bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of Nonporous Silica Nanoparticles in Human Corneal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kim Ja-Yeon , Park Joo-Hee , Kim Martha , Jeong Hyejoong , Hong Jinkee , Chuck Roy S. , Park Choul Yong
Published: October 2017

Nonporous silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are promising drug carrier platforms for intraocular drug delivery. In this study, we investigated the safety of three different sizes of SiNPs (50, 100, and 150 nm) in a human corneal endothelial cell (HCEC) line, B4G12. The HCECs were exposed to different concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 µg/ml) of three sizes of SiNPs for up to 48 h. Cellular viability, autophagy, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation were evaluated. Intracellular distribution of the SiNPs was evaluated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM revealed that the SiNPs were up-taken by the HCECs inside cytoplasmic vacuoles. No mitochondrial structural damage was observed. Both cellular viability and LDH level remained unchanged with up to 100 µg/mL of SiNP treatment. Autophagy showed a significant dose-dependent activation with 50, 100, and 150 nm SiNPs. However, the mTOR activation remained unchanged. Human corneal tissue culture with 100 µg/ml concentrations of SiNPs for 72 h revealed no significant endothelial toxicity. In vivo corneal safety of the SiNPs (0.05 ml intracameral injection, 200 mg/ml concentration) was also verified in rabbit models. These findings suggested that 50, 100, and 150 nm SiNPs did not induce acute significant cytotoxicity in corneal endothelial cells at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL. However, long-term toxicity of SiNPs remains unknown.
Ultra-broadband Asymmetric Light Transmission and Absorption Through The Use of Metal Free Multilayer Capped Dielectric Microsphere Resonator
Authors: Ghobadi Amir , Dereshgi Sina Abedini , Butun Bayram , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose a simple design with an excellent performance to obtain high contrast in transmission asymmetry based on dielectric microspheres. Initially, we scrutinize the impact of the sphere radius on forward and backward transmissions. Afterward, by introducing a capping layer on top of the sphere, transmission response for the backward illuminated light will be blocked. In the next step, in order to replace the reflecting metal cap with a metal free absorbing design, we adopt a modeling approach based on the transfer matrix method (TMM) to explore an ideal material to achieve metal free perfect absorption in a multilayer configuration of material-insulator-material-insulator (MIMI). As a result of our investigations, it is found that Titanium Nitride (TiN) is an excellent alternative to replace metal in a MIMI multilayer stack. Setting this stack as the top capping coating, we obtain a high contrast between forward and backward light transmission where in an ultra-broadband range of 400 nm–1000 nm, forward transmission is above 0.85 while its backward response stays below 0.2. Moreover, due to the existence of multilayer stack, a high asymmetry is also observed for absorption profiles. This design has a relatively simple and large scale compatible fabrication route.
SIM2l attenuates resistance to hypoxia and tumor growth by transcriptional suppression of HIF1A in uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakamura Kanako , Komatsu Masayuki , Chiwaki Fumiko , Takeda Takashi , Kobayashi Yusuke , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sasaki Hiroki
Published: October 2017

Despite chemoradiotherapy being one of the most important modalities in advanced cervical cancer, there is a lack of both usable biomarkers to predict treatment outcome and of knowledge about the mechanism of refractoriness to the therapy. Here we identified a transcriptional factor Single-minded homolog 2 (SIM2) as an independent predictive biomarker for uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CvSCC). The retrospective study showed that high expression level of SIM2 was correlated to good survival in CvSCC patients. SIM2 knockdown in CvSCC cell lines showed resistance to hypoxia with increased expression of HIF1A and its target genes. Loss of SIM2 also caused growth promotion, resistance to ROS, and radiation in 3D culture. Furthermore, SIM2 knockdown suppressed tumor growth with increased HIF-1α expression and angiogenesis in vivo. On the other hand, SIM2 long isoform (SIM2l)-overexpressed cells had contrary results, indicating the long isoform plays a key role for maintenance of these phenotypes. These data indicated that SIM2l has a potential to be precision medicine for CvSCC patients and that anti-angiogenesis therapy might be usable for SIM2lLow poor survivors.
mir-355 Functions as An Important Link between p38 MAPK Signaling and Insulin Signaling in the Regulation of Innate Immunity
Authors: Zhi Lingtong , Yu Yonglin , Jiang Zhixia , Wang Dayong
Published: October 2017

We performed a systematic identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the control of innate immunity. We identified 7 novel miRNA mutants with altered survival, colony forming in the body, and expression pattern of putative antimicrobial genes afterPseudomonas aeruginosainfection. Loss-of-function mutation ofmir-45, mir-75, mir-246, mir-256, ormir-355induced resistance toP. aeruginosainfection, whereas loss-of-function mutation ofmir-63ormir-360induced susceptibility toP. aeruginosainfection. DAF-2 in the insulin signaling pathway acted as a target for intestinalmir-355to regulate innate immunity.mir-355functioned as an important link between p38 MAPK signaling pathway and insulin signaling pathway in the regulation of innate immunity. Our results provide an important molecular basis for further elucidation of the functions of various miRNAs in the regulation of innate immunity.
The cell-type specific transcriptome in human adipose tissue and influence of obesity on adipocyte progenitors
Authors: Ehrlund Anna , Acosta Juan R. , Björk Christel , Hedén Per , Douagi Iyadh , Arner Peter , Laurencikiene Jurga
Published: October 2017

Obesity affects gene expression and metabolism of white adipose tissue (WAT), which results in insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. However, WAT is a heterogeneous organ containing many cell types that might respond differently to obesity-induced changes. We performed flow cytometry sorting and RNA expression profiling by microarray of major WAT cell types (adipocytes, CD45−/CD31−/CD34+ progenitors, CD45+/CD14+ monocytes/ macrophages, CD45+/CD14− leukocytes), which allowed us to identify genes enriched in specific cell fractions. Additionally, we included adipocytes and adipocyte progenitor cells obtained from lean and obese individuals. Taken together, we provide a detailed gene expression atlas of major human adipose tissue resident cell types for clinical/basic research and using this dataset provide lists of cell-type specific genes that are of interest for metabolic research.
Haem-based Sensors of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Williams D. E. , Fischer J. T. , Heckler I. , Boon E. M.
Published: October 2017

Nitric oxide (NO) detection and signalling are widely mediated by haemoproteins in eukaryotes and bacteria. This review highlights the ligand-binding properties, activation mechanisms, and structures of six proteins that have been classified as haem-based NO-sensing proteins: sGC, H-NOX, YybT, E75, NosP, and DNR. sGC is a eukaryotic haem-based sensor that responds to NO to catalyse the production of the ubiquitous secondary messaging signalling molecule cGMP. Much of the progress toward elucidating the NO activation mechanism of sGC has been achieved through the study of bacterial haem-nitric oxide and oxygen (H-NOX) binding proteins. H-NOX proteins are capable of influencing downstream signal transduction in several bacterial species; however, many bacteria that respond to nanomolar concentrations of NO do not contain an annotated H-NOX domain. Of all bacterial species, NO signalling has been most frequently investigated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which do not encode an H-NOX domain, and so several receptors of NO have been suggested in this species. Most recently, a newly discovered family of NO-sensing proteins (NosP) was demonstrated to be a mediator of a histidine kinase signal-transduction pathway in P. aeruginosa. NosP proteins are widely conserved in bacteria but have thus far only been characterized in P. aeruginosa. Additionally, a transcriptional regulator called DNR (dissimilative nitrate respiration regulator) has been shown to be a haem-based NO receptor that controls anaerobic denitrification in P. aeruginosa. Another putative bacterial haem-based NO sensor, the cyclic-di-AMP-specific phosphodiesterase YybT is widely distributed across the firmicutes phylum and has been implicated in bacterial survival. Finally, a putative NO sensor in insects, E75, is a haem-based transcriptional regulator. sGC, H-NOX, YybT, E75, NosP, and DNR are discussed in more detail.
Students' visualisation of chemical reactions – insights into the particle model and the atomic model
Authors: Cheng Maurice M. W.
Published: October 2017

This paper reports on an interview study of 18 Grade 10–12 students’ model-based reasoning of a chemical reaction: the reaction of magnesium and oxygen at the submicro level. It has been proposed that chemical reactions can be conceptualised using two models: (i) theparticle model, in which a reaction is regarded as the simple combination and rearrangement of reactant particles and does not involve any change in the identity of the reactants, and (ii) theatomic model, wherein a reaction involves the transformation of one chemical species into another. This paper suggests that although theparticle modellooks simpler than theatomic model, it can help to support the learning of some advanced chemical concepts such as energetics and collision theory. Therefore, it is postulated that students who reason using theparticle modelare able to demonstrate some advanced ideas about chemical reactions. The conceptualisation of reactions in terms of theatomic modeland theparticle modelallows a flexible understanding of students’ learning. Students’ representations of the reaction between magnesium and oxygen were analysed with reference to the two models. The models were found to be useful in assessing the students’ understanding of the reaction and revealing the novel ways that the students reasoned the chemical reaction. In addition, a student who used theparticle modelto represent the reaction was found to explain the reaction in terms of some energetics and kinetics concepts. The study offers insights for curriculum planners and teachers into the potential of these two models to help students understand chemical reactions.
Structural reconstruction: a milestone in the hydrothermal synthesis of highly active Sn-Beta zeolites
Authors: Zhu Zhiguo , Xu Hao , Jiang Jingang , Wu Haihong , Wu Peng
Published: October 2017

Hydrophobic Sn-Beta zeolites, hydrothermally synthesized via structural reconstruction, exhibit unparalleled catalytic performances for Lewis acid-catalyzed reactions, far outperforming post-synthesized Sn-Beta and state-of-the-art Sn-Beta-F materials.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) for the verification of dual gold catalysis
Authors: Halter O. , Plenio H.
Published: October 2017

Two gold complexes with different bodipy-tagged N-heterocyclic carbene ligands, which are a potential FRET pair, were synthesized. It was shown, that the formation of dinuclear intermediates in alkyne transformations (“dual gold catalysis”) are characterized by a FRET signal.
Structures and phase transitions in neat 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl and in its molecular complexes with either bromanilic or iodanilic acid
Authors: Rok M. , Szklarz P. , Moskwa M. , Kijewska M. , Baran J. , Bator G. , Medycki W. , Zamponi M.
Published: October 2017

Using the DSC method, structural phase transitions (PTs) have been found at 165 and 219 K for 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridyl (dtBBP), whereas for its complex with iodanilic acid (dtBBP·IA) PT is found at 331 K.
An uncommon 3D 3,3,4,8-c Cd(ii) metal–organic framework for highly efficient luminescent sensing and organic dye adsorption: experimental and theoretical insight
Authors: Lu Lu , Wu Jian , Wang Jun , Liu Jian-Qiang , Li Bao-Hong , Singh Amita , Kumar Abhinav , Batten Stuart R.
Published: October 2017

A stable 3D Cd(ii) MOF used as chemosensor and adsorbent for dyes in wastewater, which exhibited excellent adsorption performance and selectivity.
Electrophilicity of oxalic acid monomer is enhanced in the dimer by intermolecular proton transfer
Authors: Keolopile Zibo G. , Ryder Matthew R. , Calzada Benjamin , Gutowski Maciej , Buytendyk Allyson M. , Graham Jacob D. , Bowen Kit H.
Published: October 2017

Excess electron induces proton transfer in the dimer of oxalic acid and leads to formation of very stable anions.
DFT coupled with NEGF study of ultra-sensitive HCN and HNC gases detection and distinctI–Vresponse based on phosphorene
Authors: Pang Jiu , Yang Qun , Ma Xiaosong , Wang Liming , Tan Chunjian , Xiong Daxi , Ye Huaiyu , Chen Xianping
Published: October 2017

The sensing performances of pristine and X-doped phosphorene substrates (X = Al, Si, and S atoms) toward the adsorption of the toxic gases HCN and HNC were systematically investigated by first-principles simulations.
Theoretical design of conjugated diradicaloids as singlet fission sensitizers: quinones and methylene derivatives
Authors: López-Carballeira Diego , Casanova David , Ruipérez Fernando
Published: October 2017

New conjugated diradicaloids as potential candidates for singlet fission sensitizers.
Why is surface diffusion the same in ultrastable, ordinary, aged, and ultrathin molecular glasses?
Authors: Ngai K. L. , Paluch Marian , Rodríguez-Tinoco Cristian
Published: October 2017

The primitive/JG relaxation explains the same surface diffusion coefficient in ordinary, ultrastable and thin film glasses of OTP and TPD.
Effect of benzocaine and propranolol on phospholipid-based bilayers
Authors: Mangiapia G. , Gvaramia M. , Kuhrts L. , Teixeira J. , Koutsioubas A. , Soltwedel O. , Frielinghaus H.
Published: October 2017

Drug/bilayer interactions are fundamental in determining the action mechanism of active ingredients. Neutron techniques represent unique tools for having a clear comprehension of such interactions.
Axial–equatorial isomerism and semiexperimental equilibrium structures of fluorocyclohexane
Authors: Juanes Marcos , Vogt Natalja , Demaison Jean , León Iker , Lesarri Alberto , Rudolph Heinz Dieter
Published: October 2017

Accuracyvs.computational effort: the mixed estimation method provides very accurate semiexperimental equilibrium structures, as illustrated by the subtle differences between axial/equatorial fluorocyclohexane.
Approximate solution of coupled cluster equations: application to the coupled cluster doubles method and non-covalent interacting systems
Authors: Śmiga Szymon , Fabiano Eduardo
Published: October 2017

The simplified coupled cluster (SCC) methodology provides the non-iterative solution of CC equations and yields an accurate approximation of the reference CCD results.
X-ray crystallographic, luminescence and NMR studies of phenacyldiphenylphosphine oxide with the Ln(iii) ions Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy
Authors: G. Leach Erin , Shady Justin R. , Boyden Adam C. , Emig Anne-lise , Henry Alyssa T. , Connor Emily K. , Staples Richard J. , Schaertel Stephanie , Werner Eric J. , Biros Shannon M.
Published: October 2017

NMR, luminescence and X-ray crystallographic studies of a series of β-ketophosphine oxide-Ln3+complexes are described.
The influence of the ancillary ligand on the potential of cobalt(iii) complexes to act as chaperones for hydroxamic acid-based drugs
Authors: Green Bradley P. , Renfrew Anna K. , Glenister Alexandra , Turner Peter , Hambley Trevor W.
Published: October 2017

Cobalt(iii) chaperone complexes can modulate the cytotoxicity and subcellular distribution of biologically active hydroxamic acids.
Pillaring of layered zeolite precursors with ferrierite topology leading to unusual molecular sieves on the micro/mesoporous border
Authors: Roth Wieslaw J. , Gil Barbara , Mayoral Alvaro , Grzybek Justyna , Korzeniowska Aleksandra , Kubu Martin , Makowski Wacław , Čejka Jiří , Olejniczak Zbigniew , Mazur Michal
Published: October 2017

Pillaring of FER layers gives porous products depending on the temperature of TEOS treatment.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles incorporating squaraine-based photosensitizers: a combined experimental and computational approach
Authors: Miletto Ivana , Fraccarollo Alberto , Barbero Nadia , Barolo Claudia , Cossi Maurizio , Marchese Leonardo , Gianotti Enrica
Published: October 2017

A combined experimental–computational approach allowed a correlation of the homogeneity of the dispersion of squaraine dyes within mesoporous silica nanoparticles with their photosensitizer activity.
A planar dielectrophoresis-based chip for high-throughput cell pairing
Authors: Wu ChunHui , Chen RiFei , Liu Yu , Yu ZhenMing , Jiang YouWei , Cheng Xing
Published: October 2017

A planar dielectrophoresis-based chip for high-throughput single cell–cell pairing (with a pairing efficiency up to 74.2%) was developed.
Benzisoxazole: a privileged scaffold for medicinal chemistry
Authors: Rakesh K. P. , Shantharam C. S. , Sridhara M. B. , Manukumar H. M. , Qin Hua-Li
Published: October 2017

The benzisoxazole analogs represent one of the privileged structures in medicinal chemistry and there has been an increasing number of studies on benzisoxazole-containing compounds.
Deciphering the role of hydrophobic and hydrophilic bile acids in angiogenesis usingin vitroandin vivomodel systems
Authors: Kundu Somanath , Bansal Sandhya , Muthukumarasamy Kalai Mangai , Sachidanandan Chetana , Motiani Rajender K. , Bajaj Avinash
Published: October 2017

SAR studies revealed the pro-angiogenic properties of chenodeoxycholic acid in a zebrafish model.
Novel T-C@AgNPs mediated biocidal mechanism against biofilm associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Bap-MRSA) 090, cytotoxicity and its molecular docking studies
Authors: Manukumar H. M. , Chandrasekhar B. , Rakesh K. P. , Ananda A. P. , Nandhini M. , Lalitha P. , Sumathi S. , Qin Hua-Li , Umesha S.
Published: October 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is a commonly found pathogen cause life threatening infections and can be controlled by nanoparticles as antibiofilm candidates.
Iron in biology
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Hider Robert
Published: October 2017

Welcome to this Metallomics themed collection on iron in biology, guest edited by Vincenzo Abbate and Robert Hider.
Effect of the electrical conductivity of core solutions on the morphology and structure of core–shell CA-PCL/CS nanofibers
Authors: Wang Lihua , Yang Huan , Hou Jiazi , Zhang Wanxi , Xiang Chunhui , Li Lili
Published: October 2017

CA-PCL/CS nanofibers with controllable core to shell ratios were prepared by altering the electrical conductivities of core solutions.
Hierarchically porous CoNiO2nanosheet array films with superior sodium storage performance
Authors: Chang Ling , Wang Kai , Huang Liangai , He Zhishun , Shao Haibo , Wang Jianming
Published: October 2017

The hierarchically porous CoNiO2nanosheet array film preparedviaa low-temperature solvothermal method manifests superior sodium storage performance.
Effect of Ru/Cl ratio on the reaction of acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Man Baochang , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Chuanming , Li Xing , Dai Hui , Zhu Mingyuan , Dai Bin , Zhang Jinli
Published: October 2017

Regulation of the Ru/Cl ratio could increase the amount of ruthenium oxides, improve the dispersion of Ru species on the carrier and enhance the adsorption ability of the reactants, consequently improving the catalytic performance.
Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of CaGd2(MoO4)4:Eu3+ovoid like structures
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , John Peter Anthuvan , Venkatakrishnan Mahalingam , Krishnan Rajagopalan
Published: October 2017

Red light emission from CaGd2(MoO4)4:0.06Eu3+phosphor by EDTA assisted hydrothermal route at 200 °C for 24 h.
Lighting up long-range charge-transfer states by a localized plasmonic field
Authors: Xie Zhen , Duan Sai , Wang Chuan-Kui , Luo Yi
Published: October 2017

Spatially confined plasmon makes long-range charge-transfer states visible.
A general method of Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 4- and 5-halo-1,2,3-triazoles in water
Authors: Gribanov Pavel S. , Chesnokov Gleb A. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Asachenko Andrey F. , Nechaev Mikhail S.
Published: October 2017

A general method of the synthesis of 1,4,5-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling from 4- and 5-halo-1,2,3-triazoles.
Regioselective synthesis of 2,3′-biindoles mediated by an NBS-induced homo-coupling of indoles
Authors: Huang Panpan , Peng Xiangjun , Hu Dan , Liao Huiwu , Tang Shaobin , Liu Liangxian
Published: October 2017

An efficient method for the synthesis of 2,3′-biindole and [3,2-a]carbazole derivatives via an NBS-induced homo-coupling of indoles with high regioselectivity.
Control of porphyrin interactions via structural changes of a peptoid scaffold
Authors: Yang Woojin , Kang Boyeong , Voelz Vincent A. , Seo Jiwon
Published: October 2017

A template to control porphyrin interactions is constructed by displaying porphyrins at defined positions on a helical peptoid.
Self-assembly and multi-stimuli responsive behavior of PAA-b-PAzoMA-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymers
Authors: Gao Fei , Xing Yaohui , Yao Yuan , Sun Liuying , Sun Yao , He Xiaohua , Lin Shaoliang
Published: October 2017

A PAA-b-PAzoMA-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymer containing pH, photo and temperature sensitive groups could self-assemble into spherical micelles or vesicles with multi-stimuli responsiveness.
Improving the moisture stability of perovskite solar cells by using PMMA/P3HT based hole-transport layers
Authors: Kundu Soumya , Kelly Timothy L.
Published: October 2017

In recent years, the performance of lead halide perovskite solar cells has increased dramatically, setting a record efficiency of 22.1%; however, their sensitivity towards water limits their utility and still needs to be addressed.
Synthesis, crystallographic characterization and homogeneous catalytic activity of novel unsymmetric porphyrins
Authors: Antonangelo A. R. , Westrup K. C. M. , Burt L. A. , Bezzu C. Grazia , Malewschik T. , Machado G. S. , Nunes F. S. , McKeown N. B. , Nakagaki S.
Published: October 2017

Unsymmetric porphyrins containing both pentafluorophenyl (PFP = A) and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl (DMP = B) substituents at the meso positions were prepared using Lindsey's methodology.
Synthesis and reactivity of a 4His enzyme model complex
Authors: Li Jia , Banerjee Atanu , Hasse Timothy A. , Loloee Reza , Biros Shannon M. , Staples Richard J. , Chavez Ferman A.
Published: October 2017

A new tetraimidazole iron(ii) complex has been prepared and characterized.
Rheological properties of a β-1,3-polyglucuronic acid derivative from 4-acetamido-TEMPO-mediated oxidation of curdlan
Authors: Yan Jing-Kun , Wu Li-Xia , Qiu Wen-Yi , Wang Yao-Yao , Ding Zhi-Chao , Cai Wu-Dan
Published: October 2017

The rheological properties of a carboxylic curdlan bearing a β-1,3-polyglucuronic acid structure were investigated as a function of concentration and temperature.
Micro heat pipe device utilizing extended nanofluidics
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Kazoe Yutaka , Morikawa Kyojiro , Shimizu Hisashi , Pihosh Yuriy , Mawatari Kazuma , Kitamori Takehiko
Published: October 2017

A micro heat pipe device based on enhanced condensation on the extended nanopillars and liquid transport in the extended nanochannels.
Investigation of the crystallization behaviors in a sub-micron space using carbon nanocones
Authors: Xu Lele , Ge Yifei , Liang Jianbo , Xu Jianxun , Lu Xing
Published: October 2017

We used carbon nanocones as the workhorse to investigate the crystallization behaviors of Gd oxide on a comparatively large scale up to sub-micrometers for the first time and obtained conical Gd oxide single-crystals as well as polycrystals.
Tracking the picosecond deactivation dynamics of a photoexcited iron carbene complex by time-resolved X-ray scattering
Authors: Leshchev Denis , Harlang Tobias C. B. , Fredin Lisa A. , Khakhulin Dmitry , Liu Yizhu , Biasin Elisa , Laursen Mads G. , Newby Gemma E. , Haldrup Kristoffer , Nielsen Martin M. , Wärnmark Kenneth , Sundström Villy , Persson Petter , Kjær Kasper S. , Wulff Michael
Published: October 2017

Experimental characterization of structure and energy of a Fe N-heterocyclic carbene quintet state.
Carbon onion/sulfur hybrid cathodes via inverse vulcanization for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Choudhury Soumyadip , Srimuk Pattarachai , Raju Kumar , Tolosa Aura , Fleischmann Simon , Zeiger Marco , Ozoemena Kenneth I. , Borchardt Lars , Presser Volker
Published: October 2017

Inverse vulcanization was used to create carbon onion/sulfur hybrid cathodes for lithium–sulfur battery applications.
Active Brownian equation of state: metastability and phase coexistence
Authors: Levis Demian , Codina Joan , Pagonabarraga Ignacio
Published: October 2017

As a result of the competition between self-propulsion and excluded volume interactions, purely repulsive self-propelled spherical particles undergo a motility-induced phase separation (MIPS).
Growth and relaxation of a ridge on a soft poroelastic substrate
Authors: Zhao Menghua , Lequeux François , Narita Tetsuharu , Roché Matthieu , Limat Laurent , Dervaux Julien
Published: October 2017

Capillary forces at the triple line of sessile liquid drops deform soft porous gels and leave long-lived footprints following drop removal.
The effect of hydrodynamic interactions on nanoparticle diffusion in polymer solutions: a multiparticle collision dynamics study
Authors: Chen Anpu , Zhao Nanrong , Hou Zhonghuai
Published: October 2017

The diffusion of nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer solutions is studied by a combination of a mesoscale simulation method, multiparticle collision dynamics (MPCD), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.
Quantifying defect-enhanced chemical functionalization of single-layer graphene and its application in supramolecular assembly
Authors: Ye Xiao-Liang , Cai Jun , Yang Xiao-Dong , Tang Xing-Yan , Zhou Zhi-You , Tan Yuan-Zhi , Xie Su-Yuan , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: October 2017

The quantification between defect density and enhanced functionalization was established, which can guide sequential supramolecular assembly by defect engineering.
Polythiophene coated aromatic polyimide enabled ultrafast and sustainable lithium ion batteries
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Liu Jiurong , Mahurin Shannon , Dai Sheng , Guo Zhanhu , Sun Xiao-Guang
Published: October 2017

Organic composite electrode materials based on aromatic polyimide (PI) and electron conductive polythiophene (PT) have been prepared by a facile in situ chemical oxidation polymerization method. The optimized composite electrode PI30PT delivers a remarkable high-rate cyclability, achieving a high capacity of 89.6 mA h g−1 at 20 C with capacity retention of 94% after 1000 cycles.
High-energy, flexible micro-supercapacitors by one-step laser fabrication of a self-generated nanoporous metal/oxide electrode
Authors: Lee Jaehak , Seok Jae Young , Son Seokwoo , Yang Minyang , Kang Bongchul
Published: October 2017

One-step, laser-induced self-generation of nanoporous hybrid electrodes enables facile fabrication of high-performance and flexible micro-supercapacitors.
An interfacial framework for breaking through the Li-ion transport barrier of Li-rich layered cathode materials
Authors: Zheng Yu , Chen Lai , Su Yuefeng , Tan Jing , Bao Liying , Lu Yun , Wang Jing , Chen Renjie , Chen Shi , Wu Feng
Published: October 2017

A spinel structured interfacial framework was derived within a host layered crystal, resulting in excellent high-rate capability of Li-rich materials.
Simultaneously tuning the emission color and improving thermal stabilityviaenergy transfer in apatite-type phosphors
Authors: Wu Dan , Xiao Wenge , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Xia , Hao Zhendong , Pan Guo-Hui , Luo Yongshi , Zhang Jiahua
Published: October 2017

The thermal stability of Ba2Y3(SiO4)3F:Ce3+can be improved by the introduction of Tb3+due to the combined effect of fast energy transfer within the nearest Ce3+–Tb3+pairs and the following energy diffusion among the Tb3+ions.
Writing of nanowires via high viscosity-induced nano diffusive layer
Authors: Mao Sifeng , Zhang Yong , Li Haifang , Zeng Hulie , Lin Jin-Ming , Uchiyama Katsumi
Published: October 2017

A nano reduced diffusive layer was firstly presented for printing nanostructures of materials by using a millimeter-sized chemical pen.
Near-UV-to-red light conversion through energy transfer in Ca2Sr(PO4)2:Ce3+,Mn2+ for plant growth
Authors: Zhang Jingchen , Zhang Xinguo , Zhang Jilin , Ma Wentao , Ji Xiaoyu , Liao Shuzhen , Qiu Zhongxian , Zhou Wenli , Yu Liping , Lian Shixun
Published: October 2017

Ca2Sr(PO4)2:Ce3+,Mn2+,Na+ with n-UV-to-red conversion is favorable for the anti-aging ability of agricultural films and promotes plant growth, showing potential application in agriculture.
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Device for Tinnitus Sound Therapy During Sleep
Authors: Theodoroff Sarah M. , McMillan Garnett P. , Zaugg Tara L. , Cheslock Megan , Roberts Chan , Henry James A.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine if a customized stimulus from the Otoharmonics Levo System reduces tinnitus perceptions and reactions for people with bothersome tinnitus.

Method

Sixty participants were randomized to 1 of 3 groups that used sound therapy devices during sleep that differed in their acoustic stimulus: (a) tinnitus-matched (TM), (b) noise stimulus (NS), and (c) bedside sound generator (BSG). Outcome measures were the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), numeric rating scale of tinnitus loudness, and tinnitus loudness match. A Bayesian hierarchical model was fit to estimate the differences in treatment efficacy among groups.

Results

Average tinnitus reactions and perceptions improved across treatment groups. We are at least 87% certain that treatment with TM or NS reduces mean TFI compared to treatment with BSG, with an estimated relative efficacy of 4.5–5 points greater reduction. We are at least 95% certain that treatment with TM results in greater reduction in mean numeric rating scale (NRS) of tinnitus loudness compared to the other groups, with an estimated relative efficacy of about 0.75 points greater reduction.

Conclusions

This study offers some support for greater average improvement in reactions to tinnitus with TM or NS devices compared to the BSG device. The TM group, compared to the BSG and NS groups, showed a greater reduction in ratings of tinnitus loudness on the NRS on average.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5545759
Using the Delphi Technique to Explore Complex Concepts in Speech-Language Pathology: An Illustrative Example From Children's Social Communication
Authors: Izaryk Kristen , Skarakis-Doyle Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in expanding the research approaches that speech-language pathologists utilize, particularly for addressing complex questions. Consensus-building techniques can be useful for addressing such questions. The Delphi technique is a consensus-building process involving structured communication among members of an expert panel via independent responses to iterative rounds of questionnaires. The purpose of this research note is to describe and demonstrate the Delphi technique using an application to a complex problem in speech-language pathology, that is, the bases of social communication and pragmatics.

Method

The Delphi technique was described and illustrated via the following study: 10 expert speech-language pathologists participated in a 3-round Delphi study. Participants were asked to list the key features of social communication and pragmatics in Round 1. Questions for Rounds 2 and 3 were developed on the basis of the participants' responses to previous rounds.

Results

The Delphi technique was useful in bringing participants to consensus on the key features of social communication and pragmatics and offered a starting point for the continued exploration of this complex problem.

Conclusion

A discussion of the benefits and limitations of the technique is included, highlighting the utility of the technique to the field of speech-language pathology.
Self-Ratings of Vocal Status in Daily Life: Reliability and Validity for Patients With Vocal Hyperfunction and a Normative Group
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Maffei Marc , Masson Maria Lúcia Vaz , Mehta Daryush D. , Burns James A. , Hillman Robert E.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to establish reliability and validity for self-ratings of vocal status obtained during the daily activities of patients with vocal hyperfunction (VH) and matched controls.

Method

Eight-four patients with VH and 74 participants with normal voices answered 3 vocal status questions—difficulty producing soft, high-pitched phonation (D-SHP); discomfort; and fatigue—on an ambulatory voice monitor at the beginning, 5-hr intervals, and the end of each day (7 total days). Two subsets of the patient group answered the questions during a 2nd week after voice therapy (29 patients) or laryngeal surgery (16 patients).

Results

High reliability resulted for patients (Cronbach's α = .88) and controls (α = .95). Patients reported higher D-SHP, discomfort, and fatigue (Cohen's
d
= 1.62–1.92) compared with controls. Patients posttherapy and postsurgery reported significantly improved self-ratings of vocal status relative to their pretreatment ratings (
d
= 0.70–1.13). Within-subject changes in self-ratings greater than 20 points were considered clinically meaningful.

Conclusions

Ratings of D-SHP, discomfort, and fatigue have adequate reliability and validity for tracking vocal status throughout daily life in patients with VH and vocally healthy individuals. These questions could help investigate the relationship between vocal symptom variability and putative contributing factors (e.g., voice use/rest, emotions).
Procedural Motor Learning in Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Sanjeevan Teenu , Mainela-Arnold Elina
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a developmental disorder that affects language and motor development in the absence of a clear cause. An explanation for these impairments is offered by the procedural deficit hypothesis (PDH), which argues that motor difficulties in SLI are due to deficits in procedural memory. The aim of this study was to test the PDH by examining the procedural motor learning abilities of children with and without SLI.

Method

Thirteen children with SLI and 14 age-matched typically developing children completed the following procedural measures: (a) a knot-tying task as a measure of motor sequencing and (2) a mirror-drawing task as a measure of visual–motor adaptation.

Results

Although children with SLI produced significantly more errors on certain knot-tying tasks, they performed comparably on others. Also, children with SLI performed comparably with typically developing children on the mirror-drawing task.

Conclusions

The PDH requires reframing. The sequence learning deficits in SLI are modest and specific to more difficult tasks. Visual–motor adaptation, on the other hand, appears to be unaffected in SLI.
Real‐time parameter estimation for SAR moving target based on WVD slice and FrFT
Authors: Wang Hanyun , Jiang Yicheng
Published: October 2017

Most synthetic aperture radar (SAR) applies to static targets while moving targets appear unfocused in SAR images. To obtain clear images of moving targets, the Doppler parameter estimation is critical in SAR processing. However, most of the time–frequency analysis methods cannot simultaneously meet the requirements of accuracy and real time. A real‐time parameter estimation algorithm based on Wigner–Ville distribution (WVD) slice and fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) is proposed. In this algorithm, the Doppler frequency rate is roughly estimated through the observed signal's WVD slices first. Then, its corresponding FrFT rotational angle is deduced and the search region is determined. Next, Doppler parameters can be accurately estimated by FrFT under the premise of reducing the computational complexity. Three reasonable choices of the slice positions are given and their estimation results are explained. SAR real data processing results indicate that the proposed algorithm can estimate Doppler parameters quickly and effectively while ensuring accuracy and providing a new way for SAR real‐time parameter estimation. Finally, motion compensation in accord with the estimated parameters is also completed and focused images of several moving ship targets are obtained.
Optimising operation management for multi‐micro‐grids control
Authors: Kumrai Teerawat , Ota Kaoru , Dong Mianxiong , Sato Kazuhiko , Kishigami Jay
Published: October 2017

Nowadays, renewable energy sources in a micro‐grid (MG) system have increased challenges in terms of the irregularly and fluctuation of the photovoltaic and wind turbine units. It is necessary to develop battery energy storage. The MG central controller is helping to develop it in the MG system for improving the time of availability. Thus, reducing the total energy expenses of MG and improving the renewable energy sources (battery energy storage) are considered together with the operation management of the MG system. This study proposes fitness‐based modified game particle swarm optimisation (FMGPSO) algorithm to optimise the total costs of operation and pollutant emissions in the MG and multi‐MG system. The optimal size of battery energy storage is also considered. A non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm‐III, a multi‐objective covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy, and a speed‐constrained multi‐objective particle swarm optimisation are compared with the proposed FMGPSO to show the performance. The results of the simulation show that the FMGPSO outperforms both the comparison algorithms for the minimisation operation management problem of the MG and the multi‐MG system.
Mouse face tracking using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Akkaya İbrahim Batuhan , Halici Ugur
Published: October 2017

Facial expressions of laboratory mice provide important information for pain assessment to explore the effect of drugs being developed for medical purposes. For automatic pain assessment, a mouse face tracker is needed to extract the face regions in videos recorded in pain experiments. However, since the body and face of mice are the same colour and mice move fast, tracking their face is a challenging task. In recent years, with their ability to learn from data, deep learning provides effective solutions for a wide variety of problems. In particular, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are very successful in computer vision tasks. In this study, a CNN based tracker network called MFTN is proposed for mouse face tracking. CNNs are good at extracting hierarchical features from the training dataset. High‐level features contain semantic features and low‐level features have high spatial resolution. In the proposed MFTN architecture, target information is extracted from a combination of low‐ and high‐level features by a sub‐network, namely the Feature Adaptation Network (FAN), to achieve a robust and accurate tracker. Among the MFTN versions, the MFTN/c tracker achieved an accuracy of 0.8, robustness of 0.67, and a throughput of 213 fps on a workstation with GPU.
Quasi‐oppositional harmony search algorithm based optimal dynamic load frequency control of a hybrid tidal–diesel power generation system
Authors: Kumar Akshay , Shankar Gauri
Published: October 2017

In recent years, high penetration of distributed generations based on wind energy, solar energy and so on in the existing power system network has been noticed. However, due to their stochastic behaviour, operations under autonomous mode as well as in grid‐connected mode are not an easy task. This has forced the power utilities to re‐define frequency regulation criteria to enhance the overall system stability and reliability. In line with the same, dynamic performance analysis of load frequency control (LFC) of an autonomous hybrid power system model (HPSM) consisting of tidal power plant (TPP) and diesel power plant is explored in this study. A concept of deloaded TPP is adopted in the studied HPSM to utilise the available reserve power for the frequency support. Apart from this, the studied model also incorporates frequency regulation through inertia and damping control and supplementary control strategies. These control strategies are realised through conventional controllers whose gain values are optimised using quasi‐oppositional harmony search algorithm (QOHSA) for the optimal dynamic performance of LFC. The efficacy of the proposed QOHSA is corroborated by comparing the results with those yielded by few other existing state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.
Optimisation of the HVDC auto transformer by using hybrid MMC modulation
Authors: Schön André , Hofmann Viktor , Bakran Mark M.
Published: October 2017

Over the recent years, the modular multilevel converter has become the state‐of‐the‐art technology for high‐voltage (HV) alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converters and also upcoming HV DC to DC converters. Especially modular multilevel converters (MMCs) with half‐bridge (HB) sub‐modules (SMs) are already widely established. Due to the increasing requirements, such as a DC fault ride through and active DC fault current suppression, also MMCs with full‐bridge (FB) SMs become more and more attractive. However, the higher losses of the FB SMs require further optimisation to achieve full market acceptance. With the new hybrid modulation technique, combining the advantages of HB and FB SMs, more efficient DC fault resilient converters can be designed. In this study, a new hybrid modulation technique is investigated and implemented for the new HV DC–DC auto transformer, to create a highly efficient, DC fault resilient HV DC–DC converter. A theoretical loss calculation method for hybrid MMCs is developed. The theoretical analysis is validated by means of a full‐scale simulation model.
Joint DOA and frequency estimation with sub‐Nyquist sampling for more sources than sensors
Authors: Liu Liang , Wei Ping
Published: October 2017

Multiple antenna systems with sub‐Nyquist sampling technique have been applied to jointly estimate frequency and direction‐of‐arrival of narrowband far‐field signals. Unlike the current some techniques, where only one signal can be handled in some certain subband, the authors propose a novel technique to deal with the case of multiple signals. The authors first build a new time‐space union model for this case and analyse the identification of the model, and then provide the maximum number of signals which can be classified. The authors also prove that the Cramér‐Rao Bound (CRB) of the model is lower than the CRB based on Nyquist sampling. Simulation results verify the identification capacity and show that the proposed algorithm has a superior estimation performance close to CRB especially in the case of the minimum redundancy array case.
Structured condition number and its application in celestial navigation system with variable observability degree
Authors: Liu Jin , Ning Xiao‐Lin , Ma Xin , Gui Ming‐Zhen , Fang Jian‐Cheng , Liu Gang
Published: October 2017

In the traditional observability analysis methods, much attention is paid to the accuracy of thecondition number. However, the authors find the fact that besides the accuracy,the structure of condition numbers is important, such as their range andsequence. A structured condition number method is proposed, which includes thedouble‐reciprocal condition number and the compensation based on the continuousperiod. As the condition number is in non‐linear relation with the navigationerror, the mean of condition numbers does not reflect the navigation performanceaccurately. To solve this problem, the double‐reciprocal condition number isproposed, where the impact of a large condition number is small. Considering thefact that the longer the continuous period is, the worse the navigationperformance is, the authors develop the compensation method based on thecontinuous period. Amending the double‐reciprocal condition number with thecontinuous period‐based compensation, the authors propose the structuredcondition number which possesses the advantages of them, and apply it into thecelestial direction measurement‐based integrated navigation systems which havesharply variable observability degree. The simulation results demonstrate thatthe structured condition number can reflect the navigation performance andselect a proper navigation star effectively.
Numerical calculation of CHTC on end metal parts and flow in end region of a turbogenerator
Authors: Han Jichao , Ge Baojun , Li Weili
Published: October 2017

The convection heat transfer coefficient (CHTC) distribution of surfaces of end metal parts directly affects the temperature distribution of end metal parts. In this study, a large turbogenerator is analysed. To study the CHTC distribution of surfaces of end metal parts in detail, a three‐dimensional (3D) fluid and thermal analysis model of whole turbogenerator end region is established. The losses of end metal parts from 3D transient electromagnetic field calculation are provided to end metal parts as heat sources. Pressure values of end‐region outlets and fluid velocity of fan outlet from flow network calculation are provided to end region as boundary conditions in the 3D fluid and thermal analysis model. CHTC distribution laws of the surfaces of the clamping plate, finger plate, and copper screen are studied in detail by the finite volume method. The fluid flow and temperature distribution of end metal parts are determined in the end region of the turbogenerator. The calculated results are compared with measured data.
Location estimation of coating defects and mitigation of induced AC voltages along buried gas pipeline
Authors: Kamar Ahmed R. , Abd‐Elhady Amr M. , Sabiha Nehmdoh A. , Izzularab Mohamed A.
Published: October 2017

In this study, determining the location of coating defects and severities is evaluated using measurements along the Jordanian buried gas pipeline. Induced alternating current (AC) voltages and current densities along the pipeline are investigated using analytical and practical data under normal operation of the overhead transmission line. Since the induced AC voltages depend on the load currents, it is worthy to determine the actual load current during the lifetime of the pipeline. Accordingly, the forecasting of pipeline‐induced AC voltages is investigated using the least square method. The investigation is carried out in order to expect the future effects on the gas pipeline. The mitigation of induced AC voltage based on inserting polarisation cells (PCs) along the pipeline is evaluated. The results show that an agreement between the measured and calculated induced AC voltages is achieved with and without PCs. Based on the forecasting of induced AC voltages and current density along the pipeline, determining the number of PCs and allocations is suggested for the future years. This study increases the lifetime of the pipeline as well as decreases the maintenance cost.