bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing a bioelectrochemical method for highly selective enumeration of magnetotactic bacteria
Authors: Memarpoor-Yazdi Mina , Haghighatian Sara , Doroodmand Mohammad Mahdi , Derakhshandeh Abdollah , Moezzi Maryam Sadat
Published: May 2020

In this study, we employed an electrochemical (potentiometric) method to enumerate magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) during its coupling with iodometric titration to obtain a selective, precise and rapid counting system. Oxygen was considered as an important factor for the orientation and movement of MTB towards the magnet-modified indicator electrode. In the direct potentiometry, a linear correlation was detected between potentiometric response and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. By the increase of the DO concentration, potential difference would increase in the range of 4.0 to 20.0 parts per million (ppm) at different pressure conditions. The reliability of the O2 bio-sensing feature provides a selective MTB-based cell enumeration methodology based on indirect potentiometric titration. Furthermore, a five-minute H2-purging resulted in an increase of potentiometric response sensitivity arising from the decrease in DO concentration of the electrolyte solution. Results were also investigated by zeta potential difference, which show the effect of charge density of MTB in presence of DO. Zeta potential was increased proportionally by addition of the MTB population. Regarding the reliability of the suggested method, data obtained by the designed system showed no statistical difference from those obtained by the most common procedure in microbiology for enumeration of bacteria, known as colony forming unit (CFU) method.
Tunable optical and magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr rotations in a dielectric slab doped with double-V type atoms
Authors: Vafafard Azar , Sahrai Mostafa
Published: May 2020

We theoretically investigate the optical and magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr rotations of a probe field that propagates through a nonmagnetic dielectric slab doped with double-V type atoms. Both rotations and corresponding ellipticities, as well as the intensities of transmitted and reflected beams, are modified by quantum coherence induced in the atomic system. We show that applying a control laser field makes the system optically active and simultaneously, transparent to one component of the probe field. We demonstrate that the response of the slab can be modified both electrically and magnetically. Applying the second control laser field with different Rabi frequencies improves the optical properties of the slab due to the induced coherent effects. We present analytical expressions for facilitating the detailed study of the system behaviors. Magneto-optical Faraday rotation 45° with transmission close to $$100 \% $$100% and large Kerr rotation with high reflection are significant results from the influence of both the control and magnetic fields on such a small structure. By prevailing over the tradeoff between reflection and rotation, the proposed model could be considered as a special candidate for rotating the polarization plane of the transmitted and reflected beams, simultaneously.
Histological grading evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after bariatric surgery: a retrospective and longitudinal observational cohort study
Authors: Chaim Felipe David Mendonça , Pascoal Lívia Bitencourt , Chaim Fábio Henrique Mendonça , Palma Bruna Biazon , Damázio Tiago Andrade , da Costa Larissa Bastos Eloy , Carvalho Rita , Cazzo Everton , Gestic Martinho Antônio , Utrini Murillo Pimentel , Milanski Marciane , Chaim Elinton Adami , Leal Raquel Franco
Published: May 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic disease with several degrees of histological features which may progress to cirrhosis. Obesity is an important risk factor and although NAFLD has no specific pharmacological treatment, bariatric surgery has been associated with NAFLD regression in severely obese patients. However, few longitudinal histological studies support this finding. Therefore, firstly, a retrospective study was performed including clinical and histological data of 895 obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. In addition, histological analyses of 30 patient’s liver biopsies were evaluated at two timepoints (T1 and T2). The retrospective analysis of the total number of patients revealed that the average body mass index (BMI) was 35.91 ± 2.81 kg/m2. The liver biopsies during bariatric surgery showed that 53.52% did not present NAFLD, 30.16% had NASH, 15.98% isolated steatosis and 0.34% liver cirrhosis. The median BMI of the longitudinal cohort decreased from 37.9 ± 2.21 kg/m2 at the time of bariatric surgery (T1) to 25.69 ± 3.79 kg/m2 after 21 ± 22 months after the procedure (T2). The prevalence of NAFLD in T1 was 50%, and 16.67% in T2. The histological area of collagen fiber was lower in T2 compared to T1 (p = 0.0152) in the majority of patients, which was also illustrated by immunohistochemistry for Kupffer cell and myofibroblast formation markers. These findings confirmed the NAFLD regression after bariatric surgery and, for the first time, showed the amelioration of these features using more accurate histopathological techniques.
The role of the microbiome and psychosocial stress in the expression and activity of drug metabolizing enzymes in mice
Authors: Zemanová Nina , Anzenbacher Pavel , Zapletalová Iveta , Jourová Lenka , Hermanová Petra , Hudcovic Tomáš , Kozáková Hana , Vodička Martin , Pácha Jiří , Anzenbacherová Eva
Published: May 2020

The gut microbiota is involved in a number of different metabolic processes of the host organism, including the metabolism of xenobiotics. In our study, we focused on liver cytochromes P450 (CYPs), which can metabolize a wide range of exo- and endogenous molecules. We studied changes in mRNA expression and CYP enzyme activities, as well as the mRNA expression of transcription factors that have an important role in CYP expression, all in stressed germ-free (GF) and stressed specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice. Besides the presence of the gut microbiota, we looked at the difference between acute and chronic stress. Our results show that stress has an impact on CYP mRNA expression, but it is mainly chronic stress that has a significant effect on enzyme activities along with the gut microbiome. In acutely stressed mice, we observed significant changes at the mRNA level, however, the corresponding enzyme activities were not influenced. Our study suggests an important role of the gut microbiota along with chronic psychosocial stress in the expression and activity of CYPs, which can potentially lead to less effective drug metabolism and, as a result, a harmful impact on the organism.
Quadratus Lumborum Block As A Single Anesthetic Method For Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal (Tep) Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Favaro Murillo de Lima , Gabor Silvio , Souza Diogo Barros Florenzano , Araújo Anderson Alcoforado , Milani Ana Luiza Castro , Ribeiro Junior Marcelo Augusto Fontenelle
Published: May 2020

Minimally invasive surgery for inguinal hernia repair is advantageous in terms of return to usual activities and lower rates of chronic pain; however, it requires general anesthesia. This study sought to analyze the benefits of ultrasound guided locoregional anesthesia of the quadratus lumborum muscle (QL block) as a single anesthetic technique for endoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair with regard to postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost. A total of 46 patients, aged 18 to 80 years, with unilateral inguinal hernia, one group that received general anesthesia and one that received sedation and QL block for TEP inguinal hernia repair. In the 46 patients the median pain score 6 hours after surgery was significantly lower (2 versus 4) among the QL block group than among the group receiving general anesthesia. Consequently, the former group showed a briefer median hospital stay (6 versus 24 hours, respectively). The anesthesia and hospital costs were also lower for the QL block group, with median reductions of 64.15% and 25%, respectively. QL block is a safe and effective option for patients undergoing TEP inguinal hernia repair, given the observed reduction in early postoperative pain, briefer hospital stay, and decreased anesthesia and hospital costs.
Mitochondriotropic lanthanide nanorods: implications for multimodal imaging
Authors: Singh Harwinder , Sreedharan Sreejesh , Oyarzabal Esteban , Mahapatra Tufan Singha , Green Nicola , Shih Yen-Yu Ian , Das Manasmita , Thomas Jim. A. , Pramanik Sumit Kumar , Das Amitava
Published: May 2020

Two-photo active lanthanide nanorods as an efficient reagent for bimodal imaging.
Controlled synthesis of three dimensional hierarchical graphene nanostructures from metal complexes as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Xiuli , Zhang Feng , Fei Ban , Song Yu , Zhai Bin , Wang Xiuying
Published: May 2020

Three dimensional hierarchical graphene nanostructures with refined secondary structures and primary nanobuilding units are realized here via a metal complex strategy.
C–H⋯S interaction exhibits all the characteristics of conventional hydrogen bonds
Authors: Ghosh Sanat , Chopra Pragya , Wategaonkar Sanjay
Published: May 2020

This is a tale of a pair of a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, namely the CH donor and sulphur acceptor, neither of which is a conventional hydrogen bond participant.
A novel geometric structure of a nanocluster with an irregular kernel: Ag30Cu14(TPP)4(SR)28
Authors: Li Jiale , Li Hao , Yu Haizhu , Chai Jinsong , Li Qinzhen , Song Yongbo , Zhang Zhongjie , Zhu Manzhou
Published: May 2020

A novel geometric structure of an Ag30Cu14(TPP)4(SR)28 nanocluster with an irregular kernel is reported; furthermore, both the Ag27 core and Ag3Cu14(TPP)4(SR)28 shell show C2 symmetry which contributes to the chirality of the structure.
Systematic bioinformatic analysis of nutrigenomic data of flavanols in cell models of cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Ruskovska Tatjana , Massaro Marika , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Arola-Arnal Anna , Muguerza Begoña , Vanden Berghe Wim , Declerck Ken , Bravo Francisca Isabel , Calabriso Nadia , Combet Emilie , Gibney Eileen R. , Gomes Andreia , Gonthier Marie-Paule , Kistanova Elena , Krga Irena , Mena Pedro , Morand Christine , Nunes dos Santos Claudia , de Pascual-Teresa Sonia , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Scoditti Egeria , Suárez Manuel , Milenkovic Dragan
Published: May 2020

Flavanol intake positively influences cardiometabolic health in humans – evidence fromin vitronutrigenomic studies.
Maximizing the sustainability of a macroalgae biorefinery: a superstructure optimization of a volatile fatty acid platform
Authors: Dickson Rofice , Brigljevic Boris , Lim Hankwon , Liu Jay
Published: May 2020

Macroalgae are a valuable energy source that can be transformed into numerous products most notably fuels and chemicals due to their high content of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins.
Urchin-like NiCoP coated with a carbon layer as a high-performance electrode for all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Ling Jingzhou , Zou Hanbo , Yang Wei , Chen Shengzhou
Published: May 2020

The NiCoP@C-ULAs composite with high conductivity, abundant pores and good physical structure shows high specific capacity and excellent cycling stability.
Reversible changes in the orientation of gold nanorod arrays on polymer brushes
Authors: Sekizawa Yu , Mitomo Hideyuki , Nihei Mizuki , Nakamura Satoshi , Yonamine Yusuke , Kuzuya Akinori , Wada Takehiko , Ijiro Kuniharu
Published: May 2020

Gold nanorod (GNR) arrays were prepared by GNR attachment on anionic polymer brushesviaelectrostatic interactions and their orientation reversibly changed by the modulation of interactions between GNRs and polymersviachanges in the solution pH.
Performance promotion of Ag2O photocatalyst by particle size and crystal surface regulation
Authors: He Jian , Fu Hongyan , Wu Pan , Lin Zehao , Zeng Ya , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2020

Photocatalytic performance of Ag2O was greatly improved by adjusting the crystal plane structure and size with pyridine, which promoted the application of Ag2O to actual industrial printing and dyeing wastewater treatment systems.
Surface-coordinated metal–organic framework thin films (SURMOFs) for electrocatalytic applications
Authors: Xiao Yi-Hong , Gu Zhi-Gang , Zhang Jian
Published: May 2020

This review first summarizes surface-coordinated metal–organic framework thin films (SURMOFs) for electrocatalytic applications.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(vinyl acetate) block copolymer particles with various morphologies via RAFT/MADIX aqueous emulsion PISA
Authors: Galanopoulo Paul , Dugas Pierre-Yves , Lansalot Muriel , D'Agosto Franck
Published: May 2020

The polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) of amphiphilic diblock copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(vinyl acetate) in water was achieved through macromolecular design via interchange of xanthate (MADIX) polymerization in emulsion.
Photo-induced carbocation-enhanced charge transport in single-molecule junctions
Authors: Bei Zhongwu , Huang Yuan , Chen Yangwei , Cao Yiping , Li Jin
Published: May 2020

We report the first example of photo-induced carbocation-enhanced charge transport in triphenylmethane junctions using the scanning tunneling microscopy break junction (STM-BJ) technique.
Cotinine inhibits TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and improves deep vein thrombosis in rats
Authors: Cheng Zhiyuan , Jia Wei , Tian Xuan , Jiang Peng , Zhang Yunxin , Li Jinyong , Tian Chenyang , Liu Jianlong
Published: May 2020

Background: The present study was designed to explore the regulatory mechanisms and influences of cotinine on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in rats via the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κ binding (TLR-4/NF-κB) pathway. Methods: In this experimental study, 30 SD rats were randomly assigned to control group, sham operation group, model group, cotinine (10 μg/kg) group, and model + cotinine (10 μg/kg) group. The thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), TLR4, NF-κB, and p65 mRNA and protein expression and tissue changes were analyzed by ELISA, Hematoxylin–Eosin (HE) staining, RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results: There was no significant difference between the control and sham operation groups (P>0.05). The model and cotinine groups showed significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of TXB2, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), PAI, TLR-4, and NF-κB, and significantly lower levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA than the control and sham operation groups (P<0.05), and the model + cotinine group showed significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of TXB2, IL-6 and TNF-α, PAI, TLR-4, and NF-κB and significantly lower levels of 6-keto-PGF1α and t-PA than the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Cotinine can aggravate thrombus and inflammation in rats with DVT, and the mechanism may be associated with the activation of the TLR-4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.
QoS‐enabled resource allocation algorithm in internet of vehicles with mobile edge computing
Authors: Wang Ge , Xu Fangmin , Zhao Chenglin
Published: May 2020

Along with the development of 5G technology in mobile sensing and wireless communication, the internet of vehicles (IoV) has drawn much attention from the research community. The traditional centralised cloud‐based IoV network has become a bottleneck in providing computation‐intensive, high‐mobility and low‐latency services. As a promising computing paradigm, mobile edge computing (MEC) addresses such challenges. In this study, the authors propose a hierarchical IoV system, combined with MEC. They then focus on the problem of quality of service (QoS)‐enabled resource allocation for computing tasks in the system. However, the existing studies often fail to take into account different delay tolerances between different task types. In order to optimise the completion delay, they design an approach to classify tasks into different priorities according to their delay tolerances and then reorder tasks. After reordering, they use a reinforcement learning algorithm to allocate resources automatically and intelligently. Simulation results confirm that the proposed scheme is feasible and effective in the aspects of time efficiency and outage probability.
Fault detection for a class of uncertain Lipschitz systems with time delays in finite‐frequency domain
Authors: Cheng Peng , Cai Chenxiao
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the problem of fault detection (FD) filter design for a class of uncertain Lipschitz systems with time delays, unknown faults, parameter uncertainties and bounded disturbances. A novel FD filter is proposed and the augmented filter system is converted to a linear parameter varying (LPV) system by the reformulated Lipschitz property. Then, two bounded real lemmas (BRLs) are given for the generated residual signal to achieve the fault sensitivity performance in low‐/middle‐/high‐frequency domains and disturbance attenuation performance in the full‐frequency domain. Next, the obtained BRLs are further converted into a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to implement the filter design. Finally, two illustrative simulations including a numerical example and Chua's circuit system clearly demonstrate the advantages of the developed FD scheme.
Resilient dynamic event‐triggered control for multi‐area power systems with renewable energy penetration under DoS attacks
Authors: Cheng Zihao , Yue Dong , Hu Songlin , Huang Chongxin , Dou Chunxia , Ding Xiaohua
Published: May 2020

Resilient dynamic event‐triggered control design problem is concerned for frequency stabilisation of multi‐area power systems with renewable energy penetration under transmission delay and denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. The main works are presented as followings: (1) A novel state‐space model is established to describe multi‐area power systems with solar and wind generation disturbance under load frequency control and virtual inertia control (LFC‐VIC). (2) The influence of DoS attacks is considered and first modelled by model‐based average dwell time (MDADT). A criterion of preserving desired exponential performance is obtained about the required lower bound of average dwell time (ADT) of sleep intervals, namely and the tolerable upper bound of ADT of attack intervals, namely . (3) To reduce communication load, a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (DETM) is proposed and designed jointly with resilient LFC‐VIC scheme by using piecewise Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method and LMIs technique. (4) To defence DoS attacks actively, based on the resulting MDADT criterion, a dynamic prediction strategy is proposed to compensate the packet drops with unknown bound subjected to attack strategy. Finally, a numerical example for a two‐area power system is carried out to verify the designed resilient LFC‐VIC scheme and the DETM.
Circularly‐polarised origami‐inspired folding patch antenna sub‐array
Authors: Espinal Francisco A. , Huff Gregory H. , Pallampati Sumana , Sessions Deanna , Fuchi Kazuko , Bazzan Giorgio , Seiler Steven R. , Buskohl Philip R. , Cook Alexander B. , Gillman Andrew S.
Published: May 2020

This work discusses the design of a microstrip patch antenna and its use as an orientation‐agnostic radiator in an origami‐inspired folding antenna array. The antenna is based on a perturbed circular patch design that is impedance matched to reside in a radial feed network for a 2 × 2 array. This 2 × 2 array can be switched to provide sum and difference pattern behaviour. Both the feed network and the ground plane are modified to enable folding of the structure according to the Miura‐ori pattern. The performance of a circularly polarised array is evaluated for a comprehensive range of fold angles to evaluate the impact of physical reconfiguration. Results for a simulated and fabricated circularly polarised array are provided for a 3 GHz design.
Anisotropic wet etching on the β‐phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) film
Authors: Miki Hirofumi , Sugii Ryota , Tominaga Taisuke , Tsuchitani Shigeki
Published: May 2020

The ability to fabricate micro patterns or micro structures directly on a flexible and piezoelectric β‐phase poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) film, has potential applications in the field of micro‐electro‐mechanical systems. The authors realised several tens to several hundred of micro patterns directly on a 110‐μm thick flexible β‐phase PVDF film by wet‐etching technology. Through experiments, the authors also found that the β‐phase PVDF film shows anisotropic etching characteristic in the proposed wet‐etching process. In this Letter, the authors reported β‐phase PVDF film micropattern fabrication process and its anisotropic wet‐etching properties for the first time.
Effects of deposition and annealing conditions on the crystallisation of NiTi thin films by e‐beam evaporation
Authors: Sun Hao , Luo Jianjun , Ren Zhongjing , Lu Ming , Shi Yong
Published: May 2020

This Letter demonstrates the effects of deposition and annealing conditions on the crystallisation of nickel–titanium (NiTi) thin films deposited by the e‐beam evaporation. NiTi thin films of 0.5 μm thick are fabricated on P‐type (110) silicon substrates using the e‐beam evaporation technique. With the characterisations using the X‐ray diffraction method, the results indicate that low e‐beam deposition rate and argon employed annealing procedures can be beneficial to the formation of NiTi crystalline structure. Additionally, the as‐deposited NiTi thin films without annealing procedures are amorphous, when deposited on the substrates at low temperatures. The differential scanning calorimetry studies show NiTi thin films formed by the e‐beam evaporation are Ni‐rich. Furthermore, SEM images illustrate that high‐precision patterned NiTi thin film microstructures can be fabricated by combining with the e‐beam evaporation and lift‐off resist methods, without any wet or dry etching procedures. The proposed fabrication process for NiTi thin film microstructures shows great potential for application in shape memory alloy medical devices, as well as the micro‐robotics.
Effect of micron aluminium powder on mechanical properties and microstructural in zirconia toughened alumina ceramics
Authors: Zhang Ruihao , Qi Bao , Wang Jie , She Xinwei , Ran Zhende , Jiang Xianquan
Published: May 2020

Traditional powder metallurgy was employed to prepare alumina–zirconia (Al2O3–ZrO2) and alumina–zirconia–aluminium (Al2O3–ZrO2–Al) ceramics. It was found that as the sintering temperature increases, the flexural strength of both ceramics increases first and then decreases. The maximum flexural strength of Al2O3–ZrO2 appears to be 430.7 MPa when sintered at 1650°C, and Al2O3–ZrO2–Al appears to be 448.8 MPa when sintered at 1600°C. As the sintering temperature increases, the grain size of each phase grows up, the porosity increases, the content of intragranular phase and monoclinic ZrO2 (m‐ZrO2) increases. The addition of Al powder improves the dispersion of ZrO2, reduces the porosity of zirconia toughened alumina ceramics, and improves the bending strength. Al powder increases the content of the intragranular ZrO2, restrains the t–m phase transformation, results in the decreases of the relative amount of m‐ZrO2 in ZrO2 (Xm). Adding Al powder during ball milling is a simple method to increase the content of intragranular ZrO2 in Al2O3–ZrO2 ceramics.
Room temperature high hydrogen gas response in Pd/TiO2/Si/Al capacitive sensor
Authors: Ratan Smrity , Kumar Chandan , Kumar Amit , Jarwal Deepak Kumar , Mishra Ashwini Kumar , Upadhyay Rishibrind Kumar , Singh Abhinav Pratap , Jit Satyabrata
Published: May 2020

This Letter reports the high gas response for hydrogen gas (H2) in Pd/TiO2/Si/Al based metal‐oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensor. Titanium oxide (TiO2) thin film deposited on the p‐type silicon (Si) substrate is used as the gate oxide of the MOS sensor. The surface morphology of thermally evaporated TiO2 thin film is investigated for the film structure using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The proposed MOS sensor characterised by capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G–V) measurements under exposure of different concentration of H2 gas at room temperature in the ambient‐air atmosphere. The maximum gas response of 65% calculated from the change in capacitance and 84% calculated from the change in conductance are obtained for the exposure of 4% of H2 gas. The obtained maximum gas responses are highly promising for low concentration detection of hydrogen gas (4%) using the fabricated MOS sensor operated at room temperature under zero bias voltage condition.
Two‐step hydrothermal preparation of poor crystalline MoS2 and its enhanced performance for dibenzothiophene hydrodesulphurisation
Authors: Huang He , Liu Na , Wei Jian , Wang Xueying , Luo Qinglong , Huang Xueli , Wang Xuefeng , Zhong Mei
Published: May 2020

Poor crystalline MoS2 was synthesised by a novel two‐step hydrothermal method, including aging and hydrothermal stages. The structures were characterised by different analytical methods such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The synthesised products were typical mesoporous materials with a high specific surface area (273 m2/g). XRD and XPS displayed that the products were poor crystalline MoS2 mixed with metal Mo and Mo4+/(Mo + Mo4+) was 72.6%. The electron microscopy results showed that the products were uniform bent nanosheets with150 nm diameter and 3–5 layers. Furthermore, the product displayed excellent hydrodesulphurisation performance of dibenzothiophene (DBT) and the DBT conversion reached 87.3%. Compared with the one‐step hydrothermal method, the two‐step one was able to shorten the reaction time by 12 h, create more active sites and affect crystalline, composition, specific surface area and morphology of products.
Interferons in the Therapy of Severe Coronavirus Infections: A
Critical Analysis and Recollection of a Forgotten Therapeutic Regimen with
Interferon Beta
Authors: Brzoska Josef , von Eick Harald , Hündgen Manfred
Published: May 2020

The pharmacological and immunological properties of interferons, especially those
of interferon beta, and the corresponding treatment strategies are described,
and the results of studies with different interferons in coronavirus infections
are analysed. Furthermore, the data obtained with high-dosed native interferon
beta in life-threatening acute viral diseases as well as the results of clinical
pilot studies with high-dosed recombinant interferon beta-1a are provided
because they serve as the rationale for the proposed therapeutic regimen to be
applied in acute viral infections. This regimen differs from those approved for
treatment of multiple sclerosis and consists of interferon beta-1a administered
as a 24 hour intravenous infusion at a daily dose of up to 90 µg for
3–5 consecutive days. Since under this regimen transient severe side
effects can occur, it is analysed which patients are suitable for this kind of
treatment in general and if patients with severe coronavirus infections could
also be treated accordingly.
Tibial Tray with a Stem: Does It Have Any Role in Primary Cemented Total Knee Replacement?
Authors: Samy Ahmed M. , Azzam Wael
Published: May 2020

Over many decades, total knee replacement (TKR) has become the ideal treatment option for advanced arthritis. Many designs were introduced to increase the stability of the tibial tray, hence the longevity of the prosthesis. This retrospective study was performed on 168 patients who received NexGen cemented primary total knee either with standard tibial tray (group A) or tibial tray with an intramedullary stem (group B) between May 2008 and May 2017. We reviewed all preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological data retrospectively. In addition, a prospective clinical and radiological reassessment was done. Our aim was to answer the following questions: (1) Is there any difference between both groups in regard to clinical and radiological results? (2) Is there any difference in the revision rate? (3) Is there a role of using stemmed tibial tray in primary TKR? Better results were recorded in obese and severely obese patients having stemmed cemented tibial tray and so for patients with marked and severe preoperative varus angle. Our recommendations are to use cemented tibial tray with a stem in complicated primary surgery without fear of adverse effects on short and intermediate terms of follow-up.
Study of the SET switching event of VCM-based memories on a picosecond timescale
Authors: von Witzleben M. , Hennen T. , Kindsmüller A. , Menzel S. , Waser R. , Böttger U.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we present an approach of measuring the SET kinetics of redox-based resistive memories at timescales below 100 ps. Automatic measurements with an RF pulse generator and a source measure unit allow the consecutive application of short electrical pulses and the precise detection of the device resistance. In addition, a statistical evaluation of the SET kinetics has been performed. By increasing the pulse duration in small steps, varying the pulse amplitude and collecting a comprehensive dataset, the transient resistance of a device can be determined at a picosecond timescale. With this setup, we measured the SET kinetics of two different valence change memory-based resistive switching oxides, namely, TaOx and ZrOx, between 50 ps and 250 ps. Two characteristic times were measured: the SET time, being the delay after which the transition to the low resistance state sets in, and the transition time, which is the timespan during which the resistance shifts from the high to the low resistive state. We measured SET times down to 50 ps and transition times below 15 ps for both materials. The intrinsic maximum switching speed is not reached yet, which is limited by the ion migration in the oxides, possibly corresponding to the phonon THz frequency. Although charging times and heating times potentially slow down the measured SET times, they still allow 50 ps writing times at voltages of less than 5.0 V.
Human Caesarean scar-derived feeder cells: a novel feeder cell type for culturing human pluripotent stem cells without exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor supplementation
Authors: Pavarajarn Wipawee , Rungsiwiwut Ruttachuk , Numchaisrika Pranee , Virutamasen Pramuan , Pruksananonda Kamthorn
Published: May 2020

In a feeder-dependent culture system of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), coculture with mouse embryonic fibroblasts may limit the clinical use of hPSCs. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of using human Caesarean scar fibroblasts (HSFs) as feeder cells for the culture of hPSCs. HSFs were isolated and characterised and cocultured with hPSCs, and the pluripotency, differentiation ability and karyotypic stability of hPSCs were determined. Inactivated HSFs expressed genes (including inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1), collagen alpha-1(I) (COL1A1) and fibronectin-1 (FN1) that have been implicated in the maintenance of hPSC pluripotency. When HSFs were used as feeder cells, the pluripotency and karyotypic stability of hPSC lines did not change after prolonged coculture. Interestingly, exogenous FGF2 could be omitted from the culture medium when HSFs were used as feeder cells for hESCs but not hiPSCs. hESCs cocultured with HSF feeder cells in medium without FGF2 supplementation maintained their pluripotency (as confirmed by the expression of pluripotency markers and genes), differentiated invitro into embryonic germ layers and maintained their normal karyotype. The present study demonstrates that HSFs are a novel feeder cell type for culturing hPSCs and that supplementation of exogenous FGF2 is not necessary for the Chula2.hES line.
Causer and causee as two higher-ranked thematic roles
Authors: Li Chao
Published: May 2020

On the basis of the argument realization of Mandarin resultative verb compounds, this paper argues that the Proto-Agent properties as well as the Proto-Patient properties proposed byDowty (1991)are not equal in status. Specifically, the Proto-Agent property corresponding to the Causer and the Proto-Patient property corresponding to the Causee are two higher-ranked properties. In a non-prototype approach to thematic roles, this means that the Causer and the Causee are two higher-ranked thematic roles that are immediately relevant to the argument realization of monotransitive causative predicates. The paper shows that, compared with Dowty’s equal-weight approach, the alternative approach recognizing the Causer and the Causee as two higher-ranked properties or roles can give a simpler, more effective, and more straightforward account of the argument realization associated with monotransitive causative predicates, including lexical causatives, morphological causatives, and resultatives. This study has implications for research in the argument realization of causatives involving three (or more) arguments as well. Meanwhile, it has implications for any theory utilizing thematic hierarchy because (i) none of the thematic hierarchies proposed in the literature includes both the Causer and the Causee and (ii) a complete theory of thematic roles needs to take these two higher-ranked roles into consideration.
Glucose limitation andpka1deletion rescue aberrant mitotic spindle formation induced by Mal3 overexpression inSchizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Tanabe Takuma , Kawamukai Makoto , Matsuo Yasuhiro
Published: May 2020

The cAMP-dependent protein kinase Pka1 is known as a regulator of glycogenesis, transition into meiosis, proper chromosome segregation, and stress responses in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We demonstrated that both the cAMP/PKA pathway and glucose limitation play roles in appropriate spindle formation. Overexpression of Mal3 (1–308), an EB1 family protein, caused growth defects, increased 4C DNA content, and induced monopolar spindle formation. Overproduction of a high-affinity microtubule binding mutant (Q89R) and a recombinant protein possessing the CH and EB1 domains (1–241) both resulted in more severe phenotypes than Mal3 (1–308). Loss of functional Pka1 and glucose limitation rescued the phenotypes of Mal3-overexpressing cells, whereas deletion of Tor1 or Ssp2 did not. Growth defects and monopolar spindle formation in a kinesin-5 mutant, cut7-446, was partially rescued by pka1 deletion or glucose limitation. These findings suggest that Pka1 and glucose limitation regulate proper spindle formation in Mal3-overexpressing cells and the cut7-446 mutant.
Newton Did Change His Views from Certainty to Probability
Authors: Shapiro Alan E.
Published: May 2020

Kirsten Walsh has criticized my interpretation of Newton’s view on the certainty of his new science of color, namely, that it shifted through his long career from one of certainty to probabilism. I defend my view by further considering his statements on certainty in his Optical Lectures, “New Theory about Light and Colors,” Query 31 of the Opticks, and Rule 4 added to the Principia in 1726.
Characteristics and techniques of GaN-based micro-LEDs for application in next-generation display
Authors: Wang Zhou , Shan Xinyi , Cui Xugao , Tian Pengfei
Published: May 2020

Due to the excellent optoelectronic properties, fast response time, outstanding power efficiency and high stability, micro-LED plays an increasingly important role in the new generation of display technology compared with LCD and OLED display. This paper mainly introduces the preparation methods of the GaN-based micro-LED array, the optoelectronic characteristics, and several key technologies to achieve full-color display, such as transfer printing, color conversion by quantum dot and local strain engineering.
Designer substrates and devices for mechanobiology study
Authors: Xi Wang , Delacour Delphine , Ladoux Benoit
Published: May 2020

Both biological and engineering approaches have contributed significantly to the recent advance in the field of mechanobiology. Collaborating with biologists, bio-engineers and materials scientists have employed the techniques stemming from the conventional semiconductor industry to rebuild cellular milieus that mimic critical aspects of in vivo conditions and elicit cell/tissue responses in vitro. Such reductionist approaches have help to unveil important mechanosensing mechanism in both cellular and tissue level, including stem cell differentiation and proliferation, tissue expansion, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. In this mini-review, we discuss various microfabrication methods that have been applied to generate specific properties and functions of designer substrates/devices, which disclose cell-microenvironment interactions and the underlying biological mechanisms. In brief, we emphasize on the studies of cell/tissue mechanical responses to substrate adhesiveness, stiffness, topography, and shear flow. Moreover, we comment on the new concepts of measurement and paradigms for investigations of biological mechanotransductions that are yet to emerge due to on-going interdisciplinary efforts in the fields of mechanobiology and microengineering.
Growth of aligned SnS nanowire arrays for near infrared photodetectors
Authors: Shen Guozhen , Chen Haoran , Lou Zheng
Published: May 2020

Aligned SnS nanowires arrays were grown via a simple chemical vapor deposition method. As-synthesized SnS nanowires are single crystals grown along the [111] direction. The single SnS nanowire based device showed excellent response to near infrared lights with good responsivity of 267.9 A/W, high external quantum efficiency of 3.12 × 104 % and fast response time. Photodetectors were built on the aligned SnS nanowire arrays, exhibiting a light on/off ratio of 3.6, and the response and decay time of 4.5 and 0.7 s, respectively, to 1064 nm light illumination.
Dynamic Analysis of Rotor-Seal System Considering the Radial Growth Effect of the Seal
Authors: Shet Vivek V , Sekhar A.S. , Prasad B. V. S. S. S.
Published: May 2020

Effect of the increase in operating speed, temperature and pressure ratio on turbomachine components must be studied and understood seriously. One of the major challenges is to choose a right initial clearance for seals considering the seal growth as it may affect rotor system dynamic characteristics and leakage performance. In the present study the dynamic response of the rotor system has been calculated considering the seal growth effect at each operating speed. It is been analyzed by the response plots and the orbital plots. The results show that the dynamic response of the system is influenced by radial growth of seal at lower pressure ratio and higher rotational speed. At higher pressure ratio the radial growth of seal has insignificant effect on rotor stability. In addition to these, the present study also emphasizes on the effect of the seal on the overall rotor system by comparing two different rotor-seal system.
Research of Using Inflatable Braking Devices in the Orbital Service System Application
Authors: Koryanov V V , Chen Danhe , Wei Xiaodie
Published: May 2020

In this scientific work are considered questions regarding the use of inflatable braking devices to deorbit spacecrafts, thus avoiding the formation of new space debris. The principle of this technology is to increase the ballistic coefficient by creating a larger cross-sectional area of the space vehicle (compared to the original one) due to the deployment of braking devices. The final form of the disclosed braking device may be different. In this case, the spacecraft can initially be equipped with brake devices during its design and assembly on Earth. Another option is when the braking device is installed on the spacecraft after it has been classified as space debris. In this case, we need to capture the space debris and install the device. But then, it requires space debris to have a standardized interface for docking. In this scientific work, several variants of the form, arrangement of types and types of inflatable braking devices are considered. Next, a comparison of these devices according to various criteria is made and a conclusion is made about the advantages and disadvantages of using each of them.
Performance Comparison of Load Frequency Control for Power System by ADRC Approach and PID Controller
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed. A. , Yang Guotian , Huang Congzhi
Published: May 2020

Load Frequency Control (LFC) is the main problem of power networks which outcomes because of mismatch between real power generation and consumption as the power consumption changes every period. therefore, the frequency of the power system may not be at rated value resulting in power quality problems.

Hence, the aim of LFC is to reduce the transient changes of area frequency and tie-line power transfer maintaining them at steady state. Moreover, the external disturbances and uncertainty factors, as well as parameters of the power system, causes a big problem for controller design in LFC. Therefore, this research describes a comparative consideration for Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) based LFC as an operational control strategy, which requires few information from the plant model and being robust against disturbances and uncertainties. Two intelligent controllers Particle Swarm Optimization (PSOA) Algorithm, Bacterial Foraging Optimization (BFO) mechanism are used for tuning Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller based LFC to acquire optimal values, taking into consideration single-area power system. The simulation results exhibit that the ADRC can obtain better performance than PID tuned by BFO and PSO in terms of frequency deviation and settling time.
An On-line Diagnosis Method of Broken Rotor Bars Fault in Motor of Aerospace Surveying Vessel via Salient Characteristic Residual Signal from Dynamic Model
Authors: Luo Q Y , Zi Y Y , Chen J L
Published: May 2020

Diagnosis of broken rotor bar fault in induction motors is a hot research focus in recent years. The most common method of diagnosis of this fault is to analyse the spectral characteristics of stator current. However the characteristic frequencies are too close to both sides of power frequency and usually covered by it in early failure. To overcome this limitation, this paper presents a method by introducing a dynamic model based on field-oriented control (FOC), which was widely applied in control. The FOC technique is modified to generate an estimated stator current signal in a little computation. The residual signal of stator current is produced by comparing the measured one and the estimated one as the motor running. The result of simulation shows that power frequency component is greatly reduced and the feature of fault is more significant than the measured current signal.
Research status and key technologies of all-day star sensor
Authors: Zheng Xunjiang , Huang Yongqin , Mao Xiaonan , He Feng , Ye Zhilong
Published: May 2020

The all-day star sensor can complete the star detection throughout the day to solve the problem that the sky signal is overwhelmed due to excessive sky background radiation during the daytime. In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the status quo of the all-day star sensor is presented, and the technical indicators of the typical all-day star sensor at home and abroad are introduced. In order to improve the detection ability of daytime stars, based on the factors affecting the detection performance of star sensors throughout the day, short-wave infrared technology is used to detect weak star signals. The small field of view lens design is adopted, and the hood in the optical system is optimized to achieve an extinction ratio of 8.65×10−6. Low-contrast star map processing is performed using spectral filtering methods. The target of daytime stargazing is achieved.
An Eight-parallel Hierarchical Constant Modulus Algorithm for Sixty-four Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
Authors: Chao GAO , Xiaojie WU , Libin JIAO , Xiaofeng LI
Published: May 2020

One derivative type of the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) termed hierarchical CMA (HCMA) is investigated for its parallel implementation with 8 lanes. Taking the essence of CMA, HCMA is also the steepest descent under the least mean-square (LMS) criterion theoretically. To update the tap coefficients of the equalizer, HCMA utilizes adjustable modulus in accordance with the dynamical amplitude of the baseband signals. The above mechanism of HCMA can make the expectation of the error estimation converge to 0. The 8-parallel HCMA adopts the framework of the pipelined LMS adaptive filter. On the basis of the iterated short convolution and the relaxed look-ahead approximation, the implementation of 8-parallel HCMA can reduce much multiplication. The numerical simulation indicates that HCMA performs better than CMA with evident gain for the equalization of 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
Experimental Study on Multi-Channel Positioning Technology of High Voltage Switchgear
Authors: Yu Jun , Li Ning , Zhao Jinlian , Reziya·Aierken
Published: May 2020

This paper introduces the basic principle of high voltage switchgear discharge, expounds several common discharge types, and studies the precise localization of partial discharge of high voltage switchgear based on hyperboloid positioning method and space grid search method. The simulation test of the diagnostic process is used to test the feasibility of the above method. On the basis of precise positioning of the power supply, the local discharge power supply is simplified to a Gaussian current source, and the pulse parameters are calculated by the combination of the simulated annealing algorithm and the fdtd method. Evaluation. Simulation results show that the method of using multiple sensor measurements can accurately evaluate the equivalent pulse width τ and equivalent current amplitude i0 of the simulated Gaussian pulse.
Research on Virtual Maintainability Verification Method of EMU Engine
Authors: Liu Yuan , Song Zuowei , Gao Peng , Liu Jian
Published: May 2020

Aiming at the problem of insufficient maintainability design method of EMU engine, a method of using virtual simulation to verify maintainability design is proposed. This paper mainly studies the quantitative evaluation method of maintainability index, and provides the quantitative evaluation method of accessibility and operation space based on virtual maintenance, the quantitative evaluation method of maintenance human factors and the calculation method of maintenance time. Combining with the characteristics of EMU engine system, the scheme design of virtual maintainability design software system for EMU engine is carried out, and the specific process of maintainability verification is given. The efficiency and quality of engine maintainability design and evaluation are effectively improved, and the development cycle is shortened. It is an effective method to realize the parallel optimization design of engine maintainability for EMU.
Research on Human Action Recognition Algorithm Based on Sine Feature
Authors: Zhang Haiyun , Dou Huazhou , Li Bo
Published: May 2020

Recent studies have shown that exploring features of the skeleton data is vital for human action recognition. Nevertheless, how to effectively extract discriminative features is still a challenging work. In this paper, we propose a novel method that extracts a sine feature for human action recognition from skeleton data. Kinect is used to extract human skeleton information (3D coordinates of each joint point) firstly, then two joint points are connected to define a skeleton vector according to the principle of human body structure, and the sine feature of each skeleton vector is calculated as a new pose description feature, SVM is used to classify the obtained features for human action classification. Experimental results on Cornell Activity Database are provided, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach.