Fixed-point algorithms for constrained ICA and their applications in fMRI data analysis

Constrained independent component analysis (CICA) eliminates the order ambiguity of standard ICA by incorporating prior information into the learning process to sort the components intrinsically. However, the original CICA (OCICA) and its variants depend on a learning rate, which is not easy to be tuned for various applications. To solve this problem, two learning-rate-free CICA algorithms were derived in this paper using the fixed-point learning concept. A complete stability analysis was provided for the proposed methods, which also made a correction to the stability analysis given to OCICA. Variations for adding constraints either to the components or to the associated time courses were derived too. Using synthetic data, the proposed methods yielded a better stability and a better source separation quality in terms of higher signal-to-noise-ratio and smaller performance index than OCICA. For the artificially generated brain activations, the new CICAs demonstrated a better sensitivity/specificity performance than standard univariate general linear model (GLM) and standard ICA. Original CICA showed a similar sensitivity/specificity gain but failed to converge for several times. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquired with a well-characterized sensorimotor task, the proposed CICAs yielded better sensitivity than OCICA, standard ICA and GLM in all the target functional regions in terms of either higher t values or larger suprathreshold cluster extensions using the same significance threshold. In addition, they were more stable than OCICA and standard ICA for analyzing the sensorimotor fMRI data.     

Derivative of Electron Density in Non-Equilibrium Green's Function Technique and Its Application to Boost Performance of Convergence

The non-equilibrium Green＇s function （NEGF） technique provides a solid foundation for the development of quantum mechanical simulators. However, the convergence is always of great concern. We present a general analytical formalism to acquire the accurate derivative of electron density with respect to electrical potential in the framework of NEGF. This formalism not only provides physical insight on non-local quantum phenomena in device simulation, but also can be used to set up a new scheme in solving the Poisson equation to boost the performance of convergence when the NEGF and Poisson equations are solved self-consistently. This method is illustrated by a simple one-dimensional example of an N＋＋ N＋ N＋＋ resistor. The total simulation time and iteration number are largely reduced.     

Effect of Zn Interstitials on Enhancing Ultraviolet Emission of ZnO Films Deposited by MOCVD

ZnO films are grown on Si （111） substrates by a metal organic chemical vapor deposition method. Samples with different stoichiometric composition of Zn and 0 are obtained by varying Ⅱ/Ⅵ molar ratio between 3 and 1/3 in precursors. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescenee results show that the ultraviolet emission enhances with the increasing Zn/O composition ratio of the samples. It is suggested that the supertfluous Zn atoms pile up at interstitial positions to form Zn interstitial defects. The radiated recombination of the coupling of free exeitons with donor Zn interstitial enhances the ultraviolet emission of the samples.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Formal Hydroalkylation of Aryl‐Substituted Alkynes with Hydrazones

We have developed an unprecedented Pd‐catalyzed formal hydroalkylation of alkynes with hydrazones, which are generated in situ from naturally abundant aldehydes, as both alkylation reagents and hydrogen donors. The hydroalkylation proceeds with high regio‐ and stereoselectivity to form (Z)‐alkenes, which are more difficult to generate compared to (E)‐alkenes. The reaction is compatible with a wide range of functional groups, including hydroxy, ester, ketone, nitrile, boronic ester, amine, and halide groups. Furthermore, late‐stage modifications of natural products and pharmaceutical derivatives exemplify its unique chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and synthetic applicability. Mechanistic studies indicate the possible involvement of Pd‐hydride intermediates.     

LSM-infiltrated LSCF cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Mixed ionic-electronic conductors in the family of La_xSr_1–xCo_yFe_1–yO_3–δ have been widely studied as cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, the long-term stability was a concern. Here we report our findings on the effect of a thin film coating of La_0.85Sr_0.15MnO_3–δ (LSM) on the performance of a porous La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3–δ (LSCF) cathode. When the thicknesses of the LSM coatings are appropriate, an LSM-coated LSCF electrode showed better stability and lower polarization (or higher activity) than the blank LSCF cathode without LSM infiltration. An anode-supported cell with an LSM-infiltrated LSCF cathode demonstrated at 825 °C a peak power density of ～1.07 W/cm², about 24% higher than that of the same cell without LSM infiltration (～0.86 W/cm²). Further, the LSM coating enhanced the stability of the electrode; there was little degradation in performance for the cell with an LSM-infiltrated LSCF cathode during 100 h operation.     

具有不可缩小Beltrami系数的拟共形映射

本文讨论了不可缩小Beltrami系数与无限小不可缩小Beltrami系数的局部 性与整体性的关系;并通过烟囱形区域上仿射拉伸的实例,指出构造一类极值的具有 非常数模的不可缩小Beltrami系数与无限小不可缩小Beltrami系数的方法.     

VALENCE AND EMISSION OF SAMARIUM IONS IN KMF(M:Mg、Ca)

The SmF_(2.01)was synthesized by reducing SmF_3 in H_2 stream.As it was doped inKM_gF_3 and KCaF_3.there was emission of Sm~(2+) in KMgF_3 but no emission of Sm~(2+) inKCaF_3 was observed.     

Chemical and Toxicological Investigations of a Previously Unknown Poisonous European Mushroom Tricholoma terreum

The established tradition of consuming and marketing wild mushrooms has focused attention on mycotoxicity, which has become a global issue. In the present study, we describe the toxins found in a previously unknown poisonous European mushroom Tricholoma terreum. Fifteen new triterpenoids terreolides A–F ( 1 – 6 ) and saponaceolides H–P ( 8 – 16 ) were isolated from the fruiting bodies of the toxic mushroom T. terreum. Terreolides A–C ( 1 – 3 ) possessed a unique 5/6/7 trioxaspiroketal system, whereas terreolides D–F ( 4 – 6 ) possessed an unprecedented carbon skeleton. Two abundant compounds in the mushroom, saponaceolide B ( 7 ) and saponaceolide M ( 13 ), displayed acute toxicity, with LD₅₀ values of 88.3 and 63.7 mg kg^?1 when administered orally in mice. Both compounds were found to increase serum creatine kinase levels in mice, indicating that T. terreum may be the cause of mushroom poisoning ultimately leading to rhabdomyolysis.     

用于测量农药残留的小麦酯酶的选择

为研制探测农药残留的生物传感器，研究了农药乐果[O,O-二甲基S－（N－甲基胺基甲酰甲戎）二硫代磷酸酯]对各种小麦植物酯酶的抑制，从小麦中提取植物酶，以农药乐果为抑制剂，采用分光光度法研究了乐果对各种小麦酯酶活性的影响；研究显示，不同品种小麦酯酶对农药乐果的敏感度不同，在所研究的品种中，豫麦39和小麦周9对乐果较敏感，研究结果说明了选择小麦酶源的必要性。