bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Stress Deformation and Short‐Term Thermal Pulse Preserved in Pyroxene Microstructures From Exhumed Lower Crustal Seismogenic Faults (Lofoten, Norway)
Authors: Campbell L. R. , Menegon L.
Published: July 2022

Earthquake rupture in strong, anhydrous lower continental crust requires high brittle failure stresses unless high pore fluid pressures are present. Several mechanisms proposed to generate high stresses at depth imply transient loading driven by a spectrum of stress changes, ranging from highly localized stress amplifications to crustal‐scale stress transfers. High transient stresses up to GPa magnitude are proposed by field and modeling studies, but the evidence for transient prerupture loading is often difficult to extract from the geological record due to overprinting by coseismic damage and slip. However, the local preservation of deformation microstructures indicative of crystal‐plastic and brittle deformation associated with the seismic cycle in the lower crust offers the opportunity to constrain the progression of deformation before, during and after rupture, including stress and temperature evolution. Here, detailed study of pyroxene microstructures characterizes the short‐term evolution of high‐stress deformation and temperature changes experienced before and during lower crustal earthquake rupture. Pyroxenes are sampled from pseudotachylyte‐bearing faults and damage zones of lower crustal earthquakes recorded in the exhumed granulite facies terrane of Lofoten, northern Norway. The progressive sequence of microstructures indicates localized high‐stress (at the GPa level) prerupture loading accommodated by low‐temperature plasticity, followed by coseismic pulverization‐style fragmentation and subsequent grain growth triggered by the short‐term heat pulse associated with frictional sliding. Thus, up to GPa‐level transient high stress (both differential and shear) leading to earthquake nucleation in the dry lower crust can occur in nature, and be preserved in the fault rock microstructure.
Sea Level Rise and the Great Barrier Reef: The Future Implications on Reef Tidal Dynamics
Authors: Mawson Eleanor E. , Lee Katherine C. , Hill Jon
Published: July 2022

Predicted sea‐level rise (SLR) is anticipated to alter tidal dynamics in the future and this will in turn alter coastal ecosystems, flood risk, and geomorphology. Coral reefs are bathymetrically complex environments where tides play a crucial role in larval and nutrient dispersal. This complexity makes coral reef environments challenging to simulate numerically as a large area needs to be simulated but also with high resolution to capture the complexity. To investigate the influence of SLR on tidal dynamics in coral reef systems we use an unstructured mesh numerical model, with spatially varying resolution, of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The present‐day conditions and a total of three future SLR scenarios are considered based on the RCP scenarios. The results focus on the major tidal constituents and tidal range. The M2 constituent generally decreases across gauge locations as sea‐level rises but S2 generally increases. O1 and K1 display small variations or no change. The tidal range experiences ±10% variation depending on the gauge location, meaning it is spatially varying and alters SLR by up to 10%. Overall, SLR will influence tidal dynamics across the GBR altering coastal flooding risk with a spatially varying impact. Management schemes should consider tidal range changes in addition to increases in extreme weather conditions to provide adequate preservation of the coastline, coastal cities and infrastructure in the future. Moreover, changes in tidal patterns and dynamics may alter the distributions of reef spores and larvae and should be included in future plans of reef management.
Hydrology as a Driver of Floating River Plastic Transport
Authors: van Emmerik T. , de Lange S. , Frings R. , Schreyers L. , Aalderink H. , Leusink J. , Begemann F. , Hamers E. , Hauk R. , Janssens N. , Jansson P. , Joosse N. , Kelder D. , van der Kuijl T. , Lotcheris R. , Löhr A. , Mellink Y. , Pinto R. , Tasseron P. , Vos V. , Vriend P.
Published: July 2022

Plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a growing threat to ecosystem health and human livelihood. Recent studies show that the majority of environmental plastics accumulate within river systems for years, decades and potentially even longer. Long‐term and system‐scale observations are key to improve the understanding of transport and retention dynamics, to identify sources and sinks, and to assess potential risks. The goal of this study was to quantify and explain the variation in floating plastic transport in the Rhine‐Meuse delta, using a novel 1‐year observational data set. We found a strong positive correlations between floating plastic transport and discharge. During peak discharge events, plastic transport was found up to six times higher than under normal conditions. Plastic transport varied up to a factor four along the Rhine and Meuse rivers, which is hypothesized to be related to the complex river network, locations of urban areas, and tidal dynamics. Altogether, our findings demonstrate the important role of hydrology as driving force of plastic transport dynamics. Our study emphasizes the need for exploring other factors that may explain the spatiotemporal variation in floating plastic transport. The world's most polluted rivers are connected to the ocean through complex deltas. Providing reliable observations and data‐driven insights in the transport and dynamics are key to optimize plastic pollution prevention and reduction strategies. With our paper we aim to contribute to both advancing the fundamental understanding of plastic transport dynamics, and the establishment of long‐term and harmonized data collection at the river basin scale.
Molecular genetics of Parkinson’s disease: Contributions and global trends
Authors: Funayama Manabu , Nishioka Kenya , Li Yuanzhe , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. Aging is the greatest risk factor for developing PD. Recent molecular genetic studies have revealed that genetic factors, in addition to aging and environmental factors, play an important role in the development of the disorder. Studies of familial PD have identified approximately 20 different causative genes. PRKN is the most frequently detected causative gene in Japan. The PRKN gene is located at a common fragile site, and both copy number variants as well as single nucleotide variants are frequently detected. The location and variety of variant types makes an accurate genetic diagnosis difficult with conventional genetic testing. In sporadic PD, genome-wide association studies have revealed more than 200 genes that are potential drivers for the development of PD. Many of these studies have been conducted in Caucasian populations alone, which has limited the identification of all genetic risk factors for sporadic PD, particularly as genetic backgrounds vary widely by race. The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program is a global undertaking meant to address the issue of regional differences in genetic studies of PD.
Light People: Professor Xianfeng Chen spoke about integrated photonics
Authors: Guo Chenzi
Published: July 2022

Editorial

In 1969, Stewart E. Miller published “Integrated optics: an introduction”, which outlined a proposal for a miniature form of laser beam circuitry, marking the first research paper about what is now known as integrated photonics. Now half a century has passed, integrated photonics grew robustly from integrating a limited number of devices and functions towards versatile and industrialized photonic integrated circuits. In this interview, Light: Science & Applications invited Prof. Xianfeng Chen [see the “Short Bio” section] to share his insight about the past, present and future of integrated photonics.
Novel roles of LSECtin in gastric cancer cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Feng Zhen , Xu Yue , Jiang Sufen , Zhang Qianshi , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Keyong , Li Xiaomeng , Xu Lijie , Yuan Menglang , Chen Zihao , Cui Jingyi , Wu Han , Gao Yina , Wei Wei , Wang Bo , Zuo Yunfei , Ren Shuangyi
Published: July 2022

Liver and lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C-type lectin (LSECtin) plays an important regulatory role in a variety of diseases, including tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of LSECtin in gastric cancer (GC) remains largely unknown. In our research, LSECtin promoted the adhesion and invasion of GC cells, and was involved in lymphatic metastasis of GC cells. Mechanistically, LSECtin promoted the adhesion, proliferation and migration of GC cells by downregulating STAT1 expression. The circular RNA circFBXL4, which is regulated by LSECtin, sponges the microRNA miR-146a-5p to regulate STAT1 expression. The promotion of GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion mediated by LSECtin was largely inhibited by circFBXL4 overexpression or miR-146a-5p silencing. Moreover, in its role as a transcription factor, STAT1 modulated the expression of FN1 and CHD4. In conclusion, LSECtin might be involved in the lymphatic metastasis of GC by upregulating the expression of FN1 and CHD4 via the circFBXL4/miR-146a-5p/STAT1 axis, possibly indicating a newly discovered pathogenic mechanism.
TFRC upregulation promotes ferroptosis in CVB3 infection via nucleus recruitment of Sp1
Authors: Yi Lu , Hu Yanan , Wu Zhixiang , Li Ying , Kong Min , Kang Zhijuan , Zuoyuan Bojiao , Yang Zuocheng
Published: July 2022

CVB3 is a single positive-strand enterovirus, and a common pathogen in myocarditis etiology. Although a number of antiviral candidates are under development, specific targeted therapy is not available for CVB3. Ferroptosis is a new type of regulatory cell death discovered in recent years. In this study, our team provided the first evidence that ferroptosis existed in CVB3 infection in vivo and in vitro by iron overload, and massive accumulation of lipid peroxides. Mechanistically, we construct a classical model of HeLa cells following a time-course infection (6, 12, 24, 36, 48 h) with CVB3 (MOI = 10). We demonstrated that the TFRC gene plays an important role in promoting ferroptosis in CVB3 infection and downregulation of TFRC attenuated the ferroptosis. Interestingly, we observed that TFRC was nuclear translocation induced by the CVB3, which was predominantly localized in the cell membrane, but redistributed to the nucleus during CVB3 infection. Moreover, we found that the transcription factor Sp1 was an essential factor that could bind to the TFRC promoter and upregulate the TFRC transcription. Collectively, these results suggest that the Sp1/TFRC/Fe axis may provide a new target for the development of therapies against CVB3 infection.
Single-cell atlas of keratoconus corneas revealed aberrant transcriptional signatures and implicated mechanical stretch as a trigger for keratoconus pathogenesis
Authors: Dou Shengqian , Wang Qun , Zhang Bin , Wei Chao , Wang Huijin , Liu Ting , Duan Haoyun , Jiang Hui , Liu Mingna , Qi Xiaolin , Zhou Qingjun , Xie Lixin , Shi Weiyun , Gao Hua
Published: July 2022

Keratoconus is a common ectatic corneal disorder in adolescents and young adults that can lead to progressive visual impairment or even legal blindness. Despite the high prevalence, its etiology is not fully understood. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analysis on 39,214 cells from central corneas of patients with keratoconus and healthy individuals, to define the involvement of each cell type during disease progression. We confirmed the central role of corneal stromal cells in this disease, where dysregulation of collagen and extracellular matrix (ECM) occurred. Differential gene expression and histological analyses revealed two potential novel markers for keratoconus stromal cells, namely CTSD and CTSK. Intriguingly, we detected elevated levels of YAP1 and TEAD1, the master regulators of biomechanical homeostasis, in keratoconus stromal cells. Cyclical mechanical experiments implicated the mechanical stretch in prompting protease production in corneal stromal cells during keratoconus progression. In the epithelial cells of keratoconus corneas, we observed reduced basal cells and abnormally differentiated superficial cells, unraveling the corneal epithelial lesions that were usually neglected in clinical diagnosis. In addition, several elevated cytokines in immune cells of keratoconus samples supported the involvement of inflammatory response in the progression of keratoconus. Finally, we revealed the dysregulated cell-cell communications in keratoconus, and found that only few ligand-receptor interactions were gained but a large fraction of interactional pairs was erased in keratoconus, especially for those related to protease inhibition and anti-inflammatory process. Taken together, this study facilitates the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying keratoconus pathogenesis, providing insights into keratoconus diagnosis and potential interventions.
Malaria parasite heme biosynthesis promotes and griseofulvin protects against cerebral malaria in mice
Authors: Chandana Manjunatha , Anand Aditya , Ghosh Sourav , Das Rahul , Beura Subhashree , Jena Sarita , Suryawanshi Amol Ratnakar , Padmanaban Govindarajan , Nagaraj Viswanathan Arun
Published: July 2022

Heme-biosynthetic pathway of malaria parasite is dispensable for asexual stages, but essential for mosquito and liver stages. Despite having backup mechanisms to acquire hemoglobin-heme, pathway intermediates and/or enzymes from the host, asexual parasites express heme pathway enzymes and synthesize heme. Here we show heme synthesized in asexual stages promotes cerebral pathogenesis by enhancing hemozoin formation. Hemozoin is a parasite molecule associated with inflammation, aberrant host-immune responses, disease severity and cerebral pathogenesis. The heme pathway knockout parasites synthesize less hemozoin, and mice infected with knockout parasites are protected from cerebral malaria and death due to anemia is delayed. Biosynthetic heme regulates food vacuole integrity and the food vacuoles from knockout parasites are compromised in pH, lipid unsaturation and proteins, essential for hemozoin formation. Targeting parasite heme synthesis by griseofulvin—a FDA-approved antifungal drug, prevents cerebral malaria in mice and provides an adjunct therapeutic option for cerebral and severe malaria.
Higher hair cortisol concentrations associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length in high-risk young adults
Authors: Bürgin David , Varghese Nimmy , Eckert Anne , Clemens Vera , Unternährer Eva , Boonmann Cyril , O’Donovan Aoife , Schmid Marc
Published: July 2022

Chronic stress is associated with accelerated biological aging as indexed by short age-adjusted leukocyte telomere length (LTL). Exploring links of biological stress responses with LTL has proved challenging due to the lack of biological measures of chronic psychological stress. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) has emerged as a measure of chronic hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activation, allowing the examination of relationships between aggregate cortisol concentrations over time and LTL. Our sample includes 92 participants (38% women, Mage = 26 ± 3.7 years) from a high-risk sample of young adults with previous residential care placements. Two cm hair was collected for HCC, reflecting approximately eight weeks of cortisol secretion. LTL was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in whole blood samples. All samples for LTL were run in triplicate and assayed twice. Linear and polynomial regression models were used to describe the association between HCC and LTL, adjusting for age and sex. HCC and LTL showed negative associations (std. ß = − 0.67, 95% CI [− 0.83, − 0.52], p < .001) in age- and sex-adjusted analyses, indicating that higher HCCs are associated with shorter LTL. Using polynomial regression, we found a curvilinear relationship indicating a stronger negative association at lower cortisol concentrations. Higher HCCs were associated with shorter LTL, supporting the hypothesized involvement of prolonged cortisol secretion in telomere attrition. Thus, HCC may prove useful as a biological indicator of chronic stress associated with aging-related processes in samples exposed to high levels of stress.
Chemometrics, health risk assessment and probable sources of soluble total petroleum hydrocarbons in atmospheric rainwater, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Omokpariola Daniel Omeodisemi , Nduka John Kanayochukwu , Kelle Henrietta Ijeoma , Mgbemena Nkoli MaryAnn , Iduseri Emily Osa
Published: July 2022

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs)—(aliphatic and aromatic) were analysed for in atmospheric rainwater between April–June; July–August; September–October depicting early, mid, late rain of 2019. Sampling at Rumuodomaya/Rumuodome and Ogale in Rivers State using basins fastened to a Table 2M above ground and 120 M from high features, Rainwater was analysed after treatment using Agilent GC-FID. Results show cumulative TPHs at R/R were 56.6551 mg/L, 39.5201 mg/L and 7.2283 mg/L, Ogale: 9.1217 mg/L, 59.4923 mg/L and 21.9825 mg/L. Aliphatic hydrocarbons: C5–C8 were < 1, low contamination, other carbon aggregates (C9–C16, C17–C35, and C36–C40) indicate high contamination. Chemometric assessment showed high contamination. TPHs aggregates at Rumuodomaya/Rumuodome were–C8–C11 (1.034 and 1.005) early rain, C18–C25 and C26–C33 has Carbon preference index of 1.287 and 1.630 (mid-rain), C26–C33 has CPI of 1.288 (late-rain), Ogale area, C26–C33 has CPI of 1.732 (early-rain), mid-rain C8–C11 (2.768) and C12–C17 (5.368). Pristane/phytane ratio indicated biogenic and pyrogenic sources. Average carbon length of TPHs for odd n-alkanes were C9–C11 (9.446) and C35–C39 (38.980), C9–C11(10.238), C35–C39 (36.510); C9–C11 (10.240) and C35–C39 (36.934). Average daily intake depicted possible health issues for children and adults as hazard index > 1 for aromatics.
Coordinated motions of multiple robotic manipulators with matrix-weighted network
Authors: Zhao Liyun , Ren Yan , Wang Rui
Published: July 2022

This paper addresses coordinated problem of uncertain robotic manipulators with matrix-weighted network. Given interconnections between agents are weighted by nonnegative definite matrices, we present a sufficient and necessary condition about zero eigenvalues of matrix-weighted Laplacian and types of coordinated behaviors for multiple agents. Based on the condition, two novel control schemes are proposed for the networked robots by introducing matrix-weighted network. We employ the decomposition approach and Lyapunov-like approach to show coordinated motions of the networked system, and demonstrate that the proposed controls are capable of ensuring the robotic agents reach complete/cluster consensus and complete/cluster synchronization. Finally, some numerical examples and simulations demonstrate the obtained theoretical results.
Robust sliding-Backstepping mode control of a wind system based on the DFIG generator
Authors: Echiheb Farah , Ihedrane Yasmine , Bossoufi Badre , Bouderbala Manale , Motahhir Saad , Masud Mehedi , Aljahdali Sultan , ElGhamrasni Madiha
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a new contribution in the field of the optimization of the techniques of control of the wind systems and the improvement of the quality of energy produced in the grid. The Sliding Mode control technique gives quite interesting results, but its major drawback lies in the phenomenon of chattering (oscillations), which reduces the system's precision. We propose in this work a solution to cancel this chattering phenomenon by the implication of the adaptive Backstepping technique to control the powers of the double-fed asynchronous generator (DFIG) connected to the electrical network by two converters (network side and side machine) in the nominal part of the sliding mode model. This hybrid technique will correct errors of precision and stability and the performance of the wind system obtained in terms of efficiency, active and reactive power is significant. First, a review of the wind system was presented. Then, an exhaustive explanation of the Backstepping technique based on the Lyapunov stability and optimization method has been reported. Subsequently, a validation on the Matlab & Simulink environment was carried out to test the performance and robustness of the proposed model. The results obtained from this work, either by follow-up or robustness tests, show a significant performance improvement compared to other control techniques.
Hierarchical porous carbon foam electrodes fabricated from waste polyurethane elastomer template for electric double-layer capacitors
Authors: Udayakumar Mahitha , Tóth Pál , Wiinikka Henrik , Malhotra Jaskaran Singh , Likozar Blaz , Gyergyek Saso , Leskó Anett Katalin , Thangaraj Ravikumar , Németh Zoltán
Published: July 2022

Plastic waste has become a major global environmental concern. The utilization of solid waste-derived porous carbon for energy storage has received widespread attention in recent times. Herein, we report the comparison of electrochemical performance of porous carbon foams (CFs) produced from waste polyurethane (PU) elastomer templates via two different activation pathways. Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) fabricated from the carbon foam exhibited a gravimetric capacitance of 74.4 F/g at 0.1 A/g. High packing density due to the presence of carbon spheres in the hierarchical structure offered excellent volumetric capacitance of 134.7 F/cm3 at 0.1 A/g. Besides, the CF-based EDLCs exhibited Coulombic efficiency close to 100% and showed stable cyclic performance for 5000 charge–discharge cycles with good capacitance retention of 97.7% at 3 A/g. Low equivalent series resistance (1.05 Ω) and charge transfer resistance (0.23 Ω) due to the extensive presence of hydroxyl functional groups contributed to attaining high power (48.89 kW/kg). Based on the preferred properties such as high specific surface area, hierarchical pore structure, surface functionalities, low metallic impurities, high conductivity and desirable capacitive behaviour, the CF prepared from waste PU elastomers have shown potential to be adopted as electrodes in EDLCs.
Surface wave tomography using dense 3D data around the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy
Authors: Barone Ilaria , Cassiani Giorgio , Ourabah Amine , Boaga Jacopo , Pavoni Mirko , Deiana Rita
Published: July 2022

A dense single-node 3D seismic survey has been carried out around the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua (Italy), in order to give new insights about the archaeological setting of the area. The survey made use of nearly 1500 vertical nodes deployed over two rectangular grids. 38 shot positions were fired all around the two receiver patches. The fundamental mode Rayleigh wave signal is here analysed: traveltimes are directly inferred from the signal phases, and phase velocity maps are obtained using Eikonal tomography. Also surface wave amplitudes are used, to produce autospectrum gradient maps. The joint analysis of phase velocity and autospectrum gradient allowed the identification of several buried features, among which possible remains of radial walls of the adjacent Roman amphitheater, structures belonging to a medieval convent, and the root area of an eradicated tree. Finally, depth inversion of 1D dispersion curves allowed the reconstruction of a quasi-3D shear-wave velocity model.
PaRoutes: towards a framework for benchmarking retrosynthesis route predictions
Authors: Genheden Samuel , Bjerrum Esben
Published: July 2022

PaRoutes is a framework benchmarking multi-step retrosynthesis methods. It consists of synthetic routes extracted from the patent literature, stock compounds, as well as scripts to compute route quality and route diversity metrics.
Two-way CO2-responsive dispersions of carbon nanotubes in water
Authors: Hsin Ting-Yi , Shevtsov Vladislav Y. , Shieh Yeong-Tarng
Published: July 2022

Aqueous dispersions of CNT-g-PDMAEMA and CNT-g-PMAA display opposite responses to the CO2 trigger. The addition of N2 reverts the appearance of CNTs back to the original by kicking CO2 out of the aqueous media.
Compositional engineering of multicomponent garnet scintillators: towards an ultra-accelerated scintillation response
Authors: Martinazzoli Loris , Nargelas Saulius , Boháček Pavel , Calá Roberto , Dušek Michal , Rohlíček Jan , Tamulaitis Gintautas , Auffray Etiennette , Nikl Martin
Published: July 2022

A Czochralski-grown single crystal of GAGG:Ce,Mg allows for a high Ce dopant and Mg codopant concentration in the crystal, resulting in acceleration of scintillation decay down to several nanoseconds at the expense of light yield.
Comprehensive studies of continuous flow reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization and its application for photoimaging materials
Authors: Yeo Jiyeong , Woo Jihoon , Choi Seungyeon , Kwon Kiyoung , Lee Jin-Kyun , Kim Myungwoong
Published: July 2022

Thorough studies of RAFT copolymerization in a continuous flow to gain deeper insights into kinetics, reactivity, and applicability were conducted with monomers and solvents utilizable for chemically amplified resist systems.
Network polymers incorporating lipid-bilayer disrupting polymers: towards antiviral functionality
Authors: Burridge Kevin M. , Rahman Monica S. , De Alwis Watuthanthrige Nethmi , Gordon Emma , Shah Muhammad Zeeshan , Chandrarathne Bhagya Madhushani , Lorigan Gary A. , Page Richard C. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: July 2022

Polymer based solid-state materials capable of disrupting lipid-bilayers are developed. The materials are mechanically robust and capable of outperforming a 10% small-molecule surfactant and modify filter materials.
Recent advances in various stimuli-responsive hydrogels: from synthetic designs to emerging healthcare applications
Authors: Roy Arpita , Manna Kalipada , Pal Sagar
Published: July 2022

Different synthetic approaches of various stimuli sensitive hydrogels/nanogels along with the physicochemical tuning of their properties have been discussed. The properties and the efficiency of the gels in biomedical applications have been summarized.
Root-aligned SMILES: a tight representation for chemical reaction prediction
Authors: Zhong Zipeng , Song Jie , Feng Zunlei , Liu Tiantao , Jia Lingxiang , Yao Shaolun , Wu Min , Hou Tingjun , Song Mingli
Published: July 2022

We propose the root-aligned SMILES (R-SMILES), which specifies a tightly aligned one-to-one mapping between the product and the reactant SMILES for more efficient sequence-based synthesis prediction.
Facile construction of a highly proton-conductive matrix-mixed membrane based on a –SO3H functionalized polyamide
Authors: Afzal Jamal , Fu Yaomei , Luan Tian-Xiang , Zhang Deshan , Li Yangyang , Li Hailian , Cheng Ke , Su Zhongmin , Li Pei-Zhou
Published: July 2022

Utilizing the simple reaction of polymeric acylation with the sulfonated module as a precursor, a low-cost and highly efficient proton-conductive electrolyte was synthesized in a facile manner and investigated as a proton-conductive matrix-mixed membrane.
Research on electrothermal characteristics of metal oxide varistor based on multi‐physical fields
Authors: Zhou Qibin , Huang Xin , Cao Ting , Shao Bin , Liu Yabin
Published: July 2022

The electrothermal characteristics of metal oxide varistor (MOV), closely related to its microstructure, are important for studying its failure mechanism. This paper proposes an improved MOV microstructure model based on the Voronoi network for simulating the electrothermal behaviour of MOV. With the proposed model, not only the simulation accuracy under constant electrical stress can be improved, but also the simulation of MOV under time‐dependent electrical stress (a.c. or impulse) can be realized. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. In addition, according to the electrothermal characteristics of MOV microstructure and the failure phenomenon of MOV in the experiments, the failure mechanism of MOV under different electrical stresses is analysed and discussed. It is found that the serious local heating caused by current concentration and thermal stress caused by huge temperature gradient are the main reasons for the MOV failure. This paper provides an effective method for the study of MOV electrothermal characteristics and theoretical reference for the performance improvement of MOV.
Flexible DC distribution line protection principle based on distance metric of clustering centres
Authors: Dai Zhihui , Liu Shanshan , Chen Siqi , Zhao Jian , Wu Tong
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the issue of unsatisfactory selectivity of single‐terminal protection, and poor speed and high requirements for data synchronization of double‐terminal protection in flexible DC distribution networks, an artificial intelligence (AI)‐based method is proposed to obtain the best clustering centres through unsupervised clustering analysis of historical data to realize the non‐deterministic flexible DC distribution line protection principle. The method forms historical data samples by simulating different types of short‐circuit faults at different locations of the line in advance, combining them with the actual faults, and collecting and processing the post‐fault currents. The K‐means clustering algorithm is then used to find the best clustering centres corresponding to different fault types, and fault identification and pole selection are realized by comparing the distance between real‐time data and each clustering centre. The process relies merely on single‐terminal current as the characteristic quantity, and it does not need complicated feature extraction and calculation. Thus, the cumbersome threshold setting in conventional current protections can be avoided. Finally, the case studies are carried out in PSCAD/EMTDC, and the results show that the proposed protection has good selectivity and rapidity, and the tolerance to fault resistance is improved compared with the conventional local‐current‐based protections.
Comparative results between the number of subtrees and Wiener index of graphs
Authors: Xu Kexiang , Li Jie , Luo Zuwen
Published: July 2022

For a graph G, we denote by N(G) the number of non-empty subtrees of G. If G is connected, its Wiener index W(G) is the sum of distances between all unordered pairs of vertices of G. In this paper we establish some comparative results between N and W. It is shown that N(G) > W(G) if G is a graph of order n ≥ 7 and diameter 2 or 3. Also some graphs are constructed with large diameters and N > W. Moreover, for a tree T ≇ Sn of order n, we prove that W(T) > N(T) if T is a starlike tree with maximum degree 3 or a tree with exactly two vertices of maximum degrees 3 one of which has two leaf neighbors, or a broom with klog2 n leaves. And a method is provided for constructing the graphs with N < W. Finally several related open problems are proposed to the comparison between N and W.
Buspirone Ameliorates Colon Inflammation in TNBS-Induced Rat Acute
Colitis: The Involvement of TLR4/NF-kB Pathway
Authors: Rashidian Amir , Mohammadi Sina , Hamaneh Amirabbas Mohammadi , Chaboki Alireza , Shayan Maryam , Sheibani Mohammad , Abdollahi Alireza , Yousefi-Manesh Hasan , Dehpour Ahmad Reza
Published: July 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammatory situation involving the whole
digestive system. This illness includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s
disease. According to scientific research, the immune system plays an essential
part in developing this disease. Recently, buspirone has been discovered to have
anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, this research aims to see if
buspirone provides anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of TNBS-induced
colitis. Control, TNBS, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), and buspirone
(5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were randomly given to six groups of 36
male Wistar rats. Colitis was induced by intrarectal instillation of TNBS in all
research groups except the control group, and rats were meliorated with
dexamethasone and buspirone. Macroscopic and microscopic lesions appeared after
colitis induction, while therapy with dexamethasone and buspirone significantly
improved the lesions. TLR4 and pNF-κB expression were also enhanced
during colitis induction. On the other hand, the administration of dexamethasone
or buspirone resulted in a considerable reduction in their expression. Tissue
TNF-α and MPO activity were enhanced after induction of colitis in terms
of biochemical variables; however, administration of dexamethasone or buspirone
reduced TNF-α and MPO activity. Eventually, in an animal model of severe
colitis, buspirone displayed anti-inflammatory characteristics via lowering the
TLR4/NF-ĸB signaling pathway’s activity in an animal
model of acute colitis.
Wheelchair User’s Satisfaction and its Impact on Physical
Activity and Quality of Life in People with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mehmood Beenish , Ali Iftikhar , Daud Syeda Afsheen , Ilyas Syed Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) survivors rely greatly on assistive
devices, spending around 9–11 hours daily in a wheelchair. It
can act both as a barrier and facilitator, positively impacting their mobility,
community participation, quality of life (QOL) and functional independence
provided the device is satisfactory. However, there is a paucity of information
on the level of user satisfication and its impact on the mobility and well
being. Keeping in view the present study was conducted to determine the level of
wheelchair user’s satisfaction and its impact on physical activity and
QOL in SCI.

Methods A cross sectional study with a sample of 130 was conducted at
Paraplegic Center, Peshawar using “Quebec User Evaluation of
Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST)” for wheelchair
user’s satisfaction, “Physical Activity Scale for Individuals
with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD) for physical activity and World Health
Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) for QOL.

Results Mean age of the study participants was 32.48±11.96 years.
The majority of the participants were males, with most of them being manual
wheelchair users. Nearly 80% were regular users. The calculated mean for
the QUEST was 3.23±0.51 while 24.49±27.66 for the PASIPD. For
the WHOQOL-BREF the calculated median (IQR) in the environmental 56.00 (19.00)
and psychological 56.00 (12.00) domain was highest followed by physical domain
50.00(19.00). No significant correlation between participant’s
satisfaction level (for wheelchair), and PASIPD (rs=0.054,
p=0.541) was observed. On the other hand significant positive
correlation was found between physical (rs=0.394,
p<0.001), social (rs=0.303, p<0.001) and
environmental domain (rs=0.425, p<0.001) except
psychological domain (rs=0.156, p=0.076) of QOL.

Conclusion The majority of the participants showed moderate levels of
satisfication and the impact was observed on the physical, social and
environmental domains of QOL. Appropriate wheelchairs enhancing the QOL
therefore special measures should be taken to customize the device to the body
structure and needs of the customers as anything that can improve their lives
even to a minor extent can prove very helpful.
Lateral Patellar Luxations following Bilateral Hip Joint Replacement in a Dog
Authors: Simlett-Moss Angharad , Arthurs Gareth , Schiborra Frederike , Comerford Eithne
Published: July 2022

A 2-year-old male neutered crossbreed was presented with a 7-month history of left pelvic limb lameness. Following a diagnosis of bilateral hip dysplasia, staged hybrid total hip replacements (THR) were performed 16 months apart. An ipsilateral grade II lateral patellar luxation (LPL) developed within 24 hours after each THR. Both LPLs were successfully treated by block recession sulcoplasty. Subjective gait analysis showed an abnormal pelvic limb gait following each THR. Clinical examination detected a grade II LPL on each operated limb. Computed tomography of both pelvic limbs revealed mild trochlear sulcus hypoplasia but no other skeletal abnormalities. Trochlear block recession sulcoplasty was performed 10 and 4 weeks respectively after THR. Long-term follow-up 12 months after the last surgery found minimal (0–1/10) lameness, no pain on clinical examination in both PLs and an overall low client-based metrology instrument mobility score of 2 (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs). This case report documents that in predisposed dogs, with hypoplastic trochlear ridges, LPL can occur secondary to THR and can be successfully managed by standard techniques to address the luxation. Furthermore, despite anecdotal verbal reports of medial patellar luxation occurring secondary to THR in dogs, this is the first published report of the management of any patellar luxation subsequent to THR.
Residual fluid flow in liquid metallic droplets processed in the space station electromagnetic levitation facility
Authors: Lohöfer Georg , Xiao Xiao
Published: July 2022

The electromagnetic levitation facility on board the International Space Station is used to investigate contactlessly and without gravity-induced convection thermophysical properties and microstructure formations of hot, highly reactive metallic liquids. Despite the widely forceless microgravity environment, the small remaining electromagnetic levitation forces still drive residual convective fluid flows inside the levitated droplet, which may disturb the measurements. Thus, the knowledge of the flow velocities is critical to interpret and evaluate the measurement results. In previous investigations of Xiao and co-workers, a great amount of numerical magneto hydrodynamics calculations were performed with many different material properties and source force terms. The results for the maximum flow velocities hereof were analytically characterized by surrogate models consisting of multi-dimensional, high-order regression analysis. The present work offers another analytical description of these numerical results. Derived based on physical relations, it provides a simpler and physically more illustrative presentation.
Sharp interface of undoped Ge/SiGe quantum well grown by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhang DianDian , Lu Jun , Liu Zhi , Wan FengShuo , Liu XiangQuan , Pang YaQing , Zhu YuPeng , Cheng BuWen , Zheng Jun , Zuo YuHua , Xue ChunLai
Published: July 2022

An undoped Ge/SiGe quantum well has been grown by ultrahigh vacuum chemical vapor deposition, and the sharp interface with a characteristic length of 0.6 nm is confirmed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy. In addition, a 2D hole gas with a high mobility of up to 4.6 × 105 cm2/V s is achieved in the Hall-bar shaped field effect transistor, showing a low percolation density of 8.7 × 1010 cm−2, a light hole effective mass of 0.071 m0, and a high effective g-factor of 11.3. These favorable properties confirm the benefits of high-quality interface, which has promising applications in the field of qubits.
Spatial evolution of cooperation with variable payoffs
Authors: Zeng Ziyan , Li Qin , Feng Minyu
Published: July 2022

In the evolution of cooperation, the individuals’ payoffs are commonly random in real situations, e.g., the social networks and the economic regions, leading to unpredictable factors. Therefore, there are chances for each individual to obtain the exceeding payoff and risks to get the low payoff. In this paper, we consider that each individual’s payoff follows a specific probability distribution with a fixed expectation, where the normal distribution and the exponential distribution are employed in our model. In the simulations, we perform the models on the weak prisoner’s dilemmas (WPDs) and the snowdrift games (SDGs), and four types of networks, including the hexagon lattice, the square lattice, the small-world network, and the triangular lattice are considered. For the individuals’ normally distributed payoff, we find that the higher standard deviation usually inhibits the cooperation for the WPDs but promotes the cooperation for the SDGs. Besides, with a higher standard deviation, the cooperation clusters are usually split for the WPDs but constructed for the SDGs. For the individuals’ exponentially distributed payoff, we find that the small-world network provides the best condition for the emergence of cooperators in WPDs and SDGs. However, when playing SDGs, the small-world network allows the smallest space for the pure cooperative state while the hexagon lattice allows the largest.
The kinase and FATC domains of VvTOR affect sugar-related gene expression and sugar accumulation in grape (
Authors: Zhao Ying , Wang Xiu-Qin
Published: July 2022

The TOR (target of rapamycin) signalling network plays a pivotal role in sugar metabolism and plant growth. In this study, we used grape (Vitis vinifera L.) calli to explore the function of the kinase and FATC domains (C-terminal of FAT (FRAP-ATM-TTRAP) of VvTOR (Vitis vinifera target of rapamycin). We found that the activity of VvTOR affected sugar-related gene expression. VvTOR-VvS6K pathway potentially participated in regulating sugar gene expression. We obtained the over-expression of kinase and FATC domains in transgenic calli by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Even though the kinase and FATC domains all belong to VvTOR protein, their functions were different in the regulating sugar accumulation and sugar-related gene expression. We speculated that the kinase domain positively regulated sugar accumulation and FATC domain may negatively influenced sugar accumulation. FATC and kinase domains of VvTOR co-regulated sugar accumulation in grape. These observations will provide framework for future investigations to address other functions of TOR signalling in plant development and signalling pathways.
Verbal number in Idi
Authors: Schokkin Dineke
Published: July 2022

This paper provides a first description of verbal number in Idi, a language of the Pahoturi River family spoken in Western Province, Papua New Guinea. Idi shows an intricate system of marking verbal number, evident in verb stems and two sets of suffixes occurring in different positions on the verb, based on a distinction between nonplural (1 or 2) versus plural (more than 2). Verbs also agree in person and number with core arguments; this system of nominal number is distinguishing singular (1) from nonsingular (more than 1). Elements from the two systems are combined to arrive at composite number values for both events and participants. In addition, verbal number interrelates with a lexical aspectual distinction of punctual/telic versus durative/atelic, manifesting on verb stems and in inflectional patterns. The paper provides evidence for the thesis that verbal number in Idi is not merely lexically determined, but largely inflectional.
Third quantization for scalar and spinor wave functions of the Universe in an extended minisuperspace
Authors: Kan Nahomi , Aoyama Takuma , Hasegawa Taiga , Shiraishi Kiyoshi
Published: July 2022

We consider the third quantization in quantum cosmology of a minisuperspace extended by the Eisenhart–Duval lift. We study the third quantization based on both Klein–Gordon type and Dirac-type equations in the extended minisuperspace. Spontaneous creation of ‘Universes’ is investigated upon the quantization of a simple model. We find that the quantization of the Dirac-type wave function reveals that the number density of universes is expressed by the Fermi–Dirac distribution. We also calculate the entanglement entropy of the multi-universe system.
Modeling bismuth insertion in 1D hybrid lead halide TMSO(Pb
x
Bi
y
)I3 pseudo-perovskites
Authors: Pipitone Candida , Ursi Federica , Giannici Francesco , Longo Alessandro , Guagliardi Antonietta , Masciocchi Norberto , Martorana Antonino
Published: July 2022

The structures of the disordered 1D (pseudo-)perovskites of general TMSO(Pb
x
Bi
y
)I3 formulation [TMSO = (CH3)3SO+], obtained by doping the TMSOPbI3 species with Bi3+ ions, are investigated through the formulation of a statistical model of correlated disorder, which addresses the sequences of differently occupied BI6 face-sharing octahedra (B = Pb, Bi or vacant site) within ideally infinite [(BI3)−]
n
chains. The x-ray diffraction patterns simulated on the basis of the model are matched to the experimental traces, which show many broad peaks with awkward (nearly trapezoidal) shapes, under the assumption that the charge balance is fully accomplished within each chain. The analysis allowed to establish a definite tendency of the metal species to cluster as pure Pb and Bi sequences. The application of the model is discussed critically, in particular as what concerns the possibility that further B-site neighbors beyond the second may influence the overall B-site occupancies.
Spatially enhanced electric field induced second harmonic (SEEFISH) generation for measurements of electric field distributions in high-pressure plasmas
Authors: Raskar S , Orr K , Adamovich I V , Chng T L , Starikovskaia S M
Published: July 2022

The spatial resolution of the ps electric field induced second harmonic (EFISH) generation has been enhanced by using non-collinear pump laser beam arrangements. The pump laser beam (1064 nm, nominal pulse duration 150 ps, pulse energy 20–40 mJ) is separated into two coaxial or crossing beams, overlapping only near the focal point. The spatially enhanced EFISH (SEEFISH) signal is generated over a shorter beam overlap region compared to the collinear beam arrangement. Blocking of either of the two beams results in a complete suppression of the signal. The signal is spatially isolated from the ‘conventional’ EFISH signal and measured by a photomultiplier detector. Measurements of a known Laplacian field generated between two parallel cylinder electrodes in ambient air shows that SEEFISH improves the spatial resolution of the measurements by up to a factor of 2, such that the measurement results agree with the Laplacian field distribution. The spatial resolution is improved further by reducing the focal distance of the lens. The magnitude of the SEEFISH signal is significantly lower compared to that of the single-beam EFISH and decreases rapidly as the beam crossing angle is increased, due to the phase mismatch. This approach has a significant potential for measurements of electric field distributions in high-pressure plasmas, with an additional benefit of removing the stray second harmonic signal from the optical access windows.
On constriction and striation of a diffuse DBD in large gap filled with moderate pressure helium diluted by the air and easily ionized impurity
Authors: Akishev Yuri , Alekseeva Tatyana , Karalnik Vladimir , Petryakov Alexander
Published: July 2022

The experimental results on studying the plane-to-plane dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excited in a very large volume (120 × 120 × 120 mm3) are presented. The DBD was powered by sinusoidal voltage with a frequency of 100 kHz. The plasma-forming gas is helium, which is slightly diluted by the air and trace impurity of an easily ionized gas. The total pressure of the working gas was varied within of 20–100 Torr. A moderate gas pressure allowed one the creation of non-typical DBD with a very long plasma column of 12 cm in length. Such a long gap DBD exhibits new features in its behavior compared to the well-known DBD in short gaps of several millimeters in length. Immediately after the discharge ignition, a long and uniform diffuse plasma column occurs that occupies the entire space of the inter-electrode bulk. However, this transversally homogeneous plasma mode is unstable. The ionization-thermal instability develops in the plasma owing to gas heating by the discharge. Therefore, the transversally uniform plasma breaks into several separate narrow current channels that move chaotically relative to each other. After a while, they eventually integrate into a single constricted plasma column located in the center part of the discharge volume. At the very beginning of its formation, the constricted plasma column is longitudinally uniform. But soon, it becomes streated. The strata are almost standing and their shape differs from that in a DC glow discharge at low pressure in a sealed tube. The revealed features in the slow spatial-temporal behavior of the long gap DBD are discussed with the involvement of mathematical analysis describing the small plasma disturbance development in the linear approximation.