bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low-Dose Flumioxazin and Metribuzin Postemergence Applications on Soybean
Authors: Stephenson Daniel O. , Spivey Todd A. , Deliberto Michael A. , Blouin David C. , Woolam Brandi C. , Buck Trace B.
Published: December 2018

All herbicides will move off-target to sensitive crops when not applied correctly. Therefore, low-dose applications of flumioxazin and metribuzin were evaluated in soybean at the unifoliate, V2, and V4 growth stages. Rates evaluated were 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of the labeled use rates of 72 and 316 g ai ha−1 of flumioxazin and metribuzin, respectively. Flumioxazin injury was characterized by necrosis and visible height and width reduction. Injury increased with rate 3 d after treatment (DAT), with unifoliate, V2, and V4 soybean injured 15% to 30%, 18% to 27%, and 5% to 8%, respectively. Unifoliate and V4 soybean were injured more than V4 soybean 3 to 14 DAT, but injury decreased to <5% by 42 DAT. Soybean yields in the flumioxazin study were 92% to 96% of the nontreated, resulting in a yield loss of 196 to 393 kg ha−1 and a revenue loss of 71 to 141 US$ ha−1. Metribuzin injury was primarily chlorosis with necrosis and a visible reduction in soybean height and width. Soybean at the V2 growth stage was injured 14% more than V4 soybean 3 DAT, regardless of metribuzin rate. Injury to V2 and V4 soybean was similar 14 DAT, with injury of 21% to 40% across rates. Soybean injury when treated at the V2 and V4 growth stages was 6% to 29% 42 DAT compared to unifoliate soybean at 0 to 17%. Soybean yields in the metribuzin study yields were 96% to 98% of the nontreated. However, a 2% to 4% reduction equates to a loss of 90 to 180 kg ha−1 and a revenue loss of 32 to 65 US$ ha−1. Unifoliate and V2 soybean are more sensitive to a low dose of flumioxazin POST, and V2 and V4 soybean are more sensitive to a low dose of metribuzin POST. Injury and the impact on soybean growth could potentially cause economic loss for a soybean producer.
Wirksamkeit eines angeleiteten kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischen Selbsthilfeprogramms zur Be­handlung der Binge-Eating-Störung
Authors: Wyssen Andrea , Forrer Felicitas , Meyer Andrea H. , Munsch Simone
Published: December 2018

Zusammenfassung. Das Hauptmerkmal der Binge-Eating-Störung (BES) sind Essanfälle, bei denen Betroffene das Gefühl des Kontrollverlusts erleben und große Mengen an Nahrung in einem abgrenzbaren Zeitraum zu sich nehmen. Essanfälle sind bei der BES nicht gefolgt von ­Kompensationsverhalten, führen zu einem hohen Leidensdruck und sind in vielen Fällen assoziiert mit Übergewicht. Manualisierte kognitiv-­verhaltenstherapeutische Behandlungsprogramme im Einzel- und Gruppensetting zur Therapie der BES haben sich in kontrollierten Studien als wirksam erwiesen. Auf der Grundlage eines etablierten Behandlungsmanuals wurde ein Selbsthilferatgeber für Betroffene publiziert und in der vorliegenden Studie in Rahmen eines buchbasierten angeleiteten Selbsthilfeprogramms (ASH-Programm) unter natürlichen klinischen ­Rahmenbedingungen überprüft. 22 Patienten (21 Frauen, 1 Mann; Durchschnittsalter 35.82 Jahre (SD = 10.35 Jahre)) nahmen am 8-wöchigen ­ASH-Programm zur Behandlung der BES gefolgt von drei Auffrischungssitzungen über 6 Monate teil. Zwei Patienten (9.1 %) beendeten das ­ASH-Programm während der aktiven Behandlungsphase vorzeitigt (Dropout). Die Anzahl wöchentlicher Essanfälle und die Essstörungspsychopathologie (restriktives Essverhalten, Figursorgen, Gewichtssorgen, essensbezogene Sorgen) reduzierten sich bis zum Ende der aktiven Behandlungsphase signifikant. In den Auffrischungssitzungen konnte eine Stabilisierung der erreichten Abnahme an wöchentlichen Essanfällen und Essstörungspsychopathologie verzeichnet werden. Bis zum Ende der Auffrischungssitzungen, 1, 3 und 6 Monate nach dem Ende der aktiven Behandlungsphase nahm zudem auch die allgemeine Psychopathologie (depressive- und Angstsymptomatik) signifikant ab. Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass das vorliegende ASH-Programm wirksam für die Behandlung der BES ist.
An Instrument Anomaly in the Mars Exploration Rover Pancam 1,009‐nm Filter (R7): Characterization, Simulation, Correction, and Preliminary Verification
Authors: Jakobsen Simone J. , Kinch Kjartan M. , Madsen Morten Bo , Bell James F. , Wellington Danika , Dajose Lorinda , Alizai Khaled
Published: December 2018

During pre‐flight calibration of the panoramic camera (Pancam) instrument on board the Mars Exploration Rovers MER A (Spirit) and MER B (Opportunity), a discrepancy was noted between 11‐band spectra extracted from Pancam images of the camera's radiometric calibration target and reflectance spectra obtained with a spectrometer. This discrepancy was observed in the longest‐wavelength filter of the camera (the longpass R7 filter with system λeff = 1,009 nm) and consisted of a reduction in contrast between bright and dark regions. Here we describe and characterize this effect. We propose that the effect arises because long‐wavelength photons close to the silicon band‐gap at 1,100 nm are allowed through the R7 filter, pass through the bulk charge‐coupled device, scatter from the backside, pass through the charge‐coupled device again, and are registered in a pixel other than the pixel through which they originally entered. Based on this hypothesis we develop a model capable of accurately simulating the effect, and correct for it. We present preliminary results from testing this correction on preflight, as well as in‐flight, images. The effect is small, but in some specific cases in small regions of high contrast, the effect is significant. In in‐flight images of Martian terrain we observed the signal in dark shadows to be artificially inflated by up to ∼ 33% and analysis of early‐mission calibration target images indicated that the reduced contrast due to the artifact is equivalent to >100 DN (full well = 4095 DN) for a hypothetical perfectly dark pixel.
A Deep Learning Parameterization for Ozone Dry Deposition Velocities
Authors: Silva S. J. , Heald C. L. , Ravela S. , Mammarella I. , Munger J. W.
Published: December 2018

The loss of ozone to terrestrial and aquatic systems, known as dry deposition, is a highly uncertain process governed by turbulent transport, interfacial chemistry, and plant physiology. We demonstrate the value of using Deep Neural Networks (DNN) in predicting ozone dry deposition velocities. We find that a feedforward DNN trained on observations from a coniferous forest site (Hyytiälä, Finland) can predict hourly ozone dry deposition velocities at a mixed forest site (Harvard Forest, Massachusetts) more accurately than modern theoretical models, with a reduction in the normalized mean bias (0.05 versus ~0.1). The same DNN model, when driven by assimilated meteorology at 2° × 2.5° spatial resolution, outperforms the Wesely scheme as implemented in the GEOS‐Chem model. With more available training data from other climate and ecological zones, this methodology could yield a generalizable DNN suitable for global models.
Low‐Density Cell of the Thermosphere at High Latitudes Revisited
Authors: Guo Dongjie , Lei Jiuhou , Ridley Aaron , Ren Dexin
Published: December 2018

The density cell structure in the high‐latitude thermosphere is referred to as the density enhancement or depletion with respect to the surrounding area. Previous simulation results showed that the density cells are only observed below about 350 km. In the present work, the global ionosphere‐thermosphere model is used to investigate the mechanism for the absence of the isolated density cell in the high‐altitude thermosphere during geomagnetic quiet time. The simulation results indicate that the ion convection tends to drive a neutral cyclonic flow on the dawnside of the Magnetic Pole in both the low‐ and high‐altitude thermosphere. Around the center of the cyclonic flow, a downward wind is formed as a consequence of mass conservation. It is interesting that under the influence of the downward flow, a density depletion relative to the background density with the same magnitude is generated inside the cyclone, which is independent of altitude. In the low‐altitude thermosphere, this density depletion is shown as an isolated low‐density cell. However, in the high‐altitude thermosphere, the ion drag‐driven density depletion turns to be an insignificant structure, as compared to the strong day‐night gradient of the background neutral density. Consequently, the isolated low‐density cell does not stand out in the high‐altitude thermosphere.
The Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS): Description and Validation
Authors: Banjac Saša , Herbst Konstantin , Heber Bernd
Published: December 2018

We present the Atmospheric Radiation Interaction Simulator (AtRIS), a newly developed GEANT4‐based code tailored specifically to enable parametric studies of radiation propagation through various (exo)planetary atmospheres. Its main purpose is to model the altitude‐dependent atmospheric secondary particle environment and to calculate the ion pair production rates, which are a mandatory input for atmospheric chemistry models in order to, for example, directly characterize the habitability of the modeled planet. Similar codes have been developed previously (e.g., PLANETOCOSMICS; Desorgher, et al., ); however, until now, none possesses the necessary flexibility in the specification of the atmosphere and the regolith that is necessary to model planets outside our solar system. Here we provide a detailed description of AtRIS and its validation against earthbound measurements. For validation, we show comparisons against Earth measurements. Thereby, the focus is on the atmospheric altitude‐dependent ionization, the surface muon, and the neutron fluxes, as well as the primary proton fluxes. Furthermore, a comparison of the computed energy losses of monoenergetic protons based on AtRIS and PLANETOCOSMICS is shown. Our aim is to demonstrate the validity of AtRIS and its importance for future studies on, for example, potential (Earth‐like) exoplanets.
Weaning Stress Perturbs Gut Microbiome and Its Metabolic Profile in Piglets
Authors: Li Yuan , Guo Yong , Wen Zhengshun , Jiang Xuemei , Ma Xin , Han Xinyan
Published: December 2018

Weaned piglets are vulnerable to nutritional, physiological, and psychological stressors, leading to abrupt taxonomic and functional shifts in the intestinal microbiome. In this study, an integrated approach combination of 16S rDNA gene sequencing and the mass spectrometry-based metabolomics techniques was used to investigate the effects of weaning stress on intestinal microbial composition and its metabolic profiles of piglets. Three litters of suckling piglets with same parity were chosen. The samples of colonic contents were collected from each selected piglets (weaned day, 3 days after weaned) for microbial and metabolomics analysis. The results showed that Lachnospiraceae, Negativicutes, Selenomonadales, Campylobacterales and other 15 species increased after weaning, while Porphyromonadaceace, Alloprevotella, Barnesiella and Oscillibacter decreased. Based on the function profiles prediction and metabolomic analysis, five key metabolic pathways including Phenylalanine metabolism, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), Glycolysis or Gluconeogenesis, Propanoate metabolism, Nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism might be the relevant pathways involved in weaning stress-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. Taken together, these results indicated that weaning stress not only changed microbial composition and function but altered the microbial metabolic profiles in the intestine, which might provide a new insight in alleviating weaning stress and facilitating disease prevention during the period of weaning in piglets.
A simple approach for the ultrasensitive detection of paraquat residue in adzuki beans by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Tsen Chao-Ming , Yu Ching-Wei , Chuang Wei-Chen , Chen Ming-Jun , Lin Shao-Kai , Shyu Tsyr-Horng , Wang Yung-Hsiang , Li Cheng-Chien , Chao Wei-Chung , Chuang Chun-Yu
Published: December 2018

Paraquat (PQ), has been used in many countries for controlling weed growth in agriculture because of its quick-acting and nonselective contact with green plant tissue.
Characteristic fingerprint spectrum of neurotransmitter norepinephrine with broadband terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Zhongjie , Cheng Chao , Chang Chao , Ren Guanhua , Zhang Jianbing , Peng Yan , Han Jiaguang , Zhao Hongwei
Published: December 2018

A broadband THz absorption spectrum of NE corresponds to specific vibrational modes.
Oligomer based real-time detection of microorganisms producing nuclease enzymes
Authors: Mozioğlu Erkan , Akyürek Sema , Gündüz Simay , Akgoz Muslum , Gören Ahmet C. , Kocagöz Tanıl
Published: December 2018

In this study, we provide a method using fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides for the diagnosis of microorganisms producing nucleases in real time, while growing them in culture media.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed regioselective oxidative annulation of anilines and allylbenzenes via C(sp3)–H/C(sp2)–H bond cleavage
Authors: Liu Yunqi , Yang Yudong , Wang Chunxia , Wang Zhishuo , You Jingsong
Published: December 2018

As a proof-of-concept, we disclose the rhodium-catalyzed oxidative annulation of anilines with allylbenzenes to afford a variety of indoles, in which the allylic C(sp3)–H activation and directed C(sp2)–H activation are merged into a single approach for the first time.
A new polymorph of the common coformer isonicotinamide
Authors: Vicatos Alexios I. , Caira Mino R.
Published: December 2018

A polymorph of the widely employed coformer isonicotinamide crystallizing in the space group Pca21 is described for the first time.
Using fast scanning calorimetry to detect guest-induced polymorphism by irreversible phase transitions in the nanogram scale
Authors: Gataullina Karina V. , Buzyurov Aleksey V. , Ziganshin Marat A. , Padnya Pavel L. , Stoikov Ivan I. , Schick Christoph , Gorbatchuk Valery V.
Published: December 2018

Fast scanning calorimetry with a heating rate of 1000 K s−1enables successful screening of polymorphs for separate microcrystalline aggregates in thiacalixarene powder.
The dramatic effect of N-methylimidazole on trans axial ligand binding to ferric heme: experiment and theory
Authors: Aarabi Mohammad , Omidyan Reza , Soorkia Satchin , Grégoire Gilles , Broquier Michel , Crestoni Maria-Elisa , de la Lande Aurélien , Soep Benoît , Shafizadeh Niloufar
Published: December 2018

The presence of histidine or its mimic methylimidazole as the axial ligand on ferric heme dramatically weakens the opposite ferric–ligand bond.
How reactant polarization can be used to change the effect of interference on reactive collisions
Authors: Jambrina P. G. , Menéndez M. , Zanchet A. , García E. , Aoiz F. J.
Published: December 2018

Changes in the reactants' polarization have a strong effect on the shape of the differential cross sections when they are governed by interferences between two or more mechanisms.
A journal with real impact: responsive, reliable, and thought-provoking
Authors: Novak Paige J.
Published: December 2018

Paige J. Novak summarizes recent news from Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology and looks forward to further developments in 2019.
Eco-friendly acetylcholine-carboxylate bio-ionic liquids for controllable N-methylation and N-formylation using ambient CO2 at low temperatures
Authors: Zhao Wenfeng , Chi Xiaoping , Li Hu , He Jian , Long Jingxuan , Xu Yufei , Yang Song
Published: December 2018

A sustainable and recyclable ionic liquid catalytic system is developed to be efficient in N-methylation or N-formylation of amines with CO2 under mild conditions.
An integrated multi-molecular sensor for simultaneous BRAFV600E protein and DNA single point mutation detection in circulating tumour cells
Authors: Dey Shuvashis , Koo Kevin M. , Wang Zhaoran , Sina Abu A. I. , Wuethrich Alain , Trau Matt
Published: December 2018

We report an integrated multi-molecular sensor (IMMS) platform for an entire sample-to-answer protocol encompassing melanoma cell capture in biological fluids, on-chip cell lysis, and combined quantification of intracellular BRAFV600E DNA and protein amounts.
Flame-retardant thermoplastics derived from plant cell wall polymers by single ionic liquid substitution
Authors: Nishita Ryunosuke , Kuroda Kosuke , Ota Shohei , Endo Takatsugu , Suzuki Shiori , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji
Published: December 2018

We proposed flame retardant thermoplastics derived from plant-based polymers by substitution with a single phosphonate-type ionic liquid species.
2D group-VA fluorinated antimonene: synthesis and saturable absorption
Authors: Zhang Guangju , Tang Xian , Fu Xing , Chen Weicheng , Shabbir Babar , Zhang Han , Liu Qiang , Gong Mali
Published: December 2018

2D Group-VA fluorinated antimonene having an indirect bandgap was synthesized and the nonlinear optical response was studied.
Realization of an efficient electron source by ultraviolet-light-assisted field emission from a one-dimensional ZnO nanorods/n-GaN heterostructure photoconductive detector
Authors: Chen Yiren , Zhang Zhiwei , Jiang Hong , Li Zhiming , Miao Guoqing , Song Hang , Hu Liqin , Guo Tailiang
Published: December 2018

A type of UV-light-assisted positive-feedback enhanced field emission electron source is proposed.
Programmable soft robotics based on nano-textured thermo-responsive actuators
Authors: Kang Dong Jin , An Seongpil , Yarin Alexander L. , Anand Sushant
Published: December 2018

We demonstrate novel thermo-responsive nano-textured bio-mimetic programmable soft actuators based on liquid–vapor phase change. The combination of a soft matrix (a silicone-based elastomer) and a polyacrylonitrile nanofiber (PAN NF) mat provides a confined structure, which entraps ethanol and vapor.
A photoacoustic shockwave triggers the size shrinkage of nanoparticles to obviously improve tumor penetration and therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Chen Rong , Chen Qun , Qin Huan , Xing Da
Published: December 2018

Drug delivery to a tumor site with an insufficient microvascular network remains a challenge due to the size preference for transport in terms of circulation and distribution.
Significant enhancement of energy storage density and polarization in self-assembled PbZrO3 : NiO nano-columnar composite films
Authors: Chen M. J. , Ning X. K. , Wang S. F. , Fu G. S.
Published: December 2018

Self-assembled PbZrO3:NiO have been successfully fabricated. In this system, a giant recoverable energy storage density of 24.6 J cm−3and polarization ofPs = 91 μC cm−2were achieved.
Tailoring of structural and photoluminescence emissions by Mn and Cu co-doping in 2D nanostructures of ZnS for the visualization of latent fingerprints and generation of white light
Authors: Kumbhakar Partha , Biswas Subrata , Pandey Prafull , Tiwary Chandra S. , Kumbhakar Pathik
Published: December 2018

The “one-stone-two-birds” model for the simultaneous tuning of morphology and luminescence in Mn–Cu co-doped ZnS nanosheets for the detection of latent fingerprints.
Sb2Te3 topological insulator: surface plasmon resonance and application in refractive index monitoring
Authors: Lu Hua , Dai Siqing , Yue Zengji , Fan Yicun , Cheng Huachao , Di Jianglei , Mao Dong , Li Enpu , Mei Ting , Zhao Jianlin
Published: December 2018

The visible-range SPR on an Sb2Te3 topological insulator film is experimentally demonstrated and applied for the dynamic monitoring of refractive index variation.
How to control selectivity in alkane oxidation?
Authors: Li Xuan , Teschner Detre , Streibel Verena , Lunkenbein Thomas , Masliuk Liudmyla , Fu Teng , Wang Yuanqing , Jones Travis , Seitz Friedrich , Girgsdies Frank , Rosowski Frank , Schlögl Robert , Trunschke Annette
Published: December 2018

The bulk crystal structure of an oxidation catalyst as the most popular descriptor in oxidation catalysis is not solely responsible for catalytic performance.
An integrated-molecular-beacon based multiple exponential strand displacement amplification strategy for ultrasensitive detection of DNA methyltransferase activity
Authors: Cui Yun-Xi , Feng Xue-Nan , Wang Ya-Xin , Pan Hui-Yu , Pan Hua , Kong De-Ming
Published: December 2018

An ultra-sensitive biosensor using only two DNA oligos to initiate multiple signal amplification cycles.
Double trouble? Gag in conjunction with double insert in HIV protease contributes to reduced DRV susceptibility
Authors: Williams Alison , Basson Adriaan , Achilonu Ikechukwu , Dirr Heini W. , Morris Lynn , Sayed Yasien
Published: December 2018

HIV protease is essential for processing the Gag polyprotein to produce infectious virions and is a major target in antiretroviral therapy. We have identified an unusual HIV-1 subtype C variant that contains insertions of leucine and asparagine (L38↑N↑L) in the hinge region of protease at position 38. This was isolated from a protease inhibitor naïve infant. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that 10% less of L38↑N↑L protease was in the active conformation as compared with a reference strain. L38↑N↑L protease displayed a ±50% reduction in KM and kcat. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/KM) of L38↑N↑L protease was not significantly different from that of wild type although there was a 42% reduction in specific activity for the variant. An in vitro phenotypic assay showed the L38↑N↑L protease to be susceptible to lopinavir (LPV), atazanavir (ATV) and darunavir in the context of an unrelated Gag. However, in the presence of the related Gag, L38↑N↑L showed reduced susceptibility to darunavir while remaining susceptible to LPV and ATV. Furthermore, a reduction in viral replication capacity (RC) was observed in combination with the related Gag. The reduced susceptibility to darunavir and decrease in RC may be due to PTAPP duplication in the related Gag. The present study shows the importance of considering the Gag region when looking at drug susceptibility of HIV-1 protease variants.
The Mycoplasma pneumoniae HapE alters the cytokine profile and growth of human bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Li Shaoli , Xue Guanhua , Zhao Hanqing , Feng Yanling , Yan Chao , Cui Jinghua , Sun Hongmei
Published: December 2018

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogenic causes of community-acquired pneumonia. Hydrogen sulfide, alanine, and pyruvate producing enzyme (HapE) is a recently discovered M. pneumoniae virulence factor that can produce H2S to promote erythrocyte lysis. However, other cytotoxic effects of HapE have not been explored. The present study examined the effects of this enzyme on normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells, in an attempt to identify additional mechanisms of M. pneumoniae pathogenesis. Recombinant HapE was purified for use in downstream assays. MTT and colony formation assays were conducted to determine the effects of HapE on cell viability and growth, while flow cytometry was used to examine changes in cell proliferation and cell cycle function. ELISA was performed to examine changes in the cytokine profile of HapE-treated cells. HapE treatment arrested NHBE cells in S phase and inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-6 were significantly enhanced following HapE treatment. Increased secretion of pro-inflammatory factors was not observed. The effects of HapE on the respiratory epithelium may have an impact on the efficiency of host immune surveillance and pathogen elimination, and contribute to the pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae.
Low‐dose computed tomography scheme incorporating residual learning‐based denoising with iterative reconstruction
Authors: Ding Yong , Hu Tuo
Published: December 2018

Low‐dose computed tomography has been highly desirable because of the health concern about excessive radiation dose, but also challenging due to insufficient or noisy projection data. Compared with post‐processing methods by directly denoising filtered back‐projection images, iterative reconstruction achieves excellent performance but consumes a large number of iterations. In this Letter, a two‐stage method is proposed by incorporating residual learning‐based denoising with iterative reconstruction. First, an intermediate image is reconstructed by compressed sensing iterative reconstruction. Then, the image is denoised by a deep neural network. Specially, a network performing two‐level residual learning is designed to strengthen denoising effect. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms iterative reconstruction with better numeric results and comparable visual performance while consuming fewer iterations.
Estimation of respiratory rate from motion contaminated photoplethysmography signals incorporating accelerometry
Authors: Jarchi Delaram , Charlton Peter , Pimentel Marco , Casson Alex , Tarassenko Lionel , Clifton David A.
Published: December 2018

Estimation of respiratory rate (RR) from photoplethysmography (PPG) signals has important applications in the healthcare sector, from assisting doctors onwards to monitoring patients in their own homes. The problem is still very challenging, particularly during the motion for large segments of data, where results from different methods often do not agree. The authors aim to propose a new technique which performs motion reduction from PPG signals with the help of simultaneous acceleration signals where the PPG and accelerometer sensors need to be embedded in the same sensor unit. This method also reconstructs motion corrupted PPG signals in the Hilbert domain. An auto‐regressive (AR) based technique has been used to estimate the RR from reconstructed PPGs. The proposed method has provided promising results for the estimation of RRs and their variations from PPG signals corrupted with motion artefact. The proposed platform is able to contribute to continuous in‐hospital and home‐based monitoring of patients using PPG signals under various conditions such as rest and motion states.
Handover based on a predictive approach of signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio for heterogeneous cellular networks
Authors: Bastidas‐Puga Enrique R. , Andrade Ángel G. , Galaviz Guillermo , Covarrubias David H.
Published: December 2018

In mobile communication networks, the handover procedure enables a continuous communication service for users on the move. However, handovers, handover failures, and ping‐pong handovers increase the signalling load in the network, resulting in the use of network resources and a reduction of the system throughput. They also add delay to the transmitted data and even the risk of disconnection in detriment to the quality of experience of the user. Therefore, reducing the handover processes and their errors is an important issue, particularly, in heterogeneous networks that are more prone to trigger handovers due to their configuration with overlapped cells of different sizes. Additionally, heterogeneous networks present a higher percentage of handover errors in comparison with networks only formed by macro‐cells. In this work, the authors present a method to adapt the start of the handover based on a prediction of the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio. Their proposal reduces handover failures and the probability of ping‐pong handovers simultaneously, by determining the appropriate time to safely perform the handover.
Comprehensive inertia control for hybrid AC/DC distribution system
Authors: He Li , Li Yong , Wen Ming , Cao Yijia , Shi Jingrong
Published: December 2018

In this study, a comprehensive inertia control strategy is proposed for the distribution system consisting of AC/DC sub‐grids. The coupling relationship of the AC and DC systems is analysed, and the comprehensive inertia control method of hybrid AC/DC system is proposed. More specifically, the operational characteristics of the wind turbine generator (WTG) are utilised to design the virtual inertial response strategy, which enables the WTGs in distribution network to provide flexible voltage and frequency support. Further, since the distributed energy storage (DES) is taken into account, the virtual inertial response of WTGs can be more controllable, which fully utilises the capacity of DES without the risk of halt of the WTGs. In addition, the mutual power support is designed based on the coupling relationship of the hybrid system, which can enhance the overall inertia of the distribution network. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified by the simulation studies, which shows that the strategy can enhance the power quality and dynamics of the hybrid AC/DC system and thus improves the robustness of the distribution network.
Self‐energy device for HVDC breakers and its control strategy
Authors: Xu Feng , Lu Yi , Xuan Xiaohua , Yu Haihong , Qiu Peng , Jiang Daozhuo
Published: December 2018

In order to reduce the cost of energy devices for IGBT drive circuits of the hybrid HVDC breaker, a self‐energy device for the HVDC breaker is proposed here, which connects to DC lines and takes power from DC lines directly. The device consists of three operating modes: the start‐up charging mode, the steady‐state charging mode, and the maintenance restart charging mode. In view of these modes, corresponding control strategies are proposed to ensure the stability of power supply to drive circuits, and the simulation model is built and studied. For multi‐terminal HVDC systems or HVDC grids, several self‐energy devices in different lines can be connected through a certain combination, which can get the DC current flow regulation function.
Polarised structures in the radio lobes of B2 0258+35
Authors: Adebahr B. , Brienza M. , Morganti R.
Published: December 2018

Context. The contribution of active galactic nuclei to the magnetisation of the Universe can be constrained by knowing their duty cycles, jet and magnetic field morphologies, and the physical processes dominating their interaction with the surrounding environment.

Aims. The magnetic field morphology and strength of radio lobes of AGN has an influence on the mechanisms for the propagation of cosmic rays into intergalactic space. Using the source B2 0258+35 we want to investigate the interaction of its radio lobes with the surrounding environment and examine the underlying physical effects.

Methods. Published H I and radio continuum data at λ21 cm were combined with newly reduced archival Westerbork Radio Synthesis Telescope polarisation data at the same wavelength to investigate the polarised emission in the radio lobes of B2 0258+35. We assumed energy equipartition between the cosmic rays and the magnetic field to calculate their pressure and investigate the physical processes leading to the detected emission.

Results. We detected a unique S-shaped diffuse polarised structure. The lobes have a pressure of p = 1.95 ± 0.4 × 10−14 dyn cm−2. The calculated total magnetic field strengths are low (Beq = 1.21 ± 0.12 μG). We observe depolarisation in the northern lobe, which might originate from the H I-disc in the foreground. In addition we see an anti-correlation between the pressure and the fractional polarisation along the S-shaped structure. Therefore we consider magnetic draping and magnetic field compression as possible effects that might have created the observed S-shape.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that magnetic draping can be effectively used to explain the observed polarised structures. This is likely due to the combination of a relatively low magnetic field strength, enabling super-Alfvénic motion of the rising lobes (with MA = 2.47 − 3.50), and the coherency of the surrounding magnetic field. Moreover, the draped layer tends to suppress any mixing of the material between the radio lobes and the surrounding environment, but can enhance the mixing and re-acceleration efficiencies inside the lobes, providing an explanation for the average flat spectral index observed in the lobes.
Prediabetes is Characterized by Higher FGF23 Levels and Higher Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency Compared to Normal Glucose Tolerance Subjects
Authors: Gateva Antoaneta , Assyov Yavor , Tsakova Adelina , Kamenov Zdravko
Published: December 2018

In the last years there is an increasing interest towards the bone as an endocrine organ and the role of bone and calcium-phosphate metabolism markers in a range of metabolic disturbances. The aim of the present study is to assess the changes of calcium phosphate metabolism markers in patients with prediabetes compared to normogycemic controls and their link to glucose disturbances and cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, 80 patients with mean age 50.4±10.6 years were included, divided into 2 age- and BMI-matched groups – group 1 with obesity without glycemic disturbances (n=41) and group 2 with obesity and prediabetes (n=39). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with measurement of immunoreactive insulin was performed in all participants and levels of PTH, 25(OH)D, FGF23, and Klotho were measured. We found significantly higher levels of FGF23 in patients with prediabetes compared to normal glucose tolerance subjects (10.4±10.7 vs. 5.8±7.3 pg/ml; p=0.03). FGF23 showed a weak positive correlation to fasting blood glucose (r=0.224; p=0.048) but not to blood glucose on the first and second hour of oral glucose tolerance test or insulin levels. There was extremely high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in both groups. Lower levels of 25(OH)D were observed in prediabetes group, although without statistical significance (p=0.57). Patients with prediabetes have higher FGF23 levels and higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to normal glucose tolerance subjects. Elevated FGF23 levels seem to be correlated more to elevated fasting blood glucose levels than to insulin resistance state of the patients.
Point contact spectroscopy of superconductors via nanometer scale point contacts formed by resistive switching
Authors: Dvoranová Mária , Plecenik Tomáš , Moško Martin , Vidiš Marek , Gregor Maroš , Roch Tomáš , Grančič Branislav , Satrapinskyy Leonid , Kúš Peter , Plecenik Andrej
Published: December 2018

Point contact spectroscopy is commonly used to investigate electronic properties of superconductors. Here we show that nanometer scale point contacts, which enable to study the superconductor properties locally, can be created by means of the resistive switching phenomenon. Our experiments were performed on sandwiched MgB2/Al/TiO2/Pt structures, where multiple bipolar resistive switching cycles were conducted. The differential conductance as a function of voltage was measured at temperatures below the critical temperature of the MgB2 superconductor. In the low-resistance state the MgB2 and Pt electrodes are connected by an ultrathin metallic filament which creates at the MgB2 electrode the Sharvin point contact with diameter below 10 nm. In this case the differential conductance data demonstrate the Andreev reflections due to the carrier transport between the superconducting MgB2 electrode and filament. From these data the two-gap superconductivity of MgB2 is clearly visible which also confirms the fit by the Blonder-Tinkham-Klapwijk model. If the bottom electrode is made of a superconductor with known gap, our approach allows us to estimate from the Andreev reflection spectrum the resistance of both the filament and point contact. We can then determine from the Sharvin formula the cross-section size of the point contact and thus also the filament cross-section size. In the high resistance state when the filament is ruptured, the differential conductance data demonstrate the spectrum typical for tunneling between two normal metals, with a zero-bias anomaly due to the Altshuler-Aronov effect. This suggests that the filament is not ruptured at the superconducting MgB2 electrode but elsewhere.
Note: Weak acoustic energy harvesting and high-efficiency storage-energy management circuit for wireless sensor
Authors: Li Ping , Wen Yumei
Published: December 2018

A Helmholtz resonator can harvest the weak acoustic energy, but the traditional management circuits hardly efficiently obtain the weak energy due to the diode drop of the rectifier. A high-efficiency management circuit for the weak energy is developed, and the conjugate impedance matching of the piezoelectric transducer and the energy storage of the inductance are realized. The proposed circuit has 59% and 94% higher charging voltages than traditional double synchronized switch harvesting and series synchronized switching harvesting with inductor circuits. The Helmholtz resonator with the proposed circuit can drive wireless sensors at a weak acoustic pressure of 0.2 Pa and can be used in other weak energy harvesters.
Selective suppression of CARS signal with two competing stimulated Raman scattering processes
Authors: Rao B. Jayachander , Choi Dae Sik , Cho Minhaeng
Published: December 2018

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy and microscopy have been used in studying the structure and dynamics of a wide range of chemical and biological systems. However, the spatial resolution of CARS microscopy is still limited by the diffraction barrier, and hence a suitable scheme to selectively switch off the CARS imaging signal is essential for super-resolution CARS microscopy. Here, we present theoretical descriptions about three different ways to selectively suppress the pump-Stokes-pump two-beam CARS signal by employing three-beam double stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) schemes. Using a semiclassical theory for the interaction of radiation with the Raman-active molecule, we obtain coupled differential equations for the intensities of the pump, Stokes, depletion, and the generated CARS signal fields. We find approximate solutions of these coupled differential equations. They are then used to show that the pump-Stokes-pump CARS signal can be selectively suppressed by increasing the added depletion beam intensity, when the three injected beam frequencies are tuned in such a way that they can induce two SRS processes simultaneously. To show that these switching-off methods can be used to develop super-resolution CARS imaging techniques, we numerically calculate the full-width-at-half-maximum of the CARS imaging point spread function assuming that the spatial profiles of the pump and Stokes beams are Gaussian functions and that the spatial profile of the depletion beam is doughnut-shaped. We anticipate that the proposed selective CARS suppression schemes will be of use in developing super-resolution, label-free CARS microscopy.
Mode dependent fluid damping in pre-stressed micro-diaphragm resonators
Authors: Ma Shujun , Dong Ming , Wang Shiliang
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a theoretical model, based on the Rayleigh-Ritz method, to analyze the dynamic response of circular micro-diaphragms in contact with a fluid. The fluid is assumed to be incompressible, inviscid, and irrotational. In the model, a linear combination of polynomials is utilized to construct the mode shapes, and the Rayleigh quotient for fluid-structure coupling system is implemented to obtain the dynamic characteristics of pre-stressed diaphragms. Theoretical calculations are well validated by a finite element model. The relationships of the natural frequencies and quality factors to the mode shape are systematically investigated. The investigation proves that it is necessary to adopt exact mode shapes, instead of approximate mode shapes, to ensure the accuracy in the theoretical evaluation of the vibration of the diaphragm in the fluid. Furthermore, the quality factor associated with acoustic radiation losses is mode dependent, and its dependency on the mode number shows plate, membrane, and plate-membrane transition behaviors as pre-stress varies. These findings can be useful in the applications of diaphragm-based resonators.
Grazed chicory, plantain or ryegrass–white clover alters milk yield and fatty acid composition of late-lactating dairy cows
Authors: Mangwe M. C. , Bryant R. H. , Beck M. R. , Fleming A. E. , Gregorini P.
Published: December 2018

The aim of the present research was to compare milk fatty acid composition of cows grazing perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture (RGWC), with that of cows grazing alternative forages of chicory or plantain. Fifty-four cows, balanced for milk solids, days in milk and bodyweight, were divided evenly into replicated groups of six cows/group. Cows grazing chicory or plantain had similar estimated dry-matter intake (17.7 kg DM/cow.day) and milk-solid (MS) yield (1.93 kg MS/cow.day), which were greater (P < 0.05) than for cows grazing RGWC (15.6 kg DM/cow.day and 1.65 kg MS/cow.day). Milk produced from cows grazing chicory or plantain contained greater proportions of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) than that from cows on RGWC (P < 0.01), despite lower omega-3 FA in herbage. RGWC increased the percentage of conjugated linoleic and vaccenic acids in milk compared with those of milk produced from herbs (P < 0.01). This reflects the greater percentage of α-linolenic acid in RGWC (P ≤ 0.02) than in forage herbs. The changes in FA profile from the herbage to the milk suggests less biohydrogenation in cows grazing the herbs. Forage herbs demonstrated the potential benefit to alter milk FA composition, while increasing milk production.
Diagnosis and management of chronic hip and knee pain in a Tasmanian orthopaedic clinic: a study assessing the diagnostic and treatment planning decisions of an advanced scope physiotherapist
Authors: Jovic Dave , Mulford Jonathan , Ogden Kathryn , Zalucki Nadia
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical effectiveness of an advanced practice physiotherapist triaging patients referred from primary care to the orthopaedic clinic with chronic hip and knee pain. An exploratory study design was used to assess 87 consecutive patients referred from general practice in Northern Tasmania. Patients were assessed by both an advanced practice physiotherapist and a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. Diagnostic and treatment decisions were compared, with the orthopaedic consultant decision defined as the gold standard. By using these decisions, over and under referral rates to orthopaedics could be calculated, as well as the surgical conversion rate. Conservative care of patients referred to the orthopaedic clinic with hip and knee pain was limited. The diagnostic agreement between the advanced scope physiotherapist and the orthopaedic surgeon was almost perfect (weighted kappa 0.93 (95% CI 0.87–1.00)), with treatment agreement substantial (weighted kappa 0.75 (95% CI 0.62–0.89)). Under a physiotherapist-led triage service, the surgical conversion rate doubled from 38% to 78%. An advanced physiotherapist assessing and treating patients with chronic hip and knee pain made decisions that match substantially with decisions made by an orthopaedic consultant. A model of care utilising an advanced physiotherapist in this way has the potential to support high-quality orthopaedic care in regional centres.
Agreement between gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men’s period prevalence and event-level recall of sexual
behaviour: an observational respondent-driven sampling study
Authors: Lachowsky Nathan J. , Card Kiffer G. , Cui Zishan , Sereda Paul , Roth Eric A. , Hogg Robert S. , Moore David M.
Published: December 2018

Background
Agreement between sexual behaviour recall measures among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) in Vancouver, Canada was examined. Methods: Study participants were sexually active GBM aged ≥16 years recruited via respondent-driving sampling (RDS). Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview survey, including individual-level period prevalence (last 6 months) and sexual event-level (last sex with each of the five most recent partners) measures. RDS-weighted kappa statistics assessed the agreement between these types of data across five different sexual risk outcomes, stratified by self-identified HIV status and other demographic factors (age, education, race/ethnicity). Results: Of 719 participants, 195 (RDS-weighted 23.4%) were HIV-positive. For HIV-negative GBM (n=524, RDS-weighted 76.6%), there were moderate agreements between period prevalence and event-level data for any anal intercourse (AI), any condomless AI and any fisting, but weak agreement for any discordant/unknown AI and any sex toy use. For HIV-positive GBM, there was moderate agreement for any AI, any condomless AI, any discordant/unknown AI and any fisting; there was weak agreement for any sex toy use. Agreement between measurement types was generally higher for GBM who were living with HIV, who were older and who completed secondary school; there was little difference in agreement levels by race/ethnicity. Conclusions: We observed moderate agreement between sexual behaviour recall through event-level and period prevalence questions. Each method had differential advantages and ideal circumstances for use, which should be guided by one’s research question and outcome measure of interest.
Self-organized shape dynamics of active surfaces
Authors: Mietke Alexander , Jülicher Frank , Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: December 2018

Significance

Morphogenesis, the emergence of shape and form in biological systems, is a process that is fundamentally mechanochemical: Shape changes of material are driven by active mechanical forces that are generated by chemical processes, which in turn can be affected by the deformations and flows that occur. We provide a framework that integrates these interactions between the geometry of deforming materials and active processes in them by introducing the shape dynamics of self-organized active surfaces. We show that the tight coupling between surface mechanics and active processes gives rise to the spontaneous formation of nontrivial shapes, shape oscillations, and directed peristaltic motion. Our simple yet general description lays the foundation to explore the regulatory role of shape in morphogenetic processes.
In vitro and in vivo cancer cell apoptosis triggered by competitive binding of Cinchona alkaloids to the RING domain of TRAF6
Authors: Qi Yonghao , Zhao Xuan , Chen Jiaying , Pradipta Ambara R , Wei Jing , Ruan Haihua , Zhou Lijun , Hsung Richard P , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: December 2018

TRAF6 is highly expressed in many tumors and plays an important role in the immune system. The aim of this study is to confirm anti-tumor activities of all naturally occurring Cinchona alkaloids that have been screened using computational docking program, and to validate the accuracy and specificity of the RING domain of TRAF6 as a potential anti-tumor target, and to explore their effect on the immune system. Results reported herein would demonstrate that Cinchona alkaloids could induce apoptosis in HeLa cells, inhibit the ubiquitination and phosphorylation of both AKT and TAK1, and up-regulate the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. In addition, these compounds could induce apoptosis in vivo, and increase the secretion of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IgG, while not significantly impacting the ratio of CD4+T/CD8+T. These investigations suggest that the RING domain of TRAF6 could serve as a de novo biological target for therapeutic treatment in cancers.
Fugitive Slave, Fugitive Novelist: The Narrative of James Williams (1838)
Authors: Santamarina Xiomara
Published: December 2018

This essay argues for reading a discredited slave narrative—the Narrative of James Williams (1838)—as an early black novel. Reading this narrative as a founding black novel à la Robinson Crusoe complicates the genealogy and theoretical parameters of literary criticism about early US black fiction. Such a reading revises accounts about the emergence of the third-person fictive voice inaugurated by Frederick Douglass and William Wells Brown in the 1850s. It also offers a new understanding of the antislavery movement’s quest for authenticity. More importantly, reading NJW as novelistic fiction illustrates how a fugitive slave might narrativize muddied textual politics and effectively challenge the reparative vision with which we theorize the genres and politics of early African American literary texts.