bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and analysis of the cleavage site in a signal peptide using SMOTE, dagging, and feature selection methods
Authors: Wang ShaoPeng , Wang Deling , Li JiaRui , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: December 2017

Several machine learning algorithms were adopted to investigate cleavage sites in a signal peptide. An optimal dagging based classifier was constructed and 870 important features were deemed to be important for this classifier.
Lipase catalyzed 1,2-addition of thiols to imines under mild conditions
Authors: Albuquerque Tábata B. , da Silva Caren D. G. , de Oliveira Aline R. , dos Santos Beatriz F. , da Silva Beatriz A. L. , Katla Ramesh , Rocha Mariana P. D. , Domingues Nelson L. C.
Published: December 2017

PPL, chymosin and BSA as efficient biocatalysts (low catalyst loading, high yields) in an eco-friendly synthesis of N,S-acetals.
Polymer solar cells based on D–A low bandgap copolymers containing fluorinated side chains of thiadiazoloquinoxaline acceptor and benzodithiophene donor units
Authors: Keshtov M. L. , Kuklin S. A. , Khokhlov A. R. , Konstantinov I. O. , Nekrasova N. V. , Xie Zhi-yuan , Biswas Subhayan , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: December 2017

The increase in the fluorine atoms in the copolymer improves the power conversion efficiency of the polymer solar cell.
Pd supported on g-C3N4 nanosheets: Mott–Schottky heterojunction catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes using formic acid as hydrogen source
Authors: Cheng Saisai , Meng Xufeng , Shang Ningzhao , Gao Shutao , Feng Cheng , Wang Chun , Wang Zhi
Published: December 2017

Well-dispersed Pd nanoparticles anchored on g-C3N4 nanosheets displayed excellent catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes.
Forced phage uncorking: viral DNA ejection triggered by a mechanically sensitive switch
Authors: Kellermayer Miklós S. Z. , Vörös Zsuzsanna , Csík Gabriella , Herényi Levente
Published: December 2017

Mechanical load on the T7 capsid triggers the ejection of its DNA.
Thermal conductivity of suspended few-layer MoS2
Authors: Aiyiti Adili , Hu Shiqian , Wang Chengru , Xi Qing , Cheng Zhaofang , Xia Minggang , Ma Yanling , Wu Jianbo , Guo Jie , Wang Qilang , Zhou Jun , Chen Jie , Xu Xiangfan , Li Baowen
Published: December 2017

Thermal conductivity can be continuously tuned to a required value from crystalline to amorphous limits with a clear crystalline–amorphous transition.
3D-printing of dynamic self-healing cryogels with tuneable properties
Authors: Nadgorny Milena , Collins Joe , Xiao Zeyun , Scales Peter J. , Connal Luke A.
Published: December 2017

3D-printable self-healing oxime gels have been reinforced by cryogelation, making these gels mechanically tuneable, macroporous, and doubly dynamic.
The synthesis of hierarchical ZnCo2O4@MnO2core–shell nanosheet arrays on Ni foam for high-performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Yu Deyang , Zhang Ziqing , Meng Ya'nan , Teng Yifei , Wu Yunpeng , Zhang Xinyang , Sun Qiushi , Tong Wenming , Zhao Xudong , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: December 2017

ZnCo2O4@MnO2core–shell nanosheet arrays synthesizedviaa two-step hydrothermal method exhibited an extraordinary electrochemical performance.
Liquid-free single-crystal to single-crystal transformations in coordination polymers
Authors: He Wen-Wen , Li Shun-Li , Lan Ya-Qian
Published: December 2017

Single-crystal to single-crystal (SCSC) transformations not only can create new materials, but also provide an opportunity to explore the process of forming a chemical bond. SCSC transformations discussed in this paper are confined to transformationsviaan absolutely liquid-free mode and involve the breakage and formation of new chemical bonds.
Anti-cancer activity of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites synthesized from rice-based waste materials
Authors: Jesudoss S. K. , Vijaya J. Judith , Kaviyarasu K. , Kennedy L. John , Jothi Ramalingam R. , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: December 2017

We report the organic template-free synthesis of hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolite using waste materials, by a simple hydrothermal method and their excellent anti-cancer activity against A549 human lung epithelial cell lines.
Femtosecond stimulated Raman evidence for charge-transfer character in pentacene singlet fission
Authors: Hart Stephanie M. , Silva W. Ruchira , Frontiera Renee R.
Published: December 2017

Evidence for transient anionic and cationic species in singlet fission is given by ultrafast Raman measurements.
Self-assembled Fe3O4 nanoparticle-doped TiO2 nanorod superparticles with highly enhanced lithium storage properties
Authors: Xue Bin , Li Tongtao , Wang Biwei , Ji Li , Yang Dong , Dong Angang
Published: December 2017

Self-assembled Fe3O4 nanoparticle-doped TiO2 nanorod superparticles utilized as anode materials display highly enhanced performances for lithium-ion batteries.
Suppression of vacancies boosts thermoelectric performance in type-I clathrates
Authors: Yan Xinlin , Ikeda Matthias , Zhang Long , Bauer Ernst , Rogl Peter , Giester Gerald , Prokofiev Andrey , Paschen Silke
Published: December 2017

Vacancy filling by Ga substitution enhances the TE performance of type-I clathrates via improving charge carrier mobility.
Large strain and temperature-insensitive piezoelectric effect in high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Zhao Chunlin , Li Jing-Feng , Wang Ke , Wu Jiagang
Published: December 2017

Here we have, for the first time, reported a giant unipolar strain of ∼0.45% and a temperature-insensitive piezoelectric effect (d33 ∼ 520 pC N−1) in (1 − y)[xBiScO3–(1 − x)PbTiO3]–yBi(Zn1/2Ti1/2)O3 (BS–PT–BZT) ceramics with a high Curie temperature of TC ∼ 425 °C.
The hydrophobic region of the Leishmania peroxin 14: requirements for association with a glycosome mimetic membrane
Authors: Cyr Normand , Smith Terry K. , Boisselier Élodie , Leroux Louis-Philippe , Kottarampatel Anwar Hasil , Davidsen Amanda , Salesse Christian , Jardim Armando
Published: December 2017

Protein import into the Leishmania glycosome requires docking of the cargo-loaded peroxin 5 (PEX5) receptor to the peroxin 14 (PEX14) bound to the glycosome surface. To examine the LdPEX14–membrane interaction, we purified L. donovani promastigote glycosomes and determined the phospholipid and fatty acid composition. These membranes contained predominately phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) modified primarily with C18 and C22 unsaturated fatty acid. Using large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) with a lipid composition mimicking the glycosomal membrane in combination with sucrose density centrifugation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting technique, we established that the LdPEX14 membrane-binding activity was dependent on a predicted transmembrane helix found within residues 149–179. Monolayer experiments showed that the incorporation of PG and phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acids, which increase membrane fluidity and favor a liquid expanded phase, facilitated the penetration of LdPEX14 into biological membranes. Moreover, we demonstrated that the binding of LdPEX5 receptor or LdPEX5–PTS1 receptor–cargo complex was contingent on the presence of LdPEX14 at the surface of LUVs.
Considering a Practical Orientation and Mobility Framework to Design Communication Interventions for People With Visual Impairments, Deafblindness, and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Parker Amy T.
Published: December 2017

Communication assessment and interventions for individuals with complex communication needs and concomitant vision loss are enhanced when individuals' movement and orientation needs are considered. This article includes practical suggestions, gleaned from researched interventions, for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and educators to consider in consultation with Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) and other vision specialists. A framework is proposed to support SLPs and practitioners when developing intervention approaches with individuals who have visual impairments or deafblindness.
Non‐minimal state‐space polynomial form of the Kalman filter for a general noise model
Authors: Wilson E.D. , Clairon Q. , Taylor C.J.
Published: December 2017

The optimal refined instrumental variable method for the estimation of the Box–Jenkins (BJ) model is modified so that it functions as an optimal filter and state‐estimation algorithm. In contrast to the previously developed minimal and non‐minimal state‐space (NMSS) forms for an Auto‐Regressive Moving Average with eXogenous variables (ARMAX) model, the new algorithm requires the introduction of a novel extended NMSS form. This facilitates representation of the more general noise component of the BJ model. The approach can be used for adaptive filtering and state variable feedback control.
Engineering biology and the grand challenges: Do we need a new R&D&I model?
Authors: Gauvreau Denis , Winickoff David , Philp Jim
Published: December 2017

Facing up to the grand challenges posed to society today requires a policy that counts the cost of environmental damage, such as carbon emissions and air pollution. Technologies have arrived to address climate mitigation, but relatively few of these are biotechnologies. Biotechnologies in environmental applications suffer a variety of inhibitors – political, social and technical, and yet the potential cannot be denied. The greatest technical promise for future biotechnology mobilisation may be the standardisation of engineering biology that allows more rapid and less expensive reduction to practice. However, decades of metabolic engineering for bio‐based chemicals and materials have brought many research successes but few commercial‐scale products. To address this gap between laboratory and market, new models of R&D&I may be needed to speed up the process. In past, haste has not mattered. For the proposed generation and those that follow, there is a need for policy makers to abandon this complacency as recent evidence is showing that time is running out to keep global warming within internationally agreed limits.
Quasi‐convex combination method and its application to the stability analysis of 2D discrete‐time Roesser systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Huang Yi Bo , An Jianqi , He Yong , Wu Min
Published: December 2017

This study is concerned with the problem of stability analysis of two‐dimensional (2D) discrete‐time Roesser systems with time‐varying delays. First, based on an augmented Lyapunov–Krosovskii functional, a less conservative stability criterion incorporating time‐varying terms is established by utilising a general free‐matrix‐based inequality. Next, in order to eliminate the time‐varying terms without introducing redundant constraints, a quasi‐convex combination method is proposed. Then, compared with the criteria derived via the other inequalities, the conservatism analysis is given to prove the proposed criterion can lead to a better result theoretically. Finally, a numerical example is presented to illustrate the advantage of the presented method.
Action recognition by discriminative EdgeBoxes
Authors: El‐Masry Mohammed , Fakhr Mohamed Waleed , Salem Mohammed A.‐M.
Published: December 2017

Due to the huge number of online videos uploaded and viewed every day, there is an emerging need nowadays for the action recognition techniques. Applying these techniques in uncontrolled and realistic videos is still a challenging task, considering the large variations in camera motion, viewpoint, cluttered background etc. Moreover, they need to be automated to be able to handle such an amount of different actions. The goal of this study is to introduce a new technique for mining mid‐level discriminative patches from videos. These patches are the most representative parts that can describe an action. To achieve this goal, the authors generalise a technique borrowed from 2D images to generate bounding boxes with a high motion and appearance saliencies. Then, a clustering‐classification iterative procedure is applied on the generated boxes. Then, they calculate a discriminative score for each box. Finally, they select top ranked boxes to train exemplar‐SVM on low‐level features which are extracted from the selected boxes. The proposed approach has been evaluated using two challenging datasets YouTube and JHMDB. The experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of their approach to achieve a better average recognition accuracy than the state‐of‐the‐art techniques.
Hybrid fast damping control strategy for doubly fed induction generators against power system inter‐area oscillations
Authors: Liao Kai , Xu Yan , Wang Yao , He Zhengyou , Marzooghi Hesamoddin
Published: December 2017

Here, a hybrid fast damping control strategy based on bang–bang modulation is proposed for doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) against inter‐area oscillations. Since the changes in active power modulation of DFIG may result in its interactive effect with torsional oscillations, this study relies on the modulation of DFIG reactive power to rapidly attenuate the system's critical oscillation mode. In order to overcome the buffeting of the bang–bang modulation, the proposed control strategy is designed as a hybrid scheme consisting of three operating modes which are switched based on the amplitude of the detected critical oscillation mode. The required lead phase for the proposed control strategy is determined using frequency domain analysis using detailed dynamic model of the DFIG. A comprehensive test is carried out by conducting simulation studies on a modified two‐area system including an aggregated wind farm. It has been shown that the proposed strategy damps inter‐area oscillations much quicker than the conventional continuous damping controller. Simulation results also showed that the control scheme is robust to the operation point variation and identification errors for practical application.
SMILE: a novel procedure for subcellular module identification with localisation expansion
Authors: Cheng Lixin , Liu Pengfei , Leung Kwong‐Sak
Published: December 2017

Computational clustering methods help identify functional modules in protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, in which proteins participate in the same biological pathways or specific functions. Subcellular localisation is crucial for proteins to implement biological functions and each compartment accommodates specific portions of the protein interaction structure. However, the importance of protein subcellular localisation is often neglected in the studies of module identification. In this study, the authors propose a novel procedure, subcellular module identification with localisation expansion (SMILE), to identify super modules that consist of several subcellular modules performing specific biological functions among cell compartments. These super modules identified by SMILE are more functionally diverse and have been verified to be more associated with known protein complexes and biological pathways compared with the modules identified from the global PPI networks in both the compartmentalised PPI and InWeb_InBioMap datasets. The authors’ results reveal that subcellular localisation is a principal feature of functional modules and offers important guidance in detecting biologically meaningful results.
Robust optimal shunt dispatch method in wind farm integration area
Authors: Xu Fengda , Guo Qinglai , Sun Hongbin , Zhang Boming , Jia Lin
Published: December 2017

For a transmission system with a large scale of wind farm integration, dispatch of discrete shunt capacitor/reactor banks that affects the long‐term system operation has to consider huge wind power uncertainties. This study describes a day‐ahead assessment to gain the shunt switching time intervals. Based on it, wind curtailments, discrete shunts, and other continuous reactive power outputs are optimised to minimise the voltage deviations of pilot buses in the worst circumstance on the premise of system safety. Alongside, the voltage control decisions are made within a minimum cost of wind curtailments and shunt switching. The approach is calculated from a two‐stage robust optimisation problem with a mixed integer. Control strategies derived from it are tested on a wind power integration system in China. The simulation shows positive results of the proposed method.
Optimal scheduling of power system with photovoltaic power supply considering regional carbon trading
Authors: Zhang Wei , Sun Po
Published: December 2017

In recent years, carbon trading has become a critical way to realise carbon emission reduction under background of low carbon economy. Based on carbon emission volume, carbon trading process is divided into three periods: carbon quota sales, carbon quota purchases and excessive emission penalty. Usually, inadequate carbon emission quotas will lead to a higher total economic cost in carbon trading process. In this study, a load curtailment mechanism is proposed to avoid higher carbon trading cost or excessive carbon emissions. Photovoltaic (PV) power supply is taken into account in the scheduling model. Carbon trading costs and compensation costs caused by cutting load are considered in the objective function. Fuzzy variables are constructed to solve the uncertainty of PV output and load according to fuzzy theory and applied to fuzzy chance constraints. Nested particle swarm algorithm is employed to reach the desired generation schedule. Case study verifies the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed model and algorithm.
Whale optimisation algorithm for photovoltaic model identification
Authors: Elazab Omnia S. , Hasanien Hany M. , Elgendy Mohamed A. , Abdeen Amr M.
Published: December 2017

Parameter extraction of a solar cell is essential in the simulation and design calculation of photovoltaic (PV) systems. The mathematical model of the PV module is a non‐linear I –V characteristic including several unknown parameters as the PV manufacturers’ data are not sufficient. This study presents a method for estimating the parameters of the single‐ and double‐diode PV models of a PV module based on a nature‐inspired meta‐heuristic optimisation algorithm known as the whale optimisation algorithm (WOA). The validity of the proposed WOA‐based PV model is verified by comparing its simulation results with the experimental results for the PV modules under different environmental conditions.
Small signal stability analysis of paralleled inverters for multiple photovoltaic generation units connected to weak grid
Authors: Jia Qi , Yan Gangui , Cai Yuru , Li Yonglin
Published: December 2017

In this study, a small signal model of paralleled inverters for multiple photovoltaic (PV) generation units (MPGUs) connected to weak grid is developed. Based on the proposed small signal model, eigenvalue analysis is employed to study the stability of MPGUs within different grid strength, different control parameters in each phase‐locked loop (PLL) controller and varying operating points in each PV generation unit. Furthermore, based on the transfer function of the power control loops in dq rotation frame, the coupling mechanism of operating point in each PV unit is revealed. The results show that: with the increasing of output power of PV unit among the PV generation and the decreasing of the grid strength, it may occur oscillation phenomena, the oscillation frequency is about 5 Hz; tuning gains of PLL has noticeable effect on the damping characteristic of the system, and larger PLL gains can improve system damping; each PV unit power control loop is coupled by the point of common coupling voltage, increasing the output power of PV unit, it may reduce the phase margin of the system transfer function and deteriorate the system stability. Theoretical analysis is verified with simulation of MPGUs connected to weak grid.
PLL effect on subsynchronous torsional interaction with VSC‐HVDC
Authors: Hu Rong , Zhu Jianhang , Liu Hongtao , Zhou Huafeng , Chen Jiale
Published: December 2017

Subsynchronous torsion interaction (SSTI) between synchronous generator (SG) and high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) is one of the main issues for the safe and stable operation of power systems. Compared with SSTI between SGs and line‐commutated‐converter (LCC)‐HVDC, which has been well studied in the past, SSTI between SG and voltage source converter (VSC)‐HVDC can also occur. Currently, the studies of SSTI between SG and VSC‐HVDC mainly focus on the dynamics of alternating current controller of VSC‐HVDC, and it is sufficient to study the electrical damping when evaluating the risk for SSTI. However, the influence of phase‐locked loop (PLL) and line impedance between SG and VSC‐HVDC is ignored. Here, the effect of PLL dynamics on SG electrical damping is focused. As considering the difference of rotational frame between SG and VSC‐HVDC in the current loop timescale, which is caused by the line impedance X g, the mathematical model of dynamic effect of PLL on the electrical damping of SG is derived. Moreover, the optimised design of PLL in considering line impedance conditions is proposed, and it can reduce or eliminate the negative electrical damping in subsynchronous frequency region of SG to reduce the risk of SSTI between SG and VSC‐HVDC. Finally, the validity of the analysis and proposed optimisation principle is verified by simulation results.
Impact of fault‐ride‐through strategy on dynamic characteristics of photovoltaic power plant
Authors: Luming Ge , Linan Qu , Lingzhi Zhu , Ning Chen , Lei Zhang
Published: December 2017

The large‐scale grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) power plant is growing rapidly these years. For power system with high penetration of PV generation, the dynamic characteristic analysis of PV plant is a key factor in system stability studies. In this study, the impact of fault‐ride‐through (FRT) strategy on dynamic characteristics of PV plant is studied. First, the mathematic relationship between plant active/reactive power, point of interconnection voltage and inverter current is deduced. Second, the impact of dynamic reactive current support logic, active current limit logic and active current restore logic is investigated, respectively. Finally, the dynamic response of PV plant and synchronous generator is compared. The simulation results show that PV plant is an important controllable power source, and a reasonable FRT strategy can improve power system stability.
Evaluation of solar irradiance on inclined surfaces models in the short‐term photovoltaic power forecasting
Authors: Liaoliao Wei , Chenggang Cui , Ning Yang , Hui Chen
Published: December 2017

Accurately forecasting photovoltaic (PV) power is a prerequisite for dispatching of power systems, which is also crucial to grid stability. In this study, an evaluation of different solar irradiance on inclined surfaces models in the short‐term PV power forecasting was reported. First, combinations of decomposition and transposition models were used to estimate PV array irradiance from measured global horizontal irradiance. Then a short‐term PV forecasting model was proposed according to the performance of PV array and inverter, and irradiance on inclined surfaces was applied to the model to obtain the final forecasts. Finally, numerous measured power data from a variety of climates were used to evaluate the forecasting results of five weather types (sunny day, cloudy day, rainy day, fog and haze day). Results suggest that different models lead to different results under the same weather type, and the forecasting accuracy strongly depends on the weather types.
Dynamic striking distance and electrical geometrical model of wind turbine blades based on lightning physics
Authors: Yao Zhang , Li Zhang , Kaifang Zhang , Tong Zhao , Liang Zou
Published: December 2017

One of the most key factors affecting the safe and reliable operation of a wind farm is the damage of wind turbine blades suffered lightning strikes. In this study, the electric geometrical model of wind turbine blade (EGMWB) was presented based on the combination of the electrical geometry method and the physical process of the lightning leader. The simulation of the development process of a lightning leader is based on the introduction of the concept and analysis method of dynamic striking distance. Moreover, the method of calculating the efficiency of blade lightning protection system (LPS) was deduced. The influence of blade angle, lightning current amplitude and the arrangement of the lightning arrester on the blade LPS efficiency is analysed based on the EGMWB. Analysis indicates that the efficiency of blade LPS reduces with the decrease of lightning current and the angle between the blade and horizontal, and the efficiency of blade LPS can be improved by increasing the side lightning receptors. The EGMWB provides a theoretical basis for lightning protection design and evaluation of wind turbine blades.
Photovoltaic grid‐connection composite control strategy in microgrid
Authors: Peng Shuangjian , Xun Xin , Sheng Kai , Zhu Xiaoxing , Liu Fuping , Wang Zhijie
Published: December 2017

Two photovoltaic (PV) grid‐connection composite control strategies are, respectively, proposed based on synchronous rotating coordinate transformation and stationary coordinate, in order to enhance the availability of PV grid‐connection inverters and satisfy the demand of electricity consumers for power quality. The performance of two composite controls is compared from several aspects of control structure, regulating precision, digital realisation, and amplitude limitation control. In MATLAB/Simulink, the simulation model is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed composite control strategy under different simulation condition of light intensity and non‐linear load. Composite capabilities of harmonic suppression and reactive compensation of PV grid‐connection inverters are also verified using the proposed control strategy, which influences the PV generation.
Bilateral collaborative operation optimisation model in integrated multi‐energy system
Authors: Li Yueqiao , Wei Chunxiao , Guo Dapeng , Liu Wenxia , Chen Xingliang
Published: December 2017

Various forms of energy access to the integrated multi‐energy system (IMES) results in more devices involved in the system and make the interaction of different forms of energy more sophisticated; it also poses challenges to the system operation optimisation. This study proposes the collaborative operation optimisation model of the bilateral cooperation of system and users in the IMES built by IMES operator. The IMES operator adopts the one‐day ahead optimisation according to time‐of‐use price, liquefied natural gas price and users’ energy demand curve. The comprehensive cost is reduced mutually by system devices outputs adjustment along with the user's side participation in demand response regulation. In system side, on the basis of optimising the output of the device in energy hub, this study adjusts the allocation factor of energy conversion devices in energy converter to match energy demand of users. On the user's side, this study fully excavates multi‐energy collaborative features of IMES, uses alternative load model to reduce the optimisation regulation requirements for cutting and shifting of users side load. Finally, the impact of collaborative operation optimisation method is verified by an example and the results show that the internal devices run more efficiently on this method and the operating costs of the operator are reduced effectively.
Simple method to measure the etching rate of monocrystalline silicon in KOH solution
Authors: Chen Cheng , Jiang Liang , Zhang Peng , Wang Hongbo , Qian Linmao
Published: December 2017

A simple and low‐cost method is proposed to measure the etching rate of monocrystalline silicon in KOH solution with various pHs through atomic force microscopy. The native oxide on the silicon surface is applied as a mask film to achieve selective etching. A quadrate‐part area of the native oxide on silicon substrate surface is removed through the non‐destructive tribochemical removal of the SiO2 microsphere. As a result, the fresh subsurface silicon is exposed and etched smoothly. The adjacent remaining native oxide is hardly etched by the KOH solution. After etching in KOH, a step forms at the boundary between the remaining native oxide layer and exposed silicon surface. The atomistic‐precision measurement of atomic force microscopy can detect a tiny etching depth of silicon, thereby acquiring the accurate etching rate in the KOH solution. This method provides a new and simple concept to measure the etching rate of materials in a suitable etchant and afford high‐precision measurement to the etching rate required in the design of a material etching process.
Facile partly templating growth of Bi2S3 nanorods by in‐situ thermal sulphuration of BiOCl nanosheets and the photosensitive properties
Authors: Cui Zhankui , Hu Erkang , Song Hongtao
Published: December 2017

Bi2S3 nanorods were prepared by a facile in‐situ thermal sulphuration method using BiOCl nanosheets as precursors. The products were characterised by X‐ray diffraction, Raman scattering, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optical properties were measured by ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence techniques. The photosensitive properties were investigated by the photoelectrochemical method. The Bi2S3 sample was of pure orthorhombic phase and composed of nanorods with average diameter of ∼200 nm and length of ∼2 μm. A plausible gas phase growth mechanism was proposed which involved the partly templating of the shape of precursors by transforming BiOCl nanosheets to Bi2S3 nanorods. The photocurrent of the products under irradiation of solar simulator reached 1.0 μA/cm2 without bias voltage which was ten times that of the dark current. The photoelectric measurements clearly demonstrate that the as‐prepared Bi2S3 nanorods possess excellent photosensitivity with stability and reproducibility, enabling the products suitable for the fabrication of high‐performance photodetectors and other optoelectric devices.
Herschel-PACS photometry of faint stars for sensitivity performance assessment and establishment of faint FIR primary photometric standards
Authors: Klaas U. , Balog Z. , Nielbock M. , Müller T.G. , Linz H. , Kiss Cs.
Published: December 2017

Aims. Our aims are to determine flux densities and their photometric accuracy for a set of seventeen stars that range in flux from intermediately bright (≲2.5 Jy) to faint (≳5 mJy) in the far-infrared (FIR). We also aim to derive signal-to-noise dependence with flux and time, and compare the results with predictions from the Herschel exposure-time calculation tool.

Methods. We obtain aperture photometry from Herschel-PACS high-pass-filtered scan maps and chop/nod observations of the faint stars. The issues of detection limits and sky confusion noise are addressed by comparison of the field-of-view at different wavelengths, by multi-aperture photometry, by special processing of the maps to preserve extended emission, and with the help of large-scale absolute sky brightness maps from AKARI. This photometry is compared with flux-density predictions based on photospheric models for these stars. We obtain a robust noise estimate by fitting the flux distribution per map pixel histogram for the area around the stars, scaling it for the applied aperture size and correcting for noise correlation.

Results. For 15 stars we obtain reliable photometry in at least one PACS filter, and for 11 stars we achieve this in all three PACS filters (70, 100, 160 μm). Faintest fluxes, for which the photometry still has good quality, are about 10–20 mJy with scan map photometry. The photometry of seven stars is consistent with models or flux predictions for pure photospheric emission, making them good primary standard candidates. Two stars exhibit source-intrinsic far-infrared excess: β Gem (Pollux), being the host star of a confirmed Jupiter-size exoplanet, due to emission of an associated dust disk, and η Dra due to dust emission in a binary system with a K1 dwarf. The investigation of the 160 μm sky background and environment of four sources reveals significant sky confusion prohibiting the determination of an accurate stellar flux at this wavelength. As a good model approximation, for nine stars we obtain scaling factors of the continuum flux models of four PACS fiducial standards with the same or quite similar spectral type. We can verify a linear dependence of signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) with flux and with square root of time over significant ranges. At 160 μm the latter relation is, however, affected by confusion noise.

Conclusions. The PACS faint star sample has allowed a comprehensive sensitivity assessment of the PACS photometer. Accurate photometry allows us to establish a set of five FIR primary standard candidates, namely α Ari, ε Lep, ω Cap, HD 41047 and 42 Dra, which are 2–20 times fainter than the faintest PACS fiducial standard (γ Dra) with absolute accuracy of <6%. For three of these primary standard candidates, essential stellar parameters are known, meaning that a dedicated flux model code may be run.
Low-frequency photospheric and wind variability in the early-B supergiant HD 2905
Authors: Simón-Díaz S. , Aerts C. , Urbaneja M. A. , Camacho I. , Antoci V. , Fredslund Andersen M. , Grundahl F. , Pallé P. L.
Published: December 2017

Context.Despite important advances in space asteroseismology during the last decade, the early phases of evolution of stars with masses above ~15M⊙(including the O stars and their evolved descendants, the B supergiants) have been only vaguely explored up to now. This is due to the lack of adequate observations for a proper characterization of the complex spectroscopic and photometric variability occurring in these stars.

Aim.Our goal is to detect, analyze, and interpret variability in the early-B-type supergiant HD 2905 (κCas, B1 Ia) using long-term, ground-based, high-resolution spectroscopy.

Methods.We gather a total of 1141 high-resolution spectra covering some 2900 days with three different high-performance spectrographs attached to 1–2.6m telescopes at the Canary Islands observatories. We complement these observations with the hipparcos light curve, which includes 160 data points obtained during a time span of ~1200 days. We investigate spectroscopic variability of up to 12 diagnostic lines by using the zero and first moments of the line profiles. We perform a frequency analysis of both the spectroscopic and photometric dataset using Scargle periodograms. We obtain single snapshot and time-dependent information about the stellar parameters and abundances by means of the FASTWIND stellar atmosphere code.

Results.HD 2905 is a spectroscopic variable with peak-to-peak amplitudes in the zero and first moments of the photospheric lines of up to 15% and 30 km s−1, respectively. The amplitude of the line-profile variability is correlated with the line formation depth in the photosphere and wind. All investigated lines present complex temporal behavior indicative of multi-periodic variability with timescales of a few days to several weeks. No short-period (hourly) variations are detected. The Scargle periodograms of the hipparcos light curve and the first moment of purely photospheric lines reveal a low-frequency amplitude excess and a clear dominant frequency at ~0.37 d−1. In the spectroscopy, several additional frequencies are present in the range 0.1–0.4 d−1. These may be associated with heat-driven gravity modes, convectively driven gravity waves, or sub-surface convective motions. Additional frequencies are detected below 0.1 d−1. In the particular case of Hα, these are produced by rotational modulation of a non-spherically symmetric stellar wind.

Conclusions.Combined long-term uninterrupted space photometry with high-precision spectroscopy is the best strategy to unravel the complex low-frequency photospheric and wind variability of B supergiants. Three-dimensional (3D) simulations of waves and of convective motions in the sub-surface layers can shed light on a unique interpretation of the variability.
Extending the Conjugation of Pechmann Lactone Thienyl Derivatives: A New Class of Small Molecules for Organic Electronics Application
Authors: Calamante Massimo , Reginato Gianna , Dessì Alessio , Bartolini Matteo , Zani Lorenzo , Mordini Alessandro
Published: December 2017

The preparation and spectroscopic characterization of some symmetrical small molecules containing the disubstituted (E)-3,3′-bifuranylidene-2,2′-dione chromophore (the so-called Pechmann lactone) and featuring an extended conjugation are reported. The synthetic approach of such compounds is based on the Stille–Migita coupling reaction, which is carried out in very mild conditions, suitable to be applied with the very sensitive Pechmann core. The absorption and emission spectra of the new molecules obtained have been recorded in solution and clearly show how their photophysical properties can be modulated by a proper choice of the (hetero)aromatic terminal groups. The compounds prepared in this study (or close analogues thereof) have interesting optical properties and could find application as semiconductors in organic electronics or as near-IR fluorescent dyes.
Neuroprognostication of Cardiac Arrest Patients: Outcomes of Importance
Authors: Cronberg Tobias
Published: December 2017

During the last two decades, survival rates after cardiac arrest have increased while the fraction of patients surviving with a severe neurological disability or vegetative state has decreased in many countries. While improved survival is due to improvements in the whole “chain of survival,” improved methods for prognostication of neurological outcome may be of major importance for the lower disability rates. Patients who are resuscitated and treated in intensive care will die mainly from the withdrawal of life-sustaining (WLST) therapy due to presumed poor chances of meaningful neurological recovery. To ensure high-quality decision-making and to reduce the risk of premature withdrawal of care, implementation of local protocols is crucial and should be guided by international recommendations. Despite rigorous neurological prognostication, cognitive impairment and related psychological distress and reduced participation in society will still be relevant concerns for cardiac arrest survivors. The commonly used outcome measures are not designed to provide information on these domains. Follow-up of the cardiac arrest survivor needs to consider the cardiovascular burden as an important factor to prevent cognitive difficulties and future decline.
Future Directions for Hypothermia following Severe Traumatic Brian Injury
Authors: Chiu Annie , Hinson Holly
Published: December 2017

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health care problem on both individual and public health levels. As a major cause of death and disability in the United States, it is associated with a significant economic and public health burden. Although the evidence to support the use of induced hypothermia on neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest is well established, its use in treating TBI remains controversial. Hypothermia has the potential to mitigate some of the destructive processes that occur as part of secondary brain injury after TBI. Hypothermia can be helpful in lowering intracranial pressure, for example, but its influence on functional outcome is unclear. There is insufficient evidence to support the broad use of prophylactic hypothermia for neuroprotection after TBI. Investigators are beginning to more carefully select patients for temperature modulating therapies, in a more personalized approach. Examples include targeting immunomodulation and scaling hypothermia to achieve metabolic targets. This review will summarize the clinical evidence for the use of hypothermia to limit secondary brain injury following acute TBI.
Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Strategies for Preventing Vasospasm in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zazulia Allyson , Diringer Michael
Published: December 2017

This article addresses the intensive care unit (ICU) management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), with an emphasis on the prevention of cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), which are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Interventions addressing various steps in the development of vasospasm have been attempted, with variable success. Enteral nimodipine remains the only approved measure to potentially prevent DCI. Since oral and intravenous administrations are limited by hypotension, direct administration via sustained-release pellets and intraventricular administration of sustained-release microparticles are being investigated. Studies of other calcium channel blockers have been disappointing. Efforts to remove blood from the subarachnoid space via cisternal irrigation, cisternal or ventricular thrombolysis, and lumbar cerebrospinal fluid drainage have met with limited and variable success, and they remain an area of active investigation. Several interventions that had early promise have failed to show benefit when studied in large trials; these include tirilazad, magnesium, statins, clazosentan, transluminal angioplasty, and hypervolemia.
Spontaneous Intraventricular Hemorrhage: When Should Intraventricular tPA Be Considered?
Authors: Abdelmalik Peter , Ziai Wendy
Published: December 2017

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most common cause of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in adults. Complicating approximately 40% of ICH cases, IVH adds to the morbidity and mortality of this often fatal form of stroke. It is also a severity factor that complicates subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury, along with other less common causes of intracranial bleeding. Medical and surgical interventions to date have focused on limiting ICH and IVH expansion, controlling intracranial pressure, and relieving obstructive hydrocephalus. The placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) can achieve the latter two goals but has not demonstrated improvement in clinical outcomes beyond mortality reduction. More recently, intraventricular fibrinolysis, utilizing the EVD, has gained interest as a safe and potentially effective method to maintain catheter patency and facilitate hematoma removal. A recent phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of intraventricular alteplase versus intraventricular saline showed a mortality benefit, but failed to meet the primary endpoint of significant functional improvement. However, planned subgroup analysis focusing on patients with IVH volume > 20 mL, and those with IVH removal > 85% suggest that significant functional benefits may be attainable with this therapy. The practice of intraventricular fibrinolysis for spontaneous IVH is not the standard of care; however, based on 20 years of experience, it meets thresholds as a safe intervention, and in those patients with a high burden of intraventricular blood, aggressive clearance may lead to improved quality of life in survivors of this morbid syndrome.
Decompressive Craniectomy for Malignant Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Authors: Landreneau Mark , Sheth Kevin
Published: December 2017

Advancements in the treatment of ischemic stroke have led to a recent decline in overall stroke mortality, but patients with hemispheric infarcts remain at high risk for death. Recent advances in the approach to this devastating disease include early identification of patients at high risk for swelling and standardized approaches to medical therapy. However, surgical decompression continues to be the most effective treatment for malignant edema from large hemispheric strokes. Patient selection in the past had been strictly limited to younger ages and the nondominant hemisphere. More recent evidence demonstrates a mortality benefit in older patients with a limited impact on morbidity. Judicious patient selection and shared, informed decision making with families remain the optimal approach for this devastating disease.
The Weihe Points in Homeopathy
Authors: Seiler Hanspeter
Published: December 2017

The Weihe points are a useful additional tool in homeopathic diagnostics. The article contains a brief description of its physiological basis, provenience, and practical use.
Sweet Sugar Managed with Sweet Pills
Authors: Aphale Parth
Published: December 2017

A case is presented that shows that homeopathy can be used effectively in the treatment of diabetes.
Homeopathy, Mythology and Poetry: Towards an Understanding of How Art, Myth and Homeopathy Are Inextricably Connected, with Special Reference to the Work of TS Eliot
Authors: Hamilton Ian
Published: December 2017

This is another article of what we hope will be a series of interesting contributions about the relationship between art and homeopathy and the art and science of homeopathy. Many have noted this connection between art and homeopathy, and there is something about the nature of the creative force and the way in which we perceive the vital force as creative, which puts homeopathy in the same dynamic place as that which drives artistic inspiration. We would like readers to reflect on these connections and how they may have experienced, used or made art a focus of their homeopathic practice and understanding. I know from starting my group ‘Art and Homeopathy’ that the direction of our own work is diverse, but all is founded on the principle of using art in some way to clarify and enhance practice. We invite you to send us your experience or take on this, be you artist, homeopath or both. This article tries to explain how art, homeopathy and myth are totally interconnected.
Management of Cerebral Edema in Acute Liver Failure
Authors: Kok Beverley , Karvellas Constantine
Published: December 2017

Advances in medical care of the acute liver failure patient have led to a significant reduction in mortality related to the condition. Nevertheless, cerebral edema and ensuing brain herniation remains one of the top causes of demise in acute liver failure. Controversy remains regarding the utility of invasive intracranial pressure monitoring as well as usage of novel treatment modalities including therapeutic hypothermia. This review provides a brief summary into the pathophysiology and risk factors for developing cerebral edema in the context of acute liver failure; this review particularly provides a practical focus on general management of the patient with established cerebral edema as well as specific intracranial pressure-lowering strategies.
Wie wirken Balintgruppen?*
Authors: Tschuschke Volker , Flatten Guido
Published: December 2017

Als positive Effekte der Balintgruppenarbeit finden sich in Studien patientenbezogene Aspekte wie Empathie und verbessertes Zuhören, aber auch arztbezogene Verbesserungen des Selbstvertrauens und der Arbeitszufriedenheit. Mit der Entwicklung des Balintgruppen-Fragebogens BG-F konnten in einer aktuellen Studie 1460 ärztliche Teilnehmer in 352 unterschiedlichen Balintgruppen untersucht werden und eine differenzielle Wirksamkeit der Balintgruppenarbeit auf den 3 Skalen des BG-F nachgewiesen werden. Insbesondere somatisch tätige Ärzte und fallvorstellende Ärzte zeigen signifikante Effekte für eine verbesserte Reflexion der Übertragungsdynamiken sowie emotionales und kognitives Lernen. Teilnehmer mit längerer Balintgruppenerfahrung zeigen sich mehr geübt im Erkennen von Beziehungsdynamiken und Spiegelungseffekten in der Balintgruppenarbeit. Die Ergebnisse der Studie bestätigen wichtige Zielsetzungen der Balintgruppenarbeit zur Verbesserung der kommunikativen ärztlichen Kompetenz.
Interaktionelle Fallarbeit zwischen verhaltenstherapeutischer Supervision und Selbsterfahrung
Authors: Ehrig Christian
Published: December 2017

Die IFA-Gruppe wurde in den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten als verhaltenstherapeutische Alternative zur Balint-Gruppenarbeit entwickelt. Sie bezieht sich dabei allerdings eindeutig auf die Herkunft aus der Balint-Gruppenarbeit. Grund für diese Entwicklung war der damalige Mangel an Supervisionsansätzen in der Verhaltenstherapie, die auf die interaktionellen Aspekte der Therapeut-Patienten-Beziehung fokussierten. Die IFA-Gruppe versteht sich als eine verhaltenstherapeutische Gruppensupervision, die neben der Supervision auch Selbsterfahrung ermöglicht und anregt. Dementsprechend vielfältig sind die notwendigen Qualifikationen und Kompetenzen des IFA-Gruppenleiters als erfahrener Gruppenleiter, Supervisor und Selbsterfahrungsleiter.