bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ptp1b deletion in pro-opiomelanocortin neurons increases energy expenditure and impairs endothelial function via TNF-α dependent mechanisms
Authors: Bruder-Nascimento Thiago , Kennard Simone , Antonova Galina , Mintz James D. , Bence Kendra K. , de Chantemèle Eric J. Belin
Published: March 2016

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (Ptp1b) is a negative regulator of leptin and insulin-signalling pathways. Its targeted deletion in proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons protects mice from obesity and diabetes by increasing energy expenditure. Inflammation accompanies increased energy expenditure. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine whether POMC-Ptp1b deletion increases energy expenditure via an inflammatory process, which would impair endothelial function. We characterized the metabolic and cardiovascular phenotypes of Ptp1b+/+ and POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. Clamp studies revealed that POMC-Ptp1b deletion reduced body fat and increased energy expenditure as evidenced by a decrease in feed efficiency and an increase in oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio. POMC-Ptp1b deletion induced a 2.5-fold increase in plasma tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels and elevated body temperature. Vascular studies revealed an endothelial dysfunction in POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition [N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] reduced relaxation to a similar extent in Ptp1b+/+ and POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. POMC-Ptp1b deletion decreased ROS-scavenging enzymes [superoxide dismutases (SODs)] whereas it increased ROS-generating enzymes [NADPH oxidases (NOXs)] and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-1) expression, in aorta. ROS scavenging or NADPH oxidase inhibition only partially improved relaxation whereas COX-2 inhibition and thromboxane-A2 (TXA2) antagonism fully restored relaxation in POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. Chronic treatment with the soluble TNF-α receptor etanercept decreased body temperature, restored endothelial function and reestablished aortic COX-2, NOXs and SOD expression to their baseline levels in POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. However, etanercept promoted body weight gain and decreased energy expenditure in POMC-Ptp1b−/− mice. POMC-Ptp1b deletion increases plasma TNF-α levels, which contribute to body weight regulation via increased energy expenditure and impair endothelial function via COX-2 and ROS-dependent mechanisms.
Incremental null Foley‐Sammon transform
Authors: Wang Yi , Shui Panpan , Fan Xin , Wang Tianzhu
Published: March 2016

The Foley‐Sammon transform (FST) is one of the most well‐known dimensionality reduction and feature extraction methods. However, the classical FST cannot be used directly in the small sample size problem where the within‐class scatter matrix is singular. Null‐space based FST (NFST) provides a good solution to this problem. Proposed is a fast incremental NFST (INFST). INFST extracts new information brought by newly‐added samples and integrates it with the existing model by an efficient updating scheme. INFST can achieve the aims of online classification and novelty detection. Experiments on real‐world data demonstrate the effectiveness of INFST.
Miniaturised wideband bandpass filter based on harmonic suppressed dual transmission lines
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wu Yongle , Yu Cuiping , Liu Yuanan
Published: March 2016

A novel miniaturised wideband bandpass filter (BPF) based on harmonic suppressed dual transmission lines (DTLs) is introduced with enhanced upper stopband rejection and passaband selectivity. The transmission and harmonic suppression characteristics of series and parallel connected DTLs are analysed adopting even–odd mode method. To verify the proposed structure, a high selective wideband BPF centred at 1.86 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 93.5% is designed and fabricated. The upper stopband is extended up to 8.8 GHz (4.7f0) with the suppression level of above 35 dB. Furthermore, a size reduction of 30% can be achieved in proposed BPF, compared with conventional wideband BPF based on quarter‐wavelength transmission lines.
Automated integration of wireless biosignal collection devices for patient‐centred decision‐making in point‐of‐care systems
Authors: Menychtas Andreas , Tsanakas Panayiotis , Maglogiannis Ilias
Published: March 2016

The proper acquisition of biosignals data from various biosensor devices and their remote accessibility are still issues that prevent the wide adoption of point‐of‐care systems in the routine of monitoring chronic patients. This Letter presents an advanced framework for enabling patient monitoring that utilises a cloud computing infrastructure for data management and analysis. The framework introduces also a local mechanism for uniform biosignals collection from wearables and biosignal sensors, and decision support modules, in order to enable prompt and essential decisions. A prototype smartphone application and the related cloud modules have been implemented for demonstrating the value of the proposed framework. Initial results regarding the performance of the system and the effectiveness in data management and decision‐making have been quite encouraging.
Finite time sliding sector guidance law with acceleration saturation constraint
Authors: Xu Biao , Zhou Di , Sun Sheng
Published: March 2016

A novel guidance law utilising variable structure control with finite time sliding sector is proposed. In contrast with the normally used notion of asymptotic stability in conventional sliding sector, a finite time sliding sector is defined as a subset of state space in which the Lyapunov function candidate satisfies the finite time stability condition. For the guidance system, the analytical solution of a state‐dependent differential Riccati equation is achieved to determine the finite time sliding sector. Then, based on the finite time sliding sector, a sliding sector guidance law is designed by considering the target acceleration as a bounded uncertainty. Furthermore, the finite time sliding sector guidance law is even extended to the case where missile acceleration saturation constraint is considered. Simulation results show that the new guidance law is highly effective.
Cluster synchronisation in non‐linearly coupled impulsive networks with non‐identical nodes and time‐varying delays
Authors: Fan Hongguang , Zhao Yi , Feng Jianwen
Published: March 2016

This study investigates cluster synchronisation of non‐linearly coupled impulsive networks with time‐varying delay. Without loss of generality, it is assumed that the nodes in the networks to be non‐identical and the coupling matrix to be asymmetric. Two kinds of topological structures are concerned, which correspond to positive weighted network, as well as cooperative and competitive network, respectively. Pinning controllers are designed in order to achieve cluster synchronisation. According to the Lyapunov stability theory, impulsive delay differential inequalities and linear matrix inequalities, some criteria for cluster synchronisation of non‐linear impulsive dynamical systems are obtained. Two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the authors' new results.
A comparison of deep multilayer networks and Markov random field matching models for face recognition in the wild
Authors: Arashloo Shervin Rahimzadeh
Published: March 2016

Robustness to a diverse range of image transformations and distortions has been an everlasting goal of visual pattern recognition. While there have been a huge number of efforts to advance the state‐of‐the art in this direction over the last decades, two prominent outstanding schemes, among others, are deep multilayer architectures and graphical models, providing some degree of robustness to undesired image perturbations. In this study, the authors aim at shedding some light on the underlying concepts, mechanisms, strengths and potentials of each methodology while discussing their relative merits from a practical point of view. In particular, they discuss the underlying motivations for the construction of deep multilayer architectures and undirected graphical models, also known as Markov random fields. The principles in the construction of each architecture, how invariance properties are achieved in each approach, the efficiency of each approach in terms of computations required during train and test as well as the degree of human labour required in each approach are discussed. Finally, an experimental comparison of the performances of the two frameworks is performed on a challenging problem of face recognition in unconstrained settings in the presence of a wide range of undesirable visual perturbations.
Image encryption scheme based on block‐based confusion and multiple levels of diffusion
Authors: Murugan Brindha , Nanjappa Gounder Ammasai Gounden
Published: March 2016

This study proposes a chaos‐based image encryption scheme using Henon map and Lorenz equation with multiple levels of diffusion. The Henon map is used for confusion and the Lorenz equation for diffusion. Apart from the Lorenz equation, another matrix with the same size as the original image is generated which is a complex function of the original image. This matrix which is configured as a diffusion matrix permits two stages of diffusion. Due to this step, there is a strong sensitivity to input image. This encryption algorithm has high key space, entropy very close to eight (for grey images) and very less correlation among adjacent pixels. The highlight of this method is the ideal number of pixels change rate and unified average changing intensity it offers. These ideal values indicate that the encrypted images produced by this proposed scheme are random‐like. Further, a cryptanalysis study has been carried out to prove that the proposed algorithm is resistant to known attacks.
Different approaches to modelling single‐phase voltage source inverters for uninterruptible power supply systems
Authors: Rymarski Zbigniew , Bernacki Krzysztof
Published: March 2016

The standard single‐phase three‐level voltage source inverter (VSI) for uninterruptible power supply systems consist of a pulse width modulation (PWM) modulator, an H‐bridge, and an output inductance/capacitance filter. The design of most control systems requires the inverter small‐signal model. Two approaches for the discrete modelling of the VSI can be considered. The first is based on solving the state space equations during the switching period, which yields a discrete model that depends on the single‐edge or double‐edge type of PWM model. The second approach is the based on the continuous model of the inverter, which is derived from measurements of the real inverter and its discretisation. Both models should regard the increase in the real value of the equivalent coil series resistance and changes in the filter coil inductance with the frequency and amplitude of the magnetising current. The design of the control system requires experimental estimation of the additional delays, which are outside of the models during the measurements and modelling. Both models are validated by comparing the closed‐loop systems with the simple instantaneous controllers in the experimental model.
Fuzzy logic‐based loss minimisation scheme for brushless DC motor drive system
Authors: Nag Tridibesh , Santra Subhendu Bikash , Chatterjee Arunava , Chatterjee Debashis , Ganguli Ashoke K.
Published: March 2016

Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are widely used in various low‐power drive applications owing to their several advantages over conventional motors. This study describes a fuzzy logic‐based improved loss minimisation technique for the BLDC motor drive system. The proposed algorithm uses selective harmonic elimination‐based pulse‐width modulation to optimise both the converter switching losses along with machine core and copper losses based on a speed‐ and load‐dependent fuzzy rule matrix. The optimum switching angles eliminating lower‐order harmonics are calculated offline and stored in microcontroller memory for online application. The suitability of the proposed control is well demonstrated through simulation and experimental results on a practical 350 W BLDC machine.
How to distinguish elastically scattered light from Stokes shifted light for solid-state lighting?
Authors: Meretska M. L. , Lagendijk A. , Thyrrestrup H. , Mosk A. P. , IJzerman W. L. , Vos W. L.
Published: March 2016

We have studied the transport of light through phosphor diffuser plates that are used in commercial solid-state lighting modules (Fortimo). These polymer plates contain YAG:Ce+3 phosphor particles that both elastically scatter and Stokes shift light in the visible wavelength range (400–700 nm). We excite the phosphor with a narrowband light source and measure spectra of the outgoing light. The Stokes shifted light is spectrally separated from the elastically scattered light in the measured spectra, and using this technique, we isolate the elastic transmission of the plates. This result allows us to extract the transport mean free path ltr over the full wavelength range by employing diffusion theory. Simultaneously, we determine the absorption mean free path labs in the wavelength range 400 to 530 nm where YAG:Ce+3 absorbs. The diffuse absorption (μa=1labs) spectrum is qualitatively similar to the absorption coefficient of YAG:Ce+3 in powder, with the diffuse spectrum being wider than the absorption coefficient. We propose a design rule for the solid-state lighting diffuser plates.
Adsorption of highly charged Gaussian polyelectrolytes onto oppositely charged surfaces
Authors: Dutta Sandipan , Jho Y. S.
Published: March 2016

In many biological processes highly charged biopolymers are adsorbed onto oppositely charged surfaces of macroions and membranes. They form strongly correlated structures close to the surface which cannot be explained by the conventional Poisson-Boltzmann theory. In this work strong coupling theory is used to study the adsorption of highly charged Gaussian polyelectrolytes. Two cases of adsorptions are considered, when the Gaussian polyelectrolytes are confined (a) by one charged wall, and (b) between two charged walls. The effects of salt and the geometry of the polymers on their adsorption-depletion transitions in the strong coupling regime are discussed.
Modeling reaction histories to study chemical pathways in condensed phase detonation
Authors: Scott Stewart D. , Hernández Alberto , Lee Kibaek
Published: March 2016

The estimation of pressure and temperature histories, which are required to understand chemical pathways in condensed phase explosives during detonation, is discussed. We argue that estimates made from continuum models, calibrated by macroscopic experiments, are essential to inform modern, atomistic-based reactive chemistry simulations at detonation pressures and temperatures. We present easy to implement methods for general equation of state and arbitrarily complex chemical reaction schemes that can be used to compute reactive flow histories for the constant volume, the energy process, and the expansion process on the Rayleigh line of a steady Chapman-Jouguet detonation. A brief review of state-of-the-art of two-component reactive flow models is given that highlights the Ignition and Growth model of Lee and Tarver [Phys. Fluids 23, 2362 (1980)] and the Wide-Ranging Equation of State model of Wescott, Stewart, and Davis [J. Appl. Phys. 98, 053514 (2005)]. We discuss evidence from experiments and reactive molecular dynamic simulations that motivate models that have several components, instead of the two that have traditionally been used to describe the results of macroscopic detonation experiments. We present simplified examples of a formulation for a hypothetical explosive that uses simple (ideal) equation of state forms and detailed comparisons. Then, we estimate pathways computed from two-component models of real explosive materials that have been calibrated with macroscopic experiments.
Measuring ion velocity distribution functions through high-aspect ratio holes in inductively coupled plasmas
Authors: Cunge G. , Darnon M. , Dubois J. , Bezard P. , Mourey O. , Petit-Etienne C. , Vallier L. , Despiau-Pujo E. , Sadeghi N.
Published: March 2016

Several issues associated with plasma etching of high aspect ratio structures originate from the ions' bombardment of the sidewalls of the feature. The off normal angle incident ions are primarily due to their temperature at the sheath edge and possibly to charging effects. We have measured the ion velocity distribution function (IVDF) at the wafer surface in an industrial inductively coupled plasma reactor by using multigrid retarding field analyzers (RFA) in front of which we place 400 μm thick capillary plates with holes of 25, 50, and 100 μm diameters. The RFA then probes IVDF at the exit of the holes with Aspect Ratios (AR) of 16, 8, and 4, respectively. The results show that the ion flux dramatically drops with the increase in AR. By comparing the measured IVDF with an analytical model, we concluded that the ion temperature is 0.27 eV in our plasma conditions. The charging effects are also observed and are shown to significantly reduce the ion energy at the bottom of the feature but only with a “minor” effect on the ion flux and the shape of the IVDF.
Influence analysis of blade chord length on the performance of a four-bladed Wollongong wind turbine
Authors: Mao Zhaoyong , Tian Wenlong , Yan Shaokun
Published: March 2016

The Wollongong wind turbine is a new kind of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with its blades rotated by only 180° for each full revolution of the main rotor. A computational study on the effect of blade chord length on the turbine output performance of a four-bladed Wollongong turbine has been conducted using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS 13.0. A validation study was performed using a Savonius turbine and good agreement was obtained with experimental data. Both rotating and steady CFD simulations were conducted to investigate the performance of the VAWT. Rotating two-dimensional CFD simulations demonstrated that a turbine with a blade length of 550 mm has the highest power curve with a maximum averaged power coefficient of 0.3639, which is almost twice as high as that of a non-modified Savonius turbine. Steady two-dimensional CFD simulations indicated that the Wollongong turbine has a good self-starting capability with an averaged static torque coefficient of 1.09, which is about six times as high as that of a Savonius turbine.
Real time Markov chains: Wind states in anemometric data
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez P. A. , Robles M. , Jaramillo O. A.
Published: March 2016

The description of wind phenomena is frequently based on the data obtained from anemometers, which usually report the wind speed and direction only in a horizontal plane. Such measurements are commonly used either to develop wind generation farms or to forecast weather conditions in a geographical region. Beyond these standard applications, the information contained in the data may be richer than expected and may lead to a better understanding of the wind dynamics in a geographical area. In this work, we propose a statistical analysis based on the wind velocity vectors, which we propose may be grouped in “wind states” associated with binormal distribution functions. We found that the velocity plane defined by the anemometric velocity data may be used as a phase space, where a finite number of states may be found and sorted using standard clustering methods. The main result is a discretization technique useful to model the wind with Markov chains. We applied such ideas in the anemometric data for two different sites in Mexico where the wind resource is considered reliable. The approximated Markov chains of both places give a set of values for transition probabilities and residence times that may be regarded as a signature of the dynamics of the site.
View factors of photovoltaic collectors on Roof Tops
Authors: Appelbaum J. , Aronescu A.
Published: March 2016

The diffuse radiation is an important component of the global radiation affecting the output of photovoltaic (PV) collectors. This radiation depends on the view factor between the collector and sky. A simple expression for the view factor for single inclined collectors on a horizontal plane is known. However, for a photovoltaic solar field with multiple rows deployed on a horizontal or on inclined planes, the view factor is more complicated to calculate, because a collector row may obscure part of the sky for the adjacent row. More complication is added for collectors deployed on saw-tooth roofs. The present study deals with the calculation of view factors to sky for collectors deployed in multiple rows and in the presence of obscuring structures on roof tops. General and particular mathematical expressions for view factors to sky were developed for PV collectors deployed on grounds or on roof tops to determine the diffuse incident solar radiation on PV collectors, and numerical values of view factors were presented. The view factor to sky depends significantly on the inclination angle of the collector. For common deployment of collectors in multiple rows on horizontal planes, the view to sky is in the range between 0.8 and 0.9 for 30° inclination angle, whereas for 50° inclination angle, the range is between 0.6 and 0.7. The effect of the distance between collectors on the view factor is less pronounced. A wall or a fence in front of the collector may decrease significantly the view factor to sky; an increase of 1.0 to 3.0 m decreases the view to sky from 0.8 to 0.6 for 30° inclination, and from 0.7 to 0.4 for 50° inclination. The view factor to sky of vertical collectors is less than 0.5.
Time-domain measurement of terahertz frequency magnetoplasmon resonances in a two-dimensional electron system by the direct injection of picosecond pulsed currents
Authors: Wu Jingbo , Sydoruk Oleksiy , Mayorov Alexander S. , Wood Christopher D. , Mistry Divyang , Li Lianhe , Linfield Edmund H. , Giles Davies A. , Cunningham John E.
Published: March 2016

We have investigated terahertz (THz) frequency magnetoplasmon resonances in a two-dimensional electron system through the direct injection of picosecond duration current pulses. The evolution of the time-domain signals was measured as a function of magnetic field, and the results were found to be in agreement with calculations using a mode-matching approach for four modes observed in the frequency range above 0.1 THz. This introduces a generic technique suitable for sampling ultrafast carrier dynamics in low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures at THz frequencies.
Extended storage of multiple excitons in trap states of semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Xu Qinfeng , Huang Xiangnan , Hua Zheng , Hu Lian , Du Lingxiao , Wu Huizhen , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang Xiaoyong , Xiao Min
Published: March 2016

Owing to the Auger recombination effect, multiple excitons (MEs) in semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) are dissipated nonradiatively at the sub-nanosecond time scale, which sets a stringent limit on the time window within which one can operate with them. Here, we show that this issue can be resolved by utilizing an intrinsic energy transfer system in CdSe NCs, where MEs created in the donor quantized states can be effectively extracted to the acceptor trap states. This was evidenced by the step-like increase in the intensity and the apparent decrease in the rise time of the trap-state photoluminescence with the elevated laser excitation power. With the radiative lifetime being tens of nanoseconds for the trap states, extended storage of MEs has been achieved and marks a crucial step towards flexible manipulations of their optoelectronic properties.
Radial magnetic compression in the expelled jet of a plasma deflagration accelerator
Authors: Loebner Keith T. K. , Underwood Thomas C. , Mouratidis Theodore , Cappelli Mark. A.
Published: March 2016

A spectroscopic study of a pulsed plasma deflagration accelerator is carried out that confirms the existence of a strong compression in the emerging jet at the exit plane of the device. An imaging spectrometer is used to collect broadened Hα emission from a transaxial slice of the emerging jet at high spatial resolution, and the radial plasma density profile is computed from Voigt fits of the Abel inverted emissivity profiles. The plasma temperature, determined via Doppler broadening of impurity line emission, is compared against the temperature predictions of a radial magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium model applied to the measured density profiles. Empirical scaling laws developed for the plasma density, combined with the measured and predicted temperatures, indicate that a radially equilibrated Z-pinch is formed within the expelled plasma jet at the exit plane during the deflagration process.
Theoretical analysis and experiment of subwavelength structure-integrated red AlGaInP light-emitting diodes for uniform field distribution and enhanced light extraction efficiency
Authors: Lee Gil Ju , Song Young Min
Published: March 2016

We report theoretical and experimental analysis of antireflective subwavelength structures (SWSs) on GaP substrates to enhance the light output with a uniform light distribution of AlGaInP-based red light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Scaling issues on the optical performance are analyzed by the calculation results from finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) and rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) methods. The optical simulation reveals that SWSs with a period of 100–150 nm achieve highest optical output power, while maintaining a uniform light field distribution, in the subwavelength regime. To validate our theoretical results, disordered SWSs with a tapered shape were fabricated on a GaP layer of AlGaInP red LEDs by lithography-free dry etching of Ag nanoparticles. The SWS-integrated LED shows a uniform light output distribution with an improved light output power compared with the conventional LED.
Electroplated Fe-Co-Ni films prepared from deep-eutectic-solvent-based plating baths
Authors: Yanai Takeshi , Shiraishi Kotaro , Akiyoshi Toshiki , Azuma Keita , Watanabe Yoshimasa , Ohgai Takeshi , Morimura Takao , Nakano Masaki , Fukunaga Hirotoshi
Published: March 2016

We fabricated soft magnetic films from DES-based plating baths, and investigated magnetic properties of the plated films. The plating baths were obtained by stirring the mixture of choline chloride, ethylene glycol, FeCl2 ⋅ 4H2O, NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O and CoCl2 ⋅ 6H2O. The composition of the electroplated film depended on the amount of the reagent in the plating bath, and we consequently obtained the films with various composition. The current efficiency of the plating process shows high values (> 88 %) in the wide composition range. The soft magnetic films with low coercivity were obtained at the Fe compositions of ≈ 30 at.% and > 80 at.%, and we found that low coercivity could be realized by the control of the film composition. We also found that the Fe-rich films prepared from DES-based plating bath have some advantages as a soft magnetic phase for a nanocomposite magnet due to their high saturation magnetization and very fine crystal structure.
Experimental investigation of off-stoichiometry and 3d transition metal (Mn, Ni, Cu)-substitution in single-crystalline FePt thin films
Authors: Ono Takuya , Nakata Hitoshi , Moriya Tomohiro , Kikuchi Nobuaki , Okamoto Satoshi , Kitakami Osamu , Shimatsu Takehito
Published: March 2016

In L10 (fct)-FePt thin films, both tuning Fe and Pt concentrations and substitution with third-metal were studied for magnetic characteristic optimization. We investigated single-crystalline FePt-X (X = Mn, Ni, Cu) thin films grown epitaxially on MgO(001) substrates at a substrate temperature of 350  °C by changing Fe, Pt, and X contents, and explored the effects of off-stoichiometry and 3d-metal-substitution. The magnetic moment per atom (m) of FePt-X films as a function of the effective number of valence electrons (neff) in 3d metal sites follows the Slater-Pauling-type trend, by which m decreases by the neff deviation from neff = 8, independently of the X metal and the Pt concentration. The magnetic anisotropy (Ku) exhibits neff dependence similar to m. This trend was almost independent of the Pt concentration after compensation using the theoretical prediction on the relation between Ku and Fe/Pt concentrations. Such a trend has been proved for stoichiometric FePt-X films, but it was clarified as robust against off-stoichiometry. The compensated Ku (Kucomp) of FePt-Mn and FePt-Cu followed a similar trend to that predicted by the rigid-band model, although the Kucomp of the FePt-Mn thin films dropped more rapidly than the rigid band calculation. However, it followed the recent first-principles calculation.
Magnetic and magneto-transport studies of substrate effect on the martensitic transformation in a NiMnIn shape memory alloy
Authors: Sokolov Andrei , Kirianov Eugene , Zlenko Albina , Quetz Abdiel , Aryal Anil , Pandey Sudip , Dubenko Igor , Stadler Shane , Ali Naushad , Al-Aqtash Nabil , Sabirianov Renat
Published: March 2016

The effect of substrates on the magnetic and transport properties of Ni2Mn1.5In0.5 ultra-thin films were studied theoretically and experimentally. High quality 8-nm films were grown by laser-assisted molecular beam epitaxy deposition. Magneto-transport measurements revealed that the films undergo electronic structure transformation similar to those of bulk materials at the martensitic transformation. The temperature of the transformation depends strongly on lattice parameters of the substrate. To explain this behavior, we performed DFT calculations on the system and found that different substrates change the relative stability of the ferromagnetic (FM) austenite and ferrimagnetic (FiM) martensite states. We conclude that the energy difference between the FM austenite and FiM martensite states in Ni2Mn1.5In0.5 films grown on MgO (001) substrates is ΔE = 0.20 eV per NiMnIn f.u, somewhat lower compared to ΔE = 0.24 eV in the bulk material with the same lattice parameters. When the lattice parameters of Ni2Mn1.5In0.5 film have values close to those of the MgO substrate, the energy difference becomes ΔE = 0.08 eV per NiMnIn f.u. These results suggest the possibility to control the martensitic transition in thin films through substrate engineering.
Screening for important unwarranted variation in clinical practice: a triple-test of processes of care, costs and patient outcomes
Authors: Partington Andrew , Chew Derek P. , Ben-Tovim David , Horsfall Matthew , Hakendorf Paul , Karnon Jonathan
Published: March 2016

Objective Unwarranted variation in clinical practice is a target for quality improvement in health care, but there is no consensus on how to identify such variation or to assess the potential value of initiatives to improve quality in these areas. This study illustrates the use of a triple test, namely the comparative analysis of processes of care, costs and outcomes, to identify and assess the burden of unwarranted variation in clinical practice. Methods Routinely collected hospital and mortality data were linked for patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndromes at the emergency departments of four public hospitals in South Australia. Multiple regression models analysed variation in re-admissions and mortality at 30 days and 12 months, patient costs and multiple process indicators. Results After casemix adjustment, an outlier hospital with statistically significantly poorer outcomes and higher costs was identified. Key process indicators included admission patterns, use of invasive diagnostic procedures and length of stay. Performance varied according to patients’ presenting characteristics and time of presentation. Conclusions The joint analysis of processes, outcomes and costs as alternative measures of performance inform the importance of reducing variation in clinical practice, as well as identifying specific targets for quality improvement along clinical pathways. Such analyses could be undertaken across a wide range of clinical areas to inform the potential value and prioritisation of quality improvement initiatives. What is known about the topic? Variation in clinical practice is a long-standing issue that has been analysed from many different perspectives. It is neither possible nor desirable to address all forms of variation in clinical practice: the focus should be on identifying important unwarranted variation to inform actions to reduce variation and improve quality. What does this paper add? This paper proposes the comparative analysis of processes of care, costs and outcomes for patients with similar diagnoses presenting at alternative hospitals, using linked, routinely collected data. This triple test of performance indicators extracts maximum value from routine data to identify priority areas for quality improvement to reduce important and unwarranted variations in clinical practice. What are the implications for practitioners? The proposed analyses need to be applied to other clinical areas to demonstrate the general application of the methods. The outputs can then be validated through the application of quality improvement initiatives in clinical areas with identified important and unwarranted variation. Validated frameworks for the comparative analysis of clinical practice provide an efficient approach to valuing and prioritising actions to improve health service quality.
Reproductive performance and herd growth potentials of cattle in the Borana pastoral system, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wario Hussein T. , Roba Hassan G. , Aufderheide Mareike , Kaufmann Brigitte
Published: March 2016

The pastoral communities in the Borana rangelands of southern Ethiopia mainly rely on cattle (Bos indicus) for their livelihoods. The reproductive performance of cattle is affected by environmental variability and mobility practices that affect fodder availability. This study was conducted to investigate the reproductive performances and herd growth potentials of cattle reared in three ecologically varied zones of Golbo, Malbe and Dirre in the Borana rangelands with different levels of mobility constraints. Using the progeny history technique we gathered life histories of 95, 44, and 138 breeding females and their 411, 203, and 448 calves from the pastoral zones of Golbo, Malbe and Dirre, respectively. The average number of breeding females per household showed a declining trend over the past 10 years. The age at first calving was 53 ± 1 (mean ± s.e.), 52 ± 2 and 56 ± 1 months for the cows from Golbo, Malbe and Dirre, respectively. The mean calving interval was 18. ± 0 for Golbo, 17 ± 0 for Malbe and 19 ± 0 for Dirre. The average number of calves per cow was 3.8 ± 0.1 and was highest in Golbo. Dirre had the lowest calving rate and higher calf mortality than Malbe and Golbo. A simulation of herd growth showed that in Golbo and Malbe the average number of females were 100% higher after 20 years than in Dirre. It is concluded that reduced pastoral mobility that affected resource access across ecological zones can compromise the reproductive performance and hence the growth potential of cattle populations. These findings underscore the importance of policy frameworks such as those by the African Union that call for upholding of pastoral land rights and enabling of mobility practices.
Estimating density-dependent impacts of European rabbits on Australian tree and shrub populations
Authors: Mutze Greg , Cooke Brian , Jennings Scott
Published: March 2016

Introduced European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, can severely damage Australian native vegetation but the problem is difficult to quantify because simple methods to estimate rabbit impacts are lacking. Management decision-making is often uncertain because of unknown relationships between rabbit density and damage. We tested simple quantitative sampling methods using belt transects to detect differences in critical characteristics of perennial vegetation communities affected by rabbit browsing: damage to individual juvenile shrubs and trees, and loss of recruitment cohorts. Rabbit density and relative abundance of larger herbivores were estimated from dung pellet density. The prevalence of identifiable rabbit browse on juvenile plants increased with increasing rabbit density and was higher for plant species considered by previous authors to be highly palatable than for moderately palatable or unpalatable species. At densities of ≥0.5 rabbits ha–1, highly palatable plant species were severely damaged as juveniles and cohorts in 0.3–1.0 m height classes and 5–20 mm basal diameter classes were missing. Similar damage became apparent in moderately palatable species at 2 rabbits ha–1 but was rarely seen in unpalatable species. Within species, size cohort evenness was inversely related to the proportion of surviving juveniles with identifiable rabbit damage. The effect of rabbits on native vegetation condition can be recorded in a simple manner suitable for identifying density-damage relationships and changes in vegetation condition over time. It is particularly useful in setting target densities below which rabbits must be managed to maintain natural plant recruitment and ecosystem function in conservation reserves and pastoral grazing properties of southern Australia.
Structural Diversity and Properties of Six ZnII/CdII Coordination Polymers Based on an O-Bridged Semi-Rigid Bis-pyridyl-bis-amide and Different Dicarboxylates
Authors: Wang Xiu-Li , Wu Xiao-Mei , Liu Guo-Cheng , Chen Nai-Li , Lin Hong-Yan , Wang Xiang
Published: March 2016

Six new coordination polymers [Zn2(L)(chdc)2]·2H2O (1), [Zn(L)(mip)]·3H2O (2), [Zn(L)(bdc)]·H2O (3), [Cd2(L)(chdc)2]·2H2O (4), [Cd(L)(mip)]·2H2O (5), and [Cd(L)(bdc)]·2H2O (6) (L = N,N′-bis(pyridine-3-yl)-4,4′-oxybis(benzoic) dicarboxamide, 1,4-H2chdc = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, H2mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid, 1,3-H2bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized from ZnII/CdII ions and L ligands in the presence of auxiliary dicarboxylates via hydrothermal or solvothermal reaction. The coordination polymers have been fully characterized by infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 contains a 1D [Zn4(chdc)4]n wave-like chain, which is connected by the μ2-bridging ligand L, affording a 3,4-connected 2D polymeric network. Complexes 2 and 3 both possess similar 2D 4-connected square grid-like layers, which are based on Zn-carboxylates linear chains and left-handed [Zn(L)]n helix chains. The structure of complex 4 is very similar to that of 1. Complexes 5 and 6 demonstrate a similar 2D 3,5-connected channel-level network, which is constructed from a pair of Cd-carboxylates linear chains and 1D [Cd2(L)2]n cyclic chains. The effects of the central metal ions and different dicarboxylates on the formation and structures of the title coordination polymers have been discussed. In addition, the fluorescence and photocatalytic properties of the title complexes have been investigated.
Functions for diverse metabolic activities in heterochromatin
Authors: Su Xue Bessie , Pillus Lorraine
Published: March 2016

Significance

Eukaryotic genomes have distinct heterochromatic regions that silence gene transcription and other DNA transactions. In yeast, these regions are controlled by activities of the silent information regulator (SIR) complex, which are influenced by NAD
+
metabolism. We report results, starting from an in silico screen, that proteins functioning in a diverse range of amino acid metabolic activities influence chromatin silencing, thus expanding knowledge of connections between metabolism and epigenetic processes. In a case study, we found that glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (Gdh1) has two chromatin-based functions: controlling recruitment of the SIR complex and negatively regulating proteolysis of a conserved core histone to modulate gene expression. Mechanistically, Gdh1 contributes to silencing through α-ketoglutarate consumption, and high levels of α-ketoglutarate are shown to be detrimental to telomeric silencing.
Leukocyte integrin α
L
β
2
headpiece structures: The αI domain, the pocket for the internal ligand, and concerted movements of its loops
Authors: Sen Mehmet , Springer Timothy A.
Published: March 2016

Significance

αI integrins have 13 extracellular domains in two subunits; communication between these domains is key to regulating affinity. Structures of integrins that contain a special ligand-binding domain, the αI domain, reveal it is linked in a highly flexible manner to the β-propeller domain. Differences among αI integrin β-propeller domains concentrate at the interface with the αI domain and the binding pocket for an internal ligand that relays allostery between αI and βI domains. We reveal in many integrins a mechanism by which allostery can be communicated by concerted motions of two loops that form the interface in the βI domain for both internal and external ligands. The motions markedly increase complementarity for ligands.
Exploring epicentres empirically
Authors: Gries Stefan Th. , Bernaisch Tobias
Published: March 2016

The present paper studies the dative alternation with GIVE, i.e. the alternation between the double-object construction (e.g.John gave Mary a book) and the prepositional dative (e.g.John gave a book to Mary), in relation to the norms underlying this constructional choice in six South Asian Englishes. ViaMultifactorial Prediction and Deviation Analysis with Regression(MuPDAR) including random effects, we identify (i) factors triggering different constructional choices in South Asian Englishes in comparison to British English and (ii) the linguistic epicentre of English in South Asia with regard to the dative alternation. We are able to show that discourse accessibility of patient and recipient as well as pronominality of recipient are actuators of structural nativisation in South Asian Englishes and — in agreement with a more general sociolinguistic approach — find via a bottom-up approach that Indian English may be regarded as the linguistic epicentre of English for South Asia.
Noun phrase complexity across varieties of English
Authors: Schilk Marco , Schaub Steffen
Published: March 2016

The noun phrase (NP) is at the heart of several studies investigating regional variation in varieties of English. While so far the bulk of research has focused on isolated structural features, the present study is a comparative analysis of NP complexity across varieties of English. NP complexity is compared across five regional varieties and four text categories, based on data from the International Corpus of English. The study adopts a multinomial regression approach, which takes into consideration the interaction of three potential predictors: syntactic function, text type, and variety. The results underline the need for text-type-sensitive studies and add to an understanding of syntactic contact phenomena in varieties of English. More specifically, we find marked differences in the predictive power of the variables and illustrate how focusing on the interaction of syntactic functions, text type and regional variety contributes to a systematic description of variation in the NP in world Englishes.
Early years immersion
Authors: Stephen Christine , McPake Joanna , Pollock Irene , McLeod Wilson
Published: March 2016

This paper considers the pedagogic challenges encountered in preschool settings which strive to provide high quality learning experiences across the curriculum for three- to five-year olds while also immersing them in a second language. In our effort to develop an empirically and theoretically informed foundation for the development of pedagogic practices in Gaelic-medium preschools in Scotland, we draw on literature from early years education and from early total immersion, particularly in relation to language revitalisation initiatives, and report the findings from our study of the everyday experiences of young learners in three Gaelic-medium playrooms. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges for early years practitioners charged with meeting the goals of both the early years curriculum and early language immersion. It proposes theoretical foundations from which a specific pedagogy and professional practice model for preschool immersion education can be developed, to ensure that these goals are integrated rather than in tension.
English-medium instruction in Sweden
Authors: Paulsrud BethAnne Yoxsimer
Published: March 2016

This article presents a multi-site and multi-method doctoral dissertation study of English-medium instruction (EMI) in the Swedish context, focusing on perspectives and practices in two upper secondary schools. The research explores the status of EMI, reasons schools offer EMI, beliefs about EMI, and implementation of EMI in classrooms. The educational context is studied from an ecological perspective using methods based in linguistic ethnography. The results indicate that the few Swedish schools teaching content through another language tend to offer EMI — not content and language integrated learning (CLIL). Neither language learning nor 100% English instruction are the main goals of the schools. Translanguaging is abundant, affording both pedagogic and non-pedagogic functions. The study concludes that a development of definitions and practices of both EMI and CLIL in Sweden is needed, especially in relation to language policy and language hierarchy.
Overriding syntactic islands with prosodically marked wh-scope in South Kyŏngsang Korean and two dialects of Japanese
Authors: Hwang Hyun Kyung
Published: March 2016

This article explores the effect of discourse context and prosody on the resolution ofwh-scope ambiguity in Tokyo Japanese, Fukuoka Japanese, and South Kyŏngsang Korean. It focuses onwh-islands in particular. There is little consensus in the literature as to whetherwh-island effects are present in Japanese or Korean (Huang 1982, Nishigauchi 1990, Lee 1982, Suh 1987, among others). A production study, in which a scope-ambiguouswh-interrogative was preceded by a disambiguating discourse context, demonstrates that speakers’ scope interpretation is consistent with the preceding discourse context. An additional comprehension study reveals that prosodicwh-scope marking observed in the languages studied improves the acceptability of the matrix scope readings in violation ofwh-islands. The experimental results support the view thatwh-island effects can be overridden by plausible discourse contexts as well as the appropriate prosodic marking ofwh-scope. These results highlight the interaction of grammatical knowledge, contextual factors, and prosody.
Verbs of letting in Germanic and Romance languages
Authors: Levshina Natalia
Published: March 2016

This study compares eleven verbs of letting in six Germanic and five Romance languages. The aim of this paper is to pinpoint the differences and similarities in the semasiological variation of these verbs, both across and within the two language groups they represent. The results of a Multidimensional Scaling analysis based on a parallel corpus of film subtitles show that the verbs differ along several semantic dimensions, such as letting versus leaving, factitive versus permissive causation, as well as modality and discourse function. Although the main differences between the verbs lend themselves to a genealogical interpretation (Germanic vs. Romance), a distributional analysis of constructional patterns in which the verbs occur reveals that these differences are in fact distributed areally, with a centre and a periphery.