bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological distinctions between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Koo Seo-Young , Park Eun-Ji , Lee Chang-Woo
Published: August 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common cause of chronic liver disease, ranges from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a more aggressive form characterized by hepatocyte injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Increasing evidence suggests that NASH is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the second most common cause of cancer-related death. Recent studies support a strong mechanistic link between the NASH microenvironment and HCC development. The liver has a large capacity to remove circulating pathogens and gut-derived microbial compounds. Thus, the liver is a central player in immunoregulation. Altered immune responses are tightly associated with the development of NASH and HCC. The objective of this study was to differentiate the roles of specific immune cell subsets in NASH and HCC pathogenesis.
Unique inducible filamentous motility identified in pathogenic Bacillus cereus group species
Authors: Liu Martha M , Coleman Shannon , Wilkinson Lauren , Smith Maren L , Hoang Thomas , Niyah Naomi , Mukherjee Manjari , Huynh Steven , Parker Craig T , Kovac Jasna , Hancock Robert E W , Gaynor Erin C
Published: August 2020

Active migration across semi-solid surfaces is important for bacterial success by facilitating colonization of unoccupied niches and is often associated with altered virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles. We isolated an atmospheric contaminant, subsequently identified as a new strain of Bacillus mobilis, which showed a unique, robust, rapid, and inducible filamentous surface motility. This flagella-independent migration was characterized by formation of elongated cells at the expanding edge and was induced when cells were inoculated onto lawns of metabolically inactive Campylobacter jejuni cells, autoclaved bacterial biomass, adsorbed milk, and adsorbed blood atop hard agar plates. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), bacterial membrane components, and sterile human fecal extracts were also sufficient to induce filamentous expansion. Screening of eight other Bacillus spp. showed that filamentous motility was conserved amongst B. cereus group species to varying degrees. RNA-Seq of elongated expanding cells collected from adsorbed milk and PC lawns versus control rod-shaped cells revealed dysregulation of genes involved in metabolism and membrane transport, sporulation, quorum sensing, antibiotic synthesis, and virulence (e.g., hblA/B/C/D and plcR). These findings characterize the robustness and ecological significance of filamentous surface motility in B. cereus group species and lay the foundation for understanding the biological role it may play during environment and host colonization.
Versatile cyanobacteria control the timing and extent of sulfide production in a Proterozoic analog microbial mat
Authors: Klatt Judith M , Gomez-Saez Gonzalo V , Meyer Steffi , Ristova Petra Pop , Yilmaz Pelin , Granitsiotis Michael S , Macalady Jennifer L , Lavik Gaute , Polerecky Lubos , Bühring Solveig I
Published: August 2020

Cyanobacterial mats were hotspots of biogeochemical cycling during the Precambrian. However, mechanisms that controlled O2 release by these ecosystems are poorly understood. In an analog to Proterozoic coastal ecosystems, the Frasassi sulfidic springs mats, we studied the regulation of oxygenic and sulfide-driven anoxygenic photosynthesis (OP and AP) in versatile cyanobacteria, and interactions with sulfur reducing bacteria (SRB). Using microsensors and stable isotope probing we found that dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by OP fuels sulfide production, likely by a specialized SRB population. Increased sulfide fluxes were only stimulated after the cyanobacteria switched from AP to OP. O2 production triggered migration of large sulfur-oxidizing bacteria from the surface to underneath the cyanobacterial layer. The resultant sulfide shield tempered AP and allowed OP to occur for a longer duration over a diel cycle. The lack of cyanobacterial DOC supply to SRB during AP therefore maximized O2 export. This mechanism is unique to benthic ecosystems because transitions between metabolisms occur on the same time scale as solute transport to functionally distinct layers, with the rearrangement of the system by migration of microorganisms exaggerating the effect. Overall, cyanobacterial versatility disrupts the synergistic relationship between sulfide production and AP, and thus enhances diel O2 production.
A Japanese girl with mild xeroderma pigmentosum group D neurological disease diagnosed using whole-exome sequencing
Authors: Yokoi Takayuki , Enomoto Yumi , Uehara Tomoko , Kosaki Kenjiro , Kurosawa Kenji
Published: August 2020

We report a Japanese girl with mild xeroderma pigmentosum group D neurological disease. She had short stature, cataracts, intellectual disability, and mild skin symptoms. However, she was not clinically diagnosed. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in ERCC2. In the future, the patient may develop skin cancer and her neurological symptoms may progress. Early genetic testing is necessary to clarify the cause of symptoms in undiagnosed patients.
M-protein based vaccine induces immunogenicity and protection from Streptococcus pyogenes when delivered on a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP)
Authors: Mills Jamie-Lee S. , Jayashi Flores Cesar M. , Reynolds Simone , Wun Christine , Calcutt Ainslie , Baker S. Ben , Murugappan Senthil , Depelsenaire Alexandra C. I. , Dooley Jessica , Fahey Paul V. , Forster Angus H. , Pandey Manisha , Good Michael F.
Published: August 2020

We evaluated vaccination against Streptococcus pyogenes with the candidate vaccine, J8-DT, delivered by a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP). We showed that vaccination with J8-DT eluted from a coated HD-MAP (J8-DT/HD-MAP), induced similar total IgG responses to that generated by vaccination with J8-DT adjuvanted with Alum (J8-DT/Alum). We evaluated the effect of dose reduction and the number of vaccinations on the antibody response profile of vaccinated mice. A reduction in the number of vaccinations (from three to two) with J8-DT/HD-MAP induced comparable antibody responses to three vaccinations with intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. Vaccine-induced protection against an S. pyogenes skin challenge was assessed. J8-DT/HD-MAP vaccination led to a significant reduction in the number of S. pyogenes colony forming units in skin (92.9%) and blood (100%) compared to intramuscular vaccination with unadjuvanted J8-DT. The protection profile was comparable to that of intramuscular J8-DT/Alum. J8-DT/HD-MAP induced a shift in the antibody isotype profile, with a bias towards Th1-related isotypes, compared to J8-DT/Alum (Th2 bias). Based on the results of this study, the use of J8-DT/HD-MAP should be considered in future clinical development and control programs against S. pyogenes. Furthermore, the innate characteristics of the technology, such as vaccine stability and increased coverage, ease of use, reduction of sharp waste and the potential reduction of dose may be advantageous compared to current vaccination methods.
A global sea state dataset from spaceborne synthetic aperture radar wave mode data
Authors: Li Xiao-Ming , Huang BingQing
Published: August 2020

This dataset consists of integral sea state parameters of significant wave height (SWH) and mean wave period (zero-upcrossing mean wave period, MWP) data derived from the advanced synthetic aperture radar (ASAR) onboard the ENVISAT satellite over its full life cycle (2002–2012) covering the global ocean. Both parameters are calibrated and validated against buoy data. A cross-validation between the ASAR SWH and radar altimeter (RA) data is also performed to ensure that the SAR-derived wave height data are of the same quality as the RA data. These data are stored in the standard NetCDF format, which are produced for each ASAR wave mode Level1B data provided by the European Space Agency. This is the first time that a full sea state product in terms of both the SWH and MWP has been derived from spaceborne SAR data over the global ocean for a decadal temporal scale.
Secondary extended mannan side chains and attachment of the arabinan in mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan
Authors: Angala Shiva K. , Li Wei , Boot Claudia M. , Jackson Mary , McNeil Michael R.
Published: August 2020

Mycobacterial lipoarabinomannan (LAM) is in an essential cell envelope lipopolysaccharide anchored both to the plasma and outer membranes. To understand critical biological questions such as the biosynthesis, spatial organization of LAM within the cell envelope, structural remodeling during growth, and display or lack of display of LAM-based antigenicity requires a basic understanding of the primary structure of the mannan, arabinan and how they are attached to each other. Herein, using enzymatic digestions and high-resolution mass spectrometry, we show that the arabinan component of LAM is attached at the non-reducing end of the mannan rather than to internal regions. Further, we show the presence of secondary extended mannan side chains attached to the internal mannan region. Such findings lead to a significant revision of the structure of LAM and lead to guidance of biosynthetic studies and to hypotheses of the role of LAM both in the periplasm and outside the cell as a fundamental part of the dynamic mycobacterial cell envelope.
Unravelling the role of phoretic and hydrodynamic interactions in active colloidal suspensions
Authors: Scagliarini Andrea , Pagonabarraga Ignacio
Published: August 2020

We study numerically suspensions of self-diffusiophoretic colloids for various colloid–solute affinities. We show that hydrodynamics affects the aggregation kinetics and the cluster morphology, significantly hindering cluster growth.
A trimeric tri-Tb3+ including antimonotungstate and its Eu3+/Tb3+/Dy3+/Gd3+-codoped species with luminescence properties
Authors: Xu Xin , Lu Changtong , Xie Saisai , Chen Lijuan , Zhao Junwei
Published: August 2020

A trimeric tri-Tb3+-including antimonotungstate and its Eu3+/Tb3+/Dy3+/Gd3+-codoped species were prepared and their photoluminescence behaviors and energy transfer interactions were studied.
Recent advances in iron-complexes as drug candidates for cancer therapy: reactivity, mechanism of action and metabolites
Authors: Bouché Mathilde , Hognon Cécilia , Grandemange Stéphanie , Monari Antonio , Gros Philippe C.
Published: August 2020

In this perspective, we discuss iron-complexes as drug candidates, and emphasize breakthroughs in the comprehension of their structure–activity relationship, metabolization pathways, sub-cellular localization and influence on iron homeostasis.
Impact of linker functionalization on the adsorption of nitrogen-containing compounds in HKUST-1
Authors: Zong Shibiao , Huang Simin , Shi Xue-Rong , Sun Chunyan , Xu Shusheng , Ma Pan , Wang Jianguo
Published: August 2020

van der Waals density functional theory calculations are applied to investigate the adsorption of NO, NO2, NH3, C5H5N, C4H5N, and C4H4O on pristine and five X-functionalized HKUST-1 (X = CH3, CH3O, NH2, NO2, and Br) by employing periodic models.
Synthesis and photoluminescence of three bismuth(iii)-organic compounds bearing heterocyclic N-donor ligands
Authors: Adcock Alyssa K. , Ayscue R. Lee , Breuer Leticia M. , Verwiel Chloe P. , Marwitz Alexander C. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Vallet Valérie , Réal Florent , Knope Karah E.
Published: August 2020

The synthesis and structural characterization of three bismuth-based materials that exhibit visible emission attributed to ligand-to-ligand and/or LMCT are reported.
Effects of aging and weathering on immobilization of trace metals/metalloids in soils amended with biochar
Authors: Zhong Yuchi , Igalavithana Avanthi Deshani , Zhang Ming , Li Xiaodian , Rinklebe Jörg , Hou Deyi , Tack Filip M. G. , Alessi Daniel S. , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Ok Yong Sik
Published: August 2020

Biochar is an effective amendment for trace metal/metalloid (TM) immobilization in soils.
Highly sensitive and precise optical temperature sensors based on new luminescent Tb3+/Eu3+ tetrakis complexes with imidazolic counterions
Authors: Guimarães Lucca B. , Botas Alexandre M. P. , Felinto Maria C. F. C. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Carlos Luis D. , Malta Oscar L. , Brito Hermi F.
Published: August 2020

Precise optical temperature sensors based on luminescent Tb3+:Eu3+ tetrakis complexes with imidazolic counterions with high emission quantum yield values and low temperature uncertainty.
Development of ZnO@rGO nanocomposites for the enzyme free electrochemical detection of urea and glucose
Authors: Babitha K. B. , Soorya P. S. , Peer Mohamed A. , Rakhi R. B. , Ananthakumar S.
Published: August 2020

Development of ZnO@rGO based nonenzymatic urea and glucose sensors.
tert-Butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) mediated oxidative cross-dehydrogenative coupling of quinoxalin-2(1H)-ones with 4-hydroxycoumarins, 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone under metal-free conditions
Authors: Sharma Suraj , Dutta Nibedita Baruah , Bhuyan Mayurakhi , Das Babulal , Baishya Gakul
Published: August 2020

We unveil an operationally robust route to three new libraries of quinoxalin-2(1H)-one derivatives which show drug-like properties evaluated by Lipinski's rule of five.
Effect of the constituent networks of double-network gels on their mechanical properties and energy dissipation process
Authors: Nakajima Tasuku , Kurokawa Takayuki , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Gong Jian Ping
Published: August 2020

The relationship between composition and mechanical properties of tough double-network hydrogels was clarified by systematic experiments and theoretical investigations.
Highly efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction using well-dispersed iron carbide nanoparticles embedded in multichannel hollow nanofibers
Authors: Xia Hongyin , Zhang Shan , Zhu Xiaoqing , Xing Huanhuan , Xue Yuan , Huang Bolong , Sun Mingzi , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: August 2020

Well-dispersed and highly active iron carbide nanoparticles encapsulated in multichannel hollow nanofibers (Fe3C@MHNFs) were synthesizedviasimple electrospinning and calcination steps, exhibiting highly efficient activity and robust durability for oxygen reduction.
Compressive sensing‐based Stolt migration imaging algorithm for impulse through‐the‐wall radar
Authors: Qu Lele , Li Zhen , Fathy Aly E.
Published: August 2020

In this Letter, the authors propose using compressive sensing (CS)‐based Stolt migration imaging approach to reduce the amount of measurement data and provide an enhanced imaging quality. The authors utilise both forward and backward Stolt migration imaging operators to deal with the measurement and image the space data in two‐dimensional matrix form for sparse recovery computation. This imaging process accounts for the electromagnetic wave propagation and does not require prior knowledge of the transmitted pulse, which is practically not available in practice. Results of the proposed numerical simulation demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed imaging algorithm.
Quantifying the evidence for resonant damping of coronal waves with foot-point wave power asymmetry
Authors: Montes-Solís M. , Arregui I.
Published: August 2020

We use Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter (CoMP) observations of propagating waves in the solar corona together with Bayesian analysis to assess the evidence of models with resonant damping and foot-point wave power asymmetries. We considered two nested models: a reduced and a larger model. The reduced model considers resonant damping as the sole cause of the measured discrepancy between outward and inward wave power. The larger model contemplates an extra source of asymmetry with its origin in the foot-points. We first computed the probability distributions of parameters conditional on the models and the observed data. The obtained constraints were then used to calculate the evidence for each model in view of the data. We find that we need to consider the larger model to explain CoMP data and to accurately infer the damping ratio, hence, to better assess the possible contribution of the waves to coronal heating.
A closer look at non-interacting He stars as a channel for producing the old population of type Ia supernovae
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Stancliffe Richard J.
Published: August 2020

The nature of the progenitors of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) remains a mystery. Binary systems consisting of a white dwarf (WD) and a main-sequence (MS) donor are potential progenitors of SNe Ia, in which a thermonuclear explosion of the WD may occur when its mass reaches the Chandrasekhar limit during accretion of material from a companion star. In the present work, we address theoretical rates and delay times of a specific MS donor channel to SNe Ia, in which a helium (He) star + MS binary produced from a common envelope event subsequently forms a WD + MS system without the He star undergoing mass transfer by Roche lobe overflow. By combining the results of self-consistent binary evolution calculations with population synthesis models, we find that the contribution of SNe Ia in this channel is around 2.0 × 10−4 yr−1. In addition, we find that delay times of SNe Ia in this channel cover a range of about 1.0–2.6 Gyr, and almost all SNe Ia produced in this way (about 97%) have a delay time of ≳1 Gyr. While the rate of SN Ia in this work is about 10% of the overall SN Ia rate, the channel represents a possible contribution to the old population (1–3 Gyr) of observed SNe Ia.
NGC 2770: High supernova rate due to interaction
Authors: Michałowski Michał J. , Thöne Christina , de Ugarte Postigo Antonio , Hjorth Jens , Leśniewska Aleksandra , Gotkiewicz Natalia , Dimitrov Wojciech , Koprowski Maciej P. , Kamphuis Peter
Published: August 2020

Context. Galaxies that hosted many core-collapse supernova (SN) explosions can be used to study the conditions necessary for the formation of massive stars. NGC 2770 was dubbed an SN factory because it hosted four core-collapse SNe in 20 years (three type Ib and one type IIn). Its star formation rate (SFR) was reported to not be enhanced and, therefore, not compatible with such a high SN rate.

Aims. We aim to explain the high SN rate of NGC 2770.

Methods. We used archival H I line data for NGC 2770 and reinterpreted the Hα and optical continuum data.

Results. Even though the continuum-based SFR indicators do not yield high values, the dust-corrected Hα luminosity implies a high SFR, consistent with the high SN rate. Such a disparity between the SFR estimators is an indication of recently enhanced star formation activity because the continuum indicators trace long timescales of the order of 100 Myr, unlike the line indicators, which trace timescales of the order of 10 Myr. Hence, the unique feature of NGC 2770 compared to other galaxies is the fact that it was observed very shortly after the enhancement of the SFR. It also has high dust extinction, E(B − V) above 1 mag. We provide support for the hypothesis that the increased SFR in NGC 2770 is due to the interaction with its companion galaxies. We report an H I bridge between NGC 2770 and its closest companion and the existence of a total of four companions within 100 kpc (one identified for the first time). There are no clear H I concentrations close to the positions of SNe in NGC 2770 such as those detected for hosts of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and broad-lined SNe type Ic (IcBL). This suggests that the progenitors of type Ib SNe are not born out of recently accreted atomic gas, as was suggested for GRB and IcBL SN progenitors.
Modified election algorithm in hopfield neural network for optimal randomksatisfiability representation
Authors: Abubakar Hamza , Sabri Shamsul Rijal Muhammad , Abdu Masanawa Sagir , Yusuf Surajo
Published: August 2020

Election algorithm (EA) is a novel metaheuristics optimization model motivated by phenomena of the socio-political mechanism of presidential election conducted in many countries. The capability and robustness EA in finding an optimal solution to optimization has been proven by various researchers. In this paper, modified version of EA has been utilized in accelerating the searching capacity of Hopfield neural network (HNN) learning phase for optimal random-kSAT logical representation (HNN-R2SATEA). The utility of the proposed approach has been contrasted with the current standard exhaustive search algorithm (HNN-R2SATES) and the newly developed algorithm HNN-R2SATICA. From the analysis obtained, it has been clearly shown that the proposed hybrid computational model HNN-R2SATEA outperformed other existing model in terms of global minima ratio (Zm), mean absolute error (MAE), Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and execution time (ET). The finding portrays that the MEA algorithm surpassed the other two algorithms for optimal random-kSAT logical representation.
Neue Erkenntnisse zur Pathogenese des SLE und ihre Auswirkungen auf
die Entwicklung neuer Therapie-Konzepte
Authors: Hiepe Falk
Published: August 2020

Autoantikörper sind essentiell in der Pathogenese des SLE. Sie sind das
Ergebnis einer Störung des erworbenen (adaptiven) Immunsystems mit
fehlender Toleranz gegen Selbst. Eine Typ-I Interferon-Signatur, die im
angeborenen (innaten) Immunsystem ihren Ursprung hat, ist ein wesentlicher
Treiber dieser Störung. Autoantikörper können sowohl von
kurzlebigen, proliferierenden Plasmablasten, die B-Zell-Hyperaktivität
widerspiegeln, als auch von langlebigen, nicht-proliferierenden
Gedächtnis-Plasmazellen sezerniert werden.
Gedächtnis-Plasmazellen, die in Nischen im Knochenmark und im
entzündeten Gewebe lokalisiert sind, lassen sich nicht durch
konventionelle Immunsuppressiva und Therapien mit B-Zellen als Target
eliminieren. Konzepte, die auf die Depletion von Gedächtnis-Plasmazellen
abzielen, können im Zusammenspiel mit Targets, die eine Aktivierung von
autoreaktiven B-Zellen verhindern, ein kuratives Potenzial haben.
A new neutron lifetime experiment with cold neutron beam decay in superfluid helium-4
Authors: Wei Wanchun
Published: August 2020

The puzzle remains in the large discrepancy between neutron lifetime measured by the two distinct experimental approaches—counts of beta decays in a neutron beam and storage of ultracold neutrons in a potential trap, namely, the beam method versus the bottle method. In this paper, we propose a new experiment to measure the neutron lifetime in a cold neutron (CN) beam with a sensitivity goal of 0.1% or sub-1 s. The neutron beta decays will be counted in a superfluid helium-4 scintillation detector at 0.5 K, and the neutron flux will be simultaneously monitored by the helium-3 captures in the same volume. The CN beam must be of wavelength λ > 16.5 Å to eliminate scattering with superfluid helium. A new precise measurement of neutron lifetime with the beam method of unique inherent systematic effects will greatly advance in resolving the puzzle.
Real time free fall investigation for educational purposes using
Arduino Uno board
Authors: El Hadi M , El Moussaouy A , Ouariach A , Essaadaoui R , Hachmi A , Laabidi K , Magrez H , Meziani Y M
Published: August 2020

The recent progress of intelligent electronic devices makes computer science,
electronic and information technology, highly related to teaching and learning
physics. The main question is how education can integrate this knowledge.
Methods and components of new technology are applicable for education also;
teachers and learners used the parts and tools which were manipulated only by
engineers. The popular Arduino board is a very good example that is practically
an industrial microcontroller whose pins are wired to easy-to-use connectors on
a printed circuit board. In this work, we have developed a simple Arduino-based
platform to support experimenting and understanding of some educational concepts
related to the free fall. The obtained data was automatically recorded using
Excel Data-Streamer. This platform is therefore useful as a learning tool which
offers students the possibility of verifying the value of the gravity intensity
‘g’, it can be also used in teaching/learning the concepts related
to free fall.
A distributed-parameter electromechanical coupling model for a piezoelectric energy harvester with variable curvature
Authors: Wang Biao , Li Zhongjie , Yang Zhengbao
Published: August 2020

Enabling technologies for harvesting ambient vibration energy have attracted considerable attention in research communities from different disciplines in the last decades. Among the various devices, straight cantilever-based energy harvesters have been widely investigated from the perspective of designs, modeling, simulation and experiments. In this study, we propose curved piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) with variable curvature to further broaden application scenarios. Within the framework of the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, we develop a distributed-parameter electromechanical coupling model for a curved segmented unimorph with variable curvature by Hamilton’s Principle and solve it using the Rayleigh–Ritz method. The convergence and accuracy of the model are validated by finite element simulation and experiments. Based on the proposed model, we perform a systematic parameter study and discuss the effects of the proof mass, Young’s modulus of the substrate, the thickness ratio of the substrate to the total thickness, the curvature of the substrate and the piezo patch on the mechanical and electrical responses of the structures. The theoretical model will help engineers to design and optimize new PEHs and serve as a benchmark solution for future research in this field.
Rules of non-superconducting phase particles on crack propagation in YBCO coated conductors fabricated by the IBAD-MOCVD
Authors: Shen Lei , Liu Cong , Zhang Xingyi
Published: August 2020

Cracks caused by tensile stress in YBa2Cu3O7-x-coated conductors (YBCO-CCs) can cause irreversible degradation to their superconducting properties. Understanding the initiation and propagation modes of cracks can assist in preventing conductor failure and enhancing their mechanical properties in further. In this study, we used a chemical etching method and scanning electron microscopy to investigate crack morphology in the YBCO layer of conductors where the protective metal layer had been removed. For YBCO-CCs that experienced no deformation, many non-superconducting phase particles were observed and their grain size distribution corresponded to a Gaussian distribution. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy identified these as Y-Cu-O particles. For the YBCO-CCs that experienced axial tension at 77 K, different propagation modes of cracks in the YBCO layer, including transgranular fracture, branching, deflection and pinning were observed for the first time. Statistical analysis demonstrated that transgranular fracture occurred in ∼ 95% of the crack modes. We analysed the reason for this phenomenon considering the thermal stresses stored inside and around the non-superconducting phase particles. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the Y2Cu2O5 particles is less than that of the YBCO superconducting matrix, and therefore, the hoop tensile stress generated near the boundary of the Y2Cu2O5 particle accelerates the bottom-up propagation of the crack. The other crack propagation modes such as crack branching, deflection, pinning and bridging in the YBCO layer can be considered mechanisms of blocking crack propagation that can increase the fracture toughness of the YBCO layer.
Single-atom heat engine as a sensitive thermal probe
Authors: Levy Amikam , Göb Moritz , Deng Bo , Singer Kilian , Torrontegui E , Wang Daqing
Published: August 2020

We propose employing a quantum heat engine as a sensitive probe for thermal baths. In particular, we study a single-atom Otto engine operating in an open thermodynamic cycle. Owing to its cyclic nature, the engine is capable of translating small temperature differences between two baths into a macroscopic oscillation in a flywheel. We present analytical and numerical modeling of the quantum dynamics of the engine and estimate it to be capable of detecting temperature differences as small as 2 μK. This sensitivity can be further improved by utilizing quantum resources such as squeezing of the ion motion. The proposed scheme does not require quantum state initialization and is able to detect small temperature differences in a wide range of base temperatures.
Characterization of swift heavy ion tracks in MoS2 by transmission electron microscopy*
Authors: Xu Li-Jun , Zhai Peng-Fei , Zhang Sheng-Xia , Zeng Jian , Hu Pei-Pei , Li Zong-Zhen , Liu Li , Sun You-Mei , Liu Jie
Published: August 2020

The various morphologies of tracks in MoS2 irradiated by swift heavy ions at normal and 30° incidence with 9.5–25.0 MeV/u 86Kr, 129Xe, 181Ta, and 209Bi ions were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The diameter of ion tracks increases from 1.9 nm to 4.5 nm with increasing electronic energy loss. The energy loss threshold of the track formation in MoS2 is predicted as about 9.7 keV/nm based on the thermal spike model and it seems consistent with the experimental results. It is shown that the morphology of ion tracks is related to the penetration length of ions in MoS2. The formation process of ion tracks is discussed based on the cooperative process of outflow and recrystallization of the molten phase during rapid quenching.
Acoustic topological phase transition induced by band inversion of high-order compound modes and robust pseudospin-dependent transport*
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Yi-Nuo , Zhang Xia
Published: August 2020

A simple two-dimensional phononic crystal hosting topologically protected edge states is proposed to emulate the quantum spin Hall effect in electronic systems, whose phononic topological phase can be reconfigured through the rotation of scatters. In particular, the band inversion occurs between two pairs of high-order compound states, resulting in topological phase transition from trivial to nontrivial over a relatively broad high-frequency range. This is further evidenced by an effective Hamiltonian derived by the k ⋅ p perturbation theory. The phononic topology is related to a pseudo-time-reversal symmetry constructed by the point group symmetry of two doubly degenerate eigenstates. Numerical simulations unambiguously demonstrate robust helical edge states whose pseudospin indices are locked to the propagation direction along the interface between topologically trivial and nontrivial phononic crystals. Our designed phononic systems provide potential applications in robust acoustic signal transport along any desired path over a high-frequency range.
Influence of CdS films synthesized by different methods on the photovoltaic performance of CdTe/CdS thin film solar cells*
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Yuquan , Liu Cong , Sun Meiling , Wang Cao , Yin Guangchao , Jia Fuchao , Mu Yannan , Liu Xiaolin , Yang Haibin
Published: August 2020

The cadmium sulphide (CdS) film is grown on cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanorods (NRs) arrays by different methods such as chemical bath deposition (CBD), magnetron sputtering (MS), and homogenous precipitation (HP) techniques. The impact of various deposition methods is explored in detail on the growth of CdTe/CdS composite film, the CdTe/CdS interface property, and solar cell efficiency. Compared to the CBD and HP methods, the MS method can improve the growth of the CdS on CdTe NRs with high crystalline quality. The device based on the CdS film prepared by the MS method demonstrates excellent photovoltaic performance, which has the potential for applications in solar cells.
Bound in continuum states and induced transparency in mesoscopic demultiplexer with two outputs
Authors: Labdouti Z , Mrabti T , Mouadili A , Boudouti E H El , Fethi F , Djafari-Rouhani B
Published: August 2020

We investigate the electronic transport in a simple mesoscopic cross structure made of two wires (stubs) grafted at the same point along a quantum waveguide. We show that the structure may exhibit important phenomena such as bound in continuum (BIC) states. These states are transformed into electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) resonance by detuning slightly the lengths of the stubs. The last phenomenon is used to propose and study a mesoscopic demultiplexer device with an input waveguide and two output waveguides. We give closed-form expressions of the geometrical parameters that allow a selective transfer of a given state in the first waveguide without perturbing the second waveguide. The effect of temperature on the transmission resonances is also examined by using Landauer–Büttiker formula. The analytical results of the dispersion relation and transmission and reflection coefficient are obtained using the Green’s function method.
Crystal structure and electromagnetic responses of tetragonal GdAlGe
Authors: Wang Cong , Guo Yong-Quan , Wang Tai , Yang Shuo-Wang
Published: August 2020

The ternary rare-earth aluminum germanide GdAlGe with tetragonal structure is systematically studied by x-ray diffraction, magnetic and electric measurements. The magnetic and electric properties of GdAlGe are strongly related to its special magnetic structure formed by magnetic Gd3 isosceles triangles △s. The GdAlGe orders ferromagnetically at 21 K due to the exchanging interaction of Gd3 △ ↑ – △ ↑ Gd3. The mechanism of magnetic transport originates from the slip scattering induced by Stoner spin fluctuation in the magnetic ordering region and the spin wave scattering induced by the thermal photon excitation and phonon scattering in the paramagnetic region. The positive magnetoresistance is observed in GdAlGe, which might be due to the disordered magnetic scatter induced by magnetic anisotropy in GdAlGe.
Fabrication and validation of reference structures for the localization of subdural standard- and micro-electrodes in MRI
Authors: Erhardt Johannes B , Lottner Thomas , Pasluosta Cristian F , Gessner Isabel , Mathur Sanjay , Schuettler Martin , Bock Michael , Stieglitz Thomas
Published: August 2020

Objective. Report simple reference structure fabrication and validate the precise localization of subdural micro- and standard electrodes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in phantom experiments. Approach. Electrode contacts with diameters of 0.3 mm and 4 mm are localized in 1.5 T MRI using reference structures made of silicone and iron oxide nanoparticle doping. The precision of the localization procedure was assessed for several standard MRI sequences and implant orientations in phantom experiments and compared to common clinical localization procedures. Main results. A localization precision of 0.41 ± 0.20 mm could be achieved for both electrode diameters compared to 1.46 ± 0.69 mm that was achieved for 4 mm standard electrode contacts localized using a common clinical standard method. The new reference structures are intrinsically bio-compatible, and they can be detected with currently available feature detection software so that a clinical implementation of this technology should be feasible. Significance. Neuropathologies are increasingly diagnosed and treated with subdural electrodes, where the exact localization of the electrode contacts with respect to the patient’s cortical anatomy is a prerequisite for the procedure. Post-implantation electrode localization using MRI may be advantageous compared to the common alternative of CT-MRI image co-registration, as it avoids systematic localization errors associated with the co-registration itself, as well as brain shift and implant movement. Additionally, MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast for the identification of brain lesions without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation. Recent studies show that smaller electrodes and high-density electrode grids are ideal for clinical and research purposes, but the localization of these devices in MRI has not been demonstrated.
Analysis and statistical projection of vehicle occupancy using average annual daily traffic in the city
Authors: Prada Botía G C , Rojas-Suárez J P , Orjuela Abril M S
Published: August 2020

The excess of both private and public vehicles has hindered the mobility of large cities and, likewise, has begun to affect small cities, increasing environmental pollution, accidents, mortality, among others. The following research work includes the diagnosis and projection to the year 2021 of the traffic generated in the road corridor for future constructions in the adjacent area of the tennis club of the city of “San José de Cúcuta, Colombia”, through the collection of data by capacity of vehicles, traffic counts, surveys and vehicle registration, determining the present and future annual average daily traffic, within the main findings it was found that this sector is mostly traveled by cars, trucks and taxis. It was determined that the flow of vehicles will increase in the year 2021 by 24.62%, the constructions of shopping centers will be executed within the sector.
On the observed connection between Arctic sea ice and Eurasian snow in relation to the winter North Atlantic Oscillation
Authors: Santolaria-Otín María , García-Serrano Javier , Ménégoz Martin , Bech Joan
Published: August 2020

Sea ice concentration (SIC) in the eastern Arctic and snow cover extent (SCE) over central Eurasia in late autumn have been proposed as potential predictors of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Here, maximum covariance analysis is used to further investigate the links between autumn SIC in the Barents-Kara Seas (BK) and SCE over Eurasia (EUR) with winter sea level pressure (SLP) in the North Atlantic-European region over 1979-2019. As shown by previous studies, the most significant covariability mode of SIC/BK is found for November. Similarly, the covariability with SCE/EUR is only statistically significant for November, not for October. Changes in temperature, specific humidity, SIC/BK and SCE/EUR in November are associated with a circulation anomaly over the Ural-Siberian region that appears as a precursor of the winter NAO; where the advection of climatological temperature/humidity by the anomalous flow is related to SCE/EUR and SIC/BK anomalies.
The effect of ginger oil extraction using Microwave Assisted Hydro-distillation (MAHD) method on zingiberene content
Authors: Argo B D , Hermanto M B , Andriani D W , Rosadhani J S
Published: August 2020

The ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil has been produced using microwave assisted hydro-distillation extraction process and evaluated using GC-MS. The effects of different power of microwave (450, 600, 800 Watt) and material-solvent (w/v) ratio (1:8; 1:9; and 1:10) on the yield, density, and refraction index of ginger essential oil were investigated. The results indicated that microwave power and material-solvent ratio significantly affects yield, density, and zingiberene content of ginger essential oil. The highest yield was obtained in 600 Watt with 1:8 of material-solvent ratio (w/v), i.e., 1.71% w/w. The best density of ginger oil was obtained in 600 W with 1:10 of material-solvent ratio (b/v), i.e., 0.875 g/ml. The best refractive index value of ginger oil was obtained in 800 Watt with 1:8 of material-solvent ratio (b/v), i.e., 1.494. The refractive index of essential oils is influenced by the presence of carbon chains and double bonds in oil, free fatty acid levels, oxidation processes, and temperature. The best contents of ginger oil zingiberene were obtained in 600 Watt with 1:8 of material-solvent ratio (w/v), with 27.79%.
The Effect of Curing and Leaves Cutting in Longterm Storage of Shallot
Authors: Kusmali M , Ahmad U , Darmawati E
Published: August 2020

Shallot is important as one of the spices for cooking various foods, as raw materials for the food industry, and as one of the ingredients for Indonesian traditional herbs. Postharvest handling is needed to extend its shelf life and to maintain its quality during storage. The aims of this research are: 1) to evaluate the effect of curing and leaves cutting on the quality changes of shallots during storage, and 2) to get the best pre-storage procedure in maintaining the quality of shallots during storage. Shallots leaves were cut before drying while the others are stored with leaves as control. Then, half of the samples were cured for three days, and sundried for four days, while other samples were sundried directly for seven days without curing them first. Then samples were stored for 16 weeks in two different conditions. The results showed that the treatment of curing without leaves cutting and stored at 5°C with 65-70% RH gave the best quality than other treatments. It could minimize damage and weight loss, maintaining hardness, color, and important ingredients until 12 weeks of storage. However, there were drastic decreases in some quality parameters, 32.0% damage and 38.7% weight loss after 16 weeks of storage.
Physiological characteristics of postharvest Barangan banana based on harvest time differences
Authors: Wiranata M F , Darmawati E , Sutrisno
Published: August 2020

Barangan banana is a local variety, included in climacteric fruit. The purpose of this study is to determine the optimum storage time based on the physiological characteristics of postharvest Barangan banana on harvest time differences. Samples are used 10 (P10), 11 (P11), 12 (P12) week after cutting banana heart, stored at room temperature (25±2°C), RH ±85% for 15 days. Measurements of respiration rate and ethylene were carried out for 6 days in a continuously closed chamber. Air samples in the chamber were taken every 3 hours through headspace as much 1 ml to be analyzed. Results showed that sample P12 was stimulated by ethylene earlier changed the respiration rate faster than another. The brightness level (L*), P11, and P12 get a peak value on the 6th day, while the P10 continues to increase until the 15th day. The hue value for P12 occurred the fastest yellow change, then approached black color after day 12th, whereas P10 and P11 turn yellow later than P12 but still maintain yellow until the 15th day. The level of firmness, all samples get a decrease in the level of firmness until the 15th day. TSS at P12 gets a change in peak on the 6th day, while P10 and P11 get a peak on the 12th day. The optimum storage time for P12 is 6 days, while P10 and P11 are 12 days after harvest.
Development of an electric hand tractor (e-Tractor) for agricultural operations
Authors: Amongo R M C , Quilloy E P , Ranches M A F , Larona M V L , Madlangbayan M S
Published: August 2020

The development of an e-Tractor for agricultural operations was conducted in response to innovative and environment-friendly technologies utilizing non-fossil fuel as a source of energy. Design considerations were taken from the Needs and Design Assessment (NADA) of the intended beneficiaries such as transport of agricultural product and/or for human mobility requirement and for plowing operations. The e-Tractor was designed with a 3-kW direct current electric motor as prime mover and 5.76 kWh battery system as the power source. The machine was tested for transport with trailer attachment using three speed settings (low-2 kph, medium-5 kph, high-7 kph) and three load settings (0 kg, 200 kg, and 400 kg). Test results showed that the e-Tractor can operate at an optimum setting of 7 kph with 287.8 kg load resulting in an operational time of 127.5 minutes and a travel distance of 14.33 km. The obtained field efficiency for the plowing operation using three trials was about 92.29% with a theoretical field capacity of 0.11 ha/h. The development of an operational electric hand tractor facilitates agricultural product mobility as an alternative RE Technology for plowing operation with minimal negative environmental impact.
Implementation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for oil palm industry in Aceh Province, Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Kiman , Ichwana  , Nasution Indra Sakti , Sholihati  , Sofiah Intan , Miharza Try
Published: August 2020

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a holistic environmental accounting procedure which quantifies and evaluates all wastes discharged to the environmental and raw materials consumed throughout the entire life cycle, beginning with sourcing raw materials from the earth through manufacturing and distribution to consumer use and disposal. Currently, environmental consideration becomes the most important issue in application oil palm industry in Indonesia. Scientific approach through LCA can be used as a tool to assess this issue. LCA can be used to ensure that all environmental impacts has been considered for deciding action, calculating environmental impact that might occur, comparing process performance and developing data base for further research. In this regard, LCA can be used as a tool to support decision making on environmental improvement conducted by enterprise or government. Other advantage taken from LCA is that it can be used for in comparing and evaluating products which have similar functions or uses. The target of LCA is to compare the whole environmental damage caused by product or particular activity and then select one option which have the least damage risk. In Indonesian case, the data access that can be used in this LCA study is very limited. Number of LCA study on Indonesian biodiesel production come up with different result. This difference could be due to data inconsistency and did not present the actual condition found in the field. According to those aforementioned situations, an effort to address this issue should be conducted by identifying and presenting actual condition of Indonesian palm oil estate. In this research, LCA will be used to analyze the prospect of oil palm industry in Aceh province Indonesia based on sustainability and environmental impact. This study is aimed to analyze implementation of life cycle assessment for oil palm industry (upstream to downstream) in Aceh Province Indonesia.
Breakthrough of rice quality and market share in rice to rice processing business (A case study in rural rice milling business in Karawang, West Java)
Authors: Rachmat R , Suismono  , Hadipernata M , Daniardi S , Nugraha S
Published: August 2020

Small Rice Mill (SRM) has an important role in rice business. Nevertheless however, low quality of milled rice and changing in consumers preferences cause SRM faces difficulty to maintain the role. Development of a business called Rice to Rice Processing (R2P) presents as a breakthrough rice business that will support their existence. This study aimed at analysing the feasibility of R2P business integrates SRM and market share in a business partnership pattern. The study was conducted in Karawang as a rice production centre. The qualitative method employed for analysis includes technical and partnership pattern with medium and big scale rice miller. The financial aspect used the quantitative method of Net Present Value, Net Benefit Cost Ratio and Switching Value to check their sensitivity. The results showed R2P business is a feasible for technological and financial aspects. Technology has evolved to produce various qualities (premium or medium). The switching value analysis showed that a decrease in product prices is sensitively influencing the financial feasibility. To strengthen cooperation that enhancing mutually beneficial relationship, R2P assists equipment investment in and buy raw material from SRM in the shape of brown rice in a rational agreed price.