bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light-triggered release of conventional local anesthetics from a macromolecular prodrug for on-demand local anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ji Tianjiao , Li Yang , Zheng Yueqin , Mehta Manisha , Zhao Chao , Liu Andong , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: May 2020

An on-demand anesthetic that would only take effect when needed and where the intensity of anesthesia could be easily adjustable according to patients’ needs would be highly desirable. Here, we design and synthesize a macromolecular prodrug (P407-CM-T) in which the local anesthetic tetracaine (T) is attached to the polymer poloxamer 407 (P407) via a photo-cleavable coumarin linkage (CM). P407-CM-T solution is an injectable liquid at room temperature and gels near body temperature. The macromolecular prodrug has no anesthetic effect itself unless irradiated with a low-power blue light emitting diode (LED), resulting in local anesthesia. By adjusting the intensity and duration of irradiation, the anesthetic effect can be modulated. Local anesthesia can be repeatedly triggered.
Chromosome-level assembly of the horseshoe crab genome provides insights into its genome evolution
Authors: Shingate Prashant , Ravi Vydianathan , Prasad Aravind , Tay Boon-Hui , Garg Kritika M. , Chattopadhyay Balaji , Yap Laura-Marie , Rheindt Frank E. , Venkatesh Byrappa
Published: May 2020

The evolutionary history of horseshoe crabs, spanning approximately 500 million years, is characterized by remarkable morphological stasis and a low species diversity with only four extant species. Here we report a chromosome-level genome assembly for the mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda) using PacBio reads and Hi-C data. The assembly spans 1.67 Gb with contig N50 of 7.8 Mb and 98% of the genome assigned to 16 chromosomes. The genome contains five Hox clusters with 34 Hox genes, the highest number reported in any invertebrate. Detailed analysis of the genome provides evidence that suggests three rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD), raising questions about the relationship between WGD and species radiation. Several gene families, particularly those involved in innate immunity, have undergone extensive tandem duplication. These expanded gene families may be important components of the innate immune system of horseshoe crabs, whose amebocyte lysate is a sensitive agent for detecting endotoxin contamination.
Negative elongation factor complex enables macrophage inflammatory responses by controlling anti-inflammatory gene expression
Authors: Yu Li , Zhang Bin , Deochand Dinesh , Sacta Maria A. , Coppo Maddalena , Shang Yingli , Guo Ziyi , Zeng Xiaomin , Rollins David A. , Tharmalingam Bowranigan , Li Rong , Chinenov Yurii , Rogatsky Inez , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2020

Studies on macrophage gene expression have historically focused on events leading to RNA polymerase II recruitment and transcription initiation, whereas the contribution of post-initiation steps to macrophage activation remains poorly understood. Here, we report that widespread promoter-proximal RNA polymerase II pausing in resting macrophages is marked by co-localization of the negative elongation factor (NELF) complex and facilitated by PU.1. Upon inflammatory stimulation, over 60% of activated transcriptome is regulated by polymerase pause-release and a transient genome-wide NELF dissociation from chromatin, unexpectedly, independent of CDK9, a presumed NELF kinase. Genetic disruption of NELF in macrophages enhanced transcription of AP-1-encoding Fos and Jun and, consequently, AP-1 targets including Il10. Augmented expression of IL-10, a critical anti-inflammatory cytokine, in turn, attenuated production of pro-inflammatory mediators and, ultimately, macrophage-mediated inflammation in vivo. Together, these findings establish a previously unappreciated role of NELF in constraining transcription of inflammation inhibitors thereby enabling inflammatory macrophage activation.
Protection against a chlamydial respiratory challenge by a chimeric vaccine formulated with the Chlamydia muridarum major outer membrane protein variable domains using the Neisseria lactamica porin B as a scaffold
Authors: Tifrea Delia F. , Pal Sukumar , Fairman Jeff , Massari Paola , de la Maza Luis M.
Published: May 2020

Chlamydia trachomatisis the most frequently detected sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the world. Attempts to control these infections with screening programs and antibiotics have failed and, therefore, a vaccine is the best approach to control this epidemic. TheChlamydiamajor outer membrane protein (MOMP) is the most protective subunit vaccine so far tested. Protection induced by MOMP is, in part, dependent on its tertiary structure. We have previously described new recombinant antigens composed of theNeisseria lactamicaPorB engineered to express the variable domains (VD) fromChlamydia muridarumMOMP. Here we tested antigens containing each individual MOMP VD and different VD combinations. Following immunization, mice were challenged intranasally withC. muridarum. Our results show that three constructs, PorB/VD1–3, PorB/VD1–4, and PorB/VD1–2–4, elicited high serum IgG titers in vivo, significant IFN-γ levels upon T cells re-stimulation in vitro, and evidence of protective immunity in vivo. PorB/VD1–3, PorB/VD1–4, and PorB/VD1–2–4 immunized mice lost less body weight, had lighter lungs, and decreased numbers of inclusion forming units (IFUs) in lungs than other PorB/VD construct tested and mock PBS-immunized mice. These results suggest that this approach may be a promising alternative to the use of MOMP in aChlamydiavaccine.
Assessment of Genetic Heritability in Rice Breeding Lines Based on Morphological Traits and Caryopsis Ultrastructure
Authors: Roy Subhas Chandra , Shil Pankaj
Published: May 2020

Rice (Oryza sativa L) is a most important staple food crop of the world because more than half of the World’s population is dependent on it for their livelihood. Global rice production must be doubled by 2050 to cope up with the situation of population growth. Narrow genetic base in the released varieties has made the improvement in plateaus. Widening the genetic base is necessary to overcome the yield barrier. Hybridization and pre-breeding has been carried out to broaden the genetic base. Heritability and genetic advances were measured in the F5 lines (Tulaipanji × IR64), F3 lines (Tulaipanji × IR64 × PB1460), and F3 lines (Badshabhog × Swarna sub1). Some of the breeding lines were showing promising field performance with high yield potentiality. Wide crosses were performed to widen the genetic base between (Ranjit × O. rufipogon) and (Badshabhog × O. rufipogon) and the heritability pattern of the morphological characteristics in the progeny lines was evaluated. Nutritional quality of the rice grain is totally dependent on the morphology and histological characteristics of the caryopsis which are genetically determined. Caryopses ultrastructural analyses were carried out in seventeen different rice breeding lines through SEM. SEM analysis showed distinguishing ultrastructure in respect to pericarp, testa, aleurone layer, protein bodies and starchy endosperm in the breeding lines with distinctive inheritance pattern. This study provides information about the cross compatibility of the wide hybridization and heritability measures of the morphological traits which may supplement the breeding program to break the yield plateaus.
The Volumetric Source Function: Looking Inside van der Waals Interactions
Authors: Tantardini Christian , Michalchuk Adam A. L. , Samtsevich Artem , Rota Carlo , Kvashnin Alexander G.
Published: May 2020

The study of van der Waals interactions plays a central role in the understanding of bonding across a range of biological, chemical and physical phenomena. The presence of van der Waals interactions can be identified through analysis of the reduced density gradient, a fundamental parameter at the core of Density Functional Theory. An extension of Bader’s Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules is developed here through combination with the analysis of the reduced density gradient. Through this development, a new quantum chemical topological tool is presented: the volumetric source function. This technique allows insight into the atomic composition of van der Waals interactions, offering the first route towards applying the highly successful source function to these disperse interactions. A new algorithm has been implemented in the open-source code, CRITIC2, and tested on acetone, adipic and maleic acids molecular crystals, each stabilized by van der Waals interactions. This novel technique for studying van der Waals interactions at an atomic level offers unprecedented opportunities in the fundamental study of intermolecular interactions and molecular design for crystal engineering, drug design and bio-macromolecular processes.
Soil invertebrate diversity loss and functional changes in temperate forest soils replaced by exotic pine plantations
Authors: Cifuentes-Croquevielle Camila , Stanton Daniel E. , Armesto Juan J.
Published: May 2020

The global expansion of tree plantations is often claimed to have positive effects for mitigating global warming, preventing soil erosion, and reducing biodiversity loss. However, questions remain unanswered about the impacts of plantations on belowground diversity and soil properties. Here, we examine how forestry plantations of exotic trees affect critical soil functions and the composition of invertebrate assemblages, by comparing invertebrate diversity and soil physico-chemical properties between non-native Pinus radiata plantations, and nearby native forests in a region of extensive plantation activity in south-central Chile. We quantified differences in diversity, abundance, and community composition of soil invertebrates, as well as fundamental soil properties such as soil water content, water infiltration, nutrient status, and pH. We show that in this landscape mosaic of native forest and plantations, both soil invertebrate communities and physical soil properties differed significantly between systems, despite similar soil origins and topographies. We found a significant loss of soil carbon and a major reduction in taxonomic and functional diversity of soil invertebrates in pine plantation sites. Soil biotic and abiotic characteristics of plantations differed significantly from native forests in plantation-dominated south-central Chile, with profound consequences for ecosystem processes and resilience to future climate change.
Orthorhombic crystal structure and oxygen deficient cluster distribution model for YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ superconductor
Authors: Manju P. , Rajak Neeraj K. , Alex Andrews P. , Kamble Vinayak B. , Jaiswal-Nagar D.
Published: May 2020

Single crystal x-ray diffraction measurements on both as-grown as well as oxygenated single crystals of an aluminium doped high temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ revealed the crystal structure to be orthorhombic with space group Pmmm, in contrast to, tetragonal crystal structures corresponding to space group P4/mmm, previously reported for as-grown YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ, and conflicting structures on oxygenated YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ. The orthorhombic crystal structure was confirmed by powder x-ray diffraction that showed the presence of two peaks corresponding to (020) and (200) reflections associated with orthorhombic structures of space group Pmmm, instead of a single (200) reflection corresponding to tetragonal crystal structures with space group P4/mmm. All the as-grown crystals were found to be superconducting. An oxygen-vacancy cluster distribution model is proposed to explain the differences in the obtained magnetisation hysteresis loop and the broad superconducting transition temperature. The model proposes the existence of two oxygen deficient clusters of (Al-..-Cu-O-Cu)n and (Cu-O-Cu-..)n juxtaposed with each other whose number and size vary as the as-grown single crystals of YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ are subjected to oxygenation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements showed the existence of two distinct peaks in each of the spectrum of O, Cu, Y and Ba in YBa2Cu3−xAlxO6+δ crystals corresponding to the two different types of clusters. The relative intensities of each XPS peak was found to decrease in the oxygenated crystals as compared to the as-grown ones confirming the change in the number and size of clusters in the as-grown crystals after oxygenation.
Randomized controlled trial of medium cut-off versus high-flux dialyzers on quality of life outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lim Jeong-Hoon , Park Yeongwoo , Yook Ju-Min , Choi Soon-Youn , Jung Hee-Yeon , Choi Ji-Young , Park Sun-Hee , Kim Chan-Duck , Kim Yong-Lim , Cho Jang-Hee
Published: May 2020

Medium cut-off (MCO) dialyzers help remove larger middle molecules associated with symptoms related to the accumulation of uremic retention solutes. We investigated the effect of an MCO dialyzer on the improvement of quality of life (QOL) in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. Forty-nine HD patients with high-flux dialysis were randomly assigned to either an MCO (Theranova 400, Baxter) or a high-flux (FX CorDiax 80 or 60, Fresenius Medical Care) dialyzer and completed the study. QOL was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36, and pruritus was assessed using a questionnaire and visual analog scale. The reduction ratios of middle molecules were also evaluated. Laboratory markers, including serum albumin, did not differ between the two groups after 12 weeks. Removals of kappa and lambda free light chains were greater for MCO dialyzer than high-flux dialyzer. The MCO group had higher scores than the high-flux group in the domains of physical functioning and physical role (75.2 ± 20.8 vs. 59.8 ± 30.1, P = 0.042; 61.5 ± 37.6 vs. 39.0 ± 39.6, P = 0.047, respectively), and the MCO group had lower mean scores for morning pruritus distribution and the frequency of scratching during sleep (1.29 ± 0.46 vs. 1.64 ± 0.64, P = 0.034; 0.25 ± 0.53 vs. 1.00 ± 1.47, P = 0.023, respectively). MCO dialyzers may improve patient-reported outcomes, particularly the physical components of QOL and uremic pruritus, in patients with high-flux dialyzers.
Risk of Serious Falls Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Hsi-Hao , Wu Jia-Ling , Lee Yi-Che , Ho Li-Chun , Chang Min-Yu , Liou Hung-Hsiang , Hung Shih-Yuan
Published: May 2020

The association between serious falls and dialysis modality [hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD)] is unclear. A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study with 127,823 end-stage renal disease patients aged over 18 years was conducted with the unmatched cohort of 101,304 HD and 7,584 PD patients retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000–2013. A total of 7,584 HD and 7,584 PD patients matched at 1:1 ratio by propensity score were enrolled to the study. Serious falls were defined by the diagnostic codes, E code, and image studies. Cox regression model and competing-risk model were used for statistical analysis. HD patients were older and had more comorbidities at baseline than PD patients. After matching and adjustment, HD patients had a higher risk of serious falls than PD patients [sHR 1.27 (95% CI 1.06–1.52)]. Females, elders, a history of falls before dialysis, comorbidity with stroke or visual problems, using diuretics, α-blockers, and mydriatics were associated with higher risks of serious falls among dialysis patients. The risk of serious falls was higher in HD patients than PD patients. Health professionals should create age-friendly environments, reduce unnecessary medications, and raise patients’ awareness of falls in daily life.
Synergistic effect of graphene oxide and zoledronic acid for osteoporosis and cancer treatment
Authors: Boran Gökçen , Tavakoli Sepideh , Dierking Ingo , Kamali Ali Reza , Ege Duygu
Published: May 2020

Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is a third generation bisphosphonate which can be used as a drug for the treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) is conjugated with ZOL, and the nanostructured material is evaluated in terms viability, proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, the associated morphological changes of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), and Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells, as well as the effect of the drugs on mineralization of BM-MSCs are investigated using a variety of characterization techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as alamar blue, acridine orange, and alizarin red assays. Nanostructured ZOL-GO with an optimum performance is synthesized using ZOL and GO suspensions with the concentration of 50 µM and 2.91 ng/ml, respectively. ZOL-GO nanostructures can facilitate the mineralization of BM-MSC cells, demonstrated by the formation of clusters around the cells. The results obtained confirm the performance of ZOL-GO nanostructures as promising drug complexes for the treatment of osteoporosis and metastasis.
Functional and anatomical changes in diabetic macular edema after hemodialysis initiation: One-year follow-up multicenter study
Authors: Takamura Yoshihiro , Matsumura Takehiro , Ohkoshi Kishiko , Takei Tatsuhiko , Ishikawa Kunihiro , Shimura Masahiko , Ueda Tetsuo , Sugimoto Masahiko , Hirano Takao , Takayama Kei , Gozawa Makoto , Yamada Yutaka , Morioka Masakazu , Iwano Masayuki , Inatani Masaru
Published: May 2020

Diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy (DR) including diabetic macular edema (DME) are representative microvascular complications of diabetes. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study analyzing records from patients with DR (132 eyes in 70 patients) and end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) who underwent hemodialysis for the first time. We demonstrated that the central retinal thickness (CRT) values were significantly decreased (p < 0.0001), and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values were improved (p < 0.05) at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after hemodialysis initiation, in spite of a lack of specific ocular treatments for DME in 93.2% of eyes. We found a significant positive correlation in the rates of CRT changes between right and left eyes. The CRT reductions were greater in eyes with DME type subretinal detachment than in those with spongelike swelling and cystoid macular edema. The visual outcome gain was associated with the CRT reduction at 12 months in the eyes with good initial BCVA (≧20/50). Hemodialysis induction contributed to functional and anatomical improvements after 1 year, independently of initial laboratory values before the hemodialysis.
Potency of Oral Rehydration Solution in Inducing Fluid Absorption is Related to Glucose Concentration
Authors: Buccigrossi Vittoria , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Bruzzese Eugenia , Russo Carla , Marano Antonella , Terranova Sara , Cioffi Valentina , Guarino Alfredo
Published: May 2020

Oral rehydration solutions (ORSs) is the key treatment of acute diarrhea in children, as it restores the electrolyte balance by stimulating the intestinal sodium/glucose transporter SGLT1 to induce fluid absorption. The World Health Organization (WHO) and The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) proposed ORSs with different chemical compositions. The main agent of childhood acute gastroenteritis is rotavirus (RV). We evaluate the effects of ORS with different concentration of glucose and sodium on RV induced secretion. Ussing chambers technique was used for electophysiology experiments to evaluate ion fluid flux. ESPGHAN ORS (sodium 60 mmol/L and glucose 111 mmol/L) induced a more potent proabsorptive effect in Caco-2 cells than WHO ORS, and this effect depended on the sodium/glucose ratio. Titration experiments showed that RV-induced fluid secretion can be reverted to a proabsorptive direction when sodium and glucose concentration fall in specific ranges, specifically 45–60 mEq/L and 80–110 mM respectively. The results were confirmed by testing commercial ORSs. These findings indicated that ORS proabsorptive potency depends on sodium and glucose concentrations. Optimal ORS composition should be tailored to reduce RV-induced ion secretion by also considering palatability. These in vitro data should be confirmed by clinical trials.
Convolutional neural networks explain tuning properties of anterior, but not middle, face-processing areas in macaque inferotemporal cortex
Authors: Raman Rajani , Hosoya Haruo
Published: May 2020

Recent computational studies have emphasized layer-wise quantitative similarity between convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the primate visual ventral stream. However, whether such similarity holds for the face-selective areas, a subsystem of the higher visual cortex, is not clear. Here, we extensively investigate whether CNNs exhibit tuning properties as previously observed in different macaque face areas. While simulating four past experiments on a variety of CNN models, we sought for the model layer that quantitatively matches the multiple tuning properties of each face area. Our results show that higher model layers explain reasonably well the properties of anterior areas, while no layer simultaneously explains the properties of middle areas, consistently across the model variation. Thus, some similarity may exist between CNNs and the primate face-processing system in the near-goal representation, but much less clearly in the intermediate stages, thus requiring alternative modeling such as non-layer-wise correspondence or different computational principles.
Mimicking bio-mechanical principles in photonic metamaterials for giant broadband nonlinearity
Authors: Chang Taeyong , Jeon Suwan , Heo Minsung , Shin Jonghwa
Published: May 2020

Microscopic structuring can change the effective properties of a material by several orders of magnitude. An example of this is animal bone, which has an effective elastic modulus that is more than 1,000 times larger than that of the constituent proteins. Here, we propose a broadband-enhancement principle of photonic nonlinearity that has a similar mathematical origin as the bone example. The proposed staggered array metamaterials violate the standard Miller’s rule in nonlinear optics and can enhance the third-order nonlinearity by more than a thousand to a billion times, depending on target operation frequencies. This metamaterial principle also enables manipulation of the individual components of the linear and nonlinear susceptibility tensors. Our biomimetic approach overcomes the fundamental speed-efficiency trade-off in current resonant enhancement schemes, making faster and more efficient all-optical devices possible for 1.55 μm wavelength. The principle is also applicable to ionic diffusion, heat conduction, or other transport problems.
Unraveling atomic-scale crystallization and microstructural evolution of a selective laser melted FeCrNi medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Chen Haotian , Fang Qihong , Zhou Kun , Liu Yong , Li Jia
Published: May 2020

Selective laser melting (SLM) provides flexibility to manufacture components with complex structures.
A review: recent advances in preparations and applications of heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots
Authors: Kou Xiaoli , Jiang Shicui , Park Soo-Jin , Meng Long-Yue
Published: May 2020

Heteroatom-doped CQDs have been considered as one of the most effective strategies for improving quantum yield and inherent properties by adding more coordination sites and introducing additional defects.
Dual-fixations of europium cations and TEMPO species on metal–organic frameworks for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols
Authors: Kim Seongwoo , Lee Jooyeon , Jeoung Sungeun , Moon Hoi Ri , Kim Min
Published: May 2020

The systematic approaches for Eu and/or TEMPO-functionalized MOFs for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols have been performed.
Feasibility study on application of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for detection & identification of failed fuel pins and sodium–water reaction in fast reactors
Authors: Namitha J. , Maity U. K. , Selvalakshmi T. , Manoravi P. , Kumar G. V. S. Ashok , Joseph M. , Sivaraman N.
Published: May 2020

The first report demonstrating the feasibility of application of LIBS as a multi-gas sensor for cover gas analysis in fast reactors.
Conversion of h-BN into c-BN for tuning optoelectronic properties
Authors: Haque Ariful , Narayan Jagdish
Published: May 2020

Phase pure c-BN and mixed phased h-BN and c-BN films on c-sapphire were fabricated by pulsed laser annealing for tuning optical properties.
Electrochemical radical reactions of alkyl iodides: a highly efficient, clean, green alternative to tin reagents
Authors: Li Diyuan , Ma Tsz-Kan , Scott Reuben J. , Wilden Jonathan D.
Published: May 2020

A ‘green’ and high-yielding electrochemical method for performing tin-free, intermolecular radical reactions (the Giese reaction) has been developed.
Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based multifunctional ratiometric fluorescent probe and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase-triggered activatable photosensitizer for tumor therapy
Authors: Yang Zhicheng , Xu Weibo , Wang Jian , Liu Lingyan , Chu Yanmeng , Wang Yu , Hu Yue , Yi Tao , Hua Jianli
Published: May 2020

An activatable diketopyrrolopyrrole-based photosensitizer targeting tumor-related biomarker γ-glutamyltranspeptidase was developed, in which it showed specific photodynamic killing effect to HepG2 cells.
Novel dc flashover model for predicting flashover voltage of the iced insulators
Authors: Fan Caijin , Jiang Xingliang , Xie Yanbin , Hu Jianlin , Zhang Zhijin , Hu Qin , Bi Maoqiang
Published: May 2020

This work first proposes a novel flashover model based on the deduced residual resistance of the ice layer. The most important finding of the field icing tests is that the double‐layer ice‐melting water film exists on the inner and outer surfaces of the ice layer. The conductivity of melting water on the inner and outer surface of the ice layer has been measured, and the corresponding surface conductivity has been calculated. According to the proposed flashover model, the ratio η of the resistance of the ice layer to that of the pollution layer gradually increases with the increase of the ratio k of the resistance of the outer surfaces to that of inner surfaces, and eventually approaches saturation. Furthermore, the icing flashover criterion has been modified, and the voltage gradient of the inner surface is less than that of the outer surface. Test results show that the ice flashover voltage is lower than the pollution flashover voltage between 2.18–9.69% and 14.75–20.32% under light ice and semi‐cylindrical ice, respectively. The simulation results based on the proposed model and the classic model are compared with the field test data. Results show that the proposed model could attain a high accuracy of dc flashover voltage and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Sampled‐data control for semi‐Markovian jump systems with actuator saturation via fuzzy model approach
Authors: Liang Xingyue , Xia Jianwei , Zhang Huasheng , Shen Hao , Wang Zhen
Published: May 2020

In this article, the problem of sampled‐data control is considered for semi‐Markovian jump systems (FSMJSs) with actuator saturation by Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model method. First, mode‐dependent Lyapunov functional consisting of the two‐sided closed‐loop function is constructed. On the basis of this function, stochastically stable criteria are presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Then, based on the stochastically stable criteria, mode‐dependent sampled‐data controllers are designed for FSMJSs. As a corollary, stable criteria and controller design are also proposed for the general FSMJSs without actuator saturation. The improved LMI‐based optimisation conditions are obtained to estimate the region of attraction. Finally, numerical examples are provided to show the effectiveness and significant improvement of the method presented.
Torque–flux linkage recurrent neural network adaptive inversion control of torque for switched reluctance motor
Authors: Dang Xuanju , Shi Yazhou , Peng Huimin
Published: May 2020

In order to reduce the torque ripple for switched reluctance motor (SRM), the learning error preprocessing‐based torque–flux linkage recurrent neural network adaptive inversion control (TFRNNAIC) for SRM torque is proposed by the filter preprocessing and the non‐linear mechanism characteristics for SRM. In TFRNNAIC with the advantages of parallel and series–parallel structure, the torque feedback error learning method is employed to update the weights of the torque–flux linkage recurrent neural network. To suppress the ripple effectively in torque error used for the weight learning of the torque–flux linkage recurrent neural network and obtain an accurate TFRNNAIC, namely the torque–flux linkage model for SRM, the low‐pass filter preprocessing for the torque error is used. Moreover, the other low‐pass filter is executed to reduce the ripple in the output for the PD torque control. The superposition of outputs for TFRNNAIC and PD torque control is taken as the reference flux linkage. Compared with other control strategies, such as the classical parallel neural network control, the classical series–parallel neural network control and TFRNNAIC, the simulation results show that the learning error preprocessing‐based TFRNNAIC for SRM torque is capable of effectively reducing the torque ripple for SRM with the good recurrent performance.
Improved SHM‐PAM‐based five‐level CHB inverter to fulfil NRS 048‐2:2003 grid code and to apply as shunt active power filter with tuned proportional‐resonant controller for improving power quality
Authors: Kundu Sourabh , Banerjee Subrata , Bhowmick Supratik
Published: May 2020

This study proposes a selective harmonic minimisation‐pulse amplitude modulation (SHM‐PAM) technique utilising least number of switching based on optimised waveform pattern for five‐level cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) inverter to satisfy the NRS 048‐2:2003 grid code standard. Here, particle swarm optimisation method is used to evaluate the solution of the optimised switching angles and variable DC‐link voltages. A comparison between the proposed SHM‐PAM and conventional selective harmonic elimination‐pulse width modulation (SHE‐PWM) techniques has been carried out by harmonic performance analysis (total harmonic distortion (THD), weighted current THD and harmonic loss factor) and loss analysis (conduction, switching and their cumulative losses) of the switches of five‐level CHB inverter under different load power factor angles for medium‐voltage application. The performances of the conventional SHE‐PWM and proposed SHM‐PAM techniques are examined through experimentation using a three‐phase five‐level CHB inverter. Finally, the proposed technique based 5‐level CHB inverter is applied to shunt active power filter using tuned proportional plus parallel resonant current controller for improvement in power quality under non‐ideal grid conditions.
New approach based on Hilbert curve for energy efficient data collection in WSN with mobile sink
Authors: Fellah Khadidja , Kechar Bouabdellah
Published: May 2020

Energy is the most important resource in the design of wireless sensor networks (WSNs); as a result, most of the research work was done on this topic. It has been proven that the mobility in this kind of network plays an important role in energy conservation. The movement of the Sink is the most interesting type of mobility. In this work, the authors optimise the Sink travel in sensor field using Hilbert curve as an efficient data collection trajectory. The sensor field is organised in clusters and a virtual rendezvous point (VRP) is selected at each cluster for the sojourn of the Sink. The optimal position of the VRP is obtained using their integer linear program which takes into account the optimal transmission range between the Sink and the sensor node. The obtained results showed the supremacy of the Hilbert curve compared to other curves generated by other optimisation approaches and confirm that the solution based on clustering and Hilbert curve has performed well in terms of energy gain.
Using deep learning to classify English native pronunciation level from acoustic information
Authors: Kobayashi Aozora , Wilson Ian
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of this research is to test the use of deep learning for automatically classifying an English learner’s pronunciation proficiency, a step in the construction of a system that supports second language learners. Our deep learning dataset consists of 28 speakers – ranging in proficiency from native to beginner non-native – reading the same 216-word English story. In the supervised deep learning training process, we first label the English proficiency level of the data, but this is a complicated task because there are a number of different ways to determine someone’s speech proficiency. In this research, we focus on three elements: foreign accent, speech fluency (as measured by total number of pauses, total length of pauses, and speed of speech) and pronunciation (as measured by speech intelligibility). We use Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) layers for deep learning, train a computer on differently labeled data, test a computer on separate data, and present the results. Features used from audio data are calculated by Mel-Frequency Cepstrum Coefficients (MFCCs) and pitch. We try several combinations of parameters for deep learning to find out what settings are best for our database. We also try changing the labeling method, changing the length of each audio sample, and changing the method of cross-validation. As a result, we conclude that labeling by speech fluency instead of by speech intelligibility tends to get better deep learning test accuracy.
Web application to convert English into helpful characters for pronunciation learners
Authors: Nakatsuka Keita , Nogita Akitsugu , Wilson Ian
Published: May 2020

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is the most commonly used set of phonetic symbols but it can be difficult to understand and too abstract for non-phoneticians, such as English learners and foreign language educators. One of the factors that makes it difficult for English learners is the number of vowels used in English. In previous research, this problem was solved by proposing a condensed list of 13 English vowels and 24 consonants that are logically organized for North American English, and by assigning a new phonetic symbol font called Sound Spelling to these phonemes. However, there are currently no English texts that have Sound Spelling to show learners this easy way to pronounce and it is difficult for non-phoneticians to write transcriptions right away, because materials using those symbols are lacking for English learners. In this research, we developed a web application, now publicly available, that converts input English into Sound Spelling quickly and accurately to solve this problem.
Enhanced model-based engineering for centrally managed configuration management in product lifecycle management
Authors: Deschner Christian
Published: May 2020

In times products gain in complexity and variety whereby release and development cycles become even shorter, consistent and systematic variant management is essential not only for technical communication but also for the very most processes in PLM. Therefore, system engineering and system configuration themselves must be leading for a centrally managed, reliable variant management for all PLM processes. We depict how enhanced model-based system engineering approach based on product and product component models can be the enabler for variant management in all PLM processes by specific, explicitly deduced views in different stages of the entire Product Lifecycle.
Approaches for deployment and access of content in delivery portals
Authors: Rauffmann Theresa , Wolf Monika
Published: May 2020

In the field of Technical Communication the focus has always been on supporting users in their search for information in a way that is appropriate for the target group. Products are becoming more and more complex, current standards require manufacturers to provide up-to-date Technical Documentation and digitalization is advancing rapidly. Content Delivery Portals offer new possibilities to provide information in a timely and user-friendly manner. They make it possible to provide the user with web-based, target-group specific information through navigation with facets and presents a new possible use of search engines in Technical Documentation. This paper deals with different possibilities on how content can be deployed and accessed for the user. The approaches are implemented in tools that are already on the market to illustrate the possibilities of deployment and access on real-life circumstances. In addition, an outlook is given on what the conceptual implementation of microDocs might look like.
Levels of intelligent information access using ontology transformations
Authors: Wenner Lena , Kuru Nergis
Published: May 2020

Current techniques of intelligent information access have surpassed the mere provision of static information. They attempt to overcome the limitations of traditional content delivery processes by exploiting information retrieval techniques. While the existing literature has extensively explored the adoption of these techniques, comparatively little notice has so far been taken of their application as ontology transformations. This paper aims to explore levels of intelligent information access from a practical perspective. Applying the theoretical framework of information retrieval techniques, we identify and define levels of information access and propose respective ontology transformations. For this purpose, we decided to use an ontology-editing tool for modeling, transforming and displaying information about the domain of Smart Homes.
Rezidivraten und Form des Rezidivs nach endoluminaler Ablation der Vena saphena magna – Ein Vergleich von Laserablation (EVLA) 1470  nm, Radiofrequenz (RFITT und ClosureFast) sowie Heißdampf mit einer durchschnittlichen Nachbeobachtungszeit von 3,8 Jahren
Authors: Schuler Lisa , Weingard I. , Kiderlen M. , Theodoridis A. , Kriechenbauer N. , Hartmann K.
Published: May 2020

Einleitung Erkrankungen des Venensystems, insbesondere auch die Insuffizienz der Vena saphena magna (VSM), gehören zu den häufigsten Krankheitsbildern in unserer Gesellschaft. Zur Behandlung stehen neben Krossektomie und Stripping sowie reiner Sklerosierungstherapie verschiedene endovenöse thermische Verfahren zur Verfügung, die in der vorliegenden Studie untereinander verglichen werden sollten.

Methoden Zwischen 2009 und 2013 wurde bei insgesamt 297 Patienten die insuffiziente VSM mit einer der 4 Methoden EVLA 1470 nm, ClosureFast, RFITT oder Heißdampf abladiert. Als primärer Endpunkt wurde die Rezidiv-Häufigkeit definiert. Die Nachkontrollen mit Duplexsonografie fanden 14 Tage postoperativ, 3 Monate postoperativ, nach 1 Jahr und schließlich jährlich mit einer durchschnittlichen Nachbeobachtungszeit von 3,8 Jahren und einer Follow-up-Rate von 81 % statt.

Ergebnisse Zum Zeitpunkt der letzten Nachkontrolle zeigten sich folgende anatomische Erfolgsraten der behandelten VSM: ClosureFast 95 %, EVLA 97 %, RFITT 79 % und Heißdampf 71 %. Schwerwiegende Komplikationen traten nur beim Heißdampf auf (Nekrosen an der Punktionsstelle), die Schmerzintensität lag bei allen Methoden 14 Tage postoperativ bei einem Median von 1–3 auf einer Skala von 1–10, bei den nachfolgenden Kontrollen lag der Median bei allen Methoden bei 1. Sowohl der Global Index Score (CIVIQ-Score) als auch der Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) ließen sich durch alle endovenösen thermischen Methoden signifikant verbessern. In 5–12 % der Fälle trat ein Reflux der zuvor suffizienten Vena saphena magna accessoria (VSAA) auf.

Diskussion EVLA und ClosureFast sind zur Behandlung von Insuffizienzen der VSM mit hoher Erfolgsrate und vergleichbaren Ergebnissen zu Krossektomie und Stripping geeignet. Die Verfahren RFITT und Heißdampf zeigen im Vergleich signifikant niedrigere Verschlussraten und sind damit besonderen Situationen vorbehalten. Besonderes Augenmerk sollte auf das Vorhandensein einer zunächst nicht refluxiven VSAA gerichtet werden. Da sich hier eine erhöhte Rezidivrate bei dieser Vene zeigte, erscheint es sinnvoll, die VSAA primär mit zu abladieren.
Relatives Energiedefizit im Sport (RED-S)
Authors: Carlsohn Anja
Published: May 2020

Energiemangel kann zu einem leistungslimitierenden Faktor werden. Daneben drohen zahlreiche gesundheitliche Probleme. Deshalb ist es wichtig, die Energiebilanz von ambitionierten Hobby- und Leistungssportlern genau im Blick zu haben.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Sepsis in a Previously Healthy Infant with Subcutaneous Nodules and Mastoid Bone Destruction
Authors: Azapağası Ebru , Öz Fatma Nur , Uysal Yazıcı Mutlu , Ceylan Dilara , Ocak Emre , Taşçı Yıldız Yasemin , Aytekin Caner
Published: May 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia is rare in previously healthy children. Skin lesions such as subcutaneous nodules and ecthyma gangrenosum may be the first manifestation of Pseudomonas infection that have rarely been reported. Herein we reported a previously healthy 6-month-old boy patient who presented with suppurative otitis media, multiple nodules, septic shock, and P. aeruginosa was identified in cultures of the blood, skin lesions, and purulent material of his ears.
Extending the piezoelectric transducer bandwidth of an optical interferometer by suppressing resonance using a high dimensional IIR filter implemented on an FPGA
Authors: Okada Masanori , Serikawa Takahiro , Dannatt James , Kobayashi Masaya , Sakaguchi Atsushi , Petersen Ian , Furusawa Akira
Published: May 2020

This paper considers the application of Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering to increase the usable bandwidth of a piezoelectric transducer used in optical phase locking. We experimentally perform system identification of the interferometer with the cross-correlation method integrated on the controller hardware. Our model is then used to implement an inverse filter designed to suppress the low frequency resonant modes of the piezoelectric transducer. This filter is realized as a 24th-order IIR filter on the FPGA, while the total input–output delay is kept at 350 ns. The combination of the inverse filter and the piezoelectric transducer works as a nearly flat response position actuator, allowing us to use a proportional–integral (PI) control in order to achieve stability of the closed-loop system with significant improvements over a non-filtered PI control. Finally, because this controller is completely digital, it is straightforward to reproduce. Our control scheme is suitable for many experiments that require highly accurate control of flexible structures.
Thermal transport across the interface between liquid n-dodecane and its own vapor: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bird Eric , Gutierrez Plascencia Jesus , Liang Zhi
Published: May 2020

There are two possible thermal transport mechanisms at liquid–gas interfaces, namely, evaporation/condensation (i.e., heat transfer by liquid–vapor phase change at liquid surfaces) and heat conduction (i.e., heat exchange by collisions between gas molecules and liquid surfaces). Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we study thermal transport across the liquid–vapor interface of a model n-dodecane (C12H26) under various driving force conditions. In each MD simulation, we restrict the thermal energy to be transferred across the liquid–vapor interface by only one mechanism. In spite of the complex intramolecular interactions in n-dodecane molecules, our modeling results indicate that the Schrage relationships, which were shown to give accurate predictions of evaporation and condensation rates of monatomic fluids, are also valid in the prediction of evaporation and condensation rates of n-dodecane. In the case of heat conduction at the liquid–vapor interface of n-dodecane, the interfacial thermal conductance obtained from MD simulations is consistent with the prediction from the kinetic theory of gases. The fundamental understanding of thermal transport mechanisms at liquid–gas interfaces will allow us to formulate appropriate boundary conditions for continuum modeling of heating and evaporation of small fuel droplets.
Shape induced segregation and anomalous particle transport under spherical confinement
Authors: Singh Abhinendra , Li Jiyuan , Jiang Xikai , Hernández-Ortiz Juan P. , Jaeger Heinrich M. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: May 2020

Colloidal or nanoparticle mobility under confinement is of central importance for a wide range of physical and biological processes. Here, we introduce a minimal model of particles in a hydrodynamic continuum to examine how particle shape and concentration affect the transport of particles in spherical confinement. Specifically, an immersed boundary-general geometry Ewald-like approach is adopted to simulate the dynamics of spheres and cylinders under the influence of short- and long-range fluctuating hydrodynamic interactions with appropriate non-slip conditions at the confining walls. An efficient O(N) parallel finite element algorithm is used, thereby allowing simulations at high concentrations, while a Chebyshev polynomial approximation is implemented in order to satisfy the fluctuation–dissipation theorem. A concentration-dependent anomalous diffusion is observed for suspended particles. It is found that introducing cylinders in a background of spheres, i.e., particles with a simple degree of anisotropy, has a pronounced influence on the structure and dynamics of the particles. First, increasing the fraction of cylinders induces a particle segregation effect, where spheres are pushed toward the wall and cylinders remain near the center of the cavity. This segregation leads to a lower mobility for the spheres relative to that encountered in a system of pure spheres at the same volume fraction. Second, the diffusive-to-anomalous transition and the degree of anomaly quantified by the power law exponent in the mean square displacement vs time relation both increase as the fraction of cylinders becomes larger. These findings are of relevance for studies of diffusion in the cytoplasm, where proteins exhibit a distribution of size and shapes that could lead to some of the effects identified in the simulations reported here.
Optical probing of relativistic plasma singularities
Authors: Esirkepov Timur Zh. , Mu Jie , Gu Yanjun , Jeong Tae Moon , Valenta Petr , Klimo Ondrej , Koga James K. , Kando Masaki , Neely David , Korn Georg , Bulanov Sergei V. , Pirozhkov Alexander S.
Published: May 2020

Singularities in multi-stream flows of relativistic plasmas can efficiently produce coherent high-frequency radiation, as exemplified in the concepts of the Relativistic Flying Mirror [Bulanov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 085001 (2003)] and Burst Intensification by Singularity Emitting Radiation [Pirozhkov et al., Sci. Rep. 7, 17968 (2017)]. Direct observation of these singularities is challenging due to their extreme sharpness (tens of nanometers), relativistic velocity, and transient non-local nature. We propose to use an ultrafast (a few light cycles) optical probe for identifying relativistic plasma singularities. Our estimations and Particle-in-Cell simulations show that this diagnostic is feasible.