bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tDCS-induced episodic memory enhancement and its association with functional network coupling in older adults
Authors: Antonenko Daria , Hayek Dayana , Netzband Justus , Grittner Ulrike , Flöel Agnes
Published: February 2019

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) augments training-induced cognitive gains, an issue of particular relevance in the aging population. However, negative outcomes have been reported as well, and few studies so far have evaluated the impact of tDCS on episodic memory formation in elderly cohorts. The heterogeneity of previous findings highlights the importance of elucidating neuronal underpinnings of tDCS-induced modulations, and of determining individual predictors of a positive response. In the present study, we aimed to modulate episodic memory formation in 34 older adults with anodal tDCS (1 mA, 20 min) over left temporoparietal cortex. Participants were asked to learn novel associations between pictures and pseudowords, and episodic memory performance was subsequently assessed during immediate retrieval. Prior to experimental sessions, participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. tDCS led to better retrieval performance and augmented learning curves. Hippocampo-temporoparietal functional connectivity was positively related to initial memory performance, and was positively associated with the magnitude of individual tDCS-induced enhancement. In sum, we provide evidence for brain stimulation-induced plasticity of episodic memory processes in older adults, corroborating and extending previous findings. Our results demonstrate that intrinsic network coupling may determine individual responsiveness to brain stimulation, and thus help to further explain variability of tDCS responsiveness in older adults.
Human renal fibroblasts are strong immunomobilizers during a urinary tract infection mediated by uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Klarström Engström Kristin , Zhang Boxi , Demirel Isak
Published: February 2019

To prevent the onset of urosepsis and reduce mortality, a better understanding of how uropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) manages to infiltrate the bloodstream through the kidneys is needed. The present study elucidates if human renal interstitial fibroblasts are part of the immune response limiting a UPEC infection, or if UPEC has the ability to modulate the fibroblasts for their own gain. Microarray results showed that upregulated genes were associated with an activated immune response. We also found that chemokines released from renal fibroblasts upon a UPEC infection could be mediated by LPS and triacylated lipoproteins activating the TLR2/1, TLR4, MAPK, NF-κB and PKC signaling pathways. Furthermore, UPEC was also shown to be able to adhere and invade renal fibroblasts, mediated by the P-fimbriae. Furthermore, it was found that renal fibroblasts were more immunoreactive than renal epithelial cells upon a UPEC infection. However, both renal fibroblasts and epithelial cells were equally efficient at inducing neutrophil migration. In conclusion, we have found that human renal fibroblasts can sense UPEC and mobilize a host response with neutrophil migration. This suggests that renal fibroblasts are not only structural cells that produce and regulate the extracellular matrix, but also highly immunoreactive cells.
Calculation of π and Classification of Self-avoiding Lattices via DNA Configuration
Authors: Tandon Anshula , Kim Seungjae , Song Yongwoo , Cho Hyunjae , Bashar Saima , Shin Jihoon , Ha Tai Hwan , Park Sung Ha
Published: February 2019

Numerical simulation (e.g. Monte Carlo simulation) is an efficient computational algorithm establishing an integral part in science to understand complex physical and biological phenomena related with stochastic problems. Aside from the typical numerical simulation applications, studies calculating numerical constants in mathematics, and estimation of growth behavior via a non-conventional self-assembly in connection with DNA nanotechnology, open a novel perspective to DNA related to computational physics. Here, a method to calculate the numerical value of π, and way to evaluate possible paths of self-avoiding walk with the aid of Monte Carlo simulation, are addressed. Additionally, experimentally obtained variation of the π as functions of DNA concentration and the total number of trials, and the behaviour of self-avoiding random DNA lattice growth evaluated through number of growth steps, are discussed. From observing experimental calculations of π (πexp) obtained by double crossover DNA lattices and DNA rings, fluctuation of πexptends to decrease as either DNA concentration or the number of trials increases. Based upon experimental data of self-avoiding random lattices grown by the three-point star DNA motifs, various lattice configurations are examined and analyzed. This new kind of study inculcates a novel perspective for DNA nanostructures related to computational physics and provides clues to solve analytically intractable problems.
Extreme spikes in DMS flux double estimates of biogenic sulfur export from the Antarctic coastal zone to the atmosphere
Authors: Webb A. L. , van Leeuwe M. A. , den Os D. , Meredith M. P. , J. Venables H. , Stefels J.
Published: February 2019

Biogenic dimethylsulfide (DMS) is a significant contributor to sulfur flux from the oceans to the atmosphere, and the most significant source of aerosol non sea-salt sulfate (NSS-SO42−), a key regulator of global climate. Here we present the longest running time-series of DMS-water (DMSW) concentrations in the world, obtained at the Rothera Time-Series (RaTS) station in Ryder Bay, West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP). We demonstrate the first ever evaluation of interseasonal and interannual variability in DMSW and associated flux to the atmosphere from the Antarctic coastal zone and determine the scale and importance of the region as a significant source of DMS. Impacts of climate modes such as El Niňo/Southern Oscillation are evaluated. Maximum DMSW concentrations occurred annually in January and were primarily associated with sea-ice break-up. These concentrations resulted in extremely high (up to 968 µmol m−2 d−1) DMS flux over short timescales, which are not parameterised in global-scale DMS climatologies. Calculated DMS flux stayed above the aerosol nucleation threshold of 2.5 µmol m−2 d−1 for 60% of the year. Overall, using flux determinations from this study, the total flux of DMS-sulfur from the Austral Polar Province (APLR) was 1.1 Tg sulfur yr−1, more than double the figure suggested by the most recent DMS climatologies.
The effect of psychopathy on cooperative strategies in an iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma experiment with emotional feedback
Authors: Testori Martina , Harris Thehela O. A. , Hoyle Rebecca B. , Eisenbarth Hedwig
Published: February 2019

As decision-making research becomes more popular, the inclusion of personality traits has emerged as a focal point for an exhaustive analysis of human behaviour. In this study, we investigate the impact of psychopathic traits on cooperation in an iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma game with emotional facial feedback. Firstly, we observed how receiving a facial feedback after each decision affected players with different psychopathic trait scores, and how being informed about the opponent’s identity influenced cooperative behaviour. Secondly, we analysed the strategies adopted by each player, and how these choices were correlated with their psychopathic traits. Although our results showed no effect of different emotional content in the feedback on cooperation, we observed more cooperative behaviours in those players who were told their opponent was another fellow human, compared to those who were told it was a computer. Moreover, fearless dominance had a very small but consistent negative effect on overall cooperation and on the tendency to maintain cooperative behaviours. We also found that players’ personality scores affected the strategies they chose to play throughout the game. Hence, our experiment adds complexity to the body of work investigating psychopathic traits and social interactions, considering not only the environment of facial feedback but also the role of deception in experimental games.
Fatigue Behavior of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid “Lunar Cement”
Authors: Su Hang , Hong Youshi , Chen Tzehan , Kou Rui , Wang Meng , Zhong Ying , Qiao Yu
Published: February 2019

We report the experimental results of fatigue behavior of ultralow-binder-content inorganic-organic hybrid (IOH) based on lunar soil simulant, which may be viewed as a “lunar cement”. Under the same loading condition, the fatigue life of the IOH is superior to typical steel-reinforced concrete, especially when the stress amplitude is relatively high. Fatigue damage mostly occurs in the binder phase, followed by rapid cleavage-like failure. The important material parameters include filler type, filler particle size, and filler-binder bonding.
Direct Detection of Akhiezer Damping in a Silicon MEMS Resonator
Authors: Rodriguez Janna , Chandorkar Saurabh A. , Watson Christopher A. , Glaze Grant M. , Ahn C. H. , Ng Eldwin J. , Yang Yushi , Kenny Thomas W.
Published: February 2019

Silicon Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) resonators have broad commercial applications for timing and inertial sensing. However, the performance of MEMS resonators is constrained by dissipation mechanisms, some of which are easily detected and well-understood, but some of which have never been directly observed. In this work, we present measurements of the quality factor, Q, for a family of single crystal silicon Lamé-mode resonators as a function of temperature, from 80–300 K. By comparing these Q measurements on resonators with variations in design, dimensions, and anchors, we have been able to show that gas damping, thermoelastic dissipation, and anchor damping are not significant dissipation mechanisms for these resonators. The measured f · Q product for these devices approaches 2 × 1013, which is consistent with the expected range for Akhiezer damping, and the dependence of Q on temperature and geometry is consistent with expectations for Akhiezer damping. These results thus provide the first clear, direct detection of Akhiezer dissipation in a MEMS resonator, which is widely considered to be the ultimate limit to Q in silicon MEMS devices.
Flexible updating of dynamic knowledge structures
Authors: Richter Franziska R. , Bays Paul M. , Jeyarathnarajah Priyanga , Simons Jon S.
Published: February 2019

Schemas are knowledge structures that allow us to make efficient judgments about the world without the cost of memorizing every detail of previous experiences. It has long been known that schemas can enhance long-term memory for related information. The usefulness of schemas, however, critically depends on their adaptability: how flexibly a schema can be updated according to changing environmental conditions. Prior consolidation of a schema supports new learning of schema-consistent information. Yet, the effect of consolidation on inconsistent information, and how schemas may be subsequently updated, are not well understood. It is difficult to track the dynamic updating of knowledge structures with traditional memory measures. Here, using a continuous-report paradigm, we were able to show that schematization increases incrementally with consolidation and that the strength with which schemas are initially established predicts schema-guided responding in a later test. Critically, schema updating in response to inconsistent information was more pronounced in a group which was given time to consolidate compared to a group that was not given time to consolidate. Importantly, the later group reverted back to the no longer relevant schema, indicating that systematic bias towards old information, rather than increased forgetting, underlies reduced memory for schema-inconsistent information.
Monolayer MoS2 field-effect transistors patterned by photolithography for active matrix pixels in organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kwon Hyeokjae , Garg Sourav , Park Ji Hoon , Jeong Yeonsu , Yu Sanghyuck , Kim Seongsin M. , Kung Patrick , Im Seongil
Published: February 2019

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has substantial potential as a semiconducting material for devices. However, it is commonly prepared by mechanical exfoliation, which limits flake size to only a few micrometers, which is not sufficient for processes such as photolithography and circuit patterning. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has thus become a mainstream fabrication technique to achieve large-area MoS2. However, reports of conventional photolithographic patterning of large-area 2D MoS2-based devices with high mobilities and low switching voltages are rare. Here we fabricate CVD-grown large-area MoS2field-effect transistors (FETs) by photolithography and demonstrate their potential as switching and driving FETs for pixels in analog organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. We spin-coat an ultrathin hydrophobic polystyrene layer on an Al2O3dielectric, so that the uniformity of threshold voltage (Vth) of the FETs might be improved. Our MoS2FETs show a high linear mobility of approximately 10 cm2 V−1 s−1, due to a large grain size around 60 μm, and a high ON/OFF current ratio of 108. Dynamic switching of blue and green OLED pixels is shown at ~5 V, demonstrating their application potential.
Ratiometric fluorescent nanosensors for ultra-sensitive detection of mercury ions based on AuNCs/MOFs
Authors: Wu Xi-Jin , Kong Fan , Zhao Chun-Qin , Ding Shou-Nian
Published: February 2019

Ratiometric fluorescent nanosensors were developed to detect mercury ions (Hg2+) using enhanced dual emissions from glutathione stabilized gold nanoclusters/indium-based metal–organic frameworks modified with cysteine (AuNCs/MIL-68(In)-NH2/Cys).
Evidence of the O–Pd–O and Pd–O4 structure units as oxide seeds and their origin on Pd(211): revealing the mechanism of surface oxide formation
Authors: Cheng Xiran , Wang Ziyun , Mao Yu , Hu P.
Published: February 2019

The formation of surface oxides on metal surfaces is not only important in materials science, but also of significance in heterogeneous catalysis due to the fact that during most oxidation reactions the metal catalysts are inevitably oxidized, which may cause dramatic consequences in the reactions.
Impact of Y3+-ions on the structure and phase behavior of phospholipid model membranes
Authors: Bornemann Steffen , Herzog Marius , Winter Roland
Published: February 2019

Trivalent yttrium-ions reveal a calcium-like membrane interaction by coordinating to the phosphate groups, resulting in a stronger lipid packing and partial dehydration of the headgroup region.
Application of an inverse-design method to optimizing porphyrins in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Fan Chencheng , Springborg Michael , Feng Yaqing
Published: February 2019

Prediction of new promising porphyrins for application in solar-energy harvesting. Inverse design of molecules with optimal properties.
Development of a natural preservative obtained from male chestnut flowers: optimization of a heat-assisted extraction technique
Authors: Caleja Cristina , Barros Lillian , Prieto M. A. , Bento Albino , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P. , Ferreira Isabel C. F. R.
Published: February 2019

The optimization of phenolic compound extraction from male chestnut flowers has allowed the obtainment of a natural ingredient with potential application in the food industry.
High speed-low volume automated ICP-QMS method for determination of Mg/Ca in biogenic calcite
Authors: Roman Marco , Ferretti Patrizia , Cairns Warren R. L. , Spolaor Andrea , Turetta Clara , Barbante Carlo
Published: February 2019

The Mg/Ca molar ratio in foraminiferal calcite accumulated in marine sea sediments is a well-established proxy of ancient ocean temperatures.
The role of mitochondrial labile iron in Friedreich's ataxia skin fibroblasts sensitivity to ultraviolet A
Authors: Reelfs Olivier , Abbate Vincenzo , Cilibrizzi Agostino , Pook Mark A , Hider Robert C , Pourzand Charareh
Published: February 2019

Mitochondrial labile iron (LI) is a major contributor to the susceptibility of skin fibroblasts to ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced oxidative damage leading to necrotic cell death via ATP depletion. Mitochondria iron overload is a key feature of the neurodegenerative disease Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA). Here we show that cultured primary skin fibroblasts from FRDA patients are 4 to 10-fold more sensitive to UVA-induced death than their healthy counterparts. We demonstrate that FRDA cells display higher levels of mitochondrial LI (up to 6-fold on average compared to healthy counterparts) and show higher increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation after UVA irradiation (up to 2-fold on average), consistent with their differential sensitivity to UVA. Pre-treatment of the FRDA cells with a bespoke mitochondrial iron chelator fully abrogates the UVA-mediated cell death and reduces UVA-induced damage to mitochondrial membrane and the resulting ATP depletion by a factor of 2. Our results reveal a link between FRDA as a disease of mitochondrial iron overload and sensitivity to UVA of skin fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that the high levels of mitochondrial LI in FRDA cells which contribute to high levels of mitochondrial ROS production after UVA irradiation are likely to play a crucial role in the marked sensitivity of these cells to UVA-induced oxidative damage. This study may have implications not only for FRDA but also for other diseases of mitochondrial iron overload, with the view to develop topical mitochondria-targeted iron chelators as skin photoprotective agents.
Analysis of copper response in Acinetobacter sp. by comparative proteomics
Authors: Gracioso Louise Hase , Baltazar Marcela Passos Galluzzi , Avanzi Ingrid Regina , Karolski Bruno , Oller Nascimento Claudio Augusto , Perpetuo Elen Aquino
Published: February 2019

Metal contamination exerts environmental pressure on several lifeforms. Since metals are non-biodegradable and recalcitrant, they accumulate in living beings and spread through the food chain. Thus, many life forms are affected by environmental metal contamination, such as plants and microorganisms. In the case of microorganisms, scarce information is available on how metals affect them. As a highly resistant form of life, microorganisms can adapt to several environmental pressures through genetic modifications, changing their metabolism to overcome new conditions, and continuing to thrive in the same place. In this study, an Acinetobacter sp. strain was isolated from a copper mine, which presented very high resistance to copper, growing in copper concentrations of up to 7 mM. As a result of its metabolic response in the presence of 3 mM of copper, the expression of 35 proteins in total was altered. The proteins were identified to be associated with the glycolytic pathway, membrane transport, biosynthesis and two proteins directly involved in copper homeostasis (CopA and CopB).
Negative transconductance and negative differential resistance in asymmetric narrow bandgap 2D–3D heterostructures
Authors: Li Tiaoyang , Li Xuefei , Tian Mengchuan , Hu Qianlan , Wang Xin , Li Sichao , Wu Yanqing
Published: February 2019

We present a new tunneling transistor based on a 2D black phosphorus and 3D indium arsenide heterojunction with a broken-gap band alignment. The observed negative differential resistance and negative transconductance behaviors can be attributed to the interband tunneling.
Highly sensitive glutathione assay and intracellular imaging with functionalized semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Sun Junlin , Liu Feng , Yu Wenqian , Jiang Qunying , Hu Jialing , Liu Yahua , Wang Fuan , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: February 2019

A fluorescent nanoprobe based on semiconductor quantum dots is designed for real-time glutathione imaging in living cells.
GHz nanomechanical resonator in an ultraclean suspended graphene p–n junction
Authors: Jung Minkyung , Rickhaus Peter , Zihlmann Simon , Eichler Alexander , Makk Peter , Schönenberger Christian
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate high-frequency mechanical resonators in ballistic graphene p–n junctions.
Chiral expression in conjugated helical block copolymers
Authors: Leysen Pieter , Vertommen Stien , Koeckelberghs Guy
Published: February 2019

The organizational behaviour of block copolymers consisting of two helical blocks with opposite chiral expression is investigated.
Silica cubosomes templated by a star polymer
Authors: Cui Congcong , Han Lu , Che Shunai
Published: February 2019

Silica cubosomes were synthesized using a silica precursor and its formation mechanism was revealed.
High-performance inverted organic light-emitting diodes with extremely low efficiency roll-off using solution-processed ZnS quantum dots as the electron injection layer
Authors: Shi Guanjie , Zhang Xiaozheng , Wan Minqiang , Wang Shuanglong , Lian Hong , Xu Run , Zhu Wenqing
Published: February 2019

The electron-injecting layer (EIL) is one of the key factors in inverted organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to realize high electroluminescence efficiency.
A novel diarylethene-based fluorescent “turn-on” sensor for the selective detection of Mg2+
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cui Shiqiang , Qiu Shouyu , Pu Shouzhi
Published: February 2019

A new photochromic diarylethene derivative with a 4-methylphenol unit has been designed and synthesized.
Telomerase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 activity sensing based on the high fluorescence selectivity and sensitivity of TOTO-1 towards G bases in single-stranded DNA and poly(ADP-ribose)
Authors: Yang Haitang , Fu Fangjia , Li Wei , Wei Wei , Zhang Yuanjian , Liu Songqin
Published: February 2019

Telomerase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) are two potential cancer biomarkers and are closely related to tumor initiation and malignant progression.
Superior electrostrictive strain achieved under low electric fields in relaxor ferroelectric polymers
Authors: Zhang Zhicheng , Wang Xiao , Tan Shaobo , Wang Qing
Published: February 2019

A relaxor ferroelectric polymer exhibits record electromechanical performance, including the largest electrostrain of −13.4%, the highest elastic energy density of 3.1 J cm−3 and the best energy conversion efficiency of 0.5, among the known ferroelectric polymers. Notably, the excellent electromechanical responses are realized under much lower fields than those of ferroelectric polymers.
Glucose oxidase and polydopamine functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles: combination of the photothermal effect and reactive oxygen species generation for dual-modality selective cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Li Yinping , Hong Weiying , Chen Zhiyong , Peng Peng , Yuan Shiling , Qu Jingyao , Xiao Min , Xu Li
Published: February 2019

The combination of PTT and ROS generation results in selective anti-cancer effects.
Synthesis of per(5-N-carboxamide-5-dehydroxylmethyl)-β-cyclodextrins and their selective recognition ability utilizing multiple hydrogen bonds
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Yonemura Sota , Nabeshima Tatsuya
Published: February 2019

An amide cyclodextrin with anion recognition ability exhibits unique binding mode in which unsymmetrically arranged functional groups play distinctive roles.
A bee pupa-infilled honeycomb structure-inspired Li2MnSiO4 cathode for high volumetric energy density secondary batteries
Authors: Liu Jinyun , Lin Xirong , Zhang Huigang , Shen Zihan , Lu Qianqian , Niu Junjie , Li Jinjin , Braun Paul V.
Published: February 2019

A novel biomimetic mesostructured cathode is reported, which provides a new method for improving active material loading of porous electrodes.
Investigation into the optimized growth, anisotropic properties and theoretical calculations of the polar material Cs2TeW3O12
Authors: Li Conggang , Zhao Peng , Gao Zeliang , Wu Qian , Tian Xiangxin , Ju Dianxing , Lu Weiqun , Sun Youxuan , Cui Deliang , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2019

Bulk single crystals of Cs2TeW3O12were grown successfully by a modified TSSG method and physical properties were systematically investigated.
Cobalt–graphene nanomaterial as an efficient catalyst for selective hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-dimethylfuran
Authors: Yang Fan , Mao Jingbo , Li Shenmin , Yin Jingmei , Zhou Jinxia , Liu Wei
Published: February 2019

The synergy of single Co atoms/Co clusters and CoOx nanoparticles, as well as reduced graphene oxide, leads to superior catalytic performance.
Luminescent metal–organic frameworks with a 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid ligand for detection of acetone
Authors: An Fengqin , Zhang Chengcheng , Duan Lijuan , Liu Xiangyu , Wang Zheng , Jin Xiaoyong , Song Weiming
Published: February 2019

Employing an unsymmetrical pyridyl-dicarboxylate ligand, three MOFs with diverse structures were obtained. The Cd-MOF shows excellent selective sensing towards acetone molecules.
Contribution to the coordination chemistry of transition metal nitroprussides: a cryo-XPS study
Authors: Cano A. , Lartundo-Rojas L. , Shchukarev A. , Reguera E.
Published: February 2019

The XPS Fe 2p3/2 core-level spectra of sodium hexacyanoferrate(ii) and sodium nitroprusside.
Dielectric and transport properties of cationic polyelectrolyte membrane P(NVP-co-DMDAAC)/PVA for solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Jin , Deng Mengde , Xiao Yahui , Hao Wentao , Zhu Chengfeng
Published: February 2019

A cationic polyelectrolyte with good ionic conductivity and dielectric properties was prepared; the membrane thickness is a key parameter.
Highly fluorescent carbon dots as an efficient nanoprobe for detection of clomifene citrate
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gao Zhiyong , Yang Xue , Yang Genqing , Chang Jiuli , Jiang Kai
Published: February 2019

Highly fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized through facile hydrothermal carbonization and ethylenediamine passivation of an easily available prawn shell precursor.
Retraction: Synthesis and characterization of Mn/Co/Ti LDH and its utilization as a photocatalyst in visible light assisted degradation of aqueous Rhodamine B
Authors: Shore Andrew
Published: February 2019

Retraction of ‘Synthesis and characterization of Mn/Co/Ti LDH and its utilization as a photocatalyst in visible light assisted degradation of aqueous Rhodamine B’ by Priyadarshi Roy Chowdhury and Krishna G. Bhattacharyya, RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 112016–112034.
Humidity-gated, temperature-responsive photonic infrared reflective broadband coatings
Authors: van Heeswijk Ellen P. A. , Kloos Joey J. H. , Grossiord Nadia , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: February 2019

A humidity gated, temperature-responsive liquid crystalline IR reflective coating was developed for autonomous temperature regulation.
Realizing low-voltage operating crystalline monolayer organic field-effect transistors with a low contact resistance
Authors: Jiang Longfeng , Liu Jie , Shi Yanjun , Zhu Danlei , Zhang Hantang , Hu Yuanyuan , Yu Junsheng , Hu Wenping , Jiang Lang
Published: February 2019

Monolayer crystals of 1,4-bis((5′-hexyl-2,2′-bithiophen-5-yl)ethynyl)benzene (HTEB) and their applications in low-voltage operating OFETs with a low bulk injection resistance (Rc,bulk) are presented.
Investigation of dacomitinib on reducing cell necrosis and enhancing cell apoptosis in C6 glioma rat model by MRI
Authors: Chen Wang-Sheng , Hong Lan , Wang Fei , Li Jian-Jun
Published: February 2019

Background: Glioma is one of the most epidemic and obstinate types of cancer in the central nervous system (CNS) with poor survival rate. Dacomitinib inhibited cell viability and proliferation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-amplified glioma. In the present study, the regional effects of Dacomitinib on tumor necrosis was investigated. Methods: A C6 rat glioma model was evaluated using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), and morphological T2-weighted imaging (T2W). The effects of Dacomitinib on glioma cells were investigated using methods of immunohistochemistry and Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. Results: The obtained data indicated that metabolite ratios were significantly decreased (all P<0.05) in the Dacomitinib-treated group compared with C6 glioma control group. The ADC value of necrotic core in Dacomitinib group was significantly lower than that in control group. In addition, the expression of Ki-67 in Dacomitinib-treated group (50.32 ± 5.61) was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The apoptotic index (AI) (28.01 ± 2.37) in Dacomitinib-treated group was significantly higher than that in control group (11.58 ± 3.17). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Dacomitinib could suppress glioma cell necrosis and proliferation.
FNDC5/Irisin inhibits pathological cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Yu Qing , Kou Wenxin , Xu Xu , Zhou Shunping , Luan Peipei , Xu Xiaopeng , Li Hailing , Zhuang Jianhui , Wang Jun , Zhao Yifan , Xu Yawei , Peng Wenhui
Published: February 2019

Cardiac hypertrophy is a common pathophysiological process in various cardiovascular diseases, which still has no effective therapies. Irisin is a novel myokine mainly secreted by skeletal muscle and is believed to be involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. In the present study, we found that irisin expression was elevated in hypertrophic murine hearts and serum. Moreover, angiotension II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was attenuated after irisin administration and aggravated after irisin knockdown in vitro. Next, we generated transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy murine model and found that cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were significantly attenuated with improved cardiac function assessed by echocardiography after irisin treatment. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that FNDC5 was cleaved into irisin, at least partially, in a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) family-dependent manner. ADAM10 was the candidate enzyme responsible for the cleavage. Further, we found irisin treatment activated AMPK and subsequently inhibited activation of mTOR. AMPK inhibition ablated the protective role of irisin administration. In conclusion, we find irisin is secreted in an ADAM family-dependent manner, and irisin treatment improves cardiac function and attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis mainly through regulating AMPK-mTOR signaling.
Pragmatic Language Performance of Children Adopted Internationally
Authors: Hwa-Froelich Deborah A. , Matsuo Hisako
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Pragmatic language is important for social communication across all settings. Children adopted internationally (CAI) may be at risk of poorer pragmatic language because of adverse early care, delayed adopted language development, and less ability to inhibit. The purpose of this study was to compare pragmatic language performance of CAI from Asian and Eastern European countries with a nonadopted group of children who were of the same age and from similar socioeconomic backgrounds as well as explore the relationship among emotion identification, false belief understanding, and inhibition variables with pragmatic language performance.

Method

Using a quasi-experimental design, 35 four-year-old CAI (20 Asian, 15 Eastern European) and 33 children who were not adopted were included in this study. The children's pragmatic language, general language, and social communication (emotion identification of facial expressions, false belief understanding, inhibition) were measured. Comparisons by region of origin and adoption experience were completed. We conducted split-half correlation analyses and entered significant correlation variables into simple and backward regression models.

Results

Pragmatic language performance differed by adoption experience. The adopted and nonadopted groups demonstrated different correlation patterns. Language performance explained most of the pragmatic language variance.

Discussion

Because CAI perform less well than their nonadopted peers on pragmatic communication measures and different variables are related to their pragmatic performance, speech-language pathologists may need to adapt assessment and intervention practices for this population.
Four‐kilowatt homogeneous microwave heating system using a power‐controlled phase‐shifting mode for improved heating uniformity
Authors: Jeong C.‐H. , Ahn S.‐H. , Lee W.‐S.
Published: February 2019

For homogeneous microwave heating in a microwave cavity with multiple 2.45 GHz microwave generators, power‐controlled phase‐shifting mode is proposed in this Letter. The proposed microwave heating system consists of a multimode microwave cavity in which dielectric materials are placed to be heated, four phase‐shifting WR‐340 waveguides for different phase excitation, four 1 kW magnetrons that produce microwave power at 2.45 GHz, and a power supply with a system controller for the magnetron output power controls. Using the proposed power‐controlled phase‐shifting mode, uniform heating distribution is achieved by reducing the hot and cold spots in the microwave cavity. The proposed experiments demonstrated that in comparison to a conventional mode with simultaneous multiple inputs, the proposed mode can achieve an improved heating uniformity of 64.4.
AC/DC multi‐infeed power flow solution
Authors: Rehman Bilawal , Liu Chongru
Published: February 2019

Here, a novel approach is proposed to compute discrete value of converter tap position in AC/DC hybrid multi‐infeed HVDC power flow solution. The approach is based on Newton–Raphson (NR) technique and sequential power flow method. An algorithm for the estimation of discrete tap position is devised by re‐converging DC system to eliminate the error between discrete tap position and actual value of tap. The proposed technique computes new value of gamma for discrete value of tap which solves convergence problem of DC system caused by AC‐voltage fluctuations. Theoretical bases and numerical results are presented to support new proposed approach. The technique is successfully applied to dual‐infeed LCC HVDC feeding into the same AC system which is more practical scenario. The results validate the approach and show advantages in term of accuracy and convergence.
Robust lane‐detection algorithm based on improved symmetrical local threshold for feature extraction and inverse perspective mapping
Authors: Ozgunalp Umar
Published: February 2019

Here, an extended version of the symmetrical local threshold (SLT) algorithm is introduced for lane feature extraction and used in a novel lane‐detection system. The introduced feature map extractor utilises parallel lane border features as well as the dark‐light‐dark (DLD) pattern of the lane marking used in SLT. Hence, compared to the SLT, the true positive to positive rate of the calculated feature maps is increased from 69% to 86% on the ROMA dataset. In addition, the proposed algorithm supplies orientation information for the estimated feature points, which can be useful for many optimisation algorithms. Consequently, based on the estimated lane feature orientations, a global lane orientation is calculated and used for both enhancing the feature map and estimating a one‐dimensional (1D) lateral offset likelihood function. Then, the estimated 1D functions are filtered temporally and up to two linear lane candidates are detected. For increased flexibility, robust fitting is applied to the feature points in the region of interest (ROI). Finally, based on the detection of the previous frame, a mask is created and applied to the next frame. When tested on 2301 road images, mean error in lateral offset is calculated as 4.1 pixel on the IPM images.
Regional adaptive affinitive patterns (RADAP) with logical operators for facial expression recognition
Authors: Mandal Murari , Verma Monu , Mathur Sonakshi , Vipparthi Santosh Kumar , Murala Subrahmanyam , Kranthi Kumar Deveerasetty
Published: February 2019

Automated facial expression recognition plays a significant role in the study of human behaviour analysis. In this study, the authors propose a robust feature descriptor named regional adaptive affinitive patterns (RADAP) for facial expression recognition. The RADAP computes positional adaptive thresholds in the local neighbourhood and encodes multi‐distance magnitude features which are robust to intra‐class variations and irregular illumination variation in an image. Furthermore, they established cross‐distance co‐occurrence relations in RADAP by using logical operators. They proposed XRADAP, ARADAP, and DRADAP using xor, adder and decoder, respectively. The XRADAP engrains the quality of robustness to intra‐class variations in RADAP features using pairwise co‐occurrence. Similarly, ARADAP and DRADAP extract more stable and illumination invariant features and capture the minute expression features which are usually missed by regular descriptors. The performance of the proposed methods is evaluated by conducting experiments on nine benchmark datasets Cohn–Kanade+ (CK+), Japanese female facial expression (JAFFE), Multimedia Understanding Group (MUG), MMI, OULU‐CASIA, Indian spontaneous expression database, DISFA, AFEW and Combined (CK+, JAFFE, MUG, MMI & GEMEP‐FERA) database in both person dependent and person independent setup. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method over state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Quick response barcode deblurring via L0 regularisation based sparse optimisation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Pu Haitao , Lian Jian
Published: February 2019

In recent years, the two‐dimensional barcode techniques have been widely applied in a large number of fields due to the requirement for the development of information acquisition technology. Also, the identification and verification of the static barcodes could be implemented flawlessly. However, the recognition of the motion blurred two‐dimensional barcode images still remains a challenge to most of the current machine vision systems. To address the above‐mentioned problem, the authors propose a regularisation‐based approach to reverse the blurry barcode images while taking the number of black and white blocks in the two‐dimensional barcode image as the prior. To evaluate the performance of the proposed approach, they conducted comparison experiments between state‐of‐the‐art image deblurring methods and ours. Experimental results on synthetically blurry barcode images show that the proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art image restoration techniques.
Survey on GAN‐based face hallucination with its model development
Authors: Liu Heng , Zheng Xiaoyu , Han Jungong , Chu Yuezhong , Tao Tao
Published: February 2019

Face hallucination aims to produce a high‐resolution face image from an input low‐resolution face image, which is of great importance for many practical face applications, such as face recognition and face verification. Since the structure of the face image is complex and sensitive, obtaining a super‐resolved face image is more difficult than generic image super‐resolution. Recently, with great success in the high‐level face recognition task, deep learning methods, especially generative adversarial networks (GANs), have also been applied to the low‐level vision task – face hallucination. This work is to provide a model evolvement survey on GAN‐based face hallucination. The principles of image resolution degradation and GAN‐based learning are presented firstly. Then, a comprehensive review of the state‐of‐art GAN‐based face hallucination methods is provided. Finally, the comparisons of these GAN‐based face hallucination methods and the discussions of the related issues for future research direction are also provided.
Model predictive control for a modular multilevel cascade converter with an improved zero‐sequence voltage injection method
Authors: Guo Chujia , Zhang Aimin , Zhang Hang , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2019

In this study, the authors propose a model predictive control method for modular multilevel cascade converter‐single star bridge cells (MMCC‐SSBC) with an improved zero‐sequence voltage injection algorithm under unbalanced conditions. First, a model predictive controller is designed to optimise the control process, and a novelty cost function is proposed to control the current, voltage and switching frequency. Second, an improved dc voltage balancing algorithm based on zero‐sequence voltage injection is proposed. New unknown variables are selected to avoid the inverse trigonometric calculation and convert the non‐linear problem to a linear problem. Third, the regulation capability is analysed to avoid the saturation and non‐linear characteristic caused by the zero‐sequence voltage injection. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm shows a shorter calculation time and achieves better performance when single‐phase voltage sag occurs. The experimental results further demonstrate that MMCC‐SSBC combined with the proposed controller has excellent steady state and dynamic performance; at the same time, the switching frequency can be controlled by the new cost function.
Cancelation of small-scale magnetic features
Authors: Kaithakkal A. J. , Solanki S. K.
Published: February 2019

Aims. We investigate small-scale flux cancelations in a young active region observed with the high-resolution imaging magnetograph IMaX on the SUNRISE balloon-borne solar observatory.

Methods. The observed Stokes profiles of the photospheric Fe I 5250.2 Å line were inverted using the SPINOR code to obtain the atmospheric parameters, including magnetic field vector and the line-of-sight velocity. We then identified 11 opposite-polarity canceling pairs using an automatic detection code, studied their evolution in detail, and derived their statistical properties. We classified the cancelations into two groups. Class I events are those for which cancelation happens between a pre-existing large magnetic feature of one polarity and a smaller feature of the other polarity that emerged or appeared nearby. For Class II events cancelations occur between two pre-existing, previously unconnected features that converge.

Results. All studied events have an apparent cancelation time of less than ten minutes and display a significant transient linear polarization signal along the polarity inversion line. The cancelation events are characterized by a flux decay rate of about 1015 Mx s−1. For Class I events, the Doppler velocity of the disappearing patch gradually switches from blueshift during the initial phase of cancelation to redshift toward the end of the cancelation. For class II events, the Doppler velocity is consistently redshifted. Horizontal convergence speeds of Class II pairs fall between 0.3 and 1.22 km s−1. The elements often do not converge directly toward each other, so that the proper motion speeds of the individual elements is higher, in the range of 1–2.7 km s−1.

Conclusions. We propose that these cancelation events result from either field-line submergence (Class I), or reconnection followed by submergence (Class II and/or Class I). Ohmic dissipation of magnetic energy could also play a role for both classes. The dynamics and evolution of these events are influenced by neighboring granular motions. We also propose that, at least for the Class II events, the granular motions could possibly be driving magnetic reconnection, rather than the supergranular motions proposed for the larger cancelation events studied earlier. Specific flux cancelation rates of the Class II events seem to indicate that they belong to somewhat different category of cancelations when compared with those studied in SOT/Hinode and MDI/SOHO data.
A low-frequency view of mixed-morphology supernova remnant VRO 42.05.01, and its neighbourhood
Authors: Arias M. , Vink J. , Iacobelli M. , Domček V. , Haverkorn M. , Oonk J. B. R. , Polderman I. , Reich W. , White G. J. , Zhou P.
Published: February 2019

Context.Mixed-morphology supernova remnants (MM SNRs) are a mysterious class of objects that display thermal X-ray emission within their radio shell. They are an older class of SNRs, and as such are profoundly affected by the environment into which they evolve. VRO 42.05.01 is a MM SNR of puzzling morphology in the direction of the Galactic anticentre.

Aims.Low-frequency radio observations of supernova remnants are sensitive to synchrotron electrons accelerated in the shock front. We aim to compare the low-frequency emission to higher frequency observations to understand the environmental and shock acceleration conditions that have given rise to the observed properties of this source.

Methods.We present a LOFAR High Band Antenna map centred at 143 MHz of the region of the Galactic plane centred atl = 166 ° ,  b = 3.5° at 143 MHz, with a resolution of 148″ and an rms noise of 4.4 mJy bm−1. Our map is sensitive to scales as large as 6°. We compared the LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) observations to archival higher frequency radio, infrared, and optical data to study the emission properties of the source in different spectral regimes. We did this both for the SNR and for OA 184, an H II region within our field of view.

Results.We find that the radio spectral index of VRO 42.05.01 increases at low radio frequencies; i.e. the LOFAR flux is higher than expected from the measured spectral index value at higher radio frequencies. This observed curvature in the low-frequency end of the radio spectrum occurs primarily in the brightest regions of the source, while the fainter regions present a roughly constant power-law behaviour between 143 MHz and 2695 MHz. We favour an explanation for this steepening whereby radiative shocks have high compression ratios and electrons of different energies probe different length scales across the shocks, therefore sampling regions of different compression ratios.
Adapting viticulture to climate change in the Mediterranean region: Evaluations accounting for spatial differences in the producers-climate interactions
Authors: Santillán D. , Sotés V. , Iglesias A. , Garrote L.
Published: February 2019

Effective adaptation of viticulture to climate change requires impact and response scenarios. Although climate and production impact scenarios are based on the evaluation of a spatially heterogeneous system, conventional response scenarios do not take into account the variation of the producers-climate interactions. These interactions are often extremely heterogeneous and unevenly distributed in space, leading to errors in the needs and adaptation plans, especially in large areas. Here we develop a novel framework for adaptation that considers the heterogeneity of the responses given by producers to climate, and applies the concept to adaptation of viticulture to climate change in the Mediterranean region. We use future climate scenarios at 0.5 ∘resolution to estimate the adaptation of viticulture by the end of the 21st century. Results suggest that most of the Mediterranean region may urgently need adaptation plans, leading to potential opportunities. By incorporating spatially explicit information on the diversity of viticulture systems, management practices, and climate vulnerability, this approach may contribute to adaptation policy.
Grapevine clonal selection in Portugal: A different approach
Authors: Gonçalves E. , Graça A. , Martins and A.
Published: February 2019

The methodology for selection of an ancient grapevine variety conducted by PORVID (Portuguese Association for Grapevine Diversity) and the Portuguese Network for Grapevine Selection, focuses on quantitative genetic tools resulting in an integrated strategy that comprises two types of selected material – clonal and polyclonal – both carrying high genetic and economic gains for relevant agronomic and oenological traits. This work focused on the clonal selection methodology, particularly on the model for communication with users of selected materials (grape growers and winemakers). The approach is innovative, since detailed information of the whole experimental process leading to certified clones is provided, including predicted genetic gains for several traits and information about the clone's environmental stability (G × E interaction). This last analysis, combined with the utilisation of several certified clones (approximately 7), contributes to a better adaptation to environmental changes.