bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Candidates on the Subspecialty Board Certification Examination from 2003 to 2015
Authors: Driscoll Sherilyn W. , Massagli Teresa L. , McMahon Mary A. , Raddatz Mikaela M. , Pruitt David W. , Murphy Kevin P.
Published: October 2017

Background

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) physicians enter the field via several pathways. It is unknown whether different training pathways impact performance on the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) PRM Examination and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Examination.

Objectives

To describe the examination performance of candidates on the ABPMR PRM Examination according to their type of training (physiatrists with a clinical PRM focus, accredited or unaccredited fellowship training, separate pediatric and physical medicine and rehabilitation residencies, or combined pediatrics/physical medicine and rehabilitation residencies) and to compare candidates' performance on the PRM Examination with their initial ABPMR certification and MOC Examinations.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation office.

Participants

A total of 250 candidates taking the PRM subspecialty certification examination from 2003 to 2015.

Methods

Scaled scores on the PRM Examination were compared to the examinees' initial certification scores as well as their admissibility criteria. Pass rates and scaled scores also were compared for those taking their initial PRM certification versus MOC.

Main Outcome Measurements

Board pass rates and mean scaled scores for initial PRM Examination and MOC.

Results

The 250 physiatrists who took the subspecialty PRM Examination had an overall first‐time pass rate of 89%. There was no significant difference between first‐time PRM pass rates or mean scaled scores for individuals who completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited fellowship versus those who did not. First time PRM pass rates were greatest among those who were also certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (100%). Performance on Parts I and II of the initial ABPMR Certification Examination significantly predicted PRM Examination scores. There was no difference in mean scaled scores for initial PRM certification versus taking the PRM Examination for MOC.

Conclusions

Several pathways to admissibility to the PRM Examination afforded similar opportunity for diplomates to gain the knowledge necessary to pass the PRM Examination. Once certified, physicians taking the PRM Examination for MOC have a high success rate of passing again in years 7‐10 of their certification cycle.

Level of Evidence

III
Over‐investment or risk mitigation? Corporate social responsibility in Asia‐Pacific, Europe, Japan, and the United States
Authors: Utz Sebastian
Published: October 2017

We study the relationship of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the distribution of stock returns for an international sample. Firms with a high level of CSR generally exhibit superior stock price synchronicity in the markets of Europe, Japan, and the United States. In particular, we identify optimal levels of CSR to minimize idiosyncratic risk for each region. Moreover, CSR has a mitigating effect on crash risk in Europe and the United States. In contrast, firms from the Asia‐Pacific region display CSR over‐investment followed by a higher crash risk. This appears to be a consequence of globalization, which forces firms from Asia‐Pacific to overinvest in CSR to adapt western standards.
TO PUNISH THE PERSON: A READING NOTE REGARDING A PUNCTUATION MARK IN THE TSINGHUA MANUSCRIPT *MING XUN
Authors: Shaughnessy Edward L.
Published: October 2017

The Tsinghua manuscript *Ming xun 命訓 contains a compound sentence that reads: 大命殜罰少命＝身. In an earlier article, the author translated this sentence as “The great mandate for generations punishes; the minor mandates command the person,” understanding the “＝” mark to indicate that the preceding character ming 命 was to be repeated. However, scholars in China have recently noted that the “＝” mark can also indicate the repetition of characters that occur in the same context earlier in the text. This would suggest that the “＝” mark here indicates the repetition of the word fa 罰 in the preceding clause, such that the sentence should read “The great mandate punishes the world; minor mandates punish the person,” which is the reading of the received text of the Ming xun. This scribal practice has important implications for the reading of other manuscripts as well.
NARRATIVE FOCALIZATION AND THE HISTORICAL PRESENT IN CATULLUS 64
Authors: Kayachev Boris
Published: October 2017

The subject of this article was suggested by the question of whether the present tense formuĕnitin Catull. 64.85 should be considered anomalous. My analysis will result in a positive answer, and I shall conclude by proposing a way to eliminate this anomaly. However, a study of Catullus' use of the historical present may also be of some relevance for the interpretation of poem 64 as a whole.
Saduria entomon infected with Hysterothylacium aduncum found in situ in the stomach of cod (Gadus morhua) from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Pawlak J. , Nadolna-Ałtyn K. , Szostakowska B. , Pachur M. , Podolska M.
Published: October 2017

The parasite fauna of cod (Gadus morhus) is well described, but the life cycles of Baltic cod parasites are known only in general terms. Invertebrates commonly found in the stomach of cod are recognized as intermediate hosts in the life cycles of nematodes or acanthocephalans. The aim of this study was to determine the source of infection of Baltic cod with parasites found in situ in invertebrates present in the cod stomach. Our results indicate that Saduria entomon is both a source of infection of Baltic cod with parasites and an intermediate host in the life cycle of Hysterothylacium aduncum in the Baltic Sea.
Trends in depression prevalence in the USA from 2005 to 2015: widening disparities in vulnerable groups
Authors: Weinberger A. H. , Gbedemah M. , Martinez A. M. , Nash D. , Galea S. , Goodwin R. D.
Published: October 2017

Background

Major depression is associated with significant disability, morbidity, and mortality. The current study estimated trends in the prevalence of major depression in the US population from 2005 to 2015 overall and by demographic subgroups.

Methods

Data were drawn from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), an annual cross-sectional study of US persons ages 12 and over (total analytic sample N = 607 520). Past-year depression prevalence was examined annually among respondents from 2005 to 2015. Time trends in depression prevalence stratified by survey year were tested using logistic regression. Data were re-analyzed stratified by age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, and education.

Results

Depression prevalence increased significantly in the USA from 2005 to 2015, before and after controlling for demographics. Increases in depression were significant for the youngest and oldest age groups, men, and women, Non-Hispanic White persons, the lowest income group, and the highest education and income groups. A significant year × demographic interaction was found for age. The rate of increase in depression was significantly more rapid among youth relative to all older age groups.

Conclusions

The prevalence of depression increased significantly in the USA from 2005 to 2015. The rate of increase in depression among youth was significantly more rapid relative to older groups. Further research into understanding the macro level, micro level, and individual factors that are contributing to the increase in depression, including factors specific to demographic subgroups, would help to direct public health prevention and intervention efforts.
Do contamination of and exposure to chicken meat and water drive the temporal dynamics ofCampylobactercases?
Authors: DAVID J. M. , POLLARI F. , PINTAR K. D. M. , NESBITT A. , BUTLER A. J. , RAVEL A.
Published: October 2017

Campylobacteriosis, the most frequent bacterial enteric disease, shows a clear yet unexplained seasonality. The study purpose was to explore the influence of seasonal fluctuation in the contamination of and in the behaviour exposures to two important sources ofCampylobacteron the seasonality of campylobacteriosis. Time series analyses were applied to data collected through an integrated surveillance system in Canada in 2005–2010. Data included sporadic, domestically-acquired cases ofCampylobacter jejuniinfection, contamination of retail chicken meat and of surface water byC. jejuni, and exposure to each source through barbequing and swimming in natural waters. Seasonal patterns were evident for all variables with a peak in summer for human cases and for both exposures, in fall for chicken meat contamination, and in late fall for water contamination. Time series analyses showed that the observed campylobacteriosis summer peak could only be significantly linked to behaviour exposures rather than sources contamination (swimming rather than water contamination and barbequing rather than chicken meat contamination). The results indicate that the observed summer increase in human cases may be more the result of amplification through more frequent risky exposures rather than the result of an increase of theCampylobactersource contamination.
Seasonality in Multiple Maternities
Authors: Fellman Johan
Published: October 2017

In the 19th century, a series of international statistical congresses introduced common rules for the national demographic registers. This activity contributed to the genesis of statistical research. During the history of twin research, Hellin's law has played a central role because it is an approximately correct association between the rates of multiple maternities. However, it has been mathematically proven that Hellin's law cannot hold exactly. The majority of all studies of Hellin's law are based on empirical rates of multiple maternities. Such studies can never confirm the law, but only identify errors too large to be characterized as random. It is of particular interest to examine why the rates of higher multiple maternities are sometimes too high or too low when Hellin's law is used as a benchmark. However, divergences from the law are often difficult to explain and/or eliminate. Different improvements to the law have been proposed. In this article, we study the seasonality of multiple maternities. We apply Hellin's law to compare the seasonality of twin and triplet rates.
Thirteen Innovative Ways Humans Use Drones
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: October 2017

From the bottom of acid lakes to up in the sky, autonomous vehicles are changing the way scientists view and study Earth.
Wild-type and mutant p53 differentially modulate miR-124/iASPP feedback following pohotodynamic therapy in human colon cancer cell line
Authors: Liu Kuijie , Chen Weidong , Lei Sanlin , Xiong Li , Zhao Hua , Liang Dong , Lei Zhendong , Zhou Nanjiang , Yao Hongliang , Liang Ying
Published: October 2017

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a most common digestive system malignant tumor. p53 mutation has essential role in cancers and is frequently observed in CRC and presents a huge challenge. p53 mutation has been reported to attenuate the inhibitory effect of photofrin-based photodynamic therapy (PDT). p53 mutation-induced gain of function brings up the dysfunction of carcinogenic factors, including miRNAs. Our research found that PDT suppressed CRC cell viability, reduced the tumor size and prolonged the survival time, all of which could be attenuated by p53 mutation or deletion. After p53 mutation or deletion, several miRNA expression levels were downregulated, among which miR-124 was the most strongly downregulated, whereas iASPP expression was upregulated. p53 binds to the promoter of miR-124 to promote its expression and then inhibited iASPP expression, so as to amplify the inhibitory effect of PDT on wild-type p53 cells. In p53-mutant or -deleted cells, this binding no longer worked to promote miR-124 expression, and iASPP expression increased, finally resulted in promoted CRC cell viability upon PDT. The interactive modulation among miR and iASPP in p53-mutant or -deleted cells may serve as a crucial pathway, which mediates therapy resistance when p53 is mutated or deleted, in the process of PDT treatment of CRC.
Molecular motion regulates the activity of the Mitochondrial Serine Protease HtrA2
Authors: Merski Matthew , Moreira Cátia , Abreu Rui MV , Ramos Maria João , Fernandes Pedro A , Martins L Miguel , Pereira Pedro José Barbosa , Macedo-Ribeiro Sandra
Published: October 2017

HtrA2 (high-temperature requirement 2) is a human mitochondrial protease that has a role in apoptosis and Parkinson’s disease. The structure of HtrA2 with an intact catalytic triad was determined, revealing a conformational change in the active site loops, involving mainly the regulatory LD loop, which resulted in burial of the catalytic serine relative to the previously reported structure of the proteolytically inactive mutant. Mutations in the loops surrounding the active site that significantly restricted their mobility, reduced proteolytic activity both in vitro and in cells, suggesting that regulation of HtrA2 activity cannot be explained by a simple transition to an activated conformational state with enhanced active site accessibility. Manipulation of solvent viscosity highlighted an unusual bi-phasic behavior of the enzymatic activity, which together with MD calculations supports the importance of motion in the regulation of the activity of HtrA2. HtrA2 is an unusually thermostable enzyme (TM=97.3 °C), a trait often associated with structural rigidity, not dynamic motion. We suggest that this thermostability functions to provide a stable scaffold for the observed loop motions, allowing them a relatively free conformational search within a rather restricted volume.
Zika virus infection dysregulates human neural stem cell growth and inhibits differentiation into neuroprogenitor cells
Authors: Devhare Pradip , Meyer Keith , Steele Robert , Ray Ratna B , Ray Ranjit
Published: October 2017

The current outbreak of Zika virus-associated diseases in South America and its threat to spread to other parts of the world has emerged as a global health emergency. A strong link between Zika virus and microcephaly exists, and the potential mechanisms associated with microcephaly are under intense investigation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Zika virus infection of Asian and African lineages (PRVABC59 and MR766) in human neural stem cells (hNSCs). These two Zika virus strains displayed distinct infection pattern and growth rates in hNSCs. Zika virus MR766 strain increased serine 139 phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γH2AX), a known early cellular response proteins to DNA damage. On the other hand, PRVABC59 strain upregulated serine 15 phosphorylation of p53, p21 and PUMA expression. MR766-infected cells displayed poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase-3 cleavage. Interestingly, infection of hNSCs by both strains of Zika virus for 24 h, followed by incubation in astrocyte differentiation medium, induced rounding and cell death. However, astrocytes generated from hNSCs by incubation in differentiation medium when infected with Zika virus displayed minimal cytopathic effect at an early time point. Infected hNSCs incubated in astrocyte differentiating medium displayed PARP cleavage within 24–36 h. Together, these results showed that two distinct strains of Zika virus potentiate hNSC growth inhibition by different mechanisms, but both viruses strongly induce death in early differentiating neuroprogenitor cells even at a very low multiplicity of infection. Our observations demonstrate further mechanistic insights for impaired neuronal homeostasis during active Zika virus infection.
New insights into the impacts of suspended particulate matter on phytoplankton density in a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: He Qiang , Qiu Yixi , Liu Haohang , Sun Xingfu , Kang Li , Cao Li , Li Hong , Ai Hainan
Published: October 2017

Phytoplankton density can be influenced by a wide range of factors whereas the role of suspended particulate matter (SPM) are not clear in river that annually subjected to hydrodynamics shift. Here, spatial-temporal variation of environmental parameters and phytoplankton density were studied from January 2013 to December 2014 in Yulin River, a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Laboratory experiments were conducted to elucidate the key parameter and interpret how it impacted phytoplankton density. SPM is negatively correlated with phytoplankton density. Despite SPM in Yulin River revealed weaker NH3-N, NO3-N and PO4-P adsorption capabilities in comparison to that in other aquatic ecosystems, increase of water velocity from 0.1 to 0.8 m/s led to approximately 6.8-times increase of light attenuation rate. In experiments evaluating the aggregation of Chlorella pyrenoidosa upon SPM, floc size showed 7.4 to 22% fold increase compared to the SPM or algae itself, which was due to the interaction between SPM and phytoplankton extracellular polymeric substances. Our results suggest that SPM could contribute to the variation of phytoplankton density through the integrated process including light attenuation, nutrient adsorption and algae aggregation. This is the first evaluation of the multiple processes underlying the impact of SPM on phytoplankton.
Therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium breve strain A1 for preventing cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kobayashi Yodai , Sugahara Hirosuke , Shimada Kousuke , Mitsuyama Eri , Kuhara Tetsuya , Yasuoka Akihito , Kondo Takashi , Abe Keiko , Xiao Jin-zhong
Published: October 2017

It has previously been shown that the consumption of probiotics may have beneficial effects not only on peripheral tissues but also on the central nervous system and behavior via the microbiota–gut–brain axis, raising the possibility that treatment with probiotics could be an effective therapeutic strategy for managing neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we investigated the effects of oral administration ofBifidobacterium brevestrain A1 (B. breveA1) on behavior and physiological processes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) model mice. We found that administration ofB. breveA1 to AD mice reversed the impairment of alternation behavior in a Y maze test and the reduced latency time in a passive avoidance test, indicating that it prevented cognitive dysfunction. We also demonstrated that non-viable components of the bacterium or its metabolite acetate partially ameliorated the cognitive decline observed in AD mice. Gene profiling analysis revealed that the consumption ofB. breveA1 suppressed the hippocampal expressions of inflammation and immune-reactive genes that are induced by amyloid-β. Together, these findings suggest thatB. breveA1 has therapeutic potential for preventing cognitive impairment in AD.
Long-term toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to Scenedesmus rubescens cultivated in different media
Authors: Aravantinou Andriana F. , Andreou Fytoula , Manariotis Ioannis D.
Published: October 2017

The aim of this work was to investigate the long-term toxic effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) on freshwater microalgae, combined with the nutrient consumption in the culture. For this purpose, two common microalgae media (Blue-Green 11, BG-11, and Bold’s Basal Medium, BBM) were used. Scenedesmus rubescens was used as freshwater microalgae model species and was exposed to ZnO NPs at different concentrations (0.081 to 810 mg/L) for a period up to 28 d. The experimental results revealed that microalgae growth was affected by the time of exposure and the NPs concentrations, but mainly the culture medium used. Differences in microalgae growth rates were observed and attributed to the selected culture medium. The toxic effect of ZnO NPs was higher on microalgae cultured in modified BG-11 compared to BBM, despite the fact that S. rubescens exhibited higher growth rate in modified BG-11 without the exposure of ZnO NPs.
Prediction of Deterministic All-Optical Switching of Ferromagnetic Thin Film by Ultrafast Optothermal and Optomagnetic Couplings
Authors: Du Zhidong , Chen Chen , Cheng Feng , Liu Yongmin , Pan Liang
Published: October 2017

All-optical switching (AOS) of magnetization induced by ultrafast laser pulses is fundamentally interesting and promises unprecedented speed for magnetic data storage that is three orders of magnitudes faster than the current techniques. For ferrimagnetic material, the AOS is attributed to magnetic circular dichroism and angular momentum transfer between sublattices. Recently, ferromagnetic material is demonstrated in AOS under multiple pulses. Since the magnetic field needed to flip the ferromagnetic magnetization within femtosecond timescale is unphysically high, some theories hypothesized that there exists a prolonged magnetic field beyond the pulse duration in the switching process. This is intuitively inconsistent with the phenomenological explanation based on the light-induced magnetic field arising from the inverse Faraday effect (IFE). Here, we numerically study the AOS process and provide new insights into the long-standing paradox of the duration of the induced magnetic field. We show that the prolonged magnetic field duration originates from the ultrafast optothermal and optomagnetic coupling. Moreover, we numerically studied both single- and multiple-pulse AOS under different coupling strength between spins and the thermal bath in the macroscopic Fockker-Planck and Landau-Lifshitz-Bloch model. This numerical model may provide a guide to find suitable ferromagnetic materials for AOS.
A Machine Learning Assisted, Label-free, Non-invasive Approach for Somatic Reprogramming in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Colony Formation Detection and Prediction
Authors: Fan Ke , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Ying , Lu Jun , Holcombe Mike , Zhang Xiao
Published: October 2017

During cellular reprogramming, the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition is accompanied by changes in morphology, which occur prior to iPSC colony formation. The current approach for detecting morphological changes associated with reprogramming purely relies on human experiences, which involve intensive amounts of upfront training, human error with limited quality control and batch-to-batch variations. Here, we report a time-lapse-based bright-field imaging analysis system that allows us to implement a label-free, non-invasive approach to measure morphological dynamics. To automatically analyse and determine iPSC colony formation, a machine learning-based classification, segmentation, and statistical modelling system was developed to guide colony selection. The system can detect and monitor the earliest cellular texture changes after the induction of reprogramming in human somatic cells on day 7 from the 20–24 day process. Moreover, after determining the reprogramming process and iPSC colony formation quantitatively, a mathematical model was developed to statistically predict the best iPSC selection phase independent of any other resources. All the computational detection and prediction experiments were evaluated using a validation dataset, and biological verification was performed. These algorithm-detected colonies show no significant differences (Pearson Coefficient) in terms of their biological features compared to the manually processed colonies using standard molecular approaches.
Hetero-oligomer of dynamin-related proteins participates in the fission of highly divergent mitochondria from Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Makiuchi Takashi , Santos Herbert J. , Tachibana Hiroshi , Nozaki Tomoyoshi
Published: October 2017

Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic parasitic protist and possesses mitosomes, one of the most highly divergent mitochondrion-related organelles (MROs). Although unique metabolism and protein/metabolite transport machinery have been demonstrated in Entamoeba mitosomes, the mechanism of mitosomal fusion and fission remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that two dynamin-related proteins (DRPs) are cooperatively involved in the fission of Entamoeba mitosomes. Expression of a dominant negative form of EhDrpA and EhDrpB, and alternatively, repression of gene expression of EhDrpA and EhDrpB genes, caused elongation of mitosomes, reflecting inhibition of mitosomal fission. Moreover, EhDrpA and EhDrpB formed an unprecedented hetero-oligomeric complex with an approximate 1:2 to 1:3 ratio, suggesting that the observed elongation of mitosomes is likely caused by the disruption and instability of the complex caused by an imbalance in the two DRPs. Altogether, this is the first report of a hetero-oligomeric DRP complex which participates in the fission of mitochondria and MROs.
Gender Differences in Behavioral and Neural Responses to Unfairness Under Social Pressure
Authors: Zheng Li , Ning Reipeng , Li Lin , Wei Chunli , Cheng Xuemei , Zhou Chu , Guo Xiuyan
Published: October 2017

Numerous studies have revealed the key role of social pressure on individuals’ decision-making processes. However, the impact of social pressure on unfairness-related decision-making processes remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated how social pressure modulated men’s and women’s responses in an ultimatum game. Twenty women and eighteen men played the ultimatum game as responders in the scanner, where fair and unfair offers were tendered by proposers acting alone (low pressure) or by proposers endorsed by three supporters (high pressure). Results showed that men rejected more, whereas women accepted more unfair offers in the high versus low pressure context. Neurally, pregenual anterior cingulate cortex activation in women positively predicted their acceptance rate difference between contexts. In men, stronger right anterior insula activation and increased connectivity between right anterior insula and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were observed when they receiving unfair offers in the high than low pressure context. Furthermore, more bilateral anterior insula and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activations were found when men rejected (relative to accepted) unfair offers in the high than low pressure context. These findings highlighted gender differences in the modulation of behavioral and neural responses to unfairness by social pressure.
Tripalmitin nanoparticle formulations significantly enhance paclitaxel antitumor activity against breast and lung cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Leiva María Carmen , Ortiz Raúl , Contreras-Cáceres Rafael , Perazzoli Gloria , Mayevych Iryna , López-Romero Juan Manuel , Sarabia Francisco , Baeyens Jose Manuel , Melguizo Consolación , Prados Jose
Published: October 2017

Paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the drugs of choice in the treatment of breast and lung cancer. However, its severe side effects, including mielosuppression, cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity, frequently cause treatment to be discontinued. Solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) of glyceril tripalmitate (tripalmitin) loaded with PTX (Tripalm-NPs-PTX) including modifications by the addition of hexa(ethylene glycol), β-cyclodextrin and macelignan were developed. All NPs-PTX formulations displayed excellent hemocompatibility and significantly enhanced PTX antitumor activity in human breast (MCF7, MDAMB231, SKBR3 and T47D) and lung (A549, NCI-H520 and NCI-H460) cancer cells. Tripalm-NPs-PTX decreased PTX IC50 by as much as 40.5-fold in breast and 38.8-fold in lung cancer cells and Tripalm-NPs-PTX macelignan inhibited P-glycoprotein in resistant tumor cells. In addition, Tripalm-NPs-PTX significantly decreased the volume of breast and lung multicellular tumor spheroids that mimics in vivo tumor mass. Finally, Tripalm-NPs-PTX decreased the PTX IC50 of cancer stem cells (CSCs) derived from both lung and breast cancer cells (6.7- and 14.9-fold for MCF7 and A549 CSCs, respectively). These results offer a new PTX nanoformulation based on the use of tripalmitin which improves the antitumor activity of PTX and that may serve as an alternative PTX delivery system in breast and lung cancer treatment.
Motor recovery after activity-based training with spinal cord epidural stimulation in a chronic motor complete paraplegic
Authors: Rejc Enrico , Angeli Claudia A. , Atkinson Darryn , Harkema Susan J.
Published: October 2017

The prognosis for recovery of motor function in motor complete spinal cord injured (SCI) individuals is poor. Our research team has demonstrated that lumbosacral spinal cord epidural stimulation (scES) and activity-based training can progressively promote the recovery of volitional leg movements and standing in individuals with chronic clinically complete SCI. However, scES was required to perform these motor tasks. Herein, we show the progressive recovery of voluntary leg movement and standing without scES in an individual with chronic, motor complete SCI throughout 3.7 years of activity-based interventions utilizing scES configurations customized for the different motor tasks that were specifically trained (standing, stepping, volitional leg movement). In particular, this report details the ongoing neural adaptations that allowed a functional progression from no volitional muscle activation to a refined, task-specific activation pattern and movement generation during volitional attempts without scES. Similarly, we observed the re-emergence of muscle activation patterns sufficient for standing with independent knee and hip extension. These findings highlight the recovery potential of the human nervous system after chronic clinically motor complete SCI.
Channel-facilitated molecule and ion transport across polymer composite membranes
Authors: Cao Li , He Xueyi , Jiang Zhongyi , Li Xueqin , Li Yifan , Ren Yanxiong , Yang Leixin , Wu Hong
Published: October 2017

This tutorial review highlights transport channels within polymer composite membranes and focuses on the regulation of channel microenvironments through bio-inspiration.
Stochastic chiral symmetry breaking process besides the deterministic one
Authors: Silva-Dias L. , López-Castillo A.
Published: October 2017

In chiral symmetry breaking, populations with initial enantiomeric excess (EE) are probabilistically favored if statistical fluctuation is present, as in nature.
Structure–property relationships in protic ionic liquids: a study of solvent–solvent and solvent–solute interactions
Authors: Reid Joshua E. S. J. , Bernardes Carlos E. S. , Agapito Filipe , Martins Filomena , Shimizu Seishi , Minas da Piedade Manuel E. , Walker Adam J.
Published: October 2017

Ionicity of protic ionic liquids are significantly affected by additional functionality, thereby influencing solvation properties.
Two-dimensional second-order nonlinear optical spectra: landscape of second-order nonlinear optics
Authors: Chen Jiu , Wang Ming Qian , Zhou Xin , Yang Ling , Li Wei-Qi , Tian Wei Quan
Published: October 2017

A method to simulate two-dimensional second-order nonlinear optical spectra is developed in the present work.
Reconciling the valence state with magnetism in mixed-valent polyoxometalates: the case of a {VO2F2@V22O54} cluster
Authors: Kozłowski Piotr , Notario-Estévez Almudena , de Graaf Coen , López Xavier , Yu. Monakhov Kirill
Published: October 2017

The interplay between density functional theory and effective Hamiltonian calculations is determinative for understanding of the magnetochemistry of a polyoxovanadate(iv,v) structure with complex electronic and magnetic effects.
Noncentrosymmetric (NCS) solid solutions: elucidating the structure–nonlinear optical (NLO) property relationship and beyond
Authors: Jo Hongil , Oh Seung-Jin , Ok Kang Min
Published: October 2017

A series of noncentrosymmetric (NCS) solid solutions and their structure–nonlinear optical property relationship are introduced for designing novel NCS materials more systematically.
Visible detection of copper ions using a fluorescent probe based on red carbon dots and zirconium metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wu Jing-Xing , Yan Bing
Published: October 2017

Specific spectral energy transfer leads to a gradually increasing quenching effect on the fluorescence of UiO-66-(COOH)2with a higher concentration of Cu2+, causing a visible color change from blue to red.
Methods for monitoring and measurement of protein translation in time and space
Authors: Dermit Maria , Dodel Martin , Mardakheh Faraz K.
Published: October 2017

Regulation of protein translation constitutes a crucial step in control of gene expression. Here we review recent methods for system-wide monitoring and measurement of protein translation.
The mechanism of indium-assisted growth of (In)GaN nanorods: eliminating nanorod coalescence by indium-enhanced atomic migration
Authors: Xu Zhenzhu , Yu Yuefeng , Han Jinglei , Wen Lei , Gao Fangliang , Zhang Shuguang , Li Guoqiang
Published: October 2017

Indium-assisted method is applied to inhibit NR coalescence, and the mechanism of In-assisted growth of well-separated (In)GaN NRs is elucidated.
Growth and nanomechanical characterization of nanoscale 3D architectures grown via focused electron beam induced deposition
Authors: Lewis Brett B. , Mound Brittnee A. , Srijanto Bernadeta , Fowlkes Jason D. , Pharr George M. , Rack Philip D.
Published: October 2017

Nanomechanical measurements of platinum–carbon 3D nanoscale architectures grown via focused electron beam induced deposition (FEBID) were performed using a nanoindentation system in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for simultaneous in situ imaging.
Multi-exciton emission from solitary dopant states of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ma Xuedan , Hartmann Nicolai F. , Velizhanin Kirill A. , Baldwin Jon K. S. , Adamska Lyudmyla , Tretiak Sergei , Doorn Stephen K. , Htoon Han
Published: October 2017

By separating the photons from slow and fast decays of single- and multi-excitons in a time gated 2nd order photon correlation experiment, we show that solitary oxygen dopants of carbon nanotubes allow emission of photon pairs with ∼44% of single exciton quantum yield.
Visible-light-mediated direct difluoromethylation of alkynoates: synthesis of 3-difluoromethylated coumarins
Authors: Zhu Mei , Fu Weijun , Wang Zhiqiang , Xu Chen , Ji Baoming
Published: October 2017

A photoredox-catalyzed direct difluoromethylation of alkynoates has been developed.
The synthesis of planar chiral pseudo-gem aminophosphine pre-ligands based on [2.2]paracyclophane
Authors: Jayasundera Krishanthi P. , Engels Tim G. W. , Lun David J. , Mungalpara Maulik N. , Plieger Paul G. , Rowlands Gareth J.
Published: October 2017

We have synthesized three pseudo-gem [2.2]paracyclophane-derived P,N-ligands and report preliminary activity studies for the amination of aryl bromides and chlorides.
Nonstoichiometric polycondensation based on Friedel–Crafts acylation in superacids for the syntheses of aromatic polyketones
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuya , Ogawa Takayuki , Jikei Mitsutoshi
Published: October 2017

Based on Friedel–Crafts acylation, nonstoichiometric polycondensation was achieved using 4,4′-dicarboxydiphenyl ether and 2,2′-dimethoxybiphenyl in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid.
No‐reference quality assessment for stereoscopic images considering visual discomfort and binocular rivalry
Authors: Ding Yong , Zhao Yang
Published: October 2017

A no‐reference stereoscopic image quality assessment method is proposed that takes two primary binocular effects, visual discomfort, and binocular rivalry, into consideration. The adaptive segmentation, local energy, and visual saliency are employed for estimating binocular effects and constructing a quality baseline, which together composes a comprehensive image quality description. Moreover, a compact parallel framework is designed for efficiency. Experiments have validated the high accuracy and robustness of the proposed method.
Adaptive output feedback control for a class of large‐scale output‐constrained non‐linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Li Hanfeng , Zhang Xianfu , Liu Qingrong
Published: October 2017

This study is concerned with the adaptive stabilisation problem for a class of large‐scale output‐constrained non‐linear time‐delay systems in strict‐feedback form. The investigative system satisfies a more general growth condition and the precise knowledge of the time delay is not required to be known a priori. Firstly, an observer is designed by the dynamic gain control design technique. Then, based on a novel Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, the output constraints are satisfied and the stability of the closed‐loop control system is achieved. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedure.
Distributed event‐triggered cubature information filtering based on weighted average consensus
Authors: Tan Qingke , Dong Xiwang , Li Qingdong , Ren Zhang
Published: October 2017

To deal with the distributed estimation problem for mobile sensor networks with non‐linear systems and a large amount of data transfer, the distributed event‐triggered cubature information filtering based on weighted average consensus is proposed. The filter benefits from the non‐linear filtering algorithm with consensus technique and event‐triggered mechanism which reduces the amount of data transfer. The triggering decision is based on the data transmission mechanism, which is that each sensor makes a request to exchange information with its neighbours only if the difference between the most recent transmitted estimate and the current estimate exceeds a tolerable threshold. The estimation error of the proposed filter is proved to be bounded in mean square. Finally, numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Optimal filter for MJL system with delayed modes and observations
Authors: Han Chunyan , Wang Wei
Published: October 2017

This study investigates the optimal filter for Markov jump linear (MJL) system with multiple delayed modes and observations, in which the data losses are introduced naturally and the Markov chains are assumed to be known up to the present time. To deal with the mode and observation delays, a reorganised observation sequence is defined. Moreover, the optimal filter problem is transformed into one of the delay‐free system which is just with jumping parameters and multiplicative noises. An optimal MJL filter is presented based on the mean squared method, where the filter gains are determined by solving a set of generalised coupled Riccati difference equations based on a set of coupled Lyapunov equations. Alternatively, an optimal stationary MJL filter is developed, where the filter gains are derived by solving a set of generalised coupled algebraic Riccati equations based on coupled algebraic Lyapunov equations. It can be shown that the difference Riccati equations developed in the former filter converge to the stationary ones under appropriate conditions.
Prediction model of voltage–time characteristics for SF6 long gap under VFTO and lightning impulse voltage
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Sen , Sun Lei , Mao Chen , Pu Lu , Zhang Qiaogen
Published: October 2017

Voltage–time (V –t) characteristics of the SF6 long gap under very fast transient overvoltage (VFTO) draw wide attention at the high‐voltage transmission systems. In this research, a generating system of VFTO and lightning impulse (LI) up to 2.5 MV was set up. The V –t characteristics for SF6 gaps with hundreds of millimetres length under negative LI and VFTO were researched. Experimental results indicated the rate of rising of V –t curve for the sphere‐plane gap under VFTO was moderate, and V –t curve under LI was rapid, resulting in the intersection of the two types of V –t curves. However, for the rod‐plane gap, the V –t curve under VFTO was below that under LI at 0.5 MPa. The shape of V –t curve had many relationships with discharge propagation velocity in the SF6 gap, which was determined by the gap distance, field non‐uniformity, gas pressure and applied voltages. Based on analysis of discharge process and physical background of V –t curve, the semi‐empirical formulae were derived and the prediction model was established. It was demonstrated the predicted V –t curves could accurately predict breakdown characteristics of long SF6 gas gaps
Transmitter/receiver polarisation optimisation based on oblique projection filtering for mainlobe interference suppression in polarimetric multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar
Authors: Xiang Zhe , Chen Baixiao , Yang Minglei
Published: October 2017

Controlling the polarisation states of the transmitter and the receiver enables improving the performance of radar systems, especially for mainlobe interference suppression applications. In this study, the authors consider the design of optimal polarisations at both of the radar transmitter and receiver for mainlobe interference suppression. They propose the polarimetric multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) radar which combines the advantages of MIMO systems with the advantages offered by optimally choosing the transmitter polarisation or the receiver polarisation to achieve a better anti‐jamming performance. The polarisation diversity is employed in the transmit array and the receive array. The interferences can be suppressed by the oblique projection filter. Based on the output signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio analysis, the optimal transmitter polarisation and the receiver polarisation can be obtained. Simulation results demonstrate that interference can be effectively suppressed with the radar configuration, and better interference suppression performance can be achieved with the optimal transmitter polarisation and receiver polarisation.
Parallel processing algorithm for multipath clutter cancellation in passive radar
Authors: Fu Yan , Wan Xianrong , Zhang Xun , Yi Jianxin , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2017

The multipath clutter cancellation, the most computationally demanding part of signal processing in passive bistatic radar (PBR), is a key challenge in real‐time processing. However, the previous extensive cancellation algorithm (ECA) versions have their limitations in parallel implementation. In this study, an advanced version of ECA is proposed for multipath clutter cancellation in passive radar. The proposed method can improve the computational efficiency via dividing the whole signal into more batches than ECA‐batches and yielding an excellent cancellation performance at the same time. Simulation and experimental results following the theoretical analysis verify the performance of the new approach, which provides a valuable basis for real‐time signal processing in PBR.
Joint delay–Doppler estimation for passive bistatic radar with direct‐path interference using MCMC method
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Zhao Yongjun , Zhao Chuang
Published: October 2017

This study deals with the problem of joint delay–Doppler estimation in a practically motivated scenario of passive bistatic radar, where the surveillance channel is polluted by the direct‐path signal residual. A new joint delay–Doppler maximum‐likelihood estimator (MLE) based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is proposed. The MCMC method allows one to compute the MLE in a computationally efficient manner. The proposed estimator is based upon generating random variates using a Markov Chain whose stationary distribution approximates the likelihood function and guarantees convergence to the global maximum. In contrast to the recently proposed modified cross‐correlation estimator, and the expectation–maximisation‐based MLE, it avoids grid search which may lead to a straddle loss or initialisation‐dependent iteration which may lead to convergence problems. Simulation results indicate that the proposed estimator achieves a significant performance improvement over existing methods.
Partial discharge detection by extracting UHF signal from inner grading electrode of insulating spacer in GIS
Authors: Shao Xian‐Jun , He Wen‐Lin , Xu Jia‐Long , Zhu Ming‐Xiao , Zhang Guan‐Jun
Published: October 2017

In this study, a novel ultra‐high frequency (UHF) sensor using an inner grading electrode inside an insulting spacer is employed to detect gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) partial discharge (PD). The simulation of the waveguide modes of the 252 kV GIS and the frequency response characteristics of this UHF sensor are performed by using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Three kinds of typical defects are employed to investigate the PD detection characteristics of this UHF sensor. It is shown that the resonance frequencies of this sensor are extremely abundant below 3 GHz, and the major resonance frequencies around 0.5–1.2 and 2.2–3 GHz. The phase‐resolved PD (PRPD) images accumulated by using this UHF sensor present the typical PRPD images of defects. The main frequency spectrum of the metal protrusion on a high‐voltage conductor and floating potential defects are distributed below 1.5 GHz, which is consistent with waveguide mode simulation. A resonance frequency of a grading electrode UHF sensor appears at about 115 MHz, which is close to the simulation value of a resonance frequency at 140 MHz. The PD detection sensitivity of this sensor is much higher than that of an external sensor; however, it is a little lower than that of an internal sensor.
Design and development of a level transmitter using force resistive sensor as a primary sensing element
Authors: Lata Anamika , Kumar Brajesh , Mandal Nirupama
Published: October 2017

A simple, low cost liquid level measurement technique for all types of liquids has been proposed in this study. A force resistive sensor has been used to sense the height of liquid level in a storage tank. The force resistive sensor gives the information of the height of liquid level in terms of resistance. The resistance of the sensor corresponding to the height of liquid level is converted into a voltage signal with the help of a resistance to voltage converter. The resistance‐to‐voltage converter output has been passed through signal conditioning circuit and voltage‐to‐current converter to transmit the signal to a remote location like a control room. The theoretical equations explaining the operation of the force resistive sensor for the liquid level have been derived. The whole unit has been designed, fabricated and its function has been studied experimentally. The experimental results are reported in this study. A very good linear characteristic of the proposed transmitter has been observed with very good repeatability and with a very small uncertainty of measurement.