bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex oxides of copper and manganese as the base material for catalytic suppression of waste gases
Authors: Pimneva L. A. , Zagorskaya A. A.
Published: February 2021

The composite material “ionite-sorbed ions” was obtained by ion exchange technology. The conditions for obtaining the composite material “ionite-sorbed ions” are studied. In the thermolysis of cationite with sorbed ions, the synthesis of complex oxide is carried out between ions located at atomic distances from each other. This facilitates and accelerates the formation of complex oxide. Thermolysis of carboxyl cationite KB-4P-2 with sorbed copper and manganese ions was performed at temperatures from 250-950°C . Control of the thermolysis mechanism of the composite material “ionite-sorbed ions” was carried out using thermograms. According to the scanning electron microscopy data, the obtained powder of complex copper and manganese oxide has a good crystallite structure. Data x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystallization of a complex oxide of copper and manganese in orthorhombic crystal structure. A method for the synthesis of complex copper and manganese oxide powder based on the thermolysis process of the composite material “ionite-sorbed ions”, which has catalytic properties, has been developed.
Synthesis of robust control algorithms for linear interval dynamic systems in the electric power industry
Authors: Boldyrev Igor , Tonn Dmitry , Goremykin Sergey , Sitnikov Nikolay , Mukonin Alexander , Trubetskoy Viktor
Published: February 2021

When studying the objects of management in the field of electric power, we meet with various inaccuracies in determining their parameters. One of the methods of dealing with uncertainties is the use of various estimates of the parameters of the control object. modern science has developed various methods for assessing the uncertain parameters of the control object in the electric power industry. parameter uncertainty occurs when the set of parameters of the control object is more than one point. If this set is defined using probabilistic characteristics, then this is the so-called probabilistic uncertainty of the object parameters. If the boundaries of the intervals in which they are enclosed are known for the object parameters, then such uncertainty is called interval uncertainty. if the object parameters are set using the membership function, then the theory of fuzzy logic is used. Interval determination of parameters of the control object is used when working with values for which only the boundaries of the intervals within which their values are enclosed are known. The interval approach in the description of object parameters is used to account for rounding and errors that occur during calculations on a computer and is a strong method in the representation of objects with uncertain parameters, which are very common in the electric power industry. The reason why interval systems are used is the incompleteness of information about the control object, errors in measuring the parameters of the object, linearization errors, and so on. Various problems of the classical theory of automatic control allow us to replace the concentrated parameters with their interval analogues. Many interval problems are adequate for practical applications. The synthesis of linear quadratic regulators refers to the classical method, which allows us to obtain regulators that minimize the integral quality criterion with respect to the resource of regulated and regulatory quantities. In this paper, we study the possibility of synthesizing linear quadratic regulators for electric power facilities specified in intervals. This application of two well-known methods makes it possible to work with nonlinear objects using the classical linear control theory.
Perthes-Syndrom nach Überrolltrauma
Authors: Tanner Linda , Zabel Julian , Zacharowski Kai , Adam Elisabeth
Published: February 2021

Überroll- und damit einhergehende Einklemmungstraumata führen häufig zu einer schweren Polytraumatisierung, die in seltenen Fällen ein Perthes-Syndrom, auch traumatische Asphyxie genannt, zur Folge hat. Das Perthes-Syndrom präsentiert sich mit der Trias einer kraniozervikalen Zyanose, Petechien im Gesicht und subkonjunktivalen Blutungen, die eine rasche Diagnosestellung ermöglicht. Die Kasuistik stellt einen klinischen Fall vor.
Impact of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on Metabolic Comorbidities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Labenz Christian , Kostev Karel , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Galle Peter R. , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: February 2021

Objective Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a major risk factor for the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The published prevelance in epidemiological studies in this high risk population exceeds 70%. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the impact of NAFLD on T2D patients in Germany.

Methods Using the Disease Analyzer Database (IQVIA), T2D patients with NAFLD diagnosed in Germany were matched to a cohort without NAFLD controlling for age, sex, physician, index year and metabolic comorbidities and assessed for their risk of developing myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or chronic kidney disease, as well as the type of T2D treatment on NAFLD.

Results 2633 T2D patients with NAFLD were matched to 2633 T2D patients without liver disease. The ICD coded prevalence of NAFLD in patients with T2D in primary care in Germany was 7.8%. On regression analysis of patients with T2D , the presence of NAFLD was associated with a higher risk of renal failure during follow-up (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.02–1.34, p=0.027). No association with the development of myocardial infarction, stroke, PAD or initiation of insulin therapy was observed. NAFLD patients were more frequently treated with DDP-4 inhibitors (+/-metformin) and less frequently with insulin within the first year of T2D diagnosis. The metabolic control (HbA1c range 6.5–7.5%) during follow-up did not differ between both groups.

Conclusion The coded prevalence of NAFLD in T2D patients is low, which is in contrast to published series. Enhancing disease awareness of NAFLD and screening recommendations in high risk populations will be beneficial for the active management of these patients.
Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Enantioselective Benzamidation of Cyclopropenes
Authors: Antonchick Andrey P. , Waldmann Herbert , Shaaban Saad , Li Houhua , Merten Christian
Published: February 2021

Cyclopropylamines are characteristic structural motifs found in a variety of natural products and pharmaceuticals and therefore engaging targets for the development of new methods for their synthesis. Herein the synthesis of enantioenriched cyclopropylamines through catalytic enantioselective C–H functionalization using a chiral RhJasCp complex is reported. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with high enantiocontrol. This reaction enables access to cyclopropylamines with three contiguous stereocenters originating from the corresponding cyclopropenes.
Is Adjuvant Radiochemotherapy Always Mandatory in Patients with Resected N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?
Authors: Taber Samantha , Pfannschmidt Joachim , Bauer Torsten T. , Blum Torsten G. , Grah Christian , Griff Sergej
Published: February 2021

Background In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the pathologic union for international cancer control (UICC) stage IIIA is a heterogeneous entity, with different forms of N2-lymph node involvement representing different prognoses. Although a multimodality treatment approach, including surgery, systemic therapy, and/or radiotherapy, is almost always recommended, in this retrospective observational study, we sought to determine whether long-term survival might be possible in selected patients who are treated with complete surgical resection alone.

Methods Between 2013 and 2018, we retrospectively identified 24 patients with NSCLC (16 men and 8 women), who were found to have pathologic N2-lymph node involvement, and were treated with complete surgical lung resection and systematic mediastinal and hilar lymph node dissection but no neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment.

Results The most frequent reason (n = 14) for forgoing adjuvant treatment was patient refusal. The mean overall survival (OS) was 34.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 15.5–53.5 months). The mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 18 months (IQR: 4.75–46.75 months). We identified five patients who survived at least 5 years without recurrence (21%). In each of these cases, the nodal metastases were restricted to a single level and no extracapsular lymph node involvement were detected. Additionally, worse DFS was associated with pT3/4 (vs. a lower T-stage), as well as microscopic lymphovascular invasion.

Conclusion Although the small sample size precludes any definitive conclusions, it was possible to demonstrate that long-term survival without neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment is possible in some patients if complete tumor and nodal resection is performed.
Lymphocyte Immune Response and T Cell Differentiation in Fontan Patients with protein-losing enteropathy
Authors: Moosmann Julia , Toka Okan , Lukassen Sören , Ekici Arif B. , Mackensen Andreas , Völkl Simon , Dittrich Sven
Published: February 2021

Background Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is a severe complication of the Fontan circulation. There is increasing discussion about whether lymphatic dysregulation is involved as pathomechanism of PLE. This investigation focuses on the interplay between alteration of lymphatic cells and immunologic pathway alterations.

Methods Micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression profiling was performed in 49 patients (n = 10 Fontan patients with PLE, n = 30 Fontan patients without PLE, and n = 9 patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (dTGA). miRNA pathway analysis was performed to identify significantly enriched pathways. To determine lymphocyte populations and subtypes multiparameter flow cytometry was used.

Results miRNAs pathway analysis of Fontan patients with PLE revealed 20 significantly changed networks of which four of the ten largest were associated with immunologic processes. This finding is supported by significant T cell deficiency with decreased CD4+ count (p = 0.0002), altered CD4 +/CD8+ ratio, and significantly modified CD4+ (p < 0.0001) and CD8+ (p = 0.0002) T cell differentiation toward effector and terminal differentiated T cells in Fontan patients with PLE. Analyses of CD4+ T cell subsets demonstrated significantly increased frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ CD127– regulatory T cells (Treg) in Fontan patients with PLE (p = 0.0011).

Conclusion PLE in Fontan patients is associated with severe lymphopenia, T cell deficiency, significant alterations of T cell differentiation, and increased Treg frequency reflecting an immune status of chronic inflammation and shortened protection against pathogens and autoimmunity. These cellular alterations seemed to be dysregulated by several miRNA controlled immunological pathways.
Internal Radioulnar Fixation for Treatment of Nonunion of Proximal Radius and Ulna Fractures in a Toy Breed Dog
Authors: Vezzoni Luca , Abrescia Paolo , Vezzoni Aldo
Published: February 2021

In this case report, we describe an alternative surgical procedure to treat proximal radius and ulnar nonunion in a toy breed dog. A 14-month-old, Maltese cross-breed dog was referred after previous treatment with external and internal fixation had failed, resulting in a nonunion of a fracture of the proximal radius and ulna with the proximal radius fragment too small and friable to be used for fixation. A craniomedial approach was made to debride the radius nonunion site and a second approach to the lateral aspect of the ulna was made. The fracture was realigned and a titanium locking plate was applied in bridging fashion, fixed to the proximal ulnar fragment with three locking screws in the most proximal plate holes, a fourth screw was inserted in the mid-shaft of the distal ulnar fragment and three locking screws were inserted in the distal most holes of the plate through the distal ulna to engage the distal radial fragment. A recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 graft was inserted into the radius and ulna fracture sites. The dog had a successful clinical and radiographic outcome with bridging of the defect 4 weeks postoperatively and complete callus formation 8 weeks postoperatively. Implants have undergone dynamization and then removal. Use of a locking plate as an internal fixator achieving fixation of the proximal ulna and distal radius can be considered an option for the treatment of proximal radioulnar nonunions with a small proximal radial fragment.
Uncommon Presentation of COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients: Anosmia
Authors: Dağlı Hatice Y. , Akcan Özge M. , Pekcan Sevgi , Gençeli Mustafa , Özdemir Hüseyin S. , Uğurlu Betül , Özbek Ümmü S. , Parlatan Havva , Akın Fatih , Yazar Abdullah , Kılıç Ahmet O. , Özdemir Mehmet , Taşbent Fatma E.
Published: February 2021

Objective The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Although the complaint of anosmia is well described in adult patients, there is limited knowledge in pediatric patients. We aim to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and clinical findings of children with anosmia in COVID-19-positive pediatric patients.

Methods Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection at 1 month to 18 years of age, who admitted to Meram Faculty of Medicine of Necmettin Erbakan University between March and June 2020, were retrospectively reviewed, and the patients who had anosmia or developed anosmia during follow-up were then included in the study. The diagnosis was established by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results A total of 71 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 14 (19.7%) of them had anosmia. Mean patient age was 14.07 (range: 10–16) years. Six of our 14 (42.8%) patients had anosmia at the time of diagnosis and anosmia developed in the follow-up among eight patients. The mean duration of anosmia in our patients was 6.9 ± 3.8 days. Recovery time was 1 to 4 days in four patients (28.5%), 5 to 8 days in four patients (28.5%), and 9 to 14 days in six patients (42.8%).

Conclusion In this article, it was emphasized that anosmia can be the sole manifestation or concomitant with other symptoms in children with COVID-19 disease. Care and attention is important to identify COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease and limit the spread of the virus.
Characterization of the Platelet Phenotype Caused by a Germline RUNX1 Variant in a CRISPR/Cas9-Generated Murine Model
Authors: Marín-Quílez Ana , García-Tuñón Ignacio , Fernández-Infante Cristina , Hernández-Cano Luis , Palma-Barqueros Verónica , Vuelta Elena , Sánchez-Martín Manuel , González-Porras José Ramón , Guerrero Carmen , Benito Rocío , Rivera José , Hernández-Rivas Jesús María , Bastida José María
Published: February 2021

RUNX1-related disorder (RUNX1-RD) is caused by germline variants affecting the RUNX1 gene. This rare, heterogeneous disorder has no specific clinical or laboratory phenotype, making genetic diagnosis necessary. Although international recommendations have been established to classify the pathogenicity of variants, identifying the causative alteration remains a challenge in RUNX1-RD. Murine models may be useful not only for definitively settling the controversy about the pathogenicity of certain RUNX1 variants, but also for elucidating the mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis. Therefore, we developed a knock-in murine model, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, carrying the RUNX1 p.Leu43Ser variant (mimicking human p.Leu56Ser) to study its pathogenic potential and mechanisms of platelet dysfunction. A total number of 75 mice were generated; 25 per genotype (RUNX1WT/WT, RUNX1WT/L43S, and RUNX1L43S/L43S). Platelet phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. On average, RUNX1L43S/L43S and RUNX1WT/L43S mice had a significantly longer tail-bleeding time than RUNX1WT/WT mice, indicating the variant's involvement in hemostasis. However, only homozygous mice displayed mild thrombocytopenia. RUNX1L43S/L43S and RUNX1WT/L43S displayed impaired agonist-induced spreading and α-granule release, with no differences in δ-granule secretion. Levels of integrin αIIbβ3 activation, fibrinogen binding, and aggregation were significantly lower in platelets from RUNX1L43S/L43S and RUNX1WT/L43S using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and high thrombin doses. Lower levels of PKC phosphorylation in RUNX1L43S/L43S and RUNX1WT/L43S suggested that the PKC-signaling pathway was impaired. Overall, we demonstrated the deleterious effect of the RUNX1 p.Leu56Ser variant in mice via the impairment of integrin αIIbβ3 activation, aggregation, α-granule secretion, and platelet spreading, mimicking the phenotype associated with RUNX1 variants in the clinical setting.
A method of identifying allographs in undeciphered scripts and its application to the Indus Valley Script
Authors: Daggumati Shruti , Revesz Peter Z.
Published: February 2021

This work describes a general method of testing for redundancies in the sign lists of ancient scripts by data mining the positions of the signs within the inscriptions. The redundant signs are allographs of the same grapheme. The method is applied to the undeciphered Indus Valley Script, which stands out from other ancient scripts by having a large proposed sign list that contains dozens of asymmetric signs that have mirrored pairs. By a statistical analysis of mirrored asymmetric signs, this paper shows that the Indus Valley Script was multi-directional and the mirroring of signs often denotes only the direction of writing without any difference in meaning. For this and five other specific reasons listed in the paper, 50 pairs of signs, 23 mirrored, and 27 non-mirrored, can be grouped together because each pair consists of only insignificant variations of the same original sign. The reduced sign list may make decipherment easier in the future.
Science diplomacy as a foreign policy tool for Turkey and the ramifications of collaboration with the EU
Authors: Buyuktanir Karacan Derya
Published: February 2021

As an emerging market economy and a candidate country for EU membership, Turkey has engaged in large-scale international science and research programs and organizations in Europe since the 1950s, and more intensely after its candidacy status commenced at the end of 1999. These engagements, which can be framed as Science Diplomacy (SD) efforts, were motivated by the Turkish government’s perception that Turkey needs to become more integrated with the European countries, and must stay abreast of the science and technology developments or risk falling behind other EU candidate countries. The primary purpose of this paper is to explore how the emerging concept of SD helps explain transformations and changes in Turkish Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies since 2000, with a special focus on engagements with the EU’s science and research programs and European organizations, and subsequently filling a gap in related literature. Europeanization and qualitative content analysis are used as theoretical framework and methodology, respectively, to analyze these engagements. The key findings and conclusions point out that Turkey’s efforts to harmonize its science and technology policies with the EU’s has paved the way for new funding mechanisms and its participation in Horizon 2020 as an associated country. In addition, using Science and Technology (S&T) cooperation as a soft power has strengthened the public diplomacy of Turkey with the European countries. As a result, increased involvement in STI partnerships with the European countries could help Turkey open new venues for developing its SD. However, despite the mutual economic and political benefit gained through scientific interactions, Turkey is still not using science as a diplomacy tool as effectively as it might to augment its foreign policy. It should be noted that research is one of the very few areas where the relations Turkey and the EU are still cooperating, regardless of growing tensions between the two parties. Thus, Framework Programs and other scientific projects that Turkey has participated in can provide founding experiences of Turkish SD with the EU, and may help Turkey open new venues for developing its SD. Nevertheless, a more resolute political will is needed.
Neuromorphic circuit can scale up more easily with disordered synapses
Authors: Fore Meredith
Published: February 2021

A new neural network structure takes advantage of disorder to increase computing power more efficiently.
Native point defects from stoichiometry-linked chemical potentials in cubic boron arsenide
Authors: Wang Yaxian , Windl Wolfgang
Published: February 2021

The presence of a point defect typically breaks the stoichiometry in a semiconductor. For example, a vacancy on an A-site in an AB compound makes the crystal B-rich. As the stoichiometry changes, so do the chemical potentials. While the prevalent first-principles methods have provided significant insight into characters of point defects in a transparent manner, the crucial connection between crystal stoichiometry and chemical potentials is usually not made. However, ad hoc choices for chemical potentials can lead to nonphysical negative formation energies in some Fermi level ranges, along with questions about charge balance. Herein, we formulate a canonical framework describing how the chemical potential of each element is directly linked to the composition of the crystal under (off-)stoichiometric conditions instead of the ad hoc assumption that the chemical potential is the elemental limit under a certain growth condition. Consequently, the chemical potential changes with the Fermi level within the bandgap and the formation energies are positive. Using such an approach, we present ab initio results for native point defects in BAs, a semiconductor with ultrahigh room-temperature thermal conductivity. We find that antisites are the constitutional defects in off-stoichiometric material, while BAs antisites and B vacancies dominate in the stoichiometric material. We further discuss the thermodynamic equilibrium and charge neutrality point in BAs in light of our stoichiometry-determined chemical potentials. As discussed, our work offers a more applicable and accessible approach to tackle defect formation energies in semiconductors, especially the ones with wide gap where negative formation energies are commonly seen.
Atomic and electronic structure of cesium lead triiodide surfaces
Authors: Seidu Azimatu , Dvorak Marc , Rinke Patrick , Li Jingrui
Published: February 2021

The (001) surface of the emerging photovoltaic material cesium lead triiodide (CsPbI3) is studied. Using first-principles methods, we investigate the atomic and electronic structure of cubic (α) and orthorhombic (γ) CsPbI3. For both phases, we find that CsI-termination is more stable than PbI2-termination. For the CsI-terminated surface, we then compute and analyze the surface phase diagram. We observe that surfaces with added or removed units of nonpolar CsI and PbI2 are most stable. The corresponding band structures reveal that the α phase exhibits surface states that derive from the conduction band. The surface reconstructions do not introduce new states in the bandgap of CsPbI3, but for the α phase, we find additional surface states at the conduction band edge.
Direct numerical simulation of bidisperse inertial particles settling in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Wang Yixiang , Lam Kit Ming , Tse Kam Tim
Published: February 2021

The behavior of settling velocity and clustering of bidisperse inertial particles in a turbulent channel flow is investigated through direct numerical simulation. The particle-laden planar channel flow has a friction Reynolds number at Reτ = 180. Eulerian–Lagrangian method is used to study the dynamic properties of bidisperse and monodisperse inertial particles with 16 different simulation sets, which are distinguished by Stokes numbers ranging from St+ = 1.31 to 52.58 and particle number ratio from 1:1 to 1:8. Momentum exchange between fluid and particle phases is considered in the simulation as the chosen initial volume fraction at 5 × 10−5 is in the two-way coupling regime. The gravity is set at the direction normal to both the wall normal direction and the streamwise direction. We observe that in the bidisperse cases the turbophoresis effect of inertial particles with the smaller diameter is significant even though it is very weak in the corresponding monodisperse cases. We use radial distribution function (RDF) to investigate the degree of clustering and turbophoresis. The results indicate that RDF is larger in the bidisperse cases for both large and small particles and it is greatly affected by the bulk particle number ratio and the Stokes number ratio. Unlike clustering, the terminal settling velocities of inertial particles in the bidisperse cases are affected by the final volume fraction at the dynamic equilibrium state. When their final volume fractions are lower than those in the corresponding monodisperse cases, the settling velocity of either particle becomes reduced from the monodisperse value. We also investigate the relationship between settling velocity and vortex strength. The results show that the preferential sweeping mechanism is strengthened with Stokes number decreasing and the mechanism can be quantified by the slope of the curve of settling velocity variation with vortex strength.
Characteristics and therapeutic applications of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Makhlynets Olga V. , Caputo Gregory A.
Published: February 2021

The demand for novel antimicrobial compounds is rapidly growing due to the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. In response, numerous alternative approaches are being taken including use of polymers, metals, combinatorial approaches, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). AMPs are a naturally occurring part of the immune system of all higher organisms and display remarkable broad-spectrum activity and high selectivity for bacterial cells over host cells. However, despite good activity and safety profiles, AMPs have struggled to find success in the clinic. In this review, we outline the fundamental properties of AMPs that make them effective antimicrobials and extend this into three main approaches being used to help AMPs become viable clinical options. These three approaches are the incorporation of non-natural amino acids into the AMP sequence to impart better pharmacological properties, the incorporation of AMPs in hydrogels, and the chemical modification of surfaces with AMPs for device applications. These approaches are being developed to enhance the biocompatibility, stability, and/or bioavailability of AMPs as clinical options.
A spectroscopic model for the low-lying electronic states of NO
Authors: Qu Qianwei , Cooper Bridgette , Yurchenko Sergei N. , Tennyson Jonathan
Published: February 2021

The rovibronic structure of A2Σ+, B2Π, and C2Π states of nitric oxide (NO) is studied with the aim of producing comprehensive line lists for its near ultraviolet spectrum. Empirical energy levels for the three electronic states are determined using a combination of the empirical measured active rotation–vibration energy level (MARVEL) procedure and ab initio calculations, and the available experimental data are critically evaluated. Ab initio methods that deal simultaneously with the Rydberg-like A2Σ+ and C2Π and the valence B2Π state are tested. Methods of modeling the sharp avoided crossing between the B2Π and C2Π states are tested. A rovibronic Hamiltonian matrix is constructed using the variational nuclear motion program Duo whose eigenvalues are fitted to the MARVEL. The matrix also includes coupling terms obtained from the refinement of the ab initio potential energy and spin–orbit coupling curves. Calculated and observed energy levels agree well with each other, validating the applicability of our method and providing a useful model for this open shell system.
Emerging phenomena from exotic ferroelectric topological states
Authors: Tian G. , Yang W. D. , Gao X. S. , Liu J.-M.
Published: February 2021

In the past decade, a series of breakthrough discoveries in new exotic polar topological states have been witnessed, e.g., vortex, skyrmion, and meron. These tantalizing findings open a new avenue toward a plethora of emerging physical phenomena and offer opportunities for a wide range of future configurable electronic devices, which might eventually lead to an exciting area, the so-called “topotronics.” Although this field has seen a rapid progress, especially in revealing various novel topological states, the associated emerging phenomena and functionalities as well as application potentials yet remain largely unexplored, which might become fruitful areas in the upcoming years and thus deserve more attention. In this perspective, we give a brief overview on the recent advances in the field of exotic polar topological states, highlighting the emerging phenomena and efforts to control these functional topological objects. Finally, we present a concluding summary with some suggestions for future directions.
Realization of tunable artificial synapse through ambipolar charge trapping in organic transistor with pentacene/poly(α-methylstyrene) architecture
Authors: Li Yushan , Tao Ruiqiang , He Waner , Chang Cheng , Zou Zhengmiao , Zhang Yan , Wang Dao , Wang Jiali , Fan Zhen , Zhou Guofu , Lu Xubing , Liu Junming
Published: February 2021

Transistor-based artificial synapses are expected to tackle the inherent limitations of traditional von Neumann architecture for neuromorphic computing paradigm. Organic electronic materials are promising components of future neuromorphic systems, but mimicking the functions of biological synapses for symmetric weight update and desired variation margin still remains challenging. Here, we propose a synaptic transistor based on pentacene/poly(α-methylstyrene) (PαMS) architecture capable of exhibiting the main behavior of a biological spiking synapse. The ambipolar charge trapping of the transistor enables symmetric variation of the channel conductivity with desirable margin. Comprehensive synaptic functions, including the postsynaptic current with different pulse amplitudes, short-term to long-term plasticity transition, reversible channel conductance potentiation and depression, and repetitive and symmetrical learning processes, are emulated. The realization of essential synaptic functions based on the cumulative charge trapping of pentacene/PαMS structure provides a feasible device structure toward the future demand of neuromorphic computing.
Giant spontaneous Hall effect in a nonmagnetic Weyl–Kondo semimetal
Authors: Dzsaber Sami , Yan Xinlin , Taupin Mathieu , Eguchi Gaku , Prokofiev Andrey , Shiroka Toni , Blaha Peter , Rubel Oleg , Grefe Sarah E. , Lai Hsin-Hua , Si Qimiao , Paschen Silke
Published: February 2021

Significance

States of matter are traditionally classified by their symmetry, as exemplified by the distinction between a solid and a liquid. Topological quantum phases, on the other hand, are harder to characterize, and still harder to identify. This is especially so in electronic systems with strong correlations. In this work, we uncover a purely electric-field-driven “giant” Hall response—orders of magnitude above expectation—in one such material and propose a mechanism whereby it is driven by strong correlations. Our results will enable the identification of electronic topological states in a broad range of strongly correlated quantum materials and may trigger efforts toward their exploitation in robust quantum electronics.
Mechanism and function of root circumnutation
Authors: Taylor Isaiah , Lehner Kevin , McCaskey Erin , Nirmal Niba , Ozkan-Aydin Yasemin , Murray-Cooper Mason , Jain Rashmi , Hawkes Elliot W. , Ronald Pamela C. , Goldman Daniel I. , Benfey Philip N.
Published: February 2021

Significance

Root growth in soil is complex. With limited sensory input, roots must navigate an environment containing heterogeneities such as rocks and compaction. The ability of roots to penetrate soil is crucial for water and nutrient uptake as well as mechanical anchorage. Here, we describe a molecular framework controlling helical root growth known as circumnutation. Functional characterization of circumnutation is consistent with the hypothesis that it is crucial for exploratory behavior and substrate penetration. This work lays a foundation for an integrated understanding of how roots grow in soil.
Genetic priming of sensory neurons in mice that overexpress PAR2 enhances allergen responsiveness
Authors: Braz Joao M. , Dembo Todd , Charruyer Alexandra , Ghadially Ruby , Fassett Marlys S. , Basbaum Allan I.
Published: February 2021

Significance

Dermatitis is a major inflammatory skin condition that is associated with pruritus and affects millions of people worldwide. However, there is still little knowledge about the contribution of the cutaneous sensory neurons to the chronic disease. Here we show that chronic, but not acute, exposure to allergens/pruritogens induces robust itch in the dermatitis-proneGrhl3PAR2/+transgenic mouse line, in part due to profound transcriptional changes that are induced in trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervate the allergen-treated skin. Most upregulated genes were concentrated in unmyelinated primary afferents that express TRPV1, a known pruritoceptor. As comparable transcriptional changes were recorded in a second dermatitis model, we conclude that a common genetic priming program in sensory neurons contributes to dermatitis.
Brutal spoons and cheesy gloves
Authors: Mühleisen Susanne
Published: February 2021

In its long presence on television and the internet, the genre of the cooking show has changed and diversified significantly. The initial principally instructional character has given way to more entertaining sub-genres, including parodic ones, that is, ‘spoof cooking shows’ on the internet. The presentation of self (Goffman 1959) takes on many forms in everyday life, but the possibilities of publicly managing one’s own impression have enormously increased on the largest stage in the world, the internet (cf.Shulman 2017). The blurring of the Goffmanian concepts ‘front-’ and ‘backstage’ are important here in the presentation of self as ‘fake’ or ‘real’ person on the web. This article looks at the diversification of the genre of the cooking show in its transition to the internet, first by investigating strategies of formality or informality (Irvine 1979,2001), then by exploring a particular spoof show,Cooking with Paris, as an example of how genre conventions are manifested by undermining.
Psychological correlates of insomnia in professional soccer players: An exploratory study
Authors: Ballesio Andrea , Vacca Mariacarolina , Bacaro Valeria , Benazzi Adriano , De Bartolo Paola , Alivernini Fabio , Lucidi Fabio , Lombardo Caterina , Baglioni Chiara
Published: February 2021

Sleep promotes health, well‐being, recovery and athletic performance. As a consequence, sleep problems in athletes may have detrimental effects. Previous investigations showed that professional athletes often reported to suffer of poor sleep quality and insomnia (e.g. difficulties falling asleep and/or maintaining sleep). However, psychological variables exacerbating and maintaining insomnia in professional athletes as well as its mechanistic pathways are still largely unknown. Available literature mostly focused on effects of sport‐related variables, such as evening training and stimulant consumption on athletes’ sleep. Instead, the contribution of cognitive and emotional variables globally associated with insomnia in athletes in clinical models has been largely neglected. To address these limitations, this study explored the associations between emotional experience, pre‐sleep arousal, pre‐sleep worry and rumination and insomnia severity in a sample of 210 (25.93 ± 6.68 years) male professional soccer players. Bivariate correlations, multiple regression, and structural equation modelling with manifest variables (path analysis) were computed. Results showed that insomnia severity was associated with stimulants consumption, pre‐sleep arousal, negative emotions, positive emotions, and pre‐sleep worry/rumination (all p < .05). Path analysis showed that relationship between stimulant consumption, emotional experience, worry/rumination and insomnia was mediated by pre‐sleep arousal (p < .05). Our results suggest that preventive and interventional studies in professional soccer players would benefit from considering global cognitive‐emotional variables as targets of interventions.

Highlights

Insomnia was associated with greater stimulants consumption, pre‐sleep arousal, negative emotions, pre‐sleep worry/rumination, and lower positive emotions.

Path analysis showed that pre‐sleep arousal mediated the relationship between stimulant consumption, emotional experience, worry/rumination and insomnia severity.

Cognitive‐emotional and behavioural factors as well as sport‐related variables were important predictors of insomnia in professional soccer players.
Heart rate rather than heart rate variability is better associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in adults
Authors: Plaza‐Florido Abel , Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. , Acosta Francisco M. , Sacha Jerzy , Alcantara Juan M.A.
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to examine the association of heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) with cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in adults. This cross‐sectional study included 204 participants: 132 young adults (67% women; 22.3 ± 2.3 years) and 72 middle‐aged adults (53% women; 53.2 ± 5 years). HR and HRV were measured using a Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor. CRF was assessed using a metabolic cart during an incremental test. HR was negatively associated with CRF relative to body weight (BW) in young adults adjusting for sex, age, and physical activity (β ranged from −0.200 to −0.195; all P ≤ 0.022). These associations disappeared after including fat mass as a covariate (all P ≥ 0.106) while remained significant after adjusting for fat‐free mass (FFM; all P ≤ 0.008). Neither HR nor HRV variables were associated with CRF expressed as absolute values or relative to FFM in young and middle‐aged adults after adjusting for the abovementioned covariates (all P ≥ 0.074). Our results suggest that HR rather than HRV is better associated with CRF relative to BW in young adults. However, this association seems to be explained by the inclusion of fat mass in the calculation of CRF relative to BW.

Highlights

Heart rate and heart rate variability variables have been associated with cardiorespiratory fitness.

Our present results, and previous literature, suggest that the “simple” measurement of the heart rate could be easier to obtain and interpret than the heart rate variability variables.

The heart rate variable rather than the heart rate variability variables is better associated with cardiorespiratory fitness relative to body weight in healthy young adults.
Quantum fluctuations of the compact phase space cosmology
Authors: Artigas Danilo , Crowe Sean , Mielczarek Jakub
Published: February 2021

In the recent article (2019 Phys. Rev. D
100 043533) a compact phase space generalization of the flat de Sitter cosmology has been proposed. The main advantages of the compactification is that physical quantities are bounded, and the quantum theory is characterized by finite dimensional Hilbert space. Furthermore, by considering the

S

2

phase space, quantum description is constructed with the use SU(2) representation theory. The purpose of this article is to apply effective methods to analyze quantum dynamics of the model at the semi-classical regime. The analysis is performed both without prior solving of the quantum constraint and by extracting physical Hamiltonian of the model. At the effective level, the results of the two procedures are shown to be equivalent. We find a nontrivial behavior of the fluctuations around the recollapse of the Universe, which is distinct from what is found after quantization with the standard flat phase space. The behavior is reflected at the level of the modified Friedmann equation with quantum back-reaction effects, which is derived. Finally, a relation between quantum fluctuations in the minisuperspace model under consideration and the Bousso bound has been found. It has been shown that the Bousso bound can be violated for certain choices of semiclassical states.
Antiferromagnetism of CoO-NiO bilayers studied by XMLD spectroscopy
Authors: Jena Bibhuti Bhusan , Mandal Suman , Menon Krishnakumar S R
Published: February 2021

CoO-NiO epitaxial bilayer system grown on MgO(001) substrate is investigated using x-ray magnetic linear dichroism (XMLD) spectroscopy with varying CoO overlayer thickness. An analysis of the Ni L
2 edge XMLD spectra using anisotropic XMLD formulation within a two-domain model reveals that the Ni moments undergo a spin reorientation with increasing CoO thickness. Such a spin reorientation is attributed to the competing magnetic interactions at both the NiO film interfaces, suggesting the existence of a sharp horizontal domain wall separating the in-plane and out-of-plane NiO domains. Our study also demonstrates a possible way to investigate the spin-structure along the thickness within the same chemical structure using a model-based approach, in a noninvasive manner.
Experimental study of the effect of water vapor on dynamics of a high electric field non-equilibrium diffuse discharge in air
Authors: Brisset A , Tardiveau P , Gazeli K , Bournonville B , Jeanney P , Ouaras K , Magne L , Pasquiers S
Published: February 2021

We report results on the influence of relative humidity (RH) on the propagation speed, the intensity of the emitted light, the energy and the gas temperature of a pin-to-plane nanosecond pulsed discharge at atmospheric pressure in synthetic air. The discharge is generated under very high overvoltage (several tens of kilovolts) so that it propagates with a voluminous, diffuse, and stable pattern. It is shown that the water vapor content has a strong impact on the discharge dynamics for gas mixtures with high RH and for the highest electric field values. In particular, for voltage pulse amplitudes higher than 65 kV and RH higher than 30%, the propagation abruptly slows down and the light intensity profiles show a stronger emission at the pin which weakens in the rest of the gap. The electric energy is slightly lower in humid air, independently of water vapor concentration. Also, time and spatially resolved gas temperature measurements carried out for different voltages show a late and significant heating at the pin whatever the water vapor content. An evaluation of the energy consumed in fast heating processes is proposed, showing an increased energy consumption at the pin in highly humid air. Besides, the hypotheses allowing for the consideration of the rotational temperature of the second positive system (SPS) of nitrogen (N2(SPS)) as the gas temperature under high electric field conditions are discussed.
Strong magnetization and anisotropy of Mn5Ge3 thin films on Ge(001)
Authors: Alvídrez-Lechuga Adriana , Antón Ricardo López , Gutiérrez-Pérez Rocío M , Fuentes-Montero Maria E , Espinosa-Magaña Francisco , Holguín-Momaca José T , Andrés Juan Pedro , Olive-Méndez Sion F
Published: February 2021

We report on the growth of Mn5Ge3 thin films on Ge(001) substrates following two methods: solid phase epitaxy (SPE) and reactive deposition epitaxy (RDE). We have varied the thickness of the films, in order to study the magnetization and anisotropy evolution. A strongly enhanced magnetization of 1580 kA m−1, compared to 1200 ± 150 kA m−1 for films grown on Ge(111), has been measured on ultrathin films of 5 nm grown by RDE. Thicker films exhibited magnetizations <750 kA m−1. The films grown by SPE also exhibit strong magnetization of 1490 kA m-1 and a drop of magnetization by increasing the film thickness. The effective magnetic anisotropy exhibits a more complex behavior: increases on the SPE films and decreases on the RDE films while increasing the thickness of the films. Magnetostatic and interfacial anisotropies were considered and calculated. The results are discussed in terms of the growth methods and microstructure of the films.
High-pressure effects on superconducting properties and crystal structure of Bi-based layered superconductor La2O2Bi3Ag0.6Sn0.4S6
Authors: Liu Supeng , Matsumoto Ryo , Jha Rajveer , Yamashita Aichi , Kawaguchi Saori I , Goto Yosuke , Takano Yoshihiko , Mizuguchi Yoshikazu
Published: February 2021

The effects of pressure on the superconducting properties of a Bi-based layered superconductor La2O2Bi3Ag0.6Sn0.4S6, which possesses a four-layer-type conducting layer, have been studied through the electrical resistance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The crystal structure under pressure was examined using synchrotron x-ray diffraction at SPring-8. In the low-pressure regime, bulk superconductivity with a transition temperature T
c of ∼4.5 K was induced by pressure, which was achieved by in-plane chemical pressure effect owing to the compression of the tetragonal structure. In the high-pressure regime above 6.4 GPa, a structural symmetry lowering was observed, and superconducting transitions with a T
c ∼ 8 K were observed. Our results suggest the possible commonality on the factor essential for T
c in Bi-based superconductors with two-layer-type and four-layer-type conducting layers.
Compensation for mobile carrier magnetic interference in a SQUID-based full-tensor magnetic gradiometer using the flower pollination algorithm
Authors: Wang Mingchao , Lin Jun , Yue Liangguang , Wang Yi , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2021

The improving quality of ultra-sensitive superconducting quantum interference devices has led to the construction of advanced full-tensor magnetic gradiometers (FTMGs) integrated on mobile carriers such as aircraft, vehicles and ships. FTMGs measure the smallest spatial magnetic gradients, possessing many practical advantages compared to conventional scalar surveys and three-component surveys. However, the magnetic interference field caused by the magnetic sources associated with the carrier significantly decreases the precision of measurement. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to compensate for the magnetic interference field. Specifically, a mathematical model containing compensation coefficients of the mobile FTMG system is constructed by extending the Tolles–Lawson model. By formulating the task into nonlinear problems, unknown compensation coefficients in the model can be solved by the flower pollination algorithm, which has the advantages of insensitivity to iterative initial values, less parameter tuning and strong global search abilities. Both the finite-element simulation results based on COMSOL Multiphysics and the results of a field experiment show that the proposed method provides a useful way for the optimal estimation of compensation coefficients and the reduction of the magnetic interference field.