bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Average achievable rate of broadcast strategy in relay‐assisted block fading channels
Authors: Baghani Mina , Akhlaghi Soroush , Golzadeh Valiulah
Published: February 2016

This study concerns two‐hop transmission over relay‐assisted block fading channels, assuming there is no direct link between transmission ends and the communication is carried out through using a relay. It is assumed that the channel gains from source‐to‐relay and relay‐to‐destination are known at the relay, while the source is unaware of channel gains. In this case, it is demonstrated that the best signalling method is using a multi‐layer code at the first hop, while using a single‐layer code at the second hop. Accordingly, the decode‐and‐forward (DF) and amplify‐and‐forward (AF) strategies at the relay are investigated, where for DF strategy under two special cases of peak power and average power constraints, the optimal power allocation policy across coding blocks are devised. Moreover, for AF strategy the optimal weight function maximising the average signal‐to‐noise ratio at the destination is derived. The simulation results for Rayleigh fading environment demonstrate the superiority of DF over AF in terms of the average achievable rate. More specifically, it is demonstrated that the broadcast approach in DF strategy under average power constraint closely follows the so‐called broadcast cutset upper bound, thereby providing favourable results in such network.
fuzzy PID control synthesis for Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy systems
Authors: Cao Kairui , Gao Xiaozhi , Lam Hak‐Keung , Vasilakos Athanasios
Published: February 2016

This study proposes a kind of H∞ fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control synthesis method for Takagi–Sugeno (T–S) fuzzy systems. The basic idea of the presented method is to transform the fuzzy PID controller design problem into that of the fuzzy static output feedback (SOF) controller design. On the basis of an iterative linear matrix inequality algorithm, the fuzzy SOF control laws can be obtained. After that, the fuzzy PID controller is recovered from the fuzzy SOF controller. Simulation examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Sampling and control strategy: networked control systems subject to packet disordering
Authors: Li Jinna , Er Meng‐Joo , Yu Haibin
Published: February 2016

This study proposes a novel sampling and control strategy to find a suboptimal sampling period sequence and control input sequence, such that a quadratic cost function of state and control input of a networked control system (NCS) with packet disordering is minimised. First, a discrete‐time system model of the NCS with packet disordering, transmission delay and packet loss in terms of displacement values of packets is put forward. Second, a linear quadratic regulation (LQR) problem of the NCS is formulated, showing that the optimal controller depends on sampling period and quality of services (QoS) of networks. Interactive effects between sampling period and QoS of networks pose a challenge in solving the LQR problem of the NCS. To overcome this difficulty, different from traditional transmission‐delay‐based or packet‐loss‐based sampling scheme, a novel packet‐disordering‐based sampling period selection scheme is proposed. Furthermore, an algorithm is presented to find a suboptimal solution to the LQR problem in this study. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
consensus control of multi‐agent systems with input delay and directed topology
Authors: Wang Chunyan , Ding Zhengtao
Published: February 2016

In this study, the consensus problem for linear multi‐agent systems with general directed graph in the presence of constant input delay and external disturbances is addressed. To deal with input delay, a truncated prediction of the agent state over the delay period is approximated by the finite‐dimensional term of the classical state predictor. The truncated predictor feedback method is used for the consensus protocol design. By exploring certain features of the Laplacian matrix, the H∞ consensus analysis is put in the framework of Lyapunov analysis. The integral terms that remain in the transformed systems are carefully analysed using Krasovskii functional. Sufficient conditions are derived for the multi‐agent systems to guarantee the H∞ consensus in the time domain. The feedback gain is then designed by solving these conditions with an iterative linear matrix inequality procedure. A simulation study is carried out to validate the proposed control design.
Multi agent parking lots modelling for anomalies detection while parking
Authors: Masmoudi Imen , Wali Ali , Jamoussi Anis , Alimi Adel M.
Published: February 2016

Recently crowded cities are having an increasing need for an advanced parking management system to help drivers to locate the vacant and available parking places in real time. In this study, the authors propose a novel multi agent parking lots management system based on vision approach to detect and localise the vacant parking places at a city level and to provide drivers with relevant information in real time. The elaboration of a multi agent approach for parking places modelling enable the cooperation between different agents in order to improve the results of the proposed system and to detect different cases of anomalies and abnormal situations that can be caused by the drivers, such as the cases where parked cars affect the state of more than one place or when a car blocks the access to parking lots.
Comparative assessment of two different model reference adaptive system schemes for speed‐sensorless control of induction motor drives
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Das Sukanta , Chattopadhyay Ajit Kumar
Published: February 2016

This study presents a comparison between a well‐known instantaneous reactive power (Q)‐based model reference adaptive system (MRAS) (Q‐MRAS) and a relatively new X‐MRAS used for the speed estimation of induction motor drive without speed sensor from the stability point of view. Stability aspects and sensitivity analysis of both the schemes to machine parameters variation are examined. The instantaneous and steady‐state values of Q are considered to develop the reference and adaptive models respectively for the former, whereas those of a fictitious quantity X (i.e. * × ) are considered in the said models for the later. Non‐computation of flux in these schemes leads to the satisfactory estimation of speed over a wide range maintaining the drive's stability in all the 4‐quadrants. Both the Q‐ and X‐MRAS are found to be dependent on the rotor resistance variation, whereas X‐MRAS is also influenced by the stator resistance variation. A small signal stability study over a wide range of stator and rotor resistance variations is carried out to investigate the drive's stability in the low‐speed region for both the MRAS schemes. Matlab/Simulink is used to obtain the simulation results for the proposed study. Experimental results are obtained through a dSPACE‐1104‐based laboratory prototype.
Time‐varying failure rate simulation model of transmission lines and its application in power system risk assessment considering seasonal alternating meteorological disasters
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiong Xiaofu , Zhou Ning , Li Zhe , Weng Shijie
Published: February 2016

Years of operation experience on power systems reveal that most transmission line fault events are related to seasonal alternating meteorological disasters, which have typical temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. However, power system risk assessment lacks basically accurate descriptions of failure rate time distribution for transmission lines. In this study, a method to calculate the time‐varying failure rate of transmission lines in a monthly time scale is proposed to reflect the time‐dependent fault regulation. However, the failure rate during any time interval cannot be derived directly from limited historical fault samples. Therefore, a simulation method of continuous time distribution function for failure rate is proposed, which adopts Fourier, Gaussian, and Weibull function assumptions. Furthermore, the parameters of these function hypotheses are fitted and compared using the fault samples of a province power grid and an urban power grid in China, respectively. Results show that the proposed simulation model is reasonable. Finally, the time‐varying failure rate simulation model is adopted to quantify the risk of the verified IEEE‐RBTS system. The risk indices also indicate that considering the time distribution characteristics of failure rate has a more significant influence on the system risk than the conventional methods.
Wind power converters improving the power system stability
Authors: Leon Andres E. , Revel Gustavo , Alonso Diego M. , Alonso Guillermo E.
Published: February 2016

This study analyses the coordinated actions of modern wind power plants for improving the transient and small‐signal stability in power systems. Supplementary controls on wind farms are considered, and specific modifications on the controllers are tailored to increase the grid‐support services. The proposal is analysed and validated in a practical power system based on the Argentine electrical network. The wind farm supplementary controls use active and reactive power control loops as well as local and remote measurements. Local controls can rapidly respond decelerating the system frequency in the first instants of a fault, consequently reducing the transient angle separations and improving the first‐swing stability. On the other hand, remote controls using global information are able to increase the damping of low‐frequency inter‐area oscillations. Structures combining centralised and decentralised control approaches will become more common in the near future. With this aim, the integration of fast local controls with remote controls is thoroughly studied using non‐linear time‐domain simulations and eigenvalue analyses. A robustness evaluation is also performed to validate the proposal over a wide range of operating conditions.
Modelling of the corona characteristics under damped oscillation impulses
Authors: Huang Kejie , Zhang Xiaoqing , Xiao Xiang
Published: February 2016

On the basis of the microphysical processes of gas discharge, a mathematical physical model of the corona under damped oscillation impulses is proposed in this study. The effects of collision ionisation, drift of the charged particles, space photoionisation, attachment and recombination are all taken into account in the proposed model. The space photoionisation formula is deduced in a coaxial cylindrical geometry. The charge–voltage characteristics under damped oscillation and double exponential impulses can be computed by the proposed model. The computed results are compared with the measured ones and a better agreement is shown between them. The main difference on the charge–voltage characteristics under the two types of impulses is also investigated by the model computation and experimental measurement.
Robust linear quadratic Gaussian‐based discrete mode wide area power system damping controller
Authors: Bhadu Mahendra , Senroy Nilanjan , Narayan Kar Indra , Sudha Gayathri Nair
Published: February 2016

In this study, linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control is used for designing a wide area damping controller (WADC) in power system. The designed continuous and discrete mode LQG‐based WADC is robust enough to deal with the problem of imperfect communication medium. The imperfect communication medium includes process noise, measurement noise, packet drop‐out and signal latency in the remote control signal. The appropriate control input and the controller location are selected using the modal residue method. The imperfections in the communication network are modelled using Pade approximations for time delay and by inserting Gaussian random noise. Using two typical test power systems, the performance of robust LQG‐based WADC as a power system stability agent is assessed in the frequency domain and via time‐domain simulation of the non‐linear model on MATLAB/Simulink and DIgSILENT software platform. Finally, a real‐time implementation of the designed WADC is demonstrated on the Opal RT‐Lab real‐time digital simulator.
Correlação das dosagens de frutosamina e de hemoglobina glicosilada com o perfil glicêmico em gestantes com diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fujimoto Carolina Yumi , Costa Rafaela Alkmin da , Zaccara Tatiana de Assunção , Paganotti Cristiane de Freitas , Francisco Rossana Pulcineli Vieira
Published: February 2016

Objetivo Avaliar se há correlação das dosagens de frutosamina e de hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c) com as frequências de desvios de glicemia capilar em gestantes com diabetes mellitus. Métodos: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, de corte transversal, incluindo todas as gestantes com diabetes que iniciaram o pré-natal em hospital terciário de ensino durante o ano de 2014 e que apresentavam pelo menos 20 dias de auto monitoramento glicêmico previamente às dosagens séricas de frutosamina e de HbA1c. Os desvios de glicemia capilar foram considerados “hipoglicemias” quando menores que 70mg/dL ou “hiperglicemias” quando acima do alvo glicêmico terapêutico para o horário. Foram testadas as correlações lineares par a par das dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c com as frequências de hipoglicemias e de hiperglicemias capilares pelo teste Tau-b de Kendall. Na sequência, foi avaliada a regressão linear entre as dosagens de HbA1c e de frutosamina e as frequências de hipoglicemias e de hiperglicemias.

Resultados Foram incluídas 158 gestantes que contribuíram com 266 amostras para dosagem sérica de frutosamina e HbA1c. As dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentaram, respectivamente, coeficientes τ de Kendall de 0,29 (p < 0,001) e 0,5 (p < 0,001) com a frequência de hiperglicemias, e de 0,09 (p = 0,04) e 0,25 (p < 0,001) com a frequência de hipoglicemias capilares. No modelo de regressão linear, as dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentaram, respectivamente, coeficientes de determinação R2 = 0,26 (p < 0,001) e R2 = 0,51 (p < 0,001) para a predição de hiperglicemias, e R2 = 0,03 (p = 0,003) e R2 = 0,059 (p < 0,001) para a predição de hipoglicemias.

Conclusão As dosagens de frutosamina e de HbA1c apresentam correlação fraca a moderada com as frequências de hiperglicemias e hipoglicemias capilares no auto monitoramento glicêmico e não são capazes de traduzir com precisão os desvios da meta glicêmica no tratamento de gestantes com diabetes.
Variabilidade da contagem automática tridimensional de folículos ovarianos durante o ciclo menstrual
Authors: Castro Eduardo Camelo de , Monteiro Filho Gercino , Amaral Waldemar Naves do
Published: February 2016

Objetivos Avaliar a variabilidade da contagem automática tridimensional dos folículos ovarianos que mediram 2 a 6 mm e 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo menstrual. Verificar se este exame pode ser aplicado fora da fase folicular precoce do ciclo.

Método Prospectivo observacional. Foram incluídas todas as pacientes inférteis submetidas à monitorização da ovulação de 20 de abril de 2013 a 30 de outubro de 2014, com 18 a 35 anos; IMC de 18 a 25 kg/m2, eumenorréicas; sem história de cirurgia ovariana e sem alterações nas dosagens do TSH, prolactina, insulina e glicemia. Foram excluídas aquelas que apresentaram cistos ovarianos e as que faltaram algum dia da monitorização. A contagem ultrassonográfica dos folículos foi feita pelo modo 3D com SonoAVC na fase folicular precoce, folicular media, periovulatória e lútea do ciclo.

Resultados Quarenta e cinco mulheres foram incluídas. Houve diferença entre as médias das contagens dos folículos com 2 a 6 mm (p = 0,001) e 2 a 10 mm (p = 0,003) pelo teste de Friedman que avaliou conjuntamente as quatro fases do ciclo. Quando se aplicou o teste t-Student pareado, houve aumento significativo na contagem dos folículos de 2 a 6 mm quando se comparou a contagem desses folículos na fase folicular média e periovulatória com a contagem da fase lútea. Não houve diferença significante entre a contagem destes folículos pequenos nas fases folicular precoce, média e periovulatória.

Conclusões A variação da contagem automática tridimensional dos folículos de 2 a 6 mm, nas fases folicular precoce, folicular média e periovulatória, não mostrou significância estatística. Houve uma variação significativa da contagem automática 3D dos folículos ovarianos de 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo. A variabilidade significativa da contagem dos folículos de 2 a 10 mm durante o ciclo não permite que este exame seja realizado fora da fase folicular precoce.
Effect of miR-143-3p on C2C12 myoblast differentiation
Authors: Du Jingjing , Zhang Yi , Shen Linyuan , Luo Jia , Lei Huaigang , Zhang Peiwen , Pu Qiang , Liu Yihui , Shuai Surong , Li Qiang , Li Xuewi , Zhang Shunhua , Zhu Li
Published: February 2016

MicroRNAs are a class of 18–22 nucleotide non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression by associating with the 3′ untranslated regions of mRNAs. A large number of microRNAs are involved in the regulation of myoblast differentiation, many of which remain undiscovered. In this study, we found that miR-143-3p was upregulated during C2C12 myoblast differentiation and over-expression of miR-143-3p significantly inhibited the relative expression levels of MyoD, MyoG, myf5, and MyHC genes, especially in the later stages of differentiation. In addition, miR-143-3p inhibited expression of genes involved in the endogenous Wnt signaling pathway during C2C12 myoblast differentiation, including Wnt5a, LRP5, Axin2, and β-catenin. These results indicate that miR-143-3p represents a new myogenic differentiation-associated microRNA that can inhibit C2C12 myoblast differentiation, especially in the later stages of differentiation.
Public and private financial assistance in Europe
Authors: Emery Thomas
Published: February 2016

This analysis uses the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions data for 2006–2011 to examine whether there is an identifiable relationship between public and private provision of financial assistance and whether increased public support is associated with receiving more or less private support. In line with previous research, the findings suggest that households in receipt of certain public financial assistance are more likely to receive financial assistance from their friends and family. Yet the paper goes further and argues that the effect is dependent on the nature of the policy. Specifically, active policies not related to previous labour market participation appear to be associated with greater financial assistance from friends and family compared to traditional, passive forms of welfare assistance which themselves show no effect. The paper therefore concludes that the association between private and public financial assistance is dependent upon the type of public assistance that is being considered.
Multiplying probe for accurate power measurements on an RF driven atmospheric pressure plasma jet applied to the COST reference microplasma jet
Authors: Beijer P A C , Sobota A , van Veldhuizen E M , Kroesen G M W
Published: February 2016

In this paper a new multiplying probe for measuring the power dissipated in a miniature capacitively coupled, RF driven, atmospheric pressure plasma jet (μAPPJ—COST Reference Microplasma Jet—COST RMJ) is presented. The approach aims for substantially higher accuracy than provided by traditionally applied methods using bi-directional power meters or commercially available voltage and current probes in conjunction with digitizing oscilloscopes. The probe is placed on a miniature PCB and designed to minimize losses, influence of unknown elements, crosstalk and variations in temperature. The probe is designed to measure powers of the order of magnitude of 0.1–10 W. It is estimated that it measures power with less than 2% deviation from the real value in the tested power range. The design was applied to measure power dissipated in COST-RMJ running in helium with a small addition of oxygen.
Elastically driven metamagnetic-like phase transformations of shape memory alloys
Authors: Danilevich A G , L’vov V A
Published: February 2016

A theoretical model of metamagnetic-like (ferromagnetic–paramagnetic and ferromagnetic–antiferromagnetic) phase transitions is developed for the interpretation of experimental results obtained recently for the Ni–Mn–Co–X (X  =  In, Sn, Ga) shape memory alloys. The conditions of elastically driven (caused by the martensitic transformation of alloy) metamagnetic-like phase transitions are determined. These conditions are: high magnetic susceptibility of paramagnetic/antiferromagnetic phase; large (but real for some alloys) volume change during the martensitic transformation; and large value of volume magnetostriction caused by the metamagnetic-like phase transition. The magnetoelastic mechanism is proposed for the explanation of magnetic field influence on the martensitic transformation. The elastically driven ferromagnetic–paramagnetic phase transition is considered in more detail and the results of corresponding magnetic measurements are described.
Reaction mechanism and optimal conditions for preparation of high-quality vanadium oxide films by organic sol–gel for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Sun Minghui , Wen Yuejiang , Xu Xiangdong , Wang Meng , He Qiong , Jiang Yadong , Dai Zelin , Gu Yu , Chen Zhegeng
Published: February 2016

Although vanadium oxides (VO
x
) are important functional materials for academic research and industrial applications, the reaction mechanism of VO
x
prepared by organic sol–gel remains unclear. In order to investigate this mechanism, VO
x
organic sols were reacted at different temperatures, by which various VO
x
thin films were prepared. The products were systematically characterized by infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and a high resistance meter. Results reveal that vanadium alkoxides are created through an alcoholysis reaction of V2O5 powder and isobutyl alcohol, and then a condensation reaction of the vanadium alkoxides leads to the formation of VO
x
networks. The as-prepared sols are strongly temperature-dependent, causing different chemical structures and physical properties for the resulting VO
x
films. Particularly, a moderate temperature of 110 °C prompts both alcoholysis and condensation reactions, and thus the VO
x
films that are produced by the sol reacted at 110 °C possess a low resistivity of 23 Ω cm, a high temperature coefficient resistance (TCR) of  −3.2% K−1, and a low average transmittance of 54% in 580–1100 nm, compared with those prepared by the sols reacted at lower or higher temperatures. Therefore, 110 °C is a desirable sol temperature for producing VO
x
films serving as high-quality bolometric materials for uncooled infrared detectors. This work discloses not only the reaction mechanism of VO
x
films prepared by organic sol–gel, but also the route to yield desirable VO
x
films for optoelectronic applications.
A photoluminescence study of CuInSe2 single crystals ion implanted with 5 keV hydrogen
Authors: Yakushev M V , Krustok J , Grossberg M , Volkov V A , Mudryi A V , Martin R W
Published: February 2016

CuInSe2 single crystals ion implanted with 5 keV hydrogen at doses from 3  ×  1014 to 1016 cm−2 are studied by photoluminescence (PL). The PL spectra before and after implantation reveal two bands, a main dominant band centred at 0.96 eV and a lower intensity band centred at 0.93 eV. Detailed analysis of the shape of these bands, their temperature and excitation intensity dependencies allow the recombination mechanisms to be identified as band-to-tail (BT) and band-to-impurity (BI), respectively. The implantation causes gradual red shifts of the bands increasing linearly with the dose. The average depth of potential fluctuations is also estimated to increase with the dose and saturates for doses above 1015 cm−2. A model is proposed which associates the potential fluctuations with the antisite defects copper on indium site and indium on copper site. The saturation is explained by full randomization of copper and indium atoms on the cation sub-lattice.
Dependence of electric potentials at trench surfaces on ion angular distribution in plasma etching processes
Authors: Palov A P , Mankelevich Yu A , Rakhimova T V , Baklanov M R
Published: February 2016

Ion-stimulated etching of dielectrics in radio frequency plasma results in positive charging of a trench bottom because of the significant difference in the angular distribution functions of ions and electrons. They are anisotropic for ions and quasi-isotropic for electrons. The charging leads to a decrease in the energy of the ions bombarding the trench bottom and to undesirable sputtering of the walls near the trench bottom because of the curving of the ion trajectories. This process is normally investigated by Monte Carlo methods in the absence of experimental data. In this paper the analytical dependence of the ion flux bombarding the trench bottom on a trench aspect ratio and ion angular distribution function is obtained. Numerical calculations of the electric potential on the trench bottom for a set of trench aspect ratios and angles of the ion angular distribution function were performed based on a Monte Carlo method to demonstrate the ion flux and electric potential correlated well with each other. The proposed formula for an ion flux is suggested to be helpful for analyzing charging the trenches with different aspect ratios in plasma with an arbitrary angular ion distribution function.
Numerical study of the anode boundary layer in atmospheric pressure arc discharges
Authors: Semenov I L , Krivtsun I V , Reisgen U
Published: February 2016

The anode boundary layer in atmospheric pressure arc discharges is studied numerically on the basis of the hydrodynamic (diffusion) equations for plasma components. The governing equations are formulated in a unified manner without the assumptions of thermal equilibrium, ionization equilibrium or quasi-neutrality. For comparison, a quasi-neutral model of the anode layer is also considered. The numerical computations are performed for an argon arc at typical values of the current density in anode layers (500–2000 A cm−2). The results of numerical modelling show that the common collisionless model of the sheath fails to describe the sheath region for the problem under consideration. For this reason, a detailed analysis of the anode sheath is performed using the results of unified modelling. In addition, the distributions of plasma parameters in the anode layer are analysed and the basic characteristics of the layer (anode voltage drop, sheath voltage drop, anode layer thickness, sheath thickness, heat flux to the anode) are calculated. Our results are found to be in good agreement with the existing theoretical predictions and experimental data. The dependence of the anode layer characteristics on the current density is also discussed.
Computational characterization of plasma effects in ultrafast laser irradiation of spherical gold nanostructures for photothermal therapy
Authors: Hatef Ali , Darvish Behafarid , Burke Adam , Dagallier Adrien , Meunier Michel
Published: February 2016

Ultrashort pulsed lasers can provide high peak intensity with low pulse fluence. This makes them an ideal choice in photothermal therapy and applications where damage to the surrounding material needs to be minimized. Depending on the peak intensity, the ultrashort pulsed laser’s interaction with matter can lead to plasma formation through nonlinear effects such as multiphoton and impact electron excitation. The capability of the spherical gold nanoparticles, as the most employed nanoparticle so far for photothermal therapy, to enhance and strongly localize the incident laser field leads to plasma formation around the particles at even lower pulse fluences. Under certain circumstances, during the pulse duration, this plasma can absorb more energy than the nanoparticle itself. Consequently, the absorbed energy by the generated plasma can act as an energy source for different phenomena such as the evolution of the temperature distribution, thermoelastic stress generation, and stress-induced bubble formation. In this paper, we study the plasma-mediated interaction of a 45 fs pulsed laser with two types of spherical gold nanoparticles in water: solid nanoparticle and core–shell (silica–gold) nanoparticle. We use a numerical framework based on the finite element method (FEM) to compare energy deposition profiles in these nanoparticles and in their surrounding plasma, by focusing on the impact of the nanoparticle size and the laser fluence. Our calculations show that the maximum energy deposition in plasma occurs in core–shell nanoparticles with a diameter of 130 nm and the ratio of core to shell radius of 0.8 and in solid nanoparticles with a diameter of 170 nm.
A Novel Atomic Force Microscope with Multi-Mode Scanner
Authors: Qin Chun , Zhang Haijun , Xu Rui , Han Xu , Wang Shuying
Published: February 2016

A new type of atomic force microscope (AFM) with multi-mode scanner is proposed. The AFM system provides more than four scanning modes using a specially designed scanner with three tube piezoelectric ceramics and three stack piezoelectric ceramics. Sample scanning of small range with high resolution can be realized by using tube piezos, meanwhile, large range scanning can be achieved by stack piezos. Furthermore, the combination with tube piezos and stack piezos not only realizes high-resolution scanning of small samples with large- scale fluctuation structure, but also achieves small range area-selecting scanning. Corresponding experiments are carried out in terms of four different scanning modes showing that the AFM is of reliable stability, high resolution and can be widely applied in the fields of micro/nano-technology.
Three-Photon Luminescence of Gold Nanorods Excited by 1040 nm Femtosecond Laser for High Contrast Tissue and In Vivo Imaging
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Zhao Xinyuan , Zhang Hequn , Cai Fuhong , Qian Jun
Published: February 2016

Gold Nanorods (GNRs) with tunable aspect ratios can strongly absorb and scatter light in the NIR region due to their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property, and have been demonstrated to exhibit strong plasmon enhanced multiphoton luminescence (MPL) with brightness many times stronger than the conventional organic chromophores. In this study, we synthesized GNRs with longitudinal LSPR peak at 1036 nm to match our home-built light source 1040 nm femtosecond laser, which locates in the “optical window” where the tissue absorbs relatively little light. PEGylated GNRs with great biocompatibility were intravenously injected through the tail vein into mice. Excited by 1040 nm laser, the GNRs exhibit bright three-photon luminescence (3PL) signals while circulating in the blood vessels. The use of GNRs as bright contrast agents for 3PL imaging of mouse ear blood vessels in vivo was demonstrated. And GNRs targeted in tissues can be excited by 1040 nm laser and could be clearly visualized with no autofluorescence background. These results indicated that 3PL of GNRs is very promising for deep in vivo bioimaging and assessing the distribution of GNRs in tissues with high contrast.
Polarization-dependent refractive index fiber-optic sensor based on the core-offset with a taper
Authors: Wang Youqing , Shen Changyu , Lou Weimin , Shentu Fengying
Published: February 2016

A polarization-dependent refractive index sensor based on the in-fiber Mach- Zehnder interferometer which is constructed by core-offset fusion splicing a tapered polarization maintaining fiber (PMF) with a length of 20 mm between the core-offset and the taper is proposed. Due to the introduced high environment-sensitivity of the two orthogonal polarization modes in the PMF and the enhancing effect of the tapered PMF, The sensitivity of the fast axis and the slow axis up to ∼-107.51 nm/RI and ∼-74.54 nm/RI in the RI range between 1.333 and 1.381 is obtained, respectively. Such kinds of low-cost and highly sensitive fiber-optic RI sensors would find applications in chemical or biochemical sensing fields.
Design of visible/infrared double-band spectral imager
Authors: Tianjin Tang , Zhuo Zhang , Bao-hua Wang
Published: February 2016

OFFNER hyperspectral imager using convex grating as spectral splitting component has many merits including large relative aperture, no smile, small key stone, compact construction and easier assembly and etc, has widely used in many occasions of various fields. Design of double-band hyperspectral imager using OFFNER structure is presented in this paper. SHAFER fore telescope system and convex grating imaging are adopted, groove etching density is different in different region on the same substrate for different spectral band, and different diffractive order is used respectively to split the two spectral bands. The optical system achieves good image quality in wide spectral range, compact construction and small volume. And all the reflective curved face are sphere, moderate tolerances are good for the processing and alignment.
Sacrificial solder based nanowelding of ZnO nanowires
Authors: Liu Guoping , Li Qiang , Qiu Min
Published: February 2016

A new nanowelding approach for joining ZnO nanowires at nanoscale based on a sacrificial solder is demonstrated. This method protects the original junction and gets a strong mechanical property at the welded junction.
Fluorescence enhancement with metamaterial mirrors
Authors: Qin Jian , Wang Wei , Luo Si , Chen Xingxing , Qiu Min , Li Qiang
Published: February 2016

We experimentally demonstrate the strongly enhanced photoluminescence of the fluorescent molecules on the metamaterial mirror. The matematerial mirror can optimize the reflection phase to provide a large electric field for the 20-nm-thick active layer. Compared with the smooth gold plate, the experimental result shows a nearly 45 times enhancement.
Ultra-broad band absorber made by tungsten and aluminium
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Ding , Li Qiang , Qiu Min
Published: February 2016

A broadband absorber comprising tungsten cubic arrays, a alumina layer and a tungsten film, is numerically and experimentally investigated, which exhibits near-unity absorption of visible and near-infrared light from 400 nm to 1150 nm. Benefiting from high melting points of tungsten and alumina, this device has great application potential in solar cells and thermal emission.
Persistence of Masked Hypertension in Chinese
Patients
Authors: Wei Fang-Fei , Li Yan , Zhang Lu , Shan Xiao-Li , Cheng Yi-Bang , Wang Ji-Guang , Yang Chuan-Hua , Staessen Jan A.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Masked hypertension (MH) has 10–15% prevalence and carries risk similar to that of sustained hypertension, but its short-term persistence remains uncertain.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with MH (mean age 52.2 years; 37.8% women) were enrolled in the placebo arm of a randomized clinical trial of Chinese medicine (NCT02156024) and followed up for 4 weeks. MH was office normotension (<140/90mm Hg) and daytime (8:00–18:00) hypertension (≥135/85mm Hg).

RESULTS

At enrolment, office and daytime systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) averaged 129.0/80.6mm Hg and 132.9/88.9mm Hg, respectively. Daytime BP thresholds for MH were met in 5 patients (11.1%) for systolic BP, in 25 (55.6%) for diastolic BP and in 15 (33.3%) for both. At follow-up, systolic and diastolic BP had not changed compared with baseline ( P ≥ 0.12), except for a 2.1mm Hg decrease in office systolic BP ( P = 0.049). MH remained present in 28 patients (62.2%; 95% CI, 48.1–76.3%), whereas 13 (28.9%; 15.7–42.1%) and 4 (8.9%; 0.6–17.2%) converted to normotension (daytime BP <135/85mm Hg) or sustained hypertension (office BP ≥140/90mm Hg), respectively. Substituting daytime by 24-hour BP, using 130/80mm Hg as threshold, produced consistent results. Systolic office BP at baseline independently predicted persistence of MH or progression to sustained hypertension at 4 weeks (odds ratio per 1 − SD increase, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.06–11.2; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The information that MH persists over 4 weeks in over two-thirds of this sample of patients should inform future clinical trials and guidelines.
Associations Between Genetic Variants of the Natriuretic Peptide
System and Blood Pressure Response to Dietary Sodium Intervention: The GenSalt
Study
Authors: Chen Shufeng , Huang Jianfeng , Zhao Qi , Chen Jing , Jaquish Cashell E. , He Jiang , Lu Xiangfeng , Yang Xueli , Gu Charles C. , Hixson James E. , Liu Fangchao , Rice Treva K. , Cao Jie , Chen Jichun , Gu Dongfeng
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to comprehensively test the association of genetic variants in the natriuretic peptide (NP) system with blood pressure (BP) response to dietary sodium intervention in a Chinese population.

METHODS

We conducted a 7-day low-sodium intervention followed by a 7-day high-sodium intervention among 1,906 participants in rural China. BP measurements were obtained at baseline and each dietary intervention using a random-zero sphygmomanometer. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the associations of 48 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 genes of NP system with BP response to dietary sodium intervention.

RESULTS

SNP rs5063 in the NPPA gene and SNP rs2077386 in the NPPC gene exhibited significant associations with BP response to low-sodium dietary intervention under recessive genetic model. For rs5063, absolute mean arterial pressure responses (95% confidence interval) to the low-sodium intervention were 1.31 (−1.08, 3.70) mm Hg for TT genotype and −3.74 (−4.01, −3.46) mm Hg for CC or TC genotype, respectively ( P = 4.1 × 10 −5 ). Individuals with at least one copy of the C allele of rs2077386 had significantly reduction in systolic BP during the low-sodium intervention compared to those with genotype GG with responses of −5.48 (−5.83, −5.14) vs. −2.76 (−3.52, −2.00) mm Hg, respectively ( P = 1.9 × 10 −13 ).

CONCLUSIONS

These novel findings suggested that genetic variants of NP system may contribute to the variation of BP response to sodium intervention in Chinese population. Certainly, replication of these results in other populations and further functional studies are warranted to clarify their role in the regulation of BP and hypertension.
The formation of massive, quiescent galaxies at cosmic noon
Authors: Feldmann Robert , Hopkins Philip F. , Quataert Eliot , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Kereš Dušan
Published: February 2016

The cosmic noon (z ∼ 1.5–3) marked a period of vigorous star formation for most galaxies. However, about a third of the more massive galaxies at those times were quiescent in the sense that their observed stellar populations are inconsistent with rapid star formation. The reduced star formation activity is often attributed to gaseous outflows driven by feedback from supermassive black holes, but the impact of black hole feedback on galaxies in the young Universe is not yet definitively established. We analyse the origin of quiescent galaxies with the help of ultrahigh resolution, cosmological simulations that include feedback from stars but do not model the uncertain consequences of black hole feedback. We show that dark matter haloes with specific accretion rates below ∼0.25–0.4 Gyr−1 preferentially host galaxies with reduced star formation rates and red broad-band colours. The fraction of such haloes in large dark matter only simulations matches the observed fraction of massive quiescent galaxies (∼1010–1011 M⊙). This strongly suggests that halo accretion rate is the key parameter determining which massive galaxies at z ∼ 1.5–3 become quiescent. Empirical models that connect galaxy and halo evolution, such as halo occupation distribution or abundance matching models, assume a tight link between galaxy properties and the masses of their parent haloes. These models will benefit from adding the specific accretion rate of haloes as a second model parameter.
Prius: From Differentiated Genes to Affected Pathways
Authors: Patil Shailesh , Venkatesh Bharath , Singh Randeep
Published: February 2016

Expression analysis and variant calling workflows are employed to identify genes that either exhibit a differential behaviour or have a significant functional impact of mutations. This is always followed by pathway analysis which provides greater insights and simplifies explanation of observed phenotype. The current techniques used towards this purpose have some serious limitations. Only a small number of genes which satisfy certain thresholds are used for pathway analysis. All the shortlisted genes are treated as equal ignoring the differences in p-values and fold changes. These genes are treated as independent entities and interactions among them are ignored for statistical pathway analysis. Hence, there is serious disconnect between the techniques employed and networked nature of the data. Various Pathway data ases have great degree of discordance on structure of pathway graphs. Many of the pathways are still far from complete. Current algorithms do not take into account this uncertainty. In this paper, we propose a theoretical frameworkPriusto overcome many limitations of current techniques. Prius perturbs the gene expression fold changes through interaction network and generates an ordered list of affected pathways. Thus, it integrates the networked nature of the data and provides facility to weigh each gene differently and in the process we do away with the need of arbitrary cut-offs. This framework is designed to be modular and provides the researchers with flexibility to plug analytical tools of their choice for every component. We also demonstrate effectiveness of our approach for personalized and cohort analysis of cancer gene expression samples with PageRank as one of the modules in the framework. The R package for Prius is available on GitHub.
Research on convertible bond pricing efficiency based on nonparametric fixed effect panel data model
Authors: Yan Honglei , Yang Suigen , zhao shengmin
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the pricing efficiency of convertible bonds and arbitrage opportunities between the convertible bonds and the underlying stocks thus improve market efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using nonparametric fixed effect panel data model, the authors build pricing model of convertible bonds and obtain fitted value for them. Then the authors constructs simultaneous confidence band for the smooth function to identify mispricing and study the pricing efficiency and arbitrage opportunities of convertible bonds.

Findings

– Result shows, convertible bonds’ prices largely depend on stock prices. Pricing efficiency does not improve during the past few years as there are quite a few trading opportunities. Arbitrage opportunities increase as the stock prices approach it maxima, and selling opportunities for convertible bonds surpass buying opportunities which indicates that investors use market neutral strategies to arbitrage. Pricing efficiencies varies a lot and it is affected by the features of the stocks and convertible bonds. Index stocks eligible for margin trading with high liquidity enjoy higher pricing efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

– The study does not take into account trading cost and risk management measures.

Practical/implications

– Arbitrage between the underlying and the convertible bonds is profitable and contributes to pricing efficiency therefore should be encouraged. The regulator should pay attention to the extreme mispricing of the underlying and convertible bonds which cannot be corrected by the market as there might be manipulation.

Originality/value

– Since traditional pricing methods are based on the framework of non-arbitrage equilibrium with the assumption of balanced and perfect market, there are many restrictions in the pricing process and the practical utility is somewhat limited, and the impractical assumptions lead to model risk. This study uses nonparametric regression to study the pricing of convertible bonds thus circumvents the problem of model risk. Simultaneous confidence band for smooth function identifies mispricing and explicitly reflects the variation of pricing efficiency as well as signalizes trading opportunities. Application of nonparametric regression and simultaneous confidence band in derivative pricing is advantageous in accuracy and simplicity.
Information risk, stock returns, and the cost of capital in China
Authors: Safdar Raheel , Yan Chen
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate information risk in relation to cost of capital and, also, whether information risk is a priced risk factor in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used accruals quality (AQ) as the measure of information risk and employed multiple regression analysis and Fama-Macbeth regressions to investigate association of AQ with cost of capital and future realized stock returns, respectively. Moreover, two-stage cross-sectional regression analysis is performed, both at firm and at portfolio levels, to test if an AQ factor is a priced risk factor in China.

Findings

– The authors found poor AQ being associated with higher cost of equity but this relationship is not significant in subsample of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The results do not support any association between AQ and cost of debt in China. Further, the authors found poor AQ being positively associated with future realized stock returns and the authors also found evidence of market pricing of an AQ factor in addition to existing factors in Fama-French three-factor model in firm level analysis. However, subsample analysis revealed that AQ is not priced in case of SOEs.

Research limitations/implications

– The study sample is comprised of A-Shares only and the generalization of the findings is limited by the peculiar institutional setup and other unique characteristics of Chinese capital market.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to literature by providing novel findings on the relationship between information risk and cost of capital in Chinese context and it provides further insight into how and if investors value information risk.
Parent-adolescent conflict and choice of conflict resolution strategy
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Nayak J. K.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of family communication patterns (FCPs) on adolescents’ choice of conflict resolution strategies during family holiday planning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is framed by and builds on the literature on the adolescents’ choice of conflict resolution strategies and the FCP. The sample was collected using a survey among 400 adolescents in India. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling have been used to analyse the data.

Findings

– The paper provides a significant relationship between FCP and the choice of conflict resolution strategies. The study findings suggested that adolescents’ choice of resolution strategy depends on the type of communication environment in the family. It has been seen that adolescents have more say in concept-oriented families and use different types of resolution strategies compared to socio-oriented families.

Practical implications

– The present study has considerable implications for the marketers and the academicians. Through FCP, marketers will be able to segment the families and, hence, may introduce efficient and competent marketing strategies and promotional campaigns.

Originality/value

– The paper offers insights into the choice of conflict resolution strategy by adolescents’ in different FCPs. The study has originality and offers value to marketers as it focuses on adolescents, and explores their perceptions about their influence during the decision process.