bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threats to large brown algal forests in temperate seas: the overlooked role of native herbivorous fish
Authors: Gianni Fabrizio , Bartolini Fabrizio , Pey Alexis , Laurent Mathieu , Martins Gustavo M. , Airoldi Laura , Mangialajo Luisa
Published: July 2017

Canopy-forming algae are declining globally due to multiple disturbances. This decline has recently been on the increase due to the spread of some tropical herbivorous fishes. This new phenomenon has drawn attention to the effects of fish herbivory in temperate areas, which have been assumed to be negligible compared to that of invertebrates, such as sea urchins. In this study, the impact of a Mediterranean native herbivorous fish (Sarpa salpa, salema) was assessed on the canopy-forming seaweed Cystoseira amentacea var. stricta. Cystoseira amentacea forms belts in the infralittoral fringe of wave-exposed shores, which has so far been considered a refuge from fish herbivory. To test the effects of salema feeding on natural C. amentacea belts, an innovative herbivore deterrent device was conceived. Salema had a significant effect on C. amentacea by decreasing algal size, biomass and fertility, by up to 97%. The results suggest that the contribution of salema feeding to the loss of Cystoseira forests in the Mediterranean may have been overlooked. In addition, the analysis of temporal and spatial patterns of salema landings in the Mediterranean Sea suggests that salema abundance may have increased recently. Thus, along with invertebrate herbivory and anthropogenic stressors, fish herbivory may also represent a potential threat to algal forests in temperate areas.
Functional variation of SHP-2 promoter is associated with preterm birth and delayed myelination and motor development in preterm infants
Authors: Shim So-Yeon , Jeong Hye Jin , Park Hyo Jin , Kwon Eun Young , Kim Bo Min , Choi Yang Ji , Choi Youn-Hee , Cho Su Jin , Choi Ji Ha , Park Eun Ae
Published: July 2017

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase that is highly expressed in hematopoietic cells and in the CNS and exerts opposite effects on signal transduction by exerting a neuroprotective or proapoptotic effect. Several mutations of SHP-2 have been found in children with myeloproliferative disorders or malignant leukemia, and some of these can affect brain development. In the present study, we aimed to identify and functionally characterize genetic variations in SHP-2 in 72 preterm and 58 full-term infants and to evaluate the effect of the variations on neurodevelopment in preterm infants. Twelve genetic variations were identified. Among them, two variations in the SHP-2 promoter, g.-317C > T and g.-273G > A, were found to significantly increase promoter activity, and the frequency of g.-273G > A was higher in preterm infants than in full-term infants. Two transcription factors, NF-κB and GABPα, were found to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of SHP-2 by the two above-mentioned variations. In particular, we found that g.-273G > A was significantly associated with delayed myelination and poor motor development in preterm infants. Our results suggest that a functional promoter variation in SHP-2 is associated with spontaneous preterm birth itself as well as white matter myelination and neurodevelopment.
A novel optical thermometry based on the energy transfer from charge transfer band to Eu3+-Dy3+ ions
Authors: Wang Jing , Bu Yanyan , Wang Xiangfu , Seo Hyo Jin
Published: July 2017

Optical thermometry based on the up-conversion intensity ratio of thermally coupled levels of rare earth ions has been widely studied to achieve an inaccessible temperature measurement in submicron scale. In this work, a novel optical temperature sensing strategy based on the energy transfer from charge transfer bands of W-O and Eu-O to Eu3+-Dy3+ ions is proposed. A series of Eu3+/Dy3+ co-doped SrWO4 is synthesized by the conventional high-temperature solid-state method. It is found that the emission spectra, emission intensity ratio of Dy3+ (572 nm) and Eu3+ (615 nm), fluorescence color, lifetime decay curves of Dy3+ (572 nm) and Eu3+ (615 nm), and relative and absolute sensitivities of Eu3+/Dy3+ co-doped SrWO4 are temperature dependent under the 266 nm excitation in the temperature range from 11 K to 529 K. The emission intensity ratio of Dy3+ (572 nm) and Eu3+ (615 nm) ions exhibits exponentially relation to the temperature due to the different energy transfer from the charge transfer bands of W-O and Eu-O to Dy3+ and Eu3+ ions. In this host, the maximum relative sensitivity Sr can be reached at 1.71% K−1, being higher than those previously reported material. It opens a new route to obtain optical thermometry with high sensitivity through using down-conversion fluorescence under ultraviolet excitation.
Functional distinction of hyphal compartments
Authors: Tegelaar Martin , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: July 2017

Hyphae of higher fungi grow at their tips and are compartmentalized by porous septa that enable inter-compartmental cytoplasmic streaming. Woronin bodies discontinue cytoplasmic streaming by plugging the septal pores. Here, it was assessed whether apical compartments of Aspergillus niger sustain their own growth or whether their growth depends on subapical compartments. Hyphae of wildtype and the ΔhexA strain, lacking Woronin bodies, had a similar morphology and growth rate. A total of 58% and 17% of the hyphae continued growing, respectively, after dissecting the 2nd compartment. Extension rate of the apical compartments that continued growing was not affected, even when the carbon or nitrogen source was limiting. Thus, apical compartments are self-sustaining in growth. It was also shown that the first 8 subapical compartments of the wildtype, but not of the ΔhexA strain, function as a backup system for growth by forming new branches when their apical neighbouring compartment has been damaged. This backup system is pivotal in nature because of the life style of fungi to continuously explore their surrounding substrate that may prove hostile.
Effect of inoculation of Burkholderia sp. strain SJ98 on bacterial community dynamics and para-nitrophenol, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol, and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol degradation in soil
Authors: Min Jun , Wang Bin , Hu Xiaoke
Published: July 2017

para-Nitrophenol (PNP), 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol (3M4NP), and 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol (2C4NP) are highly toxic compounds that have caused serious environmental issues. We inoculated an artificially contaminated soil with Burkholderia sp. strain SJ98, which has the ability to degrade PNP, 3M4NP, and 2C4NP, and quantified bioremediation. There was accelerated degradation of all nitrophenols in inoculated treatments compared to the un-inoculated treatments. The indigenous bacteria were able to degrade PNP, but not 3M4NP or 2C4NP. Real-time PCR targeting the catabolic gene pnpA showed that levels of strain SJ98 remained stable over the incubation period. High-throughput sequencing revealed that both contamination and bioaugmentation influenced the bacterial community structure. Bioaugmentation seemed to protect Kineosporia, Nitrososphaera, and Schlesneria from nitrophenol inhibition, as well as led to a sharp increase in the abundance of Nonomuraea, Kribbella, and Saccharopolyspora. There was a significant increase in the relative abundances of Thermasporomyces, Actinomadura, and Streptomyces in both contaminated and bioaugmented treatments; this indicated that these bacteria are likely directly related to nitrophenol degradation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the simultaneous removal of PNP, 3M4NP, and 2C4NP using bioaugmentation. This study provides valuable insights into the bioremediation of soils contaminated with nitrophenols.
Inhibition of TGF-β signaling supports high proliferative potential of diverse p63+ mouse epithelial progenitor cells in vitro
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Pinto Filipa , Senoo Makoto
Published: July 2017

Mouse models have been used to provide primary cells to study physiology and pathogenesis of epithelia. However, highly efficient simple approaches to propagate mouse primary epithelial cells remain challenging. Here, we show that pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β signaling enables long-term expansion of p63+ epithelial progenitor cells in low Ca2+ media without the need of progenitor cell-purification steps or support by a feeder cell layer. We find that TGF-β signaling is operative in mouse primary keratinocytes in conventional cultures as determined by the nuclear Smad2/3 localization. Accordingly, TGF-β signaling inhibition in crude preparations of mouse epidermis robustly increases proliferative capacity of p63+ epidermal progenitor cells, while preserving their ability of differentiation in response to Ca2+ stimulation. Notably, inhibition of TGF-β signaling also enriches and expands other p63+ epithelial progenitor cells in primary crude cultures of multiple epithelia, including the cornea, oral and lingual epithelia, salivary gland, esophagus, thymus, and bladder. We anticipate that this simple and efficient approach will facilitate the use of mouse models for studying a wide range of epithelia by providing highly enriched populations of diverse p63+ epithelial progenitor cells in quantity.
Tunable uptake/release mechanism of protein microgel particles in biomimicking environment
Authors: Pepe A. , Podesva P. , Simone G.
Published: July 2017

Microgels are intra-molecular crosslinked macromolecules that can be used as vehicles to deliver and release drugs at the point-of-need in the patient’s body. Here, gelatin microgels were formed from microfluidics droplets, stabilised by aldehydes and frozen into a spheroidal shape. Microgel morphology and response to external stimuli were characterised. It was found that the behaviour of the spheroidal microgels was sensitive to both pH and ionic strength and that the distribution of charges into the microgels affected the behaviour of swelling and uptake. The uptake of molecules such as Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue were investigated as a model for drug uptake/release mechanisms. Under physiological conditions, the uptake of Rhodamine was rapid and a uniform distribution of the fluorescent molecules was recorded inside the microgels. However, the mechanism of release became slower at lower pH, which mimics the stomach environment. Under physiological conditions, Methylene Blue release occurred faster than for Rhodamine. Anionic and neutral molecules were also tested. In conclusion, the dependence of uptake and release of model drugs on basic/acid conditions shows that microgels could be used for targeted drug delivery. Different shaped microgels, such as spheres, spheroids, and rods, could be useful in tissue engineering or during vascularisation.
Doping porous silicon with erbium: pores filling as a method to limit the Er-clustering effects and increasing its light emission
Authors: Mula Guido , Printemps Tony , Licitra Christophe , Sogne Elisa , D’Acapito Francesco , Gambacorti Narciso , Sestu Nicola , Saba Michele , Pinna Elisa , Chiriu Daniele , Ricci Pier Carlo , Casu Alberto , Quochi Francesco , Mura Andrea , Bongiovanni Giovanni , Falqui Andrea
Published: July 2017

Er clustering plays a major role in hindering sufficient optical gain in Er-doped Si materials. For porous Si, the long-standing failure to govern the clustering has been attributed to insufficient knowledge of the several, concomitant and complex processes occurring during the electrochemical Er-doping. We propose here an alternative road to solve the issue: instead of looking for an equilibrium between Er content and light emission using 1–2% Er, we propose to significantly increase the electrochemical doping level to reach the filling the porous silicon pores with luminescent Er-rich material. To better understand the intricate and superposing phenomena of this process, we exploit an original approach based on needle electron tomography, EXAFS and photoluminescence. Needle electron tomography surprisingly shows a heterogeneous distribution of Er content in the silicon thin pores that until now couldn’t be revealed by the sole use of scanning electron microscopy compositional mapping. Besides, while showing that pore filling leads to enhanced photoluminescence emission, we demonstrate that the latter is originated from both erbium oxide and silicate. These results give a much deeper understanding of the photoluminescence origin down to nanoscale and could lead to novel approaches focused on noteworthy enhancement of Er-related photoluminescence in porous silicon.
Combining Low-dimensional Wavelet Features and Support Vector Machine for Arrhythmia Beat Classification
Authors: Qin Qin , Li Jianqing , Zhang Li , Yue Yinggao , Liu Chengyu
Published: July 2017

Automatic feature extraction and classification are two main tasks in abnormal ECG beat recognition. Feature extraction is an important prerequisite prior to classification since it provides the classifier with input features, and the performance of classifier depends significantly on the quality of these features. This study develops an effective method to extract low-dimensional ECG beat feature vectors. It employs wavelet multi-resolution analysis to extract time-frequency domain features and then applies principle component analysis to reduce the dimension of the feature vector. In classification, 12-element feature vectors characterizing six types of beats are used as inputs for one-versus-one support vector machine, which is conducted in form of 10-fold cross validation with beat-based and record-based training schemes. Tested upon a total of 107049 beats from MIT-BIH arrhythmia database, our method has achieved average sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 99.09%, 99.82% and 99.70%, respectively, using the beat-based training scheme, and 44.40%, 88.88% and 81.47%, respectively, using the record-based training scheme.
Development of competitive ‘pseudo’-ELISA assay for measurement of cocaine and its metabolites using molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Garcia Yadiris , Smolinska-Kempisty Katarzhina , Pereira Eduardo , Piletska Elena , Piletsky Sergey
Published: July 2017

The assay for cocaine based on molecularly imprinted nanoparticles prepared using solid phase approach is presented.
Carboxylic acid formation by hydroxyl insertion into acyl moieties on late transition metals
Authors: Chen Benjamin W. J. , Genest Alexander , Hühn Adrian , Rösch Notker
Published: July 2017

With a DFT approach, we systematically examined the barriers for OH insertion into acyl moieties on late transition metals, a reaction pertinent to the catalytic decarboxylation of biomass.
Exploring the effect of hydroxylic and non-hydroxylic solvents on the reaction of [VIVO(β-diketonate)2] with 2-aminobenzoylhydrazide in aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Biswas Nirmalendu , Patra Debashis , Mondal Bipul , Bera Sachinath , Acharyya Swarnali , Biswas Anup Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Titas Kumar , Pal Amrita , Drew Michael G. B. , Ghosh Tapas
Published: July 2017

The role of hydroxylic/non-hydroxylic solvents in the reaction of [VIVO(β-diketonate)2] with 2-aminobenzoylhydrazide in the presence/absence of air was explored.
Synthesis of a Ni2P/Ni12P5 bi-phase nanocomposite for the efficient catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol based on the unique n–n heterojunction effects
Authors: Tian Feng-Yu , Hou Dongfang , Zhang Wei-Min , Qiao Xiu-Qing , Li Dong-Sheng
Published: July 2017

The excellent catalytic performance of a Ni2P/Ni12P5 bi-phase heterojunction with KBH4 is ascribed to the unique n–n series effects of Ni2P and Ni12P5.
Systems-level organization of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression network
Authors: Shubham K. , Vinay L. , Vinod P. K.
Published: July 2017

Co-expression network analysis of visceral adipose tissue reveals the nexus between metabolism, inflammation, extracellular matrix remodelling and stress in NAFLD.
Molecular mechanism of tobramycin with human serum albumin for probing binding interactions: multi-spectroscopic and computational approaches
Authors: Raza Muslim , Wei Yun , Jiang Yang , Ahmad Aftab , Raza Saleem , Ullah Sadeeq , Han Youyou , Khan Qudrat Ullah , Yuan Qipeng
Published: July 2017

Highlighting novelty: comprehensivein vitroandin silicoinsights for understanding the novel binding site of TOB with HSA.
The origin of high electrocatalytic activity of hydrogen peroxide reduction reaction by a g-C3N4/HOPG sensor
Authors: Gomez C. G. , Silva A. M. , Strumia M. C. , Avalle L. B. , Rojas M. I.
Published: July 2017

The synthesis, manufacture and testing of a green and efficient sensor for hydrogen peroxide quantification, and understanding the reason for the interesting response observed.
Construction of hierarchically porous graphitized carbon-supported NiFe layered double hydroxides with a core–shell structure as an enhanced electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ni Yuanman , Yao Lihua , Wang Yin , Liu Bing , Cao Minhua , Hu Changwen
Published: July 2017

NiFe LDH arrays were directly grown on hierarchically porous graphitized carbon spheres to form a core–shell structured hybrid by a feasible strategy as an enhanced electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction.
A new strategy to engineer polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells with thick active layers via self-assembly of the tertiary columnar phase
Authors: Li Hongfei , Yang Zhenhua , Pan Cheng , Jiang Naisheng , Satija Sushil K. , Xu Di , Gersappe Dilip , Nam Chang-Yong , Rafailovich Miriam H.
Published: July 2017

A self-assembled ternary blend bulk heterojunction increases the optimal blend thickness, making it suitable for practical roll-to-roll organic solar cell fabrication.
Black TiO2 based core–shell nanocomposites as doxorubicin carriers for thermal imaging guided synergistic therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Ren Wenzhi , Iqbal M. Zubair , Zeng Leyong , Chen Tianxiang , Pan Yuanwei , Zhao Jinshun , Yin Hao , Zhang Lili , Zhang Jichao , Li Aiguo , Wu Aiguo
Published: July 2017

Novel black TiO2 based core–shell nanocomposites with higher drug-loading ability and ideal exciting light are prepared for thermal imaging guided synergistic photothermal-chemotherapy of breast cancer.
Control of the primary and secondary structure of polymer brushes by surface-initiated living/controlled polymerization
Authors: Hirai Tomoyasu , Kobayashi Motoyasu , Takahara Atsushi
Published: July 2017

In this review, we summarize current research regarding the precise synthesis of polymer brushes and characterization methods for their molecular aggregate structure using neutron and/or synchrotron facilities.
Formation and properties of HMX-based microspheres via spray drying
Authors: Ye B. Y. , An C. W. , Wang J. Y. , Geng X. H.
Published: July 2017

Herein, we report a facile strategy to prepare HMX-based microspheres by coating a layer of energetic binders on HMX in different dissolution way by spray dying.
Phonon characteristics, crystal structure, and intrinsic properties of a Y(Mg1/2Sn1/2)O3 ceramic
Authors: Xing Chao , Li Jianzhu , Chen Huiling , Qiao Hengyang , Yang Jun , Dong Helei , Sun Haiqing , Wang Jing , Yin Xunqian , Qi Ze-Ming , Shi Feng
Published: July 2017

Herein, a Y(Mg1/2Sn1/2)O3 (YMS) ceramic was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction method.
Synthesis and characterization of a new ion-imprinted polymer for the selective separation of thorium(iv) ions at high acidity
Authors: Liang Hele , Chen Qingde , Ma Jingyuan , Huang Yuying , Shen Xinghai
Published: July 2017

A new ion-imprinted polymer (IIP), which was synthesized with bis(2-methacryloxyethyl) phosphate as functional ligand and Th4+ as a template ion, can be used in high acidity environment.
Temperature-dependent optical phonon behaviour of a spinel Zn2TiO4single crystal grown by the optical floating zone method in argon atmosphere
Authors: Li Liang , Gao Shuohui , Cui Tian , Li Benxian , Zhou Qiang , Yuan Hongming , Xu Dapeng
Published: July 2017

The spinel Zn2TiO4single crystals were grownviaoptical floating zone technology in an argon atmosphere for the first time. And temperature dependent Raman spectra were presented.
Regulation of fatty acid and flavonoid biosynthesis by miRNAs in Lonicera japonica
Authors: Liu Juan , Yuan Yuan , Wang Yaolong , Jiang Chao , Chen Tiying , Zhu Fengjie , Zhao Yuyang , Zhou Junhui , Huang Luqi
Published: July 2017

This is the first report on miRNAs in different varieties of honeysuckle, the results of which can further facilitate the discovery of functional regulatory miRNAs involved in the secondary metabolism in L. japonica.
A BHJ-thin-film/liquid-electrolyte based electrochemical-sensor for visible light-detection
Authors: Shikoh Ali Sephar , Ahmad Zubair , Touati Farid , Shakoor R. A. , Bhadra Jolly , Al-Thani N. J.
Published: July 2017

This study presents a novel photo-sensor configuration that incorporates a layer of liquid electrolyte into the conventional BHJ photodiode arrangement.
Triple bonds of niobium with silicon, germaniun and tin: the tetrylidyne complexes [(κ3-tmps)(CO)2NbE–R] (E = Si, Ge, Sn; tmps = MeSi(CH2PMe2)3; R = aryl)
Authors: Filippou Alexander C. , Hoffmann David , Schnakenburg Gregor
Published: July 2017

A systematic, efficient route to the first heavier tetrylidyne complexes of niobium [(κ3-tmps)(CO)2NbE–R] (E = Si–Sn; R = aryl) starting from the carbonyl niobate (NMe4)[Nb(CO)4(κ2-tmps)] is presented.
Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based non-fullerene solar cells achieve high photovoltaic performance with small energy loss
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Jianyun , Zhou Zichun , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Zhu Xiaozhang
Published: July 2017

P3HT-based PSCs with a new electron acceptor, ATT-3, show a high PCE of 6.27% with a small energy loss of 0.68 eV.
MicroRNAs in the skin: role in development, homoeostasis and regeneration
Authors: Horsburgh Steven , Fullard Nicola , Roger Mathilde , Degnan Abbie , Todryk Stephen , Przyborski Stefan , O’Reilly Steven
Published: July 2017

The skin is the largest organ of the integumentary system and possesses a vast number of functions. Due to the distinct layers of the skin and the variety of cells which populate each, a tightly regulated network of molecular signals control development and regeneration, whether due to programmed cell termination or injury. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a relatively recent discovery; they are a class of small non-coding RNAs which possess a multitude of biological functions due to their ability to regulate gene expression via post-transcriptional gene silencing. Of interest, is that a plethora of data demonstrates that a number of miRs are highly expressed within the skin, and are evidently key regulators of numerous vital processes to maintain non-aberrant functioning. Recently, miRs have been targeted as therapeutic interventions due to the ability of synthetic ‘antagomiRs’ to down-regulate abnormal miR expression, thereby potentiating wound healing and attenuating fibrotic processes which can contribute to disease such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). This review will provide an introduction to the structure and function of the skin and miR biogenesis, before summarizing the literature pertaining to the role of miRs. Finally, miR therapies will also be discussed, highlighting important future areas of research.
Mutual inductance and magnetic force calculations between thick bitter circular coil of rectangular cross section with inverse radial current and filamentary circular coil with constant azimuthal current
Authors: Babic Slobodan , Akyel Cevdet
Published: July 2017

In many engineering applications, the coils of different geometrical shapes are used. Usually, these coils (circular, right etc.) are with the constant currents in different directions. In the literature, there are many papers on the calculations of the magnetic fields of the circular coils with the constant azimuthal currents or the calculations of the mutual inductance and the magnetic force between them. In some applications, where the high intensity magnetic fields are required the circular metal plates and insulating spacers are used with the inverse radial current. Such configurations form an electromagnet named after its inventor Bitter. In this study, the authors calculate the mutual inductance and the magnetic force between the thick Bitter coil of rectangular cross‐section with the inverse radial current and the circular filamentary coil with the constant azimuthal current. The semi‐analytical and the analytical expressions of these quantities are obtained over complete elliptic integrals of the first and second kind as well as Heuman's lambda function. There is one simple integral which has to be solved numerically. The results of this method are compared by those obtained by the modified filament method for the presented configuration. All results are in an excellent agreement.
Analytical derivation of the DC‐side input admittance of the direct‐voltage controlled modular multilevel converter
Authors: Stamatiou Georgios , Beza Mebtu , Bongiorno Massimo , Harnefors Lennart
Published: July 2017

The input admittance of a converter, connected to other dynamic subsystems, is a useful tool to investigate whether poorly damped oscillations or even unstable conditions might occur at certain frequencies. This is of interest in applications employing the modular multilevel converter (MMC), where the internal dynamics of the converter and the increased number of control loops greatly affect the MMC's dynamic behaviour, compared to other types of converters. In this study, the dc‐side input admittance of the direct‐voltage controlled MMC is derived analytically and verified via small‐signal perturbation in a detailed non‐linear time‐domain simulation model. The MMC's input admittance is parametrically studied and compared to the dc‐side input admittance of an equivalent two‐level converter.
Microstrip antenna array mutual coupling suppression using coupled polarisation transformer
Authors: Wei Kun , Li Jian‐Ying , Wang Ling , Xu Rui
Published: July 2017

This study presents a periodic defected ground structure (PDGS) to suppress the mutual coupling (MC) between coplanar antenna elements in a multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) communication system. The proposed PDGS consists of three defected ground structure units. They are etched away from the ground plane between antenna elements. The coupled polarisation transformer characteristic of the proposed PDGS is utilised to increase the antenna elements isolation. The increased coupled vertical linear polarisation component and decreased coupled horizontal linear polarisation component contribute to reduce the MC between antenna elements. By using this method, the authors achieve low MC level and better MIMO corresponding capacity. This method has little influence on the far‐filed main radiation properties of the antenna elements.
Broadband circularly polarised stacked patch antenna with integrated dual‐feeding network
Authors: Yang Wen‐Wen , Sun Wen‐Jian , Qin Wei , Chen Jian‐Xin , Zhou Jian‐Yi
Published: July 2017

This study describes a new low‐profile broadband circularly polarised (CP) antenna. The antenna comprises a directly fed CP patch of new configuration that excites four square parasitic patches in an upper layer and an L‐shaped parasite alongside the excited patch. This arrangement provides an improvement in axial ratio (AR) bandwidth over existing configurations, having an impedance bandwidth of 38% (return loss > 10 dB), with an AR bandwidth of 28.1% (AR < 3 dB) and a peak gain of 8.4 dBic.
Low‐profile broadband circularly polarised patch antenna with gain enhancement
Authors: Xu Hengfei , Zhou Jianyi , Yu Zhiqiang , Zhuang Jianxing
Published: July 2017

A low‐profile broadband circularly polarised patch antenna with four parasitic patches (PPAs) is presented. The proposed antenna has the advantages of broadband reflection coefficient, broadband axial‐ratio (AR) performance and low‐profile structure. First, a broadband feed network is employed to realise wide reflection coefficient and AR bandwidths. To enhance the gain performance, two types of PPAs employing parasitic technique scheme are designed and compared. Then, resonance mode theories and simulated current distributions are utilised to explain the gain enhancement issue within the operating frequency. Furthermore, the designed antenna is optimised carefully by adopting parametric analysis before fabricating and measuring. Finally, the gain enhancement is verified by the measured results of designed antenna possessing the characteristic of both high‐gain and low‐profile structure. The results indicate that the adding PPAs scheme and the resonance mode analysis are helpful on research of this type of patch antenna.
Human–vehicle classification using feature‐based SVM in 77‐GHz automotive FMCW radar
Authors: Lee Seongwook , Yoon Young‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Eun , Kim Seong‐Cheol
Published: July 2017

In this study, a human–vehicle classification using a feature‐based support vector machine (SVM) in a 77‐GHz automotive frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system is proposed. As a classification criterion, the authors use a newly defined parameter called root radar cross section which reflects the reflection characteristics of targets. Based on this parameter, three distinctive signal features are extracted from frequency‐domain received FMCW radar signals, and they become classification standards used for the SVM. Finally, through measurement results on the test field, the classification performance of the authors’ proposed method is verified, and the average classification accuracy from a four‐fold cross data validation is found to be higher than 90%. In addition, the authors’ proposed classification method is applied to distinguish a pedestrian, a vehicle, and a cyclist in a more practical situation, and it also shows good classification performance.
Image registration for InISAR based on joint translational motion compensation
Authors: Wu Wenzhen , Hu Pengjiang , Xu Shiyou , Chen Zengping , Chen Jian
Published: July 2017

The registration of inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) images is a key process in interferometric ISAR (InISAR) imaging. According to published literature, there are mainly two solutions for ISAR image registration, one is correlation coefficient based method and the other is parameter estimation of target angular motion. Though some simulation results are effective, defects of these two methods still need to be studied and solved. Different from precedent methods, the authors try new approach for ISAR image registration in this study and better results are obtained. The authors’ new approach is based on joint translational motion compensation, which consists of two steps namely joint range alignment and joint phase autofocus. The first step realises registration along range direction and the second one realises registration along cross‐range direction. The new method achieves ISAR image registration along with the translational motion compensation, thus no extra computation is needed. In addition to high computational efficiency, the new method is more precise compared with precedent methods and works well even under strong noise. Simulation results show the advantages of the proposed method in computing efficiency, precision, robustness and practicability.
Anion‐exchange synthesis of hollow BiOCl/Bi2S3 hybrids with superior capability for photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under visible light irradiation
Authors: Xu Feifan , Cheng Gang , Wei Yi , Chen Rong
Published: July 2017

BiOCl/Bi2S3 hollow hybrids were synthesised through a mild anion‐exchange method from BiOCl microspheres and thiacetamide. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption measurements, ultraviolet–visible–near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectra, photocurrent, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were employed to study the composition, structure, and properties of the as‐synthesised BiOCl/Bi2S3 hybrids. Compared to pure Bi2S3 and BiOCl products, the as‐prepared BiOCl/Bi2S3 hollow hybrids exhibited superior capability for photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium under vis light irradiation. The photocurrent and EIS results demonstrated that the low recombination rate of photoinduced electron–hole pairs was contributed to the enhanced photoreduction activity.
The microstructure and the morphology of a Ni‐P layer irradiated by a high current pulsed electron beam
Authors: Gao Jinglong , Xun Qigang , Liu Yanhui
Published: July 2017

The electroless Ni‐P plating on LY12 substrate was irradiated by a low‐energy high‐current pulsed electron beam (LEHCEB) to form an intermetallic compound. The microstructure and the morphology of the Ni‐P layer after surface treatment were investigated. The results show that the Ni‐P layer was melted into low viscosity liquid and quickly moved to a wide variety of shapes and sizes under irradiation of the LEHCEB. X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were employed to detect intermetallic compounds formed from aluminium–nickel systems including Al3 Ni, AlNi3 and Al3Ni2.
New Method of Injured Nerve Repair
Authors: Korsak Alina , Likhodiievskyi Volodymyr , Chaikovsky Yuri , Sokurenko Liudmyla
Published: July 2017

Background Innovative surgical techniques form the basis of therapeutic approaches to address the negative consequences of nerve damage. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nerve trunk regeneration after the use of an electrosurgical instrument by looking at the patterns of morphological changes in the injured nerve and the structural elements of the segment motor center.

Methodology The study was performed on male Wistar rats divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, rats with simulated sciatic nerve injury with epineural sutures; 3, rats subjected to an experimental surgical procedure using high-frequency electric welding technology; and 4, rats with simulated sciatic nerve injury without posttransection repair. To study changes in the peripheral stump of the transected nerves and L5 segments of the spinal cord, we used histologic, immunohistochemical, and morphometric methods.

Results At week 12 after the surgery, there were more S-100+ Schwann cells, increased expression of neurofilaments (NFs), and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the peripheral stump in group 3 than in groups 2 and 4, which indicates enhanced neurotization and myelination. Group 3 animals demonstrated reduced expression of S-100 and NFs in the motor center of the spinal cord compared with group 2 that suggests less pronounced reactive changes caused by electric welding technology.

Conclusions The study showed a novel surgical method using an electrosurgical instrument in a welding mode to stimulate regeneration of the injured nerve and to cause less prominent reactive changes in its segment motor center.
Comparison of Bite Force with Locking Plates versus Non-Locking Plates in the Treatment of Mandibular Fractures: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Glória José , Fernandes Ighor , Silveira Esmeralda , Souza Glaciele , Rocha Ricardo , Galvão Endi , Falci Saulo
Published: July 2017

Introduction Mandibular fractures represent a high percentage of all facial fractures, and the bite force is a fundamental parameter to measure the actual mandibular function and, subsequently, the masticatory efficiency and quality of life.

Objectives The purpose of the present systematic review was to verify if there is any difference in the bite forces of patients with mandibular fractures fixed by locking or non-locking plates, testing the null hypothesis of no difference in this parameter.

Data Synthesis A systematic review of the literature was conducted using four databases (PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science and Science Direct) without restrictions as to publication date or language. We found 3,039 abstracts, and selected 4 articles for this review.

Conclusion The overall results show better performance in bite force for the locking plates when compared with the non-locking plates in the incisor region (mean deviation [MD]: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.13–2.23), right molar region (MD: 4.71; 95%CI: 0.63–8.79) and left molar region (MD: 10.34; 95%CI: 4.55–16.13). Although the results of this study indicated a better bite force result with the locking plates, there is still no sufficient evidence to support this information safely.
Selen in der onkologischen Intervention
Authors: Stoll Günther
Published: July 2017

Die Gabe von Selen-Arzneimitteln mit dem Wirkstoff Natriumselenit-Pentahydrat als supportive Begleittherapie bei Tumorerkrankungen ist eine inzwischen gut fundierte komplementäre Behandlungsmaßnahme. Der Ausgleich der bei Tumorpatienten häufig feststellbaren Selenmangelzustände zielt auf die Refunktionalisierung der selenabhängigen Stoffwechselwege sowie die Kompensation von Nebenwirkungen.
Meningeosis carcinomatosa als seltener Metastasierungsweg eines BRAF-mutierten Mikrosatelliten-stabilen Kolonkarzinoms
Authors: Höblinger Aksana , Weber Stephanie , Tschirner Florian , Kröber Stefan , Streetz Konrad
Published: July 2017

Eine Meningeosis neoplastica ist eine seltene, aber schwerwiegende Komplikation solider Neopasien (Melanome, Mamma-, Bronchial- oder gastrointestinale Karzinome). Die klinische Manifestation der Meningeosis ist äußerst variabel. Sie äußert sich z. B. in radikulären Schmerzen mit oder ohne neurologischen Ausfällen sowie in Kopfschmerzen bis hin zu halluzinatorischen Reizsymptomen. Ob dieses unspezifischen Symptomcharakters wird eine Meningeosis neoplastica häufig zu spät diagnostiziert und behandelt. Wir berichten hier über den seltenen Fall einer Patientin mit einem lymphatisch und ossär metastasierten BRAF-mutierten Mikrosatelliten-stabilen Kolonkarzinom, welche einen Monat nach der Diagnosestellung neurologische Reiz- und Ausfallsymptome entwickelte. Durch den zytologischen Nachweis von Tumorzellen im Liquorsediment konnte – trotz einer unauffälligen MRT-Diagnostik – eine Meningeosis carcinomatosa gesichert werden. Unter einer intrathekalen Therapie mit Methotrexat, kombiniert mit einer intensiven systemischen Antikörperchemotherapie, wurde passager eine gute partielle Remission der Tumorerkrankung erreicht. Ca. 8 Monate nach Therapiebeginn entwickelte jedoch die Patientin eine progrediente Meningeosis und verstarb wenige Wochen später.
The challenge of liver resection in benign solid liver tumors in modern times – in which cases should surgery be done?
Authors: Hau Hans-Michael , Kloss Anne , Wiltberger Georg , Jahn Nora , Krenzien Felix , Benzing Christian , Schmelzle Moritz , Seehofer Daniel , Atanasov Georgi , Bartels Michael
Published: July 2017

Background Due to improved diagnostical and therapeutical approaches, benign liver tumors represent a challenge in clinical management. We here report our experience with patients undergoing liver resection for benign liver tumors.

Methods 188 One hundred eighty-eight consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for solid benign liver tumors from 1992 – 2014, were analyzed retrospectively. The focus was on diagnostic pathways, indications for surgery, and perioperative and postoperative quality of life (QoL).

Results Of 188 patients, 100 had focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) (53.2 %), 33 had hepatocellular adenoma (17.5 %), and 55 had hemangioma (29.3 %). In most patients, there was more than one 1 indication for liver resection, including tumor-associated symptoms (n = 82, 43.6 %), suspicion of malignancy (n = 104, 55.3 %), tumor disease in the medical history (n = 48, 25.5 %), or tumor enlargement (n = 27, 14.4 %). Serious complications (>grade III;, Clavien-Dindo) occurred in 9.5 % of patients. Perioperative mortality was 0.5 %. Patient pain scores decreased over time (p < 0.001). QoL after liver resection significantly improved (p = 0.007).

Conclusion Uncertainty of the tumor entity remains an issue in preoperative diagnostics. If indicated, liver resection for benign liver tumors represents a safe approach and leads to significant improvements of QoL.
Selective sensitivity in Kerr microscopy
Authors: Soldatov I. V. , Schäfer R.
Published: July 2017

A new technique for contrast separation in wide-field magneto-optical Kerr microscopy is introduced. Utilizing the light from eight light emitting diodes, guided to the microscope by glass fibers and being switched synchronously with the camera exposure, domain images with orthogonal in-plane sensitivity can be displayed simultaneously at real-time, and images with pure in-plane or polar contrast can be obtained. The benefit of this new method of contrast separation is demonstrated for Permalloy films, a NdFeB sinter magnet, and a cobalt crystal. Moreover, the new technique is shown to strongly enhance the sensitivity of Kerr microscopy by eliminating parasitic contrast contributions occurring in conventional setups. A doubling of the in-plane domain contrast and a sensitivity to Kerr rotations as low as 0.6 mdeg is demonstrated.
Chocó Spanish double negation and the genesis of the Afro-Hispanic dialects of the Americas
Authors: Sessarego Sandro
Published: July 2017

Chocó Spanish is an Afro-Hispanic dialect spoken in the Pacific lowlands of Colombia. This variety is characterized by the presence of double-negative constructions (neg2) (i.e.,yonocomono“I do not eat”), which have repeatedly been classified in the literature as the contemporary traces of a previous Afro-Portuguese creole stage for this vernacular. The present paper provides linguistic and sociohistorical evidence offering an alternative explanation. In particular,neg2 is analyzed as an archaic morphosyntactic trait which already existed in 15th–19th century Spanish and which has been preserved in Chocó Spanish and other conservative Afro-Hispanic vernaculars of Latin America.
Areal features of Hittite conditionals
Authors: Zorman Marina
Published: July 2017

Hittite conditionals exhibit some morphosyntactic peculiarities which are not yet fully understood, such as the conditional conjunctiontakkuderived from a demonstrative plus “and”, some unexpected alternations from past to present and the irrealis particle (-)manused in hypothetical, potential and contrary-to-fact conditionals. Cross-linguistically these features are not frequent, and inheritance from Proto-Indo-European cannot be claimed. A close look into the syntax and semantics of (Peripheral) Akkadian and Sumerian reveals that they may be innovations due to language contact between Hittite and Semitic languages. This fact deserves appropriate consideration in the reconstruction of Proto-Anatolian and Proto-Indo-European.
L’apport du concept d’énonciation éditoriale dans la formation des traducteurs
Authors: Léchauguette Sophie
Published: July 2017

La traduction d’ouvrages pratiques pour l’édition s’apparente plus à l’activité des traducteurs pragmatiques exerçant dans divers domaines économiques qu’à celle des traducteurs littéraires.

Une partie de la réflexion traductive commence avant l’analyse du texte de départ puisque les exigences des donneurs d’ordre, elles-mêmes fonction du lectorat visé par l’ouvrage, introduisent de multiples contraintes extra-textuelles dans la traduction. Scripteurs sous contrat, traducteurs et rédacteurs, à la différence des auteurs écrivains, ne choisissent ni les contenus, ni le style. Des consignes strictes encadrent l’effort rédactionnel, préemptant les choix lexicaux et grammaticaux pour créer un style homogène définissant l’identité d’une collection.

Ces réalités professionnelles sont au cœur de notre démarche. Une formation à la rédaction, articulée sur la socialisation des futurs professionnels et adossée à une solide connaissance de l’objet livre, support des textes, renforce l’adéquation entre la formation universitaire et les attentes des donneurs d’ordre. En l’absence de spécialisation en traduction pragmatique pour l’édition, cet article propose des pistes pour améliorer la formation des traducteurs d’édition. Il se termine par des activités intégrant la dimension sociale et intersémiotique propres à développer les compétences rédactionnelles pour débuter dans le métier.
Fracture Site Mobility at 6 Weeks After Humeral Shaft Fracture Predicts Nonunion Without Surgery
Authors: Driesman Adam S. , Fisher Nina , Karia Raj , Konda Sanjit , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: July 2017

Objectives:

To assess the presence of fracture site gross motion on physical examination to predict humeral shaft fracture progression to nonunion in patients managed nonoperatively.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Single trauma level 1 institutional center.

Patients:

Eighty-four consecutive patients undergoing nonoperative treatment of a diaphyseal humeral shaft fracture were identified. The average age of the population was 48.3 years, and 50% of the cohort was men.

Intervention:

Clinical examination for fracture stability was routinely performed on patients by the treating physicians and documented it in the medical record. Patients were followed until union or surgery for persistent fracture mobility.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Stability was graded if there was motion at the site (1: motion of any kind and 0: moved as a unit).

Results:

Seventy-three patients (87%) healed their fracture within our study cohort by 6 months postfracture. Of the remaining 11 patients, after discussion with their treating physicians about the option of surgical intervention, 8 chose to undergo open reduction internal fixation at an average of 8 months, 1 proceeded nonsurgical interventions, and 2 were lost of follow-up. If the humeral shaft fracture site was mobile at 6 weeks follow-up visit, it identified future fracture nonunion with 82% sensitivity and 99% specificity (only 1 patient with motion at 6 weeks proceeded to fracture union).

Conclusion:

With a high negative predictive value, clinical examination of fracture motion at 6 weeks should be assessed in every patient to determine which patients should obtain closer follow-up for the risk of nonunion progression. Knowledge of gross fracture motion can be used in the shared decision-making model in counseling about early surgical options.

Level of Evidence:

Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.