bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Statin Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rysz-Górzynska Magdalena , Gluba-Brzózka Anna , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Serban Maria-Corina , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Ursoniu Sorin , Toth Peter P. , Bittner Vera , Watts Gerald F. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Rysz Jacek , Catapano Alberico L. , Banach Maciej
Published: July 2016

Since the evidence regarding statin therapy in PAH has not been conclusive, we assessed the impact of statin therapy in PAH through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies. We searched selected databases up to August 1, 2015 to identify the studies investigating the effect of statin administration on PAH. Meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I2 statistic. Meta-analysis of 8 studies with 665 patients did not suggest any significant improvement in 6-min walking distance (6MWD) by statin therapy (weighed mean difference [WMD]: −6.08 m, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −25.66, 13.50, p = 0.543; Q = 8.41, I2 = 28.64%). Likewise, none of the other indices including pulmonary arterial pressure (WMD: −0.97 mmHg, 95%CI: −4.39, 2.44, p = 0.577; Q = 14.64, I2 = 79.51%), right atrial pressure (WMD: 1.01 mmHg, 95%CI: −0.93, 2.96, p = 0.307; Q = 44.88, I2 = 95.54%), cardiac index (WMD: 0.05 L/min/m2, 95%CI: −0.05, 0.15, p = 0.323; Q = 3.82, I2 = 21.42%), and pulmonary vascular resistance (WMD: −1.42 dyn*s/cm5, 95%CI: −72.11, 69.27, p = 0.969; Q = 0.69, I2 = 0%) was significantly altered by statin therapy. In conclusion, the results of the meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant effect of statin therapy in the improvement of 6MWD, pulmonary arterial pressure, right atrial pressure, cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance.
Erratum: An ultra-high density linkage map and QTL mapping for sex and growth-related traits of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Peng Wenzhu , Xu Jian , Zhang Yan , Feng Jianxin , Dong Chuanju , Jiang Likun , Feng Jingyan , Chen Baohua , Gong Yiwen , Chen Lin , Xu Peng
Published: July 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 26693; published online: 26 May 2016; updated: 22 July 2016 In the original version of this Article, Affiliation 3 was omitted for Wenzhu Peng. The correct affiliations are listed below: College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
Efficient embedding of complex networks to hyperbolic space via their Laplacian
Authors: Alanis-Lobato Gregorio , Mier Pablo , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A.
Published: July 2016

The different factors involved in the growth process of complex networks imprint valuable information in their observable topologies. How to exploit this information to accurately predict structural network changes is the subject of active research. A recent model of network growth sustains that the emergence of properties common to most complex systems is the result of certain trade-offs between node birth-time and similarity. This model has a geometric interpretation in hyperbolic space, where distances between nodes abstract this optimisation process. Current methods for network hyperbolic embedding search for node coordinates that maximise the likelihood that the network was produced by the afore-mentioned model. Here, a different strategy is followed in the form of the Laplacian-based Network Embedding, a simple yet accurate, efficient and data driven manifold learning approach, which allows for the quick geometric analysis of big networks. Comparisons against existing embedding and prediction techniques highlight its applicability to network evolution and link prediction.
TSG-6 secreted by human umbilical cord-MSCs attenuates severe burn-induced excessive inflammation via inhibiting activations of P38 and JNK signaling
Authors: Liu Lingying , Song Huifeng , Duan Hongjie , Chai Jiake , Yang Jing , Li Xiao , Yu Yonghui , Zhang Xulong , Hu Xiaohong , Xiao Mengjing , Feng Rui , Yin Huinan , Hu Quan , Yang Longlong , Du Jundong , Li Tianran
Published: July 2016

The hMSCs have become a promising approach for inflammation treatment in acute phase. Our previous study has demonstrated that human umbilical cord-MSCs could alleviate the inflammatory reaction of severely burned wound. In this study, we further investigated the potential role and mechanism of the MSCs on severe burn-induced excessive inflammation. Wistar rats were randomly divided into following groups: Sham, Burn, Burn+MSCs, Burn+MAPKs inhibitors and Burn, Burn+MSCs, Burn+Vehicle, Burn+siTSG-6, Burn+rhTSG-6 in the both experiments. It was found that MSCs could only down-regulate P38 and JNK signaling, but had no effect on ERK in peritoneal macrophages of severe burn rats. Furthermore, suppression of P38 and JNK activations significantly reduced the excessive inflammation induced by severe burn. TSG-6 was secreted by MSCs using different inflammatory mediators. TSG-6 from MSCs and recombinant human (rh)TSG-6 all significantly reduced activations of P38 and JNK signaling induced by severe burn and then attenuated excessive inflammations. On the contrary, knockdown TSG-6 in the cells significantly increased phosphorylation of P38 and JNK signaling and reduced therapeutic effect of the MSCs on excessive inflammation. Taken together, this study suggested TSG-6 from MSCs attenuated severe burn-induced excessive inflammation via inhibiting activation of P38 and JNK signaling.
Interaction of Sensitizing Dyes with Nanostructured TiO2 Film in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Ghann William , Rahman Aunik , Rahman Anis , Uddin Jamal
Published: July 2016

The objective of this investigation was to shed light on the nature of interaction of different organic dyes and an inorganic dye, Ruthenium (II) polypyridine complex, with TiO2 nanoparticles. TiO2 is commonly deployed as an efficient energy transfer electrode in dye sensitized solar cells. The efficiency of dye sensitized solar cells is a function of the interaction of a dye with the electrode material such as TiO2. To the best of our knowledge the present study is the first effort in the determination of terahertz absorbance signals, investigation of real-time dye permeation kinetics and the surface profiling and 3D imaging of dye sensitized TiO2 films. Herein, we report that the terahertz spectra of the natural dye sensitized TiO2 films were distinctively different from that of the inorganic dye with prominent absorption of natural dyes occurring at approximately the same wavelength. It was observed that the permeation of the natural dyes were more uniform through the layers of the mesoporous TiO2 compared to the inorganic dye. Finally, defects and flaws on TiO2 film were easily recognized via surface profiling and 3D imaging of the films. The findings thus offer a new approach in characterization of dye sensitized solar cells.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma associated with Extra-hepatic Primary Malignancy: its Secular change, Clinical Manifestations and Survival
Authors: Kee Kwong Ming , Wang Jing-Houng , Wang Chih-Chi , Cheng Yu-Fan , Lu Sheng-Nan
Published: July 2016

Clinical manifestations between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extra-hepatic primary malignancy (EHPM) are lack of large-scale study. We enrolled 14555 HCC patients between 1986 and 2013 retrospectively. The EHPM was classified as prior, synchronous and metachronous group based on before, within and after 6 months of HCC diagnosis, respectively. The incidence rate of EHPM is 3.91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.60–4.23%). Urogenital cancers, kidney and bladder, were at unexpected higher ranks. Older in age, Child-Pugh A cirrhosis, negativity of HBsAg and anti-HCV, and earlier BCLC staging are independent factors associated with EHPM. The survival rates of EHPM improve over time and also better than HCC-alone. Cox proportional-hazards regression shows independent poor prognostic factors are age >60, male, AFP levels ≥400 ng/ml, positivity of HBsAg, Child-Pugh B vs. A, Non-metachronous group, respectively, treated with local ablation, transcatheter arterial embolization, radiotherapy and supportive care vs. surgery, respectively, TNM stage IIIA vs. I, and BCLC stages A, B, C and D vs. 0, respectively. Survival of EHPM improve could be explained by early diagnosis and improve treatment of cancers.
Arabidopsis YL1/BPG2 Is Involved in Seedling Shoot Response to Salt Stress through ABI4
Authors: Li Peng-Cheng , Huang Jin-Guang , Yu Shao-Wei , Li Yuan-Yuan , Sun Peng , Wu Chang-Ai , Zheng Cheng-Chao
Published: July 2016

The chloroplast-localized proteins play roles in plant salt stress response, but their mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we screened a yellow leaf mutant, yl1-1, whose shoots exhibited hypersensitivity to salt stress. We mapped YL1 to AT3G57180, which encodes a YqeH-type GTPase. YL1, as a chloroplast stroma-localized protein, could be markedly reduced by high salinity. Upon exposure to high salinity, seedling shoots of yl1-1 and yl1-2 accumulated significantly higher levels of Na+ than wild type. Expression analysis of factors involved in plant salt stress response showed that the expression of ABI4 was increased and HKT1 was evidently suppressed in mutant shoots compared with the wild type under normal growth conditions. Moreover, salinity effects on ABI4 and HKT1 were clearly weakened in the mutant shoots, suggesting that the loss of YL1 function impairs ABI4 and HKT1 expression. Notably, the shoots of yl1-2 abi4 double mutant exhibited stronger resistance to salt stress and accumulated less Na+ levels after salt treatment compared with the yl1-2 single mutant, suggesting the salt-sensitive phenotype of yl1-2 seedlings could be rescued via loss of ABI4 function. These results reveal that YL1 is involved in the salt stress response of seedling shoots through ABI4.
A novel allele of L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase is associated with enhanced drought tolerance through affecting stomatal aperture in common wheat
Authors: Zhang Juncheng , Li Bin , Yang Yanping , Mu Peiyuan , Qian Weiqiang , Dong Lingli , Zhang Kunpu , Liu Xin , Qin Huanju , Ling Hongqing , Wang Daowen
Published: July 2016

In higher plants, L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH) plays important roles in ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis and assembly of respiration complex I. Here we report three homoeologous genes (TaGLDH-A1, -B1and -D1) encoding common wheat GLDH isozymes and a unique allelic variant (TaGLDH-A1b) associated with enhanced drought tolerance.TaGLDH-A1, -B1and -D1were located on chromosomes 5A, 5B and 5D, respectively and their transcripts were found in multiple organs. The three homoeologs each conferred increased GLDH activity when ectopically expressed in tobacco. DecreasingTaGLDHexpression in wheat significantly reduced GLDH activity and AsA content.TaGLDH-A1bdiffered from wild type alleleTaGLDH-A1aby an in-frame deletion of three nucleotides. TaGLDH-A1b was biochemically less active than TaGLDH-A1a and the total GLDH activity levels were generally lower in the cultivars carryingTaGLDH-A1brelative to those withTaGLDH-A1a. Interestingly,TaGLDH-A1bcultivars showed stronger water deficiency tolerance thanTaGLDH-A1acultivars andTaGLDH-A1bco-segregated with decreased leaf water loss in a F2population. Finally,TaGLDH-A1bcultivars generally exhibited smaller leaf stomatal aperture thanTaGLDH-A1avarieties in control or water deficiency environments. Our work provides new information onGLDHgenes and function in higher plants.TaGLDH-A1bis likely useful for further studying and improving wheat tolerance to drought stress.
Order parameter analysis for low-dimensional behaviors of coupled phase-oscillators
Authors: Gao Jian , Xu Can , Sun Yuting , Zheng Zhigang
Published: July 2016

Coupled phase-oscillators are important models related to synchronization. Recently, Ott-Antonsen(OA) ansatz is developed and used to get low-dimensional collective behaviors in coupled oscillator systems. In this paper, we develop a simple and concise approach based on equations of order parameters, namely, order parameter analysis, with which we point out that OA ansatz is rooted in the dynamical symmetry of order parameters. With our approach the scope of OA ansatz is identified as two conditions, i.e., the limit of infinitely many oscillators and only three nonzero Fourier coefficients of the coupling function. Coinciding with each of the conditions, a distinctive system out of the scope is taken into account and discussed with the order parameter analysis. Two approximation methods are introduced respectively, namely the expectation assumption and the dominating-term assumption.
Enhanced Lithium Storage in Reduced Graphene Oxide-supported M-phase Vanadium(IV) Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Song Hee Jo , Choi Mingu , Kim Jae-Chan , Park Sangbaek , Lee Chan Woo , Hong Seong-Hyeon , Kim Byung-Kook , Kim Dong-Wan
Published: July 2016

Vanadium(IV) dioxide (VO2) has drawn attention as one of the most attractive electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), hence, much research has been conducted in various sectors in this field. However, to date, most of this research has focused on the VO2(B) polymorph, whereas electrochemical information on the use of VO2(M) in LIB electrodes is insufficient. Thus, it is worthwhile to explore the possibility of using VO2(M) for LIB electrode application, and to investigate whether its electrochemical properties can be improved. In this study, VO2(M) nanoparticles, incorporated with a reduced graphene oxide composite (NP-VO2/rGO), were successfully synthesized via a sol–gel assisted hydrothermal process by the chemical reduction of V2O5 gel, using hydrazine as the reducing agent. The particle size was less than 50 nm regardless of the presence of rGO. Also, NP-VO2/rGO exhibited a specific capacity of 283 mA h g−1 up to the 200th cycle at a current density of 60 mA g−1, indicating its potential to be used in LIBs.
Low temperature and high field regimes of connected kagome artificial spin ice: the role of domain wall topology
Authors: Zeissler Katharina , Chadha Megha , Lovell Edmund , Cohen Lesley F. , Branford Will R.
Published: July 2016

Artificial spin ices are frustrated magnetic nanostructures where single domain nanobars act as macrosized spins. In connected kagome artificial spin ice arrays, reversal occurs along one-dimensional chains by propagation of ferromagnetic domain walls through Y-shaped vertices. Both the vertices and the walls are complex chiral objects with well-defined topological edge-charges. At room temperature, it is established that the topological edge-charges determine the exact switching reversal path taken. However, magnetic reversal at low temperatures has received much less attention and how these chiral objects interact at reduced temperature is unknown. In this study we use magnetic force microscopy to image the magnetic reversal process at low temperatures revealing the formation of quite remarkable high energy remanence states and a change in the dynamics of the reversal process. The implication is the breakdown of the artificial spin ice regime in these connected structures at low temperatures.
Correlative multiple porosimetries for reservoir sandstones with adoption of a new reference-sample-guided computed-tomographic method
Authors: Jin Jae Hwa , Kim Junho , Lee Jeong-Yil , Oh Young Min
Published: July 2016

One of the main interests in petroleum geology and reservoir engineering is to quantify the porosity of reservoir beds as accurately as possible. A variety of direct measurements, including methods of mercury intrusion, helium injection and petrographic image analysis, have been developed; however, their application frequently yields equivocal results because these methods are different in theoretical bases, means of measurement, and causes of measurement errors. Here, we present a set of porosities measured in Berea Sandstone samples by the multiple methods, in particular with adoption of a new method using computed tomography and reference samples. The multiple porosimetric data show a marked correlativeness among different methods, suggesting that these methods are compatible with each other. The new method of reference-sample-guided computed tomography is more effective than the previous methods when the accompanied merits such as experimental conveniences are taken into account.
Copper-catalyzed intramolecular aryl-bicyclization of diynes with diaryliodonium salts via vinyl cations
Authors: Wang Guohua , Chen Chao , Peng Jing
Published: July 2016

A novel protocol for the synthesis of polycyclic compounds from linear diynes and diaryliodonium salts has been realized.
Breathing mode vibrations and elastic properties of single-crystal and penta-twinned gold nanorods
Authors: Gan Yong , Sun Zheng , Chen Zhen
Published: July 2016

Continuum simulations using bulk elastic constants could well predict the breathing periods of crystalline gold nanorods.
Domain motions and electron transfer dynamics in 2Fe-superoxide reductase
Authors: Horch Marius , Utesch Tillmann , Hildebrandt Peter , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Zebger Ingo
Published: July 2016

Theoretical studies on 2Fe-superoxide reductase provide mechanistic insights into structural dynamics and electron transfer efficiencies.
Zn2+ and Cd2+ cationized serine complexes: infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy and density functional theory investigations
Authors: Coates Rebecca A. , Boles Georgia C. , McNary Christopher P. , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Armentrout P. B.
Published: July 2016

Zinc and cadmium dications bind serine in tridentate structures at the amine and carbonyl groups and side-chain hydroxyl group.
Methanol dimer formation drastically enhances hydrogen abstraction from methanol by OH at low temperature
Authors: Siebrand Willem , Smedarchina Zorka , Martínez-Núñez Emilio , Fernández-Ramos Antonio
Published: July 2016

The kinetics of the reaction of methanol with hydroxyl radicals is revisited in light of reported new kinetic data, measured in cold expansion beams.
DNA-stabilized Ag–Au bimetallic clusters: the effects of alloying and embedding on optical properties
Authors: Palagin Dennis , Doye Jonathan P. K.
Published: July 2016

Global geometry optimization and time-dependent density functional theory calculations have been used to study the structural evolution and optical properties of AgnAun(n= 2–6) nanoalloys both as individual clusters and as clusters stabilized with the fragments of DNA of different size.
Rotation measurements of a thermally driven rotary nanomotor with a spring wing
Authors: Cai Kun , Yu Jingzhou , Liu Lingnan , Shi Jiao , Qin Qing H.
Published: July 2016

The mechanism of the rotation measurement of the nanomotor according to the deflection of a probe tip.
Nucleophilic reactivity and electrocatalytic reduction of halogenated organic compounds by nickel o-phenylenedioxamidate complexes
Authors: Das Siva Prasad , Ganguly Rakesh , Li Yongxin , Soo Han Sen
Published: July 2016

Nickel(ii)-ate complexes supported by o-phenylenebis(N-methyloxamide) reacted with alkyl halides to form new imidate tautomers which were characterized by X-ray crystallography and FT-IR spectroscopy, and used for electroreduction of chloroform.
Direct generation of loop-erased transition paths in non-equilibrium reactions
Authors: Banisch Ralf , Vanden-Eijnden Eric
Published: July 2016

A computational procedure is proposed to generate directly loop-erased transition paths in the context of non-equilibrium reactions, i.e. reactions that occur in systems whose dynamics is not in detailed balance. The procedure builds on results from Transition Path Theory (TPT), and it avoids altogether the need to generate reactive trajectories, either by brute-force calculations or using importance sampling schemes such as Transition Path Sampling (TPS). This is computationally advantageous since these reactive trajectories can themselves be very long and intricate in complex reactions. The loop-erased transition paths, on the other hand, are shorter and simpler because, by construction, they are pruned of all the detours typical reactive trajectories make and contain only their productive pieces that carry the effective current of the reaction. As a result they give direct access to the reaction rate and mechanism.
Emerging Investigators 2016: discovery science meets technology
Authors: Schroeder Charles M. , Köster Sarah , Huang Yanyi
Published: July 2016

Guest editors Charles M. Schroeder, Sarah Köster and Yanyi Huang introduce the 2016 Emerging Investigators themed issue of Lab on a Chip.
Effect of charge localization on the in vivo optical imaging properties of near-infrared cyanine dye/monoclonal antibody conjugates
Authors: Sato Kazuhide , Gorka Alexander P. , Nagaya Tadanobu , Michie Megan S. , Nakamura Yuko , Nani Roger R. , Coble Vince L. , Vasalatiy Olga V. , Swenson Rolf E. , Choyke Peter L. , Schnermann Martin J. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: July 2016

Small changes on cyanine dyes to the chemical structure can alter in vivo pharmacokinetics of mAb–dye conjugates.
The healing of B- or N-vacancy defective BNNTs by using CO molecule: a DFT study
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Saeidi Nasibeh , Nematollahi Parisa
Published: July 2016

Boron or nitrogen vacancies of BNNTs can be effectively healed by CO at ambient temperature.
Bioconjugatable, PEGylated hydroporphyrins for photochemistry and photomedicine. Narrow-band, near-infrared-emitting bacteriochlorins
Authors: Zhang Nuonuo , Jiang Jianbing , Liu Mengran , Taniguchi Masahiko , Mandal Amit Kumar , Evans-Storms Rosemary B. , Pitner J. Bruce , Bocian David F. , Holten Dewey , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: July 2016

PEGylated bacteriochlorins are soluble in water, can be excited in the ultraviolet, and exhibit a narrow fluorescence band in the NIR spectral region.
Bent bonds and the antiperiplanar hypothesis – a simple model to rationalize [1,3]-sigmatropic alkyl shifts
Authors: Deslongchamps Ghislain , Deslongchamps Pierre
Published: July 2016

The stereochemical outcome of [1,3]-sigmatropic rearrangements can be rationalized by the use of olefinic tau (τ) bonds, and by considering that diradical intermediates have pyramidal character.
Formation of polyoxazoline-silica nanoparticles via the surface-initiated cationic polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline
Authors: Bissadi G. , Weberskirch R.
Published: July 2016

The fabrication of silica hybrid nanoparticles by a surface-initiated cationic ring-opening polymerization of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)s has been described.
Secondary metabolites with chemical diversity from the marine-derived fungus Pseudallescheria boydii F19-1 and their cytotoxic activity
Authors: Lan Wen-Jian , Wang Kun-Teng , Xu Meng-Yang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Lam Chi-Keung , Zhong Guo-Hua , Xu Jun , Yang De-Po , Li Hou-Jin , Wang Lai-You
Published: July 2016

Twenty-five compounds with chemical diversity including five new compounds were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Pseudallescheria boydii F19-1. Five compounds displayed significant cytotoxicity against Sf9 cells.
Interfacial properties and thermodynamic behavior of cationic amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins substituted with one or seven alkyl chains
Authors: Baâzaoui Mondher , Béjaoui Ines , Kalfat Rafik , Amdouni Noureddine , Hbaieb Souhaira , Chevalier Yves
Published: July 2016

New cationic amphiphilic β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) were investigated for their surface-active properties and self-association.
Augmenting the catalytic activity of CoFe2O4 by substituting rare earth cations into the spinel structure
Authors: Sharma Rimi , Bansal S. , Singhal Sonal
Published: July 2016

The current research work evaluates significant enhancement in photo-Fenton activity of pristine cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) by inserting very small quantity of rare earth cations such as cerium (Ce3+) and lanthanum (La3+) into its spinel structure.
Synthesis of spiro isoindolinone-indolines and 1,2-disubstituted indoles from 2-iodobenzamide derivatives
Authors: Villuri Bharath Kumar , Kotipalli Trimurtulu , kavala Veerababurao , Ichake Sachin S. , Bandi Vijayalakshmi , Kuo Chun-Wei , Yao Ching-Fa
Published: July 2016

Copper catalyzed C-terminal and N-terminal attack of 2-alkynylanilines to 2-iodobenzamides afforded isoindolinones and 1,2-disubstituted indoles, respectively.
Correction: Effects of reagent rotation on interferences in the product angular distributions of chemical reactions
Authors: Jambrina P. G. , Aldegunde J. , Aoiz F. J. , Sneha M. , Zare R. N.
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘Effects of reagent rotation on interferences in the product angular distributions of chemical reactions’ by P. G. Jambrina et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, 7, 642–649.
Effects of prenatal and lactation nicotine exposure on glucose homeostasis, lipogenesis and lipid metabolic profiles in mothers and offspring
Authors: Fan Jie , Ping Jie , Xiang Jie , Rao Yi-song , Zhang Wan-xia , Chen Ting , Zhang Li , Yan You-e
Published: July 2016

Perinatal nicotine exposure affects mothers’ and pups’ glucose homeostasis, lipogenesis and lipid metabolic profiles. The effects on pups include the direct roles of nicotine and indirect roles of maternal alterations.
Likelihood function for target tracking in single frequency network
Authors: Gao Lin , Wei Ping
Published: July 2016

The single frequency network (SFN) refers to a special kind of sensor networks whose illuminators broadcast the same frequency band of signals. The remarkable feature of SFN is that it generates multiple simultaneous measurements from the same target with illuminators uncertain, which brings heavy computational loads in the context of target tracking. To solve this problem, decomposition of the likelihood function (LF) of SFN into the sum of sub‐LFs corresponding to each illuminator is proposed. Then, the sub‐LFs are approximately modeled through the random finite set framework. The advantage is that it avoids enumerating all the associations between the illuminators and the measurements. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed LF.
ML modulation classification in presence of unreliable observations
Authors: Dulek B.
Published: July 2016

Joint detection and maximum‐likelihood (ML) classification of linear modulations based on observations collected over an unknown flat‐fading additive Gaussian noise channel is considered. It is assumed that some of the observations are subject to data failures, in which case the receiver acquires only noise. Expectation–maximisation algorithm is employed to compute the ML estimates of the unknown channel parameters, which are then substituted into the corresponding likelihood expressions to perform hypothesis testing. Numerical simulations indicate that a suboptimal classifier, which is ignorant to data failures, exhibits extremely poor performance in the presence of high failure rates. On the other hand, the proposed classifier demonstrates comparable performance with that of the clairvoyant classifier which is assumed to have a priori knowledge of the channel parameters and data failures.
Multiple‐rate codes from block Markov superposition transmission of first‐order Reed–Muller and extended Hamming codes
Authors: Tong Sheng , Liu Bo , Guo Qinghua , Tong Jun , Xi Jiangtao
Published: July 2016

Block Markov superposition transmission (BMST) of first‐order Reed–Muller and extended Hamming (RMEH) codes is investigated. Multiple code rates can be easily realised by adjusting the mixture ratio of Reed–Muller and extended Hamming codes. Compared with the original BMST of repetition and single‐parity‐check (RSPC) codes, the proposed BMST‐RMEH codes can perform close to Shannon limits over a wide range of code rates with about only half the encoding memories of BMST‐RSPC codes. As a result of the reduction of encoding memories, the decoding complexity and delay of BMST‐RMEH codes are approximately half (or even lower than) those of BMST‐RSPC codes.
Design of compact filtering rat‐race hybrid with λ/2‐resonators
Authors: Lu Yun‐Long , Wang Yi , Hua Changzhou , Liu Taijun
Published: July 2016

A novel compact filtering rat‐race hybrid coupler with improved upper stopband is presented. Four coupled λ/2‐resonator pairs are utilised to replace the λ/4‐ and 3λ/4‐transmission lines in the conventional hybrid. Each coupled λ/2‐resonator pair exhibits a bandpass filtering response and acts as a K‐inverter. Eight resistors are placed at the centre of the λ/2‐resonators to suppress the second‐harmonic. For verification, a filtering rat‐race hybrid is implemented with a centre frequency of 1.27 GHz and 20 dB rejection band of 2.73 f0. Good in‐phase and out‐of‐phase characteristics are obtained. The proposed device has a simple circuit topology, compact size and good performance.
Multilevel transition in empty substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Morro J.V. , Rodríguez A. , Belenguer A. , Esteban H. , Boria V.
Published: July 2016

Empty substrate integrated waveguide (ESIW) is an improvement of the well‐known substrate integrated waveguide. While maintaining the low cost, easy manufacturing, small size, and integration with other circuits in the same substrate, ESIW decreases the related losses by removing the dielectric substrate, thus rendering it more interesting for practical applications. A wide band transition has been already developed to connect ESIW to microstrip lines. Filters, couplers, and antennas have also been developed in ESIW. For multilevel configurations, where different ESIW devices are implemented in different stacked substrates, a transition is needed that connects ESIW lines in different substrate levels. A low reflection wideband transition is presented for connecting two stacked ESIW lines.
Performance analysis of VC receiver systems for M2M communications using orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access
Authors: Wang Shendi , Thompson John S.
Published: July 2016

With increasing demand for machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communications, modifying existing orthogonal frequency‐division multiple access communication systems such as the long‐term evolution (LTE) system to successfully support low‐data rate M2M devices has become an important issue. In LTE Release 12 and beyond, the reduction of maximum bandwidth, the reduction of transmission power and the reduction of downlink transmission model should be studied for supporting low‐data rate M2M communications. This paper will address one solution based on the virtual carrier (VC) concept, which aims to improve the bandwidth efficiency and cost‐efficiency, using analogue filters to extract only sub‐carriers of interest. This will reduce the sampling rate at the M2M analogue‐to‐digital converter (ADC) leading to improvements in ADC power consumption and the computational complexity. Our results indicate that the VC system can provide significant high signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio performance without significant bit error rate degradation.
Evolutionarily stable opportunistic spectrum access in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Xu Li , Fang He , Lin Zhiwei
Published: July 2016

In order to fully utilise limited spectrum resources of multiple channels and multiple radios in cognitive radio networks, the authors propose a potential game model for opportunistic spectrum access based on both accurate and inaccurate spectrum state estimation with considering the interference constraints of licensed users. Three algorithms are proposed to achieve equilibrium of the proposed game. First, assuming spectrum sensing results are accurate, a joint strategy fictitious play‐based channel selection algorithm with incomplete information is presented, and it can achieve a pure Nash equilibrium (NE) of the proposed game. Second, in order to make the outcomes of game robust, an evolutionary spectrum access mechanism with complete information is introduced by using evolutionary game theory based on inaccurate spectrum state estimation so that evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) can be achieved. Finally, with incomplete network information, a distributed learning algorithm is proposed to achieve a mixed NE, which is proved to be an ESS. Simulation results show that these algorithms can significantly improve spectrum allocation efficiency while reducing mutual collision.
HTTPAS: active authentication against HTTPS man‐in‐the‐middle attacks
Authors: Zhou Peng , Gu Xiaojing
Published: July 2016

Hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) relies on a group of pre‐trusted certificate authorities (CAs) for authentication and hence can avoid man‐in‐the‐middle attacks. However unfortunately, this authentication architecture can be completely subverted in case any one (usually the weakest one) of CAs has been compromised. To tackle this critical flaw, pioneer works such as notary‐based systems and pre‐shared secrets have been proposed. These state‐of‐the‐art techniques can neither seek maximal protection from available CAs nor resist potential man‐in‐the‐middle variants. In this study, the authors propose HTTPAS, a new HTTP Active Secure framework that can enhance the HTTPS authentication against man‐in‐the‐middle attacks by actively utilising available CAs and exploiting Internet path diversity as much as possible. In particular, HTTPAS is designed with four practical solutions, each of which can make a unique trade‐off among authentication capability, deployment difficulty and efficiency. They have implemented HTTPAS using the open secure sockets layer (SSL) suite, and also evaluated the implementation through experiments on several public certificate data sets and the Internet. Their results have successfully confirmed the authentication effectiveness of HTTPAS with only a few performance overheads and moderate deployment effort.
Adaptive neural network control of coordinated robotic manipulators with output constraint
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Lei Minjie , Dong Yiting , He Wei
Published: July 2016

In this study, the authors aim to solve the tracking control problem of coordinated robotic manipulators. In order to handle with the uncertainties and instability of coordinated robotic manipulators and improve the performance of the system with output constraint, they design a controller by using radial basis function neural network which has the ability to approximate any bounded and continuous functions effectively. A barrier Lyapunov function is also introduced to prevent the violation of output constraint. The stability analysis of the closed‐loop system is provided and the performance of the controller is verified through simulation.
Additional salt deposit density of polluted insulators in salt fog
Authors: Jiang Xingliang , Guo Yujun , Meng Zhigao , Li Zhenyu , Jiang Zidan
Published: July 2016

The surface pollution layer of polluted insulator absorbs fog water and gets damp in salt fog. Meanwhile, the salts in the salt fog deposit on insulator surface, which increases the surface conductivity and degrades the flashover performance of insulators. At present, the effects of fog water conductivity (γ20) and equivalent salt deposit density (ESDD) are analysed separately, which does not reveal the essence of the flashover in salt fog. In this study, a plenty of experiments on porcelain, glass and composite insulators are carried out in salt fog conditions, and the 50% flashover voltage stress, leakage current and variation of ESDD during the wetting process are studied. The concept of additional salt deposit density (ASDD) is proposed to quantitatively analyse the additional ESDD caused by salt fog. The test results indicate that the ac flashover voltage stress decreases with the increase of both ESDD and fog‐water conductivity. Both the ESDD and leakage current become larger in salt fog compared with those in clean fog. The ASDD can be applied to analyse the combined effect of ESDD and fog‐water conductivity and be expressed as ASDD = k × γ20 × ESDD. Then the flashover voltage stress is E = A × (ESDD + ASDD)−a. The values of k for the porcelain, glass and composite insulators are 0.179, 0.191 and 0.230, respectively. The flashover in salt fog environment is a special kind of pollution flashover in essence.
Fast multilayer perceptron neural network‐based control algorithm for shunt compensator in distribution systems
Authors: Ahmad Md. Tausif , Kumar Narendra , Singh Bhim
Published: July 2016

In this study, a fast learning method of back‐propagation (BP) multilayer perceptron neural network‐based control algorithm for shunt compensator in three‐phase distribution systems is presented. The proposed method comprises of quadratic linear and non‐linear errors to determine optimisation criterion error function to train the BP algorithm while the existing methods have used only linear quadratic error term. The newly developed optimisation criterion error function accelerates the convergence efficiency of BP algorithm for performance improvement of shunt compensator at point of common coupling under non‐linear loading conditions. With the help of the proposed algorithm, the weighted amplitude of fundamental active and reactive current components of the load current are extracted from which the reference source currents are estimated. The performance analysis of the proposed algorithm has been evaluated using two case studies for zero‐voltage regulation and power factor correction. The total harmonic distortions are improved in comparison with standard BP algorithm which has been validated in above‐mentioned two case studies. This is the quite important advantage of the proposed control algorithm to improve the power quality over existing control algorithms for shunt compensator.
Research on multi‐attribute decision‐making in condition evaluation for power transformer using fuzzy AHP and modified weighted averaging combination
Authors: Sun Lingjie , Ma Zhao , Shang Yuwei , Liu Yingyi , Yuan Haiwen , Wu Guoliang
Published: July 2016

Power transformers are of vital importance for the stable operation of power system. Hence, to grasp transformers’ health condition is of imminent importance. However, the evaluation of transformers’ health condition is bound with fuzzy, uncertainty, and even conflict information. To address these problems, a novel evaluation model for transformer, by integrating the merits of fuzzy set theory, fuzzy analytical hierarchical process (AHP), and modified weighted averaging combination, is proposed in this study. The evaluation model contains four factors: dissolved gas analysis, electrical testing, oil testing, and miscellaneous factors, as well as 20 indices. The evaluation process consists of three steps. First, the fuzzy set theory is used to obtain assessment grades for each quantified indices. Second, the fuzzy AHP using fuzzy preference programming, which extends classical AHP and can better tackle the uncertainty existed in the comparison matrix given by experts, is introduced to calculate the weights of indices. Finally, the assessment is processed through the modified weighted averaging combination, which is able to handle the conflicts among evidences. The proposed method is verified by evaluating a realistic transformer, and the results of field examples indicate that the method can evaluate the transformer health condition effectively.
Optimal joint‐dispatch of energy and reserve for CCHP‐based microgrids
Authors: Wang Jianxiao , Zhong Haiwang , Xia Qing , Kang Chongqing , Du Ershun
Published: July 2016

With the rapid growth of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids (MGs), the volatility of renewable generations will impact the economical and secure operation of the power system. To exert the grid‐friendly manner of MGs, an optimal joint‐dispatch scheme of energy and reserve is proposed in this study for combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP)‐based MGs. In the scheme, the total operation cost of the MG is minimized under pre‐defined reserve requirements. The energy demands are satisfied via dispatching various DERs. Distinguished from the electric demand balanced at any given instant, the unbalance between thermal supply and demand is acceptable because the temperatures can be maintained due to the thermal inertia. When the electric supply is in shortage, the energy provided for the thermal systems can be temporarily reduced so that more energy can be utilised to support the electrical systems. The dynamics of the MG is modelled by discretising thermal balance differential equations. With the coordination of CCHP systems, the reserve capability of the MG is fully utilised, thereby ensuring the security of the bulk power system. Case studies based on an industrial park in Chicago, USA validate that the proposed scheme can provide more reserve capability.
Nanocrystalline mesoporous zeolite X with a considerable external surface area prepared via an ordered precursor: a potential adsorbent
Authors: Wang Xu , Yang Bin , Ma Jinghong , Fen Chunfeng , Li Ruifeng
Published: July 2016

A nanocrystal zeolite X with intracrystalline mesopores has been successfully prepared by using organofunctionalised mesoporous silica in hydrothermal system. The as‐prepared zeolitic material persist the inherent framework structure of FAU zeolite, and present a crystallographic morphology of stacked three‐dimensional intergrowths made up of rectangular nanocrystals. The intracrystalline mesopores are formed via a bond‐blocking principle with hydrophobic carbon chains of organosilane inhibiting the growth of zeolite units and crystals in the channels of mesoporous silica during hydrothermal synthesis. The results showed that the zeolitic material has a considerable external surface area (247 m2 g−1)and mesopore volume (0.44 cm3 g−1), maintaining high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (991 m2 g−1) and large total pore volume (0.71 cm3 g−1), and clearly stating a larger adsorption capacity for p‐xylene at relative higher pressure.
Energy spectra in elasto-inertial turbulence
Authors: Valente P. C. , da Silva C. B. , Pinho F. T.
Published: July 2016

Direct numerical simulations of statistically steady homogeneous isotropic turbulence in viscoelastic fluids described by the FENE-P model are presented. Emphasis is given to large polymer relaxation times compared to the eddy turnover time, which is a regime recently termed elasto-inertial turbulence. In this regime the polymers are ineffective in dissipating kinetic energy but they play a lead role in transferring kinetic energy to the small solvent scales which turns out to be concomitant with the depletion of the usual non-linear energy cascade. However, we show that the non-linear interactions are still highly active, but they lead to no net downscale energy transfer because the forward and reversed energy cascades are nearly balanced. Finally, we show that the tendency for a steeper elasto-inertial power-law spectra is reversed for large polymer relaxation times and the spectra tend towards the usual k−5/3 functional form.
Calculation of total and ionization cross sections for electron scattering by primary benzene compounds
Authors: Singh Suvam , Naghma Rahla , Kaur Jaspreet , Antony Bobby
Published: July 2016

The total and ionization cross sections for electron scattering by benzene, halobenzenes, toluene, aniline, and phenol are reported over a wide energy domain. The multi-scattering centre spherical complex optical potential method has been employed to find the total elastic and inelastic cross sections. The total ionization cross section is estimated from total inelastic cross section using the complex scattering potential-ionization contribution method. In the present article, the first theoretical calculations for electron impact total and ionization cross section have been performed for most of the targets having numerous practical applications. A reasonable agreement is obtained compared to existing experimental observations for all the targets reported here, especially for the total cross section.
The late time structure of high density contrast, single mode Richtmyer-Meshkov flow
Authors: Williams R. J. R.
Published: July 2016

We study the late time flow structure of Richtmyer-Meshkov instability. Recent numerical work [F. J. Cherne et al. “On shock driven jetting of liquid from non-sinusoidal surfaces into a vacuum,” J. Appl. Phys. 118, 185901 (2015)] has suggested a self-similar collapse of the development of this instability at late times, independent of the initial surface profile. Using the form of collapse suggested, we derive an analytic expression for the mass-velocity relation in the spikes, and a global theory for the late time flow structure. We compare these results with fluid dynamical simulation.
The causal relation between turbulent particle flux and density gradient
Authors: van Milligen B. Ph. , Carreras B. A. , García L. , Martín de Aguilera A. , Hidalgo C. , Nicolau J. H. ,   TJ-II Team
Published: July 2016

A technique for detecting the causal relationship between fluctuating signals is used to investigate the relation between flux and gradient in fusion plasmas. Both a resistive pressure gradient driven turbulence model and experimental Langmuir probe data from the TJ-II stellarator are studied. It is found that the maximum influence occurs at a finite time lag (non-instantaneous response) and that quasi-periodicities exist. Furthermore, the model results show very long range radial influences, extending over most of the investigated regions, possibly related to coupling effects associated with plasma self-organization. These results clearly show that transport in fusion plasmas is not local and instantaneous, as is sometimes assumed.
Effects of the P2 M-band flux asymmetry of laser-driven gold Hohlraums on the implosion of ICF ignition capsule
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Gu Jianfa , Wu Changshu , Song Peng , Dai Zhensheng , Li Shuanggui , Li Xin , Kang Dongguo , Gu Peijun , Zheng Wudi , Zou Shiyang , Ding Yongkun , Lan Ke , Ye Wenhua , Zhang Weiyan
Published: July 2016

Low-mode asymmetries in the laser-indirect-drive inertial confinement fusion implosion experiments conducted on the National Ignition Facility [G. H. Miller et al., Nucl. Fusion 44, S228 (2004)] are deemed the main obstacles hindering further improvement of the nuclear performance of deuterium-tritium-layered capsules. The dominant seeds of these asymmetries include the P2 and P4 asymmetries of x-ray drives and P2 asymmetry introduced by the supporting “tent.” Here, we explore the effects of another possible seed that can lead to low-mode asymmetric implosions, i.e., the M-band flux asymmetry (MFA) in laser-driven cylindrical gold Hohlraums. It is shown that the M-band flux facilitates the ablation and acceleration of the shell, and that positive P2 MFAs can result in negative P2 asymmetries of hot spots and positive P2 asymmetries of shell's ρR. An oblate or toroidal hot spot, depending on the P2 amplitude of MFA, forms at stagnation. The energy loss of such a hot spot via electron thermal conduction is seriously aggravated not only due to the enlarged hot spot surface but also due to the vortices that develop and help transferring thermal energy from the hotter center to the colder margin of such a hot spot. The cliffs of nuclear performance for the two methodologies of applying MFA (i.e., symmetric flux in the presence of MFA and MFA added for symmetric soft x-ray flux) are obtained locating at 9.5% and 5.0% of P2/P0 amplitudes, respectively.
Electrostatic propulsion device for aerodynamics applications
Authors: Granados Victor H. , Pinheiro Mario J. , Sá Paulo A.
Published: July 2016

A self-consistent model of single-stage electrohydrodynamic thrusters is proposed in order to compare and study their performances in terms of net thrust production and thrust-to-power efficiency. Simulations of three thruster's cathode configurations (conical, cylindrical, and funnel-like) at a working pressure of ≃66.7 Pa (0.5 Torr) were conducted. Three working gases were employed: argon (Ar, Ar*, and Ar+), nitrogen (N, N+, N2, N2+, and N4+), and oxygen (O, O+, O−, O2, O2+, and O2−). We found the funnel-like cathode configuration to produce the highest amount of thrust comparing with the other studied cathode geometries. Additionally, nitrogen gas presented the highest net thrust of 5.2 nN with a thrust-to-power ratio of 0.94 μN/W. Although the thrust obtained for oxygen is more than one order of magnitude lower than nitrogen's, the thrust-to-power ratio obtained is more than three times greater.