bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum dissipation in a scalar field theory with gapped momentum states
Authors: Trachenko K.
Published: May 2019

Understanding quantum dissipation is important from both theoretical perspective and applications. Here, we show how to describe dissipation in a scalar field theory. We treat dissipation non-perturbatively, represent it by a bilinear term in the Lagrangian and quantize the theory. We find that dissipation promotes a gap in momentum space and reduces the particle energy. As a result, particle mass becomes dressed by dissipation due to self-interaction. The underlying mechanism is similar to that governing the propagation of transverse collective modes in liquids. We discuss the interplay between the dissipative and mass terms, the associated different regimes of field dynamics and the emergence of ultraviolet and infrared cutoffs due to dissipation.
Supervised Domain Adaptation for Automatic Sub-cortical Brain Structure Segmentation with Minimal User Interaction
Authors: Kushibar Kaisar , Valverde Sergi , González-Villà Sandra , Bernal Jose , Cabezas Mariano , Oliver Arnau , Lladó Xavier
Published: May 2019

In recent years, some convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been proposed to segment sub-cortical brain structures from magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Although these methods provide accurate segmentation, there is a reproducibility issue regarding segmenting MRI volumes from different image domains – e.g., differences in protocol, scanner, and intensity profile. Thus, the network must be retrained from scratch to perform similarly in different imaging domains, limiting the applicability of such methods in clinical settings. In this paper, we employ the transfer learning strategy to solve the domain shift problem. We reduced the number of training images by leveraging the knowledge obtained by a pretrained network, and improved the training speed by reducing the number of trainable parameters of the CNN. We tested our method on two publicly available datasets – MICCAI 2012 and IBSR – and compared them with a commonly used approach: FIRST. Our method showed similar results to those obtained by a fully trained CNN, and our method used a remarkably smaller number of images from the target domain. Moreover, training the network with only one image from MICCAI 2012 and three images from IBSR datasets was sufficient to significantly outperform FIRST with (p < 0.001) and (p < 0.05), respectively.
Design, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast Medium Entropy Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Sanchez Jon Mikel , Vicario Iban , Albizuri Joseba , Guraya Teresa , Acuña Eva Maria
Published: May 2019

In this work, the design, microstructures and mechanical properties of five novel non-equiatomic lightweight medium entropy alloys were studied. The manufactured alloys were based on the Al65Cu5Mg5Si15Zn5X5 and Al70Cu5Mg5Si10Zn5X5 systems. The formation and presence of phases and microstructures were studied by introducing Fe, Ni, Cr, Mn and Zr. The feasibility of CALPHAD method for the design of new alloys was studied, demonstrating to be a good approach in the design of medium entropy alloys, due to accurate prediction of the phases, which were validated via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, the alloys were manufactured using an industrial-scale die-casting process to make the alloys viable as engineering materials. In terms of mechanical properties, the alloys exhibited moderate plastic deformation and very high compressive strength up to 644 MPa. Finally, the reported microhardness value was in the range of 200 HV0.1 to 264 HV0.1, which was two to three times higher than those of commercial Al alloys.
Postglacial relative sea level change and glacier activity in the early and late Holocene: Wahlenbergfjorden, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard
Authors: Schomacker Anders , Farnsworth Wesley R. , Ingólfsson Ólafur , Allaart Lis , Håkansson Lena , Retelle Michael , Siggaard-Andersen Marie-Louise , Korsgaard Niels Jákup , Rouillard Alexandra , Kjellman Sofia E.
Published: May 2019

Sediment cores from Kløverbladvatna, a threshold lake in Wahlenbergfjorden, Nordaustlandet, Svalbard were used to reconstruct Holocene glacier fluctuations. Meltwater from Etonbreen spills over a threshold to the lake, only when the glacier is significantly larger than at present. Lithological logging, loss-on-ignition, ITRAX scanning and radiocarbon dating of the cores show that Kløverbladvatna became isolated from Wahlenbergfjorden c. 5.4 cal. kyr BP due to glacioisostatic rebound. During the Late Holocene, laminated clayey gyttja from lacustrine organic production and surface runoff from the catchment accumulated in the lake. The lacustrine sedimentary record suggests that meltwater only spilled over the threshold at the peak of the surge of Etonbreen in AD 1938. Hence, we suggest that this was the largest extent of Etonbreen in the (mid-late) Holocene. In Palanderbukta, a tributary fjord to Wahlenbergfjorden, raised beaches were surveyed and organic material collected to determine the age of the beaches and reconstruct postglacial relative sea level change. The age of the postglacial raised beaches ranges from 10.7 cal. kyr BP at 50 m a.s.l. to 3.13 cal. kyr BP at 2 m a.s.l. The reconstructed postglacial relative sea level curve adds valuable spatial and chronological data to the relative sea level record of Nordaustlandet.
Automated four-dimensional long term imaging enables single cell tracking within organotypic brain slices to study neurodevelopment and degeneration
Authors: Linsley Jeremy W. , Tripathi Atmiyata , Epstein Irina , Schmunk Galina , Mount Elliot , Campioni Matthew , Oza Viral , Barch Mariya , Javaherian Ashkan , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , Samsi Siddharth , Finkbeiner Steven
Published: May 2019

Current approaches for dynamic profiling of single cells rely on dissociated cultures, which lack important biological features existing in tissues. Organotypic slice cultures preserve aspects of structural and synaptic organisation within the brain and are amenable to microscopy, but established techniques are not well adapted for high throughput or longitudinal single cell analysis. Here we developed a custom-built, automated confocal imaging platform, with improved organotypic slice culture and maintenance. The approach enables fully automated image acquisition and four-dimensional tracking of morphological changes within individual cells in organotypic cultures from rodent and human primary tissues for at least 3 weeks. To validate this system, we analysed neurons expressing a disease-associated version of huntingtin (HTT586Q138-EGFP), and observed that they displayed hallmarks of Huntington’s disease and died sooner than controls. By facilitating longitudinal single-cell analyses of neuronal physiology, our system bridges scales necessary to attain statistical power to detect developmental and disease phenotypes.
Human brain transcriptome analysis finds region- and subject-specific expression signatures of GABAAR subunits
Authors: Sequeira Adolfo , Shen Kevin , Gottlieb Assaf , Limon Agenor
Published: May 2019

Altered expression of GABA receptors (GABAARs) has been implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders, but limited information about region-specific GABAAR subunit expression in healthy human brains, heteromeric assembly of major isoforms, and their collective organization across healthy individuals, are major roadblocks to understanding their role in non-physiological states. Here, by using microarray and RNA-Seq datasets—from single cell nuclei to global brain expression—from the Allen Institute, we find that transcriptional expression of GABAAR subunits is anatomically organized according to their neurodevelopmental origin. The data show a combination of complementary and mutually-exclusive expression patterns that delineate major isoforms, and which is highly stereotypical across brains from control donors. We summarize the region-specific signature of GABAR subunits per subject and its variability in a control population sample that can be used as a reference for remodeling changes during homeostatic rearrangements of GABAAR subunits after physiological, pharmacological or pathological challenges.
Fungal acetylome comparative analysis identifies an essential role of acetylation in human fungal pathogen virulence
Authors: Li Yanjian , Li Hailong , Sui Mingfei , Li Minghui , Wang Jiamei , Meng Yang , Sun Tianshu , Liang Qiaojing , Suo Chenhao , Gao Xindi , Li Chao , Li Zhuoran , Du Wei , Zhang Baihua , Sai Sixiang , Zhang Zhang , Ye Jing , Wang Hongchen , Yue Shang , Li Jiayi , Zhong Manli , Chen Changbin , Qi Shouliang , Lu Ling , Li Dancheng , Ding Chen
Published: May 2019

Lysine acetylation is critical in regulating important biological processes in many organisms, yet little is known about acetylome evolution and its contribution to phenotypic diversity. Here, we compare the acetylomes of baker’s yeast and the three deadliest human fungal pathogens, Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Using mass spectrometry enriched for acetylated peptides together with public data from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that fungal acetylomes are characterized by dramatic evolutionary dynamics and limited conservation in core biological processes. Notably, the levels of protein acetylation in pathogenic fungi correlate with their pathogenicity. Using gene knockouts and pathogenicity assays in mice, we identify deacetylases with critical roles in virulence and protein translation elongation. Finally, through mutational analysis of deactylation motifs we find evidence of positive selection at specific acetylation motifs in fungal pathogens. These results shed new light on the pathogenicity regulation mechanisms underlying the evolution of fungal acetylomes.
Chiral-induced switching of antiferromagnet spins in a confined nanowire
Authors: Kim T. H. , Han S. H. , Cho B. K.
Published: May 2019

In the development of spin-based electronic devices, a particular challenge is the manipulation of the magnetic state with high speed and low power consumption. Although research has focused on the current-induced spin–orbit torque based on strong spin–orbit coupling, the charge-based and the torque-driven devices have fundamental limitations: Joule heating, phase mismatching, and overshooting. In this work, we investigate numerically and theoretically alternative switching scenario of antiferromagnetic insulator in one-dimensional confined nanowire sandwiched with two electrodes. As the electric field could break inversion symmetry and induce Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and pseudo-dipole anisotropy, the resulting spiral texture takes symmetric or antisymmetric configuration due to additional coupling with the crystalline anisotropy. Therefore, by competing two spiral states, we show that the magnetization reversal of antiferromagnets is realized, which is valid in ferromagnetic counterpart. Our finding provides promising opportunities to realize the rapid and energy-efficient electrical manipulation of magnetization for future spin-based electronic devices.
Chicken Egg: Wholesome Nutrition Packed with Antioxidants
Authors: Nimalaratne C. , Wu J.
Published: May 2019

In addition to serving as an exceptional source of high-quality and balanced nutrients, egg-derived compounds exert numerous beneficial biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive and antimicrobial activities. This chapter will discuss and summarize the current knowledge on the antioxidant activity exerted by egg white components, such as ovalbumin, ovotransferrin and lysozyme, as well as from egg yolk, such as aromatic amino acids, carotenoids, phosvitin and phospholipids. Furthermore, the effects of cooking, thermal processing, storage and gastrointestinal digestion on their antioxidant activity, as well as the potential of producing antioxidant-enriched eggs, will also be discussed.
Bioactive Minor Egg Components
Authors: Gautron J. , Guyot N. , Brionne A. , Réhault-Godbert S.
Published: May 2019

In the last 15 years, the development of functional genomics has increased the number of egg proteins identified from 50 to about 1300. These proteins are initially present in eggs to support a harmonious embryonic development. Consequently, this closed embryonic chamber contains molecules exhibiting diverse functions, including defense, nutrition and many predicted biological activities, which have been investigated using both bioinformatics and experimental investigations. In this chapter, we focus on some very interesting activities of high potential reported for minor egg proteins (excluding ovalbumin, ovotransferrin and lysozyme). The shell matrix proteins are involved in the calcification process to define and control the final texture of the shell and thereby its mechanical properties. Antimicrobial proteins are part of innate immunity and are mainly present in the white and vitelline membranes. They encompass several protein families, including protease inhibitors, vitamin-binding proteins, defensins, LBP-PLUNC family proteins and heparin-binding proteins. The egg also possesses additional bioactive proteins with direct anti-cancerous and antioxidant activities or whose biochemical properties are currently used to develop diagnostic tools and strategies for targeted therapy. Finally, this chapter also reports some emerging functions in tissue remodeling/wound healing and proposes some relevant bioactive candidates and research fields that would be interesting to investigate further.
Advances in the Separation of Functional Egg Proteins – Egg Yolk Proteins
Authors: Huang X. , Abeyrathne E. D. N. S. , Ahn D. U.
Published: May 2019

Fresh egg yolk is an excellent source of proteins and lipids. Egg yolk protein is mainly composed of lipovitellins, livetins, low-density lipoproteins, and phosvitin. Among these proteins, γ-livetin (IgY) and phosvitin are the most important value-added proteins, and also the most extensively studied. However, most of the separation methods for egg yolk proteins are complicated and for laboratory use. For the commercial application of egg yolk proteins, scale-up production of the value-added proteins is essential. Thus, this chapter discusses the applicability of the developed methods for the commercial-scale applications and looks at the scalable sequential separation methods for multiple egg yolk proteins, such as IgY, phosvitin, and yolkin. Along with the separation methods for egg yolk proteins, the functionalities of egg yolk proteins and their products, as well as their potential applications as nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical agents, are also discussed. Separation of functional proteins from the egg yolk can dramatically increase the value and use of egg yolk.
Effect of electron beam irradiation on the structural characteristics and functional properties of rice proteins
Authors: Zhang Xinxia , Wang Li , Chen Zhengxing , Li Yongfu , Luo Xiaohu , Li Yanan
Published: May 2019

A study of the structural and functional changes of rice proteins (RPs) induced by electron beam irradiation (EBI) at 5 kGy, 10 kGy, 20 kGy, and 30 kGy was performed.
Heparosan as a potential alternative to hyaluronic acid for the design of biopolymer-based nanovectors for anticancer therapy
Authors: Rippe Marlène , Stefanello Talitha F. , Kaplum Vanessa , Britta Elizandra A. , Garcia Francielle P. , Poirot Robin , Companhoni Mychelle V. P. , Nakamura Celso V. , Szarpak-Jankowska Anna , Auzély-Velty Rachel
Published: May 2019

Nanogels based on heparosan, which has a chemical structure very similar to hyaluronic acid, accumulate more efficiently at the tumor site.
High-surface energy enables efficient and stable photocatalytic toluene degradationviathe suppression of intermediate byproducts
Authors: Wang Hong , Dong Xing'an , Cui Wen , Li Jieyuan , Sun Yanjuan , Zhou Ying , Huang Hongwei , Zhang Yuxin , Dong Fan
Published: May 2019

The high surface energy of ZnGa2O4favors the chemical adsorption of reactants on the catalyst surface, which facilitates the activation and ring opening of toluene derivatives to maintain high stability.
Chlorocuprate(i) ionic liquid as an efficient and stable Cu-based catalyst for hydrochlorination of acetylene
Authors: Ren Yanfei , Wu Botao , Wang Fumin , Li Hang , Lv Guojun , Sun Mingshuai , Zhang Xubin
Published: May 2019

Chlorocuprate(i) ionic liquids can be well-stabilized, low-cost, efficient and green non-mercury catalysts for hydrochlorination of acetylene.
Kinetic and material properties of interfaces governing slow response and long timescale phenomena in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Guerrero Antonio , Bou Agustín , Al-Mayouf Abdullah M. , Bisquert Juan
Published: May 2019

The vast difference in timescale of carrier transport detected in perovskite solar cells is associated with different kinetics processes involving electron, defects and large cations, which determines the device performance and I–V hysteresis.
Glycerol conversion to high-value chemicals: the implication of unnatural α-amino acid syntheses using natural resources
Authors: Park Yun Ji , Yang Jung Woon
Published: May 2019

Transition-metal-free, oxidative dehomologation of O-benzylglycerol to high-value chemicals and their application to unnatural α-amino acids using natural resources are demonstrated.
Interlaboratory study of trace elements in keratinized matrices: characterization of four caprine horn reference materials and an investigation of current analytical methodologies
Authors: Tehrani Mina W. , Galusha Aubrey L. , Parsons Patrick J.
Published: May 2019

Twenty-one laboratories reported results for a suite of elements, with most using ICP-MS after acid digestion of the powdered horn materials.
Zn2SbN3: growth and characterization of a metastable photoactive semiconductor
Authors: Arca Elisabetta , Perkins John D. , Lany Stephan , Mis Allison , Chen Bor-Rong , Dippo Patricia , Partridge Jonathan L. , Sun Wenhao , Holder Aaron , Tamboli Adele C. , Toney Michael F. , Schelhas Laura T. , Ceder Gerbrand , Tumas William , Teeter Glenn , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: May 2019

Zn2SbN3 is the first Sb-based crystalline nitride and a photoactive semiconductor.
Versatility and trends in the interaction between Pd(ii) and peptide hydroxamic acids
Authors: Ozsváth András , Farkas Etelka , Diószegi Róbert , Buglyó Péter
Published: May 2019

The interaction between di- and tripeptide hydroxamic acids and Pd(ii) (as a Pt(ii) model but with faster ligand exchange reactions) was studied in aqueous solution in the presence of chloride ions by pH-potentiometric and NMR methods revealing ligand-dependent competition between the coordinative and hydrolytic processes.
Combined photoanodes of TiO2 nanoparticles and {001}-faceted TiO2 nanosheets for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Gao Qiqian , Sun Xiaojuan , Yang Xijia , Wang Liying , Li Xuesong , Zhang Xueyu , Duan Lianfeng , Lü Wei
Published: May 2019

A key point for constructing quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) with high efficiency is to improve the utilization of sunlight.
Using green emitting pH-responsive nanogels to report environmental changes within hydrogels: a nanoprobe for versatile sensing
Authors: Zhu Mingning , Lu Dongdong , Wu Shanglin , Lian Qing , Wang Wenkai , Lyon L. Andrew , Wang Weiguang , Bártolo Paulo , Saunders Brian R.
Published: May 2019

Low concentrations of new stimuli-responsive blue-green-fluorescent nanogel probes within four different gels and stem cells reversibly report five different stimuli: cations, degradation, pH, temperature and tensile strain.
Water-resistant AgBiS2 colloidal nanocrystal solids for eco-friendly thin film photovoltaics
Authors: Oh Jae Taek , Bae Sung Yong , Ha Su Ryong , Cho Hongjoo , Lim Sung Jun , Boukhvalov Danil W. , Kim Younghoon , Choi Hyosung
Published: May 2019

The AgBiS2 nanocrystal solar cells exhibit no drop in their device performance before and after the water treatment, suggesting that AgBiS2 nanocrystal solids are highly water-resistant.
Ultralow lattice thermal conductivity induced high thermoelectric performance in the δ-Cu2S monolayer
Authors: Yu Jiabing , Li Tingwei , Nie Ge , Zhang Bo-Ping , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2019

The δ-Cu2S monolayer exhibits an ultralow κ1 of 0.10 W m−1 K−1 and a high ZT of 1.33 at 800 K.
Self-assembled CeVO4/Ag nanohybrid as photoconversion agents with enhanced solar-driven photocatalysis and NIR-responsive photothermal/photodynamic synergistic therapy performance
Authors: Chang Mengyu , Wang Meifang , Chen Yeqing , Shu Mengmeng , Zhao Yajie , Ding Binbin , Hou Zhiyao , Lin Jun
Published: May 2019

CeVO4/Ag nanohybrids can serve as photoconversion agents for solar-driven photocatalysis and PA/PT imaging-guided NIR-responsive photothermal/photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of fluorine-18 benzimidazole sulfones as CB2 PET-radioligands
Authors: Kallinen Annukka , Boyd Rochelle , Lane Samuel , Bhalla Rajiv , Mardon Karine , Stimson Damion H. R. , Werry Eryn L. , Fulton Roger , Connor Mark , Kassiou Michael
Published: May 2019

New 18F-fluorinated benzimidazole 5-sulfones with low nanomolar binding affinity were synthesised as PET-radioligand candidates for the CB2 receptor.
Transition metal-free, visible-light-mediated construction of α,β-diamino esters via decarboxylative radical addition at room temperature
Authors: Wu Guibing , Wang Jingwen , Liu Chengyu , Sun Maolin , Zhang Lei , Ma Yueyue , Cheng Ruihua , Ye Jinxing
Published: May 2019

A metal-free photoredox catalyzed decarboxylative radical coupling of free-carboxylic acids and glyoxylic oximes was developed to synthesize α,β-diamino acids.
Polydopamine functionalized hydrogel beads as magnetically separable antibacterial materials
Authors: Matai Ishita , Garg Mayank , Rana Kajal , Singh Suman
Published: May 2019

Surface functionalization with polydopamine augments the structural stability and antibacterial profile of magnetic hydrogel beads.
Direct chemical vapor deposition synthesis of large area single-layer brominated graphene
Authors: Hasan Maria , Meiou Wang , Yulian Liu , Ullah Sami , Ta Huy Q. , Zhao Liang , Mendes Rafael G. , Malik Zahida P. , Ahmad Nasir M. , Liu Zhongfan , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: May 2019

In this study we present the first direct synthesis of large area, single layer, crystalline graphene with covalently doped bromine.
Nanohybrid layered double hydroxide materials as efficient catalysts for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Gamil Shimaa , El Rouby Waleed M. A. , Antuch Manuel , Zedan I. T.
Published: May 2019

Methanol electrooxidation over layered double hydroxides.
A new COF linked by an ether linkage (–O–): synthesis, characterization and application in supercapacitance
Authors: Guo Hao , Wang Mingyue , Xue Rui , Yao Jing , Wang Xuejiao , Zhang Longwen , Liu Jianfeng , Yang Wu
Published: May 2019

A new COF (NWNU-COF-4) linked by aryl ether bonds was readily synthesized by condensation of 2,4,6-trihydroxypyrimidine and trinitrophenol. It exhibited excellent pseudocapacitive performance and cycling stability, with promising application as a supercapacitor electrode.
Thermoelectric and vibrational properties of Be2C, BeMgC and Mg2C using first-principles method
Authors: Maurya V. , Paliwal U. , Sharma G. , Joshi K. B.
Published: May 2019

The EFF of Mg2C. A very good thermoelectric has the EFF above the horizontal lines marked at 300 and 800 K.
A combined experimental and density functional theory study of metformin oxy-cracking for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment
Authors: Badran Ismail , Manasrah Abdallah D. , Nassar Nashaat N.
Published: May 2019

Pharmaceutical compounds are emerging contaminants that have been detected in surface water across the world.
Tailoring the dimensionality of carbon nanostructures as highly electrochemical supports for detection of carcinoembryonic antigens
Authors: Meng Yubo , Song Yingpan , Guo Chuanpan , Cui Bingbing , Ji Hongfei , Ma Zongzheng
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube derivatives were chosen to support Au nanoparticles to form nanocomposites (Au/NCNTs, Au/PU-NCNTs and Au/FU-NCNTs). The Au/FU-NCNTs possess the optimal electrocatalytic activity and biosensing performance for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
Copper-catalyzed synthesis of 2-aminopyridylbenzoxazolesviadomino reactions of intermolecularN-arylation and intramolecularO-arylation
Authors: Lu Ju-You
Published: May 2019

A simple and general approach to nitrogen-containing heterocyclesviacopper-catalyzed domino reaction has been developed, the corresponding 2-aminopyridylbenzoxazole derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields using the readily available starting materials.
RuxSe@MoS2 hybrid as a highly efficient electrocatalyst toward hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Chen Qi , Wang Kefeng , Qin Jingjing , Wang Songzhu , Wei Wei , Wang Jingge , Shen Qi , Qu Peng , Liu Daosheng
Published: May 2019

The bifunctionality mechanism of RuxSe@MoS2 greatly enhances the alkaline HER performance, in which Ru promotes water dissociation and the nearby Se atoms, unsaturated Mo and/or S atoms act as active sites for the intermediate hydrogen adsorption.
Zn(OTf)2-mediated annulations of N-propargylated tetrahydrocarbolines: divergent synthesis of four distinct alkaloidal scaffolds
Authors: Yorimoto Sadaiwa , Tsubouchi Akira , Mizoguchi Haruki , Oikawa Hideaki , Tsunekawa Yoshiaki , Ichino Tomoya , Maeda Satoshi , Oguri Hiroki
Published: May 2019

Experimental and computational studies gained insights into Zn(OTf)2-mediated annulations and allowed programmable synthesis of four distinct alkaloidal scaffolds.
A simple, robust, universal assay for real-time enzyme monitoring by signalling changes in nucleoside phosphate anion concentration using a europium(iii)-based anion receptor
Authors: Hewitt Sarah H. , Ali Rozee , Mailhot Romain , Antonen Chloe R. , Dodson Charlotte A. , Butler Stephen J.
Published: May 2019

A simple, sensitive microplate assay for real-time enzyme monitoring, using a lanthanide-based anion receptor, could increase productivity in the drug discovery pipeline.
The intimate relationship between cavitation and fracture
Authors: Raayai-Ardakani Shabnam , Earl Darla Rachelle , Cohen Tal
Published: May 2019

Combination of volume controlled cavity expansion experiments and a minimal theoretical model reveals the interplay between cavitation and fracture.
Single-ion conducting artificial solid electrolyte interphase layers for dendrite-free and highly stable lithium metal anodes
Authors: Deng Kuirong , Han Dongmei , Ren Shan , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: May 2019

A single-ion conducting artificial SEI layer guides lithium ions to uniformly distribute and deposit and suppresses the growth of lithium dendrites.
Single-crystalline melem (C6N10H6) nanorods: a novel stable molecular crystal photocatalyst with modulated charge potentials and dynamics
Authors: Lei Renbo , Du Bingsheng , Lai Xiaofang , Wu Jing , Zhang Zhihua , Liu Shengwei , Wu Rong , Li Xin , Song Bo , Jian Jikang
Published: May 2019

Here we reported single-crystalline molecular crystal melem nanorods with modulated charge potentials and dynamics due to the high-crystallinity and low-dimensionality facilitating transport of photo-induced carriers.
Effect of eutectic accelerator in selenium-doped sulfurized polyacrylonitrile for high performance room temperature sodium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Wang Lihui , Chen Xin , Li Shuping , Yang Jiaqiang , Sun Yulong , Peng Linfeng , Shan Bin , Xie Jia
Published: May 2019

Selenium-doped sulfurized polyacrylonitrile delivers superior rate and cycle performance in room temperature sodium-sulfur batteries.
In situ room-temperature fabrication of a covalent organic framework and its bonded fiber for solid-phase microextraction of polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic products
Authors: Guo Jing-Xuan , Qian Hai-Long , Zhao Xu , Yang Cheng , Yan Xiu-Ping
Published: May 2019

A novel covalent organic framework (COF) TFPB-BD and its bonded fiber were fabricated for microextraction of polychlorinated biphenyls.
Decoupling half-reactions of electrolytic water splitting by integrating a polyaniline electrode
Authors: Wang Jianying , Ji Lvlv , Teng Xue , Liu Yangyang , Guo Lixia , Chen Zuofeng
Published: May 2019

A low-cost conducting polymer material polyaniline is developed as a solid-state redox mediator for decoupling the two half-reactions of water splitting in acidic media.
Characterisation of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) prepared at scale by high-pressure homogenisation
Authors: Guerra Valentina , Wan Chaoying , Degirmenci Volkan , Sloan Jeremy , Presvytis Dimitris , Watson Michael , McNally Tony
Published: May 2019

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared by a high-pressure homogenisation process (HPHP) via exfoliation of bulk graphite, yielding GNP in the form of square shaped platelets with lateral dimensions on the micrometre (μm) scale and thicknesses on the nanometre (nm) scale (<200 nm).
NUDIX hydrolases with inorganic polyphosphate exo- and endopolyphosphatase activities in the glycosome, cytosol and nucleus of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cordeiro Ciro D. , Ahmed Michael A. , Windle Brian , Docampo Roberto
Published: May 2019

Trypanosoma brucei, a protist parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, relies mainly on glycolysis for ATP production when in its mammalian host. Glycolysis occurs within a peroxisome-like organelle named the glycosome. Previous work from our laboratory reported the presence of significant amounts of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of three to hundreds of orthophosphate units, in the glycosomes and nucleoli of T. brucei. In this work, we identified and characterized the activity of two Nudix hydrolases (NHs), T. brucei Nudix hydrolase (TbNH) 2 and TbNH4, one located in the glycosomes and the other in the cytosol and nucleus, respectively, which can degrade polyP. We found that TbNH2 is an exopolyphosphatase with higher activity on short chain polyP, while TbNH4 is an endo- and exopolyphosphatase that has similar activity on polyP of various chain sizes. Both enzymes have higher activity at around pH 8.0. We also found that only TbNH2 can dephosphorylate ATP and ADP but with lower affinity than for polyP. Our results suggest that NHs can participate in polyP homeostasis and therefore may help control polyP levels in glycosomes, cytosol and nuclei of T. brucei.
Secrecy outage analysis of energy harvesting two‐way relaying networks with friendly jammer
Authors: Nguyen‐Huu Phong , Ho‐Van Khuong , Bao Vo Nguyen Quoc
Published: May 2019

This study investigates two‐way relaying where an energy harvesting capable relay exchanges information between two sources. Legitimate information is wire‐tapped by an eavesdropper. To intercept wire‐tapping, this study exploits a friendly jammer. Secrecy outage analysis of the energy harvesting two‐way relaying network with the friendly jammer over Rayleigh fading channels is first proposed in terms of individual secrecy outage probabilities and then validated by computer simulations. Various results demonstrate the efficacy of the jammer in preventing the eavesdropper from stealing the source information and significant impacts of relay location, jammer location, jammer's transmit power, energy conversion efficiency, time switching ratio on the security performance.
Realisation of a self‐powered, secured and robust disaster recovery network
Authors: Ibrahim Ali Qutaiba
Published: May 2019

In this work, the authors are focusing on various aspects to support the reliability and security of a self‐powered disaster recovery network (DRN) infrastructure. Different methods and algorithms were suggested to resolve the different logistic requirements to build a Green DRN Infrastructure. First of all the architecture of a DRN node is enhanced to support its robustness and availability against the different failure events which may occur due to many reasons such as power supply shortage or Denial of Service attacks. Secondly, the DRN Infrastructure Clustering algorithm is suggested to limit the size of the ad‐hoc network and to isolate the problems in each cluster which offers a more efficient, robust and secured system. Finally, several fault tolerance procedures are described which provide different solutions against nodes or DRN server failure. This study also discussed the need to ensure the successful combination of different security solutions (using an Embedded Cooperative Hybrid Intrusion Detection System) and reliability methods (using the DRN clustering algorithm) with a probably managed solar energy powered. The different factors governing the behaviour of the system, its evaluation metrics are determined and its performance measurement is tested using an experimental platform customised for this purpose.
Distributed fixed‐time consensus tracking for high‐order uncertain non‐linear multi‐agent systems with switching topologies
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Duan Guangren
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the distributed fixed‐time consensus tracking for high‐order uncertain non‐linear multi‐agent systems with switching topologies. Each follower is assumed to be in strict‐feedback form with both unknown parameters and mismatched disturbances. Different from traditional centralised tracking control problem, only a subset of the agents can acquire the desired trajectory information. By adopting backstepping method and dynamic surface control technique, the distributed fixed‐time consensus protocol and appropriate adaptive laws are designed without requiring knowledge of the upper bounds of disturbances. Moreover, the problem of ‘explosion of complexity’ in standard backstepping design is avoided. Under the proposed control protocol, it is shown from the Lyapunov‐based analysis that the tracking errors between all followers and the leader can converge to a small neighbourhood of the origin within a fixed time, even though the communication structures among agents dynamically change over time. Finally, a numerical example is carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Distributed finite‐time control for spatially interconnected systems
Authors: Feng Hongyan , Xu Huiling , Xu Shengyuan
Published: May 2019

Compared with the classical Lyapunov asymptotic stability, finite‐time stability is much more important and significant in some practical applications. The purpose of this study is to design the distributed controllers such that the controlled spatially interconnected systems are well‐posed, finite‐time stable/bounded and finite‐time contractive. First, the authors introduce the definitions of finite‐time stability/boundedness and finite‐time contractiveness for spatially interconnected systems based on the given system matrices. Second, a sufficient condition is proposed to check the well‐posedness, finite‐time stability/bounedness and finite‐time contractiveness of spatially interconnected systems. Third, the distributed controllers are designed to solve the distributed finite‐time control problem. Besides, the existence condition and construction of the distributed controllers are shown. In the end, a one‐dimensional heat equation example is demonstrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Multiport energy gateway
Authors: Tran Yan‐Kim , Freijedo Francisco D. , Dujic Drazen
Published: May 2019

Medium‐voltage‐direct‐current collection and distribution grids are being considered for emerging applications, and require enabling power electronic technologies. Medium‐voltage high power DC–DC converters are one of the solutions that will play an important role in future energy systems. This study presents a novel bidirectional multiport power electronic converter, interfacing medium‐voltage and low‐voltage distribution grids while integrating distributed energy storage elements, such as batteries and super‐capacitors. The multiport energy gateway concept is based on a modular input‐series output‐parallel topology includes medium frequency transformer for the galvanic isolation, and combines open‐loop and closed‐loop operated converter stages. Comprehensive converter design aspects and operating principles are presented and discussed considering representative cases of studies. The validity of the approaches is proved by simulation and experimental results obtained on a small scale prototype.
Negative group delay power dividing network with balanced‐to‐single‐ended topology
Authors: Chen Zhou , Shi Jin , Xu Kai
Published: May 2019

In this study, a power dividing network with negative group delay (NGD) and balanced‐to‐single‐ended topology is proposed. The resistors connected with coupled lines achieve both the functions of NGD and isolation. Therefore, the approach is much simpler than the one for single‐ended power divider with NGD function. Furthermore, the insertion loss of the proposed design is lower than those of the power dividers with a similar level of NGD. Theoretic and experimental investigations of the proposed design are given to guide the design. One prototype working at 1.8 GHz is designed and fabricated. The measured results show that the group delay, return loss, insertion loss, common‐mode suppression, and isolation at the centre frequency are −1.1 ns, 20, 2.4, 15, and 17 dB, respectively. The measured results agree well with the analytical and simulated ones.
Bandwidth enhancement and size reduction of printed monopole antenna using bounding box structure
Authors: Ashong Ebenezer Tawiah , Jung Young‐Bae
Published: May 2019

A printed monopole antenna with enhanced bandwidth and reduced size using a bounding box structure is presented in this paper. The initial design comprises a microstrip‐fed rectangular monopole with a partial ground structure. A feed line offset, a slit etched on the feed line, an asymmetric transition connecting the feed line and the monopole, and an inverted T‐slot embedded in the ground are used to ensure good impedance matching. The design is modified by incorporating a bounding box structure, which introduces additional resonances hence an enhanced impedance fractional bandwidth reaching 156% (0.28 to 2.27 GHz) is obtained as compared to only 72% (0.75–1.60 GHz) realised for a conventional monopole. The electrical size of the proposed antenna is also reduced from to 0.39λl × 0.24 (where denotes the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the antenna) using the bounding box configuration. The experimental and predicted results are in good agreement, and the proposed antenna demonstrates good radiation characteristics over the operating bandwidth. The proposed antenna can be applied in DVB (530–860 MHz), GSM850 (824–894 MHz), GSM900 (880–960 MHz) DCS (1710–1880 MHz), PCS (1850–1990 MHz), and UMTS (1920–2170 MHz) systems.
Digital fronthaul link based on optimised digital radio over fibre system
Authors: Abbood Abdul Nasser Abdul Jabbar , Al‐Raweshidy Hamed Saffa
Published: May 2019

The high optical bandwidth requirement in the mobile fronthaul link of the next generation cloud radio access network represents one of the major design constraints. In this study, a digital fronthaul link based on digital radio over fibre system that integrates the duobinary coding scheme with the optical single sideband (OSSB) transmission is proposed. This system reduces the spectral occupancy of the transmitted signals as well as the chromatic dispersion effects induced by fibre in both the electrical and optical domains. The OSSB signal is created by driving two cascaded optical modulators with a combination of a baseband digital signal and the Hilbert transform of that signal. The transmission performance of a digitised 16‐quadrature amplitude modulation 16‐QAM radio frequency signal with a bit rate of 1.25 Gb/s over a standard single mode fibre is investigated. The results show that the fronthaul transmission length can be extended by 75 and 16.6% relative to the case of transmitting the digitised signal using double sideband and single sideband (SSB) transmission formats, respectively. The power budget is improved by 10 dB compared to the SSB case with respect to the measured optical signal‐to‐noise ratio at 70 km fibre distance, while maintaining the EVM below the standardised values of the 3GPP.
Influence of charging voltage magnitude on time domain dielectric response of oil–paper insulation
Authors: Banerjee Chandra Madhab , Dutta Saurabh , Baral Arijit , Chakravorti Sivaji
Published: May 2019

Polarisation current profile varies non‐linearly with a magnitude of charging voltage. This implies performance parameters obtained from polarisation–depolarisation current and those measured using specialised equipment cannot always be compared. Results reported in this study suggested that the non‐linearity in insulation response can be explained in terms of the interaction between space charge and insulation conductivity. The influence of using different charging voltages and its effect on performance parameter calculation is investigated in this study with the help of laboratory samples. It is shown in this study that with the help of a trained artificial neural network, it is possible to identify the charging voltage at which insulation response exhibits minimum non‐linearity. To test the accuracy of the proposed method performance parameters measured using commercial equipment are compared with those calculated from the polarisation current profile.
Development of Hankel‐SVD hybrid technique for multiple noise removal from PD signature
Authors: Govindarajan Suganya , Subbaiah Jayalalitha , Cavallini Andrea , Krithivasan Kannan , Jayakumar Jaikanth
Published: May 2019

Detection and measurement of partial discharge (PD) phenomena combined with the separation and identification of PD sources is the way to achieve effective insulation integrity assessment. However, during measurement, PD signals are coupled with interferences (discrete spectral, pulsive, and white noises). Recovering PD signals from such interferences would improve PD source separation (thus identification), but still remains a challenging task. Several denoising methods have been proposed to suppress interferences. However, using a universal method to achieve interference removal is probably impossible, as the characteristics of the interferences are distinct. This study proposes a novel low‐rank H‐Matrix‐based singular value decomposition (SVD) filter (H‐SVD) that removes different types of interferences. Denoising is done by projecting the measured pulse in a lower dimensional signal space. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, H‐SVD filter is first applied to simulated PD data and later on real‐time PD data with the introduction of three different types of synthetic noises. The results of the evaluation metrics confirm that H‐SVD has significant performance improvements compared to existing state‐of‐the‐art PD denoising methods.
Electromagnetic analysis of a wind turbine magnetic gearbox
Authors: Li Kang , Modaresahmadi Sina , Williams Wesley , Bird Jonathan Z.
Published: May 2019

The design of the second stage of a 59:1 multi‐stage magnetic gearbox for a wind turbine demonstrator is presented. The multi‐stage series‐connected magnetic gearbox is composed of a 6.45 first stage and 9.14 second stage. A flux‐focusing spoke‐type rotor typology is used with a unique segmented fully laminated design. The impact of structural design changes is considered with respect to torque density. A new rotor typology is presented that enables the magnetic gearbox to be mechanically assembled first without magnets.
Comparison of different synchronous machines with stator‐side permanent magnets for industrial drive application
Authors: Lehr Marcel , Binder Andreas
Published: May 2019

Three different synchronous machines with the permanent magnets in the stator (doubly salient permanent magnet, flux reversal permanent magnet, and flux switching permanent magnet machine) are compared for use as an industrial drive for 45 kW, 400 V Y, and 1000 …. 3000 min−1. For comparison, finite element method simulations are carried out to investigate the torque density of the machines, and the results are explained based on the magnetic co‐energy. The simulations show that the flux switching machine generates the highest torque density of the three machines. Therefore, a prototype flux switching machine is built, tested, and compared with a conventional permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) with magnets on the rotor surface, the same size (stator outer diameter d so  = 314 mm, axial length l Fe  = 180 mm) and rating. The measurements indicate that the conventional PMSM and the flux switching machine have roughly equivalent electrical behaviour.
Arbitrary d–q current sharing in three‐phase winding sets of multi‐phase machines
Authors: Zoric Ivan , Jones Martin , Levi Emil
Published: May 2019

This study proposes a technique for arbitrary current sharing between winding sets of any multiple three‐phase machine by using a decoupled control in two‐dimensional orthogonal vector space decomposition subspaces. With ability to arbitrarily set the d–q currents in all winding sets, both active and reactive power of each winding set can be arbitrarily set as well. Normally, this behaviour requires machine model in multi‐stator variables where control implementation may be challenging due to the cross‐coupling between winding set variables. On the contrary, in this study, the correlation between multi‐stator and the vector space decomposition modelling has been used so that benefits of both modelling approaches are fully utilised: a decoupled control feature thanks to vector space decomposition and an ability to individually control winding set currents, a feature of the multi‐stator modelling approach.
Fast iron loss prediction method in the pre‐design stage of SRMs
Authors: Ge Lefei , Burkhart Bernhard , De Doncker Rik W.
Published: May 2019

To effectively find a valid solution in the development process of electrical machines, it is essential to predict machine iron loss in the pre‐design stage. In guidance on the choice of the most suitable configuration of the switched reluctance machine (SRM) is given, but iron loss prediction is neglected. Based on the study of Burkhart et al., this study proposes a simplified model to efficiently calculate iron loss in the design procedure of SRMs. For this purpose, a maximum co‐energy loop control method is implemented to facilitate the estimation of flux waveform and machine torque. Three different iron loss calculation methods are compared in terms of accuracy and time. The accuracy of the simplified model is verified by comparison with finite element simulation results. Furthermore, the impact of different parameters on the iron loss is discussed, and the iron loss of various machine geometries is comparatively analysed.
Performance comparison between consequent‐pole and inset modular permanent magnet machines
Authors: Ren Bo , Li Guang‐Jin , Zhu Zi‐Qiang , Foster Martin , Stone David
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes some consequent‐pole (CP) modular permanent magnet (PM) machines with different flux gap (FG) widths and slot/pole number combinations. The corresponding inset modular PM machines having the same magnet volume are also presented for comparison. It has been demonstrated that the output torques of the consequent pole modular machines are always higher than those of the inset modular machines regardless of FG widths and slot/pole number combinations. Other electromagnetic performances such as back‐EMF, cogging torque, and iron losses etc. are calculated by 2D FEA software and compared as well. The advantages and disadvantages of consequent and inset modular PM machines are summarised here.