bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordinated Optimal Control of Multiple Reactive Power Devices at Different Voltage Levels in UHVDC Near Zone
Authors: Yue Zongzu , Shen Xuhui , Yan Feng
Published: May 2020

Affected by different steady-state reactive power output ratios among generators, capacitors and other reactive devices in the end-to-end power grid, voltage collapse may occur due to the failure of the receiving-end AC system, and the problem of voltage stabilization in multi-DC feed systems is particularly common. For suppressing voltage collapse, sufficient dynamic reactive power support is an effective measure, and there are some differences in the dynamic support effect of different reactive power sources. The dynamic reactive power response of the generator and its reactive power margin are two important factors affecting the coordination and optimization of the reactive power of the generator. The comprehensive evaluation index is adopted to optimize the sequencing of the reactive power output of the generator near the DC drop point. A coordinated control method of dynamic and static reactive power for DC near-point systems at different voltage levels is proposed. By controlling the steady-state reactive power output ratio between multiple reactive devices, the node voltage is maintained near the target value, and reactive power control schemes at different voltage levels can be given to meet load changes. Finally, taking the actual situation of Central China Power Grid as an example, the results of different reactive voltage control strategies are compared and analyzed, which proves that the coordinated control strategy of multiple reactive power devices can significantly improve the stability of the receiving grid voltage.
Analysis on three typical abnormal microstructures of overhead power line suspension clamps
Authors: Liu Weike , Zhou Mengbao , Hu Jiarui , Wu Songqi , Cao Xianhui , Xiong Jie , Hu Lian , Xie Yi , Feng Chao , Wang Jun , Liu Chun
Published: May 2020

This article lists three typical abnormal microstructures of overhead power line suspension clamps, including inclusion, flake graphite and cementite network. A series of tests including macro check, hardness measurement, composition tests, Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis and metallographic observation have been carried out. The experimental results showed that the causes of abnormal microstructures mainly include: high content of impurities, flake graphite blank and unfulfilled annealing heat treatment. It is suggested to strengthen the supervision on suspension clamps before using, and focus on the quality inspection of metallographic structure and composition.
An experimental study on heat transfer performance of a pulsating heat pipe radiator for CPU heat dissipation
Authors: Shang Fumin , Yang Qingjing , Liu Chaoyue , Fan Shilong , Liu Jianhong
Published: May 2020

To meet the requirement of electronic heat dissipation with high heat flux, a kind of heat dissipation device using pulsating heat pipe (PHP) for CPU heat dissipation was put forward. The heat transfer performance and surface temperature distribution of the radiator are analyzed by analyzing the wall temperature distribution and the distribution of the evaporator and condenser of the PHP. The experimental results show that the change of wind speed has obvious influence on the operation of the PHP radiator. The surface temperature distribution of the PHP radiator is very uniform, which is especially beneficial for CPU cooling. The heat transfer performance of the PHP is better, and the minimum average thermal resistance is 0.19 k/W. In addition, there is no drying phenomenon when the temperature reaches about 120 °C, which indicates that the pulsating heat pipe has a very high heat transfer limit.
Social, ethical and communication aspects of uncertainty management
Authors: Turcanu C. , Perko T. , Baudé S. , Hériard-Dubreuil G. , Zeleznik N. , Oughton D. , Tomkiv Y. , Sala R. , Oltra C. , Tafili V. , Benighaus L. , Benighaus C. , Maitre M. , Schneider T. , Crouail P. , Duranova T. , Paiva I.
Published: May 2020

The European project CONFIDENCE identified, conceptualised and addressed social uncertainties through a multi-method research approach. The research highlighted the uncertainties faced by publics, emergency management actors and decision-makers in nuclear emergencies and during the recovery phase. It showed that nuclear emergency management is dominated by decisions under uncertainties, that non-experts face also different uncertainties than experts, that emergency plans need a (continuous) reality check and that sound communication, openness and transparency about uncertainties may contribute to better decisions. It also suggests that national emergency response and recovery policies should consider and support the capacity of local actors to deal with an emergency or post-accident situation, for instance by carrying out their own measurements. This way, social uncertainties can be addressed and in some situations reduced, and the communication improved.
MCDA handling uncertainties
Authors: Müller T. , Bai S. , Raskob W.
Published: May 2020

Work package 6 (WP) of the European project CONFIDENCE focussed on decision support for stakeholders in nuclear emergencies especially considering uncertainties in such scenarios. A well-suited method for collaborative decision support is the Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). It provides a transparent approach for choosing a suitable strategy from a pool of strategies taking into account the different preferences of the involved stakeholders. One goal of WP 6 was to provide this method as a software tool to the nuclear emergency management community. However a default MCDA is not capable of handling uncertainties as input parameters. We embedded an existing MCDA tool in an ensemble evaluation framework to overcome this limitation and to process probabilistic input parameters. Within this framework random deterministic MCDAs are generated from the probabilistic MCDA and their results are combined into a single result reflecting this uncertainty. The enhanced MCDA tool provides user interfaces for defining probabilistic input parameters for impact values and criteria weights, as well as graphical components to communicate the results to the stakeholders. The tool was presented in several workshops to the potential stakeholders where it was applied to fictitious scenarios. The feedback was used to improve the tool in several iterations.
Agent based model
Authors: Bai S. , Raskob W. , Müller T.
Published: May 2020

In the CONFIDENCE project, we developed an agent based model (ABM) to simulate the decision making process involving stakeholders of different interests. Our model aims to support decisions on the most suitable protection strategies in different accident phases. The intelligent agents and the models of the negotiation/voting process are described in the paper. Given five scenarios, the numerical results from the computational implementation of the ABM are visualized and analysed in order to better understand the negotiation and voting processes. Our ABM can be expanded in order to support the decision making processes of many different stakeholders of various types of risk management apart from nuclear and radiological emergency management.
Masern-Impfung bei Asylsuchenden in der Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung (EAE)
Bielefeld: Impfquote 73%, Impfablehnung 21%
Authors: van den Heuvel Rick , Stammnitz Anke
Published: May 2020

Ziel der Studie Ziel der Studie ist es, eine Masern-Impfquote und
-Ablehnungsquote (bezüglich zumindest einer Masern-Impfdosis) der
Asylsuchenden der Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung (EAE) Bielefeld zu identifizieren.
Diese Quoten repräsentieren den Ist-Zustand in Bielefeld vor
Implementierung der Impfpflicht.

Methodik Diese Studie ist eine Querschnittstudie. Anhand von
Erstuntersuchungslisten sind demografische Daten (Alter, Geschlecht,
Nationalität) und routinemäßig gesammelte Impfdaten
analysiert worden.

Ergebnisse In dieser Studie wurden die Daten von insgesamt 4606
Asylsuchenden der EAE Bielefeld (01. Januar 2018–31. Dezember 2018)
analysiert. Die Geschlechterverteilung ergab 59% männliche und
41% weibliche Asylsuchende, das Alter lag bei 62% unter 30
Jahre. Die Flüchtlinge in Bielefeld kamen v. a. aus den
folgenden Ländern: Türkei 15%, Syrien 13%, Irak
9%, Iran 9%, Nigeria 5%, Afghanistan 4%, Guinea
3%, Albanien 3%, Somalia 3% und Pakistan 3%.
4326 der erwähnten 4606 Asylsuchenden hatten ein Lebensalter von 1 bis
einschließlich 49 Jahren; bei 3150 davon gab es zumindest eine
dokumentierte Masern-Impfdosis. Die Masern-Impfquote lag somit bei 73%.
Die Masern-Impfquote variierte zwischen 67% (bei 1 bis
einschließlich 4 Jährigen) und 78% (bei 10 bis
einschließlich 14 Jährigen). Die wichtigsten Gründe
warum ein Teil der Flüchtlinge in Bielefeld nicht gegen Masern geimpft
worden sind, waren: Ablehnung (21%), Erkrankungen(2%),
Schwangerschaft (2%) oder „Sonstige“ (1%).

Schlussfolgerung Die Masern-Impfquote in der EAE Bielefeld war
73%. Der wichtigste Grund für die genannte Quote war, dass
21% der zu impfenden Asylsuchenden die Masern-Impfung ablehnte. Es ist
dringend notwendig diese Masern-Impfquote zu erhöhen. Die geplante
Impfpflicht und interne Maßnahmen in der EAE Bielefeld werden helfen die
Impflücken zu schließen. Weitere Studien mit Beteiligung von
mehreren Asylzentren in Deutschland sind zur Feststellung von validen Impfdaten
der Asylsuchenden in diesem Land notwendig.
Komplizierte Trauer erfassen: Ein systematischer Review
Authors: Müller Heidi , Berthold Daniel , Bongard Stephan , Gramm Jan , Hauch Holger , Sibelius Ulf
Published: May 2020

Ziel Überblick englisch- und deutschsprachiger Messinstrumente zur Diagnostik von klinisch relevanten Trauerverläufen und Trauer in ihrer Multidimensionalität.

Methodik Systematischer Literaturreview.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt konnten 22 Inventare extrahiert werden, die sich unterteilen lassen in allgemeine und spezielle Verfahren zur Akutdiagnostik sowie Verfahren zur Früherkennung. Alle Inventare weisen überwiegend gute psychometrische Kennwerte auf.

Diskussion International existiert eine Vielzahl an Messverfahren. Für den deutschen Sprachraum liegen 3 allgemeine und 3 spezielle Inventare vor.

Schlussfolgerung Bislang fehlen deutschsprachige Verfahren zur Früherkennung schwieriger Trauerverläufe.
Co-administration of Erythromycin and Leech Salivary Extract Alleviates Osteomyelitis in Rats Induced by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gerivani Bahar , Staji Hamid , Rassouli Maryam , Ghazaleh Nooshin , Vayeghan Abbas Javaheri
Published: May 2020

Objective Erythromycin (Ery) and leech saliva (LS) can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus growth in in vitro conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the activities and synergy between Ery and LS on chronic osteomyelitis in male Wistar rat's tibia induced by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA).

Materials and Methods Four weeks after osteomyelitis induction, rats were divided into four groups including no treatment (control), Ery monotherapy (orally), LS monotherapy, or Ery + LS twice daily for 2 weeks. Staphylococcus aureus growth, pathological signs and inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were assessed.

Results Rats tolerated all therapeutic strategies well during the experiment. The Ery treatment alone significantly decreased bacterial growth, pathological signs and TNF-α levels. Leech saliva alone reduced TNF-α level significantly, but did not produce a significant reduction in bacterial growth and pathological signs. Ery + LS treatment significantly decreased bacterial growth, considerably alleviated bone pathological signs and decreased TNF-α levels compared with other groups. Statistical analysis suggested that there was a stronger efficiency and synergistic action of Ery and LS when combined against MRSA-induced osteomyelitis in rats.

Clinical Significance The present study suggests that LS may have clinical utility to treat MRSA-induced osteomyelitis when combined with Ery or other therapeutics.
Routine Preoperative Group Crossmatching and Postoperative Check Hemoglobin Is not Necessary in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Tay Adriel You Wei , Thever Yogen , Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah , Hao Ying , Tan Andrew Hwee Chye
Published: May 2020

This study aims to find out if routine preoperative group crossmatch and postoperative check hemoglobin for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is necessary. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent unilateral TKAs for osteoarthritis from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2014. The main outcome measures were postoperative hemoglobin levels and transfusion requirements. Patients' demographics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and surgical details were analyzed. A total of 955 TKAs were included in this study (males = 207, females = 748; mean age = 66.1 years, standard deviation [SD] = 7.7). A total of 79 (8.27%) cases required postoperative blood transfusion, and the crossmatch-transfusion ratio was 17.5. Significant predictors for postoperative transfusion included lower preoperative hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001) and advanced age (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden's Index analyses identified the preoperative hemoglobin cut-off value for females to be 12.1 g/dL (relative risk (RR): 5.65, p < 0.001) in predicting postoperative blood transfusion requirement, and 12.4 g/dL (RR: 11.71, p < 0.001) for males. For age, the identified cut-off value was 68 years (RR: 3.18, p < 0.001). The largest decline in hemoglobin levels was noted on postoperative day (POD) 3 (31.8%), and smallest on POD 1 (18.8%). The postoperative transfusion requirements in TKA are low and do not justify routine perioperative blood investigations. However, these investigations should be reserved for patients with the identified risk factors, in particular advancing age (68 years and above) and lower preoperative hemoglobin (below or equal to 12.1 and 12.4 g/dL for females and males, respectively). In the event that postoperative hemoglobin level needs to be checked, it should be performed beyond the first POD.
The Relationships between the Rotational Axes of the Distal Femur in the Arthritic Caucasian Knee: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis
Authors: Halai Mansur , Kooner Sahil , Jamal Bilal , McMillan Jacquelyn , Syme Brian , Holt Graeme
Published: May 2020

Four distal femoral axes have been described to aid in the accuracy of transverse plane component alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These include the surgical epicondylar axis (SEA), the posterior condylar axis (PCA), and the anteroposterior (AP) axis. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to identify the axial femoral relationship with the least variation in a Caucasian population awaiting TKA for osteoarthritis. Secondarily, we further plan to determine if these femoral axis relationships differ with respect to sex or preoperative coronal alignment. These anatomic relationships were measured using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, which was performed within 2 months of the planned operation date for patient specific instrumentation templating. In terms of our primary outcome, the mean SEA/AP angle was 92.8 degrees (standard deviation [SD]: 2.5 degrees), the mean PCA/AP angle was 95.7 degrees (SD: 2.8 degrees), and the mean PCA/SEA angle was 3.4 degrees (SD: 1.8 degrees). Overall, the PCA/SEA relationship had the smallest variance, while the PCA/AP had the most variance for all comparisons. In terms of our secondary outcome, there was no statistical difference between femoral axis relationships based on preoperative coronal plane alignment. In terms of sex differences, the PCA/SEA was significantly higher in female knees compared with males. Females had a PCA/SEA relationship of 4.7 degrees (SD: 1.3 degrees) compared with 2.6 degrees (SD: 1.2 degrees) for males (p < 0.05). By using the PCA/AP axes, the AP axis was externally rotated by 96.7 degrees (SD: 2.3 degrees) in females, compared with 93.2 degrees (SD: 2.1 degrees) in males, from the PCA. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the PCA/SEA relationship should be used to determine axial rotation in TKA as it shows the least variation. When using the PCA, approximately 5 degrees of external rotation for Caucasian women and 3 degrees of external rotation for the Caucasian men should be dialed into the femoral cutting block to restore anatomic axial rotation. Further evaluation is needed to determine to role of preoperative coronal alignment on distal femoral axial alignment.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Patient-Specific Osteotomy Guides, Repositioning Guides and Titanium Plates for Acute Correction of Antebrachial Limb Deformities in Dogs
Authors: Carwardine Darren R. , Gosling Mark J. , Burton Neil J. , O'Malley Ffion L. , Parsons Kevin J.
Published: May 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the use of patient-specific three-dimensional (3D)-printed osteotomy guides, repositioning guides and custom-printed titanium plates for acute correction of antebrachial limb deformities in four dogs.

Methods Retrospective review of antebrachial limb deformities in small breed chondrodystrophic dogs that were surgically corrected using a closing wedge ostectomy of the radius at a predetermined site using patient-specific osteotomy guides. Reduction was achieved without the need for intraoperative measurements using patient-specific 3D-printed repositioning guides secured and manipulated using temporary Kirschner wire fixation. The ostectomy of the radius was stabilized with a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium plate.

Results All limbs were corrected to within 3.5 degrees (standard deviation [SD]: 1 degree) and 7.5 degrees (SD: 3 degrees) of the pre-planned deformity correction in the frontal and sagittal planes, respectively. No complications were encountered. Owners completed a canine orthopaedic index survey at a median postoperative follow-up time of 19 months. Surgery eliminated the main presenting complaint of buckling over of the manus in all cases.

Clinical Significance The 3D-printed osteotomy repositioning guides and titanium plates facilitated accurate acute correction of antebrachial deformities in this case series. The methodology described simplifies intraoperative surgical decision-making on limb position with good clinical outcomes seen in a small number of clinical cases.
Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Defense
Authors: Hamilton Chad A. , Maxwell George L. , Casablanca Yovanni
Published: May 2020

Gynecologic oncology existed within the Department of Defense (DOD) prior to its recognition as a separate subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology. Military gynecologic oncologists were among the founders of the specialty and continue a tradition of leadership and engagement within the field at the national and international level. The full range of gynecologic oncology services is located at the military's largest medical centers, acknowledging the team approach with multiple subspecialties necessary to provide the highest standard of modern gynecologic cancer care. Gynecologic oncologists within the military receive training on par or exceeding that of their civilian counterparts, and their education extends beyond traditional training to prepare them for the unique challenges within military medicine as well. The clinical offerings from these practitioners and their facilities are state of the art, and each offers the full spectrum of care inclusive of surgery and chemotherapy. Closely coupled with expert clinical care is medical education and comprehensive cancer research. The gynecologic oncology research conducted by the DOD spans the scientific spectrum from basic laboratory investigations, to translational and molecular analyses, to all phases of clinical trials. This discussion will examine gynecologic oncology services in the DOD inclusive of infrastructure, personnel and training, clinical care and outcomes, as well as research contributions.
Analysis of Rayleigh–Taylor instability at high Atwood numbers using fully implicit, non-dissipative, energy-conserving large eddy simulation algorithm
Authors: Yilmaz I.
Published: May 2020

Large eddy simulation of three-dimensional, multi-mode Rayleigh–Taylor instability at high Atwood numbers is performed using a recently developed, kinetic energy-conserving, non-dissipative, fully implicit, finite volume algorithm. The algorithm was especially designed for simulating low-Mach number, variable density/viscosity, transitional, and turbulent flows. No interface capturing mechanism is required. Buoyancy and heat transfer effects can be handled without relying on the Boussinesq assumption. Because of this feature, unlike the pure incompressible ones, it does not suffer from the loss of physical accuracy at high Atwood and Rayleigh numbers. In this study, the mixing phenomenon in Rayleigh–Taylor instability and the effects of high Atwood numbers on the development of the flow are investigated using various diagnostics such as local mole fractions, bubble and spike penetration lengths and growth rates, mixing efficiencies, Taylor micro-scales, and corresponding Reynolds numbers and energy ratios. Additionally, some important terms of the Reynolds stress transport equation are also introduced, such as Reynolds stresses (and their anisotropies) and turbulent production. Results show that Rayleigh–Taylor instability at high Atwood numbers is characterized by rapid development of instability due to the increasing growth rates and higher velocities of spike fronts, larger asymmetry in the mixing region, denser interactions in the non-linear phase, and changes in bubble and spike morphologies. It is also found that interactions of spike-fronts with their surroundings are the primary mechanisms of turbulent production and transition to turbulence. However, late time mean flow measures such as energy ratio and mixedness are not significantly affected. A scaling relation between the spike to bubble penetration ratio and the heavy to light density ratio is also provided.
Physical, structural, and shielding properties of cadmium bismuth borate-based glasses
Authors: Alajerami Y. S. , Drabold D. A. , Mhareb M. H. A. , Subedi Kashi N. , Cimatu Katherine Leslee A. , Chen Gang
Published: May 2020

We explore a new glassy material for radiation shielding applications. Novel transparent and non-toxic Bi2O3–B2O3 glasses including different concentrations of CdO were prepared by the conventional melt quenching method. The prepared samples were characterized and analyzed by using various analytical tools (XRD, FTIR, Raman, DSC, and UV-Vis-NIR). Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to create structural models of the materials, and these were compared to our measurements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the vibrations obtained experimentally with the vibrational density of states obtained from an ab initio computer model for these materials. The radiation shielding properties were measured for the photon energy range (10−3–105 MeV): both mass attenuation coefficient (μ/p) and effective atomic number (Zeff) showed a gradual increase with an increase in the CdO content. The mean-free-path, tenth value layer, half-value layer, and electron density for all prepared glasses were estimated. Promising results were achieved with the new glasses for radiation shielding purposes such as nuclear reactor and medical applications. The structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of the computer models revealed a topologically disordered, but chemically ordered network, and our vibrational computations provide direct insight into several Raman peaks observed for the materials.
Hotspot formation due to shock-induced pore collapse in 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazoctane (HMX): Role of pore shape and shock strength in collapse mechanism and temperature
Authors: Li Chunyu , Hamilton Brenden W. , Strachan Alejandro
Published: May 2020

The shock to detonation transition in heterogeneous high energy density solids starts with the spatial localization of mechanical energy into so-called hotspots that form due to the interaction between the leading wave and microstructural features and defects. We used large-scale molecular dynamics to characterize the hotspots resulting from the shock-induced collapse of cylindrical voids and elongated cracks focusing on the effect of shock strength, defect shape, and size. The temperature fields resulting from the collapse of cracks elongated along the shock direction show significantly higher sensitivity to both shock strength and size than cylindrical voids. Cracks 80 nm in length result in temperatures almost three times higher than voids 80 nm in diameter, reaching values corresponding to the ideal case of isentropic recompression of a gas. The molecular dynamics trajectories reveal the atomic origin of this contrasting behavior. While circular voids undergo a transition from viscoelastic pore collapse to a hydrodynamic regime with increasing shock strength, shock focusing in elongated cracks results in jetting and vaporization which, upon recompression, leads to increased heating.
Simultaneous measurement of rheological properties in a microfluidic rheometer
Authors: Del Giudice Francesco
Published: May 2020

Microfluidic rheometry is considered to be a potential alternative to conventional rheometry for the rheological characterization of viscoelastic solutions having relatively low viscoelastic properties. None of the microfluidic platforms introduced so far, however, can be used for the measurements of multiple rheological properties in the same device. In this work, I present the first microfluidic platform, named the “μ-rheometer,” which allows for the simultaneous measurement of zero-shear viscosity η0 and longest shear relaxation time λ. This is achieved by transforming the original “flow rate controlled” platform presented by Del Giudice et al., “Rheometry-on-a-chip: Measuring the relaxation time of a viscoelastic liquid through particle migration in microchannel flows,” Lab Chip 15, 783–792 (2015) into a “pressure drop controlled” microfluidic device, by replacing a syringe pump with a pressure pump. The novel device has been tested by measuring both η0 and λ for a number of polyethylene oxide solutions in glycerol–water 25 wt. % and pure water, respectively. Its effectiveness has been corroborated by means of a direct comparison with a conventional rotational rheometer.
NSF and postwar US science
Authors: Gibson Emily
Published: May 2020

In the early days of NSF, its leaders dreamed of large-scale federal investment in basic science but had to carve out a place for the new foundation in the complicated landscape of US science funding.
The SrrAB two-component system regulates
Staphylococcus aureus
pathogenicity through redox sensitive cysteines
Authors: Tiwari Nitija , López-Redondo Marisa , Miguel-Romero Laura , Kulhankova Katarina , Cahill Michael P. , Tran Phuong M. , Kinney Kyle J. , Kilgore Samuel H. , Al-Tameemi Hassan , Herfst Christine A. , Tuffs Stephen W. , Kirby John R. , Boyd Jeffery M. , McCormick John K. , Salgado-Pabón Wilmara , Marina Alberto , Schlievert Patrick M. , Fuentes Ernesto J.
Published: May 2020

Staphylococcus aureus
infections can lead to diseases that range from localized skin abscess to life-threatening toxic shock syndrome. The SrrAB two-component system (TCS) is a global regulator of
S. aureus
virulence and critical for survival under environmental conditions such as hypoxic, oxidative, and nitrosative stress found at sites of infection. Despite the critical role of SrrAB in
S. aureus
pathogenicity, the mechanism by which the SrrAB TCS senses and responds to these environmental signals remains unknown. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the SrrB histidine kinase contains several domains, including an extracellular Cache domain and a cytoplasmic HAMP-PAS-DHp-CA region. Here, we show that the PAS domain regulates both kinase and phosphatase enzyme activity of SrrB and present the structure of the DHp-CA catalytic core. Importantly, this structure shows a unique intramolecular cysteine disulfide bond in the ATP-binding domain that significantly affects autophosphorylation kinetics. In vitro data show that the redox state of the disulfide bond affects
S. aureus
biofilm formation and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 production. Moreover, with the use of the rabbit infective endocarditis model, we demonstrate that the disulfide bond is a critical regulatory element of SrrB function during
S. aureus
infection. Our data support a model whereby the disulfide bond and PAS domain of SrrB sense and respond to the cellular redox environment to regulate
S. aureus
survival and pathogenesis.
Mutation of a PER2 phosphodegron perturbs the circadian phosphoswitch
Authors: Masuda Shusaku , Narasimamurthy Rajesh , Yoshitane Hikari , Kim Jae Kyoung , Fukada Yoshitaka , Virshup David M.
Published: May 2020

Significance

The speed of the circadian clock is regulated by phosphorylation-regulated degradation of the PER protein. However, this model has recently been challenged by genetic studies in mice and fungi. Here, we provide definitive genetic and biochemical evidence that strongly supports the importance of the phosphoswitch-regulated proteolysis of PER2 in regulating the clock. We generated two independent mouse lines with a point mutation in a casein kinase 1-dependent phosphodegron in PER2. These mice have longer circadian rhythms, increased accumulation of circadian proteins, and perturbed temperature compensation. The findings strongly support the phosphoswitch model of regulated PER2 degradation as a central mechanism controlling the speed of the circadian clock.
Hydrocarbon seepage in the deep seabed links subsurface and seafloor biospheres
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , Ruff S. Emil , Dong Xiyang , Ellefson Emily D. , Li Carmen , Brooks James M. , McBee Jayme , Bernard Bernie B. , Hubert Casey R. J.
Published: May 2020

Marine cold seeps transmit fluids between the subseafloor and seafloor biospheres through upward migration of hydrocarbons that originate in deep sediment layers. It remains unclear how geofluids influence the composition of the seabed microbiome and if they transport deep subsurface life up to the surface. Here we analyzed 172 marine surficial sediments from the deep-water Eastern Gulf of Mexico to assess whether hydrocarbon fluid migration is a mechanism for upward microbial dispersal. While 132 of these sediments contained migrated liquid hydrocarbons, evidence of continuous advective transport of thermogenic alkane gases was observed in 11 sediments. Gas seeps harbored distinct microbial communities featuring bacteria and archaea that are well-known inhabitants of deep biosphere sediments. Specifically, 25 distinct sequence variants within the uncultivated bacterial phylaAtribacteriaandAminicenantesand the archaeal orderThermoprofundalesoccurred in significantly greater relative sequence abundance along with well-known seep-colonizing members of the bacterial genusSulfurovum, in the gas-positive sediments. Metabolic predictions guided by metagenome-assembled genomes suggested these organisms are anaerobic heterotrophs capable of nonrespiratory breakdown of organic matter, likely enabling them to inhabit energy-limited deep subseafloor ecosystems. These results point to petroleum geofluids as a vector for the advection-assisted upward dispersal of deep biosphere microbes from subsurface to surface environments, shaping the microbiome of cold seep sediments and providing a general mechanism for the maintenance of microbial diversity in the deep sea.
Addendum: Mapping electron dynamics in highly transient EUV photon-induced plasmas: a novel diagnostic approach using multi-mode microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy (2018 J. Phys: D. Appl. Phys. 52 034004)
Authors: Platier B , van de Wetering F M J H , van Ninhuijs M A W , Brussaard G J H , Banine V Y , Luiten O J , Beckers J
Published: May 2020

A new approach for an in-line beam monitor for ionizing radiation was introduced in a recent publication (Beckers J et al 2018 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.
52 034004). Due to the recent detection and investigation of an additional third decay regime of the afterglow of an extreme ultraviolet photon-induced plasma described in a later article (Platier B et al 2020 Appl. Phys. Lett.
116 103703) there is an additional reason for a minimum number of photons for this approach to work. Near or below this threshold, we explain that the response time of the diagnostic method is a limiting factor. Further, a second limit for the number of photons within a pulse is formalized related to the trapping of highly energetic free electrons.
Enhancement of the lean stability and blow-off limits of methane-air swirl flames at elevated pressures by nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges
Authors: Di Sabatino Francesco , Lacoste Deanna A
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the ability of nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) plasma discharges to improve stabilization and extend the blow-off limit of lean premixed methane-air swirl flames at pressures up to 5 bar. The effect of two discharge regimes, NRP glows and NRP sparks, was investigated. The electrical characterization of the discharges was performed and direct images at 60 Hz of the flames, with and without NRP discharges, were collected to assess the effect of the discharges on flame stabilization. Results showed that NRP discharges efficiently extended the lean blow-off and stability limits of premixed methane-air swirl flames, at pressures up to 5 bar. These results were obtained for a ratio of NRP discharge power to flame thermal power of 0.7% or less. Moreover, the peak voltage necessary to maintain constant this power ratio did not increase linearly with increased pressure, even though the reduced electric field should linearly decrease with the pressure. It was also observed that the relative effectiveness of the NRP glows and NRP sparks changed by increasing the pressure. Based on discharge physics and current knowledge of the effect of pressure on the electrical properties of flames, explanations for these results are proposed.
Small animal PET: a review of what we have done and where we are going
Authors: Miyaoka Robert S , Lehnert Adrienne L
Published: May 2020

Small animal research is an essential tool in studying both pharmaceutical biodistribution and disease progression over time. Furthermore, through the rapid development of in vivo imaging technology over the last few decades, small animal imaging (also referred to as preclinical imaging) has become a mainstay for all fields of biologic research and a center point for most preclinical cancer research. Preclinical imaging modalities include optical, MRI and MRS, microCT, small animal PET, ultrasound, and photoacoustic, each with their individual strengths. The strong points of small animal PET are its translatability to the clinic; its quantitative imaging capabilities; its whole-body imaging ability to dynamically trace functional/biochemical processes; its ability to provide useful images with only nano- to pico- molar concentrations of administered compounds; and its ability to study animals serially over time. This review paper gives an overview of the development and evolution of small animal PET imaging. It provides an overview of detector designs; system configurations; multimodality PET imaging systems; image reconstruction and analysis tools; and an overview of research and commercially available small animal PET systems. It concludes with a look toward developing technologies/methodologies that will further enhance the impact of small animal PET imaging on medical research in the future.
Modeling of streamer-to-spark transitions in the first pulse and the post discharge stage
Authors: Chen Xiancong , Zhu Yifei , Wu Yun
Published: May 2020

The streamer-to-spark transition in a point-to-plane configuration in atmospheric pressure air is studied using a 2D–0D combined approach. A validated fluid code is used and improved to model the spark stage. 2D modeling of discharges at three different temperatures, 300, 600 and 800 K, are conducted; the spark transition occurs when the temperature reaches 800 K in the first pulse. A conservative criteria of spark transition temperature is proposed based on analytical solution and compared with experiments. Kinetics modeling of the post discharge stage is conducted with consistent input values extracted from the 2D model. Results show that the streamer-to-spark transition can be initiated at a lower temperature (600 K) and lower field (50–75 Td), and the long-lifetime O-atoms formed in previous pulses play an important role in ‘knocking off’ the electrons from negative charged species and maintaining the electron density in the post discharge stage. The dominating processes for electron production are electron detachment reactions from

O

3

−

,

O

2

−

and O−. The ionizations from excited species only accelerate the production of electrons when the plasma is already dense.
Complying with conservation compliance? An assessment of recent evidence in the US Corn Belt
Authors: Holland Austin , Bennett David , Secchi Silvia
Published: May 2020

Conservation provisions of US farm bills since 1985 have been aimed at mitigating negative environmental impacts of US agriculture. One of the long term goals has been to protect against soil erosion, with a focus specifically on highly erodible land (HEL). Conservation Compliance (CC) mandates that, in order to receive federal subsidies, farmers who plant annual crops on HEL must implement a conservation plan, with practices such as rotating crops and no-till farming. When crop prices increase, however, the incentives not to follow the plan increase, as conservation activities can reduce farmers’ profits. This study is the first to assess the performance of conservation compliance between 2007 and 2019, a period of historically high and variable crop prices, using geographical information system tools and crop data in a critical agricultural production region, the US Corn Belt. Our results indicate there was a substantial increase in continuous corn on HEL, a proxy measure for non-compliance, in several portions of the study area in correspondence with higher crop prices following the 2007 Energy Bill. This mirrored the change in crop rotations on all cropland. The increase was positively correlated with both absolute and relative corn prices. While at the height of absolute and relative corn prices there were increases in continuous corn on HEL everywhere across the study region except parts of Missouri, some of the largest changes occurred in environmentally sensitive regions and areas which use irrigation, thereby potentially creating disproportionate environmental impacts. Similar changes in continuous corn also occurred in all cropland in the region, indicating that mandatory conservation programs are as vulnerable to periods of high crop prices as voluntary programs. Better monitoring for both CC and other conservation programs is critical to ensure the policies work as intended.
Generalized XOR non-locality games with graph description on a square lattice
Authors: Rosicka Monika , Mazurek Paweł , Grudka Andrzej , Horodecki Michał
Published: May 2020

We propose a family of non-locality unique games for two parties based on a square lattice on an arbitrary surface. We show that, due to structural similarities with error correction codes of Kitaev for fault tolerant quantum computation, the games have classical values computable in polynomial time for d = 2 measurement outcomes. By representing games in their graph form, for arbitrary d and underlying surface we provide their classification into equivalence classes with respect to relabeling of measurement outcomes, for a selected set of permutations which define the winning conditions. A case study of games with periodic boundary conditions is presented in order to verify their impact on classical and quantum values of the family of games. It suggests that quantum values suffer independently from presence of different winning conditions that can be imposed due to periodicity, as long as no local restrictions are in place.
Sol-gel based coatings for the protection of cultural heritage textiles
Authors: Trovato V , Rosace G , Colleoni C , Sfameni S , Migani V , Plutino M R
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the procedure for the development of sol-gel silica coatings for the protection of cultural heritage textiles, using a multistep approach, is described. With this aim, Tetraethoxysilane precursor was used at two different concentrations to realize coatings onto textile samples, using Dibutyltindiacetate as polycondensation catalyst for sol-gel reactions. The relationship between the presence of the catalyst, the number of coating layers deposited on cotton fabrics, and the influence of such architecture on several properties of treated textiles, were investigated. In particular, the chemical structure of thin films and their morphology were studied by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The thermo-oxidative properties and the abrasion resistance of sol-gel treated cotton fabrics were studied, as well as the durability of the coatings after different washing cycles. Both silica coatings provided high adhesion onto cotton textiles, while the higher silica concentration resulted in higher thermal stability and washing fastness of treated fabrics. An enhancement in the washing fastness and abrasion resistance for the two different concentrations of precursor in the presence of the catalyst was also observed. All experimental findings demonstrated the efficiency of sol-gel based materials specifically tailored to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage textiles.
Production of Tannin-based Natural Dye from Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) Tree Bark Waste from Wood Chips Industry : A Feasibility Study
Authors: Mindaryani Aswati , Rahayuningsih E , Adriyanti D T , Parthasiwi L D , Widhiasih M S , Larasati F
Published: May 2020

The potential effect of synthetic textile dyes towards human health and environment is much severe. Currently available dye in national and global market is dominated by synthetic commercial dye from various producers. Meanwhile, Indonesia demand for textile dye is increasing, but is not followed by production rate of textile dye. Producing environmentally friendly natural dye, which can compete in the global market, may solve those problems. A potential natural dye may be produced from tannin which is extracted from Mangrove bark. It has high yield with purity of 95% tannin (w/w) with solvent extraction method under moderate temperature condition. Mangrove tree bark is obtained from the side product of wood chips production. There are four species of Mangrove available for wood logging and chips producing activities namely Rhizophora Apiculata, Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza, B., Bruguiera Parviflora, and Ceriops Tagal. Mangrove can spread out the seed through the sea water naturally, making this wood reproduces widely and quickly. With proper treatment and logging management, considering the growth rate of mangrove, the sustainability of raw material is assured. The production of tannin will take place nearby the wood chips production. From 540 tonnes/month of mangrove bark as raw material, a 67 tonnes/month product could be extracted. The process will be carried out in small scale plant on empty land with area of 3.6 Ha. This plant has three units: raw material preparation, synthesis, and product purification. The product has desired purity and specification, and can be sold commercially. It also has the expected cash flow, and the profitability analysis result is also stunning. With Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) of Rp 141,896,000,000.- and operational Expenditure (OPEX) of Rp 28,842,000,000.-, the plant has Return on Investment of 27%. It has pay out time of 2.77 year, 19.08% DCFRR, Break Even Point at 40.85%, Shutdown Point at 10.25 %, IRR of 9.90%, and Net Present Value at Rp7,601,000,000.-. This investment also proves that at 5% change of raw material and products cost, the plant still overcomes the change and defend its profit state, making this investment feasible.
Leaching of REY from Non-magnetic Coal Fly Ash with Acetic Acid
Authors: Manurung H , Rosita W , Anggara F , Petrus H B T M , Bendiyasa I M
Published: May 2020

The escalating demand of REY in various industrial applications becomes an important issue nowadays. REY has prominent evidence to improve material properties such as high electropositive and good conductivity. In addition REY can be classified as one of renewable and clean energy resources. Due to the increasing demand of REY, exploration of alternative sources such as red mud, spent catalyst, and coal fly ash has been conducted. Coal fly ash is one of the promising alternative sources of REY in regarding to the low radioactive material concentration. The conventional method to recover REY from coal fly ash using inorganic acids produces harmful by-product to the environment. In this research, two steps experimental methods were conducted. The first step was silicate digestion which was performed using sodium hydroxide 8 M in which REY is concentrated, with solid to liquid ratio of 1:4 and temperature of 90°C for 120 minutes. The second step was leaching the REY using citric acid. The variables studied were pH, temperature and solid to liquid ratio. The optimum condition was at the temperature of 90°C, pH 1.7 and solid to liquid ratio (15%) for each element. The maximum recovery for each elements are 77.33% Lanthanum (La), 83.47 % Cerium (Ce), 88.78% Dysprosium (Dy) and 55% Neodymium(Nd). In addition, temperature does not have any significant efect at pH 3.8.
(Calamansi) Citrofortunella Microcarpa Rind Extract As Plant Derived Green Corrosion Inhibitor For Mild Steel In 1.0M Hcl
Authors: Arguelles Gian Carlo E. , Torres Mark Ceazar D. , Wu Brian James U. , Olay Jerry G. , Ong Renato C.
Published: May 2020

The inhibitive action of extracts fromCitrofortunella microcarpa(Calamansi) peels on mild steel in 1.0M HCl solution has been studied using the weight-loss method, electrochemical method, and SEM-EDX analysis. The measurements showed that calamansi peels have good inhibition properties. Weight loss results suggest that inhibitive efficiency increases as the concentration increases. It was also found that the adsorption stabilizes at 72 hours and degrades at longer immersion times. SEM studies of the immersed mild steel showed the decreasing extent of corrosion attack on mild steel at an increasing ratio of inhibitor, while EDX analysis shows the reduction of the formation of corrosion products, suggesting the formation of inhibitor film on the mild steel surface. The Calamansi peel extract inhibitor obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the mode of adsorption was found to be physical and spontaneous. The results of the electrolysis technique have shown the favoring of inhibition in cathodic reactions.
Synthesis of precipitated silica from bagasse ash as reinforcing filler in rubber
Authors: Sholeh M , Rochmadi R , Sulistyo H , Budhijanto B
Published: May 2020

Bagasse ash as waste material from the sugarcane industry is causing disposal problems. This paper study on the use of silica from bagasse ash as reinforcing filler in rubber. Precipitated silica was obtained from bagasse ash through a sol precipitation method. Process parameters such as time of addition of secondary sodium silicate, pH and temperature, were studied. The synthesized silica was characterized by XRF, XRD, and PSA. XRF and XRD test results showed that the precipitated silica contained 4.9% of alumina and had an amorphous structure, respectively. PSA result showed that the synthesized precipitated silica and a commercial reinforcing filler had a comparable aggregate/agglomerate size distribution after 10 minutes sonication. The yield of silica recovered from bagasse ash was found to vary between 41.7% and 58.2%.