bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insights into Sulawesi's apex predator: the Sulawesi civet Macrogalidia musschenbroekii
Authors: Hunowu Iwan , Patandung Alfons , Pusparini Wulan , Danismend Isabel , Cahyana Andi , Abdullah Syahril , Johnson Caspian L. , Hilser Harry , Rahasia Rivo , Gawina Jenly , Linkie Matthew
Published: December 2019

The Sulawesi civet Macrogalidia musschenbroekii is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, where it is the largest mammalian predator. Limited field data means that little is known about the species’ distribution, habitat preferences, conservation status and needs, but it is believed to depend on primary forest. We conducted camera-trap surveys across the forests of North Sulawesi, including in two of its main protected areas: Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park and Tangkoko Nature Reserve. From 148 camera trap stations and 10,371 trap nights, Sulawesi civets were recorded 17 times at 12 stations, and in almost equal numbers in primary forest, secondary forest and farmland, including the first photographic records from both the National Park and Nature Reserve. We also collected data on the Malay civet Viverra tangalunga, an introduced species of Viverridae and potential competitor. Our records (n = 21) revealed that it is established in secondary forest; it only co-occurred twice with the Sulawesi civet. With a lapse of > 20 years since the last field record of the Sulawesi civet, our findings offer new insight into its status and new enthusiasm within the provincial government for its conservation, which has led to an extension of camera-trap research into neighbouring Gorontalo province.
How do bilingual dyslexic and typically developing children perform in nonword repetition? Evidence from a study on Italian L2 children
Authors: Vender Maria , Delfitto Denis , Melloni Chiara
Published: December 2019

Nonword repetition is typically impaired in dyslexia. Conversely, native-like performance is early achieved by bilingual children whose second language has a simple phonotactic system, like Italian. Our study aimed at comparing the performance of monolingual and bilingual children with and without dyslexia in a nonword repetition task modeled after Italian. We assessed nonword repetition in 111 school-aged children: 24 Italian L2 bilingual dyslexics, 24 Italian monolingual dyslexics, 30 Italian L2 bilingual controls and 33 Italian monolingual controls. We administered an original task composed of 40 nonwords ranging from two to five syllables; the complexity of the syllables was also manipulated. Results showed that both groups of dyslexics underperformed controls at each syllable length. No differences were found between monolingual and bilingual controls. Conversely, bilingual dyslexics underperformed monolingual dyslexics only with four-syllable nonwords. The possible use of nonword repetition tasks to assist in the identification of dyslexia in bilingual children is also discussed.
RACE, NATIVITY, AND MULTICULTURAL EXCLUSION
Authors: Thornton E. Nicole
Published: December 2019

This article examines the exclusion of Afro-Mauritians (or Creoles) in Mauritian multiculturalism. Although Creoles represent nearly thirty percent of the population, they are the only major group not officially recognized in the Mauritian Constitution (unlike Hindus, Muslims, and the Chinese) and they experience uniquely high levels of socioeconomic and political marginalization despite the country’s decades-long policy of official multiculturalism. While scholarship on multiculturalism and nation-building in plural societies might explain the exclusion of Creoles as a breakdown in the forging of political community in postcolonial Mauritius, I build on these theories by focusing on the tension between diaspora and nativity evident in Mauritian public discourse. Using the politics of language policy as a case study, I examine why theKreollanguage in Mauritius—the ancestral language of Creoles and mother tongue of the majority of Mauritians—was consistently rejected for inclusion in language policy until recently (unlike Hindi, Urdu, and other ethnic languages). In my analysis of public policy discourse, I map how Creole ethnic activists negotiatedKreol’sinclusion in multiculturalism and highlight their constraints. This analysis shows that through multiculturalism, non-Creole political actors have createdethniccategories of inclusion while reciprocally denotingracially-excluded others defined by their lack of diasporic cultural value. I argue that groups claiming diasporic cultural connections are privileged as “ethnics” deemed worthy of multicultural inclusion, while those with ancestral connections more natively-bound to the local territory (such as Creoles, as a post-slavery population) are deemed problematic, culturally dis-recognized, and racialized as “the Other” because their nativity gives them a platform from which to lay territorial counter-claims to the nation.
Just the facts: why norms remain relevant in an age of practice
Authors: Evers Miles M.
Published: December 2019

Reification – the act of treating something socially created as if it were real – is often described as a problem in the study of international norms. Critical and post-colonial scholars argue that reification silences alternative worldviews, whereas practice-oriented scholars argue it diminishes agency and practical innovation. In his article ‘From Norms to Normative Configurations,’ Simon Pratt proposes a solution to the problem of reification, reconceiving norms as a configuration of interrelated social practices. In this piece, I argue that the conventional wisdom is wrong. Reification is an essential part of how norms are constructed, contested, and surmounted in international politics. I revisit the foundational figures in norms research to highlight problems in Pratt's analysis, and prove the value of reification, both analytically and methodologically. Then, I use these insights to amend the concept of normative configuration, redefining it as a complex network of discrete norms tied together through common social practices. Along the way, I offer directions for future research on the relationship between norms and practices.
Calcitriol modulates cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels and lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic male rabbits: A pilot study
Authors: Radagdam Saeed , Asoudeh-Fard Abbas , Karimi Mohammad-Ali , Faridvand Yousef , Gholinejad Zafar , Gerayesh Nejad Siavash
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Vitamin D3 efficacy against cardiovascular disease prevention has been reported in many experimental studies. We aimed to investigate the effect of the calcitriol or active form of Vitamin D3 (1, 25(OH) 2D3) on serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) levels in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. New Zealand white male rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol diet and randomly assigned into two groups (n = 6). The case group was administrated with 50000 calcitriol (IU/kg/per wk) and the control group which administrated with calcitriol solvent (sesame oil) for 2 months. Then, after two months the lipid profile, CETP and 25OHD3 levels were measured. The serum concentration of CETP was increased after treatment with calcitriol in case group as compared to the control group (41.75 ± 3.19 vs. 34.5 ± 2.3, ng/ml, P < 0.05). We also observed higher levels of the 25OHD3 in the calcitriol group at the 1stmonth (16.3 ± 1.64 vs. 12.8 ± 1.33 ng/ml) and the 2ndmonth (19.5 ± 2.14 vs. 12.5 ± 1.25 ng/ml) as compared with the control group. the significant increase in the level of HDL-C was observed in the case group than the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, serum levels of LDL- Cholesterol (LDL-C), Triglyceride (TG) were reduced after assessment at 1stand 2ndmonth after administration of calcitriol. Our research indicated the significant anti-atherogenic effects of calcitriol in the rabbit model of atherosclerosis. However, increased in CETP levels by calcitriol may know as an additional way, which interfere with the anti-atherogenic effects of calcitriol.
Concentrations and Size Distributions of Black Carbon in the Surface Snow of Eastern Antarctica in 2011
Authors: Kinase T. , Adachi K. , Oshima N. , Goto‐Azuma K. , Ogawa‐Tsukagawa Y. , Kondo Y. , Moteki N. , Ohata S. , Mori T. , Hayashi M. , Hara K. , Kawashima H. , Kita K.
Published: December 2019

Knowledge of black carbon (BC) concentrations and size distributions within surface snow in Antarctica is limited. However, these measurements are important to understanding global aerosol transport from combustion sources, and BC contributes to positive radiative forcing. This study analyzed the concentrations and size distributions of BC and inorganic ions in snow samples collected at the Syowa station in Antarctica from April to December 2011 and along a traverse route to an inland (Mizuho) station. The BC size distributions in snow were bimodal with mass median diameters of ~140 and ~690 nm. We also estimated the mass median diameter from unimodal distributions and found smaller diameters than were reported by other studies. The mass concentrations of BC in snow were higher in inland samples than in Syowa samples. Among Syowa samples, the BC concentrations in December (2117.3 ng L−1 on average) were higher than in other periods (288.2 ng L−1 on average). The December samples experienced ambient temperatures above 0 °C, and the atmospheric BC concentrations did not increase simultaneously. Inorganic ions originated from the ocean and decreased with increasing distance from the coastal area. We conclude that the BC concentrations in surface snow increased mainly by postdeposition processes through the loss of water mass due to melting, evaporation, and sublimation. Our study is the first to report detailed BC concentrations and size distributions in eastern Antarctica, and the results will help to evaluate BC global transport, the snow albedo estimations in this region, and the climate impacts of BC.
Holistic Approach for Studying Planetary Hydrospheres: Gibbs Representation of Ices Thermodynamics, Elasticity, and the Water Phase Diagram to 2,300 MPa
Authors: Journaux B. , Brown J. M. , Pakhomova A. , Collings I. E. , Petitgirard S. , Espinoza P. , Boffa Ballaran T. , Vance S. D. , Ott J. , Cova F. , Garbarino G. , Hanfland M.
Published: December 2019

Gibbs energy representations for ices II, III, V, and VI are reported. These were constructed using new measurements of volumes at high pressure over a range of low temperatures combined with calculated vibrational energies grounded in statistical physics. The collection of representations are released within the open source SeaFreeze program, together with the Gibbs representation already known for ice Ih and water. This program allows accurate determination of thermodynamics properties (phase boundaries, density, specific heat, bulk modulus, thermal expansivity, chemical potentials) and seismic wave velocities over the entire range of conditions encountered in hydrospheres in our solar system (130–500 K to 2,300 MPa). These comprehensive representations allow exploration of the rich spectrum of thermodynamic behavior in the H2O system. Although these results are broadly applicable in science and engineering, their use is particularly relevant to habitability analysis, interior modeling, and future geophysical sounding of water‐rich planetary bodies of our solar system and beyond.
A 5700 year-old human genome and oral microbiome from chewed birch pitch
Authors: Jensen Theis Z. T. , Niemann Jonas , Iversen Katrine Højholt , Fotakis Anna K. , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Vågene Åshild J. , Pedersen Mikkel Winther , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S. , Ellegaard Martin R. , Allentoft Morten E. , Lanigan Liam T. , Taurozzi Alberto J. , Nielsen Sofie Holtsmark , Dee Michael W. , Mortensen Martin N. , Christensen Mads C. , Sørensen Søren A. , Collins Matthew J. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Sikora Martin , Rasmussen Simon , Schroeder Hannes
Published: December 2019

The rise of ancient genomics has revolutionised our understanding of human prehistory but this work depends on the availability of suitable samples. Here we present a complete ancient human genome and oral microbiome sequenced from a 5700 year-old piece of chewed birch pitch from Denmark. We sequence the human genome to an average depth of 2.3× and find that the individual who chewed the pitch was female and that she was genetically more closely related to western hunter-gatherers from mainland Europe than hunter-gatherers from central Scandinavia. We also find that she likely had dark skin, dark brown hair and blue eyes. In addition, we identify DNA fragments from several bacterial and viral taxa, including Epstein-Barr virus, as well as animal and plant DNA, which may have derived from a recent meal. The results highlight the potential of chewed birch pitch as a source of ancient DNA.
A VEGF receptor vaccine demonstrates preliminary efficacy in neurofibromatosis type 2
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Fujioka Masato , Morimoto Yukina , Ohara Kentaro , Kosugi Kenzo , Oishi Yumiko , Sato Mizuto , Ueda Ryo , Fujiwara Hirokazu , Hikichi Tetsuro , Noji Shinobu , Oishi Naoki , Ogawa Kaoru , Kawakami Yutaka , Ohira Takayuki , Yoshida Kazunari , Toda Masahiro
Published: December 2019

The anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab has shown efficacy for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Theoretically, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) can kill both tumor vessel cells and tumor cells expressing VEGFRs. Here we show an exploratory clinical study of VEGFRs peptide vaccine in seven patients with progressive NF2-derived schwannomas. Hearing improves in 2/5 assessable patients (40%) as determined by international guidelines, with increases in word recognition scores. Tumor volume reductions of ≥20% are observed in two patients, including one in which bevacizumab had not been effective. There are no severe adverse events related to the vaccine. Both VEGFR1-specific and VEGFR2-specific CTLs are induced in six patients. Surgery is performed after vaccination in two patients, and significant reductions in the expression of VEGFRs in schwannomas are observed. Therefore, this clinical immunotherapy study demonstrates the safety and preliminary efficacy of VEGFRs peptide vaccination in patients with NF2.
Discovery of a chemical probe for PRDM9
Authors: Allali-Hassani Abdellah , Szewczyk Magdalena M. , Ivanochko Danton , Organ Shawna L. , Bok Jabez , Ho Jessica Sook Yuin , Gay Florence P. H. , Li Fengling , Blazer Levi , Eram Mohammad S. , Halabelian Levon , Dilworth David , Luciani Genna M. , Lima-Fernandes Evelyne , Wu Qin , Loppnau Peter , Palmer Nathan , Talib S. Zakiah A. , Brown Peter J. , Schapira Matthieu , Kaldis Philipp , O’Hagan Ronan C. , Guccione Ernesto , Barsyte-Lovejoy Dalia , Arrowsmith Cheryl H. , Sanders John M. , Kattar Solomon D. , Bennett D. Jonathan , Nicholson Benjamin , Vedadi Masoud
Published: December 2019

PRDM9 is a PR domain containing protein which trimethylates histone 3 on lysine 4 and 36. Its normal expression is restricted to germ cells and attenuation of its activity results in altered meiotic gene transcription, impairment of double-stranded breaks and pairing between homologous chromosomes. There is growing evidence for a role of aberrant expression of PRDM9 in oncogenesis and genome instability. Here we report the discovery of MRK-740, a potent (IC50: 80 ± 16 nM), selective and cell-active PRDM9 inhibitor (Chemical Probe). MRK-740 binds in the substrate-binding pocket, with unusually extensive interactions with the cofactor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), conferring SAM-dependent substrate-competitive inhibition. In cells, MRK-740 specifically and directly inhibits H3K4 methylation at endogenous PRDM9 target loci, whereas the closely related inactive control compound, MRK-740-NC, does not. The discovery of MRK-740 as a chemical probe for the PRDM subfamily of methyltransferases highlights the potential for exploiting SAM in targeting SAM-dependent methyltransferases.
Formation of optical supramolecular structures in a fibre laser by tailoring long-range soliton interactions
Authors: He W. , Pang M. , Yeh D. H. , Huang J. , Menyuk C. R. , Russell P. St. J.
Published: December 2019

Self-assembly of fundamental elements through weak, long-range interactions plays a central role in both supramolecular DNA assembly and bottom-up synthesis of nanostructures. Optical solitons, analogous in many ways to particles, arise from the balance between nonlinearity and dispersion and have been studied in numerous optical systems. Although both short- and long-range interactions between optical solitons have attracted extensive interest for decades, stable soliton supramolecules, with multiple aspects of complexity and flexibility, have thus far escaped experimental observation due to the absence of techniques for enhancing and controlling the long-range inter-soliton forces. Here we report that long-range soliton interactions originating from optoacoustic effects and dispersive-wave radiations can be precisely tailored in a fibre laser cavity, enabling self-assembly of large numbers of optical solitons into highly-ordered supramolecular structures. We demonstrate several features of such optical structures, highlighting their potential applications in optical information storage and ultrafast laser-field manipulation.
Parametrically constrained geometry relaxations for high-throughput materials science
Authors: Lenz Maja-Olivia , Purcell Thomas A. R. , Hicks David , Curtarolo Stefano , Scheffler Matthias , Carbogno Christian
Published: December 2019

Reducing parameter spaces via exploiting symmetries has greatly accelerated and increased the quality of electronic-structure calculations. Unfortunately, many of the traditional methods fail when the global crystal symmetry is broken, even when the distortion is only a slight perturbation (e.g., Jahn-Teller like distortions). Here we introduce a flexible and generalizable parametric relaxation scheme and implement it in the all-electron code FHI-aims. This approach utilizes parametric constraints to maintain symmetry at any level. After demonstrating the method’s ability to relax metastable structures, we highlight its adaptability and performance over a test set of 359 materials, across 13 lattice prototypes. Finally we show how these constraints can reduce the number of steps needed to relax local lattice distortions by an order of magnitude. The flexibility of these constraints enables a significant acceleration of high-throughput searches for novel materials for numerous applications.
Tissue-type plasminogen activator-primed human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells promote motor recovery after severe spinal cord injury
Authors: Shiga Yasuhiro , Shiga Akina , Mesci Pinar , Kwon HyoJun , Brifault Coralie , Kim John H. , Jeziorski Jacob J. , Nasamran Chanond , Ohtori Seiji , Muotri Alysson R. , Gonias Steven L. , Campana Wendy M.
Published: December 2019

The goal of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) is to restore motor function without exacerbating pain. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) may be administered by autologous transplantation, avoiding immunologic challenges. Identifying strategies to optimize iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (hiNPC) for cell transplantation is an important objective. Herein, we report a method that takes advantage of the growth factor-like and anti-inflammatory activities of the fibrinolysis protease, tissue plasminogen activator tPA, without effects on hemostasis. We demonstrate that conditioninghiNPC with enzymatically-inactive tissue-type plasminogen activator (EI-tPA), prior to grafting into a T3 lesion site in a clinically relevant severe SCI model, significantly improves motor outcomes. EI-tPA-primedhiNPC grafted into lesion sites survived, differentiated, acquired markers of motor neuron maturation, and extended βIII-tubulin-positive axons several spinal segments below the lesion. Importantly, only SCI rats that received EI-tPA primedhiNPC demonstrated significantly improved motor function, without exacerbating pain. WhenhiNPC were treated with EI-tPA in culture, NMDA-R-dependent cell signaling was initiated, expression of genes associated with stemness (Nestin, Sox2) was regulated, and thrombin-induced cell death was prevented. EI-tPA emerges as a novel agent capable of improving the efficacy of stem cell therapy in SCI.
Ca(2+)N It Be Measured? Detection of Extramitochondrial Calcium Movement With High-Resolution FluoRespirometry
Authors: Nászai Anna , Terhes Emil , Kaszaki József , Boros Mihály , Juhász László
Published: December 2019

Our aim was to develop a method to detect extramitochondrial Ca2+ movement and O2 fluxes simultaneously. Using High-Resolution FluoRespirometry, we also tested whether mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) inhibition or anoxia affects the mitochondrial Ca2+ flux. Ca2+ movement evoked by CaCl2 or anoxia was assessed with CaGreen-5N dye using Blue-Fluorescence-Sensor in isolated liver mitochondria, liver homogenates and duodenal biopsies. Exogenous CaCl2 (50 µM) resulted in an abrupt elevation in CaGreen-5N fluorescence followed by a decrease (Ca2+ uptake) with simultaneous elevation in O2 consumption in liver preparations. This was followed by a rapid increase in the fluorescence signal, reaching a higher intensity (Ca2+ efflux) than that of the initial CaCl2-induced elevation. Chelation of Ca2+ with EGTA completely abolished the fluorescence of the indicator. After pre-incubation with cyclosporin A, a marked delay in Ca2+ movement was observed, not only in isolated liver mitochondria, but also in tissue homogenates. In all samples, the transition to anoxia resulted in immediate increase in the level of extramitochondrial Ca2+. The results demonstrate that the CaGreen-5N method is suitable to monitor simultaneous O2 and Ca2+ fluxes, and the opening of mPTP in various biological samples. In this system the duration of stimulated Ca2+ fluxes may provide a novel parameter to evaluate the efficacy of mPTP blocker compounds.
Highly flexible and stable resistive switching devices based on WS2 nanosheets:poly(methylmethacrylate) nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Jeong Heon , Wu Chaoxing , Sung Sihyun , An Haoqun , Kim Tae Whan
Published: December 2019

This paper reports data for the electrical characteristics and the operating mechanisms of flexible resistive switching devices based on WS2 nanosheets (NSs) dispersed in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layer. The ON/OFF ratio of the memristive device based on an Al/WS2 NSs:PMMA/indium tin oxides (ITO) structure was approximately 5.9 × 104. The memristive device based on the WS2 NSs also exhibited the bipolar switching characteristics with low power consumption and great performance in the bent state with radii of the curvatures of 20 and 10 mm. Especially, the results obtained after bending the device were similar to those observed before bending. The device showed nearly the same ON/OFF ratio for a retention time of 1 × 104 sec, and the number of endurance cycles was greater than 1 × 102. The set voltage and the reset voltage probability distributions for the setting and the resetting processes indicated bipolar switching characteristics. The operating and the carrier transport mechanisms of the Al/WS2 NSs:PMMA/ITO device could be explained based on the current-voltage results with the aid of an energy band diagram.
Real-time intraoperative diagnosis by deep neural network driven multiphoton virtual histology
Authors: You Sixian , Sun Yi , Yang Lin , Park Jaena , Tu Haohua , Marjanovic Marina , Sinha Saurabh , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in label-free virtual histology promise a new era for real-time molecular diagnosis in the operating room and during biopsy procedures. To take full advantage of the rich, multidimensional information provided by these technologies, reproducible and reliable computational tools that could facilitate the diagnosis are in great demand. In this study, we developed a deep-learning-based framework to recognize cancer versus normal human breast tissue from real-time label-free virtual histology images, with a tile-level AUC (area under receiver operating curve) of 95% and slide-level AUC of 100% on unseen samples. Furthermore, models trained on a high-quality laboratory-generated dataset can generalize to independent datasets acquired from a portable intraoperative version of the imaging technology with a physics-based adapted design. Classification activation maps and final feature visualization revealed discriminative patterns, such as tumor cells and tumor-associated vesicles, that are highly associated with cancer status. These results demonstrate that through the combination of real-time virtual histopathology and a deep-learning framework, accurate real-time diagnosis could be achieved in point-of-procedure clinical applications.
Efficient continuous-flow aldehyde tag conversion using immobilized formylglycine generating enzyme
Authors: Peng Qiang , Zang Berlin , Zhao Wei , Li Da , Ren Jun , Ji Fangling , Jia Lingyun
Published: December 2019

Immobilized formylglycine generating enzyme for efficient aldehyde tag conversion under continuous flow conditions.
La3+:Ni–Cl oxyhydroxide gels with enhanced electroactivity as positive materials for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Kunfeng , Liang Feng , Xue Dongfeng
Published: December 2019

Novel poorly crystalline La3+:Ni–Cl oxyhydroxide gels with sufficient electroactive sites and atomically homogeneous distribution of Ni2+, La3+, and Cl− ions were synthesized.
Superior efficient rechargeable lithium–air batteries using a bifunctional biological enzyme catalyst
Authors: Wang Linlin , Wang Yarong , Qiao Yu , Wu Shichao , Lu Xuanzhao , Zhu Jun-Jie , Zhang Jian-Rong , Zhou Haoshen
Published: December 2019

A biological enzyme – Laccase – exhibited highly efficient bifunctional catalytic activity in a Li–air battery whose intrinsic pH change during discharge/charge can regulate thein situfunction/recovery of Laccase.
Rapid and energy-efficient microwave pyrolysis for high-yield production of highly-active bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting
Authors: Huang Huawei , Zhou Si , Yu Chang , Huang Hongling , Zhao Jijun , Dai Liming , Qiu Jieshan
Published: December 2019

An ultrafast and energy efficient microwave pyrolysis method was reported to convert MOF to efficient electrocatalysts with high product yields.
A microbial fuel cell sensor for unambiguous measurement of organic loading and definitive identification of toxic influents
Authors: Spurr Martin W. A. , Yu Eileen H. , Scott Keith , Head Ian M.
Published: December 2019

Multi-stage microbial fuel cells can distinguish toxic shock events from BOD decreases, both of which result in decreased current output.
Optical-resonance-assisted generation of super monodisperse microdroplets and microbeads with nanometer precision
Authors: Richter Dmitry , Marinčič Matevž , Humar Matjaž
Published: December 2019

Microdroplets and microbeads were produced with nanometer size precision by observing the optical resonances and used as optical barcodes.
Assessing the effect of aromatic residue placement on the α-helical peptide structure and nanofibril formation of 21-mer peptides
Authors: Solemanifar Armin , Nguyen Tuan A. H. , Laycock Bronwyn , Shewan Heather M. , Donose Bogdan C. , Creasey Rhiannon C. G.
Published: December 2019

Aromatic residues were used to replace the aliphatic residues of an α-helical peptide to investigate changes in the peptide structure.
A hierarchical glucose-intercalated NiMn-G-LDH@NiCo2S4core–shell structure as a binder-free electrode for flexible all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Shixia , Lu Chengxi , Liu Lu , Xu Mai , Wang Jun , Deng Qiang , Zeng Zheling , Deng Shuguang
Published: December 2019

Flexible, lightweight, and high-energy-density asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) are highly attractive for portable and wearable electronics.
Insights into the complexity of the excited states of Eu-doped luminescent materials
Authors: Joos Jonas J. , Smet Philippe F. , Seijo Luis , Barandiarán Zoila
Published: December 2019

Multiconfigurationalab initioembedded-cluster methods give a detailed view of the excited states of Eu-doped luminescent materials, improving the understanding of their structure and how it is affected by changing the host's chemical composition.
Recent advances in organic light-emitting diodes: toward smart lighting and displays
Authors: Zou Shi-Jie , Shen Yang , Xie Feng-Ming , Chen Jing-De , Li Yan-Qing , Tang Jian-Xin
Published: December 2019

Recent advances in organic light-emitting diodes toward smart lighting and displays are reviewed in terms of materials, devices, fabrication and applications.
Steady states of non-axial dipolar rods driven by rotating fields
Authors: C. Domingos Jorge L. , de Freitas Everton A. , Ferreira W. P.
Published: December 2019

We investigate a two-dimensional system of magnetic colloids with anisotropic geometry (rods) and non-axial dipole moment subjected to an oscillating external magnetic field.
Laryngeal Constriction Phenomena in Infant Vocalizations
Authors: Robb Michael P. , Yavarzadeh Faraz , Schluter Philip J. , Voit Verena , Shehata-Dieler Wafaa , Wermke Kathleen
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Instances of laryngeal constriction have been noted as a feature of infant vocal development. The purpose of this study was to directly evaluate the developmental occurrence of laryngeal constriction phenomena in infant crying, cooing, and babbling vocalizations.

Method

The cry and noncry vocalizations of 20 healthy term-born infants between the ages of 1 and 7 months were examined for instances of laryngeal constriction. Approximately 20,000 vocalization samples were acoustically evaluated, applying a combined visual (frequency spectra and melody curves) and auditory analysis; the occurrence of instances of different constriction phenomena was analyzed.

Results

Laryngeal constrictions were found during the production of cry and noncry vocalizations. The developmental pattern of constrictions for both vocalizations was charac-terized by an increase in constrictions followed by a decrease. During the age period of 3–5 months, when cry and noncry vocalizations were co-occurring, laryngeal constrictions were observed in 14%–22% of both types of vocalizations. An equal percentage of constrictions was found for both vocalizations at 5 months of age.

Conclusions

The findings confirm that the production of laryngeal constriction is a regularly occurring phenomenon in healthy, normally developing infants' spontaneous crying, cooing, and marginal babbling. The occurrence of constriction in both cry and noncry vocalizations suggests that an infant is exploiting physiological constraints of the sound-generating system for articulatory development during vocal exploration. These results lend support to the notion that the laryngeal articulator is the principal articulator that infants 1st start to control as they test and practice their phonetic production skills from birth through the 1st several months of life.
Prophylactic Versus Reactive Gastrostomy Tubes in Head and Neck Cancer: Making Joint Decisions
Authors: Croake Daniel J. , Angadi Vrushali
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Patients undergoing chemoradiation for treatment of head and neck cancer often develop swallowing problems that necessitate a percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Studies comparing various outcomes related to timing of PEG tubes placed either prophylactically or reactively do not show a clear advantage to either method; however, pertinent patient factors may help determine an educated and evidence-based decision. Additionally, patients may not be included in decision making regarding PEG placement and may not receive adequate education regarding PEG tubes, resulting in fears and concerns. Thus, patients may wish to avoid or at least delay PEG tube placement until necessary. The purpose of this viewpoint article is to review relevant literature and describe patient concerns to better facilitate joint decision making of PEG tube timing with the patient and care team.

Conclusion

Patient counseling and inclusion can be useful in helping patients understand why and when a PEG tube may be beneficial or necessary during treatment. A simplified decision tree is introduced that incorporates several relevant patient factors based on the current literature and can be used jointly by clinicians and patients to reach a mutual decision by incorporating clinical factors while being mindful of patient values.
Compact 2–18 GHz on‐chip balun based on centrosymmetric spiral transformers
Authors: Li Yao , Zhu Xiao‐Wei , Tian Ling , Liu Rui‐Jia
Published: December 2019

A novel broadband balun based on centrosymmetric spiral transformers is proposed. Two parallel circular spiral transformers comprise the proposed balun, which is different from the Marchand structure. The equivalent coupled line model demonstrates that asymmetric structure is helpful to realise the appropriate balun with good amplitude balance and low return loss. Finally, combined with the structural characteristics of the spiral transformer in monolithic microwave integrated circuit designs, a centrosymmetric structure with compact size is adopted. The balun is designed and fabricated in WIN's IP2M process and its core size occupies an area of . The simulation and measurement agree well, exhibiting a bandwidth covering from 2 to 18 GHz with good return loss, flat insertion loss and high stability of 180° phase difference.
Machine learning–based robust trajectory tracking control for FSGR
Authors: Jia Lin , Wang Yaonan , Zhang Changfan , Zhao Kaihui , Zhou Langming
Published: December 2019

Here, a robust adaptive trajectory tracking algorithm is proposed for free‐form surface grinding robot (FSGR) in metal surface production line. Machine‐learning method is used for robot dynamic approximation which is hard to obtain directly. Adaptive law is proposed to adjust the neural network parameters. Sliding‐mode control is employed to deal with the disturbance, joint friction, and approximation error of the adaptive machine learning. The scheme based on machine‐learning feedforward compensation can significantly reduce the chattering of sliding mode. The performance of the proposed control scheme is illustrated through simulations.
Web application for galaxy-targeted follow-up of electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources
Authors: Salmon L. , Hanlon L. , Jeffrey R. M. , Martin-Carrillo A.
Published: December 2019

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) and Virgo Collaboration’s Observing Run 3 has demanded the development of widely-applicable tools for gravitational wave follow-up. These tools must address the main challenges of the multi-messenger era, namely covering large localisation regions and quickly identifying decaying transients. To address these challenges, we present a public web interface to assist astronomers in conducting galaxy-targeted follow-up of gravitational wave events by offering a fast and public list of targets post-gravitational wave trigger. After a gravitational wave trigger, the back-end galaxy retrieval algorithm identifies and scores galaxies based on the LIGO and Virgo computed probabilities and properties of the galaxies taken from the Galaxy List for the Advanced Detector Era V2 galaxy catalogue. Within minutes, the user can retrieve, download, and limit ranked galaxy lists from the web application. The algorithm and website have been tested on past gravitational wave events, and execution times have been analysed. The algorithm is being triggered automatically during Observing Run 3 and its features will be extended if needed. The web application was developed using the Python based Flask web framework.
Systematics and accuracy of VLBI astrometry: A comparison with Gaia Data Release 2
Authors: Liu N. , Lambert S. B. , Zhu Z. , Liu J.-C.
Published: December 2019

Context. The third generation of the ICRF – ICRF3 – was published in 2018. This new fundamental catalog provides radio source positions measured independently at three bands: S/X, K, and X/Ka, representing three independent radio celestial frames which altogether constitute a multi-frequency ICRF.

Aims. We aim to investigate the overall properties of the ICRF3 with the help of the Gaia Data Release 2 (Gaia DR2). This could serve as an external check of the quality of the ICRF3.

Methods. The radio source positions of the ICRF3 catalog were compared with the Gaia DR2 positions of their optical counterparts at G <  18.7. Their properties were analyzed in terms of the dependency of the quoted error on the number of observations, on the declination, and the global difference, the latter revealed by means of expansions in the vector spherical harmonics.

Results. The ICRF3 S/X-band catalog shows a more smooth dependency on the number of observations than the ICRF1 and ICRF2, while the K and X/Ka-band yield a dependency discrepancy at the number of observations of ∼50. The rotation of all ICRF catalogs show consistent results, except for the X-component of the X/Ka-band which arises from the positional error in the non-defining sources. No significant glides were found between the ICRF3 S/X-band component and Gaia DR2. However, the K- and X/Ka-band frames show a dipolar deformation in Y-component of +50 μas and several quadrupolar terms of 50 μas in an absolute sense. A significant glide along Z-axis exceeding 200 μas in the X/Ka-band was also reported. These systematics in the ICRF catalog are shown to be less dependent on the limiting magnitude of the Gaia sample when the number of common sources is sufficient (>100).

Conclusions. The ICRF3 S/X-band catalog shows improved accuracy and systematics at the level of noise floor. But the zonal errors in the X/Ka-band should be noted, especially in the context of comparisons of multi-frequency positions for individual sources.
Band gap modulation effect on electronic and optical properties in PbTiO3 under stress: a DFT study
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Bibi Rabia , Mahmood Tariq , Aslam Imran , Gillani Syed Sajid Ali , Jin Hai Boa , Cao Chuan Bao , Usman Zahid , Maqsood Ahmad
Published: December 2019

First principles calculation was implemented to explore the effect of band gap modulation under stress in cubic PbTiO3 by using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and ultrasoft pseudo-potential (USP). The band gaps at different external pressures show indirect band nature with significant reduction in band gapes. The density of states indicated that the upper valence states were influenced by O-2p and in the meantime Ti-d states have main contribution in conduction band. The inclusion of external stress not only changes electronic structure but also significantly changes the optical properties such as complex dielectric function, absorption, energy loss function, refractive index and reflectivity. The shifting of absorption edges toward higher energies confirm the presence of blue shift and make this material an appealing candidate for optoelectronic devices.
Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Actuator for Load Alleviation and Instability Control in a Compressor Cascade
Authors: De Giorgi Maria Grazia , Suma Antonio , Laforì Alessia , Ficarella Antonio
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators (DBD-PAs) applied to control the aeroelastic response of a compressor cascade in subsonic flow conditions. Simulations involve a cascade composed by 7-blade, 3 of which show a not-synchronous pitching behaviour. Two different inter blade phase angle (IBPA) have been tested and compared. Actuators capabilities in terms of load alleviation and instability control have been evaluated through the measurement of mean value, standard deviation and hysteresis area of the airfoil response in terms of lift and moment coefficients.
Simulating of Bird Strike on Aircraft Laminated Glazing
Authors: Smetankina Natalia , Malykhina Alyona , Merkulov Dmytro
Published: December 2019

A bird strike is a critical problem in the context of safety in the aviation industry. All modern aircraft structures are designed with account of likely collision with birds. Thus, aviation standards in force require that the aircraft construction would allow the crew to conclude the flight safely after collision with a 1.81-kg bird. A method for analysing the stress-strained state of laminated airplane glazing at different operational factors is presented. The method includes a technique for strength analysis of the laminated airplane glazing at bird impact, and a technique for analysis of excess pressure. The model of laminated glazing is based on the refined first-order theory accounting for transverse shear strains, thickness reduction and normal element rotation inertia in each layer. The mathematical model of the pressure impulse authentically reproducing the bird impact is based on experimental research. Theoretical results are in good agreement with experimental data, thus allowing to recommend the method to develop new airplane glazing elements.
Novel Method for Strength Analysis of Damaged High-Loaded Composite Panel
Authors: Levchenkov Mikhail , Shanygin Alexander , Mareskin Ivan
Published: December 2019

The paper is devoted to the creation of automated methods for calculating the strength of composite structures, taking into account the influence of impact damage and temperature effects in the range from -600 to +600. To solve this problem, a program for automated finite element modelling of a typical reinforced composite panel was created. Program allows to conduct parametric studies of strength and stability in an automatic mode, to model panel impact damage and to parameterize the temperature dependence of the strength of a composite. Using this method, results were obtained on the strength and stability of the panel in the temperature range and in various damage parameters.
Supporting tools to technical advance in the early stages of design
Authors: Aridhi Abderrahmen , Espi Jose Jorge , Berro Juan Pedro , Mesas Mireia
Published: December 2019

The development of methods and tools to support the advancement in scientific and technical solutions has emerged in recent years in order to assist decisions that allow to avoid extra efforts due to the common traditional “trial and error” approach. At the same time, new challenges in terms of environmental protection have also engaged to adopt decisions having into account that climate protection needs to remain as a primer driver in the development of the aviation sector. AIRPOXY will recover all current requirements through an integrated approach where LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), LCC (Life Cycle Cost analysis), HHRA (Human Health Risk Assessment) and numerical simulation of manufacturing processes will work together in order to demonstrate and support the development of thermoformable, repairable and bondable smart epoxy based composites for aero structures. By considering all stated before, the final aim will be double. On one hand, to be informed about technical, environmental, economic and safety requirements during key stages, in order to take informed decisions and optimise it following the Eco-design principles. On the other hand, to obtain objective data to support performance in order to increase the impact of the project and support the further implementation of the technologies as the AIRPOXY solutions reach higher TRLs.
Assessment of the performance of a cruise missile wing depending on design parameters at various flight conditions
Authors: Erturk Burak , Yaman Yavuz
Published: December 2019

The design of a cruise missile wing is a multidisciplinary work, since the wing has to provide enough aerodynamic forces while being structurally safe. In order to meet the design requirements and achieve a successful design, several parameters of the wing need to be investigated at various flight conditions. In this paper, lift forces and flutter speeds are obtained for different wing geometries, at various altitudes and speeds. The design of experiments is constructed by changing the several variables of the wing to have better understanding of the effect of design parameters. The aerodynamic analyses for predicting the lift force are performed by using FLUENT and the aeroelastic analyses for the determination of the flutter speed are conducted by using ZAERO package programs.
Investigations of the vortex ring state on a helicopter main rotor based on computational methodology using URANS solver
Authors: Stalewski Wienczyslaw , Surmacz Katarzyna
Published: December 2019

Computational investigations of the Vortex Ring State (VRS) on a helicopter main rotor have been conducted. The VRS phenomenon is a condition of powered flight that occurs most frequently during the vertical or nearly vertical descent of a rotorcraft. The characteristic feature of the VRS is a torus-shaped vortex around a rotor. The occurrence of this extensive vortex structure is a dangerous phenomenon that usually causes sudden decrease of main-rotor thrust, finally leading to an increase of the rate of descent and vibration level, disturbances of a helicopter balance, deterioration of manoeuvrability and deficit of power. The investigations presented in the paper, have been conducted based on computational methodology developed and implemented by the Authors. The methodology is based on a coupling of several methods of Computational Fluid Dynamics and Flight Dynamic. The approach consists of calculation of unsteady aerodynamic forces acting on the flying rotorcraft by simultaneous solution of the URANS equations, the equations of motion of the helicopter as well as the equations describing fluid-structure-interaction phenomena. Flow effects caused by rotating rotor blades, are modelled using a simplified approach based on the Virtual Blade Model. Using the described methodology, a series of helicopter flight simulations, in a vicinity of the VRS boundaries, have been conducted. Selected results of these simulations have been discussed in the paper.
Effects of Propeller Slipstream of Distributed Electric Propulsion on the Wing-Flap System
Authors: Mikhalyov Semyon , Dunaevsky Andrey , Teperin Leonid , Vasilyev Roman , Redkin Andrey
Published: December 2019

The studies are aimed at investigating the mechanism to ensure the high lift by installing propellers in front of the wing and using interference effects. The model of the wing section of a regional STOL aircraft with DEPSis considered. The wing section is equipped with a trailing edge device (Fowler flap) and DEPS consisting of motors with propellers. Parametric and experimental studies of the interaction between DEPS propellers and the regional STOL aircraft wing-flap system were carried out. The development and verification of aerodynamic calculation method for the wing section at low Reynolds numbers were performed. The comparison with the wind tunnel test data obtained at TSAGI was made. It was found that: - for fixed power of propellers there is an optimal propeller diameter ensuring maximum increase in the wing section lift; - at low thrust the total lift weakly depends on DEPS inclination angle.