bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical‐shift encoding–based water–fat separation with multifrequency fat spectrum modeling in spin‐lock MRI
Authors: Chen Weitian , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Chemical exchange saturation transfer is used commonly to generate MRI contrast based on the chemical exchange effect. The spin‐lock techniques can also be used to probe the chemical exchange and other molecular motion processes in tissues. The presence of fat can cause errors in spin‐lock MRI. Signals from fat are typically suppressed based on spectral selectivity or T1 nulling approaches in spin‐lock imaging. However, these methods cannot be used to suppress fat signals from multiple fat peaks. To address this problem, we report chemical‐shift encoding–based water–fat separation approaches with multifrequency fat spectrum modeling.

Methods

Both the conventional spin‐lock and the adiabatic continuous‐wave constant‐amplitude spin lock (ACCSL) with multi‐echo acquisitions are investigated for chemical‐shift encoding–based water–fat separation in spin‐lock imaging. A comparison is made of reconstructions based on 3 models: a single‐peak fat spectrum model, a standard precalibrated proton density 6‐peak fat spectrum model, and the self‐calibrated relaxation‐dependent 3‐peak fat spectrum model. Comparisons were performed using Bloch simulations, phantom, and in vivo experiments at 3 T.

Results

Conventional spin‐lock acquisitions cannot be used for reliable water–fat separation with a multipeak fat spectrum model. Water–fat separation based on ACCSL acquisitions achieves superior performance compared with the use of conventional spin‐lock acquisitions. The best result is achieved from ACCSL acquisition with self‐calibrated relaxation‐dependent multipeak fat spectrum modeling.

Conclusion

The ACCSL acquisition can be used for chemical‐shift encoding–based water–fat separation with multipeak fat spectrum modeling. This approach has the potential to improve quantitative analysis using spin‐lock MRI for assessing the biochemical properties of tissues.
Longitudinal 16‐year study of dominant intermediate CMT type C neuropathy
Authors: Pan Yi , Kafaie Jafar , Thomas Florian P.
Published: October 2019

Background

Dominant‐intermediate Charcot–Marie‐Tooth neuropathy subtype C (DI‐CMTC) is associated with mutations in the YARS gene. The aim of this study is to investigate the long‐term natural history of the disease.

Methods

In a 5‐generation DI‐CMTC family, we compared data from 2016 to that of 2000 in 13 of 21 original participants.

Results

Five women and 8 men were examined. While most symptoms and signs progressed, only gait progression was statistically significant (P = .016). The median CMT Neuropathy Score was 6.08 in 2000 and 11 in 2016 (P = .001). Quality of life (QOL) deteriorated in mobility (P = .008), pain/discomfort (P = .011), and anxiety/depression (P = .014). Median and ulnar compound muscle action potential amplitudes decreased from 9.35 ± 2.90 mV to 6.0 ± 2.9 mV (P = .002), and from 9.24 ± 2.10 mV to 6.06 ± 1.81 mV (P = .004), respectively, whereas motor nerve conduction velocities remained unchanged.

Conclusions

DI‐CMTC in this family is a slowly progressive disease with axonal degeneration, deteriorating mobility and QOL.
Identify and Resolve Well Water Quality Problems
Authors: Long Sharon C.
Published: October 2019

To address recurring well water quality issues, a Wisconsin monitoring team used in‐depth, evidence‐based diagnostics to better understand local conditions and arrive at lasting and more cost‐effective solutions.
Two‐step simulation approach for laser shock peening
Authors: Pozdnyakov Vasily , Keller Sören , Kashaev Nikolai , Klusemann Benjamin , Oberrath Jens
Published: October 2019

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a surface modification technique to introduce compressive residual stresses (RS) with a high magnitude in the near surface region of the material. Due to non‐linear interactions (e.g. laser absorption by plasma, shock wave propagation, etc.) and a high number of parameters, it is difficult to study and optimize the process based on experiments alone. Therefore, a two‐step simulation approach is proposed in this paper, where two models are combined, because one model of the complete process is difficult to derive, due to the different characteristics of the plasma formation and the shock wave propagation in the material. On one hand, a global model including plasma and shock wave descriptions is applied for the LSP of an aluminium sample with water confinement. The numerical solution of this model, applied for a 3×3 mm2 focus size, 5 J and 20 ns (full width at half maximum (FWHM)) laser pulse, allows to determine the temporal plasma pressure evolution on the material surface. On the other hand, a finite element simulation is used to calculate the RS distribution within the target material, where the plasma pressure is applied as a surface loading for the aluminium alloy AA2198‐T3. The simulated residual stresses are fitted to measurements via parameter variation of the global model. The identified values and the two‐step simulation approach can be used in future work to predict stress states of materials after LSP for various process parameters variations.
Association behavior of bile salts binary mixtures in an aqueous system: A tensiometric and fluorometric study
Authors: Azum Naved , Rub Malik Abdul , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: October 2019

Bile salts are steroidal surfactants consisting of 2 to 12 monomers to form a micelle. The most important physiological property of bile salts is the solubilization of cholesterol. The bile salts make mixed micelle with phospholipids that enhance the bile salts ability to solubilize cholesterol. The mixed micelle formation in aqueous solution between two bile salts (sodium taurocholate [NaTC] and sodium deoxycholate [NaDC]) mixtures has been studied by tensiometric and fluorometric studies. The nonideal mixing behavior was examined for mixed systems, and synergism was found for the current mixed systems. Rubingh and Rosen models were used to analyze the bile salt‐bile salt binary mixtures, and the interaction parameters, as well as mixed micelle compositions at bulk and interface, have been computed as well as discussed one by one. The values of
were achieved to be negative for all studied systems. In the solution mixtures, as the content of NaTC increases, the formation of micelles becomes slightly less favorable.
Comparison of backbone dynamics of the p50 dimerization domain of NFκB in the homodimeric transcription factor NFκB1 and in its heterodimeric complex with RelA (p65)
Authors: Kohl Bastian , Granitzka Vanessa , Singh Amrinder , Quintas Pedro , Xiromeriti Elli , Mörtel Fabian , Wright Peter E. , Kroon Gerard , Dyson H. Jane , Stoll Raphael
Published: October 2019

The nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells (NFκB) transcription factors play a critical role in human immune response. The family includes homodimers and heterodimers of five component proteins, which mediate different transcriptional responses and bind preferentially to different DNA sequences. Crystal structures of DNA complexes show that the dimers of the Rel‐homology regions are structurally very similar. Differing DNA sequence preference together with structural similarity suggests that the dimers may differ in their dynamics. In this study, we present the first near‐complete 15N, 13Cα/β, and HN backbone resonance assignments of two dimers of the dimerization domain (DD) of the NFκB1 (p50) protein (residues 241–351): the homodimer of two p50 domains and a heterodimer of the p50 DD with the p65 DD. As expected, the two dimers behave very similarly, with chemical shift differences between them largely concentrated in the dimer interface and attributable to specific differences in the amino acid sequences of p50 and p65. A comparison of the picosecond‐nanosecond dynamics of the homo‐ and heterodimers also shows that the environment of p50 is similar, with an overall slightly reduced correlation time for the homodimer compared to the heterodimer, consistent with its slightly smaller molecular weight. These results demonstrate that NMR spectroscopy can be used to explore subtle changes in structure and dynamics that have the potential to give insights into differences in specificity that can be exploited in the design of new therapeutic agents.
Quantum Efficiency Enhancement of Bialkali Photocathodes by an Atomically Thin Layer on Substrates
Authors: Yamaguchi Hisato , Liu Fangze , DeFazio Jeffrey , Gaowei Mengjia , Guo Lei , Alexander Anna , Yoon Seong In , Hyun Chohee , Critchley Matthew , Sinsheimer John , Pavlenko Vitaly , Strom Derek , Jensen Kevin L. , Finkenstadt Daniel , Shin Hyeon Suk , Yamamoto Masahiro , Smedley John , Moody Nathan A.
Published: October 2019

Quantum efficiency (QE) enhancement in accelerator technology relevant to antimonide photocathodes (K2CsSb) is achieved by interfacing them with atomically thin 2D crystal layers. The enhancement occurs in a reflection mode, when a 2D crystal is placed in between the photocathodes and optically reflective substrates. Specifically, the peak QE at 405 nm (3.1 eV) increases by a relative 10%, whereas the long wavelength response at 633 nm (2.0 eV) increases by a relative 36% on average and up to 80% at localized “hot spot” regions when photocathodes are deposited onto graphene‐coated stainless steel. There is a similar effect for photocathodes deposited on hexagonal boron nitride monolayer coatings using nickel substrates. The enhancement does not occur when reflective substrates are replaced with optically transparent sapphire. Optical transmission, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed that thickness, crystal orientation, quality, and elemental stoichiometry of photocathodes do not appreciably change due to 2D crystal coatings. These results suggest that optical interactions are responsible for the QE enhancements when 2D crystal sublayers are present on reflective substrates, and provide a pathway toward a simple method of QE enhancement in semiconductor photocathodes by an atomically thin 2D crystal on substrates.
A seamless filter for daily to seasonal forecasts, with applications to Iran and Brazil
Authors: Bürger Gerd
Published: October 2019

A digital filter is introduced which treats the problem of predictability versus time averaging in a continuous, seamless manner. This seamless filter (SF) is characterized by a unique smoothing rule that determines the strength of smoothing in dependence on lead time. The rule needs to be specified beforehand, either by expert knowledge or by user demand. As a result, skill curves are obtained that allow a predictability assessment across a whole range of time‐scales, from daily to seasonal, in a uniform manner. The SF is applied to downscaled SEAS5 ensemble forecasts for two focus regions in or near the tropical belt, the river basins of the Karun in Iran and the São Francisco in Brazil. Both are characterized by strong seasonality and semi‐aridity, so that predictability across various time‐scales is in high demand. Among other things, it is found that from the start of the water year (autumn), areal precipitation is predictable with good skill for the Karun basin two and a half months ahead; for the São Francisco it is only one month, longer‐term prediction skill is just above the critical level.
Ultrasensitive Field‐Effect Biosensors Enabled by the Unique Electronic Properties of Graphene
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Jing Qiushi , Ao Shen , Schneider Grégory F. , Kireev Dmitry , Zhang Zhengjun , Fu Wangyang
Published: October 2019

This review provides a critical overview of current developments on nanoelectronic biochemical sensors based on graphene. Composed of a single layer of conjugated carbon atoms, graphene has outstanding high carrier mobility and low intrinsic electrical noise, but a chemically inert surface. Surface functionalization is therefore crucial to unravel graphene sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of targeted analytes. To achieve optimal performance of graphene transistors for biochemical sensing, the tuning of the graphene surface properties via surface functionalization and passivation is highlighted, as well as the tuning of its electrical operation by utilizing multifrequency ambipolar configuration and a high frequency measurement scheme to overcome the Debye screening to achieve low noise and highly sensitive detection. Potential applications and prospectives of ultrasensitive graphene electronic biochemical sensors ranging from environmental monitoring and food safety, healthcare and medical diagnosis, to life science research, are presented as well.
Europium and Acetate Co‐doping Strategy for Developing Stable and Efficient CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Shaomin , Zhao Huan , Han Yu , Duan Chenyang , Liu Zhike , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: October 2019

All‐inorganic perovskite solar cells have developed rapidly in the last two years due to their excellent thermal and light stability. However, low efficiency and moisture instability limit their future commercial application. The mixed‐halide inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite with a suitable bandgap offers a good balance between phase stability and light harvesting. However, high defect density and low carrier lifetime in CsPbI2Br perovskites limit the open‐circuit voltage (Voc < 1.2 V), short‐circuit current density (Jsc < 15 mA cm−2), and fill factor (FF < 75%) of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells, resulting in an efficiency below 14%. For the first time, a CsPbI2Br perovskite is doped by Eu(Ac)3 to obtain a high‐quality inorganic perovskite film with a low defect density and long carrier lifetime. A high efficiency of 15.25% (average efficiency of 14.88%), a respectable Voc of 1.25 V, a reasonable Jsc of 15.44 mA cm−2, and a high FF of 79.00% are realized for CsPbI2Br solar cells. Moreover, the CsPbI2Br solar cells with Eu(Ac)3 doping demonstrate excellent air stability and maintain more than 80% of their initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) values after aging in air (relative humidity: 35–40%) for 30 days.
Analysis of Crack Susceptibility of Peritectic Steels Based on Surface Roughness
Authors: Guo Junli , Wen Guanghua , Tang Ping , Fu Jiaojiao , Gu Shaopeng
Published: October 2019

Surface longitudinal cracking during solidification is a serious defect in the continuous casting of peritectic steels, which is dictated by the alloy composition and the cooling rate. Herein, to analyze the crack susceptibility of steels, surface roughness (Ra), which is determined by the peritectic transformation contraction, is proposed to evaluate the cracking tendency of steels. First, the solidified surface roughness of some steels is obtained by a high‐temperature laser scanning confocal experiment under different cooling rates, and then the calculation formula and the criteria for surface roughness are obtained by data analysis. The results show that the peritectic transformation contraction and crack susceptibility reflected by surface roughness vary significantly with alloy compositions and cooling rates. In comparison with other methods, this method successfully contains the effect of alloy compositions and cooling rates on crack susceptibility. Good agreement between the predicted results and the experimental observations indicates that the crack susceptibility of steels can be evaluated reliably using their surface roughness.
Interfacial behavior between normal substrate and green ultra‐high‐performance fiber‐reinforced concrete under elevated temperatures
Authors: Abo Sabah Saddam H. , Zainal Nur L. , Muhamad Bunnori Norazura , Megat Johari Megat A. , Hassan Mohd H.
Published: October 2019

This study assesses the effects of elevated temperatures (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500°C) on the bonding behavior of normal concrete (NC) substrate as old concrete and the new Green Universiti Sains Malaysia Reinforced Concrete (GUSMRC) as a repair material through slant shear, pull‐off, splitting tensile, and flexural tests. Sandblasting (SB) and grinding (GR) surface treatments were employed to enhance the bond strength of the NC/GUSMRC composite. The research also evaluates the mechanical characteristics of the GUSMRC mix which 50% of its content is ultrafine palm oil fuel ash prior to and after the exposure to elevated temperatures. The results showed degradation in the mechanical properties of the monolithic GUSMRC and the bonding strength of the NC/GUSMRC composite after exposure to elevated temperatures; however, the bonding quality is excellent. Moreover, the SB surface treatment enhanced the interfacial bonding more than the GR surface treatment before and after elevated temperature exposure.
To Honor and Inform: Addressing Cultural Humility in Intercultural Music Teacher Education in Canada
Authors: Dolloff Lori-Anne
Published: October 2019

In this chapter I address the need for reshaping the way we think about Indigenous inclusion in the intercultural curriculum. While Canada has prided itself on its multicultural heritage, the nation’s relationship with the First Peoples – First Nations, Inuit and Métis – has been immoral, genocidal and assimilationist. The 2015 publication of the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action details a way forward from the colonial patriarchy of the past. Education in general, and music education in particular are charged with finding ways to incorporate Indigenous knowledge, perspectives and history into the curriculum. After an introduction to the issues of the marginalization of Indigenous voices I discuss several arts-based curricular and extra-curricular initiatives that reframe intercultural music education. I propose that developing cultural humility in music teacher education will be a step forward in the decolonization of our teaching and learning spaces. This includes a move from generic cultural competencies toward an attitude of ‘Cultural Humility’. Cultural Humility is discussed as an attitude toward engagement with peoples of cultures other than one’s own. The stance is based on life-long, self-reflective inquiry, and seeks to disrupt the power imbalance that defines ‘othering’, seeking to establish partnerships and collaboration.
Easterly wave contributions to seasonal rainfall over the tropical Americas in observations and a regional climate model
Authors: Dominguez Christian , Done James M. , Bruyère Cindy L.
Published: October 2019

Easterly waves (EWs) are important moisture carriers and their variability can impact the total May–November rainfall, defined as seasonal precipitation, over the Tropical Americas. The contribution of EWs to the seasonal precipitation is explored over the tropical Americas using rain gauge stations, reanalysis data and a regional model ensemble during the 1980–2013 period. In the present study, EWs are found to produce up to 50% of seasonal rainfall mainly over the north of South America and contribute substantially to interannual regional rainfall variability. An observational analysis shows that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects EW frequency and therefore, their contribution to seasonal rainfall. In recent years, tropical cyclone (TC) activity over the Main Development Region (MDR) of the tropical North Atlantic has a negative impact on regional seasonal precipitation over northern South America. High TC activity over MDR corresponds to below-normal precipitation because it reduces the EW activity reaching northern South America through the recurving of TC tracks. Recurving TC tracks redirect moisture away from the tropical belt and into the mid-latitudes. However, this relationship only holds under neutral ENSO conditions and the positive phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. A 10-member regional model multi-physics ensemble simulation for the period 1990–2000 was analyzed to show the relationships are robust to different representations of physical processes. This new understanding of seasonal rainfall over the tropical Americas may support improved regional seasonal and climate outlooks.
Potential benefit of non-cardiac arrested thromboembolectomy of acute pulmonary embolism for the impaired right ventricular function
Authors: Okada Masaho , Watanuki Hirotaka , Sugiyama Kayo , Futamura Yasuhiro , Matsuyama Katsuhiko
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is a fatal condition with high mortality rate in patients with hemodynamic collapse. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment after circulatory collapse due to pulmonary thromboembolism are important. Although catheter-directed therapy or surgical thromboembolectomy could be considered, the prognosis of such cases is poor.

Methods

We reviewed nine consecutive patients who underwent surgical intervention for acute pulmonary thromboembolism requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation from March 2010 to May 2017. The patients’ demographics, risk factors, operative and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. All nine patients who experienced cardiopulmonary arrest or pulseless electrical activity had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including endotracheal intubation with cardiac massage. Computed tomography revealed massive pulmonary thromboembolism. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support was initiated in six cases. Pulmonary thromboembolectomy was performed on a beating heart without aortic cross-clamping in all patients

Results

The mean operation time was 251.9 ± 74.7 min. Among the six patients who received preoperative percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, three were able to wean off cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery. The other three cases were able to wean off within 3 days postoperatively. The mean postoperative intubation time was 56.3 h. No mortality was observed. All patients were discharged with New York Heart Association functional class I without any neurological complications. No patients developed major and residual thrombi in the pulmonary artery upon postoperative computed tomography.

Conclusions

Pulmonary thromboembolectomy on a beating heart for acute pulmonary thromboembolism may be beneficial for minimizing right ventricular damage and improving clinical outcomes.
ALGEBRAIC VALUES OF CERTAIN ANALYTIC FUNCTIONS DEFINED BY A CANONICAL PRODUCT
Authors: CHALEBGWA TABOKA P.
Published: October 2019

We give a partial answer to a question attributed to Chris Miller on algebraic values of certain transcendental functions of order less than one. We obtain$C(\log H)^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}}$bounds for the number of algebraic points of height at most$H$on certain subsets of the graphs of such functions. The constant$C$and exponent$\unicode[STIX]{x1D702}$depend on data associated with the functions and can be effectively computed from them.
The emergence of tolerance of human disturbance in Neotropical birds
Authors: Tryjanowski Piotr , Kosicki Jakub Z. , Hromada Martin , Mikula Peter
Published: October 2019

Animals living close to human settlements more often experience disturbance, but also reduced predation risk. Because an escape response is costly, behavioural adjustments of animals in terms of increased tolerance of humans occurs and is often reported in the literature. However, most such studies have been conducted in and around long-existing cities in Europe and North America, on well-established animal populations. Here, we investigate the degree of tolerance of human disturbance across 132 bird species occurring in disturbed (small farms) and undisturbed (intact wetlands and grasslands) areas in Pantanal, Mato Grosso (Brazil), a region with only a very recent history of human-induced disturbance. We found a clear across-species trend toward higher tolerance of human disturbance in birds near farms when compared with birds in wild areas. Such a flexible and perhaps also rapid emergence of tolerance when facing small-scale and very recent human disturbance presumably involves learning and might be attributed to behavioural plasticity. The ability of birds to modify their degree of tolerance of human disturbance may play a key role in the facilitation of wildlife–human coexistence.
Globalization and the rise of integrated world society: deterritorialization, structural power, and the endogenization of international society
Authors: Babones Salvatore , Aberg John H. S.
Published: October 2019

There is a widespread feeling that globalization represents a major system change that has or should have brought world society to the forefront of international relations theory. Nonetheless, world society remains an amorphous and undertheorized concept, and its potential role in shaping the structure of the international society of states has scarcely been raised. We build on Buzan's (2018, 2) master concept of ‘integrated’ world society (‘a label to describe the merger of world and interstate society’) to locate the integration of world society in the globalization of social networks. Following the advice of Buzan (2001) and Williams (2014), we use conceptual frameworks from international political economy to systematically explore the structure of integrated world society along six dimensions derived from Mann (1986) and Strange (1988): military/security, political, economic/production, credit, knowledge, and ideological. Our empirical survey suggests that, on each of these dimensions, power has centralized as it has globalized, generating steep global hierarchies in world society that are similar to those that characterize national societies. The centrality of the United States in the networks of world society makes it in effect the ‘central state’ of a new kind of international society that is endogenized within integrated world society.
Concept and proof for an all-silicon MEMS micro speaker utilizing air chambers
Authors: Kaiser Bert , Langa Sergiu , Ehrig Lutz , Stolz Michael , Schenk Hermann , Conrad Holger , Schenk Harald , Schimmanz Klaus , Schuffenhauer David
Published: October 2019

MEMS-based micro speakers are attractive candidates as sound transducers for smart devices, particularly wearables and hearables. For such devices, high sound pressure levels, low harmonic distortion and low power consumption are required for industrial, consumer and medical applications. The ability to integrate with microelectronic circuitry, as well as scalable batch production to enable low unit costs, are the key factors benchmarking a technology. The Nanoscopic Electrostatic Drive based, novel micro speaker concept presented in this work essentially comprises in-plane, electrostatic bending actuators, and uses the chip volume rather than the its surface for sound generation. We describe the principle, design, fabrication, and first characterization results. Various design options and governing equations are given and discussed. In a standard acoustical test setup (ear simulator), a MEMS micro speaker generated a sound pressure level of 69 dB at 500 Hz with a total harmonic distortion of 4.4%, thus proving the concept. Further potential on sound pressure as well as linearity improvement is outlined. We expect that the described methods can be used to enhance and design other MEMS devices and foster modeling and simulation approaches.
Hypothalamic neuronal circuits regulating hunger-induced taste modification
Authors: Fu Ou , Iwai Yuu , Narukawa Masataka , Ishikawa Ayako W. , Ishii Kentaro K. , Murata Ken , Yoshimura Yumiko , Touhara Kazushige , Misaka Takumi , Minokoshi Yasuhiko , Nakajima Ken-ichiro
Published: October 2019

The gustatory system plays a critical role in sensing appetitive and aversive taste stimuli for evaluating food quality. Although taste preference is known to change depending on internal states such as hunger, a mechanistic insight remains unclear. Here, we examine the neuronal mechanisms regulating hunger-induced taste modification. Starved mice exhibit an increased preference for sweetness and tolerance for aversive taste. This hunger-induced taste modification is recapitulated by selective activation of orexigenic Agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus projecting to the lateral hypothalamus, but not to other regions. Glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, neurons in the lateral hypothalamus function as downstream neurons of AgRP neurons. Importantly, these neurons play a key role in modulating preferences for both appetitive and aversive tastes by using distinct pathways projecting to the lateral septum or the lateral habenula, respectively. Our results suggest that these hypothalamic circuits would be important for optimizing feeding behavior under fasting.
Body-centered-cubic structure and weak anharmonic phonon scattering in tungsten
Authors: Chen Yani , Ma Jinlong , Wen Shihao , Li Wu
Published: October 2019

It was recently found that the anharmonic phonon–phonon scattering in tungsten is extremely weak at high frequencies, leading to a predominance of electron–phonon scattering and consequently anomalous phonon transport behaviors. In this work, we calculate the phonon linewidths of W along high-symmetry directions from first principles. We find that the weak phonon–phonon scattering can be traced back to two factors. The first is the triple degeneracy of the phonon branches at the P and H points, a universal property of elemental body-centered-cubic (bcc) structures. The second is a relatively isotropic character of the phonon dispersions. When both are met, phonon–phonon scattering rates must vanish at the P and H points. The weak phonon–phonon scattering feature is also applicable to Mo and Cr. However, in other elemental bcc substances like Na, the isotropy condition is violated due to the unusually soft character of the lower transverse acoustic phonon branch along the Γ-N direction, opening emission channels and leading to much stronger phonon–phonon scattering. We also look into the distributions of electron mean-free paths (MFPs) at room temperature in tungsten, which can help engineer the resistivity of nanostructured W for applications such as interconnects.
When does reinforcement learning stand out in quantum control? A comparative study on state preparation
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Ming , Wei Zezhu , Asad Raza , Yang Xu-Chen , Wang Xin
Published: October 2019

Reinforcement learning has been widely used in many problems, including quantum control of qubits. However, such problems can, at the same time, be solved by traditional, non-machine-learning methods, such as stochastic gradient descent and Krotov algorithms, and it remains unclear which one is most suitable when the control has specific constraints. In this work, we perform a comparative study on the efficacy of three reinforcement learning algorithms: tabular Q-learning, deep Q-learning, and policy gradient, as well as two non-machine-learning methods: stochastic gradient descent and Krotov algorithms, in the problem of preparing a desired quantum state. We found that overall, the deep Q-learning and policy gradient algorithms outperform others when the problem is discretized, e.g. allowing discrete values of control, and when the problem scales up. The reinforcement learning algorithms can also adaptively reduce the complexity of the control sequences, shortening the operation time and improving the fidelity. Our comparison provides insights into the suitability of reinforcement learning in quantum control problems.
Human mesenchymal stem cell sheets in xeno-free media for possible allogenic applications
Authors: Kim Kyungsook , Bou-Ghannam Sophia , Thorp Hallie , Grainger David W. , Okano Teruo
Published: October 2019

Cell-based therapies are increasingly focused on allogeneic stem cell sources because of several advantages in eliminating donor variability (e.g., aging and disease pathophysiology) affecting stem cell quality and in cell-banked sourcing of healthy donors to enable “off-the-shelf” products. However, allogeneic cell therapy is limited by host patient immunologic competence and inconsistent performance due to cell delivery methods. To address allogeneic cell therapy limitations, this study developed a new allogeneic stem cell sheet using human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSC) that present low antigenicity (i.e., major histocompatibility complex, MHC). Optimal conditions including cell density, passage number, and culture time were examined to fabricate reliable hUC-MSC sheets. MHC II antigens correlated to alloimmune rejection were barely expressed in hUC-MSC sheets compared to other comparator MSC sheets (hBMSC and hADSC). hUC-MSC sheets easily graft spontaneously onto subcutaneous tissue in immune-deficient mice within 10 minutes of placement. No sutures are required to secure sheets to tissue because sheet extracellular matrix (ECM) actively facilitates cell-target tissue adhesion. At 10 days post-transplantation, hUC-MSC sheets remain on ectopic target tissue sites and exhibit new blood vessel formation. Furthermore, implanted hUC-MSC sheets secrete human HGF continuously to the murine target tissue. hUC-MSC sheets described here should provide new insights for improving allogenic cell-based therapies.
The role of the miR1976/CD105/integrin αvβ6 axis in vaginitis induced by Escherichia coli infection in mice
Authors: Jiang Lisha , Zhang Lingling , Rui Can , Liu Xia , Mao Zhiyuan , Yan Lina , Luan Ting , Wang Xinyan , Wu Ying , Li Ping , Zeng Xin
Published: October 2019

Vaginitis is very common among women, especially women of childbearing age, and is associated with significantly increased risk of preterm birth and pelvic inflammatory diseases. An imbalance in the vaginal flora, the primary cause of vaginitis, promotes the initiation and progression of vaginal infections. However, the responsible mechanisms are still poorly understood. Using a murine vaginitis model of Escherichia coli infection, we demonstrated that decreased expression of microRNA1976 and increased expression of CD105 and integrin αvβ6 were closely associated with the progression of vaginal infection. Importantly, we demonstrated for the first time that the microRNA1976/CD105/integrin αvβ6 axis regulates E. coli-mediated vaginal infection in mice, as evidenced by the finding that E. coli-induced vaginal infection was reversed by microRNA1976 overexpression and exacerbated by CD105 overexpression. The regulation of CD105 and integrin αvβ6 by microRNA1976 was further confirmed in a murine model of vaginitis with adenoviral vector treatment. Taken together, our data suggested that microRNA1976 negatively regulates E. coli-induced vaginal infection in mice at least in part by suppressing CD105 and integrin αvβ6 expression. These findings may provide new insight into the mechanisms of E. coli-induced vaginitis, identify a novel diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for flora imbalance-associated vaginitis.
Geosystems‘ Pathways to the Future of Sustainability
Authors: Voda Mihai , Kithiia Shadrack , Jackiewicz Edward , Du Qingyun , Sarpe Constantin Adrian
Published: October 2019

The world’s future development depends on effective human-computer linkages. From local to global, the virtual illustrations of a geographical place have to emphasize in an integrative approach peoples‘ key position in the Geosystem. Human values and social networks are now empowered by the unlimited creativity of smartphone applications. Our Geosystem grounded theory envisions that the sustainable management of natural resources is a lifelong learning environment where the poor communities have access to the new technological advances. This paper will attempt to show the effectiveness of Geomedia techniques in the Geosystems identification, evaluation, and valorization processes for the benefit of local inhabitants. This present research methodology uses smartphone apps, Google Earth environmental datasets, Global Positioning Systems, and WebGIS for a geographical investigation and objective assessment of regions throughout the world. The results demonstrate that self-sustainable Geosystems will always be capable to regulate, control and assess progress towards their dynamic equilibrium state, continuously adapting to environmental and societal changes.
Light-Induced Surface Potential Modification in MoS2 Monolayers on Au Nanostripe Arrays
Authors: Kwon Soyeong , Kwon Min Hee , Song Jungeun , Kim Eunah , Kim Youngji , Kim Bo Ra , Hyun Jerome K. , Lee Sang Wook , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: October 2019

In this work, the surface potential (VS) of exfoliated MoS2 monolayers on Au nanostripe arrays with period of 500 nm was investigated using Kelvin probe force microscopy. The surface morphology showed that the suspended MoS2 region between neighboring Au stripes underwent tensile-strain. In the dark, the VS of the MoS2 region on the Au stripe (VS-Au) was larger than that of the suspended MoS2 region (VS-S). However, under green light illumination, VS-Au became smaller than VS-S. To explain the VS modification, band diagrams have been constructed taking into consideration not only the local strain but also the electronic interaction at the MoS2/Au interface. The results of this work provide a basis for understanding the electrical properties of MoS2-metal contacts and improving the performance of MoS2-based optoelectronic devices.
Real-time monitoring of electroreduction and labelling of disulfide-bonded peptides and proteins by mass spectrometry
Authors: Mao Fengjiao , Yu Kai , He Jing , Zhou Qi , Zhang Guangming , Wang Wenxin , Li Na , Zhang Hong , Jiang Jie
Published: October 2019

A simple electrochemical-mass spectrometry (EC-MS) method that possesses advantages of real-time information, simultaneous disulfide bond electroreduction and tagging was developed.
Double metal cyanides as heterogeneous Lewis acid catalysts for nitrile synthesisviaacid-nitrile exchange reactions
Authors: Marquez Carlos , Corbet Matthieu , Smolders Simon , Marion Philippe , De Vos Dirk
Published: October 2019

A series of transition metal-based double metal cyanides (DMCs) were studied as catalysts for the synthesis of nitrilesviaacid-nitrile exchange reaction.
Water enables an asymmetric cross reaction of α-keto acids with α-keto esters for the synthesis of quaternary isotetronic acids
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Kai , Zhang Boyu , Guo Wengang , Liu Yan , Li Can
Published: October 2019

A water promoted asymmetric aldol/lactonization/enolization cascade reaction of α-keto acids and α-keto esters affords chiral quaternary isotetronic acids with excellent enantioselectivity.
Solvent-tunable dipeptide-based nanostructures with enhanced optical-to-electrical transduction
Authors: Xue Huimin , Li Xianbao , Wang Keqing , Cui Wei , Zhao Jie , Fei Jinbo , Li Junbai
Published: October 2019

We explore a facile approach to construct solvent-tunable dipeptide-based nanostructures, which exhibit a structure-dependent and remarkably enhanced optoelectronic response.
GABA attenuates ETEC-induced intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis involving GABAAR signaling and the AMPK-autophagy pathway
Authors: Xia Yaoyao , Chen Siyuan , Zhao Yuanyuan , Chen Shuai , Huang Ruilin , Zhu Guoqiang , Yin Yulong , Ren Wenkai , Deng Jinping
Published: October 2019

GABA attenuates ETEC-induced excessive apoptosis through GABAAR signaling and the AMPK-autophagy pathway.
Biodegradable MnO2 nanosheet mediated hybridization chain reaction for imaging of human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 activity in living cells
Authors: Li Guangli , Li Junjie , Li Qing
Published: October 2019

A highly sensitive enzyme-free amplification assay for the detection of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 activity was developed.
Hydrothermal synthesis of polydopamine-functionalized cobalt-doped lanthanum nickelate perovskite nanorods for efficient water oxidation in alkaline solution
Authors: Han Yujie , Zhu Zhijun , Huang Liang , Guo Yujing , Zhai Yanling , Dong Shaojun
Published: October 2019

Polydopamine functionalized cobalt-doped lanthanum nickelate perovskite nanorods for with high intrinsic activity for electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction.
A pre-solution mixing precursor method for improving the crystallization quality of perovskite films and electroluminescence performance of perovskite light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xia Pengfei , Lu Yao , Yu Hongtao , Li Yongzhe , Zhu Wenjing , Xu Xin , Zhang Wenzhu , Qian Jie , Shen Wei , Liu Lihui , Deng Lingling , Chen Shufen
Published: October 2019

A novel pre-solution mixing method is used to reduce ultrathin perovskite nanosheets in perovskite films and significantly enhance electroluminescence performances of PeLEDs.
Breakups of an encapsulated surfactant-laden aqueous droplet under a DC electric field
Authors: Abbasi Muhammad Salman , Song Ryungeun , Lee Jinkee
Published: October 2019

We study the breakups of a surfactant-laden aqueous/silicone oil/castor oil double emulsion droplet under an electric field.
Performance analysis of NOMA with generalised selection combining receivers
Authors: Kumar Vaibhav , Cardiff Barry , Flanagan Mark F.
Published: October 2019

In this Letter, the authors present a comprehensive performance analysis of a non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system with generalised selection combining (GSC), which bridges the gap between the performance of NOMA with selection combining (SC) and NOMA with maximal‐ratio combining (MRC). In particular, the authors derive a closed‐form expression for an upper bound on the average achievable sum rate and an exact closed‐form expression for the outage probability. The analysis reveals a tradeoff between the number of implemented receiver radio‐frequency (RF) chains and the achieved performance and can be used to determine the appropriate number of paths to combine into a practical receiver design. A demonstrated agreement between the analytical and simulation results confirms the correctness of the analysis.
Real‐time surgical instrument tracking in robot‐assisted surgery using multi‐domain convolutional neural network
Authors: Qiu Liang , Li Changsheng , Ren Hongliang
Published: October 2019

Image‐based surgical instrument tracking in robot‐assisted surgery is an active and challenging research area. Having a real‐time knowledge of surgical instrument location is an essential part of a computer‐assisted intervention system. Tracking can be used as visual feedback for servo control of a surgical robot or transformed as haptic feedback for surgeon–robot interaction. In this Letter, the authors apply a multi‐domain convolutional neural network for fast 2D surgical instrument tracking considering the application for multiple surgical tools and use a focal loss to decrease the effect of easy negative examples. They further introduce a new dataset based on m2cai16‐tool and their cadaver experiments due to the lack of established public surgical tool tracking dataset despite significant progress in this field. Their method is evaluated on the introduced dataset and outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art real‐time trackers.
Simultaneous shape and camera‐projector parameter estimation for 3D endoscopic system using CNN‐based grid‐oneshot scan
Authors: Furukawa Ryo , Nagamatsu Genki , Oka Shiro , Kotachi Takahiro , Okamoto Yuki , Tanaka Shinji , Kawasaki Hiroshi
Published: October 2019

For effective in situ endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, measurement of polyp sizes is important. For this purpose, 3D endoscopic systems have been researched. Among such systems, an active stereo technique, which projects a special pattern wherein each feature is coded, is a promising approach because of simplicity and high precision. However, previous works of this approach have problems. First, the quality of 3D reconstruction depended on the stabilities of feature extraction from the images captured by the endoscope camera. Second, due to the limited pattern projection area, the reconstructed region was relatively small. In this Letter, the authors propose a learning‐based technique using convolutional neural networks to solve the first problem and an extended bundle adjustment technique, which integrates multiple shapes into a consistent single shape, to address the second. The effectiveness of the proposed techniques compared to previous techniques was evaluated experimentally.
Determining blood flow direction from short neurovascular surgical microscope videos
Authors: Vassallo Reid , Rankin Adam , Lownie Stephen P. , Fukuda Hitoshi , Kasuya Hidetoshi , Lo Benjamin W.Y. , Peters Terry , Xiao Yiming
Published: October 2019

Neurovascular surgery aims to repair diseased or damaged blood vessels in the brain or spine. There are numerous procedures that fall under this category, and in all of them, the direction of blood flow through these vessels is crucial information. Current methods to determine this information intraoperatively include static pre‐operative images combined with augmented reality, Doppler ultrasound, and injectable fluorescent dyes. Each of these systems has inherent limitations. This study includes the proposal and preliminary validation of a technique to identify the direction of blood flow through vessels using only video segments of a few seconds acquired from routinely used surgical microscopes. The video is enhanced to reveal subtle colour fluctuations related to blood pulsation, and these rhythmic signals are further analysed in Fourier space to reveal the direction of blood flow. The proposed method was validated using a novel physical phantom and retrospective analysis of surgical videos and demonstrated high accuracy in identifying the direction of blood flow.
Towards AR‐assisted visualisation and guidance for imaging of dental decay
Authors: Zhou Yaxuan , Yoo Paul , Feng Yingru , Sankar Aditya , Sadr Alireza , Seibel Eric J.
Published: October 2019

Untreated dental decay is the most prevalent dental problem in the world, affecting up to 2.4 billion people and leading to a significant economic and social burden. Early detection can greatly mitigate irreversible effects of dental decay, avoiding the need for expensive restorative treatment that forever disrupts the enamel protective layer of teeth. However, two key challenges exist that make early decay management difficult: unreliable detection and lack of quantitative monitoring during treatment. New optically based imaging through the enamel provides the dentist a safe means to detect, locate, and monitor the healing process. This work explores the use of an augmented reality (AR) headset to improve the workflow of early decay therapy and monitoring. The proposed workflow includes two novel AR‐enabled features: (i) in situ visualisation of pre‐operative optically based dental images and (ii) augmented guidance for repetitive imaging during therapy monitoring. The workflow is designed to minimise distraction, mitigate hand–eye coordination problems, and help guide monitoring of early decay during therapy in both clinical and mobile environments. The results from quantitative evaluations as well as a formative qualitative user study uncover the potentials of the proposed system and indicate that AR can serve as a promising tool in tooth decay management.
Inter‐harmonics analysis and parameter estimation based on H2R6 window and constructing low‐interference zone
Authors: Xu Yanchun , Du Yufei , Li Zhenxing , Xi Lei , Mi Lu
Published: October 2019

With a large number of renewable powers taken into the distributed grid, frequency‐irregular inter‐harmonics would cause the mainlobe interferences (MLI) in the frequency domain, which damages detection accuracy sharply. To solve MLI, a second‐order Hann and sixth‐order Rectangular convolution window (H2R6 window) are constructed. It contains low sidelobes and a narrow mainlobe, which properly solves traditional harmonic problem, e.g. spectral leakage and picket‐fence effect. Moreover, by using this window, judging whether MLI exists becomes easier, and all inter‐harmonics are distinguished into three types. Different estimation strategies are applied to aim at different types of inter‐harmonics for common harmonic and the first type inter‐harmonic, a two‐point interpolation equation is calculated directly. For the second and the third type, a zone affected by MLI slightly is partitioned, then parameter can be estimated based on two spectra in this zone. The relative frequency error of the first type is about 10−11, and the ones corresponding to the second and the third type are at a range from 10−3 to 10−10, which depends on the frequency distance of two adjacent sinusoids. Such a precision fully meets the demand for precision instruments.