bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical and thermal responses of glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Thipperudrappa Sridhar , Ullal Kini Achutha , Hiremath Anupama
Published: August 2019

The present article investigates the effect of incorporation of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in varied weight percentages into glass fiber‐reinforced (GFR) epoxy composites through the evaluation of mechanical properties such as flexure strength, impact strength, and ultimate tensile strength of the composite. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis for the fabricated composites has been taken up to evaluate the effect of ZnO nanoparticle on the thermal stability of the composite. The ZnO nanoparticle is loaded in different weight percentages ranging from 1 to 5 wt% and is dispersed uniformly in the epoxy resin through ultrasonication method. The required GFR epoxy‐ZnO nanocomposites are fabricated through hand layup technique and cured through vacuum bagging method. The analysis of the obtained result indicate that ZnO has a negative impact on the mechanical properties such as flexure and tensile strengths, while it had a positive impact on the impact strength of the GFR epoxy‐ZnO nanocomposites. These results indicate that ZnO has a greater affinity with the epoxy resin, which results in increase in matrix‐dominated properties. The presence of ZnO nanoparticles result in the reduction of active sites for bond formation between the matrix and the glass fibers which tends to reduce the fiber‐dominated properties such as tensile and flexure strength. The thermal responses of GFR epoxy‐ZnO nanocomposites increased up to 2 wt% addition of ZnO nanoparticles, while at 5 wt% there was a reduction in the thermal response of the nanocomposite due to an increased steric hindrance.
Endocytosis behaviours of nanoparticles with helically decorated ligands
Authors: Guan Zhou , Wang Liquan , Lin Jiaping , Xue Jiaxiao
Published: August 2019

In this work, the receptor‐mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles with helically decorated ligands was investigated by performing coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that a helical distribution of ligands can generate a unique spinning stage during endocytosis in which the nanoparticle is internalized with precession. This precession behaviour is primarily caused by a lateral torque acting on the nanoparticle. Compared with nanoparticles that present uniformly distributed ligands, nanoparticles with helically decorated ligands present an enhanced endocytosis capacity. Additionally, a longer spin duration and larger precessional angle were obtained by decreasing the helical period of the ligands. Increasing the aspect ratio of the nanoparticles strengthens their capacity to take the spinning endocytosis pathway. The present study not only reveals the mechanism underlying a new endocytosis pathway of nanoparticles with helically structured surfaces but also provides valuable theoretical information for the design of novel drug delivery systems that primarily occur via cellular uptake. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Pore structure and properties of poly(ether ether ketone) hollow fiber membranes: influence of solvent‐induced crystallization during extraction
Authors: Huang Tingjian , Chen Gong , He Zhongchen , Xu Jianjun , Liu Pengqing
Published: August 2019

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) hollow fiber membranes were prepared by a thermally induced phase separation method with polyetherimide as diluent, and N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dichloromethane and a composite extractant composed of NMP, ethanolamine and water as extractant. The effects of the different solvents induced crystallization on the pore structure during extraction and the properties of the PEEK hollow fiber membranes were investigated in detail. The crystallization behaviors of the membranes were characterized by DSC and XRD. The effect of the extractants on the microscopic morphologies, pore structures, water fluxes and mechanical properties of the membranes were investigated. The results showed that the extraction ability of the composite extractant was the most significant, followed by NMP and dichloromethane. The crystallinity of the hollow fiber was 39.0% before extraction and was elevated to 39.2% after the extraction with NMP, 46.6% with dichloromethane and 46.7% with the composite extractant, which shows that dichloromethane and the composite extractant have strong ability to induce the crystallization of PEEK. The inner and outer surfaces of the membranes obtained after extraction by the composite extractant had the largest pore size and the highest surface porosity. The most probable pore diameter of the membranes obtained after extraction by NMP, dichloromethane and the composite extractant was 23.26 nm, 24.43 nm and 24.43 nm, respectively, which indicated that solvent‐induced crystallization was beneficial for the formation of larger pores. The pure water flux of the PEEK membrane prepared by the composite extractant was the largest, but the tensile strength was the lowest. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
NAVA—synchronized compared to nonsynchronized noninvasive ventilation for apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation events in VLBW infants
Authors: Tabacaru Christa R. , Moores Russell R. , Khoury Joseph , Rozycki Henry J.
Published: August 2019

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assistance (NAVA) can overcome technical difficulties with synchronizing noninvasive ventilation breaths with the patient, a modality often used in very low birthweight infants (VLBW) with apnea of prematurity (AOP). This study is a retrospective single‐center investigation into whether NAVA‐synchronized noninvasive (niNAVA) ventilation is better than nonsynchronized (nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation [nIPPV]) for symptomatic apnea in VLBW infants. Nursing records of apnea, bradycardia, and/or desaturations were abstracted from the electronic medical records of 108 VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 2015 to 2017 who received either of the two modalities, 61 epochs of niNAVA totaling 488 days and 103 epochs of nIPPV totaling 886.5 days. niNAVA was associated with a significant reduction in the number of isolated bradycardic events/day (0.48 ± 0.14 vs 1.35 ± 0.27; P = .019) and overall bradycardias/day (2.42 ± 0.47 vs 4.02 ± 0.53; P = .042) and there were more epochs with no events with niNAVA compared with nIPPV (23.0% vs 6.8%; P = .004). These results justify a prospective trial of NAVA‐synchronized noninvasive ventilation for VLBW infants with caffeine‐resistant AOP.
Central sleep apnea in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and improvement following adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Del‐Río Camacho Genoveva , Medina Castillo Lucía , Rodríguez‐Catalán Jesús , Soto Insuga Victor , Gómez García Teresa
Published: August 2019

Background

Although the pathogenesis of central and obstructive events seems to be different, these two entities may somehow be related. We aimed to determine whether, as reported in previous research, the number of central sleep apnea (CSA) cases in a population of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was greater than in patients without obstructive events, and if CSA worsens with increasing OSAS severity. As a second objective, we analyzed changes in central apnea index (CAI) after adenotonsillar surgery compared to changes when no surgery has been performed.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) data from children between 1 and 14 years of age with no neurological conditions or syndromes. Patients with CAI values greater than 5 per hour were diagnosed as having CSA. Improvements of greater than 50% in CAI on repeat PSG were considered to represent a real change.

Results

Data were available from 1279 PSG studies, resulting in 72 children with a CAI greater than 5 per hour (5.6%). Patients with OSAS showed a higher CAI (2.16) compared with those without OSAS (1.17), and this correlation increased with higher degrees of obstructive apnea severity. When adenotonsillectomy was performed due to OSAS, the CAI decreased by 1.37. The average decrease in PSG values was only 0.38 in cases where no surgery was performed.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that although CSA is perceived to be mostly associated with central nervous system ventilatory control, there may be a connection with airway obstruction and in children with CSA and OSA diagnosis adenotonsillectomy may improve both conditions.
Assessment of protein assembly prediction in CASP13
Authors: Guzenko Dmytro , Lafita Aleix , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Duarte Jose M.
Published: August 2019

We present the assembly category assessment in the 13th edition of the CASP community‐wide experiment. For the second time, protein assemblies constitute an independent assessment category. Compared to the last edition we see a clear uptake in participation, more oligomeric targets released, and consistent, albeit modest, improvement of the predictions quality. Looking at the tertiary structure predictions, we observe that ignoring the oligomeric state of the targets hinders modeling success. We also note that some contact prediction groups successfully predicted homomeric interfacial contacts, though it appears that these predictions were not used for assembly modeling. Homology modeling with sizeable human intervention appears to form the basis of the assembly prediction techniques in this round of CASP. Future developments should see more integrated approaches where subunits are modeled in the context of the assemblies they form.
Review of univariate and bivariate exponentiated exponential‐geometric distributions
Authors: Famoye Felix , Lee Carl
Published: August 2019

The exponentiated exponential (or generalized exponential) distribution is a two‐parameter right skewed unimodal density function. A discrete analogue of the distribution is often called the exponentiated exponential‐geometric (or discrete generalized exponential) distribution. We review some methods for generating discrete analogues of the exponentiated exponential distribution and discuss some of their properties. Among the important properties of the univariate distribution are (a) closed form cumulative distribution function and probability mass function and (b) ability to accommodate under‐, equi‐, or over‐dispersion. Some methods to extend the univariate distribution to the bivariate exponentiated exponential‐geometric distribution are discussed. The extension of univariate and bivariate distributions to count data regression models is briefly described. It is expected that this review will serve as a reference and encourage further research work and generalizations of the exponentiated exponential‐geometric distribution.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Data: Types and Structure > Categorical Data

Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models
The Development of the Turkish Craving for Internet Gaming Scale (CIGS): A Validation Study
Authors: Savci Mustafa , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: August 2019

As the use of digital technology has increased, abuse and addiction to technology have been identified among a minority of users. In the mid-1990s, the concept of internet addiction was first used. Today, almost every digital technology use has been claimed to have a minority of disordered users. One key aspect of addictive substance behaviors is craving. Craving is also an important component of behavioral addictions including digital technology disorders such as Internet Gaming Disorder. The aim of the present study was to develop the Turkish version of the Craving for Internet Gaming Scale (CIGS) via an adaptation of the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS). The present study comprised 368 adolescents from four different samples. The measures used included the Craving for Internet Gaming Scale, Digital Game Addiction Scale, and Brief Self-Control Scale. The structural validity of CIGS was investigated with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and criterion validity. The reliability of CIGS was evaluated using Cronbach α internal consistency reliability coefficient and corrected item total correlation coefficients. As a result of EFA, it was found that the five-item CIGS had a single-factor structure. The unidimensional CIGS obtained as a result of EFA was tested with CFA. As a result of CFA, the unidimensional structure of CIGS was confirmed in two different samples. Criterion validity of CIGS was assessed via digital gaming addiction, self-discipline, impulsiveness, daily internet gaming duration, and internet gaming history. As a result of criterion analysis, CIGS was associated with these variables in the expected direction. Finally, according to reliability analysis, the CIGS was found to be a reliable scale. When validity and reliability analysis of the CIGS are considered as a whole, it is concluded that the CIGS is a valid and reliable scale that assesses craving for internet gaming.
Unsteady aerodynamics computation and investigation of magnus effect on computed trajectory of spinning projectile from subsonic to supersonic speeds
Authors: Chughtai F.A. , Masud J. , Akhtar S.
Published: August 2019

This paper describes the extensive numerical investigation carried out on a 203-mm spin-stabilised projectile to study the effects of Magnus force at high angles of attack on the stability and flight-trajectory parameters, for further validation and incorporation in a 6-DOF trajectory solver for flight-stability analysis. Magnus force typically influences the course of flight by causing the projectile to drift from its intended path in addition to generation of inbuilt dynamic instabilities in pitch and yaw orientation and is a function of AoA and spin rate. This study is a consolidation of the authors’ previous research on the same caliber projectile but with time-accurate analysis. It has been found that typically, the Magnus force and moment calculation requires time-accurate Navier Stokes equations to be solved numerically for accurate prediction(1,2). Hence, to complete the extraction of static and dynamic coefficients derivatives, unstructured time-accurate CFD analysis on multiple configurations, ranging from subsonic to supersonic Mach regimes, has been evaluated using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and found to be suitable for capturing the desired effects. However, the LES simulation requires non-dimensional wall distance (y+) of the order of 0.5 – 1, with LES_IQ > 75% thus, is computationally-intensive. In addition, to cover the entire flight envelope from Charge 1 (249 m/s) to Charge 7 (595 m/s), at spin rate from 500 rad/s to 750 rad/s, 30 cases have been evaluated to generate the time-accurate coefficient library for integration with 6-DOF solver analysis. The results obtained have been compared with the available experimental data and found to be in reasonable agreement. The results of 6-DOF solver, incorporating the extracted coefficients, were compared with firing-table results, which further validated the computational methodology. This study provides an insight on how opposite flow interacts with the attached boundary layer due to spin rate and generates a turbulent interacting flow with variation in vortical structures for Q-Criterion vortex-flow visualization.
Wind turbine wake vortex influence on safety of small rotorcraft
Authors: van der Wall Berend G.
Published: August 2019

The wake vortex of lifting surfaces such as wind turbine blades or fixed-wing aircraft can heavily affect the blade aerodynamics of rotorcraft. Using blade element theory, the pilot control inputs required to mitigate such vortex effects are estimated and compared to the available control margin at the operating condition of interest. In contrast, when no pilot action is performed, the rotor blade flapping caused by the vortex is evaluated and compared to available margins. It is a safety concern when the remaining margins become zero. The influence of the vortex strength, its core radius and orientation to the rotor disk are evaluated and the effect of rotor blade characteristics (Lock number, natural frequency) is investigated.
COMBINED DEPLOYABLE KEYSTROKE LOGGING AND EYETRACKING FOR INVESTIGATING L2 WRITING FLUENCY
Authors: Chukharev-Hudilainen Evgeny , Saricaoglu Aysel , Torrance Mark , Feng Hui-Hsien
Published: August 2019

Although fluency is an important subconstruct of language proficiency, it has not received as much attention in L2 writing research as complexity and accuracy have, in part due to the lack of methodological approaches for the analysis of large datasets of writing-process data. This article presents a method of time-aligned keystroke logging and eye-tracking and reports an empirical study investigating L2 writing fluency through this method. Twenty-four undergraduate students at a private university in Turkey performed two writing tasks delivered through a web text editor with embedded keystroke logging and eye-tracking capabilities. Linear mixed-effects models were fit to predict indices of pausing and reading behaviors based on language status (L1 vs. L2) and linguistic context factors. Findings revealed differences between pausing and eye-fixation behavior in L1 and L2 writing processes. The article concludes by discussing the affordances of the proposed method from the theoretical and practical standpoints.
EXPLORING SECOND LANGUAGE WRITERS’ PAUSING AND REVISION BEHAVIORS
Authors: Révész Andrea , Michel Marije , Lee Minjin
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the cognitive processes underlying pauses at different textual locations (e.g., within/between words) and various levels of revision (e.g., below word/clause). We used stimulated recall, keystroke logging, and eye-tracking methodology in combination to examine pausing and revision behaviors. Thirty advanced Chinese L2 users of English performed a version of the IELTS Academic Writing Task 2. During the writing task, participants’ key strokes were logged, and their eye movements were recorded. Immediately after the writing task, 12 participants also took part in a stimulated recall interview. The results revealed that, when participants paused at larger textual units, they were more likely to look back in the text and engage in higher-order writing processes. In contrast, during pauses at lower textual units, they tended to view areas closer to the inscription point and engage in lower-order writing processes. Prior to making a revision, participants most frequently had viewed the text that they subsequently revised or their eye gazes had been off-screen. Revisions focused more on language- than content-related issues, but there was a smaller difference in the number of language- and content-focused stimulated recall comments when larger textual units were revised.
MAPPING MASTER’S STUDENTS’ USE OF EXTERNAL SOURCES IN SOURCE-BASED WRITING IN L1 AND L2
Authors: Leijten Mariëlle , Van Waes Luuk , Schrijver Iris , Bernolet Sarah , Vangehuchten Lieve
Published: August 2019

This article examines how master’s students consult and process sources in source-based writing tasks in L1 and L2. Two hundred eighty master’s students wrote a text in their L1 (Dutch) and L2 (English) at the beginning and end of the academic year. They wrote these texts based on three sources: a report, a web text, and a newspaper article. Their writing processes were registered using the Inputlog keylogging program. This allowed us to determine how much time the students spent reading the sources, when they did so, which sources they consulted most frequently, and how often they switched between the various (types of) sources. The quality of the texts was assessed holistically using pairwise comparisons (D-pac). Confirmative factor analysis showed three components to be relevant to describe source use in L1 and L2 writing: (a) initial reading time, (b) interaction with sources, and (c) the degree of variance in source use throughout the writing process. Individual text quality remained stable in L1 and L2 throughout the academic year. Structural equation modeling showed that the approach in source use, especially source interaction, is correlated with text quality, but in L1 only.
Coping with stressful life events: Cognitive emotion regulation profiles and depressive symptoms in adolescents
Authors: van den Heuvel Marieke W. H. , Stikkelbroek Yvonne A. J. , Bodden Denise H. M. , van Baar Anneloes L.
Published: August 2019

Cognitive strategies that adolescents use to cope with negative emotions might show distinct profiles of cognitive emotion regulation strategies, which could be differentially associated with depressive symptoms. In total, 411 Dutch adolescents who had experienced at least one stressful life event that required some coping strategy participated in this study, including 334 nonclinical and 77 clinically depressed adolescents (12–21 years). A person-centered approach with Latent Profile Analysis was used to identify underlying profiles of cognitive emotion regulation based on the adolescents’ reports of their use of cognitive emotion regulation strategies when they were confronted with stressful life events. Nine different strategies, five adaptive and four maladaptive, were used as indicators. Four profiles with distinct features were found in the nonclinical sample, as well as in the combined sample of nonclinical and clinically depressed adolescents:Low Regulators,High Regulators,Maladaptive Regulators, andAdaptive Regulators. In both samples, the High Regulators profile was most commonly used, followed by the Adaptive, Maladaptive, and Low Regulators profile. Maladaptive Regulators endorsed higher levels of depressive symptoms relative to Low, High, and Adaptive Regulators. The findings underscore the utility of using a person-centered approach in order to identify patterns of cognitive emotion regulation deficits in psychopathology.
The Rhetoric of War and the Reshaping of Civil Society in North Macedonia
Authors: Neofotistos Vasiliki
Published: August 2019

In this article, I explore recent efforts to “de-Sorosize” the Republic of Macedonia, arguing that they reveal an obsession in Macedonia—and more broadly in east central Europe—with defending ethnonational interests against assumed interlopers. New, self-proclaimed patriotic associations have mobilized ideas of combined external and internal threats to national existence as though there were a war frontier. This imagined war frontier marks the dividing line between belligerent nationalists, who claim that Macedonian sovereignty and national identity are under threat of extinction, and the Macedonian center-left and liberal (moderate and left-leaning) NGOs, which tend to promote greater inclusiveness in society, are assumed to side with “the Albanians,” and to have a direct connection to George Soros. The case study of Macedonia highlights the outright public rejection of liberal ideals and the key role that populist, militant sensibilities play in the formation of civil society groups in Europe today.
Shifting Peripheries: The Case of Russian Symbolism and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
Authors: Ezerova Daria V.
Published: August 2019

The influence of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood on Russian symbolism has not been adequately explored in the significant body of scholarship dedicated to it. To give but a few examples, Pre-Raphaelite motifs such as the enigmatic female figure, a jewel-toned palette, and elements drawn from a mythical European past widely appear in Russian symbolist poetry and painting. Drawing upon archival research, this article demonstrates that the symbolists did not simply borrow these motifs in passive imitation, but that they arose out of the symbolists' substantive engagement with modernity itself. Tracing the genealogy that links symbolism to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, the article develops a transactional model of influence that encourages us to think of the development of Russian modernism with greater nuance. By destabilizing the notion of the Russian symbolists' marginal position in relation to western Europe, this investigation provides a theoretical challenge to the notion of Russia's peripheral modernity.
Magnetospheric MultiscaleMission Observations of Reconnecting Electric Fields in the Magnetotail on Kinetic Scales
Authors: Macek W. M. , Silveira M. V. D. , Sibeck D. G. , Giles B. L. , Burch J. L.
Published: August 2019

We examine the role of ions and electrons in reconnection using the highest resolution observations from theMagnetospheric Multiscalemission on kinetic ion and electron scales. We report magnetic field and plasma observations from several approaches to the electron diffusion region in the current sheet in 2018. Besides magnetic field reversals, changes in the direction of flow velocity, ion and electron heating,Magnetospheric Multiscaleobserved large fluctuations in the electron flow speeds in the magnetotail. We have verified that when the field lines and plasma become decoupled, a large reconnecting electric field related to the Hall current (1–10 mV/m) is responsible for fast reconnection in the ion diffusion region. Although inertial acceleration forces remain moderate (1–2 mV/m), the electric fields resulting from the electron pressure tensor provide the main contribution to the generalized Ohm's law at the neutral sheet (as large as 200 mV/m). This illustrates that when ions decouple electron physics dominates.
Inhibition of RIPK1-dependent regulated acinar cell necrosis provides protection against acute pancreatitis via the RIPK1/NF-κB/AQP8 pathway
Authors: Duan Peng-yu , Ma Yuan , Li Xi-na , Qu Feng-zhi , Ji Liang , Guo Xiao-yu , Zhang Wang-jun , Xiao Fan , Li Le , Hu Ji-sheng , Sun Bei , Wang Gang
Published: August 2019

Currently, preliminary results have confirmed the existence of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-dependent necroptosis of pancreatic acinar cells during early acute pancreatitis (AP), which might be a potential target for the effective regulation of necroinflammatory injury. However, the exact effect of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-dependent regulated acinar cell necrosis on AP is still uncertain. In our study, we first explored the changes in the degree of local and systemic inflammation in AP rats when the activation of acinar cell RIPK1 was inhibited. The RIPK1 inhibitor Nec-1 was used to treat rats, and the levels of related inflammatory markers, necrosis indicators and apoptotic indicators were measured. Changes in pancreatic nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and aquaporin 8 (AQP8) expression were noted. Next, the expression of AQP8 in AR42J cells was inhibited, and the degree of cell necrosis and inflammatory damage was found to be significantly reduced. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the RIPK1/NF-ĸB/AQP8 axis might be a potential regulatory pathway mediating RIPK1-dependent regulated acinar cell necrosis in early AP. Finally, we used the NF-κB inhibitor PDTC and Nec-1 to treat rats in different groups and measured the degree of pathological pancreatic injury, the activation of RIPK1, and the expression of NF-κB and AQP8. In summary, we hypothesized that there might be a RIPK1/NF-ĸB/AQP8 pathway controlling RIPK1-dependent regulated necrosis of acinar cells in AP, which might be a promising therapeutic target against AP-related injury.
Large-area borophene sheets on sacrificial Cu(111) films promoted by recrystallization from subsurface boron
Authors: Wu Rongting , Gozar Adrian , Božović Ivan
Published: August 2019

Borophene, an atomically thin covalently bonded boron sheet, has attracted great attention as a novel quantum material because of its structural tunability and potential utilization in flexible and transparent electronics. So far, borophene has been synthesized on silver or copper single crystals, but these substrates are small, very expensive, and unsuitable for study of transport properties or electronics applications. Here, we report synthesis of borophene on nanometer-scale thick Cu(111) films grown on sapphire. We have developed a process of enlarging faceted borophene islands, by repeated submersion of boron into copper at high temperature and resurfacing and re-crystallization at lower temperature. This discovery was enabled by real-time feedback from low-energy electron microscopy and diffraction. We demonstrate synthesis of borophene as faceted micrometer-size monocrystal islands or as full-monolayer sheets. The process is scalable to wafer size; moreover, Cu films could be sacrificed and sapphire reused. Our work opens the door for new experiments and brings applications one step closer.
Aluminum stress differentially affects physiological performance and metabolic compounds in cultivars of highbush blueberry
Authors: Cárcamo María Paz , Reyes-Díaz Marjorie , Rengel Zed , Alberdi Miren , Omena-Garcia Rebeca Patrícia , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Inostroza-Blancheteau Claudio
Published: August 2019

Aluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the major factors that limit the growth and production of crops in acid soils. Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosumL.) cultivars differing in resistance to Al toxicity regarding root growth and photosynthetic performance were used. In this study, we compared the physiological and metabolic strategies to cope with Al toxicity among the highbush blueberry cultivars [two new ones (Camellia and Cargo) and three established ones (Brigitta (Al-resistant), Star and Duke)]. Aluminum concentration in roots and leaves increased in all cultivars after 24 and 48 h of exposure to Al, but less so in roots of cultivar Camellia and leaves of cultivar Cargo. These two cultivars displayed minor effects of Al exposure in terms of photosynthetic activity in comparison with the established cultivars. Furthermore, Cargo did not vary fluorescence parameters, whereas Camellia exhibited a decrease in effective quantum yield (ΦPSII) and electron transport rate (ETR) and a change in non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) under Al after 48 h. The Al treatment increased total phenols in leaves of Brigitta, Cargo, and Camellia, whereas antioxidant activity increased in Star and Cargo after 48 h. Aluminum exposure decreased malate concentration in roots of all cultivars, but no change was noted in fumarate concentration. The antioxidant activity correlated with photosynthetic performance and the total phenol concentration in the leaves of new cultivars exposed to Al, suggesting enhanced resistance in the short-term experiment. The principal component analysis separated the new from the established cultivars. In conclusion, the new cultivars appear to be more Al-resistant than the established ones, with Star being most Al-sensitive. Regarding the Al-resistance mechanisms of the new cultivars, it is suggested that Camellia could have a root Al-exclusion mechanism under Al toxicity. This mechanism could be explained by low Al concentration in roots, suggesting that this cultivar could exude organic acid, allowing to chelate Al in the rhizosphere. Nonetheless, further researches are needed to confirm this assumption.
Photothermal incubation of red blood cells by laser for rapid pre-transfusion blood group typing
Authors: Manderson Clare A. , McLiesh Heather , Curvello Rodrigo , Tabor Rico F. , Manolios Jim , Garnier Gil
Published: August 2019

Safe blood transfusion requires compatibility testing of donor and recipient to prevent potentially fatal transfusion reactions. Detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies requires incubation at 37 °C, often for up to 15 minutes. Current incubation technology predominantly relies on slow thermal-gradient dependent conduction. Here, we present rapid optical heating via laser, where targeted illumination of a blood-antibody sample in a diagnostic gel card is converted into heat, via photothermal absorption. Our laser-incubator heats the 75 µL blood-antibody sample to 37 °C in under 30 seconds. We show that red blood cells act as photothermal agents under near-infrared laser incubation, triggering rapid antigen-antibody binding. We detect no significant damage to the cells or antibodies for laser incubations of up to fifteen minutes. We demonstrate laser-incubated immunohaematological testing to be both faster and more sensitive than current best practice — with clearly positive results seen from laser incubations of just 40 seconds.
Sensorimotor transformation elicits systematic patterns of activity along the dorsoventral extent of the superior colliculus in the macaque monkey
Authors: Massot Corentin , Jagadisan Uday K. , Gandhi Neeraj J.
Published: August 2019

The superior colliculus (SC) is an excellent substrate to study sensorimotor transformations. To date, the spatial and temporal properties of population activity along its dorsoventral axis have been inferred from single electrode studies. Here, we recorded SC population activity in non-human primates using a linear multi-contact array during delayed saccade tasks. We show that during the visual epoch, information appeared first in dorsal layers and systematically later in ventral layers. During the delay period, the laminar organization of low-spiking rate activity matched that of the visual epoch. During the pre-saccadic epoch, spiking activity emerged first in a more ventral layer, ~ 100 ms before saccade onset. This buildup of activity appeared later on nearby neurons situated both dorsally and ventrally, culminating in a synchronous burst across the dorsoventral axis, ~ 28 ms before saccade onset. Collectively, these results reveal a principled spatiotemporal organization of SC population activity underlying sensorimotor transformation for the control of gaze.
A nanoparticle enabled focused ultrasound-stimulated magnetic resonance imaging spotlight
Authors: Deng Tian , Zhang Le , Wu Holden H. , Zink Jeffrey I.
Published: August 2019

Periodic high-intensity focused ultrasound modulation of a nanoparticle generates reversible MRI T1 relaxivity changes at the 1.5 mm3 focal point. A modulation enhancement map spotlights the region of interest by increasing contrast almost 100-fold.
Phenolic hydrogen bond donors in the formation of non-ionic deep eutectic solvents: the quest for type V DES
Authors: Abranches Dinis O. , Martins Mónia A. R. , Silva Liliana P. , Schaeffer Nicolas , Pinho Simão P. , Coutinho João A. P.
Published: August 2019

An abnormal strong interaction was identified, which was found to be the key to prepare non-ionic DES, that may be classified as type V.
Two quasi-stable lead(ii) hydrides at ambient temperature
Authors: Queen Joshua D. , Fettinger James C. , Power Philip P.
Published: August 2019

Two quasi stable lead(ii) hydrides appear to be stabilized by intermolecular dispersion forces in the crystal phase.
Photo-responsive dimension-controlled ion-pairing assemblies based on anion complexes of π-electronic systems
Authors: Yamakado Ryohei , Haketa Yohei , Hara Mitsuo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: August 2019

Negatively charged π-electronic systems, prepared by the complexation of dipyrrolyldiketone BF2 complexes with an azobenzene bearing an alkanoate and an aliphatic chain, provided dimension-controlled assemblies, showing the photo-responsive behaviour.
Conformationally stable peptide macrocycles assembled using the Petasis borono-Mannich reaction
Authors: Yamaguchi Akitake , Kaldas Sherif J. , Appavoo Solomon D. , Diaz Diego B. , Yudin Andrei K.
Published: August 2019

Synthesis and the structural analysis of conformationally stable peptide macrocycles assembled using the Petasis borono-Mannich reaction are reported.
Improving solubility and storage stability of rifaximin via solid-state solvation with Transcutol®
Authors: Grepioni F. , Braga D. , Chelazzi L. , Shemchuk O. , Maffei P. , Sforzini A. , Viscomi G. C.
Published: August 2019

Crystallization of rifaximin from Transcutol® affords the new anhydrous τ-form, which combines a high dissolution rate with a high storage stability, as it is not affected by exposure to humidity.
Non-linearity and dynamics of low-voltage electrowetting and dewetting
Authors: Li Ying-Jia , Echtermeyer Danny , Cahill Brian P. , Pliquett Uwe
Published: August 2019

Electrowetting and dewetting were studied for understanding electrical energy conversion in the deformation of an aqueous droplet on an oil layer.
Symmetry based molecular design for triplet excitation and optical spin injection
Authors: Szumska Anna A. , Sirringhaus Henning , Nelson Jenny
Published: August 2019

Group theory and computational methods were applied to prepare a list of requirements for molecular materials in which spin could be injected optically via circularly polarized light.
Exploring the structure, bonding and stability of noble gas compounds promoted by superhalogens. A case study on HNgMX3(Ng = Ar–Rn, M = Be–Ca, X = F–Br)viacombined high-levelab initioand DFT calculations
Authors: Wu Lin-Yu , Li Jin-Feng , Zhao Ru-Fang , Luo Lan , Wang Yong-Cheng , Yin Bing
Published: August 2019

A series of complexes (HNgMX3), formed from superhalogen MX3(M = Be–Ca and X = F–Br) noble gas (Ar–Rn) and the hydrogen atom, were investigatedviacombined high-levelab initioand DFT calculations.
Observation of the dipole- and quadrupole-bound anions of 1,4-dicyanocyclohexane
Authors: Liu Gaoxiang , Ciborowski Sandra M. , Pitts Cody Ross , Graham Jacob D. , Buytendyk Allyson M. , Lectka Thomas , Bowen Kit H.
Published: August 2019

Quadrupole-bound anions are negative ions in which their excess electrons are loosely bound by long-range electron-quadrupole attractions.
Synthesis and characterization of bis(pyrazolyl)borate Ni(ii) complexes: ligand rearrangement and transformation
Authors: Zhao Qianyi , Guan Xin-Ting , Dou Ting , Cao Hou-Ji , Ma Na-Na , Xu Ting , Gao Peng-Hui , Kong Xiao-Hua , Zhang Jie , Chen Xuenian
Published: August 2019

New ligand isomerization and transformation were found in the [BBN(pzR)2]Ni(ii) complexes.
Investigating the effect of positional isomerism on the assembly of zirconium phosphonates based on tritopic linkers
Authors: Taddei Marco , Shearan Stephen J. I. , Donnadio Anna , Casciola Mario , Vivani Riccardo , Costantino Ferdinando
Published: August 2019

Combination of the novel linker 2,4,6-tris[3-(phosphonomethyl)phenyl]-1,3,5-triazine and Zr(iv) afforded a layered compound that lacks extended inorganic connectivity and displays good proton conductivity.
A redox targeting-based material recycling strategy for spent lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yu Juezhi , Wang Xun , Zhou Mingyue , Wang Qing
Published: August 2019

With the retirement of a massive amount of end-of-life Li-ion batteries, proper disposal of the hazardous wastes and cost-effective valorization of useful materials have become increasingly pressing and have attracted extensive attention worldwide.
Confinement of Brønsted acidic ionic liquids into covalent organic frameworks as a catalyst for dehydrative formation of isosorbide from sorbitol
Authors: Du Yi-Ran , Xu Bao-Hua , Pan Jia-Sheng , Wu Yi-Wei , Peng Xiao-Ming , Wang Yao-Feng , Zhang Suo-Jiang
Published: August 2019

The confinement of BILs into 2D COFs using a one-pot self-assembly strategy was achieved. The resulted mesoporous hybrids were successfully applied as the catalyst for a quantitative transformation of sorbitol to isosorbide.
Towards a robust interpretation of forensic analysis of phosphorus and calcium traces in gunshot residue
Authors: Brożek-Mucha Zuzanna , Nunziata Felice , Ross Peter , Mucha Dariusz
Published: August 2019

The source identification of calcium and phosphorus traces in gunshot residue can be obtained using SEM-EDX for forensic purposes.
Separation of Nd from geological samples by a single TODGA resin column for high precision Nd isotope analysis as NdO+ by TIMS
Authors: Chu Zhu-Yin , Wang Meng-Jie , Li Chao-Feng , Yang Yue-Heng , Xu Jun-Jie , Wang Wei , Guo Jing-Hui
Published: August 2019

A single-stage TODGA column for the separation of Nd from geological materials for isotope analysis as NdO+ by TIMS.
Mechanisms of phosphine-catalyzed [3+3] cycloaddition of ynones and azomethine imines: a DFT study
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2019

Mechanisms of PPh3-catalyzed [3+3] cycloaddition between a ynone and an azomethine imine.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of honeycomb-layered Li3Co2SbO6 with new data on its sodium precursor, Na3Co2SbO6
Authors: Stratan Mikhail I. , Shukaev Igor L. , Vasilchikova Tatyana M. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Korshunov Artem N. , Kurbakov Alexander I. , Nalbandyan Vladimir B. , Zvereva Elena A.
Published: August 2019

Crystallographic and magnetic properties of new layered honeycomb-lattice Li3Co2SbO6 antimonate were studied and compared with its sodium precursor Na3Co2SbO6.
Non‐linear unmixing of hyperspectral images using multiple‐kernel self‐organising maps
Authors: Rashwan Shaheera , Dobigeon Nicolas , Sheta Walaa , Hassan Hanan
Published: August 2019

The spatial pixel resolution of common multispectral and hyperspectral sensors is generally not sufficient to avoid that multiple elementary materials contribute to the observed spectrum of a single pixel. To alleviate this limitation, spectral unmixing is a by‐pass procedure which consists in decomposing the observed spectra associated with these mixed pixels into a set of component spectra, or endmembers, and a set of corresponding proportions, or abundances, that represent the proportion of each endmember in these pixels. In this study, a spectral unmixing technique is proposed to handle the challenging scenario of non‐linear mixtures. This algorithm relies on a dedicated implementation of multiple‐kernel learning using self‐organising map proposed as a solver for the non‐linear unmixing problem. Based on a priori knowledge of the endmember spectra, it aims at estimating their relative abundances without specifying the non‐linear model under consideration. It is compared to state‐of‐the‐art algorithms using synthetic yet realistic and real hyperspectral images. Results obtained from experiments conducted on synthetic and real hyperspectral images assess the potential and the effectiveness of this unmixing strategy. Finally, the relevance and potential parallel implementation of the proposed method is demonstrated.
Adequacy studies of power systems with barrage‐type tidal power plants
Authors: Mirzadeh Mostafa , Simab Mohsen , Ghaedi Amir
Published: August 2019

Tidal as renewable energy is increasingly utilised for power generation in many countries. Integration of tidal plants into the power system requires considering the intermittent nature of the generated power caused by variable tide levels. Thus, the reliability studies of power systems including high tidal generation affected by the uncertain nature resulting from the variable water levels are investigated. The reliability model of a tidal power plant on a barrage is proposed. In the proposed model, the failure rates of the composed components (especially the hydro pump and gate) and the effect of tidal height variation on the components failure rate are considered. Also, the reliability model with numerous states resulting from the variability of the generated power through the fuzzy C‐means clustering technique and Xie‐Beni index is reduced to a multi‐state reliability model. The resulting reliability model is utilised for the generation adequacy studies of a power system containing large‐scale tidal power plants. Moreover, different reliability indices are calculated for future generation expansion planning. The proposed technique is applied to the two‐test systems, and sensitivity analysis is performed. Besides, the effects of the hydro pump, maintenance, ageing of the components and peak load are investigated.
Modelling and experimental validation of advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage with off‐design heat exchanger
Authors: Zhang Weiqi , Xue Xiaodai , Liu Feng , Mei Shengwei
Published: August 2019

Advanced adiabatic compressed air energy storage (AA‐CAES) has been recognised as a promising approach to boost the integration of renewables in the form of electricity and heat in integrated energy systems. Nevertheless, the uncertainty and variability of renewables spark the consideration of the off‐design thermodynamics of AA‐CAES, particularly when the heat exchanger is equipped to collect and recycle air‐compression heat. Here, the authors propose a general off‐design thermodynamic simulation model of AA‐CAES incorporating the part‐load characteristics of heat exchangers, and validate the effectiveness of the proposed model on a practical AA‐CAES demonstration pilot. The results indicate that the simulation model offers an acceptable approximation for the practical operation behaviour of AA‐CAES facility and decreases the modelling error from 20.8 to 6.28% compared with the existing model. The proposed simulation model is expected to provide insights into the investigation of the dynamic characteristics of AA‐CAES in the future integrated energy system.
Dynamics and connectivity of an extended arch filament system
Authors: Diercke A. , Kuckein C. , Denker C.
Published: August 2019

Aims.In this study, we analyzed a filament system, which expanded between moving magnetic features (MMFs) of a decaying sunspot and opposite flux outside of the active region from the nearby quiet-Sun network. This configuration deviated from a classical arch filament system (AFS), which typically connects two pores in an emerging flux region. Thus, we called this system an extended AFS. We contrasted classical and extended AFSs with an emphasis on the complex magnetic structure of the latter. Furthermore, we examined the physical properties of the extended AFS and described its dynamics and connectivity.

Methods.The extended AFS was observed with two instruments at the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST). The Rapid Oscillations in the Solar Atmosphere (ROSA) imager provided images in three different wavelength regions, which covered the dynamics of the extended AFS at different atmospheric heights. The Interferometric Bidimensional Spectropolarimeter (IBIS) provided spectroscopic Hαdata and spectropolarimetric data that was obtained in the near-infrared (NIR) Ca IIλ8542 Å line. We derived the corresponding line-of-sight (LOS) velocities and used He IIλ304 Å extreme ultraviolet (EUV) images of the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and LOS magnetograms of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) as context data.

Results.The NIR Ca IIStokes-Vmaps are not suitable to definitively define a clear polarity inversion line and to classify this chromospheric structure. Nevertheless, this unusual AFS connects the MMFs of a decaying sunspot with the network field. At the southern footpoint, we measured that the flux decreases over time. We find strong downflow velocities at the footpoints of the extended AFS, which increase in a time period of 30 min. The velocities are asymmetric at both footpoints with higher velocities at the southern footpoint. An EUV brigthening appears in one of the arch filaments, which migrates from the northern footpoint toward the southern one. This activation likely influences the increasing redshift at the southern footpoint.

Conclusions.The extended AFS exhibits a similar morphology as classical AFSs, for example, threaded filaments of comparable length and width. Major differences concern the connection from MMFs around the sunspot with the flux of the neighboring quiet-Sun network, converging footpoint motions, and longer lifetimes of individual arch filaments of about one hour, while the extended AFS is still very dynamic.