bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CXCR3 enables recruitment and site-specific bystander activation of memory CD8+ T cells
Authors: Maurice Nicholas J. , McElrath M. Juliana , Andersen-Nissen Erica , Frahm Nicole , Prlic Martin
Published: November 2019

Bystander activation of memory T cells occurs in the absence of cognate antigen during infections that elicit strong systemic inflammatory responses, which subsequently affect host immune responses. Here we report that memory T cell bystander activation is not limited to induction by systemic inflammation. We initially observe potential T cell bystander activation in a cohort of human vaccine recipients. Using a mouse model system, we then find that memory CD8+ T cells are specifically recruited to sites with activated antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in a CXCR3-dependent manner. In addition, CXCR3 is also necessary for T cell clustering around APCs and T cell bystander activation, which temporospatially overlaps with the subsequent antigen-specific T cell response. Our data thus suggest that bystander activation is part of the initial localized immune response, and is mediated by a site-specific recruitment process of memory T cells.
Infant airway microbiota and topical immune perturbations in the origins of childhood asthma
Authors: Thorsen Jonathan , Rasmussen Morten A. , Waage Johannes , Mortensen Martin , Brejnrod Asker , Bønnelykke Klaus , Chawes Bo L. , Brix Susanne , Sørensen Søren J. , Stokholm Jakob , Bisgaard Hans
Published: November 2019

Asthma is believed to arise through early life aberrant immune development in response to environmental exposures that may influence the airway microbiota. Here, we examine the airway microbiota during the first three months of life by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in the population-based Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 (COPSAC2010) cohort consisting of 700 children monitored for the development of asthma since birth. Microbial diversity and the relative abundances of Veillonella and Prevotella in the airways at age one month are associated with asthma by age 6 years, both individually and with additional taxa in a multivariable model. Higher relative abundance of these bacteria is furthermore associated with an airway immune profile dominated by reduced TNF-α and IL-1β and increased CCL2 and CCL17, which itself is an independent predictor for asthma. These findings suggest a mechanism of microbiota-immune interactions in early infancy that predisposes to childhood asthma.
Unbalanced dendritic inhibition of CA1 neurons drives spatial-memory deficits in the Ts2Cje Down syndrome model
Authors: Valbuena Sergio , García Álvaro , Mazier Wilfrid , Paternain Ana V. , Lerma Juan
Published: November 2019

Overinhibition is assumed one of the main causes of cognitive deficits (e.g. memory impairment) in mouse models of Down syndrome (DS). Yet the mechanisms that drive such exaggerated synaptic inhibition and their behavioral effects remain unclear. Here we report the existence of bidirectional alterations to the synaptic inhibition on CA1 pyramidal cells in the Ts2Cje mouse model of DS which are associated to impaired spatial memory. Furthermore, we identify triplication of the kainate receptor (KAR) encoding gene Grik1 as the cause of these phenotypes. Normalization of Grik1 dosage in Ts2Cje mice specifically restored spatial memory and reversed the bidirectional alterations to CA1 inhibition, but not the changes in synaptic plasticity or the other behavioral modifications observed. We propose that modified information gating caused by disturbed inhibitory tone rather than generalized overinhibition underlies some of the characteristic cognitive deficits in DS.
Impact of delivery mode-associated gut microbiota dynamics on health in the first year of life
Authors: Reyman Marta , van Houten Marlies A. , van Baarle Debbie , Bosch Astrid A. T. M. , Man Wing Ho , Chu Mei Ling J. N. , Arp Kayleigh , Watson Rebecca L. , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Fuentes Susana , Bogaert Debby
Published: November 2019

The early-life microbiome appears to be affected by mode of delivery, but this effect may depend on intrapartum antibiotic exposure. Here, we assess the effect of delivery mode on gut microbiota, independent of intrapartum antibiotics, by postponing routine antibiotic administration to mothers until after cord clamping in 74 vaginally delivered and 46 caesarean section born infants. The microbiota differs between caesarean section born and vaginally delivered infants over the first year of life, showing enrichment ofBifidobacteriumspp., and reduction ofEnterococcusandKlebsiellaspp. in vaginally delivered infants. The microbiota composition at one week of life is associated with the number of respiratory infections over the first year. The taxa driving this association are more abundant in caesarean section born children, providing a possible link between mode of delivery and susceptibility to infectious outcomes.
Full-length transcriptome reconstruction reveals a large diversity of RNA and protein isoforms in rat hippocampus
Authors: Wang Xi , You Xintian , Langer Julian D. , Hou Jingyi , Rupprecht Fiona , Vlatkovic Irena , Quedenau Claudia , Tushev Georgi , Epstein Irina , Schaefke Bernhard , Sun Wei , Fang Liang , Li Guipeng , Hu Yuhui , Schuman Erin M. , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

Gene annotation is a critical resource in genomics research. Many computational approaches have been developed to assemble transcriptomes based on high-throughput short-read sequencing, however, only with limited accuracy. Here, we combine next-generation and third-generation sequencing to reconstruct a full-length transcriptome in the rat hippocampus, which is further validated using independent 5´ and 3´-end profiling approaches. In total, we detect 28,268 full-length transcripts (FLTs), covering 6,380 RefSeq genes and 849 unannotated loci. Based on these FLTs, we discover co-occurring alternative RNA processing events. Integrating with polysome profiling and ribosome footprinting data, we predict isoform-specific translational status and reconstruct an open reading frame (ORF)-eome. Notably, a high proportion of the predicted ORFs are validated by mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Moreover, we identify isoforms with subcellular localization pattern in neurons. Collectively, our data advance our knowledge of RNA and protein isoform diversity in the rat brain and provide a rich resource for functional studies.
Publisher Correction: Tracking vegetation phenology across diverse biomes using Version 2.0 of the PhenoCam Dataset
Authors: Seyednasrollah Bijan , Young Adam M. , Hufkens Koen , Milliman Tom , Friedl Mark A. , Frolking Steve , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: November 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
TCF7L2 polymorphisms are associated with amygdalar volume in elderly individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ganmore Ithamar , Livny Abigail , Ravona-Springer Ramit , Cooper Itzik , Alkelai Anna , Shelly Shahar , Tsarfaty Galia , Heymann Anthony , Schnaider Beeri Michal , Greenbaum Lior
Published: November 2019

The association between several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)gene and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) as well as additional T2D-related traits is well established. Since alteration in total and regional brain volumes are consistent findings among T2D individuals, we studied the association of four T2D susceptibility SNPS withinTCF7L2(rs7901695, rs7903146, rs11196205, and rs12255372) with volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), gray matter, and regional volumes of amygdala and hippocampus obtained from structural MRI among 191 T2D elderly Jewish individuals. Under recessive genetic model (controlling for age, sex and intracranial volume), we found that for all four SNPs, carriers of two copies of the T2D risk allele (homozygous genotype) had significantly smaller amygdalar volume: rs7901695- CC genotype vs. CT + TT genotypes, p = 0.002; rs7903146-TT vs. TC + CC, p = 0.003; rs11196205- CC vs. CG + GG, p = 0.0003; and rs12255372- TT vs. TG + GG, p = 0.003. Adjusting also for T2D-related covariates, body mass index (BMI), and ancestry did not change the results substantively (rs7901695, p = 0.003; rs7903146, p = 0.005; rs11196205, p = 0.001; and rs12255372, p = 0.005). Conditional analysis demonstrated that only rs11196205 was independently associated with amygdalar volume at a significant level. Separate analysis of left and right amygdala revealed stronger results for left amygdalar volume. Taken together, we report association ofTCF7L2SNPs with amygdalar volume among T2D elderly Jewish patients. Further studies in other populations are required to support these findings and reach more definitive conclusions.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Selective Priming of Tumor Blood Vessels by Radiation Therapy Enhances Nanodrug Delivery
Authors: Kunjachan Sijumon , Kotb Shady , Pola Robert , Pechar Michal , Kumar Rajiv , Singh Bijay , Gremse Felix , Taleeli Reza , Trichard Florian , Motto-Ros Vincent , Sancey Lucie , Detappe Alexandre , Yasmin-Karim Sayeda , Protti Andrea , Shanmugam Ilanchezhian , Ireland Thomas , Etrych Tomas , Sridhar Srinivas , Tillement Olivier , Makrigiorgos Mike , Berbeco Ross I.
Published: November 2019

Effective drug delivery is restricted by pathophysiological barriers in solid tumors. In human pancreatic adenocarcinoma, poorly-permeable blood vessels limit the intratumoral permeation and penetration of chemo or nanotherapeutic drugs. New and clinically viable strategies are urgently sought to breach the neoplastic barriers that prevent effective drug delivery. Here, we present an original idea to boost drug delivery by selectively knocking down the tumor vascular barrier in a human pancreatic cancer model. Clinical radiation activates the tumor endothelial-targeted gold nanoparticles to induce a physical vascular damage due to the high photoelectric interactions. Active modulation of these tumor neovessels lead to distinct changes in tumor vascular permeability. Noninvasive MRI and fluorescence studies, using a short-circulating nanocarrier with MR-sensitive gadolinium and a long-circulating nanocarrier with fluorescence-sensitive nearinfrared dye, demonstrate more than two-fold increase in nanodrug delivery, post tumor vascular modulation. Functional changes in altered tumor blood vessels and its downstream parameters, particularly, changes in Ktrans (permeability), Kep (flux rate), and Ve (extracellular interstitial volume), reflect changes that relate to augmented drug delivery. The proposed dual-targeted therapy effectively invades the tumor vascular barrier and improve nanodrug delivery in a human pancreatic tumor model and it may also be applied to other nonresectable, intransigent tumors that barely respond to standard drug therapies.
Platform for ergonomic intraoral photodynamic therapy using low-cost, modular 3D-printed components: Design, comfort and clinical evaluation
Authors: Mallidi Srivalleesha , Khan Amjad P. , Liu Hui , Daly Liam , Rudd Grant , Leon Paola , Khan Shakir , Hussain Bilal M. A. , Hasan Syed A. , Siddique Shahid A. , Akhtar Kafil , August Meredith , Troulis Maria , Cuckov Filip , Celli Jonathan P. , Hasan Tayyaba
Published: November 2019

Oral cancer prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, especially in developing countries which lack the medical infrastructure to manage it. For example, the oral cancer burden in India has been identified as a public health crisis. The high expense and logistical barriers to obtaining treatment with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy often result in progression to unmanageable late stage disease with high morbidity. Even when curative, these approaches can be cosmetically and functionally disfiguring with extensive side effects. An alternate effective therapy for oral cancer is a light based spatially-targeted cytotoxic therapy called photodynamic therapy (PDT). Despite excellent healing of the oral mucosa in PDT, a lack of robust enabling technology for intraoral light delivery has limited its broader implementation. Leveraging advances in 3D printing, we have developed an intraoral light delivery system consisting of modular 3D printed light applicators with pre-calibrated dosimetry and mouth props that can be utilized to perform PDT in conscious subjects without the need of extensive infrastructure or manual positioning of an optical fiber. To evaluate the stability of the light applicators, we utilized an endoscope in lieu of the optical fiber to monitor motion in the fiducial markers. Here we showcase the stability (less than 2 mm deviation in both horizontal and vertical axis) and ergonomics of our applicators in delivering light precisely to the target location in ten healthy volunteers. We also demonstrate in five subjects with T1N0M0 oral lesions that our applicators coupled with a low-cost fiber coupled LED-based light source served as a complete platform for intraoral light delivery achieving complete tumor response with no residual disease at initial histopathology follow up in these patients. Overall, our approach potentiates PDT as a viable therapeutic option for early stage oral lesions that can be delivered in low resource settings.
Testosterone causes pleiotropic effects on cleanerfish behaviour
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Mazzei Renata , Cardoso Sónia C. , Ramos Cândida , Bshary Redouan
Published: November 2019

Mathematical modelling regarding evolutionary theory typically assumes that optimal strategies are not constrained through mechanistic processes. In contrast, recent studies on brain anatomy and neurobiology suggest that flexibility in social behaviour is rather constrained by the physiological state of the social decision-making network. Changing its state may yield selective advantages in some social contexts but neutral or even detrimental effects in others. Here we provide field evidence for such physiological trade-offs. We subjected wild female cleaner wrasse to injections of testosterone or of saline solution (control) and then observed both intraspecific interactions and interspecific cleaning behaviour with other reef fish, referred to as clients. Testosterone-treated females intensified intraspecific social interactions, showing more aggression towards smaller females and tendencies of increased aggressive and affiliative contacts with dominant males. Such testosterone-mediated changes fit the hypothesis that an increase in testosterone mediates female’s focus on status in this protogynous hermaphrodite species, where females eventually change sex to become males. Moreover, we also identified other effects on interspecific social interactions: testosterone-treated females interacted less with client reef fishes and hence obtained less food. Most importantly, they selectively reduced service quality for species that were less likely to punish after being cheated. Overall, our findings suggest that testosterone causes pleiotropic effects on intra and interspecific social behaviour by broadly influencing female cleaners’ decision-making.
Therapeutic potential of functionalized siRNA nanoparticles on regression of liver cancer in experimental mice
Authors: Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Jabeen Mumtaz , Chauhan Arun , Ansari Mohammad Azam
Published: November 2019

Short interfering RNA (siRNA) possesses special ability of silencing specific gene. To increase siRNA stability, transportation and its uptake by tumor cells, effective delivery to the appropriate target cells is a major challenge of siRNA-based therapy. In the present study, an effective, safe and biocompatible survivin siRNA encapsulated, GalNAc decorated PEGylated PLGA nanoconjugates (NCs) viz., GalNAc@PEG@siRNA-PLGA were engineered and their synergistic antitumor efficacy was evaluated for targeted delivery in HCC bearing experimental mice. GalNAc@PEG@siRNA-PLGA NCs were characterized for size, bioavailability, toxicity and biocompatibility. Their antitumor potential was evaluated considering gene silencing, apoptosis, histopathology and survival of treated mice. Exceptional accumulation of hepatocytes, reduction in survivin expression and prominent regression in tumor size confirmed the ASGPR-mediated uptake of ligand-anchored NCs and silencing of survivin gene in a targeted manner. Increased DNA fragmentation and potential modulation of caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 factors specified the induction of apoptosis that helped in significant inhibition of HCC progression. The potential synchronous and tumor selective delivery of versatile NCs indicated the effective payloads towards the target site, increased apoptosis in cancer cells and improved survival of treated animals.
CENP-A binding domains and recombination patterns in horse spermatocytes
Authors: Cappelletti Eleonora , Piras Francesca M. , Badiale Claudia , Bambi Marina , Santagostino Marco , Vara Covadonga , Masterson Teri A. , Sullivan Kevin F. , Nergadze Solomon G. , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , Giulotto Elena
Published: November 2019

Centromeres exert an inhibitory effect on meiotic recombination, but the possible contribution of satellite DNA to this “centromere effect” is under debate. In the horse, satellite DNA is present at all centromeres with the exception of the one from chromosome 11. This organization of centromeres allowed us to investigate the role of satellite DNA on recombination suppression in horse spermatocytes at the stage of pachytene. To this aim we analysed the distribution of the MLH1 protein, marker of recombination foci, relative to CENP-A, marker of centromeric function. We demonstrated that the satellite-less centromere of chromosome 11 causes crossover suppression, similarly to satellite-based centromeres. These results suggest that the centromere effect does not depend on satellite DNA. During this analysis, we observed a peculiar phenomenon: while, as expected, the centromere of the majority of meiotic bivalent chromosomes was labelled with a single immunofluorescence centromeric signal, double-spotted or extended signals were also detected. Their number varied from 0 to 7 in different cells. This observation can be explained by positional variation of the centromeric domain on the two homologs and/or misalignment of pericentromeric satellite DNA arrays during homolog pairing confirming the great plasticity of equine centromeres.
Rapid maturation of the hepatic cell line Huh7 via CDK inhibition for PXR dependent CYP450 metabolism and induction
Authors: Bulutoglu Beyza , Mert Safak , Rey-Bedón Camilo , Deng Sarah L. , Yarmush Martin L. , Usta O. Berk
Published: November 2019

CYP3A4, a cytochrome P450 enzyme regulated by the nuclear receptor PXR, is involved in most of the drug metabolizing pathways. Studying the regulation/induction of CYP3A4 and PXR is critical in toxicology and drug-drug interaction (DDI) studies. Primary human hepatocytes constitute the preferred in vitro platform for drug development efforts. However, they are expensive, scarce and heterogeneous. Hepatic cell lines, such as Huh7, could provide a cost-effective alternative, however, they express negligible amounts of CYP450s and PXR. In this study, we show that dinaciclib, a potent cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, significantly increases the basal CYP3A4 and PXR levels in 24 hours. We also demonstrated that matured Huh7s can be used for drug induction studies, where CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 inductions were achieved following rifampicin treatment. More importantly, through a direct demonstration using amiodarone and rifampicin as model drugs, we showed that matured Huh7s present a suitable platform for DDI studies.
Modulation of out-of-plane reflected waves by using acoustic metasurfaces with tapered corrugated holes
Authors: Li Xiao-Shuang , Wang Yan-Feng , Chen A-Li , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: November 2019

In this paper, modulation of reflected wavefront out of the incident plane by a tunable acoustic metasurface is investigated based on the fully generalized Snell’s law in the three-dimensional space. The metasurface is constructed by a square lattice of circular holes with gradient annular bumps. The phase shift is tuned by changing the volume of water filled in the holes. The acoustic wave steering out of the incident plane and the out-of-plane acoustic focusing with the oblique incidence at the subwavelength scale are demonstrated numerically by selecting suitable distributions of water depth. The numerical results show that the wavefront of the reflected wave can be manipulated over a wide frequency range; and the gradient design of the unit cells can suppress the parasitic reflection. The present work is relevant to the practical design of novel acoustic devices.
Correction: One-pot synthesis of N-methylpyrrolidine (NMPD) using Cu- and Ni-modified ZSM-5 as an efficient catalyst
Authors: Long Yan , Wang Peixue , Fei Yuqing , Zhou Dawei , Liu Shimin , Deng Youquan
Published: November 2019

Correction for ‘One-pot synthesis of N-methylpyrrolidine (NMPD) using Cu- and Ni-modified ZSM-5 as an efficient catalyst’ by Yan Long et al., Green Chem., 2019, 21, 141–148.
Boosting the electrocatalytic activity of amorphous molybdenum sulfide nanoflakes via nickel sulfide decoration
Authors: Zheng Zheng , Su Tong , Shi Jianping , Tong Rui , Xiao Haibo , Zhang Qing , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Zhuo , Li Quan , Wang Xina
Published: November 2019

An efficient electrocatalyst of amorphous-MoSx flakes decorated with Ni3S2 nanocrystals is developed with a sample size of 200 cm2. A high current of 600 mA cm−2 is achieved at 245 mV with long durability.
A point-of-care diagnostics logic detector based on glucose oxidase immobilized lanthanide functionalized metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yan Bing
Published: November 2019

In this work, a novel lanthanide functionalized metal organic framework enzyme (L-MOF-enzyme) composite has been first preparedviaa surface attachment strategy between Eu3+@UMOF and glucose oxidase (GOx).
Phase-field investigation of the stages in radial growth of core–shell Ge/Ge1−xSnx nanowires
Authors: Wang Yanming , Meng Andrew C. , McIntyre Paul C. , Cai Wei
Published: November 2019

Phase field model is developed to investigate the radial growth of core shell Ge/Ge1−xSnx nanowires via the chemical vapor deposition method. We show that the shell growth speed of these nanowires exhibits three stages.
Development of a new bicyclic imidazole nucleophilic organocatalyst for direct enantioselective C-acylation
Authors: Zhou Muxing , He Ende , Zhang Lu , Chen Jianzhong , Zhang Zhenfeng , Liu Yangang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: November 2019

A new chiral nucleophilic organocatalyst bearing a 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine skeleton has been developed.
Inhibition of Cd accumulation in grains of wheat and rice under rotation mode using composite silicate amendment
Authors: Li Yang , Liang Xuefeng , Huang Qingqing , Xu Yingming , Yang Fang
Published: November 2019

Composite silicate amendment had significant immobilization effects for phytoavailable Cd in the soil and inhibitory effect on the accumulation of Cd in crop grains under in field-scale remediation under wheat/rice rotation mode.
In-vacuum electropolymerization of vapor-deposited source molecules into polymer films in ionic liquid
Authors: Okawara Keisuke , Nishimura Tomonobu , Maruyama Shingo , Kubo Masaki , Matsumoto Yuji
Published: November 2019

A new in-vacuum electropolymerization process combined with vapor-phase deposition using an ionic liquid (IL) has been proposed.
Enhancement of solar vapor generation by a 3D hierarchical heat trapping structure
Authors: Song Xiaoying , Song Hucheng , Wang Sheng , Liu Jingjing , Zhou Lin , Xu Jun , Chen Kunji
Published: November 2019

Solar vapor generation is an efficient way to use solar energy for seawater desalination and sewage purification.
Correction: Regulation of aggregation-induced emission behaviours and mechanofluorochromism of tetraphenylethene through different oxidation states of sulphur moieties
Authors: Yang Qin , Li Dongyang , Chi Weijie , Guo Ronghui , Yan Bin , Lan Jianwu , Liu Xiaogang , Yin Jun
Published: November 2019

Correction for ‘Regulation of aggregation-induced emission behaviours and mechanofluorochromism of tetraphenylethene through different oxidation states of sulphur moieties’ by Qin Yang et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2019, 7, 8244–8249.
Artificial cells containing sustainable energy conversion engines
Authors: Shin Kwanwoo
Published: November 2019

Living cells naturally maintain a variety of metabolic reactions via energy conversion mechanisms that are coupled to proton transfer across cell membranes, thereby producing energy-rich compounds. Until now, researchers have been unable to maintain continuous biochemical reactions in artificially engineered cells, mainly due to the lack of mechanisms that generate energy-rich resources, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). If these metabolic activities in artificial cells are to be sustained, reliable energy transduction strategies must be realized. In this perspective, this article discusses the development of an artificially engineered cell containing a sustainable energy conversion process.
Unique benefits of ectogenesis outweigh potential harms
Authors: Kendal Evie
Published: November 2019

This article will consider some of the ethical issues concerning ectogenesis technology, including possible misuse, social harms and safety risks. The article discusses three common objections to ectogenesis, namely that artificial gestation transgresses nature, risks promoting cloning and genetic engineering of offspring, and would lead to the commodification of children. Counterbalancing these concerns are an appeal to women's rights, reproductive autonomy, and the rights of the infertile to access appropriate assisted reproductive technologies. The article concludes that the unique benefits of promoting the development of ectogenesis technology to prospective parents and children, outweigh any potential harms.
Improved utility harmonic impedance measurement based on robust independent component analysis and bootstrap check
Authors: Chen Feiyu , Mao Nanping , Wang Yang , Wang Ying , Xiao Xianyong
Published: November 2019

In this study, a new method for utility harmonic impedance measurement based on robust independent component analysis (RICA) and bootstrap check is proposed. The RICA approach which adopts exact line search to seek the optimal step‐size in iteration has better performance for short data records. At the same time, a bootstrap check technique to remove the singular solutions of this sort of independent component analyses methods is presented as well. This verification technique is performed through judging the dispersion degree of the estimates of the bootstrap samples which is quantified by the coefficient of variation. Based on the results of computer simulation and filed test, it is proved that the combination of the RICA approach with the bootstrap check technique can reduce the adverse impact of the background harmonic fluctuation and the singular solutions on impedance estimation effectively, and satisfactory measurement results can be acquired.
Fault tolerant architecture of an efficient five‐level multilevel inverter with overload capability characteristics
Authors: Sadanala Chiranjeevi , Pattnaik Swapnajit , Singh Vinay Pratap
Published: November 2019

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) are gaining the widespread attention in various industrial applications. However, the advantages offered by MLIs are only met with the employment of a high number of semiconductor switches and capacitors, which are most vulnerable amongst all the power electronic components. Thus, designing of a reliable MLI topology is a need of the present hour. In this regard, a five‐level fault tolerant MLI topology has been proposed here. The proposed MLI topology comprises the main inverter topology and a redundant leg. The main inverter topology comprises bidirectional switches which result in high power losses under both healthy and faulty conditions. Eighteen different cases arising from the inherent redundancy available in the main inverter topology have been analysed to achieve the optimum solution for obtaining high efficiency. A novel redundant leg architecture has been designed, which achieves significantly improved efficiency under all faulty conditions. Under overload conditions, the proposed redundant leg architecture is capable of reducing the current stress on the main inverter switches. An effective qualitative and quantitative comparison of the proposed topology with the recent literature has been presented. The feasibility of the proposed concepts has been verified by the obtained simulation and hardware results.
System design of gyro north‐seeker calibration system
Authors: Fu Yongjie
Published: November 2019

Aimed at the metrology support requirements of weapons found north orientation equipment, a gyro north‐seeker calibration system is designed. The system uses one plane mirror and two 1 m collimators to set up three north benchmarks at the same time, and they are assigned to the north. The accuracy of the introduced three northward azimuthal angles is as follows: ±0.20″, ±0.18″, ±0.17″. Between the three north benchmarks, the mutual check function can be realised. The system can realise the calibration of the gyro theodolite and gyro north‐seeker with auto‐collimation function and no auto‐collimation function. The composition and working principle of the system are described in detail. After examination, the north‐seeking precision accuracy of the system is 3″ (k  = 2). It satisfies the metrological calibration of the gyro theodolite and gyro north‐seeker whose north‐seeking precision is below 12″. Through practice, the system is accurate, stable and reliable.
Solder joint image adaptive block compressive sensing with convex optimisation and Gini index
Authors: Zhao Huihuang , Wang Yaonan , Zheng Jinhua , Qiao Zhijun , Zhang Yun
Published: November 2019

This study aims to improve the performance in solder joint image compression and reconstruction. A novel adaptive block compressive sensing with convex optimisation and Gini index (Ad_BCSGB_Gini) methodology for solder joint image compression and reconstruction is proposed. At first, the image is split into square blocks and each block is resized into a row which consists of a new image. Then, the new image is transformed into a sparse signal by an orthogonal basis matrix, and the image reconstruction is handled as a convex optimisation problem. Moreover, a gradient‐based method which has fast computational speed is used to reconstruct image. There is a control factor which controls a norm l 1 in the optimisation problem. To achieve the best performance, at last, the proposed method adaptively selects the best result by comparing Gini index of the reconstruction results based on different control factor values. Experimental results with different methods indicate that the Ad_BCSGB_Gini method is able to achieve the best performance in quantisation comparison than several classical algorithms, and Ad_BCSGB_Gini has a good robustness.
Metrological performance of diaphragm gas meters with different use age
Authors: Li Xia , Deng Xiaoyuan , Zhang Song , Zhan Jiao , Wu Li
Published: November 2019

According to the current legal metrological regulation of diaphragm gas meter, domestic gas meters in China are required to pass mandatory initial verification at 20°C, and then a 10 years' legal duration is allowed without any subsequent or in‐service verifications. Here, experimental study has been implemented to investigate the metrological performance and temperature adaptability of old diaphragm gas meters with different use age. Through the introduction of weighting factors, weighted mean errors are calculated to analyse the correlation between the indication errors of gas meters and their use age, as well as the relationship between the indication errors and test temperatures. Experimental results indicate that the use age of gas meters has negligible influence on their metrological performance during the 10 years' legal duration. However, the indication errors worsen as temperature varies.
Local solid particle velocity measurement based on spatial filter effect of differential capacitance sensor array
Authors: Heming Gao , Huiwen Deng , Yingxing Min , Bing Wang , Bingyan Fan
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a novel velocity measurement method based on a differential capacitance sensor array (DCSA) for the solid particles in gas‐solid flow. Firstly, the DCSA is modelled by the finite‐element software ANSOFT, and its sensitivity characteristic is acquired. Additionally, the spatial filtering effect of DCSA is theoretically investigated, which validates the feasibility of particle velocity measurement based on DCSA. By measuring the frequency bandwidth (cut‐off frequency) of the DCSA's output capacitance signal, the velocity of the local particles in the pipeline can be calculated. Further through the form of differential detection, the cut‐off frequency can be accurately converged. Finally, a novel solid particle velocimeter based on DCSA is developed and tested on a gravity‐delivery particle experimental device. The results indicate that the method has the feasibility for the velocity measurement and its repeatability is within 11% over the velocity range of 1–3 m/s.
A new take on the low-mass brown dwarf companions on wide orbits in Upper-Scorpius
Authors: Petrus S. , Bonnefoy M. , Chauvin G. , Babusiaux C. , Delorme P. , Lagrange A.-M. , Florent N. , Bayo A. , Janson M. , Biller B. , Manjavacas E. , Marleau G.-D. , Kopytova T.
Published: November 2019

Context. The Upper-Scorpius association (5–11 Myr) contains a unique population of low-mass (M ≤ 30MJup) brown dwarfs either free-floating, forming wide pairs, or on wide orbits around solar-type and massive stars. The detailed relative characterization of their physical properties (mass, radius, temperature, composition, and ongoing accretion) offers the opportunity to potentially explore their origin and mechanisms of formation.

Aims. In this study, we aim to characterize the chemical and physical properties of three young, late-M brown dwarfs claimed to be companions of the Upper-Scorpius stars USco 161031.9-16191305, HIP 77900, and HIP 78530 using medium-resolution spectroscopy at UV (0.30−0.56μm; Rλ ~ 3300), optical (0.55−1.02μm; Rλ ~ 5400), and NIR (1.02−2.48μm; Rλ ~ 4300) wavelengths. The spectra of six free-floating analogs from the same association are analyzed for comparison and to explore the potential physical differences between these substellar objects found in different configurations. We also aim to examine and analyze hydrogen emission lines at UV and optical wavelengths to investigate the presence of ongoing accretion processes.

Methods. The X-shooter spectrograph at VLT was used to obtain the spectra of the nine young brown dwarfs over the 0.3−2.5μm range simultaneously. Performing a forward modeling of the observed spectra with the ForMoSA code, we infer the Teff, log (g), and radius of our objects. The code compares here the BT-SETTL15 models to the observed spectra using the Nested Sampling Bayesian inference method. Mass is determined using evolutionary models, and a new analysis of the physical association is presented based on Gaia-DR2 astrometry.

Results. The Teff and log (g) determined for our companions are compatible with those found for free-floating analogs of the Upper-Scorpius association and with evolutionary model predictions at the age of the association. However the final accuracy on the Teff estimates is strongly limited by nonreproducibility of the BT-SETTL15 models in the range of Teff corresponding to the M8–M9 spectral types. We identified Hα, Hβ, Hγ, and Ca II H and K emission lines in the spectrum of several objects. We attribute these lines to chromospheric activity except for the free-floating object USco 1608-2315 for which they are indicative of active accretion (M˙ ≤ 10−10.76 M⊙ yr−1). We confirm the four-fold over-luminosity of USco 161031.9-16191305 B down to 0.3 μm, which could be explained in part by the activity of this object and if the companion is an unresolved multiple system.
Genetic characterisation of European mudminnow (Umbra krameri) populations from the Sava River system
Authors: Marić Saša , Stanković David , Šanda Radek , Ćaleta Marko , Čolić Srećko , Šukalo Goran , Snoj Aleš
Published: November 2019

Two new populations of the European mudminnow (Umbra krameriWalbaum, 1792) were discovered in the Sava River system, one in its middle part (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and the other in a tributary to the Kupa River (Croatia). The Croatian population is the most upstream mudminnow discovery in the Sava River system known to date. The genetic structure of the newly recorded mudminnow populations was examined using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci. By adding these new populations to the analysis of the population genetic structure of mudminnow from the Sava River system, previously unresolved relationships between the populations from the upper and the lower Sava were clarified: the middle Sava populations were shown to be well outside the hybridisation zone with the Danubian clade, meaning the upstream boundary of this zone is confined to the lower Sava. The results also suggest that mudminnow populations in the Sava River system are less isolated than previously believed. Namely, intermediate gene-flow was detected when comparing the uppermost Sava population with the lower Sava populations. Taking these results into account, appropriate guidelines are proposed to preserve mudminnow populations from the Sava River system.
Encuesta sobre el manejo de injertos del ligamento cruzado anterior contaminados accidentalmente
Authors: Figueroa Francisco , Figueroa David , Calvo Rafael , Vaisman Alejandro , Pino Felipe , Mena Rafael Calvo , O'Connell Luis A.
Published: November 2019

Objetivo Encuestar a cirujanos de rodilla en Chile, sobre su conducta en contaminaciones accidentales del injerto, en reconstrucciones de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA).

Métodos Se realizó una encuesta anónima en relación a la incidencia, tratamiento y resultados clínicos de los injertos de LCA contaminados, a todos los médicos pertenecientes al área de traumatología y ortopedia asistentes al congreso Ateneo de rodilla 2015.

Resultados Se encuestaron 54 médicos, 33 (61%) especialistas en cirugía de rodilla y 21 (39%) médicos en formación. De los cirujanos de rodilla, 15 (45%) reportaron al menos un caso de contaminación, de los cuales 12 (80%) informaron un único evento, 3 (20%) indicaron la eventualidad en 2, 3 y 5 ocasiones respectivamente, para un total de 22 injertos contaminados. De los cirujanos que reportaron injertos contaminados, 11 (73%) realizan 50 o más reconstrucciones al año. La decisión tomada en los casos de contaminación fue en 13 oportunidades (59%), lavar el injerto y utilizarlo de acuerdo al plan inicial; en 6 casos (27%), utilizar aloinjerto; en 2 ocasiones (9%), utilizar autoinjerto alternativo; y en 1 oportunidad (5%); triplicar el semitendinoso. Ninguno de los casos de contaminación reportó infecciones.

Conclusiones En casos de una contaminación accidental, la mayoría de los cirujanos encuestados prefieren optar por la descontaminación del injerto y su utilización en la reconstrucción de acuerdo al plan inicial; para lo cual la clorhexidina y antibióticos sería la solución a usar de preferencia.

Nivel de Evidencia Nivel V, opinión de experto.
Menisco Lateral Hipermóvil: Diagnóstico y Tratamiento de Lesiones de Fascículos Poplíteo Meniscales
Authors: Negrín Roberto , Iñiguez Magaly , Reyes Nicolás O. , Pellegrini Juan José , Díaz Rodrigo
Published: November 2019

El Síndrome de Menisco Hipermóvil, caracterizado por bloqueos mecánicos dolorosos de la rodilla, tiene un sustento anatómico basado en los fascículos poplíteo meniscales anteroinferior y posterosuperior, responsables de la estabilidad primaria de la esquina posterolateral meniscal. Con un cuadro clínico característico, usualmente con Resonancia Magnética sin hallazgos sugerentes de patología, la artroscopía juega un rol esencial en casos de alta sospecha, comprobando el diagnóstico al presentar hipermobilidad del cuerno posterior del menisco lateral. Método: Se presentan 9 casos resueltos, con hiperlaxitud posterolateral meniscal, y presentación clínica caracterizada por bloqueo articular de rodilla sin causa aparente. En todos los casos se realizó reparación de los fascículos poplíteo meniscales con suturas meniscales, con resolución completa de la sintomatología y sin complicaciones post quirúrgicas.

Conclusión El manejo del cuadro de menisco hipermóvil está basado por la sospecha clínica y el descarte de otras patologías como causa subyacente de la sintomatología. El manejo quirúrgico con suturas meniscales ha demostrado restaurar la biomecánica normal del compartimento posterolateral de la rodilla, logrando la resolución completa de los síntomas.

Nivel de evidencia IV.
Atomic layer deposition of functional multicomponent oxides
Authors: Coll Mariona , Napari Mari
Published: November 2019

Advances in the fabrication of multicomponent oxide thin films are crucial to prepare specific compositions with precise structures and controlled interfaces. This will enable the investigation of novel phenomena and development of new devices and applications. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has flourished over the last decades in fabrication of conformal thin films and nanostructures with atomic-scale control. Nonetheless, the scenario of deposition of complex oxides with desired properties has proven to be challenging. In this article, we scrutinize the basics of the precursor and process design for ALD followed by a review on the major achievements in the synthesis of doped and complex oxides identifying several relevant examples that are foreseen to have direct technological applications. Finally, current challenges and perspectives on ALD complex oxides are given.
Fiber-integrated phase-change reconfigurable optical attenuator
Authors: Martins Tiago , Gholipour Behrad , Piccinotti Davide , MacDonald Kevin F. , Peacock Anna C. , Frazão Orlando , Zheludev Nikolay I.
Published: November 2019

We report on the experimental demonstration of an optical-fiber-integrated, nonvolatile transmission switching device. The operating mechanism exploits a cavity resonance spectral shift associated with an induced change in the refractive index of a high-index thin film on the polished side facet of the fiber. In the present case, a thermally induced amorphous-crystalline structural transition in a 500 nm layer of germanium antimony telluride at a distance of 500 nm from the core-cladding interface of an SMF-28 single-mode fiber delivers resonant transmission contrast >0.5 dB/mm at 1315 nm. Contrast is a function of active layer proximity to the core, while operating wavelength is determined by layer thickness—varying thickness by a few tens of nanometers can provide for tuning over the entire near-infrared telecoms spectral range.
Observation of self-organized honeycomb patterns by fast photography in a liquid-anode discharge
Authors: Gao Kun , Wu Kaiyue , Jia Pengying , Jia Boyu , Kang Pengcheng , Li Xuechen
Published: November 2019

In a rod-water geometry, self-organized patterns are formed on the water surface of an atmospheric glow discharge excited by a square-wave voltage, which include a disk with an encircling ring and concentric triple rings with varying air gap widths. The diameter of these patterns slightly increases with the increasing gap width. Although a square-wave voltage is used, waveforms of voltage and current indicate that the discharge belongs to a periodical liquid-anode discharge. By fast photography, spatial and temporal evolutions of these self-organized patterns indicate that honeycomb patterns are prone to be generated with a wider gap. Moreover, these honeycomb patterns finally lead to the formation of the concentric triple rings and the disk with an encircling ring with wider gaps. Within the scope of our knowledge, this is the first observation of honeycomb patterns in a liquid-anode discharge.
Consecutive non‐training days over a weekend for assessing cardiac parasympathetic variation in response to accumulated exercise stress
Authors: Perrotta Andrew S. , Koehle Michael S. , White Matthew D. , Taunton Jack E. , Warburton Darren E.R.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To examine the association between day‐to‐day resting cardiac parasympathetic variability over consecutive non‐training days (i.e. weekend) and accumulated exercise stress when quantified using indices of cardiovascular strain. Methods: Twelve international calibre female field hockey players training as part of a national team were participants over a four‐week mesocycle prior to a 2016 Olympic qualifying tournament. On‐field exercise stress was examined using heart rate (HR) dynamics and quantified as; (1) training load and (2) time (min) spent above anaerobic threshold. The square root of the mean squared differences of successive cardiac cycles (R–R intervals) recorded on Saturday and Sunday were individually calculated and log‐transformed prior to being averaged (Ln rMSSDweekend). Day‐to‐day variation in Ln rMSSD over the weekend was expressed using the coefficient of variation (Ln rMSSDCV). Non‐linear regression analysis examined the association between accumulated exercise stress and Ln rMSSDCV. Results: A quadratic association between each index of exercise stress and Ln rMSSDCV was identified. After converting the coefficient of determination into a correlation coefficient (90% CL), the respective association between Ln rMSSDCV and training load (AU); r = 0.40 (0.16:0.59) and time above threshold; r = 0.35 (0.06:0.59) were observed. Conclusion: Ln rMSSDCV derived over consecutive non‐training days displayed a moderate, yet significant association between accumulated exercise stress when expressed as global or high‐intensity indices of cardiovascular strain. Weekend assessments may offer a practical and appropriate juncture between microcycles to assess the magnitude of perturbation in cardiac autonomic homeostasis prior to entering subsequent training periods.
Assessment of the external effects of car use in urban and rural areas of modern Russia
Authors: Mayburov I , Leontyeva Y
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to assess and differentiate between the externalities imposed on people living in rural and urban areas of Russia. The hypothesis of the study is that people living in areas with different levels of urbanization have different views on the pros and cons of mass car ownership. As a result of this study, various types of the positive and negative external effects of mass car ownership were identified. A survey was conducted on people living in Sverdlovsk Region to assess the externalities. The survey was conducted in October 2018. For the purposes of analysis, the filled questionnaires were divided on the basis of car ownership. Of the 390 respondents aged 18 and above, 62% had a car and 38% did not. The main differentiation factor in the perception of the effects is the respondents’ place of residence. A relationship was proven between the size of the place of residence and the score that the respondents gave to the positive and negative effects of mass car ownership: the smaller the area, the higher they appreciate the positive effects and the lower score they give to the negative effects of mass car ownership. Consequently, the bigger the settlement where the respondents live, the smaller score they give to the positive effects and the bigger emphasis they place on the negative effects of mass car ownership. The assessment of externalities can be used to justify the amount of transport payments in urban and rural areas.