bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p suppress migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells through targetting ZEB2
Authors: Wang Suogang , Zhang Geng , Zheng Wanxiang , Xue Qin , Wei Di , Zheng Yu , Yuan Jianlin
Published: October 2018

Bladder cancer (BCa) threatens human health due to the high occurrence and mortality. Nowadays, more and more researchers focussed on the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of miRNAs in human cancers. The present study aims to study the biological role of miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p in BCa. The expression levels of miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p were detected in BCa tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the expression levels of miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p were positively correlated with the overall survival (OS) rate of BCa patients. Gain-of-function assays were conducted to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p on the invasion, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of BCa cells. Mechanically, ZEB2 was found to be a target of both miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p. Rescue assays revealed that ZEB2 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p on the invasion and migration of BCa cell lines. In summary, miR-454-3p and miR-374b-5p negatively regulated invasion and migration of BCa cell lines via targetting ZEB2.
W‐band dual‐band waveguide band‐pass filter using dual‐mode cavities
Authors: Chen Jianfei , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Chao , Li Yuehua
Published: October 2018

A W‐band dual‐band waveguide band‐pass filter composed of two dual‐mode (TE101 and TE201) cavities and four single‐mode (TE101) ones is presented. This dual‐band filter with each passband of fourth‐order Chebyshev response is synthesised and designed with the centre frequencies 85.35 and 101.45 GHz, as well as the 3 dB fractional bandwidths of 5.3 and 2.1% by adopting the dual‐mode resonators and the controllable coupling technique. The prototype is fabricated by the conventional computer numerical control milling technology easily. The measured results are very close to the simulations in full W‐band.
Research on modular modelling for the hydraulic system of a vehicle shift
Authors: Zhang Qihui , Xiong Wei , Wang Haitao , Guan Guangfeng , Wang Zuwen , Xiong Qinghui
Published: October 2018

A vehicle‐integrated transmission system is a complex system composed of mechanical, electronic, and hydraulic systems whose components work together. The hydraulic system of a vehicle shift is an important part of the vehicle‐integrated transmission system. In order to improve the efficiency of the building model, the hydraulic system of a vehicle shift is analysed in detail using the modularisation theory. Also, the modularised simulation model of the system is obtained based on AMESim. The correctness of the module simulation model is verified by building a single‐hydraulic‐circuit test platform.
PIV experimental study on the flow field characteristics of axial flow blood pump under three operating conditions
Authors: Xiao Zhiyong , Tan Jianping , Wang Shuai , Yu Zheqin , Wu Weiqiang
Published: October 2018

In order to investigate the internal flow field of an axial blood pump, two‐dimensional (2D) particle image velocimetry (PIV) was applied to test the blood pump under three different conditions. Acquiring the images of inlet, front guide vane, impeller, back guide vane and outlet area, the distribution of internal flow field was then analysed. The rotation speed of the blood pump was set to 6000, 7000 and 8000 r/min, respectively. The results show that the flow field of blood pump is stable relatively at the inlet area. Some vortices and reflux existed due to the block of guide vane in the import and impeller area. With the increase of rotating speed, the overall disturbance degree of flow field increases. Under the condition of low rotation speed, the flow field acceleration is insufficient. Under the medium rotation speed condition, the flow field is stable and the velocity distribution is even. Under the condition of high rotating speed, the number of vortices in the flow field increased significantly, the flow separation phenomenon at the impeller was obvious and more unstable flow appeared at the back guide vanes and outlet area.
Analysis of cavitation flow in conical throttle valve with different cone angle
Authors: He Jie , Li Beibei , Liu Xiumei
Published: October 2018

Cavitation is a common phenomenon in industrial control valves, which has a strong influence on the internal flow. Herein, characteristics of cavitation flow inside conical throttle valve have been numerically analysed using a two‐phase mixture model via computational fluid dynamics software firstly. The accuracy of the numerical model is proven by comparing the numerical results with the experimental data recorded by high‐speed camera. Then, the development of cavitation and the relationship between cavitation, pressure and velocity have also been discussed. The effects of cone angle on the flow and cavitation characteristics have been investigated in detail. The results reveal that under different cone angle conditions, cavitation process and flow field physical parameters are similar. The highest velocity and lowest pressure of the oil is located at the orifice, which is the main area cavitation occurs. Meanwhile, with decreasing cone angle valve, the range of low pressure increases gradually also the highest velocity. It is concluded from the results that the decreasing cone angle will be beneficial for the anti‐cavitation and anti‐erosion of throttle valve. The authors’ conclusions could provide theoretical help for designing high‐performance hydraulic valves.
Design and control of load simulator for throttling system of large hydraulic press
Authors: Zeng Le , Yang Jun , Tan Jianping , Xiao Zhiyong
Published: October 2018

In order to improve the precision of the extrusion speed control of the large hydraulic press and improve the quality of the extruding work piece, an experimental system was designed to simulate the throttle system of the hydraulic press. In order to simulate the transient heavy load and the fluctuating load characteristics of the throttle system, two pumps were used to supply the oil in the two chambers of the load cylinder separately, and the pressure of the two cavity of the load cylinder is controlled by two proportional relief valves. The force of the throttle spool driving cylinder can be controlled by controlling the pressure of the two chambers in closed loop, and the load state can be quickly changed. Experiments show that the load simulator can simulate the load form of the hydraulic press very well.
Resource utilization of titanium-containing slurry by selective extraction and leaching
Authors: Xiang Xiaoyan , Xia Wentang , Yin Jianguo
Published: October 2018

Resource utilization of titanium-containing slurry was realized by selective extraction and leaching. The results from the experiment confirmed that thistechnology was effective for recycling titanium and niobium from the slurry. During selective extraction, the extract solution with titanium content of 159.40 g/L was obtained after 3 stage-counter current extractions, and the titanium content of extracted residue could be reduced to 1.85 wt% which was much lower than the titanium content of titanium-containing slurry. The results of evaporation experiments indicated that CH2Cl2 in extracted residue could be separated and recovered effectively by evaporation and high temperature is beneficial for the whole process. Meanwhile, the titanium oxide and titanium oxychloride in extracted residue could also be transformed into TiCl4 and recovered by evaporation as the evaporation of dichloromethane in extracted residue. The beneficiation of niobium could be achieved when the evaporated residue was leached with diluted hydrochloric acid, the results of leaching test showed that more than 97% of the aluminum in evaporation residue was dissolved, while, only 1.3% of the niobium was leached. Finally, niobium concentrate with Nb2O5 content of 76.39% was obtained by washing the leaching residue with dilute ammonia water.
Microwave-Assisted Grinding of Bolkardag (Nigde, Turkey) Gold Ore and Enhanced Cyanide Leachability
Authors: Seflek Cemaliye , Bayat Oktay
Published: October 2018

This experimental work aims at studying the effect of particle size on the microwave pre-treatment for the grindability of Bolkardag (Nigde, Turkey) gold ore for cyanide leaching. Three different particle size batches (−8 + 4.7 mm, −4.75 + 2 mm and −2 + 1 mm) were used for microwave treatment. Each sub-samples were exposed to four different power levels of microwave energy (0.09, 0.18, 0.36 and 0.6 kW) at exposure times of 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes and then grindability characteristic of the treated samples were investigated with Berry and Bruce comparative grindability method. It was clearly seen that increasing power level and exposure time caused a reduction in comparative Bond Work index. A maximum reduction in Bond Work index (73.54%) was achieved by 0.6 kW at 30 minutes of microwave treatment. Compared to the untreated sample’s results, gold and silver extraction rates increased, using microwave-treated samples, about 7% and 9% after 77 hours cyanide leaching, respectively. Additionally, the hydrated lime added samples (after 0.6 kW at 30 minutes of microwave treatment) were used in the cyanide leaching tests to determine the possible effect. It was observed that there was no significant difference on leaching extraction rates using lime free or lime added samples. Applying microwave pre-treatment before cyanide leaching, the gold and silver extraction rates could be increased and also the cost of communition could be reduced due to easier breakage of the ore due to a significant decrease in Bond Work index.
Où en est la conversion photovoltaïque de l’énergie solaire ?
Authors: Lincot Daniel
Published: October 2018

Le photovoltaïque poursuit sa progression dans le secteur de l’ énergie avec une capacité installée au niveau mondial qui a pratiquement doublé entre 2015 et 2017 (415 GW fin 2017 contre 235 GW fin 2015 [1,2]) et devrait atteindre près de 500 GW fin 2018. En 2017, les nouvelles installations ont atteint près de 100 GW, dont 53 en Chine, et concernent de plus en plus de pays et de régions du monde, en particulier l’Inde, l’Amérique latine, l’Australie, au-delà de ses bases traditionnelles en Europe, au Japon et aux états-Unis. La barre symbolique du terawatt devrait être atteinte au début de la prochaine décennie, avec des volumes d’installations annuels qui pourraient atteindre plusieurs centaines de GW.
Écosystème de représentations et apprentissage de la conception
Authors: Milovanovic Julie , Siret Daniel , Moreau Guillaume , Miguet Francis
Published: October 2018

L’article construit une articulation des notions d’écosystème de représentations, d’apprentissage et de conception. Le modèle descriptif proposé permet d’interroger l’impact d’une altération de l’écosystème de représentations sur l’apprentissage de la conception en studio de projet. Deux écosystèmes utilisant des techniques de Réalité Virtuelle pour favoriser l’immersion dans le projet sont analysés. Les implications sur les processus d’apprentissage de la conception sont décrites par rapport au modèle descriptif proposé.
Quand le BIM met la maquette à l’épreuve du numérique
Authors: Cristia Émilien , Zalio Pierre-Paul , Guéna François
Published: October 2018

Cet article cherche à initier une réflexion théorique, empirique et sociologique sur le concept de maquette numérique considéré dans le cadre de projets BIM. Ainsi, nous considérons dans un premier temps la maquette physique qui, par effet miroir, nous sert à identifier certaines caractéristiques théoriques et empiriques inhérentes à la maquette numérique BIM. Puis, portés par l’intérêt de considérer l’hétérogène diversité des acteurs qui lui sont rattachés, nous approfondissons notre description par le prisme de la sociologie. En particulier, ceci nous permet d’envisager un rapprochement entre la maquette numérique BIM et le concept d’objetfrontière.
Pratique BIM-agile d’élicitation et de raffinement des intentions architecturales : le Micro Poker
Authors: Gless Henri-Jean , Hanser Damien , Halin Gilles
Published: October 2018

Les expérimentations présentées dans cet article viennent de l’identification puis de l’application et de la modification de pratiques agiles issues du génie logiciel au sein de la conception collaborative architecturale. En effet, la transition numérique dans le domaine de l’Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) est un enjeu majeur en France et n’est souvent vue qu’à travers son aspect technologique et non humain. Notre recherche s’oriente alors vers l’apport des sciences sociales et des pratiques orientées coordination comme vecteur de changement. Les pratiques en question se présentent sous forme de jeux de cartes et permettent aux acteurs de la collaboration de mieux appréhender ce qu’est une tâche BIM et de correctement se positionner par rapport aux attentes et aux définitions des autres intervenants. Nous parlons alors de raffinement et d’élicitation des intentions architecturales.
Mesure et représentation cartographique de l’impression de confinement d’un piéton immergé dans la ville
Authors: Belgacem Houda , Leduc Thomas , Musy Marjorie
Published: October 2018

Nous présentons dans cet article un essai de quantification de l'impression de confinement d’un piéton immergé dans la ville. Cette quantification repose sur un ensemble de qualités perceptuelles évoquées par (Ewing et al., 2006) ou (Dupagne et al., 1999) telles la mesure de l’« enfermement urbain », la « cohérence formelle », la « profondeur urbaine » ou le « rapport d'échelle ». Nous y associons des indicateurs provenant de la littérature scientifique comme le facteur de vue du ciel et la longueur de vue maximale et proposons de nouveaux indicateurs tels un ratio d'aspect moyen de l'espace ouvert immédiatement environnant, une hauteur moyenne du déroulé de façades environnant, une complexité formelle et un angle solide de vision (une déclinaison de la carte de vue du ciel pour une ouverture d'angle verticale préfixée). La cartographie qui résulte de cette quantification met en évidence une grande variété d’espaces.
Forecasting Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events with Flare X-ray peak ratios
Authors: Kahler Stephen W. , Ling Alan. G.
Published: October 2018

Solar flare X-ray peak fluxes and fluences in the 0.1–0.8 nm band are often used in models to forecast solar energetic particle (SEP) events. Garcia (2004) [Forecasting methods for occurrence and magnitude of proton storms with solar soft X rays, Space Weather, 2, S02002, 2004] used ratios of the 0.05–0.4 and 0.1–0.8 nm bands of the X-ray instrument on the GOES spacecraft to plot inferred peak flare temperatures versus peak 0.1–0.8 nm fluxes for flares from 1988 to 2002. Flares associated with E > 10 MeV SEP events of >10 proton flux units (pfu) had statistically lower peak temperatures than those without SEP events and therefore offered a possible empirical forecasting tool for SEP events. We review the soft and hard X-ray flare spectral variations as SEP event forecast tools and repeat Garcia’s work for the period 1998–2016, comparing both the peak ratios and the ratios of the preceding 0.05–0.4 nm peak fluxes to the later 0.1–0.8 nm peak fluxes of flares >M3 to the occurrence of associated SEP events. We divide the events into eastern and western hemisphere sources and compare both small (1.2–10 pfu) and large (≥300 pfu) SEP events with those of >10 pfu. In the western hemisphere X-ray peak ratios are statistically lower for >10 pfu SEP events than for non-SEP events and are even lower for the large (>300 pfu) events. The small SEP events, however, are not distinguished from the non-SEP events. We discuss the possible connections between the flare X-ray peak ratios and associated coronal mass ejections that are presumed to be the sources of the SEPs.
Comparison of Liver Shear Wave Elastography Measurements using Siemens Acuson S3000, GE LOGIQ E9, Philips EPIQ7 and Toshiba Aplio 500 (Software Versions 5.0 and 6.0) in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Gress Victoria Sofie , Glawion Elisa Nadine , Schmidberger Julian , Kratzer Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

Aim To compare ARFI-based elastography procedures of the GE LOGIQ E9, Philips EPIQ7, and Toshiba Aplio 500 (versions 5.0 and 6.0) ultrasound scanners with the Siemens Acuson S3000 reference scanner in subjects with healthy livers, taking various impact factors into account.

Materials and Methods The study consisted of two subsequent study parts. Study 1 (n = 205) evaluated the 2D-SWE techniques of GE and Toshiba 5.0 and the pSWE technique of the Philips scanner against the reference scanner Siemens. Study 2 (n = 113) evaluated Toshiba 6.0 against Siemens in a different cohort. Out of 433 study participants in both studies, 318 (M:F = 122:196) met the inclusion criteria. Elastography measurements were performed in the right lobe of the liver at depths of 3, 5 and 7 cm. At each depth, five measurements were acquired with the Siemens and Philips scanners and one measurement each with the GE and Toshiba machines.

Results The Philips (r = 0.58, p < 0.0001) and the GE (r = 0.63, p < 0.0001) scanners showed the strongest correlation of shear wave velocities between Siemens and comparator scanners, at a depth of 5 cm. We found the strongest relationship with Toshiba (software version 6.0) at a depth of 3 cm (r = 0.57, p < 0.0001). Toshiba software version 5.0 did not give satisfactory results. The factors of sex and BMI showed scanner-specific differences in the values measured (p < 0.05). The age of the subjects did not seem to have any effect.

Conclusion With the exception of Toshiba software version 5.0, all of the scanners we tested can be recommended without reservation for comparative ultrasound elastography of the healthy liver at measurement depths of 3 cm up to 5 cm.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pregnancy: A Single-Center Observational Study of 69 Pregnancies
Authors: Naseri Estephania Pignaton , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Borovac-Pinheiro Anderson , Santos Marília , Appenzeller Simone , Costallat Lilian Tereza Lavras
Published: October 2018

Objective To evaluate the effects of pregnancy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods The present article is a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from medical records of pregnant women with SLE from January 2002 to December 2012 at Universidade Estadual de Campinas, in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Systemic lupus erythematosus and disease activity were defined according to the American College of Rheumatology and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) criteria respectively. The means, standard deviations (SDs), percentages and correlations were performed using the SAS software, version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, US).

Results We obtained data from 69 pregnancies in 58 women. During pregnancy, a new flare was observed in 39.2% (n = 27). The manifestations were most common in patients with prior kidney disease, and mainly occurred during the third quarter and the puerperium. Renal activity occurred in 24.6% (n = 17), and serious activity, in 16% (n = 11). Of all deliveries, 75% (n = 48) were by cesarean section. Two maternal deaths occurred (3%). Preterm birth was the main complication in the newborns. The abortion rate was 8.7%. Severe SLEDAI during pregnancy was associated with prematurity (100%) and perinatal death (54%).

Conclusion The maternal-fetal outcome is worse in SLE when the women experience a flare during pregnancy. The best maternal-fetal outcomes occur when the disease is in remission for at least 6 months before the pregnancy.
Association between Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 Polymorphism and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Felizi Rogério Tadeu , Veiga Melissa Gonzalez , Carelli Filho Ivo , Souto Ricardo Peres do , Fernandes César Eduardo , Oliveira Emerson
Published: October 2018

Objective Epidemiological studies have shown evidence of the effect of genetic variations in the pathogenesis of breast cancer and have suggested a relationship of the disease with genetic polymorphisms. Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) is a collagenase responsible for the degradation of type IV collagen, the major component of the basement membrane, and other essential extra cellular matrix components, being involved in the tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) and the risk of developing breast cancer.

Methods In this case-control study, the frequency of the MMP-9-1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) was determined in 148 women with breast cancer and 245 women without the disease. The DNA was extracted from plasma samples, and the gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the presence of the polymorphism was determined using restriction enzymes.

Results After adjusting for confounding variables, we found that the polymorphism was not associated with the occurrence of breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 1.159, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6625–1.997, p = 0.5964). We also found no association with more advanced disease, the presence of hormone receptors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression, or rate of tumor cell proliferation.

Conclusion We did not observe a relationship between MMP-9–1562 C/T polymorphism (rs 3918242) and the occurrence of breast cancer.
Thomson scattering systems on C-2W field-reversed configuration plasma experiment
Authors: Zhai K. , Schindler T. , Ottaviano A. , Zhang H. , Fallah D. , Wells J. , Parke E. , Thompson M. C. ,   TAE Team
Published: October 2018

TAE Technologies’ newly constructed C-2W experiment aims to improve the ion and electron temperatures in a sustained field-reversed configuration plasma. A suite of Thomson scattering systems has been designed and constructed for electron temperature and density profile measurements. The systems are designed for electron densities of 1 × 1012 cm−3 to 2 × 1014 cm−3 and temperature ranges from 10 eV to 2 keV. The central system will provide profile measurements of Te and ne at 16 radial locations from r = −9 cm to r = 64 cm with a temporal resolution of 20 kHz for 4 pulses or 1 kHz for 30 pulses. The jet system will provide profile measurements of Te and ne at 5 radial locations in the open field region from r = −5 cm to r = 15 cm with a temporal resolution of 100 Hz. The central system and its components have been characterized, calibrated, installed, and commissioned. A maximum-likelihood algorithm has been applied for data processing and analysis.
Application of portable near-infrared spectrometer to Heliotron J plasma diagnostics
Authors: Kado S. , Iwata A. , Kanazawa T. , Okada H. , Yamamoto S. , Motojima G. , Okazaki H. , Minami T. , Kobayashi S. , Nagasaki K. , Ohshima S. , Nakamura Y. , Ishizawa A. , Konoshima S. , Mizuuchi T.
Published: October 2018

A simple near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer with a wavelength range of 898–2130 nm has recently been applied to diagnose Heliotron J plasmas. It adopts a symmetrical crossed Czerny–Turner mount equipped with a thermoelectrically cooled 512 channel InGaAs linear sensor. Reciprocal linear dispersion was deduced to 96.37 nm/mm at the center of the detector. External filters can be inserted into the path of the collection optics to reject second-order spectra, as needed. Absolute intensity calibration was performed together with a visible spectrometer using a tungsten halogen lamp, and the effect of the transmittance fringe in the visible region of the applied long-pass filter on the NIR calibration was investigated. The intended application of the NIR spectrometer includes extending the wavelength region of a spectral monitor to less contaminated regions for Heliotron J plasma studies. In preliminary measurements, we observed the Paschen series for the hydrogen pellet injection plasma and two atomic helium lines, i.e., 2S-2P singlet and triplet lines, in helium gas puffing experiments. A continuum spectrum in this regime that is attributable to black-body radiation from hot spots on the plasma-facing components was identified. In addition, this may also be used to monitor background radiation in the YAG-Thomson scattering signals near 1064 nm.
A first-principles investigation on the effect of the divacancy defect on magnetic properties of Fe94V6 alloy
Authors: Liu H.-Y. , Wang J.-J. , Jin J.-F. , Liu C.-M. , Zhang H.-Y.
Published: October 2018

The effect of the divacancy defect on magnetic properties of Fe94V6 alloys was investigated using the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The model of Fe28V2 super-lattice for a divacancy in Fe94V6 alloy was established, in comparison with the perfect Fe30V2 super-lattice. For the first time, the effect of the on-site Coulomb repulsion term was considered to correct the underestimation for the bandgap. The magnetism of the Fe, V atoms, and the super-lattice were analyzed by the electron hybridization of the atoms, and the interactions between V and four different neighboring Fe atoms were also investigated. The results show that both Fe28V2 and Fe30V2 super-lattices are ferromagnetic, which is determined mainly by the strong ferromagnetism of Fe 3d electrons, and the hybridizations between Fe 3d electrons and Fe 2p and V 3d electrons account for the weak anti-ferromagnetism. When the Fe divacancy exists, the average magnetic moments of the Fe28V2 super-lattice and Fe atoms inside increase, while that of V atoms decreases due to the change of the Fe-V charges. The variation of the magnetic moments of different neighboring Fe atoms with respect to V atoms depends on the charge transfer and the Fe-V interaction.
The staged z-pinch as a potential high gain fusion energy source: An independent review, a negative conclusion
Authors: Lindemuth Irvin R. , Weis Matthew R. , Atchison Walter L.
Published: October 2018

Previously published calculations predict that the “staged z-pinch” (SZP) can achieve 400 MJ of fusion yield on a Z-class machine. The SZP is touted to need no external preheat mechanism and no external pre-magnetization method. Instead, it is claimed that the imploding liner can adequately “shock preheat” the fuel and magnetic field diffusion through the liner can adequately magnetize the fuel. In this paper, we analyze a number of published SZP calculations and demonstrate that the calculations have major errors—the computer code used to do the calculations does not appear to be accurately solving the physical model it is intended to solve. A variety of independent analyses lead to this conclusion. This conclusion is confirmed by detailed one-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) calculations conducted on different computer codes using a variety of proposed SZP operating parameters. Although using parameters similar or identical to the published calculations, our MHD calculations do not reach fusion conditions; there is no conceivable modification of the parameters that would lead to high-gain fusion conditions using these other codes. Our analyses and a review of the magnetized target parameter space leads to further conclusion that the SZP should not be considered to be a potential high-gain fusion source.
Tunable in-plane topologically protected edge waves in continuum Kagome lattices
Authors: Riva E. , Quadrelli D. E. , Cazzulani G. , Braghin F.
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we report the evidence of topologically protected edge waves (TPEWs) in continuum Kagome lattice. According to the bulk edge correspondence principle, such edge states are inherently linked with the topological characteristics of the material band structure and can, therefore, be predicted evaluating the associated topological invariant. Due to the non-trivial band structures shown in the context of quantum valley Hall effect, TPEWs are supported at the interface between two lattices characterized by different valley Chern numbers. The break of lattice symmetry is obtained here, in contrast with other similar works in continuum elastic structures, biasing in the stiffness properties of the unit cell, instead of manipulating mass at sublattice points. This opens new promising possibilities related to waveguide tunability and wave propagation control, exploiting the established techniques for stiffness modulation in elastic structures. A sensitivity analysis of robustness of the supported energy transport is provided, showing the amount of de-localized disorder the waveguide is immune to, and how performances are affected by perturbations in the nominal parameters of the lattice.
Research Update: Distribution and stabilization of Pd catalysts in porous carbon-based supports by aggregation of pre-doped colloidal particles
Authors: Beltzung Anna , Newton Mark A. , Nachtegaal Maarten , Wu Hua , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: October 2018

In this work, the synthesis of a stable supported Pd catalyst by aggregation of colloidal particles (CPs) of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) containing the noble metal is discussed. The metal is initially incorporated during the polymerization reaction (0.5 wt. %) and results to be well embedded inside the polymeric structure and anchored to the nitrogen atom of acrylonitrile. Moreover, aiming to provide free access towards the catalyst active sites, a KOH-activated heat treatment was performed on the PAN CP aggregates, thus creating pore sizes between 0.7 and 5 nm with surface area SBET = 1150 m2/g. After the harsh heat treatment, the amount of Pd remaining in the pyrolyzed polymer is 2.8 wt. %, as measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which then corresponds to a total weight loss of 83% (assuming no loss of Pd). This result indicates a remarkable stability of Pd inside the polymer structure and that minimal Pd leaching can be expected during the catalyst use. X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies of pyrolyzed Pd-containing PAN and following extended X-ray absorption fine structure fitting showed no sign of bulk Pd(0), while a dominant proportion of Pd is present as dispersed Pd carbides. These results are consistent with the data obtained using X-ray absorption near edge structure. Finally, the catalyst was tested on a Suzuki coupling in the liquid phase and showed good activity, hence proving the accessibility of the active sites to reactants.
Phonon dynamics of single nanoparticles studied using confocal pump-probe backscattering
Authors: Lin Kung-Hsuan , Cheng Hao-Yu , Yang Chi-Yuan , Li Hung-Wei , Chang Chih-Wei , Chu Shi-Wei
Published: October 2018

Confocal pump-probe backscattering was used to study phonon dynamics of single nanoparticles, which can extend to confocal pump-probe microscopy for investigating carrier dynamics of single nanomaterials. Compared to previous pump-probe microscopy studies, in which nonlinear optical generation was widely utilized, spectral filters were employed in this work to separate the spectra from the optical pulses for pump/probe beams. This not only reduces the complexity of the experimental setup but can also circumvent the aberration issue. Phonon dynamics, including acoustic vibrations and heat diffusion, of a single gold nanoparticle were measured with a temporal delay of 8 ns, and a 0.5 K rise in the temperature of the surrounding media was resolved. The relative optical changes induced by the photoexcitation of the pump pulses in confocal reflection pump-probe traces were orders of magnitude larger than those in typical transmission-type pump probe traces.
Structural geometry of the layered perovskite-type (CH3CH2CH2NH3)2CuCl4 single crystal near phase transition temperatures
Authors: Jang Seong Eun , Kim Mi Jung , Lim Ae Ran
Published: October 2018

Chemical shifts and spin–lattice relaxation times are measured using 1H MAS NMR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, and 14N MAS NMR techniques to understand the structural geometry and dynamics of the alkyl and ammonium groups in layered perovskite (CH3CH2CH2NH3)2CuCl4. Each proton and carbon may be distinguished using MAS NMR. The 1H MAS NMR chemical shifts as a function of temperature showed a larger variation in the ammonium group than in the alkyl group, while the 1H relaxation time (T1ρ) for the ammonium groups was shorter than that of the alkyl group. The paramagnetic Cu2+ ions in the CH3CH2CH2NH3 cation were bonded with the inorganic layer through the N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds, and were paramagnetic, directly affecting the environment of 1H in NH3. The 13C T1ρ values for CH3 increased with temperature, a trend that has been observed in the alkyl group attached to the CH3CH2CH2NH3 cation because of an increased mobility toward its free end.
Radial constraints and the polarity mechanism of plasma plume
Authors: Yue Y. , Ma F. , Gong W. , Li J. , Yu F. , Nie L. , Xian Y. , Bazaka K. , Lu X. , Ostrikov K.
Published: October 2018

Plasma plumes have found a wide range of applications over the recent decade, stimulating studies of characteristics of plasma plumes generated under different conditions. Regardless of whether they propagate within a dielectric tube or different shielding gases, the behavior of these plumes will be affected by the boundary condition of the plume. Yet, at present, little is known about the behavior of plasma plumes of different polarities, especially negative plasma plumes, when propagating under different boundary conditions. To bridge this gap, in this paper, the characteristics of positive and negative plasma plumes propagating within a quartz tube, ambient Ar, and air are studied. The results reveal that the behavior of the positive plasma plume is similar under three different boundary conditions. However, this is not the case for the negative plasma plume, the behavior of which differs significantly between the three cases. Numerical simulation suggests that electron loss due to the drift in the radial direction impacts significantly the characteristics of the negative plasma plume.
Antiphase boundaries in bulk Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloy observed by magnetic force microscopy
Authors: Straka L. , Fekete L. , Heczko O.
Published: October 2018

The antiphase boundaries (APBs) in Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloys with L21 ordering have been so far possible to observe only in the foils using electron holography. Here, we present the possibility to observe the APBs in bulk materials by conventional magnetic force microscopy using particularly oriented and magnetized single crystal samples in the martensite state. The bipolar APB contrast occurs where in-plane magnetization is oriented perpendicularly to APBs. This is in agreement with a qualitative model of an APB as a planar non-magnetic layer in the ferromagnetic matrix.
Stress relief by annealing under external stress in Fe-based metallic glasses
Authors: Ri M. C. , Ding D. W. , Sohrabi S. , Sun B. A. , Wang W. H.
Published: October 2018

The effects of stress relief on the magnetic characteristics of Fe-based metallic glass (MG) ribbons are investigated under external stress through various annealing treatments. We found that long-time annealing treatments benefit for making softer magnetic MGs under applied bending stress. We show that the irreversible domain wall movement region and the irreversible domain wall rotation region in the M-H curve represent the stress relief, which can be well reflected by the demagnified magnetic anisotropy. The magnetic coercivity and effective permeability variations in the lower frequency regime also represent the stress relief state. These observations have implications for understanding the relationship between the stress relief, microstructure change, and magnetic softness in magnetic MGs and might be helpful for the performance improvement of the ferromagnetic glassy materials.
Intercropping short duration leafy vegetables with pumpkin in subtropical alluvial soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Shamim Ara , Kader Mohammed Abdul
Published: October 2018

Intercropping may allow increasing both the productivity and diversity of crop through efficient utilization of land in densely populated countries like Bangladesh where fertility of agricultural land is declining gradually. A field experiment was conducted at a recently developed alluvial soil in Bangladesh during 2015–16 and 2016–17 winter seasons to select suitable leafy vegetables intercropping with pumpkin for higher productivity, better land and time utilization and maximum economic return. Six leafy vegetables viz., coriander green, red amaranth, radish green, mustard green, jute green, and spinach were intercropped with pumpkin and compared with sole pumpkin using a randomised complete block design. Intercropping leafy vegetables with pumpkin did not reduce pumpkin yield but increased system productivity by 39–120% over sole cropped pumpkin. All the intercropping combinations performed better than sole pumpkin. However, the highest system yield (72.7 & 75.6 t ha–1), land equivalent ratio (1.74 & 1.75), area time equivalent ratio (1.20 & 1.16), net return (8001 & 8350 USD ha–1) and benefit cost ratio (10.3 & 10.7) were obtained in 2015–16 & 2016–17, respectively from pumpkin + spinach system indicating that this system might be suitable for higher crop productivity, better land and time utilization as well as economic return for the selected area.
Physical interactions reduce the power of natural selection in growing yeast colonies
Authors: Giometto Andrea , Nelson David R. , Murray Andrew W.
Published: October 2018

Significance

Microbes often live in dense populations such as colonies and biofilms. We show that the success and extinction of yeast strains within a growing colony are determined by a combination of their relative fitness and the forces exerted by proliferating cells on their neighbors. These physical interactions prolong the survival of less-fit strains at the growing frontier of the colony and slow down the colony’s takeover by fitter strains. This reduction in the power of natural selection favors the maintenance of genetic diversity in environments in which the strains’ relative growth rates vary with time. Growth-induced physical interactions may thus favor the maintenance of drug-resistant cells, which are typically less fit than nonresistant cells, within dense microbial populations.
The mechanism of resistance to favipiravir in influenza
Authors: Goldhill Daniel H. , te Velthuis Aartjan J. W. , Fletcher Robert A. , Langat Pinky , Zambon Maria , Lackenby Angie , Barclay Wendy S.
Published: October 2018

Favipiravir is a broad-spectrum antiviral that has shown promise in treatment of influenza virus infections. While emergence of resistance has been observed for many antiinfluenza drugs, to date, clinical trials and laboratory studies of favipiravir have not yielded resistant viruses. Here we show evolution of resistance to favipiravir in the pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus in a laboratory setting. We found that two mutations were required for robust resistance to favipiravir. We demonstrate that a K229R mutation in motif F of the PB1 subunit of the influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) confers resistance to favipiravir in vitro and in cell culture. This mutation has a cost to viral fitness, but fitness can be restored by a P653L mutation in the PA subunit of the polymerase. K229R also conferred favipiravir resistance to RNA polymerases of other influenza A virus strains, and its location within a highly conserved structural feature of the RdRP suggests that other RNA viruses might also acquire resistance through mutations in motif F. The mutations identified here could be used to screen influenza virus-infected patients treated with favipiravir for the emergence of resistance.
On the role of gaze for successful and efficient communication
Authors: Staudte Maria , Crocker Matthew W.
Published: October 2018

Speakers tend to fixate objects they are about to mention, while listeners inspect those objects that they believe to be intended referents of the speaker. These production- and comprehension-contingent gaze behaviors may form an integral part of the signal itself, making it inherently reciprocal. Here, we present work that has investigated the interplay of gaze and language and assessed the role of speaker gaze for language comprehension as well as the utility of listener gaze for an instruction giver. Both lines of research make use of artificial interaction partners which increases experimental control while maintaining a dynamic interactive setting. Thus, the reciprocal nature of situated dialogue becomes a tractable aspect in the enterprise of dealing with human (gaze) behavior.
Quantifying the interplay of gaze and gesture in deixis using an experimental-simulative approach
Authors: Pfeiffer Thies , Renner Patrick
Published: October 2018

Gaze and gestures have been studied qualitatively, e.g., by Kendon and others (Kendon, 1990; McNeill, 1992; Kendon, 2004; McNeill, 2006). A quantitative assessment of gaze
and gestures in dialogue, in particular regarding precise orientations, positions and timings, however, has only been
possible with the advent of advanced measuring technologies, such as motion capturing or eye tracking. Especially in
dynamic natural environments, when interlocutors are concerned with their surrounding three-dimensional environment, a
precise three-dimensional reconstruction of the set-up is required to analyze the produced multimodal utterances.

In this article we review several of our past projects with a focus on our experimental-simulative approach in which we
combine state-of-the-art tracking technologies with 3D representations and computer simulations to test different
hypotheses in the context of deixis in human-human interaction.
Gaze as a predictor for lexical and gestural alignment
Authors: Oben Bert
Published: October 2018

This chapter provides evidence for the role gaze might have on behaviour at another multimodal level of behaviour, viz. alignment (or copying behaviour) of hand gestures and lexical items. In a corpus of dyadic interactions we demonstrate that gaze behaviour affects alignment behaviour differently at the lexical than at the gestural level: if a speaker is looking at an addressee’s face while uttering a target word, this significantly increases the probability that the addressee will use that same word later in the conversation. If a speaker is looking at an addressee’s face while performing a target gesture, there is no correlation with subsequent gesture production by that addressee. However, if an addressee looked at a gesture made by a speaker, this gesture was significantly more often used by that addressee later in the conversation (compared to situations in which the addressee was not looking at that gesture). We argue that the difference in gaze behaviour between lexical and gestural alignment cases might be explained by the dual function of eye gaze in interaction, viz. gaze for visual perception and gaze for signalling meaning.
Displaying recipiency in an interpreter-mediated dialogue
Authors: Vranjes Jelena , Bot Hanneke , Feyaerts Kurt , Brône Geert
Published: October 2018

This chapter discusses the findings of a study that used mobile eye-tracking in the context of a naturally occurring interpreter-mediated dialogue. This type of interaction is particularly interesting for the study of gaze and other (non-) verbal resources, as the primary interlocutors have no or limited access to each other’s languages and have to rely on the interpreter and other modalities for the successful accomplishment of the social interaction. The aim of the study was to examine the role of gaze in the multimodal displays of recipiency (backchannel responses) in one interpreter-mediated therapeutic encounter. Our study reveals asymmetrical gaze patterns of the three participants while listening to the ongoing talk. The analysis also shows that backchannel responses are found on different levels of communication and between all participants in an interpreter-mediated conversation. Moreover, this contribution demonstrates how eye-tracking technology can help us reveal specific micro-events between the participants in the conversation, which can strengthen our understanding of the interpreter-mediated talk as a joint action.
Verum focus, sentence mood, and contrast
Authors: Lohnstein Horst
Published: October 2018

Verum focus is a phenomenon which results from accentuation of a specific component (finite verb, complementizer, relative or wh-element) in the left peripheral position of a clause. It invokes the effect of emphasizing the expression of truth of a proposition as Höhle (1988; 1992), who coined the term, characterized the phenomenon. In German, verum focus typically appears in the left periphery in main as well as in embedded clauses. The distribution of the accent at the surface is driven by rather sophisticated conditions which relate the syntactic surface position of the accent to its PF and LF effects in systematic ways.

The close connection of the phenomenon with the concepts of truth, contrast, and sentential force calls for a theory which interrelates these notions. This leads to a perspective that connects verum focus to the part of the sentence that spells out the intention (not the intension) of the sentence meaning: sentence mood. The proposed line of reasoning intends to promote the view that verum focus can be derived from the systematic interaction of sentence mood with the regular properties of focus assignment. Since focus assignment relates accent and contrast, ‘truth’ is achieved by verum focus, if the sentence mood function is fulfilled.
In search for polarity contrast marking in Italian
Authors: Andorno Cecilia , Crocco Claudia
Published: October 2018

This paper examines polarity contrast marking in Italian, analyzing replies to questions and assertions in Map Task dialogues and read speech. We examine the frequency of echo replies, their syntactic and prosodic properties, and the frequency of verum focus. The results show that echo replies are recurrent, and even preferred, when a correction is involved. Narrow and verum focus are attested, although the latter is not common, and can also be due to morpho-syntactic manipulations such as clitic right dislocation. The results confirm the instability of polarity contrast marking in Italian and suggest that the use of marking devices is sensitive to pragmatic factors, especially in connection with the different functions of polarity contrast in discourse.
Applying metaphor analysis to academic literacy research
Authors: Wan Wan , Turner Sarah
Published: October 2018

The article aims to provide a critical review of 23 studies that have used metaphor analysis to provide insight into academic literacy research over the past 30 years. It begins by summarising some of the key issues and trends that have been addressed using metaphor analysis, grouping these into two broad categories: metaphor as a methodological tool, and metaphor as an intervention tool. Methods of metaphor collection and analysis are then outlined and discussed. It is noted that an increasing number of studies in this area have identified methodological issues resulting from what Armstrong et al. (2011) term ‘the subjectivity problem’, and the article thus discusses how such issues may be resolved in future research.
Negative existentials
Authors: Vecsey Zoltán
Published: October 2018

Negative existentials containing empty NPs are understood colloquially as representing how things stand in the world. Moreover,
utterances of such sentences seem to express propositions or thoughts that are informative and true. Standard static semantic
theories cannot provide a straightforward account of these intuitive phenomena. In such frameworks, sentences with empty NPs are
considered as being unable to express truth-evaluable contents. This paper investigates two alternative theories of negative
existentials. A common feature of these theories is that they adopt a dynamic approach to meaning. I will argue that neither of
these alternatives provides a reassuring solution to the apparent truth-conditional problem generated by the utterances of
negative existentials.