bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bark anatomy of Melastomataceae species in the Brazilian Cerrado, a neotropical savanna
Authors: Milanez Camilla Rozindo Dias , Marcati Carmen Regina , Machado Silvia Rodrigues
Published: September 2021

The bark (all tissues outside the cambium) is a morphologically diverse and functionally important part of the stem. Outer bark (periderm) has a protective function, and inner bark (secondary phloem) is involved in the long-distance transport. In savannas, the relationship between bark structure, life form and habitat is controversial. We studied the morphology and anatomy of bark of Melastomataceae species with different habits growing at different sites in the Brazilian Cerrado (a neotropical savanna), from well-drained to temporarily or permanently waterlogged soils. Bark samples were processed by standard anatomical techniques. Regarding the outer bark, the species studied are grouped into two main categories: with a single periderm (with nonstratified or stratified phelem) and with multiple periderms, that is, with a rhytidome. Although a formal test has not been carried out in this work to assess the existence of a correlation between the microscopic structure of the periderm and the habit and growth distribution of plants, there seems to be no correlation for most of the species studied here, except for a subshrub species inhabiting waterlogged soils. Sclerified cells, calcium oxalate crystals, and phenolic content are abundant through the secondary phloem. Microscopic bark features are useful to distinguish species.
Large DNA fragment deletion in lncRNA77580 regulates neighboring gene expression in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Niu Fengjuan , Jiang Qiyan , Sun Xianjun , Hu Zheng , Wang Lixia , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) affect gene expressions via a wide range of mechanisms and are considered important regulators of numerous essential biological processes, including abiotic stress responses. However, the biological functions of most lncRNAs are yet to be determined. Moreover, to date, no effective methods have been developed to study the function of plant lncRNAs. We previously discovered a salt stress-related lncRNA, lncRNA77580 in soybean (Glycine max L.). In this study, we cloned the full-length lncRNA77580 and found that it shows nuclear-specific localisation. Furthermore, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to induce large DNA fragment deletions in lncRNA77580 in soybean using a dual-single guide RNA/Cas9 design. As a result, we obtained deletion mutant soybean roots with targeted genomic fragment deletion in lncRNA77580. Deletion and overexpression of lncRNA77580 were found to alter the expression of several neighboring protein-coding genes associated with the response to salt stress. The longer the deleted DNA fragment in lncRNA77580, the greater the influence on the expression of lncRNA77580 itself and neighboring genes. Collectively, the findings of this study revealed that large DNA fragment deletion in lncRNAs using the CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful method to obtain functional mutations of soybean lncRNAs that could benefit future research on lncRNA function in soybean.
Nonlinear rotational spectroscopy reveals many-body interactions in water molecules
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Shi Jiaojian , Li Xian , Coy Stephen L. , Field Robert W. , Nelson Keith A.
Published: September 2021

Significance

Since water vapor exists everywhere around us and is crucial to life, the stable complexes that water molecules form with each other and with various environmental constituents have been studied extensively. Transient, metastable complexes are more elusive. A recently developed method, two-dimensional rotational spectroscopy, directly measures correlations between the rotational transitions in a conventional spectrum. Measurements of water vapor showed that rotations of one water molecule can change the rotational frequencies of another. Distinct spectral peaks provide direct experimental signatures of previously unseen complexes between the water molecules involved. The sensitivity of the method to intermolecular interactions has directly identified metastable cooperative behavior in one of the most extensively studied molecular species and promises new insights about many others.
Killing of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by a bifunctional cell wall-targeting T6SS effector
Authors: Le Nguyen-Hung , Pinedo Victor , Lopez Juvenal , Cava Felipe , Feldman Mario F.
Published: September 2021

Significance

Previous studies have indicated that Gram-positive bacteria are not affected by type VI secretion serum (T6SS) intoxication. However, here we show that
Acinetobacter baumannii
employs its T6SS to kill different Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, we determined that killing was dependent on Tse4, a bifunctional effector possessing lytic transglycosylase and endopeptidase activities. Tse4 represents a broad family of modularly organized T6SS peptidoglycan-degrading effectors. In addition, we show that secretion of D-lysine by
A. baumannii
results in a pH increase, which greatly enhances Tse4 activity. These results expand the range of T6SS-mediated interbacterial interactions that may shape the composition of bacterial communities in the context of the human microbiota and polymicrobial infections.
Adaptable-translation, pseudotranslation, and translation from the perspective of Buddhistsutratranslations in early medieval China
Authors: Jiang Zhejie
Published: September 2021

This article provides an early medieval Chinese perspective to further the discussion of adaptation, pseudotranslation, and translation. During the first to the fifth centuries CE, Chinese translation of Buddhistsutrasincluded some unconventional practices. Translators either rendered source texts that were incomplete or partially rendered the complete source texts in their possession. The works were accepted as faithful translations of genuine sources from India and helped disseminate Buddhism, though theoretically, believers would only accept literal translations ofsutras. Based on Bastin’s conceptualization of adaptation and the features of Buddhist translations, I have labeled it as “adaptable-translation” and argue that in early medieval China, there were adaptable-translations with pseudotranslation elements and adaptable-translations with the nature of pseudotranslation. Detailed analysis and case studies of five specific modes of “adaptable-translation” will show how they differ from “adaptation” of Bastin and “pseudotranslation” of Toury or Bassnett. Based on the analysis, I argue that a judgment of the nature of a text as a “translation” can be both qualitative and quantitative.
Chinese idioms as constructions
Authors: Liu Te-hsin , Su Lily I-Wen
Published: September 2021

Chinese Quadrisyllabic Idiomatic Expressions (henceforth QIEs) are highly productive in the modern language. They can be used to understand the cognitive processing of structure and meaning during reading comprehension, as in the patterning of [qian-A-wan-B] ‘1k-A-10k-B’ (e.g. one-thousand army ten-thousand horse). However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of QIEs during reading comprehension. Adopting the framework of Construction Grammar, in the present study, we aimed to study the convergence and divergence between native speakers and L2 learners in the processing of Chinese idiomatic constructions.

In the present study, twenty-three native university-level Mandarin speakers and twenty-three L2 learners of intermediate and advanced levels of Mandarin, all speakers of the non Sinosphere, participated in the experiment, and were instructed to make a semantic congruency judgment during the presentation of a QIE. Our results showed that, for both native speakers and L2 learners, semantically transparent idiomatic constructions elicited much shorter RTs than semantically opaque idiomatic constructions. Our behavioral results also showed that native speakers processed low frequency QIEs faster than high frequency ones, implying semantic satiation to impede the interpretation of high frequency idioms. For L2 learners, it was semantic transparency, rather than frequency, that played a more prominent role in idiom processing.
Drivers of farmers’ behavior toward compensation scheme for cultivated land protection in chengdu pilot area, China
Authors: Niu Haipeng , Xiao Dongyang , Zhao Suxia
Published: September 2021

Studying farmers’ behavior affected by economic incentive is necessary to promote positive behavior among farmers toward protecting the quantity, quality, and ecological environment of cultivated land. In this study, we investigated the current situation regarding economic incentive policies for cultivated land protection, which has attracted the attention of Chinese government. Then, we focused on the earliest pilot scheme (i.e., Cultivated Land Protection Fund, CLPF) implemented in the west of China since 2008 to empirically analyze farmers’ behavior. Statistical analysis and path analysis methods were applied, with data collected from 296 questionnaires. Our results showed that positive actions, including the enhancement of initiatives to protect cultivated land, the improvement of ecological environment of cultivated land, and the investment in agricultural infrastructure, have been adopted by farmers since the implementation of the CLPF. Furthermore, gender, education level, labor force size, cultivated land area, migration out of traditional farming areas, average annual household income, and farmers’ knowledge of the policy impacted significantly on farmers’ behavior. On the premise of comprehensive consideration of the diversity of farmers’ livelihoods, new communication technologies and sufficient funds, we suggested that a long-term and sustainable project should be established at the national level to effectively compensate farmers.
Multi-physics modeling of a spark plasma jet igniter
Authors: Ma Xiaochi , Zhu Yifei , Wu Yun , Chen Xiancong , Lin Bingxuan
Published: September 2021

The plasma-fluid multi-physics process of a spark plasma jet igniter is studiednumerically. The plasma discharge, gas heating, mass, and heat transfer processes in one working cycle are modeled and analyzed. Gas discharge starts inside the igniter, the ‘ladder-like’ dielectric wall structure promotes the transition of a volumetric discharge to a surface discharge, establishing a conductive path between the electrodes over a timescale of tens of nanoseconds. Once the electrodes are short-circuited, a new spark-arc discharge channel forms, heating the gas up to 7000–10 000 K in the discharge channel and 2000–4000 K in the igniter. The gas molecules are dissociated and pushed out of the igniter, forming a ‘heating core’ with high temperature (2000–3000 K) and chemical activity following a wavefront propagating with a velocity of 750–875 m s−1. The calculated evolution of the heating core agrees well with the ICCD measurements. It is found that the ‘ladder-like’ structure does not affect the penetration depth or expansion radius of the heating core, but leads to a complex vortical flow that allows for chemical activity species to be brought out into the ambient gas.
Recent advances on semiconducting nanomaterials–ferroelectric liquid crystals nanocomposites
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Priyam  , Meena Harikesh , Prakash Jai , Wang Ling , Singh Gautam
Published: September 2021

Ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) possess excellent electro-optical properties compared to nematic liquid crystals (LCs) including lower threshold voltage, faster switching response, good optical contrast and bi-stable switching, memory effect, etc. Due to such characteristic features, FLCs are more promising for next generation high performance photonic applications. Moreover, the synergy of FLCs with nanoscience has clearly shown the enormous possibilities to improve their electro-optical properties. Over the past two decades, several investigations of nanomaterials (NMs) (metal, metal oxide, ferroelectric, insulating, graphene, semiconducting etc) dispersed FLC nanocomposites have been carried out. Semiconducting nanomaterials (SNMs), exhibiting quantum confinement effect, have been one of the most explored NMs as dopants in FLCs leading to better molecular alignment, enhanced dielectric behaviour, pronounced memory effect, power efficient, faster switching response and enhanced photoluminescence. Here, we present a focussed review on SNMs–FLCs nanocomposites and propose future work to advance LC nanoscience.
Anomalous enhancement of atomic vibration induced by electronic transition in 2H-MoTe2 under compression
Authors: Hao Xingyu , Guo Zhiying , Li Haijing , Gong Yu , Chen Dongliang
Published: September 2021

In this work, we explore the atomic vibration and local structure in 2H–MoTe2 by using high-pressure x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy up to ∼20 GPa. The discrepancy between the Mo–Te and Mo–Mo bond length in 2H–MoTe2 obtained from extended-XAFS and other techniques shows abnormal increase at 7.3 and 14.8 GPa, which is mainly due to the abrupt enhancement of vibration perpendicular to the bond direction. Ab initio calculations are performed to study the electronic structure of 2H–MoTe2 up to 20 GPa and confirm a semiconductor to semimetal transition around 8 GPa and a Lifshitz transition around 14 GPa. We attribute the anomalous enhancement of vibration perpendicular to the bond direction to electronic transitions. We find the electronic transition induced enhancement of local vibration for the first time. Our finding offers a novel insight into the local atomic vibration and provides a new platform for understanding the relationship between the electronic transition and atomic vibration.
Effect of the plasma self-radiation on the growth of thermal filamentation instabilities in imploding Z pinches
Authors: Oreshkin V I , Oreshkin E V
Published: September 2021

The development of thermal filamentation (TF) instabilities in a current-carrying plasma shell under the action of the plasma self-radiation was analyzed in terms of a small perturbation theory. A stationary collisional radiative model was used to calculate the parameters of the bremsstrahlung, recombination radiation, and spectral line radiation. It has been shown that radiative losses can either enhance or weaken the growth of TF instabilities. The pattern of the effect is governed by the dependence of the energy lost by the plasma due to radiation, Q
Rad, on the plasma temperature T. If Q
Rad increases slower than ∼T, the radiative losses enhance TF instabilities. In the opposite case, that is when Q
Rad increases faster than ∼T, the radiative losses lead to suppression of TF instabilities. When the energy lost due to radiation is greater than the Joule energy input, TF instabilities can be completely stabilized due to radiation. The plasma parameter ranges for which stabilization of TF instabilities may occur due to radiation have been found for aluminum and argon.
Self-consistent simulation of resistive kink instabilities with runaway electrons
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhao Chen , Jardin Stephen C , Ferraro Nathaniel M , Paz-Soldan Carlos , Liu Yueqiang , Lyons Brendan C
Published: September 2021

A new fluid model for runaway electron (RE) simulation based on fluid description is introduced and implemented in the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) code M3D-C1, which includes self-consistent interactions between plasma and REs. The model utilizes the method of characteristics to solve the continuity equation for the RE density with large convection speed, and uses a modified Boris algorithm for pseudo particle pushing. The model was employed to simulate MHD instabilities happening in a RE final loss event in the DIII-D tokamak. Nonlinear simulation reveals that a large fraction of REs get lost to the wall when kink instabilities are excited and form stochastic field lines in the outer region of the plasma. Plasma current converts from RE current to Ohmic current. Given the agreements with experiment on RE loss ratio and mode growing time, the simulation model provides a reliable tool to study macroscopic plasma instabilities in existence of RE current, and can be used to support future studies of RE mitigation strategies in ITER.
Afterglow dynamics of plasma potential in bipolar HiPIMS discharges
Authors: Avino F , Manke F , Richard T , Sublet A
Published: September 2021

In bipolar magnetron sputtering, the plasma afterglow is initiated by switching the target bias from a negative to positive voltage. In the following, the plasma potential evolution in this configuration is characterized, being responsible for the ion acceleration at the substrate sheath potential fall, in particular in high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). A mass-energy analyzer and a Langmuir probe respectively measure the ion energies and the plasma/floating potential at different positions within HiPIMS discharges. A plasma potential drop and rise in the first 45 μs of the afterglow is observed, settling in the plasma bulk towards values below the applied positive bias. The measured ion energies agree with the plasma potential values before and after the drop-rise. To gain more comprehensive insights into the mechanisms responsible for such a potential evolution, particle-in-cell Monte Carlo 3D simulations of bipolar direct current magnetron sputtering discharges are explored in equivalent geometries. Despite their average power being orders of magnitude lower compared to the HiPIMS configuration, a similar afterglow behavior is observed. This indicates that the measured dynamics are not specific to HiPIMS, but rather a feature of bipolar magnetron sputtering. The responsible mechanisms are studied further: the effects of various system parameters are decoupled, with the magnetic field configuration emerging as crucial for the plasma potential drop-rise dynamics and the associated re-ionization close to the target.
Synchronization in cilia carpets: multiple metachronal waves are stable, but one wave dominates
Authors: Solovev Anton , Friedrich Benjamin M
Published: September 2021

Carpets of actively bending cilia represent arrays of biological oscillators that can exhibit self-organized metachronal synchronization in the form of traveling waves of cilia phase. This metachronal coordination supposedly enhances fluid transport by cilia carpets. Using a multi-scale model calibrated by an experimental cilia beat pattern, we predict multi-stability of wave modes. Yet, a single mode, corresponding to a dexioplectic wave, has predominant basin-of-attraction. Similar to a ‘dynamic’ Mermin–Wagner theorem, relaxation times diverge with system size, which rules out global order in infinite systems. In finite systems, we characterize a synchronization transition as function of quenched frequency disorder, using generalized Kuramoto order parameters. Our framework termed Lagrangian mechanics of active systems allows to predict the direction and stability of metachronal synchronization for given beat patterns.
Current oscillation in GaN-HEMTs with p-GaN islands buried layer for terahertz applications
Authors: Yang Wen-Lu , Yang Lin-An , Shen Fei-Xiang , Zou Hao , Li Yang , Ma Xiao-Hua , Hao Yue
Published: September 2021

A GaN-based high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) with p-GaN islands buried layer (PIBL) for terahertz applications is proposed. The introduction of a p-GaN island redistributes the electric field in the gate–drain channel region, thereby promoting the formation of electronic domains in the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) channel. The formation and regulation mechanism of the electronic domains in the device are investigated using Silvaco-TCAD software. Simulation results show that the 0.2 μm gate HEMT with a PIBL structure having a p-GaN island doping concentration (N
p) of 2.5 × 1018 cm−3–3 × 1018 cm−3 can generate stable oscillations up to 344 GHz–400 GHz under the gate–source voltage (V
gs) of 0.6 V. As the distance (D
p) between the p-GaN island and the heterojunction interface increases from 5 nm to 15 nm, the fundamental frequency decreases from 377 GHz to 344 GHz, as well as the ratio of oscillation current amplitude of the fundamental component to the average component I
f/I
avg ranging from 2.4% to 3.84%.
Frequency chirping of neoclassical tearing modes by energetic ions
Authors: Cai Huishan
Published: September 2021

The mechanism of rapid frequency chirping for neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) is studied. Resonance between NTMs and trapped energetic ions can provide an additional torque to change the evolution of frequency. Whether the frequency rises or falls depends on the direction of island propagation. If the island propagates in the direction of ion diamagnetic drift, the frequency will be increased dramatically and rapidly. If the island propagates in the direction of electron diamagnetic drift, the frequency will be reduced to a lower value. The predicted chirping time is consistent with experimental results in DIII-D (Liu et al 2020 Nucl. Fusion
60 112009).
Design and Research of Japanese Computer Continuous Speech Recognition System Based on HTK
Authors: Shan Li
Published: September 2021

The main meaning of speech recognition is reflecting the human voice in the form of text through computer technology,it is to convert speech into text.HTK is used in speech recognition, speech synthesis, character recognition and many other fields, and its application is more and more extensive and mature.
Design of Mechanical Fixture Based on Computer CAD Research
Authors: Cui Chengmei , Han ZhiYin , Yu TingTing
Published: September 2021

CAD as a computer technology under the progress of the auxiliary drawing products, for the mechanical fixture design has brought convenience. CAD greatly improve the efficiency of design, and more beautiful and accurate, according to the design of the finished product has a higher quality of course. This paper will discuss the mechanical fixture design based on CAD.
Research on the Function of Intelligent Service Platform of Library Based on Computer
Authors: Nan Chunjuan
Published: September 2021

The development of library is gradual, and every major change is accompanied by the innovation and progress of science and technology. With the formal proposal of the concept of Internet of Things and its rapid spread to the whole world, in the library field, following the composite library and digital library, the intelligent library based on information technology, which is marked by digitalization, networking and intelligence is coming into people's vision. So, this paper will lead you to explore the functions of intelligent library service platform based on computer.
Research on the Application of Multiple LDPC Code Serial Decoding Algorithm in Optical Fiber Communication
Authors: Yang Bo
Published: September 2021

Optical fiber communication technology is an important part of the information society, in the process of information transmission has a rapid, accurate, reliable and not limited by distance advantages. In this paper, the principle of optical fiber communication system and the basic concept of LDPC code are explained, and the application of multiple LDPC code serial decoding algorithm in optical fiber communication is studied, for readers' reference.
Analysis of Seismic Performance of Nuclear Power Manipulator Based on ANSYS
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Du Wenman , Li Qian , Gao Yongqiang , Hu Guohui , Sun Guoliang
Published: September 2021

Nuclear power manipulator is mainly used in the work of radiation or other human cannot come to the site to operate the environment, the seismic performance has received great attention. In this paper, the modal test of manipulator prototype is carried out by hammering method, combined with ANSYS software, the dynamic response of manipulator model was obtained by response spectrum analysis. The accuracy of the simulation model was calibrated by comparing the experimental and simulation results, to provide a reference for the seismic structure design of nuclear power manipulator in the future.
Research on Hardware Circuit design and Positioning Algorithm of Electronic Whiteboard Based on Ultrasonic Infrared
Authors: Zhao Haohui
Published: September 2021

With the development and progress of science and technology, in daily work,we have introduced various computer technology-related algorithms, which makes our work more precise and efficient.This paper mainly studies the hardware circuit design and positioning of the electronic whiteboard using ultrasonic infrared, and it also discusses the system structure and principles.
Research on Design, Detection and Realization of Monitoring System Based on Ship Power Grid Parameter
Authors: Yang Shuangqi
Published: September 2021

The power system of the ship is closely related to the it’s shipping, production and operation, navigation and communication, daily life and other subsystems, and has a very important impact on the operation of the ship. Due to the characteristics of the micro-grid of the ship and the use of a large number of power electronic equipment, the reliability of the power system of the ship is reduced, and the power quality of the power grid continues to decline. This paper studies the power parameter monitoring of the ship’s power grid, and designs a power parameter monitoring system for the ship’s power grid, which can monitor the power parameters of the ship’s power grid in real time. It is helpful to master the operation of the ship power system, and plays a positive role in improving the power quality of the ship power grid, and ensuring the safety and economic operation of the ship power system.
Bioinspired solution to finding passageways in foliage with sonar
Authors: Wang Ruihao , Müller Rolf
Published: September 2021

Finding narrow gaps in foliage is an important component skill for autonomous navigation in densely vegetated environments. Traditional approaches are based on collecting large amounts of data with high spatial resolution. However, the biosonar systems of bats that live in dense habitats demonstrate that finding gaps is possible based on sensors with angular resolutions that are poor compared to technologies such as man-made sonar and lidar. To investigate these capabilities, we have used a biomimetic sonar head to ensonify artificial hedges in the laboratory. We found that a conventional approach based on echo energy performed poorly on detecting gaps with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve ranging from 0.69 to 0.75 depending on the distance to the hedge and gap width. A deep-learning approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) operating on the echo spectrograms achieved area under the ROC curve (AUC) values between 0.94 and 0.97. Class activation mapping indicated that the rising flank of the echoes was critical for detecting the gaps. As a consequence, a simple code consisting of first threshold-crossing times was able to almost reproduce the performance of the CNN classifier (AUC 0.9 to 0.95). This demonstrates that the echo waveforms contained patterns that were indicative of a gap in the foliage but did not suffer from the comparatively large beamwidth used.
Study on the anticancer activity of Poria cocos extract mediated gold nanoparticles in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Nie Miao , Sun Peijun
Published: September 2021

Poria cocos, a fungus used extensively in the Chinese herbal medicine, has been known for myriad of pharmacological applications. There is a growing body of evidence on developing medications for antitumor therapies. The study is aimed to investigate the antitumor potential of gold nanoparticles synthesized from P. cocos extract against pancreatic cancer cells. Firstly, gold nanoparticles were generated from P. cocos extract and characterized through several techniques. The analysis unveiled the average size of nanomaterial as 24 nm. Remarkably, gold nanoparticles synthesized from P. cocos extract showed significant cytotoxic activities. Accumulation of ROS in pancreatic cancer cells is evidenced through the cell permeable probe. Furthermore, to substantiate the ROS-mediated apoptotic event, quantitative real-time PCR was carried out. The results revealed the upregulation of of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax in gold nanoparticle treated PANC-1 cancer cells. These findings unravelled the ROS-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic event in pancreatic cancer cells by gold nanoparticles synthesized from P. cocos extract. However, further research in preclinical work would shed light on therapeutic potential of this green-synthesized nanoparticles.
Research on the characteristics of atmospheric air dielectric barrier discharge under different square wave pulse polarities
Authors: JIANG Song , HUANG Lifei , WU Zhonghang , WANG Yonggang , LI Zi , RAO Junfeng
Published: September 2021

Energy efficiency limits the application of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), such as air purification, water treatment and material surface modification. This article focuses on the electrical and optical effects of the DBD under three square wave pulses polarities-positive, negative and bipolar. The result shows that under the same voltage with the quartz glass medium, the discharge efficiency of bipolar polarity pulse is the highest due to the influence of deposited charge. With the increase of air gap distance from 0.5 to 1.5 mm, average power consumed by the discharge air gap and discharge efficiency decrease obviously under alumina, and increase, and then decrease under quartz glass and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Through spectrum diagnosis, in the quartz glass medium, the vibration temperature is the highest under negative polarity pulse excitation. Under bipolar pulse, the vibration temperature does not change significantly with the change of air gap distance. For the three dielectric materials of quartz glass, alumina and PMMA, the molecular vibration temperature is the highest under the quartz glass medium with the same voltage. When the gap spacing, pulse polarity or dielectric material are changed, the rotational temperature does not change significantly.
Symmetry and stability of non-negative solutions to degenerate elliptic equations in a ball
Authors: Brock F. , Takáč P.
Published: September 2021

We consider non-negative distributional solutions

u
∈

C
1

(

B
R

¯

)

u\in C^1 (\overline {B_R } )

to the equation
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="minus d i v left-bracket g left-parenthesis StartAbsoluteValue nabla u EndAbsoluteValue right-parenthesis StartAbsoluteValue nabla u EndAbsoluteValue Superscript negative 1 Baseline nabla u right-bracket equals f left-parenthesis StartAbsoluteValue x EndAbsoluteValue comma u right-parenthesis">

−
div
⁡
[
g
(

|

∇
u

|

)

|

∇
u

|

−
1

∇
u
]
=
f
(

|

x

|

,
u
)

-\operatorname {div} [g(|\nabla u|)|\nabla u|^{-1} \nabla u ] = f(|x|,u)

in a ball

B
R

B_R

, with

u
=
0

u=0

on

∂

B
R

\partial B_R

, where

f
f

is continuous and non-increasing in the first variable and

g
∈

C
1

(
0
,
+
∞
)
∩
C
[
0
,
+
∞
)

g\in C^1 (0,+\infty )\cap C[0, +\infty )

, with

g
(
0
)
=
0

g(0)=0

and

g
′

(
t
)
>
0

g’(t)>0

for

t
>
0

t>0

. According to a result of the first author, the solutions satisfy a certain ‘local’ type of symmetry. Using this, we first prove that the solutions are radially symmetric provided that

f
f

satisfies appropriate growth conditions near its zeros.

In a second part we study the autonomous case,

f
=
f
(
u
)

f=f(u)

. The solutions of the equation are critical points for an associated variation problem. We show under rather mild conditions that global and local minimizers of the variational problem are radial.
Finding critical points of the Trudinger-Moser functional through the heat flow
Authors: Wang Yamin , Yang Yunyan
Published: September 2021

Let

Ω
⊂

R

2

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^2

be a smooth bounded domain and

W
0

1
,
2

(
Ω
)

W_0^{1,2}(\Omega )

be the standard Sobolev space. In this paper, using the heat flow of Lamm-Robert-Struwe [J. Funct. Anal. 257 (2009), pp. 2951–2998] and blow-up analysis, we study the critical points of the Trudinger-Moser functional

J
(
u
)
=

∫
Ω

exp
⁡
(
4
π

u
2

)
d
x

\begin{equation*} J(u)=\int _\Omega \exp (4\pi u^2)dx \end{equation*}

under the constraint
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper E left-parenthesis 1 right-parenthesis equals StartSet u element-of upper W 0 Superscript 1 comma 2 Baseline left-parenthesis normal upper Omega right-parenthesis colon integral Underscript normal upper Omega Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue nabla u EndAbsoluteValue squared d x equals 1 EndSet period">

E

(
1
)
=

{
u
∈

W
0

1
,
2

(
Ω
)
:

∫
Ω

|

∇
u

|

2

d
x
=
1
}

.

\begin{equation*} {E}(1)=\left \{u\in W_0^{1,2}(\Omega ):\int _\Omega |\nabla u|^2dx=1\right \}. \end{equation*}

Precisely, for certain initial data

u
0

u_0

, we obtain that up to a subsequence, the flow converges to a critical point of

J
J

under the constraint

E
(
1
)

E(1)

. This complements the results of Lamm-Robert-Struwe.
Precise dispersive estimates for the wave equation inside cylindrical convex domains
Authors: Len Meas
Published: September 2021

In this work, we establish precise local in time dispersive estimates for solutions of the model case Dirichlet wave equation inside cylindrical convex domains

Ω
⊂

R

3

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^3

with smooth boundary

∂
Ω
≠
∅

\partial \Omega \neq \emptyset

. This result is the improved estimates established by Len Meas [C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 355 (2017), pp. 161–165]. Let us recall that dispersive estimates are key ingredients to prove Strichartz estimates. Strichartz estimates for waves inside an arbitrary domain

Ω
\Omega

have been proved by Blair, Smith, Sogge [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 136 (2008), pp. 247–256; Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 26 (2009), pp.1817–1829]. Optimal estimates in strictly convex domains have been obtained by Ivanovici, Lebeau, and Planchon [Ann. of Math. 180 (2014), pp. 323–380]. Our case of cylindrical domains is an extension of the result of Ivanovici, Lebeau, and Planchon [Ann. of Math. 180 (2014), pp. 323–380] in the case when the nonnegative curvature radius depends on the incident angle and vanishes in some directions.
Selective destabilization of polypeptides synthesized from NMD-targeted transcripts
Authors: Chu Vincent , Feng Qing , Lim Yang , Shao Sichen
Published: September 2021

Polypeptides synthesized from mRNAs containing a premature termination codon are selectively destabilized compared with the same polypeptide sequences synthesized from mRNAs with a normal termination codon in mammalian cells.
Using leaf shape to determine leaf size could be a game-changer. A commentary on: ‘Leaf size estimation based on leaf length, width and shape’
Authors: Leigh Andrea
Published: September 2021

This article comments on:

Julian Schrader, Peijian Shi, Dana L Royer, Daniel J Peppe, Rachael V Gallagher, Yirong Li, Rong Wang, Ian J Wright, Leaf size estimation based on leaf length, width and shape, Annals of Botany, Volume 128, Issue 4, 17 September 2021, Pages 395–406 https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab078
Whole-genome assembly ofGanoderma leucocontextum(Ganodermataceae, Fungi) discovered from the Tibetan Plateau of China
Authors: Liu Yuanchao , Huang Longhua , Hu Huiping , Cai Manjun , Liang Xiaowei , Li Xiangmin , Zhang Zhi , Xie Yizhen , Xiao Chun , Chen Shaodan , Chen Diling , Yong Tianqiao , Pan Honghui , Gao Xiong , Wu Qingping
Published: September 2021

Ganoderma leucocontextum, a newly discovered species of Ganodermataceae in China, has diverse pharmacological activities. Ganoderma leucocontextum was widely cultivated in southwest China, but the systematic genetic study has been impeded by the lack of a reference genome. Herein, we present the first whole-genome assembly of G. leucocontextum based on the Illumina and Nanopore platform from high-quality DNA extracted from a monokaryon strain (DH-8). The generated genome was 50.05 Mb in size with an N50 scaffold size of 3.06 Mb, 78,206 coding sequences, and 13,390 putative genes. Genome completeness was assessed using the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) tool, which identified 96.55% of the 280 Fungi BUSCO genes. Furthermore, differences in functional genes of secondary metabolites (terpenoids) were analyzed between G. leucocontextum and Ganoderma lucidum. Ganoderma leucocontextum has more genes related to terpenoids synthesis compared to G. lucidum, which may be one of the reasons why they exhibit different biological activities. This is the first genome assembly and annotation for G. leucocontextum, which would enrich the toolbox for biological and genetic studies in G. leucocontextum.
Ubc1 turnover contributes to the spindle assembly checkpoint in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Arsenault Heather E , Ghizzoni Julie M , Leech Cassandra M , Diers Anne R , Gesta Stephane , Vishnudas Vivek K , Narain Niven R , Sarangarajan Rangaprasad , Benanti Jennifer A
Published: September 2021

The spindle assembly checkpoint protects the integrity of the genome by ensuring that chromosomes are properly attached to the mitotic spindle before they are segregated during anaphase. Activation of the spindle checkpoint results in inhibition of the Anaphase-Promoting Complex (APC), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that triggers the metaphase–anaphase transition. Here, we show that levels of Ubc1, an E2 enzyme that functions in complex with the APC, modulate the response to spindle checkpoint activation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Overexpression of Ubc1 increased resistance to microtubule poisons, whereas Ubc1 shut-off sensitized cells. We also found that Ubc1 levels are regulated by the spindle checkpoint. Checkpoint activation or direct APC inhibition led to a decrease in Ubc1 levels, charging, and half-life. Additionally, stabilization of Ubc1 prevented its down-regulation by the spindle checkpoint and increased resistance to checkpoint-activating drugs. These results suggest that down-regulation of Ubc1 in response to spindle checkpoint signaling is necessary for a robust cell cycle arrest.
Preventing dataset shift from breaking machine-learning biomarkers
Authors: Dockès Jérôme , Varoquaux Gaël , Poline Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2021

Machine learning brings the hope of finding new biomarkers extracted from cohorts with rich biomedical measurements. A good biomarker is one that gives reliable detection of the corresponding condition. However, biomarkers are often extracted from a cohort that differs from the target population. Such a mismatch, known as a dataset shift, can undermine the application of the biomarker to new individuals. Dataset shifts are frequent in biomedical research, e.g.,  because of recruitment biases. When a dataset shift occurs, standard machine-learning techniques do not suffice to extract and validate biomarkers. This article provides an overview of when and how dataset shifts break machine-learning–extracted biomarkers, as well as detection and correction strategies.
Disparities in Pediatric Patient Portal Activation and Feature Use
Authors: LeLaurin Jennifer H , Nguyen Oliver T , Thompson Lindsay A , Hall Jaclyn , Bian Jiang , Cho Hee Deok , Acharya Ratna , Harle Christopher A , Salloum Ramzi G
Published: September 2021

Objective

Disparities in adult patient portal adoption are well-documented; however, less is known about disparities in portal adoption in pediatrics. This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with patient portal activation and the use of specific portal features in general pediatrics.

Materials and methods

We analyzed electronic health record data from 2012 to 2020 in a large academic medical center that offers both parent and adolescent portals. We summarized portal activation and use of select portal features (messaging, records access and management, appointment management, visit/admissions summaries, and interactive feature use). We used logistic regression to model factors associated with patient portal activation among all patients along with feature use and frequent feature use among ever users (ie, ≥1 portal use).

Results

Among 52 713 unique patients, 39% had activated the patient portal, including 36% of patients aged 0–11, 41% of patients aged 12–17, and 62% of patients aged 18–21 years. Among activated accounts, ever use of specific features ranged from 28% for visit/admission summaries to 92% for records access and management. Adjusted analyses showed patients with activated accounts were more likely to be adolescents or young adults, white, female, privately insured, and less socioeconomically vulnerable. Individual feature use among ever users generally followed the same pattern.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that important disparities persist in portal adoption in pediatric populations, highlighting the need for strategies to promote equitable access to patient portals.
The Newest Battlefield Opioid, Sublingual Sufentanil: A Proposal to Refine Opioid Usage in the U.S. Military
Authors: Kim Sharon Y , Buckenmaier Chester C , Howe Edmund G , Choi Kwang H
Published: September 2021

There is an ongoing opioid epidemic in the USA, and the U.S. military is not immune to the health threat. To combat the epidemic, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) issued new clinical practice guidelines and launched the Opioid Safety Initiative aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions. Furthermore, the DoD continually refined opioid protocols for acute pain on the battlefield, evolving from intramuscular morphine to intravenous morphine administration to oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate lollipops (Actiq) to finally sublingual sufentanil tablets (SSTs, Dsuvia). Interestingly, the newest introduction of SSTs into the military sparked great controversy, as there are concerns over the drug’s potential for misuse. However, although the opioid crisis may understandably foster an aversion to new candidate opioids, the therapeutic benefits of effective opioids in acute trauma settings should not be overlooked. SSTs may offer an improved analgesic option to meet the battlefield’s unmet needs with its non-invasive, sublingual delivery system and favorable pharmacologic properties that mitigate the risk for side effects, addiction, and adverse outcomes. Accordingly, this commentary aims to (1) review the evolution of opioid use on the battlefield and discuss the medical benefits and limitations of SSTs in acute trauma settings, (2) highlight the importance of chronic pain management post-deployment through evidence-based non-opioid modalities, and (3) explore avenues of future research. Ultimately, we propose that SSTs are an important improvement from existing battlefield opioids and that refining, not abandoning, opioid usage will be key to effectively managing pain in the military.
Quantization of blackjack: Quantum basic strategy and advantage
Authors: Mura Yushi , Wada Hiroki
Published: September 2021

Quantum computers that process information by harnessing the remarkable power of quantum mechanics are increasingly being put to practical use. In the future, their impact will be felt in numerous fields, including in online casino games. This is one of the reasons why quantum gambling theory has garnered considerable attention. Studies have shown that quantum gambling theory often yields nontrivial consequences that classical theory cannot interpret. We have formulated blackjack, one of the most famous card games, as a quantum game and found possible quantum entanglement between strategies. We also devised a quantum circuit reproducing classical blackjack. This circuit can be realized in the near future when quantum computers are commonplace. Furthermore, we showed that the player’s expectation increases compared to the classical game using quantum basic strategy, which is a quantum version of the popular basic strategy of blackjack.
Associations between coping strategies and insomnia: a longitudinal study of Japanese workers
Authors: Otsuka Yuichiro , Itani Osamu , Matsumoto Yuuki , Kaneita Yoshitaka
Published: September 2021

Study Objectives

Coping with stress is important because stress disturbs sleep. However, only a few longitudinal studies have investigated the association between coping and insomnia. We examined whether individuals with insomnia symptoms used more maladaptive coping strategies than individuals without insomnia symptoms, and evaluated the association between insomnia symptoms and coping strategies.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, Japanese workers were enrolled and observed over a 2-year period. During both years, self-administered questionnaires on coping and insomnia symptoms were administered. Coping was assessed using the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and insomnia symptoms were examined using the Athens Insomnia Scale. Generalized estimating equation modeling identified the effects of coping strategies on insomnia severity.

Results

In total, 1358 of 1855 workers at baseline were followed up. Individuals with insomnia symptoms showed a higher use of maladaptive coping strategies and less use of humor and instrumental support than individuals without insomnia symptoms. Active coping, humor, emotional support, and instrumental support were negatively associated with insomnia severity. In contrast, venting, substance use, behavioral disengagement, and self-blame were positively associated with insomnia severity.

Conclusions

This study showed that individuals with insomnia symptoms use both adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies and are more likely to use maladaptive strategies than individuals without insomnia symptoms. In the future, interventions focused on educating people about adaptive coping strategies should be conducted to determine whether coping strategies may prevent insomnia symptoms.
Evaluation of Biological and Chemical Pruning Wound Protectants to Control Grapevine Trunk Disease Pathogens Eutypa lata and Neofusicoccum parvum
Authors: Blundell Robert , Eskalen Akif
Published: September 2021

Grapevine trunk diseases, caused by many different fungal pathogens, are among the most economically important diseases affecting the grapevine industry worldwide. Pruning wounds are the main point of entry for these fungal pathogens and, thus, disease control is focused on preventative pruning wound protection by chemical products or biological control agents (BCAs). In this study, we evaluated a broad variety of chemical products and BCAs already registered or at the experimental stage in greenhouse and in field trials for the protection of table- and wine-grape vines against infection by Eutypa lata and Neofusicoccum parvum, major pathogens responsible for Eutypa and Botryosphaeria dieback, respectively. Our study showed that Trichoderma asperellum and T. gamsii consistently provided pruning wound protection in greenhouse and field trials, with a mean percent disease control (MPDC) of 88 and 100% for E. lata and N. parvum, respectively, when compared with the water-treated inoculated positive control (P < 0.05). The chemical protectants thiophanate-methyl + myclobutanil, fluopyram, and trifloxystrobin were also able to effectively protect wounds, with a MPDC of up to 86% when compared with the water-treated inoculated positive control (P < 0.05). When biological treatments were evaluated for recovery from treated canes at the end of the growing season, Trichoderma-based treatments had a rate of recovery between 0 and 100%, Aureobasidium-based treatments had a recovery rate between 25 and 100%, and Bacillus-based treatments had a recovery rate between 0 and 25%.