bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatible alkyl cyanoacrylates and their derivatives as bio-adhesives
Authors: Korde Jay M. , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian
Published: May 2018

Cyanoacrylate adhesives and their homologues have elicited interest over the past few decades owing to their applications in the biomedical sector, extending from tissue adhesives to scaffolds to implants to dental material and adhesives, because of their inherent biocompatibility and ability to polymerize solely with moisture, thanks to which they adhere to any substrate containing moisture such as the skin.
Highly reactive crystalline-phase-embedded strontium-bioactive nanorods for multimodal bioactive applications
Authors: Durgalakshmi D. , Ajay Rakkesh R. , Kesavan M. , Ganapathy S. , Ajithkumar T. G. , Karthikeyan S. , Balakumar S.
Published: May 2018

In the present work, strontium incorporated bioactive material was synthesised using sol–gel assisted microwave method for multimodal bioactive applications in the field of bone and dentistry.
Mechanistic insight into the singlet oxygen-triggered expansion of hypoxia-responsive polymeric micelles
Authors: Wang Lina , Huang Xiaoli , Wang Bingbing , Zhao Jie , Guo Xuliang , Wang Zheng , Zhao Yanjun
Published: May 2018

Singlet oxygen can trigger the oxidation of nitroimidazole-bearing micelles for on-demand cargo release.
Controlled photorelease of alkynoic acids and their decarboxylative deprotection for copper-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition
Authors: Vohradská Nikoleta , Sánchez-Carnerero Esther M. , Pastierik Tomáš , Mazal Ctibor , Klán Petr
Published: May 2018

A controlled photorelease of alkynoic acids from a photoremovable protecting group (PPG) facilitates their subsequent decarboxylation to deliver terminal alkynes for a CuI-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition.
Synthesis of α-CF3and α-CF2H aminesviathe aminofluorination of fluorinated alkenes
Authors: Yang Ling , Fan Wen-Xin , Lin E. , Tan Dong-Hang , Li Qingjiang , Wang Honggen
Published: May 2018

A novel synthesis of α-CF3and α-CF2H aminesviathe aminofluorination ofgem-difluoroalkenes and mono-fluoroalkenes, respectively, is reported.
Modulation of phase transition of thermosensitive liposomes with leucine zipper-structured lipopeptides
Authors: Xu Xiejun , Xiao Xingqing , Wang Yiming , Xu Shouhong , Liu Honglai
Published: May 2018

An exponential fit was given to describe a quantitative correlation between the lipopeptides’ binding strengths and their structural dissociations.
Membrane potential and dynamics in a ternary lipid mixture: insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Lin Xubo , Nair Vinay , Zhou Yong , Gorfe Alemayehu A.
Published: May 2018

Transmembrane potential modulates the structure and dynamics of lipid head-groups and acyl chains.
Photoswitchable transition metal complexes with azobenzene-functionalized imine-based ligands: structural and kinetic analysis
Authors: Markiewicz G. , Walczak A. , Perlitius F. , Piasecka M. , Harrowfield J. M. , Stefankiewicz A. R.
Published: May 2018

We report on the characterization of two imine type ligands containing photoresponsive azobenzene units as side groups and their transition metal ions complexes.
Anion-induced 3d–4f luminescent coordination clusters: structural characteristics and chemical fixation of CO2 under mild conditions
Authors: Zhang Ruilian , Wang Li , Xu Cong , Yang Huan , Chen Wanmin , Gao Guoshu , Liu Weisheng
Published: May 2018

Anion-induced clusters with luminescence exhibit excellent catalysis to transform CO2 into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions.
Buckypaper bioelectrodes: emerging materials for implantable and wearable biofuel cells
Authors: Gross A. J. , Holzinger M. , Cosnier S.
Published: May 2018

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely exploited for the development of enzymatic biofuel cells with sufficient power densities in the μW to mW range for operating low-power bioelectronic devices from renewable substrates.
Cu-Doped Fe@Fe2O3 core–shell nanoparticle shifted oxygen reduction pathway for high-efficiency arsenic removal in smelting wastewater
Authors: Feng Haopeng , Tang Lin , Tang Jing , Zeng Guangming , Dong Haoran , Deng Yaocheng , Wang Longlu , Liu Yani , Ren Xiaoya , Zhou Yaoyu
Published: May 2018

Studies on the removal of As(iii) by Fe-based materials have been carried out for decades, but the time-consuming process and low removal capacity are obstacles for large-scale practical applications.
A sensitive and rapid radiolabelling method for the in vivo pharmacokinetic study of lentinan
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zheng Ziming , Yang Xiawen , Pan Xianglin , Yin Lianglan , Huang Xiao , Li Qiang , Shu Yamin , Zhang Qilin , Wang Kaiping
Published: May 2018

To study the pharmacokinetics of polysaccharides in vivo with SPECT imaging techniques.
Isolation and genome sequencing of individual circulating tumor cells using hydrogel encapsulation and laser capture microdissection
Authors: Park Emily S. , Yan Justin P. , Ang Richard A. , Lee Jeong Hyun , Deng Xiaoyan , Duffy Simon P. , Beja Kevin , Annala Matti , Black Peter C. , Chi Kim N. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Ma Hongshen
Published: May 2018

Single CTC sequencing workflow using biophysical enrichment and single cell isolation by laser capture microdissection.
A fluorescent dual aptasensor for the rapid and sensitive onsite detection ofE. coliO157:H7 and its validation in various food matrices
Authors: Renuka R. M. , Achuth J. , Chandan H. R. , Venkataramana M. , Kadirvelu K.
Published: May 2018

The speedy analysis of food products remains a keen area of concern; thus, rapid, highly efficient and robust on-site detection platforms are essential.
One-pot synthesis of carbon-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles with tunable size for production of gasoline fuels
Authors: Tu Junling , Yuan Jiaojiao , Kang Shimin , Xu Yongjun , Wang Tiejun
Published: May 2018

Fe3O4@C nanoparticles with tunable size exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the direct synthesis of gasoline fuels.
The effect of nitridation on the polarity and optical properties of GaN self-assembled nanorods
Authors: Zhao B. , Lockrey M. N. , Caroff P. , Wang N. , Li L. , Wong-Leung J. , Tan H. H. , Jagadish C.
Published: May 2018

After nitridation, nanorods show better optical properties, while their polarity changes from mixed-to N-polarity.
Flexible hemispheric microarrays of highly pressure-sensitive sensors based on breath figure method
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Zhang Ling , Liu Jin , Jiang Hao , Li Chunzhong
Published: May 2018

Flexible pressure sensors with interlocked hemispheric microstructures are prepared by a novel breath figure strategy. The subtle microstructure remarkably improves the sensitivity and pressure sensing range of the pressure sensor.
Gd-DTPA-coupled Ag2Se quantum dots for dual-modality magnetic resonance imaging and fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window
Authors: Ma Jiao-Jiao , Yu Ming-Xia , Zhang Zheng , Cai Wei-Guo , Zhang Zhi-Ling , Zhu Hui-Li , Cheng Qing-Yuan , Tian Zhi-Quan , Pang Dai-Wen
Published: May 2018

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) are ideal platforms to fabricate multifunctional contrast agents for multimodal imaging.
Formation and origin of multicenter photoluminescence in zeolite-based carbogenic nanodots
Authors: Wang Bolun , Mu Ying , Yin Hang , Yang Ziqi , Shi Ying , Li Jiyang
Published: May 2018

Multicenter photoluminescent CNDs exhibiting excitation-independent cyan and green emissions as well as excitation-dependent blue emissions have been prepared by pyrolysis of organo-templated zeolites. Formation and origin of such multicenter photoluminescent CNDs have been researched.
All-inorganic perovskite quantum dot/TiO2 inverse opal electrode platform: stable and efficient photoelectrochemical sensing of dopamine under visible irradiation
Authors: Chen Xu , Li Dongyu , Pan Gencai , Zhou Donglei , Xu Wen , Zhu Jinyang , Wang He , Chen Cong , Song Hongwei
Published: May 2018

A stable and efficient all-inorganic perovskite quantum dot/TiO2 inverse opal electrode is utilized for photoelectrochemically detecting dopamine.
Ferromagnetic Cr2Te3 nanorods with ultrahigh coercivity
Authors: Wang Fang , Du Juan , Sun Fan , Sabirianov Renat F. , Al-Aqtash Nabil , Sengupta Debasis , Zeng Hao , Xu Xiaohong
Published: May 2018

Ferromagnetic Cr2Te3 nanorods with ultrahigh coercivity were synthesized by a one-pot high-temperature organic-solution-phase method.
Room temperature p-orbital magnetism in carbon chains and the role of group IV, V, VI, and VII dopants
Authors: Wong C. H. , Buntov E. A. , Zatsepin A. F. , Lyu J. , Lortz R. , Zatsepin D. A. , Guseva M. B.
Published: May 2018

The study of magnetism without the involvement of transition metals or rare earth ions is considered the key to the fabrication of next-generation spintronic devices.
Role of flower-like ultrathin Co3O4 nanosheets in water splitting and non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries
Authors: Wu Haitao , Sun Wang , Shen Junrong , Rooney David W. , Wang Zhenhua , Sun Kening
Published: May 2018

The bifunctional Co3O4 nanosheets catalyst in aqueous system promotes the decomposition of DMSO-based electrolyte, resulting in spurious Li–O2 batteries performance.
Electrically controlled drug release using pH-sensitive polymer films
Authors: Neumann S. Ephraim , Chamberlayne Christian F. , Zare Richard N.
Published: May 2018

Drug release into a buffered solution at physiological pH from a pH-sensitive, drug-loaded, carrier polymer via electrically induced localized pH changes.
Synthesis of fused tricyclic systems by thermal Cope rearrangement of furan-substituted vinyl cyclopropanes
Authors: Klaus Verena , Wittmann Stéphane , Senn Hans M. , Clark J. Stephen
Published: May 2018

A novel method for the construction of hexahydroazuleno[4,5-b]furans has been developed in which 1-furanyl-2-alkenylcyclopropanes undergo highly stereoselective thermal Cope rearrangement.
Regioselective ortho-functionalization of bromofluorenecarbaldehydes using TMPMgCl·LiCl
Authors: Göbel Dominik , Clamor Nils , Nachtsheim Boris J.
Published: May 2018

A highly regioselective functionalization of 7-bromofluorene-2-carbaldehydes, potent organic chromophores, in position C3 using a mild ortho-metallation strategy (DoM) with TMPMgCl·LiCl has been developed.
Elastomeric and pH-responsive hydrogels based on direct crosslinking of the poly(glycerol sebacate) pre-polymer and gelatin
Authors: Yoon Sungkwon , Chen Biqiong
Published: May 2018

The synthesis and biomedical applications of novel elastomeric, pH-responsive, biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer hydrogels based on poly(glycerol sebacate) and gelatin.
Recent progress in the electron paramagnetic resonance study of polymers
Authors: Naveed Kaleem-ur-Rahman , Wang Li , Yu Haojie , Ullah Raja Summe , Haroon Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Li Jiyang , Elshaarani Tarig , Khan Rizwan Ullah , Nazir Ahsan
Published: May 2018

This review article provides an overview of the contemporary research based on a tailor-made technique to understand the paramagnetic behavior of different polymer classes.
Low temperature thermoelectric and magnetoresistive properties of Tl2Cu3FeQ4(Q = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Aswathy Vijayakumar Sajitha , Sankar Cheriyedath Raj
Published: May 2018

Layered Tl2Cu3FeSe4and Tl2Cu3FeTe4possess low thermal conductivity, of which the selenide offers promising thermoelectric features and the presence of Fe in the weakly connected Cu square-net substructure results in intriguing ferromagnetic and magnetoresistance features.
Deactivation by HCl of CeO2–MoO3/TiO2 catalyst for selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Jiang Ye , Lu Mingyuan , Liu Shaojun , Bao Changzhong , Liang Guitao , Lai Chengzhen , Shi Weiyun , Ma Shiyuan
Published: May 2018

The effect of HCl on a CeO2–MoO3/TiO2 catalyst for the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3.
An efficient combination of BEST and NUS methods in multidimensional NMR spectroscopy for high throughput analysis of proteins
Authors: Rao Kakita Veera Mohana , Bopardikar Mandar , Kumar Shukla Vaibhav , Rachineni Kavitha , Ranjan Priyatosh , Singh Jai Shankar , Hosur Ramakrishna V.
Published: May 2018

Application of NUS along with BEST NMR experiments has been demonstrated for obtaining the important residue-specific atomic level backbone chemical shift values in short durations of time.
Comparative photocatalytic activity of sol–gel derived rare earth metal (La, Nd, Sm and Dy)-doped ZnO photocatalysts for degradation of dyes
Authors: Alam Umair , Khan Azam , Ali Danish , Bahnemann Detlef , Muneer M.
Published: May 2018

In this study, we compared the photocatalytic activity of sol–gel derived rare earth metal (La, Nd, Sm and Dy)-doped ZnO photocatalysts by studying the degradation of MB and RhB under UV light irradiation.
Simultaneous reinforcement and toughness improvement of an epoxy–phenolic network with a hyperbranched polysiloxane modifier
Authors: Liu Hanchao , Zhang Junqi , Gao Xiaoxiao , Huang Guangsu
Published: May 2018

An epoxy–phenolic network is modified with hyperbranched polysiloxane (HBPSi).
Affinity binding of chicken apolipoprotein A1 to a novel flax orbitide (linusorb)
Authors: Jadhav Pramodkumar D. , Shim Youn Young , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: May 2018

Bioactive orbitides (linusorbs) from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimumL.) were ligated through methionine with resin to form an affinity column that selectively binds chicken apolipoprotein A1 from chicken serum.
Risk assessment of an organochlorine pesticide mixture in the surface waters of Qingshitan Reservoir in Southwest China
Authors: Zeng Honghu , Fu Xin , Liang Yanpeng , Qin Litang , Mo Lingyun
Published: May 2018

Risk assessment of single pollutants has been extensively studied.
Theoretical studies of optoelectronic, magnetization and heat transport properties of conductive metal adatoms adsorbed on edge chlorinated nanographenes
Authors: Srivastava Ruby
Published: May 2018

The electronic structures, magnetization and quantum transport properties of edge chlorinated nanographenes functionalized with conductive metal adatoms have been investigated by means of density functional theory with plane wave basis functions.
Synthesis of a MnS/NixSy composite with nanoparticles coated on hexagonal sheet structures as an advanced electrode material for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Pan Qing , Yang Xijia , Yang Xiaohong , Duan Lianfeng , Zhao Lijun
Published: May 2018

A MnS/NixSy composite with nanoparticles coated on hexagonal sheets was successfully synthesized and exhibited enhanced performance.
Influence of offset angle of mid-secondary air nozzles on gas-particle flow characteristics in a furnace
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Hu Yingjie , Cheng Xingxing , Liu Ming , Ma Chunyuan
Published: May 2018

The influence of the offset angle of mid-secondary air nozzles on gas-particle flow characteristics was investigated by PDA.
Recent review of the effect of nanomaterials on stem cells
Authors: Zhou Xu , Yuan Long , Wu Chengzhou , Cheng chen Cheng chen , Luo Gaoxing , Deng Jun , Mao Zhengwei
Published: May 2018

In this review, the interactions between nanomaterials and stem cells, and their associated possible mechanisms are systematically discussed.
Facile fabrication of highly conductive tracks using long silver nanowires and graphene composite
Authors: Ding Su , Zhang Luxi , Su Weitao , Huang Xiwei
Published: May 2018

Highly conductive AgNW-G hybrid tracks of 8.6 mΩ cm were successfully obtained by hybridizing 20 wt% long AgNWs.
Practical, mild and efficient electrophilic bromination of phenols by a new I(iii)-based reagent: the PIDA–AlBr3system
Authors: Satkar Yuvraj , Ramadoss Velayudham , Nahide Pradip D. , García-Medina Ernesto , Juárez-Ornelas Kevin A. , Alonso-Castro Angel J. , Chávez-Rivera Ruben , Jiménez-Halla J. Oscar C. , Solorio-Alvarado César R.
Published: May 2018

A practical electrophilic bromination procedure for the phenolic core was developed under efficient and very mild reaction conditions. The new I(iii)-based brominating reagentPhIOAcBroperationally easy to prepare by mixing PIDA and AlBr3was used.
Precision excimer laser annealed Ga-doped ZnO electron transport layers for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Xia Rui , Yin Guangyue , Wang Shimao , Dong Weiwei , You Libing , Meng Gang , Fang Xiaodong , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Fei Zhaofu , Dyson Paul J.
Published: May 2018

Excimer laser annealing technique is successfully applied in treating Ga doped ZnO films as an efficient way to enhance the properties of the electron transport layer for the planar structured perovskite solar cells.
A flexible, redox-active macrocycle enables the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate to ammonia by a cobalt complex
Authors: Xu Song , Ashley Daniel C. , Kwon Hyuk-Yong , Ware Gabrielle R. , Chen Chun-Hsing , Losovyj Yaroslav , Gao Xinfeng , Jakubikova Elena , Smith Jeremy M.
Published: May 2018

Mechanistic investigations into electrocatalytic nitrate reduction by a cobalt complex reveal the critical role played by the flexible, redox-active ligand.
Sustainable p-type copper selenide solar material with ultra-large absorption coefficient
Authors: Chen Erica M. , Williams Logan , Olvera Alan , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Mingfei , Shi Guangsha , Heron John T. , Qi Liang , Guo L. Jay , Kioupakis Emmanouil , Poudeu Pierre F. P.
Published: May 2018

We report the synthesis of CTSe, a p-type titanium copper selenide semiconductor. Its band gap (1.15 eV) and its ultra-large absorption coefficient (105cm−1) in the entire visible range make it a promising Earth-abundant solar absorber material.
Ideal reversible polymer networks
Authors: Parada German Alberto , Zhao Xuanhe
Published: May 2018

This work introduces ideal reversible polymer networks, describes and validates experimentally a theory to relate the network mechanical behavior to the crosslink dynamics.
Branched comb-shaped poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing flexible alkyl imidazolium side chains as anion exchange membranes
Authors: Liu Dong , Xu Muzi , Fang Mingliang , Chen Jiale , Wang Lei
Published: May 2018

A novel strategy can enhance conductivity and stability of AEMs via the introduction of a branched structure in polymers.
Fast and highly reversible switching of wettability through macroscopic shape change
Authors: Liu Fatang , Pan Qinmin
Published: May 2018

The wettability of an integrated PVA-based gel/mesh fast switches between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity reversibly in air, water or oil by shape change.
Construction and synergistic anticancer efficacy of magnetic targeting cabbage-like Fe3O4@MoS2@ZnO drug carriers
Authors: Yang Yongmei , Gong Baoyou , Yang Ying , Xie Anjian , Shen Yuhua , Zhu Manzhou
Published: May 2018

A novel cabbage-like Fe3O4@MoS2@ZnO nanocomposite was successfully fabricated through a facile method.
Balancing antimicrobial activity with biological safety: bifunctional chitosan derivative for the repair of wounds with Gram-positive bacterial infections
Authors: Zhu Meng , Liu Peng , Shi Haigang , Tian Ye , Ju Xiaoyan , Jiang Shidong , Li Zhuang , Wu Man , Niu Zhongwei
Published: May 2018

Because of the balance between antimicrobial activity and biological safety, the bifunctional chitosan derivative could control infections and promote healing simultaneously.
The contribution of hydrogen bonding to the photomechanical response of azobenzene-functionalized polyamides
Authors: Wie J. J. , Wang D. H. , Lee K. M. , White T. J. , Tan L.-S.
Published: May 2018

Photomechanical effects in materials can directly convert light stimulus into mechanical work.
Photophysics behind highly luminescent two-dimensional hybrid perovskite (CH3(CH2)2NH3)2(CH3NH3)2Pb3Br10 thin films
Authors: Ramirez Daniel , Uribe José Ignacio , Francaviglia Luca , Romero-Gomez Pablo , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna , Jaramillo Franklin
Published: May 2018

Two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites have emerged as a new class of hybrid materials with high photoluminescence and improved stability compared to their three-dimensional (3D) counterparts.
SHAFA: sparse hybrid adaptive filtering algorithm to estimate channels in various SNR environments
Authors: Wang Jie , Yang Jie , Xiong Jian , Sari Hikmet , Gui Guan
Published: May 2018

The ‐norm penalised (LP) normalised least mean square algorithm converges faster than the LP normalised least mean fourth algorithm does, but the latter can achieve better steady‐state performance, particularly in regions with low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs). To simultaneously take advantage of both merits, a sparse hybrid adaptive filtering algorithm is proposed in various SNR environments. Specifically, the authors construct a cost function that uses the statistical error term and sparse penalty term. The first term is designed by a hybrid error function of the second‐ and fourth‐order statistical errors, respectively, and the second term is obtained using a sparse constraint function. The hybrid error term can be easily balanced by a proportional parameter . Moreover, they devise a non‐uniform step size in the proposed algorithm to further balance the convergence speed and estimation error. Simulation results are provided to validate the proposed algorithm in various SNR environments.
PESA: a predictive energy‐saving approach based on an OSHMM
Authors: Lin Qin‐Liang , Yu Shun‐Zheng
Published: May 2018

Reducing energy consumption of the internet becomes more and more important. The authors propose a novel approach, called predictive energy‐saving approach (PESA), to put near‐idle nodes of a network into sleep mode to save energy. In PESA, they propose an online spatial hidden Markov model (OSHMM) to describe the distribution of the network traffic and predict the lowest‐loaded nodes. Those nodes will be put into sleep mode under the constraints that the network's full connectivity is kept and no new congested nodes are generated. To reduce the computation, they leverage on an online training technique and M‐algorithm in OSHMM. They evaluate the approach over a randomly generated topology and a real ISP backbone topology with a real traffic dataset. The results show that the proposed approach is energy efficient with low computation complexity.
Finite‐time adaptive fuzzy control for induction motors with input saturation based on command filtering
Authors: Han Yao , Yu Jinpeng , Zhao Lin , Yu Haisheng , Lin Chong
Published: May 2018

This study develops a fuzzy finite‐time command filtered position tracking control approach for induction motors with input saturation. First, the fuzzy logic systems are utilised to approximate the non‐linear functions. Then, in order to avoid the ‘explosion of complexity’ in backstepping design, the finite‐time command filter is employed. In addition, error compensating signals are introduced to decrease the errors produced by command filters. The fuzzy finite‐time adaptive command filtered controllers can guarantee that the tracking error can converge in finite time. The results of simulation show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Low‐primary current and wide hold‐up time DC–DC converter: analysis and implementation
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren
Published: May 2018

A soft‐switching direct current (DC) to DC converter is studied in this study to achieve benefits: (i) low‐primary current (circulating current) loss, (ii) low‐switching loss, (iii) low‐output filter inductance, and (iv) wide hold‐up time. On primary side of the studied converter, a phase‐shift pulse‐width modulation full‐bridge (FB) circuit and a half‐bridge (HB) circuit using same lagging‐leg switches of FB circuit to reduce the switching losses at light load. Resonant capacitor is adopted on primary side of FB circuit to lessen primary current at freewheeling state so as to reduce conduction losses. The output sides of HB and FB circuits are series connection to create two positive voltages instead of one positive voltage on conventional FB circuit so as to reduce primary current and output filter inductance. To extend hold‐up time and avoid using large size of input capacitor when utility power is off, the auxiliary windings are used on secondary side to achieve higher‐voltage gain. To verify the performance and effectiveness of the studied converter, the operational principle and equivalent circuits are explained and analysed in detail and a 1440 W prototype is constructed and tested for 300–400 V input and 48 V output applications.
Na I and Hα absorption features in the atmosphere of MASCARA-2b/KELT-20b
Authors: Casasayas-Barris N. , Pallé E. , Yan F. , Chen G. , Albrecht S. , Nortmann L. , Van Eylen V. , Snellen I. , Talens G. J. J. , González Hernández J. I. , Rebolo R. , Otten G. P. P. L.
Published: May 2018

We used the HARPS-North high resolution spectrograph (ℛ = 115 000) at Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) to observe one transit of the highly irradiated planet MASCARA-2b/KELT-20b. Using only one transit observation, we are able to clearly resolve the spectral features of the atomic sodium (Na I) doublet and the Hα line in its atmosphere, which are corroborated with the transmission calculated from their respective transmission light curves (TLC). In particular, we resolve two spectral features centered on the Na I doublet position with an averaged absorption depth of 0.17 ± 0.03% for a 0.75 Å bandwidth with line contrasts of 0.44 ± 0.11% (D2) and 0.37 ± 0.08% (D1). The Na I TLC have also been computed, showing a large Rossiter-McLaughlin (RM) effect, which has a 0.20 ± 0.05% Na I transit absorption for a 0.75 Å passband that is consistent with the absorption depth value measured from the final transmission spectrum. We observe a second feature centered on the Hα line with 0.6 ± 0.1% contrast and an absorption depth of 0.59 ± 0.08% for a 0.75 Å passband that has consistent absorptions in its TLC, which corresponds to an effective radius of Rλ/RP = 1.20 ± 0.04. While the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the final transmission spectrum is not sufficient to adjust different temperature profiles to the lines, we find that higher temperatures than the equilibrium (Teq = 2260 ± 50 K) are needed to explain the lines contrast. Particularly, we find that the Na I lines core require a temperature of T = 4210 ± 180 K and that Hα requires a temperature of T = 4330 ± 520 K. MASCARA-2b, like other planets orbiting A-type stars, receives a large amount of UV energy from its host star. This energy excites the atomic hydrogen and produces Hα absorption, leading to the expansion and abrasion of the atmosphere. The study of other Balmer lines in the transmission spectrum would allow the determination of the atmospheric temperature profile and the calculation of the lifetime of the atmosphere with escape rate measurements. In the case of MASCARA-2b, residual features are observed in the Hβ and Hγ lines, but they are not statistically significant. More transit observations are needed to confirm our findings in Na I and Hα and to build up enough S/N to explore the presence of Hβ and Hγ planetary absorptions.
UVIT observations of the star-forming ring in NGC 7252: Evidence of possible AGN feedback suppressing central star formation
Authors: George K. , Joseph P. , Mondal C. , Devaraj A. , Subramaniam A. , Stalin C. S. , Côté P. , Ghosh S. K. , Hutchings J. B. , Mohan R. , Postma J. , Sankarasubramanian K. , Sreekumar P. , Tandon S.N.
Published: May 2018

Context. Some post-merger galaxies are known to undergo a starburst phase that quickly depletes the gas reservoir and turns it into a red-sequence galaxy, though the details are still unclear.

Aims. Here we explore the pattern of recent star formation in the central region of the post-merger galaxy NGC 7252 using high-resolution ultraviolet (UV) images from the UVIT on ASTROSAT.

Methods. The UVIT images with 1.2 and 1.4 arcsec resolution in the FUV and NUV are used to construct a FUV-NUV colour map of the central region.

Results. The FUV-NUV pixel colour map for this canonical post-merger galaxy reveals a blue circumnuclear ring of diameter ~10′′ (3.2 kpc) with bluer patches located over the ring. Based on a comparison to single stellar population models, we show that the ring is comprised of stellar populations with ages ≲300 Myr, with embedded star-forming clumps of younger age (≲150Myr).

Conclusions. The suppressed star formation in the central region, along with the recent finding of a large amount of ionised gas, leads us to speculate that this ring may be connected to past feedback from a central super-massive black hole that has ionised the hydrogen gas in the central ~4′′ ~1.3 kpc.
Baicalin Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Hung Chien-Hui , Wang Chien-Neng , Cheng Huei-Hsuan , Liao Jiunn-Wang , Chen Yi-Ting , Chao Ya-Wen , Jiang Jia , Lee Chen-Chen
Published: May 2018

Baicalin is the main flavonoid from the roots of an important medicinal plant, Scutellaria baicalensis, which shows a variety biological activities. Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the skin. The unmet need of psoriasis is that many patients do not respond adequately to available clinical treatment. In this study, we found that baicalin showed inhibited dermal inflammation in a murine model of psoriasis via topical application of imiquimod. After a 5-day topical imiquimod application, baicalin or the control vehicle cream was to applied to the lesions of BALB/c mice for a further 4 days. The erythema, scaling, and thickness of the epidermal layer significantly improved in the baicalin-treated mice. The levels of interleukin-17A, interleukin-22, interleukin-23, and tumor necrosis factor in the skin significantly decreased after baicalin treatment. Baicalin also inhibited imiquimod-induced interleukin-17A production in skin draining lymph node cells. The infiltration of γδ T cells into the skin lesions induced by imiquimod was also suppressed after baicalin treatment. These results suggest that baicalin inhibited skin inflammation through the inhibition of the interleukin-17/interleukin-23 axis in a murine model of psoriasis.
Comparison of Two Reagents for Thionations
Authors: Bergman Jan
Published: May 2018

Pyridine reacts readily with P4S10 to form a reagent with the composition C10H10N2P2S5 that is useful for thionations of amides. The thionating properties of this reagent are compared with those of Lawesson’s reagent.

1 Introduction

2 Development of C10H10N2P2S5

3 Use of Thionation for Modification of Biologically Active Compounds

3.1 Thionations of Peptides

3.2 Thionated Compounds of Interest as Potential Antivirals

3.3 Thionations of Thalidomide and Related Molecules

4 Comparison of Lawesson’s Reagent and C10H10N2P2S5
Prognostic Assessment of Endocrine Disturbances in Posttraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Agrawal Manish , Varshney Tarun , Sinha Virendra
Published: May 2018

Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a condition with high risk for the development of hypopituitarism. Hormonal assessment is not a part of routine assessment after traumatic SAH. This study is a prospective screening study from our center focusing on the prognostic assessment of endocrine disturbances in posttraumatic SAH. A total of 150 consecutive patients with head injuries with SAH were included irrespective of their age and sex. Patients were divided into three groups: with normal hormonal status (group 1), patients with endocrine disturbances with no hormonal replacement (group 2), and patients with endocrine disturbances with replacement therapy (group 3). Hormonal assessment was done within 24 hours of admission and repeated at 7 to 15 days and at 1-month interval. Most commonly affected was pituitary-thyroid axis, and the most common hormone to increase was cortisol. In group 3, a statistically significant improvement was seen in Glasgow outcome score (GOS) as compared with the other two groups at 1 month. A statistically significant positive correlation has been found between thyroxine (T4) at 30 days and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at discharge in group 3, a negative correlation has been found between GCS at admission and serum cortisol at days 7 to 15 in group3. A positive correlation has been found between GCS at admission and GOS at 1 month in group 3. The authors have demonstrated evidence of pituitary dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI) with SAH. Patients with traumatic SAH should be screened for hypopituitarism, so that appropriate hormone replacement is given to improve the outcome of these patients.
Effect of Electroencephalogram Neurofeedback Training on Quality of Life in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: In Context of Spontaneous Recovery
Authors: Bennett Cathlyn , Sampath Somanna , Christopher Rita , Thennarasu K. , Rajeswaran Jamuna
Published: May 2018

Introduction Quality of life (QOL) is strongly affected following traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is a strong need to explore the use of new developments in neuropsychological rehabilitation such as electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback training (NFT) on QOL in TBI patients.

Objective The objective was to study the effect of EEG NFT on QOL in TBI patients in the context of spontaneous recovery.

Methodology A sample of 60 TBI patients was assigned to an NFT group (n = 30) and a treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 30). Twenty sessions of α/θ NFT at the occipital 1 and 2 scalp locations were given to the NFT group. The NFT protocol used was dependent on (4–7 Hz) θ and (8–12 Hz) α activity with the aim of decreasing the θ/α ratio. Pre- and postassessments of QOL were recorded on the World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL)–BREF.

Results This study results indicate significant enhancement of QOL in the NFT group as compared with the TAU group. The improvement scores indicate that the 12- to 18-month postinjury NFT group had significantly less improvement on QOL as compared with the < 6-month NFT group.

Conclusion EEG NFT helps improve QOL in TBI patients. Early intervention is more effective in improving QOL than later intervention.
Clinicoradiologic Predictors of Outcome of Posterior Fossa Extradural Hematoma: An Institutional Experience
Authors: Sobti Shivender , Bansal Sondev , Choudhary Ajay , Gupta Laxmi
Published: May 2018

Introduction Posterior fossa extradural hematomas (PFEDH) comprise 4 to 7% of all intracranial extradural hematomas (EDHs).

Material and Methods A prospective study of 25 patients who presented with PFEDH was conducted in PGIMER, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, New Delhi in department of neurosurgery from January 2011 to July 2012. The patients were analyzed in relation to age, sex, mode of injury, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) at the time of presentation, computed tomography findings of the head, and therapeutic outcome. Duration of follow-up was 6 months.

Results In the authors’ study, male-to-female ratio was 22:3. Age range was 6 months to 62 years and mean age was 23.70 years. Mode of trauma was fall from height in 12 patients, road traffic accident (RTA) in 12, and assault in 1. Most patients had acute course (80%) followed by subacute course (20%). GCS was between 8 and 15. Fracture was associated in 21 patients out of 25. Associated intracranial injury was present in 22 patients.

Conclusion In this series, PFEDH is a result of direct impact injury as 88% of patients had overlying fracture. PFEDH should be suspected in patients who have got external injury to the occiput as it is commonly associated with formation of extradural hematoma in the posterior fossa. The neurologic status and outcome were associated with GCS, volume of hematoma, and associated intracranial injury. PFEDH rarely occurs as an isolated injury.
Research on multi-switch synchronization based on single trigger generator
Authors: Geng Jiuyuan , Cheng Xinbing , Yang Jianhua , Yang Xiao , Chen Rong
Published: May 2018

Multi-switch synchronous operation is an effective approach to provide high-voltage high-current for a high-power device. In this paper, we present a synchronization system with a corona stabilized triggered switch (CSTS) as main switch and an all-solid modularized quasi-square pulse forming system. In addition, this paper provides explanations of low jitter and accurate triggering of CSTS based on streamer theory. Different switches of the module are triggered by an electrical pulse created by a trigger generator, a quasi-square pulse can be created on the load. The experimental results show that it is able to switch voltages in excess of 40kV with nanosecond system jitter for three-module synchronous operation.
Modeling of the control of the driven current profile in ICRF MCCD on EAST plasma
Authors: Yin L. , Yang C. , Gong X. Y. , Lu X. Q. , Cao J. J. , Wu Z. Y. , Chen Y. , Du D.
Published: May 2018

Control of the current profile is a crucial issue for improved confinement and the inhibition of instability in advanced tokamak operation. Using typical discharge data for the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, numerical simulations of driven-current profile control in mode conversion current drive (MCCD) in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies were performed employing a full-wave method and Ehst–Karney efficiency formula. Results indicate that the driven current profile in MCCD can be effectively modified by shifting the mode conversion layer. The peak of the driven current can be located at an aimed position in the normalized minor radius range (−0.60≤r/a≤0) by changing the radiofrequency and the minority-ion concentration. The efficiency of the off-axis MCCD can reach 233 kA/MW through optimization, and the mode converted ion cyclotron wave plays an important role in such scenarios. The effects of electron temperature and plasma density on the driven current profile are also investigated.
Redefinition of the self-bias voltage in a dielectrically shielded thin sheath RF discharge
Authors: Ho Teck Seng , Charles Christine , Boswell Rod
Published: May 2018

In a geometrically asymmetric capacitively coupled discharge where the powered electrode is shielded from the plasma by a layer of dielectric material, the self-bias manifests as a nonuniform negative charging in the dielectric rather than on the blocking capacitor. In the thin sheath regime where the ion transit time across the powered sheath is on the order of or less than the Radiofrequency (RF) period, the plasma potential is observed to respond asymmetrically to extraneous impedances in the RF circuit. Consequently, the RF waveform on the plasma-facing surface of the dielectric is unknown, and the behaviour of the powered sheath is not easily predictable. Sheath circuit models become inadequate for describing this class of discharges, and a comprehensive fluid, electrical, and plasma numerical model is employed to accurately quantify this behaviour. The traditional definition of the self-bias voltage as the mean of the RF waveform is shown to be erroneous in this regime. Instead, using the maxima of the RF waveform provides a more rigorous definition given its correlation with the ion dynamics in the powered sheath. This is supported by a RF circuit model derived from the computational fluid dynamics and plasma simulations.
Endothelial cell culture in microfluidic devices for investigating microvascular processes
Authors: Mannino Robert G. , Qiu Yongzhi , Lam Wilbur A.
Published: May 2018

Numerous conditions and disease states such as sickle cell disease, malaria, thrombotic microangiopathy, and stroke significantly impact the microvasculature function and its role in disease progression. Understanding the role of cellular interactions and microvascular hemodynamic forces in the context of disease is crucial to understanding disease pathophysiology. In vivo models of microvascular disease using animal models often coupled with intravital microscopy have long been utilized to investigate microvascular phenomena. However, these methods suffer from some major drawbacks, including the inability to tightly and quantitatively control experimental conditions, the difficulty of imaging multiple microvascular beds within a living organism, and the inability to isolate specific microvascular geometries such as bifurcations. Thus, there exists a need for in vitro microvascular models that can mitigate the drawbacks associated with in vivo systems. To that end, microfluidics has been widely used to develop such models, as it allows for tight control of system inputs, facile imaging, and the ability to develop robust and repeatable systems with well-defined geometries. Incorporating endothelial cells to branching microfluidic models allows for the development of “endothelialized” systems that accurately recapitulate physiological microvessels. In this review, we summarize the field of endothelialized microfluidics, specifically focusing on fabrication methods, limitations, and applications of these systems. We then speculate on future directions and applications of these cutting edge technologies. We believe that this review of the field is of importance to vascular biologists and bioengineers who aim to utilize microfluidic technologies to solve vascular problems.
Turbulence modifications in a turbulent boundary layer over a rough wall with spanwise-alternating roughness strips
Authors: Bai H. L. , Kevin  , Hutchins N. , Monty J. P.
Published: May 2018

Turbulence modifications over a rough wall with spanwise-varying roughness are investigated at a moderate Reynolds number Reτ ≈ 2000 (or Reθ ≈ 6400), using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and hotwire anemometry. The rough wall is comprised of spanwise-alternating longitudinal sandpaper strips of two different roughness heights. The ratio of high- and low-roughness heights is 8, and the ratio of high- and low-roughness strip width is 0.5. PIV measurements are conducted in a wall-parallel plane located in the logarithmic region, while hotwire measurements are made throughout the entire boundary layer in a cross-stream plane. In a time-average sense, large-scale counter-rotating roll-modes are observed in the cross-stream plane over the rough wall, with downwash and upwash common-flows displayed over the high- and low-roughness strips, respectively. Meanwhile, elevated and reduced streamwise velocities occur over the high- and low-roughness strips, respectively. Significant modifications in the distributions of mean vorticities and Reynolds stresses are observed, exhibiting features of spatial preference. Furthermore, spatial correlations and conditional average analyses are performed to examine the alterations of turbulence structures over the rough wall, revealing that the time-invariant structures observed are resultant from the time-average process of instantaneous turbulent events that occur mostly and preferentially in space.
Optimization of shape control of a cantilever beam using dielectric elastomer actuators
Authors: Liu Chong , Mao Boyong , Huang Gangting , Wu Qichen , Xie Shilin , Xu Minglong
Published: May 2018

Dielectric elastomer (DE) is a kind of smart soft material that has many advantages such as large deformation, fast response, lightweight and easy synthesis. These features make dielectric elastomer a suitable material for actuators. This article focuses on the shape control of a cantilever beam by using dielectric elastomer actuators. The shape control equation in finite element formulation of the cantilever beam partially covered with dielectric elastomer actuators is derived based on the constitutive equation of dielectric elastomer material by using Hamilton principle. The actuating forces produced by dielectric elastomer actuators depend on the number of layers, the position and the actuation voltage of dielectric elastomer actuators. First, effects of these factors on the shape control accuracy when one pair or multiple pairs of actuators are employed are simulated, respectively. The simulation results demonstrate that increasing the number of actuators or the number of layers can improve the control effect and reduce the actuation voltages effectively. Second, to achieve the optimal shape control effect, the position of the actuators and the drive voltages are all determined using a genetic algorithm. The robustness of the genetic algorithm is analyzed. Moreover, the implications of using one pair and multiple pairs of actuators to drive the cantilever beam to the expected shape are investigated. The results demonstrate that a small number of actuators with optimal placement and optimal voltage values can achieve the shape control of the beam effectively. Finally, a preliminary experimental verification of the control effect is carried out, which shows the correctness of the theoretical method.
Study on W-band sheet-beam traveling-wave tube based on flat-roofed sine waveguide
Authors: Fang Shuanzhu , Xu Jin , Jiang Xuebing , Lei Xia , Wu Gangxiong , Li Qian , Ding Chong , Yu Xiang , Wang Wenxiang , Gong Yubin , Wei Yanyu
Published: May 2018

A W-band sheet electron beam (SEB) traveling-wave tube (TWT) based on flat-roofed sine waveguide slow-wave structure (FRSWG-SWS) is proposed. The sine wave of the metal grating is replaced by a flat-roofed sine wave around the electron beam tunnel. The slow-wave characteristics including the dispersion properties and interaction impedance have been investigated by using the eigenmode solver in the 3-D electromagnetic simulation software Ansoft HFSS. Through calculations, the FRSWG SWS possesses the larger average interaction impedance than the conventional sine waveguide (SWG) SWS in the frequency range of 86-110 GHz. The beam-wave interaction was studied and particle-in-cell simulation results show that the SEB TWT can produce output power over 120 W within the bandwidth ranging from 90 to 100 GHz, and the maximum output power is 226 W at typical frequency 94 GHz, corresponding electron efficiency of 5.89%.
Spin-orbit torque induced magnetic vortex polarity reversal utilizing spin-Hall effect
Authors: Li Cheng , Cai Li , Liu Baojun , Yang Xiaokuo , Cui Huanqing , Wang Sen , Wei Bo
Published: May 2018

We propose an effective magnetic vortex polarity reversal scheme that makes use of spin-orbit torque introduced by spin-Hall effect in heavy-metal/ferromagnet multilayers structure, which can result in subnanosecond polarity reversal without endangering the structural stability. Micromagnetic simulations are performed to investigate the spin-Hall effect driven dynamics evolution of magnetic vortex. The mechanism of magnetic vortex polarity reversal is uncovered by a quantitative analysis of exchange energy density, magnetostatic energy density, and their total energy density. The simulation results indicate that the magnetic vortex polarity is reversed through the nucleation-annihilation process of topological vortex-antivortex pair. This scheme is an attractive option for ultra-fast magnetic vortex polarity reversal, which can be used as the guidelines for the choice of polarity reversal scheme in vortex-based random access memory.
High efficient photothermal energy conversion of topologic insulator Bi2Se3 nanosheets thin film
Authors: Liu Yanling , Zhang Yanbang , Zhao Zejia , Jia Guozhi
Published: May 2018

The photothermal conversion has become rather attractive to realize the heat energy application. A simple, rapid and scalable optical-controlling Bi2Se3 nanosheets film heater is prepared by softly nondestructive rubbing technology and then transferring to PET substrate under the assistance of PVA. The optical-controlling film heater exhibits the excellent adjustability, accuracy and stability of temperature. The film heater is first tested by using laser irradiation at 410 mW and the corresponding temperature rapidly increased to the 53.2 °C for SThin film and 73.2 °C for SThick film during 50 seconds. The SThin and SThick film display a transmittance of 40% to 60% from the visible to near-IR region, respectively. As-prepared optical-controlling Bi2Se3 film heater can be easily integrated to optical or photo-electric device without preparation of electrode. These exotic properties of Bi2Se3 nanosheets optical-controlling heater suggest exciting prospects for the temperature-dependent flexible optoelectronics and electronic device.