bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanostructuring with Structural-Compositional Dual Heterogeneities Enhances Strength-Ductility Synergy in Eutectic High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Reddy S. R. , Yoshida S. , Bhattacharjee T. , Sake N. , Lozinko A. , Guo S. , Bhattacharjee P. P. , Tsuji N.
Published: August 2019

A lamellar (L12 + B2) AlCoCrFeNi2.1 eutectic high entropy alloy (EHEA) was severely deformed by a novel hybrid-rolling process. During hybrid-rolling, the deformation was carried out in two stages, namely cryo-rolling followed by warm-rolling at 600 °C. The strain (ε) imparted in each of these steps was identical ~1.2, resulting in a total strain of ε~2.4 (corresponding to 90% reduction in thickness). The novel processing strategy resulted in an extremely heterogeneous microstructure consisting of retained lamellar and transformed nanocrystalline regions. Each of these regions consisted of different phases having different crystal structures and chemical compositions. The novel structure-composition dual heterogeneous microstructure originated from the stored energy of the cryo-rolling which accelerated transformations during subsequent low temperature warm-rolling. The dual heterogeneous microstructure yielded an unprecedented combination of strength (~2000 MPa) and ductility (~8%). The present study for the first time demonstrated that dual structure-composition heterogeneities can be a novel microstructural design strategy for achieving outstanding strength-ductility combination in multiphase high entropy alloys.
The waveguiding of sound using lines of resonant holes
Authors: Ward G. P. , Hibbins A. P. , Sambles J. R. , Smith J. D.
Published: August 2019

The dispersion of an acoustic surface wave supported by a line of regularly spaced, open ended holes in an acrylic plate, is characterised by precise measurement of its localised acoustic fields. We illustrate the robust character of this surface wave and show its potential for control of sound by the acoustic waveguiding provided by a ring of regularly spaced holes. A single line of open-ended holes is shown to act as simple acoustic waveguide that can be readily manipulated to control the flow of sound.
Biocompatibility between Silicon or Silicon Carbide surface and Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Bonaventura Gabriele , Iemmolo Rosario , La Cognata Valentina , Zimbone Massimo , La Via Francesco , Fragalà Maria Elena , Barcellona Maria Luisa , Pellitteri Rosalia , Cavallaro Sebastiano
Published: August 2019

Silicon has been widely used as a material for microelectronic for more than 60 years, attracting considerable scientific interest as a promising tool for the manufacture of implantable medical devices in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the use of such material involves responsibilities due to its toxicity, and researchers are pushing towards the generation of new classes of composite semiconductors, including the Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC). In the present work, we tested the biocompatibility of Silicon and 3C-SiC using an in vitro model of human neuronal stem cells derived from dental pulp (DP-NSCs) and mouse Olfactory Ensheathing Cells (OECs), a particular glial cell type showing stem cell characteristics. Specifically, we investigated the effects of 3C-SiC on neural cell morphology, viability and mitochondrial membrane potential. Data showed that both DP-NSCs and OECs, cultured on 3C-SiC, did not undergo consistent oxidative stress events and did not exhibit morphological modifications or adverse reactions in mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings highlight the possibility to use Neural Stem Cells plated on 3C-SiC substrate as clinical tool for lesioned neural areas, paving the way for future perspectives in novel cell therapies for neuro-degenerated patients.
Interspecific competition among catch crops modifies vertical root biomass distribution and nitrate scavenging in soils
Authors: Heuermann Diana , Gentsch Norman , Boy Jens , Schweneker Dörte , Feuerstein Ulf , Groß Jonas , Bauer Bernhard , Guggenberger Georg , von Wirén Nicolaus
Published: August 2019

The potential of a plant species to acquire nutrients depends on its ability to explore the soil by its root system. Co-cultivation of different species is anticipated to lead to vertical root niche differentiation and thus to higher soil nutrient depletion. Using a qPCR-based method we quantified root biomass distribution of four catch crop species in vertical soil profiles in pure vs. mixed stands. Pure stands of mustard and phacelia robustly reached 70 cm soil depth, while oat preferably colonized upper soil layers, and clover developed the shallowest and smallest root system. Analysis of residual nitrate pools in different soil depths and correlation with root biomass showed that, besides rooting depth also root biomass determines soil nitrogen depletion. While occupying the same vertical niches as in pure stands, mustard and phacelia dominated total root biomass of the mix. In contrast, root biomass of clover and oat was severely suppressed in presence of the other species. Below-ground biomass profiling indicated low niche complementarity among the root systems of the examined species. Nonetheless, the mixture mostly overyielded root biomass of the pure stands and thus shows higher potential for efficient soil exploration by roots.
Cellulose dissolution in diallylimidazolium methoxyacetate + N-methylpyrrolidinone mixture
Authors: Xu Airong , Wang Yongxin , Liu Rukuan
Published: August 2019

The utilization of cellulose in industrial applicat is of great significance to sustainable development of human society and reducing dependence on dwindling fossil resources. Nevertheless, this utilization of cellulose has actually been limited due to its insolubilization. Here, novel solvents consisting of diallylimidazolium methoxy acetate ([A2im][CH3OCH2COO]) and N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) were developed. The solubility of cellulose in [A2im][CH3OCH2COO]/NMP was determined, and the influence of [A2im][CH3OCH2COO]/NMP molar ratio on cellulose dissolution was systematically investigated. Meanwhile, we also presented the affecting factors of the cellulose material fabrication including preparation approach, [A2im][CH3OCH2COO] and cellulose solution concentration. Attractively, the [A2im][CH3OCH2COO]/NMP solvents display much powerful dissolution capacity for cellulose even at 25 °C (25.4 g 100 g−1). This is mainly ascribed to the combined factors: The hydrogen bond interactions of the H2, H4 and H6 in [A2im]+ and carboxyl O atom in [CH3OCH2COO]− with the hydroxyl H atom and O atom in cellulose; the dissociation of NMP towards [A2im][CH3OCH2COO]; the stabilization of NMP towards the dissolved cellulose chains. In addition, the thermostability and chemical structure of the regenerated cellulose from the solvents was also estimated.
Author Correction: Transcriptomic analysis reveals differences in the regulation of amino acid metabolism in asexual and sexual planarians
Authors: Sekii Kiyono , Yorimoto Shunta , Okamoto Hikaru , Nagao Nanna , Maezawa Takanobu , Matsui Yasuhisa , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Furukawa Ryohei , Shigenobu Shuji , Kobayashi Kazuya
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper
Publisher Correction: Localization of RalB signaling at endomembrane compartments and its modulation by autophagy
Authors: Singh Manish Kumar , Martin Alexandre P. J. , Joffre Carine , Zago Giulia , Camonis Jacques , Coppey Mathieu , Parrini Maria Carla
Published: August 2019

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper
Atomic layer deposition of ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates as ultra-long life anode material for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cao Yan-Qiang , Wang Shan-Shan , Liu Chang , Wu Di , Li Ai-Dong
Published: August 2019

In this work, we designed ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates by atomic layer deposition (ALD) as anode material for lithium ion batteries. ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates were fabricated on copper foil by depositing unit of 26 cycles ZnO/26 cycles TiO2 repeatedly using ALD. ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates are much more stable than pristine ZnO films during electrochemical cycling process. Therefore, ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates exhibit excellent lithium storage performance with an improved cycling performance and superior rate capability compared to pristine ZnO films. Moreover, coulombic efficiency (CE) of ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates is above 99%, which is much higher than the value of pristine ZnO films. Excellent ultralong-life performance is gained for ZnO/TiO2 nanolaminates, retaining a reversible capacity of ~667 mAh g−1 within cut-off voltage of 0.05-2.5 V after 1200 cycles of charge-discharge at 500 mA g−1. Constructing nanolaminates structures via ALD might open up new opportunities for improving the performance of anode materials with large volume expansion in lithium ion batteries.
Highly-selective recognition of latent fingermarks by La-sensitized Ce nanocomposites via electrostatic binding
Authors: Peng Di , Huang Mengjun , Xiao Yaruo , Zhang Yuyan , Lei Li , Zhu Jiang
Published: August 2019

A series of binuclear (Ce,La) nanocomposite fluorescent powders was elaborately designed for highly-selective recognition of latent fingermarks, which were proved to combine with fingermark residues electrostatically without any damage to touch-DNA.
Realizing a novel dazzling far-red-emitting phosphor NaLaCaTeO6:Mn4+with high quantum yield and luminescence thermal stabilityviathe ionic couple substitution of Na++ La3+for 2Ca2+in Ca3TeO6:Mn4+for indoor plant cultivation LEDs
Authors: Li Kai , Van Deun Rik
Published: August 2019

An ionic couple substitution strategy was initiated to explore the novel hosts for Mn4+luminescence in potential plant cultivation LED applications.
Effects of an ionic liquid and processing conditions on the β-polymorph crystal formation in poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Pickford Tom , Gu Xu , Heeley Ellen L. , Wan Chaoying
Published: August 2019

The morphology, polar phase content and conductivity of PVDF nanofibres were enhanced by adding ionic substances to the electrospinning solution.
Core–valence-separated coupled-cluster-singles-and-doubles complex-polarization-propagator approach to X-ray spectroscopies
Authors: Faber Rasmus , Coriani Sonia
Published: August 2019

The iterative subspace algorithm to solve the CCSD complex linear response equations has been modified to include a core–valence separation projection step to overcome convergence problems. Illustrative results are reported for XAS, XCD, XES and RIXS.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a novel high-nuclearity oxo-carboxylate [ZnxCo13–x(μ4-O)4(O2CPh)18] cluster
Authors: Nawrocki Jan , Prochowicz Daniel , Justyniak Iwona , van Leusen Jan , Kornowicz Arkadiusz , Kögerler Paul , Lewiński Janusz
Published: August 2019

A charge-neutral Zn(ii)/Co(ii) tridecanuclear oxocarboxylate cluster was synthesized under anaerobic conditions by the controlled hydrolysis of an alkylzinc benzoate in the presence of cobalt(ii) benzoate.
Monitoring fragmentation and oligomerization of a di-μ-methoxo bridged copper(ii) complex: structure, mass spectrometry, magnetism and DFT studies
Authors: Shi Xing-Xing , Chen Qiu-Jie , Chen Xue-Li , Zhang Yuexing , Kurmoo Mohamedally , Zeng Ming-Hua
Published: August 2019

The flat binuclear [Cu2(L)2Cl2] (HL = (1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)methanol) was studied by mass spectrometry and DFT calculations. Particularly, it shows strong antiferromagnetism with g = 2.20, J = −465 cm−1 and zj = −0.83 cm−1.
Pt/POMs/TiO2 composite nanofibers with an enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance for environmental remediation
Authors: Shi Hongfei , Zhao Tingting , Zhang Yue , Tan Huaqiao , Shen Wenhui , Wang Weidong , Li Yangguang , Wang Enbo
Published: August 2019

Pt/PMo12/TiO2 composite nanofibers have been prepared and exhibit a highly efficient visible-light photocatalytic performance for removing methyl orange, tetracycline, Bisphenol A and Cr(vi).
Emerging investigator series: connecting concepts of coinage metal stability across length scales
Authors: Johnston Kathryn A. , Stabryla Lisa M. , Gilbertson Leanne M. , Millstone Jill E.
Published: August 2019

Materials with different dimensions can exhibit markedly different responses to their environment, even for the same material composition.
Synthesis of biomass-derived feedstocks for the polymers and fuels industries from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) and acetone
Authors: Chang Hochan , Motagamwala Ali Hussain , Huber George W. , Dumesic James A.
Published: August 2019

We show a process for efficient conversion of biomass derived 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural by aldol condensation with acetone to high molecular weight compounds for applications in polymer, pigment, and petroleum industries.
Transfer hydrogenation of cyclic carbonates and polycarbonate to methanol and diols by iron pincer catalysts
Authors: Liu Xin , de Vries Johannes G. , Werner Thomas
Published: August 2019

The reduction of poly and cyclic carbonates in the presence of an earth abundant metal catalyst using isopropanol as the hydrogen donor is reported.
Opportunities for examining the natural nanogeochemical environment using recent advances in nanoparticle analysis
Authors: Montaño Manuel D. , von der Kammer Frank , Cuss Chad W. , Ranville James F.
Published: August 2019

Current approaches provide a view of natural nanomaterials while emerging technologies open the door to further studies of nanogeoscience.
MATE-Seq: microfluidic antigen-TCR engagement sequencing
Authors: Ng Alphonsus H. C. , Peng Songming , Xu Alexander M. , Noh Won Jun , Guo Katherine , Bethune Michael T. , Chour William , Choi Jongchan , Yang Sung , Baltimore David , Heath James R.
Published: August 2019

Barcoded nanoparticles and an integrated DLD and droplet generator device are used to purify and sequence rare antigen-specific T cells.
Differences in solubilities, crystal structures, NMR spectra and fluorescence emissions induced by potassium cation/benzo-21-crown-7 molecular recognition
Authors: Ouyang Yunyun , Zhang Yi , Luo Zheng , Li Xing , Duan Abing , Dong Shengyi
Published: August 2019

Changes of the fundamental properties of host–guest pairs induced by potassium cation complexation were investigated.
Covalently linked benzimidazole-containing reduced graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposites as electrode materials
Authors: Roy Arkapal , Dhibar Saptarshi , Kundu Sibu , Malik Sudip
Published: August 2019

Benzimidazole linked graphene oxide as well as three set of binary composite consisted of conducting polyaniline and the reduced chemically converted graphene oxide were successfully developed and utilized as electrode materials.
Hydrated FePO4 nanoparticles supported on P-doped RGO show enhanced ORR activity compared to their dehydrated form in an alkaline medium
Authors: Ahmed Zubair , Rai Ritu , Kumar Rajinder , Maruyama Takahiro , Bagchi Vivek
Published: August 2019

One-step hydrothermal growth of FePO4 nanoparticles (15–25 nm) uniformly decorated on the P-doped reduced graphene oxide (PRGO) was studied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity.
Clinical developments of antitumor polymer therapeutics
Authors: Parveen Shazia , Arjmand Farukh , Tabassum Sartaj
Published: August 2019

Polymer therapeutics encompasses polymer–drug conjugates that are nano-sized, multicomponent constructs already in the clinic as antitumor compounds, either as single agents or in combination with other organic drug scaffolds.
Platinum(iv) dihydroxido diazidoN-(heterocyclic)imine complexes are potently photocytotoxic when irradiated with visible light
Authors: Shaili Evyenia , Salassa Luca , Woods Julie A. , Clarkson Guy , Sadler Peter J. , Farrer Nicola J.
Published: August 2019

Trans,trans,trans-[Pt(N3)2(OH)2(4-picoline)2] is potently photocytotoxic (λirr= 420 nm) towards cancer cell lines whilst being minimally toxic in the absence of irradiation.
Organic nanocages: a promising testbed for catalytic CO2 conversion
Authors: Hussain MD. Waseem , Giri Arkaprabha , Patra Abhijit
Published: August 2019

Shape-persistent N-rich organic cages are demonstrated as catalysts for the metal-free conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic organic carbonates under solvent-free reaction conditions.
Molecular thermodynamics of receptor competition for endocytic uptake
Authors: DeGroot Andre C. M. , Zhao Chi , LaMonica Megan F. , Hayden Carl C. , Stachowiak Jeanne C.
Published: August 2019

Receptor–receptor competition for uptake reduces the probability of receptor partitioning into endocytic structures as described by an equilibrium thermodynamics model.
Electrode material properties for designing effective microbial electrosynthesis systems
Authors: Sharma Mohita , Alvarez-Gallego Yolanda , Achouak Wafa , Pant Deepak , Sarma Priyangshu M. , Dominguez-Benetton Xochitl
Published: August 2019

(a) Pictograph and (b) schematic representation of the placement of multiple working electrodes with a single counter electrode and reference electrode using an N'Stat setup and (c) the schematic of the potentiostat interface connection with the electrochemical cell.
K+ intercalated V2O5 nanorods with exposed facets as advanced cathodes for high energy and high rate zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Islam Saiful , Alfaruqi Muhammad Hilmy , Putro Dimas Y. , Soundharrajan Vaiyapuri , Sambandam Balaji , Jo Jeonggeun , Park Sohyun , Lee Seulgi , Mathew Vinod , Kim Jaekook
Published: August 2019

K+ intercalated V2O5 nanorods with exposed facets enable the fabrication of high energy and high rate zinc-ion batteries with long life span.
Gel electrolytes with a wide potential window for high-rate Al-ion batteries
Authors: Yu Zhijing , Jiao Shuqiang , Tu Jiguo , Song Wei-Li , Lei Haiping , Jiao Handong , Chen Haosen , Fang Daining
Published: August 2019

A novel gel electrolyte with wide electrochemical potential window for high-rate Al ion batteries is achieved.
Advanced engineering of core/shell nanostructures for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Shao Qi , Wang Pengtang , Liu Shangheng , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: August 2019

This review summarizes the advanced engineering of core/shell structures as a promising candidate for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction.
Amorphous electron donors with controllable morphology for non-fullerene polymer solar cells
Authors: Uranbileg Nergui , Gao Chenglin , Yang Chunming , Bao Xichang , Han Liangliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: August 2019

Amorphous polymeric donor, electron acceptor and donor:acceptor blend films for high performance polymer solar cells.
Strategies to fabricate metal–organic framework (MOF)-based luminescent sensing platforms
Authors: Liu Yang , Xie Xiao-Yu , Cheng Chen , Shao Zhen-Shu , Wang Huai-Song
Published: August 2019

This review introduces the recent advance in the construction of MOF-based sensing platforms in chemical sensing and biosensing. In particular, the fabricating strategies of MOF-based luminescent sensors and the sensing mechanisms are reviewed.
Tunable large-area phase reversion in chemical vapor deposited few-layer MoTe2 films
Authors: Zhu Xukun , Li Aolin , Wu Di , Zhu Peng , Xiang Haiyan , Liu Song , Sun Jian , Ouyang Fangping , Zhou Yu , Xiong Xiang
Published: August 2019

A local large-scale reversible phase transition of MoTe2 film was accomplished through the heat treatment.
Thiophene copolymer for 1 V high open-circuit voltage semitransparent photovoltaic devices
Authors: Wang Xiangkun , Yao Yifeng , Jing Xin , Li Feng , Yu Liangmin , Hao Yuying , Sun Mingliang
Published: August 2019

A thiophene backbone polymer can achieve above 6% PCE in semitransparent PSC devices.
Diamond surface functionalization: from gemstone to photoelectrochemical applications
Authors: Raymakers Jorne , Haenen Ken , Maes Wouter
Published: August 2019

An overview is provided on the surface functionalization of boron-doped diamond thin films and their application as photoelectrodes and photocatalysts.
Prediction of C7N6 and C9N4: stable and strong porous carbon-nitride nanosheets with attractive electronic and optical properties
Authors: Mortazavi Bohayra , Shahrokhi Masoud , Shapeev Alexander V. , Rabczuk Timon , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: August 2019

Three novel porous carbon-nitride nanosheets with C7N6, C9N4 and C10N3 stoichiometries are predicted.
Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramic with large energy density and high efficiency under a moderate electric field
Authors: Qiao Xiaoshuang , Wu Di , Zhang Fudong , Chen Bi , Ren Xiaodan , Liang Pengfei , Du Hongliang , Chao Xiaolian , Yang Zupei
Published: August 2019

Large energy storage density and high efficiency in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-based relaxor ferroelectric ceramic induced by AgNbO3 doping.
A quest for coordination among activities at the replisome
Authors: Kapadia Nitin , Reyes-Lamothe Rodrigo
Published: August 2019

Faithful DNA replication is required for transmission of the genetic material across generations. The basic mechanisms underlying this process are shared among all organisms: progressive unwinding of the long double-stranded DNA; synthesis of RNA primers; and synthesis of a new DNA chain. These activities are invariably performed by a multi-component machine called the replisome. A detailed description of this molecular machine has been achieved in prokaryotes and phages, with the replication processes in eukaryotes being comparatively less known. However, recent breakthroughs in the in vitro reconstitution of eukaryotic replisomes have resulted in valuable insight into their functions and mechanisms. In conjunction with the developments in eukaryotic replication, an emerging overall view of replisomes as dynamic protein ensembles is coming into fruition. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the recent insights into the dynamic nature of the bacterial replisome, revealed through single-molecule techniques, and to describe some aspects of the eukaryotic replisome under this framework. We primarily focus on Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast), since a significant amount of literature is available for these two model organisms. We end with a description of the methods of live-cell fluorescence microscopy for the characterization of replisome dynamics.
Recent updates on the molecular network of elastic fiber formation
Authors: Shin Seung Jae , Yanagisawa Hiromi
Published: August 2019

Elastic fibers confer elasticity and recoiling to tissues and organs and play an essential role in induction of biochemical responses in a cell against mechanical forces derived from the microenvironment. The core component of elastic fibers is elastin (ELN), which is secreted as the monomer tropoelastin from elastogenic cells, and undergoes self-aggregation, cross-linking and deposition on to microfibrils, and assemble into insoluble ELN polymers. For elastic fibers to form, a microfibril scaffold (primarily formed by fibrillin-1 (FBN1)) is required. Numerous elastic fiber-associated proteins are involved in each step of elastogenesis and they instruct and/or facilitate the elastogenesis processes. In this review, we designated five proteins as key molecules in elastic fiber formation, including ELN, FBN1, fibulin-4 (FBLN4), fibulin-5 (FBLN5), and latent TGFβ-binding protein-4 (LTBP4). ELN and FBN1 serve as building blocks for elastic fibers. FBLN5, FBLN4 and LTBP4 have been demonstrated to play crucial roles in elastogenesis through knockout studies in mice. Using these molecules as a platform and expanding the elastic fiber network through the generation of an interactome map, we provide a concise review of elastogenesis with a recent update as well as discuss various biological functions of elastic fiber-associated proteins beyond elastogenesis in vivo.
Stable photonic transmitting link based on passive phase compensation with active‐assisted control method
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Jin Tao , Fu Ying , Chi Hao , Zuo Lulu , Liu Weimin , Wang Qihang
Published: August 2019

The authors demonstrate a photonic link for stable radio frequency (RF) dissemination over fibre based on passive phase compensation with an active‐assisted control method. A variable optical delay line is introduced in the transmitting link for active‐assisted phase compensation. After active‐assisted compensation, the residual jitter is <500 fs. Experimentally, an RF signal at a frequency of 5 GHz is successfully transmitted over a 20‐km fibre link, with the stability of 2.49 × 10−14 at 1 s and 9.19 × 10−18 at 104 s.
Multi‐scale microstructure binary pattern extraction and learning for image representation
Authors: Zhang Dongbo , Yi Lianglin , Tang Hongzhong , Zhang Ying , Xu Haixia
Published: August 2019

In this study, an image representation method based on multi‐scale microstructural binary pattern extraction is proposed, which uses zero‐mean microstructural pattern binarisation. This method can express all kinds of important pattern structures that may appear in the image. By using the dominant binary pattern learning model, the dominant feature pattern sets adapted to different datasets can be obtained, which have good performance in the aspects of feature robustness, recognition, and representation ability. This method can greatly reduce the dimension of feature coding and improve the speed of the algorithm. The experimental results show that this method has strong recognition ability and robustness, is superior to the traditional local binary pattern and grey image micorstructure maximum response pattern methods, and has a competitive performance compared with the results of many latest algorithms.
Bio‐inspired contour detection model based on multi‐bandwidth fusion and logarithmic texture inhibition
Authors: Lin Chuan , Li Fuzhang , Cao Yijun , Zhao Haojun
Published: August 2019

Relevant physiological studies have revealed that the response of the classical receptive field (CRF) to visual stimuli could be suppressed by non‐CRF (nCRF) inhibition of the kernel in the primary visual cortex (V1). Based on this mechanism, many bio‐inspired contour detection models have been proposed, which are mainly achieved through CRF responses and nCRF surround inhibition calculation. In fact, the dynamic characteristics of neurons play an important role in contour detection in biological vision. Inspired by these visual mechanisms, the authors propose a contour detection model that emulates these dynamic characteristics. By introducing a multi‐bandwidth Gabor filter, according to the target image, they can effectively adjust the weight ratios of the filter to protect the contours and filter the background textures in the calculation of CRF responses. Additionally, they logarithmically modulate the nCRF inhibition kernel to make texture suppression more flexible and effective, thus improving the accuracy of detection algorithm as a whole. Compared with existing bio‐inspired contour detection models, the proposed model is more effective at contour detection, which will aid engineering applications that utilise pattern recognition in machine vision.
Advances in human action recognition: an updated survey
Authors: Abu‐Bakar Syed A.R.
Published: August 2019

Research in human activity recognition (HAR) has seen tremendous growth and continuously receiving attention from both the Computer Vision and the Image Processing communities. Due to the existence of numerous publications in this field, undoubtedly, there have been a number of review papers on this subject that categorise these techniques. Many of the recent works have started to tackle more challenging problems and these proposed techniques are addressing more realistic real‐world scenarios. Conspicuously, an updated survey that covers these methods is timely due. To simplify the categorisation, this study takes a two‐layer hierarchical approach. At the top level, the categorisation is based on the basic process flow of HAR, i.e. input data‐type, features‐type, descriptor‐type, and classifier‐type. At the second layer, each of these components is further subcategorised based on the diversity of the proposed methods. Finally, a remark on the coming popularity of deep learning approach in this field is also given.
Gas versus dust sizes of protoplanetary discs: effects of dust evolution
Authors: Trapman L. , Facchini S. , Hogerheijde M. R. , van Dishoeck E. F. , Bruderer S.
Published: August 2019

Context. The extent of the gas in protoplanetary discs is observed to be universally larger than the extent of the dust. This is often attributed to radial drift and grain growth of the millimetre grains, but line optical depth produces a similar observational signature.

Aims. We investigate in which parts of the disc structure parameter space dust evolution and line optical depth are the dominant drivers of the observed gas and dust size difference.

Methods. Using the thermochemical model DALI with dust evolution included we ran a grid of models aimed at reproducing the observed gas and dust size dichotomy.

Results. The relation between Rdust and dust evolution is non-monotonic and depends on the disc structure. The quantity Rgas is directly related to the radius where the CO column density drops below 1015 cm−2 and CO becomes photodissociated; Rgas is not affected by dust evolution but scales with the total CO content of the disc. While these cases are rare in current observations, Rgas/Rdust > 4 is a clear sign of dust evolution and radial drift in discs. For discs with a smaller Rgas/Rdust, identifying dust evolution from Rgas/Rdust requires modelling the disc structure including the total CO content. To minimize the uncertainties due to observational factors requires FWHMbeam < 1× the characteristic radius and a peak S/N > 10 on the 12CO emission moment zero map. For the dust outer radius to enclose most of the disc mass, it should be defined using a high fraction (90–95%) of the total flux. For the gas, any radius enclosing >60% of the 12CO flux contains most of the disc mass.

Conclusions. To distinguish radial drift and grain growth from line optical depth effects based on size ratios requires discs to be observed at high enough angular resolution and the disc structure should to be modelled to account for the total CO content of the disc.
Magnetohydrodynamic waves in braided magnetic fields
Authors: Howson T. A. , De Moortel I. , Reid J. , Hood A. W.
Published: August 2019

Aims. We investigate the propagation of transverse magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave fronts through a coronal plasma containing a braided magnetic field.

Methods. We performed a series of three dimensional MHD simulations in which a small amplitude, transverse velocity perturbation is introduced into a complex magnetic field. We analysed the deformation of the wave fronts as the perturbation propagates through the braided magnetic structures and explore the nature of Alfvénic wave phase mixing in this regime. We considered the effects of viscous dissipation in a weakly non-ideal plasma and evaluate the effects of field complexity on wave energy dissipation.

Results. Spatial gradients in the local Alfvén speed and variations in the length of magnetic field lines ensure that small scales form throughout the propagating wave front due to phase mixing. Additionally, the presence of complex, intricate current sheets associated with the background field locally modifies the polarisation of the wave front. The combination of these two effects enhances the rate of viscous dissipation, particularly in more complex field configurations. Unlike in classical phase mixing configurations, the greater spatial extent of Alfvén speed gradients ensures that wave energy is deposited over a larger cross-section of the magnetic structure. Further, the complexity of the background magnetic field ensures that small gradients in a wave driver can map to large gradients within the coronal plasma.

Conclusions. The phase mixing of transverse MHD waves in a complex magnetic field will progress throughout the braided volume. As a result, in a non-ideal regime wave energy will be dissipated over a greater cross-section than in classical phase mixing models. The formation rate of small spatial scales in a propagating wave front is a function of the complexity of the background magnetic field. As such, if the coronal field is sufficiently complex it remains plausible that phase mixing induced wave heating can contribute to maintaining the observed temperatures. Furthermore, the weak compressibility of the transverse wave and the observed phase mixing pattern may provide seismological information about the nature of the background plasma.
Evolved massive stars at low-metallicity
Authors: Yang Ming , Bonanos Alceste Z. , Jiang Bi-Wei , Gao Jian , Gavras Panagiotis , Maravelias Grigoris , Ren Yi , Wang Shu , Xue Meng-Yao , Tramper Frank , Spetsieri Zoi T. , Pouliasis Ektoras
Published: August 2019

We present a clean, magnitude-limited (IRAC1 or WISE1 ≤ 15.0 mag) multiwavelength source catalog for the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) with 45 466 targets in total, with the purpose of building an anchor for future studies, especially for the massive star populations at low-metallicity. The catalog contains data in 50 different bands including 21 optical and 29 infrared bands, retrieved from SEIP, VMC, IRSF, AKARI, HERITAGE, Gaia, SkyMapper, NSC, Massey (2002, ApJS, 141, 81), and GALEX, ranging from the ultraviolet to the far-infrared. Additionally, radial velocities and spectral classifications were collected from the literature, and infrared and optical variability statistics were retrieved from WISE, SAGE-Var, VMC, IRSF, Gaia, NSC, and OGLE. The catalog was essentially built upon a 1″ crossmatching and a 3″ deblending between the Spitzer Enhanced Imaging Products (SEIP) source list and Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) photometric data. Further constraints on the proper motions and parallaxes from Gaia DR2 allowed us to remove the foreground contamination. We estimate that about 99.5% of the targets in our catalog are most likely genuine members of the SMC. Using the evolutionary tracks and synthetic photometry from MESA Isochrones & Stellar Tracks and the theoretical J − KS color cuts, we identified 1405 red supergiant (RSG), 217 yellow supergiant, and 1369 blue supergiant candidates in the SMC in five different color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs), where attention should also be paid to the incompleteness of our sample. We ranked the candidates based on the intersection of different CMDs. A comparison between the models and observational data shows that the lower limit of initial mass for the RSG population may be as low as 7 or even 6 M⊙ and that the RSG is well separated from the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) population even at faint magnitude, making RSGs a unique population connecting the evolved massive and intermediate stars, since stars with initial mass around 6 to 8 M⊙ are thought to go through a second dredge-up to become AGB stars. We encourage the interested reader to further exploit the potential of our catalog.
Variations in the Morphology of Human Lungs and its Clinical Implications
Authors: Jacob Suja Mary , Venniyoor Vaibhav , Pillay Minnie
Published: August 2019

Objective To observe variations in the fissures, in the lobes, and in the hilar pattern of lungs and correlate these findings with clinical implications.

Materials and Methods The present study was performed on random lung specimens available in the Department of Anatomy. A total of 96 lungs (47 right and 49 left) were studied for variations in the fissures and lobes, and 92 lungs (45 right and 47 left) for variations in the hilar pattern.

Results Among the right-sided lungs, 70% presented incomplete horizontal fissure, 15% with absence of the horizontal fissure, and 51% with incomplete oblique fissure. Accessory fissures were also seen, but incomplete, and accounted for 17% of the total number of right lungs.

Among the left-sided lungs, 62% presented incomplete oblique fissures, and 4% with absence of the oblique fissure. Accessory fissures accounted for 6% of the total number of left lungs.

Regarding hilar pattern variations, 11% of the right-sided lungs showed > 2 bronchi, 69% showed > 2 pulmonary veins, and 37% showed > 1 pulmonary artery.

Among the left-sided lungs, 57% showed > 1 bronchi, 21% showed > 2 pulmonary veins, and 17% showed > 1 pulmonary artery.

Conclusion The field of pulmonary surgery is now highly advanced, with well-developed radiological and endoscopic techniques. Hence, a proper understanding and knowledge of these morphological variations of lung fissures and of the hilar pattern would be advantageous for surgeons, as well as for radiologists.
Morfologia Glenoidea En La Artrosis Glenohumeral Primaria: Factores Preoperatorios Relevantes
Authors: Moran Nicolás , Arias Valentina , Lazo José , Melean Patricio
Published: August 2019

El objetivo primario de esta revisión es realizar una actualización de los conceptos básicos relacionados a los cambios morfológicos glenoideos durante la artrosis glenohumeral primaria, métodos de medición relevantes y describir las modificaciones en la nueva clasificación de Gilles Walch.

La medición de esos parámetros influyen en forma directa tanto en el acto quirúrgico dentro una prótesis de hombro como en los resultados clínicos post operatorios.

Los diferentes métodos de medición descritos en la literatura han permitido evaluar la magnitud de esos fenómenos morfológicos y describir la “glenoides bicóncava”, caracterizada por presentar 3 subtipos: la paleoglena, neoglena y la glena intermedia.

A partir de esos conceptos, Walch en 1999 describe la clasificación de los cambios morfológicos glenoideos en artrosis primaria, la cual ha presentado una reciente modificación debido a la mala concordancia intra e interobservador de esa medición obtenida por varios investigadores, además de reconocer una carencia en la precisión para describir cada subtipo.

A la fecha, diferentes autores investigan la influencia de esos factores morfológicos preoperatorios en los resultados post operatorios, y hasta que valor límite podrían guiar un tratamiento especifico.

Conclusión Enfatizamos que un análisis acabado y minucioso de la morfología glenoidea es importante para una adecuada planificación quirúrgica en artroplastia de hombro, ya que eso puede guiarnos en cuál técnica o implante puede ser el más adecuado para cada tipo de glenoides.
Effectiveness of Using Photographs of the Change in Standing Posture on Postoperative Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Quality of Life
Authors: Misir Abdulhamit , Kizkapan Turan Bilge , Tas Suleyman Kasim , Yildiz Kadir Ilker , Uzun Erdal , Ozcamdalli Mustafa
Published: August 2019

Dissatisfaction is still an important problem in a small but important group of patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of showing patients the change in their standing posture, before and after total knee replacement, using standing photographs (anterior, posterior, and lateral view), on improving self-reported quality of life and satisfaction. Full-length lower extremity radiographs and standing photographs were obtained prior to total knee replacement and 6 months after surgery in the study group. In the control group, radiographs and photographs were not obtained. The hip–knee–ankle angle and mechanical axis deviation were compared between the two limbs and two groups. The changes in the following outcome measures were evaluated from baseline to 6 months after surgery: Short Form-36 Survey, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Oxford Knee Score, and Knee Society score. Postoperative measures were also compared before and after showing patients their standing photographs, and between two groups. The study and control groups included 71 and 44 patients, respectively, with unilateral or bilateral knee osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence Grade 3 or 4), with a mean age of 66 years. All patients had a varus malalignment, with significant improvement in postoperative limb alignment (p < 0.001). All self-reported outcome measures improved after surgery (p < 0.05), with the exception of mental health in the Short Form-36. Self-reported scores further improved after patients seeing their standing photographs (p < 0.05), with the exception of mental health and social role functioning. There were also significantly improved scores in the study group than control group after showing photographs (p < 0.05). Showing patients the pre-to-postoperative change in their standing posture might be an easy-to-administer method to improve patient satisfaction with the outcome of total knee replacement and self-reported quality of life. The Level of Evidence for this study is four.
Arthrodesis of the Carpometacarpal Thumb Joint for Osteoarthritis; Long-Term Results Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements
Authors: van Laarhoven Cecile M.C.A. , Schrier Verena J.M.M. , van Heijl Mark , Schuurman Arnold H.
Published: August 2019

Background Results following carpometacarpal (CMC) arthrodesis of the thumb for osteoarthritis vary widely in literature. Data on long-term patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) after thumb CMC joint arthrodesis for osteoarthritis are scarce.

Purpose We report the long-term outcomes of PROMs (function, pain, and satisfaction) after arthrodesis of the thumb CMC joint. We evaluated the correlation of function and pain with patient satisfaction.

Methods Long-term PROMs after thumb CMC arthrodesis for osteoarthritis were evaluated using a retrospective cohort (1996–2015). Three different PROM questionnaires (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, Dutch Language version [DASH-DLV], the Patient-Related Wrist and Hand Questionnaire Dutch Language version [PRWHE-DLV], and a questionnaire concerning satisfaction) were sent to all patients.

Results Twenty-five arthrodeses (21 patients) were available for long-term follow-up. The median follow-up time was 10.8 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.7–13.0). The median DASH score was 29.2 (IQR: 14.4–38.3), median PRWHE score was 25.0 (IQR: 12.5–44.3). The median satisfaction after the operation and satisfaction with outcome of the operation was 10 for both (on a Likert's scale with 1 worse and 10 excellent satisfaction). There was a statistically significant correlation between the PRWHE total score and PRWHE pain score and satisfaction with surgery and satisfaction with the result. There was no correlation between PRWHE function score and satisfaction or DASH and satisfaction. Results after hardware removal showed no significant differences compared with patients without hardware removal.

Conclusion Patients who underwent arthrodesis for thumb CMC osteoarthritis showed high satisfaction at long-term follow-up, despite moderate results as measured using the DASH and PRWHE. The PRWHE total and PRWHE pain scores correlated significantly with satisfaction with surgery and satisfaction with the result, respectively, whereas no correlation was observed with the PRWHE function score or DASH and satisfaction. This therapeutic study reflects level of evidence IV.
Plasma chemistry and dust-particle generation in pure methane plasma: Influence of the RF electrode cleanliness
Authors: Géraud-Grenier I. , Mikikian M. , Faubert F. , Massereau-Guilbaud V.
Published: August 2019

Hydrocarbon dust-particles are formed and grown to a large size (around 1 μm) in a low pressure capacitively coupled radio frequency discharge in methane. The methane decomposition leads to the formation of both spherical dust-particles in the plasma bulk and coating on the electrodes. Under ion bombardment, the coating on the biased top electrode peels off, leading to the fall of flakes. To better understand the role played by the electrode surface state on the plasma chemistry and on the dust-particle growth, experiments are carried out in two different initial conditions for the electrodes: (i) without any coating and (ii) with a homogeneous hydrocarbon coating. Spherical dust-particle growth is followed using the temporal evolution of the DC self-bias voltage. At the end of the experiment, dust-particles and flakes are collected and observed by scanning electron microscopy. Using mass spectrometry, temporal evolutions of neutrals, ionic species, and positive ion energies are investigated. Between the two experimental conditions, no strong differences were observed on the plasma chemistry. However, the self-bias voltage is strongly modified as well as the dust-particle growth and dynamics.
Control of the magnetic near-field pattern inside MRI machine with tunable metasurface
Authors: Kretov Egor I. , Shchelokova Alena V. , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P.
Published: August 2019

The metasurfaces concept allows developing and advancing the methods to control the near electromagnetic field pattern in almost arbitrary ways. This property, among other things, is making them an essential platform for useful applications, for example, to improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics through local enhancement of the transmit efficiency as well as the increase in the sensitivity of the radio frequency coils. In this letter, we investigate a compact metasurface-based resonator formed as an array of parallel copper wires with capacitive loads printed on the low-loss dielectric substrate. We demonstrate how to tailor the spectral characteristics of the metasurface eigenmode as well as to control precisely the homogeneity of the near-field pattern by changing the effective capacitance of the structure. We experimentally verify that by tuning the metasurface characteristics, it is possible to decrease the excitation power needed to provide the optimal transmit efficiency of the body coil, thus making the MRI procedure safer. Our approach offers a practical method to control the electromagnetic near-field pattern and has potential in various applications, such as MRI and wireless power transfer.
Pore-scale study of counter-current imbibition in strongly water-wet fractured porous media using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Gu Qingqing , Zhu Lianhua , Zhang Yonghao , Liu Haihu
Published: August 2019

Oil recovery from naturally fractured reservoirs with low permeability rock remains a challenge. To provide a better understanding of spontaneous imbibition, a key oil recovery mechanism in the fractured reservoir rocks, a pore-scale computational study of the water imbibition into an artificially generated dual-permeability porous matrix with a fracture attached on top is conducted using a recently improved lattice Boltzmann color-gradient model. Several factors affecting the dynamic countercurrent imbibition processes and the resulting oil recovery have been analyzed, including the water injection velocity, the geometry configuration of the dual permeability zones, interfacial tension, the viscosity ratio of water to oil phases, and fracture spacing if there are multiple fractures. Depending on the water injection velocity and interfacial tension, three different imbibition regimes have been identified: the squeezing regime, the jetting regime, and the dripping regime, each with a distinctively different expelled oil morphology in the fracture. The geometry configuration of the high and low permeability zones affects the amount of oil that can be recovered by the countercurrent imbibition in a fracture-matrix system through transition of the different regimes. In the squeezing regime, which occurs at low water injection velocity, the build-up squeezing pressure upstream in the fracture enables more water to imbibe into the permeability zone closer to the fracture inlet thus increasing the oil recovery factor. A larger interfacial tension or a lower water-to-oil viscosity ratio is favorable for enhancing oil recovery, and new insights into the effect of the viscosity ratio are provided. Introducing an extra parallel fracture can effectively increase the oil recovery factor, and there is an optimal fracture spacing between the two adjacent horizontal fractures to maximize the oil recovery. These findings can aid the optimal design of water-injecting oil extraction in fractured rocks in reservoirs such as oil shale.