bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silver-catalyzed [3 + 2] domino reaction: an efficient strategy to synthesize imidazole-5-carbaldehydes
Authors: Wang Changcheng , Jiang Hangqi , Chen Weifeng , Dong Jun , Chen Zhengwang , Cao Hua
Published: June 2017

An unprecedented regioselective silver-catalyzed [3 + 2] domino reaction of amidines and ynals for the formation of C–N bonds has been developed.
Correction: Unprecedented formation of 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one in a reaction between 3,3a-dihydro-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one and malononitrile
Authors: Liu Jie-Jie , Cheng Liang , Huang Hong-Yan , Wei Feng , Wang Dong , Liu Li
Published: June 2017

Correction for ‘Unprecedented formation of 3-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one in a reaction between 3,3a-dihydro-9H-furo[3,4-b]chromen-9-one and malononitrile’ by Jie-Jie Liu, et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7ob00904f.
Ammonia-modulated reversible gel–solution phase transition and fluorescence switch for a salicylhydrazide-based metal–organic gel
Authors: Lu Shu-Mei , Huang Jian-Cai , Liu Guo-Ting , Lin Zhi-Wei , Li Yan-Tong , Huang Xi-He , Huang Chang-Cang , Wu Shu-Ting
Published: June 2017

A fluorescence metal–organic gel was studied with its reversible gel–solution phase transition and fluorescence switch by the modulation of ammonia.
Spin-polarized charge trapping cell based on a topological insulator quantum dot
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Lin Liangzhong , Yang Wen , Zhang D. , Shen C. , Lou W. , Yin H. , Chang Kai
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate theoretically that a topological insulator quantum dot can be formed via double topological insulator constrictions (TICs), and can be used as a charge and/or spin carrier trap memory element.
Highly effective K-Merlinoite adsorbent for removal of Cs+ and Sr2+ in aqueous solution
Authors: Kakutani Yuki , Weerachawanasak Patcharaporn , Hirata Yoshiya , Sano Makoto , Suzuki Toshimitsu , Miyake Takanori
Published: June 2017

Cs+ and Sr2+ removal using K-MER adsorbent.
Random forest and multilayer perceptron for predicting the dielectric loss of polyimide nanocomposite films
Authors: Guo H. , Zhao J. Y. , Yin J. H.
Published: June 2017

A random forest and multilayer perceptron for predicting the dielectric loss of polyimide nanocomposite films. As shown in the experimental results, the error between the predicted value and the measured value is small.
New prenylated coumarins from the stems of Toddalia asiatica
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Jun-Sheng , Huang Jia-Luo , Jiang Min-Hong , Xu You-Kai , Ahmed Abrar , Yin Sheng , Tang Gui-Hua
Published: June 2017

Prenylated coumarins from Toddalia asiatica were established using spectroscopic data, X-ray, and ECD and specific optical rotation calculations.
Synthesis of mixed-ligand Cu–MOFs and their adsorption of malachite green
Authors: Shi Zhennan , Li Ling , Xiao Yuxiang , Wang Yingxi , Sun Keke , Wang Hangxing , Liu Li
Published: June 2017

Different mixed-ligand MOFs with various ratios of Cu2+ and ligands (MOFs-1, MOFs-2, MOFs-3 and MOFs-4) were synthesized and characterized.
DNase-targeted natural product screening based on a sensitive and selective DNase I detecting system
Authors: Zhao Chuan , Chen Yanjiao , Fang Jun , Fan Jialong , Tong Chunyi , Liu Xuanming , Liu Bin , Wang Wei
Published: June 2017

As a widely used deoxyribonuclease, DNase I is involved in many physiological processes including tumor cell proliferation, metastasis and apoptosis.
First-principles study of decomposition mechanisms of Mg(BH4)2·2NH3 and LiMg(BH4)3·2NH3
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Li Renquan , Xia Guanglin , He Hongsheng , Zhang Xiuqing , Zou Weidong , Yu Xubin
Published: June 2017

Compared to that of Mg(BH4)2·2NH3, LiMg(BH4)3·2NH3 has a relatively high NH3 diffusion barrier and H2 formation barrier.
Enhancement of oxygen permeability by copolymerization of silyl group-containing diphenylacetylenes with tert-butyl group-containing diphenylacetylene and desilylation of copolymer membranes
Authors: Sakaguchi T. , Lin Y. , Hashimoto T.
Published: June 2017

The gas permeability of poly(TMSDPA-co-TBDPA) was higher than those of homopolymers, poly(TMSDPA) and poly(TBDPA). The gas permeability of copolymers and desilylated copolymers increased with increasing of the composition ratio of TBDPA.
Unveiling the role of boroxines in metal-free carbon–carbon homologations using diazo compounds and boronic acids
Authors: Bomio Claudio , Kabeshov Mikhail A. , Lit Arthur R. , Lau Shing-Hing , Ehlert Janna , Battilocchio Claudio , Ley Steven V.
Published: June 2017

By means of computational and experimental mechanistic studies the fundamental role of boroxines in the reaction between diazo compounds and boronic acids was elucidated.
Formation and field-driven dynamics of nematic spheroids
Authors: Fu Fred , Abukhdeir Nasser Mohieddin
Published: June 2017

Simulations of phase formation and external field-driven switching dynamics of micron-scale nematic spheroids provide insight into the complex interplay between nanoscale defect dynamics and macroscale structural transitions.
A frustrated phase driven by competition among layer structures
Authors: Sasaki Takashi , Takanishi Yoichi , Yamamoto Jun , Yoshizawa Atsushi
Published: June 2017

Competition among the three different layer structures produces the frustrated phase with spatiotemporal fluctuations of the molecules.
Blend-electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polydopamine membranes: self-polymerization of dopamine and the excellent adsorption/separation abilities
Authors: Ma Fang-fang , Zhang Nan , Wei Xiao , Yang Jing-hui , Wang Yong , Zhou Zuo-wan
Published: June 2017

In this work, a certain amount of dopamine was firstly dissolved into the solution of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and then the fibrillar membranes were prepared through an electrospinning technology.
Nanoarchitecture of MOF-derived nanoporous functional composites for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Kim Jeonghun , Young Christine , Lee Jaewoo , Heo Yoon-Uk , Park Min-Sik , Hossain Md. Shahriar A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Kim Jung Ho
Published: June 2017

A new nanoarchitecture approach based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is reported that can achieve high electrochemical energy storage via utilizing both electric double-layer supercapacitive and pseudocapacitive properties within a single nanoporous composite particle.
Evaluating structure–function relationships toward three-component conjugated polymers via direct arylation polymerization (DArP) for Stille-convergent solar cell performance
Authors: Gobalasingham Nemal S. , Pankow Robert M. , Ekiz Seyma , Thompson Barry C.
Published: June 2017

P3HT-based copolymers are synthesized via direct arylation polymerization (DArP) in order to evaluate potential defects and the resulting influence on OPV performance.
Two-photon photodynamic ablation of tumor cells by mitochondria-targeted iridium(iii) complexes in aggregate states
Authors: Qiu Kangqiang , Ouyang Miao , Liu Yukang , Huang Huaiyi , Liu Chaofeng , Chen Yu , Ji Liangnian , Chao Hui
Published: June 2017

Two iridium(iii) complexes with a rotary phenyl substituent ligand were used as mitochondria-targeted photosensitizers for two-photon photodynamic therapy in aggregate states.
A facile synthesis of Fe3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon hybrid nanofibers as a robust peroxidase-like catalyst for the sensitive colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid
Authors: Jiang Yanzhou , Song Na , Wang Ce , Pinna Nicola , Lu Xiaofeng
Published: June 2017

We describe a facile synthesis of Fe3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon hybrid nanofibers as a robust peroxidase-like catalyst for the sensitive colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid.
Fabrication of gold nanocages and nanoshells using lanreotide acetate and a comparison study of their photothermal antitumor therapy
Authors: Xue Weili , Luo Liyao , Li Yanji , Yin Tian , Bian Kexin , Zhu Ruiyan , Gao Dawei
Published: June 2017

Functional gold nanoshells and nanocages were synthesized via self-assembly of lanreotide acetate.
Structures and properties of phosphate-based bioactive glasses from computer simulation: a review
Authors: Christie Jamieson K. , Ainsworth Richard I. , Hernandez Sergio E. Ruiz , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: June 2017

Computer simulations have enabled breakthroughs in understanding the connections between the atomic structure and properties of bioactive phosphate glasses.
Toxicity and oxidative stress responses induced by nano- and micro-CoCrMo particles
Authors: Armstead Andrea L. , Simoes Thiago A. , Wang Xianfeng , Brydson Rik , Brown Andy , Jiang Bing-Hua , Rojanasakul Yon , Li Bingyun
Published: June 2017

Particles on the nano- and micro-meter scales present unique cell-specific cellular effects (i.e.cytotoxicity and oxidative stress).
Broadband light generation from Au–Al2O3–Al sub-10 nm plasmonic gap structures
Authors: Yao Lin-Hua , Ma Zong-Wei , Song Xian-Yin , Xiao Xiang-Heng , Wang Xia , Zhou Nan , Zhai Tian-You , Zhang Jun-Pei , Han Jun-Bo
Published: June 2017

A sub-nanosecond broadband light source with a wavelength range of 450–1050 nm has been achieved in Au–Al2O3–Al nanostructures.
Heterogeneous modulation of exciton emission in triangular WS2 monolayers by chemical treatment
Authors: Dhakal Krishna P. , Roy Shrawan , Yun Seok Joon , Ghimire Ganesh , Seo Changwon , Kim Jeongyong
Published: June 2017

Spatially heterogeneous effects of bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (TFSI) and benzyl viologen (BV) treatment on the optical properties of triangular monolayer tungsten disulfides are investigated by nanoscale spectral imaging.
Organic solar cells based on a polymer acceptor and a small molecule donor with a high open-circuit voltage
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Ding Zicheng , Long Xiaojing , Dou Chuandong , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: June 2017

A BNBP-based polymer acceptor was used to develop SD/PA-type OSCs with a highVOCof 1.08 V and a PCE of 3.50%.
JAK2 inhibitor CEP-33779 prevents mouse oocyte maturation in vitro
Authors: Wu Changli , Li Rong , Luo Haibing , Xu Mingfeng , Zhang Xiujuan
Published: June 2017

The inhibitor CEP-33779 is a specific selective inhibitor of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). In most somatic cells, JAK2 plays essential roles in cellular signal transduction and in the regulation of cell cycle. Little is known regarding the effects of JAK2 on mammalian oocyte maturation. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CEP-33779 on mouse oocytes’ meiosis and the possible mechanisms of JAK2 during mouse oocyte maturation. We detected the distribution of JAK2 during the mouse oocyte maturation. The results showed that JAK2 was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm during maturation. We cultured mouse oocytes with CEP-33779, examined the maturation rate, spindle morphology, and organization of microfilaments during the mouse oocyte maturation. While the rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) did not differ between the treated and control groups, the rate of oocyte maturation decreased significantly when treated with CEP-33779. The rate of maturation was 21.14% in treated group and was 81.44% in control group. The results show that CEP-33779 inhibits the maturation of mouse oocytes. There was no obvious difference in the meiotic spindle morphology between the treated and control groups. The results show that CEP-33779 treatment did not disrupt the reorganization of microtubules. The microfilament observation shows that the microfilament did not form actin cap and the spindle stayed at the center of the oocyte in the treated group. CEP-33779 treatment inhibited the maturation of mouse oocytes which might be because of the disruption of formation of the actin cap. These results suggest that JAK2 regulated the microfilaments aggregation during the mouse oocyte maturation.
The more the merrier: high-throughput single-molecule techniques
Authors: Hill Flynn R. , Monachino Enrico , van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: June 2017

The single-molecule approach seeks to understand molecular mechanisms by observing biomolecular processes at the level of individual molecules. These methods have led to a developing understanding that for many processes, a diversity of behaviours will be observed, representing a multitude of pathways. This realisation necessitates that an adequate number of observations are recorded to fully characterise this diversity. The requirement for large numbers of observations to adequately sample distributions, subpopulations, and rare events presents a significant challenge for single-molecule techniques, which by their nature do not typically provide very high throughput. This review will discuss many developing techniques which address this issue by combining nanolithographic approaches, such as zero-mode waveguides and DNA curtains, with single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, and by drastically increasing throughput of force-based approaches such as magnetic tweezers and laminar-flow techniques. These methods not only allow the collection of large volumes of single-molecule data in single experiments, but have also made improvements to ease-of-use, accessibility, and automation of data analysis.
APPL1 is a multifunctional endosomal signaling adaptor protein
Authors: Diggins Nicole L. , Webb Donna J.
Published: June 2017

Endosomal adaptor proteins are important regulators of signaling pathways underlying many biological processes. These adaptors can integrate signals from multiple pathways via localization to specific endosomal compartments, as well as through multiple protein–protein interactions. One such adaptor protein that has been implicated in regulating signaling pathways is the adaptor protein containing a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, and leucine zipper motif 1 (APPL1). APPL1 localizes to a subset of Rab5-positive endosomes through its Bin–Amphiphysin–Rvs and PH domains, and it coordinates signaling pathways through its interaction with many signaling receptors and proteins through its PTB domain. This review discusses our current understanding of the role of APPL1 in signaling and trafficking, as well as highlights recent work into the function of APPL1 in cell migration and adhesion.
Substrate selectivity in the zDHHC family of S-acyltransferases
Authors: Lemonidis Kimon , Salaun Christine , Kouskou Marianna , Diez-Ardanuy Cinta , Chamberlain Luke H. , Greaves Jennifer
Published: June 2017

S-acylation is a reversible lipid modification occurring on cysteine residues mediated by a family of membrane-bound ‘zDHHC’ enzymes. S-acylation predominantly results in anchoring of soluble proteins to membrane compartments or in the trafficking of membrane proteins to different compartments. Recent work has shown that although S-acylation of some proteins may involve very weak interactions with zDHHC enzymes, a pool of zDHHC enzymes exhibit strong and specific interactions with substrates, thereby recruiting them for S-acylation. For example, the ankyrin-repeat domains of zDHHC17 and zDHHC13 interact specifically with unstructured consensus sequences present in some proteins, thus contributing to substrate specificity of these enzymes. In addition to this new information on zDHHC enzyme protein substrate specificity, recent work has also identified marked differences in selectivity of zDHHC enzymes for acyl-CoA substrates and has started to unravel the underlying molecular basis for this lipid selectivity. This review will focus on the protein and acyl-CoA selectivity of zDHHC enzymes.
A moving target: structure and disorder in pursuit of Myc inhibitors
Authors: Bayliss Richard , Burgess Selena G. , Leen Eoin , Richards Mark W.
Published: June 2017

The Myc proteins comprise a family of ubiquitous regulators of gene expression implicated in over half of all human cancers. They interact with a large number of other proteins, such as transcription factors, chromatin-modifying enzymes and kinases. Remarkably, few of these interactions have been characterized structurally. This is at least in part due to the intrinsically disordered nature of Myc proteins, which adopt a defined conformation only in the presence of binding partners. Owing to this behaviour, crystallographic studies on Myc proteins have been limited to short fragments in complex with other proteins. Most recently, we determined the crystal structure of Aurora-A kinase domain bound to a 28-amino acid fragment of the N-Myc transactivation domain. The structure reveals an α-helical segment within N-Myc capped by two tryptophan residues that recognize the surface of Aurora-A. The kinase domain acts as a molecular scaffold, independently of its catalytic activity, upon which this region of N-Myc becomes ordered. The binding site for N-Myc on Aurora-A is disrupted by certain ATP-competitive inhibitors, such as MLN8237 (alisertib) and CD532, and explains how these kinase inhibitors are able to disrupt the protein–protein interaction to affect Myc destabilization. Structural studies on this and other Myc complexes will lead to the design of protein–protein interaction inhibitors as chemical tools to dissect the complex pathways of Myc regulation and function, which may be developed into Myc inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.
Synthetic biology engineering of biofilms as nanomaterials factories
Authors: Nguyen Peter Q.
Published: June 2017

Bottom-up fabrication of nanoscale materials has been a significant focus in materials science for expanding our technological frontiers. This assembly concept, however, is old news to biology — all living organisms fabricate themselves using bottom-up principles through a vast self-organizing system of incredibly complex biomolecules, a marvelous dynamic that we are still attempting to unravel. Can we use what we have gleaned from biology thus far to illuminate alternative strategies for designer nanomaterial manufacturing? In the present review article, new synthetic biology efforts toward using bacterial biofilms as platforms for the synthesis and secretion of programmable nanomaterials are described. Particular focus is given to self-assembling functional amyloids found in bacterial biofilms as re-engineerable modular nanomolecular components. Potential applications and existing challenges for this technology are also explored. This novel approach for repurposing biofilm systems will enable future technologies for using engineered living systems to grow artificial nanomaterials.
Fundamental principles of vascular network topology
Authors: Kopylova Veronika S. , Boronovskiy Stanislav E. , Nartsissov Yaroslav R.
Published: June 2017

The vascular system is arguably the most important biological system in many organisms. Although the general principles of its architecture are simple, the growth of blood vessels occurs under extreme physical conditions. Optimization is an important aspect of the development of computational models of the vascular branching structures. This review surveys the approaches used to optimize the topology and estimate different geometrical parameters of the vascular system. The review is focused on optimizations using complex cost functions based on the minimum total energy principle and the relationship between the laws of growth and precise vascular network topology. Experimental studies of vascular networks in different species are also discussed.
Cell-free synthetic biology for in vitro prototype engineering
Authors: Moore Simon J. , MacDonald James T. , Freemont Paul S.
Published: June 2017

Cell-free transcription–translation is an expanding field in synthetic biology as a rapid prototyping platform for blueprinting the design of synthetic biological devices. Exemplar efforts include translation of prototype designs into medical test kits for on-site identification of viruses (Zika and Ebola), while gene circuit cascades can be tested, debugged and re-designed within rapid turnover times. Coupled with mathematical modelling, this discipline lends itself towards the precision engineering of new synthetic life. The next stages of cell-free look set to unlock new microbial hosts that remain slow to engineer and unsuited to rapid iterative design cycles. It is hoped that the development of such systems will provide new tools to aid the transition from cell-free prototype designs to functioning synthetic genetic circuits and engineered natural product pathways in living cells.
Effects of Oxaliplatin, Carboplatin, and Cisplatin Across Treatment on High-Frequency Objective and Subjective Auditory Measures in Adults
Authors: Dreisbach Laura , Ho Melissa , Reid Erin , Siegel Jonathan
Published: June 2017

Platinum chemotherapies are often ototoxic, initially affecting the basal end of the cochlea. Thus, monitoring high-frequency auditory function is advised to reveal early damage. Objective measures of high-frequency auditory function are repeatable over time, but the sensitivity of these measures for monitoring patients receiving platinum derivatives have not been established. We monitored 13 patients across oxaliplatin, carboplatin, or cisplatin treatment using the highest frequencies with responses for each individual. Behavioral thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) gross frequency (f2=16–2 kHz) and concentrated frequency (1/48 octave steps at the highest frequency with a present DPOAE) sweeps were monitored. DPOAE results indicated changes during treatment within individuals using absolute change criteria, as well as statistically significant differences across trial when analyzing group data. Changes varied depending on the drug administered. Behavioral thresholds changed less often than DPOAE measures and when changes were noted, they initially occurred at the highest frequencies monitored. Often, DPOAE changes occurred at frequencies which conventional equipment could not monitor (>8 kHz). Additionally, some changes were characterized by DPOAE level enhancements at conventional frequencies (<8 kHz), while levels at higher frequencies were reduced. Overall, objective high-frequency measures were sensitive to auditory changes in adults undergoing platinum chemotherapy treatment.
Mathematical morphology‐based islanding detection for distributed generation
Authors: Farhan Musliyarakath Aneesa , K Shanti Swarup
Published: June 2017

The study focuses on a novel strategy for microgrid protection based on mathematical morphology. Mathematical morphology is a time‐domain signal processing tool that could be used for accurate and reliable signal component extraction. In this study, a class of non‐linear multiresolution decomposition scheme called morphological Haar wavelet (MHW) is used for detection of faults in microgrid. The proposed method uses the detail signal of MHW obtained after prediction lifting for fault detection and faulty phase selection. Accordingly, current retrieved from both ends of the feeder are processed through MHW after prediction lifting scheme to obtain the detail signals. The detail signal difference and their norms are calculated to obtain a primary protection scheme for the feeder. Also the same scheme was investigated as backup protection for very low fault resistances by taking the currents of the adjacent feeders. The performance of proposed technique was evaluated for islanded and grid connected mode of operation, for different network topologies, i.e. radial and looped system for various fault and non‐fault disturbances.
Integrated DFIG–SCIG‐based wind energy conversion system equipped with improved power generation capability
Authors: Parida Adikanda , Chatterjee Debashis
Published: June 2017

The grid‐connected doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)‐based wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) draws special attention as a potential renewable energy source in recent past. In this study, an integrated WECS equipped with improved active power generation capability has been proposed. The said generation scheme will harvest an enhanced power in the supersynchronous operating region which otherwise bypassed through pitch control process. The proposed hybrid generation scheme can be operated virtually much beyond the existing specified slip limit with the help of an integrated squirrel cage induction generator (SCIG). A solar photovoltaic generation system has also been augmented with the proposed scheme to utilise the facility available for WECS to further enhance the active power generation over subsynchronous operating region. The proposed scheme has been validated through proper simulations and experiments on a practical DFIG of 7.5 kW and an SCIG of 2.5 kW capacity which produced satisfactory results.
Review of ad‐hoc on‐demand distance vector protocol and its swarm intelligent variants for Mobile Ad‐hoc NETwork
Authors: Jinil Persis Devarajan , Paul Robert T.
Published: June 2017

Mobile Ad‐hoc NETwork (MANET) is a rapidly changing network having mobile nodes. The wireless links connecting a node pair are unreliable due to the mobility of nodes; thereby MANET is subjected to frequent link failures that subsequently lead to route failure. It is required for the routing algorithms to determine routes enduring connectivity providing uninterrupted data transmission without compromising quality of service and load balancing. Ad‐hoc on‐demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol is predominantly used in MANET for making routing decisions because of its performance in terms of delay, throughput, packet delivery ratio and number of hops when compared to other protocols in the literature. However, this protocol often converges to less reliable routes leading to high control overhead and packet loss. In this study, a multi‐objective AODV algorithm is proposed to consider distance, cost, delay, load and reliability as routing metrics. Also modified versions of AODV protocol by applying ant colony optimisation, bee colony optimisation and firefly algorithms have been proposed and the results are presented.
Accuracy study for lock‐in amplifiers in a scanning near‐infrared spectrometer
Authors: Wang Jingru , Lui Jie , Wang Zhihong , Liu Guangda
Published: June 2017

When a lock‐in amplifier was employed in a scanning near‐infrared spectrometer, there was the problem of low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of spectra. This study investigates the impact of unstable measured signal frequency in the lock‐in amplifier. The analysis concludes that when the frequency of the measured signal and reference signal are not equal due to frequency fluctuations, the amplitude detection results are inaccurate and change periodically with the initial phase of the measured signal. According to analysis results, a zero‐phase detection method is designed in the spectrometer, where the measured signal phase is judged to guarantee detection starting at the zero‐phase position. The experimental results indicate that the average of the SNR of spectra is 2376 using the zero‐phase detection method, which is approximately three times that of the original system and coincides with the results of the theoretical calculation (2273) and simulation analysis (2234).
On the reflected random walk on R+
Authors: Boyer Jean−Baptiste
Published: June 2017

Let ρ be a borelian probability measure on R having a moment of order 1 and a drift λ = ∫Rydρ(y) < 0. Consider the random walk on R+ starting at x ∈ R+ and defined for any n ∈N by

\begin{eqnarray*} \left\{\begin{array}{rl} X_0&=x \\ X_{n+1} & = |X_n+Y_{n+1}| \end{array}\right. \end{eqnarray*}

where (Yn) is an iid sequence of law ρ. We denote P the Markov operator associated to this random walk and, for any borelian bounded function f on R+, we call Poisson’s equation the equation f = g − Pg with unknown function g. In this paper, we prove that under a regularity condition on ρ and f, there is a solution to Poisson’s equation converging to 0 at infinity. Then, we use this result to prove the functional central limit theorem and it’s almost-sure version.
Dysarthria of Spinal Cord Injury and Its Management
Authors: Hoit Jeannette , Benditt Joshua , Britton Deanna
Published: June 2017

The dysarthria associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by speech impairments that reflect respiratory dysfunction and its downstream effects on phonation, articulation, and prosody. The exact nature of the dysarthria is determined in large part by the level of SCI and whether or not diaphragm function is spared. Individuals with insufficient diaphragm strength to breathe on their own must rely on ventilator support, which may help or hinder speech, depending on a variety of ventilator-related variables. This article provides a conceptual review of the underlying pathophysiology and effects of respiratory muscle weakness on speech produced with and without mechanical ventilation. Selected multidisciplinary interventions for the dysarthria of SCI are also reviewed.
Toward a Measure of Communicative Participation for Children with Developmental Speech Disorders
Authors: Darling-White Meghan
Published: June 2017

The general lack of assessment tools that adequately measure communicative participation has been well documented in the adult literature. However, there has been no systematic attempt to document the availability of these assessment tools in pediatric populations. The purpose of this literature review was to investigate the availability of patient-reported outcome (PRO) tools that measure communicative participation in children. Results indicate that there are no such tools that measure communicative participation in children at this time. In an effort to inspire researchers to develop these tools, the following guidelines for the development of pediatric PRO tools are discussed: (1) consider age-based criteria for tool development and administration, (2) design and format the tool specifically for the target age group, (3) establish content validity, (4) determine whether a parent proxy-report tool is necessary, and (5) consider cross-cultural issues.
Longitudinal Changes in Speech Breathing in Older Adults with and without Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Darling-White Meghan , Huber Jessica
Published: June 2017

This longitudinal study examines changes to speech production and speech breathing in older adults with Parkinson's disease (PD) and older adults without PD. Eight participants with PD and eight age- and sex-matched older adults participated in two data collection sessions, separated by 3.7 years on average. Speech severity and speech rate increased for people with PD. Vital capacity decreased for both groups. Older adult control participants displayed significant increases in lung volume initiation and excursion and percent vital capacity expended per syllable. These changes allow older adults to utilize higher recoil pressures to generate subglottal pressure for speech production, potentially reducing work of breathing. Participants with PD displayed significant decreases in lung volume initiation and termination. Thus, unlike older adults, people with PD exert more expiratory muscle pressure during speech production, leading to increased effort. Speech-language pathologists need to consider direct treatment of respiratory patterns for speech to reduce effort and fatigue.
Patient-Provider Communication for People with Severe Dysarthria: Referral Policies that Lead to Systems Change
Authors: Nordness Amy , Beukelman David
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this article is to discuss policy and systems change for patient-provider communication (PPC) for dysarthric speakers in medical situations. Six groups of communication-vulnerable patients are described. The types of medical orders that can be employed to facilitate PPC systems change in medical settings are discussed. Finally, accountability checklists to document the patient experience and the medical facility PPC program are provided.
Anteromedializing Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Patellofemoral Instability: Occupational and Functional Outcomes in U.S. Military Service Members
Authors: Belmont Philip , Bader Julia , Lanzi Joseph , Owens Brett , Waterman Brian , Fisher Tuesday
Published: June 2017

This article sought to determine rates for return to work, pain relief, and recurrent patellofemoral instability for military service members undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) for persistent lateral patellar subluxation or dislocation. Patient demographic and surgical variables were isolated from the medical records of active duty service members with at least 2 years of postoperative follow-up, and correlated with return to work, pain improvement, recurrent patellofemoral instability, and perioperative complications. There were 51 service members (58 primary TTOs) with an average follow-up of 3.3 (range, 2.0–6.7) years. Service members had an average of 2.8 (1–12) instability events preoperatively. At a minimum of 2 years postoperatively, 41 (80%) military service members returned to full active duty service. Among the 58 TTOs, there was a 46% improvement in the patient-reported visual analog score from 4.1 to 2.2 (p < 0001). The postoperative recurrent instability rates were patellar dislocation (5.1%) and patellar subluxation (15.5%). Concomitant proximal realignment was performed in 48% of cases, which did not affect return to service, postoperative patellar instability events, or pain improvement (p > 0.05). The overall complication rate was 10%. Postoperative tibial fractures occurred in 6.9% of TTOs. At short- to mid-term follow-up, 80% of service members undergoing TTO for patellofemoral instability returned to military duty with significant improvement in pain scores and a moderate perioperative complication and postoperative instability rate. This study is a level IV therapeutic case series.
A pulse-to-pulse timing jitter measurement between two synchronized amplified laser beams for TTX
Authors: Wang Dong , Yan Lixin , Nie Zan , Tian Qili , Yang Jin , Hua Jianfei , Du Yingchao , Huang Wenhui
Published: June 2017

In China, Tsinghua Thomson Scattering X-ray Source (TTX) is the dedicated hard X-ray source based on the Thomson scattering between a terawatt ultrashort laser and a relativistic electron beam. In the TTX, two synchronized Ti: sapphire laser systems generate the terawatt ultrashort infrared scattering laser and the ultraviolet driving laser for the photocathode RF gun to produce the electron beam; measuring the timing jitter between the electron beam and the laser beam is an essential task for the X-ray source. In the present study, we report on a single shot, non-collinear cross correlator with fs resolution and measured the timing jitter between the two synchronized laser systems with a pulse-to-pulse method, which is beneficial to estimate the jitter of the X-ray yield in the TTX system. Although it is more important to synchronize the scattering laser to the electron beam and not of the driving laser, the laser-laser jitter measurement would be a good first step towards that goal, and the result generated can be considered as the error signal for the potential feedback stabilization.
Improvement of both bandwidth and driving voltage of polymer phase modulators using buried in-plane coupled micro-strip driving electrodes
Authors: Hadjloum Massinissa , El Gibari Mohammed , Li Hongwu , Daryoush Afshin S.
Published: June 2017

A large performance improvement of polymer phase modulators is reported by using buried in-plane coupled microstrip (CMS) driving electrodes, instead of standard vertical Micro-Strip electrodes. The in-plane CMS driving electrodes have both low radio frequency (RF) losses and high overlap integral between optical and RF waves compared to the vertical designs. Since the optical waveguide and CMS electrodes are located in the same plane, optical injection and microwave driving access cannot be separated perpendicularly without intersection between them. A via-less transition between grounded coplanar waveguide access and CMS driving electrodes is introduced in order to provide broadband excitation of optical phase modulators and avoid the intersection of the optical core and the electrical probe. Simulation and measurement results of the benzocyclobutene polymer as a cladding material and the PMMI-CPO1 polymer as an optical core with an electro-optic coefficient of 70 pm/V demonstrate a broadband operation of 67 GHz using travelling-wave driving electrodes with a half-wave voltage of 4.5 V, while satisfying its low RF losses and high overlap integral between optical and RF waves of in-plane CMS electrodes.
Effects of living cells on the bioink printability during laser printing
Authors: Zhang Zhengyi , Xu Changxue , Xiong Ruitong , Chrisey Douglas B. , Huang Yong
Published: June 2017

Laser-induced forward transfer has been a promising orifice-free bioprinting technique for the direct writing of three-dimensional cellular constructs from cell-laden bioinks. In order to optimize the printing performance, the effects of living cells on the bioink printability must be carefully investigated in terms of the ability to generate well-defined jets during the jet/droplet formation process as well as well-defined printed droplets on a receiving substrate during the jet/droplet deposition process. In this study, a time-resolved imaging approach has been implemented to study the jet/droplet formation and deposition processes when printing cell-free and cell-laden bioinks under different laser fluences. It is found that the jetting behavior changes from no material transferring to well-defined jetting with or without an initial bulgy shape to jetting with a bulgy shape/pluming/splashing as the laser fluence increases. Under desirable well-defined jetting, two impingement-based deposition and printing types are identified: droplet-impingement printing and jet-impingement printing with multiple breakups. Compared with cell-free bioink printing, the transfer threshold of the cell-laden bioink is higher while the jet velocity, jet breakup length, and printed droplet size are lower, shorter, and smaller, respectively. The addition of living cells transforms the printing type from jet-impingement printing with multiple breakups to droplet-impingement printing. During the printing of cell-laden bioinks, two non-ideal jetting behaviors, a non-straight jet with a non-straight trajectory and a straight jet with a non-straight trajectory, are identified mainly due to the local nonuniformity and nonhomogeneity of cell-laden bioinks.
Design and performance of a multimodal vibration-based energy harvester model for machine rotational frequencies
Authors: Sun Shilong , Tse Peter W.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents the design of vibration-based energy harvester model whose resonance frequency can be tunable with the help of the various cantilever type beam structures: T-folded, E-folded without a tip mass, E-folded with one tip mass, and E-folded with two tip masses. The main contribution is to make an optimal structure that can scavenge the destructive vibration into the highest possible electric energy even the attached machine is running at a low rotational frequency. The finite element method and experimental verification were used to search for the optimal design that can make the operational bandwidth broader and yield the maximum power output. The results show that the design of E-folded with two tip masses can offer a first three resonance frequencies varied from 18.18 Hz to 26.8 Hz. Such a range of low frequency can well adopt the common range of rotational frequency of most of the rotary machines. From the observations of experiments, the maximum output of electricity could be guaranteed and harvested by an external circuit tailor-made for the beam structures.
Ligand-Stabilized ZnO Quantum Dots: Molecular Dynamics and Experimental Study
Authors: Adnan Rohul Hayat , Woon Kai Lin , Chanlek Narong , Nakajima Hideki , Majid Wan Haliza Abd.
Published: June 2017

Different aminoalcohol ligands, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) were employed to passivate the surface of ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) imaging revealed that the higher branched aminoalcohols produced smaller sized ZnO QDs. The average size for ZnO/MEA, ZnO/DEA, and ZnO/TEA were found to be 3.2, 2.9, and 2.4 nm. TEA ligands were effective in producing stable, monodisperse ZnO QDs compared with DEA and MEA ligands. Molecular dynamics and semi-empirical calculations suggested that TEA and DEA ligands interact strongly with the partial charge of ZnO dangling bonds and have a large molar volume to hinder the diffusion of precursors through the ligands to the surface of ZnO resulting in a smaller particle size as compared with MEA ligands. As the size of ZnO QDs decreases from ZnO/MEA to ZnO/TEA, the absorption edge and emission peak maximum blue-shifts to a shorter wavelength due to the quantum size effect. The bandgap of ZnO/MEA, ZnO/DEA, and ZnO/TEA was determined to be 3.97, 4.07, and 4.23 eV, and the emission peak was found to be 472, 464, and 458 nm when excited using a 325 nm excitation wavelength, respectively.
Contraception – what about the men? Experience, knowledge and attitudes: a survey of 2438 heterosexual men using an online dating service
Authors: Stewart Mary , Ritter Todd , Bateson Deborah , McGeechan Kevin , Weisberg Edith
Published: June 2017

Background There is little research on men’s contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, yet the male partner is known to influence contraceptive choices. This study investigates contraceptive experiences, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of a sample of sexually active, heterosexual men via an online dating site. Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent to men who had logged onto an online dating site within the previous year. Results: We analysed 2438 survey responses. A contraceptive method was used at last intercourse for 82% of men <50 years old versus 69% of men ≥50 (P < 0.0001). Condoms (35%), vasectomy (22%) and the contraceptive pill (21%) were the most commonly used methods. Older men were less likely to use condoms than younger men (P < 0.0001). More than 80% of participants had heard of each method. The greatest perceived harm was with the emergency contraceptive pill, with 32% responding that it was ‘harmful to the health of the user’ and 37% not sure. Belief that contraception decision-making should be shared between partners increased from 57% in a ‘one-night stand’ to 75% in a casual relationship, to 92% in a long-term relationship. Conclusion: Among this sample there is high contraceptive use, especially vasectomy in older men and a desire to share contraceptive decision-making with their partners, especially in long-term relationships. However, low awareness of some methods and misperceptions about hormonal contraceptive method safety, especially the emergency contraceptive pill, highlight the need for education for men.
Surface lime and silicate application and crop production system effects on physical characteristics of a Brazilian Oxisol
Authors: Castro G. S. A. , Crusciol C. A. C. , Rosolem C. A. , Calonego J. C. , Brye K. R.
Published: June 2017

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of crop rotations and soil acidity amelioration on soil physical properties of an Oxisol (Rhodic Ferralsol or Red Ferrosol in the Australian Soil Classification) from October 2006 to September 2011 in Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four soybean (Glycine max)–maize (Zea mays)–rice (Oryza sativa) rotations that differed in their off-season crop, either a signal grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) forage crop, a second crop, a cover crop, or fallow. Two acid-neutralising materials, dolomitic lime (effective calcium carbonate equivalent (ECCE) = 90%) and calcium-magnesium silicate (ECCE = 80%), were surface applied to raise the soil’s base saturation to 70%. Selected soil physical characteristics were evaluated at three depths (0–0.1, 0.1–0.2, and 0.2–0.4 m). In the top 0.1 m, soil bulk density was lowest (P < 0.05) and macroporosity and aggregate stability index were greatest (P < 0.05) in the forage crop compared with all other production systems. Also, bulk density was lower (P < 0.05) and macroporosity was greater (P < 0.05) in the acid-neutralising-amended than the unamended control soil. In the 0.1–0.2-m interval, mean weight diameter and mean geometric diameter were greater (P < 0.05) in the forage crop compared with all other production systems. All soil properties evaluated in this study in the 0.2–0.4-m interval were unaffected by production system or soil amendment after five complete cropping cycles. Results of this study demonstrated that certain soil physical properties can be improved in a no-tillage soybean–maize–rice rotation using a forage crop in the off-season and with the addition of acid-neutralising soil amendments. Any soil and crop management practices that improve soil physical properties will likely contribute to sustaining long-term soil and crop productivity in areas with highly weathered, organic matter-depleted, acidic Oxisols.
Remodelling homologies
Authors: Collard Christophe
Published: June 2017

The November 1997 issue ofIndexmagazine featured a rather unusual piece by avantgardist John Jesurun, which apparently had surprised even the editors – and this despite having commissioned the contribution themselves. Building on the already troubled conversion from James M. Cain’s 1941 novelMildred Pierceto the 1945 film produced by Jerry Wald via multiple screenwriters and many more rewrites, this essay approaches the theme of betrayal so conspicuous in both works less from the narrative angle than from a processual angle inspired by the principle of incommensurability. To this end, it juxtaposes the ‘classical’ adaptation from the Hollywood studio era with Jesurun’s experimental reimagining of the betrayal theme as a homology-based remodelling.
Multimodal simile
Authors: Lou Adrian
Published: June 2017

This paper analyzes the “when” meme, a popular internet meme, which prototypically juxtaposes awhenclause with an ostensibly unrelated image. Despite the initial incongruity, I contend this image prompts selective mapping between verbal and visual elements to produce a multimodal simile. First, I attempt to define and more clearly distinguish simile from metaphor. Second, I show how this multimodal simile exhibits unique viewpoint mapping by prompting audiences to subsume viewpoints that are both unfamiliar and bizarre. Third, I connect thelikeconstruction in simile with thelikereported speech marker to show how both concepts are intimately related. Ultimately, the paper seeks to contribute to studies of simile by bolstering its ties with multimodality, blending, metonymy, viewpoint, and embodiment.
Structuring subjectivity in Asian Englishes
Authors: Deshors Sandra C.
Published: June 2017

This study investigates the usage patterns of four near-synonymous mental predicates (believe,
guess, suppose and think) across three Asian ESL (English as a Second Language)
varieties as well as British and American Englishes. Using two multivariate techniques, multiple correspondence analysis and classification
and regression tree analysis, the study shows the benefits of exploring cross-varietal variation through the lens of lexicalization
patterns. The study also demonstrates that to make sense of semantic patterns it is crucial to account for extra-linguistic factors such as
genre, as different ESL writers structure the meaning of believe, guess, suppose and
think differently depending on their type of writing. Ultimately, in the broader context of the emancipation of ESL
varieties, the results raise important questions about the developmental process of Asian Englishes and the place that semantic structure
holds in this endeavor.