bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron count and electronic structure of bare icosahedral Au32and Au33ionic nanoclusters and ligated derivatives. Stable models with intermediate superatomic shell fillings
Authors: Wang Qi , Halet Jean-François , Kahlal Samia , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro , Saillard Jean-Yves
Published: September 2020

The Au32icosahedral cage can adapt its shape to several electron counts.
Increase of network hydrophilicity from sql to lvt supramolecular isomers of Cu-MOFs with the bifunctional 4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzoate linker
Authors: Menzel Saskia , Millan Simon , Höfert Simon-Patrick , Nuhnen Alexander , Gökpinar Serkan , Schmitz Alexa , Janiak Christoph
Published: September 2020

A slight difference in the H-bonding of the linker pyrazole-NH group changes the framework hydrophilicity drastically.
Identification of water-infiltration-induced electrical energy generation by ionovoltaic effect in porous CuO nanowire films
Authors: Jin Huding , Yoon Sun Geun , Lee Won Hyung , Cho Yong Hyun , Han Junghyup , Park Junwoo , Kim Youn Sang
Published: September 2020

We verified the origin of water-infiltration-induced electricity generation by an ionovoltaic effect, specifically, ion–surface interaction induced potential asymmetry in a porous CuO nanowire film.
Innovative design of bismuth-telluride-based thermoelectric micro-generators with high output power
Authors: El Oualid Soufiane , Kosior Francis , Dauscher Anne , Candolfi Christophe , Span Gerhard , Mehmedovic Ervin , Paris Janina , Lenoir Bertrand
Published: September 2020

An innovative design of a thermoelectric micro-generator with integrated wavy-shaped Bi2Te3-based materials yields the highest output power achieved so far for an in-plane device.
Nutritional quality andin vitrodigestion of immature rice-based processed products
Authors: Miraji Kulwa F. , Linnemann Anita R. , Fogliano Vincenzo , Laswai Henry S. , Capuano Edoardo
Published: September 2020

The nutritional contents of rice decreased as grains matured, and pepeta-type processing improves the nutritional properties andin vitroprotein digestibility of rice.
Solvent-driven isomerization of cis,cis-muconic acid for the production of specialty and performance-advantaged cyclic biobased monomers
Authors: Carraher Jack M. , Carter Prerana , Rao Radhika G. , Forrester Michael J. , Pfennig Toni , Shanks Brent H. , Cochran Eric W. , Tessonnier Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2020

Unlocking the isomerization of cis,cis-muconic acid to Diels–Alder active trans,trans-muconic acid for the production of renewable cyclic diacid monomers.
Spent tea leaves templated synthesis of highly active and durable cobalt-based trifunctional versatile electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Ahsan Md Ariful , Imam Muhammad A. , Puente Santiago Alain R. , Rodriguez Alejandro , Alvarado-Tenorio Bonifacio , Bernal Ricardo , Luque Rafael , Noveron Juan C.
Published: September 2020

The rational design of high-performance trifunctional catalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions is of vital importance for the implementation of green energy conversion technologies.
Interaction of natural flavonoid eriocitrin with β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin: an NMR and molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Cesari Andrea , Uccello Barretta Gloria , Kirschner Karl N. , Pappalardo Matteo , Basile Livia , Guccione Salvatore , Russotto Clizia , Lauro Maria Rosaria , Cavaliere Francesca , Balzano Federica
Published: September 2020

Eriocitrin's binding to β-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin was elucidated using mono/bidimensional NMR experiments and all-atom MD (Glycam06).
Ni-Based catalysts supported on natural clay of attapulgite applied in the dry reforming of methane reaction
Authors: Dai Hui , Yu Peixin , Liu Hongsheng , Xiong Siqi , Xiao Xin , Deng Jie , Huang Lihong
Published: September 2020

With the increase of the global average temperature year after year, dry reforming of methane to synthetic gas as a way to deal with reaction between greenhouse gases CO2 and CH4, therefore, has become a research focus.
Biocatalytic green alternative to existing hazardous reaction media: synthesis of chalcone and flavone derivativesviathe Claisen–Schmidt reaction at room temperature
Authors: Tamuli Kashyap J. , Sahoo Ranjan K. , Bordoloi Manobjyoti
Published: September 2020

Herein, two novel agro-food waste products from banana peels were used to synthesize chalcone and flavone derivatives at room temperature under solvent free conditions.
Correction: Live cell single molecule tracking and localization microscopy of bioorthogonally labeled plasma membrane proteins
Authors: König Andres I. , Sorkin Raya , Alon Ariel , Nachmias Dikla , Dhara Kalyan , Brand Guy , Yifrach Ofer , Arbely Eyal , Roichman Yael , Elia Natalie
Published: September 2020

Correction for ‘Live cell single molecule tracking and localization microscopy of bioorthogonally labeled plasma membrane proteins’ by Andres I. König et al., Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 3236–3248, DOI: 10.1039/C9NR08594G.
Extension of the Simmons–Smith reaction to metal-carbynes: efficient synthesis of metallacyclopropenes with σ-aromaticity
Authors: Huang Fanping , Zheng Xuejuan , Lin Xinlei , Ding Linting , Zhuo Qingde , Wen Ting Bin , Zhang Hong , Xia Haiping
Published: September 2020

Extending Simmons–Smith reaction to metal-carbyne systems leads to the access of metallacyclopropenes with σ-aromaticity.
Lewis acid-assisted Ir(iii) reductive elimination enables construction of seven-membered-ring sulfoxides
Authors: Yang Wu , Li Yingzi , Zhu Jiefeng , Liu Wentan , Ke Jie , He Chuan
Published: September 2020

With a rationally designed Lewis acid assisted oxidatively induced strategy, the sluggish Ir(III) reductive elimination is successfully facilitated, which enables the facile construction of versatile seven-membered-ring sulfoxides.
MiR-489 aggravates H2O2-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via inhibiting IGF1
Authors: Tang Shan , Zhong Hongyan , Xiong Ting , Yang Xinquan , Mao Yongqing , Wang Daxin
Published: September 2020

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major type of cardiovascular disorder worldwide. In the present study, we established a new microRNA (miRNA)–mRNA cross-talk network by integrating data obtained from The National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI GEO). In addition, functional assays, including Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses, were conducted using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integration Discovery (DAVID). In our study, we generated a new differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNA)-differentially expressed gene (DEG) cross-talk network of MI composed of three miRNA (miR-489, miR-375, and miR-142-3p) nodes and 163 mRNA nodes. In vitro experiments demonstrated that miR-489 expression was increased in H2O2-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes in vitro, mimicking myocardial injury. We observed that down-regulation of miR-489 reduced H2O2-induced apoptosis, while overexpression of miR-489 had the opposite effects, as revealed by flow cytometry and Western blot analyses. Furthermore, we confirmed the relationship between miR-489 and IGF1 through double luciferase reporter gene assays, which partly explains the antiapoptotic mechanism of miR-489. In conclusion, the experimental results of the present study could provide important clues for investigating the mechanism of MI.
Cognitive and Linguistic Contributions to Masked Speech Recognition in Children
Authors: McCreery Ryan W. , Miller Margaret K. , Buss Emily , Leibold Lori J.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of cognitive and linguistic skills on masked speech recognition for children with normal hearing in three different masking conditions: (a) speech-shaped noise (SSN), (b) amplitude-modulated SSN (AMSSN), and (c) two-talker speech (TTS). We hypothesized that children with better working memory and language skills would have better masked speech recognition than peers with poorer skills in these areas. Selective attention was predicted to affect performance in the TTS masker due to increased cognitive demands from informational masking.

Method

A group of 60 children in two age groups (5- to 6-year-olds and 9- to 10-year-olds) with normal hearing completed sentence recognition in SSN, AMSSN, and TTS masker conditions. Speech recognition thresholds for 50% correct were measured. Children also completed standardized measures of language, memory, and executive function.

Results

Children's speech recognition was poorer in the TTS relative to the SSN and AMSSN maskers. Older children had lower speech recognition thresholds than younger children for all masker conditions. Greater language abilities were associated with better sentence recognition for the younger children in all masker conditions, but there was no effect of language for older children. Better working memory and selective attention skills were associated with better masked sentence recognition for both age groups, but only in the TTS masker condition.

Conclusions

The decreasing influence of vocabulary on masked speech recognition for older children supports the idea that this relationship depends on an interaction between the language level of the stimuli and the listener's vocabulary. Increased cognitive demands associated with perceptually isolating the target talker and two competing masker talkers with a TTS masker may result in the recruitment of working memory and selective attention skills, effects that were not observed in SSN or AMSSN maskers. Future research should evaluate these effects across a broader range of stimuli or with children who have hearing loss.
Coupling property analysis of the on‐board battery‐charging system based on DSEM in the charging mode
Authors: Wei Jiadan , Chen Jinchun , Wang Yiwei , Liu Peng , Zhou Bo
Published: September 2020

In order to obtain the compact and low‐cost on‐board battery‐charging system for the electric vehicles, the doubly salient electromagnetic (DSEM) with the cascade converter is employed as the driving system, the reactance of the phase windings and split‐field‐winding is reused as the filter inductance for the battery‐side DC/DC converter and grid‐side pulse‐width modulation (PWM) rectifier. The corresponding charging control schemes for the DC/DC converter and the double‐loop decoupling control for the PWM rectifier are given, and the demagnetisation control of DSEM is achieved to eliminate the output torque based on the in‐series split‐field‐winding control. Due to the coupled magnetic path of the flux linkage of field and phase windings of DSEM, the properties of the charging current fluctuation with respect to the mutual inductance and output torque ripple rated to the rotor position are given to achieve the best rotor location setting of DSEM in the charging mode. Finally, the co‐simulation model and experiment platform are built to verify the feasibility and coupling properties of the proposed system by the results in the steady and dynamic procedure.
Online thermal parameter identification for permanent magnet synchronous machines
Authors: Xiao Shuai , Griffo Antonio
Published: September 2020

Temperature monitoring of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) is of great importance because high temperatures can significantly shorten the lifetimes of motor components. Accurate temperature predictions can be achieved using reduced‐order lumped parameter thermal networks (LPTNs) with accurate thermal parameters. In this study, an online estimation method based on the recursive Kalman filter algorithm is introduced for online identification of the thermal resistances in a three‐node LPTN representing motor stator iron, stator winding and permanent magnet. The identification procedure requires a rotor temperature measurement, which is provided by an accurate pulse‐width modulation‐based estimation method. The proposed methodology is experimentally validated and applied to real‐time fault detection of the motor cooling system.
Improved detection method for traffic signs in real scenes applied in intelligent and connected vehicles
Authors: Du Luyao , Ji Jun , Pei Zhonghui , Zheng Hongjiang , Fu Shuaizhi , Kong Haiyang , Chen Wei
Published: September 2020

Detecting traffic signs is an essential task for intelligent and connected vehicles. In this study, a modified model based on the method of You Only Look Once (YOLO) is proposed for detecting different types of Chinese signs, including mandatory, prohibitory, danger warning, guide, and tourist signs. Images of Chinese traffic signs are collected in real scenes and a new dataset is established. The modified model combines the DenseNet method with the YOLOv3 network. Dense blocks are used to strengthen feature propagation and promote feature reuse in those feature layers with low resolution in the YOLOv3 network. Experimental results on the test dataset reveal that the average precision of the modified model, the original YOLOv3, and the YOLOv2 networks are 95.92, 94.59, and 89.39%, respectively. Further comparative analyses that give more detailed experimental evaluation results are conducted on the designed model, including (i) the performance of the designed model based on five categories; (ii) the influence of training set size on the designed model; (iii) the performance of the designed model on occlusion and no object conditions in real scenes. The experimental results show that the modified model is effective at fast and accurate Chinese traffic sign detection in real scenes.
R&D investment in new energy vehicles with purchase subsidy based on technology adoption life cycle and customers’ choice behaviour
Authors: Feng Xiao , Huang Bo , Li Yuyu
Published: September 2020

Improving the efficiency of subsidy policy to better promote R&D investment in new energy vehicles (NEVs) is of great strategic importance for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving sustainable development. Using the technology adoption life cycle theory, this paper proposes a tri‐level programming model among a government, a NEVs manufacturer and customers to investigate the NEVs manufacturer's R&D investment strategies, the government's purchase subsidy policies, and customers' purchasing decisions. Through theoretical and numerical analysis, it is found that when the manufacturer is to maximize the sales, it commits R&D investment which maximizes sales of NEVs, or its entire R&D investment capital. When the manufacturer is to maximize its profit, it commits R&D investment which maximizes its profit, or makes the sales constraint satisfied. Purchase subsidy can raise the sales of NEVs, but cannot increase manufacturer's R&D investment, or even have a crowding‐out effect on its R&D investment. These findings will help government improve the efficiency of purchase subsidy to better support the development of the NEVs industry.
Comparative analysis of DC to AC conversion cells for application in PV‐linked grid‐connected modular multi‐level cascaded converters
Authors: Malekjamshidi Zahra , Jafari Mohammad
Published: September 2020

This study provides a detailed analysis of a dc to ac conversion unit as a building block of a modular multilevel converter for grid integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Each conversion unit contains a PV‐linked multi‐active‐bridge (MAB) dc–dc converter followed by a grid‐connected single‐phase cascaded inverter. Using MAB topology can reduce the size and cost of the entire system as more conversion cells are connected to the same transformer. To integrate the PV outputs and maintain the maximum power point tracking (MPPT), different conversion cell topologies are feasible for the MAB converter. This study provides a comparison between the feasible topologies of the conversion cells in terms of the conversion efficiency, reliability, power transfer ability, cost, size, control complexity and generated ripple. The steady‐state operation and the control technique of the selected topology are presented in detail. Some control techniques are introduced to improve the system's efficiency and MPPT performance of the conversion cell. A prototype of the conversion cell is developed to validate the proposed topology and the control techniques.
Fundamental grid impedance estimation using grid‐connected inverters: a comparison of two frequency‐based estimation techniques
Authors: Mohammed Nabil , Ciobotaru Mihai , Town Graham
Published: September 2020

With the continuous increase in distributed energy resources that are being integrated into the utility grid, it becomes necessary for inverters to estimate the grid impedance online to be used for several applications. Despite the fact that online grid impedance estimation techniques using grid‐connected inverters gained more attention recently, no comprehensive study has been evaluating the performance of different estimation techniques under several grid conditions. This study proposes an extensive comparison to assess the accuracy of two online frequency‐based grid impedance estimation techniques at the fundamental frequency. These two techniques are based on the 75 Hz frequency injection technique and pseudo‐random binary sequence injection, respectively. Results from MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS RT Box present the advantages and disadvantages of these estimation techniques and the required trade‐offs. This comparison study analyses the effects of disturbance magnitude and its injection time, the variation of grid impedance and non‐ideal grid voltage. Furthermore, solutions are proposed to enhance the estimation accuracy of both techniques for non‐ideal grid voltage containing inter‐harmonics and sub‐harmonics. The study concludes with recommendations regarding the best use of these two frequency‐based grid impedance estimation techniques to suit a particular low voltage grid scenario.
DC–DC converter concept allowing line commutated converters and voltage source converters based HVDC systems connectivity
Authors: Elgenedy Mohamed A. , Ahmed Khaled Hani , Aboushady Ahmed A. , Abdelsalam Ibrahim
Published: September 2020

The most common two challenges in high‐voltage direct current (HVDC) multi‐terminal transmission are the DC fault isolation and the DC voltage stepping up/down. Additionally, interconnecting voltage source converter (VSC)‐ and line commutated converter (LCC)‐based HVDC network topologies has been challenging. This study introduces a new DC–DC converter topology concept connecting both LCC‐ and VSC‐based HVDC networks with bidirectional power flow without operation stoppage. The proposed topology is formed of two front‐to‐front connected bridges with an AC‐link formed of a capacitor and an inductor (which can be replaced by a transformer for voltage step‐up/step‐down). The LCC‐HVDC network bridge is formed of insulated gate commutated thyristors while the VSC‐HVDC network bridge is formed of insulated gate bipolar transistors. Therefore, ON/OFF switching of both bridges and bi‐directional power flow are possible. Moreover, the reactive power transfer is nullified at rated active power exchange between the proposed converter bridges. The proposed concept's detailed analysis and control equations are introduced. Different operation scenarios are simulated in addition to scaled‐down experimentation to test the applicability of power transfer scenarios without operation stoppage in normal operation.
Smart tracking algorithm for multi‐static sonar based on expectation maximisation
Authors: Son Hyun‐Seung
Published: September 2020

This study proposes an intelligent tracking method based on the expectation maximisation approach. To obtain the consistent tracking performance, the observer should maintain contact with the target and continuously update its tracking data. Unfortunately, a significant problem arises from the uncertainty of the target motion. The reasons behind this uncertainty include losses, time‐varying noises, external inputs, and others. Above all, a sharp manoeuvre by the arbitrary acceleration input mainly degrades the tracking performance. A variety of techniques were needed and studied to enhance performance levels. This study focuses on acceleration as the cause of the uncertainty and a consistent approximation of the acceleration, leading to highly efficient tracking performance. The EM makes it possible to separate the noise term from the acceleration inputs and the noise components. Finally, a manoeuvring submarine with three‐dimensional coordinates is provided as an example to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Weighted distance iteration matrix CFAR detector in Sea clutter
Authors: Ye Lei , Jian Fusheng , Yang Yong , Zhang Wei , Yang Qiang , Chen Qiushi
Published: September 2020

High‐frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) is an effective method for detecting and monitoring the targets on the ocean surface and above. To improve the detection performance of HFSWR, a new detector is proposed by applying weighted distance iteration (WDI) processing to the joint domain localised (JDL) matrix constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detector. Based on information geometry theory and Riemannian manifold, the proposed detector uses multi‐dimensional information (azimuth, Doppler velocity and range information) of the signal to effectively find the target that has drowned in sea clutter and uses WDI‐processing technique to suppress the clutter. The experimental results are given to show the superiority of the proposed detector. Compared with cell average CFAR detector and JDL matrix CFAR detector, the proposed detector improves the detection performance effectively.
Transarterielle periartikuläre Embolisation (TAPE): klinischer Einsatz und erste Erfahrungen in Deutschland
Authors: Katoh Marcus , Schott Peter , Freyhardt Patrick , Feyen Ludger , Ziegler Henrike-Renate , Kraft Clayton
Published: September 2020

Ziel Anhand von Fallbeispielen sollen die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten, Technik und initialen Ergebnisse der transarteriellen periartikulären Embolisation (TAPE) dargestellt werden.

Material und Methoden Die TAPE wurde bei 3 Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen an unterschiedlichen Gelenken angewendet. Im ersten Fall lag eine aktivierte Arthrose des Schultergelenks, im zweiten Fall eine Epicondylitis humeri ulnaris („Golfer-Ellenbogen“) und im dritten Fall ein Patellaspitzensyndrom („Jumpers Knee“) vor.

Ergebnisse Bei allen 3 Patienten konnte die TAPE technisch erfolgreich durchgeführt werden. Dabei wurden entweder durch einen transradialen oder transfemoralen Zugang die Endäste der entsprechenden Gelenkarterien superselektiv mittels Mikrokatheter sondiert und mit in Kontrastmittel aufgelöstem Imipenem/Cilastatin embolisiert. Postinterventionell kam es bei der Behandlung des Kniegelenks zu einer Hautrötung, die sich innerhalb einer Woche wieder zurückbildete. Weitere Komplikationen traten nicht auf. Bei allen Patienten zeigte sich bereits am ersten postoperativen Tag eine Linderung der Beschwerden, die anhand von klinischen Tests und der subjektiven Einschätzung der Schmerzen auf einer visuellen Analogskala dokumentiert werden konnte.

Schlussfolgerung Die initialen Erfahrungen, die in unserer Klinik mit der TAPE gemacht werden konnten, sind ermutigend und zeigen, dass das Verfahren das Potenzial zur Erweiterung der gering invasiven Therapieoptionen bei Patienten mit therapierefraktären chronischen Gelenkschmerzen und Enthesiopathien hat.

Kernaussagen
Curriculum for optical diagnosis training in Europe: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement
Authors: Dekker Evelien , Houwen Britt B. S. L. , Puig Ignasi , Bustamante-Balén Marco , Coron Emmanuel , Dobru Daniela E. , Kuvaev Roman , Neumann Helmut , Johnson Gavin , Pimentel-Nunes Pedro , Sanders David S. , Dinis-Ribeiro Mario , Arvanitakis Marianna , Ponchon Thierry , East James E. , Bisschops Raf
Published: September 2020

Main Recommendations

This manuscript represents an official Position Statement of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) aiming to guide general gastroenterologists to develop and maintain skills in optical diagnosis during endoscopy. In general, this requires additional training beyond the core curriculum currently provided in each country. In this context, ESGE have developed a European core curriculum for optical diagnosis practice across Europe for high quality optical diagnosis training.

1 ESGE suggests that every endoscopist should have achieved general competence in upper and/or lower gastrointestinal (UGI/LGI) endoscopy before commencing training in optical diagnosis of the UGI/LGI tract, meaning personal experience of at least 300 UGI and/or 300 LGI endoscopies and meeting the ESGE quality measures for UGI/LGI endoscopy. ESGE suggests that every endoscopist should be able and competent to perform UGI/LGI endoscopy with high definition white light combined with virtual and/or dye-based chromoendoscopy before commencing training in optical diagnosis.

2 ESGE suggests competency in optical diagnosis can be learned by attending a validated optical diagnosis training course based on a validated classification, and self-learning with a minimum number of lesions. If no validated training course is available, optical diagnosis can only be learned by attending a non-validated onsite training course and self-learning with a minimum number of lesions.

3 ESGE suggests endoscopists are competent in optical diagnosis after meeting the pre-adoption and learning criteria, and meeting competence thresholds by assessing a minimum number of lesions prospectively during real-time endoscopy. ESGE suggests ongoing in vivo practice by endoscopists to maintain competence in optical diagnosis. If a competent endoscopist does not perform in vivo optical diagnosis on a regular basis, ESGE suggests repeating the learning and competence phases to maintain competence.

Key areas of interest were optical diagnosis training in Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, early gastric cancer, diminutive colorectal lesions, early colorectal cancer, and neoplasia in inflammatory bowel disease. Condition-specific recommendations are provided in the main document.
Effectiveness of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block for Pain Control Compared to Epidural Anesthesia in Women Requiring Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Uterine Fibroids – A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Malouhi Amer , Aschenbach Rene , Erbe Anna , Owsianowski Zbigniew , Rußwurm Stefan , Runnebaum Ingo B. , Teichgräber Ulf
Published: September 2020

Purpose To assess the effectiveness of pain management with superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) compared to epidural anesthesia (EDA) in women requiring uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Materials and Methods In this retrospective, single-center, non-randomized trial we included 79 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who were scheduled for percutaneous, transcatheter UAE. According to their informed decision, the women were assigned to two different approaches of pain management including either SHPB or EDA. The effectiveness outcome measure was patient reported pain using a numeric rating scale ranging from 1 to 10. The pain score was assessed at UAE, 2 hours thereafter, and at subsequent intervals of 6 hours up to 36 hours after intervention.

Results Treatment groups did not differ significantly regarding age, pain score for regular menstrual cramps, uterine fibroid size, location, and symptoms of uterine fibroids. During UAE and up to 6 hours thereafter, women who received SHPB experienced stronger pain than those who received EDA (mean pain score during UAE: 3.3 vs. 1.5, p < 0.001; at 2 hours: 4.4 vs. 2.8, p = 0.012; at 6 hours: 4.4 vs. 2.6, p = 0.021). The maximum pain level was 5.8 ± 2.9 with SHPB and 4.5 ± 2.9 with EDA (p = 0.086). Women with a history of severe menorrhagia tended to experience worse pain than those without (regression coefficient 2.5 [95 % confidence interval –0.3 to 5.3], p = 0.076).

Conclusion Among women who underwent UAE, pain management including SHPB resulted in stronger pain during and after the procedure than pain treatment including EDA.

Key Points:

Citation Format
A 3D Deep Neural Network for Liver Volumetry in 3T Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Authors: Winther Hinrich , Hundt Christian , Ringe Kristina Imeen , Wacker Frank K. , Schmidt Bertil , Jürgens Julian , Haimerl Michael , Beyer Lukas Philipp , Stroszczynski Christian , Wiggermann Philipp , Verloh Niklas
Published: September 2020

Purpose To create a fully automated, reliable, and fast segmentation tool for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI scans using deep learning.

Materials and Methods Datasets of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced liver MR images of 100 patients were assembled. Ground truth segmentation of the hepatobiliary phase images was performed manually. Automatic image segmentation was achieved with a deep convolutional neural network.

Results Our neural network achieves an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.987, a Sørensen–Dice coefficient of 96.7 ± 1.9 % (mean ± std), an overlap of 92 ± 3.5 %, and a Hausdorff distance of 24.9 ± 14.7 mm compared with two expert readers who corresponded to an ICC of 0.973, a Sørensen–Dice coefficient of 95.2 ± 2.8 %, and an overlap of 90.9 ± 4.9 %. A second human reader achieved a Sørensen–Dice coefficient of 95 % on a subset of the test set.

Conclusion Our study introduces a fully automated liver volumetry scheme for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging. The neural network achieves competitive concordance with the ground truth regarding ICC, Sørensen–Dice, and overlap compared with manual segmentation. The neural network performs the task in just 60 seconds.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE): a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Runge Thomas M. , Chiang Austin L. , Kowalski Thomas E. , James Theodore W. , Baron Todd H. , Nieto Jose , Diehl David L. , Krafft Matthew R. , Nasr John Y. , Kumar Vikas , Khara Harshit S. , Irani Shayan , Patel Arpan , Law Ryan J. , Loren David E. , Schlachterman Alex , Hsueh William , Confer Bradley D. , Stevens Tyler K. , Chahal Prabhleen , Al-Haddad Mohammad A. , Mir Fahad Faisal , Pleskow Douglas K. , Huggett Matthew T. , Paranandi Bharat , Trindade Arvind J. , Brewer-Gutierrez Olaya I. , Ichkhanian Yervant , Dbouk Mohamad , Kumbhari Vivek , Khashab Mouen A.
Published: September 2020

Background Endoscopic ultrasound-directed transgastric endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; EDGE) is an alternative to enteroscopy- and laparoscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass anatomy. Although short-term results are promising, the long-term outcomes are not known. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the rates of long-term adverse events after EDGE, with a focus on rates of persistent gastrogastric or jejunogastric fistula; (2) to identify predictors of persistent fistula; (3) to assess the outcomes of endoscopic closure when persistent fistula is encountered.

Methods This was a multicenter retrospective study involving 13 centers between February 2015 and March 2019. Adverse events were defined according to the ASGE lexicon. Persistent fistula was defined as an upper gastrointestinal series or esophagogastroduodenoscopy showing evidence of fistula.

Results 178 patients (mean age 58 years, 79 % women) underwent EDGE. Technical success was achieved in 98 % of cases (175/178), with a mean procedure time of 92 minutes. Periprocedural adverse events occurred in 28 patients (15.7 %; mild 10.1 %, moderate 3.4 %, severe 2.2 %). The four severe adverse events were managed laparoscopically. Persistent fistula was diagnosed in 10 % of those sent for objective testing (9/90). Following identification of a fistula, 5 /9 patients underwent endoscopic closure procedures, which were successful in all cases.

Conclusions The EDGE procedure is associated with high clinical success rates and an acceptable risk profile. Persistent fistulas after lumen-apposing stent removal are uncommon, but objective testing is recommended to identify their presence. When persistent fistulas are identified, endoscopic treatment is warranted, and should be successful in closing the fistula.
Stopping thermoacoustic oscillations with double-tube coupling
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: September 2020

Connecting two combustion oscillation systems with cylindrical tubes suppresses oscillations, with the effect being stronger when the connecting tube diameter is reduced. This may have applications for improving gas turbine engines.
Enhancing condensation heat transfer using transient condensation of ethanol
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: September 2020

Using transient condensation of ethanol, researchers attain up to eight times higher condensation heat transfer, which can lead to more compact condensers for any application where mass and volume is important.
Beam engineering strategies reduce heat accumulation effects in high power, ultrashort pulse laser machining
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: September 2020

Thermal effects limit the applicability for high throughput processing of 100 W class ultrashort pulse lasers. Mitigating these can expand machining applications, particularly for microscale processing.
Regulation capability of small cascade hydropower stations for photovoltaic generation
Authors: Zhu Yanmei , Chen Shijun , Ma Guangwen , Huang Weibin , Han Xiaoyan , Ding Lijie
Published: September 2020

The stochasticity of photovoltaic (PV) generation output makes it necessary to smooth the output using other flexible power sources to realize the scale development of PV power. Small cascade hydropower stations (SCHSs) are also widely distributed in space, like PV generation. Therefore, it is proposed to utilize the regulation capability of SCHSs to complement PV generation. Targeting the maximization of the utilization rate of outgoing lines (utilization rate for short) of the system, the minimization of the curtailment rate, and the maximization of the minimum output within a time frame, a model for exploring the capability of SCHSs for regulating PV generation was established and solved by a hierarchical optimization method. By taking two small hydropower stations (the Mupo and Yangjiawan stations) on the Fabian River with a total installed capacity of 105  MW and the surrounding PV power source in China's Sichuan Province as examples, it was found that SCHSs can regulate a certain level of PV generation through the combined operation of cascade reservoirs and reduce the fluctuations and stochasticity of the PV generation output. The results have far-reaching significance on the large-scale development of PV generation.
Potential application of p–i–n semiconductor capacitor with non-linear voltage–charge characteristic for secondary battery
Authors: Yoshida Katsuhisa , Sano Nobuyuki
Published: September 2020

We carried out the time-dependent drift–diffusion simulation to study a capacitor with semiconductor electrodes and its potential application for a battery-like operation. We employed the p–i–n and p–n structures with an insulator inserted in the middle of the devices. Both devices can store and retain the charge and voltage without any degradation, thanks to the insulator which inhibits carrier recombination. Additionally, they have a strong non-linear dependence between the stored charge and voltage, whereas a conventional capacitor shows linearity. The non-linearity is induced as follows. The junction capacitance dominates under smaller bias than the built-in potential. When the voltage exceeds the built-in, the capacitance associated with the insulator characterizes the charge–voltage relation. The intrinsic layer further enhances the non-linearity and keeps the output voltage high until the stored charge becomes significantly small due to its small capacitance. As a result, the p–i–n like structure with the insulator stores larger energy than that of the conventional capacitor and realizes the battery-like operation.
Ultrafast tomographic particle image velocimetry investigation on hypersonic boundary layers
Authors: Zhu Yiding , Yuan Huijing , Lee Cunbiao
Published: September 2020

For the first time, a tomographic particle image velocimetry system with a 1 MHz sampling rate is used to investigate the evolution of three-dimensional instabilities in a Mach 6 flat plate boundary layer. The system is combined with three ultrafast cameras, one eight-channel ultrafast laser, and one 36-channel synchronization controller. PCB® fast response pressure sensors are also applied to detect the instability evolution in the streamwise direction. Two near-wall volumes are investigated, the upstream one (volume 1) being in a laminar state and the downstream one (volume 2) containing evolving instabilities. For the laminar flow in volume 1, increasing the boundary layer thickness reduces distortion compared to the hypersonic Blasius solution; decreasing the streamwise location or increasing the angle of attack from 0° to 2° increases the distortion. For the disturbed flow in volume 2, the time-resolved evolution of a three-dimensional instability wave is captured in three snapshots, with its phase speed, wavelength, and frequency about 732 m/s, 49 mm, and 20 kHz. Because of the superposition effect of oblique waves, the instability travels like a chain of wavepackets in the streamwise direction, which is accompanied by an alternative distribution of high-speed and low-speed streaks in the spanwise direction.
Description of the physicochemical properties of a gas–liquid phase discharge under the Ar—N2 environment
Authors: Qazi H. I. A. , Xin Y.-Y. , Zhou L. , Huang J. J.
Published: September 2020

AC-excited Ar—N2 gas–liquid phase discharges, operating at constant AC amplitude, are investigated as a function of the N2 concentration from 0 vol. % to 100 vol. % in an Ar—N2 mixture. Immediately after discharge initiation, increasing the N2 concentration in Ar significantly affects discharge voltage characteristics, optical-emission intensity, and rotational and vibrational temperatures. At a later stage, increasing the N2 concentration stimulates significant temporal behavior in discharge electrical characteristics such as the voltage and power input; discharge channel length in liquid; liquid properties such as pH and conductivity; and instantaneous concentrations of H2O2, NO2−, and NO3− in the liquid phase. Moreover, a temporal study of the aforesaid important experimental parameters indicates that in a given gas mixture, the length of the discharge channel and species concentrations are sensitive to the liquid properties. On the one hand, present experimental results are helpful in improving the understanding of physical–chemical processes of discharge in the gas–liquid phase. On the other hand, these are important to extend the practical applications of gas–liquid phase discharge in the field of environmental safety, plasma medicine, hydroponics, and so on.
Computation of intermolecular forces that carry sound across vacuum gaps
Authors: Budaev Bair V. , Bogy David B.
Published: September 2020

A recently understood ability of sound to cross narrow vacuum gaps between material bodies has numerous implications in modern technology, where it opens additional channels for the transfer of heat and acoustic signals between narrowly separated objects. Acoustic vibrations in a body are characterized by perturbations of its surface and of its material density, which affect molecules of another body via intermolecular forces. Methods of continuum mechanics allow the description of the acoustic waves initiated by external body forces, including van der Waals forces. The expressions for such forces have been known for many years, but their applications to configurations relevant to sound transmission are often based on restrictive approximations and asymptotic expansions, which are rarely satisfied in practical situations, where amplitudes of molecular displacements may be in a picometer range. This paper develops a method of accurate computations of van der Waals forces caused by such perturbations with scales comparable with intermolecular distances in a material. The accuracy of the developed approach is limited only by calculation errors, and the scope of its applications is not only limited to acoustic perturbations but also includes the description of van der Waals forces caused by arbitrary molecular density perturbations, by corrugated surfaces, contaminated materials, etc.
Characterization of the pressure coefficient of manganin and temperature evolution of pressure in piston-cylinder cells
Authors: Xiang Li , Gati Elena , Bud’ko Sergey L. , Ribeiro Raquel A. , Ata Arif , Tutsch Ulrich , Lang Michael , Canfield Paul C.
Published: September 2020

We report measurements of the temperature- and pressure-dependent resistance, R(T, p), of a manganin manometer in a 4He-gas pressure setup from room temperature down to the solidification temperature of 4He (Tsolid ∼ 50 K at 0.8 GPa) for pressures, p, between 0 GPa and ∼0.8 GPa. The same manganin wire manometer was also measured in a piston-cylinder cell (PCC) from 300 K down to 1.8 K and for pressures between 0 GPa and ∼2 GPa. From these data, we infer the temperature and pressure dependence of the pressure coefficient of manganin, α(T, p), defined by the equation Rp = (1 + αp)R0, where R0 and Rp are the resistances of manganin at ambient pressure and finite pressure, respectively. Our results indicate that upon cooling, α first decreases, then goes through a broad minimum at ∼120 K, and increases again toward lower temperatures. In addition, we find that α is almost pressure-independent at T ≳ 60 K up to p ∼ 2 GPa, but shows a pronounced p dependence at T ≲ 60 K. Using this manganin manometer, we demonstrate that p overall decreases with decreasing temperature in the PCC for the full pressure range and that the size of the pressure difference between room temperature and low temperatures (T = 1.8 K), Δp, decreases with increasing pressure. We also compare the pressure values inferred from the manganin manometer with the low-temperature pressure, determined from the superconducting transition temperature of elemental lead (Pb). As a result of these data and analysis, we propose a practical algorithm to infer the evolution of pressure with temperature in a PCC.
Release characteristics of potassium from native reserves of some calcareous soils of Iran and their relationship with yield and potassium uptake by ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Molavi Roya , Baghernejad Majid , Ghasemi-Fasaei Reza , Zarei Mehdi
Published: September 2020

Information on the release of potassium (K) reserves in soils can improve K-fertiliser management. The purpose of this study was to investigate the available K-release capacity of soils and its relationship with plant responses in three soil orders. Six consecutive ryegrass cultivations were conducted on nine soil samples from surface (0–30 cm) horizons of Vertisols, Alfisols, and Inceptisols of three sites with different temperature and precipitation under greenhouse conditions. The K release was investigated using 0.2 M sodium tetraphenylboron extractant during 0.2–144 h. The cumulative release of K ranged within 243–895 mg kg–1 at 0.2 h and 620–1788 mg kg–1 at 144 h. Kinetics of K release from soils at two time intervals (0.2–2 and 2–144 h) were described well by power function and pseudo second-order equations. The growth of ryegrass was somewhat stunted after six consecutive cultivations. Significant correlations were observed between dry matter and K uptake of ryegrass. The parameters of the best fitted kinetic models were significantly correlated with plant responses, especially the uptake of K by ryegrass.
Ubiquitination of TLR3 by TRIM3 signals its ESCRT-mediated trafficking to the endolysosomes for innate antiviral response
Authors: Li Wei-Wei , Nie Ying , Yang Yan , Ran Yong , Luo Wei-Wei , Xiong Mei-Guang , Wang Su-Yun , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Wang Yan-Yi
Published: September 2020

Significance

Trafficking of TLR3 from the ER to endolysosomes and its subsequent proteolytic cleavage are necessary for it to sense viral dsRNA and trigger antiviral response. Understanding how TLR3 trafficking is regulated is important for deciphering the mechanism of TLR3-mediated innate immune and inflammatory responses. In this study, we report that TRIM3 mediates K63-linked polyubiquitination of TLR3 at K831. Subsequently, the polyubiquitinated TLR3 is recognized and sorted by the ESCRT complexes to endolysosomes to promote the activation of downstream signaling. This study provides insights into how the trafficking and activation of TLR3 are regulated for efficient innate immune response to extracellular and endosomal viral dsRNA.
Direct functionalization of C−H bonds by electrophilic anions
Authors: Warneke Jonas , Mayer Martin , Rohdenburg Markus , Ma Xin , Liu Judy K. Y. , Grellmann Max , Debnath Sreekanta , Azov Vladimir A. , Apra Edoardo , Young Robert P. , Jenne Carsten , Johnson Grant E. , Kenttämaa Hilkka I. , Asmis Knut R. , Laskin Julia
Published: September 2020

Significance

Functionalization of unreactive molecules is a significant chemical challenge relevant to the conversion of abundant feedstocks such as alkanes into high-value chemicals. Herein, we demonstrate a new mechanism of alkane functionalization by the substitution of a proton by an anion in an alkyl chain. The reactive anion used for this reaction is generated from a highly stable precursor. The reaction mechanism is established using experimental and computational approaches, and the products are collected in the condensed phase using high-flux mass-selected ion deposition. This paves the way for exploiting the properties of gaseous ions for the generation of complex molecular structures in the condensed phase.
The mysterious story of square ice, piles of cubes, and bijections
Authors: Fischer Ilse , Konvalinka Matjaž
Published: September 2020

Significance

In the early 1980s, it was discovered that alternating sign matrices (ASMs), which are also commonly encountered in statistical mechanics, are counted by the same numbers as two classes of plane partitions. Since then it has been a major open problem in this area to construct explicit bijections between the three classes of objects. In this paper we describe a bijective proof that relates ASMs to one of the two classes of plane partitions as well as a bijective proof of the fact that the numbers can be expressed by a simple product formula. The constructions are complicated, but they are completely explicit and also provided in the form of computer code.
Decanoic acid inhibits mTORC1 activity independent of glucose and insulin signaling
Authors: Warren Eleanor C. , Dooves Stephanie , Lugarà Eleonora , Damstra-Oddy Joseph , Schaf Judith , Heine Vivi M. , Walker Mathew C. , Williams Robin S. B.
Published: September 2020

Significance

The mTORC1 complex provides a critical role in cell function, regulating a variety of processes including growth and autophagy. mTORC1 signaling is hyperactivated in a range of common diseases including cancer, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, mTORC1 signaling provides an important target for regulation in many contexts. Here, we show that decanoic acid, a key component of a widely used medicinal diet, reduces mTORC1 activity. We identify this in a tractable model system, and validate it in ex vivo rat brain tissue and in human iPSC-derived astrocytes from patients with a clinically relevant disease. Thus, we provide insight into an easily accessible therapeutic approach for a range of diseases.