bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the evidence for early horse domestication at Botai
Authors: Taylor William Timothy Treal , Barrón-Ortiz Christina Isabelle
Published: April 2021

Despite its transformative impact on human history, the early domestication of the horse (Equus caballus) remains exceedingly difficult to trace in the archaeological record. In recent years, a scientific consensus emerged linking the Botai culture of northern Kazakhstan with the first domestication of horses, based on compelling but largely indirect archaeological evidence. A cornerstone of the archaeological case for domestication at Botai is damage to the dentition commonly linked with the use of bridle mouthpieces, or “bit wear.” Recent archaeogenetic analyses reveal, however, that horse remains from Botai are not modern domesticates but instead the Przewalski’s horse, E. przewalskii—warranting reevaluation of evidence for domestication. Here, we compare osteological traits hypothesized to have been caused by horse transport at Botai with wild Pleistocene equids in North America. Our results suggest that damage observed in Botai horse teeth is likely generated by natural disturbances in dental development and wear, rather than through contact with bridle equipment. In light of a careful reconsideration of the mid-Holocene archaeological record of northern Eurasia, we suggest that archaeological materials from Botai are most effectively explained through the regularized mass harvesting of wild Przewalski’s’ horses—meaning that the origins of horse domestication may lie elsewhere.
The effect of a natural disaster on handgrip strength in prepubertal Indian children exposed to a severe cyclone during the prenatal and early postnatal growth
Authors: Kozieł Sławomir , Chakraborty Raja , Bose Kaushik , Ignasiak Zofia , Gomula Aleksandra , Nowak-Szczepanska Natalia
Published: April 2021

Natural disasters (NDs) experienced by women and their children during prenatal and infant growth may have long-lasting effects on offspring’s development. Handgrip strength (HGS) is one of the measures of muscular strength and an indicator of health status. This study compared HGS in children exposed to cyclone Aila in India during their prenatal and infant growth compared to a control group from a non-affected, adjacent area. The total sample involved 444 boys and 423 girls aged 7–9 years, categorised into 3 groups: prenatally exposed to Aila, exposed to Aila in infancy, and the control group, non-exposed to Aila. Results revealed that prenatally exposed children of both sexes had significantly lower HGS than the controls (at least, p < 0.001 in boys; p < 0.05 in girls). On the other hand, the postnatally exposed boys, but not the girls, showed lower HGS than the controls. A significant effect of a group factor (ND exposure) on HGS was observed even after controlling for confounding variables (age, height, BMI, birth weight, gestational age; at least, p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that prenatal or early postnatal experience of a ND may have association with impaired HGS in prepubertal children.
Bandwidth and gain enhancement of composite right left handed metamaterial transmission line planar antenna employing a non foster impedance matching circuit board
Authors: Alibakhshikenari Mohammad , Virdee Bal S. , Althuwayb Ayman A. , Azpilicueta Leyre , Parchin Naser Ojaroudi , See Chan H. , Abd-Alhameed Raed A. , Falcone Francisco , Huynen Isabelle , Denidni Tayeb A. , Limiti Ernesto
Published: April 2021

The paper demonstrates an effective technique to significantly enhance the bandwidth and radiation gain of an otherwise narrowband composite right/left-handed transmission-line (CRLH-TL) antenna using a non-Foster impedance matching circuit (NF-IMC) without affecting the antenna’s stability. This is achieved by using the negative reactance of the NF-IMC to counteract the input capacitance of the antenna. Series capacitance of the CRLH-TL unit-cell is created by etching a dielectric spiral slot inside a rectangular microstrip patch that is grounded through a spiraled microstrip inductance. The overall size of the antenna, including the NF-IMC at its lowest operating frequency is 0.335λ0 × 0.137λ0 × 0.003λ0, where λ0 is the free-space wavelength at 1.4 GHz. The performance of the antenna was verified through actual measurements. The stable bandwidth of the antenna for |S11|≤ − 18 dB is greater than 1 GHz (1.4–2.45 GHz), which is significantly wider than the CRLH-TL antenna without the proposed impedance matching circuit. In addition, with the proposed technique the measured radiation gain and efficiency of the antenna are increased on average by 3.2 dBi and 31.5% over the operating frequency band.
Association between pet ownership and sleep in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS)
Authors: van Egmond Lieve T. , Titova Olga E. , Lindberg Eva , Fall Tove , Benedict Christian
Published: April 2021

Preliminary findings suggest that pets may impact the owner’s sleep. By using data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bIoimage Study (SCAPIS) cohort, we aimed to investigate the association of pet ownership with the following self-reported sleep outcomes in 3788 to 4574 participants: (i) achieving the recommended daily sleep duration for adults (i.e., at least 7 h per day); (ii) sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (a score of > 5 indicating poor sleep quality); and (iii) difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sleep metrics were not associated with pet ownership, dog ownership, and dog walking when controlling the logistic regression for possible confounders (e.g., shift work, lack of social interaction, and chronic stress). In contrast, cat ownership was associated with a higher odds ratio of failing to achieve the recommended duration of 7 h of sleep per day (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]:1.18 [1.02, 1.37] versus non-cat owners). Our findings suggest that certain pet groups might have a more significant impact on the owner’s sleep than others. As the observed association between cat ownership and short sleep duration might be a chance finding, this observation should be seen as hypothesis-generating only.
Stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C
Authors: Jin Xuting , Song Li , Yang Hongsheng , Dai Chunlong , Xiao Yukun , Zhang Xinqun , Han Yuyang , Bai Congcong , Lu Bing , Liu Qianwen , Zhao Yang , Zhang Jiatao , Zhang Zhipan , Qu Liangti
Published: April 2021

A stretchable supercapacitor at −30 °C was developed for the first time by in situ growth of polyaniline onto the newly-designed anti-freezing organohydrogel polyelectrolyte.
The effects of overhang placement and multivalency on cell labeling by DNA origami
Authors: Liu Ying , Wijesekara Piyumi , Kumar Sriram , Wang Weitao , Ren Xi , Taylor Rebecca E.
Published: April 2021

Through targeted binding to the cell membrane, structural DNA nanotechnology has the potential to guide and affix biomolecules such as drugs, growth factors and nanobiosensors to the surfaces of cells.
Insights into g-C3N4 as a chemi-resistive gas sensor for VOCs and humidity – a review of the state of the art and recent advancements
Authors: Srinivasan Parthasarathy , Samanta Soumadri , Krishnakumar Akshay , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru , Kailasam Kamalakannan
Published: April 2021

Herein we have presented the state of the art and the recent advancements in the gas-sensing signatures of g-C3N4 based materials for VOCs and humidity.
Thermal effect on the efficiency and stability of luminescent solar concentrators based on colloidal quantum dots
Authors: Liu Bingxu , Ren Shihuan , Han Guangting , Zhao Haiguang , Huang Xingyi , Sun Bin , Zhang Yuanming
Published: April 2021

The efficiency of LSCs based on quantum dots is strongly dependent on the temperature, and the thin-film-configuration LSC has the lowest temperature increase under operation, due to the high thermal conductivity of glass compared to a polymer.
Visible light-driven fluoroalkylthiocyanation of alkenes via electron donor–acceptor complexes
Authors: Li Zebiao , Wang Shan , Huo Yumei , Wang Bing , Yan Jun , Guo Quanping
Published: April 2021

The visible light-induced fluoroalkylthiocyanation of alkenes via electron donor–acceptor complexes of perfluoroalkyl iodide reagents and K3PO4 was disclosed.
A facile evanescent-field imaging approach for monitoring colloidal gel evolution near a surface
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Jiahao , Zhu Hui , He Chuanxin , Ngai To
Published: April 2021

A facile evanescent-field imaging approach is developed to probe the aggregation behavior of near-wall colloids/clusters during colloidal gel evolution.
An integrated method for hiding sensitive association rules of the supply chains
Authors: Cheng Hui , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Zhaoyang , Zuo Fengjuan , Zhang Zaifang
Published: April 2021

Sensitive association rule hiding is an important issue of data sharing for supply chains, which can ensure mutual benefits and avoid information leakages among different enterprises. An integrated method is proposed by using Apriori and the discrete binary particle swarm optimization (BPSO) algorithm, aiming to improve the rule hiding efficiency and effectiveness. The Apriori algorithm is used to extract the association rules from sharing data. The selected sensitive association rules can be hidden using BPSO based on constructing discrete binary space and multi‐objective fitness functions. The proposed method is verified through a case study. The results show that the proposed method can effectively hide sensitive information and protect enterprises' business benefits.
Towards the assessment of realistic hybrid precoding in millimeter wave MIMO systems with hardware impairments
Authors: Papazafeiropoulos Anastasios K. , Papageorgiou Georgios K. , Kolawole Oluwatayo Y. , Kourtessis Pandelis , Chatzinotas Symeon , Senior John M. , Sellathurai Mathini , Ratnarajah Tharmalingam
Published: April 2021

Hybrid processing in millimeter wave (mmWave) communication has been proposed as a solution to reduce the cost and energy consumption by reducing the number of radio‐frequency (RF) chains. However, the impact of the inevitable residual transceiver hardware impairments (RTHIs), including the residual additive transceiver hardware impairments (RATHIs) and the amplified thermal noise (ATN), has not been sufficiently studied in mmWave hybrid processing. In this work, the hybrid precoder and combiner are designed, which include both digital and analog processing by taking into account the RATHIs and the ATN. In particular, a thorough study is provided to shed light on the degradation of the spectral efficiency (SE) of the practical system. The outcomes show the steady degradation of the performance by the ATN across all SNR values, which becomes increasingly critical for higher values of its variance. Furthermore, it is shown that RATHIs result in degradation of the system only in the high SNR regime. Hence, their impact in mmWave system operating at low SNRs might be negligible. Moreover, an increase concerning the number of streams differentiates the impact between the transmit and receive RATHIs with the latter having a more severe effect.
Sonar image quality evaluation using deep neural network
Authors: Zhang Huiqing , Li Shuo , Li Donghao , Wang Zichen , Zhou Qixiang , You Qixin
Published: April 2021

Sonar technology plays an important role in the development of marine resources and military strategy. Due to the bad quality of underwater acoustics channels, the sonar images collected by sonar technology equipment are easily affected by various kinds of distortions. To obtain high‐quality sonar images, the authors devise a novel dual‐path deep neural network (DPDNN) to measure the quality of sonar images. In these two paths, the authors use a batch normalization layer to reduce the training time and use the skip operation to speed up the feature extraction . Based on the above two operations, the authors extract the microscopic and macroscopic structures of sonar images, respectively. Finally, a global average pooling layer and a fully connection layer are used to connect the above two paths. Experiments show that the authors' DPDNN achieves significant improvements in prediction performance and efficiency. The source code will be published in the near future.
Multiscale ensemble of convolutional neural networks for skin lesion classification
Authors: Liu Yi‐Peng , Wang Ziming , Li Zhanqing , Li Jing , Li Ting , Chen Peng , Liang Ronghua
Published: April 2021

Early detection and treatment of skin cancer can considerably reduce the patient mortality rates. Convolutional neural network (CNN) has been widely applied in the field of computer aided diagnosis. However, for skin lesions, the inconsistent size of lesion regions in dermatoscope images hinders the convolutional neural network precise discrimination. To solve this problem, multiscale ensemble of convolutional neural networks called MECNN is proposed, which involves three branches with different lesion scales as the model input. The first branch locates the lesion region outline by identifying the largest local response point. Then, MECNN reduces the search area of the lesion region and divides the outline into two scales used as the input for the other two branches. A global loss function is defined to control the learning objectives of the three branches and MECNN fuses the branches output as the final classification result. The proposed model is evaluated on the public HAM10000 dataset and achieves a higher classification accuracy than the comparative state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Testing the analytical blind separation method in simulated CMB polarization maps
Authors: Santos Larissa , Yao Jian , Zhang Le , Ghosh Shamik , Zhang Pengjie , Zhao Wen , Villela Thyrso , Chen Jiming , Delabrouille Jacques
Published: April 2021

Context. Multi-frequency observations are needed to separate the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from foreground emission and accurately extract cosmological information from the data. The analytical blind separation (ABS) method is dedicated to extracting the CMB power spectrum from multi-frequency observations in the presence of contamination from astrophysical foreground emission and instrumental noise.

Aims. In this study, we apply the ABS method to simulated sky maps as could be observed with a future space-borne survey in order to test its capability of determining the CMB polarization E- and B-mode power spectra.

Methods. We present the ABS method performance on simulations for both a full-sky analysis and for an analysis concentrating on sky regions less impacted by Galactic foreground emission.

Results. We discuss the origin and minimization of biases in the estimated CMB polarization angular power spectra. We find that the ABS method performs quite well for the analysis of full-sky observations at intermediate and small angular scales, in spite of strong foreground contamination. On the largest scales, extra work is still required to reduce biases of various origins and the impact of confusion between CMB E and B polarization for partial sky analyses.
Less and more IGM-transmitted galaxies from z ∼ 2.7 to z ∼ 6 from VANDELS and VUDS
Authors: Thomas R. , Pentericci L. , Le Fèvre O. , Koekemoer A. M. , Castellano M. , Cimatti A. , Fontanot F. , Gargiulo A. , Garilli B. , Talia M. , Amorín R. , Bardelli S. , Cristiani S. , Cresci G. , Franco M. , Fynbo J. P. U. , Hathi N. P. , Hibon P. , Khusanova Y. , Le Brun V. , Lemaux B. C. , Mannucci F. , Schaerer D. , Zamorani G. , Zucca E.
Published: April 2021

Aims. Our aim is to analyze the variance of the intergalactic medium (IGM) transmission by studying this parameter in the rest-frame UV spectra of a large sample of high-redshift galaxies.

Methods. We made use of the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey and the VANDELS public survey to gain insight into the far UV spectrum of 2.7 < z < 6 galaxies. Using the SPARTAN fitting software, we estimated the IGM toward individual galaxies and then divided them into two sub-samples characterized by a transmission above or below the theoretical prescription. We created average spectra of combined VUDS and VANDELS data for each set of galaxies in seven redshift bins.

Results. The resulting spectra clearly exhibit the variance of the IGM transmission that can be seen directly from high-redshift galaxy observations. Computing the optical depth based on the IGM transmission, we find an excellent agreement with results for quasi-stellar objects. In addition, our measurements appear to suggest that there is a large dispersion of redshift where a complete Gunn-Peterson Trough occurs, depending on the line of sight.
Acoustics of the banjo: theoretical and numerical modelling
Authors: Woodhouse Jim , Politzer David , Mansour Hossein
Published: April 2021

A previous paper [Woodhouse et al., Acta Acustica 5, 15 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1051/aacus/2021009] showed acoustical measurements of an American 5-string banjo alongside similar measurements on a guitar, revealing a strong contrast in bridge admittance. Theoretical and numerical modelling is now presented to probe the physics behind this contrast. Without the bridge and strings, the banjo membrane has a rising trend of admittance associated with its modal density, and it has a distinctive pattern of sound radiation because an ideal membrane has no critical frequency. When the bridge and strings are added to the banjo, three formants shape the amplitude envelope of the admittance. One is associated with local effects of mass and stiffness near the bridge, and is sensitive to bridge mass and the break angle of the strings over the bridge. The other two formants are associated with dynamical behaviour of the bridge, analogous to the “bridge hill” in the violin.
A narrative review: The electromagnetic field arrangement and the “braking” effect of electromagnetic brake (EMBr) technique in slab continuous casting
Authors: Li Zhuang , Zhang Lintao , Ma Danzhu , Lavery Nicholas P. , Wang Engang
Published: April 2021

Electromagnetic brake (EMBr) technique is adopted to reduce the turbulence of molten alloy in the slab mould in the continuous casting process, especially under high casting speed. We introduce a state-of-the-art EMBr technique by reviewing the published literature. The main objective of this paper is to give a clear view of the EMBr technique in terms of the magnet arrangement, along with their “Braking” effect to help decision-making. The EMBr system can be divided into three types, in terms of the magnet arrangement: the Local type, the Ruler type and the Multi-mode type, respectively. Both advantages and disadvantages of each type have been discussed. Further challenges are also raised.
Evaluating the behavior of catalyst coated nut-coke in blast furnace conditions
Authors: Garg Pritesh , Asaithambi Suresh , Nag Samik , Patra Mantu
Published: April 2021

For efficient blast furnace ironmaking, it is desired to have low reducing agent rate, primarily coke rate. Developing technology to improve reaction efficiency of the blast furnace is extremely important as it has the potential to allow a decrease in the reducing agent rate as well as CO2 emissions. The reaction efficiency of blast furnace can be improved by lowering the Thermal Reserve Zone (TRZ) temperature; which is also the starting temperature of coke gasification reaction. In present study, nut-coke has been coated with in-plant waste, consisting mainly of iron oxide and calcium oxide, as catalyst. There was a clear increase of 10 points in the reactivity of coated nut-coke. The coated nut-coke have been subjected to non-standard high temperature experiments simulating blast furnace conditions with reducing gas consisting of CO, CO2 and N2 to capture the effect of catalytic coating on the onset of gasification reaction. The high temperature experiments carried out advise the following: i) A drop of 100 °C in the reaction beginning temperature of catalyst coated nut-coke as compared to non-coated one ii) A typical calculation shows that the lowering of reaction beginning temperature corresponds to a potential carbon rate savings of about 2.5 kg/ton of hot metal (thm). Furthermore, in a trial conducted at blast furnace with charging catalyst coated nut-coke, it has been observed that the carbon rate during the trial period was 3 kg/thm lower than the base period. The findings of blast furnace trial agree with that of the experimental one.
Pharmacokinetics of a novel endectoparasiticide topical formulation for cats, combining esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel
Authors: Jacquot Virginie , Buellet Prescillia , Letendre Laura , Tong Wei , Li Henry , Tielemans Eric
Published: April 2021

Esafoxolaner, a purified enantiomer of afoxolaner with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel in NexGard®Combo, a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. The parasiticide potencies of topical esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel, are based on transcutaneous absorption, systemic distribution, and exposure of respective target parasites. For each compound, the pharmacokinetic profile, non-interference, dose linearity/proportionality after one administration, and the accumulation and time to reach a steady state after repeated monthly administrations of the novel formulation, were investigated. After one topical application of NexGard®Combo at the minimum recommended dose, the mean plasma concentration of esafoxolaner immediately reached (and remained at) a level supporting rapid onset and sustained efficacy against ectoparasites for at least 1 month. The meanCmax,Tmax,T1/2, and the topical bioavailability of esafoxolaner were 130 ng/mL, 7.1 days, 21.7 days and 47.2%, respectively, and the plasma profiles of eprinomectin and praziquantel supported their known endoparasiticide properties. No relevant interference between the three compounds was observed. Dose proportionality was demonstrated for the three compounds over a range of 0.5× to 2× the minimum recommended dose. Steady state after repeated monthly administrations was reached by the second dose for praziquantel and by the fifth dose for esafoxolaner and eprinomectin. Accumulation was limited and drug plasma concentrations were maintained within a safe level.
Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against adult cat fleaCtenocephalides felisand flea egg production in cats
Authors: Tielemans Eric , Buellet Prescillia , Young David , Viljoen Alta , Liebenberg Julian , Prullage Joe
Published: April 2021

Esafoxolaner, a purified enantiomer of afoxolaner with insecticidal and acaricidal properties, is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel in NexGard®Combo, a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. The efficacy of this novel formulation against adult and immature stages ofCtenocephalides felisfleas was tested in four experimental studies. Two studies were designed to test adulticide efficacy, one to test inhibition of immature stages, and one to test both adulticide efficacy and inhibition of immature stages. In each study, cats were randomly allocated to a placebo control group or to a novel formulation group treated once at the minimum recommended dose. Cats were experimentally infested weekly for one to two months with unfedC. felisoriginating from North America or Europe. For adulticide efficacy evaluations, live fleas were counted 24 h after treatment and after subsequent weekly infestations. For immature stages, flea eggs were collected and counted weekly for evaluation of egg production inhibition and incubated for larval hatching evaluation. In the three studies testing adult fleas, curative efficacies, 24 h after treatment, were 92.1%, 98.3% and 99.7%; preventive weekly efficacies, 24 h after weekly infestations, remained higher than 95.5% for at least one month. In the two studies testing immature stages, egg production and larval hatching was significantly reduced for at least one month. These studies provide robust evidence of efficacy of the novel formulation against experimental adult flea infestations and for the prevention of environmental contamination by immature flea stages, for at least one month.
Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in cats
Authors: Tielemans Eric , Pfefferkorn Anthony , Viljoen Alta
Published: April 2021

Esafoxolaner is a purified enantiomer of afoxolaner with insecticidal and acaricidal properties. It is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel in a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. The efficacy of this novel formulation was assessed in an experimental study against induced infestation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks. Twenty cats were randomly allocated to either a placebo control group or a treated group in a 1:1 ratio. Infested cats were treated topically once at the minimum recommended dose. The study was designed to assess curative efficacy 48 h after treatment and to test preventive efficacy 48 h after weekly infestations for 2 months. At each weekly infestation, all cats were infested with 25 male and 25 unfed female R. sanguineus ticks. At each tick count, at least 6 in 10 control cats had a retention of 13 (26%) or more live ticks, demonstrating adequate infestation throughout the study. Curative efficacy on existing tick infestation was 90%; preventive efficacy over the following 6 weeks was at least 96%.
Evaluation of the Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay, the first marketed multiplex PCR for helminth diagnosis
Authors: Autier Brice , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: April 2021

Molecular biology has been gaining more importance in parasitology. Recently, a commercial multiplex PCR assay detecting helminths was marketed: the Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay. It targets Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris spp., Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis spp., Necator americanus, Strongyloides spp., Taenia spp. and Trichuris trichiura, but also the two most common microsporidia genera in human health, i.e. Enterocytozoon spp. and Encephalitozoon spp. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay to classical diagnostic methods, based on a cohort of 110 stool samples positive for helminths (microscopy) or for microsporidia (PCR). Samples were stored at −80 °C until analysis by the Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay. False-negatives were re-tested with bead-beating pretreatment. Without mechanical lysis, concordance and agreement between microscopy and Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay ranged from 91% to 100% and from 0.15 to 1.00, respectively depending on the target. Concordance was perfect for Taenia spp. (n = 5) and microsporidia (n = 10). False-negative results were observed in 54% (6/13), 34% (4/11) and 20% (7/35) of cases, for hookworms, E. vermicularis and Strongyloides spp. detection, respectively. For these targets, pretreatment improved the results, but only slightly. Trichuris trichiura detection was critically low without pretreatment, as only 9% (1/11) of the samples were positive, but detection reached 91% (10/11) with bead-beating pretreatment. Mechanical lysis was also needed for Ascaris spp. and Hymenolepis spp. to reduce false-negative results from 1/8 to 1/21, respectively, to none for both. Overall, with an optimized extraction process, the Allplex™ GI-Helminth(I) Assay allows the detection of numerous parasites with roughly equivalent performance to that of microscopy, except for hookworms.
Le jeu sérieux au service de l’apprentissage des physiothérapeutes : retour d’expérience et étude pilote à propos du dispositif PETRHA
Authors: Choplin Arnaud , Barbier Loris , Cintas Thibault , Maignant Gilles , Fournier Jean-Paul , Staccini Pascal
Published: April 2021

Contexte :La littérature accrédite le fait que les techniques d’information et de communication éducatives (TICE) deviennent incontournables. Les travaux de recherches consacrés à l’évaluation des jeux sérieux (serious game – SG) appliqués à la médecine et à la santé sont en constante évolution. Peu d’études ont évalué l’impact sur l’apprentissage de la mise en place d’un SG dans le domaine de la masso-kinésithérapie (MK) (ou physiothérapie).Objectifs :Cet article présente PETRHA (Physiotherapy E-training Re-Habilitation), le premier SG en physiothérapie. Il rend compte d’un retour d’expérience de son expérimentation pour l’enseignement et l’apprentissage du raisonnement clinique des étudiants en formation initiale de MK.Méthodes :Des méthodes d’analyse de contenu lexical et thématique de réponse d’étudiants à une enquête ont été mises en oeuvre.Résultats :Les résultats mettent en évidence plusieurs points positifs mais aussi certaines difficultés liées à une implantation purement logistique du dispositif PETHRA.Conclusion :Le travail rapporté a permis d’identifier un certain nombre de conditions didactiques et pédagogiques minimales à satisfaire lorsque l’on souhaite exploiter la ressource que constitue le SG PETRHA pour favoriser l’apprentissage du raisonnement clinique en formation initiale de kinésithérapie.
Infrared spectroscopy technique could help identify virus infections earlier on
Authors: Johnson-Groh Mara
Published: April 2021

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to quantitatively study protein adsorption in immuno-specific interactions.
A semi-grand canonical kinetic Monte Carlo study of single-walled carbon nanotube growth
Authors: Förster Georg Daniel , Swinburne Thomas D. , Jiang Hua , Kauppinen Esko , Bichara Christophe
Published: April 2021

Single-walled carbon nanotubes exist in a variety of different geometries, so-called chiralities, which define their electronic properties. Chiral selectivity has been reported in catalytic chemical vapor deposition synthesis experiments, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this contribution, we establish a simple model for the prediction of the growth rates of carbon nanotubes of different chiralities as a function of energies characterizing the carbon nanotube–catalyst interface and of parameters of the synthesis. The model is sampled efficiently using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations in the semi-grand canonical ensemble, uncovering the interplay of the external experimental conditions and the configuration and energetics of the interface with the catalyst. In particular, the distribution of chiral angle dependent growth rates follows non-monotonic trends as a function of interface energies. We analyze this behavior and use it to identify conditions that lead to high selectivity for a variety of chiral angles.
A microscopic TEM study of the defect layers in cast-mono crystalline silicon wafers induced by diamond-wire sawing
Authors: Li Hangfei , Yu Xuegong , Zhu Xiaodong , Jin Chuanhong , Zhou Shenglang , Yang Deren
Published: April 2021

Slicing silicon ingots into wafers by diamond-wire sawing (DWS) is an important step in the material production chain in the semiconductor industry. It will induce defect layers that are highly related to the stress release process and further influence wafers’ mechanical properties. This work aims to investigate the stress release in brittle crystalline silicon via the behaviors of defect layers comprising a surface phase transformed layer and a subsurface crystalline defect layer in DWS silicon wafers from the microscopic perspective. The micro-characteristics of defect layers were mainly obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The grooves’ surface contains amorphous silicon (a-Si) and diamond-cubic silicon (dc-Si), whereas indentations also contain additional Si-III and Si-XII phases, which were confirmed by both characteristic Raman peaks and the diffraction spots in the TEM image. The subsurface crystalline defect layers were characterized with a similar depth distribution of ∼0.6 µm and possess high-density planar-like defects, which were confirmed as novel defects with a large number (typically 200–400) of compactly strung-together nano-stacking faults inside and believed to be more favorable for stress release. Results show that the stress in crystal silicon can be well relaxed via plastic ways. These findings provide in-depth insights for revealing the essential characteristics of the defect layers in DWS wafers and will be beneficial for the understanding of the plastically deformed mechanisms of brittle silicon crystals.
Doping-less tunnel field-effect transistors by compact Si drain frame/Si0.6Ge0.4-channel/Ge source
Authors: Lee Byoung-Seok , Kim Min-Won , Kim Ji-Hun , Yoo Sang-Dong , Shim Tae-Hun , Hong Jin-Pyo , Park Jea-Gun
Published: April 2021

Tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) have attracted immense interest as a promising alternative to complementary metal–oxide semiconductors for low-power-consumption applications. However, conventional TFETs introduce both random dopant fluctuations and ambipolar current issues at negative gate voltages for sub-6-nm technology nodes. In this study, we address the performance of charge plasma-driven doping-less TFETs, including sub-3-nm thick compact drain (CD) geometry/SiGe-channel/Ge source layers for suitable bandgap engineering. An ultrathin CD frame and heteromaterials are adopted for use as channels/sources to improve the ambipolarity and ON-state features, respectively. Simulation demonstrates a clear reduction in the ambipolar current from 3.3 × 10−14 to 3.0 × 10−17 A at gate (VG)/drain (VD) voltages of −1.5/1.0 V and an enhancement in the ON-current from 2.0 × 10−5 to 8.6 × 10−5 A at VG = 1.5 and VD = 1.0 V, compared with conventional TFETs. In addition, diverse fabrication-friendly metals applicable to industry fieldwork sites are tested to determine how the metal work functions influence the outputs. The use of Ti/W/Ni as the drain/channel/source materials, respectively, yields an enhanced ambipolar current of 1.2 × 10−20 A and an ON-current of 3.9 × 10−5 A.
Molecular dynamics simulation on spreading of mixture nanodroplets on a smooth and homogeneous surface
Authors: Di Jiawei , Yang Zhen , Duan Yuanyuan
Published: April 2021

The dynamic wetting of mixture droplets on the solid surface is important for various industrial technologies and applications, such as evaporation, microfluidics, surface self-cleaning, and power cycling. Due to the influence of different components, the dynamic wetting process of mixture droplets is quite different from that of pure fluids. Currently, the understanding of the spreading mechanism of mixture droplets is lacking. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation is used to study the dynamic spreading process of ethanol/water and difluoromethane (R32)/2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (R1234yf) mixture droplets on a smooth and homogeneous surface. The droplets have different component mole fractions and various diameters of 9.4–12.8 nm. The influences of the component mole fraction on the spreading radius and dynamic contact angle are analyzed and compared with molecular kinetic theory. It is found that for the R32/R1234yf mixture droplets, the component mole fractions in the bulk and at the interface of the droplet are close and the dynamic spreading process is similar to that of pure fluids. However, for the ethanol/water mixture droplets, the mole fraction of ethanol is higher at the vapor–liquid and solid–liquid interfaces than in the bulk, and the spreading is faster than that of pure fluids. The mole fraction and the physical properties in the triple contact region are analyzed, and an improved prediction is proposed for the moving velocity of the triple contact line and the spreading process of the mixture droplet.
Study on the characteristics of elongation at break and tensile strength of photovoltaic insulating backsheets subjected to partial discharge degradation
Authors: Wang Qian , Sun Jinge , Li Tianhao , Xiao Peng
Published: April 2021

As widely distributed vast reserves of emerging green energy, solar energy has gained widespread attention in recent years. Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is one of the most scientific ways to use solar energy. In PV systems, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the chief material of PV backsheets. It is well known that PV backsheets will encounter various challenges, among which partial discharge (PD) is one of these that cause deterioration in insulating and mechanical properties of PET. It has severely affected the service life of PV backsheets. In this paper, the PD characteristic of PET samples at different PD durations and temperatures was studied through phase-resolved PD patterns. In addition, the change mechanism of mechanical properties including elongation at break and tensile strength of PET after PD in 30, 60, and 120 min at 30 and 55 °C was also studied. It can be found that the insulating and mechanical properties of PET are reduced after PD degradation at different aging durations and temperatures. This study can provide a reference for the performance improvement of PV PET backsheets, which will also help to evaluate the service life of the PV module and PV power generation systems.
Selective area epitaxy of III–V nanostructure arrays and networks: Growth, applications, and future directions
Authors: Yuan Xiaoming , Pan Dong , Zhou Yijin , Zhang Xutao , Peng Kun , Zhao Bijun , Deng Mingtang , He Jun , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati
Published: April 2021

Selective area epitaxy (SAE) can be used to grow highly uniform III–V nanostructure arrays in a fully controllable way and is thus of great interest in both basic science and device applications. Here, an overview of this promising technique is presented, focusing on the growth fundamentals, formation of III–V nanowire arrays, monolithic integration of III–V nanowire arrays on silicon, the growth of nanowire heterostructures, and networks of various shapes. The applications of these III–V nanostructure arrays in photonics, electronics, optoelectronics, and quantum science are also reviewed. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities provided by SAE are discussed.
Growth of InAs0.32Sb0.68 on GaAs using a thin GaInSb buffer and strain superlattice layers
Authors: Tan Kian Hua , Loke Wan Khai , Wicaksono Satrio , Yoon Soon Fatt
Published: April 2021

We report on the growth of an InAs0.32Sb0.68 layer on (001) GaAs substrates. The lattice mismatch strain between the InAs0.32Sb0.68 layer and the GaAs substrate was accommodated using a thin 50–100 nm Ga0.35In0.65Sb buffer with interfacial misfit (IMF) dislocations. The epitaxial structures were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. The threading dislocation density in the InAs0.32Sb0.68 layer was reduced successfully to ∼1 × 108 cm−2 using the combination of a Ga0.35In0.65Sb IMF buffer and InSb/Ga0.35In0.65Sb superlattice layers. Compared to GaSb/GaAs and InSb/GaAs interfaces, a significantly higher threading dislocation density (>1011 cm−2) was observed at the Ga0.35In0.65Sb/GaAs interface. Detailed analysis suggests that high threading dislocation density in the Ga0.35In0.65Sb IMF buffer could be due to the non-uniform microscopic distribution of indium and gallium atoms. This work is beneficial to the scientific community in the growth of the InAs0.32Sb0.68 material as it provides a novel approach to prepare a platform for the growth of the InAs0.32Sb0.68 material, which does not have a suitable lattice-matched substrate, on the widely available GaAs substrate.
Fourier–physical space coherent structure in flame–vortex interactions relevant to flame–turbulence interactions using a new signal periodization procedure
Authors: Paes Paulo L. K. , Brasseur James G. , Xuan Yuan , Shah Yash G.
Published: April 2021

The aim of the current study is to characterize key multidimensional relationships between coherent structures in physical vs Fourier/scale space representations of flame–turbulence interactions, as a basis for future analysis of the nonlinear couplings between key resolved scale (RS) and subfilter scale (SFS) motions in large-eddy simulation (LES) of premixed turbulent combustion. However, applying the bounded Fourier transform (FTF) in the nonperiodic flame-normal direction requires the removal of nonphysical Fourier content from the boundary discontinuities. To this end, we have developed a broadly applicable “discontinuity pollution removal” procedure for application to the FTF of multidimensional signals with a single nonperiodic direction. The procedure balances periodization of the signal near the boundaries with minimization of signal modification away from the boundaries. We applied the procedure in a physical–Fourier space analysis of the interactions between a flame and single-scale eddies modeled as the impact of a train of two-dimensional (2D) vortices on an initially planar premixed flame. We find that a specific spectrally broad localized coherent structure in Fourier space connects RS to SFS fluctuations in thermal energy and species concentration that, in physical space, are localized to the corrugations in the flame front in response to eddy–flame interactions. Within the RS fluctuations of energy and species concentration, the flame corrugation structure in physical space is found to be localized to sub-volumes within the RS region of 2D Fourier space. This new understanding of physical–Fourier space relationships categorizes classes of RS–SFS interactions relevant to SFS modeling in LES of premixed turbulent combustion.
Fundamentals of Recoupling and Decoupling Techniques in Solid State NMR
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: April 2021

Fundamentals of Recoupling and Decoupling Techniques in Solid State NMR provides broad coverage from the fundamentals through updated recoupling and decoupling techniques. It details step by step derivations and teaches readers how solid state NMR with Magic Angle Spinning exploits the interplay between mechanical rotation and radio frequency (RF) pulses to actively switch on (recoupling) and off (decoupling) desired interactions.

This unique book offers:Coverage from the basic through advanced topics and incorporates step by step derivations and exercisesConceptual, experimental, and mathematical aspects of modern solidstate NMRDetailed instruction of tensor calculus and step-by-step derivation to help students learn magic angle spinning phase integration

This book is ideal for upper level undergraduate students majoring in physics or a related discipline and practicing physicists interested in learning more about this topic.
Basics of Pulse NMR and Relaxation
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: April 2021

By now, we've explained the correlation between the nuclear spin and macroscopic magnetic magnetization, as discussed in Chapter 1. In this chapter, we will introduce some of the most frequently utilized skills for more advanced quantitative analysis in NMR: the rotating frame transformation, from both classical and quantum mechanical perspective. It helps us visualize the motions of magnetization under an on resonance RF pulse by removing the interference of the precession motion at the Larmor frequency. The resonance offset effect will be manifested by detailed derivations, which will be one of the most common adversaries for many recoupling or decoupling sequences. Another common trick, the tilted frame transformation, will be introduced to simplify our discussion of the motion of magnetization in the presence of resonance offset. Following this, quadrature detection will be introduced. We will end this chapter with some qualitative discussion of relaxation phenomena.
The Density Matrix and its Basic Applications in NMR
Authors: Chen Bo
Published: April 2021

I hope we now established some qualitative physical concepts and pictures about the fundamentals of NMR after the first three chapters. This chapter will introduce the basics of quantitative analysis of NMR experiments by quantum mechanics. A good background in linear algebra will be very beneficial, even if you have no prior knowledge of quantum mechanics.

We will start our discussion with introduction of relevant quantum mechanical concepts and principles necessary for our NMR analysis, with emphasis on the density matrix method. Then density matrix will be applied to explain the concept of coherence, and why normally only -1 coherence is detected in our quadrature detection setup. As an example, the evolution of a system consisting of non-interacting spins will be derived under one of the most famous RF pulse sequences, the Hahn Echo, in the presence of isotropic chemical shift.

To account for interactions, we will demonstrate how to break down the dipolar interaction into different coherent components. Subsequently we will introduce the operator formalism, which is based on the density matrix method. The operator formalism will be applied to analyze some basic NMR pulse sequences, including the Stimulated Echo, Solid Echo and adiabatic demagnetization. In this process, the effects of nuclear interaction are manifested by their effect over the evolution of the spin system.

In this process, another important concept, the coherence transfer will be demonstrated. It is frequently exploited in various NMR pulse sequences, both in solution and ssNMR. To facilitate the analysis, the transformation into fictitious double and zero quantum space will be introduced. They will be employed to demonstrate the excitation and detection of double quantum coherence by a simple (π2)x−τ−(π2)x sequence. It shares the core principles as other advanced pulse sequences to be discussed in Chapter 6 and 7. To generalize our discussion, the Cogwheel phase cycling will be explained as the optimal strategy for coherence pathway selection. The fictitious spin operators will also be applied to analyze the mechanism of cross polarization (CP), one of the most frequently applied signal enhancement pulse sequence in ssNMR. We will end our discussion with the average Hamiltonian theory (AHT), which will be our main theoretical framework to analyze more complicated pulse sequences in subsequent chapters.
CLK1 reorganizes the splicing factor U1-70K for early spliceosomal protein assembly
Authors: Aubol Brandon E. , Wozniak Jacob M. , Fattet Laurent , Gonzalez David J. , Adams Joseph A.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Proteome size is greatly enhanced through alternative mRNA splicing, a process catalyzed by the macromolecular spliceosome. The initial step in spliceosome assembly involves the binding of U1 snRNP to the 5′ splice site in mRNA. SR proteins ensure the fidelity of this step by simultaneously binding to mRNA and U1-70K, a protein component of U1 snRNP. Although phosphorylation of U1-70K is required for coupling to the SR protein, the enzyme that catalyzes this modification and the activating mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show that the protein kinase CLK1 phosphorylates a specific serine in the splicing factor U1-70K, reorganizing its structure and relieving a repressor contact for integration into U1 snRNP and stable binding to the SR protein.
Emerging challenges of ozone impacts on asian plants: actions are needed to protect ecosystem health
Authors: Feng Zhaozhong , Agathokleous Evgenios , Yue Xu , Oksanen Elina , Paoletti Elena , Sase Hiroyuki , Gandin Anthony , Koike Takayoshi , Calatayud Vicent , Yuan Xiangyang , Liu Xuejun , De Marco Alessandra , Jolivet Yves , Kontunen-Soppela Sari , Hoshika Yasutomo , Saji Hikaru , Li Pin , Li Zhengzhen , Watanabe Makoto , Kobayashi Kazuhiko
Published: April 2021

Context
: Ozone concentrations near the land surface are rising in Asia while they are declining or stagnating in Europe and North America. Ozone is the most widespread air pollutant negatively affecting vegetation, and its increased concentrations pose a major threat to food quality and production and other ecosystem services in Asia.
Method
: In this review, we provide an overview of scientific challenges in the impacts of ozone pollution on Asian vegetation, and synthesize the challenges toward mitigation of the impacts.
Result
: We argue that new policy initiatives need to seek both reduction of ozone levels and enhancement of plant tolerance to ozone to maintain food quality and ensure food supplies.
Conclusion
: The scientific advancements must be transferred to actions by two types of institutions: a) environmental agencies for reducing ozone levels and b) agricultural research institutions for enhancing plant tolerance to ozone. In connecting the scientific advancements with the institutional actions, scientists in Asian countries should play the key role taking advantages of interdisciplinary and international collaborations.