bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulated radiotherapy for head and neck carcinomas: an outcome study
Authors: Kataria Tejinder , Mishra Saumya R. , Gupta Deepak , Goyal Shikha , Bisht Shyam S. , Malik Abhidha , Abhishek Ashu , Banerjee Susovan , Narang Kushal , Basu Trinanjan , Tayal Manoj
Published: July 2018

Background

To evaluate the survival outcomes and toxicities experienced by non-metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) patients receiving modulated radiotherapy (RT).

Materials and methods

A total of 608 HNC patients treated consecutively from March 2010 to December 2014 with common subsites (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and nasopharynx) of HNCs formed the study group. Eligible patients included those treated with radical or postoperative RT between March 2010 and December 2014. More than 90% patients received modulated RT [intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT)] with concurrent chemotherapy as per stage guidelines. Demographic parameters and disease-related factors were analysed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated from end date of RT till last follow-up or last date of disease control. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from date of registration to last follow-up date if alive. The primary endpoint was survival. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 and Kaplan–Meier method was used for calculation survival.

Results

Among the evaluable patients, the median age was 60 years (range: 16–93) with male preponderance (male:female – 513:95). Majority were squamous cell carcinoma 93·4% (568/608). The subsites treated were oral cavity 36·8% (224). oropharynx 26·4% (161), larynx 19·7% (120), hypopharynx 10% (62) and nasopharynx 6·4% (41). RT intent was radical in 63·5% (386) and postoperative in 36·5% (222), with 59·5% (362) receiving concurrent chemotherapy. At last follow-up, 348 (57·2%) patients were alive, 169 (27·7%) patients had succumbed to disease and 120 (24·6%) patients had recurrent disease. Out of 120 recurrent cases loco-regional recurrence, nodal recurrence and distant metastases were seen in 62 (51·7%), 25 (20·8%), 33 (27·5%), respectively. In the entire study cohort at 2 year OS and DFS was 80 and 79% whereas 3 years OS and DFS was 70 and 75%, respectively.

Conclusions

In our study, 2 years and 3 years OS and DFS rates are found comparable to the international data with acceptable toxicity profile with the use of modulated RT. It seems to be possible because of stringent departmental protocols and good medical physics support. Our data re-validates need and benefit of advanced RT techniques like IG-IMRT and VMAT for both postoperative and radical HNC treatment at the cost of minimal long-term side effects. Future stringent follow-up and quality of life issues are being considered in a prospective manner.
Where no planetary protection policy has gone before
Authors: Schwartz James S.J.
Published: July 2018

I argue that the attempts of astrobiologists and philosophers to provide anethicaljustification for planetary protection policies (in particular, those aspects of policy concerningforward contamination) suffer from a ‘life bias’ in that reasons for protection are regarded as genuinely ethical only when they include some kind of direct moral consideration for extraterrestrial life. There are, I maintain, good reasons for the protection of space environments, including the protection of sites of interest to disciplines other than astrobiology. These reasons are no less ethical simply because their aim is something other than the protection of extraterrestrial life. While the possible existence of such reasons has been recognized, they have yet to be developed in a philosophically satisfying way. This paper aims to fill this lacuna by motivating and articulating an ethical perspective which recommends broader protection of the space environment. Long-range implications for such a broadening of planetary protection are considered, including implications for interstellar exploration.
Atherosclerosis knowledge – diagnosis and management in primary care
Authors: Charasson Marie , Mahé Guillaume , Le Brun Charles , Jaquinandi Vincent , Rossignol Emilie , Le Faucheur Alexis , Omarjee Loukman
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ischaemic stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) are different forms of atherosclerotic disease. Knowledge among general practitioners (GPs) about the three main locations of atherosclerosis has never been conjointly explored in a single study. The aim of this survey was to compare GP awareness on the subject of these three different clinical presentations. Materials and methods: Between February 2017 and May 2017, a self-administered survey was emailed to 18,500 French GPs. The questionnaire comprised three clinical cases involving cases of transient ischaemic attack (TIA), stable angina (SA), and intermittent claudication (IC). Each case was explored with seven similar questions. The primary endpoint was the number of physicians who correctly answered five questions for each clinical case. Results: The survey was completed by 1,724 GPs. TIA knowledge (48.2 %) was significantly higher than the SA knowledge (3.0 %) and IC knowledge (0.4 %). We also found a significant difference between SA knowledge and IC knowledge. The percentages of GPs who correctly diagnosed TIA, SA or IC were 96.7, 89.7, and 96.5 %, respectively (p < 0.0001). Poor knowledge ratings for all three locations were observed for inadequate prescription of supplementary investigations and treatments. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that GPs’ knowledge about atherosclerosis disease varies significantly depending on disease location. GPs diagnose correctly but need to be backed up for their management of patients with atherosclerosis.
Global Map of Martian Fluvial Systems: Age and Total Eroded Volume Estimations
Authors: Alemanno G. , Orofino V. , Mancarella F.
Published: July 2018

The study of the fluvial systems present on the Martian surface is a key in the investigation of the paleoclimate of the planet: Various indications suggest that these features could have formed under climatic conditions very different from the present one. For this reason, it seems necessary to update the previous maps of Martian valleys using newer mosaics and data at higher resolution. In this work we present a detailed global map of Martian valleys classified according to their morphology. Our data set includes all the valleys longer than 20 km mapped within the QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) software. With respect to previous global maps, the coupling of topographic information with data of higher image quality allowed us a better mapping of these structures at a fine scale: New small valleys and more tributaries for several systems have been observed. We mapped valleys of various typologies for a global total length of 773,559 km. The mapped valley networks cover the 69% of this total length. Moreover, a rough estimation of the valleys' age spatial distribution was performed. We found that the 94% of the mapped valleys have a maximum age consistent with an origin in the Noachian period; the 4% have a Hesperian maximum age, while the remaining 2% have a maximum age consistent with an origin in the Amazonian period. Finally, we also estimated the total eroded volume of the mapped valley networks finding a value in the order of 3 × 1014 m3in good agreement with what found in literature.
Measuring Seafloor Strain With an Optical Fiber Interferometer
Authors: Zumberge Mark A. , Hatfield William , Wyatt Frank K.
Published: July 2018

We monitored the length of an optical fiber cable stretched between two seafloor anchors separated by 200 m at a depth of 1900 m, 90 km west of Newport, OR, near the toe of the accretionary prism of the Cascadia subduction zone. We continuously recorded length changes using an equal arm Michelson interferometer formed by the sensing cable fiber and a mandrel‐wound reference fiber. A second, nearly identical fiber interferometer (sharing the same cable and housing), differing only in its fiber's temperature coefficient, was recorded simultaneously, allowing the separation of optical path length change due to temperature from that due to strain. Data were collected for 100 days following deployment on 18 October 2015, and showed an overall strain (length change) of −10.7 με (shorter by 2.14 mm). At seismic periods, the sensitivity was a few nε; at tidal periods the noise level was a few tens of nε. The RMS variation after removal of a −79 nε/day drift over the final 30 days was 36 nε. No strain transients were observed. An unexpected response to the varying hydrostatic load from ocean tides was observed with a coefficient of −101 nε per meter of ocean tide height.
Tomographic Imaging of Slab Segmentation and Deformation in the Greater Antilles
Authors: Harris Cooper W. , Miller Meghan S. , Porritt Robert W.
Published: July 2018

We present a new tomographic P wave model of the upper mantle in the east Caribbean region. The model was built using 3‐D finite frequency sensitivity kernels and ~20,000 teleseismic P and PP traveltime residuals from 535 events recorded across 130 broadband seismometers. We observe high‐velocity features corresponding to a Caribbean beneath northern South America and an arcuate slab beneath the Lesser and Greater Antilles island arcs. The latter exhibits an along strike gradient in dip with steep edges and a reclined middle, consistent with ongoing slab rollback and collision. We divide the arcuate slab into three sections from two lateral discontinuities. The southern and northern Lesser Antilles sections are separated by a gap ~15°N down to ~200 km. Between Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, another gap down to ~300 km separates the northern Lesser Antilles slab from a narrow slab fragment further east. We relate these discontinuities to the subducted North American‐South American plate boundary and a slab segmentation tear, respectively. The northern and southern ends of the Lesser Antilles trench are actively deforming from collision and differential rollback. However, these areas exhibit different styles of lithospheric tearing, as manifest in the morphology of the slab. We infer the contrast in tearing relates to the presence of microplates at the northern boundary of the Caribbean plate. Microplates facilitate block divergence and differential trench retreat/rollback, which drive slab segmentation. These results offer new insight into the tectonics of the Caribbean region and the factors driving lithospheric tearing in slabs generally.
Vegetation Greening Despite Weakening Coupling Between Vegetation Growth and Temperature Over the Boreal Region
Authors: Guo Weichao , Liu Hongyan , Wu Xiuchen
Published: July 2018

The previously reported strong coupling between interannual variations in vegetation growth and mean growing season temperature in the extratropical (>25°N) Northern Hemisphere (NH) has displayed trends of progressive weakening in recent decades. However, the spatiotemporal patterns and drivers of the weakening coupling and its impacts on vegetation growth across the NH remain poorly understood. Here we address these issues using the vegetation index retrieved from remote sensing, global ecosystem model simulations, and gridded climate data. Our results reveal marked fading of the positive coupling between the mean growing season normalized difference vegetation index (NDVIGS) and mean growing season temperature. Areas with significant positive coupling have shrunk from 31.2% to 20.0% over the periods of 1982–1997 and 1997–2012 across the extratropical NH. Vegetation productivity simulations from global ecosystem models did not capture the above mentioned patterns. There shows a continuous vegetation greening, with a greening rate of 0.0007–0.001 NDVI/year, despite the weakening of the positive coupling in the extratropical NH during the past few decades. Our results highlight that a comprehensive understanding of the underlying processes governing vegetation growth‐climate coupling is urgently needed for accurate predictions of the future trajectories of the response of boreal terrestrial ecosystems to a warmer and more extreme climate regime.
Whole exome sequencing identifies a novel dominant missense mutation underlying leukonychia in a Pakistani family
Authors: Khan Teka , Khan Manan , Yousaf Ayesha , Khan Saadullah , Naeem Muhammad , Shah Akram , Murtaza Ghulam , Ali Asim , Jabeen Nazish , Hussain Hafiz Muhammad Jafar , Ma Hui , Zhang Yuanwei , Zubair Muhammad , Jiang Xiaohua , Zhang Huan
Published: July 2018

Hereditary leukonychia (also known as porcelain nails or white nails) is a genetic disorder. It may exist as an isolated feature or associated with other cutaneous or systemic disorders. Although a number of genes have been described to cause leukonychia, still the underlying genetic etiologies of many cases remain unknown. Here, we report a Pakistani family presenting leukonychia and koilonychia nails in mother and five of her kids. All the affected individuals had white to pale nails in appearance exhibiting complete and partial leukonychia, respectively. Similarly, nails of finger and toe appeared brittle and concave, showing the characteristics features of koilonychia. Whole exome sequencing and subsequent Sanger sequencing identified a pathogenic novel missense mutation (c.1390G>A, p.Glu464Lys) in PLCD1, co-segregating with the disorder in an autosomal dominant pattern. In silico prediction tools supported the pathogenicity of the identified mutation. Literature review determined that mutations in PLCD1 only cause leukonychia. Therefore, our findings add another pathogenic variant to the PLCD1 mutation pool causing leukonychia that would help to understand the underlying molecular mechanism.
Species-independent contribution of ZBP1/DAI/DLM-1-triggered necroptosis in host defense against HSV1
Authors: Guo Hongyan , Gilley Ryan P. , Fisher Amanda , Lane Rebecca , Landsteiner Vanessa J. , Ragan Katherine B. , Dovey Cole M. , Carette Jan E. , Upton Jason W. , Mocarski Edward S. , Kaiser William J.
Published: July 2018

Necroptosis complements apoptosis as a host defense pathway to stop virus infection. Herpes simplex virus shows a propensity to trigger necroptosis of mouse cells and mice even though cell death is blocked in human cells through UL39-encoded ICP6. This ribonucleotide reductase large subunit (R1) nucleates RHIM-dependent oligomerization of RIP3 kinase (RIPK3, also known as RIP3) in mouse cells but inhibits activation in cells from the natural human host. By interrogating the comparative behavior of ICP6-deficient viruses in mouse and human cells, here we unveil virus-induced necroptosis mediated by Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1, also known as DAI). ZBP1 acts as a pathogen sensor to detect nascent RNA transcripts rather than input viral DNA or viral DNA generated through replication. Consistent with the implicated role of virus-induced necroptosis in restricting infection, viral pathogenesis is restored in Zbp1−/−, Ripk3−/− and Mlkl−/− mice. Thus, in addition to direct activation of RIPK3 via ICP6, HSV1 infection in mice and mouse cells triggers virus-induced necroptosis through ZBP1. Importantly, virus-induced necroptosis is also induced in human HT-29 cells by ICP6 mutant viruses; however, ZBP1 levels must be elevated for this pathway to be active. Thus, our studies reveal a common, species-independent role of this nucleic acid sensor to detect the presence of this virus. HSV1 ICP6 functions as a bona fide RHIM signaling inhibitor to block virus-induced necroptosis in its natural host. Altogether, ZBP1-dependent restriction of herpesvirus infection emerges as a potent antiviral armament of the innate immune system.
Block copolymer crystalsomes with an ultrathin shell to extend blood circulation time
Authors: Qi Hao , Zhou Hao , Tang Qiyun , Lee Jee Young , Fan Zhiyuan , Kim Seyong , Staub Mark C. , Zhou Tian , Mei Shan , Han Lin , Pochan Darrin J. , Cheng Hao , Hu Wenbing , Li Christopher Y.
Published: July 2018

In water, amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) can self-assemble into various micelle structures depicting curved liquid/liquid interface. Crystallization, which is incommensurate with this curved space, often leads to defect accumulation and renders the structures leaky, undermining their potential biomedical applications. Herein we report using an emulsion-solution crystallization method to control the crystallization of an amphiphilic BCP, poly (l-lactide acid)-b-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLLA-b-PEG), at curved liquid/liquid interface. The resultant BCP crystalsomes (BCCs) structurally mimic the classical polymersomes and liposomes yet mechanically are more robust thanks to the single crystal-like crystalline PLLA shell. In blood circulation and biodistribution experiments, fluorophore-loaded BCCs show a 24 h circulation half-life and a 8% particle retention in the blood even at 96 h post injection. We further demonstrate that this good performance can be attributed to controlled polymer crystallization and the unique BCC nanostructure.
Absence of Landau damping in driven three-component Bose–Einstein condensate in optical lattices
Authors: Shchedrin Gavriil , Jaschke Daniel , Carr Lincoln D.
Published: July 2018

We explore the quantum many-body physics of a three-component Bose-Einstein condensate in an optical lattice driven by laser fields in V and Λ configurations. We obtain exact analytical expressions for the energy spectrum and amplitudes of elementary excitations, and discover symmetries among them. We demonstrate that the applied laser fields induce a gap in the otherwise gapless Bogoliubov spectrum. We find that Landau damping of the collective modes above the energy of the gap is carried by laser-induced roton modes and is considerably suppressed compared to the phonon-mediated damping endemic to undriven scalar condensates
Author Correction: Maternal consumption of fish oil programs reduced adiposity in broiler chicks
Authors: Beckford Ronique C. , Howard Sarah J. , Das Suchita , Farmer Abigail T. , Campagna Shawn R. , Yu Jiali , Hettich Robert L. , Wilson Jeanna L. , Voy Brynn H.
Published: July 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Structural basis for selective inhibition of immunoglobulin E-receptor interactions by an anti-IgE antibody
Authors: Chen Jiun-Bo , Ramadani Faruk , Pang Marie O. Y. , Beavil Rebecca L. , Holdom Mary D. , Mitropoulou Alkistis N. , Beavil Andrew J. , Gould Hannah J. , Chang Tse Wen , Sutton Brian J. , McDonnell James M. , Davies Anna M.
Published: July 2018

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies play a central role in the allergic response: interaction with FcεRI on mast cells and basophils leads to immediate hypersensitivity reactions upon allergen challenge, while interaction with CD23/FcεRII, expressed on a variety of cells, regulates IgE synthesis among other activities. The receptor-binding IgE-Fc region has recently been found to display remarkable flexibility, from acutely bent to extended conformations, with allosteric communication between the distant FcεRI and CD23 binding sites. We report the structure of an anti-IgE antibody Fab (8D6) bound to IgE-Fc through a mixed protein-carbohydrate epitope, revealing further flexibility and a novel extended conformation with potential relevance to that of membrane-bound IgE in the B cell receptor for antigen. Unlike the earlier, clinically approved anti-IgE antibody omalizumab, 8D6 inhibits binding to FcεRI but not CD23; the structure reveals how this discrimination is achieved through both orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms, supporting therapeutic strategies that retain the benefits of CD23 binding.
Association between women’s perceived ideal gestational weight gain during pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Ogawa Kohei , Morisaki Naho , Sago Haruhiko , Fujiwara Takeo , Horikawa Reiko
Published: July 2018

We aimed to clarify which beliefs motivate women to control their weight during pregnancy and how such values influence pregnancy outcomes. Using a questionnaire administered during mid- to late- pregnancy in a hospital-based prospective cohort study, we explored women’s perceived ideal GWG and their reasons for having this ideal. Using multivariate regression, we evaluated the association between women’s perceived ideal GWG and pregnancy outcomes. Among 1,691 normal and underweight women, the most common reason women thought avoiding excessive weight gain was important was “for ease of delivery and/or her health and well-being”. 912 (54%) women wished to maintain their GWG below 12 kg, the upper limit recommended by the Japanese governmental guidelines, and had a lower actual GWG compared to those who had less stringent notions of GWG. Compared to women whose perceived ideal GWG was 12 kg, those who considered their perceived limit to be lower had infants with lower birthweight on average despite no significant reduction in cesarean delivery rate or post-partum body weight retention. Our findings suggest that women who believe they should limit their weight gain to an amount lower than the upper limit of current guidelines succeeded in gaining significantly less weight but received no additional benefit.
Stroma-derived IL-6, G-CSF and Activin-A mediated dedifferentiation of lung carcinoma cells into cancer stem cells
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos F. D. , Serrano Eurico , Patrício Maria I. , Val Mariana M. , Albuquerque Patrícia , Fonseca João , Gomes Célia M. F. , Abrunhosa Antero J. , Paiva Artur , Carvalho Lina , Botelho M. Filomena , Almeida Luís , Carreira Isabel M. , Alpoim Maria Carmen
Published: July 2018

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of resistant cells inhabiting the tumors. Although comprising only nearly 3% of the tumor mass, these cells were demonstrated to orchestrate tumorigenesis and differentiation, underlie tumors’ heterogeneity and mediate therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Here we show that CSCs may be formed by dedifferentiation of terminally differentiated tumor cells under stress conditions. Using a elegant co-culture cellular system, we were able to prove that nutrients and oxygen deprivation activated non-malignant stromal fibroblasts, which in turn established with tumor cells a paracrine loop mediated by Interleukine-6 (IL-6), Activin-A and Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), that drove subsequent tumor formation and cellular dedifferentiation. However, by scavenging these cytokines from the media and/or blocking exosomes’ mediated communication it was possible to abrogate dedifferentiation thus turning these mechanisms into potential therapeutic targets against cancer progression.
Serum uric acid predicts incident metabolic syndrome in the elderly in an analysis of the Brisighella Heart Study
Authors: Cicero Arrigo Francesco Giuseppe , Fogacci Federica , Giovannini Marina , Grandi Elisa , Rosticci Martina , D’Addato Sergio , Borghi Claudio
Published: July 2018

Several epidemiological studies report a positive correlation between hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults, which hyperuricemic subjects seem to more easily develop. We aimed to verify if serum uric acid (SUA) concentrations were positively associated with MetS prevalence and middle-term (4-year) incidence in older overall healthy subjects. We also purposed to identify which SUA cut-off values could be functional in MetS diagnosis in addition to the traditionally used parameters. For this reason, we selected from the historical cohort of the Brisighella Heart Study 923 older healthy subjects repeatedly visited during the 2008 and 2012 population surveys. In our sample, MetS was more frequent for higher SUA concentrations rather than the population’s mean in both men [OR = 2.12, 95%C.I.(1.55, 2.90)] and women [OR = 2.69,95%C.I.(1.91, 3.78)]. ROC analysis showed SUA was predictive of MetS in the whole population [AUC = 0.647, 95%C.I.(0.609, 0.686), P = 0.000001] and in both sex subgroups [men: AUC = 0.592, 95%C.I.(0.529, 654); P = 0.004; women: AUC = 0.758, 95%C.I.(0.711, 0.806), P < 0.000001], even there were sex-related differences in the best cut-off values (5.5 mg/dL for men; 4.2 mg/dL for women). Prospectively, SUA appeared predictive of middle-term (4-year) MetS incidence in the whole population (AUC = 0.604, 95%C.I.[0.518, 0.690], P = 0.029, best cut-off value = 4.7 mg/dL) and in the female group (AUC = 0,641, 95%C.I.[0.519, 0.762], P = 0.039, best cut-off value = 3.9 mg/dL) though not in the male one (P > 0.05). In conclusion, in our cohort, SUA is a frequent component of MetS, other than a middle-term predictor of newly diagnosed MetS in older women.
Searching the overlap between network modules with specific betweeness (S2B) and its application to cross-disease analysis
Authors: Garcia-Vaquero Marina L. , Gama-Carvalho Margarida , Rivas Javier De Las , Pinto Francisco R.
Published: July 2018

Discovering disease-associated genes (DG) is strategic for understanding pathological mechanisms. DGs form modules in protein interaction networks and diseases with common phenotypes share more DGs or have more closely interacting DGs. This prompted the development of Specific Betweenness (S2B) to find genes associated with two related diseases. S2B prioritizes genes frequently and specifically present in shortest paths linking two disease modules. Top S2B scores identified genes in the overlap of artificial network modules more than 80% of the times, even with incomplete or noisy knowledge. Applied to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Spinal Muscular Atrophy, S2B candidates were enriched in biological processes previously associated with motor neuron degeneration. Some S2B candidates closely interacted in network cliques, suggesting common molecular mechanisms for the two diseases. S2B is a valuable tool for DG prediction, bringing new insights into pathological mechanisms. More generally, S2B can be applied to infer the overlap between other types of network modules, such as functional modules or context-specific subnetworks. An R package implementing S2B is publicly available athttps://github.com/frpinto/S2B.
Level spacing statistics for light in two-dimensional disordered photonic crystals
Authors: Escalante Jose M. , Skipetrov Sergey E.
Published: July 2018

We study the distribution of eigenfrequency spacings (the so-called level spacing statistics) for light in a two-dimensional (2D) disordered photonic crystal composed of circular dielectric (silicon) rods in air. Disorder introduces localized transverse-magnetic (TM) modes into the band gap of the ideal crystal. The level spacing statistics is found to approach the Poisson distribution for these modes. In contrast, for TM modes outside the band gap and for transverse-electric (TE) modes at all frequencies, the level spacing statistics follows the Wigner-Dyson distribution.
Photonic functional metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Cui Yuanjing , Zhang Jun , He Huajun , Qian Guodong
Published: July 2018

The recent progress in photonic MOFs for luminescence sensing, white-light emission, photocatalysis, nonlinear optics, lasing devices, and biomedicine is summarized.
A novel way for the determination of the acid values of edible oils using a phthalocyanine derivative
Authors: Li Ping , Cong Fangdi , Zhang Shulin , Liu Haixue , Xu Yanling , Cui Jing
Published: July 2018

This work is based on the finding that the two characteristic peaks of tetra-α-octyloxy zinc phthalocyanine (αOZnPc) respond to trace acid in chloroform.
Formal [5+2] cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates to oxazol-5-(4H)-ones for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydrooxepin-2(7H)-ones
Authors: Zhao Hong-Wu , Du Juan , Guo Jia-Ming , Feng Ning-Ning , Wang Li-Ru , Ding Wan-Qiu , Song Xiu-Qing
Published: July 2018

Formal [5+2] cycloaddition of vinylethylene carbonates to oxazol-5-(4H)-ones.
Carbide clusterfullerene DyYTiC@C80featuring three different metals in the endohedral cluster and its single-ion magnetism
Authors: Brandenburg Ariane , Krylov Denis S. , Beger Alexander , Wolter Anja U. B. , Büchner Bernd , Popov Alexey A.
Published: July 2018

Endohedral metallofullerene DyYTiC@C80-Ihwith three different metals in the endohedral cluster is a single molecule magnet with quantum tunneling of magnetization near zero field and a magnetic hysteresis up to 7 K.
Hidden magnetic order in plutonium dioxide nuclear fuel
Authors: Pegg James T. , Shields Ashley E. , Storr Mark T. , Wills Andrew S. , Scanlon David O. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: July 2018

The magnetic structure of PuO2has been investigated by computational methods. A hereto unknown longitudinal 3k AFM ground-state that retainsFm3̄mcrystal symmetry has been identified.
Development of a sensor for trivalent iron: AHP fixed on mesoporous silica
Authors: Biesuz Raffaela , Santos Maria Amelia , Nurchi Valeria M. , Alberti Giancarla
Published: July 2018

Optical sensor for iron(iii) detection via Fe(iii) complexation in the solid phase.
A novel facile transformation to 1,2-bis(3-nitro-1-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)hydrazine salts
Authors: Zhao Baojing , Li Xingye , Wang Piaopiao , Ding Yongzhi , Zhou Zhiming
Published: July 2018

A facile and unique conversion from NN group to HN–NH group was discovered, by which 1,2-bis(3-nitro-1-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)hydrazine and its energetic salts have been readily prepared as high-energy-density materials.
Highly active dye-sensitized photocatalytic H2 evolution catalyzed by a single-atom Pt cocatalyst anchored onto g-C3N4 nanosheets under long-wavelength visible light irradiation
Authors: Xue Yuan , Lei Yonggang , Liu Xiangyu , Li Yanan , Deng Wanan , Wang Fang , Min Shixiong
Published: July 2018

A single-atom Pt cocatalyst anchored onto g-C3N4 nanosheets could efficiently catalyze H2 evolution from an Eosin Y-sensitized system under 520 nm irradiation.
The efficient exfoliation and dispersion of hBN nanoplatelets: advanced application to waterborne anticorrosion coatings
Authors: Zhao Hongran , Ding Jiheng , Yu Haibin
Published: July 2018

Applying a boron nitride quantum dot treatment to stabilized boron nitride nanoplatelets improves the corrosion resistance of water epoxy coatings.
Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of (6S)-5-formiminotetrahydrofolate; a reference standard for metabolomics
Authors: Lewin A. H. , Silinski P. , Zhong D. , Gilbert A. , Mascarella S. W. , Seltzman H. H.
Published: July 2018

The coenzyme (6S)-5-formiminotetrahydrofolate, has been prepared by reaction of (6S)-tetrahydrofolate with ethyl formimidate and thoroughly physicochemically characterized. Conditions for storage and handling of this sensitive product are described.
A comparative study of the density of surface states in solid and hollow TiO2 microspheres
Authors: Gao Chun , Peng Yu-Qi , Hu Lin-Hua , Mo Li-E , Zhang Xian-Xi , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Dai Song-Yuan
Published: July 2018

The density of surface states and charge transport of TiO2 microspheres with different structures were investigated.
CuFe2S3 as electrode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Anger Emmanuel , Maignan Antoine , Barbier Tristan , Pralong Valerie
Published: July 2018

Electrochemical performances of the isocubanite CuFe2S3 tested as electrode material for Li-ion batteries have been investigated.
Gadolinium-labelled iron/iron oxide core/shell nanoparticles as T1–T2 contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Wang Kaili , An Lu , Tian Qiwei , Lin Jiaomin , Yang Shiping
Published: July 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is indispensable and powerful in modern clinical diagnosis and has some advantages such as non-invasiveness and high penetration depth.
Enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells using mesoscopic zinc-doped TiO2 as the electron extraction layer through band alignment
Authors: Wu Ming-Chung , Chan Shun-Hsiang , Lee Kun-Mu , Chen Shih-Hsuan , Jao Meng-Huan , Chen Yang-Fang , Su Wei-Fang
Published: July 2018

A meso-Zn:TiO2 electron extraction layer exhibits the optimal band alignment with CH3NH3PbI3, and the champion PCE of the PSC is 18.3%.
Effect of halide ratio and Cs+ addition on the photochemical stability of lead halide perovskites
Authors: Svanström Sebastian , Jacobsson T. Jesper , Sloboda Tamara , Giangrisostomi Erika , Ovsyannikov Ruslan , Rensmo Håkan , Cappel Ute B.
Published: July 2018

Visible light-induced changes in mixed-ion perovskites with different compositions are investigated using photoelectron spectroscopy.
A low-bandgap dimeric porphyrin molecule for 10% efficiency solar cells with small photon energy loss
Authors: Xiao Liangang , Lai Tianqi , Liu Xiang , Liu Feng , Russell Thomas P. , Liu Yi , Huang Fei , Peng Xiaobin , Cao Yong
Published: July 2018

SVA treatment induces π–π stacking and tightens lamellar packing of porphyrin molecules and also improves phase purity of blend films which enhance the exciton separation and reduce the recombination.
Recent advances in conducting poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate hybrids for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Zheng Yun , Zeng Huining , Zhu Qiang , Xu Jianwei
Published: July 2018

This paper summarizes the latest development of PEDOT:PSS-based composites with inorganic additives and carbon nanostructures for thermoelectric applications.
Weak thermal quenching of the luminescence in the Ca3Sc2Si3O12:Ce3+garnet phosphor
Authors: Sharma Suchinder K. , Lin Yuan-Chih , Carrasco Irene , Tingberg Tobias , Bettinelli Marco , Karlsson Maths
Published: July 2018

We report results of the luminescence properties of the three garnet type phosphors Ce3+-doped Ca3Sc2Si3O12(CSSO:Ce3+), Sr3Y2Ge3O12(SYG:Ce3+) and Y3Al5O12(YAG:Ce3+), investigated using optical spectroscopy techniques and vacuum referred binding energy (VRBE) diagram analysis.
Palmprint recognition using a modified competitive code with distinctive extended neighbourhood
Authors: Zhao Weiqiang , Pang Liaojun , Xiao Kai , Wang Hua , Cao Zhicheng , Zhao Heng
Published: July 2018

In recent years, palmprint recognition has made great progress and many methods have been put forward. The extraction of robust orientation features and finding efficient matching strategies are two key points for palmprint recognition. Traditional coding methods usually only use a dominant filter response to extract orientation features of palmprint images while not taking into account the other useful filter responses. Without increasing the number of filers, this study presents a modified Competitive Code to extract orientation features more accurately, which makes use of the relation between the filter responses. Besides, a distinctive extended eight‐pixel neighbourhood method is proposed to select the sample points for matching by extracting the local features. At the matching stage, an effective fusion matching scheme with a double‐layer image pyramid is designed to calculate the similarity between two palmprint images. Extensive experiments on four types of public palmprint databases show that the proposed method has excellent performance compared with the other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
IC 4499 revised: Spectro-photometric evidence of small light-element variations
Authors: Dalessandro E. , Lardo C. , Cadelano M. , Saracino S. , Bastian N. , Mucciarelli A. , Salaris M. , Stetson P. , Pancino E.
Published: July 2018

It has been suggested that IC 4499 is one of the very few old globulars to not host multiple populations with light-element variations. To follow-up on this very interesting result, here we have made use of accurate HST photometry and FLAMES at VLT high-resolution spectroscopy to investigate in more detail the stellar population properties of this system. We find that the red giant branch of the cluster is clearly bimodal in near-UV-optical colour-magnitude diagrams, thus suggesting that IC 4499 is actually composed by two sub-populations of stars with different nitrogen abundances. This represents the first detection of multiple populations in IC 4499. Consistently, we also find that one star out of six is Na-rich to some extent, while we do not detect any evidence of intrinsic spread in both Mg and O.

The number ratio between stars with normal and enriched nitrogen is in good agreement with the number ratio – mass trend observed in Galactic globular clusters. Also, as typically found in other systems, nitrogen rich stars are more centrally concentrated than normal stars, although this result cannot be considered conclusive because of the limited field of view covered by our observations (∼1rh).

On the contrary, we observe that both the RGB UV colour spread, which is a proxy of N variations, and Na abundance variations, are significantly smaller than those observed in Milky Way globular clusters with mass and metallicity comparable to IC 4499. The modest N and Na spreads observed in this system can be tentatively connected to the fact that IC 4499 likely formed in a disrupted dwarf galaxy orbiting the Milky Way, as previously proposed based on its orbit.
Wave absorption control in the new designed photonic metamaterials with artificial opal
Authors: Ionescu Daniela , Apreotesei Gabriela
Published: July 2018

Photonic metamaterials consisting of artificial opal with magnetic inclusions were considered, used in controllable microwave electronic devices. The analyzed structures consist of matrices of SiO2 nanospheres (diameter 200 - 400 nm) with included clusters of ferrite spinels (MnxCo0.6-xZn0.4Fe2O4, NixCo0.6-xZn0.4Fe2O4, LaxCo0.6-xZn0.4Fe2O4, NdxCo0.6-xZn0.4Fe2O4) in interspherical nanospacing (4 ÷ 7% concentration). The ellipsoidal clusters are polycrystalline, with spatial dimensions of 20 – 30 nm and grains of 5 – 12 nm. A controlled wave absorption was obtained in these high inductivity structures. Evolution of the wave attenuation coefficient, α[dB/m], in function of the applied magnetic field and particle inclusion size, for different content of the magnetic ions in the ferrite inclusion, have been determined at frequencies around the samples ferromagnetic resonance, by structural simulation. The test configuration was: sample inside the rectangular waveguide, mode TE10, in the frequency range 24 ÷ 40 GHz. The polarizing magnetic field for the ferrites was tested in the range of 0 ÷ 20 kOe and minimized by modifying the structure. The metamaterial design optimization was realized, controllable by different parameters at structure level. The ferromagnetic resonance influence on the control process was pointed out and also the particular results and effects which can be induced by the resonant behavior.
Numerical Analysis of the Strength of the Wet Steam Turbine Blade
Authors: Guo Bing , Tang Weixiao , Liu Jin , Zhen Tianhui
Published: July 2018

A method to examine the influences of inlet wetness fraction and inlet angle on the strength performance of the rotating blade considering the effects of wet steam non-equilibrium condensation was proposed. A wildly verified numerical model was employed to simulate the wet steam flow to obtain the pressure distribution on the blade surface. Based on the finite element method, the strength analysis was carried out. Results show that the von-Mises stress of the rotor blade would increase with the inlet wetness fraction and the inlet angle. The sensitive range of studied inlet condition is located at Ain ϵ [0, 15] Win ϵ [0.03, 0.04], in which the increases of the von-Mises stress are over 40%.
Investigation on the Thermal Control Algorithm of the Heat Sink Temperature Regulating System for Thermal Vacuum Tests
Authors: Yabin Jian , Chunyuan Zhang , jing Wang , Boyin Lin , Runze Wang , Xiaofang Yin
Published: July 2018

The heat sink temperature is often set in a semi-empirical way based on steady-state temperatures . As a result, the entrance parameters of the heat sink working fluid are often too conservative, and the rate of temperature rise is difficult to control. In this paper, transient thermal models for each component of the heat sink temperature regulation system are established. Then they are programmed into a dynamic simulation model by using Matlab/Simulink as the thermal control algorithm.It is shown that the model can accurately reflect the dynamic and steady state characteristics of the heat sink temperature regulation system, and can provide guidance for the selection of control strategies and working fluid parameters in the thermal vacuum test.
A New Characterization Parameter of out-of-plane Constraint for C(T) Specimens
Authors: Lingyan Zhao , Yinghao Cui , Fuqiang Yang
Published: July 2018

As the resistance of structures against the crack-tip plastic deformation, constraints has attracted much attention in the research of material fracture behaviour. In order to increase the accuracy of structural integrity assessment, many characterization parameters of in-plane and out-of-plane constraints have been considered and proposed in the last few decades. Three-dimensional finite element analyses have been conducted for five C(T)50 specimens with different out-of-plane constraint. The distributions of four constraint parameters (σ22/σ0, Tz, h and Dp) along crack fronts were calculated. To characterize the out-of-plane constraint, the capability of constraint parameters such as σ22/σ0, Tz, h and Dp were analyzed and compared. Results show that, compared with the three constraint parameters (σ22/σ0, Tz and h) based on crack-tip stress fields, the parameter Dp based on crack-tip equivalent plastic strain is more sensitive to out-of-plane constraint, and may effectively characterize the out-of-plane constraint.
Parameter Research of UAV Vertical Rope-type Recovery System
Authors: Ma Chengjing , Liu Xing'an , Zhang Caiwen
Published: July 2018

Vertical rope-type recovery system is a new accurate recovery method for small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This paper models the recovery system and finishes the simulation of recovery process. The recovery stand model of the recovery system is built by analyzing the physical essence, and the aircraft model is based on dynamics and kinematics equations as well as the mechanical characteristics of arresting rope. Finally the simulation analysis of the recovery process is completed. On the basis of the modeling simulation, the system parameters’ effect on recovery performance such as maximum resistance force, maximum overload and maximum radius has been discussed by varying each key parameter. Eventually, the pattern of how initial conditions when hitting the rope as well as the arresting rope’s stiffness and damping coefficient influence recovery performance has been researched, and the result could provide theoretical reference for the design of UAV using vertical rope-type recovery and the system in the future.
Numerical Simulation of Rotor in Hover and Forward Flight
Authors: Zhao Qinghe
Published: July 2018

The flow around rotor is numerical simulated in hover and forward flight based on multi-structured grid. In hover the flow field can be transformed into a steady-state flow field in the rotating coordinate system. The experimental data of Caradonna and Tung rotor is used to verify the numerical simulation result. The numerical results compare well with the experimental data for both non-lifting and lifting cases. Non-lifting forward flight is simulated and the prediction capabilities have been validated through the ONERA two-blade rotor. The pressure distributions of different positions under different azimuth angles are compared, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. There is unsteady shock wave when forward flight. Dual-time method is used to obtain unsteady flow field with rigid moving grid in the inertial system.
Increasing the Efficiency of Storage of Cryoproduct through the Introduction of Technical Solutions
Authors: Zaika S V , Aksenova D.K. , Shatokhin E A , Zaika S S
Published: July 2018

In various systems of aerospace engineering, transport, as well as in energy complexes for various purposes, cryogenic liquids are now widely used. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is an environmentally friendly energy source that has several advantages over petroleum products. LNG using reduces the weight and size characteristics of tanks for storage and transportation. Reducing the loss of cryoproducts using low-potential power machines to ensure efficient storage of cryoproducts. Significant problems associated with the loss of its low-potential energy (caused by heat from the environment). There is a need to improve solutions to compensate for losses and expenses. This study examined the possibility of reducing the loss of cryoproducts when stored in tanks and transportation systems. Details were studied: assessment of losses of the cryoproduct and its capabilities for low-temperature energy, calculation of the loss compensation loop, calculation of the contour for generating additional energy based on a heat power plant, analysis of low-potential power plants, compensating losses of cryoproducts during storage. The main results of the research are the proposal to organize the LNG Storage, calculate the loss compensation loop and the supplementary energy circuit.
A Review for Aircraft Landing Problem
Authors: Zipeng Li , Yanyang Wang
Published: July 2018

Substantial increase in the amount of civil aviation traffic and other factors have led to frequent congestion and adverse effects in terminal area. Therefore, the landing sequence of aircrafts need to be managed so as to reduce adverse effects. This type of problem is called Aircraft Landing Problem (ALP), and is an optimization problem. In this paper, the current situation of ALP research is analysed. The specific process of landing is described, and the existing research problems are classified. At the same time, on the aspect of optimization, this paper discusses the optimization processing of ALP, including the establishment of optimization model and the design of optimization algorithm. In the last, the future research trend of ALP is proposed as conclusions.
Architecture Design of Aviation Fault-tolerant Computer Based on ARINC659 Bus Technology
Authors: An Gang , Li Yu , Li Xin
Published: July 2018

The ARINC659 backplane bus is suitable for high safety and high reliability requirements of aircraft on-board computer communication systems. This paper analyzes the structure of ARINC 659 serial backplane bus and the bus fault tolerance mechanism. On the basis of backplane bus, a 4 degree of aviation fault-tolerant computer is designed. Moreover, the computer architecture and computer system of the instruction branch and monitoring branch are designed in the computer channel. The fault-tolerant management of the computer is realized by bus fault tolerance, redundancy voting between computers and the monitoring of the instruction and monitoring branches.