bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redox-active Polymers in Biofuel Cells
Authors: Nikiforidis Georgios , Inal Sahika
Published: October 2020

During the last few decades, the possibility of producing electrical power from the chemical energy generated by biological catalysts has instigated remarkable advances in the field of biofuel cells. Biofuel cells use glucose primarily as a fuel and are highly relevant for powering portable, wearable and implantable electronic devices. Significant merit for this advancement is attributed to redox-active polymers that act as carriers for the enzymes while they also “wire” their active site to the electrode surface. This chapter discusses in detail (the latest) trends in the chemistry, characterization and application of redox polymers in biofuel cells. First, the fundamentals of biofuel cells are outlined, along with a detailed classification of redox polymers. Finally, a thorough investigation of how redox polymers have been integrated into biofuel cell electrodes to yield power devices with promising performances is disclosed.
Conductive Polymers Building 3D Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Alegret Nuria , Dominguez-Alfaro Antonio , Mecerreyes David
Published: October 2020

Scaffolds that provide an environment similar to the in vivo tissue are essential in tissue engineering. Among them, conducting 3D scaffolds offer large surface areas for cellular attachment, proliferation and additionally for electrical sensing and stimulation. Conducting scaffolds, commonly composed of conjugated polymers (CPs), have shown improved regeneration ability for electrically active cells and tissues, such as muscle, nerves, bones and heart. However, scaffolds are required to also fulfill several other characteristics: porosity to allow cell penetration and nutrient flow; elastic and wettability properties similar to the tissue of interest; and a biocompatible composition to enhance cell–substrate interactions. In this review we summarize the fabrication methods and characterization techniques employed in the case of conducting 3D scaffolds for application in tissue engineering. The main obstacle is generating such structures and maintaining its tridimensionality. In this chapter, we discuss how the scientific community developed or adapt the fabrication techniques to overcome the challenges in the manipulation of conducting polymers. Finally, we present an overview of their application and potential for tissue engineering, also including their feasibility for biomineralization of bone tissue and stem cell differentiation, taking advantage of their conductivity in some cases to regenerate using electrical stimulation.
Correction: A Bpp-based dinuclear ruthenium photocatalyst for visible light-driven oxidation reactions
Authors: Hennessey Seán , Farràs Pau , Benet-Buchholz Jordi , Llobet Antoni
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘A Bpp-based dinuclear ruthenium photocatalyst for visible light-driven oxidation reactions’ by Seán Hennessey et al., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2019, 9, 6760–6768, DOI: 10.1039/C9CY01796H.
Maternal consumption of conjugated linoleic acid improves tolerance to glucose and hdl-cholesterol in the rat progeny
Authors: Queiroz Michelly Pires , da Silva Lima Martiniano , de Melo Marília Ferreira Frazão Tavares , Queiroga Rita de Cássia Ramos do Egypto , Bessa Rui José Branquinho , Alves Susana Paula Almeida , Barbosa Soares Juliana Késsia
Published: October 2020

Our study evaluates the impacts of maternal consumption of different levels of CLA during pregnancy and lactation on physical and metabolic changes in the rat progeny.
Impact of diets rich in olive oil, palm oil or lard on myokine expression in rats
Authors: Gauze-Gnagne Chantal , Raynaud Fabrice , Djohan Youzan Ferdinand , Lauret Céline , Feillet-Coudray Christine , Coudray Charles , Monde Absalome , Koffi Gervais , Morena Marion , Camara-Cisse Massara , Cristol Jean Paul , Badia Eric
Published: October 2020

Diets rich in olive oil or palm oil or lard differentially modulate some myokines with anti-inflammatory properties.
Correction: Probing intrinsic dynamics and conformational transition of HIV gp120 by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Xiao-Ling , Yuan Xue , Hou Jiang-Chun , Sang Peng , Yang Li-Quan
Published: October 2020

Correction for ‘Probing intrinsic dynamics and conformational transition of HIV gp120 by molecular dynamics simulation’ by Yi Li et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 30499–30507, DOI: 10.1039/d0ra06416e.
Multicomponent diffusion of interacting, nonionic micelles with hydrophobic solutes
Authors: Alexander Nathan P. , Phillips Ronald J. , Dungan Stephanie R.
Published: October 2020

Rigorous theory for gradient diffusion in hard-sphere suspensions is adapted to locally monodisperse, nonionic micellar solutions with solute, and effectively used to predict ternary diffusion matrices [D] acquired using the Taylor dispersion method.
A selective and sensitive near-infrared fluorescent probe for in vivo real time tracking of exogenous and metabolized hydrazine, a genotoxic impurity
Authors: Wang Shun , Liu Jian , Song Linjiang , Qi Qingrong , Li Zicheng , Huang Wencai
Published: October 2020

The hydrazine level in the liver and kidneys of mice after administration of isoniazid was monitored by using probe Hcy-DB.
Electrochemical growth and characterisation of ZnO nanostructures for dye‐sensitised solar cells
Authors: Dubey R.S. , Saravanan S.
Published: October 2020

This Letter presents the electrodeposition of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures by varying the negative potential and investigation of structural, optical, and morphological characteristics. UV–vis spectroscopy investigation showed the redshift of the absorption peak with the increased negative potential. Using Tauc relation, the optical bandgap values estimated to be 3.09, 2.97, 2.93, 2.91, 2.90, and 2.84 eV corresponding to the samples prepared at potential −0.5, −0.7, −0.9, −1.1, −1.3 and −1.5 V. Fluorescence spectra exhibited the UV emission band at wavelength 392 nm along with a peak at 650 nm corresponds to the second‐order nature of ZnO. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the various vibration modes at 403, 493, and 702 cm−1 originated by the ZnO nanostructures. X‐ray diffraction pattern revealed the hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy investigation evidenced the distinct morphology of ZnO with the increased negative potential; however, the dense and perpendicularly oriented ZnO nanorods are prepared at highest negative potential as compared to rice grain‐like ZnO structure prepared at least negative potential. Furthermore, the prepared nanostructures are used as dye‐sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) photoanodes, while the DSSC‐Z6 showed the increased cell efficiency up to 1.2%, due to the aligned growth of the ZnO nanorods.
Analyzing the propagation of EUV waves and their connection with type II radio bursts by combining numerical simulations and multi-instrument observations
Authors: Koukras A. , Marqué C. , Downs C. , Dolla L.
Published: October 2020

Context. EUV (EIT) waves are wavelike disturbances of enhanced extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission that propagate away from an eruptive active region across the solar disk. Recent years have seen much debate over their nature, with three main interpretations: the fast-mode magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) wave, the apparent wave (reconfiguration of the magnetic field), and the hybrid wave (combination of the previous two).

Aims. By studying the kinematics of EUV waves and their connection with type II radio bursts, we aim to examine the capability of the fast-mode interpretation to explain the observations, and to constrain the source locations of the type II radio burst emission.

Methods. We propagate a fast-mode MHD wave numerically using a ray-tracing method and the WKB (Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin) approximation. The wave is propagated in a static corona output by a global 3D MHD Coronal Model, which provides density, temperature, and Alfvén speed in the undisturbed coronal medium (before the eruption). We then compare the propagation of the computed wave front with the observed wave in EUV images (PROBA2/SWAP, SDO/AIA). Lastly, we use the frequency drift of the type II radio bursts to track the propagating shock wave, compare it with the simulated wave front at the same instant, and identify the wave vectors that best match the plasma density deduced from the radio emission. We apply this methodology for two EUV waves observed during SOL2017-04-03T14:20:00 and SOL2017-09-12T07:25:00.

Results. The simulated wave front displays a good qualitative match with the observations for both events. Type II radio burst emission sources are tracked on the wave front all along its propagation. The wave vectors at the ray-path points that are characterized as sources of the type II radio burst emission are quasi-perpendicular to the magnetic field.

Conclusions. We show that a simple ray-tracing model of the EUV wave is able to reproduce the observations and to provide insight into the physics of such waves. We provide supporting evidence that they are likely fast-mode MHD waves. We also narrow down the source region of the radio burst emission and show that different parts of the wave front are responsible for the type II radio burst emission at different times of the eruptive event.
A data-driven approach to constraining the atmospheric temperature structure of the ultra-hot Jupiter KELT-9b
Authors: Fossati L. , Shulyak D. , Sreejith A. G. , Koskinen T. , Young M. E. , Cubillos P. E. , Lara L. M. , France K. , Rengel M. , Cauley P. W. , Turner J. D. , Wyttenbach A. , Yan F.
Published: October 2020

Context. Observationally constraining the atmospheric temperature-pressure (TP) profile of exoplanets is an important step forward for improving planetary atmosphere models, thus further enabling one to place the detection of spectral features and the measurement of atomic and molecular abundances through transmission and emission spectroscopy on solid ground.

Aims. The aim is to constrain the TP profile of the ultra-hot Jupiter KELT-9b by fitting synthetic spectra to the observed Hα and Hβ lines and identify why self-consistent planetary TP models are unable to fit the observations.

Methods. We constructed 126 one-dimensional TP profiles varying the lower and upper atmospheric temperatures, as well as the location and gradient of the temperature rise. For each TP profile, we computed the transmission spectra of the Hα and Hβ lines employing the Cloudy radiative transfer code, which self-consistently accounts for non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) effects.

Results. The TP profiles, leading to best fit the observations, are characterised by an upper atmospheric temperature of 10 000–11 000 K and by an inverted temperature profile at pressures higher than 10−4 bar. We find that the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) leads one to overestimate the level population of excited hydrogen by several orders of magnitude and hence to significantly overestimate the strength of the Balmer lines. The chemical composition of the best fitting models indicate that the high upper atmospheric temperature is most likely driven by metal photoionisation and that FeII and FeIII have comparable abundances at pressures lower than 10−6 bar, possibly making the latter detectable.

Conclusions. Modelling the atmospheres of ultra-hot Jupiters requires one to account for metal photoionisation. The high atmospheric mass-loss rate (>1011 g s−1), caused by the high temperature, may have consequences on the planetary atmospheric evolution. Other ultra-hot Jupiters orbiting early-type stars may be characterised by similarly high upper atmospheric temperatures and hence high mass-loss rates. This may have consequences on the basic properties of the observed planets orbiting hot stars.
Influence de la mécanique des fluides sur la formation des métastases
Authors: Follain Gautier , Gensbittel Valentin , Mary Benjamin , Lefebvre Olivier , Harlepp Sébastien , Hyenne Vincent , Goetz Jacky G.
Published: October 2020

La suite d’évènements menant à l’apparition de métastases est appelée « cascade métastatique ». L’étude récente de la composante biomécanique de cette cascade a révélé le rôle central des liquides biologiques dans la dissémination métastatique. Tout en participant au transport des cellules tumorales circulantes et des facteurs qu’elles sécrètent, ces liquides circulants influencent cette cascade par les forces mécaniques qu’ils génèrent. Les propriétés hémodynamiques et les contraintes topologiques de l’architecture vasculaire contrôlent la formation de niches métastatiques et le potentiel métastatique des cellules tumorales.
Les traces génétiques de la traite des esclaves
Authors: Jordan Bertrand
Published: October 2020

More than 10 million enslaved Africans were transported to the Americas between 1500 and 1900. Recent genetic studies investigate regional African ancestry components in present-day Africa-Americans, and allow comparison with the extensive records documenting these deportations. The genetic evidence generally agrees with the historical records but brings additional insights in this dark episode of human history.
Editorial
Authors: Cantisani Vito
Published: October 2020

Dear Colleagues,

It is a pleasure to introduce the present issue of Ultrasound International Open.

It contains an updated overview of how handling ultrasound systems, fundamental adjustments, and their optimization in B-mode ultrasound provided by Dr. Zander and colleagues.
Automatisierte Berechnung und Visualisierung von Komorbiditätsindizes für den Tumorboard-Entscheid
Authors: Wald Theresa , Birnbaum Klemens , Wiegand Susanne , Dietz Andreas , Zebralla Veit , Wichmann Gunnar
Published: October 2020

Einleitung Komorbidität beeinflusst die für die kurative Therapie von Kopf-Hals-Karzinomen (HNC) verfügbaren Optionen. Das manuelle Zusammentragen der Nebenerkrankungen vor der Anmeldung im interdisziplinären Tumorboard (TB) ist zeitintensiv und oft unvollständig. Eine automatisierte Erfassung von nach ICD-10 kodierten Komorbiditätsdaten und deren Darstellung könnte die therapeutische Entscheidungsfindung im TB verbessern sowie bestehenden Informationsbedarf aufzeigen.

Material und Methoden Die ICD-10-Codes unserer Patienten wurden aus 4 Datenbanken (hospital-information-system (HIS*-MED), der klinikinternen Tumordatenbank, OncoFlow® und OncoFunction®) extrahiert. Nach der Datensatzverknüpfung mittels der Python-Programmbibliotheken Pandas und Record Linkage wurden die ICD-10-Codes bezüglich des Charlson-Scores gewichtet und für die Implementierung in OncoFlow visualisiert. Die Kodierqualität wurde am Beispiel Diabetes an einer 1:1 gematchten Stichprobe von 240 Patienten überprüft.

Ergebnisse 29 073 ICD-10-Codes von 2087 Patienten mit HNC wurden extrahiert. Die Anmeldung eines Patienten im TB triggert die sofortige automatische Erfassung und Visualisierung der Daten als Piktogramm in OncoFlow. Dies ermöglicht die schnelle Erfassung und Bewertung der Komorbidität sowie erforderlicher Diagnostik zur Komplettierung der Daten. Die klinikinterne Validationsstudie ergab eine Präzision der durch Datenimport verfügbaren Information zu Diabetes von 95,0 %.

Diskussion Patienten mit HNC weisen häufig für die Therapieentscheidung relevante Nebenerkrankungen auf. Die automatisierte Erfassung der Komorbidität aus administrativen Daten und deren intuitive Darstellung ist ressourcen- und kostengünstig möglich. Voraussetzung ist eine präzise, vollständige Verschlüsselung der Krankheitsdiagnosen.
Direct Observational Study of Interfaced Smart-Pumps in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Howlett Moninne M. , Breatnach Cormac V. , Brereton Erika , Cleary Brian J.
Published: October 2020

Background Processes for delivery of high-risk infusions in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are complex. Standard concentration infusions (SCIs), smart-pumps, and electronic prescribing are recommended medication error reduction strategies. Implementation rates in Europe lag behind those in the United States. Since 2012, the PICU of an Irish tertiary pediatric hospital has been using a smart-pump SCI library, interfaced with electronic infusion orders (Philips ICCA). The incidence of infusion errors is unknown.

Objectives To determine the frequency, severity, and distribution of smart-pump infusion errors in PICUs.

Methods Programmed infusions were directly observed at the bedside. Parameters were compared against medication orders and autodocumented infusion data. Identified deviations were categorized as medication errors or discrepancies. Error rates (%) were calculated as infusions with errors and errors per opportunities for error (OEs). Predefined definitions, multidisciplinary consensus and grading processes were employed.

Results A total of 1,023 infusions for 175 patients were directly observed over 27 days between February and September 2017. The drug library accommodated 96.5% of infusions. Compliance with the drug library was 98.9%. A total of 133 infusions had ≥1 error (13.0%); a further 58 (5.7%) had ≥1 discrepancy. From a total of 4,997 OEs, 153 errors (3.1%) and 107 discrepancies (2.1%) were observed. Undocumented bolus doses were most commonly identified (n = 81); this was the only deviation in 36.1% (n = 69) of infusions. Programming errors were rare (0.32% OE). Errors were minor, with just one requiring minimal intervention to prevent harm.

Conclusion The error rates identified are low compared with similar studies, highlighting the benefits of smart-pumps and autodocumented infusion data in PICUs. A range of quality improvement opportunities has been identified.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Pericyte Loss via Activation of Rho-A and MRTF-A
Authors: Abdel Rahman Farah , d'Almeida Sascha , Zhang Tina , Asadi Morad , Bozoglu Tarik , Bongiovanni Dario , von Scheidt Moritz , Dietzel Steffen , Schwedhelm Edzard , Hinkel Rabea , Laugwitz Karl Ludwig , Kupatt Christian , Ziegler Tilman
Published: October 2020

The high mortality seen in sepsis is caused by a systemic hypotension in part owing to a drastic increase in vascular permeability accompanied by a loss of pericytes. As has been shown previously, pericyte retention in the perivascular niche during sepsis can enhance the integrity of the vasculature and promote survival via recruitment of adhesion proteins such as VE-cadherin and N-cadherin. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) represents a lipid mediator regulating the deposition of the crucial adhesion molecule VE-cadherin at sites of interendothelial adherens junctions and of N-cadherin at endothelial–pericyte adherens junctions. Furthermore, in septic patients, S1P plasma levels are decreased and correlate with mortality in an indirectly proportional way. In the present study, we investigated the potential of S1P to ameliorate a lipopolysaccharide-induced septic hypercirculation in mice. Here we establish S1P as an antagonist of pericyte loss, vascular hyperpermeability, and systemic hypotension, resulting in an increased survival in mice. During sepsis S1P preserved VE-cadherin and N-cadherin deposition, mediated by a reduction of Src and cadherin phosphorylation. At least in part, this effect is mediated by a reduction of globular actin and a subsequent increase in nuclear translocation of MRTF-A (myocardin-related transcription factor A). These findings indicate that S1P may counteract pericyte loss and microvessel disassembly during sepsis and additionally emphasize the importance of pericyte–endothelial interactions to stabilize the vasculature.
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic or Conventional Thoracic Surgery in Infants and Children: Current Evidence
Authors: Kiblawi Rim , Zoeller Christoph , Zanini Andrea , Ure Benno M. , Dingemann Jens , Kuebler Joachim F. , Schukfeh Nagoud
Published: October 2020

Introduction The pros and cons of video-assisted thoracoscopic versus conventional thoracic surgery in infants and children are still under debate. We assessed reported advantages and disadvantages of video-assisted thoracoscopy in pediatric surgical procedures, as well as the evidence level of the available data.

Materials and Methods A systematic literature search was performed to identify manuscripts comparing video-assisted thoracoscopic and the respective conventional thoracic approach in classic operative indications of pediatric surgery. Outcome parameters were analyzed and graded for level of evidence (according to the Oxford Centre of Evidence-Based Medicine).

Results A total of 48 comparative studies reporting on 12,709 patients, 11 meta-analyses, and one pilot randomized controlled trial including 20 patients were identified. More than 15 different types of advantages for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were described, mostly with a level of evidence 3b or 3a. Most frequently video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was associated with shorter hospital stay, shorter postoperative ventilation, and shorter time to chest drain removal. Mortality rate and severe complications did not differ between thoracoscopic and conventional thoracic pediatric surgery, except for congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair with a lower mortality and higher recurrence rate after thoracoscopic repair. The most frequently reported disadvantage for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was longer operative time.

Conclusion The available data point toward improved recovery in pediatric video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery despite longer operative times. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to justify the widespread use of video assisted thoracoscopy in pediatric surgery.
Sacrum Ultrasonography: An Accurate Alternative to Radiography for Measuring Sacral Ratio in Infants
Authors: Riahinejad Maryam , Masoumi Mohsen , Farghadani Maryam , Changanian Parvaneh , Hosseinpour Mehrdad
Published: October 2020

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the compliance of sacrum ultrasonography with radiography for the measuring of sacral ratio in infants.

Materials and Methods A total of 129 infants under the age of 6 months, who were a candidate for abdominal and/or pelvic radiographs, were assessed. Sacrum ultrasonography and radiography were performed by a single radiologist using the same device. The sacral ratio was calculated for all patients undergoing ultrasonography and radiography. Agreement between two methods was calculated by Bland-Altman's chart.

Results The mean of sacral ratio was 0.70 ± 0.11 radiographically and 0.72 ± 0.05 ultrasonographically. Based on Bland-Altman's chart, the mean difference between ultrasonography and radiology was 4.6 mm (confidence intervals of 8.18 ± 5.6).

Conclusion Sacrum ultrasonography could be safely used in the investigation of sacral ratio to detect sacrum abnormalities in infants.
Long-Term Treatment with Apixaban in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Outcomes during the Open-Label Extension following AVERROES
Authors: Benz Alexander P. , Eikelboom John W. , Yusuf Salim , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Kahl Anja , Beresh Heather , Balasubramanian Kumar , Healey Jeff S. , Connolly Stuart J.
Published: October 2020

Background AVERROES, a randomized controlled trial in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, unsuitable for vitamin K antagonist therapy, demonstrated efficacy and safety of apixaban compared with aspirin. At the conclusion of the double-blind phase, an open-label extension was initiated to allow study participants to receive apixaban until it became locally available. This study reports outcomes of patients on apixaban during the open-label extension.

Methods Rates of stroke or systemic embolism, hemorrhagic stroke, major bleeding, and other outcomes during the open-label extension are reported.

Results Of the 5,599 participants enrolled in AVERROES, 3,275 (58.5%) received apixaban during the open-label extension. Median (interquartile range) follow-up in the open-label extension was 3.0 (2.5–3.5) years. The rate of stroke or systemic embolism during the open-label extension was 1.0% per year, and the annual rates of hemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding were 0.3 and 1.2%, respectively. After adjustment for imbalances in patient variables, event rates in patients on apixaban during the open-label extension were similar to those of patients receiving apixaban during AVERROES. Additional analyses in all patients who received apixaban, at any time from the start of AVERROES to the end of the open-label extension, were performed. This cohort (n = 4,414) showed annual event rates of 1.1% for stroke or systemic embolism, 0.3% for hemorrhagic stroke, and 1.2% for major bleeding.

Conclusion During the open-label extension, annual rates of stroke or systemic embolism, hemorrhagic stroke, and major bleeding remained as low as those observed during apixaban treatment in AVERROES. These data support the long-term efficacy and safety of apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Combining fabrication approaches may help create polymer membrane desalination filters
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: October 2020

Top-down and bottom-up polymer membrane fabrication techniques each have benefits and drawbacks, but combining the two may be the key to creating uniform, dense nanopore distributions.
Exploring bilayer graphene lateral quantum structures for valley filtering
Authors: Lin Yen-Ju , Chen Feng-Wu , Huang Bing-Chen , Wu Yu-Shu G.
Published: October 2020

Energy bands in AB-stacked bilayer graphene are featured by the co-presence of trigonal warping and a Mexican hat structure around each Dirac point, and electrically modulatable band edges with the modulation valley-dependent (valley-independent) in the case of in-plane (vertical) fields. This theoretical work takes into account the foregoing realistic features and exploits them for valleytronic applications. Specifically, it investigates in detail electrical valley transport in the armchair direction, in AB-stacked bilayer graphene lateral quantum structures with an interface, a single barrier, and double barriers, respectively, and demonstrates that due to the band structure features as well as an involved interplay among them, such structures harbor an interesting potential for valley filtering. An analysis of transmitted current valley polarization is provided. Optimization of the structures for the polarization is explored. The thermal effect on valley filtering is examined. Sizable polarizations of 88% (97%) and 23% (27%) at low and room temperatures, respectively, are shown to be achievable in the case of one-barrier (double-barrier) structures.
Measurement of gas-concentration-driven permeation for the examination of permeability, solubility, and diffusivity in varying materials
Authors: Young Katherine T. , Krentz Timothy M. , d’Entremont Anna L. , Vogel Eric M. , Hitchcock Dale A.
Published: October 2020

This manuscript describes the development and operation of an apparatus for the measurement of steady-state and transient gas permeation through different types of solid materials with varying geometries. It is capable of operation from 293 K to 673 K and could theoretically be used with any non-corrosive gas or a mix of gases, although only hydrogen isotopes are used in the current study. A quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to measure permeation fluxes as low as 1011 molecules/s. This unique test setup allows for the simultaneous measurement of diffusivity, solubility, and permeability. Furthermore, varying the pressure in the fore-sample volume allows for tests of Sievert’s law and can give information on surface effects.
Theoretical study of Sn and Te adsorption over graphene from ab initio calculations
Authors: Nascimento K. S. , Alves H. W. Leite , Scolfaro L.
Published: October 2020

In this work, we report on theoretical calculations for the adsorption of both Sn and Te atoms over a graphene monolayer. Our obtained results show that Sn is chemisorbed over a graphene C–C bond, once the presence of Sn over the substrate changes some of graphene’s C–C sp2-like bond character to a more covalently reactive sp3-like one. On the other hand, Te is physisorbed over a C atom of the graphene sheet, since it is weakly connected to the surface atoms by van der Waals’ forces. However, both Sn and Te are extremely mobile over the graphene monolayer because the energy barriers between the adsorption sites are very small. Considering that SiC surfaces passivated with graphene enhance the strength of the C–Sn bonds in the MBE growth procedure, our results, theoretically, confirm the growth of a SnTe layer on graphene.
A computational fluid dynamics-discrete element-immersed boundary method for Cartesian grid simulation of heat transfer in compressible gas–solid flow with complex geometries
Authors: Zhao Peng , Xu Ji , Liu Xingchi , Ge Wei , Wang Junwu
Published: October 2020

A computational fluid dynamics-discrete element-immersed boundary method (CFD-DEM-IBM method) was developed for Cartesian grid simulation of the hydrodynamics and heat transfer of compressible gas–solid flow, where the interaction of gas and complex geometries was modeled using the IBM. The IBM was first validated by simulating single-phase flow past a circular cylinder at different Reynolds numbers and Mach numbers; it was shown that the drag coefficient, the lift coefficient, the Strouhal number, and the Nusselt number are all in excellent agreement with the data available in the literature. The CFD-DEM-IBM method was then used to study the tube-to-bed heat transfer of compressible gas–solid in a bubbling fluidized bed with an immersed tube. It was found that the profiles of the overall averaged and local distribution of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) are in general agreement with the experimental data, although the locations of the maximal local HTC are slightly different from the experimental result. The simulation results demonstrated that the proposed CFD-DEM-IBM method is an efficient tool to study the heat transfer problem in fluidized beds with complex geometries.
How fast are the motions of tertiary-structure elements in proteins?
Authors: Haran Gilad , Mazal Hisham
Published: October 2020

Protein motions occur on multiple time and distance scales. Large-scale motions of protein tertiary-structure elements, i.e., domains, are particularly intriguing as they are essential for the catalytic activity of many enzymes and for the functional cycles of protein machines and motors. Theoretical estimates suggest that domain motions should be very fast, occurring on the nanosecond or microsecond time scales. Indeed, free-energy barriers for domain motions are likely to involve salt bridges, which can break in microseconds. Experimental methods that can directly probe domain motions on fast time scales have appeared only in recent years. This Perspective discusses briefly some of these techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance and single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopies. We introduce a few recent studies that demonstrate ultrafast domain motions and discuss their potential roles. Particularly surprising is the observation of tertiary-structure element dynamics that are much faster than the functional cycles in some protein machines. These swift motions can be rationalized on a case-by-case basis. For example, fast domain closure in multi-substrate enzymes may be utilized to optimize relative substrate orientation. Whether a large mismatch in time scales of conformational dynamics vs functional cycles is a general design principle in proteins remains to be determined.
Conyza bonariensis (flax-leaf fleabane) resistant to both glyphosate and ALS inhibiting herbicides innorth-eastern Victoria
Authors: Aves Charlotte , Broster John , Weston Leslie , Gill Gurjeet S. , Preston Christopher
Published: October 2020

Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronq. (syn. of Erigeron bonariensis L.) is a difficult-to-control summer weed species in the cropping belt of south-eastern Australia. Herbicide resistance may be affecting the ability to control C. bonariensis in the agricultural region of north-eastern Victoria; therefore, a survey was conducted to evaluate resistance to herbicides from several mode-of-action groups. Of the populations collected, 40% were resistant to glyphosate at 1080 g ha–1. Chlorsulfuron failed to control any of the populations collected. Further research identified multiple herbicide resistance to glyphosate, chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl and sulfometuron-methyl in five of nine populations fully characterised. Resistance was not found to 2,4-D, clopyralid or paraquat. There was no correlation between prevailing land use and the frequency of glyphosate-resistant populations, suggesting that resistance had been selected in multiple production systems. The high frequency of resistance could explain the difficulty experienced in controlling C. bonariensis across north-eastern Victoria and demonstrates the importance of integrated weed management to manage this weed.
Spatial distribution of soil microbial activity and soil properties associated with
Authors: Amarasinghe A. , Fyfe C. , Knox O. G. G. , Lobry de Bruyn L. A. , Kristiansen P. , Wilson B. R.
Published: October 2020

Although much work has been completed in Australia to examine the effects on aboveground ecology of environmental plantings using mixed species of native trees, only limited attention has been focused on their effects on soils and soil microbial population. A study was conducted to determine the spatial distribution of microbial activity, total soil organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and extractable phosphorus (P) in soils under Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Acacia pendula. A 13-year-old environmental planting with mixed native tree species at Gunnedah, New South Wales, was used as a study site. Soil samples were taken from both inside and outside the tree canopy at each of the four compass points (N, S, E and W) at depths of 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30 and 30–50 cm. The soil was tested for heterotrophic respiration (MicroRespTM), TOC and TN (LECO) and P (Colwell). Microbes were more active inside compared with outside the tree canopy in both A. pendula and E. camaldulensis. The basal respiration rate was significantly higher under A. pendula canopy compared with E. camaldulensis canopy. The relative activity of the microbes and concentrations of TOC, TN and P declined with soil depth. Further, TOC, TN and P contents under the canopy of A. pendula were higher than those of E. camaldulensis and showed a significant positive correlation with basal respiration. However, no difference was detected in the various soil properties measured and microbial activity at four compass points around trees. Changes in soil TOC, TN and extractable P due to the tree plantings were significant only for the 0–5 cm soil depth and changes in microbial activity were mostly confined to the upper 20 cm depth. The improved levels of soil microbial activity and soil nutrients under the tree canopy could be used to measure restoration success of environmental plantings.
On first order symmetry operators for the field equations of differential forms
Authors: Michishita Yoji
Published: October 2020

We consider first order symmetry operators for the equations of motion of differential p-form fields in general D-dimensional background geometry of any signature for both massless and massive cases. For p = 1 and p = 2 we give the general forms of the symmetry operators. Then we find a class of symmetry operators for arbitrary p and D, which is naturally suggested by the lower p results.
Rolling cylinder and static friction: model and experiments
Authors: D’Anna Michele , Fuchs Hans U
Published: October 2020

We present an experiment in which we measure the static friction force necessary for a cylinder to roll without slipping on a horizontal surface. Additionally, we introduce an alternative formulation of the rolling condition, based on the observation that the ratio between angular and linear momentum of an object rolling without slipping is independent of particulars of its motion. Since the same holds also for their rates of change, from the basic laws of dynamics, we derive a natural relation between forces and torques allowing for a physical interpretation of the dynamic behavior of the cylinder as well as determination of the value of the static friction force.
Assay of direct digital output floating-wiper resistive displacement sensor
Authors: Mohan Aparna , Mohanasankar S , Jagadeesh Kumar V
Published: October 2020

The principle of operation of a successive approximation type direct displacement to digital converter for a floating-wiper resistive potentiometric sensor, presented earlier, is analyzed in detail to ascertain possible sources of error that can affect the performance of the transducer. Based on the analysis the method is suitably modified to improve its performance. To establish the efficacy of the altered scheme, a prototype signal conditioning circuit has been built and tested using both an emulated sensor and a prototype sensor. While the worst-case error in the former was found to be 0.5%, it was less than 0.8% in the latter. The test results indicate that the digital output is directly proportional to the per-unit displacement and is independent of the value of the coupling capacitance between the floating-wiper and the resistive element.
Two-dimensional beam emission spectroscopy for hydrogen isotope negative neutral beam in Large Helical Device
Authors: Kobayashi T , Yoshinuma M , Ida K
Published: October 2020

A new beam emission spectroscopy system that has improved lines of sight is installed in the Large Helical Device (LHD), and routine measurement has been started in the 21st LHD experiment campaign in 2019–2020. The new system is optimized for hydrogen isotope experiments by equipping a rotatable large-diameter interference filter to be compatible with either the hydrogen or the deuterium beam emission component. An avalanche photo diode detector array having 8 × 8 pixels is used for obtaining a radial–vertical image of electron density fluctuation covering the mid-radius to the plasma periphery. Spatial resolution and wavenumber cutoff are derived from equilibrium reconstruction and plasma kinetic profiles. Obtained fluctuation data is presented for a low field high beta discharge. The spatiotemporal structure of the fluctuations is clearly shown by Fourier correlation analyses.
Partial high frequency nerve block decreases neuropathic signaling following chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury
Authors: Dewberry L Savannah , Dru Alexander B , Gravenstine Maxwell , Nguyen Brian , Anderson James , Vaziri Sasha , Hoh Daniel J , Allen Kyle D , Otto Kevin J
Published: October 2020

Objective. High frequency (HF) block can quickly and reversibly stop nerve conduction. We hypothesized HF block at the sciatic nerve would minimize nociception by preventing neuropathic signals from reaching the central nervous system. Approach. Lewis rats were implanted with a constriction cuff and a distal cuff electrode around their right sciatic nerve. Tactile sensitivity was evaluated using the 50% paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) determined using Chaplan’s method for von Frey monofilaments. Over the course of 49 d, the 50% PWT was measured (1) before HF block, (2) during HF block (50 kHz, 3 V
pp), and (3) after HF block. Gait was observed and scored before and during block. At end point, HF block efficacy was directly evaluated using additional cuff electrodes to elicit and record compound neural action potentials across the HF blocking cuff. Main results. At days 7 and 14 d post-operation, tactile sensitivity was significantly lower during HF block compared to before and after block (p< 0.005). Additionally, an increase in gait disability was not visually observed during HF block. Significance. HF block can reduce tactile sensitivity in a limb with a neuropthic injury in a rapidly reversible fashion.
Quantum-classical correspondence for gl(1|1) supersymmetric Gaudin magnet with boundary
Authors: Vasilyev M , Zabrodin A , Zotov A
Published: October 2020

We extend duality between the quantum integrable Gaudin models with boundary and the classical Calogero–Moser systems associated with root systems of classical Lie algebras B

N
, C

N
, D

N
to the case of supersymmetric gl(m|n) Gaudin models with m + n = 2. Namely, we show that the spectra of quantum Hamiltonians for all such magnets being identified with the classical particles velocities provide the zero level of the classical action variables.
Actigraphy-Derived Sleep Efficiency Is Associated With Endothelial Function in Men and Women With Untreated Hypertension
Authors: Hill LaBarron K , Wu Jade Q , Hinderliter Alan L , Blumenthal James A , Sherwood Andrew
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep quality is increasingly recognized as an important and potentially modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Impaired endothelial function may be 1 mechanism underlying the association between poor sleep and CVD risk. The present study examined the relationship between objective measures of sleep quality and endothelial function in a sample of untreated hypertensive adults.

METHODS

Participants were 127 men (N = 74) and women (N = 53), including 55 African Americans and 72 White Americans, aged 40–60 years (mean age, 45.3 ± 8.5 years), with untreated hypertension (systolic blood pressure 130–159 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure 85–99 mm Hg). Noninvasive brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was assessed by ultrasound. Sleep parameters, including sleep efficiency (SE), total sleep time (TST), and subjective sleep quality, were assessed over 7 consecutive days by wrist actigraphy.

RESULTS

Participants averaged 7.76 ± 1 hours in bed, with an average SE of 78 ± 9%, and TST of 6 ± 1 hours. Brachial FMD averaged 3.5 ± 3.1%. In multivariate analyses controlling for sex, race, body mass index, clinic blood pressure, income, smoking, alcohol use, and baseline arterial diameter, SE was positively associated with FMD (β = 0.28, P = 0.012). Subjective sleep quality (β = −0.04, P = 0.63) and TST (β = −0.11, P = 0.25) were unrelated to FMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Poor sleep as indicated by low SE was associated with impaired FMD. These findings for SE are consistent with previous observations of other measures implicating poor sleep as a CVD risk factor. Interventions that improve sleep may also help lower CVD risk.
Pain, paradox and polysemy
Authors: Liu Michelle
Published: October 2020

The paradox of pain refers to the idea that the folk concept of pain is paradoxical, treating pains as simultaneously mental states and bodily states (as described in papers by Hill and Borg et al.). By taking a close look at our pain terms, this paper argues that there is no paradox of pain. The air of paradox dissolves once we recognize that pain terms are polysemous and that there are two separate but related concepts of pain rather than one.
To boycott proceedings or not? Recourse against arbitral awards on jurisdictional grounds by different categories of respondents under the Model Law
Authors: Chan Darius , Neoh Claire
Published: October 2020

The remedies that award debtors have under Articles 16(3), 34 and 36 of the Model Law, and more critically the inter-relationship between those remedies, has attracted much debate. Yet there is a dearth of analysis on how the availability of each remedy may differ according to the award debtor’s degree of participation in the arbitral process. Such analysis carries significant practical value for parties in considering whether and to what extent they should participate in any arbitral process when they harbour jurisdictional objections. This article distils Singapore’s experience, describing how Singapore has implemented the ‘choice of remedies’ principle for participating, non-participating, and boycotting respondents with jurisdictional objections, with comparative observations from Hong Kong, England, and New Zealand. This article shows that the ultimate matrix of remedies chosen by Singapore is far from straightforward. The question whether a respondent has participated in the arbitral process is also a vexed one. The analysis in this article begs the question whether in pursuit of harmonization future reforms to the Model Law ought to be considered.
Teleneuropsychology for Monolingual and Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Adults in the Time of COVID-19: Rationale, Professional Considerations, and Resources
Authors: Arias Franchesca , Safi Diomaris E , Miranda Michelle , Carrión Carmen I , Diaz Santos Ana L , Armendariz Victoria , Jose Irene E , Vuong Kevin D , Suarez Paola , Strutt Adriana M ,   The STAR Consortium
Published: October 2020

Objective

Neuropsychological assessments with monolingual Spanish and bilingual Spanish/English-speaking adults present unique challenges. Barriers include, but are not limited to, the paucity of test norms, uncertainty about the equivalence of translated neuropsychological tests, and limited proficiency in the provision of culturally competent services. Similar issues generalize to telephone- and video-based administration of neuropsychological tests or teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) with Hispanics/Latinos (as), and few studies have examined its feasibility and validity in this group. The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted neuropsychologists to identify alternative ways to provide equitable care. Clinicians providing TeleNP to this population during (and after) the pandemic must consider safety, professional factors, and systemic barriers to accessing and benefitting from virtual modalities.

Method

This clinical process manuscript describes how cross-cultural neuropsychologists across five U.S. academic institutions serving Hispanics/Latinos (as) developed TeleNP models of care during the pandemic.

Results

Workflows, test batteries, and resources for TeleNP assessment with monolingual and bilingual Spanish-speaking patients are included. Factors guiding model development and informing decisions to incorporate virtual administration of neuropsychological tests into their practice are also discussed.

Conclusions

Provision of TeleNP is a promising modality. Additional research in this area is warranted with focus on cultural and contextual factors that support or limit the use of TeleNP with this community.
Are dropout imputation methods for scRNA-seq effective for scHi-C data?
Authors: Han Chenggong , Xie Qing , Lin Shili
Published: October 2020

The prevalence of dropout events is a serious problem for single-cell Hi-C (scHiC) data due to insufficient sequencing depth and data coverage, which brings difficulties in downstream studies such as clustering and structural analysis. Complicating things further is the fact that dropouts are confounded with structural zeros due to underlying properties, leading to observed zeros being a mixture of both types of events. Although a great deal of progress has been made in imputing dropout events for single cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data, little has been done in identifying structural zeros and imputing dropouts for scHiC data. In this paper, we adapted several methods from the single-cell RNA-seq literature for inference on observed zeros in scHiC data and evaluated their effectiveness. Through an extensive simulation study and real data analysis, we have shown that a couple of the adapted single-cell RNA-seq algorithms can be powerful for correctly identifying structural zeros and accurately imputing dropout values. Downstream analysis using the imputed values showed considerable improvement for clustering cells of the same types together over clustering results before imputation.