bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel(ii) complexes of a 3N ligand as a model for diketone cleaving unusual nickel(ii)-dioxygenase enzymes
Authors: Ramasubramanian Ramamoorthy , Anandababu Karunanithi , Kumar Mukesh , Mayilmurugan Ramasamy
Published: February 2018

The substrate-bound nickel(ii) complexes of the 3N ligand are synthesized as the models for Ni(ii)-dependent enzymes. They exhibited regioselective C–C cleavage using dioxygen.
Efficient biosynthesis of enantiopure tolvaptan by utilizing alcohol dehydrogenase-catalyzed enantioselective reduction
Authors: Zhang Hong-Lei , Zhang Chao , Han Meng-Nan , Pei Chao-Hong , Xu Zhi-Dong , Li Wei
Published: February 2018

Using whole cells of Escherichia coli co-expressing alcohol dehydrogenase (PsADH) and formate dehydrogenase (CpFDH) in a biphasic aqueous–soybean oil system is shown to be an efficient method for the biosynthesis of enantiopure tolvaptan.
A solvent-free, base-catalyzed domino reaction towards trifluoromethylated benzenes from bio-based methyl coumalate
Authors: Chang Liang , Klipfel Nadja , Dechoux Luc , Thorimbert Serge
Published: February 2018

An efficient and sustainable method to prepare pharmaceutically important trifluoromethyl-benzenes from bio-based methyl coumalate in high yields, in a solvent-free tBuOK-catalyzed domino sequence.
Metal-free transesterification catalyzed by tetramethylammonium methyl carbonate
Authors: Hatano Manabu , Tabata Yuji , Yoshida Yurika , Toh Kohei , Yamashita Kenji , Ogura Yoshihiro , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: February 2018

A metal-free [Me4N]+[OCO2Me]− catalyst is effective for the chemoselective, scalable, and reusable transesterification of chelating substrates in common organic solvents.
Vanadium-based polyoxometalate complex as a new and efficient catalyst for phenol hydroxylation under mild conditions
Authors: Sharma Mitu , Saikia Gangutri , Ahmed Kabirun , Gogoi Sandhya Rani , Puranik Vedavati G. , Islam Nashreen S.
Published: February 2018

A polyoxovanadate complex, synthesized under mild conditions, served as the catalyst for clean conversion of phenol to catechol and hydroquinone in water.
A new approach towards the study of thermal decomposition and formation processes of nanoalloys: the double complex salt [Pd(NH3)4][PtCl6]
Authors: Asanova Tatyana I. , Asanov Igor P. , Kim Min-Gyu , Gorgoi Mihaela , Sottmann Jonas , Korenev Sergey V. , Yusenko Kirill V.
Published: February 2018

The thermal decomposition process of the [Pd(NH3)4][PtCl6] double complex salt was investigated usingin situXAFS, XPS, HAXPES, and XRD.
Compartmentalized supramolecular hydrogels based on viral nanocages towards sophisticated cargo administration
Authors: Yang Liulin , Liu Aijie , de Ruiter Mark V. , Hommersom Catharina. A. , Katsonis Nathalie , Jonkheijm Pascal , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M.
Published: February 2018

Introduction of compartments with defined spaces inside a hydrogel network brings unique features, such as high loading efficiency, cargo quantification, stabilization and diminishment of burst release.
Secondary structure-induced aggregation by hydrogen peroxide: a stimuli-triggered open/close implementation by recombination
Authors: Zhang Guiyang , Liao Qiaobo , Liu Yanfeng , Wang Li , Gou Huilin , Ke Can , Huang Xin , Xi Kai , Jia Xudong
Published: February 2018

The secondary structure-induced aggregations pave new avenues for developing novel self-assembled nanoarchitectures with multifunctional applications.
Norcrassin A, a novel C16 tetranorditerpenoid, and bicrotonol A, an unusual dimeric labdane-type diterpenoid, from the roots of Croton crassifolius
Authors: Zhang Zhan-Xin , Wu Pei-Qian , Li Hui-Hong , Qi Feng-Ming , Fei Dong-Qing , Hu Qiao-Ling , Liu Ying-Hong , Huang Xiao-Ling
Published: February 2018

Norcrassin A (1), a novel C16 tetranorditerpenoid, featuring a new carbon skeleton, and bicrotonol A (2), an unusual dimeric labdane-type diterpenoid, were isolated from Croton crassifolius.
On the role of peptide hydrolysis for fibrillation kinetics and amyloid fibril morphology
Authors: Ye Xinchen , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Langton Maud , Lendel Christofer
Published: February 2018

Peptide hydrolysis determines the fibrillation rate and the morphology of amyloid-like nanofibrils formed by β-lactoglobulin at low pH.
On the morphological, structural and electrochemical properties of entangled Cu-filled carbon nano-onions
Authors: Zhang X. , Medranda D. , Borowiec J. , Yan K. , Zhang J. , Wang S. , Boi F. S.
Published: February 2018

We demonstrate an advanced CVS approach in which the synthesis of Cu-filled carbon nano-onions (CNOs) is achieved by direct sublimation and pyrolysis of a not previously used precursor, namely chloro(1,5-cyclooctadiene)copper(i) dimer.
Photocatalytic activity of BiFeO3/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites under visible light irradiation
Authors: Safizade B. , Masoudpanah S. M. , Hasheminiasari M. , Ghasemi A.
Published: February 2018

BiFeO3-25 wt% ZnFe2O4 exhibits a low specific surface area, high magnetization, and maximum photocatalytic efficiency of 97%.
Highly multiplexed single-cell in situ RNA and DNA analysis with bioorthogonal cleavable fluorescent oligonucleotides
Authors: Mondal Manas , Liao Renjie , Nazaroff Christopher D. , Samuel Adam D. , Guo Jia
Published: February 2018

Bioorthogonal cleavable fluorescent oligonucleotides have been developed to enable highly multiplexed single-cell in situ RNA and DNA analysis.
A fabrication method of gold coated colloidosomes and their application as targeted drug carriers
Authors: Sun Qian , Du Yao , Hall Elizabeth A. H. , Luo Dong , Sukhorukov Gleb B. , Routh Alexander F.
Published: February 2018

Colloidosomes have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their potential applications in a range of industries, such as food, bioreactors and medicine.
Reaction mechanisms and sensitivity of silicon nitrocarbamate and related systems from quantum mechanics reaction dynamics
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Cheng Tao , Zybin Sergey V. , Goddard III William A. , Huang Fenglei
Published: February 2018

The intramolecular differences of four compounds lead to significant distinctions in the reaction mechanisms and sensitivity under heating.
An atmosphere and light tuned highly diastereoselective synthesis of cyclobuta/penta[b]indoles from aniline-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes with alkynes
Authors: Cao Bo , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: February 2018

A catalyst-free atmosphere and light tuned highly diastereoselective synthesis of cyclobuta/penta[b]indoles from aniline-tethered alkylidenecyclopropanes and alkynes was developed, which provided a wide range of cyclobuta- and cyclopenta[b]indole derivatives in good yields.
Extension of antiaromatic norcorrole by cycloaddition
Authors: Fu Xinliang , Meng Yankui , Li Xiaofang , Stępień Marcin , Chmielewski Piotr J.
Published: February 2018

Cycloaddition of iminonitrile to norcorrolatonickel(ii) yields the first chiral antiaromatic tetrapyrrole and pyrazole-fused system of enhanced paratropicity.
Pd(ii)-Catalyzed asymmetric 1,6-conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to Meldrum's acid-derived dienes
Authors: Chen Song , Wu Liang , Shao Qihang , Yang Guoqiang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: February 2018

A Pd(ii)-catalyzed asymmetric 1,6-conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to Meldrum's acid-derived dienes has been realized using a new pyridine–oxazoline ligand bearing an extended arm.
Plasmonic nose: integrating the MOF-enabled molecular preconcentration effect with a plasmonic array for recognition of molecular-level volatile organic compounds
Authors: Koh Charlynn Sher Lin , Lee Hiang Kwee , Han Xuemei , Sim Howard Yi Fan , Ling Xing Yi
Published: February 2018

A plasmonic nose is designed using a ZIF-encapsulated Ag nanocube array to concentrate molecules and electromagnetic field at the 3D nanometer scale.
Semi-quantitative evaluation of molecular meshingviasurface analysis with varying probe radii
Authors: Tanaka Naru , Zhan Yi-Yang , Ozawa Yuka , Kojima Tatsuo , Koide Takuya , Mashiko Takako , Nagashima Umpei , Tachikawa Masanori , Hiraoka Shuichi
Published: February 2018

Molecular meshing in molecular recognition and assembly can be assessed by plotting the distribution of contact surfaces against the contact distance.
Electron transfer rate analysis of a site-specifically wired copper oxidase
Authors: Schlesinger Orr , Pasi Mor , Dandela Rambabu , Meijler Michael M. , Alfonta Lital
Published: February 2018

Electron transfer kinetic parameters of site-specifically wired copper oxidase were investigated.
Vibrational spectra of small methylamine clusters accessed by an ab initio anharmonic approach
Authors: Huang Qian-Rui , Li Ying-Cheng , Ho Kun-Lin , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: February 2018

Anharmonic vibrational calculations on Methylamine (MMA) clusters suggest that the origin of the complexity between 2800 and 3000 cm–1 is caused by Fermi resonance (FR) between the stretching and bending overtones of the CH3 group. In trimer and tetramer, FR also causes complex spectra pattern in the NH2 group.
Upconversion in photodynamic therapy: plumbing the depths
Authors: Hamblin Michael R.
Published: February 2018

Upconversion photodynamic therapy uses sequential multiphoton absorption by transition metal nanoparticles (NaYF4/Yb3+/Er3+) to allow FRET excitation of traditional visible light-absorbing photosensitizers by deeply penetrating near infrared light (810 nm or 980 nm).
Adsorptive removal of organic dyes from aqueous solution by a Zr-based metal–organic framework: effects of Ce(iii) doping
Authors: Yang Ji-Min , Ying Rong-Jian , Han Chun-Xiang , Hu Qi-Tu , Xu Hui-Min , Li Jian-Hui , Wang Qiang , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2018

Ce(iii)-doped UiO-66 nanocrystals exhibited better dye adsorption performance than pristine UiO-66, showing the advantages of high stability and excellent porosity.
Mild and selective Pd–Ar protonolysis and C–H activation promoted by a ligand aryloxide group
Authors: Behnia Ava , Fard Mahmood A. , Blacquiere Johanna M. , Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: February 2018

A ligand phenol/aryloxide group mediates reversible protonolysis and C–H activation at a Pd(ii) centre.
Preparation of acetals from aldehydes and alcohols under basic conditions
Authors: Grabowski Jakub , Granda Jarosław M. , Jurczak Janusz
Published: February 2018

A new method for acetalization of aldehydes under basic conditions, which enables protection in the presence of acid-sensitive groups, has been described.
Rhodium-catalyzed C–H bond activation alkylation and cyclization of 2-arylquinazolin-4-ones
Authors: Lou Minhao , Deng Zhihong , Mao Xuechun , Fu Yang , Yang Qin , Peng Yiyuan
Published: February 2018

An efficient method for the synthesis of isoquinolino[1,2-b]quinazolin-8-one derivatives and 12-methyl-12H-isoindolo[1,2-b]quinazoline-10-one derivatives is described herein.
Construction of bridged cyclic N,O-ketal spirooxindoles through a Michael addition/N,O-ketalization sequence
Authors: Zhu Yanshuo , Guo Jia , Jin Shaojing , Guo Jiaomei , Bai Xuguan , Wang Qilin , Bu Zhanwei
Published: February 2018

The first highly diastereoselective TfOH-catalyzed Michael addition/N,O-ketalization sequence of 3-aminooxindoles and ortho-hydroxychalcones was achieved to afford a wide range of bridged cyclic N,O-ketal spirooxindoles in 41–97% yields.
Sonochemical preparation of alumina-spheres loaded with Pd nanoparticles for 2-butyne-1,4-diol semi-hydrogenation in a continuous flow microwave reactor
Authors: Calcio Gaudino Emanuela , Manzoli Maela , Carnaroglio Diego , Wu Zhilin , Grillo Giorgio , Rotolo Laura , Medlock Jonathan , Bonrath Werner , Cravotto Giancarlo
Published: February 2018

A novel protocol for microwave-assisted alkyne semi-hydrogenation under heterogeneous catalysis in a continuous flow reactor is reported herein.
Correction: Inhibitory effect of a genistein derivative on pigmentation of Guinea pig skin
Authors: Zhou Quancheng , Feng Chuanxing , Ruan Zheng
Published: February 2018

Correction for ‘Inhibitory effect of a genistein derivative on pigmentation of Guinea pig skin’ by Quancheng Zhou et al., RSC Adv., 2017, 7, 7914–7919.
Comparative study on in situ surface cleaning effect of intrinsic oxide-covering GaAs surface using TMA precursor and Al2O3 buffer layer for HfGdO gate dielectrics
Authors: Gao Juan , He Gang , Liang Shuang , Wang Die , Yang Bing
Published: February 2018

In this work, comparative study on the cleaning effect of the intrinsic oxide covering GaAs surface using TMA precursor and Al2O3 buffer layer were performed.
A perylenediimide dimer containing an asymmetric π-bridge and its fused derivative for fullerene-free organic solar cells
Authors: Chen Fan , Ding Guodong , Tang Ailing , Xiao Bo , Li Jianfeng , Zhou Erjun
Published: February 2018

Recent success stories of perylenediimide (PDI) derivatives have stimulated tremendous interest.
miR-139-5p inhibits isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy by targetting c-Jun
Authors: Ming Su , Shui-yun Wang , Wei Qiu , Jian-hui Li , Ru-tai Hui , Lei Song , Mei Jia , Hui Wang , Ji-zheng Wang
Published: February 2018

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a serious monogenic disease characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure. Previously, we identified that miR-139-5p was down-regulated in HCM patients. However, the regulatory effects of miR-139-5p remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the role of miR-139-5p in the regulation of cardiac hypertrophy. The expression of miR-139-5p in left ventricular tissues in HCM patients and mice subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) was significantly down-regulated. Knockdown of miR-139-5p expression in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) induced cardiomyocyte enlargement and increased atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) expression. Overexpression of miR-139-5p antagonized isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiomyocyte enlargement and ANP/brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) up-regulation. More importantly, we found that c-Jun expression was inhibited by miR-139-5p in NRCMs. Knockdown of c-Jun expression significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy induced by miR-139-5p deprivation. Our data indicated that miR-139-5p was down-regulated in the hearts of HCM patients and that it inhibited cardiac hypertrophy by targetting c-Jun expression.
Caspase-1 regulates Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via up-regulation of IL-1β
Authors: Bai Yunlong , Sun Xi , Chu Qun , Li Anqi , Qin Ying , Li Yanyao , Yue Er , Wang Hui , Li GuiYang , Zahra Syeda Madiha , Dong Chaorun , Jiang Yanan
Published: February 2018

Cardiac hypertrophy is a compensatory response to stress or stimuli, which results in arrhythmia and heart failure. Although multiple molecular mechanisms have been identified, cardiac hypertrophy is still difficult to treat. Pyroptosis is a caspase-1-dependent pro-inflammatory programmed cell death. Caspase-1 is involved in various types of diseases, including hepatic injury, cancers, and diabetes-related complications. However, the exact role of caspase-1 in cardiac hypertrophy is yet to be discovered. The present study aimed to explore the possible role of caspase-1 in pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. We established cardiac hypertrophy models both in vivo and in vitro to detect the expression of caspase-1 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The results showed that caspase-1 and IL-1β expression levels were significantly up-regulated during cardiac hypertrophy. Subsequently, caspase-1 inhibitor was co-administered with angiotensin II (Ang II) in cardiomyocytes to observe whether it could attenuate cardiac hypertrophy. Results showed that caspase-1 attenuated the pro-hypertrophic effect of Ang II, which was related to the down-regulation of caspase-1 and IL-1β. In conclusion, our results provide a novel evidence that caspase-1 mediated pyroptosis is involved in cardiac hypertrophy, and the inhibition of caspase-1 will offer a therapeutic potential against cardiac hypertrophy.
WITHDRAWN: Macrophage-targeting Fasudil treatment protects liver from the
ischemia/reperfusion injury by promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Xie Yingli , Zhao Di , Dong Pingshuan , Lai Lihong
Published: February 2018

The Accepted Manuscript version of this article (published on 12 February 2018) was withdrawn on 9 April 2021 at the request of the authors. Despite numerous attempts to contact the authors, the Editorial Office have been unable to receive a reason behind the withdrawal request.
Liraglutide protects cardiac function in diabetic rats through the PPARα pathway
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xiao Xinhua , Zheng Jia , Li Ming , Yu Miao , Ping Fan , Wang Tong , Wang Xiaojing
Published: February 2018

Increasing evidence shows that diabetes causes cardiac dysfunction. We hypothesized that a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog, liraglutide, would attenuate cardiac dysfunction in diabetic rats. A total of 24 Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into two groups fed either a normal diet (normal, n=6) or a high-fat diet (HFD, n=18) for 4 weeks. Then, the HFD rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) to create a diabetic rat model. Diabetic rats were divided into three subgroups receiving vehicle (diabetic, n=6), a low dose of liraglutide (Llirag, 0.2 mg/kg/day, n=6), or a high dose of liraglutide (Hlirag, 0.4 mg/kg/day, n=6). Metabolic parameters, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), left ventricular (LV) function, and whole genome expression of the heart were determined. Diabetic rats developed insulin resistance, increased blood lipid levels and oxidative stress, and impaired LV function, serum adiponectin, nitric oxide (NO). Liraglutide improved insulin resistance, serum adiponectin, NO, HR, and LV function and reduced blood triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) levels, and oxidative stress. Moreover, liraglutide increased heart nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 3 (Nr1h3), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (Ppar) α (Pparα), and Srebp expression and reduced diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (Dgat) and angiopoietin-like 3 (Angptl3) expression. Liraglutide prevented cardiac dysfunction by activating the PPARα pathway to inhibit Dgat expression and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Calibrated 10 b 28 nm CMOS SAR ADC based on integer‐based split capacitors
Authors: Lee E.‐C. , An T.‐J. , Park J.‐S. , Ahn G.‐C. , Lee S.‐H.
Published: February 2018

A calibrated 10 b 5 MS/s 28 nm CMOS successive‐approximation‐register ADC based on an integer‐based split capacitor array is presented. The proposed ADC employs a split capacitor array to optimise the overall power consumption, chip area and linearity performance. An attenuation capacitor between two capacitor arrays is implemented with an integer multiple of unit capacitors rather than a fraction of unit capacitors. The proposed calibration of capacitors reduces the non‐linearity error caused by device mismatches in the conventional split capacitor array. The measured prototype ADC which has an active die area of 0.063 mm2 shows a maximum signal‐to‐noise‐and‐distortion ratio and spurious‐free dynamic range of 59.25 and 70.44 dB, respectively, and consumes 42.5 μW at 0.7 V and 5 MS/s. Moreover, the measured differential non‐linearity (NL) and integral NL are within 0.36 and 0.52 least significant bit, respectively, after calibration.
Millimetre‐wave high‐gain circularly polarised SIW end‐fire bow‐tie antenna by utilising semi‐planar helix unit cell
Authors: Rafiei V. , Karamzadeh S. , Saygin H.
Published: February 2018

In this work, a high‐gain circularly polarised (CP) substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) bow‐tie antenna is presented. The proposed antenna includes a pair of bow‐tie radiators. To centralisation radiated pattern and recede side lobe and back lobe level two tilted rows of metalised via hole at the end of the SIW feed line is used. The methods of increasing the antenna gain and generating the CP are discussed. The proposed antenna was fabricated to validate simulated results. The designed structure operates across 40–68 GHz and exhibits a gain of 10–12.5 dBic. In addition, the proposed antenna exhibits a 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth from 54 to 64.3 GHz.
Protocol with self‐adaptive GB for BANs
Authors: Bai Tong , Lin Jinzhao , Pang Yu , Li Guoquan , Li Zhangyong , Wang Huiqian , Wang Junchao , Zilic Zeljko
Published: February 2018

Body area networks (BANs) are systems of wearable computing devices for long‐term monitoring of personal health care. BAN is an emerging technology for the worldwide ageing population. In the BAN system, the transceiver is the most energy‐consuming part of a sensor node and radio transmission in the vicinity of the human body is highly lossy and inefficient. Therefore, the energy of the sensor node constraints the life cycle and quality of service of the network; consequently, low‐cost protocol shaves attracted wide interest. This study proposes a frame structure model of a self‐adaptive guard band protocol, which introduces a GB in each time slot according to the allowed maximum time drift of the crystal, adaptively adjusts the value of the GB based on the actual time drift, and then ensures that the node simultaneously maintains the sleeping state and synchronisation with the coordinator during beacon transmission, thus reducing the energy consumption.
Uplink pattern division multiple access in 5G systems
Authors: Tang Wanwei , Kang Shaoli , Ren Bin , Yue Xinwei , Zhang Xiurong
Published: February 2018

As a novel non‐orthogonal multiple access scheme, pattern division multiple access (PDMA) has been proposed for the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G) to enhance spectrum efficiency and increase connexion capability. This study analyses the theory performance of uplink PDMA. The exact closed‐form expressions for outage probability (OP) are derived in the Rayleigh fading channel, and the OPs of each user with different pattern and target signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio are evaluated. In addition, the comparison between PDMA and conventional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) in terms of sum data rate (SDR) is conducted. Numerical simulation results verify the authors' analysis and show that PDMA outperforms OMA in terms of OP and SDR.
Mean‐square stability of networked control systems with event driven state quantisation and packet loss
Authors: Xi Zhiyu
Published: February 2018

This study addresses mean‐square stability of networked control system with state quantisation process and suffers random packet losses. A logarithmic quantiser is applied in order to decrease the possibility of the packet loss phenomenon. Also, the quantisation process is designed as event driven so that the quantisation is only performed when necessary. It is shown that stability in mean‐square sense is achieved if a series of LMI conditions are valid. Simulations are finally performed to show the effectiveness of the results of the theoretical analysis.
Optimal PID controller design with adjustable maximum sensitivity
Authors: Verma Bharat , Padhy Prabin K.
Published: February 2018

In this work, the exponential weighted square‐of‐error functions are exploited for controller design. It is reported that the exponential weight in square‐of‐error objective function is related to the maximum sensitivity of the process. Therefore, it is possible to control the maximum sensitivity of the process without measuring the frequency response. Moreover, the existing integral‐square‐error‐ and integral‐time‐square‐error‐based proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) tuning rule is modified with the proposed exponential weighted square‐of‐error functions that allow the user to further tune the maximum sensitivity of the process. The proposed theory is corroborated with the help of a gain optimisation example by the traditional minimisation approach and a PID controller design example by the proposed tuning rule (for the stable/unstable process) and stochastic optimisation approach.
Designing option FTRs for the lossy FTR system
Authors: Vaishya Shri Ram , Sarkar Vaskar
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study is to upgrade the lossy financial transmission right (FTR) mechanism through the introduction of lossy option FTRs. The lossy FTR mechanism retains the potential to deliver superior risk hedging performance compared with the traditionally deployed lossless FTR mechanism since the locational marginal price decomposition is unnecessary for the settlement of lossy FTRs. The existing lossy FTR theory is, however, based on only obligation FTRs. Although obligation FTRs are the primary risk hedging instruments under any FTR mechanism, option FTRs can improve market competition by allowing flexible hedge positions. Therefore, an investigation is carried out to explore a lossy version of option FTRs. The configuration template and the settlement rule for lossy option FTRs are established. A suitable auction model is prepared for the issuance of lossy option FTRs. The lossy FTR auction formulation is carried out based on a novel representation of power flow equations. Detailed case studies are presented to show the practical utility of the proposed lossy FTR instrument.
SAR image segmentation algorithm based on Contourlet domain AFMRF model
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Shi Jiayi
Published: February 2018

Combining the advantage of Contourlet transform with adaptive fuzzy Markov random field (MRF) model, a novel segmentation algorithm is proposed in this study to achieve precise and continuous division for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image. The classical MRF model is modified to obtain the edge and process adaptive label factor. The adaptive fuzzy MRF (AFMRF) model is proposed to equilibrate the smooth regions segmentation with texture regions segmentation. At the same time, Contourlet domain hidden Markov tree (HMT) model is introduced to perform multi‐scale directional filtering and intra‐scale training on the coefficients of SAR images to achieve precise texture segmentation at each scale. Finally, the AFMRF model is integrated into inter‐scale and intra‐scale HMT training results and the segmented image can be obtained. To verify the validity of the proposed algorithm, several SAR images are experimented and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art algorithms. The experimental results and analysis show that the proposed algorithm can achieve better results on noise suppression, smoothness of target regions, precise and continuous segmentation of fuzzy texture.
Experimental study of the human factors when riding an automated wheelchair: supervision and acceptability of the automated system
Authors: Hashimoto Naohisa , Tomita Kohji , Boyali Ali , Takinami Yusuke , Matsumoto Osamu
Published: February 2018

This study investigated the effects of supervision on autonomous wheelchairs, which are considered to be a means of future transportation. A rider using an automated wheelchair needs to be vigilant about the failure modes of the system. This study focused on the effects of human factors on an automated system. Several experiments were conducted in public areas to investigate the influence of human factors including acceptability, capability, and usability on the supervision of an automated system by using questionnaires. The average reaction time from the occurrence of system failure until the emergency switch is activated was found to be similar in all the experiments for all test tracks. Regarding the positions of the subject's hand, several patterns for pushing the emergency switch were observed. The method of supervision for pushing the emergency switch was the same among all subjects, even though they had different attitudes. Most subjects had favourable opinions on the automated wheelchair, whereas some found the supervision bothersome. The results reveal the conditions under which future users would prefer to use the automated wheelchair, given the expected cost and functions. The real‐world experimental data are valuable for developing automated wheelchairs and effective human–machine interfaces on automated systems.
Wind farm dynamic models assessment under weak grid conditions
Authors: Morgan Mohammed Y. , El‐Deib Amgad A. , El‐Marsafawy Magdy
Published: February 2018

Large‐scale integration of wind power is one of the main challenges in today's power systems. Therefore, there is an increased importance to generate more accurate yet simplified wind farm (WF) models. The current modelling techniques of WFs depend on aggregationto reduce the degree of model complexity and computational time. The two techniques of aggregation are adopted in the literature: fully aggregated model (FAM) and multi‐machine model where the WF is divided into a number of aggregated models for different sections of the WF. A small‐signal model based comparison between the two techniques of aggregation is introduced in this study. The aim is to investigate the impacts of the full aggregation of the wind turbines on the overall system critical modes under weak grid conditions as compared to the multi‐machine modelling approach. The comparison is done for different operating conditions (output active and reactive power) of the WF and also under different short‐circuit ratios to reveal to what extent the FAM can be relied on to provide an accurate response of large WFs.
Analysis and experimental research on air gap characteristics of permanent magnet low‐resistance belt conveyor
Authors: Wang Shuang , Hu Kun , Li De‐yong
Published: February 2018

Normal belt conveyors transfer materials by utilising the friction force between driving rollers and the conveyor, resulting in sag resistance and friction. In order to overcome this shortcoming, this study presents a new permanent magnet low resistance belt conveyor, which is used to replace the original mechanical contact with the permanent magnetic support system. The simplified mechanical three‐dimensional model of its permanent magnet support system was established. The mathematical expressions of suspension force, reluctance force and lateral force were deduced with Maxwell equations based on reasonable assumptions. The approximate relationship among air gap length, magnetic flux density and magnetic force was derived from the analysis of air gap characteristics of the permanent magnet support system and the finite‐element simulation of the permanent magnet support system under different air gap conditions. A self‐designed test device of the permanent magnet low‐resistance belt conveyor was used to apply different sets of loads and carry out the experimental research on the permanent magnet support system under different air gap lengths, so as to obtain the pressure distribution of the magnetic conveyor belt. The findings provide theoretical references for further research on the permanent magnet low‐resistance belt conveyor.
High accuracy localisation scheme based on time‐of‐flight (TOF) and directional antenna in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Jin Rencheng , Ma Yuan , Li Yingchen , Zhao Jipeng , Zhou Feng
Published: February 2018

Node localisation technology is one of the most challenging and important issues in wireless sensor networks. This study puts forward a novel and high accuracy estimation method by combining distance‐measuring with angle‐measuring. An anchor node equipped with a directional antenna periodically sends beacons containing its position and antenna orientation to unknown nodes. By observing the variation of received signal strength indication values of beacons and the time of flight values, an unknown node can estimate the distance and orientation relative to the beacon node simultaneously. This study proposed an online modelling method to calibrate the shift of the estimated distance. Meanwhile, an angle estimation method is presented to avoid an ambiguous result, which is a new weighted curve fitting method based on least square principle. The experimental results show that the proposed ranging and angle measurement reaches a better localisation accuracy compared with the original ranging and angle method.
Microstrip differential passband filter with high common‐mode suppression using periodically loaded stubs and coupled resonators
Authors: Attar Amir , Joodaki Mojtaba
Published: February 2018

In this study, a periodic structure as a passband filter for differential input signals is introduced that suppresses the common‐mode noise with a high common‐mode rejection ratio on a wide range of frequencies. The unit cell of the periodic structure consists of open‐ended stubs under common‐mode and short‐ended stubs under differential‐mode excitation. The proposed design procedure introduced in this paper can be exploited for different microwave frequency bands while the overall shape of the filter remains unchanged. To verify the design approach, the authors designed and fabricated a filter at the centre frequency of 7 GHz on a Rogers RO4003 substrate with a dielectric constant of 3.7 and a loss tangent of 0.0027. Their studies show that for a three‐unit‐cell structure with the overall size of 18 mm × 40 mm (0.75λ g × 1.66λ g), a differential fractional bandwidth of 8.6% and a rejection ratio over 55 dB are achieved while the differential in band insertion loss is around 2 dB.
Oceanic tides from Earth-like to ocean planets
Authors: Auclair-Desrotour P. , Mathis S. , Laskar J. , Leconte J.
Published: February 2018

Context.Oceanic tides are a major source of tidal dissipation. They drive the evolution of planetary systems and the rotational dynamics of planets. However, two-dimensional (2D) models commonly used for the Earth cannot be applied to extrasolar telluric planets hosting potentially deep oceans because they ignore the three-dimensional (3D) effects related to the ocean’s vertical structure.

Aims.Our goal is to investigate, in a consistant way, the importance of the contribution of internal gravity waves in the oceanic tidal response and to propose a modelling that allows one to treat a wide range of cases from shallow to deep oceans.

Methods.A 3D ab initio model is developed to study the dynamics of a global planetary ocean. This model takes into account compressibility, stratification, and sphericity terms, which are usually ignored in 2D approaches. An analytic solution is computed and used to study the dependence of the tidal response on the tidal frequency and on the ocean depth and stratification.

Results.In the 2D asymptotic limit, we recover the frequency-resonant behaviour due to surface inertial-gravity waves identified by early studies. As the ocean depth and Brunt–Väisälä frequency increase, the contribution of internal gravity waves grows in importance and the tidal response becomes 3D. In the case of deep oceans, the stable stratification induces resonances that can increase the tidal dissipation rate by several orders of magnitude. It is thus able to significantly affect the evolution time scale of the planetary rotation.
Inhibitors in Nonsevere Hemophilia A: What Is Known and Searching for the Unknown
Authors: Abdi Amal , Linari Silvia , Pieri Lisa , Voorberg Jan , Fijnvandraat Karin , Castaman Giancarlo
Published: February 2018

Nonsevere hemophilia A (NSHA) is an inherited X-linked bleeding disorder, caused by mutations of the F8 gene, leading to decreases of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) levels to 1 to 40 IU/dL. Desmopressin is the first therapeutic option for NSHA, but 40 to 50% of patients fail to attain adequate postinfusion FVIII levels. Thus, in these cases, FVIII concentrates remain the mainstay of treatment. The development of neutralizing FVIII antibodies (inhibitors) is a major challenge with replacement therapy. In contrast to severe disease, NSHA patients have a lifelong risk of inhibitor development. Recent data indicate that inhibitors are associated with a deterioration of clinical outcome, illustrated by an increase in bleeding and mortality rate. F8 genotype is an important risk factor for inhibitor occurrence together with surgical interventions and a high dose of FVIII concentrate. Adequate prevention and treatment of inhibitors in NSHA patients is limited by a lack of understanding of the underlying immunological mechanisms. Elucidation of the immunology driving inhibitor development is required to identify high-risk patients, to understand the association between clinical risk factors and inhibitor occurrence, and to provide the opportunity to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Pure Orbital Trapdoor Fractures in Adults: Tight Entrapment of Perimuscular Tissue Mimicking True Muscle Incarceration with Successful Results from Early Intervention
Authors: Papadiochos Ioannis , Petsinis Vasilis , Tasoulas Jason , Goutzanis Lampros
Published: February 2018

Orbital trapdoor fractures (OTFs) entail entrapment of intraorbital soft tissues with minimal or no displacement of the affected bones and are almost exclusively seen in children. This article aimed to report the diagnosis and treatment of an OTF of the floor in an adult patient and to critically review the literature regarding the management aspects of this specific subset of orbital blowout fractures in adults. A 29-year-old man presented with limitations of vertical right eye movements owing to blunt orbital trauma. The patient mainly complained of double vision in upper gazes and some episodes of nausea. Neither floor defect nor significant bone displacement found on orbital computed tomography, while edema of inferior rectus muscle was apparent. The patient underwent surgical repair 5 days later; a linear minimally displaced fracture of the floor was recognized and complete release of the entrapped perimuscular tissues was followed. Within the first week postoperatively, full range of ocular motility was restored, without residual diplopia. This case was the only identified pure OTF over a 6-year period in our department (0.6% of 159 orbital fractures in patients >18 years). By reviewing the literature indexed in PubMed, a very limited number of either of isolated case reports or retrospective case series of pure OTFs has been reported in adults. Contrary to the typical white-eyed blowout fractures, the literature indicates that OTFs in adults seem to not always constitute absolute emergency conditions. Although such fractures need to be emergently/ immediately treated in children, in the absence of true muscle incarceration, adults may undergo successful treatment within a wider but either early or urgent frame of time. Adults frequently exhibit vagal manifestations and marked signs of local soft tissues injury.
Sjögren-Syndrom bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Haas Johannes-Peter
Published: February 2018

Das Sjögren Syndrom ist bei jungen Erwachsenen eine seltene, jedoch oft zu spät erkannte Autoimmunopathie. Es manifestiert sich als primäres juveniles Sjögren Syndrom (jSS) oder im Rahmen anderer Autoimmunerkrankungen als sekundäres jSS. Die Klinik weicht in einigen Aspekten von der des SS beim Adulten ab. Differentialdiagnosen sind andere Formen der Parotitis, die bei Kindern und Jugendlichen häufiger vorkommen. Schwere systemische Verläufe eines jSS und selbst die Entwicklung von B-Zell-Lymphomen werden jedoch auch bei jungen Patienten beobachtet. Daher sollte auch bei Jugendlichen mit entsprechenden Erstsymptomen an ein jSS gedacht und eine entsprechende Diagnostik veranlasst werden. Patienten mit einem jSS bedürfen einer regelmäßigen kinderrheumatologischen Betreuung.
Deutschsprachige Präventionsprogramme für Essstörungen – Ein systematisches Review
Authors: Pickhardt Mara , Adametz Luise , Richter Felicitas , Strauß Bernhard , Berger Uwe
Published: February 2018

Im deutschsprachigen Raum existiert mittlerweile eine Vielzahl primärer und sekundärer Präventionsprogramme für Essstörungen, jeweils entwickelt für unterschiedliche Zielgruppen und Kontexte. Ziel dieser Arbeit war eine systematische Zusammenfassung der Inhalte und Ergebnisse primärer und sekundärer deutschsprachiger Präventionsprogramme sowie die Integration der Studienergebnisse. Dies soll medizinischem Fachpersonal aber auch Psychologen, Lehrkräften und Sozialarbeitern einen umfassenden Überblick bei der Auswahl wirksamer und gut evaluierter Programme bieten. Die systematische Literaturrecherche ergab 22 primär- und sekundärpräventive Präventionsprogramme für Essstörungen, davon waren 11 wissenschaftlich evaluiert. Die Programme sind entweder für Schulen, das Internet oder ambulante Gruppen konzipiert. Die Mehrzahl der Studien weist auf eine Reduktion von Gewichts- und Figursorgen und Schlankheitsstreben sowie auf eine Erhöhung des (Körper-) Selbstwerts in der Gesamtstichprobe oder in der Risikogruppe hin. Eine Reduktion des auffälligen Essverhaltens hingegen scheint nur bei Risikogruppen oder sekundärpräventiven Programmen möglich. Alle Programme verändern mind. eine Zielvariable bedeutsam. Sekundäre Präventionsprogramme erzielten höhere Effektstärken als primärpräventive. Limitationen der Studien und Implikationen für zukünftige Forschung werden diskutiert.
Psychische Komorbidität in der Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie: Prävalenz und psychosozialer Versorgungsbedarf in der Tertiärversorgung
Authors: Niecke Alexander , Lemke Hanna , Goeser Tobias , Hellmich Martin , Vitinius Frank , Albus Christian
Published: February 2018

Hintergrund Im Gebiet der Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie sind Zusammenhänge und Wechselwirkungen mit komorbiden psychischen Störungen vielfach beschrieben, allerdings fehlen aktuelle und methodisch hochwertige Studien zu Prävalenz und Versorgungsbedarf. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, diesen Mangel zu beheben.

Methodik Prospektive, monozentrische Querschnittsuntersuchung einer repräsentativen Stichprobe stationärer Patienten einer Universitätsklinik. Insgesamt wurden 308 Teilnehmer mit einem validierten Fragebogen (PHQ-D) auf das Vorliegen 8 häufiger psychischer Syndrome untersucht. Zusätzlich wurden 63 Teilnehmer auf das Vorliegen psychischer Störungen gemäß ICD-10 mit einem diagnostischen Interview (SKID-I) untersucht, wobei hier ein größeres Diagnosespektrum erfasst wurde. Der psychosoziale Versorgungsbedarf wurde aus Sicht der internistischen Behandler und aus Sicht der psychosomatischen Experten erhoben.

Ergebnisse Die Prävalenz für mind. 1 psychisches Syndrom in der Fragebogen-Stichprobe (PHQ-D exkl. PHQ-15) beträgt 39,6%, wobei unter diesen bei 23,8% mehr als ein Syndrom vorliegt. Am häufigsten kommen depressive Syndrome und Angstsyndrome vor. Es existieren teilweise deutliche Unterschiede in den verschiedenen Subgruppen (Geschlecht, Art und Schwere der somatischen Erkrankung). Die 4-Wochen-Prävalenz für irgendeine psychische Störung in der Interview-Stichprobe (SKID-I) beträgt 52,4%. Es dominieren affektive und somatoforme Störungen sowie Anpassungstörungen. Psychosozialer Versorgungsbedarf bestand in 23,1% aus Behandlersicht und in 30,2% aus Expertensicht.

Schlussfolgerungen Patienten der gastroenterologisch-hepatologischen Tertiärversorgung zeigen hohe Prävalenzen behandlungswertiger psychischer Syndrome respektive Störungen. Im Vergleich mit der Prävalenz psychischer Störungen in der deutschen Allgemeinbevölkerung ist der Anteil aktuell vorliegender psychischer Störungen fast doppelt so hoch (52,4 vs. 27,1%, p<0,001). Zur Deckung des Versorgungsbedarfs sollten die Einrichtung psychosomatischer Liaison-Dienste sowie die Stärkung der psychosomatischen Grundversorgung in der Gastroenterologie/Hepatologie erfolgen.
Crystal nucleation in sedimenting colloidal suspensions
Authors: Ketzetzi Stefania , Russo John , Bonn Daniel
Published: February 2018

Homogeneous crystal nucleation from a metastable hard-sphere colloidal liquid has been extensively studied in simulations and experiments. A 12 order of magnitude difference between simulated and experimental nucleation rates is observed, the origin of which remains a puzzle. Here, we experimentally study crystal nucleation at the single particle level in suspensions of hard-sphere-like colloids under the influence of sedimentation. We find that sedimentation significantly enhances the nucleation rate, but contrary to what was previously thought, this is not due to simple density fluctuations, as the nucleation barriers become independent of the local density in a sedimentating fluid. Instead, we find an enhancement of the local dynamics, which suggests that local convective cells are responsible for shear-enhanced crystallization at low volume fractions.
An insight into Newton's cooling law using fractional calculus
Authors: Mondol Adreja , Gupta Rivu , Das Shantanu , Dutta Tapati
Published: February 2018

For small temperature differences between a heated body and its environment, Newton's law of cooling predicts that the instantaneous rate of change of temperature of any heated body with respect to time is proportional to the difference in temperature of the body with the ambient, time being measured in integer units. Our experiments on the cooling of different liquids (water, mustard oil, and mercury) did not fit the theoretical predictions of Newton's law of cooling in this form. The solution was done using both Caputo and Riemann-Liouville type fractional derivatives to check if natural phenomena showed any preference in mathematics. In both cases, we find that cooling of liquids has an identical value of the fractional derivative of time that increases with the viscosity of the liquid. On the other hand, the cooling studies on metal alloys could be fitted exactly by integer order time derivative equations. The proportionality constant between heat flux and temperature difference was examined with respect to variations in the depth of liquid and exposed surface area. A critical combination of these two parameters signals a change in the mode of heat transfer within liquids. The equivalence between the proportionality constants for the Caputo and Riemann-Liouville type derivatives is established.
Temperature dependence of interlayer coupling in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with GdOX barriers
Authors: Newhouse-Illige T. , Xu Y. H. , Liu Y. H. , Huang S. , Kato H. , Bi C. , Xu M. , LeRoy B. J. , Wang W. G.
Published: February 2018

Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions with GdOX tunneling barriers have shown a unique voltage controllable interlayer magnetic coupling effect. Here, we investigate the quality of the GdOX barrier and the coupling mechanism in these junctions by examining the temperature dependence of the tunneling magnetoresistance and the interlayer coupling from room temperature down to 11 K. The barrier is shown to be of good quality with the spin independent conductance only contributing a small portion, 14%, to the total room temperature conductance, similar to AlOX and MgO barriers. The interlayer coupling, however, shows an anomalously strong temperature dependence including sign changes below 80 K. This non-trivial temperature dependence is not described by previous models of interlayer coupling and may be due to the large induced magnetic moment of the Gd ions in the barrier.