bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Placental Chorionic Arterial Biomechanical Properties During Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Saw Shier Nee , Tay Jess Jia Hwee , Poh Yu Wei , Yang Liying , Tan Wei Ching , Tan Lay Kok , Clark Alys , Biswas Arijit , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: November 2018

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pregnancy complication due to placental dysfunction that prevents the fetus from obtaining enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to serious mortality and morbidity risks. There is no treatment for IUGR despite having a prevalence of 3% in developed countries, giving rise to an urgency to improve our understanding of the disease. Applying biomechanics investigation on IUGR placental tissues can give important new insights. We performed pressure-diameter mechanical testing of placental chorionic arteries and found that in severe IUGR cases (RI > 90th centile) but not in IUGR cases (RI < 90th centile), vascular distensibility was significantly increased from normal. Constitutive modeling demonstrated that a simplified Fung-type hyperelastic model was able to describe the mechanical properties well, and histology showed that severe IUGR had the lowest collagen to elastin ratio. To demonstrate that the increased distensibility in the severe IUGR group was related to their elevated umbilical resistance and pulsatility indices, we modelled the placental circulation using a Windkessel model, and demonstrated that vascular compliance (and not just vascular resistance) directly affected blood flow pulsatility, suggesting that it is an important parameter for the disease. Our study showed that biomechanics study on placenta could extend our understanding on placenta physiology.
Fundamental of swapping phenomena in naturally occurring gas hydrates
Authors: Palodkar Avinash V. , Jana Amiya K.
Published: November 2018

Amount of natural gas contained in the gas hydrate accumulations is twice that of all fossil fuel reserves currently available worldwide. The conventional oil and gas recovery technologies are not really suitable to gas hydrates because of their serious repercussions on geo-mechanical stability and seabed ecosystem. To address this challenge, the concept of methane-carbon dioxide (CH4-CO2) swapping has appeared. It has the potential in achieving safe and efficient recovery of natural gas, and sequestration of CO2. By this way, the energy generation from gas hydrates can become carbon neutral. This swapping phenomenon has not yet been elucidated at fundamental level. This work proposes a theoretical formulation to understand the physical insight into the transient swapping between natural gas and CO2 occurred under deep seabed and in permafrost. Addressing several practical concerns makes the model formulation novel and generalized enough in explaining the swapping phenomena at diverse geological conditions.
Space lidar observations constrain longwave cloud feedback
Authors: Vaillant de Guélis Thibault , Chepfer Hélène , Guzman Rodrigo , Bonazzola Marine , Winker David M. , Noel Vincent
Published: November 2018

Some of the most challenging questions in atmospheric science relate to how clouds will respond as the climate warms. On centennial scales, the response of clouds could either weaken or enhance the warming due to greenhouse gas emissions. Here we use space lidar observations to quantify changes in cloud altitude, cover, and opacity over the oceans between 2008 and 2014, together with a climate model with a lidar simulator to also simulate these changes in the present-day climate and in a future, warmer climate. We find that the longwave cloud altitude feedback, found to be robustly positive in simulations since the early climate models and backed up by physical explanations, is not the dominant longwave feedback term in the observations, although it is in the model we have used. These results suggest that the enhanced longwave warming due to clouds might be overestimated in climate models. These results highlight the importance of developing a long-term active sensor satellite record to reduce uncertainties in cloud feedbacks and prediction of future climate.
Dramatic cropland expansion in Myanmar following political reforms threatens biodiversity
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Prescott Graham W. , Tay Rebecca E. , Dickens Borame L. , Webb Edward L. , Htun Saw , Tizard Robert J. , Rao Madhu , Carrasco Luis Roman
Published: November 2018

Effective conservation planning needs to consider the threats of cropland expansion to biodiversity. We used Myanmar as a case study to devise a modeling framework to identify which Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are most vulnerable to cropland expansion in a context of increasingly resolved armed conflict. We studied 13 major crops with the potential to expand into KBAs. We used mixed-effects models and an agricultural versus forest rent framework to model current land use and conversion of forests to cropland for each crop. We found that the current cropland distribution is explained by higher agricultural value, lower transportation costs and lower elevation. We also found that protected areas and socio-political instability are effective in slowing down deforestation with conflicts in Myanmar damaging farmland and displacing farmers elsewhere. Under plausible economic development and socio-political stability scenarios, the models forecast 48.5% of land to be converted. We identified export crops such as maize, and pigeon pea as key deforestation drivers. This cropland expansion would pose a major threat to Myanmar’s freshwater KBAs. We highlight the importance of considering rapid land-use transitions in the tropics to devise robust conservation plans.
Immune cells inhibit the tumor metastasis in the 4D cellular lung model by reducing the number of live circulating tumor cells
Authors: Mishra Dhruva K. , Rocha Humberto J. , Miller Ross , Kim Min P.
Published: November 2018

The immune system and tumor microenvironment play a decisive role in tumor progression. We developed a novel model to better understand tumor progression and interaction with immune cells and the cellular components. We grew 393 P non-metastatic and 344SQ metastatic murine cells in an acellular metastatic lung cancer model, where both cell lines formed circulating tumor cells (CTC) and metastatic lesions. When the CTC from this model were placed in the tail vein of nu/nu mice, both cell lines formed metastatic lesions. However, in syngeneic immune-competent mice, the CTC from the non-metastatic cell line did not metastasize while the CTC from the metastatic cell line metastasized. When we placed the activated immune cells in the cellular lung model, it decreased CTC and metastatic lesion formation for the non-metastatic cell line while it had no impact on metastatic cell line. The metastatic cell line had a significant increase in expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL-1) compared to the non-metastatic cell line in the model. Overall, the immune cells showed an impact on viability of CTC for cell lines with a decreased expression of PDL-1 that leads to decreased metastatic lesion formation. Further studies are needed to understand the subtype of immune cells and mechanism of decreased CTC viability and metastasis inhibition.
The swimming plus-maze test: a novel high-throughput model for assessment of anxiety-related behaviour in larval and juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Varga Zoltán K. , Zsigmond Áron , Pejtsik Diána , Varga Máté , Demeter Kornél , Mikics Éva , Haller József , Aliczki Manó
Published: November 2018

Larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) has the potential to supplement rodent models due to the availability of resource-efficient, high-throughput screening and high-resolution imaging techniques. Although behavioural models are available in larvae, only a few can be employed to assess anxiety. Here we present the swimming plus-maze (SPM) test paradigm, a tool to assess anxiety-related avoidance of shallow water bodies in early developmental stages. The “+” shaped apparatus consists of arms of different depth, representing different levels of aversiveness similarly to the rodent elevated plus-maze. The paradigm was validated (i) in larval and juvenile zebrafish, (ii) after administration of compounds affecting anxiety and (iii) in differentially aversive experimental conditions. Furthermore, we compared the SPM with conventional “anxiety tests” of zebrafish to identify their shared characteristics. We have clarified that the preference of deeper arms is ontogenetically conserved and can be abolished by anxiolytic or enhanced by anxiogenic agents, respectively. The behavioural readout is insensitive to environmental aversiveness and is unrelated to behaviours assessed by conventional tests involving young zebrafish. Taken together, we have developed a sensitive high-throughput test allowing the assessment of anxiety-related responses of zebrafish regardless of developmental stage, granting the opportunity to combine larva-based state-of-the-art methods with detailed behavioral analysis.
Multifractality and cross-correlation analysis of streamflow and sediment fluctuation at the apex of the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Wu Yao , He Yong , Wu Menwu , Lu Chen , Gao Shiyou , Xu Yanwen
Published: November 2018

The fluctuation and distribution of hydrological signals are highly related to the fluvial and geophysical regime at estuarine regions. Based on the long daily streamflow and sediment data of Makou (MK) and Sanshui (SS) stations at the apex of the Pearl River Delta, the scaling behavior of the streamflow and sediment is explored by multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA). The results indicated that there was significant multifractal structure present in the fluctuations of streamflow and sediment. Meanwhile, the multifractal degree and complexity of sediment were much stronger than streamflow. Although the scaling exponents of streamflow were larger than sediment at both MK and SS, no evident differences have been found on the scaling properties of streamflow and sediment for the ratios MK/SS. Moreover, the cross-correlation between streamflow and sediment is further detected by Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (MF-DXA). The multifractal response between streamflow and sediment at small timescale is characterized by long-range correlations whereas it exhibits random behavior at large timescale. The interaction of the broadness of probability density function and the long-range correlations should be responsible for the multifractal properties of hydrological time series as the multifractal degree of surrogate and shuffled data was significantly undermined.
Novel approach on reduction in GHG emissions from sludge lime stabilization as an emergent and regional treatment in China
Authors: Liu Hongtao
Published: November 2018

As a typical organic solid waste, sludge plays an important role in contributing to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulted by its treatment and disposal. As a temporary and emergent treatment measurement, sludge lime stabilization is regionally adopted in most sludge generated units in China. In present case, sludge lime stabilization system in China was productive of total GHG emissions, including indirect and direct emissions during lime stabilization and carbon reduction owing to lime synthesis and consumption, were first quantified respectively. The results indicated that electricity consumption was main component of indirect emissions, including mixing and transportation related mechanical equipment use. Direct emission was attributed to CO2 absorption during the second step in hydration reaction of lime stabilization. Meanwhile, a carbon credit portion of lime synthesis was also taken to the consideration of carbon budget. In brief, reduction in total replaceable carbon emission resulted by sludge lime treatment in comparison to landfill was calculated to be 0.8092 tCO2e·t−1. As treated production, lime-stabilized sludge is suggested to amend acidic soil for its revegetation. It is concluded that lime stabilization of sludge shows a significant GHG reduction effect despite of its temporary and emergent nature.
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) studied by EPR and in-cell EPR
Authors: Weickert Sabrina , Cattani Julia , Drescher Malte
Published: November 2018

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play important physiological, but also disease-related roles. In order to understand the function and malfunction of proteins of this class, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has proven to be a valuable tool, allowing investigation of the protein structural ensembles upon interaction with the environment. This review focuses on the IDPs tau and α-synuclein and gives an overview over recent EPR studies performed with these proteins.
Chitosan–gold nanocomposite and its functionalized paper strips for reversible visual sensing and removal of trace Hg2+ in practice
Authors: Hu Lei , Zhu Baohui , Zhang Li , Yuan Hua , Zhao Qi , Yan Zhengquan
Published: November 2018

To eliminate mercury contamination in aqueous environment, chitosan–gold nanocomposite and its functionalized paper strips were designed and developed for visual sensing and removal of trace Hg2+.
Quantitative profile–profile relationship (QPPR) modelling: a novel machine learning approach to predict and associate chemical characteristics of unspent ammunition from gunshot residue (GSR)
Authors: Gallidabino Matteo D. , Barron Leon P. , Weyermann Céline , Romolo Francesco S.
Published: November 2018

Possibility to associate gunshot residues with other residues or their original ammunition has been demonstrated using a novel predictive approach.
Unexpected, photochemically induced activation of the tetrabutylammonium cation by hexachloroplatinate(iv)
Authors: Silalahi Imelda H. , Sethi Navpreet K. , Shafikov Marsel Z. , Chechik Victor , Whitwood Adrian C. , Bruce Duncan W.
Published: November 2018

A dinuclear, butadiene-bridged complex, trans-μ2:η2,η2-1,3-butadiene-bis(trichloroplatinate(ii)) (1) was unexpectedly obtained on photolysis of acetone solutions of (NBu4)2[PtCl6].
Nucleophilic ring opening of trans-2,3-disubstituted epoxides to β-amino alcohols with catalyst-controlled regioselectivity
Authors: Lee Michelle , Lamb Jessica R. , Sanford Maria J. , LaPointe Anne M. , Coates Geoffrey W.
Published: November 2018

We report the nucleophilic ring opening of unsymmetrical trans-epoxides to β-amino alcohols with catalyst-controlled regioselectivity.
Highly-active, graphene-supported platinum catalyst for the solventless hydrosilylation of olefins
Authors: Kong Caleb J. , Gilliland Stanley E. , Clark Brian R. , Gupton B. Frank
Published: November 2018

Reported is the development of the first graphene-supported platinum catalyst for the hydrosilylation of functionalized olefins under mild, solventless conditions using both batch and continuous reactor platforms.
Versatile heteroleptic bis-terdentate Cr(iii) chromophores displaying room temperature millisecond excited state lifetimes
Authors: Jiménez Juan-Ramón , Doistau Benjamin , Besnard Céline , Piguet Claude
Published: November 2018

Cr–Br bonds can be specifically labilized for producing phosphorescent and tuneable heteroleptic bis-terdentate Cr(iii) long-lived sensitizers.
Rational synthesis of hollow cubic CuS@Spiky Au core–shell nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal and SERS effects
Authors: Lv Qian , Gao Meng-Yue , Cheng Zi-He , Chen Qiao , Shen Ai-Guo , Hu Ji-Ming
Published: November 2018

The unique “tip spots” can simultaneously enhance SERS and the photothermal effect, facilitating label-free SERS intracellular imaging during cell apoptosis.
Photoelectron spectroscopy of solvated dicarboxylate and alkali metal ion clusters, M+[O2C(CH2)2CO2]2−[H2O]n(M = Na, K;n= 1–6)
Authors: Li Ren-Zhong , Deng Shihu H. M. , Hou Gao-Lei , Valiev Marat , Wang Xue-Bin
Published: November 2018

We present results of combined experimental photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical modeling studies of solvated dicarboxylate species (−O2C(CH2)2CO2−) in complex with Na+and K+metal cations.
Significant structural relaxations of excited [n]cycloparaphenylene dications (n = 5–9)
Authors: Fujitsuka Mamoru , Kayahara Eiichi , Lu Chao , Yamago Shigeru , Majima Tetsuro
Published: November 2018

Size-dependent properties of the excited dications of [n]cycloparaphenylenes were analysed on the basis of the structural relaxation.
Assigning a structural motif using spontaneous molecular dipole orientation in thin films
Authors: Roman M. , Dunn A. , Taj S. , Keolopile Z. G. , Rosu-Finsen A. , Gutowski M. , McCoustra M. R. S. , Cassidy A. M. , Field D.
Published: November 2018

Guided by the spontelectric behaviour of thin films of cis-methyl formate, infrared observations and computational investigations reveal the dimer structural motif of the crystalline solid.
Applications of 2D MXenes in energy conversion and storage systems
Authors: Pang Jinbo , Mendes Rafael G. , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Zhao Liang , Ta Huy Q. , Gemming Thomas , Liu Hong , Liu Zhongfan , Rummeli Mark H.
Published: November 2018

This article provides a comprehensive review of MXene materials and their energy-related applications.
Thermoelectric properties of (Ba,K)Cd2As2 crystallized in the CaAl2Si2-type structure
Authors: Kunioka H. , Kihou K. , Nishiate H. , Yamamoto A. , Usui H. , Kuroki K. , Lee C. H.
Published: November 2018

As-Based Zintl compounds Ba1−xKxCd2As2 crystallized in the CaAl2Si2-type structure (space group P3̄m1) were prepared using solid-state reactions followed by hot-pressing.
Disorder induced polymorphic transitions in the high hydrogen density compound Sr(BH4)2(NH3BH3)2
Authors: Jørgensen Mathias , Lee Young-Su , Bjerring Morten , Jepsen Lars H. , Akbey Ümit , Cho Young Whan , Jensen Torben R.
Published: November 2018

The presence of two stable configurations of the ammonia borane molecule at elevated temperature induces a polymorphic phase transition to lower symmetry.
Key Green Chemistry research areas from a pharmaceutical manufacturers’ perspective revisited
Authors: Bryan Marian C. , Dunn Peter J. , Entwistle David , Gallou Fabrice , Koenig Stefan G. , Hayler John D. , Hickey Matthew R. , Hughes Shaun , Kopach Michael E. , Moine Gerard , Richardson Paul , Roschangar Frank , Steven Alan , Weiberth Franz J.
Published: November 2018

The ACS Green Chemistry Institute® Pharmaceutical Roundtable has assembled an updated list of key research areas to highlight transformations and reaction media where more sustainable technologies would be most impactful.
Highly water-dispersible and antibacterial magnetic clay nanotubes functionalized with polyelectrolyte brushes: high adsorption capacity and selectivity toward heparin in batch and continuous system
Authors: Arshadi Mohammad , Eskandarloo Hamed , Enayati Mojtaba , Godec Mary , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: November 2018

Heparin sodium, a widely used anticoagulant is extracted from porcine intestinal mucosa by a nanotubular macromolecule.
Complete validation of a continuous and blood-correlated sweat biosensing device with integrated sweat stimulation
Authors: Hauke A. , Simmers P. , Ojha Y. R. , Cameron B. D. , Ballweg R. , Zhang T. , Twine N. , Brothers M. , Gomez E. , Heikenfeld J.
Published: November 2018

A wearable sweat biosensing device is demonstrated that stimulates sweat and continuously measures sweat ethanol concentrations at 25 s intervals, which is then correlated with blood ethanol during a >3 hour testing phase.
Engineering efficient upconverting nanothermometers using Eu3+ions
Authors: Lucchini Giacomo , Speghini Adolfo , Canton Patrizia , Vetrone Fiorenzo , Quintanilla Marta
Published: November 2018

A new ratiometric SrF2:Yb3+,Tm3+,Eu3+nanothermometer based on Eu3+ion luminescence activated through upconversion.
Preparation and biomedical applications of bright robust silica nanocapsules with multiple incorporated InP/ZnS quantum dots
Authors: Li Chunliang , Hosokawa Chie , Suzuki Mariko , Taguchi Takahisa , Murase Norio
Published: November 2018

InP/ZnS quantum dots incorporated in silica capsules are robust and bright, and can image cells clearly.
Supramolecular motifs for the self-assembly of monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes with an amide fragment: from nanoparticles to supramolecular polymers
Authors: Nazarova A. A. , Padnya P. L. , Gilyazeva A. I. , Khannanov A. A. , Evtugyn V. G. , Kutyreva M. P. , Klochkov V. V. , Stoikov I. I.
Published: November 2018

The effects of solvents on the aggregation properties of novel monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes containing an N-alkylamide fragment have been investigated.
A theoretical study of fused thiophene modified anthracene-based organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Fan Wen-Jie , Chang Yi-Zhi , Zhao Jia-Lu , Xu Zhen-Ni , Tan Da-Zhi , Chen Yong-Gang
Published: November 2018

As the fused-thiophene sizes increase, the main absorption peaks basically remain the same, but the oscillator strength increases and adsorption bands broaden.
Structure design, fabrication and property investigation of water-based polyesters with notable surface hydrophilicity
Authors: Zhang Shi-Xian , Wu Xiao-Li , Hao Tong-Hui , Hu Guo-Hua , Jiang Tao , Zhang Qun-Chao , Zhao Hui
Published: November 2018

Environmentally friendly waterborne polyesters (WPEs) were obtained by copolymerization of diethylene glycol (DEG), isophthalic acid (IPA) and 5-sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt (5-SSIPA).
Crystal habit modification of Cu(ii) isonicotinate–N-oxide complexes using gel phase crystallisation
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Ferfolja Katja , Drabavičius Žygimantas , Steed Jonathan W. , Damodaran Krishna K.
Published: November 2018

We report the crystallisation of three forms of the copper(ii) isonicotinate–N-oxide complex and their phase interconversion via solvent-mediated crystal-to-crystal transformation and the selective crystallisation of one form via gel phase crystallisation.
Fluorescent 2D metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs): design, synthesis and sensing of explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs)
Authors: Maka Vijay Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Arindam , Savitha Govardhan , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: November 2018

2D metal–organic nanosheets (MONs) constructed from 6-connecting hexaacid based on electron-rich 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene core and In(iii) salt permit detection of nitroaromatic compounds, e.g. TNT, in ppm levels.
Femtosecond transmission electron microscopy for nanoscale photonics: a numerical study
Authors: Barlow Myers C. W. , Pine N. J. , Bryan W. A.
Published: November 2018

We model the performance of a femtosecond TEM, and the defection of electrons by a structure mimicking a nanophotonic device.
Self-supported bimetallic Ni–Co compound electrodes for urea- and neutralization energy-assisted electrolytic hydrogen production
Authors: Wang Genxiang , Wen Zhenhai
Published: November 2018

An alkaline-acid electrolyte electrolyzer was designed to efficiently harvest two types of energy to assist electrolytic hydrogen production using waste urea, acid, and base.
Nanoscale tracking plasmon-driven photocatalysis in individual nanojunctions by vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Kun , Liu Yujie , Zhao Jingjing , Liu Baohong
Published: November 2018

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with digital simulation was proposed to explore the influence of plasmonic hot spots on photocatalysis.
Monitoring the electric field in CdSe quantum dots under ultrafast interfacial electron transfer via coherent phonon dynamics
Authors: Cherepanov Dmitry A. , Gostev Fedor E. , Shelaev Ivan V. , Denisov Nikolay N. , Nadtochenko Victor A.
Published: November 2018

Quantum-confined Stark and Franz–Keldysh effects in CdSe/MV2+ QDs were monitored in coherent phonon dynamics accompanying ultrafast electron transfer.
Design of C2-symmetric alkaloidal chiral amphiphiles and configurational effects on self-assembly
Authors: Tsuchiya Nana , Ryu Yunosuke , Muraoka Takahiro , Oguri Hiroki
Published: November 2018

Alkaloidal chiral amphiphiles composed of C2-symmetric bispyrrolidinoindoline scaffold were developed, where the configurational differences significantly influenced the chiroptical, dynamic and supramolecular properties.
Site-specific near-infrared fluorescent labelling of proteins on cysteine residues withmeso-chloro-substituted heptamethine cyanine dyes
Authors: Canovas Coline , Bellaye Pierre-Simon , Moreau Mathieu , Romieu Anthony , Denat Franck , Goncalves Victor
Published: November 2018

meso-Chloroheptamethine cyanine dyes react selectively with cysteine residues in proteins to give site-specifically labelled NIR fluorescent bioconjugates.
Design of visible-light-response core–shell Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of tetracycline: Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism insight
Authors: Li Ming-yang , Tang Yu-bin , Shi Wei-long , Chen Fang-yan , Shi Yu , Gu Hao-chen
Published: November 2018

Core–shell Fe2O3/CuBi2O4 heterojunction photocatalysts with enhanced photocatalytic activity were fabricated through one-step hydrothermal method.
Electrochemical detection of an antibiotic drug chloramphenicol based on a graphene oxide/hierarchical zinc oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Sebastian Neethu , Yu Wan-Chin , Balram Deepak
Published: November 2018

Electrochemical detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) based on a graphene oxide hierarchical zinc oxide nanocomposite.
Modulating proton diffusion and conductivity in metal–organic frameworks by incorporation of accessible free carboxylic acid groups
Authors: Rought Peter , Marsh Christopher , Pili Simona , Silverwood Ian P. , Sakai Victoria García , Li Ming , Brown Martyn S. , Argent Stephen P. , Vitorica-Yrezabal Inigo , Whitehead George , Warren Mark R. , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: November 2018

The proton conductivity of barium-based MOFs MFM-510 to MFM-512 are analysed in relation to the absence and presence of free –COOH groups in the pores.
X-ray Raman optical activity of chiral molecules
Authors: Rouxel Jérémy R. , Zhang Yu , Mukamel Shaul
Published: November 2018

Resonant and off-resonant Raman Optical Activity signals in the X-ray regime (XROA) are predicted.
Improved thermal and oxidation stability of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTESE)-derived membranes, and their gas-permeation properties
Authors: Yu Xin , Nagasawa Hiroki , Kanezashi Masakoto , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: November 2018

High-temperature treatment (550–700 °C) under N2 increased the thermal stability and oxidizing resistance of BTESE-derived membranes with excellent H2 permeance and selectivity.
Hot dipping post treatment for improved efficiency in micro patterned semi-transparent perovskite solar cells
Authors: Rai Monika , Rahmany Stav , Lim Swee Sien , Magdassi Shlomo , Wong Lydia Helena , Etgar Lioz
Published: November 2018

Perovskite solar cells have emerged as a new semi-transparent PV technology for urban infrastructures that demands an explicit trade-off between power conversion efficiency (PCE) and average visible transparency (AVT) which can be adjusted by various modifications in the absorber layer.
Metallic MoN ultrathin nanosheets boosting high performance photocatalytic H2production
Authors: Ran Jingrun , Wang Hailong , Jin Huanyu , Ling Chongyi , Zhang Xuliang , Ju Huanxin , Jing Liqiang , Wang Jinlan , Zheng Rongkun , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: November 2018

MoN nanosheets for the first time serve as a highly active co-catalyst to greatly enhance the photocatalytic H2production of TiO2.
Thermo/pH dual-responsive core–shell particles for apatinib/doxorubicin controlled release: preparation, characterization and biodistribution
Authors: Zhao He , Sun Dahui , Tang Yajun , Yao Jihang , Yuan Xiaowei , Zhang Mei
Published: November 2018

Schematic representation of the structure and functioning mechanism of DD particles.
3D printing of a self-healing nanocomposite for stretchable sensors
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Zou Shibo , Gosselin Frédérick P. , Therriault Daniel , Heuzey Marie-Claude
Published: November 2018

The design of self-healable and stretchable devices from sustainable materials is increasingly attractive for various applications such as soft robotics, wearable sensors, and biomedical devices.
Synthesis of a novel strontium-based wide-bandgap semiconductor via X-ray photochemistry under extreme conditions
Authors: Evlyukhin Egor , Kim Eunja , Cifligu Petrika , Goldberger David , Schyck Sarah , Harris Blake , Torres Sindi , Rossman George R. , Pravica Michael
Published: November 2018

The synthesis of a Sr-based wide bandgap semiconductor via X-ray irradiation of strontium oxalate at high pressure has been demonstrated.
Artificial synapses emulated through a light mediated organic–inorganic hybrid transistor
Authors: Mao Jing-Yu , Hu Liang , Zhang Shi-Rui , Ren Yi , Yang Jia-Qin , Zhou Li , Zeng Yu-Jia , Zhou Ye , Han Su-Ting
Published: November 2018

An artificial synapse emulated through a light mediated organic–inorganic hybrid transistor is reported by combining electronic and photoactive modes of operation. These photoactive synapses with metaplasticity effects pave the way for multifunctional neuromorphic computing systems.
Exploring the Overlap Between Dyslexia and Speech Sound Production Deficits
Authors: Cabbage Kathryn L. , Farquharson Kelly , Iuzzini-Seigel Jenya , Zuk Jennifer , Hogan Tiffany P.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Children with dyslexia have speech production deficits in a variety of spoken language contexts. In this article, we discuss the nature of speech production errors in children with dyslexia, including those who have a history of speech sound disorder and those who do not, to familiarize speech-language pathologists with speech production–specific risk factors that may help predict or identify dyslexia in young children.

Method

In this tutorial, we discuss the role of a phonological deficit in children with dyslexia and how this may manifest as speech production errors, sometimes in conjunction with a speech sound disorder but sometimes not. We also briefly review other factors outside the realm of phonology that may alert the speech-language pathologist to possible dyslexia.

Results

Speech-language pathologists possess unique knowledge that directly contributes to the identification and remediation of children with dyslexia. We present several clinical recommendations related to speech production deficits in children with dyslexia. We also review what is known about how and when children with speech sound disorder are most at risk for dyslexia.

Conclusion

Speech-language pathologists have a unique opportunity to assist in the identification of young children who are at risk for dyslexia.
Cognitive Neuroscience of Dyslexia
Authors: D'Mello Anila M. , Gabrieli John D. E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This review summarizes what is known about the structural and functional brain bases of dyslexia.

Method

We review the current literature on structural and functional brain differences in dyslexia. This includes evidence about differences in gray matter anatomy, white matter connectivity, and functional activations in response to print and language. We also summarize findings concerning brain plasticity in response to interventions.

Results

We highlight evidence relating brain function and structure to instructional issues such as diagnosis and prognosis. We also highlight evidence about brain differences in early childhood, before formal reading instruction in school, which supports the importance of early identification and intervention.

Conclusion

Neuroimaging studies of dyslexia reveal how the disorder is related to differences in structure and function in multiple neural circuits.
Why Children With Dyslexia Struggle With Writing and How to Help Them
Authors: Hebert Michael , Kearns Devin M. , Hayes Joanne Baker , Bazis Pamela , Cooper Samantha
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Children with dyslexia often have related writing difficulties. In the simple view of writing model, high-quality writing depends on good transcription skills, working memory, and executive function—all of which can be difficult for children with dyslexia and result in poor spelling and low overall writing quality. In this article, we describe the challenges of children with dyslexia in terms of the simple view of writing and instructional strategies to increase spelling and overall writing quality in children with dyslexia.

Method

For spelling strategies, we conducted systematic searches across 2 databases for studies examining the effectiveness of spelling interventions for students with dyslexia as well as including studies from 2 meta-analyses. To locate other instructional practices to increase writing quality (e.g., handwriting and executive function), we examined recent meta-analyses of writing and supplemented that by conducting forward searches.

Results

Through the search, we found evidence of effective remedial and compensatory intervention strategies in spelling, transcription, executive function, and working memory. Some strategies included spelling using sound-spellings and morphemes and overall quality using text structure, sentence combining, and self-regulated strategy development.

Conclusions

Many students with dyslexia experience writing difficulty in multiple areas. However, their writing (and even reading) skills can improve with the instructional strategies identified in this article. We describe instructional procedures and provide links to resources throughout the article.
Understanding Dyslexia in the Context of Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Adlof Suzanne M. , Hogan Tiffany P.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this tutorial is to discuss the language basis of dyslexia in the context of developmental language disorders (DLDs). Whereas most studies have focused on the phonological skills of children with dyslexia, we bring attention to broader language skills.

Method

We conducted a focused literature review on the language basis of dyslexia from historical and theoretical perspectives with a special emphasis on the relation between dyslexia and DLD and on the development of broader language skills (e.g., vocabulary, syntax, and discourse) before and after the identification of dyslexia.

Results

We present clinically relevant information on the history of dyslexia as a language-based disorder, the operational definitions used to diagnose dyslexia in research and practice, the relation between dyslexia and DLD, and the language abilities of children with dyslexia.

Conclusions

We discuss 3 clinical implications for working with children with dyslexia in school settings: (a) Children with dyslexia—with and without comorbid DLDs—often have language deficits outside the phonological domain; (b) intervention should target a child's strengths and weaknesses relative to reading outcomes, regardless of diagnostic labels; and (c) those who have dyslexia, regardless of language abilities at the time of diagnosis, may be at risk for slower language acquisition across their lifetime. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess multiple language skills early, at the time of the diagnosis of dyslexia, and years later to better understand the complex development of language and reading in children with dyslexia.
Highly flat optical comb generation based on DP‐MZM and phase modulators
Authors: Tran T.T. , Song M. , Song M. , Seo D.‐S.
Published: November 2018

A novel scheme for the generation of an optical frequency comb with exceptionally high flatness for a large number of spectral lines is proposed. The scheme consists of a dual‐parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (DP‐MZM) with which to carve the narrow intensity pulse and phase modulators for the application of high chirp. The experimental results show perfect spectral profiles with 35 lines with <1 dB flatness and 54 lines at 1.6 dB flatness when a DP‐MZM is combined with two and three phase modulators, respectively.
Folded reflectarray antenna with partial grid and director for high aperture efficiency
Authors: Jeong J.G. , Bae J.H. , Yoon Y.J.
Published: November 2018

In this Letter, a new polarising grid for a folded reflectarray is proposed to improve the aperture efficiency of the antenna. This polarising grid is designed using a partial grid and a director which can improve the antenna radiation characteristic. Consequently, the measured aperture efficiency of the proposed antenna with the new polarising grid is 60.49% at 77 GHz.
Despeckling of ultrasound images using directionally decimated wavelet packets with adaptive clustering
Authors: Chinnathambi Vimalraj , Sankaralingam Esakkirajan , Thangaraj Veerakumar , Padma Sreevidya
Published: November 2018

Two‐dimensional transforms are extensively used for speckle noise reduction (despeckling) in ultrasound images. This work proposes a double filter bank structure consisting of a discrete wavelet packet transform (DWPT) and directional filter bank (DFB) along with a fuzzy‐based clustering technique to despeckle ultrasound images. Wavelet packet transform can efficiently reject noises based on grey scale relational thresholding and DFB can efficiently preserve edge information. In this study, instead of conventional thresholding methods, fuzzy‐based clustering techniques are applied for noise rejection. The algorithm provides a consistent improvement over the competing state‐of‐the‐art speckle reduction algorithms due to the improved ability to preserve geometric features while rejecting speckle noise adaptively. The authors claim is validated by applying a number of clinical images with performance indices such as peak signal to noise ratio, mean structural similarity, signal to mean square error, speckle signal to noise ratio, speckle suppression index and edge preservation index.
Image segmentation framework based on optimal multi‐method fusion
Authors: Zheng Jia , Zhang Dinghua , Huang Kuidong , Sun Yuanxi
Published: November 2018

This study presents a multi‐method fusion and optimisation framework that can optimally combine different existing methods to further enhance the segmentation performance. The framework, in which the original accumulating process is improved and a new combination process is added, is the extension of the previously developed ‘accumulated local fuzzy c‐means with spatial information’ method. In the improved accumulating process, different segmentation methods are utilised in local windows to judge whether each pixel belongs to the object. In the new combination process, the accumulated results of different segmentation methods are weighted combined, where the weights of different methods are optimised by the genetic algorithm with the objective of minimising standard deviations of both the object and the background pixels. Typical images and all images in the Weizmann's Segmentation Evaluation Database are tested in the experiments. The results show that the authors’ method can perform better than some state‐of‐the‐art methods, and combining more methods in the framework can bring better performance. Moreover, the proposed multi‐method combination framework is parameterless, which increases its adaptability in various applications.
Detail‐enhanced target segmentation method for thermal video sequences based on spatiotemporal parameter update technique
Authors: Yang DongWon
Published: November 2018

Thermal images have been widely used for detection, tracking, and classification of targets at night for military purpose. A thermal imaging sensor receives the radiation energy from the target and the background, so it has advantages in night vision. However, the thermal images have lower spatial resolution and more blurred edges than colour images, and edges can be contaminated by flames. Therefore, the extracted edges which can be used in automatic target classification may contain inaccurate edges that can decrease the accuracy of the classification. In this study, to overcome these problems, a novel background modelling method based on spatiotemporal parameter updating technique and foreground detection method using intensity moments analysis is proposed. To validate the proposed method, thermal images with military vehicle targets (tank and infantry vehicle) and public dataset in CDNET2014 (www.changedetection.net) are used in subjective and objective tests, respectively. The experiment results showed that the proposed method outperformed the state‐of‐the‐art methods in objective measures and in subjective measure especially on detail‐enhanced segmentation.
Precise control strategy of dual‐mode flyback DC/DC converter
Authors: Wi Seok‐Min , Kim Minsung
Published: November 2018

Flyback converters (FBCs) have been widely used in portable fuel‐cell power systems since they feature step up/down ability, galvanic isolation between the input and output, and low cost. As the input/output voltage of the FBC varies, it may operate either in discontinuous‐conduction mode (DCM) or in continuous‐conduction mode (CCM). Since different modes of the FBC result in different dynamics, it is difficult to stabilise the converter operating in both modes. To solve the problem, the authors propose a controller that can control a dual‐mode FBC whether it operates in DCM or in CCM. The proposed controller is composed of a dual‐mode feed‐forward control unit and a feed‐back control unit based on the common Lyapunov function. The dual‐mode feed‐forward control signal is utilised to reduce the burden on the common Lyapunov function‐based feed‐back controller that must function well despite variable system dynamics. The closed‐loop system guarantees global exponential stability and provides a fast transient response as the operating mode of the FBC switches between DCM and CCM. When constructing the proposed controller, they use the large‐signal nonlinear averaged model of the dual‐mode FBC and consider the parasitic components. Experimental tests were conducted to validate the proposed control scheme.
Adaptive JSPA in distributed colocated MIMO radar network for multiple targets tracking
Authors: Lu Yanxi , Han Chunlin , He Zishu , Liu Shuangli , Wang Yikai
Published: November 2018

In this study, the authors present a distributed resource‐awareness colocated multiple‐input–multiple‐output radar network for multiple targets tracking. Specifically, taking posterior Cramér–Rao lower bound as the performance metric, they propose a joint scheduling and power allocation (JSPA) scheme as a sparse optimisation problem. The sparsity of the solution enables the JSPA scheme to jointly optimise the schedule and corresponding transmit power of radars by the non‐zero entries with associated amplitudes. The JSPA scheme has the robustness of feasibility even if there is not enough resource to achieve the prescribed performance requirements of targets. In this case, the JSPA scheme will automatically relax the performance bounds for individual targets at the lowest price and decide the number of targets to be tracked according to the priorities. They also propose a global optimal fusion rule that builds the connection between resource allocation and distributed tracking. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. The JSPA scheme can dynamically adjust the resource utilisation of the tracking of individual targets according to the accuracy demands. The performance of important targets is favoured to be satisfied, whereas a target with low priority may be dropped by the JSPA scheme if necessary.
Approximate Bayes multi‐target tracking smoother
Authors: Li Quan‐rui , Qi Bin , Liang Guo‐long
Published: November 2018

An approximate Bayes multi‐target tracking (MTT) smoother that is directly applicable to MTT is proposed in this study. By using labelled random finite set, the proposed smoother inherently produced trajectories of the targets. The smoother is based on Bayes forward–backward smoothing scheme, which involves forward filtering followed by backward smoothing. It is shown that if the multi‐target transition kernel involved in the backward smoothing stage considers no birth and death of targets, then the smoothing density is of the same form as the filtering density. To avoid the exponential complexity of computation, an efficient approximation that utilises the m‐best S‐D assignment algorithm to truncate the smoothing density is presented. A Gaussian mixture implementation of the smoother for a linear system is also given. Simulation results in MTT scenarios demonstrate that the smoother outperforms generalised labelled multi‐Bernoulli filter in terms of optimal sub‐pattern assignment metric.
Unified power flow controllers in smart power systems: models, methods, and future research
Authors: Georgilakis Pavlos S. , Hatziargyriou Nikos D.
Published: November 2018

Power flow control has become increasingly important in recent years in the area of smart power systems that have to integrate increased shares of variable renewable energy sources. The unified power flow controller (UPFC) provides in real‐time, simultaneously or selectively, active and reactive power flow control as well as voltage control in smart power systems. Several models and methods have been suggested for the control, analysis, operation, and planning of UPFCs in smart power systems. This study introduces a review of the state‐of‐the‐art models and methods of UPFCs in smart power systems, analysing and classifying current and future research trends in this field.
LoTSS/HETDEX: Disentangling star formation and AGN activity in gravitationally lensed radio-quiet quasars
Authors: Stacey H. R. , McKean J. P. , Jackson N. J. , Best P. N. , Calistro Rivera G. , Callingham J. R. , Duncan K. J. , Gürkan G. , Hardcastle M. J. , Iacobelli M. , Mechev A. P. , Morabito L. K. , Prandoni I. , Röttgering H. J. A. , Sabater J. , Shimwell T. W. , Tasse C. , Williams W. L.
Published: November 2018

Determining the star-forming properties of radio-quiet quasars is important for understanding the co-evolution of star formation and black hole accretion. We present the detection of the gravitationally lensed radio-quiet quasars SDSS J1055+4628, SDSS J1313+5151, and SBS 1520+530 at 144 MHz, which fall in the HETDEX Spring Field targeted in the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) first full data release. We compare their radio and far-infrared luminosities relative to the radio–infrared correlation and find that their radio luminosities can be explained by star formation. The implied star formation rates derived from their radio and infrared luminosities are between 20 and 300 M
⊙ yr−1. These detections represent the first study of gravitationally lensed sources with LOFAR, opening a new frequency window for investigating the star-forming properties of high-redshift quasars at radio wavelengths. We consider the implications for future data releases and estimate that many of the objects in our parent sample will be detected during LoTSS, significantly increasing the fraction of gravitationally lensed radio-quiet quasars with radio detections.
Rhytidectomy in Patients with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Coelho Daniel , Darji Prem , Niamtu Joe , Appelbaum Eric
Published: November 2018

As the incidence of rhytidectomy and cochlear implantation increases, so does the likelihood that an individual patient will undergo both procedures over their lifetime. This is particularly relevant as the US population not only ages but ages well. The purpose of this paper is to describe cochlear implants and to characterize pre-, intra-, and postoperative considerations of rhytidectomy in patients with cochlear implants. A thorough understanding of the relevant anatomy and physiology is crucial to the avoidance of potentially serious complications in patients with cochlear implants.
Vaccinations for Anal Squamous Cancer: Current and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Glasgow Sean , Berry John
Published: November 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is responsible for 4.3% of the global cancer burden. Since 2006, current HPV vaccines have reduced the prevalence of the virus in adolescent girls, reduced the prevalence of genital warts, and been proven to reduce the progression of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in men. Herein, we review the epidemiology, virology, and immunology behind the prophylactic HPV vaccines and current recommendations for its use. We also review future immune therapies being trialed for use against HPV-related cancers including anal cancer.