bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen bond induced HF elimination from photoionized fluorophenol dimers in the gas phase
Authors: Chatterjee Piyali , Ghosh Arup K. , Chakraborty Tapas
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we report finding of a remarkable chemical effect of hydrogen bonding, elimination of hydrogen fluoride (HF) from the hydrogen bonded dimers of 2-fluorophenol (2-FP) and 3-fluorophenol (3-FP), in a supersonic jet expansion upon multi-photon ionization using 4th harmonic wavelength (266 nm) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, and the reaction has been probed by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. No HF elimination is observed to occur by such means from the monomer of 3-FP, but it occurs with a small yield from the monomer of 2-FP. On the other hand, upon dimerization the reaction is triggered on for 3-FP, and for 2-FP it becomes so facile that no intact dimer cation survives and only the HF eliminated product ion appears in the mass spectra. Electronic structure calculation shows that in the cationic ground (D0) state, although the reaction for 2-FP dimer is exothermic, the associated barrier is significantly high (2.75 eV) and for its occurrence, absorption of three photons (2+1 type) is required. However, the reaction is predicted barrierless in the intermediate S1 state of this dimer, and HF loss dimer cation mass peak could appear in the mass spectrum due to an effective two-photon (1+1) ionization process. In the case of 3-FP dimer, the energy barriers both in S1 (neutral) and D0 (ionic) states are high, and it is suggested that for occurrence of HF elimination, dimer cation needs to absorb an additional photon. For facilitation of HF loss from this dimer cation, a rearrangement of the geometry and formation of an intermediate adduct have been suggested, and it is argued that the latter could be produced by nucleophilic attack of the neutral moiety at the ortho site of the cationic counterpart.
Efficiency improvement of THz overmoded surface wave oscillator by circular spoof surface plasmon polaritons coupler
Authors: Chen Zaigao , Wang Jianguo , Wang Yue
Published: February 2017

The terahertz surface wave oscillator (SWO) faces the problem of the low energy conversion efficiency due to the fact that working mode is the surface wave but the output mode is the volume wave, and it is very difficult to extract the terahertz wave efficiently. In the meantime, the possibility of the RF breakdown increases as a result of the intense electric field on the surface of slow wave structures (SWSs). To overcome these problems, the field distribution in the SWSs of the 0.147 THz relativistic SWO is analyzed in this paper, and the results indicate that the electric field distribution in the SWSs is similar to that in spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). In order to improve the energy conversion efficiency of the SWO, we propose to adopt the circular SSPP coupler with tapered gratings at the end of the uniform SWSs, which is implemented to smoothly bridge the surface wave and guided wave. Second, the SWO with the coupler is simulated using particle-in-cell code UNIPIC. The simulation results indicate that the output terahertz power enhances 52% after the SSPP coupler is used. More importantly, the numerical results demonstrate that the intensity of the electric field decreases 25% on the corrugation surface of the SWSs, so the RF breakdown can be avoided in the terahertz relativistic SWO.
Radial equilibrium of relativistic particle bunches in plasma wakefield accelerators
Authors: Lotov K. V.
Published: February 2017

Drive particle beams in linear or weakly nonlinear regimes of the plasma wakefield accelerator quickly reach a radial equilibrium with the wakefield, which is described in detail for the first time. The equilibrium beam state and self-consistent wakefields are obtained by combining analytical relationships, numerical integration, and first-principles simulations. In the equilibrium state, the beam density is strongly peaked near the axis, the beam radius is constant along most of the beam, and longitudinal variation of the focusing strength is balanced by varying beam emittance. The transverse momentum distribution of beam particles depends on the observation radius and is neither separable nor Gaussian.
Thermal phase lag heterodyne infrared imaging for current tracking in radio frequency integrated circuits
Authors: Perpiñà X. , León J. , Altet J. , Vellvehi M. , Reverter F. , Barajas E. , Jordà X.
Published: February 2017

With thermal phase lag measurements, current paths are tracked in a Class A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier at 2 GHz. The amplifier is heterodynally driven at 440 MHz and 2 GHz, and its resulting thermal field was inspected, respectively, at 1013 and 113 Hz with an infrared lock-in thermography system. The phase lag maps evidence with a higher sensitivity than thermal amplitude measurements an input-output loop due to a substrate capacitive coupling. This limits the amplifier's performance, raising the power consumption in certain components. Other information relative to local power consumption and amplifier operation is also inferred. This approach allows the local non-invasive testing of integrated systems regardless of their operating frequency.
Constructing submicron textures on mc-Si solar cells via copper-catalyzed chemical etching
Authors: Zha Jiawei , Wang Ting , Pan Chengfeng , Chen Kexun , Hu Fenqin , Pi Xiaodong , Su Xiaodong
Published: February 2017

Mass production of diamond-wire-sawn (DWS) multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) solar cells reached a significant point of maturity through utilization of metal-catalyzed chemical etching (MCCE). However, nanotextured DWS mc-Si solar cells usually produced with Ag-MCCE still suffer from certain drawbacks, such as remaining saw marks, color differences among grains, and slight decreases in the open-circuit voltage (Voc). In this work, we show that unoriented Cu-based MCCE (Cu-MCCE) not only depresses the saw marks and color differences but also introduces random shallow pits, which act as artificial defects that can be easily converted into a submicron texture using conventional HNO3/HF etching. Moreover, we demonstrate that the efficiency of DWS mc-Si solar cells produced with the Cu-MCCE process is greater than 19%, with improved Voc resulting from better surface passivation. This cost-effective Cu-MCCE method is, therefore, of significant potential for the photovoltaic industry.
Optical investigation of semi-polar (11-22) AlxGa1-xN with high Al composition
Authors: Li Z. , Wang L. , Jiu L. , Bruckbauer J. , Gong Y. , Zhang Y. , Bai J. , Martin R. W. , Wang T.
Published: February 2017

Exciton localization generally disturbs uniform population inversion, leading to an increase in the threshold current for lasing. High Al content AlGaN is required for the fabrication of deep ultra-violet (DUV) laser diodes (LDs), and this also generates exciton localization. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence and room temperature cathodoluminescence measurements have been performed on high quality semi-polar (11-22) AlxGa1-xN alloys with high Al composition ranging from 0.37 to 0.56 in order to systematically study the optical properties (in particular, exciton localization) of both the near-band-edge emission and the basal-plane stacking faults related emission, demonstrating different behaviours. Further comparison with the exciton localization of their c-plane counterparts has been performed, exhibiting that the exciton localization in semi-polar (11-22) AlGaN is much smaller than that in c-plane AlGaN. As a consequence, semi-polar (11-22) AlGaN demonstrates a greater potential than its c-plane counterpart in terms of the growth of DUV LDs.
Interface induced out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy in magnetoelectric BiFeO3-BaTiO3 superlattices
Authors: Lazenka Vera , Jochum Johanna K. , Lorenz Michael , Modarresi Hiwa , Gunnlaugsson Haraldur P. , Grundmann Marius , Van Bael Margriet J. , Temst Kristiaan , Vantomme André
Published: February 2017

Room temperature magnetoelectric BiFeO3-BaTiO3 superlattices with strong out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition. We show that the out-of-plane magnetization component increases with the increasing number of double layers. Moreover, the magnetoelectric voltage coefficient can be tuned by varying the number of interfaces, reaching a maximum value of 29 V/cm Oe for the 20×BiFeO3-BaTiO3 superlattice. This enhancement is accompanied by a high degree of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, making the latter an ideal candidate for the next generation of data storage devices.
Simulation study of a passive plasma beam dump using varying plasma density
Authors: Hanahoe Kieran , Xia Guoxing , Islam Mohammad , Li Yangmei , Mete-Apsimon Öznur , Hidding Bernhard , Smith Jonathan
Published: February 2017

A plasma beam dump uses the collective oscillations of plasma electrons to absorb the kinetic energy of a particle beam. In this paper, a modified passive plasma beam dump scheme is proposed using either a gradient or stepped plasma profile to maintain a higher decelerating gradient compared with a uniform plasma. The improvement is a result of the plasma wavelength change preventing the re-acceleration of low energy particles. Particle-in-cell simulation results show that both stepped and gradient plasma profiles can achieve improved energy loss compared with a uniform plasma for an electron bunch of parameters routinely achieved in laser wakefield acceleration.
Minimizing sputter-induced damage during deposition of WS2 onto graphene
Authors: Johansson Fredrik O. L. , Ahlberg Patrik , Jansson Ulf , Zhang Shi-Li , Lindblad Andreas , Nyberg Tomas
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate the sputter-deposition of WS2 onto a single-layer graphene film leaving the latter disorder-free. The sputtering process normally causes defects to the graphene lattice and adversely affects its properties. Sputtering of WS2 yields significant amounts of energetic particles, specifically negative S ions, and reflected neutral Ar, and it is therefore used as a model system in this work. The disorder-free sputtering is achieved by increasing the sputtering pressure of Ar thereby shifting the kinetic energy distribution towards lower energies for the impinging particle flux at the substrate. Raman spectroscopy is used to assess the amount of damage to the graphene film. Monte Carlo simulations of the sputtering process show that W is completely thermalized already at relatively low sputtering pressure, whereas Ar and S need a comparably higher pressure to thermalize so as to keep the graphene film intact. Apart from becoming completely amorphous at 2.3 mTorr, the graphene film remains essentially disorder-free when the pressure is increased to 60 mTorr. The approach used here is generally applicable and readily extendable to sputter-deposition of other material combinations onto sensitive substrates. Moreover, it can be used without changing the geometry of an existing sputtering setup.
Evaluation of the spectral characteristics of five hyperspectral and multispectral sensors for soil organic carbon estimation in burned areas
Authors: Peón Juanjo , Fernández Susana , Recondo Carmen , Calleja Javier F.
Published: February 2017

Frequent wildfires in the north-west region of Spain affect soil organic matter. Soil properties can be estimated both spatially and temporally using remote sensing. A wide range of satellite and airborne hyperspectral and multispectral sensors are currently available. The spectral resolution varies substantially among sensors, making it difficult to identify the most suitable sensors and spectral regions for a specific application. This study aims to identify the sensors and wavelengths with the greatest potential for topsoil organic C mapping. Total (TOC) and oxidisable organic carbon (OC) content were measured in 89 soil samples collected in a mountain region of north-western Spain. Reflectance spectra of the samples in the spectral region 400–2450 nm were resampled to the bands of five sensors: Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI), Airborne Hyperspectral Scanner (AHS), Hyperion, Landsat 5 Thematic Mapper (TM) and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). Calibration models obtained using partial least-squares regression proved to be effective for hyperspectral sensors and also for the multispectral sensor MODIS (R2 = 0.75–0.89), which suggests that hyperspectral capability is not required to accurately predict topsoil organic C. Models based on Landsat performed well, but with an error ~30–45% greater than that obtained for the hyperspectral sensors and MODIS.
Diel Patterns of Activity for Insect Pollinators of Two Oil Palm Species (Arecales : Arecaceae)
Authors: Auffray Thomas , Frérot Brigitte , Poveda Roberto , Louise Claude , Beaudoin-Ollivier Laurence
Published: February 2017

The pollination of two oil palm species, Elaeis guineensis Jacquin and Elaeis oleifera Cortés (Arecales: Arecaceae), depends on a mutualistic relation with insects, which use male inflorescences as a brood site, and visits female inflorescences lured by the emitted odor, which is similar to that of males. Although the activity of visiting the inflorescences by these insects is critical for the adequate natural pollination of the host plant, their activity is poorly documented. In the present study, we determine the diel activity of two specialized pollinator weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on inflorescences of their respective host-palm: Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust specialized on E. guineensis, and Grasidius hybridus O’Brien and Beserra specialized on E. oleifera. The average timing of activity was studied by using passive interception traps. Then the pattern and the duration were refined by using aspiration trapping within the active period for each insect species at the male and female inflorescences. All the experiments were conducted in an Ecuadorian oil palm plantation, located close to Amazonian forest. El. kamerunicus and G. hybridus were found to be the pollinators of E. guineensis and E. oleifera, respectively. The two species differed in their diel pattern of activity: E. kamerunicus was active in the morning and G. hybridus during a short period at dusk. For both palm species, insect visits were synchronous on both male and female inflorescences. The synchronicity is discussed as a strategy to maintain the relation mutualistic between partners. These findings increase our understanding of the oil palm pollination system.
Postoperative Hematoma Requiring Recraniotomy in 1149 Consecutive Patients With Intracranial Tumors
Authors: Kageji Teruyoshi , Nagahiro Shinji , Mizobuchi Yoshifumi , Nakajima Kohei
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: The reported 30-day mortality rate after brain tumor surgery is 2.2% to 2.9%, with a postoperative hematoma (POH) as the most frequent cause of death.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for a POH requiring a recraniotomy after brain tumor surgery in a large, contemporary, single-institution consecutive series.

METHODS: We included 1149 patients who underwent surgery for intracranial tumors at the Tokushima University Hospital from 1997 to 2014. The patient charts were retrospectively studied from our prospectively collected database. We analyzed the risk factors, type of hemorrhage, time to reoperation, and outcomes.

RESULTS: The incidence of a POH requiring a recraniotomy was 2.09%. Among the patients with a POH requiring a recraniotomy, 12.5% died within 30 days of the first surgery. The incidence of a POH requiring a recraniotomy significantly correlated with the incidence of a hemangioblastoma, infratentorial tumors, and a prolonged operative time (>10 h), but not with the patient age or sex, surgical procedure (biopsy or craniotomy), surgical type (primary or secondary), bleeding volume, or intraoperative blood transfusion requirement. A recraniotomy for a POH was performed in 54% of the patients just after the first operation, and within 24 h for 79% of the patients. The clinical status at the time of discharge deteriorated in 52% of the patients.

CONCLUSION: Hemangioblastomas, infratentorial tumors, and an operative time exceeding 10 h were significantly correlated with an increased risk of a POH; these factors were responsible for 12.5% of the 30-day surgical mortality rate.
X-ray study of extended emission around M 86 observed with Suzaku
Authors: Hishi Ukyo , Fujimoto Ryuichi , Kotake Misato , Ito Hiromasa , Tanaka Keigo , Kai Yu , Kinoshita Yuya
Published: February 2017

We analyzed the Suzaku data of M 86 and its adjacent regions to study the extended emission around it. The M 86 core, the plume, and the tail extending toward the northwest were clearly detected, as well as the extended halo around them. From the position angle ∼ 45° to ∼ 275°, the surface brightness distribution of the core and the extended halo was represented relatively well with a single β-model of β ∼ 0.5 up to 15΄–20΄. The X-ray spectra of the core were represented with a two-temperature model of kT ∼ 0.9 keV and ∼0.6 keV. The temperatures of the core and the halo have a positive gradient in the center, and reach a maximum of kT ∼ 1.0 keV at r ∼ 7΄, indicating that the halo gas is located in a larger-scale potential structure than that of the galaxy. The temperatures of the plume and the tail were 0.86 ± 0.01 keV and 1.00 ± 0.01 keV. We succeeded in determining the abundances of α-element separately for the core, the plume, the tail, and the halo for the first time. Abundance ratios with respect to Fe were consistent with the solar ratios everywhere, except for Ne. The abundance of Fe was ∼0.7 in the core and in the plume, while that in the tail was ∼1.0, but the difference was not significant considering the uncertainties of the ICM. The abundance of the halo was almost the same up to r ∼ 10΄, and then it becomes significantly smaller (0.2–0.3) at r ≳ 10΄, indicating that gas with low metal abundance still remains in the outer halo. From the surface brightness distribution, we estimated the gas mass (∼3 × 1010 M⊙) and the dynamical mass (∼3 × 1012 M⊙) in r < 100 kpc. The gas mass to the dynamical mass ratio was 10−3–10−2, suggesting a significant fraction of the halo gas has been stripped.
Fusarium Species on Barley Malt: Is Visual Assessment an Appropriate Tool for Detection?
Authors: Geißinger Cajetan , Hofer Katharina , Habler Katharina , Heß Michael , Hückelhoven Ralph , Rychlik Michael , Becker Thomas , Gastl Martina
Published: February 2017

Fusarium infections in malting barley cause mycotoxin contamination, quality impairment, and processing difficulties. The visual assessment of barley malt is a commonly applied practice in the malting and brewing industry to screen cereal batches for fungal infection, because it assumes a direct connection between occurring symptomatology and actual fungal contamination. The exceedance of a defined limit of red kernels (usually five to seven) in a 200 g subsample of malt is associated with an unjustifiable risk for further processing and can lead to reductions in price or the rejection of the entire batch. The present study evaluated the suitability of this method to ensure product quality and safety. It was further intended to resolve the presumed linkage between kernel discoloration and Fusarium infection. In general, symptomatology showed low predictability for Fusarium contamination. However, significant correlations became apparent between the number of discolored kernels and fungal DNA contents under conditions of higher levels of infection, although this was not the case for mycotoxin levels. Although symptomatology is likely overinterpreted in regard to its reliability as an indicator for Fusarium contaminations, it might still assist in assessing the risk of certain fungal contaminants.
Necrotizing Activity of Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum Endopolygalacturonases in Cotton
Authors: Liu Nana , Ma Xiaowen , Sun Yun , Hou Yuxia , Zhang Xueyan , Li Fuguang
Published: February 2017

Polygalacturonase (PG), which digests the pectin of plant cell walls, contributes to pathogenicity of fungi in plants. To explore the role of PG in pathogenicity of the fungal cotton pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, VDPG1 and FOVPG1 were cloned and their expression in different cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivars and media was analyzed. VDPG1 and FOVPG1 were strongly upregulated during infection. Purified VDPG1 and FOVPG1 play important roles in the symptom development of both resistant and susceptible cotton. Moreover, after inoculation with purified PGs, the hydroxyproline content of the cell walls increased in cotton seedlings, with resistant cultivar seedlings showing significantly higher hydroxyproline content than seedlings of the susceptible cultivar. PG gene expression analysis in different media showed that both PG genes were induced in pectin medium but not in glucose medium. This study highlighted the role of VDPG1 and FOVPG1 in pathogenicity and virulence, which were detected in fungus-inoculated cotton, suggesting that PGs play an important role in the pathogenicity of V. dahliae and F. oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum.
Validation of Molecular Markers for Use With Adapted Sources of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat
Authors: Bokore F. E. , Knox R. E. , DePauw R. M. , Clarke F. , Cuthbert R. D. , Campbell H. L. , Brûlé-Babel A. L. , Gilbert J. , Ruan Y.
Published: February 2017

Genetic control of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) is quantitative, making phenotypic selection difficult. Genetic markers to resistance are helpful to select favorable genotypes. This study was conducted to determine if Fhb1 and Fhb5 present in the Sumai 3 source of FHB resistance occur in Sumai 3-derived North American spring wheat cultivars and to understand the appropriateness of using markers to select for the favorable alleles at these loci in breeding. Sumai 3-derived parents Alsen, ND3085, ND744, Carberry, and Glenn were used in crosses to generate 14 doubled haploid breeding populations. The parents and progeny were genotyped with five Fhb1 and three Fhb5 microsatellite markers. Progeny were selected based on performance relative to parents and other control cultivars in FHB nurseries near Portage la Prairie and Carman, MB. χ2 and t test analyses were performed on marker and FHB data. The χ2 test frequently determined the proportion of lines carrying molecular variants associated with FHB resistance increased following nursery selection for FHB. Similarly, the t test regularly demonstrated that selection for FHB resistance lowered the mean level of disease associated with resistant marker haplotypes. The study affirmed FHB resistance sources Alsen, Carberry, ND3085, and ND744 have Fhb1 and Fhb5 loci like Sumai 3, but no evidence was found that Glenn carries Fhb1 and Fhb5 resistance alleles. The results justified use of Fhb1 and Fhb5 markers for marker assisted selection in populations derived from Alsen, Carberry, ND3085, and ND744, but not Glenn. Combined or individual application of Xgwm493 and Xgwm533 in selection of genotypes carrying Fhb1, and Xgwm150, Xgwm304, and Xgwm595 for Fhb5 will enhance FHB resistance in wheat.
Accessions of Perennial Glycine Species With Resistance to Multiple Types of Soybean Cyst Nematode (Heterodera glycines)
Authors: Wen L. , Yuan C. , Herman T. K. , Hartman G. L.
Published: February 2017

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines; HG) is a widely occurring and damaging pathogen that limits soybean production. Developing resistant cultivars is the most cost-effective method for managing this disease. Genes conferring SCN resistance in soybean have been identified; however, there are SCN populations that overcome known resistance genes. In order to identify additional sources of resistance and potentially new resistance genes, 223 plant introductions (PIs) of G. tomentella and 59 PIs of 12 other perennial Glycine species were inoculated with HG Types 0, HG 2, and HG 1.2.3, and then 36 PIs out of this set were further evaluated with HG Type 1.2.3.4.5.6.7, a population that overcomes all the resistance genes in soybean. Of 223 G. tomentella PIs evaluated, 86 were classified as resistant to three HG types, 69 as resistant to two HG types, and 22 as resistant to one HG type. Of the other 12 perennial Glycine species, all PIs of G. argyrea and G. pescadrensis were resistant to all three HG types. Of the 36 PIs challenged with HG Type 1.2.3.4.5.6.7, 35 were resistant with 16 showing no cyst reproduction. Our study confirms that there are high levels of resistance to SCN among the perennial Glycine species. This represents an untapped resource for use in genetic studies and for improving resistance to SCN in soybean.
Viral Diversity in Autochthonous Croatian Grapevine Cultivars
Authors: Vončina Darko , Al Rwahnih Maher , Rowhani Adib , Gouran Mona , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: February 2017

A survey was conducted on nine autochthonous grapevine cultivars grown along the Croatian coastal region. In total, 48 vines (44 from germplasm collection, 4 from vineyards) originating from 23 sites were tested for 26 viruses using molecular methods. Results revealed high infection rates with Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3); Grapevine virus A (GVA, both 91.7%); Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV, 87.5%); and Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV, 83.3%). Other detected viruses were: Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV); Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses 1, 2, and strains of 4 (GLRaV-1, GLRaV-2, GLRaV-4); Grapevine viruses B, D, F (GVB, GVD, GVF); Grapevine red globe virus (GRGV); Grapevine vein feathering virus (GVFV); Grapevine Syrah virus 1 (GSyV-1); and Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV). No virus-free vine was found. Mixed infections were determined in all vines, the number of viruses in a single vine ranged from three to nine. GLRaV-3 variant typing confirmed presence of group I, II, and III. Four vines with leaf deformation and mottling were positive for GPGV. Seven viruses (GLRaV-4-like group, GVD, GVE, GVF, GRGV, GSyV-1, and GVFV) were detected for the first time in Croatia. This survey confirmed the deteriorated sanitary status of autochthonous Croatian grapevine cultivars.
CAR T Cells Secreting IL18 Augment Antitumor Immunity and Increase T Cell Proliferation and Costimulation
Authors: Hu Biliang , Ren Jiangtao , Luo Yanping , Keith Brian , Young Regina M. , Scholler John , Zhao Yangbing , June Carl H.
Published: February 2017

Interleukin 18 (IL18) is known to induce the expression of interferon-γ (IFNG), but its effects on T cell proliferation and costimulation are not completely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of IL18 in CART cells caused significant T cell proliferationin vitroandin vivo,and enhanced antitumor effects in xenograft models. Moreover, IL18 mediated T cell expansion required neither tumor antigen nor CAR expression, and produced severe GVHD in NSG mice. Furthermore, recombinant IL18 costimulated IFNG secretion and proliferation of anti-CD3 beads treated T cells. Interestingly, IL18 costimulation could expand purified CD4 T cells, but not CD8 T cells. However, CD8 T cells proliferated greater than CD4 T cells in magnitude within bulk T cells, suggesting CD4 help effect was involved. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we confirmed that IL18-driven expansion was both TCR and IL18 receptor (IL18R) dependent. Importantly, we demonstrated that TCR-deficient, IL18-expressing CD19 CART cells exhibited remarkable proliferation and persistent antitumor activity against CD19-expressing tumor cellsin vivo, without eliciting any detectable GVHD symptom. Finally, we describe APACHE T cells, a novel strategy for coupling IL18 expression in CART cells to antigen stimulation, thereby limiting potential toxicity associated with persistent IL18 production. In sum, our study supports human IL18 as a T cell costimulatory cytokine for fueling CART therapy.
The emerging BritishVerticillium longisporumpopulation consists of aggressiveBrassicapathogens
Authors: Depotter Jasper R. L. , Rodriguez-Moreno Luis , Thomma Bart P.H.J. , Wood Thomas A.
Published: February 2017

The impact of diseases depends on the dynamic interplay between host, pathogen and the environment. Newly emerging diseases may be the consequence of novel pathogen introductions that are typically associated with unpredictable outcomes, as their interaction with the host in a novel environment is unprecedented. Alternatively, new diseases may emerge from latent, previously established, pathogen populations that are triggered by changes in environmental factors like weather, agricultural practices and ecosystem management. Verticillium stem striping recently emerged in British oilseed rape (Brassica napus) production from a latentVerticillium longisporumpopulation.V. longisporumis a hybrid fungal pathogen consisting of three lineages, each representing a separate hybridization event. Despite its prevalence, little is known of the pathogenicity of the BritishV. longisporumpopulation. In this study, the pathogenicity of British isolates was tested on four different cultivars of three differentBrassicacrop species as well as on the model plantArabidopsis thalianaand compared with previously characterizedV. longisporumstrains from other regions of the world, including representatives of all three hybrid lineages. Intriguingly, the British isolates appeared to be amongst the most pathogenic strains onBrassicacrops. In conclusion, Verticillium stem striping poses a genuine threat to oilseed rape production as the BritishV. longisporumpopulation consists of aggressive pathogens that have the potential to significantly impactBrassicacrops.
Knowledge-based Lean Six Sigma maintenance system for sustainable buildings
Authors: Aldairi Jasim , Khan M.K. , Munive-Hernandez J. Eduardo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a knowledge-based (KB) system for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) maintenance in environmentally sustainable buildings (Lean6-SBM).

Design/methodology/approach

The Lean6-SBM conceptual framework has been developed using the rule base approach of KB system and joint integration with gauge absence prerequisites (GAP) technique. A comprehensive literature review is given for the main pillars of the framework with a typical output of GAP analysis.

Findings

Implementation of LSS in the sustainable building maintenance context requires a pre-assessment of the organisation’s capabilities. A conceptual framework with a design structure is proposed to tackle this issue with the provision of an enhancing strategic and operational decision-making hierarchy.

Research limitations/implications

Future research work might consider validating this framework in other type of industries.

Practical implications

Maintenance activities in environmentally sustainable buildings must take prodigious standards into consideration, and, therefore, a robust quality assurance measure has to be integrated.

Originality/value

The significance of this research is to present a novel use of hybrid KB/GAP methodologies to develop a Lean6-SBM system. The originality and novelty of this approach will assist in identifying quality perspectives while implementing different maintenance strategies in the sustainable building context.
Impacts of Lean Six Sigma over organizational sustainability
Authors: de Freitas Jéssica Galdino , Costa Helder Gomes
Published: February 2017

Purpose

In a view to its comprehensive and diverse applicability, the methodology Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has the potential to the generation of impacts on various aspects of an organization. This paper aims to carry out a systematic study of LSS impacts on organizations, analyzing their relation to organizational sustainability through the triple bottom line perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the existent literature on LSS was performed and the identified impacts were later classified as correspondence with three dimensions of organizational sustainability: financial, social and environmental.

Findings

There were identified 25 main impacts of the LSS through a systematic research of the literature. A greater correspondence of the LSS have been identified over a range of economic results in organizations; however, it was also possible to notice that the methodology has been directing its efforts gradually to meet further perspectives of sustainability, particularly by looking for a better relation with employees and customers.

Practical implications

The organizations that use the LSS as methodology to continuous improvement will be able to identify which impacts may need to be achieved primarily by the projects undertaken to enhance the achievement of a more sustainable management. Because of its comprehensive character, this paper can help organizations belonging to various industries and sectors of society.

Originality/value

Despite the growing number of published articles on the methodology LSS, it has not been identified articles that look for the study of the application of the methodology as a mechanism for increasing sustainability in organizations. Within the scenario presented, this study sought to assist the filling of this gap.
An empirical relationship between financial development indicators and human capital in some selected Asian countries
Authors: Sehrawat Madhu , Giri A.K.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between financial development indicators and human capital for Asian countries using the annual data from 1984-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

The stationarity of the variables are checked by Levin-Lin-Chu, Im-Pesaran-Shin, Fisher-type augmented Dickey-Fuller and Philips-Perron panel unit-root tests. The Pedroni’s and Kao’s panel co-integration approaches are employed to examine the long-run relationship among the variables. To estimate the coefficients of co-integrating vectors, both panel dynamic ordinary least squares (PDOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) techniques are used. The short-term and long-run causality is examined by panel granger causality.

Findings

The Pedroni’s and Kao’s co-integration approaches support the existence of the long-run relationship among the indicators of financial development, economic growth and human capital. The PDOLS and FMOLS estimators revealed that both financial development indicators and economic growth variable act as an important driver for the increase in human capital. The results of panel granger causality indicate that causality runs from indicators of financial development, economic growth and public spending on education to human capital.

Originality/value

There is hardly any study that examine the impact of financial development indicators and economic growth on human capital in Asian economies, therefore the present study fill the research gap in the literature.
Cops and/or courts? A heterogeneous panel Granger-causality analysis of DUI in California
Authors: Van Vleck Va Nee L. , Vera David
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interaction of enforcement and adjudication for general deterrence of drunk-driving. The authors present a triangular feedback model between three domains: police, courts and drunk-driving events. The authors’ deductive approach imposes no structural assumptions beyond the core of general deterrence theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a largely untapped data set for California’s 58 counties from 1990 to 2010, the authors estimate a series of heterogeneous panel Granger non-causality tests. This empirically based evidence is re-organized per the proposed triangular feedback model to objectively categorize local criminal justice systems as active, responsive or reactive (with respect to drunk-driving).

Findings

Our results suggest that state-level analyses obscure useful variations that empirical panel methods can now handle. The authors provide evidence that research based on empirically derived groupings, rather than inductively based preconceptions, is key to understanding enforcement and compliance. The authors provide a less confounded picture of the relationship between drunk-driving enforcement and adjudication.

Research limitations/implications

Our study addresses one offense for a particular state in the USA. It is an exploratory analysis. This analytical and empirical approach is new.

Practical implications

Our approach imposes very few a priori assumptions and requires a minimum of data series to be executed. The method can be broadly applied to a range of topics and observational units.

Social implications

The authors aim to expand identification of local systems’ effectiveness (or not) and mechanisms of for general deterrence of drunk-driving. The offense is one that can be committed easily and unintentionally; it does not presume anomie. The authors address general communities, not anomalies. Knowing how enforcement and compliance operate is essential to an array of behavioral externalities.

Originality/value

This is a new empirically based approach for analyzing social systems. It is a marriage of new macroeconomic time-series techniques with an old question, most often addressed by microeconomic research. This study uses an underutilized data source to construct a unique panel data set.
Looking for status appeal? Act interested in your child’s education
Authors: Contreras Salvador
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how positional concerns influence a parent’s time investment decisions of her/his child.

Design/methodology/approach

The author presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of household positional and non-positional time investment choices in the education of her/his child.

Findings

The author shows that a parent who is mindful of her/his relative position in the income distribution will use her/his time investment choices to influence her/his perceived status. The theoretical model predicts that visible time investment increases as members of her/his reference group move up in rank. The author shows that moving down in rank lowers utility. The author employs National Education Longitudinal Studies (1988) data set to test the model prediction and shows that visible time invested in child’s education is explained by place on the income distribution.

Originality/value

The author extends the positional literature to account for parent time investment in her/his child’s education. The work suggests that time investment in one’s child’s education is based on more than altruistic preferences and resources. It leaves open the possibility that perceived social standing influences a household’s time investment in their child’s education. From a policy perspective, the findings provide a new way to think about drivers of parental involvement.
Single-yarn pull-out test in neat, solvent-treated and shear-thickening fluid-impregnated Kevlar® KM2 fabric
Authors: Grujicic Mica , Snipes Jennifer , Ramaswami S.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

In order to help explain experimental findings related to the stabbing- and ballistic-penetration resistance of flexible body-armor, single-yarn pull-out tests, involving specially prepared fabric-type test coupons, are often carried out. The purpose of this paper is to develop a finite-element-based computational framework for the simulation of the single-yarn pull-out test, and applied to the case of Kevlar® KM2 fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

Three conditions of the fabric are considered: neat, i.e, as-woven; polyethylene glycol (PEG)-infiltrated; and shear-thickening fluid (STF)-infiltrated. Due to differences in the three conditions of the fabric, the computational framework had to utilize three different finite-element formulations: standard Lagrangian formulation for the neat fabric; combined Eulerian-Lagrangian formulation for the PEG-infiltrated fabric (an Eulerian subdomain had to be used to treat the PEG solvent/dispersant); and combined continuum Lagrangian/discrete-particle formulation for the STF-infiltrated fabric (to account for the interactions of the particles suspended in PEG, which give rise to the STF character of the suspension, with the yarns, the particles had to be treated explicitly).

Findings

The results obtained for the single-yarn pull-out virtual tests are compared with the authors’ experimental counterparts, and a reasonably good agreement is obtained, for all three conditions of the fabric.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present work represents the first attempt to simulate single-yarn pull-out tests of Kevlar® KM2 fabric.
Damage detection in steel structures with semi-rigid connections using unscented Kalman filter
Authors: Katkhuda Hasan , Shatarat Nasim , Hyari Khaled
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to detect damages in steel structures with actual connections, i.e. semi-rigid connections. The method will detect the damages by tracking the changes in the stiffness of structural members using only a limited number of dynamic responses and without knowing the type or time history of the dynamic force applied on the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a technique that combines the iterative least-square and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) methods to identify the stiffness of beams and columns in typical two-dimensional steel-framed structures with semi-rigid connections. The detection of damages is by using nonlinear time-domain structural health monitoring method.

Findings

The technique is verified by using numerical examples using noise-free and noise-included dynamic responses from two different types of dynamic forces: harmonic and blast loads. The results showed that the UKF method with iterative least-square is a powerful approach to identify and detect damages in structures that have nonlinear behavior and the method was able to detect the damages in beams with a very high accuracy for noise-free and noise-included dynamic responses. In addition, the optimum number and locations of dynamic responses (accelerometer sensors) required for damage detection were determined.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to detect damages in steel structures using only a limited number of accelerometer sensors.
High-rise building subjected to excessive settlement of its foundation: a case study
Authors: Lin Lan , Hanna Adel , Sinha Anup , Tirca Lucia
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Differential settlement between foundations’ elements induces additional stresses in the structural elements. In general, the amount of settlement that a structure can undergo without distress is large, provided that the structure settles uniformly. However, based on the fact that the soil under the foundation may not be uniform in nature and the loads transferred from the superstructure to the foundation are variable, differential settlements between the foundation elements are expected. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the stresses induced in a typical ten-storey reinforced concrete building subjected to excessive differential settlement.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation, excessive differential settlement up to 75 mm is assigned to the center column on the ground floor that represents the most critical case. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to perform structural analysis using the software SAP2000, and the nonlinear static pushover analysis is performed.

Findings

The results of this study show that the building behaves elastically up to 25 mm of differential settlement between its foundation elements, which agrees well with the recommendation given in design manuals. Beyond this value, significant inelastic response is observed in the lower floors and decreases gradually in the higher floors and accordingly, some members have consumed the factor of safety and are in the verge of failure.

Originality/value

Based on the results of this study, recommendations are made for better communication between the structure and the geotechnical engineers to either limit the differential settlements or incorporate these additional stresses during the design stage of the building. Furthermore, the results of the study can be used to recommend to building codes or design manuals to add a load component due to the anticipated differential settlements of the foundation.
Synthesis and characterization of a low-cost aerogel structure using classical drying methods for thermal insulation
Authors: Nachawaty Abir , Bassil Maria , Choueiry Antoine , Tahchi Mario , Habchi Roland
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Lightweight insulators are of major importance for the industry, in particular for thermal insulation in buildings. The purpose of this paper is to present a low-cost method to obtain aerogels with high insulating properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Silica aerogel structures have been obtained by a low-cost sol-gel synthesis method. Surface modification, using dimethyldichlorosilane and trimethylchlorosilane, has been applied in order to get different thermal and optical properties.

Findings

The samples show very promising thermal properties as tested through an infrared camera observation. A 5-mm-thick piece of aerogel is able to withstand the temperature of a brazing flame and reduce the heat by at least 150 degrees on its opposite side. The samples have a vitreous like structure as observed by SEM, some surface cracking is observed but they stay within acceptable limits.

Originality/value

A very good thermal insulator is obtained with a very simple and low-cost method. The bulkiness of the supercritical drying is eliminated and the obtained structure has good properties.
On the effect of hydrostatic stress on fatigue crack propagation
Authors: Andrianopoulos Nikos P. , Pikrakis Aggelos
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study mutual interaction between von Mises equivalent and hydrostatic stresses at the crack tip area of an elastoplastic material in order to obtain critical conditions for crack propagation under fatigue loading.

Design/methodology/approach

A5083-H111 aluminum alloy is used to obtain a Chaboche-type constitutive equation, which is introduced in a commercial finite elements package to evaluate stress distribution at crack tip area. A simplified three-dimensional (generalized plane strain) grid is used, resulting in fast and accurate results. Numerical simulations are performed to connect crack propagation rate with various combinations of fatigue stress amplitude, initial crack length and number of loading cycles. Distance between characteristic points of stresses distribution in the crack tip area are compared to experimental fatigue crack growth rates in order to assess the validity of the present approach.

Findings

It is found that saturation of plastic strains, i.e. maximization of von Mises equivalent stress, is a prerequisite for hydrostatic stress to take a critical-maximum value, outside the plastically saturated zone. At the point of maximum hydrostatic stress brittle fracture is initiated, driving to separation of the ligament up to crack tip, without formation of new plastic strains. The length of this ligament is defined as crack propagation step, showing good agreement with experimental data.

Originality/value

The present approach seems to constitute a reasonable and adequate method for the description of fatigue crack propagation in terms of continuum mechanics, not necessitating microscopic considerations or empirical criteria lacking theoretical or physical basis. In addition, it liberates from the notion of stress intensity factors, strongly disputed beyond linear elasticity. Improved constitutive equations and numerical models are expected to drive in a complete fatigue failure criterion similar to those of static loading.