bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Poisson’s Ratio of Fibronectin Using Engineered Nanofibers
Authors: Szymanski John M. , Zhang Kairui , Feinberg Adam W.
Published: October 2017

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fibrillar protein-based network, the physical and chemical properties of which can influence a multitude of cellular processes. Despite having an important role in cell and tissue signaling, a complete chemo-mechanical characterization of ECM proteins such as fibronectin (FN) is lacking. In this study, we engineered monodisperse FN nanofibers using a surface-initiated assembly technique in order to provide new insight into the elastic behavior of this material over large deformations. FN nanofibers were patterned on surfaces in a pre-stressed state and when released from the surface underwent rapid contraction. We found that the FN nanofibers underwent 3.3-fold and 9-fold changes in length and width, respectively, and that the nanofiber volume was conserved. Volume was also conserved following uniaxial extension of the FN nanofibers of ~2-fold relative to the patterned state. This data suggests that the FN networks we engineered formed an incompressible material with a Poisson’s ratio of ~0.5. While the Poisson’s ratio of cells and other biological materials are widely estimated as 0.5, our experimental results demonstrate that for FN networks this is a reasonable approximation.
From EST to novel spider silk gene identification for production of spidroin-based biomaterials
Authors: Huang Weidong , Zhang Yan , Chen Yifan , Wang Yin , Yuan Wensu , Zhang Ning , Lam Toong Jin , Gong Zhiyuan , Yang Daiwen , Lin Zhi
Published: October 2017

A cDNA library from a pool of all the seven silk glands from a tropical spider species was constructed. More than 1000 expressed sequence tag (EST) clones were created. Almost 65% of the EST clones were identified and around 50% were annotated. The cellular and functional distribution of the EST clones indicated high protein synthesis activity in spider silk glands. Novel clones with repetitive amino acid sequences, which is one of the most important characteristics of spider silk genes, were isolated. One of these clones, namely TuSp2 in current research, contains two almost identical fragments with one short C-terminal domain. Reverse transcription (RT) PCR and expression analysis showed that it is expressed in the tubuliform gland and involved in eggcase silk formation. Furthermore, its single repetitive domain can be induced to form various types of materials, including macroscopic fibers, transparent film and translucent hydrogel. This study implies promising potentials for future identification of novel spidroins and development of new spidroin-based biomaterials.
The potential of liquid biopsies for the early detection of cancer
Authors: Heitzer Ellen , Perakis Samantha , Geigl Jochen B. , Speicher Michael R.
Published: October 2017

Precision medicine refers to the choosing of targeted therapies based on genetic data. Due to the increasing availability of data from large-scale tumor genome sequencing projects, genome-driven oncology may have enormous potential to change the clinical management of patients with cancer. To this end, components of tumors, which are shed into the circulation, i.e., circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), or extracellular vesicles, are increasingly being used for monitoring tumor genomes. A growing number of publications have documented that these “liquid biopsies” are informative regarding response to given therapies, are capable of detecting relapse with lead time compared to standard measures, and reveal mechanisms of resistance. However, the majority of published studies relate to advanced tumor stages and the use of liquid biopsies for detection of very early malignant disease stages is less well documented. In early disease stages, strategies for analysis are in principle relatively similar to advanced stages. However, at these early stages, several factors pose particular difficulties and challenges, including the lower frequency and volume of aberrations, potentially confounding phenomena such as clonal expansions of non-tumorous tissues or the accumulation of cancer-associated mutations with age, and the incomplete insight into driver alterations. Here we discuss biology, technical complexities and clinical significance for early cancer detection and their impact on precision oncology.
Highly sensitive and label-free determination of thiram residue using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with paper-based microfluidics
Authors: Zhu Jiaji , Chen Quansheng , Kutsanedzie Felix Y. H. , Yang Mingxiu , Ouyang Qin , Jiang Hui
Published: October 2017

In this study, a paper-based microfluidic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) device was employed for the determination of trace level thiram.
A selective nanosensor for ultrafast detection of Cu2+ions based on C5 DNA-templated gold nanoclusters and Fenton-like reaction
Authors: Qing Taiping , Bu Hongchang , He Xiaoxiao , He Dinggeng , Zhou Bing , Sun Huanhuan , Jia Ruichen , Ma Wenjie , Wang Kemin
Published: October 2017

Fenton-like reaction-mediated quenching of gold nanoclusters for ultrafast Cu2+ion detection.
Should analytical chemists (and their customers) trust the normal distribution?
Authors: Thompson Michael
Published: October 2017

Mike Thompson considers the normal distribution.
High sintering-/coke-resistance Ni@SiO2/Al2O3/FeCrAl-fiber catalyst for dry reforming of methane: one-step, macro-to-nano organization via cross-linking molecules
Authors: Chai Ruijuan , Zhao Guofeng , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Pengjing , Liu Ye , Lu Yong
Published: October 2017

A thin-felt, microfibrous-structured Ni@SiO2/Al2O3/FeCrAl-fiber catalyst was fabricated by one-step, top-down macro–micro–nano organization, displaying tremendous potential for dry reforming of methane.
Hydrothermal formation of N/Ti3+ codoped multiphasic (brookite–anatase–rutile) TiO2 heterojunctions with enhanced visible light driven photocatalytic performance
Authors: Sun Mingxuan , Kong Yuanyuan , Fang Yalin , Sood Swati , Yao Yuan , Shi Jifeng , Umar Ahmad
Published: October 2017

Multiphasic TiO2 heterojunctions codoped with N and Ti3+ were fabricated and their enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue was demonstrated.
A supramolecular assembly of metal-free organic dye with zinc porphyrin chromophore for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Jia Hai-Lang , Huang Mao-Zhan , Peng Zhi-Jie , Wang Dong-Ming , Zhang Guo-Hua , Guan Ming-Yun
Published: October 2017

The supramolecular system has superior performance in improving spectral response and reducing charge recombination, which could be a promising and convenient method to improve the performance of DSSCs.
Backbone flexibility of extended metal atom chains. Ab initio molecular dynamics for Cr3(dpa)4X2 (X = NCS, CN, NO3) in gas and crystalline phases
Authors: Spivak M. , Arcisauskaite V. , López X. , de Graaf C.
Published: October 2017

Computational study on the flexibility of chromium extended metal atom chains by ab initio molecular dynamics.
Balancing gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen density in MOFs
Authors: Ahmed Alauddin , Liu Yiyang , Purewal Justin , Tran Ly D. , Wong-Foy Antek G. , Veenstra Mike , Matzger Adam J. , Siegel Donald J.
Published: October 2017

MOFs that exhibit a rare combination of high volumetric and gravimetric densities of stored H2are identified computationally and demonstrated experimentally.
Effect of PAC particle layer on the performance of gravity-driven membrane filtration (GDM) system during rainwater treatment
Authors: Ding An , Wang Jinlong , Lin Dachao , Cheng Xiaoxiang , Wang Hui , Bai Langming , Ren Nanqi , Li Guibai , Liang Heng
Published: October 2017

The gravity-driven membrane filtration (GDM) process is very suitable for decentralized drinking water or rainwater treatment due to low maintenance (no backwashing, physical flushing and chemical cleaning) and low energy consumption.
Averrhoa carambolafree phenolic extract ameliorates nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis by modulating mircoRNA-34a, mircoRNA-33 and AMPK pathways in leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice
Authors: Pang Daorui , You Lijun , Zhou Lin , Li Tong , Zheng Bisheng , Liu Rui Hai
Published: October 2017

Averrhoa carambolafree phenolic extract ameliorates hepatic steatosis by modulating mircoRNA-34a, mircoRNA-33 and AMPK signaling.
Insights into human intrinsically disordered proteins from their gene expression profile
Authors: Panda Arup , Acharya Debarun , Chandra Ghosh Tapash
Published: October 2017

Expression level provides important clues about gene function.
Pre-steady-state kinetic analysis of damage recognition by human single-strand selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase SMUG1
Authors: Kuznetsova Alexandra A. , Iakovlev Danila A. , Misovets Inna V. , Ishchenko Alexander A. , Saparbaev Murat K. , Kuznetsov Nikita A. , Fedorova Olga S.
Published: October 2017

The mechanism of damaged base recognition by hSMUG1 was elucidated using comparison of pre-steady state kinetic data obtained by Trp and aPu fluorescence and FRET detection.
Multicolour nitrogen-doped carbon dots: tunable photoluminescence and sandwich fluorescent glass-based light-emitting diodes
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Yuan Rongrong , He Meiling , Hu Guangcai , Jiang Jutao , Xu Tao , Zhou Lei , Chen Wei , Xiang Weidong , Liang Xiaojuan
Published: October 2017

The first use of the combination of ammonium citrate (AC) and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as coordinating precursors for the synthesis of highly fluorescent (quantum yield = 67%) multicolour nitrogen-doped carbon dots (CDs) is reported.
Large-scale metal nanoelectrode arrays based on printed nanowire lithography for nanowire complementary inverters
Authors: Ko Han-Seung , Lee Yeongjun , Min Sung-Yong , Kwon Sung-Joo , Lee Tae-Woo
Published: October 2017

Large-scale-aligned Ag nanoelectrode arrays fabricated by printed nanowire lithography produced nanowire complementary inverters by combining with organic semiconducting nanowires.
Effects of pulsed laser irradiation on gold-coated silver nanoplates and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Kyaw Kaung , Ichimaru Hiroaki , Kawagoe Takayuki , Terakawa Mitsuhiro , Miyazawa Yuta , Mizoguchi Daigou , Tsushida Masayuki , Niidome Takuro
Published: October 2017

Pulsed laser irradiation induced changes in shape and crystal structure of the gold-coated silver nanoplates, allowing more silver to be released thereby increasing antibacterial activity.
Size dependence of gold clusters with precise numbers of atoms in aerobic oxidation of d-glucose
Authors: Zhang Junying , Li Zhimin , Huang Jiahui , Liu Chao , Hong Feng , Zheng Kai , Li Gao
Published: October 2017

Size-dependence is an important factor in gold nanocatalysis.
In situ etching-induced self-assembly of metal cluster decorated one-dimensional semiconductors for solar-powered water splitting: unraveling cooperative synergy by photoelectrochemical investigations
Authors: Xiao Fang-Xing , Liu Bin
Published: October 2017

A facile, green, simple yet efficient in situ etching-induced self-assembly strategy has been developed to construct gold cluster-enwrapped ZnO nanowire array heterostructures for solar-powered water splitting.
Exploring the origins of selectivity in soluble epoxide hydrolase fromBacillus megaterium
Authors: Serrano-Hervás Eila , Garcia-Borràs Marc , Osuna Sílvia
Published: October 2017

Epoxide hydrolase (EH) enzymes catalyze the hydration of racemic epoxides to yield their corresponding vicinal diols. In this work, theBacillus megateriumepoxide hydrolase (BmEH)-mediated hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide (rac-SO) and itspara-nitro styrene oxide (rac-p-NSO) derivative are computationally investigated using density functional theory (DFT).
Mechanistic investigation on N → Cα → O relay via non-Brook rearrangement: reaction conditions promote synthesis of furo[3,2-c]pyridinones
Authors: Zhu Lihan , Yuan Haiyan , Zhang Jingping
Published: October 2017

DFT calculations disclosed the effect of reaction conditions on the effective anion relay sequence of a NaH promoted non-Brook rearrangement.
Synthesis of novel copolymers based on p-methylstyrene, N,N-butylvinylimidazolium and polybenzimidazole as highly conductive anion exchange membranes for fuel cell application
Authors: Ouadah Amina , Xu Hulin , Luo Tianwei , Gao Shuitao , Zhang Zeyu , Li Zhong , Zhu Changjin
Published: October 2017

A series of copolymers based N,N-butylvinylimidazolium, p-methylstyrene and polybenzimidazole as anion exchange membrane materials VIBx/PMSy/PBIz.
Licorice extract attenuates brain aging of d-galactose induced rats through inhibition of oxidative stress and attenuation of neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Zhou Yu-Zhi , Zhao Fan-Fan , Gao Li , Du Guan-Hua , Zhang Xiang , Qin Xue-Mei
Published: October 2017

A potential protective mechanism of licorice for d-galactose induced aging in rats.
Study on the anti-abrasion resistance of superhydrophobic coatings based on fluorine-containing acrylates with different Tg and SiO2
Authors: Li Kunquan , Zeng Xingrong , Lai Xuejun , Chai Shengyong
Published: October 2017

Mechanism of superhydrophobic coating against abrasion based on the fluorine-containing acrylates (FACs) with different Tg and SiO2 composite coatings.
Recent developments in graphene-based/nanometal composite filter membranes
Authors: Cheng Meng-meng , Huang Lin-jun , Wang Yan-xin , Tang Jian-guo , Wang Yao , Zhao Yun-chao , Liu Gui-fei , Zhang Yang , Kipper Matt J. , Belfiore Laurence A. , Ranil Wickramasinghe S.
Published: October 2017

Significant achievements have been made on the development of next generation filtration and separation membranes using graphene materials, graphene-based membranes are promising in many areas such as membrane separation, water desalination.
Oxygen electrode reactions of doped BiFeO3materials for low and elevated temperature fuel cell applications
Authors: Afzal Rana Arslan , Park Ka-Young , Cho Sung-Hwa , Kim Nam-In , Choi Sung Ryul , Kim Jung Hyun , Lim Hyung-Tae , Park Jun-Young
Published: October 2017

Bi0.6Ca0.4FeO3demonstrates potential as an oxygen electrode material (for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions) for operation at room and elevated temperatures.
Hierarchical flower-like NiCo2O4@TiO2hetero-nanosheets as anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Chen Wei , Wei Luya , Lin Zhiya , Liu Qian , Chen Yue , Lin Yingbin , Huang Zhigao
Published: October 2017

Flower-like NiCo2O4consisting of nanosheets are synthesized by hydrothermal technique and subsequently surface-modified with a TiO2ultrathin layer by a hydrolysis process at low temperature.
Oxidation behavior of silicon nitride fibers obtained from polycarbosilane fibers via electron beam irradiation curing
Authors: Sun X. , Liu H. T. , Cheng H. F.
Published: October 2017

Near-stoichiometric silicon nitride (Si3N4) fibers, which were successfully prepared from polycarbosilane fibers via electron beam irradiation curing, were heat-treated at elevated temperature for 2 h in the air atmosphere.
Structured growth from sheaf-like nuclei to highly asymmetric morphology in poly(nonamethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Tu C. H. , Woo E. M. , Lugito G.
Published: October 2017

Thorough microscopy analyses are done on dissecting 3D interiors of poly(nonamethylene terephthalate) (PNT) banded spherulites.
A transparent 3D printed device for assembling droplet hydrogel bilayers (DHBs)
Authors: de Bruin Abigail , Friddin Mark S. , Elani Yuval , Brooks Nicholas J. , Law Robert V. , Seddon John M. , Ces Oscar
Published: October 2017

We report a new approach for assembling droplet hydrogel bilayers (DHBs) using a transparent 3D printed device.
WO3/BiVO4 photoanode coated with mesoporous Al2O3 layer for oxidative production of hydrogen peroxide from water with high selectivity
Authors: Fuku Kojiro , Miyase Yuta , Miseki Yugo , Gunji Takahiro , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: October 2017

A mesoporous and amorphous Al2O3 layer coated on WO3/BiVO4 photoanode significantly facilitated inhibiting the oxidative degradation of generated H2O2 into O2 on the photoanode, resulting in the achieving excellent H2O2 selectivity.
Shear behavior at high pressures and viscoelastic properties in water and in brine solutions with high salinities for a tetra-polymer containing poly(ethylene oxide) side chains
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Zhong Chuanrong , Wu Xiaogang
Published: October 2017

A novel tetra-polymer (PASV) was synthesized using acrylamide(AM), vinyl biphenyl (VP), sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulphonate (NaAMPS), and a novel salt-tolerant allyl-capped macromonomer AE.
Viscous forces and bulk viscoelasticity near jamming
Authors: Baumgarten Karsten , Tighe Brian P.
Published: October 2017

We demonstrate that dynamic critical scaling in foams and emulsions near jamming depends sensitively on the dissipative interactions among particles.
Highly electrocatalytic carbon black/copper sulfide composite counter electrodes fabricated by a facile method for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Liu I-Ping , Teng Hsisheng , Lee Yuh-Lang
Published: October 2017

An ultra-facile fabrication of carbon black/copper sulfide composite catalysts as highly electrocatalytic counter electrodes for quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells.
Ir-oriented nanocrystalline assemblies with high activity for hydrogen oxidation/evolution reactions in an alkaline electrolyte
Authors: Yang Fulin , Fu Luhong , Cheng Gongzhen , Chen Shengli , Luo Wei
Published: October 2017

Ultrathin Ir-oriented nanocrystalline assemblies have been successfully synthesized through a facile microemulsion-based process and have shown a remarkable performance towards the HER/OER in an alkaline medium.
Amorphous MoSx developed on Co(OH)2 nanosheets generating efficient oxygen evolution catalysts
Authors: Sun Fengzhan , Li Changqing , Li Bo , Lin Yuqing
Published: October 2017

aMoSx/Co(OH)2 nanosheets were synthesized by forming amorphous MoSx on Co(OH)2 nanosheets. The aMoSx/Co(OH)2 nanosheets demonstrate excellent OER catalytic activity with only 350 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The incorporation of amorphous molybdenum sulfide enhances the hydrophilicity, favoring the availability of reactant, and induces electron transfer for enhancing the OER catalytic activity of Co(OH)2.
Iron-assisted engineering of molybdenum phosphide nanowires on carbon cloth for efficient hydrogen evolution in a wide pH range
Authors: Teng Yuan , Wang Xu-Dong , Chen Hong-Yan , Liao Jin-Feng , Li Wen-Guang , Kuang Dai-Bin
Published: October 2017

Novel MoP nanowire catalysts on carbon cloth prepared via facile iron-assisted approach exhibited excellent HER activity in a wide pH range.
In situ preparation of a macro-chamber for S conversion reactions in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Deng Ding-Rong , Lei Jie , Xue Fei , Bai Cheng-Dong , Lin Xiao-Dong , Ye Jian-Chuan , Zheng Ming-Sen , Dong Quan-Feng
Published: October 2017

A macro-chamber for sulfur-conversion reactions for lithium–sulfur batteries was created using the in situ growth of a TiN/reduced graphene oxide multifunctional cover layer. The chamber significantly increased the utilization of sulfur and the cycling stability of lithium–sulfur batteries.
An efficient strategy to synthesize a multifunctional ferroferric oxide core@dye/SiO2@Au shell nanocomposite and its targeted tumor theranostics
Authors: Wang Fei , Xu Lijun , Zhang Yang , Petrenko Valery A. , Liu Aihua
Published: October 2017

Regular spheric magnetic ferroferric oxide nanoclusters have been developed and used for the targeted photothermal therapy of colorectal cancer cells after conjugation with SW620-specific phage fusion proteins.
Core–shell-structured nonstoichiometric bioceramic spheres for improving osteogenic capability
Authors: Zhuang Chen , Ke Xiurong , Jin Zhouwen , Zhang Lei , Yang Xianyan , Xu Sanzhong , Yang Guojing , Xie Lijun , Prince Ghamor-Amegavi Edem , Pan Zhijun , Gou Zhongru
Published: October 2017

Precisely controlling the composition distribution and pore-network evolution in the foreign ion doped, core–shell Ca-silicate bioceramic microspheres is favorable for tailoring osteogenicity in critical size bone defects.
In vitro degradation behavior of a hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) composite reinforced by micro/nano-hybrid poly(glycolide) fibers for bone repair
Authors: Zhu Yuhang , Wang Zongliang , Li Linlong , Gao Daqian , Xu Qinli , Zhu Qingsan , Zhang Peibiao
Published: October 2017

A poly(glycolide) (PGA) fiber-reinforced hydroxyapatite/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (HA/PLGA) composite with high mechanical strength has been prepared previously.
Effect of laser energy on the crystal structure and UV response characteristics of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films deposited by PLD and the fabrication of high signal/noise ratio solar-blind UV detector based on mix-phase MgZnO at lower voltage
Authors: Han S. , Ji X. H. , An Q. L. , Lu Y. M. , Cao P. J. , Liu W. J. , Zeng Y. X. , Jia F. , Liu X. K. , Zhu D. L.
Published: October 2017

UV detectors based on mixed-phase MgZnO thin films, synthesized at 24 J cm−2and 26 J cm−2, could detect faint deep UV light under strong background noise.
Doping porphyrin-based bulk heterojunction solar cells with LITFSI and TFSA
Authors: Chen Xuebin , Liang Tianxiang , Gao Ke , Peng Xiaobin , Cao Yong
Published: October 2017

The performance of solar cells based on a porphyrin small molecule is enhanced by LITFSI and TFSA dopants.
K7Ca9[Si2O7]4F:Ce3+: a novel blue-emitting phosphor with good thermal stability for ultraviolet-excited light emitting diodes
Authors: Geng Wanying , Zhou Xufeng , Ding Jianyan , Li Gen , Wang Yuhua
Published: October 2017

A new blue emitting phosphor K7Ca9[Si2O7]4F:Ce3+with good thermal stability was successfully synthesized.
Mesoscale organization of titania thin films enables oxygen sensing at room temperature
Authors: Rassu Pietro , Malfatti Luca , Carboni Davide , Casula Maria F. , Garroni Sebastiano , Zampetti Emiliano , Macagnano Antonella , Bearzotti Andrea , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: October 2017

We developed an oxygen sensor based on mesoporous titania films working at RT under UV irradiation. Due to larger surface area and number of defects, the mesoporous film exhibits a response higher than dense titania.
Silicon phthalocyanines as dopant red emitters for efficient solution processed OLEDs
Authors: Pearson Andrew J. , Plint Trevor , Jones Saul T. E. , Lessard Benoit H. , Credgington Dan , Bender Timothy P. , Greenham Neil C.
Published: October 2017

The optical characterisation and device functionality for a series of axially modified silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs) as dopant red emitters in solution-processed and vapour-deposited organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) is presented.
Arylene–vinylene terpyridine conjugates: highly sensitive, reusable and simple fluorescent probes for the detection of nitroaromatics
Authors: Sil Amit , Giri Dipanjan , Patra Sanjib K.
Published: October 2017

A series of highly emissive arylene–vinylene terpyridine conjugates have been developed for the detection of nitroaromatic (NAC) explosives as efficient and reusable fluorescent probes.
Towards a greater reliability of driver/device communication around the system life cycle through a contract‐based protocol specification
Authors: Macieira Rafael Melo , Barros Edna
Published: October 2017

Vehicle computers, Internet of Things and cyber‐physical systems are all examples of electronic devices in which embedded systems require greater flexibility to process different types of applications and communication protocols. High flexibility requires the use of general purpose processors as a solution for configuring and controlling several peripherals. However, this also increases the need for hardware‐dependent software. Since this is a highly critical and error‐prone component due to the nature of its coding and the surrounding environment, it is essential to support the development and runtime phases through methodologies that can detect violations and errors when accessing devices by monitoring the communication protocol. This approach proposes a technique for monitoring temporal properties in high‐level communication protocols between devices and drivers using a contract‐based specification mechanism for describing the interface and protocol. From this specification, a monitoring module is synthesised, which can detect violation during the simulation of virtual platforms or execution of hardware platforms. The proposed specification language is a domain‐specific language that supports platform‐based design and enables the iteractive refinement of communication protocol and temporal property specifications along with platform stepwise implementation. Some experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed approach for detecting errors in device drivers and device access violation.
New design method for multi‐stack disc‐type hysteresis motors based on analytical calculations
Authors: Tahanian Hamed , Darabi Ahmad
Published: October 2017

Hysteresis motors are widely employed for a variety of high speed applications, thanks to their unique features. Usual design methods could not be used for these motors since the operation mechanism of hysteresis motors is also unique. However, an appropriately developed design method has not been provided by the few relevant published works. This study presents a new iterative design method, which is capable of being used for almost all hysteresis motor structures. Also, it is almost independent of the approach of obtaining the design equations. Multi‐stack disc‐type slotless structure has been selected as the case study, because of its interesting capabilities. Its design equations are derived by combining the fundamental laws of electromagnetism with the elliptical model of hysteresis loops. Some new techniques are introduced to increase the accuracy of these equations. A sample motor has been designed by applying the direct search optimisation to the proposed design method. The prototyped sample motor has been subjected to various tests. The measured operating characteristics show a great agreement with the design requirements.
Information geometry for model identification and parameter estimation in renewable energy – DFIG plant case
Authors: Sarić Andrija T. , Transtrum Mark K. , Stanković Aleksandar M.
Published: October 2017

This study describes a new class of system identification procedures, tailored to electric power systems with renewable resources. The procedure described here builds on computational advances in differential geometry, and offers a new, global, and intrinsic characterisation of challenges in data‐derived identification of electric power systems. The approach benefits from increased availability of high‐quality measurements. The procedure is illustrated on the multi‐machine benchmark example of IEEE 14‐bus system with renewable resources, but it is equally applicable to identification of other components and systems (e.g. dynamic loads). The authors consider doubly‐fed induction generators (DFIG) operating in a wind farm with system level proportional–integral controllers.
Integrated framework for real‐time urban network travel time prediction on sparse probe data
Authors: Cebecauer Matej , Jenelius Erik , Burghout Wilco
Published: October 2017

The study presents the methodology and system architecture of an integrated urban road network travel time prediction framework based on low‐frequency probe vehicle data. Intended applications include real‐time network traffic management, vehicle routing and information provision. The framework integrates methods for receiving a stream of probe vehicle data, map matching and path inference, link travel time estimation, calibration of prediction model parameters and network travel time prediction in real time. The system design satisfies three crucial aspects: computational efficiency of prediction, internal consistency between components and robustness against noisy and missing data. Prediction is based on a multivariate hybrid method of probabilistic principal component analysis, which captures global correlation patterns between links and time intervals, and local smoothing, which considers local correlations among neighbouring links. Computational experiments for the road network of Stockholm, Sweden and probe data from taxis show that the system provides high accuracy for both peak and off‐peak traffic conditions. The computational efficiency of the framework makes it capable of real‐time prediction for large‐scale networks. For links with large speed variations between days, prediction significantly outperforms the historical mean. Furthermore, prediction is reliable also for links with high proportions of missing data.
Circumstellar ammonia in oxygen-rich evolved stars
Authors: Wong K. T. , Menten K. M. , Kamiński T. , Wyrowski F. , Lacy J. H. , Greathouse T. K.
Published: October 2017

Context. The circumstellar ammonia (NH3) chemistry in evolved stars is poorly understood. Previous observations and modelling showed that NH3 abundance in oxygen-rich stars is several orders of magnitude above that predicted by equilibrium chemistry.

Aims. We would like to characterise the spatial distribution and excitation of NH3 in the oxygen-rich circumstellar envelopes (CSEs) of four diverse targets: IK Tau, VY CMa, OH 231.8+4.2, and IRC +10420.

Methods. We observed NH3 emission from the ground state in the inversion transitions near 1.3 cm with the Very Large Array (VLA) and submillimetre rotational transitions with the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) aboard Herschel Space Observatory from all four targets. For IK Tau and VY CMa, we observed NH3 rovibrational absorption lines in the ν2 band near 10.5 μm with the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF). We also attempted to search for the rotational transition within the excited vibrational state (v2 = 1) near 2 mm with the IRAM 30m Telescope. Non-LTE radiative transfer modelling, including radiative pumping to the vibrational state, was carried out to derive the radial distribution of NH3 in the CSEs of these targets.

Results. We detected NH3 inversion and rotational emission in all four targets. IK Tau and VY CMa show blueshifted absorption in the rovibrational spectra. We did not detect vibrationally excited rotational transition from IK Tau. Spatially resolved VLA images of IK Tau and IRC +10420 show clumpy emission structures; unresolved images of VY CMa and OH 231.8+4.2 indicate that the spatial-kinematic distribution of NH3 is similar to that of assorted molecules, such as SO and SO2, that exhibit localised and clumpy emission. Our modelling shows that the NH3 abundance relative to molecular hydrogen is generally of the order of 10−7, which is a few times lower than previous estimates that were made without considering radiative pumping and is at least ten times higher than that in the carbon-rich CSE of IRC +10216. NH3 in OH 231.8+4.2 and IRC +10420 is found to emit in gas denser than the ambient medium. Incidentally, we also derived a new period of IK Tau from its V-band light curve.

Conclusions. NH3 is again detected in very high abundance in evolved stars, especially the oxygen-rich ones. Its emission mainly arises from localised spatial-kinematic structures that are probably denser than the ambient gas. Circumstellar shocks in the accelerated wind may contribute to the production of NH3. Future mid-infrared spectroscopy and radio imaging studies are necessary to constrain the radii and physical conditions of the formation regions of NH3.
Transpancreatic precut papillotomy versus double-guidewire technique in difficult biliary cannulation: prospective randomized study
Authors: Sugiyama Harutoshi , Tsuyuguchi Toshio , Sakai Yuji , Mikata Rintaro , Yasui Shin , Watanabe Yuto , Sakamoto Dai , Nakamura Masato , Nishikawa Takao
Published: October 2017

Background and study aims Difficult biliary cannulation and unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation are thought to be important contributors to pancreatitis occurring after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Our aim was to compare and evaluate the rates of success and complications of transpancreatic precut papillotomy (TPPP) and the double-guidewire technique (DGT), both with prophylactic pancreatic stenting.

Patients and methods From April 2011 to March 2014, patients with difficult biliary cannulation, in whom we planned to first position a guidewire in the pancreatic duct, were enrolled, and 68 patients were prospectively randomly allocated to two groups (TPPP 34, DGT 34). We evaluated the rates of success and complications for each group.

Results TPPP had a significantly higher success rate (94.1 %) than DGT (58.8 %). The rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis was 2.9 % in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the overall rate of complications related to cannulation.

Conclusion If biliary cannulation cannot be achieved, TPPP should be selected first after unintentional pancreatic duct cannulation.

University Hospital Medical Information Network identifier: UMIN000008200
Cold-forceps avulsion with adjuvant snare-tip soft coagulation (CAST) is an effective and safe strategy for the management of non-lifting large laterally spreading colonic lesions
Authors: Tate David , Bahin Farzan , Desomer Lobke , Sidhu Mayenaaz , Gupta Vikas , Bourke Michael
Published: October 2017

Background and aims Non-lifting large laterally spreading colorectal lesions (LSLs) are challenging to resect endoscopically and often necessitate surgery. A safe, simple technique to treat non-lifting LSLs endoscopically with robust long-term outcomes has not been described.

Methods In this single-center prospective observational study of consecutive patients referred for endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of LSLs ≥ 20 mm, LSLs not completely resectable by snare because of non-lifting underwent standardized completion of resection with cold-forceps avulsion and adjuvant snare-tip soft coagulation (CAST). Scheduled surveillance colonoscopies were performed at 4 – 6 months (SC1) and 18 months (SC2). Primary outcomes were endoscopic evidence of adenoma clearance and avoidance of surgery. The secondary outcome was safety.

Results From January 2012 to October 2016, 540 lifting LSLs (82.2 %) underwent complete snare excision at EMR. CAST was required for complete removal in 101 non-lifting LSLs (17.8 %): 63 naïve non-lifting lesions (NNLs; 62.7 %) and 38 previously attempted non-lifting lesions (PANLs; 37.3 %). PANLs were smaller (P < 0.001) and more likely to be non-granular (P = 0.001) than the lifting LSLs. NNLs were of similar size (P = 0.77) and morphology (P = 0.10) to the lifting LSLs. CAST was successful in all cases and adverse events were comparable to lifting LSLs resected by complete snare excision. Recurrence at SC1 was comparable for PANLs (15.2 %) and lifting LSLs (15.3 %; P = 0.99), whereas NNLs recurred more frequently (27.5 %; P = 0.049); however, surgery was no more common for either type of non-lifting LSL than for lifting LSLs.

Conclusion CAST is a safe, effective, and surgery-sparing therapy for the majority of non-lifting LSLs. It is easy to use, inexpensive, and does not require additional equipment.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 2000141
Strong bonding and high spin-polarization of lanthanide atoms on vacancies in graphene
Authors: Li Shujing , Zhou Mei , Li Gang , Zheng Fawei , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2017

The atomic structures, adsorption energies, and spin polarizations of lanthanide (Ln = La-Gd) atoms adsorbed on the single and double vacancies in graphene are investigated systematically by the first- principles calculations. The calculations show that the Ln atoms adsorb on the centers of the vacancies with large adsorption energies, in the range of 3.57 ∼ 8.45 eV. The adsorbed Ln atoms also dope a large number of electrons into the graphene. Most of the Ln atoms are highly spin-polarized. The strong adsorption and high spin polarization gives these systems potential application in spintronic and catalyst materials.
Impact of Ta and W-based spacers in double MgO STT-MRAM free layers on perpendicular anisotropy and damping
Authors: Couet S. , Devolder T. , Swerts J. , Mertens S. , Lin T. , Liu E. , Van Elshocht S. , Sankar Kar G.
Published: October 2017

Free layers with double MgO/CoFeB interfaces are an established solution for improving the thermal stability at small device dimensions in perpendicular spin transfer torque-magnetic random access memory devices. A thin spacer layer, composed usually of Ta, W, Hf, etc., is used to ease crystallization and improve the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Here, we use ferromagnetic resonance to evaluate the impact of Ta or W containing spacer layers on the intrinsic anisotropy Hk and damping α parameters. While both spacer materials enable similar tunnel magneto-resistance and anisotropy values, W typically generates a higher damping. Ta-based spacers are therefore likely better candidates for very low switching current applications.
Geometric effect in a vertical stack-up metal-insulator-metal tunnel diode
Authors: Shin Jeong Hee , Yang Jae Hoon , Heo Su Jin , Jang Jae Eun
Published: October 2017

The geometric effect was investigated in a vertically designed metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunnel diode for which a narrow tunneling distance can be controlled easily and reliably, with the goal of enhancing rectifying efficiency, based on the angle of a pointed shape electrode and various thicknesses of insulator material. Although MIM tunneling diodes can provide ultra- high working speeds (>THz), the very low contrast ratio between forward and reverse currents results in poor rectifying efficiency. An asymmetric geometry design with two metal electrodes can be an effective approach for enhancing the contrast ratio between the tunneling currents. Using a sharp electrode with a pointed shape, it was determined that the rectifying efficiency and tunneling probability could be increased impressively depending on the angle of the pointed shape of the electrode. Moreover, the selection of insulation material was also important for improving efficiency. Although the band gap of Al2O3 is larger than that of HfO2, the rectifying efficiency was significantly improved by blocking reverse current well. In general, large band gap insulator materials are inappropriate for a tunneling device, due to the low tunneling current. However, in our approach, since the issue of low tunneling probability is compensated by the sharp tip structure, the larger band gap insulator produced better rectifying efficiency with the appropriate current density. The results of this study demonstrated that geometric design could be a possible solution to increase rectifying efficiency. If the geometric effect in the tunneling diode structures will be optimized more, it can improve the applicability of vertical stack-up MIM tunnel diode to THz switching devices, tunneling transistors and ultra-high speed electronics.
Thin film conductors for self-equalizing cables
Authors: Owen G. , Trutna W. R. , Orsley T. J. , Lucia F. , Daly C. B.
Published: October 2017

Self-equalizing cables using hollow conductors with wall thickness less than the skin depth were proposed in 1929. However, they do not appear ever to have been widely used, although the idea has resurfaced and been refined from time to time. In the early 2000’s, self-equalizing conductors consisting of solid magnetic steel cores coated with silver were developed by W.L. Gore, and used in their 2.5 Gb/s “Eye-Opener” cables, although higher speed versions never appeared. We have revived the original 1929 idea, proposing to use glass as a solid insulating core. This technology can potentially work at frequencies of many 10’s of GHz. Possible uses include short range GHz links such as USB and Thunderbolt, and intra-rack interconnections in data centers. Our feasibility experiments have validated the principle. Copper coated glass fibers can, in principle, be manufactured, but in these tests, the conductors were capillaries internally coated with silver as these are easily obtainable, relatively inexpensive and serve to test the concept. The performance of these experimental twin lead cables corresponds to calculations, confirming the general principle. By calculation, we have compared the performance of cables made from copper-on-insulator conductors to that of similar cables made with solid copper conductors, and verified that copper-on-insulator cables have significantly less frequency dependent loss. We have also made and tested cables with copper on PEEK conductors as surrogates for copper on glass fiber.
Energy management contract with subsidy
Authors: Chen You-hua , Nie Pu-yan , Yang Yong-cong
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a theoretical study of the effects of subsidizing energy contracts. The major findings are as follows. First, under the pressure of competition, technology promotion of energy service companies (ESCOs) reduces the price of energy contracts, while improving both demand and energy conservation. Second, subsidies for energy contracts improve market demand, ESCOs' profits, and energy conservation. Finally, subsidies stimulate ESCOs' ability to innovate, whereas competition deters innovation.
An assessment of weed flora 14 years after the introduction of glyphosate-tolerant cotton in Australia
Authors: Manalil Sudheesh , Werth Jeff , Jackson Rod , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh , Preston Christopher
Published: October 2017

Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) cotton offers a multitude of benefits such as broad-spectrum and cost-effective weed control, simple weed management, and reduced impact on the environment. However, high adoption rates of GT cotton have led to overreliance on glyphosate in weed management and have decreased the use of other herbicide options and non-chemical weed-management strategies, possibly leading to the emergence of many resistant weeds. Previous surveys in 2006 and 2011 in the cotton-growing regions of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland, Australia, indicated changes in weed populations over the period and increased prevalence of several weeds. These two surveys indicated increased dominance of Conyza bonariensis, Echinochloa colona, and Chloris virgata in these regions. Periodic weed surveys are necessary to assess weed population dynamics and shifts due to overreliance on glyphosate for weed management. A survey was carried out in the cotton-growing regions of NSW and Queensland in 2014–15, covering 135 fields. Survey results indicated the emergence of volunteer GT cotton as the most common weed present across all of the cotton-growing regions, occurring in 85% of fields, followed by E. colona (67% of fields surveyed), and C. bonariensis and Sonchus oleraceus, which were present in 51% of fields. The most prevalent grass weed after E. colona was C. virgata (37%). Broadleaf weeds Ipomoea lonchophylla and Amaranthus mitchellii were present in 40% and 37% of fields, respectively. Regional-level analysis indicated greater prevalence of Sesbania cannabina and Parthenium hysterophorus in Emerald region of Queensland. Lolium rigidum was present in the Griffith and Warren area of NSW during summer, even though it is a winter weed. The results of this study indicate integration of diversified weed-management options and inclusion of both non-chemical and chemical options because many major weeds observed in this study are tolerant to glyphosate and have already evolved resistance to glyphosate.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A isoforms is dysregulated in women with endometriosis
Authors: Danastas Kevin , Miller Emily J. , Hey-Cunningham Alison J. , Murphy Christopher R. , Lindsay Laura A.
Published: October 2017

Angiogenesis is a critical step in the development of ectopic lesions during endometriosis. Although total vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A is elevated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis, there are contradictory reports on how levels of total endometrial VEGFA are altered in this disease. Furthermore, limited research is available on different VEGFA isoforms in women with endometriosis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyse levels of various VEGFA isoforms in women with and without endometriosis at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that total VEGFA was highest during menstruation in endometriosis compared with controls (P = 0.0373). VEGF121 and VEGF189 were similarly highest during menstruation in endometriosis compared with controls (P = 0.0165 and 0.0154 respectively). The present study is also the first to identify the natural expression of VEGF111 in human tissue, which is also highest during menstruation in endometriosis (P = 0.0464). This discovery of the natural production of VEGF111 in human endometrium, as well as the upregulation of VEGFA isoforms during menstruation in endometriosis, may shed further light on the development and progression of the disease, and improve our understanding of the regulation of endometrial angiogenesis.
Fishery and Hatchery Effects on an Endangered Salmon Population with Low Productivity
Authors: Winship1 Arliss J. , O'Farrell Michael R. , Mohr Michael S.
Published: October 2017

We estimated the natural spawner–fry stock–recruitment relationship and juvenile survival rates for Sacramento River winter Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in California and used these estimates to examine the expected numbers of spawners and fishing mortality under different fishing mortality rates and levels of hatchery supplementation. A stochastic, age‐structured population dynamics model was fit to fry and female spawner abundance data for the years 1996–2010. Estimated survival rates of fry through the end of the first year in the ocean were generally <0.5%. Estimated survival rates of hatchery‐origin fish from egg to the end of the first year in the ocean were on average about four times greater than the estimated maximum rate for natural‐origin fish. The hatchery program was estimated to increase the number of spawners returning to natural spawning areas and thereby increase the fishing mortality rate that could be sustained. Assessing the past or future net effect of the hatchery on the size of the natural population would require quantifying any potential reduction in the productivity of the natural population as a result of reduced fitness of hatchery‐origin fish spawning in natural spawning areas.

Received February 21, 2013; accepted December 14, 2013.
Is Mobility a Fixed Trait? Summer Movement Patterns of Catostomids using PIT Telemetry
Authors: Booth Michael T. , Flecker Alexander S. , Hairston Nelson G.
Published: October 2017

Fish populations are composed of a mixture of sedentary and mobile individuals, but it is not clear whether movement behavior is plastic or fixed for individuals and what proportion of the population exhibits mobile behavior. To investigate the mobility and movement patterns of two common species of suckers, the Sonora Sucker Catostomus insignis and the Desert Sucker Catostomus clarkii, in the Gila River of western New Mexico, we tracked 449 individuals over three summers using passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry. Both species were mobile and the typical linear home ranges for mobile individuals exceeded 150 m, but approximately 25% of individuals were detected only in a single habitat segment. We observed increased movement after spates caused by summer monsoon rains, and fish used areas of the stream differently under high‐ and low‐flow conditions. Fish moved farther between years than within years, but a subset of individuals were found in the same locations from year to year. For the study species, movement behavior does not appear to be a fixed trait for individuals, and many individuals exhibited both stationary and mobile behavior among years. We also investigated whether sample size biased the estimates of movement parameters. We concluded that movement parameters would be underestimated by 20–50% if we had tracked fewer individuals, but the degree to which the parameters were biased varied from year to year.

Received August 7, 2013; accepted January 23, 2014