bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HighPGibbs, a Practical Tool for Fluid‐Rock Thermodynamic Simulation in Deep Earth and its Application on Calculating Nitrogen Speciation in Subduction Zone Fluids
Authors: Zhong Richen , Li Yanxia , Etschmann Barbara , Brugger Joël , Yu Chang , Cui Hao
Published: April 2020

The HighPGibbs program is designed to calculate thermodynamic equilibrium of fluid‐rock systems up to depths of lithospheric mantle. It uses the Gibbs free energy minimization function of the HCh package to calculate mineral‐fluid equilibrium. Chemical potentials of minerals are calculated using the equations of states included in HCh; free energy of aqueous species is calculated using the Deep Earth Water model; and activity coefficients of charged species are estimated using the Davies variant of the Debye‐Hückel equation. HighPGibbs was applied to calculate nitrogen speciation in eclogite‐buffered fluids from 400 to 790 °C and 30 to 54 kbar, to evaluate the mobility of nitrogen in subducting oceanic crust. Regardless of whether the protolith was altered (and oxidized) or not, N2(aq) or NH3(aq) is the predominant form of nitrogen in the slab fluids at subarc temperatures, especially in cases of moderate or hot geotherms. Given that molecular nitrogen is highly incompatible in silicate minerals, the simulation indicates that nitrogen (as NH4+) in silicate minerals can be liberated during metamorphic devolatilization. The majority of nitrogen in subducting crusts can be unlocked during slab devolatilization and eventually expelled to the atmosphere via degassing of arc magmas. Therefore, oceanic crusts recycled to deep Earth will be depleted in nitrogen compared to the newly formed crust at spreading centers. As a result of the long‐term mantle convection, large proportions of the bulk silicate Earth may have suffered nitrogen extraction via subduction, and this may account for the nitrogen enrichment in the Earth's atmosphere.
Hybrid Prediction of Weekly Tornado Activity Out to Week 3: Utilizing Weather Regimes
Authors: Miller Douglas E. , Wang Zhuo , Trapp Robert J. , Harnos Daniel S.
Published: April 2020

Tornadoes are one of the high‐impact weather phenomena that can induce life loss and property damage. Here, we investigate the relationship between large‐scale weather regimes and tornado occurrence in boreal spring. Results show that weather regimes strongly modulate the probability of tornado occurrence in the United States due to changes in shear and convective available potential energy and that persisting weather regimes (lasting ≥3 days) contribute to greater than 70% of outbreak days (days with ≥10 tornadoes). A hybrid model based on the weather regime frequency predicted by a numerical model is developed to predict above/below normal weekly tornado activity and has skill better than climatology out to Week 3. The hybrid model can be applied to real‐time forecasting and aide in mitigation of severe weather events.
Estimating Impacts and Trade‐offs in Solar Geoengineering Scenarios With a Moist Energy Balance Model
Authors: Lutsko Nicholas J. , Seeley Jacob T. , Keith David W.
Published: April 2020

There are large uncertainties in the potential impacts of solar radiation modification (SRM) and in how these impacts depend on the way SRM is deployed. One open question concerns trade‐offs between latitudinal profiles of insolation reduction and climate response. Here, a moist energy balance model is used to evaluate several SRM proposals, providing fundamental insight into how the insolation reduction profile affects the climate response. The optimal SRM profile is found to depend on the intensity of the intervention, as the most effective profile for moderate SRM focuses the reduction at high latitudes, whereas the most effective profile for strong SRM is tropically amplified. The effectiveness of SRM is also shown to depend on when it is applied, an important factor to consider when designing SRM proposals. Using an energy balance model allows us to provide physical explanations for these results while also suggesting future avenues of research with comprehensive climate models.
Rheology of a Debris Slide From the Joint Analysis of UAVSAR and LiDAR Data
Authors: Hu Xie , Bürgmann Roland
Published: April 2020

Landslide rheology governs the deformation and flow behavior of sliding masses. As rheology strongly varies as a function of the composition and environment of landslides, a wide range of viscosities have been suggested based on very limited experimental or observational constraints. Here, we introduce a novel method to quantify the landslide rheology from remote sensing data. We focus on an ideal natural laboratory, the Slumgullion landslide, Colorado, which has moved at tens of millimeters per day for centuries. A joint analysis of Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR)‐derived surface displacements and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Digital Elevation Model (DEM)‐derived landslide thickness at its frontal toe allows us to invert for the intrinsic viscosity (109–1011.5 Pa·s under different degrees of plasticity) based on the Bingham plastic model. Detailed displacement measurements also elucidate local variations in magnitude and orientation. Our method presents the capability of remote sensing data to understand the rheology of quasi‐static debris slides in general.
Uncertainties of Glacial Isostatic Adjustment Model Predictions in North America Associated With 3D Structure
Authors: Li Tanghua , Wu Patrick , Wang Hansheng , Steffen Holger , Khan Nicole S. , Engelhart Simon E. , Vacchi Matteo , Shaw Timothy A. , Peltier W. Richard , Horton Benjamin P.
Published: April 2020

We quantify GIA prediction uncertainties of 250 1D and 3D glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA) models through comparisons with deglacial relative sea‐level (RSL) data from North America and rate of vertical land motion (
) and gravity rate of change (
) from GNSS and GRACE data, respectively. Spatially, the size of the RSL uncertainties varies across North America with the largest from Hudson Bay and near previous ice margins along the northern Atlantic and Pacific coasts, which suggests 3D viscosity structure in the lower mantle and laterally varying lithospheric thickness. Temporally, RSL uncertainties decrease from the Last Glacial Maximum to present except for west of Hudson Bay and the northeastern Pacific coast. The uncertainties of both these regions increase from 30 to 45 m between 15 and 11 ka BP, which may be due to the rapid decrease of surface loading at that time. Present‐day
and
uncertainties are largest in southwestern Hudson Bay with magnitudes of 2.4 mm/year and 0.4 μGal/year, mainly due to the 3D viscosity structure in the lower mantle.
Caring for our cancer patients in the wake of COVID-19
Authors: El-Shakankery Karim Hussien , Kefas Joanna , Crusz Shanthini Mary
Published: April 2020

In response to our current global pandemic, unprecedented healthcare changes may have significant consequences for cancer patients in the United Kingdom. We explore why cancer patients may be more susceptible to severe infection and complications, highlighting various interventions that may help to ensure continuity of care in this unique cohort.
The regulatory mechanism and biological significance of the Snail-miR590-VEGFR-NRP1 axis in the angiogenesis, growth and metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: Mei Bin , Chen Jiajie , Yang Ni , Peng Yang
Published: April 2020

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and neuropilins (NRPs), a co-receptor of VEGF, play a key role in the formation and development of blood vessels and in tumour growth and metastasis. However, whether VEGFR1/2 and NRP1 are regulated by the same upstream mechanism is unclear, especially in gastric cancer. We used prediction tools to detect miRNAs that may simultaneously regulate VEGFR1/2 and NRP1, and we finally determined that miR-590 can simultaneously regulate VEGFR1/2 and NRP1 in gastric cancer. We discovered that miR-590 was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, and this was related to the dysregulation of the transcription factor SNAIL. In addition, the overexpression of miR-590 inhibits the migration, invasion, proliferation and D-MVA levels of gastric cancer cells in vivo and in vitro by targeting VEGFR1/2 and NRP1. We also demonstrated that miR-590 may be a useful marker for the prognosis of gastric cancer with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Since the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important mechanism of tumour invasion and metastasis and VEGFR1/2 and NRP1 can promote the occurrence of EMT, we speculated that miR-590 can regulate the occurrence of EMT. Immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed that the overexpression of miR-590 can inhibit the EMT in gastric cancer cells. Since SNAIL is also a mesenchymal marker, our results revealed a new, positive feedback loop. As a transcription factor, SNAIL inhibits the expression of miR-590, thereby upregulating the expression levels of NRP1 and VEGFR1/2; this leads to the development of EMT in gastric cancer and the upregulation of SNAIL.
Inhibition of BRD4 prevents proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in renal cell carcinoma via NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis
Authors: Tan Yi-Fan , Wang Min , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Wang Lei , Liu Xiu-Heng
Published: April 2020

BRD4 has long been implicated in many different pathological processes, in particular, the development of cancer and inflammation. Pyroptosis is a newly recognized type of inflammatory programmed cell death. However, the correlation between BRD4 and pyroptosis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains elusive. The present study demonstrates that BRD4 expression levels are markedly upregulated, while pyroptosis-associated proteins are significantly reduced, in RCC tissues and cells. Inhibition of BRD4, via either genetic knockdown or use of bromodomain inhibitor JQ1, prevented cell proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression and induced caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis in RCC both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, BRD4 inhibition suppressed proliferation and EMT though pyroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, NLRP3, which mediates caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis, was increased upon BRD4 inhibition. Furthermore, the transcriptional activity of NLRP3 was enhanced by BRD4 inhibition, and this enhancement was blocked by activation of NF-κB phosphorylation, indicating that NF-κB is an upstream regulator of NLRP3. Collectively, these results show that BRD4 inhibition prevents cell proliferation and EMT, and exerts an antitumor effect in RCC by activating the NF-κB–NLRP3–caspase-1 pyroptosis signaling pathway. Thus, BRD4 is a potential target for RCC treatment, and JQ1 shows promise as a therapeutic agent for this disease.
High resolution temporal profiles in the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research
Authors: Crippa Monica , Solazzo Efisio , Huang Ganlin , Guizzardi Diego , Koffi Ernest , Muntean Marilena , Schieberle Christian , Friedrich Rainer , Janssens-Maenhout Greet
Published: April 2020

Emissions into the atmosphere from human activities show marked temporal variations, from inter-annual to hourly levels. The consolidated practice of calculating yearly emissions follows the same temporal allocation of the underlying annual statistics. However, yearly emissions might not reflect heavy pollution episodes, seasonal trends, or any time-dependant atmospheric process. This study develops high-time resolution profiles for air pollutants and greenhouse gases co- emitted by anthropogenic sources in support of atmospheric modelling, Earth observation communities and decision makers. The key novelties of the Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) temporal profiles are the development of (i) country/region- and sector- specific yearly profiles for all sources, (ii) time dependent yearly profiles for sources with inter-annual variability of their seasonal pattern, (iii) country- specific weekly and daily profiles to represent hourly emissions, (iv) a flexible system to compute hourly emissions including input from different users. This work creates a harmonized emission temporal distribution to be applied to any emission database as input for atmospheric models, thus promoting homogeneity in inter-comparison exercises.
Author Correction: Pro-inflammatory cytokines activate hypoxia-inducible factor 3α via epigenetic changes in mesenchymal stromal/stem cells
Authors: Cuomo Francesca , Coppola Antonietta , Botti Chiara , Maione Ciro , Forte Amalia , Scisciola Lucia , Liguori Giuseppina , Caiafa Ilaria , Ursini Matilde Valeria , Galderisi Umberto , Cipollaro Marilena , Altucci Lucia , Cobellis Gilda
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Light-controlled cooperative catalysis of asymmetric sulfoxidation based on azobenzene-bridged chiral salen TiIV catalysts
Authors: Fu Wenqin , Pi Yibing , Gao Mengqiao , Wang Weiying , Li Chaoping , Tan Rong , Yin Donghong
Published: April 2020

Azobenzene-bridged chiral salen TiIV catalysts enabled the cooperative bimetallic catalysis of asymmetric sulfoxidation in a light-controllable way through the E/Z photoisomerism of an azobenzene linker.
Molecular insight into the formation of adsorption clusters based on the zeta isotherm
Authors: Wei Xiang , Wu Chun-Mei , Li You-Rong
Published: April 2020

Molecular insight into the formation and distribution of adsorption clusters is presented.
Effects of a β-type glycosidic polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes on anti-inflammation and gut microbiota modulation in colitis mice
Authors: Zhao Ruiqiu , Ji Yang , Chen Xin , Su Anxiang , Ma Gaoxing , Chen Guitang , Hu Qiuhui , Zhao Liyan
Published: April 2020

Using the Flammulina velutipes polysaccharide (FVP) extracted from our previous study, herein, we investigated the improvement of this β-type glycosidic polysaccharide in alleviating dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice.
Synthesis of newN,N′-Pd(Pt) complexes based on sulfanyl pyrazoles, and investigation of theirin vitroanticancer activity
Authors: Akhmetova Vnira R. , Akhmadiev Nail S. , Abdullin Marat F. , Dzhemileva Lilya U. , D'yakonov Vladimir A.
Published: April 2020

Efficient cytostatics against Jurkat, K562 and U937 neoplastic cell lines were found among the synthesized new Pd(ii) and Pt(ii)complexes (six examples) with sulfanyl-1H-pyrazole ligands usingin vitroassay.
IL-6-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for optimized MRI detection of atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques in rabbits
Authors: Mo Huaqiang , Fu Chenxing , Wu Zhiye , Liu Peng , Wen Zhibo , Hong Qingqing , Cai Yanbin , Li Gongxin
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report Anti-IL-6-USPIO for detecting IL-6 in inflammatory macrophages and MR imaging vulnerable plaques of atherosclerosis in rabbit, which would provide a novel non-invasive strategy for evaluating acute cardiovascular risk or exploiting anti-atherosclerotic drugs.
Assembly of ruthenium complexes on double stranded DNA using mismatch binding ligands
Authors: Ni Lu , Yamada Takeshi , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: April 2020

A new molecule containing an NCD moiety and a ruthenium complex was prepared, allowing the assembly of adjoining ruthenium complexes on single dsDNA.
Black phosphorus as a metal-free, visible-light-active heterogeneous photoredox catalyst for the direct C–H arylation of heteroarenes
Authors: Kalay Erbay , Küçükkeçeci Hüseyin , Kilic Haydar , Metin Önder
Published: April 2020

We report for the first time the employment of black phosphorus (BP) as a metal free, visible-light-active and reusable heterogeneous photoredox catalyst for the direct C–H arylation of heteroarenes (furan and thiophene) with aryl diazonium salts.
Structural and electronic properties of CuII, CoII, and NiII-containing chelate-based ionic liquids
Authors: Zhao Chenxuan , Lu Guodong , Yao Jia , Li Haoran
Published: April 2020

The structural and electronic properties of CuII, CoII, and NiII-containing chelate-based ionic liquids have been investigated.
The application of the MM/GBSA method in the binding pose prediction of FGFR inhibitors
Authors: Chen Yu , Zheng Yongxiang , Fong Pedro , Mao Shengjun , Wang Qiantao
Published: April 2020

The correct conformation had lower MM/GBSA binding free energy in longer MD simulations for each FGFR1 inhibitor.
Cold and controlled chemical reaction dynamics
Authors: Toscano Jutta , Lewandowski H. J. , Heazlewood Brianna R.
Published: April 2020

State-to-state chemical reaction dynamics, with complete control over the reaction parameters, offers unparalleled insight into fundamental reactivity.
UV photobleaching of carbon nanodots investigated by in situ optical methods
Authors: Longo A. V. , Sciortino A. , Cannas M. , Messina F.
Published: April 2020

In situ optical analysis of photobleaching unveils the real nature and evolution of emitters in a carbon-dot system.
Synthesis and reactivity of nitridorhenium complexes incorporating the mercaptoethylsulfide (SSS) ligand
Authors: Lambic Nikola S. , Sommer Roger D. , Ison Elon A.
Published: April 2020

The steric profile of the SSS ligand combined with enhanced nucleophilicity of the nitrido group is important for FLP reactivity.
Selective recovery of Cr from electroplating nanosludge via crystal modification and dilute acid leaching
Authors: Zheng Jiayi , Lv Jiaxin , Liu Weizhen , Dai Zongren , Liao Huizhong , Deng Hong , Lin Zhang
Published: April 2020

Amorphous nanosized particles in electroplating sludge are modified for selective extraction of heavy metals.
New biobased-zwitterionic ionic liquids: efficiency and biocompatibility for the development of sustainable biorefinery processes
Authors: Huet Gaël , Araya-Farias Monica , Alayoubi Ranim , Laclef Sylvain , Bouvier Benjamin , Gosselin Isabelle , Cézard Christine , Roulard Romain , Courty Matthieu , Hadad Caroline , Husson Eric , Sarazin Catherine , Nguyen Van Nhien Albert
Published: April 2020

A combination of experiments and modeling reveals the influence of alkyl chain lengths in biobased ZILs on the biocompatibility towards various microorganisms.
‘Blind time’ – current limitations on laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) for ultra-transient signal isotope ratio analysis and application to individual sub-micron sized uranium particles
Authors: Craig Grant , Horstwood Matthew S. A. , Reid Helen J. , Sharp Barry L.
Published: April 2020

Gaps in acquisition between integration times for MC-ICP-MS can introduce isotope ratio bias with a mixed detector array.
High-sensitivity microliter blood pressure sensors based on patterned micro-nanostructure arrays
Authors: Yu Nianzuo , Liu Yongshun , Ji Bai , Wang Shuli , Chen Yunyun , Sun Tianmeng , Zhang Junhu , Yang Bai
Published: April 2020

Blood pressure sensors are proposed to measure the value of central venous pressure, and diagnose the severity of hypertension, hypotension and arterial thrombosis.
Synthesis of Ni2P/Al2O3 utilizing triphenylphosphine (TPP) as the phosphorus source for hydrodeoxygenation of benzofuran
Authors: Jiang Bolong , Han Chunbao , Jiang Nan
Published: April 2020

A novel route to synthesize highly active Ni2P/Al2O3 (TPP) utilizing triphenylphosphine (TPP) as the phosphorus source at a low temperature of 573 K is described.
Photocatalytic performance of visible active boron nitride supported ZnFe2O4 (ZnFe2O4/BN) nanocomposites for the removal of aqueous organic pollutants
Authors: Erusappan Elangovan , Thiripuranthagan Sivakumar , Durai Mani , Kumaravel Sakthivel , Vembuli Thanigaivel
Published: April 2020

ZnFe2O4/BN nanocomposites were synthesized using  solvothermal method. The microscopic images revealed uniform dispersion of ZnFe2O4 nanospheres on the surface of BN nanosheets. PL studies showed lower e−/h+ pair recombination.  ZnFe2O4/9.3% BN showed outstanding photocatalytic activity.
Acylselenoureato bis(chelates) of lead: synthesis, structural characterization and microwave-assisted formation of PbSe nano- and microstructures
Authors: Klauke Karsten , Schmitz Alexa , Swertz Ann-Christin , Beele Björn B. , Giesen Beatriz , Schlüsener Carsten , Janiak Christoph , Mohr Fabian
Published: April 2020

Three lead(ii) bis(acylselenoureato) complexes were prepared by reaction of the respective acylselenourea compounds with Pb(OAc)2. One of these lead complexes was converted into PbSe nano- and microstructures by microwave-assisted synthesis.
Enzymatic glycosylation involving fluorinated carbohydrates
Authors: Council Claire E. , Kilpin Kelly J. , Gusthart Jessica S. , Allman Sarah A. , Linclau Bruno , Lee Seung Seo
Published: April 2020

This contribution reviews the enzymatic synthesis, including optimisation efforts, of fluorinated carbohydrates involving fluorinated donors and/or acceptors, as well as the enzymatic activation of the fluorinated donors.
Direct organocatalytic asymmetric Michael reaction of fluorine hemiaminal-type nucleophile to 4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles
Authors: Li Luyao , Zhu Bo , Fan Huihui , Jiang Zhiyong , Chang Junbiao
Published: April 2020

Herein, we report a chiral bifunctional thiourea catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reaction between 2-(trifluoromethyl)oxazol-5(2H)-one as a direct C-2-position nucleophile to 4-nitro-5-styrylisoxazoles for the first time.
Silica-immobilized ionic liquid Brønsted acids as highly effective heterogeneous catalysts for the isomerization of n-heptane and n-octane
Authors: Dhar Abhishek , Siva Kumar Nadavala , Khimani Mehul , Al-Fatesh Ahmed S. , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Fakeeha Anis H. , Patel Hiren , Vekariya Rohit L.
Published: April 2020

Metal-free imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL) Brønsted acids 1-methyl imidazolium hydrogen sulphate [HMIM]HSO4 and 1-methyl benzimidazolium hydrogen sulphate [HMBIM]HSO4 were synthesized.
Recyclable polyether–polyquaternium grafted SiO2 microsphere for efficient treatment of ASP flooding-produced water: oil adsorption characteristics and mechanism
Authors: Sun Hao , He Xin , Tang Qian , Li Xiaobing
Published: April 2020

A recyclable functional microsphere was developed which significantly enhances oil–water separation and decreases chemical demulsifier consumption.
A rapid and ultrasensitive colorimetric biosensor based on aptamer functionalized Au nanoparticles for detection of saxitoxin
Authors: Qiang Le , Zhang Yu , Guo Xin , Gao Yakun , Han Yingkuan , Sun Jun , Han Lin
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a facile and ultrasensitive colorimetric sensor based on gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and aptamer (Au NPs-aptamer biosensor) for specific and quantitative detection of STX.
Specific ion effects of incomplete ion-exchange by electric field-induced ion polarization
Authors: Du Wei , Liu Xinmin , Tian Rui , Li Rui , Ding Wuquan , Li Hang
Published: April 2020

Specific ion effects of incomplete ion-exchange state are strongly affected by ion polarizability.
Multi-channel router and logic NAND gate from multiple Autler–Townes splitting controlled by phase transition
Authors: Raza Faizan , Ahmed Irfan , Ullah Habib , Wahab Hammad-ul , Khan Ubaid , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: April 2020

For the first time, we investigated the electric-dipole transition dependent primary and secondary temporal Autler–Townes (TAT)-splitting of a hybrid signal (fluorescence and Stokes) in Pr3+:YPO4.
PVP-coated Sb2Se3 nanorods as nanotheranostic agents for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy in NIR-I bio-windows
Authors: Qu Botao , Li Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaomin , Li Weihua , Zhang Ruiping
Published: April 2020

Herein we reported a biocompatible PVP-coated Sb2Se3 nanorods as PTT nanotheranostic agent, which is responsive to the light (808 and 980 nm) in NIR-I bio-windows and effective for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal destruction of cancer cell.
Fabrication of new conductive surface-metallized UHMWPE fabric with improved thermal resistance
Authors: Gao Qianhong , Wang Minglei , Chen Jing , Zhang Maojiang , Zhao Jianchang , Zhang Mingxing , Hu Jiangtao , Wu Guozhong
Published: April 2020

A new UHMWPE-based conductive fabric was successfully prepared by radiation-induced graft polymerization and subsequent post-modification, followed by electroless deposition.
One-step synthesis of CdS/CdSe/CuS hollow nanospheres in aqueous solution for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Sun Guotai , Shi Jian-Wen , Zou Yajun , Mao Siman , Ma Dandan , Lv Yixuan , Sun Lvwei , Li Zhihui , Cheng Yonghong
Published: April 2020

In this work, a new kind of CdS/CdSe/CuS hollow nanospheres (HNPs) is successfully synthesized by one-step synthesis via vulcanization and selenization in aqueous solution, without using any additional templates, for the first time.
High performance cork-templated ceria for solar thermochemical hydrogen production via two-step water-splitting cycles
Authors: Costa Oliveira Fernando A. , Barreiros M. Alexandra , Haeussler Anita , Caetano Ana P. F. , Mouquinho Ana I. , Oliveira e Silva Pedro M. , Novais Rui M. , Pullar Robert C. , Abanades Stéphane
Published: April 2020

Synthesis of cork-derived ceria ecoceramic, an emerging porous catalyst, for enhancing solar thermochemical water splitting.
Industrial feasibility of anodic hydrogen peroxide production through photoelectrochemical water splitting: a techno-economic analysis
Authors: Wenderich Kasper , Kwak Wouter , Grimm Alexa , Kramer Gert Jan , Mul Guido , Mei Bastian
Published: April 2020

Techno-economic analysis predicts economic viability of PEC generated H2 with concomitant anodic H2O2 production.
Effects of a 6-Week Straw Phonation in Water Exercise Program on the Aging Voice
Authors: Wu Chia-Hsin , Chan Roger W.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program.

Method

Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory–perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted.

Results

Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory–perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures.

Conclusions

Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.
The Role of the Speaker, the Listener, and Their Joint Contributions During Communicative Interactions: A Tripartite View of Intelligibility in Individuals With Dysarthria
Authors: Olmstead Annie J. , Lee Jimin , Viswanathan Navin
Published: April 2020

Purpose

We present a tripartite view of intelligibility in which the contributions of both the speaker and listener, as well as their joint effort during interaction, are considered. While considerable research has examined communicative interactions in situ, there is a critical gap in current knowledge on how speech intelligibility unfolds during such interactions. Here, we argue that research examining speech intelligibility in communicative interactions may provide important groundwork for advancement in clinical interventions for individuals with dysarthria.

Method

First, we describe the view and argue for its consideration as a powerful way of thinking about speech intelligibility. We then briefly situate the view in the relevant literature on speech intelligibility and existing theoretical frameworks. We then identify suitable methodological paradigms for studying joint contributions to intelligibility and, lastly, discuss the clinical application and potential impact of this tripartite view.

Conclusions

Speech communication occurs through interaction; however, in the laboratory and clinic, emphasis is usually placed on individual speakers and listeners. We have proposed that it is critical to consider how the joint contributions of speakers and listeners affect speech intelligibility in communicative interaction. This conceptualization is well aligned with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, and the findings from such an approach will allow us to better understand how to maximize available resources to enhance speech intelligibility.
Early Vocabulary Profiles of Young Deaf Children Who Use Cochlear Implants
Authors: Jung Jongmin , Reed Jessa , Wagner Laura , Stephens Julie , Warner-Czyz Andrea D. , Uhler Kristin , Houston Derek
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study examined vocabulary profiles in young cochlear implant (CI) recipients and in children with normal hearing (NH) matched on receptive vocabulary size to improve our understanding of young CI recipients' acquisition of word categories (e.g., common nouns or closed-class words).

Method

We compared receptive and expressive vocabulary profiles between young CI recipients (
n
= 48; mean age at activation = 15.61 months,
SD
= 4.20) and children with NH (
n
= 48). The two groups were matched on receptive vocabulary size as measured by the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories (Fenson et al., 2006): Words and Gestures form. The CI group had, on average, 8.98 months of hearing experience. The mean chronological age at completing the MacArthur–Bates Communicative Development Inventories was 23.99 months (
SD
= 5.14) for the CI group and 13.72 months (
SD
= 1.50) for the NH group.

Results

The CI group had a larger expressive vocabulary size than the receptive vocabulary size–matched NH group. The larger expressive vocabulary size was associated with the group difference in social words but not with common nouns. The analyses for predicate words and closed-class words included only children who produced the target categories. The CI group had a larger proportion of predicate words than the NH group, but no difference was found in closed-class words in expressive vocabulary.

Conclusions

Differences found in expressive vocabulary profiles may be affected by spoken vocabulary size and their age. A further examination is warranted using language samples to understand the effect of language input on children's vocabulary profiles.
The Effects of Different Sources of Stuttering Disclosure on the Perceptions of a Child Who Stutters
Authors: Snyder Greg , Williams Molly Grace , Adams Caroline , Blanchet Paul
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study measured between-group differences in perceived speech skills and personality characteristics of a 12-year-old boy who stutters as a function of a factual stuttering disclosure statement, delivered by the boy who stutters, his “mother,” or his “teacher.”

Method

Two hundred seventeen college-aged adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups, including a control group (no stuttering disclosure) and three experimental groups (child disclosure, mother disclosure, and teacher disclosure). Participants in the control condition viewed a brief video of a 12-year-old boy who stutters. For the experimental conditions, participants viewed a brief factual stuttering disclosure video (delivered by the child, mother, or teacher), followed by the same minute-long video of a boy who stutters used in the control condition. Following the videos, participants completed surveys relative to their perception of the boy's speech skills and personality characteristics.

Results

Results support previous research citing benefits of stuttering disclosure. Significant between-group differences in both perceived speech skills and personality characteristics were observed when stuttering was disclosed by not only the child who stutters but also his teacher. When stuttering was disclosed by the mother, limited positive attitudinal differences were observed in speech skills; as a matter of fact, a number of personality characteristics were perceived more negatively as a function of stuttering disclosure by the mother.

Conclusions

While results were generally most positive when the boy disclosed his own stuttering, data from this study support the efficacy of verbal stuttering disclosure provided by a teacher as a means of improving perceptions associated with stuttering. Accordingly, data support the notion that children who stutter will experience an improved quality of life when taught effective self-disclosure strategies by both parents and professionals, and that professionals (but not necessarily parents) can effectively disclose their clients' stuttering during this mentorship and self-advocacy process.
Performance prediction based on neural architecture features
Authors: Long Duo , Zhang Shizhou , Zhang Yanning
Published: April 2020

Neural Architecture Search (NAS) usually requires to train quantities of candidate neural networks on a dataset for choosing a high‐performance network architecture and optimising hyperparameters, which is very time consuming and computationally expensive. In order to resolve the issue, the authors try to use a performance prediction method to predict the model performance with little or even no training steps. They assume that the performance is determined once the architecture and other hyperparameters are chosen. So they first extract the sequence features of the chain‐structured neural architecture by introducing the N‐grams model to process architecture textual description. Subsequently, based on the extracted neural architecture features, they use the appropriate regression model to predict validation accuracies for a modelling learning curve. Through a series of experimental comparisons, they verify the effectiveness of the authors’ proposed performance prediction method and the effective acceleration of the NAS process.
Randomised block‐coordinate Frank‐Wolfe algorithm for distributed online learning over networks
Authors: Li Jingchao , Wu Qingtao , Zheng Ruijuan , Zhu Junlong , Ge Quanbo , Zhang Mingchuan
Published: April 2020

The distributed online algorithms which are based on the Frank‐Wolfe method can effectively deal with constrained optimisation problems. However, the calculation of the full (sub)gradient vector in those algorithms leads to a huge computational cost at each iteration. To reduce the computational cost of the algorithms mentioned above, the authors present a distributed online randomised block‐coordinate Frank‐Wolfe algorithm over networks. Each agent in the networks only needs to calculate a subset of the coordinates of its (sub)gradient vector in this algorithm. Furthermore, they make a detailed theoretical analysis of the regret bound of this algorithm. When all local objective functions satisfy the conditions of strongly convex functions, the authors’ algorithm attains the regret bound of , where T is the total number of iterations. Furthermore, the theorem results are verified via simulation experiments, which show that the algorithm is effective and efficient.
DenseUNet: densely connected UNet for electron microscopy image segmentation
Authors: Cao Yue , Liu Shigang , Peng Yali , Li Jun
Published: April 2020

Electron microscopy (EM) image segmentation plays an important role in computer‐aided diagnosis of specific pathogens or disease. However, EM image segmentation is a laborious task and needs to impose experts knowledge, which can take up valuable time from research. Convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based methods have been proposed for EM image segmentation and achieved considerable progress. Among those CNN‐based methods, UNet is regarded as the state‐of‐the‐art method. However, the UNet usually has millions of parameters to increase training difficulty and is limited by the issue of vanishing gradients. To address those problems, the authors present a novel highly parameter efficient method called DenseUNet, which is inspired by the approach that takes particular advantage of recent advances in both UNet and DenseNet. In addition, they successfully apply the weighted loss, which enables us to boost the performance of segmentation. They conduct several comparative experiments on the ISBI 2012 EM dataset. The experimental results show that their method can achieve state‐of‐the‐art results on EM image segmentation without any further post‐processing module or pre‐training. Moreover, due to smart design of the model, their approach has much less parameters than currently published encoder–decoder architecture variants for this dataset.
New multi‐view human motion capture framework
Authors: Wang Yuan , Xu Feiyi , Pun Chi‐Man , Xiao Wenqi , Nie Jianhui , Xiong Jian , Gao Hao , Xu Feng
Published: April 2020

Estimating human pose and shape without markers is a challenging problem. This study proposes a multiple‐view markerless human motion capture framework. Firstly, a multi‐view camera system is built for capturing real‐time images of moving humans on multiple views. Secondly, by employing the OpenPose method, the authors calculate robust 3D key points from 2D key points of the human body, which are estimated from the multi‐view images. And dense 3D point cloud is reconstructed from images. Thirdly, they propose a novel SMPL‐based method to represent human motion by fitting the SMPL model to 3D key points and 3D point clouds. In order to achieve a more accurate human pose, a penalty term is utilised to solve the problem of error accumulation in the process of human motion capture. In addition, they present a dense mesh template‐based SMPL that can be deformed to point cloud to recover a real human body shape. Finally, they map multi‐view colour images onto the human mesh model to acquire rendered mesh. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the accuracy of human pose and realises the 3D human body model more realistic.
Absolute phase unwrapping with SVM for fringe‐projection profilometry
Authors: Xiang Sen , Deng Huiping , Wu Jin , Zhu Changjian
Published: April 2020

Phase unwrapping is a fundamental task in phase‐based profilometry. Existing spatial and temporal approaches are facing challenges such as error propagation and low efficiency. In this study, the authors propose a learning‐based method that uses a support vector machine (SVM) to perform phase unwrapping, where the problem is solved as a classification task. To be specific, seven elements, extracted from the captured patterns and the wrapped phase, form the input feature vector and the fringe order is the output class. Besides, a radial basis function kernel SVM is adopted as the model. The proposed method is conducted independently for every pixel, and does not suffer from error propagation in the spatial unwrapping. Moreover, it needs fewer patterns than temporal unwrapping since only one phase map is required. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme produces precise depth maps, which are comparable with the complex quality‐guided methods but at a much faster speed.
Broadband linear‐to‐circular polarisation conversion using the diamond‐shaped reflecting metasurface
Authors: Chaihongsa Warangkana , Kuse Ryuji , Furuya Koichi , Phongcharoenpanich Chuwong , Fukusako Takeshi
Published: April 2020

To overcome the narrow axial ratio (AR) bandwidth inherent in conventional linearly to circularly polarised converters, this research proposes a metasurface (MS) with a diamond‐shaped configuration that can mitigate the effect of surface wave (SW) along the MS edge and achieve a wider 3 dB AR bandwidth. The diamond‐shaped MS structure is realised by slanting a square MS by 45°, and it consists of constituent unit cells of rectangular and arbitrary shapes. The rectangular unit cells are positioned 45° to the square dielectric substrate, and the unit cells along the MS edge are partially cut into arbitrary shape to be perfectly aligned along the edge. The 3 dB AR bandwidths and degradation of the MS are characterised by SW and magnetic current distribution. Simulations are carried out and an MS prototype is fabricated to verify the results. The effects of partially cut unit cells (PCUCs) along the MS edge on the SW are characterised. The simulation and measured 3 dB AR bandwidths of the diamond‐shaped MS are 37.6 and 28.8%, respectively. The novelty of the proposed diamond‐shaped MS polarisation converter lies in the implementation of arbitrary‐shaped PCUCs and the use of the diamond‐shaped configuration in place of conventional square geometry to realise wider AR bandwidth.
Bi‐static delay‐Doppler reference for cooperative passive vehicle‐to‐X radar applications
Authors: Schwind Andreas , Döbereiner Michael , Andrich Carsten , Wendland Philip , Del Galdo Giovanni , Schaefer Guenter , Thomä Reiner S. , Hein Matthias A.
Published: April 2020

Automotive radar systems are indispensable for advanced driver assistance systems and traffic safety. Besides existing monostatic radar techniques, bi‐static radar sensing like passive coherent location offers additional options to improve the radar visibility of vulnerable road users. Regarding the testing and evaluation of signal processing algorithms including parameter estimation, it is essential to provide electromagnetically shielded and reproducible measurement conditions, in addition to field tests in real traffic scenarios. This study describes the possibility to emulate relevant performance parameters for bi‐static radar scenarios in the frequency range from 1 GHz to 6 GHz in a metal‐shielded semi‐anechoic chamber. Of special interest are the bi‐static angle between transmitter, target, and receiver, and the resulting bi‐static Doppler frequencies of a realistic vehicular traffic scenario. According to the concept of cooperative passive coherent location, Doppler scattering measurements are presented and compared to electromagnetic simulations. The authors find promising agreement between measured and ground truth data in the delay‐Doppler spectrum.
Excitation and coupling of volume and surface fields on complex electrodynamic surfaces at mm‐wave and THz frequencies
Authors: MacLachlan Amy J. , Robertson Craig W. , Cross Adrian W. , Ronald Kevin , Phelps Alan D.R.
Published: April 2020

The analytical theory describing the resonant excitation and coupling of volume and surface fields on the surface of two‐dimensional complex electrodynamic structures is presented. The theoretical analysis is valid over a broad frequency spectrum from mm‐wave frequencies through THz and even optical frequencies. An experimental study of planar periodic structures has been carried out using a vector network analyser calibrated to operate in the 140–220 GHz frequency range. Experimental results compare resonant eigenmode formation in two periodic surface lattice structures designed to operate within the 140–220 GHz frequency band; one periodic surface lattice etched onto a metal‐backed substrate and the other arranged to have an equivalent air separation. Dispersion diagrams derived from the analytical theory are presented. The results and theory are fundamental to some of the routes to the innovation of high‐power, mm‐wave and THz sources, solar cells, and novel sub‐wavelength absorbers.
Dual‐linear polarisation reconfigurable broadband omnidirectional antenna
Authors: Li Angjie , Jiang Wen , Gong Shuxi
Published: April 2020

A dual‐linear polarisation reconfigurable broadband omnidirectional antenna is proposed. The radiating structure consists of a slotted ring and an inner square loop, which can generate omnidirectional radiation based on characteristic mode analysis. A dipole feeding network is designed and four PIN diodes are loaded into the feeding network to change the current flow direction. The final dimensions of the proposed antenna are 0.2 × 0.2λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength), with a low profile of 0.006λ0. The measured results show that the antenna achieves an overlapped bandwidth of 49.6% (from 480.2 to 797.5 MHz) with |S11| < −10 dB and a gain variation between −1 and 0.4 dBi. The proposed antenna can be applied to a digital terrestrial television service and an unmanned aerial vehicle pattern measuring system.
Design of CuIn1−yGaySe2/Si1 − xGex Tandem solar cells with controlled current matching
Authors: Gharibshahian Iman , Sharbati Samaneh , Orouji Ali Asghar
Published: April 2020

A tandem solar cell including of CuIn1−yGaySe2/Si1 − xGex was exhibited by integrating a CuIn1−yGaySe2 solar cell on a Si1 − xGex solar cell to achieve a conversion efficiency of about 26% by controlled current matching. Electrical analyses were used to determine the performance parameters of the bottom and top sub‐cells. In this work, an experimental Si0.73Ge0.27 solar cell has been modelled. The photovoltaic characteristics of the Si0.73Ge0.27 solar cell are in good agreement with its experimental counterpart. Afterwards, a copper–gallium–diselenide (CGS)/Si0.73Ge0.27 tandem solar cell with 24.1% efficiency has been designed. Additionally, the bandgap combination of CuIn1−yGaySe/Si1 − xGex structure has been studied. The findings indicate that CuIn1−yGaySe/Si1 − xGex tandem cell with 0.7 < y< 1 and 0 < x< 0.7 can achieve acceptable efficiency and the optimised CGS/Si device with 26.1% efficiency is proposed. In CGS/Si0.73Ge0.27 tandem cell, the current matching is obtained when the CGS thickness of the top cell is 1 µm and the Si0.73Ge0.27 absorber thickness of the bottom cell is 1.9 µm. The current matching condition for this device degrades the fill factor, although increases the current, so the device does not achieve maximum output power.
RF‐sputtered tungsten enabled surface plasmon effect in dye sensitised solar cells
Authors: Srinivasan Lakshmi , Ramanathan Kulandai Velu , Gopakumar Gopika , Nair Shantikumar V. , Shanmugam Mariyappan
Published: April 2020

This work examined the possibility of overcoming narrow band optical absorption of organic dyes in the range of 350–700nm via surface plasmon effect mediated by RF‐sputtered tungsten (W) thin film on mesoporous TiO2 for dye‐sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) application. The UV–visible spectroscopic measurement showed optical absorption of W‐film in the spectral range of 350–700nm with a dominant characteristic feature in the range of 350–550nm. W‐thin film‐coated TiO2 was used as an electron acceptor in DSSCs and observed ∼28% enhancement in short circuit current density compared to that of in a pristine TiO2‐based DSSC which did not use W‐thin film on TiO2. It is attributed to the local field‐induced enhancement in optical absorption which resulted in improved exciton generation and effective charge transport in DSSCs enabled by W‐thin film coating onto mesoporous TiO2.