bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Being-with: Access to Relation, Participation, and Togetherness in Contemporary Art
Authors: Valberg Tony
Published: May 2017

Being-with is an artistically based research project aimed at applying and studying participatory and relational practices within the arts as well as addressing the esthetical and ethical questions that such practices generate. The participants in Being-with – researchers and artists as well as children, parents, grandparents, siblings and other residents in the small town of Høvåg in Norway – gathered weekly for half a year to experience how aesthetic production may interact with social space and vice versa. The article reflects on what consequences such interaction may have for the conception of art, and its arenas and agendas … when we consider art not only as a reflection of our lives, but also as an agent shaping our lives and changing the social surroundings we are part of. The article relates discourses of aesthetics penned by continental philosophers over the last 50 years to a specific setting in a Nordic contemporary art practice.
Optimized 3-D electromagnetic models of composite materials in microwave frequency range: application to EMC characterization of complex media by statistical means
Authors: Lalléchère S.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this proposal is to demonstrate the ability of tridimensional (3-D) electromagnetic modeling tool for the characterization of composite materials in microwave frequency band range. Indeed, an automated procedure is proposed to generate random materials, proceed to 3-D simulations, and compute shielding effectiveness (SE) statistics with finite integration technique. In this context, 3-D electromagnetic models rely on random locations of conductive inclusions; results are compared with classical electromagnetic mixing theory (EMT) approaches (e.g. Maxwell-Garnett formalism), and dynamic homogenization model (DHM). The article aims to demonstrate the interest of the proposed approach in various domains such as propagation and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
Compact Tri-Band Notched Characteristics UWB Antenna for WiMAX, WLAN and X-Band Applications
Authors: Hamad E. K. I. , Mahmoud N.
Published: May 2017

Compact microstrip-fed printed monopole antenna with triple band-notched characteristics is suggested for ultra-wideband (UWB) applications. The antenna is constructed of a conventional rectangular microstrip patch antenna with partial ground plane and T-shaped strip employed in the ground plane as well as an inverted Ω- and L-shaped slots incorporated within the radiated element. The notched functions are created by the inverted Ω- and L-shaped slots, which are realized for WiMAX (from 2.69 to 4.5 GHz) and WLAN (from 5.49 to 6.37 GHz). The T-shaped parasitic strip generates the third notch for the X-band uplink satellite communication (from 8.15 to 9.61 GHz). The measured operating -10 dB bandwidth of the proposed antenna extends from 2.39 to more than 18 GHz except at the notched bands. The prototype antenna has a total area of 20×20×1.6 mm3. Electromagnetic (EM) simulations are carried out using 3D full-wave FEM-based simulator. EM simulation results are in good agreement with measurement results. The radiation pattern of the proposed antenna is nearly Omni-directional over the whole targeted band.
A Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of Decarboxylations for Hydroxymandelate Synthase
Authors: Qiao Qing‐An , Li Qiuxian , Liu Changchun , Sun Xiao , Cai Honglan , Sun Lixiang , Wang Huayang
Published: May 2017

Hydroxymandelate synthase is one type of alpha‐keto acid‐dependent oxygenases and plays an important role in the biosynthesis of hydroxyphenyl‐pyruvate. The ferrous and ferryl intermediates in the reaction were considered to be very important in the DNA repair process. The mechanism of hydroxymandelate synthase was investigated by a theoretical method based on B3LYP/LACVP*. The data indicated that each decarboxylation went through a process of direct dioxygen insertion. The first oxidative decarboxylation experienced only one transition state, while there were two potential pathways for the second decarboxylation process. The calculation data showed that the stepwise one was favored to the concerted one due to the lower energy barrier. The process to form the iron‐superoxide was the rate‐limiting step. After two consecutive decarboxylations, a proton transfer reaction was needed to obtain the target products. Two possible transition states were found out to achieve this step. The one with a six‐membered ring structure was preferred because of the lower activation energy. In addition, several ferryl species with high spins were captured in the whole process, which could be supplied as requisite substrates for DNA repair reaction.
Novel Sn Doped Co3O4 Thin Film for Nonenzymatic Glucose Bio‐Sensor and Fuel Cell
Authors: Chowdhury Mahabubur , Ossinga Carelle , Cummings Franscious , Chamier Jessica , Kebede Mesfin
Published: May 2017

A facile chemical solution deposition via two‐step spin coating technique was used to fabricate nano‐particulate novel Sn doped Co3O4 thin film for glucose sensor and fuel cell applications. Substitution of Sn into Co3O4 host lattice lead to a remarkable increase in the electrocatalytic activity of the Co3O4 electrode material. Film thickness played a significant role in enhancing the charge transferability of the electrode as was observed from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The best sensor exhibited two wide linear response ranges (2 μM up to ∼0.5 mM and 0.6 mM up to ∼5.5 mM respectively) with sensitivities of 921 and 265 μA cm−2 mM−1 respectively and low limit of detection of 100 nM (S/N=3). The sensor was very selective towards glucose in the presence of various interference and showed long term stability. Moreover, the developed thin film modified electrode could generate one electron current in nonenzymatic fuel cell setup at room temperature.
Rough‐Surface‐Enabled Capacitive Pressure Sensors with 3D Touch Capability
Authors: Lee Kilsoo , Lee Jaehong , Kim Gwangmook , Kim Youngjae , Kang Subin , Cho Sungjun , Kim SeulGee , Kim Jae‐Kang , Lee Wooyoung , Kim Dae‐Eun , Kang Shinill , Kim DaeEun , Lee Taeyoon , Shim Wooyoung
Published: May 2017

Fabrication strategies that pursue “simplicity” for the production process and “functionality” for a device, in general, are mutually exclusive. Therefore, strategies that are less expensive, less equipment‐intensive, and consequently, more accessible to researchers for the realization of omnipresent electronics are required. Here, this study presents a conceptually different approach that utilizes the inartificial design of the surface roughness of paper to realize a capacitive pressure sensor with high performance compared with sensors produced using costly microfabrication processes. This study utilizes a writing activity with a pencil and paper, which enables the construction of a fundamental capacitor that can be used as a flexible capacitive pressure sensor with high pressure sensitivity and short response time and that it can be inexpensively fabricated over large areas. Furthermore, the paper‐based pressure sensors are integrated into a fully functional 3D touch‐pad device, which is a step toward the realization of omnipresent electronics.
Masculinity, Leadership, and Liberatory Pedagogy: Supporting Men Through Leadership Development and Education
Authors: Beatty Cameron , Tillapaugh Daniel
Published: May 2017

In this chapter, the authors make the case that leadership educators can support boys and young men by examining the intersections of the socialization of masculinity and leadership through the use of liberatory pedagogy.
O(N) invariance of the multi-field bounce
Authors: Blum Kfir , Honda Masazumi , Sato Ryosuke , Takimoto Masahiro , Tobioka Kohsaku
Published: May 2017

Abstract

In his 1977 paper on vacuum decay in field theory: The Fate of the False Vacuum, Coleman considered the problem of a single scalar field and assumed that the minimum action tunnelling field configuration, the bounce, is invariant under O(4) rotations in Euclidean space. A proof of the O(4) invariance of the bounce was provided later by Coleman, Glaser, and Martin (CGM), who extended the proof to N > 2 Euclidean dimensions but, again, restricted non-trivially to a single scalar field. As far as we know a proof of O(N) invariance of the bounce for the tunnelling problem with multiple scalar fields has not been reported in the QFT literature, even though it was assumed in many works since. We make progress towards closing this gap. Following CGM we define the reduced problem of finding a field configuration minimizing the kinetic energy at fixed potential energy. Given a solution of the reduced problem, the minimum action bounce can always be obtained from it by means of a scale transformation. We show that if a solution of the reduced problem exists, then it and the minimum action bounce derived from it are indeed O(N) symmetric. We review complementary results in the mathematical literature that established the existence of a minimizer under specified criteria.
Lipid Droplets: Formation to Breakdown
Authors: Meyers Alex , Weiskittel Taylor M. , Dalhaimer Paul
Published: May 2017

One of the most exciting areas of cell biology during the last decade has been the study of lipid droplets. Lipid droplets allow cells to store non‐polar molecules such as neutral lipids in specific compartments where they are sequestered from the aqueous environment of the cell yet can be accessed through regulated mechanisms. These structures are highly conserved, appearing in organisms throughout the phylogenetic tree. Until somewhat recently, lipid droplets were widely regarded as inert, however progress in the field has continued to demonstrate their vast roles in a number of cellular processes in both mitotic and post‐mitotic cells. No doubt the increase in the attention given to lipid droplet research is due to their central role in current pressing human diseases such as obesity, type‐2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis. This review provides a mechanistic timeline from neutral lipid synthesis through lipid droplet formation and size augmentation to droplet breakdown.
Hydrolysis of Phosphatidylcholine‐Isoprostanes (PtdCho‐IP) by Peripheral Human Group IIA, V and X Secretory Phospholipases A2 (sPLA2)
Authors: Kuksis Arnis , Pruzanski Waldemar
Published: May 2017

Biologically active F‐ and E/D‐type‐prostane ring isomers (F2‐IP and E2/D2‐IP, respectively) are produced in situ by non‐enzymatic peroxidation of arachidonic acid esterified to GroPCho (PtdCho‐IP) and are universally distributed in tissue lipoproteins and cell membranes. Previous work has shown that platelet‐activating factor acetylhydrolases (PAF‐AH) are the main endogenous PLA2 involved in degradation of PtdCho‐IP. The present study shows that the PtdCho‐IP are also subject to hydrolysis by group IIA, V and X secretory PLA2, which also have a wide peripheral tissue distribution. For this demonstration, we compared the LC/MS profiles of PtdCho‐IP of auto‐oxidized plasma lipoproteins after incubation for 1–4 h (37 °C) in the absence or presence of recombinant human sPLA2 (1–2.5 µg/ml). In the absence of exogenously added sPLA2 the total PtdCho‐IP level after 4 h incubation reached 15.9, 21.6 and 8.7 nmol/mg protein of LDL, HDL and HDL3, respectively. In the presence of group V or group X sPLA2 (2.5 µg/ml), the PtdCho‐IP was completely hydrolyzed in 1 h, while in the presence of group IIA sPLA2 (2.5 µg/ml) the hydrolysis was less than 25% in 4 h, although it was complete after 8–24 h incubation. This report provides the first demonstration that PtdCho‐IP are readily hydrolyzed by group IIA, V and X sPLA2. A co‐location of sPLA2 and the substrates in various tissues has been recorded. Thus, the initiation of interaction and production of isoprostanes in situ are highly probable.
Doubly nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equations
Authors: Gal Ciprian G.
Published: May 2017

We consider a doubly nonlocal nonlinear parabolic equation which describes phase-segregation of a two-component material in a bounded domain. This model is a more general version than the recent nonlocal Cahn–Hilliard equation proposed by Giacomin and Lebowitz [26], such that it reduces to the latter under certain conditions. We establish well-posedness results along with regularity and long-time results in the case when the interaction between the two levels of nonlocality is strong-to-weak.
The RNA Modification N
6-Methyladenosine and Its Implications in Human Disease
Authors: Batista Pedro J.
Published: May 2017

Impaired gene regulation lies at the heart of many disorders, including developmental diseases and cancer. Furthermore, the molecular pathways that control gene expression are often the target of cellular parasites, such as viruses. Gene expression is controlled through multiple mechanisms that are coordinated to ensure the proper and timely expression of each gene. Many of these mechanisms target the life cycle of the RNA molecule, from transcription to translation. Recently, another layer of regulation at the RNA level involving RNA modifications has gained renewed interest of the scientific community. The discovery that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a modification present in mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, can be removed by the activity of RNA demethylases, launched the field of epitranscriptomics; the study of how RNA function is regulated through the addition or removal of post-transcriptional modifications, similar to strategies used to regulate gene expression at the DNA and protein level. The abundance of RNA post-transcriptional modifications is determined by the activity of writer complexes (methylase) and eraser (RNA demethylase) proteins. Subsequently, the effects of RNA modifications materialize as changes in RNA structure and/or modulation of interactions between the modified RNA and RNA binding proteins or regulatory RNAs. Disruption of these pathways impairs gene expression and cellular function. This review focuses on the links between the RNA modification m6A and its implications in human diseases.
Resistance and resilience to gastro-intestinal nematode parasites and relationships with productivity of Red Maasai, Dorper and Red Maasai ✕ Dorper crossbred lambs in the sub-humid tropics
Authors: Baker R.L. , Nagda S. , Rodriguez-Zas S.L. , Southey B.R. , Audho J.O. , Aduda E.O. , Thorpe W.
Published: May 2017

Resistance and resilience to naturally acquired gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode parasite infections (predominantly Haemonchus contortus) were studied in 1785 lambs born over six lambings (1991 to 1996) consisting of 212 Red Maasai, 311 Dorper and 1262 crossbred (Red Maasai-Dorper) lambs in the sub-humid coastal region of Kenya. These lambs were the progeny of 41 Dorper and 35 Red Maasai rams. Live weights (LWT), blood packed cell volume (PCV) and faecal egg counts (FEC) were recorded at 1- to 2-monthly intervals from birth until the lambs were about one year of age. Red Maasai were more resistant and resilient post weaning to infections with GI nematodes than Dorper lambs as shown by their significantly lower FEC and their significantly higher PCV, respectively. An increasing proportion of Red Maasai genes in the crossbred lambs was associated with decreased FEC and higher PCV, but there was no heterosis for logarithm-transformed FEC (LFEC) or PCV. From one month of age Red Maasai lambs were significantly lighter than Dorper lambs by about 1 kg, but Red Maasai lambs had significantly lower lamb mortality rate from birth to 12 months of age (proportionately 0·30 and 0·66, respectively). Heritability estimates from a repeated measures analysis for records taken at 6 and 8 months of age were 0·14 (s.e. 0·05) for PCV from an animal model and 0·12 (s.e. 0·05) for LFEC from a sire model. The heritability estimate for LFEC from a repeated measures analysis including the four measurements recorded between 6 and 12 months of age was significantly higher (P < 0·05) for Dorper-sired lambs (0·15, s.e. 0·05 for an animal model and 0·19, s.e. 0·07 for a sire model) than for Red Maasai-sired lambs (0·00 and 0·01, s.e. 0·02). The phenotypic and genetic correlations between PCV and LFEC were moderately to highly negative and averaged –0·34 and –0·81, respectively. None of the genetic correlation estimates between LWT and PCV and LWT and LFEC for lambs post weaning were significantly different from zero. The heritability estimates for PCV and LFEC have important implications for within-breed genetic improvement programmes: for the Red Maasai, improvement should concentrate on resilience (e.g. selection for high PCV); for the Dorper, selection should be feasible for both improved resistance (low FEC) and resilience (high PCV).
Use of a deletion approach to assess the amino acid requirements for optimum fermentation by mixed micro-organisms from the sheep rumen
Authors: Atasoglu C. , Guliye A.Y. , Wallace R.J.
Published: May 2017

Amino acids stimulate the growth rate and growth yield of ruminal micro-organisms, but the basis of this stimulation, in terms of amino acids which most limit growth, has never been fully established. Here, for the first time, a deletion approach was investigated using in vitro incubations of mixed ruminal micro-organisms supplied with a mixture of xylose, starch and cellobiose as energy sources and ammonia plus a complete amino acids mixture or mixtures with a single amino acid omitted as nitrogen sources, enabling the evaluation of the impact on ruminal fermentation of the deletion of a single amino acid from a complete amino acids mixture. Significant effects (P < 0·05) on total gas production were observed after 10 h of incubation when glutamate, glutamine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, serine, tryptophan or tyrosine were deleted from the amino acids mixture. The only significant effect of an amino acid deletion on volatile fatty acid production at 10 h was with serine (P < 0·05), although the effect of omitting others, including arginine, isoleucine, leucine and phenylalanine, approached significance (P < 0·01). The removal of leucine caused a 0·09 decrease in growth yield (P < 0·05); no other deletion affected the yield significantly (P > 0·05). Net gas production for each treatment was calculated by subtracting gas production in the absence of carbohydrates from gas production in their presence, thus eliminating gas production from amino acids from the values. At all times up to 10 h, the most significant effects on net gas production were found when serine, leucine, or the aromatic amino acids were omitted from the amino acids mixture. Thus, the deletion approach confirmed that no single amino acid limits ruminal fermentation more than any other, although a few, principally phenylalanine, leucine and serine, have a particularly significant rôle in the ruminal fermentation rate of soluble, rapidly degraded materials and/or microbial growth efficiency.
Statement for Doppler waveforms analysis
Authors: Mahé Guillaume , Boulon Carine , Desormais Ileana , Lacroix Philippe , Bressollette Luc , Guilmot Jean-Louis , Le Hello Claire , Sevestre Marie-Antoinette , Pernod Gilles , Constans Joel , Boissier Christian , Bura-Rivière Alessandra
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Peripheral artery disease of the lower limbs (PAD) is a common disease. Evaluation of PAD is primarily based on non-invasive examinations with analysis of the arterial Doppler signal being a key element. However, the description of arterial Doppler waveforms morphologies varies considerably across medical schools and from country to country. In order to overcome this issue, the French College of Teachers for Vascular Medicine (Collège des Enseignants de Médecine Vasculaire; CEMV) has summarised the published data on Doppler waveforms analysis and proposes a new “Saint-Bonnet” classification system to describe Doppler waveforms morphologies. The simplified Saint-Bonnet classification comprises eight types and allows taking into account if the Doppler signal does not revert to baseline. This classification, which is based on previous classifications, could improve the descriptions of both physiological and pathological waveforms, recorded in lower limb arteries. According to the reviewed literature, recommendations about the use of Doppler waveforms are proposed. This statement is a preamble to reach an international consensus on the subject, which would standardize the description of arterial waveforms and improve the management of PAD patients.
Scientists, Policy Makers Push for Mars Exploration
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2017

At a recent forum, Sen. Ted Cruz also announced a Senate hearing to revisit the half-century-old Outer Space Treaty, and he warned about potential military threats to the nation’s satellites.
A III-V-on-Si ultra-dense comb laser
Authors: Wang Zhechao , Van Gasse Kasper , Moskalenko Valentina , Latkowski Sylwester , Bente Erwin , Kuyken Bart , Roelkens Gunther
Published: May 2017

Optical frequency combs emerge as a promising technology that enables highly sensitive, near-real-time spectroscopy with a high resolution. The currently available comb generators are mostly based on bulky and high-cost femtosecond lasers for dense comb generation (line spacing in the range of 100 MHz to 1 GHz). However, their integrated and low-cost counterparts, which are integrated semiconductor mode-locked lasers, are limited by their large comb spacing, small number of lines and broad optical linewidth. In this study, we report a demonstration of a III-V-on-Si comb laser that can function as a compact, low-cost frequency comb generator after frequency stabilization. The use of low-loss passive silicon waveguides enables the integration of a long laser cavity, which enables the laser to be locked in the passive mode at a record-low 1 GHz repetition rate. The 12-nm 10-dB output optical spectrum and the notably small optical mode spacing results in a dense optical comb that consists of over 1400 equally spaced optical lines. The sub-kHz 10-dB radio frequency linewidth and the narrow longitudinal mode linewidth (<400 kHz) indicate notably stable mode-locking. Such integrated dense comb lasers are very promising, for example, for high-resolution and real-time spectroscopy applications.
Delta coherence in resting-state EEG predicts the reduction in cigarette craving after hypnotic aversion suggestions
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Ma Ru , Pang Liangjun , Lv Wanwan , Xie Yunlu , Chen Ying , Zhang Pengyu , Chen Jiawen , Wu Qichao , Cui Guanbao , Zhang Peng , Zhou Yifeng , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: May 2017

Cigarette craving is a key contributor of nicotine addiction. Hypnotic aversion suggestions have been used to help smoking cessation and reduce smoking relapse rates but its neural basis is poorly understood. This study investigated the underlying neural basis of hypnosis treatment for nicotine addiction with resting state Electroencephalograph (EEG) coherence as the measure. The sample consisted of 42 male smokers. Cigarette craving was measured by the Tobacco Craving Questionnaire. The 8-minute resting state EEG was recorded in baseline state and after hypnotic induction in the hypnotic state. Then a smoking disgust suggestion was performed. A significant increase in EEG coherence in delta and theta frequency, and significant decrease in alpha and beta frequency, between the baseline and the hypnotic state was found, which may reflect alterations in consciousness after hypnotic induction. More importantly, the delta coherence between the right frontal region and the left posterior region predicted cigarette craving reduction after hypnotic aversion suggestions. This suggests that the functional connectivity between these regions plays an important role in reducing cigarette cravings via hypnotic aversion suggestions. Thus, these brain regions may serve as an important target to treat nicotine addiction, such as stimulating these brain regions via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
High-performance ternary polymer solar cells from a structurally similar polymer alloy
Authors: Shen Wenfei , Chen Weichao , Zhu Dangqiang , Zhang Jidong , Xu Xiaofeng , Jiang Huanxiang , Wang Ting , Wang Ergang , Yang Renqiang
Published: May 2017

High-performance ternary polymer solar cells with a decent photocurrent of 17.2 mA cm−2 and a high PCE of 9.3% are realized by incorporating two donor polymers with similar backbones and complementary absorption.
pH/redox dual stimuli-responsive sheddable nanodaisies for efficient intracellular tumour-triggered drug delivery
Authors: John Johnson V. , Uthaman Saji , Augustine Rimesh , Chen Hongyu , Park In-Kyu , Kim Il
Published: May 2017

p(His)-S-S-polyurethane-S-S-p(His) triblock copolymer nanodaisies exhibit efficient pH and glutathione responsive doxorubicin releasing behaviours under physiological conditions.
Combining properties of different classes of PI3Kα inhibitors to understand the molecular features that confer selectivity
Authors: Gong Grace Q. , Kendall Jackie D. , Dickson James M.J. , Rewcastle Gordon W. , Buchanan Christina M. , Denny William A. , Shepherd Peter R. , Flanagan Jack U.
Published: May 2017

Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are major regulators of many cellular functions, and hyperactivation of PI3K cell signalling pathways is a major target for anticancer drug discovery. PI3Kα is the isoform most implicated in cancer, and our aim is to selectively inhibit this isoform, which may be more beneficial than concurrent inhibition of all Class I PI3Ks. We have used structure-guided design to merge high-selectivity and high-affinity characteristics found in existing compounds. Molecular docking, including the prediction of water-mediated interactions, was used to model interactions between the ligands and the PI3Kα affinity pocket. Inhibition was tested using lipid kinase assays, and active compounds were tested for effects on PI3K cell signalling. The first-generation compounds synthesized had IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values >4 μM for PI3Kα yet were selective for PI3Kα over the other Class I isoforms (β, δ and γ). The second-generation compounds explored were predicted to better engage the affinity pocket through direct and water-mediated interactions with the enzyme, and the IC50 values decreased by ∼30-fold. Cell signalling analysis showed that some of the new PI3Kα inhibitors were more active in the H1047R mutant bearing cell lines SK-OV-3 and T47D, compared with the E545K mutant harbouring MCF-7 cell line. In conclusion, we have used a structure-based design approach to combine features from two different compound classes to create new PI3Kα-selective inhibitors. This provides new insights into the contribution of different chemical units and interactions with different parts of the active site to the selectivity and potency of PI3Kα inhibitors.
Self‐oscillating current‐fed inverter with low switching loss for wireless power transfer
Authors: Kwon Y. , Ahn D.
Published: May 2017

A zero‐voltage switching topology for self‐oscillating current‐fed resonant inverter for wireless power transfer application is proposed. The drawback of conventional floating‐capacitor connection between two differential MOSFET outputs is revealed. It turns out that the conventional connection causes severe switching loss because the MOSFET voltage has duty cycle >50%, while the current has an exact 50% duty cycle to sustain the self‐oscillation. To solve the issue, the proposed self‐oscillating inverter equips with two antiparallel diodes and two resonance capacitors between MOSFET output and ground, while the floating capacitor is removed. This allows dead‐time of MOSFETs and zero‐voltage switching, leading to significant reduction in switching loss. The operation and efficiency of the proposed circuit is demonstrated by simulation and measurements.
Low‐complexity MMSE‐IRC algorithm for uplink massive MIMO systems
Authors: Ren Bin , Wang Yingmin , Sun Shaohui , Zhang Yawen , Dai Xiaoming , Niu Kai
Published: May 2017

In uplink massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems, the conventional minimum mean square error‐interference rejection combining (MMSE‐IRC) signal detection algorithm needs to compute the inverse of the interference and noise covariance matrix, which incurs high computational complexity, especially when the number of antennas is large. A low‐complexity MMSE‐IRC signal detection algorithm based on the eigenvalue decomposition of the interference and noise covariance matrix is proposed. The proposed algorithm exploits a dimension‐reduction technique to reduce the computation‐intensive of the matrix inversion compared with the conventional algorithm. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm is shown to be equivalent to the conventional MMSE‐IRC algorithm under the assumption of uncorrelated interference and noise. Analysis and simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Sub‐THz wave generation based on a dual wavelength microsquare laser
Authors: Weng Hai‐Zhong , Wada Osamu , Han Jun‐Yuan , Xiao Jin‐Long , Yang Yue‐De , Huang Yong‐Zhen , Li Jin , Xiong Bing , Sun Chang‐Zheng , Luo Yi
Published: May 2017

A microsquare dual wavelength laser has been fabricated and applied to sub‐THz emission by beating two modes. An 18 × 18 μm square AlGaInAs/InP microsquare laser combined with an optimised uni‐travelling‐carrier photodiode has demonstrated stable emission at 103.2 GHz.
Diagonal‐based fast intra‐mode decision algorithm for HEVC
Authors: Abdelrasoul Maher , Sayed Mohammed S. , Goulart Victor
Published: May 2017

Intra‐mode decision plays an important role in the new high‐efficiency video coding (HEVC) video compression standard. The higher number of intra‐modes in HEVC standard increased the computational complexity and encoding time significantly. To reduce the encoding time with as low effect as possible on the coding quality, a new algorithm based on the texture of the block diagonals is proposed. The proposed algorithm is used to reduce the number of calculations observed in the original standard. The results show that the proposed algorithm can show variety of solutions with wide range of encoding time reduction and BD rate increment. The solution with the highest time saving within an acceptable BD rate increment shows 40.85% time saving and 1.75% BD rate increment. With different parameters settings, BD rate increments with as low as 0.78% can be achieved while having 33.38% time saving.
Discrete image data transmission in heterogeneous wireless network using vertical handover mechanism
Authors: Salwe Sagar Shriram , Naik Karamtot Krishna
Published: May 2017

Vertical handover (VHO) plays an important role in providing seamless connectivity between heterogeneous wireless networks. The authors propose VHO mechanism using an image as dynamic discrete data for transmission and received signal strength (RSS)‐based switching mechanism. The novelty of work lies in image data used for simulation, RSS calculation using free space propagation model, receive delay calculation and sample‐based time series analysis of received data. Results shows that when VHO mechanism is carried out in ISM band operated devices it provides seamless connectivity between diverse communication protocols. Simulation results exhibit the continuous transmission of data and synchronisation of received image data.
Improved automated detection of glaucoma from fundus image using hybrid structural and textural features
Authors: Khalil Tehmina , Usman Akram Muhammad , Khalid Samina , Jameel Amina
Published: May 2017

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. Considering a single eye condition for the diagnosis of glaucoma has failed to detect all glaucoma cases accurately. A reliable computer‐aided diagnosis system is proposed based on a novel combination of hybrid structural and textural features. The system improves the decision‐making process after analysing a variety of glaucoma conditions. It consists of two main modules hybrid structural feature‐set (HSF) and hybrid texture feature‐set (HTF). HSF module can classify a sample using support vector machine (SVM) from different structural glaucoma condition and the HTF module analyses the sample founded on various texture and intensity‐based features and again using SVM makes a decision. In the case of any conflict in the results of both modules, a suspected class is introduced. A novel algorithm to compute the super‐pixels has also been proposed to detect the damaged cup. This feature alone outperformed the current state‐of‐the‐art methods with 94% sensitivity. Cup‐to‐disc ratio calculation method for cup and disc segmentation, involving two different channels has been introduced increasing the overall accuracy. The proposed system has given exceptional results with 100% accuracy for glaucoma referral.
3D model watermarking algorithm robust to geometric attacks
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Liu Jing , Yang Yajie , Ma Douli , Liu Ruijiao
Published: May 2017

A 3D model watermarking method robust to geometric attacks is proposed. The vertices of the model are classified into three groups. The vertices of the low‐resolution group are used to establish an invariant space in which to resist geometric attacks. In the medium‐resolution group, appropriate vertices in which to embed the watermarking information are selected. The selection of vertices that contain information about the watermark is based on the area of the local set of the vertex, the curvature of which determines the embedding strength of the watermark. The vertices of the high‐resolution group are reserved for resisting simplification and smoothing attacks. The choice of the embedding position and the embedding strength can provide a suitable trade‐off between good transparency and maximum robustness of the proposed method. The simulation results show that, compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art methods, the proposed method is robust against attacks such as noise, smoothing, simplification, cropping, rotation, translation, and scaling while ensuring high visual quality of the watermarked model.
Widening residual skipped network for semantic segmentation
Authors: Su Wen , Wang Zengfu
Published: May 2017

Over the past two years deep convolutional neural networks have pushed the performance of computer vision systems to soaring heights on semantic segmentation. In this study, the authors present a novel semantic segmentation method of using a deep fully convolutional neural network to achieve image segmentation results with more precise boundary localisation. The above segmentation engine is trainable, and consists of an encoder network with widening residual skipped connections and a decoder network with a pixel‐wise classification layer. Here the encoder network with widening residual skipped connections allows the combination of shallow layer features and deep layer semantic features, and the decoder network with classification layer maps the low‐resolution encoder features to full resolution image with pixel‐wise classification. The experimental results on PASCAL VOC 2012 semantic segmentation dataset and Cityscapes dataset show that the proposed method is effective and competitive.
Pansharpening approach using Hilbert vibration decomposition
Authors: Saxena Nidhi , Sharma Kamalesh K.
Published: May 2017

In this study, a new approach for pansharpening of multispectral and panchromatic (PAN) images is proposed. The proposed technique is based on recently developed signal decomposition technique known as Hilbert vibration decomposition (HVD). In the proposed method, the histogram equalised PAN image is decomposed into many instantaneous amplitude (IA) and frequency components in the decreasing order of energy using the HVD. The IA of the first component (having highest energy) in the decomposition of the PAN image is used to generate the pansharpened image using appropriate pansharpening model. The tuning factor associated with the pansharpening model is optimised by single‐objective particle swarm optimization algorithm. This method is also extended for the hyperspectral images. Experimental results of the proposed technique are compared with existing pansharpening methods in terms of both visual perception and objective metrics. It is observed that the proposed pansharpening scheme has improved spectral and spatial qualities as compared with the existing schemes. The effects of aliasing and misregistration errors in the proposed method are also investigated and it is observed that the proposed method is robust against aliasing and misregistration errors as compared with other existing methods.
Supervised orthogonal discriminant projection based on double adjacency graphs for image classification
Authors: Wang Bangjun , Zhang Li , Li Fanzhang
Published: May 2017

This study proposes a supervised orthogonal discriminant projection (SODP) based on double adjacency graphs (DAGs). SODP based on DAG (SODP‐DAG) aims to minimise the local within‐class scatter and simultaneously maximise both the local between‐class scatter and the non‐local scatter, where the local between‐class scatter and the local within‐class scatter are constructed by applying the DAG structure. By doing so, SODP‐DAG can keep the local within‐class structure for original data and find the optimal discriminant directions effectively. Moreover, four schemes are designed for constructing weight matrices in SODP‐DAG. To validate the performance of SODP‐DAG, the authors compared it with orthogonal discriminant projection, SODP and others on several publicly available datasets. Experimental results show the feasibility and effectiveness of SODP‐DAG.
Global positioning system processing methods for GPS passive coherent location
Authors: Kaiser Sean A. , Christianson Andrew J. , Narayanan Ram M.
Published: May 2017

This study addresses processing methods for the use of the global positioning system (GPS) as a signal of opportunity in a multistatic passive coherent location (PCL) system. The signal properties of the GPS signal are designed for position estimation, which makes it particularly suited for GPS PCL applications. The signal specifications are examined and the potential limitations of a proposed system are explored. Conventional GPS processing techniques are implemented in the framework of multistatic GPS PCL. GPS specific methods are developed for target position estimation of a multistatic PCL system in a three‐dimensional plane. The PCL system has comparable performance metrics to conventional GPS positioning. Two methods are developed utilising measurements available in a conventional GPS system. The first involves a short time scale, which is in the order of milliseconds. The second involves a long time scale method, which is on the order of seconds. Simulation and analysis are performed to verify the methods. Experimental validation was also conducted using a hardware in the loop approach, as well as, an active radar calibrator.
The Gaia-ESO Survey: Low-α element stars in the Galactic bulge
Authors: Recio-Blanco A. , Rojas-Arriagada A. , de Laverny P. , Mikolaitis S. , Hill V. , Zoccali M. , Fernández-Trincado J. G. , Robin A. C. , Babusiaux C. , Gilmore G. , Randich S. , Alfaro E. , Allende Prieto C. , Bragaglia A. , Carraro G. , Jofré P. , Lardo C. , Monaco L. , Morbidelli L. , Zaggia S.
Published: May 2017

We take advantage of the Gaia-ESO Survey iDR4 bulge data to search for abundance anomalies that could shed light on the composite nature of the Milky Way bulge. The α-element (Mg, Si, and whenever available, Ca) abundances, and their trends with Fe abundances have been analysed for a total of 776 bulge stars. In addition, the aluminum abundances and their ratio to Fe and Mg have also been examined. Our analysis reveals the existence of low-α element abundance stars with respect to the standard bulge sequence in the [α/ Fe] versus [Fe/H] plane. Eighteen objects present deviations in [α/ Fe] ranging from 2.1 to 5.3σ with respect to the median standard value. Those stars do not show Mg-Al anti-correlation patterns. Incidentally, this sign of the existence of multiple stellar populations is reported firmly for the first time for the bulge globular cluster NGC 6522. The identified low-α abundance stars have chemical patterns that are compatible with those of the thin disc. Their link with massive dwarf galaxies accretion seems unlikely, as larger deviations in α abundance and Al would be expected. The vision of a bulge composite nature and a complex formation process is reinforced by our results. The approach used, which is a multi-method and model-driven analysis of high resolution data, seems crucial to reveal this complexity.
Major contribution of the 3/6/7 class of TRPC channels to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion and cellular hypoxia/reoxygenation injuries
Authors: He Xiju , Li Shoutian , Liu Benju , Susperreguy Sebastian , Formoso Karina , Yao Jinghong , Kang Jinsong , Shi Anbing , Birnbaumer Lutz , Liao Yanhong
Published: May 2017

Significance

Calcium overload has been recognized as a critical cause of the injury tissues suffer after periods of ischemia. The ports that determine calcium entry into tissues subjected to transient hypoxia have not been identified. Here we identify two members of the transient potential receptor channel (TRPC) family of nonselective cation channels that allow passage of calcium, TRPC3 and TRPC6, as major factors causing calcium entry in the heart, which is responsible for ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Blocking TRPC activity or the genetic ablation of TRPCs markedly protected cardiac tissue and cells from I/R injury. TRPC3 and TRPC6 are promising therapeutic targets.
Understanding and Mitigating Bias in Forensic Evaluation: Lessons from Forensic Science
Authors: Zapf Patricia A. , Dror Itiel E.
Published: May 2017

Criticism has emerged in the last decade surrounding cognitive bias in forensic examinations. The National Research Council (NRC, 2009 ) issued a report that delineated weaknesses within various forensic science domains. The purpose of this article is to examine and consider the various influences that can bias observations and inferences in forensic evaluation and to apply what we know from forensic science to propose possible solutions to these problems. We use Sir Francis Bacon's doctrine of idols—which underpins modern scientific method—to expand Dror's ( 2015 ) five-level taxonomy of the various stages at which bias can originate within forensic science to create a seven-level taxonomy. We describe the ways in which biases can arise and impact work in forensic evaluation at these seven levels, highlighting potential solutions and various means of mitigating the impact of these biases, and conclude with a proposal for using scientific principles to improve forensic evaluation.
Generating bipartite networks with a prescribed joint degree distribution
Authors: Boroojeni Asma Azizi , Dewar Jeremy , Wu Tong , Hyman James M
Published: May 2017

We describe a class of new algorithms to construct bipartite networks that preserves a prescribed degree and joint-degree (degree–degree) distribution of the nodes. Bipartite networks are graphs that can represent real-world interactions between two disjoint sets, such as actor–movie networks, author–article networks, co-occurrence networks and heterosexual partnership networks. Often there is a strong correlation between the degree of a node and the degrees of the neighbours of that node that must be preserved when generating a network that reflects the structure of the underling system. Our bipartite $2K$ ($B2K$) algorithms generate an ensemble of networks that preserve prescribed degree sequences for the two disjoint set of nodes in the bipartite network, and the joint-degree distribution that is the distribution of the degrees of all neighbours of nodes with the same degree. We illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithms on a romance network using the NetworkX software environment to compare other properties of a target network that are not directly enforced by the $B2K$ algorithms. We observe that when average degree of nodes is low, as is the case for romance and heterosexual partnership networks, then the $B2K$ networks tend to preserve additional properties, such as the cluster coefficients, than algorithms that do not preserve the joint-degree distribution of the original network.
Connectivity among offshore feeding areas and nearshore spawning grounds; implications for management of migratory fish
Authors: Sólmundsson Jón , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg G , Ragnarsson Stefán Á , Björnsson Björn
Published: May 2017

Knowing movement and structure of fish populations is a prerequisite for effective spatial fisheries management. The study evaluates migration patterns and connectivity of two groups of cod (Gadus morhua) associated with offshore feeding and nursery grounds. This was achieved by investigating (i) migration pathways of cod tagged at the feeding areas, (ii) immigration of cod to the areas based on mark-recapture data covering a period of two decades, and (iii) depth and temperature data from data storage tags (DSTs). Despite undertaking long-distance migrations after attaining sexual maturity, the cod aggregations in the two study areas appear to be largely separated from each other. This conclusion is supported by DSTs, indicating that mature fish associated with the two areas occupy different thermal-bathymetric niches. Low levels of connectivity suggest that effective spatial management in the two study areas would preserve fish of different origin. For the highly migratory adults, however, spatial management would need to focus on migration pathways and the areas where the fish are particularly vulnerable to fishing.
Use of antimicrobial agents for treatment and prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea in the face of enhanced risk of transient fecal carriage of multi-drug resistant enterobacteriaceae: setting the stage for consensus recommendations
Authors: DuPont Herbert L. , Steffen Robert
Published: May 2017

Background: The recommendation that antibiotics should be used for routine therapy of travellers’ diarrhoea is being reconsidered in view of growing evidence that the therapy may lead to intestinal carriage of multi-drug resistant (MDR) colonic microbiota. This review attempts to put the issues of therapy and MDR acquisition in perspective to help in the establishment of therapeutic recommendations for travellers’ diarrhoea.

Methods: The existing literature showing the risk and consequences of acquisition of MDR microbiota in antibiotic-treated travellers was reviewed. Issues important to the development of firm evidence-based recommendations for antibiotics use for treatment and prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea were researched.

Results: Six areas of research needed to allow the development of evidence-based recommendations for antibiotic-treatment and -prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea were identified.

Conclusions: Increasing worldwide occurrence of antibiotic resistance should alert public health officials of the importance of encouraging local antibiotic stewardship guidelines. Six areas to research are identified in this review to allow the development of evidence-based recommendations for use of antibiotics for treatment and selective prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea. An interdisciplinary ISTM Consensus group will consider the data available and develop current recommendations for therapy and chemoprevention of travellers’ diarrhoea considering groups who would benefit the most from antimicrobials while recognizing the hazards associated with broad use of these drugs. With interim recommendations and ultimately evidence-based recommendations, guidelines can be developed for management of travellers’ diarrhoea considering populations and destinations.