bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HCN Hyperfine Ratio Analysis of Massive Molecular Clumps
Authors: Schap William , Barnes Peter , Ginsburg Adam , Ordonez Antonio
Published: March 2017

The CHaMP project has identified a uniform sample of 303 massive (20–8000 M⊙), dense (200–30,000 cm−3) molecular clumps in a large sector of the southern Milky Way that includes much of the Carina Arm. These are the kinds of clumps that are likely to be the precursors to IRDCs, large stellar clusters, and massive stars. We report new results of the physical conditions in these clouds based on the J=1 → 0 emission at 3mm from the HCN molecule. Analysis of the HCN emission from these clumps reveals that the physical conditions in the gas (i.e., the excitation temperature, optical depth, and column density) do not follow the molecular line emissivity in a straightforward way. This means that large fractions of the molecular material involved in massive cluster formation, while not completely“dark”, are under-luminous and easily missed in certain studies.
A starburst region around l = 347° − 350°
Authors: Marco A. , Negueruela I. , Monguió M. , González-Fernández C. , Apellániz J. Maíz , Dorda R. , Clark J. S.
Published: March 2017

Very recently, a number of obscured massive open clusters have been identified in the Milky Way. A very significant fraction of them lie either close to the base of the Scutum Arm or towards Galactic longitude of 350°. We are studying these clusters and their neighbourhoods, finding very good evidence for a major starburst region close to the near tip of the Galactic Long Bar.
Prognostic relevance of lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in primary myelodysplastic syndromes: a single center experience in 889 patients
Authors: Saeed L , Patnaik M M , Begna K H , Al-Kali A , Litzow M R , Hanson C A , Ketterling R P , Porrata L F , Pardanani A , Gangat N , Tefferi A
Published: March 2017

Current prognostic models for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), including the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), do not account for host immunity. We retrospectively examined the prognostic relevance of monocytopenia, lymphocytopenia and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in a cohort of 889 patients with primary MDS. After a median follow-up of 27 months, 712 (80%) deaths and 116 (13%) leukemic transformation were documented. In univariate analysis, subnormal absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) <0.9 × 109/l;P=0.001), ALC<1.2 × 109/l (P=0.0002), subnormal absolute monocyte count (AMC) <0.3 × 109/l (P=0.0003), LMR (P⩽0.0001) and LMR⩾5 (P=0.03) were all associated with inferior overall survival. In multivariable analysis that included other risk factors, significance was retained for LMR (P=0.02) and became borderline for ALC <1.2 × 109/l (P=0.06). Analysis in the context of IPSS-R resulted inP-values of 0.06 for ALC<1.2 × 109/l, 0.7 for monocytopenia and 0.2 for LMR. Leukemia-free survival was not affected by ALC, AMC or LMR. The observations from the current study suggest a possible detrimental role for altered host immunity in primary MDS, which might partly explain the therapeutic benefit of immune-directed therapy, including the use of immune modulators; however, IPSS-R-independent prognostic value for either ALC or AMC was limited.
Wave-particle energy exchange directly observed in a kinetic Alfvén-branch wave
Authors: Gershman Daniel J. , F-Viñas Adolfo , Dorelli John C. , Boardsen Scott A. , Avanov Levon A. , Bellan Paul M. , Schwartz Steven J. , Lavraud Benoit , Coffey Victoria N. , Chandler Michael O. , Saito Yoshifumi , Paterson William R. , Fuselier Stephen A. , Ergun Robert E. , Strangeway Robert J. , Russell Christopher T. , Giles Barbara L. , Pollock Craig J. , Torbert Roy B. , Burch James L.
Published: March 2017

Alfvén waves are fundamental plasma wave modes that permeate the universe. At small kinetic scales, they provide a critical mechanism for the transfer of energy between electromagnetic fields and charged particles. These waves are important not only in planetary magnetospheres, heliospheres and astrophysical systems but also in laboratory plasma experiments and fusion reactors. Through measurement of charged particles and electromagnetic fields with NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, we utilize Earth’s magnetosphere as a plasma physics laboratory. Here we confirm the conservative energy exchange between the electromagnetic field fluctuations and the charged particles that comprise an undamped kinetic Alfvén wave. Electrons confined between adjacent wave peaks may have contributed to saturation of damping effects via nonlinear particle trapping. The investigation of these detailed wave dynamics has been unexplored territory in experimental plasma physics and is only recently enabled by high-resolution MMS observations.
The demographic response of a deciduous shrub (the Indigofera bungeana complex, Fabaceae) to the Pleistocene climate changes in East Asia
Authors: Zhao Xue-Li , Gao Xin-Fen , Zhu Zhang-Ming , Gao Yun-Dong , Xu Bo
Published: March 2017

East Asia harbors the highest level of floristic diversity among the world’s temperate regions. Despite the increase in phylogeographic studies of temperate plants in East Asia, far less attention has been paid to widely distributed deciduous shrubs that widespread across several floral regions. We sequenced two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) fragments (ndhJ-trnF and trnD-trnT) and one nuclear DNA (Pgk1) of 472 individuals from 51 populations of such a group, the Indigofera bungeana complex. We used population genetic data as well as ecological niche modelling to examine the evolutionary history and glacial refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) of this group. We recovered 133 cpDNA and 68 nuclear haplotypes. The star-phylogeny of the recovered cpDNA and nuclear haplotypes and demographic analyses suggested distinct range expansion of I. bungeana complex have occurred during the early and middle Pleistocene. The climate change of the LGM might have affected little on the distribution of this complex based on the niche modelling. However, these climate changes and geographic isolation probably resulted in fixtures of the private haplotypes and genetic differentiations between regions. Our results suggested that this arid-tolerant species complex may have different responses to the Quaternary climate changes with those climate-sensitive species.
Effect of Ca-P compound formed by hydrothermal treatment on biodegradation and biocompatibility of Mg-3Al-1Zn-1.5Ca alloy; in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Kim Yu-Kyoung , Jang Yong-Seok , Lee Young-Hee , Yi Ho-Keun , Bae Tae-Sung , Lee Min-Ho
Published: March 2017

Chemical combinations of Ca-P produced via plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and a hydrothermal treatment were fabricated to improve the initial corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of a biodegradable Mg-3Al-1Zn-1.5Ca alloy. For the formation of an amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer on the surface of a magnesium alloy, a PEO layer composed of MgO and Mg3(PO4)2 was formed by PEO in electrolytes containing preliminary phosphate ions. During the second stage, a thick and dense Ca layer was formed by Ca electrodeposition after PEO. Finally, a hydrothermal treatment was carried out for chemical incorporation of P ions in the PEO layer and Ca ions in the electrodeposition layer. The amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer formed by the hydrothermal treatment enhanced osteoblast activity and reduced H2O2 production, which is a known stress indicator for cells. As a result of co-culturing osteoblast cells and RAW 264.7 cells, the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate increased osteoblast cell differentiation and decreased osteoclast cell differentiation. Implanting the alloy, which had an amorphous calcium phosphate composite layer that had been added through hydrothermal treatment, in the tibia of rats led to a reduction in initial biodegradation and promoted new bone formation.
Entanglement of superconducting qubits via acceleration radiation
Authors: García-Álvarez L. , Felicetti S. , Rico E. , Solano E. , Sabín C.
Published: March 2017

We show that simulated relativistic motion can generate entanglement between artificial atoms and protect them from spontaneous emission. We consider a pair of superconducting qubits coupled to a resonator mode, where the modulation of the coupling strength can mimic the harmonic motion of the qubits at relativistic speeds, generating acceleration radiation. We find the optimal feasible conditions for generating a stationary entangled state between the qubits when they are initially prepared in their ground state. Furthermore, we analyse the effects of motion on the probability of spontaneous emission in the standard scenarios of single-atom and two-atom superradiance, where one or two excitations are initially present. Finally, we show that relativistic motion induces sub-radiance and can generate a Zeno-like effect, preserving the excitations from radiative decay.
Design and demonstration of an underwater acoustic carpet cloak
Authors: Bi Yafeng , Jia Han , Lu Wenjia , Ji Peifeng , Yang Jun
Published: March 2017

The carpet cloak, which is designed to hide the objects placed on a reflecting surface, has become a topic of considerable interest. Inspired by those theoretical works, the experimental realization of acoustic carpet cloak in air host has been reported. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining the unit cell in reality, the underwater carpet cloak still remains in simulation thus far. Here, we design and fabricate a realizable underwater acoustic carpet cloak. By introducing a scaling factor, the structure of the carpet cloak, which is comprised of layered brass plates, is greatly simplified at the cost of some impedance match. The experimental results demonstrate a good performance of the proposed carpet cloak in a wide frequency range. Our work paves the way for future applications in the practical underwater devices.
Quantum detection of wormholes
Authors: Sabín Carlos
Published: March 2017

We show how to use quantum metrology to detect a wormhole. A coherent state of the electromagnetic field experiences a phase shift with a slight dependence on the throat radius of a possible distant wormhole. We show that this tiny correction is, in principle, detectable by homodyne measurements after long propagation lengths for a wide range of throat radii and distances to the wormhole, even if the detection takes place very far away from the throat, where the spacetime is very close to a flat geometry. We use realistic parameters from state-of-the-art long-baseline laser interferometry, both Earth-based and space-borne. The scheme is, in principle, robust to optical losses and initial mixedness.
Mechanisms of social buffering of fear in zebrafish
Authors: Faustino Ana I. , Tacão-Monteiro André , Oliveira Rui F.
Published: March 2017

Some humans thrive whereas others resign when exposed to threatening situations throughout life. Social support has been identified as an important modulator of these discrepancies in human behaviour, and other social animals also exhibit phenomena in which individuals recover better from aversive events when conspecifics are present – aka social buffering. Here we studied social buffering in zebrafish, by exposing focal fish to an aversive stimulus (alarm substance – AS) either in the absence or presence of conspecific cues. When exposed to AS in the presence of both olfactory (shoal water) and visual (sight of shoal) conspecific cues, focal fish exhibited a lower fear response than when tested alone, demonstrating social buffering in zebrafish. When separately testing each cue’s effectiveness, we verified that the visual cue was more effective than the olfactory in reducing freezing in a persistent threat scenario. Finally, we verified that social buffering was independent of shoal size and coincided with a distinct pattern of co-activation of brain regions known to be involved in mammalian social buffering. Thus, this study suggests a shared evolutionary origin for social buffering in vertebrates, bringing new evidence on the behavioural, sensory and neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
Seeing elements by visible-light digital camera
Authors: Zhao Wenyang , Sakurai Kenji
Published: March 2017

A visible-light digital camera is used for taking ordinary photos, but with new operational procedures it can measure the photon energy in the X-ray wavelength region and therefore see chemical elements. This report describes how one can observe X-rays by means of such an ordinary camera - The front cover of the camera is replaced by an opaque X-ray window to block visible light and to allow X-rays to pass; the camera takes many snap shots (called single-photon-counting mode) to record every photon event individually; an integrated-filtering method is newly proposed to correctly retrieve the energy of photons from raw camera images. Finally, the retrieved X-ray energy-dispersive spectra show fine energy resolution and great accuracy in energy calibration, and therefore the visible-light digital camera can be applied to routine X-ray fluorescence measurement to analyze the element composition in unknown samples. In addition, the visible-light digital camera is promising in that it could serve as a position sensitive X-ray energy detector. It may become able to measure the element map or chemical diffusion in a multi-element system if it is fabricated with external X-ray optic devices. Owing to the camera’s low expense and fine pixel size, the present method will be widely applied to the analysis of chemical elements as well as imaging.
Assessing the Dynamics of Organic Aerosols over the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Kasparian Jérôme , Hassler Christel , Ibelings Bas , Berti Nicolas , Bigorre Sébastien , Djambazova Violeta , Gascon-Diez Elena , Giuliani Grégory , Houlmann Raphaël , Kiselev Denis , de Laborie Pierric , Le Anh-Dao , Magouroux Thibaud , Neri Tristan , Palomino Daniel , Pfändler Stéfanie , Ray Nicolas , Sousa Gustavo , Staedler Davide , Tettamanti Federico , Wolf Jean-Pierre , Beniston Martin
Published: March 2017

The influence of aerosols on climate is highly dependent on the particle size distribution, concentration, and composition. In particular, the latter influences their ability to act as cloud condensation nuclei, whereby they impact cloud coverage and precipitation. Here, we simultaneously measured the concentration of aerosols from sea spray over the North Atlantic on board the exhaust-free solar-powered vessel “PlanetSolar”, and the sea surface physico-chemical parameters. We identified organic-bearing particles based on individual particle fluorescence spectra. Organic-bearing aerosols display specific spatio-temporal distributions as compared to total aerosols. We propose an empirical parameterization of the organic-bearing particle concentration, with a dependence on water salinity and sea-surface temperature only. We also show that a very rich mixture of organic aerosols is emitted from the sea surface. Such data will certainly contribute to providing further insight into the influence of aerosols on cloud formation, and be used as input for the improved modeling of aerosols and their role in global climate processes.
Systemic inflammation and family history in relation to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes based on an alternating decision tree
Authors: Uemura Hirokazu , Ghaibeh A. Ammar , Katsuura-Kamano Sakurako , Yamaguchi Miwa , Bahari Tirani , Ishizu Masashi , Moriguchi Hiroki , Arisawa Kokichi
Published: March 2017

To investigate unknown patterns associated with type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population, we first used an alternating decision tree (ADTree) algorithm, a powerful classification algorithm from data mining, for the data from 1,102 subjects aged 35–69 years. On the basis of the investigated patterns, we then evaluated the associations of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a biomarker of systemic inflammation and family history of diabetes (negative, positive or unknown) with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes because their detailed associations have been scarcely reported. Elevated serum hs-CRP levels were proportionally associated with the increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for probable covariates, including body mass index and family history of diabetes (P for trend = 0.016). Stratified analyses revealed that elevated serum hs-CRP levels were proportionally associated with increased prevalence of diabetes in subjects without a family history of diabetes (P for trend = 0.020) but not in those with a family history or with an unknown family history of diabetes. Our study demonstrates that systemic inflammation was proportionally associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes even after adjusting for body mass index, especially in subjects without a family history of diabetes.
Changes in temporomandibular joint spaces after arthroscopic disc repositioning: a self-control study
Authors: Hu Ying Kai , Abdelrehem Ahmed , Yang Chi , Cai Xie Yi , Xie Qian Yang , Sah Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2017

Disc repositioning is a common procedure for patients with anterior disc displacement (ADD). The purpose of this retrospective record-based study was to evaluate changes in the widths of joint spaces and condylar position changes in patients with unilateral ADD following arthroscopic disc repositioning, with the healthy sides as self-control, using magnetic resonance images (MRI).Widths of anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces (AS, SS, and PS) were measured. The condylar position was described as anterior, centric or posterior, expressed as "Equation missing". Paired-t test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the data. Fifty-four records conformed to the inclusion criteria (mean age of 21.02 years). Widths of SS and PS increased significantly after surgery (P < 0.001) on the operative sides, while joint spaces of healthy sides and AS of operative sides had no significant changes. Dominant location of condyles of operative sides changed from a posterior position to an anterior position, while healthy sides were mostly centric condylar position no matter preoperatively or postoperatively. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that unilateral arthroscopic disc repositioning significantly increases the posterior and superior spaces of the affected joints, without affecting spaces of the healthy sides.
Label-free quantification of calcium-sensor targeting to photoreceptor guanylate cyclase and rhodopsin kinase by backscattering interferometry
Authors: Sulmann Stefan , Kussrow Amanda , Bornhop Darryl J. , Koch Karl-Wilhelm
Published: March 2017

Quantification of protein binding to membrane proteins is challenging and a limited set of methods is available to study such systems. Here we employed backscattering interferometry (BSI), a free-solution label-free method with high sensitivity, to quantify the interaction of neuronal Ca2+-Sensor proteins with their targets operating in phototransduction. We tested direct binding of guanylate cyclase–activating proteins (GCAP1 and GCAP2) to their membrane target guanylate cyclase 1. The regulatory mechanism of GCAPs including their binding interface in the target is unresolved. Here we used a label-free, free-solution assay method based on BSI to determine binding constants of GCAP1 and GCAP2 to the full-length membrane-bound guanylate cyclase type 1. GCAP1 and GCAP2 bound to different regions on the target guanylate cyclase with submicromolar affinity (apparent KD-values of 663 ± 121 nM and 231 ± 63 nM for Ca2+-free GCAP1 and GCAP2, respectively). A guanylate cyclase construct containing the juxta-membrane and kinase homology domain harbored an exclusive binding site for GCAP1 with similar affinities as the full-length protein, whereas GCAP2 did not bind to this region. We provide a model in which GCAP1 and GCAP2 do not share a single binding site to the target, thus cannot exchange upon fluctuating Ca2+ levels.
Multi-scale radiomic analysis of sub-cortical regions in MRI related to autism, gender and age
Authors: Chaddad Ahmad , Desrosiers Christian , Toews Matthew
Published: March 2017

We propose using multi-scale image textures to investigate links between neuroanatomical regions and clinical variables in MRI. Texture features are derived at multiple scales of resolution based on the Laplacian-of-Gaussian (LoG) filter. Three quantifier functions (Average, Standard Deviation and Entropy) are used to summarize texture statistics within standard, automatically segmented neuroanatomical regions. Significance tests are performed to identify regional texture differences between ASD vs. TDC and male vs. female groups, as well as correlations with age (corrected p < 0.05). The open-access brain imaging data exchange (ABIDE) brain MRI dataset is used to evaluate texture features derived from 31 brain regions from 1112 subjects including 573 typically developing control (TDC, 99 females, 474 males) and 539 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD, 65 female and 474 male) subjects. Statistically significant texture differences between ASD vs. TDC groups are identified asymmetrically in the right hippocampus, left choroid-plexus and corpus callosum (CC), and symmetrically in the cerebellar white matter. Sex-related texture differences in TDC subjects are found in primarily in the left amygdala, left cerebellar white matter, and brain stem. Correlations between age and texture in TDC subjects are found in the thalamus-proper, caudate and pallidum, most exhibiting bilateral symmetry.
MicroRNAs Associated with Caste Determination and Differentiation in a Primitively Eusocial Insect
Authors: Collins David H. , Mohorianu Irina , Beckers Matthew , Moulton Vincent , Dalmay Tamas , Bourke Andrew F. G.
Published: March 2017

In eusocial Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps), queen and worker adult castes typically arise via environmental influences. A fundamental challenge is to understand how a single genome can thereby produce alternative phenotypes. A powerful approach is to compare the molecular basis of caste determination and differentiation along the evolutionary trajectory between primitively and advanced eusocial species, which have, respectively, relatively undifferentiated and strongly differentiated adult castes. In the advanced eusocial honeybee, Apis mellifera, studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in the molecular basis of caste determination and differentiation. To investigate how miRNAs affect caste in eusocial evolution, we used deep sequencing and Northern blots to isolate caste-associated miRNAs in the primitively eusocial bumblebee Bombus terrestris. We found that the miRNAs Bte-miR-6001-5p and -3p are more highly expressed in queen- than in worker-destined late-instar larvae. These are the first caste-associated miRNAs from outside advanced eusocial Hymenoptera, so providing evidence for caste-associated miRNAs occurring relatively early in eusocial evolution. Moreover, we found little evidence that miRNAs previously shown to be associated with caste in A. mellifera were differentially expressed across caste pathways in B. terrestris, suggesting that, in eusocial evolution, the caste-associated role of individual miRNAs is not conserved.
Testis Transcriptome Modulation in Klinefelter Patients with Hypospermatogenesis
Authors: D’Aurora Marco , Ferlin Alberto , Garolla Andrea , Franchi Sara , D’Onofrio Laura , Trubiani Oriana , Palka Giandomenico , Foresta Carlo , Stuppia Liborio , Gatta Valentina
Published: March 2017

The main genetic cause of male infertility is represented by the Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), a condition accounting for 3% of all cases of infertility and up to15% of cases of azoospermia. KS is generally characterized by azoospermia; approximately 10% of cases have severe oligozoospermia. Among these, the 30–40% of patients show hypospermatogenesis. The mechanisms leading to adult testis dysfunctions are not completely understood. A microarray transcriptome analysis was performed on testis biopsies obtained from three KS patients with hypospermatogenesis and three control subjects. KS testis showed a differential up- and down-regulation of 303 and 747 transcripts, respectively, as compared to controls. The majority of down-regulated transcripts were involved in spermiogenesis failure and testis morphological defects, whereas up-regulated genes were responsible for testis apoptotic processes. Functional analysis of the transcriptionally altered genes indicated a deregulation in cell death, germ cell function and morphology as well as blood-testis-barrier maintenance and Leydig cells activity. These data support a complex scenario in which spermatogenic impairment is the result of functional and morphological alterations in both germinal and somatic components of KS testis. These findings could represent the basis for evaluating new markers of KS spermatogenesis and potential targets of therapeutic intervention to preserve residual spermatogenesis.
Quasi-stokeslet induced by thermoplasmonic Marangoni effect around a water vapor microbubble
Authors: Namura Kyoko , Nakajima Kaoru , Suzuki Motofumi
Published: March 2017

Rapid Marangoni flows around a water vapor microbubble (WVMB) is investigated using the thermoplasmonic effect of a gold nanoisland film (GNF). By focusing a laser onto the GNF, a stable WVMB with a diameter of ~10 μm is generated in degassed water, while an air bubble generated in non-degassed water is larger than 40 μm. Under continuous heating, the WVMB involves significantly rapid Marangoni flow. This flow is well-described by a stokeslet sat ~10 μm above the surface of GNF, from which the maximum flow speed around the WVMB is estimated to exceed 1 m/s. This rapid flow generation is attributed to the small bubble size, over which the temperature is graded, and the superheat at the bubble surface in contact with the GNF. It is expected to be useful not only for microfluidic mixing but also for fundamental research on viscous flow induced by a single stokeslet.
Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy and Necrotizing Enterocolitis-associated Infant Mortality in Preterm Babies
Authors: Ding Guodong , Yu Jing , Chen Yan , Vinturache Angela , Pang Yu , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2017

Few studies have examined the possible pregnancy-related risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)-associated deaths during infancy. Infant death due to NEC in preterm babies was identified from the US Linked Livebirth and Infant Death records between 2000 and 2004. The average number of cigarettes per day reported by the mothers who were smoking during pregnancy was classified in three categories: non-smoking, light smoking (<10 cigarettes/day) and heavy smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day). Logistic regression analyses examined the association between prenatal smoking and NEC-associated infant mortality rates with adjustment for potential confounders. Compared with non-smoking mothers, light and heavy smoking mothers have a higher risk of NEC-associated infant mortality [light smoking: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.43; heavy smoking: aOR = 1.30, 95% CI, 1.12–1.52], respectively. Moreover, the association was stronger among white race (light smoking: aOR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.34–2.13; heavy smoking: aOR = 1.44, 95% CI, 1.18–1.75) and female babies (light smoking: aOR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.02–1.69; heavy smoking: aOR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.29–2.02). Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with increased risks of infant mortality due to NEC in preterm babies, especially in white race and female babies.
Unprecedented thermal condensation of tetracyanocyclopropanes to triazaphenalenes: a facile route for the design of novel materials for electronic applications
Authors: Kuznetsov Iliya E. , Susarova Diana K. , Frolova Lyubov A. , Peregudov Alexander S. , Shestakov Alexander F. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Stevenson Keith J. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: March 2017

The synthesized tetracyanosubstituted triazaphenalenes show interesting optoelectronic properties and demonstrate promising performance in OLEDs and memory elements.
From nano to microcrystals: effects of different synthetic pathways on the defect architecture in heavily Gd-doped ceria
Authors: Coduri M. , Scavini M. , Pani M. , Carnasciali M. M. , Klein H. , Artini C.
Published: March 2017

The evolution of the defect structure and microstructure of heavily Gd-doped ceria for different synthetic pathways is investigated to explore the way defects interact with each other in a composition range known to effectively hamper the application of the material as electrolyte.
Homogenised 266 nm femtosecond laser ablation for isotopic and elemental microanalyses using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Kimura Jun-Ichi , Ohki Koichi , Chang Qing
Published: March 2017

A homogenised 266 nm femtosecond laser improved elemental and isotopic abundance determinations in LA-ICPMS.
First structural evidence of a Se–Br–Br halogen-bonded molecular complex
Authors: Torubaev Yury V. , Skabitskiy Ivan V. , Pavlova Alina V. , Pasynskii Alexander A.
Published: March 2017

Bromination of the bicyclic selenoether (2,6-dibromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]-nonane) affords the products ranging from the unique molecular complex C8H12Br2Se–Br2 to the ionic polybromide complex [C8H12Br2SeBr+]Br5.
Factorial design effects of plant density, pattern and light availability on the caffeine, chlorogenic acids, lipids, reducing sugars and ash contents of Coffea arabica L. beans and leaves
Authors: Delaroza Fernanda , Rakocevic Miroslava , Malta Galileu B. , Sanchez Patricia M. , Bruns Roy E. , Scarminio Ieda S.
Published: March 2017

Factorial design experiments were executed to determine the effects of plant pattern and density as well as the degree of light availability on the caffeine, chlorogenic acids, lipids, reducing sugars and ash contents of beans and leaves ofCoffea arabicasamples.
Self-exothermic reaction prompted synthesis of single-layered graphene quantum dots at room temperature
Authors: Chen Bin Bin , Li Rong Sheng , Liu Meng Li , Zhang Hong Zhi , Huang Cheng Zhi
Published: March 2017

s-GQDs were prepared ultra-rapidly by an efficient self-exothermic reaction and can specifically bind with Al3+ to produce an AIEE effect.
Phase-transfer catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of α,β-unsaturated γ,γ-disubstituted γ-lactams
Authors: Arlt Alexander , Toyama Hideaki , Takada Koji , Hashimoto Takuya , Maruoka Keiji
Published: March 2017

The direct, γ-selective vinylogous Michael addition of unsaturated γ-monosubstituted γ-lactams was realized by using chiral phase-transfer catalysis.
A ligand design with a modified naphthyridylamide for achieving the longest EMACs: the 1st single-molecule conductance of an undeca-nickel metal string
Authors: Chen Po-Jung , Sigrist Marc , Horng Er-Chien , Lin Geng-Min , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chen Chun-hsien , Peng Shie-Ming
Published: March 2017

The currently longest metal strings with 11 nickel centres supported by four multidentate ligands tailored with suitable rigidity and solubility are presented herein.
Enhancement of superconducting critical current density by Fe impurity substitution in NbSe2 single crystals and the vortex pinning mechanism
Authors: Pervin Rukshana , Krishnan Manikanadan , Rana Amit Kumar , Kannan M. , Arumugam S. , Shirage Parasharam M.
Published: March 2017

This study demonstrates the temperature dependence of Hsb and Hlb for (a) NbSe2, (b) Fe0.0008NbSe2 and (c) Fe0.0011NbSe2 fitted with the δl and δTc pinning mechanism, respectively.
H2binding to the active site of [NiFe] hydrogenase studied by multiconfigurational and coupled-cluster methods
Authors: Dong Geng , Phung Quan Manh , Hallaert Simon D. , Pierloot Kristine , Ryde Ulf
Published: March 2017

CCSD(T) and DMRG-CASPT2 calculations show that H2prefers to bind to Ni rather than to Fe in [NiFe] hydrogenase.
Dissolution of pyrite and other Fe–S–As minerals using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Abbott Andrew P. , Al-Bassam Ahmed Z. M. , Goddard Alex , Harris Robert C. , Jenkin Gawen R. T. , Nisbet Frazer J. , Wieland Matthias
Published: March 2017

Processing sulfur containing minerals is one of the biggest sources of acute anthropogenic pollution particularly in the form of acid mine drainage.
Signal transduction in oligoamide foldamers by selective non-covalent binding of chiral phosphates at a urea binding site
Authors: Gratzer Katharina , Diemer Vincent , Clayden Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Non-covalent interactions between a chiral phosphate anion and a urea binding site induce a conformational preference in an amide foldamer.
Cleavage of 1,3-dicarbonyls through oxidative amidation
Authors: Biallas Phillip , Häring Andreas P. , Kirsch Stefan F.
Published: March 2017

The oxidative cleavage of 1,3-diketones with amines is shown in the presence of iodine and azide anions, amides are obtained.
Use of CuO encapsulated in mesoporous silica SBA-15 as a recycled catalyst for allylic C–H bond oxidation of cyclic olefins at room temperature
Authors: Samadi Saadi , Ashouri Akram , Ghambarian Mehdi
Published: March 2017

CuO nanoparticles were deposited on SBA-15 in three routes. The catalytic activity of these catalysts was examined on the allylic C–H bond oxidation of cyclic olefins using tert-butyl p-nitrobenzoperoxoate as oxidant at room temperature.
Temporal control of i-motif switch lifetimes for autonomous operation of transient DNA nanostructures
Authors: Heinen L. , Walther A.
Published: March 2017

System integration of the DNA i-motif switch with a tunable pH environment allows programmable lifetimes of DNA duplex hybridization and higher level self-assemblies in closed and autonomous systems.
Gesture Production in Language Impairment: It's Quality, Not Quantity, That Matters
Authors: Wray Charlotte , Saunders Natalie , McGuire Rosie , Cousins Georgia , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether children with language impairment (LI) use gesture to compensate for their language difficulties.

Method

The present study investigated gesture accuracy and frequency in children with LI (
n
= 21) across gesture imitation, gesture elicitation, spontaneous narrative, and interactive problem-solving tasks, relative to typically developing (TD) peers (
n
= 18) and peers with low language and educational concerns (
n
= 21).

Results

Children with LI showed weaknesses in gesture accuracy (imitation and gesture elicitation) in comparison to TD peers, but no differences in gesture rate. Children with low language only showed weaknesses in gesture imitation and used significantly more gestures than TD peers during parent–child interaction. Across the whole sample, motor abilities were significantly related to gesture accuracy but not gesture rate. In addition, children with LI produced proportionately more extending gestures, suggesting that they may use gesture to replace words that they are unable to articulate verbally.

Conclusion

The results support the notion that gesture and language form a tightly linked communication system in which gesture deficits are seen alongside difficulties with spoken communication. Furthermore, it is the quality, not quantity of gestures that distinguish children with LI from typical peers.
Gaussian mixture image restoration based on maximum correntropy criterion
Authors: Su Zhenming , Yang Ling , Zhu Simiao , Si Ningbo , Lv Xin
Published: March 2017

Using Gaussian mixture model (GMM) as a patch prior has achieved great success in image restoration (IR). However, based on the derivations, the objective function of the conventional GMM‐based IR methods can be expressed as the minimum of mean square error (MMSE) criterion based optimisation problem. As outliers may exist in the patch cluster obtained even within a spatially constrained window and MMSE is sensitive to outliers, using the MMSE criterion based strategy would lead to error results. A maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) based IR method with GMM as a patch prior is proposed. The proposed method can automatically identify outliers and assign weight for each patch within the k‐nearest‐neighbour patches with respect to each exemplar patch in the image and thus can robustly estimate the Gaussian parameters which results in more accurate estimation of the image patches. Finally, an effective iterative optimisation algorithm is designed to solve the proposed objective function under the MCC criterion. The experimental results for image inpainting demonstrate the capabilities of the proposed method.
Performance comparison of a spoke‐type PM motor with different permanent magnet shapes and the same magnet volume
Authors: Jun Cha‐Seung , Kwon Byung‐Il
Published: March 2017

This study investigates the characteristics of a spoke‐type permanent magnet (PM) motor with one of three magnet shapes, rectangular magnet (RM), trapezoidal magnet (TM), or inverted TM (ITM) in order to compare motor performance for the same magnet volume. The three magnet shapes vary in terms of upper thickness, lower thickness, and width of the magnet. Two‐dimensional (2D) finite element method is performed to analyse torque, inductance, core loss, efficiency, and demagnetisation reliability. Advantages and disadvantages of each magnet shape are presented based on the analysis results. The ITM motor shows higher efficiency at its rated load due to the reduced core loss resulting from the decreased armature reaction field coupled with the increased magnetic reluctance circuit of the rotor near the airgap. However, the ITM motor shows lower maximum torque due to the reduced reluctance torque and demagnetisation reliability with a heavy over‐current. ITM is thus suitable for applications that require low core loss with small starting torque, e.g. fans, TM is helpful for increasing maximum torque, and RM is appropriate for low‐cost applications that require high demagnetisation reliability. Therefore, magnet shape should be carefully considered based on the required specifications of the motor application.
Electricity market short‐term risk management via risk‐adjusted probability measures
Authors: Jovanović Nenad , García‐González Javier , Barquín Julián , Cerisola Santiago
Published: March 2017

This study presents an iterative algorithm for modelling the mean‐risk model with the conditional value at risk (CVaR). The algorithm is based on the Lagrangian relaxation decomposition, and its main advantage is that it allows removing the coupling between the scenarios due to the constraints used to model the risk. At each stage of the algorithm, a risk‐neutral stochastic optimisation problem is solved with the risk‐adjusted probabilities that substitute the original ones. The study presents the application of the proposed iterative CVaR algorithm to two different short‐term problems where the decision makers are exposed to a high volatility of electricity spot market prices. In the first problem, a time horizon of 1 week is taken into account and a future physical contract is employed as a hedging mechanism. The second problem includes a very detailed formulation of the unit commitment problem. The numerical application is based on realistic data of the Iberian electricity market, where the algorithm has shown a good performance in terms of accuracy and computational time. In addition, this study provides a criterion for selecting the value of the parameters used to implement the CVaR model.
Wide‐area coherency identification of generators in interconnected power systems with renewables
Authors: Lin Zhenzhi , Wen Fushuan , Ding Yi , Xue Yusheng
Published: March 2017

Identification of coherent generators (CGs) in power systems is one of the key steps in determining controlled islanding strategies. In this study, a wide‐area measurement system (WAMS) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) algorithm based coherency identification method is presented for interconnected power systems with aggregated renewable sources. First, the trajectories measured by WAMS are transformed to the centre of inertia based ones for better representing the dynamic behaviour of a given power system, and ten trajectory dissimilarity indexes are presented for determining the similarity of the trajectories of any two generators. Second, a CRITIC (CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) based method, in which entropy and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient are integrated for reflecting the differences and correlations among multiple indexes, respectively, is presented to integrate the trajectory dissimilarity indexes. Next, the AHC algorithm is utilised to identify CGs. Finally, a modified New England–New York interconnected power system with a large number of renewables, a simplified actual Western Interconnection power system in North America and the eastern part of Guangdong power system in China with a recorded oscillation event happened are utilised to demonstrate the proposed wide‐area coherency identification methodology.
Surgical Treatment for Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Corvera Behar Gonzalo , García de la Cruz Miguel
Published: March 2017

Introduction Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a generally benign condition that responds to repositioning maneuvers and frequently resolves spontaneously. However, for some patients it can become a disabling condition in which surgery must be considered. Two different surgical techniques exist, singular neurectomy and posterior semicircular canal occlusion.

Objective The objective of this study is to review the current status of singular nerve section and posterior semicircular canal occlusion as treatments for intractable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and to determine if there are published data available that favors one over the other.

Data Sources MEDLINE and OLDMEDLINE databases of the National Library of Medicine.

Data Synthesis Four studies regarding singular neurectomy and 14 reports on semicircular canal occlusion were analyzed. Both techniques are reported to provide similar symptomatic benefit, with low risk of hearing loss and balance impairment. However, anatomical and clinical studies of singular neurectomy show it to be a more challenging technique, and considering that it is indicated in a very small number of cases, it may be difficult to master.

Conclusions Both singular neurectomy and semicircular canal occlusion can be safe and effective in those few patients that require surgery for intractable positional vertigo. Although semicircular canal occlusion requires a postauricular transmastoid approach, it is ultimately easier to learn and perform adequately, and thus may be considered the best alternative.
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome – Diagnosis and Surgical Management
Authors: Palma Diaz Marite , Cisneros Lesser Juan , Vega Alarcón Alfredo
Published: March 2017

Introduction Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome was described by Minor et al in 1998. It is a troublesome syndrome that results in vertigo and oscillopsia induced by loud sounds or changes in the pressure of the external auditory canal or middle ear. Patients may present with autophony, hyperacusis, pulsatile tinnitus and hearing loss. When symptoms are mild, they are usually managed conservatively, but surgical intervention may be needed for patients with debilitating symptoms.

Objective The aim of this manuscript is to review the different surgical techniques used to repair the superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

Data Sources PubMed and Ovid-SP databases.

Data Synthesis The different approaches are described and discussed, as well as their limitations. We also review the advantages and disadvantages of the plugging, capping and resurfacing techniques to repair the dehiscence.

Conclusions Each of the surgical approaches has advantages and disadvantages. The middle fossa approach gives a better view of the dehiscence, but comes with a higher morbidity than the transmastoid approach. Endoscopic assistance may be advantageous during the middle cranial fossa approach for better visualization. The plugging and capping techniques are associated with higher success rates than resurfacing, with no added risk of hearing loss.
Imaging multiphoton ionization and dissociation of rotationally warm CO via the B+Σ1 and EΠ1 electronic states
Authors: Sun Z.-F. , Scheidsbach R. J. A. , Suits A. G. , Parker D. H.
Published: March 2017

Pathways for formation of C+ and O+ ions when applying (2 + 1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of CO via the B1Σ+ and E1Π electronic states are characterized with the velocity map imaging technique. By employing an unskimmed pulsed valve, it was possible to obtain sharp images for a wide range of initial CO J-states. Most of the atomic ion production pathways could be assigned as one- or two-photon dissociation of a series of vibrational levels of the CO+ X2Σ+ and A2Π states. Large enhancements in dissociation of particular CO+ vibrational states in these progressions could be accurately assigned to accidental resonances of the REMPI laser with CO+ X2Σ+-B2Σ+ transitions.
Network formation and gelation in telechelic star polymers
Authors: Wadgaonkar Indrajit , Chatterji Apratim
Published: March 2017

We investigate the efficiency of gelation and network formation in telechelic star polymer melt, where the tips of polymer arms are dipoles while the rest of the monomers are uncharged. Our work is motivated by the experimental observations [A. Kulkarni et al., Macromolecules 48, 6580 (2015)] in which rheological studies of telechelic star polymers of poly-(L-lactide), a bio-degradable polymer, showed a drastic increase in elastic properties (up to 2000 times) compared to corresponding star polymers without the telechelic arm ends. In contrast to previous studies, we avoid using effective attractive Lennard-Jones potentials or dipolar potentials to model telechelic interactions. Instead we use explicit Coulomb positive and negative charges at the tip of polymer-arms of our bead-spring model of star polymers. By our simulations we show that the dipoles at the tip of star arms aggregate together to form clusters of dipoles. Each cluster has contributions from several stars, and in turn each star contributes to several clusters. Thus the entire polymer melt forms a connected network. Network forming tendencies decrease with a decrease of the value of the effective charge constituting the dipole: this can be experimentally realized by choosing a different ionomer for the star tip. We systematically varied the value of dipole charges, the fraction of star-arms with dipoles at the tip, and the length of the arms. The choice of explicit charges in our calculations enables us to make better quantitative predictions about the onset of gelation; moreover we get qualitatively distinct results about structural organization of dipoles within a dipole-cluster.
Electrostatic correlations and the polyelectrolyte self energy
Authors: Shen Kevin , Wang Zhen-Gang
Published: March 2017

We address the effects of chain connectivity on electrostaticfluctuations in polyelectrolyte solutions using a field-theoretic, renormalizedGaussian fluctuation (RGF) theory. As in simple electrolyte solutions [Z.-G. Wang,Phys. Rev. E 81, 021501 (2010)], the RGF provides a unified theory forelectrostatic fluctuations, accounting for both dielectric and charge correlationeffects in terms of the self-energy. Unlike simple ions, the polyelectrolyte self energydepends intimately on the chain conformation, and our theory naturally provides aself-consistent determination of the response of intramolecular chain structure topolyelectrolyte and salt concentrations. The effects of the chain-conformation on theself-energy and thermodynamics are especially pronounced for flexiblepolyelectrolytes at low polymer and salt concentrations, where application of thewrong chain structure can lead to a drastic misestimation of the electrostaticcorrelations. By capturing the expected scaling behavior of chain size from dilute tosemi-dilute regimes, our theory provides improved estimates of the self energy at lowpolymer concentrations and correctly predicts the eventual N-independenceof the critical temperature and concentration of salt-free solutions of flexiblepolyelectrolytes. We show that the self energy can be interpreted in terms of aninfinite-dilution energy μm,0el and a finite concentrationcorrelation correction μcorr which tends to cancel out the formerwith increasing concentration.