bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Questions d’éthique concernant l’utilisation de la technologie dans le contexte de la prise en charge et les soins des personnes âgées
Authors: Rüegger Heinz
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. L’intégration de la technologie moderne et informatisée dans les soins et la prise en charge des personnes âgées va augmenter de façon fulgurante et apporter de nouvelles possibilités mais aussi des risques. Le présent article identifie les domaines éthiquement sensibles de ces applications technologiques et cite des critères éthiques qui doivent être pris en compte lors de l’utilisation des technologies correspondantes.
Des retraités numériques ?
Authors: Seifert Alexander , Schelling Hans Rudolf
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. L’Internet prend de plus en plus d’importance au quotidien et pourtant les personnes âgées utilisent moins ce média que les jeunes. Une étude suisse a examiné l’utilisation ou la non-utilisation d’Internet par les personnes de plus de 65 ans.
Les proches des personnes atteintes de démence disent oui à la technologie
Authors: Radenovic Natascha
Published: August 2018

Récapitulation. L’utilisation de la technique pour les personnes atteintes de démence fait partie des questions d’éthique les plus controversées en matière de prise en charge des personnes concernées. Dans le cadre d’un travail de Master, des entretiens avec les proches des personnes concernées ont montré que la technologie ne remplacerait jamais la proximité humaine, mais qu’elle pouvait être une distraction agréable dans le quotidien des personnes atteintes de démence avec une grande importance accordée à l’adaptation individuelle surtout.
Zur Geschichte der Gerontechnologien
Authors: Misoch Sabina
Published: August 2018

Zusammenfassung. Gerontechnologie ist eine sehr junge Disziplin. Der nachfolgende Beitrag zeigt die Geschichte dieses multidisziplinären Forschungsfeldes auf und führt dabei in die wichtigsten Anwendungsbereiche von Gerontechnologien ein.
Kīlauea Eruption Abruptly Slows Down
Authors: Loomis Ilima
Published: August 2018

Volcanologists say it’s too soon to know whether the sudden drop in activity signals the end of the eruption or just a pause.
Realistic Worst Case for a Severe Space Weather Event Driven by a Fast Solar Wind Stream
Authors: Horne Richard B. , Phillips Mark W. , Glauert Sarah A. , Meredith Nigel P. , Hands Alex D. P. , Ryden Keith A. , Li Wen
Published: August 2018

Satellite charging is one of the most important risks for satellites on orbit. Satellite charging can lead to an electrostatic discharge resulting in component damage, phantom commands, and loss of service and in exceptional cases total satellite loss. Here we construct a realistic worst case for a fast solar wind stream event lasting 5 days or more and use a physical model to calculate the maximum electron flux greater than 2 MeV for geostationary orbit. We find that the flux tends toward a value of 106 cm−2·s−1·sr−1 after 5 days and remains high for another 5 days. The resulting flux is comparable to a 1 in 150‐year event found from an independent statistical analysis of electron data. Approximately 2.5 mm of Al shielding would be required to reduce the internal charging current to below the National Aeronautics and Space Administration‐recommended guidelines, much more than is currently used. Thus, we would expect many satellites to report electrostatic discharge anomalies during such an event with a strong likelihood of service outage and total satellite loss. We conclude that satellites at geostationary orbit are more likely to be at risk from fast solar wind stream event than a Carrington‐type storm.
LSPIV Measurements of Two‐Dimensional Flow Structure in Streams Using Small Unmanned Aerial Systems: 2. Hydrodynamic Mapping at River Confluences
Authors: Lewis Quinn W. , Rhoads Bruce L.
Published: August 2018

Although past field work at stream confluences has relied on velocity information at specific cross sections to examine flow structure, detailed characterizations of spatial and temporal variations in the hydrodynamics of confluences are lacking. This study uses large‐scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) obtained from small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), a method evaluated in a companion paper, to map surficial patterns of mean flow and turbulent structures at two small stream confluences in unprecedented levels of detail. LSPIV reveals two‐dimensional flow patterns within different hydrodynamic zones in each confluence as well as similarities and differences in hydrodynamic conditions between the confluences. As expected based on extant conceptual models of confluence hydrodynamics, the spatial arrangement of characteristic hydrodynamic zones varies with confluence planform geometry and with changes in incoming flow conditions. However, local morphological features, such as bars and irregularities in channel banks, also exert a strong influence on the spatial structure of flow and in some cases influence confluence hydrodynamics to an extent comparable to changes in incoming flow conditions. The usefulness of sUAS‐based LSPIV is demonstrated by the correspondence between patterns of flow curvature revealed by this method and patterns of helical motion documented at cross sections within the confluences using acoustic Doppler velocimetry. The method can also be used to characterize the structure of turbulent vortices within the mixing interface between confluent streams under appropriate conditions. Hydrodynamic mapping using sUAS‐based LSPIV enriches the interpretation of traditional in‐stream velocity data acquired in the field and provides information on surface velocity patterns in rivers at a resolution similar to that of numerical models.
Simulations tackle abrupt massive migrations of energetic beam ions in a tokamak plasma
Authors: Bierwage Andreas , Shinohara Kouji , Todo Yasushi , Aiba Nobuyuki , Ishikawa Masao , Matsunaga Go , Takechi Manabu , Yagi Masatoshi
Published: August 2018

In the late 1990s, fusion scientists at the Japanese tokamak JT-60U discovered abrupt large-amplitude events during beam-driven deuterium plasma experiments. A large spike in the magnetic fluctuation signal followed by a drop in the neutron emission rate indicates that energetic ions abruptly migrate out of the plasma core during an intense burst of Alfvén waves that lasts only 0.3 ms. With continued beam injection, the energetic ion population recovers until the next event occurs 40–60 ms later. Here we present results from simulations that successfully reproduce multiple migration cycles and report numerical and experimental evidence for the multi-mode nature of these intermittent phenomena. Moreover, we elucidate the role of collisional slow-down and show that the large-amplitude Alfvénic fluctuations can drive magnetic reconnection and induce macroscopic magnetic islands. In this way, our simulations allow us to gradually unravel the underlying physical processes and develop predictive capabilities.
The VAR2CSA malaria protein efficiently retrieves circulating tumor cells in an EpCAM-independent manner
Authors: Agerbæk Mette Ø. , Bang-Christensen Sara R. , Yang Ming-Hsin , Clausen Thomas M. , Pereira Marina A. , Sharma Shreya , Ditlev Sisse B. , Nielsen Morten A. , Choudhary Swati , Gustavsson Tobias , Sorensen Poul H. , Meyer Tim , Propper David , Shamash Jonathan , Theander Thor G. , Aicher Alexandra , Daugaard Mads , Heeschen Christopher , Salanti Ali
Published: August 2018

Isolation of metastatic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from cancer patients is of high value for disease monitoring and molecular characterization. Despite the development of many new CTC isolation platforms in the last decade, their isolation and detection has remained a challenge due to the lack of specific and sensitive markers. In this feasibility study, we present a method for CTC isolation based on the specific binding of the malaria rVAR2 protein to oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS). We show that rVAR2 efficiently captures CTCs from hepatic, lung, pancreatic, and prostate carcinoma patients with minimal contamination of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Expression of ofCS is present on epithelial and mesenchymal cancer cells and is equally preserved during epithelial–mesenchymal transition of cancer cells. In 25 stage I–IV prostate cancer patient samples, CTC enumeration significantly correlates with disease stage. Lastly, rVAR2 targets a larger and more diverse population of CTCs compared to anti-EpCAM strategies.
Enhanced photon collection enables four dimensional fluorescence nanoscopy of living systems
Authors: Masullo Luciano A. , Bodén Andreas , Pennacchietti Francesca , Coceano Giovanna , Ratz Michael , Testa Ilaria
Published: August 2018

The theoretically unlimited spatial resolution of fluorescence nanoscopy often comes at the expense of time, contrast and increased dose of energy for recording. Here, we developed MoNaLISA, for Molecular Nanoscale Live Imaging with Sectioning Ability, a nanoscope capable of imaging structures at a scale of 45–65 nm within the entire cell volume at low light intensities (W-kW cm−2). Our approach, based on reversibly switchable fluorescent proteins, features three distinctly modulated illumination patterns crafted and combined to gain fluorescence ON–OFF switching cycles and image contrast. By maximizing the detected photon flux, MoNaLISA enables prolonged (40–50 frames) and large (50 × 50 µm2) recordings at 0.3–1.3 Hz with enhanced optical sectioning ability. We demonstrate the general use of our approach by 4D imaging of organelles and fine structures in epithelial human cells, colonies of mouse embryonic stem cells, brain cells, and organotypic tissues.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics Associated with Reductions in the Risk of Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis: a Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Junyou , Shao Bo , Da Lin  , He Xijun , Zhang Yongqiang , Zhang Li , Jiang Tian , Xu Jinzhong , Wang Youxin , Wu Jing , Zhou Yong , Chen Junzheng , Teng Lingfang
Published: August 2018

The cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics are closely related to the risk of stroke. Extracranial carotid artery stenosis (ECAS) represents an important risk factor for ischemic stroke. The present study aims to explore the longitudinal effect of the baseline CVH metrics on the development of ECAS. Totally 5,440 participants were randomly enrolled in the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study from 2010 to 2011. Information regarding the seven CVH metrics was collected at baseline. ECAS was assessed by performing carotid duplex sonography at baseline (2010–2011) and during the follow-up (2012–2013). Finally 3,487 subjects were included, and 976 participants developed ECAS during the 2-year follow-up. The optimum CVH status was associated with a 42% (95% confidence interval: 0.40–0.85) decreased risk of the incidence of ECAS after adjusting for age, sex, weight, education, income, alcohol use, waist-hip ratio, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, uric acid, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein. Ideal physical activity, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose were independent protective factors of ECAS. In this cohort study, the ideal baseline CVH status was negatively associated with the occurrence of ECAS during the follow-up. This study provides practical insight for further developing effective screening strategies or implementing the best medical treatment.
Impact of the Reticular Stress and Unfolded Protein Response on the inflammatory response in endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Grasso E. , Gori S. , Soczewski E. , Fernández L. , Gallino L. , Vota D. , Martínez G. , Irigoyen M. , Ruhlmann C. , Lobo T. F. , Salamone G. , Mattar R. , Daher S. , Leirós C. Pérez , Ramhorst R.
Published: August 2018

During decidualization, endometrial stromal cells undergo reticular stress (RS) and unfolded protein response (UPR), allowing the endoplasmic reticulum-expansion and immunomodulators production. Physiological RS generates the activation of sensing proteins, inflammasome activation and mature-IL-1β secretion, associated with pro-implantatory effects. We focus on the impact of RS and UPR on decidualized cells and whether they induce a physiological sterile inflammatory response through IL-1β production. Human endometrial stromal cell line (HESC) after decidualization treatment with MPA + dibutyryl-cAMP (Dec) increased the expression of RS-sensors (ATF6, PERK and IRE1α) and UPR markers (sXBP1 and CHOP) in comparison with Non-dec cells. Then we found increased NLRP3 expression in Dec cells compared with Non-dec cells. In fact STF-083010 (an IRE1α inhibitor) prevented this increase. Downstream, increased levels of active caspase-1 on Dec cells were detected by FAM-Flica Caspase-1 associated with an increase in IL-1β production. Moreover, the treatment with STF-083010 decreased the invasion index observed in Dec cells, evaluated by an in vitro model of implantation. In endometrial biopsies from recurrent spontaneous abortion patients an increased expression of IRE1α was found in comparison with fertile women; while recurrent implantation failure samples showed a lower expression of sXBP1, TXNIP and NLRP3 than fertile women, suggesting that RS/UPR tenors might condition endometrial receptivity.
Macroecological patterns of the phytoplankton production of polyunsaturated aldehydes
Authors: Cózar Andrés , Morillo-García Soledad , Ortega María J. , Li Qian P. , Bartual Ana
Published: August 2018

The polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUAs) are bioactive metabolites commonly released by phytoplankton species. Based primarily on laboratory experiments, PUAs have been implicated in deleterious effects on herbivores and competing phytoplankton species or in the regulation of the rates of bacterial organic matter remineralization; however, the role of the PUAs at an ecosystem level is still under discussion. Using data of PUA production in natural phytoplankton assemblages over a wide range of conditions, we analyzed macroecological patterns aiming for a comprehensive environmental contextualization that will further our understanding of the control and ecologic role played by these compounds. PUA composition changed from the predominance of decadienal in oligotrophy, octadienal in eutrophy, and heptadienal at intermediate conditions. The production of PUAs per unit biomass also showed a strong relationship with the trophic status, sharply increasing towards oligotrophic conditions and with small-sized cells reaching the highest production rates. High ratios of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to dissolved inorganic phosphorus also promoted PUA production, albeit to a considerably lesser extent. Although the allelopathic use of PUAs to outcompete other phytoplankton or reduce herbivory may be key in some environments and interactions, the macroecological patterns found here, showing higher production towards the poorest waters and among the small species typically populating these environments, support and link at the large scale the hypotheses of the nutrient-derived stress as driver for the production of PUAs together with the use of these compounds as boosters for the nutrient remineralization.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women of Advanced Maternal Age: a Retrospective Cohort Study from China
Authors: Shan Dan , Qiu Pei-Yuan , Wu Yu-Xia , Chen Qian , Li Ai-Lin , Ramadoss Sivakumar , Wang Ran-Ran , Hu Ya-Yi
Published: August 2018

This retrospective cohort study attempts to investigate pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women of advanced maternal age (AMA). Data were extracted from electronic medical records system at West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2013 to July 2016. The study cohort consisted 8 subgroups of women on 4 different age levels (20–29 years, 30–34 years, 35–39 years and ≥40 years) and 2 different parities (primiparity and multiparity). In the study period, 38811 women gave birth at our hospital, a randomized block was used to include 2800 women of singleton pregnancy >28 gestational weeks, with 350 patients in each subgroup. Maternal complications and fetal outcomes were collected and defined according to relevant guidelines. Confounding factors representing maternal demographic characteristics were identified from previous studies and analysed in multivariate analysis. There was an increasing trend for the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes with increasing age, especially in AMA groups. Our study showed that AMA, primiparity, maternal overweight or obesity, lower educational level and residence in rural area increased pregnancy complications and adverse fetal outcomes. Increased professional care as well as public concern is warranted.
Regulation of cofilin phosphorylation in glomerular podocytes by testis specific kinase 1 (TESK1)
Authors: Wang Liming , Buckley Anne F. , Spurney Robert F.
Published: August 2018

Expression of a constitutively active Rho A (V14Rho) in podocytes in vivo induces albuminuria and foot process (FP) effacement. These effects may be mediated by the Rho A effector Rho kinase (ROK); but inhibition of ROK with Y27632 failed to attenuate albuminuria or FP effacement in V14Rho mice. ROK activates LIM kinases (LIMKs), which phosphorylate and inhibit the actin depolymerizing factor cofilin 1 (CFL1). Sustained phosphorylation of CFL1 is implicated in human nephrotic diseases, but Y27632 did not inhibit phosphorylation of CFL1 in vivo, despite effective ROK inhibition. CFL1 is also phosphorylated by testis-specific kinase 1 (TESK1) on the same serine residue. TESK1 was expressed in podocytes, and, similar to the in vivo situation, Y27632 had little effect on phospho-CFL1 (pCFL1) levels in cultured podocytes. In contrast, Y27632 reduced pCFL1 levels in TESK1 knockout (KO) cells. ROK inhibition enhanced podocyte motility but, the motility promoting effect of Y27632 was absent in TESK1 KO podocytes. Thus, TESK1 regulates podocyte cytoskeletal dynamics in glomerular podocytes and may play an important role in regulating glomerular filtration barrier integrity in glomerular disease processes.
Gold nanoparticles-induced cytotoxicity in triple negative breast cancer involves different epigenetic alterations depending upon the surface charge
Authors: Surapaneni Sunil Kumar , Bashir Shafiya , Tikoo Kulbhushan
Published: August 2018

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used enormously in different cancers but very little is known regarding their molecular mechanism and surface charge role in the process of cell death. Here, we elucidate the molecular mechanism by which differentially charged AuNPs induce cytotoxicity in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Cytotoxicity assay revealed that both negatively charged (citrate-capped) and positively charged (cysteamine-capped) AuNPs induced cell-death in a dose-dependent manner. We provide first evidence that AuNPs-induced oxidative stress alters Wnt signalling pathway in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells. Although both differentially charged AuNPs induced cell death, the rate and mechanism involved in the process of cell death were different. Negatively charged AuNPs increased the expression of MKP-1, dephosphorylated and deacetylated histone H3 at Ser10 and K9/K14 residues respectively whereas, positively charged AuNPs decreased the expression of MKP-1, phosphorylated and acetylated histone H3 at Ser 10 and K9/K14 residues respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies revealed that AuNPs were localised in cytoplasm and mitochondria of MDA-MB-231 cells. Interestingly, AuNPs treatment makes MDA-MB-231 cells sensitive to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by decreasing the expression of thymidylate synthetase enzyme. This study highlights the role of surface charge (independent of size) in the mechanisms of toxicity and cell death.
Parasite transmission between trophic levels stabilizes predator–prey interaction
Authors: Rogawa Akiyoshi , Ogata Shigeki , Mougi Akihiko
Published: August 2018

Manipulative parasites that promote their transmission by altering their host’s phenotype are widespread in nature, which suggests that host manipulation allows the permanent coexistence of the host with the parasite. However, the underlying mechanism by which host manipulation affects community stability remains unelucidated. Here, using a mathematical model, we show that host manipulation can stabilise community dynamics. We consider systems wherein parasites are transmitted between different trophic levels: intermediate host prey and final host predator. Without host manipulation, the non-manipulative parasite can destabilise an otherwise globally stable prey–predator system, causing population cycles. However, host manipulation can dampen such population cycles, particularly when the manipulation is strong. This finding suggests that host manipulation is a consequence of self-organized behavior of the parasite populations that allows permanent coexistence with the hosts and plays a key role in community stability.
Hazardous gases (CO, NOx, CH4 and C3H8) released from CO2 fertilizer unit lead to oxidative damage and degrades photosynthesis in strawberry plants
Authors: Muneer Sowbiya , Lee Jeong Hyun
Published: August 2018

CO2 boilers/direct heating systems used in greenhouses often lead to incomplete combustion, which results in the formation of hazardous gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO), nitroxide (NOX) and other hydrocarbons. In this study, strawberry plants that were grown on rockwool cubes were transferred to airtight bottles and treated with CO, NOX, CH4 and C3H8 gases for 1–48 hours. Oxidative damage due to hazardous gases was observed, as indicated by H2O2 and $${{\bf{O}}}_{{\bf{2}}}^{{\boldsymbol{-}}1}$$

O

2

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determination. Photosynthetic pigments were reduced, and stomatal guard cells were damaged and remained closed compared to the control. The activity of other photosynthetic parameters was negatively related to hazardous gases. Reduction in the expression of multiprotein complexes was highly observed under hazardous gas treatments. This study highlighted that hazardous gases (CO, NOX, CH4 and C3H8) emitted due to incomplete combustion of CO2 fertilization units/or direct heating systems resulted in the formation of ROS in shoots and limited photosynthetic metabolism. We predicted that major steps must be incorporated to improve the efficiency of CO2 boiler/heating systems to decrease the emission of these hazardous gases and other hydrocarbons and to reduce the observed risks that are key to the reduction of crops.
Photocatalysts as Photoinitiators
Authors: Dumur Frédéric , Gigmes Didier
Published: August 2018

During the past decade, photopolymerization has been the focus of intense research efforts owing to the constant growth of industrial applications and the development of new photoinitiators and monomers. The applicability of photopolymerization extends from conventional areas, such as coatings, inks, and adhesives, to high-tech domains, such as optoelectronics, laser imaging, stereolithography, 3D-printing and nanotechnology. From a mechanistic point of view, a photopolymerization reaction is initiated by a photoinitiator or a photoinitiating system, which, under exposure to a light source, generates active species, inducing the polymerization process. Over the years, various photoinitiating systems have been developed, expanding the scope of applicability. Recently, the field of photopolymerization has undergone a renaissance with the development of photocatalytic systems enabling the content of photoinitiators in the photocurable resins to be drastically reduced, allowing the polymerization speed to increase and higher conversion yields. In this chapter, we propose an overview of the principal visible light photoredox catalysts used in photopolymerization reactions. Especially, a special emphasis will be devoted to photocatalysts operating under low light intensity exposure.
Photopolymers for Third-generation Solar Cells
Authors: Bella Federico , Gerbaldi Claudio , Turri Stefano , Griffini Gianmarco
Published: August 2018

Third-generation solar cells represent the most concrete possibility for converting solar light into electricity while trying to maintain the low manufacturing costs of the panels. Dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer-based organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells are currently the most widely used by the scientific community. These devices are substantially based on hybrid or polymeric materials that act as semiconductors and exciton carriers. Photopolymers play a key role in these energy systems, indeed representing an important and versatile material science platform for the preparation of various solar cell components. They can be exploited in different applications, including polymer electrolytes, barriers against moisture or harmful UV light, and light management coatings. Additionally, process speed and easy industrial scalability make photopolymerization an ideal technique for third-generation photovoltaics. In this chapter, an overview of the most recent examples of the use of photopolymer systems in the field of photovoltaics is presented, with a specific focus on dye-sensitized solar cells, polymer-based organic photovoltaics and perovskite solar cells.
Emulsion Photopolymerization
Authors: Piogé Sandie , Nicol Erwan
Published: August 2018

Photopolymerization in dispersed media is an interesting alternative to classical synthesis methods for elaborating polymers displaying high molar masses with high reaction rates in an environmentally friendly manner. This chapter presents emulsion radical photopolymerization initially stabilized with self-assembled (macro)molecules and giving submicrometric particles (10–500 nm) affording optical transparency in the UV–visible region. The effects of the chemical nature and concentration of the photoinitiator, of the monomer concentration and of light intensity on the kinetics of radical photopolymerization are investigated and compared to thermally initiated polymerization in disperse media. The possibility of using photoactive surfactants or developing photoinitiated controlled radical polymerization in emulsion is considered.
Integrating molecular probes and molecular dynamics to reveal binding modes of GLUT5 activatory and inhibitory ligands
Authors: Ainsley Jon , Chaturvedi Shobhit S. , Karabencheva-Christova Tatyana G. , Tanasova Marina , Christov Christo Z.
Published: August 2018

Fructose transporter GLUT5 is characterized by unusual substrate specificity and is linked to a variety of metabolic disorders.
Transition-metal-free synthesis of vicinal triborated compounds and selective functionalisation of the internal C–B bond
Authors: Davenport Elliot , Fernandez Elena
Published: August 2018

1,2,3-Triborated compounds can be prepared by simple nucleophilic borylation of 1,3-dienes, without the assistance of metal catalysts.
Structural and electrical properties of lanthanum copper oxide epitaxial thin films with different domain morphologies
Authors: Onozuka Tomoya , Chikamatsu Akira , Hirose Yasushi , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: August 2018

Herein, we investigated the domain morphologies of defect-perovskite LaCuOx (2.5 ≤ x ≤ 3.0) thin films grown on cubic SrTiO3 (100) and orthorhombic NdGaO3 (110) substrates by pulsed-laser deposition.
Uptake and accommodation of water clusters by adamantane clusters in helium droplets: interplay between magic number clusters
Authors: Kranabetter Lorenz , Martini Paul , Gitzl Norbert , Kuhn Martin , Saleem Fatima , Rasul Bilal , Mahmoodi Darian Masoomeh , Jabbour Al Maalouf Elias , Sukuba Ivan , Kaiser Alexander , Goulart Marcelo , Böhme Diethard K. , Scheier Paul
Published: August 2018

Double magic: 12 adamantane “nanodiamonds” surround, in an icosahedric arrangement, 21 water molecules that form a pentagon dodecahedral structure.
Modulation of the mechanism of apoptosis in cancer cell lines by treatment with silica-based nanostructured materials functionalized with different metallodrugs
Authors: Díaz-García Diana , Cenariu Diana , Pérez Yolanda , Cruz Paula , del Hierro Isabel , Prashar Sanjiv , Fischer-Fodor Eva , Gómez-Ruiz Santiago
Published: August 2018

The mechanism of apoptosis triggered by organotin- or titanocene-modified SBA-15 materials has been studied.
Sol–gel-derived transparent silica–(Gd,Pr)PO4 glass-ceramic narrow-band UVB phosphors
Authors: Suda Mayu , Nakagawa Ryosui , Kanamura Kiyoshi , Kajihara Koichi
Published: August 2018

Transparent sol–gel-derived silica–(Gd,Pr)PO4 glass-ceramics free from inert rare-earth ions exhibit narrow-band UVB photoluminescence from Gd3+ ions at ∼313 nm with internal quantum efficiency close to unity and external quantum efficiency higher than 0.9 under excitation into the 5d state of Pr3+ ions.
Ionic liquid ion exchange: exclusion from strong interactions condemns cations to the most weakly interacting anions and dictates reaction equilibrium
Authors: Naert Pieter , Rabaey Korneel , Stevens Christian V.
Published: August 2018

Ion exchange is determined by the interaction energy and impacts process performance by change of physicochemical properties and reactivity.
Automated microfluidic droplet sampling with integrated, mix-and-read immunoassays to resolve endocrine tissue secretion dynamics
Authors: Li Xiangpeng , Hu Juan , Easley Christopher J.
Published: August 2018

A fully automated droplet generation and analysis device based on pressure driven push-up valves for precise pumping of fluid and volumetric metering has been developed for high resolution hormone secretion sampling and measurement.
A novel fluorescent adhesive-assisted biomimetic mineralization
Authors: Wang Zhe , Ouyang Yan , Wu Zhifang , Zhang Leiqing , Shao Changyu , Fan Jiayan , Zhang Ling , Shi Ying , Zhou Zihuai , Pan Haihua , Tang Ruikang , Fu Baiping
Published: August 2018

We propose a novel fluorescent adhesive-assisted biomimetic mineralization strategy, based on a mild self-etch adhesive containing 25 wt% polyacrylic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles and 1 wt% sodium fluorescein.
Fluorescence enhancement from single gold nanostars: towards ultra-bright emission in the first and second near-infrared biological windows
Authors: Theodorou Ioannis G. , Jiang Qianfan , Malms Lukas , Xie Xiangyu , Coombes R. Charles , Aboagye Eric O. , Porter Alexandra E. , Ryan Mary P. , Xie Fang
Published: August 2018

Single-particle metal enhanced fluorescence from colloidal gold nanostars (AuNSs) enables super bright fluorescence from biologically relevant near-infrared fluorophores.
Bias compensation recursive algorithm for dual‐rate rational models
Authors: Chen Jing , Liu Yanjun , Zhu Quanmin
Published: August 2018

In dual‐rate rational systems, some output data are missing (unmeasurable) to make the traditional recursive least squares (RLS) parameter estimation algorithms invalid. In order to overcome this difficulty, this study develops a bias compensation RLS algorithm for estimating the missing outputs and then the model parameters. The algorithm based on auxiliary model and particle filter has four steps: (i) to establish an auxiliary model to estimate unmeasurable outputs, (ii) to compensate bias induced by correlated noise, (iii) to add a filter to improve estimation accuracy of the unmeasurable outputs and (iv) to obtain an unbiased parameter estimation. Three examples are selected for simulation demonstrations to give further guarantees on the usefulness of the proposed algorithms. The comparative studies show that the bias compensation RLS is more effective for such systems with dual‐rate input and output data.
Comparative study of active anti‐islanding schemes compatible with MICs in the prospect of high penetration levels and weak grid conditions
Authors: Valsamas Fotis , Voglitsis Dionisis , Rigogiannis Nick , Papanikolaou Nick , Kyritsis Anastasios
Published: August 2018

This work presents the first comprehensive study of active anti‐islanding techniques suitable for module integrated converters (MICs), which considers the high penetration level of photovoltaics (or other distributed energy resources) at low‐voltage distribution networks. As such, the state of the art in anti‐islanding methods are presented and the most appealing solutions compatible with MICs are selected and experimentally evaluated, reaching to some valuable conclusions from the perspective of MICs. In order to compare these methods under the same operating conditions and specifications, a benchmark is set based on zero non‐detection zone, reduced false‐detection zone, and power‐quality requirements compliance. Based on comparative results, the most suitable methods for wide MICs penetration in low‐voltage distribution networks are suggested.
Compact fractal antenna circularly polarised radiation for Wi‐Fi and WiMAX communications
Authors: Abed Amer T. , Singh Mandeep S. Jit , Islam Mohamed T.
Published: August 2018

A novel antenna design was configured via a five‐stage process. At each stage, a new modified square patch with a half size of that used in the previous stage was added to shape the dual fractal‐structure antenna. The antenna had measured dual operating bands (2.4–2.65 and 4.8–6.4 GHz) that meet the specifications of the wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. The structure of the antenna was carefully analysed to achieve an axial ratio bandwidth of , which was ∼35% of the first operating band and 30% of the second operating band. Right‐hand and left‐hand circular polarisations were achieved by switching the inputs. The proposed antenna can be used with portable communication devices because of its compact size (18 × 18 × 0.8 mm3) and maximum efficiency (85%) compared with other related antennas.
Subsynchronous resonance assessment for a large system with multiple series compensated transmission circuits
Authors: Cheng Yunzhi , Huang Shun Hsien (Fred) , Rose Jonathan , Pappu Venkata Ajay , Conto Jose
Published: August 2018

Generators connecting to a series compensated transmission system can be exposed to subsynchronous resonance (SSR) and require a comprehensive vulnerability assessment. This study presents an SSR assessment framework and tools to more efficiently assess all types of generation in a large system with multiple generators and meshed series capacitors. The developed framework covers torsional interaction, torque amplification, and induction generator effect/control interaction and includes three assessment stages: topology screening, frequency scan, and detailed electromagnetic transient study. Topology screening based on max‐flow min‐cut theorem is applied to identify the set of transmission outages forming radial connections between generators and series capacitors. Frequency scan analysis is then conducted to further analyse the SSR vulnerability with all the possible combinations of transmission outages identified in the topology screening results. Nearby generators are modelled by frequency‐dependent impedance tables, which consider the equivalent impedance looking into the generators over the range of 1–120 Hz. An electromagnetic transient simulation will be required to confirm the SSR vulnerability identified in the frequency scan analysis. The developed framework and tools have successfully been applied to a large power system with multiple series compensated circuits to ensure reliable generation interconnection and operation.
Harmonic‐signature‐based islanding detection in grid‐connected distributed generation systems using Kalman filter
Authors: Haider Raza , Kim Chul Hwan , Ghanbari Teymoor , Bukhari Syed Basit Ali
Published: August 2018

Islanding in power systems is a challenge that results in various uncertainties in the system parameters, degrades power quality, and may endanger the maintenance workers. This study presents a new passive islanding detection approach for grid‐connected distributed generation (DG) units. The proposed method employs a Kalman filter (KF) to extract and filter the harmonic contents of the voltage signal measured at DG terminals. A three‐phase voltage signal is measured at the point of common coupling and taken as a test signal for islanding detection. First, a residual signal is generated using the KF to detect different changes in the power system. In the second step, multiple harmonic contents are estimated by the KF to calculate a criterion named selected harmonic distortion (SHD). The variation of SHD classifies between islanding and normal conditions. The IEEE 13‐bus test system simulated in Matlab/Simulink is used as a testbed to assess the performance of the proposed approach. The proposed method is extensively analysed under various islanding and non‐islanding scenarios. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can successfully differentiate between islanding and non‐islanding events. Moreover, it provides high reliability by eliminating the non‐detection zone and stands robust against the false operation.
Demand response based day‐ahead scheduling and battery sizing in microgrid management in rural areas
Authors: Morsali Roozbeh , Kowalczyk Ryszard
Published: August 2018

A considerable number of people living in rural areas, especially in developing countries have no or very limited access to electricity. Usually, connecting such areas to the main grid is economically or technically infeasible and standalone microgrid concept is used as the solution. However, even in such microgrids, the fuel costs are normally much higher compared to the urban areas due to the lack of infrastructure. Nowadays, renewable sources of energy are much cheaper than before and economically viable. If they are used efficiently with the help of storage systems and intelligent management of the consumption, a cheaper and sustainable solution can be achieved. In this study, the authors propose comparatively more realistic models for appliances’ consumption in rural areas as well as new mathematical optimisation problem for optimal management with day‐ahead scheduling and planning of rural microgrids. They also propose a new model to capture the inefficiency of the battery in microgrid management and investigate the optimum battery and renewable generation to run microgrid solely on renewable energy. To validate the proposed model and understand the importance of demand response and batteries in operation and capital investment costs of such systems, the authors design and simulate different scenarios and discuss the simulation results.
The XXL Survey
Authors: Logan C. H. A. , Maughan B. J. , Bremer M. N. , Giles P. , Birkinshaw M. , Chiappetti L. , Clerc N. , Faccioli L. , Koulouridis E. , Pacaud F. , Pierre M. , Ramos-Ceja M. E. , Vignali C. , Willis J.
Published: August 2018

Context. The XMM-XXL survey has used observations from the XMM-Newton observatory to detect clusters of galaxies over a wide range in mass and redshift. The moderate PSF (FWHM ~ 6″ on-axis) of XMM-Newton means that point sources within or projected onto a cluster may not be separated from the cluster emission, leading to enhanced luminosities and affecting the selection function of the cluster survey.

Aims. We present the results of short Chandra observations of 21 galaxy clusters and cluster candidates at redshifts z > 1 detected in the XMM-XXL survey in X-rays or selected in the optical and infra-red.

Methods. With the superior angular resolution of Chandra, we investigate whether there are any point sources within the cluster region that were not detected by the XMM-XXL analysis pipeline, and whether any point sources were misclassified as distant clusters.

Results. Of the 14 X-ray selected clusters, 9 are free from significant point source contamination, either having no previously unresolved sources detected by Chandra or with less than about 10% of the reported XXL cluster flux being resolved into point sources. Of the other five sources, one is significantly contaminated by previously unresolved AGN, and four appear to be AGN misclassified as clusters. All but one of these cases are in the subset of less secure X-ray selected cluster detections and the false positive rate is consistent with that expected from the XXL selection function modelling. We also considered a further seven optically selected cluster candidates associated with faint XXL sources that were not classed as clusters. Of these, three were shown to be AGN by Chandra, one is a cluster whose XXL survey flux was highly contaminated by unresolved AGN, while three appear to be uncontaminated clusters. By decontaminating and vetting these distant clusters, we provide a pure sample of clusters at redshift z > 1 for deeper follow-up observations, and demonstrate the utility of using Chandra snapshots to test for AGN in surveys with high sensitivity but poor angular resolution.
La trajectoire d’institutionnalisation de l’agriculture biologique en Ouganda, success story de l’Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Bendjebbar Pauline
Published: August 2018

Cet article analyse la progressive institutionnalisation de l’agriculture biologique en Ouganda depuis les années 1990, marquée par l’existence de 200 000 producteurs certifiés biologiques, un mouvement national, ainsi qu’une politique dédiée en cours d’élaboration. Cette success story s’explique par une agriculture au départ « biologique par défaut » (absence d’utilisation d’intrants chimiques de synthèse) et par l’absence de service public d’encadrement agricole (non-diffusion de techniques conventionnelles), conséquences d’une histoire politique et économique singulière. Ce contexte a été propice à l’adoption et à la diffusion de techniques biologiques. La politique libérale et l’encouragement au développement d’une agriculture commerciale ont ensuite favorisé l’essor des projets de production et d’exportation d’une agriculture biologique certifiée, soutenus par d’importants programmes d’aide au développement, tel EPOPA. La création de NOGAMU, organisation qui chapeaute le mouvement biologique, marque la stabilisation d’un réseau national d’acteurs.
Surface texture characterization of alpha-beta titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) after hydrostatic burnishing
Authors: Swirad S
Published: August 2018

The ball burnishing process with hydrostatic tools is very economical finishing process for various types of machine parts. This process reduces the height of surface unevenness, introduces compressive stresses at high depth (approx. 1 mm) and increase the hardness of the surface layer. The paper presents effect of the ball burnishing process parameters with hydrostatic tools on the surface structure geometry of titanium alloy. This shows how the surface roughness can be reduced after preceding operation by the ball burnishing process. This process changes the surface stereometrics of the previously milled surface. Burnishing with hydrostatic tools can be easily and effectively used either on conventional or on CNC machines. The Ecoroll burnishing system used in this research consists of a high-pressure hydraulic pump (model 4.0 HGP) and the 6 mm diameter burnishing tool both connected via high-pressure hoses. The burnishing tool is based on a hydrostatics principle; the key element is a 6mm ball made of ceramics. The input process parameters considered in the paper included: burnishing rate, applied pressure and line to line pitch. It also showed a positive effect of hydrostatics burnishing on roughness and geometric structure of the surface. In most cases, the result is anisotropic surface, reduced roughness, reduced amplitude values of parameters such as: Sa, Sz. The biggest impact on the value of indicators of geometric structure comes from pressure, the smaller (but still significant) impact results from a tool speed and line to line pitch
Surface modification of TC4 Ti alloy by laser cladding with Ni-Ti-Nb powders
Authors: Tian Yiming , Lin Chengxin , Yu Jie , Liu Zhijie , Zhang Yu , Jia Songjiang
Published: August 2018

TC4 Ti alloy with the excellent properties can be applied to many fields, but the surface performance such as wear-resisting, fretting wear, contact corrosion etc.can't be met for many special demands. Laser cladding was applied on a TC4 Ti alloy to improve its properties. Mixed Ni,Ti and Nb powders were put onto the TC4 Ti alloy and subsequently treated by laser beam. The experimental results show that the surface hardness and wear resistance are significantly improved. The increase in wear resistance is predicted to be related to the "adaptive" wear mechanism of SMA.The microstructure and composition modifications in the surface layer were carefully investigated by using SEM, EDX and metallographic microscope. Experimental analyses show that the compositions of laser cladding coating are close to shape memory alloy of 44Ni-47Ti-9Nb,and differedt microstructure are rich with different elements. These experimental results are associated with laser processing techniques and alloy composition to some extent.
Flow and heat transfer of aligned magnetic field with Newtonian heating boundary condition
Authors: Kasim A R M , Arifin N S , Zokri S M , Salleh M Z
Published: August 2018

Influence of aligned magnetic field on the steady boundary layer flow and heat transfer over a stretching sheet with Newtonian heating boundary condition is considered. The transformed governing nonlinear boundary layer equations in the form of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by Keller box method. The details on computation have been presented and elaborated. The obtained numerical solutions have been captured graphically in the form of velocity and temperature distributions for different values of aligned angle, magnetic field parameter, Prandtl number and conjugate parameter. It is found that, increases in aligned angle associated with magnetic field delayed the velocity profile of the flow and enhances the temperature profile.
G-jitter induced mixed convection flow of a second grade fluid past an inclined stretching sheet
Authors: Noraihan Afiqah Rawi , Mohd Rijal Ilias , Mahat Rahimah , Zaiton Mat Isa , Shafie Sharidan
Published: August 2018

An analysis was carried out to study the mixed convection flow of a non-Newtonian second grade fluid past an inclined stretching sheet in the presence of a g-jitter effect. The transformed governing equation, consisting of coupled non-linear partial differential equations, was solved numerically using an implicit finite-difference scheme known as the Keller-box method. The flow and heat transfer characteristics in terms of velocity and temperature profiles as well as the skin friction and heat transfer coefficients influenced by the amplitude of modulation, frequency of oscillation, inclination angle and second grade parameters were presented graphically and analysed in detail. The findings revealed that the heat transfer coefficient is enhanced with an increase in the second grade parameter, whereas the opposite trend is observed for the skin friction coefficient.
Exact solution for unsteady free convection flow of Casson fluid in vertical channel
Authors: Ahmad Qushairi Mohamad , Lim Yeou Jiann , Shafie Sharidan , Khan Ilyas , Ismail Zulkhibri
Published: August 2018

The influence of free convection flow on unsteady Casson fluid over a vertical channel is studied in this paper. The governing equation consists of partial differential momentum and energy equations have been transformed into non-dimensional equations by using the appropriate nondimensional variables. The expression of exact solutions for nondimensional velocity and temperature profiles are obtained by using the Laplace transform method. The obtained exact solutions are found satisfied all the initial and boundary conditions. The behaviour of velocity and temperature profiles influenced by Casson fluid parameter, Grashof number, Prandtl number and time are plotted graphically and presented in tables. It can be observed that, the velocity profile and boundary layer thickness decrease when the values of Casson fluid parameter and Prandtl number increase. This is due to the increase of viscous force and retard the movement of the velocity. The present result is validated when the obtained exact solution of velocity is compared with published result and found in a good agreement.