bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of climate change and human activities on the water discharge and sediment load of the Pearl River, southern China
Authors: Wei Xing , Cai Shuqun , Ni Peitong , Zhan Weikang
Published: October 2020

Global climate change and human activities have important effects on the water discharge and sediment load of the Pearl River. In this study, the water discharge and sediment load were investigated by using hydro-meteorological data from 1954 to 2018. The linear regression, Mann–Kendall abrupt test and double mass curve were employed to detect trends and abrupt change-points in water discharge and sediment load and to quantify the effects of climate change and human activities on water discharge and sediment load. The results revealed that the annual sediment load exhibited a significant decreasing trend at a rate of − 2.24 × 104 t/year, regardless of water discharge, and an abrupt change occurred in 1998. Human activities, especially dam construction contributed 96% to this change, while 4% was due to climate change. El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events are often associated with low precipitation, resulting in low water discharge and sediment load, indicating that changes in ENSO periodicity could affect the inter-annual periodic variations of water discharge and sediment load. As population and economy boom, more dams are being built in the Pearl River basin, and special attention should be paid to the management and mitigation of the effects of dams on sediment load.
A novel severity score to predict inpatient mortality in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Altschul David J. , Unda Santiago R. , Benton Joshua , de la Garza Ramos Rafael , Cezayirli Phillip , Mehler Mark , Eskandar Emad N.
Published: October 2020

COVID-19 is commonly mild and self-limiting, but in a considerable portion of patients the disease is severe and fatal. Determining which patients are at high risk of severe illness or mortality is essential for appropriate clinical decision making. We propose a novel severity score specifically for COVID-19 to help predict disease severity and mortality. 4711 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. We derived a risk model using the first half of the cohort (n = 2355 patients) by logistic regression and bootstrapping methods. The discriminative power of the risk model was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). The severity score was validated in a second half of 2356 patients. Mortality incidence was 26.4% in the derivation cohort and 22.4% in the validation cohort. A COVID-19 severity score ranging from 0 to 10, consisting of age, oxygen saturation, mean arterial pressure, blood urea nitrogen, C-Reactive protein, and the international normalized ratio was developed. A ROC curve analysis was performed in the derivation cohort achieved an AUC of 0.824 (95% CI 0.814–0.851) and an AUC of 0.798 (95% CI 0.789–0.818) in the validation cohort. Furthermore, based on the risk categorization the probability of mortality was 11.8%, 39% and 78% for patient with low (0–3), moderate (4–6) and high (7–10) COVID-19 severity score. This developed and validated novel COVID-19 severity score will aid physicians in predicting mortality during surge periods.
Generation of an immortalised erythroid cell line from haematopoietic stem cells of a haemoglobin E/β-thalassemia patient
Authors: Trakarnsanga Kongtana , Tipgomut Chartsiam , Metheetrairut Chanatip , Wattanapanitch Methichit , Khuhapinant Archrob , Poldee Saiphon , Kurita Ryo , Nakamura Yukio , Srisawat Chatchawan , Frayne Jan
Published: October 2020

The β-thalassemia syndromes are the most prevalent genetic disorder globally, characterised by reduced or absent β-globin chain synthesis. HbE/β-thalassemia is a subtype of β-thalassemia with extremely high frequency in Asia. Studying molecular defects behind β-thalassemia is severely impeded by paucity of material from patients and lack of suitable cell lines. Approaches to derive erythroid cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) created from patients are confounded by poor levels of erythroid cell expansion, aberrant or incomplete erythroid differentiation and foetal/embryonic rather than adult globin expression. In this study we generate an immortalised erythroid cell line from peripheral blood stem cells of a HbE/β-thalassemia patient. Morphological analysis shows the cells are proerythroblasts with some early basophilic erythroblasts, with no change in morphology over time in culture. The line differentiates along the erythroid pathway to orthochromatic erythroblasts and reticulocytes. Importantly, unlike iPSCs, the line maintains the haemoglobin profile of the patient’s red blood cells. This is the first human cellular model for β-thalassemia providing a sustainable source of disease cells for studying underlying disease mechanisms and for use as drug screening platform, particularly for reagents designed to increase foetal haemoglobin expression as we have additionally demonstrated with hydroxyurea.
Casimir forces exerted by epsilon-near-zero hyperbolic materials
Authors: Nefedov Igor S. , Rubi J. Miguel
Published: October 2020

The Casimir force exerted on a gold dipolar nanoparticle by a finite-thickness slab of the natural hyperbolic material namely, the ortorhombic crystalline modification of boron nitride, is investigated. The main contribution to the force originates from the TM-polarized waves, for frequencies at which the parallel and perpendicular components of the dielectric tensor reach minimal values. These frequencies differ from those corresponding to the Lorentzian resonances for the permittivity components. We show that when the slab is made of an isotropic epsilon-near-zero absorbing material the force on the nanoparticle is larger than that induced by a hyperbolic material, for similar values of the characteristic parameters. This fact makes these materials optimal in the use of Casimir’s forces for nanotechnology applications.
Femtosecond electronic structure response to high intensity XFEL pulses probed by iron X-ray emission spectroscopy
Authors: Alonso-Mori Roberto , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Cammarata Marco , Ding Yuantao , Feng Yiping , Fritz David , Gaffney Kelly J. , Hastings Jerome , Kao Chi-Chang , Lemke Henrik T. , Maxwell Timothy , Robert Aymeric , Schropp Andreas , Seiboth Frank , Sikorski Marcin , Song Sanghoon , Weng Tsu-Chien , Zhang Wenkai , Glenzer Siegfried , Bergmann Uwe , Zhu Diling
Published: October 2020

We report the time-resolved femtosecond evolution of the K-shell X-ray emission spectra of iron during high intensity illumination of X-rays in a micron-sized focused hard X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) beam. Detailed pulse length dependent measurements revealed that rapid spectral energy shift and broadening started within the first 10 fs of the X-ray illumination at intensity levels between 1017 and 1018 W cm-2. We attribute these spectral changes to the rapid evolution of high-density photoelectron mediated secondary collisional ionization processes upon the absorption of the incident XFEL radiation. These fast electronic processes, occurring at timescales well within the typical XFEL pulse durations (i.e., tens of fs), set the boundary conditions of the pulse intensity and sample parameters where the widely-accepted ‘probe-before-destroy’ measurement strategy can be adopted for electronic-structure related XFEL experiments.
Polydeoxyribonucleotide-delivering therapeutic hydrogel for diabetic wound healing
Authors: Shin Da Yong , Park Ji-Ung , Choi Min-Ha , Kim Sukwha , Kim Hyoun-Ee , Jeong Seol-Ha
Published: October 2020

Patients with diabetes experience delayed wound healing because of the uncontrolled glucose level in their bloodstream, which leads to impaired function of white blood cells, poor circulation, decreased production and repair of new blood vessels. Treatment using polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), which is a DNA extracted from the sperm cells of salmon, has been introduced to accelerate the healing process of diabetic wounds. To accelerate the wound-healing process, sustained delivery of PDRN is critical. In this study, taking advantage of the non-invasive gelation property of alginate, PDRN was loaded inside the hydrogel (Alg-PDRN). The release behavior of PDRN was altered by controlling the crosslinking density of the Alg hydrogel. The amount of PDRN was the greatest inside the hydrogel with the highest crosslinking density because of the decreased diffusion. However, there was an optimal degree of crosslinking for the effective release of PDRN. In vitro studies using human dermal fibroblasts and diabetes mellitus fibroblasts and an in ovo chorioallantoic membrane assay confirmed that the Alg-PDRN hydrogel effectively induced cell proliferation and expression of angiogenic growth factors and promoted new blood vessel formation. Its effectiveness for accelerated diabetic wound healing was also confirmed in an in-vivo animal experiment using a diabetic mouse model.
Longitudinal assessment of U-shaped and inverted U-shaped developmental changes in the spontaneous movements of infants via markerless video analysis
Authors: Kinoshita Naoki , Furui Akira , Soh Zu , Hayashi Hideaki , Shibanoki Taro , Mori Hiroki , Shimatani Koji , Funabiki Yasuko , Tsuji Toshio
Published: October 2020

Various attempts have been made to elucidate the development patterns in the spontaneous movements of infants through longitudinal evaluations. Movement complexity has been found to demonstrate u-shaped changes in the measurements focusing on limb movements. However, researchers have not yet clarified how other characteristics, besides movement complexity, change over time. This paper presents a longitudinal evaluation of spontaneous movements in infants using evaluation indices calculated through markerless video analysis. Nine infants with corrected ages from $$-1$$

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1

to 15 weeks participated in the experiments. We confirmed the change in indices over time using statistical methods. Index changes can be classified as positively correlated, u-shaped, inverted u-shaped, and uncorrelated. We also confirmed that the u-shaped and inverted u-shaped indices are negatively correlated. Furthermore, the principal component analysis revealed that the first principal component had the inverted u-shaped changes with the corrected age. These results suggest that it is important to synchronize the inverted u-shaped variations in the movement and velocity with the u-shaped changes in the movement complexity for infant development.
Correlations between choroidal thickness and renal function in patients with retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Choi Sang Uk , Oh Ja Young , Kim Jee Taek
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation of renal function indices with sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) in treatment-naïve (naïve) eyes with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and systemic workup. Retrospective chart review was performed from Dec 2016 to Sep 2019 in patients newly diagnosed with treatment-naïve unilateral RVO. Ocular parameters, including SFChT, and systemic profiles, including renal function indices, were reviewed. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to check if there was a correlation between renal profiles and SFChT. A total of 56 patients were included in the study; 34 of them were branch RVO and 22 were central RVO patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that SFChT was positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P < 0.001). SFChT showed significant correlation with renal function indices. In addition, choroidal thickness may be considered as systemic biomarkers for renal function.
An enzyme-free capacitive glucose sensor based on dual-network glucose-responsive hydrogel and coplanar electrode
Authors: Cai Yingjie , Yang Dasheng , Yin Ruixue , Gao Yang , Zhang Hongbo , Zhang Wenjun
Published: October 2020

A physical capacitive sensor for glucose detection consisting of interdigital carbon electrodes (ICEs) fabricated by a direct laser writing technology and glucose-responsive hydrogel (DexG-Con A hydrogel) built by in situ UV curing.
Anthracene labeled poly(pyridine methacrylamide) as a polymer-based chemosensor for detection of pyrophosphate (P2O74−) in semi-aqueous media
Authors: Roy Saswati Ghosh , Mondal Subhendu , Ghosh Kumaresh
Published: October 2020

Two polymers, linear P1 and cross-linked P2, are employed in anion sensing. P1 exhibits fluorescence sensing of HPPi with a detection limit of about 1.63 ppm in aqueous DMSO. P2 exhibits selective naked-eye detection of PPi/HPPi via an indicator displacement assay (IDA).
Cucurbiturils regulating Fe3O4–Au nanoparticles as a multi-functional platform for Cd2+ sensing and nitrocompound catalysis
Authors: Song Zhaorui , Jiang Chenrui , Fizir Meriem , Wang Fangqi , Ye Sijing , Dramou Pierre , He Hua
Published: October 2020

Through the interfacial regulation of cucurbiturils (CBs), a novel multifunctional platform can sensitively detect Cd2+ and efficiently catalyze nitrocompounds.
Synthesis of heterocyclic compounds through nucleophilic phosphine catalysis
Authors: Huang Yifan , Liao Jianning , Wang Wei , Liu Honglei , Guo Hongchao
Published: October 2020

Nucleophilic phosphine catalysis is a practical and powerful tool for the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds with the advantages of environmentally friendly, metal-free, and mild reaction conditions.
Near-infrared light-controlled circularly polarized luminescence of self-organized emissive helical superstructures assisted by upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Juan Ao , Sun Hao , Qiao Jinghui , Guo Jinbao
Published: October 2020

The reversible switching of circularly polarized luminescence in a self-organized emissive helical superstructure using 980 nm NIR excitation light with different power intensities is reported for the first time.
Nanoscale crystal grain characterization via linear polarization X-ray ptychography
Authors: Gao Zirui , Holler Mirko , Odstrcil Michal , Menzel Andreas , Guizar-Sicairos Manuel , Ihli Johannes
Published: October 2020

Linear polarisation dependent X-ray ptychography is explored as a microstructural characterisation tool for crystal grain characterisation and orientation mapping on the nanoscale.
Selective polymorphism of α-glycine by acoustic levitation
Authors: Alieva Adriana , Boyes Matthew , Vetter Thomas , Casiraghi Cinzia
Published: October 2020

This work demonstrates the selective crystallisation of α-glycine from water and a binary solvent mixture by acoustic levitation.
In situ anion-doped epitaxial strontium titanate films
Authors: Tyunina M. , Pacherova O. , Nepomniashchaia N. , Vetokhina V. , Cichon S. , Kocourek T. , Dejneka A.
Published: October 2020

Oxygen vacancies, hydrogen, or nitrogen are introduced in strontium titanate during the epitaxial growth of compressively strained films.
Isonitriles as supporting and non-innocent ligands in metal catalysis
Authors: Knorn Matthias , Lutsker Eugen , Reiser Oliver
Published: October 2020

Isonitriles are unique ligands for metal catalysis, owing to the possibility of their steric and electronic tuning as well as their non-innocent nature to undergo transformations with nucleophiles.
Revealing the structure–activity relationship of two Cu-porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for the electrochemical CO2-to-HCOOH transformation
Authors: Liu Meng-Jie , Cao Si-Min , Feng Bao-Qi , Dong Bao-Xia , Ding Yan-Xia , Zheng Qiu-Hui , Teng Yun-Lei , Li Zong-Wei , Liu Wen-Long , Feng Li-Gang
Published: October 2020

Two types of structural models of PCN-222(Cu) and PCN-224(Cu) were chosen for clarifying the effect of structural factors on the eCO2RR performance of them.
In situ chemically encapsulated and controlled SnS2 nanocrystal composites for durable lithium/sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Yan-Fei , Wang Shu-Guang , Shi Yan-Hong , Fan Chao-Ying , Lin Jian , Wu Xing-Long , Sun Hai-Zhu , Zhang Jing-Ping , Xie Hai-Ming
Published: October 2020

Carbon protective shells provide enduring protection for SnS2 nanocrystals. The C–S covalent bonds enhance the interaction between carbon shells and SnS2 nanocrystals. The carbon protective shells improve the electronic interaction and conductivity of electrodes.
Probing the electronic structure of [Ru(L1)2]Z(z= 0, 1+ and 2+) (H2L1: a tridentate 2-aminophenol derivative) complexes in three ligand redox levels
Authors: Saha Anannya , Rajput Amit , Gupta Puneet , Mukherjee Rabindranath
Published: October 2020

Out of neutral parent 1 (S = 0), [1OX1]1+ ([RuIII{(LISQ)•−}2]1+, S = 1/2) and [1OX2]2+ (S = 0), [RuII{(LISQ)•−}2] ↔ [RuIII{(LAP)2−)}{(LISQ)•−}] and [RuII{(LIBQ)0}2]2+ ↔ [RuIII{(LISQ)•−}- {(LIBQ)0}]2+ are highly delocalized.
Apigenin induced autophagy and stimulated autophagic lipid degradation
Authors: Lu Jing , Meng Zhuoqun , Chen Yan , Yu Liangli , Gao Boyan , Zheng Yangjie , Guan Shuang
Published: October 2020

Apigenin could induce autophagic lipid degradation by restoring the blocked autophagic flux in PA-induced HepG2 cells.
Lycopene alleviates sulfamethoxazole-induced hepatotoxicity in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Zhao Hongjing , Wang Yu , Mu Mengyao , Guo Menghao , Yu Hongxian , Xing Mingwei
Published: October 2020

Antibiotics are used worldwide to treat diseases in humans and other animals; most of them and their secondary metabolites are discharged into the aquatic environment, posing a serious threat to human health.
A molten calcium carbonate mediator for the electrochemical conversion and absorption of carbon dioxide
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhao Haijia , Qu Jiakang , Tang Diyong , Zhao Zhuqing , Xie Hongwei , Wang Dihua , Yin Huayi
Published: October 2020

High-temperature molten salts are an excellent electrolyte to bring about redox reactions at a rapid rate without using rationally designed nano-structured catalysts.
A prospective microwave plasma source for in situ spaceflight applications
Authors: Farcy B. J. , Arevalo R. D. , Taghioskoui M. , McDonough W. F. , Benna M. , Brinckerhoff W. B.
Published: October 2020

We report full ionization of organic molecules or refractory elements with a low power and reduced-pressure microwave plasma source that can be applied to any specific analyzer for deployment in remote terrestrial and planetary environments.
Sulforaphane attenuates hexavalent chromium-induced cardiotoxicity via the activation of the Sesn2/AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Daqian , Han Bing , Baiyun Ruiqi , Lv Zhanjun , Wang Xiaoqiao , Li Siyu , Lv Yueying , Xue Jiangdong , Liu Yan , Zhang Zhigang
Published: October 2020

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)), the most toxic valence state of chromium, is widely present in industrial effluents and wastes. Sulforaphane (SFN), rich in Brassica genus plants, bears multiple biological activity. Wistar rats were used to explore the protective role of SFN against the cardiotoxicity of chronic potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7) exposure and reveal the potential molecular mechanism. The data showed that SFN alleviated hematological variations, oxidative stress, heart dysfunction and structure disorder, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by K2Cr2O7. Moreover, SFN reduced p53, cleaved caspase-3, Bcl2-associated X protein, nuclear factor kappa-B, and interleukin-1β levels, and increased Sesn2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1, and phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) levels. This study demonstrates that SFN ameliorates Cr(vi)-induced cardiotoxicity via activation of the Sesn2/AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. SFN may be a protector against Cr(vi)-induced heart injury and a novel therapy for chronic Cr(vi) exposure.
Facile synthesis of porous C-doped C3N4: fast charge separation and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Jiang Yabin , Lin Zhuogeng , Zhang Yuying , Lai Yuecheng , Liang Dong , Yang Chunzhen
Published: October 2020

A facile gaseous-bubbles templating approach to synthesize porous C-doped g-C3N4 with enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.
Patterning of various materials by the photochemical reaction of [(C5H5)Fe(C6H6)]+ complex with salicylate dyes
Authors: Shved Andrei M. , Zhmurov Petr A. , Gutsul Evgenii I. , Perekalin Dmitry S.
Published: October 2020

The photochemical reaction of organometallic iron complex [(C5H5)Fe(C6H6)]+ with salicylate dyes in water produces bright colored patterns.
Synthesis of Au/Bi2S3 nanoflowers for efficient photothermal therapy
Authors: Zhao Xiaoshuang , Li Shenwan , Huang Tongdai , Sun Hongmei , Zhu Hongda , Guo Huiling , Liu Mingxing
Published: October 2020

Novel Au–Bi2S3 nanoflowers (NFs) were fabricated using a green, facile approach with the photothermal conversion efficiency as high as 58.34%.
Surface engineering of silica nanoparticles with a gadolinium–PCTA complex for efficient T1-weighted MRI contrast agents
Authors: Mathieu Paul , Chalet Marie , Clain Marie Myriam , Teulon Lauryanne , Benoist Eric , Leygue Nadine , Picard Claude , Boutry Sébastien , Laurent Sophie , Stanicki Dimitri , Hénoumont Céline , Novio Fernando , Lorenzo Julia , Montpeyó David , Ciuculescu-Pradines Diana , Amiens Catherine
Published: October 2020

Covalent grafting of diaqua Gd(iii)-complexes onto dense silica nanoparticles affords non-toxic contrast agents suitable for high field MRI pre-clinical studies.
Reversible modification of ultra-broadband luminescence in transparent photonic materials through field-induced nanoscale structural transformation
Authors: Pan Er , Bai Gongxun , Cai Muzhi , Hua Youjie , Chen Liang , Xu Shiqing
Published: October 2020

Ultra-broadband emission of transition metal Ni2+-doped transparent ferroelectrics is accurately and reversibly modified by field-induced short-range structural transformation.
Visible light photocatalytic cross-coupling and addition reactions of arylalkynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides
Authors: Xiao Yelan , Chun Yuen-Kiu , Cheng Shun-Cheung , Liu Ruoyang , Tse Man-Kit , Ko Chi-Chiu
Published: October 2020

Photocatalytic cross-coupling and addition reactions of alkynes with perfluoroalkyl iodides under mild conditions without a strong base, a sacrificial reductant or an oxidant.
The catalyst-free decarboxylative dearomatization of isoquinolines with β-keto acids and sulfonyl chlorides in water: access to dihydroisoquinoline derivatives
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Han Fuzhong , Jia Lina , Hu Xiangping
Published: October 2020

An efficient and concise catalyst-free one-pot synthetic protocol for obtaining dihydroisoquinoline derivatives has been developed via the three-component condensation of isoquinolines with β-keto acids and sulfonyl chlorides.
Conversions of aryl carboxylic acids into aryl nitriles using multiple types of Cu-mediated decarboxylative cyanation under aerobic conditions
Authors: Fu Zhengjiang , Cao Xihan , Wang Shuiliang , Guo Shengmei , Cai Hu
Published: October 2020

Two methods were developed for Cu-mediated decarboxylative cyanations of aryl carboxylic acids with malononitrile or AMBN as cyanating agent. The approaches display economical advantages in the synthesis of aryl cyanides from simple raw materials.
Flash microwave-assisted solvothermal (FMS) synthesis of photoactive anatase sub-microspheres with hierarchical porosity
Authors: Cappelluti M. Davide , Hadzifejzovic Emina , Foord John S. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: October 2020

Photoactive nanostructured TiO2sub-microspheres can be fabricated by “microwave flash synthesis” in minute timescales.
TiN nanotube supported Ni catalyst Ni@TiN-NTs: experimental evidence of structure–activity relations in catalytically hydrolyzing ammonia borane for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Yawei , Zhang Jun , Liu Quanxing , Li Xiang
Published: October 2020

Titanium nitride nanotubes (TiN-NTs) were fabricated using a hydrothermal – ammonia nitriding route, and non-noble metal nanosized Ni particles were anchored on the surface via a non-aqueous phase reduction–deposition strategy, to obtain the supported catalyst Ni@TiN-NTs.
Three-dimensionally ordered macro–mesoporous CoMo bulk catalysts with superior performance in hydrodesulfurization of thiophene
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Xie Wenpeng , Li Qinghong , Wang Wentai , Bing Liancheng , Wang Fang , Wang Guangjian , Fan Chunyan , Liu Shaomin , Han Dezhi
Published: October 2020

The addition of surfactants can promote the formation of mesopores and improve the dispersion of MoS2 slabs.
Single-ion magnetism in the extended solid-state: insights from X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy
Authors: Huzan Myron S. , Fix Manuel , Aramini Matteo , Bencok Peter , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Hayama Shusaku , Breitner Franziska A. , Gee Leland B. , Titus Charles J. , Arrio Marie-Anne , Jesche Anton , Baker Michael L.
Published: October 2020

Taking advantage of synchrotron light source methods, we present the geometric and electronic structure of iron doped in lithium nitride.
LDL-mimetic lipid nanoparticles prepared by surface KAT ligation forin vivoMRI of atherosclerosis
Authors: Fracassi Alessandro , Cao Jianbo , Yoshizawa-Sugata Naoko , Tóth Éva , Archer Corey , Gröninger Olivier , Ricciotti Emanuela , Tang Soon Yew , Handschin Stephan , Bourgeois Jean-Pascal , Ray Ankita , Liosi Korinne , Oriana Sean , Stark Wendelin , Masai Hisao , Zhou Rong , Yamakoshi Yoko
Published: October 2020

LDL-mimetic lipid nanoparticles, decorated with MRI contrast agents and fluorescent dyes, were prepared by the covalent attachments of an apoB100-mimetic peptide, Gd(iii)-chelate, and rhodamine to enhance atherosclerosis in thein vivoimaging.
A soft molecular 2Fe–2As precursor approach to the synthesis of nanostructured FeAs for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Beltrán-Suito Rodrigo , Forstner Viktoria , Hausmann J. Niklas , Mebs Stefan , Schmidt Johannes , Zaharieva Ivelina , Laun Konstantin , Zebger Ingo , Dau Holger , Menezes Prashanth W. , Driess Matthias
Published: October 2020

A molecularly derived FeAs has been used as an electro(pre)catalyst for an efficient alkaline OER for the first time and subsequently, its active structure has been determined by quasi in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy and ex situ methods.
Holographic immunoassays: direct detection of antibodies binding to colloidal spheres
Authors: Snyder Kaitlynn , Quddus Rushna , Hollingsworth Andrew D. , Kirshenbaum Kent , Grier David G.
Published: October 2020

The size of a probe bead reported by holographic particle characterization depends on the proportion of the surface area covered by bound target molecules and so can be used as an assay for molecular binding.
A simple pre-sodiation strategy to improve the performance and energy density of sodium ion batteries with Na4V2(PO4)3 as the cathode material
Authors: Mirza Shahid , Song Zihan , Zhang Hongzhang , Hussain Arshad , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: October 2020

A pre-sodiation strategy of using Na4V2(PO4)3 cathode to compensate the irreversible capacity loss of hard carbon anode is demonstrated and improves the energy density of sodium ion batteries.
Lithium nitrate-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ultrathin Bi2O2Se nanosheets and their photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Sun Yuan , Ye Shuai , Zhang Jing , Song Jun , Zhou Feifan , Qu Junle
Published: October 2020

This work presents a facile and controllable hydrothermal synthesis of ultrathin Bi2O2Se nanosheets. The Bi2O2Se nanosheets show good photoelectrochemical performance.
Non-invasive detection of corneal sub-basal nerve plexus changes in multiple myeloma patients by confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Koschmieder Anita , Stachs Oliver , Kragl Brigitte , Stahnke Thomas , Sterenczak Katharina A. , Henze Larissa , Jünemann Anselm G. , Junghanss Christian , Guthoff Rudolf F. , Murua Escobar Hugo
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a non-invasive technique for cellular in vivo imaging of the human cornea. CLSM screening was evaluated for early detection of corneal nerve morphology changes and neuropathogenic events in different stage multiple myeloma (MM) patients. As MM patients show disease as well as therapy-related neuropathological symptoms, CLSM potentially provides a tool for non-invasive early detection of neuropathogenic events. CLSM findings were compared with the severity of peripheral neuropathic (PNP) symptoms.

Methods: The study enrolled 25 MM patients in which bilateral ophthalmologic examination was performed including unilateral CLSM. Further peripheral nerve function was clinically evaluated using the conventional neuropathy symptom and neuropathy deficit scores (NDSs).

Results: In 18/25 MM patients, CLSM detected atypical morphological appearance of bulb-like enlarged nerve endings in the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus. These neuromas were only found in patients showing moderate to severe PNP, in patients with mild or lacking PNP neuromas were absent.

Conclusions: CLSM provides a novel non-invasive diagnostic tool for identification of neuromas in cancer patients affected by therapy or disease-related neuropathologies, perspectival allowing early neuronal degenerative process detection and monitoring.
Genome survey sequencing ofAtractylodes lanceaand identification of its SSR markers
Authors: Shan Tingyu , Wu Junxian , Yu Daqing , Xie Jin , Fang Qingying , Zha Liangping , Peng Huasheng
Published: October 2020

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is a traditional Chinese medicine rich in sesquiterpenes that has been widely used in China and Japan for the treatment of viral infections. Despite its important pharmacological value, genomic information regarding A. lancea is currently unavailable. In the present study, the whole genome sequence of A. lancea was obtained using an Illumina sequencing platform. The results revealed an estimated genome size for A. lancea of 4,159.24 Mb, with 2.28% heterozygosity, and a repeat rate of 89.2%, all of which indicate a highly heterozygous genome. Based on the genomic data of A. lancea, 27,582 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified. The differences in representation among nucleotide repeat types were large, e.g., the mononucleotide repeat type was the most abundant (54.74%) while the pentanucleotide repeats were the least abundant (0.10%), and sequence motifs GA/TC (31.17%) and TTC/GAA (7.23%) were the most abundant among the dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat motifs, respectively. A total of 93,434 genes matched known genes in common databases including 48,493 genes in the Gene Ontology (GO) database and 34,929 genes in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database. This is the first report to sequence and characterize the whole genome of A. lancea and will provide a theoretical basis and reference for further genome-wide deep sequencing and SSR molecular marker development of A. lancea.
Time‐of‐arrival estimation for smartphones based on built‐in microphone sensor
Authors: Liu Zuo‐Ya , Chen Rui‐Zhi , Ye Feng , Guo Guang‐Yi , Li Zheng , Qian Long
Published: October 2020

The time‐of‐arrival (TOA) estimation method is an important ranging and positioning technology for indoor localisation and navigation. In this Letter, a novel TOA estimation method for smartphones based on a built‐in microphone sensor is proposed, which utilises the propagation delay between optical and acoustic signals to achieve distance estimation. Unlike other TOA estimation technologies based on multi‐sensors, a single MEMS microphone of a smartphone is used as the receiving sensor for both optical and acoustic signals, which is beneficial for eliminating the synchronisation error and improving ranging precision. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed TOA estimation method is effective and accurate with an average ranging error of <0.29 m under a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 1.18 dB for the smartphones tested in this work.
Robust stability analysis for feedback systems with simultaneous uncertainties via IQCs
Authors: Liu Liu
Published: October 2020

The robust stability of feedback interconnections is studied for a class of continuous‐time causal linear systems over finite‐energy signals of non‐uniformly lower‐bounded support. The stability of the feedback system with simultaneous uncertainties in the plant and the controller is exploited via integral quadratic constraints (IQCs), in which the plants and controllers are taken from two path‐connected uncertainty sets with respect to the Feintuch's time‐varying gap metric. Subsequently, the robust stability of the two‐port networked system is characterised by means of the combination of IQCs and the time‐varying gap. In particular, some robust stability criteria are applicable to the linear systems that do not have strong graph representations.
Active contours driven by modified LoG energy term and optimised penalty term for image segmentation
Authors: Biswas Soumen , Hazra Ranjay
Published: October 2020

An active contour model to segment the images is proposed by combining local binary fitting (LBF) energy function and modified Laplacian of Gaussian (MLoG) energy function. A MLoG energy function based on a new boundary indicator function or edge stop function (ESF) is introduced to smoothen the homogeneous regions and enhance the edge information of objects. Also, MLoG energy term with LBF energy term is incorporated to drive the initial contour towards the object boundary. Finally, the penalty term is replaced with a new optimized potential function, which can improve the corresponding speed function. By adding the optimized area energy term, contour position is accelerated towards the object boundary. Further, the addition of MLoG based on new ESF, makes the proposed model insensitive to the initial contour. Experiments are performed on various real images, MS‐COCO 2014 train data set images and Segmentation Evaluation Database images shared in Weizmann Institute of Science website. The proposed model provides better segmentation results compared to the other state of the art models in terms of segmentation accuracy, F‐score and CPU execution time. Further, experimental results also prove the robustness of the proposed model in terms of contour initialization, intensity inhomogeneity and noise.
Multiscale matters for part segmentation of instruments in robotic surgery
Authors: He Wenhao , Song Haitao , Guo Yue , Bian Guibin , Sun Yuejie , Zhou Xiaowei , Wang Xiaonan
Published: October 2020

A challenging aspect of instrument segmentation in robotic surgery is to distinguish different parts of the same instrument. Parts with similar textures are common in a practical instrument and are difficult to distinguish. In this work, the authors introduce an end‐to‐end recurrent model that comprises a multiscale semantic segmentation network and a refinement model. Specifically, the semantic segmentation network uniformly transforms the input images in multiple scales into a semantic mask, and the refinement model is a single‐scale net recurrently optimising the above semantic mask. Through extensive experiments, the authors validate that the models with multiscale inputs perform better than those to fuse encoded feature maps and ones with spatial attention. Furthermore, the authors verify the effectiveness of the proposed model with state‐of‐the‐art performances on several robotic instrument datasets derived from MICCAI Endoscopic Vision Challenges.
Improved Cauer thermal network considering thermal coupling effects of multi‐chip modules
Authors: Yuan Weibo , He Yigang , Li Bing , Zhou Jianbo , Ma Zhiqiang , Li Chenchen
Published: October 2020

The Cauer thermal network has made a realistic physical representation of thermal behaviour of a multi‐chip module (MCM) theoretically possible. However, the traditional method assumes the heat conduction is critical, with an approximate one‐dimensional heat conduction path for calculation and fixed heat spreading angle to make up for the compensation brought by the approximation. It will limit the accuracy and cause a significant error in estimating the junction temperature of MCM. In this study, the heat spreading angle in the area of two adjacent chips is studied by using a cross‐section to change the problem to a two‐dimensional heat transfer question. Based on the heat flow got from the results of calculation by using Fourier's law, an expression for heat spreading angle as a function of boundary conditions is given, which is capable of estimating the junction temperature by adjusting effective heat conduction area of an MCM whose thermal behaviour is seriously coupled among neighbour chips. The accuracy of the proposed method and expression is validated by both the finite‐element method and experimental results and they both show a good agreement with the calculation.
Novel model predictive direct power control strategy for grid‐connected three‐level inverters
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Liu Xin , Mo Zhaohong , Wen Ji , Xiong Zhonghua , Xia Bingyuan , Xie Chuan , Li Chenguang , Zhang Hongjun
Published: October 2020

Conventional switching table‐based direct power control (DPC) usually suffers from higher power ripples due to the heuristic nature of the switching table. This study presents a novel model predictive DPC (MPDPC) strategy for grid‐connected three‐level inverters. In the proposed MPDPC strategy, a new synchronous frame‐based predictive model is first developed and the conjugate of the complex power is then chosen as the control variable to simplify the analysis. Based on the newly developed predictive model, new principles of the voltage vector selection are further derived with the strict analytical proof to match all the control requirements, including the active and reactive power control, neutral point potential balance control, as well as the avoidance of the high voltage jumps. Finally, experimental results are provided to support the theoretical study and confirm the effectiveness of the proposed MPDPC strategy, as well as to demonstrate better performance in both steady‐state and dynamic responses over the conventional DPC.
Proportional–integral‐like fuzzy controller of a small‐scale linear fresnel reflector solar plant
Authors: Meligy Rowida , Rady Mohamed , El Samahy Adel , Mohamed Waeel
Published: October 2020

This study reports on the development and implementation of the fuzzy incremental controller on a small‐scale linear fresnel reflector solar plant. The control problem is concerned with forcing the output temperature to follow the reference, despite the existence of disturbances. Owing to the non‐linear effects of solar plants, the capability of fixed parameters of the proportional–integral controller to cope with the control problem is limited and leads to unsatisfactory control performance. The proposed controller is a modification to a conventional proportional–integral algorithm with better tuning flexibility. Firstly, the ant colony optimisation algorithm is used to define the optimal parameter of proportional–integral plus series feed‐forward controller while guaranteeing a satisfactory performance of the plant. Secondly, the resulting controller is replaced with an equivalent fuzzy knowledge‐based controller with the error and change of error of the plant as the input variables and flow rate as an output variable. The proposed controller is tested on a quasi‐dynamic model of linear fresnel reflector plant using conventional and renewable energy optimisation toolbox in the environment of MATLAB/Simulink. The controller's performance is compared to the proportional–integral controller, where its effectiveness is evaluated under nominal conditions, measurement delay, noise, and presence of disturbance.
Enhanced performance metrics under shading conditions through experimental investigations
Authors: Tatabhatla Venkata Madhava Ram , Agarwal Anshul , Kanumuri Tirupathiraju
Published: October 2020

The phenomenon of partial shading adversely affects photovoltaic arrays, e.g. multiple peak points in – characteristic curves and reducing the output power. Array reconfiguration is the best and efficient way of alleviating the partial shading effects. Physical relocation of panels can be used as a practical solution to prevent shading problems by altering the physical location of panels by not changing its electrical circuit. In this study, a new reconfiguration technique named as Arrow Sudoku pattern is proposed for all the conventional configurations such as, series–parallel, bridge‐link, honeycomb, and total cross‐tied connections to mitigate the shading effects. The proposed approach is tested on a Solar Photo‐Voltaic (SPV) array for different groups of shading conditions. The results are simulated through MATLAB/Simulink and validated through hardware prototype using artificial shade blockers and the results show a good improvement in the diagnosis of output parameters for all the reconfiguration techniques in comparison with their initial configurations. Moreover, the disturbance caused in – characteristic curves by shading is eradicated by using this proposed technique.
Comparison of economic model predictive control and rule‐based control for residential energy storage systems
Authors: Banfield Brendan , Robinson Duane A. , Agalgaonkar Ashish P.
Published: October 2020

This study quantifies the benefits of implementing model predictive control on residential solar PV and energy storage systems considering a time‐of‐use demand tariff, feed‐in tariff and varying PV system sizes and battery life‐cycle costs. The control system analysed makes use of economic model predictive control (EMPC) whereby the objective function is directly tied to the economics of the system. Using residential load and PV data from an Australian distribution network service provider, the EMPC controller is compared to a rule‐based controller, highlighting the benefits of EMPC in regards to annual economic performance and battery energy throughput. The EMPC algorithm is then tested using 10 residential customers at the low voltage feeder level showing the capacity for the EMPC controller to shift peak demand and flatten the aggregated load profile of 30 residential customers.
Size effects on stability and self‐instability of non‐uniform nanobeams with consideration of surface effects
Authors: Assadi Abbas , Nazemizadeh Mostafa
Published: October 2020

In this work, size‐dependent stability and self‐instability of non‐uniform nanobeams are studied with consideration of the surface elasticity theory. The nanobeams are modelled as step‐wise beams and the governing equation of the nanobeam is solved for different boundary conditions. At first, a backward formulation is developed to calculate the effective Young's modulus to compare it with experimental results. Wide ranges of numerical results are presented for buckling load and self‐instability of Al and Si nanobeams with positive and negative surface properties. The obtained results indicate that the selection of the number of steps in the presence of surface effects has a considerable impact on the mechanical behaviour of non‐uniform nanobeams. In addition, the aspect ratio of one section of a step‐wise nanobeam with negative surface residual stresses can make the whole structure self‐instable. The results for effective Young's modulus are compared with previous experiments and satisfactory agreement is illustrated.
Probing the elliptical orbital configuration of the close binary of supermassive black holes with differential interferometry
Authors: Kovačević Andjelka B. , Songsheng Yu-Yang , Wang Jian-Min , Popović Luka Č.
Published: October 2020

Context.Obtaining detections of electromagnetic signatures from the close binaries of supermassive black holes (CB-SMBH) is still a great observational challenge. The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will serve as a robust astrophysics suite offering the opportunity to probe the structure and dynamics of CB-SMBH at a high spectral and angular resolution.

Aims.Here, we explore and illustrate the application of differential interferometry on unresolved CB-SMBH systems in elliptical orbital configurations. We also investigate certain peculiarities of interferometry signals for a single SMBH with clouds in elliptical orbital motion.

Methods.Photocentre displacements between each SMBH and the regions in their disc-like broad line regions (BLR) appear as small interferometric differential phase variability. To investigate the application of interferometric phases for the detection of CB-SMBH systems, we simulated a series of differential interferometry signatures, based on our model comprising ensembles of clouds surrounding each supermassive black hole in a CB-SMBH. By setting the model to the parameters of a single SMBH with elliptical cloud motion, we also calculated a series of differential interferometry observables for this case.

Results.We found various deviations from the canonical S-shape of the CB-SMBH phase profile for elliptically configured CB-SMBH systems. The amplitude and specific shape of the interferometry observables depend on the orbital configurations of the CB-SMBH system. We get distinctive results when considering anti-aligned angular momenta of cloud orbits with regard to the total CB-SMBH angular momentum. We also show that their velocity distributions differ from the aligned cloud orbital motion. Some simulated spectral lines from our model closely resemble observations from the Paαline obtained from near-infrared AGN surveys. We found differences between the “zoo” of differential phases of single SMBH and CB-SMBH systems. The “zoo” of differential phases for a single SMBH take a deformed S shape. We also show how their differential phase shape, amplitude, and slope evolve with various sets of cloud orbital parameters and the observer’s position.

Conclusions.We calculate an extensive atlas of the interferometric observables, revealing distinctive signatures for the elliptical configuration CB-SMBH. We also provide an interferometry atlas for the case of a single SMBH with clouds with an elliptical motion, which differs from those of a CB-SMBH. These maps can be useful for extracting exceptional features of the BLR structure from future high-resolution observations of CB-SMBH systems, but also of a single SMBH with clouds in an elliptical orbital setup.