bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flux rope, hyperbolic flux tube, and late extreme ultraviolet phases in a non-eruptive circular-ribbon flare
Authors: Masson Sophie , Pariat Étienne , Valori Gherardo , Deng Na , Liu Chang , Wang Haimin , Reid Hamish
Published: April 2017

Context. The dynamics of ultraviolet (UV) emissions during solar flares provides constraints on the physical mechanisms involved in the trigger and the evolution of flares. In particular it provides some information on the location of the reconnection sites and the associated magnetic fluxes. In this respect, confined flares are far less understood than eruptive flares generating coronal mass ejections.

Aims. We present a detailed study of a confined circular flare dynamics associated with three UV late phases in order to understand more precisely which topological elements are present and how they constrain the dynamics of the flare.

Methods. We perform a non-linear force-free field extrapolation of the confined flare observed with the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) and Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) instruments on board Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). From the 3D magnetic field we compute the squashing factor and we analyse its distribution. Conjointly, we analyse the AIA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light curves and images in order to identify the post-flare loops, and their temporal and thermal evolution. By combining the two analyses we are able to propose a detailed scenario that explains the dynamics of the flare.

Results. Our topological analysis shows that in addition to a null-point topology with the fan separatrix, the spine lines and its surrounding quasi-separatix layer (QSL) halo (typical for a circular flare), a flux rope and its hyperbolic flux tube (HFT) are enclosed below the null. By comparing the magnetic field topology and the EUV post-flare loops we obtain an almost perfect match between the footpoints of the separatrices and the EUV 1600 Å ribbons and between the HFT field line footpoints and bright spots observed inside the circular ribbons. We show, for the first time in a confined flare, that magnetic reconnection occurred initially at the HFT below the flux rope. Reconnection at the null point between the flux rope and the overlying field is only initiated in a second phase. In addition, we showed that the EUV late phase observed after the main flare episode is caused by the cooling loops of different length which have all reconnected at the null point during the impulsive phase.

Conclusions. Our analysis shows in one example that flux ropes are present in null-point topology not only for eruptive and jet events, but also for confined flares. This allows us to conjecture on the analogies between conditions that govern the generation of jets, confined flares or eruptive flares.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the C2 Nerve Root: Case Report
Authors: Burks Joshua , Briggs Robert , Glenn Chad , Greenert John , Baker Cordell , Bartal Keren , Krempl Greg , Sughrue Michael
Published: April 2017

Here we present the case of a 36-year-old man who was found to have a symptomatic malignant neural sheath tumor growing from the C2 nerve root following a period of progressively worsening headaches. The patient was successfully treated with surgical resection resulting in resolution of cranial nerve deficits. Though uncommon, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor must be considered in the differential diagnosis of tumors involving the cervical nerve roots and carotid space.
Delayed Management of Unrecognized Bilateral Temporomandibular Joint Dislocation: A Case Report
Authors: Chin SiokYoong , Berahim Nazer Bin , Adnan Khairulzaman Bin , Ramasamy Sundrarajan Naidu
Published: April 2017

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation is a common occurrence, but diagnosis can be missed if patients do not complain. Delayed presentation complicates the management of a straightforward reduction. We present a case of a 24-year-old man who had bilateral TMJ dislocation of unknown duration after motor vehicle accident. The accident left him bedridden with speech difficulty. He was totally dependent on Ryles’ and percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy tubes for feeding. Computed tomography revealed dislocation of condyles anterior to articular eminences. The bilateral TMJ dislocations were reduced surgically via bicoronal with preauricular extension approaches. However, the surgery was challenging due to tissue changes around the joint accompanied by masticatory muscles atrophy. Postoperatively, he was placed on intermaxillary fixation for 2 weeks followed by elastics training. Three months later, the patient's mastication returned completely to function. Delayed management of bilateral TMJ dislocation is undoubtedly challenging and somewhat frustrating; nevertheless, we manage to achieve satisfactory outcome in improving the patient's quality of life.
Treatment Outcomes for Isolated Maxillary Complex Fractures with Maxillomandibular Screws
Authors: Gorka Rahul , Gohil Amish Jayantilal , Gupta Ashish Kumar , Koshy Santosh
Published: April 2017

Intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is a basic and fundamental principle in the management of patients with fractures of the maxillomandibular complex. There are several shortcomings related to the conventionally recommended tooth-mounted devices that are used to achieve IMF. To circumvent these, the use of bone-borne screws has been advocated. We present a series of maxillary fractures treated with IMF screws. Over a 12-month period, 15 cases of maxillary fracture were managed with open reduction and bone plate fixation. IMF screws were used to achieve IMF intraoperatively and for a short duration postoperatively. Eight cortical titanium screws were inserted transmucosally, two for each quadrant at the junction of the attached and mobile mucosa. Satisfactory occlusion was achieved in all the patients with few complications. IMF screw fixation was observed to be a safe and quick method for open reduction of maxillary fractures. Tooth-borne devices are associated with problems such as poor oral hygiene and periodontal health, extrusion of teeth, loss of tooth vitality, traumatic ulcers of buccal and labial mucosa, and needle stick injury to the operator. These procedures are also time consuming. The use of cortical bone screws is a quicker and safe alternative for achieving satisfactory IMF.
High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy is not a Protective Factor for Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Souza Eduardo de , Goulart Ana Lucia , Lima Adriana Martins de , Sass Nelson , Sabino Annibal Tagliaferri
Published: April 2017

Objective To evaluate whether the presence of maternal blood pressure reduces the risks of morbidity, perinatal mortality and morbidity at 24 months of age in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) compared with a control group.

Methods A retrospective, observational, case-control study. Total 49 VLBWIs were allocated to the study group, called the maternal arterial hypertension group (AHG), and matched with 44 in the control group (CG). The infants were assessed during hospitalization and at 12 and 24 months corrected age at a specialized clinic. For the assessment of growth, the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software (Geneva, 2006) was used, and for the psychomotor assessment, the Denver II test was used.

Results In relation to the antenatal variables, the infants of the AHG had more centralized circulation assessed by Doppler, received more corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate, and were born by cesarean section more frequently. In terms of the postnatal and in-hospital outcomes, the AHG had a higher gestational age at birth (30.7 versus 29.6 weeks) and a lower frequency of 5-minute Apgar scores of less than 7 (26.5% versus 52.3%). The CG had a higher rate of pulmonary dysplasia (30.2% versus 8.3%). There were no differences in terms of hospital mortality, complications, somatic growth and functional problems at 24 months of corrected age.

Conclusion The presence of maternal hypertension, especially preeclampsia, was not a protective factor against morbidity, mortality and evolution in VLBWIs aged up to 24 months. Therefore, the clinical practice should be focused on prolonging the pregnancy for as long as possible in these conditions as well.
Metformin Inhibits N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea Induced Gastric Tumorigenesis in db/db Mice
Authors: Zhuang Shan , Jian Yongmei , Sun Yongning
Published: April 2017

Type 2 diabetes can elevate risk of gastric cancer and metformin, an anti-diabetic agent, has an inhibitory effect against gastric cancer cell in vitro. However, the effect of metformin on type 2 diabetes-related gastric tumorigenesis in vivo is still not clear. In the present study, we aim to detect whether metformin can inhibit increased risk of gastric cancer in diabetic db/db mice and which the potential anti-cancer mechanisms of metformin are.

4-week-old mice were divided into 3 groups (2 db/db mice groups and one wild type mice group). All diabetic and non-diabetic mice were treated with N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) for 20 weeks to induce gastric tumorigenesis. At week 21, one db/db mice group were treated with metformin (5 mg/ml) for 10 weeks and the other 2 groups were treated with saline. Blood samples were collected for testing insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Stomach tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation and mRNAs analysis.

Metformin significantly decreased incidence of MNU-induced gastric dysplasia and cancer in diabetic db/db mice. Furthermore, metformin reduced serum insulin as well as IGF-1, and also suppressed expression of insulin receptor, IGF-1, IGF-1 receptor and several pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNAs in stomach of db/db mice, but did not significantly influence IGF-2 and IGF-2 receptor expressions.

The results show that metformin can prevent the risk of gastric cancer in type 2 diabetes and the protective mechanisms may involve in an inhibitory effect of metformin on insulin as well as IGF-1 signals and cancer related pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Defined Structure-Activity Relationships of Boswellic Acids Determine Modulation of Ca2+ Mobilization and Aggregation of Human Platelets by Boswellia serrata Extracts
Authors: Siemoneit Ulf , Tausch Lars , Poeckel Daniel , Paul Michael , Northoff Hinnak , Koeberle Andreas , Jauch Johann , Werz Oliver
Published: April 2017

Boswellic acids constitute a group of unique pentacyclic triterpene acids from Boswellia serrata with multiple pharmacological activities that confer them anti-inflammatory and anti-tumoral properties. A subgroup of boswellic acids, characterized by an 11-keto group, elevates intracellular Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i and causes moderate aggregation of human platelets. How different BAs and their mixtures in pharmacological preparations affect these parameters in activated platelets has not been addressed, so far. Here, we show that boswellic acids either antagonize or induce Ca2+ mobilization and platelet aggregation depending on defined structural determinants with inductive effects predominating for a B. serrata gum resin extract. 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid potently suppressed Ca2+ mobilization (IC50 = 6 µM) and aggregation (IC50 = 1 µM) when platelets were activated by collagen or the thromboxane A2 receptor agonist U-46619, but not upon thrombin. In contrast, β-boswellic acid and 3-O-acetyl-β-boswellic acid, which lack the 11-keto moiety, were weak inhibitors of agonist-induced platelet responses, but instead they elicited elevation of [Ca2+]i and aggregation of platelets (≥ 3 µM). 11-Keto-β-boswellic acid, the structural intermediate between 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid and β-boswellic acid, was essentially inactive independent of the experimental conditions. Together, our study unravels the complex agonizing and antagonizing properties of boswellic acids on human platelets in pharmacologically relevant preparations of B. serrata gum extracts and prompts for careful evaluation of the safety of such extracts as herbal medicine in cardiovascular risk patients.
NIR Spectroscopy of Actaea racemosa L. rhizome – En Route to Fast and Low-Cost Quality Assessment
Authors: Bittner Marian , Krähmer Andrea , Schenk Regina , Springer Andreas , Gudi Gennadi , Melzig Matthias
Published: April 2017

Rhizomes of Actaea racemosa L. (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) gained increasing interest as a plant-derived drug due to its hormone-like activity and the absence of estrogenic activity. According to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines and pharmacopeial standards, quality assessment of herbal starting materials includes tests on identity and substitution, as well as quantification of secondary metabolites, usually by HPTLC and LC methods. To reduce the laboratory effort, we investigated near-infrared spectroscopy for rapid species authentication and quantification of metabolites of interest.

Near-infrared spectroscopy analysis is carried out directly on the milled raw plant material. Spectra were correlated with reference data of polyphenols and triterpene glycosides determined by LC/diode array detection and LC/evaporative light scattering detection, respectively. Quantification models were built and validated by cross-validation procedures. Clone plants, derived by vegetative propagation, and plants of a collection from different geographical origins cultivated in Berlin were analysed together with mixed batches from wild harvests purchased at wholesalers.

Generally, good to excellent correlations were found for the overall content of polyphenols with coefficients of determination of R2 > 0.93. For individual polyphenols such as fukinolic acid, only models containing clone plants succeeded (R2 > 0.92). For the total content of triterpene glycosides, results were generally worse in comparison to polyphenols and were observed only for the mixed batches (R2 = 0.93).

Next to quantitative analysis, near-infrared spectroscopy was proven as a rapid alternative to other, more laborious methods for species authentication. Near-infrared spectroscopy was able to distinguish different Actaea spp. such as the North American Actaea cordifolia and the Asian Actaea cimicifuga, Actaea dahurica, Actaea heracleifolia, and Actaea simplex.
Interaction between plasma synthetic jet and subsonic turbulent boundary layer
Authors: Zong Haohua , Kotsonis Marios
Published: April 2017

This paper experimentally investigates the interaction between a plasma synthetic jet (PSJ) and a subsonic turbulent boundary layer (TBL) using a hotwire anemometer and phase-locked particle imaging velocimetry. The PSJ is interacting with a fully developed turbulent boundary layer developing on the flat wall of a square wind tunnel section of 1.7 m length. The Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity (U∞ = 20 m/s) and the boundary layer thickness (δ99 = 34.5 mm) at the location of interaction is 44 400. A large-volume (1696 mm3) three-electrode plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) with a round exit orifice (D = 2 mm) is adopted to produce high-speed (92 m/s) and short-duration (Tjet = 1 ms) pulsed jets. The exit velocity variation of the adopted PSJA in a crossflow is shown to remain almost identical to that in quiescent conditions. However, the flow structures emanating from the interaction between the PSJ and the TBL are significantly different from what were observed in quiescent conditions. In the midspan xy plane (z = 0 mm), the erupted jet body initially follows a wall-normal trajectory accompanied by the formation of a distinctive front vortex ring. After three convective time scales the jet bends to the crossflow, thus limiting the peak penetration depth to approximately 0.58δ99. Comparison of the normalized jet trajectories indicates that the penetration ability of the PSJ is less than steady jets with the same momentum flow velocity. Prior to the jet diminishing, a recirculation region is observed in the leeward side of the jet body, experiencing first an expansion and then a contraction in the area. In the cross-stream yz plane, the signature structure of jets in a crossflow, the counter-rotating vortex pair (CVP), transports high-momentum flow from the outer layer to the near-wall region, leading to a fuller velocity profile and a drop in the boundary layer shape factor (1.3 to 1.2). In contrast to steady jets, the CVP produced by the PSJ exhibits a prominent spatiotemporal behaviour. The residence time of the CVP is estimated as the jet duration time, while the maximum extent of the affected flow in the three coordinate directions (x, y, and z) is approximately 32D, 8.5D, and 10D, respectively. An extremely high level of turbulent kinetic energy production is shown in the jet shear-layer, front vortex ring, and CVP, of which the contribution of the streamwise Reynolds normal stress is dominant. Finally, a conceptual model of the interaction between the PSJ and the TBL is proposed.
Polarization-dependent plasmon mode mapping of Ag nanowires based on two-photon excitation fluorescence of quantum dots
Authors: Jiang Ping , Mai Weijie , Cui Luna , Wang Lulu , Jiao Rongzhen , Zhang Yong , Duan Gaoyan , Zhang Yun , Wang Xuandong , Yu Li
Published: April 2017

We show that the plasmon modes of Ag nanowires can be imaged by coating them with a layer of quantum dots (QDs), held off the nanowire surface by a nanoscale dielectric spacer layer. Parallel or perpendicular excitation polarization modulates the intensity maps of two-photon excitation fluorescence (TPEF), which exhibit Fabry–Pérot cavity modes at the excitation or fluorescence wavelength. We attribute this phenomenon to the QDs excited by propagating surface plasmon polaritons or localized surface plasmon modes. The results of the TPEF intensity maps are well explained by theoretical simulations, and the energy transfer process is also discussed.
Energy compression of nanosecond high-voltage pulses based on two-stage hybrid scheme
Authors: Ulmaskulov M. R. , Mesyats G. A. , Sadykova A. G. , Sharypov K. A. , Shpak V. G. , Shunailov S. A. , Yalandin M. I.
Published: April 2017

Test results of high-voltage subnanosecond pulse generator with a hybrid, two-stage energy compression scheme are presented. After the first compression section with a gas discharger, a ferrite-filled gyromagnetic nonlinear transmitting line is used. The offered technical solution makes it possible to increase the voltage pulse amplitude from −185 kV to −325 kV, with a 2-ns pulse rise time minimized down to ∼180 ps. For the small output voltage amplitude of −240 kV, the shortest pulse front of ∼85 ps was obtained. The generator with maximum amplitude was utilized to form an ultra-short flow of runaway electrons in air-filled discharge gap with particles’ energy approaching to 700 keV.
Determination of the bond dissociation energies of FeX and NiX (X = C, S, Se)
Authors: Matthew Daniel J. , Tieu Erick , Morse Michael D.
Published: April 2017

The bond dissociation energies of FeC, NiC, FeS, NiS, FeSe, and NiSe have been measured by the observation of a predissociation threshold in their resonant two-photon ionization spectra. Because the lowest separated atom limits generate a vast number of potential energy curves, it is thought that the molecules dissociate as soon as the ground separated atom limit is exceeded in energy. From the observed thresholds, dissociation energies have been measured as D0(FeC) = 3.961(19), D0(NiC) = 4.167(3), D0(FeS) = 3.240(3), D0(NiS) = 3.651(3), D0(FeSe) = 2.739(6), and D0(NiSe) = 3.218(3) eV. Through the use of thermochemical cycles, these values have been combined with other precisely known values to improve the accuracy of other quantities, providing: D0(Fe+–C) = 4.270(19) eV, D0(Ni+–C) = 3.435(3) eV, IE(FeS) = 8.06(4) eV, IE(NiS) = 8.82(4) eV, and D0 (Fe–S−) = 2.92(10) or 2.89(10) eV, depending on the reference employed for EA(FeS−). Comparisons to previous values are noted, when available. The periodic trends observed are discussed in terms of a molecular orbital diagram for these species. Finally, these results have also been used to calculate 0 K enthalpies of formation of the gaseous MX molecules.
Optimized thermoelectric performance of the n-type half-Heusler material TiNiSn by substitution and addition of Mn
Authors: Lkhagvasuren Enkhtaivan , Ouardi Siham , Fecher Gerhard H. , Auffermann Gudrun , Kreiner Guido , Schnelle Walter , Felser Claudia
Published: April 2017

Alloys based on the half-Heusler compound TiNiSn with the addition of Mn or with a substitution of Ti by Mn are investigated as high-temperature thermoelectric materials. In both materials an intrinsic phase separation is observed, similar to TiNiSn where Ti has been partially substituted by Hf, with increasing Mn concentration the phase separation drastically reduces the lattice thermal conductivity while the power factor is increased. The thermoelectric performance of the n-type conducting alloy can be optimized both by substitution of Ti by Mn as well as the addition of Mn.
Slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging of cold tert-butyl peroxide
Authors: DeVine Jessalyn A. , Weichman Marissa L. , Babin Mark C. , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: April 2017

Photoelectron spectra of cryogenically cooled X∼1A′ tert-butyl peroxide anions are obtained using slow electron velocity-map imaging. The spectra show highly structured bands corresponding to detachment to the X∼2A″ and A∼2A′ electronic states of the neutral radical and represent a notable improvement in resolution over previous photoelectron spectra. We report an electron affinity of 1.1962(20) eV and a term energy T0(A∼2A′) of 0.9602(24) eV for the tert-butyl peroxy radical. New vibrational structure is resolved, providing several frequencies for both neutral states. Additionally, the threshold behavior of the photodetachment cross section is investigated within the context of Dyson orbital calculations.
Nonthermal effects in photostimulated solid state reaction of Mn doped SrTiO3
Authors: Daraselia D. , Japaridze D. , Jibuti Z. , Shengelaya A. , Müller K. A.
Published: April 2017

The effect of a photostimulated solid state reaction was investigated in Mn doped SrTiO3 samples. Light irradiation was performed by either halogen or UV lamps in order to study the effect of the spectral composition, and the results were compared with samples prepared at the same temperatures in a conventional furnace. The obtained samples were studied by X-ray diffraction for structural characterization and by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, which provides microscopic information about the local environment as well as the valence state of Mn ions. It was found that light irradiation significantly enhances the solid state reaction rate compared to synthesis in the conventional furnace. Moreover, it was observed that UV lamp irradiation is much more effective compared to halogen lamps. This indicates that the absorption of light with energy larger than the materials band gap plays an important role and points towards the nonthermal mechanism of the photostimulated solid state reaction.
A cost-effective monitoring technique in particle therapy via uncollimated prompt gamma peak integration
Authors: Krimmer J. , Angellier G. , Balleyguier L. , Dauvergne D. , Freud N. , Hérault J. , Létang J. M. , Mathez H. , Pinto M. , Testa E. , Zoccarato Y.
Published: April 2017

For the purpose of detecting deviations from the prescribed treatment during particle therapy, the integrals of uncollimated prompt gamma-ray timing distributions are investigated. The intention is to provide information, with a simple and cost-effective setup, independent from monitoring devices of the beamline. Measurements have been performed with 65 MeV protons at a clinical cyclotron. Prompt gamma-rays emitted from the target are identified by means of time-of-flight. The proton range inside the PMMA target has been varied via a modulator wheel. The measured variation of the prompt gamma peak integrals as a function of the modulator position is consistent with simulations. With detectors covering a solid angle of 25 msr (corresponding to a diameter of 3–4 in. at a distance of 50 cm from the beam axis) and 108 incident protons, deviations of a few per cent in the prompt gamma-ray count rate can be detected. For the present configuration, this change in the count rate corresponds to a 3 mm change in the proton range in a PMMA target. Furthermore, simulation studies show that a combination of the signals from multiple detectors may be used to detect a misplacement of the target. A different combination of these signals results in a precise number of the detected prompt gamma rays, which is independent on the actual target position.
Fractal analysis of electroviscous effect in charged porous media
Authors: Liang Mingchao , Yang Shanshan , Cui Xiaomin , Li Yongfeng
Published: April 2017

An electroviscous effect is an important phenomenon making flow resistance larger in electrically charged capillaries or porous media. Thus, the study of this phenomenon is very meaningful in various scientific and engineering fields. In this work, based on the fractal characteristics of porous media, a theoretical apparent viscosity model is expressed in terms of the solid surface zeta potential, physical properties (viscosity, dielectric constant, and conductivity) of the electrolyte solution, maximum pore radius, pore fractal dimension, and tortuosity fractal dimension of porous media. A reasonably good match is found between the results from the fractal model and the available experimental data reported in the literature.
Tunneling contact IGZO TFTs with reduced saturation voltages
Authors: Wang Longyan , Sun Yin , Zhang Xintong , Zhang Lining , Zhang Shengdong , Chan Mansun
Published: April 2017

We report a tunneling contact indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO) thin film transistor (TFT) with a graphene interlayer technique in this paper. A Schottky junction is realized between a metal and IGZO with a graphene interlayer, leading to a quantum tunneling of the TFT transport in saturation regions. This tunneling contact enables a significant reduction in the saturation drain voltage Vdsat compared to that of the thermionic emission TFTs, which is usually equal to the gate voltage minus their threshold voltages. Measured temperature independences of the subthreshold swing confirm a transition from the thermionic emission to quantum tunneling transports depending on the gate bias voltages in the proposed device. The tunneling contact TFTs with the graphene interlayer have implications to reduce the power consumptions of certain applications such as the active matrix OLED display.
Impurity-induced deep centers in Tl6SI4
Authors: Shi Hongliang , Lin Wenwen , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Szeles Csaba , Du Mao-Hua
Published: April 2017

Tl6SI4 is a promising material for room-temperature semiconductor radiation detection applications. The history of the development of semiconductor radiation detection materials has demonstrated that impurities strongly affect the carrier transport and that material purification is a critically important step in improving the carrier transport and thereby the detector performance. Here, we report combined experimental and theoretical studies of impurities in Tl6SI4. Impurity concentrations in Tl6SI4 were analyzed by glow discharge mass spectrometry. Purification of the raw material by multi-pass vertical narrow zone refining was found to be effective in reducing the concentrations of most impurities. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to study the trapping levels introduced by the main impurities detected in experiments. We show that, among dozens of detected impurities, most are either electrically inactive or shallow. In the purified Tl6SI4 sample, only Bi has a significant concentration (0.2 ppm wt) and introduces deep electron trapping levels in the band gap. Improvement of the purification processes is expected to further reduce the impurity concentrations and their impact on carrier transport in Tl6SI4, leading to improved detector performance.
Performance enhancement for the triboelectric energy harvester by using interfacial micro-dome array structures
Authors: Liao Ming-Han , Huang Hong-Yi , Chuang Chih-Chieh
Published: April 2017

Interfacial micro-dome array structures are proposed to enhance the performance of triboelectric energy harvester (TEH) devices. With the designed process flow for the demonstration of the interfacial micro-dome array structures, open-circuit voltage (Voc) is found to be improved about 2 times compared with the previously reported micro-pyramid array TEH device. The modeling, simulation, visualization experiment, and electrical measurements are conducted and analyzed to clarify the impact of the different interfacial microarray structures in the TEH devices. We conclude that the proposed micro-dome array TEH device indeed can result in the best output power density, Voc, pressure sensing sensitivity, and pressure sensing range.
Flash sintering of dielectric nanoparticles as a percolation phenomenon through a softened film
Authors: Chaim Rachman , Chevallier Geoffroy , Weibel Alicia , Estournès Claude
Published: April 2017

Recent work [Biesuz et al., J. Appl. Phys. 120, 145107 (2016)] showed analogies between the flash sintering and dielectric breakdown in α-aluminas pre-sintered to different densities. Here, we show that flash sintering of dielectric nanoparticles can be described as a universal behavior by the percolation model. The electrical system is composed of particles and their contact point resistances, the latter softened first due to preferred local Joule heating and thermal runaway during the flash. Local softening has a hierarchical and invasive nature and propagates between the electrodes. The flash event signals the percolation threshold by invasive nature of the softened layer at the particle surfaces. Rapid densification is associated with local particle rearrangements due to attractive capillary forces induced by the softened film at the particle contacts. Flash sintering is a critical phenomenon with a self-organizing character. The experimental electric conductivity results from flash sintering are in full agreement with those calculated from the percolation model.
Stimulated emission from semi-polar (11-22) GaN overgrown on sapphire
Authors: Xu B. , Jiu L. , Gong Y. , Zhang Y. , Wang L. C. , Bai J. , Wang T.
Published: April 2017

(11-22) semi-polar GaN is expected to exhibit major advantages compared with current c-plane polar GaN in the fabrication of long wavelength such as green and yellow emitters. However, all the III-nitride based semi-/non- polar laser diodes (LDs) reported so far have been achieved exclusively based on homo-epitaxial growth on extremely expensive free-standing GaN substrates with a very limited size. In this paper, we have observed a stimulated emission at room temperature achieved on our semi-polar (11-22) GaN overgrown on a micro-rod arrayed template with an optimized design on m-plane sapphire. This has never been achieved previously on any semi-polar GaN grown on sapphire. Furthermore, an optical gain of 130cm−1 has been measured by means of performing a standard laser stripe-length dependent optical measurement. The values of the threshold and the optical gain obtained are comparable to those of the c-plane GaN reported so far, further validating the satisfactory crystal quality of our overgrown semi-polar (11-22) GaN on sapphire. This represents a major step towards the development of III-nitride semi-polar based LDs on sapphire, especially in the long wavelength regime.
The use of energy-protein supplement increases performance of high-yielding dairy cows and improves health-promoting properties of milk
Authors: Brzozowska Anna Malgorzata , Micek Piotr , Kuczynska Beata , Lukaszewicz Marek , Oprzadek Jolanta M.
Published: April 2017

Lipid additives are of particular importance in the diet of high-yielding dairy cows. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a specially designed energy-protein supplement on dairy cows’ performance and milk composition. The experiment was conducted on 24 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows fed total mixed ration. Two kilograms of energy-protein supplement/cow.day were added to the ration for one group of cows whereas the other was fed solely the total mixed ration. The supplement consisted of whole flax seeds, wheat bran, flaxseed and fish oils, and rapeseed cake and its composition is protected by a patent. Feed intake and daily milk yield were recorded automatically for each cow. Gross milk composition and fatty acid profile of milk were determined. An ANOVA was performed to determine the influence of the supplement on performance traits and milk composition. Energy-protein supplement had a positive impact on dry matter intake and milk yield of cows. It had a little effect on the gross milk composition and somatic cell count. The effect of the additive on fatty acids in milk was beneficial, therefore its use in high-yielding dairy cows nutrition is recommended to improve health-promoting properties of milk.
Use of sensor-determined behaviours to develop algorithms for pasture intake by individual grazing cattle
Authors: Greenwood P. L. , Paull D. R. , McNally J. , Kalinowski T. , Ebert D. , Little B. , Smith D. V. , Rahman A. , Valencia P. , Ingham A. B. , Bishop-Hurley G. J.
Published: April 2017

Practical and reliable measurement of pasture intake by individual animals will enable improved precision in livestock and pasture management, provide input data for prediction and simulation models, and allow animals to be ranked on grazing efficiency for genetic improvement. In this study, we assessed whether pasture intake of individual grazing cattle could be estimated from time spent exhibiting behaviours as determined from data generated by on-animal sensor devices. Variation in pasture intake was created by providing Angus steers (n = 10, mean ± s.d. liveweight 650 ± 77 kg) with differing amounts of concentrate supplementation during grazing within individual ryegrass plots (≤0.22 ha). Pasture dry matter intake (DMI) for the steers was estimated from the slope (kg DM day–1) of the regression of total pasture DM per plot on intake over an 11-day period. Pasture DM in each plot, commencing with ≤2 t DM ha–1, was determined by using repeatedly calibrated pasture height and electronic rising plate meters. The amounts of time spent grazing, ruminating, walking and resting were determined for the 10 steers by using data from collar-mounted, inertial measurement units and a previously developed, highly accurate, behaviour classification model. An initial pasture intake algorithm was established for time spent grazing: pasture DMI (kg day–1) = –4.13 + 2.325 × hours spent grazing (P = 0.010, r2 = 0.53, RSD = 1.65 kg DM day–1). Intake algorithms require further development, validation and refinement under varying pasture conditions by using sensor devices to determine specific pasture intake behaviours coupled with established methods for measuring pasture characteristics and grazing intake and selectivity.
Evaluation of growth-dependent survival during early stages of Pacific bluefin tuna using otolith microstructure analysis
Authors: Watai Mikio , Ishihara Taiki , Abe Osamu , Ohshimo Seiji , Strussmann Carlos Augusto
Published: April 2017

The present study used otolith analysis-based body size back-calculation to: (1) evaluate the hypothesis of growth-dependent survival in young Pacific bluefin tuna (PBF; Thunnus orientalis) from the north-western Pacific Ocean; (2) identify critical developmental stages for survival; and (3) compare interannual differences in early growth. To this end, we compared the daily growth trajectories of a large number of larvae (standard length (SL) <15mm), juveniles (15≤SL≤150mm), and young-of-year (YOY; SL >150mm) collected between 2011 and 2015. Otolith radius and SL were highly correlated and yielded a single relationship applicable for the five year-classes. Body size back-calculation showed that only larvae with fast, steady growth successfully transitioned to the juvenile stage. The ontogenetic analysis of daily growth rates revealed interannual differences only in larvae, and not in the larval stage of juveniles and YOY. Neither sudden decreases nor increases in growth rates were observed during the larval stage of any of the stages, suggesting that the observed variability in larval body size may be the result of individual differences in growth rates rather than of drastic, one-time events. Overall, the results of the present study indicate that growth-dependent survival of larvae may be the most critical for PBF recruitment.
Pseudomagnetic fields for sound at the nanoscale
Authors: Brendel Christian , Peano Vittorio , Painter Oskar J. , Marquardt Florian
Published: April 2017

Significance

Unlike electrons, phonons do not feel a magnetic field, because they are not charged. Thus, much of the physics connected with charged particles in magnetic fields is absent for phonons, be it the Lorentz force or the unidirectional transport along the sample edges. Recently, researchers have started to study how one might make phonons akin to electrons in a magnetic field or related topological settings. The first experimental implementations involving coupled pendula or gyroscopes or air currents have already been realized at the macroscopic scale. Here, we describe a design that is well-suited for the nanoscale. It is purely geometric in nature and could be implemented based on an already experimentally demonstrated platform, a simple patterned 2D material.
Convergence of DNA methylation and phosphorothioation epigenetics in bacterial genomes
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Lianrong , Chen Si , Wu Xiaolin , Gu Meijia , Chen Xi , Jiang Susu , Wang Yunfu , Deng Zixin , Dedon Peter C. , Chen Shi
Published: April 2017

Significance

New technologies have fostered renewed interest in bacterial epigenetics, with DNA modifications defending against other microbes and controlling gene expression. Here, we describe how two diverse modifications, adenine methylation (
6m
A) and phosphorothioation (PT), have evolved to occupy the same genomic sites in bacteria. Using mass spectrometry, single-molecule real-time sequencing, and genetic engineering, we discovered coincident PT and
6m
A in G
PS
6m
AAC and G
PS
6m
ATC, representing PT consensus sequences, a GA-containing consensus for an unknown methyltransferase, and the GATC consensus for Dam methyltransferase.
6m
A was found in all G
PS
ATC sites in vivo, with
6m
A substituting for PT in preventing DNA cleavage by PT restriction enzymes. These findings show how different DNA modification systems have evolved to avoid conflict.
The function of gesture in learning and memory
Authors: Cook Susan Wagner , M. Fenn Kimberly
Published: April 2017

Hand gestures facilitate memory processes, both for newly learned material and for material that is already understood. Gestures facilitate working memory in the moment in which they are produced, and they facilitate recall over time. Information encoded with gesture appears particularly likely to be consolidated in memory, and is particularly likely to transfer to novel contexts. Thus, gesture not only improves initial encoding of material, but also improves the quality of the memory representation that is retained. This chapter focuses on the function of gesture with respect to memory, and discusses potential mechanisms by which gesture may promote memory and consolidation, including managing cognitive load, externalizing information, providing multiple, diverse and embodied representations; and engaging reactivation during sleep.
Computational gesture research
Authors: Kopp Stefan
Published: April 2017

Embodied artificial agents, like humanoid robots or virtual characters, can produce a variety of co-speech gestures in interactive settings. This enables a computational branch of gesture research that offers opportunities for (1) investigating production and comprehension processes through computational cognitive modeling, and (2) studying systematically the effects and functions of gesturing in human-agent interaction. In this chapter we review current approaches to synthesize gestures, and we discuss in detail findings from experiments on the effects of gestures produced by virtual characters or robots. Current evidence suggests that synthetic gesturing has considerable effects on how an artificial agent is perceived and attributed with human-like properties. In contrast, so far, there is little evidence showing that contemporary synthetic gesturing helps human addressees to better understand or retain the information communicated by an agent. We discuss what these findings imply for the potential functions that gesture may serve in improving human-agent interaction, and more generally for our understanding of gesture through computational modeling efforts.
Gesture’s role in learning interactions
Authors: LeBarton Eve S. , Iverson Jana M.
Published: April 2017

Gesture difficulties in childhood may be found for some clinical populations with communication and language difficulties, while gesture may be used to compensate for difficulties in other children. Thus, the potential for gesture to supplement interaction and learning opportunities may be both limited and harnessed to support learning. Bidirectional relations during interactions between child and adult provide a mechanism through which gesture may be harnessed to support learning in clinical populations. For instance, the information conveyed in children’s gestures can influence the input that adults provide to children and this input, particularly gesture, can then support children’s learning during these interactions. Through both formal (e.g., interventions) and informal interactions, gesture provides opportunities to support rich interactions and learning in clinical populations.
Back to the future, forward to the past: Croatian politics of memory in the European Parliament
Authors: Milošević Ana
Published: April 2017

This paper discusses the way in which a post-conflict European Union (EU) member immediately after accession both shapes and adapts to EU memory politics as a part of its Europeanization process. I will analyze how the country responds to the top-down pressures of Europeanization in the domestic politics of memory by making proactive attempts at exporting its own politics of memory (discourses, policies, and practices) to the EU level. Drawing evidence from Croatian EU accession, I will consider how Croatian members of the European Parliament “upload” domestic memory politics to the EU level, particularly to the European Parliament. Based on the analysis of elite interviews, discourses, parliamentary duties, agenda-setting, and decision-making of Croatian MEPs from 2013 to 2016, I argue that the parliament serves both as a locus for confirmation of European identity through promotion of countries’ EU memory credentials and as a new forum for affirmation of national identity. The preservation of the “Homeland War” narrative (1991–1995) and of the “sacredness” of Vukovar as a Europeanlieu de mémoireclearly influences the decision-making of Croatian MEPs, motivating inter-group support for policy building and remembrance practices that bridge domestic political differences.
English in Chinese higher education: past difficulties, current initiatives and future challenges
Authors: Wright Sue , Zheng Lin
Published: April 2017

English is the most common foreign language in the Chinese curriculum. However, even though a great deal of class time is devoted to acquiring English, the results have not been universally good. Studies to address the issue have suggested various reasons for this: large classes and the subsequent difficulty of implementing interactive teaching; traditional examinations, which favour grammar/translation pedagogy; the difficulty of recruiting fluent teachers, which makes communicative methodology hard to implement; low motivation in parts of the population where the chance of interacting with native speakers is highly unlikely. In addition, there may be other – new – reasons developing which put a brake on the spread of good foreign language skills among the Chinese population. The general problems reported in the foreign language classroom could be compounded by the growing influence of China in the world. The experience of groups whose economic and political weight were/are significant has shown that when others learn your language and it becomes a lingua franca of power, instrumental motivation for foreign language acquisition diminishes within the population. Can we expect to see the Chinese developing the same attitudes to foreign language learning, as Anglophones, for example, if/as Chinese spreads as a lingua franca?
Corpus-based comparative study of intensifiers: quite, pretty, rather and fairly
Authors: Su Yujie
Published: April 2017

The study of intensifiers has been of interest both in semantics and sociolinguistics. But as for how the intensifiers used by second-language or foreign-language learners of English, there are far fewer corpus-based researches partly owing to the potential difficulty in compiling a corpus and suitable data-analysing software. The present study examines four general intensifiers like quite, pretty, rather, fairly in the British National Corpus, the Written English Corpus of Chinese Learner and the Chinese Learner English Corpus, comparing the practical use as well as the semantic prosody of the four intensifiers between native speakers and English learners, and found that native speakers and learners showed different preference in use and have different understanding of the intensifiers in question.
Suppression of Th17 cell differentiation by misshapen/NIK-related kinase MINK1
Authors: Fu Guotong , Xu Qin , Qiu Yuanjun , Jin Xuexiao , Xu Ting , Dong Shunli , Wang Jianli , Ke Yuehai , Hu Hu , Cao Xuetao , Wang Di , Cantor Harvey , Gao Xiang , Lu Linrong
Published: April 2017

T helper type 17 cells (Th17 cells) are major contributors to many autoimmune diseases. In this study, we demonstrate that the germinal center kinase family member MINK1 (misshapen/NIK-related kinase 1) negatively regulates Th17 cell differentiation. The suppressive effect of MINK1 on induction of Th17 cells is mediated by the inhibition of SMAD2 activation through direct phosphorylation of SMAD2 at the T324 residue. The importance of MINK1 to Th17 cell differentiation was strengthened in the animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Moreover, we show that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl cysteine boosts Th17 cell differentiation in a MINK1-dependent manner and exacerbates the severity of EAE. Thus, we have not only established MINK1 as a critical regulator of Th17 cell differentiation, but also clarified that accumulation of ROS may limit the generation of Th17 cells. The contribution of MINK1 to ROS-regulated Th17 cell differentiation may suggest an important mechanism for the development of autoimmune diseases influenced by antioxidant dietary supplements.
Congruence property in orbifold theory
Authors: Dong Chongying , Ren Li
Published: April 2017

Let

V
V

be a rational, selfdual,

C
2

C_2

-cofinite vertex operator algebra of CFT type, and

G
G

a finite automorphism group of

V
.

V.

It is proved that the kernel of the representation of the modular group on twisted conformal blocks associated to

V
V

and

G
G

is a congruence subgroup. In particular, the

q
q

-character of each irreducible twisted module is a modular function on the same congruence subgroup. In the case

V
V

is the Frenkel-Lepowsky-Meurman’s moonshine vertex operator algebra and

G
G

is the monster simple group, the generalized McKay-Thompson series associated to any commuting pair in the monster group is a modular function.