlying mechanisms require further exploration. In this pilot randomized controlled trial we tested the association between longitudinal measures of DNA methylation and changes in objective measures, including physical activity, weight loss, and C-reactive protein levels in community-dwelling women aged 55 to 70 years. We assessed DNA methylation from 20 healthy postmenopausal women, who did not have a mobility disability and allocated them to a group-based intervention, Everyday Activity Supports You, or a control group (monthly group-based health-related education sessions). The original randomized controlled trial was 6 months in duration and consisted of nine 2-h sessions that focused on reducing sedentary behaviour for the intervention group, or six 1-h sessions that focused on other topics for the control group. We collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells, both at baseline and 6 months later. Samples were processed using the Illumina 450k Methylation array to quantify DNA methylation at >485 000 CpG sites in the genome. There were no significant associations between DNA methylation and physical activity, but we did observe alterations at epigenetic modifications that correlated with change in percent body weight over a 6-month period at 12 genomic loci, 2 of which were located near the previously reported weight-associated genes RUNX3 and NAMPT. We also generated a potential epigenetic predictor of weight loss using baseline DNA methylation at 5 CpG sites. These exploratory findings suggest a potential biological link between body weight changes and epigenetic processes.
Early metabolic response after resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in well-trained men: a metabolomics approach
Authors: Valério Denis F. , Berton Ricardo , Conceição Miguel S. , Canevarolo Rafael R. , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patrícia T. , Cavaglieri Cláudia R. , Meirelles Gabriela V. , Zeri Ana C. , Libardi Cleiton A.
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed to compare the early metabolic response between high-load resistance exercise (HL-RE) and low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (LL-BFR). Nine young, well-trained men participated in a randomized crossover design in which each subject completed LL-BFR, HL-RE, or condition control (no exercise) with a 1-week interval between them. Blood samples were taken immediately before and 5 min after the exercise sessions. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identified and quantified 48 metabolites, 6 of which presented significant changes among the exercise protocols. The HL-RE promoted a higher increase in pyruvate, lactate, and alanine compared with the LL-BFR and the control. HL-RE and LL-BFR promoted a higher increase in succinate compared with the control; however, there was no difference between HL-RE and LL-BFR. Also, while there was no difference in acetoacetate between HL-RE and LL-BFR, a greater decrease was observed in both compared with the control. Finally, LL-BFR promoted a greater decrease in choline compared with the control. In conclusion, this study provides by metabolomics a new insight in metabolic response between LL-BFR and HL-RE by demonstrating a distinct response to some metabolites that are not commonly analyzed.
Spectral representations of normal operators in quaternionic Hilbert spaces via intertwining quaternionic PVMs
Authors: Ghiloni Riccardo , Moretti Valter , Perotti Alessandro
Published: October 2017

The possibility of formulating quantum mechanics over quaternionic Hilbert spaces can be traced back to von Neumann’s foundational works in the thirties. The absence of a suitable quaternionic version of spectrum prevented the full development of the theory. The first rigorous quaternionic formulation has started only in 2007 with the definition of the spherical spectrum of a quaternionic operator based on a quadratic version of resolvent operator. The relevance of this notion is proved by the existence of a quaternionic continuous functional calculus and a theory of quaternionic semigroups relying upon it. A problem of the quaternionic formulation is the description of composite quantum systems in the absence of a natural tensor product due to non-commutativity of quaternions. A promising tool towards a solution is a quaternionic projection-valued measure (PVM), making possible a tensor product of quaternionic operators with physical relevance. A notion with this property, called intertwining quaternionic PVM, is presented here. This foundational paper aims to investigate the interplay of this new mathematical object and the spherical spectral features of quaternionic generally unbounded normal operators. We discover, in particular, the existence of other spectral notions equivalent to the spherical ones, but based on a standard non-quadratic notion of resolvent operator.
A collisional model for light scalar mesons
Authors: Afonin S. S.
Published: October 2017

A collisional model for hadron resonances appearing in hadron collisions is proposed. The given approach leads to a simple explanation of the scalar sector below 1 GeV with correct predictions for masses and dominant decay modes.
Conductivity of impurity graphene nanoribbons and gate electric field
Authors: Konobeeva Natalia , Belonenko Mikhail
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigate the influence of a gate electric field on the tunneling current for the contact of impurity graphene nanoribbon with a metal or quantum dots. Based on the Hamiltonian for graphene in the tight-binding approximation, the density of states is calculated, which allows us to obtain a tunneling current. We analyze the effect of the field magnitude on the detecting possibility of an impurity in the graphene nanoribbon. A sufficient change of current–voltage characteristic (CVC) of the contact is observed, with an increase in the constant electric field applied parallel to the nanoribbon plane.
Analysis of discontinuous Galerkin dual-primal isogeometric tearing and interconnecting methods
Authors: Hofer Christoph
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present the analysis of the discontinuous Galerkin dual-primal isogeometric tearing and interconnecting method (dG-IETI-DP) for a multipatch discretization in two-space dimensions where we only consider vertex primal variables. As model problem, we use the Poisson equation with globally constant diffusion coefficient. The dG-IETI-DP method is a combination of the dual-primal isogeometric tearing and interconnecting method (IETI-DP) with the discontinuous Galerkin (dG) method. We use the dG method only on the interfaces to couple different patches. This enables us to handle non-matching grids on patch interfaces as well as segmentation crimes (gaps and overlaps) between the patches. The purpose of this paper is to derive quasi-optimal bounds for the condition number of the preconditioned system with respect to the maximal ratio [Formula: see text] of subdomain diameter and mesh size. Moreover, we show that the condition number is independent of the number of patches, but depends on the mesh sizes of neighboring patches [Formula: see text] and the parameter [Formula: see text] in the dG penalty term.
An H1-conforming virtual element for Darcy and Brinkman equations
Authors: Vacca Giuseppe
Published: October 2017

The focus of this paper is on developing a virtual element method (VEM) for Darcy and Brinkman equations. In [L. Beirão da Veiga, C. Lovadina and G. Vacca, ESAIM Math. Model. Numer. Anal. 51 (2017)], we presented a family of virtual elements for Stokes equations and we defined a new virtual element space of velocities such that the associated discrete kernel is pointwise divergence-free. We use a slightly different virtual element space having two fundamental properties: the [Formula: see text]-projection onto [Formula: see text] is exactly computable on the basis of the degrees of freedom, and the associated discrete kernel is still pointwise divergence-free. The resulting numerical scheme for the Darcy equation has optimal order of convergence and [Formula: see text]-conforming velocity solution. We can apply the same approach to develop a robust virtual element method for the Brinkman equation that is stable for both the Stokes and Darcy limit case. We provide a rigorous error analysis of the method and several numerical tests.
Geodesic graphs for a homotopy class of virtual knots
Authors: Horiuchi Sumiko , Ohyama Yoshiyuki
Published: October 2017

We consider a local move, denoted by [Formula: see text], on knot diagrams or virtual knot diagrams.If two (virtual) knots [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are transformed into each other by a finite sequence of [Formula: see text] moves, the [Formula: see text] distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the minimum number of times of [Formula: see text] moves needed to transform [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text]. By [Formula: see text], we denote the set of all (virtual) knots which can be transformed into a (virtual) knot [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text] moves. A geodesic graph for [Formula: see text] is the graph which satisfies the following: The vertex set consists of (virtual) knots in [Formula: see text] and for any two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], the distance on the graph from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] coincides with the [Formula: see text] distance between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. When we consider virtual knots and a crossing change as a local move [Formula: see text], we show that the [Formula: see text]-dimensional lattice graph for any given natural number [Formula: see text] and any tree are geodesic graphs for [Formula: see text].
INFLUENCE OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF SUBSTRATE ON THE PROPERTIES OF Ni–Co–Fe ELECTRODEPOSITION COATING ON COPPER
Authors: KONG ANG , GONG BEN-KUI , WANG GANG , CUI HONG-WEI
Published: October 2017

Effects of copper surface roughness [Formula: see text] on the properties of Ni–Co–Fe alloy coatings were studied by the measurement of coating roughness, thickness, hardness, substrate/coating bonding force and the potentiodynamic polarization curve. Results showed that at the current density of 4[Formula: see text]A/dm2, the coating roughness increased with the increase of the value of substrate [Formula: see text] in the range 0.1–1.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The coating thickness and hardness increased with the decrease of substrate [Formula: see text]. When substrate [Formula: see text] was 0.4[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, the substrate/coating bonding force reached the maximum level. When substrate [Formula: see text] was 0.1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, the coating exhibited the best corrosion resistance. The comprehensive properties of the Ni–Co–Fe coatings can be effectively improved by controlling the surface roughness of copper substrate properly.
Isometry groups of additive codes over finite fields
Authors: Wood Jay A.
Published: October 2017

When [Formula: see text] is a linear code over a finite field [Formula: see text], every linear Hamming isometry of [Formula: see text] to itself is the restriction of a linear Hamming isometry of [Formula: see text] to itself, i.e. a monomial transformation. This is no longer the case for additive codes over non-prime fields. Every monomial transformation mapping [Formula: see text] to itself is an additive Hamming isometry, but there may exist additive Hamming isometries that are not monomial transformations.

The monomial transformations mapping [Formula: see text] to itself form a group [Formula: see text], and the additive Hamming isometries form a larger group [Formula: see text]: [Formula: see text]. The main result says that these two subgroups can be as different as possible: for any two subgroups [Formula: see text], subject to some natural necessary conditions, there exists an additive code [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
On the topology of CR-warped product submanifolds
Authors: Şahin Fulya
Published: October 2017

We obtain a necessary condition for homology group to be zero on CR-warped product submanifold in Euclidean spaces in terms of second fundamental form of the submanifold and warping function. By using this condition, we show that such CR-warped product submanifold is a homotopy sphere.
A congruence for some generalized harmonic type sums
Authors: Göral Haydar , Sertbaş Doğa Can
Published: October 2017

In 1862, Wolstenholme proved that the numerator of the [Formula: see text]th harmonic number is divisible by [Formula: see text] for any prime [Formula: see text]. A variation of this theorem was shown by Alkan and Leudesdorf. Motivated by these results, we prove a congruence modulo some odd primes for some generalized harmonic type sums.
On the equation Resx(P(x),x2 + sx + t) = a
Authors: Alkabouss Sakha A. , Garici Tarek , Larone Jesse
Published: October 2017

The purpose of the present paper is to use the improvement of Runge’s theorem on diophantine equations due to Schinzel to prove that if [Formula: see text] has at least three different roots then the equation in the title has a finite number of solutions.
On Lara Rodríguez’ full conjecture for double zeta values in function fields
Authors: Harada Ryotaro
Published: October 2017

This paper discusses four formulae conjectured by Lara Rodríguez on certain power series in function fields, which yield a “harmonic product” formula for Thakur’s double zeta values. We prove affirmatively the first two formulae, detect and correct errors in the last two formulae, and prove the corrected ones.
Estimates of automorphic cusp forms over quaternion algebras
Authors: Aryasomayajula Anilatmaja , Balasubramanyam Baskar
Published: October 2017

In this paper, using methods from geometric analysis and theory of heat kernels, we derive qualitative estimates of automorphic cusp forms defined over quaternion algebras. Using which, we prove an average version of the holomorphic QUE conjecture. We then derive quantitative estimates of classical Hilbert modular cusp forms. This is a generalization of the results from [A. Aryasomayajula, Heat kernel approach for sup-norm bounds for cusp forms of integral and half-integral weight, Arch. Math. 106(2) (2016) 165–173; J. S. Friedman, J. Jorgenson and J. Kramer, Uniform sup-norm bounds on average for cusp forms of higher weights, in Arbeitstagung Bonn 2013, Progress in Mathematics, Vol. 319 (Birkhäuser/Springer, Cham, 2016), pp. 127–154] to higher dimensions.
Overview of the Application of Flow Microreactors in the Synthesis of Silver Nanomaterials
Authors: He Xiaoai , Lu Aijuan , Cheng Jin , Chen Junfang , Song Qianhui , Liu Wenfang , Chen Chuanpin
Published: October 2017

The unique electrical, optical and biological properties of silver nanomaterials have attracted significant attention of many researchers. Since the size and shape of silver nanomaterials have significant effects on the properties of silver nanomaterials, extensive research has focused on synthesis and characterization of silver nanomaterials. However, almost all of the syntheses of silver nanomaterials were carried out in traditional batch reactors, which typically suffer from inhomogeneous mixing and corresponding spatial variations under reaction conditions, ultimately leading to poor quality of the final nanomaterials. Recently, the emerging microfluidic technology not only furnishes novel strategies for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials but also brings great opportunities and impetus to improve the quality and yield of silver nanomaterials due to enhanced mass and heat transfer. The current paper reviews recent achievements in the synthesis of silver nanomaterials in flow microreactors. Various strategies adopted for the synthesis of silver nanomaterials in microreactors are presented and compared, including synthesis in single-phase and multi-phase flow microreactors. In addition, the factors that affect the size and size distribution of silver nanomaterials in flow microreactors synthesis are also discussed briefly.
Exploring the dynamics of a Holling–Tanner model with cannibalism in both predator and prey population
Authors: Al Basheer Aladeen , Parshad Rana D. , Quansah Emmanuel , Yu Shengbin , Upadhyay Ranjit Kumar
Published: October 2017

Cannibalism is an intriguing life history trait, that has been considered primarily in the predator, in predator–prey population models. Recent experimental evidence shows that prey cannibalism can have a significant impact on predator–prey population dynamics in natural communities. Motivated by these experimental results, we investigate a ratio-dependent Holling–Tanner model, where cannibalism occurs simultaneously in both the predator and prey species. We show that depending on parameters, whilst prey or predator cannibalism acting alone leads to instability, their joint effect can actually stabilize the unstable interior equilibrium. Furthermore, in the spatially explicit model, we find that depending on parameters, prey and predator cannibalism acting jointly can cause spatial patterns to form, while not so acting individually. We discuss ecological consequences of these findings in light of food chain dynamics, invasive species control and climate change.
Delay effect in the Lasota–Wazewska model with multiple time-varying delays
Authors: Xiao Songlin
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the effect of delay on the asymptotic behavior of a Lasota–Wazewska model with multiple time-varying delays is investigated. By employing the fluctuation lemma and some differential inequality techniques, delay-dependent criteria are obtained for the global attractivity of the considered model. An example is also given in the end of this paper to show the effectiveness of our results.
Some commutativity theorems for rings with involution involving generalized derivations
Authors: Idrissi My Abdallah , Oukhtite Lahcen
Published: October 2017

Our purpose in this paper is to investigate commutativity of a ring with involution [Formula: see text] which admits a generalized derivation satisfying certain algebraic identities. Some well-known results characterizing commutativity of prime rings have been generalized. Moreover, we provide examples to show that the assumed restrictions cannot be relaxed.
Sensitivity, property P and uniform entropy
Authors: Shah Sejal , Das Ruchi , Das Tarun
Published: October 2017

We give a sufficient condition for sensitivity of continuous maps defined on a uniform space. We also study property [Formula: see text] for uniformly continuous maps defined on a uniform space and its relation with uniform entropy.
Birkhoff center of c-semiring
Authors: Kar S. , Purkait S. , Sarkar R.
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we introduce the concept of Birkhoff center of a [Formula: see text]-semiring and provide some characterizations of this center. Finally, we prove that the Birkhoff center of a [Formula: see text]-semiring forms a distributive lattice.
Some varieties of algebraic systems of type ((n),(m))
Authors: Phusanga D. , Koppitz J.
Published: October 2017

In the present paper, we classify varieties of algebraic systems of the type [Formula: see text], for natural numbers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], which are closed under particular derived algebraic systems. If we replace in an algebraic system the [Formula: see text]-ary operation by an [Formula: see text]-ary term operation and the [Formula: see text]-ary relation by the [Formula: see text]-ary relation generated by an [Formula: see text]-ary formula, we obtain a new algebraic system of the same type, which we call derived algebraic system. We shall restrict the replacement to so-called “linear” terms and atomic “linear” formulas, respectively.
Preparation of hollow Fe3O4 spheres through a facile method and their applications
Authors: Wu Xingping , Zhu Aiping , Nan Zhaodong
Published: October 2017

Fe3O4 hollow microspheres with good dispersibility and high saturation magnetization were synthesized through a facile one-step solvothermal method. The formation mechanism of the hollow structure was studied by taking time-dependent experiments. Porous [Formula: see text]-FeOOH and [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanosheets were firstly fabricated. Fe3O4 solid spheres aggregated by small particles were obtained from the transition of [Formula: see text]-FeOOH and [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3. Finally, the solid sphere is transferred to hollow sphere through Ostwald ripening. The maximum saturation magnetization of the hollow spheres is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]emu/g, which is higher than some results reported in references. The Fe3O4 hollow spheres show potential applications in microwave absorption and photocatalysis.
Improved electrochemical properties of flower-like Co hierarchitectures as anode materials for alkaline secondary batteries
Authors: Shi Hongqi , Li Jiajia , Yang Meng , Zhao Xiangyu
Published: October 2017

Co-based anode materials are regarded as high capacity anode for alkaline secondary batteries. Their application, however, is limited by poor cycling stability. Herein, flower-like Co hierarchitectures with hcp crystal structure were synthesized by a simple chemical reduction method. The as-prepared Co electrode shows a high maximum discharge capacity of 509[Formula: see text]mAh/g at 100[Formula: see text]mA/g and good rate capability. Nevertheless, the discharge capacity decreased to 337[Formula: see text]mAh/g after 50 cycles due to dissolution of the Co electrode into the electrolyte. The addition of Na2S2O3 in the electrolyte can restrain this dissolution and contributes to significant improvement in the cycling stability. A high reversible discharge capacity of 480[Formula: see text]mAh/g was retrained after 50 cycles when the electrolyte with 0.02[Formula: see text]M Na2S2O3 addition was employed, yielding an excellent cycling performance.
Total irregularity strength of disjoint union of isomorphic copies of generalized Petersen graph
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Siddiqui Muhammad Kamran
Published: October 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be a graph. A total labeling [Formula: see text] is called totally irregular total [Formula: see text]-labeling of [Formula: see text] if every two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] satisfy [Formula: see text] and every two distinct edges [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] satisfy [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] The minimum [Formula: see text] for which a graph [Formula: see text] has a totally irregular total [Formula: see text]-labeling is called the total irregularity strength of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]

In this paper, we determined the total irregularity strength of disjoint union of [Formula: see text] isomorphic copies of generalized Petersen graph.
Variation of I–V characteristics due to process parameters as base for modeling the component variability for LDD MOSFET devices
Authors: Marani Roberto , Perri Anna Gina
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we present the effect of process parameters variations on [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] characteristics of LDD MOSFETs through a simulation study, applying also to any submicron device. In particular, we examine the effect of variation of ionic implantation for different channel doping involved in MOSFET production. At last, we examine a linear [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] model to simulate more adequately the effects of variation of the process parameters as correction to the base model.
DERIVATION OF A STOCHASTIC LOAN REPAYMENT MODEL FOR VALUING A REVENUE-BASED LOAN CONTRACT
Authors: MAZENGERA HASSAN
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we derive a stochastic loan repayment model, that will be used to quantify or ascertain the maximum borrowing capacity for a firm. Initially, we derived the revenue and then the stochastic loan repayment model. The derived stochastic loan repayment model is a function of the generated revenue. We also show that the model is consistent with our expectations, that is [Formula: see text], the proportion of revenue that goes toward loan repayment is a very important parameter as far as ascertaining default is concerned. Under stochastic loan repayment model, a firm will be highly likely to default the moment [Formula: see text] which approaches one. Technically, this means that all the revenue is used in loan repayment. Finally, we show that when financial institutions lend using the fixed repayment regime, fixed periodic installments must be less than or equal to stochastic repayment amount, otherwise there will be a default. From this analysis, we ended up with a very crucial boundary relationship between the loan amount, [Formula: see text] and the stochastic loan repayment amount. The derived stochastic loan repayment model works well in a less volatile environment. When volatility exceeds 100%, we may need more frequent revenue values to achieve the desired results.
Healing and Antisecretory Effects of Aqueous Extract ofEremomastax speciosa(Acanthaceae) on Unhealed Gastric Ulcers
Authors: Amang A. P. , Mezui C. , Siwe G. T. , Emakoua J. , Mbah G. , Nkwengoua E. Z. , Enow-Orock G. E. , Tan P. V.
Published: October 2017

Objective. This work investigated the healing and antisecretory effects of the aqueous extract ofEremomastax speciosaon “unhealed gastric ulcers” associated with gastric acid hypersecretion.Materials and Methods. “Unhealed gastric ulcers” were induced using indomethacin following the establishment of acetic-acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers. The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, per os) was administered concomitantly with indomethacin (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously). The effects of the extract on both basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion were determined. Mucus secretion and oxidative stress parameters were measured, and histological assessment of ulcer healing was carried out.Results. The extract significantly promoted the healing process in rats subjected to “unhealed gastric ulcers” (82.4–88.5% healing rates). Treatment with the extract significantly reduced the basal (25.95–49.51% reduction rates) and histamine-stimulated (24.25–47.41%) acid secretions. The healing effect of the extract was associated with a significant (p<0.05) increase of mucus secretion and concentrations of antioxidant enzymes compared with the controls. The extract at the highest dose showed normalization of the mucosa, without glandular destruction and with the disappearance of fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration.Conclusion. The abilities of the extract to increase mucus secretion, to reinforce antioxidant status, and to inhibit acid secretion would be some of the mechanisms by which this extract would accelerate the healing process in “unhealed gastric ulcers.”
New Perspectives for Computer-Aided Discrimination of Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor
Authors: Povalej Bržan P. , Gallego J. A. , Romero J. P. , Glaser V. , Rocon E. , Benito-León J. , Bermejo-Pareja F. , Posada I. J. , Holobar A.
Published: October 2017

Pathological tremor is a common but highly complex movement disorder, affecting ~5% of population older than 65 years. Different methodologies have been proposed for its quantification. Nevertheless, the discrimination between Parkinson’s disease tremor and essential tremor remains a daunting clinical challenge, greatly impacting patient treatment and basic research. Here, we propose and compare several movement-based and electromyography-based tremor quantification metrics. For the latter, we identified individual motor unit discharge patterns from high-density surface electromyograms and characterized the neural drive to a single muscle and how it relates to other affected muscles in 27 Parkinson’s disease and 27 essential tremor patients. We also computed several metrics from the literature. The most discriminative metrics were the symmetry of the neural drive to muscles, motor unit synchronization, and the mean log power of the tremor harmonics in movement recordings. Noteworthily, the first two most discriminative metrics were proposed in this study. We then used decision tree modelling to find the most discriminative combinations of individual metrics, which increased the accuracy of tremor type discrimination to 94%. In summary, the proposed neural drive-based metrics were the most accurate at discriminating and characterizing the two most common pathological tremor types.
Equipment Layout Improvement for Large-Scale Hot Cell Facility Logistics
Authors: Yu Seungnam , Lim Jaehoon , Im Hunsuk , Lee Hyojik
Published: October 2017

This study presents approaches to equipment layout improvement for a large-scale hot cell facility. First, the original facility layout and target process are introduced, including the basic information and specifications. Second, the flow of process materials is analyzed and the relationships are evaluated in detail using a “from-to chart” and a “relationship chart” for the original layout, and the logistics are simulated using the selected discrete event simulator to calculate the traveling distances of process materials handled by teleoperated material handling systems. Third, the original layout is modified using the total closeness rating (TCR), and the efficiency and usage of the material handling system are calculated and compared with the original case to evaluate the efficiency improvement of the modified layout. This modification process, which included load reduction, enabled those aspects of the material handling system that would need to be changed to be identified; these changes were suggested by a quantitative analysis of the logistics between each pair of stations and intuitive rearrangement based on charts and figures. These approaches could be an initial step in the large-scale hot cell design process, with future work to follow.
Identification of Loss Factor of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Based on Complex Modulus Method
Authors: Li Hui , Niu Yi , Mu Chao , Wen Bangchun
Published: October 2017

The identification of the loss factor of fiber-reinforced composite based on complex modulus method is presented. Firstly, the damping model of fiber-reinforced composite plate is established, and the relation between each loss factor and modal damping ratio is deduced based on the complex modulus method. Then, the least square relative error function is formed by using the modal damping ratio obtained in the experimental test, and the appropriate step-size is selected in the range of 0~10% to calculate the loss factor. Next, the identification procedure of loss factor of such composite material is summarized, and the corresponding identification procedure is realized based on self-designed MATLAB program. Finally, TC300 carbon/epoxy composite plate is taken as an example to carry out a case study, and its loss factors along the longitudinal, transverse, and shear direction are identified by the complex modulus method. By comparing the measured damping results obtained in this paper and the calculated damping results based on the Adams-Bacon model with the same loss factor, it is found that the corresponding maximum deviation between them is less than 15%, so the correctness of such identification method has been verified indirectly, which can be used to identify loss factor of fiber-reinforced composite with high precision and efficiency.