bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel application of electrochemical bipolar exfoliated graphene for highly sensitive disposable label-free cancer biomarker aptasensors
Authors: Forouzanfar Shahrzad , Khakpour Iman , Alam Fahmida , Pala Nezih , Wang Chunlei
Published: August 2021

The developed cancer biomarker aptasensor based on bipolar exfoliated graphene electrodes has high potential for scale up and mass production due to the low cost and high efficiency of the developed process and the high affinity of the DNA aptamers.
A low-cost route to prepare Fe-doped ZSM-22 zeolite with the assistance of a precursor solution
Authors: Chang Tong , Liu Suyao
Published: August 2021

To decrease the synthesis cost and avoid the migration of framework Fe, an Fe-doped ZSM-22 zeolite was prepared with the assistance of a small amount of precursor solution in the absence of an additional organic template.
A zinc/PyBisulidine catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of N-tosyl imines with 3-acyloxy-2-oxindoles
Authors: Yang Zinan , He Huakang , Tian Rui , Wu Ruoran , Hu Sheng , Wu Yue , Zhou Hui
Published: August 2021

Various quaternary substituted 3-acyloxy-2-oxindoles bearing vicinal amino alcohol motifs were obtained via a Zn–PyBisulidine catalyzed asymmetric Mannich reaction of 3-acyloxy-2-oxindoles.
One-pot transformation of furfural into γ-valerolactone catalyzed by a hierarchical Hf-Al-USY zeolite with balanced Lewis and Brønsted acid sites
Authors: Tang Bo , Li Shuang , Song Wei-Chao , Li Yan , Yang En-Cui
Published: August 2021

A hierarchically structured bifunctional Hf-Al-USY zeolite with balanced Lewis and Brønsted acid sites has been developed as a robust catalyst for the one-pot conversion of biomass-derived furfural to γ-valerolactone.
Metal phosphides: topical advances in the design of supercapacitors
Authors: Agarwal Akanksha , Sankapal Babasaheb R.
Published: August 2021

The design and development of metal phosphides for advanced energy storage applications.
Organotin Schiff bases as halofluorochromic dyes: green synthesis, chemio-photophysical characterization, DFT, and their fluorescent bioimaging in vitro
Authors: López-Espejel Margarita , Gómez-Treviño Alberto , Muñoz-Flores Blanca M. , Treto-Suarez Manuel A. , Schott Eduardo , Páez-Hernández Dayán , Zarate Ximena , Jiménez-Pérez Víctor M.
Published: August 2021

A series of eight fluorescent organotin compounds show photophysical properties, and two of them (6 and 7) show hypochromic behavior in solution, which might help distinguish cancer from normal cells.
Fluorescent magnetic ionic liquids with multiple responses to temperature, humidity and organic vapors
Authors: Huang Zhaohui , Yi Mengjiao , Xu Yue , Qi Ping , Liu Yihan , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng
Published: August 2021

Papers loaded with fluorescent magnetic ionic liquids exhibited multiple responses to temperature, humidity and organic vapors.
Improvement in the photoelectrochemical water-splitting performance using GaN nanowires with bundle structures
Authors: Han Sangmoon , Noh Siyun , Shin Jaehyeok , Yu Yeon-Tae , Lee Cheul-Ro , Kim Jin Soo
Published: August 2021

Improvement in the photoelectrochemical water splitting performance by reducing surface-trap states by forming bundle structures of GaN nanowires.
Frequency-resolved radio and high-energy emission of pulsars
Authors: Giraud Q. , Pétri J.
Published: August 2021

Context. Pulsars are detected as broadband electromagnetic emitters from the radio wavelength up to high and very high energy in the MeV, the GeV and sometimes even in the TeV range. Multiwavelength phase-resolved spectra and light curves offer an unrivaled opportunity to understand their underlying radiation mechanisms and to localize their emission sites and therefore the particle acceleration regions.

Aims. In this paper we compute pulsar multiwavelength phase-resolved light curves and spectra, assuming that both curvature and synchrotron radiation operate from inside the magnetosphere of a rotating vacuum magnet. Radio emission arises from dipolar regions above the polar caps, whereas gamma-ray energy emanates from the slot gaps in the vicinity of the separatrix between closed and open field lines.

Methods. By integrating particle trajectories within the slot gaps, we compute energy-dependent photon sky maps in the radio band (MHz−GHz) and in the gamma-ray band (from MeV to GeV) for mono-energetic distribution functions of leptons.

Results. We obtained many details of the energy-dependent light curves and phase-resolved spectra from the radio wavelength up to the gamma-ray energies. Choosing Lorentz factors of γ ≈ 30 for the secondary plasma responsible for the radio emitting particles and γ ≈ 107 for the primary beam producing gamma-ray-emitting particles limited by radiation reaction, we found realistic spectra that account for the wealth of multiwavelength pulsar observations.
Vascular and Myocardial Function in Young People with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Insulin Pump Therapy Versus Multiple Daily Injections Insulin Regimen
Authors: D’Amato Gabriele , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Faienza Maria Felicia , Scicchitano Pietro , Lamparelli Raffaella , Zaza Pierlugi , Cecere Annagrazia , Brunetti Giacomina , Cortese Francesca , Valente Federica , Delvecchio Maurizio , Giordano Paola , Zito Anna Paola
Published: August 2021

Introduction Multiple daily injections (MDI) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) are two modalities of treating type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The benefits of CSII on long-term metabolic control and outcomes compared to those of MDI are still debated. We investigated both vascular function and myocardial performance in T1DM adolescents on MDI or CSII treatment.

Methods One hundred twenty-three T1DM subjects (mean age 14.16±2.55 years), 63 on MDI regimen, 60 on CSII, and 57 controls were enrolled. Anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were evaluated. Ultrasound assessments of carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated dilatation of brachial artery, anteroposterior diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (APAO), and transthoracic echocardiography were performed.

Results T1DM subjects on the CSII regimen showed better glycemic control than those on MDI, expressed as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). c-IMT and APAO were higher in MDI than CSII patients (0.61±0.11 mm vs. 0.56±0.07 mm, p=0.04; 13.61±3.29 mm vs. 11.65±1.84 mm, p=0.01, respectively). Left and right Tei index and left E/e’ ratio were higher in MDI than CSII subjects (0.82±0.40 vs. 0.52±0.19, p=0.002; 0.86±0.41 vs. 0.64±0.1, p=0.02; 5.89±2.0 vs. 4.73±1.59, p=0.02, respectively). Multiple regression analyses showed that glucose level, HbA1c and diabetes onset were significantly related to vascular and echocardiographic parameters in MDI and CSII patients.

Conclusions CSII regimen in T1DM adolescents improves glycemic control and seems to ameliorate endothelial function and global myocardial performance as compared to MDI therapy.
Organspende in der Neonatologie – ethisch eine
Gratwanderung
Authors: Woellert Katharina
Published: August 2021

Der Tod eines Neugeborenen berührt. Dies gilt in der hier beschriebenen
Situation in besonderer Weise, was auf die dramatischen Umstände des
Geschehens zurückzuführen ist. Aber beinhaltet die Fallschilderung
damit auch eine ethische Problematik und wurde hier ein unter tragischen Bedingungen
verstorbener Säugling in ethischer nicht vertretbarer Weise zum
Organspender?
Alte Hebammentaschen und -koffer als
medizinhistorische Schatztruhen mit
(Er-) Forschungsbedarf
Authors: Ebert Andreas D. , David Matthias
Published: August 2021

Die meisten geburtshilflich tätigen Ärztinnen und Ärzte haben
wohl schon einmal eine Hebammentasche gesehen – nur wenige jedoch kennen
ihren Inhalt (Abb. 1a, b).
Impact of Clomiphene Citrate on the Steroid Profile in Dysmetabolic Men with Low Testosterone Levels
Authors: Pelusi Carla , Fanelli Flamina , Baccini Margherita , De Pergola Giovanni , Triggiani Vincenzo , Mezzullo Marco , Fazzini Alessia , Di Dalmazi Guido , Petrovic Biljana , Paterini Paola , Labate Antonio Maria Morselli , Pagotto Uberto , Giagulli Vito Angelo
Published: August 2021

Clomiphene citrate (CC) in male hypogonadism increases testosterone (T) and estrogen levels by stimulating pituitary gonadotropin release. Our group confirmed these hormonal changes in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind trial of CC versus placebo in addition to metformin, conducted in 21 obese dysmetabolic men with low T levels. However, we hypothesize that based on its mechanism of action, CC may directly or indirectly affect adrenal steroidogenesis. The aim of this sub-study was to better understand the changes in steroid levels and metabolism induced by CC treatment. We assessed 17α-hydroxypregnelone (17αOH-P5), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P4), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17αOH-P4), androstenedione (A), T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), 11-deoxycortisol (11 S), cortisol (F), and cortisone (E) by LC-MS/MS, and corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) by ELISA, before and after each treatment. In addition, free-F and steroid product/precursor ratios were calculated. We observed a significant change in serum levels induced by CC compared with placebo for 17αOH-P4, DHT, T, E2, E1, F, E, and CBG, but not free-F. In addition, compared to placebo, CC induced higher 17αOH-P4/P4, E2/E1, 17αOH-P4/17αOH-P5, A/17αOH-P4, T/A, E1/A, F/11 S, and F/E ratios. Therefore, besides the CC stimulating effect on testis steroidogenesis, our study showed increased F, E, but not free-F, levels, indicating changes in steroid metabolism rather than adrenal secretion stimulation. The steroid profiling also revealed the CC stimulation of the Δ5 rather than the Δ4 pathway, thus indicating considerable testicular involvement in the increased androgen secretion.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: The Genetic Susceptibility Behind the
Disease
Authors: Wei Wenwen , He Yuejuan , Wang Xin , Tan Guiqin , Zhou Fangyu , Zheng Guangbing , Tian Dan , Ma Xiaomin , Yu Hongsong
Published: August 2021

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a type of pregnancy-specific glucose
intolerance or hyperglycemia, is one of the most common metabolic disorders in
pregnant women with 16.9% of the global prevalence of gestational
hyperglycemia. Not only are women with GDM likely to develop T2DM, but their
children are also at risk for birth complications or metabolic disease in
adulthood. Therefore, identifying the potential risk factors for GDM is very
important in the prevention and treatment of GDM. Previous studies have shown
that genetic predisposition is an essential component in the occurrence of GDM.
In this narrative review, we describe the role of polymorphisms in different
functional genes associated with increased risk for GDM, and available evidence
on genetic factors in the risk of GDM is summarized and discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Antifungal Nanocomposite AgSiO2 Polymethyl Methacrylate
Authors: Sabouhi Mahmoud , Amini-Pozveh Maryam , Bajoghli Farshad , Dastjerd Hamid reza , Mohammadi Rasoul
Published: August 2021

Objectives Polymethyl methacrylate as the most common material used in denture bases has some problems. The aim of this study was to introduce a new nanocomposite of PMMA to improve flexural strength and antifungal properties.

Materials and Methods In this experimental study, AgSiO2 nanoparticles were prepared, and their characteristics were confirmed by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. Then the nanoparticles in the weight ratio of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% were incorporated to heat-cured PMMA and the control group included no nanoparticles.

To measure the flexural strength before and after thermocycling three-point bending test was used. Eight samples per group with dimensions of 65 × 10 × 2.5 mm were used. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans (PTCC 5027) was investigated through colony count method. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS at significance level of p-value ≤0.05.

Results The mean flexural strength in groups 0.1, 0.3, and 0.7% was significantly higher than the control. After thermocycling flexural strength of the control group was significantly lower than 0.3 and 0.5% groups. As the concentration of nanoparticles increased the antifungal activity improved (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Addition of nanoparticles AgSiO2 improved flexural strength and antifungal characteristics of PMMA.
Peripartum Antibiotics Exposure and the Risk of Autoimmune and Autism Disorders in the Offspring
Authors: Almasri Jehad , Barazi Ahmed , King Katherine S. , Walther-Antonio Marina R. S. , Wang Zhen , Murad Mohammad H. , Murray Joseph A. , Absah Imad
Published: August 2021

Background As the use of antibiotics during the peripartum period increases, the incidence of autoimmune disorders and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is also increasing. In this study, we aim to assess if antibiotic exposure during the peripartum period affects the incidence of autoimmune diseases and ASD in the offspring.

Methods We identified children (< 18 years of age) born in Olmsted County from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2012. Offspring with celiac disease (CD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or ASD diagnoses were matched to two controls on birth date, index date, mother’s age at delivery, and sex. Data from the mother’s medical records were retrieved to determine peripartum antibiotics use.

Results A total of 242 cases and 484 matched controls were included in this study. Median age at the last follow-up was 11.3 years (range: 0.5–14.9), 73% were males in both groups. Odds of CD diagnosis was not statistically different between vaginal delivery with antibiotics compared with vaginal delivery with no antibiotics (odds ratio [OR] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–1.85), similarly in IBD (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 0.53–10.98) and ASD (OR = 1.00, 95% CI:0.55–1.79). Preeclampsia or eclampsia was associated with offspring CD (OR = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.05–9.78). Smoking history and diabetes mellitus were associated with offspring ASD (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.22–2.77 and OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.03–3.91, respectively).

Conclusion In this cohort, we found no statistically significant association between peripartum antibiotics exposure and the development of CD, IBD, or ASD.
Autoantibody Clustering in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Baisya Ritasman , Devarasetti Phani Kumar , R. Murthy G. S. , Rajasekhar Liza
Published: August 2021

Systemic lupus erythematous–associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE-PAH) is one of the important causes of mortality in lupus patients. Different autoantibodies are associated with SLE-PAH which can predict its future development. The objective of the study was to identify distinct autoantibody-based clusters in SLE-PAH patients and to compare demographic characters, clinical phenotypes, and therapeutic strategy across the clusters. Three distinct autoantibody clusters were identified using k-means cluster analysis in 71 SLE-PAH patients. Cluster1 had predominant Sm-RNP, Smith, SS-A association; cluster 2 had no definite autoantibody association; and cluster 3 was associated with nucleosome, histone, dsDNA, and ribosomal P protein. Patients in cluster 3 had a highly active disease while those in cluster 1 had significant cytopenia. Mean age and mean right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were both high in cluster 2, indicating later-onset PAH in this group. This was the first autoantibody-based cluster analysis study in SLE-PAH patients in India which confirmed that autoantibodies did exist as clusters and the presence of definite autoantibodies can predict future development of pulmonary hypertension in these patients.
Usefulness of WBC Count to Mean Platelet Volume Ratio in Predicting Short-Term (30 Days) Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Presenting with Acute Coronary Syndrome and its Comparison in Males and Females
Authors: Madaka Sheshidhar
Published: August 2021

Background: Among cardiovascular illnesses, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) events are associated with higher mortality and morbidity. The mechanism of inflammation involved in the ACS includes atherosclerotic plaque development, followed by development of plaque rupture and thrombosis. The present study is to determine whether white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR) can predict short-term (30 days) major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in ACS patients, and also compare WMR and MACE in males and females.

Aim: To detect usefulness of white blood cell (WBC) count to WMR in predicting short term (30 days) MACE in patients presenting with ACS and compare values and MACE events in males and females.

Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in a tertiary-care hospital from September 2020 to December 2020. A total of 60 patients, who presented with ACS and were undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), fulfilled the selection criterion; hence, a total of 60 patients were selected for the study after taking informed consent. The clearance from the Institutional Ethical committee (IEC) was obtained prior to the initiation of the study. All the necessary investigations were done in patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results of the study were systematically selected and analysis done statistically. The study included all patients with clinical suspicion of ACS for more than 18 years and excluded non-ACS patients, patients with malignancy history, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, infections, and those who are immunosuppressed.

Results: In the present study, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed cutoff value of WMR as 1059 with area under curve (AUC) of 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9). MACE occurred in 12 patients and mortality occurred in 6 patients. Among MACE, recurrent myocardial infarction (REMI) occurred in 7 (35%) cases, arrhythmias occurred in 5 (25%), and cardiogenic shock occurred in 8 (40%) cases.

WMR with a cutoff value of 1059 was significant and highly accurate in predicting MACE, with sensitivity of 91.6%, specificity of 87.5%, PPV of 64.7%, NPV of 97.6%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.3%. Compared to males, females have less sensitivity to, high specificity to, and high diagnostic accuracy of WMR ratio in predicting MACE. MACE did not show any gender predilection.

Conclusion: In patients, who presented with ACS, high WMR values were associated with worse short-term outcomes and independently predicted short-term MACE. Compared to males, females have less sensitivity to, high specificity to, and high diagnostic accuracy of WMR ratio in predicting MACE.
Stacking fabric saves time during atomic layer deposition
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: August 2021

Coating fabric stacks instead of single fibers covers more area per batch while preparing fibers to embed in ceramic matrix composites.
Synthesizing thermoelectric materials to contribute to sustainable power generation
Authors: McConnon Aili
Published: August 2021

Characterizing clathrate Ba 8-d Au 5.33 Ge 40.67 , which features both strong Ba-Au bonding and surprisingly long phonon lifetimes, indicates its promise for recycling waste heat.
Analyzing and relieving the thermal issues caused by fabrication details of a deuterium cryogenic target
Authors: Yang Hong , Gao Shasha , Jiang Baibin , Xie Jun , Liang Juxi , Qi Xiaobo , Wang Kai , Tao Chaoyou , Dai Fei , Lin Wei , Zhang Juan
Published: August 2021

In inertial confinement fusion experiments, fuel quality is determined mainly by the thermal environment of the capsule in the layering procedure. Owing to the absence of a radial thermal gradient, formed deuterium–deuterium (DD) ice shells in the capsule are thermally instable. To obtain a solid DD layer with good quality and long lifetime, stringent demands must be placed on the thermal performance of cryogenic targets. In DD cryogenic target preparation, two issues arise, even after the capsule’s temperature uniformity has been improved by the use of thick aluminized films. The first is the inconsistent ice shape, which is related to the capsule’s thermal field. In this article, some typical fabrication details are investigated, including adhesive penetration during assembly, the presence of the fill tube, the optical properties of the hohlraum and film surfaces, the jacket–hohlraum connection, deviations in capsule location, and asymmetrical contact at the arm–jacket interfaces. Detailed comparisons of the thermal effects of these factors provide guidance for target optimization. The second issue is the instability of seeding crystals in the fill tube due to unsteadiness of the direction of the thermal gradient in the fill tube assembly. An additional thermal controller is proposed, analyzed, and optimized to provide robust controllability of tube temperature. The analysis results and optimization methods presented in this article should not only help in dealing with thermal issues associated with DD cryogenic targets, but also provide important references for engineering design of other cryogenic targets.
Temporal stability of multiple similarity solutions for porous channel flows with expanding or contracting walls
Authors: Sun Yanxiao , Lin Ping , Guo Zhenlin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the temporal stability of multiple similarity solutions (flow patterns) for the incompressible laminar fluid flow along a uniformly porous channel with expanding or contracting walls is analyzed. This work extends the recent results of similarity perturbations of Sun et al. [“Temporal stability analysis for multiple similarity solutions of viscous incompressible flows in porous channels with moving walls,” Appl. Math. Modell. 77, 738–755 (2020)] by examining the temporal stability with perturbations of general form (including similarity and nonsimilarity forms). Based on the linear stability theory, two-dimensional eigenvalue problems associated with the flow equations are formulated and numerically solved by a finite difference method on the staggered grids. The linear stability analysis reveals that the stability of the solutions is same with that under the perturbations of a similarity form within the range of the wall expansion ratio α. [−5≤α≤3 as in Sun et al., “Temporal stability analysis for multiple similarity solutions of viscous incompressible flows in porous channels with moving walls,” Appl. Math. Modell. 77, 738–755 (2020)]. Further, it is found that the expansion ratio α has a great influence on the stability of type I flows: in the case of wall contraction (α<0), the stability region of the cross-flow Reynolds number (R) increases as the contraction ratio (|α|) increases; in the case of wall expansion and 0<α≤1, the stability region increases as the expansion ratio (α) increases; in the case of 1≤α≤3, type I flows are stable for all R where they exist. The flows of other types (types II and III with −5≤α≤3 and type IV with α = 3) are always unstable. As a nonlinear stability analysis or a validation of the linear stability analysis, the original nonlinear two-dimensional time-dependent problem with an initial perturbation of general form over those flow patterns is solved directly. It is found that the stability with the nonlinear analysis is consistent with the linear stability analysis.
Transport and dynamic analysis of magnetic nanoparticles in brain microvascular vessels
Authors: Kosari Erfan , Vafai Kambiz
Published: August 2021

The number of patients with neurodegenerative disorders is growing rapidly, and it poses a major concern to discover effective therapies. The well-known deep brain stimulation as a treatment for Parkinson's disease has irredeemable impact on the brain tissue. Magnetothermal stimulation is a good alternative though, it is still invasive due to stereotactic injection for nanoparticle delivery. A good solution to this issue is to take advantage of microvasculature and excite the nanoparticles inside the brain capillaries. Hence, transport and dynamic analysis of blood flow through a brain capillary is crucial. This article presents a two-dimensional theoretical study of a blood flow with magnetic nanoparticles through a capillary when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles are localized within the domain over time. The particle transport impacts and the dynamic interactions with the blood flow are elaborately investigated.
Temporal phytocoenosia and synusiae: should we consider temporal sampling in vegetation classification?
Authors: Hunter John T.
Published: August 2021

Vegetation classification requires the defining of a hierarchy of types based on a spatial and temporal dimensionality. Spatial variation is achieved by plots being placed across the landscape; however, temporal dimensionality is generally only inferred but not directly tested and is rarely incorporated within the circumscription of types. Here, 108 permanent plots are surveyed across 7 years within the Mulga Lands Bioregion of north-western New South Wales through a drought cycle to assist in incorporating temporal dimensionality within community definition. Herbaceous biomass and species density decreased significantly and species composition changed associated with increasing drought conditions, with a return to closer to original conditions by the end of the study. Here, nine temporal associations and 31 synusiae are defined. The changes noted have significant implications for current vegetation classification methods, benchmarking and threatened community listings. The use of permanent plots in vegetation classification is recommended at least for threatened communities and highly dynamic vegetation types associated with less predictable climates.
Indigenous cultural burning had less impact than wildfire on the threatened Backwater grevillea (
Authors: McKemey Michelle , Banbai Rangers The , Patterson Maureen (Lesley) , Hunter John , Ridges Malcolm , Ens Emilie , Miller Cara , Costello Oliver , Reid Nick
Published: August 2021

Indigenous self-determination, land rights and caring for Country programs are enabling Indigenous peoples across the world to re-establish customary roles in biodiversity conservation and cultural fire management. In Australia, Indigenous-controlled lands form the majority of the protected area estate, harbour almost 60% of listed threatened species and maintain high levels of biodiversity. This study used cross-cultural (Indigenous and Western academic) methods to monitor the impact of Indigenous cultural burning v. wildfire on the threatened plant, Backwater grevillea (Grevillea scortechinii subsp. sarmentosa). Cultural burning resulted in lower mature grevillea mortality and less impact on reproductive output than wildfire. Both fires stimulated a mass germination but the cultural burn preserved a multi-aged population while the wildfire killed 99.6% of mature shrubs. Comparison of fuel load changes resulting from cultural burning, hazard reduction burning and wildfire indicated that fuel loads were reduced by all fire treatments, although the cultural burn was less severe than other fires. Our case study of the Backwater grevillea and its Banbai custodians provides an example where Indigenous rangers have adopted a plant into their cultural management framework. They are conserving this threatened species using culturally driven, holistic management that is locally focused and supported by cross-cultural knowledge.
Neural signatures of attentional engagement during narratives and its consequences for event memory
Authors: Song Hayoung , Finn Emily S. , Rosenberg Monica D.
Published: August 2021

Significance

The degree to which we are engaged in narratives fluctuates over time. What drives these changes in engagement, and how do they affect what we remember? Behavioral studies showed that people experienced similar fluctuations in engagement during a television show or an audio-narrated story and were more engaged during emotional moments. Functional MRI experiments revealed that changes in a pattern of functional brain connectivity predicted changes in narrative engagement. This predictive brain network not only was related to a validated neuromarker of sustained attention but also predicted what narrative events people recalled after the MRI scan. Overall, this study empirically characterizes engagement as emotion-laden attention and reveals system-level dynamics underlying real-world attention and memory.
Prediction in second language processing and learning
Authors: Kaan Edith , Grüter Theres
Published: August 2021

There is ample evidence that language users, including second language (L2) speakers, can predict upcoming information during listening and reading. Yet it is still unclear when, how, and why language users engage in prediction, and what the relation is between prediction and learning. This volume presents a collection of current research, insights and directions regarding the role of prediction in L2 processing and learning. In this introductory chapter, we provide an overview of the current state of the field and highlight that prediction may not always be the most efficient processing mechanism, depending on a language user’s linguistic experience, task demands, goals and resources. We propose that a focus on the utility of prediction may help us better understand differences in predictive processing within and between individuals and groups.
Second language prediction ability across different linguistic domains
Authors: Schlenter Judith , Felser Claudia
Published: August 2021

Previous research suggests that second language (L2) speakers can reliably use lexical-semantic cues for predictive processing but have difficulty using morphosyntactic ones. Here we report the results from a visual-world eye-tracking study that tested first language (L1) Russian/L2 German speakers in two parallel experiments, asking whether morphosyntactic prediction is indeed more limited in an L2 compared to semantic prediction. In Experiment 1 both the L2 speakers and L1 German-speaking controls showed evidence of using selectional restriction information to anticipate an upcoming direct object. Unlike what was reported previously, in Experiment 2 the same group of L2 speakers also showed evidence of using morphological case information predictively. However, between-group differences suggested that L2 speakers had more difficulty integrating competing cues during processing than L1 speakers.
Magnum oculum et parvum os
Authors: Mandingorra Llavata Maria Luz
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to show the relationship established between women and silence during the Late Middle Ages. Silence itself was valued as a virtue for all the faithful; however it was demanded of every woman as the necessary condition to show honesty and devotion. Moreover, loquacity was considered a natural attribute of women, who, according to moralists, used the word in many negative ways, especially to criticize other women or to convince men to behave wrongly. As a result, the imposition of silence and therefore the restriction of the word – spoken or written – became tools aimed to exercise control over women and to perpetuate the prevailing models of imbalance and inequality between men and women at a time precisely in which female voices were gaining greater authority within some intellectual circles. To this end, we analysed the sermons of one of the most remarkable preachers at the time, saint Vicent Ferrer, since preaching was an effective way of propagation of role models. In addition to this, we studied images such as paintings or book illuminations, which contributed also to spread the ideal of the silent woman, following the example of the Virgin Mary, who barely spoke in the New Testament. Nevertheless, the Holy Mother and other female saints were often represented reading the Bible, which encouraged some women to read and possess Books of Hours or other Prayer Books.
Vida quotidiana i marginalitat femenina a la València del segle XV
Authors: Peirats Navarro Anna Isabel
Published: August 2021

This article focuses on the description of the other view of Valencia in the 15th century, that of social marginalization, which, in addition to excluding a large part of society suffering from contagious diseases, could be manifested in a more concrete way for exercising various trades that are considered as immoral. The following pages offer a description of two female groups, particularly treated as vile and despicable: the healers, sorceresses and witches, whose strength was considered to have a demonic origin, and the prostitutes, dedicated to cover a “minor evil” in society, but seen as unworthy by society, because of the practical exercise of their trade.

As for the healers, both the sermons of St. Vincent and the texts of didactic and moralizing literature attack this profession, which, on the other hand, was required on many occasions. In this sense, Jaume Roig’s Spill presents a whole series of superstitious practices, exercised by women doctors. This natural inclination of women to superstition, understood as an exponent of popular culture, reaches its maximum expression from the idea, widespread in medieval Europe, that women become witches, renounce God and worship the devil.

Another group described in this article is that of prostitutes, whose profession is understood, from the Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine, and preachers such as St. Vincent, as a lesser evil, in order to avoid worse evils on the side of lust. Prostitutes, especially if they were muslims, were marginalized, punished, and considered vile women, because they had strayed from a honest life. The only possible alternative was to leave the brothel and be confined in a monastery, as is the case of the monastery of “Les Repenedides”, which was founded in Valencia in 1345, where prostitutes had to remain in prison for at least one year, in order to achieve social reintegration and grace before God.
Als marges de la història de l’art
Authors: Granell Francesc
Published: August 2021

Bibliography on the pictorial production in the city and the kingdom of Valencia focuses on the altarpiece painting. Painters who embellished other devices – such as coffers, boxes, shields, flags, armours or curtains – have not been displaced from the history of Valencian painting, but they need to be considered on a case-by-case basis. This paper examines the painter of coffers’ profession between 1390 and 1430. For this purpose, we are going to consult archival documents published by Josep Sanchis Sivera and Lluís Cerveró Gomis in different journal volumes, as well as to look up information from the documentary collections on Valencian medieval painting edited by Ximo Company, Joan Aliaga, Lluïsa Tolosa, Milagros Cárcel Ortí and Juan Vicente García Marsilla. The aim is to read the documents in which the painters of coffers are mentioned – mainly inventories and judicial sentences or obligations – in order to suggest new questions about this medieval profession.
Nominal and Pronominal Address in Jamaica and Trinidad
Authors: Klumm Matthias
Published: August 2021

This book examines the various patterns of nominal and pronominal address used in Jamaica and Trinidad, the two most populous islands of the English-speaking Caribbean. Given that the Anglo-Caribbean context has so far been largely neglected in address research, this study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the linguistic means Jamaicans and Trinidadians have at their disposal and make use of to address each other. A particular focus will be on variation in the speakers’ address behaviour with regard to their sex, age, social class, ethnicity, and regional background. The study draws both on data from a self-compiled corpus of postcolonial Jamaican and Trinidadian literary works, and on questionnaire and interview data collected during fieldwork. This book contributes to the ever-growing body of research in the field of nominal and pronominal address, and will be relevant to researchers interested in the fields of sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and World Englishes.
Higher strength steels for magnetic applications in motors
Authors: Nyyssönen Tuomo , Hutchinson Bevis , Broddefalk Arvid
Published: August 2021

Motors are essential components in electric vehicles and there are at present worldwide efforts to improve their efficiency and reduce their weight. One of these areas concerns improving the quality of steel laminations that are used for their magnetic properties in rotors and stators. These are ‘soft’ magnetically, meaning that they can be easily magnetised and demagnetised. Improvements in magnetic quality, i.e. reductions in power loss during magnetisation, have been pursued for many years but the high-speed motors in vehicles are also subject to greater mechanical loading, in particular in the rotors of IPM-machines (Internal Permanent Magnet rotor machines). These are the dominating type of electric motor for electrified vehicles due to their high efficiency and high power/torque density. As a result, there are increasing requirements for new steel products that combine low power losses with high strength. This is difficult because most ways of raising the strength result in the magnetic characteristics becoming also undesirably harder. The present paper starts with a consideration of how magnetic power losses are defined and the factors that influence these. Then, different strengthening methods are considered together with their effects on magnetisation. Strengthening can be achieved by (i) solid solution alloying, (ii) grain refinement, (iii) work hardening, (iv) precipitation and (v) texture control. Most commonly, the requirements are in conflict. Only solid solution strengthening can confer benefits to both strength and power loss although extremely fine nanoprecipitation can raise the strength with little or no magnetic detriment. Based on this analysis, results from research publications and patents are summarised and reviewed.
Metagovernance of migration policy in the Asia Pacific region: an analysis of policy tools
Authors: Fawcett Paul
Published: August 2021

This article considers how nation states steer transnational forums by examining how the Australian government has ‘metagoverned’ the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, a multilateral forum with 50 plus members (nation states and international agencies) that was created in 2002 to promote policy dialogue, information sharing and practical cooperation on irregular migration in the Asia Pacific region. A ‘tools-based approach’ is used to analyse the Australian government’s metagovernance of this forum across four dimensions: nodality; authority; treasure; organisation. The overall finding is that Australia has accumulated steering capacity across each of these dimensions and that a ‘tools-based approach’ to metagovernance offers a promising way of understanding differences in steering capacity within transnational forums.
Investigating the feasibility of TOPAS-nBio for Monte Carlo track structure simulations by adapting GEANT4-DNA examples application
Authors: Derksen Larissa , Pfuhl Tabea , Engenhart-Cabillic Rita , Zink Klemens , Baumann Kilian-Simon
Published: August 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility of TOPAS-nBio for track structure simulations using tuple scoring and ROOT/Python-based post-processing. Materials and methods. There are several example applications implemented in GEANT4-DNA demonstrating track structure simulations. These examples are not implemented by default in TOPAS-nBio. In this study, the tuple scorer was used to re-simulate these examples. The simulations contained investigations of different physics lists, calculation of energy-dependent range, stopping power, mean free path and W-value. Additionally, further applications of the TOPAS-nBio tool were investigated, focusing on physical interactions and deposited energies of electrons with initial energies in the range of 10–60 eV, not covered in the recently published GEANT4-DNA simulations. Low-energetic electrons are currently of great interest in the radiobiology research community due to their high effectiveness towards the induction of biological damage. Results. The quantities calculated with TOPAS-nBio show a good agreement with the simulations of GEANT4-DNA with deviations of 5% at maximum. Thus, we have presented a feasible way to implement the example applications included in GEANT4-DNA in TOPAS-nBio. With the extended simulations, an insight could be given, which further tracking information can be gained with the track structure code and how cross sections and physics models influence a particle’s fate. Conclusion. With our results, we could show the potentials of applying the tuple scorer in TOPAS-nBio Monte Carlo track structure simulations. Using this scorer, a large amount of information about the track structure can be accessed, which can be analyzed as preferred after the simulation.
Analysis on the development of micro gas turbine generation technology
Authors: Ren Lianling , Zhu Ruiguo , Liao Lin , Zhou Youjie
Published: August 2021

Similar to the structure of small aero engines, the existing micro gas turbines generally apply radial impeller machinery and regenerative cycles to improve efficiency. This paper analyzes the development of micro gas turbine generation technology. After making breakthroughs in basic research fields such as combustion, structural materials and coatings, additive manufacturing, thermal management, and comprehensive simulation and verification experiments, the next-generation micro cogeneration system composed of micro gas turbine and renewable energy power generation equipment will effectively obtain stable power output, improve power energy quality, and overcome difficulty in technology, economy, and application scenarios.
Study on aerodynamic noise of axial flow fan in ship signal cabinet
Authors: Zhu Zenghui , Li Shu
Published: August 2021

In order to study the aerodynamic noise characteristics of axial flow fan in the ship signal cabinet, the aerodynamic noise theory analysis and experimental research were carried out. By comparing and analyzing the vibration and noise spectrum of cabinet, it was determined that the noise of cabinet mainly came from the aerodynamic noise of axial flow fan in the cooling unit of rotating cage. The noise control of cabinet was studied by using the optimal design of the fan installation structure and the application of sound-absorbing cotton. The results show that the noise of fan was discrete noise. The noise increased 2.91 dB(A) when the net was installed in the fan inlet, meanwhile, the energy ratio of high-frequency noise (6000 to 14000 Hz) increased significantly. The sound was sharp. The noise of fan became smaller with the decrease of speed. The peak frequencies of fan noise spectrum were the multiple frequency of fundamental frequency and shaft frequency at different speeds. The sound pressure level was the largest at the fundamental frequency. That is, the noise of fan came from its blades. The noise reduction was 4.24 dB(A) by applying the sound-absorbing cotton on the inner wall of cabinet. The effects of noise reduction were obvious in the 200 to 2000 Hz range. The research results can provide theoretical and experimental support for the optimal design of ship signal cabinet.
Optimal design of high energy laser spatial filter with vacuum maintenance
Authors: Zhao Qiteng , Hu Wenhua , Wang Qiushi , Zheng Simu , Tang Wei
Published: August 2021

Spatial filter is an important device of high energy laser. In order to ensure the above functions, it is necessary to keep a certain vacuum inside the spatial filter. The structure of the existing vacuum maintaining filter is complex and inconvenient to debug. In this paper, a space filter based on titanium pump maintenance is designed by improving the design and process of spatial filter. After testing, the vacuum degree inside the filter can reach 10−5pa, which can meet the spatial filtering function of high-energy laser beam.
Experimental study on the influence of boundary conditions on firing accuracy of anti-materiel rifle
Authors: Li Peng , Dong Peng
Published: August 2021

As a high precision individual weapon, the shooting accuracy of anti-materiel rifle is the most concerned index of designers. When the anti-materiel rifle shoots, it uses the lying position to support the shoulder way. Therefore, the ground and shooter conditions constitute the boundary conditions of shooting. In order to study the influence of boundary conditions on shooting accuracy of anti-materiel rifle, a series of experiments were carried out. The experimental results showed that the ground conditions have a significant effect on the shooting accuracy of anti-materiel rifles, while the shooter’s weight has little effect.
Application of critical component elimination process and method in a nuclear power plant
Authors: Cheng Bin , Yang Wenchao , Qing Chen , Che Shuping
Published: August 2021

In order to improve the operation performance of domestic nuclear power plant and promote the application of CCM elimination technology, this paper introduces the process of CCM elimination, expounds in detail the qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to determine the priority of CCM elimination, and takes the Stator Cooling Water System of a nuclear power plant as an application pilot, and shows in detail the specific application process of CCM elimination process and priority identification method. the results show that the process and method are reasonable and efficiency, can provide guidance for the popularization application of CCM elimination technology system and process.
Optimal dispatch of wind power-photovoltaic-concentrating solar power combined power generation system based on improved PSO
Authors: Guo Yan , Ma Zhicheng , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhou Qiang , Chen Wei
Published: August 2021

The output power of wind power and photovoltaic is randomness and uncertainty, which brings severe challenges to power generation planning and scheduling of power system. The concentrating solar power (CSP) station with heat storage has the same scheduling as the traditional unit. Through reasonable scheduling of CSP stations, the uncertainty of wind power and photovoltaic power generation can be effectively suppressed, and new energy consumption can be promoted. This paper comprehensively considers the market power sales benefits, grid-connected environmental benefits and system operation and maintenance costs of the wind power-photovoltaic-CSP combined system, a dispatching model is established with the objective of optimizing the grid connected benefits of the combined system. Aiming at the shortcomings of particle swarm optimization (PSO) that is easy to be premature, an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm is formed by adding convergence factor and improving inertia weight to optimize the scheduling model. The results show that the grid connection benefit of the combined system increases by 237784yuan per day after adding CSP. The convergence speed of the IPSO used in this paper has been greatly improved.
Research on high energy density portable power supply based on metal-air battery
Authors: Wang Changfu , Wang Yaohui , Zhang Bin , Sun Hui , Xu Wanli
Published: August 2021

Because of the increasing number of personal electronic devices, there is an urgent demand for portable power supplies with high energy density. Metal-air batteries have the advantages of high energy density, high safety, good infrared concealment, no vibration and noise, low self-discharge rate. They can effectively meet the needs of users. In this paper, we studied the influence of electrode distance, single cell structure and battery module of magnesium-air battery on battery discharge performance, and designed a battery module structure to meet the requirements of high energy density. The results show that, the mass energy density of the module assembled with cells consisting of two positive electrodes and one negative electrodes cell is higher than other modules, and the discharge performance is best when the electrode distance is in the range of 2 mm to 3.5 mm.