bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DEPENDENCY OF OPTIMAL PARAMETERS OF THE IRIS TEMPLATE ON IMAGE QUALITY AND BORDER DETECTION ERROR
Authors: Matveev I. A. , Novik V. P.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Generation of a template containing spatial-frequency features of iris is an important stage of identification. The template is obtained by a wavelet transform in an image region specified by iris borders. One of the main characteristics of the identification system is the value of recognition error, equal error rate (EER) is used as criterion here. The optimal values (in sense of minimizing the EER) of wavelet transform parameters depend on many factors: image quality, sharpness, size of characteristic objects, etc. It is hard to isolate these factors and their influences. The work presents an attempt to study an influence of following factors to EER: iris segmentation precision, defocus level, noise level. Several public domain iris image databases were involved in experiments. The images were subjected to modelled distortions of said types. The dependencies of wavelet parameter and EER values from the distortion levels were build. It is observed that the increase of the segmentation error and image noise leads to the increase of the optimal wavelength of the wavelets, whereas the increase of defocus level leads to decreasing of this value.
CONVOLUTIONAL RECOGNITION OF DYNAMIC TEXTURES WITH PRELIMINARY CATEGORIZATION
Authors: Favorskaya M. N. , Pyataeva A. V.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Dynamic Texture (DT) can be considered as an extension of the static texture additionally comprising the motion features. The DT is very wide but the weak studied type of textures that is employed in many tasks of computer vision. The proposed method of the DTs recognition includes a preliminary categorization based on the proposed four categories, such as natural particles with periodic movement, natural translucency/transparent non-rigid blobs with randomly changed movement, man-made opaque rigid objects with periodic movement, and man-made opaque rigid objects with stationary or chaotic movement. Such formulation permitted to construct the separate spatial and temporal Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for each category. The inputs of the CNNs are a pair of successive frames (taken through 1, 2, 3, or 4 frames according to a category), while the outputs store the sets of binary features in a view of histograms. In test stage, the concatenated histograms are compared with the histograms of the classes using the Kullback-Leibler distance. The experiments demonstrate the efficiency of the designed CNNs and provided the recognition rates up 97.46–98.32% for the sequences with a single type of the DT conducted on the DynTex database.
PIXEL-BY-PIXEL ESTIMATION OF SCENE MOTION IN VIDEO
Authors: Tashlinskii A. G. , Smirnov P. V. , Tsaryov M. G.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The paper considers the effectiveness of motion estimation in video using pixel-by-pixel recurrent algorithms. The algorithms use stochastic gradient decent to find inter-frame shifts of all pixels of a frame. These vectors form shift vectors’ field. As estimated parameters of the vectors the paper studies their projections and polar parameters. It considers two methods for estimating shift vectors’ field. The first method uses stochastic gradient descent algorithm to sequentially process all nodes of the image row-by-row. It processes each row bidirectionally i.e. from the left to the right and from the right to the left. Subsequent joint processing of the results allows compensating inertia of the recursive estimation. The second method uses correlation between rows to increase processing efficiency. It processes rows one after the other with the change in direction after each row and uses obtained values to form resulting estimate. The paper studies two criteria of its formation: gradient estimation minimum and correlation coefficient maximum. The paper gives examples of experimental results of pixel-by-pixel estimation for a video with a moving object and estimation of a moving object trajectory using shift vectors’ field.
FOREGROUND DETECTION ON DEPTH MAPS USING SKELETAL REPRESENTATION OF OBJECT SILHOUETTES
Authors: Beloborodov D. , Mestetskiy L.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This article considers the problem of foreground detection on depth maps. The problem of finding objects of interest on images appears in many object detection, recognition and tracking applications as one of the first steps. However, this problem becomes too complicated for RGB images with multicolored or constantly changing background and in presence of occlusions. Depth maps provide valuable information about distance to the camera for each point of the scene, making it possible to explore object detection methods, based on depth features. We define foreground as a set of objects silhouettes, nearest to the camera relative to the local background. We propose a method of foreground detection on depth maps based on medial representation of objects silhouettes which does not require any machine learning procedures and is able to detect foreground in near real-time in complex scenes with occlusions, using a single depth map. Proposed method is implemented to depth maps, obtained from Kinect sensor.
AERIAL OBJECT RECOGNITION ALGORITHM BASED ON CONTOUR DESCRIPTOR
Authors: Strotov V. V. , Babyan P. V. , Smirnov S. A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This paper describes the image recognition algorithm for on-board and stationary vision system. Suggested algorithm is intended to recognize the aerial object of a specific kind using the set of the reference objects defined by 3D models. The proposed algorithm based on the outer contour descriptor building. The algorithm consists of two stages: learning and recognition. Learning stage is devoted to the exploring of reference objects. Using 3D models we can gather set of training images by rendering the 3D model from viewpoints evenly distributed on a sphere. Sphere points distribution is made by the geosphere principle. Gathered training image set is used for calculating descriptors, which will be used in the recognition stage of the algorithm. The recognition stage is focusing on estimating the similarity of the captured object and the reference objects by matching an observed image descriptor and the reference object descriptors. The experimental research was performed using a set of the models of the aircraft of the different types. The proposed orientation estimation algorithm showed good accuracy in all case studies.
Acquisition of quantifier raising of a universal across an existential: Evidence from German
Authors: Szendrői Kriszta , Schumacher Rebecca , Fritzsche Tom , Höhle Barbara
Published: May 2017

Our paper reports an act out task with German 5- and 6-year olds and adults involving doubly-quantified sentences with a universal object and an existential subject. We found that 5- and 6-year olds allow inverse scope in such sentences, while adults do not. Our findings contribute to a growing body of research (e.g. Gualmini et al. 2008; Musolino 2009, etc.) showing that children are more flexible in their scopal considerations than initially proposed by the Isomorphism proposal (Lidz & Musolino 2002; Musolino & Lidz 2006). This result provides support for a theory of German, a “no quantifier raising”-language, in terms of soft violable constraints, or global economy terms (Bobaljik & Wurmbrand 2012), rather than in terms of hard inviolable constraints or rules (Frey 1993). Finally, the results are compatible with Reinhart’s (2004) hypothesis that children do not perform global interface economy considerations due to the increased processing associated with it.This article is part of the special collection: Acquisition of Quantification[Publisher's Note: Soon after publication the authors became aware of a relevant publication and requested the following:Note that Goro (2007) found similar results for Japanese children and proposes a language-specific account. Goro, Takuya 2007. Language-specific constraints on scope interpretation in first language acquisition. College Park: University of Maryland dissertation. http://ling.umd.edu/assets/publications/goro.pdf]
On the pseudo-small clause construction in Japanese: New evidence for A-movement out of a CP and its theoretical implications
Authors: Takahashi Masahiko
Published: May 2017

This paper provides new evidence for the availability A-movement out of a CP and considers its theoretical implications. The discussion concerns what I call the “pseudo”-small clause construction in Japanese, which has not received much attention in the literature. The pseudo-small clause construction shows a puzzling constraint on major subjects originating in complement clauses: the major subjects must receive accusative Case from a matrix predicate despite the availability of nominative Case within the complement clauses. To explain this constraint, it is proposed that (i) pseudo-small clauses are phasal CPs and (ii) the major subjects originating in the pseudo-small clause complements must undergo movement into a matrix theta-position, which takes place across the CP phase. It is also suggested that (i) Tense in Japanese moves to C, (ii) Standard Japanese has null complementizers, and (iii) the ban on A-movement out of a CP is explained in terms of the locality of Agree.
Internacionalização acadêmica e/ou inclusão do estudante estrangeiro em Portugal: diversidade e diferença em questão
Authors: Cunha Cláudia Madruga
Published: May 2017

O estudo aborda o impacto da internacionalização e sua relação com a qualidade da educação superior. Analisa o tema a partir de uma investigação que teve como cenário a Universidade do Porto, em Portugal, incluindo gestores, pesquisadores e estudantes brasileiros. Para análise dos dados, toma como referência pressupostos do multiculturalismo ligado às teorias de Veiga-Neto, Stoer e Cortesão. Assume três conceitos, vindos dessas teorias, como pano de fundo para propor as dimensões de análise: inclusão, diversidade e diferença. Os resultados indicam a complexidade do tema e a importância de sua exploração. No caso das IES portuguesas, expressam a condição particular de um compromisso com a internacionalização solidária com as antigas colônias, ao mesmo tempo que o fenômeno contribui com a sustentabilidade das universidades portuguesas e para consolidação de seu prestígio. Em relação aos estudantes, a experiência contribui para o sentimento de pertencimento a um lugar temporário e fluído na sala de aula, onde o estudante estrangeiro constrói novos valores referentes à educação superior. As análises estimularam inferências no campo cultural, acadêmico e político.
Potencializando a experiência de internacionalização: reflexões sobre o Programa Ciência sem Fronteiras
Authors: Dalpiaz Reschke Maria Janine , Fogaça Bido Maria Cláudia
Published: May 2017

A qualidade do ensino superior vem incluindo a dimensão da internacionalização como um diferencial e se impondo na agenda das universidades brasileiras. Neste estudo, buscou-se compreender as contribuições do Programa Ciência sem Fronteiras, dando ênfase à perspectiva dos estudantes beneficiados com bolsas no exterior. Esse tema faz parte de uma pesquisa mais ampla sobre a relação/tensão entre internacionalização e democratização da educação superior no Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas com os estudantes online e presenciais em duas universidades. Os achados foram organizados em dimensões e analisados de acordo com o referencial teórico baseado em Knight e de Wit. Os resultados indicaram a relevância do programa como capital cultural individual dos estudantes, porém, ficou latente a pouca potencialização dessas experiências pelas instituições de origem, em uma perspectiva coletiva, que apontassem para processos de democratização dos saberes e viveres dos beneficiados. No entanto, há indícios de avanços na qualidade do ensino de graduação, no que tange às formas de ensinar e aprender, visando à autonomia e ao protagonismo dos estudantes e a um maior alinhamento entre as instituições de origem dos estudantes e as instituições internacionais.
Personality Traits of Minority Arab Teachers in the Arab Educational System in Israel
Authors: Abu-Hussain Jamal Ahmad , Abu Hussain Nadia Fakhri
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe present research examined the personality traits prevalent among Arab teachers as a minority in the Arab educational system in Israel.Research on personality traits has much significance in the prediction of human behavior in various situations. Personality traits affect a person's behavior.  Usually personality traits do not change, and they are reflected in a person's behavior in various situations.Teaching, like any other profession, requires specific traits, skills and personal abilities, a basis of extensive, professional knowledge and the appropriate perceptions and thinking. Teachers' personality traits play an important role in their work. Research has shown that there are correlations between people's personality traits and their behavior in various situations. A number of researchers state that thinking styles constitute a central aspect of one's personality, whereas other researchers claim that personality traits and thinking styles overlap somewhat, but that each of them provides a unique contribution, with clear structures characterizing them. Research has shown that personality traits explain a high percentage of the diversity in thinking styles.  Additional research has shown that personality traits explain the variations in thinking styles in higher percentages.Personality traits among Arab teachers as members of a national minority in Israel have not attained research attention up to now, despite this society undergoing rapid processes of change in social, economic, political, cultural and family spheres.  In light of this, it is vitally important to study the subject and examine what personality traits are prevalent among Arab teachers as a minority in the Arab educational system in Israel.185 teachers from the Arab minority participated in this research. The teachers responded to a questionnaire on personality traits, where research questions made use of theoretical statistics with the statistical analysis program SPSS.The principle research findings revealed that the personality traits prevalent among Arab teachers in the Arab educational system in Israel are: extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness; despite this, traits of openness and emotional stability were less prevalent among them. Key words:  personality traits, Arab teachers, Arab educational system in Israel.
Using an Integrated Persistence Model to Predict College Graduation
Authors: Huang Liuli , Roche Lahna R , Kennedy Eugene , Brocato Melissa B
Published: May 2017

Many researchers have explored the relationships between the likelihood of graduating from college and demographic and pre-college factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, high school grade point average (GPA), and standardized test scores. However, additional factors such as a student’s college major, home address, or use of learning support in college have been examined to a far lesser degree. This study seeks to add these factors to an integrative persistence model in order to examine their impact on predicting college graduation in a six-year timeframe. Results indicate that students with in-state home addresses are more likely to graduate within six years than students with out-of-state home addresses, when controlling for other factors. Findings also suggest that graduation rates vary considerably for different majors and for those using learning support such as tutoring and Supplemental Instruction in college. Therefore, these additional factors become important for institutions to consider, particularly as it applies to implementing new programs, expanding programs proven effective, and/or targeting specific populations of students in order to help them persist to timely college graduation.
Feasibility of and Rationale for the Collection of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery Quality of Care Metrics
Authors: Miller Anna N. , Kozar Rosemary , Wolinsky Philip
Published: May 2017

Introduction:

Reproducible metrics are needed to evaluate the delivery of orthopaedic trauma care, national care, norms, and outliers. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is uniquely positioned to collect and evaluate the data needed to evaluate orthopaedic trauma care via the Committee on Trauma and the Trauma Quality Improvement Project.

Methods:

We evaluated the first quality metrics the ACS has collected for orthopaedic trauma surgery to determine whether these metrics can be appropriately collected with accuracy and completeness. The metrics include the time to administration of the first dose of antibiotics for open fractures, the time to surgical irrigation and débridement of open tibial fractures, and the percentage of patients who undergo stabilization of femoral fractures at trauma centers nationwide. These metrics were analyzed to evaluate for variances in the delivery of orthopaedic care across the country.

Results:

The data showed wide variances for all metrics, and many centers had incomplete ability to collect the orthopaedic trauma care metrics. There was a large variability in the results of the metrics collected among different trauma center levels, as well as among centers of a particular level.

Discussion:

The ACS has successfully begun tracking orthopaedic trauma care performance measures, which will help inform reevaluation of the goals and continued work on data collection and improvement of patient care. Future areas of research may link these performance measures with patient outcomes, such as long-term tracking, to assess nonunion and function. This information can provide insight into center performance and its effect on patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

The ACS was able to successfully collect and evaluate the data for three metrics used to assess the quality of orthopaedic trauma care. However, additional research is needed to determine whether these metrics are suitable for evaluating orthopaedic trauma care and cutoff values for each metric.
Survival Guide for the Orthopaedic Surgery Match
Authors: Porter Scott E. , Jobin Charles M. , Lynch T. Sean , Levine William N.
Published: May 2017

The process of matching into an orthopaedic surgery residency program can be daunting for medical students. Rumors, innuendo, urban myths, and electronic misinformation can accentuate the angst experienced by students both domestically and internationally. This article dispels myths and presents an up-to-date, evidence-based (where possible), and experience-laden road map to assist medical students interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery. Our framework takes into account the program selection, test scores, letters of recommendation, visiting rotations, interviews, and communication. We hope that this survival guide will serve as a reference point assisting medical students in achieving successful matches into orthopaedic surgery residency programs.
Tensions in the New Millennium: Inclusion Ideology and Education Policy in the Finnish Comprehensive School
Authors: Hakala Juha T. , Leivo Marjaana
Published: May 2017

This article examines the discrepancy between the ideology of inclusive education and the national education policy in the Finnish comprehensive school education. The study covers twenty years and is based on observations that indicate that the change in comprehensive school education, grounded in inclusive education ideals, has been slow. This has been the case, even though Finnish education policy has, on principle, committed to many international statements that promote inclusion ideology. The data consists primarily of statistics indicating the number of students in special education and national and international research on the subject. It confirms our supposition, but also the fact that statistics are not merely challenging but also capable of distorting reality. While examining the changes in student quantities over the last twenty years, we came to the conclusion that the fluctuation does not result from any real growth in student numbers. Changes in statistical methods, terminology in the field of study, norms, education systems or even social phenomena can also cause distortion.
The effectiveness of marine magnetic surveying for mapping the location of anthropogenic objects in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kubacka Maria , Brzezińska Agnieszka , Gajewski Łukasz
Published: May 2017

The aim of the paper is to present the use of marine magnetic surveying for mapping the location of anthropogenic objects on or buried in the seabed. The main purpose of collecting magnetic data is to detect local sources of increased magnetic field intensity, and to indicate the presence of ferromagnetic objects in the investigated area. The work contains the results of researches carried out in the Baltic Sea area by the Maritime Institute in Gdansk. Hydromagnetic surveys are implemented mainly in the framework of pre-investment studies in order to inventory objects in the sea bottom, which can hinder the construction of subsea installations or affect the technological process of construction. Based on the interpretation of measurement results the occurrence of anthropogenic objects such as wrecks, linear objects (e. g. gas pipelines, cables, trawl wires) or munitions can be determined.
L’institution du terrorisme planétaire, de Jules Verne à Ian Fleming : Face au drapeau lu à la lumière de Thunderball
Authors: Prévost Maxime
Published: May 2017

Parmi les nombreuses topiques instituées par Jules Verne, celle du terroriste surpuissant et apatride se distingue par sa vitalité, ayant été mille et une fois diffractée par la littérature, le cinéma, la bande dessinée. Ian Fleming est sans doute l’écrivain qui a relayé cet imaginaire avec la plus grande efficacité, au point de le redéfinir partiellement. Cet article s’intéresse à cette filiation générale de l’imaginaire de la terreur, de Verne à Fleming, en s’attachant plus précisément à l’analyse de deux romans dont l’un (Thunderball, 1961) est manifestement une forme de réécriture de l’autre (Face au drapeau, 1896).
L’espionnage totalitaire intrafamilial dans 1984 de George Orwell
Authors: Ainseba Tayeb
Published: May 2017

Les enfants sont victimes de la misanthropie de leurs parents mais les petits enfants eux-mêmes peuvent-ils haïr généralement leur espèce ? L’hypothèse d’une misanthropie infantile semble recevable quand on la confronte à 1984 de G. Orwell. Quels sont ses fondements et modalités ?
Terreur étatique et espace privé : la maison familiale, le lieu de travail et les déplacements interdits dans Sciences morales et L’Intempérie
Authors: Lombardo Martín
Published: May 2017

En tant qu’expérience reliée à la terre, la terreur définit un espace, en même temps qu’elle détermine ou empêche un déplacement. Dans cet article, nous analysons deux types d’expériences de la terreur étatique : dans un premier temps, l’expérience de la terreur pendant la dictature militaire argentine (1976-1983) ; puis dans un deuxième temps, celle produite par la crise économique, politique et institutionnelle qui a éclaté en Argentine en décembre 2001. Nous nous interrogeons sur la manière dont deux textes littéraires représentent la terreur dictatoriale et la terreur de la crise institutionnelle afin de repérer les points communs et les différences. Nous analysons les espaces privés (la maison familiale et le lieu de travail) et la manière dont ils sont définis par la terreur. Enfin, nous tentons d’identifier les déplacements interdits ou rendus possibles par cette expérience. Nous centrons notre analyse sur les romans L’Intempérie (Éditions Payot & Rivages, 2007 [2005]) de Pedro Mairal, qui fait allusion à la crise de 2001, et Sciences morales (Éditions du Seuil, 2010 [2007]) de Martín Kohan, où la période dictatoriale est abordée. Quant au cadre théorique, nous utilisons les concepts d’état d’exception, de guerre civile et d’anomie développés par Giorgio Agamben dans ses oeuvres consacrées à l’homo sacer.
La justification paradoxale du terrorisme dans l’imaginaire romanesque : le cas de
Doris Lessing
Authors: Boucher François-Emmanuël
Published: May 2017

La question incontournable qui préside aux études sur le terrorisme est celle de
savoir comment et pourquoi un être humain en vient à considérer nécessaire, essentiel, pour
ne pas dire acceptable, des actions extrêmes, dont les conséquences irréversibles sont, par
la nature même des actes en question, sanguinaires et destructrices. Répondre à cette
question ne va évidemment pas de soi. Le terrorisme est un phénomène polymorphe, dont
l’imprécision du terme même est lourdement polémique, sans négliger le fait qu’il revêt des
formes multiples autant dans la longue durée que dans des contextes différents à une même
époque déterminée. Même si aucun modèle explicatif ne semble apte à rendre compte de la
diversité du phénomène, il reste que la question de savoir comment on en arrive là, comment
on se convertit à la terreur, demeure pertinente. La Terroriste (paru sous le titre
The Good Terrorist en 1985) de Doris Lessing met justement en scène les actions
d’une terroriste de manière à montrer non la vérité du terrorisme en lui-même, mais les
croyances d’un personnage en lien avec des agissements précis. Comment l’auteure
parvient-elle à justifier de manière convaincante, aux yeux du lecteur mais aussi aux yeux
des autres personnages à l’intérieur du récit, non pas tant des actions qui produisent la
destruction mais le cheminement qui préside à son exercice ? La question sur laquelle repose
mon analyse est la suivante : comment la fiction arrive-t-elle à rendre vraisemblable une
telle pratique de la terreur ?
Fluidité générique dans Tomates de Nathalie Quintane : poésie, roman, essai
littéraire
Authors: Proulx Gabriel
Published: May 2017

Entre poésie, roman et essai littéraire, Tomates de Nathalie Quintane est
inclassable. L’auteure substitue aux typologies génériques traditionnelles une définition
flexible et originale des genres, ce qui permet à son écriture de se libérer des contraintes
normalement associées à ces derniers. Cette expérimentation générique et formelle est
couplée à une réflexion complexe sur les survivances du fascisme et ses manifestations dans
la vie quotidienne, réflexion qui dépasse la naïveté initiale de l’oeuvre. La forme hybridée
et fluide du texte se présente par conséquent comme la réponse (artistique) au problème
(politique) que pose Quintane : comment résister aux contraintes imposées par l’État pour
limiter les droits des classes sociales dominées, d’une part, et d’autre part, aux
contraintes formelles, linguistiques et stylistiques qui pèsent sur l’artiste ?
Spatial and temporal changes in seasonal range attributes in a declining barren-ground caribou herd
Authors: Virgl John A. , Rettie W. James , Coulton Daniel W.
Published: May 2017

From 1996 to 2015 the Bathurst caribou herd has declined from approximately 349,000 to 20,000 animals. Aboriginal traditional knowledge (TK) has recently observed the later arrival of the herd below the treeline, an attribute of the autumn range. Science also predicts that seasonal range attributes (e.g., area, location) likely vary with population size, and perhaps climate. We used Aboriginal TK and science to identify several seasonal range attributes that were ex­amined for changes through time (decreasing population abundance). Attributes of seasonal ranges for female Bathurst caribou were calculated using satellite radio-collar data from January 1996 through October 2013. Climate data from CircumArctic Rangifer Monitoring and Assessment Network were analyzed for trends from 1979 to 2009. Analyses showed a significant decrease in the area of post-calving and autumn ranges, but no changes in winter and spring ranges. Results supported Aboriginal TK that female caribou have shifted the autumn range farther from the treeline and moved into the forest later in the year. Analysis of climate variables found no trends at the spatio-temporal scale of the post-calving to autumn ranges. Working hypotheses to explain these patterns, which are not mutually exclusive, include reduced predation risk, increased use of core areas at lower population density, and greater utilization of areas of taiga where arboreal and ground lichen availability and accessibility are relatively higher than in the forest. This analysis demonstrates how including Aboriginal TK can lead to stronger connections and results, with potential to provide new and different insights for further investigations.
A survey of fishes associated with Hawaiian deep-water Halimeda kanaloana (Bryopsidales: Halimedaceae) and Avrainvillea sp. (Bryopsidales: Udoteaceae) meadows
Authors: Langston Ross C. , Spalding Heather L.
Published: May 2017

The invasive macroalgal species Avrainvillea sp. and native species Halimeda kanaloana form expansive meadows that extend to depths of 80 m or more in the waters off of O‘ahu and Maui, respectively. Despite their wide depth distribution, comparatively little is known about the biota associated with these macroalgal species. Our primary goals were to provide baseline information on the fish fauna associated with these deep-water macroalgal meadows and to compare the abundance and diversity of fishes between the meadow interior and sandy perimeters. Because both species form structurally complex three-dimensional canopies, we hypothesized that they would support a greater abundance and diversity of fishes when compared to surrounding sandy areas. We surveyed the fish fauna associated with these meadows using visual surveys and collections made with clove-oil anesthetic. Using these techniques, we recorded a total of 49 species from 25 families for H. kanaloana meadows and surrounding sandy areas, and 28 species from 19 families for Avrainvillea sp. habitats. Percent endemism was 28.6% and 10.7%, respectively. Wrasses (Family Labridae) were the most speciose taxon in both habitats (11 and six species, respectively), followed by gobies for H. kanaloana (six species). The wrasse Oxycheilinus bimaculatus and cardinalfish Apogonichthys perdix were the most frequently-occurring species within the H. kanaloana and Avrainvillea canopies, respectively. Obligate herbivores and food-fish species were rare in both habitats. Surprisingly, the density and abundance of small epibenthic fishes were greater in open sand than in the meadow canopy. In addition, species richness was also higher in open sand for Avrainvillea sp. We hypothesize that the dense holdfasts and rhizoids present within the meadow canopy may impede benthic-dwelling or bioturbator species, which accounted for 86% and 57% of individuals collected in sand adjacent to H. kanaloana and Avrainvillea sp. habitats, respectively. Of the 65 unique species recorded in this study, 16 (25%) were detected in clove oil stations alone, illustrating the utility of clove-oil anesthetic in assessing the diversity and abundance of small-bodied epibenthic fishes.
Recent Progress in the Design of Advanced Cathode Materials and Battery Models for High‐Performance Lithium‐X (X = O2, S, Se, Te, I2, Br2) Batteries
Authors: Xu Jiantie , Ma Jianmin , Fan Qinghua , Guo Shaojun , Dou Shixue
Published: May 2017

Recent advances and achievements in emerging Li‐X (X = O2, S, Se, Te, I2, Br2) batteries with promising cathode materials open up new opportunities for the development of high‐performance lithium‐ion battery alternatives. In this review, we focus on an overview of recent important progress in the design of advanced cathode materials and battery models for developing high‐performance Li‐X (X = O2, S, Se, Te, I2, Br2) batteries. We start with a brief introduction to explain why Li‐X batteries are important for future renewable energy devices. Then, we summarize the existing drawbacks, major progress and emerging challenges in the development of cathode materials for Li‐O2 (S) batteries. In terms of the emerging Li‐X (Se, Te, I2, Br2) batteries, we systematically summarize their advantages/disadvantages and recent progress. Specifically, we review the electrochemical performance of Li‐Se (Te) batteries using carbonate‐/ether‐based electrolytes, made with different electrode fabrication techniques, and of Li‐I2 (Br2) batteries with various cell designs (e.g., dual electrolyte, all‐organic electrolyte, with/without cathode‐flow mode, and fuel cell/solar cell integration). Finally, the perspective on and challenges for the development of cathode materials for the promising Li‐X (X = O2, S, Se, Te, I2, Br2) batteries is presented.
Solvent‐Free Self‐Assembly to the Synthesis of Nitrogen‐Doped Ordered Mesoporous Polymers for Highly Selective Capture and Conversion of CO2
Authors: Liu Fujian , Huang Kuan , Wu Qin , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2017

A solvent‐free induced self‐assembly technology for the synthesis of nitrogen‐doped ordered mesoporous polymers (N‐OMPs) is developed, which is realized by mixing polymer precursors with block copolymer templates, curing at 140–180 °C, and calcination to remove the templates. This synthetic strategy represents a significant advancement in the preparation of functional porous polymers through a fast and scalable yet environmentally friendly route, since no solvents or catalysts are used. The synthesized N‐OMPs and their derived catalysts are found to exhibit competitive CO2 capacities (0.67–0.91 mmol g−1 at 25 °C and 0.15 bar), extraordinary CO2/N2 selectivities (98–205 at 25 °C), and excellent activities for catalyzing conversion of CO2 into cyclic carbonate (conversion >95% at 100 °C and 1.2 MPa for 1.5 h). The solvent‐free technology developed in this work can also be extended to the synthesis of N‐OMP/SiO2 nanocomposites, mesoporous SiO2, crystalline mesoporous TiO2, and TiPO, demonstrating its wide applicability in porous material synthesis.
Pseudohalide‐Exchanged Quantum Dot Solids Achieve Record Quantum Efficiency in Infrared Photovoltaics
Authors: Sun Bin , Voznyy Oleksandr , Tan Hairen , Stadler Philipp , Liu Mengxia , Walters Grant , Proppe Andrew H. , Liu Min , Fan James , Zhuang Taotao , Li Jie , Wei Mingyang , Xu Jixian , Kim Younghoon , Hoogland Sjoerd , Sargent Edward H.
Published: May 2017

Application of pseudohalogens in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar‐cell active layers increases the solar‐cell performance by reducing the trap densities and implementing thick CQD films. Pseudohalogens are polyatomic analogs of halogens, whose chemistry allows them to substitute halogen atoms by strong chemical interactions with the CQD surfaces. The pseudohalide thiocyanate anion is used to achieve a hybrid surface passivation. A fourfold reduced trap state density than in a control is observed by using a suite of field‐effect transistor studies. This translates directly into the thickest CQD active layer ever reported, enabled by enhanced transport lengths in this new class of materials, and leads to the highest external quantum efficiency, 80% at the excitonic peak, compared with previous reports of CQD solar cells.
Simultaneous Exfoliation and Modification of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanosheets
Authors: Song Xue‐Huan , Feng Lan , Deng Shun‐Liu , Xie Su‐Yuan , Zheng Lan‐Sun
Published: May 2017

This study demonstrates the simultaneous exfoliation and modification of graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) via reductive alkylation. Our results reveal that the method is feasible and highly efficient in producing 2D g‐C3N4 nanosheets which greatly overcome the drawbacks of bulk g‐C3N4 photocatalyst. The reduced band gap caused by the covalent functionalization of alkyl chains on g‐C3N4 lattice improves the photoresponse and the visible‐light harvesting ability, indicating more charge carriers will generate under visible‐light irradiation. In addition, the significantly enlarged surface area and the nanosheet structural benefits are favorable for the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The photocatalytic activity of AGCNNs under visible‐light irradiation is highly enhanced because of the synergistic effects of these favorable factors. The RhB photodegradation rate and the photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of AGCNNs are 3.9 and 1.9 times as fast as that of g‐C3N4, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of AGCNNs is further improved when combined with a minority of graphene sheets which are employed as electron acceptors promoting the separation of photogenerated charge carriers. The RhB photodegradation rate and the photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of AGCNNs are further improved to 9.1 and 3.3 times as fast as that of g‐C3N4, respectively.
Phenol‐Catalyzed Discharge in the Aprotic Lithium‐Oxygen Battery
Authors: Gao Xiangwen , Jovanov Zarko P. , Chen Yuhui , Johnson Lee R. , Bruce Peter G.
Published: May 2017

Discharge in the lithium‐O2 battery is known to occur either by a solution mechanism, which enables high capacity and rates, or a surface mechanism, which passivates the electrode surface and limits performance. The development of strategies to promote solution‐phase discharge in stable electrolyte solutions is a central challenge for development of the lithium‐O2 battery. Here we show that the introduction of the protic additive phenol to ethers can promote a solution‐phase discharge mechanism. Phenol acts as a phase‐transfer catalyst, dissolving the product Li2O2, avoiding electrode passivation and forming large particles of Li2O2 product—vital requirements for high performance. As a result, we demonstrate capacities of over 9 mAh cm−2areal, which is a 35‐fold increase in capacity compared to without phenol. We show that the critical requirement is the strength of the conjugate base such that an equilibrium exists between protonation of the base and protonation of Li2O2.
Atomic force microscopy studies of bioprocess engineering surfaces – imaging, interactions and mechanical properties mediating bacterial adhesion
Authors: James Sean A. , Hilal Nidal , Wright Chris J.
Published: May 2017

The detrimental effect of bacterial biofilms on process engineering surfaces is well documented. Thus, interest in the early stages of bacterial biofilm formation; in particular bacterial adhesion and the production of anti‐fouling coatings has grown exponentially as a field. During this time, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as a critical tool for the evaluation of bacterial adhesion. Due to its versatility AFM offers not only insight into the topographical landscape and mechanical properties of the engineering surfaces, but elucidates, through direct quantification the topographical and biomechnical properties of the foulants The aim of this review is to collate the current research on bacterial adhesion, both theoretical and practical, and outline how AFM as a technique is uniquely equipped to provide further insight into the nanoscale world at the bioprocess engineering surface.
Randomized clinical trial comparing collagen plug and advancement flap for trans-sphincteric anal fistula
Authors: Bondi J , Avdagic J , Karlbom U , Hallböök O , Kalman D , Šaltytė Benth J , Naimy N , Øresland T
Published: May 2017

Background

The role of a collagen plug for treating anal fistula is not well established. A randomized prospective multicentre non-inferiority study of surgical treatment of trans-sphincteric cryptogenic fistulas was undertaken, comparing the anal fistula plug with the mucosal advancement flap with regard to fistula recurrence rate and functional outcome.

Methods

Patients with an anal fistula were evaluated for eligibility in three centres, and randomized to either mucosal advancement flap surgery or collagen plug, with clinical follow-up at 3 and 12 months. The primary outcome was the fistula recurrence rate. Anal pain (visual analogue scale), anal incontinence (St Mark's score) and quality of life (Short Form 36 questionnaire) were also reported.

Results

Ninety-four patients were included; 48 were allocated to the plug procedure and 46 to advancement flap surgery. The median follow-up was 12 (range 9–24) months. The recurrence rate at 12 months was 66 per cent (27 of 41 patients) in the plug group and 38 per cent (15 of 40) in the flap group (P = 0·006). Anal pain was reduced after operation in both groups. Anal incontinence did not change in the follow-up period. Patients reported an increased quality of life after 3 months. There were no differences between the groups with regard to pain, incontinence or quality of life.

Conclusion

There was a considerably higher recurrence rate after the anal fistula plug procedure than following advancement flap repair. Registration number: NCT01021774 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Validation of two prognostic models for recurrence and survival after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Bencivenga M , Verlato G , Han D-S , Marrelli D , Roviello F , Yang H-K , de Manzoni G
Published: May 2017

Background

Prognostic models from Korea and Italy have been developed that predict overall survival and cancer recurrence respectively after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to validate the two models in independent patient cohorts, and to evaluate which factors may explain differences in prognosis between Korean and Italian patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2000 and December 2004 at Seoul National University Hospital and at eight centres in Italy were included. Discrimination of the models was tested with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculation of area under the curve (AUC). Calibration was evaluated by plotting actual survival probability against predicted survival probability for the Korean nomogram, and actual against predicted risk of recurrence for the Italian score.

Results

Some 2867 and 940 patients from Korea and Italy respectively were included. The Korean nomogram achieved good discrimination in the Italian cohort (AUC 0·80, 95 per cent c.i. 0·77 to 0·83), and the Italian model performed well in the Korean cohort (AUC 0·87, 0·85 to 0·89). The Korean nomogram also achieved good calibration, but this was not seen for the Italian model. Multivariable analyses confirmed that Italian ethnicity was an independent risk factor for cancer recurrence (odds ratio (OR) 1·72, 1·31 to 2·25; P < 0·001), but not for overall survival (OR 1·20, 0·95 to 1·53; P = 0·130).

Conclusion

Both prognostic models performed fairly well in independent patient cohorts. Differences in recurrence rates of gastric cancer may be partially explained by ethnicity.
Drug Eluting Stents for Very Long Lesions: Go Long, But Know the Risks
Authors: Beale Charles E. , Dawn Abbott J.
Published: May 2017

Key Points

Long coronary artery lesions are increasingly treated with new technologies including current generation drug eluting stents (DES) despite a lack of robust data on outcomes.

In the current study, patients receiving Xience V DES for very long lesions (>35 mm) compared to lesions 25–35 mm had similar outcomes.

Future research should address late outcomes, stent thrombosis rates, as well as investigation of lesions greater than 60 mm.
Thin‐Layered Cobalt‐Based Catalysts on Stainless‐Steel Microfibers for the Efficient Electrolysis of Water
Authors: Gu Yujin , Kim Insu , Nam Yoon Sung
Published: May 2017

Herein, we introduce a highly catalytic core–shell microfiber electrode based on a cobalt oxygen‐evolving catalyst (Co‐OEC) electrodeposited on a three‐dimensional (3 D) mat of stainless‐steel (SS) microfibers. The resulting core–shell microfibers (Co‐MF) with a catalytic shell exhibit a turnover frequency and a current density that are much higher than those of a conventional Co‐OEC on a flat SS foil (Co‐F) at neutral pH. The onset potential of the catalytic wave of Co‐MF is also appreciably lower than that of Co‐F owing to a combination of the higher surface activity of the Co‐OEC and the enhanced local electric field in the 3 D network of the metal microfibers. This study suggests that cost‐effective, stable, and earth‐abundant SS microfibers can be a promising substrate to enhance the surface activity of water‐oxidation electrocatalysts.
Biosynthesis of Oligopeptides Using ATP‐Grasp Enzymes
Authors: Ogasawara Yasushi , Dairi Tohru
Published: May 2017

Peptides are biologically occurring oligomers of amino acids linked by amide bonds and are indispensable for all living organisms. Many bioactive peptides are used as antibiotics, antivirus agents, insecticides, pheromones, and food preservatives. Nature employs several different strategies to form amide bonds. ATP‐grasp enzymes that catalyze amide bond formation (ATP‐dependent carboxylate‐amine ligases) utilize a strategy of activating carboxylic acid as an acylphosphate intermediate to form amide bonds and are involved in many different biological processes in both primary and secondary metabolisms. The recent discovery of several new ATP‐dependent carboxylate‐amine ligases has expanded the diversity of this group of enzymes and showed their usefulness for generating oligopeptides. In this review, an overview of findings on amide bond formation catalyzed by ATP‐grasp enzymes in the past decade is presented.
Dual Stimuli‐Responsive Nanoparticles for Controlled Release of Anticancer and Anti‐inflammatory Drugs Combination
Authors: Feng Liandong , Wang Yuqi , Luo Zhiliang , Huang Zheng , Zhang Yan , Guo Kai , Ye Deju
Published: May 2017

Dual stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles capable of fine‐tuning drug release to augment therapeutic efficacy have become a promising tool for anticancer drug delivery. However, the rational design of these “smart” nanoparticles for a selective delivery and controlled release of multidrug combinations in cancer cells to achieve synergistic effects remain challenging. Here we report the pH/redox dual responsive nanoparticle FA‐DOX‐Ind‐NP (FA=folic acid, DOX=doxorubicin, Ind=indomethacin, NP=nanoparticle) based on the novel tumor targeting and biodegradable poly(β‐amino ester) polymer, and demonstrate its high ability to enter into cancer cells and release a combination of the anticancer drug doxorubicin and the non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug indomethacin to achieve synergistic chemo‐anti‐inflammatory effects and overcome multidrug resistance. This study highlights the great potential of tumor targeting and dual stimuli‐responsive nanoparticles for an efficient delivery of multidrug combination to improve the cancer therapeutic efficacy.
Ultrafast Charge‐Separation in Triphenylamine‐BODIPY‐Derived Triads Carrying Centrally Positioned, Highly Electron‐Deficient, Dicyanoquinodimethane or Tetracyanobutadiene Electron‐Acceptors
Authors: Gautam Prabhat , Misra Rajneesh , Thomas Michael B. , D'Souza Francis
Published: May 2017

A series of new triphenylamine (TPA)‐substituted BODIPYs 1–3 have been designed and synthesized through the Pd‐catalysed Sonogashira cross‐coupling and [2+2] cycloaddition‐retroelectrocyclization reactions in good yields. This procedure yielded highly electron‐deficient tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) or dicyanoquinodimethane (DCNQ) electron‐acceptor units centrally located at the TPA‐BODIPY system. As a consequence, significant perturbation of the photonic and electronic properties was observed. The triads 2 and 3 showed red‐shifted absorption, in addition to a strong charge‐transfer‐type absorption in the case of 3. The electrochemical studies revealed multi‐redox processes involving the TPA, TCBD or DCNQ and BODIPY entities. The computational studies were performed at the B3LYP/6‐31G** level to elucidate the geometry and electronic structures. An energy level diagram established for triads 2 and 3 revealed that the photoinduced charge‐separation from the 1BODIPY* is thermodynamically possible. In addition, charge transfer from TPA to TCBD in 2 and DCNQ in 3 was also possible. These charge transfer mechanisms were confirmed by photochemical studies performed using time‐resolved emission and femtosecond‐transient‐absorption studies in solvents of varying polarity. Ultrafast charge‐separation has been witnessed in these closely spaced, strongly interacting triads. The charge‐separated state returned to the ground state without populating the 3BODIPY*.