bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lineage tracing reveals dynamic changes in oligodendrocyte precursor cells following cuprizone‐induced demyelination
Authors: Baxi Emily G. , DeBruin Joseph , Jin Jing , Strasburger Hayley J. , Smith Matthew D. , Orthmann‐Murphy Jennifer L. , Schott Jason T. , Fairchild Amanda N. , Bergles Dwight E. , Calabresi Peter A.
Published: September 2017

The regeneration of oligodendrocytes is a crucial step in recovery from demyelination, as surviving oligodendrocytes exhibit limited structural plasticity and rarely form additional myelin sheaths. New oligodendrocytes arise through the differentiation of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) expressing oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) that are widely distributed throughout the CNS. Although there has been detailed investigation of the behavior of these progenitors in white matter, recent studies suggest that disease burden in multiple sclerosis (MS) is more strongly correlated with gray matter atrophy. The timing and efficiency of remyelination in gray matter is distinct from white matter, but the dynamics of OPCs that contribute to these differences have not been defined. Here, we used in vivo genetic fate tracing to determine the behavior of OPCs in gray and white matter regions in response to cuprizone‐induced demyelination. Our studies indicate that the temporal dynamics of OPC differentiation varies significantly between white and gray matter. While OPCs rapidly repopulate the corpus callosum and mature into CC1 expressing mature oligodendrocytes, OPC differentiation in the cingulate cortex and hippocampus occurs much more slowly, resulting in a delay in remyelination relative to the corpus callosum. The protracted maturation of OPCs in gray matter may contribute to greater axonal pathology and disease burden in MS.
A Twisted Bay‐Substituted Quaterrylene Phosphorescing in the NIR Spectral Region
Authors: Miletić Tanja , Fermi Andrea , Papadakis Ioannis , Orfanos Ioannis , Karampitsos Nikolaos , Avramopoulos Aggelos , Demitri Nicola , De Leo Federica , Pope Simon J. A. , Papadopoulos Manthos G. , Couris Stelios , Bonifazi Davide
Published: September 2017

The preparation of the first soluble quaterrylene derivative featuring peripheral tert‐butyl substituents and sterically hindering, core‐anchored triflate groups has been achieved. This involves a facile synthetic route based on an oxidative coupling of perylene precursors in the presence of H2O2 as oxidant. The steric hindrance between the TfO substituents at the central bay position of the quaterrylene board triggers a strong deformation of the central perylene planarity, which forces the quaterrylene platform to adopt a twisted geometry as shown by X‐ray analysis. Exceptionally, photophysical investigations show that the core‐twisted quaterrylene phosphoresces in the NIR spectral region at 1716 nm. Moreover, third‐order nonlinear optical measurements on solutions and thin film containing the relevant molecule showed very large second hyperpolarizability values, as predicted by theoretical calculations at the CAM‐B3LYP/6‐31G** level of theory, making this material very appealing for photonic applications.
Magic components—why quantifying rain, snowmelt, and icemelt in river discharge is not easy
Authors: Weiler Markus , Seibert Jan , Stahl Kerstin
Published: September 2017

Quantifying the components of rain, snowmelt, and glacier ice melt in river discharge is an important but difficult task in hydrology. Although it forms the basis of many climate impact assessments, many published modelling results do not clearly describe how they derived the discharge components. Consequently, reported components such as absolute amounts or relative percentages of snow and ice melt from different studies are rarely comparable. This commentary revisits the differences in the terminology used, the modelling approaches, and the possible conclusions for effects at different time scales. We argue that for questions related to changes in discharge, not particle tracking, for which methodology is widely available, but instead, an “effect tracking” of the input contributions is important, that is, the representation of the signals of rainfall, snowmelt, and glacier ice melt in the discharge at the catchment outlet. We introduce and briefly describe a method for effect tracking and discuss the differences and advantages compared to other methods. This comparison supports our call to the modelling community for more precise descriptions of how the generated input contributions into a catchment from rainfall, snowmelt, and glacier ice melt are tracked through the catchments' multiple stores to finally compose the presented hydrographs.
Authentication of M14 melanoma cell line proves misidentification of MDA‐MB‐435 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Korch Christopher , Hall Erin M. , Dirks Wilhelm G. , Ewing Margaret , Faries Mark , Varella‐Garcia Marileila , Robinson Steven , Storts Douglas , Turner Jacqueline A. , Wang Ying , Burnett Edward C. , Healy Lyn , Kniss Douglas , Neve Richard M. , Nims Raymond W. , Reid Yvonne A. , Robinson William A. , Capes‐Davis Amanda
Published: September 2017

A variety of analytical approaches have indicated that melanoma cell line UCLA‐SO‐M14 (M14) and breast carcinoma cell line MDA‐MB‐435 originate from a common donor. This indicates that at some point in the past, one of these cell lines became misidentified, meaning that it ceased to correspond to the reported donor and instead became falsely identified (through cross‐contamination or other means) as a cell line from a different donor. Initial studies concluded that MDA‐MB‐435 was the misidentified cell line and M14 was the authentic cell line, although contradictory evidence has been published, resulting in further confusion. To address this question, we obtained early samples of the melanoma cell line (M14), a lymphoblastoid cell line from the same donor (ML14), and donor serum preserved at the originator's institution. M14 samples were cryopreserved in December 1975, before MDA‐MB‐435 cells were established in culture. Through a series of molecular characterizations, including short tandem repeat (STR) profiling and cytogenetic analysis, we demonstrated that later samples of M14 and MDA‐MB‐435 correspond to samples of M14 frozen in 1975, to the lymphoblastoid cell line ML14, and to the melanoma donor's STR profile, sex and blood type. This work demonstrates conclusively that M14 is the authentic cell line and MDA‐MB‐435 is misidentified. With clear provenance information and authentication testing of early samples, it is possible to resolve debates regarding the origins of problematic cell lines that are widely used in cancer research.
The language of change among criminal justice clients: Counselor language, client language, and client substance use outcomes
Authors: Rodriguez Mayra , Walters Scott T. , Houck Jon M. , Ortiz J. Alexis , Taxman Faye S.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Counselor and client language have been identified as mechanisms of change in motivational interviewing (MI) counseling sessions. This study evaluated whether language patterns exhibited during MI sessions with substance users in the community would also be found during MI sessions with substance users in the criminal justice system.

Method

Forty audio recordings of MI sessions with substance‐using probationers were coded and analyzed sequentially using the Motivational Interviewing Skills Code (MISC) 2.5. Analyses examined the relationship between counselor and client language, and the relationship between client language and client substance use after 2 months.

Results

Counselor MI inconsistent language was associated with decreased change talk (lnOR = − 0.76, p < .05) though not with increased sustain talk. Both sustain talk (b = − 4.591, t = − 18.634 p < .001) and MI inconsistent language MIIN (b = − 4.419, t = − 19.886, p < .001) were positively associated with substance use at 2 months. Sustain talk early in the session (i.e., during deciles 1 and 2) was significantly greater among clients who reported using substances at 2 months, compared to clients who did not use substances.

Conclusion

These findings are broadly consistent with previous literature documenting the association between counselor language, client language, and client outcome.
Impact of summer monsoon on the elevation‐dependence of meteorological variables in the south of central Himalaya
Authors: Yang Kun , Guyennon Nicolas , Ouyang Lin , Tian Lide , Tartari Gianni , Salerno Franco
Published: September 2017

The South Asian summer monsoon brings abundant precipitation and associated latent heat release to the south of central Himalaya, and alters hydrothermal conditions of this region. This study explored the impact of South Asian summer monsoon on the elevation‐dependence of meteorological variables along the south slope of Mt. Everest in the central Himalaya, which is crucial to modelling the glacio‐hydrological processes in this elevated region. The data were collected at five stations deployed at 2660–5600 m above sea level (asl) along the slope during 2007–2011. Major findings are the following: (1) The amount of precipitation during the monsoon season usually decreases with elevation but it is relatively uniform between 3600 and 5000 m asl. This uniform profile may be attributed to the monsoon–terrain–land interactions, particularly to the retard effect of glacier cooling on daytime upvalley wind; (2) Cloud shielding effects cause lower solar radiation and higher downward longwave radiation in the monsoon than in the other seasons. In particular, higher elevations have more clouds in the afternoon, resulting in an abnormal elevation‐dependence of solar radiation (i.e. higher elevations receive less solar radiation); (3) Strong daytime upvalley wind and moist convection homogenizes the vertical distributions of air mass along the slope, causing a constant lapse rate of both surface air temperature and dew‐point temperature (representing humidity) during typical monsoon months, but this phenomenon is not found in the other seasons. These findings provide critical guidance for extrapolating the meteorological variables from lower to higher elevations in this region.
Resolving discrepancies between field and modelled relative sea‐level data: lessons from western Ireland
Authors: Edwards Robin , Gehrels W. Roland , Brooks Anthony , Fyfe Ralph , Pullen Katie , Kuchar Joseph , Craven Kieran
Published: September 2017

Accurate reconstruction of Lateglacial and Holocene relative sea‐level (RSL) histories is complicated where mismatches exist between geological data and RSL curves generated by models of glacio‐isostatic adjustment (GIA). In Ireland, such discrepancies have profound implications for interpreting the glacial history of the British Isles and for the use of glacial rebound models to predict future sea‐level changes. To address this issue we present new RSL data from four sites along the western coast of Ireland, including 17 data points from the critical period before 5000 14C a BP for which very few data are available. We generate new RSL simulations from an existing GIA model, incorporating a thickened Irish Ice sheet component. Simulated curves from Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal accommodate the higher than present Lateglacial RSL inferred from glaciomarine muds while still meeting the requirement for below present RSL indicated by the new terrestrial limiting data points. Relaxation of trimline constraints on maximum ice sheet thickness provides considerable scope for improved GIA performance. These results demonstrate inferences about RSL drawn from GIA modelling and glacio‐sedimentary data are not mutually exclusive, and represent a significant step towards resolving a long‐standing debate between the field‐based and modelling communities.
Potential risk of weed outbreak by increasing biochar's application rates in slow‐growth legume, lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: Safaei Khorram Mahdi , Fatemi Akram , Khan Md Asaduzzaman , Kiefer Rudolf , Jafarnia Sasan
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUND

Biochar amendment is a promising tool to improve the soil quality and, consequently, higher crop yield has received more attention during last decades. The positive effects of biochar have been attracting more attention especially in the areas with low precipitation rates, such as the Middle East, due to low soil organic carbon content, higher drought intensity, and increasing demands for food production. However, biochar can lead to lower herbicide efficacy, resulting in higher consumption of herbicides. In this study, the impact of two biochars on soil properties, plant growth, and fomesafen efficacy under rain‐fed condition was investigated.

RESULTS

Biochar amendment at the rate of 5 t ha−1 improved soil quality and plant growth by 40–200% and 46–57%, respectively, compared to the control. The increase of biochar application rate from 5 t ha−1 to 15 t ha−1 showed small additional positive effects on soil and lentil as the tested crop plant, whereas the growth of weeds elevated by 200% in this case.

CONCLUSION

Albeit biochar application could be an effective way to improve the soil fertility, the potential risk of weed outbreak in the long term should be evaluated carefully before the use of biochar amendment at field scale. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Randomized controlled trial of steroid‐soaked absorbable calcium alginate nasal packing following endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Hwang Chi Sang , Al Sharhan Salma Saud , Kim Bo Ra , Kim Soo In , Kim Jin Woong , Cho Hyung‐Ju , Yoon Joo‐Heon , Kim Chang‐Hoon
Published: September 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the potential efficacy of steroid‐soaked, absorbable calcium alginate nasal packing following endoscopic sinus surgery.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients (44 nostrils) who had chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps underwent bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery. Only those with an intersinus difference in Lund‐Mackay severity score of 1 or less were included. In each patient, one randomly selected nostril was packed with calcium alginate soaked with 2 mL of triamcinolone (40 mg/mL) (triamcinolone group), whereas the contralateral nostril received an identical packing soaked in 2 mL of normal saline (saline group). Two independent investigators blinded to the packing allocation scored the surgical field using the validated Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy (POSE) scores 1, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery.

Results

All 44 nostrils were analyzed; the Lund‐Mackay scores did not differ significantly between the groups before surgery. Eight weeks after surgery, the total POSE scores were significantly lower in the triamcinolone group (P = .014). The POSE scoring parameters were then compared between groups, and the following variables were significantly different: middle turbinate synechiae with the lateral wall (P = .037), polypoid degeneration of the ethmoid cavity (P = .006), and sphenoid sinus severity (P = .036).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that steroid‐soaked, absorbable nasal packing can be used to enhance wound healing after endoscopic sinus surgery and to prevent polypoid changes in the nasal mucosa.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 128:311–316, 2018
Biophysical landscape interactions: Bridging disciplines and scale with connectivity
Authors: van der Ploeg Martine J. , Baartman Jantiene E.M. , Robinson David A.
Published: September 2017

Landscape composition and land use impact the interactions between soil and vegetation. Differences in micro‐behaviour, driven by the interplay of heterogeneous soil and vegetation dynamics, affect emergent characteristics across a landscape. Scaling approaches to understand the drivers of these emergent characteristics have been attempted, but the blueprint of interacting biophysical processes in landscapes is inherently messy and often still unknown. A complicating factor is single disciplinary focus in environmental sciences. Integrated knowledge is vital especially in view of future challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and soil threats. In this paper, we give examples of biophysical interactions that occur across various temporal and spatial scales and discuss how connectivity can be useful for bridging disciplines and scales to increase our understanding.
In Situ Photogeneration of Palladium Nanoparticles in Thermoplastic Polyurethane: Photopatterning and Enhanced Oxygen Barrier Property
Authors: Mangadlao Joey Dacula , Xu Hong , Baer Eric , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: September 2017

A solid phase synthesis of sub 5 nm palladium nanoparticles (Pd NP) by in situ photogeneration in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite films containing metal precursor and organic photoreducing agent is reported. The technique is highly facile, controllable, and potentially scalable to production quantities. Selective reduction and photopatterning can also be afforded using a shadow mask. The TPU films with Pd NP significantly enhance the barrier property by 64%. This photochemical approach shows promise for the fabrication of oxygen scavenging packaging systems for food, pharmaceutical, and electronics applications as well as for other products that require low oxygen storage atmosphere.
A Novel NIR Laser Switched Nanocomposite Hydrogel as Remote Stimuli Smart Valve
Authors: Hou Kai , Wu Weijie , Xia Mengge , Zhu Meifang
Published: September 2017

Thermosensitive nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels are considered as a significant kind of intelligent material to be utilized as sensor, biomaterial, drug carrier, etc. Recently, preparation of remotely controlled NC hydrogel with high‐performance attracts more and more concern. To produce facile remote‐stimuli thermosensitive NC hydrogel, a novel near‐infrared (NIR) laser switched CuS/clay/poly(OEGMA‐co‐MEO2MA) hydrogel is demonstrated, which can be precisely remote‐stimulated by NIR irradiation based on the excellent NIR photothermal conversion property of CuS nanoparticle. The temperature change of hydrogel is related to the NIR intensity, CuS content, and crosslinking density. Moreover, the influences on dimensional variation of hydrogel on macroscale are systematically studied, and the hydrogel as smart liquid valve is further utilized which can be remotely controlled by NIR switch on/off successfully. Cyclic test illustrates that this novel CuS/clay/poly(OEGMA‐co‐MEO2MA) hydrogel exhibits stable cyclic volume transition property which has promising applications in the areas of sensors, valves, and intelligent switches.
Epoxy‐Based Azopolymers with Enhanced Photoresponsive Properties Obtained by Cationic Homopolymerization
Authors: Ollier Romina P. , Victorel Marianela , Arenas Gustavo F. , Oyanguren Patricia A. , Galante María J. , Schroeder Walter F.
Published: September 2017

Azopolymers are highly versatile materials due to their unique photoresponsive properties. In this contribution, a novel azo‐modified epoxy network is synthesized by cationic homopolymerization with boron trifluoride monoethylamine (BF3.MEA) complex as initiator. The effect of the addition of a fixed content of amino‐functionalized azo chromophore, Disperse Orange 3, into the polymer matrix is studied in detail. First of all, the thermal curing cycle is optimized by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements. Then, the resulting bulk azo‐modified epoxy networks are characterized by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FTIR, DSC, UV–vis spectroscopy, and rheological measurements. Finally, the optical response of thin films of these materials is determined. The results evidence that azo‐modified epoxy networks obtained by cationic polymerization with optimized curing cycle display high Tg values, high maximum photoinduced birefringence, fast writing speed, and exceptionally high remnant anisotropy. Therefore, this material is a promising candidate to be used for optical storage applications.
Managerial time constraints and young worker productivity: Natural experiments with NFL rookies
Authors: Allen W. David , Curington William P.
Published: September 2017

The 2011 National Football League lockout and movement of the 2014 draft to a later date compressed the off‐seasons preceding the 2011 and 2014 seasons, exogenously tightening time constraints within which managers—head coaches and their staffs—engage in short‐run training of players. We exploit these natural experiments to investigate how this impacted the productivity of young workers (National Football League rookies). Results estimated for a sample of over 1,500 rookies support hypotheses emanating from an economic model of worker training time allocation and indicate reduced productivity along several dimensions. Survival analysis shows evidence of shorter player career durations along certain lines, suggesting longer term consequences.
Modelling coevolution in ecological networks with adaptive dynamics
Authors: Hui Cang , Minoarivelo Henintsoa O. , Landi Pietro
Published: September 2017

Coevolution can impose density‐dependent selection through reciprocal biotic interactions on the fitness of involved species, driving directional and disruptive trait evolution and rich evolutionary possibilities. Coevolution has since Darwin been considered a potential path leading to adaptive diversification that could explain the emergence of ecological networks of biotic interactions that harbour multiple interacting species (eg, pollination networks and food webs). Here, we present adaptive dynamics, a powerful tool of evolutionary invasion analysis that explores how quantitative traits undergo incremental evolution, to exploring the emergence of multi‐species networks through coevolution. Specifically, we exemplify the feasibility of using adaptive dynamics to investigate trait evolution in 4 ecological networks, driven, respectively, by resource competition, trophic interactions, as well as bipartite mutualistic and antagonistic interactions. We use a set of ordinary differential equations to describe, at different paces, the population dynamics and trait dynamics of involved species assemblages. Through computing ecological equilibrium, invasion fitness, selection gradient and evolutionary singularity, and testing for evolutionary stability and the coexistence criterion of mutual invasibility, we illustrate the typical evolutionary dynamics and the criteria of evolutionary stability and branching in these ecological networks. Results highlight the importance of the form of trait‐mediated interaction kernel (ie, interaction strength as a function of trait difference) to adaptive diversification in these coevolutionary systems. We conclude by advocating that biotic interactions between two species can indeed lead to diffuse and even escape‐and‐radiate coevolution, making the emerged ecological networks an ideal model for studying complex adaptive systems.
Experimental study on the microwave processing of waste tyre rubber aggregates to enhance their surface properties for their use in rubberized bituminous mixtures
Authors: Ateeq Muhammad , Al‐Shamma'a Ahmed
Published: September 2017

This experimental study uses the microwave technology to process the waste tyre rubber aggregates to enhance the interaction properties of waste rubber and bitumen by smoothing its surface. This was to make the waste rubber less reactive to the bitumen sample at the elevated temperatures of around 140–170°C. Parameters such as the microwave power, the height of the sample inside the processing chamber, and the processing time have been considered and optimized. The results show that the microwave processing technique designed in this study has significantly smoothened the surface of waste rubber. Scanning electron microscope surface analysis has been carried out to confirm the changes and smoothness of the rubber surface in comparison with the untreated waste rubber aggregates. In addition, microwave spectroscopy analysis has been carried out to confirm the reduction in the absorption properties of waste rubber. The microwave curves of the bitumen samples extracted from the treated rubber–bitumen blend are comparable with the pure bitumen sample with minute shifts in the resonant peaks. The results show the potential of the technique and recommends designing a dedicated processing unit to further improve it through parameters such as volumetric and uniform surface treatment, penetration depth of the microwaves.
Quasi‐Yagi microstrip antenna device design for directive wideband ISM application
Authors: da Silva Isaac Barros Tavares , da Silva Sandro Gonçalves , da Silva Monique Fernandes , de Andrade Humberto Dionísio
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a directive quasi‐Yagi antenna designed to ISM band application at 2.45 GHz. The directors application was analyzed, compared and the better performance antenna was manufactured. The obtained measured results presented an agreement with the performed simulations 1% error and bandwidth 27.39%, from 2.3 GHz to 3.03 GHz.
Duplexing patch antenna design using substrate integrated waveguide cavities
Authors: Ho Min‐Hua , Hong Wanchu , Guan Pei‐Hong , Chang Geng‐Gui
Published: September 2017

This article presents the design of the novel duplexing patch antenna built by integrating one (or two) radiation patch with one (three) substrate integrated waveguide cavity (SIWC). The duplexing antenna's I/O ports are in a single‐ended form in the single‐SIWC case, and the I/O ports can be either a single‐ended or a balanced form in the three‐SIWC design. In the latter, two radiating patches are used on both sides of the SIWC for the bi‐directional radiation. This double patches configuration effectively widens the antenna's radiation coverage by radiating energy into both the front‐ and back‐side half spaces. The broad‐side radiation pattern on both the front‐ and back‐side of the SIWC is observed in the double patches design. The duplexing antenna exhibits a very narrow fractional bandwidth (<1.7%) and a guaranteed isolation (>40 dB) between the two duplexing ports in the single‐ended I/O case. In the balanced one, the differential (common) mode isolations are larger than 40 (58) dB, and the common mode (CM) return losses, which stand for the quality of CM suppressions, are <0.3 dB.
Controllable frequency and polarization THz filter based on graphene fish‐scale metamaterial
Authors: Dmitriev Victor , Nascimento Clerisson , Lima Roberto , Prosvirnin Sergey L.
Published: September 2017

In this work, we propose and numerically analyze a new electromagnetic polarization filter in THz region based on graphene fish‐scale structure. The array is composed by graphene strips placed on a metallized dielectric substrate. The filter can operate in two different frequency regions that can be shifted in frequency by appropriate choice of width of the graphene ribbons. We present as an example, at f1 = 0.483 THz, the structure possesses the reflection coefficient of −0.38 dB for the incident waves with x‐polarization and −48.05dB for the y‐polarized ones, while at f2 = 0.792 THz, the reflection coefficients are −47.25 dB for x‐polarization and −0.86 dB for y‐polarization. The physics of the device is based on surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonances in the graphene. The central frequency can be dynamically adjusted by changing the chemical potential (ie, by an external voltage for example) of the graphene strips.
Minimized multi‐layer substrate integrated waveguide 3‐dB small aperture coupler
Authors: Liu Shui , Xu Feng
Published: September 2017

A multi‐layer 3‐dB substrate integrated waveguide coupler is presented in this article. As a promising technique, the multi‐layer substrate integrated waveguide has been widely used in microwave and millimeter circuits and systems for its decrease in size. This design combines the Bethe hole coupling theory with the SIW technology to reduce the height and integrate with other planar circuits. More importantly, the strong coupling (3‐dB) coupler presented in this article utilizes the higher frequency band of TE10 mode to get a relatively bigger radius of aperture and in turn reduce the number of coupling sections, which significantly decrease the size of the coupler. The simulated results are in good agreement with the measured data.
Optically transparent frequency selective surface for ultrawideband applications
Authors: Can Sultan , Kapusuz Kamil Yavuz , Yilmaz Asım Egemen
Published: September 2017

A multilayer ultra‐wideband frequency selective surface (FSS), which filters the frequency range between 3.38 and 4.66 GHz is presented. The proposed structure having a transparent substrate allows the light pass through itself, while it filters the electromagnetic waves at the frequency band of interest; and it has a bandwidth of 1.28 GHz. For the FSS structure, a transparency level of 52.5% obtained with a fractional bandwidth value of 32%. The structure is examined layer by layer; and the proposed FSS structures are evaluated in terms of bandwidth and transparency level.
Computer controlled multi‐shot frequency‐resolved optical gating diagnostic system for femtosecond optical pulse measurement
Authors: Imran T. , Hussain M. , Figueira G.
Published: September 2017

The control and data acquisition of homemade, second harmonic generation (SHG) multi‐shot frequency‐resolved optical gating (FROG) diagnostic technique reported here. We have designed and developed the computer controlled multi‐shot FROG diagnostic system using reflecting optics to minimize the dispersion while LabVIEW software has employed to control and data acquisition. The femtosecond laser system at laboratory for intense lasers (L2I) optimized and characterized using LabVIEW‐based FROG system. We have measured and retrieved the oscillator and compressed amplified laser pulse profiles in temporal domains having full width half maximum (FWHM) of 150 and 270 fs, respectively, and relatively small temporal phase ∼1 radians peak to peak variations with FROG error ∼0.003. The grating detuning data acquired in the form of the single data file to observe the FROG trace pattern evaluation with the change of grating positions to confirm the reliability of the LabVIEW‐based FROG system.
Design optimization of RF low noise amplifier in twin‐well CMOS process
Authors: Jhon Hee‐Sauk , Jeon Jongwook , Kang Myunggon
Published: September 2017

This article presents an optimization technique aiming to improve gain and noise performances simultaneously, through the design of a cost‐effective low noise amplifier (LNA) in a mixed‐signal CMOS process without an RF triple‐well option. To alleviate the inherent body‐effect within a twin‐well MOS transistor, we applied a transmission‐line based source degeneration inductor Ls instead of a conventional spiral in the RF amplifier. In our design, without additional DC‐power payment, the gain and noise figures (NF50) improved by 26% and 7.1%, respectively, when compared to the conventional spiral. The proposed LNA was implemented in a 0.18 µm 1‐poly 6‐metal mixed‐signal CMOS process, and achieved a 13.1 dB gain and 2.72 dB noise figure while dissipating 8.76 mA from a 1.4 V supply.
Design of a new compact planar wide band dipole antenna
Authors: Noraei Yeganeh Ali , Mahan Ahmad , Sedighy Seyed Hassan , Chamaani Somayyeh
Published: September 2017

A new planar compact wideband dipole antenna is presented. The proposed antenna radiation pattern is omnidirectional and very stable in the operation bandwidth with good gain flatness and low cross polarization. Three cases of the proposed antenna are simulated by linear scaling of the designed antenna which proves the design flexibility. Finally, one case of the designed antenna is fabricated and measured. This antenna which works between 1.265 GHz to 3.98 GHz has very compact dimensions 82.4 mm × 45.5 mm (0.35l1 × 0.169l1, l1 is the wavelength in the start of bandwidth), stable radiation patterns and low cross polarization. These good specifications prove the antenna design capability and ability for wideband communication system applications.
Extremely compact microstrip branch‐line coupler with a novel fold structure
Authors: Chen Ja‐Hao , Yuan Shih‐Yi , Liou Shi‐Rong
Published: September 2017

An extremely compact 900‐MHz microstrip branch‐line coupler with a novel fold structure was proposed. A novel profile of the fold structure prevented the overlapping of stub lines to minimize the branch‐line coupler dimensions. The measured insertion, isolation, and return losses of the proposed coupler were 3.94, 38.2, and 23.9 dB, respectively, and the measured phase difference between the two output ports was 90° ± 0.1°. Compared with the optimized area of a conventional branch‐line coupler, the optimized area of the proposed coupler was reduced to 14.9%. Notably, the proposed coupler can be easily integrated with wireless communication systems because it can be implemented using standard printed circuit board etching processes without any lumped elements, bonding wires, or via holes.
Fast segmentation of kidney components using random forests and ferns
Authors: Jin Chao , Shi Fei , Xiang Dehui , Zhang Lichun , Chen Xinjian
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper studies the feasibility of developing a fast and accurate automatic kidney component segmentation method. The proposed method segments the kidney into four components: renal cortex, renal column, renal medulla, and renal pelvis.

Method

In this article, we have proposed a highly efficient approach which strategically combines random forests and random ferns methods to segment the kidney into four components: renal cortex, renal column, renal medulla, and renal pelvis. The proposed method is designed following a coarse‐to‐fine strategy. The initial segmentation applies random forests and random ferns with a variety of features, and combines their results to obtain a coarse renal cortex region. Then the fine segmentation of four kidney components is achieved using the weighted forests‐ferns approach with the well‐designed potential energy features which are calculated based on the initial segmentation result. The proposed method was validated on a dataset with 37 contrast‐enhanced CT images. Evaluation indices including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), true positive volume fraction (TPVF), and false positive volume fraction (FPVF) are used to assess the segmentation accuracy. The proposed method was implemented and tested on a 64‐bit system computer (Intel Core i7‐3770 CPU, 3.4 GHz and 8 GB RAM).

Results

The experimental results demonstrated the high accuracy and efficiency for segmenting the kidney components: the mean Dice similarity coefficients were 89.85%, 80.60%, 86.63%, and 77.75% for renal cortex, column, medulla, and pelvis, respectively, for right and left kidneys. The computational time of segmenting the whole kidney into four components was about 3 s.

Conclusions

The experimental results showed the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed automatic kidney component segmentation method. The proposed method applied an efficient weighted strategy to combine random forests and ferns, making full use of the advantages of both methods. The novel potential energy features help random forests effectively segment the kidney components and the background. The high accuracy and efficiency of our method make it practicable in clinical applications.
Unambiguous switching link group failure localization in all‐optical networks
Authors: Pašić Alija , Babarczi Péter , Tapolcai János
Published: September 2017

In this article, we investigate the Advanced Global Neighborhood Failure Localization (AG‐NFL) monitoring trail (m‐trail) approach, which provides ultra‐fast all‐optical restoration for any shared protection scheme. In contrast with its previous counterparts, AG‐NFL separates the management tasks of protection switching and link maintenance, and focuses on the identification of the proper switching actions in a timely manner rather than unambiguously localizing link failures. We form switching link groups at each node, that is, links whose failures do not have to be distinguished from each other, for example, because their corresponding switching actions can be performed at the same time. Forbidden link‐pairs are introduced to identify the minimal set of conflicting switching actions, which minimizes the number of switching link groups. Furthermore, in order to minimize the number of m‐trail reconfigurations upon dynamic traffic, we analyze the AG‐NFL performance in four different m‐trail design scenarios with decreasing dependency on the data plane. We prove that AG‐NFL is NP‐complete, and we propose an efficient heuristic to solve it. We demonstrate through simulations that unambiguous localization of switching link groups instead of single link failures leads to a significantly improved m‐trail performance both in wavelength resources and the number of required transponders, while signaling‐free restoration is still provided. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 70(4), 327–341 2017
Spurious solutions for the advection‐diffusion equation using wide stencils for approximating the second derivative
Authors: Frenander Hannes , Nordström Jan
Published: September 2017

A one‐dimensional steady‐state advection‐diffusion problem using summation‐by‐parts operators is investigated. For approximating the second derivative, a wide stencil is used, which simplifies implementation and stability proofs. However, it also introduces spurious, oscillating, modes for all mesh sizes. We prove that the size of the spurious modes are equal to the size of the truncation error for a stable approximation and hence disappears with the convergence rate. The theoretical results are verified with numerical experiments.
Studies of reaction mechanisms during stabilization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile carbon nanofibers
Authors: Barua Bipul , Saha Mrinal C.
Published: September 2017

Various reaction mechanisms such as cyclization, oxidation, dehydrogenation, and crosslinking are studied during stabilization of electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers using different in situ techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), shrinkage measurement, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). DSC results show that oxidation preferentially occurs in cyclized structure. It is also found that the cyclization reaction has the highest activation energy followed by oxidation/dehydrogenation and crosslinking reactions. In situ shrinkage measurement and DMA data are used to study the extent of cyclization and cross‐linking reactions, respectively, in air. Comparing the in situ shrinkage measurement with DSC data, it is found that cyclization reaction in air progresses in two different mechanisms such as radical cyclization, which depends only on the temperature and ionic cyclization, which is limited by the rate of oxygen diffusion. It is found that complete cyclization time occurs at about 189 min for isothermal heat treatment at 260°C with 5°C/min ramp, while cross‐linking reaction becomes dominant at 132 min. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1315–1321, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and thermal properties of Alkoxy Silane functionalized polyether sulfone/well‐defined poly(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate‐based hybrid materials
Authors: Oktay Burcu , Baştürk Emre , Kahraman Memet Vezir , Kayaman‐Apohan Nilhan
Published: September 2017

In this study, novel polyethersulfone (PES) and poly(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (PMPS) containing hybrid materials were prepared. PES was functionalized with trimethoxysilane groups by UV‐induced grafting reaction. PMPS was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. In the followed process, the functionalized PES mixed with different amount of PMPS, thermally treated to promote sol–gel crosslinking process to prepare the PES‐based hybrid materials. The trimethoxysilane grafted PES chains are covalently bonded with the well‐defined trimethoxysilane groups of PMPS. The chemical structure of the prepared PES and PMPS is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The morphology of the hybrids was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The results of thermogravimetric analysis show that the thermal stability of the hybrid materials was significantly affected with the addition of PMPS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1346–1352, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Identification and Functional Analysis of Chitin Synthase A in Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata
Authors: Zhai Yifan , Fan Xiaobin , Yin Zhenjuan , Yue Xiangzhao , Men Xingyuan , Zheng Li , Zhang Wenqing
Published: September 2017

Chitin synthases are very important enzymes for chitin synthesis in various species, which makes them a specific target of insecticides. In the present study, the function of the chitin synthase A (CHSA) gene isolated from Mythimna separate is investigated. The majority of dsMysCHSA treated larvae (89.50%) exhibit lethal phenotypes, including three phenotypes with severe cuticle deformations. The dsMysCHSA treatment in adult females affects oogenesis, and significantly reduce the ovary size and the oviposition number compared with controls. To determine how MysCHSA affects female fecundity, combined analyses of RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) transcriptome and TMT proteome (tandem mass tags) data in M. separata after treatment with MysCHSA‐RNAi is performed. The differentially expressed proteins and genes affect fecundity‐related proteins, energy metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, amino sugars, and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways. Taken together, these results suggest that MysCHSA acts on M. separata ecdysis and fecundity, and has the potential as a target gene for pest control.
Protein structure prediction using Rosetta in CASP12
Authors: Ovchinnikov Sergey , Park Hahnbeom , Kim David E. , DiMaio Frank , Baker David
Published: September 2017

We describe several notable aspects of our structure predictions using Rosetta in CASP12 in the free modeling (FM) and refinement (TR) categories. First, we had previously generated (and published) models for most large protein families lacking experimentally determined structures using Rosetta guided by co‐evolution based contact predictions, and for several targets these models proved better starting points for comparative modeling than any known crystal structure—our model database thus starts to fulfill one of the goals of the original protein structure initiative. Second, while our “human” group simply submitted ROBETTA models for most targets, for six targets expert intervention improved predictions considerably; the largest improvement was for T0886 where we correctly parsed two discontinuous domains guided by predicted contact maps to accurately identify a structural homolog of the same fold. Third, Rosetta all atom refinement followed by MD simulations led to consistent but small improvements when starting models were close to the native structure, and larger but less consistent improvements when starting models were further away.
Mechanistic in vitro studies confirm that inhibition of the renal apical efflux transporter multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) 1, and not altered absorption, underlies the increased metformin exposure observed in clinical interactions with cimetidine, trimethoprim or pyrimethamine
Authors: Elsby Robert , Chidlaw Stephen , Outteridge Samuel , Pickering Sarah , Radcliffe Amy , Sullivan Rebecca , Jones Hayley , Butler Philip
Published: September 2017

Metformin is a common co‐medication for many diseases and the victim of clinical drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) perpetrated by cimetidine, trimethoprim and pyrimethamine, resulting in decreased active renal clearance due to inhibition of organic cation transport proteins and increased plasma exposure of metformin. To understand whether area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) increases relate to absorption, in vitro inhibitory potencies of these drugs against metformin transport by human organic cation transporter (OCT) 1, and the apical to basolateral absorptive permeability of metformin across Caco‐2 cells in the presence of therapeutic intestinal concentrations of cimetidine, trimethoprim or pyrimethamine, were determined. Whilst all inhibited OCT1, none enhanced metformin's absorptive permeability (~0.5 × 10−6 cm/sec) suggesting that DDI AUC changes are not related to absorption. Subsequently, to understand whether inhibition of renal transporters are responsible for AUC increases, in vitro inhibitory potencies against metformin transport by human OCT2, multidrug and toxin extrusion (MATE) 1 and MATE2‐K were determined. Ensuing IC50 values were incorporated into mechanistic static equations, alongside unbound maximal plasma concentration and transporter fraction excreted values, in order to calculate theoretical increases in metformin AUC due to inhibition by cimetidine, trimethoprim or pyrimethamine. Calculated theoretical fold‐increases in metformin exposure confirmed solitary inhibition of renal MATE1 to be the likely mechanism underlying the observed exposure changes in clinical DDIs. Interestingly, clinically observed increases in metformin AUC were predicted more closely when the renal transporter fraction excreted value derived from oral metformin administration, rather than intravenous, was utilized in theoretical calculations, likely reflecting the “flip‐flop” pharmacokinetic profile of the drug.
Retention Characteristics of Five‐Layered Aurivillus Films With Large Polarization
Authors: Song Dongpo , Yang Jie , Wang Yuxing , Chen Liangyu , Chu Yanqiu , Yang Jie , Zhu Xuebin
Published: September 2017

The value of 2Pr (twice the polarization at zero electric field) in the five‐layered Aurivillus film Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 is greater than 50 μC cm−2, which is almost an order of magnitude higher than that of the bulk (4 μC cm−2). Moreover, the well‐defined hysteresis loop of this film can persist at the measurement frequency of 100 kHz, indicating the ultra‐fast switching speed of such a domain. The frequency dependence of the coercive field obeys a power‐law form, , indicating that its domain switching kinetics are influenced by the motion of the domain wall. The polarization of the Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 thin film remains essentially constant at a waiting time of up to 2 × 104 s, and is independent of the applied electric field. The switchable polarization loss is 32% after 9 × 1010 read/write switching cycles at a frequency of 1 MHz. This change in the switchable polarization is discussed in terms of the aggregation of oxygen vacancies in the film.
Graphene Optical Switch Based on Charge Transfer Plasmons
Authors: Ahmadivand Arash , Gerislioglu Burak , Pala Nezih
Published: September 2017

In the past decade, dynamic, tunable, compact, and fast plasmonic switches with high modulation depth (MD) and low losses have been developed successfully for various practical applications. Here, using a simple plasmonic dimer consisting of a pair of metallic nanodisks bridged to each other with a graphene monolayer, we develop a highly tunable plasmonic switch for telecommunication applications. We have shown that having active control on the photoconductivity of graphene sheet through electrical bias allows for transition of charges across the atomically thin bridge, giving rise to formation of charge transfer plasmon (CTP) modes. Such an interplay between semiconducting and semi‐metallic states of the graphene sublayer leads to direct control of the excited CTPs. By tuning the peak of CTP at the global telecommunication band (λ = 1550 nm), we designed an integrated, fast, and functional optoelectronic nanoswitch with high MD up to ≈98% and negligible losses. This study presents a promising approach to design tunable, high‐quality, integrated optoelectronic switches for next‐generation advanced nanophotonic applications.