bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the fitness benefits of genome reduction in Escherichia coli by a selection-driven approach
Authors: Vernyik Viktor , Karcagi Ildikó , Tímár Edit , Nagy István , Györkei Ádám , Papp Balázs , Györfy Zsuzsanna , Pósfai György
Published: April 2020

Artificial simplification of bacterial genomes is thought to have the potential to yield cells with reduced complexity, enhanced genetic stability, and improved cellular economy. Of these goals, economical gains, supposedly due to the elimination of superfluous genetic material, and manifested in elevated growth parameters in selected niches, have not yet been convincingly achieved. This failure might stem from limitations of the targeted genome reduction approach that assumes full knowledge of gene functions and interactions, and allows only a limited number of reduction trajectories to interrogate. To explore the potential fitness benefits of genome reduction, we generated successive random deletions in E. coli by a novel, selection-driven, iterative streamlining process. The approach allows the exploration of multiple streamlining trajectories, and growth periods inherent in the procedure ensure selection of the fittest variants of the population. By generating single- and multiple-deletion strains and reconstructing the deletions in the parental genetic background, we showed that favourable deletions can be obtained and accumulated by the procedure. The most reduced multiple-deletion strain, obtained in five deletion cycles (2.5% genome reduction), outcompeted the wild-type, and showed elevated biomass yield. The spectrum of advantageous deletions, however, affecting only a few genomic regions, appears to be limited.
Identification of Isopeptides Between Human Tissue Transglutaminase and Wheat, Rye, and Barley Gluten Peptides
Authors: Lexhaller Barbara , Ludwig Christina , Scherf Katharina Anne
Published: May 2020

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy of the small intestine, which is triggered by the ingestion of storage proteins (gluten) from wheat, rye, and barley in genetically predisposed individuals. Human tissue transglutaminase (TG2) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of CD, because it is responsible for specific gluten peptide deamidation and covalent crosslinking, resulting in the formation of Nε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine isopeptide bonds. The resulting TG2-gluten peptide complexes are assumed to cause the secretion of anti-TG2 autoantibodies, but the underlying mechanisms are only partly known. To gain more insight into the structures of these complexes, the aim of our study was to identify TG2-gluten isopeptides. With the use of discovery-driven as well as targeted nanoscale liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we detected 29 TG2-gluten isopeptides in total, involving seven selected TG2 lysine residues (K205, K265, K429, K468, K590, K600, K677). Several gluten peptides carried known B-cell epitopes and/or T-cell epitopes, either intact 9-mer core regions or partial sequences, as well as sequences bearing striking similarities to already known epitopes. These novel insights into the molecular structures of TG2-gluten peptide complexes may help clarify their physiological relevance in the initiation of CD autoimmunity and the role of anti-TG2 autoantibodies.
Validity and Reliability of Three Commercially Available Smart Sports Bras during Treadmill Walking and Running
Authors: Navalta James W. , Ramirez Gabriela Guzman , Maxwell Crystal , Radzak Kara N. , McGinnis Graham R.
Published: April 2020

A variety of wearable technology devices report heart rate. Heart rate sensing smart bras are manufactured for females who participate in activity, however accuracy has not been determined. The purpose was to determine the validity of heart rate measures in three commercially available sports bras during walking and running. Twenty-four healthy females completed bouts of treadmill exercise. The Adidas Smart sports bra, Berlei sports bra, and Sensoria Fitness biometric sports bra were tested. Participant perception of each garment was obtained immediately after the participant divested the sports bra. The Adidas Smart sports bra was valid only during rest (Intraclass correlation Coefficient [ICC] = 0.79, mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 4.5%, Limits of Agreement [LoA]=−8 to 8). The Berlei sports bra was valid across all conditions (ICC = 0.99, MAPE = 0.66%, LoA = −19 to 19), and the Sensoria biometric bra was valid during rest and walking (ICC = 0.96, MAPE = 1.9%, LoA = −15 to 12). Perception of the smart sports bras was higher for the Adidas Smart sports bra and Sensoria Fitness sports bra, and lower for the Berlei sports bra. Sports bra manufacturers designing wearable technology garments must consider the ability of returning accurate biometric data while providing necessary function and comfort to females engaging in physical activity.
Comparison of Biaxial Biomechanical Properties of Post-menopausal Human Prolapsed and Non-prolapsed Uterosacral Ligament
Authors: Danso Elvis K. , Schuster Jason D. , Johnson Isabella , Harville Emily W. , Buckner Lyndsey R. , Desrosiers Laurephile , Knoepp Leise R. , Miller Kristin S.
Published: April 2020

Uterosacral ligaments (USLs) provide structural support to the female pelvic floor, and a loss of USL structural integrity or biomechanical function may induce pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Alterations in extracellular matrix composition and organization dictate USL mechanical function. Changes in USL microstructure and corresponding mechanical properties, however, are not fully understood, nor is it understood how microstructure and mechanics change with onset and progression of POP. This is due, in part, as USL properties are primarily characterized along a single direction (uniaxial test), whereas the USL is loaded in multiple directions simultaneously within the body. Biaxial testing permits the acquisition of biomechanical data from two axes simultaneously, and thus simulates a more physiologic assessment compared to the traditional uniaxial testing. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the biaxial biomechanical properties and histological composition of the USL in post-menopausal women with and without POP at various stages. Potential correlations between tissue microstructural composition and mechanical function were also examined. Tangential modulus was lower and peak stretch higher in POP III/IV compared to non-POP and POP I/II in the main in vivo loading direction; however, no significant differences in mechanical properties were observed in the perpendicular loading direction. Collagen content positively correlated to tangential modulus in the main in vivo loading direction (r = 0.5, p = 0.02) and negatively correlated with the peak stretch in both the main in vivo (r = −0.5, p = 0.02) and perpendicular loading directions (r = −0.3, p = 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in USL composition were observed, which may be due to the small sample size and high variability of small sections of human tissues. These results provide first step towards understanding what microstructural and mechanical changes may occur in the USL with POP onset and progression. Such information may provide important future insights into the development of new surgical reconstruction techniques and graft materials for POP treatment.
Population history in Okinawa based on JC virus and ALDH2 genotypes
Authors: Miyamori Daisuke , Tanaka Yuka , Ishikawa Noboru , Kitamura Tadaichi , Ikegaya Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

It is widely known that people in Okinawa originated from the Jomon people, and are generally tolerant to alcohol. However, some individuals in mainland Japan lack alcohol tolerance due to a mutation in the human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene. Furthermore, the JC virus (JCV) genotype MY, which is related to the Jomon people, has not been found in Okinawa. In this study, to analyze the origin of the Okinawan people, we investigated the relationship between the JCV genotype and ALDH2 genotype. We collected 108 JCV positive samples from Okinawa. Only CY genotype JCV, and not the MY genotype, was detected. Among JCV-positive samples, a variant of ALDH2 (Glu/Lys heterozygote) was detected in 31 samples (29%) and wild-type ALDH2 (Glu/Glu homozygote) was detected in 77 samples (71%). Another variant of ALDH2 (Lys/Lys homozygote) was not detected. Among carriers of CY genotype JCV, wild-type ALDH2 was much more frequent in people living in Okinawa than in mainland Japan (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that the original inhabitants of Okinawa were people who carried MY genotype JCV and wild-type ALDH2; and that after the extinction of these original inhabitants, people who carried CY genotype JCV and wild-type ALDH2 migrated to the area. Due to the founder effect, CY genotype JCV and wild-type ALDH2 became dominant. Over a long period, many people with the variant ALDH2 migrated to Okinawa; the variant allele increased in frequency, but other JCV genotypes were eliminated.
Targeted analysis of polymorphic loci from low-coverage shotgun sequence data allows accurate genotyping of HLA genes in historical human populations
Authors: Pierini Federica , Nutsua Marcel , Böhme Lisa , Özer Onur , Bonczarowska Joanna , Susat Julian , Franke Andre , Nebel Almut , Krause-Kyora Ben , Lenz Tobias L.
Published: April 2020

The highly polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA) plays a crucial role in adaptive immunity and is associated with various complex diseases. Accurate analysis of HLA genes using ancient DNA (aDNA) data is crucial for understanding their role in human adaptation to pathogens. Here, we describe the TARGT pipeline for targeted analysis of polymorphic loci from low-coverage shotgun sequence data. The pipeline was successfully applied to medieval aDNA samples and validated using both simulated aDNA and modern empirical sequence data from the 1000 Genomes Project. Thus the TARGT pipeline enables accurate analysis of HLA polymorphisms in historical (and modern) human populations.
Performance targets defined by retro-techno-economic analysis for the use of soybean protein as saccharification additive in an integrated biorefinery
Authors: Brondi Mariana G. , Elias Andrew M. , Furlan Felipe F. , Giordano Roberto C. , Farinas Cristiane S.
Published: April 2020

The use of additives in the enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass can have positive effects, decreasing the unproductive adsorption of cellulases on lignin and reducing the loss of enzyme activity. Soybean protein stands out as a potential lignin-blocking additive, but the economic impact of its use has not previously been investigated. Here, a systematic evaluation was performed of the process conditions, together with a techno-economic analysis, for the use of soybean protein in the saccharification of hydrothermally pretreated sugarcane bagasse in the context of an integrated 1G-2G ethanol biorefinery. Statistical experimental design methodology was firstly applied as a tool to select the process variable solids loading at 15% (w/w) and soybean protein concentration at 12% (w/w), followed by determination of enzyme dosage at 10 FPU/g and hydrolysis time of 24 h. The saccharification of sugarcane bagasse under these conditions enabled an increase of 26% in the amount of glucose released, compared to the control without additive. The retro-techno-economic analysis (RTEA) technique showed that to make the biorefinery economically feasible, some performance targets should be reached experimentally such as increasing biomass conversion to ideally 80% and reducing enzyme loading to 5.6 FPU/g in the presence of low-cost soybean protein.
N,N-Dimethylaminopyrene as a fluorescent affinity mass tag for ligand-binding mode analysis
Authors: Arai Atsushi , Watanabe Rei , Hattori Atsunori , Iio Keita , Hu Yaping , Yoneda Kozo , Kigoshi Hideo , Kita Masaki
Published: April 2020

Elucidation of the binding mode of protein–ligand interactions provides insights for the design of new pharmacological tools and drug leads. Specific labeling of target proteins with chemical probes, in which the ligands are conjugated with reacting and detecting groups, can establish the binding positions of ligands. Label-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LA-LDI MS) is a promising detection method to selectively detect labeled molecules. However, previous LDI MS tags, such as nitrogen-substituted pyrenes, had problems with low sensitivity and stability. Here we show 6-N,N-dimethylaminopyrene (dmpy) as a versatile mass tag, which was detected at an amount of 0.1 fmol by LA-LDI MS and applicable for MS/MS analysis. By using ligand-dissociation-type dmpy probes and affinity purification with a polystyrene gel, we demonstrated that dmpy-labeled peptides were predominantly detected by MALDI MS. Our dmpy-probe-labeling method might be highly useful for determining the target biomacromolecules of various ligands and their binding sites.
Synthesis and evaluation of polyamine carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in Litopenaeus vannamei as a therapeutic agent against WSSV
Authors: Huang Huai-Ting , Lin Han-Jia , Huang Hui-Ju , Huang Chih-Ching , Lin John Han-You , Chen Li-Li
Published: April 2020

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is the causative agent of white spot syndrome (WSS), a disease that has led to severe mortality rates in cultured shrimp all over the world. The WSSV is a large, ellipsoid, enveloped double-stranded DNA virus with a wide host range among crustaceans. Currently, the main antiviral method is to block the receptor of the host cell membrane using recombinant viral proteins or virus antiserum. In addition to interference with the ligand-receptor binding, disrupting the structure of the virus envelope may also be a means to combat the viral infection. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are carbonaceous nanoparticles that have many advantageous characteristics, including small size, low cytotoxicity, cheap, and ease of production and modification. Polyamine-modified CQDs (polyamine CQDs) with strong antibacterial ability have been identified, previously. In this study, polyamine CQDs are shown to attach to the WSSV envelope and inhibit the virus infection, with a dose-dependent effect. The results also show that polyamine CQDs can upregulate several immune genes in shrimp and reduce the mortality upon WSSV infection. This is first study to identify that polyamine CQDs could against the virus. These results, indeed, provide a direction to develop effective antiviral strategies or therapeutic methods using polyamine CQDs in aquaculture.
Discovery of seven novel mutations of gyrB, parC and parE in Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi strains from Jiangsu Province of China
Authors: Qian Huimin , Cheng Siyun , Liu Guoye , Tan Zhongming , Dong Chen , Bao Jinfeng , Hong Jie , Jin Dazhi , Bao Changjun , Gu Bing
Published: April 2020

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi resistance to quinolones and characterize the underlying mechanism in Jiangsu Province of China. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion system. Quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR), plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinant genes were detected by PCR and sequencing. Results: Out of 239 Salmonella isolates, 164 were S. Typhi and 75 were S. Paratyphi. 128 (53.6%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid; 11 (4.6%) isolates to ciprofloxacin and 66 (27.6%) isolates were intermediate to ciprofloxacin. QRDR were present in 69 S. Typhi isolates, among which mutation at codon 83 (n = 45) and 133 (n = 61) predominated. In S. Paratyphi, the most common mutations were detected in gyrA at codon 83(n = 24) and parC: T57S (n = 8). Seven mutations were first reported in Salmonella isolates including gyrB: S426G, parC: D79G and parE: [S498T, E543K, V560G, I444S, Y434S]. PMQR genes including qnrD1, qnrA1, qnrB4, aac (6′)-Ib-cr4 and qnrS1 were detected in 1, 2, 3, 7 and 9 isolates, relatively. Conclusions: High resistance to quinolones in Salmonella remains a serious problem in Jiangsu, China. The presence of the novel mutations increases the complexity of quinolone-resistant genotypes and poses a threat to public health. Subject terms: Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Paratyphi, antimicrobial resistance, QRDR, PMQR.
The diagnostic accuracy of lung auscultation in adult patients with acute pulmonary pathologies: a meta-analysis
Authors: Arts Luca , Lim Endry Hartono Taslim , van de Ven Peter Marinus , Heunks Leo , Tuinman Pieter R.
Published: April 2020

The stethoscope is used as first line diagnostic tool in assessment of patients with pulmonary symptoms. However, there is much debate about the diagnostic accuracy of this instrument. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of lung auscultation for the most common respiratory pathologies. Studies concerning adult patients with respiratory symptoms are included. Main outcomes are pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals, likelihood ratios (LRs), area under the curve (AUC) of lung auscultation for different pulmonary pathologies and breath sounds. A meta-regression analysis is performed to reduce observed heterogeneity. For 34 studies the overall pooled sensitivity for lung auscultation is 37% and specificity 89%. LRs and AUC of auscultation for congestive heart failure, pneumonia and obstructive lung diseases are low, LR− and specificity are acceptable. Abnormal breath sounds are highly specific for (hemato)pneumothorax in patients with trauma. Results are limited by significant heterogeneity. Lung auscultation has a low sensitivity in different clinical settings and patient populations, thereby hampering its clinical utility. When better diagnostic modalities are available, they should replace lung auscultation. Only in resource limited settings, with a high prevalence of disease and in experienced hands, lung auscultation has still a role.
Long-term consequences of one anastomosis gastric bypass on esogastric mucosa in a preclinical rat model
Authors: Siebert Matthieu , Ribeiro-Parenti Lara , Nguyen Nicholas D. , Hourseau Muriel , Duchêne Belinda , Humbert Lydie , Jonckheere Nicolas , Nuel Grégory , Chevallier Jean-Marc , Duboc Henri , Rainteau Dominique , Msika Simon , Kapel Nathalie , Couvelard Anne , Bado André , Le Gall Maude
Published: April 2020

Although bariatric surgery is proven to sustain weight loss in morbidly obese patients, long-term adverse effects have yet to be fully characterized. This study compared the long-term consequences of two common forms of bariatric surgery: one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) in a preclinical rat model. We evaluated the influence of biliopancreatic limb (BPL) length, malabsorption, and bile acid (BA) reflux on esogastric mucosa. After 30 weeks of follow-up, Wistar rats operated on RYGB, OAGB with a short BPL (15 cm, OAGB-15), or a long BPL (35 cm, OAGB-35), and unoperated rats exhibit no cases of esogastric cancer, metaplasia, dysplasia, or Barrett’s esophagus. Compared to RYGB, OAGB-35 rats presented higher rate of esophagitis, fundic gastritis and perianastomotic foveolar hyperplasia. OAGB-35 rats also revealed the greatest weight loss and malabsorption. On the contrary, BA concentrations were the highest in the residual gastric pouch of OAGB-15 rats. Yet, no association could be established between the esogastric lesions and malabsorption, weight loss, or gastric bile acid concentrations. In conclusion, RYGB results in a better long-term outcome than OAGB, as chronic signs of biliary reflux or reactional gastritis were reported post-OAGB even after reducing the BPL length in a preclinical rat model.
Ultrasound Molecular Imaging of Renal Cell Carcinoma: VEGFR targeted therapy monitored with VEGFR1 and FSHR targeted microbubbles
Authors: Ingels Alexandre , Leguerney Ingrid , Cournède Paul-Henry , Irani Jacques , Ferlicot Sophie , Sébrié Catherine , Benatsou Baya , Jourdain Laurène , Pitre-Champagnat Stephanie , Patard Jean-Jacques , Lassau Nathalie
Published: April 2020

Recent treatment developments for metastatic renal cell carcinoma offer combinations of immunotherapies or immunotherapy associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). There is currently no argument to choose one solution or another. Easy-to-use markers to assess longitudinal responses to TKI are necessary to determine when to switch to immunotherapies. These new markers will enable an earlier adaptation of therapeutic strategy in order to prevent tumor development, unnecessary toxicity and financial costs. This study evaluates the potential of ultrasound molecular imaging to track the response to sunitinib in a clear cell renal carcinoma model (ccRCC). We used a patient-derived xenograft model for this imaging study. Mice harboring human ccRCC were randomized for sunitinib treatment vs. control. The tumors were imaged at days 0, 7, 14 and 28 with ultrasound molecular imaging. Signal enhancement was quantified and compared between the two groups after injections of non-targeted microbubbles and microbubbles targeting VEGFR1 and FSHR. The tumor growth of the sunitinib group was significantly slower. There was a significantly lower expression of both VEGFR-1 and FSHR molecular ultrasound imaging signals in the sunitinib group at all times of treatment (Days 7, 14 and 28). These results confirm the study hypothesis. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for the non-targeted microbubble ultrasound signal. This study demonstrated for the first time the potential of VEGFR1 and FSHR, by ultrasound-based molecular imaging, to follow-up the longitudinal response to sunitinib in ccRCC. These results should trigger developments for clinical applications.
Potential toxicity of polystyrene microplastic particles
Authors: Hwang Jangsun , Choi Daheui , Han Seora , Jung Se Yong , Choi Jonghoon , Hong Jinkee
Published: April 2020

Environmental pollution arising from plastic waste is a major global concern. Plastic macroparticles, microparticles, and nanoparticles have the potential to affect marine ecosystems and human health. It is generally accepted that microplastic particles are not harmful or at best minimal to human health. However direct contact with microplastic particles may have possible adverse effect in cellular level. Primary polystyrene (PS) particles were the focus of this study, and we investigated the potential impacts of these microplastics on human health at the cellular level. We determined that PS particles were potential immune stimulants that induced cytokine and chemokine production in a size-dependent and concentration-dependent manner.
Additive Genetic Behavior of Stem Solidness in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Bainsla Naresh Kumar , Yadav Rajbir , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Sharma Ram Kumar
Published: April 2020

Stem solidness in wheat is an important architectural trait to support the erect behavior of the plant. The varieties with high yield potential due to increased sink strength tend to lodge either because of poor anchorage or weak stem. The solid stem can partially counter the tradeoff between biomass driven yield gain irrespective of the plant height. Stem solidness being a complex trait with highly variable expressivity, understanding its genetic behavior in different genetic backgrounds is highly essential to integrate this trait in the breeding program. In this study, the expressivity of a solid stem in different internodes was investigated in nine F2populations selected from 34 F1s (solid stem × hollow stem and hollow stem × hollow stem). The progeny of solid stem type F1plants from hollow stem parents indicated the complementation of favorable alleles dispersed among the parents. Non-confirmation to digenic complementary (9:7) model of inheritance and polynomial distribution of the trait in all F2populations indicates multiple factors complementation in the additive fashion for stem solidness.
Stockpiling by pups and self-sacrifice by their fasting mothers observed in birth to weaning serum metabolomes of Atlantic grey seals
Authors: Watson David G. , Pomeroy Patrick P. , Al-Tannak Naser F. , Kennedy Malcolm W.
Published: May 2020

During the uniquely short lactations of true seals, pups acquire a greater proportion of maternal body resources, at a greater rate, than in any other group of mammals. Mothers in many species enter a period of anorexia but must preserve sufficient reserves to fuel hunting and thermoregulation for return to cold seas. Moreover, pups may undergo a period of development after weaning during which they have no maternal care or nutrition. This nutritionally closed system presents a potentially extreme case of conflict between maternal survival and adequate provisioning of offspring, likely presenting strains on their metabolisms. We examined the serum metabolomes of five mother and pup pairs of Atlantic grey seals, Halichoerus grypus, from birth to weaning. Changes with time were particularly evident in pups, with indications of strain in the fat and energy metabolisms of both. Crucially, pups accumulate certain compounds to levels that are dramatically greater than in mothers. These include compounds that pups cannot synthesise themselves, such as pyridoxine/vitamin B6, taurine, some essential amino acids, and a conditionally essential amino acid and its precursor. Fasting mothers therefore appear to mediate stockpiling of critical metabolites in their pups, potentially depleting their own reserves and prompting cessation of lactation.
Publisher Correction: Vascular Supply of the Human Spiral Ganglion: Novel Three-Dimensional Analysis Using Synchrotron Phase-Contrast Imaging and Histology
Authors: Mei Xueshuang , Glueckert Rudolf , Schrott-Fischer Annelies , Li Hao , Ladak Hanif M. , Agrawal Sumit K. , Rask-Andersen Helge
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Enhanced photocatalytic activity of a visible-light-driven ternary WO3/Ag/Ag3PO4 heterojunction: a discussion on electron transfer mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Shengqi , Yu Tao , Wen Hui , Guo Rui , Xu Juanjuan , Zhong Ruixia , Li Xian , You Junhua
Published: April 2020

WO3/Ag3PO4 with different weight ratios were prepared by ultrasonic assisted two-step deposition method.
Cetyltrimethylammonium chloride-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a mitochondrion-targeting agent for tumor therapy
Authors: Tang Menghuan , Zhang Peng , Liu Jiahui , Long Yijuan , Cheng Yuan , Zheng Huzhi
Published: April 2020

CTAC@MSNs-HSA lead to the dysfunction of mitochondria, resulting in the necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells.
Effects of mPEG-DSPE/corannulene or perylene nanoparticles on the ovary and oocyte
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Zhang Jingwen , Feng Daofu , Feng Xizeng
Published: April 2020

Corannulene (Cor) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PHA) whose molecular structure is three dimensional with a unique bowl-like structure and surface charge.
A manganese(iii) Schiff base complex immobilized on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles showing enhanced electrochemical catalytic performance toward sulfide and alkene oxidation
Authors: Rayati Saeed , Khodaei Elham , Nafarieh Parinaz , Jafarian Majid , Elmi Bahareh , Wojtczak Andrzej
Published: April 2020

A Mn–Schiff base complex supported on silica-coated iron magnetic nanoparticles was used for the electrochemical oxidation of sulfides and alkenes.
Filtering phase shifter with wide bandwidth and multiple transmission zeros
Authors: Nie Yi , Zhang Wei , Shi Jin
Published: April 2020

A wideband filtering phase shifter is proposed using a cascaded single line and coupled line as a shunt stub of the centre‐coupled line. Such kind of a shunt stub provides the possibility to achieve wideband impedance matching, wideband phase shift, and multiple controllable transmission zeros (TZs) at the same time. The coupling between the shunt stubs of the practical layout can generate extra TZs and enhance the frequency selectivity. Compared with the state‐of‐the‐art designs, the proposed one has wider bandwidth, more TZs and medium size, and the former cannot juggle bandwidth and size. Two prototypes at 1.76 GHz are designed with the relative operating bandwidth for 45°±3° (90°±4.2°) phase shift of 75% (76%), five TZs and the minimum return loss of 14.7 dB.
Modified generalised integrator based control strategy for solar PV fed UPQC enabling power quality improvement
Authors: Chandrakala Devi Sanjenbam , Singh Bhim , Devassy Sachin
Published: April 2020

In this work, a modified generalised integrator with DC offset elimination capability is presented herein for the control of a unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) with solar photovoltaic array (SPVA) (UPQC‐SPVA) system. Using this method, the fundamental element of load current is extracted, which is processed to generate reference currents for shunt active filter of the UPQC‐SPVA system. This control algorithm improves power quality (PQ) such as grid currents balancing, harmonics elimination, compensation of reactive power, grid voltage sag and voltage swell mitigation. This system gives clean energy benefits along with PQ improvement by an integration of solar PV array at the DC link of UPQC. Simulation results are depicted to evaluate the performance of the UPQC in MATLAB/Simulink environment under presence of local non‐linear load. The performance of UPQC‐SPVA system is evaluated experimentally on a prototype in the laboratory and test results are found satisfactory for various disturbances like grid voltage sag/swell, load unbalancing, harmonics compensation and solar irradiation variation. The total harmonic distortion of the grid current is attained within limits of the IEEE‐519 and IEEE‐1159 standards.
Robust landmark‐free head pose estimation by learning to crop and background augmentation
Authors: Xue Aoru , Sheng Kai , Dai Songming , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2020

It is well known that the performance of head pose estimation is greatly affected by the bounding box margin of the face and its background. Traditionally, researchers will manually choose a suitable bounding box margin to strike a balance between ensuring sufficient information and minimising background noise. However, head pose estimation is still worse when the background is complex in reality or when the box margin changes slightly. To make estimation results more robust, the authors propose two methods to improve it: (i) a convolutional cropping module that can learn to crop the input image to an attentional area for head pose regression. (ii) Background augmentation that can make the network more robust to the background noise. Rather than using the face landmarking to calculate head pose angles, they use another convolutional neural network to regress the head pose angles, which is independent of the landmark detection results. They evaluate the method on BIWI and AFLW2000 dataset and experimental results show that their approach outperforms many other methods. Besides, they evaluate the method on Pointing′04 dataset using head pose accuracy. Furthermore, the approach is more robust and has a lower variance in realistic scenarios.
Retracted: Research on image sharpening algorithm in weak illumination environment
Authors: Niu Jinxing , Jiang Yajie , Fu Yayun
Published: April 2020

Owing to low light intensity, the image detector is underexposure, the colour and contrast of scene images will be changed, so it is of great significance to study the image sharpening in a weak illumination environment. In this study, the causes of image blurring are firstly analysed by histogram equalisation (HE) and retinex theory. A method combined HE and multi‐scale retinex theory with colour recovery is proposed. The experimental simulation results show that the image processing effect of this algorithm is the most obvious, the local details and dark areas are clearly visible, the colour is rich, and the visual effect is the best, which has a certain practical application value.
Dual‐output quasi‐Yagi antenna for out‐of‐band RF energy harvesting
Authors: Silva Vinícius S. , Paz Humberto P. , Cambero Eduardo V.V. , Araújo Humberto Xavier , Casella Ivan R.S. , Capovilla Carlos Eduardo
Published: April 2020

Aiming to improve the SWIPT (Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer) technologies, this work proposes a novel Dual‐Output quasi‐Yagi antenna (DOQY), designed by combining a single classic quasi‐Yagi antenna (QY) and a dedicated frequency splitter in order to behave as two distinct antennas, one operating at 1.8 GHz mobile communication band for data communication and another at 2.4 GHz ISM band for out‐of‐band energy harvesting. To validate the proposal, the results of the DOQY are compared to those presented by a reference quasi‐Yagi antenna (QYref) with the same dimensions. Additionally, for analysis of the energy harvesting capacity and the corresponding necessary RF design criteria, the antennas are connected to a well‐established rectifier system and its performances were compared. The novel architecture presents a antenna gain performance of 70%, in comparison with QYref in both central frequency bands, presenting, however, the same performance in energy harvesting. At 1.8 GHz the antenna gain performance is increased to 81% of the QYref, adding the rectifier circuit in their respective port. These satisfactory results endorse the operability of the DOQY for SWIPT application, adding a new port without compromising the system performance.
Multi‐layered substrate integrated waveguide waffle‐iron filters
Authors: Maas Susan , Meyer Petrie
Published: April 2020

This study presents the implementation of a waffle‐iron filter in multi‐layered substrate integrated waveguide technology, together with an approximate technique for measuring the stop‐band scattering parameters of such a multi‐mode waveguide filter. Two filters are designed for different stop‐band widths, and tested. Two measurement techniques are presented – one utilising a set of measurements with different probe positions, and one using a radiating horn. Measured results for the two prototypes, show better than 12 dB pass‐band return loss over 8.5–10.5 GHz for both, with stop‐band attenuation in excess of 70 dB over the harmonic bands 15–43 GHz for one and 15–48 GHz for the other.
Fast System to measure the dynamic on‐resistance of on‐wafer 600 V normally off GaN HEMTs in hard‐switching application conditions
Authors: Barbato Alessandro , Barbato Marco , Meneghini Matteo , Silvestri Marco , Detzel Thomas , Haeberlen Oliver , Spiazzi Giorgio , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico
Published: April 2020

This study presents a novel system to investigate the on‐wafer level dynamic properties of GaN‐based power transistors in hard‐switching application conditions. The system is able to analyse devices with an on‐resistance (RDSON) in the range from few ohms to hundreds of ohms, and can be effectively used to improve the development process of GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) power devices at the wafer level. Contrary to the conventional double‐pulse setup, where a resistive load is usually used in combination with a very low duty cycle, the dynamic RDSON is acquired during realistic operating conditions, in a boost converter circuit. Consequently, the authors’ system is able to study not only the field‐activated trapping processes, but also those induced by hard‐switching conditions, i.e. promoted by hot electrons and self‐heating. The maximum working voltage (600 V) and the minimum RDSON measurement time after turn‐on (2 µs) allow evaluating the operation limit of the devices in a voltage/frequency range close to real switching conditions. Working on the wafer level allows a more realistic assessment of the dynamic RDSON behaviour before the packaging phase, which is very important to improve the production and development process of GaN‐HEMT devices.
Load predictions: vulnerability of micro‐grids based on renewable energies due to increasing population and individual demand
Authors: Kühnel Meike , Ravanbach Babak , Hanke Benedikt , Weigel Olga , Stuermer Ingo W. , McMaster Alister , Maebe Sander , von Maydell Karsten
Published: April 2020

Small‐scale systems are vulnerable to changes. The development of solution strategies for changing conditions should, therefore, be considered from the outset in planning. For planners and installers of mini‐grids for rural villages without grid connection, first of all, the question of the expected electricity demand arises. So far, this is determined primarily by interviewing the population. However, studies have shown that there are still major differences between the power demand estimated and the real load after electrification. Reinforcing here is the inadequate assessment of load development through immigration and increased prosperity. On the basis of a currently developing mini‐grid in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, we could show that a load increase of ∼60% within 10 years is to be expected. The following possibilities were outlined as possible ways of counteracting the increase in load: (i) communicating with the population, i.e. on energy efficiency to raise awareness and understanding, (ii) early planning of capacity building and identification of key performance parameters to trigger the expansion based on local socio‐cultural conditions and grid supporting qualities. An adequate database for the initial electrification and power development should also be established and available on open‐source basis for researchers, developers, communities, and installers.
Optimal texture image reconstruction method for improvement of SAR image matching
Authors: Ghannadi Mohammad Amin , SaadatSeresht Mohammad , Izadi Moein , Alebooye Saeedeh
Published: April 2020

Image matching is an important step that is taken in most synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images applications. In this study, a method is proposed for texture image reconstruction to improve SAR image matching. This method consists of three major steps. First, textural features are extracted. Second optimal texture images (OTIs) are created using extracted features. Texture optimisation is conducted using a cat swarm optimisation algorithm. The cost function is the number of correct matched points that are obtained from speeded‐up robust features (SURFs) image matching algorithm. Finally, corresponding points on stereo OTI pairs are matched. Experiments were conducted on spaceborne SAR image pairs consist of RADARSAT‐2, ALOS‐PALSAR, and Sentinel‐1. Results demonstrate that the proposed method has better results in terms of the number of matched points compared to the result of the original SURF and scale‐invariant feature transform methods as two common matching methods.
Work modes recognition and boundary identification of MFR pulse sequences with a hierarchical seq2seq LSTM
Authors: Li Yunjie , Zhu Mengtao , Ma Yihao , Yang Jian
Published: April 2020

Recognition of multi‐function radar (MFR) work mode in an input pulse sequence is a fundamental task to interpret the functions and behaviour of an MFR. There are three major challenges that must be addressed: (i) The received radar pulses stream may contain an unknown number of multiple work mode class segments. (ii) The intra‐mode and inter‐mode knowledge of a modern MFR may be too flexible and complicated to be represented and learned through traditional hand‐crafted features and learning models. (iii) The variable duration of each enclosed work mode makes the identification of the transition boundaries of adjacent modes difficult. To address these challenges and implement automatic recognition of MFR work mode sequences at a pulse‐level, this study develops a novel processing framework based on a time series representation of MFR work mode sequence and sequence‐to‐sequence (seq2seq) long short‐term memory network. The proposed method can not only automatically recognise multiple complexes modulated work mode classes in a pulse sequence. Still, it can also accurately identify the transition boundaries between each class by labelling the class information for each pulse. The experimental results showed the extended capabilities and improved performance of the proposed method over the state‐of‐the‐art work mode classification methods.
Lumped element balanced multi‐band bandstop filter for ultra high frequency applications
Authors: Borah Dubari , Kalkur Thottam S.
Published: April 2020

An ultra‐compact multi‐band balanced (differential) bandstop filter (BSF) topology with all lumped elements has been introduced for the first time in this study. The proposed filter is a four‐port structure where each symmetrical bisection is a series cascade of K N ‐band cells. Each N ‐band cell comprises of N parallel resonant circuits connected to the same node, through capacitors. K series‐coupled N ‐band filter sections in the symmetrical bisection exhibit a K th order N ‐band BSF response in differential mode (DM) whereas common mode (CM) signal is minimally affected and maintains a high CM rejection ratio (CMRR). The advantages associated with this engineered structure can be summarised as follows: (i) it can be extrapolated to realise an arbitrary number of DM stopbands; (ii) it does not need any additional component in the symmetry plane to suppress the CM noise; and (iii) it occupies a very small area. For demonstration, a second‐order dual‐band differential BSF with resonant frequencies 1.15 and 1.36 GHz is designed and fabricated. It offers a rejection level of about 25 dB for each DM stopband and maintains a CMRR value of about 25 dB for both bands. Moreover, it covers an area of only 0.003, where is the guided wavelength at the centre frequency between the two bands.
The obscured X-ray binaries V404 Cyg, Cyg X–3, V4641 Sgr, and GRS 1915+105
Authors: Koljonen K. I. I. , Tomsick J. A.
Published: April 2020

Aims. V404 Cyg, Cyg X–3, V4641 Sgr, and GRS 1915+105 are among the brightest X-ray binaries and display complex behavior in their multiwavelength emission. Except for Cyg X–3, the other three sources have large accretion disks, and there is evidence of a high orbital inclination. Therefore, any large-scale geometrical change in the accretion disk can cause local obscuration events. On the other hand, Cyg X–3 orbits its Wolf-Rayet companion star inside the heavy stellar wind obscuring the X-ray source. We study here whether the peculiar X-ray spectra observed from all four sources can be explained by local obscuration events.

Methods. We used spectra obtained with the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array and Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer to study the spectral evolution of the four luminous hard X-ray sources. We fit the time-averaged spectra, and also time-resolved spectra in case of V404 Cyg, with two physically motivated models describing either a scenario where all the intrinsic emission is reprocessed in the surrounding matter or where the emitter is surrounded by a thick torus with variable opening angle.

Results. We show that the X-ray spectra during specific times are very similar in all four sources, likely arising from the high-density environments where they are embedded. The fitted models suggest that a low-luminosity phase preceding an intense flaring episode in the 2015 outburst of V404 Cyg is heavily obscured, but intrinsically very bright (super-Eddington) accretion state. Similar spectral evolution to that of V404 Cyg is observed from the recent X-ray state of GRS 1915+105 that presented unusually low luminosity. The modeling results point to a geometry change in the (outflowing) obscuring matter in V404 Cyg and GRS 1915+105, which is also linked to the radio (jet) evolution. Within the framework of the models, all sources display obscured X-ray emission, but with different intrinsic luminosities ranging from lower than 1% of the Eddington luminosity up to the Eddington limit. This indicates that different factors cause the obscuration. This work highlights the importance of taking the reprocessing of the X-ray emission in the surrounding medium into account in modeling the X-ray spectra. This may well take place in other sources as well.
Shareholding operation of product remanufacturing – from a sustainable production perspective
Authors: Chai Junwu , Li Hengyu , Lee Chien-Hung , Tsai Sang-Bing , Chen Hong
Published: April 2020

We consider a supply chain in which an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) authorizes the remanufacturing business to a third-party remanufacturer (TPR). The OEM may make an investment to hold equity in TPR. This operation not only enables OEM to share the profit of the TPR as a forward shareholding supply chain, but also improve the production efficiency of the TPR and consequently benefits the whole supply chain. We characterize the equilibrium production decisions of all members by using Stackelberg game in such a supply chain. We find that shareholding operation by OEM helps increase the production quantity of remanufactured products and total market volume. From the economic perspective, our results show both sides in the forward shareholding supply chain prefer the shareholding operation if the equity holding cost and remanufactured cost is relatively small. Additionally, from an environmental perspective, our results show under certain relative pollution ratio of remanufactured products, shareholding operation can reduce environmental impact. Finally, we check the key results by stimulating numerical examples and obtain some useful management insights.
Bouveret’s Syndrome – Case Series with Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Kukiolka Tobias , Borovicka Jan , Baumeler Stephan , Schiesser Marc , Gubler Christoph
Published: April 2020

Bouveret’s syndrome is a rare complication resulting from gallstone disease. Both surgical and endoscopical procedures are performed, with the disease to be seen as strictly interdisciplinary. There are no well-established recommendations for this condition. In this paper, we want to describe our experience from 6 cases in 3 Swiss hospitals from 2015 to 2017 with emphasis on the endoscopic technique of electrohydraulic lithotripsy followed by balloon dilatation and propose a treatment algorithm.
Akademisierung sichtbar machen – TheraThesisLink: Volltextdatenbank für Absolventen
Authors: Laquai Sophia
Published: May 2020

Studenten therapiewissenschaftlicher Studiengänge haben es schwer, ihre Abschlussarbeiten zu publizieren. Nur wenige Ergebnisse schaffen es als Artikel in ein wissenschaftliches Journal. Ein Projekt der Hochschule Osnabrück will das ändern und eine Volltextdatenbank etablieren.
Spontaneous Rupture of Infected Walled-Off Necrosis in the Transverse Colon with a Nonoperative Favorable Outcome: A Rare Event
Authors: Chauhan Virender , Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Goel Vasudha , Mudgal Dilip Singh , Jain Mukesh , Nijhawan Sandeep
Published: May 2020

Infected walled-off necrosis (WON) is a well-known complication of acute necrotizing pancreatitis, with higher mortality and morbidity. An infected or symptomatic WON requires drainage. Occasionally, WON may spontaneously fistulize into the gastrointestinal lumen or may rupture into the peritoneum. We describe a case of spontaneous rupture of WON in the transverse colon with uncomplicated spontaneous resolution, which is an extremely rare event.