bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the optical, electronic and thermal properties of Cu3NbS4−xSex through chemical substitution
Authors: Chen Erica M. , Stoyko Stanislav S. , Aitken Jennifer A. , Poudeu Pierre F. P.
Published: June 2017

Partial sulfur to selenium substitution in Cu3NbS4−xSex enables fully tunable green band gaps with marginal change in the lattice parameter.
Self-adaptive water vapor permeability and its hydrogen bonding switches of bio-inspired polymer thin films
Authors: Hu Jinlian , Wu You , Zhang Cuili , Tang Ben Zhong , Chen Shaojun
Published: June 2017

A polymer inspired by a leaf guard-cell and designed by introducing supramolecular hydrogen-bonding switches and moisture-sensitive SAWVP has been achieved, suggesting that hydrogen bonding can become a moisture-responsive switch when its bonding energy is smaller than the energy between the water molecule and the switch itself.
Evaluation of biodegradability and biotoxicity of surfactants in soil
Authors: Li Guixiang , Lan Guihong , Liu Yongqiang , Chen Chen , Lei Lin , Du Jiao , Lu Yingchun , Li Qiang , Du Guoyong , Zhang Jihong
Published: June 2017

In this study, the biodegradability and biotoxicity of four surfactants,i.e.modified heterogeneous alcohol ether, fatty acid methyl ester ethoxylates, Tween-80 and rhamnolipid, under natural soil conditions were investigated.
Supercritical CO2dried chitosan nanoparticles: production and characterization
Authors: Caro León F. J. , Lizardi-Mendoza J. , Argüelles-Monal W. , Carvajal-Millan E. , López Franco Y. L. , Goycoolea F. M.
Published: June 2017

Preparation and characteristics of dry nanoparticles of chitosan with large surface area and efficiently resuspended in acidified water.
Synthesis of porous ZnS, ZnO and ZnS/ZnO nanosheets and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Li Xin , Zhu Bangyao , Wang Jingshu , Lan Huixia , Chen Xiaobo
Published: June 2017

Porous ZnS, ZnO and ZnS–ZnO nanosheets (NSs) are obtained by annealing ZnS(en)0.5 (en = ethylenediamine) NSs under suitable conditions in air.
Well-crystallized borax prepared from boron-bearing tailings by sodium roasting and pressure leaching
Authors: Xie Wei , Zou Chengxi , Tang Zhenyu , Fu Hanguang , Zhu Xukun , Kuang Jiacai , Deng Yingjun
Published: June 2017

We report a low-cost and effective technique for preparing borax from boron-bearing tailings, which is at a low grade of 9.98% B2O3.
Photocontrollable fluorogenic probes for visualising near-membrane copper(ii) in live cells
Authors: Chen Buxiang , Wang Liulin , Zhao Yanfei , Ni Yun , Xin Chenqi , Zhang Chengwu , Liu Jinhua , Ge Jingyan , Li Lin , Huang Wei
Published: June 2017

Photocontrollable fluorogenic probes for detecting near-membrane copper(ii) after membrane anchoring using spatial and temporal controlled release.
Degradation of azo dye with activated peroxygens: when zero-valent iron meets chloride
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Ai Luoyan , Huang Ying , Zhang Juekai , Li Sitong , Chen Jiawei , Yang Fei
Published: June 2017

Selection of the most appropriate Fe-based peroxygen oxidation technology depends on the dye wastewater constituents and pH.
Investigation of [Emim][OAc] as a mild pretreatment solvent for enhancing the sulfonation efficiency of alkali lignin
Authors: Zhang Zhili , Yang Rendang , Gao Wenhua , Yao Xianping
Published: June 2017

Properties of the sulfonated AL and RL; pretreatment conditions: moisture content of lignin was 5%, 353.15 K, 120 min.
Prediction of concrete corrosion in sewers with hybrid Gaussian processes regression model
Authors: Liu Yiqi , Song Yarong , Keller Jurg , Bond Philip , Jiang Guangming
Published: June 2017

A hybrid Gaussian Processes Regression (GPR) model is to approach the evolution of the corrosion rate and corrosion initiation time, thereby supporting the calculation of service life of sewers.
Detection of vasodilator drugs through microwave spectroscopy of Au NP colorimetric probes using a microwave metallic photonic crystal-inspired resonant probe
Authors: Yadav Rahul , Patel Piyush N. , Lad V. N.
Published: June 2017

A low-cost, time-effective and easy-to-use novel analytical technique incorporating microwave spectroscopy of unmodified gold nanoparticles for the detection of selected vasodilator drugs.
Accordion-like graphene by a facile and green synthesis method reinforcing polyolefin nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Wensheng , Li Jiangong , Yan Xiaojie , Zhu Bochao , Jia Junji , Huang Anping , Xie Kefeng , Bai Yongxiao
Published: June 2017

Scalable synthesis of accordion-like graphene via low temperature (below 170 °C) thermal expansion exfoliation of alkylated graphite oxide without any auxiliary equipment.
Fluorinated polyurethane based on liquid fluorine elastomer (LFH) synthesis via two-step method: the critical value of thermal resistance and mechanical properties
Authors: Li Ning , Zeng Fanglei , Wang Yu , Qu Dezhi , Hu Wenbo , Luan Yigang , Dong Shuai , Zhang Jianjun , Bai Yongping
Published: June 2017

FPU gains optimal thermal stability and mechanical property when a novel soft segment-LFH increases to critical value (18 wt%), even if the cured films being immersed into hot water and oil.
Temperature-responsive methacrylamide polyampholytes
Authors: Weaver Lucy G. , Stockmann Regine , Thang San H. , Postma Almar
Published: June 2017

The effective modulation of polymer cloud points in water is demonstrated through a series of charged, temperature-responsive methacrylamide-based polyampholytes.
Mechanistic investigation on radical-induced construction of oxindoles: radical versus electrophilic cyclization
Authors: Deng Zhiqiang , Jin Lu , Wu Yong , Zhao Xiang
Published: June 2017

A four-step mechanism is established for the title reaction and the radical cyclization is updated to the cationic cyclization.
Investigations on oil detachment from rough surfaces in an aqueous solution
Authors: Xie W. K. , Sun Y. Z. , Liu H. T. , Zhang F. H.
Published: June 2017

Herein, detachment of oil molecules from perfect and defective aluminum oxide surfaces in an aqueous solution was investigated using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations.
A novel AQDS–rGO composite to enhance the bioreduction of As(v)/Fe(iii) from the flooded arsenic-rich soil
Authors: Chen Zheng , Zhang Jinfeng , Han Kezeng , Yang Chaoying , Jiang Xiuli , Fu Dun , Li Qingbiao , Wang Yuanpeng
Published: June 2017

Anthraquinone-2,6-disulphonate (AQDS) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) were selected to prepare the AQDS–rGO composites for investigating the bioreduction performance of As(v)/Fe(iii) from the flooded arsenic-rich soil.
Heat shock protein 90 and serine/threonine kinase B-Raf inhibitors have overlapping chemical space
Authors: Anighoro A. , Pinzi L. , Marverti G. , Bajorath J. , Rastelli G.
Published: June 2017

With the aid of computational design, we show that Hsp90 and B-Raf inhibitors have overlapping chemical space and we disclose the first-in-class dual inhibitors.
Enantioselective catalytic β-amination through proton-coupled electron transfer followed by stereocontrolled radical–radical coupling
Authors: Zhou Zijun , Li Yanjun , Han Bowen , Gong Lei , Meggers Eric
Published: June 2017

The catalytic asymmetry conjugate addition of carbamates to α,β-unsaturated 2-acyl imidazoles is accomplished using visible-light-induced proton-coupled electron transfer.
Dynamical behavior of microgels of interpenetrated polymer networks
Authors: Nigro Valentina , Angelini Roberta , Bertoldo Monica , Bruni Fabio , Ricci Maria Antonietta , Ruzicka Barbara
Published: June 2017

Microgel suspensions of an Interpenetrated Polymer Network (IPN) of PNIPAM and PAAc in D2O have been investigated through dynamic light scattering as a function of temperature, pH and concentration across the Volume Phase Transition (VPT).
Hole transporting materials for mesoscopic perovskite solar cells – towards a rational design?
Authors: Krishna Anurag , Grimsdale Andrew C.
Published: June 2017

Hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells are reviewed and the possibility of rationally designing a cost-effective high performing material discussed.
In situ surface engineering of nickel inverse opal for enhanced overall electrocatalytic water splitting
Authors: Zhou Qingwen , Pu Jun , Sun Xiaolei , Zhu Chao , Li Jiachen , Wang Jian , Chang Shaozhong , Zhang Huigang
Published: June 2017

In situsurface engineering of 3D nickel inverse opal was developed to remarkably enhance overall electrocatalytic water splitting performance.
Impact of air exposure and surface chemistry on Li–Li7La3Zr2O12 interfacial resistance
Authors: Sharafi Asma , Yu Seungho , Naguib Michael , Lee Marcus , Ma Cheng , Meyer Harry M. , Nanda Jagjit , Chi Maiofang , Siegel Donald J. , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: June 2017

Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) reacts with humid air; the most favorable reaction pathway involves protonation of LLZO and formation of Li2CO3. The air exposure-induced contamination layer impacts the Li–LLZO interfacial resistance.
Separation and recovery of heavy metal ions and salt ions from wastewater by 3D graphene-based asymmetric electrodes via capacitive deionization
Authors: Liu Peiying , Yan Tingting , Zhang Jianping , Shi Liyi , Zhang Dengsong
Published: June 2017

The separation and recovery of heavy metal ions are demonstrated by 3D graphene-based asymmetric electrodes via capacitive deionization.
A wide bandgap conjugated polymer based on a vertically connected benzodithiophene unit enabling efficient non-fullerene polymer solar cells
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Chen Shangshang , Zhang Guangye , Chow Philip C. Y. , Yan He
Published: June 2017

We report a new a vertical-benzodithiophene (vBDT) building block for designing wide bandgap conjugated polymers, which enables efficient non-fullerene organic solar cells with PCE over 8.3%.
The enhanced oxygen reduction reaction performance on PtSn nanowires: the importance of segregation energy and morphological effects
Authors: Guo Yao-Zhang , Yan Shao-Yan , Liu Chen-Wei , Chou Tsung-Fu , Wang Jeng-Han , Wang Kuan-Wen
Published: June 2017

In this study, the reaction mechanism and electrochemical properties of carbon-supported PtSn nanomaterials including nanoparticles and nanowires (NWs) toward the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have been investigated computationally and experimentally.
Oxygen-deficient WO3−x@TiO2−x core–shell nanosheets for efficient photoelectrochemical oxidation of neutral water solutions
Authors: Yuan Kaiping , Cao Qi , Lu Hong-Liang , Zhong Miao , Zheng Xiuzhen , Chen Hong-Yan , Wang Tao , Delaunay Jean-Jacques , Luo Wei , Zhang Liwu , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Deng Yonghui , Ding Shi-Jin , Zhang David Wei
Published: June 2017

Precisely controlled WO3–x@TiO2–x nanosheet photoanodes are fabricated for efficient and stable PEC water oxidation.
Three-dimensional nanoarchitectures of Co nanoparticles inlayed on N-doped macroporous carbon as bifunctional electrocatalysts for glucose fuel cells
Authors: Liu Liangzhen , Ci Suqin , Bi Linlin , Jia Jingchun , Wen Zhenhai
Published: June 2017

Exploring high-performance electrocatalysts is of great importance for developing renewable energy conversion systems.
Inverted planar solar cells based on perovskite/graphene oxide hybrid composites
Authors: Chung Chih-Chun , Narra Sudhakar , Jokar Efat , Wu Hui-Ping , Wei-Guang Diau Eric
Published: June 2017

The hybrid perovskite/graphene oxide composite layer increased the interfacial contact between the donor and acceptor of holes to balance the charge mobility and improved the photovoltaic performance with excellent reproducibility and stability.
A surface molecularly imprinted electrospun polyethersulfone (PES) fiber mat for selective removal of bilirubin
Authors: Wu Keke , Yang Wufeng , Jiao Yanpeng , Zhou Changren
Published: June 2017

Electrospinning and surface molecular imprinting were used together to prepare a surface molecularly imprinted electrospun polyethersulfone (PES) fiber mat for selective removal of bilirubin.
Length-dependent intracellular bundling of single-walled carbon nanotubes influences retention
Authors: Jin Sumin , Wijesekara Piyumi , Boyer Patrick D. , Dahl Kris Noel , Islam Mohammad F.
Published: June 2017

Single-walled carbon nanotubes undergo length-dependent intracellular bundling in macrophages that affects retention.
Novel PAN/PVP Janus ultrafine fiber membrane and its application for biphasic drug release
Authors: Geng Yuting , Zhang Pan , Wang Qiutong , Liu Yangxiu , Pan Kai
Published: June 2017

Materials with Janus structures have attracted significant attention in recent years.
Synthesis of water-soluble and highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters for Fe3+sensing in living cells using fluorescence imaging
Authors: Zhang Jianqiao , Cai Chen , Razzaque Shumaila , Hussain Irshad , Lu Qun-Wei , Tan Bien
Published: June 2017

Gold nanoclusters are used as excellent scaffolds for the development of chemical and biological sensors due to their outstanding physical and chemical properties.
Mesoporous titanium dioxide nanocarrier with magnetic-targeting and high loading efficiency for dual-modal imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Sun Jing , Zhu Xufeng , Qiu Lin , Xu Mengmeng , Liu Sirun , Ouyang Jianming , Liu Jie
Published: June 2017

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits cancer cells and is an emerging and pioneering cancer therapeutic modality which can eliminate some of the drawbacks of other traditional anticancer therapies.
Synthesis of α-amino-lipophosphonates as cationic lipids or co-lipids for DNA transfection in dendritic cells
Authors: Berchel Mathieu , Akhter Sohail , Berthe Wilfried , Gonçalves Cristine , Dubuisson Marine , Pichon Chantal , Jaffrès Paul-Alain , Midoux Patrick
Published: June 2017

Cationic lipid/co-lipid combinations have been extensively explored in gene delivery as alternatives to viral vectors.
Near-infrared conjugated polymers for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal/chemo combination therapy
Authors: Cao Yue , Wu Yannan , Wang Guannan , Yi Jingwen , Yu Chunlei , Huang Yanxin , Sun Luguo , Bao Yongli , Li Yuxin
Published: June 2017

Conjugated polymers with intensive near-infrared absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiency have emerged as a new generation of photothermal therapy and photoacoustic imaging agents for cancer therapy.
Morphology-controlled facile surfactant-free synthesis of 3D flower-like BiOI:Eu3+ or Tb3+ microarchitectures and their photoluminescence properties
Authors: Hussain Sk. Khaja , Bharat L. Krishna , Su Yu Jae
Published: June 2017

Synthesis of 3D flower-like BiOI microarchitectures by a facile wet chemical method using ethylene glycol solvent, and their photoluminescence properties.
Photoluminescence of pure silicon quantum dots embedded in an amorphous silica wire array
Authors: Lu Shunkai , Wu Bin , Sun Yuyang , Cheng Yafei , Liao Fan , Shao Mingwang
Published: June 2017

Si quantum dots embedded in an amorphous silica wire array were first synthesized using thermal evaporation.
Crystal structure and electron transition underlying photoluminescence of methylammonium lead bromide perovskites
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhu Can , Xu Chunxiang , Fan Peng , Qin Feifei , Gowri Manohari A. , Lu Junfeng , Shi Zengliang , Xu Qingyu , Pan Anlian
Published: June 2017

A clear insight into the crystal phase related emission mechanism is demonstrated in MAPbBr3.
Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase: catalysis, coupling and controversies
Authors: Rich Peter R.
Published: June 2017

Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase is a member of a diverse superfamily of haem–copper oxidases. Its mechanism of oxygen reduction is reviewed in terms of the cycle of catalytic intermediates and their likely chemical structures. This reaction cycle is coupled to the translocation of protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane in which it is located. The likely mechanism by which this occurs, derived in significant part from studies of bacterial homologues, is presented. These mechanisms of catalysis and coupling, together with current alternative proposals of underlying mechanisms, are critically reviewed.
How RNA acts as a nuclease: some mechanistic comparisons in the nucleolytic ribozymes
Authors: Lilley David M.J.
Published: June 2017

Recent structural and mechanistic studies have shed considerable light on the catalytic mechanisms of nucleolytic ribozymes. The discovery of several new ribozymes in this class has now allowed comparisons to be made, and the beginnings of mechanistic groupings to emerge.
Functions of protein phosphatase-6 in NF-κB signaling and in lymphocytes
Authors: Ziembik Magdalena A. , Bender Timothy P. , Larner James M. , Brautigan David L.
Published: June 2017

Protein phosphatase-6 (PP6) is a member of the PPP family of Ser/Thr phosphatases involved in intracellular signaling. PP6 is conserved among all eukaryotes, and genetics in model organisms indicates it has non-redundant functions relative to other PPP phosphatases. PP6 functions in association with conserved SAPS subunits and, in vertebrate species, forms heterotrimers with Ankrd subunits. Multiple studies have demonstrated how PP6 exerts negative control at different steps of nuclear factor kappaB signaling. Expression of PP6 catalytic subunit and the PPP6R1 subunit is especially high in hematopoietic cells and lymphoid tissues. Recent efforts at conditionally knocking out genes for PP6c or PP6R1 (SAPS1) have revealed distinctive effects on development of and signaling in lymphocytes.
The secret life of kinases: insights into non-catalytic signalling functions from pseudokinases
Authors: Jacobsen Annette V. , Murphy James M.
Published: June 2017

Over the past decade, our understanding of the mechanisms by which pseudokinases, which comprise ∼10% of the human and mouse kinomes, mediate signal transduction has advanced rapidly with increasing structural, biochemical, cellular and genetic studies. Pseudokinases are the catalytically defective counterparts of conventional, active protein kinases and have been attributed functions as protein interaction domains acting variously as allosteric modulators of conventional protein kinases and other enzymes, as regulators of protein trafficking or localisation, as hubs to nucleate assembly of signalling complexes, and as transmembrane effectors of such functions. Here, by categorising mammalian pseudokinases based on their known functions, we illustrate the mechanistic diversity among these proteins, which can be viewed as a window into understanding the non-catalytic functions that can be exerted by conventional protein kinases.
Let there be light: how to use photoswitchable cross-linker to reprogram proteins
Authors: Hoersch Daniel
Published: June 2017

Azobenzene is a photo-isomerizing molecule whose end-to-end distance changes upon external illumination. When combined with site-specific reactive groups, it can be used as molecular tweezers to remote-control the structure and function of protein targets. The present study gives a brief overview over the rational design strategies that use an azobenzene-based photoswitchable cross-linker to engineer ON/OFF switches into functional proteins or to reprogram proteins for novel functions. The re-engineered proteins may be used as remote controls for cellular pathways, as light-gated drug delivery platforms or as light-powered machinery of synthetic cells and micro-scaled factories.
The Persistence and Functional Impact of English Language Difficulties Experienced by Children Learning English as an Additional Language and Monolingual Peers
Authors: Whiteside Katie E. , Norbury Courtenay Frazier
Published: June 2017

Purpose

This study explored whether a monolingual-normed English language battery could identify children with English as an additional language (EAL) who have persistent English language learning difficulties that affect functional academic attainment.

Method

Children with EAL (
n
= 43) and monolingual English-speaking children (
n
= 46) completed a comprehensive monolingual-normed English language battery in Year 1 (ages 5–6 years) and Year 3 (ages 7–8 years). Children with EAL and monolingual peers, who either met monolingual criteria for language impairment or typical development on the language battery in Year 1, were compared on language growth between Year 1 and Year 3 and on attainment in national curriculum assessments in Year 2 (ages 6–7 years).

Results

Children with EAL and monolingual peers who met monolingual criteria for language impairment in Year 1 continued to display comparably impaired overall language ability 2 years later in Year 3. Moreover, these groups displayed comparably low levels of academic attainment in Year 2, demonstrating comparable functional impact of their language difficulties.

Conclusion

Monolingual-normed language batteries in the majority language may have some practical value for identifying bilingual children who need support with language learning, regardless of the origin of their language difficulties.
Effective radiation pattern concept for wireless systems analysis
Authors: Zarbouti D.A. , Tsoulos G.V. , Athanasiadou G.E.
Published: June 2017

In this Letter, the use of the effective radiation pattern (ERP) concept for wireless systems analysis is proposed, in order to account for multipath angular spread effects upon ideal antenna radiation patterns. The method for producing the ERP that optimally models any real antenna radiation pattern is presented and the proof of concept is demonstrated via large‐scale simulations for a multicellular beamforming system. Results show that the accuracy in SIR calculations is better than 1 dB.
Endurance of magnetic tunnel junctions under dynamic voltage stress
Authors: Choi C.M. , Sukegawa H. , Mitani S. , Song Y.H.
Published: June 2017

MgAl2O4 (MAO)‐based magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with an MAO thickness of ∼1.25 nm are fabricated and their cycling characteristics under dynamic voltage stress are evaluated. The speed of breakdown strongly depended on the pulse polarities used, bipolar, positive (+) unipolar, and negative (−) unipolar. The bipolar condition yielded more rapid breakdown under cycling. Between the two unipolar conditions, positive bias yielded more rapid breakdown than negative bias; the difference between these is understood to arise from the conditions of the interface between the MAO and ferromagnetic layers. Among apparently normal MTJ cells showing little resistance drift, 20% were degraded during a long cycling test in the bipolar stress condition. Thus, the use of bipolar voltage stress is essential to screen for potentially defective MTJs, and the asymmetric condition at the interface is minimised by process control for application of the simple unipolar bias condition.
Methodology to determine window length for unknown target detection in electronic warfare system
Authors: Kim D.‐G. , Kim Y.‐H. , Seo Y.‐K. , Lee Y.‐R. , Kim H.‐N.
Published: June 2017

To detect threat signals in electronic warfare support systems, a detector that uses a plurality of windows with various sizes should be designed such that the length of all the signal sources can be considered. Since a large number of these windows cause excessive computational complexity, the number of windows of the detector is reduced by using a small number of representative windows. In this case, since a window is dedicated to the unknown signal of a certain interval, deterioration of the detection performance is inevitable owing to the inconsistency between the lengths of the received signal and the window size. Hence, the deterioration of the detection performance should be minimised by analysing the relation between the lengths of a window and a signal. However, the conventional analysis methods of detection performance are not suitable because they are based on the premise that the lengths of the signal and window are consistent with each other. The authors propose a novel analysis method using processing gain to overcome this limitation, which can be applied irrespective of the inconsistency between the lengths of a window and a signal. Based on this analysis, they present a method to obtain an optimal window length that minimises degradation of the detection performance and subsequently verify the result using simulation.
Demand side management with consumer clusters in cyber‐physical smart distribution system considering price‐based and reward‐based scheduling programs
Authors: Srikanth Reddy K. , Panwar Lokesh , Panigrahi B.K. , Kumar Rajesh , Yu Hao
Published: June 2017

This study presents a demand side management (DSM) strategy for a cyber‐physical smartdistribution system (CPSDS). The proposed approach uses the price‐based as wellas reward‐based DSM schemes as a part dual objective function. The objectives ofthe proposed scheduling approach comprise the profit maximisation objectives ofdemand response aggregator agent (DRAA) and network performance objectives ofthe distribution system operation agent. The same are achieved by providingincentives to the participating customers. The incentive information iscommunicated to responsive load agent (RLA) using cyber infrastructure(communication channels, sensors and cloud storage systems) and thus allowingcustomers to select the incentive program of their own choice as per theirflexibility. The real‐time implementation of the program is considered to havedirect load control based once the event trigger acknowledgement is received byDRAA/utility from RLA for control action on responsive loads. The proposedprice‐based and reward‐based DSM framework in CPSDS is evaluated using IEEE 37bus test system. The simulation results of proposed dual objective price‐basedand reward‐based mechanism are presented, discussed and compared with singleobjective price‐based approach. The same demonstrates the improved tradeoffbetween techno‐economic aspects of distribution system operation.
Protection scheme for power transmission lines based on SVM and ANN considering the presence of non‐linear loads
Authors: Koley Ebha , Shukla Sunil K. , Ghosh Subhojit , Mohanta Dusmanta K.
Published: June 2017

The proliferation of non‐linear loads in recent times has a strong bearing on power quality due to the presence of harmonics in the power system. Harmonics lead to erroneous measurement and malfunctioning of protective relays, thus reducing the efficacy of transmission line protection. With the aim of improving the dependability of the protection scheme under varying non‐linear loading condition, the study presents a hybrid support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN) and Kalman filter based algorithm using voltage harmonics for the protection of three‐phase transmission line. The post‐fault voltage signals are processed by a Kalman filter to estimate the harmonic components, which serve as feature vectors for performing the fault detection and classification by SVM and zone identification as well as the location by ANN. The harmonic information discriminates faults from disturbances based on variations in the fundamental component, to improve the selectivity and accuracy. Considering the stochastic nature of fault occurrence in power systems, the efficacy of the proposed scheme is validated using Monte Carlo simulation. The experimental results confirm the superiority of using voltage harmonics for improving the dependability of transmission line protection.
Seismic uncoupled analyses for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Santangelo Fabio , Failla Giuseppe , Arena Felice , Ruzzo Carlo
Published: June 2017

For seismic assessment of wind turbines in seismically active areas, International Standards and Guidelines allow combining two separate analyses under environmental and earthquake loads, respectively. Time‐domain or response‐spectrum‐based analyses are prescribed to compute the separate earthquake response. While some work has already been done to estimate the accuracy of uncoupled analyses for land‐based wind turbines, to date no similar studies have been carried out for offshore ones. This paper investigates two different implementations of uncoupled analyses for seismic assessment of offshore wind turbines, considering the case study of a 5 MW wind turbine mounted on a tripod in intermediate waters.
Incorporating the Principles of Self-Management into Treatment of Dysarthria Associated with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Baylor Carolyn , Britton Deanna , Yorkston Kathryn
Published: June 2017

Although understanding patient perspectives on treatment is a major component of patient-centered care, little is known about patient perspectives related to dysarthria treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD). This article attempts to explore the perspective of patients with dysarthria associated with PD by interviewing them before and after treatment. Treatment expectations and experiences are summarized along with a discussion of how patients are using the tools they learned once treatment was completed. Comments about treatment were generally positive and suggested increased awareness and improved speech loudness. However, areas for improvement were also identified including: (1) treatment was not addressing some communication problems that were of concern to patients; (2) therapy programs were not enjoyable; and (3) it was difficult to maintain gains after therapy ended. Principles of self-management are reviewed to address some of the shortcomings of current treatment approaches.
Interdisciplinary Management of a Perforated Aneurysmal Arteria Lusoria: A Case Report
Authors: Rouman Mina , Petrovitch Alexander , Gey Eva-Maria , Kuntze Thomas
Published: June 2017

Background An aberrant right subclavian artery (RSA) or arteria lusoria is the most common congenital abnormality of the aortic arch with an incidence of 0.3 to 3.0%.

Case Description We report a case of a perforated aneurysmal aberrant RSA, managed using a hybrid approach.

Conclusion In emergency cases with acute bleeding, we recommend an endovascular approach to avoid the lethal sequel of arterial leakage. Whenever possible, the pulsatile blood flow to the right arm should be restored. Management should be tailored to the nature of the aneurysmal aberrant RSA, patient's comorbidities, and concomitant lesions.
Simultaneous measurement of thermal conductivity and heat capacity by flash thermal imaging methods
Authors: Tao N. , Li X. L. , Sun J. G.
Published: June 2017

Thermal properties are important for material applications involved with temperature. Although many measurement methods are available, they may not be convenient to use or have not been demonstrated suitable for testing of a wide range of materials. To address this issue, we developed a new method for the nondestructive measurement of the thermal effusivity of bulk materials with uniform property. This method is based on the pulsed thermal imaging–multilayer analysis (PTI-MLA) method that has been commonly used for testing of coating materials. Because the test sample for PTI-MLA has to be in a two-layer configuration, we have found a commonly used commercial tape to construct such test samples with the tape as the first-layer material and the bulk material as the substrate. This method was evaluated for testing of six selected solid materials with a wide range of thermal properties covering most engineering materials. To determine both thermal conductivity and heat capacity, we also measured the thermal diffusivity of these six materials by the well-established flash method using the same experimental instruments with a different system setup. This paper provides a description of these methods, presents detailed experimental tests and data analyses, and discusses measurement results and their comparison with literature values.
Assessment on the structural, elastic and electronic properties of Nb3Ir and Nb3Pt: A first-principles study
Authors: Li Xianfeng , Chen Dong , Wu Yi , Wang Mingliang , Ma Naiheng , Wang Haowei
Published: June 2017

The pressure dependent behaviors on the structural, elastic and electronic properties of the A15 structure Nb3Ir and Nb3Pt were studied using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory within generalized gradient approximation and local density approximation methods. Initially, the optimized lattice constants of Nb3Ir and Nb3Pt are consistent with the available experimental and theoretical results. Furthermore, Nb3Ir is found to be more thermodynamically stable than Nb3Pt due to its lower formation enthalpy and higher melting temperature. In addition, the elastic constants of Nb3Ir and Nb3Pt show an increasing tendency, and keep mechanically stable structures under pressures to 40 GPa. Besides, the increasing Cauchy pressures and B/G values have indicated that higher pressures can improve their ductility in both Nb3Ir and Nb3Pt. Finally, the pressure-dependent behaviors on the density of states, Mulliken charges and bond lengths are discussed for both compounds.
Green’s function-based defect identification in InAs-InAs1-xSbx strained layer superlattices
Authors: Krishnamurthy S. , Yu Zhi Gang
Published: June 2017

We have extended the recently developed approach that employs first-principles Hamiltonian, tight-binding Hamiltonian, and Green’s function methods to study native point defect states in InAs/InAs0.7Sb0.3 strained layer superlattices (SLS) latticed matched to GaSb. Our calculations predict a defect level at 250 meV below the GaSb valance band edge, in agreement with values deduced recently from lifetime measurements and analysis [Aytac et al. Phys. Rev. Appl., 5, 054016 (2016)]. In addition, we identify the defect level to be arising from an In-vacancy in the InAsSb region of the superlattice. The formation energy calculations further indicate that In-vacancies are easier to form in both regions of the superlattice than in bulk InAs or in InAsSb alloy. Our results suggest that In-vacancy is the most damaging native defect that limits lifetimes InAs/InAs0.7Sb0.3.
The shrug
Authors: Debras Camille
Published: June 2017

The shrug is a widely shared gesture ensemble with several different components. These include: lifting the shoulders; rotating the forearms outwards with extended fingers to a “palm up” position; with mouth firmly closed, pulling the lips downwards (the “mouth shrug”), which may or may not be combined with raising the eyebrows and tilting the head to one side. It comprises a rich yet consistent network of forms (a single component or a combination of components can index the whole enactment). These components, together or in various combinations, are shown to express incapacity, powerlessness, indetermination, indifference, obviousness which, we suggest, are unified by a common semantic theme of personal disengagement. Since the shrug expresses pragmatic meanings and its formational and semantic core remains stable across different contexts and speakers, the shrug also qualifies as a recurrent gesture. Based on empirical evidence gathered from a videotaped corpus of dyadic interactions between native speakers of British English, this study proposes a qualitative-yet-systematic method to provide a unified account of shrugging.
Study on reinforcement of soil for suppressing fugitive dust by bio-cementitious material
Authors: Zhan Qiwei , Qian Chunxiang
Published: June 2017

Microbial-induced reinforcement of soil, as a new green and environmental-friendly method, is being paid extensive attention to in that it has low cost, simple operation and rapid effects. In this research, reinforcement of soil for suppressing fugitive dust by bio-cementitious material was investigated. Soil cemented by bio-cementitious material had superior mechanical properties, such as hardness, compressive strength, microstructure, wind-erosion resistance, rainfall-erosion resistance and freeze-thaw resistance. The average hardness of sandy soil, floury soil and clay soil is 18.9 º, 25.2 º and 26.1 º, while average compressive strength of samples is 0.43 MPa, 0.54 MPa and 0.69 MPa, respectively; meanwhile, the average calcite content of samples is 6.85 %, 6.09 %, and 5.96 %, respectively. Compared with the original sandy soil, floury soil and clay soil, the porosity decreases by 38.5 %, 33.7 % and 29.2 %. When wind speed is 12 m/s, the mass loss of sandy soil, floury soil and clay soil cemented by bio-cementitious material are all less than 30 g/(m2·h). After three cycles of rainfall erosion of 2.5 mm/h, the mass loss are less than 25 g/(m2·h) and the compressive strength residual ratio are more than 98.0 %. Under 25 cycles of freeze-thaw, the mass loss ratio are less than 3.0 %.
Orientation and repositioning of chromosomes correlate with cell geometry–dependent gene expression
Authors: Wang Yejun , Nagarajan Mallika , Uhler Caroline , Shivashankar G. V.
Published: June 2017

Extracellular matrix signals from the microenvironment regulate gene expression patterns and cell behavior. Using a combination of experiments and geometric models, we demonstrate correlations between cell geometry, three-dimensional (3D) organization of chromosome territories, and gene expression. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments showed that micropatterned fibroblasts cultured on anisotropic versus isotropic substrates resulted in repositioning of specific chromosomes, which contained genes that were differentially regulated by cell geometries. Experiments combined with ellipsoid packing models revealed that the mechanosensitivity of chromosomes was correlated with their orientation in the nucleus. Transcription inhibition experiments suggested that the intermingling degree was more sensitive to global changes in transcription than to chromosome radial positioning and its orientations. These results suggested that cell geometry modulated 3D chromosome arrangement, and their neighborhoods correlated with gene expression patterns in a predictable manner. This is central to understanding geometric control of genetic programs involved in cellular homeostasis and the associated diseases.
QUENTIN: reconstruction of disease transmissions from viral quasispecies genomic data
Authors: Skums Pavel , Zelikovsky Alex , Singh Rahul , Gussler Walker , Dimitrova Zoya , Knyazev Sergey , Mandric Igor , Ramachandran Sumathi , Campo David , Jha Deeptanshu , Bunimovich Leonid , Costenbader Elizabeth , Sexton Connie , O’Connor Siobhan , Xia Guo-Liang , Khudyakov Yury
Published: June 2017

Motivation

Genomic analysis has become one of the major tools for disease outbreak investigations. However, existing computational frameworks for inference of transmission history from viral genomic data often do not consider intra-host diversity of pathogens and heavily rely on additional epidemiological data, such as sampling times and exposure intervals. This impedes genomic analysis of outbreaks of highly mutable viruses associated with chronic infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus, whose transmissions are often carried out through minor intra-host variants, while the additional epidemiological information often is either unavailable or has a limited use.

Results

The proposed framework QUasispecies Evolution, Network-based Transmission INference (QUENTIN) addresses the above challenges by evolutionary analysis of intra-host viral populations sampled by deep sequencing and Bayesian inference using general properties of social networks relevant to infection dissemination. This method allows inference of transmission direction even without the supporting case-specific epidemiological information, identify transmission clusters and reconstruct transmission history. QUENTIN was validated on experimental and simulated data, and applied to investigate HCV transmission within a community of hosts with high-risk behavior. It is available at https://github.com/skumsp/QUENTIN.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Direct and Indirect Pathways From Social Support to Health?
Authors: Kim Seoyoun , Thomas Patricia A
Published: June 2017

Objectives

We aimed to investigate potential direct and indirect pathways linking social support and health, while considering mental health and chronic inflammation as inter-related outcomes. The study also contributes to the literature through testing potential bidirectional relationships between social support, mental health, and chronic inflammation.

Methods

This study uses Structural Equation Modeling and two waves of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), including 1,124 community-living older adults aged 57–85 years at Wave 1 (2005).

Results

Analyses show that social support influenced mental health indirectly through better self-esteem. Moreover, social support was associated with lower levels of chronic inflammation but chronic inflammation did not influence social support.

Discussion

The growing number of older adults with an aging population urgently calls for a greater understanding of factors influencing their physical and mental health. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of social support in older adults’ health, while specifically focusing on understudied indirect pathways from social support to health.
16GT: a fast and sensitive variant caller using a 16-genotype probabilistic model
Authors: Luo Ruibang , Schatz Michael C. , Salzberg Steven L.
Published: June 2017

16GT is a variant caller for Illumina whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing data. It uses a new 16-genotype probabilistic model to unify single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion and deletion calling in a single variant calling algorithm. In benchmark comparisons with 5 other widely used variant callers on a modern 36-core server, 16GT demonstrated improved sensitivity in calling single nucleotide polymorphisms, and it provided comparable sensitivity and accuracy for calling insertions and deletions as compared to the GATK HaplotypeCaller. 16GT is available at https://github.com/aquaskyline/16GT.
Massive quiescent galaxies at z > 3 in the Millennium simulation populated by a semi-analytic galaxy formation model
Authors: Rong Yu , Jing Yingjie , Gao Liang , Guo Qi , Wang Jie , Sun Shuangpeng , Wang Lin , Pan Jun
Published: June 2017

We take advantage of the statistical power of the large-volume dark-matter-only Millennium simulation (MS), combined with a sophisticated semi-analytic galaxy formation model, to explore whether the recently reported z = 3.7 quiescent galaxy ZF-COSMOS-20115 (ZF) can be accommodated in current galaxy formation models. In our model, a population of quiescent galaxies with stellar masses and star formation rates comparable to those of ZF naturally emerges at redshifts z < 4. There are two and five ZF analogues at the redshifts 3.86 and 3.58, respectively, in the MS volume. We demonstrate that, while the z > 3.5 massive QGs are rare (about 2 per cent of the galaxies with the similar stellar masses), the existing AGN feedback model implemented in the semi-analytic galaxy formation model can successfully explain the formation of the high-redshift QGs as it does on their lower redshift counterparts.
Tumor Volume Assessment in Low-Grade Gliomas: A Comparison of Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Coregistered Intraoperative 3-Dimensional Ultrasound Recordings
Authors: Munkvold Bodil Karoline Ravn , Bø Hans Kristian , Jakola Asgeir Store , Reinertsen Ingerid , Berntsen Erik Magnus , Unsgård Geirmund , Torp Sverre Helge , Solheim Ole
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Image guidance based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or ultrasound (US) is widely used to aid decision making in glioma surgery, but tumor delineation based on these 2 modalities does not always correspond.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze volumes of diffuse low-grade gliomas (LGGs) based on preoperative 3-D FLAIR MRIs compared to intraoperative 3-D US image recordings to quantitatively assess potential discrepancies between the 2 imaging modalities.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with supratentorial WHO grade II gliomas undergoing primary surgery guided by neuronavigation based on preoperative FLAIR MRI and navigated 3-D US were included. Manual volume segmentation was performed twice in 3-D Slicer version 4.0.0 to assess intrarater variabilities and compare modalities with regard to tumor volume. Factors possibly related to correspondence between MRI and US were also explored.

RESULTS

In 20 out of 23 patients (87%), the LGG tumor volume segmented from intraoperative US data was smaller than the tumor volume segmented from the preoperative 3-D FLAIR MRI. The median difference between MRI and US volumes was 7.4 mL (range: −4.9-58.7 mL, P < .001) with US LGG volumes corresponding to a median of 74% (range: 42%-183%) of the MRI LGG volumes. However, there was considerable intraobserver variability for US volumes. The correspondence between MRI and US data was higher for astrocytomas (92%).

CONCLUSION

The tumor volumes of LGGs segmented from intraoperative US images were most often smaller than the tumor volumes segmented from preoperative MRIs. There was a much better match between the 2 modalities in astrocytomas.
Modern reirradiation for recurrent gliomas can safely delay tumor progression
Authors: Youland Ryan S , Lee John Y , Kreofsky Cole R , Brown Paul D , Uhm Joon H , Laack Nadia N
Published: June 2017

Background

Despite advances in modern therapy, high-grade gliomas continue to portend a dismal prognosis and nearly all patients will experience relapse. Unfortunately, salvage options remain limited. In this study, we assessed outcomes for patients with recurrent gliomas treated with reirradiation.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 48 glioma patients treated with reirradiation between 2013 and 2016. All had radiographic or pathologic evidence of recurrence. Prognostic factors were abstracted from the electronic medical record.

Results

Initial surgery included biopsy in 15, subtotal resection in 21, and gross total resection in 12. Initial chemotherapy included temozolomide (TMZ) in 31, TMZ+dasatinib in 7, TMZ+vorinostat in 3, and procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine in 2. The median dose of primary radiotherapy was 60 Gy delivered in 30 fractions. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from initial diagnosis were 3.2 and 1.7 years, respectively. A total of 36 patients failed salvage bevacizumab before reirradiation. Salvage surgery was performed before reirradiation in 21 patients. Median time to reirradiation was 1.7 years. Median follow-up was 13.7 months from reirradiation. Concurrent systemic therapy was given in 33 patients (bevacizumab in 27, TMZ in 8, and lomustine in 2). Median PFS and OS after reirradiation were 3.2 and 6.3 months, respectively. Radionecrosis occurred in 4 patients and no radionecrosis was seen in patients receiving concurrent bevacizumab with reirradiation (0% vs 19%, P = .03).

Conclusions

Reirradiation may result in delayed tumor progression with acceptable toxicity. Prospective trials are needed to determine the impact of reirradiation on tumor progression and quality of life.
Photometric studies for two contact binaries: V532 Monocerotis and GU Orionis
Authors: Yang Yuangui , Dai Haifeng , Yuan Huiyu , Zhang Xiliang , Zhang Liyun
Published: June 2017

We present photometry and spectroscopy data for V532 Mon and GU Ori, observed in 2011 and 2016. From the spectral observations, the spectral types are determined to be F5V for V532 Mon and G0V for GU Ori. With the 2015-version Wilson–Devinney program, the photometric solutions are simultaneously deduced from VR light curves (LCs). The intrinsic variability for V532 Mon is found by comparing LCs in 2004 and 2011, while the asymmetric LCs for GU Ori are modeled by a cool spot on the more massive component. The results imply that the two stars are A-type contact binaries. The mass ratios and fill-out factors are, respectively, q = 0.190(±0.006) and f = 43.7(±0.9)% for V532 Mon and q = 0.455(±0.020) and f = 26.9(±1.3)% for GU Ori. From the (O − C) curves, it is found that their orbital periods may be undergoing long-term variations. The rates of period change are dP/dt = −1.72(±0.05) × 10−7 d yr−1 for V532 Mon and dP/dt = +1.45(±0.01) × 10−7 d yr−1 for GU Ori. V532 Mon with a decreasing period will evolve into a deep-contact binary, while GU Ori with an increasing period may evolve into a broken-contact case.