bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAD+ augmentation ameliorates acute pancreatitis through regulation of inflammasome signalling
Authors: Shen AiHua , Kim Hyung-Jin , Oh Gi-Su , Lee Su-Bin , Lee Seung Hoon , Pandit Arpana , Khadka Dipendra , Choe Seong-Kyu , Kwak Sung Chul , Yang Sei-Hoon , Cho Eun-Young , Kim Hyun-Seok , Kim Hail , Park Raekil , Kwak Tae Hwan , So Hong-Seob
Published: June 2017

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a complicated disease without specific drug therapy. The cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an important regulator of cellular metabolism and homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether modulation of NAD+ levels has an impact on caerulein-induced AP. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of increased cellular NAD+ levels on caerulein-induced AP. We demonstrated for the first time that the activities and expression of SIRT1 were suppressed by reduction of intracellular NAD+ levels and the p53-microRNA-34a pathway in caerulein-induced AP. Moreover, we confirmed that the increase of cellular NAD+ by NQO1 enzymatic action using the substrate β-Lapachone suppressed caerulein-induced AP with down-regulating TLR4-mediated inflammasome signalling, and thereby reducing the inflammatory responses and pancreatic cell death. These results suggest that pharmacological stimulation of NQO1 could be a promising therapeutic strategy to protect against pathological tissue damage in AP.
Polymorphism in the gene encoding toll-like receptor 10 may be associated with asthma after bronchiolitis
Authors: Törmänen Sari , Korppi Matti , Teräsjärvi Johanna , Vuononvirta Juho , Koponen Petri , Helminen Merja , He Qiushui , Nuolivirta Kirsi
Published: June 2017

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognise microbes that contribute to the severity of bronchiolitis and the subsequent risk of asthma. We evaluated whether post-bronchiolitis asthma was associated with polymorphisms in the TLR3 rs3775291, TLR4 rs4986790, TLR7 rs179008, TLR8 rs2407992, TLR9 rs187084, and TLR10 rs4129009 genes. The gene polymorphisms were studied at the age of 6.4 years (mean) in 135 children hospitalised for bronchiolitis in infancy. The outcome measure was current or previous asthma. Current asthma was more common (30%) in children with the variant AG or GG genotype in the TLR10 rs4129009 gene versus those who were homozygous for the major allele A (11%) (p = 0.03). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) was 4.30 (95% CI 1.30–14.29). Asthma ever was more common (34.6%) in girls with the TLR7 variant AT or TT genotype versus those who were homozygous for the major allele A (12.5%) (p = 0.03). The adjusted OR was 3.93 (95% CI 1.06–14.58). Corresponding associations were not seen in boys. There were no significant associations between TLR3, TLR4, TLR8, or TLR9 polymorphisms and post-bronchiolitis asthma. Polymorphism in the TLR10 gene increases and in the TLR7 gene may increase the risk of asthma in preschool-aged children after infant bronchiolitis.
Comparison of Different Drying Methods for Recovery of Mushroom DNA
Authors: Wang Shouxian , Liu Yu , Xu Jianping
Published: June 2017

Several methods have been reported for drying mushroom specimens for population genetic, taxonomic, and phylogenetic studies. However, most methods have not been directly compared for their effectiveness in preserving mushroom DNA. In this study, we compared silica gel drying at ambient temperature and oven drying at seven different temperatures. Two mushroom species representing two types of fruiting bodies were examined: the fleshy button mushroom Agaricus bisporus and the leathery shelf fungus Trametes versicolor. For each species dried with the eight methods, we assessed the mushroom water loss rate, the quality and quantity of extracted DNA, and the effectiveness of using the extracted DNA as a template for PCR amplification of two DNA fragments (ITS and a single copy gene). Dried specimens from all tested methods yielded sufficient DNA for PCR amplification of the two genes in both species. However, differences among the methods for the two species were found in: (i) the time required by different drying methods for the fresh mushroom tissue to reach a stable weight; and (ii) the relative quality and quantity of the extracted genomic DNA. Among these methods, oven drying at 70 °C for 3–4 h seemed the most efficient for preserving field mushroom samples for subsequent molecular work.
Interfacial effects of MnOx-loaded TiO2 with exposed {001} facets and its catalytic activity for the photoreduction of CO2
Authors: Jiang Zhuo , Ding Deng , Wang Linjuan , Zhang Youxiang , Zan Ling
Published: June 2017

The percentage of the exposed facets affect the interface connection between the semiconductor and the cocatalysts, leading to different separation rates of carriers.
A degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic covalent selenide bond
Authors: Lu Weihong , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: June 2017

A new method for preparing a degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic selenide was demonstrated.
Enhancing light trapping of macroporous silicon by alkaline etching: application for the fabrication of black Si nanospike arrays
Authors: Loget G. , Vacher A. , Fabre B. , Gouttefangeas F. , Joanny L. , Dorcet V.
Published: May 2017

Extended alkaline etching of macroporous Si, produced by photoelectrochemical etching, influences the surface structures and their optical properties. We use this treatment for fabricating highly-absorbing arrays of sharp and crystalline nanospikes.
Tunable electronic properties of arsenene/GaS van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Li Xiao-Hua , Wang Bao-Ji , Cai Xiao-Lin , Zhang Li-Wei , Wang Guo-Dong , Ke San-Huang
Published: June 2017

On the basis of density functional electronic calculations, we identify that the arsenene/GaS heterostructure is a promising photocatalyst for water splitting and find that its electronic properties can be continuously tuned by external strain.
Synergistically toughening nacre-like graphene nanocomposites via gel-film transformation
Authors: Gong Shanshan , Zhang Qi , Wang Ruliang , Jiang Lei , Cheng Qunfeng
Published: June 2017

The gold standard of natural nacre provides the inspiration for assembling bioinspired nanocomposites.
Charge transport in a two-dimensional hybrid metal halide thiocyanate compound
Authors: Labram John G. , Venkatesan Naveen R. , Takacs Christopher J. , Evans Hayden A. , Perry Erin E. , Wudl Fred , Chabinyc Michael L.
Published: June 2017

Time-resolved microwave conductivity reveals good carrier mobility and long carrier lifetimes in the layered organic metal halide compound (CH3NH3)2Pb(SCN)2I2.
An amperometric H2O2 biosensor based on hemoglobin nanoparticles immobilized on to a gold electrode
Authors: Narwal Vinay , Yadav Neelam , Thakur Manisha , Pundir Chandra S.
Published: May 2017

The nanoparticles (NPs) of hemoglobin (Hb) were prepared by desolvation method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV spectroscopy and Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy. An amperometric H2O2 biosensor was constructed by immobilizing HbNPs covalently on to a polycrystalline Au electrode (AuE). HbNPs/AuE were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) before and after immobilization of HbNPs. The HbNPs/AuE showed optimum response within 2.5 s at pH 6.5 in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer (PB) containing 100 μM H2O2 at 30°C, when operated at –0.2 V against Ag/AgCl. The HbNPs/AuE exhibited Vmax of 5.161 ± 0.1 μA cm−2 with apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 0.1 ± 0.01 mM. The biosensor showed lower detection limit (1.0 μM), high sensitivity (129 ± 0.25 μA cm−2 mM−1) and wider linear range (1.0–1200 μM) for H2O2 as compared with earlier biosensors. The analytical recoveries of added H2O2 in serum (0.5 and 1.0 μM) were 97.77 and 98.01% respectively, within and between batch coefficients of variation (CV) were 3.16 and 3.36% respectively. There was a good correlation between sera H2O2 values obtained by standard enzymic colorimetric method and the present biosensor (correlation coefficient, R2 =0.99). The biosensor measured H2O2 level in sera of apparently healthy subjects and persons suffering from diabetes type II. The HbNPs/AuE lost 10% of its initial activity after 90 days of regular use, when stored dry at 4°C.
Full‐custom hardware implementation of point multiplication on binary Edwards curves for application‐specific integrated circuit elliptic curve cryptosystem applications
Authors: Rashidi Bahram , Sayedi Sayed Masoud , Farashahi Reza Rezaeian
Published: May 2017

This study presents an efficient and high‐speed very large‐scale integration implementation of point multiplication on binary Edwards curves over binary finite field GF(2m) with Gaussian normal basis representation. The proposed implementation is a low‐cost structure constructed by one digit‐serial multiplier. In the proposed scheduling of point multiplication, the field multiplier is busy during point addition and point doubling computations. In the field multiplier structure, by using the logical effort technique the delay is optimally decreased and the drive ability of the circuit in the point multiplication architecture is increased. Also, to reduce area and number of transistors of the point multiplication circuit, all components are selected based on low‐cost structures. The design is implemented in 0.18 μm CMOS technology over binary finite field GF(2233). The results confirm the validity of the proposed structure and its high performance in terms of delay and area cost.
Performance study of multi‐hop communication systems with decode‐and‐forward relays over fading channels
Authors: Hailat Tha'er F. , Bany Salameh Haythem , Aldalgamouni Taimour
Published: May 2017

In this study, we investigate the performance of multi‐hop systems with decode‐and‐forward relaying over fading channels. Specifically, the authors derive closed‐form expressions for the probability density function, cumulative distribution function, and moment generating function of the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio. In addition, they derive closed‐form expressions for the end‐to‐end capacity (ergodic and outage) and average symbol error rate (coherent and non‐coherent) of the system. The derived expressions can be transformed to study the performance of multi‐hop communication systems over other well‐known fading channel models by using the proper values for the and parameters. Finally, the performance of multi‐hop scenario is analysed and investigated using numerical evaluation. Results are provided to illustrate the system's performance and the impact of number of hops and fading parameters on network performance. The derived expressions, in this study, are very important for the prediction of the performance metrics and statistics such that efficient designs of multi‐hop wireless systems can be realised.
Composite anti‐disturbance attitude and vibration control for flexible spacecraft
Authors: Sun Haibin , Hou Linlin , Zong Guangdeng , Guo Lei
Published: May 2017

This study is concerned with the problem of composite anti‐disturbance control for attitude manoeuvre and vibration reduction in the presence of external disturbances. By employing finite‐time integral sliding manifold, a novel finite‐time integral sliding mode disturbance observer is constructed to estimate the lumped disturbances in finite time, where the lumped disturbances include external disturbances and coupling terms between system states and flexible modal. Based on the estimation values, a composite anti‐disturbance controller is proposed via backstepping method. Simulation results are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Controller synthesis for one‐sided Lipschitz Markovian jump systems with partially unknown transition probabilities
Authors: Wu Yue , Dong Jiuxiang
Published: May 2017

A controller design method is presented for one‐sided Lipschitz Markovian jump systems with partially unknown transition probabilities. By using the proposed controllers, it can be guaranteed that the state trajectories starting from a given region remain in it (without disturbances) or a bigger one (under disturbances), where the local one‐sided Lipschitz and quadratically inner‐bounded conditions can be satisfied. In addition, an observer‐based controller is designed to stabilise the system without the requirement that the system states are measurable. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Non‐linear current‐mode control for boost power converters: a dynamic backstepping approach
Authors: Langarica‐Cordoba Diego , Leyva‐Ramos Jesus , Diaz‐Saldierna Luis H. , Ramirez‐Rivera Victor M.
Published: May 2017

A control scheme for boost power converters based on current‐mode control is given. The proposed methodology relies on the design of two feedback loops. An outer loop for steady state error compensation using a proportional‐integral action and a non‐linear inner loop for current tracking. A dynamic backstepping controller with a well‐defined region of attraction, ensuring asymptotic stability via a Lyapunov function, is achieved. The closed‐loop system performance is evaluated through experimental results for a 130 W boost power converter with the controller implemented in a dSPACE platform, where precise regulation, tracking and robust behaviour with respect to large unknown load variations are proven successful.
Distributed sampled‐data containment control of linear multi‐agent systems with fixed topology
Authors: Zhang Wenbing , Wang Zidong , Liu Yurong , Ding Derui , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: May 2017

This study investigates the sampled‐data containment control problem for linear multi‐agent systems with multiple leaders under undirected or directed network topology. First, by means of the decomposition method, the containment control problem is transformed into the simultaneous stability analysis issue of certain subsystems. Then, the solution of a class of differential equations, which plays a key role for the addressed problem, is exploited by using the contradiction method. Together with a novel Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions are established to guarantee that all the followers move into the convex hull spanned by the leaders. The proposed results are dependent on the information of the system dynamics, the coupling strength as well as the eigenvalues of topology matrix. Furthermore, the established results are specialised to both the leader–following case and the traditional consensus case. Finally, simulations are given to illustrate the theoretical results derived in this study.
Stabilisation of Boolean control networks with state‐dependent constraints via space extension and pre‐feedback
Authors: Gui Ning , Guo Yuqian
Published: May 2017

In this study, the authors investigate the stabilisation of Boolean control networks (BCNs) with state‐dependent constraints. A BCN with constraints is converted to a logical control system (LCS) defined in extended state space and input space. Then, a pre‐feedback is designed to transfer the resulting LCS with state‐dependent input constraints into an LCS with free control inputs. With this method, a necessary and sufficient condition for stabilisability is obtained, and a procedure is proposed to obtain all time‐optimal feedback stabilisers. An illustrative example is given to explain the proposed method.
Distributed linear–quadratic regulator control for discrete‐time multi‐agent systems
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Fangfang , Han Chunyan
Published: May 2017

This study will investigate the distributed linear quadratic (LQ) control problem for discrete identical uncoupled multi‐agent systems with a global performance index coupling the behaviour of the multiple agents. An existence condition to the optimal distributed LQ controller is given first. In general, such condition can be checked by solving a discrete algebraic Riccati equation through a numerical method. When the condition fails to hold, a suboptimal distributed controller design method is proposed for a class of LQ performance. The solution can be obtained by solving two local algebraic Riccati equations whose dimension is the same as a single agent. The stability condition is given in terms of the spectrum of a matrix representing the desired sparsity pattern of the distributed controller. Comparing to the centralised control, the computation and communication complexity is much lesser. Finally, the suboptimality is parameterised, and can be measured by solving a Lyapunov equation.
Calculating skeleton matrix of asynchronous sequential machines based on the semi‐tensor product of matrices
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Han Xiaoguang , Chen Zengqiang , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2017

In this study, the problem of calculating the skeleton matrix for asynchronous sequential machine (ASMs) is addressed in the framework of the semi‐tensor product (STP) of matrices. By applying the STP of matrices and Boolean algebra, a new algebraic expression of ASMs is deduced. By utilising the algebraic expression, the skeleton matrix of ASMs can be easily derived, then the notion of generalised skeleton matrix is further defined for the ASMs with infinite cycles or critical races, and an algorithm of calculating the generalised skeleton matrix is also proposed. For the model matching problem of input/output ASMs, a novel approach is proposed to calculate reachability indictor and generalised fused skeleton matrix. Two examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Semi‐tensor product method to a class of event‐triggered control for finite evolutionary networked games
Authors: Guo Peilian , Zhang Huaxiang , Alsaadi Fuad E. , Hayat Tasawar
Published: May 2017

Using the approach of semi‐tensor product of matrices, this study studies a class of event‐triggered control for finite evolutionary networked games, where the control only works at some certain individual states. First, by identifying ‘control does not work’ as a new specific control strategy, the controlled game dynamics is converted into an algebraic form. Second, to make the game converge globally, two necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of event‐triggered control are obtained. Meanwhile, a constructive procedure is proposed to design state feedback control strategy and an adjustment method is presented to minimise the control times. Finally, the developed theory results are illustrated by a numerical method.
Adaptive stabilisation of a flexible riser by using the Lyapunov‐based barrier backstepping technique
Authors: Guo Fang , Liu Yu , Luo Fei
Published: May 2017

The focuses of this study are the vibration control and constraint problems of an input and output constrained flexible marine riser system, in which system parametric uncertainties are taken into account. Through the combination of integral‐barrier Lyapunov function (IBLF), backstepping technique and adaptive technique, an adaptive Lyapunov‐based barrier control with an auxiliary system is developed aiming at achieving the control purposes of vibration suppression and constraint satisfaction, where the auxiliary system is to compensate for the input saturation, IBLF is to solve the output constraint and adaptive laws are to handle the parametric uncertainties. In addition, disturbance observer is designed in the barrier term of IBLF, which could attenuate the effects of unknown boundary disturbance. With the proposed control, the uniform boundedness and stability of the closed‐loop system are easily achieved. Finally, the significance of the proposed control is demonstrated via numerical simulation.
Adaptive neural control for stochastic pure‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems with output constraint and asymmetric input saturation
Authors: Si Wenjie , Dong Xunde , Yang Feifei
Published: May 2017

In this study, the adaptive tracking control is investigated for a class of stochastic pure‐feedback non‐linear time‐delay systems with output constraint and asymmetric input saturation non‐linearity. First, the Gaussian error function is employed to represent a continuous differentiable asymmetric saturation model, and the barrier Lyapunov function is designed to cope with the output constraints. Then, the appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and the property of hyperbolic tangent functions are used to address the effects of the unknown time‐delay terms, and the neural network is employed to approximate the unknown non‐linearities. At last, based on Lyapunov stability theory, a robust adaptive neural controller is proposed, which decreases the number of learning parameters and thus avoids the over‐estimation problem. Under the designed neural controller, all the closed‐loop signals are guaranteed to be 4‐moment (or 2 moment) semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking error converges to a small neighbourhood of the origin for bounded initial conditions. Two simulation examples are presented to further illustrate the effectiveness of the designed method.
Influences on performance in 3D analysis of linear induction motors with different transverse m.m.f. models in winding end‐regions
Authors: Lv Gang , Zeng Dihui , Zhou Tong
Published: May 2017

Since the three‐dimensional (3D) analysis of linear induction motor (LIM) needs to consider the transverse end effect, the transverse magnetomotive force (m.m.f.) distribution model becomes significantly important. This study investigates the influences of different transverse m.m.f. models on operating characteristics of double‐sided LIMs, and it also develops a novel m.m.f. model. First, four types of hypothetical distribution models are put into a 3D analytical method that considers the longitudinal and transverse end effects. Second, variations of the thrust, lateral and vertical forces with the models are comprehensively investigated in the possible operating regions. Besides, the calculated results are validated by finite elements method results and measurements in a prototype double‐sided linear induction motor (DLIM). Finally, the model presented in this study can be considered as a kind of optimal model for analysing DLIMs, and comparisons with other models in each operating region are mentioned.
Improving energy‐efficient train operation in urban railways: employing the variation of regenerative energy recovery rate
Authors: Ahmadi Saeed , Dastfan Ali , Assili Mohsen
Published: May 2017

Energy‐efficient train operation is of high importance in urban railways. It takes into account both energy saving and punctuality at the same time, which is the goal of the most operators. In this study, the effect of employing variable regenerative energy recovery rate (RERR) for each inter‐station was shown in energy‐efficient operation improvement. For this purpose, a two‐stage optimisation was proposed. In the first stage, which is a mechanical optimisation, optimal speed profiles for a single train were determined by a bi‐objective optimisation through a non‐dominated sorting algorithm. In this stage, a simulation model for determination of train's performance was developed and utilised. It was shown that variable RERRs eventually led to different energy‐time Pareto fronts. In the second stage, the total input energy for a multi‐train system was minimised by using obtained optimal speed profiles from the first stage and distributing total travelling time among inter‐stations (electrical/electromechanical optimisation). It was shown that optimisation of the net energy – with different values of RERR – instead of consumed energy, can reduce the total input energy of the network. The simulation results, which are based on actual operating data of Mashhad urban railway system, confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Design and analysis of a novel SEPIC‐based multi‐input DC/DC converter
Authors: Haghighian Saeideh Khadem , Tohidi Sajjad , Feyzi Mohammad Reza , Sabahi Mehran
Published: May 2017

A novel single‐ended primary‐inductor converter (SEPIC)‐based multi‐input DC/DC converter is presented. The structure inherits all the advantages of the SEPIC converter such as step‐up/down capability without inverting the polarity of the regulated output voltage and using a series capacitor to couple energy from the input to the output. The presented converter has a bidirectional input port, in which the energy storage system (ESS) can be connected, and several unidirectional input ports. Hybridising several alternative energy sources is achievable by the proposed converter. In addition, the load power can be flexibly divided among various power sources. Due to the buck–boost characteristic of the presented converter, it is suitable to charge–discharge the ESS and to extract maximum power from the photovoltaic panels. Based on the charging state of the ESS, two operation modes are defined. Steady‐state and dynamic behaviour of the proposed converter is analysed thoroughly. Experimental results are also provided to verify the analysis and feasibility of the proposed converter.
Soft‐switching operation of the dual‐interleaved boost converter over all duty ratios
Authors: Ahmed Md Rishad , Todd Rebecca , Forsyth Andrew John
Published: May 2017

To extend the operating range of the snubber assisted zero‐voltage and zero‐current transition dual‐interleaved boost converter beyond its inherent soft‐switching limit of D = 0.5, a resonant pulse transformer is proposed instead of the resonant inductor. The 1 : 2 turns ratio of the transformer ensures full discharge of the snubber capacitor at all duty ratio values to facilitate zero‐voltage zero‐current switching at turn on of the main switching devices. The effectiveness of the topology has been confirmed by SPICE simulation and demonstrated by a 20 kW SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor converter. The prototype operated at 20 kW, 112 kHz, 320–600 V achieving 98.7% efficiency and achieved 98.2% efficiency at 6 kW. Taking the additional losses in the auxiliary circuit into account, the switching losses at 20 kW are reduced by 74% compared with hard‐switching operation, representing a 54% reduction in overall losses.
Torque ripple reduction of DFIG by a new and robust predictive torque control method
Authors: Mokhtari Vayeghan Mohsen , Davari S. Alireza
Published: May 2017

A torque ripple minimising and robust predictive torque control of a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is proposed. The proposed method is based on a novel cost function and a robust predictive model. The aim of the proposed cost function is torque ripple reduction beside the torque and flux control. This method predicts the torque and the flux those will be resulted by the feasible voltage vectors for the next step. The best option is chosen and applied based on the proposed cost function. Two expressions are added to the conventional cost function for the torque ripple reduction. These terms minimise the effective value of the torque ripple and the variation of the torque while the main control is not affected. Furthermore, a novel closed‐loop prediction model for DFIG is proposed in order to improve the robustness of the method. Simulation results for the conventional finite control set‐model predictive control and the proposed methods are presented and compared in order to confirm the effectiveness of this method.
High sensitivity and robustness carrier‐tracking loop for vehicular applications
Authors: Zhang Hongyang , Xu Luping , Yang Yu , Song Shibin , Shen Yanghe
Published: June 2017

Global positioning system for vehicular applications in harsh urban environments faces some difficulties such as low signal intensity, intensive multipath and frequent signal blockage. These make it difficult to acquire and track signal normally by common receivers. This study proposes a high‐sensitivity and high‐robustness velocity tracking loop with inertial navigation system (INS) aiding. It joints the fast Fourier transform (FFT) results of all channels to estimate the velocity directly, called INS‐aided joint FFT loop. Compared with conventional tracking loops, its sensitivity is improved effectively by jointing all channels in navigation domain. As this loop does not need to estimate the synchronisation parameters too, so it can avoid the influence of synchronisation parameter errors in single channel and achieve higher robustness. Simulation results show INS‐aided JFFT loop has better performance in signal blockage, multipath and weak signal circumstances than some existing loops. An optimal carrier‐tracking loop is also designed which combines INS‐aided phase locked loop (PLL) and INS‐aided JFFT. It can switch between INS‐aided PLL and INS‐aided JFFT by carrier‐to‐noise ratio (C/N0) estimation to achieve the optimal performance when the signal strength changes.
Electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction of laminar nanocomposite LaNb2O7/CoIII TMPyP prepared via the exfoliation/restacking method
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Pan Binbin , Li Jinpeng , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Mengjun , Tong Zhiwei
Published: May 2017

The laminar lanthanum niobate KLaNb2O7 with perovskite structure was intercalated with cationic cobalt (III) tetrakis‐5, 10, 15, and 20‐(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrin using the exfoliation/restacking method. The as‐prepared material was characterised by several analytic methods including X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and infrared microscopy. The exfoliation/restacking process was monitored and proved by the change of zeta potential, and the cyclic voltammetry measurements of LaNb2O7/CoIII TMPyP nanocomposite demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen reduction reaction.
Multi‐valued logic design methodology with double negative differential resistance transistors
Authors: Ji Yuchao , Chang Sheng , Wang Hao , Huang Qijun , He Jin , Yi Fan
Published: May 2017

Multi‐valued logic (MVL) is one of the promising alternatives of binary logic since it has a high‐logic density, which brings a vision of simpler circuit structure. Based on a novel concept as double negative differential resistance field effect transistor and its analytic description, a design methodology utilising the mechanism of monostable‐to‐multistable transition logic element (MMLE) for MVL is proposed in this study. The basic ternary logic gates are designed as a complete logic set, and a compact ternary four‐input full adder is constructed as an example of function circuits. Comparing with binary circuit and ternary circuit based on conventional design, the circuit shows advantage in device cost and other properties. The results verify that this MMLE design methodology has a good information load ability, which will have a brilliant prospect in MVL circuits.
PSOI pLDMOS with n‐buried layer
Authors: Wu Lijuan , Song Yue , Yang Hang , Hu Limin , Lei Bing , Yuan Na , Zhang Yinyan , Zhang Zhongjie
Published: May 2017

Partial‐silicon (Si)‐on‐insulator p‐channel lateral double‐diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor with n‐buried layer (NBL PSOI pLDMOS) is proposed. One feature of the device is an Si window under the drain offers a heat conduction path to alleviate the self‐heating effect. Meanwhile, a fully depleted NBL on the bottom surface of the Si layer provides a large amount of ionised donors to enhance the electric field of the buried oxide (BOX) layer. The NBL can prevent the substrate leakage phenomenon of the PSOI pLDMOS. There is a triple reduced surface field structure in the p‐drift region. Some equipotential lines spread into the p‐substrate through the Si window. Furthermore, the assistant depletion caused by the NBL increases the p‐drift region concentration, which achieves a lower specific on‐resistance (Ron, sp). With 20 µm p‐drift region length and 1 µm BOX thickness, the NBL PSOI pLDMOS obtains a higher breakdown voltage (BV) of 289 V, which is increased by 88.9 and 43.8% compared with the Con SOI and NBL SOI pLDMOS, respectively. The Ron, sp is decreased by 82.3 and 17.2%, respectively. The figure of merit (FOM = BV2/Ron, sp) is 1.65 MW cm−2. A lower maximum surface temperature of 312.3 K is obtained.
Oxygen plasma treatments of polydimethylsiloxane surfaces: effect of the atomic oxygen on capillary flow in the microchannels
Authors: Ruben Bartali , Elisa Morganti , Leandro Lorenzelli , Victor Micheli , Gloria Gottardi , Marina Scarpa , Mian K Safeen , Pandiyan Rajesh , Nadhira Laidani
Published: June 2017

Modification of polydimethylsoloxane/water interaction, to promote a spontaneous water flux through the microchannels, is a crucial task in microfluidic applications. For that reason, in this research, the authors study the hydrophilicity improvement induced by low‐power oxygen plasma treatments (15 W) on the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microchannel. The effects of the oxygen plasma treatments on wettability and water‐work of adhesion on PDMS surfaces have been studied by sessile contact angle. The chemical composition of the plasma has been investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy. The results indicate that the improvement of wettability on treated PDMS is led by the percentage of atomic oxygen in the plasma discharge. Super‐hydrophilic surfaces (contact angle < 5°) have been obtained optimising the atomic oxygen percentage in the plasma discharge varying only the plasma working pressure. Super‐hydrophilic PDMS microchannels show the highest spontaneous capillary flow in the channels while the hydrophilic microchannel shows only a small capillary flow.
10 Jahre ukb service GmbH: Zufriedene Patienten und Mitarbeiter durch Servicekräfte
Authors: Richter Franz-Josef
Published: June 2017

Den Pflegedienst zu entlasten und gleichzeitig das Serviceniveau für die Patienten zu steigern: Das waren und sind die Ziele des Patientenservices am Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin (ukb). Seit zehn Jahren gibt es nun schon die eigens dafür gegründete ukb service GmbH – und die „Gelben Engel“ des Serviceteams sind inzwischen aus dem Klinikalltag nicht mehr wegzudenken.
Conceptualizing language
Authors: Ricento Thomas
Published: May 2017

My purpose in this chapter is to describe and critique some of the common sense beliefs about language that are often implicitly incorporated in the theories of political philosophers who engage in discussions on language policies and language rights in liberal democracies. I then consider the limitations of these views, based on research in sociolinguistics that problematizes at least some of the more common beliefs about the nature of language, that is, views on discreteness, competence, function, complexities in diagnosing linguistic inequalities and discrimination, the complexities of the language-culture nexus, and language and identity. It is these complexities that political theorists need to pay more attention to when, for example, they argue that linguistic and cultural assimilation into civil society is relatively easy, since language and culture are mutable. I then focus on the ways in which these common sense views about language and culture, and language and national identity, have played out in the Canadian context, especially over the past half century, referring to testimony in the hearings that preceded passage of the Official Languages Act of 1969. I consider the ways in which national census data obscure the actual complex linguistic diversity that exists in Canada today, and I provide an example of political speech that reinforces the deeply held ideology of French-English dualism in a country in which 200+ languages are spoken on a daily basis, in which French-English bilingualism is actually declining, and in which other types of bi- and multilingualism are flourishing.
Home literacy activities of mono- and multilingual children in middle childhood
Authors: Lagemann Marina , Ilić Vesna
Published: May 2017

Empirical studies have widely documented the influence of the language input children receive in the family on their (academic) language development and identified differences in the home literacy experiences of mono- and multilingual children as a potential source for the lower language skills and educational success of multilingual children and adolescents. Using data from the LiMA Panel Study, this article investigates how frequently mono- and multilingual children in middle childhood are engaged in different home literacy activities that have been shown to be frequently practiced by families with children in early childhood. Our results point to systematic differences in the home literacy experiences of mono- and multilingual children, and suggest that the family’s socioeconomic position can partly but not fully account for these differences.
Bilingual lexicon development in German in preschool children with the home languages Russian and Turkish
Authors: Gagarina Natalia , Posse Dorothea , Gey Stefanie , Golcher Felix , Topaj Nathalie
Published: May 2017

The present study examined the development of lexical abilities in German in Turkish-/Russian-German bilinguals. In particular, the effect of the age of onset and the socio-economic status, identified through self-reported parental education and occupation, on the productive and perceptive lexicon – verbs and nouns – was investigated. Two groups, one with 39 Russian-German and one with 55 Turkish-German simultaneous and sequential bilinguals from Berlin nursery schools, participated in the study. The age range was 26 to 47 months (mean age: 38.5 months, Standard Deviation (SD) = 5.8). The age of onset ranged from 0 to 39 months (mean age of onset: 21.0 months, SD = 9.9) and did not differ significantly in both investigated groups. The mean length of exposure to German was 17.5 months (SD = 9.3). The results showed that age of onset negatively impacts the productive lexicon of both groups. Russian-speaking children were somewhat better in the development of the perceptive lexicon in German. No effects for parental education and occupation were found. The results are discussed with respect to sensitivity and age of acquisition, and possible differences in the home language environment of Turkish and Russian bilinguals.
Temporal adverbs as structuring devices in narratives of multilingual students
Authors: Grommes Patrick
Published: May 2017

Language development of adolescents and in particular of multilingual adolescents to date does not get the attention it deserves. This contribution gives a brief overview of what later language development means and aims at highlighting some of its features in personal experience narratives written by mono- and multilingual secondary school students. To this end, concepts of narrative structure will also be reviewed briefly. Then a closer look will be taken at the use of the temporal adverbial ‘dann’ (‘then’). This adverbial allows verbalising specific aspects of the event structure in relation to narrative structure. Students display different degrees of convergence with target language patterns of use. The discussion then centres on in how far this is a developmental issue and/or can be traced back to multilingualism. Regarding the latter no clear tendency can be found.
Dublin
Authors: McMonagle Sarah
Published: May 2017

This article offers an overview of the multilingual city of Dublin. We draw on research undertaken for the LUCIDE (Languages in Urban Communities: Integration and Diversity for Europe) network to describe the rapid linguistic diversification that occurred as recently as the 1990s. Yet English, the global lingua franca and Ireland’s second official language (with Irish), remains the dominant language of city life. Dublin is constitutionally bilingual, normatively monolingual, yet actually multilingual. Its historically evolved language policy and linguistic habitus matter to how we describe and discuss this (new) multilingual city. We apply a scalar lens to multilingualism in Dublin to show the vertical layering of language in two districts of economic activity, one regenerated from ‘above’, the other from ‘below’. We show how the city’s linguistic habitus, combined with the conditions of language and cultural diversification from the 1990s, serve to index languages in the urban environment. Some suggestions for further research are also made.
Pope John Paul II and the Neurological Standard for the Determination of Death: A Critical Analysis of his Address to the Transplantation Society
Authors: Nguyen Doyen
Published: June 2017

The introduction of the “brain death” criterion constitutes a significant paradigm shift in the determination of death. The perception of the public at large is that the Catholic Church has formally endorsed this neurological standard. However, a critical reading of the only magisterial document on this subject, Pope John Paul II's 2000 address, shows that the pope's acceptance of the neurological criterion is conditional in that it entails a twofold requirement. It requires that certain medical presuppositions of the neurological standard are fulfilled, and that its philosophical premise coheres with the Church's teaching on the body-soul union. This article demonstrates that the medical presuppositions are not fulfilled, and that the doctrine of the brain as the central somatic integrator of the body does not cohere either with the current holistic understanding of the human organism or with the Church's Thomistic doctrine of the soul as the form of the body.

The concept of “brain death” (the neurological basis for legally declaring a person dead) has caused much controversy since its inception. In this regard, it has been generally perceived that the Catholic Church has officially affirmed the “brain death” criterion. The address of Pope John Paul II in 2000 shows, however, that he only gave it a conditional acceptance, one which requires that several medical and philosophical presuppositions of the “brain death” standard be fulfilled. This article demonstrates, taking into consideration both the empirical evidence and the Church's Thomistic anthropology, that the presuppositions have not been fulfilled.
Microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties of magnetron sputtered VCN films
Authors: Yu Lihua , Li Yong , Ju Hongbo , Xu Junhua
Published: May 2017

VCN films with various carbon contents were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering. The elemental compositions, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), nano-indentation and friction and wear test. The results showed that the microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological properties of VCN films were influenced by the variation of the carbon content. The VCN films exhibited a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. By increasing of carbon content of the film, the grain size of VCN films decreases gradually. The hardness of the films first increased and then decreased with increasing carbon content, after reaching the maximum values of 28.1 GPa, at 16.89 at.-% carbon. The average friction coefficient and wear rate decreased with the increasing carbon content at room temperature.
PASTASpark: multiple sequence alignment meets Big Data
Authors: Abuín José M , Pena Tomás F , Pichel Juan C
Published: June 2017

Motivation

One basic step in many bioinformatics analyses is the multiple sequence alignment. One of the state-of-the-art tools to perform multiple sequence alignment is PASTA (Practical Alignments using SATé and TrAnsitivity). PASTA supports multithreading but it is limited to process datasets on shared memory systems. In this work we introduce PASTASpark, a tool that uses the Big Data engine Apache Spark to boost the performance of the alignment phase of PASTA, which is the most expensive task in terms of time consumption.

Results

Speedups up to 10×  with respect to single-threaded PASTA were observed, which allows to process an ultra-large dataset of 200 000 sequences within the 24-h limit.

Availability and implementation

PASTASpark is an Open Source tool available at https://github.com/citiususc/pastaspark

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Appropriate Use of Drug Testing in Clinical Addiction Medicine
Authors: Jarvis Margaret , Williams Jessica , Hurford Matthew , Lindsay Dawn , Lincoln Piper , Giles Leila , Luongo Peter , Safarian Taleen
Published: May 2017

Biological drug testing is a tool that provides information about an individual's recent substance use. Like any tool, its value depends on using it correctly; that is, on selecting the right test for the right person at the right time. This document is intended to clarify appropriate clinical use of drug testing in addiction medicine and aid providers in their decisions about drug testing for the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients with, or at risk for, addiction. The RAND Corporation (RAND)/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Appropriateness Method (RAM) process for combining scientific evidence with the collective judgment of experts was used to identify appropriate clinical practices and highlight areas where research is needed. Although consensus panels and expert groups have offered guidance on the use of drug testing for patients with addiction, very few addressed considerations for patients across settings and in different levels of care. This document will focus primarily on patients in addiction treatment and recovery, where drug testing is used to assess patients for a substance use disorder, monitor the effectiveness of a treatment plan, and support recovery. Inasmuch as the scope includes the recognition of addiction, which often occurs in general healthcare settings, selected special populations at risk for addiction visiting these settings are briefly included.
Predicting Perioperative Transfusion in Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: To Josephine , Sinha Romi , Kim Susan W. , Robinson Kathryn , Kearney Brendon , Howie Donald , To Luen Bik
Published: May 2017

Background

Preoperative anemia is a significant predictor of perioperative erythrocyte transfusion in elective arthroplasty patients. However, interactions with other patient and procedure characteristics predicting transfusion requirements have not been well studied.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective primary total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty at a tertiary hospital in Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, from January 2010 to June 2014 were used to identify preoperative predictors of perioperative transfusion. A logistic regression model was developed and externally validated with an independent data set from three other hospitals in Adelaide.

Results

Altogether, 737 adult patients in the derivation group and 653 patients in the validation group were included. Binary logistic regression modeling identified preoperative hemoglobin (odds ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.59; P < 0.001 for each 1 g/dl increase), total hip arthroplasty (odds ratio, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.39 to 5.30; P < 0.001), and females 65 yr of age and older (odds ratio, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.88 to 6.04; P = 0.01) as predictors of transfusion in the derivation cohort.

Conclusions

Using a combination of patient-specific preoperative variables, this validated model can predict transfusion in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty. The model may also help to identify patients whose need for transfusion may be decreased through preoperative hemoglobin optimization.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis as an Immune-related Adverse Event from Pembrolizumab in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Leonardi Giulia C. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Haas Andrea , Lang Joshua P. , Williams Jonathan S. , Awad Mark M.
Published: May 2017

Programmed cell death protein 1 pathway inhibitors are now routinely administered to patients with non–small cell lung cancer, and prompt recognition of immune-related adverse events is critical to managing serious drug toxicities. Here, we describe a 66-year-old man with no known history of diabetes who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis after receiving 3 doses of pembrolizumab for lung adenocarcinoma. Autoimmune diabetes is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitors