bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Kinetic and Mechanistic Studies on the Reactions of CF3CBrCH2 (2-BTP) with OH and H Radicals
Authors: Bian Huiting , Ye Lili , Sun Jinhua
Published: December 2017

CF3CBrCH2 (2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, 2-BTP) is a potential replacement for CF3Br; however, it shows conflicted inhibition and enhancement behaviors under different combustion conditions. To better understand the combustion chemistry of 2-BTP, a theoretical study has been performed on its reactions with OH and H radicals. Potential energy surfaces were exhaustively explored by using B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ for geometry optimizations and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ for high level single point energy refinements. Detailed kinetics of the major pathways were predicted by using RRKM/master-equation methodology. The present predictions imply that the –C(Br)=CH2 moiety of 2-BTP is most likely to be responsible for its fuel-like property. For 2-BTP + OH, the addition to the initial adduct (CF3CBrCH2OH) is the dominant channel at low temperatures, while the substitution reaction (CF3COHCH2 + Br) and H abstraction reaction (CF3CBrCH + H2O) dominates at high temperatures and elevated pressures. For 2-BTP + H, the addition to the initial adduct (CF3CBrCH3) also dominates the overall kinetics at low temperatures, while Br abstraction reaction (CF3CCH2 + HBr) and β-scission of the adduct forming CF3CHCH2 + Br dominates at high temperatures and elevated pressures. Compared to 2-BTP + OH, the 2-BTP + H reaction tends to have a larger effect on flame suppression, given the fact that it produces more inhibition species.
Investigation of ‘Head-to-Tail’-Connected Oligoaryl N,O-Ligands as Recognition Motifs for Cancer-Relevant G-Quadruplexes
Authors: Rizeq Natalia , Georgiades Savvas
Published: December 2017

Oligomeric compounds, constituted of consecutive N,O-heteroaromatic rings, introduce useful and tunable properties as alternative ligands for biomolecular recognition. In this study, we have explored a synthetic scheme relying on Van Leusen oxazole formation, in conjunction with C–H activation of the formed oxazoles and their subsequent C–C cross-coupling to 2-bromopyridines in order to assemble a library of variable-length, ‘head-to-tail’-connected, pyridyl-oxazole ligands. Through investigation of the interaction of the three longer ligands (5-mer, 6-mer, 7-mer) with cancer-relevant G-quadruplex structures (human telomeric/22AG and c-Myc oncogene promoter/Myc2345-Pu22), the asymmetric pyridyl-oxazole motif has been demonstrated to be a prominent recognition element for G-quadruplexes. Fluorescence titrations reveal excellent binding affinities of the 7-mer and 6-mer for a Na+-induced antiparallel 22AG G-quadruplex (KD = 0.6 × 10−7 M−1 and 0.8 × 10−7 M−1, respectively), and satisfactory (albeit lower) affinities for the 22AG/K+ and Myc2345-Pu22/K+ G-quadruplexes. All ligands tested exhibit substantial selectivity for G-quadruplex versus duplex (ds26) DNA, as evidenced by competitive Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) melting assays. Additionally, the 7-mer and 6-mer are capable of promoting a sharp morphology transition of 22AG/K+ G-quadruplex.
Evaluation of the Corrosion Resistance Properties of Electroplated Chitosan-Zn1−xCuxO Composite Thin Films
Authors: Sanmugam Anandhavelu , Vikraman Dhanasekaran , Karuppasamy K. , Lee Ji , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: December 2017

Novel chitosan–zinc copper oxide (Zn1−xCuxO) composites were electrochemically synthesized through galvanostatic deposition. The prepared chitosan-based composite thin films were elaborately investigated to determine their structural, morphological, compositional, impedance, and corrosion properties. X-ray diffraction analysis was performed to reveal their structural orientation of composite thin films. Energy dispersive analysis by X-ray evidently confirmed the existence of Zn, Cu, and O in the composite thin films. Nyquist plots revealed that the chitosan-Zn1−xCuxO thin films had obvious semi-circular boundaries, and higher resistance was observed for chitosan-ZnO due to the grain boundary effect. Corrosion properties were evaluated using both an electrochemical method and the ASTM weight gain method, which revealed good corrosion rates of 34 and 35 × 10−3 mm/y, respectively, for chitosan-ZnO thin film.
Self-Supported Ni(P, O)x·MoOx Nanowire Array on Nickel Foam as an Efficient and Durable Electrocatalyst for Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Hua Wei , Liu Huanyan , Wang Jian-Gan , Wei Bingqing
Published: December 2017

Earth-abundant and low-cost catalysts with excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity in alkaline solution play an important role in the sustainable production of hydrogen energy. In this work, a catalyst of Ni(P, O)x·MoOx nanowire array on nickel foam has been prepared via a facile route for efficient alkaline HER. Benefiting from the collaborative advantages of Ni(P, O)x and amorphous MoOx, as well as three-dimensional porous conductive nickel scaffold, the hybrid electrocatalyst shows high catalytic activity in 1 M KOH aqueous solution, including a small overpotential of 59 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a low Tafel slope of 54 mV dec-1, and excellent cycling stability.
Contribution of Dietary Supplements to Nutritional Adequacy in Various Adult Age Groups
Authors: Blumberg Jeffrey , Frei Balz , Fulgoni Victor , Weaver Connie , Zeisel Steven
Published: December 2017

Many Americans have inadequate intakes of several nutrients. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 specifically identified vitamins A, C, D and E, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, choline and fiber as “underconsumed nutrients”. Based on nationally representative data in 10,698 adults from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), 2009–2012, assessments were made of age-group differences in the impact of dietary supplements on nutrient intake and inadequacies. Compared to food alone, use of any dietary supplement plus food was associated with significantly (p < 0.01) higher intakes of 15–16 of 19 nutrients examined in all age groups; and significantly reduced rates of inadequacy for 10/17, 8/17 and 6/17 nutrients examined among individuals age ≥71, 51–70 and 19–50 years, respectively. Compared to the other age groups, older adults (≥71 years) had lower rates of inadequacy for iron and vitamins A, C, D and E, but higher rates for calcium. An increased prevalence of intakes above the Tolerable Upper Intake Level was seen for 8–9 of 13 nutrients, but were mostly less than 5% of the population. In conclusion, dietary supplement use is associated with increased micronutrient intake, decreased inadequacies, and slight increases in prevalence above the UL, with greater benefits seen among older adults.
Iron Supplementation during Pregnancy and Infancy: Uncertainties and Implications for Research and Policy
Authors: Brannon Patsy , Taylor Christine
Published: December 2017

Iron is particularly important in pregnancy and infancy to meet the high demands for hematopoiesis, growth and development. Much attention has been given to conditions of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficient anemia (IDA) because of the high global prevalence estimated in these vulnerable life stages. Emerging and preliminary evidence demonstrates, however, a U-shaped risk at both low and high iron status for birth and infant adverse health outcomes including growth, preterm birth, gestational diabetes, gastrointestinal health, and neurodegenerative diseases during aging. Such evidence raises questions about the effects of high iron intakes through supplementation or food fortification during pregnancy and infancy in iron-replete individuals. This review examines the emerging as well as the current understanding of iron needs and homeostasis during pregnancy and infancy, uncertainties in ascertaining iron status in these populations, and issues surrounding U-shaped risk curves in iron-replete pregnant women and infants. Implications for research and policy are discussed relative to screening and supplementation in these vulnerable populations, especially in developed countries in which the majority of these populations are likely iron-replete.
Meta-Analysis of Fecal Microbiota and Metabolites in Experimental Colitic Mice during the Inflammatory and Healing Phases
Authors: Osaka Toshifumi , Moriyama Eri , Arai Shunichi , Date Yasuhiro , Yagi Junji , Kikuchi Jun , Tsuneda Satoshi
Published: December 2017

The imbalance of gut microbiota is known to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease, but it remains unknown whether dysbiosis is a cause or consequence of chronic gut inflammation. In order to investigate the effects of gut inflammation on microbiota and metabolome, the sequential changes in gut microbiota and metabolites from the onset of colitis to the recovery in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitic mice were characterized by using meta 16S rRNA sequencing and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) analysis. Mice in the colitis progression phase showed the transient expansions of two bacterial families including Bacteroidaceae and Enterobacteriaceae and the depletion of major gut commensal bacteria belonging to the uncultured Bacteroidales family S24-7, Rikenellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae. After the initiation of the recovery, commensal Lactobacillus members promptly predominated in gut while other normally abundant bacteria excluding the Erysipelotrichaceae remained diminished. Furthermore, 1H-NMR analysis revealed characteristic fluctuations in fecal levels of organic acids (lactate and succinate) associated with the disease states. In conclusion, acute intestinal inflammation is a perturbation factor of gut microbiota but alters the intestinal environments suitable for Lactobacillus members.
Octane-Assisted Reverse Micellar Dyeing of Cotton with Reactive Dyes
Authors: Tang Alan , Lee Cheng-hao , Wang Yanming , Kan Chi-wai
Published: December 2017

In this study, we investigated the computer colour matching (CCM) of cotton fabrics dyed with reactive dye using the octane-assisted reverse micellar approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the colour quality and compare the accuracy between CCM forecasting and simulated dyeing produced by conventional water-based dyeing and octane-assisted reverse micellar dyeing. First, the calibration of dyeing databases for both dyeing methods was established. Standard samples were dyed with known dye concentrations. Computer colour matching was conducted by using the colour difference formula of International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L*a*b*. Experimental results revealed that the predicted concentrations were nearly the same as the expected known concentrations for both dyeing methods. This indicates that octane-assisted reverse micellar dyeing system can achieve colour matching as good as the conventional water-based dyeing system. In addition, when comparing the colour produced by the conventional water-based dyeing system and the octane-assisted reverse micellar dyeing system, the colour difference (ΔE) is ≤1, which indicates that the reverse micellar dyeing system could be applied for industrial dyeing with CCM.
Preparation of Fouling-Resistant Nanofibrous Composite Membranes for Separation of Oily Wastewater
Authors: Yalcinkaya Fatma , Siekierka Anna , Bryjak Marek
Published: December 2017

A facile and low-cost method has been developed for separation of oily wastewater. Polyvinylidene fluoride/polyacrylonitrile (PVDF/PAN) nanofibers laminated on a supporting layer were tested. In order to create highly permeable and fouling-resistant membranes, surface modifications of both fibers were conducted. The results of oily wastewater separation showed that, after low vacuum microwave plasma treatment with Argon (Ar) and chemical modification with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the membranes had excellent hydrophilicity, due to the formation of active carboxylic groups. However, the membrane performance failed during the cleaning procedures. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was grafted onto the surface of membranes to give them highly permeable and fouling-resistance properties. The results of the self-cleaning experiment indicated that grafting of TiO2 on the surface of the membranes after their pre-treatment with Ar plasma and NaOH increased the permeability and the anti-fouling properties. A new surface modification method using a combination of plasma and chemical treatment was introduced.
Effect of Moisture Content on Lignocellulosic Power Generation: Energy, Economic and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Rajendran Karthik
Published: December 2017

The moisture content of biomass affects its processing for applications such as electricity or steam. In this study, the effects of variation in moisture content of banagrass and energycane was evaluated using techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessments. A 25% loss of moisture was assumed as a variation that was achieved by field drying the biomass. Techno-economic analysis revealed that high moisture in the biomass was not economically feasible. Comparing banagrass with energycane, the latter was more economically feasible; thanks to the low moisture and ash content in energycane. About 32 GWh/year of electricity was produced by field drying 60,000 dry MT/year energycane. The investment for different scenarios ranged between $17 million and $22 million. Field-dried energycane was the only economically viable option that recovered the investment after 11 years of operation. This scenario was also more environmentally friendly, releasing 16-gCO2 equivalent/MJ of electricity produced.
CloudSat-Based Assessment of GPM Microwave Imager Snowfall Observation Capabilities
Authors: Panegrossi Giulia , Rysman Jean-François , Casella Daniele , Marra Anna , Sanò Paolo , Kulie Mark
Published: December 2017

The sensitivity of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) high-frequency channels to snowfall at higher latitudes (around 60°N/S) is investigated using coincident CloudSat observations. The 166 GHz channel is highlighted throughout the study due to its ice scattering sensitivity and polarization information. The analysis of three case studies evidences the important combined role of total precipitable water (TPW), supercooled cloud water, and background surface composition on the brightness temperature (TB) behavior for different snow-producing clouds. A regression tree statistical analysis applied to the entire GMI-CloudSat snowfall dataset indicates which variables influence the 166 GHz polarization difference (166 ∆TB) and its relation to snowfall. Critical thresholds of various parameters (sea ice concentration (SIC), TPW, ice water path (IWP)) are established for optimal snowfall detection capabilities. The 166 ∆TB can identify snowfall events over land and sea when critical thresholds are exceeded (TPW > 3.6 kg·m−2, IWP > 0.24 kg·m−2 over land, and SIC > 57%, TPW > 5.1 kg·m−2 over sea). The complex combined 166 ∆TB-TB relationship at higher latitudes and the impact of supercooled water vertical distribution are also investigated. The findings presented in this study can be exploited to improve passive microwave snowfall detection algorithms.
Parameter Search Algorithms for Microwave Radar-Based Breast Imaging: Focal Quality Metrics as Fitness Functions
Authors: O’Loughlin Declan , Oliveira Bárbara , Elahi Muhammad , Glavin Martin , Jones Edward , Popović Milica , O’Halloran Martin
Published: December 2017

Inaccurate estimation of average dielectric properties can have a tangible impact on microwave radar-based breast images. Despite this, recent patient imaging studies have used a fixed estimate although this is known to vary from patient to patient. Parameter search algorithms are a promising technique for estimating the average dielectric properties from the reconstructed microwave images themselves without additional hardware. In this work, qualities of accurately reconstructed images are identified from point spread functions. As the qualities of accurately reconstructed microwave images are similar to the qualities of focused microscopic and photographic images, this work proposes the use of focal quality metrics for average dielectric property estimation. The robustness of the parameter search is evaluated using experimental dielectrically heterogeneous phantoms on the three-dimensional volumetric image. Based on a very broad initial estimate of the average dielectric properties, this paper shows how these metrics can be used as suitable fitness functions in parameter search algorithms to reconstruct clear and focused microwave radar images.
Invisible Security Printing on Photoresist Polymer Readable by Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Shin Hee , Lim Min-Cheol , Park Kisang , Kim Sae-Hyung , Choi Sung-Wook , Ok Gyeongsik
Published: December 2017

We experimentally modulate the refractive index and the absorption coefficient of an SU-8 dry film in the terahertz region by UV light (362 nm) exposure with time dependency. Consequently, the refractive index of SU-8 film is increased by approximately 6% after UV light exposure. Moreover, the absorption coefficient also changes significantly. Using the reflective terahertz imaging technique, in addition, we can read security information printed by UV treatment on an SU-8 film that is transparent in the visible spectrum. From these results, we successfully demonstrate security printing and reading by using photoresist materials and the terahertz technique. This investigation would provide a new insight into anti-counterfeiting applications in fields that need security.
Luminescence-Based Optical Sensors Fabricated by Means of the Layer-by-Layer Nano-Assembly Technique
Authors: De Acha Nerea , Elosua Cesar , Matias Ignacio , Arregui Francisco
Published: December 2017

Luminescence-based sensing applications range from agriculture to biology, including medicine and environmental care, which indicates the importance of this technique as a detection tool. Luminescent optical sensors are required to be highly stable, sensitive, and selective, three crucial features that can be achieved by fabricating them by means of the layer-by-layer nano-assembly technique. This method permits us to tailor the sensors′ properties at the nanometer scale, avoiding luminophore aggregation and, hence, self-quenching, promoting the diffusion of the target analytes, and building a barrier against the undesired molecules. These characteristics give rise to the fabrication of custom-made sensors for each particular application.
Sliding Mode Observer-Based Current Sensor Fault Reconstruction and Unknown Load Disturbance Estimation for PMSM Driven System
Authors: Zhao Kaihui , Li Peng , Zhang Changfan , Li Xiangfei , He Jing , Lin Yuliang
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a new scheme of reconstructing current sensor faults and estimating unknown load disturbance for a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)-driven system. First, the original PMSM system is transformed into two subsystems; the first subsystem has unknown system load disturbances, which are unrelated to sensor faults, and the second subsystem has sensor faults, but is free from unknown load disturbances. Introducing a new state variable, the augmented subsystem that has sensor faults can be transformed into having actuator faults. Second, two sliding mode observers (SMOs) are designed: the unknown load disturbance is estimated by the first SMO in the subsystem, which has unknown load disturbance, and the sensor faults can be reconstructed using the second SMO in the augmented subsystem, which has sensor faults. The gains of the proposed SMOs and their stability analysis are developed via the solution of linear matrix inequality (LMI). Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme was verified by simulations and experiments. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can reconstruct current sensor faults and estimate unknown load disturbance for the PMSM-driven system.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis under Variable Speed Using Convolutional Neural Networks and the Stochastic Diagonal Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm
Authors: Tra Viet , Kim Jaeyoung , Khan Sheraz Ali , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a novel method for diagnosing incipient bearing defects under variable operating speeds using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained via the stochastic diagonal Levenberg-Marquardt (S-DLM) algorithm. The CNNs utilize the spectral energy maps (SEMs) of the acoustic emission (AE) signals as inputs and automatically learn the optimal features, which yield the best discriminative models for diagnosing incipient bearing defects under variable operating speeds. The SEMs are two-dimensional maps that show the distribution of energy across different bands of the AE spectrum. It is hypothesized that the variation of a bearing’s speed would not alter the overall shape of the AE spectrum rather, it may only scale and translate it. Thus, at different speeds, the same defect would yield SEMs that are scaled and shifted versions of each other. This hypothesis is confirmed by the experimental results, where CNNs trained using the S-DLM algorithm yield significantly better diagnostic performance under variable operating speeds compared to existing methods. In this work, the performance of different training algorithms is also evaluated to select the best training algorithm for the CNNs. The proposed method is used to diagnose both single and compound defects at six different operating speeds.
A Real-Time Energy Consumption Simulation and Comparison of Buildings in Different Construction Years in the Olympic Central Area in Beijing
Authors: Xu Chen , Li Yu , Jin Xueting , Yuan Liang , Cheng Hao
Published: December 2017

Energy consumed the in urban sector accounts for a large proportion of total world delivered energy consumption. Residential building energy consumption is an important part of urban energy consumption. However, there are few studies focused on this issue and that have simulated the energy consumption of residential buildings using questionnaire data. In this research, an eQUEST study was conducted for different residential buildings in the Olympic Central Area in Beijing. Real-time meteorological observation data and an actual energy consumption schedule generated by questionnaire data were used to improve the eQUEST model in the absence of actual energy consumption data. The simulated total energy consumption of residential buildings in the case area in 2015 is 21,262.28 tce, and the average annual energy consumption per unit area is 20.09 kgce/(m2·a). Space heating accounted for 45% of the total energy consumption as the highest proportion, and the second highest was household appliances, which accounted for 20%. The results showed that old residential buildings, multi-storey buildings and large-sized apartment buildings consume more energy. The internal units, building height, per capita construction area, the number of occupants and length of power use had significant impact on residential energy consumption. The result of this study will provide practical reference for energy saving reconstruction of residential buildings in Beijing.
Wild Carpathia Future Development: From Illegal Deforestation to ORV Sustainable Recreation
Authors: Voda Mihai , Torpan Adrian , Moldovan Lucian
Published: December 2017

Romanian Wild Carpathia constitutes the ultimate pristine wilderness of the old European continent. Carpathian Mountains landscape experiences and outdoor recreation represents quite unique cultural ecosystem services. The new annotations to the Forest Law are restricting any public access in the woods without authorities’ pre-approval for organised sport, leisure and tourism activities. However, off road vehicle (ORV) recreation is a popular activity and a growing transparency concern of National Forest Administration Authorities that is not managed accordingly. Here we show that our ORV recreation frame model can securely allow public access and protect all Romanian mountains. Our results demonstrate how growing ORV recreation popularity can be used in an honest and open way if it is well organized and controlled. We anticipate our assay to be a starting point for a regional and national forest administration sustainable development plan. Furthermore, stopping illegal forest activities is a major target of the anti-logging movement. A well-defined assay for the ORV recreation frame model will be relevant for such developments.
Correlations between GIS-Based Urban Building Densification Analysis and Climate Guidelines for Mediterranean Courtyards
Authors: Rojas-Fernández Juan , Galán-Marín Carmen , Roa-Fernández Jorge , Rivera-Gómez Carlos
Published: December 2017

This study identifies and proposes A GIS-based exploration of the relationships between aspect ratio of inner courtyards, porosity of the urban fabric and the climatic factors where it is located. To perform that comparison, morphological and measurement methods have been used to delineate spatial boundaries of urban densification. This methodology has been applied to a case study in Spain, where regulation establishes several climatic zones. Examples of cities in these zones have been examined to establish possible correlations. This paper analyses the particularities of these different urban scenarios, considering the effects of climate on the real urban densification. The purpose of this study is to find a relationship between the historical inner courtyards dimensions and the climate of the zone where they are located. In order to frame the real thermal behaviour of the inner courtyard in the context of the vernacular typologies studied, a representative sample of inner courtyards has been selected. The monitoring data presented allow quantifying the courtyard’s ability to temper the maximum temperature values.
Environmental Performance and Financing Decisions Impact on Sustainable Financial Development of Chinese Environmental Protection Enterprises
Authors: Zhang Kai Quan , Chen Hsing Hung
Published: December 2017

Environmental protection firms need to improve their ability to access financing while maintaining good economic performance under mounting environmental pressures. After the integration of trade-off and stakeholder theories, we have constructed a number of mathematical models to investigate the relationship among financing decisions, environmental performance (EP), and economic performance. Unbalanced panel data from environmental protection companies listed on Chinese stock exchanges from 2007 to 2016 were collected and analyzed. Our results have confirmed that debt financing has a significant impact on short- and long-term economic performance. Firms prefer long-term debt over short-term debt to improve their financial sustainability. Internal financing is positively related to performance because the cost of financing is lower. Environmental performance can cause extra financial burden in the short run, but will improve stakeholder relations and profitability in the long run. Our study suggests that environmental performance affects the relationship between financing decisions and economic performance. When EP initiatives are high, debt financing has a greater negative influence on short-term performance, and the effect on long-term performance is mitigated. High EP also reduces the impact of internal financing on performance.
Internet of Things: A Scientometric Review
Authors: Ruiz-Rosero Juan , Ramirez-Gonzalez Gustavo , Williams Jennifer , Liu Huaping , Khanna Rahul , Pisharody Greeshma
Published: December 2017

Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting billions of devices to the Internet. These IoT devices chain sensing, computation, and communication techniques, which facilitates remote data collection and analysis. wireless sensor networks (WSN) connect sensing devices together on a local network, thereby eliminating wires, which generate a large number of samples, creating a big data challenge. This IoT paradigm has gained traction in recent years, yielding extensive research from an increasing variety of perspectives, including scientific reviews. These reviews cover surveys related to IoT vision, enabling technologies, applications, key features, co-word and cluster analysis, and future directions. Nevertheless, we lack an IoT scientometrics review that uses scientific databases to perform a quantitative analysis. This paper develops a scientometric review about IoT over a data set of 19,035 documents published over a period of 15 years (2002–2016) in two main scientific databases (Clarivate Web of Science and Scopus). A Python script called ScientoPy was developed to perform quantitative analysis of this data set. This provides insight into research trends by investigating a lead author’s country affiliation, most published authors, top research applications, communication protocols, software processing, hardware, operating systems, and trending topics. Furthermore, we evaluate the top trending IoT topics and the popular hardware and software platforms that are used to research these trends.
Performance Analysis of MIMO System with Single RF Link Based on Switched Parasitic Antenna
Authors: Yu He , Yang Guohui , Meng Fanyi , Li Yingsong
Published: December 2017

This paper introduces the principle and key technology of single radio frequency (RF) link Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system based on a switched parasitic antenna (SPA). The software SystemVue is adopted for signal processing and system-level simulation with merit of strong operability and high efficiency, which provides tools for the single RF link MIMO system research. A single RF link of a 2 × 2 MIMO system based on the switch parasitic antenna is proposed in this paper. The binary codes are modulated to the baseband Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) signals and transmitted with a 2.4 GHz carrier frequency. The receiver based on the super-heterodyne prototype adopts the channel equalization algorithm for restoring symbols, and it can effectively reduce the system error rate. The simulation results show that the MIMO system built on the platform can achieve equivalent performance with traditional MIMO system, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. The switched parasitic antenna and equalization algorithm provide new research ideas for single RF link MIMO system and have theoretical significance for further research.
Molecular Modeling and Simulation Tools in the Development of Peptide-Based Biosensors for Mycotoxin Detection: Example of Ochratoxin
Authors: Thyparambil Aby , Bazin Ingrid , Guiseppi-Elie Anthony
Published: December 2017

Mycotoxin contamination of food and feed is now ubiquitous. Exposures to mycotoxin via contact or ingestion can potentially induce adverse health outcomes. Affordable mycotoxin-monitoring systems are highly desired but are limited by (a) the reliance on technically challenging and costly molecular recognition by immuno-capture technologies; and (b) the lack of predictive tools for directing the optimization of alternative molecular recognition modalities. Our group has been exploring the development of ochratoxin detection and monitoring systems using the peptide NFO4 as the molecular recognition receptor in fluorescence, electrochemical and multimodal biosensors. Using ochratoxin as the model mycotoxin, we share our perspective on addressing the technical challenges involved in biosensor fabrication, namely: (a) peptide receptor design; and (b) performance evaluation. Subsequently, the scope and utility of molecular modeling and simulation (MMS) approaches to address the above challenges are described. Informed and enabled by phage display, the subsequent application of MMS approaches can rationally guide subsequent biomolecular engineering of peptide receptors, including bioconjugation and bioimmobilization approaches to be used in the fabrication of peptide biosensors. MMS approaches thus have the potential to reduce biosensor development cost, extend product life cycle, and facilitate multi-analyte detection of mycotoxins, each of which positively contributes to the overall affordability of mycotoxin biosensor monitoring systems.
Maternal Vaccination. Immunization of Sows during Pregnancy against ETEC Infections
Authors: Matías Jose , Berzosa Melibea , Pastor Yadira , Irache Juan , Gamazo Carlos
Published: December 2017

The immunology of pregnancy is an evolving consequence of multiple reciprocal interactions between the maternal and the fetal-placental systems. The immune response must warrant the pregnancy outcome (including tolerance to paternal antigens), but at the same time, efficiently respond to pathogenic challenges. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains are a major cause of illness and death in neonatal and recently weaned pigs. This review aims to give an overview of the current rationale on the maternal vaccination strategies for the protection of the newborn pig against ETEC. Newborn piglets are immunodeficient and naturally dependent on the maternal immunity transferred by colostrum for protection—a maternal immunity that can be obtained by vaccinating the sow during pregnancy. Our current knowledge of the interactions between the pathogen strategies, virulence factors, and the host immune system is aiding the better design of vaccination strategies in this particular and challenging host status. Challenges include the need for better induction of immunity at the mucosal level with the appropriate use of adjuvants, able to induce the most appropriate and long-lasting protective immune response. These include nanoparticle-based adjuvants for oral immunization. Experiences can be extrapolated to other species, including humans.
Measurement and Simulation of Soil Water Contents in an Experimental Field in Delta Plain
Authors: Hua Wenjuan , Wang Chuanhai , Chen Gang , Yang Hai , Zhai Yue
Published: December 2017

Variation in soil water content in the delta plain has its own particularity and is significant for agricultural improvement, the utilization of water resources and flood risk mitigation. In this study, experimental data collected from a plot of farmland located in the Taihu Basin were used to investigate the temporal and vertical variation of soil water content, as well as the effects of individual rainfall on soil water and shallow groundwater and their interaction. The results showed that the variation of soil water content is dependent on the comprehensive influence of soil hydraulic properties, meteorological factors and shallow groundwater and the correlation to the groundwater table is the strongest due to the significant capillary action in the delta plain. A saturated-unsaturated three-dimensional soil water numerical model was developed for the study area in response to rainfall and evapotranspiration. Scenario simulations were performed with different soil depths for soil water content and the error source was analyzed to improve the model. The average RMSE, RE and R2 values of the soil water content at the five depths between the measured and simulated results were 0.0192 cm3·cm−3, 2.09% and 0.8119, respectively. The results indicated that the developed model could estimate vertical soil water content and its dynamics over time at the study site at an acceptable level. Moreover, further research and application to other sites in delta plains are necessary to verify and improve the model.
Modeling Stream Bank Erosion: Practical Stream Results and Future Needs
Authors: Lai Yong
Published: December 2017

Coupled two-dimensional (2D) morphodynamic and bank erosion models are gaining attentions in recent years. It has been shown that such models have advantages over the one-dimensional (1D) modeling approaches. In this paper, a previous 2D bank erosion model with the moving mesh method is extended to include the fixed mesh approach. Further, two practical streams with differing complexity are simulated to demonstrate the extended model. Both the moving mesh and fixed mesh methods are used in the modeling. The model consists of two components: a 2D flow and mobile-bed model for vertical bed changes and hydraulic forces acting on a bank and a lateral bank retreat model. The 2D vertical model and the lateral bank erosion model are coupled together spatially and temporally through a special procedure and a common mesh. With the experiences gained with practical stream modeling, the modeling procedure and key model input parameters are described. The study shows that the moving and fixed mesh methods together make the extended bank erosion model numerically robust and capable of predicting both the vertical bed changes and the lateral stream bank erosion for complex streams. Each individual method, however, has its own limitations in terms of model accuracy and efficiency. The moving mesh works well if bank retreat is relatively small, e.g., less than one channel width, and produces more accurate results than the fixed mesh method. The fixed mesh may be needed for ensuring numerical stability if a bank may be subject to significant retreat (e.g., more than one channel width). The fixed mesh method, however, is less accurate than the moving mesh method and a much refined mesh may be needed. Both methods need future research and improvements in terms of their model accuracy.
Inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy of difurylethene-based photochromic single-molecule junctions
Authors: Kim Youngsang , Bahoosh Safa G , Sysoiev Dmytro , Huhn Thomas , Pauly Fabian , Scheer Elke
Published: December 2017

Diarylethene-derived molecules alter their electronic structure upon transformation between the open and closed forms of the diarylethene core, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light. This transformation results in a significant variation of electrical conductance and vibrational properties of corresponding molecular junctions. We report here a combined experimental and theoretical analysis of charge transport through diarylethene-derived single-molecule devices, which are created using the mechanically controlled break-junction technique. Inelastic electron tunneling (IET) spectroscopy measurements performed at 4.2 K are compared with first-principles calculations in the two distinct forms of diarylethenes connected to gold electrodes. The combined approach clearly demonstrates that the IET spectra of single-molecule junctions show specific vibrational features that can be used to identify different isomeric molecular states by transport experiments.
Intermittent Reconnection and Plasmoids in UV Bursts in the Low Solar Atmosphere
Authors: Rouppe van der Voort L. , Pontieu B. De , Scharmer G. B. , Rodríguez J. de la Cruz , Martínez-Sykora J. , Nóbrega-Siverio D. , Guo L. J. , Jafarzadeh S. , Pereira T. M. D. , Hansteen V. H. , Carlsson M. , Vissers G.
Published: December 2017

Magnetic reconnection is thought to drive a wide variety of dynamic phenomena in the solar atmosphere. Yet, the detailed physical mechanisms driving reconnection are difficult to discern in the remote sensing observations that are used to study the solar atmosphere. In this Letter, we exploit the high-resolution instruments Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph and the new CHROMIS Fabry–Pérot instrument at the Swedish 1-m Solar Telescope (SST) to identify the intermittency of magnetic reconnection and its association with the formation of plasmoids in so-called UV bursts in the low solar atmosphere. The Si iv 1403 Å UV burst spectra from the transition region show evidence of highly broadened line profiles with often non-Gaussian and triangular shapes, in addition to signatures of bidirectional flows. Such profiles had previously been linked, in idealized numerical simulations, to magnetic reconnection driven by the plasmoid instability. Simultaneous CHROMIS images in the chromospheric Ca ii K 3934 Å line now provide compelling evidence for the presence of plasmoids by revealing highly dynamic and rapidly moving brightenings that are smaller than 0.″2 and that evolve on timescales of the order of seconds. Our interpretation of the observations is supported by detailed comparisons with synthetic observables from advanced numerical simulations of magnetic reconnection and associated plasmoids in the chromosphere. Our results highlight how subarcsecond imaging spectroscopy sensitive to a wide range of temperatures combined with advanced numerical simulations that are realistic enough to compare with observations can directly reveal the small-scale physical processes that drive the wide range of phenomena in the solar atmosphere.
1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua) is Hot: Imaging, Spectroscopy, and Search of Meteor Activity
Authors: Ye 叶 Quan-Zhi 泉志 , Zhang Qicheng , Kelley Michael S. P. , Brown Peter G.
Published: December 2017

1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua), a recently discovered asteroid in a hyperbolic orbit, is likely the first macroscopic object of extrasolar origin identified in the solar system. Here, we present imaging and spectroscopic observations of ‘Oumuamua using the Palomar Hale Telescope as well as a search of meteor activity potentially linked to this object using the Canadian Meteor Orbit Radar. We find that ‘Oumuamua exhibits a moderate spectral gradient of

, a value significantly lower than that of outer solar system bodies, indicative of a formation and/or previous residence in a warmer environment. Imaging observation and spectral line analysis show no evidence that ‘Oumuamua is presently active. Negative meteor observation is as expected, since ejection driven by sublimation of commonly known cometary species such as CO requires an extreme ejection speed of ∼40 m s−1 at ∼100 au in order to reach the Earth. No obvious candidate stars are proposed as the point of origin for ‘Oumuamua. Given a mean free path of ∼109 ly in the solar neighborhood, ‘Oumuamua has likely spent a very long time in interstellar space before encountering the solar system.
Kinematics and Optical Depth in the Green Peas: Suppressed Superwinds in Candidate LyC Emitters*
Authors: Jaskot Anne E. , Oey M. S. , Scarlata Claudia , Dowd Tara
Published: December 2017

By clearing neutral gas away from a young starburst, superwinds may regulate the escape of Lyman continuum (LyC) photons from star-forming galaxies. However, models predict that superwinds may not launch in the most extreme, compact starbursts. We explore the role of outflows in generating low optical depths in the Green Peas (GPs), the only known star-forming population with several confirmed and candidate LyC-leaking galaxies. With Hubble Space Telescope UV spectra of 25 low-redshift GPs, including new observations of 13 of the most highly ionized GPs, we compare the kinematics of UV absorption lines with indirect H i optical depth diagnostics: Lyα escape fraction, Lyα peak separation, or low-ionization absorption line equivalent width. The data suggest that high-ionization kinematics tracing superwind activity may correlate with low optical depth in some objects. However, the most extreme GPs, including many of the best candidate LyC emitters with weak low-ionization absorption and strong, narrow Lyα profiles, show the lowest velocities. These results are consistent with models for suppressed superwinds, which suggests that outflows may not be the only cause of LyC escape from galaxies.
Intermezzo. L’empire des circonstances
Authors: Legrain Laurent
Published: December 2017

Dans cet intermezzo, je montre que malgré la profusion des sens du terme hudal, il est des occasions dans lesquelles le mot prend la même signification et se colore des mêmes teintes nocives que le mensonge sous nos latitudes.
Jeux de rôle dans l’impasse du Palais d’or. Variation sur la (dis)simulation dans une maison close de la frontière sino-mongole
Authors: Lacaze Gaëlle
Published: December 2017

Construit à partir de recherches de terrain effectuées entre 2007 et 2012, cet article examine comment des travailleuses du sexe mongoles élaborent leur personnage au sein d’une maison close chinoise. Il insiste sur la place des échanges matériels et immatériels dans la communion instaurée entre ces femmes, « partenaires de destin ». Il s’intéresse également aux rôles attribués à l’ethnologue dans cette recherche en interrogeant les « malentendus productifs » et les « jeux » qui se déroulent lors de l’enquête de terrain.
Adapter, c’est (parfois) trahir : fiction et stéréotypes de genre dans les séries inspirées de Diario de una abuela de verano de Rosa Regàs et El mundo amarillo d’Albert Espinosa
Authors: Houdiard Jennifer
Published: December 2017

Les séries Abuela de verano (TVE, 2005) et Polseres vermelles (TV3, 2011-2013) sont deux fictions télévisées inspirées d’ouvrages non fictionnels. La première est l’adaptation de Diario de una abuela de verano, un essai-témoignage dans lequel la romancière Rosa Regàs relate son expérience de grand-mère. Dans El mundo amarillo, œuvre qui a inspiré la série Polseres vermelles, le réalisateur et comédien Albert Espinosa évoque le bouleversement qu’a provoqué le cancer dans sa vie d’adolescent, la manière dont la maladie a modifié et enrichi sa vision de la vie et du bonheur.Les séries de fiction nées de ces deux textes peuvent sembler, à première vue, très différentes l’une de l’autre. Cependant, nous sommes face à deux univers fictionnels qui se caractérisent par une omniprésence des stéréotypes de genre, alors que ceux-ci sont soit absents, soit explicitement critiqués dans les œuvres qui les ont inspirées. Dans Abuela de verano comme dans Polseres vermelles, les personnages de filles sont sexualisés à outrance, obnubilés par leur apparence physique et par l’amour, tandis que les figures de garçons se caractérisent par une masculinité à la limite de la caricature, tant du point de vue de leurs centres d’intérêt (football, sexualité, mécanique) que de leur comportement (violence, rejet des activités « féminines »).Tout se passe comme si le passage du livre à l’écran et, dans le cas de ces séries, le passage du témoignage à la fiction, impliquait l’adaptation du texte au « moule » des séries espagnoles contemporaines à travers la création d’un univers caractérisé par des rôles de genre immuables, peuplé de jolies filles rêvant d’amour et de garçons intrépides et bagarreurs. Nous nous demanderons donc si, dans le cas de Abuela de verano et Polseres vermelles, l’adaptation ne s’apparente pas à une sorte de trahison.
Tom Perrotta’s The Leftovers in Textual Seriality: Trauma, Resilience... Resolution?
Authors: Joseph Charles , Letort Delphine
Published: December 2017

Cet article étudie les stratégies narratives adoptées dans la série télévisée The Leftovers (HBO, 2014-2017), adaptation basée sur un roman post-apocalyptique de fiction chrétienne. Les créateurs de la série introduisent de nouveaux sous-textes littéraires et développent un hypertexte complexe de manière à interroger la signification donnée à l’Enlèvement ; ils attirent également l’attention sur les différentes manières de faire face à ce traumatisme du 14 octobre. The Leftovers s’attache à souligner l’échec des habitants de Mapleton à reconstruire un pacte social, en se concentrant sur les familles déchirées par l’Enlèvement.
Sleepy Hollow (FOX, 2013- ), une adaptation ?
Authors: Richard Julie
Published: December 2017

La nouvelle de Washington Irving, La Légende du Val Dormant (The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 1819) fait partie du patrimoine littéraire des États-Unis. Elle a été adaptée de très nombreuses fois : à la scène dans des opéras et des comédies musicales, et à l’écran dans des films, des épisodes de séries télévisées, mais aussi des chansons et des jeux vidéos. La série Sleepy Hollow (FOX, 2013-) réutilise cette histoire dont elle ne semble cependant conserver que la localisation, le nom de certains personnages et … le cavalier sans tête. Dans cette série, le héros, Ichabod Crane, plongé dans le sommeil depuis la Guerre d’Indépendance, se réveille de nos jours et doit combattre le cavalier sans tête et le démon Moloch, pour empêcher l’Apocalypse. La série se détache donc de la nouvelle et utilise des sources très variées. Ces modifications ne permettent cependant pas d’affirmer que la série n’est pas une adaptation. En retournant aux textes les plus célèbres d’Irving, des choix scénaristiques s’éclairent, notamment le lien entre l’histoire des États-Unis et le genre fantastique. De plus, la série se présente au spectateur comme une adaptation, et joue avec de nombreuses références qu’elle modifie et réinterprète avec ironie et humour.