bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the Four‐Dimensional Viscosity Field of an Experimental Lava Flow
Authors: Farrell James A.
Published: January 2020

Viscosity is a critical rheological property that determines the behavior, evolution, and final morphology of lava flows. Determining the viscosity of an active lava flow, however, is nontrivial. The rheological structure of lava is complex, and during active flow conditions, viscosity can change by orders of magnitude through space and time. This makes viscosity one of the most elusive properties of flowing lava. After almost a century of research on lava viscosity, it is still common practice to reduce the viscosity of a flow to a single value, generalizing an immense field of deviations and complexities. Considering lava viscosity as a one‐dimensional variable may be sufficient for characterizing some aspects of flows, but it does not allow for solving higher‐order rheological problems, such as depth structure, spatial variability, or rates of change. This study presents, for the first time, the four‐dimensional viscosity field of an actively flowing experimental lava. Results from this experiment include time‐series thickness, surface velocity, and temperature maps that are used to solve for the 4‐D viscosity of the lava flow with a spatial resolution of 2 cm. Additionally, the approach used in this study allows for an analysis of vertical rheological structure, specifically, crust and core viscosity layers. Although this study was performed in an experimental setting with crystal‐ and bubble‐free lava, the basic data collection techniques applied are common in field volcanology and thus could be applicable in certain natural settings.
Millimeter‐Wave Radiometric Information Content Analysis for Venus Atmospheric Constituents
Authors: Mathew N. , Sahoo S. , Pillai R. Ramachandran , Raju C. Suresh
Published: January 2020

Various gaseous constituents present in Venus atmosphere have been detected and measured using in situ and remote sensing instruments. However, the measurements of mesospheric constituents above the cloud level are still scarce and inadequate. This is because constituents above the cloud level have a low abundance and a high level of variability. However, millimeter and submillimeter (mm and sub‐mm) frequencies can be used for Venus mesosphere measurements during prolonged Venusian day and night because several minor species in the upper atmosphere have emission/absorption bands in these frequencies owing to the rotational transitions. This study presents brightness temperatures and the corresponding sensitivity at the mm and sub‐mm wave frequencies for a limb sounding radiometer. This will be useful in potential payload design, that is, instrument design, frequency, bandwidth selection, and satellite altitude as well as pointing accuracy determination for measurement above Venus clouds. For this study, a simulation based experiment has been performed and presented to determine the mm and sub‐mm wave frequencies, optimum for estimation of concentration of water vapor, CO, CO2, SO2, HDO, and HCl present in the mesosphere. The simulations have been performed using a radiative transfer model called Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator. The mm and sub‐mm wave measurement frequencies have been determined for both day and night time of Venus. It has been determined that 183, 380, 448, and 556 GHz frequencies are most suitable for water vapor measurements, 115, 230, and 345 GHz are optimum for CO measurements, and 600, 621, and 690 GHz frequency measurements are sensitive for HCl detection.
Acousto-optic modulation of photonic bound state in the continuum
Authors: Yu Zejie , Sun Xiankai
Published: January 2020

Photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) have recently been studied in various systems and have found wide applications in sensors, lasers, and filters. Applying BICs in photonic integrated circuits enables low-loss light guidance and routing in low-refractive-index waveguides on high-refractive-index substrates, which opens a new avenue for integrated photonics with functional single-crystal materials. Here, we demonstrate high-quality integrated lithium niobate microcavities inside which the photonic BIC modes circulate and further modulate these BIC modes acousto-optically by using piezoelectrically actuated surface acoustic waves at microwave frequencies. With a high acousto-optic modulation frequency, the acousto-optic coupling is well situated in the resolved-sideband regime. This leads to coherent coupling between microwave and optical photons, which is exhibited by the observed electro-acousto-optically induced transparency and absorption. Therefore, our devices serve as a paradigm for manipulating and controlling photonic BICs on a chip, which will enable many other applications of photonic BICs in the areas of microwave photonics and quantum information processing.
Repurposing a psychoactive drug for children with cancer: p27Kip1-dependent inhibition of metastatic neuroblastomas by Prozac
Authors: Bibbo’ Sandra , Lamolinara Alessia , Capone Emily , Purgato Stefania , Tsakaneli Alexia , Panella Valeria , Sallese Michele , Rossi Cosmo , Ciufici Paolo , Nieddu Valentina , De Laurenzi Vincenzo , Iezzi Manuela , Perini Giovanni , Sala Gianluca , Sala Arturo
Published: January 2020

The MYC family of transcription factors is a major driver of human cancer and potential therapeutic target. However, no clinically viable drugs have been yet developed that are able to directly tackle MYC oncoproteins. In our laboratory, we are exploring alternative approaches aiming to disturb signalling downstream of MYC. MYCN is frequently activated in neuroblastoma, a paediatric solid malignancy that, in its metastatic form, has a very poor prognosis. An important pathway regulated by MYC is the CKS1/SKP2/p27kip1 axis. In this study, we have repurposed the anti-psychotic drug Prozac to disrupt CKS1/SKP2/p27Kip1 signalling and assess its potential as an anti-neuroblastoma agent in vitro and in vivo. Using DNA editing technology, we show that stabilisation of p27Kip1 operated by Prozac in MYC-activated cells is essential for the anti-neuroblastoma activity of the drug. Furthermore, dosing mice with a concentration of Prozac equivalent to that used in long-term clinical trials in children with psychiatric disorders caused a significant reduction of metastatic disease in two models of high-risk neuroblastoma. The favourable toxicity profile of Prozac suggests that long-term treatments might be implemented in children with MYC/CKS1high neuroblastomas.
DDIAS promotes STAT3 activation by preventing STAT3 recruitment to PTPRM in lung cancer cells
Authors: Im Joo-Young , Kim Bo-Kyung , Lee Kang-Woo , Chun So-Young , Kang Mi-Jung , Won Misun
Published: January 2020

DNA damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS) regulates cancer cell survival. Here we investigated the involvement of DDIAS in IL-6–mediated signaling to understand the mechanism underlying the role of DDIAS in lung cancer malignancy. We showed that DDIAS promotes tyrosine phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is constitutively activated in malignant cancers. Interestingly, siRNA protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) library screening revealed protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor mu (PTPRM) as a novel STAT3 PTP. PTPRM knockdown rescued the DDIAS-knockdown-mediated decrease in STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation in the presence of IL-6. However, PTPRM overexpression decreased STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation. Moreover, endogenous PTPRM interacted with endogenous STAT3 for dephosphorylation at Y705 following IL-6 treatment. As expected, PTPRM bound to wild-type STAT3 but not the STAT3 Y705F mutant. PTPRM dephosphorylated STAT3 in the absence of DDIAS, suggesting that DDIAS hampers PTPRM/STAT3 interaction. In fact, DDIAS bound to the STAT3 transactivation domain (TAD), which competes with PTPRM to recruit STAT3 for dephosphorylation. Thus we show that DDIAS prevents PTPRM/STAT3 binding and blocks STAT3 Y705 dephosphorylation, thereby sustaining STAT3 activation in lung cancer. DDIAS expression strongly correlates with STAT3 phosphorylation in human lung cancer cell lines and tissues. Thus DDIAS may be considered as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in malignant lung cancer cells with aberrant STAT3 activation.
The antibody response induced FMDV vaccines in sheep correlates with early transcriptomic responses in blood
Authors: Jouneau Luc , Lefebvre David J. , Costa Fleur , Romey Aurore , Blaise-Boisseau Sandra , Relmy Anthony , Jaszczyszyn Yan , Dard-Dascot Cloelia , Déjean Sébastien , Versillé Nicolas , Guitton Edouard , Hudelet Pascal , Curet Marianne , De Clercq Kris , Bakkali-Kassimi Labib , Zientara Stéphan , Klonjkowski Bernard , Schwartz-Cornil Isabelle
Published: January 2020

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease with high economic impact, representing a major threat for cloven-hooved mammals worldwide. Vaccines based on adjuvanted inactivated virus (iFMDV) induce effective protective immunity implicating antibody (Ab) responses. To reduce the biosafety constraints of the manufacturing process, a non-replicative human adenovirus type 5 vector encoding FMDV antigens (Ad5-FMDV) has been developed. Here we compared the immunogenicity of iFMDV and Ad5-FMDV with and without the ISA206VG emulsion-type adjuvant in sheep. Contrasted Ab responses were obtained: iFMDV induced the highest Ab levels, Ad5-FMDV the lowest ones, and ISA206VG increased the Ad5-FMDV-induced Ab responses to protective levels. Each vaccine generated heterogeneous Ab responses, with high and low responders, the latter being considered as obstacles to vaccine effectiveness. A transcriptomic study on total blood responses at 24 h post-vaccination revealed several blood gene module activities correlating with long-term Ab responses. Downmodulation of T cell modules’ activities correlated with high responses to iFMDV and to Ad5-FMDV+ISA206VG vaccines as also found in other systems vaccinology studies in humans and sheep. The impact of cell cycle activity depended on the vaccine types, as it positively correlated with higher responses to iFMDV but negatively to non-adjuvanted Ad5-FMDV. Finally an elevated B cell activity at 24 h correlated with high Ab responses to the Ad5-FMDV+ISA206VG vaccine. This study provides insights into the early mechanisms driving the Ab response induced by different vaccine regimens including Ad5 vectors and points to T cell modules as early biomarker candidates of different vaccine-type efficacy across species.
Acousto optic imaging beyond the acoustic diffraction limit using speckle decorrelation
Authors: Doktofsky Daniel , Rosenfeld Moriya , Katz Ori
Published: January 2020

Acousto-optic imaging (AOI) enables optical-contrast imaging deep inside scattering samples via localized ultrasound modulation of scattered light. However, the resolution in AOI is inherently limited by the ultrasound focus size, prohibiting microscopic investigations. In recent years advances in the field of digital wavefront-shaping allowed the development of novel approaches for overcoming AOI’s acoustic resolution limit. However, these approaches require thousands of wavefront measurements within the sample speckle decorrelation time, limiting their application to static samples. Here, we show that it is possible to surpass the acoustic resolution-limit with a conventional AOI system by exploiting the natural dynamics of speckle decorrelations rather than trying to overcome them. We achieve this by adapting the principles of super-resolution optical fluctuations imaging (SOFI) to AOI. We show that naturally fluctuating optical speckle grains can serve in AOI as the analogues of blinking fluorophores in SOFI, enabling super-resolution by statistical analysis of fluctuating acousto-optic signals.
The adsorption behaviour of carbon nanodots modulated by cellular membrane potential
Authors: Zhang Shuyuan , Xiao Changqing , He Hang , Xu Ziqiang , Wang Beibei , Chen Xueqin , Li Cao , Jiang Bingbing , Liu Yi
Published: January 2020

A schematic comparison of the adsorption behavior of CDs on liposomes and cellular membranes.
Response surface methodology directed adsorption of chlorate and chlorite onto MIEX resin and study of chemical properties
Authors: Yang Yiqiong , Zheng Zenghui , Zhang Dongfeng , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: January 2020

For the first time, response surface methodology has been used to optimize the adsorption process of chlorite and chlorate by MIEX.
Ferric tannate photothermal material for efficient water distillation
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Chen Zhaowei , Xia Zijing , Waldman Ruben Z. , Wu Shao-Lin , Yang Hao-Cheng , Darling Seth B.
Published: January 2020

Ferric tannate is used as a photothermal material and integrated with a polymer membrane by atomic layer deposition for solar water distillation.
Synthesis of Fe3C@porous carbon nanorodsviacarbonizing Fe complexes for oxygen reduction reaction and Zn–air battery
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Zhao Yong , Ji Muwei , Zhang Han-ming , Zhang Minghui , Zhao Hang , Cheng Mengsi , Yu Jiali , Liu Huichao , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: January 2020

The FeCNRs were controlled preparedviacarbonizing the Fe complexes and their activities on ORR was found to be suitable for Zn–air battery application.
Two new inorganic–organic hybrid zinc phosphites and their derived ZnO/ZnS heterostructure for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Sun Yayong , Wang Fupeng , Fu Yunlei , Chen Chao , Wang Xuanyi , Xiao Zhenyu , Liu Yanru , Xu Jixiang , Li Bin , Wang Lei
Published: January 2020

Though a solvo-thermal synthesis process, two novel inorganic–organic hybrid zinc phosphite were constructed. Using these hybrid zinc phosphite as template, the ZnO/ZnS heterostructures were prepared by a sulfuration method for enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Anionic azo dyes removal from water using amine-functionalized cobalt–iron oxide nanoparticles: a comparative time-dependent study and structural optimization towards the removal mechanism
Authors: Qurrat-ul-Ain Qurrat-ul-Ain , Khurshid Sumaira , Gul Zarnab , Khatoon Jaweria , Shah Muhammad Raza , Hamid Irum , Khan Iffat Abdul Tawab , Aslam Fariha
Published: January 2020

Efficient and selective removal of azo dyes from water by amine-functionalized-CoFe2O4 nanoparticles reliant on structural features such as size, charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and S/C atoms.
Calculating the absolute binding free energy of the insulin dimer in an explicit solvent
Authors: Gong Qiankun , Zhang Haomiao , Zhang Haozhe , Chen Changjun
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we calculate the absolute binding free energy of an insulin dimer by steered MD method. The result of −8.97 kcal mol−1is close to the experimental value −7.2 kcal mol−1. We also analyze the residue–residue interactions.
Interface chemistry modulation and dielectric optimization of TMA-passivated HfDyOx/Ge gate stacks using doping concentration and thermal treatment
Authors: Wang Die , He Gang , Fang Zebo , Hao Lin , Sun Zhaoqi , Liu Yanmei
Published: January 2020

In this work, the effects of different Dy-doping concentrations and annealing temperatures on the interfacial chemistry and electrical properties of TMA-passivated HfDyOx/Ge gate stacks have been investigated systematically.
Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced degradation of groutellite and ramsdellite, two cathode materials of technological interest
Authors: Bernardini Simone , Bellatreccia Fabio , Della Ventura Giancarlo , Ballirano Paolo , Sodo Armida
Published: January 2020

Raman spectra of groutellite and ramsdellite were provided and the thermal stability under the laser beam was investigated. Raman mapping allows the study of their distribution, which play a key-role in electrochemical activity of these compounds.
Boron-doped few-layer graphene nanosheet gas sensor for enhanced ammonia sensing at room temperature
Authors: Srivastava Shubhda , Jain Shubhendra K. , Gupta Govind , Senguttuvan T. D. , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: January 2020

A boron-doped few-layer LPCVD graphene sensor is successfully designed and demonstrated for enhanced NH3 gas sensing applications.
On water catalyst-free synthesis of benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b] thiazoles and novel N-alkylated 2-aminobenzo[d]oxazoles under microwave irradiation
Authors: Mukku Narasimharao , Maiti Barnali
Published: January 2020

A highly efficient unprecedented catalyst-free microwave-assisted procedure for synthesizing benzo[d]imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles and N-alkylated 2-aminobenzo[d]oxazol in green media was developed.
Room-temperature graphitization in a solid-phase reaction
Authors: Elnobi Sahar , Sharma Subash , Araby Mona Ibrahim , Paudel Balaram , Kalita Golap , Mohd Yusop Mohd Zamri , Ayhan Muhammed Emre , Tanemura Masaki
Published: January 2020

The spontaneous graphitization for C films containing Ni NPs was attributed mainly to the increased solubility for metallic Ni NPs, and was enhanced at the deposition temperature of 50 °C.
Using a visible light-triggered pH switch to activate nanozymes for antibacterial treatment
Authors: Xi Juqun , Zhang Jingjing , Qian Xiaodong , An Lanfang , Fan Lei
Published: January 2020

An in situ pH decrease is achieved under visible-light illumination on a photoacid generator, and thus activates the peroxidase-like activity of CuS nanoparticles to treat bacteria-infected wounds.
Carrier-mediated ferromagnetism in two-dimensional PtS2
Authors: Iordanidou Konstantina , Houssa Michel , Persson Clas
Published: January 2020

Using first principles calculations based on density functional theory the impact of hole doping on the magnetic and electronic properties of two dimensional PtS2 is studied.
Stereodivergent access to all four stereoisomers of chiral tetrahydrobenzo[f][1,4]oxazepines, through highly diastereoselective multicomponent Ugi–Joullié reaction
Authors: Pinna Alessandro , Basso Andrea , Lambruschini Chiara , Moni Lisa , Riva Renata , Rocca Valeria , Banfi Luca
Published: January 2020

Starting from easily accessible enantiopure 1,2-aminoalcohols and salicylaldehydes, a concise and diastereodivergent route to tetrahydrobenzo[f][1,4]oxazepines has been developed.
Enhancing the separation efficiency of a C2H2/C2H4 mixture by a chromium metal–organic framework fabricated via post-synthetic metalation
Authors: Yu Fan , Hu Bing-Qian , Wang Xiao-Ning , Zhao Yu-Meng , Li Jia-Luo , Li Bao , Zhou Hong-Cai
Published: January 2020

A new Cr metal–organic framework was fabricated via post-synthetic metalation, which exhibited enhanced separation performance for C2H2/C2H4 compared to its template of the isostructural Fe framework.
Development of functional liposomes by modification of stimuli-responsive materials and their biomedical applications
Authors: Yuba Eiji
Published: January 2020

The fabrication strategies and biomedical applications of stimuli-responsive material-modified liposomes are summarized and reviewed.
Reversible multi-mode modulations of optical behavior in photochromic-translucent Nd-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Huajing , Lin Jinfeng , Deng Baoyu , Lin Tengfei , Lin Cong , Cheng Yao , Wu Xiao , Zheng Xinghua , Yu Xing
Published: January 2020

Multi-mode modulations of near-infrared and visible optical behaviors in xNd-KNN translucent ceramics are induced by color center-related photochromism reactions.
Generalised representation of multi‐terminal VSC‐HVDC systems for AC–DC power flow studies
Authors: Karami Ehsan , Gharehpetian Gevork B. , Mohammadpour Hadi , Khalilinia Ahmad , Bali Afshar
Published: January 2020

This study presents a generalised representation of voltage source converter (VSC) based high voltage direct current (HVDC) systems appropriate for power flow studies using the Newton–Raphson method. To reach this aim, the active loads and ideal synchronous machines are employed in order to incorporate both converter losses and power balance, respectively. Also, considering different aspects of computer implementation, the proposed solution method uses the conventional Newton–Raphson method. The proposed representation considers practical restrictions, switching and conduction losses of semiconductors, and different control strategies for VSC‐HVDC stations. Moreover, the proposed generalised representation of VSC‐HVDC systems can be easily extended to incorporate the multi‐terminal VSC‐HVDC grids in an efficient manner. To investigate the application of the proposed representation for VSC‐HVDC systems and load flow solution, three test systems including the standard IEEE 30 bus and IEEE two area RTS‐96 networks are used and discussion on results is provided. Results show that the proposed algorithm is able to solve AC–DC power flow problems very efficiently with considerably less time in comparison to other existing algorithms.
Sonic hedgehog signaling in epithelial tissue development
Authors: Zheng Lu , Rui Chen , Zhang Hao , Chen Jing , Jia Xiuzhi , Xiao Ying
Published: January 2020

The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is essential for embryonic development and tissue regeneration. The dysfunction of SHH pathway is involved in a variety of diseases, including cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. Here we reviewed recent studies on main molecules involved in the SHH signaling pathway, specifically focused on their function in epithelial tissue and appendages development, including epidermis, touch dome, hair, sebaceous gland, mammary gland, tooth, nail, gastric epithelium, and intestinal epithelium. The advance in understanding the SHH signaling pathway will give us more clues to the mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration, as well as the development of new treatment for diseases related to dysregulation of SHH signaling pathway.
Lebensqualität in allen Stadien – Ergotherapie bei Mammakarzinom
Authors: Pech Isabel
Published: January 2020

Brustkrebs stellt bei Frauen mit Abstand die häufigste Tumorerkrankung dar. Ihre Behandlung bringt unterschiedliche Nebenwirkungen mit sich. Dabei ist es Aufgabe der Ergotherapie, die Klientinnen mit individuellen Hilfsmitteln und Interventionen in jedem Krankheitsstadium zu unterstützen.
Microphthalmia, Linear Skin Defects, Callosal Agenesis, and Cleft Palate in a Patient with Deletion at Xp22.3p22.2
Authors: Vendramini-Pittoli Siulan , Candido-Souza Rosana Maria , Quiezi Rodrigo Gonçalves , Zechi-Ceide Roseli Maria , Kokitsu-Nakata Nancy Mizue , Jehee Fernanda Sarquis , Ribeiro-Bicudo Lucilene Arilho , FitzPatrick David R. , Guion-Almeida Maria Leine , Richieri-Costa Antonio
Published: January 2020

The authors describe the clinical findings observed in a Brazilian girl that are suggestive of microphthalmia and linear skin defects (MLS) also known as MIDAS syndrome (OMIM #309801). She also presented with short stature, agenesis of corpus callosum, cleft palate, enamel defects, and genitourinary anomalies, which are rarely reported within the clinical spectrum of MLS. The 11,5 Mb deletion in Xp22.3p22.2 observed in the patient includes the entire HCCS gene (responsible for the MLS phenotype) and also encompasses several other genes involved with behavioral phenotypes, craniofacial and central nervous system development such as MID1, NLGN4X, AMELX, ARHGAP6, and TBL1X. The whole clinical features of our proband possibly represents an unusual MLS syndromic phenotype caused by an Xp22.3p22.2 continuous gene deletion.
Coupled oscillators for computing: A review and perspective
Authors: Csaba Gyorgy , Porod Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Coupled oscillators are highly complex dynamical systems, and it is an intriguing concept to use this oscillator dynamics for computation. The idea is not new, but is currently the subject to intense research as part of the quest for “beyond Moore” electronic devices. To a large extent, these efforts are motivated by biological observations: neural systems and mammalian brains, which seem to operate on oscillatory signals. In this paper, we give a survey of oscillator-based computing, with the goal of understanding its promise and limitation for next-generation computing. Our focus will be on the physics of (mostly nanoscale) oscillatory systems and on their characteristics that may enable effective computing.
Effect of latent heat during primary crystallization on the nanostructural formation process in nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials
Authors: Parsons R. , Zang B. , Huang H. , Kishimoto H. , Shoji T. , Kato A. , Suzuki K.
Published: January 2020

Nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials are known to be prepared by primary crystallization of Fe-based amorphous precursors. Since the crystallization reaction is exothermic, the amorphous precursor may experience a temporary rise in its temperature relative to its surroundings during the process of nanocrystallization. Given the typical latent heat of primary crystallization (∼ 100 kJ/kg), this temperature rise may exceed hundreds of degrees if not adequately controlled and thus, lead to the formation of unwanted magnetically hard compounds. This effect is generally small for isolated ribbons annealed with a moderate heating rate. However, the recent adoption of high heating rates and short annealing times has caused the self-heating effect to become relevant even for small sample sizes. In this work, the effect of self-heating on the microstructure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Fe86B14 is investigated. It is found that magnetically hard Fe-B compounds cannot be avoided when annealing under vacuum in an infrared furnace with a heating rate ≥3 K/s due to the self-heating effect. However, the high thermal conductivity of the copper blocks used by the ultra-rapid annealing process can successfully prevent a self-heating induced temperature rise during annealing, avoiding unwanted compound formation. Finite Element Analysis is also used for predicting the extent of self-heating during infrared annealing.
A method for calibrating the confocal volume of a confocal three-dimensional micro-x-ray fluorescence setup*
Authors: Zhou Peng , Ma Xin-Ran , Zhang Shuang , Sun Tian-Xi , Liu Zhi-Guo
Published: January 2020

The measurement of the confocal volume of a confocal three-dimensional micro-x-ray fluorescence (3D-XRF) setup is a key step in the field of confocal 3D-XRF analysis. With the development of x-ray facilities and optical devices, 3D-XRF analysis with a micro confocal volume will create a great potential for 2D and 3D microstructural analysis and accurate quantitative analysis. However, the classic measurement method of scanning metal foils of a certain thickness leads to inaccuracy. A method for calibrating the confocal volume is proposed in this paper. The new method is based on the basic content of the textbook, and the theoretical results and the feasibility are given in detail for the 3D-XRF mono-chromatic x-ray condition and the poly-chromatic x-ray condition. We obtain a set of experimental confirmation using the poly-chromatic x-ray tube in the laboratory. It is proved that the sensitivity factor of the 3D-XRF can be directly and accurately obtained in a real calibration process.
Time-dependent photothermal characterization on damage of fused silica induced by pulsed 355-nm laser with high repetition rate*
Authors: Yan Chun-Yan , Liu Bao-An , Li Xiang-Cao , Liu Chang , Ju Xin
Published: January 2020

Time-dependent damage to fused silica induced by high frequency ultraviolet laser is investigated. Photothermal spectroscopy (PTS) and optical microscopy (OM) are utilized to characterize the evolution of damage pits with irradiation time. Experimental results describe that in the pre-damage stage of fused silica sample irradiated by 355-nm laser, the photothermal spectrum signal undergoes a process from scratch to metamorphism due to the absorption of laser energy by defects. During the visible damage stage of fused silica sample, the photothermal spectrum signal decreases gradually from the maximum value because of the aggravation of the damage and the splashing of the material. This method can be used to estimate the operation lifetime of optical elements in engineering.
High sensitive pressure sensors based on multiple coating technique*
Authors: Zahoor Rizwan , Liu Chang , Rizwan Anwar Muhammad , Lin Fu-Yan , Hu An-Qi , Guo Xia
Published: January 2020

A multi-coating technique of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was proposed to increase the sensitivity of paper-based pressure sensors. The maximum sensitivity of 17.6 kPa−1 under the 1.4 kPa was achieved. The electrical sensing mechanism is attributed to the percolation effect. Such paper pressure sensors were applied to monitor the motor vibration, which indicates the potential of mechanical flaw detection by analyzing the waveform difference.
Effects of aligned electrospun fibers with different diameters on hemocompatibility, cell behaviors and inflammation in vitro
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Xing Meiyi , Wang Lu , Guan Guoping
Published: January 2020

An endothelial cell (EC) monolayer aligned along the direction of blood flow in vivo shows excellent capacity for anti-inflammation and anti-thrombosis. Therefore, aligned electrospun fibers have been much studied in the field of vascular implants since they are considered to facilitate the formation of an aligned EC monolayer, yet few research studies have been comprehensively reported concerning the effects of diameter scales of aligned fibers. In the present work, a series of aligned polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers with varying diameters ranging from dozens of nanometers to several micrometers were developed, and the effects of the fiber scales on EC behaviors, hemocompatibility as well as inflammatory cell behaviors were investigated, to evaluate their potential performance in the field of vascular implants. Our results showed that platelets exhibited small attachment forces on all fibers, and the anticoagulation property improved with the decrease of the fiber diameters. The impact of fiber diameters on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion and NO release was limited, while significant on HUVEC proliferation. With the increase of the fiber diameters, the elongation of HUVECs on our samples increased first then decreased, and exhibited maximum elongation degrees on 2738 nm and 2036 nm due to the strong contact guidance effect on these graphical cues; too thick or too fine fibers would weaken the contact guidance effect. Furthermore, we hypothesized that HUVECs cultured on 2036 nm had the smallest spreading area because of their elongation, but 2738 nm restricted HUVECs spreading limitedly. Similarly, NO production of HUVECs showed a similar change trend as their elongation degrees on different fibers. Except for 2036 nm, it exhibited the second highest NO production. For RAW 264.7 cells, poorer cell adhesion and lower TNF-α concentration of 1456 nm indicated its superior anti-inflammation property, while 73 nm showed a contrasting performance. Overall, these findings partly revealed the relationship between different topographies and cell behaviors, providing basic insight into vascular implant design.
Facile synthesis of corncob biochar via in-house modified pyrolysis for removal of methylene blue in wastewater
Authors: Suwunwong Thitipone , Hussain Naeem , Chantrapromma Suchada , Phoungthong Khamphe
Published: January 2020

Low-cost biochar was derived from corncob Zea mays L. cultivated in Northern Thailand for animal feed by facile synthesis with in-house modified pyrolysis for 2 h at ∼500 °C, ∼10 °C min−1 heating rate. Fixed-carbon, ash, %CHNSO and volatile contents of biochar were characterized and compared with pristine biomass. Thermal analysis was performed to monitor the transition of corncob biomass to biochar under the pyrolysis conditions. The physicochemical properties of biochar were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR analysis, indicated honeycomb structure on the biochar surface with cylindrical pores and various functional groups, such as carbonyl and phenolic groups. Methylene blue adsorption in aqueous solution by biochar was studied at 25 °C. Without any chemical activation on biochar, the maximum removal efficiency of methylene blue by biochar was 16.50 mg g−1. Effect of the initial concentration and the contact time on removal of methylene blue was studied to archive optimal conditions. The equilibrium adsorption of methylene blue on the biochar was well fit by the Langmuir isotherm. Kinetic of adsorption was perfectly fit by a pseudo-second order dynamic model. The results suggest low-cost corncob biochar prepared by in-house modified pyrolysis could be utilized in wastewater treatment.
Effect of fiber orientation on dynamic mechanical properties of PALF hybridized with basalt reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Doddi Parameswara Rao Venkata , Chanamala Ratnam , Dora Siva Prasad
Published: January 2020

In this modern era, the natural fibers usage in automobile and construction sectors has been increased. The goal of the current work was to investigate the fiber orientation effect on dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF) hybridized with basalt reinforced epoxy composite at changing vibration frequencies. Hand Lay-up technique was used to manufacture the composites by keeping the unidirectional basalt fabric as an outer layer by keeping PALF as inner layer followed by static compression method. Tensile and flexural moduli were also determined apart from storage modulus (E′) and damping factor (tan δ) for different PALF fiber angles. The results exemplified that not only the storage modulus and loss factor but also glass transition temperature (Tg) as well found to increase with frequency and also the fiber orientation angle has a greater impact on dynamic and static properties.
Alternative Bi precursor effects on the structural, optical, morphological and photocatalytic properties of BiOI nanostructures
Authors: Florez-Rios J F , Santana-Aranda M A , Quiñones-Galván J G , Escobedo-Morales A , Chávez-Chávez A , Pérez-Centeno A
Published: January 2020

BiOI nanostructures were synthetized through a hydrothermal process using either bismuth acetate or subsalicylate as Bi precursor. Regardless of the used Bi source, the same crystalline structure of BiOI was obtained; nevertheless, the nature of the Bi precursor had an evident impact in the color appearance of the obtained sample. Another notable difference was observed in the resulting morphology, where ∼1.6 μm flower- and dandelion-like shapes were obtained for acetate and subsalicylate, respectively; both structures assembled by around 30 nm thick nanoflakes with rounded and straight edge, respectively. UV–vis diffuse reflectance shows an energy gap around 1.8 eV. Raman spectroscopy confirms also the tetragonal phase of BiOI. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through degradation of methyl orange dye using visible and UV light sources, comparing results with P25 TiO2. Both BiOI nanostructures presented an improvement of photocatalytic activity when irradiated with visible light, having the best photoactivity the sample synthetized with bismuth acetate.
Opportunities for photonic integrated circuits in optical gas sensors
Authors: Hänsel Andreas , Heck Martijn J R
Published: January 2020

In this article, the potential of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for modern gas sensing applications is discussed. Optical detection systems can be found at the high-end of the currently available gas detectors, and PIC-based optical spectroscopic devices promise a significant reduction in size and cost. The performance of such devices is reviewed here. This discussion is not limited to one semiconductor platform, but includes several available platforms operating from the visible wavelength range up to the long wavelength infrared. The different platforms are evaluated regarding their capabilities in creating a fully integrated spectroscopic setup, including light source, interaction cell and detection unit. Advanced spectroscopy methods are assessed regarding their PIC compatibility. Based on the comparison of PICs with state-of-the-art bulk optical devices, it can be concluded that they can fill the application space of compact and low cost optical gas sensors.
Defining data-driven primary transcript annotations with primaryTranscriptAnnotation in R
Authors: Anderson Warren D , Duarte Fabiana M , Civelek Mete , Guertin Michael J
Published: January 2020

Nascent transcript measurements derived from run-on sequencing experiments are critical for the investigation of transcriptional mechanisms and regulatory networks. However, conventional mRNA gene annotations significantly differ from the boundaries of primary transcripts. New primary transcript annotations are needed to accurately interpret run-on data. We developed the primaryTranscriptAnnotation R package to infer the transcriptional start and termination sites of primary transcripts from genomic run-on data. We then used these inferred coordinates to annotate transcriptional units identified de novo. This package provides the novel utility to integrate data-driven primary transcript annotations with transcriptional unit coordinates identified in an unbiased manner. Highlighting the importance of using accurate primary transcript coordinates, we demonstrate that this new methodology increases the detection of differentially expressed transcripts and provides more accurate quantification of RNA polymerase pause indices.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/WarrenDavidAnderson/genomicsRpackage/tree/master/primaryTranscriptAnnotation.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Antimicrobial point prevalence surveys in two Ghanaian hospitals: opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship
Authors: Afriyie Daniel Kwame , Sefah Israel A , Sneddon Jacqueline , Malcolm William , McKinney Rachel , Cooper Lesley , Kurdi Amanj , Godman Brian , Seaton R Andrew
Published: January 2020

Background

Improved knowledge regarding antimicrobial use in Ghana is needed to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This includes point prevalence studies (PPSs) in hospitals. Objectives were to: (i) provide baseline data in two hospitals [Keta Municipal Hospital (KMH) and Ghana Police Hospital (GPH)] and identify priorities for improvement; (ii) assess the feasibility of conducting PPSs; and (iii) compare results with other studies.

Methods

Standard PPS design using the Global PPS paper forms, subsequently transferred to their template. Training undertaken by the Scottish team. Quality indicators included: rationale for use; stop/review dates; and guideline compliance.

Results

Prevalence of antibiotic use was 65.0% in GPH and 82.0% in KMH. Penicillins and other β-lactam antibiotics were the most frequently prescribed in both hospitals, with third-generation cephalosporins mainly used in GPH. Antibiotic treatment was mainly empirical and commonly administered intravenously, duration was generally short with timely oral switching and infections were mainly community acquired. Encouragingly, there was good documentation of the indications for antibiotic use in both hospitals and 50.0%–66.7% guideline compliance (although for many indications no guideline existed). In addition, almost all prescribed antibiotics had stop dates and there were no missed doses. The duration of use for surgical prophylaxis was generally more than 1 day (69.0% in GPH and 77.0% in KMH).

Conclusions

These two hospitals were the first in Ghana to use the Global PPS system. We found the PPS was feasible, relatively rapid and achieved with limited training. Targets for improvement identified included reduction of broad-spectrum antibiotics and duration of treatment.
Sudden and steady orbital period changes across six classical Nova Eruptions: the end of hibernation and two serious challenges for the magnetic braking model of cataclysmic variable evolution
Authors: Schaefer Bradley E
Published: January 2020

I report on two new measures of the sudden change in the orbital period (P) across the nova eruption (ΔP) and the steady period change in quiescence ($\dot{P}$) for classical novae (CNe) RR Pic and HR Del, bringing a total of six such measures for CNe, all in a final report of my large and long observing program. The fractional changes (ΔP/P) in parts-per-million (ppm) are −290.71 ± 0.28 (QZ Aur), −472.1 ± 4.8 (HR Del), −4.46 ± 0.03 (DQ Her), +39.6 ± 0.5 (BT Mon), −2003.7 ± 0.9 (RR Pic), and −273 ± 61 (V1017 Sgr). These results are in stark opposition to the Hibernation Model for the evolution of cataclysmic variables (CVs), which requires ΔP/P> + 1000 ppm to get the required drop in the accretion rate to produce hibernation. The hibernation model cannot be salvaged in any way. My program has also measured the first long-term $\dot{P}$ for CNe, with −2.84 ± 0.22 (QZ Aur), +4.0 ± 0.9 (HR Del), +0.00 ± 0.02 (DQ Her), −2.3 ± 0.1 (BT Mon), and +1.25 ± 0.01 (RR Pic) in units of 10−11 d per cycle. These can be directly compared to the predictions of the magnetic braking model, where the long-term average $\dot{P}$ is a single universal function of P. The measured values are +5.3, −94, 0.00, +6.9, and −190 times that predicted by the model, so the predictions are always greatly wrong. Further, the effects of the ΔP averaged over the eruption cycle are usually much larger than the magnetic braking effects. To get a realistic model of CV evolution, we must add the physics of the ΔP and $\dot{P}$ variations.
Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolation on Mortality and Outcomes in an Outpatient Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort
Authors: Jacobs David M , Ochs-Balcom Heather M , Noyes Katia , Zhao Jiwei , Leung Wai Yin , Pu Chan Yeu , Murphy Timothy F , Sethi Sanjay
Published: January 2020

Background

Tracheobronchial colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) has been shown to negatively impact outcomes in cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis. There is uncertainty whether the same association is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in the outpatient setting. Our objective was to determine (1) whether PA isolation is associated with mortality and (2) changes in exacerbation and hospitalization rates within a longitudinal cohort of COPD outpatients.

Methods

Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization was ascertained in monthly sputum cultures in a prospective cohort of COPD patients from 1994 to 2014. All-cause mortality was compared between patients who were colonized during their follow-up period (PA+) and those who remained free of colonization (PA−); Cox proportional hazards models were used. Exacerbation and hospitalization rates were evaluated by 2-rate χ 2 and segmented regression analysis for 12 months before and 24 months after PA isolation.

Results

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from sputum in 73 of 181 (40%) patients. Increased mortality was seen with PA isolation: 56 of 73 (77%) PA+ patients died compared with 73 of 108 (68%) PA− patients (P = .004). In adjusted models, PA+ patients had a 47% higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.11; P = .04). Exacerbation rates were higher for the PA+ group during preisolation (15.4 vs 9.0 per 100 person-months, P < .001) and postisolation periods (15.7 vs 7.5, P < .001). Hospitalization rates were higher during the postisolation period among PA+ patients (6.25 vs 2.44, P < .001).

Conclusions

Tracheobronchial colonization by PA in COPD outpatients was associated with higher morbidity and mortality. This suggests that PA likely contributes to adverse clinical outcomes rather than just a marker of worsening disease.
The Complex Interplay of Pain, Depression, and Anxiety Symptoms in Patients With Chronic Pain
Authors: Gómez Penedo Juan M. , Rubel Julian A. , Blättler Larissa , Schmidt Stefanie J. , Stewart Julian , Egloff Niklaus , grosse Holtforth Martin
Published: January 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to analyze the associations among depressive and anxiety and pain symptoms in patients diagnosed with chronic pain.

Materials and Methods:

Four hundred fifty-four inpatients who were consecutively admitted in a multimodal 3-week treatment in a tertiary, psychosomatic university clinic completed 25 items from the Brief Pain Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and after treatment termination. Associations among symptoms were explored by network analyses using the graphical least absolute shrinkage and selection operator to estimate their partial correlations, whereas Extended Bayesian Information Criterion was used to select the best network solution for the data. We explored symptoms’ centrality and expected influence within the network and the minimum spanning tree for the network.

Results:

Besides expected associations within depressive and anxiety and pain symptoms, the estimated network showed several local associations between depressive and pain interference symptoms. The lacks of being cheerful and of laughing are 2 of the depressive symptoms that showed the greatest associations with pain interference and a strong centrality within the network. Sleep problems were associated with both anxiety and depressive symptoms and pain intensity symptoms. Although at posttreatment most of the symptoms showed a significant decrease, the strength of the associations between the symptoms within the network was significantly higher than at baseline.

Discussion:

The results support focusing psychosocial interventions in chronic pain treatment not only on reducing pain, anxiety, and sleep symptoms but also on enhancing positive affect. Future research is needed to replicate these findings using repeated within-person measures designs.