bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wireless, Smart, Human Motion Monitoring Using Solution Processed Fabrication of Graphene–MoS2 Transistors on Paper
Authors: Sahatiya Parikshit , Badhulika Sushmee
Published: April 2018

Combining 2D graphene, which has zero bandgap yet high carrier mobility, with a permanent bandgap of 2D MoS2 opens up numerous possibilities for development of future electronic devices and sensors. This study reports for the first time the fabrication of flexible all paper based few layer graphene (Gr)–MoS2 field effect transistor (FET) using biodegradable cellulose paper as a substrate for growing Gr/MoS2 as well as dielectric and pencil graphite as gate. The as fabricated Gr/MoS2 transistor exhibits on/off ratio of ≈99 with carrier mobility of 18.7 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is remarkable considering the simplicity and low cost of the device fabrication. The Gr/MoS2 transistor is utilized as strain sensor, which could detect negligible strains as low as 0.5%. Detailed mechanism studies in both resistor and FET configurations with Gr/MoS2 as a channel are presented to better understand the sensing behavior under both tensile and compressive strain conditions. Further, by interfacing the sensor with the microcontroller, the data are acquired and transferred to the smartphone through bluetooth communication thus enabling human motion monitoring. This low cost, large area Gr/MoS2 FET based strain sensor has huge potential in wireless wearable electronics, such as artificial electronic skin, medical diagnostics, human machine interface, etc.
Phylogenomic analyses reveal extensive gene flow within the magic flowers (Achimenes)
Authors: Roberts Wade R. , Roalson Eric H.
Published: April 2018

Premise of the Study

The Neotropical Gesneriaceae is a lineage known for its colorful and diverse flowers, as well as an extensive history of intra‐ and intergeneric hybridization, particularly among Achimenes (the magic flowers) and other members of subtribe Gloxiniinae. Despite numerous studies seeking to elucidate the evolutionary relationships of these lineages, relatively few have sought to infer specific patterns of gene flow despite evidence of widespread hybridization.

Methods

To explore the utility of phylogenomic data for reassessing phylogenetic relationships and inferring patterns of gene flow among species of Achimenes, we sequenced 12 transcriptomes. We used a variety of methods to infer the species tree, examine gene tree discordance, and infer patterns of gene flow.

Key Results

Phylogenomic analyses resolve clade relationships at the crown of the lineage with strong support. In contrast to previous analyses, we recovered strong support for several new relationships despite a significant amount of gene tree discordance. We present evidence for at least two introgression events between two species pairs that share pollinators, and suggest that the species status of Achimenes admirabilis be reexamined.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the utility of transcriptome data for phylogenomic analyses, and inferring patterns of gene flow despite gene tree discordance. Moreover, these data provide another example of prevalent interspecific gene flow among Neotropical plants that share pollinators.
RuII‐Catalyzed Annulative Coupling of Benzoic Acids with Vinyl Sulfone via Weak Carboxylate‐Assisted C−H Bond Activation
Authors: Mandal Anup , Dana Suman , Chowdhury Deepan , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: April 2018

An efficient annulative coupling of benzoic acids with vinyl sulfone is developed based on weak carboxylate‐assisted RuII‐catalyzed ortho C−H bond activation, delivering sulfone containing phthalides in high yields (up to 92 %). The protocol features operational simplicity, mild conditions, and broad substrate scope with wide functional groups tolerance. The synthetic utility was highlighted through the preparation of biologically relevant 3‐ylidenephthalide scaffolds. This work represents the first example of RuII‐catalyzed annulation of benzoic acid with aryl vinyl sulfone.
Stabile Kupfer(I)‐vermittelte Basenpaarung in DNA
Authors: Jash Biswarup , Müller Jens
Published: April 2018

Ein Glykol‐Nucleinsäure(GNA)‐funktionalisiertes Nucleosid‐Analogon, das die künstliche Nucleobase 1H‐Imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]‐phenanthrolin (P) enthält, wurde zur Ausbildung eines Kupfer(I)‐vermittelten Basenpaars in einem DNA‐Duplex eingesetzt. Die durch die künstliche Nucleobase vorgegebenen geometrischen Rahmenbedingungen sind ausschlaggebend für die beispiellose Stabilisierung von Kupfer(I) in wässrigem Medium durch metallvermittelte Basenpaarung. Die Ausbildung des Kupfer(I)‐vermittelten Basenpaars wurde mittels temperaturabhängiger UV‐Spektroskopie und CD‐Spektroskopie untersucht. Das metallvermittelte Basenpaar stabilisiert den DNA‐Oligonucleotid‐Duplex um 23 °C. Eine auf Redoxchemie basierende Untersuchung bestätigte, dass die Basenpaarbildung auf den Einbau von Kupfer(I) in den Duplex zurückzuführen ist. Dieser erste Bericht eines Kupfer(I)‐vermittelten Basenpaares erweitert das Gebiet um metallbasierte Vielfalt und eröffnet somit neue Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von metallmodifizierten Nucleinsäuren.
Making Kafirin, the Sorghum Prolamin, into a Viable Alternative Protein Source
Authors: Taylor Janet , Taylor John R. N.
Published: April 2018

Kafirin, the sorghum prolamin, is the most hydrophobic of the prolamins, and forms disulfide cross‐links because of its high cysteine content. It is noted for its slow digestibility but does not trigger any adverse response when consumed by celiacs. These properties make kafirin potentially valuable in both food and nonfood applications, especially as a bioplastic and encapsulating agent. Despite these valuable properties, to date there is no commercial production of kafirin and consequently no commercial products. Extraction technologies that could be upscaled for industrial use are described. Also, genetic and physicochemical techniques that have been applied to improve the functional and nutritional properties of kafirin as a functional food ingredient and as a bioplastic are reviewed. It is proposed that kafirin extraction and bioplastic manufacture should be located at the site of grain bioethanol production. This would enable the use of a consistent supply of inexpensive, high‐protein feedstock from sorghum distillers dried grains with solubles, as well as a ready supply of inexpensive ethanol for extraction. In addition, equipment would be available for solvent recovery, and transportation costs could be minimized. These factors would contribute to making kafirin economically viable as an alternative protein source.
Design and analysis of smart diaphragm based on shape memory polymer
Authors: Tao Ran , Liu Xia , Yang Qing‐Sheng , He Xiao‐Qiao
Published: April 2018

Currently, tank diaphragms are mostly applied in the field of aerospace but one of their limitations have to do with their inability to recycle. In the article, we discussed the modeling of a new kind of reversible diaphragm, so‐called shape memory polymer (SMP) diaphragm. A thermo‐mechanical modeling of SMP is implemented by the finite element method using a constitutive model. A single variable in this model is defined and used to simplify the model compared to other existing models. Evolution of the analysis is conducted by making use of the intermediate difference forms and Jacobian matrix, which is applied to all quantities within the model. The overturning and recovery behaviors of the SMP diaphragm are examined. And, the effect of several parameters, including thickness, height and radius of the diaphragm, as well as temperature on the overturning performance are investigated. This study led to the establishment of an optimized model with the objective function requiring minimum overturning pressure for completing deformation and design variables associated with thickness, height, radius, and temperature. An optimized SMP diaphragm is obtained under the critical pressure constraints. The results contribute to the design and application of novel SMP diaphragms. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46557.
Synthesis, characterization, and solution properties of a surface‐active hydrophobically associating polymer
Authors: Li Yongming , Ren Qiang
Published: April 2018

A nonionic surfmer (MAA‐EO23C12) was prepared and reacted with acrylamide, acrylic acid, and a double tailed hydrophobic monomer (BTMAM) to synthesize a surface‐active hydrophobically associating copolymer (SHAP) through photoinitiated free radical copolymerization in aqueous solution. Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to characterize the functional monomer and the SHAP. Several performance evaluations, such as viscosification property, temperature resistance, salt tolerance, and shear resistance, were also conducted. Experiment results demonstrated that the introduced nonionic surfmer and hydrophobic monomer could endow the copolymer with excellent temperature resistance, salt tolerance, and shear resistance capability at low concentration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46569.
Brief Report: Leg Length Inequality and Hip Osteoarthritis in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study and the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Kim Chan , Nevitt Michael , Guermazi Ali , Niu Jingbo , Clancy Margaret , Tolstykh Irina , Jungmann Pia M. , Lane Nancy E. , Segal Neil A. , Harvey William F. , Lewis Cora E. , Felson David T.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Studies suggest that persons with a leg length inequality (LLI) of ≥2 cm have an increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in that limb. The present study was undertaken to examine whether LLI also confers an increased risk of hip OA.

Methods

Using long limb radiographs from subjects in the Multicenter Arthritis Study (MOST) and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), we measured LLI and scored hip radiographs that were obtained at baseline and 3–5‐year follow‐up. The associations of LLI of ≥1 cm and LLI of ≥2 cm with radiographic hip OA were examined cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, assessing risk in shorter limbs and longer limbs compared to limbs from subjects with no LLI. We carried out logistic regression analyses with generalized estimating equations and adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, height, and cohort of origin.

Results

There were 1,966 subjects from the MOST and 2,627 subjects from the OAI. Twelve percent had LLI of ≥1 cm and 1% had LLI of ≥2 cm. For LLI ≥1 cm, the adjusted odds ratio for prevalent hip OA in the shorter leg was 1.47 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.07–2.02) and for LLI ≥2 cm, it was 2.15 (95% CI 0.87–5.34). For LLI ≥1 cm, the odds of incident hip OA in the shorter leg were 1.39 (95% CI 0.81–2.39) while for LLI ≥2 cm, they were 4.20 (95% CI 1.26–14.03). We found no increased risk of hip OA in longer limbs.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that, as with knee OA, legs that are at least 2 cm shorter than the contralateral leg are at increased risk of hip OA.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures and Properties of a Series of 3D Metal–Inorganic Frameworks Containing Pentazolate Anion
Authors: Xu Yuangang , Lin Qiuhan , Wang Pengcheng , Lu Ming
Published: April 2018

Pentazolate anion (cyclo‐N5−), and/or N3−, NO3− were used as the ligands to obtain a series of nitrogen‐rich energetic three‐dimensional (3D) frameworks [Cu(N5)(N3)]n, [Ag(N5)]n, [Ba(N5)(NO3)(H2O)3]n, and [NaBa3(N5)6(NO3)(H2O)3]n by self‐assembly. These frameworks were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, SEM, IR and Raman spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. All the frameworks exhibited regular supramolecular structures and excellent stabilities at room temperature which can be attributed to the strong coordination bonds between cyclo‐N5− anions and metal ions. The successful stabilization of the cyclo‐N5− in more 3D multi‐ligand metal‐N5− frameworks after Na‐N5− frameworks has been demonstrated. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for the future of metal‐pentazolate frameworks and polynitrogen chemistry.
Bias correction to improve the skill of summer precipitation forecasts over the contiguous United States by the North American multi‐model ensemble system
Authors: Narapusetty Bala , Collins Dan C. , Murtugudde Raghu , Gottschalck Jon , Peters‐Lidard Christa
Published: April 2018

Improvements in skill of summer forecasted precipitation as produced by the North American multi‐model ensemble (NMME) system over the contiguous United States (CONUS) are examined by applying a new bias correction method. The uncorrected precipitation produced by NMME hindcasts exhibits good prediction skill in fall and winter, while the spring and summer forecasts are marked with extremely poor skill. We propose a new method to correct the forecasted precipitation distribution based on skillfully predicted 2‐m air temperature (T2m) forecasts to fully exploit the stronger co‐variability that exists between precipitation and T2m in nature. The occurrence of enhanced recycled precipitation over CONUS provides an ideal situation to hone precipitation forecast skills using the T2m forecasts. The proposed bias correction is shown to successfully reduce the root mean square error in precipitation hindcasts in summer and can easily be extended to real‐time forecasts, thus providing a framework to dynamically link precipitation with other predictors besides T2m. Process understanding of the observed T2m‐precipitation relation will offer a framework for diagnosing poor model skill.
Can you spot a liar? Deception, mindreading, and the case of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Williams David M. , Nicholson Toby , Grainger Catherine , Lind Sophie E. , Carruthers Peter
Published: April 2018

Detection of deception is of fundamental importance for everyday social life and might require “mindreading” (the ability to represent others’ mental states). People with diminished mindreading, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), might be at risk of manipulation because of lie detection difficulties. In Experiment 1, performance among 216 neurotypical adults on a realistic lie detection paradigm was significantly negatively associated with number of ASD traits, but not with mindreading ability. Bayesian analyses complemented null hypothesis significance testing and suggested the data supported the alternative hypothesis in this key respect. Cross validation of results was achieved by randomly splitting the full sample into two subsamples of 108 and rerunning analyses. The association between lie detection and ASD traits held in both subsamples, showing the reliability of findings. In Experiment 2, lie detection was significantly impaired in 27 adults with a diagnosis of ASD relative to 27 matched comparison participants. Results suggest that people with ASD (or ASD traits) may be particularly vulnerable to manipulation and may benefit from lie detection training. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1129–1137. © 2018 The Authors Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Detection of deception is of fundamental importance for everyday social life. People with diminished understanding of other minds, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), might be at risk of manipulation because of lie detection difficulties. We found that lie detection ability was related to how many ASD traits neurotypical people manifested and also was significantly diminished among adults with a full diagnosis of ASD.
Bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve do not have the same ascending aorta morphology
Authors: D'ostrevy N. , Ngo H. , Magnin B. , Azarnoush K. , Cassagnes L. , Camilleri L.
Published: April 2018

Bicuspid aortic valves are associated with histopathological abnormalities of the aorta. Their diameters have been measured in several studies, but the literature concerning changes in the overall anatomy of the ascending aorta is limited. We wanted to know whether the anatomy of the valve, bicuspid or tricuspid, is associated with anatomical differences. We prospectively included patients requiring aortic valve surgery. The protocol included a chest CT scan before the operation to determine the angulations and straight lengths of aortic segments 0 and 1. All of the patients underwent surgery to assess their aortic valve morphology. We included 107 patients, 25 (23%) with bicuspid diagnostic valves and 82 (77%) with tricuspid ones. Most angulations were similar between the groups. However, the angle between the ring and the plane of the top of the commissures of the semilunar cusps was lower in bicuspid than tricuspid aortic valves. The straight lengths in the aortic root did not differ significantly, but the lengths separating these planes from the BCAT plane were consistently greater in the bicuspid group. The angle between the ring plane and the patient's vertical axis was lower in the bicuspid, the plane of the ring being verticalized in this group. In conclusion, we were able to confirm significant morphological differences in addition to the diameters. However, this study does not establish causal relationships among valve morphology, ascending aortic morphology, histology, and possibly associated pathologies. An extremely large cohort will be required indicate such causal connections. Clin. Anat. 31:693–697, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of an android app on mechanical engineering students
Authors: Corral Abad Eduardo , Gómez García María J. , Ruiz Blázquez Ramona , Castejon Cristina , García‐Prada J. C.
Published: April 2018

This paper describes the development and assessment of a Native Android App for learning concepts related with Mechanical Engineering. The designed App, called MaqTest, is an interactive, easy to use and portable tool. The proposed application has been programmed with Android Studio, and it is presented as an executable file accessible for smartphones and tablets. It allows the student to auto‐evaluate the conceptual understandings, increasing their level of knowledge and enhancing their academic results. The app has been test with students of the 3rd course of Mechanical Engineering Degree in the subject “Mechanism and Machine Theory.” Comparative results before and after using the app are presented. The assessment results show that there has been a significant improvement.
Delivering the fundamentals of software architecture, design and abstraction by developing a ray tracer for 3‐dimensional graphical scenes
Authors: Ezra Tsur Elishai
Published: April 2018

Software architects and designers develop abstract models of problems in the aim of designing software‐based solutions in the context of customer's needs. Current paradigms for software engineering education are often providing a narrow interpretation of the field, neglecting the art of conceiving useful abstractions of new—often discipline‐oriented—problems. Here, an introductory course to software engineering, design and architecture is described. The course is based on designing and modeling a ray tracer for a virtual 3‐dimensional graphical renderer, including the realization of the physics involved (light sources, rays, reflections, refractions, colors, occlusions, etc.). During the course, students integrate their fundamental knowledge of mathematics and physics, with their basic understanding of algorithms, data structures, object‐oriented design and programming. Multi‐phase surveys (n = 312) show increased level of interest, challenge, and relevance. Course materials are available in NBEL‐lab.com and shared under the creative common agreement.
UNC119A Decreases the Membrane Binding of Myristoylated c‐Src
Authors: Erwin Nelli , Dwivedi Mridula , Mejuch Tom , Waldmann Herbert , Winter Roland
Published: April 2018

Plasma membrane localization of myristoylated c‐Src, a proto‐oncogene protein‐tyrosine kinase, is required for its signaling activity. Recent studies proposed that UNC119 protein functions as a solubilizing factor for myristoylated proteins, thereby regulating their subcellular distribution and signaling. The underlying molecular mechanism by which UNC119 regulates the membrane binding of c‐Src has remained elusive. By combining different biophysical techniques, we have found that binding of a myristoylated c‐Src‐derived N‐terminal peptide (Myr‐Src) by UNC119A results in a reduced membrane binding affinity of the peptide, due to the competition of binding to membranes. The dissociation of Myr‐Src from membranes is facilitated in the presence of UNC119A, as a consequence of which the clustering propensity of this peptide on the membrane is partially impaired. By these means, UNC119A is able to regulate c‐Src spatially in the cytoplasm and on cellular membranes, and this has important implications for its cellular signaling.
Co‐Template Directed Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles in Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Liu Ben , Louis Michael , Jin Lei , Li Gonghu , He Jie
Published: April 2018

A bottom‐up synthetic methodology to encapsulate pre‐synthesized, well‐defined gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into mesoporous titanium dioxide framework (Au@mTiO2) is reported. This method employs two structurally and chemically similar templates of amphiphilic block copolymers as well as poly(ethylene oxide)‐tethered AuNPs, which showed excellent stability during sol–gel transition and thermal annealing at elevated temperatures. Such synthesis enabled precise control of sizes and loading of AuNPs within the mesoporous TiO2 framework. In light‐driven methanol dehydrogenation, the presence of AuNPs significantly enhanced the photocatalytic activity of mTiO2. This co‐template‐directed synthesis presents new opportunities to understand the effect of AuNP size in photocatalysis using Au@mTiO2 materials.
Relative Importance of Major Job Performance Dimensions in Determining Supervisors' Overall Job Performance Ratings
Authors: Choi Jae Young , Miao Chao , Oh In‐Sue , Berry Christopher M. , Kim Kwanghyun
Published: April 2018

This study explores the factor structure of job performance and each performance dimension's relative importance in determining supervisors' overall job performance ratings. We found that the optimal factor structure of job performance includes five dimensions: task performance, organizational citizenship behaviour directed toward the organization and individuals (OCB‐O and OCB‐I, respectively), and counterproductive work behaviour directed toward the organization and individuals (CWB‐O and CWB‐I, respectively). The percent‐based relative weight (%RW) is the highest for task performance in determining job performance, followed by OCB and CWB. Interestingly, the %RW of non‐task performance dimensions directed toward the organization (OCB‐O and CWB‐O) is similar to the %RW of task performance but greater than the %RW of non‐task performance dimensions directed toward individuals (OCB‐I and CWB‐I). Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How Does Legitimacy Operate in Emerging Capital Markets? Investigating the Moderating Effects of Premium Listings and Firm Size on Risk
Authors: Rossoni Luciano , Mendes‐Da‐Silva Wesley
Published: April 2018

Drawing on an institutional theoretical perspective, we investigate the impact of the origins of organizational legitimacy on systematic risk using a sample of 358 Brazilian companies between the years 2002 and 2007. We regard three origins of legitimacy—formal–regulatory (presence in premium listings), cultural–cognitive (board of directors), and normative legitimacy (reputation)—to empirically investigate how a company's size and adherence to premium lists moderate other sources of legitimacy. Our results indicate that only under apparently better quality corporate governance conditions—presence in premium listings—do corporate reputation and the board of directors reduce systematic risk. In addition, we show that the effect of reputation on risk is positively moderated by firm size. Copyright © 2018 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction parameters and characterization of phenolic compounds in Yellow European Plums
Authors: DiNardo Andrea , Brar Harjeet Singh , Subramanian Jayasankar , Singh Ashutosh
Published: April 2018

Yellow European Plums (YEPs) are a rich source of phenolic compounds and antioxidants, which can be obtained using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE). During this study, two MAE experiments were performed to optimize MAE extraction parameters and the MAE process using YEPs. The first experiment was to determine the influence of independent variables such as solvent concentration (20, 60, and 100 %) and solid‐to‐solvent ratio (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g/mL), on the yield of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), for ethanol and methanol, during MAE. Using a response surface methodology, the optimized extraction parameters for MAE were then found to be 60 % ethanol at a solid‐to‐solvent ratio of 0.1 g/mL. Using the optimized parameters from the first experiment, the second experiment evaluated the effect of microwave temperature (50, 60, 70 °C) and duration (5, 10, and 15 min) on TPC, DPPH, and FRAP, using a face‐centered central composite design. Individual phenolic compounds, including ascorbic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid, were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. In the second experiment, it was observed that time and temperature had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the extraction of phenolic compounds from four genotypes of YEPs. However, due to their diverse phenolic composition, there was not one optimal operating time and temperature suitable for all genotypes.
Asymmetric α‐Alkylation of β‐Ketocarbonyls via Direct Phenacyl Bromide Photolysis by Chiral Primary Amine
Authors: Zhang Wenzhao , Zhu Yunbo , Zhang Long , Luo Sanzhong
Published: April 2018

Enantioselective α‐photoalkylation of β‐ketocarbonyls without any external photosensitizer was described in this work. The photoalkylation reactions, enabled solely by a chiral primary amine catalyst, provided convenient constructions of all‐carbon quaternary stereocenters with good activity and high enantioselectivity. Mechanism studies revealed a direct photolytic radical chain process under visible light irradiation.
The cholinergic system in the basal forebrain of the Atlantic white‐sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus)
Authors: Reid George Andrew , Geula Changiz , Darvesh Sultan
Published: April 2018

The basal forebrain (BFB) cholinergic neurotransmitter system is important in a number of brain functions including attention, memory, and the sleep‐wake cycle. The size of this region has been linked to the increase in encephalization of the brain in a number of species. Cetaceans, particularly those belonging to the family Delphinidae, have a relatively large brain compared to its body size and it is expected that the cholinergic BFB in the dolphin would be a prominent feature. However, this has not yet been explored in detail. This study examines and maps the neuroanatomy and cholinergic chemoarchitecture of the BFB in the Atlantic white‐sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus). As in some other mammals, the BFB in this species is a prominent structure along the medioventral surface of the brain. The parcellation and distribution of cholinergic neural elements of the dolphin BFB was comparable to that observed in other mammals in that it has a medial septal nucleus, a nucleus of the vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca, a nucleus of the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca, and a nucleus basalis of Meynert. The observed BFB cholinergic system of this dolphin is consistent with evolutionarily conserved and important functions for survival.
A home security system for seniors based on the beacon technology
Authors: Wu Hsin‐Te , Tsai Chun‐Wei
Published: April 2018

Many elderly people have a hard time adapting to information technology (IT); for instance, many wearable devices have such rich functions that render them highly power‐consuming, creating operational difficulties for the elderly. The wearable devices must constantly be recharged, which is also an issue for disabled elderly people. Hence, this study utilizes transmitter and receiver of the beacon to learn about the habits of elderly people in their residence while monitoring their heart rate to track their physical condition; when and if they press the medical alarm, help can be sent on their way. This study uses the beacon device to position the location of elderly people in their residence. We have developed a wearable wristband that transmits data through the beacon. The only button on the wristband is a medical alarm; other functions include home positioning and heart rate monitoring, which operate automatically to relieve the elderly people from information technology adaptation issues. This paper will also develop an integrative monitoring platform that aims at detecting whether an elderly person has pressed the medical alarm as well as analyzing whether their heart rate is regular. Given that elderly people stay mostly within the range of their residence, the platform will conduct statistical analysis on schedule of the elderly person of being in and out of the house; if they have left their house for too long or have displayed irregular behavior in leaving or entering the house, then their family will be notified. The proposed method has added privacy and access authority control to prevent malicious parties from tracking the schedule or the residence of elderly people from being invaded. This study has also completed application development and conducted privacy efficacy analysis.
Removal of salt and pepper noise from images using hybrid filter (HF) and fuzzy logic noise detector (FLND)
Authors: Senthil Selvi A. , Sukumar R.
Published: April 2018

Image restoration is the practice of removing or reducing the degradation. Degradation occurs due to image acquisition, out of focus, and image transfer over the internet. Image restoration tries to recover images that have been degraded. The restored image is not an original image; it is an approximation of the actual image. Image restoration is the preprocessing task done before other image processing tasks such as image segmentation, image compression, etc. This research implements a restoration algorithm using hybrid filter (HF) and fuzzy logic noise detector (FLND) for the removal of impulse noise from images. The proposed technique consists of two stages. In the first stage, we split the image into a number of windows, and each window applies the hybrid filter (Mean Filter and Adaptive Median Filter). The output from the first stage is given as an input to the second stage in which FLND generates the fuzzy rules, the rules used to classify the pixel as noisy and noise free. If the pixel is considered as noisy pixel, then it is restored by median filter. The noise‐free pixels were left unchanged. Increasing the (peak‐signal‐to noise ratio) PSNR of an image is the foremost objective of this research work. The proposed method is evaluated on standard lena image and the PSNR value at different noise level are presented in this research paper. The results are compared with Mean Filter (MF), Adaptive Median Filter (AMF), Weighted Median Filter (WMF), Decision‐Based Filter (DBF), Weighted Fuzzy Mean Filter (WFM), Adaptive Fuzzy Mean Filter (AFM) and Wavelet Filter (WF). The drawbacks in existing methods are rectified in our proposed method. It suppresses noise, protects image characteristics, and also increases visual quality and PSNR value.
Frequency scaling and energy efficiency regarding the Gauss‐Jordan elimination scheme with application to the matrix‐sign‐function on OpenPOWER 8
Authors: Köhler Martin , Saak Jens
Published: April 2018

The Gauss‐Jordan Elimination scheme is an alternative to the LU decomposition for solving linear systems or computing the inverse of a matrix. We develop a multi‐GPU aware implementation of this algorithm on an OpenPOWER 8 system with application to the Matrix Sign Function. Thereby, we analyze the influence of the CPU clock frequency scaling on the overall energy consumption. The results show possible energy saving of 14.2% without a noteworthy increase of the runtime.
Chinese microblog rumor detection based on deep sequence context
Authors: Lin Dazhen , Ma Ben , Cao Donglin , Li Shaozi
Published: April 2018

Rumor is one of the main problems in social media, which often shows deeply and rapidly undesirable affection on the society. Although many rumor detection models consider content features and social features, all of them are based on the word independence assumption, which lacks the sequence context. Thus, if we use some words that often appear in rumors, our posts will be recognized as a rumor. To solve this problem, we propose a deep sequence context model (DSCM) for Chinese microblog rumor detection. This model considers two important factors of rumors: falsity and influence. Firstly, to learn falsity, we abolish the word independence assumption and use long short‐term memory (LSTM) units to capture bi‐direction sequence context information in content. Secondly, to learn influence, we combine the deep sequence context information with social features to learn the connection between content and social features. In our experiment, our results show that our approach outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art machine learning approaches, including term frequency and inverse document frequency (TFIDF), LSTM, and gated recurrent unit (GRU) in rumor detection.
In‐memory integration of existing software components for parallel adaptive unstructured mesh workflows
Authors: Smith Cameron W. , Granzow Brian , Diamond Gerrett , Ibanez Daniel , Sahni Onkar , Jansen Kenneth E. , Shephard Mark S.
Published: April 2018

Reliable mesh‐based simulations are needed to solve complex engineering problems. Mesh adaptivity can increase reliability by reducing discretization errors but requires multiple software components to exchange information. Often, components exchange information by reading and writing a common file format. This file‐based approach becomes a problem on massively parallel computers where filesystem bandwidth is a critical performance bottleneck. Our approach using data streams and component interfaces avoids the filesystem bottleneck. In this paper, we present these techniques and their use for coupling mesh adaptivity to the PHASTA computational fluid dynamics solver, the Albany multi‐physics framework, and the Omega3P linear accelerator frequency analysis applications. Performance results are reported on up to 16,384 cores of an Intel Knights Landing‐based system.
An RBF neural network–based dynamic virtual network embedding algorithm
Authors: Zheng Xiangwei , Zhang Yuang , Zhang Hui , Xue Qingshui
Published: April 2018

Network virtualization is a promising technology, which is used to solve the existing shortcomings of the Internet architecture and in which virtual network (VN) embedding plays a vital role in resource allocation. However, current virtual network embedding algorithms mainly deal with static VN embedding; the allocations of network resources are constant and excessive in the VN requests' lifetime. In reality, the user's resource requirements usually change with time; hence, static VN embedding algorithms can lead to low utilization of substrate resources and reduction of the operators' revenues. To solve the aforementioned problem, we focus on the virtual network embedding considering dynamic demands in this paper. We apply supervised radial basis function (RBF) neural network to predict the changes of virtual requests and dynamically reallocate substrate resources by adjusting already allocated resources. Simulation experiments show that compared with the static algorithms, dynamic VN embedding schemes with supervised RBF can more accurately predict the demand changes of virtual networks, which adaptively adjusts resources allocation and management and therefore improves resource utilization of substrate networks.
New Styryl Phenanthroline Derivatives as Model D−π−A−π−D Materials for Non‐Linear Optics
Authors: Bonaccorso Carmela , Cesaretti Alessio , Elisei Fausto , Mencaroni Letizia , Spalletti Anna , Fortuna Cosimo G.
Published: April 2018

Four novel push−pull systems combining a central phenanthroline acceptor moiety and two substituted benzene rings, as a part of the conjugated π‐system between the donor and the acceptor moieties, have been synthetized through a straightforward and efficient one‐step procedure. The chromophores display high fluorescence and a peculiar fluorosolvatochromic behaviour. Ultrafast investigation by means of state−of−the−art femtosecond‐resolved transient absorption and fluorescence up‐conversion spectroscopies allowed the role of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) states to be evidenced, also revealing the crucial role played by both, the polarity and proticity of the medium on the excited state dynamics of the chromophores. The ICT processes, responsible for the solvatochromism, also lead to interesting non‐linear optical (NLO) properties: namely great two photon absorption cross‐sections (hundreds of GM), investigated by the Two Photon Excited Fluorescence (TPEF) technique, and large second order hyperpolarizability coefficients, estimated through a convenient solvatochromic method.
Flexible Micro‐Supercapacitors Based on Naturally Derived Juglone
Authors: Wu Jiapeng , Yu Dandan , Wang Guangzhen , Yang Jie , Wang Hua , Liu Xiaoyu , Guo Lin , Han Xiaodong
Published: April 2018

Recently, great efforts have been devoted to designing and fabricating flexible, lightweight, wearable, and miniaturized supercapacitors. At the same time, the exploration of green, renewable, and biocompatible energy‐storage materials has been attracting intensive attention. By taking fabrication and configuration design into consideration, the naturally derivable juglone molecule was exploited as an active charge‐storage material, and integrated into flexible and micro‐supercapacitor devices. The polypyrrole/juglone‐composite‐based supercapacitors exhibit significant energy‐storage capabilities with high specific capacitance and long cyclability, which are comparable to that of conventional electrode materials. This study presents a new way for developing flexible, lightweight, portable, and/or wearable electronic devices with biocompatible and environmentally friendly attributes.
In Situ Detection of Adenovirus DNA and mRNA in Individual Cells
Authors: Punga Tanel , Ciftci Sibel , Nilsson Mats , Krzywkowski Tomasz
Published: April 2018

Infection by DNA viruses such as human adenoviruses (HAdVs) causes a high‐level accumulation of viral DNA and mRNA in the cell population. However, the average viral DNA and mRNA content in a heterogeneous cell population does not inevitably reflect the abundance in individual cells. As the vast majority of virus infection studies is carried out using standard experimental procedures with heterogeneous cell populations, there is a need for a method allowing simultaneous detection and quantitative analysis of viral genome accumulation and gene expression in individual infected cells within a population. This article describes a padlock probe–based rolling‐circle amplification protocol that allows simultaneous detection of HAdV type 5 (HAdV‐5) DNA and various virus‐encoded mRNAs, as well as quantitative analysis of HAdV‐5 DNA copies and mRNA species, in individual cells within a heterogeneous population. This versatile method can be used to detect the extent of pathogenic DNA virus infection in different cell types over prolonged infection times. Furthermore, simultaneous viral DNA and mRNA quantification in individual cells allows identification of cells in which persistent infections may be established. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Piezofluorochromism in Charge‐Transfer Inclusion Crystals: The Influence of High Pressure versus Mechanical Grinding
Authors: Ono Toshikazu , Tsukiyama Yoshifumi , Taema Ai , Sato Hiroyasu , Kiyooka Hidetoshi , Yamaguchi Yuma , Nagahashi Ayumi , Nishiyama Manami , Akahama Yuichi , Ozawa Yoshiki , Abe Masaaki , Hisaeda Yoshio
Published: April 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by the group of Prof. Y. Hisaeda at Kyushu University (Japan). The work is in collaboration with the group of Prof. M. Abe and Prof. Y. Akahama at University of Hyogo and Dr. H. Sato at Rigaku Corporation. The image shows multicolor piezofluorochromism in charge‐transfer crystals under high‐pressure using a diamond anvil cell. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/cptc.201700227.
New Insights Toward Quantitative Relationships between Lignin Reactivity to Monomers and Their Structural Characteristics
Authors: Ma Ruoshui , Zhang Xiumei , Wang Yi , Zhang Xiao
Published: April 2018

The heterogeneous and complex structural characteristics of lignin present a significant challenge to predict its processability (e.g., depolymerization, modifications etc.) to valuable products. This study provides a detailed characterization and comparison of structural properties of seven representative biorefinery lignin samples derived from forest and agricultural residues, which were subjected to representative pretreatment methods. A range of wet chemistry and spectroscopy methods were applied to determine specific lignin structural characteristics such as functional groups, inter‐unit linkages, and peak molecular weight. In parallel, oxidative depolymerization of these lignin samples to either monomeric phenolic compounds or dicarboxylic acids were conducted, and the product yields were quantified. Based on these results (lignin structural characteristics and monomer yields), we applied for the first time the multivariable linear estimation (MVLE) approach using R Statistics (an open‐source programming language and software environment for statistical computing and graphics) to gain insight toward a quantitative correlation between lignin structural properties and their conversion reactivity toward oxidative depolymerization to monomers.
Photoelectrochemical Performance for Water Oxidation Improved by Molecular Nickel Porphyrin‐Integrated WO3/TiO2 Photoanode
Authors: Wei Peicheng , Lin Kaifeng , Meng Dedong , Xie Tengfeng , Na Yong
Published: April 2018

A WO3/TiO2 heterojunction photoanode was prepared by in situ growth of WO3 on a mesoporous TiO2 electrode. The photoinduced charge‐transfer properties and chargeseparation improvement in this kind of type‐II heterojunction were characterized by transient surface photovoltage spectra. By using sulfite oxidation as a hole scavenger, we demonstrated that 72 % of the photo‐generated holes are reaching the surface of the photoanode, but the efficiency of hole injection (ηox) into the electrolyte was only 48 %. For the first time, a NiII meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (NiTCPP) was incorporated as a water oxidation catalyst into the WO3/TiO2 heterojunction photoanode, which promoted the value of ηox to 81 %. The maximum applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency for the WO3/TiO2/NiTCPP photoanode was determined to be 0.2 % at 1.01 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), under which condition a Faradic efficiency of 89 % for water oxidation was achieved (averaged over 1 h of photolysis).
Living shorelines enhanced the resilience of saltmarshes to Hurricane Matthew (2016)
Authors: Smith Carter S. , Puckett Brandon , Gittman Rachel K. , Peterson Charles H.
Published: April 2018

Nature‐based solutions, such as living shorelines, have the potential to restore critical ecosystems, enhance coastal sustainability, and increase resilience to natural disasters; however, their efficacy during storm events compared to traditional hardened shorelines is largely untested. This is a major impediment to their implementation and promotion to policy‐makers and homeowners. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated rock sill living shorelines as compared to natural marshes and hardened shorelines (i.e., bulkheads) in North Carolina, USA for changes in surface elevation, Spartina alterniflora stem density, and structural damage from 2015 to 2017, including before and after Hurricane Matthew (2016). Our results show that living shorelines exhibited better resistance to landward erosion during Hurricane Matthew than bulkheads and natural marshes. Additionally, living shorelines were more resilient than hardened shorelines, as they maintained landward elevation over the two‐year study period without requiring any repair. Finally, rock sill living shorelines were able to enhance S. alterniflora stem densities over time when compared to natural marshes. Our results suggest that living shorelines have the potential to improve coastal resilience while supporting important coastal ecosystems.
The role of nurse successional stages on species‐specific facilitation in drylands: Nurse traits and facilitation skills
Authors: Fagundes Marina , Weisser Wolfgang , Ganade Gislene
Published: April 2018

Plant establishment is a challenge in semiarid environments due to intense and frequent drought periods. The presence of neighboring trees (nurses) can increase the establishment of seedlings (targets) by improving resource availability and microclimate. The nurse effect, however, might vary depending on nurse‐target species combinations but factors that predict this specificity are poorly known. We used a multispecies experiment to investigate the facilitation potential of trees from a range of successional stages, focusing on how nurse functional traits can predict species‐specific interaction outcomes. We conducted a factorial field experiment in a Brazilian semiarid tropical forest during a severe drought period. Sixty pairs of interacting tree species, 20 potential nurses, and three targets were used. Seedlings of all targets were planted both under and far from the nurse canopy, in a randomized block design replicated five times. Target growth and survival were monitored for 275 days from the beginning of the dry season, and interaction outcomes were calculated using the Relative Interaction Intensity (RII) index. Nurse functional traits such as successional stage, height, wood density, and canopy diameter were used as explanatory variables to predict RII values. The average effect of nurse species on target plants was in general positive, that is, seedling survival and growth increased under the nurse canopy. However, for growth pairwise interactions were significantly species specific. Successional stage was the only functional trait explaining RII values, with pioneer tree species being stronger facilitators than later successional trees. However, the explanation power of this variable was low, and positive, negative, or neutral interactions were found among nurse trees of all successional stages. Because seedling mortality during drought in semiarid systems is high, future studies should investigate how nurse traits related to water use could influence nurse facilitation skills.