bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust frequency estimation in three‐phase power systems using correntropy‐based adaptive filter
Authors: Khalili Azam , Rastegarnia Amir , Sanei Saeid
Published: August 2015

In this study, the authors propose a robust adaptive algorithm for frequency estimation in three‐phase power systems when the voltage readings are corrupted by random noise sources. The proposed algorithm employs the Clarke's transformed three‐phase voltage (a complex signal) and augmented complex statistics to deal with both of balanced and unbalanced system conditions. To derive the algorithm, a widely linear predictive model is assumed for the Clarke's transformed signal where the frequency of system is related to the parameters of this model. To estimate the model parameters with noisy voltage reading, they utilise the notions of maximum correntropy criterion and gradient‐ascent optimisation. The proposed algorithm has the computational complexity of the popular complex least‐mean‐squares (CLMS) algorithm, along with the robustness that is obtained by using higher‐order moments beyond just second‐order moments. They compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with a recently introduced augmented CLMS (ACLMS) algorithm in different conditions, including the voltage sags and presence of impulsive noises and and higher‐order harmonics. Their simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm provides improved frequency estimation performance compared with ACLMS especially when the measured voltages are corrupted by impulsive noise.
Sub‐band adaptive filtering method for electroencephalography/event related potential signal using nature inspired optimisation techniques
Authors: Ahirwal Mitul Kumar , Kumar Anil , Singh Girish Kumar
Published: August 2015

In this study, applied research based on sub‐band adaptive filtering (SAF) of electroencephalography/event related potential signal has been conducted. Noisy co‐variants of event related potential signals are filtered through sub‐band adaptive filters (AFs). SAF with evolutionary techniques (ETs) has been attempted first time. Five ETs, such as particles swarm optimisation, artificial bee colony, cuckoo optimisation algorithm, genetic algorithm, and differential evolution with their variants have been employed for optimisation of SAF. Average computational time and shape measures the difference of ET‐based sub‐AFs have been improved by decimation in sub‐bands before adaptive filtering.
Time–frequency analyses of leakage current waveforms of high voltage insulators in uniform and non‐uniform polluted conditions
Authors: Dhahbi‐Megriche Nabila , Beroual Abderrahmane
Published: August 2015

This study deals with the analysis of the leakage current (LC) in both time and frequency domains, for different configurations of polluted high voltage insulators (i.e. for clean and polluted insulator surfaces). The characteristic parameters of the recorded LC waveforms up to flashover namely the peak value, the phase shift, the total harmonic distortion and the harmonic contents are investigated. It is shown that the LC peak value and the phase shift cannot be a trustworthy indication of the surface activity related to partial discharges and waveform type whereas the harmonic components magnitude can be well correlated with the LC distortions; it is shown that in the early stages, the fifth and seventh harmonics contribute to the distortion of the LC whereas for advanced stage, the third harmonic contribution is the most significant. A time–frequency analysis is also carried out to better understand the LC behaviour. The spectrogram of the different stages of LC activity is computed using Matlab toolbox. The results show that time–frequency analysis can be used as a tool for patterns recognition and classification of the LC.
High photocatalytic and photo‐Fenton‐like activities of ZnO–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites in the degradation of malachite green in water
Authors: He H.‐Y. , Fei J. , Lu J.
Published: August 2015

ZnO–reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites with rGO/ZnO mass ratio of 0–0.20 were synthesised by a hydrothermal method. The photodegradation experiments of malachite green in water on the nanocomposites indicated that the photodegradation rate increased with increasing rGO content and initial solution pH. Significantly, the Fenton‐like photodegradation of the malachite green in water was observed in the presence of H2O2. This Fenton‐like reaction speeds up as the rGO/ZnO ratio increases. The quasi‐kinetic rate constants of the photocatalysis systems are in the range of ∼0.0064–0.0247 min−1 and increase about one magnitude to ∼0.0868–0.2120 min−1 by the Fenton‐like reaction.
Soft‐lithography of ordered block copolymer nanostructures
Authors: Longaresi Rafael Henriques , Pereira‐da‐Silva Marcelo A.
Published: August 2015

Block copolymers have attracted much attention since they can be applied to create micro and nanoscale structures because of the different aggregation structures that compose them. Proposed is a route to create templates from poly(styrene)‐b‐poly(ethane‐co‐butene)‐b‐poly(styrene) (SEBS) nanostructures to be used in patterning surfaces, electrodes or thin polymer films. A thin liquid film of SEBS/toluene solution was deposited by a dip‐coating procedure and, after the solvent evaporation, SEBS ordered structures were spontaneously displayed in a hexagonal arrangement. The moulding template (a negative copy of the prime SEBS structures) was made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and lastly a replica in epoxy was successfully achieved and the original hexagonal pattern was formed with reasonable accuracy. All structures were studied by atomic force microscopy images in tapping mode. The SEBS nanostructures were characterised with a diameter (height) of 914 nm (38 nm) whereas with the PDMS template it was 749 nm (29 nm). The epoxy replica presented a diameter (height) of 553 nm (21 nm). All the process (nanostructure, template and replica) showed 80% fidelity when compared with the previous step, demonstrating the possibilities of using this lithography process as an efficient patterning tool of electrodes and film surfaces.
Self‐consistent capacitance model for multilayer graphene nanoribbon interconnects
Authors: Nishad Atul Kumar , Sharma Rohit
Published: August 2015

An analytical model for the computation of equivalent capacitance in top‐contact and side‐contact multilayer graphene nanoribbon interconnects is presented, taking into consideration the interlayer coupling. On the basis of this model, it is observed that interlayer capacitance is a dominant factor that severely degrades the performance of graphene interconnects. The proposed model is verified with simulation data obtained using Synopsys Raphael that exhibits excellent accuracy. Further, a theoretical framework for improvement in key interconnect performance indices such as delay, energy‐delay product and bandwidth density is provided by inserting metal atoms between the graphene layers in top‐contact graphene nanoribbon interconnects.
Facile interfacial synthesis of silica/titania mesoporous microcapsules via in situ miniemulsification process
Authors: Song Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhili , Tan Shen , Zhang Jianan , Wu Mingyuan , Wu Qingyun , Yang Jianjun
Published: August 2015

A facile and flexible technique is described for the fabrication of silica/titania microcapsules from stable miniemulsion droplets. Bis (2,4‐pentanedionato)‐bis (2‐propanolato) titanium (IV) (PDPT), tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and γ –(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate and/are restricted in miniemulsion microreactor droplets via a miniemulsification process, are stabilised by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and hexadecane. After the addition of triethylamine, silica/titania shells are formed in situ by the hydrolysis–condensation at the interfaces of miniemulsion droplets because of the dramatical decrease of the original TEOS and PDPT volume. The mesoporous silica/titania microcapsules are about 1 μm with average pore size of 5.2 nm and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area is 312.0 cm2/g. The biocompatible and mesoporous nature of microcapsules promises an ideal vehicle for catalyst and drug delivery.
Facile approach to generating polymeric nanoarrays containing populations of nanoparticles
Authors: Marques Leonel , Chen Xinyong , Roberts Clive J. , Clark Matthew , Aylott Jonathan W.
Published: August 2015

The production of nanoarrays containing a population of entrapped, heterogeneous nanoparticles is reported. The nanoarray consists of a nanoporous film with pores of diameter 60–180 nm, formed from the phase separation of two immiscible polymers: polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate coated onto glass or silicon wafer. Nanoparticles of PS (120 nm) and silica (90 nm) were deposited into the nanoporous films to generate the nanoarray containing a mixed population of nanoparticles.
Effect of plasma treatment on self‐cleaning of textile fabric using titanium dioxide
Authors: Shahidi Sheila , Ahmadi Mohammad , Rashidi Abosaeed , Ghoranneviss Mahmood
Published: August 2015

Self‐cleaning textiles are attracting increasing attention and the properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) are very important in achieving this goal. The aim of this reported project is to enhance the TiO2 absorption rate on the surface of polyester fabrics using plasma treatment in order to achieve and conduct the durable self‐cleaning property more efficiently. In this work, vacuum plasma apparatus (DC magnetron sputtering) was used. Samples were plasma treated for 30 s, 1, 2, 4 and 6 min. Then, the samples were impregnated with TiO2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analyses were used for observing TiO2 particles on the surface of the samples. Finally, the samples were stained using methylene blue and were exposed to daylight for 12 h and the self‐cleaning properties were examined. The samples were scanned before and after being placed under light. A water drop test was also performed. Absorption of TiO2 in the raw sample was less than that of the plasma‐treated samples. By increasing the duration of operation, the absorption rate was greater. The results showed the self‐cleaning property and good stability for plasma‐treated samples.
Hydrothermal synthesis of SnO2–Zn2SnO4–graphene composites with high activity for photodegradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Wang Yan , Li Gaojie , Cao Jianliang
Published: August 2015

The SnO2–Zn2SnO4–graphene composite photocatalysts were successfully prepared by a facile hydrothermal reaction method in an ethanol–water solvent. The as‐prepared catalysts were characterised by techniques of X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and N2‐sorption. The catalytic activity test results show that this SnO2–Zn2SnO4–graphene composite possesses higher photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) activity than that of pure SnO2–Zn2SnO4 under UV‐light irradiation in an aqueous solution. The improved photocatalytic activity may be due to the increased adsorbability for the RhB molecule, more active sites, more photocatalytic reaction centres and the prevention of the photogenerated electron–hole pair recombination.
Fabrication of a modified electrode based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles for the determination of enrofloxacin
Authors: Sadat Khaloo Shokooh , Mozaffari Shahla , Barekat Afsane , Karimi Fereshte
Published: August 2015

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs/MWCNTs) were prepared and used to fabricate an electrochemical sensor for the determination of enroﬂoxacin. The electrochemical response of the carbon paste electrode (CPE) modiﬁed with Fe3O4NPs/MWCNTs towards enroﬂoxacin was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The results indicated a remarkable growth in the oxidation peak current together with negative shift in the oxidation peak potential for enroﬂoxacin, in comparison to both the unmodified CPE and the CPE modified with MWCNTs (MWCNT/CPE). The prepared sensor displayed a rapid and sensitive response towards enroﬂoxacin, which was attributed to the synergetic electrocatalytic effect of Fe3O4NPs and MWCNTs. The sensitivity enhancement with nearly three orders of magnitude (0.3–100 μM) was gained, compared with the MWCNT/CPE, with a detection limit of 0.09 µM (S/N = 3). The proposed method was successfully applied for the highly sensitive determination of trace amounts of enroﬂoxacin in cow's milk, egg, honey and chicken samples.
Synthesis of gold nanorods with longitudinal surface plasmon resonance wavelength up to 1245 nm using gallic acid as a reductant in the presence of a binary surfactant system
Authors: Li Min , Gong Hongmei , Zhou Rui , Zhou Tianyuan , Tao Qian
Published: August 2015

Gold nanorods with the longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) wavelength up to 1245 nm are obtained by using an improved seed‐mediated wet chemistry growth method where gallic acid is used as a reductant in the presence of a binary surfactant system. The effects of the gallic acid and the seed on the synthesised gold nanorods are investigated by ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It is found that by increasing the gallic acid amount from 200 to 600 μL, the LSPR wavelength shifts from 975 to 1170 nm; at the same time, the absorption intensity of both the transverse surface plasmon resonance and LSPR increases, indicating a more complete reduction of chloroauric acid. To achieve a longer wavelength of the gold nanorods’ LSPR peak, the seed amount was changed to a condition of 600 μL gallic acid. A redshift of the LSPR wavelength from 1135 to 1245 nm can be obtained as the seed amount increases from 30 to 70 μL. Furthermore, it was found that the redshift of the LSPR peak with increasing seed amount is in accordance with the increase trend of the aspect ratio obtained by analysing the dimensions of the gold nanorods through the TEM images. The method offers a new strategy to obtain gold nanorods with tunable LSPR wavelengths, which have wide application in many areas, such as biosensing and ultrafast optical information.
Target cells capture and detection based on a surface plasmon resonance biosensor
Authors: Chen X. , Zhang L.L. , Cui D.F. , Ge S. , Zhang J. , Qiu X.
Published: August 2015

A novel and effective method for target cells capture and detection is developed in a label‐free and real‐time mode. The cultured cell line (TZM‐bl) expressed as CD4+ was used as the positive CD4+ T lymphocytes for target cells capture and detection experiments. The target cells were captured on various surfaces (such as glass, polydimethylsiloxane, and metal) based on a specific immunity method. The gold surface of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing chip modified with a nano denaturalised bovine serum albumin layer had the best capture capacity. A total of 90.9% positive CD4+ T lymphocytes were captured with a slow flow rate of 5 µl/min, whereas 84.1% of cells were kept with a fast flow rate of 2 ml/min. Furthermore, the captured positive cells on the SPR sensing chip were detected on‐line by using author’s home‐made SPR biosensor. From the experimental results, 75 cells/µl could produce an obvious change in the SPR response signal, which holds great potential for target cells capture, reorganisation and further analysis of CD4+ T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood.
Modeling of ultrafast time-resolved fluorescence applied to a weakly coupled chromophore pair
Authors: Balevičius V. , Valkunas L. , Abramavicius D.
Published: August 2015

We present theory for calculating the third-order non-linear response function of a molecular aggregate in the weak inter-chromophore coupling regime. This approach is based on the perturbative expansion of the system evolution with respect to the resonance coupling, while the system–bath interaction is treated non-perturbatively by means of cumulant expansion. An explicit expression for the time-resolved fluorescence signal is then obtained. This allows us to investigate the ultrafast time-dependent Stokes shift, signatures of coherent dynamics, and the excitonic polaron formation in the excited state of the aggregate. Numerical simulations of the time-resolved fluorescence spectra of a pair of coupled molecules demonstrate these effects.
Effects of parallel ion motion on electromagnetic toroidal ion temperature gradient modes in a fluid model
Authors: Jarmén A. , Anderson J. , Malinov P.
Published: August 2015

Effects of ion dynamics along the background magnetic field have been added to an advanced fluid model which has been developed, tested, and successfully used in transport code applications during the last decades. Introducing electrostatic (ϕ) and electromagnetic (ψ) potentials, a system of two coupled second order differential equations in these potentials is derived. The mode solution is interpreted as a coupling between an Ion Temperature Gradient (ITG) mode and an ion motion driven acoustic wave. The mode may be stabilized by electromagnetic effects and by minimizing the ITG parameter ηi(=LnLTi). Interestingly, the addition of kinetic Landau resonance effects may enhance the ηi stabilization.
Correction of the equilibrium temperature caused by slight evaporation of water in protein crystal growth cells during long-term space experiments at International Space Station
Authors: Fujiwara Takahisa , Suzuki Yoshihisa , Yoshizaki Izumi , Tsukamoto Katsuo , Murayama Kenta , Fukuyama Seijiro , Hosokawa Kouhei , Oshi Kentaro , Ito Daisuke , Yamazaki Tomoya , Tachibana Masaru , Miura Hitoshi
Published: August 2015

The normal growth rates of the {110} faces of tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme crystals, R, were measured as a function of the supersaturation σ parameter using a reflection type interferometer under μG at the International Space Station (NanoStep Project). Since water slightly evaporated from in situ observation cells during a long-term space station experiment for several months, equilibrium temperature Te changed, and the actual σ, however, significantly increased mainly due to the increase in salt concentration Cs. To correct σ, the actual Cs and protein concentration Cp, which correctly represent the measured Te value in space, were first calculated. Second, a new solubility curve with the corrected Cs was plotted. Finally, the revised σ was obtained from the new solubility curve. This correction method successfully revealed that the 2.8% water was evaporated from the solution, leading to 2.8% increase in the Cs and Cp of the solution.
An improved algorithm of temperature compensation for a near infrared multiple-acquisition system based on two-dimensional regression analysis
Authors: Yu Xu-yao , An Jia-bao , Yu Hui , Shi Yao , Deng Yong , Zhou Jia-lu , Xu Ke-xin
Published: August 2015

The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy analytical technique is one of the most advanced and promising tools in many domains. NIR acquisition is easily influenced by temperature, thereby affecting qualitative and quantitative analyses. In this paper, a temperature compensation model was established between NIR signals and output voltage values based on two-dimensional regression analysis. The effectiveness of the proposed compensation scheme was experimentally demonstrated by the measurement of six super luminescent diode sources at 293-313 K. The coefficient of variation was decreased 2-fold with this compensation algorithm. The results indicated that it was suitable for various NIR spectral acquisition systems with lower complexity and a higher signal-noise-ratio after being applied to an acousto-optic-tunable-filter system.
Restricted and unrestricted non-Hermitian Hartree-Fock: Theory, practical considerations, and applications to metastable molecular anions
Authors: White Alec F. , McCurdy C. William , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: August 2015

This work describes the implementation and applications of non-Hermitian self-consistent field (NH-SCF) theory with complex basis functions for the ab initio computation of positions and widths of shape resonances in molecules. We utilize both the restricted open-shell and the previously unexplored spin-unrestricted variants to compute Siegert energies of several anionic shape resonances in small diatomic and polyatomic molecules including carbon tetrafluoride which has been the subject of several recent experimental studies. The computation of general molecular properties from a non-Hermitian wavefunction is discussed, and a density-based analysis is applied to the 2B1 shape resonance in formaldehyde. Spin-unrestricted NH-SCF is used to compute a complex potential energy surface for the carbon monoxide anion which correctly describes dissociation.
Dynamic relaxation oscillations in a nonlinearly driven quartz crystal
Authors: Houri S. , Geuze M. J. , Venstra W. J.
Published: August 2015

We demonstrate thermo-mechanical relaxation oscillations in a strongly driven quartz crystal. Dynamic bifurcation leads to two stable oscillation states with a distinct electrical impedance. Slow Joule-heating, which shifts the susceptibility of the crystal, provides a feedback that leads to thermally induced oscillations in which the amplitude of the crystal is modulated by a relaxation cycle. The frequency of the relaxation cycle is roughly a million times lower than the resonance frequency of the crystal, and it can be adjusted by the detuning from the critical point for dynamic bifurcation. The experimental observations are reproduced by a simple model that takes into account the slow dynamics of the system.
Numerical modeling of self-propagating reactions in Ru/Al nanoscale multilayer foils
Authors: Woll K. , Gunduz I. E. , Pauly C. , Doumanidis C. C. , Son S. F. , Rebholz C. , Mücklich F.
Published: August 2015

The Ru/Al system integrates high energy density and high product ductility and serves as an alternative for utilization as nanoscale reactive multilayer. We present a modeling study that relates the Ru-Al phase transformations occurring during self-propagating reactions with macroscopic reaction parameters such as net front velocity and reaction temperature. We coupled equations for mass and thermal transport and used a numerical scheme to solve the differential equations. We calculated the temporal evolution of the temperature distribution in the reaction front as a function of the multilayer bilayer thickness. The calculated net velocities were between 4.2 m/s and 10.8 m/s, and maximal reaction temperatures were up to 2171 K, in good agreement with measured data. Interfacial premixing, estimated to be around 4 nm, had a large influence on reaction velocities and temperature at smaller bilayer thicknesses. Finally, the theoretical results of the present study help to explain the experimental findings and guide tailoring of reactive properties of Ru/Al multilayers for applications.
GaAs quantum dot solar cell under concentrated radiation
Authors: Sablon K. , Li Y. , Vagidov N. , Mitin V. , Little J. W. , Hier H. , Sergeev A.
Published: August 2015

Effects of concentrated solar radiation on photovoltaic performance are investigated in well-developed GaAs quantum dot (QD) solar cells with 1-Sun efficiencies of 18%–19%. In these devices, the conversion processes are enhanced by nanoscale potential barriers and/or AlGaAs atomically thin barriers around QDs, which prevent photoelectron capture to QDs. Under concentrated radiation, the short circuit current increases proportionally to the concentration and the open circuit voltage shows the logarithmic increase. In the range up to hundred Suns, the contributions of QDs to the photocurrent are proportional to the light concentration. The ideality factors of 1.1–1.3 found from the VOC-Sun characteristics demonstrate effective suppression of recombination processes in barrier-separated QDs. The conversion efficiency shows the wide maximum in the range of 40–90 Suns and reaches 21.6%. Detailed analysis of I-V-Sun characteristics shows that at low intensities, the series resistance decreases inversely proportional to the concentration and, at ∼40 Suns, reaches the plateau determined mainly by the front contact resistance. Improvement of contact resistance would increase efficiency to above 24% at thousand Suns.
Interface engineering for improving reliability of resistance switching in Cu/HfO2/TiO2/Pt structure
Authors: Wei Zhou Li , Long Shao Xing , Yuan Li Xiang , Jiang Hao , Chen Ran , Jean Yoon Kyung , Jin Kim Hae , Zhang Kailiang , Zhao Jinshi , Seong Hwang Cheol
Published: August 2015

Reliability and uniformity in resistance switching behaviours in top electrode Cu-sputtered TiO2-bottom electrode Pt memory structure were greatly improved by inserting an interface layer of 5 nm-thick HfO2 between Cu and 50 nm-thick TiO2. The thin HfO2 layer, with much smaller cluster size than TiO2, limited the Cu migration appropriately and induced more uniform Cu conducting filament distribution. The repeated rejuvenation and rupture of Cu filament was limited within the HfO2 layer, thereby improving the switching reliability and uniformity. This also greatly decreased operation power compared to a memory cell without the thin HfO2 layer.
Electromagnetic imaging through thick metallic enclosures
Authors: Darrer Brendan J. , Watson Joseph C. , Bartlett Paul A. , Renzoni Ferruccio
Published: August 2015

The ability to image through metallic enclosures is an important goal of any scanning technology for security applications. Previous work demonstrated the penetrating power of electromagnetic imaging through thin metallic enclosures, thus validating the technique for security applications such as cargo screening. In this work we study the limits of electromagnetic imaging through metallic enclosures, considering the performance of the imaging for different thicknesses of the enclosure. Our results show, that our system can image a Copper disk, even when enclosed within a 20 mm thick Aluminum box. The potential for imaging through enclosures of other materials, such as Lead, Copper, and Iron, is discussed.
Effect of dietary mannan-oligosaccharides on some blood biochemical, haematological parameters and carcass traits in purebred New Zealand White and crossbred rabbits
Authors: Abdel-Hamid Tamer M. , Farahat Mahmoud H.
Published: August 2015

This study examined the effect of dietary treatments containing mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on some blood biochemical, haematological parameters and carcass traits of 60 weaned purebred New Zealand White (NZW) and New Zealand White × Rex (NZW × RX) crossbred rabbits. They were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups; and three dietary treatments of zero, 0.5 or 1.0 g MOS/kg of diet). Blood samples have been collected at slaughter at 10 weeks of age. Significant differences were observed among dietary treatments for all biochemical and haematological parameters with the exception of triglycerides. There was a genetic group and dietary treatment interaction for albumen (P < 0.001), cholesterol (P = 0.002), red blood cell count (RBC) (P = 0.007), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration (P = 0.009) and haematocrit % (P < 0.001) observed. Rabbits from the NZW × RX genetic group fed a diet with 1.0 g/kg MOS had the highest plasma cholesterol level (0.97 ± 0.012 mmol/L), whereas the lowest level (0.89 ± 0.012 mmol/L) was detected in rabbits from the NZW × RX genetic group fed the Control diet. Rabbits from the NZW genetic group fed the diet with 1.0 g/kg MOS had the highest RBC (4.27 ± 0.083 × 106/mm3) whereas rabbits from the same genetic group fed the diet with 0.5 g/kg MOS had the highest Hb concentration (11.43 ± 0.097 g/dL) and haematocrit (30.29 ± 0.163%). Some carcass traits such as liveweight, hot and reference carcass weight (P < 0.001), percentage of periscapular, and perirenal fat relative to reference carcass weight (P < 0.05) were significantly affected by the dietary MOS supplementation. In conclusion, MOS supplementation in the diet, especially 1.0 g/kg, improved immunity, health indicators in the blood, liveweights and carcass weights of rabbits without any harmful effects on the other carcass traits. Furthermore, purebred NZW and NZW × RX crossbred rabbits showed relatively similar performance for all traits of interest. A significant interaction between genetic group and dietary supplementation of MOS was shown for albumen, cholesterol, RBC and haematocrit %.
Preparation of Uniform BiOI Nanoflowers with Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Cao Feng , Lv Xin , Ren Jun , Miao Linqing , Wang Jianmin , Li Song , Qin Gaowu
Published: August 2015

Novel 3D flower-like bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI) nanomaterials were obtained via a facile solvothermal method using bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO3)3) and potassium iodide (KI) as precursors and diethylene glycol as the capping reagent. The morphology of the BiOI nanoarchitecture strongly depends on the experimental conditions such as the presence of diethylene glycol and hydrothermal time. The photocatalytic property of the BiOI nanostructures by monitoring the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) mixed dyes was studied under visible light illumination, which has not been reported previously. The degradation of single cationic RhB dye is faster when compared with that of anionic MO dye. This result is due to the surface negative charges on the BiOI nanoflowers that display good selectivity towards positive RhB dye organic groups owing to electrostatic attraction.
Physical long-term regeneration dynamics of soil organic matter as followed by 1H solid-state NMR methods
Authors: Jäger Alexander , Schwarz Jette , Mouvenchery Yamuna Kunhi , Schaumann Gabriele E. , Bertmer Marko
Published: August 2015

Environmental context
The mobility of soil organic matter and water molecules has a strong influence on the availability of fertilisers as well as on the fate of pollutants in soil. Magnetic resonance techniques identified two regimes of mobility change on the molecular level occurring on a timescale of 1 year after initially heating the sample. The results can help to understand the effect of soil type and water content for agricultural use and soil protection.

Abstract
1H wide-line solid-state NMR methods have been applied to monitor long-term mobility changes in the supramolecular network of soil organic matter and water induced by short thermal treatment. NMR line widths are a direct measure of the mobility of water molecules and organic matter components. For the first time, we obtained an insight into the long-term physical mechanisms in terms of molecular mobility governing soil organic matter–water interactions. All time series reveal a systematic, attenuated proton demobilisation on time scales with a maximum of 1 year that depends on water content and type of soil. Results are discussed in the context of water molecule bridges and are compared with the results of structural transition temperatures obtained from differential scanning calorimetry measurements. The analysis is based on a porous system with random field characteristics. Two major features, a logarithmic time dependence in the first hours and a linear time dependence at longer times after the heating event, are observed in all investigated samples. In peat samples, a temporary increase of mobility was observed, the point in time depending on water content. The soil organic matter physicochemical matrix aging mechanism could also be relevant for the aging of organic chemicals in soil samples, suggesting a long-term reduction in molecular mobility.
Effects of Rearing Density on Total Length and Survival of Lake Sturgeon Free Embryos
Authors: Bauman John M , Baker Edward A , Marsh Terry L , Scribner Kim T
Published: August 2015

Experiments were conducted to identify aquaculture conditions that improve the growth and survival of free-embryo Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. We quantified the effects of rearing density, family, and dissolved oxygen concentration on free-embryo TL and survival to the time of emergence. Experiments were conducted using free embryos from two full-sibling families that were reared in four densities in 3.0-L aquaria. A significant density and family effect on free-embryo TL at emergence was documented. Total length (22.9 ± 0.16 mm [mean ± SE]) at emergence for a rearing density of 9,688 individuals/m2 was significantly greater than the mean TL for rearing densities of 19,375 and 32,292 individuals/m2 (22.4 ± 0.14 mm and 21.8 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). Mean TL at emergence differed significantly between families (22.8 ± 0.13 mm versus 22.1 ± 0.11 mm). Mean dissolved oxygen concentration (mg/L) decreased significantly as a function of increasing fish density. Mean dissolved oxygen concentration (7.89 ± 0.004 mg/L) for densities with 3,229 individuals/m2 was significantly greater than the mean dissolved oxygen concentration for densities with 19,375 and 32,292 individuals/m2 (7.77 ± 0.018 mg/L and 7.71 ± 0.035 mg/L, respectively). Mean proportional survival to emergence decreased as rearing density increased (0.976 ± 0.008 versus 0.928 ± 0.023; P = 0.97) from the 9,688-individuals/m2 treatment to the 32,292-individuals/m2 treatment. There was no significant difference in survival between families. Results reveal that the rearing density of free embryos should be considered because of its effects on TL and, to a lesser extent, survival at emergence. These results are useful for the development of standard operating procedures in traditional and conservation aquaculture facilities where free embryos are raised.
Mutadelic: mutation analysis using description logic inferencing capabilities
Authors: Holford Matthew E. , Krauthammer Michael
Published: August 2015

Motivation: As next generation sequencing gains a foothold in clinical genetics, there is a need for annotation tools to characterize increasing amounts of patient variant data for identifying clinically relevant mutations. While existing informatics tools provide efficient bulk variant annotations, they often generate excess information that may limit their scalability.

Results: We propose an alternative solution based on description logic inferencing to generate workflows that produce only those annotations that will contribute to the interpretation of each variant. Workflows are dynamically generated using a novel abductive reasoning framework called a basic framework for abductive workflow generation (AbFab). Criteria for identifying disease-causing variants in Mendelian blood disorders were identified and implemented as AbFab services. A web application was built allowing users to run workflows generated from the criteria to analyze genomic variants. Significant variants are flagged and explanations provided for why they match or fail to match the criteria.

Availability and implementation: The Mutadelic web application is available for use at http://krauthammerlab.med.yale.edu/mutadelic.

Contact:  michael.krauthammer@yale.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Preemptive Antifungal Therapy for the Prevention of Invasive Candidiasis Following Gastrointestinal Surgery for Intra-abdominal Infections
Authors: Knitsch Wolfgang , Vincent Jean-Louis , Utzolino Stefan , François Bruno , Dinya Tamás , Dimopoulos George , Özgüneş İlhan , Valía Juan Carlos , Eggimann Philippe , León Cristóbal , Montravers Philippe , Phillips Stephen , Tweddle Lorraine , Karas Andreas , Brown Malcolm , Cornely Oliver A.
Published: August 2015

Background.  Patients undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery for intra-abdominal infection are at risk of invasive candidiasis (IC) and candidates for preemptive antifungal therapy.

Methods.  This exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed a preemptive antifungal approach with micafungin (100 mg/d) in intensive care unit patients requiring surgery for intra-abdominal infection. Coprimary efficacy variables were the incidence of IC and the time from baseline to first IC in the full analysis set; an independent data review board confirmed IC. An exploratory biomarker analysis was performed using logistic regression.

Results.  The full analysis set comprised 124 placebo- and 117 micafungin-treated patients. The incidence of IC was 8.9% for placebo and 11.1% for micafungin (difference, 2.24%; [95% confidence interval, −5.52 to 10.20]). There was no difference between the arms in median time to IC. The estimated odds ratio showed that patients with a positive (1,3)-β-d-glucan (ßDG) result were 3.66 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–13.29) times more likely to have confirmed IC than those with a negative result.

Conclusions.  This study was unable to provide evidence that preemptive administration of an echinocandin was effective in preventing IC in high-risk surgical intensive care unit patients with intra-abdominal infections. This may have been because the drug was administered too late to prevent IC coupled with an overall low number of IC events. It does provide some support for using ßDG to identify patients at high risk of IC.

Clinical Trials Registration.  NCT01122368.
High frequency of central memory regulatory T cells allows detection of liver recipients at risk of early acute rejection within the first month after transplantation
Authors: Boix-Giner Francisco , Millan Olga , San Segundo David , Muñoz-Cacho Pedro , Mancebo Esther , Llorente Santiago , Rafael-Valdivia Lourdes , Rimola Antoni , Fábrega Emilio , Mrowiec Anna , Allende Luis , Minguela Alfredo , Bolarín Jose M. , Paz-Artal Estela , López-Hoyos Marcos , Brunet Mercé , Muro Manuel
Published: August 2015

Several studies have analyzed the potential of T regulatory cells (Treg cells) as biomarkers of acute rejection (AR). The aim of the present multicenter study was to correlate the percentage of peripheral Treg cells in liver graft recipients drawn at baseline up to 12 months after transplantation with the presence of AR. The percentage of central memory (cm) Treg cells (CD4 + CD25 high CD45RO + CD62L + ) was monitored at pre-transplant and at 1 and 2 weeks, and 1, 2, 3 and 6 months and 1 year post-transplantation. The same validation standard operating procedures were used in all participating centers. Fifteen patients developed AR (23.4%). Hepatitis C virus recurrence was observed in 16 recipients, who displayed low peripheral blood cmTreg levels compared with patients who did not. A steady increase of cmTregs was observed during the first month after transplantation with statistically significant differences between AR and non-AR patients. The high frequency of memory Treg cells allowed us to monitor rejection episodes during the first month post-transplantation. On the basis of these data, we developed a prediction model for assessing risk of AR that can provide clinicians with useful information for managing patients individually and customizing immunosuppressive therapies.
The mobilize center: an NIH big data to knowledge center to advance human movement research and improve mobility
Authors: Ku Joy P , Hicks Jennifer L , Hastie Trevor , Leskovec Jure , Ré Christopher , Delp Scott L
Published: August 2015

Regular physical activity helps prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, yet a broad range of conditions impair mobility at great personal and societal cost. Vast amounts of data characterizing human movement are available from research labs, clinics, and millions of smartphones and wearable sensors, but integration and analysis of this large quantity of mobility data are extremely challenging. The authors have established the Mobilize Center ( http://mobilize.stanford.edu ) to harness these data to improve human mobility and help lay the foundation for using data science methods in biomedicine. The Center is organized around 4 data science research cores: biomechanical modeling, statistical learning, behavioral and social modeling, and integrative modeling. Important biomedical applications, such as osteoarthritis and weight management, will focus the development of new data science methods. By developing these new approaches, sharing data and validated software tools, and training thousands of researchers, the Mobilize Center will transform human movement research.
Integrating Experience, Evidence and Expertise in the Crop Protection Decision Process
Authors: Hughes Gareth , Burnett Fiona J.
Published: August 2015

Generically, farm-scale crop protection decision making may be characterized as a process beginning with an initial assessment of disease risk followed by the accumulation of evidence related to current risk factors, leading to a risk prediction. What action is then taken depends on the response of the decision owner, taking into account previous experience, advice from trusted sources, alongside policy or legislative constraints on crop protection practice that are intended to mitigate any impacts that may transcend the farm scale. This process has commonalities with decision-making in the strategy of preventive medicine. This article delves into the clinical literature in order to provide a perspective on some recent discussions of shared decision making presented there, discussions that relate to issues also faced in sustainable crop protection.
Mouthwash use and cancer of the head and neck: a pooled analysis from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium
Authors: Boffetta Paolo , Hayes Richard B. , Sartori Samantha , Lee Yuan-Chin A. , Muscat Joshua , Olshan Andrew , Winn Deborah M. , Castellsagué Xavier , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Morgenstern Hal , Chen Chu , Schwartz Stephen M. , Vaughan Thomas L. , Wunsch-Filho Victor , Purdue Mark , Koifman Sergio , Curado Maria P. , Vilensky Marta , Gillison Maura , Fernandez Leticia , Menezes Ana , Daudt Alexander W. , Schantz Stimson , Yu Guopei , D’Souza Gypsyamber , Haddad Robert I. , La Vecchia Carlo , Hashibe Mia
Published: August 2015

Most mouthwashes contain alcohol, a known cause of head and neck cancer (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx), likely through the carcinogenic activity of acetaldehyde, formed in the oral cavity from alcohol. We carried out a pooled analysis of 8981 cases of head and neck cancer and 10 090 controls from 12 case–control studies with comparable information on mouthwash use in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of mouthwash use with cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx, adjusting for study, age, sex, pack-years of tobacco smoking, number of alcoholic drinks/day, and education. Compared with never users of mouthwash, the odds ratio (OR) of all head and neck cancers was 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94–1.08] for ever users, based on 12 studies. The corresponding ORs of cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx were 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00–1.23) and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.06–1.56), respectively. OR for all head and neck cancer was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.01–1.30) for use for more than 35 years, based on seven studies (P for linear trend=0.01), and OR 1.31 (95% CI: 1.09–1.58) for use more than one per day, based on five studies (P for linear trend <0.001). Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study and the limited ability to assess risks of mouthwash use in nonusers of tobacco and alcohol, this large investigation shows potential risks for head and neck cancer subsites and in long-term and frequent users of mouthwash. This pooled analysis provides the most precise estimate of the association between mouthwash use and head and neck cancer.
Etanercept for the Treatment of Transplantation-Related Lung Injury After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hohlfelder Benjamin A. , Anger Kevin E. , Szumita Paul M. , Degrado Jeremy R.
Published: August 2015

Although some data suggest favorable outcomes with use of etanercept for treatment of transplantation-related lung injury, concerns, such as development of new infections, still exist. The objective of this study was to describe the usage of etanercept at our institution and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of etanercept for this indication. Adult patients receiving at least one dose of etanercept for the treatment of pulmonary complications in patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplant from January 2005 to December 2010 were retrospectively evaluated. Outcomes included hospital mortality, incidence of new infection after etanercept administration, and time from administration of first dose of etanercept to infection. Seventeen patients who received etanercept at our institution from January 2005 to December 2010 were included. Four patients (24%) survived their hospital stay, and 3 patients (18%) were alive at both 100 days and 1 year from the initiation of etanercept therapy. Four patients (24%) developed at least one confirmed new infection after the initiation of etanercept therapy. Both moderate and long-term survival in our cohort was low. Caution and careful assessment of the risks and benefits of therapy should be taken before initiation of etanercept for transplantation-related lung injury.
Frequency and Severity of Adverse Drug Events by Medication Classes: The JADE Study
Authors: Sakuma Mio , Kanemoto Yuko , Furuse Akari , Bates David W. , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: August 2015

Objective

Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant concern in daily practice; however, the profile of high-risk drugs remains unclear. Our objective was to categorize high-risk medication classes according to frequency and severity of ADEs.

Methods

The JADE study is a prospective cohort study of 3459 hospitalized adult patients. We investigated the ADEs and medications prescribed to the patients. The rate of ADEs for each medication class was calculated by dividing the number of ADEs by the number of patients who received each medication class on admission.

Results

Overall, 14,435 medications were ordered on admission for patients (median 4; interquartile range, 2–6). Electrolytes and fluids were most frequently prescribed (1876 patients, 54%). Sedatives, antibiotics, peptic ulcer drugs, and analgesics were also commonly prescribed. The frequency was similar in both elderly and younger patients. Among 1010 identified ADEs, antibiotics were most frequently associated with ADEs (31 ADEs per 100 prescribed patients on admission). In patients 65 years and older, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, laxatives, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antipsychotics were the 5 most frequent medication classes causing ADEs following antibiotics. In patients younger than 65 years, antibiotics were also the most frequent cause of ADEs, followed by laxatives, lipid-lowering agents, anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids. Among cardiovascular agent-associated ADEs, 46% were fatal or life threatening in elderly patients, whereas antihypertensives were most often associated with fatal or life-threatening ADEs (25%) in younger patients.

Conclusions

The medication classes frequently associated with ADEs did not necessarily induce severe ADEs.