bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antixenosis in Glycine max (L.) Merr against Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)
Authors: Stec Katarzyna , Kordan Bożena , Sergiel Iwona , Biesaga Magdalena , Mroczek Joanna , Bocianowski Jan , Gabryś Beata
Published: July 2021

To reveal the antixenosis potential against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) we analyzed the pea aphid survival and probing behavior, and the quantitative and qualitative variation of flavonoids in the leaves of selected soybean Glycine max (L.) Merr (Fabaceae) cultivars ‘Aldana’, ‘Annushka’, ‘Augusta’, ‘Madlen’, ‘Mavka’, ‘Simona’, ‘Violetta’, and ‘Viorica’. Aphid survival was drastically impeded on all cultivars. The electronic monitoring of aphid probing using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique revealed that on all soybean cultivars, A. pisum readily probed into leaf tissues but the probes were usually terminated before reaching vascular tissues, which demonstrates the activity of antixenosis mechanisms in peripheral tissues epidermis and/or mesophyll in soybean leaves. The potency of antixenosis factors differed among soybean cultivars, which was reflected in differences in aphid survival and frequency and duration of phloem sap ingestion. Seven flavonoids were found: apigenin, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and rutin, which occurred in different amount and proportion in individual cultivars. The content of apigenin and genistein in all soybean cultivars studied probably made them relatively unacceptable to A. pisum. Kaempferol in ‘Aldana’ might be responsible for the observed strong antixenosis resistance of this cultivar to A. pisum. The results of our survey provide the first detailed data that can be used for future studies.
Physicochemical characterisation of kafirins extracted from sorghum grain and dried distillers grain with solubles related to their biomaterial functionality
Authors: Shah Umar , Dwivedi Deepak , Hackett Mark , Al-Salami Hani , Utikar Ranjeet P. , Blanchard Chris , Gani Adil , Rowles Matthew R. , Johnson Stuart K.
Published: July 2021

Kafirin, the hydrophobic prolamin storage protein in sorghum grain is enriched when the grain is used for bioethanol production to give dried distillers grain with solubles (DGGS) as a by-product. There is great interest in DDGS kafirin as a new source for biomaterials. There is however a lack of fundamental understanding of how the physicochemical properties of DDGS kafirin having been exposed to the high temperature conditions during ethanol production, compare to kafirin made directly from the grain. An understanding of these properties is required to catalyse the utilisation of DDGS kafirin for biomaterial applications. The aim of this study was to extract kafirin directly from sorghum grain and from DDGS derived from the same grain and, then perform a comparative investigation of the physicochemical properties of these kafirins in terms of: polypeptide profile by sodium-dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; secondary structure by Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, self-assembly behaviour by small-angle x-ray scattering, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and surface chemical properties by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. DDGS kafirin was found to have very similar polypeptide profile as grain kafirin but contained altered secondary structure with increased levels of β-sheets. The structure morphology showed surface fractals and surface elemental composition suggesting enhanced reactivity with possibility to endow interfacial wettability. These properties of DDGS kafirin may provide it with unique functionality and thus open up opportunities for it to be used as a novel food grade biomaterial.
Environment-induced overheating phenomena in Au-nanowire based Josephson junctions
Authors: Skryabina O. V. , Bakurskiy S. V. , Shishkin A. G. , Klimenko A. A. , Napolskii K. S. , Klenov N. V. , Soloviev I. I. , Ryazanov V. V. , Golubov A. A. , Roditchev D. , Kupriyanov M. Yu. , Stolyarov V. S.
Published: July 2021

Unlike conventional planar Josephson junctions, nanowire-based devices have a bridge geometry with a peculiar coupling to environment that can favor non-equilibrium electronic phenomena. Here we measure the influence of the electron bath overheating on critical current of several bridge-like junctions built on a single Au-nanowire. Using the Usadel theory and applying the two-fluid description for the normal and superconducting components of the flowing currents, we reveal and explain the mutual influence of the neighbouring junctions on their characteristics through various processes of the electron gas overheating. Our results provide additional ways to control nanowire-based superconducting devices.
A systematic comparison of community detection algorithms for measuring selective exposure in co-exposure networks
Authors: Mukerjee Subhayan
Published: July 2021

The use of community detection techniques for understanding audience fragmentation and selective exposure to information has received substantial scholarly attention in recent years. However, there exists no systematic comparison, that seeks to identify which of the many community detection algorithms are the best suited for studying these dynamics. In this paper, I address this question by proposing a formal mathematical model for audience co-exposure networks by simulating audience behavior in an artificial media environment. I show how a variety of synthetic audience overlap networks can be generated by tuning specific parameters, that control various aspects of the media environment and individual behavior. I then use a variety of community detection algorithms to characterize the level of audience fragmentation in these synthetic networks and compare their performances for different combinations of the model parameters. I demonstrate how changing the manner in which co-exposure networks are constructed significantly improves the performances of some of these algorithms. Finally, I validate these findings using a novel empirical data-set of large-scale browsing behavior. The contributions of this research are two-fold: first, it shows that two specific algorithms, FastGreedy and Multilevel are the best suited for measuring selective exposure patterns in co-exposure networks. Second, it demonstrates the use of formal modeling for informing analytical choices for better capturing complex social phenomena.
Mitral valve replacement in infants and younger children
Authors: Elmahrouk Ahmed F. , Mashali Mohamed H. , Ismail Mohamed F. , Arafat Amr A. , Alamri Rawan M. , Baho Haysam A. , Shihata Mohammad S. , Jamjoom Ahmed A.
Published: July 2021

Data on mitral valve replacement (MVR) in young children is still limited. Our objective was to evaluate MVR in children below 5 years and identify factors affecting the outcomes. This retrospective study included 29 patients who had MVR from 2002 to 2020. We grouped the patients into two groups according to their age: age ≤ 24 months (n = 18) and > 24 months (n = 11). Primary cardiac diagnoses were Shone complex (n = 7; 24%), isolated congenital mitral valve abnormality (n = 11; 38%), and complete atrioventricular septal defect (n = 3; 10%). The median age was 19 month (25th–75th percentile: 11–32) and 59% were females (n = 17). The hemodynamic lesions were mitral regurgitation in 66%, mitral stenosis in 10%, and combined mitral stenosis and regurgitation in 24% of the patients. St. Jude mitral valve was the most common valve implanted (n = 19, 66%), followed by CarboMedics in 21% of the patients (n = 6). The mitral valve was implanted in the supra-annular position in 6 cases (21%). Preoperative and operative data were comparable between both groups. There was no association between valve size and position with postoperative heart block (P > 0.99, for both). The median follow-up duration was 19.4 months (8.6–102.5). Nine patients had mitral valve reoperation, six had MVR, and three had clot removal from the mitral valve. There was no effect for age group on reoperation (SHR 0.89 (95% CI 0.27–2.87), P = 0.84). Valve size significantly affected reoperation (SHR 0.39 (95% CI 0.18–0.87), P = 0.02). The supra-annular position was associated with an increased risk of reoperation (SHR 3.1 (95% CI 1.003–9.4), P = 0.049). There was no difference in survival according to the age (Log-rank P = 0.57) or valve size (Log-rank P = 0.66). Mitral valve replacement in children is associated with low morbidity and mortality. The risk of reoperation could be affected by the valve size and position rather than the age.
Radiomics of diffusion-weighted MRI compared to conventional measurement of apparent diffusion-coefficient for differentiation between benign and malignant soft tissue tumors
Authors: Lee Seung Eun , Jung Joon-Yong , Nam Yoonho , Lee So-Yeon , Park Hyerim , Shin Seung-Han , Chung Yang-Guk , Jung Chan-Kwon
Published: July 2021

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is proven useful to differentiate benign and malignant soft tissue tumors (STTs). Radiomics utilizing a vast array of extracted imaging features has a potential to uncover disease characteristics. We aim to assess radiomics using DWI can outperform the conventional DWI for STT differentiation. In 151 patients with 80 benign and 71 malignant tumors, ADCmean and ADCmin were measured on solid portion within the mass by two different readers. For radiomics approach, tumors were segmented and 100 original radiomic features were extracted on ADC map. Eight radiomics models were built with training set (n = 105), using combinations of 2 different algorithms—multivariate logistic regression (MLR) and random forest (RF)—and 4 different inputs: radiomics features (R), R + ADCmin (I), R + ADCmean (E), R + ADCmin and ADCmean (A). All models were validated with test set (n = 46), and AUCs of ADCmean, ADCmin, MLR-R, RF-R, MLR-I, RF-I, MLR-E, RF-E, MLR-A and RF-A models were 0.729, 0.753 0.698, 0.700, 0.773, 0.807, 0.762, 0.744, 0.773 and 0.807, respectively, without statistically significant difference. In conclusion, radiomics approach did not add diagnostic value to conventional ADC measurement for differentiating benign and malignant STTs.
Associations of hair cortisol concentrations with paediatric appendicitis
Authors: Gudjonsdottir Johanna , Runnäs Michaela , Hagander Lars , Theodorsson Elvar , Salö Martin
Published: July 2021

The pathogenesis of paediatric appendicitis is still an enigma. In recent years, it has become more evident that our inherent immunological responses affect the trajectory of the disease course. Long-term stress has an impact on our immune system; however, it is practically and ethically challenging to prospectively track blood measurements of cortisol-levels in asymptomatic children should an acute appendicitis episode develop. The aim of this case–control study was therefore to evaluate the effect of increased stress measured as historical imprints in hair (hair cortisol concentrations [HCC]), on the risk of developing appendicitis and complicated appendicitis. 51 children (aged < 15 years) with appendicitis (34 with complicated appendicitis), were compared to 86 healthy controls. HCC reflecting the activity of the HPA-axis 0–3 and 4–6 months prior to sampling was evaluated and compared between groups as well as between the two measurements of each study subject. In the univariate analysis with both cases and controls, an increase in HCC between the measurement timepoints was associated with a substantial increase in risk of appendicitis (OR 7.52 [95% CI 2.49–22.67], p = 0.001). This increased risk remained in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for age, sex and season (aOR OR 10.76 [95%CI 2.50–46.28], p  = 0.001). When comparing the cases of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis through a multivariate analysis, adjusted for age and sex, the children with an increased HCC prior to appendicitis had a substantial and statistically significant increase in risk of complicated appendicitis (aOR 7.86 [95% CI 1.20–51.63], p = 0.03). Biological stress, measured as an increase in HCC, seems to be associated with an increased risk of paediatric appendicitis and a more complicated disease course.
Structures of the ApoL1 and ApoL2 N-terminal domains reveal a non-classical four-helix bundle motif
Authors: Ultsch Mark , Holliday Michael J. , Gerhardy Stefan , Moran Paul , Scales Suzie J. , Gupta Nidhi , Oltrabella Francesca , Chiu Cecilia , Fairbrother Wayne , Eigenbrot Charles , Kirchhofer Daniel
Published: July 2021

Apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL1) is a circulating innate immunity protein protecting against trypanosome infection. However, two ApoL1 coding variants are associated with a highly increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Here we present X-ray and NMR structures of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of ApoL1 and of its closest relative ApoL2. In both proteins, four of the five NTD helices form a four-helix core structure which is different from the classical four-helix bundle and from the pore-forming domain of colicin A. The reactivity with a conformation-specific antibody and structural models predict that this four-helix motif is also present in the NTDs of ApoL3 and ApoL4, suggesting related functions within the small ApoL family. The long helix 5 of ApoL1 is conformationally flexible and contains the BH3-like region. This BH3-like α-helix resembles true BH3 domains only in sequence and structure but not in function, since it does not bind to the pro-survival members of the Bcl-2 family, suggesting a Bcl-2-independent role in cytotoxicity. These findings should expedite a more comprehensive structural and functional understanding of the ApoL immune protein family.
Unveiling quasiparticle dynamics of topological insulators through Bayesian modelling
Authors: Tokuda Satoru , Souma Seigo , Segawa Kouji , Takahashi Takashi , Ando Yoichi , Nakanishi Takeshi , Sato Takafumi
Published: July 2021

Quasiparticle - a key concept to describe interacting particles - characterizes electron-electron interaction in metals (Fermi liquid) and electron pairing in superconductors. While this concept essentially relies on the simplification of hard-to-solve many-body problem into one-particle picture and residual effects, a difficulty in disentangling many-body effects from experimental quasiparticle signature sometimes hinders unveiling intrinsic low-energy dynamics, as highlighted by the fierce controversy on the origin of Dirac-band anomaly in graphene and dispersion kink in high-temperature superconductors. Here, we propose an approach to solve this fundamental problem - the Bayesian modelling of quasiparticles. We have chosen a topological insulator TlBi(S,Se)2 as a model system to formulate an inverse problem of quasiparticle spectra with semiparametric Bayesian analysis, and successfully extracted one-particle and many-body characteristics, i.e. the intrinsic energy gap and unusual lifetime in Dirac-quasiparticle bands. Our approach is widely applicable to clarify the quasiparticle dynamics of quantum materials.
Recent developments of metal-based compounds against fungal pathogens
Authors: Lin Yan , Betts Harley , Keller Sarah , Cariou Kevin , Gasser Gilles
Published: July 2021

This review provides insight into the rapidly expanding field of metal-based antifungal agents.
Nanomedicines and microneedles: a guide to their analysis and application
Authors: Sully Rachel E. , Moore Colin J. , Garelick Hemda , Loizidou Eriketi , Podoleanu Adrian G. , Gubala Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The fast-advancing progress in the research of nanomedicine and microneedle applications in the past two decades has suggested that the combination of the two concepts could help to overcome some of the challenges we are facing in healthcare.
The template synthesis of ultrathin metallic Ir nanosheets as a robust electrocatalyst for acidic water splitting
Authors: Xie Yuhua , Long Xue , Li Xianwei , Chang Chaofeng , Qu Konggang , Yang Zehui
Published: July 2021

Ultrathin metallic iridium nanosheets (∼4 nm) were synthesized using MIL-88A as the sacrificing template at room temperature.
Efficient Sr-90 removal from highly alkaline solution by an ultrastable crystalline zirconium phosphonate
Authors: Zhang Jiarong , Chen Long , Dai Xing , Chen Lixi , Zhai Fuwan , Yu Weifeng , Guo Shikai , Yang Lijiang , Chen Lanhua , Zhang Yugang , He Linwei , Chen Changlun , Chai Zhifang , Wang Shuao
Published: July 2021

An ultrastable zirconium phosphonate framework (SZ-7) exhibits superior Sr2+ ion-exchange properties in 1 M NaOH solution with high adsorption capacity (183 mg g−1) and in-depth removal performance (Kd = 3.9 × 105 mL g−1).
“Ballistic” waves among chemically oscillating micromotors
Authors: Wang Qizhang , Zhou Chao , Huang Luyang , Wang Wei
Published: July 2021

Motion waves propagating in one direction emerge from a population of chemically oscillating micromotors. Active motors on the wavefront move in random directions leading to a “ballistic” type wave.
Visible-light induced photo-click and release strategy between monoarylsydnone and phenoxylfumarate
Authors: Liu Hui , Zheng Tingting , Zheng Yuanqin , Li Baolin , Xie Xinyu , Shen Xin , Zhao Xiaohu , Yu Zhipeng
Published: July 2021

A visible-light induced photo-click and release approach between monoarylsydnone and phenoxylfumarate was established to realize a precise dual fluorescence turn-on under light control.
High loading of Mn(ii)-metalated porphyrin in a MOF for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in gas–solid conditions
Authors: Qin Jian-Hua , Xu Peng , Huang Ya-Dan , Xiao Lu-Yao , Lu Weiwei , Yang Xiao-Gang , Ma Lu-Fang , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: July 2021

A high loading of Mn(ii)-metalated porphyrin in a MOF for photocatalytic CO2 reduction in gas–solid conditions is described.
Mechanistic studies of reactive oxygen species mediated electrochemical radical reactions of alkyl iodides
Authors: Ma Tsz-Kan , Li Diyuan , Wilden Jonathan D.
Published: July 2021

Both hydroxyl radicals and ozone are implicated in the electrochemical activation of alkyl iodides in the generation of C-centred radicals.
Strain-release C–C bond cleavage enables the [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of tertiary allylamines
Authors: Dai Rui-Han , Han Lu , Wang Qi , Tian Shi-Kai
Published: July 2021

An unprecedented bicyclo[1.1.0]butane-mediated [2,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement reaction of tertiary allylamines has been established, delivering structurally diverse N-cyclobutyl homoallylamines.
Fibril-induced neurodegenerative disorders in an Aβ-mutant Drosophila model: therapeutic targeting using ammonium molybdate
Authors: Manna Sudipa , Karmakar Puja , Kisan Bikash , Mishra Monalisa , Barooah Nilotpal , Bhasikuttan Achikanath C. , Mohanty Jyotirmayee
Published: July 2021

The ability of polyanionic molybdate to inhibit and degrade protein fibrils bothin vitro(insulin protein) andin vivo(Drosophila fly model) has been demonstrated.
Hydrogen bond synthons affect the coordination geometry of d10-metal halide complexes: synthetic methods, theoretical studies, and supramolecular architectures
Authors: Nezhadali Baghan Zahra , Salimi Alireza , Eshtiagh-Hosseini Hossein , Oliver Allen G.
Published: July 2021

The tendency of the pyrazine nitrogen atom to form hydrogen bond supramolecular synthons affects the coordination geometry of new d10-metal halide complexes which have been prepared by solution-based methods in comparison with solid-state reactions.
High-temperature crystallinity restoring layers and their optimal positions for ultra-thick InGaN/GaN multiple-quantum-well structures
Authors: Yu Guo , Chen Huanqing , Lang Rui , Lei Menglai , Zong Hua , Li Shukun , Khan Muhammad Saddique Akbar , Hu Xiaodong
Published: July 2021

MQW structure with ultra-thick low-temperature barriers that has smooth surface is achieved with the help of crystallinity restoring layers.
Deformation mechanism of a metal–organic framework glass under indentation
Authors: Qiao Ang , To Theany , Stepniewska Malwina , Tao Haizheng , Calvez Laurent , Zhang Xianghua , Smedskjaer Morten M. , Yue Yuanzheng
Published: July 2021

The indentation deformation of a metal–organic framework (MOF) glass is found to mainly arise from the elastic deformation and densification, but does not involve shear flow. The structural origin of this behavior is discussed.
Co-crystal AX·(H3C3N3O3) (A = Na, Rb, Cs; X = Br, I): a series of strongly anisotropic alkali halide cyanurates with a planar structural motif and large birefringence
Authors: Wang Jinhui , Zhang Xinyuan , Liang Fei , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: July 2021

Four co-crystal cyanurates were synthesized as promising ultraviolet birefringent crystals with large birefringence values.
Early transition metal nano-carbides and nano-hydrides from solid-state metathesis initiated at room temperature
Authors: André Rémi F. , D'Accriscio Florian , Freitas Alexy P. , Crochet Guillaume , Bouillet Corinne , Bahri Mounib , Ersen Ovidiu , Sanchez Clément , Carenco Sophie
Published: July 2021

Carbon supported nanoparticles of early transition metal (Zr, Nb, Mo, Ta, W) carbides and hydrides were synthesized from metal chlorides and potassium graphite without the need for extensive external heating.
Scaffold-free generation of heterotypic cell spheroids using acoustofluidics
Authors: Wu Zhuhao , Chen Bin , Wu Yue , Xia Yu , Chen Hui , Gong Zhiyi , Hu Hang , Ding Zhao , Guo Shishang
Published: July 2021

A scaffold-free and versatile acoustofluidic device to fabricate heterotypic cell spheroids with complexity over cell architecture and components.
Osmapentalyne and osmapentalene complexes containing boron monofluoride ligands: structure, bonding and adaptive aromaticity
Authors: Xu Fangzhou , Chen Dandan , Zeng Jie , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2021

Adaptive aromaticity, being aromatic in both the lowest singlet and triplet states, is found in a BF-containing osmapentalene complex.
Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2to formate over a hybrid system of CuInS2photocathode and formate dehydrogenase under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Toyodome Takumi , Amao Yutaka , Higashi Masanobu
Published: July 2021

A hybrid system with a CdS-modified CuInS2photocathode and biocatalytic FDH was prepared for photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2to formate.
Double activating peroxymonosulfate with g-C3N4/Fe2(MoO4)3 to enhance photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation
Authors: Li Di , Zhao Qianqian , Ren Qiaoxia , Song Ziyue , Zhang Qiuli , Long Mingyang , Li Hongmiao
Published: July 2021

The peroxymonosulfate was double activated by photogenerated e−/h+ and Fe(iii).
Cluster defects in gibbsite nanoplates grown at acidic to neutral pH
Authors: Mergelsberg Sebastian T. , Dembowski Mateusz , Bowden Mark E. , Graham Trent R. , Prange Micah , Wang Hsiu-Wen , Zhang Xin , Qafoku Odeta , Rosso Kevin M. , Pearce Carolyn I.
Published: July 2021

Results from this study demonstrate gibbsite [α-Al(OH)3] nanoplates, grown at low to neutral pH, contain cluster-sized defects that persist during initial dissolution and subsequent growth of the particles in 3 M NaOH at 80 °C.
Tailoring morphologies of mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles to deliver high-loading radioiodine for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma imaging and therapy
Authors: Huang Shuo , Wu Yan , Li Chao , Xu Li , Huang Jie , Huang Yu , Cheng Weiwei , Xue Bai , Zhang Linlin , Liang Sheng , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan , Xiong Shuqiang , Su Yue , Wang Hui
Published: July 2021

Mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles with various morphologies can be easily synthesized and controlled. In mice with subcutaneous ATC, intravenous injection of 131I-CPDA can achieve the robust antitumor effects.
Removal of copper ions by functionalized biochar based on a multicomponent Ugi reaction
Authors: Liu Qi , Zang Guo-Long , Zhao Quan
Published: July 2021

Polyethyleneimine-modified chitosan and carboxylated biochar were economically compounded by a multicomponent Ugi reaction to produce products rich in amide functional groups.
Ternary hybrid CuO-PMA-Ag sub-1 nm nanosheet heterostructures
Authors: Liu Junli , Wang Mingxin , Dipalo Maria C. , Zhuang Jing , Shi Wenxiong , Wang Xun
Published: July 2021

Ag nanoparticles selectively distributed at the edge of CuO-PMA sub-1 nm nanosheets to form ternary hybrid CuO-PMA-Ag sub-1 nm nanosheet heterostructures, which as the catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity in alkene epoxidation.
Conformational interplay in hybrid peptide–helical aromatic foldamer macrocycles
Authors: Dengler Sebastian , Mandal Pradeep K. , Allmendinger Lars , Douat Céline , Huc Ivan
Published: July 2021

When peptides and helical aromatic foldamers are combined in a macrocycle, an interplay of their properties is observed, including helix handedness bias, helix stabilisation, peptide stretching and peptide resistance to proteolytic degradation.
Fluorescence-based sensors as an emerging tool for anion detection: mechanism, sensory materials and applications
Authors: Goshisht Manoj Kumar , Tripathi Neetu
Published: July 2021

Negatively charged ions are integral parts of our ecosystem. Fluorescence-based approaches show great promise in terms of developing efficient sensing platforms for anion detection.
Quantification of mechanofluorochromism at the macroscale via colorimetric analysis of controlled mechanical stimulation
Authors: Poggi Benjamin , Bodelot Laurence , Louis Marine , Métivier Rémi , Allain Clémence
Published: July 2021

Novel setup and analysis method have been designed to quantify the response of mechanofluorochromic compounds to compression or shearing stresses.
Why do more massive stars host larger planets?
Authors: Lozovsky M. , Helled R. , Pascucci I. , Dorn C. , Venturini J. , Feldmann R.
Published: July 2021

Aims. It has been suggested that planetary radii increase with stellar mass for planet sizes smaller than 6 R⊕ and host masses lower than 1 M⊙. In this study, we explore whether this inferred relation of planetary size and host star mass can be explained by a higher planetary mass of planets orbiting higher-mass stars, inflation of the planetary radius due to the difference in stellar irradiation, or different planetary compositions and structures.

Methods. Using exoplanetary data of planets with measured masses and radii, we investigated the relations between stellar mass and various planetary properties for G and K stars. We confirm that more massive stars host larger and more massive planets.

Results. We find that the differences in the planetary masses and temperatures are insufficient to explain the measured differences in radii for planets surrounding different stellar types. We show that the larger planetary radii can be explained by a larger fraction of volatile material (H-He atmospheres) in planets surrounding more massive stars.

Conclusions. We conclude that planets around more massive stars are most probably larger as a result of larger H-He atmospheres. Our findings imply that planets forming around more massive stars tend to accrete H-He atmospheres more efficiently.
Detectability of large-scale counter-rotating stellar disks in galaxies with integral-field spectroscopy
Authors: Rubino M. , Pizzella A. , Morelli L. , Coccato L. , Portaluri E. , Debattista V. P. , Corsini E. M. , Dalla Bontà E.
Published: July 2021

Context. In recent years integral-field spectroscopic surveys have revealed that the presence of kinematically decoupled stellar components is not a rare phenomenon in nearby galaxies. However, complete statistics are still lacking because they depend on the detection limit of these objects.

Aims. We investigate the kinematic signatures of two large-scale counter-rotating stellar disks in mock integral-field spectroscopic data to address their detection limits as a function of the galaxy properties and instrumental setup.

Methods. We built a set of mock data of two large-scale counter-rotating stellar disks as if they were observed with the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE). We accounted for different photometric, kinematic, and stellar population properties of the two counter-rotating components as a function of galaxy inclination. We extracted the stellar kinematics in the wavelength region of the calcium triplet absorption lines by adopting a Gauss-Hermite (GH) parameterization of the line-of-sight velocity distribution (LOSVD).

Results. We confirm that the strongest signature of the presence of two counter-rotating stellar disks is the symmetric double peak in the velocity dispersion map, already known as the 2σ feature. The size, shape, and slope of the 2σ peak strongly depend on the velocity separation and relative light contribution of the two counter-rotating stellar disks. When the 2σ peak is difficult to detect due to the low signal-to-noise ratio of the data, the large-scale structure in the h3 map can be used as a diagnostic for strong and weak counter-rotation. The counter-rotating kinematic signatures become fainter at lower viewing angles as an effect of the smaller projected velocity separation between the two counter-rotating components. We confirm that the observed frequency of 2σ galaxies represents only a lower limit of the stellar counter-rotation phenomenon.

Conclusions. The parameterization with a single GH function does not provide a good description of the LOSVD in the presence of strong counter-rotation. However, using GH parametric solutions is a practical way to reveal the large-scale counter-rotating stellar disks and could be used to detect faint counter-rotating components to improve the statistics of stellar counter-rotation.
Pulsational instability of pre-main-sequence models from accreting protostars
Authors: Steindl T. , Zwintz K. , Barnes T. G. , Müllner M. , Vorobyov E. I.
Published: July 2021

Context. The picture of pre-main-sequence evolution is often simplified by the application of classical initial models. Such models have large initial radii and sufficient uniform contraction to make them fully convective, however, real stars are born as small protostellar seeds in collapsing molecular clouds and obtain their final mass by means of accretion.

Aims. We aim to constrain the input physics of accretion on protostellar seeds with the observed spectroscopic parameters and stellar pulsations of young stellar objects and pre-main-sequence stars.

Methods. We conducted a literature search for spectroscopic samples of young stellar objects and pre-main-sequence stars, including all previously known pulsators. The sample size of pulsating pre-main-sequence stars was increased by analysing TESS observations and presenting additional discoveries in the CoRoT data. We employed Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics and GYRE to calculate evolutionary tracks of accreting protostellar seeds in a constant accretion scenario, the subsequent pre-main-sequence evolution, and their pulsation properties. We then compared the results with the observations to constrain the input physics.

Results. We discuss 16 formerly unknown pulsating pre-main-sequence stars and candidates that are of any of the following type: slowly pulsating B-stars, δ Scuti, γ Doradus, or a δ Scuti - γ Doradus hybrid type. We find that evolutionary tracks with a mass accretion rate of 5 × 10−6 M⊙ yr−1 and a fraction of injected accretion energy of β = 0.1 provide the best results for enveloping the spectroscopic parameters of pre-main-sequence stars in the constant accretion scenario. The calculated instability regions constrain the atmospheric boundary conditions to Eddington Gray atmospheres. Here, we discuss the future potential for additional constraints by instability regions that are dependent on radial order. Finally, we present a possible candidate star for pulsations in M-type young stellar objects.

Conclusions. We show that evolutionary calculations of accreting protostellar seeds match the observed spectroscopic parameters of pre-main-sequence stars. Future observations that will allow for the identification of radial orders in particular will present opportunities for additional constraints.
Special relativistic hydrodynamics with CRONOS
Authors: Huber D. , Kissmann R.
Published: July 2021

We describe the special relativistic extension of the CRONOScode, which has been used for studies of gamma-ray binaries in recent years. The code was designed to be easily adaptable, allowing the user to easily change existing functionalities or introduce new modules tailored to the problem at hand. Numerically, the equations are treated using a finite-volume Godunov scheme on rectangular grids, which currently support Cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates. The employed reconstruction technique, the approximate Riemann solver, and the equation of state can be chosen dynamically by the user. Further, the code was designed with stability and robustness in mind, detecting and mitigating possible failures early on. We demonstrate the code’s capabilities on an extensive set of validation problems.
Infrastructure development in Africa’s regions: investment trends and challenges
Authors: Ibragimova Alina , Wang Yan , Ivanov Michail
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this work is to provide information on the development of the infrastructure of the African economy. The study provides statistics on African regions and industries. This article focuses on the forms of economic and social infrastructure, and directs to determine the share development infrastructural in Africa. The Africa has entered an era of devastating change this study shows that with the unfolding economic downturn in the northern economies that have traditionally dominated the global economy. The article provides empirical evidence on how the industrial sectors developed from an economic point of view. The authors believe that infrastructure affects output and productivity directly as a contribution to the production function of other sectors and as part of GDP formation. The article discusses the development of infrastructure for the period 1999-2019 without more detailed dynamics. It also does not explain the main topics developed by the authors. The work provides knowledge on how investments are developing in Africa, how industries have developed, and what is the role of each infrastructure sector in this development. It also shows how different areas of infrastructure work with different successes in creating new paths in the African economy.
Exploration on the university curriculum ideological and political innovation system according to the principles of sustainable development
Authors: Yu Xiaoling
Published: July 2021

Quality education is one of the pillars of UN sustainable development. The proposition was pointed out by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the National Conference on the University Ideological and Political Work that “Universities and colleges should be based on the moral and talent cultivation”. It was required to take the idea of “Moral and Talent Cultivation” as the university guiding idea and coordinate the development of all kinds of university work, starting from the university ideological and political work. Therefore, under the guidance of the idea of “Moral and Talent Cultivation”, this paper is aimed to construct a collaborative innovation system of the university ideological and political education with the whole curriculum, the whole process and the whole-staff cooperation so as to realize the comprehensive education.
Effects of Age on Match-related Acceleration and Deceleration Efforts in Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Lorenzo-Martínez Miguel , Corredoira Francisco J. , Lago-Peñas Carlos , Campo Roberto López-Del , Nevado-Garrosa Fabio , Rey Ezequiel
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of chronological age on acceleration and deceleration match performance in professional soccer players. A total of 5317 individual match observations were collected on 420 professional players competing in the Spanish LaLiga during the 2018–2019 season, using a multiple-camera computerised tracking system (TRACAB; ChyronHego, Melville, NY, USA). Players were classified using a k-means cluster analysis into four different age groups: 17–23 years, 24–27 years, 28–30 years, and 31–38 years. Linear mixed models were adjusted to compare the players’ match performance according to their age group and playing position (central defenders, external defenders, central midfielders, external midfielders, and forwards). The results showed that players aged between 31–38 years performed a significantly less total number of accelerations (ES=0.30–0.48) and decelerations (ES=0.29–0.49) in comparison with younger players. These age-related physical performance declines were more pronounced among central defenders, central midfielders, and forwards. However, no significant effects were obtained for players’ maximum acceleration and deceleration capacities. The current findings provide useful information for coaches and strength and conditioning specialists to better understand the effects of age on players’ physical performance and to develop age-tailored training programs.
A Domino Approach for the Synthesis of 4-Carboxamide Oxazolines from Azirines
Authors: Balalaie Saeed , Nikbakht Ali , Mohammadi Fariba , Mousavi Mohammad Sadeq , Amiri Kamran , Rominger Frank , Bijanzadeh Hamid Reza
Published: July 2021

A regio- and diastereoselective ring-expansion reaction of N-acylaziridines is described for the synthesis of 4-carboxamide oxazolines using InCl3. A domino Ugi–Joullié/ring-expansion reaction of arylphenylazirines, isocyanides, and carboxylic acids leads to the target products through the N-acylaziridine intermediates in the presence of the indium catalyst. The oxazolines were synthesized in moderate to excellent yields with high atom economy and high bond-forming efficiency under mild reaction conditions.
Characterizing the Richness of Maternal Input for Word Learning in Neurogenetic Disorders
Authors: Mattie Laura J. , Hadley Pamela A.
Published: July 2021

Promoting language abilities, including early word learning, in children with neurogenetic disorders with associated language disorders, such as Down syndrome (DS) and fragile X syndrome (FXS), is a main concern for caregivers and clinicians. For typically developing children, the quality and quantity of maternal language input and maternal gesture use contributes to child word learning, and a similar relation is likely present in DS and FXS. However, few studies have examined the combined effect of maternal language input and maternal gesture use on child word learning. We present a multidimensional approach for coding word-referent transparency in naturally occurring input to children with neurogenetic disorders. We conceptualize high-quality input from a multidimensional perspective, considering features from linguistic, interactive, and conceptual dimensions simultaneously. Using case examples, we highlight how infrequent the moments of word-referent transparency are for three toddlers with DS during play with their mothers. We discuss the implications of this multidimensional framework for children with DS and FXS, including the clinical application of our approach to promote early word learning for these children.
Management of Children with the Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13 Syndromes: Is there a Shift in the Paradigm of Care?
Authors: Carey John C.
Published: July 2021

Objective The conventional view toward the management of infants with the trisomy 18 and trisomy 13 syndromes has been to recommend pure comfort care and the avoidance of technological interventions. This commentary aims to address the recently raised question about whether there has been a shift in the paradigm of the management of infants with the two conditions.

Study Design The study design includes narrative review of the literature.

Results A body of opinion pieces and evidence has emerged indicating that there has been a recent increase in the administration of interventions, including ventilatory support and surgery, in the management of children with these syndromes.

Conclusion Based on the evidence in the literature, the author concludes that there has been a type of paradigm shift described by philosopher of science, Thomas Kuhn, in the treatment of infants with trisomy 18 and 13. More parents are being offered and choosing technological interventions, including cardiac surgery. Future investigation of the question whether intervention improves outcome, including the quality of life, is crucial in addressing the unanswered questions in this dialogue.

Key Points
Bose systems in linear traps: Exact calculations versus effective space dimensionality
Authors: Shvaika Z. , Sapriianchuk P. , Rovenchak A.
Published: July 2021

Systems of noninteracting bosons trapped by linear potentials V(r) = αr, where r = |r|, are studied in one and three dimensions. For the latter problem, an interpolation formula is suggested for energy levels between n, ℓ ∼ 10 and the WKB limit. Thermodynamic functions are calculated for N = 10, … ,104 particles using discrete energy spectrum. The specific heat and fugacity are compared to the results of the quasiclassical approach, in which the external potential effectively increases the space dimensionality. As expected, the comparison demonstrates that the thermodynamic functions obtained using the discrete spectra rapidly approach the quasiclassical ones in a space with the effectively tripled space dimensionality as N increases.
Investigation of UV, ns-laser damage resistance of hafnia films produced by electron beam evaporation and ion beam sputtering deposition methods
Authors: Peters V. N. , Qiu S. R. , Harthcock C. , Negres R. A. , Guss G. , Voisin T. , Feigenbaum E. , Stolz C. J. , Vipin D. , Huang M.
Published: July 2021

Laser-induced damage in coating materials with a high index of refraction, such as hafnia, limits the performance of high power and high energy laser systems. Understanding the underlying physics responsible for laser damage holds the key for developing damage-resistant optical films. Previous studies have reported a substantial difference in laser damage onset for hafnia films produced by different deposition methods, yet the underlying mechanisms for the observed difference remain elusive. We combined laser damage testing with analytical characterizations and theoretical simulations to investigate the response of hafnia films produced by electron (e-) beam evaporation vs ion beam sputtering (IBS) methods upon UV ns-laser exposure. We found that e-beam produced hafnia films were overall more damage resistant; in addition, we observed a polarization anisotropy associated with the onset of damage in the e-beam films, while this effect was absent in the latter films. The observed differences can be attributed to the stark contrast in the pressure inside the pores inherent in both films. The high pressure inside the IBS-induced nanobubbles has been shown to reduce the threshold for laser-induced plasma breakdown leading to film damage. The polarization effects in the e-beam coatings can be related to the asymmetric electric field intensification induced by the columnar void structure. Our findings provide a fundamental basis for developing strategies to produce laser damage-resistant coatings for UV pulsed laser applications.
Optical activity and circular dichroism of a hybrid system composed of a chiral quantum dot and a dielectric nanoparticle
Authors: Taghilou Maryam , Miri MirFaez
Published: July 2021

We study a hybrid system composed of a chiral quantum dot and a dielectric nanoparticle subjected to an electromagnetic wave. We aim to show that the hybrid system features synergistic properties caused by interactions between its components. We solve the Bloch equation for the density matrix of the chiral quantum dot modeled as a two-level system with transition electric and magnetic dipole moments. We show that the system acts as a bianisotropic meta-atom: The electric polarization (magnetization) can be induced by the incident magnetic (electric) field. The electromagnetic and magnetoelectric polarizability dyadics of the hybrid system are influenced by the nanoparticle size and separation and the intensity and polarization of the incident wave. Due to the self-interaction of the quantum dot in the presence of the nanoparticle, the system exhibits optical activity and circular dichroism spectra of different character in Fano, double peaks, weak transition, and strong transition regions of the parameter space. Notably, in the strong transition region, the optical activity and circular dichroism spectra become discontinuous and dependent on the initial state of the system. The magnetic dipole moment induced in the dielectric nanoparticle plays a key role: Indeed, unlike the isolated chiral quantum dot, the hybrid system exhibits strong circular dichroism in a broad frequency range. The chiral quantum dot-dielectric nanoparticle meta-atom offers unique opportunities for creating low-loss all-dielectric meta-surfaces operating in the visible spectral range.
Investigation and optimization of HfO2 gate dielectric on N-polar GaN: Impact of surface treatments, deposition, and annealing conditions
Authors: Mohanty Subhajit , Sayed Islam , Jian Zhe (Ashley) , Mishra Umesh , Ahmadi Elaheh
Published: July 2021

UV-assisted capacitance–voltage (C–V) and current–voltage (I–V) measurements were performed on ∼20 nm HfO2/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor capacitors. The effects of surface preparation, predeposition treatment, HfO2 deposition process, and post-deposition annealing environment on interface characteristics were studied. Surface preparation by etching in diluted BHF and piranha etch prior to atomic layer deposition (ALD) suppressed the interface states compared to the baseline sample possibly due to the removal of the native oxide and impurities. UV/ozone treatment prior to HfO2 deposition reduced the interface states by one order of magnitude compared to the baseline sample possibly due to the formation of a thin Ga2O3 interlayer. In situ ALD pretreatment with tri-methyl-aluminum/N2 plasma was also found to reduce the surface states significantly compared to the baseline sample. In addition, thermal ALD improved the dielectric constant and breakdown voltage of the dielectric as compared to plasma ALD due to less surface damage. The lowest average interface trap density achieved was 1.64 × 1012 cm−2/eV with an HfO2 dielectric constant of 16 on the sample with UV/ozone and piranha treatment with in situ ALD treatment and thermal ALD deposition.
Estrogens influence female itch sensitivity via the spinal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor neurons
Authors: Takanami Keiko , Uta Daisuke , Matsuda Ken Ichi , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Carstens Earl , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Sakamoto Hirotaka
Published: July 2021

Significance

Many women exhibit a dramatic increase in itch during pregnancy, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the female sex steroid hormone estradiol, but not progesterone, enhances itch-related scratching behavior in female rats elicited by histamine, the prototypical itch mediator in humans. This is associated with an enhancement in histamine-evoked activity of a subset of spinal dorsal horn neurons that express a neuropeptide receptor, gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), that was previously shown to be involved in spinal cord processing of itch. These findings may account for why itch sensation varies with estrogen levels and provide a basis for treating histamine-related itch diseases in females by targeting GRPR.