bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered human voice processing in the frontal cortex and a developmental language delay in 3- to 5-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yoshimura Yuko , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Hayashi Norio , Hiraishi Hirotoshi , Hasegawa Chiaki , Takahashi Tetsuya , Oi Manabu , Remijn Gerard B. , Ikeda Takashi , Saito Daisuke N. , Kumazaki Hirokazu , Minabe Yoshio
Published: December 2017

The inferior frontal and superior temporal areas in the left hemisphere are crucial for human language processing. In the present study, we investigated the magnetic mismatch field (MMF) evoked by voice stimuli in 3- to 5-year-old typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using child-customized magnetoencephalography (MEG). The children with ASD exhibited significantly decreased activation in the left superior temporal gyrus compared with the TD children for the MMF amplitude. If we classified the children with ASD according to the presence of a speech onset delay (ASD - SOD and ASD - NoSOD, respectively) and compared them with the TD children, both ASD groups exhibited decreased activation in the left superior temporal gyrus compared with the TD children. In contrast, the ASD - SOD group exhibited increased activity in the left frontal cortex (i.e., pars orbitalis) compared with the other groups. For all children with ASD, there was a significant negative correlation between the MMF amplitude in the left pars orbitalis and language performance. This investigation is the first to show a significant difference in two distinct MMF regions in ASD – SOD children compared with TD children.
Differential Raman backscattering cross sections of black carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Le Kim Cuong , Lefumeux Christophe , Pino Thomas
Published: December 2017

We report the measurements of the differential Raman backscattering cross sections for several carbonaceous ultrafine particles of environmental relevances. These were obtained by dispersing the target particles in liquid water which was used as the internal standard reference. The optical collection was performed in a configuration to ensure a detection as close as possible to the backward direction. These are the first cross sections on black carbon-type particles although Raman spectroscopy is widely used in Carbon science. The high values of the cross sections, few 10−28 cm2.sr−1.atom−1, reflect resonance effects that take advantages of the disordered polyaromatic structures. Because they were measured in conditions intended to mimic the aerosol phase, these measurements provide a crucial step to move toward quantitative Raman spectroscopy and enable development of dedicated teledetection of black carbon in the atmosphere and in combustion chambers.
Topological gapless phase in Kitaev model on square lattice
Authors: Wang P. , Lin S. , Zhang G. , Song Z.
Published: December 2017

We study the topological feature of gapless states in the fermionic Kitaev model on a square lattice. There are two types of gapless states which are topologically trivial and nontrivial. We show that the topological gapless phase lives in a wide two-dimensional parameter region and are characterized by two vertices of an auxiliary vector field de-fined in the two-dimensional momentum space, with opposite winding numbers. The isolated band touching points, as the topological defects of the field, move, emerge, and disappear as the parameters vary. The band gap starts to open only at the merg-ing points, associated with topologically trivial gapless states. The symmetry protect-ing the topological gapless phase and the robustness under perturbations are also discussed.
Simultaneously improving the mechanical and electrical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) composites by high-quality graphitic nanoribbons
Authors: Yang Ming , Weng Lin , Zhu Hanxing , Zhang Fan , Fan Tongxiang , Zhang Di
Published: December 2017

Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown great potential for enhancing the performance of polymer matrices, their reinforcement role still needs to be further improved. Here we implement a structural modification of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) to fully utilize their fascinating mechanical and electrical properties via longitudinal splitting of MWCNTs into graphitic nanoribbons (GNRs). This nanofiller design strategy is advantageous for surface functionalization, strong interface adhesion as well as boosting the interfacial contact area without losing the intrinsic graphitic structure. The obtained GNRs have planar geometry, quasi-1D structure and high-quality crystallinity, which outperforms their tubular counterparts, delivering a superior load-bearing efficiency and conductive network for realizing a synchronous improvement of the mechanical and electrical properties of a PVA-based composite. Compared to PVA/CNTs, the tensile strength, Young’s modulus and electrical conductivity of the PVA/GNR composite at a filling concentration of 3.6 vol.% approach 119.1 MPa, 5.3 GPa and 2.4 × 10−4 S m−1, with increases of 17%, 32.5% and 5.9 folds, respectively. The correlated mechanics is further rationalized by finite element analysis, the generalized shear-lag theory and the fracture mechanisms.
A Mechanistic Model of Human Recall of Social Network Structure and Relationship Affect
Authors: Omodei Elisa , Brashears Matthew E. , Arenas Alex
Published: December 2017

The social brain hypothesis argues that the need to deal with social challenges was key to our evolution of high intelligence. Research with non-human primates as well as experimental and fMRI studies in humans produce results consistent with this claim, leading to an estimate that human primary groups should consist of roughly 150 individuals. Gaps between this prediction and empirical observations can be partially accounted for using “compression heuristics”, or schemata that simplify the encoding and recall of social information. However, little is known about the specific algorithmic processes used by humans to store and recall social information. We describe a mechanistic model of human network recall and demonstrate its sufficiency for capturing human recall behavior observed in experimental contexts. We find that human recall is predicated on accurate recall of a small number of high degree network nodes and the application of heuristics for both structural and affective information. This provides new insight into human memory, social network evolution, and demonstrates a novel approach to uncovering human cognitive operations.
The molecular dialogue between Arabidopsis thaliana and the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea leads to major changes in host carbon metabolism
Authors: Veillet Florian , Gaillard Cécile , Lemonnier Pauline , Coutos-Thévenot Pierre , La Camera Sylvain
Published: December 2017

Photoassimilates play crucial roles during plant-pathogen interactions, as colonizing pathogens rely on the supply of sugars from hosts. The competition for sugar acquisition at the plant-pathogen interface involves different strategies from both partners which are critical for the outcome of the interaction. Here, we dissect individual mechanisms of sugar uptake during the interaction of Arabidopsis thaliana with the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea using millicell culture insert, that enables molecular communication without physical contact. We demonstrate that B. cinerea is able to actively absorb glucose and fructose with equal capacities. Challenged Arabidopsis cells compete for extracellular monosaccharides through transcriptional reprogramming of host sugar transporter genes and activation of a complex sugar uptake system which displays differential specificity and affinity for hexoses. We provide evidence that the molecular dialogue between Arabidopsis cells and B. cinerea triggers major changes in host metabolism, including apoplastic sucrose degradation and consumption of carbohydrates and oxygen, suggesting an enhanced activity of the glycolysis and the cellular respiration. We conclude that beside a role in sugar deprivation of the pathogen by competing for sugar availability in the apoplast, the enhanced uptake of hexoses also contributes to sustain the increased activity of respiratory metabolism to fuel plant defences.
Protein-Structure Assisted Optimization of 4,5-Dihydroxypyrimidine-6-Carboxamide Inhibitors of Influenza Virus Endonuclease
Authors: Beylkin Diane , Kumar Gyanendra , Zhou Wei , Park Jaehyeon , Jeevan Trushar , Lagisetti Chandraiah , Harfoot Rhodri , Webby Richard J. , White Stephen W. , Webb Thomas R.
Published: December 2017

Influenza is a serious hazard to human health that causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Though vaccines and current therapeutics can blunt some of the perilous impact of this viral infection, new treatments are needed due to the constantly evolving nature of this virus. Recently, our growing understanding of an essential influenza viral protein, PA, has led to the development of focused libraries of new small molecules that specifically target the active site of the PA influenza endonuclease, which we report here. Our overarching approach has been to proactively develop lead inhibitors that are less likely to rapidly develop clinical resistance by optimizing inhibitors that retain activity against induced resistant mutants. Here, we report details behind the discovery of new potent inhibitors of wild type and resistant mutant endonucleases along with their high-resolution co-crystal structure-activity relationships. These results add to our understanding of nuclease protein targets and potentially serve as starting points for a new therapeutic approach to the treatment of influenza.
Experimental nonlocality-based network diagnostics of multipartite entangled states
Authors: Ciampini Mario A. , Vigliar Caterina , Cimini Valeria , Paesani Stefano , Sciarrino Fabio , Crespi Andrea , Corrielli Giacomo , Osellame Roberto , Mataloni Paolo , Paternostro Mauro , Barbieri Marco
Published: December 2017

We introduce a novel diagnostic scheme for multipartite networks of entangled particles, aimed at assessing the quality of the gates used for the engineering of their state. Using the information gathered from a set of suitably chosen multiparticle Bell tests, we identify conditions bounding the quality of the entangled bonds among the elements of a register. We illustrate the effectiveness of our proposal by characterizing a quantum resource engineered combining two-photon hyperentanglement and photonic-chip technology. Our approach opens up future studies on medium-sized networks due to the intrinsically modular nature of cluster states, and paves the way to section-by-section analysis of larger photonics resources.
Peroxiredoxin activity is a major landmark of male fertility
Authors: Ryu Do-Yeal , Kim Ki-Uk , Kwon Woo-Sung , Rahman Md Saidur , Khatun Amena , Pang Myung-Geol
Published: December 2017

Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are important antioxidant enzymes reported to have a role in sperm function and male fertility. However, how PRDXs affects male fertility remain fundamental unanswered questions. We therefore sought to investigate the role of these enzymes in sperm function and fertilisation. In this in vitro trial, mouse spermatozoa were incubated with different concentrations of conoidin A (1, 10, or 100 µM), a specific inhibitor of PRDXs. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of PRDXs by conoidin A significantly decreased the oxidized form of peroxiredoxins (PRDXs-SO3) in spermatozoa. Decreased PRDX activity was associated with a significant reduction in sperm motility parameters, viability, and intracellular ATP, whereas ROS levels, DNA fragmentation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential were increased. Simultaneously capacitation and the acrosome reaction were also significantly inhibited perhaps as a consequence of decreased tyrosine phosphorylation and protein kinase-A activity. In addition, fertilisation and early embryonic development were adversely affected following PRDXs inhibition in spermatozoa. Taken together, our data demonstrate that decreased PRDX activity directly affects male fertility due to negative effects on important functions and biochemical properties of spermatozoa, ultimately leading to poor fertilisation and embryonic development.
Profiling invasive Plasmodium falciparum merozoites using an integrated omics approach
Authors: Kumar Krishan , Srinivasan Prakash , Nold Michael J. , Moch J. Kathleen , Reiter Karine , Sturdevant Dan , Otto Thomas D. , Squires R. Burke , Herrera Raul , Nagarajan Vijayaraj , Rayner Julian C. , Porcella Stephen F. , Geromanos Scott J. , Haynes J. David , Narum David L.
Published: December 2017

The symptoms of malaria are brought about by blood-stage parasites, which are established when merozoites invade human erythrocytes. Our understanding of the molecular events that underpin erythrocyte invasion remains hampered by the short-period of time that merozoites are invasive. To address this challenge, aPlasmodium falciparumgamma-irradiated long-lived merozoite (LLM) line was developed and investigated. Purified LLMs invaded erythrocytes by an increase of 10–300 fold compared to wild-type (WT) merozoites. Using an integrated omics approach, we investigated the basis for the phenotypic difference. Only a few single nucleotide polymorphisms within theP.falciparumgenome were identified and only marginal differences were observed in the merozoite transcriptomes. By contrast, using label-free quantitative mass-spectrometry, a significant change in protein abundance was noted, of which 200 were proteins of unknown function. We determined the relative molar abundance of over 1100 proteins in LLMs and further characterized the major merozoite surface protein complex. A unique processed MSP1 intermediate was identified in LLM but not observed in WT suggesting that delayed processing may be important for the observed phenotype. This integrated approach has demonstrated the significant role of the merozoite proteome during erythrocyte invasion, while identifying numerous unknown proteins likely to be involved in invasion.
A web-based GPS system for displacement monitoring and failure mechanism analysis of reservoir landslide
Authors: Li Yuanyao , Huang Jinsong , Jiang Shui-Hua , Huang Faming , Chang Zhilu
Published: December 2017

It is important to monitor the displacement time series and to explore the failure mechanism of reservoir landslide for early warning. Traditionally, it is a challenge to monitor the landslide displacements real-timely and automatically. Globe Position System (GPS) is considered as the best real-time monitoring technology, however, the accuracies of the landslide displacements monitored by GPS are not assessed effectively. A web-based GPS system is developed to monitor the landslide displacements real-timely and automatically in this study. And the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is proposed to assess the accuracy of the GPS monitoring displacements. Wangmiao landslide in Three Gorges Reservoir area in China is used as case study. The results show that the web-based GPS system has advantages of high precision, real-time, remote control and automation for landslide monitoring; the Root Mean Square Errors of the monitoring landslide displacements are less than 5 mm. Meanwhile, the results also show that a rapidly falling reservoir water level can trigger the reactivation of Wangmiao landslide. Heavy rainfall is also an important factor, but not a crucial component.
Hybrid black silicon solar cells textured with the interplay of copper-induced galvanic displacement
Authors: Li Jheng-Yi , Hung Chia-Hsiang , Chen Chia-Yun
Published: December 2017

Metal-assisted chemical etching (MaCE) has been widely employed for the fabrication of regular silicon (Si) nanowire arrays. These features were originated from the directional etching of Si preferentially along <100> orientations through the catalytic assistance of metals, which could be gold, silver, platinum or palladium. In this study, the dramatic modulation of etching profiles toward pyramidal architectures was undertaken by utilizing copper as catalysts through a facile one-step etching process, which paved the exceptional way on the texturization of Si for advanced photovoltaic applications. Detailed examinations of morphological evolutions, etching kinetics and formation mechanism were performed, validating the distinct etching model on Si contributed from cycling reactions of copper deposition and dissolution under a quasi-stable balance. In addition, impacts of surface texturization on the photovoltaic performance of organic/inorganic hybrid solar cells were revealed through the spatial characterizations of voltage fluctuations upon light mapping analysis. It was found that the pyramidal textures made by copper-induced cycling reactions exhibited the sound antireflection characteristics, and further achieved the leading conversion efficiency of 10.7%, approximately 1.8 times and beyond 1.2 times greater than that of untexturized and nanowire-based solar cells, respectively.
Protective effect of mesenchymal stem cells on the pressure ulcer formation by the regulation of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Motegi Sei-ichiro , Sekiguchi Akiko , Uchiyama Akihiko , Uehara Akihito , Fujiwara Chisako , Yamazaki Sahori , Perera Buddhini , Nakamura Hideharu , Ogino Sachiko , Yokoyama Yoko , Akai Ryoko , Iwawaki Takao , Ishikawa Osamu
Published: December 2017

Cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with the early pathogenesis of cutaneous pressure ulcers (PUs). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injection on the formation of PUs after I/R injury and determine the underlying mechanisms. We found that the subcutaneous injection of MSCs into areas of I/R injured skin significantly suppressed the formation of PUs. I/R-induced vascular damage, hypoxia, oxidative DNA damage, and apoptosis were decreased by MSCs injection. Oxidative stress signals detected after I/R in OKD48 (Keap1-dependent oxidative stress detector, No-48-luciferase) mice were decreased by the injection of MSCs. In cultured fibroblasts, MSCs-conditioned medium significantly inhibited oxidant-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis. Furthermore, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signals detected after I/R in ERAI (ER stress-activated indicator) mice were also decreased by the injection of MSCs. These results suggest that the injection of MSCs might protect against the development of PUs after cutaneous I/R injury by reducing vascular damage, oxidative cellular damage, oxidative stress, ER stress, and apoptosis.
Improving extraction and post-purification concentration of membrane proteins
Authors: Feroz Hasin , Kwon HyeYoung , Peng Jing , Oh Hyeonji , Ferlez Bryan , Baker Carol S. , Golbeck John H. , Bazan Guillermo C. , Zydney Andrew L. , Kumar Manish
Published: December 2017

Membrane proteins (MPs), despite being critically important drug targets for the pharmaceutical industry, are difficult to study due to challenges in obtaining high yields of functional protein.
Kinase-loaded magnetic beads for sequentialin vitrophosphorylation of peptides and proteins
Authors: Hromadkova Lenka , Kupcik Rudolf , Vajrychova Marie , Prikryl Petr , Charvatova Andrea , Jankovicova Barbora , Ripova Daniela , Bilkova Zuzana , Slovakova Marcela
Published: December 2017

Kinases ERK2 and GSK-3β loaded magnetic beads for sequentialin vitrophosphorylation of peptides and proteins.
In situcharacterization of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in collagen and model extracellular matrix by solid state NMR
Authors: Li R. , Rajan R. , Wong W. C. V. , Reid D. G. , Duer M. J. , Somovilla V. J. , Martinez-Saez N. , Bernardes G. J. L. , Hayward R. , Shanahan C. M.
Published: December 2017

Pathological glycation of extracellular matrix modelled with13C-labelled sugars yields unique novel atomic level NMR structural and chemical insights non-destructively.
A general and facile strategy for precisely controlling the crystal size of monodispersed metal–organic frameworks via separating the nucleation and growth
Authors: Lan Xiaocheng , Huang Ning , Wang Jinfu , Wang Tiefeng
Published: December 2017

Nucleation and growth were separated to precisely control the crystal size of MOFs.
Effect of immobilization site on the orientation and activity of surface-tethered enzymes
Authors: Li Yaoxin , Ogorzalek Tadeusz L. , Wei Shuai , Zhang Xiaoxian , Yang Pei , Jasensky Joshua , Brooks Charles L. , Marsh E. Neil G. , Chen Zhan
Published: December 2017

Tethering peptides and proteins to abiotic surfaces has the potential to create biomolecule-functionalized surfaces with useful properties.
Multiscale virtual particle based elastic network model (MVP-ENM) for normal mode analysis of large-sized biomolecules
Authors: Xia Kelin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a multiscale virtual particle based elastic network model (MVP-ENM) is proposed for the normal mode analysis of large-sized biomolecules.
The silane–methane dimer revisited: more than a dispersion-bound system?
Authors: Echeverría Jorge
Published: December 2017

The electrostatic origin of the silane–methane dimer attractive interactions has been unveiled by means of a theoretical analysis.
QSAR modeling of cumulative environmental end-points for the prioritization of hazardous chemicals
Authors: Gramatica Paola , Papa Ester , Sangion Alessandro
Published: December 2017

Indexes for the prioritization of potential hazardous chemicals can be derived and modelled by combining PCA and QSAR models.
Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of tacrine-1,2,3-triazole derivatives as potent cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Wu Gaochan , Gao Yun , Kang Dongwei , Huang Boshi , Huo Zhipeng , Liu Huiqing , Poongavanam Vasanthanathan , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong
Published: December 2017

We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of 11 novel tacrine-1,2,3-triazole derivatives via a Cu(i)-catalyzed alkyne–azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction.
Oxidative stress-induced increase of intracellular zinc in astrocytes decreases their functional expression of P2X7 receptors and engulfing activity
Authors: Furuta Takahiro , Mukai Ayumi , Ohishi Akihiro , Nishida Kentaro , Nagasawa Kazuki
Published: December 2017

Exposure of astrocytes to oxidative stress induces an increase of intracellular labile zinc and a decrease of functional expression of P2X7 receptorviaits translocation from the plasma membrane to the cytosol by altering the expression profile of P2X7 receptor and its splice variants, leading to a decrease of their engulfing activity.
C3-Symmetric star shaped donor–acceptor truxenes: synthesis and photophysical, electrochemical and computational studies
Authors: Sharma Rekha , Maragani Ramesh , Misra Rajneesh
Published: December 2017

This manuscript reports the design and synthesis of C3-symmetric star shaped donor and acceptor substituted truxenes 6, 7, 10 and 11 using Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira cross-coupling and [2+2] cycloaddition–retroelectrocyclization reactions.
Fabrication of a 2,4-dinitrophenol sensor based on Fe3O4@Ag@Ni nanomaterials and studies on their antibacterial properties
Authors: Subhan Md Abdus , Chandra Saha Pallab , Rahman Mohammed M. , Ahmed Jahir , Asiri Abdullah M. , Al-Mamun Mohammad
Published: December 2017

Scheme representing (a) MO coated GCE, (b) theoretical I–V response, (c) observed I–V responses by the MO/Nafion/GCE, and (d) proposed detection mechanism of 2,4-DNP.
Layer-number dependent and structural defect related optical properties of InSe
Authors: Zheng T. , Wu Z. T. , Nan H. Y. , Yu Y. F. , Zafar A. , Yan Z. Z. , Lu J. P. , Ni Z. H.
Published: December 2017

We present systematic investigations on the layer-dependent optical properties of InSe and modify its excitonic states by electron beam irradiation.
Blue-white screening as a new readout for deoxyribozyme activity in bacterial cells
Authors: Sadeghi S. , Ahmadi N. , Esmaeili A. , Javadi-Zarnaghi F.
Published: December 2017

Demonstration of 10–23 deoxyribozyme activity in viableE. coliusing blue-white screening as the readout system.
Cu3Pt1–Cu2O nanocomposites: synergistic effect-dependent high activity and stability for the gas-phase selective oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Liu Kun , Long Houkun , Wang Guangyi , Sun Yongbin , Hou Chao , Dong Jian , Cao Xiaoqun
Published: December 2017

The catalyst Cu3Pt1–Cu2O/SiC was facilely prepared via the in situ reaction of the corresponding compounds supported on SiC in the reaction stream.
Dual-emissive 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)oxazoles for high performance organic electroluminescent devices: discovery of a new equilibrium of excited state intramolecular proton transfer with a reverse intersystem crossing process
Authors: Li Bijin , Zhou Linsen , Cheng Hu , Huang Quan , Lan Jingbo , Zhou Liang , You Jingsong
Published: December 2017

Dual-emission of the enol-forms and keto-forms of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)oxazoles and their application in OLEDs are investigated.
Velocity force curves, laning, and jamming for oppositely driven disk systems
Authors: Reichhardt C. , Reichhardt C. J. O.
Published: December 2017

Two disk species driven in opposite directions exhibit four dynamic phases as a function of driving force and disk density.
A chrysene-based liquid crystalline semiconductor for organic thin-film transistors
Authors: He Yaowu , Xu Wenjun , Murtaza Imran , Yao Chao , Zhu Yanan , Li Aiyuan , He Chao , Meng Hong
Published: December 2017

Chrysene and [1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene possess a similar electronic structure, and chrysene is expected to have better semiconductor device performance than BTBT, owing to the stronger electronic couplings.
Cross‐polarisation discrimination models assessment and improvement on earth‐space propagation paths at Ka and V‐bands
Authors: Jorge Flávio , Riva Carlo , Rocha Armando
Published: December 2017

The performance of the satellite communication systems employing polarisation diversity or frequency‐reuse schemes to improve the spectral efficiency is degraded due to the depolarisation‐induced interference originated by raindrops and ice particles present along the Earth–Space propagation path. Two models account for both rain and ice contributions. One predicts the long‐term cumulative distribution function (CDF) of cross‐polarisation discrimination (XPD). The other predicts the relationship between XPD and co‐polar attenuation (CPA) and it was derived considering exclusively data at the V‐band. In this study, the former model is improved by considering the individual ice and rain contributions and their combined effects, while the latter is validated against new measurements at the Ka band. New models are then proposed for the XPD–CPA relationships at the Ka‐band taking into account both rain and ice contributions and also their combined effects. Finally, the predictions provided by the first model are usually converted to the corresponding XPD–CPA relationship using the long‐term first‐order statistics of rain attenuation, (incorrectly) considering that the equiprobability hypothesis applies. A new approach for the conversion of the XPD CDF into the corresponding XPD–CPA relationship is presented.
Evaluation of the reserve capacity in a grid supplied by intermittent energy sources
Authors: Choukri Karim , Naddami Ahmed , Hayani Sana
Published: December 2017

Renewable energy (RnE) is a key element for the national energy strategies in the world especially for emerging and developing countries. Morocco, which has no conventional energy resources, depends almost entirely on the international primary energy market, to satisfy its growing demand inherent to its economic growth and its demographic progression, the country import the majority for its supply of energy sources. Morocco has implemented an important energy strategy that supports the country's transition to RnE and energy efficiency that generalises across all consumer sectors of the economy (housing, transport, industry). However, the integration of renewables into power systems and the development of adequate reserve capacity are seem to be significant for these strategies in particular in the wind power case. This study presents the impact of the smoothing effect on reserve capacity and energy savings available through the net balancing between different climate zones to achieve fuel cost savings and reduce CO2 emissions.
Fuzzy scalar quantisation based on hidden Markov model and application in fault diagnosis of wind turbine
Authors: Zhao Yu , Liu Yongqian , Wang Ruiming
Published: December 2017

In the fault diagnosis methods of wind turbine, hidden Markov model (HMM) is effective for vibration signal, which is nonlinear, non‐stationary, and poor of repetition and reappearance. However, HMM is not very efficient in accuracy and sensitivity of fault diagnosis. To solve the problem, the fault diagnosis method, HMM based on fuzzy scalar quantisation, is proposed. It is one kind of scalar quantisation methods that can reduce the influence of outliers. Compared with the effect of time domain indicators, the frequency domain indicators and the scalar quantisation, the fuzzy scalar quantification performed better in the experiment. The results show the fuzzy scalar quantisation method can improve the effect of HMM rolling bearing fault diagnosis, and has higher accuracy and sensitivity in the presence of outliers.
Synthesis of 9,10-Diarylanthracenes via Mg(TMP)2·2LiCl-Mediated Benzyne Generation/[4+2] Cycloaddition and Deoxygenation of 9,10-Epoxyanthracene Intermediates
Authors: Tokuyama Hidetoshi , Miyamoto Naoya , Nakazawa Yuki , Nakamura Takanori , Okano Kentaro , Sato Sota , Sun Zhe , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: December 2017

A new synthetic route to functionalized 9,10-diarylanthracenes has been developed. 9,10-Epoxyanthracene intermediates were prepared by [4+2] cycloaddition of 1,3-diarylisobenzofuran with a variety of functionalized benzyne intermediates, which were obtained by Mg(TMP)2·2LiCl-mediated benzyne generation. For the cleavage of the resultant 9,10-epoxyanthracene intermediates, we developed mild deoxygenation conditions using a combination of trifluoroacetic acid and Et3SiH. The utility of this sequence was demonstrated by application to the synthesis of 5,7,12,14-tetraphenylpentacene.
Utility of Complete Blood Picture for Predicting In-hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Rao Dangeti , Indrani Garre , RaviKiran M.
Published: December 2017

Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) is one of the leading causes of acute hospital admissions. Despite recent advances in heart failure therapy, prognosis is still poor, rehospitalization rate is very high, and quality of life is worse. It is important to identify patients at increased risk of adverse events. We tried to investigate role of components of complete blood picture on in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with heart failure.

Methods It was an observational study of consecutive patients who admitted with a diagnosis of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in the our department between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, age above 18 years. Ischemic cardiomyopathy was ruled by doing coronary angiograms either in this admission or previously known. Baseline investigations including complete blood picture were done and the patients were followed up till discharge or in hospital mortality.

Results A total of 74 patients (female:male::24:50) enrolled into the study (mean age 51.86 ± 13.5 years) in 12 months. A total of 8 (10.8%) patients died during hospitalization. Among the 74 heart failure patients, 24 (32.5%) had anemia. Group 1 included patients who died during index hospitalization (n = 8) and group 2 comprised patients who were discharged in a stable condition after index hospitalization (n = 66). Group 1 patients had low hemoglobin (12.34 ± 2.93 vs. 14.4 ± 0.21 g/dL, p = 0.000) and high leukocyte count (11,600 ± 2,780 vs. 9,047 ± 3,355 cells/mcL, p = 0.040) with more eosinophils (1 ± 1.06 vs. 4.16 ± 3.48%, p = 0.000) and lymphocytes (20.5 ± 0.53 vs. 17.56 ± 7.45%, p = 0.002). Regression analysis showed a significant association between low hemoglobin and low packed cell volume (PCV) with in-hospital mortality. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) rather than mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) predicted worse outcome. There was a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality with increasing eosinophil count. On the other hand, there was no association between platelet count, total white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil, monocyte, or lymphocyte count with clinical outcome.

Conclusion Low hemoglobin, low PCV, and high eosinophil count have been shown to predict in-hospital mortality. Complete blood picture can, therefore, be utilized in risk-stratifying patients with ADHF due to DCM.
Search Engine Optimization: An Analysis of Rhinoplasty Web sites
Authors: Gupta Amar , Nissan Michael , Carron Michael , Zuliani Giancarlo , Rayess Hani
Published: December 2017

The Internet is the primary source of information for facial plastic surgery patients. Most patients only analyze information in the first 10 Web sites retrieved. The aim of this study was to determine factors critical for improving Web site traffic and search engine optimization. A Google search of “rhinoplasty” was performed in Michigan. The first 20 distinct Web sites originating from private sources were included. Private was defined as personal Web sites for private practice physicians. The Web sites were evaluated using SEOquake and WooRANK, publicly available programs that analyze Web sites. Factors examined included the presence of social media, the number of distinct pages on the Web site, the traffic to the Web site, use of keywords, such as rhinoplasty in the heading and meta description, average visit duration, traffic coming from search, bounce rate, and the number of advertisements. Readability and Web site quality were also analyzed using the DISCERN and Health on the Net Foundation code principles. The first 10 Web sites were compared with the latter 10 Web sites using Student's t-tests. The first 10 Web sites received a significantly lower portion of traffic from search engines than the second 10 Web sites. The first 10 Web sites also had significantly fewer tags of the keyword “nose” in the meta description of the Web site. The first 10 Web sites were significantly more reliable according to the DISCERN instrument, scoring an average of 2.42 compared with 2.05 for the second 10 Web sites (p = 0.029). Search engine optimization is critical for facial plastic surgeons as it improves online presence. This may potentially result in increased traffic and an increase in patient visits. However, Web sites that rely too heavily on search engines for traffic are less likely to be in the top 10 search results. Web site curators should maintain a wide focus for obtaining Web site traffic, possibly including advertising and publishing information in third party sources such as “RealSelf.”
Carbon nanohorns under cold compression to 40 GPa: Raman scattering and X-ray diffraction experiments
Authors: Li Bo , Nan Yanli , Zhao Xiang , Song Xiaolong , Li Haining , Wu Jie , Su Lei
Published: December 2017

We report a high-pressure behavior of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) to 40 GPa at ambient temperature by in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation x-ray diffraction (XRD) in a diamond anvil cell. In Raman measurement, multiple structural transitions are observed. In particular, an additional band at ∼1540 cm−1 indicative of sp3 bonding is shown above 35 GPa, but it reverses upon releasing pressure, implying the formation of a metastable carbon phase having both sp2 and sp3 bonds. Raman frequencies of all bands (G, 2D, D + G, and 2D′) are dependent upon pressure with respective pressure coefficients, among which the value for the G band is as small as ∼2.65 cm−1 GPa−1 above 10 GPa, showing a superior high-pressure structural stability. Analysis based on mode Grüneisen parameter demonstrates the similarity of high-pressure behavior between CNHs and single-walled carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, the bulk modulus and Grüneisen parameter for the G band of CNHs are calculated to be ∼33.3 GPa and 0.1, respectively. In addition, XRD data demonstrate that the structure of post-graphite phase derives from surface nanohorns. Based on topological defects within conical graphene lattice, a reasonable transformation route from nanohorns to the post-graphite phase is proposed.
Nonlinear waves and coherent structures in quasi-neutral plasmas excited by external electromagnetic radiation
Authors: Tzenov Stephan I.
Published: December 2017

Starting from the Vlasov-Maxwell equations describing the dynamics of various species in a quasi-neutral plasma, an exact relativistic hydrodynamic closure for a special type of water-bag distribution satisfying the Vlasov equation has been derived. It has been shown that the set of equations for the macroscopic hydrodynamic variables coupled to the wave equations for the self-consistent electromagnetic field is fully equivalent to the Vlasov-Maxwell system. Based on the method of multiple scales, a system comprising a vector nonlinear Schrodinger equation for the transverse envelopes of the self-consistent plasma wakefield, coupled to a scalar nonlinear Schrodinger equation for the electron current velocity envelope, has been derived. Using the method of formal series of Dubois-Violette, a traveling wave solution of the derived set of coupled nonlinear Schrodinger equations in the case of circular wave polarization has been obtained. This solution is represented as a ratio of two formal Volterra series. The terms of these series can be calculated explicitly to every desired order.
Demonstration of acoustic source localization in air using single pixel compressive imaging
Authors: Rogers Jeffrey S. , Rohde Charles A. , Guild Matthew D. , Naify Christina J. , Martin Theodore P. , Orris Gregory J.
Published: December 2017

Acoustic source localization often relies on large sensor arrays that can be electronically complex and have large data storage requirements to process element level data. Recently, the concept of a single-pixel-imager has garnered interest in the electromagnetics literature due to its ability to form high quality images with a single receiver paired with shaped aperture screens that allow for the collection of spatially orthogonal measurements. Here, we present a method for creating an acoustic analog to the single-pixel-imager found in electromagnetics for the purpose of source localization. Additionally, diffraction is considered to account for screen openings comparable to the acoustic wavelength. A diffraction model is presented and incorporated into the single pixel framework. In this paper, we explore the possibility of applying single pixel localization to acoustic measurements. The method is experimentally validated with laboratory measurements made in an air waveguide.
Information-theoretic measures of hydrogen-like ions in weakly coupled Debye plasmas
Authors: Zan Li Rong , Jiao Li Guang , Ma Jia , Ho Yew Kam
Published: December 2017

Recent development of information theory provides researchers an alternative and useful tool to quantitatively investigate the variation of the electronic structure when atoms interact with the external environment. In this work, we make systematic studies on the information-theoretic measures for hydrogen-like ions immersed in weakly coupled plasmas modeled by Debye-Hückel potential. Shannon entropy, Fisher information, and Fisher-Shannon complexity in both position and momentum spaces are quantified in high accuracy for the hydrogen atom in a large number of stationary states. The plasma screening effect on embedded atoms can significantly affect the electronic density distributions, in both conjugate spaces, and it is quantified by the variation of information quantities. It is shown that the composite quantities (the Shannon entropy sum and the Fisher information product in combined spaces and Fisher-Shannon complexity in individual space) give a more comprehensive description of the atomic structure information than single ones. The nodes of wave functions play a significant role in the changes of composite information quantities caused by plasmas. With the continuously increasing screening strength, all composite quantities in circular states increase monotonously, while in higher-lying excited states where nodal structures exist, they first decrease to a minimum and then increase rapidly before the bound state approaches the continuum limit. The minimum represents the most reduction of uncertainty properties of the atom in plasmas. The lower bounds for the uncertainty product of the system based on composite information quantities are discussed. Our research presents a comprehensive survey in the investigation of information-theoretic measures for simple atoms embedded in Debye model plasmas.
Gamma-ray generation from laser-driven electron resonant acceleration: In the non-QED and the QED regimes
Authors: Qiao B. , Chang H. X. , Xie Y. , Xu Z. , He X. T.
Published: December 2017

Electron acceleration and γ-ray emission by circularly polarized laser pulses interacting with near-critical-density plasmas are systematically investigated for both the non-quantum-electrodynamic (non-QED) and QED regimes. In the non-QED regime, since electron density in the plasma channel is small and the self-generated electromagnetic fields are weak, only a few electrons can achieve the resonant acceleration, leading to weak γ-ray emission. However, when it comes to the QED regime, the radiation recoil force significantly affects the electron dynamics, which helps in not only the trapping of electrons, but also the relaxing of the condition for electrons to hit the resonance with laser fields, resulting in the formation of an ultradense helical electron bunch under resonant acceleration in the plasma channel. Therefore, an intense γ-ray pulse with unprecedented flux can be generated. Theoretical analysis and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations are carried out to compare the dynamics in two different regimes.
Two kinds of waves from a neutron-star smashup
Authors: Grant Andrew
Published: December 2017

Gravitational and electromagnetic radiation expose a merger that triggered a gamma-ray burst and manufactured heavy elements.
Discovering Earth’s radiation belts
Authors: Baker Daniel N. , Panasyuk Mikhail I.
Published: December 2017

Six decades after the belts’ discovery in 1958, scientists are still finding mysterious features.
Mapping local and global variability in plant trait distributions
Authors: Butler Ethan E. , Datta Abhirup , Flores-Moreno Habacuc , Chen Ming , Wythers Kirk R. , Fazayeli Farideh , Banerjee Arindam , Atkin Owen K. , Kattge Jens , Amiaud Bernard , Blonder Benjamin , Boenisch Gerhard , Bond-Lamberty Ben , Brown Kerry A. , Byun Chaeho , Campetella Giandiego , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Craine Joseph M. , Craven Dylan , de Vries Franciska T. , Díaz Sandra , Domingues Tomas F. , Forey Estelle , González-Melo Andrés , Gross Nicolas , Han Wenxuan , Hattingh Wesley N. , Hickler Thomas , Jansen Steven , Kramer Koen , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Kurokawa Hiroko , Laughlin Daniel C. , Meir Patrick , Minden Vanessa , Niinemets Ülo , Onoda Yusuke , Peñuelas Josep , Read Quentin , Sack Lawren , Schamp Brandon , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda A. , Spasojevic Marko J. , Sosinski Enio , Thornton Peter E. , Valladares Fernando , van Bodegom Peter M. , Williams Mathew , Wirth Christian , Reich Peter B.
Published: December 2017

Significance

Currently, Earth system models (ESMs) represent variation in plant life through the presence of a small set of plant functional types (PFTs), each of which accounts for hundreds or thousands of species across thousands of vegetated grid cells on land. By expanding plant traits from a single mean value per PFT to a full distribution per PFT that varies among grid cells, the trait variation present in nature is restored and may be propagated to estimates of ecosystem processes. Indeed, critical ecosystem processes tend to depend on the full trait distribution, which therefore needs to be represented accurately. These maps reintroduce substantial local variation and will allow for a more accurate representation of the land surface in ESMs.
‘Doing good’ in Italian through student community engagement
Authors: Bouvet Eric , Cosmini Daniela , Palaktsoglou Maria , Vanzo Lynn
Published: December 2017

This article discusses a community engagement pilot program for language students offered at Flinders University. For a number of years, the Language in Action program has provided placement opportunities for language students in a range of community settings such as aged-care agencies and cultural associations. From an educational perspective, Language in Action draws from the Deep Approach to World Language Education, which places students in charge of their learning experience and promotes meaningful interactions with communities. The program is also designed to encourage students’ prosocial behavior, contributing to developing a sense of meaning in life, relationship satisfaction, and wellbeing. Through Language in Action, students have opportunities not only to improve their language and intercultural skills in near immersion settings, but also to establish social connections with individuals from migrant groups. This article discusses the placement experiences of language students, focusing on students of Italian, in aged-care contexts. It presents the rationale of the Language in Action program in light of some core principles of Positive Psychology. It discusses the program’s implementation, preliminary data on students’ evaluations of their language development, and the sense of achievement they derive from their placements.
Belonging, idealized self and wellbeing
Authors: Palmieri Cristiana
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the findings from a study that examines the motivations of adult Australians of non-Italian origin to learn Italian in continuing education contexts in Sydney. The study embraces a view of motivation as a multifaceted phenomenon that is produced in a social environment through the interaction between the second language learners and the context in which they operate. The findings reveal that in the Australian multicultural context, the motivation to learn Italian is influenced by a process of negotiation of identity, triggered by both the presence of a well-established Italian migrant community, and the exposure to Italian cultural elements. Thus, the ‘investment’ of students in learning Italian may be generated by the desire to acquire some forms of symbolic capital rather than material resources, as in the case of other more ‘global’ languages (e.g., English). The willingness to invest in the acquisition of elements of symbolic capital indicates learners’ desire to achieve goals related to self-growth and identity development, which in turn generates greater gains in wellbeing. Interviews with the participants also reveal that intrinsic factors, such as affiliation (with the target language speaking community, as well as with the community of learners in Sydney), and self-realization (correspondence with the ideal self-image of a competent language speaker), are key motivators for this group of students. The desire to belong to a community, of either speakers of Italian or like-minded people involved in the same learning trajectory, highlights the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships to increase individuals’ wellbeing and to nurture a sense of attachment and affiliation.