bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐driven recursive subspace identification based online modelling for prediction and control of molten iron quality in blast furnace ironmaking
Authors: Zhou Ping , Dai Peng , Song Heda , Chai Tianyou
Published: June 2017

In blast furnace ironmaking operation, the molten iron temperature and the silicon content ([Si]) are two key molten iron quality (MIQ) indices. The measurement, modelling and control of these indices have always been of importance in metallurgic engineering and automation. In this study, data‐driven methods for online prediction and control of multivariate MIQ indices are proposed by integrating hybrid modelling and control techniques together. First, a data‐driven hybrid method that combines canonical correlation analysis and correlation analysis is proposed to identify the most influential controllable variables as the modelling inputs from multitudinous factors. Then a data‐driven online model for prediction of MIQ is established by recursive subspace identification (R‐SI) with forgetting factor. Unlike the conventional SI modelling, the proposed R‐SI‐based online modelling only identifies subspace matrices for a data‐driven input–output model without explicitly estimating the system matrices, which can reduce the computation complexity. Finally, a predictive controller is designed to maintain the MIQ indices at an expected level by using the developed MIQ prediction model as an online predictor. Since the parameters of the predictor are updated adaptively by the latest process data, the predictive controller can produce more reliable and stable control performance. Experiments using industrial data have verified the superiority and practicability of the proposed methods.
Fractional order fuzzy PID controller for wind energy‐based hybrid power system using quasi‐oppositional harmony search algorithm
Authors: Mahto Tarkeshwar , Mukherjee Vivekananda
Published: June 2017

In this study, a novel fuzzy logic control scheme is investigated for the frequency and power control of an isolated hybrid power system (HPS) (IHPS) and HPS‐based two‐area power system. The studied IHPS comprises of various autonomous generation systems such as wind energy, diesel engine generator and an energy storage device (i.e. capacitor energy storage device). A novel fractional order (FO) fuzzy proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) (FO‐F‐PID) controller scheme is deployed and the various tunable parameters of the studied model are tuned by quasi‐oppositional harmony search (HS) (QOHS) algorithm for improved performance. The QOHS algorithm (based on standard HS algorithm) accelerates the convergence speed by combining the concept of quasi‐opposition in the basic HS framework. This FO‐F‐PID controller shows better performance over the integer order‐PID and F‐PID controller in both linear and non‐linear operating regimes. The proposed FO‐F‐PID controller also shows stronger robustness properties against loading mismatch and different rate constraint non‐linarites than other controller structures.
Mitigation of SSR by embedding subsynchronous notch filters into DFIG converter controllers
Authors: Liu Huakun , Xie Xiaorong , Li Yu , Liu Hui , Hu Yinghong
Published: June 2017

The interaction between controllers of doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) and fixed series compensations may cause a new type of subsynchronous resonance (SSR), namely subsynchronous control interaction. To mitigate this emerging issue, a novel suppression method, embedding subsynchronous notch filters (SNFs) into DFIG converter controllers, is proposed in this study. By using the impedance‐model‐based analysis and a quantitative location‐dependent performance index, the best location is identified to insert SNFs into the controllers of both rotor‐side and grid‐side converters. Two specific SNF schemes are recommended for practical use, and a design procedure is developed to tune their parameters. As a case study, they are then applied to a practical series‐compensated wind‐farm system that suffered from SSR. Both impedance analysis and time‐domain simulations have been conducted to investigate their performance. The results verified that they can defuse the interaction between DFIG controllers and series compensation; therefore, successfully eliminating the risk of unstable SSR under all possible operating conditions. The proposed SNF schemes are easy to design and implement, robust to changeable operating conditions and would not affect the normal dynamics of DFIGs. So, they are of great potential in addressing practical SSR issues.
Robust and cost‐efficient experimental design for technical tests of information and communication technology‐based solutions in the automotive sector
Authors: Demestichas Konstantinos , Adamopoulou Evgenia , Asthenopoulos Vasilis , Kosmides Pavlos
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, an ever‐increasing number of information and communication technology solutions (hardware or software based) are finding their way to the automotive sector. Vehicles are being transformed into electronic hubs of information, communication, entertainment and other applications. Prior to commercial deployment, every single of these solutions must undergo a scrutiny of technical tests, often in the field (i.e. on‐road as opposed to simulation), in order to ensure safe operation and robust performance. ‘Robustness’ is here perceived as operating as close to the target specifications as possible and with minimum variance, under varying conditions (factors). Meeting this requirement given a limited amount of resources (human, financial, equipment etc.) available for on‐road technical tests is often a serious challenge for both researchers and product developers. This study proposes an experimental design process, based on suitable statistical means, for minimising the number of technical tests required to optimise the performance robustness of an automotive service or product under development. The process is substantiated and exemplified for the case study of an electric vehicle consumption estimation product, but could also be used in a variety of other applications (such as navigation, infotainment, safety solutions and others).
Hybrid modulation strategy for eliminating low‐frequency NP voltage oscillations in NPC using redistribution of NTV duty ratios
Authors: Narendrababu A. , Agarwal Pramod
Published: June 2017

Neutral point (NP) clamped (NPC) inverters produce low‐frequency NP voltage oscillations when modulated with nearest three‐vector (NTV) methods for certain loading conditions. Non‐NTV modulations can address these oscillations at the expense of increased switching frequency, output voltage distortion and complexity. This study presents a new generalised algorithm to implement hybrid modulation strategies which can also eliminate NP voltage oscillations using a combination of the aforementioned methods. The proposed algorithm avoids abrupt changeover between the two modulations and ensures minimum contribution of non‐NTV operation and hence its drawbacks. Moreover, the algorithm is computationally efficient compared with its counterparts, since it only uses redistributed NTV duty ratios to generate NTV and non‐NTV modulations instead of using two separate complex algorithms which result in increased computational burden. A non‐NTV method called selected three‐vector (STV) modulation is chosen to perform the detailed analysis of above proposed algorithm for hybrid NTV–STV modulation. Additionally, a simplified STV (SSTV) is derived to develop a new hybrid NTV–SSTV modulation strategy which further reduces losses and complexity compared with the hybrid NTV–STV modulation, without affecting the performance of NPC. The proposed algorithm and the derived hybrid modulation strategy are validated using simulation and experimental results.
Tückische Klauseln
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: June 2017

Der Europäische Gerichtshof hat jüngst zugunsten des Klinikpersonals entschieden. Dynamische Vertragsklauseln gelten auch bei Betriebsübergang.
Diagnostica-Industrie: Ein schwieriges Jahr
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: June 2017

Die ökonomische Bilanz der Diagnostica-Industrie war 2016 durchwachsen. Und die europäische IVD-Verordnung stellt die Branche jetzt vor neue große Herausforderungen.
Krankenhaus Klinik Rehabilitation 2017: Unmögliches denken: Digitalisierung ist Kulturwandel
Authors: Lohmann Heinz
Published: June 2017

Wenn Computer und Roboter in einigen Jahren immer mehr wissen und vieles besser können als wir Menschen, was bleibt uns dann noch? Wir können jenseits der Algorithmen Unmögliches denken. Der Kulturwandel wird gewaltig sein.
Apothekerforum 2017: Europa und Gesundheitskompetenz – Herausforderungen für die Apotheke
Authors: Schmidt Friedemann , Belgardt Christian
Published: June 2017

Die Apotheke im Spannungsfeld zwischen der Einflussnahme europäischer Institutionen und dem mündigen Patienten. Handeln ist gefragt – vonseiten der Politik, um die Zukunft der pharmazeutischen Versorgung zu sichern. Und vonseiten des Heilberuflers, um das Wissen aus dem Expertensystem zum Patienten zu transferieren.
The Difficult Neck in Facelifting
Authors: Roy Sudeep , Buckingham Edward
Published: June 2017

As the popularity and acceptance of facial and cervical rejuvenation procedures grows, surgeons are increasingly encountering patients with less favorable anatomical characteristics for rhytidectomy. These patients will typically display an obtuse cervicomental angle, underprojected chin, excess cervical adiposity, and platysmal banding, in addition to ptotic submandibular glands, tenacious jowls, and prejowl volume deficits. Recognition of these problems and the correct application of available techniques to address the difficult neck in facelifting are critical in maximizing success.
Making the Case: Intra-arterial Therapy for Less Common Metastases
Authors: Gordon Andrew , Uddin Omar , Riaz Ahsun , Salem Riad , Lewandowski Robert
Published: June 2017

Intra-arterial therapies have high antitumor activity for both primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. Selective infusions allow increased delivery of cytoreductive therapy to the tumor bed while sparing the normal hepatic parenchyma. These therapies are now often applied in the outpatient setting or with short overnight hospital stays and have a growing role in the treatment of liver-dominant disease from metastatic colorectal cancer and from neuroendocrine tumors. Less commonly, intra-arterial therapies are applied to treat secondary hepatic malignancies from breast cancer, melanoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and soft-tissue sarcomas. The available data are limited and generally retrospective observational cohort series of single institutions. The purpose of this article is to summarize the recent literature on outcomes for intra-arterial therapy in nonsurgical patients. Multi-institutional registries and prospective data are greatly needed, as intra-arterial therapies are increasingly applied in these patients to stop progression of chemorefractory tumors.
Decision Making in Interventional Oncology: Intra-arterial Therapies for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer—Y90 and Chemoembolization
Authors: Fairchild Alexandra , White Sarah
Published: June 2017

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States and the liver is the most common site of metastatic disease. The presence and extent of hepatic metastases are a major prognostic indicator. Although surgical resection is the accepted first-line therapy for colorectal liver metastasis, only 20 to 25% of patients are eligible for resection due to the extent and location of disease. This article discusses the current role of transarterial therapies in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases.
Decision Making: Thermal Ablation Options for Small Renal Masses
Authors: Gervais Debra , McCarthy Colin
Published: June 2017

Renal cell carcinoma is a relatively common tumor, with an estimated 63,000 new cases being diagnosed in the United States in 2016. Surgery, be it with partial or total nephrectomy, is considered the mainstay of treatment for many patients. However, those patients with small renal masses, typically less than 3 to 4 cm in size who are deemed unsuitable for surgery, may be suitable for percutaneous thermal ablation. We review the various treatment modalities, including radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation; discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method; and review the latest data concerning the performance of the various ablative modalities compared with each other, and compared with surgery.
Transarterial Chemoembolization and Radioembolization across Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stages
Authors: Titano Joseph , Noor Amir , Kim Edward
Published: June 2017

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a well-established treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TACE has a clearly delineated role within the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging framework, and TACE has been shown to bridge patients to transplantation and to downsize patients' tumor burden to meet transplantation criteria. Radioembolization (RE) also has an evolving role in the treatment of HCC. RE has evidence-based applications across the range of BCLC stages ranging from segmentectomy for patients with solitary lesions not amenable to ablation to lobar therapy for patients with multifocal HCC, and to treatment of advanced disease with portal vein thrombosis. This article aims to elucidate the evidence behind these therapies and to provide a rationale for their utilization across the spectrum of BCLC stages in the treatment of HCC.
High-precision deformation mapping in finFET transistors with two nanometre spatial resolution by precession electron diffraction
Authors: Cooper David , Bernier Nicolas , Rouvière Jean-Luc , Wang Yun-Yu , Weng Weihao , Madan Anita , Mochizuki Shogo , Jagannathan Hemanth
Published: June 2017

Precession electron diffraction has been used to systematically measure the deformation in Si/SiGe blanket films and patterned finFET test structures grown on silicon-on-insulator type wafers. Deformation maps have been obtained with a spatial resolution of 2.0 nm and a precision of ±0.025%. The measured deformation by precession diffraction for the blanket films has been validated by comparison to energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction, and finite element simulations. We show that although the blanket films remain biaxially strained, the patterned fin structures are fully relaxed in the crystallographic planes that have been investigated. We demonstrate that precession diffraction is a viable deformation mapping technique that can be used to provide useful studies of state-of-the-art electronic devices.
Characteristic dynamics near two coalescing eigenvalues incorporating continuum threshold effects
Authors: Garmon Savannah , Ordonez Gonzalo
Published: June 2017

It has been reported in the literature that the survival probability P(t) near an exceptional point where two eigenstates coalesce should generally exhibit an evolution P(t)∼t2e−Γt, in which Γ is the decay rate of the coalesced eigenstate; this has been verified in a microwave billiard experiment [B. Dietz et al., Phys. Rev. E 75, 027201 (2007)]. However, the heuristic effective Hamiltonian that is usually employed to obtain this result ignores the possible influence of the continuum threshold on the dynamics. By contrast, in this work we employ an analytical approach starting from the microscopic Hamiltonian representing two simple models in order to show that the continuum threshold has a strong influence on the dynamics near exceptional points in a variety of circumstances. To report our results, we divide the exceptional points in Hermitian open quantum systems into two cases: at an EP2A two virtual bound states coalesce before forming a resonance, anti-resonance pair with complex conjugate eigenvalues, while at an EP2B two resonances coalesce before forming two different resonances. For the EP2B, which is the case studied in the microwave billiard experiment, we verify that the survival probability exhibits the previously reported modified exponential decay on intermediate time scales, but this is replaced with an inverse power law on very long time scales. Meanwhile, for the EP2A the influence from the continuum threshold is so strong that the evolution is non-exponential on all time scales and the heuristic approach fails completely. When the EP2A appears very near the threshold, we obtain the novel evolution P(t)∼1−C1t on intermediate time scales, while further away the parabolic decay (Zeno dynamics) on short time scales is enhanced.
Non-metallic dopant modulation of conductivity in substoichiometric tantalum pentoxide: A first-principles study
Authors: Bondi Robert J. , Fox Brian P. , Marinella Matthew J.
Published: June 2017

We apply density-functional theory calculations to predict dopant modulation of electrical conductivity (σo) for seven dopants (C, Si, Ge, H, F, N, and B) sampled at 18 quantum molecular dynamics configurations of five independent insertion sites into two (high/low) baseline references of σo in amorphous Ta2O5, where each reference contains a single, neutral O vacancy center (VO0). From this statistical population (n = 1260), we analyze defect levels, physical structure, and valence charge distributions to characterize nanoscale modification of the atomistic structure in local dopant neighborhoods. C is the most effective dopant at lowering Ta2Ox σo, while also exhibiting an amphoteric doping behavior by either donating or accepting charge depending on the host oxide matrix. Both B and F robustly increase Ta2Ox σo, although F does so through elimination of Ta high charge outliers, while B insertion conversely creates high charge O outliers through favorable BO3 group formation, especially in the low σo reference. While N applications to dope and passivate oxides are prevalent, we found that N exacerbates the stochasticity of σo we sought to mitigate; sensitivity to the N insertion site and some propensity to form N-O bond chemistries appear responsible. We use direct first-principles predictions of σo to explore feasible Ta2O5 dopants to engineer improved oxides with lower variance and greater repeatability to advance the manufacturability of resistive memory technologies.
Diagnostic of ultrafast temporal plasma evolution in high-power microwave discharge
Authors: Chang C. , Wu C. , Pu Y. K. , Zhu M. , Zhang X. , Verboncoeur J.
Published: June 2017

For the most advanced multi-frame camera in the world, the shortest response time between two frames is no shorter than 1.5 ns. Thus, there is no effective way to diagnose the ultrafast sub-nanosecond dynamic of a microwave-driven plasma discharge in a single pulse. Different-length multi-sub-beam optical fibers, together with a spectrometer and an EMICCD camera, are proposed and designed to detect the nanosecond discharge spectra in a single pulse, like a real-time multi-frame spectral camera. This novel method could realize a time interval between two consecutive frames shorter than 0.1 ns by a length difference of 2 cm for sub-fibers, achieving the measurement of ultrafast plasma dynamics. Temporal evolution of electron density as well as energy of electrons and ions during nanosecond microwave discharge is further studied by de-convolving the Stark broadening and thermal Doppler broadening and by calculating the ratio of emission coefficients.
Coarse-grained representation of the quasi adiabatic propagator path integral for the treatment of non-Markovian long-time bath memory
Authors: Richter Martin , Fingerhut Benjamin P.
Published: June 2017

The description of non-Markovian effects imposed by low frequency bath modes poses a persistent challenge for path integral based approaches like the iterative quasi-adiabatic propagator path integral (iQUAPI) method. We present a novel approximate method, termed mask assisted coarse graining of influence coefficients (MACGIC)-iQUAPI, that offers appealing computational savings due to substantial reduction of considered path segments for propagation. The method relies on an efficient path segment merging procedure via an intermediate coarse grained representation of Feynman-Vernon influence coefficients that exploits physical properties of system decoherence. The MACGIC-iQUAPI method allows us to access the regime of biological significant long-time bath memory on the order of hundred propagation time steps while retaining convergence to iQUAPI results. Numerical performance is demonstrated for a set of benchmark problems that cover bath assisted long range electron transfer, the transition from coherent to incoherent dynamics in a prototypical molecular dimer and excitation energy transfer in a 24-state model of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson trimer complex where in all cases excellent agreement with numerically exact reference data is obtained.
Diffusing diffusivity: Rotational diffusion in two and three dimensions
Authors: Jain Rohit , Sebastian K. L.
Published: June 2017

We consider the problem of calculating the probability distribution function (pdf) of angular displacement for rotational diffusion in a crowded, rearranging medium. We use the diffusing diffusivity model and following our previous work on translational diffusion [R. Jain and K. L. Sebastian, J. Phys. Chem. B 120, 3988 (2016)], we show that the problem can be reduced to that of calculating the survival probability of a particle undergoing Brownian motion, in the presence of a sink. We use the approach to calculate the pdf for the rotational motion in two and three dimensions. We also propose new dimensionless, time dependent parameters, αrot,2D and αrot,3D, which can be used to analyze the experimental/simulation data to find the extent of deviation from the normal behavior, i.e., constant diffusivity, and obtain explicit analytical expressions for them, within our model.
Lysozyme in water-acetonitrile mixtures: Preferential solvation at the inner edge of excess hydration
Authors: Sirotkin Vladimir A. , Kuchierskaya Alexandra A.
Published: June 2017

Preferential solvation/hydration is an effective way for regulating the mechanism of the protein destabilization/stabilization. Organic solvent/water sorption and residual enzyme activity measurements were performed to monitor the preferential solvation/hydration of hen egg-white lysozyme at high and low water content in acetonitrile at 25 °C. The obtained results show that the protein destabilization/stabilization depends essentially on the initial hydration level of lysozyme and the water content in acetonitrile. There are three composition regimes for the dried lysozyme. At high water content, the lysozyme has a higher affinity for water than for acetonitrile. The residual enzyme activity values are close to 100%. At the intermediate water content, the dehydrated lysozyme has a higher affinity for acetonitrile than for water. A minimum on the residual enzyme activity curve was observed in this concentration range. At the lowest water content, the organic solvent molecules are preferentially excluded from the dried lysozyme, resulting in the preferential hydration. The residual catalytic activity is ∼80%, compared with that observed after incubation in pure water. Two distinct schemes are operative for the hydrated lysozyme. At high and intermediate water content, lysozyme is preferentially hydrated. However, in contrast to the dried protein, at the intermediate water content, the initially hydrated lysozyme has the increased preferential hydration parameters. At low water content, the preferential binding of the acetonitrile molecules to the initially hydrated lysozyme was detected. No residual enzyme activity was observed in the water-poor acetonitrile. Our data clearly show that the initial hydration level of the protein macromolecules is one of the key factors that govern the stability of the protein-water-organic solvent systems.
Controllable picoliter pipetting using hydrophobic microfluidic valves
Authors: Zhang M. , Huang J. , Qian X. , Mi S. , Wang X.
Published: June 2017

A picoliter pipetting technique using the microfluidic method is presented. Utilizing the hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer films patterned in microchannels as pressure-controlled valves, a small volume of liquid can be separated by a designed channel trap and then ejected from the channel end at a higher pressure. The liquid trap section is composed of a T-shaped channel junction and a hydrophobic patch. The liquid volume can be precisely controlled by varying the distance of the hydrophobic patch from the T-junction. By this means, liquid less than 100 pl can be separated and pipetted. The developed device is potentially useful for sample dispensing in biological, medical, and chemical applications.
Enhanced diffusion of boron by oxygen precipitation in heavily boron-doped silicon
Authors: Torigoe Kazuhisa , Ono Toshiaki
Published: June 2017

The enhanced diffusion of boron has been investigated by analyzing out-diffusion profiles in the vicinity of the interface between a lightly boron-doped silicon epitaxial layer and a heavily boron-doped silicon substrate with a resistivity of 8.2 mΩ cm and an oxide precipitate (O.P.) density of 108–1010 cm−3. It is found that the boron diffusion during annealing at 850–1000 °C is enhanced with the increase of the oxide precipitate density. On the basis of a model for boron diffusion mediated by silicon self-interstitials, we reveal that the enhanced diffusion is attributed to self-interstitials supersaturated as a result of the emission from oxide precipitates and the absorption by punched-out dislocations. In addition, the temperature dependence of the fraction of the self-interstitial emission obtained analyzing the diffusion enhancement well explains the morphology changes of oxide precipitates reported in literature.
Nonlinear heat conduction equations with memory: Physical meaning and analytical results
Authors: Artale Harris Pietro , Garra Roberto
Published: June 2017

We study nonlinear heat conduction equations with memory effects within the framework of the fractional calculus approach to the generalized Maxwell–Cattaneo law. Our main aim is to derive the governing equations of heat propagation, considering both the empirical temperature-dependence of the thermal conductivity coefficient (which introduces nonlinearity) and memory effects, according to the general theory of Gurtin and Pipkin of finite velocity thermal propagation with memory. In this framework, we consider in detail two different approaches to the generalized Maxwell–Cattaneo law, based on the application of long-tail Mittag–Leffler memory function and power law relaxation functions, leading to nonlinear time-fractional telegraph and wave-type equations. We also discuss some explicit analytical results to the model equations based on the generalized separating variable method and discuss their meaning in relation to some well-known results of the ordinary case.
Structural phase transitions and ferroelastic properties of perovskite-type layered (CH3NH3)2CdCl4
Authors: Ran Lim Ae , Wan Kim Seung , Lak Joo Yong
Published: June 2017

Herein, we perform a structural characterization of (CH3NH3)2CdCl4 by 1H and 13C magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, discussing the geometry around CH3NH3 cations. 1H MAS NMR determined two sets of protons in hydrogen-bonded CH3NH3 groups, exhibiting large T1ρ (L) and small T1ρ (S) values corresponding to long and short C-H/N-H bonds, respectively. The spin-lattice relaxation time of 113Cd in CdCl6 octahedra is shown to exhibit an anomaly near 283 K (TC2) due to the occurrence of a phase transition that is not governed by changes in the motion of CH3NH3 groups but is accompanied by the corresponding changes for Cd in CdCl6 units. The observed domain pattern corresponds to an exchange of a- and c-axes of the orthorhombic structure, with the resulting domain orientations viewed as the main reason for the occurrence of phase transitions, and changes in CdCl6 group motion observed by 113Cd NMR.
Performance characterization of a miniaturized exploding foil initiator via modified VISAR interferometer and shock wave analysis
Authors: Yu Hyeonju , Kim Bohoon , Jang Seung-gyo , Kim Kyu-Hyoung , Yoh Jack J.
Published: June 2017

A pyrotechnic device that consists of a donor/acceptor pair separated by a gap or a bulkhead relies on the shock attenuation characteristics of the gap material and the shock sensitivity of the donor and acceptor explosives. In this study, a miniaturized exploding foil initiator, based on high pulsed electrical power generator, was designed to launch a micro Kapton® flyer for impact initiation of a high explosive in order to understand its performance characteristics. Here, the explosive substance was replaced with a witness plate because the flyer poses various flight motions of rotation, bend, and fragmentation due to its extreme thinness. By using a Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector and ANSYS Explicit Dynamics, the averaged velocity of a flyer is measured, which then allows for the calculation of the shock pressure and the duration imparted to the explosive for an initiation. Subsequently, the relationship between the flyer velocity, the amplitude, and the width of impact loading can be used to assess the performance of the designed exploding foil initiator of a micro pyro-mechanical device.
A compact electron matter wave interferometer for sensor technology
Authors: Pooch A. , Seidling M. , Layer M. , Rembold A. , Stibor A.
Published: June 2017

Remarkable progress can be observed in recent years in the controlled emission, guiding, and detection of coherent, free electrons. Those methods were applied in matter wave interferometers leading to high phase sensitivities and precise sensor technologies for dephasing influences such as mechanical vibrations or electromagnetic frequencies. However, the previous devices have been large laboratory setups. For future sensor applications or tests of the coherence properties of an electron source, small, portable interferometers are required. Here, we demonstrate a compact biprism electron interferometer that can be used for mobile applications. The design was optimized for small dimensions by beam path simulations. The interferometer has a length between the tip and the superposition plane before magnification of only 47 mm and provides electron interference patterns with a contrast up to 42.7%. The detection of two dephasing frequencies at 50 and 150 Hz was demonstrated applying second order correlation and Fourier analysis of the interference data.
Anomalous surface potential behavior observed in InN by photoassisted Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Wei Jiandong , Wang Xinqiang , Wang Ping , Li Shunfeng , Waag Andreas , Li Mo , Zhang Jian , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo
Published: June 2017

Lattice-polarity dependence of InN surface photovoltage has been identified by an anomalous surface potential behavior observed via photoassisted Kelvin probe force microscopy. Upon above bandgap light illumination in the ambient atmosphere, the surface photovoltage of the In-polar InN shows a pronounced decrease, while that of the N-polar one keeps almost constant. Those different behaviors between N-polar and In-polar surfaces are attributed to a polarity-related surface reactivity, which is found not to be influenced by Mg-doping. These findings provide a simple and non-destructive approach to determine the lattice polarity and allow us to suggest that the In-polar InN, especially that with buried p-type conduction, should be chosen for sensing application.
Impact-based piezoelectric energy harvester for multidimensional, low-level, broadband, and low-frequency vibrations
Authors: Zhang Hongjiang , Jiang Senlin , He Xuefeng
Published: June 2017

This letter proposes an impact-based piezoelectric energy harvester that uses a rolling bead contained in a bracket that is supported by a spring. Under either translational or rotational base excitation, the bead moves within the bracket and collides with piezoelectric cantilevers that are located around the bracket; these collisions cause the piezoelectric beams to vibrate and thus produce electrical outputs. The low rolling friction and the motion amplification effect of the spring make the resulting device suitable for collection of low-level vibration energy. Experiments show that the proposed harvester is promising for use in scavenging of energy from the multidimensional, low-level, broadband, and low-frequency vibrations that occur in natural environments.
Room temperature spin Kondo effect and intermixing in Co/Cu non-local spin valves
Authors: Watts J. D. , Jeong J. S. , O'Brien L. , Mkhoyan K. A. , Crowell P. A. , Leighton C.
Published: June 2017

The anomalous low temperature suppression of the spin accumulation signal ΔRNL in non-local spin valves (NLSVs) based on common ferromagnet (FM)/normal metal (N) pairings has recently been shown to result from a manifestation of the Kondo effect. Local magnetic moments in the N due to even minor levels of FM/N interdiffusion depolarize the injected spin current, suppressing the effective spin polarization around and below the Kondo temperature TK. Previous studies have focused on FM/N combinations that happen to have low TK so that Kondo effects occur only well below 300 K. Here, we study NLSVs based on Co/Cu, a materials combination that is not only technologically relevant but also has a high TK, up to 500 K. Despite the negligible equilibrium solubility of Co in Cu, we find clear Kondo effects in both ΔRNL and Cu resistivity, due to Co/Cu intermixing that we probe via quantitative transmission electron microscopy. Most significantly, under certain conditions the spin Kondo effect suppresses the injected spin polarization even at room temperature, with important technological implications. Studies as a function of the Cu thickness and annealing temperature reveal complex trends in interdiffusion lengths and Kondo effects, which we interpret in terms of the interplay between diffusion kinetics and thermodynamics, as well as the thickness dependence of the Kondo effect.
Solid immersion terahertz imaging with sub-wavelength resolution
Authors: Chernomyrdin Nikita V. , Schadko Aleksander O. , Lebedev Sergey P. , Tolstoguzov Viktor L. , Kurlov Vladimir N. , Reshetov Igor V. , Spektor Igor E. , Skorobogatiy Maksim , Yurchenko Stanislav O. , Zaytsev Kirill I.
Published: June 2017

We have developed a method of solid immersion THz imaging—a non-contact technique employing the THz beam focused into evanescent-field volume and allowing strong reduction in the dimensions of THz caustic. We have combined numerical simulations and experimental studies to demonstrate a sub-wavelength 0.35λ0-resolution of the solid immersion THz imaging system compared to 0.85λ0-resolution of a standard imaging system, employing only an aspherical singlet. We have discussed the prospective of using the developed technique in various branches of THz science and technology, namely, for THz measurements of solid-state materials featuring sub-wavelength variations of physical properties, for highly accurate mapping of healthy and pathological tissues in THz medical diagnosis, for detection of sub-wavelength defects in THz non-destructive sensing, and for enhancement of THz nonlinear effects.
Hidden worlds of fundamental particles
Authors: Curtin David , Sundrum Raman
Published: June 2017

Spectacular bursts of particles that seem to appear out of nowhere may shed light on some of nature’s most profound mysteries.
Effect of environmental conditions on cetacean entanglements: a case study from the Gold Coast, Australia
Authors: Volep E. , Carroll A. R. , Strauss D. , Meynecke J.-O. , Kobashi D.
Published: June 2017

Entanglement of marine mammals in fishing gear is recognised worldwide and is a continuous management concern. Gill-net entanglement data from the Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP) on the Gold Coast, Australia, from 1990 to 2012 were analysed in the present study. Environmental drivers that may affect entanglements of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were selected. M. novaeangliae entanglements coincided with their annual migration, with the greatest occurrences in September. D. delphis were mostly entangled from March to November, with the greatest occurrences in June. For both species, entanglements primarily occurred when the wave height was between 0.5 and 1.25m, the wave power was between 0 and 5kWm–1 and the wind speed was between 12 and 19kmh–1. M. novaeangliae entanglements were significantly more likely to occur in low rainfall (<6mmh–1), and D. delphis entanglements were more likely to occur during spring tides. There was a correlation between entanglements and the position of the East Australian Current’s (EAC) maximum velocity, with 73% of M. novaeangliae entanglements and 79% of D. delphis entanglements occurring when the EAC’s maximum velocity was west (shoreward) of its average position at 154°E. The present study provides the first set of possible management intervention targets associated with environmental conditions.
L1 effects as manifestations of individual differences in the L2 acquisition of the Spanish tense-aspect-system
Authors: Diaubalick Tim , Guijarro Fuentes Pedro
Published: June 2017

Several hypotheses about aspect in Spanish SLA focus on postulating patterns a learner will go through. The Lexical Aspect Hypothesis (Andersen, 1986, 1991) and the Default Past Tense Hypothesis (Salaberry, 1999) are two examples discussed in recent studies (see e.g. Comajoan, 2013). This chapter shows that our results obtained via Grammaticality Judgments and a Production Task do not align completely with any of these hypotheses. Instead, individual differences (Dörnyei, 2006) must be considered, which a comparison between 61 German and 70 Romance speakers supports. Findings reveal some general attainment difficulties for all learners, but the emerging structures are not universal. Interestingly, our native control group (n = 15) also shows high variation, strengthening the observation that the selection of a tense-aspect form is heavily dependent on subjectivity.
The influence of structural distance in cross-linguistic transfer
Authors: Munarriz Amaia
Published: June 2017

We report on a case study of a Spanish-Basque bilingual with aphasia. Our aim is to explore the (dis)similarities between symptoms across linguistic components to see whether the impairment affects the two languages similarly, and whether the structural distance between these languages may influence the (dis)similarities found and the cross-linguistic pattern. Qualitative similarities in lexical and phonological impairments point towards cross-linguistic transfer of therapy benefits due to the typological proximity of the Spanish and Basque lexicon (cognates) and phonological systems. However, qualitative differences in comprehension make it difficult to sustain any cross-linguistic influence, which might be hindered by the structural distance between the morphosyntactic features of Spanish and Basque. Finally, the pattern of impairment observed supports the neurofunctional distinction of languages in bilinguals.
Bilingual production of relative clauses in languages with opposite head-complement directionality
Authors: Ezeizabarrena Maria-José , Munarriz Amaia , Loidi Udane
Published: June 2017

The so-called SR advantage, based on the observation that S(ubject) R(elatives) are easier to acquire, comprehend or process as compared to O(bject) R(elatives) in many Verb-Object languages, contrasts with the pattern attested in some languages with prenominal relative clauses and/or Object-Verb word order. This study analyses the elicited production of relative clauses by four groups of Spanish-Basque bilinguals in their two languages. Results reveal a generally (similar or) higher accuracy in SR than in OR production across groups, regardless of language specificities (VO vs. OV, prenominal vs. postnominal RCs) and participants’ language and/or age profiles. A more detailed analysis of the non-target productions revealed that adult and even six-year-old bilinguals make use of language specific cues to distinguish SRs and ORs in their two languages discarding any crosslinguistic influence in this particular contact situation.
Attitudes towards globalized company names
Authors: Mattfolk Leila
Published: June 2017

The study applies general sociolinguistic and pragmatic methods of attitude analysis onto analyses of attitudes towards English elements in company names found in the countryside of Swedish-language Finland. The method used is discourse analysis of focus group discussions about names. The distinction between explicit opinions, implicit (i.e., subconscious) attitudes and socioconscious attitudes that have been found important in explicating speakers’ views on globalized elements in the local language generally, is found not to be of major importance in discussions of attitudes towards globalized names. This tallies with the general view that names (proper nouns) and appellatives (common nouns) are interactively viewed as, processed as, and culturally seen as different kinds of elements. The study furthermore shows that foreign elements are more readily accepted in company names than in the language generally, but because of this, such foreign elements in names can become a back door for the admittance of more foreign elements in the language generally.
A typological analysis of theChained-Aoristconstruction in Ayt Atta Tamazight (Berber)
Authors: Mauri Simone
Published: June 2017

Clause-linking mechanisms are subject to cross-linguistic variation. As far as non-subordinate clauses are concerned, any combination of two clauses may show two predicates mutually equal or different in terms of finiteness: these are known as co-ranking and clause-chaining structures, respectively (Longacre 2007: 375). Clause-chaining constructions show two structural possibilities, namely medial-final and initial-medial chaining, depending on whether the more-finite verb follows or precedes the less-finite one. Clause-chaining constructions are found in unrelated language families scattered across the globe, including Afroasiatic (Longacre 1990). However, the existing typological literature on the topic has totally neglected Berber, another Afroasiatic language. This work focuses on a clause-linking strategy found in Ayt Atta Tamazight (Berber, henceforth AAT) and in other Berber languages, the so-calledChained-Aoristconstruction (henceforth C-AOR). Stemming from my fieldwork on AAT, this paper provides an innovative typological analysis of C-AOR, analysing it in terms of initial-medial clause chaining.
The ever-changing face of Chinese Interpreting Studies
Authors: Xu Ziyun
Published: June 2017

As the discipline of Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS) has continued to expand rapidly over the past twenty years, scientometric research has been applied increasingly often to analyse its trends and patterns. Drawing inspiration from Social Network Analysis (SNA), this study aims to quantify academic research impact and identify patterns of influence at an institutional level in Chinese Interpreting Studies (CIS), by seeking answers to the following questions: Which are the most influential publications? Which institutions carry the most weight? How have their respective levels of influence evolved over time? By analysing a near-exhaustive corpus of 59,303 citations from CIS literature, the study reveals that the majority of influential publications are monographs and theoretical in nature, though many Chinese textbooks on interpreting are also highly influential. It also finds that an institution’s ranking in research productivity does not necessarily translate into high academic influence.
Convergences and divergences between studies on translator training and interpreter training
Authors: Pan Jun , Wang Honghua , Yan Jackie Xiu
Published: June 2017

Discussion on the convergences and divergences between Translation Studies (TS) and Interpreting Studies (IS) has taken place since the emergence of the latter. The unity and divide between translation and interpreting (T&I) activities are also strongly felt in the field of training. This study adopts a data-driven approach to examine research on translator and interpreter training. Based on an annotated database of T&I journal article entries, it shows the differences and similarities in research on translator training and interpreter training. Findings suggest that research on translator training and interpreter training share a thematic and methodological framework, but have different focuses on research themes and methods. The two sub-disciplines have different active authors, institutions and country/area rankings, linked by a small yet possibly growing number of cross-sub-disciplinary producers. These findings will shed much light on our knowledge of T&I activities and research.
JDINAC: joint density-based non-parametric differential interaction network analysis and classification using high-dimensional sparse omics data
Authors: Ji Jiadong , He Di , Feng Yang , He Yong , Xue Fuzhong , Xie Lei
Published: June 2017

Motivation

A complex disease is usually driven by a number of genes interwoven into networks, rather than a single gene product. Network comparison or differential network analysis has become an important means of revealing the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis and identifying clinical biomarkers for disease classification. Most studies, however, are limited to network correlations that mainly capture the linear relationship among genes, or rely on the assumption of a parametric probability distribution of gene measurements. They are restrictive in real application.

Results

We propose a new Joint density based non-parametric Differential Interaction Network Analysis and Classification (JDINAC) method to identify differential interaction patterns of network activation between two groups. At the same time, JDINAC uses the network biomarkers to build a classification model. The novelty of JDINAC lies in its potential to capture non-linear relations between molecular interactions using high-dimensional sparse data as well as to adjust confounding factors, without the need of the assumption of a parametric probability distribution of gene measurements. Simulation studies demonstrate that JDINAC provides more accurate differential network estimation and lower classification error than that achieved by other state-of-the-art methods. We apply JDINAC to a Breast Invasive Carcinoma dataset, which includes 114 patients who have both tumor and matched normal samples. The hub genes and differential interaction patterns identified were consistent with existing experimental studies. Furthermore, JDINAC discriminated the tumor and normal sample with high accuracy by virtue of the identified biomarkers. JDINAC provides a general framework for feature selection and classification using high-dimensional sparse omics data.

Availability and implementation

R scripts available at https://github.com/jijiadong/JDINAC

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Gastrointestinal tract involvement in melioidosis
Authors: Teparrukkul Prapit , Kongkasame Worrarat , Chitsaeng Songla , Wongsuwan Gumphol , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Peacock Sharon J. , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: June 2017

Background

Little is known about the involvement of the human gut in carriage and disease associated with Burkholderia pseudomallei, the cause of melioidosis.

Methods

A hospital-based study was conducted in Northeast Thailand to culture stools or rectal swabs from patients with melioidosis, stools from controls with non-infectious diseases, and gastric biopsies from patients undergoing routine endoscopic investigation.

Results and Conclusion

B. pseudomallei was isolated from 9/83 (11%) stools and 9/58 (16%) rectal swabs from 141 patients with melioidosis. All stools from 244 control patients and 799 gastric biopsies from 395 patients with no evidence of melioidosis were culture negative for B. pseudomallei. It is not uncommon for melioidosis patients to shed B. pseudomallei in stool. Colonization of the gut of individuals without signs and symptoms of melioidosis may be rare.