bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation and composition of the UTLS aerosol
Authors: Martinsson Bengt G. , Friberg Johan , Sandvik Oscar S. , Hermann Markus , van Velthoven Peter F. J. , Zahn Andreas
Published: November 2019

Stratospheric aerosol has long been seen as a pure mixture of sulfuric acid and water. Recent measurements, however, found a considerable carbonaceous fraction extending at least 8 km into the stratosphere. This fraction affects the aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the radiative properties, and hence the radiative forcing and climate impact of the stratospheric aerosol. Here we present an investigation based on a decade (2005–2014) of airborne aerosol sampling at 9–12 km altitude in the tropics and the northern hemisphere (NH) aboard the IAGOS-CARIBIC passenger aircraft. We find that the chemical composition of tropospheric aerosol in the tropics differs markedly from that at NH midlatitudes, and, that the carbonaceous stratospheric aerosol is oxygen-poor compared to the tropospheric aerosol. Furthermore, the carbonaceous and sulfurous components of the aerosol in the lowermost stratosphere (LMS) show strong increases in concentration connected with springtime subsidence from overlying stratospheric layers. The LMS concentrations significantly exceed those in the troposphere, thus clearly indicating a stratospheric production of not only the well-established sulfurous aerosol, but also a considerable but less understood carbonaceous component.
Fluorometric detection of pH and quercetin based on nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped highly luminescent graphene-analogous flakes
Authors: Gao Buhong , Sun Yu , Miao Yingchun , Xu Li , Wang Zhongxia
Published: November 2019

Highly luminescent nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped graphene-analogous flakes were synthesized by one-pot hydrothermal reaction for pH and quercetin detection.
Luminescent silver nanoclusters for probing immunoglobulins and serum albumins in protein mixtures
Authors: Sych Tomash S. , Polyanichko Alexander M. , Plotnikova Ludmila V. , Kononov Alexei I.
Published: November 2019

The application of the AgNCs as a luminescent probe allows quantitative determination of the [Ig]/[HSA] ratio in the mixtures.
Scleral ossicles: angiogenic scaffolds, a novel biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Checchi Marta , Bertacchini Jessika , Cavani Francesco , Magarò Maria Sara , Reggiani Bonetti Luca , Pugliese Geltrude Rita , Tamma Roberto , Ribatti Domenico , Maurel Delphine B. , Palumbo Carla
Published: November 2019

We tested a peculiar biomaterial, the scleral ossicle, for the induction of the angiogenic response, in vivo biocompatibility by subcutaneous implantation in the rat model and finally, we found some putative proteins involved in its angiogenic properties.
Robust alginate/hyaluronic acid thiol–yne click-hydrogel scaffolds with superior mechanical performance and stability for load-bearing soft tissue engineering
Authors: Pérez-Madrigal Maria M. , Shaw Joshua E. , Arno Maria C. , Hoyland Judith A. , Richardson Stephen M. , Dove Andrew P.
Published: November 2019

Combining two biopolymers with the efficiency and rapid nature of the thiol–yne click reaction yields biocompatible matrices with superior properties.
Stable cycling of Na metal anodes in a carbonate electrolyte
Authors: Wang Shiyang , Cai Wenbin , Sun Zhihao , Huang Fanyang , Jie Yulin , Liu Yang , Chen Yawei , Peng Bo , Cao Ruiguo , Zhang Genqiang , Jiao Shuhong
Published: November 2019

NaAsF6 enables stable cycling of Na metal anodes in a carbonate electrolyte with a high coulombic efficiency of 97% for 400 cycles.
Generalised dissipative particle dynamics with energy conservation: density- and temperature-dependent potentials
Authors: Avalos Josep Bonet , Lísal Martin , Larentzos James P. , Mackie Allan D. , Brennan John K.
Published: November 2019

Energy-conserving dissipative particle dynamics method appropriate for particle interaction force fields that are both density- and temperature-dependent.
A microfluidic alternating-pull–push active digitization method for sample-loss-free digital PCR
Authors: Zhou Xin , Ravichandran Gopi Chandran , Zhang Peng , Yang Yang , Zeng Yong
Published: November 2019

A robust microfluidic alternating-pull–push active digitization method based on pneumatic valve actuation enables reproducible and highly efficient digitization of small-volume samples for dPCR.
Molybdenum carbide nanostructures for electrocatalytic polysulfide conversion in lithium–polysulfide batteries
Authors: Wu Yunling , Deng Jun , Zhou Yuan , Huang Yang , Li Yanguang
Published: November 2019

Introduction of appropriate cathode electrocatalysts in lithium–sulfur or lithium–polysulfide batteries can accelerate the polysulfide interconversion and suppress the shuttle effect.
Synthesis, characterization and photodynamic activity of Sn(iv) triarylcorroles with red-shifted Q bands
Authors: Babu Balaji , Prinsloo Earl , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: November 2019

A tin(iv)corrole with meso-thien-2-yl rings has significantly red-shifted Q bands and is found to have favourable photodynamic therapy activity.
High energy density and high working voltage of a quasi-solid-state supercapacitor with a redox-active ionic liquid added gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Geng Cheng-Long , Fan Le-Qing , Wang Chun-Yan , Wang Yong-Lan , Sun Si-Jia , Song Ze-Yu , Liu Na , Wu Ji-Huai
Published: November 2019

A redox-active gel polymer electrolyte with a high working voltage was synthesized and used for assembling a quasi-solid-state supercapacitor possessing high energy density.
Flexible and fully implantable upconversion device for wireless optogenetic stimulation of the spinal cord in behaving animals
Authors: Wang Ying , Xie Kai , Yue Haibing , Chen Xian , Luo Xuan , Liao Qinghai , Liu Ming , Wang Feng , Shi Peng
Published: November 2019

A flexible, implantable upconversion device is reported as an all-optical solution for wireless optogenetic stimulation of spinal cord tissue in freely moving rodents, adding to the current toolsets of wireless optogenetics giving possibilities for remote neural modulation.
Synthesis of PMMA-based block copolymers by consecutive irreversible and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerizations
Authors: Bergerbit Cédric , Farías-Mancilla Bárbara , Seiler Lucie , Monteil Vincent , Harrisson Simon , D'Agosto Franck , Destarac Mathias
Published: November 2019

Xanthate and dithiocarbamate functionalized PMMAs obtained by free radical polymerization in the presence of xanthogen and dithiuram disulfide were used for chain extension with less activated monomers such as vinyl acetate and ethylene.
Photo-patternable, stretchable and electrically conductive graft copolymers of poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Authors: Wang Min , Kee Seyoung , Baek Paul , Ting Matthew S. , Zujovic Zoran , Barker David , Travas-Sejdic Jadranka
Published: November 2019

A multifunctional conjugated polymer (CP) of poly(3-hexylthiophene) grafted with photo-patternable and stretchable side chains is reported.
Synthesis of novel bimetallic nickel cobalt telluride nanotubes on nickel foam for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Yang Dongzhi , Zhang Ming , Liu Yaxin , Xu Ting , Yang Jing , Yu Zhong-Zhen
Published: November 2019

Novel bimetallic nickel cobalt telluride nanotubes are grown on nickel foam by solvothermal synthesis and ion-exchange reaction for constructing self-standing hybrid supercapacitor electrodes with high specific capacity and electrical conductivity.
Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides under ultraviolet irradiation: direct access to sulfonated cyclic compounds
Authors: Ye Shengqing , Zhou Kaida , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Wu Jie
Published: November 2019

Metal-free insertion of sulfur dioxide with aryl iodides and silyl enolates or allylic bromide under ultraviolet irradiation at room temperature is accomplished. This protocol provides a convenient route to sulfonated cyclic compounds under mild conditions.
Thermoelectric properties of heavy fermion CeRhIn5 using density functional theory combined with semiclassical Boltzmann theory
Authors: Yazdani-Kachoei M. , Jalali-Asadabadi S.
Published: November 2019

Consistent with experimental data, theoretical thermoelectric results calculated by our developed strategy show that CeRhIn5 is a good candidate for thermoelectric cooling applications due to its high thermoelectric efficiency at low temperatures.
Spatially confined electrochemical conversion of metal–organic frameworks into metal-sulfides and theirin situelectrocatalytic investigationviascanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Liberman Itamar , He Wenhui , Shimoni Ran , Ifraemov Raya , Hod Idan
Published: November 2019

Synthesis andin situelectrocatalytic screening of metal–organic framework (MOF)-converted catalysts using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).
Enantioselective synthesis of P-chiral tertiary phosphine oxides with an ethynyl group via Cu(i)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Zhu Ren-Yi , Chen Long , Hu Xiao-Si , Zhou Feng , Zhou Jian
Published: November 2019

Highly enantioselective CuAAC reactions for the synthesis of versatile P-chiral phosphorus synthons featuring a versatile ethynyl group were developed.
In situ reactive self-assembly of a graphene oxide nano-coating in polymer foam materials with synergistic fire shielding properties
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Cheng-Fei , Li Shi-Neng , Huang Neng-Jian , Mao Min , Zhang Jian-Wang , Wang Peng-Huan , Guo Kun-Yu , Gong Li-Xiu , Zhang Guo-Dong , Zhao Li , Guan Li-Zhi , Wan Yan-Jun , Tang Long-Cheng , Mai Yiu-Wing
Published: November 2019

We report a facile and green in situ reactive self-assembly strategy to achieve a compact and ultrathin GO nano-coating bonded onto silicone rubber foam surface, producing excellent high-temperature resilience and synergistic fire resistance.
Dual luminescent covalent organic frameworks for nitro-explosive detection
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Aziz Saba , Jing Xiaofei , Ma Tingting , Du Junyi , Sun Fuxing , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan
Published: November 2019

The assembly of two electron-rich fluorescent monomers produces a new dual luminescent covalent organic framework (DL-COF), which exhibits nitro explosives detecting ability with high sensitivity (Ksv∼ 106M−1,Kq∼ 1015M−1s−1) and high selectivity (at ppb level).
Are type 316L stainless steel coin cells stable in nonaqueous carbonate solutions containing NaPF6 or KPF6 salt?
Authors: Kim Hee Jae , Yashiro Hitoshi , Kim Hyungsub , Lee Seoungsu , Myung Seung-Taek
Published: November 2019

Type 316L SS is stable in NaPF6 electrolytes, while Fe2+ is dissolved from the type 316L SS in KPF6 electrolytes.
Biomimetic design of elastomeric vitrimers with unparalleled mechanical properties, improved creep resistance and retained malleability by metal–ligand coordination
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Tang Zhenghai , Wang Dong , Wu Siwu , Guo Baochun
Published: November 2019

Elastomeric vitrimers with an integration of unparalleled mechanical properties, improved creep resistance and retained malleability by engineering dynamic and sacrificial Zn2+−imidazole complex into the network.
Self-assembled nanofibers of perylene diimide for the detection of hypochlorite in water, bio-fluids and solid-state: exogenous and endogenous bioimaging of hypochlorite in cells
Authors: Kumar Kapil , Kaur Sandeep , Kaur Satwinderjeet , Bhargava Gaurav , Kumar Subodh , Singh Prabhpreet
Published: November 2019

PDI–DAMN shows the disintegration of nanofibers into flake-like aggregates with ‘turn-on’ fluorescence response on the addition of ClO− in solid-state, bio-fluids and MG-63 cells.
Photo-controlled reversible secondary self-assembly of supramolecular nanosheets and their drug delivery behavior
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhang Chun-Hua
Published: November 2019

Construction of a photo-controlled reversible secondary self-assembly of supramolecular nanosheets and their drug delivery behavior.
Embedded optical nanosensors for monitoring the processing and performance of polymer matrix composites
Authors: Lioi David B. , Varshney Vikas , Izor Sarah , Neher Gregory , Kennedy W. Joshua
Published: November 2019

We provide a broad review of optically responsive materials with potential forin situmonitoring of material state properties in structural polymer-based materials with nanoscale spatial resolution.
Acquired Apraxia of Speech: Comparison of Electropalatography Treatment and Sound Production Treatment
Authors: Mauszycki Shannon C. , Wambaugh Julie L.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

This investigation compared 2 treatment approaches for acquired apraxia of speech. The effects of a treatment that uses an articulatory–kinematic approach in conjunction with visual biofeedback (VBFB) via electropalatography (EPG) were compared to Sound Production Treatment (SPT), an established behavioral treatment that is also an articulatory–kinematic approach.

Method

A multiple baseline design across behaviors and participants was used with 2 participants with chronic apraxia of speech and aphasia. Accuracy of target speech sounds in treated and untreated words or phrases in probe sessions served as the dependent variable. The effects of 2 treatments based on an articulatory–kinematic approach were compared: (a) VBFB via EPG and (b) SPT. The order of treatments was counterbalanced across participants.

Results

Positive changes in articulatory accuracy were observed for SPT and VBFB treatment via EPG. Generalization to untreated stimulus items composed of treated speech sounds was also positive for both treatments. However, participants achieved greater articulatory accuracy with SPT during treatment and better long-term maintenance.

Discussion

Both treatment approaches resulted in improved speech production accuracy, but gains were greater for SPT. However, further research with additional participants is needed due to the small sample size included in this investigation.
The ionosphere prediction service prototype for GNSS users
Authors: Vadakke Veettil Sreeja , Cesaroni Claudio , Aquino Marcio , De Franceschi Giorgiana , Berrili Francesco , Rodriguez Filippo , Spogli Luca , Del Moro Dario , Cristaldi Alice , Romano Vincenzo , Ronchini Roberto , Di Rollo Stefano , Guyader Eric , Aragon-Angel Angela
Published: November 2019

The effect of the Earth’s ionosphere represents the single largest contribution to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) error budget and abnormal ionospheric conditions can impose serious degradation on GNSS system functionality, including integrity, accuracy and availability. With the growing reliance on GNSS for many modern life applications, actionable ionospheric forecasts can contribute to the understanding and mitigation of the impact of the ionosphere on our technology based society. In this context, the Ionosphere Prediction Service (IPS) project was set up to design and develop a prototype platform to translate the forecast of the ionospheric effects into a service customized for specific GNSS user communities. To achieve this overarching aim, four different product groups dealing with solar activity, ionospheric activity, GNSS receiver performance and service performance have been developed and integrated into a service chain, which is made available through a web based platform. This paper provides an overview of the IPS project describing its overall architecture, products and web based platform.
Accuracy of Bone Resection in MAKO Total Knee Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Authors: Sires James D. , Craik Johnathan D. , Wilson Christopher J.
Published: November 2019

Accurate component positioning and planning is vital to prevent malalignment of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) as malalignment is associated with an increased rate of polyethylene wear and revision arthroplasty. The MAKO total knee robotic arm-assisted surgery (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) uses a preoperative computed tomography scan of the patient's knee and three-dimensional planning to size and orientate implants prior to bone resection. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of the MAKO Total Knee system in achieving the preoperative plan for bone resection and final limb coronal alignment. A series of 45 consecutive cases was performed using the MAKO Total Knee system and Triathlon Total Knee implant (Stryker) between April 2018 and May 2019. The difference between what was planned and what was achieved for bone resection and coronal limb alignment was calculated. A total of 37 patients had their data captured using the MAKO system software. Mean difference from the plan for distal femoral cuts was 0.38mm (0.32) deep/proud, anterior femoral cuts 0.44mm (0.27) deep/proud and tibial cuts 0.37mm (0.30) deep/proud. In total, 99 out of 105 (94.29%) of bone resections were within 1mm of the plan. Mean absolute difference in final limb coronal alignment was 0.78° (0.78), with 78.13% being ≤1.00° of the plan, and 100% being ≤3.00° of the plan. The accuracy in achieving preoperatively planned bone resection and final limb coronal alignment using the MAKO Total Knee system is high. Future research is planned to look at whether this is associated with decreased rates of polyethylene wear and revision arthroplasty.
Turner Syndrome with Isochromosome Xq
Authors: Güzel Erdal Gülbahar , Balkan Mahmut
Published: November 2019

Short stature and growth retardation in girls commonly occur in patients with Turner syndrome. We present a 19-year-old-girl with primary amenorrhea and growth retardation, who has a mosaic karyotype, 46X,i(Xq)[17]/45,X[8]. Classic Turner syndrome has a more severe phenotype than variant causes of Turner syndrome. We present a patient with 46,X,i(Xq) karyotype and compare the clinical and laboratory findings with the classic description of Turner syndrome. Our patient has normal social and psychomotor skills unlike previously reported cases in the literature. This case expands the phenotype–genotype description of Turner syndrome, which makes it an important contribution to the literature.
Non-uniform stresses in thin high temperature superconducting films under electromagnetic force: General models of curvature-stress relations and experimental results
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhang Xingyi , Zhou Youhe
Published: November 2019

Strong flux pinning in high temperature superconducting (HTS) film has significantly boosted its capability of carrying high currents; however, it, in turn, induces huge electromagnetic force in the HTS film, and hence film stress evaluation under electromagnetic force is indispensable for assessing their reliability. In this work, first, an analytical model is presented for evaluating the electromagnetic-force-induced stresses in the thin HTS film that is placed in a vertical magnetic field. In this model, we relate curvatures to film stresses through electromagnetic body force, whose mechanism is very different from common film stress sources like misfit strain or thermo mismatch. The new model shows that the film stresses depend not only on the “local” curvatures at a same point of the substrate but also on the “nonlocal” curvatures of other points. Next, a coherent gradient sensor system for cryogenic measurement is implemented to monitor the stress states of the HTS film during the processes of magnetization and demagnetization. Finally, full fields of hoop stress, radial stress of the YBa2Cu3O7 − x film, and shear stress at interface between the film and the (00l) SrTiO3 substrate subjected to various magnetic fields are obtained, and all the stresses manifest irreversible behavior, which are first experimentally found in the thin HTS film-substrate system.
Engineering first-order quantum phase transitions for weak signal detection
Authors: Yang Li-Ping , Jacob Zubin
Published: November 2019

The quantum critical detector (QCD), recently introduced for weak signal amplification [L.-P. Yang and Z. Jacob, Opt. Express 27, 10482 (2019)], functions by exploiting high sensitivity near the phase transition point of first-order quantum phase transitions (QPTs). We contrast the behavior of the first-order and the second-order quantum phase transitions in the detector. We find that the giant sensitivity, which can be utilized for quantum amplification, only exists in the first-order QPTs. We define two new magnetic order parameters to quantitatively characterize the first-order QPT of the interacting spins in the detector. We also introduce the Husimi Q-functions as a powerful tool to show the fundamental change in the ground-state wave function of the detector during the QPTs, especially the intrinsic dynamical change within the detector during a quantum critical amplification. We explicitly show the high figures of merit of the QCD via the quantum gain and the signal-to-quantum noise ratio. Specifically, we predict the existence of a universal first-order QPT in the interacting-spin system resulting from two competing ferromagnetic orders. Our results motivate new designs of weak signal detectors by engineering first-order QPTs, which are of fundamental significance in the search for new particles, quantum metrology, and information science.
Ohmic contact to AlN:Si using graded AlGaN contact layer
Authors: Hiroki M. , Kumakura K.
Published: November 2019

We formed a graded-AlGaN contact layer to improve the Ohmic characteristics of Si-doped AlN. Linear I-V characteristics were obtained for AlN with the graded-AlGaN layer, and the current was three orders of magnitude larger than that for AlN without the one. The specific contact resistivity decreased with the increasing thickness of the graded-AlGaN layer. This was probably due to a reduction in the three-dimensional negative charge density induced by the polarization charge in the graded AlGaN layer. A minimum contact resistivity of 1.4 ×10−2 Ω cm2 was obtained for a 330-nm-thick graded-AlGaN layer. To obtain the Ohmic contact, the Si-dopant concentration (NSi) should be larger than the negative fixed charge density (ρπ) induced by the polarization charge. However, the heavily doped graded-AlGaN layer (NSi=2.4×1019 cm−3) became semi-insulating due to self-compensation. The results indicated that reducing ρπ by relaxing the compositional slope in the graded layer can improve the Ohmic characteristics.
Guardianship in hospitals: a collaborative pilot project
Authors: Hoffman Rob , Costar Sally , Kostopoulos Tass , Little Justine , Livingstone Aaron , McAlinden Fiona , Newland Paul , Re Jacinta , Watterson Dina , Haines Terry P.
Published: November 2019

Objectives
This paper describes the development, implementation and preliminary results of a collaborative pilot project aimed at reducing the time hospital-based patients with cognitive impairments spend waiting for the allocation of legally appointed Advocate Guardian decision makers from the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of increased availability of public advocate guardians on guardian allocation waits, patient discharge outcomes and healthcare system demand.

Methods
A multi-institutional pilot program created a dedicated hospital guardian team within OPA, funded by the health networks, to reduce the time to guardian allocation for patients within each network. A multisite, quasi-experimental historical control group design was used, with initial data collection over 12 months, followed by study of 12-month post-implementation cohorts.

Results
Under the pilot program, the time from guardianship order lodgement to guardian allocation decreased significantly from 46.5 to 22.9 days, halving the average time hospital-based patients spend waiting for a guardian (difference –23.55 days, two-sample t(154) = –6.575, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval [–30.65, –16.48].). Mean total length of stay decreased from 163.2 to 148.5 days. The estimated value of the reduction in allocation wait time was A$15473 per patient, or A$5 of resources released per A$1 spent on increased staffing.

Conclusions
Direction of a small amount of resources from health services to staff within OPA appears to have created much greater savings for the health services involved. The pilot program has reduced the period of time vulnerable patients spend waiting in hospital for a guardian.

What is known about the topic?
Guardianship resources are under increasing stress, with demand outstripping funding and hospital-based applicants deprioritised due to assumptions of lower risk, leading to extensive wait times for guardian allocation.

What does this paper add?
The paper quantifies the impact of greater guardianship resourcing on access to both guardianship and healthcare resources, highlighting benefits for vulnerable patient groups, healthcare system sustainability and access to both guardianship and healthcare resources for the broader community.

What are the implications for clinicians?
Improving patient flow through healthcare systems may involve allocating resources to services that are managed outside the healthcare system where ‘bottlenecks’, such as wait times for guardian allocation, have been identified.
A revision of Australian species of Radula subg. Odontoradula
Authors: Renner Matt A. M. , Devos Nicolas , Brown Elizabeth A. , von Konrat Matt J.
Published: November 2019

The current paper presents molecular data from three chloroplast markers (atpB–rbcL spacer, trnG G2 intron, trnL–trnF intron and spacer); morphological data, and geographic data to support the recognition of nine species belonging to Radula subg. Odontoradula in Australasia. R. ocellata, the subgeneric type from the Wet Tropics bioregion, is maintained as distinct from its sister species, R. pulchella, from south-eastern Australian rainforests; both species are Australian endemics. Reinstatement of R. allisonii from synonymy, under R. retroflexa, is supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the absence of triradiate trigones on leaf-lobe cell walls, the apex of lobules on primary shoots not being turned outwards, the oblong-elliptic female bracts, and the perianths having a pronounced wing. Reinstatement of R. weymouthiana, from synonymy under R. retroflexa, is also supported by molecular data and morphological characters, including the presence of a single low dome-shaped papilla over each leaf-lobe cell, and the large imbricate lobules on primary shoots. R. weymouthiana occurs in Tasmania and New Zealand, whereas R. allisonii is a New Zealand endemic. Australian R. retroflexa exhibits differentiation into epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, interpreted as ecotypes. Australian individuals, comprising both epiphytic and rheophytic morphs, are monophyletic and nested within a clade containing individuals from other regions. R. novae-hollandiae is newly reported for the New Zealand Botanical Region, from Raoul Island in the Kermadecs. R. novae-hollandiae exhibits decoupling of morphological and molecular divergence, with Australian individuals forming two clades reflecting geography (a Wet Tropics bioregion clade and a south-eastern Rainforest clade). These clades exhibit equivalent levels of molecular divergence, as observed in R. pulchella and R. ocellata, but no morphological differences. Similar levels of molecular divergence were observed in trans-Tasman populations of R. tasmanica. The New Zealand endemic, R. plicata, is excluded from the Australian flora, and R. cuspidata replaces R. dentifolia for the New Zealand endemic species formerly known by both names.
The trichotomosulcate asparagoids: pollen morphology of Hemerocallidaceae in relation to systematics and pollination biology
Authors: Furness Carol A. , Conran John G. , Gregory Thomas , Rudall Paula J.
Published: November 2019

We examined pollen of 19 genera of Hemerocallidaceae by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and one genus (Dianella) by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Pollen was generally small in size, with a rounded triangular outline when hydrated, and a characteristic three-armed aperture, a distal trichotomosulcus. The pollen surface was finely sculptured and the exine was thin. Microreticulate pollen is a potential synapomorphy for several species of the ‘crown phormioid’ subclade recognised in molecular analyses. Perforate and fossulate pollen supports a relationship between several species of Dianella. Microrugulate pollen is more frequent in the johnsonioids than in the phormioids. Hemerocallis is distinguished by elongated monosulcate pollen, a relatively thick exine with a pronounced reticulate surface, and large globules of attached pollenkitt. We hypothesise that Hemerocallidaceae are ancestrally buzz-pollinated, and their pollen morphology is an adaptation to this pollination type. A reversal to butterfly or moth pollination occurred in Hemerocallis, with associated changes in pollen morphology.
Effect of Sc addition on low-cycle fatigue properties of extruded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy
Authors: Zhu Qingyan , Chen Lijia , Zhu Guangqi , Huo Xiaoran
Published: November 2019

The influence of minor Sc addition on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) properties of hot-extruded Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr alloy with T6 state was investigated through performing the LCF tests at room temperature and air environment. The results indicate that two alloys show cyclic stabilisation, cyclic hardening and cyclic softening during fatigue deformation. The addition of Sc can significantly enhance the cyclic stress amplitude of the alloy. Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy shows higher fatigue lives at lower strain amplitudes, while has lower fatigue lives at higher strain amplitudes. For the two alloys, the density and movability of dislocations are related to the change of cyclic stress amplitudes. The existence of Al3(Sc,Zr) phase can inhibit the appearance of cyclic softening phenomenon in the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr-Sc alloy.
Investigation on dynamic strain aging behaviour of ferritic-pearlitic ductile cast irons
Authors: Jalava Kalle , Laine Jarkko , Vaara Joona , Frondelius Tero , Orkas Juhani
Published: November 2019

The influence of ferritic and pearlitic microstructures to dynamic strain aging (DSA) of ductile iron was investigated by means of strain-controlled cyclic tests performed at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 450°C, strain rates of 10−5 to 10−2 s−1 and at three different strain amplitudes along with tensile tests. Results indicated that all tested microstructures exhibit strain aging effects at elevated temperatures in some form, similar to ferritic-pearlitic steels. Additionally, static tensile tests show hardening at intermediate temperatures, minima in elongation and serrations in stress–strain curves. Cyclic data indicates DSA related changes in stresses at 250°C and 350°C at smaller strain rates, while the effects become more suppressed at higher strain rates.
Heat treatment effects on microstructure-residual stress for selective laser melting AlSi10Mg
Authors: Jiang Xiaohui , Xiong Wenjing , Wang Lianfeng , Guo Miaoxian , Ding Zishan
Published: November 2019

AlSi10Mg alloy formed by selective laser melting (SLM) has been gradually applied in aerospace and other fields, and heat treatment can further improve the properties of AlSi10Mg alloy. Therefore, it is very particularly meaningful to explore the effects of heat treatment on microstructure and residual stress of SLM AlSi10Mg alloy. An approach is proposed to evaluate the stress, strain and microstructure changes during heat treatment. As a result, the heating temperature of 350°C and tempering temperature of 200°C are the optimal heat-treatment processes. Furthermore, by tensile fracture analysis, the tensile strength of the sample after heat treatment decreases by 40%, and the total elongation after fracture increases by 280%.
Super-activator variants of the cyanobacterial transcriptional regulator ChlR essential for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis under low oxygen conditions
Authors: Hiraide Yuto , Yamamoto Haruki , Kawajiri Yasushi , Yamakawa Hisanori , Wada Kei , Fujita Yuichi
Published: November 2019

ChlR is a MarR-type transcriptional regulator that activates the transcription of the chlAII-ho2-hemN operon in response to low oxygen conditions in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Upon exposure to low oxygen conditions, ChlR activates transcription of the operon that encodes enzymes critical to tetrapyrrole biosynthesis under low oxygen conditions. We previously identified a super-activator variant, D35H, of ChlR that constitutively activates transcription of the operon. To gain insight into the low-oxygen induced activation of ChlR, we obtained eight additional super-activator variants of ChlR including D35H from pseudorevertants of a chlAI-disrupted mutant. Most substitutions were located in the N-terminal region of ChlR. Mapping of the substituted amino acid residues provided valuable structural insights that uncovered the activation mechanism of ChlR.
An overview of the obstacles to the African economic integration process in view of the African continental free trade area
Authors: Pasara Michael Takudzwa
Published: November 2019

African governments signed the largest trade agreement, the Continental Free Trade Agreement in 2018 in order to boost intratrade thereby improving economic welfare of African citizens. This paper provides an overview of the obstacles to the African economic integration process experienced in the past and the possible solutions. The paper discussed the theoretical postulations and empirically reviewed some African experiences. Some theoretical aspects included not only the traditional international trade theories but also other non-orthodox theories such as organizational theories which include intergovernmentalism, neofunctionalism and neorealism. Empirically, Africa’s economic integration challenges range from economic such as polarization of benefits towards larger economies at the expense of smaller economies, an unclear model of distributing welfare gains (or losses), traditional trade models which do not stimulate intra-African trade, several nontariff and institutional barriers among other factors. Other challenges include lack of political will to implement signed trade contracts and political instability in some economic regions which results in small and fragmented markets. The paper also discussed the legal challenges such as lack of standardization on products and procedures which result in subjectivity in interpretation of trade instruments. The paper made recommendations to each identified challenge in order to make the CFTA more effective.
Research on the Substitute Potential of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Electric Energy under Multiple Scenarios Based on PSO-SVM Algorithm
Authors: Huang Y S , Cai Y Q
Published: November 2019

To control the haze of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the government has promoted the “electric energy substitution” (EES)strategy of replacing scattered coal and direct fuel with electric energy. In order to explore the potential of EES in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, this paper takes GDP, population, and technological progress as influencing factors, considers multiple scenarios based on the “decoupling” theory, and establishes a regional energy substitution potential prediction model based on particle swarm optimization support vector machine(PSO-SVM). The market potential of electric energy substitution is predicted and analyzed through scenario analysis. Based on the prediction results, suggestions for promoting electric energy replacement strategy are proposed.
Numerical Simulation and Modal Analysis of External Flow Field of Large Wind Turbine
Authors: Zhang Boqiang , Wu Xinping , He Zhiqiang , Li Zhentao , Bi Sutao
Published: November 2019

Aiming at the problems of complex and slow optimization process of large-scale wind turbine blade design and the influence of wind turbine flutter, etc. The numerical simulation analysis and modal analysis of the external flow field of the wind turbine under the rated wind speed are carried out by the hybrid method. A fluid simulation model based on CFD was established. The method of rotating reference frame and SST k-omega turbulence model are used to simulate the external flow of fan wind turbine in FLUENT. The first 6 natural modes of the wind wheel are calculated in Hypermesh/Optistruct. The results show that the hybrid simulation method can quickly obtain the impeller flow field information, and the flow of the tip portion is extremely unstable. In each natural mode, the blade deformation position is basically from the maximum chord length to the tip position. The closer to the tip, the more obvious the blade vibration deformation is. At the same time, the first-order natural frequency of the wind wheel is 0.919Hz, which is greater than 0.382Hz when the rated speed is 12m/s, thus effectively avoiding resonance phenomenon.
Research on quantum communication network based on random matrix theory
Authors: Xi Jin , Su Xue , Li Yiping
Published: November 2019

The application of quantum communication network structure has attracted much attention. In this paper, stochastic matrix method is used to analyze quantum communication network structure. Firstly, the point-to-point quantum communication technology is studied, and then the quantum communication network structure between multi-point users is analyzed. Combined with the classical wireless network communication technology, the quantum teleportation and quantum entanglement state between quantum dots are analyzed by random matrix theory, then the analysis extends to quantum communication network system. The simulation results show that the stochastic matrix theory can accurately analyze the channel characteristics of quantum communication networks.
Improved voltage equalization control strategy in modular multilevel converter
Authors: Hongtao Jin , Yinghong Luo , Shengxiong Pan , Yuheng Fan
Published: November 2019

In order to solve the problem of traditional carrier phase-shift modulation with multiple ratios or PI controllers and cumbersome tuning parameters, this paper proposes an improved carrier phase-shift method. The control signal is no longer generated by a large number of proportional or PI controllers, but rather by the number of turn-on sub-modules and sorting principles. However, because the method uses a sorting method, the IGBT switching frequency is too high. Therefore, a sorting trigger condition that can effectively reduce the switching frequency is proposed, and the lower switching frequency is realized by reducing the times of sorting. At the same time, the method has better modulation wave following characteristics, and it is easy to achieve the suppression of the circulation. For the circulation problem, the second-frequency negative sequence component is extracted by rotating coordinate transformation, and it is suppressed by PI control. A 21-level MMC model was built in MATLAB / simulink to analyze the sub-module capacitor voltage fluctuation, output current, voltage distortion rate and bridge-arm circulation. It is verified that the modulation method can combine sorting algorithm and circulation suppression method at the same time, and has better voltage equalization and circulation suppression effects.
Research on Vibration Failure Mechanism of High Pressure Pump in Reverse Osmosis Water Generator
Authors: Han Xingxing , Hu Cun , Cai Pengfei
Published: November 2019

Compared with other methods, the reverse osmosis method has the characteristics of simple equipment, convenient operation, high efficiency, no phase change, no heating, low energy consumption, low operating cost, strong adaptability and wide application range. It is the most promising seawater desalination technology. The high-pressure pump in the reverse osmosis water-making device is an important and precise component, and its operating state directly determines the performance of the water generator. This paper analyzes a vibration fault of a high-pressure pump and finds the maintenance points and precautions in its daily operation.
Experimental Investigation on Active Longitudinal Vibration Suppression of the Thrust Bearing
Authors: Huang Z W , Tan Y H
Published: November 2019

The thrust bearing in a marine propulsion shafting system is the main transmission path of vibration induced by the longitudinal fluctuating forces of the propeller, and has significant influence on the coupled vibration and acoustic radiation of the shafting-hull system. An active control method for suppressing the longitudinal vibration of the thrust bearing is presented, which is able to reduce the coupled vibration of the shafting-hull system. The active method was experimented on a shafting system, which comprised two electromagnetic actuators symmetrically mounted on the thrust bearing base. The two actuators can response to an adaptive control strategy and theoretically suppress the dynamic forces between the thrust bearing and its base and resulting reduce vibrations in the hull structure. Experimental results demonstrated that the active control method was able to reduce vibration of the thrust bearing effectively, and the power spectra were decreased by about 90%.
Research on the Unit’s Control Strategy of On-line Primary Frequency Modulation
Authors: Kun Han Ying , Lin Mou , Jun Liu , Hui Zhang , Bin Yu Qing , Yuan Li Yuan , Qing Yan
Published: November 2019

This paper introduces the basic principle and control structure of primary frequency modulation on the thermal power units, at the same time gives the forming method of primary frequency modulation compensation instruction. Combined with the actual power production and aiming at the actual problems of primary frequency modulation, this paper presents the flexible limiting control method of primary frequency modulation instruction and on-line automatic correction method, which can effectively improve the primary frequency modulation performance on the thermal power units and ensure the safe operation of power grid. This scheme provides reference for other units to improve the primary frequency modulation optimization.
A method of farmland 3D terrain reconstruction based on UAV sequence images
Authors: Xu Cheng , He Chenglong , Liu Kun
Published: November 2019

When the plant protection UAV on farmland spraying, the UAV need to always maintain a relative height of 1-2 m away from the crops to ensure uniform and efficient spraying of pesticides. At present, the commonly used high-fixing schemes, such as GPS, barometer, ultrasound and so on, there are some deficiencies. Aiming at this problem, a method of reconstructing 3D terrain of farmland by UAV electro-optical payload taking sequence images is proposed, which can achieve the goal of UAV height-fixing. Firstly, the feature points selection module is established. The SILC image segmentation algorithm is adopted to segment the image and the centroid points of all the superpixel blocks are calculated. Then, the corner points are extracted by using Harris corner detector and these two parts of points are mixed together as the feature points. Secondly, the feature point matching module based on SAD algorithm is proposed. Finally, a three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm according to monocular sequence images, UAV position, attitude and camera pointing angle is derived. The results of the experiments demonstrated that this method can quickly and effectively reconstruct farmland terrain, which can provide a data base for UAV high-fixing and has important application value.
Sliding Mode Control for Optimal Torque Transmission of Dry Dual Clutch Assembly of A Two-Speed Electric Vehicle During Launch
Authors: Wu Mingxiang
Published: November 2019

As fork-lever actuator has significant advantages in structure dimensions and manufacturing prices, and is able to respond to drivers’ demands in very quick and precise manner, it becomes more and more popular in conventional and electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with dry dual clutch transmission (DDCT). To investigate optimal dynamic behaviors of EV equipped with DDCT, displacements of little ends of diaphragm springs and change rates of such displacements are defined key state variables, and dynamic model of such kind of actuator is built and integrated into DDCT driveline dynamic model of an EV with two-speed. Then, an affine nonlinear launch dynamic model for the whole DDCT system is proposed. Further, optimal torques of electric motor and dual clutch are derived, based on Pontryagin’s minimum principle, mainly for the purpose of smooth power transmission from electric motor to dual clutch. Finally, a sliding mode control algorithm for the feedback linearization system is derived to improve tracking accuracy at the presence of strong nonlinearities and modelling uncertainties. Through careful observation of numerical simulation results from MATLAB/Simulink platform, it can be concluded that the proposed optimal control algorithm is able to improve launch quality to fine level, and sliding mode algorithm for tracking control acquires strong robustness to modeling uncertainties and nonlinearities.
An Improved Genetic Algorithm for Solving the RGV Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Fan Hao , Yu Xiaoyan , Shu De-qin , Guan Wei-hong , Guo Zhong-hao , Feng Shuo
Published: November 2019

For the RGV (Rail Guide Vehicle) Shop Scheduling Problem, it is necessary to consider the RGV job scheduling under the condition of different processes with or without faults, and give the optimal solution. In this paper, the characteristics of the RGV job scheduling under the condition of different processes with or without faults are analysed and an improved genetic algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is improved in initial population selection, individual objective function, adaptive function, selection and mutation operations and so on. The improved algorithm improves the convergence speed of the initial population to the optimal solution, enables the fitness function to select the optimal individual and avoids the problems of repeated solutions and local optimum solutions in cross-selection. The improved genetic algorithm and the traditional genetic algorithm are implemented. The experimental results show that under the condition of no fault and fault in the process, the maximum number of materials processed by the improved genetic algorithm is much higher than the traditional genetic algorithm. And the time efficiency of the improved algorithm is also better than the traditional genetic algorithm. The RGV Shop Scheduling Problem can be solved more effectively by the improved genetic algorithm.
China Family Loss Prediction Research Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Qin Bin , Wang Zhili , Wu Yufan , Zheng Haocheng
Published: November 2019

Social change has a direct influence on the family loss. To this end, we propose a novel approach to model the probability of family loss by learning the large-scale real-world survey data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Especially, combining individual economic, health, identity, family profile and other information, we develop the scalable tree boosting model named Family Loss Prediction Model (FLPM) to model the family loss. Extensive experiments on real-world survey data validate the effectiveness of FLPM for measuring the probability of family loss in China. Furthermore, compared with the XGBoost and GBDT models, the experimental results show that the FLPM model is better and the precision is 98.48%, which provides an important basis for this study.
Research on Fast Kernel Subspace Face Recognition Based on Deep Belief Network
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Shi , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2019

Face recognition usually uses different features as input signals. There are many conventional techniques being used and these include technical and fundamental analysis. In this paper, the sample data is mapped from low-dimensional space to high-dimensional space by the kernel method, which makes the classification algorithm have the ability to deal with non-linear data and can solve the small sample problem. At the same time, deep belief network is used as feature transformation and classification to mine feature information of high-dimensional face data. The experimental results show that the optimal recognition rate of the proposed algorithm in a specific face database is up to 96%.