bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave imaging based on two hybrid particle swarm optimization approaches
Authors: Mhamdi Bouzid
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the solution of the inverse scattering problem for determining the shape and location of perfectly conducting scatterers by making use of electromagnetic scattered fields is presented. Based on the boundary condition and the measured scattered field, a set of nonlinear integral equations is derived and the imaging problem is reformulated into an optimization one. Then, two evolutionary algorithms are used to solve the inverse scattering problem. To further clarify, our contribution is to test two well-known algorithms in the literature to the problem of microwave imaging. The hybrid approaches combine the standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) with the ideas of the simulated annealing and extremal optimization algorithms, respectively. Both of them are shown to be more efficient than original PSO technique. Reconstruction results by using the two presented schemes are compared with exact shapes of some conducting cylinders; and good agreements with the original shapes are observed.
Service Representation in a Federal System: A Field Experiment
Authors: Loewen Peter John , MacKenzie Michael Kenneth
Published: November 2018

Federal systems can also provide citizens with multiple avenues to obtain service representation. In shared issue areas, citizens are officially represented by two sets of politicians. When politicians are willing to cross jurisdictional boundaries, citizens might also obtain help or information from more than one set of politicians, even in areas of exclusive jurisdiction. We report an experiment designed to examine responses to requests for assistance in different issue areas. Our sample includes 202 Canadian politicians, each of whom received two requests for assistance from fictional constituents. We show that federal arrangements can enhance service representation. On average, politicians are as helpful on issues of shared jurisdiction as issues of exclusive jurisdiction. They are less helpful for issues outside of their jurisdiction. These results suggest that federal arrangements can work to provide citizens with multiple access points to their representative, even in areas that fall outside their representatives’ jurisdictional purviews.
Christensen Receives 2018 Fred Whipple Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2018

Philip Christensen will receive the 2018 Fred Whipple Award at AGU’s Fall Meeting 2018, to be held 10–14 December in Washington, D. C. The award recognizes an individual who has made “outstanding contributions in the field of planetary science.”
Simulation of Mesoscale Cellular Convection in Marine Stratocumulus: 2. Nondrizzling Conditions
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Bretherton Christopher S.
Published: November 2018

This is the second of two large‐eddy simulation studies on the mechanisms of mesoscale cellular organization in drizzling (open cells) and nondrizzling marine stratocumulus (closed cells). This study uses a hard nudging approach which maintains fixed horizontal‐mean temperature and humidity profiles for a well‐mixed boundary layer with a constant boundary layer depth. For the case studied, closed cells develop and broaden by 32 hr to an aspect ratio of 25. Simulations show that the closed‐cell mesoscale cellular convection is driven by positive feedback from cloud‐induced mesoscale perturbations of longwave radiative cooling. A conceptual model for closed‐cell stratocumulus as a mesoscale wavelength hydrodynamic instability in which mesoscale moist and dry anomalies spontaneously grow is presented. In simulations in which long‐wavelength sinusoidal moisture anomalies are initially imposed, these anomalies evolve into amplifying closed cells. The cell structure is visualized with a compositing approach based on sorting grid columns by their mesoscale‐smoothed total water path. A thermally direct mesoscale circulation pattern develops in the interior of the boundary layer with buoyant mesoscale updrafts, thicker cloud, and a slightly higher capping inversion in the moister columns. There is a mesoscale flow of above‐inversion air down the slightly sloping capping inversion from the moist to the dry regions, reinforced by cloud top radiative cooling. This strengthens the mesoscale anomalies by preferentially cooling and drying the already dry regions. The sloping inversion flow is not driven as efficiently if the radiative cooling is artificially horizontally homogenized, partly disrupting this positive feedback and the resulting closed‐cell development.
Covert infrared image encoding through imprinted plasmonic cavities
Authors: Franklin Daniel , Modak Sushrut , Vázquez-Guardado Abraham , Safaei Alireza , Chanda Debashis
Published: November 2018

Functional surfaces that can control light across the electromagnetic spectrum are highly desirable. Plasmonic nanostructures can assume this role by exhibiting dimension-tunable resonances that span multiple electromagnetic regimes. However, changing these structural parameters often impacts the higher-order resonances and spectral features in lower-wavelength domains. In this study, we discuss a cavity-coupled plasmonic system with resonances that are tunable across the 3–5 or 8–14 μm infrared bands while retaining near-invariant spectral properties in the visible domain. This result is accomplished by regime-dependent resonance mechanisms and their dependence on independent structural parameters. Through the identification and constraint of key parameters, we demonstrate multispectral data encoding, where images, viewable in the infrared spectral domain, appear as uniform areas of color in the visible domain—effectively hiding the information. Fabricated by large area nanoimprint lithography and compatible with flexible surfaces, the proposed system can produce multifunctional coatings for thermal management, camouflage, and anti-counterfeiting.
IL-21 and anti-CD40 restore Bcl-2 family protein imbalance in vitro in low-survival CD27+ B cells from CVID patients
Authors: López-Gómez Antonio , Clemente Antonio , Cunill Vanesa , Pons Jaime , Ferrer Joana M.
Published: November 2018

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by an abnormal B cell differentiation to memory and antibody-secreting B cells. The defective functionality of CVID patients’ B cells could be the consequence of alterations in apoptosis regulation. We studied the balance of Bcl-2 family anti-/pro-apoptotic proteins to identify molecular mechanisms that could underlie B cell survival defects in CVID. We used flow cytometry to investigate Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax, and Bim expression in B cells ex vivo and after anti-CD40 or anti-BCR activation with or without IL-21, besides to spontaneous and stimulation-induced Caspase-3 activation and viable/apoptotic B cell subpopulations. We found increased basal levels of Bax and Bim in CVID B cells that correlated with low viability and high Caspase-3 activation only in CD27+ B cells, particularly in a subgroup of apoptosis-prone CVID (AP-CVID) patients with low peripheral B cell counts and high autoimmunity prevalence (mostly cytopenias). We detected a broad B cell defect in CVID regarding Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL induction, irrespective of the stimulus used. Therefore, peripheral CVID memory B cells are prompted to die from apoptosis due to a constitutive Bcl-2 family protein imbalance and defective protection from activation-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, anti-CD40 and IL-21 induced normal and even higher levels of Bcl-XL, respectively, in CD27+ B cells from AP-CVID, which was accompanied by cell viability increase. Thus low-survival memory B cells from AP-CVID can overcome their cell death regulation defects through pro-survival signals provided by T cells. In conclusion, we identify apoptosis regulation defects as disease-contributing factors in CVID. B cell counts and case history of cytopenias might be useful to predict positive responses to therapeutic approaches targeting T-dependent signaling pathways.
Expansive microbial metabolic versatility and biodiversity in dynamic Guaymas Basin hydrothermal sediments
Authors: Dombrowski Nina , Teske Andreas P. , Baker Brett J.
Published: November 2018

Microbes in Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California) hydrothermal sediments thrive on hydrocarbons and sulfur and experience steep, fluctuating temperature and chemical gradients. The functional capacities of communities inhabiting this dynamic habitat are largely unknown. Here, we reconstructed 551 genomes from hydrothermally influenced, and nearby cold sediments belonging to 56 phyla (40 uncultured). These genomes comprise 22 unique lineages, including five new candidate phyla. In contrast to findings from cold hydrocarbon seeps, hydrothermal-associated communities are more diverse and archaea dominate over bacteria. Genome-based metabolic inferences provide first insights into the ecological niches of these uncultured microbes, including methane cycling in new Crenarchaeota and alkane utilization in ANME-1. These communities are shaped by a high biodiversity, partitioning among nitrogen and sulfur pathways and redundancy in core carbon-processing pathways. The dynamic sediments select for distinctive microbial communities that stand out by expansive biodiversity, and open up new physiological perspectives into hydrothermal ecosystem function.
Clearance of maternal barriers by paternal miR159 to initiate endosperm nuclear division in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Youshang , Wang Songyun , Wu Wenye , Li Lei , Jiang Ting , Zheng Binglian
Published: November 2018

Sperm entry triggers central cell division during seed development, but what factors besides the genome are inherited from sperm, and the mechanism by which paternal factors regulate early division events, are not understood. Here we show that sperm-transmitted miR159 promotes endosperm nuclear division by repressing central cell-transmitted miR159 targets. Disruption of paternal miR159 causes approximately half of the seeds to abort as a result of defective endosperm nuclear divisions. In wild-type plants, MYB33 and MYB65, two miR159 targets, are highly expressed in the central cell before fertilization, but both are rapidly abolished after fertilization. In contrast, loss of paternal miR159 leads to retention of MYB33 and MYB65 in the central cell after fertilization. Furthermore, ectopic expression of a miR159-resistant version of MYB33 (mMYB33) in the endosperm significantly inhibits initiation of endosperm nuclear division. Collectively, these results show that paternal miR159 inhibits its maternal targets to promote endosperm nuclear division, thus uncovering a previously unknown paternal effect on seed development.
Macrophage-derived netrin-1 promotes abdominal aortic aneurysm formation by activating MMP3 in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Hadi Tarik , Boytard Ludovic , Silvestro Michele , Alebrahim Dornazsadat , Jacob Samson , Feinstein Jordyn , Barone Krista , Spiro Wes , Hutchison Susan , Simon Russell , Rateri Debra , Pinet Florence , Fenyo David , Adelman Mark , Moore Kathryn J. , Eltzschig Holger K. , Daugherty Alan , Ramkhelawon Bhama
Published: November 2018

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are characterized by extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) fragmentation and inflammation. However, the mechanisms by which these events are coupled thereby fueling focal vascular damage are undefined. Here we report through single-cell RNA-sequencing of diseased aorta that the neuronal guidance cue netrin-1 can act at the interface of macrophage-driven injury and ECM degradation. Netrin-1 expression peaks in human and murine aneurysmal macrophages. Targeted deletion of netrin-1 in macrophages protects mice from developing AAA. Through its receptor neogenin-1, netrin-1 induces a robust intracellular calcium flux necessary for the transcriptional regulation and persistent catalytic activation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3) by vascular smooth muscle cells. Deficiency in MMP3 reduces ECM damage and the susceptibility of mice to develop AAA. Here, we establish netrin-1 as a major signal that mediates the dynamic crosstalk between inflammation and chronic erosion of the ECM in AAA.
Single-cell analysis reveals individual spore responses to simulated space vacuum
Authors: He Lin , Wang Shiwei , Cortesão Marta , Wu Muying , Moeller Ralf , Setlow Peter , Li Yong-qing
Published: November 2018

Outer space is a challenging environment for all forms of life, and dormant spores of bacteria have been frequently used to study the survival of terrestrial life in a space journey. Previous work showed that outer space vacuum alone can kill bacterial spores. However, the responses and mechanisms of resistance of individual spores to space vacuum are unclear. Here, we examined spores’ molecular changes under simulated space vacuum (~10−5 Pa) using micro-Raman spectroscopy and found that this vacuum did not cause significant denaturation of spore protein. Then, live-cell microscopy was developed to investigate the temporal events during germination, outgrowth, and growth of individual Bacillus spores. The results showed that after exposure to simulated space vacuum for 10 days, viability of spores of two Bacillus species was reduced up to 35%, but all spores retained their large Ca2+-dipicolinic acid depot. Some of the killed spores did not germinate, and the remaining germinated but did not proceed to vegetative growth. The vacuum treatment slowed spore germination, and changed average times of all major germination events. In addition, viable vacuum-treated spores exhibited much greater sensitivity than untreated spores to dry heat and hyperosmotic stress. Among spores’ resistance mechanisms to high vacuum, DNA-protective α/β−type small acid-soluble proteins, and non-homologous end joining and base excision repair of DNA played the most important roles, especially against multiple cycles of vacuum treatment. Overall, these results give new insight into individual spore’s responses to space vacuum and provide new techniques for microorganism analysis at the single-cell level.
Publisher Correction: Regional disparities in warm season rainfall changes over arid eastern–central Asia
Authors: Dong Wenhao , Lin Yanluan , Wright Jonathon S. , Xie Yuanyu , Ming Yi , Zhang Han , Chen Rensheng , Chen Yaning , Xu Fanghua , Lin Namei , Yu Chaoqing , Zhang Bin , Jin Shuang , Yang Kun , Li Zhongqin , Guo Jianping , Wang Lei , Lin Guanghui
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Ambient Air Pollution Exposures and Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Jinan, China: A Time Series Study
Authors: Liu Yao , Cui LiangLiang , Hou LuJian , Yu ChunBao , Tao NingNing , Liu JinYue , Li YiFan , Zhou ChengChao , Yang GuoRu , Li HuaiChen
Published: November 2018

Few epidemiological studies have evaluated the effects of air pollution on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). We investigated the associations of ambient air pollutants (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2),nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO)) in relation to the risk of pulmonary TB in a cohort of Chinese TB patient in Jinan city from 2011 to 2015. A total of 9344 newly diagnosed pulmonary TB cases were included. Poisson regression model was employed to estimate the risk of air pollution and daily diagnosed pulmonary TB. Four different air pollution exposure windows (3, 6, 9, and 12 months) before TB diagnoses were calculated from the daily concentration of air pollution. In overall analysis, we did not find strong evidence for an association between continuous exposures to most ambient air pollutants and risk for pulmonary TB. However, in categorical analysis, we observed statistically significant overall associations between pulmonary TB risk and PM2.5 (3 month exposure window: RR = 1.228, 95%CI: 1.091–1.381) as well as CO (3 month exposure window: RR = 1.169, 95%CI: 1.028–1.329; 9 month exposure window: RR = 1.442, 95%CI: 1.028–2.024) exposures. Moreover, subgroup analyses suggested that most of the air pollutants (PM2.5, SO2, O3, and CO) were significantly associated with increased risk of TB among the males, the females, the <60 years, and the smear negative cases. The dominant statistically significant associations were detected at 3-month exposure window of air pollution before the diagnosis of TB. Our results detected positive associations between ambient PM2.5, CO exposures and the risk of newly diagnosed pulmonary TB in China. The suggestive evidence that the 3 month air pollution exposure window was associated with increased TB risk warrants further investigation.
Publisher Correction: Sensory attenuation in Parkinson’s disease is related to disease severity and dopamine dose
Authors: Wolpe Noham , Zhang Jiaxiang , Nombela Cristina , Ingram James N. , Wolpert Daniel M. ,   Cam-CAN, Tyler Lorraine K. , Brayne Carol , Bullmore Edward T. , Calder Andrew C. , Cusack Rhodri , Dalgleish Tim , Duncan John , Matthews Fiona E. , Marslen-Wilson William D. , Shafto Meredith A. , Cheung Teresa , Geerligs Linda , McCarrey Anna , Mustafa Abdur , Price Darren , Samu David , Treder Matthias , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , van Belle Janna , Williams Nitin , Bates Lauren , Gadie Andrew , Gerbase Sofia , Georgieva Stanimira , Hanley Claire , Parkin Beth , Troy David , Auer Tibor , Correia Marta , Gao Lu , Green Emma , Henriques Rafael , Allen Jodie , Amery Gillian , Amunts Liana , Barcroft Anne , Castle Amanda , Dias Cheryl , Dowrick Jonathan , Fair Melissa , Fisher Hayley , Goulding Anna , Grewal Adarsh , Hale Geoff , Hilton Andrew , Johnson Frances , Johnston Patricia , Kavanagh-Williamson Thea , Kwasniewska Magdalena , McMinn Alison , Norman Kim , Penrose Jessica , Roby Fiona , Rowland Diane , Sargeant John , Squire Maggie , Stevens Beth , Stoddart Aldabra , Stone Cheryl , Thompson Tracy , Yazlik Ozlem , Barnes Dan , Dixon Marie , Hillman Jaya , Mitchell Joanne , Villis Laura , Rowe James B.
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has been fixed in the paper.
Radiopaque Fully Degradable Nanocomposites for Coronary Stents
Authors: Ang Hui Ying , Toong Daniel , Chow Wei Shoon , Seisilya Welly , Wu Wei , Wong Philip , Venkatraman Subbu S. , Foin Nicolas , Huang Yingying
Published: November 2018

Bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) were introduced to overcome limitations of current metallic drug-eluting stents and poly-L-lactide (PLLA) has been used in the fabrication of BRS due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, such polymers have weaker mechanical properties as compared to metals, limiting their use in BRS. We hypothesized that nanofillers can be used to enhance the mechanical properties considerably in PLLA. To this end, polymer-matrix composites consisting of PLLA reinforced with 5–20 wt% barium sulfate (BaSO4) nanofillers as a potential BRS material was evaluated. Stearic-acid (SA) modified BaSO4 nanofillers were used to examine the effect of functionalization. Rigid nanofillers improved the tensile modulus and strength of PLLA (60% and 110% respectively), while the use of SA-BaSO4 caused a significant increase (~110%) in the elongation at break. Enhancement in mechanical properties is attributed to functionalization which decreased the agglomeration of the nanofillers and improved dispersion. The nanocomposites were also radiopaque. Finite element analysis (FEA) showed that scaffold fabricated from the novel nanocomposite material has improved scaffolding ability, specifically that the strut thickness could be decreased compared to the conventional PLLA scaffold. In conclusion, BaSO4/PLLA-based nanocomposites could potentially be used as materials for BRS with improved mechanical and radiopaque properties.
Low Temperature Bonding by Infiltrating Sn3.5Ag Solder into Porous Ag Sheet for High Temperature Die Attachment in Power Device Packaging
Authors: Hang Chunjin , He Junjian , Zhang Zhihao , Chen Hongtao , Li Mingyu
Published: November 2018

We have proposed a high temperature die attach method with porous Ag sheet as an interlayer for power device packaging. Sn-3.5Ag solder paste can infiltrate into the porous Ag sheet through capillary forces and Sn can react with the porous Ag sheet and Ag metallizations at the interfaces to form Ag3Sn after reflow at 260 °C for 10 min. The large specific surface area and the high diffusion rates between Ag and Sn accelerate the Sn consumption in the porous Ag structure, thus significantly reducing the processing time. The difference of the melting points of the die attach material before and after reflow could be expanded as large as 259 °C. The bondlines show good electrical and thermal conductivities. Furthermore, the average shear strength of the bondlines at 300 °C is higher than 20 MPa. The porous Ag skeleton remained in the bondline would contribute greatly to the heat dissipation and the electrical signal transmission in power devices.
Flavonoids are identified from the extract of Scutellariae Radix to suppress inflammatory-induced angiogenic responses in cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Gong Guowei , Wang Huaiyou , Kong Xiangpeng , Duan Ran , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: November 2018

Scutellariae Radix (SR), also named Huangqin in China, is the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Historically, the usage of SR was targeted to against inflammation. In fact, chronic inflammation has a close relationship with hypoxia and abnormal angiogenesis in tumor cells. Hence, we would like to probe the water extract of SR in suppressing the inflammation-induced angiogenesis. Prior to determine the pharmaceutical values of SR, the first step is to analysis the chemical compositions of SR according to China Pharmacopeia (2015). From the results, the amount of baicalin was 12.6% by weight. Furthermore, the anti-angiogenic properties of SR water extract were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pre-treated cultured macrophage RAW 264.7 cells by detecting the inflammatory markers, i.e. Cox-2, cytokine and iNOS, as well as the translocation activity of NFκB and angiogenic biomarker, i.e. VEGF. This herbal extract was capable of declining both inflammatory and angiogenic hallmarks in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the SR-derived flavonoids, i.e. baicalin, baicalein, wogonin and wogonoside, were shown to be active chemicals in the anti-inflammatory-induced angiogenesis. Therefore, the inflammation-induced angiogenesis is believed to be suppressed by SR water extract, or its major ingredients. These results shed light in the benefiting role of SR in the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in vitro.
A prostate derived commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis strain prevents and ameliorates induction of chronic prostatitis by UPEC infection
Authors: Murphy Stephen F. , Hall Christel , Done Joseph D. , Schaeffer Anthony J. , Thumbikat Praveen
Published: November 2018

Chronic prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common syndrome with limited therapies and an unknown etiology. Previously, our laboratory has defined a potential role for pathogenic infection in disease onset. Intra-urethral infection with a uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain isolated from a CP/CPPS patient, CP1, induces prostatic inflammation and tactile allodynia in mice. We have also demonstrated that a prostate specific Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial isolate, NPI (non-pain inducing), from a healthy subject reduces pain and inflammation in an experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) murine model. Here we focus on the interplay between these human isolates in the context of prostatitis development and resolution. NOD/ShiLtJ mice were inoculated with either NP1 or CP1, or combinations of both. Infection with CP1 induced pelvic tactile allodynia after 7 days, while NPI instillation alone induced no such response. Instillation with NPI 7 days following CP1 infection resolved pelvic tactile allodynia and prophylactic instillation 7 days prior to CPI infection prevented its onset. Prophylactic NPI instillation also prevented CP1 colonization of both prostate and bladder tissues. In vitro analyses revealed that CP1 and NPI do not directly inhibit the growth or invasive potential of one another. Immunological analyses revealed that specific markers associated with CP1-induced pelvic allodynia were decreased upon NPI treatment or repressed by prophylactic colonization. This study demonstrates that a commensal bacterial isolate can inhibit the colonization, pain responses, and immunological activation to uropathogenic bacteria, emphasizing the power of a healthy prostatic microflora in controlling health and disease.
Author Correction: Balance training improves memory and spatial cognition in healthy adults
Authors: Rogge Ann-Kathrin , Röder Brigitte , Zech Astrid , Nagel Volker , Hollander Karsten , Braumann Klaus-Michael , Hötting Kirsten
Published: November 2018

A correction to this article has been published and is linked from the HTML and PDF versions of this paper. The error has not been fixed in the paper.
A C3-substituted cyclotriveratrylene derivative with 8-quinolinyl groups as a fluorescence-enhanced probe for the sensing of Cu2+ ions
Authors: Moriuchi-Kawakami Takayo , Mizuno Yohei , Inoue Tsubasa , Matsubara Shota , Moriuchi Toshiyuki
Published: November 2018

C3-Substituted CTV derivatives with 8-quinolinyl groups exhibited a selective response of fluorescence enhancement toward Cu2+ ions even in the presence of other co-existing cations.
An ultratrace assay of arsenite based on the synergistic quenching effect of Ru(bpy)32+ and arsenite on the electrochemiluminescence of Au–g-C3N4 nanosheets
Authors: Liang Ru-Ping , Yu Lu-Dan , Tong Yuan-Jun , Wen Shao-Hua , Cao Shu-Ping , Qiu Jian-Ding
Published: November 2018

An arsenite assay based on the synergistic quenching effect of As(iii) and Ru(bpy)32+ on the ECL of Au–g-C3N4 coupled with the generation of a new ECL signal of Ru(bpy)32+.
Comment on “Negative effective Li transference numbers in Li salt/ionic liquid mixtures: does Li drift in the “Wrong” direction?” by M. Gouverneur, F. Schmidt and M. Schönhoff,Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2018,20, 7470
Authors: Harris Kenneth R.
Published: November 2018

Transport numbers from electrophoretic NMR must be converted to the correct frame of reference to be physically meaningful.
Pressure induced excellent thermoelectric behavior in skutterudites CoSb3 and IrSb3
Authors: Yang Xiuxian , Dai Zhenhong , Zhao Yinchang , Niu Wenchao , Liu Jianye , Meng Sheng
Published: November 2018

We have used first principle calculations together with Boltzmann transport theory to calculate the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of CoSb3 and IrSb3.
Simple and accurate isochoric differential scanning calorimetry measurements: phase transitions for pure fluids and mixtures in nanopores
Authors: Qiu Xingdong , Tan Sugata P. , Dejam Morteza , Adidharma Hertanto
Published: November 2018

A simple way to measure capillary condensation in nanopores for applications in engineering and science.
MoIV3-Polyoxomolybdates with frustrated Lewis pairs for high-performance hydrogenation catalysis
Authors: Luo Benlong , Sang Ruili , Lin Lifang , Xu Li
Published: November 2018

Highly efficient catalytic hydrogenation of the MOIV6-γ-Keggin hybrid with MoIV–O–MoVIO multiple Lewis pairs has been established.
Modifying methylalumoxane via alkyl exchange
Authors: Zijlstra Harmen S. , Joshi Anuj , Linnolahti Mikko , Collins Scott , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: November 2018

Ionized methylalumoxane exchanges alkyl groups rapidly with trialkylaluminums in solution, generating statistical mixtures of modified methylalumoxane anions.
Waste-free and efficient hydrosilylation of olefins
Authors: Pandarus Valerica , Ciriminna Rosaria , Gingras Geneviève , Béland François , Kaliaguine Serge , Pagliaro Mario
Published: November 2018

High purity silicone precursors can now be synthesized by hydrosilylation of solvent-free olefins catalyzed by a highly stable and active glass hybrid catalyst consisting of mesoporous organosilica microspheres doped with Pt nanoparticles.
Accelerating the water splitting kinetics of CoP microcubes anchored on a graphene electrocatalyst by Mn incorporation
Authors: Xu Xun , Liang Hanfeng , Tang Guisheng , Hong Yingling , Xie Yaqiang , Qi Zhengbing , Xu Binbin , Wang Zhoucheng
Published: November 2018

Mn incorporation greatly enhances the electrocatalytic activity of CoP towards both the HER and OER in alkaline solutions.
Transport and photogalvanic properties of covalent functionalized monolayer black phosphorus
Authors: Sun Cuicui , Wang Yuxiu , Jiang Yingjie , Yang Zhao-Di , Zhang Guiling , Hu Yangyang
Published: November 2018

Opposite responses of the transport and photogalvanic properties of the two-probe devices based on covalent functionalized black phosphorus.
Remote homoepitaxy of ZnO microrods across graphene layers
Authors: Jeong Junseok , Min Kyung-Ah , Shin Dong Hoon , Yang Woo Seok , Yoo Jinkyoung , Lee Sang Wook , Hong Suklyun , Hong Young Joon
Published: November 2018

Vertical and horizontal ZnO microrods are grown on a- and c-plane ZnO across graphene interlayer, owing to charge transfer through graphene, and the remote homoepitaxial microrods were exfoliated for substrate regeneration.
Alkoxyallene-based syntheses of preussin and its analogs and their cytotoxicity
Authors: Hausherr Arndt , Siemeister Gerhard , Reissig Hans-Ulrich
Published: November 2018

Preussin made in Prussia!Axially chiral alkoxyallenes provided oxa-preussin, racemic and enantiopure (−)-preussin (cytotoxicities: IC50= 3–6 μM).
Manganese phosphinocarbodithioate for RAFT polymerisation with sunlight-induced chain end post-treatment
Authors: Kulai Ihor , Karpus Andrii , Soroka Liubov , Valyaev Dmitry A. , Bourdon Valérie , Manoury Eric , Poli Rinaldo , Destarac Mathias , Mazières Stéphane
Published: November 2018

A new manganese complex of the formula Cp(CO)2MnP(Ph)2C(S)SCH(CH3)Ph is an efficient RAFT agent for the preparation of SH-terminated polymers by simple visible light photocleavage of the organometallic end-group.
Nanobowls with controlled openings and interior holes driven by the synergy of hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction
Authors: Sun Hui , Liu Danqing , Du Jianzhong
Published: November 2018

Nanobowls with controlled openings and interior holes are created by self-assembly of homopolymers with hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction.
FeS2 microspheres wrapped by N-doped rGO from an Fe-based ionic liquid precursor for rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Authors: Ding Xueda , Du Chengfeng , Li Jianrong , Huang Xiaoying
Published: November 2018

FeS2/N-doped rGO microspheres synthesized by a facile and green process show remarkable electrochemical performance for secondary LIBs.
Fabrication and design of mechanically stable and free-standing polymeric membrane with two-level apertures
Authors: Seol Changwook , Jang Segeun , Kim Junsoo , Jun Tea-Sung , Kim Sang Moon
Published: November 2018

Herein, we report the fabrication process and the investigation of mechanically stable, flexible and free-standing polymeric membranes with two-level apertures.
Designing solvate ionogel electrolytes with very high room-temperature conductivity and lithium transference number
Authors: Hubble Dion , Qin Jiaxu , Lin Francis , Murphy Ian A. , Jang Sei-Hum , Yang Jihui , Jen Alex K.-Y.
Published: November 2018

Freestanding gel electrolytes based on Li(G4)TFSI/PEG are demonstrated with enhanced lithium transport and stripping/plating performance due to unique chemical interactions.
Recyclable, stretchable and conductive double network hydrogels towards flexible strain sensors
Authors: Lai Jialiang , Zhou Hongwei , Wang Mingcheng , Chen Yaokun , Jin Zhaoyang , Li Shuangli , Yang Jingjing , Jin Xilang , Liu Hanbin , Zhao Weifeng
Published: November 2018

Recyclable, stretchable, conductive and photoluminescent double network hydrogels are fabricated and utilized in flexible resistive-type strain sensors.
Composition, structure and function of the eukaryotic flagellum distal tip
Authors: Croft Jacob T. , Zabeo Davide , Subramanian Radhika , Höög Johanna L.
Published: November 2018

Cilia and flagella are long extensions commonly found on the surface of eukaryotic cells. In fact, most human cells have a flagellum, and failure to correctly form cilia leads to a spectrum of diseases gathered under the name ‘ciliopathies’. The cilium distal tip is where it grows and signals. Yet, out of the flagellar regions, the distal tip is probably the least intensively studied. In this review, we will summarise the current knowledge on the diverse flagellar tip structures, the dynamicity and signalling that occurs here and the proteins localising to this important cellular region.
Distributed finite‐time tracking control for multiple uncertain Euler–Lagrange systems with input saturations and error constraints
Authors: Chen Liangliang , Li Chuanjiang , Sun Yanchao , Ma Guangfu
Published: November 2018

This study addresses the distributed finite‐time tracking control for multiple uncertain Euler–Lagrange systems with input saturations and error constraints. In order to achieve distributed finite‐time tracking control in the model‐independent way, neural networks are used to approximate the system unknown terms. Besides, the authors consider that there exists input saturation for each dimension of each follower in the systems. The input saturations are tackled by converting the systems with input saturations to the cases with unknown input gains. Then, based on backstepping technique, the distributed finite‐time tracking control law is developed. Tan‐type barrier Lyapunov function is utilised to guarantee that the error variables would not exceed the predefined bounds. Lyapunov theory and graph theory demonstrate the finite‐time stability of the systems. By choosing a class of two‐link manipulators consisting of one leader and four followers, numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
Influence of the V‐type secondary on the air‐gap magnetic field and performance of the linear induction motor
Authors: Lv Gang , Zhou Tong , Zeng Dihui
Published: November 2018

Owing to the larger total harmonic distortion (HD) of the air‐gap magnetic field in the linear induction motors with the flat‐solid and direct‐slit secondary, the construction of V‐type secondary is proposed and investigated, to reduce the harmonic components. First, a skew factor is presented to indicate the influence of the tooth harmonic on the air‐gap magnetic field. The skew distance is a key point for the design of the V‐type secondary, and the influence of the different skew distances on the thrusts, HD, and efficiencies are analysed by the three‐dimensional finite‐element method. Finally, the eddy currents, the air‐gap flux densities, and electromagnetic forces are calculated in the linear induction motors with the V‐type secondary. It shows that the V‐type secondary can reduce the harmonic components and improve the performance.
Finite set model predictive control method for quasi‐Z source inverter‐permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system
Authors: Dong Kangda , Shi Tingna , Xiao Shuxin , Li Xinmin , Xia Changliang
Published: November 2018

In this study, a finite set model predictive control method is proposed for the quasi‐Z source inverter‐permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system. In the proposed method, the control variables of quasi‐Z source network and motor are controlled uniformly, which can avoid the conflicts between the shoot‐through duty cycle and the inverter modulation coefficient during the dynamic adjustment process in traditional two‐stage control method. Due to the particularity of the motor connected to the quasi‐Z source inverter, a power compensation control method is used to obtain the inductor current reference value. Whether the shoot‐through vector is chosen as the optimal vector is determined by the inductor current, and the influence of undershoot phenomenon of capacitor voltage, which results from the non‐minimum phase characteristics of quasi‐Z source inverter, is avoided. Steady‐state, dynamic, and input voltage dip experiments are performed on a quasi‐Z source inverter‐permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed predictive control method. Besides, compared with traditional two‐stage control method, the proposed method has quicker response speed and stronger anti‐disturbance ability.
Hybrid field oriented and direct torque control for sensorless BLDC motors used in aerial drones
Authors: Carey Kellen D. , Zimmerman Nathan , Ababei Cristinel
Published: November 2018

In this study, a sensorless hybrid control scheme for brushless direct current (BLDC) motors for use in multirotor aerial vehicles is introduced. In such applications, the control scheme must satisfy high‐performance demands for a wide range of rotor speeds and must be robust to motor parameter uncertainties and measurement noise. The proposed controller combines field‐oriented control (FOC) and direct torque control (DTC) techniques to take benefit of the advantages offered by each of these techniques individually. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme over a wide range of rotor speeds as well as good robustness against parameter uncertainties within for inductance and for resistance parameters. The proposed hybrid controller is robust also against noise in voltage and current measurements. In order to verify the results from simulation, the proposed hybrid controller is implemented in hardware using the TI C2000 Piccolo Launchpad and TI BOOSTXL‐DRV8305EVM BoosterPack. Testing is done with a Bull Running motor typically used in aerial drones. Testing experiments demonstrate that the hybrid controller reduces the rotor speed ripple when compared to DTC while operating in steady‐state mode and decreases the response time to desired speed changes when compared to FOC.
Fixed switching frequency predictive control of an asymmetric source dual inverter system with a floating bridge for multilevel operation
Authors: Chowdhury Shajjad , Wheeler Patrick , Huang Zhen , Rivera Marco , Gerada Chris
Published: November 2018

This study proposes a modified modulated model predictive control (MMPC) scheme to control an open‐end winding induction motor drive using an asymmetric source dual inverter with one floating bridge. The control algorithm uses a modulation algorithm within the cost function optimisation scheme to avoid variable switching frequency. The voltage of the floating capacitor is regulated utilising predefined redundant switching sequences as well as the voltage vector location is identified to improve calculation time. The proposed MMPC scheme enhances the output performance with comparison to the model predictive control scheme. Experimental results are presented to verify theory and simulation results.
Maximum efficiency point tracking control method for series–series compensated wireless power transfer system
Authors: Zhang Wang , Wu Xiaojie , Xia Chenyang , Liu Xu
Published: November 2018

The efficiency of wireless power transfer system is significantly affected by variations in the system's load resistance and the coils’ coupling coefficient. For obtaining the maximum possible efficiency in different load resistances and coupling coefficients, a new maximum efficiency point tracking (MEPT) control method is proposed in this study. The proposed method realises the MEPT by converting the load impedance in real time and making the primary and the secondary resonant currents be a specific ratio. This specific ratio is determined by the equivalent series resistances of the primary and secondary circuits, which is independent of the coupling coefficient. The experimental results show that the maximum efficiency point can be tracked and the system efficiency can be improved by the proposed method.
A novel grid selection method for sky‐wave time difference of arrival localisation
Authors: Zhang Tie‐Nan , Mao Xing‐Peng , Zhao Chun‐Lei , Liu Jian‐Xin
Published: November 2018

This paper studies sky‐wave time‐difference‐of‐arrival (TDOA) localisation in passive‐radar systems, and the focus is on two‐dimensional localisation on the earth surface. Signals are reflected by the ionosphere layer before arriving at sensors, making the localisation problem very complicated. Parametric methods are found to be inefficient in this case; therefore, grid‐based methods are studied. However, conventional grid‐based methods are not guaranteed to find the nearest grid point (NGP) of target, even when the grid map is dense and the measurements are noise‐free. Hence, this paper derives the sufficient condition for NGP selection in noiseless environments. Based on it, an ellipsoid‐norm method (ENM) is proposed to promise optimal results with noise‐free measurements, which consists of a test phase and a search phase. If a given grid map passes the offline test phase, the search phase produces a close‐form estimate at a low computational complexity. The impact of noise on ENM is also theoretically analysed. Additionally, ENM is extended to handle cases with inaccurately known ionosphere layer heights. Numerical results show that for different sensor networks, the test phase is feasible by adjusting grid densities; and ENM is superior to the current state‐of‐the‐art in terms of estimation accuracy and computational complexity.
Retraction notice to: “Adaptive algorithm for wireless data transmission (including images) based on SISO system and OFDM technique”
Authors: Fedosov Valentin , Legin Andrey , Lomakina Anna
Published: November 2018

At the request of the Authors, the following article has been retracted from MATEC Web of Conferences Volume 226 for the following reason: This article was sent simultaneously by mistake to two different journals, MATEC Web of Conferences and another journal, generating an ethical problem of double publication. The organizers and the authors apologize for the mistake that is more related to an administrative error than a deliberate misconduct. The Editorial Board of MATEC Web of Conferences and EDP Sciences have agreed to retract the article.

Refers to RETRACTED: Adaptive algorithm for wireless data transmission (including images) based on SISO system and OFDM technique, Valentin Fedosov, Andrey Legin and Anna Lomakina, published online on 07 November 2018
Preliminary Sizing of a Medium Range Blended Wing-Body using a Multidisciplinary Design Analysis Approach
Authors: Sgueglia Alessandro , Schmollgruber Peter , Benard Emmanuel , Bartoli Nathalie , Morlier Joseph
Published: November 2018

The aviation's goal for the next decades is to drastically reduce emissions, but to achieve this goal a breakdown in aircraft design has to be considered. One of the most promising concepts is the Blended Wing- Body, which integrates aerodynamics, propulsion and structure, and has a better aerodynamics efficiency, thanks to the reduction of the wetted surfaces. In this work the feasibility of a short/medium range BWB with 150 passengers (A320 Neo type aircraft, Entry Into Service 2035) is studied, considering different disciplines into the sizing process. The design loop has been reviewed to consider the unconventional concept. Also certification aspects have been taken into account in an off-design analysis. To evaluate the advantages of the proposed concept, it has been compared with an aircraft of the same class, the A320 Neo, resized to match the EIS2035 hypothesis: results show that the BWB is a concept that demonstrates a gain in fuel consumption, especially on longer ranges.
New prognostic neural method by discrete wavelet transforms for electromechanical flight controls affected by progressive faults
Authors: Dalla Vedova Matteo D. L. , Lampariello Nicola , Maggiore Paolo
Published: November 2018

Progressive failures affecting onboard electromechanical actuators (EMA), especially if related to primary flight commands, could be a critical issue for the aircraft reliability and, in the worst cases, could compromise its safety. In the last years strong interest is expected by the development of prognostic algorithms able to provide an early identification of the precursors of EMA progressive failures. In this work authors proposes a new prognostic method based on two artificial neural networks (ANN), a basic and an enhanced feedforward neural network, performing the fault detection and identification of two critical progressive faults often affecting the EMA brushless motor (i.e. turn-to-turn short circuit of a stator coil and rotor static eccentricity); in order to identify a suitable data set able to guarantee an affordable ANN classification, the said failures precursors are properly pre-processed by a Discrete Wavelet Transform, extracting several features used as input of the proposed prognostic algorithm.
Aerodynamic and structural design of winglet with integrated VHF antenna
Authors: Vrchota Petr , Steeger Stefan , Martinez-Vazquez Marta , Svetlik Martin , Reznicek Zdenek
Published: November 2018

A new optimized winglet of a small aircraft is used to develop the solutions for structure, VHF antenna, systems as lights and lightning protection. The aerodynamic optimization has been based on the Design of Experiment and Response Surface method in order to find out the suitable shape of the winglet from the aerodynamic, structure and the basic operating frequency range for VHF radio communication points of view. The winglet’s structure has been designed based on the aerodynamic loads and took into account the appropriate technology. The improvement of the aerodynamic characteristics and handling qualities of the aircraft are discussed and the integration concepts and production moulds are presented.
Electrical characterization of aeronautical nanocomposites supported by Tunneling AFM (TUNA)
Authors: Lamberti Patrizia , Barra Giuseppina , Guadagno Liberata , Lafdi Khalid , Naddeo Carlo , Raimondo Marialuigia , Spinelli Giovanni , Tucci Vincenzo , Vertuccio Luigi
Published: November 2018

Epoxy nanocomposites fulfill tight and compelling industrial requirements in the field of structural material for aeronautical applications. In this paper the development and characterization of nanocomposites obtained by filling tetrafunctional epoxy resin (tetraglycidyl methylene dianiline cured with the aromatic diamine 4,4’-diaminodiphenylsulfone, named T20BD) with carbon nanofibers (CNF) is discussed. A filler amount ranging from 0.05% to 2%wt is considered. The DC volume conductivity and the dielectric characteristics (ϵ’) of the nanocomposites in the frequency range 100Hz-1MHz are analyzed and compared with those of the pure resin. Atomic force microscopy, mapping the local topography by means of tunneling effect, is used for recording the electrical percolation path for nanocomposites. In particular, the case 1.3wt% of CNF filled nanocomposites that exhibits a stable behavior of the conductivity in the full investigated frequency range, is here reported. The developed filled epoxy used in carbon fiber reinforced composites, shows enhanced electrical properties leading to better electromagnetic (EM) performances in EM coatings, EM shields and filters or radar absorber materials (RAMs).