bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous topographic and chemical patterning via imprinting defined nano-reactors
Authors: Zhao Z. , Nan H. , Sun M. , He X.
Published: October 2016

A novel, universal strategy to realize simultaneous topographic and chemical patterningviaimprinting defined nano-reactors.
Gene delivery using dendrimer/pDNA complexes immobilized in electrospun fibers using the Layer-by-Layer technique
Authors: Ramalingam Kirthiga , Castro Rita , Pires Pedro , Shi Xiangyang , Rodrigues João , Xiao Shili , Tomás Helena
Published: October 2016

Dendrimer/pDNA complexes can be immobilized in PLGA fibers through the Layer-by-Layer technique and direct hMSCs towards osteogenic differentiation.
Optical and photodetector properties of stripe-like InS crystal
Authors: Ho Ching-Hwa , Chen Ya-Han , Ho Jhih-Hao
Published: October 2016

Structural, optical and photodetector properties of InS stripe-like crystals have been clearly demonstrated.
Sulfur rich electron donors – formation of singlet versus triplet radical ion pair states featuring different lifetimes in the same conjugate
Authors: Saha Avishek , Chen Muqing , Lederer Marcus , Kahnt Axel , Lu Xing , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: October 2016

An unprecedented family of novel electron-donor acceptor conjugates based on fullerenes have been synthesized and characterized in a variety of solvents.
Hollow mesoporous hetero-NiCo2S4/Co9S8 submicro-spindles: unusual formation and excellent pseudocapacitance towards hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Linrui , Shi Yaoyao , Zhu Siqi , Rehan Muhammad , Pang Gang , Zhang Xiaogang , Yuan Changzhou
Published: October 2016

Hollow mesoporous hetero-NiCo2S4/Co9S8 submicro-spindles were fabricated in high yield, and delivered excellent pseudocapacitance with high energy density and desirable cycling duration at high rates for advanced hybrid supercapacitors.
Formulation engineering for optimizing ternary electron acceptors exemplified by isomeric PC71BM in planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dai Si-Min , Zhang Xin , Chen Wei-Yi , Li Xiang , Tan Zhan'ao , Li Cong , Deng Lin-Long , Zhan Xin-Xing , Lin Min-Song , Xing Zhou , Wen Tao , Ho Rong-Ming , Xie Su-Yuan , Huang Rong-Bin , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: October 2016

PC71BM was isolated into three typically synthesizable isomers for a formulation engineering to make the most efficient electron acceptor with best formulation of the regioisomers/stereoisomers.
Transparent ITO mechanical crack-based pressure and strain sensor
Authors: Lee Taemin , Choi Yong Whan , Lee Gunhee , Pikhitsa Peter V. , Kang Daeshik , Kim Sang Moon , Choi Mansoo
Published: October 2016

Sensors to detect motion with high precision have been extensively studied in diverse engineering research fields.
Photoinduced enhancement of a triboelectric nanogenerator based on an organolead halide perovskite
Authors: Su Li , Zhao Zhenxuan , Li Huayang , Wang Ying , Kuang Shuangyang , Cao Guozhong , Wang Zhonglin , Zhu Guang
Published: October 2016

We report a methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) perovskite-based photoenhanced triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG).
High‐efficiency full‐range soft‐switching full‐bridge high‐frequency‐link inverter
Authors: Guo Shilin , Su Jianhui , Chen Xuejian , Yu Xiang
Published: October 2016

A novel full‐range soft‐switching full‐bridge (FSFB) cycloconverter‐type high‐frequency‐link inverter (CHFLI) with active snubber network is proposed. By adding an auxiliary inductor in primary‐side DC/AC converter and adopting centre‐tapped transformer structure, the proposed FSFB‐CHFLI achieves zero voltage switching (ZVS) for all switches under different operating conditions from light load to rated load, which benefits with high efficiency and high switching frequency. The secondary‐side active snubber network is utilised to recycle leakage inductor energy and suppress voltage spikes caused by the resonance of the leakage inductor and the parasitic capacitance of switch. The commutation overlap strategy is adopted to guarantee complete ZVS turn‐on and ZVS turn‐off of bidirectional switches. Experimental results of a high efficient and high switching frequency (200 kHZ) prototype are presented to verify the analysis results of the proposed FSFB‐CHFLI.
Cloud service reliability modelling and optimal task scheduling
Authors: Cui Hongyan , Li Yang , Liu Xiaofei , Ansari Nirwan , Liu Yunjie
Published: October 2016

Cloud computing enables service sharing in a massive scale via network access to a pool of configurable computing resources. It has to allocate resources adaptively for tasks and applications to be executed effectively and reliably in a large scale, highly heterogeneous environment. Resource allocation in cloud computing is an NP‐hard problem. In this study, the authors conduct a reliability analysis of cloud services by applying a Markov‐based method. They formulate the cloud scheduling problem as a multi‐objective optimisation problem with constraints in terms of reliability, makespan, and flowtime. Furthermore, they propose a genetic algorithm‐based chaotic ant swarm (GA‐CAS) algorithm, in which four operators and natural selection are applied, to solve this constrained multi‐objective optimisation problem. Simulation results have demonstrated that GA‐CAS generally speeds up convergence and outperforms other meta‐heuristic approaches.
Reconfiguration of distribution networks considering coordination of the protective devices
Authors: Khorshid‐Ghazani Bita , Seyedi Heresh , Mohammadi‐ivatloo Behnam , Zare Kazem , Shargh Saeid
Published: October 2016

Distribution system reconfiguration has become a useful and affordable method for both real time and planning stages. Protection system is an inseparable part of the power systems, hence it should not be neglected in the process of feeder reconfiguration. This study introduces an executable reconfiguration method in real distribution networks considering operation and coordination of protective devices of the network. The objective of this study is to attain a configuration of the network, which achieves minimum active power loss and voltage deviation while protection system functions properly. In this regard, precise constraints are introduced and formulated to exclude configurations of the network, which may cause mis‐coordination in protection system performance. Necessity and effectiveness of the constraints are demonstrated on 33‐bus, 69‐bus and 119‐bus distribution test systems.
General distributed secondary control for multi‐microgrids with both PQ‐controlled and droop‐controlled distributed generators
Authors: Liu Wei , Gu Wei , Xu Yinliang , Wang Yong , Zhang Kaifeng
Published: October 2016

A novel general distributed secondary control (DSC) scheme is proposed to implement coordination control for both droop‐controlled and active power and reactive power (PQ)‐controlled distributed generator (DG)‐clusters in multi‐microgrids (MMGs), using cluster concept. It not only reduces the steady‐state derivation caused by primary droop control, but also brings the whole MMG into a new optimised operation state in the secondary control. The implementation of the DSC is accomplished based on the protocol combining pinning control and in‐group and inter‐group information exchange of multi‐agent system. Accordingly, the DSC of the MMG is converted to the distributed multiple DG‐clusters control, and the control process is tuned to tracking group synchronisation to pinning‐based anticipative consensus in DG‐clusters. In this way, the implementation of many MMG functions, such as global coordination among MGs, local autonomy in an MG, reliability, scalability, and self‐healing are all simplified. Meanwhile, the dimensions of control and the number of controllers are dramatically reduced by pinning control. In addition, the requirements for a central controller and complex communication topologies are obviated. Simulation results are presented and discussed to illustrate the effectiveness, adaptability and advantages of the proposed control.
Sequence currents based adaptive protection approach for DNs with distributed energy resources
Authors: Muda Harikrishna , Jena Premalata
Published: October 2016

In this study, sequence currents based adaptive directional overcurrent relaying approach for distribution networks (DNs) with distributed energy resources (DERs) is proposed. Owing to the grid‐connected mode and islanded mode operations, the magnitude and direction of fault currents are altered. Such different modes of operation result in protection failure and loss of coordination between directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs). With inception of faults, the current contributed by the inverter‐based DER is in the range of 2 pu. Protection coordination is achieved by the adapting relay settings for each operating mode of DERs using the stored conventional relay settings, and the protection coordination is further improved by using negative‐sequence overcurrent‐based backup DOCR. The direction of the fault is obtained using the phase change in superimposed and prefault positive‐sequence currents. The proposed technique is implemented on a dSPACE processor, which is connected to a real‐time digital simulator to carry out the hardware‐in‐the‐loop test. Extensive simulation and hardware results obtained for several DN operating modes. The adaptive approach is compared with the conventional approach and results indicate that the adaptive approach provides accurate operating time for primary and backup relays. This proposed approach is independent of the voltage information.
Sicherheitskonzept: Kliniken sind keine Flughäfen …
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: October 2016

… stimmt – aber sie sollten trotzdem von ihnen lernen. Anderenfalls laufen sie Gefahr, im Ernstfall wegen mangelnder Sorgfaltspflicht verklagt zu werden.
Are Scores Reliable in Predicting the Need for Surgery and Mortality in Necrotizing Enterocolitis?
Authors: Arni Delphine , Karam Oliver , Vidal Isabelle , Rimensberger Peter , Hanquinet Sylviane , Wildhaber Barbara
Published: October 2016

Background Management of children with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains challenging. Various scores try to facilitate therapeutic decision-making. We aim to assess the agreement of three scores intending to predict the need for surgery and/or mortality in our patient cohort, and analyze agreement between the different scores.

Methods This study is a retrospective analysis of patients with NEC Bell's stage II and III, managed in a single institution (1991–2011). Three existing scores (Metabolic Derangement Acuity score, NEC score, Detroit score) were calculated individually for each patient. The agreement between predicted outcome by scores and real outcome was evaluated with kappa statistic.

Results Of 57 children, 46% presented with NEC stage II, 54% with stage III, 46% were treated with surgery, 54% conservatively, and survival was 58%. The kappa indexes for “need for surgery” were 0.41, 0.13, and 0.12 and kappa indexes for “mortality” were 0.27, 0.04, and 0.1 for the Metabolic Derangement Acuity score, the NEC score, and the Detroit score, respectively.

Conclusion In our cohort, the agreement between the predicted outcomes by scores and the real need for surgery and/or mortality was poor. There was a lack of clinical usefulness of the tested scores. We must continue to better identify parameters to help guide the management of these patients.
Dynamics of proteins aggregation. I. Universal scaling in unbounded media
Authors: Zheng Size , Javidpour Leili , Shing Katherine S. , Sahimi Muhammad
Published: October 2016

It is well understood that in some cases proteins do not fold correctly and, depending on their environment, even properly-folded proteins change their conformation spontaneously, taking on a misfolded state that leads to protein aggregation and formation of large aggregates. An important factor that contributes to the aggregation is the interactions between the misfolded proteins. Depending on the aggregation environment, the aggregates may take on various shapes forming larger structures, such as protein plaques that are often toxic. Their deposition in tissues is a major contributing factor to many neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion. This paper represents the first part in a series devoted to molecular simulation of protein aggregation. We use the PRIME, a meso-scale model of proteins, together with extensive discontinuous molecular dynamics simulation to study the aggregation process in an unbounded fluid system, as the first step toward MD simulation of the same phenomenon in crowded cellular environments. Various properties of the aggregates have been computed, including dynamic evolution of aggregate-size distribution, mean aggregate size, number of peptides that contribute to the formation of β sheets, number of various types of hydrogen bonds formed in the system, radius of gyration of the aggregates, and the aggregates’ diffusivity. We show that many of such quantities follow dynamic scaling, similar to those for aggregation of colloidal clusters. In particular, at long times the mean aggregate size S(t) grows with time as, S(t) ∼ tz, where z is the dynamic exponent. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the qualitative similarity between aggregation of proteins and colloidal aggregates has been pointed out.
Analysis method for Thomson scattering diagnostics in GAMMA 10/PDX
Authors: Ohta K. , Yoshikawa M. , Yasuhara R. , Chikatsu M. , Shima Y. , Kohagura J. , Sakamoto M. , Nakasima Y. , Imai T. , Ichimura M. , Yamada I. , Funaba H. , Minami T.
Published: October 2016

We have developed an analysis method to improve the accuracies of electron temperature measurement by employing a fitting technique for the raw Thomson scattering (TS) signals. Least square fitting of the raw TS signals enabled reduction of the error in the electron temperature measurement. We applied the analysis method to a multi-pass (MP) TS system. Because the interval between the MPTS signals is very short, it is difficult to separately analyze each Thomson scattering signal intensity by using the raw signals. We used the fitting method to obtain the original TS scattering signals from the measured raw MPTS signals to obtain the electron temperatures in each pass.
Magnetic ordering and conduction mechanism of different electroactive regions in Lu2NiMnO6
Authors: Chanda Sadhan , Saha Sujoy , Dutta Alo , Krishna Murthy J. , Venimadhav A. , Shannigrahi Santiranjan , Sinha T. P.
Published: October 2016

The magnetodielectric response of a double perovskite oxide Lu2NiMnO6 (LNMO) synthesised by the sol–gel process has been investigated. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data indicates that the room-temperature crystal structure of LNMO is monoclinic with the space group P21/n, which contains an ordered array of alternate MnO6 and NiO6 octahedra. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirm the mix valence state of Mn (4+ and 3+) and Ni (2+ and 3+). The optical band gap (Eg = 1.56 eV) obtained from the UV-Visible absorption spectrum suggests that LNMO is a semiconductor. The field cooled and zero-field cooled measurements show the ferromagnetic behaviour of the sample with the transition temperature (Tc) = 45 K and a saturation magnetization of 5.2 μB/f.u. is observed at 2.5 K. The temperature and frequency dependent dielectric measurements reveal colossal values of the dielectric constant, which are interpreted by the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization. The temperature dependence of the bulk dc conductivity indicates a variable-range-hopping mechanism. The saturation polarization value is estimated to be 232 μC/m2 from the pyroelectric current measurement. A negative magnetodielectric effect of 1% is observed at the paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition temperature. The electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory have been performed to analyse the magnetic properties of LNMO.
Mimicking of pulse shape-dependent learning rules with a quantum dot memristor
Authors: Maier P. , Hartmann F. , Rebello Sousa Dias M. , Emmerling M. , Schneider C. , Castelano L. K. , Kamp M. , Marques G. E. , Lopez-Richard V. , Worschech L. , Höfling S.
Published: October 2016

We present the realization of four different learning rules with a quantum dot memristor by tuning the shape, the magnitude, the polarity and the timing of voltage pulses. The memristor displays a large maximum to minimum conductance ratio of about 57 000 at zero bias voltage. The high and low conductances correspond to different amounts of electrons localized in quantum dots, which can be successively raised or lowered by the timing and shapes of incoming voltage pulses. Modifications of the pulse shapes allow altering the conductance change in dependence on the time difference. Hence, we are able to mimic different learning processes in neural networks with a single device. In addition, the device performance under pulsed excitation is emulated combining the Landauer-Büttiker formalism with a dynamic model for the quantum dot charging, which allows explaining the whole spectrum of learning responses in terms of structural parameters that can be adjusted during fabrication, such as gating efficiencies and tunneling rates. The presented memristor may pave the way for future artificial synapses with a stimulus-dependent capability of learning.
Optical configurations for photophoretic trap of single particles in air
Authors: Gong Zhiyong , Pan Yong-Le , Wang Chuji
Published: October 2016

Since Ashkin’s pioneering work in the 1970’s, optical trapping (OT) and manipulation have become an indispensable tool in diverse research fields. Today, there are multiple optical trapping schemes in use. In this article, we explore six different optical trapping schemes based on the photophoretic force (PPF). Within these schemes we explore 21 variants differing in such details as laser source, power, beam shape, and focusing optics. We evaluate and rate the trapping quality and performance of the six trapping schemes in terms of four key aspects: simplicity, robustness, flexibility, and efficiency. One of the schemes is novel: we introduce a simple, high quality scheme using a confocal design in which one trapping beam is effectively converted to two counter-propagating beams. The versatility of this new trapping scheme is demonstrated via application of the scheme to cavity ringdown spectroscopy. We hope this exploration of the diversity of PPF trapping schemes will extend applications of OT by providing researchers with information to assist in the selection of specific optical trapping schemes from the first-of-its-kind list of 21 configurations presented herein.
Performance of current measurement system in poloidal field power supply for Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak
Authors: Liu D. M. , Li J. , Wan B. N. , Lu Z. , Wang L. S. , Jiang L. , Lu C. H. , Huang J.
Published: October 2016

As one of the core subsystems of the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), the poloidal field power system supplies energy to EAST’s superconducting coils. To measure the converter current in the poloidal field power system, a current measurement system has been designed. The proposed measurement system is composed of a Rogowski coil and a newly designed integrator. The results of the resistor-inductor-capacitor discharge test and the converter equal current test show that the current measurement system provides good reliability and stability, and the maximum error of the proposed system is less than 1%.
Structural and optical properties of Al-Tb/SiO2 multilayers fabricated by electron beam evaporation
Authors: Blázquez O. , López-Vidrier J. , López-Conesa L. , Busquets-Masó M. , Estradé S. , Peiró F. , Hernández S. , Garrido B.
Published: October 2016

Light emitting Al-Tb/SiO2 nanomultilayers (NMLs) for optoelectronic applications have been produced and characterized. The active layers were deposited by electron beam evaporation onto crystalline silicon substrates, by alternatively evaporating nanometric layers of Al, Tb, and SiO2. After deposition, all samples were submitted to an annealing treatment for 1 h in N2 atmosphere at different temperatures, ranging from 700 to 1100 °C. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the NML structure quality, and by complementing the measurements with electron energy-loss spectroscopy, the chemical composition of the multilayers was determined at the nanoscopic level. The average composition was also measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealing that samples containing Al are highly oxidized. Photoluminescence experiments exhibit narrow emission lines ascribed to Tb3+ ions in all samples (both as-deposited and annealed ones), together with a broadband related to SiO2 defects. The Tb-related emission intensity in the sample annealed at 1100 °C is more than one order of magnitude higher than identical samples without Al. These effects have been ascribed to the higher matrix quality, less SiO2 defects emitting, and a better Tb3+ configuration in the SiO2 matrix thanks to the higher oxygen content favored by the incorporation of Al atoms, as revealed by XPS experiments.
Self-organized surface ripple pattern formation by ion implantation
Authors: Hofsäss Hans , Zhang Kun , Bobes Omar
Published: October 2016

Ion induced ripple pattern formation on solid surfaces has been extensively studied in the past and the theories describing curvature dependent ion erosion as well as redistribution of recoil atoms have been very successful in explaining many features of the pattern formation. Since most experimental studies use noble gas ion irradiation, the incorporation of the ions into the films is usually neglected. In this work we show that the incorporation or implantation of non-volatile ions also leads to a curvature dependent term in the equation of motion of a surface height profile. The implantation of ions can be interpreted as a negative sputter yield; and therefore, the effect of ion implantation is opposite to the one of ion erosion. For angles up to about 50°, implantation of ions stabilizes the surface, whereas above 50°, ion implantation contributes to the destabilization of the surface. We present simulations of the curvature coefficients using the crater function formalism and we compare the simulation results to the experimental data on the ion induced pattern formation using non-volatile ions. We present several model cases, where the incorporation of ions is a crucial requirement for the pattern formation.
Effect of IrMn inserted layer on anomalous-Hall resistance and spin-Hall magnetoresistance in Pt/IrMn/YIG heterostructures
Authors: Shang T. , Yang H. L. , Zhan Q. F. , Zuo Z. H. , Xie Y. L. , Liu L. P. , Zhang S. L. , Zhang Y. , Li H. H. , Wang B. M. , Wu Y. H. , Zhang S. , Li Run-Wei
Published: October 2016

We report an investigation of anomalous-Hall resistance (AHR) and spin-Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) in Pt/Ir20Mn80/Y3Fe5O12 (Pt/IrMn/YIG) heterostructures. The AHR of Pt/IrMn/YIG heterostructures with an antiferromagnetic inserted layer is dramatically enhanced as compared to that of the Pt/YIG bilayer. The temperature dependent AHR behavior is nontrivial, while the IrMn thickness dependent AHR displays a peak at an IrMn thickness of 3 nm. The observed SMR in the temperature range of 10–300 K indicates that the spin current generated in the Pt layer can penetrate the IrMn layer (≤3 nm) to interact with the ferromagnetic YIG layer. The lack of conventional anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) implies that the insertion of the IrMn layer between Pt and YIG could efficiently suppress the magnetic proximity effect (MPE) on induced Pt moments by YIG.
Amplitude dependence of image quality in atomically-resolved bimodal atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ooe Hiroaki , Kirpal Dominik , Wastl Daniel S. , Weymouth Alfred J. , Arai Toyoko , Giessibl Franz J.
Published: October 2016

In bimodal frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM), two flexural modes are excited simultaneously. We show atomically resolved images of KBr(100) in ambient conditions in both modes that display a strong correlation between the image quality and amplitude. We define the sum amplitude as the sum of the amplitudes of both modes. When the sum amplitude becomes larger than about 100 pm, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) drastically decreases. We propose that this is caused by the temporary presence of one or more water layers in the tip-sample gap. These water layers screen the short range interaction and must be displaced with each oscillation cycle. Decreasing the amplitude of either mode, however, increases the noise. Therefore, the highest SNR in ambient conditions is achieved when twice the sum amplitude is slightly less than the thickness of the primary hydration layer.
Interplay between optical, viscous, and elastic forces on an optically trapped Brownian particle immersed in a viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Domínguez-García P. , Forró László , Jeney Sylvia
Published: October 2016

We provide a detailed study of the interplay between the different interactions which appear in the Brownian motion of a micronsized sphere immersed in a viscoelastic fluid measured with optical trapping interferometry. To explore a wide range of viscous, elastic, and optical forces, we analyze two different viscoelastic solutions at various concentrations, which provide a dynamic polymeric structure surrounding the Brownian sphere. Our experiments show that, depending on the fluid, optical forces, even if small, slightly modify the complex modulus at low frequencies. Based on our findings, we propose an alternative methodology to calibrate this kind of experimental set-up when non-Newtonian fluids are used. Understanding the influence of the optical potential is essential for a correct interpretation of the mechanical properties obtained by optically-trapped probe-based studies of biomaterials and living matter.
Temperature dependence of the spin Hall angle and switching current in the nc-W(O)/CoFeB/MgO system with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Neumann L. , Meier D. , Schmalhorst J. , Rott K. , Reiss G. , Meinert M.
Published: October 2016

We investigated the temperature dependence of the switching current for a perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB film deposited on a nanocrystalline tungsten film with large oxygen content: nc-W(O). The effective spin Hall angle |ΘSHeff|≈0.22 is independent of temperature, whereas the switching current increases strongly at low temperature. The increase indicates that the current induced switching itself is thermally activated, in agreement with a recent theoretical prediction. The dependence of the switching current on the in-plane assist field suggests the presence of an interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction with D ≈ 0.23 mJ/m2, intermediate between the Pt/CoFe and Ta/CoFe systems. We show that the nc-W(O) is insensitive to annealing, which makes this system a good choice for the integration into magnetic memory or logic devices that require a high-temperature annealing process during fabrication.
Detection of electron emission as DLTS signal in CdTe solar cells
Authors: Ding Y. M. , Cheng Z. , Tan X. , Misra D. , Delahoy A. E. , Chin K. K.
Published: October 2016

This work identifies an incongruity in the detection of the minority carrier signal in CdTe solar cells during the deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurement. Use of quasi-Fermi level instead of Fermi level of majority carriers to estimate the probability of emitting carriers seems to correct the ambiguity. During the experiment, signals from minority carrier traps (electron traps) were detected by using a long filling pulse time instead of an electron injection pulse. The DLTS measurements of CdTe solar cells observed a single electron trap with energy level EE1 = 0.47 eV, and two hole traps with energy levels, EH1 = 0.17 eV and EH2 = 0.27 eV. The possibility of any impact from the back contact was excluded, and the phenomenon was clarified by the simulation. It was further observed that when the condition of quasi-Fermi level is considered, the results of calculated probability were significantly different from that of the results that used only Fermi level of majority carriers. The simulations further aided the explanation of the defect behavior in DLTS measurements and the overlapping phenomenon of the capacitance spectrum of hole and electron traps.
From zero to zero in 100 years: gonococcal antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Lahra Monica M , Dillon Jo-Anne R , George CR Robert , Lewis David A , Wi Teodora E , Whiley David M
Published: October 2016

The threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria has been escalated to a rightful seat on the global health agenda. In September 2016, for only the fourth time in United Nations (UN) history, the UN General Assembly in New York will meet to focus on a health threat – antimicrobial resistance. Other diseases afforded this level of consultation at the UN were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), non-communicable diseases and Ebola virus. There are grim predictions for the future in terms of AMR and health security that span income settings. These predictions challenge the premise that minor bacterial infections of childhood are innocuous, and threaten to halt the medical advancements dependant on antibiotic therapy. Those with compromised immune systems, whether endogenous or induced, will be at highest risk. The development and spread of AMR has been, and will continue to be, fanned by the relentless selection pressure of exposure to antibiotics whether used appropriately, unnecessarily or suboptimally, in human health, animal health and agriculture. The distribution of antibiotic resistant bacteria is facilitated by travel and transport. Antimicrobial resistance will affect those in the community and the hospital.
Short-term fire front spread prediction using inverse modelling and airborne infrared images
Authors: Rios O. , Pastor E. , Valero M. M. , Planas E.
Published: October 2016

A wildfire forecasting tool capable of estimating the fire perimeter position sufficiently in advance of the actual fire arrival will assist firefighting operations and optimise available resources. However, owing to limited knowledge of fire event characteristics (e.g. fuel distribution and characteristics, weather variability) and the short time available to deliver a forecast, most of the current models only provide a rough approximation of the forthcoming fire positions and dynamics. The problem can be tackled by coupling data assimilation and inverse modelling techniques. We present an inverse modelling-based algorithm that uses infrared airborne images to forecast short-term wildfire dynamics with a positive lead time. The algorithm is applied to two real-scale mallee-heath shrubland fire experiments, of 9 and 25 ha, successfully forecasting the fire perimeter shape and position in the short term. Forecast dependency on the assimilation windows is explored to prepare the system to meet real scenario constraints. It is envisaged the system will be applied at larger time and space scales.
Isotopic overprinting of nitrification on denitrification as a ubiquitous and unifying feature of environmental nitrogen cycling
Authors: Granger Julie , Wankel Scott D.
Published: October 2016

Significance

Stable isotopes of nitrate have long provided a tool for tracking environmental sources and biological transformations. However, divergent interpretations of fundamental nitrate isotope systematics exist among disciplinary divisions. In an effort to transcend disciplinary boundaries of terrestrial and marine biogeochemistry, we use a quantitative model for coupled nitrogen and oxygen isotopes of nitrate founded on benchmarks established from microbial cultures, to reconcile decades of nitrate isotopic measurements in freshwater and seawater and move toward a unified understanding of cycling processes and isotope systematics. Our findings indicate that denitrification operates within the pervasive context of nitrite reoxidation mechanisms, specifically highlighting the relative importance of nitrification in marine denitrifying systems and anammox in groundwater aquifers.
Ataluren stimulates ribosomal selection of near-cognate tRNAs to promote nonsense suppression
Authors: Roy Bijoyita , Friesen Westley J. , Tomizawa Yuki , Leszyk John D. , Zhuo Jin , Johnson Briana , Dakka Jumana , Trotta Christopher R. , Xue Xiaojiao , Mutyam Venkateshwar , Keeling Kim M. , Mobley James A. , Rowe Steven M. , Bedwell David M. , Welch Ellen M. , Jacobson Allan
Published: October 2016

Significance

The drug ataluren restores activity to otherwise nonfunctional nonsense alleles, a capability possibly reflecting the insertion of near-cognate aminoacyl tRNAs at premature termination codons during protein synthesis. Because nonsense alleles comprise a significant fraction of all alleles causing inherited disorders, drugs that promote such nonsense codon readthrough have broad therapeutic potential. However, the effectiveness of therapeutic nonsense suppression depends on the nature of the amino acids inserted at each of the three nonsense codons. Here we demonstrate that ataluren does indeed promote insertion of near-cognate tRNAs at nonsense codons, that the latter process yields functional proteins, and that specific codon:anticodon base pairings are critical to this process. These results should enable predictions of better clinical outcomes with therapeutic nonsense suppression.
Decay of an active GPCR: Conformational dynamics govern agonist rebinding and persistence of an active, yet empty, receptor state
Authors: Schafer Christopher T. , Fay Jonathan F. , Janz Jay M. , Farrens David L.
Published: October 2016

Significance

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a major pharmaceutical drug target. However, one exception has been the visual photoreceptor rhodopsin, long considered “different” due to its covalently bound, light-sensitive retinal ligands. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast to prior assumptions, release of the agonist all-
trans
retinal (ATR) is not an irreversible process. Instead, during decay of the active species, ATR can rebind any rhodopsin remaining in an active-like conformation, and this active-like state can transiently persist even after agonist dissociation. These insights demonstrate rhodopsin behaves like other diffusible ligand-binding GPCRs and raise the possibility of treating rhodopsin by pharmaceutical agents.
Predictability and hierarchy in
Drosophila
behavior
Authors: Berman Gordon J. , Bialek William , Shaevitz Joshua W.
Published: October 2016

Significance

How an animal chooses to order its activities—moving, grooming, resting, and so on—is essential to its ability to survive, adapt, and reproduce. Here we investigate the temporal pattern of behaviors performed by fruit flies, finding that their movements are organized in a hierarchical manner that exhibits long time scales. This organization is likely advantageous for adaptability and ease of neural representation and provides hints as to the form of the fly’s internal representations of behavioral programs.
Hypoxia-activated cytotoxic agent tirapazamine enhances hepatic artery ligation-induced killing of liver tumor in HBx transgenic mice
Authors: Lin Wei-Hsiang , Yeh Shiou-Hwei , Yeh Kun-Huei , Chen Kai-Wei , Cheng Ya-Wen , Su Tung-Hung , Jao Ping , Ni Lin-Chun , Chen Pei-Jer , Chen Ding-Shinn
Published: October 2016

Significance

The development of more effective arterial embolization therapy is one of the major challenges of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We showed that the addition of tirapazamine, a cytotoxic agent that can be activated by sublethal hypoxia, greatly improved the efficacy of arterial embolization in killing HCC developed in hepatitis B virus X protein transgenic mice. Nearly complete tumor necrosis was identified in most HCCs shortly after combination treatment. This preclinical study showed that the combination of tirapazamine and arterial embolization is a regimen that improved the liver tumor-killing activity, but spared the normal hepatocytes. These results form the basis for the ongoing clinical phase I trial to determine whether this treatment can be an effective therapy for intermediate stage HCC.
The safety and tolerability of inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Bajwa Abubakr A. , Shujaat Adil , Patel Minal , Thomas Colleen , Rahaghi Franck , Burger Charles D.
Published: October 2016

The primary aim was to explore the safety and tolerability of inhaled treprostinil when used in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with a diagnosis of pre‐capillary PH (defined as pulmonary artery mean pressure of ≥ 25 mmHg and pulmonary artery wedge pressure or left ventricular end diastolic pressure of ≤ 15 mmHg) who were being initiated on inhaled treprostinil and had concomitant COPD (defined as FEV1/FVC ratio ≤ 70% with FEV1 ≥ 40% predicted) were considered for inclusion in this pilot study. Assessments included adverse events, physical exam, World Health Organization (WHO) functional class, 6‐minute walk test (6MWT), modified Borg dyspnea score, and concomitant medication. At baseline and week 16 St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), arterial blood gas (ABG), and pulmonary function test (PFT) were assessed. The median age was 65 years (age range, 56–80 years) and five patients (56%) were men. Among the nine patients, a majority had an increase in 6MWT from baseline to week 16 (median change, 19 m). Only three of the nine patients (33%) had an increase in A‐a gradient at week 16 (median change, –7). There was no difference in any of the following: arterial blood gases, WHO functional class, 6MWT results, or SGRQ scores from baseline to week 16. There was a statistically significant decline in several of the PFT measures, including FEV1 (median change, –0.18 L; P = 0.004; median change, –7% of predicted; P = 0.016), FVC (median change, –0.23 L; P = 0.027), and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) (median change, –5% of predicted; P = 0.023). The small number of patients limits firm conclusions; however, inhaled treprostinil did not seem to adversely impact oxygenation in the majority of the study patients with pre‐capillary PH and COPD. While there may have an adverse impact on some pulmonary function parameters, the clinical significance is unclear.
Sleep to Lower Elevated Blood Pressure: A Randomized Controlled Trial (SLEPT)
Authors: McGrath Emer R. , Espie Colin A. , Power Alice , Murphy Andrew W. , Newell John , Kelly Caroline , Duffy Niamh , Gunning Patricia , Gibson Irene , Bostock Sophie , O’Donnell Martin J.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Impaired sleep quality is common and associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), thought to be mediated through adverse effects on established vascular risk factors, particularly hypertension. We determined if a web-delivered sleep intervention (sleep–hygiene education, stimulus control, and cognitive behavioral therapy) reduces blood pressure compared to vascular risk factor education (standard care) alone.

METHODS

Phase II randomized, blinded, controlled trial of 134 participants without CVD with mild sleep impairment and blood pressure 130–160/<110 mm Hg. The primary outcome was the difference in the mean change in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 8 weeks between intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included measures of sleep quality and psychosocial health, namely Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

RESULTS

Participants in the sleep intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in sleep quality, including ISI [difference in mean improvement 2.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3–4.4], PSQI (1.1; 95% CI, 0.1–2.2), sleep condition indicator (0.8; 95% CI, 0.2–1.4), and psychosocial health, including BDI (2.0; 95% CI, 0.3–3.7) and BAI (1.4; 95% CI, 0.02–2.8). The mean improvement in 24-hour ambulatory SBP did not differ between the sleep intervention (0.9 mm Hg) and control (0.8 mm Hg) arms, (difference in mean improvement 0.1; 95% CI, −3.4 to 3.2).

CONCLUSION

A simple, low-cost, web-delivered sleep intervention is feasible and significantly improves sleep quality and measures of psychosocial health in individuals with mild sleep impairment but does not result in short-term improvements in blood pressure.
Ancients, Moderns, Gender: Marie-Jeanne L’Héritier’s ‘Le Parnasse reconnoissant, ou, Le triomphe de Madame Des-Houlières’
Authors: Taylor Helena
Published: October 2016

This article examines the relationship between the
Querelle des anciens et des modernes
and the
Querelle des femmes
as it was articulated in ‘Le Parnasse reconnoissant, ou, Le triomphe de Madame Des-Houlières’ by Marie-Jeanne L’Héritier. Published in 1694 as a riposte to Boileau’s misogynist

Satire
x

, the text contributes to the tradition of defences of women. However, L’Héritier deliberately inserts her rejoinder into the
Querelle des anciens et des modernes
; in so doing, she responds to another work by Boileau, the
Dialogue des héros de roman
. After establishing how different quarrels and concerns combine in Boileau’s two texts, this article argues that L’Héritier consciously exploited the platform of ‘Ancients and Moderns’ to discuss women’s cultural practice. While this confirms the critical view that the two quarrels were interlinked, it also reveals a hierarchy of quarrels in which the
Querelle des anciens et des modernes
had greater capital; as such it proved useful for a woman entering the literary field. L’Héritier’s strategies demonstrate the complexities of being a Modern woman writer, despite the typical alignment of these identities, and invite us to examine how this contemporary hierarchization of quarrels has shaped their recent reception.
Pigmented Heirloom Beans: Nutritional and Cooking Quality Characteristics
Authors: Garretson Lisa , Marti Alessandra
Published: October 2016

Dry beans are considered an important source of macro‐ and micronutrients and an economical source of protein and fiber. Although many varieties exist, production is limited to a relatively small set of commodity varieties, whereas little is known about heirloom varieties. To facilitate their adoption into everyday use, this study aimed to characterize the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, pasting properties, texture, and in vitro starch digestibility of four heirloom varieties (Hutterite Soup, Jacob's Cattle, Koronis Purple, and Tiger's Eye) that are characterized by unique pigmentation. Pinto bean was used as the control. The content in protein, total fiber, and soluble fiber was generally higher in heirlooms compared with Pinto, with Koronis Purple showing the best nutritional characteristics. Moreover, all the heirlooms except Hutterite Soup showed higher in vitro antioxidant capacity than the control. Starch in heirloom varieties was characterized by lower pasting temperature and higher viscosity during heating and cooling, resulting in a paste with greater retrogradation tendency than Pinto. Heirloom in vitro starch digestibility was lower and resistant starch content higher than the control. With regard to cooking quality, Hutterite Soup and Jacob's Cattle showed lower firmness than Koronis Purple and Tiger's Eye, whose texture was similar to Pinto.
Effect of Temperature on Wheat Streak Mosaic Disease Development in Winter Wheat
Authors: Wosula E. N. , Tatineni S. , Wegulo S. N. , Hein G. L.
Published: October 2016

Temperature is one of the key factors that influence viral disease development in plants. In this study, temperature effect on Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) replication and in planta movement was determined using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged virus in two winter wheat cultivars. Virus-inoculated plants were first incubated at 10, 15, 20, and 25°C for 21 days, followed by 27°C for 14 days; and, in a second experiment, virus-inoculated plants were initially incubated at 27°C for 3 days, followed by 10, 15, 20, and 25°C for 21 days. In the first experiment, WSMV-GFP in susceptible ‘Tomahawk’ wheat at 10°C was restricted at the point of inoculation whereas, at 15°C, the virus moved systemically, accompanied with mild symptoms, and, at 20 and 25°C, WSMV elicited severe WSMV symptoms. In resistant ‘Mace’ wheat (PI 651043), WSMV-GFP was restricted at the point of inoculation at 10 and 15°C but, at 20 and 25°C, the virus infected systemically with no visual symptoms. Some plants that were not systemically infected at low temperatures expressed WSMV-GFP in regrowth shoots when later held at 27°C. In the second experiment, Tomahawk plants (100%) expressed systemic WSMV-GFP after 21 days at all four temperature levels; however, systemic WSMV expression in Mace was delayed at the lower temperatures. These results indicate that temperature played an important role in WSMV replication, movement, and symptom development in resistant and susceptible wheat cultivars. This study also demonstrates that suboptimal temperatures impair WSMV movement but the virus rapidly begins to replicate and spread in planta under optimal temperatures.
Greatest Challenges of Rectal Cancer Survivors: Results of a Population-Based Survey
Authors: McMullen Carmit K. , Bulkley Joanna E. , Altschuler Andrea , Wendel Christopher S. , Grant Marcia , Hornbrook Mark C. , Sun Virginia , Krouse Robert S.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND:

Eliciting the priorities of cancer survivors is essential to address the specific needs of cancer survivor subgroups.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to describe the greatest challenges related to treatment for long-term rectal cancer survivors.

DESIGN:

This was an observational study with a cross-sectional survey.

SETTINGS:

The study included members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Northwest health plans.

PATIENTS:

A survey was mailed to long-term (≥5 years postdiagnosis) survivors of rectal cancer who had an anastomosis, temporary ostomy, or permanent ostomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

The main outcome was measured with an open-ended question about the greatest challenge related to cancer surgery. We categorized responses using a grounded theory approach with double coding for reliability. Bonferroni-adjusted χ2 values were used to assess differences in the proportions of subgroups who mentioned challenges within each response category.

RESULTS:

The survey completion rate was 61% (577/953); 76% (440/577) of participants responded to the greatest challenge question. The greatest challenges for respondents were bowel/ostomy management (reported by 44%), negative psychosocial effects (37%), late effects of treatment (21%), comorbidities and aging (13%), postoperative recovery (5%), and negative healthcare experiences (5%). Survivors with temporary ostomy or anastomosis were more likely than survivors with permanent ostomy to report late effects (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01). Survivors with anastomosis were less likely than survivors with permanent ostomy to report negative psychosocial impacts (p = 0.0001).

LIMITATIONS:

Generalizability is restricted by the lack of ethnically and racially diverse, uninsured (non-Medicare–eligible population), and non-English–speaking participants. Because the survey was cross-sectional and included respondents at different times since diagnosis, we could not adequately address changes in the greatest challenges over time.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results reveal the need for bowel/ostomy management, psychosocial services, and surveillance for late effects in survivorship and supportive care services for all survivors of rectal cancer, regardless of ostomy status. The perspective of long-term survivors with anastomosis reveals challenges that may not be anticipated during decision making for treatment (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/DCR/A254).