bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular ammonia sensing of PEDOT:PSS/nitrogen doped MXene Ti3C2T
x
composite film at room temperature
Authors: Qiu Jiyu , Xia Xinglong , Hu Zhihao , Zhou Sen , Wang Yanjie , Wang Yuhang , Zhang Ruijie , Li Jing , Zhou Yong
Published: October 2021

The irrational NH3 emission routinely poses a significant threat to human health and environmental protection even at low dose. In addition, high miniaturization and low power-consumption has been the critical requirements of Internet of Things. To meet these demands, it is greatly pressing to develop a novel gas sensor with the capability to detect trace NH3 without external heating or light-irradiation elements. In this work, the organic conducting conjugated polymer PEDOT:PSS was combined with inorganic nitrogen-doped transition metal carbides and nitrides (N-MXene Ti3C2T
x
) for chemiresistive NH3 sensing at room temperature (20 oC). By means of the organic–inorganic n–p heterojunctions via the synergistic effect, the results show that the composite film sensor with the optimal mass ratio of 1:0.5 between N-MXene and PEDOT:PSS components delivered favorable NH3 sensing performance than individual N-MXene or PEDOT:PSS counterparts in terms of higher response and quicker response/recovery speeds under 20 oC@36%RH air. Besides, decent repeatability, stability and selectivity were demonstrated. The incorporated N atoms served as excellent electron donors to promote the electron-transfer reactions and augment the sorption sites. Simultaneously, partial oxidation of MXene brought about some TiO2 nanoparticles which acted as spacers to widen the interlayer spacing and probably suppress the MXene restacking during the film deposition, thus favoring the gas diffusion/penetration within the sensing layer and then a quick reaction kinetic. The modulation of consequent build-in field within the heterojunctions was responsible for the reversible NH3 sensing. In addition, pre-adsorbed water molecules facilitated to establish a swift adsorption/desorption balance. The proposed strategy expanded the application range of MXene based composite materials and enrich the current sensing mechanisms of NH3 gas sensors.
The regression detectability index RDI for mammography images of breast phantoms with calcification-like objects and anatomical background
Authors: Anton M , Reginatto M , Elster C , Mäder U , Schopphoven S , Sechopoulos I , van Engen R
Published: October 2021

Currently, quality assurance measurements in mammography are performed on unprocessed images. For diagnosis, however, radiologists are provided with processed images. This image processing is optimised for images of human anatomy and therefore does not always perform satisfactorily with technical phantoms. To overcome this problem, it may be possible to use anthropomorphic phantoms reflecting the anatomic structure of the human breast in place of technical phantoms when carrying out task-specific quality assessment using model observers. However, the use of model observers is hampered by the fact that a large number of images needs to be acquired. A recently published novel observer called the regression detectability index (RDI) needs significantly fewer images, but requires the background of the images to be flat. Therefore, to be able to apply the RDI to images of anthropomorphic phantoms, the anatomic background needs to be removed. For this, a procedure in which the anatomical structures are fitted by thin plate spline (TPS) interpolation has been developed. When the object to be detected is small, such as a calcification-like lesion, it is shown that the anatomic background can be removed successfully by subtracting the TPS interpolation, which makes the background-free image accessible to the RDI. We have compared the detectability obtained by the RDI with TPS background subtraction to results of the channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) and human observers. With the RDI, results for the detectability

d
′

can be obtained using 75% fewer images compared to the CHO, while the same uncertainty of

d
′

is achieved. Furthermore, the correlation of

d
′

(RDI) with the results of human observers is at least as good as that of

d
′

(CHO) with human observers.
A three-bit-per-cell via-type resistive random access memory gated metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor non-volatile memory with the FORMing-free characteristic
Authors: Hsieh E Ray , Huang Yi Xiang , Ye You Hung , Wang Zih Ying
Published: October 2021

We present an embedded memory for possible neuromorphic computing applications using a via-type resistive random access memory (RRAM) gated metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). By this arrangement, the threshold voltage (V
th) of the MOSFET is modulated by the resistance of the via-type RRAM. When the resistance of the via-type RRAM is in a high-resistance state (HRS), the word-line voltage (V
WL) is consumed mostly across the via-type RRAM and little is left on the gate dielectric layer of the MOSFET; the V
th of the MOSFET is boosted. In contrast, when the resistance of the via-type RRAM is in a low-resistance state (LRS), with the resistance value much smaller than that of the gate dielectric of the MOSFET, the VWL will be dropped majorly on the gate dielectric of the MOSFET, and the V
th of the MOSFET will be much reduced than that of the MOSFET gated by the via-type RRAM in a HRS. The experimental results show that, in a direct-current mode, the memory window achieves 1 V between a LRS and a HRS of the via-type RRAM gated MOSFET. In an alternating current mode, the LRS can be SET at 10 nanoseconds; the HRS can be RESET at 5 nanoseconds. Furthermore, three-bit-per-cell operation of the via-type RRAM gated MOSFET is demonstrated. The eight conductance states are distributed evenly between 100 micro- and 100 picosiemens with almost isometric gaps in between. The endurance tests were executed for eight conductance states with one million cycles for four pairs. Finally, the retention tests of eight states were kept under 125 °C for one month.
Flexible and stable grasping by multi-jointed pneumatic actuator mimicking the human finger-impacts of structural parameters on performance
Authors: Hao Tianze , Xiao Huaping , Liu Shuhai , Gu Jianfeng
Published: October 2021

Most current pneumatic actuators, whether they have a single inflation chamber or multiple inflation chambers, are driven by a single air source, limiting their ability to complete precise and targeted manipulation. This paper describes a flexible pneumatic actuator with a three-chamber structure to mimic the motion of a human finger. Each chamber, which mimics the finger joint, is independently driven by a pressurized air source, making the finger flexible enough to grasp an object according to its shape. To achieve a more extensive deformation with lower pressure, the finite element method (FEM) was used to optimize and determine the structural parameters of the actuator. Actuators, both with and without fiber-reinforcement, were experimentally investigated to determine the bending performance of the artificial finger when pressurized individually or simultaneously. A three-finger gripper fabricated based on the multi-jointed pneumatic actuator successfully grasps various objects with higher contact area compared to previous designs, which achieves more stable grasping. The current actuator is flexible and stable enough to be used for a wide range of objects with different dimensions, shapes, and textures by controlling the various chambers.
Acoustic geometric-phase meta-array
Authors: Liu Bingyi , Su Zhaoxian , Zeng Yong , Wang Yongtian , Huang Lingling , Zhang Shuang
Published: October 2021

Metasurfaces based on geometric phase acquired from the conversion of the optical spin states provide a robust control over the wavefront of light, and have been widely employed for construction of various types of functional metasurface devices. However, this powerful approach cannot be readily transferred to the manipulation of acoustic waves because acoustic waves do not possess the spin degree of freedom. Here, we propose the concept of acoustic geometric-phase meta-array by leveraging the conversion of orbital angular momentum of acoustic waves, where well-defined geometric-phases can be attained through versatile topological charge conversion processes. This work extends the concept of geometric-phase metasurface from optics to acoustics, and provides a new route for acoustic wave control.
Spin–orbit proximity effect and topological superconductivity in graphene/transition-metal dichalcogenide nanoribbons
Authors: Wang Zhen-Hua , Xu Fuming , Li Lin , Xu Dong-Hui , Chen Wei-Qiang , Wang Bin , Guo Hong
Published: October 2021

Spin–orbit coupling (SOC) plays a determinate role in spintronics and topological physics. Previous studies indicate that the SOC in graphene nanoribbon (GNR) can be enhanced by the proximity effect from two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide (2D-TMD). However, the bulk inversion symmetry of GNR/2D-TMD restricts further increase of the proximity-induced SOC in GNR. In this view, we introduce a TMD nanoribbon (TMDNR) with finite width, and propose three methods to break the bulk inversion symmetry, i.e. defects in TMDNR, spatial interlayer edge coupling, and twist between GNR and TMDNR, which can further enhance the SOC in the GNR by roughly 30 times, 20 times and 150 times, respectively, depending on the relative energy between the Dirac point of GNR and the states of TMDNR. Furthermore, the significantly enhanced SOC can drive the GNR into a topological superconducting phase. By introducing the Zeeman splitting and s-wave superconductivity in the GNR, quasi one-dimensional topological superconductivity and Majorana zero modes (MZMs) can be achieved in the GNR. At last we propose a feasible experimental method to realize and manipulate MZMs in the GNR/TMDNR system.
Prediction of hard x-ray behavior by using the NARX neural network to reduce the destructive effects of runaway electrons in tokamak
Authors: Alavi Amir , Saadat Shervin , Ghanbari Mohamad Reza , Alavi Seyed Enayatallah , Kadkhodaie Ali
Published: October 2021

The NARX neural network was applied to accurately predict the behavior of Runaway Electrons (REs) in the plasma tokamak. This particular type of artificial neural network was created specifically for time series prediction. The NARX network was built, trained, and tested using inputs from some plasma diagnostic signals (Loop voltage, Hard x-ray, and Plasma current). The network output predicts the time evolution of Hard x-ray (HXR) signals up to 500 μs, which can be achieved with high accuracy (Mean Absolute Error = 0.003). These results are from experimental data collected during all phases of plasma tokamak discharges. The real-time application of this methodology can pave the way for prompt REs control action. The confinement time increases as the REs decrease, and their destructive effects on the tokamak wall decrease as well. Early prediction of RE behavior is critical in attempting to mitigate their potentially dangerous effects.
Near-zero thermal expansion in β-CuZnV2O7 in a large temperature range
Authors: Hao Yaguang , Xie Hengli , Zeng Gaojie , Yuan Huanli , Hu Yangming , Guo Juan , Gao Qilong , Chao Mingju , Ren Xiao , Liang Er-Jun
Published: October 2021

We report a new type of near-zero thermal expansion material β-CuZnV2O7 in a large temperature range from 173 K to 673 K. It belongs to a monoclinic structure (C2/c space group) in the whole temperature range. No structural phase transition is observed at atmospheric pressure based on the x-ray diffraction and Raman experiment. The high-pressure Raman experiment demonstrates that two structural phase transitions exist at 0.94 GPa and 6.53 GPa, respectively. The mechanism of negative thermal expansion in β-CuZnV2O7 is interpreted by the variations of the angles between atoms intuitively and the phonon anharmonicity intrinsically resorting to the negative Grüneisen parameter.
Numerical simulations of MHD flows around a 180-degree sharp bend under a strong transverse magnetic field
Authors: Wang H. , Chen L. , Zhang N.M. , Ni M.J.
Published: October 2021

The quasi-two-dimensional flow of a liquid metal subjected to a strong transverse magnetic field around a 180-degree sharp bend is investigated by means of parametric numerical simulations where the Reynolds number Re, Hartmann number Ha and the gap ratio β (defined as the ratio of the gap thickness to the inlet width) vary in the respective ranges [100–50 000], [100–2000] and [0.04–1]. Both steady-state flow solutions and the evolution of unsteady flow regimes can be captured within this parameter space. The critical Reynolds number for transition from steady to unsteady flow increases as Ha increases for all β. It is shown, for 0.04 ⩽ β ⩽ 0.25, the critical Reynolds number remains almost linear relationship with the parameter Re/Ha0.9, whereas for β = 1, the key parameter is dominated by Re/Ha0.6. The present simulations aim to investigate the physical mechanism of this phenomenon and characterizing the position where the vortices are shed from the free shear layer. We discover that the vortices shedding is originated in the outlet region for 0.04 ⩽ β ⩽ 0.25 other than the turning part in bend region for β = 1. Additionally, the free shear layer separates the recirculation bubble from mainstream and its instability is proposed to interpret the transition, commonly known as Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. The effect of a strong transverse magnetic field on flow characteristics is considered such as the length of recirculation bubbles and the pressure drop between inlet and outlet. A further frequency analysis reveals that at the end of vortices shedding, the oblique waves resonance exists, or a new vortex street consisting of the vortices detached from the boundary layer and upstream fluctuations appears. Finally, according to the influence of β on the transition, we present a modified map of fluid regimes for prediction, which provides useful information for improved mixing and heat transport.
Clinical application of collagen membrane with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells to repair nasal septal perforation
Authors: Wang Handong , Zhu Chengwen , Xu Zhengrong , Wei Xianmei , Shen He , Wang Liudi , Wang Bin , Chen Bing , Zhao Yannan , Yu Chenjie , Dai Jianwu , Gao Xia
Published: October 2021

Objective. We aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of collagen membrane with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the endoscopic repair of nasal septal perforation. Methods. We performed a prospective clinical trial between March 2017 and October 2019. Nasal septal perforations were repaired by the endoscopic sandwich technique with the collagen membrane and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These patients were followed up postoperatively. Their outcomes were comprehensively evaluated by assessing the healing process of the perforations, the visual analog scale (VAS) for nasal discomfort, and the nasal mucociliary transit time (MTT) for the regenerated nasal mucosa. Results. Our study included a total of eight patients with nasal septal perforation (six males and two females, age 36.6 ± 12.8 years, diameter of perforation 1.0 ± 0.2 cm). Seven patients successfully underwent surgical repair. These patients had significantly improved VAS scores 1 month after the operations (1.1 ± 0.4) compared with the preoperative period (5.9 ± 0.7) (P < 0.05). Although the nasal MTT in the nasal septum and the inferior turbinate surface were within the normal limits before the operation and at 1 month after the operation, the postoperative transit time (11.1 ± 2.0 m) was significantly shorter than the preoperative transit time (12.1 ± 2.4 m) (P < 0.05). There were no recurrences of perforation, scab formations, or epistaxis after the operation. Conclusions. The application of the collagen membrane with umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells is a simple and feasible endoscopic procedure to repair perforated nasal septa and restore satisfactory functional mucosa.
Regulation of mitochondrial fission by GIPC-mediated Drp1 retrograde transport
Authors: Ramonett Aaron , Kwak Eun-A , Ahmed Tasmia , Flores Paola Cruz , Ortiz Hannah R. , Lee Yeon Sun , Vanderah Todd W. , Largent-Milnes Tally , Kashatus David F. , Langlais Paul R. , Mythreye Karthikeyan , Lee Nam Y.
Published: October 2021

Proper regulation of mitochondrial dynamics requires dynamin-related protein 1 retrograde movement via GAIP/RGS19-interacting protein-myosin VI transport system.
Chronic Primary Pain in Children and Young People: Evidence Review with Reference to Safeguarding
Authors: Gauntlett-Gilbert Jeremy , Rogers Valerie , Menzies Mike , Connell Hannah
Published: October 2021

Many children and young people experience recurrent pain, and a minority of these experience substantial disability and distress. Some have pain that is intrusive and that does not come from an obvious medical cause, such as chronic abdominal pain, headache or widespread musculoskeletal pain. Historically, such persisting pain has been a contested category, with labels such as ‘psychosomatic’ or ‘medically unexplained’ pain being used. Social Workers are not always able to access unequivocal medical advice about treatment and prognosis in these conditions and will benefit from being aware of the current literature. Happily, contemporary research helps to explain the physiological origin of such chronic pain states, and the personal and systemic contributors to pain-related distress and disability. This paper reviews epidemiology, cause, presenting features and treatment of these conditions, as well as issues of stigma. Successful investigation of child safeguarding concerns in this context, and of suspected fabricated and induced illness, will benefit from an understanding of the typical presentation of these conditions, as they are not well understood in mainstream medical practice. We explore how parental attitudes and actions may sometimes come from legitimate concerns, yet may also in some situations come to constitute cause for safeguarding concern.
In Search of Transformative Practice: Outreach Work Tactics for Perpetuating Symbolic Boundaries
Authors: Grymonprez Hans , Roose Rudi , De Corte Joris
Published: October 2021

Health services, social welfare, housing and an adequate standard of living are all part of the economic, social and cultural rights which should be accessible to all. These rights are, however, not realised for all and societal resources are not accessible to all. In this respect, outreach work is a promising social work approach as it is often deployed to target, engage and bring individuals back into contact with services. Nevertheless, it is argued that outreach work leaves the mainstream unchallenged. We therefore examine the transformational potential of outreach work (Grymonprez and Roose, 2019). Theoretically, we draw on the concept of symbolic boundaries, which are conceptual distinctions drawn between people and groups. This article contains an in-depth analysis of outreach work practice with marginalised homeless individuals in the Belgian city of Antwerp. We identified three conceptual distinctions important for the construction of symbolic boundaries: predictability, complexity and housing readiness. Our analysis identifies a range of tactics used by outreach workers to transform these boundaries. Such tactics may be helpful for social workers interested in transformational practice in contexts where challenging the mainstream is not seen as a mandate for outreach workers.
Spectrum of sublytic astrocytopathy in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Guo Yong , Lennon Vanda A , Parisi Joseph E , Popescu Bogdan , Vasquez Christina , Pittock Sean J , Howe Charles L , Lucchinetti Claudia F
Published: October 2021

Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder targeting aquaporin-4 water channels in CNS astrocytes. Histopathological descriptions of astrocytic lesions reported in neuromyelitis optica so far have emphasized a characteristic loss of aquaporin-4, with deposition of IgG and complement and lysis of astrocytes, but sublytic reactions have been underappreciated.

We performed a multi-modality study of 23 neuromyelitis optica autopsy cases (clinically and/or pathologically confirmed; 337 tissue blocks). By evaluating astrocytic morphology, immunohistochemistry and AQP4 RNA transcripts, and their associations with demyelinating activity, we documented a spectrum of astrocytopathy in addition to complement deposition, microglial reaction, granulocyte infiltration and regenerating activity.

Within advanced demyelinating lesions, and in periplaque areas, there was remarkable hypertrophic astrogliosis, more subtle than astrocytic lysis. A degenerative component was suggested by ‘dystrophic’ morphology, cytoplasmic vacuolation, Rosenthal fibres and associated stress protein markers. The abundance of AQP4 mRNA transcripts in sublytic reactive astrocytes devoid of aquaporin-4 protein supported in vivo restoration following IgG-induced aquaporin-4 endocytosis/degradation. Astrocytic alterations extending beyond demyelinating lesions speak to astrocytopathy being an early and primary event in the evolving neuromyelitis optica lesion. Focal astrocytopathy observed without aquaporin-4 loss or lytic complement component deposition verifies that astrocytic reactions in neuromyelitis optica are not solely dependent on IgG-mediated aquaporin-4 loss or lysis by complement or by IgG-dependent leucocyte mediators.

We conclude that neuromyelitis optica reflects a global astrocytopathy, initiated by binding of IgG to aquaporin-4 and not simply definable by demyelination and astrocytic lysis. The spectrum of astrocytic morphological changes in neuromyelitis optica attests to the complexity of factors influencing the range of astrocytic physiological responses to a targeted attack by aquaporin-4-specific IgG. Sublytic astrocytic reactions are no doubt an important determinant of the lesion’s evolution and potential for repair. Pharmacological manipulation of the astrocytic stress response may offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention.
The Commune of Benevento (1128–1131): A South Italian Contribution to the Communal Movement
Authors: Oldfield Paul
Published: October 2021

This article examines the formation of a commune at Benevento in the twelfth century. In this south Italian city, which was under papal overlordship, a commune emerged, briefly but spectacularly, in the years 1128–31. Its existence has been almost completely overlooked in the wider narrative of the rise of medieval urban communes and in Beneventan scholarship itself. The particular value of an understanding of the Beneventan Commune is threefold. Firstly, the timing of its creation situates it firmly within an important formative and contested stage in the wider communal movement. Secondly, the Commune’s emergence was recorded in a contemporary chronicle by Falco of Benevento. Thirdly, Falco, a layman, was a highly acute observer of and participant in urban affairs, and was arguably the ‘first notary-chronicler of Christian Europe’. His chronicle precedes the more recognised body of works by notary-chroniclers produced from around the mid-twelfth century onwards in northern and central Italy, the hotbed of the communal movement. As a city notary (and judge) Falco was a well-informed observer, close to several of the key actors in the dramatic events he records. Moreover, his perspective on the communal movement deviates from other dominant contemporary discourses disseminated in often hostile ecclesiastical narratives. His voice on the commune is well worth listening to. An analysis of the Beneventan Commune—of its origins, agenda, organisation, and Falco’s perspective on it—therefore offers a unique contribution to the narrative of the wider emergence of the medieval commune.
Reworking activity of the thalassinidean shrimp Trypaea australiensis Dana, 1852 (Decapoda: Pleocyemata: Callianassidae) in an Australian estuary: A pilot study
Authors: Oncken Nele Svenja , Croizeau Tamara , Connolly Rod M , Flindt Mogens R , Kristensen Erik
Published: October 2021

Trypaea australiensis Dana, 1852 is the predominant bioturbating thalassinidean shrimp on the east coast of Australia. It is, like other large bioturbators, generally considered an important ecosystem engineer. The sediment particle reworking rate of thalassinideans, a key parameter in benthic biogeochemical modelling, nevertheless remains unknown. We have for the first time quantified particle reworking by a population of T. australiensis living in fine estuarine sand. The particle reworking rate was monitored for 18 days using coarse sand as a new tracer approach followed by analyses of grain-size distribution in the sediment to a depth of 24 cm. Burial depth (BD, cm) over time (t, days) followed the relationship BD = 0.3002 × t for an average population density of 96 individuals m–2, equivalent to a sediment displacement of 1.1 m3 m–2 yr–1 (11.4 liters individual–1 yr–1). The individual-specific particle reworking by this thalassinidean is higher than that reported for most other key bioturbators, and its engineering impact on estuarine sediments therefore has potentially large consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Susceptibility of the Western Honey BeeApis melliferaand the African Stingless BeeMeliponula ferruginea(Hymenoptera: Apidae) to the Entomopathogenic FungiMetarhizium anisopliaeandBeauveria bassiana
Authors: Omuse Evanson R , Niassy Saliou , Wagacha John M , Ong’amo George O , Lattorff H Michael G , Kiatoko Nkoba , Mohamed Samira A , Subramanian Sevgan , Akutse Komivi S , Dubois Thomas
Published: October 2021

This study assessed the nontarget effect of entomopathogenic fungi on the Western honey bee Apis mellifera L. and the African stingless bee Meliponula ferruginea Cockrell (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Pathogenicity of five Metarhizium anisopliae (ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, ICIPE 62, ICIPE 69, and ICIPE 78) (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and one of Beauveria bassiana (ICIPE 284) (Balsamo) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordicipitaceae) isolates were evaluated on bees at 108 conidia/ml. Conidial acquisition was evaluated immediately after exposure. Apis mellifera acquired more conidia (2.8 × 104–1.3 × 105 conidia per bee) compared to M. ferruginea (1.1 × 104–2.3 × 104 conidia per bee). In the bioassay with A. mellifera, ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, and ICIPE 69 moderately reduced the survival by 16.9, 17.4, 15.3%, with lethal times LT10 = 7.4, 7.6, 8.1 d and LT25 = 8.7, 10.0, 9.9 d, respectively. The three isolates caused A. mellifera mycosis of 11.6–18.5%. None of the isolates had a significant effect on M. ferruginea. The tested isolates are nontoxic to bees according to the International Organization of Biological Control (IOBC) classification. However, the effect of ICIPE 7, ICIPE 20, and ICIPE 69 merits further studies on bee colonies, especially those of A. mellifera, under field conditions.
Hunt without Hunting: The Reflexivity of All the Stories behind Paruveta (Hunting Festival/Procession) in Ahobilam
Authors: Dębicka-Borek Ewa
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the composite storyline behind the forty–day–long Hunting Festival/Procession (Paruveta), held annually in the Śrīvaiṣṇava centre of Narasiṃha (the Man–Lion incarnation of Viṣṇu) worship in Ahobilam (Andhra Pradesh) from the mid–January onwards, as a medium which—in the framework of a Hindu temple festival—expresses the coexistence of various groups at the site. As I argue, the scenario’s reflexivity (in the sense inspired by Ramanujan 1989) is instrumental in this regard, and is achieved in answer to local beliefs related to the Chenchu hunter–gatherer concepts of hunting and the forest. However, as the product of mutual influences aimed at expressing the reconcilement of the local and the Brahmanic communities, the myth behind Paruveta highlights chiefly the erotic aspect of the ritual hunt, aspect which is brought about through creative reference to the locally rooted legend of Narasiṃha marrying a Chenchu huntress he met in the forest near Ahobilam.
High intrinsic water use efficiency is underpinned by high stomatal aperture and guard cell potassium flux in C3 and C4 grasses grown at glacial CO2 and low light
Authors: Israel Walter Krystler , Watson-Lazowski Alexander , Chen Zhong-Hua , Ghannoum Oula
Published: October 2021

We compared how stomatal morphology and physiology control intrinsic leaf water use efficiency (iWUE) in two C3 and six C4 grasses grown at ambient (400 µmol mol–1) or glacial CO2 (180 µmol mol–1) and high (1000 µmol m–2 s–1) or low light intensity (200 µmol m–2 s–1). C4 grasses tended to have higher iWUE and CO2 assimilation rates, and lower stomatal conductance (gs), operational stomatal aperture (aop), and guard cell K+ influx rate relative to C3 grasses, while stomatal size (SS) and stomatal density (SD) did not vary according to the photosynthetic type. Overall, iWUE and gs depended most on aop and density of open stomata. In turn, aop correlated with K+ influx, stomatal opening speed on transition to high light, and SS. Species with higher SD had smaller and faster-opening stomata. Although C4 grasses operated with lower gs and aop at ambient CO2, they showed a greater potential to open stomata relative to maximal stomatal conductance (gmax), indicating heightened stomatal sensitivity and control. We uncovered promising links between aop, gs, iWUE, and K+ influx among C4 grasses, and differential K+ influx responses of C4 guard cells to low light, revealing molecular targets for improving iWUE in C4 crops.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Global Species Diversity of Rhododendron
Authors: Xia Xiao-Mei , Yang Miao-Qin , Li Cong-Li , Huang Si-Xin , Jin Wei-Tao , Shen Ting-Ting , Wang Fei , Li Xiao-Hua , Yoichi Watanabe , Zhang Le-Hua , Zheng Yuan-Run , Wang Xiao-Quan
Published: October 2021

Evolutionary radiation is a widely recognized mode of species diversification, but its underlying mechanisms have not been unambiguously resolved for species-rich cosmopolitan plant genera. In particular, it remains largely unknown how biological and environmental factors have jointly driven its occurrence in specific regions. Here, we use Rhododendron, the largest genus of woody plants in the Northern Hemisphere, to investigate how geographic and climatic factors, as well as functional traits, worked together to trigger plant evolutionary radiations and shape the global patterns of species richness based on a solid species phylogeny. Using 3,437 orthologous nuclear genes, we reconstructed the first highly supported and dated backbone phylogeny of Rhododendron comprising 200 species that represent all subgenera, sections, and nearly all multispecies subsections, and found that most extant species originated by evolutionary radiations when the genus migrated southward from circumboreal areas to tropical/subtropical mountains, showing rapid increases of both net diversification rate and evolutionary rate of environmental factors in the Miocene. We also found that the geographically uneven diversification of Rhododendron led to a much higher diversity in Asia than in other continents, which was mainly driven by two environmental variables, that is, elevation range and annual precipitation, and were further strengthened by the adaptation of leaf functional traits. Our study provides a good example of integrating phylogenomic and ecological analyses in deciphering the mechanisms of plant evolutionary radiations, and sheds new light on how the intensification of the Asian monsoon has driven evolutionary radiations in large plant genera of the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains.
Structurally constrained phosphonate internucleotide linkage impacts oligonucleotide-enzyme interaction, and modulates siRNA activity and allele specificity
Authors: Yamada Ken , Hildebrand Samuel , Davis Sarah M , Miller Rachael , Conroy Faith , Sapp Ellen , Caiazzi Jillian , Alterman Julia F , Roux Loic , Echeverria Dimas , Hassler Matthew R , Pfister Edith L , DiFiglia Marian , Aronin Neil , Khvorova Anastasia
Published: October 2021

Oligonucleotides is an emerging class of chemically-distinct therapeutic modalities, where extensive chemical modifications are fundamental for their clinical applications. Inter-nucleotide backbones are critical to the behaviour of therapeutic oligonucleotides, but clinically explored backbone analogues are, effectively, limited to phosphorothioates. Here, we describe the synthesis and bio-functional characterization of an internucleotide (E)-vinylphosphonate (iE-VP) backbone, where bridging oxygen is substituted with carbon in a locked stereo-conformation. After optimizing synthetic pathways for iE-VP-linked dimer phosphoramidites in different sugar contexts, we systematically evaluated the impact of the iE-VP backbone on oligonucleotide interactions with a variety of cellular proteins. Furthermore, we systematically evaluated the impact of iE-VP on RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) activity, where backbone stereo-constraining has profound position-specific effects. Using Huntingtin (HTT) gene causative of Huntington's disease as an example, iE-VP at position 6 significantly enhanced the single mismatch discrimination ability of the RISC without negative impact on silencing of targeting wild type htt gene. These findings suggest that the iE-VP backbone can be used to modulate the activity and specificity of RISC. Our study provides (i) a new chemical tool to alter oligonucleotide-enzyme interactions and metabolic stability, (ii) insight into RISC dynamics and (iii) a new strategy for highly selective SNP-discriminating siRNAs.
FYVE2, a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate effector, interacts with the COPII machinery to control autophagosome formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Lee Han Nim , Huang Xiao , Jung Hyera , Otegui Marisa S , Li Faqiang , Chung Taijoon
Published: October 2021

Autophagy is an intracellular trafficking mechanism by which cytosolic macromolecules and organelles are sequestered into autophagosomes for degradation inside the vacuole. In various eukaryotes including yeast, metazoans, and plants, the precursor of the autophagosome, termed the phagophore, nucleates in the vicinity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with the participation of phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) and the coat protein complex II (COPII). Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana FYVE2, a plant-specific PI3P-binding protein, provides a functional link between the COPII machinery and autophagy. FYVE2 interacts with the small GTPase Secretion-associated Ras-related GTPase 1 (SAR1), which is essential for the budding of COPII vesicles. FYVE2 also interacts with ATG18A, another PI3P effector on the phagophore membrane. Fluorescently tagged FYVE2 localized to autophagic membranes near the ER and was delivered to vacuoles. SAR1 fusion proteins were also targeted to the vacuole via FYVE2-dependent autophagy. Either mutations in FYVE2 or the expression of dominant-negative mutant SAR1B proteins resulted in reduced autophagic flux and the accumulation of autophagic organelles. We propose that FYVE2 regulates autophagosome biogenesis through its interaction with ATG18A and the COPII machinery, acting downstream of ATG2.
Promoting Healthcare Worker Sleep
Authors: Hittle Beverly M. , Daraiseh Nancy M.
Published: October 2021

Sufficient sleep is vital to the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients alike. Despite this, formal sleep promotion programs rarely exist within healthcare. Guidance does exist for how to incorporate strategies within healthcare organizations. Nurse leaders can spearhead efforts by promoting healthy sleep and instituting change through scheduling practices, unit policies, and supporting staff when barriers to healthy sleep develop.
Development of health and safety training for Vietnamese American nail salon owners and workers
Authors: Huynh Tran B , Nguyen Duong T , Vu Nga , Freeland Catherine
Published: October 2021

Background

Nail salon workers are an underserved worker population that faces multiple barriers to accessing occupational health training and services. We developed a series of occupational health training modules, which were culturally tailored to Vietnamese-speaking workers, covering topics on infection control, musculoskeletal disorder prevention, chemical safety, and labor practices. We delivered the training online (due to COVID-19) to a small group of Vietnamese owners and workers in the Philadelphia metro area to obtain feedback on the training content and potential implementation challenges.

Methods

Seven participants (three owners and four workers) were recruited to attend the training. Qualitative feedback was obtained after each training session, followed by a more in-depth interviewer-assisted open-ended questionnaire to gain better understanding of the potential challenges of implementing the recommended changes. The Health Belief Model was used to guide the analysis of the participants’ responses to identify the perceived benefits and barriers of the training.

Results

Themes of perceived benefits of the training were bridging the gap of cosmetology school training, offering practical tips to protect their health at work, and inspiring conversations about work dignity and labor practices. Themes of perceived barriers were availability of affordable safer products and lack of resources, desire to please customers, lack of commitment from owners, and ubiquitous low wage that impacts employee’s job satisfaction and motivation to change, and difficulty in obtaining a work license.

Conclusions

Our study revealed the multitude of social and economic barriers facing immigrant nail salon owners and workers. Potential policies and strategies to overcome some of these structural barriers are discussed for the long-term health protection of nail salon workers.
Iterative diffraction pattern retrieval from a single focal construct geometry image
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hui , Xue Tao , Tan Bo-Zhong , Li Xiao-Ya , Li Jun
Published: October 2021

Understanding the crystal structure of materials under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature has been revolutionized by major advances in laser-driven dynamic compression and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) technology. Instead of the well known Debye–Scherrer configuration, the focal construct geometry (FCG) was introduced to produce high-intensity diffraction data from laser-based in situ XRD experiments without increasing the amount of laser energy, but the resulting reflections suffered from profoundly asymmetrical broadening, leading to inaccuracy in determination of the crystal structure. Inspired by fast-neutron energy spectrum measurements, proposed here is an iterative retrieval method for recovering diffraction data from a single FCG image. This iterative algorithm restores both the peak shape and relative intensity with rapid convergence and requires no prior knowledge about the expected diffraction pattern, allowing the FCG to increase the in situ XRD intensity while simultaneously preserving the angular resolution. The feasibility and validity of the method are shown by successful recovery of the diffraction pattern from both a single simulated FCG image and a single laser-based nanosecond XRD measurement.
Evaluation of sample cell materials for aqueous solutions used in quasi-elastic neutron scattering measurements
Authors: Tominaga Taiki , Sahara Masae , Kawakita Yukinobu , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Yamada Takeshi
Published: October 2021

For quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) studies, sample cells made of pure or alloyed aluminium are frequently employed. Although the Al surface is protected by a passivating film, this film is not robust. Therefore, when the sample is an aqueous solution, chemical interactions between the Al surface and sample, promoted by corrosive entities such as chloride ions and certain conditions of pH, can compromise the integrity of the cell and interfere with the experiment. In this study, the corrosion susceptibilities of Al and its alloys were investigated by subjecting them to various treatments; the results were compared with those of other candidate materials with low chemical reactivity. This work showed that alloys with higher Al content and boehmite-coated surfaces are resistant to corrosion. In particular, for Al, the resistance is due to a reduction in the contact area achieved by reducing the surface roughness. QENS measurements of empty sample cells made of these materials revealed two results: (1) the profile of the cell fabricated with a copper-free Al alloy showed a minor dependence on the scattering vector magnitudeQand (2) reducing the real surface area of Al effectively suppresses its scattering intensity, while boehmite coating strengthens the scattering. Cells fabricated with Mo, Nb and single-crystal sapphire can be used as alternatives to Al because of their low scattering intensity and reduced dependence onQ.
Topological sensitivity analysis revisited for time-harmonic wave scattering problems. Part II: recursive computations by the boundary integral equation method
Authors: Le Louër Frédérique , Rapún María-Luisa
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the recursive computation of closed-form expressions for the topological derivative of shape functionals in the context of time-harmonic acoustic waves scattering by sound-soft (Dirichlet condition), sound-hard (Neumann condition) and isotropic inclusions (transmission conditions).

Design/methodology/approach

The elliptic boundary value problems in the singularly perturbed domains are equivalently reduced to couples of boundary integral equations with unknown densities given by boundary traces. In the case of circular or spherical holes, the spectral Fourier and Mie series expansions of the potential operators are used to derive the first-order term in the asymptotic expansion of the boundary traces for the solution to the two- and three-dimensional perturbed problems.

Findings

As the shape gradients of shape functionals are expressed in terms of boundary integrals involving the boundary traces of the state and the associated adjoint field, then the topological gradient formulae follow readily.

Originality/value

The authors exhibit singular perturbation asymptotics that can be reused in the derivation of the topological gradient function in the iterated numerical solution of any shape optimization or imaging problem relying on time-harmonic acoustic waves propagation. When coupled with converging Gauss−Newton iterations for the search of optimal boundary parametrizations, it generates fully automatic algorithms.
Millennials in the workplace: perceived supervisor support, work–life balance and employee well–being
Authors: Nabawanuka Hamidah , Ekmekcioglu Emre Burak
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived supervisor support (PSS), work–life balance (WLB) and employee well-being (EW) of millennial employees. More specifically, the study explores the mediation impact of WLB in the relationship between PSS and EW.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 235 full-time millennial employees working for the financial sector in Turkey. The aforesaid relationships were assessed through structural equation modeling and the bootstrapping procedure.

Findings

The results indicate that PSS positively influenced WLB which, in turn, impacted EW.

Research limitations/implications

Since this is a cross-sectional research study, causal inferences cannot be inferred from the research outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings show that supervisors play a critical role in enhancing employees’ ability to maintain a balance between work and personal obligations which improves their well-being. This implies that the supervisor’s actions impact the well-being of employees, which, in turn, influences how an employee perceives the organization. So employers need to formulate policies and programs that encourage work–life balance in the workplace so as to improve EW beyond the workplace, as improving EW and supporting employees can help create a healthy workforce helping organizations to avoid unnecessary health costs.

Originality/value

Only a few research efforts have been conducted toward exploring the mediation role of WLB between PSS and EW. The findings advance the understanding of how PSS could enhance EW in a mediation model.
International cooperation in developing countries health systems: in-depth analyses from Gaslini Children Hospital
Authors: Salvatore Fiorella Pia , Fanelli Simone , Donelli Chiara Carolina , Rosati Ubaldo , Petralia Paolo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a framework useful for identifying the elements that aim for success in the construction of collaborative governance and to investigate how international governance systems have characterized the international collaborative projects developed by the International Division of Gaslini Children Hospital in Genoa (Italy). Critical and successful factors in developing partnerships in the healthcare sector have been identified.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 15 projects implemented by the Gaslini Hospital in collaboration with a global network of low and middle-income countries were examined using a content analysis of the project reports. Later, a conceptual framework proposed by Emerson and colleagues was used to design a theoretical map for investigating elements of international governance systems.

Findings

A matrix developed in two categories (health cooperation and training, and exchange of best practices) and three branches of medicine (oncology, paediatrics and cardiology) made it possible to cluster the research projects. However, details of the collaborative process often overlooked by research on public-private partnerships emerged from the framework.

Originality/value

The growing demand for higher quality health services in low- and middle-income countries has led to an increasing number of partnerships with industrialized countries to enable access to wider resources and technologies and develop useful skills to adapt to changes in society. Through the application of collaborative governance’s framework to healthcare collaboration, different elements of the collaborative process emerged which have been previously neglected.