bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of single and combined applications of entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier)
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Yasin Muhammad , Shapiro-Ilan David
Published: July 2017

This study was carried out to investigate the insecticidal properties ofBeauveria bassiana,Metarhizium anisopliaeandHeterorhabditis bacteriophorafor their virulence against different larval instars ofRhynchophorus ferrugineus(Olivier). Both fungi were either applied alone or in combination, withH. bacteriophorasimultaneously or 1 and 2 weeks after fungal application; EPN were also applied alone. Moreover, assessment of host development, diet consumption, frass production and weight gain were observed at sub-lethal dose rates. In combined treatments, additive and synergistic interactions were observed. Synergism was observed more frequently inH. bacteriophora + B. bassianacombinations than inH. bacteriophora + M. anisopliaecombinations, and was higher in early instars than old instars. In 2ndand 4thinstars, synergy was noted inH. bacteriophora + B. bassianacombinations at 0, 7 and 14 d intervals and in 6thinstar synergy was observed only inH. bacteriophora + B. bassianacombinations (at 0 and 7 d intervals). A decrease in pupation, adult emergence and egg hatching was enhanced in the combined treatments. Furthermore, reduced weights and variation in duration of insect developmental stages were observed among entomopathogens and enhanced inH. bacteriophora + B. bassianacombinations. Larvae treated with sub-lethal concentrations exhibited reductions in food consumption, growth and frass production and weight gain.
Common Brain Structure Findings Across Children with Varied Reading Disability Profiles
Authors: Eckert Mark A. , Vaden Kenneth I. , Maxwell Amanda B. , Cute Stephanie L. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Berninger Virginia W. ,   Dyslexia Data Consortium, Beaulieu C. , V. Castellanos X. , Chiarello C. , Conway T. , Cutting L. , Dehaene-Lambertz G. , Eden G. , Frye R. , Giaschi D. , Gilger J. , Hoeft F. , Kibby M. , van Kriegstein K. , Kronbichler M. , Leonard C. M. , Milham M. , Odegard T. , Poldrack R. , Pugh K. , Richards T. , Rollins N. , Schneider K. , Talcott J. , Wandell B.
Published: July 2017

Dyslexia is a developmental disorder in reading that exhibits varied patterns of expression across children. Here we examined the degree to which different kinds of reading disabilities (defined as profiles or patterns of reading problems) contribute to brain morphology results in Jacobian determinant images that represent local brain shape and volume. A matched-pair brain morphometry approach was used to control for confounding from brain size and research site effects in this retrospective multi-site study of 134 children from eight different research sites. Parietal operculum, corona radiata, and internal capsule differences between cases and controls were consistently observed across children with evidence of classic dyslexia, specific comprehension deficit, and language learning disability. Thus, there can be common brain morphology findings across children with quite varied reading disability profiles that we hypothesize compound the developmental difficulties of children with unique reading disability profiles and reasons for their reading disability.
Genotype-environment interaction on human cognitive function conditioned on the status of breastfeeding and maternal smoking around birth
Authors: Lee S. Hong , Weerasinghe W. M. Shalanee P. , van der Werf Julius H. J.
Published: July 2017

We estimated genotype by environment interaction (G × E) on later cognitive performance and educational attainment across four unique environments, i.e. 1) breastfed without maternal smoking, 2) breastfed with maternal smoking, 3) non-breastfed without maternal smoking and 4) non-breastfed with maternal smoking, using a novel design and statistical approach that was facilitated by the availability of datasets with the genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). There was significant G × E for both fluid intelligence (p-value = 1.0E-03) and educational attainment (p-value = 8.3E-05) when comparing genetic effects in the group of individuals who were breastfed without maternal smoking with those not breastfed without maternal smoking. There was also significant G × E for fluid intelligence (p-value = 3.9E-05) when comparing the group of individuals who were breastfed with maternal smoking with those not breastfed without maternal smoking. Genome-wide significant SNPs were different between different environmental groups. Genomic prediction accuracies were significantly higher when using the target and discovery sample from the same environmental group than when using those from the different environmental groups. This finding demonstrates G × E has important implications for future studies on the genetic architecture, genome-wide association studies and genomic predictions.
A CRISPR/Cas9 guidance RNA screen platform for HIV provirus disruption and HIV/AIDS gene therapy in astrocytes
Authors: Huang Zaohua , Nair Madahavan
Published: July 2017

HIV/AIDS remains a major health threat despite significant advances in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection. The major reason is the inability of existing treatments to eradicate the multiple HIV reservoirs in the human body, including astrocytes in the human brain. CRISPR/Cas9 system is an emerging gene-editing technique with the potential to eliminate or disrupt HIV provirus in HIV reservoir cells, which may lead to a complete cure of HIV/AIDS. The key components of CRISPR/Cas9 are guide RNAs (gRNAs) which determine specific sequence targeting of DNAs. This study established a novel, simple and quick screening method to identify gRNA candidates for targeting HIV provirus in astrocytes. Briefly, stable astrocytes clones with an integrated fluorescent HIV reporter and Cas9 expression gene were generated. Various gRNAs were screened for their efficiencies against HIV provirus in these cells. Moreover, these gRNAs and Cas9 protein were successfully tested on HIV latent astrocytes without Cas9 expression to mimic clinical conditions. HIV provirus gene-editing were confirmed by cell genomic DNA PCR and fluorescent marker expression analysis. In the future, the established transgenic cells can be used for other gene-editing studies and is well-suited for high-throughput screen application.
A Novel Matrix Protein, PfY2, Functions as a Crucial Macromolecule during Shell Formation
Authors: Yan Yi , Yang Dong , Yang Xue , Liu Chuang , Xie Jun , Zheng Guilan , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing
Published: July 2017

Biomineralization, including shell formation, is dedicatedly regulated by matrix proteins. PfY2, a matrix protein detected in the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA)-soluble fraction from both prismatic layer and nacreous layer, was discovered by our group using microarray. It may play dual roles during biomineralization. However, the molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this research, we studied the function of PfY2 on crystallization in vivo and in vitro, revealing that it might be a negative regulator during shell formation. Notching experiment indicated that PfY2 was involved in shell repairing and regenerating process. Repression of PfY2 gene affected the structure of prismatic and nacreous layer simultaneously, confirming its dual roles in shell formation. Recombinant protein rPfY2 significantly suppressed CaCO3 precipitation rate, participated in the crystal nucleation process, changed the morphology of crystals and inhibited the transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) to stable calcite or aragonite in vitro. Our results may provide new evidence on the biomineralization inhibition process.
Tumor LDH-A expression and serum LDH status are two metabolic predictors for triple negative breast cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Dong Tieying , Liu Zhaoliang , Xuan Qijia , Wang Zhuozhong , Ma Wenjie , Zhang Qingyuan
Published: July 2017

There are limited therapeutic methods for triple negative breast cancer in the clinic, which is easy to progress into the brain to form metastatic lesions and evolve into the terminal stage. Because both the primary cancer and the brain metastasis have high glycolysis, we hypothesize that lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which catalyzes the final step of glycolysis, may be a predictor, as well as a treatment target, for breast cancer brain metastasis. Therefore, the expression of LDH-A was detected on 119 triple negative breast cancer tissues with immunohistochemistry, and the serum LDH levels were also measured. Our results showed that the LDH-A expression inside the tumor was significantly higher than the matched normal tissues. Tumor LDH-A expression, serum LDH status, and the slope of serum LDH status were closely associated with triple negative breast cancer brain metastasis and brain metastasis free survival. This study indicates that tumor LDH and serum LDH status are two predictors for triple negative breast cancer brain metastasis.
Engineering Tumour Cell-Binding Synthetic Polymers with Sensing Dense Transporters Associated with Aberrant Glutamine Metabolism
Authors: Yamada Naoki , Honda Yuto , Takemoto Hiroyasu , Nomoto Takahiro , Matsui Makoto , Tomoda Keishiro , Konno Masamitsu , Ishii Hideshi , Mori Masaki , Nishiyama Nobuhiro
Published: July 2017

Increased glutamine uptake toward the elevated glutaminolysis is one of the hallmarks of tumour cells. This aberrant glutamine metabolism has recently attracted considerable attention as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Herein, we developed glutamine-functionalized polymer to achieve a selective high affinity to tumour cells overexpressing glutaminolysis-related transporter ASCT2. Inin vitrostudy, our developed polymer exhibited faster and higher cellular uptake in tumour cells than that in normal cells. Uptake inhibition study revealed the dominant contribution of ASCT2 to the polymer-cell interaction. Furthermore, the binding affinity of the polymer to tumour cells was estimated to be comparable to that of the potent ligand molecules reported in the literature. Inin vivostudy, the polymer showed prolonged retention at tumour site after intratumoral injection. This study offers a novel approach for designing tumour cell-binding synthetic polymers through the recognition of dense transporters related to tumour-associated metabolism.
NF-κB signaling in inflammation
Authors: Liu Ting , Zhang Lingyun , Joo Donghyun , Sun Shao-Cong
Published: July 2017

The transcription factor NF-κB regulates multiple aspects of innate and adaptive immune functions and serves as a pivotal mediator of inflammatory responses. NF-κB induces the expression of various pro-inflammatory genes, including those encoding cytokines and chemokines, and also participates in inflammasome regulation. In addition, NF-κB plays a critical role in regulating the survival, activation and differentiation of innate immune cells and inflammatory T cells. Consequently, deregulated NF-κB activation contributes to the pathogenic processes of various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will discuss the activation and function of NF-κB in association with inflammatory diseases and highlight the development of therapeutic strategies based on NF-κB inhibition.
Bioceramic nanocomposite thiol-acrylate polyHIPE scaffolds for enhanced osteoblastic cell culture in 3D
Authors: Lee Aaron , Langford Caitlin R. , Rodriguez-Lorenzo Luis M. , Thissen Helmut , Cameron Neil R.
Published: July 2017

Addition of bioceramics to emulsion-templated scaffolds greatly enhances ostoeblastic cell proliferation and promotes early mineralisation.
pH-Responsive de-PEGylated nanoparticles based on triphenylphosphine–quercetin self-assemblies for mitochondria-targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Xing Lei , Lyu Jin-Yuan , Yang Yue , Cui Peng-Fei , Gu Liu-Qing , Qiao Jian-Bin , He Yu-Jing , Zhang Tian-Qi , Sun Minjie , Lu Jin-Jian , Xu Xiaojun , Liu Yu , Jiang Hu-Lin
Published: July 2017

The self-assembled nanosystem formulated with amphiphilic TPP–Que and PBA–PEG through a coordination bond could balance the dilemma of PEGylation.
Structural diversity of metal–organic self-assembly assisted by chlorine
Authors: Xie Lei , Zhang Chi , Ding Yuanqi , E Wenlong , Yuan Chunxue , Xu Wei
Published: July 2017

From the combination of STM imaging and DFT calculations, we show that both alkali metal and halogens interact with different sites of the target molecules resulting in structural formation in a synergistic way. The elementary metal–organic motifs are connected by Cl in a variety of fashions demonstrating structural diversity.
o-Phthalaldehyde catalyzed hydrolysis of organophosphinic amides and other P(O)–NH containing compounds
Authors: Li Bin-Jie , Simard Ryan D. , Beauchemin André M.
Published: July 2017

Organocatalytic hydrolysis:o-Phthalaldehyde induces electrophilic activation in a variety of P(O)–NH compounds, allowing mild hydrolyses.
Bottom-up approach for the preparation of hybrid nanosheets based on coordination polymers made of metal–diethyloxaloacetate complexes linked by 4,4′-bipyridine
Authors: Portoles-Gil Nuria , Parra-Aliana Ricard , Álvarez-Larena Ángel , Domingo Concepción , Ayllón José A. , López-Periago Ana
Published: July 2017

[M(deox)2(bpy)]∞ precipitated as nanosheets arranged in different morphologies.
Growth of TiO2 microspheres with a radially oriented configuration
Authors: Truong Quang Duc , Kato Hideki , Kobayashi Makoto , Kakihana Masato
Published: July 2017

Hierarchical microspheres constructed from radially oriented TiO2 nanorods have been fabricated. The obtained three-dimensional mesoporous TiO2 microspheres have a high accessible surface area (66 m2 g−1), large pore volume (0.15 cm3 g−1), and well single-crystallized rutile nanorod walls.
Concave binding of cationic Li to quadrannulene
Authors: Dang Jing-Shuang , Wang Wei-Wei , Zhao Xiang , Nagase Shigeru
Published: July 2017

Concave binding of cationic Li to quadrannulene and its influence on buckybowl functionalization are introduced using DFT calculations.
Interaction of FeO− with water: anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations
Authors: Zhao Li-Juan , Xu Xi-Ling , Xu Hong-Guang , Feng Gang , Zheng Wei-Jun
Published: July 2017

The species formed via the interactions between FeO−/0 and n water molecules can be viewed as Fe(OH)2(H2O)n−1−/0, in which (n − 1)H2O molecules interact with a Fe(OH)2 core.
Correction: Privileged chiral N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric transition-metal catalysis
Authors: Janssen-Müller Daniel , Schlepphorst Christoph , Glorius Frank
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘Privileged chiral N-heterocyclic carbene ligands for asymmetric transition-metal catalysis’ by Daniel Janssen-Müller et al., Chem. Soc. Rev., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7cs00200a.
Hydrothermal assembly, structures, topologies, luminescence, and magnetism of a novel series of coordination polymers driven by a trifunctional nicotinic acid building block
Authors: Gu Jin-Zhong , Liang Xiao-Xiao , Cai Yan , Wu Jiang , Shi Zi-Fa , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: July 2017

Thirteen new coordination compounds of diverse dimensionality were generated from 5-(4-carboxyphenoxy)nicotinic acid (H2cpna) as a main trifunctional building block.
Detection of the anticoagulant drug warfarin by palladium complexes
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Kumar Vijay , Gupta Rajeev
Published: July 2017

This work illustrates the application of palladium complexes in the significant sensing of warfarin, a commercial anticoagulant drug, not only in organic solvents but also in aqueous medium.
The effect of sub-zero temperature on the formation and composition of secondary organic aerosol from ozonolysis of alpha-pinene
Authors: Kristensen K. , Jensen L. N. , Glasius M. , Bilde, M.
Published: July 2017

Composition of aerosol from oxidation of alpha-pinene is affected by reaction temperature with decreased contribution from low volatile dimer esters at low temperatures.
Electrochemical and optical bimodal sensing of caffeic acid based on electrodes made from nanorods of AuNPs:PEDOT:PSS and bio-hybrid chitosan:PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Khan Salma , Narula Anudeep Kumar
Published: July 2017

One pot in situ synthesis of AuNPs:PEDOT:PSS using a green solvent and its utilization as an electrochemical sensor.
Facile synthesis of Co9S8 nanosheets for lithium ion batteries with enhanced rate capability and cycling stability
Authors: Long Peng , Zhang Zhihua , Peng Gang , Zhang Qiang , Liu Deng , Xu Xiaoxiong , Yao Xiayin
Published: July 2017

Co9S8 nanosheets are prepared via a low-cost and scalable process and demonstrated as lithium-ion battery anode materials with excellent rate capacity and cycling stability.
19F CEST imaging probes for metal ion detection
Authors: Peng Qiaoli , Yuan Yaping , Zhang Huaibin , Bo Shaowei , Li Yu , Chen Shizhen , Yang Zhigang , Zhou Xin , Jiang Zhong-Xing
Published: July 2017

An easily available fluorinated chelator was developed as a highly sensitive 19F iCEST MRI probe for selectively detecting metal ions.
Copper-catalyzed, stereoconvergent, cis-diastereoselective borylative cyclization of ω-mesylate-α,β-unsaturated esters and ketones
Authors: Zuo Ya-Jie , Chang Xiao-Tong , Hao Zhi-Ming , Zhong Chong-Min
Published: July 2017

The cis-β-boron-substituted carbocyclic and heterocyclic esters or ketones were obtained from E- and Z-substrates with >99% cis-selectivity.
Zeolitic imidazole framework derived composites of nitrogen-doped porous carbon and reduced graphene oxide as high-efficiency cathode catalysts for Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Zhong Ming , Zhang Xin , Yang Dong-Hui , Zhao Bei , Xie Zhaojun , Zhou Zhen , Bu Xian-He
Published: July 2017

MOF derived nitrogen-doped porous carbon and reduced graphene oxide composites were prepared and they exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance for lithium–oxygen batteries.
Transformation and release of phosphorus from waste activated sludge upon combined acid/alkaline treatment
Authors: He Zhang-Wei , Tang Cong-Cong , Wang Ling , Guo Ze-Chong , Zhou Ai-Juan , Sun Dan , Liu Wen-Zong , Wang Ai-Jie
Published: July 2017

Acid-alkaline treatment increased phosphorus release from waste activated sludge, and the potentially recoverable phosphorus accounted for 54.7% of the total phosphorus.
The exceptional adsorption ability and gas-detection sensitivity of Cu2O with tunable morphologies
Authors: Wang Xing , Huo Xuejian , Muhire Elisée , Gao Meizhen
Published: July 2017

The systematic and delicate geometry control of Cu2O nanostructures with different size can be achieved by simply tuning the dropping speed of NH2OH HCl, the volume of solvent and the concentration of NaOH.
Starch-based and multi-purpose nanofibrous membrane for high efficiency nanofiltration
Authors: Woranuch Sarekha , Pangon Autchara , Puagsuntia Kantapat , Subjalearndee Nakarin , Intasanta Varol
Published: July 2017

The objective of the present work is to develop nanofibrous membranes from rice-flour based nanofibers containing PVA for high efficiency filtration.
POMbranes: polyoxometalate-functionalized block copolymer membranes for oxidation catalysis
Authors: Romanenko I. , Lechner M. , Wendler F. , Hörenz C. , Streb C. , Schacher F. H.
Published: July 2017

The immobilization of homogeneous catalysts within nanoporous membranes gives access to catalytically active and multi-functional composite materials, e.g. for use in flow reactors.
Correction: 3D Au-decorated Bi2MoO6 nanosheet/TiO2 nanotube array heterostructure with enhanced UV and visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Cai Jingsheng , Huang Jianying , Lai Yuekun
Published: July 2017

Correction for ‘3D Au-decorated Bi2MoO6 nanosheet/TiO2 nanotube array heterostructure with enhanced UV and visible-light photocatalytic activity’ by Jingsheng Cai et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ta02077e.
Layer-by-layer assembly of Cu3(BTC)2 on chitosan non-woven fabrics: a promising haemostatic decontaminant composite material against sulfur mustard
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Sun Junmei , Zhou Yunshan , Zhong Yuxu , Ying Ying , Li Yanqin , Liu Yanqin , Zuhra Zareen , Huang Chunqian
Published: July 2017

Anchoring Cu3(BTC)2 on the surface of chitosan non-woven fabrics results in formation of a new haemostatic decontaminant composite materials.
A systematic study on molecular planarity and D–A conformation in thiazolothiazole- and thienylenevinylene-based copolymers for organic field-effect transistors
Authors: Lim Dae-Hee , Jang Soo-Young , Kang Minji , Lee Sehyun , Kim Yeong-A , Heo Youn-Jung , Lee Min-Hye , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: July 2017

The new D–A type conjugated polymers were synthesized to confirm that structural characteristics, such as the presence of coplanar units and a D–A conformation.
Band bending in conjugated polymer films: role of morphology and implications for bulk charge transport characteristics
Authors: Wenderott J. K. , Dong Ban Xuan , Green Peter F.
Published: July 2017

The band bending effect depends on the morphology of the conjugated polymer as studied by Kelvin probe force microscopy.
Dielectric characteristic of dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) gas and mixture with N2/air as an alternative to SF6 gas
Authors: Ullah Rahmat , Rashid Abdur , Rashid Arooj , Khan Faisal , Ali Amjad
Published: July 2017

In this study, dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) gas and mixtures with nitrogen (N2) andair at different pressures and mixing ratios have been investigated and showedgood alternative to gas in terms of high‐voltage application.Mixed gases contain R12 gas, they offer good dielectric properties andpossibility to be used in low‐temperature environment. Synergistic effects andself‐recoverability test have been performed. Dielectric strength underquasi‐uniform field showed in the order of air in alternating current (AC), directcurrent (DC) and impulse was examined. Mixture R12/N2 (80/20%) couldreach over 0.90–0.95 times to that of gas at 50 lb/in2 at AC andR12/air (70/30%) gives 0.80–0.90 to gas. R12 gas presents brilliantself‐recoverability. The optimal ratio to switch gas is R12/N2 (80/20%) andR12/air (70/30%) is based on the authors’ experimental condition and setup.
Adjustment of discrete load changes in feeder databases for improving medium‐term demand forecasting
Authors: Paredes Gonzalo , Vargas Luis
Published: July 2017

A discrete load change (DLC) event may be described as an abrupt change in feeder demand. These events are due to network reconfigurations, or the connection/disconnection of large consumers to the grid. This phenomenon affects the performance of load forecasting methods and, in general, it may worsen any planning or operational application that uses feeder demand records as input. This study proposes four load adjustment (LA) methods to correct this type of distortion from distribution system demand database. The methods are tested by using real demand values, encompassing six years of hourly data registered in 169 feeders, of a distribution company. To test the effectiveness of the LA methods, in medium‐term load forecasting, a comparative study using different forecasting techniques is performed. Results show that demand forecasting, with DLC adjustment, improve their average performance over 33% compared to the case were this phenomena is not considered.
Multiband monopole antenna with minimised ground plane influence for portable devices
Authors: Khan Rizwan , Al‐Hadi Azremi Abdullah , Soh Ping Jack , Ali Muhsin , Owais Owais , Islam Imtiaz
Published: July 2017

A multiband monopole antenna with minimised ground plane influence for portable devices is presented. This antenna operates at LTE band 13 (0.746–0.787 GHz), GPS, LTE band 11 (1.427–1.495 GHz), LTE band 3 (1.71–1.88 GHz), WLAN (2.4–2.48 GHz) and WiMAX (3.3–3.88 GHz) with at least −6 dB of reflection coefficient. The performance of antennas for portable devices is commonly influenced by the ground plane to result in variation in terms of operating frequency, impedance bandwidth and radiation pattern. Via a parametric investigation of the antenna geometry and its integration with peripherals devices, it is validated that the influence of the ground plane is minimised by adjusting the feed position. This in turn reduces the current distribution on the ground plane. It is also noticed that the impedance matching level is also more robust with the reduction of ground plane influence. The antenna features an omnidirectional radiation pattern across the all operating frequencies. Fabrication and assessment of the fabricated antenna indicated a close agreement with simulations.
Eight‐port orthogonally dual‐polarised MIMO antennas using loop structures for 5G smartphone
Authors: Li Ming‐Yang , Xu Zi‐Qiang , Ban Yong‐Ling , Sim Chow‐Yen‐Desmond , Yu Zhe‐Feng
Published: July 2017

An eight‐port antenna array designed for future 5G 2.6 GHz band (2550–2650 MHz) for multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) in the smartphone applications is presented. In order to enhance the port isolation and reduce correlation between antennas, square loop radiating strip with orthogonal polarisation is employed. The proposed antenna array is composed of four pairs of uniform antenna elements that are symmetrically placed at the four corners of the main board, and each antenna pair includes a communal square loop and two independently coupled feeding strips. By exciting the square loop from the two feeding strips, respectively, two orthogonally polarised waves are generated. Thus, four horizontally polarised and four vertically polarised antennas are achieved in total. Due to this feature, coupling between antenna pairs is reduced and the MIMO performances are enhanced. A prototype of the proposed antenna array was fabricated, and the experimental results show good impedance matching and acceptable isolation measured across the bands of interest. The MIMO performances such as envelope correlation coefficient, mean effective gain, multiplexing efficiency and channel capacity are also calculated. Besides, simulations of the antenna shifted to 3.5 GHz are also performed. The consistent performances indicate that the proposed structure has good scalability and is promising for future 5G smartphone applications.
Two‐dimensional direction of arrival estimation for coprime planar arrays via a computationally efficient one‐dimensional partial spectral search approach
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xiaofei Zhang , Zhan Shi
Published: July 2017

The authors investigate the problem of two‐dimensional (2D) direction of arrival (DOA) estimation of multiple signals for coprime planar arrays (CPAs) in this study and they propose a computationally efficient 1D partial spectral search approach based on multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm. The conventional 2D MUSIC algorithm for CPAs has a great DOA estimation performance, but suffers from a tremendously expensive computational complexity due to the 2D spectral search. To this end, the proposed approach first decreases the dimension of the spectrum function to one dimension and then utilises the linear relationship between the true and ambiguous DOA estimates to form a 1D partial spectral search over a small sector. Finally, the true DOA estimates can be achieved based on the coprime property. The proposed approach can have an impressively good DOA estimation performance, but with a low computational cost. Simulation results validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach.
Approach to measure the degree of the unbalanced power in induction motor for energy‐efficient use
Authors: El‐Kharashi Eyhab , Girgis Massoud Joseph
Published: July 2017

This study utilises the power unbalance factors (PUFs) to determine the output precisely of the induction motor (IM) subjected to unbalanced supply voltage, and use them to analyse motor performance [i.e. copper losses, motor efficiency, power factor, input active and reactive powers, electromagnetic torque and derating factor (DF)]. The analysis of IM is applied using the approach of symmetrical component. Furthermore, MATLAB/Simulink is used to examine the behaviour of IM during balanced and unbalanced operations. Results illustrate that the reactive PUF provides accurate assessment for the machine performance. Three cases of the unbalanced condition were selected to provide various scenarios, which may IM subjected to them. The influence of cases on electromagnetic torque, rotor speed, stator and rotor current, active and reactive input powers has been investigated. DF is investigated and tuned to improve energy efficiency during unbalanced operations.
Freestanding flexible polypyrrole nanotube membrane for ammonia sensor
Authors: Li Xiujuan , Cai Ziqing , Fang Dong , Wang Chang , Zhang Ruifang , Lu Xingjie , Li Yuguang , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2017

A simple self‐sacrificed template method was used to prepare a polypyrrole (PPy) nanotubes sensor for the detection of ammonia (NH3). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to analyse the morphology of the fabricated membrane. The results show that pyrrole was uniformly polymerised around the sodium vanadate (Na5V12O32) nanowires, and the Na5V12O32 nanowires along with Ti foil were subsequently dissolved thoroughly with citric acid (0.5 M) and hydrofluoric acid (10%, v/v) to obtain a freestanding flexible PPy nanotube membrane. The resulting PPy membrane was sensitive to NH3 and exhibited rapid and reproducible response at room temperature.
Effect of scratching trajectory and feeding direction on formation of ripple structure on polycarbonate sheet using AFM tip‐based nanomachining process
Authors: Yan Yongda , Cui Xing , Geng Yanquan , He Yang
Published: July 2017

This study investigates the effects of the scratching trajectory and the feed direction on the formation of ripple structure on the surface of polymer material using atomic force microscope (AFM) tip‐based nanomachining approach. Nanoscratching tests are carried out using a diamond AFM tip by single scanning method. Nine typical combining scratching trajectories and feed directions are illustrated. The stick‐slip and crack formation processes are used to explain the formation mechanism of the ripple structure for different scratching trajectories. The influence of the feed direction on the amplitude and period of the ripple structure is studied. In addition, the quality of the obtained ripple structure is also analysed.
Efficacy of Dexamethasone for Acute Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Compared to Prednisolone: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Arai Yasuyuki , Matsui Hiroyuki , Jo Tomoyasu , Kondo Tadakazu , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi
Published: July 2017

Corticosteroids have been established as first-line therapy in acute primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and the clinical guidelines recommend either dexamethasone (Dex) or prednisolone (PSL). The types and dosages of corticosteroids, however, have not yet been determined, because previous randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing Dex and PSL showed controversial results in terms of efficacy. To understand and interpret all available evidence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. The main outcome measure was the incidence of sustained response (SR; platelet count >30 × 109/L for 6 months without concomitant treatments after the completion of the final therapies). Eight RCTs (totaling 704 patients) were included in this study. The incidence of SR showed no significant difference, while it was significantly higher in the Dex arm when used with posttherapy (more than one course of Dex or tapering corticosteroids added; risk ratio [RR], 1.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38–2.41; p < 0.01). A single course of Dex showed no significant difference. The overall response (platelet >30 × 109/L) at day 28 was significantly improved in the Dex arm (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01–1.22; p = 0.03) and Dex with posttherapy suppressed long-term relapse (RR of nonevent, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.10–1.59; p < 0.01). There were significantly fewer adverse events in the Dex arm (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.37–0.55; p < 0.01). Use of Dex with posttherapy instead of PSL may be more beneficial as the initial therapy. Studies comparing Dex with other new strategies are essential to determine the most suitable therapeutic regimens for acute ITP.
Otogenic Lateral Sinus Thrombosis: A Review of Fifteen Patients and Changing Trends in the Management
Authors: Raja Kalaiarasi , Parida Pradipta , Alexander Arun , Surianarayanan Gopalakrishnan
Published: July 2017

Introduction Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis is a rare intracranial complication of otitis media in the modern age of antibiotic treatment, but it is potentially a dangerous complication.

Objectives The aim of this study is to focus on the various clinical presentations, management options and sequelae in a series of fifteen patients with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis.

Methods Retrospective chart review of inpatients treated for otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis at our tertiary care institution between 2010 and 2015.

Results A total of 15 patients (11 males and 4 females) with ages ranging from 9 to 60 years were diagnosed with otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis. The most commonly reported symptoms were headache, ear discharge and hard of hearing, which were experienced by all 15 (100%) patients. In contrast to previous studies found in the literature, 7 (47%) patients in our series presented with neck pain and neck abscess. Imaging studies and microbiological cultures were performed for all patients, who also underwent a mastoidectomy procedure. Internal jugular vein ligation was performed on 5 (33%) patients. Incision and drainage of the neck abscess was performed on 7 (47%) patients. All patients had a satisfactory resolution of their symptoms, and the mortality rate was of 0%.

Conclusions Otogenic lateral sinus thrombosis, though a rare complication, can still occur; therefore, keeping a high level of suspicion is important, especially in developing countries. We also describe the patients with neck abscess associated with this rare condition. Combining parenteral antibiotics with surgical intervention is the treatment of choice.
Therapie bei Schwermetallbelastung
Authors: Stoll Günther , Dawczynski Horst
Published: July 2017

Zur Therapie der Schwermetallbelastung werden Selen und Zink sowie bei hoher Belastung Dimercaptopropansulfonsäure (DMPS) verabreicht. Anorganisches Natriumselenit-Pentahydrat ist bei der Entgiftung die Substanz der Wahl, während selenangereicherte Algenprodukte und Nahrungsergänzungsmittel mit organischen Selenverbindungen ungeeignet sind.
Entgiftung: Effektiv bei vielen Krankheiten
Authors: Mutter Joachim
Published: July 2017

Natürliche und auch künstliche Chemikalien können den Organismus schwächen und krank machen. Für viele Menschen, besonders bei bestehenden Krankheiten oder Beschwerden, kann eine regelmäßige Entgiftung sinnvoll sein. Gegen Metalle, Halbmetalle und manche radioaktive Isotope sind spezifische Gegenmittel (Antidote) verfügbar. Bei anderen Giftstoffen gibt es, außer bei einigen in der Akuttoxikologie (wie z. B. Antiseren gegenüber Schlangengiften, Atropin gegen Cholinesterasehemmstoffen) keine spezifischen Gegenmittel.

Der Autor gibt einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Entgiftungsstrategien bei chronischen Beschwerden sowie praktische Hinweise.
Thiazid-Diuretika und Magnesium
Authors: Gröber Uwe
Published: July 2017

In Deutschland hat fast jeder Dritte einenzu hohen Blutdruck und damit einerhöhtes Risiko für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen(z. B. Schlaganfall, Herzinfarkt, Herzmuskelschwäche). Expertenvermuten, dass die Zahl der Betroffenenmit zunehmender Überalterung der Gesellschaftin den kommenden 20 Jahrenum 2 Mio. ansteigen wird. Thiazid-Diuretikawerden neben Angiotensin-Rezeptorblockern, Kalziumantagonisten, ACE-Hemmern oder Betablockern bevorzugtin den Hypertonieleitlinien alsInitialtherapie empfohlen, insbesondereals Monotherapie bei Patienten mit milderBlutdruckerhöhung oder niedrigembis moderatem kardiovaskulärem Risiko.
Prävention und Therapie der Adipositas: Das GESUMED-Praxiskonzept
Authors: Friedrichsen Hans-Peter
Published: July 2017

Zur Adipositasprävention sollte Übergewicht vor und hohe Gewichtszunahme während der Schwangerschaft vermieden sowie der Konsum von Fett, Milch und v.a. Zucker durch die Schwangere reduziert werden. Grundpfeiler der Therapie sind körperliche Aktivität und Ernährungsumstellung, wobei die Mikronährstoffversorgung und Auswirkungen der Nahrung auf die Appetit- und Sättigungsregulation zu berücksichtigen sind. Das auf diesen Kenntnissen beruhende GESUMED-Konzept zur Gewichtsregulation und Prävention basiert auf Anamnese, Laboranalyse und BIA.
Omental actinomycosis imitating a foreign body infection
Authors: Choi Yoo Shin , Park Yong Gum
Published: July 2017

Actinomycosis is a rare chronic disease caused by a group of anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria that colonize the mouth, colon, and urogenital tract. Infection involving the cervicofacial area is the most common clinical presentation, followed by that of the pelvic and thoracic areas. The preoperative diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis is difficult because the condition can be easily confused with malignancy, tuberculosis, or other inflammatory diseases. We report a case of omental actinomycosis mimicking a foreign body. Actinomycosis is diagnosed based on the histopathologic demonstration of sulfur granules in a tissue or organ that was surgically removed. Following confirmative diagnosis by surgical intervention, the patient was treated with oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 6 months. A follow-up abdominopelvic computed tomography after 16 months showed no evidence of inflammation. Moreover, the patient no longer had disease-associated symptoms and exhibited normal laboratory findings.
Vortex pairing and reverse cascade in a simulated two-dimensional rocket motor-like flow field
Authors: Chakravarthy Kalyana , Chakraborty Debasis
Published: July 2017

Two-dimensional large eddy simulation of a flow experiment intended for studying and understanding transition and parietal vortex shedding has brought to light some interesting features that have never been seen in previous similar simulations and have implications for future computational work on combustion instabilities in rocket motors. The frequency spectrum of pressure at head end shows a peak at the expected value associated with parietal vortex shedding but an additional peak at half this frequency emerges at downstream location. Using vorticity spectra at various distances away from the wall, it is shown that the frequency halving is due to vortex pairing as hypothesized by Dunlap et al. [“Internal flow field studies in a simulated cylindrical port rocket chamber,” J. Propul. Power 6(6), 690–704 (1990)] for a similar experiment. As the flow transitions to turbulence towards the nozzle end, inertial range with Kolmogorov scaling becomes evident in the velocity spectrum. Given that the simulation is two-dimensional, such a scaling could be associated with a reverse energy cascade as per Kraichnan-Leith-Bachelor theory. By filtering the simulated flow field and identifying where the energy backscatters into the filtered scales, the regions with a reverse cascade are identified. The implications of this finding on combustion modeling are discussed.
Quantifying non-contact tip-sample thermal exchange parameters for accurate scanning thermal microscopy with heated microprobes
Authors: Wilson Adam A. , Borca-Tasciuc Theodorian
Published: July 2017

Simplified heat-transfer models are widely employed by heated probe scanning thermal microscopy techniques for determining thermal conductivity of test samples. These parameters have generally been assumed to be independent of sample properties; however, there has been little investigation of this assumption in non-contact mode, and the impact calibration procedures have on sample thermal conductivity results has not been explored. However, there has been little investigation of the commonly used assumption that thermal exchange parameters are sample independent in non-contact mode, or of the impact calibration procedures have on sample thermal conductivity results. This article establishes conditions under which quantitative, localized, non-contact measurements using scanning thermal microscopy with heated microprobes may be most accurately performed. The work employs a three-dimensional finite element (3DFE) model validated using experimental results and no fitting parameters, to determine the dependence of a heated microprobe thermal resistance as a function of sample thermal conductivity at several values of probe-to-sample clearance. The two unknown thermal exchange parameters were determined by fitting the 3DFE simulated probe thermal resistance with the predictions of a simplified probe heat transfer model, for two samples with different thermal conductivities. This calibration procedure known in experiments as the intersection method was simulated for sample thermal conductivities in the range of 0.1-50 W m−1 K−1 and clearance values in the 260-1010 nm range. For a typical Wollaston wire microprobe geometry as simulated here, both the thermal exchange radius and thermal contact resistance were found to increase with the sample thermal conductivity in the low thermal conductivity range while they remained approximately constant for thermal conductivities >1 W m−1 K−1, with similar trends reported for all clearance values investigated. It is shown that versatile sets of calibration samples for the intersection method should employ either medium range (1 W m−1 K−1) and (2 W m−1 K−1) thermal conductivities, or wide range (0.5 W m−1 K−1) and (50 W m−1 K−1). The medium range yielded results within 1.5%–20.4% of the expected values of thermal conductivity for specimens with thermal conductivity within 0.1-10 W m−1 K−1, while the wide range yielded values within 0.5%-19.4% in the same range.
Unveiling the nature of post-linear response Z-vector method for time-dependent density functional theory
Authors: Pastore Mariachiara , Assfeld Xavier , Mosconi Edoardo , Monari Antonio , Etienne Thibaud
Published: July 2017

We report a theoretical study on the analysis of the relaxed one-particle difference density matrix characterizing the passage from the ground to the excited state of a molecular system, as obtained from time-dependent density functional theory. In particular, this work aims at using the physics contained in the so-called Z-vector, which differentiates between unrelaxed and relaxed difference density matrices to analyze excited states’ nature. For this purpose, we introduce novel quantum-mechanical quantities, based on the detachment/attachment methodology, for analysing the Z-vector transformation for different molecules and density functional theory functionals. A derivation pathway of these novel descriptors is reported, involving a numerical integration to be performed in the Euclidean space on the density functions. This topological analysis is then applied to two sets of chromophores, and the correlation between the level of theory and the behavior of our descriptors is properly rationalized. In particular, the effect of range-separation on the relaxation amplitude is discussed. The relaxation term is finally shown to be system-specific (for a given level of theory) and independent of the number of electrons (i.e., the relaxation amplitude is not simply the result of a collective phenomenon).
Indirect excitation of self-oscillation in perpendicular ferromagnet by spin Hall effect
Authors: Taniguchi Tomohiro
Published: July 2017

A possibility to excite a stable self-oscillation in a perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnet by the spin Hall effect is investigated theoretically. It had been shown that such self-oscillation cannot be stabilized solely by the direct spin torque by the spin Hall effect. Here, we consider adding another ferromagnet, referred to as pinned layer, on the free layer. The pinned layer provides another spin torque through the reflection of the spin current. The study shows that the stable self-oscillation is excited by the additional spin torque when the magnetization in the pinned layer is tilted from the film plane.
Feedback control and heat transfer measurements in a Rayleigh-Bénard convection cell
Authors: Vial M. , Hernández R. H.
Published: July 2017

We report experimental results on the heat transfer and instability onset of a Rayleigh-Bénard convection cell of aspect ratios 6:3:1 filled with a high Prandtl aqueous solution of glycerol under feedback control. We investigate the transient and stationary response of both local temperature readings and heat transfer fluxes on the Rayleigh Bénard cell in both conductive and convective states when we perform two independent feedback control actions on both hot and cold walls. We evaluate the performance of both controllers to maintain a temperature gradient independently if the system is below or above the convection threshold. As the convection cell can be rotated at 180° about the shorter axis of the cell, it was possible to perform transitions between thermal conduction and convection regimes and vice versa under a constant temperature difference maintained by both independent controllers. The experimental setup provided an accurate measurement of the critical Rayleigh number and the evolution of the Nusselt number as a function of the Rayleigh number in the moderately supercritical regime (Ra<104). Flow visualizations show a steady cellular convection pattern formed by 6 transverse rolls throughout the range of Rayleigh numbers.
Role of temperature in the radiation stability of yttria stabilized zirconia under swift heavy ion irradiation: A study from the perspective of nuclear reactor applications
Authors: Kalita Parswajit , Ghosh Santanu , Sattonnay Gaël , Singh Udai B. , Grover Vinita , Shukla Rakesh , Amirthapandian S. , Meena Ramcharan , Tyagi A. K. , Avasthi Devesh K.
Published: July 2017

The search for materials that can withstand the harsh radiation environments of the nuclear industry has become an urgent challenge in the face of ever-increasing demands for nuclear energy. To this end, polycrystalline yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) pellets were irradiated with 80 MeV Ag6+ ions to investigate their radiation tolerance against fission fragments. To better simulate a nuclear reactor environment, the irradiations were carried out at the typical nuclear reactor temperature (850 °C). For comparison, irradiations were also performed at room temperature. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal degradation in crystallinity for the room temperature irradiated samples. No bulk structural amorphization was however observed, whereas defect clusters were formed as indicated by transmission electron microscopy and supported by thermal spike simulation results. A significant reduction of the irradiation induced defects/damage, i.e., improvement in the radiation tolerance, was seen under irradiation at 850 ºC. This is attributed to the fact that the rapid thermal quenching of the localized hot molten zones (arising from spike in the lattice temperature upon irradiation) is confined to 850 ºC (i.e., attributed to the resistance inflicted on the rapid thermal quenching of the localized hot molten zones by the high temperature of the environment) thereby resulting in the reduction of the defects/damage produced. Our results present strong evidence for the applicability of YSZ as an inert matrix fuel in nuclear reactors, where competitive effects of radiation damage and dynamic thermal healing mechanisms may lead to a strong reduction in the damage production and thus sustain its physical integrity.