bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐time image smoke detection using staircase searching‐based dual threshold AdaBoost and dynamic analysis
Authors: Yuan Feiniu , Fang Zhijun , Wu Shiqian , Yang Yong , Fang Yuming
Published: June 2015

It is very challenging to accurately detect smoke from images because of large variances of smoke colour, textures, shapes and occlusions. To improve performance, the authors combine dual threshold AdaBoost with staircase searching technique to propose and implement an image smoke detection method. First, extended Haar‐like features and statistical features are efficiently extracted from integral images from both intensity and saturation components of RGB images. Then, a dual threshold AdaBoost algorithm with a staircase searching technique is proposed to classify the features of smoke for smoke detection. The staircase searching technique aims at keeping consistency of training and classifying as far as possible. Finally, dynamic analysis is proposed to further validate the existence of smoke. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system has a good robustness in terms of early smoke detection and low false alarm rate, and it can detect smoke from videos with size of 320 × 240 in real time.
Different control objectives for grid‐connected converter under unbalanced grid voltage using forgotten iterative filter as phase lock loop
Authors: Jiang Weidong , Hu Yang , Zhang Yi , Zhao Deyong , Wang Lei
Published: June 2015

As the grid‐connected converter is operating in the unbalanced three‐phase grid in the traditional control strategies, the even harmonics of the voltage appear in DC‐link and the odd harmonics of the current in AC‐link, which will severely affect the performance of the grid‐connected converter. Under this circumstance, the unbalanced three‐phase grid will bring various negative effects and difficulty to the control of the converter, such as the fluctuation of active and reactive powers, non‐sinusoidal and unsymmetrical three‐phase currents. First, this study analyses the form of the fluctuation of power based on the instantaneous power theory and establishes a mathematical model of a grid‐connected converter under unbalanced grid voltage. And then, a more complete description of the control problem of the converter is given, after three different control objectives, the fluctuation of active/reactive power and the non‐sinusoidal and unsymmetrical grid currents, are considered at the same time. A novel method of separating the instantaneous positive and negative sequence components is proposed and well applied during achieving the different control objectives. Finally, the experimental results are compared, showing that the strategy is effective.
The CONTIN algorithm and its application to determine the size distribution of microgel suspensions
Authors: Scotti A. , Liu W. , Hyatt J. S. , Herman E. S. , Choi H. S. , Kim J. W. , Lyon L. A. , Gasser U. , Fernandez-Nieves A.
Published: June 2015

We review a powerful regularization method, known as CONTIN, for obtaining the size distribution of colloidal suspensions from dynamic light scattering data. We show that together with the so-called L-curve criterion for selecting the optimal regularization parameter, the method correctly describes the average size and size distribution of microgel suspensions independently characterized using small-angle neutron scattering. In contrast, we find that when using the default regularization process, where the regularizer is selected via the “probability to reject” method, the results are not as satisfactory.
Characterization of rectangular vertical cracks using burst vibrothermography
Authors: Mendioroz A. , Celorrio R. , Salazar A.
Published: June 2015

We use burst vibrothermography to characterize, i.e., to determine the dimensions and location of buried vertical cracks of rectangular shape. Surface breaking as well as buried cracks are investigated. We calculate the surface temperature distribution generated by a rectangular vertical crack when excited by an ultrasound burst of constant power. By fitting synthetic data with added white noise, we analyze the effect of the burst duration on the accuracy of the retrieved dimensions and depth of the crack. We take data on samples containing artificial calibrated vertical cracks. The results of the fittings performed on these experimental data show that it is possible to characterize rectangular vertical cracks from burst vibrothermography experiments.
A fast rise-rate, adjustable-mass-bit gas puff valve for energetic pulsed plasma experiments
Authors: Loebner Keith T. K. , Underwood Thomas C. , Cappelli Mark A.
Published: June 2015

A fast rise-rate, variable mass-bit gas puff valve based on the diamagnetic repulsion principle was designed, built, and experimentally characterized. The ability to hold the pressure rise-rate nearly constant while varying the total overall mass bit was achieved via a movable mechanical restrictor that is accessible while the valve is assembled and pressurized. The rise-rates and mass-bits were measured via piezoelectric pressure transducers for plenum pressures between 10 and 40 psig and restrictor positions of 0.02-1.33 cm from the bottom of the linear restrictor travel. The mass-bits were found to vary linearly with the restrictor position at a given plenum pressure, while rise-rates varied linearly with plenum pressure but exhibited low variation over the range of possible restrictor positions. The ability to change the operating regime of a pulsed coaxial plasma deflagration accelerator by means of altering the valve parameters is demonstrated.
Efficient scalable solid-state neutron detector
Authors: Moses Daniel
Published: June 2015

We report on scalable solid-state neutron detector system that is specifically designed to yield high thermal neutron detection sensitivity. The basic detector unit in this system is made of a 6Li foil coupled to two crystalline silicon diodes. The theoretical intrinsic efficiency of a detector-unit is 23.8% and that of detector element comprising a stack of five detector-units is 60%. Based on the measured performance of this detector-unit, the performance of a detector system comprising a planar array of detector elements, scaled to encompass effective area of 0.43 m2, is estimated to yield the minimum absolute efficiency required of radiological portal monitors used in homeland security.
The elusive S2 state, the S1/S2 splitting, and the excimer states of the benzene dimer
Authors: Balmer Franziska A. , Trachsel Maria A. , van der Avoird Ad , Leutwyler Samuel
Published: June 2015

We observe the weak S0 → S2 transitions of the T-shaped benzene dimers (Bz)2 and (Bz-d6)2 about 250 cm−1 and 220 cm−1 above their respective S0 → S1 electronic origins using two-color resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. Spin-component scaled (SCS) second-order approximate coupled-cluster (CC2) calculations predict that for the tipped T-shaped geometry, the S0 → S2 electronic oscillator strength fel(S2) is ∼10 times smaller than fel(S1) and the S2 state lies ∼240 cm−1 above S1, in excellent agreement with experiment. The S0 → S1 (ππ∗) transition is mainly localized on the “stem” benzene, with a minor stem → cap charge-transfer contribution; the S0 → S2 transition is mainly localized on the “cap” benzene. The orbitals, electronic oscillator strengths fel(S1) and fel(S2), and transition frequencies depend strongly on the tipping angle ω between the two Bz moieties. The SCS-CC2 calculated S1 and S2 excitation energies at different T-shaped, stacked-parallel and parallel-displaced stationary points of the (Bz)2 ground-state surface allow to construct approximate S1 and S2 potential energy surfaces and reveal their relation to the “excimer” states at the stacked-parallel geometry. The fel(S1) and fel(S2) transition dipole moments at the C2v-symmetric T-shape, parallel-displaced and stacked-parallel geometries are either zero or ∼10 times smaller than at the tipped T-shaped geometry. This unusual property of the S0 → S1 and S0 → S2 transition-dipole moment surfaces of (Bz)2 restricts its observation by electronic spectroscopy to the tipped and tilted T-shaped geometries; the other ground-state geometries are impossible or extremely difficult to observe. The S0 → S1/S2 spectra of (Bz)2 are compared to those of imidazole ⋅ (Bz)2, which has a rigid triangular structure with a tilted (Bz)2 subunit. The S0 → S1/ S2 transitions of imidazole-(benzene)2 lie at similar energies as those of (Bz)2, confirming our assignment of the (Bz)2 S0 → S2 transition.
Following the molecular motion of near-resonant excited CO on Pt(111): A simulated x-ray photoelectron diffraction study based on molecular dynamics calculations
Authors: Greif Michael , Nagy Tibor , Soloviov Maksym , Castiglioni Luca , Hengsberger Matthias , Meuwly Markus , Osterwalder Jürg
Published: June 2015

A THz-pump and x-ray-probe experiment is simulated where x-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) patterns record the coherent vibrational motion of carbon monoxide molecules adsorbed on a Pt(111) surface. Using molecular dynamics simulations, the excitation of frustrated wagging-type motion of the CO molecules by a few-cycle pulse of 2 THz radiation is calculated. From the atomic coordinates, the time-resolved XPD patterns of the C 1s core level photoelectrons are generated. Due to the direct structural information in these data provided by the forward scattering maximum along the carbon-oxygen direction, the sequence of these patterns represents the equivalent of a molecular movie.
Microstructure-controlled depth gradients of mechanical properties in thin nanocrystalline films: Towards structure-property gradient functionalization
Authors: Daniel R. , Zeilinger A. , Schöberl T. , Sartory B. , Mitterer C. , Keckes J.
Published: June 2015

Although the influence of the grain size on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials is well understood, the occurrence of depth-gradients of grain size, microstructure, and residual stresses in nanocrystalline thin films and their effect on the functional properties is a phenomenon which has not yet been studied in detail. Hence in this work, single-layered polycrystalline and mosaic epitaxial as well as multilayered CrN thin films were characterized by a combination of averaging as well as depth-resolved experimental techniques, such as cross-sectional X-ray nanodiffraction and small-angle cross-sectional nanoindentation. The results reveal the fundamental relationship between gradients of grain size, microstructure, and stresses, controlled by the film growth conditions, and gradients of hardness and elastic modulus. The effect of the compressive stress and structural defects associated with high particle energy on the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline thin films was found to be dominant over the grain size and crystallographic texture. These findings open the way to functionalize structure-property gradients in nanocrystalline thin films through microstructural design as demonstrated for multilayered CrN films.
Diffusion of a Janus nanoparticle in an explicit solvent: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Kharazmi Ali , Priezjev Nikolai V.
Published: June 2015

Molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the translational and rotational diffusion of a single Janus particle immersed in a dense Lennard-Jones fluid. We consider a spherical particle with two hemispheres of different wettabilities. The analysis of the particle dynamics is based on the time-dependent orientation tensor, particle displacement, as well as the translational and angular velocity autocorrelation functions. It was found that both translational and rotational diffusion coefficients increase with decreasing surface energy at the nonwetting hemisphere, provided that the wettability of the other hemisphere remains unchanged. We also observed that in contrast to homogeneous particles, the nonwetting hemisphere of the Janus particle tends to rotate in the direction of the displacement vector during the rotational relaxation time.
Characterizing the effects of free carriers in fully etched, dielectric-clad silicon waveguides
Authors: Sharma Rajat , Puckett Matthew W. , Lin Hung-Hsi , Vallini Felipe , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: June 2015

We theoretically characterize the free-carrier plasma dispersion effect in fully etched silicon waveguides, with various dielectric material claddings, due to fixed interface charges and trap states at the silicon-dielectric interfaces. The values used for these charges are obtained from the measured capacitance-voltage characteristics of SiO2, SiNx, and Al2O3 thin films deposited on silicon substrates. The effect of the charges on the properties of silicon waveguides is then calculated using the semiconductor physics tool Silvaco in combination with the finite-difference time-domain method solver Lumerical. Our results show that, in addition to being a critical factor in the analysis of such active devices as capacitively driven silicon modulators, this effect should also be taken into account when considering the propagation losses of passive silicon waveguides.
Regimes of wetting transitions on superhydrophobic textures conditioned by energy of receding contact lines
Authors: Dubov Alexander L. , Mourran Ahmed , Möller Martin , Vinogradova Olga I.
Published: June 2015

We discuss an evaporation-induced wetting transition on superhydrophobic stripes and show that depending on the elastic energy of the deformed contact line, which determines the value of an instantaneous apparent contact angle, two different scenarios occur. For relatively dilute stripes, the receding angle is above 90°, and the sudden impalement transition happens due to an increase of a curvature of an evaporating drop. For dense stripes, the slow impregnation transition commences when the apparent angle reaches 90° and represents the impregnation of the grooves from the triple contact line towards the drop center.
Temperature dependent energy levels of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite
Authors: Foley Benjamin J. , Marlowe Daniel L. , Sun Keye , Saidi Wissam A. , Scudiero Louis , Gupta Mool C. , Choi Joshua J.
Published: June 2015

Temperature dependent energy levels of methylammonium lead iodide are investigated using a combination of ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and optical spectroscopy. Our results show that the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum shift down in energy by 110 meV and 77 meV as temperature increases from 28 °C to 85 °C. Density functional theory calculations using slab structures show that the decreased orbital splitting due to thermal expansion is a major contribution to the experimentally observed shift in energy levels. Our results have implications for solar cell performance under operating conditions with continued sunlight exposure and increased temperature.
Determination of deep-level defects in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin-films using photocapacitance method
Authors: Islam Muhammad Monirul , Halim Mohammad Abdul , Sakurai Takeaki , Sakai Noriyuki , Kato Takuya , Sugimoto Hiroki , Tampo Hitoshi , Shibata Hajime , Niki Shigeru , Akimoto Katsuhiro
Published: June 2015

Deep-level defects were investigated in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 and Cu2ZnSnS4 thin-films using transient photocapacitance (TPC) spectroscopy. A deep-defect, OH1 centered around 1.0 eV above the valance-band (EV) of Cu2ZnSnS4 has been identified at room temperature (RT). However, OH1-defect could be identified in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 at low temperature only. Absence of OH1-defect in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 at RT explains its better performance comparing to Cu2ZnSnS4 solar-cell. A comparative study of the TPC spectra of the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar-cells was performed. Low intensity of defect-signal together with lower broadening of exponential band-tail in the TPC spectra were attributed to superior performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar-cells comparing to Cu2ZnSn(S,Se) counterpart.
The Jd number: An empirical constant for predicting dual cantilever flutter velocity
Authors: Hobeck J. D. , Inman D. J.
Published: June 2015

In this letter, the authors present a semi-empirical relationship used to predict the velocity at which two adjacent identical cantilevers placed in steady cross-flow begin to experience persistent large amplitude vibrations at a particular combination of flow velocity and separation distance. This recently discovered flow-induced vibration phenomenon is called dual cantilever flutter (DCF). The only DCF models available can be used to predict time-series dynamics; however, they are complex and require extensive model updating procedures. The model proposed in this letter requires known parameters and only a single nondimensional empirical value called the Jd number. The Jd number was found to be an approximately constant single value for four case studies, each performed with a different cantilever design. Derivation of the Jd number and the flutter prediction model are discussed and experimentally validated.
Diversity partitioning of a phytoplankton community in semiarid salterns
Authors: Costa Raiane S. , Molozzi Joseline , Hepp Luiz U. , Rocha Renato M. , Barbosa José E. L.
Published: June 2015

Salterns consist of a series of interconnected evaporators that form sectors in the salterns. Their operation generates an increasing saline gradient, which influences species diversity. The present study was conducted in three salterns, with the goal of evaluating the diversity partitioning of phytoplankton along the saline gradient. We identified 65 taxa; the species richness was similar among the salterns, with higher values occurring in initial sectors and a downward trend with increasing salinity. In the partitioning analysis, the α diversity contributed 33.8% of the total diversity. The diversity variance showed a strong reduction from the α to β1 (33.8–6.3%). At higher scales, the highest species richness was found between salt marshes; however, there was lower diversity and a decrease in similarity from the lower to the higher scale. Therefore, we demonstrated that the greater variance in phytoplankton richness was at higher scales.
Hind limb myology of the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) and greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) (Marsupialia : Peramelemorphia)
Authors: Warburton Natalie M. , Malric Auréline , Yakovleff Maud , Leonard Veronique , Cailleau Charlotte
Published: June 2015

Bandicoots and bilbies (order Peramelemorphia) represent the principal group of omnivorous marsupials from a range of habitats across Australia and New Guinea. Bandicoots and bilbies most commonly use quadrupedal, asymmetrical half-bounding or bounding gaits and present an unusual combination of hind limb morphological features, including an ossified patella, a modified tibiofibular joint, and syndactylous morphology of the pes. We performed comparative dissections of the hind limb of the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) (n = 13) and greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) (n = 4), providing detailed descriptions of the muscular anatomy. These species displayed significant modification of the hind limb muscular anatomy and associated connective tissues, including emphasis on multiarticular muscles, such as the hamstrings, and extreme development of fascial structures. These patterns were more extreme in I. obesulus than in M. lagotis. Differences between the hind limb anatomy of I. obesulus and M. lagotis reflect the different ecological and environmental pressures on their locomotion and digging behaviours.
On some genetic consequences of social structure, mating systems, dispersal, and sampling
Authors: Parreira Bárbara R. , Chikhi Lounès
Published: June 2015

Significance

Many species live in socially structured populations, forming cohesive units with kin structure. Yet, sociality has been neglected by population geneticists under the assumption that social groups can be seen as small demes subjected to significant genetic drift. Such demes are usually considered to be susceptible to inbreeding, with inbreeding avoidance becoming a major force explaining dispersal strategies. We find that social structure is highly effective in maintaining high genotypic and genetic diversity levels, without invoking sex-biased dispersal or inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. These findings should change the way we perceive social groups.
Opacity and conductivity measurements in noble gases at conditions of planetary and stellar interiors
Authors: McWilliams R. Stewart , Dalton D. Allen , Konôpková Zuzana , Mahmood Mohammad F. , Goncharov Alexander F.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Planets and stars contain matter at extreme pressures and temperatures hidden deep beneath their opaque surfaces. Unable to see these states of matter directly, we instead produce them in laboratory experiments. Here a novel method of studying extreme states in a tabletop experiment is described and applied to common planet- and star-forming materials, the noble gases. Helium, neon, argon, and xenon transform in the experiments from transparent electrical insulators to opaque electrical conductors. In Saturn, rain composed of noble gas becomes conductive as it falls and can form a protective layer around the planetary core that prevents the core from dissolving into surrounding metallic hydrogen. White dwarf stars have unexpectedly opaque helium atmospheres, causing them to age slower than anticipated.
Arginine methylation of HSP70 regulates retinoid acid-mediated
RARβ2
gene activation
Authors: Gao Wei-wei , Xiao Rong-quan , Peng Bing-ling , Xu Huan-teng , Shen Hai-feng , Huang Ming-feng , Shi Tao-tao , Yi Jia , Zhang Wen-juan , Wu Xiao-nan , Gao Xiang , Lin Xiang-zhi , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Rosenfeld Michael G. , Liu Wen
Published: June 2015

Significance

HSP70 proteins are well known as molecular chaperones involved in protein folding and quality control. Whether they also function in gene transcription on chromatin, and if so, how they are regulated, remains elusive. Here we report that HSP70 can also regulate gene transcription through its association with chromatin, distinct from its “classic” function as a molecular chaperone. The function of HSP70 in gene transcription is subject to regulation of an arginine methylation on a highly conserved residue in HSP70, which modulates the recruitment of a key component in the pre-initiation complex, and thus transcription initiation. The present study reveals an additional, previously overlooked function of HSP70 chaperone proteins, and links arginine methylation of nonhistone proteins to gene transcriptional regulation.
Information Customization and Food Choice
Authors: Balcombe Kelvin , Fraser Iain , Lowe Ben , Souza Monteiro Diogo
Published: June 2015

In this article, we employ a hypothetical discrete choice experiment to examine how much consumers are willing to pay to use technology to customize their food shopping. We conjecture that customized information provision can aid in the composition of a healthier shop. Our results reveal that consumers are prepared to pay relatively more for specific information as opposed to the generic nutritional information that is typically provided on food labels. In arriving at these results, we have examined various model specifications including those that useex postde‐briefing questions on attribute non‐attendance and attribute‐ranking information, and those that consider the time taken to complete the survey. Our main results are robust to the various model specifications we examine.
Different Approaches to Ultrasound-guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block
Authors: Krediet Annelot C. , Moayeri Nizar , van Geffen Geert-Jan , Bruhn Jörgen , Renes Steven , Bigeleisen Paul E. , Groen Gerbrand J.
Published: June 2015

AbstractAbstract

Given the fast development and increasing clinical relevance of ultrasound guidance for thoracic paravertebral blockade, this review article strives (1) to provide comprehensive information on thoracic paravertebral space anatomy, tailored to the needs of a regional anesthesia practitioner, (2) to interpret ultrasound images of the thoracic paravertebral space using cross-sectional anatomical images that are matched in location and plane, and (3) to briefly describe and discuss different ultrasound-guided approaches to thoracic paravertebral blockade. To illustrate the pertinent anatomy, high-resolution photographs of anatomical cross-sections are used. By using voxel anatomy, it is possible to visualize the needle pathway of different approaches in the same human specimen. This offers a unique presentation of this complex anatomical region and is inherently more realistic than anatomical drawings.

Using digitized anatomical cross-sectional images, this article reviews the necessary anatomical background to successfully interpret ultrasound images of the thoracic paravertebral space, and provides an overview on currently published approaches to ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral blockade.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.
Socioeconomic Risk Factors for Celiac Disease Burden and Symptoms
Authors: Oza Sveta S. , Akbari Mona , Kelly Ciarán P. , Hansen Joshua , Theethira Thimmaiah , Tariq Sohaib , Dennis Melinda , Leffler Daniel A.
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims:

Celiac disease (CD) affects approximately 1% of the population and negatively affects aspects of life including physical and social function. The relationship between socioeconomic (SE) factors, symptom severity, and perceived burden of living with CD is not well understood. The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between income, symptoms, and perceived burden of CD.

Methods:

In this survey study conducted at a tertiary care center, 773 patients 18 years of age or more with biopsy confirmed CD were eligible to participate. Patients completed a survey with information on SE data, the validated Celiac Symptom Index (CSI), and visual analog scales (VAS) assessing overall health, CD-related health, difficulty in following a gluten-free diet (GFD), and importance of following a GFD.

Results:

Three hundred forty one patients completed the survey. Higher income predicted better overall health, better CD related health, and fewer symptoms. In the logistic regression model, low income was associated with greater CD symptoms (odds ratio=6.04, P=0.002). Other factors associated with greater symptoms were younger age, poor overall health state, and more physician visits. Factors associated with increased burden of CD included hospitalizations, more symptoms, poor overall health state, and burden of following a GFD.

Conclusions:

Patients with lower incomes have worse CD-related health and greater symptoms. Those with low income had 6 times the odds of greater symptoms compared with those with high income. Our data suggest that income is associated with perceived overall health, CD-related health, and CD symptoms.
A field demonstration of the costs and benefits of group living to edible and defended prey
Authors: Curley Edward A. M. , Rowley Hannah E. , Speed Michael P.
Published: June 2015

Both theoretical and laboratory research suggests that many prey animals should live in a solitary, dispersed distribution unless they lack repellent defences such as toxins, venoms and stings. Chemically defended prey may, by contrast, benefit substantially from aggregation because spatial localization may cause rapid predator satiation on prey toxins, protecting many individuals from attack. If repellent defences promote aggregation of prey, they also provide opportunities for new social interactions; hence the consequences of defence may be far reaching for the behavioural biology of the animal species. There is an absence of field data to support predictions about the relative costs and benefits of aggregation. We show here for the first time using wild predators that edible, undefended artificial prey do indeed suffer heightened death rates if they are aggregated; whereas chemically defended prey may benefit substantially by grouping. We argue that since many chemical defences are costly to prey, aggregation may be favoured because it makes expensive defences much more effective, and perhaps allows grouped individuals to invest less in chemical defences.
Octopamine and cooperation: octopamine regulates the disappearance of cooperative behaviours between genetically unrelated founding queens in the ant
Authors: Koyama Satoshi , Matsui Shingo , Satoh Toshiyuki , Sasaki Ken
Published: June 2015

We investigated whether octopamine (OA) is associated with the disappearance of cooperation inPolyrhachis moestaant queens. Queens ofP. moestafacultatively found the colony with genetically unrelated queens. The founding queens perform frequent food exchange with these non-related queens and partake in cooperative brood rearing, whereas single colony queens exclude non-related queens via aggressive behaviour. Thus, aggression is a factor that reduces cooperation. Given that aggression is generally associated with brain OA in insects, we hypothesized that OA controls the behavioural change in cooperation in the ant queen, via an increase in aggression. To test this hypothesis, we compared the amounts of OA and related substances in the brain between founding and colony queens, and observed the interaction of founding queens following oral OA administration. The brain OA levels in colony queens were significantly higher than those in founding queens. Oral administration of OA to founding queens caused significantly less trophallaxis and allogrooming behaviour than in the control founding queens, but with no significant increase in aggression. These results suggest that OA promotes the disappearance of cooperation in founding queens ofP. moesta. This is the first study to reveal the neuroendocrine mechanism of cooperation in ant queens.
Characteristics of Friedel pairs and diffraction contrast tomography with non-perpendicular rotation axis
Authors: Yi Qiru , Li Gang , Zhang Jie , Luo Sheng-Nian , Fan Duan , Gao Zhenhua , Wang Yanping , Gao Guanfeng , Jiang Shiping , Jiang Xiaoming
Published: June 2015

The characteristics of Friedel pairs in diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) are studied in the condition that the rotation axis of the sample is not exactly perpendicular to the incident X-ray direction. For the rotation axis approximately aligned along the vertical direction, the Friedel pairs close to the horizontal plane are insensitive to the non-perpendicularity of the rotation axis, and can be used to refine the sample-to-detector distance and X-ray energy, while the Friedel pairs close to the vertical direction are sensitive to the non-perpendicularity of the rotation axis, and can be used to determine the rotation axis orientation. The correct matching proportion of Friedel pairs decreases with increasing non-perpendicularity of the rotation axis. A method of data processing considering rotation axis misalignment is proposed, which significantly increases the correct matching and indexing proportions of the diffraction spots. A pure aluminium polycrystalline sample is investigated using DCT at beamline 4W1A of Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Based on the analysis of Friedel pairs, the sample-to-detector distance and X-ray energy are refined to be 8.67 mm and 20.04 keV, respectively. The non-perpendicular angle of the rotation axis is calculated to be 0.10°. With these refined geometric parameters, the matching proportion of the spatial position of diffraction spots is 90.62%. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the sample with 13 grains is realised using the algebraic reconstruction technique. It is demonstrated that the precise correction of the orientation of the sample rotation axis is effective in DCT suffering from rotation axis misalignment, and the higher accuracy in determining the rotation axis is expected to improve the reconstruction precision of grains.
Phase-contrast computed tomography for quantification of structural changes in lungs of asthma mouse models of different severity
Authors: Dullin Christian , Larsson Emanuel , Tromba Giuliana , Markus Andrea M. , Alves Frauke
Published: June 2015

Lung imaging in mouse disease models is crucial for the assessment of the severity of airway disease but remains challenging due to the small size and the high porosity of the organ. Synchrotron inline free-propagation phase-contrast computed tomography (CT) with its intrinsic high soft-tissue contrast provides the necessary sensitivity and spatial resolution to analyse the mouse lung structure in great detail. Here, this technique has been applied in combination with single-distance phase retrieval to quantify alterations of the lung structure in experimental asthma mouse models of different severity. In order to mimic anin vivosituation as close as possible, the lungs were inflated with air at a constant physiological pressure. Entire mice were embedded in agarose gel and imaged using inline free-propagation phase-contrast CT at the SYRMEP beamline (Synchrotron Light Source, `Elettra', Trieste, Italy). The quantification of the obtained phase-contrast CT data sets revealed an increasing lung soft-tissue content in mice correlating with the degree of the severity of experimental allergic airways disease. In this way, it was possible to successfully discriminate between healthy controls and mice with either mild or severe allergic airway disease. It is believed that this approach may have the potential to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies that target airway remodelling processes in asthma.
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structures of the bidentate Schiff baseN,N′-bis(2-nitrocinnamaldehyde)ethylenediamine and its complex with CuNCS and triphenylphosphane
Authors: Clegg William , Harrington Ross W. , Barati Kazem , Habibi Mohammad Hossein , Montazerozohori Morteza , Lalegani Arash
Published: June 2015

Reaction of copper(I) thiocyanate and triphenylphosphane with the bidentate Schiff baseN,N′-bis(trans-2-nitrocinnamaldehyde)ethylenediamine {Nca2en, (1); systematic name (1E,1′E,2E,2′E)-N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[3-(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-imine]}, C20H18N4O4, in a 1:1:1 molar ratio in acetonitrile resulted in the formation of the complex {(1E,1′E,2E,2′E)-N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[3-(2-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-imine]-κ2N,N′}(thiocyanato-κN)(triphenylphosphane-κP)copper(I)], [Cu(NCS)(C20H18N4O4)(C18H15P)] or [Cu(NCS)(Nca2en)(PPh3)], (2). The Schiff base and copper(I) complex have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electronic and1H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography [from synchrotron data for (1)]. The molecule of (1) lies on a crystallographic inversion centre, with atransconformation for the ethylenediamine unit, and displays significant twists from coplanarity of its nitro group, aromatic ring, conjugated chain and especially ethylenediamine segments. It acts as a bidentate ligand coordinatingviathe imine N atoms to the CuIatom in complex (2), in which the ethylenediamine unit necessarily adopts a somewhat flattenedgaucheconformation, resulting in a rather bowed shape overall for the ligand. The NCS−ligand is coordinated through its N atom. The geometry around the CuIatom is distorted tetrahedral, with a small N—Cu—N bite angle of 81.56 (12)° and an enlarged opposite angle of 117.29 (9)° for SCN—Cu—P. Comparisons are made with the analogous Schiff base having no nitro substituents and with metal complexes of both ligands.
New hydrophobicL-amino acid salts: maleates ofL-leucine,L-isoleucine andL-norvaline
Authors: Arkhipov Sergey G. , Rychkov Denis A. , Pugachev Alexey M. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: June 2015

Crystals of maleates of three amino acids with hydrophobic side chains [L-leucenium hydrogen maleate, C6H14NO2+·C4H3O4−, (I), L-isoleucenium hydrogen maleate hemihydrate, C6H14NO2+·C4H3O4−·0.5H2O, (II), and L-norvalinium hydrogen maleate–L-norvaline (1/1), C5H11NO2+·C4H3O4−·C5H12NO2, (III)], were obtained. The new structures containC22(12) chains, or variants thereof, that are a common feature in the crystal structures of amino acid maleates. The L-leucenium salt is remarkable due to a large number of symmetrically non-equivalent units (Z′ = 3). The L-isoleucenium salt is a hydrate despite the fact that L-isoleucine is a nonpolar hydrophobic amino acid (previously known amino acid maleates formed hydrates only with lysine and histidine, which are polar and hydrophilic). The L-norvalinium salt provides the first example where the dimeric cation L-Nva...L-NvaH+was observed. All three compounds have layered noncentrosymmetric structures. Preliminary tests have shown the presence of the second harmonic generation (SGH) effect for all three compounds.
Dicyclohexylammonium bromoacetate: a low molecular mass organogelator with a one-dimensional secondary ammonium monocarboxylate (SAM) synthon
Authors: Rojek Tomasz , Lis Tadeusz , Matczak-Jon Ewa
Published: June 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C12H24N+·C2H2BrO2−, contains a dicyclohexylammonium cation connected to a bromoacetate anion by means of an N—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, the ion pairs assembleviaN—H...O interactions, forming zigzag infinite chains parallel to thecaxis with the (...H—N—H...O—C—O...)nmotif that is considered to be a prerequisite for ensuring gelation properties of secondary ammonium monocarboxylate salts. The title salt was characterized by FT–IR, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), TG–DTA and1H NMR spectroscopy in solution. Gelation experiments revealed that dicyclohexylammonium bromoacetate forms molecular gels with dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to reveal morphological features of dried gels.
The preparation and properties of multifunctional coating of aluminum alloy for medical external application
Authors: Deng Shu-Hao , Yang Xi , Wang Mao , Wang Jiao
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to improve anti-corrosion, self-cleaning, hydrophily and sterilization properties of aluminum (Al) alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multifunctional coating for medical external application on Al alloy had been prepared by anodic oxidation, electrolytic coloring silver (Ag) and sealed in boiling water with nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles. The multifunctional coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Other properties such as corrosion-resistance, wipe-resistance, hydrophilicity, photochemical decomposition and bactericidal antiseptic effect were also investigated.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that a golden film with multi-function had been obtained for medical external application. The main phase of coating is amorphous Al2O3, and nano-sized silver particle is electrodeposited in bottom of film hole, while nano-sized TiO2 is sealed on the external surface of coating. The properties of film, such as anti-corrosion, self-cleaning, hydrophily, sterilization are better than those of Al alloy substrate.

Originality/value

– Considering about this usage for medical external application, a multifunctional coating which has the properties such as decoration, anti-corrosion, sterilize and self-cleaning has been first prepared on Al alloy surface in the study. This coating would meet the requirements of medical external using and provide theoretical and practical foundation about Al alloy for medical use.
Particular risk analysis: impact on hybrid aircraft design
Authors: Kale Nachiket Vinayak , Ilkay Firat , Zysk Oliver
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This document presents a Particular Risks Assessment (PRA) performed on an Uncontained Engine Rotor Failure (UERF) event for the new aircraft design hybrid Extremely Short Take Off and Landing All Surface (ESTOLAS) aircraft. All three propellers of the ESTOLAS (one hub propeller and two feed propellers) are evaluated for their impact on the aircraft in case of an UERF. The purpose of this paper is to present an illustration of the safety analysis and its requirement in new aircraft development.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used is in accordance with the aerospace industry safety standard Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Recommended Practices (ARP) 4,761 (Guidelines and Methods for Conducting the Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne Systems and Equipment). Trajectory analyses are used on a digital mock-up of the aircraft to simulate the movement of the propeller blade fragments and its effect on the aircraft and its systems.

Findings

– The paper provides an insight into the industry practice of performing PRA on new aircraft designs. The study identifies safe and unsafe regions of the aircraft, with the UERF event in mind. Technical solutions are suggested to minimize the damage to the aircraft and its systems.

Originality/value

– This document fulfills the originality criterion, since it is an analysis performed on a new aircraft design – the ESTOLAS.
Developing performance measures and setting their targets for national research institutes based on strategy maps
Authors: Yang Guoliang , Macnab Alasdair , Yang Liying , Fan Chunliang
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to help research managers design the performance management process and select measures and indicators, which relate to the strategies of their organisations directly.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, we will propose strategy maps for national research institutes (NRIs), so that the managers can describe the strategies of their organisations more clearly, accurately and logically. Also, we will propose a new method to set targets for key performance indicators (KPIs), which is named “Forecasting-Objective Achievement System (FOAS)”.

Findings

– The authors have explored the general rules of the research activity and proposed the strategic map for NRIs, so that the research managers can more clearly, accurately and logically describe the strategy for the organisational development strategy, and build the performance measurement indicators based on it. It allows the managers to transfer the strategy into clear and concrete action initiatives, and the corresponding performance evaluation indicators. Also, this paper proposed a new method for target-setting for performance indicator to drive NRIs do their best to achieve high performance.

Research limitations/implications

– First, this paper proposes a framework of strategy maps for NRIs to transfer the strategy into clear and concrete action initiatives, and the corresponding performance evaluation indicators. Also, this paper gives a case study of a research institute in the field of physics to derive KPIs based on its strategy maps, which can show the effectiveness of this approach. But this institute conducts mainly the basic research, and there are other NRIs with different types of research, such as applied research, which have different characteristics with the NRI in the case study.

Originality/value

– The authors propose the specific strategy maps for NRIs and a new method to set targets for KPIs. Further, the example of a national research institute is taken to analyze its strategy map and construct a performance measurement indicator system for it, so that the strategies in research management can be transferred to specific action initiatives. New ideas are provided for the performance measurement of national research institutes.
A qualitative evaluation of a pilot leadership programme for dentists
Authors: Walsh Jonathan , Taylor Nicholas , Hough Donna , Brocklehurst Paul
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to evaluate a pilot training programme run by Health Education North West to promote clinical leadership amongst general dental practitioners (GDPs). New powers and responsibilities for clinicians have caused a fundamental shift in the way that local services are planned and delivered in England. GDPs are being appointed onto the boards of local professional networks (LPNs) to influence the way that services are delivered at a local level. Analogous to clinical commissioning groups in medicine, the role of LPNs is to ensure that GDPs lead change and drive up the quality of service provision. Clinical leadership has been argued to be fundamentally important in these new structures, but has received little attention in the dental literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were held with participants of the pilot to explore their understanding and experience of clinical leadership. These were recorded, transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis.

Findings

– Nineteen codes were identified and organized into four themes: nature of clinical leadership, challenges for clinical leaders in dentistry, Leadership Exploration and Discovery programme evaluation and future direction.

Practical implications

– The research provides an understanding of how GDPs conceptualise clinical leadership and provides recommendations for future leadership training programmes.

Originality/value

– This is the first evaluation of a leadership programme for GDPs and so helps address the paucity of evidence in the dental literature.
Linking managerial practices and leadership style to innovative work behavior
Authors: Odoardi Carlo , Montani Francesco , Boudrias Jean-Sébastien , Battistelli Adalgisa
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose and test a theoretical model linking individual perceptions of participative leadership style and managerial practices (i.e. teamwork and information sharing) to individual innovative behavior through the mediating mechanisms of: perceptions of team support for innovation and team vision; and psychological empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Self-report data were collected from 394 employees working in five organizations. Structural equation models were conducted to empirically test the hypothesized research model.

Findings

– As hypothesized, participative leadership, teamwork and information sharing positively predicted perceptions of team support for innovation and team vision, which in turn fostered psychological empowerment. The latter was further positively associated with innovative performance.

Practical implications

– The results of the present study inform management of the group processes (i.e. team vision and support for innovation) that can mobilize employees to engage in effective innovative activities. Importantly, the findings indicate that for such processes to be developed and nurtured, teamwork activities should be promoted within work groups, effective communication systems should be implemented throughout the organization, and participatory skills should be developed among supervisors.

Originality/value

– The study represents one of the first attempts to investigate the perceived group and psychological processes that can explain how managerial practices and leadership style jointly benefit employee innovative behavior.