bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning friction and slip at solid-nanoparticle suspension interfaces by electric fields
Authors: Acharya B. , Seed C. M. , Brenner D. W. , Smirnov A. I. , Krim J.
Published: December 2019

We report an experimental Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) study of tuning interfacial friction and slip lengths for aqueous suspensions of TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles on planar platinum surfaces by external electric fields. Data were analyzed within theoretical frameworks that incorporate slippage at the QCM surface electrode or alternatively at the surface of adsorbed particles, yielding values for the slip lengths between 0 and 30 nm. Measurements were performed for negatively charged TiO2 and positively charged Al2O3 nanoparticles in both the absence and presence of external electric fields. Without the field the slip lengths inferred for the TiO2 suspensions were higher than those for the Al2O3 suspensions, a result that was consistent with contact angle measurements also performed on the samples. Attraction and retraction of particles perpendicular to the surface by means of an externally applied field resulted in increased and decreased interfacial friction levels and slip lengths. The variation was observed to be non-monotonic, with a profile attributed to the physical properties of interstitial water layers present between the nanoparticles and the platinum substrate.
A Gene–Environment Interaction Between Smoking and Gene polymorphisms Provides a High Risk of Two Subgroups of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Rivera Natalia V. , Patasova Karina , Kullberg Susanna , Diaz-Gallo Lina Marcela , Iseda Tomoko , Bengtsson Camilla , Alfredsson Lars , Eklund Anders , Kockum Ingrid , Grunewald Johan , Padyukov Leonid
Published: December 2019

The influence and effect of cigarette smoking in sarcoidosis is unclear. Here, we evaluated gene-environment interaction between multiple genetic variants including HLA genes and smoking in sarcoidosis defined by two clinical phenotypes, Löfgren’s syndrome (LS) and patients without Löfgren’s syndrome (non-LS). To quantify smoking effects in sarcoidosis, we performed a gene-environment interaction study in a Swedish population-based case-control study consisting of 3,713 individuals. Cases and controls were classified according to their cigarette smoking status and genotypes by Immunochip platform. Gene-smoking interactions were quantified by an additive interaction model using a logistic regression adjusted by sex, age and first two principal components. The estimated attributable proportion (AP) was used to quantify the interaction effect. Assessment of smoking effects with inclusion of genetic information revealed 53 (in LS) and 34 (in non-LS) SNP-smoking additive interactions at false discovery rate (FDR) below 5%. The lead signals interacting with smoking were rs12132140 (AP = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.22–0.90), p = 1.28e-03) in FCRL1 for LS and rs61780312 (AP = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.28–0.90), p = 3e-04) in IL23R for non-LS. We further identified 16 genomic loci (in LS) and 13 (in non-LS) that interact with cigarette smoking. These findings suggest that sarcoidosis risk is modulated by smoking due to genetic susceptibility. Therefore, patients having certain gene variants, are at a higher risk for the disease. Consideration of individual’s genetic predisposition is crucial to quantify effects of smoking in sarcoidosis.
Variation in zygotic CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing outcomes generates novel reporter and deletion alleles at the Gdf11 locus
Authors: Goldstein Jill M. , Valido Austin , Lewandowski Jordan P. , Walker Ryan G. , Mills Melanie J. , Messemer Kathleen A. , Besseling Paul , Lee Kyu Ha , Wattrus Samuel J. , Cho Miook , Lee Richard T. , Wagers Amy J.
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in CRISPR/Cas gene editing technology have significantly expanded the possibilities and accelerated the pace of creating genetically engineered animal models. However, CRISPR/Cas-based strategies designed to precisely edit the genome can often yield unintended outcomes. Here, we report the use of zygotic CRISPR/Cas9 injections to generate a knock-in GFP reporter mouse at the Gdf11 locus. Phenotypic and genomic characterization of founder animals from these injections revealed a subset that contained the correct targeting event and exhibited GFP expression that, within the hematopoietic system, was restricted predominantly to lymphoid cells. Yet, in another subset of founder mice, we detected aberrant integration events at the target site that dramatically and inaccurately shifted hematopoietic GFP expression from the lymphoid to the myeloid lineage. Additionally, we recovered multiple Gdf11 deletion alleles that modified the C-terminus of the GDF11 protein. When bred to homozygosity, most of these alleles recapitulated skeletal phenotypes reported previously for Gdf11 knockout mice, suggesting that these represent null alleles. However, we also recovered one Gdf11 deletion allele that encodes a novel GDF11 variant protein (“GDF11-WE”) predicted to contain two additional amino acids (tryptophan (W) and glutamic acid (E)) at the C-terminus of the mature ligand. Unlike the other Gdf11 deletion alleles recovered in this study, homozygosity for the Gdf11WE allele did not phenocopy Gdf11 knockout skeletal phenotypes. Further investigation using in vivo and in vitro approaches demonstrated that GDF11-WE retains substantial physiological function, indicating that GDF11 can tolerate at least some modifications of its C-terminus and providing unexpected insights into its biochemical activities. Altogether, our study confirms that one-step zygotic injections of CRISPR/Cas gene editing complexes provide a quick and powerful tool to generate gene-modified mouse models. Moreover, our findings underscore the critical importance of thorough characterization and validation of any modified alleles generated by CRISPR, as unintended on-target effects that fail to be detected by simple PCR screening can produce substantially altered phenotypic readouts.
Prey capture analyses in the carnivorous aquatic waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa L., Droseraceae)
Authors: Poppinga Simon , Smaij Jassir , Westermeier Anna Sofia , Horstmann Martin , Kruppert Sebastian , Tollrian Ralph , Speck Thomas
Published: December 2019

We investigated the predator-prey interactions between an Australian ecotype of the carnivorous waterwheel plant (Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Droseraceae) and its potential natural prey, the water flea Daphnia longicephala (Daphniidae), which also occurs in Australia. A. vesiculosa develops snap-traps, which close within ~10–100 ms after mechanical triggering by zooplankton prey. Prey capture attempts (PCAs) were recorded via high-speed cinematography in the laboratory. From 14 recorded PCAs, nine were successful for the plant (the prey was caught), and five were unsuccessful (prey could escape), resulting in a capture rate of ~64%. The prey animals’ locomotion behaviour (antenna beat frequency and movement type) in trap vicinity or inside the open traps is very variable. Traps were mainly triggered with the second antennae. During trap closure, the animals moved only very little actively. A flight response in reaction to an initiated trap closure was not observed. However, several animals could escape, either by having a “lucky” starting position already outside the triggered trap, by freeing themselves after trap closure, or by being pressed out by the closing trap lobes. According to our observations in the successful PCAs, we hypothesize that the convex curvature of the two trap lobes (as seen from the outside) and the infolded trap rims are structural means supporting the capture and retention of prey. Our results are discussed in a broader biological context and promising aspects for future studies are proposed.
Modeling somatic computation with non-neural bioelectric networks
Authors: Manicka Santosh , Levin Michael
Published: December 2019

The field of basal cognition seeks to understand how adaptive, context-specific behavior occurs in non-neural biological systems. Embryogenesis and regeneration require plasticity in many tissue types to achieve structural and functional goals in diverse circumstances. Thus, advances in both evolutionary cell biology and regenerative medicine require an understanding of how non-neural tissues could process information. Neurons evolved from ancient cell types that used bioelectric signaling to perform computation. However, it has not been shown whether or how non-neural bioelectric cell networks can support computation. We generalize connectionist methods to non-neural tissue architectures, showing that a minimal non-neural Bio-Electric Network (BEN) model that utilizes the general principles of bioelectricity (electrodiffusion and gating) can compute. We characterize BEN behaviors ranging from elementary logic gates to pattern detectors, using both fixed and transient inputs to recapitulate various biological scenarios. We characterize the mechanisms of such networks using dynamical-systems and information-theory tools, demonstrating that logic can manifest in bidirectional, continuous, and relatively slow bioelectrical systems, complementing conventional neural-centric architectures. Our results reveal a variety of non-neural decision-making processes as manifestations of general cellular biophysical mechanisms and suggest novel bioengineering approaches to construct functional tissues for regenerative medicine and synthetic biology as well as new machine learning architectures.
Gut Microbiota in Children With Cystic Fibrosis: A Taxonomic and Functional Dysbiosis
Authors: Coffey Michael J. , Nielsen Shaun , Wemheuer Bernd , Kaakoush Nadeem O. , Garg Millie , Needham Bronwen , Pickford Russell , Jaffe Adam , Thomas Torsten , Ooi Chee Y.
Published: December 2019

Intestinal dysbiosis has been observed in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet the functional consequences are poorly understood. We investigated the functional capacity of intestinal microbiota and inflammation in children with CF. Stool samples were collected from 27 children with CF and 27 age and gender matched healthy controls (HC) (aged 0.8–18 years). Microbial communities were investigated by iTag sequencing of 16S rRNA genes and functional profiles predicted using Tax4Fun. Inflammation was measured by faecal calprotectin and M2-pyruvate kinase. Paediatric CF gastrointestinal microbiota demonstrated lower richness and diversity compared to HC. CF samples exhibited a marked taxonomic and inferred functional dysbiosis when compared to HC. In children with CF, we predicted an enrichment of genes involved in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA), antioxidant and nutrient metabolism (relevant for growth and nutrition) in CF. The notion of pro-inflammatory GI microbiota in children with CF is supported by positive correlations between intestinal inflammatory markers and both genera and functional pathways. We also observed an association between intestinal genera and both growth z-scores and FEV1%. These taxonomic and functional changes provide insights into gastrointestinal disease in children with CF and future gastrointestinal therapeutics for CF should explore the aforementioned pathways and microbial changes.
DAXX mutations as potential genomic markers of malignant evolution in small nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Cives Mauro , Partelli Stefano , Palmirotta Raffaele , Lovero Domenica , Mandriani Barbara , Quaresmini Davide , Pelle’ Eleonora , Andreasi Valentina , Castelli Paola , Strosberg Jonathan , Zamboni Giuseppe , Falconi Massimo , Silvestris Franco
Published: December 2019

Management of localized well-differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (panNETs) is controversial and primarily dependent on tumor size. Upfront surgery is usually recommended for tumors larger than 2 cm in diameter since they frequently show metastatic potential, whereas smaller panNETs are generally characterized by an indolent clinical course, with a rate of relapse or metastasis below 15%. To explore whether increased tumor size is paralleled by genomic variations, we compared the rate and the mutational patterns of putative driver genes that are recurrently altered in these tumors by investigating differential cohorts of panNET surgical specimens smaller (n = 27) or larger than 2 cm (n = 29). We found that the cumulative number of mutations detected in panNETs >2 cm was significantly higher (p = 0.03) relative to smaller tumors, while mutations of DAXX were significantly more frequent in the cohort of larger tumors (p = 0.05). Moreover, mutations of DAXX were associated with features of malignancy including increased grade, nodal involvement and lymphovascular invasion, and independently predicted both relapse after surgery (p = 0.05) and reduced DFS in multivariable analysis (p = 0.02). Our data suggest that alterations of the DAXX/ATRX molecular machinery increase the malignant potential of panNETs, and that identification of mutations of DAXX/ATRX in small, nonfunctioning tumors can predict the malignant progression observed in a minority of them.
The inability of a dengue NS1 ELISA to detect Zika infections
Authors: Lima Monique da Rocha Queiroz , Chouin-Carneiro Thais , Azeredo Elzinandes , Barbosa Luciana Santos , Souza Thiara Manuele Alves , Silva Jéssica Badolato Corrêa da , Nunes Priscila Conrado Guerra , Dal Fabbro Márcia , Facco Izilyanne H. Romanholi , Venâncio-da-Cunha Rivaldo , dos Santos Flavia Barreto
Published: December 2019

The presence of dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Brazil, may result in a difficult diagnosis due to the signs and symptoms shared by those. Moreover, as DENV and ZIKV belong to the same family, serological assays may show a high rate of cross-reactivity. Here, we evaluated a Dengue NS1 capture assay for early and differential diagnosis of dengue during the Zika epidemic occurred in Brazil in 2016. Samples (n = 227) from 218 patients included sera, plasma and urine from previously confirmed acute cases of Zika, dengue and Zika/dengue co-infections. Nine of those patients presented two specimens. The Dengue NS1 test was very specific for dengue diagnosis (99.32%), even in the co-circulation with ZIKV, and exhibited a high accuracy in not detecting acute Zika infections (92.43%). Our findings showed that the dengue NS1 capture test analyzed here was not able to recognize the ZIKV NS1 and its potential for cross-reaction.
Population-based volume kinetics of crystalloids and colloids in healthy volunteers
Authors: Yi Jung-Min , Bang Ji-Yeon , Choi Bohyun , Cho Changhun , Lee Yong-Hun , Lee Eun-Kyung , Choi Byung-Moon , Noh Gyu-Jeong
Published: December 2019

We characterized the volume kinetics of crystalloid solutions (Ringer’s lactate solution and 5% dextrose water) and colloid solutions (6% tetrastarch and 10% pentastarch) by nonlinear mixed-effects modeling in healthy volunteers. We also assessed whether the bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters are significant covariates for volume kinetic parameters. Twelve male volunteers were randomly allocated to four groups, and each group received the four fluid solutions in specified sequences, separated by 1-week intervals to avoid any carryover effects. Volunteers received 40 ml/kg Ringer’s lactate solution, 20 ml/kg 5% dextrose water, 1000 ml 6% tetrastarch, and 1000 ml 10% pentastarch over 1 h. Arterial blood samples were collected to measure the hemoglobin concentration at different time points. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS, INBODY S10, InBody CO., LTD, Seoul, Korea) was also carried out at preset time points. In total, 671 hemoglobin-derived plasma dilution data points were used to determine the volume kinetic characteristics of each fluid. The changes in plasma dilution induced by administration of crystalloid and colloid solutions were well-described by the two-volume and one-volume models, respectively. Extracellular water was a significant covariate for the peripheral volume of distribution at baseline in the volume kinetic model of Ringer’s lactate solution. When the same amount was administered, the colloid solutions had ~4 times more plasma expansion effect than did the crystalloid solutions. Starches with larger molecular weights maintained the volume expansion effect longer than those with smaller molecular weights.
Onset of summer monsoon in Northeast India is preceded by enhanced transpiration
Authors: Pradhan Rohit , Singh Nimisha , Singh Raghavendra P.
Published: December 2019

Variations in isotopic composition of water vapor in the atmosphere is an important indicator of the processes within the hydrological cycle. Isotopic signature of water vapor and precipitation can be helpful in partitioning evaporation and transpiration fluxes. It is well known that transpiration from forested regions supplies a significant amount of vapor to the atmosphere in monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Here, we utilize observations from Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES), Atmospheric Infra-Red Sounder (AIRS) and simulation models to ascertain that transpiration is dominant in the forests of Northeast India (NE) during pre-monsoon season. Our results show an increase in δD of 78.0 ± 7.1‰ and in specific humidity of 3.1 ± 0.2 g kg−1 during the pre-monsoon months of April-May compared to January-February. In the monsoon months of July-August, δD reduces by 53.0 ± 6.5‰ albeit the specific humidity increases by 3.4 ± 0.2 g kg−1. Using joint observations of specific humidity and isotope ratio in lower troposphere, we discern the moisture sources over NE India in pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons and posit the role of transpiration in continental recycling during pre-monsoon season.
Notch signaling coordinates ommatidial rotation in the Drosophila eye via transcriptional regulation of the EGF-Receptor ligand Argos
Authors: Koca Yildiz , Housden Benjamin E. , Gault William J. , Bray Sarah J. , Mlodzik Marek
Published: December 2019

In all metazoans, a small number of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways are reiteratively used during development to orchestrate critical patterning and morphogenetic processes. Among these, Notch (N) signaling is essential for most aspects of tissue patterning where it mediates the communication between adjacent cells to control cell fate specification. In Drosophila, Notch signaling is required for several features of eye development, including the R3/R4 cell fate choice and R7 specification. Here we show that hypomorphic alleles of Notch, belonging to the Nfacet class, reveal a novel phenotype: while photoreceptor specification in the mutant ommatidia is largely normal, defects are observed in ommatidial rotation (OR), a planar cell polarity (PCP)-mediated cell motility process. We demonstrate that during OR Notch signaling is specifically required in the R4 photoreceptor to upregulate the transcription of argos (aos), an inhibitory ligand to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), to fine-tune the activity of EGFR signaling. Consistently, the loss-of-function defects of Nfacet alleles and EGFR-signaling pathway mutants are largely indistinguishable. A Notch-regulated aos enhancer confers R4 specific expression arguing that aos is directly regulated by Notch signaling in this context via Su(H)-Mam-dependent transcription.
Highly specific detection of Aβ oligomers in early Alzheimer's disease by a near-infrared fluorescent probe with a “V-shaped” spatial conformation
Authors: Yang Jian , Zeng Fantian , Li Xiaofang , Ran Chongzhao , Xu Yungen , Li Yuyan
Published: December 2019

In this report, we demonstrate a “V-shaped” NIRF probe PTO-29, which can monitor Aβ oligomers with high selectivity.
Titanium-based phenoxy-imine catalyst for selective ethylene trimerization: effect of temperature on the activity, selectivity and properties of polymeric side products
Authors: Cordier Astrid , Breuil Pierre-Alain , Michel Typhène , Magna Lionel , Olivier-Bourbigou Hélène , Raynaud Jean , Boisson Christophe , Monteil Vincent
Published: December 2019

A thermal switch of selectivity for a phenoxy-imine titanium catalyst was studied by combining kinetic studies and a “polymer-to-catalyst” approach.
Impact of glutamate carboxylation in the adsorption of the α-1 domain of osteocalcin to hydroxyapatite and titania
Authors: Alamdari Sarah , Pfaendtner Jim
Published: December 2019

Post-translational glutamate carboxylation in osteocalcin leads to changes in structural and thermodynamic behavior on titania and hydroxyapatite.
A highly sensitive and selective hydroquinone sensor based on a newly designed N-rGO/SrZrO3 composite
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Kumar Praveen , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: December 2019

Herein, we have reported a novel composite of nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) and strontium zirconate (SrZrO3).
Interdependence of charge and secondary structure on cellular uptake of cell penetrating peptide functionalized silica nanoparticles
Authors: Gessner Isabel , Klimpel Annika , Klußmann Merlin , Neundorf Ines , Mathur Sanjay
Published: December 2019

The capability of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to enable translocation of cargos across biological barriers shows promising pharmaceutical potential for the transport of drug molecules, as well as nanomaterials, into cells.
Highly reactive energetic films by pre-stressing nano-aluminum particles
Authors: Bello Michael N. , Williams Alan M. , Levitas Valery I. , Tamura Nobumichi , Unruh Daniel K. , Warzywoda Juliusz , Pantoya Michelle L.
Published: December 2019

Energetic films were synthesized using stress altered nano-aluminum particles (nAl).
A study of the microbial metabolomics analysis of subsurface wastewater infiltration system
Authors: Yang Lei , Li Yinghua , Su Fei , Li Haibo
Published: December 2019

Microbial action in SWIS is one of the main ways to remove contaminants.
Walnut protein isolates attenuate particulate matter-induced lung and cardiac injury in mice and zebra fish
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Mingchuan , Fan Ruiping , Zhou Qianliu , Yang Jinping , Yang Shengjie , Wang Chaojih , Kou Junping
Published: December 2019

This study supports new prospects for WPI development and shows WPIs may be potential candidates for healthy products.
Nanopatterned silk fibroin films with high transparency and high haze for optical applications
Authors: Malinowski Corey , He Fengjie , Zhao Yihong , Chang Ivan , Hatchett David W. , Zhai Shengjie , Zhao Hui
Published: December 2019

Nanopatterned silk fibroin-based optical films exhibit both ultrahigh optical transparency and ultrahigh optical transmission haze.
Novel polymeric acidic ionic liquids as green catalysts for the preparation of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers from the acetalation of methylal with trioxane
Authors: Song Heyuan , Jin Fuxiang , Kang Meirong , Chen Jing
Published: December 2019

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers were successfully synthesized from acetalation under the catalysis of novel polymeric acidic ionic liquids (PAILs). PAILs copolymerized by divinylbenzene with ILs displayed exceptional catalytic efficiencies.
Detection of carboxylesterase by a novel hydrosoluble near-infrared fluorescence probe
Authors: Li Mengyao , Zhai Chen , Wang Shuya , Huang Weixia , Liu Yunguo , Li Zhao
Published: December 2019

A novel hydrosoluble near-infrared fluorescence off–on probe has been developed for detecting carboxylesterase activity.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of nanostructured titanium monoxide films
Authors: Jagminas Arūnas , Ramanavičius Simonas , Jasulaitiene Vitalija , Šimėnas Mantas
Published: December 2019

At the present time, the formation of titanium monoxide (TiOx) two dimensional (2D) species with distinct composition, size, shape, and a significantly reduced bandgap (Eg) value compared to TiO2is of great scientific and practical importance.
Heterovalent Ga3+ doping in solution-processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells for better optoelectronic performance
Authors: Du Yachao , Tian Qingwen , Huang Jin , Zhao Yuechao , Chang Xiaohuan , Zhang Afei , Wu Sixin
Published: December 2019

A sandwich-like configuration was constructed through the introduction of a heterovalent Ga3+ intermediate layer, which facilitates the improvement of the performance of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells.
Highly efficient inverted hole-transport-layer-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhou Zhongmin , Pang Shuping
Published: December 2019

Inverted HTL-free PSCs show high PCE and stability, and will be further improved by component, interface and passivation engineering.
Anchoring MOF-derived CoS2 on sulfurized polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for high areal capacity lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Abdul Razzaq Amir , Yuan Xietao , Chen Yujie , Hu Jiapeng , Mu Qiaoqiao , Ma Yong , Zhao Xiaohui , Miao Lixiao , Ahn Jou-Hyeon , Peng Yang , Deng Zhao
Published: December 2019

The surface decoration of CoS2 on SPAN–CNT nanofibers endows lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with outstanding capacity reversibility and high energy density.
Optimal Contexts for Verb Learning
Authors: Horvath Sabrina , Arunachalam Sudha
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Verb learning is a critical but challenging part of language acquisition. Children with or at increased risk for developmental language disorder may particularly struggle with verb learning, and poor verb representations in turn may negatively impact children's language outcomes. Our goal is to examine literature on children's acquisition of verbs, identifying manipulable factors that may determine the ease or difficulty of acquiring a new verb meaning.

Method

In this narrative, nonsystematic review, we discuss findings about how verbs are learned and represented.

Results

Several aspects of the learning environment affect children's efforts to acquire verbs, including the linguistic context in which the verb is introduced, the timing of the linguistic label relative to the event it describes, the visual and linguistic variability, and the dose frequency.

Conclusions

We conclude that some learning situations are likely to be more helpful for children in the process of verb learning than others. We highlight some of the factors that contribute to good learning situations, and we discuss how these may differ depending on properties of the child and of the verb itself. Finally, we propose hypotheses for future translational and clinical research.
Miniaturised dual‐mode dielectric resonator filter with controllable passband
Authors: Li Hui‐Min , Shao Cheng , Tong Chang‐Wu , Tang Hui , Chen Jian‐Xin
Published: December 2019

A miniaturised dual‐mode filter based on dielectric resonator (DR) with a controllable passband is proposed in this Letter. The filter is a combination of a traditional rectangular DR and a planar metallic loop with the dual‐mode feature. The loop decreases the frequencies of the dominant modes inside the DR, thus the circuit size is greatly reduced compared with the traditional DR devices. By using commonly used tuning disk, the passband of the proposed filter can be altered freely. A demonstration example is designed and fabricated, and the simulated and measured results verify the design method with good agreement.
Identifying hot spots in GSU power transformers using multiple methods
Authors: Souza Melo André de , Venceslau Calil Wilerson , Marques Costa Eduardo Coelho , Bartocci Liboni Luisa H. , Giuseppe Di Santo Silvio
Published: December 2019

A routine using multiple methods is proposed for detecting and locating hot spots in power transformers based on thermographic measurements and advanced computational and analytical techniques. The proposed method identifies oxide and hydrocarbon gases dissolved in the insulation oil of power transformers and use the well‐established key gas method to provide information about the cause of the hot spots, such as partial discharge, electric arc, and overload heating. The method then uses infrared mappings and temperature measurements to find the approximate location of the hot spots and, finally, the finite element method and an analytical formulation are employed to refine the location of the hotspots and the estimation of their temperature. The proposed method was developed during the design and manufacturing of a commercial 120 MVA generator step‐up transformer, produced by a well‐renowned manufacturer. The authors conclude that a method is a resourceful tool for identifying hot spots and could be used by manufacturers to identify and predict design and manufacturing failures.
Shape and electric performance improvement of an insulator string using particles swarm algorithm
Authors: Doufene Dyhia , Bouazabia Slimane , Haddad Abderrahmane
Published: December 2019

In this study, a particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm coupled with finite‐element method (FEM) is implemented to improve the performance of a cap‐and‐pin insulator by reducing the value of maximum electric field strength. Two goals are set in this work: (i) optimisation of the tangential electric field distribution and magnitude (which is taken as the objectif function to be minimised) to reduce the risk of flashover due to surface pollution, and (ii) reduction of the creepage distance (by adopting adequate constraints) leading to a reduction of the surface area and consequently a decrease in the insulator weight. The investigation is divided into two parts; first, one‐unit insulator is optimised with which a chain is constructed, and its performance compared with the reference insulator string. The second part considers a whole chain of four‐unit insulator whose performance is optimised and compared to that of a reference insulator string. The main finding of this work indicates that, if an insulator string is constructed using an optimised cap‐and‐pin unit, the performance of the so‐formed string is also optimised. The optimisation of a complete string leads to practically the same performance as that of a string obtained by assembling optimised insulator units.
A realistic two-dimensional model of Altair
Authors: Bouchaud K. , Domiciano de Souza A. , Rieutord M. , Reese D. R. , Kervella P.
Published: December 2019

Context. Fast rotation is responsible for important changes in the structure and evolution of stars and the way we see them. Optical long baseline interferometry now allows for the study of its effects on the stellar surface, mainly gravity darkening and flattening.

Aims. We aim to determine the fundamental parameters of the fast-rotating star Altair, in particular its evolutionary stage (represented here by the core hydrogen mass fraction Xc), mass, and differential rotation, using state-of-the-art stellar interior and atmosphere models together with interferometric (ESO-VLTI), spectroscopic, and asteroseismic observations.

Methods. We use ESTER two-dimensional stellar models to produce the relevant surface parameters needed to create intensity maps from atmosphere models. Interferometric and spectroscopic observables are computed from these intensity maps and several stellar parameters are then adjusted using the publicly available MCMC algorithm Emcee.

Results. We determined Altair’s equatorial radius to be Req = 2.008 ± 0.006 R⊙, the position angle PA = 301.1 ± 0.3°, the inclination i = 50.7 ± 1.2°, and the equatorial angular velocity Ω = 0.74 ± 0.01 times the Keplerian angular velocity at equator. This angular velocity leads to a flattening of ε = 0.220 ± 0.003. We also deduce from the spectroscopically derived v sin i ≃ 243 km s−1, a true equatorial velocity of ∼314 km s−1 corresponding to a rotation period of 7h46m (∼3 cycles/day). The data also impose a strong correlation between mass, metallicity, hydrogen abundance, and core evolution. Thanks to asteroseismic data, and provided our frequencies identification is correct, we constrain the mass of Altair to 1.86 ± 0.03 M⊙ and further deduce its metallicity Z = 0.019 and its core hydrogen mass fraction Xc = 0.71, assuming an initial solar hydrogen mass fraction X = 0.739. These values suggest that Altair is a young star ∼100 Myr old. Finally, the 2D ESTER model also gives the internal differential rotation of Altair, showing that its core rotates approximately 50% faster than the envelope, while the surface differential rotation does not exceed 6%.
Carleman estimates for time-discrete parabolic equations and applications to controllability
Authors: Boyer Franck , Hernández-Santamaría Víctor
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we prove a Carleman estimate for a time-discrete parabolic operator under some condition relating the large Carleman parameter to the time step of the discretization scheme. This estimate is then used to obtain relaxed observability estimates that yield, by duality, some controllability results for linear and semi-linear time-discrete parabolic equations. We also discuss the application of this Carleman estimate to the controllability of time-discrete coupled parabolic systems.
An extension of a Lyapunov approach to the stabilization of second order coupled systems
Authors: Horsin Thierry , Jendoubi Mohamed Ali
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with the convergence to zero of the energy of the solutions of a second order linear coupled system. It revisits some previous results on the stabilization of such systems by exhibiting Lyapunov functions. The ones used are constructed according to some scalar cases situations. These simpler situations explicitely show that the assumptions made on the operators in the coupled systems seem, first, natural and, second, give insight on their forms.
Bio-Memristor Based on Peptide and Peptide Composite with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Loskutov Alexander
Published: December 2019

The structure, morphology and electrical properties of thin dipeptide hexamethylenediamide bis (N-monosuccinylglutamlysin) (DPT) layers and a DPT composite with gold nanoparticles deposited on gold and HOPG substrates were studied by probe microscopy and spectroscopy. The chemical formula of DPT is: {HOOC–(CH2)2–CO-L-Glu-L-Lys-NH–(CH2)3}2, and it is a mimetic of nerve growth factor. The results demonstrate that the structure and morphology of DPT thin layers depend significantly on the molecule charge (neutral or anion) and the nature of the substrate–layer interface. It was possible to control the structure and properties of the formed solid layers by changing pH of aqua solution (the charge of the DPT molecule). Bipolar resistive switching was observed in thin DPT layers on graphite and gold surfaces. The crystallization of anions on the surface of gold led to the formation of a ferroelectric unlike graphite. A strong dependence of the morphology of DPT composite layers on the nature of the substrate and the state of its surface is revealed. It indicates the important role of interfacial interactions in the crystallization processes of the DPT layers. The electrical properties of layers also depend on the interaction of DPT with the substrate. An increase in the thickness of the layers significantly affects the morphology and value of the tunneling current. Similar to crystallization of DPT salt on a gold surface, crystallization of DPT composite with gold nanoparticles also leads to the formation of a ferroelectric. The differences found in the structure of DPT composite layers on graphite and gold surfaces can be explained by assuming that the structure of the second and all subsequent layers is completely determined by the structure of the first adsorption layer in DPT-substrate interface. So this layer serves as a template for the growth of all other layers. The results can find practical application in 3D printing technologies. The presence of negative differential conductivity on local tunnel current–voltage characteristics of peptide composites is of great practical importance when used as active elements for amplifying current and power, memory cells in organic electronics. Investigated DPT has rather good memristive characteristics, including good endurance, satisfying ON/OFF current ratio, long retention time and reproducible write-once read-many times (WORM) memory behavior. All this allows us to consider the DPT to be a perspective material of memristor organic electronics. Since it is also a drug, the polymorphism and its dependence on pH can also find application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Ensemble of DNA Kinks
Authors: Yakushevich Ludmila V. , Krasnobaeva Larisa A.
Published: December 2019

The DNA open states, which are locally unwound regions of the double helix within which hydrogen bonds between complementary nitrous bases are broken, are often modeled as quasiparticles – DNA kinks. Most of the works on the DNA kinks are devoted to the studies of their dynamic properties, as well as their role in the functioning of the molecule. However, if not one but N open states are formed in the DNA molecule it is reasonable to consider the problem of the statistics of the ensemble of N DNA kinks. The statistical properties of such an ensemble are still poorly understood. In the present work, we study these properties applying new data on the dynamic characteristics of DNA kinks.
Modified Depth-Map Inpainting Method Using the Neural Network
Authors: Gapon Nikolay , Sizyakin Roman , Zhdanova Marina , Balabaeva Oksana , Cen Yigang
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a method for reconstructing a depth map obtained using a stereo pair image. The proposed approach is based on a geometric model for the synthesis of patches. The entire image is preliminarily divided into blocks of different size, where large blocks are used to restore homogeneous areas, and small blocks are used to restore details of the image structure. Lost pixels are recovered by copying the pixel values from the source based on the similarity criterion. We used a trained neural network to select the “best like” patch. Experimental results show that the proposed method gives better results than other modern methods, both in subjective and objective measurements for reconstructing a depth map.
Modified Local and Global Contrast Enhancement Algorithm for Color Satellite Image
Authors: Voronin Viacheslav
Published: December 2019

The quality of remotely sensed satellite images depends on the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the earth’s surface features. Lack of consistent and similar amounts of energy reflected by different features from the earth’s surface results in a poor contrast satellite image. Image enhancement is the image processing of improving the quality that the results are more suitable for display or further image analysis. In this paper, we present a detailed model for color image enhancement using the quaternion framework. We introduce a novel quaternionic frequency enhancement algorithm that can combine the color channels and the local and global image processing. The basic idea is to apply the α-rooting image enhancement approach for different image blocks. For this purpose, we split image in moving windows on disjoint blocks. The parameter alfa for every block and the weights for every local and global enhanced image driven through optimization of measure of enhancement (EMEC). Some presented experimental results illustrate the performance of the proposed approach on color satellite images in comparison with the state-of-the-art methods.
Onlinemonitoring der Vitalparameter bei Personen im Einsatz in extremen Umwelten
Authors: Werner Andreas
Published: December 2019

Telemedizin (eHealth) ist aus der heutigen Welt nicht mehr wegzudenken. In manchen Bereichen geht es ohne diese Übertragung gar nicht – im Weltraum. Die modernsten und neuesten Informations- und Kommunikationssysteme werden im Gesundheitssystem eingesetzt; in Kliniken schon lange zum Monitoring von Patienten verwendet. Beim US-amerikanischen „soldier of the future“ soll ein Onlinemonitoring die Performancedaten während eines Einsatzes übertragen. Zukünftig sollen nicht nur Vitalparameter erfasst werden, sondern der kognitive, metabolische und „Combat-ready-Status“ zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Diese könnten operationell als situative Erkenntnisse für den Kommandeur oder für den Mediziner im Fall eines Patientenmonitorings zugänglich gemacht werden. Insgesamt ist überall die Absicht zu erkennen, dass es zukünftig möglich sein soll, ein Individuum über eine digitale, gesundheitsförderliche Plattform zu monitoren, um seine Gesundheit und Leistungsfähigkeit zu erhalten oder zu erhöhen.
Impact of Viral Etiologies on the Development of Novel Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lim Chun Jye , Chew Valerie
Published: December 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the most common type of liver cancer which is derived mostly from the background of chronic inflammation. Chronic hepatitis viral infection remains one of the most common etiologies implicated in chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and HCC. With such background inflammation, immunotherapy—particularly the checkpoint inhibitors—have been tested in HCC patients with unprecedented success. However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the response rate to immunotherapy remains modest in most clinical trials (approximately 20%), with mixed reports on response rates in hepatitis viral-related HCC as compared with nonviral HCC. Given such complexity in response to immunotherapy, it is increasingly appreciated that deeper understanding of the tumor molecular features and tumor microenvironment of hepatitis viral-related HCC is crucial for the design of more effective immunotherapeutics. We discuss herein the current knowledge in tumor genomic mutational and immune landscapes as well as the ongoing immunotherapy trials in HCC with the unique focus on their viral etiologies. Based on this understanding, we also outline perspectives and rationale on the design of potential immunotherapeutic strategies in HCC patients according to their viral etiologies.
Free Tissue Transfer Optimizes Stump Length and Functionality Following High-Energy Trauma
Authors: Piper Merisa L. , Amara Dominic , Zafar Sarosh N. , Lee Charles , Sbitany Hani , Hansen Scott L.
Published: December 2019

Background Advances in medicine and surgery have allowed patients, who in the past would have required more aggressive amputations, to maintain longer stump lengths. Microvascular free tissue transfer has become increasingly popular to preserve limb length and optimize functionality. We present our experience using microvascular free flap reconstruction to preserve lower extremity limb length in the setting of high-energy trauma.

Methods We conducted an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective review of patients at three San Francisco hospitals who underwent free flap reconstruction after high-energy trauma between 2003 and 2015. We included all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for lower extremity limb length preservation. We reviewed patient demographics, preoperative variables, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes, including complications, functional status, reoperation rates, and need for revision amputation.

Results Twelve patients underwent microvascular free tissue transfer for limb length preservation. Overall, the patients had similar preoperative comorbidities and a mean age of 44. Six patients had postoperative complications: three minor complications and three major complications. Seven patients had additional surgeries to improve the contour of the flap. One patient required revision amputation, while the remaining 11 patients preserved their original limb length. The majority of patients were fully ambulatory, and four used a prosthesis.

Conclusion Microvascular free tissue transfer can be used to effectively maintain lower extremity stump length following trauma. Although these patients often require multiple surgeries and face lengthy hospital courses, this technique enables preservation of a functional extremity that would otherwise require a more proximal amputation.
Thickness measurement of multilayer film stack in perovskite solar cell using spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Hasan Mehedhi , Lyon Kevin , Trombley Lauren , Smith Casey , Zakhidov Alex
Published: December 2019

The rapid surge in perovskite solar cell efficiency has necessitated the development of viable metrology techniques during device integration, paving the way for commercialization. Ellipsometry is considered the most appropriate technique for fast and accurate thickness measurement for large scale production. However, a precise and well-calibrated model is a prerequisite for this technique. While ellipsometry of individual device layers has been reported in recent perovskite literature, a comprehensive multilayer modeling approach is thus far unavailable. Perovskite optoelectronic devices generally consist of a six-layer film stack with three transparent layers required for optical absorption in the perovskite layer. Spin casted thin films, now common in this line of research, impart their own difficulties into ellipsometric modeling. Roughnesses at each heterointerface, similarities in optical spectra of transparent layers, and anomalous dispersion of perovskite are just a few of such challenges. In this work, we report the process of building an ellipsometry model from scratch for thickness measurement of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) perovskite and indium tin oxide (ITO)/hole transport layer (HTL) bilayer thin film stacks on a glass substrate. Three promising representatives of HTLs (CuI, Cu2O, and PEDOT:PSS) were studied. The models were extended to measure the individual layer thicknesses of the MAPI/HTL/ITO film stack on a glass substrate using the models developed for individual layers. Optical constants of all the representative thin films were thus extracted for a wide wavelength range (300 nm–900 nm).
The Beginnings of Word Order Change in the Arabic Dialects of Southern Iran in Contact with Persian: A Preliminary Study of Data from Four Villages in Bushehr and Hormozgan
Authors: El Zarka Dina , Ziagos Sandra
Published: December 2019

This preliminary study explores the hypothesis that Arabic dialects spoken on the Iranian side of the Persian Gulf exhibit the beginnings of contact-induced shift in word order from VO to OV. Although the basic VO order is still stable, there is some variation even in this very limited data set. Specifically two phenomena point to a change in progress: clause-final copulae and auxiliaries that are placed after the lexical verb, lending further evidence to the observation that a clause-final copula is an areal feature of western Asia. The study also investigates semantic and pragmatic factors that influence word order choice, pointing to a strong effect of information structure in terms of narrow focus and theme-rheme partition. Furthermore, the study also reveals an effect of semantic role, specifically as far as the preferred placement of goals and recipients in post-verbal position is concerned.
miR-455-3p enhances chondrocytes apoptosis and inflammation by targeting COL2A1 in the in vitro osteoarthritis model
Authors: Cheng Fang , Hu Haiyan , Sun Kefu , Yan Fengfeng , Geng Yuqiang
Published: December 2019

Emerging evidence has shown that microRNAs are important regulators in osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we investigated the function role of miR-455-3p in the pathogenesis of OA and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We first established the in vitro OA model using IL-1β treated human chondrocyte cell line CHON-001. Using quantitative real time PCR, we observed the expression of miR-455-3p expression was up-regulated in the OA cartilage tissues and IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. A series of function assays, including CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and ELISA assay showed that miR-455-3p contributed to IL-1β-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Moreover, COL2A1 was confirmed as a target of miR-455-3p by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, COL2A1 knockdown reversed the effects of miR-455-3p inhibition, and aggravated the effects of miR-455-3p overexpression on IL-1β-induced OA-like phenomenon. Taken together, these results revealed that miR-455-3p/COL2A1 axis might provide a novel molecular target for the treatment of OA.