bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which metrics are consistent with a given pseudo-hermitian matrix?
Authors: Feinberg Joshua , Znojil Miloslav
Published: January 2022

Given a diagonalizable N × N matrix H, whose non-degenerate spectrum consists of p pairs of complex conjugate eigenvalues and additional N − 2p real eigenvalues, we determine all metrics M, of all possible signatures, with respect to which H is pseudo-hermitian. In particular, we show that any compatible M must have p pairs of opposite eigenvalues in its spectrum so that p is the minimal number of both positive and negative eigenvalues of M. We provide explicit parameterization of the space of all admissible metrics and show that it is topologically a p-dimensional torus tensored with an appropriate power of the group Z2.
The time complexity of self-assembly
Authors: Gartner Florian M. , Graf Isabella R. , Frey Erwin
Published: January 2022

Significance

An important limiting factor for self-assembly processes is the time it takes to assemble large structures with high yield. While equilibrium self-assembly systems slowly relax toward a state of minimal free energy, nonequilibrium systems offer various ways to control assembly processes and to optimize their time efficiency. We show that these different control scenarios can informatively be characterized by their time complexity, i.e., their scaling of the assembly time with the structure size, analogous to algorithms for computational problems. Especially for large structures, differences in the time complexity of the scenarios lead to strongly diverging time efficiencies. Most significantly, we show that by effectively regulating the supply of constituents, high resource and time efficiency can be achieved for self-assembly processes.
Design of high strength and electrically conductive aluminium alloys by machine learning
Authors: Liang Tingting , Wang Junsheng , Xue Chengpeng , Zhang Chi , Zhang Mingshan
Published: January 2022

Traditionally, thermodynamic modeling considers only the equilibrium conditions and one-dimensional evolution of phases. Therefore, it has difficulty in predicting the final properties of materials, especially when the functional and mechanical properties are correlated and heavily dependent on the combination of different phases which distribute in three dimensions. Recently, machine learning enabled us to establish the complex relationship between alloy compositions, processing conditions, various phases, and final properties. In this work, machine learning is coupled with thermodynamic calculations to optimise the alloy compositions, processing conditions, and the combinations of phases for improved electrical conductivity and mechanical property. Compared with previous chemistry design by machine learning for multiple inputs and single object outputs, the introduction of intermediate phases from thermodynamic calculations can improve the prediction accuracy. Combining machine learning with thermodynamic calculation is expected to optimise new alloys.
A simple model of thermal conduction in human skin: temperature perception and thermal effusivity
Authors: Oss Stefano
Published: January 2022

In this work we address the well-known fact that upon touching different materials, even if at the same environment temperature, one perceives warmer or cooler sensations depending on properties other than temperature itself. A simple, one-dimensional, non-stationary model for thermal behavior of the human skin layer is devised mainly with educational purposes and the associated Fourier heat equation is solved and discussed. In particular, we emphasize the fact that thermal conductivity alone is not adequate to properly characterize different thermal sensations and the so-called effusivity is instead needed to support a quantitative description. We also obtain some information, within the framework of this model, about the specific response of the skin thermal receptors. We furthermore suggest a possible, direct experimental estimate of thermal effusivity based on the use of infrared imaging in a demonstrative and educational perspective.
Growing MASnI3 perovskite single-crystal films by inverse temperature crystallization
Authors: Yuan Zhenghe , Zhou Jianheng , Zhang Yu , Ma Xue , Wang Jie , Dong Jianchao , Lu Feifei , Han Dongyuan , Kuang Bo , Wang Ning
Published: January 2022

Perovskite single-crystal films are promising candidates for high-performance perovskite optoelectronic devices due to their optoelectrical properties. However, there are few reports of single-crystal films of tin based perovskites. Here, for the first time, we realize the controllable growth and preparation of lead-free tin perovskite MASnI3 single crystals via inverse temperature crystallization (ITC) strategy with γ–butyrolactone (GBL) as solvent. The solubility characteristics of MASnI3 in GBL are clarified by quantitative analytical method. Highly repeatability experiments are further demonstrated using this unique solubility and ITC properties. Sequentially, using space limiting method, tin perovskite MASnI3 single-crystal thin films are fabricated with micron-scale thickness, which is highly desired for efficient tin perovskite solar cells. Our MASnI3 single-crystal thin films show typical single-crystalline features including strongly optical absorbance with sharp absorption edges, pure-phase x-ray diffraction patterns, and absence of Sn(IV) x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. We believe that our findings will further broaden the application prospects of tin perovskite MASnI3 single crystals and cause a new upsurge in exploring the field of lead-free perovskite single-crystal growth.
Summary of the 3rd International Workshop on Gas-Dynamic Trap based Fusion Neutron Source (GDT-FNS)
Authors: Chen Zhibin , Bagryansky Peter , Zeng Qiusun , Zou Jingting , Zhang Keqing , Wang Zhen , Jia Jiangtao , Zhang Shichao , Dong Liang , Zha Xiang , Tian Han , Yakovlev Dmitry , Prikhodko Vadim , Meyster Andrey , Sun Xuan , Ågren Olov , Sandomirsky Andrey , Shmigelsky Evgeniy , Li Qing , Sakamoto Mizuki , Xu Zelin , Ji Quan , Chen Size , Han Yuncheng , Li Gang , Moiseenko Vladimir , Lee Dong Won , Kotelnikov Igor , Zhuang Yan , Wang Dongyao , Yu Jie , Ivanov Alexander
Published: January 2022

The 3rd International Workshop on Gas-Dynamic Trap-based Fusion Neutron Source (GDT-FNS) was held through the hybrid mode on 13–14 September 2021 in Hefei, China, jointly organized by the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP), Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). It followed the 1st GDT-FNS Workshop held in November 2018 in Hefei, China, and the 2nd taking place in November 2019 in Novosibirsk, Russian Federation. With the financial support from CAS and China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), this workshop was attended by more than 80 participants representing 20 institutes and universities from seven countries, with oral presentations broadcast via the Zoom conferencing system. Twenty-two presentations were made with topics covering design and key technologies, simulation and experiments, steady-state operation, status of the ALIANCE project, multi applications of neutron sources, and other concepts (Tokamaks, Mirrors, FRC, Plasma Focus, etc). The workshop consensus was made including the establishment of the ALIANCE International Working Group. The next GDT-FNS workshop is planned to be held in May 2022 in Novosibirsk.
Analysis and particle-in-cell simulation on the similarity relation during an ion extraction process
Authors: Wang Yao-Ting , Chen Jian , Li He-Ping , Jiang Dong-Jun , Zhou Ming-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Ion extraction time is one of the key parameters for an ion extraction process. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation can provide a detailed description on the charged-particle behaviours during the ion extraction process in a decaying plasma. However, the PIC modelling is a very time-consuming task with very small space step (~ Debye length) and time step (~ inverse of plasma frequency), as well as a massive number of macro-particles, especially for the cases in multi-dimensions and large geometrical sizes. In this paper, based on the sheath expansion and ion-acoustic rarefaction wave propagation model, a similarity relation of ion extraction time with different geometrical sizes of the ion extraction regions is established. The theoretical analysis shows that, by changing the magnitude of the externally applied voltage to keep the ion extraction flux equal, the ion extraction time is proportional to the geometrical size ratio. Then, the PIC simulations on the ion extraction process are conducted, which show that there exists a good consistency with the theoretical analysis and previous experimental data. This research is helpful for promoting numerical simulations facing actual ion extraction processes with large geometrical sizes and provides theoretical guidance for improving the ion extraction efficiencies in applications.
Capability assessment of production of n.c.a. isotope 177Lu on the average flux reactor IRT-T
Authors: Kabanov D V , Zukau V V , Timchenko S N , Ushakov I A
Published: January 2022

The article discusses the possibility of producing 177Lu nuclide at the IRT-T mid-flow research nuclear reactor. The paper presents possible reactions on thermal neutrons with lutetium and ytterbium nuclei, on the basis of which a theoretical calculation of the activity of 177Lu, 177Yb and 175Yb was carried out taking into account the burnup over the entire energy spectrum of the central channel of TsK-1 of the research nuclear reactor IRT-T. The obtained theoretical calculations were verified experimentally by irradiation of enriched ytterbium targets. It is shown that upon irradiation of an enriched ytterbium target with a mass of 10 mg. within 3 weeks, the obtained activity of 177Lu was 23.05 GBq, while the activity of 175Yb was 2.55 GBq. Two Yb2O3 samples with masses of 3.4 and 4.7 mg enriched in 176Yb to 99.59% were irradiated under different conditions. The first sample (4.7 mg) was irradiated at a power of 100 kW for 60 minutes and the activity of 177Lu was 497.42 MBq, and the activity 175Yb was 97.95 MBq. The second sample was irradiated for 20 hours at 6 MW and the activity of 177Lu was 0.805, and the activity 175Yb = 0.155 MBq. Comparison of the calculated data and experimental results showed a convergence of less than 20%. The performed calculations and experiments make it possible to make a preliminary assessment of the activity that can be obtained during the production of the 177Lu isotope at the IRT-T research nuclear reactor, as well as to calculate the necessary radiation protection required for working with radioactive ytterbium and lutetium.
Shader Technology based on Physical Rendering
Authors: Zhou DW , Gu XX , Wang Y , Li QM
Published: January 2022

In the development of space mission simulation system, the fidelity of real-time scene rendering is one of the key indexes of simulation system. This paper presents a new shader technology based on physical rendering. The technique was validated by rendering tests in the engine. The simulation results show that the method can effectively improve the fidelity of scene rendering and provide technical support for the development of high-fidelity space mission simulation system.
Forecast Model of Transmission Line Sag Based on GA
Authors: Zhang F , Fan MZ , Yu XC , Dong X , Wang WY
Published: January 2022

Transmission lines are an important part of the power system and the main artery for the transmission of electrical energy. The safe operation of overhead lines is critical to the safe and stable operation of the entire power grid. This paper takes the main body of the transmission conductor as the main research object. According to the line load calculation theory, risk assessment theory and fuzzy prediction theory, first establish a transmission line risk assessment model that takes into account the influence of temperature changes under weather forecast, and then uses the GA optimized TS-FNN The prediction of the sag of the transmission line has verified the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed theory and method through simulation analysis.
Power grid electricity prediction model in multi-dimensional scenarios
Authors: Mei D , Guo SM , Li YR
Published: January 2022

The prediction of power grid electricity is the key to ensure the reliable and economic operation of power system. In order to improve the accuracy of power grid electricity forecast, a new power grid electricity forecast model in multi-dimensional scenarios is proposed in this paper. The simulation results show that this method has higher prediction accuracy, and it provides a new idea for the research of power grid electricity prediction
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis of spur gear under mixed friction condition
Authors: Wu MG , Hu XZ
Published: January 2022

In order to improve the transmission performance and the working life of spur gears, the real lubrication state of spur gears under EHL is studied in this paper. Firstly, a two-dimensional roughness model of the meshing point is established; Then the EHL results of five characteristic points in the meshing process are analyzed. Finally, the correctness of the numerical method is verified by comparing the numerical results with the values of the Dowson-Higginson film thickness formula.
Seismic Vulnerability Analysis of Double-column High-pier Rigid Frame Bridge with Tie-beams Subjected to Near-fault Earthquake Inputs
Authors: Li Y , Zhang HY , An LM
Published: January 2022

Due to short duration and high energy characteristics, near-fault earthquakes showed more destructive damage on bridges. For double-column hige-pier rigid frame bridges, tie-beams between double-columns play an important role in seismic resistance. Therefore, the influence of traditional reinforced concrete tie-beams and energy dissipation braces on the seismic performance of high-pier rigid frame bridges under near-fault earthquakes were analyzed base on the seismic vulnerability analysis. It was showed that as the number of tie beams increases, the plastic hinge curvature on the top and bottom of the pier gradually decreases, and the probability of exceeding each damage state also gradually decrease. Additionally the energy dissipation braces can greatly reduce the seismic response and the damage probability of the bridge structure.
Study on axial compression ratio limits of large size S-CLIP reinforced columns
Authors: Wang HC , Wang H , Jiang PX , Wang LX
Published: January 2022

Based on the constraint mechanism of concrete, an improved method of S-Clip reinforcement was proposed. Experimental study and numerical simulation were carried out on the large size normal reinforcement column and S-Clip reinforcement column, and the numerical calculation analysis was carried out on the improved S-Clip reinforcement column. On the premise of ensuring the bending failure form, the reasonable axial compression ratio limit of S-Clip reinforcement column was studied to provide a reference for the application of S-Clip reinforcement method. The results showed that the deformation capacity of both s-Clip reinforced column and the improved S-Clip reinforced column decreased with the increase of the axial compression ratio limit. The numerical simulation results were close to the test results, and the stiffness reduction rules and other rules had good approximation, and the failure modes were consistent. For the improved S-CLIP reinforcement column, the test axial compression ratio should not exceed 0.3. The influence of size effect was not considered in this study.
Field test and numerical analysis of a new expansion joint
Authors: Dou WY
Published: January 2022

in order to realize the reasonable design of new type pile slab subgrade, this study, relying on the reconstruction and expansion project of Lintou Longxi Interchange Section of g5011 Wuhe expressway, constructs a pile slab subgrade model with 15 holes and each hole is 6m. Through the full-scale model, the displacement of the new type of vertical limited expansion joint of pile slab subgrade under the most unfavorable load is obtained. Based on the separated modeling method, the nonlinear analysis of full-scale specimen under test loading condition with load displacement curve in good agreement with the measured results is realized. Combined with the static performance test of full-scale members, it is verified that the expansion joint of the pile slab subgrade has good vertical displacement limiting ability, which can be applied to the engineering.
Research on Bending Performance of RC Beams Reinforced by Prestressed TRM
Authors: Ren W , Zhang H , Liu H
Published: January 2022

To solve the problems of Low material strength utilization rate and unsatisfactory reinforcement effect in the concrete structure reinforced by bonding method, the self-developed tensioning and anchoring equipment was used to carry out the experimental study of prestressed TRM reinforcement for RC beams. The influence of prestressing TRM on bearing capacity, fracture characteristics and ductility were studied through 3 RC beam tests. It was concluded that the crack load, yield load and ultimate load can be significantly increased by prestressing TRM reinforcement, and the yield load can be increased by more than 30%. The prestressed TRM reinforcement beam had a good constraint effect on the cracks of the beam; After TRM reinforcement, the ductility of beams decreased to a certain extent. In this paper, the final failure of the test beam was caused by the tensile failure of the fiber textile, and the yield load of the beam increases obviously, which indicates that the prestressing force on the fiber textile can effectively improve the strength utilization ratio of the material.
Study on reasonable restraint system of double-deck frame bridge subjected to seismic action
Authors: Zong XM , Liu Y , Yang F , Wu J , Wang XD , Zhou M
Published: January 2022

In this paper, in order to improve the seismic performance of frame type double deck overpass bridge under seismic action, the most reasonable restraint system of frame double-deck overpass is studied. Based on the typical frame-type double-deck continuous overpass-hushen bridge, the finite element analysis model of the solid bridge is established. Then, from six different directions, eight different constraint combinations are established. Finally, through the analysis of the bridge direction control point of the internal force, displacement and other parameters, research and contrast the frame double-deck overpass under different constraints of the seismic response. The results show that the combination of rubber bearing, steel wire rope and concrete block can effectively limit the relative displacement between piers and beams, and reduce the internal force response of Piers and residual deformation of supports.
Corrosion Evolution of AZ31 Mg Alloy with a Nano Crystallized Film
Authors: Zhao Jiacheng , An Haojin , Liu Yong , Zhang Qinghao , Luo Lan , Wan Jun
Published: January 2022

A comprehensive investigation of nano crystallized GaN film synthesized on AZ31 magnesium alloy substrate using atomic layer deposition (ALD) is presented in this paper. The microstructure and mechanical analysis indicate the nano crystallized film is homogeneous, well-adhesive to Mg alloy substrate. The corrosion experimental results demonstrate that the nanometer crystallized film turns Mg alloy corrosion process from longitudinal/non-uniform to horizontal/uniform corrosion, which is deduced from the facts that a great but less fluctuation surface potential mapping, a smaller ∆Erev, corr
and a more uniformed corroded morphology. A higher Ecorr
, a smaller icorr
and a higher Z also mean the film can yield a prominent amelioration in the Mg alloy corrosion resistance. The work proposes that a uniform coverage even in a nano-magnitude and crystallized form could make corrosion more uniform and later.
Study on Explosion Resistance of Reinforced Concrete Slab Wrapped with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
Authors: Ye Hailin , Jiang Chuwei , Qi Wenhao , Feng Zu
Published: January 2022

A new type of reinforced concrete slab wrapped with glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) is proposed, which is composed of GFRP profile slab wrapped with reinforced concrete slab. In order to master the anti-explosion performance of the new composite slab structure under the action of explosion, the dynamic response results of the new wrapped glass fibre reinforced concrete slab structure and the ordinary concrete slab structure under the action of explosion are analyzed and compared by using ANSYS/LS DYNA and fluid structure coupling algorithm. The results show that the new wrapped glass fibre reinforced concrete slab structure, which through the sand bonding treatment of GFRP ribbed slab and inner surface, GFRP slab is closely combined with concrete, giving full play to the superposition effect of GFRP and concrete on explosion impact resistance, which has better explosion impact resistance than ordinary reinforced concrete slab structure, and provides important support for the application of GFRP reinforced concrete composite structure.
In-situ Preparation of CdS/TiO2 Heterojunction Based on MOFs-Derived TiO2 with Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Chen Yue , Li Ping , Duo Shuwang
Published: January 2022

Aiming at improving the photocatalytic properties of TiO2, CdS/TiO2 binary heterojunctions with different molar ratios of CdS (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%) were prepared by facile fabrication of CdS on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived TiO2. The composition and morphology of the as-synthesized specimens were well confirmed via XRD and SEM. The photocatalytic experiments showed that the photodegradation efficiency of binary heteroconjunctions for RhB aqueous solution was higher than that of bare CdS and TiO2 under visible light irradiation. Among of all the binary heterojunctions, the CdS/TiO2-0.5:1 possessed the optimal photocatalytic property (91.4%) within 70 min, which was almost 90 and 2 times as high as these of pristine TiO2 and CdS, separately. Therefore, the rational design and construction of CdS/TiO2 heterojunction could be adopted as a potential method to improve the visible-light photodegradation efficiency of TiO2.
Characterisations of the HinOTORI telescope with a three-color imager at Ali Observatory in Western Tibet
Authors: Liu W. , Utsumi Y. , Yao Y.Q. , Kawabata K.S. , Sasada M. , Yoshida M. , Yin J. , Lou Z.
Published: January 2022

HinOTORI is a new telescope supported by an international
collaboration project between China and Japan. It is a 50 centimeter
telescope equipped with simultaneous three-color imagers (u',
R
C, and I
C bands). It is located at Ali
Observatory at an altitude of 5100m. Thanks to the high altitude and
extreme dryness, Ali site is one of the most suitable sites for
optical astrometry. HinOTORI telescope aims at detecting optical
transients such as the counterparts of gravitational wave (GW)
sources, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts (GRB) and so on. This paper
describes the site information, design of simultaneous three-color
optical layout, system instruments and whole control system. We also
report some telescope characterisations for three bands
(u'/R
C/I
C) respectively, such as Hartmann constant
(0.49”/0.56”/0.60”), best focus position (3.922/3.920/3.903 mm),
PSF FWHM size (3.755/3.328/3.167pixels), total transmittance and
limiting magnitude (15.69/17.57/17.05mag, 10 σ 30 seconds
exposure time). With different airmass observation data, the
atmospheric extinction coefficients of three bands
(0.366/0.061/0.026) were also derived.
Large-scale recognition of natural landmarks with deep learning based on biomimetic sonar echoes
Authors: Zhang Liujun , Mueller Rolf
Published: January 2022

The ability to identify natural landmarks on a regional scale could contribute to the navigation skills of echolocating bats and also advance the quest for autonomy in natural environments with man-made systems. However, recognizing natural landmarks based on biosonar echoes has to deal with the unpredictable nature of echoes that are typically superpositions of contributions from many different reﬂectors with unknown properties. The results presented here show that a deep neural network (ResNet50) was able to classify 10 different ﬁeld sites and 20 different tracks (2 at each site) distributed over an area about 40 kilometers in diameter. Based on spectrogram representations of single echoes, classiﬁcation accuracies up to 99.6% for different sites and 94.7% for different tracks have been achieved. Classiﬁcation performance was found to depend on the used pulse component (constant-frequency - CF vs. frequency-modulated - FM) and the trade-off between time and frequency resolution in the spectrogram representations of the echoes. For the former, classiﬁcation performance increased monotonically with better time resolution. For the latter, classiﬁcation performance peaked at an intermediate trade-off point between time and frequency resolution indicating that both dimensions contained relevant information. Future work will be needed to further characterize the quality of the spatial information contained in the echoes, e.g., in terms of spatial resolution and potential ambiguities.
Probabilistic impacts of compound dry and hot events on global gross primary production
Authors: Wu Xinying , Jiang Dabang
Published: January 2022

As the basis of food and fiber production, gross primary production (GPP) plays a critical role in the growth of vegetation. Understanding the response of GPP to climate extremes is important for ensuring food security under ongoing global warming. Plenty of evidence shows that the recent widespread dry or hot events across the globe have significant influences on GPP, yet little is known about their joint impacts. Here, we reveal a high risk of compound dry and hot events globally, in response to the strong negative dependence of precipitation and temperature, which leads to a substantial negative impact on GPP for both crop and pasture ecosystems. Using a meta-Gaussian model, we show that the probability of a reduction in global terrestrial GPP increases significantly under compound dry and hot conditions relative to their individual counterparts. Further, the risk of GPP reductions increases with the intensified severity of compound dry and hot events across the globe. These results unravel the sensitivity of GPP to compound dry and hot conditions and highlight the need to account for the influence of compound events when assessing the carbon budget.
Case–control study related to the use of L-cysteine in the differential diagnosis of oral halitosis
Authors: Simpione Guilherme , Reia Verônica Caroline Brito , Santaella Natália Garcia , Maluf Gustavo , Santos Paulo Sérgio Da Silva
Published: January 2022

Oral halitosis is characterized by a foul, unpleasant breath that emanates from the oral cavity due to local or systemic conditions. Approximately 90% of offensive odors are caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). L-cysteine, used as a test solution to control bad breath, induces the formation of VSCs and serves as a preliminary rinse. The study aim was to investigate the effectiveness of L-cysteine solution in differentiating the origin of oral halitosis using a gas chromatography apparatus. Methods: In total, 37 patients with an average age of 49.56 years were evaluated and divided into two groups: halimetry before the use of L-cysteine (n = 37) and halimetry after the use of L-cysteine (n = 37). Patients over 18 years of age, without severe systemic health impairment or infectious/contagious diseases, and who did not use medicines that influenced their breath were included. Halimetry was performed using the OralCroma™ device. In the halimetry before the use of L-cysteine group, 5.40%, 5.40%, and 64.86% of the patients had high levels of sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide, respectively. After the use of L-cysteine, 48.64%, 8.10%, and 37.84% of the patients had high levels of sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide. In this study, L-cysteine proved to be important for the assessment of oral halitosis and effective in differentiating the origin of oral halitosis; therefore, this compound could be used for the differential diagnosis of oral halitosis origin using the OralChroma™ device.
A highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor based on NiO nanohives
Authors: Vu Thi Oanh , Chu Thi Xuan , Nguyen Duc Hoa
Published: January 2022

Diabetes is a dangerous chronic disease leading to death. Regular glucose level monitoring in the blood is very important to reduce the risk of diabetes. A lot of methods have been developed to measure the glucose concentration. The non-enzymatic glucose sensor is one of the efficient methods, which has attracted much attention from researchers. In this work, a facile process for the synthesis of NiO nanohives on the surface of nickel foam substrate was reported to apply for the non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensing. Morphologies and components of the obtained materials were characterised by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. FE-SEM images show homogeneous NiO nanohives covering the surface of nickel foam with each cavity diameter of 300–500 nm. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were conducted to measure the electrochemical properties of the synthesised NiO/Ni electrodes. The results show that the sensor is highly sensitive (10.08 mA mM−1 cm−2) with a low detection limit (7.25 μA), which is evaluated highly potential to apply for the non-enzymatic glucose electrochemical sensor.
Residual stress and distortion in thick-plate weld joint of AF1410 steel: finite element simulations and experimental studies
Authors: Zhang Kaiyuan , Dong Wenchao , Lu Shanping
Published: January 2022

The quantification of the residual stress and distortion in the thick-plate weld joint of AF1410 steel has great significance, which is the basis for the safety and process design of the component. Therefore, this paper systematically investigated the welding residual stress and distortion distribution in the 10 mm thick welded plate for AF1410 steel by tungsten inert gas welding. The residual stress measurements were carried out by the X-ray diffraction method and advanced contour method, and the distortion was determined by coordinate measuring machine. The developed thermo-metallurgical-mechanical finite element model was applied to predict the residual stress and distortion in multi-pass welding considering solid-state phase transformation (SSPT) and transformation plasticity. The measured residual stress and distortion distribution were in good agreement with the finite element simulation results. The comparison results revealed that the residual stresses in the upper and lower parts of the welding plate were small, and there was apparent stress concentration in the center of the welding joint. SSPT and the subsequent thermal cycle had a significant influence on the magnitude of final residual stress. The accurate finite element model and the understanding of stress formation mechanism are helpful to control the residual stress and distortion distribution of aviation parts reasonably.
Fitting the determined impedance in the guinea pig inner ear to Randles circuit using square error minimization in the range of 100 Hz to 50 kHz
Authors: Pleshkov M O , D’Alessandro S , Svetlik M V , Starkov D N , Zaitsev V A , Handler M , Baumgarten D , Saba R , van de Berg R , Demkin V P , Kingma H
Published: January 2022

Objective. Several lumped and distributed parameter models of the inner ear have been proposed to improve vestibular implant stimulation. The models should account for all significant physical phenomena that influence the current propagation, such as the electrical double layer (EDL) and medium polarization. The electrical properties of the medium are reflected in the electrical impedance; therefore, the study aimed to measure the impedance in the guinea pig inner ear and construct its equivalent circuit. Approach. The electrical impedance was measured from 100 Hz to 50 kHz between a pair of platinum electrodes immersed in 0.9% NaCl saline solution using sinusoidal voltage signals. The Randles circuit was fitted to the measured impedance in the saline solution in order to estimate the EDL parameters (

C
,

W
,

a
n
d

R

c
t

) of the electrode interface in saline. Then, the electrical impedance was measured between all combinations of the electrodes located in the semicircular canal ampullae and the vestibular nerve in the guinea pig in vitro. The extended Randles circuit considering the medium polarization (

R

i

,

R

e

,

C

m

) together with EDL parameters (

C
,

R

c
t

) obtained from the saline solution was fitted to the measured impedance of the guinea pig inner ear. The Warburg element was assumed negligible and was not considered in the guinea pig model. Main results. For the set-up used, the obtained EDL parameters were:

C
=
27.09
*

10

−
8

F
,

R

c
t

=
18.75

k
Ω
.

The average values of intra-, extracellular resistances, and membrane capacitance were

R

i

=
4.74

k
Ω
,

R

e

=
45.05

k
Ω
,

C

m

=
9.69
*

10

−
8

F
,

respectively. Significance. The obtained values of the model parameters can serve as a good estimation of the EDL for modelling work. The EDL, together with medium polarization, plays a significant role in the electrical impedance of the guinea pig inner ear, therefore, they should be considered in electrical conductivity models to increase the credibility of the simulations.
Sex differences in microRNA expression in first and third trimester human placenta
Authors: Flowers Amy E , Gonzalez Tania L , Joshi Nikhil V , Eisman Laura E , Clark Ekaterina L , Buttle Rae A , Sauro Erica , DiPentino Rosemarie , Lin Yayu , Wu Di , Wang Yizhou , Santiskulvong Chintda , Tang Jie , Lee Bora , Sun Tianyanxin , Chan Jessica L , Wang Erica T , Jefferies Caroline , Lawrenson Kate , Zhu Yazhen , Afshar Yalda , Tseng Hsian-Rong , Williams John , Pisarska Margareta D
Published: January 2022

Maternal and fetal pregnancy outcomes related to placental function vary based on fetal sex, which may be due to sexually dimorphic epigenetic regulation of RNA expression. We identified sexually dimorphic miRNA expression throughout gestation in human placentae. Next-generation sequencing identified miRNA expression profiles in first and third trimester uncomplicated pregnancies using tissue obtained at chorionic villous sampling (n = 113) and parturition (n = 47). Sequencing analysis identified 986 expressed mature miRNAs from female and male placentae at first and third trimester (baseMean>10). Of these, 11 sexually dimorphic (FDR < 0.05) miRNAs were identified in the first and 4 in the third trimester, all upregulated in females, including miR-361-5p, significant in both trimesters. Sex-specific analyses across gestation identified 677 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs at FDR < 0.05 and baseMean>10, with 508 DE miRNAs in common between female-specific and male-specific analysis (269 upregulated in first trimester, 239 upregulated in third trimester). Of those, miR-4483 had the highest fold changes across gestation. There were 62.5% more female exclusive differences with fold change>2 across gestation than male exclusive (52 miRNAs vs 32 miRNAs), indicating miRNA expression across human gestation is sexually dimorphic. Pathway enrichment analysis identified significant pathways that were differentially regulated in first and third trimester as well as across gestation. This work provides the normative sex dimorphic miRNA atlas in first and third trimester, as well as the sex-independent and sex-specific placenta miRNA atlas across gestation, which may be used to identify biomarkers of placental function and direct functional studies investigating placental sex differences.
Expression levels of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins and colitogenic cytokines are inversely correlated with the activation of interferon regulatory factor 4
Authors: Masaki Sho , Watanabe Tomohiro , Arai Yasuyuki , Sekai Ikue , Hara Akane , Kurimoto Masayuki , Otsuka Yasuo , Masuta Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Tomoe , Takada Ryutaro , Kamata Ken , Minaga Kosuke , Yamashita Kouhei , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: January 2022

Cellular inhibitors of apoptosis proteins 1 (cIAP1) and 2 (cIAP2) are involved in signaling pathways mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Excessive activation of TLRs and TNF-α underlies the immunopathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the roles played by cIAP1 and cIAP2 in the development of CD and UC remain poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to clarify the molecular link between cIAP1/cIAP2 and colonic inflammation. Human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) treated with siRNAs specific for cIAP1 or cIAP2 exhibited reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine responses upon stimulation with TLR ligands. Expression of cIAP1 and cIAP2 in human DCs was suppressed in the presence of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4). This effect was associated with inhibition of cIAP1 and cIAP2 polyubiquitination. To verify these in vitro findings, we created mice overexpressing IRF4 in DCs and showed that these mice were resistant to trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis as compared with wild-type mice; these effects were accompanied by reduced expression levels of cIAP1 and cIAP2. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by mesenteric lymph node cells upon stimulation with TLR ligands was reduced in mice with DC-specific IRF4 overexpression as compared with that in wild-type mice. Finally, in clinical samples of the colonic mucosa from patients with CD, there was a negative relationship between the percentage of IRF4+ DCs and percentages of cIAP1+ or cIAP2+ lamina propria mononuclear cells. These data suggest that the colitogenic roles of cIAP1 and cIAP2 are negatively regulated by IRF4.
Extracellular vesicles containing PD-L1 contribute to CD8+ T-cell immune suppression and predict poor outcomes in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Dou Xiaoyan , Hua Yan , Chen Zhaowu , Chao Fengmei , Li Ming
Published: January 2022

Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is expressed on the surface of tumor cells and binds to programmed cell death protein-1 (PD1) on the surface of T cells, leading to cancer immune evasion via inhibition of T-cell function. One of the characteristics of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is its ineffective anti-tumor immune response and highly immunosuppressive status in the tumor microenvironment. SCLC cells have been shown to generate extracellular vesicles (EVs), which may play an important role in tumor progression. We thus hypothesized that SCLC EVs may be important mediators of immunosuppression and that PD-L1 could play a role. Herein, we showed that PD-L1 was expressed on the surface of SCLC-derived EVs, with the potential to directly bind to PD1. Experimentally, we further showed that EVs secreted by SCLC cells can inhibit CD8+ T-cell activation and cytokine production in vitro in response to T-cell receptor stimulation. Importantly, an anti-PD-L1 blocking antibody significantly reversed the EV-mediated inhibition of CD8+ T-cell activation. Furthermore, we performed a retrospective study of patients with SCLC to determine the prognostic value of PD-L1 harvested from plasm circulating EVs. The results showed that EVs containing PD-L1 was an independent prognostic factor and significantly correlated with progression-free survival. Together, these results indicate that EVs containing PD-L1 can be served as a diagnostic biomarker for predicting the effectiveness of therapy, as well as a new strategy to enhance T-cell-mediated immunotherapy against SCLC cancers.
Comment on the Announcement of the Top Ten Intellectual Property Cases of 2020 in China
Authors: Lu Tian
Published: January 2022

Since 2009, the Supreme People’s Court of China (SPC) has announced the Top Ten Intellectual Property Cases (TTIPCs) of the previous year in China every April on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day. The annual TTIPCs reveal the ten cases that the SPC considers most worth emphasising among the huge number of intellectual property cases heard across China each year. Moreover, by incorporating a ‘Typical Significance’ section of each case into the announcement, the SPC explicitly points out the aspects of the cases that require particular attention for different audiences, including courts at all levels and other interested parties. For this reason, the annual TTIPCs announcement is a clear, regular and valuable signal for the yearly observation of the SPC and the intellectual property undertakings in China. Following the recently released official announcement of the 2020 TTIPCs, this Comment interprets the ten cases in terms of characteristics, significance, functions and interactions with the social context. The author aims to spark further analysis of the ten cases without prejudice to their textual value.†
Genome-wide patterns of genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history in mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) growing on indigenous Māori land
Authors: Koot Emily , Arnst Elise , Taane Melissa , Goldsmith Kelsey , Thrimawithana Amali , Reihana Kiri , González-Martínez Santiago C , Goldsmith Victor , Houliston Gary , Chagné David
Published: January 2022

Leptospermum scoparium J. R. Forst et G. Forst, known as mānuka by Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), is a culturally and economically significant shrub species, native to New Zealand and Australia. Chemical, morphological and phylogenetic studies have indicated geographical variation of mānuka across its range in New Zealand, and genetic differentiation between New Zealand and Australia. We used pooled whole genome re-sequencing of 76 L. scoparium and outgroup populations from New Zealand and Australia to compile a dataset totalling ~2.5 million SNPs. We explored the genetic structure and relatedness of L. scoparium across New Zealand, and between populations in New Zealand and Australia, as well as the complex demographic history of this species. Our population genomic investigation suggests there are five geographically distinct mānuka gene pools within New Zealand, with evidence of gene flow occurring between these pools. Demographic modelling suggests three of these gene pools have undergone expansion events, whilst the evolutionary histories of the remaining two have been subjected to contractions. Furthermore, mānuka populations in New Zealand are genetically distinct from populations in Australia, with coalescent modelling suggesting these two clades diverged ~9–12 million years ago. We discuss the evolutionary history of this species and the benefits of using pool-seq for such studies. Our research will support the management and conservation of mānuka by landowners, particularly Māori, and the development of a provenance story for the branding of mānuka based products.
TheChrysanthemum lavandulifoliumgenome and the molecular mechanism underlying diverse capitulum types
Authors: Wen Xiaohui , Li Junzhuo , Wang Lili , Lu Chenfei , Gao Qiang , Xu Peng , Pu Ya , Zhang Qiuling , Hong Yan , Hong Luo , Huang He , Xin Huaigen , Wu Xiaoyun , Kang Dongru , Gao Kang , Li Yajun , Ma Chaofeng , Li Xuming , Zheng Hongkun , Wang Zicheng , Jiao Yuannian , Zhang Liangsheng , Dai Silan
Published: January 2022

Cultivated chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat.) is a beloved ornamental crop due to the diverse capitula types among varieties, but the molecular mechanism of capitulum development remains unclear. Here, we report a 2.60 Gb chromosome-scale reference genome of C. lavandulifolium, a wild Chrysanthemum species found in China, Korea and Japan. The evolutionary analysis of the genome revealed that only recent tandem duplications occurred in the C. lavandulifolium genome after the shared whole genome triplication (WGT) in Asteraceae. Based on the transcriptomic profiling of six important developmental stages of the radiate capitulum in C. lavandulifolium, we found genes in the MADS-box, TCP, NAC and LOB gene families that were involved in disc and ray floret primordia differentiation. Notably, NAM and LOB30 homologs were specifically expressed in the radiate capitulum, suggesting their pivotal roles in the genetic network of disc and ray floret primordia differentiation in chrysanthemum. The present study not only provides a high-quality reference genome of chrysanthemum but also provides insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the diverse capitulum types in chrysanthemum.
Valuations and the Hopf Monoid of Generalized Permutahedra
Authors: Ardila Federico , Sanchez Mario
Published: January 2022

The goal of this paper is to show that valuation theory and Hopf theory are compatible on the class of generalized permutahedra. We prove that the Hopf structure $\textbf {GP}^+$ on these polyhedra descends, modulo the inclusion-exclusion relations, to an indicator Hopf monoid $\mathbb {I}(\textbf {GP}^+)$ of generalized permutahedra that is isomorphic to the Hopf monoid of weighted ordered set partitions. This quotient Hopf monoid $\mathbb {I}(\textbf {GP}^+)$ is cofree. It is the terminal object in the category of Hopf monoids with polynomial characters; this partially explains the ubiquity of generalized permutahedra in the theory of Hopf monoids. This Hopf theoretic framework offers a simple, unified explanation for many new and old valuations on generalized permutahedra and their subfamilies. Examples include, for matroids: the Chern–Schwartz–MacPherson cycles, Eur’s volume polynomial, the Kazhdan–Lusztig polynomial, the motivic zeta function, and the Derksen–Fink invariant; for posets: the order polynomial, Poincaré polynomial, and poset Tutte polynomial; for generalized permutahedra: the universal Tutte character and the corresponding class in the Chow ring of the permutahedral variety. We obtain several algebraic and combinatorial corollaries; for example, the existence of the valuative character group of $\textbf {GP}^+$ and the indecomposability of a nestohedron into smaller nestohedra.
Chirality Effects on Repellent Properties of 4-Alkoxycoumarins Against Asian Tiger Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ramiharimanana Fenia Diane , Andrianjafy Mbolatiana Tovo , Ramarosandratana Niry Hasinandrianina , Andrianarijaona Toavina Elodie , Rambala Rakotomena Ny Aina Harivony , Metay Estelle , Duclos Marie-Christine , Cinquin Valentin , Mavingui Patrick , Vestalys Ramanandraibe Voahangy , Lemaire Marc
Published: January 2022

The use of semiochemicals as repellents and attractants has been proposed to complement insecticides used for the control of vector mosquito populations. In several studies, the optical purities of the molecules tested have been described as having little or no effect on repellent activity. However, these observations seem difficult to explain because of the chirality effect of molecules on the olfactory system of insects and humans. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the effects of chirality on the repellent properties of 4-alcoxycoumarins against Aedes albopictus Skuse, mosquito vector of arboviruses. We report here that the racemic (R/S)-4-sec-butoxycoumarin had the highest repellent effect (Repellent Index = 49.9%) followed by (R) enantiomer (Repellent Index = 24.2%) for the dose of 5 mg/mL. Contrary, no significant repellent activity was recorded for S-(+)-4-sec-butoxycoumarin. This experiment demonstrates the close relationship between the molecules’ optical purities and the behavioral response of mosquitoes.