bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Status and Prospects for Agriculture in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their Potential to Contribute to Food Security
Authors: Saif Al Qaydi
Published: March 2016

This paper focuses on the status and prospects for food production in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the government’s role in sourcing food to feed its people. Food security is an international issue even for those countries that have fertile soil, adequate water, and a skilled farm labor force. This is evident in the UAE, with its harsh environment, limited water resources, and infertile soil. In recent years, and as a result of the mega-development in its infrastructure and its economic activities, the UAE received more than eight million people from more than 200 ethnicities worldwide. They have not only been seeking better jobs and better life, but also with the intention to settle permanently. Their growth in the UAE population alerted the government to look for alternatives to increase food supplies other than from imports. Focusing on its local farms, and exploring the suitable new farming techniques, will bring more prosperity to the farming sector in the UAE.
An Observational Study of Umbilical Cord Clamping and Care Practices during Home Deliveries in Central Uganda
Authors: Shakti Divya , Singh Veena , Nakigozi Gertrude , Kiguli Sarah , Kamat Deepak
Published: March 2016

Delayed umbilical cord clamping and care practices have important implications for infant iron stores and neonatal survival. This is especially important in countries like Uganda, where there is a high prevalence of anemia in women and children coupled with a high newborn mortality rate. This study assesses cord clamping and care practices in home births in a coverage area of 12 health centers in 4 districts near Kampala, Uganda. We interviewed 147 women, most of who had at least primary school education and delivered their babies in the homes of traditional birth attendants. Only 65% of the persons conducting delivery washed hands, and most wore gloves. Most frequent cord ties were threads (86.7%), and glove rims (8.3%). Cords were cut with clean instruments in most (93.1%) deliveries. During cord clamping, newborn was positioned at a higher level than mother in 59%, delayed clamping (≥3mins) was reported in 52%. Combination of delayed clamping and positioning of newborn at mother’s level or lower was reported in only 19%. Substances used for cord care included surgical spirit (42.4%), local herbs (24.5%), powder (22.6%), ash (21.6%), saline water (10.3%), and tea (2.8%). Cord care instructions given most commonly were: cleaning with warm saline water (27%), spirit or antiseptics (25%), and herb application (7%). Awareness regarding cord infections was poor (20%). Mother’s education level, and age were not associated with cord clamping or care practices. Our study indicates scope for interventions to help improve hemoglobin levels in infancy. Education regarding cord care practices may reduce infections.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor-mediated satellite cells niche perturbation promotes development of distinct sarcoma subtypes
Authors: Morena Deborah , Maestro Nicola , Bersani Francesca , Forni Paolo Emanuele , Lingua Marcello Francesco , Foglizzo Valentina , Šćepanović Petar , Miretti Silvia , Morotti Alessandro , Shern Jack F , Khan Javed , Ala Ugo , Provero Paolo , Sala Valentina , Crepaldi Tiziana , Gasparini Patrizia , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea , Sozzi Gabriella , Chiarle Roberto , Ponzetto Carola , Taulli Riccardo
Published: March 2016

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma (UPS) are distinct sarcoma subtypes. Here we investigate the relevance of the satellite cell (SC) niche in sarcoma development by using Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) to perturb the niche microenvironment. In a Pax7 wild type background, HGF stimulation mainly causes ERMS that originate from satellite cells following a process of multistep progression. Conversely, in a Pax7 null genotype ERMS incidence drops, while UPS becomes the most frequent subtype. Murine EfRMS display genetic heterogeneity similar to their human counterpart. Altogether, our data demonstrate that selective perturbation of the SC niche results in distinct sarcoma subtypes in a Pax7 lineage-dependent manner, and define a critical role for the Met axis in sarcoma initiation. Finally, our results provide a rationale for the use of combination therapy, tailored on specific amplifications and activated signaling pathways, to minimize resistance emerging from sarcomas heterogeneity.
Quality Improvement in Vascular Access Care Through the Use of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Strudwick Gillian , Booth Richard
Published: March 2016

Background: Hospitalized patients routinely require a form of vascular access, as do an increasing number of patients receiving care in community settings. Ensuring that the best quality of care is delivered to those requiring vascular access is a difficult task to achieve because multiple care providers initiate, assess, and access these devices. Electronic health records (EHRs) are a tool that may be used to aid clinicians in achieving best practices at the point of care and throughout an organization.

Methods: We describe how EHR technology can be used to support quality improvement initiatives in vascular access practice and its related research and explore the importance and value of embedding vascular access requirements within EHR technology.

Results: EHRs may be a valuable tool for supporting quality improvement efforts in the field of vascular access. Requirements of the clinical specialty such as clinical documentation, reminders and alerts, computerized provider order entry, electronic medication administration, and data extraction can be built into the existing functions of EHRs.

Conclusions: Clinicians practicing in this specialty area should consider working with their clinical informatics and information technology departments to identify opportunities within their organizations to improve how the technology can be leveraged to support vascular access care.
A POLITE AND ENLIGHTENED LONDON?
Authors: CARR ROSALIND
Published: March 2016

The character of eighteenth-century English society remains a subject of debate, and diverse perspectives are particularly pronounced when it comes to the cultural influence and power of politeness. The monographs discussed below all engage with politeness in different ways. Emma Major and Sarah Apetrei explore the means by which polite culture facilitated female cultural agency, and thus follow Lawrence Klein's call to comprehend the lived experience of politeness. Taking a different tack, Simon Dickie and Vic Gatrell reject the idea that politeness enjoyed the cultural dominance ascribed to it by Klein and other historians. In Ildiko Csengei's study, the narrative of an emergent civility is challenged through an analysis of sensibility's ‘darker side’. This move towards an acceptance of the power of the impolite in British culture is also explored by Faramerz Dabhoiwala, who emphasizes the power of the liberated male libertine, and broadens the scope for understanding eighteenth-century culture. Yet, an abandonment of politeness risks removing women's agency from the picture, with Major, Apetrei, and Karen O'Brien all emphasizing the importance of the feminine to politeness and virtue; in O'Brien's case, in the context of Enlightenment concepts of civility, where the feminine symbolized progress and refinement.
A language for hierarchical data parallel design-space exploration on GPUs
Authors: SVENSSON BO JOEL , NEWTON RYAN R. , SHEERAN MARY
Published: March 2016

Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) offer potential for very high performance; they are also rapidly evolving. Obsidian is an embedded language (in Haskell) for implementing high performance kernels to be run on GPUs. We would like to have our cake and eat it too; we want to raise the level of abstraction beyond CUDA code and still give the programmer control over the details relevant to kernel performance. To that end, Obsidian provides array representations that guarantee elimination of intermediate arrays while also using the type system to model the hierarchy of the GPU. Operations are compiled very differently depending on what level of the GPU they target, and as a result, the user is gently constrained to write code that matches the capabilities of the GPU. Thus, we implement not Nested Data Parallelism, but a more limited form that we call Hierarchical Data Parallelism. We walk through case-studies that demonstrate how to use Obsidian for rapid design exploration or auto-tuning, resulting in performance that compares well to the hand-tuned kernels used in Accelerate and NVIDIA Thrust.
Child and teacher acceptability of school-based echocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease in Uganda
Authors: Ploutz Michelle , Aliku Twalib , Bradley-Hewitt Tyler , Dantin Andrea , Lemley Bethan , Gillespie Catherine W. , Lwabi Peter , Sable Craig , Beaton Andrea
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease causes substantial morbidity in children in low-income countries. School-based echocardiographic screening has been suggested as a means to identify children with latent disease; however, little is known about the experience of children and teachers participating in screenings. The aim of our study was to assess students’ and teachers’ experience of school-based echocardiographic screening and identify areas for improvement.

Materials and methods

A school-based echocardiographic screening programme was conducted in five schools in Northern Uganda in 2013. After 8 months, an age- and gender-stratified population that included 5% of the participating students and teachers completed a questionnaire via an in-person interview. Responses were reviewed by question and coded to identify key themes.

Results

A total of 255 students (mean 10.7 years; 48% male) and 35 teachers participated in our study. In total, 95% of the students and 100% of the teachers were happy to have participated in the screening; however, students reported feeling scared (35%) and nervous (48%) during the screening process. Programmatic strengths included the following: knowing one’s health status, opportunity to receive treatment, and staff interactions. Although 43% of the patients did not suggest a change with open-ended questioning, concerns regarding privacy, fear of the screening process, and a desire to include others in the community were noted.

Discussion

School-based echocardiographic rheumatic heart disease screening was well received by students and teachers. Future programmes would likely benefit from improved pre-screening education regarding the screening process and diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. Furthermore, education of teachers and students could improve screening perception and establish realistic expectations regarding the scope of screening.
Prenatal maternal mental health and fetal growth restriction: a systematic review
Authors: Lewis A. J. , Austin E. , Galbally M.
Published: March 2016

Maternal mental disorders during pregnancy are associated with a range of adverse health outcomes for offspring. This systematic review examines studies reporting on the relationship between maternal depression, anxiety or stress during pregnancy and fetal growth measured during pregnancy using ultrasound biometry. A systematic search of PsycINFO, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase was conducted and 1575 records were identified, with nine studies meeting inclusion criteria gathering data from over 7000 participants. All studies measured depression, six examined anxiety and depression, and five examined all three exposures. The majority measured symptoms rather than clinically diagnosable disorder. Studies consistently reported significant associations between maternal mental health, particularly anxiety symptoms, and reduced fetal head growth. Other fetal growth parameters showed inconsistent findings. A number of studies suggest that cortisol dysregulation associated with maternal mental health may play a role in fetal growth restriction. However, heterogeneity in the timing of growth measurement, assessment measures used for mental health and inconsistencies in adjustment for confounders, limits the synthesis and interpretation of findings. Future studies should consider differences in the timing, intensity and duration of mental health symptoms over pregnancy and should employ diagnostic assessment of mental disorders. Fetal growth should be repeatedly measured and further work is needed to establish the biological mechanisms involved.
Gender differences in patients with carotid stenosis
Authors: Stoberock Konstanze , Debus Eike Sebastian , Atlihan Gülsen , Daum Günter , Larena-Avellaneda Axel , Eifert Sandra , Wipper Sabine
Published: March 2016

Abstract. This overview analyses gender differences in prevalence, epidemiology, risk factors and therapy in patients with carotid stenosis in a systematic review. Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death in Western society, where about 20% of cases are triggered by a carotid stenosis or occlusion, which occurs more frequently in men than in women. The stroke-protective effect of carotid endarterectomy is greater in men. Men have lower peri-procedural stroke and death rates. Particularly men with carotid stenosis and a life expectancy of at least 5 years benefit from surgical treatment. Also, the recurrence rate of ipsilateral stroke 5 years after initial surgery is lower in men than in women. It is not yet fully clarified whether there are significant gender differences regarding the outcome after endovascular versus surgical treatment. Gender differences in the outcome of carotid artery repair may be caused by biological, anatomical (smaller vessel diameter in women) or hormonal differences as well as a protracted development of atherosclerotic changes in women and different plaque morphology. Moreover, women are on average older at the time of surgery and their surgical treatment is often delayed. To reduce the risk of stroke and to improve treatment outcome especially for women, further research on gender differences and their causes is mandatory and promising.
Accuracy of in-patients ankle-brachial index measurement by medical students
Authors: Monti Matteo , Calanca Luca , Alatri Adriano , Mazzolai Lucia
Published: March 2016

Abstract. Background: Ankle brachial index (ABI) is a first line non-invasive screening tool for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in at risk populations. The need to extend ABI use in large population screening has urged its use by professionals other than vascular physicians. As advocated by the American Heart Association, ABI teaching is part of medical curriculum in several countries. We determine accuracy in ABI measurement by trained medical students compared with an experienced angiologist. Methods: Twelve 6th year medical students underwent 9 days of training at Lausanne University Hospital. Students and an experienced angiologist, blinded to students’ results, screened consecutive hospitalised patients aged ≥ 65 or ≥ 50 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor during a 6-week period. Results: A total of 249 patients were screened of whom 59 (23.7 %) met the inclusion criteria. Median age was 80, 45.8 % were women, and 6.8 % were symptomatic. In total, 116 ABIs were available for analysis. Agreement between students and angiologist was moderate with a k-value of 0.498 (95 % confidence interval: 0.389 - 0.606). Overall accuracy and precision of PAD screening performed by students showed sensitivity of 73.2 % and specificity of 88.0 %. Positive and negative predictive values were 76.9 % and 85.7 %, respectively; positive and negative likelihood ratios were 6.3 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: A nine day training program on ABI measurement is not sufficient for inexperienced medical students to achieve an acceptable diagnostic accuracy in detecting PAD in at risk populations.
Design and synthesis of the superionic conductor Na10SnP2S12
Authors: Richards William D. , Tsujimura Tomoyuki , Miara Lincoln J. , Wang Yan , Kim Jae Chul , Ong Shyue Ping , Uechi Ichiro , Suzuki Naoki , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: March 2016

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as candidates for large-scale energy storage due to their low cost and the wide variety of cathode materials available. As battery size and adoption in critical applications increases, safety concerns are resurfacing due to the inherent flammability of organic electrolytes currently in use in both lithium and sodium battery chemistries. Development of solid-state batteries with ionic electrolytes eliminates this concern, while also allowing novel device architectures and potentially improving cycle life. Here we report the computation-assisted discovery and synthesis of a high-performance solid-state electrolyte material: Na10SnP2S12, with room temperature ionic conductivity of 0.4 mS cm−1 rivalling the conductivity of the best sodium sulfide solid electrolytes to date. We also computationally investigate the variants of this compound where tin is substituted by germanium or silicon and find that the latter may achieve even higher conductivity.
Exciton–exciton annihilation and biexciton stimulated emission in graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Soavi Giancarlo , Dal Conte Stefano , Manzoni Cristian , Viola Daniele , Narita Akimitsu , Hu Yunbin , Feng Xinliang , Hohenester Ulrich , Molinari Elisa , Prezzi Deborah , Müllen Klaus , Cerullo Giulio
Published: March 2016

Graphene nanoribbons display extraordinary optical properties due to one-dimensional quantum-confinement, such as width-dependent bandgap and strong electron–hole interactions, responsible for the formation of excitons with extremely high binding energies. Here we use femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to explore the ultrafast optical properties of ultranarrow, structurally well-defined graphene nanoribbons as a function of the excitation fluence, and the impact of enhanced Coulomb interaction on their excited states dynamics. We show that in the high-excitation regime biexcitons are formed by nonlinear exciton–exciton annihilation, and that they radiatively recombine via stimulated emission. We obtain a biexciton binding energy of ≈250 meV, in very good agreement with theoretical results from quantum Monte Carlo simulations. These observations pave the way for the application of graphene nanoribbons in photonics and optoelectronics.
Observation of a shape resonance of the positronium negative ion
Authors: Michishio Koji , Kanai Tsuneto , Kuma Susumu , Azuma Toshiyuki , Wada Ken , Mochizuki Izumi , Hyodo Toshio , Yagishita Akira , Nagashima Yasuyuki
Published: March 2016

When an electron binds to its anti-matter counterpart, the positron, it forms the exotic atom positronium (Ps). Ps can further bind to another electron to form the positronium negative ion, Ps− (e−e+e−). Since its constituents are solely point-like particles with the same mass, this system provides an excellent testing ground for the three-body problem in quantum mechanics. While theoretical works on its energy level and dynamics have been performed extensively, experimental investigations of its characteristics have been hampered by the weak ion yield and short annihilation lifetime. Here we report on the laser spectroscopy study of Ps−, using a source of efficiently produced ions, generated from the bombardment of slow positrons onto a Na-coated W surface. A strong shape resonance of 1Po symmetry has been observed near the Ps (n=2) formation threshold. The resonance energy and width measured are in good agreement with the result of three-body calculations.
Kcne2 deletion causes early-onset nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Lee Soo Min , Nguyen Dara , Anand Marie , Kant Ritu , Köhncke Clemens , Lisewski Ulrike , Roepke Torsten K. , Hu Zhaoyang , Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: March 2016

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing health problem worldwide, with genetic, epigenetic and environmental components. Here, we describe the first example of NAFLD caused by genetic disruption of a mammalian potassium channel subunit. Mice with germline deletion of the KCNE2 potassium channel β subunit exhibited NAFLD as early as postnatal day 7. Using mouse genetics, histology, liver damage assays and transcriptomics we discovered that iron deficiency arising from KCNE2-dependent achlorhydria is a major factor in early-onset NAFLD in Kcne2─/─ mice, while two other KCNE2-dependent defects did not initiate NAFLD. The findings uncover a novel genetic basis for NAFLD and an unexpected potential factor in human KCNE2-associated cardiovascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis.
Real-time high-resolution heterodyne-based measurements of spectral dynamics in fibre lasers
Authors: Sugavanam Srikanth , Fabbri Simon , Le Son Thai , Lobach Ivan , Kablukov Sergey , Khorev Serge , Churkin Dmitry
Published: March 2016

Conventional tools for measurement of laser spectra (e.g. optical spectrum analysers) capture data averaged over a considerable time period. However, the generation spectrum of many laser types may involve spectral dynamics whose relatively fast time scale is determined by their cavity round trip period, calling for instrumentation featuring both high temporal and spectral resolution. Such real-time spectral characterisation becomes particularly challenging if the laser pulses are long, or they have continuous or quasi-continuous wave radiation components. Here we combine optical heterodyning with a technique of spatio-temporal intensity measurements that allows the characterisation of such complex sources. Fast, round-trip-resolved spectral dynamics of cavity-based systems in real-time are obtained, with temporal resolution of one cavity round trip and frequency resolution defined by its inverse (85 ns and 24 MHz respectively are demonstrated). We also show how under certain conditions for quasi-continuous wave sources, the spectral resolution could be further increased by a factor of 100 by direct extraction of phase information from the heterodyned dynamics or by using double time scales within the spectrogram approach.
Abrupt suspension of probiotics administration may increase host pathogen susceptibility by inducing gut dysbiosis
Authors: Liu Zhi , Liu Wenshu , Ran Chao , Hu Jun , Zhou Zhigang
Published: March 2016

In this study, we investigated the risk associated with suspension of probiotics administration in tilapia, an animal model that may mimic immune-compromised conditions in humans. Tilapias were fed for 14 days using a probiotics-supplemented diet, followed by a three-day suspension of probiotics treatment and a subsequent challenge by Aeromonas hydrophila. Unexpectedly, the suspension of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum JCM1149 significantly triggered susceptibility of the host to A. hydrophila. We further observed that suspension of JCM1149 resulted in host gut microbiota dysbiosis and the subsequent disorder in the intestinal metabolites (bile acids, amino acids, and glucose) and damage in the intestinal epithelium, giving rise to a condition similar to antibiotics-induced gut dysbiosis, which collectively impaired tilapia’s gut health and resistance to pathogenic challenges. Additionally, we determined that JCM1149 adhered relatively poorly to tilapia intestinal mucosa and was rapidly released from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) after suspension, with the rapid loss of probiotic strain probably being the direct cause of gut dysbiosis. Finally, three other probiotic Lactobacillus strains with low intestinal mucosa binding activity showed similar rapid loss phenotype following administration suspension, and induced higher host susceptibility to infection, indicating that the risk is a generic phenomenon in Lactobacillus.
The CagA toxin of Helicobacter pylori: abundant production but relatively low amount translocated
Authors: Jiménez-Soto Luisa F. , Haas Rainer
Published: March 2016

CagA is one of the most studied pathogenicity factors of the bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori. It is injected into host cells via the H. pylori cag-Type IV secretion system. Due to its association with gastric cancer, CagA is classified as oncogenic protein. At the same time CagA represents the 4th most abundant protein produced by H. pylori, suggesting that high amounts of toxin are required to cause the physiological changes or damage observed in cells. We were able to quantify the injection of CagA into gastric AGS epithelial cells in vitro by the adaptation of a novel protease-based approach to remove the tightly adherent extracellular bacteria. After one hour of infection only 1.5% of the total CagA available was injected by the adherent bacteria, whereas after 3 hours 7.5% was found within the host cell. Thus, our data show that only a surprisingly small amount of the CagA available in the infection is finally injected under in vitro infection conditions.
A MicroRNA-Mediated Insulin Signaling Pathway Regulates the Toxicity of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhao Yunli , Yang Junnian , Wang Dayong
Published: March 2016

The underlying mechanisms for functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating toxicity of nanomaterials are largely unclear. Using Illumina HiSeqTM 2000 sequencing technique, we obtained the dysregulated mRNA profiling in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exposed nematodes. Some dysregulated genes encode insulin signaling pathway. Genetic experiments confirmed the functions of these dysregulated genes in regulating MWCNTs toxicity. In the insulin signaling pathway, DAF-2/insulin receptor regulated MWCNTs toxicity by suppressing function of DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor. Moreover, we raised a miRNAs-mRNAs network involved in the control of MWCNTs toxicity. In this network, mir-355 might regulate MWCNTs toxicity by inhibiting functions of its targeted gene of daf-2, suggesting that mir-355 may regulate functions of the entire insulin signaling pathway by acting as an upregulator of DAF-2, the initiator of insulin signaling pathway, in MWCNTs exposed nematodes. Our results provides highlight on understanding the crucial role of miRNAs in regulating toxicity of nanomaterials in organisms.
Identification of E-cadherin signature motifs functioning as cleavage sites for Helicobacter pylori HtrA
Authors: Schmidt Thomas P. , Perna Anna M. , Fugmann Tim , Böhm Manja , Jan Hiss  , Haller Sarah , Götz Camilla , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Hoy Benjamin , Rau Tilman T. , Neri Dario , Backert Steffen , Schneider Gisbert , Wessler Silja
Published: March 2016

The cell adhesion protein and tumour suppressor E-cadherin exhibits important functions in the prevention of gastric cancer. As a class-I carcinogen, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has developed a unique strategy to interfere with E-cadherin functions. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that H. pylori secretes the protease high temperature requirement A (HtrA) which cleaves off the E-cadherin ectodomain (NTF) on epithelial cells. This opens cell-to-cell junctions, allowing bacterial transmigration across the polarised epithelium. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the HtrA-E-cadherin interaction and identified E-cadherin cleavage sites for HtrA. Mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and Edman degradation revealed three signature motifs containing the [VITA]-[VITA]-x-x-D-[DN] sequence pattern, which were preferentially cleaved by HtrA. Based on these sites, we developed a substrate-derived peptide inhibitor that selectively bound and inhibited HtrA, thereby blocking transmigration of H. pylori. The discovery of HtrA-targeted signature sites might further explain why we detected a stable 90 kDa NTF fragment during H. pylori infection, but also additional E-cadherin fragments ranging from 105 kDa to 48 kDa in in vitro cleavage experiments. In conclusion, HtrA targets E-cadherin signature sites that are accessible in in vitro reactions, but might be partially masked on epithelial cells through functional homophilic E-cadherin interactions.
Plastic Deformation Modes of CuZr/Cu Multilayers
Authors: Cui Yan , Abad Oscar Torrents , Wang Fei , Huang Ping , Lu Tian-Jian , Xu Ke-Wei , Wang Jian
Published: March 2016

We synthesized CuZr/Cu multilayers and performed nanoindentation testing to explore the dependence of plastic deformation modes on the thickness of CuZr layers. The Cu layers were 18 nm thick and the CuZr layers varied in thickness from 4 nm to 100 nm. We observed continuous plastic co-deformation in the 4 nm and 10 nm CuZr − 18 nm Cu multilayers and plastic-induced shear instability in thick CuZr layers (>20 nm). The plastic co-deformation is ascribed to the nucleation and interaction of shear transformation zones in CuZr layers at the adjacent interfaces, while the shear instability is associated with the nucleation and propagation of shear bands in CuZr layers. Shear bands are initialized in the CuZr layers due to the accumulated glide dislocations along CuZr-Cu interfaces and propagate into adjacent Cu layers via slips on {111} plane non-parallel to the interface. Due to crystallographic constraint of the Cu layers, shear bands are approximately parallel to {111} plane in the Cu layer.
Sensitive determination of glutaraldehyde in environmental water by derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Kang Hye-In , Shin Ho-Sang
Published: March 2016

A highly sensitive gas chromatography mass spectrometry method (GC-MS) has been established for the determination of the level of glutaraldehyde in drinking water, surface water and waste water.
A modified random forest approach to improve multi-class classification performance of tobacco leaf grades coupled with NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Bin Jun , Ai Fang-Fang , Fan Wei , Zhou Ji-Heng , Yun Yong-Huan , Liang Yi-Zeng
Published: March 2016

A novel approach, namely MC-UVE-RF, to improve multi-class classification performance of tobacco leaf grades by NIR spectroscopy.
Astrogliosis in a dish: substrate stiffness induces astrogliosis in primary rat astrocytes
Authors: Wilson Christina L. , Hayward Stephen L. , Kidambi Srivatsan
Published: March 2016

Mechanical properties of the cellular microenvironment induces astrogliosisin vitroin primary rat astrocytes.
Effects of reactive oxygen species on the biological, structural, and optical properties of Cordyceps pruinosa spores
Authors: Kim Jun Young , Lee In Hee , Kim Daewook , Kim Seong Hwan , Kwon Young-Wan , Han Gook-Hee , Cho Guangsup , Choi Eun Ha , Lee Geon Joon
Published: March 2016

Effects of reactive oxygen species on the biological and optical properties of Cordyceps pruinosa spores were studied. The decline in spore viability, antioxidative capacity, and DNA content were due to structural alteration of the cell wall.
Controlled pesticide release of a novel superabsorbent by grafting citric acid onto water hyacinth powders with the assistance of dopamine
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Su Xiaoyu , Bai Bo , Wang Honglun , Suo Yourui
Published: March 2016

To treat the presence of abundant water hyacinth, increase biodegradability and reduce cost of water-absorbing material, CA–PD@WH composite was fabricated by chemical modification of dopamine-coated water hyacinth with citric acid.
Multidimensional operando analysis of macroscopic structure evolution in lithium sulfur cells by X-ray radiography
Authors: Risse S. , Jafta C. J. , Yang Y. , Kardjilov N. , Hilger A. , Manke I. , Ballauff M.
Published: March 2016

Multidimensionaloperandoanalysis of lithium sulfur cells enables new insights into solid phase formation and capacity fading processes.
Intraparticulate speciation analysis of soft nanoparticulate metal complexes. The impact of electric condensation on the binding of Cd2+/Pb2+/Cu2+by humic acids
Authors: Town Raewyn M. , van Leeuwen Herman P.
Published: March 2016

The drastic role of electrostatics in the binding of metal ions by soft charged nanoparticulate humic acid complexants is demonstrated.
Self-metathesis of 1-butene to propene over SBA-15-supported WO3
Authors: Chen Gang , Dong Mei , Li Junfen , Wu Zhiwei , Wang Guofu , Qin Zhangfeng , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin
Published: March 2016

Self-metathesis of 1-butene on SBA-15-supported WO3 occurs via isomerization on Brønsted and Lewis acid sites and subsequent metathesis on Si–O–W–OH.
CO2 photo-reduction: insights into CO2 activation and reaction on surfaces of photocatalysts
Authors: Chang Xiaoxia , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: March 2016

This review describes the current understanding of CO2 photoreduction on the surface of heterogeneous catalysts with a particular focus on the reaction mechanism and pathways as well as the adsorption/activation of CO2.
Silica matrix encapsulation as a strategy to control ROS production while preserving photoreactivity in nano-TiO2
Authors: Ortelli Simona , Poland Craig A. , Baldi Giovanni , Costa Anna Luisa
Published: March 2016

Silica matrix encapsulation can control potential health risk associated with ROS production, but improves as well the photocatalytic properties of nano TiO2.
Organic–inorganic patchy particles as a versatile platform for fluid-in-fluid dispersion stabilisation
Authors: Blanco E. , Smoukov S. K. , Velev O. D. , Velikov K. P.
Published: March 2016

We present a new class of organic–inorganic patchy particles for the efficient stabilization of Pickering foams and emulsions. Using solvent-based heterogeneous precipitation, we decorate inorganic silica particles with discrete domains of water insoluble plant protein (zein). By varying the extent of protein coverage on the silica surface, we tune the pH-dependent interactions of the particles and the interfaces. We observe an optimum foam stabilization, which is attributed to the creation of a slightly positive low effective surface potential from positively charged protein patches and the negatively charged silica surface. The effect of surface coverage on foam stability is in line with the predicted low interfacial potential of the patchy particles in water, which determines the energy of particle adsorption. In emulsions, the increase of the protein amount on the silica particles causes a progressive bridging of the oil droplets into a close-packing configuration due to gelation of the protein patches. Protein-based organic–inorganic surface heterogeneous particles represent a new versatile platform for the stabilization of fluid-in-fluid dispersions and as precursors for the assembly of advanced functional materials.
Two phenyls are better than one or three: synthesis and application of terminal olefin-oxazoline (TOlefOx) ligands
Authors: Zhao Yi-Shuang , Liu Jian-Kang , He Zhi-Tao , Tao Jing-Chao , Tian Ping , Lin Guo-Qiang
Published: March 2016

The first terminal olefin-oxazoline ligand was introduced into Rh-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition and gave excellent enantioselectivities.
Mechanism of adsorption affinity and capacity of Mg(OH)2 to uranyl revealed by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ou Xinwen , Zhuang Zanyong , Li Jingyuan , Huang Feng , Lin Zhang
Published: March 2016

The redistribution of surface OH groups results in a negative charge site which facilitates the uranyl adsorption.
Application of a microfluidic-based perivascular tumor model for testing drug sensitivity in head and neck cancers and toxicity in endothelium
Authors: Jin Dong , Ma Xiaochi , Luo Yong , Fang Shimeng , Xie Zhaorong , Li Xiaojie , Qi Dongyuan , Zhang Fuyin , Kong Jing , Li Jiao , Lin Bingcheng , Liu Tingjiao
Published: March 2016

A drug sensitivity test prior to clinical treatment is necessary for individualized cancer therapy.
Green solvent ionic liquids: structural directing pioneers for microwave-assisted synthesis of controlled MgO nanostructures
Authors: Jadhav Arvind H. , Lim Alan C. , Thorat Gaurav M. , Jadhav Harsharaj S. , Seo Jeong Gil
Published: March 2016

Various MgO nanostructures were obtained via one-pot microwave-assisted synthesis in various structural directing ionic liquids.
Construction of time‐invariant rate‐compatible‐low‐density parity‐check convolutional codes
Authors: Mu Liwei , Liu Zhiyong , Fang Yi
Published: March 2016

In this study, a family of time‐invariant rate‐compatible (RC) low‐density parity‐check (LDPC) convolutional codes with algebraic construction is developed based on the graph‐extension method over a given positive integer m, which is considered as the given encoding memory. The base code of this family is first obtained by modifying a given construction of a time‐invariant LDPC convolutional code. Afterwards, the authors derive the other extended component codes by successively adding extra information bits into the base code. In particular, each component code in the family not only enables the property of fast encoding that can dramatically reduce the implementation complexity, but has the given encoding memory m for each parity‐check bit that can remarkably improve the error performance as well. They also demonstrate that the Tanner graph for all the codes in the family is free of girth 4. Simulation results indicate that the proposed family of RC‐LDPC convolutional codes collectively offers a desirable performance improvement as compared with the existing counterparts over the binary‐input additive Gaussian noise channels under BP decoding.
Sliding mode learning based congestion control for DiffServ networks
Authors: Tuan Do Manh , Jin Jiong , Wang Hai , Man Zhihong
Published: March 2016

In this study, a robust sliding mode learning control scheme is proposed to address the congestion control problem in differentiated services (DiffServ) networks. A validated non‐linear network model is based on fluid flow theory corresponding to two important services, namely, the premium traffic and the ordinary traffic. The proposed congestion controller is able to efficiently cope with both the physical network resource constraints and unknown time delays associated with networking systems. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Finite‐time convergent distributed consensus optimisation over networks
Authors: Song Yanfei , Chen Weisheng
Published: March 2016

In this study, a finite‐time convergent distributed continuous‐time algorithm is proposed to solve a network optimisation problem where the global cost function is the sum of strictly convex local cost functions under an undirected network with fixed topologies. The algorithm is inspired by finite‐time consensus protocols and continuous‐time zero‐gradient‐sum algorithms. Instead of the exponential convergence in existing works, the finite‐time convergence is guaranteed based on the Lyapunov method. A numerical simulation example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm.
Multi‐input–multi‐output system experimental validation of model‐free control and virtual reference feedback tuning techniques
Authors: Roman Raul‐Cristian , Radac Mircea‐Bogdan , Precup Radu‐Emil
Published: March 2016

This study proposes data‐driven model‐free adaptive control (MFAC), model‐free control (MFC) and virtual reference feedback tuning (VRFT) techniques applied to the control of a representative non‐linear multi‐input–multi‐output (MIMO) system represented by the twin rotor aerodynamic system (TRAS). These data‐driven techniques are implemented for both a single MIMO controller and two separately designed single‐input–single‐output controllers running in parallel for azimuth and pitch control. The three techniques are implemented as MFAC and MFC algorithms and as linear controllers tuned by VRFT. The performance of the three data‐driven MIMO control system structures is compared systematically on the basis of the experimental results in terms of the values of the sum of mean squared control errors measured on TRAS equipment.
Theoretical anisotropic transverse resonance technique for the design of low‐profile wideband antennas
Authors: Mitchell Gregory A. , Wasylkiwskyj Wasyl
Published: March 2016

The authors derive an anisotropic transverse resonance technique enabling the design of a low profile, wideband radiating rectangular cavity. They calculate a tapered geometry that preserves an effective half wavelength resonance within a cavity partially loaded with an anisotropic medium. This design results in an antenna profile of λo/24, with 1.4 octaves of bandwidth, and a realised gain of 3.3–7.2 dB from 210 to 505 MHz. Using an adaption of a coaxial line to waveguide transition, which utilises two flat rectangular probes as a two‐port matching network, as well as an external 180° hybrid coupler as a phase splitter, they achieve a voltage standing wave ratio of better than 2:1 across the whole band.
Large air gap misalignment tolerable multi‐coil inductive power transfer for wireless sensors
Authors: Kallel Bilel , Kanoun Olfa , Trabelsi Hafedh
Published: March 2016

The efficiency of wireless power transmission via electromagnetic induction is strongly dependent on the distance and the lateral misalignment between the sending and the receiving coils. In this study, the authors propose to adopt a multiple‐input–single‐output (MISO) coil system to increase the efficiency of energy transmission in case of large air gap misalignment between coils. The sending part consists of a matrix of air‐core coils, in which only the four coils under the receiving coil, supplied with the same current, contribute to energy transmission. To orientate the magnetic field and to reduce the energy losses, they propose to power the two nearest neighbour coils with low, out‐of‐phase, excitation current. A simplified analytic model of the multi‐coil system configuration is developed, whereas the mutual inductance and the coupling factor are determined by numerical simulations. To validate the analytical and simulation results, an experimental setup was built. Both simulation and experimental results at a distance of 83% of the receiving coil diameter show that the proposed MISO coil system improves the received power and reaches at the same time a much better efficiency than that of two‐coil systems.
Using gallium‐nitride cascode switching devices for common mode electromagnetic interference reduction in power converters/inverters
Authors: Lin Jhe‐Yu , Chen Dan , Hung Chung‐Wen , Huang Zan
Published: March 2016

The gallium‐nitride (GaN) cascode switch has received much attention recently for line‐operated medium–high frequency (200 to 500 kHz) medium‐power (200–1000 W) applications. Owing to its device structure, there are two TO‐220 package options available with regard to the tab internal connection, unlike the conventional vertical power MOSFET. It is pointed out in this study that using proper package combination of GaN cascode devices, the electromagnetic interferences can be reduced in power converters/inverters. A 240 W 200 kHz LLC power converter with a front‐end power‐factor‐correction circuit was built for experimental verification of the theory. Significant reduction was observed. Same theory can be applied to other converter/inverter configurations.
Design and implementation of a novel three‐phase cascaded half‐bridge inverter
Authors: Hasan Md Mubashwar , Abu‐Siada A. , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: March 2016

In this study, a new circuit topology of a three‐phase half‐bridge multilevel inverter (MLI) is proposed. The proposed MLI that consists of a cascaded half‐bridge structure along with a modified full‐bridge structure requires less number of dc‐power supplies and power semiconductor devices, e.g. insulated gate bipolar transistors and diodes when compared with the existing MLI topologies, which significantly reduces the size and cost of the inverter. Two different structures: isolated and non‐isolated dc‐power supply‐based three‐phase half‐bridge MLIs are investigated. A number of generalised methods are proposed to determine the magnitude of the input dc‐power supplies that has a great impact on the number of levels of the output voltage waveform. To verify the feasibility of the proposed MLI topology, a scaled down laboratory prototype three‐phase half‐bridge MLI is developed and the experimental results are analysed and compared with the simulation results. Experimental and simulation results reveal the feasibility and excellent features of the proposed inverter system.
Forward‐type resonant bidirectional DC–DC converter
Authors: Khodabakhshian Mina , Adib Ehsan , Farzanehfard Hosein
Published: March 2016

In this study, a new forward‐type resonant bidirectional DC–DC converter is presented. Due to resonant technique and without employing any extra circuit element, zero current switching is achieved for all switches. The converter transformer is forward type and so the converter volume is low. This converter has one magnetic element and the transformer leakage inductance is used as the resonant inductor. Due to zero current switching, this structure is also appropriate for insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) elements. The presented practical results confirm the converter performance.
Rapid Worsening of Symptoms and High Cell Proliferative Activity in Intra- and Extramedullary Spinal Hemangioblastoma
Authors: Imagama Shiro , Ito Zenya , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Hida Tetsuro , Ito Kenyu , Ishikawa Yoshimoto , Tsushima Mikito , Matsumoto Akiyuki , Nakashima Hiroaki , Wakao Norimitsu , Sakai Yoshihito , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: March 2016

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of a prospective database.

Objective

To compare preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic cell proliferation activity between intramedullary only and intramedullary plus extramedullary hemangioblastomas, with the goal of determining the optimal timing for surgery.

Methods

The subjects were 28 patients (intramedullary only in 23 cases [group I] and intramedullary plus extramedullary in 5 cases [group IE]) who underwent surgery for spinal hemangioblastoma. Preoperative symptoms, ambulatory ability on the McCormick scale, intraoperative spinal cord monitoring, and pathologic findings using Ki67 were compared between the groups.

Results

In group IE, preoperative motor paralysis was significantly higher (100 versus 26%, p < 0.005), the mean period from initial symptoms to motor paralysis was significantly shorter (3.5 versus 11.9 months, p < 0.05), and intraoperative spinal cord monitoring aggravation was higher (65 versus 6%, p < 0.05). All 5 patients without total resection in group I underwent reoperation. Ki67 activity was higher in group IE (15% versus 1%, p < 0.05). Preoperative ambulatory ability was significantly poorer in group IE ( p < 0.05), but all cases in this group improved after surgery, and postoperative ambulatory ability did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Intramedullary plus extramedullary spinal hemangioblastoma is characterized by rapid preoperative progression of symptoms over a short period, severe spinal cord damage including preoperative motor paralysis, and poor gait ability compared with an intramedullary tumor only. Earlier surgery with intraoperative spinal cord monitoring is recommended for total resection and good surgical outcome especially for an IE tumor compared with an intramedullary tumor.