bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Transformative Learning at the Cultural Interface: Insights From Successful Aboriginal University Students
Authors: Hill Braden , Winmar Grantley , Woods Jenna
Published: September 2018

Transformative learning theory articulates a process whereby students experience a change in perspectives that expands and transforms their worldview. Despite being well established and regarded within the literature relating to adult and continuing education, Mezirow's (1978) seminal education theory remains largely absent in the research relating to Indigenous higher education. This study explores the transformative impact of university learning on the student journeys of three Aboriginal graduates from a Western Australian university. Applying a collaborative auto-ethnographic approach, each author-participant's personal narrative of their student experience was exposed to comparative, thematic and critical analysis. It was found that each author had faced similar cognitive and emotional challenges at university. Significantly, it emerged that university had changed the author-participants’ identities in ways that aligned with Mezirow's transformative learning construct. The narrative data also revealed elements that appeared related to the students’ negotiation of Nakata's cultural interface. A dominant theme in the data referred to the relationships formed during university, as being integral to transformation. Furthermore, family was understood to have a paradoxical influence on their educational journey. The insights garnered from this study prompt further consideration as to how transformative learning theory might be mobilised at the cultural interface.
The Impact of the 1896 Factory and Shops Act on the Labor Market of Victoria, Australia
Authors: Seltzer Andrew J. , Borland Jeff
Published: September 2018

This article examines the effects of the Victorian Factory and Shops Act, the first minimum wage law in Australia. The Act differed from modern minimum wage laws in that it established Special Boards, which set trade-specific minimum wage schedules. We use trade-level data on average wages and employment by gender and age to examine the effects of minimum wages. Although the minimum wages were binding, we find that the effects on employment were modest, at best. We speculate that this was because the Special Boards, which were comprised of industry insiders, closely matched the labor market for their trades.
Shelf versus Traditional Seasoned Equity Offerings: The Impact of Potential Short Selling
Authors: Dutordoir Marie , Strong Norman , Sun Ping
Published: September 2018

Traditional seasoned equity offerings (SEOs) elicit short selling from traders trying to increase offering discounts. Such short selling is more difficult for shelf offerings because the time between their announcement and issuance tends to be shorter. We predict and find that firms with higher short-selling potential (SSP) are more likely to choose shelf over traditional SEOs. This result is robust to alternative proxies for SSP and other sensitivity tests. Further analysis suggests that shelf issuers aim to mitigate the threat of manipulative short selling. Our findings add to a growing literature showing that short selling has a real impact on corporate finance decisions.
Mamma Mia – A randomized controlled trial of an internet-based intervention for perinatal depression
Authors: Haga Silje Marie , Drozd Filip , Lisøy Carina , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Slinning Kari
Published: September 2018

Background

Studies suggest that 10–15% of perinatal women experience depressive symptoms. Due to the risks, problems with detection, and barriers to treatment, effective universal preventive interventions are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an automated internet intervention (‘Mamma Mia’) on perinatal depressive symptoms. Mamma Mia is tailored specifically to the perinatal phase and targets risk and protective factors for perinatal depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 1342 pregnant women were randomized to an intervention (‘Mamma Mia’) and control group. Data were collected at gestational week (gw) 21–25, gw37, 6 weeks after birth, and 3 and 6 months after birth. We investigated whether (1) the intervention group displayed lower levels of depressive symptoms compared with the control group, (2) the effect of Mamma Mia changed over time, (3) the effect on depressive symptoms was moderated by baseline depressive symptoms, previous depression, and parity, and (4) this moderation changed by time. Finally, we examined if the prevalence of mothers with possible depression [i.e. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)-score ⩾10] differed between the intervention and control group.

Results

Participants in the Mamma Mia group displayed less depressive symptoms than participants in the control group during follow-up [F(1) = 7.03, p = 0.008]. There were indications that the effect of Mamma Mia was moderated by EPDS score at baseline. The prevalence of women with EPDS-score ⩾10 was lower in the Mamma Mia group at all follow-up measurements.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the effects of the automated web-based universal intervention Mamma Mia on perinatal depressive symptoms.
Efficacy of Halauxifen-Methyl on Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis)
Authors: McCauley Cara L. , Johnson William G. , Young Bryan G.
Published: September 2018

Halauxifen-methyl is a new synthetic auxin herbicide for control of broadleaf weeds, including preplant applications for corn (Zea maysL.) or soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.]. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of halauxifen-methyl in comparison to the current auxin standards, 2,4-D and dicamba, on glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed (Erigeron canadensisL.) at different plant heights. In field experiments, a foliar application of halauxifen-methyl at the recommended use rate of 5 g ae ha−1resulted in 81% control. Dicamba applied at 280 g ae ha−1provided a comparable level of efficacy of 80%, while 2,4-D at 560 g ae ha−1resulted in 49% control. The addition of glyphosate improved GRE. canadensiscontrol with 2,4-D more than with halauxifen-methyl or dicamba, possibly due to the higher level of control observed with halauxifen-methyl or dicamba alone. Even though applied at 50 to 100 times lower application rates, the efficacy of halauxifen-methyl onE. canadensiswas similar to dicamba and greater than 2,4-D. Thus, halauxifen-methyl should be an effective tool for management of GRE. canadensisbefore planting both conventional and herbicide-resistant soybean varieties, and it precludes the extended preplant application interval required for dicamba in some soybean management systems.
Psychiatrische Intensivbetreuung auf dem Weg zur Standardisierung
Authors: Hohl Dimitri , Rabenschlag Franziska
Published: September 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Intensivbetreuungen in der psychiatrischen Pflege stehen immer mehr im Fokus der Pflegewissenschaften. Im vorliegenden Beitrag haben wir die aktuelle Literatur gesichtet.
Budgeting Ozone-Depleting Emissions from Coastal Tidal Marshes
Authors: Sidder Aaron
Published: September 2018

Brackish wetlands and their salt-tolerant vegetation are significant methyl halide emitters. The natural emissions add chlorine and bromine to the stratosphere, which break down ozone.
Ionospheric Scintillation Fading Coefficients for the GPS L1, L2, and L5 Frequencies
Authors: de O. Moraes Alison , Vani Bruno C. , Costa Emanoel , Sousasantos Jonas , Abdu Mangalathayil A. , Rodrigues Fabiano , Gladek Yuri C. , de Oliveira César B. A. , Monico João F. Galera
Published: September 2018

The terrestrial ionosphere over low‐latitude regions presents the unique phenomena of the equatorial ionization anomaly (characterized by global maximum in plasma concentration) and plasma‐depleted regions known as equatorial plasma bubbles and associated smaller‐scale plasma irregularities. Transionospheric radio signals such as those from Global Navigation Satellite Systems constellations, traveling across this ambient, may suffer severe scintillation in amplitude and phase due to these plasma structures. Presently, three civilian signals available for GPS users, at L1 (1575.42 MHz), L2C (1227.60 MHz), and L5 (1176.45 MHz) are used to investigate the propagation effects due to these irregularities. The purpose of the present work is to evaluate statistically the distribution of severe fade events for each of these carrier frequencies based on the nonlinear ionospheric propagation effects as represented by the fading coefficients of α‐μ distribution. The results from the analyses of data sets recorded by stations at different geomagnetic latitude locations in Brazil show that regions closer to the equatorial ionization anomaly crest present higher probability of severe fade events. Additionally, the L5 signals, dedicated for safety‐of‐life applications, revealed more unfavorable results when compared to the L1 and L2C frequencies. The results further showed that for 0.8 ≤ S4 ≤ 1.0 the probabilities of fades deeper than −10 dB were between 8.0% and 6.5% depending on the station position. Considering the case of fades deeper than −20 dB, the results reach values near 1%, which is quite concerning. These results show empirically the fading environment that users of the new civilian signals may experience in low‐latitude region. Additionally, the fading coefficients may help in the comprehension of the distribution of amplitude scintillation and its relation with the frequency used, aiding in the future the development of signal processing algorithms capable to mitigate errors for navigation users.
Telluric Field Variations as Drivers of Variations in Cathodic Protection Potential on a Natural Gas Pipeline in New Zealand
Authors: Ingham M. , Rodger C. J.
Published: September 2018

A study of variations in cathodic protection potential on a natural gas pipeline in the North Island of New Zealand is reported. Both the measured pipe‐to‐soil potential (PSP) and the current measured through an installed defect in the pipeline coating show strong correlations with variations in measured magnetic and telluric fields. Contrary to predictions from distributed‐source transmission line theory, analysis shows that the closest correlations of PSP and current are with the component of telluric field perpendicular to the pipeline. This orientation is close to perpendicular to major electrical conductivity contrasts associated with both the local coastline and with on‐shore Earth conductivity structure. It is therefore inferred the variations in PSP which drive the variations in defect current are the result of changes in the local Earth potential. While reporting on specific observations from New Zealand, these results should be applicable across a wide range of middle and high‐latitude global locations. Estimates of possible corrosion rates for the pipeline in question suggest that such enhancement of telluric field variations by conductivity structure may pose significant risk to pipelines in the event of defects in the pipeline coating.
Cryptic CH4 cycling in the sulfate–methane transition of marine sediments apparently mediated by ANME-1 archaea
Authors: Beulig F , Røy H , McGlynn S E , Jørgensen B B
Published: September 2018

Methane in the seabed is mostly oxidized to CO2 with sulfate as the oxidant before it reaches the overlying water column. This microbial oxidation takes place within the sulfate–methane transition (SMT), a sediment horizon where the downward diffusive flux of sulfate encounters an upward flux of methane. Across multiple sites in the Baltic Sea, we identified a systematic discrepancy between the opposing fluxes, such that more sulfate was consumed than expected from the 1:1 stoichiometry of methane oxidation with sulfate. The flux discrepancy was consistent with an oxidation of buried organic matter within the SMT, as corroborated by stable carbon isotope budgets. Detailed radiotracer experiments showed that up to 60% of the organic matter oxidation within the SMT first produced methane, which was concurrently oxidized to CO2 by sulfate reduction. This previously unrecognized “cryptic” methane cycling in the SMT is not discernible from geochemical profiles due to overall net methane consumption. Sedimentary gene pools suggested that nearly all potential methanogens within and beneath the SMT belonged to ANME-1 archaea, which are typically associated with anaerobic methane oxidation. Analysis of a metagenome-assembled genome suggests that predominant ANME-1 do indeed have the enzymatic potential to catalyze both methane production and consumption.
Cortical substrates of cue-reactivity in multiple substance dependent populations: transdiagnostic relevance of the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Hanlon Colleen A. , Dowdle Logan T. , Gibson Nicole B. , Li Xingbao , Hamilton Sarah , Canterberry Melanie , Hoffman Michaela
Published: September 2018

Elevated drug-cue elicited brain activity is one of the most widely cited, transdiagnostically relevant traits of substance dependent populations. These populations, however, are typically studied in isolation. The goal of this study was to prospectively investigate the spatial topography of drug-cue reactivity in a large set of individuals dependent on either cocaine, alcohol, or nicotine. Functional MRI data was acquired from 156 substance dependent individuals (55 cocaine, 53 alcohol, and 48 nicotine) as they performed a standardized drug-cue exposure task. Clusters of significant activation to drug-cues relative to neutral cues (‘hot spots’) were isolated for each individual. K-means clustering was used to classify the spatial topography of the hotspots in the data set. The percentage of hotspots that would be reached at several distances (2–5 cm) of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were calculated. One hundred and three participants had at least one cluster of significant frontal cortex activity (66%). K-means revealed 3 distinct clusters within the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), left inferior frontal gyrus/insula, right premotor cortex. For the group as a whole (and for alcohol users and nicotine users independently), medial prefrontal cortex (BA 10) was the location of the greatest number of hotspots. The frontal pole was cortical location closest to the largest percentage of hotspots. While there is individual variability in the location of the cue-elicited ‘hot spot’ these data demonstrate that elevated BOLD signal to drug cues in the MPFC may be a transdiagnostic endophenotype of addiction which may also be a fruitful neuromodulation target.
Coulomb-bound four- and five-particle intervalley states in an atomically-thin semiconductor
Authors: Chen Shao-Yu , Goldstein Thomas , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Yan Jun
Published: September 2018

As hosts for tightly-bound electron-hole pairs carrying quantized angular momentum, atomically-thin semiconductors of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) provide an appealing platform for optically addressing the valley degree of freedom. In particular, the valleytronic properties of neutral and charged excitons in these systems have been widely investigated. Meanwhile, correlated quantum states involving more particles are still elusive and controversial despite recent efforts. Here, we present experimental evidence for four-particle biexcitons and five-particle exciton-trions in high-quality monolayer tungsten diselenide. Through charge doping, thermal activation, and magnetic-field tuning measurements, we determine that the biexciton and the exciton-trion are bound with respect to the bright exciton and the trion, respectively. Further, both the biexciton and the exciton-trion are intervalley complexes involving dark excitons, giving rise to emissions with large, negative valley polarization in contrast to that of the two-particle excitons. Our studies provide opportunities for building valleytronic quantum devices harnessing high-order TMDC excitations.
Charge-tuneable biexciton complexes in monolayer WSe2
Authors: Barbone Matteo , Montblanch Alejandro R.-P. , Kara Dhiren M. , Palacios-Berraquero Carmen , Cadore Alisson R. , De Fazio Domenico , Pingault Benjamin , Mostaani Elaheh , Li Han , Chen Bin , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Tongay Sefaattin , Wang Gang , Ferrari Andrea C. , Atatüre Mete
Published: September 2018

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides have strong Coulomb-mediated many-body interactions. Theoretical studies have predicted the existence of numerous multi-particle excitonic states. Two-particle excitons and three-particle trions have been identified by their optical signatures. However, more complex states such as biexcitons have been elusive due to limited spectral quality of the optical emission. Here, we report direct evidence of two biexciton complexes in monolayer tungsten diselenide: the four-particle neutral biexciton and the five-particle negatively charged biexciton. We distinguish these states by power-dependent photoluminescence and demonstrate full electrical switching between them. We determine the band states of the elementary particles comprising the biexcitons through magneto-optical spectroscopy. We also resolve a splitting of 2.5 meV for the neutral biexciton, which we attribute to the fine structure, providing reference for subsequent studies. Our results unveil the nature of multi-exciton complexes in transitionmetal dichalcogenides and offer direct routes towards deterministic control in many-body quantum phenomena.
Extreme–ultraviolet high–harmonic generation in liquids
Authors: Luu Tran Trung , Yin Zhong , Jain Arohi , Gaumnitz Thomas , Pertot Yoann , Ma Jun , Wörner Hans Jakob
Published: September 2018

High–harmonic generation (HHG) in gases has been the main enabling technology of attosecond science since its discovery. Recently, HHG from solids has been demonstrated, opening a lively area of research. In contrast, harmonic generation from liquids has so far remained restricted to low harmonics in the visible regime. Here, we report the observation and detailed characterization of extreme ultraviolet HHG from liquid water and several alcohols extending beyond 20 eV. This advance was enabled by the implementation of the recent liquid flat–microjet technology, which we show to facilitate the spatial separation of HHG from the bulk liquid and the surrounding gas phase. We observe striking differences between the HHG spectra of water and several alcohols. A comparison with a strongly–driven few–band model establishes the sensitivity of HHG to the electronic structure of liquids. Our results suggest liquid–phase high–harmonic spectroscopy as a new method for studying the electronic structure and ultrafast scattering processes in liquids.
Spinning-disc confocal microscopy in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II)
Authors: Zubkovs Vitalijs , Antonucci Alessandra , Schuergers Nils , Lambert Benjamin , Latini Andrea , Ceccarelli Raino , Santinelli Andrea , Rogov Andrii , Ciepielewski Daniel , Boghossian Ardemis A.
Published: September 2018

Fluorescence microscopy in the second near-infrared optical window (NIR-II, 1000–1350 nm) has become a technique of choice for non-invasivein vivoimaging. The deep penetration of NIR light in living tissue, as well as negligible tissue autofluorescence within this optical range, offers increased resolution and contrast with even greater penetration depths. Here, we present a custom-built spinning-disc confocal laser microscope (SDCLM) that is specific to imaging in the NIR-II. The SDCLM achieves a lateral resolution of 0.5 ± 0.1 µm and an axial resolution of 0.6 ± 0.1 µm, showing a ~17% and ~45% enhancement in lateral and axial resolution, respectively, compared to the corresponding wide-field configuration. We furthermore showcase several applications that demonstrate the use of the SDCLM forin situ, spatiotemporal tracking of NIR particles and bioanalytes within both synthetic and biological systems.
Peanut-Shell Biochar and Biogas Slurry Improve Soil Properties in the North China Plain: A Four-Year Field Study
Authors: Du Zhenjie , Xiao Yatao , Qi Xuebin , Liu Yuan , Fan Xiangyang , Li Zhongyang
Published: September 2018

Biochar and biogas slurry have been proved to improve the quality of some soil types, but the long-term effects on fluvo-aquic soil are not fully understood. This study aimed to compare the continuity effects of peanut-shell biochar and biogas slurry on the physicochemical properties, microbial population size, and enzyme activities of fluvo-aquic soil. We conducted a four-year field experiment of winter wheat-summer maize rotation in the North China Plain. Along with equal nitrogen inputs, three treatments were applied—conventional fertilizers, peanut-shell biochar, and hoggery biogas slurry—after which various soil quality indicators were compared. Compared with those of control, both biochar and biogas slurry increased the soil total nitrogen and organic matter content, and improved soil aggregation, microbial biomass, and actinomycetes. Biogas slurry decreased soil pH and improved urease and protease activities. With biochar and biogas slurry treatments, wheat yield increased by 8.46% and 23.47%, and maize yield by 18% and 15.46%, respectively. Biogas slurry increased the content of crude protein and starch in the grains. Both biogas slurry and peanut-shell biochar improved fluvo-aquic soil nutrient content, water-stable macroaggregates, and microbial population, which might be related to their high nutrient content, large specific surface area, adsorption capacity, and functional groups. Biogas slurry generally exhibited stronger effects than biochar probably because of its richness in nutrients and bioactive substances.
Polymeric Nitrogen A7 Layers Stabilized in the Confinement of a Multilayer BN Matrix at Ambient Conditions
Authors: Shi Xuhan , Liu Bo , Liu Shijie , Niu Shifeng , Liu Shuang , Liu Ran , Liu Bingbing
Published: September 2018

Polymeric nitrogen, as a potential high-energy-density material (HEDM), has attracted many theoretical calculations and predictions for its potential applications, such as energy storage, propellants and explosives. Searching for an effective method to stabilize polymeric nitrogen in ambient conditions of temperature and pressure has become a hot topic. Herein, we propose a new hybrid material where polymeric nitrogen layers are intercalated in a multilayer BN matrix forming a three-dimensional structure, by means of ab initio density functional theory. It is demonstrated polymeric nitrogen layers can be stable at ambient conditions and can release tremendous energy just above 500 K, more gentle and controllable. Further calculations reveal the new hybrid material exhibits a much smaller charge transfer than that of previous reports, which not only stabilizes polymeric nitrogen layer at ambient conditions, but also favours energy releasing at milder conditions. It is also very exciting that, the weight ratio of polymeric nitrogen in new material is up to 53.84%, approximately three times higher than previous one-dimensional hybrid materials. The energy density (5.4 KJ/g) also indicates it is a promising HEDMs candidate. Our findings provide a new insight into nitrogen-based HEDMs capture and storage.
Establishment of a modified CRISPR/Cas9 system with increased mutagenesis frequency using the translational enhancer dMac3 and multiple guide RNAs in potato
Authors: Kusano Hiroaki , Ohnuma Mariko , Mutsuro-Aoki Hiromi , Asahi Takahiro , Ichinosawa Dai , Onodera Hitomi , Asano Kenji , Noda Takahiro , Horie Takaaki , Fukumoto Kou , Kihira Miho , Teramura Hiroshi , Yazaki Kazufumi , Umemoto Naoyuki , Muranaka Toshiya , Shimada Hiroaki
Published: September 2018

CRISPR/Cas9 is a programmable nuclease composed of the Cas9 protein and a guide RNA (gRNA) molecule. To create a mutant potato, a powerful genome-editing system was required because potato has a tetraploid genome. The translational enhancer dMac3, consisting of a portion of the OsMac3 mRNA 5′-untranslated region, greatly enhanced the production of the protein encoded in the downstream ORF. To enrich the amount of Cas9, we applied the dMac3 translational enhancer to the Cas9 expression system with multiple gRNA genes. CRISPR/Cas9 systems targeting the potato granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) gene examined the frequency of mutant alleles in transgenic potato plants. The efficiency of the targeted mutagenesis strongly increased when the dMac3-installed Cas9 was used. In this case, the ratio of transformants containing four mutant alleles reached approximately 25% when estimated by CAPS analysis. The mutants that exhibited targeted mutagenesis in the GBSSI gene showed characteristics of low amylose starch in their tubers. This result suggests that our system may facilitate genome-editing events in polyploid plants.
Attention allows the SNARC effect to operate on multiple number lines
Authors: Weis Tina , Nuerk Hans-Christoph , Lachmann Thomas
Published: September 2018

To investigate whether participants can activate only one spatially oriented number line at a time or multiple number lines simultaneously, they were asked to solve a unit magnitude comparison task (unit smaller/larger than 5) and a parity judgment task (even/odd) on two-digit numbers. In both these primary tasks, decades were irrelevant. After some of the primary task trials (randomly), participants were asked to additionally solve a secondary task based on the previously presented number. In Experiment 1, they had to decide whether the two-digit number presented for the primary task was larger or smaller than 50. Thus, for the secondary task decades were relevant. In contrast, in Experiment 2, the secondary task was a color judgment task, which means decades were irrelevant. In Experiment 1, decades’ and units’ magnitudes influenced the spatial association of numbers separately. In contrast, in Experiment 2, only the units were spatially associated with magnitude. It was concluded that multiple number lines (one for units and one for decades) can be activated if attention is focused on multiple, separate magnitude attributes.
Etoposide-resistance in a neuroblastoma model cell line is associated with 13q14.3 mono-allelic deletion and miRNA-15a/16-1 down-regulation
Authors: Marengo Barbara , Monti Paola , Miele Mariangela , Menichini Paola , Ottaggio Laura , Foggetti Giorgia , Pulliero Alessandra , Izzotti Alberto , Speciale Andrea , Garbarino Ombretta , Traverso Nicola , Fronza Gilberto , Domenicotti Cinzia
Published: September 2018

Drug resistance is the major obstacle in successfully treating high-risk neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the basis of etoposide-resistance in neuroblastoma. To this end, a MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line (HTLA-230) was treated with increasing etoposide concentrations and an etoposide-resistant cell line (HTLA-ER) was obtained. HTLA-ER cells, following etoposide exposure, evaded apoptosis by altering Bax/Bcl2 ratio. While both cell populations shared a homozygous TP53 mutation encoding a partially-functioning protein, a mono-allelic deletion of 13q14.3 locus, where the P53 inducible miRNAs 15a/16-1 are located, and the consequent miRNA down-regulation were detected only in HTLA-ER cells. This event correlated with BMI-1 oncoprotein up-regulation which caused a decrease in p16 tumor suppressor content and a metabolic adaptation of HTLA-ER cells. These results, taken collectively, highlight the role of miRNAs 15a/16-1 as markers of chemoresistance.
Susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax malaria associated with DARC (Duffy antigen) polymorphisms is influenced by the time of exposure to malaria
Authors: Kano Flora Satiko , de Souza Aracele Maria , de Menezes Torres Leticia , Costa Marcelo Azevedo , Souza-Silva Flávia Alessandra , Sanchez Bruno Antônio Marinho , Fontes Cor Jesus Fernandes , Soares Irene Silva , de Brito Cristiana Ferreira Alves , Carvalho Luzia Helena , Sousa Tais Nobrega
Published: September 2018

Malaria has provided a major selective pressure and has modulated the genetic diversity of the human genome. The variants of the Duffy Antigen/Receptor for Chemokines (DARC) gene have probably been selected by malaria parasites, particularly theFY*Oallele, which is fixed in sub-Saharan Africa and confers resistance toPlasmodium vivaxinfection. Here, we showed the influence of genomic ancestry on the distribution of DARC genotypes in a highly admixed Brazilian population and confirmed the decreased susceptibility of theFY*A/FY*Ogenotype to clinicalP. vivaxmalaria.FY*B/FY*Oindividuals were associated with a greater risk of developing clinical malaria. A remarkable difference among DARC variants concerning the susceptibility to clinical malaria was more evident for individuals who were less exposed to malaria, as measured by the time of residence in the endemic area. Additionally, we found that DARC-negative andFY*A/FY*Oindividuals had a greater chance of acquiring high levels of antibodies against the 19-kDa C-terminal region of theP. vivaxmerozoite surface protein-1. Altogether, our results provide evidence that DARC polymorphisms modulate the susceptibility to clinicalP. vivaxmalaria and influence the naturally-acquired humoral immune response to malaria blood antigens, which may interfere with the efficacy of a future vaccine against malaria.
A pressure-driven gas-diffusion/permeation micropump for self-activated sample transport in an extreme micro-environment
Authors: Wu Wenming
Published: September 2018

The pressure-driven gas-diffusion/permeation micropump is highlighted for stable microdroplet/liquid delivery under extreme conditions,e.g.high temperature, and a three-dimensional, long-distance and complex-topology microchannel.
Graphene-based nanoplatforms for surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing
Authors: Wang Zhuqing , Wu Shasha , Colombi Ciacchi Lucio , Wei Gang
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate recent advances in the fabrication and SERS sensing applications of graphene-based nanoplatforms.
Nanodots of transition metal (Mo and W) disulfides grown on NiNi Prussian blue analogue nanoplates for efficient hydrogen production
Authors: Chen Guo , Dong Wen Fei , Deng Yang Hui , Li Bang Lin , Li Xiao Lin , Luo Hong Qun , Li Nian Bing
Published: September 2018

Zero-dimensional MoS2 and WS2 nanodots are prepared with the assistance of a template of NiNi PBA nanoplates via a facile hydrothermal method.
Synthesis of a (N,C,C) Au(iii) pincer complex via Csp3–H bond activation: increasing catalyst robustness by rational catalyst design
Authors: Holmsen Marte Sofie Martinsen , Nova Ainara , Hylland Knut , Wragg David S. , Øien-Ødegaard Sigurd , Heyn Richard H. , Tilset Mats
Published: September 2018

The synthesis of a (N,C,C) Au(iii) catalyst via Csp3–H bond activation has been achieved following a rational catalyst design approach.
Use of inorganic fluorinated materials in lithium batteries and in energy conversion systems
Authors: Groult Henri , Tressaud Alain
Published: September 2018

CFx-based materials bring significant improvement in terms of gravimetric and volumetric energy densities with respect to other types of primary Li batteries.
Nitrogen-free commercial carbon cloth with rich defects for electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions
Authors: Li Wenyi , Wu Tianxing , Zhang Shengbo , Liu Yanyan , Zhao Cuijiao , Liu Guoqiang , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin , Zhao Huijun
Published: September 2018

The formation of rich defects in commercial carbon cloth after thermal treatment in air results in significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the N2 reduction reaction to synthesize NH3.
Visible light-promoted umpolung coupling of aryl tri-/difluoroethanones with 2-alkenylpyridines
Authors: Xu Xiao , Min Qing-Qiang , Li Na , Liu Feng
Published: September 2018

A metal-free, mild, and simple protocol is developed for the synthesis of tertiary alcohols bearing tri-/difluoromethyl groups upon visible-light irradiation.
Extending the perturbed matrix method beyond the dipolar approximation: comparison of different levels of theory
Authors: Zanetti-Polzi Laura , Del Galdo Sara , Daidone Isabella , D'Abramo Marco , Barone Vincenzo , Aschi Massimiliano , Amadei Andrea
Published: September 2018

Higher levels of theory of the perturbed matrix method are derived and their performances are tested.
Influence of crystallographic environment on scandium K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra
Authors: Chassé Mathieu , Juhin Amélie , Cabaret Delphine , Delhommaye Steven , Vantelon Delphine , Calas Georges
Published: September 2018

First Sc K-edge XANES spectra calculations using first-principles methods to explore the physical chemistry of this elusive element.
n-Type Ohmic contact and p-type Schottky contact of monolayer InSe transistors
Authors: Shi Bowen , Wang Yangyang , Li Jingzhen , Zhang Xiuying , Yan Jiahuan , Liu Shiqi , Yang Jie , Pan Yuanyuan , Zhang Han , Yang Jinbo , Pan Feng , Lu Jing
Published: September 2018

We explore the contact properties of monolayer InSe transistors and obtain n-type Ohmic/p-type Schottky contacts.
Influence of the substituent on the phosphine ligand in novel rhenium(i) aldehydes. Synthesis, computational studies and first insights into the antiproliferative activity
Authors: Muñoz-Osses Michelle , Siegmund Daniel , Gómez Alejandra , Godoy Fernando , Fierro Angélica , Llanos Leonel , Aravena Daniel , Metzler-Nolte Nils
Published: September 2018

Cyrhetrenyl phosphine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. Electrochemical and computational studies were carried out.
Organometallic and coordination chemistry of the s-block metals
Authors: Harder Sjoerd , Piers Warren E.
Published: September 2018

Welcome to this issue of Dalton Transactions featuring the themed issue ‘Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry of the s-Block Metals’.
How big should your screening collection be?
Authors: Lowe Derek
Published: September 2018

Derek Lowe's commentary on drug discovery and the pharma industry.
Biosynthesis and chemical diversity of β-lactone natural products
Authors: Robinson Serina L. , Christenson James K. , Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: September 2018

This review focuses on biosynthesis of β-lactone rings in natural products. Biosynthetic routes to β-lactones and β-lactams are compared in the context of their chemical diversity and production by divergent organisms around the tree of life.
Solid-state nanopore analysis on conformation change of p53TAD–MDM2 fusion protein induced by protein–protein interaction
Authors: Chae Hongsik , Kwak Dong-Kyu , Lee Mi-Kyung , Chi Seung-Wook , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: September 2018

Nutlin-3-induced conformation change of p53TAD–MDM2 fusion protein were probed by single molecule translocation event using solid-state nanopores.
tert-Butyl nitrite mediated nitrogen transfer reactions: synthesis of benzotriazoles and azides at room temperature
Authors: Azeez Sadaf , Chaudhary Priyanka , Sureshbabu Popuri , Sabiah Shahulhameed , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: September 2018

A conversion ofo-phenylenediamines into benzotriazoles is reported withtert-butyl nitrite at room temperature. The optimized condition is also well suited for the transformation of sulfonyl and acyl hydrazines into corresponding azides.
A highly sensitive and selective two-photon fluorescent probe for real-time sensing of cytochrome P450 1A1 in living systems
Authors: Ning Jing , Tian Zhenhao , Wang Bo , Ge Guangbo , An Yue , Hou Jie , Wang Chao , Zhao Xinyu , Li Yannan , Tian Xiangge , Yu Zhenlong , Huo Xiaokui , Sun Chengpeng , Feng Lei , Cui Jingnan , Ma Xiaochi
Published: September 2018

We designed and developed a highly sensitive and selective two-photon fluorescent probe for real-time tracking CYP1A1 activity in cancer tissues and zebrafish.
Exploring the Effects of Imitating Hand Gestures and Head Nods on L1 and L2 Mandarin Tone Production
Authors: Zheng Annie , Hirata Yukari , Kelly Spencer D.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of metaphoric actions—head nods and hand gestures—in producing Mandarin tones for first language (L1) and second language (L2) speakers.

Method

In 2 experiments, participants imitated videos of Mandarin tones produced under 3 conditions: (a) speech alone, (b) speech + head nods, and (c) speech + hand gestures. Fundamental frequency was recorded for both L1 (Experiment 1) and L2 (Experiment 2a) speakers, and the output of the L2 speakers was rated for tonal accuracy by 7 native Mandarin judges (Experiment 2b).

Results

Experiment 1 showed that 12 L1 speakers' fundamental frequency spectral data did not differ among the 3 conditions. In Experiment 2a, the conditions did not affect the production of 24 English speakers for the most part, but there was some evidence that hand gestures helped Tone 4. In Experiment 2b, native Mandarin judges found limited conditional differences in L2 productions, with Tone 3 showing a slight head nods benefit in a subset of “correct” L2 tokens.

Conclusion

Results suggest that metaphoric bodily actions do not influence the lowest levels of L1 speech production in a tonal language and may play a very modest role during preliminary L2 learning.
Heteroscedastic watermark detector in the contourlet domain
Authors: Amirmazlaghani Maryam
Published: September 2018

A new contourlet domain image watermark detector is proposed in the present study. As the performance of the detector completely depends on the accuracy of the statistical model, the contourlet coefficients and statistical properties are studied first. The heavy‐tailed distribution and heteroscedasticity of these coefficients are demonstrated in this study. These characteristics cannot be captured simultaneously by the models, which are proposed previously. A two‐dimensional generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (2D GARCH) model is suggested to overcome this problem. Dependencies of the contourlet coefficients can be explained by the efficient structure provided by this model. A 2D GARCH model‐based contourlet domain watermark detector is designed and its performance analysed by computing the receiver operating characteristics. The high accuracy of the proposed detector, its robustness under several types of attacks, and its outperformance compared to alternative watermarking methods are verified by the obtained experimental results.
Generalised‐fast decoupled state estimator
Authors: Chen Yanbo , Zhang Zhi , Fang Hengfu , Lang Yansheng , Ma Jin , Zheng Shunlin
Published: September 2018

Nowadays the fast‐decoupled state estimation (FDSE) is widely used in almost every power system control centre. FDSE is effective and efficient for most transmission systems but it may not converge for systems with a large ratio of branch resistance to reactance (R/X); meanwhile the branch current magnitude measurements (BCMMs) cannot be reliably used in FDSE, thereby limiting its applications especially for the distribution systems where BCMMs abound. In this study, the above two problems have been addressed by transforming all measurements so that they can be classified as quasi‐real power measurements and quasi‐reactive power measurements, leading to a generalised FDSE (GFDSE) with a solid theoretical foundation. The formulation of GFDSE is based on only the assumption, rather than three assumptions used in FDSE. As a result, GFDSE has good adaptability to transmission systems as well as distribution systems; additionally, BCMMs can be reliably used in GFDSE. Case studies based on IEEE benchmark systems and a real grid of China demonstrate that the proposed GFDSE has very good convergence properties for transmission systems and distribution systems; and at the same time, the proposed GFDSE is also superior to FDSE in terms of computational efficiency under almost all cases.
Life cycle planning of battery energy storage system in off‐grid wind–solar–diesel microgrid
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Wang Jianxue , Berizzi Alberto , Cao Xiaoyu
Published: September 2018

For off‐grid microgrids in remote areas (e.g. sea islands), proper configuring the battery energy storage system (BESS) is of great significance to enhance the power‐supply reliability and operational feasibility. This study presents a life cycle planning methodology for BESS in microgrids, where the dynamic factors such as demand growth, battery capacity fading and components’ contingencies are modelled under a multi‐timescale decision framework. Under a yearly timescale, the optimal DER capacity allocation is carried out to meet the demand growth, while the investment decisions of BESS are made periodically to yield the optimal sizing, type selection and replacement plans of BESS during the entire lifetime of the microgrid. Then, under an hourly timescale, the long‐term probabilistic sequential simulation is adopted to comprehensively evaluate the investment decisions and derive detailed operation indicators. Moreover, a decomposition–coordination algorithm is developed to address the presented planning model, which iteratively strengthens the feasible space of investment‐decision model by substituting the operation indicators until an acceptable sub‐optimal solution is obtained. Case studies on a wind–solar–diesel microgrid in Kythnos Island, Greece illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. This study provides a practical and meaningful reference for BESS planning in off‐grid microgrids.
Load frequency control of a dynamic interconnected power system using generalised Hopfield neural network based self‐adaptive PID controller
Authors: Ramachandran Rajeswari , Madasamy Balasubramonian , Veerasamy Veerapandiyan , Saravanan Loheswaran
Published: September 2018

A novel generalised Hopfield neural network (GHNN) based self‐adaptive proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller for load frequency control (LFC) is designed for a two‐area interconnected power system with nonlinearities of generator rate constraint and governor dead band. The control problem is conceptualised as an optimisation problem with an objective function as an area control error in terms of the PID controller parameters. The differential equations governing the behaviour of the GHNN were solved to obtain the controller parameters Kp, Ki and Kd. To test the feasibility and robustness of the proposed controller, the system is tested in the presence of randomness in load demands, imprecisely modelled system dynamics, nonlinearities in the system model and uncertainties in the system parameter variations. The proposed method is simulated using Matlab R2014b/Simulink and the results obtained have shown that the propounded controller performance is superior to the integral, PID and fuzzy‐based proportional–integral controllers. In addition, the Lyapunov stability analysis of the overall closed‐loop system was carried out and the controller is implemented in real‐time digital simulator run in hardware‐in‐the‐loop to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, the proposed controller is applied to the three‐area power system to test its adaptability.
Improved scheme of membership function optimisation for fuzzy air‐fuel ratio control of GDI engines
Authors: Li Ji , Li Ziyang , Zhou Quan , Zhang Yunfan , Xu Hongming
Published: September 2018

This study researches an improved scheme of membership function optimisation (MFO) for fuzzy air–fuel ratio (AFR) control of gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines based on correspondence analysis (CA). This proportional–integral‐like fuzzy knowledge‐based controller (FKBC) optimised by the proposed scheme can further optimise AFR control performance while maximising conversion efficiency of the three‐way catalyst to eliminate the exhaust emissions in real time. Different from the conventional experience‐based membership function (MF) design method for an FKBC, the proposed MFO scheme uses CA approach and can visualise the relationship between engine step gain scenarios and designed MF patterns to precisely determine its scalar parameters for AFR regulation of GDI engines. Within this context: (i) specialised MFs for self‐adaptive AFR control system of a GDI engine are designed with weight distribution; (ii) based on designed scalar parameters, the CA model with taxonomic dimensions is built for acquiring a customised MF to counter transient scenario changes more effectively; (iii) the engine controller with the proposed scheme is real time validated in a production V6 GDI engine, and its advantage in terms of engine transient control performance is further demonstrated by comparing with a benchmark controller designed based on experience.
Method of speed data fusion based on Bayesian combination algorithm and high‐order multi‐variable Markov model
Authors: Zhang Weibin , Qi Yong , Zhou Zhuping , Biancardo Salvatore A. , Wang Yinhai
Published: September 2018

The variety of data collecting and communication methods used in intelligent transportation systems such as sensors, cameras, and communication networks bring about huge volumes of data that are available for numerous transportation applications and related research on smart cities. However, it is still a challenge to integrate these heterogeneous data sources into a singular data schema in practice. Compared to a single data source, higher data accuracy can be obtained through integration of the multiple data sources if the data quality from each source has been known. In this study, a data fusion method based on Bayesian fusion rules is proposed to merge traffic speed from different data sources according to their prior probability that can be inferred from a high‐order multivariable Markov model by considering the relations of multiple traffic factors in a systemic perspective. Case studies based on freeway data, such as loop data, INRIX data, and data from the National Performance Management and Research Data Set, are performed to validate the effectiveness of proposed speed fusion method.
Modelling and testing of in‐wheel motor drive intelligent electric vehicles based on co‐simulation with Carsim/Simulink
Authors: Li Yong , Deng Huifan , Xu Xing , Wang Wujie
Published: September 2018

To study the overall performance of the distributed drive intelligent electric vehicle (EV), a in‐wheel motor drive (IWMD) vehicle is developed in this study. The configuration and 11‐degrees of freedom model of IWMD EV is introduced firstly. Then, the co‐simulation model of IWMD EV based on Carsim and Matlab/Simulink is established. The block design is employed for the co‐simulation modelling, including the in‐wheel motor model, driver model, tyre model, steering model, braking model, suspension model, aerodynamic model, and road surface model. The effectiveness and the reasonableness of the co‐simulation model of IWMD EV are verified by the snake testing with on the campus road. The co‐simulation model provides accuracy and reliable simulation method for the path‐tracking and self‐driving study of IWMD intelligent vehicle in the future.
Implementation of velocity optimisation strategy based on preview road information to trade off transport time and fuel consumption for hybrid mining trucks
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Yang Jue , Liang Jiejunyi , Zhang Nong
Published: September 2018

Unmanned mining is one of the essential fields of mining technology at present. Therefore, optimisation with known driving speed cycle for fuel economy, emissions, driveability, and more is no longer exclusive, the optimal velocity trajectory based on road information has been studied. Given that both fuel consumption and transport time influence transport costs of mining trucks, an energy management strategy (EMS) based on velocity optimisation is proposed and illustrated on a series hybrid electric mining truck in this study. The vehicle speed and SOC are adopted as state variables. Then two‐scale dynamic programming is applied to calculate optimum velocity trajectory and power distribution. Simulation results reveal that the weighting coefficients of transport time and fuel economy can be optimally distributed for the different design requirements. Compared to the results under the known driving speed cycle, the proposed EMS can enhance fuel economy by 26.59% under the guarantee of same transport time, or transport time can be reduced by 42.4% without sacrificing the fuel consumption. Therefore, the proposed velocity optimisation strategy can reduce transport costs for mining enterprises significantly.