bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-hydroxyapatite in oral care cosmetics: characterization and cytotoxicity assessment
Authors: Coelho Catarina C. , Grenho Liliana , Gomes Pedro S. , Quadros Paulo A. , Fernandes Maria H.
Published: July 2019

Nano-hydroxyapatite has been used as an oral care ingredient, being incorporated in several products for the treatment of dental hypersensitivity and enamel remineralisation. Despite its promising results, regulatory and safety concerns have been discussed and questioned by the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) regarding the usage of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in oral care products. In this work, a commercially available nano-hydroxyapatite was characterized and its cytocompatibility towards human gingival fibroblasts was evaluated, as well as its irritation potential using the in vitro HET-CAM assay. All the conditions chosen in this study tried to simulate the tooth brushing procedure and the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles levels normally incorporated in oral care products. The commercial hydroxyapatite nanoparticles used in this study exhibited a rod-like morphology and the expected chemical and phase composition. The set of in vitro cytotoxicity parameters accessed showed that these nanoparticles are highly cytocompatible towards human gingival fibroblasts. Additionally, these nanoparticles did not possess any irritation potential on HET-CAM assay. This study clarifies the issues raised by SCCS and it concludes that this specific nano-hydroxyapatite is cytocompatible, as these nanoparticles did not alter the normal behaviour of the cells. Therefore, they are safe to be used in oral care products.
Artificial Light at Night Promotes Activity Throughout the Night in Nesting Common Swifts (Apus apus)
Authors: Amichai Eran , Kronfeld-Schor Noga
Published: July 2019

The use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is a rapidly expanding anthropogenic effect that transforms nightscapes throughout the world, causing light pollution that affects ecosystems in a myriad of ways. One of these is changing or shifting activity rhythms, largely synchronized by light cues. We used acoustic loggers to record and quantify activity patterns during the night of a diurnal bird – the common swift – in a nesting colony exposed to extremely intensive artificial illumination throughout the night at Jerusalem’s Western Wall. We compared that to activity patterns at three other colonies exposed to none, medium, or medium-high ALAN. We found that in the lower-intensity ALAN colonies swifts ceased activity around sunset, later the more intense the lighting. At the Western Wall, however, swifts remained active throughout the night. This may have important implications for the birds’ physiology, breeding cycle, and fitness, and may have cascading effects on their ecosystems.
Carbon nanotubes-based PdM bimetallic catalysts through N4-system for efficient ethanol oxidation and hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Begum Halima , Ahmed Mohammad Shamsuddin , Lee Dong-Weon , Kim Young-Bae
Published: July 2019

Transitional metal-nitrogen-carbon system is a promising candidate to replace the Pt-based electrocatalyst due to its superior activity, durability and cost effectiveness. In this study, we have designed a simple strategy to fabricate carbon nanotubes-supported binary-nitrogen-carbon catalyst via wet-chemical method. Palladium and transitional metals (M, i.e. manganese cobalt and copper) nanoparticles are anchored through four-nitrogen system onto carbon nanotubes (denoted as PdM-N4/CNTs). This material has been used as bifunctional electrocatalyst for electrochemical ethanol oxidation reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction for the first time. The N4-linked nanoparticles onto carbon nanotubes plays a crucial role in intrinsic catalytic activity for both reactions in 1 M KOH electrolyte. Among three PdM-N4/CNTs catalysts, the PdMn-N4/CNTs catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity in terms of current density, mass activity and stability compared to the benchmark Pt/C. The robust electrocatalysis are inherited from the better attachment of PdMn through N4-system onto carbon nanotubes, comparatively smaller particles formation with better dispersion and higher electrical conductivity.
Neural effects of hand-grip-activity induced fatigue sensation on appetite: a magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Matsuo Takashi , Ishii Akira , Nakamura Chika , Ishida Rika , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Takada Katsuko , Uji Masato , Yoshikawa Takahiro
Published: July 2019

It has been reported that physical activity not only increases energy expenditure, but also affects appetite. However, little remains known about the effects of physical activity-induced fatigue sensation on appetite. In the present study, classical conditioning related to fatigue sensation was used to dissociate fatigue sensation from physical activity. The participants were 20 healthy male volunteers. After overnight fasting, on day 1, the participants performed hand-grip task trials for 10 min with listening to a sound. The next day, they viewed food images with (target task) and without (control task) listening to the sound identical to that used on day 1, and their neural activity during the tasks were recorded using magnetoencephalography. The subjective levels of appetite and fatigue sensation were assessed using a visual analog scale. The subjective level of fatigue increased and that of appetite for fatty foods showed a tendency toward increase in the target task while the subjective level of fatigue and that of appetite for fatty foods were not altered in the control task. In the target task, the decrease of theta (4–8 Hz) band power in the supplementary motor area (SMA), which was observed in the control task, was suppressed, and the suppression was positively correlated with appetite for fatty foods, suggesting hand grip activity-induced fatigue sensation may increase the appetite for fatty food; this increase could be related to neural activity in the SMA. These findings are expected to contribute to the understanding of the neural mechanisms of appetite in relation to fatigue.
An on-demand micro/nano-convertible channel using an elastomeric nanostructure for multi-purpose use
Authors: Kwon Hyukjin J. , Hong Seong Kyung , Lee Minsoo , Lim Geunbae
Published: July 2019

For microfluidic applications, we propose a nanochannel for easy fabrication and integration, which is capable of an easy transition between the 3 regimes on demand. We demonstrated an ionic diode and pre-concentration/sensing of DNA.
Characterizing the non-crosslinked aggregation of DNA-modified gold nanoparticles: effects of DNA length and terminal base pair
Authors: Sato Kae , Hosokawa Kazuo , Maeda Mizuo
Published: July 2019

We investigated the effects of particle size, temperature, electrolyte concentration, and probe length on the non-crosslinked aggregation of DNA-modified GNPs.
ROCK inhibitor modified intraocular lens as an approach for inhibiting the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells and posterior capsule opacification
Authors: Lin Lei , Lin Quankui , Li Jin , Han Yuemei , Chang Pingjun , Lu Fan , Zhao Yun-e
Published: July 2019

ROCK pathway plays a critical role in the lens epithelial cell migration and proliferation through cytoskeleton remodeling, and the established ROCK inhibitor modified intraocular lens can prevent posterior capsule opacification formation.
Enhancement of cisplatin efficacy by lipid–CaO2 nanocarrier-mediated comprehensive modulation of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: He Chuanchuan , Zhang Xiaojuan , Yan Ruicong , Zhao Pengxuan , Chen Yan , Li Minsi , Chen Chen , Fan Ting , Lu Yao , Wang Chen , Wu Fan , Lee Robert J. , Yang Tan , Xiang Guangya
Published: July 2019

LipoCaO2/DDP nanoparticles for comprehensive microenvironment modulation and thereby cisplatin efflux pathway blockade (GSH depletion and MRP2 downregulation).
Cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and remodeling in 3D scaffolds to generate the cellular diversity of engineering cardiac tissues
Authors: Wang Changyong , Liu Wei , Shen Yuan , Chen Jiayun , Zhu Huimin , Yang Xiaoning , Jiang Xiaoxia , Wang Yan , Zhou Jin
Published: July 2019

The use of engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs) is a new strategy for the repair and replacement of cardiac tissues in patients with myocardial infarction, particularly at late stages.
Guanidine cyclic diimides and their polymers
Authors: An Taeyang , Kang Byeongwoo , Kang Sunyoung , Pac Jinyoung , Youk Jihea , Lin Dian , Lee Yan
Published: July 2019

We report the formation and degradation of a unique guanidine cyclic diimide (GCDI) structure under mild conditions. Furthermore, the GCDI-based polymers can be readily synthesized from guanidine and dianhydride monomers.
An amphiphilic metallaclip with enhanced fluorescence emission in water: synthesis and controllable self-assembly into multi-dimensional micro-structures
Authors: Wang Yang , Cai Yan , Cao Leyu , Cen Moupan , Chen Yanmei , Zhang Runmiao , Chen Tingting , Dai Hong , Hu Lanping , Yao Yong
Published: July 2019

A new amphiphilic organoplatinum(ii) metallaclip with enhanced fluorescence emission in water and multi-dimensional well-defined micro-structures in CH3OH–H2O mixture was designed and fabricated successfully.
A design for the photoelectrochemical detection of miRNA-221 based on a tungsten diselenide–cysteine–dopamine nanoprobe coupled with mismatched catalytic hairpin assembly target recycling with ultra-low background noise
Authors: Yao Ting , Hun Xu
Published: July 2019

A strategy for the photoelectrochemical detection of miRNA with ultra-low background noise was developed using tungsten diselenide–cysteine–dopamine (WSe2/Cys/DA) as a nanoprobe coupled with mismatched catalytic hairpin assembly target recycling.
Hybrid patterns from directed self-assembly of diblock copolymers by chemical patterns
Authors: Zhao Wenfeng , Li Weihua
Published: July 2019

The surface affinity is a critical factor for controlling the formation of monolayer nanostructures in block copolymer thin films.
Onset of ionic coherence and ultrafast charge dynamics in attosecond molecular ionisation
Authors: Ruberti M.
Published: July 2019

TD B-spline RCS-ADC calculated degrees of electronic coherence and eigenstate content of the C2H4 cationic state prepared by attosecond ionization.
Cooperatively enhanced hydrogen bonds in ionic liquids: closing the loop with molecular mimics of hydroxy-functionalized cations
Authors: Niemann Thomas , Strate Anne , Ludwig Ralf , Zeng Helen J. , Menges Fabian S. , Johnson Mark A.
Published: July 2019

The combined experimental and theoretical approach for the gas and the liquid phases provides a quantitative understanding of the competition between differently H-bonded and charged constituents in liquids.
Hamiltonian formalism of spin–orbit Jahn–Teller and pseudo-Jahn–Teller problems in trigonal and tetragonal symmetries
Authors: Wang Kun , Zeng Tao
Published: July 2019

A formalism for expansions of all bimodal spin–orbit Jahn–Teller and pseudo-Jahn–Teller Hamiltonian operators in trigonal and tetragonal symmetries is presented.
Multifunctional NaYF4:Yb,Er@PE3@Fe3O4 nanocomposites for magnetic-field-assisted upconversion imaging guided photothermal therapy of cancer cells
Authors: Fu Shawei , Ding Yadan , Cong Tie , Yang Xiaoguang , Hong Xia , Yu Bo , Li Yuxin , Liu Yichun
Published: July 2019

Magnetic-field-assisted sensitive upconversion luminescence imaging and enhanced photothermal therapeutic efficacy were achieved with multifunctional NaYF4:Yb,Er@PE3@Fe3O4 nanocomposites.
Cu(i), Ag(i), Ni(ii), Cr(iii) and Ir(i) complexes with tritopic NimineCNHCNamine pincer ligands and catalytic ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Ren Xiaoyu , Wesolek Marcel , Braunstein Pierre
Published: July 2019

Potentially pincer-type tritopic NimineCNHCNamine ligands with a variable length of the spacer connecting Nimidazole to the amine donor are evaluated.
A facile in situ synthesis of SiC&Si@CNT composite 3D frameworks as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Su Weiming , Liang Yue , Zuo Yinze , Tang Yuefeng
Published: July 2019

SiC&Si@CNT composite 3D frameworks were successfully synthesized via an in situ reduction method of a C@SiO2@CNT precursor.
Sensitivity assessment of denitrifying bacteria against typical antibiotics in groundwater
Authors: Zou Hua , He Jiang-tao , He Bao-nan , Lao Tian-ying , Liu Fei , Guan Xiang-yu
Published: July 2019

The sensitivity of denitrifying bacteria to different types and concentrations of antibiotics in groundwater.
Prospects for finding Junge variability-lifetime relationships for micropollutants in the Danube river
Authors: Coll Claudia , Lindim Claudia , Sobek Anna , Sohn Michael D. , MacLeod Matthew
Published: July 2019

Junge variability-lifetime relationships could potentially be used to infer persistence of micropollutants in rivers from field measurements of concentrations.
Punicalagin increases glutamate absorption in differentiated Caco-2 cells by a mechanism involving gene expression regulation of an EAAT3 transporter
Authors: Biolley Claudine , Tretola Marco , Bee Giuseppe , Jud Corinne , Silacci Paolo
Published: July 2019

Punicalagin modulates EAAT3 gene expression in enterocytes, increasing intestinal glutamate uptake.
Fermented ginseng improved alcohol liver injury in association with changes in the gut microbiota of mice
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Wang Yushan , You Ying , Ai Zhiyi , Dai Weichang , Piao Chunhong , Liu Junmei , Wang Yuhua
Published: July 2019

Fermented ginseng can alleviate alcoholic liver injury by adjusting the intestinal flora.
Theoretical study on the ability of bicyclic cryptands to separate alkali-metal isotopes by ion exchange
Authors: Okumura Sayako , Ishikawa Shigeru
Published: July 2019

Cryptand [2.2.2] collects heavier isotope137Cs more readily than [3.2.2] that gives a potential minimum atd=de.
Tuning the catalytic activity and selectivity of water-soluble bimetallic RuPt nanoparticles by modifying their surface metal distribution
Authors: Bouzouita Donia , Lippens Guy , Baquero Edwin A. , Fazzini Pier F. , Pieters Gregory , Coppel Yannick , Lecante Pierre , Tricard Simon , Martínez-Prieto Luis M. , Chaudret Bruno
Published: July 2019

The activity/selectivity of water-soluble bimetallic RuPt nanoparticles in the isotopic H/D exchange of l-lysine is highly dependent on the nanoparticle surface composition.
Pd-Catalyzed sequential hydroarylation and olefination reactions of 3-allylchromones
Authors: Liang Yi-En , Lu Chia-Ling , Li Wen-Tai
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a novel approach to regioselective α- or γ-hydroarylation of 3-allylchromones with electron-rich arenes has been presented.
Base-promoted domino radical cyclization of 1,6-enynes
Authors: Gao Le-Han , Zhang Jun-Yao , Song Si-Zhe , Cao Ting-Ting , Ge Guo-Ping , Li Qiang , Wei Wen-Ting
Published: July 2019

A good regioselective, high atom-economical and transition-metal-free method for the synthesis of α-functionalized ether derivativesviathe domino radical cyclization of 1,6-enynes is described.
3D-extrusion printing of stable constructs composed of photoresponsive polypeptide hydrogels
Authors: Murphy Robert D. , Kimmins Scott , Hibbitts Alan J. , Heise Andreas
Published: July 2019

Printing of novel linear polypeptide hydrogel bioinks and stabilisation of structures by post-printing UV-triggered crosslinking through catalyst free thiol–yne click chemistry of cysteine and propiolated 4-arm PEG.
A novel ordered hollow spherical nickel silicate–nickel hydroxide composite with two types of morphologies for enhanced electrochemical storage performance
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Zhang Yifu , Xiao Jinqiu , Jiang Hanmei , Li Xiaojuan , Meng Changgong
Published: July 2019

Nickel silicate–nickel hydroxide composite with two morphologies was synthesized for application in high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.
A simple one-step procedure to synthesise gold nanostars in concentrated aqueous surfactant solutions
Authors: Liebig Ferenc , Henning Ricky , Sarhan Radwan M. , Prietzel Claudia , Schmitt Clemens N. Z. , Bargheer Matias , Koetz Joachim
Published: July 2019

Due to the enhanced electromagnetic field at the tips of metal nanoparticles, the spiked structure of gold nanostars (AuNSs) is promising for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).
Self-powered gas sensor based on SiNWs/ITO photodiode
Authors: Liu Dong , Chen Qiaofen , Chen Aimin , Wu Jianmin
Published: July 2019

A self-powered sensor formed by silicon nanowires/ITO heterojunction can output photocurrent which sensitively respond to NO2 gas under light illumination.
EMI shielding of ABS composites filled with different temperature-treated equal-quantity charcoals
Authors: Halder Krishna Kamal , Sachdev V. K. , Tomar Monika , Gupta Vinay
Published: July 2019

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) composites were prepared by dry mixing equal-quantity (20 wt%) charcoals treated at different temperatures followed by hot compression.
A microcapsule oil dispersion for the controlled release of 1-methylcyclopropene in an open environment
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Zhao Rui , Zhang Jia , Du Ying-Jie , Yang Lu-Guang , Chen Luoyun , Pang Sen , Xu Yong , Zhang Zhenhua , Wu Xuemin
Published: July 2019

Formulation of 1-MCP/MOOD and controlled release process for application in the open environment.
Synthesis of calcium carbonate microcapsules as self-healing containers
Authors: Hettiarachchi Nadeesha Maduwanthi , De Silva Rangika Thilan , Gayanath Mantilaka M. M. M. G. Prasanga , Pasbakhsh Pooria , De Silva K. M. Nalin , Amaratunga Gehan A. J.
Published: July 2019

Healing agent, epoxy encapsulated calcium carbonate microcapsules were prepared using a facile method as a self-healing composite for protective metal coatings.
Scalable synthesis of high-purity TiO2 whiskers via ion exchange method enables versatile applications
Authors: Wang Mingxu , Gao Qiang , Duan Hao , Ge Mingqiao
Published: July 2019

In this work, high-purity titanium dioxide (TiO2) whiskers with different crystal forms were synthesized via ion exchange and controlled calcination methods.
An intramolecular relay catalysis strategy for Knoevenagel condensation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino reactions
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Wang Zijuan , Zhang Qiang , Luo Jun
Published: July 2019

A magnetically recoverable bifunctional catalyst was synthesized and effectively used in Knoevenagel condensation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino reactions.
Co2+ substituted for Bi3+ in BiVO4 and its enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible LED light irradiation
Authors: Nguyen Trinh Duy , Bui Quynh Thi Phuong , Le Tien Bao , Altahtamouni T. M. , Vu Khanh Bao , Vo Dai-Viet N. , Le Nhan Thi Hong , Luu Tuan Duy , Hong Seong Soo , Lim Kwon Taek
Published: July 2019

We investigated the fabrication of Co-doped BiVO4 (Bi1−xCoxVO4+δ, 0.05 < x < 0.5) by the substitution of Co ions for Bi sites in BiVO4.
Rational design of MgF2catalysts with long-term stability for the dehydrofluorination of 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a)
Authors: Tang Haodong , Dang Mingming , Li Yuzhen , Li Lichun , Han Wenfeng , Liu Zongjian , Li Ying , Li Xiaonian
Published: July 2019

In this study, sol–gel, precipitation and hard-template methods were applied to synthesize MgF2catalysts with improved stability towards dehydrofluorination of hydrofluorocarbons and MgF2-T catalysts demonstrated superior long-term stability.
A comprehensive study of conditions of the biodegradation of a plastic additive 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and proteomic changes in the degraderPseudomonas aeruginosasan ai
Authors: Medić Ana , Stojanović Ksenija , Izrael-Živković Lidija , Beškoski Vladimir , Lončarević Branka , Kazazić Saša , Karadžić Ivanka
Published: July 2019

ThePseudomonas aeruginosasan ai strain was investigated for its capability to degrade the 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (2,6-DTBP) plastic additive, a hazardous and toxic substance for aquatic life.
Recyclable magnetic carbonaceous porous composites derived from MIL-100(Fe) for superior adsorption and removal of malachite green from aqueous solution
Authors: Huo Shu-Hui , Liu Chen-Xu , Zhou Peng-Xin , Yu Jing , Bai Lei , Han Zhen-Gang , Lu Xiao-Quan
Published: July 2019

Magnetic carbonaceous porous composites (MCPCs) showed excellent adsorption capacity (up to 2090 mg g−1) for malachite green with good reusability and stability.
Quantification and isotherm modelling of competitive phosphate and silicate adsorption onto micro-sized granular ferric hydroxide
Authors: Hilbrandt Inga , Lehmann Vito , Zietzschmann Frederik , Ruhl Aki Sebastian , Jekel Martin
Published: July 2019

Adsorption of phosphate onto ferric hydroxide in complex waters is influenced by effects of competition, displacement and surface blockage.
Molecular basis of methylation and chain-length programming in a fungal iterative highly reducing polyketide synthase
Authors: Yang Xiao-Long , Friedrich Steffen , Yin Sen , Piech Oliver , Williams Katherine , Simpson Thomas J. , Cox Russell J.
Published: July 2019

Precise Engineering of Fungal Polyketide Synthase Controls Chain-Length and Methylation Pattern.
Operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells using natural cellulose fiber membranes
Authors: Wang Likun , Zuo Xianghao , Raut Aniket , Isseroff Rebecca , Xue Yuan , Zhou Yuchen , Sandhu Bhawan , Schein Tzipora , Zeliznyak Tatiana , Sharma Priyanka , Sharma Sunil , Hsiao Benjamin S. , Rafailovich Miriam H.
Published: July 2019

Natural cellulose fiber membranes were used as simple scaffolds for low-cost and stable proton exchange membranes in fuel cells.
Simulation of a bidisperse magnetorheological fluid using the combination of a two-component lattice Boltzmann method and a discrete element approach
Authors: Fu Yu , Yao Jianjun , Zhao Honghao , Zhao Gang , Qiu Ying
Published: July 2019

A combined two-component lattice Boltzmann method and discrete element approach was performed to simulate the behavior of bidisperse magnetic particles.
High-efficiency fluorescent and magnetic multimodal probe for long-term monitoring and deep penetration imaging of tumors
Authors: Meng Lingchen , Ma Xibo , Jiang Shan , Ji Guang , Han Wenkun , Xu Bin , Tian Jie , Tian Wenjing
Published: July 2019

High-quality multimodal imaging requires exogenous contrast agents with high sensitivity, spatial–temporal resolution, and high penetration depth for the accurate diagnosis and surveillance of cancer.
Incorporation of short, charged peptide tags affects the temperature responsiveness of positively-charged elastin-like polypeptides
Authors: Lin Charng-Yu , Liu Julie C.
Published: July 2019

Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and non-ELP sequences affect the temperature responsiveness of ELP-based proteins.
Interpreting and integrating big data in non-coding RNA research
Authors: Cantarella Simona , Di Nisio Elena , Carnevali Davide , Dieci Giorgio , Montanini Barbara
Published: July 2019

In the last two decades, we have witnessed an impressive crescendo of non-coding RNA studies, due to both the development of high-throughput RNA-sequencing strategies and an ever-increasing awareness of the involvement of newly discovered ncRNA classes in complex regulatory networks. Together with excitement for the possibility to explore previously unknown layers of gene regulation, these advancements led to the realization of the need for shared criteria of data collection and analysis and for novel integrative perspectives and tools aimed at making biological sense of very large bodies of molecular information. In the last few years, efforts to respond to this need have been devoted mainly to the regulatory interactions involving ncRNAs as direct or indirect regulators of protein-coding mRNAs. Such efforts resulted in the development of new computational tools, allowing the exploitation of the information spread in numerous different ncRNA data sets to interpret transcriptome changes under physiological and pathological cell responses. While experimental validation remains essential to identify key RNA regulatory interactions, the integration of ncRNA big data, in combination with systematic literature mining, is proving to be invaluable in identifying potential new players, biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer and other diseases.
Virtualisation of optical networks utilising squeezing protection: the exact formulation
Authors: Assis K.D.R. , Mesquita L.A.J. , Almeida R.C. , Waldman H. , Hammad A. , Simeonidou D.
Published: July 2019

Elastic optical network (EON) is a new technology used for virtualisation of optical networks. In this Letter, a new linear formulation with protection is proposed for the design of EON networks with several virtual optical networks (VONs). The mixed integer linear programming (MILP) formulation integrates the concepts of bandwidth squeezing, grooming and modulation format, and allows different protection capability in each VON. The proposed MILP provides efficient survivability results and resource savings (in terms of the spectrum) for a complete design of EON with virtualisation.
In‐line ports feeding substrate integrated waveguide resonator with higher order modes suppression
Authors: Chu Peng , Guo Lei , Zhang Long , Xu Feng , Wu Ke
Published: July 2019

In‐line ports are usually used to feed substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) resonator in an in‐line transmission circuit. However, the higher order mode TE102 is excited as well as the fundamental mode TE101 thereby deteriorating the selectivity. Here the authors present a method to remove the selectivity deterioration. By additionally introducing TE201, the TE102 and the TE201 can be counteracted with each other by taking advantage of their out‐phase out‐coupling, and then both modes are suppressed well in a SIW resonator feeding with in‐line ports. Two prototypes based on square and rectangle cavity are fabricated, respectively and measured to verify the proposed technique. The results agree with the expectation well. It shows the potential to be implemented in the in‐line transmission circuit with SIW resonator.
Switching attacks on smart grid using non‐linear sliding surface
Authors: Patel Aradhna , Purwar Shubhi
Published: July 2019

A cyber‐intruder uses the local knowledge of grid in order to develop and apply a coordinated switching sequence to attack and destabilise an otherwise healthy smart grid system. In this study, the attacker utilises the swing equation to discover the stable boundary limit of the target generator and applies non‐linear sliding surface (NLSS) technique to compute switching sequences and perpetrate attacks through gained access over a target circuit breaker for the disruption of normal operation. The targeted generator in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council 3 machine, 9‐bus system, and New England 10‐generator, 39‐bus system are attacked using a line switching event. An NLSS‐based load switching triggered an attack is also executed in a single machine infinite bus system to compare against the linear sliding surface‐based attack performance. The valour of an attack lies in its swift and fast action. Both these aspects are highlights of this work as the application of NLSS reduces chattering and achieves much faster spiralling out to instability.
Carrier‐based PWM control strategy for Z‐source two‐stage matrix converter
Authors: Wang Rutian , Han Xu , Liu Chuang , Zhao Yanfeng , Zhang Jiawei
Published: July 2019

In the Z‐source two‐stage matrix converter (ZSTSMC), the unique shoot‐through state of the Z‐source network can increase the voltage transfer ratio. Its maximum value can reach 4.33. In order to solve the complexity of space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) for ZSTSMC, a carrier‐based PWM (CBPWM) control strategy is proposed. The duty ratios of the rectifier stage and inverter stage are calculated by the SVPWM method. A carrier is constructed and combined with duty ratios to produce regular modulation waves of rectifier stage and inverter stage. Then, the inserted mode of the shoot‐through state is optimised by analysing. The position of its insertion is adjusted so that the expressions of the shoot‐through modulation wave is simple and regular. And the number of modulation waves is reduced from 5 to 4. Next, the modulation waves are compared with a carrier to obtain pulse signals which are used to produce driving signals through logic operation. The ZSTSMC is controlled by this strategy to obtain three‐phase symmetrical sinusoidal input and output waveforms. The proposed method is identical in output to the SVPWM method. Finally, the experimental results are provided to verify the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
High‐temperature electrical performances and physics‐based analysis of p‐GaN HEMT device
Authors: Li Sheng , Liu Siyang , Tian Ye , Zhang Chi , Wei Jiaxing , Tao Xinyi , Li Ningbo , Zhang Long , Sun Weifeng
Published: July 2019

High‐temperature electrical performances of enhancement‐mode (E‐mode) high electron mobility transistor with p‐type Gallium Nitride (GaN) gate cap are evaluated here. The physics‐based mechanisms behind the behaviours are also analysed by the simulations and analytical models. For static electrical performances, the changes of GaN bandgap and the interface states or traps are considered to be influential factors for the little variations of threshold voltage (VT). Meanwhile, the on‐state resistance increases and trans‐conductance decreases at high temperatures due to the reduction in electron mobility (µeff). As for blocking characteristic, high temperature‐induced increase of leakage current may result from multi‐reasons, such as the increase of intrinsic carrier concentration and lowering of trap barrier. In addition, a segmental method is presented to understand the gate leakage current at high temperatures. For capacitance characteristics, the increase of channel resistance makes the measured gate capacitance lower than the intrinsic value. For dynamic electrical performances, the high temperature‐induced decrease of µeff leads to the increase of plateau voltage, bringing the decreases of total switching time and total switching energy loss, which are quite different from those of the devices with traditional metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structures.
Optimal scheduling of real multi‐carrier energy storage system with hydrogen‐based vehicle applications
Authors: Mei Jie , Wang Xuntuo , Kirtley James L.
Published: July 2019

In response to the challenge of improving energy utilising efficiency, multi‐carrier energy storage systems, composed of electrical power networks, natural gas networks, heating networks, and other energy networks, are attracting more attention and developing rapidly in recent years. Traditionally, different energy infrastructures are commonly planned and operated independently, which results in less efficient energy usage and resource wasting. Through integrating as multi‐carrier energy storage system, different energy infrastructures can be coupled and optimised as one unit. Here, an optimal scheduling for a real multi‐carrier energy storage system with hydrogen‐based vehicle applications is proposed from an economic point of view. Simulation results suggest the proposed optimal scheduling can help quantify the daily operation cost and achieve considerably operation cost saving by reasonably arranging and utilising all the components in the system.
Ascending hierarchical classification for camera clustering based on FoV overlaps for WMSN
Authors: Benrazek Ala‐Eddine , Farou Brahim , Seridi Hamid , Kouahla Zineddine , Kurulay Muhammet
Published: July 2019

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) currently face the problem of rapidly decreasing energy due to the acquisition, processing and transmission of massive multimedia data. This decrease in energy affects the life of the network, resulting in higher overhead costs and a deterioration in quality‐of‐service. This study presents a new grouping strategy that somewhat reduces energy reduction problems. The objective is to group cameras in the WMSN according to their field of view. The proposed system begins by searching for all polygons created by the intersection of the two cameras' FoV. Based on the generated surfaces, an ascending hierarchical classification is applied to group cameras with strongly overlapping visions fields. The results obtained with 300 randomly positioned cameras show the effectiveness of the proposed method to minimise redundant detection, reduce energy consumption, increase network life, and reduce network overload.
Insect speed extraction method based on a high resolution and full polarisation radar with vertical‐looking mode
Authors: Hu Cheng , Li Wenqing , Wang Rui , Zhang Tianran , Li Weidong
Published: July 2019

This study introduces a novel insect speed extraction method based on a high resolution and full polarisation radar with vertical‐looking mode. The insect echo model of the high resolution and full polarisation radar is first established. Then, an iterative algorithm for estimating the horizontal speed of insects is derived based on the second‐order polynomial approximation. Finally, experimental results show the effectiveness and feasibility of this algorithm in extracting the horizontal speed of insects. Compared with the traditional method, the method here is more simple and effective and greatly reduces the computation.
Multi‐hypothesis test for close targets detection in co‐located MIMO radar
Authors: Zhang Yunlei , Wang Li , Tang Jun , Pan Jian
Published: July 2019

To distinguish/detect multiple close targets is of great significance in many areas, and the typical tool is the GLRT detection. However, there will be distinguishing difficulty and mutual interference when present targets are very close. Furthermore, it is difficult for binary decision theory to tell where the targets locate exactly as it can only make a decision that whether there is one or two targets present. As it cannot utilise the prior information of target number, it also suffers a poor detection performance. To overcome those disadvantages, the authors bring in multi‐hypothesis test (MHT) to the multi‐target model within co‐located MIMO radar. They also apply the sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) to locate the multiple range‐located targets efficiently, whose angles are known as a prior. The simulations show that authors’ SPRT‐based detection is more fast and constant comparing to the existing GLRT‐based detection taken within cell‐by‐cell.
Machine learning in APOGEE
Authors: Garcia-Dias Rafael , Allende Prieto Carlos , Sánchez Almeida Jorge , Alonso Palicio Pedro
Published: July 2019

Context. The vast volume of data generated by modern astronomical surveys offers test beds for the application of machine-learning. In these exploratory applications, it is important to evaluate potential existing tools and determine those that are optimal for extracting scientific knowledge from the available observations.

Aims. We explore the possibility of using unsupervised clustering algorithms to separate stellar populations with distinct chemical patterns.

Methods. Star clusters are likely the most chemically homogeneous populations in the Galaxy, and therefore any practical approach to identifying distinct stellar populations should at least be able to separate clusters from each other. We have applied eight clustering algorithms combined with four dimensionality reduction strategies to automatically distinguish stellar clusters using chemical abundances of 13 elements. Our test-bed sample includes 18 stellar clusters with a total of 453 stars.

Results. We have applied statistical tests showing that some pairs of clusters (e.g., NGC 2458–NGC 2420) are indistinguishable from each other when chemical abundances from the Apache Point Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) are used. However, for most clusters we are able to automatically assign membership with metric scores similar to previous works. The confusion level of the automatically selected clusters is consistent with statistical tests that demonstrate the impossibility of perfectly distinguishing all the clusters from each other. These statistical tests and confusion levels establish a limit for the prospect of blindly identifying stars born in the same cluster based solely on chemical abundances.

Conclusion. We find that some of the algorithms we explored are capable of blindly identify stellar populations with similar ages and chemical distributions in the APOGEE data. Even though we are not able to fully separate the clusters from each other, the main confusion arises from clusters with similar ages. Because some stellar clusters are chemically indistinguishable, our study supports the notion of extending weak chemical tagging that involves families of clusters instead of individual clusters.
The shape of the photon transfer curve of CCD sensors
Authors: Astier Pierre , Antilogus Pierre , Juramy Claire , Le Breton Rémy , Le Guillou Laurent , Sepulveda Eduardo ,   The Dark Energy Science Collaboration
Published: July 2019

The photon transfer curve (PTC) of a CCD depicts the variance of uniform images as a function of their average. It is now well established that the variance is not proportional to the average, as Poisson statistics would indicate, but rather flattens out at high flux. This “variance deficit”, related to the brighter-fatter effect, feeds correlations between nearby pixels that increase with flux, and decay with distance. We propose an analytical expression for the PTC shape, and for the dependence of correlations with intensity, and relate both to some more basic quantities related to the electrostatics of the sensor, which are commonly used to correct science images for the brighter-fatter effect. We derive electrostatic constraints from a large set of flat field images acquired with a CCD e2v 250, and eventually question the generally-admitted assumption that boundaries of CCD pixels shift by amounts proportional to the source charges. Our results show that the departure of flat field statistics from the Poisson law is entirely compatible with charge redistribution during the drift in the sensor.
VLBI imaging of black holes via second moment regularization
Authors: Issaoun S. , Johnson M. D. , Blackburn L. , Mościbrodzka M. , Chael A. , Falcke H.
Published: July 2019

The imaging fidelity of the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is currently determined by its sparse baseline coverage. In particular, EHT coverage is dominated by long baselines, and is highly sensitive to atmospheric conditions and loss of sites between experiments. The limited short/mid-range baselines especially affect the imaging process, hindering the recovery of more extended features in the image. We present an algorithmic contingency for the absence of well-constrained short baselines in the imaging of compact sources, such as the supermassive black holes observed with the EHT. This technique enforces a specific second moment on the reconstructed image in the form of a size constraint, which corresponds to the curvature of the measured visibility function at zero baseline. The method enables the recovery of information lost in gaps of the baseline coverage on short baselines and enables corrections of any systematic amplitude offsets for the stations giving short-baseline measurements present in the observation. The regularization can use historical source size measurements to constrain the second moment of the reconstructed image to match the observed size. We additionally show that a characteristic size can be derived from available short-baseline measurements, extrapolated from other wavelengths, or estimated without complementary size constraints with parameter searches. We demonstrate the capabilities of this method for both static and movie reconstructions of variable sources.
Aus der Spur
Authors: Blumenrode Stefan
Published: July 2019

Ein Delir kann vielfältige Ursachen und Symptome haben. Wird es zu spät
diagnostiziert, können die Folgen für die Betroffenen lebensbedrohlich sein. Wie
Sie ein Delir erkennen und welche Behandlungsansätze es gibt, erläutert unser
Autor.
Beziehungsarbeit in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Bauer Rüdiger
Published: July 2019

Der Begriff der Beziehungsarbeit wird in der psychiatrischen Pflege oft bemüht,
dabei aber häufig der Beliebigkeit überlassen: Jeder versteht darunter etwas
anderes. Unser Autor beschreibt – basierend auf einer
anthropologisch/evolutionären, naturwissenschaftlich/neurowissenschaftlichen und
humanistisch/zuwendenden Sichtweise – einen neuen theoretischen Rahmen für eine
professionelle pflegerische Beziehungsarbeit in der Psychiatrie. Außerdem
skizziert er Instrumente, die in der Praxis bereits vielfach angewendet
werden.
Association among Clopidogrel Cessation, Platelet Function, and Bleeding in Coronary Bypass Surgery: An Observational Trial
Authors: Petricevic Mate , Knezevic Jadranka , Biocina Bojan , Mikus Mislav , Konosic Lucija , Rasic Mario , Milosevic Milan , Rotim Cecilija , Madzar Tomislav , Rotim Ante , Gasparovic Hrvoje , Goerlinger Klaus
Published: July 2019

Objectives This study sought to determine (1) the association between the length of preoperative clopidogrel discontinuation, blood loss, and transfusion requirements and (2) whether preoperative platelet function testing predicts excessive postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.

Methods In this retrospective analysis, patients undergoing CABG were divided into three groups with regard to the period between preoperative clopidogrel cessation and surgery: group 1 (n = 94, ≤3 days), group 2 (n = 100, 4–5 days), and group 3 (n = 83, 6–7 days), respectively. Impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) with arachidonic acid (ASPI) test assay (used for platelets stimulation) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test (used for platelets stimulation) was performed before the surgery. Primary outcome was 24 hours chest tube output (CTO) and transfusion requirements (red blood cell concentrate [RBCC], platelet concentrate [PC], fibrinogen concentrate [FC], and fresh-frozen plasma [FFP]) were considered as secondary outcomes.

Results CTO during 24 hours was significantly higher in group 1 as compared with groups 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.003). Considering secondary outcomes, RBCC (p = 0.043), PC (p = 0.001), FC (p = 0.003), and FFP (p = 0.010) were more frequently transfused in group 1 as compared with groups 2 and 3, respectively. Multiple electrode aggregometry ASPI and ADP tests were significantly correlated with the 24-hour CTO (ASPI test—rho = −0.258, p < 0.001; ADP test—rho = −0.164, p = 0.007). A significant correlation was observed between clopidogrel-free interval and 24-hour CTO (rho = −0.200, p < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis revealed cutoff values to delineate bleeding tendency (ASPI test ≤ 25 area under the aggregation curve [AUC], ADP test ≤63 AUC, and clopidogrel-free interval ≤3 days).

Conclusion Excessive postoperative bleeding occurred less frequently if the period between clopidogrel discontinuation and surgery was longer than 3 days, as compared with shorter waiting time. Inadequate recovery of the platelets function following clopidogrel cessation in preoperative period was associated with increased bleeding risk. Platelet function testing was found to be a useful tool for postoperative bleeding management in our hands.
Unilateral Pedicled Pectoralis Major Harvested by Endoscopic-Assisted Method Achieves Adequate Management of Sternal Infection and Mediastinitis
Authors: Lin Chih-Hung , Lin Cheng-Hung , Tsai Feng-Chun , Lin Pyng-Jing
Published: July 2019

Background Bilateral PM muscles or combination with rectus abdominis or omentum are commonly used for upper and lower sternal wound infections. Unilateral PM harvesting using endoscopic-assisted method may have a simple, safe, and reliable entire muscle harvesting with comparable result of less donor-site violation.

Methods A retrospective review was performed from 2003 till 2015 on 38 patients referred to a single plastic surgeon for treatment of sternal wound infection following median sternotomy for cardiovascular surgery. After the humerus insertion of PM was cut with the assistance of endoscope visualization, all the other PM insertions on the sternum, rib, and clavicle were divided, the unilateral pedicled PM can be advanced approximately 10 cm to cover the cephalad and caudal sternum, and fill the retrosternal mediastinum.

Results Four re-explorations in three patients for postoperative hematoma occurred. No early recurrent infection for wound dehiscence experienced. Three patients died of multiple organs failures as 30-day mortality. Two patients underwent late recurrent infections; one patient had twice wire infection removals at 4 and 6 months after transfer, and the other had another PM for rib osteomyelitis in 3 years.

Conclusion Unilateral PM transfer is justified to provide a simple, reliable, straightforward procedure for sternal infection management and mediastinal obliteration without violation of second flap in compromised patients.
Subtle differentiation of countries’ responsibilities under the Paris Agreement
Authors: Pauw Pieter , Mbeva Kennedy , van Asselt Harro
Published: July 2019

To be effective and secure participation, a global climate change agreement needs to be perceived as fair by the countries involved in it. The Paris Agreement approached differentiation of countries’ responsibilities to address climate change by departing from the rigid distinction between industrialised and developing countries through the inclusion of ‘subtle differentiation’ of specific subsets of countries (e.g., Least Developed Countries) for certain substantive issues (e.g., climate finance) and/or for specific procedures (e.g., timelines and reporting). In this article, we analyse whether the self-differentiation countries followed when formulating their own climate plans, or nationally determined contributions (NDCs), is consistent with the Paris Agreement’s subtle differentiation. We find that there is consistency for mitigation and adaptation, but not for support (climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building). As NDCs are the main instrument for achieving the Paris Agreement’s long-term goals, this inconsistency needs to be addressed to allow subsequent rounds of NDCs to be more ambitious.
The automatic frequency control based on artificial intelligence for compact particle accelerator
Authors: Kim Huisu , Ghergherehchi Mitra , Shin Seung-wook , Lee Jongchul , Ha Donghyup , Namgoong Ho , Chai Jong Seo
Published: July 2019

In this work, an advantage actor critic (A2C) based intelligent automatic frequency control (AFC) system was developed for X-band linear accelerator (LINAC). A2C is one type of reinforcement learning, which indicates how software agents should perform actions in an environment. In this paper, the A2C based AFC algorithm and its environment design, simulation result, and controller hardware and software processes are described. The objective of our design is to match LINAC and magnetron frequency, and it is implemented via reward shaping using comparison with the reflected power in the adjacent time. The simulation with the A2C algorithm was implemented in two modes, namely, periodic and White Gaussian Noise (WGN) waves, for analysis with temperature and random disturbance, respectively. In order to create artificial disturbance in the experiment, the magnetron shaft was shifted randomly every 0.5 s by using WGN with 18° angle of the step motor. The standard deviation of the reflected power was 5.63 kW, and the average power was 130.9 kW. To obtain maximum reward at the beginning of the A2C training, the adjacent frequency is needed. The measured average reflected power and standard deviation were 122.8 kW and 1.75 kW, respectively, after 2000 iterations. The results show that the reflected power and standard deviation of the AFC with A2C were lower compared to open-loop with artificial disturbance. The RF station of a medical X-band LINAC was used as the test bench, and the performance was confirmed by the results of an experiment conducted at Sungkyunkwan University in Korea.