bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A fluorescence polarization immunoassay for detection of thiacloprid in environmental and agricultural samples
Authors: Ding Yuan , Chen He , Yang Qian , Feng Lu , Hua Xiude , Wang Minghua
Published: November 2019

An anti-thiacloprid monoclonal antibody with high sensitivity was prepared and used to develop a fluorescence polarized immunoassay.
Synthesis, optical, electrochemical properties and anticancer activity of (S)-BINOL cored triazole bridged dendrimers decorated with rhodamine B surface group
Authors: Sathiya Savithri Jothinathan , Rajakumar Perumal
Published: November 2019

(S)-BINOL cored dendrimers1–3with rhodamine B surface group and triazole bridging unit were synthesized up to second generation in good yield by convergent synthesis through click chemistry.
A novel drug–drug nanohybrid for the self-delivery of porphyrin and cis-platinum
Authors: Shan Changfu , Ru Jiaxi , Zhang Meina , Cao Jing , Liu Weisheng , Guo Huichen , Tang Yu
Published: November 2019

A novel self-delivery drug–drug system nanohybrid constructed by the coordination assembly of porphyrin and cis-platinum was used for synergetic photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy.
Advancing fabrication and properties of three-dimensional graphene–alginate scaffolds for application in neural tissue engineering
Authors: Mansouri Negar , Al-Sarawi Said F. , Mazumdar Jagan , Losic Dusan
Published: November 2019

In this study, a bio-fabrication method has been developed for the preparation of 3D graphene–alginate composite scaffolds with great potential for neural tissue engineering.
A quantitative study of the effect of flow on the photopolymerization of fibers
Authors: Slutzky Malcolm , Stone Howard A. , Nunes Janine K.
Published: November 2019

We use experiments and modeling to investigate continuous flow gelation of liquid jets triggered by pulsed UV for microfiber production.
Small molecule-mediated self-assembly behaviors of Pluronic block copolymers in aqueous solution: impact of hydrogen bonding on the morphological transition of Pluronic micelles
Authors: Luo Haiyan , Jiang Kun , Liang Xiangfeng , Liu Huizhou , Li Yingbo
Published: November 2019

The influence of hydrogen bonding on the morphological transition of Pluronic P123 micelles is experimentally and theoretically investigated by introducing three small molecules, i.e. propyl benzoate (PB), propyl paraben (PP) and propyl gallate (PG).
Advective-diffusive spreading of diffusiophoretic colloids under transient solute gradients
Authors: Chu Henry C. W. , Garoff Stephen , Tilton Robert D. , Khair Aditya S.
Published: November 2019

We have discovered novel super-diffusion, arrested spreading, and shuttling of diffusiophoretic colloids, driven by simultaneous diffusion of an ionic solute.
Electrospun nanofibers of polyelectrolyte–surfactant complexes for antibacterial wound dressing application
Authors: Qiu Qiaohua , Wu Jiajun , Quan Zhenzhen , Zhang Hongnan , Qin Xiaohong , Wang Rongwu , Yu Jianyong
Published: November 2019

The polyelectrolyte–surfactant complexes (PESCs) novel antibacterial fibers were fabricatedviaelectrospinning of PESCs in solid state without any additives.
A super-thermostable, flexible supercapacitor for ultralight and high performance devices
Authors: Kim Dong Won , Jung Sung Mi , Jung Hyun Young
Published: November 2019

High-temperature operation and flexible supercapacitors are designed from graphene aerogel electrodes and IL-FSN based polymer composite electrolytes, achieving a high capacitance of 1007 F g−1 and an energy density of 1134 Wh kg−1 at 200 °C.
Donor–acceptor substituted 1,8-naphthalimides: design, synthesis, and structure–property relationship
Authors: Poddar Madhurima , Sivakumar Gangala , Misra Rajneesh
Published: November 2019

Research on developing new donor–acceptor (D–A) substituted 1,8-naphthalimide (NI) based molecular systems is a rapidly growing research are due to their wide-ranging applications in the field of organic photonics and electronics.
Amplifying gas sensor performance by embedding a cellulose-based buffer layer in organic transistors
Authors: Jang Moonjeong , Kim Seong Ku , Lee Juyeon , Ji Seulgi , Song Wooseok , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , Lee Sun Sook , Jung Ha-Kyun , Lee Jiseok , An Ki-Seok
Published: November 2019

Highly gas-sensitive organic transistors with MC have been demonstrated due to more grain boundaries and field-induced dipole aligning of MC.
A paper-based device of a specially designed soft layered polymer composite for measurement of weak friction force
Authors: Watanabe Kei , Imai Hiroaki , Oaki Yuya
Published: November 2019

A paper-based device of a specially designed soft layered composite consisting of polydiacetylene enables measurement of friction force with a gradual color change from blue to red in response to the strength and number of the applied friction force.
Elevated level of circulatory sTLT1 induces inflammation through SYK/MEK/ERK signalling in coronary artery disease
Authors: Das Apabrita Ayan , Chakravarty Devasmita , Bhunia Debmalya , Ghosh Surajit , Mandal Prakash C. , Siddiqui Khawer N. , Bandyopadhyay Arun
Published: November 2019

The role of inflammation in all phases of atherosclerotic process is well established and soluble TREM-like transcript 1 (sTLT1) is reported to be associated with chronic inflammation. Yet, no information is available about the involvement of sTLT1 in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Present study was undertaken to determine the pathophysiological significance of sTLT1 in atherosclerosis by employing an observational study on human subjects (n=117) followed by experiments in human macrophages and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E (apoE)−/− mice. Plasma level of sTLT1 was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in clinical (2342 ± 184 pg/ml) and subclinical cases (1773 ± 118 pg/ml) than healthy controls (461 ± 57 pg/ml). Moreover, statistical analyses further indicated that sTLT1 was not only associated with common risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in both clinical and subclinical groups but also strongly correlated with disease severity. Ex vivo studies on macrophages showed that sTLT1 interacts with Fcɣ receptor I (FcɣRI) to activate spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK)-mediated downstream MAP kinase signalling cascade to activate nuclear factor-κ B (NF-kB). Activation of NF-kB induces secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from macrophage cells that plays pivotal role in governing the persistence of chronic inflammation. Atherosclerotic apoE−/− mice also showed high levels of sTLT1 and TNF-α in nearly occluded aortic stage indicating the contribution of sTLT1 in inflammation. Our results clearly demonstrate that sTLT1 is clinically related to the risk factors of CAD. We also showed that binding of sTLT1 with macrophage membrane receptor, FcɣR1 initiates inflammatory signals in macrophages suggesting its critical role in thrombus development and atherosclerosis.
Challenges and Strengths of Multidisciplinary Research in Audiology: The EVOTION Example
Authors: Dritsakis Giorgos , Murdin Louisa , Kikidis Dimitris , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Katrakazas Panagiotis , Brdarić Dario , Ploumidou Katherine , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The EU-funded research project EVOTION has brought together clinical, technical, and public health experts with the aim to offer a solution for the holistic management of hearing loss. This report presents the challenges, strengths, and key take-home messages of working in this multidisciplinary consortium.

Method

Fifteen consortium members completed an online survey with 6 open-ended questions. Responses were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

Analysis identified 4 main themes: (a)communication, that is, cross-disciplinary communication difficulties but also range of expertise; (b)opportunities, that is, innovation, learning, and collaborations; (c)technology, that is, technical requirements and data collection and management issues; and (d)local constraints, that is, institutional limitations, resources, and planning.

Conclusions

Although the challenges reported differed by country and specialty, there was consensus about the value, expertise, and opportunities of the project. It is recommended that in future similar multidisciplinary projects in audiology, researchers establish a common language and assess technical requirements and local constraints prior to initiating research activities.
Fast Doppler shift acquisition method for hypersonic vehicle communications
Authors: Shi Lei , Zhu Congying , Zhao Lei , Yuan Shurong , Yao Bo , Li Xiaoping
Published: November 2019

Large and rapidly changing Doppler shift poses a huge challenge on fast carrier acquisition for hypersonic vehicle communications. In this study, a novel Doppler shift acquisition method is proposed to increase the acquisition probability and reduce the acquisition time simultaneously. Firstly, the Doppler rate is estimated with a proposed fast blind estimation algorithm. The order of Doppler shift is reduced though twice instantaneous delay autocorrelation operation on the received signal and the modulated information is cancelled, and the Doppler rate can be obtained by the corresponding spectrum analysis. Secondly, the received signal is compensated by the estimated Doppler rate. Finally, the maximum value of the average power spectrum of the compensated result over multiple symbols is detected, and the Doppler shift and Doppler rate can be jointly determined. Furthermore, to improve the acquisition speed, a corrected narrower range, which is determined by the flight conditions of the hypersonic vehicles, is proposed to constrain the search range of the power spectrum peak. Simulation results indicate that, under typical hypersonic flight conditions, the acquisition probability of the Doppler rate increases from 0.52 to 0.86 under  − 20 dB. The processing speed can be improved by 75.47% when the length of the combined symbols is 1000.
Selection of indoor relay node positions for a three‐hop low‐voltage broadband power line communication system
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhao Xiongwen , Geng Suiyan , Lu Wenbing , Ma Yonghong
Published: November 2019

Low‐voltage broadband power line communication (PLC) system transmits its information by the power line on the existed infrastructure. However, PLC attenuation and its harsh environment make it difficult to establish a reliable communication between the source and destination nodes, and relay‐aided (RA) PLC technology can be used to solve this issue to increase the transmission rate and coverage. In this study, an indoor three‐hop RA PLC system is under investigation for the first time. Based on a simple PLC attenuation model, the optimal relay node positions and transmitted power distribution of each node are studied to get the best system performance in theory. Then, a criterion of selection optimal relay node positions in a practical power‐line network is derived by solving an optimisation problem. Finally, for a specific power‐line network, the criterion for the selection of optimal relay node positions at the existed sockets between the source and destination nodes is verified. The theoretical work in this study could be useful in the design of broadband multi‐hop RA PLC systems and their engineering applications.
Modified constrained adaptive formation control scheme for autonomous underwater vehicles under communication delays
Authors: Suryendu Chhavi , Subudhi Bidyadhar
Published: November 2019

The performance of a formation control algorithm for a group of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) may be degraded due to communication constraints between the leader and the follower AUVs. Moreover, as the distance between the AUVs change due to ocean waves, the delay in communication also varies. In this study, a modified constrained adaptive controller (CAC) is proposed to resolve the issue of variable‐delay as well as actuator saturation. Due to the on‐line reduction of the cost function, the gains of the CAC are updated at each sampling time taking into account the effects of communication delay. This improves the path‐following accuracy of the leader AUV as well as follower AUVs. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is demonstrated by implementing it on a prototype AUV (ODRA‐I) model. The obtained simulation and experimental results show that the follower AUVs maintain a desired distance from the leader AUV to avoid a collision. For the proposed algorithm, the desired path‐following performance of the follower AUV is maintained even when the delay is changed from 0 to 5 s. Moreover, the proposed control algorithm is efficient in avoiding actuator saturation.
Power management and control coordination strategy for autonomous hybrid microgrids
Authors: Abuhilaleh Mohammad , Li Li , Hossain M.J.
Published: November 2019

This study presents an improved power management and control coordination strategy for autonomous hybrid microgrids (MGs). The new strategy aims to reduce the continuous operation of interlinking converters (ILCs) under all load conditions, and thereby avoids the significant power loss on the ILCs that adversely affects the operational feasibility of the hybrid MGs. The hybrid MG considered in this study consists of multiple alternating current and direct current sub‐microgrids (SMGs) with different voltage levels. The hierarchal coordination of power management and control strategy for autonomous hybrid MG is introduced and analysed. The designed system includes both the primary and secondary control levels to ensure a seamless and accurate transfer of power among the SMGs. A new technique to ensure the continuous power flow among the SMGs while minimising the continuous operation of the ILCs in the islanded mode is presented with a focus on the secondary control level. Five scenarios of transferring power among SMGs are analysed using MATLAB/Simulink. The results indicate that the system's high level of flexibility in managing the power flow at different control levels can be achieved by the proposed approach.
Techno‐economic potential gains of electric springs in distribution networks operations
Authors: Askarpour Mohammad , Aghaei Jamshid , Boudjadar Jalil , Niknam Taher
Published: November 2019

The electric spring (ES) is a reactive compensator which is series with a noncritical load. This paper utilizes the ES in the distribution networks and examines the underlying performance operationally and economically. A virtual generator model for the electric spring is proposed to ease the study of power systems. An algorithm based on the backward/forward sweep method is proposed for solving the optimal power flow. Then, with a 24‐hour real price and load data of ISO‐NE market, the performance of ES is evaluated operationally and economically in two distribution systems. The ESs may exchange reactive power between each other and this raises active and reactive power losses. To cope this problem, the feeders' voltages of the middle load demand are set as the reference voltages of ESs in each feeder so, each ES has a different reference voltage to cease the ES power exchanges. In this work, indexes such as voltage profile, active power loss, reactive power loss, power factor, electric bill payment, net present value, internal rate of return and the payback year are measured. The results of case study confirm the ES improves power loss, voltage profile, power factor, and stability while it reduces the operation cost.
Double‐fed and double‐switch active Z‐source inverter with general variable high boost factor
Authors: Shokati Asl Elias , Babaei Ebrahim , Sabahi Mehran
Published: November 2019

In this study, a new topology for Z‐source inverter is proposed without adding additional passive elements to the conventional impedance network. The proposed topology is double‐fed and can generate high voltage gain in comparison with the conventional Z‐source inverters. By using improved simple boost modulation technique, the function of boost factor in the proposed inverter is general and variable. In other words, not only the boost factor of the proposed inverter depends on value of shoot‐through (ST) duty cycle but also is dependent on the value of switching factor and controllable by changing specific signals in switching pattern. In this study, steady‐state analysis of the proposed inverter in different operating modes such as ST operating mode, adjacent‐non‐ST (A‐nST) operating mode and non‐A‐nST operating mode are presented. Design considerations and critical inductance between proper and improper operations are calculated. Then, the used modulation technique and switching pattern are investigated and comparison between the proposed and conventional inverters from different points of view is done. Finally, simulation results using PSCAD/EMTDC software and experimental results are presented to verify theoretical discussions, derived equations and correct operation of the proposed inverter.
Data‐driven method using DNN for PD location in substations
Authors: Liu Jiangting , Hu Yue , Peng Hui , Zaki Atta ul Munim
Published: November 2019

Partial discharge (PD) detection and location based on ultra‐high frequency (UHF) sensor array have been employed for the power equipment in the whole substation for assessing the insulating condition of electrical equipment and determining a precondition for further implementing insulation diagnosis. At present, one of the widely used localisation methods is time difference of arrival (TDOA) based, localisation result of which is extremely sensitive to time delay estimation and usually time‐consuming to solve. Motivated by this, a data‐driven method using the deep neural network (DNN) is proposed in this study to significantly speed up the solving process of non‐linear TDOA equations and simultaneously guarantee the accuracy of results. It works with sequences of time delay measured from the UHF sensor array as the input of the network and with the corresponding coordinates of PD source as output to train the network. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method shows relatively higher accuracy and efficiency in PD location. In addition, many factors such as array shape, error type added to time delay, and detailed structure and parameters of network are taken into consideration for error analysis, laying foundation to more reliable localisation of PD.
Vibration of drilling motors in unconventional oil and gas exploration with a miniature recorder
Authors: Li Fei
Published: November 2019

A low‐cost and miniature vibration recorder was developed to capture the vibration data of drilling motors for their health assessment. The recorder is installed in the rotor catch of a conventional drilling motor in such a way that no additional length is added to the bottom hole assembly. The recorder is fitted with two triaxial vibration accelerometers with different ranges, a rate gyroscope, a temperature sensor, and an integrated circuit (IC) for timestamps. The recorder can log data over the full operation cycle of a drilling motor, including vibration during surface activities and downhole operation. It allows the vibration recorders to be easily deployed to motor operations. The vibration recorder has been deployed to drilling motors in unconventional horizontal wells. The data analysis showed that the recorder captured vibration data from the installation of the recorder in maintenance bases until the return of the tools. Not only downhole drilling vibration data were successfully obtained, but also surface vibration data during shipment, and rig‐side handling was recorded; the vibration recorders provided adequate information of a drilling motor to asset owners for maintenance and operation optimisation.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Lonicera japonica leaf extract and their anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial effects
Authors: Yan Luyun , Qiu Beibei , Li Tongtong , Wu Dandan , Zhu Jinhua , Zhao Dongbao
Published: November 2019

A green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous Lonicera japonica leaf extract (AgNPs‐LLJ) was reported and their anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial effects were investigated. In comparison, AgNPs were also synthesised using the liquid phase chemical reduction method (AgNPs‐N2H4 ·H2 O). The synthesised AgNPs were identified using multiple analytical techniques. The results showed that both AgNPs were spherical particles with an average particle size of 20–30 nm for AgNPs‐LLJ and 10–20 nm for AgNPs‐N2H4 ·H2 O. The anti‐inflammatory ability of AgNPs was shown by the effective inhibition against 5‐lipoxygenase with IC50 values of 5.08 μg/mL for AgNPs‐LLJ and 59.12 μg/mL for AgNPs‐N2H4 ·H2 O, indicating that AgNPs‐LLJ had much more obvious anti‐inflammatory effect. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity research on RAW264.7 mouse macrophages showed that AgNPs‐LLJ had no cytotoxicity at the concentration of 40 μg/mL compared with control. Their antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli (EC) and Staphlococcus aureus (SA) were studied by agar well diffusion method. The maximum antibacterial circles of AgNPs‐N2H4 ·H2 O on EC and SA were 15 and 14 mm, respectively, whereas it was 5.0 and 5.0 mm for AgNPs‐LLJ, respectively. The authors conclude that AgNPs‐LLJs have a potential to be a nanomedicine for nanobiomedical applications.
Activity time series of old stars from late F to early K
Authors: Meunier N. , Lagrange A.-M. , Cuzacq S.
Published: November 2019

Context. Inhibition of the convective blueshift in active regions is a major contribution to the radial velocity (RV) variations, at least for solar-like stars. A common technique to correct for this component is to model the RV as a linear function of chromospheric emission, because both are strongly correlated with the coverage by plages.

Aims. This correction, although efficient, is not perfect: the aim of the present study is to understand the limits of this correction and to improve it.

Methods. We investigate these questions by analysing a large set of synthetic time series corresponding to old main sequence F6-K4 stars modelled using a consistent set of parameters. We focus here on the analysis of the correlation between time series, in particular between RV (variability due to different processes) and chromospheric emission on different timescales. We also study the temporal variation for each time series.

Results. We find that inclination strongly impacts these correlations, as well as the presence of additional signals (in particular granulation and supergranulation). Although RV and log R′HK are often well correlated, a combination of geometrical effects (butterfly diagrams related to dynamo processes and inclination) and activity level variations over time create an hysteresis pattern during the cycle, which produces a departure from an excellent correlation: for a given activity level, the RV is higher or lower during the ascending phase compared to the descending phase of the cycle depending on inclination, with a reversal for inclinations about 60° from pole-on. We find that this hysteresis is also observed for the Sun, as well as for other stars. This property is due to the spatio-temporal distribution of the activity pattern (and therefore to the dynamo processes) and to the difference in projection effects of the RV and chromospheric emission.

Conclusions. These results allow us to propose a new method which significantly improves the correction for long timescales (fraction of the cycle), and could be crucial to improving detection rates of planets in the habitable zone around F6-K4 stars.
The most luminous blue quasars at 3.0 < z < 3.3
Authors: Nardini E. , Lusso E. , Risaliti G. , Bisogni S. , Civano F. , Elvis M. , Fabbiano G. , Gilli R. , Marconi A. , Salvestrini F. , Vignali C.
Published: November 2019

We present the X-ray analysis of 30 luminous quasars at z ≃ 3.0 − 3.3 with pointed XMM–Newton observations (28–48 ks) originally obtained by our group to test the suitability of active galactic nuclei as standard candles for cosmological studies. The sample was selected in the optical from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 to be representative of the most luminous, intrinsically blue quasar population, and by construction boasts a high degree of homogeneity in terms of optical and UV properties. In the X-rays, only four sources are too faint for a detailed spectral analysis, one of which is formally undetected. Neglecting one more object later found to be radio-loud, the other 25 quasars are, as a whole, the most X-ray luminous ever observed, with rest-frame 2–10 keV luminosities of 0.5 − 7 × 1045 erg s−1. The continuum photon index distribution, centred at Γ ∼ 1.85, is in excellent agreement with those in place at lower redshift, luminosity, and black-hole mass, confirming the universal nature of the X-ray emission mechanism in quasars. Even so, when compared against the well-known LX–LUV correlation, our quasars show an unexpectedly varied behaviour, splitting into two distinct subsets. About two-thirds of the sources are clustered around the relation with a minimal scatter of 0.1 dex, while the remaining one-third appear to be X-ray underluminous by factors of > 3−10. Such a large incidence (≈25%) of X-ray weakness has never been reported in radio-quiet, non-broad absorption line (BAL) quasar samples. Several factors could contribute to enhancing the X-ray weakness fraction among our z ≃ 3 blue quasars, including variability, mild X-ray obscuration, contamination from weak-line quasars, and missed BALs. However, the X-ray weak objects also have, on average, flatter spectra, with no clear evidence of absorption. Indeed, column densities in excess of a few ×1022 cm−2 can be ruled out for most of the sample. We suggest that, at least in some of our X-ray weak quasars, the corona might experience a radiatively inefficient phase due to the presence of a powerful accretion-disc wind, which substantially reduces the accretion rate through the inner disc and therefore also the availability of seed photons for Compton up-scattering. The origin of the deviations from the LX–LUV relation will be further investigated in a series of future studies.
Körperliches Training bei pulmonaler Hypertonie – ein systematisches Review mit Metaanalyse
Authors: Glöckl R. , Schneeberger T. , Boeselt T. , Kenn K. , Koczulla A. R. , Held M. , Oberhoffer R. , Halle M.
Published: November 2019

Hintergrund Pulmonale Hypertonie (PH) ist definiert als ein Anstieg des mittleren pulmonal-arteriellen Drucks auf > 20 mmHg in Ruhe, der auf Dauer zu einer Rechtsherzinsuffizienz führen kann. Bis vor einigen Jahren wurde PH-Patienten wegen der Befürchtung einer möglichen Symptomverschlechterung und dem Auftreten unerwünschter, belastungsassoziierter klinischer Ereignisse von körperlichem Training abgeraten.

Methoden Drei elektronische Datenbanken wurden mit folgenden Suchbegriffen nach randomisiert, kontrollierten Studien durchsucht, in denen eine Trainingsintervention bei PH-Patienten untersucht wurde: „pulmonary hypertension ODER „pulmonary arterial hypertension“ UND „exercise“ ODER „pulmonary rehabilitation“ UND „randomized“.

Ergebnisse In dieser Metaanalyse konnten Daten von 5 Studien mit insgesamt 187 PH-Patienten eingeschlossen werden, welche 3- bis 12-wöchige Trainingsprogramme (z. B. 10 – 45 Minuten Ergometertraining; 60 – 80 % der maximalen Herzfrequenz) absolvierten. Patienten in den Trainingsgruppen wiesen im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe signifikante (p < 0,001) Verbesserungen ihrer körperlichen Belastbarkeit auf: 6-Minuten-Gehtest: + 45 m [95 % KI: 26 m – 64 m] oder maximale Sauerstoffaufnahme VO
2
peak + 2,3 ml/kg/min [95 % KI: 1,8 ml/kg/min – 2,9 ml/kg/min]. Auch Komponenten der körperlichen und psychischen Lebensqualität verbesserten sich signifikant. Ernsthafte, unerwünschte Ereignisse im Rahmen der Trainingsinterventionen wurden nicht beobachtet.

Schlussfolgerung Ein individuell angepasstes Trainingsprogramm bei stabilen PH-Patienten kann nach zuvor optimierter medikamentöser Therapie die körperliche Belastbarkeit und Lebensqualität ohne nachweisbare klinische Gefährdung verbessern. Diese Einschätzungen basieren bisher nur auf kleinen Fallzahlen und größere, randomisierte Studien mit unterschiedlichen PH-Schweregraden sind dringend notwendig.
Density functional theory study of the electronic and optical properties of Si incorporated SnO2
Authors: Ning Honglong , Liu Xianzhe , Ruan Haiguang , Peng Cheng , Huang Fuxiang , Deng Yuxi , Yuan Weijian , Yao Rihui , Qiu Bin , Wang Xiaofeng , Peng Junbiao
Published: November 2019

The effect of Si concentration on the electronic and optical properties of Si incorporated SnO2 was investigated by density functional theory. SnO2 maintained the direct bandgap after Si incorporation, and the value of bandgap enlarged as the Si concentration increased. The formation of the Si–O covalent bond could reduce electron losses of Sn atoms that resulted in the decrease of electron concentration of SnO2 through the density of states and charge density analysis. On the basis of the calculation results of the optical properties including the dielectric function, refractive index, reflectivity, absorption, and electron energy-loss spectrum, the values of these parameters were reduced at a low energy region and these curves gradually shifted toward high energy as the Si concentration increased. It suggested that the optical properties of SnO2 could be improved by the Si atom over the infrared and visible spectra.
Clusters of betaine with positive and negative ions: Evidence for the betaine tetramer being magic
Authors: Ben Yaacov Adva , Chen Lei , Musbat Lihi , Nihamkin Maria , Kaiser Alexander , Toker Yoni
Published: November 2019

Betaine (Bet) is a pure zwitterion with an extraordinarily large dipole moment, which allows it to form stable clusters in the gas phase of the form X±BetN, where X± is a positive or negative ion. We show here that such clusters have a prominent magic number at N = 4 for all X± ions used in this work. Nevertheless, we observe a marked difference in the fragmentation pattern of anionic and cationic clusters: while cationic clusters fragment by evaporating one betaine monomer at a time, fragmentation of anionic clusters is through fission resulting in the emission of one or several betaine molecules. Theoretical calculations show that charged betaine tetramers have a square like structure with the central ion lying above the cluster plane and explain the difference in fragmentation patterns as a result of the charge distribution within the betaine molecule.
Design and comparison of the Cs ovens for the test facilities ELISE and SPIDER
Authors: Cristofaro Sofia , Fröschle Markus , Mimo Alessandro , Rizzolo Andrea , De Muri Michela , Barbisan Marco , Fantz Ursel
Published: November 2019

Negative ion sources for fusion rely on the formation of negative hydrogen (or deuterium) ions by conversion of atomic hydrogen and positive hydrogen ions at a low work function caesiated surface. Cs is thus evaporated into the source to decrease the surface work function, which may change due to the removal and redistribution of Cs during plasma phases. To maintain a temporarily stable low work function during 1 h plasma, continuous evaporation of caesium is required, and this is performed by temperature controlled Cs ovens. The Cs ovens for ELISE (IPP Garching) and SPIDER (Consorzio RFX) are based on the evaporation of liquid Cs from a reservoir located at one end of the oven, which is controlled by the reservoir temperature. The ampoule Cs oven of ELISE is in operation since 2015, allowing for controllable and stable evaporation. The SPIDER oven is based on the ELISE oven although it required significant changes due to the vacuum environment and the oven location (at the back-plate instead of the sidewalls), leading to a different design of the oven and the nozzle. First investigations on the SPIDER oven in a dedicated test stand show that Cs evaporation is controllable, stable, and reproducible.
Quantification of the resilience of primary care networks by stress testing the health care system
Authors: Lo Sardo Donald Ruggiero , Thurner Stefan , Sorger Johannes , Duftschmid Georg , Endel Gottfried , Klimek Peter
Published: November 2019

Significance

We shock a full-scale simulation model of a national health care system by locally removing health care providers. We measure resilience of the system in terms of how fast and to what extent it can recover its ability to deliver adequate health services to the population. The model is based on actual regional primary care networks in Austria, where all patients and physicians are represented as anonymized avatars that are calibrated with nationwide data. After removal of a critical fraction of physicians, networks generically undergo a transition from resilient to nonresilient behavior, where it is impossible to maintain coverage for all patients. These “stress tests” allow us to quantify regional health care resilience and identify systemically risky health care providers.
Definitive demonstration by synthesis of genome annotation completeness
Authors: Jaschke Paul R. , Dotson Gabrielle A. , Hung Kay S. , Liu Diane , Endy Drew
Published: November 2019

We develop a method for completing the genetics of natural living systems by which the absence of expected future discoveries can be established. We demonstrate the method using bacteriophage øX174, the first DNA genome to be sequenced. Like many well-studied natural organisms, closely related genome sequences are available—23Bullavirinaegenomes related to øX174. Using bioinformatic tools, we first identified 315 potential open reading frames (ORFs) within the genome, including the 11 established essential genes and 82 highly conserved ORFs that have no known gene products or assigned functions. Using genome-scale design and synthesis, we made a mutant genome in which all 11 essential genes are simultaneously disrupted, leaving intact only the 82 conserved but cryptic ORFs. The resulting genome is not viable. Cell-free gene expression followed by mass spectrometry revealed only a single peptide expressed from both the cryptic ORF and wild-type genomes, suggesting a potential new gene. A second synthetic genome in which 71 conserved cryptic ORFs were simultaneously disrupted is viable but with ∼50% reduced fitness relative to the wild type. However, rather than finding any new genes, repeated evolutionary adaptation revealed a single point mutation that modulates expression of gene H, a known essential gene, and fully suppresses the fitness defect. Taken together, we conclude that the annotation of currently functional ORFs for the øX174 genome is formally complete. More broadly, we show that sequencing and bioinformatics followed by synthesis-enabled reverse genomics, proteomics, and evolutionary adaptation can definitely establish the sufficiency and completeness of natural genome annotations.
Sexually antagonistic selection promotes genetic divergence between males and females in an ant
Authors: Eyer Pierre-André , Blumenfeld Alexander J. , Vargo Edward L.
Published: November 2019

Genetic diversity acts as a reservoir for potential adaptations, yet selection tends to reduce this diversity over generations. However, sexually antagonistic selection (SAS) may promote diversity by selecting different alleles in each sex. SAS arises when an allele is beneficial to one sex but harmful to the other. Usually, the evolution of sex chromosomes allows each sex to independently reach different optima, thereby circumventing the constraint of a shared autosomal genome. Because the X chromosome is found twice as often in females than males, it represents a hot spot for SAS, offering a refuge for recessive male-beneficial but female-costly alleles. Hymenopteran species do not have sex chromosomes; females are diploid and males are haploid, with sex usually determined by heterozygosity at the complementary sex-determining locus. For this reason, their entire genomes display an X-linked pattern, as every chromosome is found twice as often in females than in males, which theoretically predisposes them to SAS in large parts of their genome. Here we report an instance of sexual divergence in the Hymenoptera, a sexually reproducing group that lacks sex chromosomes. In the invasive ant
Nylanderia fulva
, a postzygotic SAS leads daughters to preferentially carry alleles from their mothers and sons to preferentially carry alleles from their grandfathers for a substantial region (∼3%) of the genome. This mechanism results in nearly all females being heterozygous at these regions and maintains diversity throughout the population, which may mitigate the effects of a genetic bottleneck following introduction to an exotic area and enhance the invasion success of this ant.
Heightened levels and seasonal inversion of riverine suspended sediment in a tropical biodiversity hot spot due to artisanal gold mining
Authors: Dethier Evan N. , Sartain Shannon L. , Lutz David A.
Published: November 2019

In recent years, rising gold prices have exacerbated the global proliferation of artisanal-scale gold mining (ASGM), with catastrophic consequences for human and ecological health. Much of this burgeoning industry has occurred in biodiversity hot spots, notably in the tropical forests of South America. While the loss of tropical forests and floodplains as a result of ASGM has been well characterized, ASGM impacts on riverine hydrological properties are less understood. Previous fieldwork on ASGM-affected and gully-eroded tropical streams and rivers has demonstrated that increases in suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) can substantially impact fish diversity and aquatic community structure, yet our understanding of the timing and scope of impacts of such increases is limited by the lack of long-term records of SSC. To address this challenge, we present a 34-y analysis of the direct effect of ASGM on 32 river reaches in the Madre de Dios region of Peru, which has been heavily impacted by ASGM since the 1980s. We evaluate spatial and temporal patterns of impacts using estimated SSC derived from Landsat satellite imagery. We find that 16 of 18 stretches of river impacted by ASGM show significant increasing trends in SSC (
P
< 0.05), while only 5 of 14 unaffected sites do so. Additionally, ASGM appears to reverse natural seasonal cycles of SSC, which may imperil aquatic species. Overall, our findings indicate that ASGM is fundamentally altering optical water quality dynamics of a critical tropical biodiversity hot spot and provide guidance for future regulation of these activities.
Introgression drives repeated evolution of winter coat color polymorphism in hares
Authors: Giska Iwona , Farelo Liliana , Pimenta João , Seixas Fernando A. , Ferreira Mafalda S. , Marques João P. , Miranda Inês , Letty Jérôme , Jenny Hannes , Hackländer Klaus , Magnussen Eyðfinn , Melo-Ferreira José
Published: November 2019

Changing from summer-brown to winter-white pelage or plumage is a crucial adaptation to seasonal snow in more than 20 mammal and bird species. Many of these species maintain nonwhite winter morphs, locally adapted to less snowy conditions, which may have evolved independently. Mountain hares (
Lepus timidus
) from Fennoscandia were introduced into the Faroe Islands in 1855. While they were initially winter-white, within ∼65 y all Faroese hares became winter-gray, a morph that occurs in the source population at low frequency. The documented population history makes this a valuable model for understanding the genetic basis and evolution of the seasonal trait polymorphism. Through whole-genome scans of differentiation and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, we associated winter coat color polymorphism to the genomic region of the pigmentation gene
Agouti
, previously linked to introgression-driven winter coat color variation in the snowshoe hare (
Lepus americanus
). Lower
Agouti
expression in the skin of winter-gray individuals during the autumn molt suggests that regulatory changes may underlie the color polymorphism. Variation in the associated genomic region shows signatures of a selective sweep in the Faroese population, suggesting that positive selection drove the fixation of the variant after the introduction. Whole-genome analyses of several hare species revealed that the winter-gray variant originated through introgression from a noncolor changing species, in keeping with the history of ancient hybridization between the species. Our findings show the recurrent role of introgression in generating winter coat color variation by repeatedly recruiting the regulatory region of
Agouti
to modulate seasonal coat color change.
Shockley–Queisser triangle predicts the thermodynamic efficiency limits of arbitrarily complex multijunction bifacial solar cells
Authors: Alam Muhammad A. , Khan M. Ryyan
Published: November 2019

Significance

A solar cell converts sunlight directly to electricity and is an important source of renewable energy. The thermodynamic efficiency of a solar cell defines the ultimate limit of photoconversion and suggests strategies to achieve it. Recent progress in manufacturing, efficiency, and reliability has led to an astounding proliferation of the fixed-tilt single-junction PV technologies. The progress can be accelerated by a variety of innovative strategies (e.g., bifacial tandems, agro-PV, etc.). In a simple, single-line scaling formula, this paper unifies isolated and scattered results derived over the last 50 years and generalizes them to technologies whose thermodynamic limits are unknown. This work identifies promising concepts and their performance gain over traditional technologies.
Intrinsic elasticity of nucleosomes is encoded by histone variants and calibrated by their binding partners
Authors: Melters Daniël P. , Pitman Mary , Rakshit Tatini , Dimitriadis Emilios K. , Bui Minh , Papoian Garegin A. , Dalal Yamini
Published: November 2019

Histone variants fine-tune transcription, replication, DNA damage repair, and faithful chromosome segregation. Whether and how nucleosome variants encode unique mechanical properties to their cognate chromatin structures remains elusive. Here, using in silico and in vitro nanoindentation methods, extending to in vivo dissections, we report that histone variant nucleosomes are intrinsically more elastic than their canonical counterparts. Furthermore, binding proteins, which discriminate between histone variant nucleosomes, suppress this innate elasticity and also compact chromatin. Interestingly, when we overexpress the binding proteins in vivo, we also observe increased compaction of chromatin enriched for histone variant nucleosomes, correlating with diminished access. Taken together, these data suggest a plausible link between innate mechanical properties possessed by histone variant nucleosomes, the adaptability of chromatin states in vivo, and the epigenetic plasticity of the underlying locus.
Normalized US hurricane damage estimates using area of total destruction, 1900−2018
Authors: Grinsted Aslak , Ditlevsen Peter , Christensen Jens Hesselbjerg
Published: November 2019

Significance

We present an approach to normalize hurricane damage, where damage is framed in terms of an equivalent area of total destruction. This has some advantages over customary normalization schemes, and we demonstrate that our record has reduced variance and correlates marginally better with wind speeds and pressure. That is, it allows us to better address climatic trends. We find that hurricanes are indeed becoming more damaging. The frequency of the very most damaging hurricanes has increased at a rate of 330% per century.
The in vivo endothelial cell translatome is highly heterogeneous across vascular beds
Authors: Cleuren Audrey C. A. , van der Ent Martijn A. , Jiang Hui , Hunker Kristina L. , Yee Andrew , Siemieniak David R. , Molema Grietje , Aird William C. , Ganesh Santhi K. , Ginsburg David
Published: November 2019

Endothelial cells (ECs) are highly specialized across vascular beds. However, given their interspersed anatomic distribution, comprehensive characterization of the molecular basis for this heterogeneity in vivo has been limited. By applying endothelial-specific translating ribosome affinity purification (EC-TRAP) combined with high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis, we identified pan EC-enriched genes and tissue-specific EC transcripts, which include both established markers and genes previously unappreciated for their presence in ECs. In addition, EC-TRAP limits changes in gene expression after EC isolation and in vitro expansion, as well as rapid vascular bed-specific shifts in EC gene expression profiles as a result of the enzymatic tissue dissociation required to generate single-cell suspensions for fluorescence-activated cell sorting or single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Comparison of our EC-TRAP with published single-cell RNA sequencing data further demonstrates considerably greater sensitivity of EC-TRAP for the detection of low abundant transcripts. Application of EC-TRAP to examine the in vivo host response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) revealed the induction of gene expression programs associated with a native defense response, with marked differences across vascular beds. Furthermore, comparative analysis of whole-tissue and TRAP-selected mRNAs identified LPS-induced differences that would not have been detected by whole-tissue analysis alone. Together, these data provide a resource for the analysis of EC-specific gene expression programs across heterogeneous vascular beds under both physiologic and pathologic conditions.
T6SS and ExoA of flesh-eating
Aeromonas hydrophila
in peritonitis and necrotizing fasciitis during mono- and polymicrobial infections
Authors: Fernández-Bravo Ana , Kilgore Paul B. , Andersson Jourdan A. , Blears Elizabeth , Figueras Maria José , Hasan Nur A. , Colwell Rita R. , Sha Jian , Chopra Ashok K.
Published: November 2019

An earlier report described a human case of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) caused by mixed infection with 4
Aeromonas hydrophila
strains (NF1–NF4). While the NF2, NF3, and NF4 strains were clonal and possessed exotoxin A (ExoA), the NF1 strain was determined to be phylogenetically distinct, harboring a unique type 6 secretion system (T6SS) effector (TseC). During NF1 and NF2 mixed infection, only NF1 disseminated, while NF2 was rapidly killed by a contact-dependent mechanism and macrophage phagocytosis, as was demonstrated by using in vitro models. To confirm these findings, we developed 2 NF1 mutants (NF1Δ
tseC
and NF1Δ
vasK
);
vasK
encodes an essential T6SS structural component. NF1 VasK and TseC were proven to be involved in contact-dependent killing of NF2 in vitro, as well as in its elimination at the intramuscular injection site in vivo during mixed infection, with overall reduced mouse mortality. ExoA was shown to have an important role in NF by both NF1-
exoA
(with
cis exoA
) and NF2 during monomicrobial infection. However, the contribution of ExoA was more important for NF2 than NF1 in the murine peritonitis model. The NF2∆
exoA
mutant did not significantly alter animal mortality or NF1 dissemination during mixed infection in the NF model, suggesting that the ExoA activity was significant at the injection site. Immunization of mice to ExoA protected animals from NF2 monomicrobial challenge, but not from polymicrobial infection because of NF2 clearance. This study clarified the roles of T6SS and ExoA in pathogenesis caused by
A. hydrophila
NF strains in both mouse peritonitis and NF models in monomicrobial and polymicrobial infections.