bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface analytical characterization of LiNi0.8‐yMnyCo0.2O2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.4) compounds for lithium‐ion battery electrodes
Authors: Azmi R. , Masoumi M. , Ehrenberg H. , Trouillet V. , Bruns M.
Published: March 2018

This study presents the quantitative chemical state elucidation of newly developed LiNi0.8‐yMnyCo0.2O2 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.4) cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For reliable quantification of the chemical states of the transition metals, namely Mn, Co, and Ni, in particular, the complex peak structures consisting of significant photoelectron multiplet splitting, shake‐up satellites, and additional Auger and photoelectron peak overlaps were incorporated. The template approach that has been used enables the unambiguous elucidation of the transition metals' oxidation states; even gradual changes in the Ni2+/Ni3+ ratio depending on the Ni content in the novel LiNi0.8‐yMnyCo0.2O2 compound series can clearly be evidenced. In all cases, special care was taken with respect to air sensitivity, contamination during sample handling, and probable method‐induced sample decomposition.
Erosion effects of atomic oxygen on carbon nanotube arrays in different incidence direction
Authors: Liu Yuming , Yang Xiaoning , Li Man , Zhang Yongtai , Zhao Chunqing , Qin Wei
Published: March 2018

The erosion effects of atomic oxygen (AO) in different incidence direction on carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays have been studied by ground‐based AO simulation facility. The surface morphologies and the molecular structures of CNT arrays before and after AO experiments have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the morphologies of CNT arrays are quite different from those before AO experiments. It is presented that both bombardment effect and the oxidation effect of AO will contribute to the erosion effects on CNT arrays. Carbon nanotube arrays will be etched away in AO environment, but the AO erosion yield of CNT arrays is different with different AO incidence direction. It is proposed that the density of CNT‐based material may also affect the erosion yield.
Relative sensitivity factors in hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Yasuno Satoshi , Ishimaru Satoshi , Ikeno Norihiro
Published: March 2018

Empirical relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) for the 1s, 2s, 2p3/2, and 3d5/2 levels relative to O1s were derived from the hard X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Comparing with the theoretical RSFs calculated from Hartee‐Slater cross sections reported by Scofield with combined energy dependence on the spectrometer function and the inelastic mean free path, the sublinear behaviors as a function of the binding energy on a log‐log plot and the good agreement between the empirical and the theoretical RSF values were observed with several notable exceptions, while the discrepancies between the empirical and the theoretical RSFs were observed in several energy regions. In addition, we estimated the experimentally based RSFs by the power law fitting of the empirical RSFs.
Reduction of graphene oxide by UHV annealing
Authors: Kaciulis S. , Mezzi A. , Soltani P. , de Caro T. , Xia H. , Wang Y.L. , Zhai T. , Lavorgna M.
Published: March 2018

A series of chemically treated graphene oxide (GO) samples, destined for the preparation of several composite materials, was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From their comparison, the 3‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane was identified as the most effective reducing agent among the used procedures. The influence of ultrahigh vacuum annealing up to 600°C on the chemical composition and carbon electronic configuration in reduced GO samples was further investigated by XPS and Auger electron spectroscopy. All the samples before and after thermal treatments were analyzed in situ by XPS and Auger electron spectroscopy, paying a particular attention to the shape of C KVV spectra described by the values of D parameter. The changes of chemical composition and carbon configuration reflected in the D parameter revealed the full reduction of GO to graphene after annealing in ultrahigh vacuum at 600°C. The successful reduction of GO to graphene was also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Obtained bulk samples of graphene aggregates remained stable in air, testifying the irreversibility of this reduction.
Chemically grafting carbon nanotubes onto carbon fibers for enhancing interfacial strength in carbon fiber/HDPE composites
Authors: Yongqiang Lv , Chunzheng Peng
Published: March 2018

We propose a novel method to uniformly graft high‐density carbon nanotubes (CNTs) onto carbon fiber (CF) by using coupling agents. Coupling agents can supply much more active groups, which is beneficial for grafting high‐density CNTs onto CF surface. After CNT grafting treatment, there are still substantial amounts of reactive groups, which can further react with various types of molecules to meet different requirements. To create chemical bonding between CF and high‐density polyethylene, CF‐CNT was further grafted get reinforcement. The interfacial adhesion of the resulting composites showed a dramatic improvement.
XPS study of structural transformations in some Ni complexes
Authors: Naumkin A. , Ivanova T. , Sidorov A. , Maslakov K. , Kiskin M. , Savilov S. , Lunin V. , Novotortsev V. , Eremenko I.
Published: March 2018

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of Ni(LCH3)3(Piv)2 (1), [Ni(LCH3)2]2(Piv)2) (2), and [Ni(LCH3)2]2(CH3COO)2] (3) complexes, where LCH3—k2‐1,2‐diamino‐4,5‐dimethylbenzene‐bis(k1‐diamino‐4,5‐dimethylbenzene) and Piv—(CH3)3CCOO, are reported and discussed. The photoelectron spectra are sensitive to the temperature of the samples and evidence on structural conformations.
Formation of Metal Nanoparticles Directly from Bulk Sources Using Ultrasound and Application to E‐Waste Upcycling
Authors: Watt John , Austin Mariah J. , Simocko Chester K. , Pete Douglas V. , Chavez Jonathan , Ammerman Lauren M. , Huber Dale L.
Published: March 2018

A method for creating nanoparticles directly from bulk metal by applying ultrasound to the surface in the presence of a two‐part surfactant system is presented. Implosive collapse of cavitation bubbles near the bulk metal surface generates powerful microjets, leading to material ejection. This liberated material is captured and stabilized by a surfactant bilayer in the form of nanoparticles. The method is characterized in detail using gold, but is also demonstrated on other metals and alloys, and is generally applicable. It is shown that nanoparticles can be produced regardless of the bulk metal form factor, and the method is extended to an environmentally important problem, the reclamation of gold from an electronic waste stream.
Facile Ionic Liquid‐Assisted Strategy for Direct Precipitation of Eu2+‐Activated Nanophosphors under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Terraschke Huayna , Olchowka Jacob , Geringer Eugenie , Rodrigues Aline Varella , Wickleder Claudia
Published: March 2018

This work describes a novel ionic liquid (IL)‐assisted synthesis strategy for a direct and easy production of Eu2+‐doped nanoparticles (NPs), where ILs are also used as fluoride sources to avoid the use of elemental fluorine or toxic hydrofluoric acid. Up to now, the direct synthesis of Eu2+‐doped nanophosphors consisted of an enormous challenge, due to the oxidation to Eu3+ observed in hydrous solution, which is commonly used for the preparation of NPs, generating lattice defects and undesired particle growth or agglomeration by additional reducing steps at high temperatures. In contrast, ILs, unless containing ClO4
– or NO3
– anions, do not present an oxidizing character, allowing the direct precipitation of NPs, e.g., using Eu2+ containing starting materials. Here, the undoped and Eu2+‐doped BaFCl NPs have been prepared under atmospheric conditions for the first time using ILs as solvents and also as fluoride source, applying sonochemical and microwave‐assisted approaches. In general, this method bears an enormous potential for an easy synthesis of fluoride materials compared to inconvenient solid‐state methods. In addition, the IL plays the role of a strongly attached protecting shell which represents ≈7–8% of the total NPs weight.
Pine‐Needle‐Like Cu–Co Skeleton Composited with Li4Ti5O12 Forming Core–Branch Arrays for High‐Rate Lithium Ion Storage
Authors: Zhou Cheng‐ao , Xia Xinhui , Wang Yadong , Yao Zhujun , Wu Jianbo , Wang Xiuli , Tu Jiangping
Published: March 2018

High‐performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) rely largely on the scrupulous design of nanoarchitectures and smart hybridization of bespoke active materials. In this work, the pine‐needle‐like Cu–Co skeleton is reported to support highly active Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) forming Cu–Co/LTO core–branch arrays via a united hydrothermal‐atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. ALD‐formed LTO layer is uniformly anchored on the pine‐needle‐like heterostructured Cu–Co backbone, which consists of branched Co nanowires (diameters in 20 nm) and Cu nanowires (250–300 nm) core. The designed Cu–Co/LTO core–branch arrays show combined advantages of large porosity, high electrical conductivity, and good adhesion. Due to the unique positive features, the Cu–Co/LTO electrodes are demonstrated with enhanced electrochemical performance including excellent high‐rate capacity (155 mAh g−1 at 20 C) and noticeable long‐term cycles (144 mAh g−1 at 20 C after 3000 cycles). Additionally, the full cell assembled with activated carbon positive electrode and Cu–Co/LTO negative electrode exhibits high power/energy densities (41.6 Wh kg−1 at 7.5 kW kg−1). The design protocol combining binder‐free characteristics and array configuration opens a new door for construction of advanced electrodes for application in high‐rate electrochemical energy storage.
Analysis of the changes in communication and social interactions during the transformation of a traditional team into an agile team
Authors: Espinosa‐Curiel Ismael Edrein , Rodríguez‐Jacobo Josefina , Vázquez‐Alfaro Erika , Fernández‐Zepeda José Alberto , Fajardo‐Delgado Daniel
Published: March 2018

Traditional software teams that implement agile methodologies frequently experience difficulty working efficiently as agile teams. While agile methodologies support and promote social activities and behaviors, the understanding of the social phenomena and challenges that arise during the transformation of traditional teams into agile teams is limited. We conducted an extensive 10‐month case study in a software enterprise to analyze the changes in the communication and social interactions of employees during the transformation process, and to delineate the social challenges that arise during this process. Using social interaction registers, we collected data on the communication and social interactions of employees, first when they worked as a traditional team and then as an agile team. Then, we processed the data using social network analysis methods to identify the differences between these 2 types of teams and to create graphs of communication and social interaction networks. We identified that the transformation process influences formal, informal, oral, and written communication and increases conjunctive and disjunctive social interactions. Further, from the results of interviews conducted with all the enterprise members, we identified 5 social challenges to transforming a traditional team into an agile one. The results of this research suggest that the transformation process requires broad changes in the relationships and interactions among employees.
Perovskite Solar Absorbers: Materials by Design
Authors: Xu Qiaoling , Yang Dongwen , Lv Jian , Sun Yi‐Yang , Zhang Lijun
Published: March 2018

Solar‐cell materials with a tetrahedral diamond structure and its derived structures (i.e., zinc blende and chalcopyrite) are the most successful family of materials, with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. Recent breakthroughs based on lead halide perovskites have inspired intensive research on low‐cost photovoltaics beyond diamond‐structured materials. While research has focused on addressing the key challenges faced by lead halide perovskites, that is, the stability and toxicity issues, it is of greater interest to develop perovskites into a new family of solar‐cell materials. Here, the recent efforts toward this goal are reviewed. The focus is on computational materials design, including single, double, 2D, and nonhalide perovskites and perovskite‐like materials. Meanwhile, related experiments are also reviewed with a hope that such this will help identify potential issues as well as enlightening ideas to achieve further computation‐driven materials discovery.
Immunostimulation and Immunosuppression: Nanotechnology on the Brink
Authors: Fontana Flavia , Figueiredo Patrícia , Bauleth‐Ramos Tomás , Correia Alexandra , Santos Hélder A.
Published: March 2018

Immunotherapy is revolutionizing current therapies in cancer and in autoimmune diseases, showing impressive results in clinical trials. Recently, the development of innovative nano‐biomaterials has been focusing on the interactions between such materials and the immune system, both in the adaptive and innate branches. Biomaterials can display immunostimulative, neutral, or immunosuppressive interactions. Nanoparticles displaying immunostimulative potential are employed in the formulation of cancer vaccines, while immunosuppressive materials are being researched for the development of vaccines able to induce tolerance in autoimmune diseases. Here, the properties influencing the immunomodulation effect of nanomaterials are analyzed, followed by a detailed review of the recent applications of nanomaterials for the delivery of antigens, adjuvants, chemotherapeutics, and immunomodulatory drugs.
Band‐Engineered PbS Nanoparticles in CH3NH3PbI3 Solar Cells to Extend Activity Toward Near‐Infrared Region
Authors: Dasgupta Uttiya , Kundu Biswajit , Pal Amlan J.
Published: March 2018

Here, a route is reported to extend the activity of perovskite solar cells toward the near‐infrared (NIR) region through incorporation of band‐engineered PbS nanoparticles in the form of a bilayer structure with the perovskite layer. The nanoparticles were doped with a heterovalent element (bismuth) to shift their Fermi energy towards the conduction band‐edge. With a controlled level of doping and thereby an appropriate shift of Fermi energy, a type‐II band‐alignment could be achieved at the perovskite/doped‐PbS interface, so that the charge‐separation becomes possible upon photogeneration in both the materials. In this work, conduction and valence band‐edges of the nanoparticles upon different extent of bismuth‐doping were monitored through differential tunnel conductance spectra, which have a correspondence to density of states of the semiconductors. The perovskite solar cells with the band‐engineered bismuth‐doped PbS‐layer could be seen to offer NIR activities due to presence of the nanoparticle layer. The NIR activities were in addition to normal responses of perovskite solar cells in the UV‐visible region. The overall power conversion efficiency hence augmented from 6.5 to 10.1% in the inverted planar structure.
Robust and sparse Gaussian graphical modelling under cell‐wise contamination
Authors: Katayama Shota , Fujisawa Hironori , Drton Mathias
Published: March 2018

Graphical modelling explores dependences among a collection of variables by inferring a graph that encodes pairwise conditional independences. For jointly Gaussian variables, this translates into detecting the support of the precision matrix. Many modern applications feature high‐dimensional and contaminated data that complicate this task. In particular, traditional robust methods that down‐weight entire observation vectors are often inappropriate as high‐dimensional data may feature partial contamination in many observations. We tackle this problem by giving a robust method for sparse precision matrix estimation based on the γ‐divergence under a cell‐wise contamination model. Simulation studies demonstrate that our procedure outperforms existing methods especially for highly contaminated data. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effective stiffness of concrete shear walls based on statistical analysis
Authors: Sharifi Mahdi , Shafieian Morteza
Published: March 2018

A review of current studies in concrete shear walls shows considerable uncertainty in the effective stiffness of these elements. Based on statistical analyses of 154 existing experiments on slender and squat walls, this paper proposes relations to determine the effective stiffness. Linear regression analyses are applied to determine the relationship between effective stiffness parameters such as axial load, reinforcement ratio, and aspect ratio. The results show the axial load plays a major role in the effective stiffness of the slender wall with correlation coefficient of 0.81. While, in case of squat shear walls, the axial load and the aspect ratio of the wall are the most significant parameters with correlation coefficient of 0.75 and 0.65, respectively. Finally, 2 relations are suggested for the effective stiffness of the slender and squat shear walls by linear regression analyses and are compared with the existing relations.
A statistical investigation of different parameters influencing compressive strength of fly ash induced geopolymer concrete
Authors: Rai Baboo , Roy L. B. , Rajjak Manoj
Published: March 2018

This paper statistically investigates the influence of parameter, namely curing temperature, molarity, NaOH/Na2SiO3, and activator‐to‐fly ash ratio on the compressive strength of low calcium fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete. This paper also investigates the effect of delay time prior to curing on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. The results of the experimental investigation show that these parameters notably influence the development of the mechanical strength of the final product. The statistical investigation shows that the early compressive strength is significantly affected by the synergistic effect of a linear term of curing temperature, molarity, and activator‐to‐fly ash ratio while NaOH/Na2SiO3 ratio was found to be not so statistically significant. The numerical algorithm formulated using regression analyses were simultaneously optimized by utilizing response optimizer method. A constitutive model which represents a relationship between the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength is also proposed.
The 2015 ACI‐DAfStb database of shear tests on slender prestressed concrete beams without stirrups—Overview and evaluation of current design approaches
Authors: Dunkelberg Daniel , Sneed Lesley Haynes , Zilch Konrad , Reineck Karl‐Heinz
Published: March 2018

This paper presents the newly established ACI‐DAfStb database of shear tests on slender prestressed concrete beams without stirrups subjected to point loads. From the 574 collected tests 214 tests remain for the comparison with shear design approaches after the control and selection procedures were applied. The main features of these tests are described. Subsequently, these tests are used to perform evaluations of the shear design procedures of EC2, fib Model Code 2010, and ACI 318‐14.
Evaluating the effects titanium dioxide on resistance of cement mortar against combined chloride and sulfate attack
Authors: Joshaghani Alireza
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study is to develop the durability of mortar mixtures against combined chloride and sulfate deterioration by replacing a certain amount of limestone cement with titanium dioxide (TiO2). Marine environments contain high concentrations of chlorides and sulfates. To improve the concrete durability within such conditions, it is important to control the concentration of both ions. The application of TiO2 in concrete has been increasingly considered in recent years. However, the durability issues of mortar made with TiO2 have not been evaluated. To achieve this purpose, an experimental program was designed to assess five different corrosive solutions of chloride and sulfate to investigate different partial cement replacement by TiO2. The compressive strength, surface electrical resistance, mass change, dynamic modulus of elasticity, Rapid chloride migration test (RCMT), Rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT), and half‐cell energy were tested in the binary and ternary solutions. Results indicated that using these nanoparticles as a partial replacement of cement developed the pore structure of the mortar, leading to the improved durability of the mortar and less deterioration in control specimens. Also, the chloride penetration increased by adding sulfate content at early age immersion. With little to no TiO2 in the mortar specimens, chloride ions mitigated the corrosive influences of a sulfate attack.
The drop that makes a vase overflow: Understanding Maya society through daily water management
Authors: Ertsen Maurits W. , Wouters Kyra
Published: March 2018

Water is an important key to understand Maya society, especially water availability within a context of climatic changes. Increasing drought would have pushed the Maya water systems into collapse. This paper studies the Maya water systems from an action‐oriented perspective, in order to understand what challenges the Maya had to overcome when dealing with water. The systems found at Tikal serve as main example, allowing comparisons with other Maya sites. In this analysis, hydraulic‐ and agent‐based elements are combined in a model to investigate the performance of the water system within extreme weather conditions and changing human agency. The results suggest that the Tikal water system was able to cope with most of the extreme situations. Furthermore, model results allow proposing that the Maya did not anticipate on short‐term changes in external conditions. Generally, in Tikal surpluses of water may have been as important as shortages of water. The extensive system of drains and canals present at Tikal may have been built to move water from the center of the city rather than to supply water to lower situated reservoirs during the dry season. Such a water‐removal system could be less centrally orientated and organized than is often argued. This could also mean that organizational structures of water systems of different city centers (Tikal, Calakmul, and Caracol) were more similar than usually assumed.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Quality
A new nondestructive approach to chemical analysis of potsherds using an X‐ray fluorescence microscope: Case study about the past pottery manufacture in the Yaeyama Islands
Authors: Aoyama Hiroaki , Yamagiwa Kaishi , Fujimoto Shingo , Izumi Jin , Ishikawa Ryosuke , Kameshima Shingo , Arakaki Tsutomu
Published: March 2018

In archeology, pottery represents an important class of artifacts giving information on the past human activity, the ecology, and ancient cultural groups. Some chemical analytic methods, including X‐ray fluorescent analysis, were adopted for the archeological study of pottery. However, these techniques also involve problems, including the destructive analysis of materials, and cannot analyze the original clay condition of pottery. To address this, we carried out nondestructive chemical analysis of 13 potsherds excavated from the Yaeyama Islands in the southern Japan archipelagos using X‐ray fluorescence microscopy. Two analytic methods were used, elemental mapping and multipoint spectral measurement, making it possible to obtain a visualized elemental distribution on potsherd surface and a detailed multipoint elemental composition of the same sample for the multivariate statistical analysis. In this study, the visualized images suggested that calcium particles were mixed to temper the materials, and their size and quantity differed between potsherds, whereas the uniformity of clay substrate, including the quantities of iron and silicon on multipoint measurement, was a characteristic of each potsherd. Therefore, principal component analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of the potsherds suggest that the differences between the Yaeyama Islands in terms of pottery manufacturing technology are due to chronological factors in this case. Our method represents an effective new approach to the pottery study for technological change.
Hospital Teaching Status and Patients’ Outcomes After Colon Cancer Surgery
Authors: van Groningen Julia T. , Eddes Eric H. , Fabry Hans F. J. , van Tilburg Marc W. A. , van Nieuwenhoven Ernst J. , Snel Yvonne , Marang‐van de Mheen Perla J. , de Noo Mirre E. ,   Dutch Surgical Colorectal Cancer Audit Group and the Co‐operating General Hospitals
Published: March 2018

Background and objectives

It is increasingly accepted that quality of colon cancer surgery might be secured by combining volume standards with audit implementation. However, debate remains about other structural factors also influencing this quality, such as hospital teaching status. This study evaluates short‐term outcomes after colon cancer surgery of patients treated in general, teaching or academic hospitals.

Methods

All patients (n = 23,593) registered in the Dutch Colorectal Audit undergoing colon cancer surgery between 2011 and 2014 were included. Patients were divided into groups based on teaching status of their hospital. Main outcome measures were serious complications, failure to rescue (FTR) and 30‐day or in‐hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression models on these outcome measures and with hospital teaching status as primary determinant were used, adjusted for case‐mix, year of surgery and hospital volume.

Results

Patients treated in teaching and academic hospitals showed higher adjusted serious complication rates, compared to patients treated in general hospitals (odds ratio 1.25 95% CI [1.11–1.39] and OR 1.23 [1.05–1.46]). However, patients treated in teaching hospitals had lower adjusted FTR rates than patients treated in general hospitals (OR 0.63 [0.44–0.89]). However, for all outcomes there was considerable between‐hospitals variation within each type of teaching status.

Conclusion

On average, patients treated in general hospitals had lower serious complication rates, but patients treated in teaching hospitals had more favorable FTR rates. Given the hospital variation within each hospital teaching type, it is possible to deliver excellent care regardless of the hospital teaching type.
Identifying Factors Underlying the Decision for Sickle Cell Carrier Screening Among African Americans Within Middle Reproductive Age
Authors: Mayo‐Gamble Tilicia L. , Middlestadt Susan E. , Lin Hsien‐Chang , Cunningham‐Erves Jennifer , Barnes Priscilla , Jackson Pamela Braboy
Published: March 2018

Guidelines recommend that African Americans know their sickle cell trait status to inform reproductive health decisions. Few studies have applied a behavioral theory to identify factors associated with sickle cell trait screening to inform intervention targets to increase this behavior. We applied a Sickle Cell Trait Screening Framework to identify factors associated with African Americans’ intention to ask for sickle cell trait screening. Participants (N = 300), ages 18 to 35, completed a cross‐sectional survey. A three‐step sequential ordinary least squares regression analysis identified factors influencing intention. Results indicated socio‐demographic factors (age, education), knowledge and fear beliefs (screening knowledge, perceived threat), and reasoned action approach (RAA) constructs were associated with intention. RAA constructs influenced intention over knowledge and fear beliefs with an increase in R2 of .468. Perceived behavioral control was more predictive of intention (β = .576, p < .001). Attitude and perceived norm also had significant weights (β = .325 and β = .192, both p < .001, respectively). Findings from this study can inform strategies (e.g., eliminating costs associated with screening, reducing fear of painful tests) to increase sickle cell trait screening among African Americans. Ultimately, more sickle cell carriers will become aware of their trait status and be able to make informed reproductive health decisions.
Memory concerns in the early Alzheimer's disease prodrome: Regional association with tau deposition
Authors: Swinford Cecily G. , Risacher Shannon L. , Charil Arnaud , Schwarz Adam J. , Saykin Andrew J. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Relationship between self– and informant memory concerns and tau aggregation was assessed in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Regional mean standardized uptake value ratios were extracted from [18F]flortaucipir positron emission tomography (PET) scans of 82 at‐risk adults in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. Associations between self– and informant ECog memory scores and tau aggregation were analyzed on both regional and voxelwise bases. Analyses were completed both on the whole sample and restricted to amyloid‐positive individuals only.

Results

Memory concerns were associated with tau aggregation. Self‐perception was more associated with frontal tau. In contrast, informant scores were more associated with parietal tau. This source‐by‐region interaction was more prominent in amyloid‐positive participants and observed in both regional and voxelwise analyses.

Discussion

Quantitative assessment of perceived memory functioning may be useful for screening older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Individuals and their informants may provide complementary information relating to the anatomical distribution of tau.
Luxação anterior isolada da cabeça radial com apresentação atípica em um adulto: Relato de caso
Authors: Kansay Rajeev , Gupta Sandeep , Soni Ashwani , Malhotra Anubhav , Garg Sudhir Kumar
Published: March 2018

A literatura sobre a luxação anterior isolada da cabeça do rádio é escassa, com apenas cinco casos relatados no mundo inteiro até hoje. Em todos esses casos, os pacientes apresentaram movimentos de supinação–pronação restritos do antebraço, e manutenção da flexão–extensão do cotovelo. Os autores apresentam um caso incomum de luxação de cabeça radial anterior isolada em um paciente do sexo masculino de 18 anos, que apresentou movimentos de supinação–pronação no antebraço e restrição na flexão–extensão do cotovelo. A redução fechada foi tentada, mas sem sucesso. Assim, foi feita a redução aberta. No entanto, a redução foi instável devido à ruptura do ligamento anular. Por isso, o reparo do ligamento anular foi realizado, e um fio de Kirschner rádio-ulnar foi inserido para manter a redução da articulação rádio-ulnar proximal, evitando estresse sobre o ligamento anular, facilitando sua cicatrização. Aos 12 meses de acompanhamento, o paciente apresentava função normal do cotovelo e amplitude de movimento completa.
A case of giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica misdiagnosed as temporomandibular dysfunction
Authors: Nys Margaux , Van der Cruyssen Fráderic , David Karel , Politis Constantinus
Published: March 2018

We report the case of a 83‐year‐old man who presented with bilateral scalp ulcerations, temporomandibular joint pain, anorexia, and generalized discomfort. The aspecific presentation and timing of the symptoms led to a referral delay of 117 days. A temporal artery biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). FDG‐PET showed increased uptake at the large vessels, shoulders, and hips, suggesting concomitant polymyalgia rheumatica. Initiation of methylprednisolone resulted in resolution of the muscle‐related complaints and healing of the ulcerations. This report highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and the rarity of bilateral scalp necrosis in GCA, with an incidence of <5%.
On Quantitative Noise Stability and Influences for Discrete and Continuous Models
Authors: BOUYRIE RAPHAËL
Published: March 2018

Keller and Kindler recently established a quantitative version of the famous Benjamini–Kalai–Schramm theorem on the noise sensitivity of Boolean functions. Their result was extended to the continuous Gaussian setting by Keller, Mossel and Sen by means of a Central Limit Theorem argument. In this work we present a unified approach to these results, in both discrete and continuous settings. The proof relies on semigroup decompositions together with a suitable cut-off argument, allowing for the efficient use of the classical hypercontractivity tool behind these results. It extends to further models of interest such as families of log-concave measures and Cayley and Schreier graphs. In particular we obtain a quantitative version of the Benjamini–Kalai–Schramm theorem for the slices of the Boolean cube.
Nordic Workshop Takes on Major Puzzles of Paleomagnetism
Authors: Brown Maxwell , Torsvik Trond , Pesonen Lauri
Published: March 2018

8th Nordic Paleomagnetism Workshop; Leirubakki, Iceland, 30 September to 7 October 2017
Radon Tells Unexpected Tales of Mount Etna’s Unrest
Authors: Falsaperla Susanna , Neri Marco , Di Grazia Giuseppe , Langer Horst , Spampinato Salvatore
Published: March 2018

Readings from a sensor for the radioactive gas near summit craters of the Italian volcano reveal signatures of such processes as seismic rock fracturing and sloshing of groundwater and other fluids.
Homemade “Spatter Bombs” Can Reveal Volcanic Secrets
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: March 2018

Researchers use trial and error to develop a technique to create volcanic lava bombs.
A Sc–3-HF complex as a fluorescent chemosensor for the selective detection of dihydrogen phosphate
Authors: Du Wei , Jia Chunman , Zhang Yinfeng , Chen Qing , Wang Yile , Huang Yan , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2018

A method that uses a Sc–3-HF complex as a fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of dihydrogen phosphate ions has been developed.
Spirocyclic germanes via transannular insertion reactions of vinyl germylenes into Si–Si bonds
Authors: Walewska Małgorzata , Baumgartner Judith , Marschner Christoph , Albers Lena , Müller Thomas
Published: March 2018

The reaction of cyclic disilylated germylene phosphane adducts with alkynes gives spirocyclic germanes via the intermediate formation of cyclic divinylgermylenes.
Sodium triethylborohydride as a catalyst for the dehydrogenative silylation of terminal alkynes with hydrosilanes
Authors: Skrodzki Maciej , Witomska Samanta , Pawluć Piotr
Published: March 2018

Sodium triethylborohydride has been found to be a highly selective catalyst for the dehydrogenative silylation of aromatic and aliphatic alkynes with hydrosilanes.
Synthesis and non-conventional structure of square-planar Pd(ii) and Pt(ii) complexes with an N,C,N-chelated stibinidene ligand
Authors: Kořenková Monika , Hejda Martin , Štěpnička Petr , Uhlík Filip , Jambor Roman , Růžička Aleš , Dostál Libor
Published: March 2018

Novel Sb(i)→Pd(ii) and Sb(i)→Pt(ii) complexes were shown to form rotamers in solution due to the side-on coordination of the stibinidene ligand.
Alizarin red S–TiO2-catalyzed cascade C(sp3)–H to C(sp2)–H bond formation/cyclization reactions toward tetrahydroquinoline derivatives under visible light irradiation
Authors: Hosseini-Sarvari Mona , Koohgard Mehdi , Firoozi Somayeh , Mohajeri Afshan , Tavakolian Hosein
Published: March 2018

A very low amount of organic dye (Alizarin red S) sensitized TiO2 and it was successfully used to catalyze cascade C(sp3)–H to C(sp2)–H bond formation/cyclization reactions under visible light irradiation.
A copper/O2-mediated direct sp3 C–H/N–H cross-dehydrogen coupling reaction of acylated amines and N-aryl glycine esters
Authors: Sun Bin , Wang Yao , Li Deyu , Jin Can , Su Weike
Published: March 2018

We described a mild and efficient CDC reaction between N-aryl glycine esters and various acylated amines for the synthesis of α-amino α-amide acid esters with an excellent regioselectivity in the presence of copper salts.
Accessing benzooxadiazepinesviaformal [4 + 3] cycloadditions of aza-o-quinone methides with nitrones
Authors: Zheng Yong-Sheng , Tu Liang , Gao Li-Mei , Huang Rong , Feng Tao , Sun Huan , Wang Wen-Xuan , Li Zheng-Hui , Liu Ji-Kai
Published: March 2018

Seven membered N-heterocycles were constructed through a formal [4 + 3] cycloaddition of nitrones within situgenerated aza-o-quinone methides.
Annulation of β-naphthols and 4-hydroxycoumarins with vinylsulfonium salts: synthesis of dihydrofuran derivatives
Authors: Chen Zi-cong , Tong Lang , Du Zhi-bo , Mao Zhi-feng , Zhang Xue-jing , Zou Yong , Yan Ming
Published: March 2018

Annulation reaction of vinylsulfonium salts with β-naphthols and 4-hydroxycoumarins provided dihydrofuran derivatives in moderate to good yields under mild conditions.
Electronic structures and enhanced photocatalytic properties of blue phosphorene/BSe van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Wang Bao-Ji , Li Xiao-Hua , Zhao Ruiqi , Cai Xiao-Lin , Yu Wei-Yang , Li Wei-Bin , Liu Zhen-Shen , Zhang Li-Wei , Ke San-Huang
Published: March 2018

Constructing van der Waals heterostructures can enhance two-dimensional (2D) materials with desired properties and greatly extend the applications of the original materials.
NH2-Ni-MOF electrocatalysts with tunable size/morphology for ultrasensitive C-reactive protein detection via an aptamer binding induced DNA walker–antibody sandwich assay
Authors: Wang Zhen , Dong Pei , Sun Zhongxiong , Sun Ce , Bu Huaiyu , Han Jing , Chen Sanping , Xie Gang
Published: March 2018

On the basis of the excellent catalytic activity of NH2-Ni-MOF(c), a sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for CRP detection is first established.
A transcription factor network represses CFTR gene expression in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Mutolo Michael J. , Leir Shih-Hsing , Fossum Sara L. , Browne James A. , Harris Ann
Published: March 2018

Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the inherited disorder cystic fibrosis (CF). Lung disease is the major cause of CF morbidity, though CFTR expression levels are substantially lower in the airway epithelium than in pancreatic duct and intestinal epithelia, which also show compromised function in CF. Recently developed small molecule therapeutics for CF are highly successful for one specific CFTR mutation and have a positive impact on others. However, the low abundance of CFTR transcripts in the airway limits the opportunity for drugs to correct the defective substrate. Elucidation of the transcriptional mechanisms for the CFTR locus has largely focused on intragenic and intergenic tissue-specific enhancers and their activating trans-factors. Here, we investigate whether the low CFTR levels in the airway epithelium result from the recruitment of repressive proteins directly to the locus. Using an siRNA screen to deplete ∼1500 transcription factors (TFs) and associated regulatory proteins in Calu-3 lung epithelial cells, we identified nearly 40 factors that upon depletion elevated CFTR mRNA levels more than 2-fold. A subset of these TFs was validated in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Among the strongest repressors of airway expression of CFTR were Krüppel-like factor 5 and Ets homologous factor, both of which have pivotal roles in the airway epithelium. Depletion of these factors, which are both recruited to an airway-selective cis-regulatory element at −35 kb from the CFTR promoter, improved CFTR production and function, thus defining novel therapeutic targets for enhancement of CFTR.
Cardiotrophin-1 attenuates experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Prieto-Vicente Vanessa , Sánchez-Garrido Ana I. , Blanco-Gozalo Víctor , Arévalo Miguel , García-Sánchez Enrique , López-Montañés Daniel , Quiros Yaremi , López-Hernández Francisco J. , Rodríguez-Pérez Antonio , López-Novoa José M.
Published: March 2018

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) holds potent anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and anti-apoptotic effects in the liver, kidneys, and heart. In the present study, the role of endogenous CT-1 and the effect of exogenous CT-1 were evaluated in experimental ulcerative colitis. Colitis was induced in CT-1 knockout and wild-type (WT) mice by administration of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in the drinking water during 7 days. CT-1 knockout mice showed higher colon damage and disease severity than WT mice. In addition, CT-1 (200 µg/kg/day, iv) or vehicle (as control) was administered during 3 days to WT, colitic mice, starting on day 4 after initiation of DSS. Disease activity index (DAI), inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), INFγ, IL-17, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)), colon damage, apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3), nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and STAT-3 activation, and bacterial translocation were measured. Compared with mice treated with DSS, mice also treated with exogenous CT-1 showed lower colon damage, DAI, plasma levels of TNFα, colon expression of TNF-α, INFγ, IL-17, iNOS and cleaved caspase 3, higher NFκB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathways activation, and absence of bacterial translocation. We conclude that endogenous CT-1 plays a role in the defense and repair response of the colon against ulcerative lesions through an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect. Supplementation with exogenous CT-1 ameliorates disease symptoms, which opens a potentially new therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis.
Masked AES PUF: a new PUF against hybrid SCA/MLAs
Authors: Yu Weize , Chen Jia
Published: March 2018

A masked advanced encryption standard (AES) physical unclonable function (PUF) architecture is proposed for hardware authentication against hybrid side‐channel (SCA) and machine‐learning attacks (MLAs). The random mismatches of the load capacitance of the masked substitution‐boxes in the AES cryptographic circuit induced by the fabrication process are utilised for generating the critical‐authentication data against SCAs. Moreover, a mask data is added to the input challenge data to mask the actual input data of the proposed PUF against MLAs. As demonstrated in the results, the masked AES PUF proposed shows a nearly 51.1% uniformity, 50.7% inter‐Hamming distance, and 98.1% reliability. Furthermore, if a hybrid SCA/MLA is performed on the proposed PUF by combining the corresponding side‐channel leakage with the deep neural network algorithm, the prediction rate of the output responses of the masked AES PUF is only 55.2% after 100,000 number of challenge‐to‐response pairs are used for training.
Single‐channel 100 Gbit/s transmission using III–V UTC‐PDs for future IEEE 802.15.3d wireless links in the 300 GHz band
Authors: Chinni V.K. , Latzel P. , Zégaoui M. , Coinon C. , Wallart X. , Peytavit E. , Lampin J.F. , Engenhardt K. , Szriftgiser P. , Zaknoune M. , Ducournau G.
Published: March 2018

The achievement of single‐channel 100 Gbit/s transmission, using linear unitravelling carrier photodiodes and QAM‐16 modulation format is reported. The wireless link has been done in the indoor case, considering the recent frequency standardised 300 GHz bands.
Self‐tuned fuzzy‐proportional–integral compensated zero/minimum active power algorithm based dynamic voltage restorer
Authors: Mallick Nirmalya , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: March 2018

Voltage sag is the most common and severe power quality problem in the recent times due to its detrimental effects on modern sensitive equipment. Generally, direct‐on‐line starting of the three‐phase induction motor (IM) and various kinds of short circuit fault are directly responsible for this event. This study investigates the impacts of starting and stopping of two three‐phase IMs on the load voltage profile. To be more critical, two three‐phase short circuit faults and one unsymmetrical fault are also simulated in the same network at different instants of time. A simple control algorithm of a real power optimised dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) with a reduced power factor strategy is presented to protect the sensitive load from these types of detrimental events. A novel fuzzy‐proportional–integral based self‐tuned control methodology is implemented in the proposed work to compensate the loss in the DVR circuit as well as to regulate the load voltage and the direct current link voltage. The results show the effectiveness of the adopted control scheme in DVR application to mitigate the voltage sag.
Reduced‐order model for computing frequency oscillation mode of power systems
Authors: Chen Lei , Sun Ming , Lu Xiaomin , Min Yong , Hou Kaiyuan , Xia Deming
Published: March 2018

Frequency oscillations with very low oscillation frequencies were observed in several power systems. In frequency oscillations, the speeds of all generators change coherently and the frequencies in the system oscillate together. An equivalent model, which only preserves the governors, turbines, and an equivalent generator, is subsequently built. In the model, the inter‐machine rotor‐angle oscillation modes are eliminated and only the frequency oscillation mode is preserved. First, a simplified relationship between the total generator output power and frequency is adopted to obtain an original reduced‐order model. With the model, an initial estimation of the eigenvalue corresponding to the frequency oscillation mode is obtained. The initial estimation is used to obtain a more accurate relationship between the total output power and frequency, and then an improved reduced‐order model is built. With the model, a more accurate eigenvalue estimation can be obtained. Owing to the low order of the proposed model, the computational burden is greatly reduced compared to the direct analysis with fully modelled systems. The test results verify the validity of the proposed method.
MOPSO/FDMT‐based Pareto‐optimal solution for coordination of overcurrent relays in interconnected networks and multi‐DER microgrids
Authors: Baghaee Hamid Reza , Mirsalim Mojtaba , Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Talebi Heidar Ali
Published: March 2018

The minimisation of discrimination time between main and backup overcurrent (OC) relays is one of the most important issues in power system relays coordination. On account of the massive computation burden and complexities for determining power system breakpoint, the implementation of the previously reported OC protection methods in large interconnected networks is almost impossible or at least cumbersome. In this regard, a variety of optimisation algorithms have been presented for coordination between relays and finding optimal operation time (OT) of the protection system. The previously reported single‐objective optimisation algorithms have some limitations/drawbacks regarding OT of relays and their coordination. In this study, a new multi‐objective optimisation algorithm is presented for coordination of OC relays in interconnected networks, based on multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation (MOPSO) and fuzzy decision‐making tool (FDMT). Then, using some useful assumption and recommendations of IEC‐6090 and fault calculations for the microgrids including distributed energy resources, the proposed method is generalised for OC relay coordination in microgrids. Finally, the proposed method has been successfully implemented on different test systems and the obtained results have been compared with other reported methods to prove accuracy, authenticity, and efficiency of the MOPSO/FDMT‐based protection and relay coordination algorithm.
Design and analysis of a wideband circularly polarised perturbed psi‐shaped antenna
Authors: Mondal Tapas , Maity Sandip , Ghatak Rowdra , Bhadra Chaudhuri Sekhar Ranjan
Published: March 2018

The goal of this study is to propose a wideband circularly polarised (CP) psi‐shaped antenna of high gain and wide bandwidth as necessitated by intelligent transportation system applications. A wide impedance bandwidth of 2 GHz (40%) centred at 5.3 GHz is achieved through the combination of modified TM01, TM20, and TM21 modes with three slots on either radiating edge in the simple rectangular geometry of the antenna. The stacked patch configuration helps to achieve a minimum gain of 7 dBic in the entire bandwidth. The CP psi‐shaped antenna has an impressive axial ratio bandwidth of 1 GHz, which is >19% of its centre frequency 5.3 GHz. The proposed antenna can be used for detection of the blind spots of a vehicle at 5.88 GHz (DSRC frequency band), vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication at 5.2 GHz (WLAN IEEE 802.11a frequency band), and vehicle to roadside communication at 5.5 GHz (WiMAX IEEE 802.16 frequency band).