bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference gene analysis and its use for kinase expression profiling in Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Houhou Hicham , Puckelwaldt Oliver , Strube Christina , Haeberlein Simone
Published: November 2019

The liver fluke Fasciola hepatica causes fasciolosis, a foodborne zoonosis affecting humans and livestock worldwide. A reliable quantification of gene expression in all parasite life stages relevant for targeting by anthelmintics in the mammalian host is fundamental. The aim of this study was to define a set of stably expressed reference genes for qRT-PCR in Fasciola studies. We determined the expression stabilities of eight candidate reference genes by the algorithms NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and comparative ΔCT method. The most stably expressed reference genes for the comparison of intra-mammalian life stages were glutamyl-prolyl-tRNA synthetase (Fheprs) and tubulin-specific chaperone D (Fhtbcd). The two best reference genes for analysis of in vitro-cultured juveniles were Fhtbcd and proteasome subunit beta type-7 (Fhpsmb7). These genes should replace the housekeeping gene gapdh which is used in most Fasciola studies to date, but in fact was differentially expressed in our analysis. Based on the new reference genes, we quantified expression of five kinases (Abl1, Abl2, PKC, Akt1, Plk1) discussed as targets in other parasitic flatworms. Distinct expression patterns throughout development were revealed and point to interesting biological functions. We like to motivate using this set of validated reference genes for future F. hepatica research, such as studies on drug targets or parasite development.
CH3NH3Br solution as a novel platform for the selective fluorescence detection of Pb2+ ions
Authors: Yan Jun , He Yuchun , Chen Yunlin , Zhang Yongzhe , Yan Hui
Published: November 2019

The development of a simple fluorescent sensor for detecting the Pb2+heavy metal is fundamentally important. The CH3NH3PbBr3perovskite material exhibits excellent photoluminescence properties that are related to Pb2+. Based on the effects of Pb2+on the luminescent properties of CH3NH3PbBr3, we design a novel platform for the selective fluorescence detection of Pb2+ions. Herein, we use a CH3NH3Br solution at a high concentration as the fluorescent probe. Incorporation of PbBr2into the CH3NH3Br solution results in a rapid chemical reaction to form CH3NH3PbBr3. Hence, the nonfluorescent CH3NH3Br material displays a sensitive and selective luminescent response to Pb2+under UV light illumination. Moreover, the reaction between CH3NH3Br and PbBr2could transform Pb2+into CH3NH3PbBr3, and therefore, CH3NH3Br may also be used to extract Pb2+from liquid waste in recycling applications.
Identification of DNAH6 mutations in infertile men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella
Authors: Tu Chaofeng , Nie Hongchuan , Meng Lanlan , Yuan Shimin , He Wenbin , Luo Aixiang , Li Haiyu , Li Wen , Du Juan , Lu Guangxiu , Lin Ge , Tan Yue-Qiu
Published: November 2019

Male infertility due to spermatogenesis defects affects millions of men worldwide. However, the genetic etiology of the vast majority remains unclear. Here we describe three men with primary infertility due to multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) from two unrelated Han Chinese families. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing on the proband of family 1, and found that he carried novel compound heterozygous missense mutations in dynein axonemal heavy chain 6 (DNAH6) that resulted in the substitution of a conserved amino acid residue and co-segregated with the MMAF phenotype in this family. Papanicolaou staining and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed morphological and ultrastructural abnormalities in the sperm flagella in carriers of these genetic variants. Immunostaining experiments showed that DNAH6 was localized in the sperm tail. This is the first report identifying novel recessive mutations inDNAH6as a cause of MMAF. These findings expand the spectrum of known MMAF mutations and phenotypes and provide information that can be useful for genetic and reproductive counseling of MMAF patients.
Integrated solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics modeling determines membrane insertion of human β-defensin analog
Authors: Kang Xue , Elson Christopher , Penfield Jackson , Kirui Alex , Chen Adrian , Zhang Liqun , Wang Tuo
Published: November 2019

Human β-defensins (hBD) play central roles in antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms and in immune-regulation. These peptides perturb phospholipid membranes for function, but it is not well understood how defensins approach, insert and finally disrupt membranes on the molecular level. Here we show that hBD-3 analogs interact with lipid bilayers through a conserved surface that is formed by two adjacent loops in the solution structure. By integrating a collection of 13C, 1H and 31P solid-state NMR methods with long-term molecular dynamic simulations, we reveal that membrane-binding rigidifies the peptide, enhances structural polymorphism, and promotes β-strand conformation. The peptide colocalizes with negatively charged lipids, confines the headgroup motion, and deforms membrane into smaller, ellipsoidal vesicles. This study designates the residue-specific, membrane-bound topology of hBD-3 analogs, serves as the basis for further elucidating the function-relevant structure and dynamics of other defensins, and facilitates the development of defensin-mimetic antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-inflammatories.
High-throughput ultra-sensitive discrimination of single nucleotide polymorphism via click chemical ligation
Authors: Zhou Qian-Yu , Zhong Xin-Ying , Zhao Ling-Li , Wang Li-Juan , Zhou Ying-Lin , Zhang Xin-Xiang
Published: November 2019

CuAAC-based ligation-assisted assays: the CuAAC chemical ligation reaction for SNP detection.
Hyaluronan derived nanoparticle for simvastatin delivery: evaluation of simvastatin induced myotoxicity in tissue engineered skeletal muscle
Authors: Jones Julia M. , Player Darren J. , Samanta Sumanta , Rangasami Vignesh K. , Hilborn Jöns , Lewis Mark P. , Oommen Oommen P. , Mudera Vivek
Published: November 2019

Simvastatin delivered using hyaluronan-based nanoparticles suppress drug induced myotoxicity in tissue engineered skeletal muscles 3D model.
Cofactor specificity engineering of a long-chain secondary alcohol dehydrogenase fromMicrococcus luteusfor redox-neutral biotransformation of fatty acids
Authors: Seo Eun-Ji , Kim Hye-Ji , Kim Myeong-Ju , Kim Jeong-Sun , Park Jin-Byung
Published: November 2019

Structure-based cofactor specificity engineering of an alcohol dehydrogenase (mLSADH) enables a redox-neutral biotransformation of C18 fatty acids into C9 fatty acids.
Iridium(iii) complexes of 1,2,4-triazines as potential bioorthogonal reagents: metal coordination facilitates luminogenic reaction with strained cyclooctynes
Authors: Kozhevnikov Valery N. , Deary Michael E. , Mantso Theodora , Panayiotidis Mihalis I. , Sims Mark T.
Published: November 2019

Unprecedented Ir(iii) complexes of 5-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine are described. The metal coordination drastically increases the speed of the Inverse Electron Demand Diels Alder reaction with strained bicyclooctyne BCN.
Boosting the potassium-ion storage performance of a carbon anode by chemically regulating oxygen-containing species
Authors: Zhang Rui , Li Haibo , Li Rui , Wei Denghu , Kang Wenjun , Ju Zhicheng , Xiong Shenglin
Published: November 2019

The oxygen-containing species in melamine foam carbons are chemically regulated. The optimized carbon anode shows an enhanced potassium-ion storage performance in terms of reversible capacity, rate capability, and long-term cycling stability.
A silver nanoparticle-anchored UiO-66(Zr) metal–organic framework (MOF)-based capacitive H2S gas sensor
Authors: Surya Sandeep G. , Bhanoth Sreenu , Majhi Sanjit M. , More Yogeshwar D. , Teja V. Mani , Chappanda Karumbaiah N.
Published: November 2019

Metal–organic frameworks anchored with metal oxide nanoparticles for the detection of H2S gas with enhanced sensitivity.
Concave PtCo nanooctahedra with high-energy {110} facets for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Li Zhijuan , Wang Xiaoru , Zhang Zhenbo , Hu Jinrui , Liu Zhenyuan , Sun Dongmei , Tang Yawen
Published: November 2019

For the first time, iminodiacetic acid serves as a morphology control agent for the synthesis of concave PtCo nanooctahedra.
Transition metal silicide surface grafting by multiple functional groups and green optimization by mechanochemistry
Authors: Godfroy Maxime , Khalil Mahmoud , Niebel Claude , Jarrosson Thibaut , Foix Dominique , Flaud Valérie , Serein-Spirau Françoise , Viennois Romain , Granier Michel , Beaudhuin Mickaël
Published: November 2019

The functionalization by different coupling agents enabled to modify the properties of the surface of CrSi2 nanocrystallites.
Work function of GaAs(hkl) and its modification using PEI: mechanisms and substrate dependence
Authors: Seddon Samuel D. , Benjamin Christopher , Bryant James I. , Burrows Christopher W. , Walker Marc , Matheson Graham , Herranz Jesus , Geelhaar Lutz , Bell Gavin R.
Published: November 2019

Spin-coating of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) has been used to reduce the work function of GaAs (001), (110), (111)A and (111)B.
Deoxofluorination of graphite oxide with sulfur tetrafluoride
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroki , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Matsuo Yoshiaki , Sato Yuta , Hagiwara Rika
Published: November 2019

Deoxofluorination of graphite oxide with sulfur tetrafluoride forms graphite oxyfluoride in the presence of hydrogen fluoride. Hydroxy and carbonyl groups are selectively fluorinated by this method.
Flexible, durable and magnetic nanofibrous membrane with pH-switchable wettability for efficient on-demand oil/water separation
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Zhang Mengjie , Li Yuansheng , Kang Mengmeng , Huang Chaobo , Fu Guodong
Published: November 2019

An intelligent, flexible, magnetic and robust nanofibrous membrane with pH-switchable wettability was prepared through environment-friendly methods for on-demand oil/water separation.
Power-dependent photoluminescence decay kinetics of silicon nanocrystals under continuous and pulsed excitation
Authors: Greben Michael , Valenta Jan
Published: November 2019

Power-dependent photoluminescence (PL) decay kinetics of silicon nanocrystals (Si NCs) in solid and liquid samples were studied under cw and pulsed excitation.
Hydrothermally stable ZnAl2O4 nanocrystals with controlled surface structures for the design of long-lasting and highly active/selective PdZn catalysts
Authors: Zhang Xian-Hua , Liu Chang , Ke Congming , Liu Liang , Hao Xinning , Wu Yaping , Wan Shaolong , Wang Shuai , Wang Yong
Published: November 2019

Synthesis of hydrothermally stable ZnAl2O4 nanocrystals with controlled surface structures and the design of long-lasting and highly active/selective PdZn catalysts.
Prediction of S-nitrosylation sites by integrating support vector machines and random forest
Authors: Hasan Md. Mehedi , Manavalan Balachandran , Khatun Mst. Shamima , Kurata Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

Cysteine S-nitrosylation is a type of reversible post-translational modification of proteins, which controls diverse biological processes.
Synthesis and characterization of Pt(ii)-based potent anticancer agents with minimum normal cell toxicity: their bio-activity and DNA-binding properties
Authors: Mahata Sujay , Mukherjee Subhajit , Tarai Swarup Kumar , Pan Angana , Mitra Ishani , Pal Soumojit , Maitra Sudipta , Moi Sankar Ch.
Published: November 2019

The Cis-Pt(ii)-dichloro complex and its different intercellular derivates show good DNA-binding, comparable anticancer properties and less normal cell toxicity than cisplatin, and initiates cell death through apoptosis.
Temperature-dependent synthesis of vinyl sulfones and β-hydroxy sulfones from t-butylsulfinamide and alkenes under aerobic conditions
Authors: Bi Wen-Zhu , Zhang Wen-Jie , Feng Su-Xiang , Li Zi-Jie , Ma Hui-Li , Zhu Shao-Hua , Chen Xiao-Lan , Qu Ling-Bo , Zhao Yu-Fen
Published: November 2019

A novel strategy was developed for the synthesis of organic sulfones using t-butylsulfinamide as a sulfur source.
“Off–on–off” type of selectively pH-sensing 8-hydroxyquinoline-substituted gallium(iii) corrole
Authors: Cai Fangjian , Xia Fei , Guo Yingxin , Zhu Weihua , Fu Bo , Liang Xu , Wang Shifa , Cai Zhengchun , Xu Haijun
Published: November 2019

We herein reported the synthesis and pH sensing property of a novel gallium corrole derivatives based on 8-hydroxyquinoline. Ga-corrole derivative showed good fluorescent response upon changing the pH values in the wide region of pH 1 to 12.
High-yield synthesis of monodisperse gold nanorods with a tunable plasmon wavelength using 3-aminophenol as the reducing agent
Authors: Wu Zihua , Liang Yuling , Cao Linqi , Guo Qing , Jiang Suju , Mao Fangfang , Sheng Jiarong , Xiao Qi
Published: November 2019

A method with exceptional comprehensive performance for gold nanorod synthesis using 3-aminophenol as the reducing agent.
Strong Volta potential change in doped zinc oxide as a photoresponse to UV irradiation
Authors: Huber Silvia , Mardare Cezarina Cela , Mardare Andrei Ionut , Kleber Christoph , Hassel Achim Walter
Published: November 2019

Doped ZnO thin films on ITO substrates were prepared by reactive co-sputtering of ZnO and several dopant metals, namely Al, Mn, Ti, W or Zr.
Mono-acrylated isosorbide as a bio-based monomer for the improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Yu Dinghua , Zhao Juan , Wang Wenjuan , Qi Jingjie , Hu Yi
Published: November 2019

With bio-based monoester of acrylated isosorbide as the comonomer, copolymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) showed improved thermal stability and mechanical properties.
Ozone mediated depolymerization and solvolysis of technical lignins under ambient conditions in ethanol
Authors: Figueirêdo M. B. , Heeres H. J. , Deuss P. J.
Published: November 2019

Ozone induces solvolysis of industrial lignin residues in ethanol by structural modification and depolymerization, leading to the formation of valuable chemicals.
Frequency-dependent conversion of the torque of a rotating magnetic field on a ferrofluid confined in a spherical cavity
Authors: Usadel Klaus D. , Storozhenko Anastasiya , Arefyev Igor , Nádasi Hajnalka , Trittel Torsten , Stannarius Ralf , Veit Peter , Eremin Alexey
Published: November 2019

The dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles in rotating magnetic fields is studied both experimentally and theoretically.
Zinc-telluride nanospheres as an efficient water oxidation electrocatalyst displaying a low overpotential for oxygen evolution
Authors: Sadaqat Maira , Nisar Laraib , Babar Noor-Ul-Ain , Hussain Fayyaz , Ashiq Muhammad Naeem , Shah Afzal , Ehsan Muhammad Fahad , Najam-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Joya Khurram Saleem
Published: November 2019

Electrochemical water splitting is economically unviable due to the sluggish kinetics of the anodically uphill oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
Fabrication of Au aerogels with {110}-rich facets by size-dependent surface reconstruction for enzyme-free glucose detection
Authors: Wang Cui , Duan Wenchao , Xing Lixiang , Xiahou Yujiao , Du Wei , Xia Haibing
Published: November 2019

Au6–50 aerogels with {110}-rich facets (35.5%) are fabricated for glucose detection by size-dependent surface reconstruction between two differently-sized gold nanoparticles.
Environmentally friendly, scalable exfoliation for few-layered hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) by multi-time thermal expansion based on released gases
Authors: Cheng Zhi-lin , Ma Zhan-sheng , Ding Hong-liang , Liu Zan
Published: November 2019

A novel approach to exfoliate BNNSs on a large scale via multi-time thermal expansion is described.
Synthetic biology for improving cell fate decisions and tissue engineering outcomes
Authors: Vogel Adam M. , Persson Kylie M. , Seamons Travis R. , Deans Tara L.
Published: November 2019

Synthetic biology is a relatively new field of science that combines aspects of biology and engineering to create novel tools for the construction of biological systems. Using tools within synthetic biology, stem cells can then be reprogrammed and differentiated into a specified cell type. Stem cells have already proven to be largely beneficial in many different therapies and have paved the way for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although scientists have made great strides in tissue engineering, there still remain many questions to be answered in regard to regeneration. Presented here is an overview of synthetic biology, common tools built within synthetic biology, and the way these tools are being used in stem cells. Specifically, this review focuses on how synthetic biologists engineer genetic circuits to dynamically control gene expression while also introducing emerging topics such as genome engineering and synthetic transcription factors. The findings mentioned in this review show the diverse use of stem cells within synthetic biology and provide a foundation for future research in tissue engineering with the use of synthetic biology tools. Overall, the work done using synthetic biology in stem cells is in its early stages, however, this early work is leading to new approaches for repairing diseased and damaged tissues and organs, and further expanding the field of tissue engineering.
Bluetooth antenna for metal‐cased smart jewellery
Authors: Siddiqui T.A. , Khanal P. , Vähä‐Savo L. , Lindvall N. , Holopainen J. , Viikari V.
Published: November 2019

This Letter presents a Bluetooth antenna for metal‐cased smart jewellery. The designed antenna is competent enough to operate in free space; moreover, antenna performance is investigated with cubical shape model which has the electrical properties similar to human body tissue. The measured prototype achieves 68% total efficiency in the free space and 27% total efficiency when measured with a cubical model in the Bluetooth frequency range of 2.4–2.48 GHz.
Optimal placement of resistive/inductive SFCLs considering short‐circuit levels using complex artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Esmaili Masoud , Ghamsari‐Yazdel Mohammad , Amjady Nima , Chung C.Y.
Published: November 2019

In mature electric power systems, growth in generation/demand, integration of renewable energy, and system expansion may elevate short‐circuit levels beyond the rating of existing components. Thanks to technological advancements in materials, superconducting fault current limiters (SFCLs) can effectively alleviate excessive fault currents without affecting normal operation of power systems as they are invisible in non‐faulted conditions. However, due to their rather high prices, SFCL optimal placement (SOP) comes to attention. The effectiveness of SOP depends on optimally siting of SFCL resistive/inductive types, which vary in transmission and distribution networks due to different X/R ratios. In this study, an SOP is proposed to determine optimal locations and types of SFCLs taking into account short‐circuit level of buses. In addition, a complex‐valued artificial bee colony (CABC) algorithm is introduced to efficiently solve complex‐valued optimisation problems such as power system applications, including SOP. The proposed SOP with CABC is examined on transmission and distribution test cases to evaluate its effectiveness. It is found that by employing the proposed complex decision vector, the CABC algorithm exhibits an enhanced exploration capability and convergence rate due to halving decision vector length and considering mutual effects of real and imaginary parts of decision variables.
Controller design, analysis and testing of a three‐phase VSI using IDA–PBC approach
Authors: Gupta Yusuf , Chatterjee Kishore , Doolla Suryanarayana
Published: November 2019

A voltage‐source inverter (VSI) is a key component of a distributed generation unit and an uninterruptible power supply. In this study, a three‐phase VSI control using interconnection and damping assignment passivity‐based control (IDA–PBC) approach has been revisited and analysed on aspects such as voltage gain, output impedance, transient response, stability and steady‐state error. It is shown that in the case of accurately known filter parameters and perfectly zero initial conditions, theoretically, the voltage controller would exhibit unity voltage gain and zero output impedance. It is also shown that the IDA–PBC‐based voltage controller exhibits a second‐order response to a step input. This property has been utilised to propose a novel systematic procedure for tuning of the IDA–PBC gains based on the transient response specifications. The tuning method reveals that the gains for the outer voltage and inner current loops are related to each other and should not be separately tuned. The presented analysis and the proposed tuning method for controller gain have been tested through simulation studies. The concepts were further validated on a laboratory scale prototype of a three‐phase VSI for balanced, unbalanced and non‐linear loads.
Dynamic model‐based feature aided data association filter in target tracking
Authors: Kim Dohyeung , Hwang Inseok
Published: November 2019

In this study, the authors consider the data association problem where the feature of a target is available. Most existing data association filters mainly use a statistical or simple model of the feature without explicitly considering the correlation between the target behaviour and feature characteristics. The inaccurate model of the feature could lead to divergence of the estimation error or the loss of a target in heavily cluttered and/or low signal‐to‐noise ratio environments. To address the problem, they first develop feature models (e.g. target dimensions) dependent on the target behaviour (i.e. the distance between the sensor and the target, and the aspect angle between the longitudinal axis of the target and the axis of sensor line of sight). Then they propose a data association filter which can facilitate the feature models dependent on the target kinematics to reduce the misassociations. The performance of the proposed feature models and data association filter are demonstrated with illustrative target tracking scenarios.
Applications of differential barometric altimeter in ground cellular communication positioning network
Authors: Hu Zhengqun , Zhang Lirong , Ji Yuanfa
Published: November 2019

Due to the characteristics of measurement datum distribution, the altitude positioning error of GPS (Global Positioning System) is relatively large. This study discusses a differential barometric altimetry (DBA) system from systematic implementation level and provides a key technical solution for the continuous and precise altitude measurement from the DBA systematic implementation aspect, which can provide a good supplement and enhancement for GPS. The structure of signal message is designed; the power spectrum of spread spectrum ranging signal is given, and the fusion of navigation and communication is realised. The two dimensional curved surface fitting function of pressure and temperature (P, T) is constructed, and the fitting parameters are calculated by the least‐square solution, which can realise calibration compensation and measurement correction of sensor. The influence of the system noise variance matrix Qk and the measurement noise variance matrix Rk on the filtering effect in Kalman filter is analysed. An algorithm of multi‐base station (BS) correction is proposed, which can realise the height information correction calculation in measuring station (MS) via seamless handover between multi‐BSs. The experimental results show that the key technology solutions in DBA system can achieve a well systematic performance..
High‐accuracy localisation method for PD in transformers
Authors: Cai Junyi , Zhou Lijun , Hu Junjie , Zhang Chenqingyu , Liao Wei , Guo Lei
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a high‐accuracy method of localising partial discharge (PD) for transformer fault diagnosis. This study aims to solve the problem of high‐accuracy estimation of PD in transformers by detecting the acoustic signals. First, by combining the advantages of the differential evolution (DE) algorithm and the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, the authors describe a hybrid DE‐PSO algorithm that can maintain great diversity even at the later stage of calculation. For further accuracy, a cooperative localisation differential evolution‐particle swarm optimization‐correction‐Newton's method (DPCN) algorithm based on the DE‐PSO algorithm and Newton's method with consideration of corrected time difference of arrival values is proposed. The results of simulations and experiments show that the proposed algorithm has excellent performance with high accuracy and strong robustness, and it can meet the needs of field applications.
Development of multi‐parameter online monitoring equipment for EHV transformer bushing
Authors: Zhang Lu , Sun Lei , Wu Jingfeng , Han Yanhua , Wang Sen , Yang Chuankai , Shen Wei , Guo Can
Published: November 2019

To diagnose the running state of bushing and avoid serious power grid accidents, online multi‐parameter monitoring equipment for dissolved hydrogen, oil pressure and temperature in bushing oil was developed. The equipment includes three units: signal acquisition, control cabinet and data analysis. A new hydrogen sensor without oil–gas separation membrane and based on palladium alloy film technology was developed. A three‐in‐one sensor for hydrogen, oil temperature and pressure monitoring has been developed, which has the advantages of miniaturisation, lightweight and easy installation. Test results show the hydrogen measurement range of the sensor is 0–5000 ppm, and the accuracy can reach 10% or 15 ppm (with larger values). The pressure measurement range is 0–1.0 MPa, the resolution is 0.1 kPa, and the accuracy can reach 0.25 grade. The temperature measurement range is −40 to 105°C, and the accuracy is ±1°C. The measurement performance of the device fully meets the requirement of online monitoring of transformer bushing. The equipment has been put into operation in a 330 kV substation, which can monitor the bushing status online and help eliminate the early latent fault of bushing in the weak budding state.
Dependence of bacterial growth rate on dynamic temperature changes
Authors: Dey Abhishek , Bokka Venkat , Sen Shaunak
Published: November 2019

Temperature is an important determinant of bacterial growth. While the dependence of bacterial growth on different temperatures has been well studied for many bacterial species, prediction of bacterial growth rate for dynamic temperature changes is relatively unclear. Here, the authors address this issue using a combination of experimental measurements of the growth, at the resolution of 5 min, of Escherichia coli and mathematical models. They measure growth curves at different temperatures and estimate model parameters to predict bacterial growth profiles subject to dynamic temperature changes. They compared these predicted growth profiles for various step‐like temperature changes with experimental measurements using the coefficient of determination and mean square error and based on this comparison, ranked the different growth models, finding that the generalised logistic growth model gave the smallest error. They note that as the maximum specific growth increases the duration of this growth predominantly decreases. These results provide a basis to compute the dependence of the growth rate parameter in biomolecular circuits on dynamic temperatures and may be useful for designing biomolecular circuits that are robust to temperature.
Network‐based computational approach to identify genetic links between cardiomyopathy and its risk factors
Authors: Haidar Md. Nasim , Islam M. Babul , Chowdhury Utpala Nanda , Rahman Md. Rezanur , Huq Fazlul , Quinn Julian M.W. , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2019

Cardiomyopathy (CMP) is a group of myocardial diseases that progressively impair cardiac function. The mechanisms underlying CMP development are poorly understood, but lifestyle factors are clearly implicated as risk factors. This study aimed to identify molecular biomarkers involved in inflammatory CMP development and progression using a systems biology approach. The authors analysed microarray gene expression datasets from CMP and tissues affected by risk factors including smoking, ageing factors, high body fat, clinical depression status, insulin resistance, high dietary red meat intake, chronic alcohol consumption, obesity, high‐calorie diet and high‐fat diet. The authors identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from each dataset and compared those from CMP and risk factor datasets to identify common DEGs. Gene set enrichment analyses identified metabolic and signalling pathways, including MAPK, RAS signalling and cardiomyopathy pathways. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified protein subnetworks and ten hub proteins (CDK2, ATM, CDT1, NCOR2, HIST1H4A, HIST1H4B, HIST1H4C, HIST1H4D, HIST1H4E and HIST1H4L). Five transcription factors (FOXC1, GATA2, FOXL1, YY1, CREB1) and five miRNAs were also identified in CMP. Thus the authors’ approach reveals candidate biomarkers that may enhance understanding of mechanisms underlying CMP and their link to risk factors. Such biomarkers may also be useful to develop new therapeutics for CMP.
Research on airflow uniformity of marine selective catalytic reduction reverse blow system
Authors: Wang Man , Zhang Hongpeng , Gong Wenke
Published: November 2019

In order to improve the working performance of the ceramic catalyst filter, a model of nozzle blowback was designed to change the nozzle diameter. The blowback tube blowback model with variable diameter and the blowback blowback model with equal diameter were used for backflush simulation analysis. Also the influence of the sum of the injection tube inlet velocity, nozzle length, and nozzle cross‐sectional area on the uniformity of backflush was studied. Through simulation analysis, it can be obtained that the outlet flow of nozzles with equal diameters and blowback models increases gradually from front to back; the variable‐diameter blowback model can make the nozzle outlet flow uniform, but the nozzles at both ends still deviate from the average flow; continuing to change the nozzle diameter. The nozzle outlet flow can continue to be uniform; different boundary conditions and sizes can affect the uniformity of the backflush: the smaller the inlet velocity of the injection tube, the larger the nozzle length, the smaller the sum of the nozzle areas, and the more uniform the nozzle outlet flow.
Study on degraded image sharpening method
Authors: Sun Yuan , Wang Hanyu
Published: November 2019

In industrial practice, images are often collected for study. In bad weather, the images collected may be degraded to different extents. Therefore, it is necessary to study how to sharpen these degraded images. Presently, domestic and foreign scholars mostly realise sharpening of degraded images by improving and optimising the existing classic algorithms based on image enhancement techniques and image restoration techniques. Meanwhile, subjective and objective evaluation methods for image sharpening effects have also been proposed. The article presents an image enhancement algorithm with adjustable threshold and tuning parameter and verifies this algorithm through experiment by subjective and objective evaluation methods, proposing a new solution for degraded image sharpening.
Signal timing model of urban intersection based on double restraint gravitational model
Authors: Tong Lin , Guan Zheng , He Min , Xiong Lei
Published: November 2019

The assumption of independent arrival process in a polling model might be unrealistic for many intersections that are part of an arterial system, because an output process of the first intersection contributes to the input process for the next intersection. The double restraint gravitational model is used to present the relationship among the traffic flow between the neighbour intersections and is mapped to the arrive rate in the polling signal timing model. In order to test the optimisation effect of the model, the basic‐gated service signal timing model with historical average rate is used for comparison, and the data of the regional urban road network in Kunming are used for validation. The result shows that the model can adapt to the traffic dynamics better and achieve a lower mean vehicle delay.
Experimental research on coil turns to double coil multi‐parameter impedance sensor
Authors: Zhao Xupeng , Zhang Hongpeng , Zeng Lin , Yu Zilei , Bai Chenzhao
Published: November 2019

In this study, the detection principle of the dual‐coil multi‐parameter impedance detection sensor is introduced, and the influence of the number of coil turns on the experimental results is studied. The author produces a series of dual‐coil multi‐parameter impedance detection sensors and builds an experimental detection platform. The test parameters are compared and analysed under different coil turns. The experimental results show that for the detection of inductive or capacitive parameters of the same pollutant detection particle, the amplitude of the inductance or capacitance parameter increases with the increase of the number of turns of the coil, and the signal‐to‐noise ratio also increases with the increase of the number of turns of the coil. Therefore, increasing the number of turns in the micro‐plane coil helps improve the detection accuracy and signal‐to‐noise ratio of the impedance sensor. The results of the study show that the dual‐coil multi‐parameter impedance detection sensor can realise the identification and detection of pollutant particles, and it has certain practical significance for the new multi‐parameter on‐line oil differential detection.
Distribution and recent status of freshwater mussels of family Unionidae (Bivalvia) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Beran Luboš
Published: November 2019

This study is devoted mainly to the distribution and its changes, inhabited and preferable habitats of bivalves from family Unionidae in the territory of the Czech Republic and the discussion of major threats and conservation measures. Altogether 6 autochthonous (Unio crassus,Unio pictorum,Unio tumidus,Anodonta anatina,Anodonta cygnea,Pseudanodonta complanata) and 1 allochthonous species (Sinanodonta woodiana) has been known in the Czech Republic. All these species occurred in all three river basins (Labe, Odra, Danube) and watersheds (North, Baltic and Black seas).A. anatinais the most widespread and common unionid whileP. complanatais an autochthonous bivalve with the most restricted area of distribution.U. crassushas been a significantly disappearing species. As in most European countries, pollution and habitat loss including fragmentation and degradation, together with other factors such as water abstraction, invasive species and loss of fish hosts are the main threats affecting their populations.
Long-term changes of water physicochemical conditions and benthic microbial processes in a small lake associated with land use in the catchment
Authors: Krevš Alina , Kučinskienė Alė , Manusadžianas Levonas
Published: November 2019

Changes in land use in the catchments and areas near the shorelines of lakes may have undesirable consequences for the functioning of lake ecosystems. We studied temporal changes in physicochemical parameters and benthic microbial processes within the small Lake Gulbinas (Lithuania) in relation to the type of land use in the catchment. We compared the period when agriculture activity decreased and increased urban development commenced (2001–2002, transition period) with periods of intense urban land use (2007, 2014–2015). The results were compared to reference data from earlier agricultural periods (1962, 1987–1989). The highest nutrient concentrations in the water were observed during the period of agriculture activity, while increased phosphate concentrations in the near-bottom water and increased organic carbon content and microbial activity in the lake sediments were observed during the period of intense urban land use. Throughout the latter period, anaerobic mineralization of organic carbon via sulfate reduction in bottom sediments was significantly higher than that during the transition period. The intensification of benthic sulfate reduction led to sulfide increase and, thus, to a higher phosphate mobility re-fertilizing the water. Our study suggests that, with a shift of land usage in catchment areas from agricultural to urban, increasing sedimentary organic carbon and its intensive anaerobic mineralization may stimulate internal eutrophication of small lakes.
Is dual cup mobility better than hemiarthroplasty in patients with dementia and femoral neck fracture? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iorio Raffaele , Iannotti Ferdinando , Mazza Daniele , Speranza Attilio , Massafra Carlo , Guzzini Matteo , D’Arrigo Carmelo , Ferretti Andrea
Published: November 2019

Purpose: Treatment of patients with dementia and hip fracture is challenging. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) with dual mobility cup (DMC) has been designed to reduce the rate of dislocation by increasing the stability of the implant. This study aimed to compare the dislocation rates of DMC THA with hemiarthroplasty (HA) in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fracture (FNF) and a diagnosis of dementia.

Methods: All patients with a displaced FNF and dementia diagnosis were prospectively randomized to hemiarthroplasty or THA with DMC treatment during a 2-year period. Finally, the outcomes of 30 patients in the HA group were compared with those of 30 patients in the DMC THA group. Dislocation rate at a minimum follow-up of 1 year was evaluated as the primary outcome. Reoperation rate, time to surgery, surgical time, length of hospital stay, and 30-day and 1-year mortality were also evaluated.

Results: There was a significant difference regarding rates of dislocation in favor of THA with DMC and with regard to length of surgery (p = 0.04) in favor of bipolar HA. Dislocation occurred in five patients (16.6%) treated with bipolar HA and no one (0%) in patients treated with THA with DMC (p = 0.019). There was no difference with regard to the 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, reoperations, and length of hospital stay between the two groups of patients.

Discussion: THA with DMC seems to be a safe and reliable choice to reduce the rate of dislocation at 1 year in patients with dementia and FNF without a higher risk of mortality.
An In Vivo Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Complications in Single- versus Multiple-Visit Endodontic Therapy: 18-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Joshi Vivek , Kumar Yogesh , Jindal Neetu , Aggarwal Renu
Published: November 2019

Objective The goal of root canal therapy is thorough disinfection and obturation of the root canal system in all its dimensions. Success of endodontic treatment is highly related to the elimination of postendodontic pain, tenderness, and swelling.

Single-visit endodontic therapy has several advantages such as increased patient acceptance, less overhead costs, and only single time local anesthesia administration is required.

Multiple-visit endodontic (MVE) treatment allows the clinician to determine the effect of the therapy on the inflamed tissues and shorter appointments.

This in vivo study was undertaken to compare the postoperative incidence of pain, swelling, tenderness, and radiographic evaluation of periapical pathology following single- versus multiple-visit endodontic therapy in vital as well as nonvital teeth.

Materials and Methods A total of 60 subjects in the age group of 15 to 50 years were selected for the study. The patients were divided into four groups:

• Group 1 (n = 15): Single-visit endodontic (SVE) therapy with vital pulp involvement without periapical rarefaction.

• Group 2 (n = 15): SVE therapy of asymptomatic pulpless teeth with periapical rarefaction as observed in radiographic evaluation.

• Group 3 (n = 15): MVE of vital pulp involvement without periapical rarefactions.

• Group 4 (n = 15): MVE therapy of asymptomatic pulpless teeth with periapical rarefaction as observed radiographically.

Access cavity was prepared, working length was taken. Biomechanical preparation was done with Protaper universal rotary file system and obturation was done immediately in single-visit cases.

In multivisit cases, Ca (OH)2 is placed as an intracanal medicament and obturation was done with the help of AH plus sealer and gutta-percha.

Postobturation pain levels, swelling, and tenderness on percussion were assessed till 6 weeks. The radiographic parameter was studied till 18 months follow-up.

Results Among the different experimental groups, maximum patients in MVE without periapical rarefaction showed no pain according to visual analog scale (VAS) scale, swelling, and tenderness and in SVE with periapical rarefaction showed maximum number of patients reported with pain, tenderness, and swelling.

At 4 and 6 weeks postoperatively, patients in all the groups exhibited no pain, swelling, and tenderness to percussion.

As periapical rarefaction, healing of periapical lesion was evident in all the patients after 18 months.
Aortic Coarctation a Systemic Vessel Disease—Insights from Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Eichhorn Joachim G. , Ley Sebastian , Kropp Florian , Fink Christian , Brockmeier Konrad , Loukanov Tsvetomir , Ley-Zaporozhan Julia
Published: November 2019

Background Even after successful aortic coarctation (CoA) repair, hypertension causes premature morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms are not clear. The aim was to evaluate elastic wall properties and aortic morphology and to correlate these results with severity of restenosis, hypertension, aortic arch geometry, noninvasive pressure gradients, and time and kind of surgical procedure.

Methods Eighty-nine patients (17 ± 6.3 years) and 20 controls (18 ± 4.9 years) were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition to contrast-enhanced MR angiography and flow measurements, CINE MRI was performed to assess the relative change of aortic cross-sectional areas at diaphragm level to calculate aortic compliance (C).

Results Fifty-four percent of all patients showed hypertension (> 95th percentile), but more than half of them had no significant stenosis (defined as ≥30%). C was lower in CoA than in controls (3.30 ± 2.43 vs. 4.67 ± 2.21 [10–5 Pa–1 m–2]; p = 0.024). Significant differences in compliance were found between hyper- and normotensive patients (2.61 ± 1.60 vs. 4.11 ± 2.95; p = 0.01), and gothic and Romanesque arch geometry (2.64 ± 1.58 vs. 3.78 ± 2.81; p = 0.027). There was a good correlation between C and hypertension (r = 0.671; p < 0.01), but no correlation between C (and hypertension) and time or kind of repair, restenosis, or pressure gradients.

Conclusion The decreased compliance, a high rate of hypertension without restenosis, and independency of time and kind of repair confirm the hypothesis that CoA may not be limited to isthmus region but rather be a widespread (systemic) vascular anomaly at least in some of the CoA patients. Therefore, aortic compliance should be assessed in these patients to individually tailor treatment of CoA patients with restenosis and/or hypertension.
Time-Effect of Donor and Recipient Characteristics on Graft Survival after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Yang Jingyan , Sardo Molmenti Christine L. , Cagliani Joaquin , Datta Harish , Grodstein Elliot , Rasul Rehana , Rilo Horacio , Teperman Lewis W. , Molmenti Ernesto P.
Published: November 2019

The kidney allocation system (KAS) is based on quality-based “longevity matching” strategies that provide only a momentary snapshot of expected outcomes at the time of transplantation. The purpose of our study was to define on a continuous timeline the relative and mutual interactions of donor and recipient characteristics on graft survival.

Total 39,108 subjects who underwent kidney transplant between October 25, 1999 and January 1, 2007 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing dataset. Our primary outcome was graft survival. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) were used to compare the predictive ability of the two allocation systems.

During the first year after transplantation, both donor and recipient models showed identical relevance. From the first to the sixth years, although the two ROC curves were nearly identical, the donor model outweighed the recipient model. Both models intersected again at the sixth year. From that time onward, the ROC curve for recipient characteristics model predominated over the ROC curve for donor characteristics model. The predictive value of the recipient model (AUC = 0.752) was greater than that of the donor model (AUC = 0.673)

We hope that this model will provide additional guidance and risk stratification to further optimize organ allocation based on the dynamic interaction of both donor and recipient characteristics over time.
Ionization wave propagation characteristics under different polarity of pulse waveforms in micro-DBD device driven by bipolar nanosecond pulse waveform
Authors: Wang Yaogong , Ma Xiaoqin , Hu Long , Zhou Xuan , Wang Zhenxing , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: November 2019

Different spatiotemporal modes of ionization wave propagation at opposite polarity of bipolar pulses in a micro-dielectric barrier discharge structure device are investigated. The device is fabricated on a heavily doped n-type silicon substrate, and a 1 cm × 1 cm square cavity is formed on the 180 μm-thick polyimide film. Different modes of ionization wave propagation determined by the polarity of bipolar pulses are observed, and the details of streamerlike mode and wavelike mode under positive and negative half cycles of pulses are investigated, respectively. The propagation speeds of streamerlike ionization waves and wavelike ionization waves are ∼120 km/s and ∼40 km/s on average and ∼150 km/s and ∼70 km/s in maximum, respectively. Different parameters of bipolar pulses, especially the rising time of pulses, are applied to the proposed device to explore the variation of ionization wave propagation properties. The results show that the modes of the ionization wave propagation are barely changed when the device is driven by different rising time pulses. However, the initial plasma generation time and propagation speed are greatly changed. With a decrease in the rising time from 400 ns to 50 ns, the initial plasma generation time is brought forward over 200 ns, and the ionization wave propagation speed is improved over 30% for both cases. The results imply great significance in the exploration of the dynamics of plasma discharge evolution and regulation of plasma discharge properties through manipulating the pulse parameters.
Low current heaterless hollow cathode neutralizer for plasma propulsion—Development overview
Authors: Lev Dan , Alon Gal , Appel Leonid
Published: November 2019

Hollow cathodes serve as electron sources for the operation of electric thrusters aboard spacecraft. Conventionally, hollow cathodes utilize a heating element to raise the temperature of the electron emitting material embedded in the cathode. To simplify cathode design and operation, in recent years, heaterless cathode technology has been under development in various facilities around the world. This paper overviews the development of a low current heaterless hollow cathode, designed and produced by Rafael, and denoted the ARC-1A. The ARC-1A generates a discharge current of 0.3–1.2 A and is ignited using breakdown voltages below 400 V. Each of the development phases is elaborated upon. These phases included activities such as a technology study, the development of manufacturing processes, the study of failure modes, and performance characterization and culminated with two primary tests—a 5000 h endurance test and a 3500 cold ignition cycles test. In its current state of development, the ARC-1A proves suitable for a wide range of low power electric thrusters and was successfully coupled with two different Hall effect thrusters in a wide range of low discharge current levels (0.5–1.1 A).