bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Repeatability of Assessment of the Retinal Microvasculature Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Lee Taek Hoon , Lim Hyung Bin , Nam Ki Yup , Kim Kyeungmin , Kim Jung Yeul
Published: November 2019

Various factors can affect repeatability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) measurements, and they have not been studied sufficiently. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with the repeatability of automated superficial retinal vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) metrics acquired from OCTA. A total of 141 normal eyes from 141 healthy subjects were included, and two consecutive macular 6 × 6-mm angiography scans were performed. VD, perfusion density (PD), and FAZ of the superficial capillary plexus were calculated automatically. Reproducibility was assessed based on intraclass correlations (ICCs) and coefficients of variation (CVs). VD (ICC: 0.824, CV: 3.898) and PD (ICC: 0.845, CV: 4.042) over the entire 6-mm scan area showed better repeatability than VD (ICC: 0.752, CV: 17.470) and PD (ICC: 0.752, CV: 18.552) in the 1-mm scan, and with respect to the obtained FAZ metrics (ICC < 0.75, CV > 10.0%). Regression analyses showed that two factors, signal strength (p = 0.004) and average VD over the total 6-mm scan area (p < 0.001), were significantly correlated with the CV of the VD. Signal strength was associated with the repeatability of OCTA measurements and should be considered in the analysis of retinal VD and FAZ.
Upregulation of Yy1 Suppresses Dilated Cardiomyopathy caused by Ttn insufficiency
Authors: Liao Dan , Chen Weiming , Tan Chia Yee , Wong Jing Xuan , Chan Pui Shi , Tan Lek Wen , Foo Roger , Jiang Jianming
Published: November 2019

Truncating variants in TTN (TTNtv), coding for the largest structural protein in the sarcomere, contribute to the largest portion of familial and ambulatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). TTN haploinsufficiency caused by TTNtv is suggested as the disease mechanism. However, it is unclear whether TTN insufficiency causes DCM. Moreover, it is unknown whether modulation of downstream pathways serves as a therapeutic strategy for DCM caused by TTN insufficiency. Here, we show that reduction of cardiac Ttn expression by adeno-associated virus mediated shRNA (Ttn shRNA) generated DCM in mouse, demonstrating impaired cardiac performance, enlarged left ventricle (LV) and reduced LV wall thickness. A screen of 10 dysregulated and selected genes identified that Yin Yang 1 (Yy1) significantly suppressed DCM caused by Ttn shRNA. Gene profiling by RNAseq showed Yy1 modulated cell growth related genes. Ttn insufficiency activated cardiomyocyte cell cycle reentry by upregulating of Ccnd1 and Ccnd2. Cardiomyocytes activated by Ttn insufficiency did not advance to S phase by EdU incorporation assay. Yy1 promoted cardiomyocyte cell cycle by further enhancing Ccnd1 and Ccnd2 and increasing DNA replication without undergoing cell division. Importantly, upregulation of Ccnd1 and Ccnd2 suppressed DCM caused by Ttn insufficiency. Our findings demonstrate that DCM caused by Ttn insufficiency can be treated by therapeutically promoting cardiac cell cycle.
Cell proliferation and invasion are regulated differently by EGFR and MRP1 in T-DM1-resistant breast cancer cells
Authors: Endo Yukinori , Lyon Sarah , Shen Yi , Mohan Nishant , Wu Wen Jin
Published: November 2019

We recently reported that T-DM1-resistant JIMT1 (T-DM1R-JIMT1) cells exhibited high invasive activity via EGFR and integrin cooperated pathways and gained cross-resistance to doxorubicin. Here, we show that EGFR positively coordinates with MRP1 in T-DM1R-JIMT1 cells to contribute to cross-resistance to doxorubicin. Downregulating EGFR and MRP1 inhibits T-DM1R-JIMT1 cell growth and re-sensitizes T-DM1R cells to doxorubicin, suggesting that dual targeting EGFR and MRP1 could serve as a therapeutic approach to overcome T-DM1 resistance. However, it increases cell invasion activity of T-DM1R-JIMT1 cells with molecular and cellular phenotypes similar to the breast cancer cells that express low levels of HER2 (MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells). Importantly, the invasion activity of MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells is also significantly increased after chronically exposed to T-DM1 although cell growth of MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells is not inhibited by T-DM1. These results highlight the importance of HER2 heterogenicity in HER-positive breast cancers treated with T-DM1. Our study also provides evidence demonstrating that proliferation and invasion activities of T-DM1R-JIMT1, and MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells are regulated by different mechanisms and that different aspects of cancer cell behaviors affected by targeted-therapeutics should be fully characterized in order to overcome T-DM1-resistant disease and to prevent cancer metastasis.
Signal Strength as an Important Factor in the Analysis of Peripapillary Microvascular Density Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lim Hyung Bin , Kim Yong Woo , Nam Ki Yup , Ryu Cheon Kuk , Jo Young Joon , Kim Jung Yeul
Published: November 2019

The quality of the scan image is important in peripapillary circulation analysis using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). We aimed to investigate the effects of signal strength (SS) on the peripapillary microvascular density acquired from OCTA. A total of 259 eyes from 259 young healthy subjects were included. Peripapillary OCTA images using 3 × 3 mm angiography scan were acquired from all participants. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the SS: SS 7, SS 8, SS 9, and SS 10. Vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of the superficial capillary plexus were calculated. VD and PD were compared among the four groups, and linear regression analyses were performed to identify and evaluate the clinical factors associated with average VD. As the SS increased from 7 to 10, the average VD and PD increased; these increases were statistically significant (all, p < 0.001). Regression analyses showed that four factors were significantly correlated with average VD: age (partial r = 0.133), average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (partial r = 0.169), cup/disc ratio (partial r =−0.481), and SS (partial r = 0.413). SS is a significant factor affecting peripapillary microvascular density, and its influence is similar to well-known structural parameters associated with glaucoma.
New Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalyst of Chitin-Modified Titanium Dioxide/Carbon Fiber Composites for Wastewater
Authors: Mao Kui , Wu Xiaowen , Min Xin , Huang Zhaohui , Liu Yan-gai , Fang Minghao
Published: November 2019

To improve the catalyst properties of TiO2 under visible light irradiation, chitin-modified TiO2 was synthesized via a hydrothermal method on the surface of carbon fibers. The microstructure and interface properties of the so-prepared photocatalyst were investigated via X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Our results indicated that the synergetic effect of the crystal phase of TiO2, carbon fiber, and chitin is the main reason leading to the improvement of the photocatalytic activity of the composite catalyst. The modified TiO2 sample with chitin content of 0.6 wt% exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation when RhB was chosen as the target degradation product. Compared to the pure TiO2/carbon fiber, the sample of TiO2/carbon fiber with 0.6 wt% of chitin exhibits enhanced visible light activity with an apparent rate of degradation about 2.25 times. The enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of the sample with chitin can be attributed to the relatively high adsorption capacity of the particular network structure and photosensitivity of chitin, which can effectively separate the photoelectron-hole pair recombination. Furthermore, the new composite photocatalyst shows excellent catalytic stability after multiple degradation cycles, indicating that it is a promising photocatalytic material for degrading organic pollutants in wastewater.
A thraustochytrid-specific lipase/phospholipase with unique positional specificity contributes to microbial competition and fatty acid acquisition from the environment
Authors: Ishibashi Yohei , Aoki Keisuke , Okino Nozomu , Hayashi Masahiro , Ito Makoto
Published: November 2019

Thraustochytrids are heterotrophic marine protists that are considered as important decomposers in the marine ecosystem; however, how they digest and uptake lipid nutrients from the environment is largely unknown. Genomic clustering analysis using thraustochytrid draft genome databases revealed that novel proteins with a Lipase_3 domain are commonly present in thraustochytrids, including Aurantiochytrium limacinum. After heterologous expression and His tag-based purification, protein ID: 145138 was identified as lipase/phospholipase capable of hydrolyzing triacylglycerol (TG) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). 145138 was secreted into the medium, and deletion of the 145138 gene in A. limacinum reduced the degradation of extracellular lipids. Fatty acids generated by 145138 were reused for the biosynthesis of PC and TG, and 145138 allowed A. limacinum to survive in the medium containing TG as a sole carbon source. 145138 hydrolyzed all the acyl-ester linkages of TG; however, the enzyme showed strict positional specificity toward phospholipids, generating 2-acyl lysophospholipids. The 2-acyl lysophospholipids showed stronger antimicrobial activity compared with 1-acyl lysophospholipids. These results suggested that 145138 is a bifunctional enzyme that contributes to the acquisition of lipid nutrients from the environment, as well as to generate antimicrobial lysophospholipids that are beneficial for competition with bacteria over lipid nutrients in the marine environment.
Hormonal regulation of thirst in the amphibious ray-finned fish suggests the requirement for terrestrialization during evolution
Authors: Katayama Yukitoshi , Takei Yoshio , Kusakabe Makoto , Sakamoto Tatsuya
Published: November 2019

Thirst has evolved for vertebrate terrestrial adaptation. We previously showed that buccal drying induced a series of drinking behaviours (migration to water–taking water into the mouth–swallowing) in the amphibious mudskipper goby, thereby discovering thirst in ray-finned fish. However, roles of dipsogenic/antidipsogenic hormones, which act on the thirst center in terrestrial tetrapods, have remained unclear in the mudskipper thirst. Here we examined the hormonal effects on the mudskipper drinking behaviours, particularly the antagonistic interaction between angiotensin II (AngII) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) which is important for thirst regulation in mammalian ‘forebrain’. Expectedly, intracerebroventricular injection of ANP in mudskippers reduced AngII-increased drinking rate. ANP also suppressed the neural activity at the ‘hindbrain’ region for the swallowing reflex, and the maintenance of buccopharyngeal water due to the swallowing inhibition may attenuate the motivation to move to water. Thus, the hormonal molecules involved in drinking regulation, as well as the influence of buccopharyngeal water, appear to be conserved in distantly related species to solve osmoregulatory problems, whereas hormonal control of thirst at the forebrain might have been acquired only in tetrapod lineage during evolution.
Temperature-dependent photoluminescence properties of porous fluorescent SiC
Authors: Lu Weifang , Tarekegne Abebe T. , Ou Yiyu , Kamiyama Satoshi , Ou Haiyan
Published: November 2019

A comprehensive study of surface passivation effect on porous fluorescent silicon carbide (SiC) was carried out to elucidate the luminescence properties by temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) measurement. The porous structures were prepared using an anodic oxidation etching method and passivated by atomic layer deposited (ALD) Al2O3 films. An impressive enhancement of PL intensity was observed in porous SiC with ALD Al2O3, especially at low temperatures. At temperatures below 150 K, two prominent PL emission peaks located at 517 nm and 650 nm were observed. The broad emission peak at 517 nm was attributed to originate from the surface states in the porous structures, which was supported by X-ray photoelectron spectra characterization. The emission peak at 650 nm is due to donor-acceptor-pairs (DAP) recombination via nitrogen donors and boron-related double D-centers in fluorescent SiC substrates. The results of the present work suggest that the ALD Al2O3 films can effectively suppress the non-radiative recombination for the porous structures on fluorescent SiC. In addition, we provide the evidence based on the low-temperature time-resolved PL that the mechanism behind the PL emission in porous structures is mainly related to the transitions via surface states.
Carnivores, competition and genetic connectivity in the Anthropocene
Authors: Creel Scott , Spong Göran , Becker Matthew , Simukonda Chuma , Norman Anita , Schiffthaler Bastian , Chifunte Clive
Published: November 2019

Current extinction rates are comparable to five prior mass extinctions in the earth’s history, and are strongly affected by human activities that have modified more than half of the earth’s terrestrial surface. Increasing human activity restricts animal movements and isolates formerly connected populations, a particular concern for the conservation of large carnivores, but no prior research has used high throughput sequencing in a standardized manner to examine genetic connectivity for multiple species of large carnivores and multiple ecosystems. Here, we used RAD SNP genotypes to test for differences in connectivity between multiple ecosystems for African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and lions (Panthera leo), and to test correlations between genetic distance, geographic distance and landscape resistance due to human activity. We found weaker connectivity, a stronger correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance, and a stronger correlation between genetic distance and landscape resistance for lions than for wild dogs, and propose a new hypothesis that adaptations to interspecific competition may help to explain differences in vulnerability to isolation by humans.
Distribution of the CMV glycoprotein gH/gL/gO and gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131A complex variants and associated clinical manifestations in infants infected congenitally or postnatally
Authors: Paradowska Edyta , Jabłońska Agnieszka , Studzińska Mirosława , Kasztelewicz Beata , Wiśniewska-Ligier Małgorzata , Dzierżanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna , Woźniakowska-Gęsicka Teresa , Czech-Kowalska Justyna
Published: November 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity in fetuses following intrauterine infection. The glycoprotein (g) envelope trimeric gH/gL/gO and pentameric gH/gL/pUL128/pUL130/pUL131A complexes are required for CMV entry into fibroblasts and endothelial/epithelial cells, respectively, and both are targets for neutralizing antibodies. The role of sequence variability among viral strains in the outcome of congenital CMV infection is controversial. Variation in the CMV UL75 gene encoding glycoprotein H (gH), the UL115 (gL), the UL74 (gO), and the UL128 locus (UL128L) encoding three structural proteins (pUL128, pUL130, and pUL131A) was determined in 82 newborns with congenital CMV infection and 113 infants with postnatal or unproven congenital CMV infection. Genotyping was performed by sequencing analysis of PCR‐amplified fragments and the PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method, and the viral load was measured by quantitative real‐time PCR. The obtained results demonstrated that (1) different CMV variants and mixed CMV infections can be detected in newborns infected congenitally; (2) the gH1 genotype, UL130 variant 6, and UL131A variant 1 were associated with some signs/symptoms within cohort of pediatric patients, mainly consisting of infants with symptomatic CMV infection. The results revealed that pUL130, pUL131A, and gH polymorphisms seemed to be associated with the outcome of CMV infection in infants.
Publisher Correction: Quality of life after photo-selective vaporization and holmium-laser enucleation of the prostate: 5-year outcomes
Authors: Sun Inyoung , Yoo Sangjun , Park Juhyun , Cho Sung Yong , Jeong Hyeon , Son Hwancheol , Oh Seung-June , Paick Jae-Seung , Cho Min Chul
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Nutraceutical profile and evidence of alleviation of oxidative stress by Spirogyra porticalis (Muell.) Cleve inhabiting the high altitude Trans-Himalayan Region
Authors: Kumar Jatinder , Khan Shahanshah , Mandotra S. K. , Dhar Priyanka , Tayade Amol B. , Verma Sheetal , Toppo Kiran , Arora Rajesh , Upreti Dalip K. , Chaurasia Om P.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Structure of two purple pigments, catechinopyranocyanidins A and B from the seed-coat of the small red bean, Vigna angularis
Authors: Yoshida Kumi , Nagai Nobukazu , Ichikawa Yoshiki , Goto Miki , Kazuma Kohei , Oyama Kin-ichi , Koga Kazushi , Hashimoto Masaru , Iuchi Satoru , Takaya Yoshiaki , Kondo Tadao
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Determination of soluble CD44 in serum by using a label-free aptamer based electrochemical impedance biosensor
Authors: Zhou Jie , Cheng Kai , Chen Xuan , Yang Rui , Lu Mudan , Ming Lan , Chen Yu , Lin Zhenyu , Chen Daozhen
Published: November 2019

A label-free aptamer-based electrochemical impedance biosensor was developed for convenient and rapid detection of serum tumor biomarker CD44.
Method for evaluating ion mobility spectrometers for trace detection of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances
Authors: Verkouteren Jennifer R. , Lawrence Jeffrey , Verkouteren R. Michael , Sisco Edward
Published: November 2019

Continuing efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the U.S. require technologies that can detect the presence of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances for multiple applications, including law enforcement and border protection.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative heterocyclizations of [60]fullerene: preparation of novel vinyl-substituted [60]fullerene-fused tetrahydrofurans/pyrans/quinolines
Authors: Liu Qingfeng , Liu Tong-Xin , Ru Yifei , Zhu Xue , Zhang Guisheng
Published: November 2019

A general and practical methodology for the preparation of vinyl-substituted C60-fused tetrahydrofurans/pyrans/quinolonesviapalladium-catalyzed decarboxylative heterocyclizations of C60with cyclic carbonates was developed.
Adding diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) to the arsenal for characterizing paramagnetic complexes
Authors: Crockett M. P. , Zhang H. , Thomas C. M. , Byers J. A.
Published: November 2019

Herein we report the development of diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) for its use to characterize metal complexes containing paramagnetic first row transition metal elements.
The dual-defective SnS2 monolayers: promising 2D photocatalysts for overall water splitting
Authors: Sainbileg Batjargal , Lai Ying-Ren , Chen Li-Chyong , Hayashi Michitoshi
Published: November 2019

Photocatalytic water splitting on the dual-defective SnS2 monolayer is a promising way to produce hydrogen fuel from solar energy.
Chloride transport in conductive polymer films for an n-type thermoelectric platform
Authors: Kim Byeonggwan , Hwang Jong Un , Kim Eunkyoung
Published: November 2019

Cl− transport in a conductive polymer (CP) film was demonstrated for n-type thermoelectric (TE) harvesting.
Harmonizing across environmental nanomaterial testing media for increased comparability of nanomaterial datasets
Authors: Geitner Nicholas K. , Ogilvie Hendren Christine , Cornelis Geert , Kaegi Ralf , Lead Jamie R. , Lowry Gregory V. , Lynch Iseult , Nowack Bernd , Petersen Elijah , Bernhardt Emily , Brown Scott , Chen Wei , de Garidel-Thoron Camille , Hanson Jaydee , Harper Stacey , Jones Kim , von der Kammer Frank , Kennedy Alan , Kidd Justin , Matson Cole , Metcalfe Chris D. , Pedersen Joel , Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M. , Quik Joris T. K. , Rodrigues Sónia M. , Rose Jerome , Sayre Phil , Simonin Marie , Svendsen Claus , Tanguay Robert , Tefenkji Nathalie , van Teunenbroek Tom , Thies Gregory , Tian Yuan , Rice Jacelyn , Turner Amalia , Liu Jie , Unrine Jason , Vance Marina , White Jason C. , Wiesner Mark R.
Published: November 2019

The chemical composition and properties of environmental media determine nanomaterial (NM) transport, fate, biouptake, and organism response.
Development of an AES based analytical method for the determination of trace metallic impurities in uranium silicide dispersion fuel: from precursors to end products
Authors: Sengupta Arijit , B. Rajeswari , Kadam R. M.
Published: November 2019

An analytical method was developed based on the D.C. arc carrier distillation atomic emission spectrometric (D.C. Arc AES) technique for determination of trace metallic impurities (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Si, Sn, Ti, V and Zn) in uranium silicide samples.
Effective ways to enhance the photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanopowders: high crystalline degree, more oxygen vacancies, and preferential growth
Authors: Lv Yingying , Lin Jiayu , Peng Siyan , Zhang Laijun , Yu Leshu
Published: November 2019

ZnO 280 showed the best photocatalytic activity and antiphotocorrosion due to oxygen vacancies, preferential growth, and high crystalline degree. It is fully anticipated that, higher synthesis temperature up to 300 °C or even 400 °C, if permitted, might create better ZnO nanopowders.
Recent advances in two-dimensional materials and their nanocomposites in sustainable energy conversion applications
Authors: Khan Karim , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Aslam Muhammad , Zhang Yupeng , Wang Renheng , Ouyang Zhengbiao , Gou Zhongyi , Zhang Han
Published: November 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have a wide platform in technical studies and expanding nano- and atomic-level applications.
Negative differential resistance observed on the charge density wave of a transition metal dichalcogenide
Authors: Luican-Mayer Adina , Zhang Yuan , DiLullo Andrew , Li Yang , Fisher Brandon , Ulloa Sergio E. , Hla Saw-Wai
Published: November 2019

Charge density waves and negative differential resistance are seemingly unconnected physical phenomena but they coexist after a voltage pulse manipulation on TaS2 surface with an STM tip.
Optical properties of undoped, Eu3+ doped and Li+ co-doped Y2Hf2O7 nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposite films
Authors: Gupta Santosh K. , Zuniga Jose P. , Abdou Maya , Ghosh P. S. , Mao Yuanbing
Published: November 2019

Li+ co-doping of Y2Hf2O7:Eu3+ nanoparticles improve their quenching concentration, asymmetry ratio, quantum yield, and radioluminescence intensity due to the enhanced covalent character of Eu3+–O2− bonding.
Synthesis of high surface area porous carbon from anaerobic digestate and it's electrochemical study as an electrode material for ultracapacitors
Authors: Chaturvedi Vikash , Usangonvkar Saurabh , Shelke Manjusha V.
Published: November 2019

The remnants of the anaerobic digestion process, ‘the digestate,’ mainly consist of fibrous lignin and cellulose like molecules, as a significant carbon repository along with some other inorganic impurities.
Synthesis of self-assembled nucleobases and their anhydrous proton conductivity
Authors: Yamada Masanori , Tanoue Kento
Published: November 2019

We synthesized the proton conductive self-assembled nucleobase, such as 1-dodecylthymine and 9-dodecyladenine, in which the nucleobase is immobilized on a long alkyl chain.
Charge transfer dynamics and catalytic performance of a covalently linked hybrid assembly comprising a functionalized cobalt tetraazamacrocyclic catalyst and CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots for photochemical hydrogen production
Authors: Nie Chengming , Ni Wenjun , Gong Lunlun , Jiang Jian , Wang Junhui , Wang Mei
Published: November 2019

Covalently attaching the cobalt tetraazamacrocyclic complex to the surface of CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots enhanced the charge-separation efficiency and photocatalytic activity of the hybrid system.
Organic solvent-assisted synthesis of the K3SiF7:Mn4+red phosphor with improved morphology and stability
Authors: Noh Minhee , Yoon Dae Ho , Kim Chang Hae , Lee Seon Joo
Published: November 2019

Our organic solvent-assisted synthetic method provides a simple and very effective way to produce a uniform K3SiF7:Mn4+phosphor with enhanced stability.
Multifunctional anionic indium–organic frameworks for organic dye separation, white-light emission and dual-emitting Fe3+ sensing
Authors: Luo Yu-Hui , Xie A-Di , Chen Wen-Cheng , Shen Dong , Zhang Dong-En , Tong Zhi-Wei , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: November 2019

Two anionic In-MOFs have been prepared, which showed the absorption and separation of organic dyes, white-light emission by the encapsulation of safranin O, and sensing of Fe3+ ions.
Doping of Cu(i) ions into CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals through a cation exchange strategy
Authors: Liu Mingrui , Wang Lijin , Guan Zhongyuan , Liu Zhenyang , Zhu Yongsheng , Tang Aiwei
Published: November 2019

Cu(i) ions were incorporated into CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals through a cation exchange strategy, and the photoluminescence could be effectively tuned by varying the dopant position from the outside ZnS shell to the inside CdS core.
Mice with a Sertoli cell-specific knockout of the Ctr1 gene exhibit a reduced sensitivity to cisplatin-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis
Authors: Ghaffari Rashin , Richburg John H.
Published: November 2019

Exposure to the chemotherapeutic agent cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(ii) (cDDP) is well known to instigate acute and prolonged testicular injury in male patients. Many investigators have hypothesized that cDDP-induced dysfunction of Sertoli cells (SCs) may, in part, account for the cDDP-induced lasting testicular injury. Nevertheless, the relative contribution of cDDP-induced SC injury versus direct effects on germ cells (GCs) to the pathogenesis of GC loss remains to be elucidated. The expression of the copper transporter 1 (CTR1) protein in cells directly corresponds with cDDP uptake and its cellular toxicity. Therefore, to discern the role of SCs in the pathogenic mechanism, mice were developed with a SC-specific disruption of the Ctr1 gene (SCΔCtr1) as a strategy to prevent their exposure to cDDP. Adult mice at postnatal day (PND) 60 were treated with 5 mg kg−1 cDDP and then testis collected at 48 hours. A two-fold increase in GC-apoptosis occurred in the testis of cDDP-treated wildtype (WT) mice as compared to saline-treated WT mice. In contrast, cDDP-treated SCΔCtr1 mice exhibited only a half-fold increase in GC-apoptosis as compared to the saline-treated SCΔCtr1 mice. This reduced incidence of GC apoptosis in the SCΔCtr1 mice corresponded to a significantly lower level of platinum within the testis. Taken together, these findings reveal that the uptake of cDDP by CTR1 in SCs accounts for the accumulation of cDDP in the testis and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenic sequence of events leading to the loss of germ cells via apoptosis.
MiR-942 regulates the function of breast cancer cell by targeting FOXA2
Authors: Zhang Jinku , Zhang Zhiqiang , Sun Jirui , Ma Qiushuang , Zhao Wenming , Chen Xue , Qiao Haizhi
Published: November 2019

MicroRNA (MiR)-942 regulates the development of a variety of tumors, however, its function in breast cancer (BCa) has been less reported. Therefore, the present study investigated the regulatory effects of miR-942 on BCa cells. The expression of miR-942 in whole blood samples and BCa cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. Direct target gene for miR-942 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. FOXA2 expression in adjacent tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. The effects of miR-942, or miR-942 with FOXA2, on the cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of BCa cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound scratch and Transwell, respectively. The levels of N-Cadherin, E-Cadherin and Snail were determined by Western blot. Kaplan–Meier was used to explore the relationship among the expressions of miR-942 and FOXA2 and the prognosis of BCa patients. MiR-942 had high expressed in BCa, while its low expression significantly suppressed the cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion of BCa, but increased cell apoptosis. Down-regulation of N-Cadherin and Snail and up-regulation of E-Cadherin were also induced by low-expression of miR-942. FOXA2, which was proved as the direct target gene for miR-942 and was low-expressed in BCa, partially reversed the effect of overexpressed miR-942 on promoting cell viability, proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis. A lower survival rate was observed in BCa patients with a high expression of miR-942 and a low expression of FOXA2. MiR-942 promoted the progression of BCa by down-regulating the expression of FOXA2.
Performance of OFDM‐based massive MIMO OTFS systems for underwater acoustic communication
Authors: Bocus Mohammud Junaid , Doufexi Angela , Agrafiotis Dimitris
Published: November 2019

In this study, multi‐user (MU) underwater acoustic communication is investigated using massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based orthogonal time frequency space modulation (OTFS) systems. The performance of a 4‐user scenario is evaluated over a simulated 1 km vertically‐configured time‐varying underwater acoustic channel (UAC) in terms of bit error rate and maximum achievable bit rate. Considering 64‐QAM and frequency‐domain pilot‐based channel estimation, it is shown that the underwater vehicles employing the OFDM‐based OTFS modulation outperform those using the conventional OFDM modulation in a dynamic UAC. The application of massive MIMO allows the four underwater vehicles to use the same time and frequency resources to transmit their information reliably to a surface station. Furthermore, it is shown that each underwater vehicle in the MU‐massive MIMO transmission scenario can achieve an effective bit rate as high as 198.7 kbps over the 1 km UAC using four transmitting transducers.
Design and implementation of a CPS‐based predictive maintenance and automated management platform
Authors: Lin Huei‐Yung , Yang Fang‐Ning
Published: November 2019

The concept of cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) is a core technology indispensable to Industry 4.0. The development of an intelligent automatic operational management platform is presented in this study. The platform is used to collect on‐site data, provide predictive maintenance, and monitor and control the mobile robots. For predictive maintenance, it is targeted at products from manufacturing big data to cloud computing, and predictive maintenance for all factories around the world. The efficiency of the management system is improved by the performance evaluation strategy. In the experiments, the authors implement and discuss the predictive maintenance platform with generated synthetic data and real‐world data collected from a gearbox plant. The results show that the important variables possess large drops according to mean decrease Gini. A warning generation for battery simulation and manufacturing execution is also presented to demonstrate the proposed system design. The results show that the discharge curve drops sharply at the last stage, and the warning value can be set accordingly.
Reconfigurable antennas: quantifying payoffs for pattern, frequency, and polarisation reconfiguration
Authors: Ghassemiparvin Behnam , Ghalichechian Nima
Published: November 2019

The authors map the differences between various reconfigurable antennas and present a payoff metric for each type. They evaluate three distinct schemes of reconfiguration: pattern, frequency, and polarisation. They show that the often neglected losses play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of reconfigurable systems. For each of the pattern, polarisation and frequency reconfigurable antennas, they define a quantity that reflects the number of non‐overlapping radiation patterns, orthogonality of the polarisation states, and the covered fractional bandwidth, respectively. Then, these quantities are divided by the amount of added losses. Thus, these metrics capture both the increased diversity due to the reconfiguration states and the associated losses. Moreover, the relationship between these metrics and the capacity of a communication system is discussed. Finally, application of the payoff metrics is demonstrated by comparing several reconfigurable antenna architectures from the literature. They show that established payoff metrics can be successfully used to evaluate and quantify the merits of reconfigurable antennas by using only antenna parameters rather than going through system‐level analysis.
Systematic design of linear quadratic regulator for digitally controlled grid‐connected inverters
Authors: Xie Bao , Mao Mingxuan , Zhou Lin , Wan Yihao , Hao Gaofeng
Published: November 2019

It is a challenging task to design controller for the digitally controlled LCL‐filtered grid‐connected inverter to achieve high‐quality grid current, avoid undesired resonance, and offer robust performance against system parameters uncertainties. To address the problem, in this study, the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) for a digitally controlled grid‐connected inverter is proposed. Discrete‐time state‐space model of the inverter is established by discretising the system continuous state‐space equations and taking into account one sampling period delay. Then, a systematic design procedure for selecting the state weighting matrix Q is presented, so that the poles of the closed‐loop system are assigned and the desired performances can be achieved. Moreover, to further attenuate the grid voltage background harmonics, the selective harmonic controllers are designed based on the LQR. Compared with the conventional dual current loop control strategy, the proposed LQR controller can achieve low harmonic distortion, fast dynamic response, and good robustness against system parameters deviations. Finally, time‐domain simulations are carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK software and experimental tests are performed on the experimental setup. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed LQR method.
Novel bandpass filter‐based control strategy for control of a hydro‐PV‐BES supported isolated MG
Authors: Chandran Vineet P. , Murshid Shadab , Singh Bhim
Published: November 2019

In this study, a novel bandpass filter (BPF)‐based control strategy is proposed for operating an isolated microgrid (MG) formed by a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and permanent magnet synchronous generator‐based small hydro system. Due to intermittencies in the PV array and loads, a battery energy storage (BES) is used to maintain power balancing between load and source. The BES is input to bidirectional converter (BDC), whose output is connected to voltage source converter of DC link and it regulates the voltage of DC link. The charging and discharging currents of the battery are also controlled by BDC. The maximum power is extracted from the PV array using modified incremental conductance‐based MPPT control, which is made to operate in derating mode when BES is overcharged. The VSC is used to control the load fluctuations by implementing voltage and frequency control schemes. The BPF‐based control technique is used to mitigate harmonics, to provide reactive power compensation and load balancing during unbalanced non‐linear loading conditions. It also has the capability of removing DC offset, higher order and lower order harmonics from input load currents, effectively. The performance of this MG is validated on an experimental prototype developed in the laboratory.
Second‐order lead compensator‐based quadrature PLL for sensorless interior permanent magnet synchronous motor control
Authors: Chen Shuo , Wu Xiang , Chen Junlei , Tan Guojun , Wang Yifei
Published: November 2019

To eliminate harmonic components in estimated speed and position information generated by inverter non‐linearities for the interior permanent‐magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) sensorless control, a second‐order lead compensator‐based quadrature phase‐locked loop (SOLC‐Q‐PLL) is proposed for the sliding mode observer. An adaptive super‐twisting sliding mode observer is taken to estimate back electromotive forces (EMFs) for IPMSM. Harmonic components in estimated position information generated by inverter non‐linearities are analysed. Being dependent on the corresponding analysis, the SOLC‐Q‐PLL is proposed to eliminate sixth position estimation errors only by introducing a second‐order lead compensator without causing phase delay for the phase‐locked loop system. The introduction of the second‐order lead compensator does not influence the bandwidth of the phase‐locked loop system so that a fast transient response can be achieved, and this algorithm is easy to implement digitally due to its simple structure. Eventually, a series of experiments are conducted to validate the capability of the proposed algorithm.
Simple, low‐cost alkali treatment approach to improve photoactivity of Co0.01Zn0.99 S
Authors: Sun Peipei , Teng Fei , Hao Weiyi , Yang Xiaoman , Zhai Siyu , Liang Shuyu
Published: November 2019

An easy alkali treatment method is designed to enhance the activity of Co0.01Zn0.99 S (CZS). After alkali treatment, the surface area of CZS increases by 2.8 times (12.8 versus 3.4 m2 g−1), and the oxidation potential (EVB) of valence band also increases greatly (2.55 versus 2.19 V). After treatment, the UV‐light activity has increased by 3.4 times for the degradation of dye. This simple, low‐cost method may be extended to mass production for practical applications.
The Wind Test on Heat Loss from Three Coil Cavity Receiver for a Parabolic Dish Collector
Authors: Sinha Ramola , Gulhane Nitin P. , Ocłoń Paweł , Taler Jan , Gorji Rahimi
Published: November 2019

The heat loss from cavity receiver in parabolic dish system determines the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the system. A modified three coil solar cavity receiver of inner wall area approximately three times of single coil receiver, is experimentally investigated to study the effect of fluid inlet temperature (Tfi=50°C to 75 °C) and cavity inclination angle (θ = 0° to 90°) on the heat loss from receiver under wind condition for head on wind and side on wind velocity at 3 m/s. Overall it was found that the natural and forced convection total heat loss increases with increase in mean fluid temperature. The combined heat loss decreases sharply with the increase in cavity inclination and observed to be maximum for horizontal position of receiver and minimum with the receiver facing vertically downward for all investigations. The maximum heat lossin wind test (V=3m/s) is 1045 W at θ=0° cavity inclination at mean fluid temperature 68 °C and minimum at 173 W θ=90° at 53°C. Total heat loss from the receiver under wind condition (V=3m/s) is up to 25% higher(1.25 times at 0° inclination) than without wind at mean fluid temperature ~70°C and minimum 19.64 % (1.2 times at 90° inclination) in mean temperature ~50 °C . In horizontal position of the receiver (θ=0°), the totalheat loss by head on wind is about 1.23 times (18% higher ) as compared to side on wind (at fluid mean temperature ~ 70°C). For receiver facing downward (θ=90°), for head-on wind, total heat loss is approximately the same as that for side-on wind.
Comparison between 1-D and grey-box models of a SOFC
Authors: Moradi Ramin , Di Carlo Andrea , Testa Federico , Del Zotto Luca , Bocci Enrico , Habib Emanuele
Published: November 2019

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have shown unique performance in terms of greater electrical efficiency and thermochemical integrity with the power systems compared to gas turbines and internal combustion engines. Nonetheless, simple and reliable models still must be defined. In this paper, a comparisonbetween a grey-box model and a 1-D model of a SOFC is performed to understand the impact of the heat transfer inside the cell on the internal temperature distribution of the solid electrolyte. Hence, a significant internal temperature peak of the solid electrolyte is observed for a known difference between anode and cathode inlet temperatures. Indeed, it highlights the difference between the 1-D model andthe grey-box model regarding the thermal conditioning of the SOFC. Therefore, the results of this study can be used to investigate the reliability of the thermal results of box models in system-level simulations.
Identification of character of flow realized in low power heating boilers
Authors: Judt Wojciech , Ciupek Bartosz , Urbaniak Rafał
Published: November 2019

An analysis of a heat transfer process during exhaust gas flow through two boiler draughts connected in the reversing chamber is presented. The article shows the main differences in the exhaustgas flowthrough the boiler construction when heating boiler works with different levels of heating power.The aim of the proposed research is defining a character of a flow and a heat transfer process depending onthe horizontal and vertical position of boiler draughts.
Analysis of temperature distribution in the heating boiler equipped with afterburning chamber
Authors: Judt Wojciech , Ciupek Bartosz , Urbaniak Rafał
Published: November 2019

Analysis of a heat transfer process for construction of solid fuel heating boiler equipped with additional afterburning chamber is presented. Analyzed construction of the heating device is intended for shouse heating and preparation of hot utility water. A heat exchanger in the analyzed boiler is composed of vertical tubes divided into three boiler draughts. Afterburning chamber connects main combusting chamber of the heating boiler with second and third boiler draught. The aim of this analysis is to identify the character of heat transfer through the heating boiler
Prediction of burning velocity and quenching distance of hydrogen flames
Authors: Cemal Benim Ali , Pfeiffelmann Björn
Published: November 2019

Atmospheric, laminar, stoichiometric, premixed hydrogen-air flames in a diverging channel are investigated by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics. This configuration has been recently used in a series of experimental investigations to determine the burning velocities and quenching distances for premixed flames of different fuels. The purpose of the present investigation is the validation of the prediction procedures for the burning speeds and quenching distances for hydrogen flames by comparing them with these measurements. Global and detailed reaction mechanisms are applied to describe the combustion process. For assuring an adequately fine resolution of the flame fronts, adaptive grid refinement techniques are applied. A reasonable agreement is observed with the experiments, where the detailed and global mechanisms are slightly overpredicting and underpredicting the quenching distance, respectively.
Prediction of hydrogen flame propagation in a channel with exit contraction
Authors: Cemal Benim Ali , Pfeiffelmann Björn
Published: November 2019

The propagation of a flame front in a homogeneous and initially quiescent hydrogen-air mixture in a channel with exit contraction is numerically analyzed by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics. For the given configuration, the compressibility effects are important, the average pressure increases in time due to the exit contraction, and pressure waves occur, which affect the flame propagation. Flowturbulence is modelled by the Realizable k-e model. In modelling combustion, turbulence-chemistry interactions are neglected. Predictions are compared with the measurements for evolution of the flame shape, propagation speed and pressure. It is observed that the flame propagation speed, and, thus, the rate of pressure increase are over-predicted by the present approach. Still, a fair qualitative agreementto measurements is observed.
Prediction of heat and fluid flow in microchannel condensation
Authors: Basaran Anil , Cemal Benim Ali , Yurddas Ali
Published: November 2019

The condensing flow inside the microchannel has gained importance as the microchannel heat exchangers are widely used in the industry. In this study, a number of numerical simulations on condensing flow inside the microchannel were conducted to investigate heat transfer characteristic. Circularmicrochannel geometries with the various diameters were considered. The Volume of Fluid model was used to model twophase flow. The phase change at the saturation temperature was modeled by the Lee model.In the considered geometries, different from the conventional channels, surface tension forces can be importantcomparedto other forces. Therefore, surface tension was considered in the simulations. Constant wall heatflux and constant saturation temperature were applied as simulation conditions, similar to actual operating conditions. The predictions were validated by comparisons with the experimental results that exist in the literature. A satisfactory agreement of the present predictions with the experimental data was observed.
The impact of the artery geometry with the sewn surgical patch on the blood flow disorders
Authors: Lewandowska Natalia , Cialkowski Michal
Published: November 2019

The research concerns the development of geometric variants of patches sewn into the common carotid artery during surgery of the atherosclerotic plaques removal. Based on analytical methods, thegeometry of the patch described by the polynomial function has been developed. The simulations of blood flow in the arteries with the sewn patch were performed. The study included the influence of the patient’s diameter and the width of the chosen patch on blood flow disorders. The result of the research is the algorithm of selecting the geometry of the arterial patch to the individual geometrical featuresof the patient’s artery. The studies result will comprise the development of software, which, upon introduction of input data related to arterial geometry, patch length and patient’s blood parameters (affecting the fluid density and viscosity), shall generate an accurate contour of the patch of width causing no flow disorders.
Summarizing of Nusselt numbers and Euler numbers in depending of Reynoldsnumber for the compact tube bundle of small diameter tubes by experimental and numerical methods of researches
Authors: Gorobets Valery , Bohdan Yurii , Trokhaniak Viktor , Antypov Ievgen , Masiuk Mykola
Published: November 2019

The work reports on the experimental research on the determination of the number of Nusselt concerning the compact bundle of small diameter smooth tubes. Having an inline arrangement, it lacks the gapsbetween adjacent tubes of longitudinal rows. In comparison to the traditional inline arrangement, this type of bundle is noticed to have significant advantages such as an increased coefficient of heat transfer and reduced aerodynamic resistance of the tube bundle. At the same time, the use of the compact bundle of small diameter smooth tubes leads to the beneficial reduction of the size and mass of heat exchangers of the shell–and–tubes type. Several series of experimental investigations uponthe aforementioned kind of bundle in open circuit section type wind tunnel of subsonic speeds applyingvarious hydrodynamic flow conditions are ran. As a result of these investigations, the correlations and definite dependences of the Nusselt numbers Nu and Euler numbers Eu on the Reynolds number Re of tube bundle were revealed.