bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias-field-free high frequency microwave emission of spin-transfer nano-oscillator with magnetizations all in-plane
Authors: Zhang W. , Zhang Y. , Jiang B. , Fang B. , Zhong H. , Li H. , Zeng Z. M. , Yan S. S. , Han G. , Liu G. , Yu S. , Kang S.
Published: January 2021

We reported microwave measurements on a nanoscale MgO-based magnetic tunnel junction having an elliptical shape with large aspect ratios to obtain enough in-plane shape anisotropy to ensure free layer magnetization along the long axis. Combined with the magnetization of a synthetic antiferromagnet pinned layer along the short axis, this results in the perpendicular configuration between the magnetizations of free and pinned layers. A steady high frequency oscillation up to 5 GHz was achieved in such devices at zero magnetic field. Meanwhile, a large frequency tunability of 0.11 Hz·cm2/mA (2.67 GHz/mA) was obtained. The micromagnetic simulations confirm the origin of the high oscillation frequency of our spin transfer nano-oscillators (STNOs). These results suggest the great possibility of improved integration and potential application of STNOs for developing the next-generation of on-chip oscillators.
Rheology of capsule suspensions in plane Poiseuille flows
Authors: Feng Huiyong , Huang Haibo , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: January 2021

The rheology of a capsule suspension in two-dimensional confined Poiseuille flow is studied numerically using an immersed-boundary lattice Boltzmann method. The effects of capsule volume fraction ϕ and bending stiffness Eb on the rheology of the suspension are investigated first. The apparent viscosity does not monotonically increase with ϕ: the variation curve can be divided into four flow regimes. In each regime, there is a distinct equilibrium spatial configuration. The overall lateral position of the capsules is directly connected with the apparent viscosity. Then, we propose to investigate the effect of inertia on the capsule configuration in dilute cases and the capsule transport in concentrated cases. For dilute cases, phase diagrams of flow regimes on the (ϕ, Eb) plane are plotted. It is found that, as the Reynolds number (Re) increases, the range of values for regime I, with a single-line configuration, reduces, while the range for regime II (transition configuration) increases. It is highly correlated with the equilibrium lateral position of a single capsule. For even larger Re, the range for regime IV (random configuration) increases rapidly and dominates because the larger inertia makes the arrangement more random. For concentrated cases, we observe that the optimal volume fraction, at which the transport of capsules is a maximum, increases with Re. This study may help to understand the collective behavior of capsules in Poiseuille flows.
Role of exchange and correlation in high-harmonic generation spectra of H2, N2, and CO2: Real-time time-dependent electronic-structure approaches
Authors: Pauletti Carlo Federico , Coccia Emanuele , Luppi Eleonora
Published: January 2021

This study arises from the attempt to answer the following question: how different descriptions of electronic exchange and correlation affect the high-harmonic generation (HHG) spectroscopy of H2, N2, and CO2 molecules? We compare HHG spectra for H2, N2, and CO2 with different ab initio electronic structure methods: real-time time-dependent configuration interaction and real-time time-dependent density functional theory (RT-TDDFT) using truncated basis sets composed of correlated wave functions expanded on Gaussian basis sets. In the framework of RT-TDDFT, we employ Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) and long-range corrected Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (LC-ωPBE) functionals. We study HHG spectroscopy by disentangling the effect of electronic exchange and correlation. We first analyze the electronic exchange alone, and in the case of RT-TDDFT with LC-ωPBE, we use ω = 0.3 and ω = 0.4 to tune the percentage of long-range Hartree–Fock exchange and short-range exchange PBE. Then, we added the correlation as described by the PBE functional. All the methods give very similar HHG spectra, and they seem not to be particularly sensitive to the different description of exchange and correlation or to the correct asymptotic behavior of the Coulomb potential. Despite this general trend, some differences are found in the region connecting the cutoff and the background. Here, the harmonics can be resolved with different accuracy depending on the theoretical schemes used. We believe that the investigation of the molecular continuum and its coupling with strong fields merits further theoretical investigations in the near future.
Coalescence-induced self-propelled jumping of three droplets on non-wetting surfaces: Droplet arrangement effects
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Ming Pingjian
Published: January 2021

Coalescence-induced self-propelled droplet jumping has attracted extensive attention because of its huge potential for enhancing dropwise condensation heat transfer, anti-icing, and self-cleaning. Most previous studies focus on binary droplet jumping, with little research on the more complex and realistic multi-droplet jumping. As a result, the effect of the droplet arrangement on the multi-droplet jumping phenomenon remains unclear. In this paper, the self-propelled jumping of three droplets with different arrangements (two droplets are fixed, and the location of the third one is changed) is numerically simulated, and energy conversion efficiency is studied. Based on two different forming mechanisms, region I (the coalescence between the lateral droplets forms the central liquid bridge) and region II (the changed interface curvature of central droplets turns into the central liquid bridge under surface tension) are defined in three-droplet arrangements. The liquid bridges exhibit different dynamic behaviors in two particular regions, even the jumping velocity is determined by the moving synchronicity of liquid bridges in each region. The critical distribution angle that leads to the overall nonmonotonic change of jumping velocities ranges between 110° and 120° (0.02 ≤ Oh ≤ 0.16). Compared with the symmetry of the droplet configuration, the geometry of the droplet arrangement plays a dominate role in the nonmonotonic change. The maximum energy conversion efficiency is just over 6.5% and the minimum is just under 3%. The findings of this study not only reveal how the arrangement affects ternary droplet jumping and explain the phenomenon that cannot be explained before, but deepens our understanding of multi-droplet jumping as well.
Effect of wind veer on wind turbine power generation
Authors: Gao Linyue , Li Bochen , Hong Jiarong
Published: January 2021

Wind direction variation with height (wind veer) plays an essential role in the inflow wind field as the wind turbine enlarges. We explore the wind veer characteristics and their impact on turbine performance using a 5-year field dataset measured at the Eolos Wind Energy Research Station of the University of Minnesota. Wind veer exhibits an appreciable diurnal variation that veering and backing winds tend to occur during nighttime and daytime, respectively. We further propose to divide the wind veer conditions into four scenarios based on their changes in turbine upper and lower rotors that influence the loading on different rotor sections: VV (upper rotor: veering, lower rotor: veering), VB (upper rotor: veering, lower rotor: backing), BV (upper rotor: backing, lower rotor: veering), and BB (upper rotor: backing, lower rotor: backing). Such a division allows us to elucidate better the impact of wind veer on turbine power generation. The clockwise-rotating turbines tend to yield substantial power losses in scenarios VV and VB and small power gains in scenarios BV and BB. The counterclockwise-rotating turbines follow exactly opposite trends to the clockwise turbine. The derived findings are generalizable to other wind sites for power evaluation and provide insights into the turbine type selections targeting the maximum profits.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics method from a large eddy simulation perspective. Generalization to a quasi-Lagrangian model
Authors: Antuono M. , Marrone S. , Di Mascio A. , Colagrossi A.
Published: January 2021

The present work deals with some recent developments regarding the inclusion of the Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) in the weakly compressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) framework. Previously {see the work of Di Mascio et al. [Phys. Fluids 29, 4 (2017)]}, this goal was achieved by applying a Lagrangian filter to the Navier–Stokes equations for compressible fluids and, then, approximating the differential operators in a SPH fashion. Since the Lagrangian nature of the derived scheme turned out to be an obstacle for accurate simulations of high Reynolds number problems, the above approach is here modified to obtain a quasi-Lagrangian LES-SPH model. This relies on the addition of a small velocity deviation to the actual Lagrangian velocity based on the particle shifting technique and on the inclusion of the tensile instability control technique for eliminating the onset of the tensile instability in the fluid regions characterized by large vorticity and negative pressure. The proposed model is successfully tested in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional frameworks by simulating the evolution of freely decaying turbulence problems and comparing the outputs with the available theoretical results and solutions from other numerical models.
Signal detection based on the chaotic motion of an antiferromagnetic domain wall
Authors: Shen Laichuan , Xia Jing , Ezawa Motohiko , Tretiakov Oleg A. , Zhao Guoping , Zhou Yan
Published: January 2021

The antiferromagnetic domain wall dynamics is currently a hot topic in mesoscopic magnetic systems. In this work, it is found that, based on the Thiele approach, the motion of an antiferromagnetic domain wall is described by the Duffing equation. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic domain wall can be used as a Duffing oscillator, and the transition between the periodic and chaotic motion can be used to detect the periodic signal in the presence of the white noise. Furthermore, we calculate the bifurcation diagram and Lyapunov exponents to study the chaotic behavior of an antiferromagnetic domain wall. The numerical simulations are in good agreement with the analytical solutions. Our results may be useful for building spintronic detection devices based on antiferromagnetic domain walls.
Zeolite-supported synthesis, solution dispersion, and optical characterizations of single-walled carbon nanotubes wrapped by boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Feng Ya , Li Henan , Hou Bo , Kataura Hiromichi , Inoue Taiki , Chiashi Shohei , Xiang Rong , Maruyama Shigeo
Published: January 2021

Zeolite-supported carbon nanotube (CNT) synthesis provides a route for its mass production due to the porous surfaces accommodating a large number of catalytic particles and maintaining the fine particle sizes during high-temperature growth. Coaxial single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) van der Waals heterostructures have been produced recently on the CNT thin-film template. To achieve a high yield of the one-dimensional heterostructure, BNNT-wrapped SWCNTs were synthesized on zeolite support coated with catalytic nanoparticles. They were then dispersed in solution and examined by absorption, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy. A robust thermal stability enhancement was observed, and optical characterizations revealed the composition of dispersed SWCNTs wrapped by BNNTs before air annealing includes individual SWCNTs, BNNT-wrapped SWCNT bundles, and BNNT-wrapped individual SWCNTs. Furthermore, the outside wrapping by BNNTs caused a significant down-shift of the photoluminescence spectrum in semiconducting SWCNTs, suggesting that BNNT-wrapped SWCNTs can be preserved after harsh dispersion treatments.
Use of bursts of 1.54-μm microsecond laser pulses for cataract destruction
Authors: Belikov A.V. , Smirnov S.N. , Kopaev S.Yu. , Nemsitsveridze M.N. , Batov Yu.N. , Gubin A.B. , Pirozhkov Yu.B.
Published: January 2021

The possibility of using bursts of microsecond pulses of an Yb,Er : glass laser (λ = 1.54 μm) for cataract destruction was investigated experimentally in vitro for the first time. The energy in a laser pulse was limited from below by the eye lens destruction threshold and from above by the radiation resistance of the input end face of the radiation-supplying fibre. The energy of a burst consisting of three microsecond laser pulses, separated by time intervals of 850 μs, was 255 ± 15 mJ, and the burst repetition rate was 15 Hz. The hydroacoustic signal, generated after each burst pulse in the water around the lens, contained two components. The first occurred immediately after the laser pulse transmission, and the second was delayed by 250 to 350 μs. The amplitude of the second component of the hydroacoustic signal exceeded the amplitude of the first component and was maximum (50.0 ± 8.0 MPa) for the signal induced by the second pulse in the burst. The efficiency of cataract destruction by microsecond-pulse bursts generated by an Yb,Er : glass laser was found to depend on the lens nucleus density, to exceed significantly the efficiency of cataract destruction by single microsecond pulses of this laser, and to be comparable with the efficiency of eye lens destruction by a 1.44-μm Nd : YAG laser.
In vivo non-invasive determination of the water concentration and water bonding properties in the human stratum corneum using confocal Raman microspectroscopy (mini-review)
Authors: Darvin M.E. , Choe C.S. , Schleusener J. , Lademann J.
Published: January 2021

Water plays an important role for normal functioning of the skin. The stratum corneum (SC) – the outermost layer of the epidermis – maintains the skin barrier function and regulates the water balance in the organism. Water is non-homogeneously distributed in the SC and its correct determination is important in dermatology and cosmetology. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) is the most suitable non-invasive method to determine depth profiles of the water concentration, water with different mobility and hydrogen bonding states of water molecules in human skinin vivo, i.e. to study the SC hydration and moisturising. Anin vivoapplication of CRM on normal human skin for investigation of the water concentration and water bonding properties in the SC is reviewed in this paper. Investigations performed on volunteers of two age groups reveal changes, which show that the SC of older skin binds water more efficiently compared to younger skin.
The decline of mammal functional and evolutionary diversity worldwide
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Williams Sara , Garner Brittany
Published: January 2021

Significance

The ongoing loss of species around the world is reducing the diversity of ecological roles played by organisms in natural communities, as well as the number of evolutionary lineages that live there. We have limited knowledge about which anthropogenic threats have the strongest influence on functional and evolutionary diversity, and about whether declines in these facets of biodiversity are faster or slower than the corresponding declines in species numbers. Here we show that harvest and habitat loss in the most biodiverse parts of the world disproportionately affect mammal species that have unique roles in their ecosystems. Enhanced conservation, focused particularly on harvest sustainability, is critically needed to avoid deterioration of ecosystem function and impoverishment of our biodiversity heritage.
Induced transparency by interference or polarization
Authors: Wang Changqing , Jiang Xuefeng , Sweeney William R. , Hsu Chia Wei , Liu Yiming , Zhao Guangming , Peng Bo , Zhang Mengzhen , Jiang Liang , Stone A. Douglas , Yang Lan
Published: January 2021

Significance

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) describes the phenomenon that an opaque optical medium becomes transparent due to interference effects. EIT plays a pivotal role in engineering slow light and quantum memory. However, polarization effects could cause similar phenomena and therefore were considered as EIT occasionally. We investigate the polarization effects on EIT in optical resonators and discover a polarization-induced transparency (PIT) phenomenon that the system is transparent in one direction but opaque in the other. PIT results from the polarization effects rather than wave interference and thus fundamentally differs from EIT. This study resolves the confusion between EIT and polarization effects, which is crucial for optical memory design and paves the way to additional techniques for controlling wave propagation.
Observation of liquid glass in suspensions of ellipsoidal colloids
Authors: Roller Jörg , Laganapan Aleena , Meijer Janne-Mieke , Fuchs Matthias , Zumbusch Andreas
Published: January 2021

Significance

Using tailor-made colloids and confocal microscopy, we study the effect of shape on the glass transition in 3D suspensions of ellipsoidal colloids. Experimental data, supporting simulations, and a theoretical analysis reveal a unique state: liquid glass. In liquid glasses, orientational degrees of freedom are frozen whereas translation is free. Global nematic order is absent. We show that, in the liquid glass state, nematic precursors as hitherto unknown structures exist. In these, nematic order is suppressed by the intersection of clusters of ordered particles with differently ordered particles. Our data thus give insight into the glass transition and reveal an additional state of matter. The latter is expected to also have implications in liquid crystal formation.
Cryoelectron-microscopy structure of the enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
type III secretion system EspA filament
Authors: Zheng Weili , Peña Alejandro , Ilangovan Aravindan , Baghshomali Yasaman Naemi , Frankel Gad , Egelman Edward H. , Costa Tiago R. D.
Published: January 2021

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) utilize a macromolecular type III secretion system (T3SS) to inject effector proteins into eukaryotic cells. This apparatus spans the inner and outer bacterial membranes and includes a helical needle protruding into the extracellular space. Thus far observed only in EPEC and EHEC and not found in other pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria that have a T3SS is an additional helical filament made by the EspA protein that forms a long extension to the needle, mediating both attachment to eukaryotic cells and transport of effector proteins through the intestinal mucus layer. Here, we present the structure of the EspA filament from EPEC at 3.4 Å resolution. The structure reveals that the EspA filament is a right-handed 1-start helical assembly with a conserved lumen architecture with respect to the needle to ensure the seamless transport of unfolded cargos en route to the target cell. This functional conservation is despite the fact that there is little apparent overall conservation at the level of sequence or structure with the needle. We also unveil the molecular details of the immunodominant EspA epitope that can now be exploited for the rational design of epitope display systems.
The neuromuscular, physiological, endocrine and perceptual responses to different training session orders in international female netball players
Authors: Birdsey Laurence P. , Weston Matthew , Russell Mark , Johnston Michael , Cook Christian J. , Kilduff Liam P.
Published: January 2021

The 20 h responses of International female netball players to training days requiring two sessions (netball and strength, separated by two hours) ordered alternatively were examined. Eleven players completed strength followed by netball training two hours later (STR‐NET), with the order reversed (NET‐STR) on a separate day. Well‐being, neuromuscular performance (jump height [JH], peak power output [PPO], peak velocity [PV]) and endocrine function (testosterone, cortisol concentrations) were measured before sessions one (PreS1) and two (PreS2), immediately after sessions one (IPS1) and two (IPS2), and 20 h post session one (20P). Session and differential ratings of perceived exertion (upper‐body, cognitive/technical [RPE‐T], lower‐body, breathlessness) were collected, and accelerometry and heart rate measured netball load. Identification of clear between‐order differences was based on the nonoverlap of the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for mean differences relative to baseline. Compared to PreS1, greater increases in JH (percentage difference between trials; 95%CI: 9%; 4–14%), PPO (5%; 2–8%), PV (3%; 1–5%) and cortisol concentration (45%; 1–88%), and a greater decrease for testosterone/cortisol ratio (−35%; −72 to −2%) occurred at PreS2 in NET‐STR. At 20P, greater decreases in JH (10%; 5–15%), PPO (4%; 1–8%) and PV (4%; 2–6%) were observed following STR‐NET. No differences existed for well‐being, whilst RPE‐T was greater (15 AU; 3–26 AU) for strength training during NET‐STR. Session order influenced neuromuscular and endocrine responses in International female netball players, highlighting session ordering as a key consideration when planning training.
In‐play optimal cooling for outdoor match‐play tennis in the heat
Authors: Naito Takashi , Nakamura Mariko , Muraishi Koji , Eda Nobuhiko , Ando Karina , Takemura Ai , Akazawa Nobuhiko , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of four cooling interventions used for reducing physiological and perceptual strain and improving exercise performance during outdoor match‐play tennis in the heat. Eight competitive tennis players played four counter‐balanced simulated outdoor matches in the heat (WBGT: 28.4–32.5°C) at 24‐ or 48‐h intervals. Each match comprised 3 sets for which the “no‐ad” rule was applied to limit duration variability. Players underwent the following cooling interventions: ad libitum fluid ingestion (CON), ad libitum fluid ingestion and ice vest (VEST), total ingestion of approximately 1000 g ice slurry and ice vest (Combined: BINE), or total ingestion of approximately 400 g ice slurry and ice vest (Low‐combined: L‐BINE). Gastrointestinal temperature was lower in the BINE and the L‐BINE trials than in the CON trial at the set‐break of set 1, and these differences in gastrointestinal temperature persisted throughout the remainder of the match (p < 0.05). The ratio of moderate‐high intensity activity (≥10 km/h) in set 3 was significantly higher in the L‐BINE trial than that in the BINE trial (p < 0.05). In the CON and BINE trials, high intensity activity was significantly lower in set 3 compared with set 1 and 2, respectively. Cooling by optimal ice slurry ingestion and ice vest may be a more effective strategy in mitigating the development of heat strain during outdoor match‐play tennis in the heat.

Highlights

Cooling by optimal ice slurry ingestion and ice vest may be a more effective strategy in mitigating the development of heat strain during outdoor match‐play tennis in the heat.

Ingesting of large amounts ice slurry may be caused the bloating and stomach discomfort, in turn declined in the ratio of moderate‐high intensity activity in the second half of match‐play tennis in hot outdoor environments.

Future studies should not only utilize match characteristics, but also measure on‐court tennis specific performance.
Strain-engineered photoelectric conversion properties of lateral monolayer WS2/WSe2 heterojunctions
Authors: Zhao Yipeng , Tan Shilin , Ouyang Gang
Published: January 2021

In order to explore the strain engineering for the electronic and optoelectronic properties of lateral monolayer heterojunctions, we develop a modified detailed balance method to search for the optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) based on atomic-bond-relaxation mechanism. We find that the interface band alignment occurs a type II to type I transition at 7.8% tensile strain, and the optimized PCE of WS2/WSe2 lateral heterojunction can be up to ∼4.41%. Our method provides a vital guidance for the design of high-quality solar cell devices composed of a lateral two-dimensional heterostructure.
Detailed study on effects of gate voltage, frequency and temperature on dielectric properties of Cu/PAr/n-CdS/SnO2 MIS Schottky diode
Authors: Kuruoğlu Furkan , Çalışkan Murat , Yıldırım Saffettin , Serin Merih
Published: January 2021

In this paper, CdS based metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) diode was fabricated by using the Polyarylate (PAr) film as insulator dielectric on transparent conductive glass substrate. The dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant (

ϵ

′

), loss (ϵ), loss tangent (tan δ), ac conduc-tivity (σ

AC
) and complex modulus (

M

′

,

M

′
′

) of the MIS Schottky diode were examined as a function of signal frequency, gate voltage and temperature. The detailed analysis revealed the interface states at the CdS/PAr junction and the characteristics of these interface states in the examined frequency range. The value of the angular frequency exponent (S) and the corres-ponding temperature dependence of σ

ac
indicate the hopping mechanism which agrees with the CBH model. The barrier height between the neighbouring states is determined as 47 meV for the temperature range studied. The temperature dependence of ΔV

FB
verifies the thermally active behaviour of interface states which decrease from 117 to 41 meV with increasing temperature.
Flexible and tunable microwave absorption structures using carbonyl iron@polydimethylsiloxane pillar arrays
Authors: Hu Lei , Luo Wei , Qin Faxiang , Xv Wentao , Hu Xin , Zhang Jian , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: January 2021

Flexible absorbers with artificially engineered micro-structures are promising microwave-shielding materials for use with flexible electronic devices. However, deformation of such flexible absorbers has a great impact on their microwave absorption properties, and this requires more intensive research. Herein, flexible absorbers comprising periodically arrayed polydimethylsiloxane pillars mixed with carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) were fabricated via a template-casting method and deformed by vertically applied forces. As the bending angles of the pillars increased from 0° to 70° the frequencies of the absorption peaks exhibited a linear redshift from 11.69 to 10.53 GHz. The shifting rates were −0.00543, −0.00235 and −0.00681 GHz per degree for the 2 mm period arrays and −0.00432, −0.00324 and −0.00412 GHz per degree for the 3 mm period arrays, when the CIP mass ratios were 40%, 50% and 60%, respectively. The shift of the peaks results from the increased imaginary part of permeability and permittivity when the pillars bend, giving rise to an increase in the propagation constant in the effective medium and enhancement of the first-order Fabry–Perot resonance. The results demonstrate a simple and feasible pathway for manipulating microwave absorption dynamically through deformation.
Paediatric diagnostic reference levels in computed tomography: a systematic review
Authors: Satharasinghe D M , Jeyasugiththan J , Wanninayake W M N M B , Pallewatte A S
Published: January 2021

This study aims to review the existing literature on diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in paediatric computed tomography (CT) procedures and the methodologies for establishing them. A comprehensive literature search was done in the popular databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar under the key words ‘p(a)ediatric DRL’, ‘dose reference level’, ‘diagnostic reference level’ and ‘DRL’. Twenty-three articles originating from 15 countries were included. Differences were found in the methods used to establish paediatric CT DRLs across the world, including test subjects, reference phantom size, anatomical regions, modes of data collection and stratification techniques. The majority of the studies were based on retrospective patient surveys. The head, chest and abdomen were the common regions. The volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and dose–length product (DLP) were the dosimetric quantities chosen in the majority of publications. However, the size-specific dose estimate was a growing trend in the DRL concept of CT. A 16 cm diameter phantom was used by most of the publications when defining DRLs for head, chest and abdomen. The majority of the DRLs were given based on patient age, and the common age categories for head, chest and abdomen regions were 0–1, 1–5, 5–10 and 10–15 years. The DRL ranges for the head region were 18–68 mGy (CTDIvol) and 260–1608 mGy cm (DLP). For chest and abdomen regions the variations were 1.0–15.6 mGy, 10–496 mGy cm and 1.8–23 mGy, 65–807 mGy cm, respectively. All these DRLs were established for children aged 0–18 years. The wide range of DRL distributions in chest and abdomen regions can be attributed to the use of two different reference phantom sizes (16 and 32 cm), failure to follow a common methodology and inadequate dose optimisation actions. Therefore, an internationally accepted protocol should be followed when establishing DRLs. Moreover, these DRL variations suggest the importance of establish a national DRL for each country considering advanced techniques and dose reduction methodologies.
Improving TiO2 gas sensing selectivity to acetone and other gases via a molecular imprinting method
Authors: Yang Wangyang , Shen Honglie , Ge Jiawei , Xu Binbin
Published: January 2021

Various gas sensors have made considerable improvements to the quality of people’s lives. However, in most cases, changing of materials is necessary to adapt to the changing of the target gas, which limits the further application of gas sensors. To meet this challenge, in this work, molecular imprinting (MI) technology is introduced. Acrylic acid is used as a functional monomer, while gas molecules, including acetone, are used as templates. The MI process with an acetone template helps improve the acetone selectivity of TiO2 by up to 1.74–2.80 times. Moreover, it proved that other templates can increase the corresponding selectivity by at least 1.5 times by using the same matrix material. These results demonstrate the potential importance of the MI process in constructing a highly compatible gas sensor industry. Beyond this, the MI process has proved to achieve an ultrahigh specific surface area of 384.36 m2 · g−1. The optimal acetone sensor exhibits desirable comprehensive performance compared with other reports. An excellent TiO2 based prototype acetone sensor working at 300 °C with a low detection limit of 18 ppb is obtained.
Decoding hindlimb kinematics from descending and ascending neural signals during cat locomotion
Authors: Fathi Yaser , Erfanian Abbas
Published: January 2021

Objective. The main objective of this research is to record both sensory and motor information from the ascending and descending tracts within the spinal cord to decode the hindlimb kinematics during walking on a treadmill. Approach. Two different experimental paradigms (i.e. active and passive) were used in the current study. During active experiments, five cats were trained to walk bipedally while their hands were kept on the front frame of the treadmill for balance or to walk quadrupedally. During passive experiments, the limb was passively moved by the experimenter. Local field potential (LFP) activity was recorded using a microwire array implanted in the dorsal column (DC) and lateral column (LC) of the L3–L4 spinal segments. The amplitude and frequency components of the LFP formed the feature set, and the elastic net regularization was used to decode the hindlimb joint angles. Main results. The results show that there is no significant difference between the information content of the signals recorded from the DC and LC regions during walking on the treadmill, but the information content of the DC is significantly higher than that of the LC during passively applied movement of the hindlimb in the anesthetized cats. Moreover, the decoding performance obtained using the recorded signals from the DC is comparable with that from the LC during locomotion. However, the decoding performance obtained using the recording channels in the DC is significantly better than that obtained using the signals recorded from the LC. The long-term analysis shows that robust decoding performance can be achieved over 2–3 months without a significant decrease in performance. Significance. This work presents a promising approach to developing a natural and robust motor neuroprosthesis device using descending neural signals to execute the movement and ascending neural signals as the feedback information to control the movement.
A comprehensive survey for human transcription factors on expression, regulation, interaction, phenotype and cancer survival
Authors: Hu Hui , Zhang Qiong , Hu Fei-Fei , Liu Chun-Jie , Guo An-Yuan
Published: January 2021

Transcription factors (TFs) act as key regulators in biological processes through controlling gene expression. Here, we conducted a systematic study for all human TFs on the expression, regulation, interaction, mutation, phenotype and cancer survival. We revealed that the average expression levels of TFs in normal tissues were lower than 50% expression of non-TFs, whereas TF expression was increased in cancers. TFs that are specifically expressed in an individual tissue or cancer may be potential marker genes. For instance, TGIF2LX/Y were preferentially expressed in testis and NEUROG1, PRDM14, SRY, ZNF705A and ZNF716 were specifically highly expressed in germ cell tumors. We found different distributions of target genes and TF co-regulations in different TF families. Some small TF families have huge protein interaction pairs, suggesting their central roles in transcriptional regulation. The bZIP family is a small family involving many signaling pathways. Survival analysis indicated that most TFs significantly affect survival of one or more cancers. Some survival-related TFs were also specifically highly expressed in the corresponding cancer types, which may be potential targets for cancer therapy. Finally, we identified 43 TFs whose mutations were closely correlated to survival, suggesting their cancer-driven roles. The systematic analysis of TFs provides useful clues for further investigation of TF regulatory mechanisms and the role of TFs in diseases.
Diarrheal Pathogens Associated With Growth and Neurodevelopment
Authors: Donowitz Jeffrey R , Drew Jeannie , Taniuchi Mami , Platts-Mills James A , Alam Masud , Ferdous Tahsin , Shama Talat , Islam Md Ohedul , Kabir Mamun , Nayak Uma , Haque Rashidul , Petri William A
Published: January 2021

Background

Diarrheal pathogens have been associated with linear growth deficits. The effect of diarrheal pathogens on growth is likely due to inflammation, which also adversely affects neurodevelopment. We hypothesized that diarrheagenic pathogens would be negatively associated with both growth and neurodevelopment.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal birth cohort study of 250 children with diarrheal surveillance and measured pathogen burden in diarrheal samples using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Pathogen attributable fraction estimates of diarrhea over the first 2 years of life, corrected for socioeconomic variables, were used to predict both growth and scores on the Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development.

Results

One hundred eighty children were analyzed for growth and 162 for neurodevelopmental outcomes. Rotavirus, Campylobacter, and Shigella were the leading causes of diarrhea in year 1 while Shigella, Campylobacter, and heat-stable toxin–producing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were the leading causes in year 2. Norovirus was the only pathogen associated with length-for-age z score at 24 months and was positively associated (regression coefficient [RC], 0.42 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .04 to .80]). Norovirus (RC, 2.46 [95% CI, .05 to 4.87]) was also positively associated with cognitive scores while sapovirus (RC, –2.64 [95% CI, –4.80 to –.48]) and typical enteropathogenic E. coli (RC, –4.14 [95% CI, –8.02 to –.27]) were inversely associated. No pathogens were associated with language or motor scores. Significant maternal, socioeconomic, and perinatal predictors were identified for both growth and neurodevelopment.

Conclusions

Maternal, prenatal, and socioeconomic factors were common predictors of growth and neurodevelopment. Only a limited number of diarrheal pathogens were associated with these outcomes.
Whole-genome sequence diversity and association analysis of 198 soybean accessions in mini-core collections
Authors: Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Nagasaki Hideki , Kaga Akito , Hirano Ko , Ogiso-Tanaka Eri , Matsuoka Makoto , Ishimori Motoyuki , Ishimoto Masao , Hashiguchi Masatsugu , Tanaka Hidenori , Akashi Ryo , Isobe Sachiko , Iwata Hiroyoshi
Published: January 2021

We performed whole-genome Illumina resequencing of 198 accessions to examine the genetic diversity and facilitate the use of soybean genetic resources and identified 10 million single nucleotide polymorphisms and 2.8 million small indels. Furthermore, PacBio resequencing of 10 accessions was performed, and a total of 2,033 structure variants were identified. Genetic diversity and structure analysis congregated the 198 accessions into three subgroups (Primitive, World, and Japan) and showed the possibility of a long and relatively isolated history of cultivated soybean in Japan. Additionally, the skewed regional distribution of variants in the genome, such as higher structural variations on the R gene clusters in the Japan group, suggested the possibility of selective sweeps during domestication or breeding. A genome-wide association study identified both known and novel causal variants on the genes controlling the flowering period. Novel candidate causal variants were also found on genes related to the seed coat colour by aligning together with Illumina and PacBio reads. The genomic sequences and variants obtained in this study have immense potential to provide information for soybean breeding and genetic studies that may uncover novel alleles or genes involved in agronomically important traits.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Survey Estimates Are Affected by Anti-Nucleocapsid Antibody Decline
Authors: Bolotin Shelly , Tran Vanessa , Osman Selma , Brown Kevin A , Buchan Sarah A , Joh Eugene , Deeks Shelley L , Allen Vanessa G
Published: January 2021

We analyzed 21 676 residual specimens from Ontario, Canada collected March–August 2020 to investigate the effect of antibody decline on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence estimates. Testing specimens orthogonally using Abbott (anti-nucleocapsid) and Ortho (anti-spike) assays, seroprevalence estimates were 0.4%–1.4%, despite ongoing disease activity. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of antibody-positive specimens decreased over time (P = .015), and GMC of antibody-negative specimens increased over time (P = .0018). Association between the 2 tests decreased each month (P < .001), suggesting anti-nucleocapsid antibody decline. Lowering Abbott antibody index cutoff from 1.4 to 0.7 resulted in a 16% increase in positive specimens.
Surgical management of a massive choledochal cyst
Authors: Nawabi Atta , Jabbari Javaneh , Nawabi Perwaiz
Published: January 2021

Choledochal cysts (CC) are congenital bile duct anomalies, typically present in children. The size of CC vary, but they rarely exceed 9 cm. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment. This case report presents 18-year-old female with jaundice and abdominal pain. On imaging she was found to have a type I CC versus a type IVa CC. She was taken to the operating room where she was found to have a 20 cm type I CC. The patient experienced complete recovery after total resection of the extrahepatic cyst with reconstruction with a Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Preoperative diagnosis of the type of CCs can be challenging. Proper imaging preoperatively can aid in diagnosis of these cysts, but delineation of anatomy and type may not always be possible. If treated in a timely manner, it can help prevent both long- and short-term complications.
Uncertainties in galaxy rotation curves
Authors: Sellwood J A , Spekkens Kristine , Eckel Carter S
Published: January 2021

Assessing the likelihood that the rotation curve of a galaxy matches predictions from galaxy formation simulations requires that the uncertainties in the circular speed as a function of radius derived from the observational data be statistically robust. Few uncertainties presented in the literature meet this requirement. In this paper, we present a new standalone tool, makemap, that estimates the fitted velocity at each pixel from Gauss–Hermite fits to a 3D spectral data cube, together with its uncertainty obtained from a modified bootstrap procedure. We apply this new tool to neutral hydrogen spectra for 18 galaxies from the THINGS sample, and present new velocity maps with uncertainties. We propagate the estimated uncertainties in the velocity map into our previously described model fitting tool DiskFit to derive new rotation curves. The uncertainties we obtain from these fits take into account not only the observational errors, but also uncertainties in the fitted systemic velocity, position of the rotation centre, inclination of the galaxy to the line of sight, and forced non-circular motion. They are therefore much better-defined than values that have previously been available. Our estimated uncertainties on the circular speeds differ from previous estimates by factors ranging up to of five, being smaller in some cases and larger in others. We conclude that kinematic models of well-resolved H i data sets vary widely in their precision and reliability, and therefore potentially in their value for comparisons with predictions from cosmological galaxy formation simulations.
Results of mental support for health care professionals and mental care during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: de Vroege Lars , van den Broek Anneloes
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted into a global pandemic and continues to thrive until vaccines have been successfully developed and distributed around the world. The outcomes of COVID-19 contaminations range from death to minor health-related complaints. Furthermore, and not less significant, the increasing pressure on local as well as global health care is rising. In The Netherlands but also in other countries, further intensified regulations are introduced in order to contain the second wave of COVID-19, primarily to limit the number contaminations but also to prevent the health care professionals for giving in to the rising pressure on them. The results of the campaign for health care professionals in The Netherlands show that health care professionals are increasingly searching for information regarding psychological symptoms such as feeling of uncertainty, pondering and advice regarding the support of care teams. In this short update, we provide the results of the previous campaign and stress the importance of support after COVID-19 based on these results.
New insights into the epidemiology of ANCA-associated vasculitides in Germany: results from a claims data study
Authors: Hellmich Bernhard , Lamprecht Peter , Spearpoint Philip , Götte Dieter , Deichmann Angelika , Buchholz Ina , Schönermark Matthias P , Rutherford Peter
Published: January 2021

Objective

ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV) are rare, potentially life-threatening autoimmune diseases characterized by systemic inflammation and organ damage. AAV prevalence rates reported in Europe vary considerably and robust data sources are often lacking. This study aimed to examine the feasibility of claims data analysis as a complementary method to registry-based studies to assess the epidemiology of AAV.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, anonymized longitudinal claims data from years 2013–2016 from German statutory health insurance companies (data source: InGef, Institute for Applied Health Research) have been analysed on an age- and gender-stratified cohort of ∼3 million persons representative of the German population. In this cohort, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) patients were identified.

Results

The study cohort revealed a prevalence for GPA and MPA of 210 and 46 cases per million people, respectively. The annual incidence comprised 34 GPA cases and 13 MPA cases per million people per year. Hence, 17 500 AAV patients (GPA and MPA) are estimated to live in Germany, with an annual increase of 3200 patients. According to their demographic and disease-specific characteristics, AAV patients identified in this claims data approach are representative.

Conclusion

This is the first study using claims data to assess the epidemiology of AAV. In Germany, AAV was diagnosed more frequently than it was estimated by previous self-reporting registry-based studies. The findings indicate that epidemiological data of AAV may have been underestimated but may also reflect improved diagnostic methods and disease recognition.
THERMOLUMINESCENCE AND KINETIC PARAMETERS OF MICRO-NANO MATRIX OF LITHIUM TRIBORATE AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLE
Authors: Samuel Ajayi Oladele , Samuel Oluyamo Sunday , Uche Ofiwe Collins , Ayoade Aborisade Caleb , Ayodele Oke James
Published: January 2021

This study presents the first report on the kinetic parameters of micro-nano interaction of lithium triborate microparticles doped with zinc oxide nanoparticles (LBZ) in 0.1 to 0.4% dopant concentrations. The parent-dopant mix was synthesized using high-temperature solid-state method. The materials were subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to ascertain their structural, physical properties as well as gamma irradiation and thermoluminescence (TL) analysis for their dosimetric properties. XRD and DTA confirmed the formation of polycrystalline lithium triborate compounds, while SEM and EDS showed the presence of the dopant. TL analysis presented a simple glow curve structure with the main temperature peak for different dopant concentrations varying from 243 to 327°C. The activation energy (E) and frequency factor (s) were calculated for each peak shape parameter τ (low temperature half width), δ (high temperature half-width) and ω (total half width) using Chen’s peak shape (PS) method and the order of kinetics was deduced from the symmetry factor (μg) and gamma dose–response curves. The activation energy and frequency factor with respect to the peak shape parameters Eτ, Eδ, Eω and sτ, sδ, sω across the dopant concentrations were in the range of 1.14 to 2.2 eV and 3.92 × 1010 to 7.71 × 1022 s−1, respectively. Comparing the methods for the determination of the order of kinetics, LBZ 0.2% agrees with the conditions of first-order kinetics, while second-order kinetics is assigned to LBZ 0.1, 0.3 and 0.4%. The results present simple glow curve structure which relates to stability, high-temperature peaks and E values which correspond to deep trap states.