bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-efficiency catalytic wet air oxidation of high salinity phenolic wastewater under atmospheric pressure in molten salt hydrate media
Authors: Tan Hongzi , Wang Shuai , Wang Jinghua , Song Feng , Sun Xiuyu , Zhao Rongrong , Zhang Yuan , Cui Hongyou
Published: December 2020

Highly efficient continuous operation of an improved CWAO process coupled with desalination in MSHs via the temperature-increasing effect and common-ion salting-out effect.
Atomically dispersed cobalt on graphitic carbon nitride as a robust catalyst for selective oxidation of ethylbenzene by peroxymonosulfate
Authors: Li Jiaquan , Zhao Shiyong , Yang Shi-Ze , Wang Shaobin , Sun Hongqi , Jiang San Ping , Johannessen Bernt , Liu Shaomin
Published: December 2020

A Co single-atom catalyst on g-C3N4 support was prepared for the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) to acetophenone (AcPO) by peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The Co atoms bonded with N were robust active sites for EB oxidation via the radical pathway.
Fabrication of oxygen vacancies through assembling an amorphous titanate overlayer on titanium oxide for a catalytic water–gas shift reaction
Authors: Pei Qijun , He Teng , Yu Yang , Jing Zijun , Wang Jintao , Tan Khai Chen , Guo Jianping , Liu Lin , Cao Hujun , Chen Ping
Published: December 2020

Superior catalytic performance in a water–gas shift reaction is achieved by fabricating oxygen vacancies through assembling a titanate overlayer on a TiO2 surface.
Herpes simplex virus 1 infection induces ubiquitination of UBE1a
Authors: Ikeda Marina , Watanabe Tadashi , Ito Akihiro , Fujimuro Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a human DNA virus that causes cold sores, keratitis, meningitis, and encephalitis. Ubiquitination is a post-translational protein modification essential for regulation of cellular events, such as proteasomal degradation, signal transduction, and protein trafficking. The process is also involved in events for establishing viral infection and replication. The first step in ubiquitination involves ubiquitin (Ub) binding with Ub-activating enzyme (E1, also termed UBE1) via a thioester linkage. Our results show that HSV-1 infection alters protein ubiquitination pattern in host cells, as evidenced by MS spectra and co-immunoprecipitation assays. HSV-1 induced ubiquitination of UBE1a isoform via an isopeptide bond with Lys604. Moreover, we show that ubiquitination of K604 in UBE1a enhances UBE1a activity; that is, the activity of ubiquitin-transfer to E2 enzyme. Subsequently, we investigated the functional role of UBE1a and ubiquitination of K604 in UBE1a. We found that UBE1-knockdown increased HSV-1 DNA replication and viral production. Furthermore, overexpression of UBE1a, but not a UBE1a K604A mutant, suppressed viral replication. Furthermore, we found that UBE1a and ubiquitination at K604 in UBE1a retarded expression of HSV-1 major capsid protein, ICP5. Our findings show that UBE1a functions as an antiviral factor that becomes activated upon ubiquitination at Lys604.
Solid-state NMR approaches to investigate large enzymes in complex with substrates and inhibitors
Authors: Schütz Anne K.
Published: December 2020

Enzyme catalysis is omnipresent in the cell. The mechanisms by which highly evolved protein folds enable rapid and specific chemical transformation of substrates belong to the marvels of structural biology. Targeting of enzymes with inhibitors has immediate application in drug discovery, from chemotherapeutics over antibiotics to antivirals.

NMR spectroscopy combines multiple assets for the investigation of enzyme function. The non-invasive technique can probe enzyme structure and dynamics and map interactions with substrates, cofactors and inhibitors at the atomic level. With experiments performed at close to native conditions, catalytic transformations can be monitored in real time, giving access to kinetic parameters. The power of NMR in the solid state, in contrast with solution, lies in the absence of fundamental size limitations, which is crucial for enzymes that are either membrane-embedded or assemble into large soluble complexes exceeding hundreds of kilodaltons in molecular weight. Here we review recent progress in solid-state NMR methodology, which has taken big leaps in the past years due to steady improvements in hardware design, notably magic angle spinning, and connect it to parallel biochemical advances that enable isotope labelling of increasingly complex enzymes.

We first discuss general concepts and requirements of the method and then highlight the state-of-the-art in sample preparation, structure determination, dynamics and interaction studies. We focus on examples where solid-state NMR has been instrumental in elucidating enzyme mechanism, alone or in integrative studies.
Inhibition of RAF dimers: it takes two to tango
Authors: Cook Frazer A. , Cook Simon J.
Published: December 2020

The RAS-regulated RAF–MEK1/2–ERK1/2 pathway promotes cell proliferation and survival and RAS and BRAF proteins are commonly mutated in cancer. This has fuelled the development of small molecule kinase inhibitors including ATP-competitive RAF inhibitors. Type I and type I½ ATP-competitive RAF inhibitors are effective in BRAFV600E/K-mutant cancer cells. However, in RAS-mutant cells these compounds instead promote RAS-dependent dimerisation and paradoxical activation of wild-type RAF proteins. RAF dimerisation is mediated by two key regions within each RAF protein; the RKTR motif of the αC-helix and the NtA-region of the dimer partner. Dimer formation requires the adoption of a closed, active kinase conformation which can be induced by RAS-dependent activation of RAF or by the binding of type I and I½ RAF inhibitors. Binding of type I or I½ RAF inhibitors to one dimer partner reduces the binding affinity of the other, thereby leaving a single dimer partner uninhibited and able to activate MEK. To overcome this paradox two classes of drug are currently under development; type II pan-RAF inhibitors that induce RAF dimer formation but bind both dimer partners thus allowing effective inhibition of both wild-type RAF dimer partners and monomeric active class I mutant RAF, and the recently developed “paradox breakers” which interrupt BRAF dimerisation through disruption of the αC-helix. Here we review the regulation of RAF proteins, including RAF dimers, and the progress towards effective targeting of the wild-type RAF proteins
Mobile Application Fluentu For Public Speaking Skills Development
Authors: Altynbekova Gulzada , Zhussupova Roza
Published: December 2020

In this article the effectiveness of learning public speaking skills through mobile application «Fluentu» is explored. Also there were given analysis with advantages and disadvantages of this mobile platform. Besides new possibilities of English language teaching in a mobile environment are demonstrated by some examples of using mobile device that is crucial in nowadays distance learning. Moreover the article describes «Fluentu» mobile device implementation in English classroom. The main area of research is to check the mobile platform for developing public speaking skills. FluentU is unlike any other card app. It doesn’t just show you a flashcard with an unfamiliar word and its meaning (sometimes with a picture) - you see how this word is used in the video.
Lengthening of the Asian Nose
Authors: Ng Chew Lip , Uppal Sandeep , Jung Dong Hak , Loh Ian Chi Yuan
Published: December 2020

The Asian nose has its unique morphology and forms a significant proportion of noses treated by the rhinoplasty surgeon not only in Asia but also in other countries where the Asian diaspora resides. The anatomical features and dimensions of the Asian nose differ from noses of persons of African, Caucasian, Indian, and Middle Eastern origins, poses its own challenges, and warrants a unique set of techniques for its aesthetic improvement. In this article, we present an overview of the approach to the lengthening of the Asian nose, drawing from our own experience with managing the Asian nose and referencing the published literature on the subject.
Contouring the Mandible for Aesthetic Enhancement in Asian Patients
Authors: Lee Tae Sung , Park Sanghoon
Published: December 2020

A prominent mandible that gives a squared face in Asians is considered unattractive as it imparts a coarse and masculine image. Mandibular contouring surgery allows slender oval faces. The purpose of conventional mandible reduction is to make the lower face appear slim in frontal view and to have a smooth contour in lateral view. As shaping the lateral contour of the mandible alone may result in minimal improvement in the frontal view, surgical techniques to reduce the width of the lower face through narrowing genioplasty (i.e., the “V-line” surgery) and sagittal resection of the lateral cortex should be combined. Examination of the shape and symmetry, the relationship between the maxilla and the mandible, understanding overlying soft tissue contribution, and understanding the overall balance of the face are mandatory. An important factor influencing ideal facial shape is patient's personal preference, which is often influenced by his/her ethnic and cultural background. Especially when consulting patients of different nationalities or ethnic backgrounds, careful attention should be paid to the patient's aesthetic sensibility regarding the ideal or desirable facial shape. Narrowing the chin and modification of chin shape can be accomplished by narrowing genioplasty with central strip resection. This midsymphyseal sectioning procedure yields safe and very satisfactory results. This procedure not only augments the narrowing effect by leaving soft tissues attached to the bone but also enables modification of chin shape by altering the shape of resection. The surgeon should customize the surgery based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's preoperative chin and mandible morphology complemented by an assessment of their aesthetic goals.
Complications of Alloplast Rhinoplasty and Their Management: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Choi Ji Yun
Published: December 2020

In Asian countries, augmentation rhinoplasty is especially common, where alloplastic implants are used much more commonly than autologous tissues. In rhinoplasty, such artificial materials include silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), porous high-density polyethylene (pHDPE), and acellular human dermis. As the use of implants has become increasingly common in rhinoplasty, more adverse effects such as infection, extrusion, movement, irregularities, absorption, prolonged swelling, seroma, and contracture have been recognized and reported in the literature. Surgeons should be able to recognize these probable complications and manage them successfully. Early detection and prompt management of the complication are essential for minimizing the severity of the deformity. Proper management of complications is key for the success of dorsal augmentation using alloplastic implants.
Aesthetic Zygoma Reduction in Asian Patients
Authors: Park Sanghoon
Published: December 2020

Zygoma reduction is indicated in patients where the primary aim of surgery is reduction in the width of cheekbones to achieve smoother and more feminine facial aesthetic lines. Surgeons should evaluate the width of midface (bizygomatic width) and the protrusion of zygoma (volume and position of the zygomatic body) when evaluating patients where such a procedure is indicated. Intraoral high-L osteotomy is the most useful method to successfully treat a wide spectrum of zygomatic protrusions and is widely accepted as the treatment of choice for aesthetic purposes. The amount of ostectomy is determined by evaluating the volume of zygomatic body. The zygomatic body and arch are usually moved posteromedially during surgery; the point of maximal malar projection is evaluated and transposed to a new ideal position. Zygoma reduction can be performed solely or in combination with other facial bone contouring procedures such as mandible reduction, genioplasty, or forehead augmentation. Soft tissue sagging, nonunion, malunion, and paresthesia are the most common complications of this procedure. Undercorrection and asymmetry are the most common aesthetically unfavorable sequelae and should be carefully prevented by proper preoperative planning and meticulous execution of surgical technique.
Surgical Techniques for Head and Neck Reconstruction in the Vessel-Depleted Neck
Authors: Martinez Daniel C. , Badhey Arvind , Cervenka Brian , Zender Chad , Tang Alice , Patil Yash
Published: December 2020

The vessel-depleted neck presents a unique and challenging scenario for reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Prior surgery and radiation often result in significant scarring and damage to the neck vasculature, making identification of suitable recipient vessels for microvascular free tissue transfer exceedingly difficult. Therefore, alternative reconstructive techniques and/or vessel options must be considered to obtain a successful reconstructive outcome for a patient. In this article, we discuss our experience and approach to the management of the vessel-depleted neck, emphasizing the importance of preoperative planning and having multiple backup options prior to surgery. The various preoperative imaging modalities and available options for recipient arteries and veins are presented in detail. Additionally, we discuss modifications of select free flaps to maximize their utility in successful reconstruction. Together with thoughtful preoperative planning, these techniques can help aid the reconstructive surgeon in addressing the complex decisions associated with the vessel-depleted neck.
Implications of Applying New Technology in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgery
Authors: Qureshi Uneeb Ahmed , Calaguas Shannon , Frank Ethan , Inman Jared
Published: December 2020

The field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is privy to a myriad of technological advancements. As innovation in areas such as imaging, computer applications, and biomaterials progresses at breakneck speed, the potential for clinical application is endless. This review of recent progress in the implementation of new technologies in facial plastic surgery highlights some of the most innovative and impactful developments in the past few years of literature. Patient-specific surgical modeling has become the gold standard for oncologic and posttraumatic reconstructive surgery, with demonstrated improvements in operative times, restoration of anatomical structure, and patient satisfaction. Similarly, reductions in revision rates with improvements in learner technical proficiency have been noted with the use of patient-specific models in free flap reconstruction. In the cosmetic realm, simulation-based rhinoplasty implants have drastically reduced operative times while concurrently raising patient postoperative ratings of cosmetic appearance. Intraoperative imaging has also seen recent expansion in its adoption driven largely by reports of eradication of postoperative imaging and secondary—often complicated—revision reconstructions. A burgeoning area likely to deliver many advances in years to come is the integration of bioprinting into reconstructive surgery. Although yet to clearly make the translational leap, the implications of easily generatable induced pluripotent stem cells in replacing autologous, cadaveric, or synthetic tissues in surgical reconstruction are remarkable.
Osteoradionecrosis of the Midface and Mandible: Pathogenesis and Management
Authors: Vahidi Nima , Lee Thomas S. , Daggumati Srihari , Shokri Tom , Wang Weitao , Ducic Yadranko
Published: December 2020

Radiation therapy is an important and commonly used treatment modality for head and neck cancers. Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a potential debilitating complication of treatment, which most commonly affects the mandible. Management strategies are tailored to the severity of disease. Medical management including oral rinses, irrigations, antibiotics, and pharmacological treatments is viable for mild-to-moderate ORN. More severe disease is best addressed with a combination of medical management and surgical intervention aimed at aggressively removing devitalized tissue until bleeding bone is encountered and reconstructing the soft tissue and bone defect. Reconstruction with either regional vascularized flaps or vascularized osteocutaneous free flaps in case of larger full-thickness bone defects (greater than 6 cm) or anterior mandible (medial to mental foramen) is most appropriate. Maxillary ORN complications can present with a wide range of functional problems and facial disfigurement. Life-threatening and time-sensitive problems should be treated first, such as skull base bone coverage or correction of severe ectropion, to avoid blindness from exposure keratopathy. Then, less time-sensitive issues can be addressed next, such as nasal obstruction, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and chronic tearing. It may require a combination of specialists from different disciplines to address various issues that can arise from maxillary ORN.
Avoiding Complications in Functional and Aesthetic Rhinoplasty
Authors: Hohman Marc H. , Vincent Aurora G. , Anderson Spencer R. , Ducic Yadranko , Cochran Spencer
Published: December 2020

Historically, nasoseptal surgery favoring functional considerations has compromised aesthetic ones, and vice versa, but modern techniques have evolved that allow symbiotic achievement of both goals. Nasoseptal surgery is among the most commonly performed plastic surgical procedures in the United States, and while it is generally well tolerated, there are a few surgical and aesthetic complications of which to be aware. Herein, we review surgical techniques that improve the nasal airway and nasal aesthetics in a top-down approach with a discussion of possible ensuing complications.
Custom Presurgical Planning for Midfacial Reconstruction
Authors: Seim Nolan B. , Ozer Enver , Valentin Sasha , Agrawal Amit , VanPutten Mead , Kang Stephen Y. , Old Matthew O.
Published: December 2020

Resection and reconstruction of midface involve complex ablative and reconstructive tools in head and oncology and maxillofacial prosthodontics. This region is extraordinarily important for long-term aesthetic and functional performance. From a reconstructive standpoint, this region has always been known to present challenges to a reconstructive surgeon due to the complex three-dimensional anatomy, the variable defects created, combination of the medical and dental functionalities, and the distance from reliable donor vessels for free tissue transfer. Another challenge one faces is the unique features of each individual resection defect as well as individual patient factors making each preoperative planning session and reconstruction unique. Understanding the long-term effects on speech, swallowing, and vision, one should routinely utilize a multidisciplinary approach to resection and reconstruction, including head and neck reconstructive surgeons, prosthodontists, speech language pathologists, oculoplastic surgeons, dentists, and/or craniofacial teams as indicated and with each practice pattern. With this in mind, we present our planning and reconstructive algorithm in midface reconstruction, including a dedicated focus on dental rehabilitation via custom presurgical planning.
Solving Schrödinger equation by mapping it into a Heun-type equation with known solutions
Authors: Alhaidari A. D.
Published: December 2020

We transform the Schrödinger wave equation into a nine-parameter Heun-type differential equation. Using our solutions of the latter in the work of Alhaidari [J. Math. Phys. 59, 113507 (2018)], we are able to identify the associated potential function and energy parameter and write down the corresponding wavefunction. Some of the solutions obtained correspond to new integrable quantum systems.
The instability of vertically curved fronts in a two-layer shallow water model
Authors: Harris M. W. , Poulin F. J. , Lamb K. G.
Published: December 2020

This paper investigates frontal instabilities in the context of a two-layer shallow water model with both linear and curved interfaces. First, we generalize the model previously established to allow for curved interfaces. Second, we revisit the linear interface case but with higher spatial resolution and study the impact of no-normal flow or radiation boundary conditions. The results show that the former prevents a baroclinic mode from occurring. Third, we investigate the novel problem of curved interfaces and deduce that it does not have a significant impact on a baroclinic instability; however, it does alter the regions of Kelvin–Helmholtz and Rossby–Kelvin instabilities. Furthermore, it introduces a new type of baroclinic instability that we refer to as the vertically curved-interface baroclinic instability.
Nonequilibrium steady-state picture of incoherent light-induced excitation harvesting
Authors: Janković Veljko , Mančal Tomáš
Published: December 2020

We formulate a comprehensive theoretical description of excitation harvesting in molecular aggregates photoexcited by weak incoherent radiation. An efficient numerical scheme that respects the continuity equation for excitation fluxes is developed to compute the nonequilibrium steady state (NESS) arising from the interplay between excitation generation, excitation relaxation, dephasing, trapping at the load, and recombination. The NESS is most conveniently described in the so-called preferred basis in which the steady-state excitonic density matrix is diagonal. The NESS properties are examined by relating the preferred-basis description to the descriptions in the site or excitonic bases. Focusing on a model photosynthetic dimer, we find that the NESS in the limit of long trapping time is quite similar to the excited-state equilibrium in which the stationary coherences originate from the excitation–environment entanglement. For shorter trapping times, we demonstrate how the properties of the NESS can be extracted from the time-dependent description of an incoherently driven but unloaded dimer. This relation between stationary and time-dependent pictures is valid, provided that the trapping time is longer than the decay time of dynamic coherences accessible in femtosecond spectroscopy experiments.
Research on calibration method of platform inertial navigation system on precision centrifuge
Authors: Liu Q. B. , Ren S. Q. , Wang C. H.
Published: December 2020

In order to calibrate the error model coefficients of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the precision centrifuge accurately, the error sources of the precision centrifuge are analyzed first. Combined with the error models of the inertial instruments (liquid floated gyroscope and quartz accelerometer) in the platform inertial navigation system, the calibration model of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the centrifuge, i.e., the state equation and observation equation, is deduced. The Euler angles of the platform, the error model coefficients of the inertial instruments, the installation errors of the instruments, and especially the centrifuge errors are taken as the state variables of the system, and the outputs of the accelerometers, and the Euler angles of the platform are taken as the observation variables. Then, the calibration scheme of the platform inertial navigation system tested on the centrifuge is designed, and the corresponding simulation analysis is carried out. The error model coefficients of the instruments are estimated by the extended Kalman filter. The influence of centrifuge errors on the calibration results is analyzed, which verified that the proposed method can effectively eliminate the influence. Thereby, the calibration accuracy of the inertial navigation platform system is improved, especially high-order error coefficients.
Analysis of boundary layer flow over a broad rotating cone in still fluid with non-stationary modes
Authors: Fildes Matthew , Hussain Zahir , Unadkat Jay , Garrett Stephen
Published: December 2020

This study focuses on analyzing the effects of traveling modes on the boundary layer flow over a rotating cone in a still fluid system. Non-stationary modes are known to manifest in the boundary layer of rotating cones with highly polished, very smooth surfaces. In this paper, only the broad rotating cone (defined as a cone with the half angle ψ ≥ 40°) system is considered. An asymptotic analytical method is used to solve the governing equations and output the waveangle and wavenumber of the system. This is then compared to a numerical formulation that uses a Chebyshev spectral method. The resulting solutions show that increasing the wave frequency destabilizes the system with a much stronger destabilization for the viscous wall type II modes than the inviscid cross-flow type I modes, where the type I mode is the dominant mode seen in experiments. This result suggests that a slower frequency wave should be selected in order to increase the stability of the system. It was also observed that the negative frequency values have a minimum of the critical Reynolds number values for each cone half angle. It also shows that there is a comparison limit for high frequency positive values. After this, an energy balance analysis is conducted to see the effect on the total mechanical energy transferred between the basic flow and the perturbation quantities. This showed that as the frequency of the traveling modes increases, the energy transferred decreases.
Molecular micromanagement: DNA nanotechnology establishes spatio-temporal control for precision medicine
Authors: Kimna Ceren , Lieleg Oliver
Published: December 2020

Current advances in DNA nanotechnology pinpoint exciting perspectives for the design of customized, patient-specific treatments. This advance is made possible by the exceptionally high precision and specificity that are typical for DNA base pairing on the one hand and our growing ability to harness those features in synthetic, DNA-based constructs on the other hand. Modern medicine may soon benefit from recent developments in this field, especially regarding the targeted delivery of drugs and the rational interference of synthetic DNA strands with cellular oligonucleotides. In this Review, we summarize selected examples from the area of DNA nanotechnology, where the development of precisely controlled, advanced functional mechanisms was achieved. To demonstrate the high versatility of these rationally designed structures, we categorize the dynamic DNA-based materials suggested for precision medicine according to four fundamental tasks: “hold & release,” “heal,” “detect & measure,” as well as “guide & direct.” In all the biomedical applications we highlight, DNA strands not only constitute structural building blocks but allow for creating stimuli-responsive objects, serve as an active cargo, or act as molecular control/guidance tools. Moreover, we discuss several issues that need to be considered when DNA-based structures are designed for applications in the field of precision medicine. Even though the majority of DNA-based objects have not been used in clinical settings yet, recent progress regarding the stability, specificity, and control over the dynamic behavior of synthetic DNA structures has advanced greatly. Thus, medical applications of those nanoscopic objects should be feasible in the near future.
How professional readers process unnatural narrators
Authors: Alber Jan , Jumpertz Jessica , Mayer Axel
Published: December 2020

In an experiment, the authors tried to find out how professional readers deal with unnatural narrators (such as a
narrating parrot and a speaking coin). The hypotheses and research questions were mostly derived from Jan Alber’s proposed reading
strategies and operationalized to be measured with the help of a close-ended questionnaire. Thirty-two students of English from
RWTH Aachen University took part in the study and were presented with four text passages that featured two natural and two
unnatural first-person narrators. These excerpts represented a gliding scale of defamiliarization or estrangement in the sense of
Shklovsky that ranges from (1) a realist backpacking tourist in India to (2) a narrator who suffers from hallucinations (both
natural), and from there to (3) a narrating parrot and, finally, (4) a speaking coin (both unnatural).

The results indicate that the participants perceived the narratives that featured unnatural narrators as being
more estranging than the ones that contained natural narrators, and that unnaturalness was regarded as an indicator of
fictionality. Furthermore, it was easier for the participants to emotionally engage with the natural (compared to the unnatural)
narrators. The study also shows that blending was used as a strategy to make sense of the unnatural narrators, and that the
participants thought that fictional worlds were relevant for their own world experiences – regardless of whether the narrators
were unnatural or not. Furthermore, most of the participants were reminded of familiar genres (fantasy stories or fairy tales)
when they dealt with the unnatural narrators.
Predicting Short-Term Parole Outcome in Substance Abusing Offenders with the Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was three-fold: determine whether scores on the Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form (LCSF), a recidivism and re-offense risk assessment procedure, predict future criminal and drug use outcomes in substance abusing parolees, verify whether LCSF-defined risk identifies parolees likely to benefit from a case management strengths program, and ascertain whether the LCSF is as effective with women as it is with men. These three topic areas (use of the LCSF with substance abusing offenders, testing the risk principle, and seeing whether the LCSF applies to women) represent gaps in the current state of knowledge on the LCSF. In a secondary analysis of data including 811 (616 men, 195 women) substance-abusing adult parolees, results revealed that the LCSF was the only variable, out of six, to predict all six outcomes of interest across 3- and 9-month follow-up periods. When the sample was broken down by gender, the LCSF predicted all six outcomes in men but only the three 9-month outcomes in women. In an unanticipated development, men exposed to a case management strengths program reported more subsequent crime and drug use than participants not exposed to this special case management program.
Photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2/g-C3N4 composited electrodes fabricated by a co-electrodeposited method
Authors: Ma Jingyi , Wang Xiaona , Zong Xiaohang , Li Linli , Sun Hao , He Pan , Yang Yuan , Ding Yong , Han Yu , Fan Xiaoxing
Published: December 2020

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) usually shows a low photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance due to its poor conductivity. To improve the transfer of charge carriers generated by g-C3N4, a TiO2/g-C3N4 composite photoanode was prepared by a facile co-electrodeposition method. The composite photoelectrodes exhibit an improved PEC performance compared to TiO2 and g-C3N4. The PEC performance was optimized by varying the mass ratio of TiO2 to g-C3N4, and a ratio of 1:1 gave the best photocurrent density of 1.81 mA cm−2, which is 2.27 times larger than that of the pure TiO2 photoanode under full-arc xenon light. Furthermore, compared with pure g-C3N4, the photocurrent density is greatly improved. The incident photocurrent efficiency reached 4.14% under irradiation with 365 nm monochromatic light. TiO2/g-C3N4 exhibits a stable photocurrent density in a PEC reaction over 2 h. The enhanced PEC performance is attributed to the synergism between TiO2 and g-C3N4 semiconductors, which improves the interfacial charge transfer and inhibits the photogenerated electron–hole pair recombination.
Dynamics of plasma streamers in a helium surface micro-discharge array at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Feng Chunlei , Gao Liang , Liu Chen , Ding Hongbin
Published: December 2020

The dynamic evolution of plasma optical emission from an array of surface micro-discharges has been investigated by optical emission imaging. The array was operated in helium at atmospheric pressure and driven at 2.0 W at a frequency of 30 kHz. The findings indicate that surface charges and external voltage have a significant contribution to the splitting of the plasma streamer, with luminous fronts moving at velocities of 8.3–22.4 km s−1. The split plasmas induce new discharge events within a single hexagonal cell. Furthemore, we present the case of two co- and counter-propagating streamers generated within one hexagon mesh element. Experimental evidence reveals that the co-propagating streamers merge and produce a new streamer front with enhanced intensity under the combined effects of electrostatic repulsion, gas dynamic interaction and a photolytic process. As the spacing between the counter-propagating streamers decreases, the streamers interact electrically, resulting in a modification of the shape of these streamers as well as a decrease in their velocities and emission intensities. The emergence of secondary streamers is also observed. This behavior is related to surface charges accumulated during a previous half cycle and their redistribution due to the turbulence fluctuations dominated by electrohydrodynamic force. From the propagation of an individual streamer, it is shown that surface charges accumulated in a previous negative half cycle can determine the plasma path to some extent. The ionization wave propagates over the rim electrode with a velocity of about 20 km s−1, resulting in a distinct discharge channel and a strong interaction between neighboring hexagonal units in an array. The ionization wave leads to the propagation of plasma across the dielectric surface of the array.
Dual-function beam splitter of high contrast gratings*
Authors: Fang Wen-Jing , Fan Xin-Ye , Niu Hui-Juan , Zhang Xia , Xu Heng-Ying , Bai Cheng-Lin
Published: December 2020

We present the design and fabrication of a novel dual-function high contrast gratings that can be used as a polarization-selective beam splitter with transverse magnetic polarization, which performs two independent functions, i.e., reflection focusing and power equalization at a wavelength of 1550 nm. This dual-function grating profile is optimized by the rigorous coupled-wave analysis and the finite-element method. Simple analytical expressions of phase and modal guideline for the beam splitter design are given. The beam splitter based on the grating structure is experimentally studied at a distance of 160 μm from the reflection plane, the results are consistent with the theoretical results basically.
Evolution of domain structure in Fe3GeTe2
*
Authors: Yin Siqi , Zhao Le , Song Cheng , Huang Yuan , Gu Youdi , Chen Ruyi , Zhu Wenxuan , Sun Yiming , Jiang Wanjun , Zhang Xiaozhong , Pan Feng
Published: December 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) magnets provide an ideal platform to explore new physical phenomena in fundamental magnetism and to realize the miniaturization of magnetic devices. The study on its domain structure evolution with thickness is of great significance for better understanding the 2D magnetism. Here, we investigate the magnetization reversal and domain structure evolution in 2D ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) with a thickness range of 11.2–112 nm. Three types of domain structures and their corresponding hysteresis loops can be obtained. The magnetic domain varies from a circular domain via a dendritic domain to a labyrinthian domain with increasing FGT thickness, which is accompanied by a transition from squared to slanted hysteresis loops with reduced coercive fields. These features can be ascribed to the total energy changes from exchange interaction-dominated to dipolar interaction-dominated with increasing FGT thickness. Our finding not only enriches the fundamental magnetism, but also paves a way towards spintronics based on 2D magnet.
Controllable four-wave mixing response in a dual-cavity hybrid optomechanical system*
Authors: Shang Lei , Chen Bin , Xing Li-Li , Chen Jian-Bin , Xue Hai-Bin , Guo Kang-Xian
Published: December 2020

We systematically investigate the four-wave mixing (FWM) spectrum in a dual-cavity hybrid optomechanical system, which is made up of one optical cavity with an ensemble of two-level atoms and another with a mechanical oscillator. In this work, we propose that the hybrid dual-cavity optomechanical system can be employed as a highly sensitive mass sensor due to the fact that the FWM spectrum generated in this system has a narrow spectral width and the intensity of the FWM can be easily tuned by controlling the coupling strength (cavity–cavity, atom–cavity). More fascinatingly, the dual-cavity hybrid optomechanical system can also be used as an all-optical switch in view of the easy on/off control of FWM signals by adjusting the atom-pump detuning to be positive or negative. The proposed schemes have great potential applications in quantum information processing and highly sensitive detection.
Experimental analysis of interface contact behavior using a novel image processing method*
Authors: Han Jingyu , Luo Zhijun , Zhang Yuling , Yan Shaoze
Published: December 2020

The spatial and temporal evolution of real contact area of contact interface with loads is a challenge. It is generally believed that there is a positive linear correlation between real contact area and normal load. However, with the development of measuring instruments and methods, some scholars have found that the growth rate of real contact area will slow down with the increase of normal load under certain conditions, such as large-scale interface contact with small roughness surface, which is called the nonlinear phenomenon of real contact area. At present, there is no unified conclusion on the explanation of this phenomenon. We set up an experimental apparatus based on the total reflection principle to verify this phenomenon and analyze its mechanism. An image processing method is proposed, which can be used to quantitative analysis micro contact behaviors on macro contact phenomenon. The weighted superposition method is used to identify micro contact spots, to calculate the real contact area, and the color superimposed image is used to identify micro contact behaviors. Based on this method, the spatiotemporal evolution mechanism of real contact area nonlinear phenomena is quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of nonlinear phenomenon of real contact area on the whole loading and unloading process is analyzed experimentally. It is found that the effects of fluid between contact interface, normal load amplitude and initial contact state on contact behavior cannot be ignored in large-scale interface contact with small roughness surface.
Interpopulation variation in sexual dichromatism in the Neotropical grasshopperSphenarium purpurascens(Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae)
Authors: Cueva Del Castillo Raúl , González-Zertuche Miguel , Ramírez-Delgado Víctor Hugo
Published: December 2020

Cryptic coloration is an adaptative defensive mechanism against predators. Colour patterns appear cryptic through general background coloration matching or disruptive coloration. Disruptive coloration might evolve in visually heterogeneous microhabitats, whereas background matching could be favoured in chromatically homogeneous microhabitats. In this study, we used digital photography to explore the potential use of disruptive coloration and background matching in males and females of the Neotropical grasshopper Sphenarium purpurascens in different habitats. We found chromatic differences in three habitats and sexual dichromatism that might be explained by local adaptation. Although females and males were sexually dichromatic, interpopulation differences were found in the magnitude of the sexual dichromatism. In a highly contrasting environment, both males and females seemed to follow a disruptive strategy, whereas in a heterogeneous environments males and females followed different colour cryptic strategies, in which males were more disruptive than females, and females exhibited high background matching with fewer disruptive elements. Selective predation in different microhabitats and differences in mobility between the sexes might explain the colour pattern divergence between females and males.
Safety and Effectiveness of an All-Oral, Bedaquiline-Based, Shorter Treatment Regimen for Rifampicin-Resistant Tuberculosis in High Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Burden Rural South Africa: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Tack Ilse , Dumicho Asnake , Ohler Liesbet , Shigayeva Altynay , Bulti Abera Balcha , White Kenneth , Mbatha Mduduzi , Furin Jennifer , Isaakidis Petros
Published: December 2020

Background

At the end of 2018, South Africa updated its all-oral regimen, to include bedaquiline (BDQ) and 2 months of linezolid (LZD) for all patients initiating the shorter 9–12 months regimen for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). We assessed a group of patients in rural KwaZulu-Natal for safety and effectiveness of this treatment regimen under programmatic conditions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis on RR-TB patients treated with a standardized all-oral short regimen between 1 July 2018 and 30 April 2019 in 3 facilities in King Cetshwayo District. An electronic register (EDR web) and facility-based clinical charts were used to collect variables, which were entered into an Epi-Info database.

Results

Our cohort included 117 patients; 68.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.3–76.3) tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The median time to culture conversion was 56 days (95% CI: 50–57). Treatment success was achieved in 75.2% (95% CI: 66.5–82.3) of patients. Mortality within the cohort was 12.8% (95% CI: 7.8–20.3). Anemia was the most frequent severe adverse event (AE). The median time to develop severe anemia was 7.1 weeks (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0–12.9) after treatment initiation. LZD was interrupted in 25.2% (95% CI: 17.8–34.5) of participants.

Conclusions

An all-oral shorter regimen, including BDQ and LZD as core drugs for the treatment of RR-TB, shows good outcomes, in a high HIV burden rural setting. AEs are common, especially for LZD, but could be managed in the program setting. Support is needed when introducing new regimens to train staff in the monitoring, management, and reporting of AEs.
Early atrial fibrillation detection and the transition to comprehensive management
Authors: Linz Dominik , Hermans Astrid , Tieleman Robert G
Published: December 2020

Current atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines recommend screening for AF in individuals above 65 years or with other characteristics suggestive of increased stroke risk. Several mobile health (mHealth) approaches are available to identify AF. Although most wearables or ECG machines include algorithms to detect AF, an ECG confirmation of AF is necessary to establish a suspected diagnosis of AF. Early detection of AF is important to allow early initiation of AF management, and early rhythm control therapy lowered risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes among patients with early AF aged >75 or with a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 and cardiovascular conditions in the EAST-AFNET 4 study. Strategies for early AF detection should be always linked to a comprehensive work-up infrastructure organized within an integrated care pathway to allow early initiation and guidance of AF treatment in newly detected AF patients. In this review article, we summarize strategies and mHealth approaches for early AF detection and the transition to early AF management including AF symptoms evaluation and assessment of AF progression as well as AF risk factors.
Long-Read Genome Assemblies Reveal Extraordinary Variation in the Number and Structure of MHC Loci in Birds
Authors: He Ke , Minias Piotr , Dunn Peter O
Published: December 2020

Our knowledge of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in birds is limited because it often consists of numerous duplicated genes within individuals that are difficult to assemble with short read sequencing technology. Long-read sequencing provides an opportunity to overcome this limitation because it allows the assembly of long regions with repetitive elements. In this study, we used genomes based on long-read sequencing to predict the number and location of MHC loci in a broad range of bird taxa. From the long-read-based genomes of 34 species, we found that there was extremely large variation in the number of MHC loci between species. Overall, there were greater numbers of both class I and II loci in passerines than nonpasserines. The highest numbers of loci (up to 193 class II loci) were found in manakins (Pipridae), which had previously not been studied at the MHC. Our results provide the first direct evidence from passerine genomes of this high level of duplication. We also found different duplication patterns between species. In some species, both MHC class I and II genes were duplicated together, whereas in most species they were duplicated independently. Our study shows that the analysis of long-read-based genomes can dramatically improve our knowledge of MHC structure, although further improvements in chromosome level assembly are needed to understand the evolutionary mechanisms producing the extraordinary interspecific variation in the architecture of the MHC region.
Medium Matters: A Decade of Media Consumption Predicts Positive and Negative Dimensions of Self-Perceptions of Aging
Authors: Boeder Jordan , Tse Dwight C K , Fruiht Veronica , Chan Thomas
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Media consumption over time is suggested to be a significant contributor to how people develop their self-perceptions of aging (SPA); however, this association has only been investigated with cross-sectional methodologies. The current study used growth curve modeling to examine the influence of 10 years of television, newspaper, radio, and book consumption on positive and negative dimensions of SPA.

Methods

Growth curve modeling on 4 waves of data from the German Aging Survey (N = 2,969), a population-based representative survey of adults aged 40–95, was used to examine the longitudinal associations between media consumption and SPA trajectories.

Results

Across 10 years, more television intake (B = −0.58, 95% CI [−0.94, −0.21]) was associated with lower perceptions of continuous growth. Inversely, greater book (B = 0.10, 95% CI [0.06, 0.13]) and radio (B = 0.52, 95% CI [0.29, 0.74]) consumption was significantly linked to higher perceptions of continuous growth. In parallel, more television (B = 0.88, 95% CI [0.52, 1.25]) and newspaper consumption (B = 0.46, 95% CI [0.04, 0.88]) was associated with higher perceptions of physical decline, while greater radio (B = −0.40, 95% CI [−0.64, −0.16]) and book (B = −0.05, 95% CI [−0.09, −0.00]) consumption was associated with lower perceptions of physical decline.

Discussion

This study provides longitudinal evidence for the relationship between media consumption and SPA. However, not all types of media intake are negative as radio and book consumption were associated with better SPA across time. Age-group differences were investigated and are discussed in the Supplementary Materials.