bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LADAR‐based collision warning sensor to prevent over‐height vehicle bridge hits
Authors: Singhal Abhishek , Kamga Camille , Agrawal Anil Kumar
Published: April 2018

Impacts by over‐height (OH) vehicles on bridges, commonly known as ‘bridge hits’, cause significant risk to safety and preservation of transportation infrastructure in the USA. Currently, available over‐height vehicle detection systems (OHVDs) have specific site requirements, extremely high installation costs, and propensity for false alarms, which limit their field deployment to few locations. This study describes a new, enhanced LADAR‐based OHVDs (L‐OHVDs), which can be installed on the face of a structure to be protected and can measure the height of an approaching vehicle before the safe stopping distance from the structure. Built using off‐the‐shelf components and a patent pending optical design, it exhibits enhanced features like vehicle detection, actual height measurement, and collision prediction with no reported false alarms. The developed prototype has a detection range of 220 ft with height measurement accuracy (±0.66 inches) that is better than currently available OHVDs. This system has exceptional precision and is well suited to detect OH trucks and tractor trailers approaching a low vertical clearance bridge. With superior performance and cost‐effective installation, the proposed L‐OHVDs has the potential to reduce occurrences of ‘bridge hits’, thereby limiting consequences such as congestion and damages to bridge while sustaining safety of motorists.
Cost sharing of terminal joint distribution of express industry
Authors: Hong Shuai , Lv Rongsheng , Hong Pengpeng
Published: April 2018

The express industry has developed rapidly, showing a picture of prosperity, but there are several problems behind its prosperity, such as lower efficiency, higher costs, more traffic pressures and increased disorder. To enhance operating efficiency, reduce delivery costs and ease both traffic pressures and disorder, the authors use the Shapley value method to establish a cost sharing model of terminal joint distribution for express enterprises. This model converts the proportion of income allocation into a cost sharing ratio and proposes a correction scheme of personal delivery service costs. The results of a case analysis show that the terminal joint distribution could reduce costs, such as wage costs and traffic costs, reduce both the costs of vehicle distribution and the number of vehicles distributed, and shortens the total distance travelled and time required for distribution. The model of cost sharing of terminal joint distribution for express enterprises could be fair. The cost sharing of terminal joint distribution depends on the personal level of the distribution service for express enterprises. They discuss the implications of the case analysis that jointly distributes costs among express enterprises along terminal routes for both the firms and for the emerging research on the joint distribution of costs.
Adaptive non‐linear trajectory tracking control for lane change of autonomous four‐wheel independently drive electric vehicles
Authors: Guo Jinghua , Luo Yugong , Li Keqiang
Published: April 2018

Since autonomous four‐wheel independently drive electric vehicles have the characteristics of parameter uncertainties, non‐linearities and redundant actuators, trajectory tracking control for lane change of autonomous electric vehicles is regarded as a challenging task. A novel non‐linear trajectory tracking control strategy is designed for lane changing manoeuvre. First, a dynamic trajectory planning strategy is proposed to update the desired trajectory according to the real‐time information acquired through vehicle‐to‐vehicle communications. Second, a robust adaptive non‐linear fuzzy backstepping controller is presented to produce the generalised forces/moment of autonomous electric vehicles, and the stability of this proposed adaptive controller is proven by the Lyapunov theory. Then, the quadratic optimisation goal function of tire energy dissipated power is constructed, and the optimal control allocation method is proposed to produce the desired longitudinal and lateral tire forces of autonomous electric vehicles. Finally, simulation results manifest that the proposed adaptive control strategy has the distinguished tracking performance.
Lateral stability enhancement based on a novel sliding mode prediction control for a four‐wheel‐independently actuated electric vehicle
Authors: Wang Yachao , Wang Zhenpo , Zhang Lei , Liu Mingchun , Zhu Jingna
Published: April 2018

This study presents a novel direct yaw‐moment control scheme to improve the lateral stability for a four‐wheel‐independently actuated electric vehicle. The proposed scheme adopts a cascaded structure that consists in an upper and a lower controller. A novel sliding mode prediction controller is proposed and used in the upper controller for deriving the desired additional yaw moment for lateral stability enhancement. By using the historic and current sliding mode information for the futuristic sliding mode dynamic prediction, the synthesised control law exhibits better robustness to matched/unmatched uncertainties and significantly mitigates the chattering phenomenon. An optimisation‐based torque allocation algorithm is presented in the lower controller to optimally appropriate the driving torques to each in‐wheel motor based on selected criteria. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through simulation and hardware‐in‐the‐loop tests, which yields better performance compared to the rule‐based method.
Effect of mutual coupling between feed elements on integrated lens antenna performance
Authors: Karki Sabin Kumar , Ala‐Laurinaho Juha , Viikari Ville , Valkonen Risto
Published: April 2018

An integrated lens antenna (ILA) equipped with a beam‐switching array feed provides beam‐steering. This study investigates the effects of the mutual coupling between the feed array elements on the ILA performance. A simulation study of an ILA with two different feed types with varying mutual coupling levels is done. Radiation pattern and boresight directivity of the ILA are in the prime focus of the study. An aperture‐coupled microstrip patch antenna (ACMPA) and a stacked ACMPA feeds embedded in an array are used to study the radiation characteristics of the ILA. Results show that changes in directivity and radiation pattern of the feed caused by the mutual coupling have significant impact in the ILA characteristics. However, it is found that the mutual coupling level alone does not predict well the changes in the ILA radiation. Among two feed antenna types with similar mutual coupling variation, the stacked ACMPA feed with less radiation pattern distortion gives better ILA performance compared to the ACMPA feed with significant radiation pattern distortion. Furthermore, impact of the port impedance mismatch of the adjacent inactive antennas on the active element performance of a beam‐switching feed network and its corresponding impact on the ILA is investigated.
Integration of renewable energy sources in dynamic economic load dispatch problem using an improved fireworks algorithm
Authors: Jadoun Vinay Kumar , Pandey Vipin Chandra , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi Khaleequr Rehman , Swarnkar Anil
Published: April 2018

In electrical power system, economic load dispatch is a generic operation for optimal sharing of generation units to meet the system load. With the rapid development of the renewable infrastructure and wide encouragement for green energy have emerged hybrid generating systems in power systems. However, there continuous ever‐increasing production is creating challenges as well as implicating economic factor also in operation. A collective cost function is considered with the conventional thermal generators along with the consideration of renewable energy sources to envisage the economic factor. For these renewable sources, like wind and solar, the proportional cost, their uncertainty and variability by overestimation and underestimation cost are considered. To achieve this economic day‐ahead scheduling, dynamic operation in time scale of 1 h interval is performed. The stochastic nature of wind and solar is modelled by Weibull and Beta distributions, respectively. Moreover, economic optimisation is obtained by a newly developed algorithm called improved fireworks algorithm with non‐uniform operator (IFWA‐NMO). This introduces adaptive dimension strategy, limiting mapping operator and non‐uniform operator. The effectiveness of proposed IFWA‐NMO is investigated on standard dynamic economic load dispatch (DELD) system and also employed to solve conventional DELD with wind‐solar system.
Practical classification of different moving targets using automotive radar and deep neural networks
Authors: Angelov Aleksandar , Robertson Andrew , Murray‐Smith Roderick , Fioranelli Francesco
Published: April 2018

In this work, the authors present results for classification of different classes of targets (car, single and multiple people, bicycle) using automotive radar data and different neural networks. A fast implementation of radar algorithms for detection, tracking, and micro‐Doppler extraction is proposed in conjunction with the automotive radar transceiver TEF810X and microcontroller unit SR32R274 manufactured by NXP Semiconductors. Three different types of neural networks are considered, namely a classic convolutional network, a residual network, and a combination of convolutional and recurrent network, for different classification problems across the four classes of targets recorded. Considerable accuracy (close to 100% in some cases) and low latency of the radar pre‐processing prior to classification (∼0.55 s to produce a 0.5 s long spectrogram) are demonstrated in this study, and possible shortcomings and outstanding issues are discussed.
Nano‐Bi2MoO6/calcined mussel shell composites with enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible‐light irradiation
Authors: Jiang Dongjiao , Cai Lu , Ji Lili , Zhang Hailong , Song Wendong
Published: April 2018

A novel visible‐light‐driven nano‐Bi2MoO6/calcined mussel shell (CMS) photocatalyst composite was designed and synthesised by a facile hydrothermal method and characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible‐light (λ > 420 nm) irradiation. The results indicated that 5% nano‐Bi2MoO6/CMS photocatalysts composite exhibited the highest activity, and its RhB degradation efficiency reached 98.7% within 60 min, which was 1.2 times higher than that of the pure Bi2MoO6 photocatalyst. This work demonstrated that CMS powder could be utilised to fabricate Bi2MoO6/CMS photocatalyst nanocomposites for water‐treatment applications and this study could provide a solution to the abandoned mussel shell resources from waste and environmental pollution.
Effect of gate dielectric on electrical parameters due to metal gate WFV in n‐channel Si step FinFET
Authors: Saha Rajesh , Bhowmick Brinda , Baishya Srimanta
Published: April 2018

This work reports the statistical impact of dielectric constant (k) of gate dielectric materials on various electrical parameters in step‐FinFET (fin field‐effect transistor) and conventional FinFET (C‐FinFET) due to the gate metal work function variability (WFV). 3D technology computer‐aided design simulations showed that several performance parameters are more affected by the WFV in C‐FinFET than in step‐FinFET. It was observed that the fluctuation of parameters like subthreshold swing (σ SS), on current (σIon), and off current (σIoff) are noticeably affected by dielectric materials. However, for both the structures, there is no significant variation in the threshold voltage (σVT) with variation in k values for varying grain size.
Durable antibacterial and hydrophobic polyester fibres and wearable textiles
Authors: Zhang Bin , Jiang Yujie
Published: April 2018

This work reports a novel environmentally friendly antibacterial and hydrophobic polyester [polyethylene terephthalate (PET)] fibre finished with ZnO containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QACsZnO). The results show that the QACsZnO can be coated onto the PET fibre surface, imparting perdurable antibacterial activity. It was found that the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties were improved greatly after the PET fibre was finished with QACsZnO. Additionally, the QACsZnO‐finished PET fibre exhibited good antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, QACsZnO‐finished PET fibre was still capable of restoring its hydrophobicity, and it did not induce damage after dry‐cleaning. These remarkable features of QACsZnO‐finished PET fibre that were suitable for development of multi‐function and textile applications on the market had increased dramatically.
Particle acceleration in the superwinds of starburst galaxies
Authors: Romero G. E. , Müller A. L. , Roth M.
Published: April 2018

Context. Starbursts are galaxies undergoing massive episodes of star formation. The combined effect of stellar winds from hot stars and supernova explosions creates a high-temperature cavity in the nuclear region of these objects. The very hot gas expands adiabatically and escapes from the galaxy creating a superwind which sweeps matter from the galactic disk. The superwind region in the halo is filled with a multi-phase gas with hot, warm, cool, and relativistic components.

Aims. The shocks associated with the superwind of starbursts and the turbulent gas region of the bubble inflated by them might accelerate cosmic rays up to high energies. In this work we calculate the cosmic ray production associated with the superwind using parameters that correspond to the nearby southern starburst galaxy NGC 253, which has been suggested as a potential accelerator of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.

Methods. We evaluate the efficiency of both diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) and stochastic diffusive acceleration (SDA) in the superwind of NGC 253. We estimate the distribution of both hadrons and leptons and calculate the corresponding spectral energy distributions of photons. The electromagnetic radiation can help to discriminate between the different scenarios analyzed.

Results. We find that the strong mass load of the superwind, recently determined through ALMA observations, strongly attenuates the efficiency of DSA in NGC 253, whereas SDA is constrained by the age of the starburst.

Conclusions. We conclude that NGC 253 and similar starbursts can only accelerate iron nuclei beyond ~1018 eV under very special conditions. If the central region of the galaxy harbors a starved supermassive black hole of ~106 M⊙, as suggested by some recent observations, a contribution in the range 1018−1019 eV can be present for accretion rates ṁ ~ 10−3 in Eddington units. Shock energies of the order of 100 EeV might only be possible if very strong magnetic field amplification occurs close to the superwind.
A new approach to the analysis of Type 1 non-uniqueness of the ITS-90 above 0 °C
Authors: Gaita Sonia , Bonnier Georges
Published: April 2018

The Type 1 non-uniqueness (NU-1) is the difference between interpolated values at the same temperature in the resistance thermometer subranges of the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) that overlap. The paper argues for a method of evaluating the NU-1 at a given temperature which considers all subranges of the Scale that contain the respective temperature, not only combinations of two, and it proposes mathematical models to determine the values of NU-1 for temperatures above 0 °C. The paper demonstrates that NU-1 is not the right contributor to the uncertainty associated with the realisation of the ITS-90. Therefore, a new concept of Correction for the Type 1 non-uniqueness of the Scale, CNU-1, is introduced and its mathematical model is established. Also, the estimate of CNU-1 and its standard uncertainty are defined and they are assessed through statistical analysis. The values of standard uncertainty determined by the novel methodology do not exceed 0.26 mK and they are smaller than the values given in the specific Guides developed by the Consultative Committee for Thermometry. The proposed models allow authors to single out and analyse the factors that generate Type 1 non-uniqueness of the Scale and influence its value.
Preliminary data on the distribution, morphology and genetics of white-clawed crayfish and on their ectosymbionts in Lunigiana (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Boschetti Matilde , Culicchi Alessandro , Guerrini Monica , Barbanera Filippo , Petroni Giulio
Published: April 2018

The white-clawed crayfish is a complex of species (Austropotamobius pallipesplusA. italicus, Crustacea) pivotal to riverine environments. Regrettably, it is endangered in many European countries due to a recent massive decline. We carried out a fine-scale survey on white-clawed crayfish distribution, morphology and genetics in an under-investigated region of central Italy (Lunigiana, Tuscany) to improve local knowledge and aid conservation management of the species. The torrential fauna of Lunigiana is scarcely known and habitat alterations due to the anthropic exploitation of the territory represent a potential threat to its persistence. We investigated crayfish occurrence in eight streams of the Magra River Basin. We performed nocturnal and diurnal transects, took morphometric measurements, collected samples for genetic analysis and checked for the occurrence of ectosymbionts. Crayfish were disclosed in two streams (Civasola, Verdesina). Morphometric and phylogenetic analysis (mtDNA COI gene Bayesian tree reconstruction) concurrently identified both populations asAustropotamobius italicus carinthiacus. In the Verdesina stream, crayfish were heavily infested by branchiobdellidans (Annelida). Verdesina crayfish were also significantly smaller than those found in the Civasola stream, where branchiobdellidans were absent. Hence, we hypothesized that such difference in size might be related to the high density of ectosymbionts. In the light of habitat features and of data herein provided, we propose that both Civasola and Verdesina streams should be considered as “natural ark sites” forA. italicus, with the Magra River Basin representing a regional stronghold for the conservation of the species.
Angiostrongylus costaricensisinfection in Martinique, Lesser Antilles, from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Dard Céline , Nguyen Duc , Miossec Charline , de Meuron Katia , Harrois Dorothée , Epelboin Loïc , Cabié André , Desbois-Nogard Nicole
Published: April 2018

Human abdominal angiostrongyliasis (HAA) is a parasitic disease caused by the accidental ingestion of the nematodeAngiostrongylus costaricensisin its larval form. Human infection can lead to severe ischemic and inflammatory intestinal lesions, sometimes complicated by life-threatening ileal perforations. Only one case had been reported in Martinique, an Island in the French Antilles, in 1988. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients diagnosed with abdominal angiostrongyliasis at the University Hospital of Martinique between 2000 and 2017. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence and perform a descriptive analysis of the clinical, biological, radiological, and histopathological features of HAA in Martinique. Two confirmed cases and two probable cases were identified in patients aged from 1 to 21 years during the 18-year period, with an estimated incidence of 0.2 cases per year (0.003 case/year/100.000 inhabitants (IC95% = 0.00–0.05)). All patients presented with abdominal pain associated with high blood eosinophilia (median: 7.24 G/L [min 4.25; max 52.28 G/L]). Two developed ileal perforation and were managed by surgery, with diagnostic confirmation based on histopathological findings on surgical specimens. The other two cases were probable, with serum specimens reactive toAngiostrongylussp. antigen in the absence of surgery. All cases improved without sequelae. The description of this case series highlights the need to increase awareness of this life-threatening disease in the medical community and to facilitate access to specific diagnostic tools in Martinique. Environmental and epidemiological studies are needed to broaden our knowledge of the burden of this disease.
A preliminary survey of Trichinella spp. in pigs raised under controlled housing conditions in Colombia: 2014–2016
Authors: Chaparro-Gutiérrez Jenny J. , Pozio Edoardo , Gómez-Morales María A. , López Anderson , Mejia Jaime , Zambrano Corina , Piedrahita Diego , Villar David
Published: April 2018

A preliminary survey of Trichinella spp. infection was conducted in Colombian swine herds between 2014 and 2016. A total of 1,773 pigs reared on farms under controlled housing conditions and processed in 34 slaughterhouses were tested either by the artificial digestion of pooled muscle samples (n = 1,173) or by serology (n = 600). In addition, 550 rats trapped on 29 swine farm premises were also tested by artificial digestion. No positive pig samples were detected. Similarly, no Trichinella spp. muscle larvae were detected in rats. These results are in agreement with the lack of historical Trichinella infection reports in domestic and wild animals and humans in Colombia. However, a more extensive epidemiological investigation and a continuous surveillance program are needed to continue declaring swine herds in Colombia free of Trichinella infection.
Aerobe Belastung verschlechtert die Wahrnehmungsschwelle kurzer H2S-Impulse
Authors: Schneider Katja , Lehnich Holger , Seeber Hermann , Bitter Thomas , Guntinas Lichius Orlando , Gudziol Hilmar
Published: April 2018

Hintergrund Ob sich bei akuter aerober körperlicher Belastung das Riechvermögen verschlechtert, wird in der Literatur widersprüchlich beschrieben.

Material und Methoden Zur Klärung dieser Fragestellung wurden die passiven Wahrnehmungsschwellen für kurze H2S-Stimuli mittels eines
Fluss-Olfaktometers inspirationssynchron bei nasaler Atmung im staircase Verfahren während einer Ruhephase, einer anschließenden submaximalen Belastung auf
einem Fahrradergometer und einer nachfolgenden Erholungsphase bei Gesunden bestimmt und mit einander verglichen. Parallel fanden Messungen von Herzfrequenz,
Blutdruck, Blutlaktat und Körpertemperatur statt, um eine aerobe Belastung abzusichern.

Ergebnisse Die Versuchsteilnehmer hatten ihre höchsten Werte für die Wahrnehmungsschwelle in der Belastungsphase. Mittels rm-ANOVA und post-hoc-Tests war
ein signifikanter Unterschied der Mittelwerte der Wahrnehmungsschwellen zwischen den Messungen in Ruhe und während körperlicher Belastung sowie zwischen der
Erholungs- und Belastungsphase zu verzeichnen. Die Mittelwerte der Wahrnehmungsschwellen zwischen der Ruhe- und Erholungsphase differierten hingegen nicht.

Schlussfolgerung Die Verschlechterung der olfaktorischen Wahrnehmungsschwellen während einer akuten aeroben körperlichen Belastung und deren unverzügliche
Verbesserung während der Erholungsphase auf Ruhewerte lassen auf eine Beeinflussung der Riechschwelle durch die körperliche Anstrengung schließen. Als
wahrscheinlichste Ursache hierfür kommt ein bei forcierter Nasenatmung ausgelöster Verdünnungseffekt durch zusätzlich einströmende geruchsneutrale Umgebungsluft
in Betracht.
Are Anti-β2 Glycoprotein 1 Antibodies Associated with Placenta-Mediated Pregnancy Complications? A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Skeith Leslie , Abou-Nassar Karim , Walker Mark , Ramsay Tim , Booth Ronald , Wen Shi , Smith Graeme , Rodger Marc
Published: April 2018

Background While anti-β2 glycoprotein 1 (anti-β2GP1) antibody positivity is included in the diagnostic criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the association between anti-β2GP1 and the obstetrical complications of APS has been inconsistently reported and remains unclear.

Objective We completed a case–control study nested within the Canadian Ottawa and Kingston (OaK) Birth Cohort to evaluate the association between anti-β2GP1 antibody positivity and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications.

Study Design Five hundred cases were randomly selected among pregnant women who experienced any of the following independently adjudicated placenta-mediated pregnancy complications: preeclampsia, placental abruption, late pregnancy loss (≥ 12 weeks' gestation), and birth of a small-for-gestational age (SGA) infant < 10th percentile. Five hundred pregnant women without any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications were selected as controls. Stored blood samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-β2GP1 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results Anti-β2GP1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in titers ≥ 20 G/M units (> 99th percentile) were present in 24 of 497 (4.8%) of controls and 33 of 503 (6.6%) of cases. There was no significant difference between cases and controls for the composite outcome of any placenta-mediated pregnancy complications (odds ratio, 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8–2.37, p = 0.25).

Conclusion Our results call into question the association between anti-β2GP1 antibodies and placenta-mediated pregnancy complications, with further research needed.
Expression of LOXs and MMP-1, 2, 3 by ACL Fibroblasts and Synoviocytes Impact of Coculture and TNF-α
Authors: Wang Chunli , Chi Qingjia , Xu Chunming , Xu Kang , Zhang Yanjun , Liu Yan , Yang Li , Sung K. L.
Published: April 2018

This study aims to confirm the effects of synoviocytes (SCs) on regulating lysyl oxidases (LOXs) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, 2, 3 in the normal and injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fibroblasts response to tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The gene and protein expression levels of LOXs and MMP-1, 2, 3 in SCs cocultured ACL fibroblasts (ACLfs) induced by TNF-α and mechanical injury were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western bolting; the MMP-2 activity were analyzed by zymography. The results exhibited that TNF-α alone slightly downregulated the expressions of LOXs and upregulated the expression of MMP-1, 2, 3 in both normal and injured ACL fibroblasts. The decrease of LOXs and increase of MMP-1, 2, 3 in ACLfs response to TNF-α were further promoted by coculture. Taken together, these results show for the first time that the crosstalk between ACLfs and SCs could modulate the LOXs and MMP-1, 2, 3 synthesis in ACLfs in the presence of TNF-α. Accumulation of MMPs in the isolated fluid-containing space not only disrupts the balance of ACL healing, but also increases cartilage degradation and accelerates osteoarthritis (OA) in injured joint. Based on this mechanism, targeting inhibition of MMPs could provide a promising therapeutic strategy for acute ligament injury.
Congenital Esophageal Atresia—Surgical Treatment Results in the Context of Quality of Life
Authors: Rozensztrauch Anna , Śmigiel Robert , Patkowski Dariusz
Published: April 2018

Introduction Esophageal atresia (EA) is one of the most frequent congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the study was to assess surgical treatment results in the context of the quality of life (QoL) of children after correction of EA.

Materials and Methods The data were collected among 73 patients after surgery of EA. The work diagnostic survey method was applied using authors' own questionnaire and standardized questionnaire, the PedsQL 4.0 generic core scales. Analysis of children growth was done based on World Health Organization percentile charts for body height and weight. Medical background for each patient, including demographic data, type of EA, type of delivery, the age of gestation, associated anomalies, mode of repair—primary and subsequent, if applicable, was collected from clinical records. Additional anomalies were divided into cardiac, skeletal, respiratory, renal, central nervous system, and other malformations (VACTERL association, CHARGE syndrome, trisomy chromosomes 18 and 21, and others).

Results In this study, 23% of children in the study group weighted below third percentile, 36% were born between 33rd and 37th week of gestation; 56% had at least one associated congenital anomalies. The QoL of children born before 37th week of gestational age was lower (p < 0.034) in social functioning than children born in term. The presence of concomitant anomalies does affect the overall generic QoL. No statistical correlation was found between the type of anomaly (with/without TEF) and patients' QoL.

Conclusion It seems to be needed to extend psychological care of premature infants with EA.
Zusammenhang zwischen Tinnituston und Frequenzbereich des Gehörverlusts
Authors: Kleinjung Tobias
Published: April 2018

Keppler H et al. The relationship between tinnitus pitch and parameters of audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. J Laryngol Otol 2017; 131: 1017–1025

Ein chronischer Tinnitus ist mit einem reduzierten akustischen Reiz assoziiert. Auf die Schädigung reagiert das zentrale Hörsystem mit Veränderungen. Den
Zusammenhang zwischen Tinnituston und Parametern der Audiometrie sowie der distorsiv produzierten otoakustischen Emissionen (DPOAE) untersuchten Ärzte des
Hör-Sprachzentrums der Universität der belgischen Stadt Gent.
Integrating evidence, politics and society: a methodology for the science–policy interface
Authors: Horton Peter , Brown Garrett W.
Published: April 2018

There is currently intense debate over expertise, evidence and ‘post-truth’ politics, and how this is influencing policy formulation and implementation. In this article, we put forward a methodology for evidence-based policy making intended as a way of helping navigate this web of complexity. Starting from the premise of why it is so crucial that policies to meet major global challenges use scientific evidence, we discuss the socio-political difficulties and complexities that hinder this process. We discuss the necessity of embracing a broader view of what constitutes evidence—science and the evaluation of scientific evidence cannot be divorced from the political, cultural and social debate that inevitably and justifiably surrounds these major issues. As a pre-requisite for effective policy making, we propose a methodology that fully integrates scientific investigation with political debate and social discourse. We describe a rigorous process of mapping, analysis, visualisation and sharing of evidence, constructed from integrating science and social science data. This would then be followed by transparent evidence evaluation, combining independent assessment to test the validity and completeness of the evidence with deliberation to discover how the evidence is perceived, misunderstood or ignored. We outline the opportunities and the problems derived from the use of digital communications, including social media, in this methodology, and emphasise the power of creative and innovative evidence visualisation and sharing in shaping policy.
Functions to map photoelectron distributions in a variety of setups in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy
Authors: Ishida Y. , Shin S.
Published: April 2018

The distribution of photoelectrons acquired in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy can be mapped onto the energy-momentum space of the Bloch electrons in the crystal. The explicit forms of the mapping function f depend on the configuration of the apparatus as well as on the type of the photoelectron analyzer. We show that the existence of the analytic forms of f−1 is guaranteed in a variety of setups. The variety includes the case when the analyzer is equipped with a photoelectron deflector. Thereby, we provide a demonstrative mapping program implemented by an algorithm that utilizes both f and f−1. The mapping methodology is also usable in other spectroscopic methods such as momentum-resolved electron-energy loss spectroscopy.
Persistent optical hole-burning spectroscopy of nano-confined dye molecules in liquid at room temperature: Spectral narrowing due to a glassy state and extraordinary relaxation in a nano-cage
Authors: Murakami Hiroshi
Published: April 2018

Persistent optical hole-burning spectroscopy has been conducted for a dye molecule within a very small (∼1 nm) reverse micelle at room temperature. The spectra show a spectral narrowing due to site-selective excitation. This definitely demonstrates that the surroundings of the dye molecule are in a glassy state regardless of a solution at room temperature. On the other hand, the hole-burning spectra exhibit large shifts from excitation frequencies, and their positions are almost independent of excitation frequencies. The hole-burning spectra have been theoretically calculated by taking account of a vibronic absorption band of the dye molecule under the assumption that the surroundings of the dye molecule are in a glassy state. The calculated results agree with the experimental ones that were obtained for the dye molecule in a polymer glass for comparison, where it has been found that the ratio of hole-burning efficiencies of vibronic- to electronic-band excitations is quite high. On the other hand, the theoretical results do not explain the large spectral shift from the excitation frequency and small spectral narrowing observed in the hole-burning spectra measured for the dye-containing reverse micelle. It is thought that the spectral shift and broadening occur within the measurement time owing to the relaxation process of the surroundings that are hot with the thermal energy deposited by the dye molecule optically excited. Furthermore, the relaxation should be temporary because the cooling of the inside of the reverse micelle takes place with the dissipation of the excess thermal energy to the outer oil solvent, and so the surroundings of the dye molecule return to the glassy state and do not attain the thermal equilibrium. These results suggest that a very small reverse micelle provides a unique reaction field in which the diffusional motion can be controlled by light in a glassy state.
Quantum mechanical effects in zwitterionic amino acids: The case of proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine in water
Authors: Ulman Kanchan , Busch Sebastian , Hassanali Ali A.
Published: April 2018

In this work, we use ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the electronic properties of three hydrated zwitterionic amino acids, namely proline, hydroxyproline, and alanine, the former two forming an important constituent of collagen. In all three systems, we find a substantial amount of charge transfer between the amino acids and surrounding solvent, which, rather surprisingly, also involves the reorganization of electron density near the hydrophobic non-polar groups. Water around proline appears to be slightly more polarized, as reflected by the enhanced water dipole moment in its hydration shell. This observation is also complemented by an examination of the IR spectra of the three systems where there is a subtle red and blue shift in the O–H stretch and bend regions, respectively, for proline. We show that polarizability of these amino acids as revealed by a dipole moment analysis involves a significant enhancement from the solvent and that this also involves non-polar groups. Our results suggest that quantum mechanical effects are likely to be important in understanding the coupling between biomolecules and water in general and in hydrophobic interactions.
Identifying partial topology of complex dynamical networks via a pinning mechanism
Authors: Zhu Shuaibing , Zhou Jin , Lu Jun-an
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we study the problem of identifying the partial topology of complex dynamical networks via a pinning mechanism. By using the network synchronization theory and the adaptive feedback controlling method, we propose a method which can greatly reduce the number of nodes and observers in the response network. Particularly, this method can also identify the whole topology of complex networks. A theorem is established rigorously, from which some corollaries are also derived in order to make our method more cost-effective. Several numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. In the simulation, an approach is also given to avoid possible identification failure caused by inner synchronization of the drive network.
Rapid tomographic reconstruction based on machine learning for time-resolved combustion diagnostics
Authors: Yu Tao , Cai Weiwei , Liu Yingzheng
Published: April 2018

Optical tomography has attracted surged research efforts recently due to the progress in both the imaging concepts and the sensor and laser technologies. The high spatial and temporal resolutions achievable by these methods provide unprecedented opportunity for diagnosis of complicated turbulent combustion. However, due to the high data throughput and the inefficiency of the prevailing iterative methods, the tomographic reconstructions which are typically conducted off-line are computationally formidable. In this work, we propose an efficient inversion method based on a machine learning algorithm, which can extract useful information from the previous reconstructions and build efficient neural networks to serve as a surrogate model to rapidly predict the reconstructions. Extreme learning machine is cited here as an example for demonstrative purpose simply due to its ease of implementation, fast learning speed, and good generalization performance. Extensive numerical studies were performed, and the results show that the new method can dramatically reduce the computational time compared with the classical iterative methods. This technique is expected to be an alternative to existing methods when sufficient training data are available. Although this work is discussed under the context of tomographic absorption spectroscopy, we expect it to be useful also to other high speed tomographic modalities such as volumetric laser-induced fluorescence and tomographic laser-induced incandescence which have been demonstrated for combustion diagnostics.
Magnetic reconnection in the low solar chromosphere with a more realistic radiative cooling model
Authors: Ni Lei , Lukin Vyacheslav S. , Murphy Nicholas A. , Lin Jun
Published: April 2018

Magnetic reconnection is the most likely mechanism responsible for the high temperature events that are observed in strongly magnetized locations around the temperature minimum in the low solar chromosphere. This work improves upon our previous work [Ni et al., Astrophys. J. 852, 95 (2018)] by using a more realistic radiative cooling model computed from the OPACITY project and the CHIANTI database. We find that the rate of ionization of the neutral component of the plasma is still faster than recombination within the current sheet region. For low β plasmas, the ionized and neutral fluid flows are well-coupled throughout the reconnection region resembling the single-fluid Sweet-Parker model dynamics. Decoupling of the ion and neutral inflows appears in the higher β case with β0=1.46, which leads to a reconnection rate about three times faster than the rate predicted by the Sweet-Parker model. In all cases, the plasma temperature increases with time inside the current sheet, and the maximum value is above 2×104 K when the reconnection magnetic field strength is greater than 500 G. While the more realistic radiative cooling model does not result in qualitative changes of the characteristics of magnetic reconnection, it is necessary for studying the variations of the plasma temperature and ionization fraction inside current sheets in strongly magnetized regions of the low solar atmosphere. It is also important for studying energy conversion during the magnetic reconnection process when the hydrogen-dominated plasma approaches full ionization.
Arbitrary digital pulse sequence generator with delay-loop timing
Authors: Hošák Radim , Ježek Miroslav
Published: April 2018

We propose an idea of an electronic multi-channel arbitrary digital sequence generator with temporal granularity equal to two clock cycles. We implement the generator with 32 channels using a low-cost ARM microcontroller and demonstrate its capability to produce temporal delays ranging from tens of nanoseconds to hundreds of seconds, with 24 ns timing granularity and linear scaling of delay with respect to the number of delay loop iterations. The generator is optionally synchronized with an external clock source to provide 100 ps jitter and overall sequence repeatability within the whole temporal range. The generator is fully programmable and able to produce digital sequences of high complexity. The concept of the generator can be implemented using different microcontrollers and applied for controlling of various optical, atomic, and nuclear physics measurement setups.
A highly integrated single-mode 1064 nm laser with 8.5 kHz linewidth for dual-wavelength active optical clock
Authors: Shi Tiantian , Pan Duo , Chang Pengyuan , Shang Haosen , Chen Jingbiao
Published: April 2018

Without exploiting any frequency selective elements, we have realized a highly integrated, single-mode, narrow-linewidth Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser, which is end-pumped by the 808.6 nm diode laser in an integrated invar cavity. It turns out that each 1064 nm laser achieves a most probable linewidth of 8.5 kHz by beating between two identical laser systems. The output power of the 1064 nm laser increases steadily as the 808.6 nm pump power is raised, which can be up to 350 mW. Moreover, the resonant wavelength of cavity grows continuously in a certain crystal temperature range. Such a 1064 nm laser will be frequency stabilized to an ultrastable cavity by using the Pound-Drever-Hall technique and used as the good cavity laser to lock the main cavity length of 1064/1470 nm good-bad cavity dual-wavelength active optical clock.
FRET two-hybrid assay by linearly fitting FRET efficiency to concentration ratio between acceptor and donor
Authors: Du Mengyan , Yang Fangfang , Mai Zihao , Qu Wenfeng , Lin Fangrui , Wei Lichun , Chen Tongsheng
Published: April 2018

We here introduce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) two-hybrid assay method to measure the maximal donor(D)- and acceptor(A)-centric FRET efficiency (ED,max and EA,max) of the D-A complex and its stoichiometry by linearly fitting the donor-centric FRET efficiency (ED) to the acceptor-to-donor concentration ratio (RC) and acceptor-centric FRET efficiency (EA) to 1/RC, respectively. We performed this method on a wide-field fluorescence microscope for living HepG2 cells co-expressing FRET tandem constructs and free donor/acceptor and obtained correct ED, EA, and stoichiometry values of those tandem constructs. Evaluation on the binding of Bad with Bcl-XL in Hela cells showed that Bad interacted strongly with Bcl-XL to form a Bad-Bcl-XL complex on mitochondria, and one Bad interacted mainly with one Bcl-XL molecule in healthy cells, while with multiple (maybe 2) Bcl-XL molecules in apoptotic cells.
Shear-induced autorotation of freely rotatable cylinder in a channel flow at moderate Reynolds number
Authors: Xia Yi , Lin Jianzhong , Ku Xiaoke , Chan Tatleung
Published: April 2018

Flow past a center-pinned freely rotatable cylinder asymmetrically confined in a two-dimensional channel is simulated with the lattice Boltzmann method for a range of Reynolds number 0.1 ≤ Re ≤ 200, eccentricity ratio 0/8 ≤ ε ≤ 7/8, and blockage ratio 0.1 ≤ β ≤ 0.5. It is found that the inertia tends to facilitate the anomalous clockwise rotation of the cylinder. As the eccentricity ratio increases, the cylinder rotates faster in the counterclockwise direction and then slows down at a range of Re < 10. At a range of Re > 40, there exists an anomalous clockwise rotation for the cylinder at a low eccentricity ratio and the domain where the cylinder rotates anomalously becomes larger with the increase in the Reynolds number. In a channel with a higher blockage ratio, the rotation of the cylinder is more sensitive to the change of cylinder lateral position, and the separatrix at which the cylinder remains a state of rest moves upward generally. The cylinder is more likely to rotate counterclockwise and the rotating velocity is larger. At a lower blockage ratio, the anomalous clockwise rotation is more likely to occur, and the largest rotating velocity occurs when the blockage ratio is equal to 0.3. The mechanism of distinct rotational behavior of the cylinder is attributed to the transformation of distribution of shear stress which is resulted from the variation of pressure drop, the shift of maximum or minimum pressure zones along the upper and lower semi-cylinder surface, and the movement of stagnant point and separate point. Finally, the effects of the cylinder rotation on the flow structure and hydrodynamic force exerted on the cylinder surface are analyzed as well.
Oscillations in an array of bistable microelectrodes coupled through a globally conserved quantity
Authors: Bozdech S. , Biecher Y. , Savinova E. R. , Schuster R. , Krischer K. , Bonnefont A.
Published: April 2018

The dynamical behavior of an array of microelectrodes is investigated under controlled current conditions during CO electrooxidation, a bistable electrochemical reaction with an S-shaped negative differential resistance (S-NDR) current-potential curve. Under these conditions, the total current constitutes a globally conserved quantity, thus coupling all microelectrodes globally. Upon increasing the total current, the microelectrodes activate one by one, with a single microelectrode being on its intermediate S-NDR current branch and the other ones being either on their passive or their active branches. When a few coupled microelectrodes are activated, the electrochemical system exhibits spontaneous potential oscillations. Mathematical analysis shows that oscillations arise already in a two group approximation of the dynamics, the two groups consisting of 1 electrode and n – 1 electrodes with n ≥ 3, respectively, with each group being described by a single evolution equation. In this minimal representation, oscillations occur when the single electrode is on the intermediate branch and the larger group is on the active branch.
Influence of functional group on the electrical transport properties of polyvinyl alcohol grafted multiwall carbon nanotube composite thick film
Authors: Kumar Das Amit , Dharmana Reuben , Mukherjee Ayan , Baba Koumei , Hatada Ruriko , Kumar Meikap Ajit
Published: April 2018

We present a novel technique to obtain a higher or lower value of dielectric constant due to the variation of a functional group on the surface of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) for a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) grafted MWCNT system. We have prepared PVA grafted pristine and different types of functionalized (-COOH, -OH, and -NH2) MWCNT nanocomposite films. The strong interfacial interaction between the host PVA matrix and nanofiller is characterized by different experimental techniques. The frequency variation of the electrical transport properties of the composite films is investigated in a wide temperature range (303 ≤ T ≤ 413 K) and frequency range (20 Hz ≤ f ≤ 1 MHz). The dielectric constant of the amine (-NH2) functionalized MWCNT incorporated PVA film is about 2 times higher than that of the pristine MWCNT embedded PVA film. The temperature variation of the dielectric constant shows an anomalous behaviour. The modified Cole-Cole equation simulated the experimentally observed dielectric spectroscopy at high temperature. The ac conductivity of the composite films obeys the correlated barrier hopping model. The imaginary part of the electric modulus study shows the ideal Debye-type behaviour at low frequency and deviation of that at high frequency. To illustrate the impedance spectroscopy of the nanocomposite films, we have proposed an impedance based battery equivalent circuit model. The current-voltage characteristic shows hysteresis behaviour of the nanocomposite films. The trap state height for all composite films is evaluated by simulating the current density-electric field data with the Poole-Frenkel emission model. This investigation opens a new avenue for designing electronic devices with a suitable combination of cost effective soft materials.