bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of DNA Double Strand Breaks and Oxidation Response in Children and Adults Undergoing Dental CBCT Scan
Authors: Belmans Niels , Gilles Liese , Vermeesen Randy , Virag Piroska , Hedesiu Mihaela , Salmon Benjamin , Baatout Sarah , Lucas Stéphane , Lambrichts Ivo , Jacobs Reinhilde , Moreels Marjan ,   DIMITRA Research Group, Oenning A. C. , Chaussain C. , Lefevre C. , Baciut M. , Marcu M. , Almasan O. , Roman R. , Barbur I. , Dinu C. , Rotaru H. , Hurubeanu L. , Istouan V. , Lucaciu O. , Leucuta D. , Crisan B. , Bogdan L. , Candea C. , Bran S. , Baciut G. , Bosmans H. , Bogaerts R. , Politis C. , Stratis A. , Pauwels R. , Vasconcelos K. de F. , Nicolielo L. , Zhang G. , Tijskens E. , Vranckx M. , Ockerman A. , Claerhout E. , Embrechts E.
Published: February 2020

Assessing the possible biological effects of exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation (IR) is one of the prime challenges in radiation protection, especially in medical imaging. Today, radiobiological data on cone beam CT (CBCT) related biological effects are scarce. In children and adults, the induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in buccal mucosa cells and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and antioxidant capacity in saliva samples after CBCT examination were examined. No DNA DSBs induction was observed in children nor adults. In children only, an increase in 8-oxo-dG levels was observed 30 minutes after CBCT. At the same time an increase in antioxidant capacity was observed in children, whereas a decrease was observed in adults. Our data indicate that children and adults react differently to IR doses associated with CBCT. Fully understanding these differences could lead to an optimal use of CBCT in different age categories as well as improved radiation protection guidelines.
Microtubules as Sub-Cellular Memristors
Authors: Tuszynski Jack A. , Friesen Douglas , Freedman Holly , Sbitnev Valery I. , Kim Hyongsuk , Santelices Iara , Kalra Aarat P. , Patel Sahil D. , Shankar Karthik , Chua Leon O.
Published: February 2020

Memristorsrepresent the fourth electrical circuit element complementing resistors, capacitors and inductors. Hallmarks of memristive behavior include pinched and frequency-dependent I–V hysteresis loops and most importantly a functional dependence of the magnetic flux passing through an ideal memristor on its electrical charge. Microtubules (MTs), cylindrical protein polymers composed of tubulin dimers are key components of the cytoskeleton. They have been shown to increase solution’s ionic conductance and re-orient in the presence of electric fields. It has been hypothesized that MTs also possess intrinsic capacitive and inductive properties, leading to transistor-like behavior. Here, we show a theoretical basis and experimental support for the assertion that MTs under specific circumstances behave consistently with the definition of a memristor. Their biophysical properties lead to pinched hysteretic current–voltage dependence as well a classic dependence of magnetic flux on electric charge. Based on the information about the structure of MTs we provide an estimate of their memristance. We discuss its significance for biology, especially neuroscience, and potential for nanotechnology applications.
Ant workers produce males in queenless parts of multi-nest colonies
Authors: Giehr Julia , Senninger Lisa , Ruhland Katja , Heinze Jürgen
Published: February 2020

Workers of several social insects are capable of gaining direct fitness by laying unfertilized eggs, which then develop into males. However, under queenright conditions, direct reproduction of workers is usually prevented by queen-induced regulatory mechanisms. In nature, some ant colonies inhabit multiple nests sites (polydomy). This might allow workers to escape queen control and to reproduce. However, whether worker-produced brood survives after colony reunion in seasonally polydomous species remains unclear. In several species, worker-produced eggs and male-destined larvae are selectively destroyed in queenright colonies. Here, we test whether workers discriminate between queen- and worker-produced larvae during colony reunion. We examined the reproductive success of workers in queenless subcolonies of our study speciesTemnothorax crassispinus. Our results show that present brood did not inhibit worker reproduction but had a positive effect on worker lifespan. Larvae produced by workers were readily integrated into queenright subcolonies during colony reunion and these larvae successfully developed into adult males.
Operational and geological controls of coupled poroelastic stressing and pore-pressure accumulation along faults: Induced earthquakes in Pohang, South Korea
Authors: Chang Kyung Won , Yoon Hongkyu , Kim YoungHee , Lee Moo Yul
Published: February 2020

Coupled poroelastic stressing and pore-pressure accumulation along pre-existing faults in deep basement contribute to recent occurrence of seismic events at subsurface energy exploration sites. Our coupled fluid-flow and geomechanical model describes the physical processes inducing seismicity corresponding to the sequential stimulation operations in Pohang, South Korea. Simulation results show that prolonged accumulation of poroelastic energy and pore pressure along a fault can nucleate seismic events larger than Mw3 even after terminating well operations. In particular the possibility of large seismic events can be increased by multiple-well operations with alternate injection and extraction that can enhance the degree of pore-pressure diffusion and subsequent stress transfer through a rigid and low-permeability rock to the fault. This study demonstrates that the proper mechanistic model and optimal well operations need to be accounted for to mitigate unexpected seismic hazards in the presence of the site-specific uncertainty such as hidden/undetected faults and stress regime.
Kinome Analysis of Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Dark-Eyed Pupae Identifies Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Tolerance to Varroa Mite Infestation
Authors: Robertson Albert J. , Scruten Erin , Mostajeran Mohammad , Robertson Tom , Denomy Connor , Hogan Daniel , Roesler Anna , Rutherford Colton , Kusalik Anthony , Griebel Philip , Napper Scott
Published: February 2020

The mite Varroa destructor is a serious threat to honeybee populations. Selective breeding for Varroa mite tolerance could be accelerated by biomarkers within individual bees that could be applied to evaluate a colony phenotype. Previously, we demonstrated differences in kinase-mediated signaling between bees from colonies of extreme phenotypes of mite susceptibility. We expand these findings by defining a panel of 19 phosphorylation events that differ significantly between individual pupae from multiple colonies with distinct Varroa mite tolerant phenotypes. The predictive capacity of these biomarkers was evaluated by analyzing uninfested pupae from eight colonies representing a spectrum of mite tolerance. The pool of biomarkers effectively discriminated individual pupae on the basis of colony susceptibility to mite infestation. Kinome analysis of uninfested pupae from mite tolerant colonies highlighted an increased innate immune response capacity. The implication that differences in innate immunity contribute to mite susceptibility is supported by the observation that induction of innate immune signaling responses to infestation is compromised in pupae of the susceptible colonies. Collectively, biomarkers within individual pupae that are predictive of the susceptibility of colonies to mite infestation could provide a molecular tool for selective breeding of tolerant colonies.
Acute stress reduces out-group related safety signaling during fear reinstatement in women
Authors: Merz Christian Josef , Eichholtz Annika , Wolf Oliver Tobias
Published: February 2020

When using in-group and out-group faces as conditional stimuli (CS) in fear conditioning designs, extinction learning is selectively impaired for out-group faces. Additionally, stress seems to inhibit extinction retrieval leading to a higher return of fear, which might be especially the case for out-group faces. To test this hypothesis, 51 healthy women underwent fear acquisition training, consisting of repeated presentations of two in-group and two out-group faces. One of each (CS+) was paired with an electrical stimulation (unconditional stimulus, UCS), whereas the other was not coupled with the UCS (CS−). During immediate extinction training, all CS were presented again. On the next day, a retrieval and reinstatement test took place after a stress or a control procedure. Confirming previous research, impaired extinction learning occurred for out-group relative to in-group faces. During the reinstatement test, stress specifically increased responding towards the out-group CS−, thus reducing its safety signaling properties. So, stress seems to reduce the ability to adequately distinguish threat and safety cues after aversive experiences mimicked by reinstatement shocks.
Comparison of gait characteristics between clinical and daily life settings in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Carcreff Lena , Gerber Corinna N. , Paraschiv-Ionescu Anisoara , De Coulon Geraldo , Newman Christopher J. , Aminian Kamiar , Armand Stéphane
Published: February 2020

Gait assessments in standardized settings, as part of the clinical follow-up of children with cerebral palsy (CP), may not represent gait in daily life. This study aimed at comparing gait characteristics in laboratory and real life settings on the basis of multiple parameters in children with CP and with typical development (TD). Fifteen children with CP and 14 with TD wore 5 inertial sensors (chest, thighs and shanks) during in-laboratory gait assessments and during 3 days of daily life. Sixteen parameters belonging to 8 distinct domains were computed from the angular velocities and/or accelerations. Each parameter measured in the laboratory was compared to the same parameter measured in daily life for walking bouts defined by a travelled distance similar to the laboratory, using Wilcoxon paired tests and Spearman’s correlations. Most gait characteristics differed between both environments in both groups. Numerous high correlations were found between laboratory and daily life gait parameters for the CP group, whereas fewer correlations were found in the TD group. These results demonstrated that children with CP perform better in clinical settings. Such quantitative evidence may enhance clinicians’ understanding of the gap between capacity and performance in children with CP and improve their decision-making.
Genome-wide and SNP network analyses reveal genetic control of spikelet sterility and yield-related traits in wheat
Authors: Alqudah Ahmad M. , Haile Jemanesh K. , Alomari Dalia Z. , Pozniak Curtis J. , Kobiljski Borislav , Börner Andreas
Published: February 2020

Revealing the genetic factors underlying yield and agronomic traits in wheat are an imperative need for covering the global food demand. Yield boosting requires a deep understanding of the genetic basis of grain yield-related traits (e.g., spikelet fertility and sterility). Here, we have detected much natural variation among ancient hexaploid wheat accessions in twenty-two agronomic traits collected over eight years of field experiments. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 15 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was applied to detect the genetic basis of studied traits. Subsequently, the GWAS output was reinforced via other statistical and bioinformatics analyses to detect putative candidate genes. Applying the genome-wide SNP-phenotype network defined the most decisive SNPs underlying the traits. Six pivotal SNPs, co-located physically within the genes encoding enzymes, hormone response, metal ion transport, and response to oxidative stress have been identified. Of these, metal ion transport andGibberellin2-oxidases(GA2oxs) genes showed strong involvement in controlling the spikelet sterility, which had not been reported previously in wheat. SNP-gene haplotype analysis confirmed that these SNPs influence spikelet sterility, especially the SNP co-located on the exon of theGA2oxgene. Interestingly, these genes were highly expressed in the grain and spike, demonstrating their pivotal role in controlling the trait. The integrative analysis strategy applied in this study, including GWAS, SNP-phenotype network, SNP-gene haplotype, expression analysis, and genome-wide prediction (GP), empower the identification of functional SNPs and causal genes. GP outputs obtained in this study are encouraging for the implementation of the traits to accelerate yield improvement by making an early prediction of complex yield-related traits in wheat. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of the ancient wheat material as a valuable resource for yield-boosting. This is the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis for spikelet sterility in wheat, and the results provide insights into yield improvement.
Association of Divergent Carcinoembryonic Antigen Patterns and Lung Cancer Progression
Authors: Kuo Yen-Shou , Zheng Ming-Yi , Huang Mo-Fan , Miao Chia-Cheng , Yang Li-Hao , Huang Tsai-Wang , Chou Yu-Ting
Published: February 2020

Changes in expression patterns of serum carcinoembryonic antigen at initial diagnosis (CEAIn) and disease progression (CEAPd) in lung cancer patients under EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment may reflect different tumor progression profiles. Of the 1736 lung cancer patients identified from the cancer registry group between 2011 to 2016, we selected 517 patients with advanced stage adenocarcinoma, data on EGFR mutation status and CEAIn, among whom were 288 patients with data on CEAPd, eligible for inclusion in the correlation analysis of clinical characteristics and survival. Multivariable analysis revealed that CEAIn expression was associated with poor progression-free survival in patients harboring mutant EGFR. Moreover, CEAIn and CEAPd were associated with the good and poor post-progression survival, respectively, in the EGFR-mutant group. Cell line experiments revealed that CEA expression and cancer dissemination can be affected by EGFR-TKI selection. EGFR-mutant patients, exhibiting high CEAIn (≥5 ng/mL) and low CEAPd (<5 ng/mL), showed a potential toward displaying new metastasis. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that EGFR mutation status is a critical factor in determining prognostic potential of CEAIn and CEAPd in patients under EGFR-TKI treatment, and CEAIn and CEAPd are associated with distinct cancer progression profiles.
A Robust Image Registration Interface for Large Volume Brain Atlas
Authors: Ni Hong , Tan Chaozhen , Feng Zhao , Chen Shangbin , Zhang Zoutao , Li Wenwei , Guan Yue , Gong Hui , Luo Qingming , Li Anan
Published: February 2020

Accurately mapping brain structures in three-dimensions is critical for an in-depth understanding of brain functions. Using the brain atlas as a hub, mapping detected datasets into a standard brain space enables efficient use of various datasets. However, because of the heterogeneous and nonuniform brain structure characteristics at the cellular level introduced by recently developed high-resolution whole-brain microscopy techniques, it is difficult to apply a single standard to robust registration of various large-volume datasets. In this study, we propose a robust Brain Spatial Mapping Interface (BrainsMapi) to address the registration of large-volume datasets by introducing extracted anatomically invariant regional features and a large-volume data transformation method. By performing validation on model data and biological images, BrainsMapi achieves accurate registration on intramodal, individual, and multimodality datasets and can also complete the registration of large-volume datasets (approximately 20 TB) within 1 day. In addition, it can register and integrate unregistered vectorized datasets into a common brain space. BrainsMapi will facilitate the comparison, reuse and integration of a variety of brain datasets.
“UniCAR”-modified off-the-shelf NK-92 cells for targeting of GD2-expressing tumour cells
Authors: Mitwasi Nicola , Feldmann Anja , Arndt Claudia , Koristka Stefanie , Berndt Nicole , Jureczek Justyna , Loureiro Liliana R. , Bergmann Ralf , Máthé Domokos , Hegedüs Nikolett , Kovács Tibor , Zhang Congcong , Oberoi Pranav , Jäger Elke , Seliger Barbara , Rössig Claudia , Temme Achim , Eitler Jiri , Tonn Torsten , Schmitz Marc , Hassel Jessica C. , Jäger Dirk , Wels Winfried S. , Bachmann Michael
Published: February 2020

Antigen-specific redirection of immune effector cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) demonstrated high therapeutic potential for targeting cancers of different origins. Beside CAR-T cells, natural killer (NK) cells represent promising alternative effectors that can be combined with CAR technology. Unlike T cells, primary NK cells and the NK cell line NK-92 can be applied as allogeneic off-the-shelf products with a reduced risk of toxicities. We previously established a modular universal CAR (UniCAR) platform which consists of UniCAR-expressing immune cells that cannot recognize target antigens directly but are redirected by a tumour-specific target module (TM). The TM contains an antigen-binding moiety fused to a peptide epitope which is recognized by the UniCAR molecule, thereby allowing an on/off switch of CAR activity, and facilitating flexible targeting of various tumour antigens depending on the presence and specificity of the TM. Here, we provide proof of concept that it is feasible to generate a universal off-the-shelf cellular therapeutic based on UniCAR NK-92 cells targeted to tumours expressing the disialoganglioside GD2 by GD2-specific TMs that are either based on an antibody-derived single-chain fragment variable (scFv) or an IgG4 backbone. Redirected UniCAR NK-92 cells induced specific killing of GD2-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo, associated with enhanced production of interferon-γ. Analysis of radiolabelled proteins demonstrated that the IgG4-based format increased the in vivo half-life of the TM markedly in comparison to the scFv-based molecule. In summary, UniCAR NK-92 cells represent a universal off-the-shelf platform that is highly effective and flexible, allowing the use of different TM formats for specific tumour targeting.
Posture-related ocular cyclotorsion during cataract surgery with an ocular registration system
Authors: Terauchi Ryo , Horiguchi Hiroshi , Ogawa Tomoichiro , Shiba Takuya , Tsuneoka Hiroshi , Nakano Tadashi
Published: February 2020

Ocular cyclotorsion when a patient changes from seated to supine position in cataract surgery and factors predicting the amount of cyclotorsion were investigated using VERION system. Variables analyzed were age, gender, preoperative visual acuity, axial length, laterality of eyes, operative duration, and the direction and degree of cyclotorsion. The mean cyclotorsion of 107 eyes of 93 cataract patients was 0.98 ± 4.85 degrees (median, 1 degree; range, -11 to 12 degrees), and the median absolute value was 4 degrees (mean, 4.05 ± 2.82 degrees; range, 0 to 12 degrees). Cyclotorsion was ≥3 degrees in 68 (63.6%) eyes. Excyclotorsion occurred more frequently than incyclotorsion (50.5% vs. 43.0%). There was no cyclotorsion in seven (6.5%). Multiple regression analysis showed that gender was a significant predictive factor for the absolute value of cyclotorsion (β = 1.06, P = 0.041); however, the other variables had no effect on cyclotorsion. The absolute value of cyclotorsion was significantly larger in female than in male patients [median, 4 degrees and 3 degrees, respectively; mean, 4.66 ± 3.02 degrees and 3.44 ± 2.52 degrees, respectively (P = 0.039)]. In conclusion, cataract patients had significant posture-related ocular cyclotorsion. The amount of cyclotorsion was larger for female than male patients.
Cataract surgery-related complications in patients with end-stage renal disease- a nationwide population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Ching-Hsing , Liang Fu-Wen , Ho Chung-Han , Chen Yi-Chen , Wang Jhi-Joung , Hsing Chung-Hsi , Wu Chia-Chun
Published: February 2020

This nationwide retrospective case-control study was aimed at elucidating the risk from cataract surgery in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Cataract surgery patients were identified using the diagnostic and procedural codes for International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. ESRD patients were selected as cases, while propensity scores for age, sex, comorbidities and year-of-surgery-matched patients without chronic kidney disease constituted the controls. Patients who had undergone eye surgery within 3 years before cataract surgery were excluded. The main outcome measures were target cataract surgery-related complications within 3 months after surgery. A total of 352 cases and 1,760 controls were analysed. Patients with ESRD had a 5.06-fold (95% CI: 2.36–10.87; p < 0.001) risk of vitreous haemorrhage and a 2.74-fold (95% CI: 1.20–6.27; p = 0.017) risk of re-operation for dropped nucleus or vitreous complications. Non-diabetic ESRD patients had a 3.49-fold (95% CI: 1.36–8.91; p = 0.009) risk of corneal oedema. In conclusion, ESRD patients have a higher risk of vitreous haemorrhage, re-operation for dropped nucleus or vitreous complications and corneal oedema (non-diabetic patients) after cataract surgery. Pre-surgery corneal examination, surgery procedure and medication adjustment, closer and longer post-surgery follow-up may lower the risk and improve the visual outcome.
Publisher Correction: Halve the dose while maintaining image quality in paediatric Cone Beam CT
Authors: Oenning Anne Caroline , Pauwels Ruben , Stratis Andreas , de Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Tijskens Elisabeth , de Grauwe Annelore ,   Dimitra research group, Chaussain Catherine , Bosmans Hilde , Bogaerts Ria , Politis Constantinus , Nicolielo Laura , Zhang Guozhi , Vranckx Myrthel , Ockerman Anna , Baatout Sarah , Belmans Niels , Moreels Marjan , Hedesiu Mihaela , Virag Pirsoka , Baciut Mihaela , Marcu Maria , Almasan Oana , Roman Raluca , Barbur Ioan , Dinu Cristian , Rotaru Horatiu , Hurubeanu Lucia , Istouan Vlad , Lucaciu Ondine , Leucuta Daniel , Crisan Bogdan , Bogdan Loredana , Candea Ciprian , Bran Simion , Baciut Grigore , Jacobs Reinhilde , Salmon Benjamin
Published: February 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Synergistic use of electroosmotic flow and magnetic forces for nucleic acid extraction
Authors: Deraney Rachel N. , Schneider Lindsay , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: February 2020

NA extraction and purification utilitzing a microfluidic chip with applied electric field to induce electroosmotic flow opposite the magnetic NA-bound bead mix.
In situ self-assembly of conjugated polyelectrolytes for cancer targeted imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Khatoon Syeda Sadia , Chen Yanyan , Zhao Hao , Lv Fengting , Liu Libing , Wang Shu
Published: February 2020

Both the specific aggregation of PFT-SH in cancer cells and its ROS producing ability led to its use in the targeted killing of cancer cells through efficient photodynamic therapy.
New metal–organic frameworks derived from pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid: structural diversity arising from the addition of templates into the reaction systems
Authors: Moushi Eleni E. , Kourtellaris Andreas , Andreou Eleni , Fidelli Athina , Papaefstathiou Giannis S. , Plakatouras John C. , Tasiopoulos Anastasios J.
Published: February 2020

The effect of aminoalcohol/polyol template molecules in the formation of MOFs based on bipositive metal ions and pyridine-3,5-dicalboxylate ligand was investigated providing access to a series of new multidimensional coordination polymers.
Theory and simulation developments of confined mass transport through graphene-based separation membranes
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Huang Linjun , Wang Yanxin , Yang Kun , Du Yingchen , Wang Yao , Kipper Matt J. , Belfiore Laurence A. , Tang Jianguo
Published: February 2020

The perspectives of graphene-based membranes based on confined mass transport from simulations and experiments for water desalination.
Simple photoreduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid and true quantum yield
Authors: Omadoko Ovuokenye , Scott Dane , Hickman Ronald , Myers Dwight L.
Published: February 2020

There is a need to develop techniques for conversion of carbon dioxide to useful products such as formaldehyde, formic acid, methanol, and hydrocarbons.
Visualization of catalyst dynamics and development of a practical procedure to study complex “cocktail”-type catalytic systems
Authors: Galushko Alexey S. , Gordeev Evgeniy G. , Kashin Alexey S. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: February 2020

We propose a simple method for in situ capturing of nanoparticles with carbon-coated grids directly from reaction mixtures.
Applications of ionic liquids in starch chemistry: a review
Authors: Ren Fei , Wang Jinwei , Xie Fengwei , Zan Ke , Wang Shuo , Wang Shujun
Published: February 2020

Recently, the use of ionic liquids as promising “green solvents” in starch chemistry has gained extensive interest, especially in the areas of chemical modification of starch and the development of starch-based materials.
Fe3+-catalyzed degradation of organic mercury as a simple post-column interface for the speciation of mercury by high-performance liquid chromatography-catalytic cold vapor-atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Xiaolai , Ji Deluo , Zhang Yan , Lu Yong , Fu Junhua , Wang Zhenhua
Published: February 2020

Fe3+-catalyzed degradation of organic mercury as a novel and simple interface in HPLC-AFS was developed for mercury speciation.
Improving the corrosion resistance and bioactivity of magnesium by a carbonate conversion-polycaprolactone duplex coating approach
Authors: Palanisamy Mohan Sathyaraj , Kulandaivelu Ravichandran , T. S. Nellaiappan Sankara Narayanan
Published: February 2020

Decreasing the rate of degradation of Mg has been the focus of developing magnesium carbonate-polycaprolactone duplex coatings for Mg.
Local structure order parameters and site fingerprints for quantification of coordination environment and crystal structure similarity
Authors: Zimmermann Nils E. R. , Jain Anubhav
Published: February 2020

Structure characterization and classification is frequently based on local environment information of all or selected atomic sites in the crystal structure.
Upregulation of lncRNA SUMO1P3 promotes proliferation, invasion and drug resistance in gastric cancer through interacting with the CNBP protein
Authors: Guo Yinmou , Wang Yumei , Ma Yali , Chen Gongbin , Yue Peiru , Li Yang
Published: February 2020

Gastric cancer (GC) is one type of the most common malignancies in the world.
A mixed hole transport material employing a highly planar conjugated molecule for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ji Xiaofei , Zhou Tong , Ke Xin , Wang Wenxuan , Wu Shanyu , Zhang Mingtao , Lu Di , Zhang Xiaodan , Liu Yongsheng
Published: February 2020

An efficiency of 21.31% was achieved with enhanced stability for a mixed HTM-based device because of the high hole mobility, low reorganization energy and surface passivate effect of the DRSBDT-2OT component.
Conducting polymer composites for unconventional solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Chen , Jia Xiaoteng , Shu Kewei , Yu Changchun , Wallace Gordon G. , Wang Caiyun
Published: February 2020

An overview of recent advances on conducting polymer composites for unconventional solid-state supercapacitors is presented.
Catalyst + chemodosimeter → chemosensor: incorporation of catalytic functionality in an indicator displacement assay to realize reversible chemosensing detection
Authors: Shen Chang , Tang Qian , Gong Cheng-Bin , Chow Cheuk-Fai
Published: February 2020

A new bimetallic complex, (CN)3FeII(tppz)CuIICl (tppz = 2,3,5,6-tetra(2′-pyridyl)pyrazine), was synthesized to demonstrate the concept of indicator/catalyst displacement assay for the simultaneous detection and detoxification of cyanide.
On the luminescence of Ti4+ and Eu3+ in monoclinic ZrO2: high performance optical thermometry derived from energy transfer
Authors: Pan Guo-Hui , Zhang Liangliang , Wu Huajun , Qu Xuesong , Wu Hao , Hao Zhendong , Zhang Ligong , Zhang Xia , Zhang Jiahua
Published: February 2020

The photoluminescence of Ti4+ and Eu3+ in monoclinic ZrO2 was demonstrated for optical thermometry through energy transfer from titanium–oxygen complexes to Eu3+.
Patterning of metal oxide thin films using a H2/He atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Sener M. Emre , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Palgrave Robert , Quesada Cabrera Raul , Caruana Daren J.
Published: February 2020

Localised and directional micro-scale reduction of metal oxide surfaces, using a hydrogen-doped helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet.
Cobalt catalyzed electrochemical [4 + 2] annulation for the synthesis of sultams
Authors: Cao Yangmin , Yuan Yong , Lin Yueping , Jiang Xiaomei , Weng Yaqing , Wang Tangwei , Bu Faxiang , Zeng Li , Lei Aiwen
Published: February 2020

Cobalt catalyzed electrochemical [4 + 2] annulation of sulfonamides with alkynes is demonstrated in this work, which provided a practical and environmentally friendly way to synthesize structurally diverse sultams.
Hot off the Press
Authors: Hill Robert A. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: February 2020

A personal selection of 32 recent papers is presented covering various aspects of current developments in bioorganic chemistry and novel natural products such as melocochine A fromMelodinus cochinchinensis.
Genome-wide analysis of the hypoxia-related DNA methylation-driven genes in lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Li Hongxia , Tong Li , Tao Hong , Liu Zhe
Published: February 2020

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of lung cancer with high incidence and poor prognosis. Hypoxia and DNA methylation play important regulatory roles in cancer progression. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between hypoxia and DNA methylation, and to identify key genes for hypoxia-regulated LUAD progression. Hypoxia score (HS) was calculated using the GSVA algorithm. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed using clusterProfile package, STRING database and Cytoscape software. Kaplan–Meier curves of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were drawn using R software. Smoking status and cancer stages were significantly associated with LUAD hypoxia, and hypoxia is a poor prognostic factor for LUAD. Compared with HS-low group, 1803 aberrantly methylated DEGs were identified in HS-high group. KEGG analysis showed that the 1803 genes were enriched in the metabolic pathways associated with hypoxia stress, angiogenesis and cancer progression. FAM20C, MYLIP and COL7A1 were identified as the hypoxia-related key genes in LUAD progression, which were regulated by DNA methylation. Hypoxia in LUAD tumor cells led to changes in DNA methylation patterns. In-depth study of the relationship between hypoxia and DNA methylation is helpful to elucidate the mechanism of tumorigenesis, and provides new ideas for LUAD treatment.
Data‐aware monitoring method for fuel economy in ship‐based CPS
Authors: Shi Yiran , Xue Shengjun , Zhang Xing , Huang Tao
Published: February 2020

With the acceleration of economic globalisation and the rapid development of network communication technology, remote monitoring and the management of ship fuel consumption have received extensive attention. Traditional fuel consumption monitoring methods are difficult to meet the growing management needs of the shipping industry due to problems such as large statistical errors and delayed information feedback. In order to better conduct energy management, equipment condition monitoring, and navigation analysis, the cyber‐physical system (CPS) is deployed on ships to collect shipping data and communicate with remote monitoring centres. However, complex actual sailing conditions, sailing weather and other external factors tend to reduce the accuracy of fuel consumption data. In view of this challenge, a data‐aware monitoring method for fuel consumption in ship‐based CPS, named DMM, is proposed in this study. Technically, the fuel consumption index of ships is introduced firstly. Then, a fuel consumption model based on CPS is proposed, which improves the current fuel consumption model of the ship. Furthermore, the artificial neural network is employed to analyse a large amount of navigation data to get more accurate monitoring results of fuel consumption. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the authors’ proposed method.
Analysis and verification of harmonic interaction between DDWTs based on αβ stationary coordinate system
Authors: Han Pingping , Wang Longjian , Dou Sheng , Wang Lei , Bi Rui , Yang Xiangzhen
Published: February 2020

This study presents an analysis method of harmonic interaction characteristics between direct‐drive wind turbines (DDWTs) based on αβ coordinates and the relative gain array (RGA). First, considering the digital delay of inverters, the capacitive current feedback active damping is applied to suppress the resonance of LCL filter, and the output current of DDWT is regulated by quasi‐proportional resonant controller in the αβ coordinates and then combined with the topology of the direct‐drive wind farm (DDWF), the transfer function matrix of the DDWF is established. Second, based on the RGA principle, the relationship between parameters and harmonic interaction characteristics is quantitatively analysed. The results show that with the proportional coefficient increasing, the degree of negative interaction between DDWTs is strengthened, which increases the harmonic content in the negative interaction frequency band. However, the increase of resonance coefficient and number of DDWTs will weaken the degree of negative interaction. In addition, with the increase of capacitive current feedback coefficient and grid inductance, the interaction frequency gradually decreases. Finally, the DDWF model is built both on Matlab/Simulink and StarSim + PXI hardware‐in‐the‐loop platform to verify the analytical results. The harmonic interaction characteristics can be used to guide the parameter design of DDWTs, so as to optimise power quality of the wind farm.
Graph‐theoretic‐based approach for solving load flow problem of AC–DC radial distribution network with distributed generations
Authors: Murari Krishna , Padhy Narayana Prasad
Published: February 2020

Owing to the rising power demand, depleting conventional energy sources and recent advancement in incorporating deeper injections of renewable energy resources into the grid, the existing distribution system will have to take into account DC injections/withdrawals, thus giving rise to AC‐DC distribution system. The load‐flow in the aforementioned systems is an exigent task because of the presence of power converters. This work presents a novel and computationally efficient load‐flow algorithm for AC–DC radial distribution network utilizing the notion of graph‐theory with matrix‐algebra. The remarkable trait of the proposed methodology lies in the formulation of path impedance matrix, loads beyond branch matrix, path drop matrix, slack bus to other buses drop matrix and load flow matrix which will remain unaffected for the entire load‐flow operation. The per‐unit equivalent model of power converters has been developed for solving load‐flow equations in per‐unit. Various models of distributed generations are also incorporated in the proposed load‐flow study. The developed method is capable of addressing the aforementioned modeling challenges. The proposed technique has been tested on several AC–DC test networks that include different operating modes of power converters and various models of DGs, which proves feasibility and legitimacy of the proposed technique.
Optimal scheduling of reconfigurable grids considering dynamic line rating constraint
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed A. , Awwad Emad Mahrous , El‐Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , Nasr Emad Abouel , Ali Ziad M.
Published: February 2020

Power system automation is an effective tool from both economical and technical aspects to improve the optimal operation of power generators. In this regard, Security Constrained Unit Commitment (SCUC) incorporating Dynamic Thermal Line Rating (DTLR) of overhead transmission lines can boost the system security effectively. Using Transmission Switching (TS) tool in SCUC problems leads to cost reduction. Still, one of the main challenges arisen in TS problems is the excessive number of switching in lines, which decreases the lifespan of power switches. In this paper, an Improved Linear AC Optimal Power Flow (ILACOPF) is proposed by using TS and considering Heat Balance Equation (HBE) as a security constraint. Merging dynamic thermal line rating (considering the weather conditions) in SCUC with TS, besides decreasing the number of switching and increasing the lifespan of power switches, causes a remarkable reduction in operating costs. In this power flow, system losses are modeled by linear formulations. Moreover, a linear approximation of the heat losses due to power flow through lines is proposed. To solve the proposed model, Benders' decomposition approach is applied. The performance of the proposed framework has been evaluated on 6‐bus and 118‐bus IEEE test systems.
Evaluating the likely temporal variation in electric vehicle charging demand at popular amenities using smartphone locational data
Authors: Dixon James , Elders Ian , Bell Keith
Published: February 2020

‘Destination charging’ – in which drivers charge their battery electric vehicles (EVs) while parked at amenities such as supermarkets, shopping centres, gyms and cinemas – has the potential to accelerate EV uptake. This study presents a Monte Carlo‐based method for the characterisation of EV destination charging at these locations based on smartphone users' anonymised positional data captured in the Google Maps Popular Times feature. Unlike the use of household and travel surveys, from which most academic works on the subject are based, these data represent individuals' actual movements rather than how they might recall or divulge them. Through a fleet EV charging approach proposed in this study, likely electrical demand profiles for EV destination charging at different amenities are presented. Use of the method is presented first for a generic characterisation of EV charging in the car parks of gyms, based on a sample of over 2000 gyms in around major UK cities, and second for a specific characterisation of hypothetical EV charging infrastructure installed at a large UK shopping centre to investigate the impact of varying the grid and converter capacity on the expected charging demand and level of service provision to the vehicles charging there.
Sulfide removal using immobilized living cell in alginate matrices in anaerobic condition
Authors: Dinasakti Nurul Mentari Okti , Helmy Qomarudin , Kardena Edwan
Published: February 2020

Biological sulfide oxidation using immobilized cells offers high removal efficiency, minimum cell loss, possibility of cells reuse, and protect cells from harmful substances and conditions in the bulk environment. In this study, sulfide was treated using immobilized cells under anaerobic batch process. Two methods of immobilization used in the process: using sodium alginate (AL) and chitosan-covered sodium alginate (ALC). Chitosan addition is expected to give better mechanical properties to the alginate matrix. Microbial culture used in the study was obtained from the Cikapundung river’s sediment. This experiment showed that the sulfide removal process using AL and ALC matrices achieved 93% and 98% removal after 10 days of incubation period, respectively.
Hydraulic and statistical study of metastable phenomena in PWR rod bundles
Authors: Muller Florian
Published: February 2020

The analysis of fuel rod bundle flows constitutes a key element of Pressurized-Water Reactors (PWR) safety studies. The present work aims at improving our understanding of nefarious reorganisation phenomena observed by numerous studies in the flow large-scale structures. 3D simulations allowed identifying two distinct reorganisations consisting in a sign change for either a transverse velocity in rod-to-rod gaps or for a subchannel vortex. A Taylor “frozen turbulence” hypothesis was adopted to model the evolution of large-scale 3D structures as transported-2D. A statistical method was applied to the 2D field to determine its thermodynamically stable states through an optimization problem. Similarities were obtained between the PWR coherent structures and the stable states in a simplified 2D geometry. Further, 2D simulations allowed identifying two possible flow bifurcations, each related to one of the reorganisations observed in 3D simulations, laying the foundations for a physical explanation of this phenomenon.
Defect formation during dissimilar aluminium friction stir welded T-joints
Authors: Ali Mubeen , Anjum Saquib , Siddiquee Arshad Noor , Khan Zahid A. , Chen Xizhang , Konovalov Sergey , Anjum Aisha , Shakeel Shafquat , Ibrahimi Hashmatullah
Published: February 2020

AA8011 remains one of the largest used aluminium alloys due to excellent ductility, corrosion resistance and sufficient strength in H14 conditions. The 5754, due to high strength and corrosion resistance finds key applications in marine, process industry, automobile and nuclear applications. A T-joint combination of the two alloys (when stronger forming is stiffeners) results in significant weight savings. The T-joint between 8011 and 5754 (with the latter forming the stringer) is highly prone to defect formation due to the stronger material being placed away from the heat source. In this paper, friction stir welding of AA5754 and AA8011 aluminium alloys in T-lap configuration is performed. Effects of processing parameters namely tool transverse speed, rotational speed and shoulder diameter on the weld properties are studied with the help of micro-hardness, macrostructure and microstructure analysis. Analysis of defects such as tunnel and kissing bond, and mechanism of defect formation is also discussed. Tunnel defect is observed on advancing side in all the samples, which is attributed to high heat flux on advancing side, insufficient material flow in the vertical direction and asymmetric flow of plasticized material from advancing side to retreating side. The size of the defect is found to increase with increase in shoulder diameter keeping the rotational speed constant. Kissing bond defect was also observed in some samples owing to the presence of oxide layer between the joining surfaces.
Evaluating the Efficacy and Trend of Sinus Surgery
Authors: Petrovic Masa , Shamsian Arash , Hopp Martin L. , Vardanyan Narine
Published: February 2020

Introduction From April 2009 to December 2016, 661 consecutive patients undergoing sinus surgery completed a quality of life (QOL) questionnaire (SNOT-22) preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Objective (1) To evaluate the long-term efficacy of sinus surgery using QOL instruments. (2) To determine the optimal evaluation time for surgical efficacy. (3) To determine if surgical results improve with yearly experience.

Methods The prospective study patients were split into two groups: Group A, those who completed the initial preoperative evaluation and all postoperative evaluations, and Group B, who completed the preoperative questionnaire and at least one but not all of the postoperative questionnaires. Group A included 93 patients. Group B included 240 patients at 3 months, 180 at 6 months, and 121 at 12 months postoperatively.

Results Group A efficacy reported at 3 months was 82.8%, 80.6% at 6 months, and 84.9% at 12 months postoperatively. Group B efficacy reported at 3 months was 71.3%, 78.3% at 6 months, and 84.3% at 12 months postoperatively. An 8-year trend analysis of year-to-year 12 months postoperative data illustrates a significant improvement with an analysis of variance (ANOVA) linear rate of 1.594 (p ≤0.12).

Conclusion The 8-year trend at 12 months postoperatively shows a positive improvement in surgical results. Patients undergoing sinus surgery at tertiary medical center showed 84.9% improvement in sinus disease symptoms by 12 months postoperatively. Long-term improvement analysis showed no difference between 6 months postoperatively and 12 months, signifying 6 months as an effective evaluation for surgical efficacy.
Objective Quantification of Opioid Usage After Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Agnew Andrew , Carroll Sean , Fornelli Rick , Schell Stephen , Steehler Kirk
Published: February 2020

Introduction It is well established that America is in the midst of an opioid crisis with 46 people dying every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids. In the last 2 years, multiple articles have been published indicating that the amount of opioid pain medication needed after discharge from thyroid and parathyroid surgery is low.

Objective To objectively examine the amount of opioid pain medication required by patients in our practice after thyroid surgery.

Methods Patients were given a standardized discharge prescription of 30 pills with a combination of 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen after thyroid surgery. They were asked to log the number of pills consumed per day and the level of pain per day using the Wong-Baker faces pain scale. We used in-office pill counts to ensure accuracy of the logs.

Results While reaching a similar conclusion, the present study is the first to objectively examine the quantity of opioid pain medication consumed between postoperative discharge and office follow-up. Our study objectively demonstrates that 85% of patients consumed less than 75.0 morphine milligram equivalent (MME) after thyroid surgery using in-office pill counts.

Conclusion Recent multimodality anesthesia research appears promising to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the need for opioid prescriptions upon postoperative discharge.
About an Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture During Delivery
Authors: Assoumane Ibrahim , Houari Loucif , Morsli Abdelhalim
Published: February 2020

The rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is rare during pregnancy and exceptional during delivery. When it occurs, the prognosis of two lives is engaged. We are reporting a case of a 41-year-old patient presenting with a subarachnoid hemorrhage during labor. After extraction of healthy baby through cesarian section, radiological investigations permitted to diagnose a ruptured right carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm. The patient benefited from a selective aneurysm’s exclusion by occlusion using Guglielmi detachable coils through an endovascular approach using catheterization. The immediate outcome was favorable.
A neutron time-of-flight system for inertial confinement fusion
Authors: Tang Qi , Chen Jiabin , Xiao Yunqing , Yi Tao , Liu Zhongjie , Zhan Xiayu , Song Zifeng
Published: February 2020

A neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) system has been implemented at the largest laser facility in China. The nTOF system is used to measure neutron spectra in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The nTOF system consists of 11 fast plastic scintillation detectors. The detectors employed three designs to measure neutron yield, ion temperature, and neutron bang time. The nTOF system is capable of measuring the primary neutron yield from 107 to 1013, secondary DT neutron yield from 106 to 108, and ion temperature and neutron bang time yields from 108 to 1013. The accuracies of the nTOF system are about 10% for neutron yield and ion temperature measurements and better than 60 ps for neutron bang time measurements. The nTOF system has become one of the most important diagnostics for implosions, and it is used for more than 200 shots per year.