bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering electronic structure to prolong relaxation times in molecular qubits by minimising orbital angular momentum
Authors: Ariciu Ana-Maria , Woen David H. , Huh Daniel N. , Nodaraki Lydia E. , Kostopoulos Andreas K. , Goodwin Conrad A. P. , Chilton Nicholas F. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Evans William J. , Tuna Floriana
Published: July 2019

The proposal that paramagnetic transition metal complexes could be used as qubits for quantum information processing (QIP) requires that the molecules retain the spin information for a sufficient length of time to allow computation and error correction. Therefore, understanding how the electron spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) and phase memory time (Tm) relate to structure is important. Previous studies have focused on the ligand shell surrounding the paramagnetic centre, seeking to increase rigidity or remove elements with nuclear spins or both. Here we have studied a family of early 3d or 4f metals in the +2 oxidation states where the ground state is effectively a2S state. This leads to a highly isotropic spin and hence makes the putative qubit insensitive to its environment. We have studied how this influencesT1andTmand show unusually long relaxation times given that the ligand shell is rich in nuclear spins and non-rigid.
Role of solvent-anion charge transfer in oxidative degradation of battery electrolytes
Authors: Fadel Eric R. , Faglioni Francesco , Samsonidze Georgy , Molinari Nicola , Merinov Boris V. , Goddard III William A. , Grossman Jeffrey C. , Mailoa Jonathan P. , Kozinsky Boris
Published: July 2019

Electrochemical stability windows of electrolytes largely determine the limitations of operating regimes of lithium-ion batteries, but the degradation mechanisms are difficult to characterize and poorly understood. Using computational quantum chemistry to investigate the oxidative decomposition that govern voltage stability of multi-component organic electrolytes, we find that electrolyte decomposition is a process involving the solvent and the salt anion and requires explicit treatment of their coupling. We find that the ionization potential of the solvent-anion system is often lower than that of the isolated solvent or the anion. This mutual weakening effect is explained by the formation of the anion-solvent charge-transfer complex, which we study for 16 anion-solvent combinations. This understanding of the oxidation mechanism allows the formulation of a simple predictive model that explains experimentally observed trends in the onset voltages of degradation of electrolytes near the cathode. This model opens opportunities for rapid rational design of stable electrolytes for high-energy batteries.
Gallium arsenide solar cells grown at rates exceeding 300 µm h−1 by hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Metaferia Wondwosen , Schulte Kevin L. , Simon John , Johnston Steve , Ptak Aaron J.
Published: July 2019

We report gallium arsenide (GaAs) growth rates exceeding 300 µm h−1 using dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy. We achieved these rates by maximizing the gallium to gallium monochloride conversion efficiency, and by utilizing a mass-transport-limited growth regime with fast kinetics. We also demonstrate gallium indium phosphide growth at rates exceeding 200 µm h−1 using similar growth conditions. We grew GaAs solar cell devices by incorporating the high growth rate of GaAs and evaluated its material quality at these high rates. Solar cell growth rates ranged from 35 to 309 µm h−1 with open circuit voltages ranging from 1.04 to 1.07 V. The best devices exceeded 25% efficiency under the AM1.5 G solar spectrum. The high open-circuit voltages indicate that high material quality can be maintained at these extremely high growth rates. These results have strong implications toward lowering the deposition cost of III-V materials potentially enabling the deposition of high efficiency devices in mere seconds.
The influence of Echinacea purpurea leaf microbiota on chicoric acid level
Authors: Maggini Valentina , De Leo Marinella , Granchi Carlotta , Tuccinardi Tiziano , Mengoni Alessio , Gallo Eugenia Rosaria , Biffi Sauro , Fani Renato , Pistelli Luisa , Firenzuoli Fabio , Bogani Patrizia
Published: July 2019

The controversial anti-proliferative effects of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (Asteraceae) might be related to different plant metabolites contained in plant samples, extracts and products. The influence of bacterial endophytes on the synthesis of bioactive compounds in the medicinal plants has been previously demonstrated but there are only few studies addressing anticancer effects and mechanisms of E. purpurea extracts following endophytic colonization. The present study aimed to test and compare the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibition potential of n-hexane and methanol extracts from in vitro endophyte non-inoculated and inoculated E. purpurea plants. An in vitro model was previously set up to perform the infection of axenic E. purpurea plants with bacterial endophytic strains isolated from E. purpurea aerial part. Only methanol extracts showed LDH5 inhibition, in particular the richest in chicoric acid and most strongly inhibiting extract was obtained from inoculated stem and leaves of E. purpurea (IC50 = 0.9 mg/ml). Chicoric acid showed an IC50 value (66.7 µM) in enzymatic assays better than that of the reference compound galloflavin. Modeling studies were carried out to suggest the putative interaction mode of chicoric acid in the enzyme active site. This in vitro model on plant-bacterial interaction may lead to obtain extracts from plants enriched in bioactive compounds and it is a new approach for the discovery of novel anticancer compounds.
The Henna pigment Lawsone activates the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and impacts skin homeostasis
Authors: Lozza Laura , Moura-Alves Pedro , Domaszewska Teresa , Lage Crespo Carolina , Streata Ioana , Kreuchwig Annika , Puyskens Andreas , Bechtle Marina , Klemm Marion , Zedler Ulrike , Silviu Ungureanu Bogdan , Guhlich-Bornhof Ute , Koehler Anne-Britta , Stäber Manuela , Mollenkopf Hans-Joachim , Hurwitz Robert , Furkert Jens , Krause Gerd , Weiner January , Jacinto António , Mihai Ioana , Leite-de-Moraes Maria , Siebenhaar Frank , Maurer Marcus , Kaufmann Stefan H. E.
Published: July 2019

As a first host barrier, the skin is constantly exposed to environmental insults that perturb its integrity. Tight regulation of skin homeostasis is largely controlled by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Here, we demonstrate that Henna and its major pigment, the naphthoquinone Lawsone activate AhR, bothin vitroandin vivo. In human keratinocytes and epidermis equivalents, Lawsone exposure enhances the production of late epidermal proteins, impacts keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation, and regulates skin inflammation. To determine the potential use of Lawsone for therapeutic application, we harnessed human, murine and zebrafish models. In skin regeneration models, Lawsone interferes with physiological tissue regeneration and inhibits wound healing. Conversely, in a human acute dermatitis model, topical application of a Lawsone-containing cream ameliorates skin irritation. Altogether, our study reveals how a widely used natural plant pigment is sensed by the host receptor AhR, and how the physiopathological context determines beneficial and detrimental outcomes.
Computational Models Accurately Predict Multi-Cell Biomarker Profiles in Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Fischer Carol L. , Bates Amber M. , Lanzel Emily A. , Guthmiller Janet M. , Johnson Georgia K. , Singh Neeraj Kumar , Kumar Ansu , Vidva Robinson , Abbasi Taher , Vali Shireen , Xie Xian Jin , Zeng Erliang , Brogden Kim A.
Published: July 2019

Individual computational models of single myeloid, lymphoid, epithelial, and cancer cells were created and combined into multi-cell computational models and used to predict the collective chemokine, cytokine, and cellular biomarker profiles often seen in inflamed or cancerous tissues. Predicted chemokine and cytokine output profiles from multi-cell computational models of gingival epithelial keratinocytes (GE KER), dendritic cells (DC), and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or synthetic triacylated lipopeptide (Pam3CSK4) as well as multi-cell computational models of multiple myeloma (MM) and DC were validated using the observed chemokine and cytokine responses from the same cell type combinations grown in laboratory multi-cell cultures with accuracy. Predicted and observed chemokine and cytokine responses of GE KER + DC + HTL exposed to LPS and Pam3CSK4 matched 75% (15/20, p = 0.02069) and 80% (16/20, P = 0.005909), respectively. Multi-cell computational models became ‘personalized’ when cell line-specific genomic data were included into simulations, again validated with the same cell lines grown in laboratory multi-cell cultures. Here, predicted and observed chemokine and cytokine responses of MM cells lines MM.1S and U266B1 matched 75% (3/4) and MM.1S and U266B1 inhibition of DC marker expression in co-culture matched 100% (6/6). Multi-cell computational models have the potential to identify approaches altering the predicted disease-associated output profiles, particularly as high throughput screening tools for anti-inflammatory or immuno-oncology treatments of inflamed multi-cellular tissues and the tumor microenvironment.
Preferential phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate binding contributes to a destabilization of the VHS domain structure of Tom1
Authors: Xiong Wen , Tang Tuo-Xian , Littleton Evan , Karcini Arba , Lazar Iulia M. , Capelluto Daniel G. S.
Published: July 2019

Tom1 transports endosomal ubiquitinated proteins that are targeted for degradation in the lysosomal pathway. Infection of eukaryotic cells by Shigella flexneri boosts oxygen consumption and promotes the synthesis of phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate (PtdIns5P), which triggers Tom1 translocation to signaling endosomes. Removing Tom1 from its cargo trafficking function hinders protein degradation in the host and, simultaneously, enables bacterial survival. Tom1 preferentially binds PtdIns5P via its VHS domain, but the effects of a reducing environment as well as PtdIns5P on the domain structure and function are unknown. Thermal denaturation studies demonstrate that, under reducing conditions, the monomeric Tom1 VHS domain switches from a three-state to a two-state transition behavior. PtdIns5P reduced thermostability, interhelical contacts, and conformational compaction of Tom1 VHS, suggesting that the phosphoinositide destabilizes the protein domain. Destabilization of Tom1 VHS structure was also observed with other phospholipids. Isothermal calorimetry data analysis indicates that, unlike ubiquitin, Tom1 VHS endothermically binds to PtdIns5P through two noncooperative binding sites, with its acyl chains playing a relevant role in the interaction. Altogether, these findings provide mechanistic insights about the recognition of PtdIns5P by the VHS domain that may explain how Tom1, when in a different VHS domain conformational state, interacts with downstream effectors under S. flexneri infection.
Magnetic nanocomposites decorated on multiwalled carbon nanotube
for removal of Maxilon Blue 5G using the sono-Fenton method
Authors: Nas Mehmet Salih , Kuyuldar Esra , Demirkan Buse , Calimli Mehmet Harbi , Demirbaş Ozkan , Sen Fatih
Published: July 2019

Herein, multiwalled carbon nanotube-based
Fe3O4 nano-adsorbents
(Fe3O4@MWCNT) were synthesized by
ultrasonic reduction method. The synthesized nano-adsorbent
(Fe3O4@MWCNT) exhibited efficient
sonocatalytic activity to remove Maxilon Blue 5G, a textile dye, and present in a
cationic form, in aqueous solution under ultrasonic irradiation. The magnetic
nano-adsorbent particles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron
microscopy (HR-TEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy and
X-ray diffraction (XRD). Some important parameters such as nano-adsorbent dosage,
solution pH, initial dye and H2O2
concentration, reaction time, ultrasonic power and temperature were tested to
determine the optimum conditions for the elimination of Maxilon Blue 5G dye. The
reusability results showed that
Fe3O4@MWCNT nano-adsorbent has a
decrease of about 32.15% in the removal efficiency of Maxilon Blue 5G under
ultrasonic irradiation after six times reuse. Additionally, in order to reveal the
sufficient kinetic explanation, various experiments were performed at different
temperatures and testing three kinetic models like the pseudo-first-order,
pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion for removal adsorption process of
Maxilon Blue 5G using Fe3O4@MWCNT
nano-adsorbent. The experimental kinetic results revealed that the adsorption
process of Maxilon Blue 5G in the aquatic mediums using sono-Fenton method was found
to be compatible with the intraparticle diffusion. Using kinetic models and studies,
some activation parameters like enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy for the
adsorption process were calculated. The activation parameters indicated that
Fe3O4@MWCNT nano-adsorbent could
be used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Maxilon Blue 5G as a textile
dye and the adsorption process of Maxilon Blue 5G with
Fe3O4@MWCNT nano-adsorbent is
spontaneous.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in clinical development: a translational perspective
Authors: Shah Pratik , Kendall Francis , Khozin Sean , Goosen Ryan , Hu Jianying , Laramie Jason , Ringel Michael , Schork Nicholas
Published: July 2019

Future of clinical development is on the verge of a major transformation due to convergence of large new digital data sources, computing power to identify clinically meaningful patterns in the data using efficient artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms, and regulators embracing this change through new collaborations. This perspective summarizes insights, recent developments, and recommendations for infusing actionable computational evidence into clinical development and health care from academy, biotechnology industry, nonprofit foundations, regulators, and technology corporations. Analysis and learning from publically available biomedical and clinical trial data sets, real-world evidence from sensors, and health records by machine-learning architectures are discussed. Strategies for modernizing the clinical development process by integration of AI- and ML-based digital methods and secure computing technologies through recently announced regulatory pathways at the United States Food and Drug Administration are outlined. We conclude by discussing applications and impact of digital algorithmic evidence to improve medical care for patients.
Molecular insights into organic particulate formation
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Burrell Emily , Hansen Jaron C. , Francisco Joseph S.
Published: July 2019

Carboxylic acids have been detected in particles collected in various regions of the world. Here, we use experiments and Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations to better understand the mechanism of particle formation from gas phase mixtures of formic acid (HCOOH), (CH3)3N, and water vapor. A flow reaction cell coupled to two scanning mobility particle sizers has been used to measure particle size, absolute number of particles and kinetics of particle formation. Experimental results show that the addition of (CH3)3N to a mixture of HCOOH and water vapor results in a dramatic increase in particle formation. Simulation results indicate that the ion-pair formation on the water surface involves direct proton transfer between HCOOH and (CH3)3N. The HCOO—··(CH3)3NH+ ion-pair remains at the air–water interface due to hydrogen bonding and the interfacial hydration shell. This experiment-theory study shows the formation of aerosol particles from the organic acid-amine interactions, which may aid in understanding the role of organics in haze and cloud droplet formation and nanoparticle growth.
An electrostatic self-assembly route to prepare C-dots/gold nanoclusters for dual-emission ratiometric optical thermometry in living cells
Authors: Jia Yunxiao , Zhang Xiaojie , Yin Chunxia , Zhang Xun , Zhang Jiaping , Wang Xinwai , Xin Jingwei
Published: July 2019

A simple and facile self-assemble strategy is developed to prepare C-dots/gold nanoclusters dual-emission ratiometric optical thermometry in living cells.
Synthesis and redox chemistry of Pd(ii) complexes of a pincer verdazyl ligand
Authors: Sanz Corey A. , Patrick Brian O. , Hicks Robin G.
Published: July 2019

Palladium(ii) complexes of a “pincer” verdazyl ligand undergo a variety of ligand-centered electron transfer reactions.
One-step synthesis of MOF-derived Ga/Ga2O3@C dodecahedra as an anode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Ke , Ye Wenkai , Yin Weihao , Chai Wenwen , Tang Bohejin , Rui Yichuan
Published: July 2019

A Ga/Ga2O3@C dodecahedron composite with a high specific capacity of about 542 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles at the current density of 1000 mA g−1 was synthesized by one-step hydrogen reduction.
Prediction of new targets and mechanisms for quercetin in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer
Authors: Pang Bing , Xu Xiaoguang , Lu Yao , Jin Han , Yang Rongrong , Jiang Chunmei , Shao Dongyan , Liu Yanlin , Shi Junling
Published: July 2019

Quercetin has been widely found to exhibit anticancer activity with low toxicity and prevalence in foods.
Bidirectional charge-transfer behavior in carbon-based hybrid nanomaterials
Authors: Barrejón Myriam , Arellano Luis M. , D'Souza Francis , Langa Fernando
Published: July 2019

This review highlights construction and study of molecular and supramolecular donor–acceptor constructs derived by linking photosensitizers to various nanocarbons in governing directional electron transfer.
An efficient synthesis of oxazolines via a cascade reaction between azaoxyallyl cations and 1,2-benzisoxazoles
Authors: Sun Li , Liu Yi , Wang Yankai , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Zhiwen , Lu Tao , Li Wenhai
Published: July 2019

A highly efficient 3 + 2 cycloaddition reaction with azaoxyallyl cation C–O terminals under mild conditions has been developed.
Carbon impurity-free, novel Mn,N co-doped porous Mo2C nanorods for an efficient and stable hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Xu Jieyu , Lian Cheng , Ge Lin , Zhang Lingxia , Li Liang , Li Yunheng , Wang Min , Liu Honglai , Li Yongsheng
Published: July 2019

Carbon impurity-free, novel Mn,N co-doped porous Mo2C nanorods reduce the hydrogen adsorption energy, functioning as efficient HER electrocatalysts.
Ultra-low formation of octahydrophenazine in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime using a microreactor
Authors: Du Chencan , Hu Yunpeng , Zhang Jisong , Luo Guangsheng
Published: July 2019

An ultra-low content of octahydrophenazine (<1 ppm) was reached in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to yield ε-caprolactam.
Mechanochromism and optical remodeling of multi-network elastomers containing anthracene dimers
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zeng Dezhi , Pan Yifei , Chen Yinjun , Ruan Yonghong , Xu Yuanze , Boulatov Roman , Creton Costantino , Weng Wengui
Published: July 2019

Multi-network elastomers with a reformable sacrificial network containing mechanochemically sensitive anthracene-dimer cross-links manifest reversible mechanochromism and remodeling.
Capturing aerosol droplets with fibers
Authors: Labbé R. , Duprat C.
Published: July 2019

Capturing droplets from a stream with a fibrous material is a well-known process, from coalescence filters to fog harvesting. The collection efficiency strongly depends on the drop distribution on the fibers, thus on their wetting properties.
Two-dimensional inverted planar perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 15% via solvent and interface engineering
Authors: Lian Xiaomei , Chen Jiehuan , Zhang Yingzhu , Tian Shuoxun , Qin Minchao , Li Jun , Andersen Thomas Rieks , Wu Gang , Lu Xinhui , Chen Hongzheng
Published: July 2019

Formamide and PCP-Na are combined to simultaneously increase Jsc and Voc, resulting in a PCE of 15.86%.
A g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+composite as an efficient plasmonic photocatalyst for round-the-clock environmental purification and hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Chen Xueya , Li Yizu , Wu Bingquan , Luo Xubiao , Ouyang Sheng , Luo Shenglian , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Lin Jun
Published: July 2019

Here, we demonstrate a g-C3N4@Au@SrAl2O4:Eu2+,Dy3+composite as a novel efficient self-luminous visible-light plasmonic photocatalyst for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evolution from water around the clock.
Fabrication of SnS nanowalls via pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a metal–organic single-source precursor
Authors: Ruhmlieb Charlotte , Lee Young Joo , Strelow Christian , Kipp Tobias , Mews Alf
Published: July 2019

Vaporization of the solid bis(diethyldithiocarbamato)tin(ii) into pulsed RF plasma leads to the growth of crystalline, highly conductive SnS nanowalls.
The effect of pore size and layer number of metal–porphyrin coordination nanosheets on sensing DNA
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Wang Tianyu , Ji Jing , Wang Chiming , Wang Hailong , Jin Peng , Zhou Wei , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: July 2019

The synergistic contributions of pore size and layer number of MOF nanosheets for highly efficient DNA detection were discovered.
Correction: Construction of highly fluorescent N–O seven-membered heterocycles via thermo-oxidation of oxazolidines
Authors: Chen Qiaonan , Liang Xiao , Du Jiahui , Wei Zhonglin , Zhang Yu-Mo , Zhang Ting , Qin Tianyou , Gao Wenbin , Sheng Lan , Zhang Sean Xiao-An
Published: July 2019

Correction for ‘Construction of highly fluorescent N–O seven-membered heterocycles via thermo-oxidation of oxazolidines’ by Qiaonan Chen et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2019, 7, 8045–8052.
Prometryn induces apoptotic cell death through cell cycle arrest and oxidative DNA damage
Authors: Liu Qiaoyun , Wang Longsheng , Chen Hanwen , Huang Bo , Xu Jiawei , Li Ying , Héroux Paul , Zhu Xinqiang , Wu Yihua , Xia Dajing
Published: July 2019

Prometryn is a slightly to moderately toxic herbicide belonging to the triazine family of herbicides, which are widely used in agriculture to control the growth of various weeds. Although many studies have shown that triazine herbicides have carcinogenic potential in humans, the cytotoxic effects of prometryn on human cells, and the mechanisms underlying these effects, are not yet fully understood. The lung is one of the most important organs where there is accumulation of environmental pollutants. The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of prometryn on normal lung cells using the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. We found that treatment with high concentrations of prometryn arrested BEAS-2B cell growth in the S phase, while at low concentrations the cell cycle was not affected. Furthermore, we observed changes in the expression levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and cyclin A that were consistent with the induction of cell cycle arrest in BEAS-2B cells exposed to prometryn. We also observed the increased formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in BEAS-2B cells, suggesting that this cell line is sensitive to prometryn. Finally, prometryn induced DNA double-strand breaks in BEAS-2B cells. In conclusion, prometryn affected key molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, induced oxidative stress, and induced DNA damage in BEAS-2B cells, which may shed light on the mechanism by which prometryn promotes lung cancer development.
Data-driven challenges and opportunities in crystallography
Authors: Glynn Calina , Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: July 2019

Structural biology is in the midst of a revolution fueled by faster and more powerful instruments capable of delivering orders of magnitude more data than their predecessors. This increased pace in data gathering introduces new experimental and computational challenges, frustrating real-time processing and interpretation of data and requiring long-term solutions for data archival and retrieval. This combination of challenges and opportunities is driving the exploration of new areas of structural biology, including studies of macromolecular dynamics and the investigation of molecular ensembles in search of a better understanding of conformational landscapes. The next generation of instruments promises to yield even greater data rates, requiring a concerted effort by institutions, centers and individuals to extract meaning from every bit and make data accessible to the community at large, facilitating data mining efforts by individuals or groups as analysis tools improve.
Psychosocial Risks and Management for Children and Adolescents With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Crerand Canice E. , Rabkin Ari N.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This article reviews the psychosocial risks associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a relatively common genetic condition associated with a range of physical and psychiatric problems. Risks associated with developmental stages from infancy through adolescence and early adulthood are described, including developmental, learning, and intellectual disabilities as well as psychiatric disorders including anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Other risks related to coping with health problems and related treatments are also detailed for both affected individuals and their families.

Conclusion

The article ends with strategies for addressing psychosocial risks including provision of condition-specific education, enhancement of social support, routine assessment of cognitive abilities, regular mental health screening, and referrals for empirically supported psychiatric and psychological treatments.
Modulating function‐based fast convergent observer and output feedback control for a class of non‐linear systems
Authors: Djennoune Said , Bettayeb Maamar , Al‐Saggaf Ubaid M.
Published: July 2019

In this study, a new observer for a class of non‐linear single input/single output systems is proposed. This observer is based on a modulating function with time/output dependent coordinates transformation which transforms the original system into a like‐type observer canonical form. In the new coordinates, the initial conditions are annihilated. This property permits to construct a fast convergent deadbeat observer activated after an time delay chosen in order to avoid the singularity of the transformation at the initial time . The finite‐time convergence of the observer is established, i.e. it is shown that the estimation error is bounded in finite time. The proposed observer is used in an output feedback controller design. Using the already established results on the output feedback stabilisation of non‐linear input‐affine systems, the separation principle is addressed here and the authors show that output feedback controller guarantees under certain conditions the stability of the closed‐loop system. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed observer‐based output feedback controller.
Modified MMC and its capacitor voltage ripple suppression method employed in medium‐voltage wind generator system
Authors: Guan Weide , Huang Shoudao , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: July 2019

Modular multilevel converter (MMC) is widely used in medium‐ and high‐voltage applications, but there are large capacitor voltage ripples on the sub‐modules (SMs) when applied to low‐speed applications, such as wind generator system. The method based on the injection of common‐mode voltage and high‐frequency current is the most effective solution at present, but it will bring new problems. To solve these problems, a modified MMC is proposed in this study. Firstly, coupled inductors and LC resonance circuit are adopted as the power transfer channel between the upper arm and lower arm of the MMC, to eliminate the low‐frequency voltage ripple. The theoretical analysis and design guideline of the coupled inductors and LC resonance circuit are discussed in detail before the explanation of SM voltage fluctuation suppression method. Secondly, an improved voltage fluctuation suppression method, named limited compensation method, is presented to replace the conventional full compensation method to decrease the magnitude of injected high‐frequency current, thereby reducing the current ratings of power devices, size of inductors, and the cost of system. In the end, MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations and a 2 kW down‐scaled prototype are performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed solution and its control scheme.
Modified virtual inertia control method of VSG strategy with improved transient response and power‐supporting capability
Authors: Wang Yawei , Liu Bangyin , Duan Shanxu
Published: July 2019

Virtual synchronous generator (VSG) controlled grid‐tied converters could increase power overshoot and oscillation if real power reference disturbance (PRD) occurs. Existing VSG methods can mitigate the power oscillations, but they may reduce the supporting capability of grid contingency. To cope with the issue, a modified virtual inertia control method of VSG strategy is proposed. The proposed modified VSG method introduces two frequencies of point of common coupling into the virtual inertia control. The estimated frequency is used to mitigate the power oscillations and the measured frequency aims to provide extra power supporting. The formulated parameters design principles are given according to the transient characteristics. Stability analysis of power and frequency response is carried out to evaluate the proposed method. Besides, the transient power and frequency response of the PRD case and grid‐frequency disturbance (GFD) case are studied. The power overshoot of the proposed modified VSG method decreases by 52.5% under the PRD case and the power support peak increases by 34.3% under the GFD case. Experimental results show that the transient performance of the proposed modified VSG controlled grid‐tied converters is improved.
Identifying genuine protein–protein interactions within communities of gene co‐expression networks using a deconvolution method
Authors: Zhang Jin , Ju Shan
Published: July 2019

Direct relationships between biological molecules connected in a gene co‐expression network tend to reflect real biological activities such as gene regulation, protein–protein interactions (PPIs), and metabolisation. As correlation‐based networks contain numerous indirect connections, those direct relationships are always ‘hidden’ in them. Compared with the global network, network communities imply more biological significance on predicting protein function, detecting protein complexes and studying network evolution. Therefore, identifying direct relationships in communities is a pervasive and important topic in the biological sciences. Unfortunately, this field has not been well studied. A major thrust of this study is to apply a deconvolution algorithm on communities stemming from different gene co‐expression networks, which are constructed by fixing different thresholds for robustness analysis. Using the fifth Dialogue on Reverse Engineering Assessment and Methods challenge (DREAM5) framework, the authors demonstrate that nearly all new communities extracted from a ‘deconvolution filter’ contain more genuine PPIs than before deconvolution.
A luminous stellar outburst during a long-lasting eruptive phase first, and then SN IIn 2018cnf
Authors: Pastorello A. , Reguitti A. , Morales-Garoffolo A. , Cano Z. , Prentice S. J. , Hiramatsu D. , Burke J. , Kankare E. , Kotak R. , Reynolds T. , Smartt S. J. , Bose S. , Chen P. , Congiu E. , Dong S. , Geier S. , Gromadzki M. , Hsiao E. Y. , Kumar S. , Ochner P. , Pignata G. , Tomasella L. , Wang L. , Arcavi I. , Ashall C. , Callis E. , de Ugarte Postigo A. , Fraser M. , Hosseinzadeh G. , Howell D. A. , Inserra C. , Kann D. A. , Mason E. , Mazzali P. A. , McCully C. , Rodríguez Ó. , Phillips M. M. , Smith K. W. , Tartaglia L. , Thöne C. C. , Wevers T. , Young D. R. , Pumo M. L. , Lowe T. B. , Magnier E. A. , Wainscoat R. J. , Waters C. , Wright D. E.
Published: July 2019

We present the results of the monitoring campaign of the Type IIn supernova (SN) 2018cnf (a.k.a. ASASSN-18mr). It was discovered about ten days before the maximum light (on MJD = 58 293.4 ± 5.7 in the V band, with MV = −18.13 ± 0.15 mag). The multiband light curves show an immediate post-peak decline with some minor luminosity fluctuations, followed by a flattening starting about 40 days after maximum. The early spectra are relatively blue and show narrow Balmer lines with P Cygni profiles. Additionally, Fe II, O I, He I, and Ca II are detected. The spectra show little evolution with time and with intermediate-width features becoming progressively more prominent, indicating stronger interaction of the SN ejecta with the circumstellar medium. The inspection of archival images from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) survey has revealed a variable source at the SN position with a brightest detection in December 2015 at Mr = −14.66 ± 0.17 mag. This was likely an eruptive phase from the massive progenitor star that started from at least mid-2011, and that produced the circumstellar environment within which the star exploded as a Type IIn SN. The overall properties of SN 2018cnf closely resemble those of transients such as SN 2009ip. This similarity favours a massive hypergiant, perhaps a luminous blue variable, as progenitor for SN 2018cnf.
Investigating the physical properties of galaxies in the Epoch of Reionization with MIRI/JWST spectroscopy
Authors: Álvarez-Márquez J. , Colina L. , Marques-Chaves R. , Ceverino D. , Alonso-Herrero A. , Caputi K. , García-Marín M. , Labiano A. , Le Fèvre O. , Norgaard-Nielsen H. U. , Östlin G. , Pérez-González P. G. , Pye J. P. , Tikkanen T. V. , van der Werf P. P. , Walter F. , Wright G. S.
Published: July 2019

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will provide deep imaging and spectroscopy for sources at redshifts above 6, covering the entire Epoch of Reionization (EoR, 6 <  z <  10), and enabling the detailed exploration of the nature of the different sources during the first 1 Gyr of the history of the Universe. The Medium Resolution Spectrograph (MRS) of the mid-IR Instrument (MIRI) will be the only instrument on board JWST able to observe the brightest optical emission lines Hα and [OIII]0.5007 μm at redshifts above 7 and 9, respectively, providing key insights into the physical properties of sources during the early phases of the EoR. This paper presents a study of the Hα fluxes predicted by state-of-the-art FIRSTLIGHT cosmological simulations for galaxies at redshifts of 6.5–10.5, and its detectability with MIRI. Deep (40 ks) spectroscopic integrations with MRS will be able to detect (signal-to-noise ratio > 5) EoR sources at redshifts above 7 with intrinsic star formation rates (SFR) of more than 2 M⊙ yr−1, and stellar masses above 4–9 × 107 M⊙. These limits cover the upper end of the SFR and stellar mass distribution at those redshifts, representing ∼6% and ∼1% of the predicted FIRSTLIGHT population at the 6.5–7.5 and 7.5–8.5 redshift ranges, respectively. In addition, the paper presents realistic MRS simulated observations of the expected rest-frame optical and near-infrared spectra for some spectroscopically confirmed EoR sources recently detected by ALMA as [OIII]88 μm emitters. The MRS simulated spectra cover a wide range of low metallicities from about 0.2–0.02 Z⊙, and different [OIII]88 μm/[OIII]0.5007 μm line ratios. The simulated 10 ks MRS spectra show S/N in the range of 5–90 for Hβ, [OIII]0.4959,0.5007 μm, Hα and HeI1.083 μm emission lines of the currently highest spectroscopically confirmed EoR (lensed) source MACS1149-JD1 at a redshift of 9.11, independent of metallicity. In addition, deep 40 ksec simulated spectra of the luminous merger candidate B14-65666 at 7.15 shows the MRS capabilities of detecting, or putting strong upper limits on, the weak [NII]0.6584 μm, [SII]0.6717,0.6731 μm, and [SIII]0.9069,0.9532 μm emission lines. These observations will provide the opportunity of deriving accurate metallicities in bright EoR sources using the full range of rest-frame optical emission lines up to 1 μm. In summary, MRS will enable the detailed study of key physical properties such as internal extinction, instantaneous star formation, hardness of the ionizing continuum, and metallicity in bright (intrinsic or lensed) EoR sources.
OH maser emission in the THOR survey of the northern Milky Way
Authors: Beuther H. , Walsh A. , Wang Y. , Rugel M. , Soler J. , Linz H. , Klessen R. S. , Anderson L. D. , Urquhart J. S. , Glover S. C. O. , Billington S. J. , Kainulainen J. , Menten K. M. , Roy N. , Longmore S. N. , Bigiel F.
Published: July 2019

Context. OH masers trace diverse physical processes, from the expanding envelopes around evolved stars to star-forming regions or supernovae remnants. Providing a survey of the ground-state OH maser transitions in the northern hemisphere inner Milky Way facilitates the study of a broad range of scientific topics.

Aims. We want to identify the ground-state OH masers at ∼18 cm wavelength in the area covered by The HI/OH/Recombination line survey of the Milky Way (THOR). We will present a catalogue of all OH maser features and their possible associated environments.

Methods. The THOR survey covers longitude and latitude ranges of 14.°3 < l < 66.°8 and b < ± 1.°25. All OH ground state lines 2Π3/2 (J = 3/2) at 1612 (F = 1−2), 1665 (F = 1−1), 1667 (F = 2−2) and 1720 MHz (F = 2−1) have been observed, employing the Very Large Array (VLA) in its C configuration. The spatial resolution of the data varies between 12.5″ and 19″, the spectral resolution is 1.5 km s−1, and the rms sensitivity of the data is ∼10 mJy beam−1 per channel.

Results. We identify 1585 individual maser spots (corresponding to single spectral features) distributed over 807 maser sites (regions of size ∼103 − 104 AU). Based on different criteria from spectral profiles to literature comparison, we try to associate the maser sites with astrophysical source types. Approximately 51% of the sites exhibit the double-horned 1612 MHz spectra typically emitted from the expanding shells of evolved stars. The separations of the two main velocity features of the expanding shells typically vary between 22 and 38 km s−1. In addition to this, at least 20% of the maser sites are associated with star-forming regions. While the largest fraction of 1720 MHz maser spots (21 out of 53) is associated with supernova remnants, a significant fraction of the 1720 MHz maser spots (17) are also associated with star-forming regions. We present comparisons to the thermal 13CO(1–0) emission as well as to other surveys of class II CH3OH and H2O maser emission. The catalogue attempts to present associations to astrophysical sources where available, and the full catalogue is available in electronic form.

Conclusions. This OH maser catalogue presents a unique resource of stellar and interstellar masers in the northern hemisphere. It provides the basis for a diverse range of follow-up studies from envelopes around evolved stars to star-forming regions and Supernova remnants.
Damping of slow magnetoacoustic oscillations by the misbalance between heating and cooling processes in the solar corona
Authors: Kolotkov D. Y. , Nakariakov V. M. , Zavershinskii D. I.
Published: July 2019

Context. Rapidly decaying slow magnetoacoustic waves are regularly observed in the solar coronal structures, offering a promising tool for a seismological diagnostics of the coronal plasma, including its thermodynamical properties.

Aims. The effect of damping of standing slow magnetoacoustic oscillations in the solar coronal loops is investigated accounting for field-aligned thermal conductivity and a wave-induced misbalance between radiative cooling and some unspecified heating rates.

Methods. The non-adiabatic terms were allowed to be arbitrarily large, corresponding to the observed values. The thermal conductivity was taken in its classical form, and a power-law dependence of the heating function on the density and temperature was assumed. The analysis was conducted in the linear regime and in the infinite magnetic field approximation.

Results. The wave dynamics is found to be highly sensitive to the characteristic timescales of the thermal misbalance. Depending on certain values of the misbalance, timescales three regimes of the wave evolution were identified, namely the regime of a suppressed damping, enhanced damping in which the damping rate drops down to observational values, and acoustic over-stability. The specific regime is determined by the dependences of the radiative cooling and heating functions on thermodynamical parameters of the plasma in the vicinity of the perturbed thermal equilibrium.

Conclusions. The comparison of the observed and theoretically derived decay times and oscillation periods allows us to constrain the coronal heating function. For typical coronal parameters, the observed properties of standing slow magnetoacoustic oscillations could be readily reproduced with a reasonable choice of the heating function.
Updates in Congenital Heart Disease: Can Outcomes Improve?
Authors: Martin Gerard R. , Cross Russell R. , Hom Lisa A. , Klugman Darren
Published: July 2019

Despite numerous advances in medical and surgical management, congenital heart disease (CHD) remains the number one cause of death in the first year of life from congenital malformations. The current strategies used to approach improving outcomes in CHD are varied. This article will discuss the recent impact of pulse oximetry screening for critical CHD, describe the contributions of advanced cardiac imaging in the neonate with CHD, and highlight the growing importance of quality improvement and safety programs in the cardiac intensive care unit.
Updates in Red Blood Cell and Platelet Transfusions in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Lopriore Enrico
Published: July 2019

Anemia and thrombocytopenia occur frequently in preterm neonates and the majority of them require at least one blood transfusion during the first few weeks of life. However, there is no international consensus on optimal transfusion management neither for red blood cell nor for platelet transfusions, resulting in large worldwide variations in transfusion practices between neonatal intensive care units. In the past decade, several studies performed in adults, infants as well as neonates showed that restrictive transfusion guidelines are just as safe as liberal guidelines. In fact, some studies even showed that liberal guidelines could be associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, suggesting that too many transfusions may have a deleterious effect. In a recent randomized trial in preterm neonates with thrombocytopenia, the liberal transfusion group (receiving more platelet transfusions) had a significantly higher rate of death or major bleeding than the restrictive group (receiving less transfusions). In preterm neonates with anemia, the available evidence is also limited and controversial. Two large randomized controlled trials (ETTNO and TOP) are currently assessing the safety and effectiveness of liberal versus restrictive red blood cell transfusions. Results of these large two studies, including the long-term neurodevelopment outcome, are eagerly awaited. Until then, reduction of anemia of prematurity by implementation of effective preventive measures, such as delayed cord clamping and minimization of iatrogenic blood loss, remain of paramount importance.
State of the Art on Kidney Development: How Nephron Endowment at Birth Can Shape Our Susceptibility to Renal Dysfunction Later in Life
Authors: Fanos Vassilios , Gerosa Clara , Loddo Cristina , Faa Gavino
Published: July 2019

In the present article, we discuss the following topics: (1) the fetal programming of adult kidney diseases and (2) the role of neonatologists in the regenerative renal medicine, based on the activation of resident renal SC. Here, we report the most important steps of our collaboration between neonatologists, nephrologists, and pathologists. Nephrologists should be more interested in clinical data regarding the first month of life in the womb of their adult patients, being particularly focused on birth weight and on the weeks of gestation at birth, without forgetting data regarding maternal status during gestation and neonatal asphyxia. Neonatologists should be aware that any preterm or low birthweight infant should be considered as a subject with fewer glomeruli, probably predicted to develop renal disease later in life.
Is Lactoferrin More Effective in Reducing Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Neonates Fed Formula Than in Those Receiving Mother's Own Milk? Secondary Analyses of Two Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Manzoni Paolo , Militello Maria Angela , Rizzollo Stefano , Tavella Elena , Messina Alessandro , Pieretto Marta , Boano Elena , Carlino Martina , Tognato Eleonora , Spola Roberta , Perona Anna , Maule Milena Maria , García Sánchez Ruben , Meyer Mike , Stolfi Ilaria , Pugni Lorenza , Messner Hubert , Cattani Silvia , Betta Pasqua Maria , Memo Luigi , Decembrino Lidia , Bollani Lina , Rinaldi Matteo , Fioretti Maria , Quercia Michele , Tzialla Chryssoula , Laforgia Nicola , Mosca Fabio , Magaldi Rosario , Mostert Michael , Farina Daniele , Tarnow-Mordi William ,   on behalf of the Italian Task Force for the Study Prevention of Neonatal Fungal Infections; the Italian Society of Neonatology
Published: July 2019

Background Lactoferrin is the major antimicrobial protein in human milk. In our randomized controlled trial (RCT) of bovine lactoferrin (BLF) supplementation in preterm neonates, BLF reduced late-onset sepsis (LOS). Mother's own milk (MM) contains higher concentrations of lactoferrin than donor milk or formula, but whether BLF is more effective in infants who receive formula or donor milk is uncertain.

Aim To evaluate the incidence of LOS in preterm infants fed MM and in those fed formula and/or donor milk.

Study Design This is a (A) post hoc subgroup analysis, in our RCT of BLF, of its effects in preterm infants fed MM, with or without formula, versus those fed formula and/or donor milk (no-MM) and (B) post hoc meta-analysis, in our RCT of BLF and in the ELFIN (Enteral Lactoferrin in Neonates) RCT, of the effect of BLF in subgroups not exclusively fed MM.

Results (A) Of 472 infants in our RCT, 168 were randomized to placebo and 304 were randomized to BLF. Among MM infants, LOS occurred in 22/133 (16.5%) infants randomized to placebo and in 14/250 (5.6%) randomized to BLF (relative risk or risk ratio (RR): 0.34; relative risk reduction (RRR): 0.66; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for RR: 0.18–0.64; p < 0.0008). Among no-MM infants, LOS occurred in 7/35 (20.0%) randomized to placebo and in 2/54 (3.7%) randomized to BLF (RR: 0.19; RRR: 0.81; 95% CI for RR: 0.16–0.96; p = 0.026). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, there was no interaction between BLF treatment effect and type of feeding (p = 0.628). (B) In 1,891 infants not exclusively fed MM in our RCT of BLF and in the ELFIN RCT, BLF reduced the RR of LOS by 18% (RR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71–0.96; p = 0.01).

Conclusion Adequately powered studies should address the hypothesis that BLF is more effective in infants fed formula or donor milk than those fed MM. Such studies should evaluate whether a specific threshold of total lactoferrin intake can be identified to protect such patients from LOS.