bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of non‐integer‐order dynamical systems using sliding mode scheme
Authors: Aghababa Mohammad Pourmahmood
Published: April 2015

This article deals with the problem of control of canonical non‐integer‐order dynamical systems. We design a simple dynamical fractional‐order integral sliding manifold with desired stability and convergence properties. The main feature of the proposed dynamical sliding surface is transferring the sign function in the control input to the first derivative of the control signal. Therefore, the resulted control input is smooth and without any discontinuity. So, the harmful chattering, which is an inherent characteristic of the traditional sliding modes, is avoided. We use the fractional Lyapunov stability theory to derive a sliding control law to force the system trajectories to reach the sliding manifold and remain on it forever. A nonsmooth positive definite function is applied to prove the existence of the sliding motion in a given finite time. Some computer simulations are presented to show the efficient performance of the proposed chattering‐free fractional‐order sliding mode controller. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 224–233, 2016
Two Structure Types Based on Si6O15 Rings: Synthesis and Structural and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Cs1.86K1.14DySi6O15 and Cs1.6K1.4SmSi6O15
Authors: Wierzbicka‐Wieczorek Maria , Göckeritz Martin , Kolitsch Uwe , Lenz Christoph , Giester Gerald
Published: April 2015

The silicate Cs1.86K1.14DySi6O15 represents a mixed tetrahedral‐octahedral framework structure type based on roughly circular Si6O15 rings and isolated DyO6 octahedra. The silicate Cs1.6K1.4SmSi6O15 has a layered atomic arrangement built from corrugated Si6O15 layers containing four‐, six‐ and eight‐membered rings. The layers are connected by isolated SmO6 octahedra to form a mixed tetrahedral‐octahedral framework. This structure shows a close structural relationship to β‐K3NdSi6O15 and a less close one to dehydrated elpidite (Na2ZrSi6O15). In both structures, Cs/K atoms occupy large voids. The silicates were obtained through high‐temperature flux syntheses. Their crystal structures have been determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Cs1.86K1.14DySi6O15 crystallises in R32 (no. 155) with a = 13.896(2), c = 35.623(7) Å and V = 5957.2(17) Å3, whereas Cs1.6K1.4SmSi6O15 crystallises in Cmca (no. 64) with a = 14.474(3), b = 14.718(3), c = 15.231(3) Å and V = 3244.7(11) Å3. The Dy3+ and Sm3+ cations present in the silicates cause PL emission bands in the visible yellow‐to‐orange spectral range.
Dopamine Electroanalysis Using Electrochemical Biosensors Prepared by a Sinusoidal Voltages Method
Authors: Lupu Stelian , Lete Cecilia , Javier del Campo Francisco
Published: April 2015

A biocomposite material of tyrosinase and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) was electrodeposited onto gold (Au) disk microelectrode arrays and Au interdigitated microband electrode arrays (IDEs) by using a combination of sinusoidal voltages and microgravimetric method to construct amperometric biosensors for dopamine (DA). The main advantage of this new strategy consists in a reliable enzyme immobilization and in additional information related to the electropolymerization process. The determination of DA was successfully achieved in pharmaceutical formulations. The best analytical performances, in terms of the lowest limit of detection of 6×10−7 M DA and highest recovery and stability, were obtained for IDEs based biosensor.
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes‐Chitosan Modified Single‐Use Biosensors for Electrochemical Monitoring of Drug‐DNA Interactions
Authors: Sengiz Ceren , Congur Gulsah , Eksin Ece , Erdem Arzum
Published: April 2015

A multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNT)‐chitosan (CHIT) modified pencil graphite electrode (CNT‐CHIT/PGE) was developed for the first time herein for electrochemical monitoring of the interaction of an anticancer drug, mitomycin C (MC) and DNA. The characterization of unmodified PGE, CHIT/PGE, CNT/PGE and CHIT‐CNT/PGE were performed by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry techniques. The oxidation signals of MC and guanine were measured before and after interaction at the surface of CNT‐CHIT/PGEs using differential pulse voltammetry. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique was also successfully utilized for monitoring of the interaction process at the surface of CNT‐CHIT/PGEs in different interaction times.
Two New Phenylethanoid Glycosides from Callicarpa longissima
Authors: Yuan Jing‐Quan , Qiu Li , Zou Lu‐Hui , Wei Qian , Miao Jian‐Hua , Yao Xin‐Sheng
Published: April 2015

Two new phenylethanoid glycosides, longissimosides A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with eight structurally related known compounds, were isolated from the EtOH extract of leaves and stems of Callicarpa longissima (Hemsl.) Merr. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated as 2‐(3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl)ethyl O‐(α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl)‐(1→3)‐O‐(2‐O‐syringoyl‐β‐D‐xylopyranosyl)‐(1→6)‐ 4‐O‐[(E)‐caffeoyl]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1) and 2‐(3‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxyphenyl)ethyl O‐(α‐L‐rhamnopyranosyl)‐(1→3)‐O‐(β‐D‐apiofuranosyl)‐(1→6)‐4‐O‐[(E)‐isoferuloyl]‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2) on the basis of spectroscopic data and acid hydrolysis.
New Phenolic Tricyclic Diterpenoids from Rhizomes of Isodon hispida (Benth.) Hara
Authors: Huang Bo , Huang Zhen‐Yuan , Xiao Chao‐Jiang , Dong Xiang , Jiang Bei
Published: April 2015

Three new phenolic tricyclic diterpenoids, including two sempervirane diterpenoids, hispidanols A and B (1 and 2, resp.), and one totarane diterpenoid, totara‐8,11,13‐triene‐13→16‐hemiacetal (3), along with 14 known compounds, 4–17, were isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the 70%‐acetone extract of rhizomes of Isodon hispida. Their structures were elucidated based on the analyses of extensive spectroscopic data and physicochemical properties.
Copper‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Pentasubstituted Pyridines from N‐Sulfonyl Ketenimines, 1,1,3,3‐Tetramethylguanidine, and Acetylene Dicarboxylates
Authors: Yavari Issa , Sheikhi Azam , Nematpour Manijeh , Taheri Zohreh
Published: April 2015

Regioselective synthesis of pentasubstituted pyridines has been developed in moderate‐to‐good yields by the reaction of sulfonyl azides, alkynes, and a dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylatetetramethylguanidine adduct catalyzed by CuI in MeCN at room temperature.
Synthesis of 3‐aminomethylidenechroman‐2‐carboxamides by a Sequential One‐pot Three Component Reaction and by Post‐Passerini Condensation Modification
Authors: Ghosh Jaydip , Panja Suman Kalyan , Maiti Sourav , Biswas Pritam , Sarkar, Tapas , Bandyopadhyay Chandrakanta
Published: April 2015

3‐Arylaminomethylidenechroman‐2‐carboxamide has been synthesized by a one‐pot three component reaction among 3‐formylchromone, aromatic amine, and cyclohexyl isocyanide. 3‐(N‐alkylsubstitued/unsubstituted)aminomethylidenechroman‐2‐carboxamides were synthesized by heating Passerini products derived from chromone‐3‐carbaldehyde with different aliphatic primary amines. The products obtained from the reactions of aliphatic primary amines readily form chromeno[2,3‐c]pyrrole when heated in acetic acid. Bischromanones have also been synthesized using this methodology.
Novel Ferrocenyl Linked Pyrazoline Analogs as Potent Antiamoebic Agents
Authors: Parveen Humaira , Mukhtar Sayeed , Azam Amir
Published: April 2015

Some novel ferrocenyl linked pyrazoline analogs were synthesized, well characterized, and evaluated for in vitro antiamoebic activity against HM1 : IMSS strain of Entamoeba histolytica. Most of the compounds exhibited higher antiamoebic activity with the IC50 value in the range of 0.12–1.20 μM, than the reference drug metronidazole, (IC50 value of 1.78 μM). Compound 9 showed the most promising antiamoebic activity (IC50 = 0.12 μM), concluding that these compounds hold immense potential to be employed as new antiamoebic agents. Also, being novel, they can be a solution to the increasing resistance that has posed a major problem globally.
New Approach to Determine the Activation and Reaction Volumes of Low Polar Molecular Processes
Authors: Kornilov Dmitry A. , Kiselev Vladimir D.
Published: April 2015

For low polar molecular processes, we found the reliable relationship between the logarithm changes of the rate or equilibrium constants in the pressure range 1–1000 bar, [Ln(KP = 1000/KP = 1)/1000], and tangent modulus at P = 1 bar, ∂Ln(KP)/∂P: ∂Ln(KP)/∂P = 1.15·[Ln(KP = 1000/KP = 1)/1000], R = 0.995, which allows to predict the value of activation and reaction volume at ambient pressure. Therefore, it is sufficient to determine the values of the rate or equilibrium constants only at ambient pressures and at 1000 bar for the reliable estimation of the values of activation or reaction volume.
Pallidal activity in myoclonus dystonia correlates with motor signs
Authors: Welter Marie‐Laure , Grabli David , Karachi Carine , Jodoin Nicolas , Fernandez‐Vidal Sara , Brun Yohann , Navarro Soledad , Rogers Alister , Cornu Philippe , Pidoux Bernard , Yelnik Jérôme , Roze Emmanuel , Bardinet Eric , Vidailhet Marie
Published: April 2015

Background

Myoclonus–dystonia related to epsilon‐sarcoglycan gene mutations is characterized by myoclonic jerks and mild to moderate dystonia. The role of basal ganglia dysfunction in the pathogenesis is unknown.

Methods

Pallidal neuronal activity was recorded in six myoclonus–dystonia and six primary generalized dystonia patients operated on for internal globus pallidus deep brain stimulation.

Results

In myoclonus–dystonia patients compared with primary‐dystonia patients, internal pallidum neurons showed higher burst frequency, lower mean burst, and pause durations. External pallidum neurons showed higher mean pause frequency. Oscillatory activity was present in 33% and 35% of internal pallidum neurons in myoclonus–dystonia and primary‐dystonia patients, respectively, predominantly in the theta frequency band (3‐8 Hz). In myoclonus–dystonia patients with more severe myoclonus, internal pallidum neurons exhibited a higher bursting activity with high intraburst frequency and lower oscillatory activity frequency.

Conclusions

Myoclonus–dystonia appears to be related to specific changes in internal pallidum activity, leading to disruption in striato‐pallido‐thalamo‐cortical circuits. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Extracorporeal photopheresis performed on the CELLEX® compared with the UVAR‐XTS® instrument is more efficient and better tolerated in children with steroid‐refractory graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Kapadia Ekta , Wong Edward , Perez‐Albuerne Evelio , Jacobsohn David
Published: April 2015

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective therapy in children with refractory graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). The two most frequently used instruments are UVAR‐XTS® and CELLEX®. We performed a retrospective chart review of ten patients who underwent ECP with both UVAR‐XTS® and CELLEX® instruments for steroid‐refractory acute or chronic GVHD to compare instrument run times, percentages of cells treated, and complication rates. We found that compared to the UVAR‐XTS® instrument, use of the CELLEX® instrument resulted in shorter run times, increased percentage of mononuclear cells treated, reduced incidence of line occlusions requiring TPA treatment, and decreased incidence of patient‐related complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1485–1488. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Online estimation of laser incision depth for transoral microsurgery: approach and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Fichera Loris , Pardo Diego , Illiano Placido , Ortiz Jesùs , Caldwell Darwin G. , Mattos Leonardo S.
Published: April 2015

Background

The use of lasers in transoral surgery enables precise tissue incision with minimal adverse effects on surrounding structures. Nonetheless, the lack of haptic feedback during laser cutting impairs the surgeon's perception of the incision depth, potentially leading to undesired tissue damage.

Methods

This paper presents a novel approach, based on statistical regression analysis, to estimate the laser incision depth in soft tissue. User trials were conducted in a laser surgery set‐up, to verify the effectiveness of online estimation of incision depth in supporting precise tissue cutting.

Results

The estimation accuracy was verified on ex vivo muscle tissue, revealing a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.1 mm for depths ranging up to 1.4 mm. Online estimation of depth has the potential to significantly improve the incision control of users.

Conclusions

The proposed approach was successful in producing estimations of laser cutting depth in ex vivo muscle tissue. Further investigation is required to validate this approach on other types of tissue. Providing depth estimation during laser cutting allows users to perform more precise incisions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HIV Testing Experience and Risk Behavior Among Sexually Active Black Young Adults: A CBPR‐Based Study Using Respondent‐Driven Sampling in Durham, North Carolina
Authors: MacQueen Kathleen M. , Chen Mario , Jolly David , Mueller Monique P. , Okumu Eunice , Eley Natalie T. , Laws Michelle , Isler Malika Roman , Kalloo Allison , Rogers Randy C.
Published: April 2015

African Americans are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic inclusive of men who have sex with men, heterosexual men, and women. As part of a community‐based participatory research study we assessed HIV testing experience among sexually active 18–30 year old Black men and women in Durham, NC. Of 508 participants, 173 (74 %) men and 236 (86 %; p = 0.0008) women reported ever being tested. Barriers to testing (e.g., perceived risk and stigma) were the same for men and women, but men fell behind mainly because a primary facilitator of testing—routine screening in clinical settings—was more effective at reaching women. Structural and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV infection were prevalent but did not predict HIV testing experience. Reduced access to health care services for low income Black young adults may exacerbate HIV testing barriers that already exist for men and undermine previous success rates in reaching women.
Protein kinase A signaling and calcium ions are major players in PAF mediated toxicity against Aspergillus niger
Authors: Binder Ulrike , Benčina Mojca , Fizil Ádám , Batta Gyula , Chhillar Anil K. , Marx Florentine
Published: April 2015

The Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein PAF is toxic against potentially pathogenic Ascomycetes. We used the highly sensitive aequorin‐expressing model Aspergillus niger to identify a defined change in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ dynamics in response to PAF. This Ca2+ signature depended on an intact positively charged lysine‐rich PAF motif. By combining Ca2+ measurements in A. niger mutants with deregulated cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, we proved the interconnection of Ca2+ perturbation and cAMP/PKA signaling in the mechanistic function of PAF. A deep understanding of the mode of action of PAF is an invaluable prerequisite for its future application as new antifungal drug.
Simpliciores,Eruditi, and the Noetic Form of God: Pre-Nicene Christology Revisited
Authors: Giulea Dragoş Andrei
Published: April 2015

Carl W. Griffin and David L. Paulsen have shown that anthropomorphism, one of the most popular and equally biblical tenets of ancient Christianity, was spread out not only among thesimpliciores(the simple) of the early ecclesia but also among itseruditi(its educated members), particularly suchdocti(learned) in Stoicism like Tertullian. Following previous researchers, Griffin and Paulsen have also argued that Christian Platonizing authors, starting with Origen in the East and Marius Victorinus in the West, developed a sturdy campaign of promoting the doctrine of an incorporeal God. At a time when the clergy itself was largely conceiving God as a corporeal entity, the Christian Platonists were heavily employing the rhetoric of erudition in order to uphold an anti-anthropomorphist agenda. Other scholars have noticed that Origen of Alexandria was the first (or among the first) to relate the anthropomorphist position to the uneducated members of the Christian community, thesimpliciores. Later on, Cassian, Socrates, Sozomen, and Palladius will communicate the events of the Origenist debate by means of the same distinction betweensimplicioresanderuditi. As Elizabeth A. Clark observes:

According to several fifth-century Christian writers—Socrates, Sozomen, and Palladius, all of whom sided with the alleged Origenists—the simple desert Monks were outraged by Theophilus of Alexandria's Festal Letter of 399 that championed God's incorporeality, a position in accord with that of Alexandria's most important theologian, Origen.

Griffin and Paulsen equally find several Augustinian pages in which the bishop of Hippo asserts that the “Church'seducated men(docti)” cannot embrace anthropomorphism, and he prefers to portray the less educated Christians as “whimpering babies,” “children,” or possessing a “childishness of mind.”
Older people's exercising of choice in long-term care: a comparative analysis of England and Japan
Authors: WADA YOSHIMI
Published: April 2015

There has been an increasing emphasis on choice for older people in long-term care in both England and Japan. However, despite the emphasis on the importance of choice, the perspectives of older people have been given little attention. Considering national and local policies in Bristol, England and Kyoto, Japan, the article explores how older people are exercising (and not exercising) choice in care practice through examining the perspectives of the older people themselves, as well as key informants in the field. Empirical data were collected from interviews with older people and key informants in the two countries, and were analysed using qualitative and comparative approaches. Choice in policy is regarded as a mechanism of the market with an assumption of the independent autonomous individual who can exercise ‘rational choice’. However, the findings have reflected older people's relational decision-making, which does not conform to the rational model of decision-making, and illustrates the value of ‘interdependence’. The findings from care practice have shown that choice was considered an important value in involving older people's views and ensuring their needs are met sensitively and respectfully. The findings also suggested that consideration of the psychological aspects of choice is an important aspect of ‘care’, facilitating the inclusion of older people's views in the process of making judgements, in order to meet their needs.
A nonlinear trajectory tracking controller for mobile robots with velocity limitation via parameters regulation
Authors: Serrano Mario E. , Godoy Sebastián A. , Mut Vicente A. , Ortiz Oscar A. , Scaglia Gustavo J. E.
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses the problem of trajectory tracking control in mobile robots under velocity limitations. Following the results reported in ref. [1], the problem of trajectory tracking considering control actions constraint is focused and the zero convergence of the tracking errors is demonstrated. In this work, the original methodology is expanded considering a controller that depends not only on the position but also on the velocity. A simple scheme is obtained, which can be easily implemented in others controllers of the literature. Experimental results are presented and discussed, demonstrating the good performance of the controller.
One-stage surgical treatment for Cantrell syndrome without repairing the left ventricular diverticulum: a case report
Authors: Yang Yang , Jiang Zhaolei , Ding Fangbao
Published: April 2015

Cantrell syndrome includes the defects of the heart, pericardium, diaphragm, abdominal wall, and sternum. The operative mortality is usually high. We report here a one-stage surgical correction in a case of Cantrell syndrome with left ventricular diverticulum.
Evans Receives 2014 Basu United States Early Career Award for Research Excellence in Sun-Earth Systems Science
Authors:   AGU
Published: April 2015

Rebekah Evans received the 2014 Basu United States Early Career Award for Research Excellence in Sun-Earth Systems Science at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 15–19 December in San Francisco, Calif. This award is given annually to one early career scientist (no more than 3 years post-degree) from the United States in recognition of significant work that shows the focus and promise of making outstanding contributions to research in Sun-Earth systems science that further the understanding of both plasma physical processes and their applications for the benefit of society.
Do All These Weather Satellites Really Improve Forecasts?
Authors: Betz Eric
Published: April 2015

A team of researchers put an array of space- and ground-based weather instruments to the test and found that the common weather balloon is irreplaceable for forecasting rainfall.
Spermidine promotes retinal ganglion cell survival and optic nerve regeneration in adult mice following optic nerve injury
Authors: Noro T , Namekata K , Kimura A , Guo X , Azuchi Y , Harada C , Nakano T , Tsuneoka H , Harada T
Published: April 2015

Spermidine acts as an endogenous free radical scavenger and inhibits the action of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we examined the effects of spermidine on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in a mouse model of optic nerve injury (ONI). Daily ingestion of spermidine reduced RGC death following ONI and sequential in vivo retinal imaging revealed that spermidine effectively prevented retinal degeneration. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) is an evolutionarily conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase and has an important role in ONI-induced RGC apoptosis. We demonstrated that spermidine suppresses ONI-induced activation of the ASK1-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Moreover, production of chemokines important for microglia recruitment was decreased with spermidine treatment and, consequently, accumulation of retinal microglia is reduced. In addition, the ONI-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the retina was inhibited with spermidine treatment, particularly in microglia. Furthermore, daily spermidine intake enhanced optic nerve regeneration in vivo. Our findings indicate that spermidine stimulates neuroprotection as well as neuroregeneration, and may be useful for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases including glaucoma.
Oscillatory three-phase flow reactor for studies of bi-phasic catalytic reactions
Authors: Abolhasani Milad , Bruno Nicholas C. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: April 2015

Oscillatory flow reactor strategy removes the mixing, mass transfer and residence time limitations associated with continuous multi-phase flow approaches for studies of bi-phasic C–C and C–N catalytic reactions.
Regiospecific growth of Au on a concave PtZn nanocube forming an Au–PtZn surface mosaic nanocube and an Au–PtZn octapod
Authors: Lee Ki Woong , An Hyohyun , Haam Seungjoo , Baik Hionsuck , Lee Kwangyeol
Published: April 2015

Regioselective growth of a heterophase on facet-controlled nanocrystals is an indispensable step towards generation of geometrically well-defined heteronanoarchitectures.
Highly active electrolytes for rechargeable Mg batteries based on a [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ cation complex in dimethoxyethane
Authors: Cheng Yingwen , Stolley Ryan M. , Han Kee Sung , Shao Yuyan , Arey Bruce W. , Washton Nancy M. , Mueller Karl T. , Helm Monte L. , Sprenkle Vincent L. , Liu Jun , Li Guosheng
Published: April 2015

A novel [Mg2(μ-Cl)2]2+ cation complex, which is highly active for reversible Mg electrodeposition, was identified for the first time in this work.
Using lithium carbonate-based electron injection structures in high-performance inverted organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chang Chih-Hao , Hsu Ming-Kuan , Wu Szu-Wei , Chen Mei-Hsin , Lin Hung-Hsuan , Li Chia-Shou , Pi Tun-Wen , Chang Hsin-Hua , Chen Nien-Po
Published: April 2015

A lithium carbonate-based bi-layered electron injection layer was introduced into inverted organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to reduce operation voltages and achieve carrier balance.
Large and negative magnetic anisotropy in pentacoordinate mononuclear Ni(ii) Schiff base complexes
Authors: Nemec Ivan , Herchel Radovan , Svoboda Ingrid , Boča Roman , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: April 2015

Pentacoordinate Ni(ii) complexes with pentadentate Schiff base ligands possess large and negative values of axial magnetic anisotropy. The relationship between the shape of the coordination polyhedron and uniaxial anisotropy is outlined.
TiO2 nanofibers resembling ‘yellow bristle grass’ in morphology by a soft chemical transformation
Authors: Nandan Sandeep , Deepak T. G. , Nair Shantikumar V. , Nair A. Sreekumaran
Published: April 2015

We synthesized a uniquely shaped one-dimensional (1-D) TiO2 nanostructure having the morphology of yellow bristle grass with high surface area by the titanate route under mild reaction conditions.
The metallome of the human placenta in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Roverso Marco , Berté Chiara , Marco Valerio Di , Lapolla Annunziata , Badocco Denis , Pastore Paolo , Visentin Silvia , Cosmi Erich
Published: April 2015

Obtaining the knowledge of the “omics” and therefore of the metallomics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) appears to be a necessary task to obtain information about the molecular causes of this disease. In this study, the metallome of GDM and of other types of diabetes mellitus was first reviewed. The comparative analysis of the published data revealed that no GDM elemental markers could be identified with sufficient reliability in blood or in the other considered samples, with the partial exception of selenium. The placenta was chosen as an alternative target organ for the analysis of the GDM metallome. The full elemental average composition of 19 healthy placentas was obtained by ICP-MS. Analyses were then performed on 28 placentas from women affected by GDM. The statistical tests and the principal component analysis evidenced that cadmium was found in lower concentrations and selenium was found in higher concentrations in GDM placentas than in those of the control group. These results were interpreted in light of literature data, and they attract attention on two key elements for understanding the molecular pathways of GDM.
Transition-metal free oxidative aliphatic C–H fluorination
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Guo Shuo , Tang Pingping
Published: April 2015

A mild and practical unactivated aliphatic C–H fluorination reaction was reported without the use of transition metals.
DNA/protein interaction, cytotoxic activity and magnetic properties of amino-alcohol Schiff base derived Cu(ii)/Ni(ii) metal complexes: influence of the nuclearity and metal ions
Authors: Niu Meiju , Li Zhen , Li Huanhuan , Li Xiao , Dou Jianmin , Wang Suna
Published: April 2015

The reactions of amino-alcohol derived Schiff-base ligands with Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) salts have afforded four novel polynuclear complexes, which exhibited interesting magnetic and cytotoxic properties.
Cellular model to assess the antioxidant activity of lactobacilli
Authors: Xing Jiali , Wang Gang , Gu Zhennan , Liu Xiaoming , Zhang Qiuxiang , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Yong Q. , Chen Wei
Published: April 2015

CAA may be a better choice for the detection of the antioxidant activity of lactobacilli.
Benzylic ethers as arylcarboxy surrogates in substrate directed ortho C–H functionalisation catalysed by copper
Authors: Khatun Nilufa , Banerjee Arghya , Santra Sourav Kumar , Ali Wajid , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: April 2015

A copper catalysedo-benzoxylation of 2-arylpyridines has been accomplished using benzylic ethers as the alternative arylcarboxy sources (ArCOO–).
Highly conductive polymer composites incorporated with electrochemically exfoliated graphene fillers
Authors: Ryu Seung Han , Kim Seil , Kim Han , Kang Sung-Oong , Choa Yong-Ho
Published: April 2015

Highly conductive polymer composites incorporated with electrochemically exfoliated graphene sheets (EGs) were fabricated through a simple and facile process without the conventional oxidation/reduction of graphene oxide (GO).
Single walled carbon nanotubes reinforced mineralized hydroxyapatite composite coatings on titanium for improved biocompatible implant applications
Authors: Gopi D. , Shinyjoy E. , Karthika A. , Nithiya S. , Kavitha L. , Rajeswari D. , Tang Tingting
Published: April 2015

Carbon nanotubes reinforced mineralized hydroxyapatite (CNT/M-HAP) composite coating on titanium by pulsed electrodeposition is a promising approach to produce bioimplants with better osseointegration capacity and improved mechanical property.
Generation of 1,2-azaboretidines via reduction of ADC borane adducts
Authors: Braunschweig H. , Gackstatter A. , Kupfer T. , Scheller T. , Hupp F. , Damme A. , Arnold N. , Ewing W. C.
Published: April 2015

ADC borane adducts RBX2·ADC (R = Mes, Dur; X = Cl, Br; ADC = :C(NiPr2)2) have been prepared and reduced by KC8 to afford air stable 1,2-azaboretidines with high selectivity.
Erythropoietin-mediated expression of placenta growth factor is regulated via activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and post-transcriptionally bymiR-214in sickle cell disease
Authors: Gonsalves Caryn S. , Li Chen , Mpollo Marthe-Sandrine Eiymo Mwa , Pullarkat Vinod , Malik Punam , Tahara Stanley M. , Kalra Vijay K.
Published: April 2015

Placental growth factor (PlGF) plays an important role in various pathological conditions and diseases such as inflammation, cancer, atherosclerosis and sickle cell disease (SCD). Abnormally high PlGF levels in SCD patients are associated with increased inflammation and pulmonary hypertension (PHT) and reactive airway disease; however, the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms regulating PlGF expression are not well defined. Herein, we show that treatment of human erythroid cells and colony forming units with erythropoietin (EPO) increased PlGF expression. Our studies showed EPO-mediated activation of HIF-1α led to subsequent binding of HIF-1α to hypoxia response elements (HREs) within the PlGF promoter, as demonstrated by luciferase transcription reporter assays and ChIP analysis of the endogenous gene. Additionally, we showed miR-214 post-transcriptionally regulated the expression of PlGF as demonstrated by luciferase reporter assays using wild-type (wt) and mutant PlGF-3′-UTR constructs. Furthermore, synthesis of miR-214, located in an intron of DNM3 (dynamin 3), was transcriptionally regulated by transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). These results were corroborated in vivo wherein plasma from SCD patients and lung tissues from sickle mice showed an inverse correlation between PlGF and miR-214 levels. Finally, we observed that miR-214 expression could be induced by fenofibrate, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved PPARα agonist, thus revealing a potential therapeutic approach for reduction in PlGF levels by increasing miR-214 transcription. This strategy has potential clinical implications for several pathological conditions including SCD.
Opportunistic usage of television white space with respect to the long term evolution‐advanced parameters
Authors: Shahrokh Shahraki Hamid
Published: April 2015

Change of transmission from analogue to digital in television (TV) systems has resulted in the formation of considerable spectrum holes in various geographical locations. Cognitive radio (CR) is one of the best structures that can be opportunistically used for optimal exploitation of these spectral sources. In this study, the authors intend to investigate the use of multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based structure in the TV white spaces bands in the downlink path with respect to long term evolution advanced (LTE‐A) parameters. For this purpose, while different spectrum holes in the TV frequency range have been introduced, their limitations in practical applications have fully been discussed. Besides, since the previous power allocation algorithms are not effective enough to be applied in the present scenario, a proper algorithm for maximising the total capacity of the CR system has been introduced. The performance efficiency of the proposed power allocation algorithm has been evaluated and justified through the consideration of the system parameters based on the LTE‐A standard.
Analysis and control of electronic power transformer with star‐configuration under unbalanced conditions
Authors: Tian Jie , Mao Chengxiong , Wang Dan , Lu Jiming , Liang Xiang , Liu Yiran
Published: April 2015

The active power adjustment capabilities of zero‐sequence and negative‐sequence voltages are mathematically compared in this study. Based on the comparison, the input currents and operating range of the electronic power transformer (EPT) using negative‐sequence voltages under unbalanced grid voltage conditions have been analysed, which can provide theoretical guidance on the design and control of the EPT. A novel reference current in the input stage is proposed for balancing three‐phase dc voltages. The proposed reference current can be rapidly adjusted to improve the dynamic response of the system and reduce the dc‐link voltage deviations when unbalanced grid voltage happens. These analysis and control schemes are supported by both simulation and experimental validation.
Power quality enhancement by coordinated operation of thyristor switched capacitor and optimal reclosing of circuit breakers
Authors: Ghosh Sagnika , Hasan Ali Mohd.
Published: April 2015

This study proposes a new method of power quality enhancement by using the combined operation of thyristor switched capacitor (TSC) and optimal reclosing of circuit breakers in a multi‐machine power network. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, its performance is compared with that of the combined operation of thyristor‐controlled braking resistor (TCBR) and optimal reclosing of circuit breakers. The total kinetic energy‐based optimal reclosing method is considered. To analyse the effectiveness of the proposed technique, the IEEE nine‐bus power system model is considered. Both balanced and unbalanced temporary and permanent faults at different locations in the power system model are considered. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed TSC together with the optimal reclosing method performs well. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method is better than that of the combination of TCBR and the optimal reclosing method.
A new method for detection of fake data in measurements at smart grids state estimation
Authors: Khorshidi Reza , Shabaninia Feridon
Published: April 2015

In the smart grids area, attractive issues are created for the hackers such that they tend to interface the control of smart grids deliberately or unintentionally so that the normal operations of these systems are endangered. According to the insight of the smart grids systems, it is anticipated that in near future, all the distribution systems would be operated smartly. In this regard, the state estimation and control algorithms should be improved to be able to detect and omit fake data of measurements appropriately. Some methods for state estimation, such as Kalman filter as a proper criterion can omit the noisy data from the measurements. Similarly, the chi‐square method is capable of detecting bad data, but cannot detect and remove unreal and fake data. The purpose of this work is to propose a suitable method for state estimation in the smart grids considering the possibility of having fake data measurement. It will be shown that the use of evolutionary algorithms, such as bat algorithm with a hybrid approach based on the weighted least square technique makes it possible to detect and omit fake data.
The influence of the parasitic current on the nonlinear electrical response of capacitively sensed cantilever resonators
Authors: Vidal-Álvarez Gabriel , Torres Francesc , Barniol Núria , Gottlieb Oded
Published: April 2015

The influence of the parasitic feedthrough current on the nonlinear electrical response of capacitively sensed cantilever resonators is analyzed theoretically and experimentally. We show that the parasitic current strongly affects the shape of the nonlinear electrical frequency response of such devices. Specifically, we demonstrate that in the electrical measurement, the directions of the jumps from the different transitions between branches of stable solutions depend on the parasitic current and are independent of the jumps directions in the mechanical domain. As a consequence, the nonlinear electrical frequency response of cantilevers with capacitive readout presents three different hysteretic cycle topologies: counterclockwise, bow tie, and clockwise. This is in contrast with the only one topology (counterclockwise) that appears in the nonlinear mechanical frequency response.
Development of a broadband reflectivity diagnostic for laser driven shock compression experiments
Authors: Ali S. J. , Bolme C. A. , Collins G. W. , Jeanloz R.
Published: April 2015

A normal-incidence visible and near-infrared shock wave optical reflectivity diagnostic was constructed to investigate changes in the optical properties of materials under dynamic laser compression. Documenting wavelength- and time-dependent changes in the optical properties of laser-shock compressed samples has been difficult, primarily due to the small sample sizes and short time scales involved, but we succeeded in doing so by broadening a series of time delayed 800-nm pulses from an ultrafast Ti:sapphire laser to generate high-intensity broadband light at nanosecond time scales. This diagnostic was demonstrated over the wavelength range 450–1150 nm with up to 16 time displaced spectra during a single shock experiment. Simultaneous off-normal incidence velocity interferometry (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) characterized the sample under laser-compression and also provided an independent reflectivity measurement at 532 nm wavelength. The shock-driven semiconductor-to-metallic transition in germanium was documented by the way of reflectivity measurements with 0.5 ns time resolution and a wavelength resolution of 10 nm.
Synchronization of chaotic systems
Authors: Pecora Louis M. , Carroll Thomas L.
Published: April 2015

We review some of the history and early work in the area of synchronization in chaotic systems. We start with our own discovery of the phenomenon, but go on to establish the historical timeline of this topic back to the earliest known paper. The topic of synchronization of chaotic systems has always been intriguing, since chaotic systems are known to resist synchronization because of their positive Lyapunov exponents. The convergence of the two systems to identical trajectories is a surprise. We show how people originally thought about this process and how the concept of synchronization changed over the years to a more geometric view using synchronization manifolds. We also show that building synchronizing systems leads naturally to engineering more complex systems whose constituents are chaotic, but which can be tuned to output various chaotic signals. We finally end up at a topic that is still in very active exploration today and that is synchronization of dynamical systems in networks of oscillators.
Dynamic force matching: A method for constructing dynamical coarse-grained models with realistic time dependence
Authors: Davtyan Aram , Dama James F. , Voth Gregory A. , Andersen Hans C.
Published: April 2015

Coarse-grained (CG) models of molecular systems, with fewer mechanical degrees of freedom than an all-atom model, are used extensively in chemical physics. It is generally accepted that a coarse-grained model that accurately describes equilibrium structural properties (as a result of having a well constructed CG potential energy function) does not necessarily exhibit appropriate dynamical behavior when simulated using conservative Hamiltonian dynamics for the CG degrees of freedom on the CG potential energy surface. Attempts to develop accurate CG dynamic models usually focus on replacing Hamiltonian motion by stochastic but Markovian dynamics on that surface, such as Langevin or Brownian dynamics. However, depending on the nature of the system and the extent of the coarse-graining, a Markovian dynamics for the CG degrees of freedom may not be appropriate. In this paper, we consider the problem of constructing dynamic CG models within the context of the Multi-Scale Coarse-graining (MS-CG) method of Voth and coworkers. We propose a method of converting a MS-CG model into a dynamic CG model by adding degrees of freedom to it in the form of a small number of fictitious particles that interact with the CG degrees of freedom in simple ways and that are subject to Langevin forces. The dynamic models are members of a class of nonlinear systems interacting with special heat baths that were studied by Zwanzig [J. Stat. Phys. 9, 215 (1973)]. The properties of the fictitious particles can be inferred from analysis of the dynamics of all-atom simulations of the system of interest. This is analogous to the fact that the MS-CG method generates the CG potential from analysis of equilibrium structures observed in all-atom simulation data. The dynamic models generate a non-Markovian dynamics for the CG degrees of freedom, but they can be easily simulated using standard molecular dynamics programs. We present tests of this method on a series of simple examples that demonstrate that the method provides realistic dynamical CG models that have non-Markovian or close to Markovian behavior that is consistent with the actual dynamical behavior of the all-atom system used to construct the CG model. Both the construction and the simulation of such a dynamic CG model have computational requirements that are similar to those of the corresponding MS-CG model and are good candidates for CG modeling of very large systems.
Generation of excited coherent states for a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field
Authors: Mojaveri B. , Dehghani A.
Published: April 2015

We introduce excited coherent states, β,α;n≔a†nβ,α, where n is an integer and states β,α denote the coherent states of a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field. States β,α minimize the Schrödinger-Robertson uncertainty relation while having the nonclassical properties. It has been shown that the resolution of identity condition is realized with respect to an appropriate measure on the complex plane. Some of the nonclassical features such as sub-Poissonian statistics and quadrature squeezing of these states are investigated. Our results are compared with similar Agarwal’s type photon added coherent states (PACSs) and it is shown that, while photon-counting statistics of β,α,n are the same as PACSs, their squeezing properties are different. It is also shown that for large values of β, while they are squeezed, they minimize the uncertainty condition. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that by changing the magnitude of the external magnetic field, Bext, the squeezing effect is transferred from one component to another. Finally, a new scheme is proposed to generate states β,α;n in cavities.
A comparative ab initio study of superconductivity in the body centered tetragonal YC2 and LaC2
Authors: Tütüncü H. M. , Srivastava G. P.
Published: April 2015

Ab initio studies of the electronic band structure and phonon dispersion relations, using the planewave pseudopotential method and the density functional theory, have been made for the superconducting materials YC2 and LaC2. Differences in the phonon spectrum and density of states both in the acoustical and optical ranges between these materials are investigated and discussed. By integrating the Eliashberg spectral function α2F(ω), the average electron-phonon coupling parameter is found to be λ = 0.55 for YC2 and 0.54 for LaC2, indicating these to be weak-coupling BCS superconductors. It is established that about 60% of λ is contributed by acoustic phonons in both materials. Using a reasonable value of μ* = 0.13 for the effective Coulomb repulsion parameter, the superconducting critical temperature Tc is found to be 3.81 K for YC2 and 2.44 K for LaC2, in good agreement with values reported from experimental measurements.
Recovery in dc and rf performance of off-state step-stressed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with thermal annealing
Authors: Kim Byung-Jae , Hwang Ya-Hsi , Ahn Shihyun , Zhu Weidi , Dong Chen , Lu Liu , Ren Fan , Holzworth M. R. , Jones Kevin S. , Pearton Stephen J. , Smith David J. , Kim Jihyun , Zhang Ming-Lan
Published: April 2015

The recovery effects of thermal annealing on dc and rf performance of off-state step-stressed AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors were investigated. After stress, reverse gate leakage current and sub-threshold swing increased and drain current on-off ratio decreased. However, these degradations were completely recovered after thermal annealing at 450 °C for 10 mins for devices stressed either once or twice. The trap densities, which were estimated by temperature-dependent drain-current sub-threshold swing measurements, increased after off-state step-stress and were reduced after subsequent thermal annealing. In addition, the small signal rf characteristics of stressed devices were completely recovered after thermal annealing.
Stability of the complex generalized Hartree-Fock equations
Authors: Goings Joshua J. , Ding Feizhi , Frisch Michael J. , Li Xiaosong
Published: April 2015

For molecules with complex and competing magnetic interactions, it is often the case that the lowest energy Hartree-Fock solution may only be obtained by removing the spin and time-reversal symmetry constraints of the exact non-relativistic Hamiltonian. To do so results in the complex generalized Hartree-Fock (GHF) method. However, with the loss of variational constraints comes the greater possibility of converging to higher energy minima. Here, we report the implementation of stability test of the complex GHF equations, along with an orbital update scheme should an instability be found. We apply the methodology to finding the local minima of several spin-frustrated hydrogen rings, as well as the non-collinear molecular magnet Cr3, illustrating the utility of the broken symmetry GHF method and some of its lesser-known nuances.
Localized excitation of magnetostatic surface spin waves in yttrium iron garnet by shorted coaxial probe detected via spin pumping and rectification effect
Authors: Soh Wee Tee , Peng Bin , Ong C. K.
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate the localized excitation and dc electrical detection of magnetostatic surface spin waves (MSSWs) in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) by a shorted coaxial probe. Thin films of NiFe and Pt are patterned at different regions onto a common bulk YIG substrate. A shorted coaxial probe is used to excite spin precession locally near various patterned regions. The dc voltages across the corresponding regions are recorded. For excitation of the Pt regions, the dc voltage spectra are dominated by the spin pumping of MSSWs from YIG, where various modes can be clearly distinguished. For the NiFe region, it is also found that spin pumping from MSSWs generated in YIG dominated the spectra, indicating that the spin pumped currents are dissipated into charge currents via the inverse Spin Hall effect (ISHE) in NiFe. For all regions, dc signals from YIG MSSWs are observed to be much stronger than the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) uniform mode, likely due to the nature of the microwave excitation. The results indicate the potential of this probe for microwave imaging via dc detection of spin dynamics in continuous and patterned films.