bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response Rates in Online Surveys With Affective Disorder Participants
Authors: Burgard Tanja , Bošnjak Michael , Wedderhoff Nadine
Published: March 2020

Abstract. A meta-analysis was performed to determine whether response rates to online psychology surveys have decreased over time and the effect of specific design characteristics (contact mode, burden of participation, and incentives) on response rates. The meta-analysis is restricted to samples of adults with depression or general anxiety disorder. Time and study design effects are tested using mixed-effects meta-regressions as implemented in the metafor package in R. The mean response rate of the 20 studies fulfilling our meta-analytic inclusion criteria is approximately 43%. Response rates are lower in more recently conducted surveys and in surveys employing longer questionnaires. Furthermore, we found that personal invitations, for example, via telephone or face-to-face contacts, yielded higher response rates compared to e-mail invitations. As predicted by sensitivity reinforcement theory, no effect of incentives on survey participation in this specific group (scoring high on neuroticism) could be observed.
miR-4651 inhibits cell proliferation of gingival mesenchymal stem cells by inhibiting HMGA2 under nifedipine treatment
Authors: Han Xiao , Yang Ruzhuang , Yang Haoqing , Cao Yangyang , Han Nannan , Zhang Chen , Shi Ruitang , Zhang Zhengting , Fan Zhipeng
Published: March 2020

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is recognized as a side effect of nifedipine (NIF); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that overexpressed miR-4651 inhibits cell proliferation and induces G0/G1-phase arrest in gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) with or without NIF treatment. Furthermore, sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) analysis, bioinformatics analysis, and dual-luciferase report assay results confirmed that high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) is the downstream target gene of miR-4651. Overexpression of HMGA2 enhanced GMSC proliferation and accelerated the cell cycle with or without NIF treatment. The present study demonstrates that miR-4651 inhibits the proliferation of GMSCs and arrests the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by upregulating cyclin D and CDK2 while downregulating cyclin E through inhibition of HMGA2 under NIF stimulation. These findings reveal a novel mechanism regulating DIGO progression and suggest the potential of miR-4651 and HMGA2 as therapeutic targets.
Coriander Genomics Database: a genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolic database for coriander
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Nie Fulei , Chen Wei , Ma Xiao , Gong Ke , Yang Qihang , Wang Jinpeng , Li Nan , Sun Pengchuan , Pei Qiaoying , Yu Tong , Hu Jingjing , Li Xinyu , Wu Tong , Feng Shuyan , Li Xiu-Qing , Wang Xiyin
Published: March 2020

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), also known as cilantro, is a globally important vegetable and spice crop. Its genome and that of carrot are models for studying the evolution of the Apiaceae family. Here, we developed the Coriander Genomics Database (CGDB, http://cgdb.bio2db.com/) to collect, store, and integrate the genomic, transcriptomic, metabolic, functional annotation, and repeat sequence data of coriander and carrot to serve as a central online platform for Apiaceae and other related plants. Using these data sets in the CGDB, we intriguingly found that seven transcription factor (TF) families showed significantly greater numbers of members in the coriander genome than in the carrot genome. The highest ratio of the numbers of MADS TFs between coriander and carrot reached 3.15, followed by those for tubby protein (TUB) and heat shock factors. As a demonstration of CGDB applications, we identified 17 TUB family genes and conducted systematic comparative and evolutionary analyses. RNA-seq data deposited in the CGDB also suggest dose compensation effects of gene expression in coriander. CGDB allows bulk downloading, significance searches, genome browser analyses, and BLAST searches for comparisons between coriander and other plants regarding genomics, gene families, gene collinearity, gene expression, and the metabolome. A detailed user manual and contact information are also available to provide support to the scientific research community and address scientific questions. CGDB will be continuously updated, and new data will be integrated for comparative and functional genomic analysis in Apiaceae and other related plants.
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor MdbHLH3 modulates leaf senescence in apple via the regulation of dehydratase-enolase-phosphatase complex 1
Authors: Hu Da-Gang , Sun Cui-Hui , Zhang Quan-Yan , Gu Kai-Di , Hao Yu-Jin
Published: March 2020

Basic helix−loop−helix (bHLH) domain-containing transcription factors are known for their roles in regulating various plant growth and developmental processes. Previously, we showed that MdbHLH3 from apple (Malus domestica) has multiple functions, modulating both anthocyanin biosynthesis and cell acidification. Here, we show that MdbHLH3 also regulates ethylene biosynthesis and leaf senescence by promoting the expression of dehydratase-enolase-phosphatase complex 1 (MdDEP1). Therefore, we propose a model whereby MdbHLH3 acts as a crucial factor that modulates anthocyanin biosynthesis and cell acidification in addition to fruit ripening and leaf senescence by regulating distinct target genes.
Novel ARX mutation identified in infantile spasm syndrome patient
Authors: Takeshita Yohei , Ohto Tatsuyuki , Enokizono Takashi , Tanaka Mai , Suzuki Hisato , Fukushima Hiroko , Uehara Tomoko , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro , Takada Hidetoshi
Published: March 2020

We report a 7-year-old boy with infantile spasms caused by a novel mutation in theAristaless-related homeobox(ARX) gene. He showed infantile spasms and hypsarrhythmia on electroencephalogram from early infancy. Brain MRI did not reveal severe malformation of the brain except mild hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. Two-fold adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy failed to control the seizures, and ketogenic diet therapy and multi-antiepileptic drug therapy were required as he showed intractable daily tonic-clonic seizures. Exome sequencing identified a hemizygous mutation in theARXgene, NG_008281.1(ARX_v001):c.1448 + 1 G > A, chrX: 25025227 C > T (GRCh37). To our knowledge, this mutation has not been reported previously.
Modification of Adenovirus vaccine vector-induced immune responses by expression of a signalling molecule
Authors: Rollier Christine S. , Spencer Alexandra J. , Sogaard Karen Colbjorn , Honeycutt Jared , Furze Julie , Bregu Migena , Gilbert Sarah C. , Wyllie David , Hill Adrian V. S.
Published: March 2020

Adenoviral vectors are being developed as vaccines against infectious agents and tumour-associated antigens, because of their ability to induce cellular immunity. However, the protection afforded in animal models has not easily translated into primates and clinical trials, underlying the need for improving adenoviral vaccines-induced immunogenicity. A Toll-like receptor signalling molecule, TRAM, was assessed for its ability to modify the immune responses induced by an adenovirus-based vaccine. Different adenovirus vectors either expressing TRAM alone or co-expressing TRAM along with a model antigen were constructed. The modification of T-cell and antibody responses induced by TRAM was assessed in vivo in mice and in primates. Co-expression of TRAM and an antigen from adenoviruses increased the transgene-specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. Similar effects were seen when a TRAM expressing virus was co-administered with the antigen-expressing adenovirus. However, in primate studies, co-administration of a TRAM expressing adenovirus with a vaccine expressing the ME-TRAP malaria antigen had no significant effect on the immune responses. While these results support the idea that modification of innate immune signalling by genetic vectors modifies immunogenicity, they also emphasise the difficulty in generalising results from rodents into primates, where the regulatory pathway may be different to that in mice.
Scalable diagnostic screening of mild cognitive impairment using AI dialogue agent
Authors: Tang Fengyi , Uchendu Ikechukwu , Wang Fei , Dodge Hiroko H. , Zhou Jiayu
Published: March 2020

The search for early biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been central to the Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and dementia research community in recent years. To identify MCI status at the earliest possible point, recent studies have shown that linguistic markers such as word choice, utterance and sentence structures can potentially serve as preclinical behavioral markers. Here we present an adaptive dialogue algorithm (an AI-enabled dialogue agent) to identify sequences of questions (a dialogue policy) that distinguish MCI from normal (NL) cognitive status. Our AI agent adapts its questioning strategy based on the user’s previous responses to reach an individualized conversational strategy per user. Because the AI agent is adaptive and scales favorably with additional data, our method provides a potential avenue for large-scale preclinical screening of neurocognitive decline as a new digital biomarker, as well as longitudinal tracking of aging patterns in the outpatient setting.
Author Correction: The endocannabinoid hydrolase FAAH is an allosteric enzyme
Authors: Dainese Enrico , Oddi Sergio , Simonetti Monica , Sabatucci Annalaura , Angelucci Clotilde B. , Ballone Alice , Dufrusine Beatrice , Fezza Filomena , De Fabritiis Gianni , Maccarrone Mauro
Published: March 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enhancing photoluminescence of carbon quantum dots doped PVA films with randomly dispersed silica microspheres
Authors: Zhao Xun , Wang Ailin , Gao Sili , Yan Duanting , Guo Wanying , Xu Yingyue , Meng Yanli , Wang Chunliang , Shan Guiye
Published: March 2020

As a kind of excellent photoluminescent material, carbon quantum dots have been extensively studied in many fields, including biomedical applications and optoelectronic devices. They have been dispersed in polymer matrices to form luminescent films which can be used in LEDs, displays, sensors, etc. Owing to the total internal reflection at the flat polymer/air interfaces, a significant portion of the emitted light are trapped and dissipated. In this paper, we fabricate free standing flexible PVA films with photoluminescent carbon quantum dots embedded in them. We disperse silica microspheres at the film surfaces to couple out the total internal reflection. The effects of sphere densities and diameters on the enhancement of photoluminescence are experimentally investigated with a homemade microscope. The enhancement of fluorescence intensity is as high as 1.83 when the film is fully covered by spheres of 0.86 $${\boldsymbol{\mu }}$$
µ
m diameter. It is worth noting that the light extraction originates from rather the scattering of individual spheres than the diffraction of ordered arrays. The mechanism of scattering is confirmed by numerical simulations. The simulated results show that the evanescent wave at the flat PVA/air interface can be effectively scattered out of the film.
Germline-dependent transmission of male reproductive traits induced by an endocrine disruptor, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, in future generations
Authors: Barakat Radwa , Lin Po-Ching , Park Chan Jin , Zeineldin Mohamed , Zhou Sherry , Rattan Saniya , Brehm Emily , Flaws Jodi A. , Ko CheMyong J.
Published: March 2020

In males, defective reproductive traits induced by an exposure to an endocrine disruptor are transmitted to future generations via epigenetic modification of the germ cells. Interestingly, the impacted future generations display a wide range of heterogeneity in their reproductive traits. In this study, the role that the Y chromosome plays in creating such heterogeneity is explored by testing the hypothesis that the Y chromosome serves as a carrier of the exposure impact to future generations. This hypothesis implies that a male who has a Y chromosome that is from a male that was exposed to an endocrine disruptor will display a more severe reproductive phenotype than a male whose Y chromosome is from an unexposed male. To test this hypothesis, we used a mouse model in which F1 generation animals were exposed prenatally to an endocrine disruptor, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), and the severity of impacted reproductive traits was compared between the F3 generation males that were descendants of F1 males (paternal lineage) and those from F1 females (maternal lineage). Pregnant dams (F0 generation) were exposed to the vehicle or 20 or 200 μg/kg/day of DEHP from gestation day 11 until birth. Paternal lineage F3 DEHP males exhibited decreased fertility, testicular steroidogenic capacity, and spermatogenesis that were more severely impaired than those of maternal lineage males. Indeed, testicular transcriptome analysis found that a number of Y chromosomal genes had altered expression patterns in the paternal lineage males. This transgenerational difference in the DEHP impact can be attributed specifically to the Y chromosome.
The influence of phonon softening on the superconducting critical temperature of Sn nanostructures
Authors: Houben Kelly , Jochum Johanna K. , Couet Sebastien , Menéndez Enric , Picot Thomas , Hu Michael Y. , Zhao Jiyong Y. , Alp E. Ercan , Vantomme André , Temst Kristiaan , Van Bael Margriet J.
Published: March 2020

The increase in superconducting transition temperature (TC) of Sn nanostructures in comparison to bulk, was studied. Changes in the phonon density of states (PDOS) of the weakly coupled superconductor Sn were analyzed and correlated with the increase in TC measured by magnetometry. The PDOS of all nanostructured samples shows a slightly increased number of low-energy phonon modes and a strong decrease in the number of high-energy phonon modes in comparison to the bulk Sn PDOS. The phonon densities of states, which were determined previously using nuclear resonant inelastic X-ray scattering, were used to calculate the superconducting transition temperature using the Allen-Dynes-McMillan (ADMM) formalism. Both the calculated as well as the experimentally determined values of TC show an increase compared to the bulk superconducting transition temperature. The good agreement between these values indicates that phonon softening has a major influence on the superconducting transition temperature of Sn nanostructures. The influence of electron confinement effects appears to be minor in these systems.
A Comparative Study of ECG-derived Respiration in Ambulatory Monitoring using the Single-lead ECG
Authors: Varon Carolina , Morales John , Lázaro Jesús , Orini Michele , Deviaene Margot , Kontaxis Spyridon , Testelmans Dries , Buyse Bertien , Borzée Pascal , Sörnmo Leif , Laguna Pablo , Gil Eduardo , Bailón Raquel
Published: March 2020

Cardiorespiratory monitoring is crucial for the diagnosis and management of multiple conditions such as stress and sleep disorders. Therefore, the development of ambulatory systems providing continuous, comfortable, and inexpensive means for monitoring represents an important research topic. Several techniques have been proposed in the literature to derive respiratory information from the ECG signal. Ten methods to compute single-lead ECG-derived respiration (EDR) were compared under multiple conditions, including different recording systems, baseline wander, normal and abnormal breathing patterns, changes in breathing rate, noise, and artifacts. Respiratory rates, wave morphology, and cardiorespiratory information were derived from the ECG and compared to those extracted from a reference respiratory signal. Three datasets were considered for analysis, involving a total 59 482 one-min, single-lead ECG segments recorded from 156 subjects. The results indicate that the methods based on QRS slopes outperform the other methods. This result is particularly interesting since simplicity is crucial for the development of ECG-based ambulatory systems.
Narciclasine, an isocarbostyril alkaloid, has preferential activity against primary effusion lymphoma
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ramakrishnan , Matta Hittu , Choi Sunju , Chaudhary Preet M.
Published: March 2020

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with infection by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV). PEL is an aggressive disease with extremely poor prognosis when treated with conventional chemotherapy. Narciclasine, a natural product present in Amaryllidaceae family of flowering plants including daffodils, belongs to a class of molecules termed ‘isocarbostyril alkaloid’. We have found that narciclasine displays preferential cytotoxicity towards PEL at low nanomolar concentrations and is approximately 10 and 100-fold more potent than its structural analogs lycoricidine and lycorine, respectively. Narciclasine arrested cell-cycle progression at the G1 phase and induced apoptosis in PEL, which is accompanied by activation of caspase-3/7, cleavage of PARP and increase in the surface expression of Annexin-V. Although narciclasine treatment resulted in a marked decrease in the expression of MYC and its direct target genes,time-course experiments revealed that MYC is not a direct target of narciclasine. Narciclasine treatment neither induces the expression of KSHV-RTA/ORF50 nor the production of infectious KSHV virions in PEL. Finally, narciclasine provides dramatic survival advantages to mice in two distinct mouse xenograft models of PEL. In conclusion, our results suggest that narciclasine could be a promising agent for the treatment of PEL.
Isothermal confined pyrolysis on source rock and kerogens in the presence and absence of water: Implication in isotopic rollover in shale gases
Authors: Xu Hao , Pan Changchun , Zeng Lifei , Huang Wenkui , Zhou Chenxi , Yu Shuang , Liu Jinzhong , Zou Yanrong , Peng Ping’an
Published: March 2020

Isotopic rollover refers to that δ13C value of a gas component decreases with maturity. Its occurrence is closely related to high productivity of shale gas. Isothermal confined pyrolysis experiments (gold capsules) were performed to simulate this phenomenon on whole rock Lucaogou and kerogens Saergan, Wuerhe and Fengcheng in the absence (anhydrous) and presence of added water (hydrous) at 50 MPa, 372 °C and heating duration 0–672 h, corresponding to 0.96–1.85 EASY%Ro. For kerogen Saergan isolated from source rock with hydrogen index (HI) 159 mg/g TOC and 1.10–1.30% Ro equivalent, none of δ13C1, δ13C2 and δ13C3 showed any rollover in both anhydrous and hydrous experiments. For Lucaogou whole rock with HI 856 mg/g TOC and 0.50–0.60%Ro, both δ13C2 and δ13C3 showed rollover in anhydrous experiments while all δ13C1, δ13C2 and δ13C3 showed rollover with greater magnitude in hydrous experiments starting at 1.49–1.64 EASY%Ro. For kerogens Wuerhe and Fengcheng isolated from source rocks with HI of 550 and 741 mg/g TOC, and 1.18 and 0.96%Ro respectively, both δ13C2 and δ13C3 demonstrated rollover in anhydrous experiments while only δ13C2 showed rollover with minor magnitude in hydrous experiments starting at 1.47–1.53 EASY%Ro. The different effects of water on isotopic rollover among samples Lucaogou, Wuerhe and Fengcheng can be ascribed to rate related isotopic fractionation. Higher generation rate leads to minor isotopic fractionation and rollover magnitude. It was suggested that isotopic rollover likely occurs in a source rock having higher amount of initial retained oil prior to bulk oil cracking and currently within the major stage of oil-cracking to gas (1.50–2.00%Ro).
Dynamic plasticity of the lipid antigen-binding site of CD1d is crucially favoured by acidic pH and helper proteins
Authors: Cuevas-Zuviría Bruno , Mínguez-Toral Marina , Díaz-Perales Araceli , Garrido-Arandia María , Pacios Luis F.
Published: March 2020

CD1 molecules present lipid antigens for recognition by T-cell receptors (TCRs). Although a reasonably detailed picture of the CD1-lipid-TCR interaction exists, the initial steps regarding lipid loading onto and exchange between CD1 proteins remain elusive. The hydrophobic nature of lipids and the fact that CD1 molecules are unable to extract lipids from membranes raise the need for the assistance of helper proteins in lipid trafficking. However, the experimental study of this traffic in the endosomal compartments at which it occurs is so challenging that computational studies can help provide mechanistic insight into the associated processes. Here we present a multifaceted computational approach to obtain dynamic structural data on the human CD1d isotype. Conformational dynamics analysis shows an intrinsic flexibility associated with the protein architecture. Electrostatic properties together with molecular dynamics results for CD1d complexes with several lipids and helper proteins unravel the high dynamic plasticity of the antigen-binding site that is crucially favoured by acidic pH and the presence of helper proteins.
Heterospecific eavesdropping on an anti-parasitic referential alarm call
Authors: Lawson Shelby L. , Enos Janice K. , Mendes Niko C. , Gill Sharon A. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: March 2020

Referential alarm calls occur across taxa to warn of specific predator types. However, referential calls may also denote other types of dangers. Yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia) produce “seet” calls specifically to warn conspecifics of obligate brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), which lay their eggs in the warblers’ and other species’ nests. Sympatric hosts of cowbirds that do not have referential alarm calls may eavesdrop on the yellow warbler’s seet call as a warning system for brood parasites. Using playback presentations, we found that red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) eavesdrop on seet calls of yellow warblers, and respond as much to seet calls as to cowbird chatters and predator calls. Red-winged blackbirds appear to eavesdrop on seets as warning system to boost frontline defenses on their territories, although they do not seem to perceive the warblers’ seets as a cue for parasitism per se, but rather for general danger to the nest.
Liquid–liquid equilibrium in polymer–fullerene mixtures; anin situneutron reflectivity study
Authors: Hynes E. L. , Gutfreund P. , Parnell A. J. , Higgins A. M.
Published: March 2020

The fullerene diffusion and interfacial broadening onset in bilayers is strongly correlated with the Mw-dependent molecular mobility of the polymer.
Inverse leidenfrost drop manipulation using menisci
Authors: Gauthier Anaïs , Lajoinie Guillaume , Snoeijer Jacco H. , van der Meer Devaraj
Published: March 2020

The motion of droplets levitated above a liquid surface is controlled using the menisci rising against partially immersed walls.
A lanthanide ion-doped Ba3Sc2F12 phosphor: hydrothermal synthesis, morphological control, energy transfer, and temperature-sensing performance
Authors: Mao Yini , Jiang Li , Hu Shanshan , Tang Jianfeng , Luo Yu , Ding Xiaoyu , Chen Guannan , Yang Jun
Published: March 2020

Ba3Sc2F12 crystals were synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method with Ba/Sc raw material in a ratio of 3 : 2.
Insight into ferrihydrite effects on methanogenesis in UASB reactors treating high sulfate wastewater: reactor performance and microbial community
Authors: Jin Zhen , Zhao Zhiqiang , Zhang Yaobin
Published: March 2020

Ferrihydrite supplemented to establish DIET between iron-reducing bacteria and methanogens with Fe oxides in anaerobic digestion.
Synthetic pathways to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): an overview
Authors: Bloemendal Victor R. L. J. , van Hest Jan C. M. , Rutjes Floris P. J. T.
Published: March 2020

This review summarises various synthetic pathways leading to tetrahydrocannabinol and structurally related cannabinoids.
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of [60]fullerene-fused furochromenones and further electrochemical functionalization
Authors: Hussain Majid , Niu Chuang , Wang Guan-Wu
Published: March 2020

The palladium-catalyzed heteroannulation of [60]fullerene with 4-hydroxycoumarins affords [60]fullerene-fused furochromenones, which can be further derivatized via an electrochemical method to synthesize 1,2,3,4-adducts.
Development of hydrophobic reduced graphene oxide as a new efficient approach for photochemotherapy
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Mojtaba , Low Foo Wah , Hashemi Seyyed Alireza , Samsudin Nurul Asma , Shakeri Mohammad , Yusoff Yulisa , Rahsepar Mansoor , Lai Chin Wei , Babapoor Aziz , Soroshnia Sadaf , Goh Su Mei , Tiong Sieh Kiong , Amin Nowshad
Published: March 2020

rGO of QD-rGO nanocomposite could absorb and convert into heat when harvested under NIR radiation, resulting cell death with reduction of fluorescence.
API ionic liquids: probing the effect of counterion structure on physical form and lipid solubility
Authors: Ford Leigh , Tay Erin , Nguyen Tri-Hung , Williams Hywel D. , Benameur Hassan , Scammells Peter J. , Porter Christopher J. H.
Published: March 2020

Structure/property relationship of API IL counterions and salt physicochemical properties are investigated, the results highlight the complex interplay involved.
Regeneration of a deactivated surface functionalised polyacrylonitrile supported Fenton catalyst for use in wastewater treatment
Authors: Akinremi Caroline A. , Rashid Sanaa , Upreti Pushpa D. , Chi George T. , Huddersman Katherine
Published: March 2020

Successful attempts to regenerate a used surface functionalised nanocoated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) catalyst are described here.
Synthesis of an ordered nanoporous Cu/Ni/Au film for sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensing
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Jianwei , Qin Lirong , Liu Song , Zhang Qitao , Li Junxian
Published: March 2020

Ordered nanoporous Cu/Ni/Au film prepared by template method could be transferred and used as an effective glucose sensor.
Comparative study on the catalytic steam reforming of biomass pyrolysis oil and its derivatives for hydrogen production
Authors: Fu Peng , Zhang Andong , Luo Shan , Yi Weiming , Zhang Yuchun
Published: March 2020

Evolution of H2, CO, CO2 and CH4 during catalytic steam reforming of the bio-oil and its different derivatives was revealed.
Insight into anomalous hydrogen adsorption on rare earth metal decorated on 2-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride: a density functional theory study
Authors: Das Shreeja , Nayak Saroj K. , Sahu Kisor K.
Published: March 2020

The central rare earth cerium atom and underlying apolar B–N bonds in two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride facilitate a unique arrangement of hydrogen molecules which leads to fairly strong adsorption of eight hydrogen molecules per metal atom.
Structural properties of contractile gels based on light-driven molecular motors: a small-angle neutron and X-ray study
Authors: Mariani Giacomo , Colard-Itté Jean-Rémy , Moulin Emilie , Giuseppone Nicolas , Buhler Eric
Published: March 2020

The collective rotation of light-driven molecular motors actuates the structural changes and macroscopic contraction of the chemical gels.
Normal and shear forces between boundary sphingomyelin layers under aqueous conditions
Authors: Cao Yifeng , Kampf Nir , Lin Weifeng , Klein Jacob
Published: March 2020

Sphingomyelin boundary layers can maintain extremely low friction under high pressures both in water and at high salt concentration.
Iterative oxidation and sulfidation reactions: revival of bulk cobalt sulfide into an active electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Naveen Malenahalli Halappa , Khan Rizwan , Bang Jin Ho
Published: March 2020

A thermal route based on iterative oxidation and sulfidation reactions opens a new way to revive a bulk sulfide into an active electrocatalyst that would have otherwise performed poorly for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Hydrogen evolution from water using heteroatom substituted fluorene conjugated co-polymers
Authors: Bai Yang , Woods Duncan J. , Wilbraham Liam , Aitchison Catherine M. , Zwijnenburg Martijn A. , Sprick Reiner Sebastian , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: March 2020

The photocatalytic performance of fluorene-type polymer photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water in the presence of a sacrificial hole scavenger is significantly improved by the incorporation of heteroatoms into the bridge-head through a combination of factors.
A beginner's guide to flow kinetics
Authors: Bagshaw Clive R.
Published: March 2020

For a liquid flowing through a tube at constant velocity, the distance from the point of origin can provide a measure of the reaction time. This concept of continuous flow, first applied over a century ago to follow biochemical reactions by absorption spectroscopy, is now being used in conjunction with high-resolution structural methods such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The resultant kinetic information is crucial to understanding the mechanism.
Influence analysis of slot parameters and high torque density optimisation for dual redundant permanent magnet motor in aerospace application
Authors: Xu Jinquan , Zhang Boyi , Kuang Xiaolin , Guo Hong , Guo Si
Published: March 2020

This study proposes an optimisation approach of high torque density with guaranteed anti‐short‐circuit performance for the dual redundant permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in an aerospace application. The 10‐pole/12‐slot dual redundant PMSM with concentrated single‐layer windings is firstly proposed, which can restrain the short‐circuit current by the slot design to increase the phase inductance. Since the anti‐short‐circuit design may result in the torque density degradation of the dual redundant PMSM, the influence of the slot parameters on the torque performance of the dual redundant PMSM is thoroughly investigated, including the electromagnetic torque, braking torque, and no‐load torque. Furthermore, the genetic algorithm‐based optimisation method is proposed to maximise the torque density of the dual redundant PMSM, while the anti‐short‐circuit performance can also be guaranteed. Simulation and experimental results are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed optimisation method.
Switching frequency reduction technique for DSVM‐based predictive torque control of induction motor
Authors: Amiri Mohamad , Khaburi Davood A. , MiliMonfared Jafar , Khosravi Mahyar , Rodriguez Jose
Published: March 2020

This study proposes a new strategy to decrease the switching frequency of the predictive torque control–discrete space vector modulation (PTC–DSVM) method, which is a combination of the PTC scheme and the DSVM. The principle of the PTC–DSVM method is based on selecting a sequence of voltage vectors, called virtual voltage vectors, instead of a single voltage vector and applying it to the power converter in prefixed time intervals. The proposed switching frequency reduction method operates based on appropriately arranging the voltage vectors forming the virtual voltage vector so that, on average, a maximum of one commutation per inverter switching state change is achieved. As a result of the suggested method, the average switching frequency is reduced in all operating conditions, while the performance of the proposed method remains as satisfactory as the conventional approach. The reduction of switching frequency also results in a decrease in the switching losses. The proposed method is an offline approach and selects the appropriate application order for the real voltage vectors based on the described rules, which do not impose any further computational load to the control algorithm. In order to validate the proposed method performance, the control algorithm has been implemented on a laboratory prototype.
Sub‐domain modelling and multi‐variable optimisation of partitioned PM consequent pole flux switching machines
Authors: Ullah Wasiq , Khan Faisal , Sulaiman Erwan
Published: March 2020

Permanent Magnet Flux Switching Machines (PMFSMs) enclose unique features of permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machine, direct current machine, and switch reluctance machine therefore, applicable for high speed brushless AC applications. However, conventional PMFSMs exhibits demerits of high PM volume , high torque ripples , low average torque , lower torque density , power density and leakage flux. In this paper, a new topology of 12S‐13P and 6S‐13P E‐Core PM Consequent Pole Flux Switching Machines (PMCPFSM) with flux barrier and partitioned PM is proposed that eliminate leakage flux, enhanced flux modulation effects through flux barriers and reduces the PM volume up to 46.53%. Moreover, due to non‐linear behaviour of PM and complex stator structure alternate analytical sub‐domain model is utilized for initial design and Multi‐Variable Geometric Optimization (MVGO) is opted to investigate influence of design parameters on electromagnetic performances such as , , and . Analysis and comparison with the existing 12S‐10P E‐Core PMFSM, 6S‐10P E‐Core PMFSM, 6S‐10P C‐Core PMFSM and 12S‐14P C‐Core PMCPFSM reveals that proposed 6S‐13P PMCPFSM produced higher up to 88.8%, suppress maximum up to 14.72% and offer 2.45 times and capabilities, when compared with the aforesaid state of the art.
Understanding the distraction and behavioural adaptations of drivers when experiencing failures of digital side mirrors
Authors: Pampel Sanna M. , Southey Thomas J.R. , Burnett Gary
Published: March 2020

Digital mirrors within vehicles may improve aerodynamics and the field of view. Nevertheless, digital technology may fail. This study investigated the influences of different failures on distraction and behavioural adaptation, measured using glance and driving behaviour, as well as a workload questionnaire. Three failure conditions included a blank (no information), a degraded (hard to extract information), and a frozen (misleading information) display. In a high‐fidelity simulator, 30 participants undertook three drives in a UK motorway scenario. During the second drive, the right (offside) digital mirror failed during the instruction to conduct a left–right lane‐change manoeuvre, and remained until the end of that drive. Results show that failures led to longer and more glances towards the driver‐side mirror, increased variability of speed and lateral position, and heightened workload; however, these distracting and behavioural effects lessened in future drives. Behavioural adaptations in the form of increased rear‐view mirror or blind‐spot checks could not be established. There were indications that the blanked mirror affected workload less than the other failures.
Analysis of an efficient interleaved ultra‐large gain DC–DC converter for DC microgrid applications
Authors: Kurdkandi Naser Vosoughi , Nouri Tohid
Published: March 2020

This study deals with steady‐state analysis and control of a step‐up interleaved winding cross‐coupled inductor DC–DC converter with high voltage gain and reduced voltage stress across semiconductors using voltage multiplier cells (VMCs). Because of the interleaved scheme, the thermal stress is reduced and the input current ripple is minimised. The leakage energy is recycled by passive lossless clamp circuit to the output. Meanwhile, the voltage stress across the semiconductors is substantially low. Hence, MOSFETs with less ON‐state resistances and diodes with a less forward voltage drop can be utilised that improves the circuit performance. The operation principle and the steady state are discussed. Small‐signal modelling of the proposed converter is derived via state‐space averaging technique and a dual loop controller for output voltage regulation is designed. The adopted strategy utilises a fast dynamical inner loop to control the input current and an outer loop for the output voltage regulation. Finally, a 1 kW prototype with 60 V–1 kV voltage conversion is fabricated and tested to probe the carried analysis.
Photodissociation branching ratios of 13C16O and 12C18O in the vacuum ultraviolet region from 107 800 to 109 700 cm−1
Authors: Chi Xiaoping , Jiang Pan , Zhu Qihe , Cheng Min , Gao Hong
Published: March 2020

In this study, we present C+ ion photofragment spectroscopic studies and photodissociation branching ratio measurements for two CO isotopologs, 13C16O and 12C18O, in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) region from 107 800 cm−1 (92.76 nm) to 109 700 cm−1 (91.16 nm) using a time-slice velocity-map imaging setup and a tunable VUV laser radiation source generated by the two-photon resonance-enhanced four-wave mixing technique. Several absorption bands of 12C16O in the above energy region are reinvestigated up to higher rotational levels compared with previous studies. The results are compared among 12C16O, 13C16O, and 12C18O on a state-by-state basis, and the photodissociation branching ratios for channels C(1D) + O(3P), and C(3P) + O(1D) are dramatically changed for most of the absorption bands due to the substitutions of 12C by 13C and 16O by 18O. The branching ratios of 13C16O and 12C18O are close to each other due to their similar reduced masses. The strong and selective isotope effects obtained here not only provide useful information for understanding the complicated predissociation dynamics of CO, but are also important for developing a comprehensive photochemical model for explaining the C and O isotope heterogeneities as observed in the Solar System.
Improving energy efficiency of school buildings during winter season using passive design strategies
Authors: Zahiri Sahar , Altan Hasim
Published: March 2020

Passive building design can improve energy efficiency of buildings, while providing comfortable indoor environment for occupants with minimum mechanical energy use. The foundation of passive design depends on natural sources of energy, which uses building architecture and surrounding environment to minimise heating and cooling loads of buildings with minimum operating and maintenance costs. The correlation of local climate with shape and thermal performance of buildings is one of the main considerations of passive design approach to reduce energy use and increase thermal comfort of occupants. This paper focuses on a series of field studies and building simulation analysis to improve thermal performance of female secondary school buildings in the city of Tehran in Iran during winter season using passive design strategies. The field studies included measuring indoor air temperature, as well as a questionnaire-based survey in a cold winter season in a typical female secondary school building. The on-site monitoring assessed indoor air temperature of classrooms while the occupants completed questionnaires covering their thermal sensations and thermal preferences. Moreover, building thermal simulation analysis were carried out using DesignBuilder tool to evaluate and improve thermal performance of classrooms based on students' thermal requirements and passive design strategies. The simulation analysis started from the basic school building model, investigating various passive design strategies to predict the optimum design strategies for the case study. The simulation results determined how to provide classrooms that are more comfortable for students with minimum energy use. The results of the field studies indicated that indoor thermal environment were usually comfortable for female students based on 7-point ASHRAE scale. However, most of the occupants preferred their indoor thermal environment to be improved. Moreover, simulation results showed that building fabrics and thermal properties, as well as glazing and orientation had significant impacts on indoor air temperature and thermal comfort and using appropriate passive design strategies could improve energy efficiency of the building considerably. Therefore, in order to enhance indoor thermal environment and to increase learning performance of students, it is necessary to use appropriate low energy methods, which can reduce the needs for mechanical energy systems and hence save energy.
Psychosoziale Grundversorgung in Afghanistan: ein Beispiel für eine kultursensible Umsetzung von universellen Menschenrechten in einer Gesellschaft im Umbruch
Authors: Missmahl Inge
Published: March 2020

Die psychosoziale Versorgung in Afghanistan steht vor großen Herausforderungen, da sich die konfliktreiche Geschichte des Landes erheblich auf die psychische Gesundheit der Menschen ausgewirkt hat. Das Land erlebt derzeit einen dramatischen Wandel in seinen systemischen kulturellen Werten, die zu Konflikten innerhalb von Familien und darüber hinaus führen können. Psychosoziale Versorgung erfordert einen kulturell sensiblen Ansatz und hat sich als besonders erfolgreich erwiesen, wenn Berater*innen Klient*innen auf Augenhöhe begegnen und sich nicht nur auf die Selbstwirksamkeit des oder der Einzelnen konzentrieren, sondern auch auf das soziale Umfeld, um Muster der Viktimisierung zu durchbrechen.
Evaluation of Surgical Freedom for One-and-a-Half Nostril, Mononostril, and Binostril Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approaches
Authors: Yang Jin , Wen Guodao , Tang Chao , Zhong Chunyu , Zhu Junhao , Cong Zixiang , Ma Chiyuan
Published: March 2020

Objective This article determines which of the one-and-a-half nostril, mononostril, and binostril endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approaches provide a superior manipulation during surgery.

Methods The three approaches were orderly performed on 10 silicon-injected cadaveric heads to quantitatively assess surgical freedom and attack angle for sella. Measurements were determined with a standardized method under neuronavigation system using data of computed tomography.

Results The one-and-a-half nostril endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (OETA) offered superior exposed area than that of the mononostril approach (META), and similar to that of the binostril approach (BETA). For surgical freedom at anatomic targets, the OETA showed greater surgical flexibility at pituitary center, the right medial optic carotid recess (R-mOCR), the left mOCR, the medial intersection of the right cavernous internal carotid artery, and extension line of upper margin of the clivus (R-mICC) than those of the META, and similar to those of the BETA.

For sagittal angle of attack to the R-mOCR, R-mICC, and L-mOCR, the OETA can provide better angular freedom for surgeon than that of the META, and similar to that of the BETA. The OETA had the same axial attack to the pituitary center with the BETA. The OETA and the META had limited surgical freedom at L-mICC, and both inferior to the BETA.

Conclusion The OETA has similar exposed area, surgical freedom, and attack angle for most anatomic targets to the BETA without resecting contralateral nasal septal mucosa, and obviously superior to the META.
CT-MRI Image Fusion-Based Computer-Assisted Navigation Management of Communicative Tumors Involved the Infratemporal-Middle Cranial Fossa
Authors: Yang Rong , Lu Han , Wang Yang , Peng Xin , Mao Chi , Yi Zhiqiang , Guo Yuxing , Guo Chuanbin
Published: March 2020

Objective Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial for preoperative assessment of the three-dimensional (3D) spatial position relationships of tumor, vital vessels, brain tissue, and craniomaxillofacial bones precisely. The value of CT-MRI-based image fusion was explored for the preoperative assessment, virtual planning, and navigation surgery application during the treatment of communicative tumors involved the infratemporal fossa (ITF) and middle cranial fossa.

Methods Eight patients with infratemporal-middle cranial fossa communicative tumors (ICFCTs) were enrolled in this retrospective study. Plain CT, contrast CT, and MRI image data were imported into a workstation for image fusion, which were used for 3D image reconstruction, virtual surgical planning, and intraoperative navigation sequentially. Therapeutic effect was evaluated through the clinical data analysis of ICFCT patients after CT-MRI image fusion-based navigation-guided biopsy or surgery.

Results High-quality CT-MRI image fusion and 3D reconstruction were obtained in all eight cases. Image fusion combined with 3D image reconstruction enhanced the preoperative assessment of ICFCT, and improved the surgical performance via virtual planning. Definite pathological diagnosis was obtained in all four navigation-guided core needle biopsies. Complete removal of the tumor was achieved with one exception among the seven navigation-guided operations. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in one patient with recurrent meningioma.

Conclusion CT-MRI image fusion combined with computer-assisted navigation management, optimized the accuracy, safety, and surgical results for core needle biopsy and surgery of ICFCTs.
Etiologies, Cerebral Vasomotion, and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Pathophysiology of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Ghali Michael G. Z. , Styler Michael J.
Published: March 2020

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome was characterized by Hinchey and colleagues in the 1990s. The condition frequently afflicts patients suffering from hematologic and solid organ malignancy and individuals undergoing transplantation. Cases are more frequently described in the adult population compared with children. In the pediatric population, malignancy, transplantation, renal disease, and hypertension represent the most common etiologies. Theories on pathogenesis have centered upon cerebrovascular dysautoregulation with increases in blood–brain barrier permeability. This generates vasogenic edema of the cerebral parenchyma and consequent neurologic deficits. The parietal and occipital lobes are affected with greatest prevalence, though frontal and temporal lobe involvement is frequent, and that of the contents of the infratentorial posterior cranial fossa are occasionally described. The clinical presentation involves a characteristic constellation of neurologic signs and symptoms, most typically inclusive of headache, visual-field disturbances, abnormalities of visual acuity, and seizures. Supportive care, withdrawal of the offending agent, antihypertensive therapy, and prophylactic anticonvulsants affect convalescence in majority of cases. The principal challenge lies in identifying the responsible agent precipitating the condition in patients with malignancy and those having undergone transplantation and thus deciding which medication among a multidrug treatment regimen to withhold, the duration of drug cessation required to effect clinical resolution, and the safety of resuming treatment with the compound. We accordingly reviewed and evaluated the literature discussing the posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children.
A Rare Case of Bilateral Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy Following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-Embryo Transfer (ICSI-ET)
Authors: Acet Ferruh , Goker Ege Nazan Tavmergen , Hortu Ismet , Sahin Gulnaz , Tavmergen Erol
Published: March 2020

Bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is a very rare form of ectopic pregnancy. The incidence is higher in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques or ovulation induction. We report the case of bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy. The patient was 30 years old and had a 3-year history of infertility; she was referred to the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program because of tubal factor infertility. A pregnancy resulted from the transfer of two embryos during an artificial cycle. Despite the increase in β-hCG values during the follow-up, 22 days after the embryo transfer, the β-hCG levels were 2,408 U/L and the serum progesterone (P4) level was 10.53 ng/ml. After application with methotrexate, β-hCG levels did not decrease effectively. Moreover, the sonographic screening revealed a suspicious bilateral tubal focus for ectopic pregnancy. A mini-laparotomy was performed and a bilateral tubal pregnancy was found. In the case of unilateral tubal pregnancy after the transfer of two embryos, the situation of the other tube should be systematically checked and β-hCG levels should be monitored.