bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEDIRAD formulation of science-based recommendations for medical radiation protection: a stakeholder forum survey
Authors: Benderitter M. , Herrera Reyes E. , Benadjaoud M.A. , Vanhavere F. , Impens N. , Mayerhofer-Sebera U. , Hierath M. , Jourdain J.R. , Frija G. , Repussard J.
Published: November 2021

MEDIRAD (Implications of Medical Low Dose Radiation Exposure) is an innovative European research project funded by EURATOM which seeks to bring closer together the nuclear and medical research communities in order to advance science for radiation protection in radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic and interventional radiology. The project also aims to promote links between science and society, with the goal of better protecting patients and professionals, through the publication of recommendations based on MEDIRAD research findings (http://www.medirad-project.eu/). The MEDIRAD Stakeholder Forum (SF) was designed to set up a dialogue between the Consortium member organisations and the society regarding the recommendations, which are expected from this project. We envisage three successive steps in this dialogue (1: first SF consultation identifying the needs for improved medical radiological protection; 2: drafting science based MEDIRAD recommendation and 3: second SF consultation to collect feedback), which are implemented throughout the project. A first overview of input of the Stakeholder Forum about the topics to be addressed in the MEDIRAD recommendations, based on an exploratory questionnaire, is presented in this article. Quantitative and qualitative in-depth analysis leads to the identification of 11 priority thematics.
Identification of object composition with magnetic inductive tomography
Authors: Gartman R. , Chalupczak W.
Published: November 2021

The inductive response of an object to an oscillating magnetic field reveals information about its electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. Here, we introduce a technique that uses measurements of the angular, frequency, and spatial dependence of the inductive signal to determine the object composition. Identification is performed by referencing an object’s inductive response to that of materials with mutually exclusive properties such as copper (high electrical conductivity and negligible magnetic permeability) and ferrite (negligible electrical conductivity and high magnetic permeability). The technique uses a sensor with anisotropic sensitivity to discriminate between the different characters of the eddy current and magnetization driven object responses. Experimental validation of the method is performed using magnetic induction tomography measurement with a radio-frequency atomic magnetometer. Possible applications of the technique in security screening devices are discussed.
Effects of withdrawal speed on the structural, morphological, electrical, and optical properties of CuO thin films synthesized by dip-coating for CO2 gas sensing
Authors: Musa A. M. M. , Farhad S. F. U. , Gafur M. A. , Jamil A. T. M. K.
Published: November 2021

Copper oxide (CuO) thin films have been deposited on glass substrates by a facile sol–gel dip-coating technique with varying withdrawal speeds from 0.73 to 4.17 mm/s. The variation in the film thickness manifested by dip-coating withdrawal speeds was investigated in detail to investigate its effect on the structural, morphological, opto-electrical, and wettability properties of CuO thin films for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas-sensing applications. The crystallinity, as well as phase purity of dip-coated CuO, was confirmed by both x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectral analyses. The surface morphology of the films characterized by scanning electron microscopy revealed that pore density decreases with increasing withdrawal speeds and the grain size is found to increase with the increasing film thickness corroborating the XRD results. The optical bandgap of dip-coated CuO films was estimated in the range of 1.47–1.52 eV from the UV–vis–NIR transmission data, and it is found to decrease with the increase in Urbach tail states accompanied by the increase in the film thickness. The ratio of the electrical and optical conductivity of CuO films was found to decrease with increasing withdrawal speeds due to the variation in the carrier concentration. Among all the studied films, the sample deposited at a 0.73 mm/s withdrawal speed exhibited the highest crystallinity, porous morphology, highest pore density, opto-electrical conductivity, as well as water contact angle and, therefore, the maximum gas sensing response of CO2 vapor in the air recorded at room temperature.
High-resistivity nitrogen-polar GaN for GaN/AlGaN high electron mobility transistors by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Wang Yang , Deng Gaoqiang , Ji Jie , Ma Haotian , Yang Shixu , Yu Jiaqi , Niu Yunfei , Wang Yusen , Lu Chao , Liu Yang , Tang Ke , Guo Wei , Zhang Baolin , Zhang Yuantao
Published: November 2021

Nitrogen-polar (N-polar) III-nitride has natural advantages in the fabrication of electronic devices. In this work, unintentionally doped N-polar GaN films were grown on sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. By optimizing the growth parameters including growth temperature, pressure, and V/III ratio, N-polar GaN with a relatively high sheet resistivity of 3.6 × 105 Ω/sq was achieved. The secondary ion mass spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction measurement results demonstrate that the increased carbon impurity concentration is primarily responsible for the high resistivity. Moreover, N-polar GaN/Al0.25Ga0.75N heterojunctions were deposited on the high-resistivity N-polar GaN template. An extremely high-density two-dimensional electron gas of up to 1.12 × 1013 cm−2 was realized at the interface between the Al0.25Ga0.75N and the GaN. It is reasonably believed that the experimental results obtained here are beneficial for the development of high-performance N-polar GaN-based electronic devices.
Investigation of the motion characteristics for a long flexible rotating pipe in flow by IDVM–FEM method
Authors: Chen Wei , Rheem Chang-kyu , Xu Shuangxi , Li Xiaobin
Published: November 2021

A long flexible rotating pipe in flow is investigated by using an improved discrete vortex method and finite element method. For the pipe without rotation, the lock-in phenomenon has been confirmed and discussed and the motion characteristics are illustrated at different flow velocities. For the pipe with rotation, the mean position of the long flexible pipe gradually inclines to the cross-flow direction due to the increased lift force. Two different motions (vortex-induced vibration and reverse direction whirl) have been observed. The frequency of vortex-induced vibration remains steady with the increase in the rotation rate. For the reverse direction whirl, the frequency decreases with the increasing rotation rate due to the increased effective added mass.
Impact of the annular solar eclipse on June 21, 2020 on BPL time service performance
Authors: Chen Yingming , Feng Ping , Changhong Liu , Chen Yongqi , Huang Luxi , Duan Jianwen , Hua Yu , Li Xiaohui
Published: November 2021

BPL is a special Chinese long-wave time service system constructed and maintained by the National Time Service Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Two experimental paths were designed to analyze the impact of the annular solar eclipse that occurred on June 21, 2020, on the BPL time service performance. In the first path, the receiving point was located in the ring eclipse zone, whereas in the other path, the sky-wave reflection point was located in the ring eclipse zone. The time of arrival (TOA) data during 19–23 June 2020 at the Sanya test point (sky-wave reflection point located in the ring eclipse zone) and field strength from 21 to 22 June 2020 at the Xiamen test point (receiving point located in the ring eclipse zone) were measured and analyzed. The experimental results show that under normal conditions of BPL time service signal transmission, the TOA and field strength undergo significant changes during the annular solar eclipse, the TOA data change up to 5.17 µs, and the field strength data change up to 17.72 dBμV. The data tend to increase initially and then decrease. This change is consistent with the ionospheric change caused by the annular solar eclipse. The BPL time service performance is affected at the receiving points located in the south of the BPL time service station with the great circle distance ranging from 1426 to 1844 km.
Analytical solution for the quasi-two dimensional non-isothermal fully developed flow of molten salt in a circular pipe
Authors: Boraey Mohammed A. , Guaily Amr
Published: November 2021

In this contribution, a mathematical model is presented for the flow of molten salt in a circular pipe. The fluid density, thermal conductivity, and viscosity are all assumed to be temperature dependent. We show how to derive a new closed-form approximate solution to this problem, valid for low Reynolds numbers and high axial temperature gradients. This regime is chosen to challenge the ability of the model to obtain the correct solution for significant changes in fluid properties. The accuracy of this simplified solution is tested against a numerical solution of the full set of governing equations, and it is found that the maximum error is less than 1.5% for the temperature field and 6% for the velocity field, for Reynolds numbers less than 100. This closed-form solution allows us to gain insight into the effects of various physical parameters upon the flow properties and thermal behavior of the molten salt, and this is illustrated in the results. The solution presented here also serves as a benchmark for numerical solutions of the full model.
An LES study of secondary motion and wall shear stresses in a pipe bend
Authors: He Xiaoliang , Apte Sourabh V. , Karra Shashank K. , Doğan Ömer N.
Published: November 2021

Large-eddy simulations (LES) of a single-phase, turbulent flow in a 90° pipe bend are performed at three Reynolds numbers (5300, 27 000, and 45 000) to investigate the correlation between secondary flow motion and wall shear stresses, which is suspected to be a potential mechanism responsible for material erosion. The isothermal flows are validated against available experimental and numerical data first. The snapshot proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) is applied for the medium and high Reynolds number flows to identify the secondary flow motions and the oscillation of the Dean vortices that are found to cause swirl-switching. Distinguished frequencies of the POD time coefficients at Strouhal numbers of 0.25 and 0.28 are identified for Reynolds numbers at 27 000 and 45 000, respectively. Moreover, shear stress on the pipe wall and the associated power spectral density are obtained and shown to have the same oscillating frequency as the swirl-switching.
On the robustness of model-based algorithms for photoacoustic tomography: Comparison between time and frequency domains
Authors: Hirsch L. , González M. G. , Rey Vega L.
Published: November 2021

For photoacoustic image reconstruction, certain parameters such as sensor positions and speed of sound have a major impact on the reconstruction process and must be carefully determined before data acquisition. Uncertainties in these parameters can lead to errors produced by a modeling mismatch, hindering the reconstruction process and severely affecting the resulting image quality. Therefore, in this work, we study how modeling errors arising from uncertainty in sensor locations affect the images obtained by matrix model-based reconstruction algorithms based on time domain and frequency domain models of the photoacoustic problem. The effects on the reconstruction performance with respect to the uncertainty in the knowledge of the sensors location are compared and analyzed both in a qualitative and quantitative fashion for both time and frequency models. Ultimately, our study shows that the frequency domain approach is more sensitive to this kind of modeling errors. These conclusions are supported by numerical experiments and a theoretical sensitivity analysis of the mathematical operator for the direct problem.
Planar liquid sheets surrounded by another immiscible liquid at low capillary Reynolds numbers
Authors: Patrascu Claudiu , Balan Corneliu
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the stability of planar liquid sheets surrounded by another immiscible liquid. A relation between the temporal growth rate and the wavenumber is derived using the classical stability theory. In the limit of dominant viscous stresses, the dispersion relation yields negative values for the growth rate of instability across the entire range of wavenumbers. The low capillary Reynolds number regime, or equivalently the large Ohnesorge-number limit, shows that such planar liquids in liquid systems are stable regardless of the viscosity mismatch between the two liquids for both sinuous and varicose perturbations.
A simple structure laser three-focus scheme for thick glass separation
Authors: Yang Jianjun , Wei Jinye , Zhang Decheng , Pan Xinjian , Shui Lingling , Jin Mingliang , Che Ronghong , Liu Yonghao
Published: November 2021

As a commonly used structural material, the separation quality of thick glass has always been concerned. The current mechanical cutting methods used for thick glass not only are inefficient but also require subsequent polishing. A laser three-focus scheme (LTFS) was proposed in this paper to achieve high-quality and efficient separation. A confirmatory experiment and optical simulations have been carried out to confirm the correctness of the scheme. A finite element simulation model for LTFS separating low-iron glass was established, which analyzes the temperature and stress distributions. The fracture mechanism of glass was revealed by combining the crack morphology and thermal stress distribution. The experimental results demonstrate that the LTFS can perform high-quality separation of low-iron glass with a thickness of 20 mm, the width of kerfs is less than 25 µm, and the rms roughness is less than 5.5 nm. The separated sidewall is smooth and flat, without any unexpected defects, such as damage and cracks, and the subsequent polishing is not required.
Species invasion progressively disrupts the trophic structure of native food webs
Authors: Wainright Charles A. , Muhlfeld Clint C. , Elser James J. , Bourret Samuel L. , Devlin Shawn P.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Invasive species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss, yet the mechanisms by which invaders progressively disrupt ecosystems and native species remain unclear. Using an extensive isotope dataset across multiple ecosystems and stages of invasion, we show that an invasive fish predator (lake trout) disrupted food webs by forcing native fishes to feed on suboptimal food sources in different habitats, resulting in the functional extirpation of the native predator, threatened bull trout. Our results provide insights into the magnitude, direction, and timing of food web disruption from invasive species and will be important for predicting ecosystem consequences of species invasions.
Temporal and spatial distribution of health, labor, and crop benefits of climate change mitigation in the United States
Authors: Shindell Drew , Ru Muye , Zhang Yuqiang , Seltzer Karl , Faluvegi Greg , Nazarenko Larissa , Schmidt Gavin A. , Parsons Luke , Challapalli Ariyani , Yang Longyi , Glick Alex
Published: November 2021

Significance

Studies have shown that long-term damages from unmitigated climate change are greater than the mitigation costs worldwide, but costs greatly exceed climate benefits in the near term, undermining action now. Emissions reductions affect more than just climate, however. We show that near-term US benefits of decarbonization are dominated by improved air quality for human health, labor productivity, and agriculture whereas climate-related benefits are realized largely after 2050. Additionally, using recent health research, we show that health benefits of both clean air and reduced climate change are far larger than previously estimated. Considering these additional benefits of emissions reductions, benefits outweigh costs even in the near term. Near-term benefits stem primarily from US actions, whereas long-term climate-related benefits require global cooperation.
Extension request avoidance predicts greater time stress among women
Authors: Whillans Ashley V. , Yoon Jaewon , Turek Aurora , Donnelly Grant E.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Time stress—the feeling of having too many things to do and not enough time to do them—is a societal epidemic that compromises productivity, physical health, and emotional well-being. Past research shows that women experience disproportionately greater time stress than men and has illuminated a variety of contributing factors. Across nine studies, we identify a previously unexplored predictor of this gender difference. Women avoid asking for more time to complete work tasks, even when deadlines are explicitly adjustable, undermining their well-being and task performance. We shed light on a possible solution: the implementation of formal policies to facilitate deadline extension requests. These findings advance our understanding of the gendered experience of time stress and provide a scalable organizational intervention.
Thermodynamic feasibility of shipboard conversion of marine plastics to blue diesel for self-powered ocean cleanup
Authors: Belden Elizabeth R. , Kazantzis Nikolaos K. , Reddy Christopher M. , Kite-Powell Hauke , Timko Michael T. , Italiani Eduardo , Herschbach Dudley R.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Plastic waste accumulating in the world's oceans forms massive “plastic islands” in the oceanic gyres. Removing the plastic offers an opportunity to restore our oceans to a more pristine state. To clean the gyres, ships must collect and store the plastic before transporting it to port, often thousands of kilometers away. Instead, ocean plastic waste can be converted into fuel shipboard, for example, using hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), which depolymerizes plastics at high temperature (300 °C to 550 °C) and high pressure (250 bar to 300 bar). The resulting depolymerization products, termed “blue diesel,” have the potential for self-powered cleanup. The objective of this work is evaluating the thermodynamic feasibility of this scheme and its implications on cleanup.
Oxygen controls on magmatism in rocky exoplanets
Authors: Lin Yanhao , van Westrenen Wim , Mao Ho-Kwang
Published: November 2021

Refractory oxygen bound to cations is a key component of the interior of rocky exoplanets. Its abundance controls planetary properties including metallic core fraction, core composition, and mantle and crust mineralogy. Interior oxygen abundance, quantified with the oxygen fugacity (fO2), also determines the speciation of volatile species during planetary outgassing, affecting the composition of the atmosphere. Although melting drives planetary differentiation into core, mantle, crust, and atmosphere, the effect offO2on rock melting has not been studied directly to date, with prior efforts focusing onfO2-induced changes in the valence ratio of transition metals (particularly iron) in minerals and magma. Here, melting experiments were performed using a synthetic iron-free basalt at oxygen levels representing reducing (logfO2= −11.5 and −7) and oxidizing (logfO2= −0.7) interior conditions observed in our solar system. Results show that the liquidus of iron-free basalt at a pressure of 1 atm is lowered by 105 ± 10 °C over an 11 logfO2units increase in oxygen abundance. This effect is comparable in size to the well-known enhanced melting of rocks by the addition of H2O or CO2. This implies that refractory oxygen abundance can directly control exoplanetary differentiation dynamics by affecting the conditions under which magmatism occurs, even in the absence of iron or volatiles. Exoplanets with a high refractory oxygen abundance exhibit more extensive and longer duration magmatic activity, leading to more efficient and more massive volcanic outgassing of more oxidized gas species than comparable exoplanets with a lower rockfO2.
Prosocial option increases women’s entry into competition
Authors: Cassar Alessandra , Rigdon Mary L.
Published: November 2021

We provide evidence that women enter competitions at the same rate as men when the incentive for winning includes the option to share part of the rewards with the losers (i.e., when the incentive system is socially oriented). Using an experiment (with
N
= 238 subjects from three laboratories), we find that about 16% more men than women choose to compete in the standard tournament; this gender gap is eliminated in the socially oriented incentive treatment. While men’s choice to compete remains unchanged, at around 52% in both conditions, women increase their entry rate from 35% in the standard tournament to 60% when the incentive includes a socially oriented option.
Stable lariats bearing a snoRNA (slb-snoRNA) in eukaryotic cells: A level of regulation for guide RNAs
Authors: Talross Gaëlle J. S. , Deryusheva Svetlana , Gall Joseph G.
Published: November 2021

Significance

Small nucleolar (sno)RNAs generally guide ribosomal RNA and small nuclear RNA modifications, essential events for ribosome and spliceosome biogenesis and function. Most are processed in the nucleus from lariat intronic RNAs, which are unstable byproducts of splicing. We report here that some snoRNAs are encoded within unusually stable lariats. These stable lariats bearing a snoRNA (or slb-snoRNAs) can be found in the nucleus and cytoplasm associated with snoRNA binding proteins. They do not function as modification guide RNAs and their export competes with snoRNA maturation. Therefore, slb-snoRNAs provide a new level of regulation of snoRNAs and snoRNA binding proteins.
Investigation of a method for online measurement of injection rate for a high-pressure common rail diesel engine injector under multiple-injection strategies
Authors: Yang Xiyu , Dong Quan , Song Jingdong , Zhou Tanqing
Published: November 2021

As a state-of-the-art injection technology, the high-pressure common rail injection system (HPCRIS) has advantages that include high injection pressure, adjustable injection timing and a flexible injection rate. Nevertheless, the fluctuation of cyclic fuel injection mass (CFIM) in the HPCRIS using a multiple-injection strategy (MIS) reduces the economy of the diesel engine and the stability of vibration and noise control. To realize the precise control of CFIM, the online perception of the injection process is the premise. This paper presents an innovative method for online measurement of injection rate under MIS conditions. According to the evolution characteristics of water hammer pressure oscillation in the fuel system, the rule is that the oscillation form of the water hammer is dependent on the structure of the HPCRIS rather than the injection conditions, and the general applicability of this rule is proved by the hydraulic–electric analog method. Based on this, the method for real-time simulation of the pilot water hammer oscillation wave in the same field is proposed to realize the extraction of the expansion pressure signal components of the main injection. Then, the direct mathematical relationship between the pressure signal and fuel injection rate is established, and the online measurement of fuel injection characteristics under MIS is realized. To improve the robustness of the algorithm a method for real-time calibration of fuel sound velocity is proposed. Finally, when compared with the offline experiment, this method for online measurement of injection rate has relatively high accuracy, the CFIM error is less than 2%, and the goodness of fit of the injection rate curve exceeded 0.91. This measurement method can provide direct feedback to the electronic control unit on the fuel injection system without changing the HPCRIS structure.
Review of high-speed imaging with lab-based x-ray computed tomography
Authors: Zwanenburg E A , Williams M A , Warnett J M
Published: November 2021

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is frequently used for non-destructive testing with many applications in a wide range of scientific research areas. The difference in imaging speeds between synchrotron and lab-based scanning has reduced as the capabilities of commercially available CT systems have improved, but there is still a need for faster lab-based CT both in industry and academia. In industry high-speed CT is desirable for inline high-throughput CT at a higher resolution than currently possible which would save both time and money. In academia it would allow for the imaging of faster phenomena, particularly dynamicin-situtesting, in a lab-based setting that is more accessible than synchrotron facilities. This review will specifically highlight what steps can be taken by general users to optimise scan speed with current equipment and the challenges to still overcome. A critical evaluation of acquisition parameters across recent high-speed studies by commercial machine users is presented, indicating some areas that could benefit from the methodology described. The greatest impacts can be achieved by maximising spot size without notably increasing unsharpness, and using a lower number of projections than suggested by the Nyquist criterion where the anecdotal evidence presented suggests usable results are still achievable.
Vehicle rollover warning system based on TTR method with inertial measurement
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Liu Jinhao , Zhang Hongye , Gan Linjie , Xu Xiangbo , He Jiaorong , Chen Shao
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a theoretical and experimental study conducted on the rollover warning of wheeled off-road operating vehicles. The time to rollover warning algorithm was studied with real-time vehicle roll angle and roll angle velocity as the input variables, and lateral load transfer ratio was used as the rollover determination index. Subsequently, a vehicle dynamics model was built using CarSim software, and a warning algorithm was established in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. The rollover joint simulation in CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink was conducted under typical working conditions. Finally, combined with inertial measurements, a rollover warning system was independently developed. In addition, the rollover warning system was installed on a light forest firefighting truck to verify the feasibility of the system via a real vehicle experiment, and the law of vehicle rollover motion was also studied. The serpentine experiment and steady-state rotation experiment were conducted. The experimental results showed that at identical front-wheel steering angles, the roll angle and lateral acceleration increased with an increase in the vehicle speed. Furthermore, for identical vehicle speeds, the roll angle and lateral acceleration of the vehicle increased with an increase in the front-wheel steering angle. The dangerous vehicle speed was 50 km h−1 in the serpentine condition and 40 km h−1 in the steady-state rotation condition. The risk trend and alarm signal obtained by the rollover warning system were consistent with the actual situation. Thus, this can assist drivers in judging the rollover risk and effectively improve the active safety of special vehicles. Furthermore, it also provides a reference for further research on active rollover control technology of special vehicles.
Enhanced activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol of Ni/single-walled carbon nanotube prepared by super-growth method
Authors: Toyama Naoki , Kimura Hiroe , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Kamei Shinnosuke , Futaba Don N , Terui Norifumi , Furukawa Shigeki
Published: November 2021

In this study, we synthesised the Ni/single-walled carbon nanotube prepared by the super-growth method (SG-SWCNTs). In this approach, the Ni nanoparticles were immobilised by an impregnation method using the SG-SWCNTs with high specific surface areas (1144 m2 g−1). The scanning electron microscopy images confirmed that the SG-SWCNTs exhibit the fibriform morphology corresponding to the carbon nanotubes. In addition, component analysis of the obtained samples clarified that the Ni nanoparticles were immobilised on the surface of the SG-SWCNTs. Next, we evaluated the activity for the reduction of 4-nitoropenol in the presence of the Ni/SG-SWCNTs. Additionally, the Ni/graphene, which was obtained by the same synthetic method, was utilised in this reaction. The rate of reaction activity of the Ni/SG-SWCNTs finished faster than that of the Ni/GPs. From this result, the pseudo-first-order kinetic rate constant k for the Ni/SG-SWCNTs and the Ni/GPs was calculated respectively at 0.083 and 0.070 min−1, indicating that the Ni/SG-SWCNTs exhibits higher activity.
Loading efficiency of doxorubicin into the micelle-like structures formed by function-spacer-lipid constructs self-assembly depends on constructs’ functional part
Authors: Tarasova A R , Vaskan I S , Zalygin A V , Troitskaya P S , Bovin N V , Oleinikov V A
Published: November 2021

Supramolecular self-assemble systems based on neoglycolipids: Galili-Ad-CMG2-Ad-DOPE, A(type2)-Ad-CMG2-Ad-DOPE are studied here and compared with the well-studied Biotin-CMG2-Ad-DOPE, as well as with their combinations with NH2-CMG2-Ad-DOPE. They are function-spacer-lipid constructs with unique structure that allows them to form micelle-like supramers and be stable, what makes them a potential drug nanocarriers. The structural properties of the obtained supramolecular systems are studied depending on their functional part, and the loading efficiency of doxorubicin into the supramers is determined to reveal the influence of the functional part. The resulting supramers were separated from the unbound molecules by dialysis, the nanoparticles morphology were studied by atomic force microscopy, and the loading efficiency was calculated based on spectrophotometry data. The encapsulation of doxorubicin was confirmed based on changes in the size and shape of the supramers, as well as a decrease in the ratio of unbound molecules. According to the loading efficiency calculations, it was estimated that supramers formed by A(type2)-Ad-CMG2-Ad-DOPE are the most efficient nanocarriers with loading efficiency of 82 %. Supramers formed by NH2-CMG2-Ad-DOPE (no functional part) showed 1.5 times less efficiency. Finally, the least efficient carriers are supramers formed by Biotin-CMG2-Ad-DOPE (14%).
A numerical study of plasmon-induced enhancement of dipole emission by arrays of silver nanospheres and nanoprisms
Authors: Granizo E A , Nabiev I , Krivenkov V
Published: November 2021

Plasmon-induced enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of quantum emitters by plasmon nanoparticles (PNPs) is a promising approach for the design and fabrication of PL hybrid materials with improved properties for biosensing and optoelectronics applications. This enhancement can be achieved through careful selection of such parameters as the PNP’s shape, material, size, the type of the medium around them, as well as the excitation and emission wavelengths of the emitter. Here, we simulated the nano-hybrid materials based on arrays of silver nanospheres, nanoprisms, and their combinations, located on polymer films with embedded dipole emitters. For these systems, the Purcell effect, as well as the excitation enhancement, transmittance, and absorption were evaluated. The results show the way to improve the PL properties of thin hybrid films by careful design of their composition using developed models.
Effect of Phosphorus Doping on Photoinduced Thermal Processes in Silicon Nanowires
Authors: Pokryshkin N S , Lipkova E A , Eliseev A A , Efimova A I , Timoshenko V Yu
Published: November 2021

We report on the effect of phosphorus doping of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) on the photoinduced heating processes. SiNWs samples were prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching of low boron-doped crystalline silicon (c-Si) wafers followed with thermo-diffusional doping with phosphorous (P) up to 1020 cm-3. We establish that the P-doping (n-type) results in effective heat conduction along SiNWs toward the c-Si substrate during laser heating. Partial phase transition in P-doped SiNWs under intense photoheating was detected by means of Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The observed doping effects were explained by a contribution of charge carriers (electrons) to the heat distribution along SiNWs and partial screening of the crystal lattice potential. The obtained results can be useful for the development of new photonic and optoelectronic devices based on SiNWs.
Morphology and photoluminescence properties of silicon nanoparticles deposited in helium-nitrogen mixtures maintained at low residual pressures
Authors: Fronya A A , Antonenko S V , Derzhavin S I , Karpov N V , Kharin A Yu , Garmash A A , Kargin N I , Klimentov S M , Timoshenko V Yu , Kabashin A V
Published: November 2021

We elaborated a technique of pulsed laser ablation in gas mixtures (He-N2), maintained under residual pressures of 0.5–5 Torr to deposit silicon (Si)-based nanostructured films on a substrate. We show that the deposited films can exhibit strong photoluminescence (PL) emission with the position of peaks depending on the pressure of ambient gas and the ratio of gases in the mixture. Nanostructured films prepared in pure He gas exhibited a strong band in the infrared range (around 760 nm) and a weak band in the green range (550 nm), which were attributed to quantum-confined excitonic states in small Si nanocrystals and radiative transitions via the localized electronic states in silicon suboxide coating, respectively. In contrast, nanostructured films prepared in He-N2mixtures exhibited more intense “green-yellow” PL band centered at 580 nm, which was attributed to a radiative recombination in amorphous oxynitride (a-SiNxOy) coating of Si nanocrystals. We also present a detailed analysis of morphology of nanostructures Si-based films prepared by laser ablation. Finally, we show that the nanocrystals can be removed from the substrate and milled by ultrasound to form aqueous solutions of colloidal Si nanopartiles. The fabricated Si-based nanocrystals present a promising object for theranostics, combining imaging functionality based on PL emission and a series of therapy functionalities (photo and radiofrequency hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy).
Stabilization of porous silicon nanoparticles by PEGalization in water
Authors: Eremina A S , Kharin A Yu , Kargina Yu V , Timoshenko V Yu
Published: November 2021

Mesoporous silicon (mPSi) nanoparticles (NPs) are stabilized by polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains during mechanical grinding in a ball mill that is used to form mPSi-PEG-NPs. The structure, composition, and properties of the obtained samples are studied by means of the dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The proposed PEGalization procedure is an effective way of regulating the dissolution of mPSi-NPs in water and it is promising for potential application of mPSi-NPs in drug delivery.
Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of CoV-SARS-2 viral proteins in a strong coupling regime
Authors: Mochalov K , Samokhvalov P , Nifontova G , Tsoi T , Sukhanova A , Nabiev I
Published: November 2021

Fast, sensitive, high-throughput detection of coronavirus antigens at physiologically relevant levels is essential for population screening that could prevent epidemics such as the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Optical methods based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy are promising for this purpose because they ensure quick detection of even single biological molecules in a sample. For achieving such a high sensitivity, it is crucial to design SERS-active systems concentrating incident radiation into small sample volumes. Here, metal-dielectric cavities have been obtained through interaction of protein sulfhydryl groups with a SERS-active silver surface. The concentration of light in these cavities allows the differential detection of spike glycoprotein and nucleocapsid protein of SARS-COV-2, which are its key antigens, at physiologically relevant concentrations. The cavity Q-factor can be increased by additionally covering the dielectric protein film with a silver shell to form an ultrathin cavity, which provides an at least tenfold enhancement of the detection signal. The results could be used to design high-throughput systems for specific and sensitive detection of viral antigens and quick diagnosis of viral infections.
Temperature control during nanoparticle-sensitized hyperthermia
Authors: Bobkov Egor A. , Kosheleva Angelina V. , Kharin Alexander Yu. , Timoshenko Victor Yu.
Published: November 2021

Hyperthermia is one of the mild cancer treatment approaches, which can be realized via a non-invasive way. It has been established that nanoparticles are effective for local hyperthermia enhancement when stimulated by an external stimulus. We show that silicon-based nanoparticles can be used as sensitizers for radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia and propose a thermographic method to control the temperature during the treatment.
Color recognition of dermatoscopic images of skin neoplasms
Authors: Nikitaev V G , Pronichev A N , Tamrazova O B , Sergeev V Yu , Sergeev Yu Yu , Medvedeva O A , Solomatin M A , Kozlov V S
Published: November 2021

The problem of determining the colors of dermatoscopic images of skin neoplasms using computer technologies is considered. Based on the proposed model, a program for recognizing the colors of the studied areas of neoplasm has been developed. The adequacy of this model was tested experimentally. This work is designed to increase the reliability of the diagnosis of skin neoplasms.
Temperature oscillations during photoinduced heating of aqueous suspensions of silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Belov V S , Bobkov E A , Oleschenko V A , Kabashin A V , Timoshenko V Yu
Published: November 2021

Temperature oscillations (pulsations) were detected in aqueous suspensions of silicon (Si) nanoparticles NPs under laser irradiation with highly absorbed light. The temperature pulsation frequency was found to depend on the NPs concentration in suspension and laser irradiation power. The observed phenomenon is assumed to be caused by the local overheating of Si NPs close to the boiling point of water, while the average heating of the surrounding liquid was insignificant. The observed phenomenon is discussed in view of potential applications in local photo-induced hyperthermia of cancer.
Investigation of the phenomenon of photobleaching and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment using a led photodynamic therapy device on optical phantoms
Authors: Glechik D A , Loschenov V B
Published: November 2021

The mortality rate from various oncological diseases remains consistently extremely high, even in spite of recent breakthrough discoveries in the field of cancer therapy [1-3]. One of the most promising cancer treatments is photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with fluorescence diagnostics (FD) [4, 5]. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the PDT procedure using an experimental LED device for photodynamic therapy and fluorescence diagnostics of neoplasms by the level of photobleaching of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in optical phantoms of the skin. The results of spectral measurements showed that the LEDs is able to effectively induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, and due to the presence of a video system, it becomes possible to register the level of tissue fluorescence.
Influence of 11C-MET PET acquisition time for differential diagnosis of human brain gliomas
Authors: Postnov A , Vikhrova N , Kalaeva D , Batalov A , Konakova T , Khokhlova E , Pronin I
Published: November 2021

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the reduced acquisition time of PET 11C-MET examination on the quality of primary brain tumors differential diagnosis. 57 patients with histologically verified diagnoses were recruited (glioblastoma n=20, anaplastic astrocytoma n=11, diffuse astrocytoma n=11, oligodendroglioma n=9 and anaplastic oligodendroglioma n=6). The scan time was varied in the range of 2-20 min. Our study demonstrated that in the case of intravenous administration of 11C-MET simultaneously with the start of scanning, the quality of primary gliomas differential diagnosis does not depend on the scan time. Therefor it becomes possible increasing the number of patients and reducing the acquisition time. The T/N60 ratio (T/N ratio measured in the first 60 seconds after 11C-MET intravenous injection) is equally successful parameter for glioma differential diagnosis as the traditional T/N ratio.
Binary technologies of malignant tumors radiotherapy
Authors: Lipengolts A A , Finogenova Yu A , Skribitsky V A , Grigorieva E Yu
Published: November 2021

Binary radiotherapy (BRT) approach for curing malignant tumors is described in the paper. Two main modalities of BRT, i.e. Neutron Capture Therapy and Contrast Enhanced Radiotherapy are being described and compared. Physics of BRT practical implementation is discussed. Clinical efficacy of BRT in treating brain tumors and head and neck cancer as well as pharmacological challenges and achievements are being reviewed.
Physics in the structure and form of the architectural project. Museum of Contemporary Art Niterói, Brazil
Authors: Coronel-Ruiz L K , Ayala-Garcia E T , Prada-Nuñez R
Published: November 2021

This article analyzed the formal, functional, and structural aspects of the Museum of Contemporary Art Niterói in Brazil, by identifying the criteria associated with architecture and physics; this is to establish the importance of the analysis of the architectural project to obtain the basic skills of the architect. A mixed methodological framework was used, the quantitative phase was developed from a questionnaire under a non-probabilistic sample allowed to recognize the formal, structural, and functional aspects of the work under study, the qualitative phase used an interview that established the value represented by the recognition of the application of physics in architecture. As a relevant finding, it is highlighted a basic understanding of the physical elements applied to architecture, specifically in the case of Museum of Contemporary Art Niterói, Brazil, and that they recognize the importance of the analysis of architectural works as a pedagogical tool that favors obtaining the basic skills of the architect.
Recording of temperatures and heat accumulation in masonry in a continuous kiln used to produce ceramic materials
Authors: Gómez G Guerrero , García N Afanador , Amaya R J Gallardo
Published: November 2021

In Ocaña, Colombia, a traditional ceramic industry has been developed using low efficiency kilns without controls in the combustion processes, which generate large heat losses. As a result, it was necessary to implement a virtual instrument to monitor temperatures in the firing process. For the study, a continuous Hoffman kiln, and the temperature acquisition was carried out in two combustion chambers and lasted twenty-four hours. In the kiln firing process, the energy supplied due to coal combustion was 22198×106 KJ, while the heat accumulated in the kiln roof, walls and floor was 14452.6×106 KJ, 1085.71×106 KJ and 164.72×106 KJ respectively. The total heat stored in the masonry was 15703.03×106 KJ, representing 70.73 % of the energy supplied. Due to the material used in the construction of the kiln, the accumulated heat is high, and it is necessary to implement coatings using ceramic fibers on the kiln walls, keeping the temperature constant in the firing process and leading to a decrease in heat accumulation of about 20 %. Also, air, fuel, temperature, and pressure injection systems should be implemented.
CSM-AB: graph-based antibody–antigen binding affinity prediction and docking scoring function
Authors: Myung Yoochan , Pires Douglas E V , Ascher David B
Published: November 2021

Motivation

Understanding antibody–antigen interactions is key to improving their binding affinities and specificities. While experimental approaches are fundamental for developing new therapeutics, computational methods can provide quick assessment of binding landscapes, guiding experimental design. Despite this, little effort has been devoted to accurately predicting the binding affinity between antibodies and antigens and to develop tailored docking scoring functions for this type of interaction. Here, we developed CSM-AB, a machine learning method capable of predicting antibody–antigen binding affinity by modelling interaction interfaces as graph-based signatures.

Results

CSM-AB outperformed alternative methods achieving a Pearson's correlation of up to 0.64 on blind tests. We also show CSM-AB can accurately rank near-native poses, working effectively as a docking scoring function. We believe CSM-AB will be an invaluable tool to assist in the development of new immunotherapies.

Availability and implementation

CSM-AB is freely available as a user-friendly web interface and API at http://biosig.unimelb.edu.au/csm_ab/datasets.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Aristocratic involvement in Charles VI’s royal progress in Languedoc, 1389–90
Authors: Graham-Goering Erika
Published: November 2021

While ceremonial progresses and civic entries have been understood primarily through the lens of urban–royal relationships, they were also occasions for the political engagement of the rural elite. A case study of the homages performed by southern French lords to King Charles VI shows that the landed aristocracy was integral to the royal agenda. It also offers an innovative spatial approach to analysing their agency in this process, which reinforced their own authority and social interests. The reciprocity of this interaction attests the deliberate incorporation of local lordship into the co-operative structures of late medieval government.
International organizations' responses to member state contestation: from inertia to resilience
Authors: Hirschmann Gisela
Published: November 2021

International organizations (IOs) play a key role in promoting multilateral cooperation on critical transnational issues. Yet, their authority has increasingly been contested by member states that cut financial contributions or even withdraw their membership. How do IOs respond to such contestation? While the existing literature has mostly focused on reactions by other member states, I argue in this article that our understanding of IOs' responses to contestation remains incomplete without an analysis of IO bureaucracies. I propose a conceptual framework to analyse three types of bureaucratic responses: inertia, i.e. no immediate response; adaptation, i.e. institutional changes to maintain the support of the challenging member state(s); and resilience-building, i.e. developing organizational capacities to limit contestation. I argue that each of these responses is shaped by specific bureaucratic mechanisms, namely hunkering, negotiation, framing, coalition-building, shaming and professionalization. Based on a comparative within-case study analysing the reactions of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to budget cuts by the Reagan, Bush and Trump administrations, I further theorize that the organization's threat perception, the position of other member states and bureaucratic leadership are relevant factors that need to be considered to explain the variation in IO responses to contestation.