bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase of electric field on streamer/surfaces contact area with using external electrode
Authors: Schweigert I V , Vagapov S , Lin L , Keidar M
Published: November 2019

Nowadays, a low-temperature atmospheric plasma jets are widely used in the anticancer therapy. Enhancement of electric field near the surface is one of possible ways to increase an efficiency of plasma jet treatment. Another mechanism of plasma jet’s influence on living cells is generating reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS). In this work effect of presence of external biased electrode was studied. Electric fields near the dielectric surface and zone of interaction were much higher than that near the conductive one due to accumulation of charge on the surface. The evolution of ionization rate near the surface was studied. It was observed experimentally and in the simulation that there are two main stages of evolution – the stage of fast ionization which is few hundreds of ns long and the stage of slow ionization with characteristic time of ∼10 µs. A 0D modelling was applied in the boundary layer near the surface in order to obtain mixture composition of RONS after several pulses.
Study of a discharge with a liquid cathode by the methods of high-speed visualization and emission spectroscopy
Authors: Chistolinov A V , Yakushin R V , Sargsyan M A , Khromov M A , Tyuftyaev A S
Published: November 2019

In this work the detailed structure of a direct current discharge with a liquid cathode was studied by high-speed imaging and emission spectroscopy. The movement of filaments into which the discharge channel is divided is studied. The processes of formation and destruction of filaments are investigated. Spectra were recorded at different distances from the liquids surface on the discharge axis. The dependences of the luminescence intensity of the main spectral lines and bands on the distance to the liquid surface at different discharge currents are found.
Air flow control around a cylindrical model induced by a rotating electric arc discharge in an external magnetic field
Authors: Munhoz D. S. , Bityurin V. A. , Zavershinskii I. P. , Klimov A. I. , Moralev I. A. , Kazanskii P. N. , Molevich N. E. , Polyakov L. B. , Porfir’ev D. P. , Sugak S. S. , Tolkunov B. N.
Published: November 2019

The structure and dynamics of a near-wall gas flow produced by a rotating electric arc discharge in an external magnetic field around a cylindrical model with and without an incoming flow has been investigated (M <0, 2; Re < 9.104). The electric arc on the model has been produced by a combined electric discharge (low-current RF discharge + high-current pulse-periodic discharge). Permanent magnets with induction B ≍0.1 T have been placed inside the cylindrical models. Ring electrodes are arranged on the surface of the model. The structure and dynamics of the near-wall gas flow around the cylindrical model have been investigated using high-speed photography, as well as the shadowgraph and particle image velocimetry (PIV) methods. In the experiment were measured: the flow profile around the cylinder and the aerodynamic forces acting on the cylinder (drag and lift).
Experimental study of high-speed ionized gas flow around plate and wedge model
Authors: Fomichev V P , Yadrenkin M A , Shipko E K
Published: November 2019

In the development of magneto-plasma methods for controlling the aerodynamics of promising high-speed aircraft, an important place is occupied by studies of the interaction of ionized gas flows with a shock-wave flow structure. In this work, the flow near a model (a wedge and a plate) by a pulsed stream of air plasma is investigated. As a result of the work, it was shown that a change in the local Mach number in the stream ionized by an electric discharge leads to a change in the shape of the shock wave generated by the leading edge of the model. The temperature of the discharge plasma was estimated, which showed the predominance of the thermal effect on the flow structure.
The pre-breakdown characteristics of weakly ionized media in the high non-uniform electric field
Authors: Apfelbaum M S , Syrovatka R A , Vladimirov V I
Published: November 2019

The theoretical model of pre-breakdown ions formation in a liquid dielectric and their flows, caused by high non-uniform electric field is represented. The 3D system of macroscopic pre-breakdown electrohydrodynamic equations is written. The electric field influence on the molecule dissociation rate is taken into account. The system are included the Poison equation for electric field potential, equation of ions formation and Navier-Stokes equations with electric force The our up-steady analytical electrodynamic solution of these equations for potential of electric field distribution at spherical high voltage capacitor with liquid transformer oil type dielectric is described deviations from Ohms law, observed in many experiments. The analytical non-stationary solution for velocities distributions calculations of considerable liquid dielectric flows are obtained. The theoretical and experimental micro-breakdown radius zone dependences on applied voltage at air corona discharge are obtained for edge high voltage electrode.
Investigation of Q-DC discharge influence on fuel jet mixing with supersonic airflow
Authors: Firsov A A , Dolgov E V , Efimov A V , Moralev I A , Yarantsev D A , Leonov S B
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the results of experimental study of plasma-based actuator for mixing of the fuel with air in a supersonic flow. The long unsteady plasma filament of Q-DC electrical discharge is located along the fuel jet from a wall-arranged supersonic injector with a wall-normal direction of injection. The location of plasma filament over the fuel jet was controlled by using the nozzle of injector as one of discharge electrodes. Three different gases were tested for simulation of fuel injection: air, CO2 and C2H4. It was found that the discharge position in respect of the fuel jet significantly depends on the injected gas. The activation of discharge within all injected gases results in development of fluid instability at fuel-air interface which leads to the mixing enhancement.
Experimental study of gas dynamics caused by spark discharge near wall
Authors: Dolgov E V , Kolosov N S , Moralev I A , Firsov A A
Published: November 2019

Experimental research of the high-speed flow caused by the decay of the thermal cavern after spark discharge located on the wall in ambient air is performed using schlieren technique. Parametric investigations include varying of discharge length in a range of 3-7mm and energy in a range of 60-200mJ. It was found that the rise of discharge energy results in insignificant increase of the size of disturbance height. For tested spark gaps at fixed total energy impact the maximal height of disturbance corresponds to minimal length of discharge (3mm). The results obtained are in a good qualitative and quantitative agreement with the simulation data previously published by the authors.
Study of the microwave interaction with supersonic plasma sheets and jet generated by Magneto-Plasma Compressor
Authors: Brovkin V G , Vedenin P V , Ch Mashek I , Ryazanskiy N M
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we present investigation of a method for converting a supersonic plasma axisymmetric jet, created by a Magneto-Plasma Compressor, into flat plasma layers with various thicknesses and electron concentration. This kind of plasma layer has comparatively homogeneous structure and may use for experimental modelling of interaction of X-band radiation with high-speed plasma flow. The results of experimental studies of the microwave radiation transition through these layers are presented. The analysis of the received results within the one-dimensional (1D) approximation is carried out and the plasma concentrations are calculated.
Inter-product biases in global precipitation extremes
Authors: Masunaga Hirohiko , Schröder Marc , Furuzawa Fumie A , Kummerow Christian , Rustemeier Elke , Schneider Udo
Published: November 2019

Biases in climatological and extreme precipitation estimates are assessed for 11 global observational datasets constructed with merged satellite measurements and/or rain gauge networks. Specifically, the biases in extreme precipitation are contrasted with mean-state biases. Extreme precipitation is defined by a 99th percentile threshold (R99p) on a daily, 1° × 1° grid for 50 °S–50 °N. The spatial pattern of extreme precipitation lacks distinct features such as the ITCZ that is evident in the global climatological map, and the climatology and extremes share little in common in terms of the spatial characteristics of inter-product biases. The time series also exhibit a larger spread in the extremes than in the climatology. Further, when analysed from 2001 to 2013, they show relatively consistent decadal stability in the climatology over ocean while the dispersion is larger for the extremes over ocean. This contrast is not observed over land. Overall, the results suggest that the inter-product biases apparent in the climatology are a poor predictor of the extreme-precipitation biases even in a qualitative sense.
Risk Assessment of Pipeline Failure Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Gong Xiaofeng
Published: November 2019

Pipeline failure is a serious economic, environmental and safety issue. Risk assessment is an effective method to determine the risk of pipeline failure. This paper proposes an evaluation system. In the evaluation process, the fuzzy concept and method are used to transform the qualitative effect into quantitative fuzzy numbers based on linguistic variables. The weights are calculated by MATLAB software. Calculate the weight result and classify each indicator risk, and finally determine the pipeline failure risk level. Taking a section of the third-line pipeline of the West-East Gas Pipeline as an example, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is used for analysis. The two indicators of external corrosion and management system are medium risk grades, and the overall pipeline failure risk level is II (lower). The evaluation results show that the proposed evaluation system and method are effective and objective for evaluating pipeline failure risk. The pipeline failure assessment based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process can not only objectively assess the risk status of pipelines, but also have a positive effect on improving pipeline risk management.
Sludge on Soil Pollution and Prevention Measures Research
Authors: Wang Huanyuan , Liu Siqi , Xie Xiao
Published: November 2019

With the increasing of urban capacity, the amount of sludge produced rapidly increase, more and more sludge has been disposal to land. Sludge is a solid part of sewage and a common semi-solid waste. It is complex in composition, which need to be effectively treated and utilized. The sludge on soil pollution and the prevention has become an important content of environmental science. The article systematically expounded the basic properties of the sludge, sludge on soil pollution and prevention measures, as well as other related research, which is meaningful to environmental improvement and can provides help for production practice hopefully.
Spectral Calculation of Cucurbituril[n] Molecule Based on Density Functional Theory
Authors: Liu Yun , Lin Yan , Tang Yanlin
Published: November 2019

The cucurbituril[n] (CB[n]) is a class of chemical supramolecular substances. In order to calculate the spectrum ofthe cucurbituril[n] molecules, the density functional theory (DFT) and the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) are used to optimize the geometrical structure of CB[n](n=5-10) at the level of 6-311g(d) in the gas phase environment. Then, the infrared (IR) spectrum and ultraviolet (UV) spectrum of CB[n] (n=5-10) are calculated respectively. The results show that: (1) The absorption peaks of two vibration modes of ν(β-H) and ν(γ-H) of CB[n](n = 7,8) are degenerated. (2) The absorption frequency of the stretching vibration ν(α=O) is red shifted. (3) The increase of the absorption peak intensity in the vibration mode near the 1200 cm-1 wavenumber is especially noticeable. (4) The ring tension of CB[n](n=5∼10) gradually decreases with n increasing. (5) The UV absorption wavelength of the maximum absorption peak of CB[n](n=5-10) increases from 198.8317nm to 202.2633nm with n from 5 to 10. The methylene CH2 has isolating action in the formation process of the UV spectrum of CB[n] (n=5-10). The distribution of electron and hole is symmetric and locally excitated (LE) for CB[n] (n=5-10).
Determination of Gas Content in Low Permeability and High Gas Coal Seam
Authors: Zhang Jufeng , Yang Fengfeng , Lei Wulin , Xu Tai , Zheng Chao , Zhang Jianjiang , Miao Zaiquan
Published: November 2019

The determination of coal seam gas content is of great significance to the study of coal seam gas occurrence law and gas prevention technology. There are direct and indirect methods for the determination of gas content in coal seam. Both direct and indirect methods have their advantages and disadvantages, but the results of direct measurement have more disadvantage than indirect measurement. In this paper, the gas content in No. 1 coal seam of Weijiadi Coal Mine is determined by indirect measurement method. The gas content in No. 1 coal seam is calculated to be 8.1m3/t, which is important for gas geological division and precise gas extraction.
Study on Safe Mining Speed of Coal Face to Avoid Goaf Fire
Authors: Zhang Jufeng , Xu Tai , Zheng Chao , Yang Fengfeng , Li Yanju , Zhang Jianjiang , Miao Zaiquan
Published: November 2019

In view of the coupling problem of gas and coal spontaneous combustion in goaf of 2302 coal mining face in Weijiadi Coal Mine in Jingyuan Coal Area, if the control is not in place, it may cause serious accidents such as gas explosion. By means of fluent simulation, the spontaneous combustion period and oxygen distribution of residual coal in goaf are obtained, and the minimum advancing speed of coal mining face to prevent spontaneous combustion in goaf is calculated to be 1.43m/d. By implementing fire prevention measures such as blocking air leakage in upper and lower corners, grouting and nitrogen injection in goaf, the oxygen concentration in goaf is controlled within 11%, and the spontaneous combustion zone of oxidation is fast. Transferring to asphyxiation zone and preventing the residual coal from firing in goaf are of great significance for ensuring the safety of mine production.
Deformation and mechanic response of surrounding rock mass during shallow buried large-section tunnel excavation
Authors: Xing Enda , Lu Binqiang , Wu Jimin , Chu Feifei , Le Huilin
Published: November 2019

The stability of underground tunnel is closely related to the stress status of surrounding rock mass. Aiming at a typical large-span hydraulic tunnel, the variation of deformation and stress of rock mass during excavation was investigated. Results show that the peripheral convergence of surrounding rock increases with buried depth, and the crown settlement is more sensitive to depth. The horizontal displacement of surrounding rock decreases with the distance to tunnel side wall and the excavation disturbance is about 2 times of the tunnel width. There are obvious time and spatial effects of displacement because of the existence of working face. The restrain distance is about 1.5 times of tunnel width. The excavation of the tunnel changes the stress status of surrounding rock mass. Stress concentration first forms above the crown of the tunnel and then a continuous stress arc develops around the support. The stress arc is favorable to the stability of tunnel.
Research and Implementation of Geography Information Query System Based on HBase
Authors: Qian Lin , Yu Jun , Zhu Guangxin , Pang Hengmao , Mei Feng , Lu Wenda , Chen Haiyang , Xu Mingjie , Wang Lin , Mei Zhu
Published: November 2019

With the rise of cloud computing research, the advantages of cloud computing and storage resources are discovered continuously: distributed computing, massive, dynamic and so on. Consequently, more and more application systems begin to migrate to the cloud platform. However, the difference between cloud platform and traditional single or multiple sever model bring certain challenges to the system development. In this thesis, a Geography information query system based on HBase was studied and implemented rellied on National Geography Public Welfare Project. The query system can make users to retrieve the information of sea wind and satellite images by the graphical interface. Through the effective application of query technology, the system can efficiently extract the concerned Geography data information for the fishery production and Geography disaster prevention. This thesis firstly displayed the Geography information query system with the running examples, and secondly tested and analized the HBase query optimization technology to vertify its great expandability and usability. Finally, the performance test of Geography information query system indicated that the system had high scalability and high reliability in the cloud environment.
Summary of Rainfall Simulation Methods in Centrifuge
Authors: Chang Sheng
Published: November 2019

In the field of geotechnical engineering, in order to study the effects of rainfall erosion and seepage on the stability of slopes, the use of rainfall simulation tests in centrifuges has become a hot issue for scholars. In this context, many researchers have developed rainfall simulation devices in centrifuges and studied related theories. This paper summarizes the research status of the rainfall simulation device in the centrifuge in recent years, and it discusses the research status of the force exerted on the raindrop in centrifuge. The characteristics of various devices and analysis methods are reflected by comparison. This paper provides an important reference for future scholars in the study of centrifuge rainfall simulation.
Recovering from A Disaster: A Study of The Relief and Response System
Authors: Xu Yiguo , Gu Qing
Published: November 2019

Mass natural disasters cause severe damage. Aiming at the multi-supply and multi-demand point problem of routes scheduling and packing configurations, we are ready to provide adequate and timely response to the emergencies.
Preparation and Characterization of Micron-Sized Polymer Plugging Agent
Authors: Pu Wanfen , Tang Ximing
Published: November 2019

The experiment being made by our research is focusing on preparation and characterization of expandable plugging agent. This kind of heat resident plugging agent with spherical shape was synthesized by emulsion polymerization based on acrylamide (AM), acrylic-acid (AA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). 2,2'-Azobis (2-methylpropionamide) dihydrochloride (AIBA) as functional catalyzer. Further separation and purification of the extracted products will be carried out to obtain the ideal products. The chemical and morphology of resin is investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Moreover, compared with typical plugging agent, the expandable plugging agent we prepared should demonstrate superior properties on the aspects of temperature resistance.
Soil Structure and Stability Features under Rotation Tillage
Authors: Li Juan , Guo Zhen , Xu Yan
Published: November 2019

In order to improve the soil quality and soil environment, make crop grow ecologically and healthily, and reach the goal of increasing regional agricultural production and income, this paper studied the soil structure and stability under different rotation methods. The sixtreatments ofrotation tillage were included: subsoiling-no tillage (N-S)T, subsoiling-tillage (S-C)T, tillage-notillage (C-N)T, notillage-notillage (N-N)T, subsoiling-subsoiling (S-S)T and tillage-tillage (C-C)T. Among them, tillage- tillage (C-C) T was regarded as the traditional method and control group. The result showed that: (1) compared with pre-experimental status and traditional measures, reasonable and scientific alternate farming measures were conducived to reduce soil bulk density, increase soil porosity, and improve soil permeability. In the 0-60cm soil layer, the effect of “no-tillage and subsoiling” treatment on the improvement of bulk density and porosity was the best. With pre-trial and conventional tillage as comparison, the soil bulk density decreased by 3.8% and 8.6%, and the soil porosity increased by 3.3% and 7.8%. (2) "No tillage - subsoiling” treatment can better improve soil stability in 0-40cm soil layer. The soil mechanical aggregate and the ratio of water-stable aggregate content can be increased by 11.4% and 5.2% in the layers beyond 0.25mm. Compared with the conventional tillage, the soil structure breaking rate and other factors were significantly decreased in rotation tillage. The effects of “no tillage-subsoiling” and “subsoiling-subsoiling” treatments on reducing the fractal dimensions of aggregates were significant.
Study on Planning, Utilization and Protection of Emergency Water Source in Danyang City
Authors: Jia Junyuan , Ge Weiya , Lei Ting , Tian Fujin
Published: November 2019

In order to respond to sudden water pollution incidents of surface water sources efficiently and ensure the water demand of industry and living in Danyang City, the location of emergency groundwater sources in Danyang City was confirmed by comparison of schemes. According to the relevant emergency water supply regulations, the forecast analysis determines that the emergency water supply event is assumed to be 7 days and the emergency water supply scale is assumed to be 300,000 m3/d. The demonstration scheme of emergency water source wasput forward. The groundwater level change was analyzed by numerical simulation, and the groundwater quality is evaluated. Results of simulationshow that the pore water in Binjiang area is abundant and can be used as a medium to large water source. The groundwater quality is extremely complex, the shallow groundwater quality is poor, it is not suitable for drinking, and the deep water quality is relatively good. After treatment, it can be used as an emergency water source. Under the condition of emergency exploitation of water source area, the water level of the second aquifer group in the mining funnel area will approach - 20m, forming an obvious water level depression funnel area.
Research on Mine Ventilation Optimization Based on 3D Simulation System
Authors: Jiang Aiwei , Zhou Bo , Hu Hao , Luan Jianwei
Published: November 2019

Based on the application of Ventsim software as the analysis tool and the modern optimization design method as the theoretical basis, aiming at the current situation of the ventilation reversal, large ventilation resistance and insufficient safety equipment investment in the mine of Xinglongzhuang Coal Mine, combined with the basic data of the mine, the mine ventilation three-dimensional is established. The simulation model is used to construct a three-dimensional simulation system for mine ventilation. The mine ventilation three-dimensional simulation system is used to simulate the solutions of ventilation reversal and mine ventilation, so as to realize the optimal design of the ventilation system, effectively ensure the ventilation needs of the normal production of Xinglongzhuang Coal Mine, and improve the visualization of the regulation of the mine ventilation system. automation.
The seismic analysis of the safety evacuation device
Authors: Wang Yongyan , Wang Yong , Cui Lizhuang , Feng Xuezhi , Sun Gengyu , Jing Xiumin
Published: November 2019

The seismic resistance of the safety evacuation device is mainly dependent on the structural design of the cabin, and it requires that the bulk structure must have sufficient strength and stiffness to resist the impact of the seismic load applied to the cabin. In this paper, the structure model of the similar triangular cabin structure is established, and then the seismic analysis of the structure of the similar triangular structure is carried out. The first twelve modes and the natural frequencies of the similar triangular structure are obtained by modal analysis in ANSYS Workbench, and the cabin structure deformation position and the most serious dangerous frequency are obtained to avoid resonance. Finally, the seismic acceleration load is applied to the triangular cabin, and the transient dynamic analysis is carried out to simulate a certain earthquake condition. The equivalent stress cloud image and the total deformation cloud analysis show that the acceleration, deformation and stress of the cabin structure are not large, and indicating that the triangular cabin structure satisfies the seismic requirements.
A critical review on the chemical wear and wear suppression of diamond tools in diamond cutting of ferrous metals
Authors: Jiang Guo , Jianguo Zhang , Yanan Pan , Renke Kang , Yoshiharu Namba , Paul Shore , Xiaobin Yue , Baorui Wang , Dongming Guo
Published: November 2019

Diamond tools play a critical role in ultra-precision machining due to their excellent physical and mechanical material properties, such as that cutting edge can be sharpened to nanoscale accuracy. However, abrasive chemical reactions between diamond and non-diamond-machinable metal elements, including Fe, Cr, Ti, Ni, etc, can cause excessive tool wear in diamond cutting of such metals and most of their alloys. This paper reviews the latest achievements in the chemical wear and wear suppression methods for diamond tools in cutting of ferrous metals. The focus will be on the wear mechanism of diamond tools, and the typical wear reduction methods for diamond cutting of ferrous metals, including ultrasonic vibration cutting, cryogenic cutting, surface nitridation and plasma assisted cutting, etc. Relevant commercially available devices are introduced as well. Furthermore, future research trends in diamond tool wear suppression are discussed and examined.
The Locus of Enunciation as a Way to Confront Epistemological Racism and Decolonize Scholarly Knowledge
Authors: Diniz De Figueiredo Eduardo H , Martinez Juliana
Published: November 2019

In this forum article, we seek to contribute to the discussion initiated by Kubota (in the article entitled ‘Confronting epistemological racism, decolonizing scholarly knowledge: race and gender in applied linguistics’) on how to confront epistemological racism and to decolonize scholarly knowledge. We begin by endorsing Kubota’s three recommendations on how to achieve such goals, as we feel they are an important step to challenge the abyssal line that exists between knowledges that are considered scientific and universal and those that are regarded as peripheral. We then propose a fourth suggestion that we feel is important to complement what is put forth by Kubota: that scholars expose their own loci of enunciation (as well as that of others) in order to localize knowledges that are often taken as global and all-encompassing. By doing so, we argue, academics in applied linguistics and other fields are able to acknowledge the limits of their claims and to present their research in ways that can shift the universality of white Eurocentric knowledge.
Seabirds vary responses to supplemental food under dynamic natural prey availability and feeding aggregation composition
Authors: Maynard Laurie D , Carvalho Paloma C , Davoren Gail K
Published: November 2019

While foraging, a predator can feed solitarily or in a group. The net energy gain of joining a group is predicted to vary with prey patch quality, species-specific prey capture behavior, and the size and species composition of the predator group. In coastal Newfoundland, Canada, capelin (Mallotus villosus), a key forage fish, migrates inshore to spawn during the summer, resulting in a dramatic shift in prey availability. During July–August 2015–2017, we examined the numerical and behavioral responses of procellarid (Great Shearwater [Ardenna gravis], Sooty Shearwater [A. grisea], Northern Fulmar [Fulmarus glacialis]), and gull species (Herring Gull [Larus argentatus], Great Black-backed Gull [L. marinus]) to fish offal under varying capelin availability as well as flock size and composition using an at-sea experiment on the northeast Newfoundland coast. The experiment consisted of providing offal every 30 s (10-min experimental period), along with 10-min control periods before and after. We recorded the species-specific number of birds on the water, the number of birds simultaneously attempting to capture offal, and the number of successful attempts (“foraging success”). The number of birds on the water was lower during high capelin availability for all species, except for Northern Fulmar. The number of conspecifics simultaneously attempting to capture offal increased with the number of conspecifics on the water, but plateaued at different numbers (4–17) for most species. The species-specific proportion of successful attempts (i.e. foraging success) varied with flock size and composition (i.e. number of conspecifics, heterospecifics, species). Foraging success of Herring Gulls and fulmars were moderately affected by flock size and composition, suggesting that they may be dominant competitors. Findings suggest that seabirds rely more heavily on supplemental food sources, such as fisheries discards and offal, when natural prey availability declines, potentially resulting in a higher risk of by-catch during fisheries activities as forage fish stocks decline.
Episo: quantitative estimation of RNA 5-methylcytosine at isoform level by high-throughput sequencing of RNA treated with bisulfite
Authors: Liu Junfeng , An Ziyang , Luo Jianjun , Li Jing , Li Feifei , Zhang Zhihua
Published: November 2019

Motivation

RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is a type of post-transcriptional modification that may be involved in numerous biological processes and tumorigenesis. RNA m5C can be profiled at single-nucleotide resolution by high-throughput sequencing of RNA treated with bisulfite (RNA-BisSeq). However, the exploration of transcriptome-wide profile and potential function of m5C in splicing remains to be elucidated due to lack of isoform level m5C quantification tool.

Results

We developed a computational package to quantify Epitranscriptomal RNA m5C at the transcript isoform level (named Episo). Episo consists of three tools: mapper, quant and Bisulfitefq, for mapping, quantifying and simulating RNA-BisSeq data, respectively. The high accuracy of Episo was validated using an improved m5C-specific methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (meRIP) protocol, as well as a set of in silico experiments. By applying Episo to public human and mouse RNA-BisSeq data, we found that the RNA m5C is not evenly distributed among the transcript isoforms, implying the m5C may subject to be regulated at isoform level.

Availability and implementation

Episo is released under the GNU GPLv3+ license. The resource code Episo is freely accessible from https://github.com/liujunfengtop/Episo (with Tophat/cufflink) and https://github.com/liujunfengtop/Episo/tree/master/Episo_Kallisto (with Kallisto).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
LncRNA ST8SIA6-AS1 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer through the p38 MAPK signalling pathway
Authors: Fang Kai , Hu Caixia , Zhang Xiufen , Hou Yafei , Gao Danfeng , Guo Zijian , Li Lihua
Published: November 2019

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are regarded as important functional regulators of various biological processes and are also known to be involved in the occurrence and development of human cancers, including breast cancer (BC). In our present study, the RNA expression profiling data for a large cohort of human BC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and the differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out. We found that the expression of ST8SIA6-AS1 was elevated in BC tumour tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues in the samples from the TCGA and GEO datasets, as well as in 138 BC tissue samples obtained by us. The high expression of ST8SIA6-AS1 was associated with estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative, advanced tumour-node-metastasis stage and worse survival in BC patients. In vitro functional studies revealed that high expression of ST8SIA6-AS1 promoted proliferation, invasion and migration of BC cell lines. The results of the in vivo studies indicated that upregulation of ST8SIA6-AS1 promoted xenograft tumour growth of BC. Mechanistically, ST8SIA6-AS1 regulated AKT1 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene expression by affecting their mRNA and protein levels, respectively, and it also affected the phosphorylation of AKT1 protein. Rescue experiments indicated that ST8SIA6-AS1 promoted BC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in a p38 MAPK signalling-mediated manner. Together, our data suggest that ST8SIA6-AS1 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of BC and may therefore serve as a promising therapeutic target.
Chronic infarct size after spontaneous coronary artery dissection: implications for pathophysiology and clinical management
Authors: Al-Hussaini Abtehale , Abdelaty Ahmed M S E K , Gulsin Gaurav S , Arnold Jayanth R , Garcia-Guimaraes Marcos , Premawardhana Diluka , Budgeon Charley , Wood Alice , Natarajan Nalin , Mangion Kenneth , Rakhit Roby , Hoole Stephen P , Johnson Thomas W , Berry Colin , Hudson Ian , Gershlick Anthony H , Ladwiniec Andrew , Kovac Jan , Squire Iain , Samani Nilesh J , Plein Sven , McCann Gerry P , Adlam David
Published: November 2019

Aims

To report the extent and distribution of myocardial injury and its impact on left ventricular systolic function with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) following spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and to investigate predictors of myocardial injury.

Methods and results

One hundred and fifty-eight angiographically confirmed SCAD-survivors (98% female) were phenotyped by CMR and compared in a case–control study with 59 (97% female) healthy controls (44.5 ± 8.4 vs. 45.0 ± 9.1 years). Spontaneous coronary artery dissection presentation was with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 95 (60.3%), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 52 (32.7%), and cardiac arrest in 11 (6.9%). Left ventricular function in SCAD-survivors was generally well preserved with small reductions in ejection fraction (57 ± 7.2% vs. 60 ± 4.9%, P < 0.01) and increases in left ventricular dimensions (end-diastolic volume: 85 ± 14 mL/m2 vs. 80 ± 11 mL/m2, P < 0.05; end-systolic volume: 37 ± 11 mL/m2 vs. 32 ± 7 mL/m2, P <0.01) compared to healthy controls. Infarcts were small with few large infarcts (median 4.06%; range 0–30.9%) and 39% having no detectable late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Female SCAD patients presenting with STEMI had similar sized infarcts to female Type-1 STEMI patients age <75 years. Multivariate modelling demonstrated STEMI at presentation, initial TIMI 0/1 flow, multivessel SCAD, and a Beighton score >4 were associated with larger infarcts [>10% left ventricular (LV) mass].

Conclusion

The majority of patients presenting with SCAD have no or small infarctions and preserved ejection fraction. Patients presenting with STEMI, TIMI 0/1 flow, multivessel SCAD and those with features of connective tissue disorders are more likely to have larger infarcts.
3-D seismic attenuation structure of Long Valley caldera: looking for melt bodies in the shallow crust
Authors: Prudencio Janire , Manga Michael
Published: November 2019

Unrest at Long Valley caldera (California) during the past few decades has been attributed to the ascent of hydrothermal fluids or magma recharge. The difference is critical for assessing volcanic hazard. To better constrain subsurface structures in the upper crust and to help distinguish between these two competing hypotheses for the origin of unrest, we model the 3-D seismic attenuation structure because attenuation is particularly sensitive to the presence of melt. We analyse more than 47 000 vertical component waveforms recorded from January 2000 through November 2016 obtained from the Northern California Earthquake Data Center. We then inverted the S-to-coda energy ratios using the coda normalization method and obtained an average Q of 250. Low attenuation anomalies are imaged in the fluid-rich western and eastern areas of the caldera, one of which corresponds to the location of an earthquake swarm that occurred in 2014. From a comparison with other geophysical images (magnetotellurics, seismic tomography) we attribute the high attenuation anomalies to hydrothermal systems. Average to high attenuation values are also observed at Mammoth Mountain (southwest of the caldera), and may also have a hydrothermal origin. A large high attenuation anomaly within the caldera extends from the surface to the depths we can resolve at 9 km. Shallow rocks here are cold and this is where earthquakes occur. Together, these observations imply that the high attenuation region is not imaging a large magma body at shallow depths nor do we image any isolated high attenuation bodies in the upper ≈8 km that would be clear-cut evidence for partially molten bodies such as sills or other magma bodies.
Witten–Dijkgraaf–Verlinde–Verlinde Equation and its Application to Relative Gromov–Witten Theory
Authors: Fan Honglu , Wu Longting
Published: November 2019

We derive a recursive formula for certain relative Gromov–Witten invariants with a maximal tangency condition via the Witten–Dijkgraaf–Verlinde–Verlinde equation. For certain relative pairs, we get explicit formulae of invariants using the recursive formula.
The antitrust journey
Authors: Laitenberger Johannes
Published: November 2019

The Director-General of the European Commission's Competition Directorate-General comments on the state of play and prospective of antitrust enforcement in the digital age, at the time of the change of mandate in the European Commission.
Nutrient and AA digestibility of black soldier fly larvae differing in age using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay1
Authors: Do Sungho , Koutsos Liz , Utterback Pamela L , Parsons Carl M , de Godoy Maria R C , Swanson Kelly S
Published: November 2019

Edible insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are alternative protein sources for animal feeds due to their high-protein content and potential low environmental footprint. However, protein quality and AA content may vary across insect species and age. Our objective was to determine the effects of age on nutrient and AA digestibility of BSFL intended for use in pet foods using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to experimentation. Twenty-four cecectomized roosters (four roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates [BSFL0 = day 0 (day of hatch); BSFL11 = day 11; BSFL14 = day 14; BSFL18 = day 18; BSFL23 = day 23; BSFL29 = day 29]. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 20 g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using five additional cecectomized roosters. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design and the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. DM and OM digestibilities were not different among substrates, but acid-hydrolyzed fat digestibility tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for BSFL23 and BSFL29 than BSFL14 and BSFL18. Although all substrates had a high digestibility, BSFL0 and BSFL11 had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibilities for most indispensable and dispensable AA. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to AAFCO nutrient profiles and NRC recommended allowances for dogs and cats. In general, BSFL18 had the highest, and BSFL11 had the lowest DIAAS-like values for most indispensable AA. Threonine, methionine, and tryptophan were often the first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that BSFL are a high-quality protein and AA source, but that age can affect the AA digestibility and protein quality of this alternative protein source.
LncRNA MEG3 inhibits the progression of prostate cancer by facilitating H3K27 trimethylation of EN2 through binding to EZH2
Authors: Zhou Yaojun , Yang Hongqiong , Xia Wei , Cui Li , Xu Renfang , Lu Hao , Xue Dong , Tian Zinong , Ding Tao , Cao Yunjie , Shi Qianqian , He Xiaozhou
Published: November 2019

This study aims to study the effects of intra-nuclear lncRNA MEG3 on the progression of prostate cancer and the underlying mechanisms. Expressions of relative molecules were detected by Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to evaluate the interaction between intra-nuclear MEG3, histone methyltransferase EZH2 and Engrailed-2 (EN2). The impacts of MEG3 on the viability, proliferation and invasion of prostate cancer cells (PC3) were evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium, colony formation and transwell assays, respectively. PC3 cells were transfected with MEG3 and transplanted into nude mice to analyse the effect of MEG3 on tumourigenesis of PC3 cells in vivo. EN2 expression was inversely proportional to MEG3 in the prostate cancer tissues and PC3 cells. RIP results showed that intra-nuclear MEG3 could bind to EZH2. Knockdown of MEG3 and/or EZH2 up-regulated EN2 expression and reduced the recruitment of EZH2 and H3K27me3 to EN2, while over-expressed MEG3 caused opposite effects. MEG3 over-expression suppressed cell viability, colony formation, cell invasion and migration of PC3 cells in vitro and inhibited tumourigenesis of PC3 cells in vivo, while EN2 over-expression diminished the effects. These findings indicated that MEG3 facilitated H3K27 trimethylation of EN2 via binding to EZH2, thus suppressed the development of prostate cancer.
The Bitburg Affair and the Beginnings of Jewish Activism in 1980s West Germany*
Authors: Cronin Joseph
Published: November 2019

President Ronald Reagan and Chancellor Helmut Kohl’s visit to the military cemetery at Bitburg in May 1985 was covered extensively by the international media, and gave rise to a vigorous debate about the place of the National Socialist past in German memory, as well as the dignity accorded to Holocaust victims and survivors. The Jewish voices in this debate were overwhelmingly North American. However, what few have considered thus far is why a perceived insult to Jewish memory in Germany should not also have affected Jews who were living in Germany. Consequently, this article looks at the Bitburg debate from a German-Jewish perspective. What role did the Zentralrat der Juden in Deutschland (ZdJ) play in the debate? And what effects, if any, did it have on Jewish life in West Germany, and on the emergence of a new Jewish activism in Germany over the longer term?
A seismic scaling relation for stellar age II: the red giant branch
Authors: Bellinger Earl Patrick
Published: November 2019

Owing to their simplicity and ease of application, seismic scaling relations are widely used to determine the properties of stars exhibiting solar-like oscillations, such as solar twins and red giants. So far, no seismic scaling relations for determining the ages of red giant stars have been developed. Such relations would be desirable for Galactic Archaeology, which uses stellar ages to map the history of the Milky Way. The ages of red giants must instead be estimated with reference to grids of theoretical stellar models, which can be computationally intensive. Here, I present an exhaustive search for scaling age relations involving different combinations of observable quantities. The candidate scaling relations are calibrated and tested using more than 1000 red giant stars whose ages were obtained via grid-based modelling. I report multiple high-quality scaling relations for red giant branch stars, the best of which are shown to be approximately as accurate as grid-based modelling with typical uncertainties of 15 per cent. Additionally, I present new scaling mass and radius relations for red giants as well.
The ALMaQUEST survey – III. Scatter in the resolved star-forming main sequence is primarily due to variations in star formation efficiency
Authors: Ellison Sara L , Thorp Mallory D , Lin Lihwai , Pan Hsi-An , Bluck Asa F L , Scudder Jillian M , Teimoorinia Hossen , Sánchez Sebastian F , Sargent Mark
Published: November 2019

Using a sample of 11 478 spaxels in 34 galaxies with molecular gas, star formation, and stellar maps taken from the ALMA-MaNGA QUEnching and STar formation (ALMaQUEST) survey, we investigate the parameters that correlate with variations in star formation rates on kpc scales. We use a combination of correlation statistics and an artificial neural network to quantify the parameters that drive both the absolute star formation rate surface density (ΣSFR), as well as its scatter around the resolved star-forming main sequence (ΔΣSFR). We find that ΣSFR is primarily regulated by molecular gas surface density ($\Sigma _{\rm H_2}$) with a secondary dependence on stellar mass surface density (Σ⋆), as expected from an ‘extended Kennicutt–Schmidt relation’. However, ΔΣSFR is driven primarily by changes in star formation efficiency (SFE), with variations in gas fraction playing a secondary role. Taken together, our results demonstrate that whilst the absolute rate of star formation is primarily set by the amount of molecular gas, the variation of star formation rate above and below the resolved star-forming main sequence (on kpc scales) is primarily due to changes in SFE.
HD/H2 ratio in the diffuse interstellar medium
Authors: Balashev S A , Kosenko D N
Published: November 2019

We present a semi-analytical description of the relative hydrogen deuteride (HD)/H2 abundance in the diffuse interstellar medium. We found three asymptotics of the relative HD/H2 abundance for different parts of the medium and their dependence on the physical parameters, namely, number density, intensity of the ultraviolet field, cosmic ray ionization rate, and metallicity. Our calculations are in a good agreement with the full network calculations using Meudon PDR code. We found that in the case of low metallicity and/or higher cosmic ray ionization rate, HD formation rate is significantly enhanced, HD/H2 ratio increases, and the D i/HD transition occurs at lower penetration depth of ultraviolet radiation than the H i/H2 transition. This can explain the observed difference in the HD/H2 abundance between the local and high-redshift measurements.
Inertial Sensors Embedded in Smartphones as a Tool for Fatigue Assessment Based on Acceleration in Survivors of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio , Pajares Bella , Trinidad-Fernandez Manuel , Alba Emilio , Roldan-Jiménez Cristina
Published: November 2019

Background

Cancer-related fatigue is a symptom commonly reported in survivors of breast cancer and is the most variable symptom. Besides questionnaires like PIPER to assess cancer-related fatigue, there is a need to objectively measure fatigue.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the physiological dimension of fatigue based on acceleration during a 30-second maximal sit-to-stand test.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Linear acceleration from a smartphone placed on the sternum was recorded in 70 survivors of breast cancer. Fourth-degree polynomial adjustment from the acceleration signal to the vertical and anterior-posterior axis was calculated. The fatigue temporal cut-off point was detected as a change in the curve slope of the first maximum point of acceleration.

Results

Women were aged 51.8 (8.9) years with a body mass index of 25.4 (5.1) Kg/m2. They performed 23.6 (6.57) number of repetitions. The mean fatigue cut-off point from the total sample was 10.2 (3.1) seconds.

Limitations

Further research should employ time-prolonged tests to study acceleration behavior beyond 30 seconds as well as include a physiological criterion that justifies the nonlinear saturation of the acceleration-based criterion.

Conclusions

This study assessed fatigue through a low-cost and easy-to-use methodology during a functional and widely used test such as 30-second maximal sit-to-stand. This would allow clinicians to assess fatigue in a short-effort exercise to individualize exercise prescription dose, measure changes during intervention, and track fatigue objectively throughout survivorship.