bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine-learning guided discovery of a new thermoelectric material
Authors: Iwasaki Yuma , Takeuchi Ichiro , Stanev Valentin , Kusne Aaron Gilad , Ishida Masahiko , Kirihara Akihiro , Ihara Kazuki , Sawada Ryohto , Terashima Koichi , Someya Hiroko , Uchida Ken-ichi , Saitoh Eiji , Yorozu Shinichi
Published: February 2019

Thermoelectric technologies are becoming indispensable in the quest for a sustainable future. Recently, an emerging phenomenon, the spin-driven thermoelectric effect (STE), has garnered much attention as a promising path towards low cost and versatile thermoelectric technology with easily scalable manufacturing. However, progress in development of STE devices is hindered by the lack of understanding of the fundamental physics and materials properties responsible for the effect. In such nascent scientific field, data-driven approaches relying on statistics and machine learning, instead of more traditional modeling methods, can exhibit their full potential. Here, we use machine learning modeling to establish the key physical parameters controlling STE. Guided by the models, we have carried out actual material synthesis which led to the identification of a novel STE material with a thermopower an order of magnitude larger than that of the current generation of STE devices.
Vegetation-fire feedback reduces projected area burned under climate change
Authors: Hurteau Matthew D. , Liang Shuang , Westerling A. LeRoy , Wiedinmyer Christine
Published: February 2019

Climate influences vegetation directly and through climate-mediated disturbance processes, such as wildfire. Temperature and area burned are positively associated, conditional on availability of vegetation to burn. Fire is a self-limiting process that is influenced by productivity. Yet, many fire projections assume sufficient vegetation to support fire, with substantial implications for carbon (C) dynamics and emissions. We simulated forest dynamics under projected climate and wildfire for the Sierra Nevada, accounting for climate effects on fuel flammability (static) and climate and prior fire effects on fuel availability and flammability (dynamic). We show that compared to climate effects on flammability alone, accounting for the interaction of prior fires and climate on fuel availability and flammability moderates the projected increase in area burned by 14.3%. This reduces predicted increases in area-weighted median cumulative emissions by 38.3 Tg carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.6 Tg particulate matter (PM1), or 12.9% and 11.5%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that after correcting for potential over-estimates of the effects of climate-driven increases in area burned, California is likely to continue facing significant wildfire and air quality challenges with on-going climate change.
Bactericidal ZnO glass-filled thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethyl siloxane composites to inhibit biofilm-associated infections
Authors: Cabal Belén , Sevillano David , Fernández-García Elisa , Alou Luis , Suárez Marta , González Natalia , Moya José S. , Torrecillas Ramón
Published: February 2019

This study investigates a novel approach to controlling biofilms of the most frequent pathogens implicated in the etiology of biomaterials-associated infections. New bactericidal filler based on a non-toxic glass, belonging to B2O3-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-ZnO system, was used to formulate composites of the most widely used polymers in biomedical applications [i.e. thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS)], with varying percentage by weight of the bactericidal glass (5, 15, 25, 35, 50%). Glass-filled polymer composites show dramatically restricted bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation. They exhibit time- and dose-dependent killing, with maximal action at 5 days. The highest activity was found against S.epidermidis biofilm (99% of reduction), one of the most common cause of nosocomial infections. The tensile properties of the obtained glass-filled composites are comparable with the literature data concerning polymeric biomaterials for medical implants and devices. In addition, all the materials presented in this research, revealed an excellent biocompatibility. This was disclosed by cell viability values above 70%, none alteration on erythrocyte membrane or cell functionality in contact with materials (haemolytic index 0–2%), and absence of interferences in blood coagulation (intrinsic, extrinsic and final pathways).
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the brain in patients with tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Zawadzki Radosław , Kubas Bożena , Hładuński Marcin , Zajkowska Olga , Zajkowska Joanna , Jurgilewicz Dorota , Garkowski Adam , Pancewicz Sławomir , Łebkowska Urszula
Published: February 2019

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by a tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The aforementioned virus is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. In the recent years, TBEV has become a serious public health problem with a steady increase in its incidence, mainly due to the climate changes and spreading the infected ticks into new territories. The standard protocol of TBE diagnosis involves the serological laboratory test with a minor role of imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. Long-term complications affecting patients daily activities are reported in about 40–50% of the cases. However, no changes are revealed in the laboratory tests or the imaging examination. The development of new imaging techniques such as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can broaden the knowledge about TBE, contributing to its prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of 1H-MRS of the brain in patients with TBE. Compared to controls, a statistically significant decrease in the N-acetylaspartate /creatine ratio was found bilaterally in the right and left thalamus as well as a statistically significant increase in the choline/creatine ratio in the right and left thalamus.
The interaction between miR160 and miR165/166 in the control of leaf development and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Tianxiao , Wang Yongyan , Teotia Sachin , Wang Zhaohui , Shi Chaonan , Sun Huwei , Gu Yiyou , Zhang Zhanhui , Tang Guiliang
Published: February 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play important roles in plant development and abiotic stresses. To date, studies have mainly focused on the roles of individual miRNAs, however, a few have addressed the interactions among multiple miRNAs. In this study, we investigated the interplay and regulatory circuit between miR160 and miR165/166 and its effect on leaf development and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis using Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM). By crossing STTM160 Arabidopsis with STTM165/166, we successfully generated a double mutant of miR160 and miR165/166. The double mutant plants exhibited a series of compromised phenotypes in leaf development and drought tolerance in comparison to phenotypic alterations in the single STTM lines. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses suggested that the expression levels of auxin and ABA signaling genes in the STTM-directed double mutant were compromised compared to the two single mutants. Our results also suggested that miR160-directed regulation of auxin response factors (ARFs) contribute to leaf development via auxin signaling genes, whereas miR165/166- mediated HD-ZIP IIIs regulation confers drought tolerance through ABA signaling. Our studies further indicated that ARFs and HD-ZIP IIIs may play opposite roles in the regulation of leaf development and drought tolerance that can be further applied to other crops for agronomic traits improvement.
The UWHAM and SWHAM Software Package
Authors: Zhang Bin W. , Arasteh Shima , Levy Ronald M.
Published: February 2019

We introduce the UWHAM (binless weighted histogram analysis method) and SWHAM (stochastic UWHAM) software package that can be used to estimate the density of states and free energy differences based on the data generated by multi-state simulations. The programs used to solve the UWHAM equations are written in the C++ language and operated via the command line interface. In this paper, first we review the theoretical bases of UWHAM, its stochastic solver RE-SWHAM (replica exchange-like SWHAM)and ST-SWHAM (serial tempering-like SWHAM). Then we provide a tutorial with examples that explains how to apply the UWHAM program package to analyze the data generated by different types of multi-state simulations: umbrella sampling, replica exchange, free energy perturbation simulations, etc. The tutorial examples also show that the UWHAM equations can be solved stochastically by applying the RE-SWHAM and ST-SWHAM programs when the data ensemble is large. If the simulations at some states are far from equilibrium, the Stratified RE-SWHAM program can be applied to obtain the equilibrium distribution of the state of interest. All the source codes and the tutorial examples are available from our group’s web page: https://ronlevygroup.cst.temple.edu/software/UWHAM_and_SWHAM_webpage/index.html.
Structure-property relationship of Co2MnSi thin films in response to He+-irradiation
Authors: Hammerath Franziska , Bali Rantej , Hübner René , Brandt Mira R. D. , Rodan Steven , Potzger Kay , Böttger Roman , Sakuraba Yuya , Wurmehl Sabine
Published: February 2019

We investigated the structure-property relationship of Co2MnSi Heusler thin films upon the irradiation with He+ ions. The variation of the crystal structure with increasing ion fluence has been probed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and associated with the corresponding changes of the magnetic behavior. A decrease of both the structural order and the moment in saturation is observed. Specifically, we detect a direct transition from a highly L21-ordered to a fully A2-disordered structure type and quantify the evolution of the A2 structural contribution as a function of ion fluence. Complementary TEM analysis reveals a spatially-resolved distribution of the L21 and A2 phases showing that the A2 disorder starts at the upper part of the films. The structural degradation in turn leads to a decreasing magnetic moment in saturation in response to the increasing fluence.
Controlled generation of nanopatterned electrical DNA interface
Authors: Kang Kyoungin , Jang Yeongseok , Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun
Published: February 2019

Techniques that manipulate DNA, a biomolecule with electrical properties, are in demand in various medical fields. This study fabricated a nanochannel with a conductive/semi-conductive interface using focused ion beams (FIBs) and introduced a nanochip technology to freely align, attach, and detach lambda DNAs in the interface via electrophoresis. Two-step fabrication process of nanochannels was quantitatively characterized according to the different conditions of the FIB dose (1~30 nC/μm2) and current (1~500 pA). For electrophoresis test, four different nanofluidic channels with depths of 200 nm and lengths of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μm were processed at the center of the rectangular channel (10 μm × 10 μm). Different voltages (1~30 V) were applied for 15 min to attach the DNAs. As the voltage increased, more lambda DNAs attached to the nanochannel interface. Furthermore, an inverse voltage (−30 V) was applied to the lambda DNAs attached to the interface for 15 min to confirm that DNAs could be successfully detached. The results showed that this method could produce a highly promising nanochip technology to align and manipulate DNAs in the desired direction according to a conductive/semi-conductive nano-sized interface, which is applicable in various biomedical fields.
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost for locally advanced breast cancer: a prospective study on toxicity and quality of life
Authors: Pasquier David , Le Tinier Florence , Bennadji Raoudha , Jouin Anais , Horn Samy , Escande Alexandre , Tresch Emmanuelle , Chauvet Marie Pierre , Mailliez Audrey , Crop Frederik , Mirabel Xavier , Lartigau Eric
Published: February 2019

Radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery and mastectomy with node positive disease has been shown to reduce risk of recurrence and mortality in the treatment of breast cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) after conservative surgery offers several advantages over conventional RT including improved acute and late toxicity and quality of life (QoL). We undertook this study to prospectively evaluate acute (≤90 days after last dose of radiotherapy) and long-term (>90 days) cutaneous, esophageal, and fibrosis toxicity and QoL in breast cancer patients treated by adjuvant IMRT after breast surgery. We included patients with complex volumes for which 3D RT does not allow a good coverage of target volumes and sparing organs at risk. We report here an interim analysis with a median follow-up of 13.1 months (range, 6.5–25.9 months). Most of the acute toxicity was cutaneous (95.9%) and oesophageal (59.6%), and mostly grade 1 and 2. Medium-term cutaneous toxicity rate was 25.6%, and mostly grade 1. Medium-term esophageal toxicity was rare (1.8%). In this series acute oesophageal toxicity was found to be associated with dosimetric factors. QoL was well preserved throughout the study, and aesthetic outcomes were good. Based on these data, tomotherapy may be a favorable alternative to other techniques in patients needing a complex irradiation of the breast and lymph node volumes.
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion shifts the equilibrium of amyloid β oligomers to aggregation-prone species with higher molecular weight
Authors: Bannai Taro , Mano Tatsuo , Chen Xigui , Ohtomo Gaku , Ohtomo Ryo , Tsuchida Takeyuki , Koshi-Mano Kagari , Hashimoto Tadafumi , Okazawa Hitoshi , Iwatsubo Takeshi , Tsuji Shoji , Toda Tatsushi , Iwata Atsushi
Published: February 2019

Epidemiological studies have shown that atherosclerotic risk factors accelerate the pathological process underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) via chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. In this study, we aimed to clarify the mechanisms by which cerebral hypoperfusion may exacerbate AD pathology. We applied bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to a mice model of AD and evaluated how the equilibrium of amyloid β oligomers respond to hypoperfusion. BCAS accelerated amyloid β (Aβ) convergence to the aggregation seed, facilitating the growth of Aβ plaques, but without changing the total Aβ amount in the brain. Furthermore, Aβ oligomers with high molecular weight increased in the brain of BCAS-operated mice. Considering Aβ is in an equilibrium among monomeric, oligomeric, and aggregation forms, our data suggest that cerebral hypoperfusion after BCAS shifted this equilibrium to a state where a greater number of Aβ molecules participate in Aβ assemblies to form aggregation-prone Aβ oligomers with high molecular weight. The reduced blood flow in the cerebral arteries due to BCAS attenuated the dynamics of the interstitial fluid leading to congestion, which may have facilitated Aβ aggregation. We suggest that cerebral hypoperfusion may accelerate AD by enhancing the tendency of Aβ to become aggregation-prone.
Structural characterization of poly-Si Films crystallized by Ni Metal Induced Lateral Crystallization
Authors: Vouroutzis N. , Stoemenos J. , Frangis N. , Radnóczi G. Z. , Knez D. , Hofer F. , Pécz B.
Published: February 2019

The growth of the poly-Si films was studied by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) after Ni Metal Induced Lateral Crystallization (Ni-MILC) of amorphous Si films at 413 °C. Significant differences in the morphology and the mode of growth of the films were observed, in comparison to films grown at temperatures above 500 °C. It was shown that at 413 °C the Solid Phase Crystallization (SPC), which acts in parallel with the Ni-MILC process at temperatures above 500 °C is suppressed. The suppression of SPC results in substantial change in the mode of growth. The poly-Si film grown at 413 °C consists of whiskers, which can be classified into two categories. Those growing fast along the <111> direction, which were already observed in conventional Ni-MILC above 500 °C and whiskers grown along random crystallographic orientations having significantly slower growth rates. Because of the large difference in growth rates of the whiskers, significant orientation filtering due to growth-velocity competition is observed. The uniform poly-Si films consist of a mixture of fast <111> type whiskers and slow ones, grown in other orientations, resulting in a tweed-like structure.
Regulation of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex composition by the metabolic properties of muscle fibres
Authors: Omairi Saleh , Hau Kwan-Leong , Collins-Hooper Henry , Scott Charlotte , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Torelli Silvia , Montanaro Federica , Matsakas Antonios , Patel Ketan
Published: February 2019

The dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) links the muscle cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix and is responsible for force transduction and protects the muscle fibres from contraction induced damage. Mutations in components of the DGC are responsible for muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies. Expression of DGC components have been shown to be altered in many myopathies. In contrast we have very little evidence of whether adaptive changes in muscle impact on DGC expression. In this study we investigated connection between muscle fibre phenotype and the DGC. Our study reveals that the levels of DGC proteins at the sarcolemma differ in highly glycolytic muscle compared to wild-type and that these changes can be normalised by the super-imposition of an oxidative metabolic programme. Importantly we show that the metabolic properties of the muscle do not impact on the total amount of DGC components at the protein level. Our work shows that the metabolic property of a muscle fibre is a key factor in regulating the expression of DGC proteins at the sarcolemma.
Tlr2 Deficiency is Associated with Enhanced Elements of Neuronal Repair and Caspase 3 Activation Following Brain Ischemia
Authors: Gorup Dunja , Škokić Siniša , Kriz Jasna , Gajović Srećko
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to apply multimodal in vivo imaging to assess the influence of altered innate immunity on brain repair after ischemic lesion. Tlr2-deficient mice were compared to wild type controls, as they lack Tlr2-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling triggered by postischemic necrosis. The ischemic lesion was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 min, followed by brain imaging and analysis at four time points until 28 days after ischemia. Multimodal in vivo imaging involved a combination of 3 modalities: (1) magnetic resonance imaging by T2-weighted scans to assess brain lesion size, (2) bioluminescence imaging of Gap43-luc/gfp transgenic mice to visualize the axonal remodeling, and (3) caged-luciferin bioluminescence imaging of DEVD-luciferin allowing for visualization of caspase 3 and 7 activity in Gap43-luc/gfp mice. This enabled innovative correlation of the MRI-determined lesion size to photon fluxes obtained by bioluminescence imaging. Our data revealed that following ischemia, Tlr2-deficient mice had higher Gap43 expression and higher levels of caspases 3 and 7 activity, which was accompanied by enhanced levels of synaptic plasticity markers DLG4 and synaptophysin when compared to wild type controls. Altered inflammation in Tlr2-deficient mice was accompanied by enhanced elements of post-stroke repair, in particular during the chronic phase of recovery, but also with delayed final consolidation of the brain lesion.
Memristive characteristic of an amorphous Ga-Sn-O thin-film device
Authors: Sugisaki Sumio , Matsuda Tokiyoshi , Uenuma Mutsunori , Nabatame Toshihide , Nakashima Yasuhiko , Imai Takahito , Magari Yusaku , Koretomo Daichi , Furuta Mamoru , Kimura Mutsumi
Published: February 2019

We have found a memristive characteristic of an α-GTO thin-film device. The α-GTO thin-film layer is deposited using radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering at room temperature and sandwiched between the Al top and bottom electrodes. It is found that the hysteresis loop of the flowing current (I) and applied voltage (V) characteristic becomes larger and stable after the one hundredth cycle. The electrical resistances for the high-resistance state (HRS) and low-resistance state (LRS) are clearly different and relatively stable. Based on various analysis, it is suggested that the memristive characteristic is due to the chemical reaction between the SnO2 and SnO blocked by AlOx on the Al bottom electrode. It is marvelous that the memristive characteristic can be realized by such common materials, simple structures, and easy fabrication.
Mieap-induced accumulation of lysosomes within mitochondria (MALM) regulates gastric cancer cell invasion under hypoxia by suppressing reactive oxygen species accumulation
Authors: Okuyama Keiichiro , Kitajima Yoshihiko , Egawa Noriyuki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Ito Kotaro , Aishima Shinichi , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Tomokazu , Noshiro Hirokazu
Published: February 2019

Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) protects against potentially damaging events, such as excessive generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). We investigated the contribution of the two major MQC processes, namely, mitophagy and Mieap-induced accumulation of lysosomes within mitochondria (MALM), to the response to hypoxia of two human gastric cancer (GC) cell lines. We found that hypoxia increased mtROS generation and cell invasion in 58As9, but not in MKN45, although the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α was induced in both cell lines. Colocalisation of lysosomes with mitochondria was found only in hypoxic MKN45 cells, suggesting that hypoxia-induced MQC functions normally in MKN45 but may be impaired in 58As9. Hypoxia did not lead to decreased mitochondrial mass or DNA or altered appearance of autophagosomes, as judged by electron microscopy, suggesting that mitophagy was not induced in either cell line. However, western blot analysis revealed the presence of the MALM-associated proteins Mieap, BNIP3 and BNIP3L, and the lysosomal protein cathepsin D in the mitochondrial fraction of MKN45 cells under hypoxia. Finally, Mieap knockdown in MKN45 cells resulted in increased mtROS accumulation and cell invasion under hypoxia. Our results suggest that hypoxia-induced MALM suppresses GC cell invasion by preventing mtROS generation.
Expression of pathogenesis-related proteins in transplastomic tobacco plants confers resistance to filamentous pathogens under field trials
Authors: Boccardo Noelia Ayelen , Segretin María Eugenia , Hernandez Ingrid , Mirkin Federico Gabriel , Chacón Osmani , Lopez Yunior , Borrás-Hidalgo Orlando , Bravo-Almonacid Fernando Félix
Published: February 2019

Plants are continuously challenged by pathogens, affecting most staple crops compromising food security. They have evolved different mechanisms to counterattack pathogen infection, including the accumulation of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. These proteins have been implicated in active defense, and their overexpression has led to enhanced resistance in nuclear transgenic plants, although in many cases constitutive expression resulted in lesion-mimic phenotypes. We decided to evaluate plastid transformation as an alternative to overcome limitations observed for nuclear transgenic technologies. The advantages include the possibilities to express polycistronic RNAs, to obtain higher protein expression levels, and the impeded gene flow due to the maternal inheritance of the plastome. We transformed Nicotiana tabacum plastids to co-express the tobacco PR proteins AP24 and β-1,3-glucanase. Transplastomic tobacco lines were characterized and subsequently challenged with Rhizoctonia solani, Peronospora hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina and Phytophthora nicotianae. Results showed that transplastomic plants expressing AP24 and β-1,3-glucanase are resistant to R. solani in greenhouse conditions and, furthermore, they are protected against P.hyoscyami f.sp. tabacina and P. nicotianae in field conditions under high inoculum pressure. Our results suggest that plastid co- expression of PR proteins AP24 and β-1,3-glucanase resulted in enhanced resistance against filamentous pathogens.
Blockade of integrin α3 attenuates human pancreatic cancer via inhibition of EGFR signalling
Authors: Lee Jungwhoi , Lee Jungsul , Choi Chulhee , Kim Jae Hoon
Published: February 2019

The prognosis of pancreatic cancer remains dismal despite continuous and considerable efforts. Integrins (ITGs) are highly expressed in various malignant cancers. However, very few studies investigated the role of integrin α3 (ITGα3) in malignant cancers. Here, we determined the functional role of ITGα3 in pancreatic cancer. Analysis of public microarray databases and Western blot analysis indicated a unique expression of ITGα3 in human pancreatic cancer. Silencing ITGα3 expression significantly inhibited the viability and migration of human pancreatic cancer cells. Notably, ablation of ITGα3 expression resulted in a significant decrease of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression compared with transfection of control-siRNA through an increased number of leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domain protein 1 (LRIG1) expression. In addition, ablating ITGα3 inhibited tumour growth via blockade of EGFR signalling in vivo. Furthermore, the highly expressed ITGα3 led to a poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. Our results provide novel insights into ITGα3-induced aggressive pancreatic cancer.
Metabolic adaptations during extreme anoxia in the turtle heart and their implications for ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Bundgaard Amanda , James Andrew M. , Gruszczyk Anja V. , Martin Jack , Murphy Michael P. , Fago Angela
Published: February 2019

ATP depletion and succinate accumulation during ischemia lead to oxidative damage to mammalian organs upon reperfusion. In contrast, freshwater turtles survive weeks of anoxia at low temperatures without suffering from oxidative damage upon reoxygenation, but the mechanisms are unclear. To determine how turtles survive prolonged anoxia, we measured ~80 metabolites in hearts from cold-acclimated (5 °C) turtles exposed to 9 days anoxia and compared the results with those for normoxic turtles (25 °C) and mouse hearts exposed to 30 min of ischemia. In turtles, ATP and ADP decreased to new steady-state levels during fasting and cold-acclimation and further with anoxia, but disappeared within 30 min of ischemia in mouse hearts. High NADH/NAD+ ratios were associated with succinate accumulation in both anoxic turtles and ischemic mouse hearts. However, succinate concentrations and succinate/fumarate ratios were lower in turtle than in mouse heart, limiting the driving force for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon reoxygenation in turtles. Furthermore, we show production of ROS from succinate is prevented by re-synthesis of ATP from ADP. Thus, maintenance of an ATP/ADP pool and low succinate accumulation likely protects turtle hearts from anoxia/reoxygenation injury and suggests metabolic interventions as a therapeutic approach to limit ischemia/reperfusion injury in mammals.
Main group mechanochemistry: from curiosity to established protocols
Authors: Tan Davin , García Felipe
Published: February 2019

In the last few decades, mechanochemistry has become rapidly established as a powerful tool enabling environmentally-benign and sustainable chemical syntheses.
Direct grafting-from of PEDOT from a photoreactive Zr-based MOF – a novel route to electrically conductive composite materials
Authors: Mohmeyer Alexander , Schaate Andreas , Hoppe Bastian , Schulze Hendrik A. , Heinemeyer Thea , Behrens Peter
Published: February 2019

Photochemical modification of Zr-bzpdc-MOF with PEDOT through direct polymerization of EDOT at the MOF surface gives an electrically conductive material.
Evolution of crystal growth in MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass ceramics
Authors: Ji Yanxin , Liu Jia , Xu Meng , Zeng Kun , Jiang Hong , Li Changjiu , Yang Liang , Chen Yongjun
Published: February 2019

A new explanation for crystal growth limitation in MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 glass ceramics is proposed using TEM and molecular dynamics simulation.
Large polaron formation and its effect on electron transport in hybrid perovskites
Authors: Zheng Fan , Wang Lin-wang
Published: February 2019

Many experiments have indicated that a large polaron may be formed in hybrid perovskites, and its existence is proposed to screen the carrier–carrier and carrier–defect scattering, thus contributing to the long lifetime of the carriers.
Access to green primary explosives via constructing coordination polymers based on bis-tetrazole oxide and non-lead metals
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Dong , Jing Dong , Fan Guijuan , He Liu , Li Hongzhen , Wang Wentao , Nie Fude
Published: February 2019

An environmentally friendly method to prepare new-generation green primary explosives with excellent performances has been developed on the basis of a coordination chemistry strategy.
Retracted Article: Non-matrix matched calibration of element contents in stainless steel by using nanosecond and femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Meng Jiuling , Zhang Xiaocheng , Cao Jingrui , Zhao Yupeng , Lű Tao
Published: February 2019

Accurate determination of trace elements is urgently required because of the influence of trace elements (such as Fe, Si, Mn, P, Cr, Mo, and V) on the properties of stainless...
4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde derived Schiff base gelators: case of the sustainability or rupturing of imine bonds towards the selective sensing of Ag+and Hg2+ionsviasol–gel methodology
Authors: Panja Atanu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: February 2019

The cholesterol appended hydroxybenzaldehyde derived Schiff bases1–4have been designed and synthesized. They are suitable for the naked-eye detection of metal ions such as Hg2+and Ag+using sol–gel methodology involving either rupturing or maintaining the imine bonds.
Three-component bis-heterocycliation for synthesis of 2-aminobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]thiazoles
Authors: Huang Huawen , Qu Zhonghua , Ji Xiaochen , Deng Guo-Jun
Published: February 2019

A cooperative base system has been developed for the novel three-component synthesis of 2-aminobenzo[4,5]thieno[3,2-d]thiazoles via bis-heterocyclization of methylketoxime acetates.
Fluorescence-based histamine sensing with inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Neumeier B. Lilli , Heck Joachim G. , Feldmann Claus
Published: February 2019

Ag4+[PTC]4−(PTC: perylenetetracarboxylate) inorganic–organic hybrid nanoparticles indicate the presence of histamine with off/on-like switching of fluorescence.
Temperature dependent geometry in perovskite microcrystals for whispering gallery and Fabry–Pérot mode lasing
Authors: Li Bobo , Zhou Taojie , Fang Xuan , Zhang Weilin , Li Xiaomeng , Guan Zhiqiang , Li Jiaying , Wang Liang , Hark Suikong , Zhang Zhaoyu
Published: February 2019

The F–P mode lasing spectrum and the fluorescence microscopy images recorded in the vertical direction of a single quasi-cubic crystal.
An ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent thermometer based on frustrated static excimers in the physiological temperature range
Authors: Liang Sen , Wang Yuan , Wu Xueke , Chen Min , Mu Lixuan , She Guangwei , Shi Wensheng
Published: February 2019

We report here an ultrasensitive ratiometric fluorescent thermometer (RFT) based on the frustrated static excimers (FSEs) of DEH-PDI (N,N′-di(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide) in the physiological temperature range.
Correction: A cobalt arylphosphonate MOF – superior stability, sorption and magnetism
Authors: Zorlu Yunus , Erbahar Doğan , Çetinkaya Ahmet , Bulut Aysun , Erkal Turan S. , Yazaydin A. Ozgur , Beckmann Jens , Yücesan Gündoğ
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘A cobalt arylphosphonate MOF – superior stability, sorption and magnetism’ by Yunus Zorlu et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8cc09655d.
Oxygen mediated highly efficient cobalt(ii) porphyrin-catalyzed reduction of functional chromones: experimental and computational studies
Authors: Poonam Poonam , Kumari Pratibha , Grishina Maria , Potemkin Vladimir , Verma Abhishek , Rathi Brijesh
Published: February 2019

The highly efficient oxygen mediated reduction of functional chromones with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) catalyzed by cobalt(ii) porphyrins afforded biologically active chroman-4-ols as the reduction products in 80–98% yields.
Structural evolution of LiNn+ (n = 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) clusters: mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations
Authors: Ge Zhongxue , Ding Kewei , Li Yisu , Xu Hongguang , Chen Zhaoqiang , Ma Yiding , Li Taoqi , Zhu Weiliang , Zheng Weijun
Published: February 2019

LiNn+ clusters were generated by laser ablation and the LiN8+ with tetrahedral Li+(N2)4 structure has the highest ion abundance.
Light-driven ultrasensitive self-powered cytosensing of circulating tumor cells via integration of biofuel cells and a photoelectrochemical strategy
Authors: Gu Chengcheng , Hou Ting , Zhang Shuxia , Gai Panpan , Li Feng
Published: February 2019

A light-driven self-powered cytosensing platform was developed via integration of biofuel cells and a photoelectrochemical strategy for the detection of circulating tumor cells.
Correction: Bacterial cellulose–hyaluronan nanocomposite biomaterials as wound dressings for severe skin injury repair
Authors: Li Ying , Jiang Hua , Zheng Wenfu , Gong Niya , Chen Lili , Jiang Xingyu , Yang Guang
Published: February 2019

Correction for ‘Bacterial cellulose–hyaluronan nanocomposite biomaterials as wound dressings for severe skin injury repair’ by Ying Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015, 3, 3498–3507.
Clinical Forum Prologue: Speech Sound Disorders in Schools: Who Qualifies?
Authors: Storkel Holly L.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical forum is to provide guidance on which children with speech sound disorders should qualify for services in the public schools. The articles in the forum consider how to define impaired articulation (viewed more broadly as referring to articulation and phonology), adverse effects, and educational performance.

Conclusion

The take-home message across articles is that determining eligibility for speech-language services is complex, requiring a comprehensive understanding of a child's skills with speech sounds but also the impact of their speech errors on written language and social–emotional well-being. These decisions cannot be made quickly with minimal information. Speech-language pathologists may need to advocate for a realistic allotment of time to conduct a comprehensive assessment, including time to think about the results and implications of that assessment.
Polarisation insensitive wavelength de‐multiplexer using arrayed waveguide grating and polarisation rotator/splitter
Authors: Onawa Y. , Okayama H. , Shimura D. , Takahashi H. , Yaegashi H. , Sasaki H.
Published: February 2019

The authors report the polarisation insensitive operation of an arrayed waveguide grating using a polarisation rotator/splitter (PRS) waveguide device which attains identical wavelength characteristics and optical losses for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarisations. The proposed PRS device is composed of a rib structure waveguide and an asymmetrical directional coupler (ADC). The rib waveguide converts TM fundamental mode to TE first‐order mode. The ADC splits TE first‐order mode into the TE fundamental mode propagating in the sub‐adjacent waveguide. Experimental results confirm that the proposed device operates independently of light polarisations; channel isolation is nearly 20 dB, and no transmission wavelength shift or polarisation dependent loss are observed between TE and TM polarisations.
Three‐state SIW diplexer with independently controllable centre frequencies
Authors: Qu Lili , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Jiawei , Fan Yong
Published: February 2019

A compact substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) three‐state diplexer (TSD) is proposed in this Letter for the first time. Basically, the TSD operating in three frequency bands integrates three diplexers in three different states on a single circuit. Meanwhile, TE102, TE201 and TE103 modes, investigated in the cavity, are employed to implement and control the three frequency bands. Each state utilises two of them as duplexing channels as well as excites one port as input to implement relevant functions. Owing to the modal orthogonality, high isolation among these channels could be achieved. To further improve design flexibility, a +‐shaped slot, etched on the SIW middle metal surface, is used to control the resonant frequencies independently. To verify, an example SIW TSD has been fabricated and measured, showing good consistency with simulated results.
Switching converter EMI conduction modelling and verification
Authors: Yin WanJun , Ming ZhengFeng , Wen Tao , Wu ChangKe
Published: February 2019

Switching converters are widely used. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an important index in the design process. At present, there are three problems: (i) EMC noise test is usually carried out after the prototype design is completed. This method, which is not tested at the design stage, increases the design cost to some extent; (ii) the complexity and limitations of the test environment lead to low confidence of test results; (iii) traditional modelling methods ignore many factors such as power supply feeders. To solve the above problems, an electromagnetic interference conduction model is proposed in this Letter. After experimental verification, it is found that the test results of this model have a high matching degree with the measurement results of standard EMC equipment.
Adaptive convolutional neural network for large change in video object segmentation
Authors: Yin Hui , Yang Lin , Xu Hongli , Wan Jin
Published: February 2019

This study tackles the semi‐supervised segmentation task for the objects that have large motion or appearance change in a video sequence, which is very challenging to the existing methods of video object segmentation (VOS). In this study, a novel adaptive approach is presented, named adaptive convolutional neural network for large change VOS, which determines when and how to fine‐tune the convolutional neural network through the motion metric and the appearance metric among consecutive video frames. Additionally, a lightweight optimisation algorithm for the predictive binary mask is introduced which is effective for pixel prediction by eliminating the discrete points cluster. To illustrate the advantages of this approach, experiments have been performed on four VOS datasets, which demonstrate that the proposed method is highly effective and could achieve the state‐of‐the‐art on these datasets.
Metric learning by simultaneously learning linear transformation matrix and weight matrix for person re‐identification
Authors: Zhang Jian'an , Wang Qi , Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2019

Mahalanobis metric learning is one of the most popular methods for person re‐identification. Most existing metric learning methods regularly formulate the person re‐identification as an unconstrained optimisation problem and the constraints on the Mahalanobis matrix are seldom imposed. In addition, weights are often used to model the relationships between different variables but they often suffer from boundedness caused by their hand‐designed feature. Taking the above two disadvantages into consideration, the authors propose a new metric learning method for person re‐identification, which formulates the metric learning problem as a constrained optimisation problem by imposing a constraint on the linear transformation matrix. Furthermore, they treat the weights as unknown variables and introduce a weight learning method instead of designing weight intuitively. Finally, they evaluate the proposed method on two challenging person re‐identification databases and show that it performs favourably against the state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Design of slot array antenna in groove Gap waveguide technology
Authors: Shaterian Zahra , Horestani Ali K. , Rashed‐Mohassel Jalil
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a step‐by‐step procedure for the design of a slot array antenna in groove gap waveguide technology. The design procedure is based on defining an effective width for groove gap waveguides. To accomplish this, a direct equivalent correspondence is assumed between the groove gap waveguide and a rectangular waveguide. It is demonstrated that once the effective width of the groove gap waveguide is found, conventional equations for the design of slot‐array rectangular waveguide antenna can be utilised to accurately design a slot array antenna in gap waveguide technology. Thus, unlike other methods available in literature, the proposed method only requires the knowledge of propagation constant in the dominant mode of the groove gap waveguide. Since analytic equations are utilised, the design of a slot array groove gap waveguide antenna with very good impedance matching and desired side‐lobe level can be accomplished in a fast optimisation process. Using the proposed method, slot array antennas with uniform and Chebyshev distribution of slots are designed. Finally, a prototype of a designed antenna is fabricated and its reflection coefficient and radiation pattern are measured to provide an experimental verification.
Integrated structure and precision control of flat voice coil actuator for non‐contact satellite
Authors: Tang Zhongxing , Xu Yufei , Jiang Bin , Liao He , Zhao Yanbin
Published: February 2019

The disturbance caused by actuator is an important factor affecting the performance of the high‐precision payload, and a new actuator is urgently required for the non‐contact satellite. First, a flat voice coil actuator (VCA) with high precision and high bandwidth is proposed for the non‐contact ultra‐quiet satellite, and the principle of the eddy current sensor is analysed. Second, an optimised integrated structure is proposed with the flat actuator to output high‐precision forces and the eddy current sensor to measure the distance of the displacement. The mathematical model of the VCA is established, and the precision of output force is studied. Third, the attitude control using six actuators in Stewart configuration is discussed, and the compensation method of unbalanced torque is provided. Finally, physical test is taken on the principle prototype, and numerical simulations are implemented to verify the effectiveness of the integrated structure and the control methodology.
GPI observer‐based composite current‐constrained control approach for DC–DC buck converters
Authors: Wang Zuo , Guo Tianliang , Wang Xiangyu , Li Shihua
Published: February 2019

In this study, overcurrent protection technique is investigated for the voltage regulation problem of the DC–DC buck converter system with time‐varying disturbances and uncertainties. Normally, fast dynamics during the start‐up phase generates large transient current. The overlarge transient current may lead to risks of hardware damage. By selecting conservative control parameters, the current constrained performance can be realised. However, the transient performance and disturbance rejection ability are sacrificed. It is of significant importance to design a controller which keeps a good balance between dynamic performance and overcurrent protection. Moreover, the control accuracy is inevitable affected by the time‐varying disturbances effects, including load variations, input voltage fluctuations and circuit parameter perturbations. In this paper, the control design is divided into two parts. Firstly, by inserting a dynamic penalty term into the state feedback controller, a baseline current‐constrained scheme is developed. Rigorous stability analysis and current constraint performance are given under the presented baseline controller. Secondly, taking the time‐varying disturbances into account, a novel GPI observer‐based composite current‐constrained controller can be developed by combining disturbance estimations and the baseline controller. Experimental results are provide to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented control strategy.
Decentralised controller design for a class of interconnected systems
Authors: Zhu Lei , Lv Yuezu
Published: February 2019

This study considers the decentralised controller design for interconnected systems. For the case that the interconnections satisfy certain matching conditions, a decentralised static controller is presented, which is designed in a separate way. On the basis of the presented controller, a relaxed sufficient condition is proposed, and the corresponding decentralised static controller is also given. Furthermore, the decentralised dynamic controller is designed for interconnected systems with two subsystems satisfying the relaxed sufficient condition. The efficiency of proposed controllers is demonstrated both theoretically and numerically.
Design of intelligent control system for networkable stereo garage based on microprocessor
Authors: Xue Yufeng , Niu Dan , Yue You , Li Tao , Li Fan , Huang Xueying
Published: February 2019

The demand for stereo garages has been an urgent issue as the number of vehicles in China has been soaring these years. An intelligent control system for networked stereo garages is introduced here. Based on authors’ design, the movement of the parking plate is controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC). PLC sends the parking space status, the limit switch state, and the motor running parameters to the acorn RSIC machine (ARM) control system. The ARM control system then uploads the license plate recognition result and the garage operation data to the cloud platform instantly through internal network. The cloud platform would develop corresponding control strategies based on data received from the cloud portal (website and application (APP)) and the ARM controller. The test result of the system indicates that it meets the requirements of relevant technical indicators and the actual needs of users.
Generic frequency dependence for the atmospheric tidal torque of terrestrial planets
Authors: Auclair-Desrotour P. , Leconte J. , Mergny C.
Published: February 2019

Context. Thermal atmospheric tides have a strong impact on the rotation of terrestrial planets. They can lock these planets into an asynchronous rotation state of equilibrium.

Aims. We aim to characterize the dependence of the tidal torque resulting from the semidiurnal thermal tide on the tidal frequency, the planet orbital radius, and the atmospheric surface pressure.

Methods. The tidal torque was computed from full 3D simulations of the atmospheric climate and mean flows using a generic version of the LMDZ general circulation model in the case of a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere. Numerical results are discussed with the help of an updated linear analytical framework. Power scaling laws governing the evolution of the torque with the planet orbital radius and surface pressure are derived.

Results. The tidal torque exhibits (i) a thermal peak in the vicinity of synchronization, (ii) a resonant peak associated with the excitation of the Lamb mode in the high frequency range, and (iii) well defined frequency slopes outside these resonances. These features are well explained by our linear theory. Whatever the star–planet distance and surface pressure, the torque frequency spectrum – when rescaled with the relevant power laws – always presents the same behaviour. This allows us to provide a single and easily usable empirical formula describing the atmospheric tidal torque over the whole parameter space. With such a formula, the effect of the atmospheric tidal torque can be implemented in evolutionary models of the rotational dynamics of a planet in a computationally efficient, and yet relatively accurate way.