bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lyapunov Functions and Sliding Mode Control for Two Degrees-of-Freedom and Multidegrees-of-Freedom Fractional Oscillators
Authors: Zhang Youan , Yuan Jian , Liu Jingmao , Shi Bao
Published: September 2016

This paper addresses the Lyapunov functions and sliding mode control design for two degrees-of-freedom (2DOF) and multidegrees-of-freedom (MDOF) fractional oscillators. First, differential equations of motion for 2DOF fractional oscillators are established by adopting the fractional Kelvin–Voigt constitute relation for viscoelastic materials. Second, a Lyapunov function candidate for 2DOF fractional oscillators is suggested, which includes the potential energy stored in fractional derivatives. Third, the differential equations of motion for 2DOF fractional oscillators are transformed into noncommensurate fractional state equations with six dimensions by introducing state variables with physical significance. Sliding mode control design and adaptive sliding mode control design are proposed based on the noncommensurate fractional state equations. Furthermore, the above results are generalized to MDOF fractional oscillators. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out to validate the above control designs.
Optical constants of germanium and thermally grown germanium dioxide from 0.5 to 6.6eV via a multisample ellipsometry investigation
Authors: Nunley Timothy Nathan , Fernando Nalin S. , Samarasingha Nuwanjula , Moya Jaime M. , Nelson Cayla M. , Medina Amber A. , Zollner Stefan
Published: September 2016

Thermal GeO2 oxides up to 136 nm thickness were produced by annealing Ge wafers in pure oxygen at 550 °C and 270 kPa pressure for up to 10 h. The oxidation kinetics followed the Deal–Grove law. Using multisample spectroscopic ellipsometry for a series of five thermal oxides with different thicknesses, the complex dielectric functions of Ge and GeO2 were determined from 0.5 to 6.6 eV, for thin-film metrology applications in Ge-based microelectronics and photonics. The dispersion of the GeO2 layer was modeled with a simple Tauc-Lorentz oscillator model, but a more complicated dispersion with eight parametric oscillators was required for Ge. A reasonable fit to the ellipsometric angles could be obtained by assuming that all thermal oxides can be described by the same dielectric function, regardless of thickness, but a slight improvement was achieved by allowing for a lower density oxide near the surface of the thickest films. The authors compare their results with literature data for Ge and bulk and thin-film GeO2.
Anomalously high alumina atomic layer deposition growth per cycle during trimethylaluminum under-dosing conditions
Authors: Salami Hossein , Poissant Andrew , Adomaitis Raymond A.
Published: September 2016

Under nominal conditions for this study, alumina atomic layer deposition (ALD) using trimethylaluminum and water as precursors was found to give a growth-per-cycle (gpc) of 1.1 Å under saturating conditions. As either precursor dose is reduced, one expects to find a point where the gpc begins to drop from the self-saturating plateau to zero in a monotonically decreasing manner while thickness nonuniformity along the deposited film starts to increase. In this paper, the authors find anomalously high gpc values—more than twice our nominal value of 1.1 Å—during the transition to precursor under-dosing as the trimethylaluminium dose is reduced while the water dose is held constant. Unlike previous studies documenting abnormally high alumina ALD gpc, the authors find that film thickness remains spatially uniform in this region, up to the point where precursor depletion becomes significant, resulting in films with severe spatial gradients in the direction of precursor flow. A simple reaction mechanism is postulated to explain the observed gpc behavior.
Influence of thermal stress on heat-generating performance of indium tin oxide nanoparticle thin films
Authors: Yang Kyungwhan , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig , Im Kiju
Published: September 2016

In this study, the authors investigate the influence of thermal stress on the heat-generating performance of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticle (NP) thin films on quartz substrates. ITO NP thin films experience repeated thermal stresses during their electrical heating cycles. As the number of the heating cycles increases to 50, the highest temperature of the ITO NP thin film decreases from 317 to 221 °C. Our analysis of the temperature profiles, morphological images, and electrical resistance reveals that the degradation in the heat-generating performance is closely correlated with microcracks in the oxide thin film caused by thermal stresses.
Pt-guided formation of Au nanoislands on Au nanorods and its optical properties
Authors: Liu Jian-Bo , Zhang Yu-Shi , Wang Yue-Ping , Liu Feng-Shou , Wang Meng , Xu Wei-Yao , Zong Ming-Ji , Ma Lei , Zhang Xing-Fang , Ji Ying-Lu , Wu Xiao-Chun
Published: September 2016

Core–shell nanostructures exhibit unique optical and catalytic properties that are dependent on their morphology and composition. In this paper, a general and facile way was developed to prepare Au-nanoisland-coated Au nanorods with porous structures. Pt nanodots were first formed on Au nanorods by using a simple successive reduction growth. Then, the island growth mode of Pt on the Au rod was employed to guide the growth behavior of Au-nanoisland. Because of the high dielectric sensitivity of the Au nanostructures, tiny changes in the shell structure can be readily seen from absorption spectra and electromagnetic field enhancement. Simulations of absorption spectra and the electromagnetic field enhancement using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and taking into account the real shapes of the core–shell nanostructures were reported. The accuracy and validity of the FDTD method were verified. The results presented here indicated that surface plasmon resonances of these core–shell metallic nanostructures produce strong effects in both the near- and far-field optical responses.
Electrical characterization of a gate-recessed AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistor with a p-GaN passivation layer
Authors: Hsueh Kuang-Po , Chien Feng-Tso , Peng Li-Yi , Yang Chih-Wei , Wang Hou-Yu , Mai Kai-Di , Chiu Hsien-Chin
Published: September 2016

A novel passivation technique was developed that reduces the electron-surface-hopping-induced leakage current of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) and enhances their electrical properties under high drain bias operation. The key aspect of this passivation technique entailed growing a p-type GaN layer on a traditional depletion-mode AlGaN/GaN HEMT; this p-GaN passivation layer was also used as the spacer layer of a field-plate metal. The originally exposed gate-to-source and gate-to-drain areas were passivated by the p-GaN cap layer. Thus, a surface depletion region was formed between the p-GaN passivation layer and an n-type AlGaN/GaN two-dimensional electron gas channel. This extra surface depletion region depleted the channel carriers far from the surface to reduce the probability of the carriers being trapped by surface defects. Therefore, the carrier-hopping-induced leakage current in the gate-to-drain area, which was strongly temperature-dependent, was suppressed. Low-frequency noise (LFN) measurement revealed that the traditional chemical-vapor-deposited SiO2 layer still exhibited a surface trap center. Moreover, the slope of a plot of noise spectra versus gate overdrive voltage was approximately −3. At a cryogenic temperature, the LFN of the p-GaN—passivated device improved by 3 orders of magnitude, whereas the high surface trap density of the standard passivated device resulted in a high LFN, even at a cryogenic temperature.
Modeling of oropharyngeal articulatory adaptation to compensate for the acoustic effects of nasalization
Authors: Rong Panying , Kuehn David P. , Shosted Ryan K.
Published: September 2016

Hypernasality is one of the most detrimental speech disturbances that lead to declines of speech intelligibility. Velopharyngeal inadequacy, which is associated with anatomic defects such as cleft palate or neuromuscular disorders that affect velopharygneal function, is the primary cause of hypernasality. A simulation study by Rong and Kuehn [J. Speech Lang. Hear. Res. 55(5), 1438–1448 (2012)] demonstrated that properly adjusted oropharyngeal articulation can reduce nasality for vowels synthesized with an articulatory model [Mermelstein, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 53(4), 1070–1082 (1973)]. In this study, a speaker-adaptive articulatory model was developed to simulate speaker-customized oropharyngeal articulatory adaptation to compensate for the acoustic effects of nasalization on /a/, /i/, and /u/. The results demonstrated that (1) the oropharyngeal articulatory adaptation effectively counteracted the effects of nasalization on the second lowest formant frequency (F2) and partially compensated for the effects of nasalization on vowel space (e.g., shifting and constriction of vowel space) and (2) the articulatory adaptation strategies generated by the speaker-adaptive model might be more efficacious for counteracting the acoustic effects of nasalization compared to the adaptation strategies generated by the standard articulatory model in Rong and Kuehn. The findings of this study indicated the potential of using oropharyngeal articulatory adaptation as a means to correct maladaptive articulatory behaviors and to reduce nasality.
Aerobic glycolysis promotes T helper 1 cell differentiation through an epigenetic mechanism
Authors: Peng Min , Yin Na , Chhangawala Sagar , Xu Ke , Leslie Christina S. , Li Ming O.
Published: September 2016

Metabolic support for T cell functions

For immunological T cells, responding to infections is energetically demanding. T cells rewire their metabolism so that they rely more heavily on aerobic glycolysis. This helps them to support important effector functions such as secreting the cytokine interferon γ (IFNγ). Peng
et al.
now provide insight into how aerobic glycolysis promotes T cell effector function. Activated T cells express the aerobic glycolysis–supporting enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), allowing these cells to maintain high amounts of acetyl–coenzyme A, which in turn promotes histone acetylation and transcription of cytokines such as IFNγ. Engineered mice whose T cells lacked LDHA were protected from IFNγ-dependent pathologies that often characterize autoinflammatory diseases.

Science
, this issue p.
481
Systematic mapping of functional enhancer–promoter connections with CRISPR interference
Authors: Fulco Charles P. , Munschauer Mathias , Anyoha Rockwell , Munson Glen , Grossman Sharon R. , Perez Elizabeth M. , Kane Michael , Cleary Brian , Lander Eric S. , Engreitz Jesse M.
Published: September 2016

CRISPR screens illuminate enhancer function

The noncoding regions around a gene that control the transcription of the protein-coding region are difficult to identify. Leveraging a CRISPR interference system (CRISPRi), Fulco
et al.
identified enhancer-promoter connections to map specific noncoding regions affecting gene regulation for the GATA1 and MYC loci (see the Perspective by Einstein and Yeo). Going forward, such CRISPRi-mapping can be used to evaluate promoter-enhancer screens functionally in an unbiased way.

Science
, this issue p.
769
; see also p.
705
Improving efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells with photocurable fluoropolymers
Authors: Bella Federico , Griffini Gianmarco , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo , Saracco Guido , Grätzel Michael , Hagfeldt Anders , Turri Stefano , Gerbaldi Claudio
Published: September 2016

Improving the stability of perovskite solar cells

Inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells have poor long-term stability because ultraviolet light and humidity degrade these materials. Bella
et al.
show that coating the cells with a water-proof fluorinated polymer that contains pigments to absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it in the visible range can boost cell efficiency and limit photodegradation. The performance and stability of inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells are also limited by the size of the cations required for forming a correct lattice. Saliba
et al.
show that the rubidium cation, which is too small to form a perovskite by itself, can form a lattice with cesium and organic cations. Solar cells based on these materials have efficiencies exceeding 20% for over 500 hours if given environmental protection by a polymer coating.

Science
, this issue pp.
203
and
206
Incorporation of rubidium cations into perovskite solar cells improves photovoltaic performance
Authors: Saliba Michael , Matsui Taisuke , Domanski Konrad , Seo Ji-Youn , Ummadisingu Amita , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Correa-Baena Juan-Pablo , Tress Wolfgang R. , Abate Antonio , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael
Published: September 2016

Improving the stability of perovskite solar cells

Inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells have poor long-term stability because ultraviolet light and humidity degrade these materials. Bella
et al.
show that coating the cells with a water-proof fluorinated polymer that contains pigments to absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit it in the visible range can boost cell efficiency and limit photodegradation. The performance and stability of inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells are also limited by the size of the cations required for forming a correct lattice. Saliba
et al.
show that the rubidium cation, which is too small to form a perovskite by itself, can form a lattice with cesium and organic cations. Solar cells based on these materials have efficiencies exceeding 20% for over 500 hours if given environmental protection by a polymer coating.

Science
, this issue pp.
203
and
206
Genome Sequences of Nine Gram-Negative Vaginal Bacterial Isolates
Authors: Deitzler Grace E. , Ruiz Maria J. , Lu Wendy , Weimer Cory , Park SoEun , Robinson Lloyd S. , Hallsworth-Pepin Kymberlie , Wollam Aye , Mitreva Makedonka , Lewis Warren G. , Lewis Amanda L.
Published: September 2016

The vagina is home to a wide variety of bacteria that have great potential to impact human health. Here, we announce reference strains (now available through BEI Resources) and draft genome sequences for 9 Gram-negative vaginal isolates from the taxa
Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Fusobacterium, Proteus
, and
Prevotella.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus cereus LCR12, a Plant Growth–Promoting Rhizobacterium Isolated from a Heavy Metal–Contaminated Environment
Authors: Egidi Eleonora , Wood Jennifer L. , Mathews Elizabeth , Fox Edward , Liu Wuxing , Franks Ashley E.
Published: September 2016

Bacillus cereus
LCR12 is a plant growth–promoting rhizobacterium, isolated from a heavy metal–contaminated environment. The 6.01-Mb annotated genome sequence provides the genetic basis for revealing its potential application to remediate contaminated soils in association with plants.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Endophytic Biocontrol Strain Bacillus velezensis CC09
Authors: Cai Xunchao , Kang Xingxing , Xi Huan , Liu Changhong , Xue Yarong
Published: September 2016

Bacillus velezensis
is a heterotypic synonym of
B. methylotrophicus
,
B. amyloliquefaciens
subsp.
plantarum
, and
Bacillus oryzicola
, and has been used to control plant fungal diseases. In order to fully understand the genetic basis of antimicrobial capacities, we did a complete genome sequencing of the endophytic
B. velezensis
strain CC09
.
Genes tightly associated with biocontrol ability, including nonribosomal peptide synthetases, polyketide synthetases, iron acquisition, colonization, and volatile organic compound synthesis were identified in the genome.
Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp.
similipneumoniae
MB373, an Effective Bioremediator
Authors: Aslam Fozia , Yasmin Azra , Thomas Torsten
Published: September 2016

Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
subsp.
similipneumoniae
MB373 was isolated from effluent of the Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur, Pakistan.
K. quasipneumoniae
subsp.
similipneumoniae
has few cultivated/characterized members so far. Whole-genome sequencing revealed its potential for metal and toxin resistance, which further elucidated various enzymatic processes for the degradation of xenobiotics, illuminating its bioremediation applications.
Delayed discharges at a major arterial centre: a 4-month cross-sectional study at a single specialist vascular surgery ward
Authors: Houghton J S M , Urriza Rodriguez D , Weale A R , Brooks M J , Mitchell D C
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Delayed discharges are a significant problem for the National Health Service. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and impact of delayed discharge at a single specialist vascular surgery ward.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

A single specialist vascular unit in the UK during a 4-month study period (01/09/2014–31/12/2014).

Participants

All patients admitted to the ward during the study period were included. Patients spending ≥1 night on the ward once declared medically fit for discharge (MFFD) were prospectively identified and data prospectively collected. All other patients were identified retrospectively with data collected retrospectively from electronic records.

Outcome measures

Primary outcome was number of patients experiencing delayed discharge. Secondary outcome measures were length of stay, length of delay and cost of delay.

Results

There were 268 admissions with a total length of stay (LoS) of 2776 days. 57 admissions (21.3%) experienced delayed discharges with a total 535 excess bed days (19.3% total LoS) once MFFD. Unplanned admission (relative risk 7.3 (95% CI 2.7 to 20.0; p<0.001)) and index amputation (relative risk 9.2 (95% CI 3.8 to 22.0; p<0.001)) were associated with increased risk of delayed discharge. There were significant differences in the length of delay by the reason for the delay (p=0.01). Delay due to the provision of social services and inpatient rehabilitation were associated with longer length of delay (post hoc analysis). Age was not independently associated with either increased risk of delayed discharge or length of delay.

The total estimated cost of delayed discharges during the study period was £146 055.

Conclusions

A significant number of vascular patients experience delayed discharge. MFFD vascular patients occupy a high proportion of vascular beds at considerable financial cost. Unplanned admissions, amputees and those delayed due to social services contributed most to delays. Closer integration with community health and social care providers may reduce delays.
Knowledge and practice of prostate cancer screening among general practitioners in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tun Firzara Abdul Malik , Ng Chirk Jenn
Published: September 2016

Objective

Screening for prostate cancer remains controversial. General practitioners (GPs) play an important role in assisting men to make an informed decision on prostate cancer screening. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge and practice of prostate cancer screening among private GPs in Malaysia.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Private general practices in Selangor, Malaysia.

Participants

311 randomly selected full-time private GPs were recruited between September 2013 and January 2014.

Outcome measures

Questionnaires were distributed to the GPs via postal mail and clinic visits. The main outcomes were: knowledge of prostate cancer risk factors and screening tests; GPs' prostate cancer screening practices; and factors influencing GPs' decision to screen for prostate cancer. Associations between covariates and propensity to screen for prostate cancer were determined using logistic regression.

Results

The response rate was 65%. The proportion of GPs who overestimated the positive predictive values of prostrate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE) and a combination of PSA and DRE was 63%, 57% and 64%, respectively. About 49.5% of the respondents would routinely screen asymptomatic men for prostate cancer; of them, 94.9% would use PSA to screen. Male GPs who would consider having a PSA test performed on themselves were six times more likely to screen asymptomatic men than GPs who would not have the test (OR=6.88, 95% CI 1.40 to 33.73), after adjusting for age and duration of practice.

Conclusions

GPs overestimated the accuracy of PSA in prostate cancer screening. Their intention to screen for prostate cancer themselves predicted their propensity to screen their patients for prostate cancer. This finding highlights the potential of using a new approach to change GPs' screening practices via addressing GPs' own screening behaviour.
Effect of modelling slum populations on influenza spread in Delhi
Authors: Chen Jiangzhuo , Chu Shuyu , Chungbaek Youngyun , Khan Maleq , Kuhlman Christopher , Marathe Achla , Mortveit Henning , Vullikanti Anil , Xie Dawen
Published: September 2016

Objectives

This research studies the impact of influenza epidemic in the slum and non-slum areas of Delhi, the National Capital Territory of India, by taking proper account of slum demographics and residents’ activities, using a highly resolved social contact network of the 13.8 million residents of Delhi.

Methods

An SEIR model is used to simulate the spread of influenza on two different synthetic social contact networks of Delhi, one where slums and non-slums are treated the same in terms of their demographics and daily sets of activities and the other, where slum and non-slum regions have different attributes.

Results

Differences between the epidemic outcomes on the two networks are large. Time-to-peak infection is overestimated by several weeks, and the cumulative infection rate and peak infection rate are underestimated by 10–50%, when slum attributes are ignored.

Conclusions

Slum populations have a significant effect on influenza transmission in urban areas. Improper specification of slums in large urban regions results in underestimation of infections in the entire population and hence will lead to misguided interventions by policy planners.
Video analysis of concussion injury mechanism in under-18 rugby
Authors: Hendricks Sharief , O'Connor Sam , Lambert Michael , Brown James C , Burger Nicholas , Mc Fie Sarah , Readhead Clint , Viljoen Wayne
Published: September 2016

Background

Understanding the mechanism of injury is necessary for the development of effective injury prevention strategies. Video analysis of injuries provides valuable information on the playing situation and athlete-movement patterns, which can be used to formulate these strategies. Therefore, we conducted a video analysis of the mechanism of concussion injury in junior-level rugby union and compared it with a representative and matched non-injury sample.

Methods

Injury reports for 18 concussion events were collected from the 2011 to 2013 under-18 Craven Week tournaments. Also, video footage was recorded for all 3 years. On the basis of the injury events, a representative ‘control’ sample of matched non-injury events in the same players was identified. The video footage, which had been recorded at each tournament, was then retrospectively analysed and coded. 10 injury events (5 tackle, 4 ruck, 1 aerial collision) and 83 non-injury events were analysed.

Results

All concussions were a result of contact with an opponent and 60% of players were unaware of the impending contact. For the measurement ofhead position on contact, 43% had a ‘down’ position, 29% the ‘up and forward’ and 29% the ‘away’ position (n=7). The speed of the injured tackler was observed as ‘slow’ in 60% of injurious tackles (n=5). In 3 of the 4 rucks in which injury occurred (75%), the concussed player was acting defensively either in the capacity of ‘support’ (n=2) or as the ‘jackal’ (n=1).

Conclusions

Training interventions aimed at improving peripheral vision, strengthening of the cervical muscles, targeted conditioning programmes to reduce the effects of fatigue, and emphasising safe and effective playing techniques have the potential to reduce the risk of sustaining a concussion injury.
Patterns of sexual behaviour and sexual healthcare needs among transgender individuals in Melbourne, Australia, 2011–2014
Authors: Bellhouse Clare , Walker Sandra , Fairley Christopher K , Vodstrcil Lenka A , Bradshaw Catriona S , Chen Marcus Y , Chow Eric P F
Published: September 2016

Objective

Literature surrounding the healthcare needs of transgender individuals is limited in Australia. This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, risk behaviours and HIV/STI positivity among male-to-female (MTF) and female-to-male (FTM) transgender individuals attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), Australia, between 2011 and 2014.

Method

A retrospective cohort analysis for 133 transgender individuals was conducted based on the first visit of individuals to MSHC during the study period. Demographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and HIV/STI positivity were examined.

Results

The majority of transgender individuals were single or never married (74%; n=99). Almost half of the individuals (47%; n=62) had ever engaged in sex work during their lifetime. The median number of male sexual partners (MSP) reported in the last 3 months was 1 (IQR: 1–2) and with female sexual partners (FSP) was 2 (IQR: 1–4). For those who reported having sexual partners in the previous 3 months, always using condoms with MSP was 31% (n=22), and that with FSP was 18% (n=2). HIV/STI positivity during the study period was 7% (n=8) for chlamydia, 5% (n=6) for gonorrhoea, 5% (n=5) for syphilis and 1% (n=1) for HIV. Hormone use for reassignment was reported by 63% (n=90) of individuals and reassignment surgery was reported by 27% (n=29+6=35).

Conclusions

Transgender individuals in this study were found to be a diverse group, with a history of sex work being a common feature. These findings indicate that transgender individuals' sexual healthcare needs differ substantially from those in other countries, including the US and Canada. Attention to differences in MTF and FTM transgender persons must be considered in healthcare settings in Australia.
Symplectic mapping class group relations generalizing the chain relation
Authors: Acu Bahar , Avdek Russell
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we examine mapping class group relations of some symplectic manifolds. For each [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we show that the [Formula: see text]-dimensional Weinstein domain [Formula: see text], determined by the degree [Formula: see text] homogeneous polynomial [Formula: see text], has a Boothby–Wang type boundary and a right-handed fibered Dehn twist along the boundary that is symplectically isotopic to a product of right-handed Dehn twists along Lagrangian spheres. We also present explicit descriptions of the symplectomorphisms in the case [Formula: see text] recovering the classical chain relation for the torus with two boundary components.
On isometry anomalies in minimal 𝒩 = (0,1) and 𝒩 = (0,2) sigma models
Authors: Chen Jin , Cui Xiaoyi , Shifman Mikhail , Vainshtein Arkady
Published: September 2016

The two-dimensional minimal supersymmetric sigma models with homogeneous target spaces [Formula: see text] and chiral fermions of the same chirality are revisited. In particular, we look into the isometry anomalies in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] models. These anomalies are generated by fermion loop diagrams which we explicitly calculate. In the case of [Formula: see text] sigma models the first Pontryagin class vanishes, so there is no global obstruction for the minimal [Formula: see text] supersymmetrization of these models. We show that at the local level isometries in these models can be made anomaly free by specifying the counterterms explicitly. Thus, there are no obstructions to quantizing the minimal [Formula: see text] models with the [Formula: see text] target space while preserving the isometries. This also includes [Formula: see text] (equivalent to [Formula: see text]) which is an exceptional case from the [Formula: see text] series. For other [Formula: see text] models, the isometry anomalies cannot be rescued even locally, this leads us to a discussion on the relation between the geometric and gauged formulations of the [Formula: see text] models to compare the original of different anomalies. A dual formalism of [Formula: see text] model is also given, in order to show the consistency of our isometry anomaly analysis in different formalisms. The concrete counterterms to be added, however, will be formalism dependent.
The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells
Authors: Deng Quanrong , Li Yiqi , Chen Lian , Wang Shenggao , Wang Geming , Sheng Yonglong , Shao Guosheng
Published: September 2016

The effects of electron and hole transport layer with the electrode work function on perovskite solar cells with the interface defects were simulated by using analysis of microelectronic and photonic structures-one-dimensional (AMPS-1D) software. The simulation results suggest that TiO2 electron transport layer provides best device performance with conversion efficiency of 25.9% compared with ZnO and CdS. The threshold value of back electrode work function for Spiro-OMeTAD, NiO, CuI and Cu2O hole transport layer are calculated to be 4.9, 4.8, 4.7 and 4.9 eV, respectively, to reach the highest conversion efficiency. The mechanisms of device physics with various electron and hole transport materials are discussed in details. The device performance deteriorates gradually as the increased density of interface defects located at ETM/absorber or absorber/HTM. This research results can provide helpful guidance for materials and metal electrode choice for perovskite solar cells.
Driving Fatigue Detecting Based on EEG Signals of Forehead Area
Authors: Mu Zhendong , Hu Jianfeng , Yin Jinghai
Published: September 2016

This study examined whether prefrontal brain region electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to detect driver's fatigue. The participants were 13 healthy university students with driving experience. They collected EEG experiments in a virtual driving environment, and divided the collected EEG data into normal state and fatigue state. Fuzzy entropy was used for feature extraction; SVM was used as a classification tool. FP1 and FP2 electrode EEG signal was selected from the subject's EEG signal as analysis object. When single electrode signal was used as feature, accuracy of FP1 was higher than FP2, and if mixing FP1 and FP2 as feature, the accuracy is the highest, the average accuracy is 0.85 by 10-fold cross-validation in Prefrontal brain region. Although the signal classification accuracy of the prefrontal brain region is not the highest, from a practical point, the EEG classification accuracy can be used to detect fatigue.
COBALT OXIDE DECORATED FLOWER-LIKE g-C3N4 HYBRID NANOMATERIALS FOR CARBON MONOXIDE OXIDATION
Authors: WANG YAN , HUANG JING , CAO JIANLIANG , LI GAOJIE , ZHANG ZHANYING
Published: September 2016

Co3O4 decorated flower-like g-C3N4 hybrid nanocatalysts were successfully synthesized and prepared via a facial hydrothermal method. The composition and morphology of the as-synthesized Co3O4/g-C3N4 nanocatalysts were characterized by the techniques of XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XPS and N2-sorption. The analysis results indicated that the as-synthesized samples possess the flower-like structure, which consisted of g-C3N4 nanosheets and Co3O4 nanoparticles with the size about 25[Formula: see text]nm. The as-prepared Co3O4/g-C3N4 catalysts possess high catalytic activity and excellent stability for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation. The total conversion of Co can be kept for more than 48[Formula: see text]h under the reaction temperature of 120[Formula: see text]C.
Quasi-coretractable modules
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Mahato Amrit Kumar , Shum K. P.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we will discuss and study the structure of quasi-coretractable modules. Some characterization theorems of quasi-coretractable modules in terms of Kasch rings, CS modules, mono-coretractable modules, projective modules, epi-retractable modules and retractable modules will be given. Some equivalent conditions related with the quasi-coretractable and the mono-coretractable module will also be considered and investigated. Some recent results given by Singh on coretractable modules will be extended and enriched.
Deterministic Spin–Orbit Torque Switching of a Perpendicularly Polarized Magnet Using Wedge Shape of the Magnet
Authors: Bhowmik Debanjan , Salahuddin Sayeef
Published: September 2016

Spin–orbit torque provides an efficient way to switch magnets for low power memory applications by reducing the current density needed to switch the magnetization. Perpendicularly polarized magnets are preferred for high density data storage applications because of their high thermal stability in scaled dimensions. However, spin–orbit torque cannot switch a perpendicularly polarized magnet deterministically from up to down and down to up in the absence of an external magnetic field because spin–orbit torque alone cannot break the symmetry of the system. This poses a severe challenge to the applicability of spin–orbit torque for memory devices. In this paper, we show through micromagnetic simulations that when spin–orbit torque is applied on a magnet with a wedge shape, the moments of the magnet are aligned in-plane. On removal of the spin–orbit torque the moments deterministically evolve to vertically upward or downward direction because the anisotropy axis of the magnet is tilted away from the vertical direction owing to the wedge shape of the magnet. Thus, spin–orbit torque driven deterministic switching of the magnet in the absence of an external magnetic field is possible.
Polynomial generalizations of the sample variance-covariance matrix when pn−1 → 0
Authors: Bhattacharjee Monika , Bose Arup
Published: September 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be random matrices, where [Formula: see text] are independently distributed. Suppose [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] are non-random matrices of order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. Suppose [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Consider all [Formula: see text] random matrix polynomials constructed from the above matrices of the form [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and the corresponding centering polynomials [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]. We show that under appropriate conditions on the above matrices, the variables in the non-commutative ∗-probability space [Formula: see text] with state [Formula: see text] converge. We also show that the limiting spectral distribution of [Formula: see text] exists almost surely whenever [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are self-adjoint. The limit can be expressed in terms of, semi-circular, circular and other families and, limits of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and non-commutative limit of [Formula: see text]. Our results fully generalize the results already known for [Formula: see text].
Synthetic Lethality in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Beijersbergen Roderick L. , Wessels Lodewyk F.A. , Bernards René
Published: September 2016

Treatment with targeted drugs has primarily focused on the genes and pathways that are mutated in cancer, which severely limits the repertoire of drug targets. Synthetic lethality exploits the notion that the presence of a mutation in a cancer gene is often associated with a new vulnerability that can be targeted therapeutically, thus greatly expanding the arsenal of potential drug targets. Here we discuss both the experimental and the computational biology tools that can be used to identify synthetic lethal interactions. We also discuss strategies for using synthetic lethality to discover new drug targets and in the rational design of more potent drug combinations. We review the progress made and future opportunities offered by synthetic lethal approaches to treating cancer more effectively.
The Ecology and Evolution of Cancer: The Ultra-Microevolutionary Process
Authors: Wu Chung-I , Wang Hurng-Yi , Ling Shaoping , Lu Xuemei
Published: September 2016

Although tumorigenesis has been accepted as an evolutionary process ( 20 , 102 ), many forces may operate differently in cancers than in organisms, as they evolve at vastly different time scales. Among such forces, natural selection, here defined as differential cellular proliferation among distinct somatic cell genotypes, is particularly interesting because its action might be thwarted in multicellular organisms ( 20 , 29 ). In this review, selection is analyzed in two stages of cancer evolution: Stage I is the evolution between tumors and normal tissues, and Stage II is the evolution within tumors. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data show a low degree of convergent evolution in Stage I, where genetic changes are not extensively shared among cases. An equally important, albeit much less highlighted, discovery using TCGA data is that there is almost no net selection in cancer evolution. Both positive and negative selection are evident but they neatly cancel each other out, rendering total selection ineffective in the absence of recombination. The efficacy of selection is even lower in Stage II, where neutral (non-Darwinian) evolution is increasingly supported by high-density sampling studies ( 81 , 123 ). Because natural selection is not a strong deterministic force, cancers usually evolve divergently even in similar tissue environments.
Conservation and Variability of Meiosis Across the Eukaryotes
Authors: Loidl Josef
Published: September 2016

Comparisons among a variety of eukaryotes have revealed considerable variability in the structures and processes involved in their meiosis. Nevertheless, conventional forms of meiosis occur in all major groups of eukaryotes, including early-branching protists. This finding confirms that meiosis originated in the common ancestor of all eukaryotes and suggests that primordial meiosis may have had many characteristics in common with conventional extant meiosis. However, it is possible that the synaptonemal complex and the delicate crossover control related to its presence were later acquisitions. Later still, modifications to meiotic processes occurred within different groups of eukaryotes. Better knowledge on the spectrum of derived and uncommon forms of meiosis will improve our understanding of many still mysterious aspects of the meiotic process and help to explain the evolutionary basis of functional adaptations to the meiotic program.
Oral Combination Therapies for Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Successes, Challenges, and Unmet Needs
Authors: Naggie Susanna , Muir Andrew J.
Published: September 2016

The current standard of care for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) consists of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens, including combinations of DAAs and fixed-dose combination pills. DAAs for HCV are likely to be heralded as one of medicine's greatest advancements. Viral eradication rates are pushing 100% for many HCV-infected populations, including patients with HIV/HCV coinfection, decompensated cirrhosis, liver and kidney transplants, and end-stage liver disease. We highlight the greatest successes of combination DAA therapies, discuss the ongoing challenges, and identify the remaining patient subgroups with unmet medical needs.
Numerical Development
Authors: Siegler Robert S. , Braithwaite David W.
Published: September 2016

In this review, we attempt to integrate two crucial aspects of numerical development: learning the magnitudes of individual numbers and learning arithmetic. Numerical magnitude development involves gaining increasingly precise knowledge of increasing ranges and types of numbers: from nonsymbolic to small symbolic numbers, from smaller to larger whole numbers, and from whole to rational numbers. One reason why this development is important is that precision of numerical magnitude knowledge is correlated with, predictive of, and causally related to both whole and rational number arithmetic. Rational number arithmetic, however, also poses challenges beyond understanding the magnitudes of the individual numbers. Some of these challenges are inherent; they are present for all learners. Other challenges are culturally contingent; they vary from country to country and classroom to classroom. Generating theories and data that help children surmount the challenges of rational number arithmetic is a promising and important goal for future numerical development research.
Memory: Organization and Control
Authors: Eichenbaum Howard
Published: September 2016

A major goal of memory research is to understand how cognitive processes in memory are supported at the level of brain systems and network representations. Especially promising in this direction are new findings in humans and animals that converge in indicating a key role for the hippocampus in the systematic organization of memories. New findings also indicate that the prefrontal cortex may play an equally important role in the active control of memory organization during both encoding and retrieval. Observations about the dialog between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex provide new insights into the operation of the larger brain system that serves memory.
Learning, Reward, and Decision Making
Authors: O'Doherty John P. , Cockburn Jeffrey , Pauli Wolfgang M.
Published: September 2016

In this review, we summarize findings supporting the existence of multiple behavioral strategies for controlling reward-related behavior, including a dichotomy between the goal-directed or model-based system and the habitual or model-free system in the domain of instrumental conditioning and a similar dichotomy in the realm of Pavlovian conditioning. We evaluate evidence from neuroscience supporting the existence of at least partly distinct neuronal substrates contributing to the key computations necessary for the function of these different control systems. We consider the nature of the interactions between these systems and show how these interactions can lead to either adaptive or maladaptive behavioral outcomes. We then review evidence that an additional system guides inference concerning the hidden states of other agents, such as their beliefs, preferences, and intentions, in a social context. We also describe emerging evidence for an arbitration mechanism between model-based and model-free reinforcement learning, placing such a mechanism within the broader context of the hierarchical control of behavior.
Experiments with More Than One Random Factor: Designs, Analytic Models, and Statistical Power
Authors: Judd Charles M. , Westfall Jacob , Kenny David A.
Published: September 2016

Traditional methods of analyzing data from psychological experiments are based on the assumption that there is a single random factor (normally participants) to which generalization is sought. However, many studies involve at least two random factors (e.g., participants and the targets to which they respond, such as words, pictures, or individuals). The application of traditional analytic methods to the data from such studies can result in serious bias in testing experimental effects. In this review, we develop a comprehensive typology of designs involving two random factors, which may be either crossed or nested, and one fixed factor, condition. We present appropriate linear mixed models for all designs and develop effect size measures. We provide the tools for power estimation for all designs. We then discuss issues of design choice, highlighting power and feasibility considerations. Our goal is to encourage appropriate analytic methods that produce replicable results for studies involving new samples of both participants and targets.
Comprehensive analysis of microRNA signature of mouse pancreatic acini: overexpression of miR-21-3p in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Dixit Ajay Kumar , Sarver Anne E. , Yuan Zuobiao , George John , Barlass Usman , Cheema Hassam , Sareen Archana , Banerjee Sulagna , Dudeja Vikas , Dawra Rajinder , Subramanian Subbaya , Saluja Ashok K.
Published: September 2016

In the current study, we have characterized the global miRNA expression profile in mouse pancreatic acinar cells and during acute pancreatitis using next-generation RNA sequencing. We identified 324 known and six novel miRNAs that are expressed in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. In the basal state, miR-148a-3p, miR-375-3p, miR-217-5p, and miR-200a-3p were among the most abundantly expressed, whereas miR-24-5p and miR-421-3p were the least abundant. Treatment of acinar cells with caerulein (100 nM) and taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate [TLC-S (250 μM)] induced numerous changes in miRNA expression profile. In particular, we found significant overexpression of miR-21-3p in acini treated with caerulein and TLC-S. We further looked at the expression of miR-21-3p in caerulein, l-arginine, and caerulein + LPS-induced acute pancreatitis mouse models and found 12-, 21-, and 50-fold increased expression in the pancreas, respectively. In summary, this is the first comprehensive analysis of global miRNA expression profile of mouse pancreatic acinar cells in normal and disease conditions. Our analysis shows that miR-21-3p expression level correlates with the severity of the disease.
Somatostatin regulates NHE8 protein expression via the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway in DSS-induced colitis mice
Authors: Li Xiao , Cai Lin , Xu Hua , Geng Chong , Lu Jing , Tao Liping , Sun Dan , Ghishan Fayez K. , Wang Chunhui
Published: September 2016

Previous studies reported that administration of somatostatin (SST) to human patients mitigated their diarrheal symptoms. Octreotide (an analog of SST) treatment in animals resulted in upregulation of sodium/hydrogen exchanger 8 (NHE8). NHE8 is important for water/sodium absorption in the intestine, and loss of NHE8 function results in mucosal injury. Thus we hypothesized that NHE8 expression is inhibited during colitis and that SST treatment during pathological conditions can restore NHE8 expression. Our data showed for the first time that NHE8 is expressed in the human colonic tissue and that NHE8 expression is decreased in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We also found that octreotide could stimulate colonic NHE8 expression in colitic mice. Furthermore, the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) agonist seglitide and the somatostatin receptor 5 (SSTR5) agonist L-817,818 could restore NHE8 expression via its role in suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our study uncovered a novel mechanism of SST stimulation of NHE8 expression in colitis.
Impact of Rectal Swabs on Infectious Complications after Transrectal Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Trujillo Carlos Gustavo , Plata Mauricio , Caicedo Juan Ignacio , Cataño Cataño Juan Guillermo , Mariño Alvarez Angela Marcela , Castelblanco Diana , Robledo Daniela
Published: September 2016

Objectives: To determine the impact of rectal swabs (RSs) on infectious complications (IC) following prostate biopsy (PB). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including all patients subjected to PB between 2009 and 2013. Group B consisted of patients with a RS and group A of patients without. RS reported the presence of gram-positive or negative germs, sensitive or resistant to ciprofloxacin. Antimicrobial prophylaxis was adjusted to the result. Frequency of IC in each group was determined. Results: Group B had 548 (47.20%) patients and group A 613 (52.80%). From group B, 250 (45.62%) of the RSs showed fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant germs. Forty nine (16.44%) patients with sensitive germs vs. 147 (59.51%) with resistant germs had a history of previous FQ treatment (p < 0.0001). IC were observed in 33 (5.49%) patients from group A and in 7 (1.28%) patients from group B (p < 0.0001), requiring hospitalization in 4.99 vs. 1.28%, respectively. IC and hospital admissions were reduced in 76.68 and 74.34%, respectively, following the implementation of RS. Conclusions: RS and targeted antibiotic prophylaxis prior to PB was associated with a significant reduction in IC and hospital admissions. Ceftriaxone could be an alternative in cases of known resistance. Past history of FQ treatment is associated with increased resistance.