bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of in-situ stress and joint on permeability of the coal bed in Linfen block, southeastern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Wang Linlin , Jiang Bo , Wang Jilin , Wang Jiyao , Qu Zhenghui
Published: March 2018

Effects of in-situ stress and joint on permeability of the coal bed depend on orientation relationships between in-situ stress and joint. In-situ stress orientations of Linfen block of southeastern Ordos Basin were determined by systematical measurements of the loess joints. In-situ stress magnitudes were calculated based on well logging and hydraulic fracturing data. Joint orientations of the No. 5 coal bed and density distributions of the overlying sandstone bed were investigated. The results show that the NE-oriented maximum horizontal principal stress, approximately parallel to the predominant joint orientation of the coal bed, is favorable to the openness of the predominant joints. The minimum horizontal principal stress, with its orientation perpendicular to the predominant joint orientation, tends to induce the closure of the predominant joints. The stress state of No. 5 coal bed is σv > σH > σh, which is favorable for the openness of subvertical joints and an increase in the permeability. The permeability of No. 5 coal bed increases obviously with increasing effective vertical stress and effective horizontal maximum stress and decreases with increasing effective horizontal minimum stress. Besides, the permeability of No. 5 coal bed exhibits a good exponential relationship with the density of predominant joint set. Therefore, predominant joints with the orientation of 45° mainly contribute to increases in the permeability of the No. 5 coal bed in Linfen block. Multidimensional analysis show good exponential relationships among the permeability, predominant joint density, and effective stress of the No. 5 coal bed.
Causality and dispersion relations in electrical prospecting
Authors: Zorin N.I. , Alekseev D.A.
Published: March 2018

The problem of causality in low-frequency electrical prospecting with artificial and natural sources is considered. We present numerical examples of the application of dispersion relations to transfer function spectra used in the induced polarization and controlled-source electromagnetic methods and to the components of telluric, horizontal magnetic, and other magnetotelluric tensors. Approaches to the processing and interpretation of spectra with violated dispersion relations are proposed.
Results of inversion of distorted magnetotelluric sounding curves (numerical experiment)
Authors: Plotkin V.V.
Published: March 2018

The paper presents the results of a joint inversion of magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) curves taken at several stations without preliminary selection and normalization and distorted by the presence of lateral electrical-conductivity inhomogeneities in the medium. In the calculations, we used synthetic MTS data for a three-dimensional model. Preparation and interpretation of data are carried out by the Trefftz method using a numerical model of the field and MTS curve distortions. To solve the inverse problem and optimize the subsurface model, we used a nonlinear least-squares method and an iterative process with calculation of the sensitivity matrix and its singular decomposition. The target functional is determined by the discrepancies between the model and synthetic experimental apparent-resistivity curves corresponding to the elements of the impedance tensors on the lateral diagonal. The reliability of the reconstructed subsurface model is characterized by the dispersion of the deviations of its parameters from the parameters of the known model used for the preparation of synthetic experimental data. The joint consideration of distorted apparent-resistivity curves at several stations increases the reliability of interpretation results. The obtained solution to the inverse problem is approximate and can be used as a starting model for more complex algorithms and programs.
The probability of unusually large components in the near-critical Erdős–Rényi graph
Authors: Roberts Matthew I.
Published: March 2018

The largest components of the critical Erdős–Rényi graph, G(n, p) with p = 1 / n, have size of order n
2/3 with high probability. We give detailed asymptotics for the probability that there is an unusually large component, i.e. of size an
2/3 for large a. Our results, which extend the work of Pittel (2001), allow a to depend upon n and also hold for a range of values of p around 1 / n. We also provide asymptotics for the distribution of the size of the component containing a particular vertex.
An optimal consumption and investment problem with partial information
Authors: Hata Hiroaki , Sheu Shuenn-Jyi
Published: March 2018

We consider a finite-time optimal consumption problem where an investor wants to maximize the expected hyperbolic absolute risk aversion utility of consumption and terminal wealth. We treat a stochastic factor model in which the mean returns of risky assets depend linearly on underlying economic factors formulated as the solutions of linear stochastic differential equations. We discuss the partial information case in which the investor cannot observe the factor process and uses only past information of risky assets. Then our problem is formulated as a stochastic control problem with partial information. We derive the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. We solve this equation to obtain an explicit form of the value function and the optimal strategy for this problem. Moreover, we also introduce the results obtained by the martingale method.
Countability, agreement and the loss of the dual in Russian
Authors: STEPANOV ARTHUR , STATEVA PENKA
Published: March 2018

In this work we investigate the internal syntax and semantics of quantifier phrases (QP) involving cardinal numerals. Concentrating on a set of previously documented puzzles concerning Case and number agreement within the numeral phrase in Russian, we argue that these agreement patterns follow naturally if one recognizes three structural layers in a numeral-based QP: the countability layer, the number layer and the quantificational layer. Our central theoretical claim is that the countability layer is implemented as a (pseudo-)classifier structure whose morphological manifestation obeys a principle of syntactic ‘visibility’. Our specific claim for Russian is that, diachronically, this countability layer has emerged as a result of the loss of the dual number in the course of transition between Old and Modern Russian. We strengthen our conclusions with psycholinguistic evidence from a sentence completion study that tests Russian speakers’ sensitivity to the countability layer.
NEW HORIZONS IN BRAZILIAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC: GRUPO NOVO HORIZONTE DE SÃO PAULO, 1988–99
Authors: Dromey Christopher
Published: March 2018

Brazil's foremost ensemble of the late twentieth century, Grupo Novo Horizonte de São Paulo, transformed Brazilian contemporary music by cultivating a new mixed-chamber repertory and giving sustained support to a generation of emerging composers. That this cosmopolitan group took, then outgrew, the Pierrot ensemble as its cornerstone signals the medium it forged: a localized, evolving spectacle with a richly internationalist heritage. This article offers a panoramic view of the musical, intercultural and historical contexts that underpin Grupo Novo Horizonte's practices and legacy. Analysing landmark works by Sílvio Ferraz, Harry Crowl and others allows us to draw further connections between the group, the Brazilianness of late twentieth-century compositional aesthetic, and the realities of contemporary classical music-making in Brazil.
Practitioners’ experiences of working collaboratively with interpreters to provide CBT and guided self-help (GSH) in IAPT; a thematic analysis
Authors: Tutani Lumka , Eldred Clare , Sykes Catherine
Published: March 2018

Within IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is offered to all clients regardless of gender, religion, culture and language. Hence, the demand for working with interpreters to facilitate communication during therapy in IAPT has increased. This study explored the experience of therapists working with interpreters to facilitate communication in psychological therapies with clients with mild to moderate anxiety and depression including those with co-morbid physical health problems. Thirteen participants, including six CBT therapists and seven Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs) working in an NHS IAPT service, were interviewed. A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis (Braun and Clarke, 2006), was implemented. The following four major themes were identified from the participants’ accounts: negotiating a three-way communication, difficulties in expressing empathy, a lack of shared understanding and working creatively with interpreters. During this collaborative working new understandings of engaging emerged leading participants to view this work as possible.
A suite of global, cross-scale topographic variables for environmental and biodiversity modeling
Authors: Amatulli Giuseppe , Domisch Sami , Tuanmu Mao-Ning , Parmentier Benoit , Ranipeta Ajay , Malczyk Jeremy , Jetz Walter
Published: March 2018

Topographic variation underpins a myriad of patterns and processes in hydrology, climatology, geography and ecology and is key to understanding the variation of life on the planet. A fully standardized and global multivariate product of different terrain features has the potential to support many large-scale research applications, however to date, such datasets are unavailable. Here we used the digital elevation model products of global 250 m GMTED2010 and near-global 90 m SRTM4.1dev to derive a suite of topographic variables: elevation, slope, aspect, eastness, northness, roughness, terrain roughness index, topographic position index, vector ruggedness measure, profile/tangential curvature, first/second order partial derivative, and 10 geomorphological landform classes. We aggregated each variable to 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 km spatial grains using several aggregation approaches. While a cross-correlation underlines the high similarity of many variables, a more detailed view in four mountain regions reveals local differences, as well as scale variations in the aggregated variables at different spatial grains. All newly-developed variables are available for download at Data Citation 1 and for download and visualization at http://www.earthenv.org/topography.
U-Index, a dataset and an impact metric for informatics tools and databases
Authors: Callahan Alison , Winnenburg Rainer , Shah Nigam H
Published: March 2018

Measuring the usage of informatics resources such as software tools and databases is essential to quantifying their impact, value and return on investment. We have developed a publicly available dataset of informatics resource publications and their citation network, along with an associated metric (u-Index) to measure informatics resources’ impact over time. Our dataset differentiates the context in which citations occur to distinguish between ‘awareness’ and ‘usage’, and uses a citing universe of open access publications to derive citation counts for quantifying impact. Resources with a high ratio of usage citations to awareness citations are likely to be widely used by others and have a high u-Index score. We have pre-calculated the u-Index for nearly 100,000 informatics resources. We demonstrate how the u-Index can be used to track informatics resource impact over time. The method of calculating the u-Index metric, the pre-computed u-Index values, and the dataset we compiled to calculate the u-Index are publicly available.
Raspberry anthocyanin consumption prevents diet-induced obesity by alleviating oxidative stress and modulating hepatic lipid metabolism
Authors: Wu Tao , Yang Lu , Guo Xueqi , Zhang Min , Liu Rui , Sui Wenjie
Published: March 2018

Evidence indicates that raspberries have beneficial effects on chronic diseases.
Saponin from sea cucumber exhibited more significant effects than ginsenoside on ameliorating high fat diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Meng Jing , Hu Xiaoqian , Zhang Tiantian , Dong Ping , Li Zhaojie , Xue Changhu , Chang Yaoguang , Wang Yuming
Published: March 2018

Saponin from sea cucumber ameliorated high fat diet-induced obesity mainly through inhibiting lipid synthesis and accelerating lipid β-oxidation and glycolysis.
CH3NH3Pb1−xEuxI3 mixed halide perovskite for hybrid solar cells: the impact of divalent europium doping on efficiency and stability
Authors: Wu Xiaowei , Li Hongwei , Wang Kai , Sun Xiaowei , Wang Liduo
Published: March 2018

The crucial role of the impact of divalent europium doping in perovskite solar cells is investigated in this work.
The impact ofO-glycan chemistry on the stability of intrinsically disordered proteins
Authors: Prates Erica T. , Guan Xiaoyang , Li Yaohao , Wang Xinfeng , Chaffey Patrick K. , Skaf Munir S. , Crowley Michael F. , Tan Zhongping , Beckham Gregg T.
Published: March 2018

Protein glycosylation is a diverse post-translational modification that serves myriad biological functions.
A universal nonfullerene electron acceptor matching with different band-gap polymer donors for high-performance polymer solar cells
Authors: Luo Zhenghui , Li Guanghao , Gao Wei , Wu Kailong , Zhang Zhi-Guo , Qiu Beibei , Bin Haijun , Xue Lingwei , Liu Feng , Li Yongfang , Yang Chuluo
Published: March 2018

A new nonfullerene electron acceptor of m-MeIC was designed and synthesized, which is effective with different band-gap polymer donors, including wide band-gap J71, medium band-gap PBDB-T and low band-gap PCE-10.
Glutathione-induced amino-activatable micellar photosensitization platform for synergistic redox modulation and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Guo Ruiwei , Yang Guang , Feng Zujian , Zhu Yujie , Yang Pengxiang , Song Huijuan , Wang Weiwei , Huang Pingsheng , Zhang Jianhua
Published: March 2018

A kind of novel glutathione-induced amino-activatable micelles was designed to weaken the antioxidant capacity and simultaneously release the photosensitizer by exhausting intracellular glutathione.
Theoretical insights into the effective hydrogen evolution on Cu3P and its evident improvement by surface-doped Ni atoms
Authors: Zhang Zengsong , Yu Guangtao , Li Hui , Liu Jingwei , Huang Xuri , Chen Wei
Published: March 2018

Deep understanding at the atomic level of the HER catalytic activity of Cu3P and its significant enhancement by surface-doped Ni atoms.
Red-shifting and blue-shifting OH groups on metal oxide surfaces – towards a unified picture
Authors: Kebede Getachew G. , Mitev Pavlin D. , Briels Wim J. , Hermansson Kersti
Published: March 2018

The OH vibrational signatures of water and hydroxide species on MgO(001) and CaO(001) are found to correlate strongly with the electric field generated by the surrounding surface structure over each OH oscillator. The result is two different parabolas, one for OH− species, one for H2O.
Optimizing the motion of a folding molecular motor in soft matter
Authors: Rajonson Gabriel , Ciobotarescu Simona , Teboul Victor
Published: March 2018

We use molecular dynamics simulations to find parameters that optimize the displacement of a periodically folding molecular motor in a viscous environment.
Defect engineering in 1D Ti–W oxide nanotube arrays and their correlated photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Abdelhafiz Ali A. , Ganzoury Mohamed A. , Amer Ahmad W. , Faiad Azza A. , Khalifa Ahmed M. , AlQaradawi Siham Y. , El-Sayed Mostafa A. , Alamgir Faisal M. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: March 2018

Understanding the nature of interfacial defects of materials is a critical undertaking for the design of high-performance hybrid electrodes for photocatalysis applications.
In vitro lipid digestion in raw and roasted hazelnut particles and oil bodies
Authors: Capuano Edoardo , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Ntone Eleni , Nikiforidis Constantinos V.
Published: March 2018

The impact of roasting and food structure on digestion of hazelnut particles and oil bodies has been thoroughly investigated.
A conjugated BODIPY–triphenylamine multi-aldoxime: Sonogashira coupling, ratiometric chemodosimeter and rapid detection of hypochlorite with two-photon excited fluorescence
Authors: Xu Chao , Qian Ying , Qi Zheng-qing , Lu Chang-gui , Cui Yi-ping
Published: March 2018

The chemodosimeter is an off–on TPEF probe for detecting NaOCl selectively with red emission.
Assessment of graphene aerogel matrix solid-phase dispersion as sample preparation for the determination of chlorophenols in soil
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Du Tongtong , Wang Juan , Kou Haixia , Du Xinzhen , Lu Xiaoquan
Published: March 2018

Three-dimensional graphene aerogels (GAs) were synthesized by hydrothermal reduction and introduced as dispersing materials of matrix solid-phase dispersion for the determination of six chlorophenols in soil via high performance liquid chromatography.
Metal organic framework-derived CoPS/N-doped carbon for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Yuzhi , Niu Siqi , Rakov Dmitrii , Wang Ying , Cabán-Acevedo Miguel , Zheng Shijian , Song Bo , Xu Ping
Published: March 2018

CoPS/N–C nanocomposites provide promising electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity in both acidic and alkaline media.
Photocatalyzed cascade Meerwein addition/cyclization of N-benzylacrylamides toward azaspirocycles
Authors: Yuan Li , Jiang Sheng-Ming , Li Zeng-Zeng , Zhu Yong , Yu Jian , Li Lan , Li Ming-Zhu , Tang Shi , Sheng Rui-Rong
Published: March 2018

A visible-light-induced cascade Meerwein addition/cyclization of alkenes involving C–F bond cleavage was developed.
SET-LRP in biphasic mixtures of fluorinated alcohols with water
Authors: Moreno Adrian , Liu Tong , Ding Liang , Buzzacchera Irene , Galià Marina , Möller Martin , Wilson Christopher J. , Lligadas Gerard , Percec Virgil
Published: March 2018

Efficient and inexpensive SET-LRP in biphasic-mixtures of fluorinated alcohols with water.
Transition-metal-free and halogen-free controlled synthesis of poly(3-alkylthienylene vinylene) via the Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons condensation reaction
Authors: Goto Eisuke , Ochiai Yuto , Ueda Mitsuru , Higashihara Tomoya
Published: March 2018

Controlled polymerization without a transition metal or halogen.
Seeking value from biomass materials: preparation of coffee bean shell-derived fluorescent carbon dots via molecular aggregation for antioxidation and bioimaging applications
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Wang Hui , Ma Chunhui , Niu Na , Chen Zhijun , Liu Shouxin , Li Jian , Li Shujun
Published: March 2018

Preparation of CS-CDs from coffee shell beans and applications of CS-CDs in in vivo bioimaging and as an antioxidant.
Recent advances in mechano-responsive luminescence of tetraphenylethylene derivatives with aggregation-induced emission properties
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Chi Zhihe , Mao Zhu , Zhang Yi , Liu Siwei , Zhao Juan , Aldred Matthew P. , Chi Zhenguo
Published: March 2018

A panoramic review of the latest progress regarding mechano-responsive luminescence of tetraphenylethylene derivatives with aggregation-induced emission properties.
Effect of chemical pretreatments on magnetic susceptibility of loess from Central Asia and the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Song Yougui , Li Yue , Wang Qiansuo , Dong Hongmei , Zhang Zhiping , Orozbaev Rustam
Published: March 2018

Different chemical pretreat methods proved that the loess MS enhancement mechanism in Central Asia differs from that in the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP).
The mechanistic investigations of photochemical carbonyl elimination and oxidative addition reactions of (η5-C5H5)M(CO)3, (M = Mn and Re) complexes
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Feng , Su Ming-Der
Published: March 2018

The theoretical works suggest that under UV photoirradiation, η5-CpMn(CO)3follows either the conical intersection mechanism or the intersystem crossing mechanism to obtain the final oxidative addition product. However, η5-CpRe(CO)3proceeds only the singlet state channel.
Ultrasonically synthesized organic liquid-filled chitosan microcapsules: part 1: tuning physical & functional properties
Authors: Ye Qianyu , Mettu Srinivas , Zhou Meifang , Dagastine Raymond , Ashokkumar Muthupandian
Published: March 2018

This study reports the synthesis of tetradecane-filled chitosan microcapsules in acetic acid aqueous solutions using high intensity ultrasound at 20 kHz.
Cage carbon-substitute does matter for aggregation-induced emission features of o-carborane-functionalized anthracene triads
Authors: Wu Xueyan , Guo Jixi , Quan Yangjian , Jia Wei , Jia Dianzeng , Chen Yi , Xie Zuowei
Published: March 2018

o-Carborane–anthracene triads were synthesized and characterized with anthracene and o-carborane acting as the chromophore and electron acceptor, respectively.
Temperature-controlled morphology evolution of porphyrin nanostructures on a hydrophobic substrate
Authors: Cai Jinhua , Liu Junchao , Wang Ting , Wang Jingxia , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2018

Large-scale porphyrin nanostructures including jar-, flask-, cup-, open smile-/tulip-, and chain-like were facilely fabricated on a hydrophobic substrate at the oil–aqueous interface, by varying the assembly temperature.
Substrate integrated waveguide quasi‐elliptic bandpass filter with parallel coupled microstrip resonator
Authors: Kiani S. , Rezaei P. , Karami M. , Sadeghzadeh R.A.
Published: March 2018

A quasi‐elliptic bandpass filter has been designated based on substrate integrated waveguide cavity and parallel‐coupled microstrip line (PCML). Two PCMLs are utilised to provide cross‐coupling at both sides of the investigated filter. Electrical coupling intensity in the filter can be controlled by the proposed PCMLs which generate transmission zeros at sides of pass‐band. Sharp sideband and significant out‐of‐band rejection are achieved.
Approach for filtering crossover design using mixed electric and magnetic coupling
Authors: Luo Ming , Tang Xiao‐Hong , Lu Di , Zhang Yong‐Hong
Published: March 2018

A new approach for the filtering crossover design is proposed in this Letter. This approach is based on the mixed electric and magnetic coupling. A compact filtering crossover constructed by the short stub loaded resonator is presented according to the proposed approach. By using a short stub loaded resonator the filtering response is achieved and by using the cancelling effect between the electric coupling and magnetic coupling, the isolation between two signal paths is achieved. A filtering crossover is fabricated for demonstration. The measured result presents good agreement with the simulated result.
Image super‐resolution via adaptive sparse representation and self‐learning
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Sun Tiantian , Cao Feilong
Published: March 2018

This study proposes a novel super‐resolution regularisation model based on adaptive sparse representation and self‐learning frameworks. The fidelity term in the model ensures that the reconstructed image is consistent with the observation image. The adaptive sparsity regularisation term constrains the reconstructed image with an adaptive sparse representation, which successfully harmonises the sparse representation and the collaborative representation adaptively via producing suitable coefficients. To construct a more effective dictionary, the high‐frequency features from the underlying image patches are extracted, and the dictionary learning and sparse representation are integrated. To this end, the alternating minimisation algorithm is used to divide this model into three subproblems, and the alternating direction method of multipliers and iterative back‐projection method are used to solve the subproblems. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, additional experiments are conducted on some generic images. Compared with some state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better results in terms of both visual quality and noise immunity.
Probabilistic load flow calculation based on sparse polynomial chaos expansion
Authors: Sun Xin , Tu Qingrui , Chen Jinfu , Zhang Chengwen , Duan Xianzhong
Published: March 2018

A probabilistic load flow (PLF) method based on the sparse polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is presented here. Previous studies have shown that the generalised polynomial chaos expansion (gPCE) is promising for estimating the probability statistics and distributions of load flow outputs. However, it suffers the problem of curse‐of‐dimensionality in high‐dimensional applications. Here, the compressive sensing technique is applied into the gPCE‐based scheme, from which the sparse PCE is built as the surrogate model to perform the PLF in an accurate and efficient manner. The dependence among random input variables is also taken into consideration by making use of the Copula theory. Consequently, the proposed method is able to handle the correlated uncertainties of high‐dimensionality and alleviate the computational effort as of popular methods. Finally, the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed method are validated by the case studies of two standard test systems.
Analysis on the magnetic shunt structure of large power transformer
Authors: Yang Huina , Zhang Yongshuai
Published: March 2018

Installing magnetic shunts on the surfaces of tank and clamps of power transformer is able to reduce the eddy current losses and decrease the temperature rise effectively. Here, the three‐dimensional transient finite element method and the magnetic thermal coupling method are used to calculate and analyse the effect of magnetic shunts with different structures. The non‐linear magnetic property of both the transformer structural parts and the magnetic shunts are considered in the analysis. The lamination structure of the shunt is also considered, which is simulated by a thick plate with anisotropic magnetic property. A 334 MVA single‐phase transformer is taken as an example in the analysis. The optimisation shunt structure is obtained. By comparing the L‐shaped, the inverted L‐shaped, and the U‐shaped magnetic shunts for the clamps, it is proved that the U‐shaped shunt is more effective in reducing the eddy current loss and temperature rise.
Overvoltage protection of solid‐state switch for high‐power low‐voltage applications
Authors: Stosur Mariusz , Sowa Kacper , Kuczek Tomasz , Chmielewski Tomasz , Ruszczyk Adam , Koska Krzysztof , Janisz Konrad
Published: March 2018

This study presents simulation and experimental verification of solid‐state switch overvoltage protection. The switching device is composed of two antiparallel connected forced commutated semiconductor valves and in analysed case has been used as a low‐voltage solid‐state bypass switch of UPS system. The aim is to identify the value of overvoltage induced on switch terminals and surge energy during an instance of current turn‐off in line with inductive impedance. Afterwards determine optimal solution that protects such a power electronics device. As a protection solution configurations and types of surge arresters have been examined. All simulations have been conducted using PSCAD software package on the model especially prepared for this purpose.
Compact ultra‐wideband microstrip antenna with dual polarisation/multi‐notch characteristics
Authors: Saxena Shobhit , Kanaujia Binod K. , Dwari Santanu , Kumar Sachin , Tiwari Rahul
Published: March 2018

A set of two compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) antennas are presented and investigated in this study. Antenna 1 is a dual‐polarised antenna consisting of a hexagonal wide slot, hexagonal stub and rectangular stub in the ground plane for getting UWB radiation characteristics and wide axial‐ratio bandwidth. Antenna 1 radiates for 3.1–10.8 GHz band with 3‐dB ARBW of 67.76% (4–8.1 GHz). Antenna 2 is a multi‐notch UWB antenna and is designed by protruding out a rectangular spiral stub in the ground plane of antenna 1. It has been demonstrated in this work that a desirable number of band elimination notches (up to 14) can be easily achieved in antenna 2. Antenna 2 has been successfully fabricated and experimentally verified for seven band elimination notches with simulated and calculated band elimination notch frequencies in good agreement with each other.
Hybrid CME–ODE method for efficient simulation of the galactose switch in yeast
Authors: Bianchi David M. , Peterson Joseph R. , Earnest Tyler M. , Hallock Michael J. , Luthey‐Schulten Zaida
Published: March 2018

It is well known that stochasticity in gene expression is an important source of noise that can have profound effects on the fate of a living cell. In the galactose genetic switch in yeast, the unbinding of a transcription repressor is induced by high concentrations of sugar particles activating gene expression of sugar transporters. This response results in high propensity for all reactions involving interactions with the metabolite. The reactions for gene expression, feedback loops and transport are typically described by chemical master equations (CME). Sampling the CME using the stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) results in large computational costs as each reaction event is evaluated explicitly. To improve the computational efficiency of cell simulations involving high particle number systems, the authors have implemented a hybrid stochastic–deterministic (CME–ODE) method into the publically available, GPU‐based lattice microbes (LM) software suite and its python interface pyLM. LM and pyLM provide a convenient way to simulate complex cellular systems and interface with high‐performance RDME/CME/ODE solvers. As a test of the implementation, the authors apply the hybrid CME‐ODE method to the galactose switch in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, gaining a 10–50× speedup while yielding protein distributions and species traces similar to the pure SSA CME.
Implementation of maximum efficiency control for matrix‐converter‐based interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drive systems
Authors: Liu Tian‐Hua , Chen Yi , Tseng Shao‐Kai , Wu Meng‐Jhe
Published: March 2018

An implementation of an online maximum efficiency control for matrix‐converter‐based interior permanent magnet synchronous motor drive systems is proposed. A simplified efficiency model of the drive system is established first; as a result, detailed models of the matrix‐converter loss and motor loss are not required. Next, an algorithm that calculates the steepest ascent to maximum efficiency is proposed. By identifying the maximum efficiency operating point, the efficiency of the whole drive system can be significantly improved based on the simplified efficiency model. A digital signal processor TMS320LF2407A and a complex programmable logic device EMP570GT100C4 are used as a control centre to execute the phase commutation, closed‐loop speed control method, current regulating method, and maximum efficiency control method. Experimental results can validate the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the feasibility and correctness of the proposed method.
Manual control of optical tweezer switching for particle trapping and injection
Authors: Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Youplao Phichai , Chaiwong Khomyuth , Phatharacorn Prateep , Chiangga Surasak , Koledov Victor , Ali Jalil , Aziz Muhammad Safwan , Suwandee Senee , Yupapin Preecha
Published: March 2018

This work presents an optical switching model that the tweezer probe uses for manually switching the controlled by an external switch, in which the upward and downward switching can be operated and simultaneously switched. By using the microring resonator incorporated with the two non‐linear phase modulators, the optical tweezer can be generated and the switching probes controlled. The switching time with the table force of ∼2 fs is obtained. The tweezer force and torque are calculated and interpreted for molecule trapping and injecting from and to the trapping and the target surfaces. The relative forces and torques are calculated and plotted. In applications, the specific forces and torques can be controlled to perform the appropriate trapping and injecting. The switching time depends on the external switching module, which may be electronically controlled.
Field spheroid-dominated galaxies in a Λ-CDM Universe
Authors: Rosito M. S. , Pedrosa S. E. , Tissera P. B. , Avila-Reese V. , Lacerna I. , Bignone L. A. , Ibarra-Medel H. J. , Varela S.
Published: March 2018

Context. Understanding the formation and evolution of early-type, spheroid-dominated galaxies is an open question within the context of the hierarchical clustering scenario, particularly in low-density environments.

Aims. Our goal is to study the main structural, dynamical, and stellar population properties and assembly histories of field spheroid-dominated galaxies formed in a Λ-cold dark matter (Λ-CDM) scenario to assess to what extent they are consistent with observations.

Methods. We selected spheroid-dominated systems from a Λ-CDM simulation that includes star formation (SF), chemical evolution, and supernova feedback. The sample is made up of 18 field systems with MStar ≲ 6 × 1010M⊙ that are dominated by the spheroid component. For this sample we estimated the fundamental relations of ellipticals and compared them with current observations.

Results. The simulated spheroid galaxies have sizes that are in good agreement with observations. The bulges follow a Sersic law with Sersic indexes that correlate with the bulge-to-total mass ratios. The structural-dynamical properties of the simulated galaxies are consistent with observed Faber–Jackson, fundamental plane, and Tully–Fisher relations. However, the simulated galaxies are bluer and with higher star formation rates (SFRs) than the observed isolated early-type galaxies. The archaeological mass growth histories show a slightly delayed formation and more prominent inside-out growth mode than observational inferences based on the fossil record method.

Conclusions. The main structural and dynamical properties of the simulated spheroid-dominated galaxies are consistent with observations. This is remarkable since our simulation has not been calibrated to match them. However, the simulated galaxies are blue and star-forming, and with later stellar mass growth histories compared to observational inferences. This is mainly due to the persistence of extended discs in the simulations. The need for more efficient quenching mechanisms able to avoid further disc growth and SF is required in order to reproduce current observational trends.
A Convenient and Concise Metal-Free Approach to Functionalized Bicyclic Pyrimidinones from Oxazine-2,6-diones
Authors: Shirsale Ashwini , Patil Yogesh , Rawal Girish , Pabba Jagadish , Berthon Guillaume , Sonawane Ravindra , Sikervar Vikas
Published: March 2018

The synthesis of previously unreported pyrazolo-pyrimidinones and isoxazolo-pyrimidinones are achieved via metal-free coupling of oxazine-2,6-diones with pyrazolidinone and isoxazolidinone, respectively. The synthesis provides easy access to a variety of novel 2-dimensional building blocks that can be derivatized to generate a range of drug- and agro-like molecules.
Factor XII-dependent Contact Activation on Endothelial Cells and Binding Proteins gC1qR and Cytokeratin 1
Authors: Joseph Kusumam , Shibayama Yoji , Ghebrehiwet Berhane , Kaplan Allen
Published: March 2018

Although proteins of the kinin-forming pathway are bound along the surface of endothelial cells, the mechanism of activation of this proteolytic cascade is unclear. Endothelial cell surface proteins, gC1qR and cytokeratin 1, are capable of binding Factor XII and high molecular weight kininogen (HK) in a zinc-dependent reaction thus we considered the possibility that these proteins might catalyze initiation of the cascade. Incubation of Factor XII, prekallikrein, and HK with gC1qR or cytokeratin 1 leads to a zinc-dependent and Factor XII-dependent conversion of prekallikrein to kallikrein. We also demonstrate that normal plasma is capable of activating upon interaction with the cells whereas plasma deficient in Factor XII, prekallikrein and HK do not activate. Normal plasma activation was inhibitable by antibody to gC1qR and cytokeratin 1. Thus, gC1qR and cytokeratin 1, represent potential initiating surfaces for activation of the plasma kinin-forming cascade and may do so as a result of their expression along cell surfaces.
Expression of Translation Initiation Factors eIF-4E and eIF-2α and a Potential Physiologic Role of Continuous Protein Synthesis in Human Platelets
Authors: Han Anping , Lu Linrong , Pihan German , Woda Bruce , Chen Jane-Jane , Szymanski Irma , Rosenwald Igor , Pechet Liberto
Published: March 2018

It is generally believed that platelets do not have a functionally significant protein synthetic machinery. However, our analysis demonstrated that normal bone marrow megakaryocytes express high levels of translation initiation factors eIF-4E and eIF-2α and the expression of these protein synthesis initiation factors is continued in platelets (as determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis). Both eIF-4E and eIF-2α are key regulators of protein synthesis. The eIF-4E is a rate-limiting part of a multisubunit complex, eIF-4F, that binds to the 5’ cap structure present in virtually all eukaryotic mRNAs, and carries out transfer of mRNAs to ribosomes for translation. Translation initiation factor eIF-2α is also a rate-limiting protein which associates with two other proteins to form an eIF-2 initiation factor complex responsible for the transfer of initiator methionyl-tRNA to the 40S ribosomal subunit. We confirm that expression of eIF-4E and eIF-2α is biologically relevant in that platelets continue protein synthesis, albeit at a 16 times lower rate than WBC (as determined by 35S-labeled amino acid incorporation, SDS-PAGE and scintillation counting). Finally, we determined that protein synthesis inhibitors (puromycin and emetine) attenuate the platelet aggregation response to a combination of ADP and epinephrine, but potentiate the response to collagen. Our data are consistent with the existence of different signal transducing pathways mediating the response to ADP/epinephrine and collagen. We suggest that the ADP/epinephrine response is positively affected by continuously synthesized proteins, while the response to collagen is modulated by continuously produced inhibitory proteins. Taken together, our results suggest that continuous protein synthesis is important for platelet function and its role in platelet physiology and pathophysiology deserves further study.
Exogenous Inhibitors of Platelet Aggregation from Animal Sources
Authors: Chow Geraldine , Kini R. Manjunatha
Published: March 2018

This updated inventory includes all inhibitors of platelet aggregation from animal sources until mid-1999. They are proteins or glycoproteins with Mr from 5000 to tens of thousands, and inhibit platelet aggregation by different mechanisms. Most lack enzymatic activity, but some exhibit enzymatic activities, such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2), proteinase and nucleotidase.
The Utility of activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Clot Waveform Analysis in the Investigation of Hemophilia A Patients with very Low Levels of Factor VIII Activity (FVIII:C)
Authors: Matsumoto Tomoko , Fukuda Kazuyoshi , Kubota Youko , Tanaka Ichiro , Nishiya Katumi , Giles Alan , Yoshioka Akira , Shima Midori
Published: March 2018

The lower detection limit of the conventional one-stage aPTT based clotting assay for determining FVIII:C levels is generally 1.0-2.0 IU/dl. Consequently, it has been impossible to study the clinical significance of levels of FVIII:C less than 1.0 IU/dl. Using a photo-optical automated coagulation analyzer, the Organon Teknika MDA II®, we have performed qualitative and quantitative aPTT waveform analysis and measured FVIII:C levels by automated one-stage aPTT clotting assay in 36 severely affected Hemophilia A patients. Qualitative waveform analysis showed clear evidence of individual differences in the waveform profile suggesting differing coagulant activity from patient to patient. The FVIII:C level was less than 0.2 IU/dl in 23 cases and levels of FVIII:C between 0.2 and 1.0 IU/dl could be discriminated in 13 patients. The FVIII:C level in these patients was closely correlated with the minimum value of the second derivative of the aPTT waveform (Min2). This is a measure of the acceleration of change in optical transmission at the initiation of coagulation. Furthermore, the correlation of the aPTT (time and Min2) and the FVIII:C level, determined by a one-stage clotting assay on the same system, was high in plasmas with a range of levels of FVIII:C artificially prepared by the addition of various concentrations of rFVIII:C to FVIII deficient plasma. These data suggest that it is possible to segregate different levels of clotting activity in patients previously assigned to a single grouping, i.e. less than 1.0 IU/dl, by conventional one-stage assay. Thus clot waveform analysis may be useful for the investigation of the clinical phenotype of individual patients and their response to therapy.
A Comparative Multi-laboratory Assessment of Three Factor VIII/von Willebrand Factor Concentrates
Authors: Bukuya Melinda , Martinelli Teresa , Tzouroutis Joanne , Duncan Elizabeth , Welldon Katie , Collecutt Margaret , Aumann Heather , Thom Jim , Gilmore Grace , Favaloro Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

Five expert laboratories have participated in a cross-laboratory study to co-evaluate and compare three commercial Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrates. A total of nine factor concentrate lots were evaluated, comprising AHF (High Purity) (AHF HP; X3), Biostate® (X3) and Humate/Haemate (X3). All laboratories blind tested for FVIII:C, VWF:Ag and VWF:CB, four tested for VWF:RCo, and one performed VWF:Multimers. The study yielded inter-laboratory CVs for VWF:Ag and FVIII:C around 10–15%, and for VWF:CB and VWF:RCo around 20%, significantly lower than those of previous multi-laboratory surveys. All three lots of AHF HP contained in the vicinity of 25 U/ml FVIII:C, around 60–75 U/ml of VWF:Ag, but only 30–45 U/ml of VWF:CB and 40–50 U/ml of VWF:RCo (thus, CB/Ag ratio around 0.5–0.6 and RCo/Ag ratio around 0.6–0.7). Study determined that FVIII:C and VWF:RCo levels were similar to manufacturer assigned levels. Some loss of the high molecular weight (HMW) multimers was observed, together with an intense low molecular weight (LMW) VWF band consistent with some reduction or proteolysis of HMW VWF. All three lots of Humate/Haemate contained in the vicinity of 23–32 U/ml of FVIII:C, 70–105 U/ml of VWF:Ag, 50–90 U/ml of VWF:CB and VWF:RCo (i. e. CB/Ag ratio around 0.6–0.9 and RCo/Ag ratio around 0.6–1.1). Study-determined FVIII:C and VWF:RCo levels were similar to manufacturer-assigned levels. The LMW multimer band seen with AHF HP was also observed with Humate/Haemate. All three lots of Biostate contained in the vicinity of 40–55 U/ml of FVIII:C, 105–170 U/ml of VWF:Ag, 90–150 U/ml of VWF:CB, and 90–135 U/ml of VWF:RCo (i. e. CB/Ag and RCo/Ag ratios around 0.7–1.0). Study-determined FVIII:C levels were similar to manufacturer-assigned levels. The LMW multimer band seen with AHF HP was not observed with Biostate. The defined pattern of increasing CB/ Ag from AHF HP to Humate/Haemate and Biostate was consistently observed in study data from each of the five laboratories. In conclusion, study findings indicate some differences in the retention of functional/ HMW VWF between factor concentrates, and this is expected to have significant implications in terms of clinical efficacy for therapy in VWD.
Local proCPU (TAFI) Activation during Thrombolytic Treatment in a Dog Model of Coronary Artery Thrombosis can be Inhibited with a Direct, Small Molecule Thrombin Inhibitor (Melagatran)
Authors: Björkman J. A. , Abrahamsson T. , Nerme V. , Schatteman K. , Leurs J. , Scharpé S. , Hendriks D. , Mattsson C.
Published: March 2018

To test the hypothesis that the direct thrombin inhibitor, melagatran is able to inhibit local pro-carboxypeptidase U (proCPU) activation that occurs during thrombolytic treatment, t-PA alone, or in combination with melagatran, was given to dogs with a coronary artery thrombosis. Blood samples from the great cardiac vein and aorta were collected at baseline, during thrombus formation, throughout the t-PA±melagatran infusion and during the patency period, for analysis of CPU activity using a novel assay. A higher CPU activity in venous compared to arterial blood (V-A difference) indicates CPU activation in coronary vessels.

Efficacy was assessed by determination of time to lysis, duration of patency and blood flow during patency. Dogs (n = 26) were randomized to receive either 1) t-PA, 1 mg/kg as an intravenous 20-min infusion; 2) t-PA as in group 1,+ melagatran bolus, 0.3 mg/kg, followed by a 3-h infusion (0.15 mg/kg per h); 3) sham-operated but no coronary thrombus, and administered t-PA as for Group 1. All groups had similar baseline characteristics. Significant increases in CPU activity were observed in Groups 1 and 2 during thrombus formation, with V-A differences of 5.5 and 4.5 U/L, respectively. No significant V-A difference was observed in the sham-operated group. CPU activity increased in Group 1 during the t-PA infusion (V-A difference 15.9 U/L), whereas the V-A difference in Group 2 decreased to 2.6 U/L following melagatran treatment. These results demonstrate that melagatran attenuates generation of CPU in the coronary circulation. The mechanism is probably indirect, via inhibition of thrombin-mediated activation of proCPU.
Out of Hospital Antithrombotic Prophylaxis after Total Hip Replacement: Low-molecular-weight Heparin, Warfarin, Aspirin or Nothing?
Authors: Bounameaux Henri , Sarasin François
Published: March 2018

Several studies have suggested that after hip replacement the risk of deep vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism (PE) may persist for some weeks. Antithrombotic prophylaxis, however, is generally stopped at hospital discharge. Using a Markov-based decision analysis, we measured the clinical and economical consequences of extending prophylaxis after hospital discharge up to 4 weeks and 6 weeks, using either low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), warfarin, or aspirin. In the reference strategy, antithrombotic prophylaxis was stopped at hospital discharge. Outcome measures included the number of PE prevented, major haemorrhages induced, overall costs in Euro (EUR) and specific costs generated by each PE prevented for all strategies.

Extending prophylaxis up to 4 weeks after discharge was safe and cost saving for all prophylactic regimens, although LMWH was the most effective strategy. Our results were most sensitive to the rate of haemorrhages, the efficacy of treatment and its costs. Specifically, the number of PEs prevented exceeded that of haemorrhages induced if the efficacy of antithrombotic prophylaxis was 2:40% (assuming a low rate of haemorrhages of 0.1% per week), and 2:70% (assuming a high rate of haemorrhages of 0.25% per week). LMWH and warfarin remained cost saving unless their costs were more than doubled compared to that of baseline value. Although less effective than LMWH and warfarin, prophylaxis with aspirin was cost saving in all scenarios tested. Extending prophylaxis up to 6 weeks was also effective (the number of PEs prevented overwhelmed that of major haemorrhages induced), but only for the scenario of a low bleeding risk (0.1%/week). In this strategy, aspirin remained cost saving, while the costs for each PE prevented became high (EUR 10,000 to EUR 20,000) if the costs of LMWH and warfarin increased.

After hip replacement, extending antithrombotic prophylaxis up to 4 weeks after hospital discharge is effective and cost saving. Although LMWH is the most effective strategy, warfarin, and to a lesser extent aspirin may be alternate options if ressources are a major concern.

Extending prophylaxis up to 6 weeks is more risky in patients at high bleeding risk, and generates additional costs.