bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailoring SnO2, (Mg,Zn)O, and Ga:(Mg,Zn)O electro-optical properties and stability for solar cells
Authors: Good Brian , Ablekim Tursun , Khan Imran S , Reese Matthew O , Zakutayev Andriy , Metzger Wyatt K
Published: September 2020

The electron density, mobility, bandgap and band alignment of transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) can be tailored by adjusting composition and stoichiometry, thereby enabling interface engineering for diverse semiconductor applications. For example, solar cell efficiency can change enormously by adjusting TCO properties. At the same time, these TCO properties can shift during the deposition of other layers, anneals and device operation. An ideal TCO should have tunable but stable electro-optical properties. Here, we deposit SnO2, (Mg,Zn)O (MZO), and Ga:(Mg,Zn)O (GMZO) films on glass and measure their electro-optical characteristics before and after reducing, inert, oxidizing and CdCl2 anneals over a range of temperatures. Electron density generally increases in the progression from oxidizing to inert and reducing ambients. SnO2 is relatively stable compared to MZO but has less flexibility for interface engineering. We investigate GMZO as a similar but more stable alternative to MZO. The addition of Ga to MZO has significant effects on electron density and improves electro-optical stability, which can be advantageous for semiconductor applications. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GMZO can be readily incorporated into solar cells.
Polytypism in GaAs/GaNAs core–shell nanowires
Authors: Yukimune M , Fujiwara R , Mita T , Ishikawa F
Published: September 2020

We report the crystal structures of GaAs and GaAs/GaNAs/GaAs core–multishell nanowires (NWs). From statistical investigations by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) pattern analysis, we statistically and microscopically resolve the zinc-blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) polytypism within the NWs. The XRD analysis shows a smaller fraction of WZ segments in the NWs with a larger concentration of nitrogen. With increasing nitrogen content in the GaNAs shell, the ZB peak position shifts toward higher angles and the WZ peak intensity decreases. The EBSD measurements also confirm the coexistence of ZB and WZ polytypes in all of the NWs. Their polytype switches along the length. Twin defects are observed in the ZB segments in all of the NWs. The unique grain map and grain size distribution show a decrease of the WZ segments in the GaAs/GaNAs/GaAs NW, in agreement with the XRD results. Microscopically, the local area where the polytype switches from WZ in the inner-core side to ZB toward the outer-shell surface is observed. Overall, we propose that the WZ polytype in the GaAs NWs decreases because of the strain induced by the growth of the GaNAs shell with a smaller lattice constant.
3D Compton image reconstruction method for whole gamma imaging
Authors: Tashima Hideaki , Yoshida Eiji , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Takahashi Miwako , Nagatsu Kotaro , Tsuji Atsushi B , Kamada Kei , Parodi Katia , Yamaya Taiga
Published: September 2020

Compton imaging or Compton camera imaging has been studied well, but its advantages in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging have not been demonstrated yet. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare Compton imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) by using the same imaging platform of whole gamma imaging (WGI). WGI is a concept that combines PET with Compton imaging by inserting a scatterer ring into a PET ring. This concept utilizes diverse types of gamma rays for 3D tomographic imaging. In this paper, we remodeled our previous WGI prototype for small animal imaging, and we developed an image reconstruction method based on a list-mode ordered subset expectation maximization algorithm incorporating detector response function modeling, random correction and normalization (sensitivity correction) for either PET and Compton imaging. To the best of our knowledge, this is the world’s first realization of a full-ring Compton imaging system. We selected 89Zr as an imaging target because a 89Zr nuclide emits a 909 keV single-gamma ray as well as a positron, and we can directly compare Compton imaging of 909 keV photons with PET, a well-established modality. We measured a cylindrical phantom and a small rod phantom filled with 89Zr solutions of 10.3 MBq and 10.2 MBq activity, respectively, for 1 h each. The uniform radioactivity distribution of the cylindrical phantom was reconstructed with normalization in both PET and Compton imaging. Coefficients of variation for region-of-interest values were 4.2% for Compton imaging and 3.3% for PET; the difference might be explained by the difference in the detected count number. The small rod phantom experiment showed that the WGI Compton imaging had spatial resolution better than 3.0 mm at the peripheral region although the center region had lower resolution. PET resolved 2.2 mm rods clearly at any location. We measured a mouse for 1 h, 1 d after injection of 9.8 MBq 89Zr oxalate. The 89Zr assimilated in the mouse bony structures was clearly depicted, and Compton imaging results agreed well with PET images, especially for the region inside the scatterer ring. In conclusion, we demonstrated the performance of WGI using the developed Compton image reconstruction method. We realized Compton imaging with a quality approaching that of PET, which is supporting a future expectation that Compton imaging outperforms PET.
Imputing radiobiological parameters of the linear-quadratic dose-response model from a radiotherapy fractionation plan
Authors: Ghate Archis
Published: September 2020

The objective in cancer radiotherapy is to maximize tumor-kill while limiting toxic effects of radiation dose on nearby organs-at-risk (OAR). Given a fixed number of treatment sessions, planners thus face the problem of finding a dosing sequence that achieves this goal. This is called the fractionation problem, and has received steady attention over a long history in the clinical literature. Mathematical formulations of the resulting optimization problem utilize the linear-quadratic (LQ) framework to characterize radiation dose-response of tumors and OAR. This yields a nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic program. The optimal dosing plan in this forward problem crucially depends on the parameters of the LQ model. Unfortunately, these parameters are difficult to estimate via in vitro or in vivo studies, and as such, their values are unknown to treatment planners. The clinical literature is thus replete with debates about what parameter values will make specific dosing plans effective. This paper formulates this as an inverse optimization problem. The LQ dose-response parameters appear in the objective function, the left hand side, and the right hand side of the forward problem, and none of the existing generic methods can provide an exact solution of the inverse problem. This paper exploits the structure of the problem and identifies all possible parameter values that render the given dosing plan optimal, in closed-form. This closed-form formula is applied to dosing-plans from three clinical studies published within the last two years.
Electronically tunable quantum phase slips in voltage-biased superconducting rings as a base for phase-slip flux qubits
Authors: Kenawy Ahmed , Magnus Wim , Milošević Milorad V , Sorée Bart
Published: September 2020

Quantum phase slips represent a coherent mechanism to couple flux states of a superconducting loop. Since their first direct observation, there have been substantial developments in building charge-insensitive quantum phase-slip circuits. At the heart of these devices is a weak link, often a nanowire, interrupting a superconducting loop. Owing to the very small cross-sectional area of such a nanowire, quantum phase slip rates in the gigahertz range can be achieved. Instead, here we present the use of a bias voltage across a superconducting loop to electrostatically induce a weak link, thereby amplifying the rate of quantum phase slips without physically interrupting the loop. Our simulations reveal that the bias voltage modulates the free energy barrier between subsequent flux states in a very controllable fashion, providing a route towards a phase-slip flux qubit with a broadly tunable transition frequency.
Polarization-gradient cooling of 1D and 2D ion Coulomb crystals
Authors: Joshi M K , Fabre A , Maier C , Brydges T , Kiesenhofer D , Hainzer H , Blatt R , Roos C F
Published: September 2020

We present experiments on polarization gradient cooling of Ca+ multi-ion Coulomb crystals in a linear Paul trap. Polarization gradient cooling of the collective modes of motion whose eigenvectors have overlap with the symmetry axis of the trap is achieved by two counter-propagating laser beams with mutually orthogonal linear polarizations that are blue-detuned from the S
1/2 ↔ P
1/2 transition. We demonstrate cooling of linear chains of up to 51 ions and 2D-crystals in zig-zag configuration with 22 ions. The cooling results are compared with numerical simulations and the predictions of a simple model of cooling in a moving polarization gradient.
Experimental Research on Drilling Force of Stainless Steel
Authors: Fan Ning , Pan Yongzhi , Qiao Yang , Chen Hongtang , Fu Xiuli
Published: September 2020

Accurate measurement of cutting force is an important means to study metal cutting process. In this paper, the measurement of drilling force for stainless steel is studied by means of drilling experiments. It is found that the measured values of drilling force are dispersive under the same conditions. The uniformity of mechanical properties of workpiece materials has a great influence on the value of drilling force. In calculating cutting force by finite element method, it is necessary to ensure that the performance parameters of the input material are consistent with the actual performance parameters of the workpiece.
Study on the Interfacial Shear Strength of a Polyamide 66/Epoxy Resin Composite
Authors: Li Guangzhao , Feng Lajun , Zhai Zhe , Wang Fangfang
Published: September 2020

In this work, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of polyamide 66/epoxy resin composite was improved through the surface modification of polyamide 66 by low-temperature oxygen and nitrogen plasma. Microbond test was used to study the IFSS of the composite. In addition, the composition, microstructures and deboned morphology of the fiber were investigated using the methods of XPS, AFM and SEM. The results show that the polar functional group, such as -NH2, -COOH, and -OH, were successfully introduced on the surface of the polyamide 66 fiber by plasma treatment. Meanwhile, the surface roughness of the polyamide 66 also increased. After oxygen and nitrogen plasma treatment, the interfacial shear strength of the composite increased to 3.52 MPa and 4.89 MPa, respectively, which is 2 times and 3 times higher than that of the untreated composite. Nitrogen plasma treatment showed better results than oxygen plasma treatment.
Optimization Design and Simulation Analysis for Cavity Shape of Single Toggle Jaw Crusher
Authors: Zhong Xiaoqin , Niu Xiaojian , Ji Qiqiang , Shen Xiuguo
Published: September 2020

The lower part of the crushing chamber of the single toggle jaw crusher is easy to block when it is used, which directly affects the capacity of the crusher and the service life of the moving jaw plate. The cavity shape of PE1500×1800 single toggle jaw crusher is taken as the research object, and Genetic Algorithm is used to optimize the design of cavity shape by taking the minimum difference of the open-side trapezoidal area between the crushing layer and the discharge layer at the lower part of the crushing chamber as the objective function. On the basis of the optimization design, the virtual prototype model of crusher’s working device before and after the optimization is established based on ADAMS, and the motion characteristics of the moving jaw are simulated and analyzed. The simulation results show that the capacity of the optimized crusher is increased by 25.19% while the blockage is reduced, and the movement characteristics of the moving jaw discharge port are also improved.
Analysis on the Exploitation and Utilization of Non-oil and Gas Mineral Resources in China from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Chen Ling , Wang Haiqing
Published: September 2020

A comprehensive understanding of the exploitation and utilization of non-oil and gas mineral resources, which is of great significance to both the mineral resources management departments and mining investors. This article analyzed the exploitation and utilization of non-oil and gas mineral resources in China from 2015 to 2017, by using the authoritative data which issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources, PPC, and the work achievements of the project “Remote Sensing Monitoring of Mineral Resources Exploitation Environment in China”. It was found that the number of non-oil and gas mines in China was generally decreasing, with a decrease of 20.1% from 2015 to 2017. It showed that the exploitation of non-oil and gas mineral resources in China was changing to large-scale and intensification. China’s coal and iron ore production capacity had been significantly reduced in 2015-2017. It showed that the socio-economic dependence on mineral resources was gradually decreasing. It was suggested that the mineral resources management department should strengthen the crackdown on illegal mining. It was suggested that mining investors should strengthen cooperation, and transform to knowledge intensive industries such as deep processing of mineral products.
Study on Promotion of the Professional Market Mode and Service Mode in New Economic Times: Take Zhejiang Hai-Gang Intelligent Home City as Example
Authors: Shen Yuyan , Qian Yan , Zheng Xiutian
Published: September 2020

This paper has combined the opportunity of Zhejiang Province to develop modern supply chain, based on the trend of the integration of Internet and professional market in the new economic era, proposed the promotion significance of the professional market similar to the Haigang Intelligent Home City, and then proposedthe business improvement plan of the professional market of the home city, the service mode promotion solution and the time node to realizeon the basis of the analysis of the status quo. It has put forward the new ideas and directions for the transformation and upgrading of the professional market, which has the practical significance and application value.
Development of Sustainable Detention Ponds for Flood and Sediment Control in Urban Areas
Authors: Suripin S , Darsono S , Kurniani D , Hutagalung W F , Dintia D V
Published: September 2020

Muddy floods often occur in Indonesia as a side effect of urban development. Flood and sediment control facilities have been so far developed separately. Flood is controlled by reservoirs, while sediment is trapped by checkdam. The objective of this paper is to develop an integrated system between flood control and sediment trap analytically. The system consists of detention pond equipped with perforated spillway tower. Optimization is carried out on the dimensions of spillway tower, the diameter, number and layout of perforation orifices to obtain the highest trapped sediment and flood peak reduction for a certain pond capacity. The research was conducted in the Meteseh sub-watershed, located in Semarang. The results indicated that the position and arrangement of the orifices in the spillway tower affect sediment trap, while their size and number affect the reduction in peak discharge. The proper size, number, posistion and arrangement of orifices on the spillway tower be able to trap sediment and reduce flood discharge as high as 80%, and 24% consecutively.
Leaf Morphological Variation of Acanthus in Some Estuarine Areas of Cilacap
Authors: Herawati W , Widodo P , Sukarsa  , Palupi D
Published: September 2020

Acanthus is the only genus of family Acanthaceae which occupies mangroves habitat. Despite the importance of Acanthus, collection, characterization and improvement of its germplasm is limited. Hence, this will hinder its effective conservation and utilization. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify morphological variation of Acanthus in some estuarine areas of Cilacap Central java in relation to habitat. The method used in this study was survey with stratified sampling. The variables measured included, leaf shape, size, apex, base, margin, color and spine. The results of this study indicated that the different location affect some morphological characteristics. Most of the Acanthus population observed in this study have direction of stem axial spines facing upwards, green, inflorescences spika, petals large, light violet Similar to characters Acanthus ilicifolius has variations in leaf margin, leaf shape and size.
Developing a boss for hybrid electric motors
Authors: Bagdanurov F F , Shafigullin L N , Akhmetov F M
Published: September 2020

The existing types of electric motors were analyzed. The paper describes the concept of a hybrid electric motor. The paper describes the process of developing a boss for hybrid electric motor. The paper describes the technology of making particulate filler from electrical steel.
Research of parameters of hydrostatic transmission with axial flow divider for cases of multi-drive vehicle maneuvering
Authors: Belousov A M , Karelin D L , Boldyrev A V , Boldyrev S V
Published: September 2020

The article considers a mathematical model of hydrostatic transmission with an axial flow divider for a multi-drive vehicle during its maneuvering. The new method for controlling the energy parameters of the wheel drive by adjusting the angles of swash plates for each section of the axial flow divider depending on the radius of rotation of the multi-drive vehicle is presented and static characteristics are constructed.
Application of individual educational trajectories and adaptive content in engineering education
Authors: Galeev R D , Gilmanshin I R , Kashapov N F , Gilmanshina S I
Published: September 2020

The article explores the educational technology of personalized training in the training of engineers. A hypothesis is presented on the relationship between the quality of student preparation and the individual educational trajectory reinforced by feedbacks. The use of new pedagogical technologies based on machine learning and big data is proposed. An algorithm for creating personalized educational systems is defined.
Methodological features of using elements of distance learning in the training of competent specialists
Authors: Gilmanshin I R , Kosmodemyanskaya S S , Galeeva A I , Saduakaskyzy K
Published: September 2020

The paper considers the problem of using distance learning of students of engineering and chemical education in the framework of the digitalization of the learning system. Authors consider distance learning of profile disciplines as an element of a personality-oriented approach in the context of professional self-education and as a form of preparation for future professional activity. The rationale for the feasibility of variable forms of a holistic distance learning system based on methodological support is presented, the basic principles for constructing educational trajectories are determined. The authors present some results of a pedagogical experiment over a seven-year study period, confirming the effectiveness of the developed distance learning technology.
Modeling the processes of forming the organizational structure of management in itegrated formations
Authors: Kashapov N F , Nafikov M M , Gazetdinov M X , Gazetdinov Sh M , Nigmatzyanov A R
Published: September 2020

The article discusses an approach to the procedure for building a rational organizational structure of management of integrated agricultural formations in modern conditions of functioning. In the modern theory of areas have developed quite separately. Thus, research on optimal long-term planning focuses mainly on a certain frozen organizational structure of management without taking into account its dynamics in changing conditions. In the works on the rationalization of the production structure, which is generally, the alternative character of the recommendations, mapping projects not done a proper analysis of effectiveness and expected outcomes further improve the organizational structure of management. This implies the need for a unified conceptual approach to planning and creating an organizational management structure in the agricultural sector of the economy.
Application of robotic systems in production: new opportunities for development and risks
Authors: Khafizov I I , Nurullin I G , Kashapov N F
Published: September 2020

It is impossible to imagine the modern world and the near future without robots. They have already penetrated into absolutely all spheres of our life, including work, are used to perform various functions, which previously only a person could cope with. Automation and robotics of work processes in production, reduces the impact of human factors and leads to improved product quality, while reducing costs.
Engineering experiment as an underlying tool for training research engineers
Authors: Khamidullina G R , Konakhina I A , Kashapov N F , Khafizov I I , Khusnutdinova E M
Published: September 2020

The paper analyzes the contribution of the engineering experiment to professional skills of research engineers. The discussion is based on the educational programs and methodology of the disciplines taught at the Engineering Institute of Kazan Federal University.
Development of hardening technology for working surfaces of microsurgical instruments made of titanium alloy
Authors: Murataev F I , Galimov E R
Published: September 2020

The structure and properties of materials and working surfaces of needle holders were studied to improve the technology of their manufacture according to the characteristics of hardness and functionality of a microsurgical instrument. The types and modes of volumetric and surface hardening of VT6 titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) using laser technologies adapted to the working surfaces of the tool are proposed. The possibility of using the alloy to replace maraging steel in the manufacture of needle holders is evaluated
Energy saving in mechanical engineering through energy management
Authors: Plugatyreva O A , Khusnutdinova E M , Khusnutdinov A N
Published: September 2020

The paper considers a range of issues of improving energy efficiency and saving with by means of a qualitatively new approach, which includes the widespread introduction of effective management techniques, namely energy management systems based on the ISO 50001 standard.
Reliability study for traction electrical equipment of urban electric transport
Authors: Sabitov L S , Aukhadeyev A E , Idiyatullin R G , Litvinenko R S , Kisneeva L N , Khusnutdinov A N , Ilyushin O V
Published: September 2020

The paper discusses the matter of reliability of the windings of the asynchronous traction motors being part of the urban electrically powered vehicles, contains the characteristic curve of the stator failure-free operation probability, and refers to experimental data on the failure rate. The results can be used both at the design stage of asynchronous traction motors and while in operation to optimize the preventive maintenance.
Frame model of knowledge representation in the expert system of technological route selection
Authors: Simonova L A , Kapitonova G M
Published: September 2020

In the process of technological preparation of production, a large amount of industrial data is used, such as the availability of production materials and components, the availability of production resources, the use of various tools and information systems for production management based on ERP and MES. In order to ensure operational management of production and help a technologist in making a decision while choosing a technological route for manufacturing a product, there is a need to use an expert system. Taking into account the above-mentioned requirements, a frame representation of knowledge becomes the most appropriate method of presenting knowledge in an expert system. The paper proposes a frame model for representing knowledge about the technological route of manufacturing an expert system product.
The need for improved discharge criteria for hospitalised patients with COVID-19—implications for patients in long-term care facilities
Authors: Sze Shirley , Pan Daniel , Williams Caroline M L , Barker Joseph , Minhas Jatinder S , Miller Chris J , Tang Julian W , Squire Iain B , Pareek Manish
Published: September 2020

In the COVID-19 pandemic, patients who are older and residents of long-term care facilities (LTCF) are at greatest risk of worse clinical outcomes. We reviewed discharge criteria for hospitalised COVID-19 patients from 10 countries with the highest incidence of COVID-19 cases as of 26 July 2020. Five countries (Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Iran) had no discharge criteria; the remaining five (USA, India, Russia, South Africa and the UK) had discharge guidelines with large inter-country variability. India and Russia recommend discharge for a clinically recovered patient with two negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests 24 h apart; the USA offers either a symptom based strategy—clinical recovery and 10 days after symptom onset, or the same test-based strategy. The UK suggests that patients can be discharged when patients have clinically recovered; South Africa recommends discharge 14 days after symptom onset if clinically stable. We recommend a unified, simpler discharge criteria, based on current studies which suggest that most SARS-CoV-2 loses its infectivity by 10 days post-symptom onset. In asymptomatic cases, this can be taken as 10 days after the first positive PCR result. Additional days of isolation beyond this should be left to the discretion of individual clinician. This represents a practical compromise between unnecessarily prolonged admissions and returning highly infectious patients back to their care facilities, and is of particular importance in older patients discharged to LTCFs, residents of which may be at greatest risk of transmission and worse clinical outcomes.
Dual-Task Performance in Multiple Sclerosis’ Patients: Cerebellum Matters?
Authors: Argento Ornella , Spanò Barbara , Pisani Valerio , Incerti Chiara C , Bozzali Marco , Foti Calogero , Caltagirone Carlo , Nocentini Ugo
Published: September 2020

Objective

Gait, cognitive impairments, and their mutual influence in dual tasking (cognitive–motor dual tasking, CM-DT) are important to address therapeutic approaches in patients with multiple sclerosis (PMS). CM-DT correlates have been widely investigated with variable and dissimilar results, due to differences in methods. However, although the cerebellum has recently shown to be involved in both motor and cognitive functions, few studies have explored its role in the integration of the concurrent execution of gait and cognition. This case–control study aims to explore the effects of adding a cognitive task to walking in PMS and to investigate the role of the cerebellum in the interfering process.

Methods

In total, 20 patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) underwent clinical assessments, dual task (DT), and 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). DT was composed by three 2-min trials requiring fast walking. In 2 of them 2 different cognitive tasks were added.

Results

Both groups evidenced the presence of cognitive–motor interference (CMI) for both cognitive conditions with a greater effect of word list generation task in PMS. Analysis of variance between HC and patients with high or low performances showed a significantly increased volume in Vermis lobules VIIIa and IX of high performers compared with HC.

Conclusion

Our results show that CMI is also present in healthy individuals but is significantly more disabling in PMS. Furthermore, MRI data point to the existence of an initial mechanism of cerebellar reorganization in PMS with lower interference. Subsequently, the failure of this mechanism due to the progression of disability leads to a more evident expression of symptoms.
VIII—Vagueness at Every Order
Authors: Bacon Andrew
Published: September 2020

There are some properties, like being bald, for which it is vague where the boundary between the things that have it and the things that do not lies. A number of arguments threaten to show that such properties can still be associated with determinate and knowable boundaries: not between the things that have it and those that don’t, but between the things such that it is borderline at some order whether they have it and the things for which it is not. I argue that these arguments, if successful, turn on a contentious principle in the logic of determinacy: Brouwer’s Principle, that every truth is determinately not determinately false. Other paradoxes which do not appear to turn on this principle often tacitly make assumptions about assertion, knowledge and higher-order vagueness. In this paper I’ll show how one can avoid sharp higher-order boundaries by rejecting these assumptions.
Selection of fewer dominant follicles in Trio carriers given GnRH antagonist and luteinizing hormone action replaced by nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin†
Authors: Gomez-León Victor E , Andrade João Paulo , Kirkpatrick Brian W , Moghbeli Sadrollah Molaei , García-Guerra Alvaro , Ginther O J , Wiltbank Milo C
Published: September 2020

Studying selection of multiple dominant follicles (DFs) in monovulatory species can advance our understanding of mechanisms regulating selection of single or multiple DFs. Carriers of the bovine high fecundity Trio allele select multiple DFs, whereas half-sib noncarriers select a single DF. This study compared follicle selection during endogenous gonadotropin pulses versus during ablation of pulses with Acyline (GnRH antagonist) and luteinizing hormone (LH) action replaced with nonpulsatile human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment in Trio carriers (n = 28) versus noncarriers (n = 32). On Day 1.5 (Day 0 = ovulation), heifers were randomized: (1) Control, untreated; (2) Acyline, two i.m. doses (Days 1.5 and D3) of 3 μg/kg; (3) hCG, single i.m. dose of 50 IU hCG on Day 1.5 followed by daily doses of 100 IU; and (4) Acyline + hCG. Treatments with nonpulsatile hCG were designed to replace LH action in heifers treated with Acyline. Acyline treatment resulted in cessation of follicle growth on Day 3 with smaller (P < 0.0001) maximum follicle diameter in Trio carriers (6.6 ± 0.2 mm) than noncarriers (8.7 ± 0.4 mm). Replacement of LH action (hCG) reestablished follicle diameter deviation and maximum diameter of DFs in both genotypes (8.9 ± 0.3 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.0001). Circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was greater in Acyline-treated than in controls. Finally, Acyline + hCG decreased (P < 0.0001) the number of DFs from 2.7 ± 0.2 to 1.3 ± 0.2 in Trio carriers, with most heifers having only one DF. This demonstrates the necessity for LH in acquisition of dominance in Trio carriers (~6.5 mm) and noncarriers (~8.5 mm) and provides evidence for a role of GnRH-induced FSH/LH pulses in selection of multiple DFs in Trio carriers and possibly other physiologic situations with increased ovulation rate.
Ephrin and Eph receptor signaling in female reproductive physiology and pathology†
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Enoch Appiah , Czika Armin , Liu Tai-Hang , Gorleku Philip Narteh , Fondjo Linda Ahenkorah , Djankpa Francis Tanam , Ding Yu-Bin , Wang Ying-Xiong
Published: September 2020

Ephrins are ligands of Eph receptors (Ephs); both of which are sorted into two classes, A and B. There are five types of ephrin-As (ephrin-A1–5) and three types of ephrin-Bs (ephrin-B1–3). Also, there are 10 types of EphAs (EphA1–10) and six types of EphBs (EphB1–6). Binding of ephrins to the Eph receptors activates signaling cascades that regulate several biological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. Clarification of their roles in the female reproductive system is crucial to understanding the physiology and pathology of this system. Such knowledge will also create awareness regarding the importance of these molecules in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic medicine. Hence, we have discussed the involvement of these molecules in the physiological and pathological events that occur within the female reproductive system. The evidence so far suggests that the ephrins and the Eph receptors modulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, embryo transport, implantation, and placentation. Abnormal expression of some of these molecules is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cancer, tubal pregnancy, endometrial cancer, uterine leiomyoma (fibroids), cervical cancer, and preeclampsia, suggesting the need to utilize these molecules in the clinical setting. To enhance a quick development of this gradually emerging field in female reproductive medicine, we have highlighted some “gaps in knowledge” that need prospective investigation.
Plasma p-tau217: from ‘new kid’ to most promising candidate for Alzheimer’s disease blood test
Authors: Teunissen Charlotte E , Thijssen Elisabeth H , Verberk Inge M W
Published: September 2020

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Longitudinal plasma p-tau217 is increased in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease’, by Mattsson-Carlgren et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awaa286).
Connectivity of the Cingulate Sulcus Visual Area (CSv) in Macaque Monkeys
Authors: De Castro V , Smith A T , Beer A L , Leguen C , Vayssière N , Héjja-Brichard Y , Audurier P , Cottereau B R , Durand J B
Published: September 2020

In humans, the posterior cingulate cortex contains an area sensitive to visual cues to self-motion. This cingulate sulcus visual area (CSv) is structurally and functionally connected with several (multi)sensory and (pre)motor areas recruited during locomotion. In nonhuman primates, electrophysiology has shown that the cingulate cortex is also related to spatial navigation. Recently, functional MRI in macaque monkeys identified a cingulate area with similar visual properties to human CSv. In order to bridge the gap between human and nonhuman primate research, we examined the structural and functional connectivity of putative CSv in three macaque monkeys adopting the same approach as in humans based on diffusion MRI and resting-state functional MRI. The results showed that putative monkey CSv connects with several visuo-vestibular areas (e.g., VIP/FEFsem/VPS/MSTd) as well as somatosensory cortex (e.g., dorsal aspects of areas 3/1/2), all known to process sensory signals that can be triggered by self-motion. Additionally, strong connections are observed with (pre)motor areas located in the dorsal prefrontal cortex (e.g., F3/F2/F1) and within the anterior cingulate cortex (e.g., area 24). This connectivity pattern is strikingly reminiscent of that described for human CSv, suggesting that the sensorimotor control of locomotion relies on similar organizational principles in human and nonhuman primates.
Distinct Populations of Amygdala Somatostatin-Expressing Neurons Project to the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract and Parabrachial Nucleus
Authors: Bartonjo Jane J , Lundy Robert F
Published: September 2020

Rostral forebrain structures, such as the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), send projections to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) and the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) that modulate taste-elicited responses. However, the proportion of forebrain-induced excitatory and inhibitory effects often differs when taste cell recording changes from the NST to the PBN. The present study investigated whether this descending influence might originate from a shared or distinct population of neurons marked by expression of somatostatin (Sst). In Sst-reporter mice, the retrograde tracers’ cholera toxin subunit B AlexaFluor-488 and -647 conjugates were injected into the taste-responsive regions of the NST and the ipsilateral PBN. In Sst-cre mice, the cre-dependent retrograde tracers’ enhanced yellow fluorescent protein Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and mCherry fluorescent protein HSV were injected into the NST and the ipsilateral PBN. The results showed that ~40% of CeA-to-PBN neurons expressed Sst compared with ~ 23% of CeA-to-NST neurons. For both the CeA Sst-positive and -negative populations, the vast majority projected to the NST or PBN but not both nuclei. Thus, a subset of CeA-to-NST and CeA-to-PBN neurons are marked by Sst expression and are largely distinct from one another. Separate populations of CeA/Sst neurons projecting to the NST and PBN suggest that differential modulation of taste processing might, in part, rely on differences in local brainstem/forebrain synaptic connections.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spreads to Lymph Nodes and Strongly Expands CD4+ Effector Memory RA Cells in a Patient With Mild Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Roldán-Santiago Ernesto , Benito-Berlinches Amparo , Martínez-García Laura , Quereda Carmen , Rodríguez-Martín Eulalia , Pérez-Elías Pilar , López-Pintor Jose María , Walo-Delgado Paulette Esperanza , Moreno-Zamora Ana , Fernández-Velasco Jose Ignacio , García-Abellás Patricia , Ballester-González Rubén , Villar Luisa M , Pérez-Elías María Jesús
Published: September 2020

A woman with mild coronavirus disease 2019 developed cervical adenopathy, being diagnosed of Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis. We performed fine needle aspiration, and demonstrate that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is found in lymph nodes even in mild disease along with a strong expansion of terminally differentiated effector memory CD4+ T cells, a cell population that is practically absent in lymph nodes.
Transcriptome analysis of non human primate-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in 2D monolayer culture vs. 3D engineered heart tissue
Authors: Yang Huaxiao , Shao Ningyi , Holmström Alexandra , Zhao Xin , Chour Tony , Chen Haodong , Itzhaki Ilanit , Wu Haodi , Ameen Mohamed , Cunningham Nathan J , Tu Chengyi , Zhao Ming-Tao , Tarantal Alice F , Abilez Oscar J , Wu Joseph C
Published: September 2020

Aims

Stem cell therapy has shown promise for treating myocardial infarction via re-muscularization and paracrine signalling in both small and large animals. Non-human primates (NHPs), such as rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), are primarily utilized in preclinical trials due to their similarity to humans, both genetically and physiologically. Currently, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) are delivered into the infarcted myocardium by either direct cell injection or an engineered tissue patch. Although both approaches have advantages in terms of sample preparation, cell–host interaction, and engraftment, how the iPSC-CMs respond to ischaemic conditions in the infarcted heart under these two different delivery approaches remains unclear. Here, we aim to gain a better understanding of the effects of hypoxia on iPSC-CMs at the transcriptome level.

Methods and results

NHP iPSC-CMs in both monolayer culture (2D) and engineered heart tissue (EHT) (3D) format were exposed to hypoxic conditions to serve as surrogates of direct cell injection and tissue implantation in vivo, respectively. Outcomes were compared at the transcriptome level. We found the 3D EHT model was more sensitive to ischaemic conditions and similar to the native in vivo myocardium in terms of cell–extracellular matrix/cell–cell interactions, energy metabolism, and paracrine signalling.

Conclusion

By exposing NHP iPSC-CMs to different culture conditions, transcriptome profiling improves our understanding of the mechanism of ischaemic injury.
Hypertension and renin-angiotensin system blockers are not associated with expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the kidney
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Eales James M , Scannali David , Nazgiewicz Alicja , Prestes Priscilla , Maier Michelle , Denniff Matthew , Xu Xiaoguang , Saluja Sushant , Cano-Gamez Eddie , Wystrychowski Wojciech , Szulinska Monika , Antczak Andrzej , Byars Sean , Skrypnik Damian , Glyda Maciej , Król Robert , Zywiec Joanna , Zukowska-Szczechowska Ewa , Burrell Louise M , Woolf Adrian S , Greenstein Adam , Bogdanski Pawel , Keavney Bernard , Morris Andrew P , Heagerty Anthony , Williams Bryan , Harrap Stephen B , Trynka Gosia , Samani Nilesh J , Guzik Tomasz J , Charchar Fadi J , Tomaszewski Maciej
Published: September 2020

Aims

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the cellular entry point for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)—the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the effect of renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-inhibition on ACE2 expression in human tissues of key relevance to blood pressure regulation and COVID-19 infection has not previously been reported.

Methods and results

We examined how hypertension, its major metabolic co-phenotypes, and antihypertensive medications relate to ACE2 renal expression using information from up to 436 patients whose kidney transcriptomes were characterized by RNA-sequencing. We further validated some of the key observations in other human tissues and/or a controlled experimental model. Our data reveal increasing expression of ACE2 with age in both human lungs and the kidney. We show no association between renal expression of ACE2 and either hypertension or common types of RAS inhibiting drugs. We demonstrate that renal abundance of ACE2 is positively associated with a biochemical index of kidney function and show a strong enrichment for genes responsible for kidney health and disease in ACE2 co-expression analysis.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that neither hypertension nor antihypertensive treatment is likely to alter the expression of the key entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2 in the human kidney. Our data further suggest that in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, kidney ACE2 is most likely nephro-protective but the age-related increase in its expression within lungs and kidneys may be relevant to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Fast and accurate evaluation of geomagnetic field elements at arbitrary points in space
Authors: Ivanov Kamen G , Petrushev Pencho
Published: September 2020

An algorithm and software are developed for fast and accurate evaluation of the elements of the geomagnetic field represented in high-degree (>720) solid spherical harmonics at many scattered points in the space above the surface of the Earth. The algorithm is based on representation of the geomagnetic field elements in solid ellipsoidal harmonics and application of tensor product needlets. Open source FORTRAN and MATLAB realizations of this algorithm that rely on data from the Enhanced Magnetic Models 2015, 2017 (EMM2015, EMM2017) have been developed and extensively tested. The capabilities of the software are demonstrated on the example of the north, east and down components of the geomagnetic field as well as the derived horizontal intensity, total intensity, inclination and declination. For the range from −417 m under the Earth reference ellipsoid up to 1000 km above it the FORTRAN and MATLAB versions of the software run 465 and 189 times faster than the respective FORTRAN and MATLAB versions of the software using the standard spherical harmonic series method, while the accuracy is less than 1 nT and the memory (RAM) usage is 9 GB.
Ecological footprint for environmental sustainability in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Fadeyibi Mary , Sawyerr Henry O , Salako Gabriel
Published: September 2020

Ecological footprint (EF) is an indicator that accounts for human demand in the environment compared with the sizes of the bio-productive land and sea areas. This research was carried out to determine the EF for environmental sustainability in Ilorin Metropolis. Empirical surveying, which involved systematic random sample technique, was used to select residential households in each community for this investigation. The EF indicators, which include food, energy and waste consumptions, were determined empirically. The bio-capacity (BC), ecological stress and deficit were determined, from the land used as environmental sustainable areas in Ilorin, using Google Earth Mapping. The results revealed that energy has the highest EF of 44%, followed by waste and food with the footprint of 25% and 5%, respectively. A deficit of 38% was obtained, and this requires eight times the BC to balance the EF of the population. This implies that people are consuming more of the energy and generating more wastes than they consumed food.
Legal Consciousness and the Sociology of Labour Law
Authors: Kirk Eleanor
Published: September 2020

Building on recent calls to expand the field of empirical labour law research, this article seeks to delineate a special place for legal consciousness research within a new sociology of labour law. The idea that employment relations have become increasingly juridified has been used to justify important policy interventions such as reforms to the employment tribunal system, restricting the ability of workers to bring claims. Yet, we know remarkably little about work-related legal consciousness in order to assess the purported growth of ‘litigiousness’ in society and its implications for policy. This article provides an extended critique of a recent text in the field of legal consciousness studies, Nobody’s Law by Marc Hertogh.1 What began as a straightforward review of Hertogh’s book became a defence of an earlier, seminal work by Ewick and Silbey,2 which Hertogh seeks but ultimately fails to discredit. Ewick and Silbey’s critical approach stands up well against close scrutiny. The debate centres upon issues of legal hegemony, and on epistemology and ontology in the sociological study of labour law.
Plasmodium vivax Strains Use Alternative Pathways for Invasion
Authors: Kanjee Usheer , Grüring Christof , Babar Prasad , Meyers Anosha , Dash Rashmi , Pereira Ligia , Mascarenhas Anjali , Chaand Mudit , Rangel Gabriel W , Clark Martha A , Chery Laura , Gomes Edwin , Rathod Pradipsinh K , Duraisingh Manoj T
Published: September 2020

Plasmodium vivax has 2 invasion ligand/host receptor pathways (P. vivax Duffy-binding protein/Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines [DARC] and P. vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b/transferrin receptor [TfR1]) that are promising targets for therapeutic intervention. We optimized invasion assays with isogenic cultured reticulocytes. Using a receptor blockade approach with multiple P. vivax isolates, we found that all strains utilized both DARC and TfR1, but with significant variation in receptor usage. This suggests that P. vivax, like Plasmodium falciparum, uses alternative invasion pathways, with implications for pathogenesis and vaccine development.