bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aromatic and antiaromatic spherical structures: use of long-range magnetic behavior as an aromatic indicator for bare icosahedral [Al@Al12]− and [Si12]2− clusters
Authors: Muñoz-Castro A. , King R. Bruce
Published: June 2017

Long-range magnetic behavior unravels aromatic/antiaromatic character equally in hollow or endohedral clusters.
Thermodynamic analysis of alkali metal complex formation of polymer-bonded crown ether
Authors: Bey Alexandra , Dreyer Oliver , Abetz Volker
Published: June 2017

Polymer bonded crown ethers complexed with alkali metal salts are much more stable compared to free crown ethers.
Porous organic cage membranes for water desalination: a simulation exploration
Authors: Kong Xian , Jiang Jianwen
Published: June 2017

A proof-of-concept simulation study is reported for water desalination through porous organic cage membranes.
Correction: Supramolecular influence on cis–trans isomerization probed by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Czerwinska Izabella , Kulesza Alexander , Choi Changmin , Chirot Fabien , Simon Anne-Laure , Far Johann , Kune Christopher , de Pauw Edwin , Dugourd Philippe
Published: June 2017

Correction for ‘Supramolecular influence on cis–trans isomerization probed by ion mobility spectrometry’ by Izabella Czerwinska et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 32331–32336.
Evans–Showell-type polyoxometalate constructing novel 3D inorganic architectures with alkaline earth metal linkers: syntheses, structures and catalytic properties
Authors: Hou Yujiao , An Haiyan , Ding Baojun , Li Yanqin
Published: June 2017

Two 3D frameworks and two 2D networks with an excellent catalytic effect of cyanosilylation were successfully obtained, originating from Evans–Showell-type polyoxoanions [Co2Mo10H4O38]6−and alkaline earth metal cations (Sr2+, Ba2+).
On chip cryo-anesthesia of Drosophila larvae for high resolution in vivo imaging applications
Authors: Chaudhury Amrita Ray , Insolera Ryan , Hwang Ran-Der , Fridell Yih-Woei , Collins Catherine , Chronis Nikos
Published: June 2017

We present a microfluidic chip for cryo-immobilizingDrosophila melanogasterlarvae for high resolutionin vivoimaging of neurobiological processes and other applications.
Synthesis of strontium hexaferrite nanoplates and the enhancement of their electrochemical performance by Zn2+ doping for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Hu Chenxi , Cao Huili , Wang Shenyu , Wu Nannan , Qiu Song , Lyu Hailong , Liu Jiurong
Published: June 2017

Hexagonal structured strontium hexaferrites and their perfect high-rate long-term cycling performances.
A novel platinum(ii) anticancer complex of danysl bis(2-benzothiazolylmethyl)amine with dimethyl sulfoxide as a leaving group: synthesis, cytotoxicity, interaction with DNA and human serum albumin
Authors: Chen Zhanfen , Zhang Shuping , Zhu Zhenzhu , Zhang Yumin
Published: June 2017

A novel mononuclear platinum(ii) anticancer complex of danysl bis(2-benzothiazolylmethyl)amine with a dimethyl sulfoxide as a leaving group was reported.
Water-soluble lanthanide complexes with a helical ligand modified for strong luminescence in a wide pH region
Authors: Ogata Shuhei , Shimizu Tomohito , Ishibashi Takashi , Ishiyone Yushi , Hanami Mitsuhiro , Ito Minami , Ishii Ayumi , Kawaguchi Shogo , Sugimoto Kunihisa , Hasegawa Miki
Published: June 2017

Luminescent helical lanthanide complexes with hydrophilicity were examined for stability and reversibility in a pH region between 1.9 and 11.9.
Opportunities for natural products in 21st century antibiotic discovery
Authors: Wright Gerard D.
Published: June 2017

Natural product research is poised to regain prominence in delivering new drugs to solve the antibiotic crisis.
A cracking-assisted micro-/nanofluidic fabrication platform for silver nanobelt arrays and nanosensors
Authors: Kim Dong-Joo , Ha Dogyeong , Zhou Qitao , Thokchom Ashish Kumar , Lim Ji Won , Lee Jongwan , Park Jun Gyu , Kim Taesung
Published: June 2017

Silver nanobelt (AgNB) arrays were synthesized by a cracking-assisted micro-/nanofluidic fabrication platform. Then AgNBs were used as chemical nanosensors.
Cleavage of macromolecular RAFT chain transfer agents by sodium azide during characterization by aqueous GPC
Authors: Lewis Reece W. , Evans Richard A. , Malic Nino , Saito Kei , Cameron Neil R.
Published: June 2017

Accurate and reliable analysis of polymers by GPC is vital in the field of controlled radical polymerisation.
Disease progression and regression in sporadic small vessel disease–insights from neuroimaging
Authors: van Leijsen Esther M.C. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Tuladhar Anil M.
Published: June 2017

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is considered the most important vascular contributor to the development of dementia. Comprehensive characterization of the time course of disease progression will result in better understanding of aetiology and clinical consequences of SVD. SVD progression has been studied extensively over the years, usually describing change in SVD markers over time using neuroimaging at two time points. As a consequence, SVD is usually seen as a rather linear, continuously progressive process. This assumption of continuous progression of SVD markers was recently challenged by several studies that showed regression of SVD markers. Here, we provide a review on disease progression in sporadic SVD, thereby taking into account both progression and regression of SVD markers with emphasis on white matter hyperintensities (WMH), lacunes and microbleeds. We will elaborate on temporal dynamics of SVD progression and discuss the view of SVD progression as a dynamic process, rather than the traditional view of SVD as a continuous progressive process, that might better fit evidence from longitudinal neuroimaging studies. We will discuss possible mechanisms and clinical implications of a dynamic time course of SVD, with both progression and regression of SVD markers.
Shunt active DC filter based on intelligence controller for HVDC link
Authors: Aali Seyedreza
Published: June 2017

A shunt active DC filter (ADF) with current injection suppresses current harmonics from high‐voltage DC (HVDC) transmission systems. This paper proposes an ADF based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). The ANNs are very generic, accurate and convenient statistical models. They can emulate numerical model components, which are of complicated non‐linear input/output relationships. The neural network in the control system of the ADF estimates the harmonic components of the load current and voltage. The ANN is trained offline using databases from the conventional controller. The simulation is carried out by MATLAB/Simulink and its results confirm that the proposed controller can offer better performance such as suppression of the current variations (current harmonics) in the DC‐transmission line.
Multi‐layer photovoltaic fault detection algorithm
Authors: Dhimish Mahmoud , Holmes Violeta , Mehrdadi Bruce , Dales Mark
Published: June 2017

This study proposes a fault detection algorithm based on the analysis of the theoretical curves which describe the behaviour of an existing grid‐connected photovoltaic (GCPV) system. For a given set of working conditions, a number of attributes such as voltage ratio (VR) and power ratio (PR) are simulated using virtual instrumentation LabVIEW software. Furthermore, a third‐order polynomial function is used to generate two detection limits (high and low limits) for the VR and PR ratios. The high and low detection limits are compared with real‐time long‐term data measurements from a 1.1 kWp GCPV system installed at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. Furthermore, samples that lie out of the detecting limits are processed by a fuzzy logic classification system which consists of two inputs (VR and PR) and one output membership function. The obtained results show that the fault detection algorithm accurately detects different faults occurring in the PV system. The maximum detection accuracy (DA) of the proposed algorithm before considering the fuzzy logic system is equal to 95.27%; however, the fault DA is increased up to a minimum value of 98.8% after considering the fuzzy logic system.
Backstepping active disturbance rejection control: a delayed activation approach
Authors: Ran Maopeng , Wang Qing , Dong Chaoyang , Hou Yanze , Wang Zhaolei
Published: June 2017

This study provides a solution to the problem of applying the active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) approach to the tracking control of pure feedback non‐linear systems with large uncertainties. The design is based on the backstepping technique, and in each step two extended state observers (ESOs) are designed, one to approximate the derivative of the virtual control generated from the last step, while the other to estimate the system uncertainty. A key feature of the developed backstepping ADRC is that the activations of the ESOs are delayed successively. It is proved that under the new backstepping scheme, the closed‐loop signals are guaranteed to be semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded and the output tracking error can be made arbitrarily small.
Adaptive dynamic programming for robust neural control of unknown continuous‐time non‐linear systems
Authors: Yang Xiong , He Haibo , Liu Derong , Zhu Yuanheng
Published: June 2017

The design of robust controllers for continuous‐time (CT) non‐linear systems with completely unknown non‐linearities is a challenging task. The inability to accurately identify the non‐linearities online or offline motivates the design of robust controllers using adaptive dynamic programming (ADP). In this study, an ADP‐based robust neural control scheme is developed for a class of unknown CT non‐linear systems. To begin with, the robust non‐linear control problem is converted into a non‐linear optimal control problem via constructing a value function for the nominal system. Then an ADP algorithm is developed to solve the non‐linear optimal control problem. The ADP algorithm employs actor‐critic dual networks to approximate the control policy and the value function, respectively. Based on this architecture, only system data is necessary to update simultaneously the actor neural network (NN) weights and the critic NN weights. Meanwhile, the persistence of excitation assumption is no longer required by using the Monte Carlo integration method. The closed‐loop system with unknown non‐linearities is demonstrated to be asymptotically stable under the obtained optimal control. Finally, two examples are provided to validate the developed method.
Method for controlling voltage and frequency of the local offshore grid responsible for connecting large offshore commercial wind turbines with the rectifier diode‐based HVDC‐link applied to an external controller
Authors: Herrera Danilo , Galván Eduardo , Carrasco Juan Manuel
Published: June 2017

This study introduces a method for controlling a system that rectifies electric current where power is transferred from several offshore wind power generation systems through a common offshore AC line, into a diode‐based bridge. This modular rectifier comprises one or more uncontrolled modules (such as diode rectifiers). According to the study, the wind power supply systems receive a reactive power reference from a central external regulator to maintain the common AC‐line frequency. Although there are other control methods for this topology, the proposed external control uses commercial wind turbine with no changes in their internal control. The power plant control systems use their own algorithm to select the active and reactive power reference, maintaining the original wind turbine control unaltered. This method for controlling the voltage and the frequency of local offshore grid allows the operation of the different rectifiers end of the HVDC link. PSCAD® simulations are used to prove the technical control and the design concept.
Safety constraints and optimal operation of large‐scale nuclear power plant participating in peak load regulation of power system
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhao Jie , Ye Xiaoli , Liu Dichen , Weng Yixuan , Wang Li , Wang Haoyu
Published: June 2017

Comprehensively considering the operation cost and safety constraints of nuclear power, an optimal operation scheme of large‐scale nuclear power plant participating in peak load regulation of power system is proposed. After quantitatively analysing the peak load regulation cost of nuclear power, the optimal objective is set to minimise the total operation cost including the fuel cost, the start–stop cost, and the peak load regulation cost. On the basis of the normal constraints of power scheduling, safety constraints of the nuclear power unit's daily output performance and power characteristic constraints of the pumped storage unit are considered. The mixed integer programming method is used to achieve the solution of the optimal operation scheme. Simulation results from a regional power system show that the proposed optimal operation scheme can effectively reflect the real characteristic of nuclear power and apply to power dispatching analysis under the background of the large‐scale access of nuclear power. In comparison to other two typical schemes of peak load regulation, the proposed optimal operation scheme of peak load regulation is more economic and efficient.
Convex probabilistic allocation of wind generation in smart distribution networks
Authors: Akbari Mohammad‐Amin , Aghaei Jamshid , Barani Mostafa
Published: June 2017

This study introduces a probabilistic optimisation model for allocation of renewable distributed generations (DGs) in radial distribution networks. The methodology is based on a probabilistic generation – load model that combines all possible operating conditions of the wind‐based DG units as well as load levels with their probabilities. A multiobjective performance index is extracted that is formulated as a combination of two indices, namely energy losses reduction and voltage improvement. Besides, a probabilistic AC optimal power flow is used to determine the optimal allocation of wind DG and maximise the multiobjective performance index. Two alternative control approaches of the future smart grids, i.e. area based under load tap changer control and adaptive power factor control, are assessed to maximise potential benefits and expand the penetration level of DGs. At first, this problem is formulated as a mixed‐integer non‐linear programming (MINLP) which leads to a computationally NP‐hard problem. Accordingly, the obtained MINLP problem is relaxed and reformulated in the form of a well‐suited second‐order cone programming problem which is computationally efficient scheme to be solved. The implementation of the proposed framework on 4‐bus and IEEE 33‐bus radial distribution systems shows the performance of the proposed optimisation mechanism.
Facile synthesis of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with tunable size: from individual nanoparticles to nanoclusters
Authors: Mi Xuan , Tong Meikui , Cai Jia , Su Hui , Liu Shiyuan , Ma Yongjie , Wei Xunbin , Zhang Chunfu
Published: June 2017

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have a wide variety of biomedical applications. Synthesis of SPIONs with well‐defined, tunable size in a facile way is highly desirable. In this work, a one‐pot polyol method was developed for preparation of SPIONs with tunable size and high quality in the presence of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA). By adjusting the amount of PAA used, the isolated nanoparticles and nanoparticle clusters were able to be synthesised. As‐synthesised nanoparticles and nanoclusters were highly stable in physiological conditions. The size of the nanoparticles was 7 ± 1 nm and that for the nanoclusters was 20 ± 2 and 32 ± 3 nm, respectively. The nanoparticles demonstrated good magnetic resonance imaging T1 and T2 dual contrast effects (r1 = 12.2 mM−1 s−1 and r2 = 47.5 mM−1 s−1), while the nanoclusters exhibited a superior T2 contrast effect with the transverse relaxivities of 198 mM−1 s−1 (20 ± 2 nm) and 410 mM−1 s−1 (32 ± 3 nm), respectively. More importantly, both the nanoparticles and nanoclusters were highly tolerable by cells.
Charité: „Wir müssen verhindern, dass die Patienten die Daten Google geben“
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: June 2017

Seit April ist Dr. Peter Gocke Chief Digital Officer (CDO) der Charité. Nach einem Ausflug in die Wirtschaft soll der frühere CIO der Uniklinik Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) die Berliner Uniklinik Charité beim Thema Digitalisierung strategisch für die Zukunft rüsten. Im Interview spricht er über Versäumnisse der Branche, warum ein CDO sinnvoll ist und weshalb Kliniken neue Datenstrukturen brauchen.
Trendreport Krankenhaus: Wie „gesund“ ist Ihr Krankenhaus?
Authors: Walla Janja
Published: June 2017

Der digitale Reifegrad der deutschen Krankenhaus-IT-Landschaft wurde bei einer Umfrage auf der conhIT im April 2017 in Berlin bei über 100 Teilnehmern abgefragt – und im „Trendreport Krankenhaus“ zusammengefasst. Das Fazit: Das Gesundheitswesen ist immer noch eine Digitalisierungswüste.
Branche in Zahlen
Authors: Mewis Dirk
Published: June 2017

Dieser Artikel ist nur als PDFDokument verfügbar.
Imaging Assessment of Thoracic Cage Injuries
Authors: Iacobellis Francesca , Iadevito Isabella , Ierardi Anna , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Perillo Federica , Nicola Refky , Scaglione Mariano
Published: June 2017

Thoracic injuries are the third most common traumatic injury. Approximately two thirds of thoracic injuries are due to motor vehicle collisions. They are associated with up to a 20% mortality rate. This is primarily due to the presence of several complex anatomical structures within the thoracic cage such as the heart, great vessels, esophagus, airways, lungs, mediastinum, bones, muscles, diaphragm, and pleura. A chest radiograph is the initial imaging modality in the evaluation of the chest. However, multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) with intravenous contrast is the imaging modality of choice in the assessment of acute thoracic injuries.

Endovascular repair is less invasive and has a better outcome than traditional surgical repair. This review article discusses the indications, benefits, and findings of radiographs and MDCT in patients with thoracic injuries, especially with regard to the thoracic aorta.
Emergency and Trauma of Hand and Wrist
Authors: Kraan Rik , Walstra Frances , Teunis Teun , Smithuis Frank , Van Dijke Cornelis , Maas Mario
Published: June 2017

Traumatic injuries of the hand and wrist are common in daily practice. Several challenges arise in the process of diagnosis and guiding the clinician. Knowledge of the complex finger, hand, and wrist anatomy is essential to understand the broad array of traumatic injuries extending from (stress)fractures to ligament, tendon, and neurovascular injuries. This article provides an overview of the different imaging techniques used in the evaluation of the hand and wrist. Emphasis is placed on the most common traumatic injuries of the hand, wrist, and fingers, and the imaging modality of choice in evaluating these injuries.
Emergency and Trauma of the Elbow
Authors: Gómez Maria , Bartoloni Alessandra , Guglielmi Giuseppe , Bazzocchi Alberto
Published: June 2017

The elbow is a joint composed of three different articulations all included in the same synovial capsule, with a complex anatomy that allows two kinds of motion: flexion-extension and pronation and supination. Stabilization of the elbow is provided by osseous and ligamentous structures.

When assessing the elbow in the traumatic setting, the mechanism of injury determines the pattern of osseous and ligamentous lesion, with potential important implications on elbow instability. The role of the radiologist in the assessment of the traumatic elbow requires an understanding of the most common injury mechanisms in traumatic elbow injuries. This knowledge facilitates the detection of potential secondary occult bone and soft tissue injuries that could lead to chronic instability.

We analyze the acute patterns of injury of the osseous, ligamentous, musculotendinous, and neurovascular structures, with a focus on the most commonly used classifications of fractures and fracture-dislocations. We also discuss the therapeutic management of these injuries, with mention of the most frequently used surgical techniques and the commonly expected posttreatment findings.

Finally, we review the repetitive microtrauma patterns of injury of the elbow joint structures and the most common pitfalls in the interpretation of elbow imaging.
Lower Limbs Trauma in Pediatrics
Authors: Piccolo Claudia , Galluzzo Michele , Trinci Margherita , Ianniello Stefania , Tonerini Michele , Brunese Luca , Miele Vittorio
Published: June 2017

This article reviews acute and chronic lower extremity injuries in children, focusing mainly on those traumas typical of the pediatric population. The child is not just a small version of an adult, so physicians need a very detailed knowledge of the anatomy and physiologic changes occurring during growth to understand and evaluate the mechanism of trauma, and choose the most adequate management. In adolescents the most common lesion encountered affects the physes, which are still open. They predispose to injury as the weakest point in the kinetic chain, so those mechanisms responsible for ligamentous traumas in adults can cause physeal injuries in a skeletally immature patient. In association with them, apophyseal lesions are also very common, leading to avulsion injuries at the site of tendon origin or insertion, also called locus minoris resistentiae. Understanding these types of injuries is essential, specifically for the radiologist, because a missed diagnosis can lead to later complications such as growth arrest and osteoarthritis.
Skin Resurfacing in Combination with Facelift Surgery
Authors: Perkins Stephen , Archer Kaete
Published: June 2017

Facial aging is a combination of descent of facial tissues, atrophy of fat compartments, bony remodeling, and chronological and photoaging changes of the skin. A rhytidectomy will address the aging changes due to gravity on facial tissues but will do little to improve skin texture, thickness, and pigmentation. To address collagen loss, rhytids, and dyspigmentation, surgeons are incorporating resurfacing techniques including carbon dioxide/erbium ablative and fractionated lasers, 35% trichloroacetic acid chemical peel pretreated with Jessner's solution, phenol 88% chemical peel, Baker's solution chemical peel, and dermabrasion. More recently, surgeons are approaching facial aging with a more comprehensive approach to address both gravity and collagen changes by a combination of rhytidectomy with resurfacing. Technique and modality selection are keys to maximum single treatment results and therefore the greatest patient satisfaction.
A predictive model for discrete cell gravure roll coating
Authors: Raske N. , Hewson R. W. , Kapur N. , de Boer G. N.
Published: June 2017

A heterogeneous multiscale model for discrete cell gravure roll coating is presented along with experimental results for the purpose of model validation. The cell volume, generalized cell shape, and the gravure patterning are considered in the model which is based on a multiscale description of the flow in the coating bead. The inclusion of a web-to-roll contact term accounts for the special gravure case when the web-roll separation tends to zero. The results show how the coating bead responds to changes in operating conditions. These are presented as profile plots of the fluid properties and coating bead shape.
Observation of defect-assisted enhanced visible whispering gallery modes in ytterbium-doped ZnO microsphere
Authors: Khanum Rizwana , Moirangthem Rakesh S. , Das Nayan Mani
Published: June 2017

Smooth surfaced and crystalline undoped and ytterbium doped zinc oxide (ZnO) microspheres having an approximate size of 3–5 μm were synthesized by hydrothermal process. Out of these microspheres, a single microparticle was chosen and engaged as a whispering gallery wave microresonator. The defect induced luminescence from an individual ZnO microsphere was investigated with micro-photoluminescence measurement in the spectral range of 565 to 740 nm under the excitation of a green laser having a centered wavelength at 532 nm. The defects-related emissions from a single ZnO microsphere show optical resonance peaks so-called “whispering gallery modes” (WGMs) which are confirmed with the theoretical calculation. Further, ZnO microspheres were chemically doped with the different molar percentages of Ytterbium (Yb), and enhancement in their emission properties was investigated. Our experimental results show that ZnO microspheres with 0.5 mol. % doping of Yb gives the strongest optical emission and has highest Q-factor which can be employed in the development of WGM based optical biosensor or laser.
Linear information retrieval method in X-ray grating-based phase contrast imaging and its interchangeability with tomographic reconstruction
Authors: Wu Z. , Gao K. , Wang Z. L. , Shao Q. G. , Hu R. F. , Wei C. X. , Zan G. B. , Wali F. , Luo R. H. , Zhu P. P. , Tian Y. C.
Published: June 2017

In X-ray grating-based phase contrast imaging, information retrieval is necessary for quantitative research, especially for phase tomography. However, numerous and repetitive processes have to be performed for tomographic reconstruction. In this paper, we report a novel information retrieval method, which enables retrieving phase and absorption information by means of a linear combination of two mutually conjugate images. Thanks to the distributive law of the multiplication as well as the commutative law and associative law of the addition, the information retrieval can be performed after tomographic reconstruction, thus simplifying the information retrieval procedure dramatically. The theoretical model of this method is established in both parallel beam geometry for Talbot interferometer and fan beam geometry for Talbot-Lau interferometer. Numerical experiments are also performed to confirm the feasibility and validity of the proposed method. In addition, we discuss its possibility in cone beam geometry and its advantages compared with other methods. Moreover, this method can also be employed in other differential phase contrast imaging methods, such as diffraction enhanced imaging, non-interferometric imaging, and edge illumination.
An extension of stochastic hierarchy equations of motion for the equilibrium correlation functions
Authors: Ke Yaling , Zhao Yi
Published: June 2017

A traditional stochastic hierarchy equations of motion method is extended into the correlated real-time and imaginary-time propagations, in this paper, for its applications in calculating the equilibrium correlation functions. The central idea is based on a combined employment of stochastic unravelling and hierarchical techniques for the temperature-dependent and temperature-free parts of the influence functional, respectively, in the path integral formalism of the open quantum systems coupled to a harmonic bath. The feasibility and validity of the proposed method are justified in the emission spectra of homodimer compared to those obtained through the deterministic hierarchy equations of motion. Besides, it is interesting to find that the complex noises generated from a small portion of real-time and imaginary-time cross terms can be safely dropped to produce the stable and accurate position and flux correlation functions in a broad parameter regime.
A compact two-way power divider based on five-port structure
Authors: Guo Letian , Li Jiawei , Huang Wenhua , Shao Hao , Ba Tao , Xie Shaoyi
Published: June 2017

A novel compact five-port waveguide power divider based on the single-ridge waveguide and three-ridge waveguide structure is proposed. It is realized by the coupling of the TE10 and TE30 modes. At the central coupling section, the single-ridge and three-ridge waveguides are used to constitute the conventional rectangular waveguide to reduce the sectional sizes. It consists of one input port, two output ports, and two isolated ports. For validation, a compact five-port power divider is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that, from 8 to 9 GHz, the return loss of the input port and output ports is higher than 18 dB, the isolation between the output ports is higher than 15 dB, the insertion loss is less than 0.3 dB, and the amplitude and the phase imbalance between the output ports are less than ±0.05 dB and ±1°, respectively. The simulated results basically agree with the simulations. Its sectional sizes are 1.1 λ × 0.4 λ which are more compact than most of the two-way isolated waveguide power dividers.
Generation and application of LET calibration curve for neutron dosimetry using CR-39 detector and microwave induced chemical etching
Authors: Tripathy S. P. , Sahoo G. S. , Paul S. , Kumar P. , Sharma S. D. , Santra S. , Pal A. , Kundu A. , Bandyopadhyay T. , Avasthi D. K.
Published: June 2017

Microwave induced chemical etching (MICE) has been established as a faster and improved technique compared to other contemporary etching techniques for the development of tracks in a CR-39 detector. However, the methodology could not be applied for LET (linear energy transfer) spectrometry due to lack of a calibration curve using this method. For this purpose, a new LET calibration curve in the range of 12 keV/μm–799 keV/μm was generated considering different ions such as H, Li, C, O, and F on CR-39 having different LETs in water. An empirical relation was established from the obtained calibration curve for determining the value of LET (in water) from the value of V, the ratio of track etch rate to bulk etch rate. For application of this calibration curve in neutron dosimetry, CR-39 detectors were irradiated to neutrons generated from 120 and 142 MeV 16O+27Al systems followed by a similar MICE procedure. The absorbed dose (DLET) and the dose equivalent (HLET) were obtained from the LET spectra and were found to be 13% and 10% higher for 142 MeV 16O+27Al system than those for 120 MeV 16O+27Al system, respectively. The outcome of the study demonstrates the possibility of using the MICE technique for neutron dose estimation by CR-39 via LET spectrometry.
Optical fiber ultrasound transmitter with electrospun carbon nanotube-polymer composite
Authors: Poduval Radhika K. , Noimark Sacha , Colchester Richard J. , Macdonald Thomas J. , Parkin Ivan P. , Desjardins Adrien E. , Papakonstantinou Ioannis
Published: June 2017

All-optical ultrasound transducers are promising for imaging applications in minimally invasive surgery. In these devices, ultrasound is transmitted and received through laser modulation, and they can be readily miniaturized using optical fibers for light delivery. Here, we report optical ultrasound transmitters fabricated by electrospinning an absorbing polymer composite directly onto the end-face of optical fibers. The composite coating consisting of an aqueous dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in polyvinyl alcohol was directly electrospun onto the cleaved surface of a multimode optical fiber and subsequently dip-coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This formed a uniform nanofibrous absorbing mesh over the optical fiber end-face wherein the constituent MWCNTs were aligned preferentially along individual nanofibers. Infiltration of the PDMS through this nanofibrous mesh onto the underlying substrate was observed and the resulting composites exhibited high optical absorption (>97%). Thickness control from 2.3 μm to 41.4 μm was obtained by varying the electrospinning time. Under laser excitation with 11 μJ pulse energy, ultrasound pressures of 1.59 MPa were achieved at 1.5 mm from the coatings. On comparing the electrospun ultrasound transmitters with a dip-coated reference fabricated using the same constituent materials and possessing identical optical absorption, a five-fold increase in the generated pressure and wider bandwidth was observed. The electrospun transmitters exhibited high optical absorption, good elastomer infiltration, and ultrasound generation capability in the range of pressures used for clinical pulse-echo imaging. All-optical ultrasound probes with such transmitters fabricated by electrospinning could be well-suited for incorporation into catheters and needles for diagnostics and therapeutic applications.
Metal–organic framework extracts water from thin air
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: June 2017

Until now, atmospheric water at low humidity could be condensed only at great energetic expense. A new material overcomes that challenge.
The many dimensions of Earth’s landscapes
Authors: Chang Sung
Published: June 2017

An airborne imaging-spectroscopy campaign portends the wealth of information to come from future orbital instruments.
Illinois budget impasse damaging state universities
Authors: Kramer David
Published: June 2017

Declining enrollments, faculty departures, and fewer low-income tuition grants are among casualties of the long-standing dispute.
Hobby–Eberly Telescope eyes sky with new capabilities
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: June 2017

Galaxy mapping, exoplanet searches, and more are getting started on the largest optical telescope on the US mainland.
Finally making sense of the double-slit experiment
Authors: Aharonov Yakir , Cohen Eliahu , Colombo Fabrizio , Landsberger Tomer , Sabadini Irene , Struppa Daniele C. , Tollaksen Jeff
Published: June 2017

Significance

We put forth a time-symmetric interpretation of quantum mechanics that does not stem from the wave properties of the particle. Rather, it posits corpuscular properties along with nonlocal properties, all of which are deterministic. This change of perspective points to deterministic properties in the Heisenberg picture as primitive instead of the wave function, which remains an ensemble property. This way, within a double-slit experiment, the particle goes only through one of the slits. In addition, a nonlocal property originating from the other distant slit has been affected through the Heisenberg equations of motion. Under the assumption of nonlocality, uncertainty turns out to be crucial to preserve causality. Hence, a (qualitative) uncertainty principle can be derived rather than assumed.
Making the Case for Nutrition Screening in Older Adults in Primary Care
Authors: Laur Celia , Keller Heather
Published: June 2017

Many older adults are malnourished and frail; identifying those at risk, specifically in primary care, is a priority. Nutrition screening in physicians' offices, medical clinics, or healthcare centers is one way to identify those at risk who could benefit from treatment. Using the World Health Organization strategies, by Wilson and Junglier (1968) in “Principles and Practice of Screening for Disease,” this article presents the case for why nutrition screening in primary care is a needed change in practice. Specifically, it is recommended that prefrail and/or frail older adults be targeted for nutrition screening to optimize identification and benefits of treatment from referred programs. Evidence exists that this approach is not only necessary but also feasible and practicable.
Recipient-biased competition for a cross-fed nutrient is required for coexistence of microbial mutualists
Authors: McCully Alexandra L. , LaSarre Breah , McKinlay James B.
Published: June 2017

Many mutualistic microbial relationships are based on nutrient cross-feeding. Traditionally, cross-feeding is viewed as being unidirectional from the producer to the recipient. This is likely true when a producer’s metabolic waste, such as fermentation products, provides carbon for a recipient. However, in some cases the cross-fed nutrient holds value for both the producer and the recipient. In such cases, there is potential for nutrient reacquisition by producer cells in a population, leading to competition against recipients. Here we investigate the consequences of inter-partner competition for cross-fed nutrients on mutualism dynamics using an anaerobic coculture pairing fermentativeEscherichia coliand phototrophicRhodopseudomonas palustris. In this coculture,E. coliexcretes waste organic acids that provide carbon forR. palustris. In return,R. palustriscross-feedsE. coliammonium (NH4+), a valuable nitrogen compound that both species prefer. To explore the potential for inter-partner competition, we first used a kinetic model to simulate cocultures with varied affinities for NH4+in each species. The model predicted that inter-partner competition for cross-fed NH4+could profoundly impact population dynamics. We then experimentally tested the predictions by culturing mutants lacking NH4+transporters in both NH4+competition assays and cooperative cocultures. Both theoretical and experimental results indicated that the recipient must have a competitive advantage in acquiring valuable cross-fed NH4+to avoid collapse of the mutualism. Thus, the very metabolites that form the basis for cooperative cross-feeding can also be subject to competition between mutualistic partners.

Significance

Mutualistic relationships, particularly those based on nutrient cross-feeding, promote stability of diverse ecosystems and drive global biogeochemical cycles. Cross-fed nutrients within these systems can be either waste products valued only by one partner or nutrients that both partners value. Here, we explore how inter-partner competition for a communally-valuable cross-fed nutrient impacts mutualism dynamics. We discovered that mutualism stability necessitates that the recipient have a competitive advantage against the producer in obtaining the cross-fed nutrient. We propose that the requirement for recipient-biased competition is a general rule for mutualistic coexistence based on the transfer of communally valuable resources, microbial or otherwise.
Deconvolution of subcellular protrusion heterogeneity and the underlying actin regulator dynamics from live cell imaging
Authors: Wang Chuangqi , Choi Hee June , Kim Sung-Jin , Desai Aesha , Lee Namgyu , Kim Dohoon , Bae Yongho , Lee Kwonmoo
Published: June 2017

Cell protrusion is morphodynamically heterogeneous at the subcellular level. However, the mechanistic understanding of protrusion activities is usually based on the ensemble average of actin regulator dynamics at the cellular or population levels. Here, we establish a machine learning-based computational framework called HACKS (deconvolution of Heterogeneous Activity Coordination in cytosKeleton at a Subcellular level) to deconvolve the subcellular heterogeneity of lamellipodial protrusion in migrating cells. HACKS quantitatively identifies distinct subcellular protrusion phenotypes from highly heterogeneous protrusion activities and reveals their underlying actin regulator dynamics at the leading edge. Furthermore, it can identify specific subcellular protrusion phenotypes susceptible to pharmacological perturbation and reveal how actin regulator dynamics are changed by the perturbation. Using our method, we discovered ‘accelerating’ protrusion phenotype in addition to ‘fluctuating’ and ‘periodic’ protrusions. Intriguingly, the accelerating protrusion was driven by the temporally coordinated actions between Arp2/3 and VASP: initiated by Arp2/3-mediated actin nucleation, and then accelerated by VASP-mediated actin elongation. We were able to confirm it by pharmacological perturbations using CK666 and Cytochalasin D, which specifically reduced ‘strong accelerating protrusion’ activities. Taken together, we have demonstrated that HACKS allows us to discover the fine differential coordination of molecular dynamics underlying subcellular protrusion heterogeneity via a machine learning analysis of live cell imaging data.
Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino Acids in Cell Culture (SILAC)-Based Quantitative Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics in Fission Yeast
Authors: Carpy Alejandro , Koch André , Bicho Claudia C. , Borek Weronika E. , Hauf Silke , Sawin Kenneth E. , Maček Boris
Published: June 2017

Modern mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches are capable of identifying and quantifying thousands of proteins and phosphorylation events in a single biological experiment. Here we present a (phospho)proteomic workflow based on in-solution proteome digestion of samples labeled by stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and phosphopeptide enrichment using strong cation exchange (SCX) and TiO2 chromatographies. These procedures are followed by high-accuracy MS measurement on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer and subsequent bioinformatic processing using MaxQuant software.
Examining Cholinergic Synaptic Signaling in the Thalamic Reticular Nucleus
Authors: Dasgupta Rajan , Seibt Frederik , Sun Yan-Gang , Beierlein Michael
Published: June 2017

This protocol describes how to obtain monosynaptic cholinergic responses in neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) by making use of extracellular stimulation techniques. These methods are easy to implement and allow for the study of various forms of cholinergic synaptic plasticity and modulation. For many synapses throughout the mammalian brain, short-term plasticity is mediated by endocannabinoids released from postsynaptic neurons that activate presynaptic type I cannabinoid receptors (CB1Rs), resulting in the inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ channels and a reduction of release probability. Neurons in the TRN are known to liberate endocannabinoids that can control transmitter release at GABAergic terminals. However, expression of CB1Rs on cholinergic terminals contacting the TRN has not been demonstrated. Here we outline strategies aimed to record stable postsynaptic responses and to quantify changes in cholinergic synaptic strength, using presynaptic modulation of acetylcholine (ACh) release by a CB1R agonist as an illustrative example.
Fast Cholinergic Synaptic Transmission in the Mammalian Central Nervous System
Authors: Beierlein Michael
Published: June 2017

Release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain controls several cognitive processes, and a number of disorders including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are associated with a loss of cholinergic function. Despite the importance of ACh signaling in modulating information processing in thalamocortical circuits, understanding the dynamics of cholinergic function has long been limited by a lack of in vitro model systems. Recent studies employing both electrical as well as optogenetic stimulation techniques have overcome this challenge, resulting in the identification of multiple forms of fast cholinergic signaling throughout the mammalian brain. Here we highlight a simple strategy making use of extracellular electrical stimulation techniques that allows for the study of cholinergic synaptic inputs onto neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN).
Synthesis and crystal structure of pyrroloquinoline quinol (PQQH2) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
Authors: Ikemoto Kazuto , Mori Shigeki , Mukai Kazuo
Published: June 2017

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a water-soluble quinone compound first identified as a cofactor of alcohol- and glucose-dehydrogenases (ADH and GDH) in bacteria. For example, in the process of ADH reaction, alcohol is oxidized to the corresponding aldehyde, and inversely PQQ is reduced to pyrroloquinoline quinol (PQQH2). PQQ and PQQH2molecules play an important role as a cofactor in ADH and GDH reactions. However, crystal structure analysis has not been performed for PQQ and PQQH2. In the present study, the synthesis of PQQH2powder crystals was performed under air, by utilizing vitamin C as a reducing agent. By reacting a trihydrate of disodium salt of PQQ (PQQNa2·3H2O) with excess vitamin C in H2O at 293 and 343 K, yellowish brown and black powder crystals of PQQH2having different properties were obtained in high yield, respectively. The former was PQQH2trihydrate (PQQH2·3H2O) and the latter was PQQH2anhydrate (PQQH2). Furthermore, sodium-free red PQQ powder crystal (a monohydrate of PQQ, PQQ·H2O) was prepared by the reaction of PQQNa2·3H2O with HCl in H2O. Single crystals of PQQH2and PQQ were prepared from Me2SO/CH3CN mixed solvent, and we have succeeded in the crystal structure analyses of PQQH2and PQQ for the first time.
Smoothed profile method and its applications in VIV
Authors: Xie Fangfang , Pan Dingyi , Zheng Yao , Zou Jianfeng
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a partitioned approach by coupling the smoothed profile method (SPM) and the Euler tension beam model in simulating a vortex-induced vibration of both rigid and flexible cylinders at various reduced velocities.

Design/methodology/approach

For the fluid part, SPM in the framework of the spectral element method is adopted to simulate the flow. The advantage of SPM lies in modelling multiple complex shapes as it uses a fixed computational mesh without conformation to the geometry of the particles. For the structure part, an elastic-mounted rigid cylinder is considered in two-dimensional (2D) simulations, while a flexible cylinder with a Euler tension beam model is used in three-dimensional simulations.

Findings

Firstly, in the flow past a freely vibrating cylinder, the maximum vibration responses of the cylinder are about 0.73D and 0.1D in the y and x directions, respectively, which occur at the point Ur = 5.75 and are much higher than Ur = 5 in 2D simulations. It is found that the numerical results from the SPM solver are very consistent with those from the NEKTAR-Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian method (NEKTAR-ALE) solver or the NEKTAR-Fourier solver. Furthermore, the flow past the tandem cylinders is also investigated, where the upstream cylinder is static while the downstream one is free to vibrate. Specifically, the beating behaviour is captured from the vibration response of the freely vibrating cylinder under the reduced velocity of Ur = 6 with a gap distance of L = 3.5D.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in coupling the SEM with the Euler beam model in simulating the vortex induced vibration (VIV) of flexible cylinders.
‘We Will End Up Being a Third Rate Economy … A Banana Republic’: How Behavioural Economics Can Improve Macroeconomic Outcomes
Authors: McDonald Ian M.
Published: June 2017

To address the economic problems facing Australia in 1986 required wage restraint, which required in turn overcoming loss aversion by workers with respect to their wages. The Prices and Incomes Accord was able to do this. Attempts to address Australia's current economic problems are stymied by tax resistance. Addressing tax resistance requires overcoming loss aversion by voters with respect to their post‐tax incomes. The success of the Accord suggests that Accord‐type policies could reduce tax resistance by broadening people's perspective beyond their post‐tax incomes to the broader spread of benefits for them and others.
The Optimal Threshold for GST on Imported Goods
Authors: Creedy John
Published: June 2017

This article examines the determination of the optimal threshold value for goods and services tax (GST) for imported units arising from Internet orders. The concept of an optimal threshold is wider than simply the maximisation of revenue net of administrative costs. At the optimal threshold, the marginal cost of funds from GST is equated to the ratio of the marginal value of public funds to their marginal social value, reflecting the value judgements of a decision‐maker. The marginal cost of funds allows both for compliance costs and the marginal excess burden arising from a small increase in the threshold. Illustrative numerical values are reported, showing the sensitivity to administrative costs, the demand elasticity and, importantly, value judgements.
Housing First: Lessons from the United States and Challenges for Australia
Authors: Kertesz Stefan G. , Johnson Guy
Published: June 2017

Efforts to end long‐term homelessness have embraced a Housing First approach. Housing First emphasises rapid placement of clients into independent, permanent accommodation and eschews traditionally favoured requirements that clients demonstrate sobriety or success in treatment programs prior to being offered housing. Although housing retention rates are superior to those obtained from traditional programs, some claims made on behalf of the Housing First approach remain controversial. The present article reviews results from Housing First research to date, as well as challenges and concerns that remain in regard to clinical outcomes, fidelity of implementation and application in the Australian context.