bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study between two models of active cluster crystals
Authors: Caprini Lorenzo , Hernández-García Emilio , López Cristóbal , Marini Bettolo Marconi Umberto
Published: November 2019

We study a system of active particles with soft repulsive interactions that lead to an active cluster-crystal phase in two dimensions. We use two different modelizations of the active force - Active Brownian particles (ABP) and Ornstein-Uhlenbeck particles (AOUP) - and focus on analogies and differences between them. We study the different phases appearing in the system, in particular, the formation of ordered patterns drifting in space without being altered. We develop an effective description which captures some properties of the stable clusters for both ABP and AOUP. As an additional point, we confine such a system in a large channel, in order to study the interplay between the cluster crystal phase and the well-known accumulation near the walls, a phenomenology typical of active particles. For small activities, we find clusters attached to the walls and deformed, while for large values of the active force they collapse in stripes parallel to the walls.
Particle-Size Variability of Aerosol Iron and Impact on Iron Solubility and Dry Deposition Fluxes to the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Gao Yuan , Marsay Christopher M. , Yu Shun , Fan Songyun , Mukherjee Pami , Buck Clifton S. , Landing William M.
Published: November 2019

This study provides unique insights into the properties of iron (Fe) in the marine atmosphere over the late summertime Arctic Ocean. Atmospheric deposition of aerosols can deliver Fe, a limiting micronutrient, to the remote ocean. Aerosol particle size influences aerosol Fe fractional solubility and air-to-sea deposition rate. Size-segregated aerosols were collected during the 2015 US GEOTRACES cruise in the Arctic Ocean. Results show that aerosol Fe had a single-mode size distribution, peaking at 4.4 µm in diameter, suggesting regional dust sources of Fe around the Arctic Ocean. Estimated dry deposition rates of aerosol Fe decreased from 6.1 µmol m−2 yr−1 in the areas of ~56°N–80°N to 0.73 µmol m−2 yr−1 in the areas north of 80°N. Aerosol Fe solubility was higher in fine particles (<1 µm) which were observed mainly in the region north of 80°N and coincided with relatively high concentrations of certain organic aerosols, suggesting interactions between aerosol Fe and organic ligands in the high-latitude Arctic atmosphere. The average molar ratio of Fe to titanium (Ti) was 2.4, substantially lower than the typical crustal ratio of 10. We speculate that dust sources around the Arctic Ocean may have been altered because of climate warming.
Development of a histamine aptasensor for food safety monitoring
Authors: Dwidar Mohammed , Yokobayashi Yohei
Published: November 2019

Histamine produced by bacteria through decarboxylation of histidine in spoiled foods such as fish is known to cause food poisoning. Therefore, accurate and facile measurement of histamine is of practical importance. Using the recently discovered RNA aptamer that specifically recognizes histamine (A1-949 aptamer), we developed an aptasensor based on the structure-switching mechanism. Specifically, the aptamer A1-949 was fluorescently labeled at the 5′ end and hybridized with a short quencher DNA strand that is partially complementary to the aptamer. The quencher strand was modified with a fluorescence quencher at its 3′ terminus. Displacement of the quencher strand upon histamine binding results in an increased fluorescence. After optimizing the assay condition, the enantiomeric version of the aptasensor (L-RNA and L-DNA) was synthesized which could detect the achiral analyte with identical sensitivity and improved biochemical stability. The aptasensor performance was validated by measuring fish samples spiked with known concentrations of histamine. Finally, histamine content in spoiled fish samples was measured, and the results were compared with the measurements using a commercial enzymatic assay kit.
Sex-dependent VEGF expression underlies variations in human pluripotent stem cell to endothelial progenitor differentiation
Authors: Randolph Lauren N. , Bao Xiaoping , Oddo Michael , Lian Xiaojun Lance
Published: November 2019

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer tremendous promise in tissue engineering and cell-based therapies because of their unique combination of two properties: pluripotency and a high proliferative capacity. To realize this potential, development of efficient hPSC differentiation protocols is required. In this work, sex-based differences are identified in a GSK3 inhibitor based endothelial progenitor differentiation protocol. While male hPSCs efficiently differentiate into CD34 + CD31+ endothelial progenitors upon GSK3 inhibition, female hPSCs showed limited differentiation capacity using this protocol. Using VE-cadherin-GFP knockin reporter cells, female cells showed significantly increased differentiation efficiency when treated with VEGF during the second stage of endothelial progenitor differentiation. Interestingly, male cells showed no significant change in differentiation efficiency with VEGF treatment, but did show augmented early activation of VE-cadherin expression. A sex-based difference in endogenous expression of VEGF was identified that is likely the underlying cause of discrepancies in sex-dependent differentiation efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of sex differences in progenitor biology and the development of new stem cell differentiation protocols.
Longitudinal OCT and OCTA monitoring reveals accelerated regression of hyaloid vessels in retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice
Authors: Kim Tae-Hoon , Son Taeyoon , Le David , Yao Xincheng
Published: November 2019

The hyaloid vascular system (HVS) is known to have an important role in eye development. However, physiological mechanisms of HVS regression and their correlation with developmental eye disorders remain unclear due to technical limitations of conventional ending point examination with fixed tissues. Here, we report comparative optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) monitoring of HVS regression in wild-type and retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mice. Longitudinal OCTA monitoring revealed accelerated regression of hyaloid vessels correlated with retinal degeneration in rd10. Quantitative OCT measurement disclosed significant distortions of both retinal thickness and the vitreous chamber in rd10 compared to WT mice. These OCT/OCTA observations confirmed the close relationship between HVS physiology and retinal neurovascular development. The distorted HVS regression might result from retinal hyperoxia or dopamine abnormality due to retinal remodeling in rd10 retina. By providing a noninvasive imaging platform for longitudinal monitoring of HVS regression, further OCT/OCTA study may lead to in-depth understanding of the physiological mechanisms of HVS regression in normal and diseased eyes, which is not only important for advanced study of the nature of the visual system but also may provide insights into the development of better treatment protocols of congenital eye disorders.
Serotonin 5-HT2C Receptor Cys23Ser Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Associates with Receptor Function and Localization In Vitro
Authors: Land Michelle A. , Chapman Holly L. , Davis-Reyes Brionna D. , Felsing Daniel E. , Allen John A. , Moeller F. Gerard , Elferink Lisa A. , Cunningham Kathryn A. , Anastasio Noelle C.
Published: November 2019

A non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism of the human serotonin 5-HT2Creceptor (5-HT2CR) gene that converts a cysteine to a serine at amino acid codon 23 (Cys23Ser) appears to impact 5-HT2CR pharmacology at a cellular and systems level. We hypothesized that the Cys23Ser alters 5-HT2CR intracellular signaling via changes in subcellular localizationin vitro. Using cell lines stably expressing the wild-type Cys23 or the Ser23 variant, we show that 5-HT evokes intracellular calcium release with decreased potency and peak response in the Ser23 versus the Cys23 cell lines. Biochemical analyses demonstrated lower Ser23 5-HT2CR plasma membrane localization versus the Cys23 5-HT2CR. Subcellular localization studies demonstrated O-linked glycosylation of the Ser23 variant, but not the wild-type Cys23, may be a post-translational mechanism which alters its localization within the Golgi apparatus. Further, both the Cys23 and Ser23 5-HT2CR are present in the recycling pathway with the Ser23 variant having decreased colocalization with the early endosome versus the Cys23 allele. Agonism of the 5-HT2CR causes the Ser23 variant to exit the recycling pathway with no effect on the Cys23 allele. Taken together, the Ser23 variant exhibits a distinct pharmacological and subcellular localization profile versus the wild-type Cys23 allele, which could impact aspects of receptor pharmacology in individuals expressing the Cys23Ser SNP.
Crystal structure of suboptimal viral fragments of Epstein Barr Virus Rta peptide-HLA complex that stimulate CD8 T cell response
Authors: Huan Xuelu , Zhuo Ziyi , Xiao Ziwei , Ren Ee Chee
Published: November 2019

Peptides presented by Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class-I molecules are generally 8–10 amino acids in length. However, the predominant pool of peptide fragments generated by proteasomes is less than 8 amino acids in length. Using the Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) Rta-epitope (ATIGTAMYK, residues 134–142) restricted by HLA-A*11:01 which generates a strong immunodominant response, we investigated the minimum length of a viral peptide that can constitute a viral epitope recognition by CD8 T cells. The results showed that Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors can be stimulated by a viral peptide fragment as short as 4-mer (AMYK), together with a 5-mer (ATIGT) to recapitulate the full length EBV Rta epitope. This was confirmed by generating crystals of the tetra-complex (2 peptides, HLA and β2-microglobulin). The solved crystal structure of HLA-A*11:01 in complex with these two short peptides revealed that they can bind in the same orientation similar to parental peptide (9-mer) and the free ends of two short peptides acquires a bulged conformation that is directed towards the T cell receptor. Our data shows that suboptimal length of 4-mer and 5-mer peptides can complement each other to form a stable peptide-MHC (pMHC) complex.
The unexpected importance of the fifth digit during stone tool production
Authors: Key Alastair J. M. , Dunmore Christopher J. , Marzke Mary W.
Published: November 2019

Unique anatomical features of the human hand facilitate our ability to proficiently and forcefully perform precision grips and in-hand manipulation of objects. Extensive research has been conducted into the role of digits one to three during these manual behaviours, and the origin of the highly derived first digit anatomy that facilitates these capabilities. Stone tool production has long been thought a key influence in this regard. Despite previous research stressing the unique derived morphology of the human fifth digit little work has investigated why humans alone display these features. Here we examine the recruitment frequency, loading magnitude, and loading distribution of all digits on the non-dominant hand of skilled flintknappers during four technologically distinct types of Lower Palaeolithic stone tool production. Our data reveal the fifth digit to be heavily and frequently recruited during all studied behaviours. It occasionally incurred pressures, and was used in frequencies, greater or equal to those of the thumb, and frequently the same or greater than those of the index finger. The fifth digit therefore appears key to >2 million years of stone tool production activities, a behaviour that likely contributed to the derived anatomy observed in the modern human fifth ray.
Frequency-Diverse Computational Direction of Arrival Estimation Technique
Authors: Yurduseven Okan , Abbasi Muhammad Ali Babar , Fromenteze Thomas , Fusco Vincent
Published: November 2019

We present a frequency-diverse based direction of arrival (DoA) estimation technique for millimetre-wave (mmW) 5G channel sounding. Frequency-diversity enables the creation of spatially incoherent radiation masks to encode the plane-wave signals incident on the radar aperture using a single antenna. Leveraging the frequency-diversity concept, spatial information of the plane-wave projections on the radar aperture is retrieved, resulting in high-fidelity DoA estimations by means of a simple Fourier transform operation applied to the retrieved plane-wave projection patterns. It is demonstrated that using the frequency-diversity concept, DoA estimation can be achieved through a simple frequency sweep, compressing the incoming plane-waves into a single channel through the transfer function of the radar aperture. This results in a significant simplification in the system hardware, requiring only a single antenna to achieve DoA estimation. It is also shown that the proposed technique can simultaneously detect the DoA information for multiple sources with a diffraction limited resolution.
ClpP protease activation results from the reorganization of the electrostatic interaction networks at the entrance pores
Authors: Mabanglo Mark F. , Leung Elisa , Vahidi Siavash , Seraphim Thiago V. , Eger Bryan T. , Bryson Steve , Bhandari Vaibhav , Zhou Jin Lin , Mao Yu-Qian , Rizzolo Kamran , Barghash Marim M. , Goodreid Jordan D. , Phanse Sadhna , Babu Mohan , Barbosa Leandro R. S. , Ramos Carlos H. I. , Batey Robert A. , Kay Lewis E. , Pai Emil F. , Houry Walid A.
Published: November 2019

Bacterial ClpP is a highly conserved, cylindrical, self-compartmentalizing serine protease required for maintaining cellular proteostasis. Small molecule acyldepsipeptides (ADEPs) and activators of self-compartmentalized proteases 1 (ACP1s) cause dysregulation and activation of ClpP, leading to bacterial cell death, highlighting their potential use as novel antibiotics. Structural changes in Neisseria meningitidis and Escherichia coli ClpP upon binding to novel ACP1 and ADEP analogs were probed by X-ray crystallography, methyl-TROSY NMR, and small angle X-ray scattering. ACP1 and ADEP induce distinct conformational changes in the ClpP structure. However, reorganization of electrostatic interaction networks at the ClpP entrance pores is necessary and sufficient for activation. Further activation is achieved by formation of ordered N-terminal axial loops and reduction in the structural heterogeneity of the ClpP cylinder. Activating mutations recapitulate the structural effects of small molecule activator binding. Our data, together with previous findings, provide a structural basis for a unified mechanism of compound-based ClpP activation.
Transcriptional programming and T cell receptor repertoires distinguish human lung and lymph node memory T cells
Authors: Schoettler Nathan , Hrusch Cara L , Blaine Kelly M , Sperling Anne I , Ober Carole
Published: November 2019

Antigen-specific memory T cells persist for years after exposure to a pathogen and provide effective recall responses. Many memory T cell subsets have been identified and differ in abundance throughout tissues. This study focused on CD4 and CD8 memory T cells from paired human lung and lung draining lymph node (LDLN) samples and identified substantial differences in the transcriptional landscape of these subsets, including higher expression of an array of innate immune receptors in lung T cells which were further validated by flow cytometry. Using T cell receptor analysis, we determined the clonal overlap between memory T cell subsets within the lung and within the LDLN, and this was greater than the clonal overlap observed between memory T cell subsets compared across tissues. Our results suggest that lung and LDLN memory T cells originate from different precursor pools, recognize distinct antigens and likely have separate roles in immune responses.
Canalicular domain structure and function in matrix-free hepatic spheroids
Authors: Sharma Vikas Raj , Shrivastava Ananya , Gallet Benoit , Karepina Elizaveta , Charbonnier Peggy , Chevallet Mireille , Jouneau Pierre-Henri , Deniaud Aurélien
Published: November 2019

The combined use of light sheet fluorescence microscopy and 3D electron microscopy enables to reveal the fine details of bile canaliculi structure and function in matrix-free hepatic spheroids.
A sequential membrane bioreactor followed by a membrane microalgal reactor for nutrient removal and algal biomass production
Authors: Nguyen Luong N. , Truong Minh V. , Nguyen Anh Q. , Johir Md Abu Hasan , Commault Audrey S. , Ralph Peter J. , Semblante Galilee U. , Nghiem Long D.
Published: November 2019

A hybrid process combining a single compartment aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a membrane microalgal reactor (MMR) was evaluated for nutrient removal and microalgal biomass production.
Diet control to achieve euglycaemia induces tau hyperphosphorylation via AMPK activation in the hippocampus of diabetic rats
Authors: Sung Dong Jun , Noh Yun-Hee , Lee Jun-Ho , Jin Mingli , Kim Jin-Seoung , Han Sang-Don
Published: November 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, and typical pathologic findings include abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles.
Oligosaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis better attenuated high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome by promoting the Bacteroidales proliferation
Authors: Xu Yuxin , Ai Chunqing , Jiang Pingrui , Sun Xiaona , Liu Yili , Jiang Guoping , Song Shuang
Published: November 2019

Reduction in the degree of polymerization of polysaccharides can improve its bioactivity.
Determining order-to-disorder transitions in block copolymer thin films using a self-referencing fluorescent probe
Authors: Qiang Zhe , Li Lingqiao , Torkelson John M. , Wang Muzhou
Published: November 2019

The temperature dependence of vibronic emission bands from fluorophore labels can be correlated with local polymer chemistry of block copolymers thin films for detecting order-to-disorder transitions.
Functionalized layered double hydroxides for innovative applications
Authors: Laipan Minwang , Yu Jingfang , Zhu Runliang , Zhu Jianxi , Smith Andrew T. , He Hongping , O'Hare Dermot , Sun Luyi
Published: November 2019

Functionalization strategies are powerful for generating new or enhanced properties of LDHs, offering unique perspectives and advantages for preparing novel materials.
Highly effective and fast removal of anionic carcinogenic dyesviaan In3-cluster-based cationic metal–organic framework with nitrogen-rich ligand
Authors: Liu Xinyao , Liu Bing , Eubank Jarrod F. , Liu Yunling
Published: November 2019

A novel cationic MOFs (In-TATAB) built by In3-cluster and nitrogen-rich organic ligand with new (3,6)-c topology has been successfully designed and synthesized. It shows highly effective and rapid removal of anionic carcinogenic organic dye molecules.
Resin-gel incorporation of high concentrations of W6+ and Zn2+ into TiO2-anatase crystal to form quaternary mixed-metal oxides: effect on the a lattice parameter and photodegradation efficiency
Authors: Hlekelele Lerato , Durbach Shane H. , Chauke Vongani P. , Dziike Farai , Franklyn Paul J.
Published: November 2019

Incorporating up to 30% of W6+ and/or Zn2+ into TiO2-anatase influences the lattice structure of TiO2 thus its photocatalytic efficiency.
Correction: Rechargeable Zn2+/Al3+ dual-ion electrochromic device with long life time utilizing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-nanocluster modified hydrogel electrolytes
Authors: Hopmann Eric , Li Haizeng , Elezzabi Adulhakem Y.
Published: November 2019

Correction for ‘Rechargeable Zn2+/Al3+ dual-ion electrochromic device with long life time utilizing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-nanocluster modified hydrogel electrolytes’ by Hopmann Eric et al., RSC Adv., 2019, 9, 32047–32057.
Insights into membrane-separated organic electrosynthesis: the case of adiponitrile electrochemical production
Authors: Blanco Daniela E. , Prasad Purnima A. , Dunningan Kaylee , Modestino Miguel A.
Published: November 2019

Organic electrosynthetic processes are key players in the integration of renewable energy in chemical manufacturing, but face important challenges in selectivity and energy efficiency.
Development of an effective bi-functional Ni–CaO catalyst-sorbent for the sorption-enhanced water gas shift reaction through structural optimization and the controlled deposition of a stabilizer by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Kim Sung Min , Armutlulu Andac , Kierzkowska Agnieszka M. , Hosseini Davood , Donat Felix , Müller Christoph
Published: November 2019

Bi-functional Ni–hollow CaO stabilized by ALD-grown Al2O3 overcoat for sorption-enhanced water-gas shift reaction producing high purity hydrogen.
Concise synthesis of polyselenides: efficient catalysts for the oxidative cracking reaction of alkenes allowing the utilization of O2 as a partial oxidant under mild conditions
Authors: Yu Liang , Cao Hongen , Zhang Xu , Chen Yang , Yu Lei
Published: November 2019

Polyselenides were synthesized via the polymerization reaction of dihalohydrocarbons with NaHSe in just one-step. They were highly active to catalyze the oxidative cracking reaction of alkenes using O2 as partial oxidant under mild conditions.
An inorganic-framework proton exchange membrane for direct methanol fuel cells with increased energy density
Authors: Yan Xiaohui , Li Haozhen , Lin Chen , Chen Junren , Han Aidi , Shen Shuiyun , Zhang Junliang
Published: November 2019

An inorganic-framework proton exchange membrane with size-tunable 1D proton channels was developed for DMFCs to address the methanol crossover issue.
Effect of protein type, concentration and oil droplet size on the formation of repulsively jammed elastic nanoemulsion gels
Authors: Patel Aakash , Mohanan Athira , Ghosh Supratim
Published: November 2019

Sodium caseinate (SC)-stabilized 40% oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) could be transformed into elastic gels below a critical droplet size due to increase in ϕeff by a thicker steric barrier of SC, while whey protein (WPI)-stabilized NEs remained liquid due to thinner steric barrier of WPI.
Distinguishing deformation mechanisms in elastocapillary experiments
Authors: Chen Shih-Yuan , Bardall Aaron , Shearer Michael , Daniels Karen E.
Published: November 2019

Soft materials are known to deform due to a variety of mechanisms, including capillarity, buoyancy, and swelling. The choice of liquid plays a significant role in the outcome of experiments.
Fabrication of novel MXene (Ti3C2)/polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogels with enhanced mechanical and drug release properties
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yang Xiu-Jie , Li Peng , Zhao Yingyuan , Niu Qingshan Jason
Published: November 2019

Novel Ti3C2/polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent mechanical and drug release performances were fabricated via in situ polymerization, employing ultralow content Ti3C2 nanosheets as crosslinkers instead of organic crosslinkers.
Effect of Cd on cation redistribution and order-disorder transition in Cu2(Zn,Cd)SnS4
Authors: Hadke Shreyash , Chen Wei , Tan Joel Ming Rui , Guc Maxim , Izquierdo-Roca Victor , Rignanese Gian-Marco , Hautier Geoffroy , Wong Lydia Helena
Published: November 2019

The difference in the order-disorder transformation leads to a reduction in atomic disorder in Cu2CdSnS4 as compared to Cu2ZnSnS4.
Electrocatalytic reduction of N2 and nitrogen-incorporation process on dopant-free defect graphene
Authors: Du Yanqiu , Jiang Cheng , Xia Wei , Song Li , Li Peng , Gao Bin , Wu Chao , Sheng Lei , Ye Jinhua , Wang Tao , He Jianping
Published: November 2019

Defect graphene was developed as an efficient electrocatalyst for the NRR and transformed from dopant-free graphene to N-doped graphene after the NRR.
Holey graphene: an emerging versatile material
Authors: Lokhande A. C. , Qattan I. A. , Lokhande C. D. , Patole Shashikant P.
Published: November 2019

The multifunctional applications of holey graphene.
Enhanced bactericidal activity of brucite through partial copper substitution
Authors: Clavier Batiste , Baptiste Téo , Massuyeau Florian , Jouanneaux Alain , Guiet Amandine , Boucher Fabien , Fernandez Vincent , Roques Christine , Corbel Gwenaël
Published: November 2019

Copper substituted Mg(OH)2nanoplatelets exhibit high bactericidal activity towardsS. aureusandE. coliwith fast kinetics.
Biosensors and bioassays for determination of matrix metalloproteinases: state of the art and recent advances
Authors: Lei Zhen , Jian Minghong , Li Xiaotong , Wei Jia , Meng Xianying , Wang Zhenxin
Published: November 2019

This review highlights the recent advances in nanomaterial-based immunoassays for MMP abundance measurements and nanomaterial-based biosensors for MMP activity determination.
Investigation of biodistribution and tissue penetration of PEGylated gold nanostars and their application for photothermal cancer treatment in tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Chen Chao-Cheng , Chang Deng-Yuan , Li Jia-Je , Chan Hui-Wen , Chen Jenn-Tzong , Chang Chih-Hsien , Liu Ren-Shyan , Chang C. Allen , Chen Chuan-Lin , Wang Hsin-Ell
Published: November 2019

PEGylated gold nanostars (pAuNSs) and their radioactive surrogate (111In–DTPA–pAuNS), with unique physiochemical properties, are thought to be a promising agent for image-guided photothermal therapy (PTT).
A novel multifunctional carbon aerogel-coated platform for osteosarcoma therapy and enhanced bone regeneration
Authors: Dong Shaojie , Zhang Ya-nan , Wan Jianyu , Cui Rongrong , Yu Xingge , Zhao Guohua , Lin Kaili
Published: November 2019

The implantation of multifunctional carbon aerogel (CA)-coated β-TCP scaffolds for synchronously improving the photothermal ablation and enhanced bone regeneration of osteosarcoma.
Highly reliable all-fiber temperature sensor based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped NaYF4 phosphors
Authors: Zhang Hui , Ye Jiatao , Wang Xiuli , Zhao Shilong , Lei Ruoshan , Huang Lihui , Xu Shiqing
Published: November 2019

A simple and feasible method was used to fabricate the optical temperature probe. A point all-fiber temperature sensor was built based on the up-conversion emission spectra of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped NaYF4 phosphors.
Docosahexaenoic acid slows inflammation resolution and impairs the quality of healed skin tissue
Authors: Candreva Thamiris , Kühl Carolina M.C. , Burger Beatriz , dos Anjos Mariah B.P. , Torsoni Márcio A. , Consonni Sílvio R. , Crisma Amanda R. , Fisk Helena L. , Calder Philip C. , de Mato Felipe C.P. , Sernaglia Erica M. , Vinolo Marco A.R. , Rodrigues Hosana G.
Published: November 2019

There is no consensus on the effects of omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids (FA) on cutaneous repair. To solve this problem, we used 2 different approaches: (1) FAT-1 transgenic mice, capable of producing endogenous ω-3 FA; (2) wild-type (WT) mice orally supplemented with DHA-enriched fish oil. FAT-1 mice had higher systemic (serum) and local (skin tissue) ω-3 FA levels, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in comparison with WT mice. FAT-1 mice had increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and content of CXCL-1 and CXCL-2, and reduced IL-10 in the skin wound tissue three days after the wound induction. Inflammation was maintained by an elevated TNF-α concentration and presence of inflammatory cells and edema. Neutrophils and macrophages, isolated from FAT-1 mice, also produced increased TNF-α and reduced IL-10 levels. In these mice, the wound closure was delayed, with a wound area 6-fold bigger in relation with WT group, on the last day of analysis (14 days post-wounding). This was associated with poor orientation of collagen fibers and structural aspects in repaired tissue. Similarly, DHA group had a delay during late inflammatory phase. This group had increased TNF-α content and CD45+F4/80+ cells at the third day after skin wounding and increased concentrations of important metabolites derived from ω-3, like 18-HEPE, and reduced concentrations of those from ω-6 FA. In conclusion, elevated DHA content, achieved in both FAT-1 and DHA groups, slowed inflammation resolution and impaired the quality of healed skin tissue.
Music Participation Among School-Aged Children Who Are Hard of Hearing
Authors: Jorgensen Erik J. , Walker Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Music is an important part of life for many people. Furthermore, music training has been shown to improve a variety of cognitive functions among children and adults. However, little research exists on how children who are hard of hearing (HH) perceive or participate in music. In particular, it is unknown whether hearing loss limits participation in music activities among school-aged children with mild-to-severe hearing loss. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hearing loss limits participation among children who are HH compared to children with normal hearing (NH).

Method

Participants were parents of 2 cohorts of children finishing 5th grade (approximately 11 years old). Parents were asked to complete a survey (online or paper) regarding the role of music in their child's life. A total of 88 surveys were completed (67 from parents of children who are HH and 21 from parents of children with NH, with an overall response rate of 74%).

Results

Hearing loss did not limit music participation among children. Children who are HH listened to recorded music, attended live concerts, and practiced an instrument at the same rates as children with NH. Listening to recorded and live music, practicing an instrument, and playing in an ensemble were equally as important to children who are HH as children with NH. Children who are HH were significantly more likely to regularly play in an ensemble than children with NH. Parent participation in music significantly influenced music participation for children who are HH but not children with NH. Descriptive data about music genres, instruments, and ensembles are also presented.

Conclusions

Children who are HH participate in music at the same or greater rates as children with NH. Parent participation in music may be particularly important for children who are HH. In light of this, music listening should be a consideration when fitting children with hearing aids.
Heterogeneous network selection algorithm for novel 5G services based on evolutionary game
Authors: Ma Mingfang , Zhu Anqi , Guo Songtao , Wang Xiaoqian , Liu Bei , Su Xin
Published: November 2019

The network selection in heterogeneous wireless networks is considered as a crucial technology to take advantage of network resource in the coming fifth‐generation (5G) mobile networks. Considering the emergence of 5G novel services and the guarantee of quality of service requirements, in the study, the authors propose a network selection algorithm based on evolutionary game named NS‐EG, by using analytic hierarchy process to jointly analyse user preferences and service requirements. The utility is structured as a joint function of network decision attributes and available capacity. In addition, the dynamic behaviour of users accessing different networks with replicator dynamics are explicitly provided. In order to verify the superiority of the algorithm proposed, the authors evaluate the evolutionary equilibria as well as the iteration of the algorithm by comparing with the simple additive weighting algorithm, multiplicative exponent weighting algorithm and Q‐learning based algorithm. Simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithm outperforms the contrast algorithms and achieve network load balancing.
Characteristic analysis of wireless local area network's received signal strength indication in indoor positioning
Authors: Lin Minmin , Chen Baoxing , Zhang Wenjie , Yang Jingmin
Published: November 2019

The indoor positioning method based on received signal strength indication (RSSI) ranging is a lack of systematic quantitative research on the factors affecting the characteristics of indoor RSSI, which affect the accuracy of positioning. This paper quantitatively analyzes the characteristics of the 2.4 GHz RSSI collected in indoor scenes from the following four aspects: antenna orientation of the receiver, type of wireless network interface card (NIC) of the receiver, time period of the data measurement and height difference between the transmitting and receiving antenna. The experimental results show that: (i) the RSSI value measured is the strongest when the antenna of the receiver is vertically oriented to the antenna of the transmitter, while the weakest when the antenna is vertically back‐facing and the difference between the strongest signal and the weakest signal is 20–25% at the same test point; (ii) the wider the measurement range of NIC, the more conducive to data collection; (iii) the distribution of RSSI signals generated by an access point at a fixed position is inconsistent with time; (iv) when the height of receiving antenna is 0.5 m different from each other, the path loss index of ranging model produces a deviation of about 10%.
Event‐based leader‐following consensus for uncertain non‐linear multiagent systems
Authors: Hua Changchun , Li Zhijie , Li Kuo , Guan Xinping
Published: November 2019

This study investigates a distributed leader‐following consensus problem for a class of high‐order uncertain non‐linear multiagent systems. For the uncertain non‐linear terms in the systems, the authors propose a less conservative Lipschitz condition, which the Lipschitz growth parameters are unknown. By using the adaptive method, the unknown Lipschitz growth parameters are estimated asymptotically. Furthermore, to lower the frequency of controller updates, a new dynamic event‐triggered control strategy with the novel dynamic variable is constructed based on the event‐triggered method. The distributed consensus protocol is proposed based only on the relative state information of neighbouring agents and the protocol can ensure that the Zeno‐behaviour no longer occurred. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory, it is strictly proved that the state variables of the followers can track asymptotically those of the leader. Finally, a simulation example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.
Detection of spectrum hole from n ‐number of primary users using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Venkateshkumar Udayamoorthy , Ramakrishnan Srinivansan
Published: November 2019

A method for detecting spectrum holes based on the n ‐number of primary users (PU's) in a cognitive radio environment, using a cooperative spectrum sensing model is proposed in this study. The fusion centre, senses the n ‐number of PUs. When the number of PUs is >200, the probability of detection decreases, while the probability of a false alarm increases. The authors use the random forest (RF) algorithm to classify a customised dataset of 600 training samples. Further, they compare the RF algorithm and the k ‐means clustering algorithm, using test datasets with a minimum of ten PUs and a maximum of 500 PUs. Five different signal features are considered as the attributes in the proposed model. The maximum probability of detection is achieved using the k ‐means clustering algorithm in the case of 200 PUs and is 99.17%, while the false alarm probability is 0.8%. The receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that probability of detecting a spectrum hole in the case of the dataset with 500 PUs is 97.67% with the signal to noise ratio ranging from 10 to −12 dB. The accuracy can be increased if the number of clusters formed is increased, depending on the number of test samples.
Simulation and experiment of a diamond‐type micro‐displacement amplifier driven by piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Zheng Hai , Lu Shizhou , Zhai Qiang , Huang Bentao , Long Yizhou , Zhao Yupei , Qi Jiahui
Published: November 2019

The micro‐displacement amplifier has been widely used to magnify the outputs of piezoelectric actuators for some large displacement required applications, and the amplification and frequency are the most important elements for designing the amplifying mechanisms. This study presents the design of a diamond‐type micro‐displacement amplifier (DMDA) and simulates its working performances by using the finite element method. After the theoretical values of amplification and natural frequency are calculated, the effects of system parameters such as angle, arm and body thicknesses, corner radius, side and edge widths, on the changes of amplification and stability are studied. Then experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical simulations and further study the amplification mechanism. Finally, a micro‐droplet jetting dispenser featuring the DMDA is constructed. The perfect jetting performance shows the good application of DMDA in microelectronics packaging field. This study finds that with the increase of the angle and the arm thickness, the amplification decreases and the natural frequency increases obviously. A larger value of corner radius or side width produces a smaller natural frequency. Besides, the increase of edge width enlarges the amplification and reduces the natural frequency. This study can be used to guide the design of this kind of micro‐displacement amplifier.
Colour fast‐match for precise vehicle retrieval
Authors: Wei Jian , Wang Yue , Liu Feng , Lin Qiuli , Wang Ning
Published: November 2019

The explosive growth of vehicles has increased the importance of intelligent traffic system. However, compared with face recognition, vehicle retrieval has not attracted the attention of researchers in vision community. Precise vehicle retrieval has always been a challenging task because it requires the retrieval of all vehicles with the same visual attributes from a large number of vehicles with subtle visual differences. To handle this, the authors propose to implement precise vehicle retrieval using an improved fast affine matching colour image retrieval method based on the features of annual inspection label area. Moreover, regional colour constant and hue and saturation feature are introduced to the proposed method so as to settle the illumination change problem in the real surveillance scene. To fully evaluate the proposed algorithm, they perform experiments on the ReIDcar and VehicleID datasets, which differ in data scale and image quality. The experimental results show that the presented algorithm outperforms traditional methods in vehicle retrieval. It is verified that the extracted features and the feature matching method can distinguish subtle differences between vehicles.
Electronic realisation technique for fractional order integrators
Authors: Yüce Ali , Tan Nusret
Published: November 2019

In this study, a new method is presented for the realisation of the fractional order integrator. First, integer order approximate methods are analysed, then based on this analysis and using existing successfully applied approximate methods given in the literature, the design of fractional order integrators with active circuit elements is studied. In other words, fractance elements are developed. Operational amplifier is preferred in the design of fractional order integrator. Time responses of fractional order integrator circuits are computed by using Multisim software of National Instruments. Then the results are compared and verified with the results obtained from Matlab.
Calculation and error bound of Min‐approximated bitwise log‐likelihood ratios of generalised M ‐ary PAM
Authors: Park Sung‐Joon , Lee Daniel C.
Published: November 2019

In modern digital communication systems, a high‐order modulation and advanced channel coding are often jointly used to increase the spectral efficiency and coding gain. In this work, the authors investigate a computationally efficient method for evaluating the bitwise log‐likelihood ratios of generalised M ‐ary pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) signals with the Min approximation. The proposed scheme is simple and can be applied to demodulate the M ‐ary PAM having an arbitrary symbol spacing and a bit stream mapping. The computational complexity and upper bounds of the approximation error are also provided for a better understanding of the proposed scheme.
Synthesis of nano‐silver from Navicula cincta and the evaluation of its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Boobalakrishnan Suruthika , Mani Poonkothai , Pottail Lalitha , Sundararajan Sasireka Krishnan
Published: November 2019

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles is cost effective and encourages the use of non‐toxic chemicals. The biological sources of reductants have trouble free protocols and when applied for human health associated field, is an easy approach for maintaining aseptic environment during the synthesis of nanoparticles. Microalgae are used as a source of natural colours and exhibit extensive applications as natural colorants in nutraceuticals, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The use of Navicula cincta microalgae in the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles is unexplored and underexploited. In this work, silver nanoparticles synthesised using algal extract by sunlight method were characterised by UV–Visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and particles size analyser. The antimicrobial activity of nanosilver against seven bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholera and Salmonella typhi and four fungi Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus stolonifer are investigated using agar well diffusion technique and compared with standard antibiotics namely Chloramphenicol and Nystatin.
Facile synthesis of polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets with incorporated copper ions for high antibacterial performance
Authors: Guo Aiying , Sun Yanfeng , Xu Xiaoyue , Yu Xiumin , Wu Xiaojie , Cai Aijun , Qin Ling
Published: November 2019

In this work, a facile and green approach for the synthesis of polydopamine/reduced graphene oxide nanosheets with incorporated copper ions (Cu/PDA/RGO) has been reported using bioadhesive PDA. During the process, the coating of PDA occurred through self‐assembly and oxidative polymerisation, involving both the reduction of GO nanosheets and immobilisation of Cu ions. The Cu/PDA/RGO nanosheets showed effective and efficient antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The antibacterial mechanism of the Cu/PDA/RGO nanosheets was also investigated. The death of E. coli cells could be attributed to the disruption of their cell membranes and increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, due to the direct contact between the Cu/PDA/RGO nanosheets and cells, the production of high level ROS ultimately led to the death of S. aureus cells. This research provides a new idea for the synthesis of antibacterial agents.
Federated learning framework for mobile edge computing networks
Authors: Fantacci Romano , Picano Benedetta
Published: November 2019

The continuous growth of smart devices needing processing has led to moving storage and computation from cloud to the network edges, giving rise to the edge computing paradigm. Owing to the limited capacity of edge computing nodes, the presence of popular applications in the edge nodes results in significant improvements in users’ satisfaction and service accomplishment. However, the high variability in the content requests makes prediction demand not trivial and, typically, the majority of the classical prediction approaches require the gathering of personal users' information at a central unit, giving rise to many users' privacy issues. In this context, federated learning gained attention as a solution to perform learning procedures from data disseminated across multiple users, keeping the sensitive data protected. This study applies federated learning to the demand prediction problem, to accurately forecast the more popular application types in the network. The proposed framework reaches high accuracy levels on the predicted applications demand, aggregating in a global and weighted model the feedback received by users, after their local training. The validity of the proposed approach is verified by performing a virtual machine replica copies and comparison with the alternative forecasting approach based on chaos theory and deep learning.
Polar flux imbalance at the sunspot cycle minimum governs hemispheric asymmetry in the following cycle
Authors: Bhowmik Prantika
Published: November 2019

Aims.Hemispheric irregularities of solar magnetic activity is a well-observed phenomenon, the origin of which has been studied through numerical simulations and data analysis techniques. In this work we explore possible causes generating north-south asymmetry in the reversal timing and amplitude of the polar field during cycle minimum. Additionally, we investigate how hemispheric asymmetry is translated from cycle to cycle.

Methods.We pursued a three-step approach. Firstly, we explored the asymmetry present in the observed polar flux and sunspot area by analysing observational data of the last 110 years. Secondly, we investigated the contribution from various factors involved in the Babcock–Leighton mechanism to the evolution and generation of polar flux by performing numerical simulations with a surface flux transport model and synthetic sunspot input profiles. Thirdly, translation of hemispheric asymmetry in the following cycle was estimated by assimilating simulation-generated surface magnetic field maps at cycle minimum in a dynamo simulation. Finally, we assessed our understanding of hemispheric asymmetry in the context of observations by performing additional observational data-driven simulations.

Results.Analysis of observational data shows a profound connection between the hemispheric asymmetry in the polar flux at cycle minimum and the total hemispheric activity during the following cycle. We find that the randomness associated with the tilt angle of sunspots is the most crucial element among diverse components of the Babcock–Leighton mechanism in resulting hemispheric irregularities in the evolution of polar field. Our analyses with dynamo simulations indicate that an asymmetric poloidal field at the solar minimum can introduce significant north-south asymmetry in the amplitude and timing of peak activity during the following cycle. While observational data-driven simulations reproduce salient features of the observed asymmetry in the solar cycles during the last 100 years, we speculate that fluctuations in the mean-fieldα-effect and meridional circulation can have finite contributions in this regard.