bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Artificial Life in an IBM Quantum Computer
Authors: Alvarez-Rodriguez U. , Sanz M. , Lamata L. , Solano E.
Published: September 2018

We present the first experimental realization of a quantum artificial life algorithm in a quantum computer. The quantum biomimetic protocol encodes tailored quantum behaviors belonging to living systems, namely, self-replication, mutation, interaction between individuals, and death, into the cloud quantum computer IBM ibmqx4. In this experiment, entanglement spreads throughout generations of individuals, where genuine quantum information features are inherited through genealogical networks. As a pioneering proof-of-principle, experimental data fits the ideal model with accuracy. Thereafter, these and other models of quantum artificial life, for which no classical device may predict its quantum supremacy evolution, can be further explored in novel generations of quantum computers. Quantum biomimetics, quantum machine learning, and quantum artificial intelligence will move forward hand in hand through more elaborate levels of quantum complexity.
Comparative synaptosome imaging: a semi-quantitative method to obtain copy numbers for synaptic and neuronal proteins
Authors: Richter Katharina N. , Wildhagen Hanna , Helm Martin S. , Ußling Jan-Eike , Schikorski Thomas , Rizzoli Silvio O.
Published: September 2018

Protein copy numbers can be measured by biochemical methods ranging from quantitative Western Blotting to several mass spectrometry approaches. Such methods only provide average copy numbers, obtained over large cell numbers. However, copy number estimates for single cells or single organelles could be obtained by combining biochemical characterizations with an imaging approach. We performed this here for synaptic proteins, in a protocol that we termed comparative synaptosome imaging for semi-quantitative copy numbers (CosiQuant). In brief, in CosiQuant we immunostain in parallel biochemically-characterized synaptosomes, for which we have already determined the average protein copy numbers, and the samples of interest (such as neuronal cultures). We then derive the copy numbers in the samples of interest by comparing the immunofluorescence intensities. We measured the intensities not only in arbitrary fluorescence units, but also as numbers of antibodies per synaptosome, for a large number of targets. This implies that other groups can immediately apply CosiQuant for these targets, by simply estimating the number of antibodies per structure of interest. CosiQuant should therefore be a useful addition to the growing set of imaging techniques for synaptic neuroscience.
Increased spatial and temporal autocorrelation of temperature under climate change
Authors: Di Cecco Grace J. , Gouhier Tarik C.
Published: September 2018

Understanding spatiotemporal variation in environmental conditions is important to determine how climate change will impact ecological communities. The spatial and temporal autocorrelation of temperature can have strong impacts on community structure and persistence by increasing the duration and the magnitude of unfavorable conditions in sink populations and disrupting spatial rescue effects by synchronizing spatially segregated populations. Although increases in spatial and temporal autocorrelation of temperature have been documented in historical data, little is known about how climate change will impact these trends. We examined daily air temperature data from 21 General Circulation Models under the business-as-usual carbon emission scenario to quantify patterns of spatial and temporal autocorrelation between 1871 and 2099. Although both spatial and temporal autocorrelation increased over time, there was significant regional variation in the temporal autocorrelation trends. Additionally, we found a consistent breakpoint in the relationship between spatial autocorrelation and time around the year 2030, indicating an acceleration in the rate of increase of the spatial autocorrelation over the second half of the 21st century. Overall, our results suggest that ecological populations might experience elevated extinction risk under climate change because increased spatial and temporal autocorrelation of temperature is expected to erode both spatial and temporal refugia.
Mutation of TP53, translocation analysis and immunohistochemical expression of MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6 in patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Peroja Pekka , Pedersen Mette , Mantere Tuomo , Nørgaard Peter , Peltonen Jenni , Haapasaari Kirsi-Maria , Böhm Jan , Jantunen Esa , Turpeenniemi-Hujanen Taina , Rapakko Katrin , Karihtala Peeter , Soini Ylermi , Vasala Kaija , Kuittinen Outi
Published: September 2018

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive lymphoma with diverse outcomes. Concurrent translocation of MYC and BCL-2 and/or BCL-6, and concurrent immunohistochemical (IHC) high expression of MYC and BCL-2, have been linked to unfavorable treatment responses. TP53-mutated DLBCL has also been linked to worse outcome. Our aim was to evaluate the aforementioned issues in a cohort of 155 patients uniformly treated with R-CHOP-like therapies. We performed direct sequencing of TP53 exons 5, 6, 7 and 8 as well as fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) of MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6, and IHC of MYC, BCL-2 and BCL-6. In multivariate analysis, TP53 mutations in L3 and loop-sheet helix (LSH) associated with a risk ratio (RR) of disease-specific survival (DSS) of 8.779 (p = 0.022) and a RR of disease-free survival (DFS) of 10.498 (p = 0.011). In IHC analysis BCL-2 overexpression was associated with inferior DFS (p = 0.002) and DSS (p = 0.002). DLBCL with BCL-2 and MYC overexpression conferred inferior survival in all patients (DSS, p = 0.038 and DFS, p = 0.011) and in patients with non-GC phenotype (DSS (p = 0.013) and DFS (p = 0.010). Our results imply that in DLBCL, the location of TP53 mutations and IHC analysis of BCL-2 and MYC might have a role in the assessment of prognosis.
Preparation of cationized gelatin nanospheres incorporating molecular beacon to visualize cell apoptosis
Authors: Murata Yuki , Jo Jun-ichiro , Tabata Yasuhiko
Published: September 2018

The objective of this study is to prepare cationized gelatin nanospheres (cGNS) incorporating a molecular beacon (MB), and visualize cellular apoptosis. Two types of MB to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (GAP MB), and caspase-3 (casp3 MB) were incorporated in cGNS, respectively. MB incorporated in cGNS showed the DNA sequence specificity in hybridization. The cGNS incorporation enabled MB to enhance the stability against nuclease to a significantly great extent compared with free MB. The cGNS incorporating GAP MB were internalized into the KUM6 of a mouse bone marrow-derived stem cell by an endocytotic pathway. The cGNS were not distributed at the lysosomes. After the incubation with cGNS, the cell apoptosis was induced at different concentrations of camptothecin. No change in the intracellular fluorescence was observed for cGNSGAPMB. On the other hand, for the cGNScasp3MB, the fluorescent intensity significantly enhanced by the apoptosis induction of cells. It is concluded that cGNS incorporating MB is a promising system for the visualization of cellular apoptosis.
Risk assessment of prolonged jaundice in infants at one month of age: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Weng Yi-Hao , Cheng Shao-Wen , Yang Chun-Yuh , Chiu Ya-Wen
Published: September 2018

Prolonged jaundice is a commonly evaluated condition. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors of jaundice in healthy infants at one month of age. This prospective cohort study enrolled 509 healthy infants from 2013 to 2018. Those with gestational age (GA) less than 35 weeks, birth weight less than 2000 grams, and illness were not enrolled. Jaundice was defined as a transcutaneous bilirubin value ≥5 mg/dL at 25–45 days of age. Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained to examine seven common gene variants. The incidence of prolonged jaundice was 32.2%. Prolonged jaundice was more common in infants with exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001), GA 35~37 w (p = 0.001), stool passage >4 times/d (p < 0.001), previous phototherapy (p < 0.001), and gene variant of G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 (p = 0.004). A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the greatest risk for prolonged jaundice was exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 2.818, 95% CI = 1.851–4.292), followed by previous phototherapy (OR = 2.593, 95% CI = 1.716–3.919), GA 35~37 w (OR = 2.468, 95% CI = 1.350–4.512), and G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 (OR = 1.645, 95% CI = 1.070–2.528). In conclusion, infants with exclusive breastfeeding, GA 35~37 w, previous phototherapy, or G to A at nt 211 of UGT1A1 are at greater risk of prolonged jaundice. Healthcare professionals should consider these risk factors in their assessment of prolonged jaundice.
From second to hundredth opinion in medicine: A global consultation platform for physicians
Authors: Muse Evan D. , Godino Job G. , Netting Jessa F. , Alexander James F. , Moran Helen J. , Topol Eric J.
Published: September 2018

Serious medical diagnostic errors lead to adverse patient outcomes and increased healthcare costs. The use of virtual online consultation platforms may lead to better-informed physicians and reduce the incidence of diagnostic errors. Our aim was to assess the usage characteristics of an online, physician-to-physician, no-cost, medical consultation platform, Medscape Consult, from November 2015 through October 2017. Physicians creating original content were noted as “presenters” and those following up as “responders”. During the study period, 37,706 physician users generated a combined 117,346 presentations and responses. The physicians had an average age of 56 years and were from 171 countries on every continent. Over 90% of all presentations received responses with the median time to first response of 1.5 h. Overall, computer- and device-based medical consultation has the capacity to rapidly reach a global medical community and may play a role in the reduction of diagnostic errors.
Flexible construction of cellulose photonic crystal optical sensing nano-materials detecting organic solvents
Authors: Yan Dan , Li Renbin , Lu Wei , Piao Chunmei , Qiu Lili , Meng Zihui , Wang Shushan
Published: September 2018

We developed a simple and efficient method to construct 3D and 2D opal and inverse opal cellulose photonic crystal films (CPCF) by embedding 3D or 2D polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) colloidal arrays into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), respectively.
A novel strategy for extracted ion chromatogram extraction to improve peak detection in UPLC-HRMS
Authors: Lu Peng , Fan Mei-Juan , Zhang Qian , Zheng Qing-Xia , Liu Ping-Ping , Wang Bing , Guo Jun-Wei , Wang Sheng , Fu Hai-Yan , Yu Yong-Jie , She Yuanbin
Published: September 2018

Extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) extraction is the primary and fundamental step in ultraperformance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS).
Chemical micromotors self-assemble and self-propel by spontaneous symmetry breaking
Authors: Yu Tingting , Chuphal Prabha , Thakur Snigdha , Reigh Shang Yik , Singh Dhruv P. , Fischer Peer
Published: September 2018

Propelling chemical dimer motors can spontaneously self-assemble from isotropic non-propelling colloids.
Neutral and anionic phosphate-diesters as molecular templates for the encapsulation of a water dimer
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Santra Biswajit , Mandal Debdeep , Das Shubhajit , Narayanan Ramakirushnan Suriya , Kalita Pankaj , Rao D. Krishna , Schulzke Carola , Pati Swapan K. , Chandrasekhar Vadapalli , Jana Anukul
Published: September 2018

Neutral and anionic phosphate diesters act as molecular templates for the encapsulation of water dimers.
Conformationally flexible arylethynyl bis-urea receptors bind disparate oxoanions with similar, high affinities
Authors: Eytel Lisa M. , Brueckner Alexander C. , Lohrman Jessica A. , Haley Michael M. , Cheong Paul H.-Y. , Johnson Darren W.
Published: September 2018

Despite competing trends and computational predictions to the contrary, three bis-urea receptors bind disparate oxoanions (ClO4−, HSO4−, H2PO4−) with equal affinities in a non-polar solvent; in a more polar solvent the trend in association constants for one receptor matches that of the pKbof the guest, as expected for H-bond donating hosts.
Surface potential mapping and n-type conductivity in organic–inorganic lead iodide crystals
Authors: Jung Hye Ri , Nguyen Bich Phuong , Jin Hye-Jin , Nguyen Trang Thi Thu , Yoon Seokhyun , Woo Won Seok , Ahn Chang Won , Cho Shinuk , Kim Ill Won , Jo William
Published: September 2018

We demonstrated the electronic structure of CH3NH3PbI3 and its variation on the surface via surface potential and work function distribution.
Co-crystallization of anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical contaminants and rare carboxylic acid–pyridine supramolecular synthon breakdown
Authors: Zheng Qixuan , Rood Samantha L. , Unruh Daniel K. , Hutchins Kristin M.
Published: September 2018

Co-crystallization of the pharmaceutical contaminants mefenamic acid and naproxen is reported; one co-crystal exhibits a rare carboxylic acid–pyridine synthon breakdown.
Experimental and theoretical insights into the influence of electronic density on proton-transfer reactions
Authors: Gomez Eduardo , Alarcos Noemí , Monterde Cristina , Sánchez Félix , Moreno Miquel , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: September 2018

Time-resolved and theoretical studies elucidating the origin of abnormally slow proton-motion dynamics in solutions.
A one-dimensional solid-state NMR approach for 14NH/14NH overtone correlation through 1H/1H mixing under fast MAS
Authors: Pandey Manoj Kumar , Nishiyama Yusuke
Published: September 2018

A proton-detected one-dimensional 14NOT/14NOT/1H correlation NMR method to achieve NH/NH proximities in naturally abundant samples.
Correction: Convective heat transfer in a measurement cell for scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Novev Javor K. , Compton Richard G.
Published: September 2018

Correction for ‘Convective heat transfer in a measurement cell for scanning electrochemical microscopy’ by Javor K. Novev et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 29836–29846.
Metallothioneins of the urochordateOikopleura dioicahave Cys-rich tandem repeats, large size and cadmium-binding preference
Authors: Calatayud Sara , Garcia-Risco Mario , Rojas Natalia S. , Espinosa-Sánchez Lizethe , Artime Sebastián , Palacios Òscar , Cañestro Cristian , Albalat Ricard
Published: September 2018

Oikopleura dioicahas the longest metallothionein described so far, made of repeats generated by a modular and step-wise evolution.
Trace amount determination of Cd(ii), Pb(ii) and Ni(ii) ions in agricultural and seafood samples after magnetic solid phase extraction by MIL-101(Cr)/phenylthiosemicarbazide-functionalized magnetite nanoparticle composite
Authors: Mehraban Masoomeh , Manoochehri Mahboobeh , Afshar Taromi Faramarz
Published: September 2018

Herein, a novel nanosorbent consisting of phenylthiosemicarbazide magnetite nanoparticles and MIL-101(Cr) was synthesized, characterized and utilized to magnetic solid phase extraction of some heavy metals in various agricultural and seafood samples.
Nucleophilic addition reactions to the ethylnitrilium derivative of nido-carborane 10-EtCN-7,8-C2B9H11
Authors: Stogniy Marina Yu. , Erokhina Svetlana A. , Suponitsky Kyrill Yu. , Anisimov Aleksei A. , Sivaev Igor B. , Bregadze Vladimir I.
Published: September 2018

Stable imidates 10-EtC(OR)HN-7,8-C2B9H11 and thioimidates 10-EtC(SR)HN-7,8-C2B9H11 were synthesized via the reactions of a nitrilium derivative of nido-carborane 10-EtCN-7,8-C2B9H11 with alcohols and thiols.
α-Diimine homologues of cisplatin: synthesis, speciation in DMSO/water and cytotoxicity
Authors: Biancalana Lorenzo , Batchelor Lucinda K. , Dyson Paul J. , Zacchini Stefano , Schoch Silvia , Pampaloni Guido , Marchetti Fabio
Published: September 2018

α-Diimine Pt(ii) complexes display variable stability in DMSO and DMSO/water mixtures, depending on the nature of theN-substituents. The most stable compounds are moderately cytotoxic, or are essentially inactive, against A2780 and A2780cisR cancer cell lines.
Nanoscale investigation of a radial p–n junction in self-catalyzed GaAs nanowires grown on Si (111)
Authors: Piazza Valerio , Vettori Marco , Ahmed Ahmed Ali , Lavenus Pierre , Bayle Fabien , Chauvin Nicolas , Julien François H. , Regreny Philippe , Patriarche Gilles , Fave Alain , Gendry Michel , Tchernycheva Maria
Published: September 2018

Electron Beam Induced Current (EBIC) analyses of single NWs have validated the formation of a homogeneous radial p–n junction over the entire length of the NWs.
Structured learning environments are required to promote equitable participation
Authors: Neill Connor , Cotner Sehoya , Driessen Michelle , Ballen Cissy J.
Published: September 2018

It is critical that we understand and address features of learning environments that encumber students historically underrepresented in STEM fields. Here we consider social elements of group work that can either support or impede learning. We tracked gender-bias in student–teaching assistant (TA) interactions in 184 small groups across 27 introductory chemistry laboratories in fall 2017. We demonstrate that in some environments male students interacted with TAs disproportionately more than female students. To promote verbal participation of women in introductory chemistry courses, we advocate for improved TA training programs that teach a host of equitable teaching strategies to enhance the climate of the classrooms and consequently, improve learning. Fostering a structured, inclusive classroom environment is the first step towards achieving equity more broadly across STEM.
Structural and functional characterization of the transcriptional regulator Rv3488 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv
Authors: Kumari Meera , Pal Ravi Kant , Mishra Alok K. , Tripathi Sarita , Biswal Bichitra Kumar , Srivastava Kishore K. , Arora Ashish
Published: September 2018

Rv3488 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv has been assigned to the phenolic acid decarboxylase repressor (PadR) family of transcriptional regulators that play key roles in multidrug resistance and virulence of prokaryotes. The binding of cadmium, zinc, and several other metals to Rv3488 was discovered and characterized by isothermal titration calorimetery to be an exothermic process. Crystal structures of apo-Rv3488 and Rv3488 in complex with cadmium or zinc ions were determined by X-ray crystallography. The structure of Rv3488 revealed a dimeric protein with N-terminal winged-helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domains composed of helices α1, α2, α3, and strands β1 and β2, with the dimerization interface being formed of helices α4 and α1. The overall fold of Rv3488 was similar to PadR-s2 and metal sensor transcriptional regulators. In the crystal structure of Rv3488–Cd complex, two octahedrally coordinated Cd2+ ions were present, one for each subunit. The same sites were occupied by zinc ions in the structure of Rv3488–Zn, with two additional zinc ions complexed in one monomer. EMSA studies showed specific binding of Rv3488 with its own 30-bp promoter DNA. The functional role of Rv3488 was characterized by expressing the rv3488 gene under the control of hsp60 promoter in Mycobacterium smegmatis. Expression of Rv3488 increased the intracellular survival of recombinant M. smegmatis in murine macrophage cell line J774A.1 and also augmented its tolerance to Cd2+ ions. Overall, the studies show that Rv3488 may have transcription regulation and metal-detoxifying functions and its expression in M. smegmatis increases intracellular survival, perhaps by counteracting toxic metal stress.
Relationship between ADAMTS14/rs4747096 gene polymorphism and knee osteoarthritis in Chinese population
Authors: Ma Sen , Ouyang Cheng , Ren Shuxin
Published: September 2018

To investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS) 14 (ADAMTS14) gene and susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in Chinese Han population. Using a case–control design, we enrolled 346 KOA patients and 480 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were extracted from each subject. Genotype was determined by sequencing PCR products. The genotype frequencies between cases and controls were compared. The genotype distribution was in accordance with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The minor G allele in case group was significantly higher than in the control group (21.4 compared with 8.8%, P=0.000, odds ratio (OR) = 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–2.11). The GG genotype and the GG/AG combination were more common in the osteoarthritis (OA) group than in the control group. Compared with AA genotype, the GG (OR = 3.09, 95%CI: 2.01–4.75), AG (OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.64–3.96), and GG/AG (OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.19–2.07) increased the risk of OA. Multiple logistic confirmed the findings by adjusting some potential factors. Subgroup analysis indicated that the ras4747096 was still significantly associated with KOA. There were no significant differences in allele frequency or genotypes frequency for erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reaction protein in OA patients (P>0.05). ADAMTS14 gene polymorphism was associated with KOA, and the GG genotype increased the risk of KOA in Chinese Han population. The ADAMTS14 may be a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for KOA treatment. The future study should explore the specific molecular mechanism.
Wide‐tuning range programmable threshold comparator using capacitive source‐voltage shifting
Authors: Martens E. , Hershberg B. , Craninckx J.
Published: September 2018

A comparator circuit with a built‐in programmable threshold is proposed. The threshold is embedded by providing different initial source voltages to each of the input transistors. This source‐voltage shifting is done by means of a tunable capacitance, which can synthesise a very wide range of initial voltages, even voltages beyond the supply. This results in a power‐efficient comparator structure with a very wide programmable tuning range and low decision delay. The inherently small integrating capacitance of the structure allows for high speed operation even when using small device sizes, minimising input capacitance and maximising efficiency. A practical transistor‐level implementation is simulated in a standard 16 nm CMOS technology on a 0.8 V supply, with a tuning range of at least 568 mV.
Zero‐shot multi‐label learning via label factorisation
Authors: Shao Hang , Guo Yuchen , Ding Guiguang , Han Jungong
Published: September 2018

This study considers the zero‐shot learning problem under the multi‐label setting where each test sample is associated with multiple labels that are unseen in training data. The authors propose a novel learning framework based on label factorisation for this problem. Specifically, the authors’ framework takes three key issues into consideration and addresses them in a unified way. The first is knowledge transfer that utilises information from seen classes to build recognition models for unseen classes. The second is label correlation which means that labels which have different semantics may co‐occur frequently. This is an important issue in multi‐label learning. The authors propose to learn a shared latent space by label factorisation and use the label semantics as the decoding function, which can address both issues. The third is the predictability which requires the learned latent space to be strongly related to the visual features. It is guaranteed by incorporating a regression model into the learning framework. The authors derive two specific formulations from the general framework and propose the corresponding learning algorithms. The authors conducted extensive experiments on three multi‐label data sets. The results demonstrated the effectiveness.
Crack image detection based on fractional differential and fractal dimension
Authors: Cao Ting , Wang Weixing , Tighe Susan , Wang Shenglin
Published: September 2018

In civil engineering, crack detection using image processing has gained much attention among researchers and transportation agencies. As the crack image often presents a fuzzy boundary and random shape, it is difficult to achieve satisfactory detection performance. This study proposes a crack detection method based on the fractional differential and fractal dimension. This method achieves image enhancement and crack extraction in two stages. First, an image enhancement algorithm based on the fractional differential is applied to solve the fuzzy crack boundary. This algorithm can enhance the crack boundary information significantly while simultaneously maintaining texture details. Second, an improved extraction algorithm based on the fractal dimension is studied. This algorithm can effectively accomplish crack extraction according to shape features. Last, upon comparisons with classic and state‐of‐the‐art methods, the experiment shows that the proposed method can achieve satisfactory results for crack image detection.
Analytical modelling and experimental verification of E‐type reluctance motors
Authors: Masoumi Moien , Jalali Kondelaji Mohammad Amin , Mirsalim Mojtaba , Moghani Javad Shokrollahi
Published: September 2018

The main objective of this study is the analytical modelling of two short‐flux‐path two‐phase reluctance motors with E‐type stators: first, a switched reluctance motor and second, a hybrid‐excitation reluctance motor (HRM). The former has no permanent magnets in its structure, whilst in the latter, there are magnets inside the common poles. Firstly, finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted to obtain the flux paths distribution in the proposed structures. Then, a precise magnetic circuit model (MCM), which considers all leakages and fringing effects, is built and the permeances of the machine are calculated for any rotor position based on the predicted flux flow patterns. Torque and inductance curves and steady‐state current and voltage waveforms are also carried out. Finally, both motor prototypes are fabricated and the experimental results are obtained and compared with those of MCM and FEA. This comparative study confirms the validity and accuracy of the developed MCMs. In addition, the torque profiles of the proposed structures and two other conventional and C‐type reluctance motors are compared. It is shown that the proposed HRM has superior characteristics amongst all compared structures.
Reactive power management at the transmission–distribution interface with the support of distributed generators – a grid planning approach
Authors: Kraiczy Markus , Wang Haonan , Schmidt Sebastian , Wirtz Frank , Braun Martin
Published: September 2018

This study introduces a grid planning approach for reactive power management at the transmission–distribution interface with the support of distributed generators (DGs). The main research question is: can reactive power management with DGs provide controllable reactive power with a very high availability and can this reduce or avoid the demand for additional reactive power compensators in a distribution grid section (e.g. mechanically switched compensators)? Therefore, an availability analysis of reactive power support is performed for different generation types at the distribution level, like hydro, thermal, wind and photovoltaic power plants. For the investigated case study of a real German distribution grid, reactive power management with the support of DGs could relevantly reduce the demand for additional reactive power compensation devices. However, the effectivity of DGs for reactive power support strongly depends on the applied grid planning rules and requirements at the transmission–distribution interface.
DCF with high‐speed spatial constraint
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Bai Lianfa , Zhang Yi , Han Jing
Published: September 2018

Spatially regularised discriminative correlation filters (SRDCFs) introduce spatial regularisation weights to mitigate the boundary effects caused by circular convolution which obtains superior performance. However, spatial regularisation is computationally expensive; this limits the real‐time performance of SRDCF. This study proposes high‐speed spatial constraint to DCFs (HSCDCFs) for tracking. Using a large area of the sample to learn a CF, then, the authors introduce the spatial constraint to penalise CF coefficients. Their method formulation allows the CFs to efficiently learn a mass of negative samples and high‐quality positive samples. They perform experiments on two benchmark datasets: OTB‐2013 and OTB‐2015. Compared to SRDCF, they provide a slightly reduce of 2.7 and 3.1%, respectively, in mean overlap precision, their method obtains the real‐time speed of 62.5 fps which is ten times faster than SRDCF.
Implementation of loop co‐tree basis functions for EFIE formulation at low frequency
Authors: Seo Seung Mo
Published: September 2018

In this study, a method of moments (MoM) of electric field integral equation (EFIE) formulation using the loop co‐tree basis functions has been implemented, analysed, and applied to the electromagnetic solution of perfect electric conducting objects at low frequency. The EFIE with Rao–Wilton–Glisson (RWG) basis functions suffer from low‐frequency instability. Even for an appropriate frequency, the EFIE with RWG basis functions is ill‐posed. However, the matrix form of the EFIE with loop co‐tree basis functions is well‐conditioned when combined with an iterative solver such as a type of Krylov subspace methods. The approach is shown to be very effective for resolving both the low‐frequency instability and the ill‐condition of the MoM matrix with a generalised minimal residual method.
Towards a better understanding and analysis of controlled delay (CoDel) algorithm by using fluid modelling
Authors: Patil Sachin D. , Tahiliani Mohit P.
Published: September 2018

In this study, a modified fluid model is proposed to understand the design of controlled delay (CoDel) algorithm for active queue management (AQM) and analyse its sensitivity to parameter settings. CoDel significantly differs from other AQM algorithms because it operates at the head of the queue and adopts a deterministic packet drop strategy, unlike other algorithms that operate at the tail and adopt a probabilistic packet drop strategy. The correctness of the proposed fluid model is verified by comparing its results with those obtained from ns ‐2. Subsequently, using the model developed in this study, the authors analyse the performance of CoDel algorithm by changing its internal parameters and modifying its control law. They highlight the role of the internal parameters and control law on the ability of the CoDel algorithm to control queue delay. Their analysis shows that the CoDel algorithm is sensitive to its parameter settings and that its control law requires minor modifications to gain a better control over the queue delay.
Single‐phase five‐level Z‐source T‐type inverter
Authors: Luong Hoan‐Tien , Nguyen Minh‐Khai , Tran Tan‐Tai
Published: September 2018

This study introduces a new single‐phase Z‐source T‐type inverter (SPZT2I) with five‐level voltage at the output. The proposed inverter allows the power switches in a phase leg conducting simultaneously without any problems. Moreover, the proposed inverter can produce the buck–boost output voltage with a single‐stage power conversion. Two shoot‐through control strategies are presented to create a five‐level voltage at the output. Operating principles, theoretical analysis, and comparison of the proposed SPZT2I with the conventional five‐level inverters are illustrated. Also, the simulation results using PSIM software are provided. Finally, a 400 W prototype is constructed to confirm properties of the proposed concepts.
Distribution asset management through coordinated microgrid scheduling
Authors: Mahoor Mohsen , Majzoobi Alireza , Khodaei Amin
Published: September 2018

Distribution Asset Management is an important task performed by utility companies to prolong the lifetime of the critical distribution assets and to accordingly ensure grid reliability by preventing unplanned outages. This study focuses on microgrid applications for distribution asset management as a viable and less expensive alternative to traditional utility practices in this area. A microgrid is as an emerging distribution technology that encompasses a variety of distribution technologies including distributed generation, demand response, and energy storage. Moreover, the substation transformer, as the most critical component in a distribution grid, is selected as the component of the choice for asset management studies. The resulting model is a microgrid‐based distribution transformer asset management model in which microgrid exchanged power with the utility grid is reshaped in such a way that the distribution transformer lifetime is maximised. Numerical simulations on a test utility‐owned microgrid demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model to reshape the loading of the distribution transformer at the point of interconnection in order to increase its lifetime.
Constraining cosmology with the cosmic microwave and infrared backgrounds correlation
Authors: Maniyar A. , Lagache G. , Béthermin M. , Ilić S.
Published: September 2018

We explore the use of the cosmic infrared background (CIB) as a tracer of the large scale structures for cross-correlating with the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and exploit the integrated Sachs–Wolfe (ISW) effect. We used an improved linear CIB model from our previous work and derived the theoretical CIB×ISW cross-correlation for different Planck HFI frequencies (217, 353, 545 and 857 GHz) and IRAS (3000 GHz). As expected, we predict a positive cross-correlation between the CIB and the CMB whose amplitude decreases rapidly at small scales. We perform a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) analysis of the predicted cross-correlation. In the ideal case when the cross-correlation is obtained over 70% (40%) of the sky without residual contaminants (e.g. galactic dust) in maps, the S/N ranges from 4.2 to 5.6 (3.2 to 4.3); the highest S/N comes from 857 GHz. A Fisher matrix analysis shows that an ISW signal detected with a S/N this high on the 40% sky can considerably improve the constraints on the cosmological parameters; constraints on the equation of state of the dark energy especially are improved by 80%. We then performed a more realistic analysis considering the effect of residual galactic dust contamination in CIB maps. We calculated the dust power spectra for different frequencies and sky fractions that dominate the CIB power spectra at the lower multipoles we are interested in. Considering a conservative 10% residual level of galactic dust in the CIB power spectra, we observe that the S/N drops drastically, which makes it very challenging to detect the ISW. To determine the capability of current maps to detect the ISW effect through this method, we measured the cross-correlation of the CIB and the CMB Planck maps on the so-called GASS field, which covers an area of ∼11% in the southern hemisphere. We find that with such a small sky fraction and the dust residuals in the CIB maps, we do not detect any ISW signal, and the measured cross-correlation is consistent with zero. To avoid degrading the S/N for the ISW measurement by more than 10% on the 40% sky, we find that the dust needs to be cleaned up to the 0.01% level on the power spectrum.
Selective Conversion of CO2 and Switchable Alcohols into Linear or Cyclic Carbonates via Versatile Zinc Catalysis
Authors: Song Qing-Wen , Liu Ping , Zhao Qing-Ning , Li Jing-Yuan , Zhang Kan
Published: September 2018

It is promising and challenging to achieve the effective construction of carbonates using CO2 and a non-noble metal catalyst. Herein, selective catalytic conversion of CO2 and switchable alcohol candidates to produce linear or cyclic carbonates and α-hydroxy ketones via effective zinc catalyst was developed. A series of primary alcohols and cyclohexanol, 1,2-diols, and water can serve as nucleophiles to give alkyl or aryl 2-substituted-3-oxobutan-2-yl carbonates, substituted 1,3-dioxolan-2-ones, 3-substituted 3-hydroxybutan-2-ones, respectively with excellent selectivity and high yields.
Reduced Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor-Site Morbidity Using Incisional Negative Pressure Therapy
Authors: Cuevas Pedro , Rodriguez José , Pereira Nicolás , Ramirez Enrica , Yañez Ricardo , Mangelsdorff Gunther
Published: September 2018

Background Primary closure of the donor-site after harvest of a large anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) is associated with significant morbidity. Incisional negative pressure therapy (INPT) may decrease complications in high-risk incisions. This study assessed if the incidence of complications after primary closure of the ALT flap donor-site decreases with INPT.

Methods Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively maintained database including patients who underwent upper and lower limb reconstruction, using an ALT free flap with primary closure of the donor-site. Two groups were defined: primary closure and INPT (study group) and primary closure with traditional dressings (control group). Nonparametric statistics were employed to identify prognostic factors, p < 0,05.

Results Fifty-eight free ALT flaps in 58 patients (study group n = 28; control group n = 30) were included. Median flap width and length were 9 cm (range: 5–14) and 25 cm (range: 10–48), respectively. Median follow-up was 19 months (range: 3–78 months). No significant differences in age or flap size were identified in both groups (p > 0.05). The global complication rate was 7.14% (n = 2) in the INPT group, and 37% (n = 11) in the control group (p = 0.007). The study group had a lower dehiscence and skin necrosis rate (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed IPNT was associated with a significant reduction of donor-site complications (p = 0.006), especially in patients with defects > 8 cm (p = 0.003).

Conclusion In this cohort study the use of INPT significantly reduced the donor-site morbidity after ALT flap harvest.
On two-parameter solutions of simultaneous ultradiscrete Painlevé II equation with parity variables
Authors: Igarashi Hikaru , Takemura Kouichi
Published: September 2018

We introduce a simultaneous ultradiscrete Painlevé II equation with parity variables, which is shown to be more suitable for studying two-parameter solutions than the single second-order ultradiscrete Painlevé II equation with parity variables. We investigate several types of two-parameter solutions and the solutions which are related with the ultradiscrete limit of determinant type solutions of q-Painlevé II equation.
Evaluation of two microscale flow models through two wind climate generalization procedures using observations from seven masts at a complex site in Brazil
Authors: Gomes da Silva Adaiana F. , Peña Alfredo , Hahmann Andrea N. , Zaparoli Edson Luiz
Published: September 2018

Two microscale flow models, a linear and a computational fluid dynamics model solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, are evaluated using observations from seven masts at Araripe wind farms, located on a complex terrain area in the northeast region of Brazil. The evaluation is performed by generalizing the wind climate from the masts. By doing so, the effects induced by the local topography on the surface wind are removed, resulting in the background wind field, which is the ideal undisturbed flow over flat terrain with uniform roughness. Here this is performed in two ways: using the time series of 10-min mean winds and using wind speed distributions. Non-negligible differences are found on the generalized winds when comparing the results from the two methods. For both generalization methods, the results obtained using the more complex flow model show significant improvements when compared to those obtained from the linear model at few locations and for particular inflow directions only.
A plasma-triggered gas switch
Authors: Li Yuansheng , Liu Jun , Xu Weifan , Xiao Haolong , Zhang Zongheng , Zhang Xingru , He Mengbing
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a low-jitter, low-trigger-threshold, high-dielectric-constant ceramic, plasma-triggered gas switch developed for pulsed power generators. We also discuss the principles behind the switch and the experiments and numerical calculations used. The electron emission and surface flashover in the trigger structure are used to create the initial plasma for switch breakdown. The experimental results show that the switch is triggered stably with a negative pulse of −50 kV peak and has a breakdown delay time jitter of 2–3 ns. In this jitter performance, the switch has a switch coefficient below 20%, and a peak current-carrying ability of at least ±5 kA in dry air at atmospheric pressure. The switch can also be reliably triggered with a switch coefficient of 49.7% and an over-voltage ratio of only 0.16 in dry air.
Active disturbance rejection based MPPT control for wind energy conversion system under uncertain wind velocity changes
Authors: Lei Zhengling , Sun Xiaoming , Xing Bowen , Hu Yuan , Jin Guangzhe
Published: September 2018

The tip speed ratio regulation based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control for the wind energy conversion system (WECS) is studied in this paper. Challenges imposed by uncertain changes in wind velocity and unmodelled system dynamics are considered. A first order active disturbance rejection controller (ADRC) is designed to tackle this problem. Based on the platform of the high-power (2-MW) rigid-drive-train squirrel-cage induction generator-based wind energy conversion system (WECS), a simulation study is carried out by comparing with the performance of a well-tuned published PI (proportional–integral) speed controller, and the results show that the proposed first order ADRC controller exhibits better tracking performance and adaptability for uncertain wind velocity changes. There are only two controller parameters, namely, ωo and ωc, to tune, and control adaptability can be held without parameters resetting or extractable mechanical power reducing, proving the effectiveness of the proposed ADRC approach for the WECS MPPT problem.
Plasma impurities observed by a pulse height analysis diagnostic during the divertor campaign of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator
Authors: Kubkowska M. , Czarnecka A. , Fornal T. , Gruca M. , Jabłoński S. , Krawczyk N. , Ryć L. , Burhenn R. , Buttenschön B. , Geiger B. , Grulke O. , Langenberg A. , Marchuk O. , McCarthy K. J. , Neuner U. , Nicolai D. , Pablant N. , Schweer B. , Thomsen H. , Wegner Th. , Drews P. , Hollfeld K.-P. , Killer C. , Krings Th. , Offermanns G. , Satheeswaran G. , Kunkel F. ,   W7-X team
Published: September 2018

The paper reports on the optimization process of the soft X-ray pulse height analyzer installed on the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. It is a 3-channel system that records X-ray spectra in the range from 0.6 to 19.6 keV. X-ray spectra, with a temporal and spatial resolution of 100 ms and 2.5 cm (depending on selected slit sizes), respectively, are line integrated along a line-of-sight that crosses near to the plasma center. In the second W7-X operation phase with a carbon test divertor unit, light impurities, e.g., carbon and oxygen, were observed as well as mid- to high-Z elements, e.g., sulfur, chlorine, chromium, manganese, iron, and nickel. In addition, X-ray lines from several tracer elements have been observed after the laser blow-off injection of different impurities, e.g., silicon, titanium, and iron, and during discharges with prefill or a gas puff of neon or argon. These measurements were achieved by optimizing light absorber-foil selection, which defines the detected energy range, and remotely controlled pinhole size, which defines photon flux. The identification of X-ray lines was confirmed by other spectroscopic diagnostics, e.g., by the High-Efficiency XUV Overview Spectrometer, HEXOS, and high-resolution X-ray imaging spectrometer, HR-XIS.
Application of a Hall sensor for pulsed magnetic field measurement in the FAT-CM FRC experiments
Authors: Hosozawa A. , Sekiguchi J. , Asai T. , Takahashi T.
Published: September 2018

Collisional merging experiments of a field-reversed configuration (FRC) plasma at the super-Alfvénic velocity have been conducted in the FAT (FRC Amplification via Translation)-CM (Collisional Merging) device. In the experiments, two FRCs are collided and merged in a confinement section with a quasi-static confinement magnetic field. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the high-frequency pulsed magnetic field superposed on a quasi-stationary signal. The magnetic field is generally measured by a magnetic coil probe in the pulse discharge experiments; however, in such measurements, errors arise in the low-frequency band in the conducted FRC experiments. Therefore, a Hall sensor has been applied for low-frequency magnetic field measurements in the FAT-CM experiments. Calibration of the Hall sensor involves confirming that the sensor has a sufficient response speed and linear characteristics for the magnetic field with a rising time of approximately 240 µs and that its output voltage does not saturate up to a magnetic field of 0.7 T. Combination of the Hall sensor and the magnetic coil probe ensures a comprehensive measurement of the magnetic field in the range of FAT-CM experiments. In this study, accurate magnetic measurements were performed in a collisional merging experiment in the FAT-CM device by using a combined magnetic diagnostic system.
Chemical hardness: Temperature dependent definitions and reactivity principles
Authors: Miranda-Quintana Ramón Alain , Franco-Pérez Marco , Gázquez José L. , Ayers Paul W. , Vela Alberto
Published: September 2018

In this brief report, we show that the three different chemical hardness definitions developed in the framework of the temperature-dependent density functional theory—namely, the electronic, the thermodynamic, and the Helmholtz hardnesses—imply both the hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle and the maximum hardness (MH) principle. These hardnesses are identified as the second derivative of a thermodynamic state function and avoid the somewhat arbitrary approach, based on the parabolic interpolation of the energy versus electron number, that is normally used to justify these principles. This not only leads to a more mathematically sound justification of the HSAB and MH principles in the low-temperature limit but also establishes that the HSAB and the MH principles hold at any temperature of chemical relevance.
Nano-oscillator-based classification with a machine learning-compatible architecture
Authors: Vodenicarevic Damir , Locatelli Nicolas , Grollier Julie , Querlioz Damien
Published: September 2018

Pattern classification architectures leveraging the physics of coupled nano-oscillators have been demonstrated as promising alternative computing approaches but lack effective learning algorithms. In this work, we propose a nano-oscillator based classification architecture where the natural frequencies of the oscillators are learned linear combinations of the inputs and define an offline learning algorithm based on gradient back-propagation. Our results show significant classification improvements over a related approach with online learning. We also compare our architecture with a standard neural network on a simple machine learning case, which suggests that our approach is economical in terms of the number of adjustable parameters. The introduced architecture is also compatible with existing nano-technologies: the architecture does not require changes in the coupling between nano-oscillators, and it is tolerant to oscillator phase noise.