bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and nonlinear behavioral modeling of the dynamic bias current in an LTE‐A Chireix PA
Authors: Galaviz‐Aguilar José Alejandro , Chang Hsiu‐Chen , Martinez‐Rodriguez Francisco , Roblin Patrick , Núñez Pérez José C.
Published: August 2017

The measurement and modeling of the dynamic power dissipation of a dual‐input Chireix power amplifier driven by LTE modulated signals is reported to optimize its dynamic efficiency. Two memory cubic spline FIR and NARMA behavioral models are verified to accurately predict the measured instantaneous PA bias‐current and power dissipation as a function of the PA RF output power.
Frequency reconfigurable antenna for VHF/UHF digital TV reception on portable devices using switching matching networks
Authors: Liao Wen‐Jiao , Chou Shin‐Hui , Chen Yi‐Ane , Lee Yumin , Ho Min‐Chen , Wu Po‐Yi
Published: August 2017

To provide comprehensive coverage for digital TV reception on portable devices, a switchable matching network bank is proposed. Feasibility of this approach is demonstrated via a fully functional dongle‐sized tuner with a telescope antenna. Both RF and system level tests are conducted to validate the enhanced reception performance.
Design of single‐layered SIW inline eighth order filters based on two electric coupling structures
Authors: You Chang Jiang
Published: August 2017

This article presents 2 single‐layered inline substrate integrated waveguide filters with cross couplings based on 2 electric coupling structures, respectively. The coupling matrix method is employed to obtain the coupling coefficients and to guide the designs. The H‐shape and meandering electric coupling structures are used to generate electric cross couplings in the 2 filters, respectively. To validate the design, the 2 filters are simulated, fabricated and measured. Measured results show that the filter with H‐shape electric coupling structure has an insertion loss of 2.87 dB and is with a BW20dB‐to‐BW3dB ratio of 1.21, and the filter with meandering electric coupling structure has an insertion loss of 2.84 dB and is with a BW20dB‐to‐BW3dB ratio of 1.22.
60 GHz antenna array for millimeter‐wave wireless sensor devices using silver nanoparticles ink mounted on a flexible polymer substrate
Authors: Pourahmadazar J. , Denidni Tayeb A.
Published: August 2017

This paper demonstrates a mm‐wave high‐gain antenna design that is printed on a flexible polymer substrate using silver nanoparticles ranging from 50 to 200 nm in inkjet printing technology. Specifically, it shows that inkjet technology can leverage to fully fabricated antennas with this technology, where it provides both the characterization and preparation of an antenna. The initial fabrication problem addressed via ink formulation for printing a homogeneous layer with an excellent electrical conductivity. A planar series fed antenna array was analyzed by using the Transmission Line Model with tapering feed line structure. The excitation coefficients in both E and H planes follow a uniform aperture distribution. The realized antenna has 24 dBi gain, the side‐lobe level of elevation direction at the center frequency is lower than −15dB. In combination with the planar antenna structure, polymer substrate, and inkjet printing enables the production of structures with high gain that are widely applicable for mm‐wave wireless sensors and portable communication devices.
A compact D‐band I/Q mixer with improved transformer balun
Authors: Hou Debin , Hong Wei , Chen Jixin , Yan Pinpin , Xiong Yongzhong
Published: August 2017

This article presents a D‐band down‐conversion I/Q mixer using 0.13‐µm SiGe BiCMOS technology. The mixer is implemented with 2 Gilbert cells. The Lange coupler is for quadrature LO input and the transformer balun is for the differential RF input. The balance performance of the transformer balun is improved by adding a parallel capacitor or short‐circuit ground in the center‐tap of the differential outputs. Owing to the improved transformer balun, the mixer achieves a measured conversion gain of 10 to 8.2 dB when the RF frequency varies from 120 to 140 GHz and the LO frequency is fixed at 130 GHz. In the corresponding frequency range, the measured amplitude and phase imbalance between I and Q channels are ±0.5 dB and ±8°, respectively. The RF‐to‐LO isolation is over 40 dB. The proposed mixer also exhibits a compact size with the core size of 0.6 × 0.24 mm2.
Dual port disc monopole antenna for wide‐band MIMO‐based wireless applications
Authors: Nawaz Haq , Tekin Ibrahim
Published: August 2017

In this article, design and implementation of a wide‐band dual port monopole antenna based on single circular disc radiating element has been presented for Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) configured 4G mobile and wireless communication systems. The proposed antenna uses a partial ground plane with two rectangular grooves which lie exactly below the respective 50 Ω microstrip feeding lines in order to obtain enhanced antenna's impedance bandwidth of 2‐6 GHz. A circular cut with 14 mm radius and centered at intersection of two partial rectangular ground planes is etched to reduce port to port RF coupling. The implemented dual port monopole antenna on 1.575 mm thick RT/Duroid 5880 substrate (with ɛ = 2.2, tangent loss = .001) provides >15 dB RF interport isolation for antenna's 10 dB impedance bandwidth of 2–6 GHz with measured gain variations of 2–6 dBi for each port excitation. In addition to interport isolation measurement for dual port antenna, the envelope correlation coefficient over the required frequency range has been calculated and plotted using S11, S22, and S21 measurement results to endorse the performance of dual port implemented antenna for diversity applications.
Reciprocity theorem based phased array hyperthermia applicator design
Authors: Lekka Eleni A. , Paschaloudis Konstantinos D. , Kyriacou George A.
Published: August 2017

A novel method based on reciprocity theorem is elaborated for the estimation of phased array hyperthermia applicator complex excitation currents. For this purpose a detailed numerical model of the structure is constructed including all tissues and the antennas as metallic scatterers. The structure is simulated with a virtual‐test source at the tumor's center to yield the excitation currents at the port of the phased array through the corresponding scattering parameters. A simulation with these excitations verifies the focusing of electromagnetic energy over the tumor's area, which is improved by increasing the number of the array elements.
A 45‐ to 57‐GHz low‐power amplifier in 90 nm bulk CMOS
Authors: Su Guodong , Sun Lingling , Wen Jincai , Liu Jun , Gao Haijun , Zhang Le
Published: August 2017

In this article, a novel two‐stage 45–57 GHz low‐power amplifier is presented and implemented in a 90‐nm bulk CMOS technology. The crossing‐capacitor neutralization technique is adopted to improve the gain and isolation of the amplifier. Meanwhile, the low‐loss transmission line and on‐chip transformer are designed for the matching networks. The measurement results show that the proposed amplifier achieves 3‐dB gain bandwidth of 12 GHz, from 45 to 57 GHz. The maximum small‐signal gain of this amplifier is 7.2 dB at 48.4 GHz, and the output 1‐dB compression power is −6.8 dBm at 48.4 GHz. This amplifier consumes total power of 5.52 mW under 1.2 V voltage supply.
Wireless sensing of pressure from extracted capacitances using shielded external coils
Authors: Lee Doojin , Kim Kangwook
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a method to extract capacitances for pressure‐related applications. The external coils and internal circuit are inductively coupled to transmit power and to extract the capacitances in terms of the reflected impedance. The extracted frequency is 13.56 MHz, which is both the working frequency of the Near Field Communication (NFC) standards and the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. The internal inductor with the shape of shorter helical coils is fabricated. The shielded external coils are designed using Ansys HFSS, and the shielded external coils make it more robust than unshielded external coils when the distance is increased. The measurement results show that the proposed method to extract the capacitances is realized under applied pressure from 1.02 to 1.32 bar. Based on the results, the pressure is wirelessly inferred from the extracted capacitances.
Toward image quality assessment in mammography using model observers: Detection of a calcification‐like object
Authors: Bouwman Ramona W. , Mackenzie Alistair , van Engen Ruben E. , Broeders Mireille J. M. , Young Kenneth C. , Dance David R. , den Heeten Gerard J. , Veldkamp Wouter J. H.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Model observers (MOs) are of interest in the field of medical imaging to assess image quality. However, before procedures using MOs can be proposed in quality control guidelines for mammography systems, we need to know whether MOs are sensitive to changes in image quality and correlations in background structure. Therefore, as a proof of principle, in this study human and model observer (MO) performance are compared for the detection of calcification‐like objects using different background structures and image quality levels of unprocessed mammography images.

Method

Three different phantoms, homogeneous polymethyl methacrylate, BR3D slabs with swirled patterns (CIRS, Norfolk, VA, USA), and a prototype anthropomorphic breast phantom (Institute of Medical Physics and Radiation Protection, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, Germany) were imaged on an Amulet Innovality (FujiFilm, Tokyo, Japan) mammographic X‐ray unit. Because the complexities of the structures of these three phantoms were different and not optimized to match the characteristics of real mammographic images, image processing was not applied in this study. In addition, real mammograms were acquired on the same system. Regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from each image. In half of the ROIs, a 0.25‐mm diameter disk was inserted at four different contrast levels to represent a calcification‐like object. Each ROI was then modified, so four image qualities relevant for mammography were simulated. The signal‐present and signal‐absent ROIs were evaluated by a non‐pre‐whitening model observer with eye filter (NPWE) and a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) using dense difference of Gaussian channels. The ROIs were also evaluated by human observers in a two alternative forced choice experiment. Detectability results for the human and model observer experiments were correlated using a mixed‐effect regression model. Threshold disk contrasts for human and predicted human observer performance based on the NPWE MO and CHO were estimated.

Results

Global trends in threshold contrast were similar for the different background structures, but absolute contrast threshold levels differed. Contrast thresholds tended to be lower in ROIs from simple phantoms compared with ROIs from real mammographic images. The correlation between human and model observer performance was not affected by the range of image quality levels studied.

Conclusions

The correlation between human and model observer performance does not depend on image quality. This is a promising outcome for the use of model observers in image quality analysis and allows for subsequent research toward the development of MO‐based quality control procedures and guidelines.
Lessons from NPAs crisis in Indian banks
Authors: Nidugala Ganesh Kumar , Pant Abhay
Published: August 2017

Nonperforming assets (NPAs) crisis in Indian public sector banks is one of the biggest challenges before the current government in 2017. The finance ministry, Government of India, and the central bank, the Reserve Bank of India, are worried about the surging NPAs in Indian public sector banks because of their huge macroeconomic impact and systemic risk to the financial system. If not paid timely attention, it can hamper the economic and financial stability of the nation. Rising NPAs in Indian public sector banks are a result of bank specific, macroeconomic, and political factors. In order to control the surging NPAs in Indian public sector banks, the government and the Reserve Bank of India have implemented new crisis management framework which however is not immune to several challenges. This paper looks at NPAs crisis from the lens of crisis management, stakeholder's engagement, government relations, and issue management. Harris and Fleisher () identify crisis management, stakeholder engagement, government relations, and issues management as important organizational activities that constitute part of public affairs. This paper follows a tripartite structure where it first investigates the causes of NPAs in Indian public sector banks. Second, it examines the crisis management framework developed by the policy makers and highlights the key challenges. Third, in light of these challenges, it makes recommendations to tackle the NPAs crisis in Indian public sector banks.
Preparation and characterization of a new class of poly(ether‐block‐amide)s via solvent free reactive processing
Authors: Yang Yunyun , Kong Weibo , Cai Xufu
Published: August 2017

Novel poly(ether‐co‐amide) block copolymers (PEA) with polyamide‐6 as hard segments and different polyether (polyoxytetramethylene glycol [PTMG]/polyethylene glycol [PEG]) as soft segments were prepared via reactive processing. The chemical structure, crystalline properties, mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of as‐prepared PEAs were extensively studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile testing, water contact angle, water absorption, and thermal gravity analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure and composition of PEAs. The X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed that PEAs consist of obvious crystalline polyamide‐6 hard segments and that the crystalline structure of PEG will be significantly changed with the addition of PTMG. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing showed that the obtained PEAs exhibit classical elastomeric rubber plateau and tensile behavior. Meanwhile, the introduction of PTMG will improve the mechanical properties of PEAs. PEA with PEG as soft segments exhibited extremely surface hydrophilicity and high water absorption of 127%; the increasing of PTMG content in soft segments will reduce the surface hydrophilicity and improve the water resistance. In addition, the obtained PEAs exhibited good thermal stability, which will meet requirement of multiple processing.
Clinical accuracy of abnormal cell‐free fetal DNA results for the sex chromosomes
Authors: Scibetta Emily W. , Gaw Stephanie L. , Rao Rashmi R. , Silverman Neil S. , Han Christina S. , Platt Lawrence D.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To investigate factors associated with abnormal cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) results for sex chromosomes (SCs).

Study design

This is a retrospective cohort study of abnormal cfDNA results for SC at a referral practice from March 2013 to July 2015. Cell‐free DNA results were abnormal if they were positive for SC aneuploidy (SCA), inconclusive, or discordant with ultrasound (US) findings. Primary outcome was concordance with karyotype or postnatal evaluation.

Results

Of 50 abnormal cfDNA results for SC, 31 patients (62%) were positive for SCA, 13 (26%) were inconclusive, and 6 (12%) were sex discordant on US. Of SCA results, 19 (61%) were reported as 45,X and 12 (39%) were SC trisomy. Abnormal karyotypes were confirmed in 8/23 (35%) of SC aneuploidy and 1/5 (20%) of inconclusive results. Abnormal SC cfDNA results were associated with in vitro fertilization (P = .001) and twins (P < .001). Sex discordance between cfDNA and US was associated with twin gestation (P < .001).

Conclusions

In our cohort, abnormal SC cfDNA results were associated with in vitro fertilization and twins. Our results indicate cfDNA for sex prediction in twins of limited utility. Positive predictive value and sensitivity for SC determination were lower than previously reported.
Stillbirth and neonatal mortality in pregnancies complicated by major congenital anomalies: Findings from a large European cohort
Authors: Groen Henk , Bouman Katelijne , Pierini Anna , Rankin Judith , Rissmann Anke , Haeusler Martin , Yevtushok Lyubov , Loane Maria , Erwich Jan Jaap H.M. , de Walle Hermien E.K.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To provide prognostic information to help parents to reach an informed decision about termination or continuation of the pregnancy and to shape peripartum policy based on a large European cohort.

Method

Thirteen registries from the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) network contributed data from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2011. Terminations for fetal anomalies were excluded. Chromosomal anomalies, syndromes and isolated anomaly groups were distinguished according to EUROCAT guidelines. Perinatal mortality, stillbirths, and early and late neonatal mortality rates (NMRs) were analyzed by anomaly group and gestational age.

Results

Among 73 337 cases, perinatal mortality associated with congenital anomaly was 1.27 per 1000 births (95% confidence interval, 1.23‐1.31). Average stillbirth rate was 2.68% (range 0%‐51.2%). Early and late NMR were 2.75% (range 0%‐46.7%) and 0.97% (range 0%‐17.9%), respectively. Chromosomal anomalies and syndromes, and most isolated anomalies, had significant differences regarding timing of fetal demise compared to the general population. Chromosomal and central nervous system anomalies had higher term stillbirth rates.

Conclusions

We found relevant differences between anomalies regarding rates of stillbirth, NMR, and timing by gestational age. Our data can help parents to decide about their unborn child with a congenital anomaly and help inform maternal‐fetal medicine specialists regarding peripartum management.
Exposure to BMAA mirrors molecular processes linked to neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Beri Joshua , Nash Tara , Martin Rubia M. , Bereman Michael S.
Published: August 2017

The goal of this study is to investigate the molecular pathways perturbed by in vitro exposure of beta‐methylamino‐L‐alanine (BMAA) to NSC‐34 cells via contemporary proteomics. Our analysis of differentially regulated proteins reveals significant enrichment (p < 0.01) of pathways related to ER stress, protein ubiquitination, the unfolded protein response, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Upstream regulator analysis indicates that exposure to BMAA induces activation of transcription factors (X‐box binding protein 1; nuclear factor 2 erythroid like 2; promyelocytic leukemia) involved in regulation of the UPR, oxidative stress, and cellular senescence. Furthermore, the authors examine the hypothesis that BMAA causes protein damage via misincorporation in place of L‐Serine. The authors are unable to detect misincorporation of BMAA into protein via analysis of cellular protein, secreted protein, targeted detection of BMAA after protein hydrolysis, or through the use of in vitro protein translation kits.
CCBuilder 2.0: Powerful and accessible coiled‐coil modeling
Authors: Wood Christopher W. , Woolfson Derek N.
Published: August 2017

The increased availability of user‐friendly and accessible computational tools for biomolecular modeling would expand the reach and application of biomolecular engineering and design. For protein modeling, one key challenge is to reduce the complexities of 3D protein folds to sets of parametric equations that nonetheless capture the salient features of these structures accurately. At present, this is possible for a subset of proteins, namely, repeat proteins. The α‐helical coiled coil provides one such example, which represents ≈ 3–5% of all known protein‐encoding regions of DNA. Coiled coils are bundles of α helices that can be described by a small set of structural parameters. Here we describe how this parametric description can be implemented in an easy‐to‐use web application, called CCBuilder 2.0, for modeling and optimizing both α‐helical coiled coils and polyproline‐based collagen triple helices. This has many applications from providing models to aid molecular replacement for X‐ray crystallography, in silico model building and engineering of natural and designed protein assemblies, and through to the creation of completely de novo “dark matter” protein structures. CCBuilder 2.0 is available as a web‐based application, the code for which is open‐source and can be downloaded freely. http://coiledcoils.chm.bris.ac.uk/ccbuilder2.

Lay Summary

We have created CCBuilder 2.0, an easy to use web‐based application that can model structures for a whole class of proteins, the α‐helical coiled coil, which is estimated to account for 3–5% of all proteins in nature. CCBuilder 2.0 will be of use to a large number of protein scientists engaged in fundamental studies, such as protein structure determination, through to more‐applied research including designing and engineering novel proteins that have potential applications in biotechnology.
The Perceptions of Local Political Actors After Natural Disasters: The Effect of Japan's 3/11 Disasters on Local Politics
Authors: Ono Yoshikuni
Published: August 2017

Natural disasters frequently bring serious accusations against political actors. Yet such disasters also provide them with numerous opportunities to claim credit for their accomplishment in the recovery process. After a massive catastrophe, local political actors, who closely communicate with the constituents in affected areas, play an important role in connecting their needs to local and national resources. They, for instance, lobby national government to bring in disaster recovery money and projects to their districts. Because they are able to strengthen their ties with local residents through their activities in the recovery process, disasters create the possibility to change the local political landscape. Using unique survey data drawn from more than 240 local assembly members at the municipal level in the Tohoku region of Japan, this study demonstrates that the March 11, 2011, compounded disasters, affected how local‐elected officials perceived the level of political support given from local residents.
Parameterized LMIs for robust and state feedback control of continuous‐time polytopic systems
Authors: Rodrigues L.A. , Oliveira R.C.L.F. , Camino J.F.
Published: August 2017

This paper presents new extended linear matrix inequality (LMI) characterizations for the synthesis of robust
and
state feedback controllers for continuous‐time linear time‐invariant systems with polytopic uncertainty. Based on a suitable change of variables and the Elimination Lemma, the proposed robust control design techniques are stated as extended LMI conditions parameterized in terms of 2 scalar parameters. One parameter is shown to belong to a bounded domain, thus limiting the scalar search domain. For the other parameter, a bounded subset is provided from numerical experiments. The benefits of the methodology are illustrated through numerical simulations performed on an uncertain model borrowed from the literature. It is shown that the proposed LMI relaxations can provide less conservative results with fewer scalar searches than some existing methods in the literature.
Demonstrate value of student affairs via co‐curricular development model
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2017

The rising costs of higher education leave student affairs professionals with the challenge of demonstrating the value of their work on a physical campus.
Help veterans succeed by caring for the whole student
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2017

Cody Nicholls has more than nine years of experience in the military, and he brought that personal experience with him to his role as the assistant dean of students for military and veteran engagement at the University of Arizona. He shared his tips for recruiting and retaining student‐veterans on your campus.
Concise Review: Fetal Membranes in Regenerative Medicine: New Tricks from an Old Dog?
Authors: Lim Rebecca
Published: August 2017

The clinical application of the fetal membranes dates back to nearly a century. Their use has ranged from superficial skin dressings to surgical wound closure. The applications of the fetal membranes are constantly evolving, and key to this is the uncovering of multiple populations of stem and stem-like cells, each with unique properties that can be exploited for regenerative medicine. In addition to pro-angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties of the stem and stem-like cells arising from the fetal membranes, the dehydrated and/or decellularized forms of the fetal membranes have been used to support the growth and function of other cells and tissues, including adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. This concise review explores the biological origin of the fetal membranes, a history of their use in medicine, and recent developments in the use of fetal membranes and their derived stem and stem-like cells in regenerative medicine.
Concise Review: Bioprinting of Stem Cells for Transplantable Tissue Fabrication
Authors: Leberfinger Ashley N. , Ravnic Dino J. , Dhawan Aman , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: August 2017

Bioprinting is a quickly progressing technology, which holds the potential to generate replacement tissues and organs. Stem cells offer several advantages over differentiated cells for use as starting materials, including the potential for autologous tissue and differentiation into multiple cell lines. The three most commonly used stem cells are embryonic, induced pluripotent, and adult stem cells. Cells are combined with various natural and synthetic materials to form bioinks, which are used to fabricate scaffold-based or scaffold-free constructs. Computer aided design technology is combined with various bioprinting modalities including droplet-, extrusion-, or laser-based bioprinting to create tissue constructs. Each bioink and modality has its own advantages and disadvantages. Various materials and techniques are combined to maximize the benefits. Researchers have been successful in bioprinting cartilage, bone, cardiac, nervous, liver, and vascular tissues. However, a major limitation to clinical translation is building large-scale vascularized constructs. Many challenges must be overcome before this technology is used routinely in a clinical setting.
A Label‐Free Fluorescent Sensor Based on Structure‐Switching Oligonucleotides for the Detection of Ag+, Biothiols and Acetylcholinesterase Activity
Authors: Zhang Baozhu , Wei Chunying
Published: August 2017

A label‐free, highly sensitive and specific fluorescent sensor was developed for the detection of Ag+, biothiols and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and for the screening of AChE inhibitors. The sensing approach was based on the conformational switch of human telomeric G‐rich sequence. The present assay was capable of detecting Ag+ in the range of 0 to 6.0 μM, with a detection limit of 34 nM. In addition, the proposed method was developed as a turn‐on cysteine‐sensing system, which presented a good response to cysteine in the range of 0 to 4.5 μM, and the detection limit was 25 nM. The cysteine‐sensing system could be used to detect the activity of AChE as low as 0.05 U/L in the range of 0.05 to 1.3 U/L. The proposed sensor was also promising in screening of AChE inhibitors. Furthermore, this method has been applied successfully to the sensing of Ag+ in tap water and lake water with satisfactory recovery.
Effect of the Electrolyte Alkaline Ions on the Electrochemical Performance of α‐Ni(OH)2/Activated Carbon Composites in the Hybrid Supercapacitor Cell
Authors: Soserov L. , Boyadzhieva T. , Koleva V. , Girginov Ch. , Stoyanova A. , Stoyanova R.
Published: August 2017

Hybrid electrochemical supercapacitors supply a high energy density and reduced cycle stability. Herein, we provide new data on the effect of the Li+ and K+ ion from the aqueous alkaline electrolyte on the hybrid supercapacitor performance. The electrochemical cell is assembled by two dissimilar electrodes: AC versus α‐Ni(OH)2 /AC composite. Two types of alkaline electrolytes are used: individual KOH and mixed LiOH‐KOH solutions. The performance of the composite electrodes is tested by galvanostatic and cyclic voltammetry experiments. The Li+ ions from the electrolyte display a positive effect on the discharge capacitance and the cycling stability of α‐Ni(OH)2/AC. The improved performance is discussed on the basis of structure and morphology changes of the composite electrode after electrochemical testing that are probed by ex‐situ X‐ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic‐force Microscopy. The results show that Li+ ions and H2O from the LiOH‐KOH electrolyte are intercalated into α‐Ni(OH)2. The surface of the composite electrode becomes smoother in the mixed electrolyte. As a result, the α‐Ni(OH)2/AC displays an improved performance in the mixed LiOH‐KOH electrolyte than that in the individual KOH electrolyte.
A low‐carbon dispatch of power system incorporating active distribution networks based on locational marginal emission
Authors: Hu Jingzhe , Jiang Chuanwen , Cong Hao , He Yang
Published: August 2017

Involvement of active distribution networks (ADNs) in emission management can give full play to the carbon‐reduction potential of distributed generations (DGs) and demand response. With the development of smart grid, low‐carbon coordinated scheduling of power system with ADNs will become a new trend. A bilevel dispatch model based on locational marginal emission (LME) is proposed to achieve carbon reduction from both generation and load sides. The main grid dispatch is a problem of dynamic optimal power flow aiming at reducing both the operating and emission costs, in which LME under AC condition is adopted to calculate the carbon emission produced by node power. The ADN level is the DG generation schedule with the objective of minimizing both the cost and system emission based on LME. The main grid and ADNs interact and cooperate with each other by locational marginal price (LMP) and LME to cut the carbon pollution. Simulation results in a modified IEEE 30‐bus system and an IEEE 118‐bus system show that compared with the traditional LMP‐based coordinated scheduling, the bilevel dispatch model based on LME can reduce carbon emission effectively and promote ADNs' participation in system carbon emission management. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improvement of real‐time power tracking in microgrid using multi‐agent system
Authors: Yin Xiaoqi , Ding Ming
Published: August 2017

A multi‐agent system (MAS) provides flexible and intelligent control schemes for microgrids and their units. However, a certain period of time is required for a controllable source (CS) to change its output power, and the communication delay poses a challenge for real‐time tracking of CS output power in MAS control, an important factor affecting the transient performance of MAS power coordination. In this paper, we propose and emulate a new power tracking method based on the communication inside MAS about the change of output variation speed in every CS together with a timestamp for each change. The MAS emulates and tracks the total output power of all CSs in real time. Compared to the conventional method, the emulation results indicate that this new method has a significantly better real‐time performance, especially for a large number of CS and under more undesirable communication conditions. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of heuristic reductions of a model for the segmentation clock in zebrafish
Authors: Shimono Yuki , Yamaguchi Ikuhiro , Ishimatsu Kana , Akao Akihiko , Ogawa Yutaro , Jimbo Yasuhiko , Kotani Kiyoshi
Published: August 2017

Time‐delayed interactions between DNA, mRNA, and proteins play an important role in the periodic somite segmentation of vertebrates. A mathematical model of the segmentation clock in zebrafish that illustrates the dynamics between proteins and mRNA has recently been proposed; however, the complexity of the model makes solving it analytically unrealistic. In this study, we derived a first‐order delay‐differential equation (DDE) model by following two heuristic reduction approaches: simplifying protein–mRNA interactions and protein dimerization. Then, we calculated the eigenvalues of the model and found that the maximum eigenvalue and the oscillatory dynamics are qualitatively equivalent when some parameters are varied. This result enabled us to illustrate the effectiveness of using eigenvalues to assess the dynamics of the reduced model. Further, we extended the reduction methods to a complete model of somite segmentation considering the interaction of four genes, and derived a reduced model with four variables and four delay terms. Although the oscillation period of our reduced model decreased by ∼10% compared to the original model, the amplitude differed by less than 10%. The dynamic features for genetic conditions are also qualitatively reproduced by the reduced model. Our model demonstrates that it is possible to identify key parameters and to reveal the interactions among the parameters. © 2017 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Task‐Based Instruction for Autonomy: Connections With Contexts of Practice, Conceptions of Teaching, and Professional Development Strategies
Authors: Vieira Flávia
Published: August 2017

Proposals for innovating language education at school are always affected by cultures of teaching and teacher education. This article takes an inquisitive look at task‐based language teaching (TBLT) as a learner‐centred approach, arguing in favour of a realistic understanding of possibilities for educational change. This entails confronting theoretical discourses with the realities of schooling and teacher education, as well as investigating TBLT in particular contexts. An interpretative study is presented, focusing on the use of TBLT by two student teachers (STs) during their English language teaching (ELT) practicum in an initial teacher education (ITE) programme where autonomy‐oriented action research projects are developed. Their portfolios and reports account for the feasibility of a weak approach to TBLT that transcends current practices and whose potential for promoting autonomy derives from a professional development framework where teaching and teacher education are conceived as empowering processes. Constraints and shortcomings relate to dominant cultures of teaching, STs’ condition as learners, and the practicum model itself. Understanding how language teaching is shaped by contexts and developing empowering approaches to teacher education will help us enhance educational change as an interspace between reality and ideals, where possibilities for transformation are explored.
Tracking Immanent Language Learning Behavior Over Time in Task‐Based Classroom Work
Authors: Kunitz Silvia , Marian Klara Skogmyr
Published: August 2017

In this study, the authors explore how classroom tasks that are commonly used in task‐based language teaching (TBLT) are achieved as observable aspects of local educational order (Hester & Francis, ) through observable and immanently social classroom behaviors. They focus specifically on students’ language learning behaviors, which they track through the longitudinal conversation‐analytic methodology called learning behavior tracking (LBT) (Markee, ). From a theoretical point of view, they situate LBT within the ethnomethodological (EM) perspective on social action pioneered by Garfinkel () and relate it to socially defined ways of understanding planning (Burch, ; Markee & Kunitz, ). In the empirical part of the article, the researchers analyze TBLT work that was conducted in an English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom in a Swedish junior high school. Specifically, they track the occurrences of a learnable (the spelling of the word disgusting) that was emically oriented to as such by the students as they engaged in planning and accomplishing teacher‐assigned tasks. The authors then develop an emic, sequential account of the participants’ practical reasoning and dynamically evolving epistemic positions. They argue that this kind of basic empirical research refines our understanding of how TBLT curriculum work is achieved by participants as practical, mundane, and observable activities in language classrooms, and that these insights may feed into more applied research on teacher training, thereby fostering the design of instructional innovations.
Complementary Theoretical Perspectives on Task‐Based Classroom Realities
Authors: Jackson Daniel O. , Burch Alfred Rue
Published: August 2017

Tasks are viewed as a principled foundation for classroom teaching, social interaction, and language development. This special issue sheds new light on how task‐based classroom practices are supported by a diverse range of principles. This introduction describes current trends in classroom practice and pedagogic research in relation to task‐based language teaching (TBLT), offering a rationale for revisiting the TESOL profession’s understandings of the uses of tasks in language classrooms. It then summarizes the contributions appearing in this issue, which address topics including: interaction in task planning and completion, the use of tasks to support writing development, learner perceptions and interpretations of tasks, and the relationship between autonomy and TBLT. Collectively, these contributions advance complementary theoretical perspectives on classroom learning and teaching in diverse EFL and ESL settings. Overall, they reflect the broadening scope of second language acquisition theory while maintaining a tight focus on classroom realities.
Reduced Nrf2 activation in PI3K phosphorylation‐impaired vitiliginous keratinocytes increases susceptibility to ROS‐generating chemical‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Kim Hyangmi , Park Chang Seo , Lee Ai‐Young
Published: August 2017

Keratinocytes in affected epidermis of vitiligo patients are known to have impaired activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Based on critical roles of keratinocytes and oxidative stress in vitiligo development, this study examined whether keratinocytes with impaired PI3K activation were more vulnerable to apoptosis caused by oxidative stress from phenolic compounds, p‐tert‐butylphenol (4‐TBP) and hydroquinone (HQ). Cell viability assay, FACS analysis, ELISA for TNF‐α or IL‐1a, ROS assay, Western blot analysis for Nrf2 expression, and confocal microscopy with anti‐Nrf2 and phospho‐PI3K antibodies were done on primary cultured normal human keratinocytes with or without PI3K knockdown in the presence or absence of chemical treatment or antioxidant. Immunofluorescence staining using anti‐Nrf2, phospho‐PI3K, TNF‐ɑ, and IL‐1ɑ antibodies, ROS assay using dihydroethidium, and TUNEL assay were performed on sets of depigmented and normally pigmented skin from vitiligo patients. Results showed that 4‐TBP or HQ treatment increased apoptosis and the expression levels of TNF‐ɑ, IL‐1ɑ, and ROS in PI3K‐knockdown keratinocytes which reduced Nrf2 nuclear translocation compared to control keratinocytes. These changes were significantly recovered by an antioxidant treatment. Depigmented epidermis of vitiligo patients also showed lower levels of Nrf2 and phospho‐PI3K but higher levels of ROS, TNF‐ɑ, IL‐1ɑ, and ROS with more TUNEL‐positive cells. Therefore, impaired PI3K activation in keratinocytes in depigmented epidermis of vitiligo patients are vulnerable to apoptosis caused by ROS‐generating chemicals due to reduced Nrf2 activation.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Sodium Hydrogen Fluorides NaF·nHF (n = 2, 3, 4)
Authors: Ivlev Sergei I. , Soltner Theresa , Karttunen Antti J. , Mühlbauer Martin J. , Kornath Andreas J. , Kraus Florian
Published: August 2017

A series of higher sodium hydrogen fluorides were synthesized and structurally characterized. Sodium tetrahydrogen pentafluoride, NaH4F5, crystallizes in space group type I41/a with cell parameters a = 6.0275(4), c = 11.6208(13) Å, V = 422.19(7) Å3, Z = 4 at 100 K. Sodium trihydrogen tetrafluoride, NaH3F4, crystallizes in space group type R3 with cell parameters a = 6.5139(4), c = 13.4040(15) Å, V = 492.55(8) Å3, Z = 6 at 100 K. Sodium dihydrogen trifluoride, NaH2F3, crystallizes in space group type Pnma with cell parameters a = 7.9276(9), b = 3.4514(3), c = 9.6937(10) Å, V = 265.23(5) Å3, Z = 4 at 100 K. The investigations were complemented by IR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. NaH2F3 was additionally characterized by means of powder neutron diffraction. All observed F–H···F hydrogen bonds are unsymmetric, close to linearity and can be considered as strong hydrogen bonds.
Advances in metabolome information retrieval: turning chemistry into biology. Part I: analytical chemistry of the metabolome
Authors: Tebani Abdellah , Afonso Carlos , Bekri Soumeya
Published: August 2017

Metabolites are small molecules produced by enzymatic reactions in a given organism. Metabolomics or metabolic phenotyping is a well‐established omics aimed at comprehensively assessing metabolites in biological systems. These comprehensive analyses use analytical platforms, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, along with associated separation methods to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Metabolomics holistically evaluates biological systems in an unbiased, data‐driven approach that may ultimately support generation of hypotheses. The approach inherently allows the molecular characterization of a biological sample with regard to both internal (genetics) and environmental (exosome, microbiome) influences. Metabolomics workflows are based on whether the investigator knows a priori what kind of metabolites to assess. Thus, a targeted metabolomics approach is defined as a quantitative analysis (absolute concentrations are determined) or a semiquantitative analysis (relative intensities are determined) of a set of metabolites that are possibly linked to common chemical classes or a selected metabolic pathway. An untargeted metabolomics approach is a semiquantitative analysis of the largest possible number of metabolites contained in a biological sample. This is part I of a review intending to give an overview of the state of the art of major metabolic phenotyping technologies. Furthermore, their inherent analytical advantages and limits regarding experimental design, sample handling, standardization and workflow challenges are discussed.
Physician Experiences and Understanding of Genomic Sequencing in Oncology
Authors: Weipert Caroline M. , Ryan Kerry A. , Everett Jessica N. , Yashar Beverly M. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Scott Roberts J. , De Vries Raymond , Zikmund‐Fisher Brian J. , Raymond Victoria M.
Published: August 2017

The amount of information produced by genomic sequencing is vast, technically complicated, and can be difficult to interpret. Appropriately tailoring genomic information for non‐geneticists is an essential next step in the clinical use of genomic sequencing. To initiate development of a framework for genomic results communication, we conducted eighteen qualitative interviews with oncologists who had referred adult cancer patients to a matched tumor‐normal tissue genomic sequencing study. In our qualitative analysis, we found varied levels of clinician knowledge relating to sequencing technology, the scope of the tumor genomic sequencing study, and incidental germline findings. Clinicians expressed a perceived need for more genetics education. Additionally, they had a variety of suggestions for improving results reports and possible resources to aid in results interpretation. Most clinicians felt genetic counselors were needed when incidental germline findings were identified. Our research suggests that more consistent genetics education is imperative in ensuring the proper utilization of genomic sequencing in cancer care. Clinician suggestions for results interpretation resources and results report modifications could be used to improve communication. Clinicians’ perceived need to involve genetic counselors when incidental germline findings were found suggests genetic specialists could play a critical role in ensuring patients receive appropriate follow‐up.
Factores que el fabricante/distribuidor toma en consideración para la comercialización de alimentos especiales en mercados foráneos
Authors: Orengo Serra Karen L. , Ortíz Soto Maribel
Published: August 2017

Este artículo tiene como objetivo identificar los factores relacionados con las características del producto que el fabricante y el distribuidor consideran para la comercialización de alimentos especiales en mercados nicho internacionales. Para esto se empleó una metodología cualitativa de estudio de casos a través de entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados reflejan que la calidad sigue siendo el factor por excelencia en la negociación del distribuidor/importador con el fabricante para comercializar sus productos en el mercado nicho de alimentos especiales. La relación entre el fabricante y los distribuidores debe ser estrecha y fluida de forma que fortalezca la confianza y estimule el desarrollo de una relación mutualmente beneficiosa a largo plazo.
Universidades influyentes en investigación sobre orientación al mercado. Una visión general entre 1990 y 2014
Authors: Valenzuela Fernández Leslier , Merigó José M. , Nicolas Carolina
Published: August 2017

El objetivo de este estudio es identificar las universidades más productivas e influyentes para la comunidad científica sobre el tópico de orientación al mercado. Lo anterior se realiza principalmente a través de indicadores bibliométricos —como el índice h— y la relación total citas/total artículos para el periodo 1990-2014, a partir de la información encontrada en Web of  Science. Dentro de los hallazgos se destaca el interés de la comunidad científica en esta temática, lo que se ve reflejado en el aumento considerado en la contribución que se ha generado durante los últimos 25 años. Además, se determina un ranking de las 30 universidades más influyentes, junto con un ranking que relaciona universidades y revistas con mayor influencia en temas de orientación al mercado.
Spanish literature and well-being: The case of Chinese students in Spain
Authors: Ovejero-Bruna Mercedes , López-Ríos Santiago , González Goretti
Published: August 2017

Chinesestudents whostudy abroad have to face with many added life stressors compared to those who remain inChina.Furthermore,it has been demonstrated that the use of literature is an important didactic tool in theteaching of foreign language.This study analyzes the experience of a groupof 66 Chinese university students (87.9%women,mean age=23.45years, SD =1.303) who have come to Spain to study Spanish as Foreign Language. Well-being, life satisfaction, engagement, attitude and appreciation concerningSpanish literature were assessed quantitatively. Happiness was assessedthrough a qualitative approach. Results show that student’s happiness islinked to family well-being. Students were more engaged while studyingiinSpain. Students showed greater personal growth and independence whilethey were in Spain; although they had less interpersonal relationshipswhile living in Spain. Social well-being was higher while they were inChina. A relationship between attitude toward literature, engagement, satisfaction with life and psychosocial well-being was found. Themain conclusion is that well-being and happiness of Chinese studentsare variables that are affected by the change of country. Literatureand its way of teaching have an important role in the enhancementof engagement, life satisfaction and well-being.