bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantum light-emitting diode for the standard telecom window around 1,550 nm
Authors: Müller T. , Skiba-Szymanska J. , Krysa A. B. , Huwer J. , Felle M. , Anderson M. , Stevenson R. M. , Heffernan J. , Ritchie D. A. , Shields A. J.
Published: February 2018

Single photons and entangled photon pairs are a key resource of many quantum secure communication and quantum computation protocols, and non-Poissonian sources emitting in the low-loss wavelength region around 1,550 nm are essential for the development of fibre-based quantum network infrastructure. However, reaching this wavelength window has been challenging for semiconductor-based quantum light sources. Here we show that quantum dot devices based on indium phosphide are capable of electrically injected single photon emission in this wavelength region. Using the biexciton cascade mechanism, they also produce entangled photons with a fidelity of 87 ± 4%, sufficient for the application of one-way error correction protocols. The material system further allows for entangled photon generation up to an operating temperature of 93 K. Our quantum photon source can be directly integrated with existing long distance quantum communication and cryptography systems, and provides a promising material platform for developing future quantum network hardware.
Temperature-dependent phonon spectra of magnetic random solid solutions
Authors: Ikeda Yuji , Körmann Fritz , Dutta Biswanath , Carreras Abel , Seko Atsuto , Neugebauer Jörg , Tanaka Isao
Published: February 2018

A first-principles-based computational tool for simulating phonons of magnetic random solid solutions including thermal magnetic fluctuations is developed. The method takes fluctuations of force constants due to magnetic excitations as well as due to chemical disorder into account. The developed approach correctly predicts the experimentally observed unusual phonon hardening of a transverse acoustic mode in Fe–Pd an Fe–Pt Invar alloys with increasing temperature. This peculiar behavior, which cannot be explained within a conventional harmonic picture, turns out to be a consequence of thermal magnetic fluctuations. The proposed methodology can be straightforwardly applied to a wide range of materials to reveal new insights into physical behaviors and to design materials through computation, which were not accessible so far.
Secondary forest regeneration benefits old-growth specialist bats in a fragmented tropical landscape
Authors: Rocha Ricardo , Ovaskainen Otso , López-Baucells Adrià , Farneda Fábio Z. , Sampaio Erica M. , Bobrowiec Paulo E. D. , Cabeza Mar , Palmeirim Jorge M. , Meyer Christoph F. J.
Published: February 2018

Tropical forest loss and fragmentation are due to increase in coming decades. Understanding how matrix dynamics, especially secondary forest regrowth, can lessen fragmentation impacts is key to understanding species persistence in modified landscapes. Here, we use a whole-ecosystem fragmentation experiment to investigate how bat assemblages are influenced by the regeneration of the secondary forest matrix. We surveyed bats in continuous forest, forest fragments and secondary forest matrix habitats, ~15 and ~30 years after forest clearance, to investigate temporal changes in the occupancy and abundance of old-growth specialist and habitat generalist species. The regeneration of the second growth matrix had overall positive effects on the occupancy and abundance of specialists across all sampled habitats. Conversely, effects on generalist species were negligible for forest fragments and negative for secondary forest. Our results show that the conservation potential of secondary forests for reverting faunal declines in fragmented tropical landscapes increases with secondary forest age and that old-growth specialists, which are often of most conservation concern, are the greatest beneficiaries of secondary forest maturation. Our findings emphasize that the transposition of patterns of biodiversity persistence in island ecosystems to fragmented terrestrial settings can be hampered by the dynamic nature of human-dominated landscapes.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Water Confinement in Disordered Aluminosilicate Subnanopores
Authors: Ohkubo Takahiro , Gin Stéphane , Collin Marie , Iwadate Yasuhiko
Published: February 2018

The porous structure and mass transport characteristics of disordered silicate porous media were investigated via a geometry based analysis of water confined in the pores. Disordered silicate porous media were constructed to mimic the dissolution behavior of an alkali aluminoborosilicate glass, i.e., soluble Na and B were removed from the bulk glass, and then water molecules and Na were introduced into the pores to provide a complex porous structure filled with water. This modelling approach revealed large surface areas of disordered porous media. In addition, a number of isolated water molecules were observed in the pores, despite accessible porous connectivity. As the fraction of mobile water was approximately 1%, the main water dynamics corresponded to vibrational motion in a confined space. This significantly reduced water mobility was due to strong hydrogen-bonding water-surface interactions resulting from the large surface area. This original approach provides a method for predicting the porous structure and water transport characteristics of disordered silicate porous media.
A Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) screen detects an AMPK inhibitor with selective toxicity toward human colon tumor cells
Authors: Das Binita , Neilsen Beth K. , Fisher Kurt W. , Gehring Drew , Hu Youcai , Volle Deanna J. , Kim Hyun Seok , McCall Jamie L. , Kelly David L. , MacMillan John B. , White Michael A. , Lewis Robert E.
Published: February 2018

AMPK is a serine threonine kinase composed of a heterotrimer of a catalytic, kinase-containing α and regulatory β and γ subunits. Here we show that individual AMPK subunit expression and requirement for survival varies across colon cancer cell lines. While AMPKα1 expression is relatively consistent across colon cancer cell lines, AMPKα1 depletion does not induce cell death. Conversely, AMPKα2 is expressed at variable levels in colon cancer cells. In high expressing SW480 and moderate expressing HCT116 colon cancer cells, siRNA-mediated depletion induces cell death. These data suggest that AMPK kinase inhibition may be a useful component of future therapeutic strategies. We used Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) to screen a natural product library to identify compounds that were inhibitors of AMPK to test its potential for detecting small molecules with preferential toxicity toward human colon tumor cells. FUSION identified 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine, which competitively inhibits AMPK. Human colon cancer cell lines are notably more sensitive to 5′-hydroxy-staurosporine than are non-transformed human colon epithelial cells. This study serves as proof-of-concept for unbiased FUSION-based detection of small molecule inhibitors of therapeutic targets and highlights its potential to identify novel compounds for cancer therapy development.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of miRs Based on the Differential Effect of Competitive Structures in The p19 Function
Authors: Ghazizadeh E. , Oskuee R. K. , Jaafari M. R. , Hosseinkhani S.
Published: February 2018

The present study aim to design a liposomal electrochemical sensor using 1, 2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammoniumpropane (DOTAP) and dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine(DOPE), chimeric probes and p19, it has been considered as a caliper molecule as well. Also the competitor structural hybrid (RNA) was used to detect three types of miRs in one screen printed electrode modified by gold nanoparticle (SCPE/GNP). In this purpose, the sensor signal stabilized when the cationic DOTAP-DOPE with hybrids of the chimeric probes (Stem, M-linear) sandwiched in order to detect 221–124a miRs. Given the lack of accessibility to RNA-miRs segments of chimeric probes, p19 inhibited the electrochemical reaction and shifted signal to off. After that p19 connected with the free hybrid of T-linear/21miR (just RNA) as competing for structure and the signal was shifted to ON, again. In this study, the electrochemical measurements were performed between the potentials at −0.4 V and +0.4 V with 1 mM [Fe(CN)6]-3-/4 which DOTAP-DOPE acted as an enhancer layer in the electrostatically reaction. This sensor determines as low as 0.4 fM of miRNA with high selectivity and specificity for sequential analysis of 124a-221-21 miRs in just 2 h.
Nozzle Shape Guided Filler Orientation in 3D Printed Photo-curable Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Taeil , Trangkanukulkij Ramita , Kim Woo Soo
Published: February 2018

Here, we report guided orientation of silver nanowires (AgNWs) in extruded patterns with photo-curable 3D printing technology. A printable conductive composite material composed of polymer matrix and silver nanowires shows significantly varied electrical properties depending on the cross-sectional shape of printing nozzles: flat or circular. The composite is designed to have highly conductive AgNWs and a dielectric polymer matrix like photo-curable methacrylate resin. The dielectric permittivity of photo-curable composite resin with 1.6 vol. % of AgNWs printed through a circular nozzle showed 27. However, the same resin showed much lower permittivity with 20 when it is printed with a flat nozzle. The cross-sectional sample morphology shows that AgNWs printed with a circular nozzle are aligned, and AgNWs printed with a flat nozzle are randomly distributed. A computational simulation of paste extrusion with two different nozzle shapes showed clearly different fluidic velocities at the nozzle exit, which contributes to different fiber orientation in printed samples. A radio frequency identification sensor is fabricated with 3D printed composite using a flat nozzle for the demonstration of AgNW based 3D printed conductor.
Deep Residual Network Predicts Cortical Representation and Organization of Visual Features for Rapid Categorization
Authors: Wen Haiguang , Shi Junxing , Chen Wei , Liu Zhongming
Published: February 2018

The brain represents visual objects with topographic cortical patterns. To address how distributed visual representations enable object categorization, we established predictive encoding models based on a deep residual network, and trained them to predict cortical responses to natural movies. Using this predictive model, we mapped human cortical representations to 64,000 visual objects from 80 categories with high throughput and accuracy. Such representations covered both the ventral and dorsal pathways, reflected multiple levels of object features, and preserved semantic relationships between categories. In the entire visual cortex, object representations were organized into three clusters of categories: biological objects, non-biological objects, and background scenes. In a finer scale specific to each cluster, object representations revealed sub-clusters for further categorization. Such hierarchical clustering of category representations was mostly contributed by cortical representations of object features from middle to high levels. In summary, this study demonstrates a useful computational strategy to characterize the cortical organization and representations of visual features for rapid categorization.
Prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Shanxi Province, China and application of Bayesian networks to analyse its related factors
Authors: Pan Jinhua , Ren Zeping , Li Wenhan , Wei Zhen , Rao Huaxiang , Ren Hao , Zhang Zhuang , Song Weimei , He Yuling , Li Chenglian , Yang Xiaojuan , Chen LiMin , Qiu Lixia
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to obtain the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its related factors in Shanxi Province, China using multivariate logistic regression analysis and tabu search-based Bayesian networks (BNs). A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was adopted to obtain samples among the general population aged 18 years or above. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Shanxi Province was 42.6%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, age, region, occupation, vegetable intake level, physical activity, body mass index, central obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are associated with hyperlipidemia. BNs were used to find connections between those related factors and hyperlipidemia, which were established by a complex network structure. The results showed that BNs can not only be used to find out the correlative factors of hyperlipidemia but also to analyse how these factors affect hyperlipidemia and their interrelationships, which is consistent with practical theory, is superior to logistic regression and has better application prospects.
Salivary and serum androgens with anti-Müllerian hormone measurement for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Al-Qaissi Ahmed , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Dargham Soha R. , Keevil Brian , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: February 2018

To determine the predictive value of a raised androgen level with an elevated anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for the diagnosis or exclusion of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prospective cross-sectional study of 170 women (105 with PCOS type A and 65 normal) was undertaken. AMH was combined with one of, total serum testosterone (T); calculated free androgen index; salivary testosterone (salT); serum androstenedione (A); salivary androstenedione (salA). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of AMH (>35 pmol/l) alone for PCOS were 55% and 79% respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of AMH (>35 pmol/l) with either an elevated T or raised FAI level for PCOS showed 100% specificity and a 100% positive predictive value. Conversely, diagnostic exclusion of PCOS was shown by an AMH <35 pmol/l with a normal T or FAI salivary testosterone giving 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value. AMH with an elevated A or elevated salA level gave specificities of 87% and 94%, and positive predictive values 80% and 94%, respectively. Therefore, the combination of an AMH with a cut off of 35 pmol/l combined with a raised T and/or a FAI will confirm PCOS whilst a normal AMH with a normal T and/or FAI will exclude PCOS, thus addressing diagnostic uncertainty.
AxonDeepSeg: automatic axon and myelin segmentation from microscopy data using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zaimi Aldo , Wabartha Maxime , Herman Victor , Antonsanti Pierre-Louis , Perone Christian S. , Cohen-Adad Julien
Published: February 2018

Segmentation of axon and myelin from microscopy images of the nervous system provides useful quantitative information about the tissue microstructure, such as axon density and myelin thickness. This could be used for instance to document cell morphometry across species, or to validate novel non-invasive quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Most currently-available segmentation algorithms are based on standard image processing and usually require multiple processing steps and/or parameter tuning by the user to adapt to different modalities. Moreover, only a few methods are publicly available. We introduce AxonDeepSeg, an open-source software that performs axon and myelin segmentation of microscopic images using deep learning. AxonDeepSeg features: (i) a convolutional neural network architecture; (ii) an easy training procedure to generate new models based on manually-labelled data and (iii) two ready-to-use models trained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results show high pixel-wise accuracy across various species: 85% on rat SEM, 81% on human SEM, 95% on mice TEM and 84% on macaque TEM. Segmentation of a full rat spinal cord slice is computed and morphological metrics are extracted and compared against the literature. AxonDeepSeg is freely available at https://github.com/neuropoly/axondeepseg.
Accuracy of Combined Computed Tomography Colonography and Dual Energy Iiodine Map Imaging for Detecting Colorectal masses using High-pitch Dual-source CT
Authors: Sun Kai , Han Ruijuan , Han Yang , Shi Xuesen , Hu Jiang , lu Bin
Published: February 2018

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of combined computed tomography colonography (CTC) and dual-energy iodine map imaging for detecting colorectal masses using high-pitch dual-source CT, compared with optical colonography (OC) and histopathologic findings. Twenty-eight consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients were underwent contrast-enhanced CTC acquisition using dual-energy mode and OC and pathologic examination. The size of the space-occupied mass, the CT value after contrast enhancement, and the iodine value were measured and statistically compared. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy rate, and positive predictive and negative predictive values of dual-energy contrast-enhanced CTC were calculated and compared between conventional CTC and dual-energy iodine images. The iodine value of stool was significantly lower than the colonic neoplasia (P < 0.01). The sensitivity of conventional CTC was 95.6% (95% CI = 77.9%–99.2%), combined CTC and dual-energy iodine maps imaging was 95.6% (95% CI = 77.9%–99.2%). The specificity of the two methods was 42.8% (95% CI = 15.4%–93.5%) and 100% (95% CI = 47.9%–100%; P = 0.02), respectively. Compared with optical colonography and histopathology, combined CTC and dual-energy iodine maps imaging can distinguish stool and colonic neoplasia, distinguish between benign and malignant tumors initially and improve the diagnostic accuracy of CTC for colorectal cancer screening.
Fluorescent Holographic Fringes with a Surface Relief Structure Based on Merocyanine Aggregation Driven by Blue-violet Laser
Authors: Ji Ruiya , Fu Shencheng , Zhang Xintong , Han Xiuxiu , Liu Shuangyan , Wang Xiuli , Liu Yichun
Published: February 2018

Stability and integration are the goals for developing photonic devices. Spirooxazines have the property of photoinduced merocyanine-aggregation in polymer matrix, which can be applied to fluorescence emission and stable information storage. Although visible light coherent radiation with UV-assist has been used to achieve polarization-modulated holographic memory in spirooxazine doped PMMA films, the complexity of optical systems is increased and the aggregation ability of merocyanine is decreased. Here, we report that fluorescent holographic gratings with a surface relief structure can be inscribed in the film via sole irradiation of 403.4 nm. Time-dependent photo-anisotropy and holographic dynamics were both investigated with different power densities of the near-UV laser. The non-exponential photokinetics was explained by the sequential formation of mono- and aggregate-merocyanine molecules. The appearance of merocyanine aggregates is found to be beneficial to the long-term holographic memory with fluorescent emission. This work provides a research strategy for the integrity of storage, display and micro-fabrication of organic functional-devices.
Electrically controlled transformation of memristive titanates into mesoporous titanium oxides via incongruent sublimation
Authors: Rodenbücher C. , Meuffels P. , Bihlmayer G. , Speier W. , Du H. , Schwedt A. , Breuer U. , Jia C.-L. , Mayer J. , Waser R. , Szot K.
Published: February 2018

Perovskites such as SrTiO3, BaTiO3, and CaTiO3 have become key materials for future energy-efficient memristive data storage and logic applications due to their ability to switch their resistance reversibly upon application of an external voltage. This resistance switching effect is based on the evolution of nanoscale conducting filaments with different stoichiometry and structure than the original oxide. In order to design and optimize memristive devices, a fundamental understanding of the interaction between electrochemical stress, stoichiometry changes and phase transformations is needed. Here, we follow the approach of investigating these effects in a macroscopic model system. We show that by applying a DC voltage under reducing conditions on a perovskite slab it is possible to induce stoichiometry polarization allowing for a controlled decomposition related to incongruent sublimation of the alkaline earth metal starting in the surface region. This way, self-formed mesoporous layers can be generated which are fully depleted by Sr (or Ba, Ca) but consist of titanium oxides including TiO and Ti3O with tens of micrometre thickness. This illustrates that phase transformations can be induced easily by electrochemical driving forces.
Dielectric properties of hexagonal boron nitride and transition metal dichalcogenides: from monolayer to bulk
Authors: Laturia Akash , Van de Put Maarten L. , Vandenberghe William G.
Published: February 2018

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) promise greatly improved electrostatic control in future scaled electronic devices. To quantify the prospects of these materials in devices, we calculate the out-of-plane and in-plane dielectric constant from first principles for TMDs in trigonal prismatic and octahedral coordination, as well as for h-BN, with a thickness ranging from monolayer and bilayer to bulk. Both the ionic and electronic contribution to the dielectric response are computed. Our calculations show that the out-of-plane dielectric response for the transition-metal dichalcogenides is dominated by its electronic component and that the dielectric constant increases with increasing chalcogen atomic number. Overall, the out-of-plane dielectric constant of the TMDs and h-BN increases by less than 15% as the number of layers is increased from monolayer to bulk, while the in-plane component remains unchanged. Our computations also reveal that for octahedrally coordinated TMDs the ionic (static) contribution to the dielectric response is very high (4.5 times the electronic contribution) in the in-plane direction. This indicates that semiconducting TMDs in the tetragonal phase will suffer from excessive polar-optical scattering thereby deteriorating their electronic transport properties.
Vertically co-oriented two dimensional metal-organic frameworks for packaging enhanced supercapacitive performance
Authors: Deng Ting , Zhang Wei , Arcelus Oier , Wang Dong , Shi Xiaoyuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Carrasco Javier , Rojo Teófilo , Zheng Weitao
Published: February 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for batteries and supercapacitors. However, random crystal orientations and low conductivity can result in poor performance. Designing a convenient method to address these issues is therefore an important challenge. Here we describe an efficient strategy to fabricate self-supported MOF wall-like architectures with uniform orientation on carbon nanowalls (CNWs) as seedbeds. In addition, we gain molecular-level insight into the interface between CNWs and MOF nanosheets using density functional theory calculations. Our results suggest that assembled ions anchor on edge carbon atoms to match the matrix of the edges of CNWs, while the remaining ions self-assemble with terminal –COOH groups on p-benzenedicarboxylic acid ligands to form the structure. Our findings demonstrate a feasible method to fabricate integrated MOF electrodes with ideal orientations and, therefore, may pave the way to unlock the inherent high performance of MOF materials towards a number of engineering applications.
Porous organic cage stabilised palladium nanoparticles: efficient heterogeneous catalysts for carbonylation reaction of aryl halides
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xiong Yu , Ge Jin , Lin Rui , Chen Chen , Peng Qing , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: February 2018

Porous organic cage stabilised palladium nanoparticles were prepared using methanol as a mild reductant and displayed high catalytic activity for the carbonylation reaction of aryl halides under mild conditions.
Mesoporous manganese phthalocyanine-based materials for electrochemical water oxidation via tailored templating
Authors: Broicher C. , Artz J. , Palkovits S. , Antoni H. , Drögeler M. , Morales D. M. , Stampfer C. , Palkovits R.
Published: February 2018

Electrochemical water splitting using non-noble metals as catalysts is of increasing importance for the future energy sector.
Nafion/IL hybrid membranes with tuned nanostructure for enhanced CO2 separation: effects of ionic liquid and water vapor
Authors: Dai Zhongde , Ansaloni Luca , Ryan Justin J. , Spontak Richard J. , Deng Liyuan
Published: February 2018

Fully hydrated hybrid membranes based on a polyelectrolyte mixed with an ionic liquid possess gas permeation properties of significant interest for CO2 capture applications.
The role of aromatic side chains on the supramolecular hydrogelation of naphthalimide/dipeptide conjugates
Authors: Hsu Shu-Min , Chakravarthy Rajan Deepan , Cheng Hsun , Wu Fang-Yi , Lai Tsung-Sheng , Lin Hsin-Chieh
Published: February 2018

This study demonstrates the influence of an amino-acid side chain of NI-dipeptides on supramolecular hydrogelation and biocompatibility.
Structure-efficiency relationship of newly synthesized 4-substituted donor–π–acceptor coumarins for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jadhav Manoj M. , Vaghasiya Jayraj V. , Patil Dinesh S. , Soni Saurabh S. , Sekar Nagaiyan
Published: February 2018

Substitution at the 4-position of coumarin alters the photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of the dyes.
A chelation-induced cooperative self-assembly methodology for the synthesis of mesoporous metal hydroxide and oxide nanospheres
Authors: Ma Yali , Zhang Yu , Wang Xue , Fan Meihong , Li Kaiqian , Wang Tao , Liu Yunling , Huo Qisheng , Qiao Zhen-An , Dai Sheng
Published: February 2018

A versatile chelation-induced cooperative self-assembly strategy to synthesize mesoporous metal hydroxide and oxide nanospheres.
Oxygen vacancy migration/diffusion induced synaptic plasticity in a single titanate nanobelt
Authors: Xiao Ming , Shen Daozhi , Musselman Kevin P. , Duley Walter W. , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: February 2018

A device based on single titanate nanobelts, intermediate products of hydrothermally-synthesized TiO2nanobelts, demonstrated promising synaptic functions for neuromorphic computing applications.
A study on enhancing the quantum yield and antimicrobial activity of Pr(iii) by varying the coordination environment
Authors: Ameen Iffat , Tripathi Abhishek Kumar , Mishra Raj Laxmi , Siddiqui Afshan , Tripathi Umesh Nath
Published: February 2018

Praseodymium forms complexes easily with nitrogen and oxygen donor pyrazolines and also forms mixed ligand complexes with these pyrazolines and sulfur donor thio ligands such as dithiocarbamates and xanthates.
Selective catalytic conversion of waste lignocellulosic biomass for renewable value-added chemicals via directional microwave-assisted liquefaction
Authors: Feng Junfeng , Jiang Jianchun , Hse Chung-yun , Yang Zhongzhi , Wang Kui , Ye Jun , Xu Junming
Published: February 2018

Selective catalytic conversion of biomass waste for producing methyl levulinate (MLA) via directional microwave-assisted liquefaction was investigated.
Cellulose nanofibers/polyurethane shape memory composites with fast water-responsivity
Authors: Wang Yongzhen , Cheng Zhongjun , Liu Zhenguo , Kang Hongjun , Liu Yuyan
Published: February 2018

The PU/CNF nanocomposites display water-triggered fast shape memory ability, such as curling and unfolding, demonstrating tailored shape memory performance.
Recyclable silver nanoplate-decorated copper membranes for solid-phase extraction coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Chang Yuhong , Natarajan Vinothkumar , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhan Jinhua
Published: February 2018

Recyclable silver nanoplate-decorated copper membranes for solid-phase extraction coupled with surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection.
A target-induced logically reversible logic gate for intelligent and rapid detection of pathogenic bacterial genes
Authors: Deng Jiankang , Tao Zhanhui , Liu Yaqing , Lin Xiaodong , Qian Pengcheng , Lyu Yanlong , Li Yunfei , Fu Kejing , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2018

A target-induced Feynman gate acts as an intelligent biosensor to distinguish all information of the targets from the output signal patterns.
Different effects of water molecules on CO oxidation with different reaction mechanisms
Authors: Liu Shan Ping , Zhao Ming , Sun Guo En , Gao Wang , Jiang Qing
Published: February 2018

Water molecules play distinct roles in CO oxidation in different reaction mechanisms.
Formation and reactions of active five-membered phosphane/borane frustrated Lewis pair ring systems
Authors: Dong Shunxi , Wang Long , Wang Tongdao , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Brinkkötter Melanie , Eckert Hellmut , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: February 2018

The five-membered P/B FLP ring systems featuring very bulky Tipp or Mes* aryl groups at phosphorus undergo addition reactions with organic π-reagents.
Steric hindrance effect on the thermo- and photo-responsive properties of pyrene-based polymers
Authors: Liao Junqiu , Liu Shenglan , Yuan Yongjie , Zhang Hailiang
Published: February 2018

We synthesized a novel series of pyrene-based thermo- and photo-dual responsive polymers named poly(pyren-1-yl-o(m,p)-vinylbenzoate) (P(Py-o(m,p)-VB)). And the influence of the steric hindrance effect on LCST-type phase behaviors and photocleavage properties has been studied.
3D printing of photopolymers
Authors: Zhang Jing , Xiao Pu
Published: February 2018

Recent progress in the photoinitiators and monomers/oligomers of photopolymers for 3D printing is presented in the review.
Carbon dot incorporated multi-walled carbon nanotube coated filters for bacterial removal and inactivation
Authors: Dong Xiuli , Al Awak Mohamad , Wang Ping , Sun Ya-Ping , Yang Liju
Published: February 2018

E. colicells captured and inactivated on a MWCNTs–CDots modified filter.
Fabrication of macroporous reduced graphene oxide composite aerogels reinforced with chitosan for high bilirubin adsorption
Authors: Li Zhentao , Song Xi , Cui Siyuan , Jiao Yanpeng , Zhou Changren
Published: February 2018

Chitosan reinforced macroporous reduced graphene oxide composite aerogels were fabricated with high bilirubin adsorption properties.
Highly efficient base editing in Staphylococcus aureus using an engineered CRISPR RNA-guided cytidine deaminase
Authors: Gu Tongnian , Zhao Siqi , Pi Yishuang , Chen Weizhong , Chen Chuanyuan , Liu Qian , Li Min , Han Dali , Ji Quanjiang
Published: February 2018

The base editor pnCasSA-BEC enables highly efficient base editing in Staphylococcus aureus.
Central dicyanomethylene-substituted unsymmetrical squaraines and their application in organic solar cells
Authors: Wu Jianglin , Yang Daobin , Wang Qingfen , Yang Lin , Sasabe Hisahiro , Sano Takeshi , Kido Junji , Lu Zhiyun , Huang Yan
Published: February 2018

Introduction of diCN-substitution can lower the HOMO and improve the miscibility between diCN-USQ and PC71BM, leading to higher PCE.
Metapragmatic Explicitation and Social Attribution in Social Communication Disorder and Developmental Language Disorder: A Comparative Study
Authors: Adams Catherine , Lockton Elaine , Collins Anna
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to investigate metapragmatic (MP) ability in 6–11-year-old children with social communication disorder (SCD), developmental language disorder (DLD), and typical language development and to explore factors associated with MP explicitation and social understanding (SU).

Method

In this cross-sectional study, all participants (
N
= 82) completed an experimental task, the Assessment of Metapragmatics (Collins et al., 2014), in which pragmatic errors are identified in filmed interactions. Responses were scored for complexity/type of explicitation (MP score) and attribution of social characteristics to the films' characters (SU score).

Results

Groups with SCD and DLD had significantly lower MP scores and less sophisticated explicitation than the group with typical language development. After controlling for language and age, the group with SCD had significantly lower SU scores than the group with DLD. Significant correlations were found between MP scores and age/language ability but not with pragmatic impairment.

Conclusions

Children with SCD or DLD performed poorly on an MP task compared with children who are typically developing but do not differ from each other in ability to reflect verbally on pragmatic features in interactions. MP ability appears to be closely related to structural language ability. The limited ability of children with SCD to attribute social/psychological states to interlocutors may indicate additional social attribution limitations.
Dysarthria in Mandarin-Speaking Children With Cerebral Palsy: Speech Subsystem Profiles
Authors: Chen Li-Mei , Hustad Katherine C. , Kent Ray D. , Lin Yu Ching
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study explored the speech characteristics of Mandarin-speaking children with cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing (TD) children to determine (a) how children in the 2 groups may differ in their speech patterns and (b) the variables correlated with speech intelligibility for words and sentences.

Method

Data from 6 children with CP and a clinical diagnosis of moderate dysarthria were compared with data from 9 TD children using a multiple speech subsystems approach. Acoustic and perceptual variables reflecting 3 speech subsystems (articulatory-phonetic, phonatory, and prosodic), and speech intelligibility, were measured based on speech samples obtained from the Test of Children's Speech Intelligibility in Mandarin (developed in the lab for the purpose of this research).

Results

The CP and TD children differed in several aspects of speech subsystem function. Speech intelligibility scores in children with CP were influenced by all 3 speech subsystems, but articulatory-phonetic variables had the highest correlation with word intelligibility. All 3 subsystems influenced sentence intelligibility.

Conclusion

Children with CP demonstrated deficits in speech intelligibility and articulation compared with TD children. Better speech sound articulation influenced higher word intelligibility, but did not benefit sentence intelligibility.
Implementation of ultra‐miniaturised frequency‐selective structures based on 2.5D convoluted segments
Authors: Li Da , Li Tianwu , Li Erping
Published: February 2018

A novel methodology for synthesising ultra‐miniaturised frequency‐selective structures (FSSs) is proposed. The methodology is based on interconnecting the convoluted segments, which are arranged alternately on both sides of the substrate. Three advantages of ultra‐compact unit cell size, independent control of filtering performance for different polarisations, and promising extension of multiband response are achieved. To verify this concept, two different structures are designed and fabricated. The first one is a single‐band FSS operating at 2.5 GHz, with a unit cell size of only (λ0/34) × (λ0/34). The second one is an ultra‐miniaturised dual‐band FSS with a band ratio of only 1.18, and its centre frequencies are located at 2.2 and 2.6 GHz. Stable dual‐polarised responses under various angles up to 60° are obtained.
Network expansion planning with microgrid aggregators under uncertainty
Authors: Goroohi Sardou Iman , Azad‐Farsani Ehsan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a bi‐objective robust model is proposed for network expansion planning (NEP) considering the integration of the microgrid aggregators. The objectives include minimization of both the expansion cost and transmission lines loading index. Forced outages of system components are taken into account as the system uncertainties. A hybrid method as the combination of gravitational search algorithm (GSA) and primal‐dual interior point (PDIP) method is employed to solve the nonlinear programming (NLP) problem of the NEP. In the proposed hybrid method, the operation sub‐problems are solved by the PDIP method under the worst‐case single component contingencies, while the expansion plan is defined as scenario independent variables obtained by the GSA algorithm. To detect the worst‐case single component contingencies with the severest effects on the system security, a subsidiary optimization problem is solved for each load level of the system. A realistic network of Qom as a part of Tehran Regional Electric Company, Iran, as well as IEEE 118‐bus test system are analysed to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method. A key conclusion is that the stochastic model may not provide sufficient security level, and a robust model is required to ensure the system security against the severe contingencies.
Alternative modes of operation for wind energy conversion systems and the generalised Lambert W‐function
Authors: Lopez‐Garcia Irvin , Lopez‐Monsalvo Cesar S. , Beltran‐Carbajal Francisco , Campero‐Littlewood Eduardo
Published: February 2018

When a wind energy conversion system (WECS) based on a doubly fed induction generator is operating in a different mode than maximum power tracking, there exist two different modes of operation. Here, it is shown that such modes satisfy the torque balance condition between the WECS and the electric network, which is described by a transcendental equation in terms of the desired angular velocities. The analytic solution to such equation is the newly found generalised Lambert W‐function. Using a real WECS, the authors make an analysis of the lower and upper torque modes of operation. Finally, the authors propose an effective formula to estimate the upper solution which is universally applicable to this class of WECS.
Multiple hypothesis tracking algorithm for multi‐target multi‐camera tracking with disjoint views
Authors: Yoon Kwangjin , Song Young‐min , Jeon Moongu
Published: February 2018

In this study, a multiple hypothesis tracking (MHT) algorithm for multi‐target multi‐camera tracking (MCT) with disjoint views is proposed. The authors' method forms track‐hypothesis trees, and each branch of them represents a multi‐camera track of a target that may move within a camera as well as move across cameras. Furthermore, multi‐target tracking within a camera is performed simultaneously with the tree formation by manipulating a status of each track hypothesis. Each status represents three different stages of a multi‐camera track: tracking, searching, and end‐of‐track. The tracking status means targets are tracked by a single camera tracker. In the searching status, the disappeared targets are examined if they reappear in other cameras. The end‐of‐track status does the target exited the camera network due to its lengthy invisibility. These three status assists MHT to form the track‐hypothesis trees for multi‐camera tracking. Furthermore, a gating technique which eliminates the unlikely observation‐to‐track association using space‐time information has been introduced. In the experiments, the proposed method has been tested using two datasets, DukeMTMC and NLPR\_MCT, which demonstrates that the method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art method in terms of improvement of the accuracy. In addition, real‐time and online performance of proposed method is also showed in this study.
Analytical expressions for the evaluation of gravity distortion impact on the antenna efficiency applied to large antenna uplink arrays
Authors: Salas‐Natera Miguel A. , Rodríguez‐Osorio Ramón Martínez , de Haro Ariet Leandro , Calvo Ramón Miguel
Published: February 2018

We present analytical expressions for the evaluation of the antenna efficiency loss due to the gravity distortion on large reflector antennas from 6 to 35 m diameter at X and Ka bands with a lack of usual complexity. These analytical expressions can be used to evaluate the gain reduction versus the maximum deviation of the rim of the reflector due to the gravity distortion extending the model proposed by JPL to other antenna diameter in the range of 6 to 35 m. These expressions were compared with the empirical model for gravity evaluation presented by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the DSN antennas obtaining a good match between both models. This is useful to specify the maximum distortion due to the gravity for antenna system design level. For this, a five steps procedure is presented starting with the estimation of the antenna efficiency reduction based on the analytical expressions as a function of the maximum gravity distortion, the antenna size and frequency band and concluding with the estimation of the gain of a single antenna as a function of the elevation angle. The case study is focused on error analyses for large antenna uplink arrays at X and Ka band.
DC ground compact wideband omnidirectional vertically polarised slot loop antenna for 4G long‐term evolution applications
Authors: Cai Zhanghua , Qi Yihong , Weng Zibin , Yu Wei , Li Fuhai , Fan Jun
Published: February 2018

A compact, wideband, omnidirectional, vertically polarised antenna without electrostatic discharge problems is proposed in this study for 4G long‐term evolution applications. The proposed antenna is composed of three identical basic radiators separated by an angle of 120°. The basic radiator is based on a slot loop which is a wideband and DC ground structure. By bending the basic radiators, the antenna achieves better impedance matching and lower gain variation in the horizontal plane in a compact size. The proposed antenna reaches a fractional bandwidth of 45.5% for the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) <1.5, a peak gain from 2.4 to 3.8 dBi with a gain ripple around 2 dB in the omnidirectional plane. It operates from 1700 to 2700 MHz, covering most 4G long‐term evolution frequency bands. Both simulation and measurement of a prototype is done in this study to verify the antenna performance.
Induction machine fault detection using smartphone recorded audible noise
Authors: Vaimann Toomas , Sobra Jan , Belahcen Anouar , Rassõlkin Anton , Rolak Michal , Kallaste Ants
Published: February 2018

This study presents induction machine fault detection possibilities using smartphone recorded audible noise. Acoustic and audible noise analysis for fault detection is a well‐established technique; however, specialised equipment for diagnostic purposes is often very expensive and difficult to operate. To overcome this obstacle, a simple pre‐diagnostic procedure, using hand‐held smartphones is proposed. Different faults of the three‐phase squirrel cage induction machine such as various numbers of broken rotor bars and dynamic rotor eccentricity are inflicted to the machine and the resulting audible signals are recorded in laboratory circumstances using two widely available commercial smartphones. The analysis is performed on audible noise and compared with the results of mechanical vibrations measurements, recorded by vibration sensors. Rotational speed frequency and twice‐line frequency are used as diagnostic indicators of faults. A simple neural network is composed and probabilities of fault detection using such diagnostic measures are presented. The necessity for further study as well as further implementation and method refinement necessity is pointed out.
Use of the HemiCAP partial hip resurfacing technique for traumatic femoral head osteochondral defects following obturator hip dislocations
Authors: Arora Varun , Navarre Pierre , Russ Mathias , Esser Max
Published: February 2018

Fracture of the femoral head (OTA 31-C1.3) following anterior obturator dislocations are a challenging problem as the fractures are often communited, impacted and with loose osteochondral fragments, making surgical fixation difficult. This can result in residual articular defects if the fragments cannot be internally fixed and need be excised, predisposing to secondary osteoarthritis. Treatment options for these defects are limited, have variable results and with limited literature to guide us on outcomes due to the rarity of these injuries. Here, we describe the first use of the technique of partial femoral head resurfacing in two patients with such fractures and report on their long term outcomes.
Phenotype–Genotype Correlation in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Vaessen Sandrine , Bulk Saskia , Harvengt Julie , Misson Jean-Paul , Barrea Christophe
Published: February 2018

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common autosomal dominant disorder with an incidence of ∼1 in 4,000 live births. Neurofibromin, the gene product, is ubiquitously expressed at high levels in the nervous system and functions as a tumor suppressor. Haploinsufficiency of neurofibromin through mutation leads to an increased risk of developing benign and malignant tumors in affected individuals. Although NF1 has complete penetrance, it displays considerable inter- and intrafamilial variability in phenotypic expression which poses disease prediction and management problems. Some NF1 genotype–phenotype correlations have been described. To evaluate the genetic component of variable expressivity in NF1, we examined the phenotypic correlations between affected relatives in 52 NF1 patients from 45 families.
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Chronic Inflammatory Liver Disease
Authors: Bolte Fabian , Rehermann Barbara
Published: February 2018

The broadening field of microbiome research has led to a substantial reappraisal of the gut–liver axis and its role in chronic liver disease. The liver is a central immunologic organ that is continuously exposed to food and microbial-derived antigens from the gastrointestinal tract. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are enriched in the human liver and can be activated by inflammatory cytokines and microbial antigens. In chronic inflammatory liver disease, MAIT cells are depleted suggesting an impaired MAIT cell-dependent protection against bacterial infections.
Auswahl klinischer und diagnostischer Ergebnisse bei entzündlichen Gelenkerkrankungen
Authors: Detert Jacqueline
Published: February 2018

Zahlreiche Fortschritte in der Grundlagenforschung, in der Diagnostik und Therapie in den letzten Jahren führen dazu, dass Patienten mit einer entzündlichen Gelenkerkrankung eine Remission bzw. niedrigstmögliche Krankheitsaktivität, Lebensqualität, einen Erhalt ihrer Arbeitsfähigkeit als auch das Beibehalten der sozialen Integration beibehalten. Diese Erfolge werden schrittweise versucht, auf andere Autoimmunerkrankungen zu übertragen. Es zeigt sich gerade auf dem Gebiet der Medikamentenentwicklung jedoch immer wieder, dass es sich um pathogenetisch unterschiedlich verursachte Erkrankungen handelt und Therapieerfolge nicht immer gleichermaßen erreichbar sind. Jedoch sind inzwischen zahlreiche Medikamente zur Behandlung der entzündlichen Gelenkerkrankungen verfügbar, weitere werden derzeit intensiv in klinischen Studien geprüft bzw. sind zur Zulassungsentscheidung bei den Aufsichtsbehörden registriert. So sind auch in den nächsten Jahren weitere Therapiemöglichkeiten zu erwarten. Die rheumatoide Arthritis ist ein Beispiel dieser Erfolgsgeschichte, so dass inzwischen sogar die Frage diskutiert wird, ob diese Erkrankung präventiv zu behandeln und somit die Manifestation der Erkrankung zu stoppen ist. Diese Übersicht vermittelt eine Auswahl aktueller Forschungsergebnisse und Medikamentenentwicklungen bei entzündlichen Gelenkerkrankungen.
Posttraumatische Rehabilitation von Patienten aus dem rheumatischen Formenkreis
Authors: Ulmar Benjamin , Dorn Tobias , Dimitrov Nikolay , Mandache Alin-Ionud , Rehart Stefan , Sell Stefan
Published: February 2018

„Rheumatiker“ haben ein erhöhtes Frakturrisiko. Die chirurgische Versorgung eines akuten Traumas bzw. der eingetretenen Traumafolgen ist aufgrund der schlechten ossären und weichteiligen Gewebestrukturen anspruchsvoll. Das Risiko für perioperative Komplikationen ist erhöht. Die Behandlung von „Rheumatikern“ nach Trauma ist komplex und erfordert eine individuelle multimodale Rehabilitation in spezialisierten Einrichtungen, welche die muskulo-skelettale und systemische Manifestation der Grunderkrankung und der additiv vorliegenden Traumafolgen adressieren kann.