bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of survivor guilt after trauma using imagery rescripting: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Murray Hannah , Medin Evelina , Brown Gary
Published: October 2020

Survivor guilt can arise after surviving a trauma in which others die. No studies have systematically investigated psychological treatment for survivor guilt. The present study was a proof-of-concept investigation of treatment of survivor guilt using imagery rescripting. Thirteen participants with post-traumatic stress disorder and self-reported survivor guilt attended two consecutive imagery therapy sessions, to first elaborate and then rescript related imagery. Significant improvements were observed on idiographic process measures of cognitons, emotions and distress related to survivor guilt following the rescripting session. The study provides preliminary evidence that imagery rescripting can be used as an experiential technique to treat survivor guilt.
Herausforderungen und Bedürfnisse von Familien mit Neugeborenen mit Zwerchfellhernie - Musiktherapie als unterstützende Maßnahme?
Authors: Fève Ariane , Geipel Josephine
Published: October 2020

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Neugeborene mit Zwerchfellhernie (CDH) verbringen ihre ersten Lebenswochen auf der Intensivstation, was für sie und ihre Familien eine große Belastung ist. Musiktherapie wird bereits bei Frühgeborenen auf der Neonatologie zur Stabilisierung des Kindes, zur Entlastung der Eltern und zur Stärkung der Eltern-Kind-Bindung eingesetzt. Der Nutzen für intensivmedizinisch versorgte reife Neugeborene und ihre Familien wurde dagegen bisher nicht umfassend untersucht. Ziel: Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Untersuchung der spezifischen Bedürfnisse, Herausforderungen und Erfahrungen von Kindern mit CDH und ihrer Eltern und die Ableitung passender musiktherapeutischer Interventionen. Methoden: Mithilfe der QDA-Software f4analyse wurden 15 Elternberichte mit einer inhaltlich strukturierenden qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet und anschließend die musiktherapeutischen Aspekte an einem hypothetischen Fallbeispiel verdeutlicht. Ergebnisse: Eltern leiden vor allem unter organisatorischen und emotionalen Herausforderungen. Sie möchten für ihr Kind sorgen und suchen seine Nähe. Unterstützt werden sie durch ihr soziales Umfeld und das medizinische Personal. Protektive Faktoren sind eine gelungene Selbstfürsorge, Abgrenzung und das Vertrauen auf einen positiven Verlauf. Schlussfolgerungen: Im Mittelpunkt der Bedürfnisse und Herausforderungen stehen medizinische Aspekte wie der Entzug, die Eltern-Kind-Bindung und das elterliche Wohlbefinden. In der musiktherapeutischen Literatur finden sich Hinweise auf verschiedene Interventionen, die diese Aspekte ansprechen können.
Final Frontier? The Evolution of Planetary Science Missions
Authors: Broendel Katherine
Published: October 2020

Planetary scientist Fran Bagenal explains how each NASA mission builds on previous discoveries and encourages scientists to take on difficult challenges to learn more about our home in the universe.
FBI-1 enhanced the resistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents via the miR-30c/PXR axis
Authors: Yang Hua , Ren Lili , Wang Yanan , Bi Xuebing , Li Xiaoli , Wen Ming , Zhang Qian , Yang Yang , Jia Youchao , Li Yumiao , Zang Aimin , wei Yaning , Dai Guanghai
Published: October 2020

The factor that binds to the inducer of short transcripts‐1 (FBI-1) is a transcription suppressor and an important proto‐oncogene that plays multiple roles in carcinogenesis and therapeutic resistance. In the present work, our results indicated that FBI-1 enhanced the resistance of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to chemotherapeutic agents by repressing the expression of micoRNA-30c targeting the pregnane X receptor (PXR). The expression of FBI-1 was positively related to PXR and its downstream drug resistance-related genes in TNBC tissues. FBI-1 enhanced the expression of PXR and enhanced the activation of the PXR pathway. The miR-30c decreased the expression of PXR by targeting the 3′-UTR of PXR, and FBI-1 increased the expression of PXR by repressing miR-30c’s expression. Through the miR-30c/PXR axis, FBI-1 accelerated the clearance or elimination of antitumor agents in TNBC cells (the TNBC cell lines or the patients derived cells [PDCs]) and induced the resistance of cells to antitumor agents. Therefore, the results indicated that the miR-30c/PXR axis participates in the FBI-1-mediated drug-resistance of TNBC cells.
β2-AR blockade potentiates MEK1/2 inhibitor effect on HNSCC by regulating the Nrf2-mediated defense mechanism
Authors: Mele Luigi , Del Vecchio Vitale , Marampon Francesco , Regad Tarik , Wagner Sarah , Mosca Laura , Bimonte Sabrina , Giudice Aldo , Liccardo Davide , Prisco Claudia , Schwerdtfeger Melanie , La Noce Marcella , Tirino Virginia , Caraglia Michele , Papaccio Gianpaolo , Desiderio Vincenzo , Barbieri Antonio
Published: October 2020

The β2-Adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), involved in the development of many cancers, among which HNSCC. In this contest, β2-AR signaling interacts with different pathways, such as PI3K and MAPK, commonly activated by TK receptors. For this reason, TK blockade is one of the most adopted therapeutic strategies in HNSCC patients. In our study we investigated the effects of the β2-AR blocking in HNSCC cell lines, using the selective inhibitor ICI118,551 (ICI), in combination with the MAPK inhibitor U0126. We found that ICI leads to the blocking of p38 and NF-kB oncogenic pathways, strongly affecting also the ERK and PI3K pathways. Cotreatment with U0126 displays a synergic effect on cell viability and pathway alteration. Interestingly, we found that the β2-AR blockade affects Nrf2-Keap1 stability and its nuclear translocation leading to a drastic ROS increase and oxidative stress. Our results are confirmed by a TCGA dataset analysis, showing that NFE2L2 gene is commonly overexpressed in HNSC, and correlated with a lower survival rate. In our system, the PI3K pathway inhibition culminated in the blocking of pro-survival autophagy, a mechanism normally adopted by cancer cells to became less responsive to the therapies. The mTOR expression, commonly upregulated in HNSC, was reduced in patients with disease-recurrence. It is well known that mTOR has a strong autophagy inhibition effect, therefore its downregulation promoted pro-survival autophagy, with a related increase recurrence rate. Our findings highlight for the first time the key role of β2-AR and related pathway in HNSCC cell proliferation and drug resistance, proposing it as a valuable therapeutic molecular target.
Roll-to-roll gravure-printed flexible perovskite solar cells using eco-friendly antisolvent bathing with wide processing window
Authors: Kim Young Yun , Yang Tae-Youl , Suhonen Riikka , Kemppainen Antti , Hwang Kyeongil , Jeon Nam Joong , Seo Jangwon
Published: October 2020

Driven by recent improvements in efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), upscaling of PSCs has come to be regarded as the next step. Specifically, a high-throughput, low-cost roll-to-roll (R2R) processes would be a breakthrough to realize the commercialization of PSCs, with uniform formation of precursor wet film and complete conversion to perovskite phase via R2R-compatible processes necessary to accomplish this goal. Herein, we demonstrate the pilot-scale, fully R2R manufacturing of all the layers except for electrodes in PSCs. Tert-butyl alcohol (tBuOH) is introduced as an eco-friendly antisolvent with a wide processing window. Highly crystalline, uniform formamidinium (FA)-based perovskite formation via tBuOH:EA bathing was confirmed by achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 23.5% for glass-based spin-coated PSCs, and 19.1% for gravure-printed flexible PSCs. As an extended work, R2R gravure-printing and tBuOH:EA bathing resulted in the highest PCE reported for R2R-processed PSCs, 16.7% for PSCs with R2R-processed SnO2/FA-perovskite, and 13.8% for fully R2R-produced PSCs.
High-performance light-driven heterogeneous CO2 catalysis with near-unity selectivity on metal phosphides
Authors: Xu Yang-Fan , Duchesne Paul N. , Wang Lu , Tavasoli Alexandra , Ali Feysal M. , Xia Meikun , Liao Jin-Feng , Kuang Dai-Bin , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: October 2020

Akin to single-site homogeneous catalysis, a long sought-after goal is to achieve reaction site precision in heterogeneous catalysis for chemical control over patterns of activity, selectivity and stability. Herein, we report on metal phosphides as a class of material capable of realizing these attributes and unlock their potential in solar-driven CO2 hydrogenation. Selected as an archetype, Ni12P5 affords a structure based upon highly dispersed nickel nanoclusters integrated into a phosphorus lattice that harvest light intensely across the entire solar spectral range. Motivated by its panchromatic absorption and unique linearly bonded nickel-carbonyl-dominated reaction route, Ni12P5 is found to be a photothermal catalyst for the reverse water gas shift reaction, offering a CO production rate of 960 ± 12 mmol gcat−1 h−1, near 100% selectivity and long-term stability. Successful extension of this idea to Co2P analogs implies that metal phosphide materials are poised as a universal platform for high-rate and highly selective photothermal CO2 catalysis.
Single-cell RNA cap and tail sequencing (scRCAT-seq) reveals subtype-specific isoforms differing in transcript demarcation
Authors: Hu Youjin , Zhong Jiawei , Xiao Yuhua , Xing Zheng , Sheu Katherine , Fan Shuxin , An Qin , Qiu Yuanhui , Zheng Yingfeng , Liu Xialin , Fan Guoping , Liu Yizhi
Published: October 2020

The differences in transcription start sites (TSS) and transcription end sites (TES) among gene isoforms can affect the stability, localization, and translation efficiency of mRNA. Gene isoforms allow a single gene diverse functions across different cell types, and isoform dynamics allow different functions over time. However, methods to efficiently identify and quantify RNA isoforms genome-wide in single cells are still lacking. Here, we introduce single cell RNA Cap And Tail sequencing (scRCAT-seq), a method to demarcate the boundaries of isoforms based on short-read sequencing, with higher efficiency and lower cost than existing long-read sequencing methods. In conjunction with machine learning algorithms, scRCAT-seq demarcates RNA transcripts with unprecedented accuracy. We identified hundreds of previously uncharacterized transcripts and thousands of alternative transcripts for known genes, revealed cell-type specific isoforms for various cell types across different species, and generated a cell atlas of isoform dynamics during the development of retinal cones.
Quantum anomalous Hall effect in two-dimensional magnetic insulator heterojunctions
Authors: Pan Jinbo , Yu Jiabin , Zhang Yan-Fang , Du Shixuan , Janotti Anderson , Liu Chao-Xing , Yan Qimin
Published: October 2020

Recent years have witnessed tremendous success in the discovery of topological states of matter. Particularly, sophisticated theoretical methods in time-reversal-invariant topological phases have been developed, leading to the comprehensive search of crystal database and the prediction of thousands of topological materials. In contrast, the discovery of magnetic topological phases that break time reversal is still limited to several exemplary materials because the coexistence of magnetism and topological electronic band structure is rare in a single compound. To overcome this challenge, we propose an alternative approach to realize the quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) effect, a typical example of magnetic topological phase, via engineering two-dimensional (2D) magnetic van der Waals heterojunctions. Instead of a single magnetic topological material, we search for the combinations of two 2D (typically trivial) magnetic insulator compounds with specific band alignment so that they can together form a type-III broken-gap heterojunction with topologically non-trivial band structure. By combining the data-driven materials search, first-principles calculations, and the symmetry-based analytical models, we identify eight type-III broken-gap heterojunctions consisting of 2D ferromagnetic insulators in the MXY compound family as a set of candidates for the QAH effect. In particular, we directly calculate the topological invariant (Chern number) and chiral edge states in the MnNF/MnNCl heterojunction with ferromagnetic stacking. This work illustrates how data-driven material science can be combined with symmetry-based physical principles to guide the search for heterojunction-based quantum materials hosting the QAH effect and other exotic quantum states in general.
Smartphone-powered efficient water disinfection at the point of use
Authors: Zhou Jianfeng , Yang Fang , Huang Yuxiong , Ding Wenbo , Xie Xing
Published: October 2020

Clean water free of bacteria is a precious resource in areas where no centralized water facilities are available. Conventional chlorine disinfection is limited by chemical transportation, storage, and the production of carcinogenic by-products. Here, a smartphone-powered disinfection system is developed for point-of-use (POU) bacterial inactivation. The integrated system uses the smartphone battery as a power source, and a customized on-the-go (OTG) hardware connected to the phone to realize the desired electrical output. Through a downloadable mobile application, the electrical output, either constant current (20–1000 µA) or voltage (0.7–2.1 V), can be configured easily through a user-friendly graphical interface on the screen. The disinfection device, a coaxial-electrode copper ionization cell (CECIC), inactivates bacteria by low levels of electrochemically generated copper with low energy consumption. The strategy of constant current control is applied in this study to solve the problem of uncontrollable copper release by previous constant voltage control. With the current control, a high inactivation efficiency of E. coli (~6 logs) is achieved with a low level of effluent Cu (~200 µg L−1) in the water samples within a range of salt concentration (0.2–1 mmol L−1). The smartphone-based power workstation provides a versatile and accurate electrical output with a simple graphical user interface. The disinfection device is robust, highly efficient, and does not require complex equipment. As smartphones are pervasive in modern life, the smartphone-powered CECIC system could provide an alternative decentralized water disinfection approach like rural areas and outdoor activities.
Viral metagenomes of Lake Soyang, the largest freshwater lake in South Korea
Authors: Moon Kira , Kim Suhyun , Kang Ilnam , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: October 2020

A high number of viral metagenomes have revealed countless genomes of putative bacteriophages that have not yet been identified due to limitations in bacteriophage cultures. However, most virome studies have been focused on marine or gut environments, thereby leaving the viral community structure of freshwater lakes unclear. Because the lakes located around the globe have independent ecosystems with unique characteristics, viral community structures are also distinctive but comparable. Here, we present data on viral metagenomes that were seasonally collected at a depth of 1 m from Lake Soyang, the largest freshwater reservoir in South Korea. Through shotgun metagenome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform, 3.08 to 5.54-Gbps of reads per virome were obtained. To predict the viral genome sequences within Lake Soyang, contigs were constructed and 648 to 1,004 putative viral contigs were obtained per sample. We expect that both viral metagenome reads and viral contigs would contribute in comparing and understanding of viral communities among different freshwater lakes depending on seasonal changes.
Direct observation of potential phase at joining interface between p-MgO and n-MgFe2O4
Authors: Sakaguchi Chisato , Nara Yasumasa , Hashishin Takeshi , Abe Hiroya , Matsuda Motohide , Tsurekawa Sadahiro , Kubota Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Visualization of the depletion layer is a significant a guideline for the material design of gas sensors. We attempted to measure the potential barrier at the interface of core–shell microspheres composed of p-MgO/n-MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 from the inside out by means of Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) as a first step to visualizing enlargement of the depletion layer. As determined by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, ca. 70% of the microspheres were hollow with a wall thickness of ca. 200 nm. Elemental mapping revealed that the hollow particles were composed of ca. 20 nm of MgO, ca. 80 nm of MgFe2O4, and ca. 100 nm of Fe2O3. A difference of 0.2 V at the p-MgO/n-MgFe2O4 interface was clarified by KPFM measurements of the hollow particles, suggesting that this difference depends on the formation of a p–n junction. The potential barrier enlarged by the formation of a p–n junction was considered to increase the resistance in air (Ra), since the Ra of the core–shell hollow microspheres was higher than that of MgO, Fe2O3, MgO–Fe2O3, and MgO/MgFe2O4/Fe2O3 particles with irregular shapes. Measurement of the potential barrier height by KPFM is a promising potential approach to tuning the gas sensitivity of oxide semiconductors.
Mechanistic insights into the loss-of-function mechanisms of rare human D-amino acid oxidase variants implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Padhi Aditya K. , Zhang Kam Y. J.
Published: October 2020

Impaired enzymatic activity in D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) caused by missense mutations has been shown to trigger amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through an abnormal accumulation of D-serine in the spinal cord. While loss of enzymatic functions of certain ALS-causing DAAO variants have been studied before, a detailed understanding of structure-dynamics-function relationship of the rare DAAO variants has not been investigated hitherto. To address this, we carried out a comprehensive study of all the reported rare DAAO variants. By employing a spectrum of bioinformatics analyses along with extensive structural dynamics simulations, we show that certain rare variants disrupted key interactions with the active site and decreased the conformational flexibility of active site loop comprising residues 216–228, which is essential for substrate binding and product release. Moreover, these variants lost crucial interactions with the cofactor flavin-adenine-dinucleotide, resulting in weaker binding affinity. A detailed inspection revealed that these variants exhibited such characteristics due to the abrogation of specific salt bridges. Taken together, our study provides a gateway into the structural-dynamic features of the rare DAAO variants and highlights the importance of informatics-based integrated analyses in the screening and prioritization of variants a priori to the clinical-functional characterization.
Bending behavior of biomimetic scale covered beam with tunable stiffness scales
Authors: Tatari Milad , Kamrava Soroush , Ghosh Ranajay , Nayeb-Hashemi Hamid , Vaziri Ashkan
Published: October 2020

Biomimetic scales provide a convenient template to tailor the bending stiffness of the underlying slender substrate due to their mutual sliding after engagement. Scale stiffness can therefore directly impact the substrate behavior, opening a potential avenue for substrate stiffness tunability. Here, we have developed a biomimetic beam, which is covered by tunable stiffness scales. Scale tunability is achieved by specially designed plate like scales consisting of layers of low melting point alloy (LMPA) phase change materials fully enclosed inside a soft polymer. These composite scales can transition between stiff and soft states by straddling the temperatures across LMPA melting points thereby drastically altering stiffness. We experimentally analyze the bending behavior of biomimetic beams covered with tunable stiffness scales of two architectures—one with single enclosure of LMPA and one with two enclosures of different melting point LMPAs. These architectures provide a continuous stiffness change of the underlying substrate post engagement, controlled by the operating temperature. We characterize this response using three-point bending experiments at various temperature profiles. Our results demonstrate for the first time, the pronounced and reversible tunability in the bending behavior of biomimetic scale covered beam, which are strongly dependent on the scale material and architecture. Particularly, it is shown that the bending stiffness of the biomimetic scale covered beam can be actively and reversibly tuned by a factor of up to 7. The developed biomimetic beam has applications in soft robotic grippers, smart segmented armors, deployable structures and soft swimming robots.
Specific stacking angles of bilayer graphene grown on atomic-flat and -stepped Cu surfaces
Authors: Cho Hyeyeon , Park Yohwan , Kim Soyoung , Ahn Taemin , Kim Tae-Hwan , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: October 2020

Bilayer graphene (BLG) exhibits unique properties depending on a stacking angle between the two layers of graphene. Although it has been known that BLGs having stacking angles of 0° and 30° can be obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), not much is known yet about the effect of copper (Cu) surface on the decision of stacking angle, through which further fine control of the stacking angle could be possible. Here, we report that the crystal plane of Cu catalyst plays a critical role in the selection of the stacking angle of BLG, and provide experimental and computational evidence that an atomic-flat Cu (111) surface generates BLGs having 0° and 30° of stacking angle, while atomic-stepped Cu (311) and Cu (110) surfaces mainly produce small stacking angle BLGs with 3–5° of stacking angle as a major product by CVD.
A perylene monoimide probe based fluorescent micelle sensor for the selective and sensitive detection of picric acid
Authors: Li Weiqing , Zhou Huipeng , Hayat Nawaz Muhammad Azhar , Niu Niu , Yang Na , Ren Jia , Yu Cong
Published: October 2020

A PMI-OH@Triton X-100 micelle sensor based on the perylene probe excimer fluorescence emission quenching mechanism has been developed for the detection of picric acid (PA).
Ce(OH)2Cl and lanthanide-substituted variants as precursors to redox-active CeO2materials
Authors: Dunn Alexander J. A. , Annis James W. , Fisher Janet M. , Thompsett David , Walton Richard I.
Published: October 2020

Lanthanide hydroxide-chlorides Ce1−xLnx(OH)2Cl for Ln = La, Pr, Gd, Tb crystallise from poly(ethylene) glycol (Mn= 400) at 240 °C. Subsequent thermal decomposition yields oxides Ce1−xLnxO2−δwith redox properties suited for heterogeneous catalysis.
A review on graphene quantum dots and their nanocomposites: from laboratory synthesis towards agricultural and environmental applications
Authors: Facure Murilo H. M. , Schneider Rodrigo , Mercante Luiza A. , Correa Daniel S.
Published: October 2020

This review highlights recent and important advances related to the synthesis, characterization and application of graphene quantum dot (GQD)-based nanocomposites for the agriculture and environmental sectors.
Potential neuroprotection of wheat alkylresorcinols in hippocampal neuronsviaNrf2/ARE pathway
Authors: Fan Fengjiao , Zou Yanyu , Fang Yong , Li Peng , Xia Ji , Shen Xinchun , Liu Qin , Hu Qiuhui
Published: October 2020

Neuroprotection of Wheat Alkylresorcinols by Modulating Endogenous Antioxidant Defense System.
Preventive action of retinoids in metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetic rats fed with citrus functional food enriched in β-cryptoxanthin
Authors: Dhuique-Mayer Claudie , Gence Laura , Portet Karine , Tousch Didier , Poucheret Patrick
Published: October 2020

A citrus functionnal food enriched in β-cryptoxanthin to prevent metabolic syndrome/type 2 diabetes.
A Design-of-Experiments approach to developing thermoresponsive gelators from complex polymer mixtures
Authors: Abou-Shamat Mohamad A. , Stair Jacqueline L. , Kirton Stewart B. , Calvo-Castro Jesus , Cook Michael T.
Published: October 2020

This study investigated the effects of additives on the properties of poloxamer (P) 407 thermogels, employing a Design-of-Experiments (DoE) approach.
The dual interfacial modification of 2D g-C3N4 for high-efficiency and stable planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Liu Zhou , Wu Shuzhen , Yang Xiaojie , Zhou Yijun , Jin Jiaren , Sun Junmei , Zhao Li , Wang Shimin
Published: October 2020

Carrier recombination and charge loss at the interfaces of perovskite layers have a significant influence on high-performance planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
Colloidal WSe2 nanocrystals as anodes for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Pengshang , Collins Gearoid , Hens Zeger , Ryan Kevin M. , Geaney Hugh , Singh Shalini
Published: October 2020

Colloidally synthesized WSe2 nanocrystals with different morphologies and phases were investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.
Metal free decarboxylative aminoxylation of carboxylic acids using a biphasic solvent system
Authors: Schulz Göran , Kirschning Andreas
Published: October 2020

The oxidative radical decarboxylation of carboxylic acids with TEMPO as radical scavenger in a biphasic solvent system is reported which is successfully used in a new synthetic approach for the antidepressants indatraline.
Isosorbide monoacrylate: a sustainable monomer for the production of fully bio-based polyacrylates and thermosets
Authors: Nonque Florine , Sahut Audrey , Jacquel Nicolas , Saint-Loup René , Woisel Patrice , Potier Jonathan
Published: October 2020

The radical homopolymerization of isosorbide monoacrylate (IMA) is studied to obtain transfer constants and fully bio-based thermosets.
Flash-synthesis of low dispersity PPVviaanionic polymerization in continuous flow reactors and block copolymer synthesis
Authors: Verstraete Kirsten , Zaquen Neomy , Junkers Tanja
Published: October 2020

Low dispersity poly[2-methoxy-5-(3′,7′-dimethyloctyloxy)]-1,4-phenylenevinylene (MDMO-PPV) with well-defined end-groups is made available by performing the anionic polymerization in a continuous tubular reactor under flash chemistry conditions.
Interfaces of graphitic carbon nitride-based composite photocatalysts
Authors: Zhu Anquan , Qiao Lulu , Tan Pengfei , Pan Jun
Published: October 2020

This review concentrates on the interface issues of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts, including methods for constructing interfaces, techniques for identifying interfaces, and the types and roles of the as-developed interfaces.
Spatial Release From Informational and Energetic Masking in Bimodal and Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: D'Onofrio Kristen , Richards Virginia , Gifford René
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Spatially separating speech and background noise improves speech understanding in normal-hearing listeners, an effect referred to as spatial release from masking (SRM). In cochlear implant (CI) users, SRM has often been demonstrated using asymmetric noise configurations, which maximize benefit from head shadow and the potential availability of binaural cues. In contrast, SRM in symmetrical configurations has been minimal to absent in CI users. We examined the interaction between two types of maskers (informational and energetic) and SRM in bimodal and bilateral CI users. We hypothesized that SRM would be absent or “negative” using symmetrically separated noise maskers. Second, we hypothesized that bimodal listeners would exhibit greater release from informational masking due to access to acoustic information in the non-CI ear.

Method

Participants included 10 bimodal and 10 bilateral CI users. Speech understanding in noise was tested in 24 conditions: 3 spatial configurations (S
0
N
0
, S
0
N
45&315
, S
0
N
90&270
) × 2 masker types (speech, signal-correlated noise) × 2 listening configurations (best-aided, CI-alone) × 2 talker gender conditions (different-gender, same-gender).

Results

In support of our first hypothesis, both groups exhibited negative SRM with increasing spatial separation. In opposition to our second hypothesis, both groups exhibited similar magnitudes of release from informational masking. The magnitude of release was greater for bimodal listeners, though this difference failed to reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Both bimodal and bilateral CI recipients exhibited negative SRM. This finding is consistent with CI signal processing limitations, the audiologic factors associated with SRM, and known effects of behind-the-ear microphone technology. Though release from informational masking was not significantly different across groups, the magnitude of release was greater for bimodal listeners. This suggests that bimodal listeners may be at least marginally more susceptible to informational masking than bilateral CI users, though further research is warranted.
Model‐based control of a VSC‐based power generator with synthetic inertia provision in an isolated micro‐grid
Authors: Hardan Faysal , Norman Rosemary , Leithead William
Published: October 2020

Distributed energy resources such as solar photovoltaic, wind and energy storage systems are increasingly being utilised within isolated and grid‐connected microgrids. Their integration has prompted the move towards more advanced coordinated control for flexible, efficient and secure operation of microgrid‐based power systems. This study presents a new power control method based on a canonical inverse model and implied synthetic inertia (SI), which is implemented on a voltage source converter‐based power generator (VSC‐PG) for frequency response support. The control method augments a traditional power controller whilst the SI technique is blended with a new switching mechanism which enhances the performance of the VSC‐PG when it is utilised with SI provision capability. The switching mechanism acts only when necessary, without contradicting the main frequency regulating sources. For assessment, the above method and SI technique have been designed and modelled for a 630 kVA VSC‐PG with DC‐link battery bank. The VSC‐PG was connected within an isolated/remote microgrid formed by an 11 kV feeder, 1 MVA diesel generator and variable load. The performances of the proposed power controller and SI provider have been tested and analysed using detailed Matlab/Simulink simulations and found to compare favourably with methods published in the literature.
Euclid: Forecast constraints on the cosmic distance duality relation with complementary external probes
Authors: Martinelli M. , Martins C. J. A. P. , Nesseris S. , Sapone D. , Tutusaus I. , Avgoustidis A. , Camera S. , Carbone C. , Casas S. , Ilić S. , Sakr Z. , Yankelevich V. , Auricchio N. , Balestra A. , Bodendorf C. , Bonino D. , Branchini E. , Brescia M. , Brinchmann J. , Capobianco V. , Carretero J. , Castellano M. , Cavuoti S. , Cledassou R. , Congedo G. , Conversi L. , Corcione L. , Dubath F. , Ealet A. , Frailis M. , Franceschi E. , Fumana M. , Garilli B. , Gillis B. , Giocoli C. , Grupp F. , Haugan S. V. H. , Holmes W. , Hormuth F. , Jahnke K. , Kermiche S. , Kilbinger M. , Kitching T. D. , Kubik B. , Kunz M. , Kurki-Suonio H. , Ligori S. , Lilje P. B. , Lloro I. , Marggraf O. , Markovic K. , Massey R. , Mei S. , Meneghetti M. , Meylan G. , Moscardini L. , Niemi S. , Padilla C. , Paltani S. , Pasian F. , Pettorino V. , Pires S. , Polenta G. , Poncet M. , Popa L. , Pozzetti L. , Raison F. , Rhodes J. , Roncarelli M. , Saglia R. , Schneider P. , Secroun A. , Serrano S. , Sirignano C. , Sirri G. , Sureau F. , Taylor A. N. , Tereno I. , Toledo-Moreo R. , Valenziano L. , Vassallo T. , Wang Y. , Welikala N. , Weller J. , Zacchei A.
Published: October 2020

Context. In metric theories of gravity with photon number conservation, the luminosity and angular diameter distances are related via the Etherington relation, also known as the distance duality relation (DDR). A violation of this relation would rule out the standard cosmological paradigm and point to the presence of new physics.

Aims. We quantify the ability of Euclid, in combination with contemporary surveys, to improve the current constraints on deviations from the DDR in the redshift range 0 <  z <  1.6.

Methods. We start with an analysis of the latest available data, improving previously reported constraints by a factor of 2.5. We then present a detailed analysis of simulated Euclid and external data products, using both standard parametric methods (relying on phenomenological descriptions of possible DDR violations) and a machine learning reconstruction using genetic algorithms.

Results. We find that for parametric methods Euclid can (in combination with external probes) improve current constraints by approximately a factor of six, while for non-parametric methods Euclid can improve current constraints by a factor of three.

Conclusions. Our results highlight the importance of surveys like Euclid in accurately testing the pillars of the current cosmological paradigm and constraining physics beyond the standard cosmological model.
Zooplankton species distribution, richness and composition across tropical shallow lakes: A large scale assessment by biome, lake origin, and lake habitat
Authors: Cabral Camila Rodrigues , Diniz Leidiane Pereira , da Silva Alef Jonathan , Fonseca Gustavo , Carneiro Luciana Silva , de Melo Júnior Mauro , Caliman Adriano
Published: October 2020

Assessing zooplankton biodiversity is essential to support freshwater management/conservation programs. Here, we investigated the zooplankton community structure from 180 shallow lakes in northeastern Brazil and analyzed them according to biome (Atlantic Forest or Caatinga), the origin of ecosystems (natural or man-made lakes), and habitat type (pelagic or littoral). Additionally, we provided an updated list of zooplankton species. We registered 227 species (137 Rotifera, 65 Cladocera, 25 Copepoda). The most common species of each major group among all lakes were the cladoceranCeriodaphina cornuta, the rotifersBrachionus havanaensisandLecane bulla, and the copepodTermocyclops decipiens. Species related to aquatic vegetation, as the Lecanidae rotifers and phytophilous cladocerans, were more frequent along Atlantic Forest biome and natural lakes. On the other hand, species that are bioindicators of eutrophic waters were more common at the Caatinga biome and man-made lakes. Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes had similar species richness, but different community compositions for all zooplankton groups, reinforcing the Caatinga significance for the Brazilian aquatic biodiversity. The type of habitat was the most important factor structuring species richness, with higher richness in the littoral region when compared to the pelagic. A result of many unique species of Cladocera and Rotifera associated with the aquatic vegetation were observed. The findings demonstrated that conservation/management plans cannot generalize zooplankton species distribution across different biomes, origins and even within a single lake, between the pelagic and littoral zones.
Obduktionen bei COVID-19
Authors: Goebels Hanna , Edler Carolin , Fitzek Antonia , Schädler Julia , Schröder Ann Sophie , Kniep Inga , Püschel Klaus
Published: October 2020

Bei der Erkrankung COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) handelt es sich um eine virale Infektion mit einem Betacoronavirus, bei der die Infizierten an unterschiedlichen klinischen Symptomen leiden. Bei Erkrankten können sich Symptome wie Husten, Fieber sowie schwere respiratorische und organische Funktionseinschränkungen zeigen 1, 2. Pathophysiologisch bindet nach der Aufnahme des Virus über den oberen Respirationstrakt ein viruseigenes Spikeprotein an den membrangebundenen ACE2-Rezeptor (Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 Rezeptor), welcher vorrangig in Lungen-, Herz- und Nierengewebe exprimiert wird. Da es bei den unterschiedlichen Organgeweben zu heterogenen Expressionsmustern von ACE2-Rezeptoren kommt, sind die Effekte der Infektion variabel. Diese pathologischen Veränderungen werden im Folgenden aus den Erkenntnissen bisheriger Publikationen, in denen postmortale Untersuchungen im Rahmen einer offenen Leichenschau (Obduktion) oder einer postmortalen Bildgebung (PMCT) durchgeführt wurden, zusammenfassend dargestellt. Nicht näher eingegangen wird auf die bereits vielfach dargestellten diversen Vorerkrankungen der meist multimorbiden und hochbetagten Patienten unter den COVID-19-Sterbefällen.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e. V. (DGRh)
Authors: Spirgat Corinna
Published: October 2020

4–6 Wochen – länger sollte es nicht dauern, bis ein Patient mit Anzeichen für eine entzündlich-rheumatische Erkrankung einem Facharzt vorgestellt wird und die richtige Diagnose erhält. Dieses Ziel wird in Deutschland jedoch weit verfehlt. Ein Grund hierfür ist der ausgeprägte Mangel an rheumatologischen Fachärzten. Nach Ansicht der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie e. V. (DGRh) hat dieser inzwischen ein Ausmaß erreicht, welches die medizinische Versorgung der Bevölkerung gefährdet.
Security and democratic equality
Authors: Milstein Brian
Published: October 2020

After a recent spate of terrorist attacks in European and American cities, liberal democracies are reintroducing emergency securitarian measures (ESMs) that curtail rights and/or expand police powers. Political theorists who study ESMs are familiar with how such measures become instruments of discrimination and abuse, but the fundamental conflict ESMs pose for not just civil liberty but also democratic equality still remains insufficiently explored. Such phenomena are usually explained as a function of public panic or fear-mongering in times of crisis, but I show that the tension betweensecurity and equalityis in fact much deeper and more general. It follows a different logic than the more familiar tension between security and liberty, and it concerns not just theruleof law in protecting liberty but also theroleof law in integrating new or previously subjected groups into a democratic community. As liberal-democratic societies become increasingly diverse and multicultural in the present era of mass immigration and global interconnectedness, this tension between security and equality is likely to become more pronounced.
Touching down on protrusion growth in heat-assisted magnetic recording
Authors: Frank Jodi Ackerman
Published: October 2020

By measuring the touchdown power change, researchers study the spacing loss and extract the angstrom-level protrusion.
Evaluating the economic effects of genomic sequencing of pathogens to prioritise hospital patients competing for isolation beds
Authors: Elliott Thomas M. , Hare Nicole , Hajkowicz Krispin , Hurst Trish , Doidge Michelle , Harris Patrick N. , Gordon Louisa G.
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveThis study compared the costs and patient movements of a new hospital protocol to discontinue contact precautions for patients with non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (nmMRSA), based on whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogens with current practice.
MethodsA hybrid simulation model was constructed and analysed over a 12-month time horizon. Six multidrug-resistant organisms and influenza were modelled concurrently where infected patients competed for isolation beds. Model inputs included pathogen incidence, resources for WGS, staff and contact precautions, hospital processes, room allocations and their associated costs. Data were sourced from aggregated records of patient admissions during 2017–18, clinical records and published reports.
ResultsThe WGS protocol resulted in 389 patients isolated (44% of current practice), 5223 ‘isolation bed days’ (56%) and 268 closed-bed days (88%). Over 1 year, the mean (±s.d.) total cost for the WGS protocol was A$749243±126667; compared with current practice, the overall cost savings were A$690864±300464.
ConclusionUsing WGS to inform infection control teams of pathogen transmission averts patients from isolation rooms and reduces significant resources involved in implementing contact precautions.
What is known about the topic?There are an estimated 265000 hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in Australia each year. WGS can accurately identify the genetic lineage among HAIs and determine transmission clusters that can help infection control staff manage patients. Economic appraisals are lacking to inform whether pathogen genomics services should be adopted within already-stretched hospital budgets.
What does this paper add?An isolation protocol using pathogen genomics to provide additional information on the relatedness of a pathogen between colonised patients showed favourable results for healthcare costs and patient flow. Using WGS, in a confirmatory role, to discontinue certain patients from contact precautions and isolation rooms resulted in cost savings of A$690864 across 1 year for a single major hospital.
What are the implications for practitioners?Using pathogen WGS services for infection control potentially curbs hospital spending, averts patient isolations and improves patient flow within hospitals.
Habitat and sex effects on behaviour in fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rats (Melomys cervinipes)
Authors: Delarue Emma M. P. , Kerr Sarah E. , Rymer Tasmin L.
Published: October 2020

Habitat complexity reflects resource availability and predation pressure – both factors that influence behaviour. We investigated whether exploratory behaviour and activity varied in fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rats (Melomys cervinipes) from two habitats that were categorised differently based on vegetation. We conducted vegetation surveys to determine structural complexity and vegetation cover, confirming that an abandoned hoop-pine (Araucaria cunninghami) plantation forest was structurally less complex, with lower vegetation cover than a variable secondary rainforest. We then tested mosaic-tailed rats from both sites in four behavioural tests designed to assess exploratory and activity behaviours (open field, novel object, light-dark box, acoustic startle), predicting that rats from the less structurally complex habitat would be less exploratory, and show lower activity. Our results provide some evidence for a context-specific trade-off between exploratory behaviour and predation risk in rats from the abandoned hoop pine plantation, as rats were less active, and showed a freezing strategy in the light-dark box. We also found context-specific sex differences in behaviour in response to a novel object and sound. Our results suggest that small-scale variation in habitat structure and complexity, as well as sex differences, is associated with variation in behaviour, most likely through effects on resource availability and/or predation risk.
Multiplicity and pseudo-rapidity density distributions of charged particles produced in pp, pA and AA collisions at RHIC & LHC energies
Authors: Basu Sumit , Thakur Sanchari , Nayak Tapan K , Pruneau Claude A
Published: October 2020

Multiplicity and pseudorapidity (η) density (dN
ch/dη) distributions of charged hadrons provide key information towards understanding the particle production mechanisms and initial conditions of high-energy heavy-ion collisions. However, detector constraints limit the η-range across which charged particle measurements can be carried out. Extrapolating the measured distributions to large η-range by parameterizing measured distributions and by using calculations from event generators, we characterize the production of charged particles over the full kinematic range. In the present study, we use three different ans

a

̈

tze to obtain quantitative descriptions of the shape of pseudorapidity distributions of charged hadrons produced in pp, p–A, and A–A collisions for beam energies (

s

NN

) ranging from a few GeV to a few TeV corresponding to RHIC and LHC energies. We study the limiting fragmentation behavior in these collisions and report evidence for participant-scaling violations in high-energy collisions at the TeV scale. We additionally examine measured pseudorapidity distributions to constrain models describing initial conditions of particle production. We predict the centrality dependence of charged particle multiplicity distributions at FAIR and NICA energies and give an estimation of charged particle multiplicity at η = 0 for the proposed HE-LHC and FCC energies.
Multichannel seismocardiography: an imaging modality for investigating heart vibrations
Authors: Munck Kim , Sørensen Kasper , Struijk Johannes J , Schmidt Samuel E
Published: October 2020

Objective: Seismocardiography is the measurement of vibration waves caused by the beating heart with accelerometer(s) placed on the chest. Investigating the nature and the behavior of these vibration waves, by comparing measurements from multiple sites, would help to understand the heart’s mechanical contraction activity. Approach: Using newly designed multichannel seismocardiogram equipment, it was possible to investigate the vibration waves with 16 three-axis sensors. The equipment performed well with highly precise synchronization rate over 10 min, linear frequency response and high signal quality. The vibration waves were analyzed using the sagittal axis, a single cardiac cycle and focusing on four fiducial points. Two of the fiducial point where the negative and positive peaks associated with aorta valve opening, along with peaks associated with aorta valve closing. Main results: The respective average centers of mass of the four fiducial points in 13 subjects were at (frontal axis: 35 mm, vertical axis: 5 mm), (31, 6), (26, 24), and (4, −2), relative to the Xiphoid Process. Similar patterns among the subjects were identified for the propagation of the waves across the chest for the four fiducial points. Significance: The multichannel seismocardiogram equipment successfully revealed a general pattern present in chest surface vibration maps.
Anisotropic distributions of deuterium–deuterium nuclear fusion products in a compact tokamak
Authors: Goncharov P R , Bakharev N N
Published: October 2020

The paper is devoted to calculations of anisotropic spectra of nuclear fusion products in a compact tokamak. The knowledge of these spectra is essential for estimations of the first wall load by neutron radiation and other fast particle fluxes from the plasma, computations of the plasma heating profiles, and correct analysis of experimental data, obtained on the present-day and prospective tokamaks and other controlled fusion devices. Anisotropic analytical S- and L-formulae found earlier for nuclear fusion product distributions are computationally demanding. In this paper improved anisotropic S- and L-algorithms are introduced. The new simplified formulae retain the generality and reduce the calculation time without changing the results. Their application for the calculation of energetic and angular distributions of products of both neutron and proton branches of the deuterium–deuterium nuclear fusion reaction in the neutral beam heated plasma of the Globus-M2 spherical tokamak is described. Notwithstanding the low neutral beam energy, the obtained fusion product spectra are strongly anisotropic and may be observed experimentally.