bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness
Authors: Ben Simon Eti , Walker Matthew P.
Published: August 2018

Loneliness and social isolation markedly increase mortality risk, and are linked to numerous mental and physical comorbidities, including sleep disruption. But does sleep loss causally trigger loneliness? Here, we demonstrate that a lack of sleep leads to a neural and behavioral phenotype of social withdrawal and loneliness; one that can be perceived by other members of society, and reciprocally, makes those societal members lonelier in return. We propose a model in which sleep loss instigates a propagating, self-reinforcing cycle of social separation and withdrawal.
Sex-associated differences in baseline urinary metabolites of healthy adults
Authors: Fan Sili , Yeon Austin , Shahid Muhammad , Anger Jennifer T. , Eilber Karyn S. , Fiehn Oliver , Kim Jayoung
Published: August 2018

The biological basis for gender variability among disease states is not well established. There have been many prior efforts attempting to identify the unique urine metabolomic profiles associated with specific diseases. However, there has been little advancement in investigating the metabolomic differences associated with gender, which underlies the misconception that risk factors and treatment regimens should be the same for both male and female patients. This present study aimed to identify biologically-meaningful baseline sex-related differences using urine samples provided by healthy female and male participants. To elucidate whether urinary metabolic signatures are globally distinct between healthy males and females, we applied metabolomics profiling of primary metabolism with comprehensive bioinformatics analyses on urine samples from 60 healthy males and females. We found that levels of α-ketoglutarate and 4-hydroxybutyric acid increased 2.3-fold and 4.41-fold in males compared to females, respectively. Furthermore, chemical similarity enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed metabolites, such as saturated fatty acids, TCA, and butyrates, were significantly related to the gender effect. These findings indicate that there are baseline sex-related differences in urinary metabolism, which should be considered in biomarker discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of bladder diseases, such as interstitial cystitis.
Decadal erosion of coral assemblages by multiple disturbances in the Palm Islands, central Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Torda Gergely , Sambrook Katie , Cross Peter , Sato Yui , Bourne David G. , Lukoschek Vimoksalehi , Hill Tessa , Torras Jorda Georgina , Moya Aurelie , Willis Bette L.
Published: August 2018

Increases in the frequency of perturbations that drive coral community structure, such as severe thermal anomalies and high intensity storms, highlight the need to understand how coral communities recover following multiple disturbances. We describe the dynamics of cover and assemblage composition of corals on exposed inshore reefs in the Palm Islands, central Great Barrier Reef, over 19 years encapsulating major disturbance events such as the severe bleaching event in 1998 and Cyclone Yasi in 2011, along with other minor storm and heat stress events. Over this time, 47.8% of hard coral cover was lost, with a concomitant shift in coral assemblage composition due to taxon-specific rates of mortality during the disturbances, and asymmetric recovery in the aftermath thereof. High recruitment rates of some broadcast-spawning corals, particularly corymbose Acropora spp., even in the absence of adult colonies, indicate that a strong external larval supply replenished the stocks. Conversely, the time required for recovery of slow-growing coral morphologies and life histories was longer than the recurrence times of major disturbances. With interludes between bleaching and cyclones predicted to decrease, the probability of another severe disturbance event before coral cover and assemblage composition approximates historical levels suggests that reefs will continue to erode.
Forebrain medial septum sustains experimental neuropathic pain
Authors: Ariffin Mohammed Zacky , Ibrahim Khairunisa Mohamad , Lee Andy Thiam-Huat , Lee Rui Zhi , Poon Shou Yu , Thong Hwai Kit , Liu Eugene Hern Choon , Low Chian-Ming , Khanna Sanjay
Published: August 2018

The present study explored the role of the medial septal region (MS) in experimental neuropathic pain. For the first time, we found that the MS sustains nociceptive behaviors in rodent models of neuropathic pain, especially in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model and the paclitaxel model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. For example, inactivation of the MS with intraseptal muscimol (2 μg/μl, 0.5 μl), a GABA mimetic, reversed peripheral hypersensitivity (PH) in the CCI model and induced place preference in a conditioned place preference task, a surrogate measure of spontaneous nociception. The effect of intraseptal muscimol on PH was comparable to that seen with microinjection of the local anesthetic, lidocaine, into rostral ventromedial medulla which is implicated in facilitating experimental chronic nociception. Cellular analysis in the CCI model showed that the MS region sustains nociceptive gain with CCI by facilitating basal nociceptive processing and the amplification of stimulus-evoked neural processing. Indeed, consistent with the idea that excitatory transmission through MS facilitates chronic experimental pain, intraseptal microinjection of antagonists acting at AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors attenuated CCI-induced PH. We propose that the MS is a central monitor of bodily nociception which sustains molecular plasticity triggered by persistent noxious insult.
Computational modelling reveals distinct patterns of cognitive and physical motivation in elite athletes
Authors: Chong Trevor T.-J. , Apps Matthew A. J. , Giehl Kathrin , Hall Stephanie , Clifton Callum H. , Husain Masud
Published: August 2018

Effort can be perceived both cognitively and physically, but the computational mechanisms underlying the motivation to invest effort in each domain remain unclear. In particular, it is unknown whether intensive physical training is associated with higher motivation specific to that domain, or whether it is accompanied by corresponding changes in cognitive motivation. Here, we tested a group of elite Oxford University rowers, and compared their behaviour to matched non-athletic controls. We trained participants on two tasks involving cognitive or physical effort. They then decided between a baseline low level of effort for low reward, versus higher levels of effort for higher rewards. Separate choices were made for the cognitive and physical tasks, which allowed us to computationally model motivation in each domain independently. As expected, athletes were willing to exert greater amounts of physical effort than non-athletes. Critically, however, the nature of cognitive effort-based decisions was different between groups, with a concave pattern of effort discounting for athletes but a convex pattern for non-athletes. These data suggest that the greater physical drive in athletes is accompanied by fundamentally different patterns of cognitive effort discounting, and suggests a complex relationship between motivation in the two domains.
Mitochondrial DNA m.3243A > G heteroplasmy affects multiple aging phenotypes and risk of mortality
Authors: Tranah Gregory J. , Katzman Shana M. , Lauterjung Kevin , Yaffe Kristine , Manini Todd M. , Kritchevsky Stephen , Newman Anne B. , Harris Tamara B. , Cummings Steven R.
Published: August 2018

Mitochondria contain many copies of a circular DNA molecule (mtDNA), which has been observed as a mixture of normal and mutated states known as heteroplasmy. Elevated heteroplasmy at a single mtDNA site, m.3243A > G, leads to neurologic, sensory, movement, metabolic, and cardiopulmonary impairments. We measured leukocyte mtDNA m.3243A > G heteroplasmy in 789 elderly men and women from the bi-racial, population-based Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study to identify associations with age-related functioning and mortality. Mutation burden for the m.3243A > G ranged from 0–19% and elevated heteroplasmy was associated with reduced strength, cognitive, metabolic, and cardiovascular functioning. Risk of all-cause, dementia and stroke mortality was significantly elevated for participants in the highest tertiles of m.3243A > G heteroplasmy. These results indicate that the accumulation of a rare genetic disease mutation, m.3243A > G, manifests as several aging outcomes and that some diseases of aging may be attributed to the accumulation of mtDNA damage.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa ttcA encoding tRNA-thiolating protein requires an iron-sulfur cluster to participate in hydrogen peroxide-mediated stress protection and pathogenicity
Authors: Romsang Adisak , Duang-nkern Jintana , Khemsom Khwannarin , Wongsaroj Lampet , Saninjuk Kritsakorn , Fuangthong Mayuree , Vattanaviboon Paiboon , Mongkolsuk Skorn
Published: August 2018

During the translation process, transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis. Each codon of mRNA is recognized by a specific tRNA, and enzyme-catalysed modifications to tRNA regulate translation. TtcA is a unique tRNA-thiolating enzyme that requires an iron-sulfur ([Fe-S]) cluster to catalyse thiolation of tRNA. In this study, the physiological functions of a putative ttcA in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen that causes serious problems in hospitals, were characterized. A P. aeruginosa ttcA-deleted mutant was constructed, and mutant cells were rendered hypersensitive to oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. Catalase activity was lower in the ttcA mutant, suggesting that this gene plays a role in protecting against oxidative stress. Moreover, the ttcA mutant demonstrated attenuated virulence in a Drosophila melanogaster host model. Site-directed mutagenesis analysis revealed that the conserved cysteine motifs involved in [Fe-S] cluster ligation were required for TtcA function. Furthermore, ttcA expression increased upon H2O2 exposure, implying that enzyme levels are induced under stress conditions. Overall, the data suggest that P. aeruginosa ttcA plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress via catalase activity and is required for successful bacterial infection of the host.
The Readiness Potential Reflects the Reliability of Action Consequence
Authors: Wen Wen , Minohara Rin , Hamasaki Shunsuke , Maeda Takaki , An Qi , Tamura Yusuke , Yamakawa Hiroshi , Yamashita Atsushi , Asama Hajime
Published: August 2018

Humans are capable of associating actions with their respective consequences if there is reliable contingency between them. The present study examined the link between the reliability of action consequence and the readiness potential (RP), which is a negative potential observed from about 1–2 s prior to the onset of an action with electroencephalography. In a condition of constant outcome, the participants’ voluntary action always triggered beep sounds; thus, they were able to perceive the contingency between their action and the sound. In contrast, in a condition of inconstant outcome, the participants’ actions only triggered the sound in half the trials. We found that both the early and late RPs were larger in the condition of constant compared to the condition of inconstant outcome. Our results showed that the RPs preceding the voluntary action reflected the reliability of action consequence. In other words, the action-effect contingency enhanced neural activities prior to the action.
Water makes glass elastically stiffer under high-pressure
Authors: Murakami Motohiko
Published: August 2018

Because of its potentially broad industrial applications, a new synthesis of elastically stiffer and stronger glass has been a long standing interest in material science. Various chemical composition and synthesis condition have so far been extensively tested to meet this requirement. Since hydration of matter, in general, significantly reduces its stiffness, it has long been believed that an anhydrous condition has to be strictly complied in synthesis processes. Here we report elastic wave velocities of hydrous SiO2 glass determined in-situ up to ultrahigh-pressures of ~180 gigapascals, revealing that the elastic wave velocities of hydrous glass unexpectedly show the rapid increase with pressure and eventually become greater than those of anhydrous glass above ~15 gigapascals. Furthermore, anomalous change in the velocity gradient at ~100 gigapascals, probably caused by the change in Si-O coordination number from 6 to 6+, was also found at ~40 gigapascals lower pressure condition than that previously reported in anhydrous silica glass, implying that water is a highly effective impurity to make SiO2 glass much denser. This experimental discovery strongly indicates that hydration combined with pressurization is highly effective to synthesize elastically stiffer glass materials, which offers a new insight into the fabrication of industrially useful novel materials.
A low affinity nanoparticle based fluorescent ratiometric probe for the determination of Zn(ii) concentrations in living cells
Authors: Hamilton Graham R. C. , Kaur Simanpreet , Kamila Sukanta , Callan Bridgeen , Callan John F.
Published: August 2018

A ratiometric polymeric fluorescent probe for Zn(ii) was developed capable of measuring Zn(ii) concentrations in aqueous solution between 0 and 5 mM and was also capable of discriminating between resting and high Zn(ii) levels in living cells using confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Quantification of methylation efficiency at a specificN6-methyladenosine position in rRNA by using BNA probes
Authors: Oshima Takuya , Ishiguro Kensuke , Suzuki Tsutomu , Kawahara Yukio
Published: August 2018

Probes containing bridged nucleic acids (BNA) enable us to quantify methylation efficiency at m6A sites in rRNA with high accuracy.
Multicarbazole scaffolds for selective G-quadruplex binding
Authors: Ou Arnold , Guédin Aurore , Skelton Brian W. , Amrane Samir , Evans Cameron W. , Norret Marck , Iyer K. Swaminathan , Mergny Jean-Louis , Smith Nicole M.
Published: August 2018

N-Functionalised multicarbazoles were found to be highly selective towards G-quadruplex DNA in the presence of 250× excess duplex DNA competitor.
Enzyme-triggered self-assembly of gold nanoparticles for enhanced retention effects and photothermal therapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Yang Shuyan , Yao Defan , Wang Yanshu , Yang Weitao , Zhang Bingbo , Wang Dengbin
Published: August 2018

A peptide-modified gold nanoparticle was developed for tumour-targeted therapy.
Design and synthesis of tailored human caseinolytic protease P inhibitors
Authors: Gronauer Thomas F. , Mandl Melanie M. , Lakemeyer Markus , Hackl Mathias W. , Meßner Martina , Korotkov Vadim S. , Pachmayr Johanna , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: August 2018

To expedite functional studies of human ClpP we introduce tailored small molecule inhibitors. These compounds are active against the proteolytic ClpXP complex. Target identification elucidates anti-proliferative effects against cancer cells.
Access towards enantiopure α,α-difluoromethyl alcohols by means of sulfoxides as traceless chiral auxiliaries
Authors: Batisse Chloé , Panossian Armen , Hanquet Gilles , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: August 2018

A new methodology has been developed to access highly enantioenriched α,α-difluoromethyl alcohols by means of sulfoxides as traceless and chiral auxiliaries.
Cofacial porphyrin dimers assembled from N-heterocyclic carbene–metal bonds
Authors: Rose Clémence , Lebrun Aurélien , Clément Sébastien , Richeter Sébastien
Published: August 2018

Cofacial porphyrin dimers assembled from eight metal–carbene bonds were synthesized by using porphyrins with four imidazolium groups as precursors.
(Et4N)[MoIII(DAPBH)Cl2], the first pentagonal-bipyramidal Mo(iii) complex with a N3O2-type Schiff-base ligand: manifestation of unquenched orbital momentum and Ising-type magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Manakin Yu. V. , Mironov V. S. , Bazhenova T. A. , Lyssenko K. A. , Gilmutdinov I. F. , Bikbaev K. Sh. , Masitov A. A. , Yagubskii E. B.
Published: August 2018

We demonstrate that a planar pentadentate organic ligand can generate sufficiently strong ligand-field to stabilize the low-spin orbitally-degenerate configuration of Mo(iii) that results in strong Ising-type magnetic anisotropy.
Atomistic reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of the viscosity of ionic liquid 1-n-butyl 3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmim][Tf2N]
Authors: Safinejad Rouhollah , Mehdipour Nargess , Eslami Hossein
Published: August 2018

The shear viscosity of room-temperature ionic liquid (IL) 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [bmim][Tf2N] is calculated over a temperature range 298–353 K, using the reverse nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation technique.
Molecular recognition of bio-active flavonoids quercetin and rutin by bovine hemoglobin: an overview of the binding mechanism, thermodynamics and structural aspects through multi-spectroscopic and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Das Sourav , Bora Nikita , Rohman Mostofa Ataur , Sharma Raju , Jha Anupam Nath , Singha Roy Atanu
Published: August 2018

A spectroscopic and computational analysis of the interactions of two bio-active flavonoids with bovine hemoglobin (BHb) has been carried out.
Water-mediated network in the resistance mechanism of fosfomycin
Authors: McClory James , Lin Jun-Tang , Timson David J. , Zhang Jian , Huang Meilan
Published: August 2018

Resistance mechanism of fosfomycin mediated by a water network.
Aerobic oxidation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran with cesium-doped manganese dioxide
Authors: Yuan Ziliang , Liu Bing , Zhou Peng , Zhang Zehui , Chi Quan
Published: August 2018

Cesium-doped manganese dioxide (Cs/MnOx) was prepared by a soft template method, and was found to be active for the selective oxidation of HMF to DFF with molecular oxygen.
Elemental doping for optimizing photocatalysis in semiconductors
Authors: Shao Wei , Wang Hui , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: August 2018

Among the various strategies for achieving high solar energy utilization, elemental doping has been extensively explored owing to its advantages in regulating light absorption, band positions and charge carrier processes of photocatalysts.
Boosting visible-light photocatalytic H2 evolution via UiO-66-NH2 octahedrons decorated with ultrasmall NiO nanoparticles
Authors: Shen Cong-Cong , Liu Ya-Nan , Wang Xin , Fang Xiao-Xiang , Zhao Zhi-Wei , Jiang Nan , Ma Liu-Bo , Zhou Xiao , Cheang Tuck-Yun , Xu An-Wu
Published: August 2018

Noble metal-free UiO-66-NH2-10 wt% NiO composites (U6N-NiO-2) with eosin Y sensitizer exhibit high visible-light hydrogen evolution activity.
Visible-light induced copper(i)-catalysed denitrogenative oxidative coupling of hydrazinylpyridines with terminal alkynes
Authors: Charpe Vaibhav Pramod , Hande Aniket A. , Sagadevan Arunachalam , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: August 2018

An effective and green approach to oxidative Csp2–Csp coupling of 2-hydrazinylpyridine with terminal alkynes to form 2-(alkyl/arylethynyl) pyridine via N2 elimination through the cleavage of a non-activated C–N bond under low energy visible light at room temperature (42 examples).
A flow focusing microfluidic device with an integrated Coulter particle counter for production, counting and size characterization of monodisperse microbubbles
Authors: Rickel J. M. Robert , Dixon Adam J. , Klibanov Alexander L. , Hossack John A.
Published: August 2018

An integrated micro Coulter particle counter in a flow focusing microfluidic device for electrical detection and sizing of microbubbles.
Mesoporous activated carbon from polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) waste: pollutant adsorption in aqueous solution
Authors: Castro Cínthia Soares de , Viau Luísa Nagyidai , Andrade Júlia Teixeira , Mendonça Thais A. Prado , Gonçalves Maraísa
Published: August 2018

Activated carbons of high mesoporosity were prepared from PET wastes and presented high adsorption capacity, including relatively large-molecule dyes.
Fluorescence, FTIR and 1H NMR studies of the inclusion complexes of the painkiller lornoxicam with β-, γ-cyclodextrins and their hydroxy propyl derivatives in aqueous solutions at different pHs and in the solid state
Authors: Goswami Sathi , Sarkar Munna
Published: August 2018

Lornoxicam forms inclusion complexes with all cyclodextrins but for their hydroxy-propyl derivatives, the drug also interacts with their outer surfaces.
Arsenene nanosheets and nanodots
Authors: Vishnoi Pratap , Mazumder Madhulika , Pati Swapan K. , R. Rao C. N.
Published: August 2018

Liquid exfoliation of grey arsenic results in few-layer arsenene nanosheets and nanodots.
Long-term leaching behaviours of cement composites prepared by hazardous wastes
Authors: Yang Zhenzhou , Ru Ji , Liu Lili , Wang Xidong , Zhang Zuotai
Published: August 2018

In order to evaluate the long-term environmental impact of Eco-Ordinary Portland Cement (EOPC) prepared by hazardous wastes, long-term leaching tests were conducted on the EOPC composites under deionized and saline water conditions.
Adsorption behavior of magnetic bentonite for removing Hg(ii) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zou Chenglong , Liang Jiyan , Jiang Wei , Guan Yinyan , Zhang Yichen
Published: August 2018

Bentonite is a porous clay material that shows good performance for adsorbing heavy metals in wastewater remediation. Magnetic bentonite (M-B) was prepared and it was successfully used as an adsorbent to remove Hg(ii) from aqueous solutions in this paper.
Can percolation theory explain the gelation behavior of diblock copolymer worms?
Authors: Lovett Joseph R. , Derry Matthew J. , Yang Pengcheng , Hatton Fiona L. , Warren Nicholas J. , Fowler Patrick W. , Armes Steven P.
Published: August 2018

Physical gelation by block copolymer worms can be explained in terms of multiple inter-worm contacts using percolation theory, suggesting that worm entanglements are irrelevant in this context.
Ultrasensitive and highly repeatable pen ink decorated cuprammonium rayon (cupra) fabrics for multifunctional sensors
Authors: Bi Siyi , Hou Lei , Zhao Hang , Zhu Lin , Lu Yinxiang
Published: August 2018

Flexible pen ink/cupra fabrics (PCFs) innovatively prepared by a dip-coating method exhibit ultrasensitive and highly repeatable strain/liquid sensing performance.
Sub-zero temperature mechanically stable low molecular weight hydrogels
Authors: Fayter Alice E. R. , Gibson Matthew I. , Draper Emily R.
Published: August 2018

We show here a low molecular weight hydrogelator based on a functionalised dipeptide which is stable down to temperatures of −12 °C despite being made from >99% water. With the addition of glycerol this can be lowered further to −40 °C. At these colder temperatures there is no effect on the mechanical properties of the gels.
Complex morphotropic domain structure and ferroelectric properties in high-TC single crystals of a ternary perovskite solid solution
Authors: Luo Zeng , Zhang Nan , Liu Zenghui , Zhuang Jian , Zhao Jinyan , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo-Guang
Published: August 2018

Complex domain structures and monoclinic phase of the high Curie temperature (TC) BiScO3–Pb(Cd1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 crystals in the morphotropic phase boundary region are investigated.
New red-emitting Schiff base chelates: promising dyes for sensing and imaging of temperature and oxygen via phosphorescence decay time
Authors: Borisov Sergey M. , Pommer Reinhold , Svec Jan , Peters Sven , Novakova Veronika , Klimant Ingo
Published: August 2018

New complexes of Zn(ii), Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) with Schiff bases are prepared in a one step reaction and show photophysical properties particularly interesting for applications in optical sensors.
Guarding the gateway to histidine biosynthesis in plants: Medicago truncatula ATP-phosphoribosyltransferase in relaxed and tense states
Authors: Ruszkowski Milosz
Published: August 2018

In the first committed step of histidine biosynthesis, adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) and 5-phosphoribosyl-α1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), in the presence of ATP phosphoribosyltransferase (ATP-PRT, EC 2.4.2.17), yield phosphoribosyl-ATP. ATP-PRTs are subject to feedback inhibition by histidine that allosterically binds between the regulatory domains. Histidine biosynthetic pathways of bacteria, lower eukaryotes, and plants are considered promising targets for the design of antibiotics, antifungal agents, and herbicides because higher organisms are histidine heterotrophs. Plant ATP-PRTs are similar to one of the two types of their bacterial counterparts, the long-type ATP-PRTs. A biochemical and structural study of ATP-PRT from the model legume plant, Medicago truncatula (MedtrATP-PRT1) is reported herein. Two crystal structures, presenting homohexameric MedtrATP-PRT1 in its relaxed (R-) and histidine-bound, tense (T-) states allowed to observe key features of the enzyme and provided the first structural insights into an ATP-PRT from a eukaryotic organism. In particular, they show pronounced conformational reorganizations during R-state to T-state transition that involves substantial movements of domains. This rearrangement requires a trans- to cis- switch of a peptide backbone within the hinge region of MedtrATP-PRT1. A C-terminal α-helix, absent in bacteria, reinforces the hinge that is constituted by two peptide strands. As a result, conformations of the R- and T-states are significantly different from the corresponding states of prokaryotic enzymes with known 3-D structures. Finally, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) bound at the active site is consistent with a competitive (and synergistic with histidine) nature of AMP inhibition.
Reliability and Repeatability of the Speech Cue Profile
Authors: Souza Pamela , Wright Richard , Gallun Frederick , Reinhart Paul
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Researchers have long noted speech recognition variability that is not explained by the pure-tone audiogram. Previous work (Souza, Wright, Blackburn, Tatman, & Gallun, 2015) demonstrated that a small number of listeners with sensorineural hearing loss utilized different types of acoustic cues to identify speechlike stimuli, specifically the extent to which the participant relied upon spectral (or temporal) information for identification. Consistent with recent calls for data rigor and reproducibility, the primary aims of this study were to replicate the pattern of cue use in a larger cohort and to verify stability of the cue profiles over time.

Method

Cue-use profiles were measured for adults with sensorineural hearing loss using a syllable identification task consisting of synthetic speechlike stimuli in which spectral and temporal dimensions were manipulated along continua. For the first set, a static spectral shape varied from alveolar to palatal, and a temporal envelope rise time varied from affricate to fricative. For the second set, formant transitions varied from labial to alveolar and a temporal envelope rise time varied from approximant to stop. A discriminant feature analysis was used to determine to what degree spectral and temporal information contributed to stimulus identification. A subset of participants completed a 2nd visit using the same stimuli and procedures.

Results

When spectral information was static, most participants were more influenced by spectral than by temporal information. When spectral information was dynamic, participants demonstrated a balanced distribution of cue-use patterns, with nearly equal numbers of individuals influenced by spectral or temporal cues. Individual cue profile was repeatable over a period of several months.

Conclusion

In combination with previously published data, these results indicate that listeners with sensorineural hearing loss are influenced by different cues to identify speechlike sounds and that those patterns are stable over time.
Dual‐band MNG patch antenna for smart helmet
Authors: Lee H. , Yang H. , Myeong S. , Lee K.
Published: August 2018

A novel dual‐band compact patch wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi) antenna using μ‐negative (MNG) transmission lines (TLs) for the smart helmet is presented. In the smart helmet scenario, rescue agent is able to communicate with the other rescue agents, control centre, and drones via the helmet by Wi‐Fi dual bands. For the smart helmet communication, the antenna, which consists of two MNG‐TL loops located on the outside and inside, is devised. The dual‐band corresponds to the zeroth‐order resonance (ZOR) and second‐positive‐order resonance (SPOR) of the outer MNG‐TL. The ZOR frequency of the outer MNG‐TL is near the Wi‐Fi 2.4 GHz band, and the SPOR frequency of the outer MNG‐TL, excited by the coupling between the inner and outer MNG‐TL loops, is the Wi‐Fi 5 GHz band. The prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated and measured. The bandwidth of the antenna includes Wi‐Fi 2.4 and 5 GHz bands with high radiation efficiencies of >49% and a compact size of 27.6 mm × 27.6 mm × 1.27 mm (1/4.5λ × 1/4.5λ × 1/98.4λ at the lowest operating frequency).
Effect of load models on scheduling of VVC devices in a distribution network
Authors: Satsangi Saran , Kumbhar Ganesh Balu
Published: August 2018

Volt/VAr optimisation (VVO) is one of the important techniques used for reduction of energy consumption, energy losses, and peak demand. The proper load modelling is necessary in order to accurately schedule the volt/VAr control (VVC) devices. In the past, most of the studies have evaluated energy losses of the network by considering constant power type of loads. Some studies also have considered different types of loads such as constant power (), constant current (), and constant impedance (). However, there is no literature on the effect of load models on the scheduling of VVC devices. The purpose of this study is to show the impact of load models on various operating parameters in VVC. In this study, the impact of different load models on the scheduling of VVC devices is analysed. Time‐series simulations are carried on the modified IEEE‐123 node unbalanced radial distribution network, where industrial, commercial, and residential loads are connected at various locations. A comparative study is performed under VVO framework to analyse energy consumption, losses, and peak power demand. The important objective of this study is to find the best settings of VVC devices with various load models while minimising apparent energy losses of the network.
Wind‐thermal dynamic economic emission dispatch with a hybrid multi‐objective algorithm based on wind speed statistical analysis
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhu Yong Li , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2018

Based on the analysis on the uncertain nature of wind power output, the Weibull distribution parameters of regional wind speed at different periods are calculated to obtain the probability density function (PDF) and the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of the wind power. The spinning reserve (SR) requirements for wind power incorporation are determined according to the obtained PDF and CDF, and by converting the wind power into a chance constrained form, a model for dynamic economic emission dispatch with wind power is constructed. A hybrid multi‐objective algorithm that integrates differential evolution (DE) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm is put forward to solve the proposed model. The algorithm is implemented based on the Pareto dominance theory and a dynamic external archive set, and fully exploits the advantages of DE and PSO. An improved calculation method of crowding distance and Pareto solution set reduction rule are also employed to enhance the performance of the proposed algorithm. Also, three performance indicators are introduced to evaluate the performance of the algorithm. Two distinct test systems are performed to verify the proposed model and algorithm, and the results show that they are effective and reasonable.
Non‐linear dynamics based sub‐synchronous resonance index by using power system measurement data
Authors: Cho Hwanhee , Oh Seungchan , Nam Suchul , Lee Byongjun
Published: August 2018

This study proposes a time‐series analysis approach and a non‐linear dynamics originated method to detect sub‐synchronous oscillation in power systems. Mathematical expressions of the fundamental instantaneous signal and sample discrete signal of peak values are derived to examine the phenomenon of interaction between power system components. The results of the circulating trajectory are shown in a two‐dimensional map of the calculated root‐mean‐square value and estimated Floquet multiplier when two signals of different modes are mixed. Without applying a digital filter or frequency decomposition, non‐linear oscillation detection is possible by monitoring a non‐linear oscillatory index based on the maximum Lyapunov exponent.
Distributed control strategy of a microgrid community with an energy router
Authors: Liu Baoquan , Chen Jingwen , Zhu Yinxin , Liu Yan , Shi Yong
Published: August 2018

In this study, a ‘microgrid community’ (MGC) consisting of multiple microgrids (MGs) is investigated. Each MG is a self‐governed entity and independently decides how much power is in need or can provide. Neighbouring MGs are aggregated by a multi‐terminal energy router (ER), forming a MGC, which is then connected to the distribution network at one terminal. Other terminals are connected to those MGs and all terminals share a common DC link. A concise trading mechanism is proposed to coordinate the involved MGs. Every MG submits its power requirement to the ER in real time and the ER decides how much to accept, fully or with a discount, according to the DC‐link voltage level. Meanwhile, a price stimulation mechanism based on the DC‐link voltage deviation is designed to exploit the potential of the MGs in power generation and consumption. The ER has no central controllers and the proposed bargaining process is achieved at each terminal without mutual communications. The control strategy is fully distributed and will benefit the scalability and plug‐and‐play of such an MGC. Simulation results are provided to validate the proposed solution for the operation of multi‐microgrid systems.
Electric vehicle charging system model for accurate electricity system planning
Authors: Purvins Arturs , Covrig Catalin‐Felix , Lempidis Georgios
Published: August 2018

This article presents a novel electric vehicle (EV) charging system model. The model introduces power constraints in the grid‐to‐battery converter to improve modelling accuracy. Simulation results of the presented model indicate EV charging impact on a low‐voltage electricity grid. Even though most of the battery charging load is spread evenly during desired times (e.g. off‐peak load during night), power constraints of the EV model result in narrow peak loads. Plug‐in EVs bring additional load to the electricity grid. If not managed properly, high EV deployment may lead to unnecessary grid investments due to high‐peak currents of EV charging. Rising numbers of grid connected EVs is a challenging task in the future electricity grid planning. Thus an accurate EV charging system model is essential for reliable analysis of EV deployment.
Broadband CP crossed‐stepped‐dipole antenna incorporating a cross slotted square patch
Authors: Feng Guirong , Chen Lei , Xue Xingsi , Li Na , Shi Xiaowei
Published: August 2018

A simple broadband circularly polarised (CP) crossed‐dipole antenna is proposed. The antenna is composed of two crossed‐strip dipoles with two stepped sections, which are connected by vacant‐quarter rings to realise CP radiation, and a parasitic cross‐slotted square patch (CSSP) consisting of a modified square‐ring patch and a cross‐slot, which surrounds the crossed dipoles. By controlling the width ratio of the two strip sections, the stepped dipole can provide proper amplitude between two orthogonal modes to achieve wide axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The CSSP can generate two minimum AR points simultaneously: one point is from the ring‐patch mode, while the other is generated based on the mode from the combination of the crossed dipole and the cross‐slot, which can be equivalent to a magneto‐electric dipole. An antenna prototype is fabricated and measured for design verification. The experimental results show that the proposed antenna with its simple structure has a wide −10 dB impedance bandwidth of more than 80% (3.38–7.97 GHz) and a 3 dB AR bandwidth of 59.1% (4.17–7.67 GHz). The proposed antenna also demonstrates excellent features including high gain, good stability, and symmetrical radiation pattern.
LIRIS flight database and its use toward noncooperative rendezvous
Authors: Mongrard O. , Ankersen F. , Casiez P. , Cavrois B. , Donnard A. , Vergnol A. , Southivong U.
Published: August 2018

ESA’s fifth and last Automated Transfer Vehicle, ATV Georges Lemaître, tested new rendezvous technology before docking with the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2014. The technology demonstration called Laser Infrared Imaging Sensors (LIRIS) provides an unseen view of the ISS. During Georges Lemaître’s rendezvous, LIRIS sensors, composed of two infrared cameras, one visible camera, and a scanning LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), were turned on two and a half hours and 3500 m from the Space Station. All sensors worked as expected and a large amount of data was recorded and stored within ATV-5’s cargo hold before being returned to Earth with the Soyuz flight 38S in September 2014. As a part of the LIRIS postflight activities, the information gathered by all sensors is collected inside a flight database together with the reference ATV trajectory and attitude estimated by ATV main navigation sensors. Although decoupled from the ATV main computer, the LIRIS data were carefully synchronized with ATV guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) data. Hence, the LIRIS database can be used to assess the performance of various image processing algorithms to provide range and line-of-sight (LoS) navigation at long/medium range but also 6 degree-of-freedom (DoF) navigation at short range. The database also contains information related to the overall ATV position with respect to Earth and the Sun direction within ATV frame such that the effect of the environment on the sensors can also be investigated. This paper introduces the structure of the LIRIS database and provides some example of applications to increase the technology readiness level of noncooperative rendezvous.
Using haptic feedbacks for obstacle avoidance in helicopter flight
Authors: Binet L. , Rakotomamonjy T.
Published: August 2018

An obstacle avoidance function based on haptic feedback has been developed and tested on a simulation environment at ONERA. The objective was to calculate and provide effcient haptic feedback through active (motorized) sidesticks for the piloting task of a rotary wing (RW) aircraft, in the vicinity of visible and known obstacles, corresponding to emergency avoidance procedure, or navigation in a congested area. Two different methods have been designed to generate the force bias based on virtual force fields (VFF) surrounding obstacles and on a geometric approach (GA) combined with T-theory, respectively. Piloted simulations were performed in order to evaluate the benefits for obstacle avoidance.
Coupled simulation of the propulsion system and vehicle using the ESPSS satellite library
Authors: Koppel C.R. , Di Matteo F. , Moral J. , Steelant J.
Published: August 2018

The paper documents the implementation and validation of the coupled simulation of the propulsion system and vehicle performed during the 4th development phase of the ESPSS (European Space Propulsion System Simulation) library running on the existing platform EcosimPro®. This covers a significant update of the spacecraft propulsion system modeling: the Fluid flow, Tanks and Combustion chamber components are updated to allow coupling to the vehicle’s motion, the Archimedes pressure coming from acceleration and rotations given by the vehicle or by any perturbation forces are taken into account, several new features are added to the Satellite library along with new components enabling full attitude control of a platform. A new powerful compact equation is presented for solving elegantly the Archimedes pressure coming from combined acceleration and rotation in the most general case (noncollinear). Eventually, a propulsion system is modeled to check the correct implementation of the new components especially those dealing with the effects of the mission on the propulsion subsystem.
A change-point problem and inference for segment signals
Authors: Brunel Victor-Emmanuel
Published: August 2018

We address the problem of detection and estimation of one or two change-points in the mean of a series of random variables. We use the formalism of set estimation in regression: to each point of a design is attached a binary label that indicates whether that point belongs to an unknown segment and this label is contaminated with noise. The endpoints of the unknown segment are the change-points. We study the minimal size of the segment which allows statistical detection in different scenarios, including when the endpoints are separated from the boundary of the domain of the design, or when they are separated from one another. We compare this minimal size with the minimax rates of convergence for estimation of the segment under the same scenarios. The aim of this extensive study of a simple yet fundamental version of the change-point problem is two-fold: understanding the impact of the location and the separation of the change points on detection and estimation and bringing insights about the estimation and detection of convex bodies in higher dimensions.
Migration und Flucht
Authors: Kuhlmann Thomas , Wurst Friedrich
Published: August 2018

Im Auftrag der Bundesdrogenbeauftragen fand am 25.05.2016 im BMG ein Expertengespräch statt zum Thema „Migration und Sucht“, mit Vertretern des BMG, des Innenministeriums, des BKA, aus Sozial- und Gesundheitsbehören mehrerer Bundesländer sowie 6 Vertretern aus der Versorgungspraxis. Die Erfahrungsberichte und Diskussionen waren durchweg von Offenheit, Praxisbezug, Suche nach praktikablen kurz- und mittelfristigen Lösungsansätzen geprägt und ohne Beschönigung und Tendenzen zur Tabuisierung relevanter Aspekte.
Rauchen in deutschen Filmen
Authors: Hanewinkel R.
Published: August 2018

Ziel Untersuchung der Häufigkeit des Rauchens in Filmen, die für den Deutschen Filmpreis, die Lola, in den Jahren 2016 bis 2018 nominiert worden sind. Prüfung der Assoziation zwischen dem Rauchen in Filmen und der Altersfreigabe der Filme.

Methoden Erfasst wurde für alle 61 Filme, die 2016 bis 2018 für den Deutschen Filmpreis nominiert wurden, ob geraucht wurde. Ferner wurde die Altersfreigabe der Filme durch die „Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle der Filmwirtschaft“ (FSK) erhoben.

Ergebnisse In 53 (87 %) der 61 nominierten Filme wurde geraucht. Rauchszenen traten unabhängig von der FSK-Altersfreigabe der Filme auf (p = 0,166). In allen 16 Filmen, die ohne Altersbeschränkung von der FSK freigegeben worden sind (FSK-0), wurde geraucht.

Schlussfolgerungen In Filmen, die für den Deutschen Filmpreis nominiert wurden, wird sehr häufig geraucht. Eine Anhebung der FSK-Altersfreigabe für Filme, in denen geraucht wird, würde die Zahl der Rauchszenen, die Jugendliche sehen, verringern und eine zentrale Forderung der Weltgesundheitsorganisation umsetzen.
Triethylamine — A Versatile Organocatalyst in Organic Transformations: A Decade Update
Authors: Brahmachari Goutam , Nayek Nayana , Nurjamal Khondekar , Karmakar Indrajit , Begam Sanchari
Published: August 2018

Organocatalysts play pivotal roles in accomplishing a wide range of useful organic transformations, and organocatalytic reactions are now becoming powerful tools in the construction of simple to complex molecular scaffolds. This remarkable field is growing rapidly with new concepts and designs. During the recent past, triethylamine (or N,N-diethylethanamine), has emerged as an efficient organocatalyst in carrying out so many organic transformations, thereby producing interesting molecular frameworks. Triethylamine is relatively safe, commercially available and cheap. This review offers a decade update on the developments of triethylamine-catalyzed organic transformations reported during the period of 2008 through 2017.

1 Introduction

2 Organocatalytic Applications of Triethylamine in Organic Transformations

2.1 Organic Transformations under Ambient Conditions

2.2 Organic Transformations under Heating/Reflux Conditions

3 Conclusion
Strategic Exploitation of the Wittig Reaction: Facile Synthesis of Heteroaromatics and Multifunctional Olefins
Authors: Lin Wenwei , Karanam Praneeth , Reddy Ganapuram
Published: August 2018

In this account, our group’s efforts towards exploring new substrates as precursors for the Wittig reaction have been discussed. Several new strategies developed by our group for the generation of requisite ylides for the Wittig reaction are highlighted. The idea behind the development of some chemoselective and diversity-oriented strategies are discussed in detail in a progressive manner. These strategies encompass a wide range of substrates that are employed for the synthesis of an array of heterocycles and multifunctional olefins and present a huge scope for their application on an industrial level.

1 Introduction

2 Development of New Methods to Effect Intramolecular Wittig Reaction

3 Development of a Catalytic Wittig Reaction

4 New Synthesis of Bis-Heteroarenes

5 Direct β-Acylation of 2-Arylidene-1,3-indandiones

6 Doubly Chemoselective Protocol for the Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives

7 Conclusion
Epiphyseolysis capitis femoris bei einem 23-jährigen Mann mit nicht diagnostiziertem hypogonadotropen Hypogonadismus
Authors: Goebel L. , Friesenhahn-Ochs B. , Bachelier F. , Kohn D. , Lorbach O.
Published: August 2018

Ein 23-jähriger Mann berichtete über seit zwei Monaten bestehende Schmerzen der rechten Hüfte ohne Trauma. Eine durchgeführte Röntgenuntersuchung wies eine Epiphyseolysis capitis femoris (ECF) rechts nach, sodass eine therapeutische Hüftkopfspickung rechts und eine prophylaktische Spickung links durchgeführt wurde. Bei kindlichem Habitus und gering ausgebildeten sekundären Geschlechtsmerkmalen erfolgte die Umfelddiagnostik. Das Skelettalter betrug 13,5 Jahre und die Knochendichtemessung wies eine hochgradige Osteoporose nach. Die endokrinologische Untersuchung erbrachte den Nachweis eines hypogonadotropen Hypogonadismus. Ein Mikrodadenom der Hypohyse, eine Hypoplasie des Bulbus olfactorius sowie des Sulcus olfactorius, eine Hodendysgenesie und eine hochgradige Hyposmie wurden nachgewiesen. Bei klinischem Verdacht auf ein Kallmann-Syndrom zeigte sich keine Mutation im KAL1-Gen. Eine Substitutionstherapie mit Testosteron und Cholecalciferol wurde eingeleitet. Zusammenfassend sind nur wenige Fälle über ECF bei Erwachsenen publiziert, allerdings muss auch an diese seltene Ursache von atypischen Hüftbeschwerden gedacht werden, insbesondere bei Patienten mit entsprechendem Risikoprofil.
Proximate mechanisms involved in the formation of Secondary Osteon Morphotypes
Authors: Doutré M. S. , Weaver D. J. , Skedros J. G.
Published: August 2018

Proximate mechanisms involved in forming extracellular matrix (ECM) variations within and between bones are not yet clear. Deficiencies in the collective understanding of details required to illuminate the process that forms a highly ordered ECM are exposed when considering that there is still significant debate as to the importance of cellular control in the assembly of the ECM vs. the observation of collagen fibrillar “self-assembly” (i. e., occurring devoid of cells). We examined data and opinions with respect to possible mechanisms involved in the formation of distinctly different ECM patterns of secondary osteon morphotypes (SOMs). Important considerations include: (1) stretch within the osteoid during fibrillogenesis, (2) various mechanotransduction mechanisms, and (3) whether or not the formation of regional variations in osteonal ECMs requires osteo blast alignment and/or rotation and migration. We propose that primary cilia of osteoblasts and osteocytes have an important role in their perception of variant-related (vectorial) stimuli, which is deemed essential in the genesis of distinctive and mechanically relevant ECM patterns of SOMs.