bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact and high sensitivity low‐temperature sensor based on coreless silica fiber Mach‐Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Baharin N. F. , Musa S. M. A. , Azmi A. I. , Razak M. A. A. , Abdullah A. S. , Salim M. R. , Mohd Noor M. Y.
Published: June 2018

An all‐fiber Mach‐Zehnder interferometer based on symmetrical offset coreless silica fiber (CSF) is proposed and demonstrated for temperature sensing. The sensor is constructed by a symmetrical offset splicing of a short CSF section between two CSF sections. Thus, two distinct optical paths are created inside and outside of the offset section resembling a Mach‐Zehnder interferometer. For temperature sensing, the offset gap is filled with refractive index liquid with high thermo‐optic coefficient of 3.34 × 10−4. Measurement is established by monitoring wavelength shift resulting from interference of modes between the two distinct optical paths. A very high temperature sensitivity of 3220 pm/°C has been achieved with a short sensor length of 1.5 mm. Due to its compact size and high sensitivity, the proposed structure would be an attractive option for low temperature measurement such as for human body temperature monitoring.
A double‐gap klystron type resonator with inductive quasi‐fractal elements
Authors: Miroshnichenko A.Y. , Tsarev V.A. , Akafyeva N.A.
Published: June 2018

Electrodynamic characteristics and parameters of the double‐gap klystron resonator with the inductive microstrip elements on the suspended ceramic substrate has been investigated. The inductive part of a resonator made on the basis of a quasi‐fractal Sierpinski's triangle, and a capacitor part, made between end faces of the multi‐channel drift tubes and forming a double gridless gap. The developed resonator can find application in micro vacuum klystron devices working in the systems of telecommunication and navigation in 1‐ and multi‐frequency mode of operation.
A wideband printed slot antenna with harmonic suppression
Authors: Li Wei‐Wen , Qin Zhao‐Zhao , Chen Si‐Jie , Zhang Liang , Liu Qing‐Huo
Published: June 2018

A wideband slot antenna with harmonic suppression is proposed to utilize the environment microwave energy. The antenna element is a printed narrow slot with an offset microstrip‐feed line to widen the operating band by generating the double resonance of similar frequencies. By adding a rectangular notch in the middle of slot element and grounding the microstrip terminal, its second‐order and third‐order harmonics are effectively suppressed. The experimental results of the prototype antenna show that the fractional bandwidth of its fundamental mode can reach 37.4%, while the antenna efficiencies of the second and third harmonics both are less than 23%. In the operating band the prototype antenna has the approximately omnidirectional radiation characteristic. This antenna structure also provides relaxed fabrication tolerances.
A low‐profile dual‐polarized multilayer parasitic patch array antenna with narrow air gap
Authors: Guo Li , Tang Ming‐Chun , Li Daotong
Published: June 2018

This article proposes a low‐profile dual‐linear polarized multilayer parasitic patch array antenna, which is composed of 3‐layer printed substrates and 1 air gap layer inserted between the lower and middle substrate. There is 1 slotted square patch printed on the lower substrate with 2 excited probes acting as feeding element, and 1 and 4 slotted square patches are on the middle and upper substrate respectively as parasitic elements. The stacked patches introduce additional dual‐polarized resonances for bandwidth enhancement. Specifically, the T‐ and rectangular slots and T‐stubs are employed near/on the orthogonal axis of the patches in order to achieve impedance matching and to improve 2 orthogonal polarizations. Furthermore, 6 stacked complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs) are loaded in the middle and upper substrate mainly for both impedance matching and port isolation adjustment. Simulated and measured results comply with each other, which shows that the fabricated antenna has an operational fractional bandwidth of 6.6% (2.34–2.5 GHz), a maximum gain of 7.9 and 6.9 dB at port 1 and 2 (while 10.2 and 9.3 dBi for the simulated ones), respectively, and port isolation better than 19 dB. In addition, the air‐gap thickness can be maintained at an extremely narrow level of 0.02λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the central frequency).
Fabrication of three‐dimensional printed rectangular waveguide T‐junction with in‐phase and equal power division
Authors: Genc A. , Goksu T. , Helhel S.
Published: June 2018

Three‐dimensional (3D) printed rectangular waveguide T‐junction is presented with in‐phase and equal power division by means of iris and septum at 10–15 GHz frequency range to use the waveguide feed network for array antenna. The proposed T‐junction structure is designed and fabricated with 3D printing, as novelty, that is a good alternative to traditional methods in terms of reduced‐weight, cost, flexible applicability, and being monolithic for complex geometry. After making the skeleton of T‐junction from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, metal plating process is applied over the all surfaces with copper. Transmission and reflection characteristics and electric‐field distribution of the structure are obtained with CST Microwave Studio software. Qualitative agreement is obtained between measurement and simulation with ∼7 dB shift and that shift is because of high precision and low surface roughness on 3D printed junctions. Unlike studies in the literature, the proposed study provides two points, as a novelty: First is that the fabrication of rectangular waveguide T‐junction with 3D printing is made. Second is that the return loss of T‐junction is improved by changing the geometry of iris and septum.
Miniaturized dual‐band filter using triple‐folded substrate‐integrated waveguide resonators
Authors: Li Mingkang , Jiang Shan , Chen Chang , Chen Weidong , Zhang Hualiang
Published: June 2018

A miniaturized dual‐band filter using novel triple‐folded substrate‐integrated waveguide (TFSIW) resonators is proposed in this paper. The proposed TFSIW is enabled by specially designed folding structures, which leads to significant size reduction. The 2 lowest resonant modes, namely folded TE102 mode and folded TE101 mode in the TFSIW cavity, are utilized to achieve a dual resonance response with a small frequency ratio. To validate the design concept, a dual‐band filter operating at 1.91 and 2.32 GHz is designed, fabricated and characterized. Good agreement has been achieved between the simulation and measurement results. Moreover, the size of the proposed TFSIW resonator has been reduced for 86% compared with the conventional SIW resonator (assuming the same frequency ratio).
Linking interprofessional work to outcomes for employees: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kaiser Sabine , Patras Joshua , Martinussen Monica
Published: June 2018

The aim of this meta‐analysis of studies of workers in the health and social care sector was to examine the relationship between interprofessional work and employee outcomes of job stress, autonomy, burnout, engagement, job satisfaction, turnover intention, and perceived service quality, and to examine the influence of different moderators on those relationships. A systematic literature search of the PsycInfo, Embase, Medline, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases was conducted to identify relevant articles. A total of 45 articles with results for 53 independent samples was included in the meta‐analysis. A random effects model was used to estimate the mean effect sizes (correlations). Most employees were nurses working in hospitals. Interprofessional work was weakly negatively associated with job stress, burnout, and turnover intention (range mean r = −.13 to −.22); and was moderately positively associated with autonomy, engagement, job satisfaction, and perceived service quality (range mean r =.33 to .46). When feasible, interprofessional work was categorized as teamwork (most intensive), collaboration, or cooperation. Teamwork, the most intense of three forms of interprofessional work, promoted lower burnout and turnover intention. The results of this meta‐analysis suggest that interprofessional work is linked to better well‐being for employees in health and social care.
Insights into unusual stability of 5‐membered‐ring endocyclic benzyl carbocations in aqueous solution
Authors: Sung Robert , Sung Kuangsen
Published: June 2018

The acyclic o‐oxygen benzyl carbocation 1, the 6‐membered‐ring endocyclic o‐oxygen benzyl carbocation 2, and the 5‐membered‐ring endocyclic o‐oxygen benzyl carbocation 3 were used as model compounds to get insights into the general phenomenon for the unusual stability of the 5‐membered‐ring endocyclic benzyl carbocations in aqueous solution. The hydride‐ion affinities of 1, 2, and 3 in gas phase, acetonitrile, and DMSO were calculated and compared by the density functional theory method, and 3 isodesmic reactions were designed to confirm their thermodynamic stability. What we found is that the 5‐membered‐ring endocyclic o‐oxygen stabilizes the benzyl carbocation 3 less than the acyclic o‐oxygen stabilizes the benzyl carbocation 1 in gas phase because of ring strain and through‐bond induction. However, the high solvation energies of the 5‐membered‐ring endocyclic o‐oxygen benzyl carbocation 3 not only offset the destabilizing effects of ring strain and through‐bond induction but also make it even more stable than the acyclic o‐oxygen benzyl carbocation 1 in polar solvents like acetonitrile, DMSO, and water.
An investigation of the relationship between social support and coping with stress in women with breast cancer
Authors: Ozdemir Deniz , Tas Arslan Fatma
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Social support may play a role in effective stress management and make a positive contribution to the health of women with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the ways of coping with stress and levels of perceived social support of women with breast cancer, as well as the associated factors.

Methods

The descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted with 100 women with breast cancer at a training and research hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using an information form including sociodemographic and disease characteristics, the Scale of Ways of Coping with Stress, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

Effective ways of coping with stress were found to be significantly lower in women who were primary school graduates and who did not undergo surgery (P < .05). The women's levels of effective coping with stress decreased with increasing age, and as the score of perceived social support from family and total score of perceived social support increased, so did the levels of effective coping with stress (P < .05). It was determined that social support and age significantly predicted effective stress management (P < .05).

Conclusions

Social support given to women with breast cancer is a key reference point in effective stress management, and increased age also has an important effect on women's ability to cope with stress.
Cosmopolitanism and ethical consumption: An extended theory of planned behavior and modeling for fair trade coffee consumers in South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyemi , Jin Yanhong , Shin Hyun
Published: June 2018

To better understand consumers' fair trade purchasing intentions, this study proposed an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in which a new determinant, cosmopolitanism, was added to reflect consumers' global orientation and perception of fair trade coffee in the context of globalization. In addition, this study employed the construct of “purchase implementation intention” to address the gap between stated intention and actual behavior. To test the study's hypotheses, a random survey was administered to 400 participants in Seoul, South Korea, a key emerging market for fair trade coffee consumption. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical regression method. Our findings suggest that (i) attitudes toward purchasing fair trade coffee, subjective norms, and cosmopolitanism were significant factors in predicting purchase implementation intentions with regard to fair trade coffee; (ii) perceived behavioral control was not statistically significant; and (iii) cosmopolitanism had a partial moderating effect on purchase implementation intentions. To confirm the utility of purchase implementation intention, a choice experiment involving 145 undergraduate and graduate students was administered. The data were analyzed using logistic regression. Purchase implementation intention was shown to reflect consumers' actual choice of fair trade coffee. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
The Retro-Cue Benefit for Verbal Material and Its Influence on the	Probability of Intrusions Under Dual-Task Conditions
Authors: Krefeld-Schwalb Antonia
Published: June 2018

Abstract. It is well established in the working memory literature, that performance can be improved by cueing attention toward the position of a to-be-tested item, even after that item’s presentation. This retro-cue benefit is often characterized as the joint outcome of two different effects: facilitation of recall and memory strengthening at the cued position. While the latter has been mainly explained by increased context-content binding, competing hypotheses exist to explain the facilitation of recall. The present study focuses on two of these hypotheses: the removal of non-cued information and the protection of cued information against interference. I replicate the retro-cue effect for verbal material and provide strong evidence for its protective effect. However, I did not find support for the removal hypothesis. This lack of support follows from two empirical findings: Retro-cueing does not decrease, rather increases the conditional probability of intrusions, and the retro-cue benefit does not interact with memory load.
Effective‐Medium Models of Inner‐Core Anisotropy
Authors: Song Xin , Jordan Thomas H.
Published: June 2018

Body‐wave and normal‐mode observations of Earth's inner core show cylindrical anisotropy consistent with an alignment of hexagonal close‐packed iron (hcp‐Fe) crystals along the rotation axis. We quantify the degree of alignment by comparing seismic observations longitudinally averaged over the outer 600 km of the inner core with stochastic rotation models based on ab initio calculations of hcp‐Fe stiffness tensors. Likelihood functions are constructed for the Woodhouse anisotropy ratios from an ensemble of normal‐mode models and for the Backus ray‐angle parameters from the Irving‐Deuss traveltime data set. The tensor at each inner‐core location is modeled as a random rotation of the hcp‐Fe stiffness tensor, and the rotations are assumed to have transversely isotropic statistics with correlation lengths that are small compared to the seismic wavelengths. Two stochastic rotation models are used, one based on Fisher statistics (F model) with concentration parameter κ and one by Jordan (J model) with orientation ratio ξ. The first‐order estimates, obtained by Voigt averaging, imply that hcp‐Fe tensors by Martorell and others considering premelting softening can account for the seismic data if the hcp‐Fe axes are moderately aligned with Earth's rotation axis (
,
). The J model is extended to include second‐order Born scattering, which in the low‐frequency limit depends on the aspect ratio η of the transversely isotropic correlation tensor. Although η is not usefully constrained by the existing data, we show that second‐order scattering acts to increase the required bipolar concentration of hcp‐Fe axes. Integrating over η yields the marginal estimate
, corresponding to a 50% dispersion angle of
.
Multiple Phase Changes in the Mantle Transition Zone Beneath Northeast Asia: Constraints From Teleseismic Reflected and Converted Body Waves
Authors: Tauzin Benoit , Kim Seongryong , Afonso Juan Carlos
Published: June 2018

We reassess the mantle transition zone structure below the northeast Asia margin in the context of subduction of the Pacific plate below the Eurasian continent. We use two independent approaches of teleseismic imaging, namely, compressional‐to‐shear converted waves (receiver functions) and shear wave underside reflections (SS precursors), and compare them within their statistical uncertainties. We find localized complexity in the interfaces marking solid phase changes in mantle minerals, in terms of both apparent topography and reflectivity. The 660‐km discontinuity is doubled, with ∼80‐km maximum vertical distance between the interfaces, over an 890 × 350 km2 region between 36–44°N and 130–133°E at the tip of the subducted Pacific plate. A similar complexity exists on the 410‐km discontinuity, coinciding with the presence of a deep cluster of seismicity below the Japan Sea. Both methods suggest the presence of low‐velocity zones atop the 410, within the mantle transition zone, and below the 660. This complex seismic signature is related to the Pacific plate and interpreted in light of the subduction thermal regime and phase equilibria for a pyrolitic mantle composition. Phase changes manifest themselves as broad zones of velocity gradients with localized doubled or multiple first‐order discontinuities, associated with transitions in the olivine, pyroxene, and garnet systems. An average pyrolitic composition and local temperatures of 1000–1300 K can explain the observed velocity gradients and multiple discontinuities. We show that the dissolution of stishovite, a high‐pressure polymorph of SiO2, into the higher‐pressure perovskite mineral, is a possible explanation for the low‐velocity zones at the top of the lower mantle.
On the Importance of Advective Versus Diffusive Transport in Controlling the Distribution of Methane Hydrate in Heterogeneous Marine Sediments
Authors: VanderBeek Brandon P. , Rempel Alan W.
Published: June 2018

The occurrence of methane hydrate in marine reservoirs often correlates with the physical properties of the host sediments. High hydrate saturations (>60% of the pore volume) found in association with coarser‐grained strata have been attributed to both enhanced advective transport through more permeable sediment layers and to perturbations in phase equilibrium related to pore space geometry that results in increased diffusive transport. To assess the relative importance of these mechanism in controlling hydrate occurrence, we develop a 1‐D model for hydrate growth along dipping, coarse‐grained layers embedded in a fine‐grained sediment package. We explicitly account for pore size effects on methane solubility and permeability‐driven variations in fluid flux. We show how the vertical distribution of hydrate varies in response to changes in grain size and rates of fluid advection, sedimentation, and in situ methane production. We then use our model to simulate centimeter‐scale variations in hydrate saturation observed at Walker Ridge Block 313, Hole H in the Gulf of Mexico. We find that the largest concentrations of hydrate are controlled by diffusion, while increased advective methane supply favors more distributed growth throughout high‐permeability regions. Our results hold promise for using well log‐derived estimates of hydrate saturation to infer sediment properties and the sources and rates of methane supply during reservoir emplacement.
China's Energy Consumption in the New Normal
Authors: Mi Zhifu , Zheng Jiali , Meng Jing , Shan Yuli , Zheng Heran , Ou Jiamin , Guan Dabo , Wei Yi‐Ming
Published: June 2018

Energy consumption is one of main reasons for global warming and highly correlated with economic development. As the largest energy consumer worldwide, China has entered a new economic development model—the “new normal.” This study aims to explore the pattern shift in China's energy consumption growth in this new development phase. We use structural decomposition analysis and environmentally extended input‐output analysis to decompose China's energy consumption changes during 2005–2012 into five factors: population, efficiency, production structure, consumption patterns, and consumption volume. During the period of the global financial crisis, the energy consumption generated by China's exports dropped, while the energy consumption generated by capital formation grew rapidly. Over three quarters of China's energy consumption growth was caused by capital formation during 2007–2010. This growth is mainly because of China's economic stimulus measures in response to the global recession, with a focus on infrastructure construction. In the new normal, the strongest factors offsetting China's energy consumption have been shifting from efficiency gains to structural changes. Efficiency gains were the strongest factor offsetting China's energy consumption in traditional development model and offset 42% of energy consumption between 2005 and 2010 by keeping other driving forces constant. Since 2010, however, their effects offsetting energy have become weak. The production structure and consumption patterns both drove China's energy consumption growth in the traditional development model and drove energy consumption growth by 31% and 12% between 2005 and 2010, respectively. Since 2010, however, both factors have started to offset China's energy consumption.
Clonal Vegetation Patterns Mediate Shoreline Erosion
Authors: Bernik Brittany M. , Eppinga Maarten B. , Kolker Alexander S. , Blum Michael J.
Published: June 2018

Understanding processes governing coastal erosion is becoming increasingly urgent because highly valued ecosystems like salt marshes are being lost at accelerating rates. Here we examine the role of biotic interactions in mediating marsh shoreline erosion under wind wave forces. We parameterized analytical and cellular automata models with field data to assess how soil heterogeneity among clonal patches of an ecosystem engineer mediates spatiotemporal patterns of marsh shoreline erosion. We found that spatial heterogeneity accelerates erosion, especially when it is organized in patches of intermediate size. Patch size also mediated interannual variability in erosion and strongly controlled shoreline roughness. Our results indicate that shoreline roughness can be diagnostic of internal biological structure and spatiotemporal variability in erosion. Hence, measures of shoreline roughness may inform the timeframe and spatial extent needed to accurately monitor erosion. These findings highlight how the physical response of marsh shorelines to wind wave erosion is a function of landscape ecology.
Variability of the Ross Gyre, Southern Ocean: Drivers and Responses Revealed by Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Dotto Tiago S. , Naveira Garabato Alberto , Bacon Sheldon , Tsamados Michel , Holland Paul R. , Hooley Jack , Frajka‐Williams Eleanor , Ridout Andy , Meredith Michael P.
Published: June 2018

Year‐round variability in the Ross Gyre (RG), Antarctica, during 2011–2015, is derived using radar altimetry. The RG is characterized by a bounded recirculating component and a westward throughflow to the south. Two modes of variability of the sea surface height and ocean surface stress curl are revealed. The first represents a large‐scale sea surface height change forced by the Antarctic Oscillation. The second represents semiannual variability in gyre area and strength, driven by fluctuations in sea level pressure associated with the Amundsen Sea Low. Variability in the throughflow is also linked to the Amundsen Sea Low. An adequate description of the oceanic circulation is achieved only when sea ice drag is accounted for in the ocean surface stress. The drivers of RG variability elucidated here have significant implications for our understanding of the oceanic forcing of Antarctic Ice Sheet melting and for the downstream propagation of its ocean freshening footprint.
Modeling of Dissolution‐Induced Permeability Evolution of a Granite Fracture Under Crustal Conditions
Authors: Lu Renchao , Nagel Thomas , Shao Hua , Kolditz Olaf , Shao Haibing
Published: June 2018

This work focuses on the interaction between pressure solution creep and contact area expansion under hydrothermal conditions and proposes an innovative process‐based approach for describing contact area expansion by fracture closure. The formulation is established in the physical context of pressure solution creep and represents the dynamic process of enhanced mineral dissolution over grain contacts, which moves toward equilibrium as a result of decrease of mineral solubility by pressure drop. Then, a theoretical maximum of the contact area ratio Rc,max is obtained from the formulation whose existence demonstrates that pressure solution is with an energy threshold for activation rather than spontaneously taking place under any circumstances. Based upon the formulation, a 1‐D reactive transport model is developed and applied to investigate dissolution‐induced permeability evolution of a granite fracture under crustal conditions. The applicability of the developed model to a polymineralic system is examined against the experimental measurements reported in Yasuhara et al. (2011, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2011.07.005). This investigation reconfirms the significance of pressure solution creep in fracture permeability evolution under low and moderate temperatures and provides a justified interpretation for the unusual experimental observation that fracture permeability reduction does not necessarily lead to apparent increases of effluent element concentrations. The surface topography of fracture channels markedly affects hydraulic feedback on chemical compaction in terms of both magnitude and rate of change. Temperature elevation contributes to accelerating the progression of pressure solution creep.
SRSF3 maintains transcriptome integrity in oocytes by regulation of alternative splicing and transposable elements
Authors: Do Dang Vinh , Strauss Bernhard , Cukuroglu Engin , Macaulay Iain , Wee Keng Boon , Hu Tim Xiaoming , Igor Ruiz De Los Mozos , Lee Caroline , Harrison Andrew , Butler Richard , Dietmann Sabine , Jernej Ule , Marioni John , Smith Christopher W. J. , Göke Jonathan , Surani M. Azim
Published: June 2018

The RNA-binding protein SRSF3 (also known as SRp20) has critical roles in the regulation of pre-mRNA splicing. Zygotic knockout of Srsf3 results in embryo arrest at the blastocyst stage. However, SRSF3 is also present in oocytes, suggesting that it might be critical as a maternally inherited factor. Here we identify SRSF3 as an essential regulator of alternative splicing and of transposable elements to maintain transcriptome integrity in mouse oocyte. Using 3D time-lapse confocal live imaging, we show that conditional deletion of Srsf3 in fully grown germinal vesicle oocytes substantially compromises the capacity of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), and consequently entry into meiosis. By combining single cell RNA-seq, and oocyte micromanipulation with steric blocking antisense oligonucleotides and RNAse-H inducing gapmers, we found that the GVBD defect in mutant oocytes is due to both aberrant alternative splicing and derepression of B2 SINE transposable elements. Together, our study highlights how control of transcriptional identity of the maternal transcriptome by the RNA-binding protein SRSF3 is essential to the development of fertilized-competent oocytes.
Krüppel-Like Factor 10 participates in cervical cancer immunoediting through transcriptional regulation of Pregnancy-Specific Beta-1 Glycoproteins
Authors: Marrero-Rodríguez Daniel , Taniguchi-Ponciano Keiko , Subramaniam Malayannan , Hawse John R. , Pitel Kevin S. , Arreola-De la Cruz Hugo , Huerta-Padilla Victor , Ponce-Navarrete Gustavo , Figueroa-Corona Ma. del Pilar , Gomez-Virgilio Laura , Martinez-Cuevas Teresa I. , Mendoza-Rodriguez Monica , Rodriguez-Esquivel Miriam , Romero-Morelos Pablo , Ramirez-Salcedo Jorge , Baudis Michael , Meraz-Rios Marco , Jimenez-Vega Florinda , Salcedo Mauricio
Published: June 2018

Cervical cancer (CC) is associated with alterations in immune system balance, which is primarily due to a shift from Th1 to Th2 and the unbalance of Th17/Treg cells. Usingin silicoDNA copy number analysis, we have demonstrated that ~20% of CC samples exhibit gain of 8q22.3 and 19q13.31; the regions of the genome that encodes the KLF10 and PSG genes, respectively. Gene expression studies demonstrated that there were no alterations in KLF10 mRNA expression, whilst the PSG2 and −5 genes were up-regulated by 1.76 and 3.97-fold respectively in CC compared to normal tissue controls. siRNA and ChIP experiments in SiHa cells have demonstrated that KLF10 participates in immune response through regulation of IL6, IL25 and PSG2 and PSG5 genes. Using cervical tissues from KLF10−/−mice, we have identified down-regulation of PSG17, −21 and −23 and IL11. These results suggest that KLF10 may regulate immune system response genes in cervical cancer among other functions. KLF10 and PSG copy number variations and alterations in mRNA expression levels could represent novel molecular markers in CC.
Autoimmune disease associated IFIH1 single nucleotide polymorphism related with IL-18 serum levels in Chinese systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Zhang Junlong , Liu Xinle , Meng Yanming , Wu Hengxu , Wu Yongkang , Yang Bin , Wang Lanlan
Published: June 2018

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has heterogeneous clinical manifestations. IFIH1 (interferon induced with helicase C domain 1) as one of antiviral helicase genes mediating type I interferon production, plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of SLE. The gene variants in IFIH1 could abnormally activate antiviral defenses and increased type I interferon signaling. The present study aimed to validate associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in IFIH1 and the pathogenesis of SLE. In total, rs1990760, rs3747517 and rs10930046 in IFIH1 are genotyped in 400 SLE patients and 659 health controls in Chinese cohort by an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. Significant associations were observed between alleles of IFIH1 (rs1990760 C > T, P = 0.005, OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.10–1.69; rs3747517 T > C, P = 0.004, OR = 1.31, 95%CI = 1.09–1.58, respectively) and SLE susceptibility. IFIH1 rs1990760 TT genotype carriers had lower serum levels of IL-18 (P < 0.001) and granzyme B (P < 0.001) than CC and CT genotype carriers. IFIH1 rs1990760 CT genotype carriers had higher anti-dsDNA–positive than CC and TT genotype carriers. In conclusion, IFIH1 polymorphisms (rs1990760 and rs3747517) were associated with SLE susceptibility and rs1990760 risk T allele related with IL-18 and granzyme B serum levels in SLE patients.
Transient and Flexible Hyperbolic Metamaterials on Freeform Surfaces
Authors: Lin Hung-I , Shen Kun-Ching , Lin Shih-Yao , Haider Golam , Li Yao-Hsuan , Chang Shu-Wei , Chen Yang-Fang
Published: June 2018

Transient technology is deemed as a paramount breakthrough for its particular functionality that can be implemented at a specific time and then totally dissolved. Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) with high wave-vector modes for negative refraction or with high photonic density of states to robustly enhance the quantum transformation efficiency represent one of the emerging key elements for generating not-yet realized optoelectronics devices. However, HMMs has not been explored for implementing in transient technology. Here we show the first attempt to integrate transient technology with HMMs, i.e., transient HMMs, composed of multilayers of water-soluble and bio-compatible polymer and metal. We demonstrate that our newly designed transient HMMs can also possess high-k modes and high photonic density of states, which enables to dramatically enhance the light emitter covered on top of HMMs. We show that these transient HMMs devices loss their functionalities after immersing into deionized water within 5 min. Moreover, when the transient HMMs are integrated with a flexible substrate, the device exhibits an excellent mechanical stability for more than 3000 bending cycles. We anticipate that the transient HMMs developed here can serve as a versatile platform to advance transient technology for a wide range of application, including solid state lighting, optical communication, and wearable optoelectronic devices, etc.
Direct label-free imaging of brain tissue using synchrotron light: a review of new spectroscopic tools for the modern neuroscientist
Authors: Pushie M. J. , Kelly M. E. , Hackett M. J.
Published: June 2018

A suite of direct spectroscopic imaging techniques using synchrotron light can provide increased biochemical insight into brain disease.
Blood prefabricated hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate induces ectopic vascularized bone formationviamodulating the osteoimmune environment
Authors: Wei Fei , Liu Guanqi , Guo Yuanlong , Crawford Ross , Chen Zetao , Xiao Yin
Published: June 2018

Blood prefabricated hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate induces ectopic vascularized bone formationviamodulating the osteoimmune environment.
A generalized approach for NMR studies of lipid–protein interactions based on sparse fluorination of acyl chains
Authors: De Biasio Alfredo , Ibáñez de Opakua Alain , Bostock Mark J. , Nietlispach Daniel , Diercks Tammo , Blanco Francisco J.
Published: June 2018

Sparse lipid fluorination enhances the lipids' 1H signal dispersion, enables clean molecular distinction by 19F NMR, and evinces micelle insertion of proteins via fluorine induced signal shifts.
Isolable N-heterocyclic carbene adducts of the elusive diiodophosphine
Authors: Cicač-Hudi M. , Schlindwein S. H. , Feil C. M. , Nieger M. , Gudat D.
Published: June 2018

Isolable NHC-adducts of PHI2display surprising structural diversity and are capable of reaction under formal transfer of an NHC-P+unit.
Synthesis, structural characterization and reactivity of new trisubstitutedN1-acylamidrazones: solid state and solution studies
Authors: Mazur Liliana , Sączewski Jarosław , Jarzembska Katarzyna N. , Szwarc-Karabyka Katarzyna , Paprocka Renata , Modzelewska-Banachiewicz Bożena
Published: June 2018

The resonance forms and conformational behavior of new trisubstitutedN1-acylamidrazones. The temperature-induced cyclization ofN1-acylamidrazone to 4H-1,2,4-triazole derivative.
Different scenarios of dynamic coupling in glassy colloidal mixtures
Authors: Laurati Marco , Sentjabrskaja Tatjana , Ruiz-Franco José , Egelhaaf Stefan U. , Zaccarelli Emanuela
Published: June 2018

The composition of mixtures determines the mechanism of glass formation and dynamic coupling of different species.
Colloidal systems of surface active ionic liquids and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose: physicochemical investigations and preparation of magnetic nano-composites
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Singh Gurbir , Kang Tejwant Singh
Published: June 2018

Carboxymethyl cellulose-surface active ionic liquid colloidal formulations for preparation of magnetic nano-composites.
Fabrication of Fe3O4@polydopamine@polyamidoamine core–shell nanocomposites and their application for Cu(ii) adsorption
Authors: Sun Yukun , Li Dongyun , Yang Hui , Guo Xingzhong
Published: June 2018

Fe3O4@PDA@PAMAM nanocomposites were fabricated with a polydopamine assisted method, possessing excellent magnetic properties and high adsorption capacity for Cu(ii).
Ruthenium-catalyzed synthesis of 1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-ones and dihydro[1,3,5]triazino[1,2-a]benzimidazoles from alcohols and guanides
Authors: Zeng Ming , Xie Zhong Pao , Cui Dong-Mei , Zhang Chen
Published: June 2018

An efficient ruthenium-catalyzed synthesis of tri-substituted s-triazinones and dihydro-s-triazino[1,2-a]benzimidazoles under mild conditions has been developed.
Real time monitoring of the curing degree and the manufacturing process of fiber reinforced composites with a carbon nanotube buckypaper sensor
Authors: Lu Shaowei , Zhao Chenxu , Zhang Lu , Chen Duo , Chen Dandan , Wang Xiaoqiang , Ma Keming
Published: June 2018

A flexible and highly sensitive carbon nanotube buckypaper (BP) as a sensing layer was embedded within composite for cure monitoring applications. BP sensor can monitor the resin phase transition and resin cure degree during composite manufacturing.
Doped ordered mesoporous carbons as novel, selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline
Authors: Daems Nick , Risplendi Francesca , Baert Kitty , Hubin Annick , Vankelecom Ivo F. J. , Cicero Giancarlo , Pescarmona Paolo P.
Published: June 2018

A green electrochemical alternative: doped ordered mesoporous carbons are active and selective electrocatalysts for the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline.
Study of the surface reaction kinetics of (La,Sr)MnO3−δ oxygen carriers for solar thermochemical fuel production
Authors: Kim YeonJu , Jeong Seung Jin , Koo Bonjae , Lee Siwon , Kwak No Woo , Jung WooChul
Published: June 2018

For the first time, the surface reaction kinetics of La1−xSrxMnO3−δ with different compositions was characterized for solar thermochemical fuel production.
Correlation between Seebeck coefficients and electronic structures of nitrogen- or boron-doped reduced graphene oxide via thermally activated carrier transport
Authors: Bark Hyunwoo , Lee Wonmok , Lee Hyunjung
Published: June 2018

In this study, we report the relative electronic structure of thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) using energy-dependent Seebeck coefficient.
Theoretical investigation of zirconium carbide MXenes as prospective high capacity anode materials for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Meng Qiangqiang , Ma Jiale , Zhang Yonghui , Li Zhen , Hu Alice , Kai Ji-Jung , Fan Jun
Published: June 2018

Large charge transfer and small lattice mismatch are beneficial for second layer Na atom adsorption.
A Si-rhodamine-based near-infrared fluorescent probe for visualizing endogenous peroxynitrite in living cells, tissues, and animals
Authors: Miao Junfeng , Huo Yingying , Shi Hu , Fang Junru , Wang Juanjuan , Guo Wei
Published: June 2018

An aromatic tertiary amine-functionalized Si-rhodamine dye has been exploited as a near-infrared fluorescent probe for visualizing endogenous peroxynitrite in living cells, tissues, and mice.
Impact of excess PbI2 on the structure and the temperature dependent optical properties of methylammonium lead iodide perovskites
Authors: Meier Tobias , Gujar Tanaji P. , Schönleber Andreas , Olthof Selina , Meerholz Klaus , van Smaalen Sander , Panzer Fabian , Thelakkat Mukundan , Köhler Anna
Published: June 2018

Excess PbI2 in MAPbI3 thin films has no direct impact on the electronic structure but changes the temperature dependence of the exciton binding energy and the phase transition behaviour.
Genoprotective effects of gallic acid against cisplatin induced genotoxicity in bone marrow cells of mice
Authors: Shruthi S. , Bhasker Shenoy K.
Published: June 2018

Gallic acid is a natural polyhydroxy-phenolic compound. The objective of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of gallic acid against chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin induced damage in bone marrow cells of mice.
Hydration degree development of blast furnace slag blended cement pastes using thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Authors: Deboucha Walid , Leklou Nordine , Khelidj Abdelhafid
Published: June 2018

The hydration degree assessment of slag blended cement pastes with three different replacement levels (10, 20 and 40%) and two finenesses (400 and 500 m2/kg) was investigated. The hydration degree was evaluated by using a modified TG method suggested by Deboucha et al., 2017. This method builds on the activity coefficient concept, which makes it possible to assume the amount of mineral additives that contribute to hydration reactions as well as cement. Results showed that the efficiency of blast furnace slag in developing hydration degree was conditioned by its level of replacement and fineness.
Influence of temperature on the properties of non-air-entrained and air-entrained cement mortars modified with different plasticisers and superplasticisers types
Authors: Łaźniewska-Piekarczyk Beata
Published: June 2018

The paper presents the results of the research on the impact of low and high temperature on the air content and consistency of non-airentrained and air-entrained and plasticized or superplasticized mortars according to PN-EN 480-1, which were made with CEM I cement. In case of the mortar with CEM I, various types of plasticizers and superplasticizers as well as aeration admixtures differing in chemical base were used. The analysis of the results of the research indicates that the effect of temperature influences the consistency and air-content of the mortar depending on the result of the type of plasticizing and superplasticizing admixture.
The influence of an applied standard test method on a measurement of concrete stabilized secant modulus of elasticity
Authors: Domagała Lucyna , Dobrowolska Justyna
Published: June 2018

The paper focuses on the influence of the standard test method applied to determine the concrete stabilized secant modulus on a specified value. The new European Standard EN 12390-13 for testing hardened concrete accepts two methods (A and B) for the determination of the secant modulus of elasticity in compression. The aim of the research was to establish how different testing procedures affect a measured value of modulus of elasticity. Four structural concrete series: two lightweight aggregate concretes and two normal-weight ones were subject to tests of moduli of elasticity determined by both standard methods, as well as compressive strength and density. The carried out tests revealed that the procedure of testing modulus of elasticity influenced a measured value. Method A led to higher values of modulus in relation to Method B, irrespective of concrete density and strength. Nevertheless, a certain relationship between the concrete structure homogeneity and the difference in results of moduli determined by both methods may be observed.
Probability calibration of deformation factor for timber roofs in the Polish mountain zones
Authors: Domański Tomasz , Kmiecik Kamil
Published: June 2018

The resistance parameters of timber material structures decrease with time, depending on the type of load and timber classes. Strength and Modulus of Elasticity reduction effects, referred to as creeprupture effects, due to long term loading at high stress ratio levels are known for many materials. Timber materials are highly affected by this reduction in strength and deflection with duration of load. Characteristic values of load duration and deformation factors are calibrated by means of using probabilistic methods. The reliability is estimated by means of using representative short-and long-term limit states. Time variant reliability aspects are taken into account using a simple representative limit state with time variant strength and simulation of whole life time load processes. The parameters in these models are fitted by the Maximum Likelihood Methods using the data relevant for Polish structural timber . Based on Polish snow data over 45 years from mountain zones in: Zakopane – Tatra, Świeradów – Karkonosze, Lesko – Bieszczady, the snow load process parameters have been estimated. The reliability is evaluated using representative short – and long –term limit states. The deformation factor kdefis obtained using the probabilistic model.
Patch Angioplasty or Primary Closure Following Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Huizing Eline , Vos Cornelis , Hulsebos Robin , van den Akker Peter , Borst Gert , Ünlü Çağdaş
Published: June 2018

Objectives Guidelines recommend routine patching to prevent restenosis following carotid endarterectomy, mainly based on studies performed many years ago with different perioperative care and medical treatment compared with current standards. Aim of the present study was to compare primary closure (PRC) versus patch closure (PAC) in a contemporary cohort of patients.

Methods Consecutive patients treated by carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic stenosis between January 2006 and April 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcome was restenosis at 6 weeks and 1 year and occurrence of ipsilateral stroke. Secondary outcomes were mortality, complications, and reintervention rates.

Results Five hundred carotid artery endarterectomies were performed. Fifty-nine patients were excluded because eversion endarterectomy was performed or because they were asymptomatic. PRC was performed in 349 and PAC in 92 patients. Restenosis at 6 weeks was 6.0% in the PAC group versus 3.0% in the PRC group (p = 0.200). Restenosis at 1 year was 31.6 versus 14.1%, respectively (p = 0.104). No difference was found for stroke (3.4 vs 1.1%, p = 0.319), death (1.1 vs 0.0%, p = 0.584), or other complications (1.1 vs 0.0%, p = 0.584), respectively.

Conclusions It remains unclear whether routine patching should be recommended for all patients. A strategy of selective patching compared with routine patching, based on internal carotid artery diameter and other patient characteristics, deserves further investigation.
Defect mode-induced unidirectional flexural wave transmission using prismatic beams with concentrated gradient masses
Authors: Fang Xiang , Chuang Kuo-Chih , Yuan Zhi-Wen , Huang Zhi-Long
Published: June 2018

We study and realize unidirectional flexural wave transmission in finite phononic crystal beams based on the boundary defect modes. First, we show that by carrying a periodic array of concentrated masses, conventional prismatic beams become phononic crystal beams having multiple transmittance peaks in odd-order bandgaps. We point out that these bandgap transmittance peaks are induced by pass-band splitting and are essentially defect modes due to the existence of the imperfect boundary in finite beam structures. Significant asymmetric flexural wave propagation can be observed in these defect modes by gradually changing each concentrated mass. Using the spectral element method (SEM), the relationship between the concentrated gradient masses and the directivity at the defect modes is discussed. To realize concentrated gradient masses, we periodically attach near-point-contact steel balls with gradient diameters on a prismatic beam. The formation of the bandgaps and unidirectional displacement transmission are experimentally validated with a high-sensitive point-wise fiber Bragg grating displacement sensing system. Asymmetric one-way flexural wave propagation is further demonstrated in the time domain with a Hanning-windowed tone burst signal excited at the two ends of the phononic crystal beam. Agreements between the SEM and experimental results clearly indicate that the asymmetric one-way flexural wave propagation can be achieved in prismatic beams carrying a periodic array of concentrated gradient masses.
Spatial correlation of the EC-0.57 eV trap state with edge dislocations in epitaxial n-type gallium nitride
Authors: Galiano K. , Deitz J. I. , Carnevale S. D. , Gleason D. A. , Paul P. K. , Zhang Z. , McSkimming B. M. , Speck J. S. , Ringel S. A. , Grassman T. J. , Arehart A. R. , Pelz J. P.
Published: June 2018

Defects in semiconductors lead to deleterious effects in electron devices, but identifying their physical sources can be difficult. An example of this in gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistors is the well-known trap state located at approximately EC-0.57 eV. This trap is strongly correlated with output power degradation and reliability issues, but despite two decades of study, its specific physical source is still unknown. To address this long-standing question, two complementary nm-resolution characterization techniques—scanning probe deep level transient spectroscopy (SP-DLTS) and electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI)—were used to spatially map the lateral distribution of these traps and to image and characterize their relation to residual threading dislocations within NH3-MBE-grown n-type GaN. Direct comparison of the SP-DLTS and ECCI measurements on the same sample region reveals highly localized concentrations of EC-0.57 eV traps that are spatially correlated with pure edge type threading dislocations in the GaN, but not with mixed and/or screw type dislocations, indicating that the specific dislocation character is a defining factor for this particular defect level. This work demonstrates the efficacy of combining these two techniques to obtain energy-, location-, and structure-resolved characterization of defects in a functional device structure.