bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of an Assertive Community Treatment program for people with severe schizophrenia in mainland China – a 12-month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luo Xingwei , Law Samuel F. , Wang Xiang , Shi Jingzheng , Zeng Wu , Ma Xiaoqian , Chow Wendy , Liu Shiyan , Zhao Wei , Liu Xiaoli , Yao Shuqiao , Phillips Michael R.
Published: July 2018

Background

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is an evidence-based treatment program for people with severe mental illness developed in high-income countries. We report the first randomized controlled trial of ACT in mainland China.

Methods

Sixty outpatients with schizophrenia with severe functional impairments or frequent hospitalizations were randomly assigned to ACT (n= 30) or standard community treatment (n= 30). The severity of symptoms and level of social functioning were assessed at baseline and every 3 months during the 1-year study. The primary outcome was the duration of hospital readmission. Secondary outcomes included a pre-post change in symptom severity, the rates of symptom relapse and gainful employment, social and occupational functioning, and quality of life of family caregivers.

Results

Based on a modified intention-to-treat analysis, the outcomes for ACT were significantly better than those of standard community treatment. ACT patients were less likely to be readmitted [3.3% (1/30)v. 25.0% (7/28), Fisher's exact testp= 0.023], had a shorter mean readmission time [2.4 (13.3)v. 30.7 (66.9) days], were less likely to relapse [6.7% (2/30)v. 28.6% (8/28), Fisher's exact testp= 0.038], and had shorter mean time in relapse [3.5 (14.6)v. 34.4 (70.6) days]. The ACT group also had significantly longer times re-employed and greater symptomatic improvement and their caregivers experienced a greater improvement in their quality of life.

Conclusion

Our results show that culturally adapted ACT is both feasible and effective for individuals with severe schizophrenia in urban China. Replication studies with larger samples and longer duration of follow up are warranted.
Belief, credence, and faith
Authors: JACKSON ELIZABETH
Published: July 2018

In this article, I argue that faith's going beyond the evidence need not compromise faith's epistemic rationality. First, I explain how some of the recent literature on belief and credence points to a distinction between what I call B-evidence and C-evidence. Then, I apply this distinction to rational faith. I argue that if faith is more sensitive to B-evidence than to C-evidence, faith can go beyond the evidence and still be epistemically rational.
US inflation and inflation uncertainty over 200 years
Authors: Bredin Don , Fountas Stilianos
Published: July 2018

This article uses historical US inflation data covering over two centuries to examine the impact of the establishment of the US Federal Reserve on average US inflation and inflation uncertainty. We find that the founding of the Fed is associated with higher average US inflation and lower inflation uncertainty. Critically, these results are not driven by the post-1980 period, where the Fed policy is characterised by the dual mandate. Other important results are that the gold standard period is associated with both lower inflation and inflation uncertainty, and that banking and stock market crises are a positive determinant of inflation uncertainty and perhaps inflation. World Wars I and II and the US Civil War are associated with both higher inflation and higher inflation uncertainty. In addition, we find that the central bank has responded to increasing inflation uncertainty in a stabilising manner in support of the Holland hypothesis.
Nonlinear Modelling for Predicting Patient Presentation Rates for Mass Gatherings
Authors: Arbon Paul , Bottema Murk , Zeitz Kathryn , Lund Adam , Turris Sheila , Anikeeva Olga , Steenkamp Malinda
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Mass gatherings are common in Australia. The interplay of variables, including crowd density and behavior, weather, and the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, can pose a unique set of challenges to attendees’ well-being. On-site health services are available at most mass gatherings and reduce the strain on community health facilities. In order to efficiently plan and manage these services, it is important to be able to predict the number and type of presenting problems at mass gatherings.

Problem

There is a lack of reliable tools to predict patient presentations at mass gatherings. While a number of factors have been identified as having an influence on attendees’ health, the exact contribution of these variables to patient load is poorly understood. Furthermore, predicting patient load at mass gatherings is an inherently nonlinear problem, due to the nonlinear relationships previously observed between patient presentations and many event characteristics.

Methods

Data were collected at 216 Australian mass gatherings and included event type, crowd demographics, and weather. Nonlinear models were constructed using regression trees. The full data set was used to construct each model and the model was then used to predict the response variable for each event. Nine-fold cross validation was used to estimate the error that may be expected when applying the model in practice.

Results

The mean training errors for total patient presentations were very high; however, the distribution of errors per event was highly skewed, with small errors for the majority of events and a few large errors for a small number of events with a high number of presentations. The error was five or less for 40% of events and 15 or less for 85% of events. The median error was 6.9 presentations per event.

Conclusion:

This study built on previous research by undertaking nonlinear modeling, which provides a more realistic representation of the interactions between event variables. The developed models were less useful for predicting patient presentation numbers for very large events; however, they were generally useful for more typical, smaller scale community events. Further research is required to confirm this conclusion and develop models suitable for very large international events.

Arbon P, Bottema M, Zeitz K, Lund A, Turris S, Anikeeva O, Steenkamp M. Nonlinear modelling for predicting patient presentation rates for mass gatherings. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(4):362–367
Food identification by barcode scanning in the Netherlands: a quality assessment of labelled food product databases underlying popular nutrition applications
Authors: Maringer Marcus , Wisse-Voorwinden Nancy , Veer Pieter van ’t , Geelen Anouk
Published: July 2018

Objective

The quality of labelled food product databases underlying popular diet applications (apps) with barcode scanners was investigated.

Design

Product identification rates for the scanned products and the availability and accuracy of nutrient values were calculated.

Setting

One hundred food products were selected from the two largest supermarket chains in the Netherlands. Using the barcode scanners of the selected apps, the products were scanned and the results recorded as food diary entries. The collected data were exported.

Subjects

Seven diet apps with barcode scanner and food recording feature were selected from the Google Play and Apple app stores.

Results

Energy values were available for 99 % of the scanned products, of which on average 79 % deviated not more than 5 % from the true value. MyFitnessPal provided values for sixteen nutrients, while Virtuagym Food and Yazio provided values for only four nutrients. MyFitnessPal also showed the largest percentage of correctly identified products (i.e. 96 %) and SparkPeople the smallest (i.e. 5 %). The accuracy of the provided nutrient values varied greatly between apps and nutrients.

Conclusions

While energy was the most consistently and accurately reported value, the availability and accuracy of other values varied greatly between apps. Whereas popular diet apps with barcode scanners might be valuable tools for dietary assessments on the product and energy level, they appear less suitable for assessments on the nutrient level. The presence of user-generated database entries implies that the availability of food products might vary depending on the size and diversity of an app’s user base.
Effect of low-level laser therapy on tooth-related pain and somatosensory function evoked by orthodontic treatment
Authors: Wu Song , Chen Yinan , Zhang Jinglu , Chen Wenjing , Shao Sheng , Shen Huijie , Zhu Ling , Ye Ping , Svensson Peter , Wang Kelun
Published: July 2018

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may have an effect on the pain associated with orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of LLLT on pain and somatosensory sensitization induced by orthodontic treatment. Forty individuals (12–33 years old; mean ± standard deviations: 20.8 ± 5.9 years) scheduled to receive orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into a laser group (LG) or a placebo group (PG) (1:1). The LG received LLLT (810-nm gallium-aluminium-arsenic diode laser in continuous mode with the power set at 400 mW, 2 J·cm–2) at 0 h, 2 h, 24 h, 4 d, and 7 d after treatment, and the PG received inactive treatment at the same time points. In both groups, the non-treated side served as a control. A numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain, pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), cold detection thresholds (CDTs), warmth detection thresholds (WDTs), cold pain thresholds (CPTs), and heat pain thresholds (HPTs) were tested on both sides at the gingiva and canine tooth and on the hand. The data were analysed by a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The NRS pain scores were significantly lower in the LG group (P = 0.01). The CDTs, CPTs, WDTs, HPTs, and PPTs at the gingiva and the PPTs at the canine tooth were significantly less sensitive on the treatment side of the LG compared with that of the PG (P < 0.033). The parameters tested also showed significantly less sensitivity on the non-treatment side of the LG compared to that of the PG (P < 0.043). There were no differences between the groups for any quantitative sensory testing (QST) measures of the hand. The application of LLLT appears to reduce the pain and sensitivity of the tooth and gingiva associated with orthodontic treatment and may have contralateral effects within the trigeminal system but no generalized QST effects. Thus, the present study indicated a significant analgesia effect of LLLT application during orthodontic treatment. Further clinical applications are suggested.
Single-layer graphene membranes by crack-free transfer for gas mixture separation
Authors: Huang Shiqi , Dakhchoune Mostapha , Luo Wen , Oveisi Emad , He Guangwei , Rezaei Mojtaba , Zhao Jing , Alexander Duncan T. L. , Züttel Andreas , Strano Michael S. , Agrawal Kumar Varoon
Published: July 2018

The single-layer graphene film, when incorporated with molecular-sized pores, is predicted to be the ultimate membrane. However, the major bottlenecks have been the crack-free transfer of large-area graphene on a porous support, and the incorporation of molecular-sized nanopores. Herein, we report a nanoporous-carbon-assisted transfer technique, yielding a relatively large area (1 mm2), crack-free, suspended graphene film. Gas-sieving (H2/CH4 selectivity up to 25) is observed from the intrinsic defects generated during the chemical-vapor deposition of graphene. Despite the ultralow porosity of 0.025%, an attractive H2 permeance (up to 4.1 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1) is observed. Finally, we report ozone functionalization-based etching and pore-modification chemistry to etch hydrogen-selective pores, and to shrink the pore-size, improving H2 permeance (up to 300%) and H2/CH4 selectivity (up to 150%). Overall, the scalable transfer, etching, and functionalization methods developed herein are expected to bring nanoporous graphene membranes a step closer to reality.
Human pluripotent reprogramming with CRISPR activators
Authors: Weltner Jere , Balboa Diego , Katayama Shintaro , Bespalov Maxim , Krjutškov Kaarel , Jouhilahti Eeva-Mari , Trokovic Ras , Kere Juha , Otonkoski Timo
Published: July 2018

CRISPR-Cas9-based gene activation (CRISPRa) is an attractive tool for cellular reprogramming applications due to its high multiplexing capacity and direct targeting of endogenous loci. Here we present the reprogramming of primary human skin fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using CRISPRa, targeting endogenous OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, and LIN28A promoters. The low basal reprogramming efficiency can be improved by an order of magnitude by additionally targeting a conserved Alu-motif enriched near genes involved in embryo genome activation (EEA-motif). This effect is mediated in part by more efficient activation of NANOG and REX1. These data demonstrate that human somatic cells can be reprogrammed into iPSCs using only CRISPRa. Furthermore, the results unravel the involvement of EEA-motif-associated mechanisms in cellular reprogramming.
A coronene-based semiconducting two-dimensional metal-organic framework with ferromagnetic behavior
Authors: Dong Renhao , Zhang Zhitao , Tranca Diana C. , Zhou Shengqiang , Wang Mingchao , Adler Peter , Liao Zhongquan , Liu Feng , Sun Yan , Shi Wujun , Zhang Zhe , Zschech Ehrenfried , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Felser Claudia , Feng Xinliang
Published: July 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have so far been highlighted for their potential roles in catalysis, gas storage and separation. However, the realization of high electrical conductivity (>10−3 S cm−1) and magnetic ordering in MOFs will afford them new functions for spintronics, which remains relatively unexplored. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of a two-dimensional MOF by solvothermal methods using perthiolated coronene as a ligand and planar iron-bis(dithiolene) as linkages enabling a full π-d conjugation. This 2D MOF exhibits a high electrical conductivity of ~10 S cm−1 at 300 K, which decreases upon cooling, suggesting a typical semiconductor nature. Magnetization and 57Fe Mössbauer experiments reveal the evolution of ferromagnetism within nanoscale magnetic clusters below 20 K, thus evidencing exchange interactions between the intermediate spin S = 3/2 iron(III) centers via the delocalized π electrons. Our results illustrate that conjugated 2D MOFs have potential as ferromagnetic semiconductors for application in spintronics.
Strategy of optical path of daylight signal into tissues in cold-season turfgrasses using small, concave silica bodies
Authors: Yamanaka Shigeru , Usami Hisanao , Kakegawa Keiko , Yoneda Satoshi , Fukuda Kenichi , Yoshino Katsumi , Hayashida Nobuaki , Murakami Yasushi , Morikawa Hideaki
Published: July 2018

Plants incorporate inorganic materials (biominerals), such as silica, into their various components. Plants belonging to the order Poales, like rice plants and turfgrasses, show comparatively high rates of silicon accumulation, mainly in the form of silica bodies. This work aims to determine the shapes and roles of these silica bodies by microscopic observation and optical simulation. We have previously found convex silica bodies on the leaves of rice plants and hot-season turfgrasses (adapted to hot-seasons). These silica bodies enabled light reflection and ensured reduction of the photonic density of states, which presumably prevented the leaves from overheating, as suggested by theoretical optical analyses. The silica bodies have been considered to have the functions of reinforcement of the plant body. The present work deals with cold-season turfgrasses, which were found to have markedly different silica bodies, cuboids with a concave top surface. They presumably acted as small windows for introducing light into the tissues, including the vascular bundles in the leaves. The area of the silica bodies was calculated to be about 5% of the total surface area of epidermis, which limits the thermal radiation of the silica bodies. We found that the light signal introduced through the silica bodies diffused in the organs even reaching the vascular bundles, the physiological functions of this phenomena remain as future problems. Light signal in this case is not related with energy which heat the plant but sensing outer circumstances to respond to them.
GABA promotes gastrin-releasing peptide secretion in NE/NE-like cells: Contribution to prostate cancer progression
Authors: Solorzano Susana R. , Imaz-Rosshandler Ivan , Camacho-Arroyo Ignacio , García-Tobilla Pilar , Morales-Montor Gustavo , Salazar Patricia , Arena-Ortiz Ma. Leticia , Rodríguez-Dorantes Mauricio
Published: July 2018

In prostate cancer (PCa), neuroendocrine cells (NE) have been associated with the progression of the disease due to the secretion of neuropeptides that are capable of diffusing and influence surrounding cells. The GABAergic system is enriched in NE-like cells, and contributes to PCa progression. Additionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) stimulates the secretion of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in peripheral organs. For the first time, in this study we show the role of GABA and GABAB receptor 1 (GABBR1) expression in GRP secretion in NE-like prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated an increase in GRP levels in NE-like cell medium treated with GABAB receptor agonist. Moreover, the blocking of this receptor inhibited GABA-induced GRP secretion. The invasive potential of PC3 cells was enhanced by either GRP or conditioned medium of NE-like cells treated with GABA. Additionally, we confirmed a positive correlation between GABA and GRP levels in the serum of PCa patients with NE markers. Finally, using public available data sets, we found a negative correlation between GABBR1 and androgen receptor (AR) expression, as well as a strong positive correlation between GABBR1 and enolase 2. These results suggest that GABA via GABBR1 induces GRP secretion in NE like cells involved in PCa progression.
Electrical Detection of Charge-to-spin and Spin-to-Charge Conversion in a Topological Insulator Bi2Te3 Using BN/Al2O3 Hybrid Tunnel Barrier
Authors: Li C. H. , van ‘t Erve O. M. J. , Yan C. , Li L. , Jonker B. T.
Published: July 2018

One of the most striking properties of three-dimensional topological insulators (TIs) is spin-momentum locking, where the spin is locked at right angles to momentum and hence an unpolarized charge current creates a net spin polarization. Alternatively, if a net spin is injected into the TI surface state system, it is distinctively associated with a unique carrier momentum and hence should generate a charge accumulation, as in the so-called inverse Edelstein effect. Here using a Fe/Al2O3/BN tunnel barrier, we demonstrate both effects in a single device in Bi2Te3: the electrical detection of the spin accumulation generated by an unpolarized current flowing through the surface states, and that of the charge accumulation generated by spins injected into the surface state system. This work is the first to utilize BN as part of a hybrid tunnel barrier on TI, where we observed a high spin polarization of 93% for the TI surfaces states. The reverse spin-to-charge measurement is an independent confirmation that spin and momentum are locked in the surface states of TI, and offers additional avenues for spin manipulation. It further demonstrates the robustness and versatility of electrical access to the spin system within TI surface states, an important step towards its utilization in TI-based spintronics devices.
Sound abnormally stimulates the vestibular system in canal dehiscence syndrome by generating pathological fluid-mechanical waves
Authors: Iversen M. M. , Zhu H. , Zhou W. , Della Santina C. C. , Carey J. P. , Rabbitt R. D.
Published: July 2018

Individuals suffering from Tullio phenomena experience dizziness, vertigo, and reflexive eye movements (nystagmus) when exposed to seemingly benign acoustic stimuli. The most common cause is a defect in the bone enclosing the vestibular semicircular canals of the inner ear. Surgical repair often corrects the problem, but the precise mechanisms underlying Tullio phenomenon are not known. In the present work we quantified the phenomenon in an animal model of the condition by recording fluid motion in the semicircular canals and neural activity evoked by auditory-frequency stimulation. Results demonstrate short-latency phase-locked afferent neural responses, slowly developing sustained changes in neural discharge rate, and nonlinear fluid pumping in the affected semicircular canal. Experimental data compare favorably to predictions of a nonlinear computational model. Results identify the biophysical origin of Tullio phenomenon in pathological sound-evoked fluid-mechanical waves in the inner ear. Sound energy entering the inner ear at the oval window excites fluid motion at the location of the defect, giving rise to traveling waves that subsequently excite mechano-electrical transduction in the vestibular sensory organs by vibration and nonlinear fluid pumping.
Short-term Dynamics after Single- and Three-piece Acrylic Intraocular Lens Implantation: A Swept-source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Authors: Sato Tatsuhiko , Shibata Shunsuke , Yoshida Motoaki , Hayashi Ken
Published: July 2018

Accurate alignment of an intraocular lens (IOL) is indispensable for achieving accurate postoperative refractive outcomes. Thus, we evaluated decentration and tilt of single- and three-piece IOLs, as well as anterior chamber depth (ACD), at 3 hours, 24 hours, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after cataract surgery, using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography. There was no significant difference in postoperative visual acuity between eyes with single- or three-piece IOLs. Absolute values of IOL decentration at 24 hours and 2 weeks after surgery were significantly larger (P = 0.008 and 0.046, respectively) in eyes with the single-piece IOL than in those with the three-piece IOL. Both single- and three-piece IOLs tended to tilt toward the inferotemporal direction; however, there was no significant difference in the absolute values of IOL tilt at any postoperative time point. ACD at 24 hours after surgery was significantly deeper (P = 0.009) in eyes with the three-piece IOL, compared with eyes with the single-piece IOL. Therefore, although both single- and three-piece IOL locations varied transiently after surgery, IOL locations were similar between both IOLs at 4 weeks after surgery and were not associated with any statistical difference in visual function.
Interaction between parasite-encoded JAB1/CSN5 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor proteins attenuates its proinflammatory function
Authors: Ghosh Swagata , Leaton Laura Ann , Farr Laura , Barfield Alexis , Moonah Shannon
Published: July 2018

Multiple protozoans produce homologs of the cytokine MIF which play a role in immune evasion, invasion and pathogenesis. However, how parasite-encoded MIF activity is controlled remains poorly understood. Cytokine activity can be inhibited by intracellular binding partners that are released in the extracellular space during cell death. We investigated the presence of an endogenous parasite protein that was capable of interacting and interfering with MIF activity. A screen for protein-protein interaction was performed using immunoaffinity purification of amebic cell lysate with specific anti-Entamoeba histolytica MIF (EhMIF) antibody followed by mass spectrometry analysis, which revealed an E. histolytica-produced JAB1 protein (EhJAB1) as a potential binding partner. JAB1 was found to be highly conserved in protozoans. Direct interaction between the EhMIF and EhJAB1 was confirmed by several independent approaches with GST pull-down, co-immunoprecipitation, and Biolayer interferometry (BLI) assays. Furthermore, the C-terminal region outside the functional JAMM deneddylase motif was required for EhMIF binding, which was consistent with the top in silico predictions. In addition, EhJAB1 binding blocked EhMIF-induced IL-8 production by human epithelial cells. We report the initial characterization of a parasite-encoded JAB1 and uncover a new binding partner for a protozoan-produced MIF protein, acting as a possible negative regulator of EhMIF.
Indole-3-acetic-acid-induced phenotypic plasticity in Desmodesmus algae
Authors: Chung Tan-Ya , Kuo Chih-Yen , Lin Wei-Jiun , Wang Wei-Lung , Chou Jui-Yu
Published: July 2018

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of a single genotype of an organism to exhibit variable phenotypes in response to fluctuating environments. It plays a crucial role in their evolutionary success. In natural environments, the importance of interactions between microalgae and other microorganisms is generally well appreciated, but the effects of these interactions on algal phenotypic plasticity has not been investigated. In this study, it revealed that indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the most common naturally occurring plant hormone, can exert stimulatory at low concentrations and inhibitory effects at high concentrations on the growth of the green alga Desmodesmus. The morphological characteristics of Desmodesmus changed drastically under exposure to IAA compared with the algae in the control environment. The proportion of Desmodesmus unicells in monocultures increased with the IAA concentration, and these unicells exhibited less possibility of sedimentation than large cells. Furthermore, we discovered that lipid droplets accumulated in algal cells grown at a high IAA concentration. Results also demonstrated that the presence of algal competitor further stimulated inducible morphological changes in Desmodesmus populations. The relative abundance of competitors influenced the proportion of induced morphological changes. The results indicate that phenotypic plasticity in microalgae can be a response to fluctuating environments, in which algae optimize the cost–benefit ratio.
Mononuclear complexes of a tridentate redox-active ligand with sulfonamido groups: structure, properties, and reactivity
Authors: Cook Sarah A. , Bogart Justin A. , Levi Noam , Weitz Andrew C. , Moore Curtis , Rheingold Arnold L. , Ziller Joseph W. , Hendrich Michael P. , Borovik A. S.
Published: July 2018

Enhancing the redox properties of FeII with a bis(sulfonamido)amine pincer ligand leads to catalytic cyclic amination reactivity.
Morphological investigations on the growth of defect-rich Bi2Te3 nanorods and their thermoelectric properties
Authors: M Sinduja , Amirthapandian S. , Jegadeesan P. , Magudapathy P. , Asokan K.
Published: July 2018

Bi2Te3 nanorods (NRs) have been successfully synthesized at different reaction temperatures via a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal method.
CS2capture in the ionic liquid 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate: reaction mechanism and free energetics
Authors: Yan Fangyong , Kakuchi Ryohei , Takahashi Kenji , Kim Hyung J.
Published: July 2018

Reaction pathways for CS2and COS in the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMI+) acetate (OAc−), are studied using theab initioself-consistent reaction field theory (SCRF) and molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations.
Ultrathin CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) nanoplatelets: solvothermal synthesis and optical spectroscopic properties
Authors: Chen Daqin , Chen Xiao , Li Junni , Li Xinyue , Zhong Jiasong
Published: July 2018

The colloidal synthesis of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets with a thickness of 3 nm via a pre-dissolution assisted solvothermal reaction was achieved.
Bio-inspired protonic memristor devices based on metal complexes with proton-coupled electron transfer
Authors: Hiruma Yusuke , Yoshikawa Kai , Haga Masa-aki
Published: July 2018

A new type of memristor inspired by bio-membranes is presented, based on the proton movement resulting from proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) processes in dinuclear Ru complexes, whereby a two-terminal device based on said Ru complexes and a proton-conducting polymer was constructed as a proof-of-concept.
EvanPhos: a ligand for ppm level Pd-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura couplings in either organic solvent or water
Authors: Landstrom Evan B. , Handa Sachin , Aue Donald H. , Gallou Fabrice , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: July 2018

A new biaryl phosphine-containing platform can be constructed in only two steps and this complexes Pd(OAc)2 forming a precursor of a very active catalyst useful for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings of functionalized substrates.
Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from Borassus flabellifer flowers for label-free highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Murugan N. , Sundramoorthy Ashok K.
Published: July 2018

Fluorescent carbon dots were derived from Borassus flabellifer flowers by thermal pyrolysis method and used for label-free highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions.
Enhancement of two-photon absorption photoresponse based on whispering gallery modes
Authors: Chen Zhiyang , Lou Guanlin , Zhu Hai , Chen Anqi , Wu Yanyan , Ren Yuhao , Li Jinyu , Qiu Zhiren , Gui Xuchun , Tang Zikang
Published: July 2018

Enhancement of two-photon absorption detection in a single-microwire was demonstrated by a high Q-factor whispering-cavity mode. The spatial and polarization characteristics of the MW detector were investigated.
Single nanoparticle detection using a photonic nanojet
Authors: Gu Guoqiang , Song Jun , Chen Ming , Peng Xiao , Liang Hongda , Qu Junle
Published: July 2018

This paper presents and demonstrates a new method for the detection of single nanoparticles with a photonic nanojet.
Lithium-ion storage performances of sunflower-like and nano-sized hollow SnO2 spheres by spray pyrolysis and the nanoscale Kirkendall effect
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Kim Jong Hwa , Kang Yun Chan
Published: July 2018

SnSe–SnO2 composite powders and SnSe nanospheres were synthesized via spray pyrolysis; these were then used to fabricate sunflower-like SnO2 and hollow SnO2 nanospheres, respectively, via nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion.
Fe-Catalyzed tandem cyclization for the synthesis of 3-nitrofurans from homopropargylic alcohols and Al(NO3)3·9H2O
Authors: Wang Ting , Jiang Yong , Wang Yanyan , Yan Rulong
Published: July 2018

Al(NO3)3·9H2O as a nitro source for the synthesis of 3-nitrofurans from homopropargylic alcohols through Fe-catalyzed tandem cyclization is described.
Simulation-guided engineering of an enzyme-powered three dimensional DNA nanomachine for discriminating single nucleotide variants
Authors: Li Yongya , Wang Guan A. , Mason Sean D. , Yang Xiaolong , Yu Zechen , Tang Yanan , Li Feng
Published: July 2018

Development of an enzyme-powered three dimensional DNA nanomachine for discriminating single nucleotide variants through simulation-guided engineering and noncovalent DNA catalysis.
Probing translational and rotational dynamics in hydrophilic/hydrophobic anion based imidazolium ionic liquid–water mixtures
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Prakash Prabhat , Ramya K. R. , Venkatnathan Arun
Published: July 2018

Probing translational and rotational dynamics in hydrated mixtures of [Hmim][Cl] and [Hmim][NTf2] ILs.
Conformational change and suppression of the Θ-temperature for solutions of polymer-grafted nanoparticles
Authors: Mongcopa Katrina Irene S. , Poling-Skutvik Ryan , Ashkar Rana , Butler Paul , Krishnamoorti Ramanan
Published: July 2018

We determine the conformational change of polystyrene chains grafted to silica nanoparticles dispersed in deuterated cyclohexane using small-angle neutron scattering.
Adaptive study on polymer flooding of secondary reservoir and infilling uniform
Authors: WenBo Xu
Published: July 2018

For the main polymer flooding oilfield expansion and infill wells three times the area of deployment, the proposed development mode II oil reservoir of polymer flooding and thin and poor combination of three encryption. In this paper, the use of leading edge water monitoring methods and principles of the plane heterogeneity through physical simulation to study the effects of different mining methods II oil and a combination of the three encryption effects of flooding. Studies have shown that, together with the water flooding recovery can be increased by nearly 19 percent, higher than the water poly alternate drive about 4%, the injection pressure is about three types of reservoir 0.3MPa, flat stage water flood sweep efficiency compared with an average of 30.95%. Meanwhile polymer injection can increase oil recovery by 21%, but the limited ability of three types of oil injection, polymer injection pressure during injection 0.22PV up to 0.8MPa, water flooding stage by an average of 30 percent compared to the plane sweep efficiency. The water flooding recovery poly alternately raise only 15%, an average increase of 26.95 percent driven phase plane sweep efficiency than water. Theoretical results of this study may provide a reliable basis for the future development of efficient thin and poor reservoirs.
Preparation and characterization of polyacrylate functionalized polythiophene films
Authors: Lv Yahui , Wu Fei , Liu Chengshuai , Liao Changzhong , Fei Yingheng , Chen Menghua , Hou Meifang
Published: July 2018

This paper is based on the effect of precursors’ structure on the resultant electropolymers’ electrochemical and optical and thermal properties. The polyacrylate functionalized thiophene with a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) was synthesized by means of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and then the free-standing and conducting conjugated polyacrylate functionalized polythiophene (R-PTE-PAA) film was prepared through electropolymerization in CH2Cl2 with 50% BFEE (boron trifluoride diethyl etherate). For comparison, the polyacrylate functionalized polythiophene (PTE-PAA) was also prepared with the precursor of a broad PDI from conventional free radical polymerization. The prepared polymers were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The R-PTE-PAA film showed the excellent electrochemical behavior, good blue-light property and high thermal stability. Compared with PTE-PAA, the R-PTE-PAA film presented the better electrochemical reversibility and stability. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the R-PTE-PAA film would be important for applications in electrochromics, supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors.
Preparation, properties and applications of metal glass
Authors: Yan Yunhe , Xu Shuqiong
Published: July 2018

This paper reviews the definition and excellent properties of metal glass briefly. And it lists the preparation methods of metal glass. Furthermore, the urgent problems and the main research directions of metal glass are summarized, the development history of metal glass is reviewed, and the application direction of metal glass is sorted.
Brief Analysis on Sampling and Testing Method of Concrete Specimen of Building Materials
Authors: Tang Fuyong
Published: July 2018

In recent years, the construction industry in China has developed very rapidly. The demand for concrete for building materials has also increased. Concrete as a basic construction material for construction projects, its application performance also has a very big impact on the overall construction quality of the construction project, which also requires that all construction companies can do a good job in the detection of concrete specimens, only in this way that we can fully guarantee the application performance of concrete, to lay a good foundation for the smooth construction of the construction project. This article mainly studies the sampling and detection methods of concrete samples of building materials.
Research on the Transformation of Nitrogen during Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sludge
Authors: Sun Ying , Yang Qian
Published: July 2018

The nitrogen in the sludge mainly exists in the form of inorganic nitrogen and organic nitrogen.In this paper, the transformation of nitrogen during the hydrothermal carbonization of sludge was studied.The results showed that during the hydrothermal carbonization of the sludge, both the total nitrogen and theinorganic nitrogen in hydrochar decrease with the increase of the carbonization temperature. The reason isthat part of the inorganic nitrogen compounds in the sludge undergoes thermal decomposition to releaseNH3, and some organic nitrogen will be hydrolyzed to produce ammonia nitrogen into the liquid phase.
The Selection and Optimization of the Reconfigurable Shaped Reflector Structure Material
Authors: Zhao Hang , Fang Houfei , Santer Matthew J. , Lan Lan , Hou Yangqing , Wu Ke , Jiang Hengkun
Published: July 2018

The method of applying deformable 2-D lattice materials in design of the main structure of a reconfigurable shaped reflector is proposed in this paper. Hex-chiral NPR (Negative Poisson's Ratio) lattice, re-entrant NPR lattice and star ZPR (Zero Poisson's Ratio) lattice are investigated in forming the main structure of a reflector, according to the mechanical properties requirement. Finite element models of reflectors built by these three types of lattice materials are developed. An example of a reflector with reconfigurable shape, which is transformed from a standard paraboloid, is given. The curvature change of the deformed shape is calculated. Then, the region with the largest curvature changing rate is found and the configuration of such area is regenerated. Finally, the surface accuracy of the region with the largest curvature changing rate is evaluated for reflectors built by the three compared lattice materials. The simulation results show that the highest surface accuracy is obtained when applying the hex-chiral lattice to the design of the reconfigurable shaped reflector.
Effect of PWHT on properties of 485MPa tensile strength vessel steel
Authors: Xinyu Zhao , Yang Zou , Liye Qin , Yang Liu
Published: July 2018

Effect of Post-Welding Heat Treatment (PWHT) on properties of 485MPa tensile strength vessel steel was studied by changing carbon contents and parameters of heat treatment. The conclusions are: The strengths of vessel steel decrease after PWHT. And the amounts of strength reduction increase with the carbon contents rising. To get the tensile strength≥485MPa vessel plates, of given Mn content 1.45%, the carbon content is designed over 0.17% in case of 900°C normalization, over 0.20% in case of 620°C holding temperature in 2 hours, over 0.23% in case of 620° holding temperature in 2 hours by 3 times, and over 0.20% in case of 620° holding temperature in 6 hours. The impact toughness are decreased by PWHT at all carbon contents. The SEM images of morphology of microstructure are studied to research on mechanism of strength reduction by PWHT. Then it's found that the pearlites are broken and cementite phases precipitate along grain boundary along with the process of PWHT, which brings about a reduction of strength.
Tribological behaviors of Gra./Cu and CNTs/Cu composites with and without electric current
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Binghong
Published: July 2018

Gra./Cu composites and CNTs/Cu composites were respectively fabricated by powder metallurgy techniques. The experiments of high speed sliding with and without electric current were carried out to investigate their tribological behaviors. The results show that the friction coefficients and wear rates with electric current are higher than without electric current; under the same testing condition the friction coefficients and wear rates of CNTs/Cu are lower and the worn surfaces are more planar than Gra./Cu. CNTs can debase the effect of heat generating during sliding process on the composites. The tribological properties of CNTs/Cu composites are more excellent than Gra./Cu composites.
The Numerical Simulations of Clay-Concrete Interface Tests on the Mesoscopic Level
Authors: Yang Jinwen , Zhao Jianming , Liu Xiaosheng
Published: July 2018

The issue of the interface between soils and structures is an important research area in the high embankment dam. The particle flow code (PFC3D) that uses the discrete element method, can be used to research various geotechnical engineering problems, including the interface problems. Numerical simulations by PFC3Dentail the mesoscopic parameters of walls and particles, i.e. the cohesion strength, tensile strength, the wall friction and the interparticle friction that are critical to determine whether the results of the simulations can be consistent with those of tests. On the basis of a large number of numerical simulation tests, this paper tries to reveal the connections between these mesoscopic parameters and macroscopic mechanical properties in the clay-concrete interface tests. Then macroscopic and mesoscopic properties of the interface are analysed by numerical simulations.
A Real-time QRS Detector Based on Low-pass Differentiator and Hilbert Transform
Authors: Yang Daizong , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2018

Electrocardiogram(ECG) is an important physiological signal of the human body. It is widely used in identification and arrhythmia detection. The first step of ECG application is signal segmentation, that is, the QRS detection. An effective and real-time QRS detection algorithm is proposed in this paper. A differentiator with adjustable center frequency is used to capture the first derivative information of the frequency band of the electrocardiogram. Then Hilbert transform is used to generate the envelope of the first derivative. After that, a dual threshold method is introduced to decrease FP and FN. Finally, a more precise R wave position is determined based on derivative method. The detector is validated on MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. The result show that the proposed algorithm has a high Sensitivity of 99.87%, Specificity of 99.84%, and the detection error rate is 0.28%. The average execution time of a 30 minutes record is 2.45s.
Study on optimization experiment and characteristic test of biomass granule forming machine
Authors: Wang Heng , Cao Shukun , Song Xiangwen , Shen Hao , Cui Yi , Cao Zijian , Xu shuqiang
Published: July 2018

According to the biomass pellet fuel forming machine, problems such as high energy consumption, easy clogging, and low efficiency exist in the granulation process. In this paper, corn and wheat stalks are used as raw materials to study the effects of the size of the raw materials and the moisture content on the formation rate, particle average length, particle density, mechanical durability, and heating value of the particulate fuel. The influence of parameters such as spindle speed and die diameter on the productivity, molding rate, mechanical durability, and particle density of the molding machine was investigated. Compressor and ANSYS were used to study the compression characteristics and flow characteristics of corn stalk, and the characteristics of the pellets were determined. The results showed that the corn stalk with a grain size of 4 mm with a moisture content of 14% and wheat straw with a grain size of 4 mm with a moisture content of 15% had high molding rate, good particle density, and good mechanical durability.
GMAW welding process training for high neck flange of thin-walled tube of transmission tower
Authors: Hanyang Liyang , Qubao
Published: July 2018

In order to meet the increasing demand for transmission and improve the transmission and economic performance, the development of UHV power grid is the commanding heights of the global transmission technology competition in the future.[1] with the development of welding manufacturing technology, a steel tower with steel tube and flange as main component has been invested in the transmission line. The welding process performance has become an important part of quality assurance for transmission line. In the manufacturing process, thin walled pipe and neck flange welding, because of reducing the pipe diameter and wall thickness, accordingly put forward some new difficulties for its welding process. According to the welding technology characteristics of thin-walled pipe and neck flange, the corresponding welding training process is worked out, and training for relevant employees is carried out, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling the welding process and improve the qualification rate of products at a time.
Application of Gray B6 P Neural Network in Henan Coal Demand Forecast
Authors: Guohua GOU
Published: July 2018

This paper studied the coal demand in the prediction accuracy problems. The traditional gray GM(1,1)model has the theoretical prediction problem of poor accuracy which leaded to less accurate prediction. A modified gray BP Neural Network forecasting model was used to predict the residual correction. The total consumption of coal as a major factor in variables was selected to construct forecast of coal demand The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm has better prediction accuracy and is an effective demand forecasting algorithm
Exploration and Practice of a New Formula for Calculating the Degree of Freedom
Authors: Yangxiaochi
Published: July 2018

The current “structural mechanics” in the textbook, the more sub items in the formula of calculating degrees of freedom, is not conducive for the students to master the understanding and calculation of degree of freedom concept. After a few years of teaching, the new calculating formula of degree of freedom for the system is put forward, and the old formula is verified by two examples. The result shows that the new calculating formula and the current mainstream material formula calculation results are consistent, and the new formula is more helpful for students to understand the physical meaning of the calculation of degrees of freedom.
Research and Optimization of Marine Diesel Engine Index System
Authors: Jintao YAN , Yanqiao CHEN , Caofengshou XIONG
Published: July 2018

Aiming at the quality evaluation of diesel engine, this paper analyzes the influence factors of diesel engine quality from the function and general quality of diesel engine, and establishes the detailed index system of diesel engine quality evaluation, which covers all aspects of diesel engine quality. Finally, the degree of discrimination is sorted by the entropy weight theory, and the indexes are optimized and screened.
Finite element analysis for components force of flexural rubber joint
Authors: Hong HE , Xiaoqin Li , Gao Shenjun
Published: July 2018

Flexible rubber joint is an important connecting pipe fitting in ship and chemical industry. However, the problems existing in its application, especially the stress distribution for each component of rubber joint structure, were lack of theoretical analysis. Therefore the finite element model of rubber joint was established according to its structure in this study. With the help of software, the stress characteristics of rubber joint under the axial tension and periodic dynamic load were analysed with the standard maximum internal pressure load and flanges bolt pretension together. The calculation results showed that the order of maximum stress in rubber joint components from big to small was: reinforcement ring, cord layer and rubber skeleton. In order to reduce the stress value at the weak area in the rubber components, the angles of the cord were studied and found that when the cord angle were 60°/-60°for 1,3,5/2,4,6 layer respectively, the maximum stress value for the reinforcement ring and cord fabrics were reduced obviously. After the life computation by the software, it was confirmed that the cord angle arrangement 60°/-60°for cord layers could significantly improve the service life of the rubber joint.
A Study on Finite Element Analysis of Electric Bus Frame for Lightweight Design
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Deng Baoqing , Deng Mengqi , Sun Gongrui
Published: July 2018

The air pollution becomes a risk to health with the increasingly growing of car ownership in China. Due to the increase of energy crisis and environmental pollutant, the electric vehicle is becoming a promising transport in the urban area. However, the drawback of the electric vehicle lies in the endurance of the vehicle battery. Therefore, the lightweight design which adopts both the structural steel and the aluminum alloy can reduce the weight of the vehicle body extending the battery life between charges. In this paper, we used a finite element analysis (FEA) method for the lightweight optimization of the electric bus frame. Four driving condition (full load bending condition, torsional condition, emergency braking and emergency steering) were considered for the analysis. By changing the structure of bus frame, the weight of the bus reduced while the mechanical property improved under the adopted driving condition.