bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gait alterations during walking with partial body weight supported on a treadmill and over the ground
Authors: Barela Ana Maria F. , Gama Gabriela L. , Russo-Junior Douglas V. , Celestino Melissa L. , Barela José A.
Published: May 2019

Understanding the changes induced by body weight support (BWS) systems when non-disabled adults walk can help develop appropriate rehabilitation protocols. The purpose of this study was to investigate spatial-temporal gait alterations during walking with BWS on a treadmill and over the ground. Fourteen non-disabled young adults (including seven women) walked over the ground and on a treadmill with 0%, 10%, and 20% of BWS at 80% of their self-selected comfortable walking speed (baseline). The stride length and speed, step length, and stance and double-limb support durations were calculated and compared among the different conditions. The non-disabled adults modulated their spatial-temporal gait parameters according to the surface and percentage of BWS. They walked with shorter and slower strides and shorter steps and spent more time in contact with the support surface as they walked on the treadmill than as they did over the ground. Walking on the treadmill promoted less variability and a higher rate of change than did walking over the ground. Both the surface and amount of BWS should be taken into consideration when using BWS systems for (re)learning and/or reestablishing gait.
The ability of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes to bite through a permethrin-treated net and the consequences for their fitness
Authors: Hauser Gaël , Thiévent Kevin , Koella Jacob C.
Published: May 2019

Insecticide-treated bed-nets (ITNs) control malaria by keeping mosquitoes from reaching people sleeping under a net and by killing mosquitoes. Most tests of ITNs consider their overall epidemiological outcome without considering the different behaviors underlying their effects. Here we consider one of these behaviors: that mosquitoes can bite through the net if its user is touching it. We assayed the ability of an insecticide-sensitive strain of the mosquito Anopheles gambiae to bite through a permethrin-treated or an untreated net, and their subsequent survival and fecundity. Despite the irritancy of permethrin, 71% of the mosquitoes took blood through the ITN (vs. 99% through the untreated net). The ITN reduced the time spent biting, the blood-meal size and the fecundity, and it killed about 15% of the mosquitoes within 24 hours of feeding (vs. 5% on the untreated net). However, the mosquito’s survival was much higher than what we found in WHO cone assays, suggesting that the bloodmeal increased the mosquito’s resistance to the insecticide. Thus, our results suggest that the irritancy and the toxicity of ITNs are reduced when mosquitoes contact and feed on their host, which will affect our understanding of the personal and community protection offered by the ITNs.
Systematic optimization and evaluation of sample pretreatment methods for LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis of adherent mammalian cancer cells
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Zang Qingce , Zhang Rui , Liu Jiaxing , He Jiuming , Zhang Ruiping , Abliz Zeper
Published: May 2019

An each-step-matched cell preparation method for LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis of adherent mammalian cancer cells was developed.
Self-assisted membrane-penetrating helical polypeptides mediate anti-inflammatory RNAi against myocardial ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury
Authors: Liang Qiujun , Li Fangfang , Li Yongjuan , Liu Yong , Lan Min , Wu Songhua , Wu Xuejie , Ji Yong , Zhang Rujing , Yin Lichen
Published: May 2019

Aromatically-modified helical polypeptide mediates membrane-penetrating RAGE siRNA delivery toward anti-inflammatory treatment against myocardial IR injury.
Cross-dehydrogenative C(sp3)–C(sp3) coupling via C–H activation using magnetically retrievable ruthenium-based photoredox nanocatalyst under aerobic conditions
Authors: Rana Pooja , Gaur Rashmi , Gupta Radhika , Arora Gunjan , Jayashree A. , Sharma Rakesh Kumar
Published: May 2019

A robust, magnetically retrievable photoredox Ru-based heterogeneous nanocatalyst was fabricated for the highly regio-selective synthesis of N-aryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives.
Carbon dots and AIE molecules for highly efficient tandem luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Ma Wenwen , Li Wenjing , Liu Ruiyuan , Cao Mengyan , Zhao Xiujian , Gong Xiao
Published: May 2019

High-performance tandem LSCs fabricated using N-doped carbon dots and AIE fluorescent materials can be obtained.
Decarboxylative [4+2] annulation of arylglyoxylic acids with internal alkynes using the anodic ruthenium catalysis
Authors: Luo Mu-Jia , Zhang Ting-Ting , Cai Fang-Jun , Li Jin-Heng , He De-Liang
Published: May 2019

Mechanistically novel decarboxylative [4+2] annulation of arylglyoxylic acids with internal alkynes using the anodic ruthenium catalysis is presented.
A nested Cu24@Cu72-based copper–organic polyhedral framework for selective adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Liu Jin-Hua , Lin Li-Dan , Li Xin-Xiong , Zhao Dan , Sun Yan-Qiong , Zheng Shou-Tian
Published: May 2019

A double-walled Cu24@Cu72 caged-within-cage copper–organic framework contains a cuboctahedral Cu24-cage, truncated face-centered cubic Cu60-cage and truncated octahedral Cu72-cage.
Base-catalysed reductive relay hydroboration of allylic alcohols with pinacolborane to form alkylboronic esters
Authors: Wang Zi-Chao , Shen Di , Gao Jian , Jia Xian , Xu Youjun , Shi Shi-Liang
Published: May 2019

A novel reductive relay hydroboration of allylic alcohols with pinacolborane using nBuLi as an efficient initiator is reported.
Ligand-controlled switch in diastereoselectivities: catalytic asymmetric construction of spirocyclic pyrrolidine-azetidine/oxe(thie)tane derivatives
Authors: Deng Hua , Jia Renmeng , Yang Wu-Lin , Yu Xingxin , Deng Wei-Ping
Published: May 2019

An asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with four-membered ring-containing dipolarophiles was developed, and either exo or endo spirocyclic pyrrolidine-azetidine/oxe(thie)tanes were obtained.
Monohalogenated carbamates where hydrogen bonding rules without halogen bonding: is there a link between poor carbamate crystal growth andZ′ > 1?
Authors: Mocilac Pavle , Gallagher John F.
Published: May 2019

Monohalogenated carbamates (CxxX) aggregate by N–H⋯N interactions without halogen bonding and crystallise as poor quality crystalline fibres often withZ′ > 1.
Cation diffusion patterns across the magneto-structural transition in Fe7S8
Authors: Koulialias Dimitrios , Weidler Peter G. , Charilaou Michalis , Löffler Jörg F. , Gehring Andreas U.
Published: May 2019

Migration of atoms in solids during diffusion-dependent reactions is relatively fast and generally not directly recordable in experiments. Here an experimental framework including differential scanning calorimetry is presented that resolves the cation-migration paths in the crystalline monosulfide Fe7S8.
A hydrodynamic flow focusing microfluidic device for the continuous production of hexosomes based on docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride
Authors: Yaghmur Anan , Ghazal Aghiad , Ghazal Raghib , Dimaki Maria , Svendsen Winnie Edith
Published: May 2019

A simple process for the microfluidic synthesis of hexosomes based on docosahexaenoic acid monoglyceride (MAG-DHA) with narrow size distributions.
Synthetic, spectral, structural and catalytic activity of infinite 3-D and 2-D copper(ii) coordination polymers for substrate size-dependent catalysis for CO2 conversion
Authors: Bhaskaran Bhaskaran , Trivedi Manoj , Yadav Anita K. , Singh Gurmeet , Kumar Abhinav , Kumar Girijesh , Husain Ahmad , Rath Nigam P.
Published: May 2019

Two copper(ii) coordination polymers have been synthesized and used as substrate size-dependent catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides.
Oxidative C–C bond formation and C–N bond cleavage catalyzed by complexes of copper(i) with acridine based (E N E) pincers (E = S/Se), recyclable as a catalyst
Authors: Gupta Sonu , Dubey Pooja , Singh Ajai K. , Jain Nidhi
Published: May 2019

Structurally characterized 1 mol% Cu(i)-complexes efficiently catalyze the coupling of tertiary amines with terminal alkynes and C–N bond cleavage.
Ultra-compact, automated microdroplet radiosynthesizer
Authors: Wang Jia , Chao Philip H. , van Dam R. Michael
Published: May 2019

An ultra-compact microdroplet platform was developed for multi-step synthesis of radiolabeled tracers for positron emission tomography (PET).
Synthesis of N-acyl amide natural products using a versatile adenylating biocatalyst
Authors: Marchetti Piera M. , Richardson Shona M. , Kariem Noor M. , Campopiano Dominic J.
Published: May 2019

TamA is the enzyme that controls the acyl chain length of the tambjamine natural products. Here we show that the catalytic ANL domain of TamA can be used to prepare a range of N-acyl amides.
Fluorescent squaramide ligands for cellular imaging and their encapsulation in cubosomes
Authors: Lachowicz Joanna I. , Picci Giacomo , Coni Pierpaolo , Lippolis Vito , Mamusa Marianna , Murgia Sergio , Pichiri Giuseppina , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: May 2019

Two new fluorescent squaramides bearing quinoline (L1) and naphthalene (L2) as fluorogenic fragments were synthesized and investigated as possible cellular imaging probes as free molecules and when loaded in monoolein-based cubosomes.
The release and detection of copper ions from ultrasmall theranostic Cu2−xSe nanoparticles
Authors: Han Yaobao , Wang Tingting , Liu Hanghang , Zhang Shaohua , Zhang Hao , Li Mengting , Sun Qiao , Li Zhen
Published: May 2019

The pharmacokinetics, degradation, clearance, and biological effects of vacancy-rich ultrasmall Cu2−xSe theranostic nanoparticles have been investigated. The release of copper ions from ultrasmall Cu2−xSe nanoparticles were monitored by using a Cu2+-responsive probe.
The integration of Mo2C-embedded nitrogen-doped carbon with Co encapsulated in nitrogen-doped graphene layers derived from metal–organic-frameworks as a multi-functional electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Kaiyue , Yan Feng , Li Chunyan , Zhu Chunling , Zhang Xitian , Chen Yujin
Published: May 2019

A strategy through integrating Mo2C-embedded N-doped carbon with Co encapsulated in N-doped graphene layers for multifunctional catalysts is presented.
A sulfur(vi) fluoride exchange click chemistry approach towards main chain liquid crystal polymers bearing sulfate ester groups
Authors: Wang Meng , Jin Hong-Sheng , Chen Xu-Man , Lin Bao-Ping , Yang Hong
Published: May 2019

Here we report a sulfur(vi) fluoride exchange click chemistry approach towards the synthesis of main chain liquid crystal polymers.
Silencing of miR-486 alleviates LPS-stimulated inflammatory response of macrophages through targeting SIRT1
Authors: Huang Jie , Fu Xinlei , Chen Xue , Xu Shuang , Yu Jian
Published: May 2019

Previous studies identified that microRNAs (miRNAs) have promising diagnostic and prognostic value against sepsis.
Potential of dynamic bacterial communities in the bio-corrosion process: a proof study with surface morphology of metal coupons
Authors: Basera Priyanka , Lavania Meeta , Lal Banwari
Published: May 2019

Bio-corrosion is a well-known phenomenon of corrosion caused by bacterial communities.
Hydrothermal-assisted shearing exfoliation for few-layered MoS2 nanosheets
Authors: Wu Pei-Rong , Liu Zan , Cheng Zhi-Lin
Published: May 2019

A facile exfoliation method based on hydrothermal-shearing exfoliation to obtain MoS2 nanosheets.
Peptide-functionalized NaGdF4 nanoparticles for tumor-targeted magnetic resonance imaging and effective therapy
Authors: Chen Yixin , Fu Yu , Li Xiaodong , Chen Hongda , Wang Zhenxin , Zhang Huimao
Published: May 2019

NaGdF4@bp-peptide nanoparticles have been used as a T1-weighted MR contrast agent with active-tumor targeting and antitumor ability.
Metal–ligand covalency enables room temperature molecular qubit candidates
Authors: Fataftah Majed S. , Krzyaniak Matthew D. , Vlaisavljevich Bess , Wasielewski Michael R. , Zadrozny Joseph M. , Freedman Danna E.
Published: May 2019

Metal–ligand covalency enables observation of coherent spin dynamics to room temperature in a series of vanadium(iv) and copper(ii) catechol complexes.
Integration of electrocatalysts with silicon microcone arrays for minimization of optical and overpotential losses during sunlight-driven hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yalamanchili Sisir , Kempler Paul A. , Papadantonakis Kimberly M. , Atwater Harry A. , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: May 2019

Microstructured photoelectrode morphologies can advantageously facilitate integration of optically absorbing electrocatalysts with semiconducting light absorbers.
Combined molecular/continuum modeling reveals the role of friction during fast unfolding of coiled-coil proteins
Authors: Torres-Sánchez Alejandro , Vanegas Juan M. , Purohit Prashant K. , Arroyo Marino
Published: May 2019

Coiled-coils are filamentous proteins capable of reversible unfolding. We show that hydrodynamic interactions with the solvent, usually neglected in theories of protein unfolding, are critical to understand their unfolding at high rates.
Long noncoding RNA FAM3D-AS1 inhibits development of colorectal cancer through NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Meng Ying , Yu Feng
Published: May 2019

Although numerous differential long noncoding RNAs (IncRNAs) have been identified, the relationship between lncRNA and colorectal cancer (CRC) still remains largely unclear. In the present study, we investigated the function and provided a possible mechanism of lncRNA FAM3D-AS1 in CRC. CCK8, transwell, and trypan blue staining were used to evaluate the proliferation, invasion, and cell death rates. Real-time PCR was used to elucidate the expression level of FAM3D-AS1. We found that lncRNA FAM3D-AS1 located in cytoplasm. Overexpression of FAM3D-AS1 significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, cell survival rates, and invaded cells. We also provided evidence that FAM3D-AS1 reversed the EMT process. Moreover, we proved that FAM3D-AS1 inhibits CRC development through NF-κB signaling pathway. Taken together, we performed functional analysis of FAM3D-AS1 and provided a possible mechanism in the development of CRC. Our study provided new targets for clinical treatment.
Analysis of multiple‐TX WPT systems using KVL and RX‐side RLT
Authors: Zhang Jin , Cheng Chonghu , Chen Kai , Wang Fangfang , Gao Yingjie
Published: May 2019

Wireless power transfer (WPT) system with multiple transmitters (TXs) and one receiver (RX) can effectively enlarge the range of power transmission region. The power delivered to load (PDL) and power transfer efficiency (PTE) of two‐TX WPT system has been intensively studied in the past few years. To achieve a wider range of power transmission, the multiple‐TX system should be investigated urgently. Using Kirchhoff's voltage law (KVL) and RX‐side reflected load theory (RLT), this study analyses a general multiple‐TX and single‐RX systems in detail. The explicit closed‐form equations for the highest PDL, PTE and corresponding optimal loads are derived from the two methods. The constraint of feeding amplitude ratios need be equal to the mutual inductance ratios for the highest PTE deduced from KVL; on the other hand, inspired by TX‐side RLT using in the multiple‐RXs system, RX‐side RLT is first proposed and can readily derive the highest PDL, PTE and optimal loads compared with KVL. Numerical simulations for three‐ and four‐TX systems are implemented to intuitively illuminate the theoretical analysis. Experiments for two‐, three‐ and four‐TX systems have verified the accuracy of the proposed analysis.
Design of a low‐cost broadband loaded dipole antenna for VHF/UHF frequency range
Authors: Bod Mohammad , Ahmadi‐Boroujeni Mehdi , Mohammadpour‐Aghdam Karim
Published: May 2019

This study describes the concept and design of a low‐cost super broadband dipole antenna with a passive matching network. The proposed dipole antenna is designed in three steps. First, a simple planar dipole antenna with six different loads and a balanced to unbalanced (Balun) transformer is designed by the genetic algorithm optimisation. The position and value of the loads are optimised to achieve an acceptable radiation pattern and voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) over the desired frequency bandwidth. In the next step, the shape of the printed strip dipole antenna is optimised to improve the frequency response of the designed antenna. Finally, an LC network is added to the antenna feed point to reduce the antenna VSWR at low frequencies. The final dipole antenna has a length of 1.7 m and can operate over 30–1200 MHz with VSWR ˂3 and broadside gain >−10 dBi. The proposed antenna can easily be fabricated at a low cost via the printed circuit board technology. An industrial prototype of the proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. A good agreement between measurement and simulation results is observed.
Decentralised control and fault ride‐through of a multi‐microgrid system
Authors: Sahoo Saroja Kanti , Kishore Nudurupati Krishna , Sinha Avinash Kumar
Published: May 2019

A multi‐microgrid (MMG) system comprises of a cluster of microgrids interconnected for reliable and efficient operation in grid connected as well as islanded modes. In this study, the fault‐ride‐through capability of an MMG system is addressed. A solution to under‐voltage and over‐current scenarios arising due to severe short‐circuit faults in inverter‐interfaced MMG system is proposed for grid‐connected and islanded modes. The MMG system has the primary sources as the solar photovoltaic system, static synchronous compensator, and wind energy‐based generation units with an additional battery as the backup source at the dc link of individual microgrids. Gate turn‐off thyristors based fault‐current limiters are considered at the individual microgrid level of the MMG system. A sliding‐mode control is employed in the decentralised controllers of the interfacing voltage‐source converters and bidirectional buck–boost converters for output current control. Accurate voltage, current, and frequency control are achieved during the fault by incorporating the proposed control strategies. The proposed decentralised control in the MMG system is experimentally verified in real time using a real‐time digital simulator (OP4510) from OPAL‐RT.
Prediction of low energy phase transition in metal doped MoTe2 from first principle calculations
Authors: Kumar Abhinav , Strachan Alejandro , Onofrio Nicolas
Published: May 2019

Metal–insulator transitions in two dimensional materials represent a great opportunity for fast, low energy, and ultradense switching devices. Due to the small energy difference between its semimetallic and semiconducting crystal phases, phase transition in MoTe2 can occur with an unprecedented small amount of external perturbations. In this work, we used the density functional theory to predict critical strain and electrostatic voltage required to control the phase transition of 3d and 4d metal doped MoTe2. We found that small doping contents dramatically affect the relative energies of MoTe2 crystal phases and can largely reduce the energy input to trigger the transition compared to the pristine case. Moreover, the kinetics corresponding to the phase transition in the proposed doped materials are several orders of magnitude faster than in MoTe2. For example, we predict 6.3% Mn doped MoTe2 to switch phase under 1.19 V gate voltage in less than 1μs with an input energy of 0.048aJ/nm3. Due to the presence of the dopant, the controlled change of phase is often complemented with a change in magnetic moment leading to multifunctional phase transition.
Long-range scattering theory for discrete Schrödinger operators on graphene
Authors: Tadano Yukihide
Published: May 2019

We consider a long-range scattering theory for discrete Schrödinger operators on the hexagonal lattice, which describe tight-binding Hamiltonians on the graphene sheet. We construct Isozaki-Kitada modifiers for a pair of the difference Laplacian on the hexagonal lattice and perturbed operators with long-range potentials. We prove that these modified wave operators exist and that they are complete.
Application of the interface potential approach for studying wetting behavior within a molecular dynamics framework
Authors: Jain Karnesh , Schultz Andrew J. , Errington Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2019

We introduce a means to implement the interface potential approach for computing wetting properties within a molecular dynamics framework. The general approach provides a means to determine the contact angle of a liquid droplet on a solid substrate in a mother vapor. We present a framework for implementing “spreading” and “drying” versions of the method within an isothermal-isobaric ensemble. Two free energy methods are considered: cumulative integration of average force profile and multistate Bennett acceptance ratio. An umbrella sampling strategy is used to restrain volume fluctuations and to ensure adequate sampling of a broad volume range. We explore implementation of the approach with the GROningen MAchine for Chemical Simulations and the Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator. We test the accuracy and efficiency of the method with models consisting of a monoatomic Lennard-Jones fluid in the vicinity of a structureless or atomistically detailed substrate. Our results show that one can successfully generate the drying potential within the framework pursued here. The efficiency of the method is strongly dependent upon how one handles the dynamics of the two confining walls. These decisions impact the rate of volume fluctuations, and therefore, the quality of the volume distributions collected. Our efforts to implement the spreading method with molecular dynamics alone proved unsuccessful. The rate at which the configuration space of the vapor phase evolves is insufficient. We show how one can overcome this challenge by implementing a coupled molecular dynamics/Monte Carlo approach. Finally, we show how one can determine the variation in interfacial properties with temperature and substrate strength.
First-order liquid-liquid phase transition in compressed hydrogen and critical point
Authors: Tian Chunling , Liu Fusheng , Yuan Hongkuan , Chen Hong , Kuan Anlong
Published: May 2019

One of the fundamental problems relating to the properties of hydrogen is that of insulator-metal transition. Recent theoretical and experimental studies show that the metallization in liquid hydrogen could be a first-order phase transition and involve molecular to atomic transition. However, the location of the critical point is still an unresolved question. Earlier studies reported the critical point at a temperature of 1500–2000 K, but recent experimental observations on diamond-anvil cells show that the discontinuous transition still persists at temperatures well above 2000 K. We have carried out a detailed study on the liquid-liquid phase transition in dense hydrogen by uisng ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and found new evidence for the abrupt metallization between weakly dissociated and strongly dissociated fluid phases at temperatures as high as 3000 and 4000 K. Also, the predicted phase boundary is in excellent agreement with the recent experiments. Our results suggest that this first-order transition in liquid hydrogen likely ends in a critical point around 4000 K, which is significantly higher than the previous theoretical predictions.
Low temperature Cu bonding with large tolerance of surface oxidation
Authors: Ren Hui , Mu Fengwen , Shin Seongbin , Liu Lei , Zou Guisheng , Suga Tadatomo
Published: May 2019

A novel method of low temperature all-Cu bonding was developed, which has a large tolerance for Cu surface oxidation and can even bond Cu with a thick oxide layer at 250 °C. It is significant for the chip level bonding because traditional methods have strict requirements for surface quality. The key process is to combine Cu nanoparticle paste and Pt-catalyzed formic acid vapor, which improved the bonding strength of oxidized-Cu by ∼78.5% and is expected to simplify the bonding process. To understand the mechanisms, interfacial analyses of the microstructure and composition were carried out, along with a surface analysis.
Single-layer BiOBr: An effective p-type 2D thermoelectric material
Authors: Yu Jiabing , Li Tingwei , Sun Qiang
Published: May 2019

Bismuth compounds have been playing an important role in thermoelectric (TE) applications. To match the high figure of merit (ZT) of n-type Bi-based TE materials for constructing effective TE devices, searching for p-type Bi-based TE materials with high ZT is highly desirable. Inspired by the successful exfoliation of BiOBr atomic layers [Wu et al., Angew. Chem. 130(28), 8855 (2018)], we systematically study the TE properties of single-layer BiOBr by using density functional theory and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory, and we find that the p-type doped single-layer BiOBr exhibits a peak ZT value of 1.84 at 800 K, exceeding the highest value ever achieved among bulk p-type Bi-based TE materials (ZT = 1.4) [Poudel et al., Science 320(5876), 634 (2008)].
Dinitrogen activation by zirconium dimer loaded C60
Authors: Kuganathan Navaratnarajah , Fossati Paul C. M. , Gkanas Evangelos , Chroneos Alexander
Published: May 2019

Dinitrogen activation plays an important role in the production of many essential nitrogen based compounds needed for all life. Using density functional theory together with dispersion correction (DFT+D), the activation of molecular nitrogen with a gas phase Zr dimer and a Zr dimer loaded C60 is investigated. The present calculations show that the optimised trans-Zr2N2 configuration is planar but this configuration exhibits a butterfly shape when it is supported by C60. Furthermore, it is shown that the activation of dinitrogen is facilitated by the Zr dimer stabilized by C60. Additional calculations are carried out to look at the products of the reactions with H2 and a catalytic cycle for the reduction of N2 to NH3 is constructed. Reaction of two molecules of H2 with Zr2N2 molecule loaded C60 is exothermic while reaction of only one molecule of H2 with free Zr2N2 molecule is exothermic again highlighting the importance of stabilization with C60.
Heavy metals risk assessment in Salmo letnica from Lake Ohrid in Albania
Authors: Marchetti Patrizia , Shehu Fatmira , Di Pinto Angela , Colao Valeriana , Tantillo Giuseppina , Ceci Edmondo
Published: May 2019

The Ohrid trout (Salmo letnica) is an endemic species of trout found only in Lake Ohrid, in the Balkan republics of North Macedonia and Albania, where it is a species of significant economic and nutritional interest. Considering the importance of chemical risk assessment in fish for human consumption set out by European and international legislation and the risk of extinction of the Ohrid trout, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of Ohrid trout flesh for human consumption by determining the heavy metal concentration in different organs through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Heavy metal concentrations differed significantly in different organs (P<0.001). The mean and range of Pb and Cr concentrations in muscle were lower than the permissible limits recommended for human consumption according to the European Union (EU), as well as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization, whereas the mean concentration and range of Cd in muscle tissue were above the critical limits for human consumption set by the EU and FAO, revealing inspection-related problems. Accordingly, S. letnica is not completely safe for human consumption. Therefore, the long-term assessment of heavy metal concentrations in Ohrid trout from Lake Ohrid is an important safety measure for fish consumers and will help assess the status of exploitation of this biological resource.
Does the native predator Trophon geversianus exert top-down control on the invasive barnacle Balanus glandula on Patagonian rocky shores?
Authors: Pio María José , Mendez María M. , Galván David E. , Bigatti Gregorio , West Kaydee , Herbert Gregory S.
Published: May 2019

Trophic interactions between the native gastropod predator Trophon geversianus and the invasive barnacle Balanus glandula may have facilitated the successful expansion of the barnacle along rocky intertidal coastlines in Argentina. In this study, through field observations and a stable isotope reconstruction of the diet of T. geversianus, we assessed whether and how frequently this drilling muricid gastropod consumes the invasive B. glandula on a Patagonian rocky shore. Field observations indicated that B. glandula and T. geversianus co-occur in the middle intertidal. Feeding observations and stable carbon and nitrogen isotope dietary reconstructions showed that T. geversianus readily and successfully consumes B. glandula, but at low rates (4% of diet) relative to native mussel prey, which compete with B. glandula for space. This study shows that T. geversianus exerts little top-down control on this invasive barnacle on Patagonian rocky shores. The success of B. glandula on these shores is plausibly enhanced directly by this weak interaction and indirectly by the preference of T. geversianus for native prey rather than the absence of predators or invader immunity from predation. The results of this study complement previous studies that have shown that tolerance to extreme desiccation stress in harsh intertidal environments is crucial for the establishment of B. glandula.
Influence of historical inundation frequency on soil microbes (Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) in semi-arid floodplain wetlands
Authors: Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ralph Timothy J. , Sharma Pranay , Mitrovic Simon M.
Published: May 2019

Cyanobacteria and other microbes are important moderators of biogeochemical processes in semi-arid floodplain wetlands with varying inundation regimes. Inundation is a key environmental driver for floodplain biological communities. Little is known about the effect of historical inundation frequency on the spatial abundance of floodplain–wetland Cyanobacteria and other microbes. In this study, soil samples were collected at two locations with a gradient of low-to-high inundation frequency in the Macquarie Marshes, south-east Australia. We used high-throughput sequencing to estimate the proportional abundance of the soil Cyanobacteria and other dominant microbes, targeting the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Of the microbes recovered, Cyanobacteria constituted proportionally a minor component, relative to other dominant phyla like Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Linear regression (generalised least-squares) models accounting for spatial autocorrelation showed that historical inundation frequency had no significant effect on the proportional abundance of Cyanobacteria at both wetlands studied. However, inundation frequency had a significant positive effect on the proportional abundance of Proteobacteria and a significant negative effect on the proportional abundance of Actinobacteria. Cyanobacteria seem to occupy a different hydrological niche from Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria in semi-arid floodplain wetlands, suggesting taxon-dependent response of floodplain microbial communities to varying inundation regimes and associated soil conditions in those environments.
Bovine urine inhibits microbial function and increases urea turnover in dairy grazed soils
Authors: Lambie S. M. , Mason N. W. H. , Mudge P. L.
Published: May 2019

Effects of bovine urine on microbial functional attributes within the carbon (C) cycle have not previously been investigated. The magnitude of urine effects on microbial populations may be mediated by the ability of a soil to buffer changes to pH and electrical conductivity (EC) in response to urine. We examined changes in the metabolism of C substrates by microbial communities subsequent to treatment with dairy cow urine in 27 dairy grazed soils across four soil orders. Untreated soils (baseline) and soil treated with urine or water were incubated (25°C) for 21 days then assessed for microbial function using MicroResp™. Urine addition decreased functional capacity, microbial diversity, and microbial biomass C at 21 days after urine addition, but did not affect basal respiration, compared with the water control. Urine addition also led to a shift in community-level physiological profiles. There were no indirect effects of soil pH or EC buffering capacity on the functional microbial parameters measured. Urine addition increased the utilisation of urea and may be a factor in losses of fertiliser nitrogen in dairy systems. The length of time that urine depresses catabolic function could have important implications for long-term soil organic matter cycling under urine patches.
Citizen reporting of wildlife interactions can improve impact-reduction programs and support wildlife carers
Authors: Heathcote Grace , Hobday Alistair J. , Spaulding Monique , Gard Melissa , Irons Greg
Published: May 2019

Context Wildlife can be injured or orphaned through a range of (often anthropogenic) activities, creating need for volunteer rescuers and wildlife carers, of which a substantial number is active in Australia. However, the causes and contributing factors for rescued wildlife are rarely reported, which limits development of response options to these wildlife issues. An understanding of the distribution and number of rescuers and carers in relation to injured and orphaned wildlife allows training and outreach to be targeted around specific seasonal peaks, species and causes of injury. Aims and methods We conducted an analysis of 22723 reports over 7 years to the Bonorong Wildlife Rescue Service in Tasmania, Australia, to determine the frequency of species and types of human–wildlife interaction, the report distances from the central facility, and the report distribution relative to the registered rescuer and carer networks. Key results Mammals accounted for over half of all reports, followed by birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Road trauma was the predominant cause for report, followed by orphans. Disease reports and animal attack were also common. Overall, reporting was highest in late spring and summer, but different seasonality in specific causes and species suggests that targeted response options are needed at different times of year. Areas with higher reporting relative to the number of registered rescuers and carers show where volunteer recruitment can be focussed. Conclusions We used a wildlife reporting dataset to illustrate trends (such as seasonality and species vulnerability) and causes of human–wildlife interaction to inform potential response options. Implications Continued citizen reporting can assist wildlife managers to allocate resources, plan training or recruit additional volunteers, track emerging issues, such as disease and climate-related stressors, and guide the planning of public education and mitigation initiatives, particularly for human-related wildlife issues.
Research on Push-pull-type Inductively Coupled Power Transfer System for ZVS
Authors: Shulin Liu , Jizhi Yan , Shitong Tao , chuanyi Hu , hao Wu
Published: May 2019

According to the poor stability of the output constant current and the control complexity of the existing Inductive Coupled Wireless Power Transmission System, a seriesparallel compensation network is applied to push-pull converter. And the soft switch is realized by configuring the parameters of compensation network, and the constant-current output of the wireless power is realized without additional complex control system. Firstly, analysis of the push-pull converter to achieve the conditions of soft-switching. Secondly, based on the leakage inductance model of the transformer, combined with the Thevenin equivalent theorem, the parameters of the string-and-compensation are designed. Lastly, the push-pull soft-switching inductive coupled power transfer converter is designed and built.The feasibility of theoretical analysis and parameter design method are verified by the experimental results.
Linear regression model for screening SiC MOSFETs for paralleling to minimize transient current imbalance
Authors: Abuogo James , Zao Zhibin , Ke Junji
Published: May 2019

This paper describes the development of a machine learning model which can be used to screen SiC MOSFETs for paralleling with minimized transient current imbalance. The spread of device parameters is determined to isolate the device parameters which are likely to significantly influence transient current distribution. A linear regression model is then developed and trained using device parameters’ data measured from forty devices of the same production lot. The resulting model is an expression for current imbalance as a function of device parameters, with weight of each parameter determined. The performance of the trained model on a set of twenty testing devices is then determined and verified via a double pulse test experiment incorporating paralleled devices. The model is found to perform satisfactorily and can effectively be deployed in screening devices for paralleling.
The Analysis and Design of High-power Intrinsic Safe Forward Converter Based on Power-i Technology
Authors: shulin Liu , hao Wu , yuxi Zhang , chuanyi Hu , jizhi Yan
Published: May 2019

The existing anti explosion measures and the intrinsic safety evaluation methods have become the bottleneck factors that restrict the further improvement of the output power of the native security. Therefore, This article is based on the latest anti explosion standard, the principle of realizing high power output by Power-i technology to suppress the spark discharge energy of switching power supply is analyzed, as well as the composition of the power supply system and its evaluation method. The forward converter is selected as the topology of the high-power local security power supply, according to the technical index of Power-i system, the circuit structure of high power intrinsic safe converter is put forward, and the double protection circuit of overcurrent, overvoltage and short circuit when the output is short circuited and open fault is designed. It has been tested that the output 24V/2A high power intrinsically safe positive converter based on Power-i standard can meet the requirements of explosion protection under type I environment. The experimental results verify the intrinsic safety of the designed high power intrinsic positive shock converter, and reflect the correctness of the theoretical analysis and design method.
Novel Experiment Design for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Controller Performance Testing
Authors: Dim Cherub , Nabor Francis , Santos Giancarlo , Schoeler Martin , Chua Alvin
Published: May 2019

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are becoming popular to the innovating world. This paper presents a novel experiment design to determine the performance of UAV control system. The hardware platform developed is composed of a quadcopter with a multipurpose autopilot system. While the experimental design considers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the controller. The qualitative components dealt with the hardware compatibility, acceptability and license. On the other hand, the quantitative component measured the accuracy of waypoints, altitude hold and loiter performance of the UAV. The results shows that the new experiment design platform was able to compare two popular autopilot software in terms of performance and acceptability.
A Satisficing Game Theoretic Approach to Multi-Aircraft Collision Avoidance
Authors: Wang Weiye
Published: May 2019

We propose a distributed approach to multi-aircraft real-time conflict resolution based on satisficing game theory which considers reducing flight collisions and improving economic efficiency. In our conflict game model, aircraft as exclusively self-interested agent are assigned different statuses by a priority ranking mechanism proposed. According to the state of one’s own priority, they take others’ preferences into consideration to choose the most satisficing conflict resolution strategy from policy set including speed and heading modification strategies. The simulation results on the random flight scenario of two concentric circles show that our method which adopts speed and heading adjustment to avoid conflicts is promising in terms of safety and system efficiency.
Connected Automated Guided Vehicles in a Smart Container Terminal
Authors: Watfa Mohamed K. , Karmadi Khaldon Al
Published: May 2019

As container terminals aim for more efficient operation and higher productivity, automation is making major breakthroughs all over the world. Container terminals are increasingly adopting automated solutions to meet the challenge of larger ships, taller cranes and bigger call sizes. Having the right design criteria and taking the correct decisions early in the project is crucial in order to meet the expected cost and performance targets. Therefore, designing an automated container terminal is no longer just a matter of acquiring the right port equipment and integrating the equipment with basic terminal operating systems (TOSs), it is becoming more of designing and implementing a complete smart automated system. Smart automation would enable Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) used in container terminals to automatically adapt to changing circumstances, optimizing performance and output. Most of existing research work considered pre-defined AGVs paths using different techniques without considering free path AGVs solutions that can potentially increase transportation efficiency This research work uses the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) to increase transportation efficiency of the Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and reduce vessel discharging time in an automated container terminal. In addition, the research paper proposes an algorithm to increase efficiency in the automated container terminal and achieve the research objective. Finally, simulation results were used to prove the positive effects of using the proposed algorithm in decreasing vessel discharging time compared to existing benchmarks and optimum solutions.
Research on the PFC Mechanism of Forward-Flyback Converter
Authors: shulin Liu , chuanyi Hu , jian Cao , jizhi Yan , hao Wu
Published: May 2019

The forward-flyback converter is used in power factor correction to improve the performance of conventional forward PFC and flyback PFC converters. By analyzing the working principle of a single-transistor single-transformer forward-backward combined PFC converter in one power frequency cycle, it is pointed out that there are two working modes — flyback mode and forward flyback mode; through its PFC mechanism research. The relationship between the duty cycle of each operating mode when achieving unity power factor is obtained, and the duty cycle when operating in flyback mode is the maximum duty cycle within a power frequency cycle. Finally, the open-loop control model of the forward-flyback PFC converter is established by using MATLAB. The duty cycle is changed according to the specified rules and the PFC is implemented, which verifies the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Multi-sensor cross cueing technology based on grey wolf algorithm
Authors: Daozhi WEI , Jiahao XIE
Published: May 2019

In order to solve the problem of poor convergence and low precision of the current Multi-sensor Detection Network algorithm, a multi-sensor cross cueing technology based on Grey Wolf algorithm is proposed. By endowing the grey wolf with autonomous decision-making ability, the algorithm can jump out of the local optimal solution as soon as possible, and the convergence degree of the algorithm is improved. The simulation results show that the algorithm can find the optimal solution in a short time and maintain good stability, and the optimization ability is further strengthened. By comparing with other algorithms, it is more effective to prove that the algorithm has better solution quality.
Cloth Recommender System Based on Item Matching
Authors: Lei Yan , Chen Long , Guan Ziyu
Published: May 2019

Recommender systems have become an essential part in our life. Most social Websites use recommender systems to enhance user experience. In online shopping Websites such as Amazon, Clothing is one of the most popular domains, therefore a recommender is of great significance. Previous recommender systems were often focused on retrieving items based on user preference, i.e. similarity to the previous items purchased by the user. However, in Clothing domain, the matching relationships between candidate items and the previously purchased is also important for recommendation. For example, a user may want to buy a new jean rather than suit pants if he/she has just purchased a shirt. This kind of matching relationships also frequently occurs in other life contexts. In this paper, we aim to recommend new clothes that can better match the clothes purchased by a user. This new recommendation strategy would work better in the Clothing domain and complement the current recommendation literature. Experiment results show that our method can lead to better recommendation performance in the Clothing domain.
Small Aircraft Detection in Remote Sensing Images Based on YOLOv3
Authors: Zhao Kun , Ren Xiaoxi
Published: May 2019

Accurate and rapid detection in remote sensing images is of great significance in military navigation, environmental monitoring, and civil applications. Due to the small object detection problem of remote sensing images, higher requirements and challenges are put forward for object detection technology. In recent years, the one-stage object detector and the two-stage object detector based on convolutional neural network have made great achievements in the field of image classification and detection. The one-stage object detector is generally superior to the two-stage object detector in detection speed, but the detection accuracy is inferior to the two-stage target detector. In this paper, YOLOv3 is used as a one- stage target detector for small aircraft detection of remote sensing images. We chose appropriate anchors to cover the size distribution in our experimental data by using dimension clusters. The experimental results show that YOLOv3 not only exceeds the conventional one-stage object detector in speed, but also well match the accuracy of the two-stage object detector. The YOLOv3 achieved excellent detection accuracy and low processing time at the same time for small aircraft detection.
Ocular Rectus Muscle Segmentation Based on Improved U-net
Authors: Wu Cong , Zhan Jinhao , Zou Yixuan , Jiang Fagang , Yang Junjie
Published: May 2019

In recent years, deep learning has made great progress in computer vision, and shown a good application prospect in reading medical images. TAO (thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy) is one of the most common orbital diseases in adults is autoimmune disease, the exact pathogenesis is not clear. In hospitals, CT images are usually used for disease analysis and the distortion of ocular rectus muscles is one of the main causes of TAO, thus the separation of the ocular rectus muscle is of great practical significance. However, the artificial segmentation of the ocular rectus muscle is a time-consuming task and relies heavily on the experience of the operato. In this paper, we improved the traditional U-net with GoogLeNet inception module and apply it on the segmentation of ocular rectus muscles. The experimental results show that the segmentation results of our method are more accurate and efficient than the traditional algorithm, and it is helpful for doctors to diagnose patients’ diseases.