bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syk facilitates phagosome-lysosome fusion by regulating actin-remodeling in complement-mediated phagocytosis
Authors: Tabata Hiroyuki , Morita Hiroyuki , Kaji Hiroaki , Tohyama Kaoru , Tohyama Yumi
Published: December 2020

Effective phagocytosis is crucial for host defense against pathogens. Macrophages entrap pathogens into a phagosome and subsequently acidic lysosomes fuse to the phagosome. Previous studies showed the pivotal role of actin-remodeling mediated by phosphoinositide-related signaling in phagosome formation, but the mechanisms of phagosome-lysosome fusion remain unexplored. Here we show that in complement-mediated phagocytosis, phagosome-lysosome fusion requires the disappearance of F-actin structure surrounding the phagosome and a tyrosine kinase Syk plays a key role in this process. Using macrophage-like differentiated HL60 and Syk-knockout (Syk-KO) HL60 cells, we found that Syk-KO cells showed insufficient phagosome acidification caused by impaired fusion with lysosomes and permitted the survival of Candida albicans in complement-mediated phagocytosis. Phagosome tracking analysis showed that during phagosome internalization process, F-actin surrounding phagosomes disappeared in both parental and Syk-KO cells but this structure was reconstructed immediately only in Syk-KO cells. In addition, F-actin-stabilizing agent induced a similar impairment of phagosome-lysosome fusion. Collectively, Syk-derived signaling facilitates phagosome-lysosome fusion by regulating actin-remodeling.
The longitudinal risk of mortality between invasive ductal carcinoma and metaplastic breast carcinoma
Authors: Wu San-Gang , Yang Shi-Ping , Zhang Wen-Wen , Wang Jun , Lian Chen-Lu , Chen Yong-Xiong , He Zhen-Yu
Published: December 2020

The management of metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) has largely paralleled the paradigms used for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines of breast cancer. However, patients with IDC and MBC have been shown to have a different prognosis, and there are significant differences in risk and failure patterns after treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) and hazard function between IDC and MBC. We included patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program with stage I-III IDC and MBC between 2000 and 2012. Statistical analyses were including chi-square analysis, life-table methods, multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, and propensity score matching (PSM). We identified 294,719 patients; 293,199 patients with IDC and 1520 patients with MBC. Multivariate analyses showed that the MBC subtype had significantly lower BCSS than the IDC subtype before and after PSM (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the hazard curve between IDC and MBC. The hazard curve for breast cancer mortality in the IDC cohort peaked at 3 years (2%), and then changed to a slowly decreasing plateau after prolonged follow up. However, the hazard curve for breast cancer mortality in the MBC cohort peaked at 2 years (7%), then declined sharply between 3 and 6 years, and changed to a low death rate after a follow-up time exceeding 6 years. Subgroup analyses revealed that the hazard curves significantly differed between IDC and MBC after stratifying by tumor stage and hormone receptor status. Our study suggests that patients with MBC should receive more effective systemic agents and intensive follow-up because of their significantly augmented risk of death compared to IDC patients.
Bile accelerates carcinogenic processes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells through the overexpression of MUC4
Authors: Gál Eleonóra , Veréb Zoltán , Kemény Lajos , Rakk Dávid , Szekeres András , Becskeházi Eszter , Tiszlavicz László , Takács Tamás , Czakó László , Hegyi Péter , Venglovecz Viktória
Published: December 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the leading causes of mortality rate globally and is usually associated with obstructive jaundice (OJ). Up to date, there is no clear consensus on whether biliary decompression should be performed prior to surgery and how high levels of serum bile affects the outcome of PC. Therefore, our study aims were to characterise the effect of bile acids (BAs) on carcinogenic processes using pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the serum concentrations of BAs. The effects of BAs on tumour progression were investigated using different assays. Mucin expressions were studied in normal and PDAC cell lines and in human samples at gene and protein levels and results were validated with gene silencing. The levels of BAs were significantly higher in the PDAC + OJ group compared to the healthy control. Treating PDAC cells with different BAs or with human serum obtained from PDAC + OJ patients enhanced the rate of proliferation, migration, adhesion, colony forming, and the expression of MUC4. In PDAC + OJ patients, MUC4 expression was higher and the 4-year survival rate was lower compare to PDAC patients. Silencing of MUC4 decreased BAs-induced carcinogenic processes in PDAC cells. Our results show that BAs promote carcinogenic process in PDAC cells, in which the increased expression of MUC4 plays an important role. Based on these results, we assume that in PC patients, where the disease is associated with OJ, the early treatment of biliary obstruction improves life expectancy.
Structurally distinct telomere-binding proteins in Ustilago maydis execute non-overlapping functions in telomere replication, recombination, and protection
Authors: Yu Eun Young , Zahid Syed S. , Ganduri Swapna , Sutherland Jeanette H. , Hsu Min , Holloman William K. , Lue Neal F.
Published: December 2020

Duplex telomere binding proteins exhibit considerable structural and functional diversity in fungi. Herein we interrogate the activities and functions of two Myb-containing, duplex telomere repeat-binding factors in Ustilago maydis, a basidiomycete that is evolutionarily distant from the standard fungi. These two telomere-binding proteins, UmTay1 and UmTrf2, despite having distinct domain structures, exhibit comparable affinities and sequence specificity for the canonical telomere repeats. UmTay1 specializes in promoting telomere replication and an ALT-like pathway, most likely by modulating the helicase activity of Blm. UmTrf2, in contrast, is critical for telomere protection; transcriptional repression of Umtrf2 leads to severe growth defects and profound telomere aberrations. Comparative analysis of UmTay1 homologs in different phyla reveals broad functional diversity for this protein family and provides a case study for how DNA-binding proteins can acquire and lose functions at various chromosomal locations. Our findings also point to stimulatory effect of telomere protein on ALT in Ustilago maydis that may be conserved in other systems.
Author Correction: Arsenic mobilization by anaerobic iron-dependent methane oxidation
Authors: Glodowska Martyna , Stopelli Emiliano , Schneider Magnus , Rathi Bhasker , Straub Daniel , Lightfoot Alex , Kipfer Rolf , Berg Michael , Jetten Mike , Kleindienst Sara , Kappler Andreas ,   AdvectAs Team Members, Glodowska M. , Kappler A. , Kleindienst S. , Cirpka O. A. , Rathi B. , Lightfoot A. , Stopelli E. , Berg M. , Kipfer R. , Winkel L. , Schneider M. , Eiche E. , Kontny A. , Neumann T. , Viet Pham Hung , Pham Trang , Vu D. , Lan Vi Mai , Tran Mai , Nga Viet , Prommer H.
Published: December 2020

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-020-00068-5
The construction of dynamic dysprosium-carboxylate ribbons by utilizing the hybrid-ligand conception
Authors: Fang Yu , Sun Rong , Sun Ai-Huan , Sun Hao-Ling , Gao Song
Published: December 2020

Three dysprosium-carboxylate ribbons featuring slow magnetic relaxation were successfully constructed by using the mixed-ligand strategy.
A two-year water-stable 2D MOF with aqueous NIR photothermal conversion ability
Authors: Xue Xiang , Wang Jinghang , Zhu Qinyi , Xue Yu , Liu Hewen
Published: December 2020

A two-year water stable cyclophane-containing CuCP-MOF is synthesized with high NIR photothermal conversion efficiency in aqueous environments.
Tuning halide perovskite energy levels
Authors: Canil Laura , Cramer Tobias , Fraboni Beatrice , Ricciarelli Damiano , Meggiolaro Daniele , Singh Ajay , Liu Maning , Rusu Marin , Wolff Christian M. , Phung Nga , Wang Qiong , Neher Dieter , Unold Thomas , Vivo Paola , Gagliardi Alessio , De Angelis Filippo , Abate Antonio
Published: December 2020

Tuning the energy levels of halide perovskite by controlling the deposition of dipolar self-assembled monolayers.
Phenolic compounds from an Algerian medicinal plant (Pallenis spinosa): simulated gastrointestinal digestion, characterization, and biological and enzymatic activities
Authors: Amrani-Allalou Hanane , Boulekbache-Makhlouf Lila , Izzo Luana , Arkoub-Djermoune Lynda , Freidja Mohamed Lamine , Mouhoubi Khokha , Madani Khodir , Tenore Gian Carlo
Published: December 2020

Pallenis spinosais a medicinal plant which is used in folk medicine as curative or preventive remedies for various diseases.
Advances in the preparation and assessment of the biological activities of chitosan oligosaccharides with different structural characteristics
Authors: Zhou Jingwen , Wen Bingjian , Xie Hongyi , Zhang Chengcheng , Bai Yan , Cao Hua , Che Qishi , Guo Jiao , Su Zhengquan
Published: December 2020

The bioactivity of chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) is closely related to the amino groups, acetyl groups, hydroxyl groups and degree of polymerization of their molecular structure, and to their molecular weight.
Enhancing electrocatalytic water splitting by surface defect engineering in two-dimensional electrocatalysts
Authors: Wu Tong , Dong Chenlong , Sun Du , Huang Fuqiang
Published: December 2020

Overall electrocatalytic water splitting can efficiently and sustainably produce clean hydrogen energy to alleviate the global energy crisis and environmental pollution.
Magnesium–halobenzene bonding: mapping the halogen sigma-hole with a Lewis-acidic complex
Authors: Friedrich Alexander , Pahl Jürgen , Eyselein Jonathan , Langer Jens , van Eikema Hommes Nico , Görling Andreas , Harder Sjoerd
Published: December 2020

Complexes of a highly Lewis acidic Mg cation and the full series of Ph–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been structurally characterized. The Mg⋯X–Ph angle decreases with halogen size on account of the growing halogen σ-hole.
Thermal regelation of single particles and particle clusters in ice
Authors: You Jiaxue , Wang Zhijun , Worster M. Grae
Published: December 2020

We investigated kinetics of thermal regelation of single particles and particle clusters in a temperature gradient using experiments and mathematical models. We find that clusters migrate at a constant rate, while single particles accelerate towards the freezing front.
Coarse-grained nucleic acid–protein model for hybrid nanotechnology
Authors: Procyk Jonah , Poppleton Erik , Šulc Petr
Published: December 2020

A coarse-grained model for analysis and design of hybrid DNA-protein nanoscale structures.
Non‐interactive integrated membership authentication and group arithmetic computation output for 5G sensor networks
Authors: Hsu Chingfang , Harn Lein , Xia Zhe , Zhang Maoyuan , Zhao Zhuo
Published: December 2020

Group‐oriented applications show its potential ability in the next generation of wireless sensor networks (5G WSNs), which have the particularity of being heterogeneous and so have different capabilities in terms of storage, computing, communicating and energy. One of the main challenges for secure group‐oriented applications (SGA) in 5G WSNs is how to secure communication between these heterogeneous devices. Conventional protocols are not suitable for SGA in 5G sensor networks since multiparty output establishment in this environment requires lightweight communication and computation overhead, further the primary task of SGA in 5G WSNs is to securely transmit various types of jointly computing data. Hence, membership authentication and multiparty output for arithmetic computations become two fundamental and necessary security services in SGA for 5G WSNs. In this paper we propose a novel design of non‐interactive integrated membership authenticated multiparty output for arithmetic computations in 5G sensor networks, which embeds the function of membership authentication and multiparty output for arithmetic computations. Since any arithmetic computation function is composed of multiple additions and multiplications, our result serves as a general method for multiparty computation output in SGA. This design is more suitable for lightweight membership authenticated multiparty arithmetic computations output in 5G sensor networks.
Selection of capacitance for stable operation of low power DC system with constant power loads
Authors: Islam Shirazul , De Souradip , Anand Sandeep , Sahoo Soumya Ranjan
Published: December 2020

The connection of constant power loads (CPL) in a low power dc system leads to a reduction in the stability margin of the system. Most of the existing techniques increase the stability margin by modifying the controller for CPL or source converter at the cost of deterioration in the performance of converters. Few publications have suggested methods to determine the value of dc‐link capacitance required for stable operation of dc microgrid with CPL. These methods do not necessarily give the minimum possible capacitance as a solution. This paper suggests a method to determine the lower bound on the value of capacitor, for stable operation of dc system. A dc system with both linear and CPL loads is considered. Detailed mathematical analysis is used to determine the range of capacitance to ensure the stability of equilibrium point. Further, this paper discusses the effects of variation in linear loads on the selection of capacitor. The procedure of capacitor selection for a low power dc system is included. Using the real‐time digital simulator and a digital signal processor, controller hardware‐in‐loop based validation is carried out for the proposed approach.
Distance‐dependent V2I wireless channel characteristics and performance in 5G small cell based on measurements
Authors: Li Changzhen , Wang Shoufeng , Yu Junyi , Chen Wei , Yang Kun
Published: December 2020

The maturity of 5G technology has promoted the rapid development of vehicular communications and intelligent transportation systems. As an important part of vehicular communications, vehicle‐to‐infrastructure (V2I) is used for the huge data transmission between vehicles and roadside units. Aiming to analyse the V2I wireless channel distance‐dependent characteristics, this study presents two 5.9 GHz measurements in urban and suburban propagation scenarios. The distance‐based amplitude distribution, delay and Doppler spreads, path loss and shadowing are extracted from the raw data. It is noted that the characteristics of V2I wireless channel vary with the distance between the transmitter and receiver. Rich multi‐path components in the urban area will make more influence than that in the suburban area. Similar with the 5G pico‐cell, the coverage distance, signal‐to‐noise ratio and channel capacity are calculated from the measurement data. The proposed results indicate that the coverage ranges of urban and suburban V2I wireless communication are about 250.3 and 80.04 m when the average power received from a single reference signal is . Rich reflection effect from surroundings in the urban propagation scenario will lead to a faster attenuation of wireless signal. The proposed results can provide a meaningful reference for future research of 5G vehicular communications.
Guidelines for generalised quantitative frequency domain design of optimised multi‐resonant AC current regulators for grid‐connected inverters
Authors: Elkayam Moria , Kuperman Alon
Published: December 2020

This study establishes a set of frequency‐domain phase margin‐oriented quantitative design guidelines for deriving coefficients of optimised multi‐resonant AC current regulators, consisting of series‐connected terms. Such an arrangement allows straightforward extension of existing design guidelines for developing coefficients of optimised single‐resonant AC current regulators. Practical restrictions imposed by, relatively, low switching frequency are also considered, yielding corresponding design guidelines generalisation.
How essential non‐linear stiffness affects the adaptation of flow energy converter based on fully‐passive oscillating‐foil?
Authors: Jiang Wei , Wang Yulu , Zhang Di , Xie Yonghui
Published: December 2020

An essential non‐linear flow‐energy converter based on fully‐passive oscillating‐foil is proposed to improve the adaptation under varied flow conditions. The converter consists of a C‐shape foil elastically supported by two springs, an arm that transfers the plunging motion into swing motion and two dampers to absorb mechanical energy. For the purpose of improving performance within a broader range of exciting frequency under varied flow speeds the authors employ two essential non‐linear springs in the converter. The adaptation and performance of an essential non‐linear converter were assessed numerically. The effects of non‐linear stiffness coefficients, varied damping factors, and speed ratios are investigated in detail. The results indicated that the effective range of speed ratio (range of synchronisation) is broadened from (0.4, 2.0) to (0.2, 4.0) with appropriately tuned non‐linear stiffness, so the adaptation of the flow energy converter based on oscillating‐foil is improved, rendering it more suitable for varied flow conditions and real applications. Besides, performance gains at the design point can be realised as compared with the linear converter. It is found that two fundamental mechanisms are advantageous to enhance the adaptation and performance of the converter: the increased effective stiffness with oscillating amplitude and the non‐sinusoidal swing motion.
Transverse oscillation of a coronal loop induced by a flare-related jet
Authors: Dai J. , Zhang Q. M. , Su Y. N. , Ji H. S.
Published: December 2020

Context. Kink oscillations in coronal loops are ubiquitous, and we apply the observed parameters of oscillations to estimate the magnetic field strength of the loops.

Aims. In this work, we report our multiwavelength observations of the transverse oscillation of a large-scale coronal loop with a length of ≥350 Mm. The oscillation was induced by a blowout coronal jet, which was related to a C4.2 circular-ribbon flare (CRF) in active region 12434 on 2015 October 16. We aim to determine the physical parameters in the coronal loop, including the Alfvén speed and the magnetic field strength.

Methods. The jet-induced kink oscillation was observed in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Line-of-sight magnetograms were observed by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the SDO. We took several slices along the loop to assemble time-distance diagrams and used an exponentially decaying sine function to fit the decaying oscillation. The initial amplitude, period, and damping time of kink oscillations were obtained. Coronal seismology of the kink mode was applied to estimate the Alfvén speed and the magnetic field strength in the oscillating loop. In addition, we measured the magnetic field of the loop through nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) modeling using the flux rope insertion method.

Results. The oscillation is most pronounced in AIA 171 and 131 Å. The oscillation is almost in phase along the loop with a peak initial amplitude of ∼13.6 Mm, meaning that the oscillation belongs to the fast standing kink mode. The oscillation lasts for ∼3.5cycles with an average period of ∼462 s and an average damping time of ∼976 s. The values of τ/P lie in the range of 1.5–2.5. Based on coronal seismology, the Alfvén speed in the oscillating loop is estimated to be ∼1210 km s−1. Two independent methods are applied to calculate the magnetic field strength of the loop, resulting in 30–43 G using coronal seismology and 21–23 G using NLFFF modeling.

Conclusions. The magnetic field strength estimated using two different approaches are on the same order of magnitude, which confirms the reliability of coronal seismology by comparing with NLFFF modeling.
Precedence effect for specular and diffuse reflections
Authors: Wendt Florian , Höldrich Robert
Published: December 2020

Studies on the precedence effect are typically conducted by presenting two identical sounds simulating direct sound and specular reflection. However, when a sound is reflected from irregular surface, it is redirect into many directions resulting in directional and temporal diffusion. This contribution introduces a simulation of Lambertian diffusing reflections. The perceptual influences of diffusion are studied in a listening experiment; echo thresholds and masked thresholds of specular and diffuse reflections are measured. Results show that diffusion makes the reflections more easily detectable than specular reflections of the same total energy. Indications are found that this mainly due to temporal diffusion, while the directional diffusion has little effect. Accordingly, the modeling of the echo thresholds is achieved by a temporal alignment of the experimental data based on the energy centroid of reflection responses. For the modeling of masked threshold the temporal masking pattern for forward masking is taken into account.
Tax Incentives Issue for Innovations in Sustainable Energy within the BRICS strategic partnership framework
Authors: Kudryashova Ekaterina , Shashkova Anna
Published: December 2020

The energy sector is one of the key topics in agenda of the BRICS strategic partnership. There are a few steps taken towards the development of sustainable energy innovations as well. However, this direction of strategic partnership is not supported by the other BRICS cooperation channels like the cooperation on tax matters. The tax incentives for the sustainable energy innovations could be part of the tax capacity building announced in the BRICS documents elaborated during the BRICS countries Revenue Authorities.
Investment attractiveness of energy saving measures
Authors: Tleppayev Arsen , Azhibayeva Assel
Published: December 2020

The problem of energy efficiency of buildings is especially relevant in Kazakhstan. According to the state policy of innovative development of national economy, in recent decades, it has been necessary to solve the problems of saving energy resources, introducing renewable energy technologies and increasing energy efficiency. One of the most important issues of energy saving and energy efficiency is the problem of sustainable functioning and innovative development of housing and communal services in Kazakhstan, which is directly related to the modernization of residential buildings in order to reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency. Analysis and study of economic approaches to financing energy efficiency measures are especially important in the framework of almost implemented projects for the modernization of housing and communal services.
Approaches to assessing the level of innovation development in manufacturing industries
Authors: Makoveev Vitaly , Mukhametova Liliya
Published: December 2020

Sustainable long-term development of the energy sector is impossible without a developed manufacturing industry and especially machine-building enterprises. The article offers a method for assessing the level of innovation development in the manufacturing industry and identifies the factors that have the greatest impact on the development of the process of creating and implementing innovations in this sector. A multi-factor regression model is constructed to determine the degree of influence of various socioeconomic factors on the level of development of innovative activity in manufacturing industries, as well as to develop proposals and recommendations for its activation.
Calculation and Construction of Load Diagrams and Static Characteristics of Multi-Motor Electric Drive System Using Methods of Equivalent Forces and Reduced Moments
Authors: Semenova M.N. , Yakushev I.A. , Zagolilo S.A. , Kharitonov Ya.S. , Shevchuk V.A. , Ivshin I.V.
Published: December 2020

This paper includes the calculations and construction of load diagrams and static characteristics of individual mechanisms of a mining combine, which form a combined multi-motor electric drive system, using methods of equivalent efforts and reduced moments. The operating forces of idle and on-load mechanisms are calculated, operation time intervals and a complete working cycle are determined. The load diagrams of mechanisms are constructed and their kinematic diagrams are designed. Based on the calculations made, asynchronous motors with a short-circuit rotor, which have the closest power values and are suitable in terms of voltage and operating mode, were selected from the catalogue. The gear reduction ratio is calculated, static resistance moments and operating speeds to the motor shaft are specified. The static characteristics of the most powerful electric motor of a mining combine - effector - are formulated.
Improvement of the innovation management system in the manufacturing industry
Authors: Makoveev Vitaly , Mukhametova Liliya
Published: December 2020

Sustainable long-term development of the energy sector is impossible without a developed manufacturing industry and especially machine-building enterprises. The article identifies the factors that have the greatest impact on the development of innovation in the manufacturing industry. A multi-factor regression model is constructed to determine the degree of influence of various socio-economic factors on the level of innovation development in manufacturing industries. An organizational and economic mechanism aimed at enhancing innovation in the manufacturing industry and increasing the competitiveness of the products of enterprises in this sector is proposed.
Frequency Control System for a Synchronized Asynchronous Electric Drive
Authors: Meshcheryakov Victor N. , Sibirtsev Dmitry S. , Gracheva Elena
Published: December 2020

Considering the problem of energy saving at industrial enterprises, attention should be paid to the fact that about 70 ... 80% of all electric motors are asynchronous, and most of them are installed in unregulated drives. Most of these electric drives are equipped with asynchronous electric motors with a squirrel-cage rotor (AM SC). Energy saving problem in such cases can be solved by using a frequency converter (FC), however, all FC models are intended for AM SCs, while until the mid-90s the most common variable AC drives were electric drives equipped by an asynchronous motor with a phase rotor (AD PR) as they provided easy speed regulation through the rotor circuit. Such drives are usually used in hoisting and transport machines (conveyors, cranes, etc.). Direct transfer of the abovementioned drives to frequency-controlled mode is quite complicated due to the fact that standard inverters are designed to work with AM SCs having no phase rotor winding, and whose short-circuiting leads to additional electromagnetic losses in comparison with AM SC. An upcoming engineering trend is the development and research of synchronized AM control systems.
Strength of Frame Elements of Energy Objects Under Atmospheric Impact
Authors: Yakovlev P.V. , Lebedev V.A.
Published: December 2020

The paper considers the issues of strength of energy facilities’ load-bearing metal structures under the influence of acoustic waves produced by a lightning strike. The studies were carried out using finite element test models of cantilever beams of various designs. The beams are loaded with the total load of the beams’ own weight and the shock wave produced by a lightning strike from a distance of 1 m from the beams’ surface. Calculation results substantiate the necessity to consider the impact of thunder when calculating the structure of energy facilities made of sheet metal. It was revealed that deformations and loads in sheet metal structural elements at the time of a lightning strike from a distance of less than 1 m from the structure’s surface may exceed the acceptable values for the yield strength of structural steels. As a result of the work, recommendations were made on the location of the lightning rods and the need to reduce the operational loads during a thunderstorm.
An integrated approach to the creation of decentralized power supply systems based on gas turbine plants in the regions of the Far North
Authors: Kolpakhchyan Pavel , Lobov Boris , Ivanov Ivan , Safin Alfred
Published: December 2020

This article considers power supply of consumers in the Far North. It is proposed to use systems which include units operating on liquefied natural gas and hydrogen. Such units have a number of advantages over the currently used diesel power plants. The main advantage is a significant reduction of emissions to air and environmental pollution. The use of gas turbine units, comprising a turbine and a highspeed generator, also allows one to reduce the weight and dimensions of the power plant. The issues of choosing the structure of the power supply system for the given operating conditions are considered: the basic requirements are formulated and a list of quality indicators of the system functioning is determined.
Application of Super-Computer Technologies in the Research and Improvement of Steps and Elements of the Flow Path of the Turbocompressors
Authors: Kozhukhov Yuri , Danilishin Aleksey , Kartashov Sergey , Gileva Lyubov , Yablokov Aleksey , Ivanov Vyacheslav , Tatchenkova Serafima
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the results of the study of the spatial flow in the turbocompressors elements of computational fluid dynamics methods using the Ansys CFX software package on a multiprocessor computer system. Five objects of research are considered: 1) flow path of an intermediate stage of an average-flow centrifugal compressor; 2) flow path of the low-flow centrifugal compressor stage; 3) a natural gas centrifugal compressor stage; 4) vaned diffuser of the first stage of an industrial multistage centrifugal compressor; 5) adjustable inlet stator of the first stage of an industrial turbocompressors. Generally at manufacturing new centrifugal compressors, it is impossible to make a control measurement of the parameters of the working process inside the flow path elements. Computational fluid dynamics methods are widely used to overcome this difficulties. However verification and validation of CFD methods are necessary for accurate modeling of the workflow. All calculations were performed on one of the SPbPU clusters. Parameters of one cluster: AMD Opteron 280 4 cores. The calculations were carried out with parallel running of the processors: HP MPI Distributed Parallel and HP MPI Local Parallel for different objects.
Thermal conditions of load-bearing elements of radioactive waste storage facilities
Authors: Yakovlev P.V. , Lebedev V.A. , Piskunov V.M.
Published: December 2020

Facilities for storing radioactive waste with residual heat differ from other facilities in high safety standards in all operating conditions. A feature of these structures is the presence of biological protection in the form of walls and ceilings made of reinforced concrete with a large thickness. The combination of heat dissipation and the large thickness of walls and floors create conditions for the appearance of significant thermal stresses. This feature should be taken into account in the strength calculations of these buildings, taking into account the summation of seismic effects, gravitational forces and thermal stresses caused by uneven temperature fields in concrete. The paper presents the results of calculations of the combined effects of thermal stresses and earthquakes on a building. The data obtained made it possible to determine the features of the deformation of concrete structures with a combination of loads.
Sustainable energy
Authors: Contin A.
Published: December 2020

A brief overview of why it is important to think of energy in a sustainable way is given. The starting point is that the future of mankind depends on a sufficient energy supply, both in terms of electric power and liquid fuels, at present based on fossile resources. A shift of paradigm towards Sustainable Development is needed, based on ethical considerations and on some legal rules. A possible technological solution to the liquid fuel problem is also presented.
Betweenness of partial orders
Authors: Courcelle Bruno
Published: December 2020

We construct a monadic second-order sentence that characterizes the ternary relations that are the betweenness relations of finite or infinite partial orders. We prove that no first-order sentence can do that. We characterize the partial orders that can be reconstructed from their betweenness relations. We propose a polynomial time algorithm that tests if a finite relation is the betweenness of a partial order.
Il y a cinquante ans : les premières réactions de fusion nucléaire induites par laser
Authors: Bobin Jean-Louis
Published: December 2020

Peu après l’invention des lasers au début des années 1960, des calculs d’ordre de grandeur montraient leur intérêt pour la fusion nucléaire. En même temps, débutaient discrètement des programmes de recherches dans des laboratoires à vocation militaire. C’est ainsi qu’au centre de Limeil de la Direction des Applications Militaires du Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (CEA-DAM) fut lancée l’étude des plasmas créés par laser, en coopération avec les Laboratoires de Marcoussis de la Compagnie Générale d’Électricité (CGE).

Cet effort, dont l’histoire est relatée dans cet article, a abouti à un résultat spectaculaire pour l’époque (1969) : une émission de neutrons contrôlable.
Le Palais de la découverte : un avenir incertain
Authors: Hennequin Daniel ,   la Commission Culture Scientifique de la Société Française de Physique
Published: December 2020

Le Palais de la découverte est à un tournant de son histoire. Le Grand Palais, qui l’héberge, doit être rénové et est fermé depuis le 1er novembre 2020.

La direction d’Universcience veut en profiter pour renouveler également son offre. Elle a conçu un projet, intitulé dans cet article « Palais 2024 », qui fait l’objet de nombreuses polémiques [1].

De quoi s’agit-il exactement ?

Le Palais y perdra-t-il ce qui fait son ADN, ce qu’on appelle parfois « l’esprit Jean Perrin » ? Et d’ailleurs, cette vision de son fondateur, vieille de plus de 80 ans, a-t-elle encore un sens aujourd’hui ?
Was wissen Sie über … Erkrankungen?
Authors: Schmid Eva C.
Published: December 2020

In dieser Ausgabe beschäftigen sich alle Wissensquiz-Fragen mit Erkrankungen.
Vom Dünkel zur Demut
Authors: Schlichting Michael
Published: December 2020

Der Erfahrungsbericht beleuchtet, wie der direkte Kontakt mit der indigenen Gruppe der Mixe den Autor weg von einem ethnozentrischen Weltbild hin zu transkulturellen Erfahrungen geführt hat. Beschrieben wird unter anderem, welche Missverständnisse und Vorurteile entstehen können, wenn zwei grundlegend verschiedene Medizinalsysteme aufeinandertreffen. Im beschriebenen Fall hat erst das Verständnis für traditionelle Krankheits- und Heilungskonzepte den Weg geebnet, um der indigenen Bevölkerung auch mit Mitteln der westlichen Medizin helfen zu können.
Kollodium-Baby
Authors: Harbauer Theresa , Höger Peter , Thayssen Maike , Singer Dominique
Published: December 2020

Fallpräsentation

Reifes männliches Neugeborenes, Geburtsgewicht 3500 g, Länge 56 cm, Kopfumfang 36 cm. Spontangeburt in der 40. Schwangerschaftswoche nach unkompliziertem Schwangerschaftsverlauf. APGAR 9/10/10. Unauffällige Familienanamnese, erstes Kind der Familie.
Engelwurz-Rezeptur
Authors: Hobert Ingfried
Published: December 2020

Die Verwendung von Kräutern, Wurzeln, Beeren, Rinden, Pilzen und Blättern zur Steuerung des Wohlbefindens und der Gesundheit hat in China eine jahrtausendealte Tradition. Zu den überlieferten Anwendungen der sogenannten Engelwurz-Rezeptur zählen unter anderem Schmerzen in Faszien, Muskeln und Gelenken, Schulter-, Arm- und Rückenschmerzen, Nacken- und Beinschmerzen.
Data sovereigns for the world economy
Authors: Tang Chunlei , Plasek Joseph M. , Zhu Yangyong , Huang Yajun
Published: December 2020

With the rise of data capital and its instantaneous economic effects, existing data-sharing agreements have become complicated and are insufficient for capitalizing on the full value of the data resource. The challenge is to figure out how to derive benefits from data via the right to data portability. Among these, data ownership issues are complex and currently lack a concept that enables the right to data portability, is conducive to the free flow of cross-border data, and assists in the economic agglomeration of cyberspace. We propose defining the term “data sovereign” as a person or entity with the ability to possess and protect the data. First, the word “sovereign” is borrowed from the fundamental economic notion of William H. Hutt’s “consumer sovereignty.” This notion of sovereignty is strengthened by Max Weber’s classic definition of “power” – the ability to possess any resource. We envision that data capital would provide greater “cross-border” convenience for engaging in transactions and exchanges with very different cultures and societies. In our formulation, data sovereign status is achieved when one both possesses the data and can defend any attack on that data. Using “force” to protect data does not imply an abandonment of data sharing. Rather, it should be easy for an organization to enable the sharing of data and data products internally or with trusted partners. Examples of an attack on the data might be a data breach scandal, identity theft, or data terrorism. In the future, numerous tedious, time-consuming, non-artistry, manual occupational tasks can be replaced by data products that are part of a global data economy.
Health shocks and vulnerability to poverty in Congo
Authors: Ouadika Séverin Aimé Blanchard
Published: December 2020

The analysis of the link between poverty and health status in developing countries is a major focus of development policy. However, few studies, particularly in the Congo, focus on a prospective analysis of poverty and consider the variability of future consumption after a health shock. The objective of this study is to estimate vulnerability to poverty and analyse the factors that lead to a loss of well-being after a health shock in Congo. The study uses data from the 2011 Congolese Household Survey (CHS). Estimation of vulnerability to poverty and modelling of the effect of the health shock on expected future consumption are performed using the three-step feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) method. This method is also used to identify the socio-demographic determinants of vulnerability. On average, 26.8% of households are vulnerable to poverty in Congo. Health shocks accentuate this vulnerability. Households living in rural areas are more vulnerable to poverty than those in urban areas. Furthermore, household size and the level of education and marital status of the head of household have an impact on vulnerability. In view of the results obtained, poverty reduction efforts should focus on strategies to develop social safety nets and/or health insurance programmes to stabilize consumption in the event of a health shock in the household.
Performance analysis of an annular thermoelectric generator considering Thomson effect and convection heat transfer at cold junction
Authors: Pang Dandan , Zhang Aibing
Published: December 2020

A one-dimensional steady model for an annular thermoelectric generator (ATEG) is developed based on the thermoelectric power generation and thermal science in this paper. The influence of the Thomson effect and convection heat transfer between cold junction and ambient air on the performance of an ATEG is investigated. Closed-form solutions for power output and conversion efficiency of the ATEG are obtained, and they increase with the increasing values of the temperature at the hot junction and the convection heat transfer coefficient at the cold junction. The radiation heat transfer should not be neglected when the convection heat transfer coefficient is less than 100 Wm−2 K−1. It is found that the Thomson effect has a negative impact on the power output and efficiency and should be considered for predicting the performance of an ATEG accurately. The height of thermoelectric legs should be taken into account in order to obtain the excellent performance of the ATEG. The presented model can be reduced to the model of the ATEG subjected to the constant temperatures at the hot and cold junctions when the convection heat transfer coefficient is large enough.
A mechanical relation model for biaxial tension of nanofibrous membrane
Authors: Yin Yunlei , Liu Hongchen , Zhou Jinli , Yang Hongying
Published: December 2020

It is important to evaluate the mechanical biocompatibility of nanofibrous membranes used in tissue engineering. This investigation proposed a modeling analysis to predict the biaxial behavior of randomly oriented nanofibrous membranes. An electrospinning process prepared poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers. The uniaxial stress–strain curve of a single nanofiber and the biaxial stress–strain curves of the membranes were experimentally obtained. The applicability of the analytical model was verified by the comparison between modeling prediction and experimental data. Experimental stress was lower than the predicted stress until large plastic deformation occurred because of structural imperfections, prestress, and the stretch-induced orientation in the membranes.
Model-based image quality optimization for submicron direct laser writing
Authors: Yang Shang , Zhang Libin , Wei Yayi
Published: December 2020

Direct Laser Writing (DLW) is widely used in microelectronics, especially in the fabrication of masks. However, due to the limitation of the laser beam, the traditional DLW method without correction or modification is no longer sufficient for the advanced technology nodes. This paper introduces research on the DLW energy simulation model and how to use it to optimize the designed pattern and demonstrates a solution that can intuitively improve the image quality of DLW. In this simulation, patterns of 300 nm line width (600 nm pitch) can be written with a relatively high image log slope. The laser spot diameter is 0.8 µm, and the wavelength is 442 nm. Besides, this model can also be used in correcting corner and edge distortion. Undoubtedly, the improvement of the quality and yield of the traditional DLW can bring great help to the field of microelectronics manufacturing and other fields that are related to DLW.
Locking mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein in its auto-inhibited state prevents necroptosis
Authors: Rübbelke Martin , Fiegen Dennis , Bauer Margit , Binder Florian , Hamilton James , King Jim , Thamm Sven , Nar Herbert , Zeeb Markus
Published: December 2020

Significance

Necroptosis is an emergency controlled cell-death mechanism, which only may be activated in case of impaired apoptosis. Necroptosis leads to unchecked release of proinflammatory cytoplasmatic content of the cells and is thereby implicated in disease. Two covalent inhibitor classes targeting the same cysteine of the necroptosis effector protein mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are reported. Here, we unravel the mode of action of the xanthine class of inhibitors that work by stabilizing the inactive state of MLKL by an essential π–π stacking interaction. The widely used covalent tool compound Necrosulfonamide (NSA) employs a distinct mode of action.
Synchronic variation in Sri Lanka Portuguese personal pronouns
Authors: Cardoso Hugo C. , Costa Patrícia
Published: December 2020

This paper presents and discusses the instances of synchronic variation attested in the personal pronoun paradigm of
modern Sri Lanka Portuguese, an endangered Portuguese-based creole spoken by relatively small communities scattered across Eastern and
Northern Sri Lanka. Although Sri Lanka Portuguese has a long history of documentation dating from, at least, the beginning of the 19th
century, only a few studies have explicitly reported cases of synchronic variation. This study aims, therefore, to fill that gap, by
contributing to the description and explanation of patterns of variation relating to the personal pronoun paradigm as encountered in
documentary data collected between 2015 and 2020, over several field trips to the districts of Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, and Trincomalee.
The nature of the variation observed in the data ranges from phonetic alternations to strategies of paradigm regularization and stylistic
shrinkage, often revealing the effects of diachronic processes of variant competition and substitution. Combining the observed patterns of
variation with surveyed linguistic trends of language shift, we propose that obsolescence may be responsible for some of the variability
encountered in modern SLP personal pronouns, especially that associated with certain socially- or geographically-defined subsets of the
speech community (viz. the younger generations and the speakers from Jaffna) characterized by advanced language loss.
New Difficulties for the Past Hypothesis
Authors: Gryb Sean
Published: December 2020

I argue that explanations for time asymmetry in terms of a ‘Past Hypothesis’ face serious new difficulties. First I strengthen grounds for existing criticism by outlining three categories of criticism that put into question essential requirements of the proposal. Then I provide a new argument showing that any time-independent measure on the space of models of the universe must break a gauge symmetry. The Past Hypothesis then faces a new dilemma: reject a gauge symmetry and introduce a distinction without difference or reject the time independence of the measure and lose explanatory power.
Electrochemical scanning probe analysis used as a benchmark for carbon forms quality test
Authors: Bussetti Gianlorenzo , Yivlialin Rossella , Ciccacci Franco , Duò Lamberto , Gibertini Eugenio , Accogli Alessandra , Denti Ilaria , Magagnin Luca , Micciulla Federico , Cataldo Antonino , Bellucci Stefano , Antonov Alexander , Grigorieva Inna
Published: December 2020

Carbon forms (graphite, pyrolytic graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), glassy carbon, carbon foam, graphene, buckypaper, etc) are a wide class of materials largely used in technology and energy storage. The huge request of carbon compounds with reliable and tunable physical and chemical properties is tackled by contriving new production protocols and/or compound functionalizations. To achieve these goals, new samples must be tested in a trial-and-error strategy with techniques that provide information in terms of both specimen quality and properties. In this work, we prove that electrochemical scanning probe techniques allow testing the performances of carbon compounds when are used as an electrode inside an electrochemical cell. Comparing the results with a reference sample (namely, HOPG) gives an insight on defects in the specimen structure, performances, and possible applications of the new samples. In this study, we concentrate on traditional carbon forms already employed in many fields versus new recently-developed specimens, in view of possible applications to the field of energy storage.
Comment on: Harmonic oscillator in an environment with a pointlike defect. (2019 Phys. Scr.

94 125301)
Authors: Fernández Francisco M
Published: December 2020

We analyze recent results for a harmonic oscillator in an environment with a pointlike defect. We show that the allowed oscillator frequencies predicted by the authors stem from a misinterpretation of the exact solutions of a conditionally solvable eigenvalue equation. Also the exact eigenvalues derived by those authors are meaningless because they belong to different quantum-mechanical models.