bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Activated-ATP@Fe3O4 Nanocomposite as an Efficient Fenton-Like Heterogeneous Catalyst for Degradation of Ethidium Bromide
Authors: Han Shuwen , Yu Hemin , Yang Tingting , Wang Shengsen , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: July 2017

Magnetic attapulgite-Fe3O4 nanocomposites (ATP-Fe3O4) were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe3O4 on ATP. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopey, X-ray diffractometry, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer and transmission electron microscopy. Surface characterization showed that Fe3O4 particles with an average size of approximately 15 nm were successfully embedded in matrix of ATP. The capacity of the Fe3O4-activated ATP (A-ATP@Fe3O4) composites for catalytic degradation of ethidium bromide (EtBr, 80 mg/L) at different pH values, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations, temperatures, and catalyst dosages was investigated. EtBr degradation kinetics studies indicated that the pseudo-first-order kinetic constant was 2.445 min−1 at T = 323 K and pH 2.0 with 30 mM H2O2, and 1.5 g/L of A-ATP@Fe3O4. Moreover, a regeneration study suggested that A-ATP@Fe3O4 maintained over 80% of its maximal EtBr degradation ability after five successive cycles. The effects of the iron concentrations and free radical scavengers on EtBr degradation were studied to reveal possible catalytic mechanisms of the A-ATP@Fe3O4 nanocomposites. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance revealed both hydroxyl (∙OH) and superoxide anion (∙O2−) radicals were involved in EtBr degradation. Radical scavenging experiment suggested EtBr degradation was mainly ascribed to ∙OH radicals, which was generated by reaction between Fe2+ and H2O2 on the surface of A-ATP@Fe3O4.
The Epstein-Barr Virus BRRF1 Gene Is Dispensable for Viral Replication in HEK293 cells and Transformation
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Watanabe Takahiro , Narita Yohei , Sato Yoshitaka , Goshima Fumi , Kimura Hiroshi , Murata Takayuki
Published: July 2017

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma-herpesvirus associated with several malignancies. It establishes a latent infection in B lymphocytes and is occasionally reactivated to enter the lytic cycle. Here we examined the role of the EBV gene BRRF1, which is expressed in the lytic state. We first confirmed, using a DNA polymerase inhibitor, that the BRRF1 gene is expressed with early kinetics. A BRRF1-deficient recombinant virus was constructed using a bacterial artificial chromosome system. No obvious differences were observed between the wild-type, BRRF1-deficient mutant and the revertant virus in HEK293 cells in terms of viral lytic protein expression, viral DNA synthesis, progeny production, pre-latent abortive lytic gene expression and transformation of primary B cells. However, reporter assays indicated that BRRF1 may activate transcription in promoter- and cell type-dependent manners. Taken together, BRRF1 is dispensable for viral replication in HEK293 cells and transformation of B cells, but it may have effects on transcription.
Assembly of “3D” plasmonic clusters by “2D” AFM nanomanipulation of highly uniform and smooth gold nanospheres
Authors: Park Kyung Jin , Huh Ji-Hyeok , Jung Dae-Woong , Park Jin-Sung , Choi Gwan H. , Lee Gaehang , Yoo Pil J. , Park Hong-Gyu , Yi Gi-Ra , Lee Seungwoo
Published: July 2017

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanomanipulation has been viewed as a deterministic method for the assembly of plasmonic metamolecules because it enables unprecedented engineering of clusters with exquisite control over particle number and geometry. Nevertheless, the dimensionality of plasmonic metamolecules via AFM nanomanipulation is limited to 2D, so as to restrict the design space of available artificial electromagnetisms. Here, we show that “2D” nanomanipulation of the AFM tip can be used to assemble “3D” plasmonic metamolecules in a versatile and deterministic way by dribbling highly spherical and smooth gold nanospheres (NSs) on a nanohole template rather than on a flat surface. Various 3D plasmonic clusters with controlled symmetry were successfully assembled with nanometer precision; the relevant 3D plasmonic modes (i.e., artificial magnetism and magnetic-based Fano resonance) were fully rationalized by both numerical calculation and dark-field spectroscopy. This templating strategy for advancing AFM nanomanipulation can be generalized to exploit the fundamental understanding of various electromagnetic 3D couplings and can serve as the basis for the design of metamolecules, metafluids, and metamaterials.
Host plants and obligate endosymbionts are not the sources for biosynthesis of the aphid alarm pheromone
Authors: Sun Zhi-Juan , Li Zheng-Xi
Published: July 2017

(E)-β-farnesene (EβF) is the major component of the alarm pheromone of many aphid species, but where EβF is synthesized in aphids is only partly understood. There are at least three most possible sources for the alarm pheromone: host plants, aphid obligate endosymbiont and aphids themselves. Here we eliminated the possibility of host plants and the obligate endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola as the sources for EβF released by aphids. We excluded the possible effects of host plants on EβF biosynthesis by rearing aphids on non-plant diets. Both the diet-reared aphids, including the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, could still release EβF based on solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Meanwhile, we treated host aphids with antibiotics to fully eliminate Buchnera bacteria. Though the treatment seriously affected the development and fecundity of host aphids, the treated aphids could still release EβF, and there was no significant difference in the EβF concentration as per the aphid weight under different rearing conditions. Taken together, our experimental results suggest that host plants and obligate endosymbionts are not the sources for EβF released by aphids, indicating that it is most probably the aphid itself synthesizes the alarm pheromone.
A novel ball-in-ball hollow NiCo2S4sphere based sensitive and selective nonenzymatic glucose sensor
Authors: Chen Dinglong , Wang Huiying , Yang Minghui
Published: July 2017

A nonenzymatic amperometric glucose sensor based on ball-in-ball hollow NiCo2S4spheres.
Toward a quantitative description of microscopic pathway heterogeneity in protein folding
Authors: Gopi Soundhararajan , Singh Animesh , Suresh Swaathiratna , Paul Suvadip , Ranu Sayan , Naganathan Athi N.
Published: July 2017

Experimentally consistent statistical modeling of protein folding thermodynamics reveals unprecedented complexity with numerous parallel folding routes in five different proteins.
A triaxial tensile deformation-induced nanoporous structure of aluminium: estimation of surface area, solid volume, and dimensionless aspect ratio
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Das Suchandan K.
Published: July 2017

Nanoporous aluminium has great importance for large scale production of automobile and aerospace spare parts due to its lightweight and non-corrosive nature. It is also suitable for various packaging applications of edible things, electronic components, and medicines.
Dithiolato- and halogenido-bridged nickel–iron complexes related to the active site of [NiFe]-H2ases: preparation, structures, and electrocatalytic H2 production
Authors: Song Li-Cheng , Han Xiao-Feng , Chen Wei , Li Jia-Peng , Wang Xu-Yong
Published: July 2017

A new series of [NiFe]-H2ase mimics (5a,b–7a,b) has been prepared and structurally characterized; particularly, they have been found to be pre-catalysts for H2 production from Cl2CHCO2H under CV conditions.
Green tea infusion protects against alcoholic liver injury by attenuating inflammation and regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Gao Qiang , Wang Taotao , Zhao Guangshan , Qian Frank , Huang Jinbao , Wang Haisong , Zhang Xin , Wang Yijun
Published: July 2017

Alcohol intake is a major risk factor for the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver diseases.
Global DNA dynamics of 8-oxoguanine repair by human OGG1 revealed by stopped-flow kinetics and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Lukina M. V. , Koval V. V. , Lomzov A. A. , Zharkov D. O. , Fedorova O. S.
Published: July 2017

The toxic action of different endogenous and exogenous agents leads to damage in genomic DNA.
Thermal rectification at the bimaterial nanocontact interface
Authors: Ye Zhen-Qiang , Cao Bing-Yang
Published: July 2017

We experimentally designed and validated the thermal rectification at the nanoscale bimaterial interface, i.e. polyamide (PA) and silicon (Si) nanowires in contact with each other, of which the rectification ratio measured by a high-precision experiment reached 4% with an uncertainty of <1%.
Ag–CuO–ZnO metal–semiconductor multiconcentric nanotubes for achieving superior and perdurable photodegradation
Authors: Xu Kaichen , Wu Jiagen , Tan Chuan Fu , Ho Ghim Wei , Wei Ang , Hong Minghui
Published: July 2017

A ternary hetero-nanostructured Ag–CuO–ZnO nanotube composite exhibits a great enhancement of photocatalytic activity and ultra-high photostability in pollutant degradation.
Exploring the upper limit of single-walled carbon nanotube purity by multiple-cycle aqueous two-phase separation
Authors: Wei Li , Flavel Benjamin S. , Li Wenshan , Krupke Ralph , Chen Yuan
Published: July 2017

Comparison of characterization methods for evaluating ultra high purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes.
Heptafluoroisopropyl diazomethane (i-C3F7CHN2): in situ generation and synthesis of pyrazoles
Authors: Mykhailiuk Pavel K.
Published: July 2017

A novel chemical reagent, heptafluoroisopropyl diazomethane (i-C3F7CHN2), has been generated in situ in aqueous media. It reacts with electron-deficient alkynes towards polyfluorinated pyrazoles that are important in agrochemistry.
The influence of the end-group on the chiral self-assembly of all-conjugated block copolymers
Authors: Van Den Eede M.-P. , Bedi A. , Delabie J. , De Winter J. , Gerbaux P. , Koeckelberghs G.
Published: July 2017

This research demonstrates the influence of the end-group on the self-assembly of conjugated polymers.
Vulpinic acid contributes to the cytotoxicity of Pulveroboletus ravenelii to human cancer cells by inducing apoptosis
Authors: Kim Sil , So Hae Min , Roh Hyun-Soo , Kim Jin , Yu Jae Sik , Lee Seul , Seok Soonja , Pang Changhyun , Baek Kwan-Hyuck , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: July 2017

We identified vulpinic acid as the main constituent that contributes to the cytotoxic activity ofPulveroboletus ravenelii, which has novel biological activity against human cancer cells.
Shadow filters based on DDCC
Authors: Khateb Fabian , Jaikla Winai , Kulej Tomasz , Kumngern Montree , Kubánek David
Published: July 2017

This study presents a new realisation of voltage‐mode shadow filters based on low‐voltage low‐power differential difference current conveyor (DDCC). Thanks to the attractive features of the DDCC, including its capability of performing arithmetic operations, the proposed filters offer the advantage of circuit simplicity, minimum number of active and passive elements, and no need for additional summing circuit, compared to the previous available shadow filter designs. The DDCC was designed and fabricated in Cadence platform using 0.35 μm CMOS AMIS process with supply voltage and power consumption of 1 V and 37 µW, respectively. The presented simulation and experimental results using a real chip validate the functionality of the proposed filters.
Surface acoustic wave type electrode‐area‐weighted wavelet inverse‐transform processors with phase compensation
Authors: Gao Lili , Lu Wenke
Published: July 2017

The main purpose of this research is to investigate a novel implementation method for a surface acoustic wave type (SAWT) electrode‐area‐weighted (EAW) wavelet inverse‐transform processor (WITP). The method of EAW is that the electrode areas of the input and output interdigital transducers (IDTs) are proportional to the envelope areas of the wavelet function (i.e. the two IDTs are identical). By this method, the SAWT EAW WITP is fabricated on X‐112°Y LiTaO3 substrate material. In the study, the diffraction problem and phase difference as two key problems are presented and the solution to two problems are implemented.
Investigation of Cysteine as an Activator of Side-Chain N→S Acyl Transfer and Tail-to-Side-Chain Cyclization
Authors: Macmillan Derek , Castillo-Pazos Durbis
Published: July 2017

N→S Acyl transfer is a popular method for the postsynthesis production of peptide C
α-thioesters for use in native chemical ligation and for the synthesis of head-to-tail cyclic peptides. Meanwhile thioester formation at the side chain of aspartic or glutamic acids, leading to tail-to-side-chain-cyclized species, is less common. Herein we explore the potential for cysteine to function as a latent thioester when appended to the side chain of glutamic acid. Initial insights gained through study of C-terminal β-alanine as a model for the increased chain length were ultimately applied to peptide macrocyclization. Our results emphasize the increased barrier to acyl transfer at the glutamic acid side chain and indicate how a slow reaction, facilitated by cysteine itself, may be accelerated by fine-tuning of the stereoelectronic environment.
Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Aza[7]helicenes by One-Pot Wittig–Heck and Photodehydrogenation Sequence
Authors: Bedekar Ashutosh , Rajan Blessy
Published: July 2017

An efficient protocol for the synthesis of unsymmetrical aza[7]helicenes has been developed. The bis-styryl-type substrates for regiospecific photodehydrogenative oxidative double cyclization to give helicenes were prepared by a one-pot Wittig–Heck sequence as well as a stepwise procedure. The derivatives were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy in Obese Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gunatilake Ravindu , Swamy Geeta , Brancazio Leo , Smrtka Michael , Thompson Jennifer , Gilner Jennifer , Gray Beverly , Heine Robert
Published: July 2017

Background Postcesarean wound morbidity is a costly complication of cesarean delivery for which preventative strategies remain understudied.

Objective We compared surgical site occurrences (SSOs) in cesarean patients receiving closed-incision negative-pressure therapy (ciNPT) or standard-of-care (SOC) dressing.

Study Design A single-center randomized controlled trial compared ciNPT (5–7 days) to SOC dressing (1–2 days) in obese women (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35), undergoing cesarean delivery between 2012 and 2014. Participants were randomized 1:1 and monitored 42 ± 10 days postoperatively. The primary outcome SSOs included unanticipated local inflammation, wound infection, seroma, hematoma, dehiscence, and need for surgical or antibiotic intervention.

Results Of the 92 randomized patients, 82 completed the study. ciNPT and SOC groups had similar baseline characteristics. Mean BMI was 46.5 ± 6.5 and no treatment-related serious adverse events. Compared with SOC, the ciNPT group had fewer SSOs (7/43 [16.3%] vs. 2/39 [5.1%], respectively; p = 0.16); significantly fewer participants with less incisional pain both at rest (39/46 [84.8%] vs. 20/46 [43.5%]; p < 0.001) and with incisional pressure (42/46 [91.3%] vs. 25/46 [54.3%]; p < 0.001); and a 30% decrease in total opioid use (79.1 vs. 55.9 mg morphine equivalents, p = 0.036).

Conclusion A trend in SSO reduction and a statistically significant reduction in postoperative pain and narcotic use was observed in women using ciNPT.
Adipositas – Teil 2: Auslöser und Ursachen
Authors: Friedrichsen Hans-Peter
Published: July 2017

An der Entstehung von Adipositas sind zahlreiche Faktoren beteiligt. Dazu gehören auch epigenetische Veränderungen, ausgelöst durch pränatale Einflüsse wie die Ernährung der Mutter in der Schwangerschaft oder Endocrine disruptors. Neben dem Mikrobiom sowie der durch extrinsische und intrinsische Faktoren beeinflussten Regulation von Appetit und Sättigung spielt die Zusammensetzung der Ernährung eine wichtige Rolle.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome – dissection of a disease
Authors: Enck Paul , Frieling Thomas , Schemann Michael
Published: July 2017

The last 35 years (since about 1985) have produced a vast amount of scientific publications regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with no real progress: The etiology and pathogenesis of IBS is still incompletely understood. Diagnosis and therapy is left to the individual understanding of the treating physicians in general medicine, gastroenterology and psychosomatic/psychiatry. In this gloss, three prominent representatives of neurogastroenterology in Germany, assess their own contributions and those of their colleagues and lament the huge gap between ambitions and reality in clinical and basic science in IBS.
Effect of dust ion collisional frequency on transition of dust ion acoustic waves from quasiperiodic motion to limit cycle oscillation in a magnetized dusty plasma
Authors: Kanti Das Tushar , Saha Asit , Pal Nikhil , Chatterjee Prasanta
Published: July 2017

The effect of dust ion collisional frequency on dust ion acoustic waves (DIAWs) is investigated in a magnetized collisional dusty plasma with isothermal electrons considering an external periodic perturbation. Employing the reductive perturbation technique, the damped Kadomtsev-Petviashili equation is derived to describe the dynamic oscillations of DIAWs in the presence of collisions between dusts and ions. It is perceived that the dust ion collisional frequency significantly changes the dynamics of the DIAWs and plays a crucial role in the transition from quasiperiodic motion to limit cycle oscillation. This study may be helpful to understand the effect of dust ion collisional frequency on the features of DIAWs in planetary rings, interstellar clouds, and comet tails.
Strain modification on electronic transport of the phosphorene nanoribbon
Authors: Yuan Yawen , Cheng Fang
Published: July 2017

We demonstrate theoretically how local strains can be tailored to control quantum transport of carriers on monolayer armchair and zigzag phosphorene nanoribbon. We find that the electron tunneling is forbidden when the in-plane strain exceeds a critical value. The critical strain is different for different crystal orientation of the ribbons, widths, and incident energies. By tuning the Fermi energy and strain, the channels can be transited from opaque to transparent. Moreover, for the zigzag-phosphorene nanoribbon, the two-fold degenerate quasi-flat edge band splits completely under certain strain. These properties provide us an efficient way to control the transport of monolayer phosphorene-based microstructure.
Combustion dynamics of low vapour pressure nanofuel droplets
Authors: Pandey Khushboo , Chattopadhyay Kamanio , Basu Saptarshi
Published: July 2017

Multiscale combustion dynamics, shape oscillations, secondary atomization, and precipitate formation have been elucidated for low vapour pressure nanofuel [n-dodecane seeded with alumina nanoparticles (NPs)] droplets. Dilute nanoparticle loading rates (0.1%–1%) have been considered. Contrary to our previous studies of ethanol-water blend (high vapour pressure fuel), pure dodecane droplets do not exhibit internal boiling after ignition. However, variation in surface tension due to temperature causes shape deformations for pure dodecane droplets. In the case of nanofuels, intense heat release from the enveloping flame leads to the formation of micron-size aggregates (of alumina NPS) which serve as nucleation sites promoting heterogeneous boiling. Three boiling regimes (A, B, and C) have been identified with varying bubble dynamics. We have deciphered key mechanisms responsible for the growth, transport, and rupture of the bubbles. Bubble rupture causes ejections of liquid droplets termed as secondary atomization. Ejection of small bubbles (mode 1) resembles the classical vapour bubble collapse mechanism near a flat free surface. However, large bubbles induce severe shape deformations as well as bulk oscillations. Rupture of large bubbles results in high speed liquid jet formation which undergoes Rayleigh-Plateau tip break-up. Both modes contribute towards direct fuel transfer from the droplet surface to flame envelope bypassing diffusion limitations. Combustion lifetime of nanofuel droplets consequently has two stages: stage I (where bubble dynamics are dominant) and stage II (formation of gelatinous mass due to continuous fuel depletion; NP agglomeration). In the present work, variation of flame dynamics and spatio-temporal heat release (HR) have been analysed using high speed OH* chemiluminescence imaging. Fluctuations in droplet shape and flame heat release are found to be well correlated. Droplet flame is bifurcated in two zones (I and II). Flame response is manifested in two frequency ranges: (i) buoyant flame flickering and (ii) auxiliary frequencies arising from high intensity secondary ejections due to bubble ruptures. Addition of alumina NPs enhances the heat absorption rate and ensures the rapid transfer of fuel parcels (detached daughter droplets) from droplet surface to flame front through secondary ejections. Therefore, average HR shows an increasing trend with particle loading rate (PLR). The perikinetic agglomeration model is used to explain the formation of gelatinous sheath during the last phase of droplet burning. Gelatinous mass formed results in bubble entrapment. SEM images of combustion precipitates show entrapped bubble cavities along with surface and sub-surface blowholes. Morphology of combustion precipitate shows a strong variation with PLRs. We have established the coupling mechanisms among heat release, shape oscillations, and secondary atomizations that underline the combustion behaviour of such low vapour pressure nanofuels.
Coupled cluster valence bond theory for open-shell systems with application to very long range strong correlation in a polycarbene dimer
Authors: Small David W. , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: July 2017

The Coupled Cluster Valence Bond (CCVB) method, previously presented for closed-shell (CS) systems, is extended to open-shell (OS) systems. The theoretical development is based on embedding the basic OS CCVB wavefunction in a fictitious singlet super-system. This approach reveals that the OS CCVB amplitude equations are quite similar to those of CS CCVB, and thus that OS CCVB requires the same level of computational effort as CS CCVB, which is an inexpensive method. We present qualitatively correct CCVB potential energy curves for all low-lying spin states of P2 and Mn2+. CCVB is successfully applied to the low-lying spin states of some model linear polycarbenes, systems that appear to be a hindrance to standard density functionals. We examine an octa-carbene dimer in a side-by-side orientation, which, in the monomer dissociation limit, exhibits maximal strong correlation over the length of the polycarbene.
Native point defects on hydrogen-passivated 4H–SiC (0001) surface and the effects on metal adsorptions
Authors: Wang Tingting , Liu Guiwu , Li Yuanyuan , Hou Haigang , Xu Ziwei , Wang Mingsong , Qiao Guanjun
Published: July 2017

With the continued expansion of silicon carbide’s (SiC) applications, atomistic understanding on the native point defects of its surfaces, particularly on those of the hydrogen-passivated (HP) 4H–SiC (0001) surface, becomes imperative. Using first-principles calculations, the structures and formation energies of several typical native point defects (e.g., ISi, IC, VSi, VC, and SiC) on the (0001) HP-surface of 4H–SiC were systematically explored, including the effects of the unit cell size, environmental condition, charge state, and hydrogen incorporation. Furthermore, their adsorptions of Ag (Mo) atom on these defective sites were systematically investigated. The formation energies of these defects in the HP-surface, clean surface, and bulk SiC were concluded together with their thermodynamic concentrations in the HP-surface estimated. The influences of these defects to metal (Ag, Mo) adsorptions of HP-surfaces were concluded. Based on these conclusions, the wettability improvement between the metal liquid and ion (Ag or Mo) implanted SiC substrates in the previous studies can be well understood at the atomistic scale. This study provides a theoretical guideline to SiC surface modification for the production of metal–SiC composites, brazing of SiC with metals, fabrication of electronic devices, or the growth of two dimensional nanofilms.
An eight-channel Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak
Authors: Hu J. Q. , Zhou C. , Liu A. D. , Wang M. Y. , Doyle E. J. , Peebles W. A. , Wang G. , Zhang X. H. , Zhang J. , Feng X. , Ji J. X. , Li H. , Lan T. , Xie J. L. , Ding W. X. , Liu W. D. , Yu C. X.
Published: July 2017

Doppler backscattering system can measure the perpendicular velocity and fluctuation amplitude of the density turbulence with intermediate wavenumber. An eight-channel Doppler backscattering system has been installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), which can probe eight different radial locations simultaneously by launching eight fixed frequencies (55, 57.5, 60, 62.5, 67.5, 70, 72.5, 75 GHz) into plasma. The quasi-optical system consists of circular corrugated waveguide transmission, a fixed parabolic mirror, and a rotatable parabolic mirror which are integrated with quasi-optics front-end of the profile reflectometer inside the vacuum vessel. The incidence angle can be chosen from 5° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 2–15/cm with the wavenumber resolution Δk/k≤0.21. Ray tracing simulations are used to calculate the scattering locations and the perpendicular wavenumber. The dynamic range of this new eight-channel Doppler backscattering system can be as large as 40 dB in the EAST. In this article, the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results in the EAST will be presented.
Higher-order modulation theory for resonant flow over topography
Authors: Daher Albalwi M. , Marchant T. R. , Smyth Noel F.
Published: July 2017

The flow of a fluid over isolated topography in the long wavelength, weakly nonlinear limit is considered. The upstream flow velocity is assumed to be close to a linear long wave velocity of the unforced flow so that the flow is near resonant. Higher order nonlinear, dispersive and nonlinear-dispersive terms beyond the Korteweg-de Vries approximation are included so that the flow is governed by a forced extended Korteweg-de Vries equation. Modulation theory solutions for the undular bores generated upstream and downstream of the forcing are found and used to study the influence of the higher-order terms on the resonant flow, which increases for steeper waves. These modulation theory solutions are compared with numerical solutions of the forced extended Korteweg-de Vries equation for the case of surface water waves. Good comparison is obtained between theoretical and numerical solutions, for properties such as the upstream and downstream solitary wave amplitudes and the widths of the bores.
Magnetic induction of hyperthermia by a modified self-learning fuzzy temperature controller
Authors: Wang Wei-Cheng , Tai Cheng-Chi
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study involved developing a temperature controller for magnetic induction hyperthermia (MIH). A closed-loop controller was applied to track a reference model to guarantee a desired temperature response. The MIH system generated an alternating magnetic field to heat a high magnetic permeability material. This wireless induction heating had few side effects when it was extensively applied to cancer treatment. The effects of hyperthermia strongly depend on the precise control of temperature. However, during the treatment process, the control performance is degraded due to severe perturbations and parameter variations. In this study, a modified self-learning fuzzy logic controller (SLFLC) with a gain tuning mechanism was implemented to obtain high control performance in a wide range of treatment situations. This implementation was performed by appropriately altering the output scaling factor of a fuzzy inverse model to adjust the control rules. In this study, the proposed SLFLC was compared to the classical self-tuning fuzzy logic controller and fuzzy model reference learning control. Additionally, the proposed SLFLC was verified by conducting in vitro experiments with porcine liver. The experimental results indicated that the proposed controller showed greater robustness and excellent adaptability with respect to the temperature control of the MIH system.
Operation of Darrieus turbines in constant circulation framework
Authors: Gorle J. M. R. , Chatellier L. , Pons F. , Ba M.
Published: July 2017

Analytical and computational studies of flow across a low-speed marine turbine of Darrieus type with pitching blades have been carried out for flowfield and performance evaluation. The objective of this study is to develop efficient blade pitching laws to arrest or control the vortex shedding from the blades during turbine’s operation. This is achieved by imparting an arbitrary constant amount of circulation to the blades, where Kelvin’s theorem is respected. This paper presents the extension of the application of conformal mapping to produce the time-dependent flow over a rotating turbine blade in order to develop a quantified relationship between the blade’s orientation with respect to the rotor’s tangent and its rotational motion. The flow development is based on the analytical treatment given to potential flow formulation through Laurent series decomposition, where the Kutta condition is satisfied. The pitch control law and the analytical modeling of the hydrodynamic forces acting on the blade are derived based on Kelvin’s theorem for the conservation of circulation. The application of this pitch control law in the real flow conditions is however limited due to viscous losses and rotational effects. Therefore, a 2D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study with the shear stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model has been performed to examine the flow across a 4-bladed turbine model. While validating the analytical work, the numerical investigation reveals the applicability and limitations of circulation-controlled blade pitching laws in real flow conditions. In particular, a reference equivalent angle of attack is defined, which must be contained in a tight range in order to effectively prevent vortex shedding at a given tip-speed ratio.
Nonlinear collisional absorption and induced anisotropy in plasmas heated by an intense laser field
Authors: Bendib A.
Published: July 2017

The inverse bremsstrahlung absorption of a laser wave by electrons in homogeneous plasmas is investigated in the range α=v02/vt2≤2, where v0 is the electron quiver velocity and vt is the thermal velocity. For α≪1, previous results are recovered. In the range α≥1, the interplay of collisional absorption and induced plasma anisotropy led to significant new results regarding the electron distribution function and the laser wave damping rate. By increasing α, the low-energy electron population increases, while the collisional absorption rate is still reduced. The temperature anisotropy induced by electron heating is also estimated.
Hierarchy in air travel: Few large and many small
Authors: Bejan A. , Chen R. , Lorente S. , Wen C. Y.
Published: July 2017

Here, we document the diversity of commercial aircraft models and bodies in use during the past five decades. Special emphasis is on the models that have moved humanity across the globe during the past three decades. The first objective is to show that the apparent diversity is in fact underpinned (sustained) by organization, which is a distinct hierarchy of “few large and many small” coexisting and moving people harmoniously everywhere. The second objective is to rely on the emerging hierarchy in order to predict for the future how few the even bigger models will be and how more numerous the even smaller models (e.g., drones for package delivery) will be, naturally.
Damping properties of plasmonic waves on graphene
Authors: Moradi Afshin
Published: July 2017

By considering the friction force due to the interaction of plasmonic waves and graphene lattice, the damping properties (lifetime and propagation length) of long-wavelength plasmonic waves on a monolayer graphene are studied by means of a perturbative method. Electronic excitations on the graphene surface are modeled by an infinitesimally thin layer of massless electron gas, which is described by means of the linearized hydrodynamic theory. The analytical expressions for the frequency dependence of damping function, the propagation length and the lifetime of long-wavelength surface waves on graphene with small intrinsic damping are derived and analyzed. Also, simple expressions for the stored and dissipated energy densities of the surface waves are presented.
Composite pentamode metamaterials with low frequency locally resonant characteristics
Authors: Wang Zhaohong , Chu Yangyang , Cai Chengxin , Liu Guangshun , Wang Michael R.
Published: July 2017

Locally resonant phononic crystals have excellent low-frequency characteristics and can result in a small size controlling a long wavelength. Based on the locally resonant phononic crystal theory, locally resonant pentamode metamaterials with composite materials are proposed and studied. The acoustic band frequencies of the locally resonant pentamode metamaterials were found to be two orders of magnitude smaller than those of conventional Bragg-Scattering pentamode metamaterials with the same lattice constant. Therefore, the single-mode frequency regions and locally resonant acoustic bandgaps which are under 110 Hz can be obtained by locally resonant pentamode metamaterials with a centimeter-scale lattice constant. The figure of merit can be increased by 60.78%–138.08%. This kind of locally resonant pentamode metamaterial opens a new path for applications in low-frequency acoustic cloaking and control of long wavelengths using small structure dimensions.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine originating depth of electrons that form an inelastic background of Auger electron spectrum
Authors: Isomura Noritake , Cui Yi-Tao , Murai Takaaki , Oji Hiroshi , Kimoto Yasuji
Published: July 2017

In Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), the spectral background is mainly due to inelastic scattering of Auger electrons that lose their kinetic energy in a sample bulk. To investigate the spectral components within this background for SiO2(19.3 nm)/Si(100) with known layer thickness, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used in the partial-electron-yield (PEY) mode at several electron kinetic energies to probe the background of the Si KLL Auger peak. The Si K-edge PEY-XAS spectra constituted of both Si and SiO2 components at each kinetic energy, and their component fractions were approximately the same as those derived from the simulated AES background for the same sample structure. The contributions of Auger electrons originating from layers at different depths to the inelastic background could thus be identified experimentally.
Unidirectional transmission based on polarization conversion and excitation of magnetic or surface polaritons
Authors: Wu Xiaohu , Fu Ceji
Published: July 2017

We propose in this work combing a uniaxial crystal slab with a one-dimensional grating to realize unidirectional transmission (UDT). The physical mechanism for the UDT is attributed to polarization conversion with uniaxial crystal slab and excitation of magnetic polaritons (MPs) or surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in the grating region. Numerical simulations were performed by taking hexagonal boron nitride as the uniaxial crystal. The results reveal that UDT can be achieved for both TE and TM waves in the mid-infrared and the optical regions if the grating material is respectively selected as silicon carbide (SiC) and silver (Ag) with properly chosen values of the structure’s geometric parameters. This work may provide important guidelines for design of novel unidirectional transmission devices.
Threatening in English
Authors: Muschalik Julia
Published: July 2017

Threatening is among the less pleasant “things we do with words”, but, together with other conflictive speech acts, it seems to play a central role in communication. Yet, little is still known about how and when exactly speakers threaten. The present volume addresses this void by giving an in-depth analysis of the form and function of this speech act. A set of authentic threat utterances is used to probe questions on the linguistic repertoire employed and the different objectives speakers pursue with their threats. Based on the central findings, a classification of two types of threats is proposed, each with distinctive formal and functional properties. The analysis employs a mixed method approach with a two-fold aim; by combining a qualitative discussion of examples with the application of innovative statistical methodology, the findings allow new insights into research on threats and, simultaneously, offer new perspectives on general research methodology.
The unruly dialect variant [a]
Authors: Nilsson Jenny , Wenner Lena
Published: July 2017

We investigate the realisation of the variable (ɛ) (as either the dialect variant [a] or the standard variant [ɛ]) in the Swedish county of Värmland, with special attention to the small rural village of Torsby. Our analysis shows that dialect variants that are infrequent in recordings made in this area in the 1940s are generally absent in data from 2011. However, the dialect variant [a] deviates from this pattern. Even though it is used infrequently in some consonantal contexts in older data, it has increased significantly over the last 70 years, both language-internally as well as in the speech community. We present an acoustic analysis of the vowel pronunciation and discuss the social meaning this feature has in contemporary Torsby.
Variation in Croatian
Authors: Škevin Ivana
Published: July 2017

This paper’s objectives are to acquire general insight into the verbal behaviour (VB) of young speakers from the rural (island, coast, and hinterland) areas surrounding the Croatian coastal town of Zadar by examining the reported use of spoken and written codes as well as the social indexicalities of different varieties. The hypothesis is that, while socializing and communicating with speakers of urban varieties, speakers of less dominant (i.e. rural Čakavian or Neo-Štokavian) varieties tend to accommodate and converge linguistically as a consequence of their language attitudes and stereotypes. My research reveals that rural speakers generally accommodate, that island and coastal speakers accommodate more than hinterland speakers, and that women generally accommodate more than men.
Of Authenticity and Assimilation: Names of American Chinese Restaurants
Authors: Chen Lindsey N.H.
Published: July 2017

This study examines the naming practices of 423 American Chinese restaurants (ACR) in Los Angeles County. The results reveal that through the incorporation of region names, family names, and transliterated hanzi, ACR names not only serve as markers of restaurant type, they also showcase the diversity within the Chinese culinary tradition. As creations of immigrants, ACR names simultaneously reflect an embracing of cultural assimilation, through the adoption of English given names, collocation with terms that exude modern European sensibility, and the borrowing of American fast food (“express”) takeout concept. The results of this study can contribute to studies on naming practices of ethnic restaurants and, in general, to the field of food onomastics.
An Increase in TDDB Lifetime of Partially Depleted SOI Devices Induced by Proton Irradiation*
Authors: Ma Teng , Zheng Qi-Wen , Cui Jiang-Wei , Zhou Hang , Su Dan-Dan , Yu Xue-Feng , Guo Qi
Published: July 2017

The effects of proton irradiation on the subsequent time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) of partially depleted SOI devices are experimentally investigated. It is demonstrated that heavy-ion irradiation will induce the decrease of TDDB lifetime for many device types, but we are amazed to find a measurable increase in the TDDB lifetime and a slight decrease in the radiation-induced leakage current after proton irradiation at the nominal operating irradiation bias. We interpret these results and mechanisms in terms of the effects of radiation-induced traps on the stressing current during the reliability testing, which may be significant to expand the understanding of the radiation effects of the devices used in the proton radiation environment.
Partial Schauder Estimates for Second-Order Elliptic and Parabolic Equations: A Revisit
Authors: Dong Hongjie , Kim Seick
Published: July 2017

Under various conditions, we establish Schauder estimates for both divergence and non-divergence form second-order elliptic and parabolic equations involving Hölder semi-norms not with respect to all, but only with respect to some of the independent variables. A novelty of our results is that the coefficients are allowed to be merely measurable with respect to the other independent variables.
NFAT3/c4-mediated excitotoxicity in hippocampal apoptosis during radiation-induced brain injury
Authors: Xu Meiling , Fan Qiuhong , Zhang Junjun , Chen Yanfang , Xu Ruizhe , Chen Liesong , Zhao Peifeng , Tian Ye
Published: July 2017

Whole brain irradiation (WBI) has become an indispensible tool in the treatment of head and neck cancer, and it has greatly improved patient survival rate and total survival time. In addition, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has dramatically decreased the incidence of brain metastatic carcinoma. However, WBI may induce temporary functional deficits or even progressive, irreversible cognitive dysfunction that compromises the quality of life for survivors. Unfortunately, the exact molecular mechanisms for cognitive damage remain elusive, and no treatment or preventative measures are available for use in the clinic. In the present study, the nuclear factor of activated T cells isoform 4 (NFAT3/c4) was found to play a vital role in excitotoxic hippocampus cell apoptosis induced by radiation. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats received 20 Gy WBI, after which we detected NFAT3/c4-mediated excitotoxicity. We found that radiation caused hippocampus excitotoxicity, resulting from overactivation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and always accompanied by subsequent elevation of the intracellular calcium level and activation of calcineurin (CaN). P-NFAT3/c4 was the principal downstream target of CaN, including regulation of its nuclear translocation as well as transcriptional activities. Radiation recruited NMDAR/NFAT3/c4 activation and subsequent Bax induction in hippocampus cells. Once treated with the NFAT3/c4 inhibitor 11R-VIVIT peptide pre-irradiation, hippocampal proliferation and neuron survival (dentate gyrus cells in particular) were protected from radiation-induced injury, resulting in inhibition of the apoptosis marker Bax. Our principal aim was to illuminate the role of NFAT3/c4-mediated excitotoxicity in hippocampal apoptosis during radiation-induced brain injury. This study is the first time that radiation-induced activation of NFAT3/c4 has been recorded, and our results suggest that NFAT3/c4 may be a novel target for prevention and treatment of radiation-induced brain injury.
Selective BCL-XL inhibition promotes apoptosis in combination with MLN8237 in medulloblastoma and pediatric glioblastoma cells
Authors: Levesley Jane , Steele Lynette , Brüning-Richardson Anke , Davison Adam , Zhou Jia , Ding Chunyong , Lawler Sean , Short Susan C
Published: July 2017

Background

CNS tumors, including medulloblastoma and pediatric glioblastoma (pGBM) account for the majority of solid pediatric malignancies. There remains an unmet need to identify novel treatment approaches in poor prognosis and relapsed pediatric brain tumors, where therapeutic options are limited. Small-molecule B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family inhibitors may enhance tumor cell killing when combined with conventional and targeted chemotherapeutic agents. We investigated the effect of disrupting BCL-2 and B cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL) protein function using ABT-263, ABT-199 and WEHI-539 in medulloblastoma and pGBM cells following treatment with MLN8237, an Aurora kinase inhibitor under investigation as a novel agent for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Methods

Tumor cell growth and viability were determined by MTT/WST-1 assays and flow cytometry. Effects on cell phenotype, cell cycle progression, and ploidy were determined by live cell imaging and DNA content analysis. Apoptosis was determined by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and time-lapse microscopy and confirmed by measuring caspase-3/7 activity and western blotting and by short interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of BCL-2 associated X protein/BCL-2 antagonist killer (BAX/BAK).

Results

ABT-263, in combination with MLN8237, reduced mitotic slippage and polyploidy and promoted the elimination of mitotically defective cells via a BAX/BAK-dependent, caspase-mediated apoptotic pathway. The BCL-XL antagonist, WEHI-539, significantly augmented tumor cell killing when used in combination with MLN8237, as well as sensitized resistant brain tumor cells to a novel BAX activator, SMBA1. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of BCL-XL sensitized pGBM and medulloblastoma cells to MLN8237 and mimicked the effect of combination drug treatment.

Conclusion

Selective small-molecule inhibitors of BCL-XL may enhance the efficacy of MLN8237 and other targeted chemotherapeutic agents.
Radiographic Investigation of the Distal Extension of Fractures Into the Articular Surface of the Tibia (The RIDEFAST Study)
Authors: Marchand Lucas S. , Rane Ajinkya A. , Working Zachary M. , Jacobson Lance G. , Kubiak Erik N. , Higgins Thomas F. , Rothberg David L.
Published: July 2017

Objective:

To determine whether radiographic measurements are predictive of involvement of the distal tibia articular surface in tibial shaft fractures.

Design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Academic Level-I trauma hospital.

Patients:

Two-hundred seventeen patients with tibial shaft fractures distal to the isthmus (OTA/AO: 42-A1-3; 42-B1-3; 42-C1-3; and 43-A1-3).

Intervention:

Analysis of anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. The following parameters were measured: (1) angle between the predominant fracture line and the plane of the tibial plafond (α-angle), (2) length of the shaft fracture, (3) distance from the most inferior extent of the shaft fracture to the tibial plafond (DTP), (4) width of the tibial plafond, (5) width of the tibial isthmus, (6) ratio of fracture length to DTP (FTP), and (7) fibular fracture distance.

Main Outcome Measure:

Distal intra-articular involvement (DIA).

Results:

A total of 217 patients were identified, 56 (26%) with DIA. The FTP ratio as measured on both the AP (odds ratio: 8.20, confidence interval, 4.26–17.22, P < 0.0001) and lateral radiographs (10.00, 4.78–23.23, <0.0001) was the most effective screening measurement for DIA. AP and lateral FTP ratios of 0.224 and 0.255, respectively, achieved a negative predictive value of 100%, eliminating the need for computed tomography in 16%–23% of injuries.

Conclusion:

Involvement of the distal articular surface in patients with distal tibial shaft fractures is significantly associated with fracture geometry and pattern. The FTP ratio may be used as an effective screening tool to rule out of intra-articular involvement.

Level of Evidence:

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