bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of seven portable Raman spectrometers: beryl as a case study
Authors: Jehlička Jan , Culka Adam , Bersani Danilo , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a series of beryl varieties with the accent on emeralds was investigated using seven portable Raman spectrometers equipped mainly with 785‐ and 532‐nm excitation lasers. Additionally, one dual system and a new portable sequentially shifted excitation Raman spectrometer were applied. The advantage of using handheld instrumentation for investigations to be carried out outside the laboratory is well documented. For major part of beryls (emeralds and aquamarines), the most intense Raman bands are found at correct positions +/−2 to 4 cm−1 using all the instruments (with the exception of one). Unambiguous identification of beryls is ensured by obtaining the strong characteristic of Raman features (1070 and 686 cm−1) of the whole spectrum. Spectroscopic performance and differences existing between the instruments not only from the construction and ergonomic point of view are discussed. All the instruments tested EzRaman‐I Dual (Enwave Optronics), RaPort (EnSpectr), FirstGuard (Rigaku), FirstDefender XL and FirstDefender RM (Thermo Scientific), Inspector Raman (Delta Nu) and Bravo (Bruker) can be used for common gemmological and mineralogical work in situ. Two instruments (the RaPort and the sequentially shifted excitation Raman spectrometer Bravo) allow recording excellent quality Raman spectra comparable with laboratory dispersive Raman microspectrometers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sol–gel‐adsorbent‐coated extraction needles to detect volatile compounds in spoiled fish
Authors: Bang Yejin , Hwang Yura , Lee Soyoung , Park Soomi , Bae Sunyoung
Published: July 2017

Volatile compounds generated by fish spoilage were investigated by an inside‐needle microextraction method followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. The inside of a needle was coated with an adsorbent to extract the target analytes from the headspace of the sample. The examined adsorbents included β‐cyclodextrin, polystyrene resin cross‐linked with 1% divinylbenzene, and polyethylene glycol mixed with polydimethylsiloxane. The investigated volatile compounds generated by fish spoilage were acetone, 2‐butanone, 2‐butanol, 2‐propanol, dimethyl disulfide, acetic acid, and benzaldehyde. The analysis conditions for the sorption and desorption processes were optimized. Each optimized condition was validated by determining the limit of detection and the limit of quantitation from the calibration curves, as well as the recovery, reproducibility, and concentration factors. As a result, all of the fabricated needles afforded successful recoveries, above 90%, with relative standard deviations below 10%. In particular, cyclodextrin and polystyrene resin cross‐linked with 1% divinylbenzene mixed with polydimethylsiloxane show good sensitivities and concentration factors for the standard volatile compounds. The storage of fresh mackerel and salted mackerel at room temperature for 14 days caused the concentrations of dimethyl disulfide and acetic acid to significantly increase while those of acetone, 2‐butanone, 2‐propanol, and 2‐butanol changed only slightly.
Simultaneous quantification of volitinib and gefitinib in rat plasma by HPLC–MS/MS for application to a pharmacokinetic study in rats
Authors: Noh Chi‐Kyoung , Lee Jong‐Hwa , Kim Min‐Soo , Maeng Han‐Joo , Chung Suk‐Jae
Published: July 2017

A rapid, simple, and accurate procedure was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of two anticancer agents, volitinib and gefitinib in rat plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The samples were separated by gradient elution from a cyano column within five minutes, using 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate solution (pH 3.0) as mobile phase. When plasma samples were deproteinated by adding methanol, the analytes in the extract were detected in the positive ionization mode with the tracer ion mass of 346.1 → 145.1 for volitinib and 446.8 → 128.1 for gefitinib. The assay was determined to be valid in the concentration ranges of 2 to 1000 ng/mL for volitinib, and of 1 to 500 ng/mL for gefitinib. Intra‐ and interday accuracies ranged from 88.0 to 104.7% for volitinib and from 90.3 to 101%, for gefitinib. The precision of the assay ranged from 2.1 to 9.71% for volitinib and 2.31 to 12.1% for gefitinib. This method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of volitinib and gefitinib after the administration of an intravenous or oral dose, indicating that the developed assay can be used to simultaneously determine the concentrations of volitinib and gefitinib in rat plasma.
New approach applying a pet fish air pump in liquid‐phase microextraction for the determination of Sudan dyes in food samples by HPLC
Authors: Sricharoen Phitchan , Limchoowong Nunticha , Techawongstien Suchila , Chanthai Saksit
Published: July 2017

A new approach applying a pet fish air pump is introduced to develop an extraction method, namely, air‐pump‐enhanced emulsion, followed by salt‐assisted emulsion breaking based on solidified floating organic drop microextraction for the extraction and preconcentration of Sudan I–IV before high‐performance liquid chromatography. The applicability of this method was successfully demonstrated by determination of these dyes in four chili products that include chili powder, chili oil, chili sauce, and chili paste. An enrichment factor of 62 was obtained only with a sample solution of 5 mL. A linear range of 0.5–2500 ng/mL was obtained with a limit of detection of 0.16–0.24 ng/mL and recovery of 90–110%. This method is superior to other liquid–liquid extraction methods, as is simple, rapid, environmental friendly, and its phase separation needs no centrifugation. It also needs no disperser solvent and requires less organic solvent, and satisfies the criteria to be called as a green extraction. Therefore, this facile extraction method can be successfully applied in the determination of Sudan dyes in food samples.
Mapping the scientific research on open data: A bibliometric review
Authors: Zhang Yun , Hua Weina , Yuan Shunbo
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a review of open data research based on bibliometric analysis of publications in Web of Science from 1998 to 2016. It shows that research on open data has grown rapidly since 2009 with the development of various open data initiatives. We identify the different themes using science mapping and performance analysis. The most important themes are semantic web, open government, and crowdsourcing. The basic and transversal themes are data sharing and public sector information. As for the emerging themes, these are Big Data and open government data. In addition, data journalism, monitoring, and recommender systems are specific themes that deserve special attention. The UK and the USA are the leading publishing countries, both in theoretical and practical research on open data. In China, most researchers focus on practical research, and there have been efforts to promote the development of open data. Papers introducing large‐scale projects receive more attention and citation quickly. Recently, researchers have been publishing more on objective topics, including possible issues and dilemmas in the era of Big Data and many problems such as budgets, ownership, licensing, culture, and sustainable development.
Four‐Phase Morphologies in Blends of ABC and BAC Triblock Terpolymers
Authors: Haenelt Taida Gil , Abetz Clarissa , Abetz Volker
Published: July 2017

It is investigated how binary blends of two asymmetric triblock terpolymers with the same type of monomers but different block sequences (ABC, BAC) and different block lengths lead to three new ABAC tetrablock terpolymer like morphologies. This study ascribes the formation of four microphases to a parallel chain orientation during the blend process. Because of the resultant spatial superposition, the B‐blocks of both block copolymers can mix into each other as well as both C‐blocks, whereas both A‐blocks form independent microphases. The self‐assembly of nine blends are studied. Their morphologies depend on the blending ratio and are monitored by transmission electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Besides single morphologies, also coexisting morphologies are obtained, indicating that different superstructures are stable within finite compositional ranges of the blends. This work demonstrates that blending of triblock terpolymers with different block sequence is another interesting way in the huge area of morphological engineering by blending of block copolymers, leading to new and even complex, tailored nanostructures.
The role of task meaning on output in groups: Experimental evidence
Authors: Bäker Agnes , Mechtel Mario
Published: July 2017

Previous research has shown a detrimental effect of low task meaning on individual work output. This paper analyzes whether peer settings are able to counteract this negative effect of low task meaning. First, our results confirm that a low level of task meaning decreases individual output when working alone. However, this effect vanishes completely when working in the presence of a peer. Our analysis implies that organizing work in peer settings might be particularly beneficial in work environments with a low level of task meaning.
Circular base loaded modified rectangular monopole radiator for super wideband application
Authors: Okas Piyush , Sharma Anand , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: July 2017

This letter investigates a circular base loaded modified rectangular monopole radiator. Two main aims of presented research article are: (a) to achieve super wide bandwidth with the help of circular base loaded rectangular monopole, tapered microstrip line feed and elliptical ground plane; (b) to increase bandwidth dimension ratio (BDR) with the help of modification in rectangular monopole. To authenticate the proposed radiator, prototype has been fabricated and measured. Experimental outcome shows that the proposed radiator operates over the frequency range from 0.96 to 13.98 GHz (VSWR < 2) with a bandwidth ratio of 14.56:1 and having fractional bandwidth of 174.29%. Bandwidth dimension ratio for proposed radiator is 7468.51. Time domain analysis has also been performed to support the applicability of proposed radiator in super wideband applications.
High efficiency 33–37 GHz 20 W GaN HEMT power amplifier MMIC
Authors: Tao Hong‐Qi , Hong Wei , Zhang Bin , Yu Xu‐Ming
Published: July 2017

A high efficiency Ka‐band GaN high power amplifier (HPA) utilizing 0.15‐μm gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) technology is presented in this letter. The MMIC is designed with load‐pull method, with the final stage matched to compromise between output power and power added efficiency (PAE). An output power of more than 43 dBm and a power added efficiency of more than 30% over the band of 33–37 GHz under a drain voltage of 24 V at 100 μs pulse‐width and 10% duty‐cycle have been achieved. The chip size is 2.8 mm × 3.4 mm (9.52 mm2).
Novel design of a compact RFID chipless tag at 860, 915 MHz, and 2.4 GHz bandwidth
Authors: Di Renna Roberto B. , Corrêa Carina R. B. , Magri Vanessa P. R. , Ferreira Tadeu N. , Silva Maurício W. B. , Matos Leni J. , Souza Jorge A. M.
Published: July 2017

This article presents a chipless radio frequency identification (RFID) tag which operates in the frequency span from 0.86 to 2.5 GHz. This new miniature chipless tag is developed to work for Brazilian RFID regulation. It does not require a ground plane and has a compact size of 85.50 × 53.98 mm2, comparable to a credit card. The tag has been measured in a bi and mono‐static arrangement with two double‐ridge horn antennas, with a significantly response at frequency range measurements.
2D microwave metallic photonic crystal point‐defect‐cavity resonator
Authors: Xie Chenglong , Chen Chun‐Ping , Anada Tetsuo
Published: July 2017

Novel microwave high‐Q point‐defect‐cavity (PDC) resonators based on metallic photonic crystals (M‐PhCs) are experimentally studied. After the illustration of the band structure of M‐PhCs, the first two resonant modes of a PDC are computed by supper‐cell methods. The results show that the Q‐value of M‐PhC PDCs is almost the same as that of the traditional waveguide cavity resonators. Moreover, the PDC is then fabricated and experimentally measured. The measured resonant frequencies and Q‐factors are compared with the calculated ones to validate our computation and show the property of the proposed PDC.
Bidirectional circularly polarized microstrip antenna using axis‐symmetrical cross‐shaped slotted ground
Authors: Noh Yoonsang , Shin Yooncheol , Lee Min‐Jae , Pyo Seongmin
Published: July 2017

This article proposes a new microstrip antenna design for realizing bidirectional opposite‐sense circular polarization. For bidirectional circularly polarized radiation, the identical electric field with quadrature phase relationship are utilized using the orthogonal feeding and the asymmetrical cross‐shaped ground slot perturbing element. The measurement results of the proposed antenna show in good agreement with the simulations of reflection coefficients, axial ratios, antenna gains, and radiation patterns.
Circularly polarized cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna excited by square ring slot with a T‐shaped microstrip line
Authors: Kumari Reena , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: July 2017

In this article, a cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) excited by a 45° rotated square ring slot with a T‐shaped coupling microstrip line is investigated for circularly polarized (CP) operation. The proposed antenna shows the dual band characteristics and the lower band is generated due to T‐Shaped microstrip line and upper band is due to CDRA. In the proposed antenna, the two degenerate broadside orthogonal modes (
mode and
mode) of the CDRA are used to realize CP radiation. The prototype of the proposed antenna has been fabricated and tested. The measured |S11| bandwidth in the lower and upper band is found to be 14.65 and 19.86%, respectively. The measured 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 1.46 and 6.01% is achieved in the upper band only. Proposed antenna has been found suitable for wireless application.
Scanning range increase of microstrip dipole phased array by parasitic strips
Authors: Guo Jiajia , Xiao Shaoqiu , Wang Bing‐Zhong
Published: July 2017

In this article, a novel method is introduced to improve the scanning range of the conventional microstrip dipole phased array with half wavelength element spacing. Parasitic strips are used beside every microstrip dipole in the phased array, which not only influence the performance of the microstrip dipole, but also increase the mutual coupling among the elements. The active element pattern of each element is changed as needed because of parasitic strips and mutual coupling, and then the 3‐dB scanning range of the phased array is increased. 1 × 6 microstrip dipole phased array with and without parasitic strips have been designed and fabricated. The measurement results show that they both have good performance on the reflection coefficient at 5.75 GHz and the 3‐dB scanning range is increased from ±40° to ±52°. This method has the advantage that the element size, array size, and profile can all keep unchanged. Meanwhile, the designed array is low‐cost.
Double‐layer broadband circular polarizer based on fission transmission of linear polarization for ku‐band applications
Authors: Mangi Farman Ali , Xiao Shaoqiu , Yao Zhixin , Imran Memon , Kakepoto Ghulam Fatima
Published: July 2017

A double‐layer broadband circular polarizer based on fission transmission of linear polarized (FTLP) for Ku‐band applications is presented. Firstly, the novel approach of “fission transmission of linear polarization” is introduced to investigate the polarization transformation behaviour (giant CD effect and optical activity) for linear‐to‐circular polarization. The designed structure achieves broadband circularly polarized wave with asymmetric transmission (AT) wave emission under the principle of (FTLP). The proposed structure achieves a right‐handed circularly polarized (RHCP) wave at 13.94–15.70 GHz, respectively. The axial ratio bandwidth of 11.76% is obtained from 13.94 to 15.70 GHz. The simulated and measured results exhibit good correspondence.
RWG‐integrated SIW splitter for large scale SATCOM phased array applications
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Wael M. , Al‐Saedi Hussam , Safavi‐Naeini Safieddin
Published: July 2017

In this article, the hybrid transition power splitter, which consists of metallic rectangular waveguide and substrate integrated waveguide, is presented for large‐scale millimeter‐wave antenna array broad band mobile satellite communication system. The power is coupled between the RWG and the SIW through two center‐slot transition, one etched on the SIW ground plane and the other cut through metallic RWG narrow side wall. The two‐way RWG‐SIW transition splitter was designed and simulated; then the four‐way splitter was designed, fabricated, and tested. The measured results show good agreements with the simulated ones and the measured return and insertion loss better than 10 and ∼1.50 dB were experimentally achieved over the band 28.70–30.20 GHz, respectively.
An ultra‐thin compact polarization insensitive dual band absorber based on metamaterial for X‐band applications
Authors: Kumari Khusboo , Mishra Naveen , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar
Published: July 2017

In this article, an ultra‐thin compact polarization insensitive dual band absorber based on metamaterial for X‐band applications has been presented. The unit cell of proposed absorber structure consists of resonator I and resonator II printed on the top of metal backed FR4 epoxy dielectric substrate of thickness 0.6 mm. The proposed structure offers two absorption peaks at the frequency of 8.51 and 9.12 GHz with peak absorption value of 99.33 and 99.49%, respectively. The FWHM bandwidth of proposed absorber structure at 8.51 GHz is 400 MHz (8.33 −8.73 GHz) and at 9.12 GHz is 430 MHz (8.89–9.32 GHz). The absorptivity of the designed absorber structure has been also investigated under various polarization and oblique incident angles. The absorption behavior of the designed absorber structure has been studied by illustrating electric field and surface current distribution plots. Additionally, the absorption behavior of the proposed absorber structure has been also explained using input impedance plot. Dispersion diagram plot has been used to explain the metamaterial property of the designed absorber structure. The proposed absorber structure shows compactness of 0.173λo and 0.185λo and exhibits ultra‐thin thickness of 0.017λo and 0.018λo with respect to the absorption peaks of 8.51 and 9.12 GHz, respectively. To perform the experimental measurement, the proposed absorber structure has been fabricated. It is seen that the measured result shows good agreement with the simulated one.
The diffuse Nitsche method: Dirichlet constraints on phase‐field boundaries
Authors: Nguyen Lam H. , Stoter Stein K.F. , Ruess Martin , Sanchez Uribe Manuel A. , Schillinger Dominik
Published: July 2017

We explore diffuse formulations of Nitsche's method for consistently imposing Dirichlet boundary conditions on phase‐field approximations of sharp domains. Leveraging the properties of the phase‐field gradient, we derive the variational formulation of the diffuse Nitsche method by transferring all integrals associated with the Dirichlet boundary from a geometrically sharp surface format in the standard Nitsche method to a geometrically diffuse volumetric format. We also derive conditions for the stability of the discrete system and formulate a diffuse local eigenvalue problem, from which the stabilization parameter can be estimated automatically in each element. We advertise metastable phase‐field solutions of the Allen‐Cahn problem for transferring complex imaging data into diffuse geometric models. In particular, we discuss the use of mixed meshes, that is, an adaptively refined mesh for the phase‐field in the diffuse boundary region and a uniform mesh for the representation of the physics‐based solution fields. We illustrate accuracy and convergence properties of the diffuse Nitsche method and demonstrate its advantages over diffuse penalty‐type methods. In the context of imaging‐based analysis, we show that the diffuse Nitsche method achieves the same accuracy as the standard Nitsche method with sharp surfaces, if the inherent length scales, ie, the interface width of the phase‐field, the voxel spacing, and the mesh size, are properly related. We demonstrate the flexibility of the new method by analyzing stresses in a human vertebral body.
Simulation and experimental validation of the effect of material and processing parameters on the injection stage of compression resin transfer molding
Authors: Baskaran Maider , Aretxabaleta Laurentzi , Mateos Modesto , Aurrekoetxea Jon
Published: July 2017

The effects of gap thickness, injection flow rate, overflow percentage, initial fiber content, and resin viscosity on the resin distribution at the end of the injection stage of compression resin transfer molding have been studied. Experimental results have shown that in all the cases, a certain amount of resin penetrates the preform, contrary to the extended hypothesis that the resin flows exclusively through the gap. Furthermore, resin distribution is not homogeneous and the penetration depth varies depending on the distance from the injection point, being deeper near the inlet point. Simulation results based on the quantitative analysis of the amount of resin penetrating into the preform demonstrates that the most influent parameters are the initial fiber content, the gap percentage and the overflow percentage. In fact, the ratio between the permeability of the gap and the preform (r) governs the tendency of the resin to flow through the gap or to penetrate into the preform. Increasing r reduces the amount of resin which penetrates into the preform, but there is an upper asymptotic limit from which no differences are noted. Finally, simulation results have also demonstrated that the preform compression can be neglected during the injection stage, as the pressure into the preform is low. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4333–4340, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Matrix tacticity controlled tuning of microstructure, constitutive behavior and rheological percolation effect of melt‐mixed amino‐functionalized MWCNT/PP nanocomposites
Authors: Das Dibyendu , Sethy Sucharita , Satapathy Bhabani K.
Published: July 2017

Amino‐functionalized multi walled nanotube (MWCNT‐NH2) filled isotactic PP and isotactic‐syndiotactic (70:30) mixed PP based melt‐mixed nanocomposites have been comparatively evaluated with regard to morphological, rheological and thermo‐mechanical properties. The ratio of mean free space lengths (Lf) to infiltrated mean free space lengths (Linf) between nanotubes in isotactic‐syndiotactic (70:30) blended matrix based nanocomposites increased relatively indicating a dispersed‐morphology. The rheological percolation threshold increased up to a higher extent of MWCNT‐NH2 loading (from øc ∼ 2.3 × 10−4 in isotactic to øc ∼ 11 × 10−4 in iso‐syndio blend) accompanied with the formation of a mechanically responsive network structure. van‐GurpPalmen plot showed a transition in the rheological response as a consequence of network morphology getting shifted to higher concentration of MWCNT‐NH2 in the isotactic‐syndiotactic mixed PP based nanocomposites than in the isotactic based one. Constitutive modeling of complex viscosity response of the nanocomposites led to functional correlation between the percolation and relaxation dynamics of polymer chains. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1115–1126, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Control of thermoresponsivity of biocompatible poly(trimethylene carbonate) with direct introduction of oligo(ethylene glycol) under various circumstances
Authors: Chanthaset Nalinthip , Takahashi Yoshikazu , Haramiishi Yoshiaki , Akashi Mitsuru , Ajiro Hiroharu
Published: July 2017

Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) is a well‐known biodegradable polymer with good biocompatible properties which make it suitable for biomedical applications. Poly(5‐[2‐{2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethyoxy}‐ethoxymethyl]‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxa‐2‐one) (PTMC‐MOE3OM) and copolymers, bearing oligo ethylene glycol (OEG) at the side chain of PTMC backbone, were selected to investigate the cloud point behavior by solvents such as PBS, water, 10% ethanol solution and various ionic strengths. A pH‐responsive copolymer, poly(TMCM‐MOE3OM‐co‐(5‐methyl‐5‐carboxylic‐1,3‐dioxane‐2‐one)) as carboxylic acid carbonate showed a decreased critical temperature at pH 2. Photo‐responsive copolymer, poly(TMCM‐MOE3OM‐co‐coumarin derivatives) bearing 1% and 10% of photo‐induced molecules (7‐[(5‐(5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxa‐2‐one)methoxy)]‐methoxy coumarin (TMCM‐coumarin)) exhibited a low cloud point because of the hydrophobic moieties. Meanwhile, alternative coumarin polymer including 2% of 4‐methyl‐7‐[(5‐(5‐methyl‐1,3‐dioxa‐2‐one)methoxy)butoxy)]‐methoxy coumarin (TMCM‐4‐methyl‐coumarin) has been successfully synthesized and copolymerized as a novel molecule. The various combinations of monomers were studied and the significant properties were determined via external triggers after copolymerization. This study showed basically synthetic progress toward designs and trivial rationalization of thermoresponsive copolymers close to body temperature. At present, various pendant groups as side part affect to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and biodegradable polymer in order to utilize the actual external stimuli application. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3466–3474
Prevalence and initial prescription of psychotropics in patients with common cancers in Japan, based on a nationwide health insurance claims database
Authors: Sato Izumi , Onishi Hideki , Yamada Shuhei , Kawakami Koji
Published: July 2017

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of psychotropic medication use and identify factors affecting the prescription of psychotropics among patients newly diagnosed with any of 8 common types of cancer.

Methods

This retrospective descriptive study examined data for patients newly diagnosed with breast, colorectal, liver, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, or stomach cancer between July 2009 and May 2014. The data were derived from a nationwide health claims database. The proportion of initial prescriptions for all oral psychotropics within 13 months of cancer diagnosis was analyzed by cancer type; the odds ratio (OR) for prescribing psychotropics was calculated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 14 661 patients were newly diagnosed with cancer. Psychotropics were prescribed for 6593 (45%) patients. The highest and lowest proportions of psychotropic prescriptions were recorded for patients with lung cancer (62.6%) and prostate cancer (35.1%), respectively. The strongest predictors for psychotropic prescriptions were chemotherapy (OR, 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.31–2.91; P < .001), lung cancer (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 2.16–2.83; P < .001), and surgery (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.97–2.28; P < .001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of and predictors for an initial prescription of psychotropics identified a potential target population of cancer patients requiring psychiatric treatment, particularly soon after a diagnosis of cancer.
Accurate template‐based modeling in CASP12 using the IntFOLD4‐TS, ModFOLD6, and ReFOLD methods
Authors: McGuffin Liam J. , Shuid Ahmad N. , Kempster Robert , Maghrabi Ali H.A. , Nealon John O. , Salehe Bajuna R. , Atkins Jennifer D. , Roche Daniel B.
Published: July 2017

Our aim in CASP12 was to improve our Template‐Based Modeling (TBM) methods through better model selection, accuracy self‐estimate (ASE) scores and refinement. To meet this aim, we developed two new automated methods, which we used to score, rank, and improve upon the provided server models. Firstly, the ModFOLD6_rank method, for improved global Quality Assessment (QA), model ranking and the detection of local errors. Secondly, the ReFOLD method for fixing errors through iterative QA guided refinement. For our automated predictions we developed the IntFOLD4‐TS protocol, which integrates the ModFOLD6_rank method for scoring the multiple‐template models that were generated using a number of alternative sequence‐structure alignments. Overall, our selection of top models and ASE scores using ModFOLD6_rank was an improvement on our previous approaches. In addition, it was worthwhile attempting to repair the detected errors in the top selected models using ReFOLD, which gave us an overall gain in performance. According to the assessors' formula, the IntFOLD4 server ranked 3rd/5th (average Z‐score > 0.0/–2.0) on the server only targets, and our manual predictions (McGuffin group) ranked 1st/2nd (average Z‐score > −2.0/0.0) compared to all other groups.
A comparison using Faraday cups with 1013 Ω amplifiers and a secondary electron multiplier to measure Os isotopes by negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Guiqin , Sun Tiantian , Xu Jifeng
Published: July 2017

Rationale

According to the Johnson‐Nyquist noise equation, the value of electron noise is proportional to the square root of the resistor value. This relationship gives a theoretical improvement of
in the signal/noise ratio by going from 1011 Ω to 1013 Ω amplifiers for Faraday detection in thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS).

Methods

We measured Os isotopes using static Faraday cups with 1013 Ω amplifiers in negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (NTIMS) and compared the results with those obtained with 1011 Ω amplifiers and by peak‐hopping on a single secondary electron multiplier (SEM). We analysed large loads of Os (1 μg) at a range of intensities of 187OsO3 (0.02–10 mV) in addition to small loads of Os (5–500 pg) to compare the results of the three methods.

Results

Using 1013 Ω amplifiers, the long‐term reproducibility determined from Merck Os was 187Os/188Os = 0.1211 ± 0.0086 and 0.120229 ± 0.000034 at 0.02 mV and 10 mV of 187OsO3 intensities. Meanwhile, the analysed JMC Os loadings of 5 and 500 pg showed 187Os/188Os = 0.10669 ± 0.00036 and 0.106807 ± 0.000023. In comparison, the values measured by the SEM were 187Os/188Os = 0.10704 ± 0.00056 and 0.10690 ± 0.00013. All errors are in 2 standard deviation (SD).

Conclusions

Both the accuracy and the precision determined using the 1013 Ω amplifiers and the SEM are identical when the Os amounts are within 10–50 pg. However, the former analysis time can be shortened by approximately two‐thirds. The SEM measurement is still the most precise method for Os amounts <10 pg, but the analyses using 1013 Ω amplifiers suggest they are significantly better than the SEM for Os amounts >50 pg.
Supervisory adaptive fault‐tolerant control against actuator failures with application to an aircraft
Authors: Ouyang Hupo , Lin Yan
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a supervisory adaptive fault‐tolerant control scheme is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with multiple inputs. The multiple inputs are the outputs of an actuator group that may act either on one control surface or on multiple control surfaces and may fail during operation. With some actuator groups as backups, the supervisory adaptive control includes 2 modes: the adaptive compensation mode and the switching mode. The former is used to compensate for the failure of an actuator group as long as at least one actuator of the group works normally, and the latter, to switch the controller from a failed group to a healthy one when the failure is detected by one of the monitoring functions that are constructed to supervise some variables related to system stability. It is shown that with the proposed scheme, all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded, and prescribed transient and steady state performance of the tracking error can be guaranteed. An aircraft example is used to demonstrate the application of the proposed scheme.
Mechanical properties of plasma‐treated carbon fiber reinforced PTFE composites with CNT
Authors: Ronghao Li , Keqiang Li , Haiyong Tian , Jianmin Xue , Shaoquan Liu
Published: July 2017

This paper is concerned with the effects of the plasma surface treatment and the addition of CNT on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite. The tensile and flexural strength of composites containing CNT and plasma‐treated carbon fibers improved. The flexural strength first decreases with respect to the CF content. The flexural strength increases to 179 MPa for the plasma‐treated composite as compared with 167 MPa for the neat carbon fiber composites. The overall improvement is thus nearly 8%.
The Hartung‐Knapp modification for random‐effects meta‐analysis: A useful refinement but are there any residual concerns?
Authors: Jackson Dan , Law Martin , Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido
Published: July 2017

The modified method for random‐effects meta‐analysis, usually attributed to Hartung and Knapp and also proposed by Sidik and Jonkman, is easy to implement and is becoming advocated for general use. Here, we examine a range of potential concerns about the widespread adoption of this method. Motivated by these issues, a variety of different conventions can be adopted when using the modified method in practice. We describe and investigate the use of a variety of these conventions using a new taxonomy of meta‐analysis datasets. We conclude that the Hartung and Knapp modification may be a suitable replacement for the standard method. Despite this, analysts who advocate the modified method should be ready to defend its use against the possible objections to it that we present. We further recommend that the results from more conventional approaches should be used as sensitivity analyses when using the modified method. It has previously been suggested that a common‐effect analysis should be used for this purpose but we suggest amending this recommendation and argue that a standard random‐effects analysis should be used instead.
Photoreduction Dependent p‐ and n‐Type Semiconducting Field‐Effect Transistor Properties in Undoped Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Takehira Hiroshi , Islam Md. Saidul , Karim Mohammad Razaul , Shudo Yuta , Ohtani Ryo , Lindoy Leonard F. , Taniguchi Takaaki , Osada Minoru , Hayami Shinya
Published: July 2017

Both p‐ and n‐type field effect transistors (FET) properties have been observed in undoped reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Short and long time exposure of GO during photo reduction results in the formation of respective p‐ and n‐type rGO semiconductor. Achieving duel behavior of this type in an undoped material is exceedingly unusual. Herein we report the presence of such behavior in the reduced from of graphene oxide (rGO) for the first time.
Mercury in archeological hair samples from Xiongnu burials (Noin‐Ula, Mongolia): SR XRF and CXRM analysis
Authors: Zvereva V.V. , Trunova V.A. , Sorokoletov D.S. , Polosmak N.V.
Published: July 2017

A technique has been developed for determining mercury content in the concentration range of 1–1000 μg/g in hair samples by X‐ray fluorescence analysis using synchrotron radiation (synchrotron radiation X‐ray fluorescence, Siberian Synchrotron and Terahertz Radiation Center, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS). The mercury content was identified in archeological hair samples from an ancient burial of Xiongnu nobility (Mongolia, mound 22, 1st century BC–1st century AD); the content values were elevated (up to 1100 μg/g) in all the samples (n = 41). An X‐ray microanalysis using polycapillary lenses in a confocal scheme (confocal X‐ray microscopy station) was developed at the Synchrotron radiation X‐ray fluorescence to establish mercury distribution in a cross section of hair shaft with a spatial resolution of 5 μm. The findings of the study make it possible to assume exogenous income of mercury (from the burial environment) to the hair.
A Simple Method for the Reliable Prediction of Char Yield of Polymers
Authors: Atabaki Fariborz , Keshavarz Mohammad Hossein , Noorollahy Bastam Naser
Published: July 2017

Two simple models are introduced to predict the char yield of different polymers. The first model is based on the basis of the number of some atoms in the repeat units that may contain chemical groups/moieties such as methyl, phenyl, carbonyl, ether, amide, and ester. The second model uses some molecular fragments beside elemental composition to derive more reliable correlation. In contrast to available Quantitative Structure – Property Relationships (QSPR) methodology, there is no need to use complex molecular descriptors, computer codes and expert users. Two models were constructed on the basis of the measured char yield of 111 polymers and compared with the predicted results of group additivity method. The root mean square (RMS) deviations of the first and second models are 12.6 and 7.2, which are lower than those predicted by two group additivity methods, i.e. 16.3. The new models were tested for 11 new synthesized polymers, where the RMS values are lower than those obtained by group additivity method.
Laparoscopic Treatment in Children with Hydatid Cyst of the Liver
Authors: Minaev Sergey V. , Gerasimenko Igor N. , Kirgizov Igor V. , Shamsiev Azamat M. , Bykov Nikolay I. , Shamsiev Jamshid A. , Mashchenko Alina N.
Published: July 2017

Background

There is no consensus on the surgical treatment of children with hydatid cyst of the liver (HCL). We evaluated the outcomes of laparoscopic and open surgery for childhood HCL.

Methods

We performed 81 open surgery and laparoscopic procedures in 37 (45.7%) boys and 44 (54.3%) girls with HCL (mean age 9.3 ± 2.1 years) who were assigned to a main group (laparoscopy, n = 21) and a control group (open surgery, n = 60). Clinical assessments, surgical durations, complications, and postoperative outcomes were investigated. Cyst types in the two groups were I (Gharbi)/CE 1 (WHO‐IWGE), 71.4 and 58.3%, respectively; II/CE 2, 19.1 and 25.0%, respectively; and III/CE 3, 9.5 and 16.7%, respectively. The parasitic hydatid cysts were located mostly in the right liver lobe in both the main and control groups (90.4 and 80.0%, respectively).

Results

Hospital stays were significantly (p < 0.05) longer in patients in the control group (12.1 ± 1.5 vs. 5.6 ± 2.2 days). Operation time was significantly (p < 0.01) shorter for the main group (90.1 ± 7.8 vs. 120.6 ± 5.3 min). Local complications (residual cavity infection, biliary fistula) occurred in 21.6% of patients in the control group and 14.3% in the main group. Each was treated, and none recurred. There were no apparent systemic complications.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgical treatment for children with HCL is safe in compliance with all classic open surgery principles. The laparoscopic technique offered a shorter duration of the surgical effects and markedly fewer postoperative complications.
Effect of Polyhydric Alcohols, Surfactants, Emollients and Emulsifiers on Phase Behaviors of Ternary Fatty Acid Soap Solutions
Authors: Li Fangfang , Tang Xiaoqin , Chen Minghua , Zhang Wanping
Published: July 2017

The effects of polyhydric alcohols (glycerol, propylene glycol), surfactants (SLES, CAPB, APG), emollients (stearic acid, IPM, Cetiol CC, Cetiol HE) and emulsifiers (Simusol 165, S1170) on the phase behavior of fatty acid soaps prepared with lauric acid, myristic acid and stearic acid mixtures (25% total fatty acids) were studied. Phase behaviors were analyzed by pH, viscosity, turbidity, clarity, polarization optical microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the composition of ternary fatty acid mixtures plays a decisive role in the phase behavior of soap solutions. An increase in the level of steric acid promotes the formation of the Liq + Crystal phase. Polyhydric alcohols made the liquid‐phase (liquid micelle phase) region larger. Surfactants also increased the liquid‐phase region by solubilizing insoluble fatty acid soaps. Liquid‐phase soap systems were stable for at least 2 months. Emollients were solubilized by fatty acid soap micelles leading to the formation of the Cub + Hex and Liq + Lam phases. Emulsifiers showed excellent solubilizing properties in the system of fatty acid soaps and emollients. The liquid‐phase region became larger, reducing the Cub + Hex phase region and keeping the Liq + Crystal phase more compact and stable. The Cub + Hex phase and Liq + Lam phase were metastable with the system eventually separating into multiple phases over time.
Reflection on Lessons Learned: An Analysis of the Adverse Outcomes Observed During the Hurricane Rita Evacuation
Authors: Baker Karen
Published: July 2017

In September 2005, nearly 3.7 million people evacuated the Texas coastline in advance of Hurricane Rita’s landfall, making the event the largest emergency evacuation in US history. The Rita evacuation underscored the importance of planning for domestic mass-evacuation events, as the evacuation itself led to over 100 of the at least 119 deaths attributed to the storm. In the days preceding Rita’s landfall, several cascading, interrelated circumstances precipitated such adverse outcomes. This article explores the series of events leading up to the evacuation’s poor outcomes, the response following Rita to amend evacuation plans, and how Texas successfully implemented these changes during later storms to achieve better outcomes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:115–120)
An Online Multi-Access Identification Key to the Propagules of Selected Biosecurity-Relevant Asteraceae (Daisy or Sunflower Family)
Authors: Schmidt-Lebuhn Alexander N. , Norton Gertraud
Published: July 2017

Exotic weed propagules (seeds or fruits) often contaminate goods intended for import into Australia. Biosecurity officers must identify such propagules to manage risks, prevent incursions, and decide on potentially costly actions such as cleaning, treating, or destroying cargo. According to observations made by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, more than 20% of the propagules found by biosecurity officers currently cannot be identified. By far the most important weed families contributing to seed load of imported goods are the grass family (Poaceae) and the daisy family (Asteraceae), accounting together for approximately 80% of cases. To facilitate fast and secure identification, increase the capabilities of biosecurity staff, and reduce the risk of weed incursions, we have developed an interactive digital identification key to the propagules of an initial priority list of 43 species of Asteraceae.
Continuity of the North Qilian and North Altun orogenic belts of NW China: evidence from newly discovered Palaeozoic low-Mg and high-Mg adakitic rocks
Authors: YU SHENG-YAO , ZHANG JIAN-XIN , LI SAN-ZHONG , SUN DE-YOU , PENG YIN-BIAO , ZHAO XI-LIN
Published: July 2017

In this study, the petrology, zircon U–Pb ages, Lu–Hf isotopic compositions, whole-rock geochemistry and Sr–Nd isotopes for newly recognized low-Mg and high-Mg adakitic rocks from the North Altun orogenic belt were determined. The results will provide important insights for understanding the continuities of the North Qilian and North Altun orogenic belts during early Palaeozoic time. The low-Mg adakitic granitoids (445 to 439 Ma) are characterized by high SiO2(69–70 wt %), low Mg no. (43–48) and low Cr and Ni contents. In contrast, the high-Mg adakitic granitoids (425 to 422 Ma) have relatively lower SiO2(65–67 wt %), higher Mg no. (60–62) and higher Cr and Ni contents. The low-Mg adakitic rocks have high initial87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7073–0.7084), negative εNd(t) (−1.9 to −4.0) and εHf(t) values (−6.8 to −2.0), and old zircon Hf model ages (1.4–1.7 Ga). In contrast, the high-Mg adakitic rocks show lower initial87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7044–0.7057), higher εNd(t) (−0.7 to 3.1) and positive εHf(t) values (2.0 to 6.9), with younger zircon Hf model ages (0.9–1.2 Ga). These results suggest that the low-Mg adakitic rocks were probably generated by the partial melting of thickened crust, whereas the high-Mg adakitic rocks were derived from the anatexis of delaminated lower crust, which subsequently interacted with mantle magma upon ascent. The data obtained in this study provide significant information about the geological and tectonic processes after the closure of the Altun Ocean. The continent–continent collision and thickening probably occurred during 450–440 Ma with the formation of low-Mg adakitic rocks, and the transition of the tectonic regime from compression to extension probably occurred at 425–422 Ma with the formation of high-Mg adakitic rocks. The geochemical, geochronological and petrogenetic similarities between the North Altun and North Qilian adakitic rocks suggest that these two orogenic belts were subjected to similar tectonomagmatic processes during early Palaeozoic times.
Conservation of the largest cervid of South America: interactions between people and the Vulnerable marsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus
Authors: Iezzi M. Eugenia , Fracassi Natalia G. , Pereira Javier A.
Published: July 2017

Wild ungulates, and particularly deer, can cause severe damage to commercial plantations, resulting in reduced tolerance of their presence by forestry producers. The marsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus, categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, is declining throughout South America. A population of c. 500 individuals survive within a matrix of commercial plantations in the lower delta of the Paraná River, the southernmost stronghold for the species. Local forestry producers usually report that damage to plantations is attributable to marsh deer, thus justifying persecution of the species. Seventy-six forestry producers (representing c. 33% of the total plantation area of the lower delta) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to assess perceived levels of tree damage, associated economic losses, and attitudes towards the deer. Simultaneously, plantation stands were surveyed to quantify the actual tree damage caused by this ungulate. Seventy-six percent of producers reported damage to trees by deer (i.e. browsing, fraying caused by antler rubbing) but most of them perceived low levels of damage per property (median < 0.2%), with negligible economic effects. However, 5% of producers (all of them with ≤ 2 km2 in production, usually family enterprises) perceived high levels of damage and economic losses, and supported deer hunting as a management option. Field surveys indicated that damage caused by deer could be more severe than perceived by producers, although spatially confined within the landscape. Monitoring of damage perception by forestry producers, and compensation schemes to assist small producers are necessary for adequate management of this threatened marsh deer population.
Maximal Steiner Trees in the Stochastic Mean-Field Model of Distance
Authors: DAVIDSON A. , GANESH A.
Published: July 2017

Consider the complete graph on n vertices, with edge weights drawn independently from the exponential distribution with unit mean. Janson showed that the typical distance between two vertices scales as log n/n, whereas the diameter (maximum distance between any two vertices) scales as 3 log n/n. Bollobás, Gamarnik, Riordan and Sudakov showed that, for any fixed k, the weight of the Steiner tree connecting k typical vertices scales as (k − 1)log n/n, which recovers Janson's result for k = 2. We extend this to show that the worst case k-Steiner tree, over all choices of k vertices, has weight scaling as (2k − 1)log n/n and finally, we generalize this result to Steiner trees with a mixture of typical and worst case vertices.