bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytochrome c Reductase is a Key Enzyme Involved in the Extracellular Electron Transfer Pathway towards Transition Metal Complexes in Pseudomonas Putida
Authors: Lai Bin , Bernhardt Paul V. , Krömer Jens O.
Published: July 2020

Mediator‐based extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways can balance the redox metabolism of microbes. However, such electro‐biosynthesis processes are constrained by the unknown underlying EET mechanisms. In this paper, Pseudomonas putida was studied to systematically investigate its EET pathway to transition metal complexes (i. e., [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− and [Co(bpy)3]3+/2+; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl) under anaerobic conditions. Comparative proteomics showed the aerobic respiratory components were upregulated in a bioelectrochemical system without oxygen, suggesting their potential contribution to EET. Further tests found inhibiting cytochrome c oxidase activity by NaN3 and NADH dehydrogenase by rotenone did not significantly change the current output. However, the EET pathway was completely blocked, while cytochrome c reductase activity was inhibited by antimycin A. Although it cannot be excluded that cytochrome c and the periplasmic subunit of cytochrome c oxidase donate electrons to the transition metal complexes, these results strongly demonstrate that cytochrome c reductase is a key complex for the EET pathway.
Rapid within‐ and transgenerational changes in thermal tolerance and fitness in variable thermal landscapes
Authors: Cavieres Grisel , Rezende Enrico L. , Clavijo‐Baquet Sabrina , Alruiz José M. , Rivera‐Rebella Carla , Boher Francisca , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: July 2020

Phenotypic plasticity may increase the performance and fitness and allow organisms to cope with variable environmental conditions. We studied within‐generation plasticity and transgenerational effects of thermal conditions on temperature tolerance and demographic parameters inDrosophila melanogaster. We employed a fully factorial design, in which both parental (P) and offspring generations (F1) were reared in a constant or a variable thermal environment. Thermal variability during ontogeny increased heat tolerance in P, but with demographic cost as this treatment resulted in substantially lower survival, fecundity, and net reproductive rate. The adverse effects of thermal variability (V) on demographic parameters were less drastic in flies from the F1, which exhibited higher net reproductive rates than their parents. These compensatory responses could not totally overcome the challenges of the thermally variable regime, contrasting with the offspring of flies raised in a constant temperature (C) that showed no reduction in fitness with thermal variation. Thus, the parental thermal environment had effects on thermal tolerance and demographic parameters in fruit fly. These results demonstrate how transgenerational effects of environmental conditions on heat tolerance, as well as their potential costs on other fitness components, can have a major impact on populations’ resilience to warming temperatures and more frequent thermal extremes.
Hanger replacement influence on seismic response of suspension bridges: Implementation to the Bosphorus Bridge subjected to multi‐support excitation
Authors: Bas Selcuk , Dong Chuan‐Zhi , Apaydin Nurdan M. , Ilki Alper , Catbas F. Necati
Published: July 2020

The effects of hanger replacement from inclined to vertical configuration on seismic response of long‐span suspension bridges are investigated considering multi‐support earthquake excitation. The Bosphorus Bridge is investigated due to its recent comprehensive rehabilitation, mainly involving hanger replacement. The finite‐fault stochastic simulation method (FINSIM) is utilized for multi‐point earthquake time‐history generation. The developed finite element (FE) model both for the inclined and vertical hanger arrangement are verified through the structural health monitoring (SHM) data. Based on the comparative analysis, the tension force of vertical hangers is found to be lower than that of inclined hangers, whereas the tension force of the main and back‐stay cables remains the same. The compressive axial force of the deck decreases relatively in the case of the vertical hanger arrangement, whereas the cross‐sectional forces at the tower base section increase. The approach viaducts are not affected by the vertical hanger arrangement. According to the demand/capacity ratios for damage estimation under the max. earthquake (2475 years return period), structural damage on the tower base section may be expected for both hanger arrangements, while these sections perform well under design scenario earthquake. The expansion joint of the bridge with inclined hangers is also estimated to be damaged; however, this displacement is lower in the case of the vertical hanger arrangement due to the viscous dampers. The findings also reveal that a change in hanger form of a suspension bridge can necessitate other structural retrofit, such as using viscous dampers to limit longitudinal displacements of the deck and retrofitting the bridge towers.
Sediment detachment in piping‐prone soils: Cohesion sources and potential weakening mechanisms
Authors: Bernatek‐Jakiel Anita , Bruthans Jiří , Vojtíšek Jan , Stolarczyk Mateusz , Zaleski Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Soil piping is a widespread land degradation process that may lead to gully formation. However, the processes involved in sediment detachment from soil pipe walls have not been well studied, although their recognition is a crucial step to protect soils from piping erosion. This study aims to recognize the factors affecting cohesion and to identify the mechanisms which are likely to be responsible for the disintegration of soil. The study has been conducted in mid‐altitude mountains under a temperate climate (the Bieszczady Mountains, the Carpathians, SE Poland). The research was based on the detailed field and laboratory analyses of morphology, and the physical and chemical properties of soil profiles with and without soil pipes. Moreover, experiments with flooding the undisturbed soil samples using different solutions (deionized water, ammonium oxalate, dithionate citrate, 35% hydrochloric acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide) were conducted in order to check the role of air slaking, the removal of soil organic carbon (SOC), and Fe and Al oxides on sediment detachment. The obtained results have confirmed that soil pipes develop in quite cohesive soils (silt loams), which allow the formation and maintenance of pipes with a diameter up to 30 cm. Soil cohesion, and thus susceptibility to piping, are impacted by the content of major oxides, soil particle size distribution, biological activity and porosity. The tested soils affected by piping erosion have a lower content of Al2O3 and Fe2O3, and free Fe (Fe(DCB)), lower clay content, higher biological activity (more roots and animal burrows), higher porosity, and more and larger pores than the profile without soil pipes. The experiments have indicated that especially SOC along with Fe and Al oxides are an important cohesion source in the study area. This suggests that the removal of SOC, and Fe and Al oxides may weaken and disintegrate aggregates in soil pipes. Further study of soil leaching and tensile strength will broaden understanding of which chemical processes control where pipes will develop in other cohesive piping‐prone soils. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of Fe‐embedded graphitic carbon network composites as anode materials for rechargeable Fe‐air batteries
Authors: Tan Wai Kian , Asami Kenta , Maegawa Keiichiro , Kawamura Go , Muto Hiroyuki , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: July 2020

This study reports on a composite consisting of iron (Fe) particles embedded in graphitic carbon network, which was prepared using a facile chemical synthesis method. The Fe‐embedded carbon composite was used as the anode material for Fe‐air batteries whose electrochemical charge‐discharge performance was subsequently evaluated. The effect of adding 0.01M Na2S to the batteries' alkaline electrolyte on the electrochemical performances of the Fe‐embedded carbon composite was investigated. The addition of Na2S to the electrolyte resulted in a higher discharge capacity during the charge‐discharge characterization. A maximum discharge capacity of 486 mAh g−1(Fe)was obtained because sulfide ions present in the electrolyte inhibited Fe passivation, thus enabling a better redox reaction. Interestingly, after prolonged charge‐discharge cycling (100 cycles), the replenishment of the 0.01M Na2S in the electrolyte resulted in the recovery of a high initial discharge capacity. The facile synthesis process, effect of Na2S addition, and the feasibility of discharge capacity recovery after prolonged charge‐discharge cycling reported in this study should be beneficial toward the further development of rechargeable Fe‐air batteries.
Application of a novel thermo‐sensitive injectable hydrogel in therapy in situ for drug accurate controlled release
Authors: Kong Xiaoying , Houzong Ruizhi , Fu Jun , Shao Kai , Wang Lili , Ma Yongchao , Shi Jinsheng
Published: July 2020

Local drug injection therapy for tumor site, as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy method, shows important significance in clinical application; however, it obtains unsatisfying therapeutic effect due to the serious toxic and side effect in normal tissues caused by drug diffusion or complexity of the preparation. In this article, the influence factors of the gelling time of traditional Chitosan (CTS) thermo‐sensitive hydrogels were analyzed, and the gelling properties were improved significantly, and a thermo‐sensitive hydrogel with precisely regulated gelling time was obtained through a green and simple preparation method, and the shortest gelling time (gelling time = 27 ± 2 s) of this hydrogel was 5% of that of the common CTS thermo‐sensitive hydrogels. After loaded with different chemotherapy drugs with different pH values (gemctiabin hydrochloride, levofloxacin, and 5‐foluorouracil), the hydrogels' gelling performance was not affected, while the gelling time could be shortened by 5‐foluorouracil, effectively hindering the drug loss at the early stage of sustained release. in vitro and in vivo experiments proved that precise encapsulation toward tumors with different volumes was achieved by the hydrogels, with minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues and higher utilization of drugs in tumor sites, ultimately achieving better tumor therapeutic effect. In conclusion, the new thermo‐sensitive hydrogels with precisely regulated gelling time showed great significance and potential for drug delivery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Detection of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations by chromosomal microarray analysis for the prenatal diagnosis of central nervous system abnormalities
Authors: Song Tingting , Xu Ying , Li Yu , Jia Li , Zheng Jiao , Dang Yinghui , Wan Shanning , Zheng Yunyun , Zhang Jianfang , Yang Hong
Published: July 2020

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities are a group of serious birth defects associated with high rates of stillbirths, infant death, or abnormal development, and various disease‐causing copy number variations play a much more important role in the etiology of CNS abnormalities. This study intends to present a retrospective study of the prenatal diagnosis and the pregnancy outcome of fetuses diagnosed with CNS abnormalities, and evaluate the clinical value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis of CNS abnormalities.

Methods

A total of 356 fetuses with CNS abnormalities with or without other ultrasound abnormalities subjected to invasive prenatal diagnosis at the first affiliated hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2015 to August 2018. All cases have performed both karyotyping and CMA concurrently, but 20 fetuses with chromosome aneuploidy were excluded in the current study.

Results

The CMA identified pathogenic copy number variants (pCNVs) in 27/336 (8.03%) fetuses, likely pCNVs in 8/336 (2.38%) fetuses, and variants of unknown significance (VOUS) in 11/336 (3.27%) fetuses. A total of 222 cases had single CNS abnormalities and the pCNVs detection rate was 5.86% (13/222), the remaining 114 cases including CNS abnormalities plus other structural abnormalities, ultrasonographic soft markers and two or more CNS abnormalities, the pCNVs detection rate was 12.3% (14/114).

Conclusions

Fetuses with CNS abnormalities have a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities, our study showed that CNVs play an important role in the etiology of CNS abnormalities. The application of CMA could increase the detection rate of pCNVs causing CNS abnormalities.
Classically activated mouse macrophages produce methylglyoxal that induces a TLR4- and RAGE-independent proinflammatory response
Authors: Prantner Daniel , Nallar Shreeram , Richard Katharina , Spiegel David , Collins Kim D , Vogel Stefanie N
Published: July 2020

The highly reactive compound methylglyoxal (MG) can cause direct damage to cells and tissues by reacting with cellular macromolecules. MG has been identified as a biomarker associated with increased sepsis-induced mortality. Patients undergoing septic shock have significantly elevated circulating MG levels compared to postoperative patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, MG has been implicated in the development of type II diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease. Because MG is generated during glycolysis, we hypothesized that MG may be produced by classically activated (M1) macrophages, possibly contributing to the inflammatory response. LPS and IFN-γ-treated macrophages acquired an M1 phenotype (as evidenced by M1 markers and enhanced glycolysis) and formed MG adducts, MG-H1, MG-H2, and MG-H3, which were detected using antibodies specific for MG-modified proteins (methylglyoxal 5-hydro-5-methylimidazolones). MG adducts were also increased in the lungs of LPS-treated mice. Macrophages treated with LPS and IFN-γ also exhibited decreased expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), an enzyme that metabolizes MG. Concentrations of exogenous, purified MG > 0.5 mM were toxic to macrophages; however, a nontoxic dose of 0.3 mM induced TNF-α and IL-1β, albeit to a lesser extent than LPS stimulation. Despite prior evidence that MG adducts may signal through “receptor for advanced glycation endproducts” (RAGE), MG-mediated cell death and cytokine induction by exogenous MG was RAGE-independent in primary macrophages. Finally, RAGE-deficient mice did not exhibit a significant survival advantage following lethal LPS injection. Overall, our evidence suggests that MG may be produced by M1 macrophages during sepsis, following IFN-γ-dependent down-regulation of Glo1, contributing to over-exuberant inflammation.
Stimuli‐Mild, Robust, Commercializable Polyurethane‐Urea Vitrimer Elastomer via N,N′‐Diaryl Urea Crosslinking
Authors: Zhang Dong , Chen Hongxiang , Dai Qiaoli , Xiang Chuanxi , Li Yanjun , Xiong Xiao , Zhou Yu , Zhang Jinlong
Published: July 2020

Vitrimer is a new reprocessable thermosetting polymer based on the exchange of dynamic covalent bonds. However, the vitrimer reported in the literatures can usually be reprocessed at very high temperature, while the vitrimer reprocessed at a relatively low temperature exhibits poor mechanical properties. It is still a great challenge to design mechanically robust vitrimer with a moderate reprocessing temperature. Herein, a polyurethane‐urea vitrimer elastomer including N,N′‐diaryl urea with electron donating effect is first reported, and it possesses a moderately remoldable temperature (100 °C, 23% of soft segments content) and robust mechanic al performance. The associative exchange mechanism of N,N′‐diaryl urea with electron donating effect is investigated by the stress relaxation, variable temperature Fourier transform infrared spectra of elastomer, as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and Fourier transform infrared spectra based on model compounds. Besides, for the preparation of polyurethane‐urea vitrimer elastomers, all monomers are directly from commercial raw materials, thereby providing a possibility of large‐scale production for the polyurethane‐urea vitrimers.
Broadband vertically interdigital‐capacitor with high frequency response improving
Authors: Zhou Bo , Li Changkun , Qian Li , Wang Yunheng , Zhang Ziyang
Published: July 2020

A broadband vertically interdigital‐capacitor (VIC) is proposed and fabricated in a 10‐layer low temperature co‐fired ceramic substrate. By interconnecting the open ends of interval fingers, the number of stop‐band structures is reduced and thus the spurs that limit the bandwidth are removed. With the orthogonally placed input/output ports, the amplitudes of transmission coefficient and reflection coefficient are also improved. Thus, the high frequency response of VIC is improved. The bandwidth and capacitance of the proposed VIC increased 225% and 28%, respectively. The proposed VIC is available to make compact microwave components in a wider frequency rage. Comparison and discussion are provided as well.
The impact of organization culture and environment on leadership effectiveness applied study on some governmental organizations in the state of Kuwait
Authors: Almutairi Yousef Mohammad , Alenezi Awadh Khalaf
Published: July 2020

This study is aimed to investigate the impact of both the organization environment and its culture on the effectiveness of leadership. The analytical descriptive approach was used to collect and analyze data from a sample of 252 employees who have leading positions in some governmental organizations in Kuwait. Study found that there was a positive impact on effectiveness of leadership and on the performance of employee in these organizations both because of the organization's environment and its culture. It was also found that there is no statistically significant difference between the participants according to the personal data in the perception and evaluation of the impact of the environment and culture of the effectiveness of leadership. This study is recommended to decision makers and it shows the importance of selecting leaders with the skills and competencies required to deal with different environments and cultures that affect the work of the organization.
Schizotypal and obsessive–compulsive traits: Co‐occurrence rate and relationship with executive function, emotion experience, and emotion expressivity in college students
Authors: Shan Hai‐di , Zhang Rui‐ting , Jiang Shu‐yao , Wang Yong‐ming , Liu Ya‐fei , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: July 2020

Empirical findings suggest that there is an overlap between schizophrenia and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). These disorders also have a high comorbidity rate. However, little is known about the impact of co‐occurring schizotypal and obsessive–compulsive traits on executive function, emotion experience, and emotion expressivity in the normal population. The present study examined the prevalence of coexisting schizotypal and obsessive–compulsive traits and the relationship between these two traits in a sample of healthy college students. We also conducted a moderation analysis to explore the effect of these two type of traits on executive function, emotion experience, and emotion expressivity. We recruited 3,319 participants to complete the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory – Revised (OCI‐R). A subset of them (n = 575) also completed the Chinese versions of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPS), and the Emotional Expressivity Scale (EES). We found that the prevalence of co‐occurring schizotypal and OCD traits was 3.33%. All the subscales of the SPQ and the OCI‐R significantly correlated with each other. Both traits had a negative impact on executive function and emotion expressivity. The interaction between the disorganization dimension of schizotypal traits and OCD traits had a significant effect on executive function, but not emotion experience or emotion expressivity. This study was limited by its cross‐sectional design and recruitment of only college students. These findings suggest that there is an approximately 3% rate of co‐occurring schizotypal and obsessive–compulsive traits in a healthy college student sample. The interaction between these two types of traits may influence executive function.
Nucleophilic fluoroalkylation as an efficient avenue to achieve fluorinated polyimide monomers containingCsp3‐Rffrom carbonyl compounds
Authors: Li Yongjian , Wang Zhongkai , Zhu Tangsong , Qi Haixia , Xiong Lei , Liu Feng
Published: July 2020

Fluorinated polyimides (PIs) have gained increasing attention due to their high transparency and low dielectric constant. However, the access to fluorinated monomers is limited, with most of the fluorination based on transformation from C─H to C─F. This article presents a new avenue to achieve fluorinated monomers starting from wide range of carbonyl compounds. Nucleophilic fluoroalkylation on carbonyl using Ruppert's reagent has been employed to transform carbonyl (CO) into α‐trifluoromethylated alcohol followed by facile derivation into diamine containing Csp3─CF3. The obtained symmetric fluorinated diamine para‐bis(1′‐[3‐amino‐6‐pyridinyloxy]‐1′‐trifluoromethyl)benzene (PAPyTB) show good modification effects on PIs. The PIs modified by PAPyTB exhibit the generally maintained optical transparency andTg. The mechanical properties of modified PIs show a wide range and decrease with increasing content of PAPyTB. Importantly, the solubility and hydrophobicity of the modified PIs increase with increasing loading of PAPyTB. Furthermore, the presence of trifluoromethyl groups in the polymer chain leads to reduced dielectric constant of the modified PIs, showing dielectric constant (ε′) 3.16 and dielectric loss (ε″) 0.0052 at 1 MHz and 298 K with 60% molar content of PAPyTB. This work indicates that nucleophilic fluoroalkylation is a new and efficient avenue to achieve fluorinated PI monomers with Csp3─Rffrom a wide range of carbonyl compounds.
Determination of tuberculin skin test for isoniazid prophylaxis in BCG vaccinated children who are using anti‐TNF agents for rheumatologic diseases
Authors: Kilinc Ayse Ayzit , Onal Pinar , Oztosun Berrak , Yildiz Mehmet , Adrovic Amra , Sahin Sezgin , Barut Kenan , Cokugras Haluk , Kasapcopur Ozgur
Published: July 2020

Objective

The use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (anti‐TNF) has a risk of activating latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). This study was performed to investigate LTBI according to tuberculin skin test (TST) size and to determine the frequency of tuberculosis (TB) in bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG)‐vaccinated children receiving anti‐TNF treatment for rheumatological disease.

Materials and Methods

The study consisted of 559 children. Information on demographics, anti‐TNF agents, TST size, and isoniazid (INH) prophylaxis was recorded. Patients (n = 254) with TST size ≥5 mm were divided into three groups according to TST size and INH prophylaxis: group 1, TST size 5 to 9 mm and no INH prophylaxis; group 2, TST size 5 to 9 mm with INH prophylaxis; and group 3, TST size ≥10 mm with INH prophylaxis.

Results

The 559 patients comprised 314 (56.3%) females and 245 (43.6%) males; they had a mean age of 13.1 ± 4.1 years. The mean TST size in all patients was 4.2 ± 4.7 mm. Group 1 consisted of 76 (29.9%) patients, group 2 consisted of 88 (34.6%) patients, and group 3 consisted of 90 (35.4%) patients. The mean TST sizes for the three groups were 6.8 ± 3.1 mm, 7.2 ± 3.2 mm, and 13.9 ± 2.8 mm, respectively. New TB was diagnosed in only two (0.35%) patients. Both of them were in group 3.

Conclusions

A TST size of ≥10 mm in BCG‐vaccinated children receiving anti‐TNF treatment may distinguish children at high risk for reactivation of LTBI.
Study of Maximum Pressure Rise with Erosive Burning in Multi‐Grain Tubular Solid Propellant
Authors: Ropia Balesh , Upadhyay Jayesh , Kalal Rakesh , Shekhar Himanshu , Thakur Dinesh G.
Published: July 2020

In the present study, the mathematical prediction with the Paul‐Mukunda model is carried out for maximum pressure rise with erosive burning in multi‐grain solid rocket propellant. For this study, a cluster of 7 tubular solid double‐base propellant grains is selected. The erosive burning model has given a fair idea of the maximum pressure rise in rocket motors. The maximum pressure rise due to the erosive burning effect is quite a lot higher than without the erosive burning effect. The erosive burning model helps in studying maximum pressure rise for various configurations of propellant grains. It is found that lowering the outer diameter (OD) of propellant grains is giving low maximum pressure in rocket motor in comparison to increasing the inner diameter (ID) of propellant grains. Ap/At (port area to throat area) ratio is maintained same for both the cases. Although in both the cases predicted maximum flow velocity of propellant gases is almost same. It shows that keeping the same Ap/At ratio and erosive burning effect, the maximum pressure is reduced significantly by lowering OD of propellant grains than increasing the ID of the propellant grains in rocket motor. This study will help to reduce the maximum pressure rise in rocket motors for safe working.
Model‐based process capability indices: The dry‐etching semiconductor case study
Authors: Borgoni Riccardo , Zappa Diego
Published: July 2020

Process capability indices are widely used to check quality standards both at the production level and for business activity. They consider the location and the deviation from specification limits and targets. The literature contains many contributions on this topic both in the univariate and the multivariate context. Motivated by a real semiconductor case study, we discuss the role of rational subgroups and the challenge they present in the computation of capability indices, especially when data refer to lots of products. In addition, our context involves a mix of problems: unilateral specification limit, nonsymmetric distribution of the data, evidence of data from a mixture of distributions, and the need to filter one component of the mixture. After solving the previous issues and because of the peculiar characteristics of semiconductor processes based on the so called “wafers,” we contribute to the literature a proposal on how to compute capability indices in the case of heteroscedastic spatial processes. With a generalized additive model, we show that it is possible to estimate a capability surface that allows the identification of regions expected to not be fully compliant with the desired quality standards.
Study and reduction of waterfall effect caused by dimming backlight in LCD based on amorphous silicon TFT
Authors: Sun Sheng , Cai Guangshuo , Li Guo , Tan Zhiwei , Zhang Shengdong
Published: July 2020

Liquid crystal display (LCD) is one of the most popular displays nowadays, and the amorphous silicon thin film transistors are adopted in LCD as active devices due to the low cost, low process issue and high stability. In the LCD device, the backlight unit consumes almost one third of the power of the LCD device. Therefore, reducing backlight power consumption is important to lower the total power consumption. Dimming backlight, which decreases brightness of the backlight and thereby reduces power consumption without affecting the display quality, is the most popular and effective method. However, because of photon assisted current effect of amorphous silicon, the conductivity of the amorphous silicon is different when backlight unit (BLU) turns on and off, which will cause a waterfall phenomenon. Compared to the traditional 4‐mask process, the difference between AS tail and N+ tail in novel 4‐mask process is smaller. The waterfall phenomenon of novel 4‐mask is not obvious but still visible. In this paper, we analyzed the mechanism of waterfall effect and modified the novel 4‐mask process to solve this issue. By combining capacitance extraction and charging simulations, we simulated the variation of grayscale caused by backlight switching. It was shown that there were about 4 gray levels of brightness change under 24 gray levels. Then we examined the cause of the formation of AS tail and N+ tail, and reduced the difference between AS tail and N+ tail by changing the process, which effectively modified the waterfall issue.
Design of waveguide system using one dimension slant grating and two dimension grating
Authors: Guo Xiaoming , Huang Hao , Song Qiang , Ma Guobin , Xu Hengshen , Hu Yueqiang , Duan HuiGao
Published: July 2020

In recent years, augmented reality(AR) technology has gained much attention due to its disruptive and revolutionary nature. Thanks to the advanced nano‐‐imprint lithographic technique, diffractive waveguide based display becomes research hotspot. There are three main types of diffractive waveguide including one dimension grating, two dimension grating, and volume holography. In this paper, we proposed that one dimension slant grating is used as in‐coupling grating, and two dimension grating is used as out‐coupling grating, so the ratio of out‐coupling grating area could be larger. We analyze the diffractive orders of out‐coupling grating in K domain. In waveguide, uniformity of field of view and moving eyebox (MEB) is critical to image quality. In this work, a multi‐objective particle swarm algorithm is conducted to optimize slant grating for better uniformity of MEB and field of view(FOV). In addition, We also proposed a symmetrical and radiate partitions of out‐coupling grating for better uniformity of MEB. The waveguide design was verified using VirtualLab Fusion In the last, polarization state of the waveguide system are analyzed.
VR virtual reality technology and treatment progress
Authors: Lv Shitao , Zhang Qichang , Wang Lijun
Published: July 2020

Fear is a basic emotion of human beings. Normal people will have a fearful stress response when they face dangerous and threatening stimuli.Normal fear helps individuals to mobilize their physical and psychological functions to respond, and is an individual's need for survival and development. But environmental objective things or irrational fear and tension and with marked autonomic disorder is a disease that phobia (Phobia). Acrophobia is a common phobia. At present, the treatment of phobia is mainly desensitization technology. VR technology provides new ideas for the treatment of phobia. This article will introduce its progress.
Performance Evaluation of 520nm Laser Diode Underwater Wireless Optical Communication Systems in the Presence of Oceanic Turbulence
Authors: He Gui , Lv Zhijian , Qiu Chengfeng , Liu Zhaojun
Published: July 2020

To promote the application of the underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) system in the ocean, we investigated the performance of the 520nm laser diode UWOC system in the presence of oceanic turbulence. In this paper, we analyzed the performance of the UWOC system under the pure water, 4.17g/L salinity water and 35.42g/L salinity water conditions, and preliminarily demonstrated the effect of the salinity‐induced oceanic turbulence on the UWOC system. The experimental results have potential value for the realization of the UWOC system in the ocean.
An Active Matrix Mini‐LEDs Backlight based on a‐Si
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Quansheng , Li Jia , Zhu Feng , Xiao Juncheng , Zhang Xin , Zhou Hang
Published: July 2020

Beyond LCD and OLED, mini‐LEDs and micro‐LEDs are expected to be a promising candidate for future displays. In this work, we fabricate an active matrix mini‐LEDs backlight based on a‐Si. The driving mechanism with 2T1C and process flow are discussed in detail. IR‐drop is analyzed and improved through several method because of the fact that high current output is necessary for backlight. The gray scale is controlled by PWM method with the number of 64 (6 bit), and a backlight with maximum brightness of 20,000nits is obtained.
Measurement and Analysis of Current Efficiency of Blue and Green Micro‐LED Arrays with Different LED Chip Sizes
Authors: Guo Enqing , Tian Wenya , Li Qing , Wang Yan , Wang Chenggong
Published: July 2020

Blue and green InGaN/GaNµLED arrays with different LED chip sizes were fabricated and tested in IVL system. As the chip size reduces, the current density at peak efficiency increases gradually for both blue and green samples. The current efficiency of the smaller µLED is lower than that of the bigger one.
The role of reactive monomer in PI‐free technology for the alignment ability and image sticking performance
Authors: Cui Wei , Lan Song , Tseng Te-Jen , Hsieh Chung-Ching
Published: July 2020

Polyimide‐free technology is a technology in which an additive can replace polyimide film to align LC molecules. In this technology, the additive added in liquid crystal (LC) host can not only affect the alignment behavior, but also affect the reliability of the panel, such as image sticking. Because the polymer is polymerized from the additive in LC, the system of the additive is very important. In this paper, we studied the alignment and image sticking performance fabricated by two different additive systems:1. the mixed system of additive and reactive monomer; 2. the single additive system. From the results of cell and 28” panel, we can conclude that the mixed system has similar alignment ability and voltage holding ratio to the single additive system, however, has better image sticking performance than the single additive system.
De Sitter diagrammar and the resummation of time
Authors: Baumgart Matthew , Sundrum Raman
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Light scalars in inflationary spacetimes suffer from logarithmic infrared divergences at every order in perturbation theory. This corresponds to the scalar field values in different Hubble patches undergoing a random walk of quantum fluctuations, leading to a simple toy “landscape” on superhorizon scales, in which we can explore questions relevant to eternal inflation. However, for a sufficiently long period of inflation, the infrared divergences appear to spoil computability. Some form of renormalization group approach is thus motivated to resum the log divergences of conformal time. Such a resummation may provide insight into De Sitter holography. We present here a novel diagrammatic analysis of these infrared divergences and their resummation. Basic graph theory observations and momen- tum power counting for the in-in propagators allow a simple and insightful determination of the leading-log contributions. One thus sees diagrammatically how the superhorizon sector consists of a semiclassical theory with quantum noise evolved by a first-order, interacting classical equation of motion. This rigorously leads to the “Stochastic Inflation” ansatz developed by Starobinsky to cure the scalar infrared pathology nonperturbatively. Our approach is a controlled approximation of the underlying quantum field theory and is systematically improvable.
Gaining traction: on the convergence of an inner approximation scheme for probability maximization
Authors: Fábián Csaba I.
Published: July 2020

We analyze an inner approximation scheme for probability maximization. The approach was proposed in Fábián et al. (Acta Polytech Hung 15:105–125, 2018), as an analogue of a classic dual approach in the handling of probabilistic constraints. Even a basic implementation of the maximization scheme proved usable and endured noise in gradient computations without any special effort. Moreover, the speed of convergence was not affected by approximate computation of test points. This robustness was then explained in an idealized setting. Here we work out convergence proofs and efficiency arguments for a nondegenerate normal distribution. The main message of the present paper is that the procedure gains traction as an optimal solution is approached.
Erratum to: The Role of CARD9 in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Tian Cheng , Tuo Ya-li , Lu Yi , Xu Chuan-rui , Xiang Ming
Published: July 2020

The article “The Role of CARD9 in Metabolic Diseases”, written by Cheng TIAN, Ya-li TUO, Yi LU, Chuan-rui XU, Ming XIANG, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on May 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice, the copyright of the article is changed to © The Author(s) 2020 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

The original article has been corrected.
Phenotypes of BPS/IC
Authors: Malde Sachin , Sahai Arun
Published: July 2020

Purpose of Review

The aim of this review is to summarise the latest research related to different phenotypes of BPS/IC, addressing the evidence for current well-defined phenotypes as well as identifying novel potential phenotypes and highlighting areas for future study.

Recent Findings

Two distinct phenotypes of BPS/IC are well-recognised: Hunner’s lesion disease and non-Hunner’s lesion BPS/IC. Recent studies have shown these phenotypes exhibit distinct clinical, pathological and cystoscopic features, and targeted treatment to Hunner’s lesions can prove effective. Recent studies have also identified new potential phenotypes based on biochemical, molecular and histological markers, pathophysiological mechanisms of disease, clinical features, cystoscopic findings, radiological features and urodynamic factors. This evidence has improved our understanding of the underlying mechanism of disease and may enable more personalised and targeted therapy in the future.

Novel phenotypes of BPS/IC relate to the presence of certain biomarkers, alterations in the urinary microbiome, the characteristics of pain and presence of co-existing somatic and psychosocial conditions, altered patterns of brain white matter changes and urodynamic features. Further study is required to evaluate whether these potential phenotypes are clinically useful based on their ability to guide treatment selection and predict outcome from therapy, and therefore optimise therapeutic outcomes.
Mechanical Reperfusion Following Prolonged Global Cerebral Ischemia Attenuates Brain Injury
Authors: Lindblom Rickard P. F. , Tovedal Thomas , Norlin Bo , Hillered Lars , Englund Elisabet , Thelin Stefan
Published: July 2020

Previous experiments demonstrated improved outcome following prolonged cerebral ischemia given controlled brain reperfusion using extracorporeal circulation. The current study further investigates this. Young adult pigs were exposed to 30 min of global normothermic cerebral ischemia, achieved through intrathoracic clamping of cerebral arteries, followed by 20 min of isolated mechanical brain reperfusion. Leukocyte-filtered blood was delivered by a roller-pump at fixed pressure and flow. One experimental group additionally had a custom-made buffer solution delivered at 1:8 ratio with the blood. Hemodynamics including intracranial pressure were monitored. Blood gases were from peripheral arteries and the sagittal sinus, and intraparenchymal brain microdialysis was performed. The brains were examined by a neuropathologist. The group with the added buffer showed lower intracranial pressure as well as decreased intraparenchymal glycerol and less signs of excitotoxicity and ischemia, although histology revealed similar degrees of injury. A customized mechanical reperfusion improves multiple parameters after prolonged normothermic global cerebral ischemia.
Enhancing oil recovery through nanofluids flooding with Irvingia gabonensis in the Niger Delta
Authors: Onyemachi J. C. , Onwukwe S. I. , Duru Ugochukwu Ilozurike , Chikwe A. O. , Uwaezuoke N.
Published: July 2020

Application of nanofluids flooding in the oil and gas industry is recently emerging as enhanced oil recovery methods. Nanoparticles have the ability to alter the rock formation in order to recover oil trapped in the pores of the rock to improve oil recovery. In this study, core plug samples were formulated in the laboratory to investigate the effect of nanoparticles on oil recovery. The formulated core samples were saturated in low salinity brine. However, low salinity brine was used because it has the ability to alter rock wettability. After core flooding with brine for secondary recovery process, extracted oil from Irvingia gabonensis was introduced into the formation to investigate the effect of Irvingia gabonensis on oil recovery. The result of the study showed that magnesium oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide and zinc oxide had oil recovery of 38.1%, 45.6%, 47.7% and 35.1%, respectively. However, when the nanofluids with Irvingia gabonensis were injected into the formation as a displacing agent, the oil recovery greatly improved to 50.3%, 52.0%, 53.2% and 52.4% for (MgO, SiO2, Al2O3 and ZnO). The result of the study showed that nanofluid flooding is a promising potential to improve oil recovery in the Niger Delta.
The art of the flute in ancient Libya
Authors: Tourtounis Paraskevas-Marios
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the question of the art of the flute in ancient Libya. First, reference is made to the way in which the Greek rulers of ancient Libya tried to impose the idea of the Greek origin of the art of flute on the Libyans. This is followed by an analysis of the indications of the continuous existence of the art of flute in ancient Libya. Finally, it is interesting to note that ancient Libya has such a long tradition in the art of flute, opening up the possible Libyan origin of the instrument.
Cruciferous vegetable intake is inversely associated with extensive abdominal aortic calcification in elderly women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Sim Marc , Radavelli-Bagatini Simone , Bondonno Nicola P. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Devine Amanda , Schousboe John T. , Lim Wai H. , Kiel Douglas P. , Woodman Richard J. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Prince Richard L. , Lewis Joshua R.
Published: July 2020

We have previously shown that higher intake of cruciferous vegetables is inversely associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness. To further test the hypothesis that an increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables is associated with reduced indicators of structural vascular disease in other areas of the vascular tree, we aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association between cruciferous vegetable intake and extensive calcification in the abdominal aorta. Dietary intake was assessed, using a FFQ, in 684 older women from the Calcium Intake Fracture Outcome Study. Cruciferous vegetables included cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) was scored using the Kauppila AAC24 scale on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry lateral spine images and was categorised as ‘not extensive’ (0–5) or ‘extensive’ (≥6). Mean age was 74·9 (sd 2·6) years, median cruciferous vegetable intake was 28·2 (interquartile range 15·0–44·7) g/d and 128/684 (18·7 %) women had extensive AAC scores. Those with higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables (>44·6 g/d) were associated with a 46 % lower odds of having extensive AAC in comparison with those with lower intakes (<15·0 g/d) after adjustment for lifestyle, dietary and CVD risk factors (ORQ4 v. Q1 0·54, 95 % CI 0·30, 0·97, P = 0·036). Total vegetable intake and each of the other vegetable types were not related to extensive AAC (P > 0·05 for all). This study strengthens the hypothesis that higher intake of cruciferous vegetables may protect against vascular calcification.
UNEXPECTED AVERAGE VALUES OF GENERALIZED VON MANGOLDT FUNCTIONS IN RESIDUE CLASSES
Authors: ROBLES NICOLAS , ROY ARINDAM
Published: July 2020

In order to study integers with few prime factors, the average of

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}_{k}=\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\ast \log ^{k}$

has been a central object of research. One of the more important cases,

$k=2$

, was considered by Selberg [‘An elementary proof of the prime-number theorem’, Ann. of Math. (2)50 (1949), 305–313]. For

$k\geq 2$

, it was studied by Bombieri [‘The asymptotic sieve’, Rend. Accad. Naz. XL (5)1(2) (1975/76), 243–269; (1977)] and later by Friedlander and Iwaniec [‘On Bombieri’s asymptotic sieve’, Ann. Sc. Norm. Super. Pisa Cl. Sci. (4)5(4) (1978), 719–756], as an application of the asymptotic sieve.

Let

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}_{j,k}:=\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{j}\ast \log ^{k}$

, where

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}_{j}$

denotes the Liouville function for

$(j+1)$

-free integers, and

$0$

otherwise. In this paper we evaluate the average value of

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}_{j,k}$

in a residue class

$n\equiv a\text{ mod }q$

,

$(a,q)=1$

, uniformly on

$q$

. When

$j\geq 2$

, we find that the average value in a residue class differs by a constant factor from the expected value. Moreover, an explicit formula of Weil type for

$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}_{k}(n)$

involving the zeros of the Riemann zeta function is derived for an arbitrary compactly supported

${\mathcal{C}}^{2}$

function.
The Public, the Private and the Changing Expectations for Everyday Welfare Services: The Case of Finnish Parents Seeking Private Health Care for their Children
Authors: Sointu Liina , Lehtonen Turo-Kimmo , Häikiö Liisa
Published: July 2020

This article sheds light on a policy area where the notion of the active citizen has gained prominence as part of the transformation of the welfare state: purchasing private health services and private health insurance for children in Finland. Although the country’s universal health care system offers free primary health care for children, 40 per cent of children now have private insurance. Drawing on interviews with parents who seek private solutions, we examine what they perceive to be good health care. Our analysis reveals that parents are looking for certain practices – in Finland available only in the private sector – that they see as signs of good care. The unavailability of these practices in public health care calls into question the access, quality and efficiency of the public system. Based on these findings, we discuss the possible consequences of the disparity between parents’ expectations and the universal health care system.
Observations of an Extreme Atmospheric River Storm With a Diverse Sensor Network
Authors: Hatchett B. J. , Cao Q. , Dawson P. B. , Ellis C. J. , Hecht C. W. , Kawzenuk B. , Lancaster J. T. , Osborne T. C. , Wilson A. M. , Anderson M. L. , Dettinger M. D. , Kalansky J. F. , Kaplan M. L. , Lettenmaier D. P. , Oakley N. S. , Ralph F. M. , Reynolds D. W. , White A. B. , Sierks M. , Sumargo E.
Published: July 2020

Observational networks enhance real‐time situational awareness for emergency and water resource management during extreme weather events. We present examples of how a diverse, multitiered observational network in California provided insights into hydrometeorological processes and impacts during a 3‐day atmospheric river storm centered on 14 February 2019. This network, which has been developed over the past two decades, aims to improve understanding and mitigation of effects from extreme storms influencing water resources and natural hazards. We combine atmospheric reanalysis output and additional observations to show how the network allows: (1) the validation of record cool season precipitable water observations over southern California; (2) the identification of phenomena that produce natural hazards and present difficulties for short‐term weather forecast models, such as extreme precipitation amounts and snow level variability; (3) the use of soil moisture data to improve hydrologic model forecast skill in northern California's Russian River basin; and (4) the combination of meteorological data with seismic observations to identify when a large avalanche occurred on Mount Shasta. This case study highlights the value of investments in diverse observational assets and the importance of continued support and synthesis of these networks to characterize climatological context and advance understanding of processes modulating extreme weather.