bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Value of Clinical Prediction Scores for Acute Appendicitis in Children Younger than 4 Years
Authors: Rassi Ricardo , Muse Florencia , Sánchez-Martínez José , Cuestas Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Introduction Acute appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children < 4 years old. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of Alvarado score (AS), appendicitis inflammatory response (AIR) score, and pediatric appendicitis score (PAS) in children younger than 4 years.

Materials and Methods All children younger than 4 years who underwent appendicectomy between 2005 and 2019 were included retrospectively. The diagnostic performance of the scores was analyzed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and by calculating the diagnostic performances at optimal criterion value cutoff points.

Results In this study, 100 children were included (58 boys and 42 girls) with a median age of 39.5 (12–47) months. Ninety children were diagnosed with pathologically proven acute appendicitis. The area under ROC curve of AS was 0.73, AIR score was 0.79, and PAS was 0.69 (p > 0.05, respectively). In children with low risk of acute appendicitis, negative predictive values were 75.0% for AS, 50.0% for AIR score, and 66.7% for PAS (p < 0.05, respectively). The positive predictive values in children with high risk of acute appendicitis were of 92.7% for AS, 92.6% for AIR score, and 93.6% for PAS (p > 0.05, respectively). AS, AIR score, and PAS plus positive ultrasonography have 0.58, 0.49, and 0.88 area under ROC curve.

Conclusion The three scores can be of assistance in the suspicion of acute appendicitis. PAS markedly improved combined with positive ultrasonography, but none can be used in setting the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in young children.
Clinical Stratification of Pregnant COVID-19 Patients based on Severity: A Single Academic Center Experience
Authors: Berry Marissa , Wang Amanda , Clark Shannon M. , Harirah Hassan M. , Jain Sangeeta , Olson Gayle L. , Pacheco Luis D. , Saade George R. , Saad Antonio F.
Published: February 2021

Objective This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics of a cohort of pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and determine if these correlate with disease severity and perinatal outcomes.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort trial conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas. All pregnant women presented to our medical center, who were screened and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, were included. We stratified our study population in three groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic not requiring oxygen therapy, and patients requiring oxygen support to maintain oxygen saturation >94%. Relevant population characteristics, laboratory data, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were abstracted. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results Between March and July 2020, 91 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission to our labor and delivery unit. Among these, 61.5% were asymptomatic, 34.1% were symptomatic, and 4.4% required oxygen support. Our population was mainly Hispanic (80.2%), multiparous (76.9%), obese (70.3%), and with a median age of 27 years. Median gestational age at symptom onset or diagnosis was 36 weeks. Significant differences were found between gestational age and disease severity. Maternal characteristics including age, body mass index (BMI), and presence of comorbid conditions did not appear to influence severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Significant laboratory findings associated with increasing disease severity included decreasing hemoglobin and white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and increasing levels of inflammatory markers including CRP, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ among groups. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected by polymerase chain reaction testing in neonates of mothers with COVID-19.

Conclusion Pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection are predominantly asymptomatic. Patients appear to be at increased risk for more severe infection requiring oxygen support later in pregnancy.

Key Points
Modeling photophysical properties of the bacteriophytochrome-based fluorescent protein IFP1.4
Authors: Grigorenko Bella L. , Polyakov Igor V. , Nemukhin Alexander V.
Published: February 2021

An enhanced interest in the phytochrome-based fluorescent proteins is explained by their ability to absorb and emit light in the far-red and infra-red regions particularly suitable for bioimaging. The fluorescent protein IFP1.4 was engineered from the chromophore-binding domain of a bacteriophytochrome in attempts to increase the fluorescence quantum yield. We report the results of simulations of structures in the ground S0 and excited S1 electronic states of IFP1.4 using the methods of quantum chemistry and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics. We construct different protonation states of the biliverdin (BV) chromophore in the red-absorbing form of the protein by moving protons from the BV pyrrole rings to a suitable acceptor within the system and show that these structures are close in energy but differ by absorption bands. For the first time, we report structures of the minimum energy conical intersection points S1/S0 on the energy surfaces of BV in the protein environment and describe their connection to the local minima in the excited S1 state. These simulations allow us to characterize the deactivation routes in IFP1.4.
Polarization tunable Rashba effect in 2D LiAlTe2
Authors: Mak K. Y. , Tao L. L. , Zhou Y.
Published: February 2021

The coexistence of polarization and the Rashba effect in ferroelectrics enables the electrical control of spin degree of freedom. Here, we explore the Rashba effect in 2D ferroelectric LiAlTe2, which has been predicted recently based on the global structure search by the particle optimization algorithm. Based on the density functional theory calculations, we have studied the electronic structures and spin textures driven by spin–orbit coupling and demonstrated a large Rashba spin splitting around the bottom of conduction bands. Further, the magnitude of the Rashba parameter is tunable by polarization switching. The physical mechanism of the Rashba effect is well analyzed within the k·p Hamiltonian model using the method of invariants. Our results add additional functionality to 2D LiAlTe2.
A microwave SQUID multiplexer optimized for bolometric applications
Authors: Dober B. , Ahmed Z. , Arnold K. , Becker D. T. , Bennett D. A. , Connors J. A. , Cukierman A. , D'Ewart J. M. , Duff S. M. , Dusatko J. E. , Frisch J. C. , Gard J. D. , Henderson S. W. , Herbst R. , Hilton G. C. , Hubmayr J. , Li Y. , Mates J. A. B. , McCarrick H. , Reintsema C. D. , Silva-Feaver M. , Ruckman L. , Ullom J. N. , Vale L. R. , Van Winkle D. D. , Vasquez J. , Wang Y. , Young E. , Yu C. , Zheng K.
Published: February 2021

A microwave superconducting quantum interference device multiplexer has been optimized for reading out large arrays of superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers. We present the scalable cryogenic multiplexer chip design that may be used to construct an 1820-channel multiplexer for the 4–8 GHz rf band. The key metrics of yield, sensitivity, and crosstalk are determined through measurements of 455 readout channels, which span 4–5 GHz. The median white-noise level is 45 pA/Hz, evaluated at 2 Hz, with a 1/f knee ≤ 20 mHz after common-mode subtraction. The white-noise level decreases the sensitivity of a TES bolometer optimized for detection of the cosmic microwave background at 150 GHz by only 3%. The measured crosstalk between any channel pair is ≤ 0.3%.
In situ heating studies on temperature-induced phase transitions in epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 heterostructures
Authors: Nukala Pavan , Ahmadi Majid , Antoja-Lleonart Jordi , Graaf Sytze de , Wei Yingfen , Zandbergen Henny W. , Kooi Bart J. , Noheda Beatriz
Published: February 2021

Hafnia-based thin films exhibit unconventional ferroelectricity. These materials also show rich polymorphism, and thus temperature and field-driven phase transitions, as well as oxygen migration. In a bigger context of exploring the synergy between ferroelectricity and diffusion-based structural phenomena, here we study temperature-dependent phase transitions in epitaxial Hf0.5Zr0.5O2(HZO)/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO, bottom electrode) heterostructures. We report topotactic phase transitions and their clear pathways in both LSMO and HZO layers upon heating under vacuum, using in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Specifically, we directly image oxygen and cationic columns using integrated differential phase contrast STEM and follow their evolution with temperature. We also perform in situ high temperature x-ray diffraction in air and show that the LSMO layer undergoes reversible thermal expansion and contraction when heated up to 850 °C, whereas HZO undergoes strain relaxation beyond 750 °C without any reversible phase transition. Our results provide a comprehensive and direct understanding of temperature-dependent structure, defect, and property correlations in these systems.
High current density tunnel diodes for multi-junction photovoltaic devices on InP substrates
Authors: Beattie M. N. , Valdivia C. E. , Wilkins M. M. , Zamiri M. , Kaller K. L. C. , Tam M. C. , Kim H. S. , Krich J. J. , Wasilewski Z. R. , Hinzer K.
Published: February 2021

InAlGaAs tunnel diodes, lattice-matched to InP and grown by molecular beam epitaxy, are demonstrated with peak tunneling current densities exceeding 1200 A/cm2. This was achieved by a 20 °C reduction in growth temperature for the p-type tunnel diode layers, resulting in up to two orders of magnitude improvement in the peak tunneling current density. Secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements reveal that the lower growth temperature reduces unwanted segregation of p-type Be dopants, improving dopant incorporation within the active tunnel diode layers. The diodes are transparent to wavelengths above 1000 nm and are compatible with the bottom junctions of InP-based multi-junction solar cells and with InP-based photonic power converters operating in the telecommunication O- and C-bands. When incorporated into a dual-junction photonic power converter test structure, measurements under 1319-nm laser illumination demonstrate integrated tunnel diode operation, enabling a halving of the short-circuit current and doubling of the open-circuit voltage as compared to a single junction reference device.
Profilometry and stress analysis of suspended nanostructured thin films
Authors: Darki Ali Akbar , Parthenopoulos Alexios , Nygaard Jens Vinge , Dantan Aurélien
Published: February 2021

The profile of suspended silicon nitride thin films patterned with one-dimensional subwavelength grating structures is investigated using atomic force microscopy. We first show that the results of the profilometry can be used as input to rigorous coupled wave analysis simulations to predict the transmission spectrum of the gratings under illumination by monochromatic light at normal incidence and compare the results of the simulations with experiments. Second, we observe sharp vertical deflections of the films at the boundaries of the patterned area due to local modifications of the tensile stress during the patterning process. These deflections are experimentally investigated for various grating structures and discussed on the basis of a simple analytical model and finite element method simulations.
Density functional theory and thermodynamics analysis of MAl12 Keggin substitution reactions: Insights into ion incorporation and experimental confirmation
Authors: Bjorklund Jennifer L. , Shohel Mohammad , Bennett Joseph W. , Smith Jack A. , Carolan Margaret E. , Hollar Ethan , Forbes Tori Z. , Mason Sara E.
Published: February 2021

Polyaluminum cations, such as the MAl12 Keggin, undergo atomic substitutions at the heteroatom site (M), where nanoclusters with M = Al3+, Ga3+, and Ge4+ have been experimentally studied. The identity of the heteroatom M has been shown to influence the structural and electronic properties of the nanocluster and the kinetics of ligand exchange reactions. To date, only three ε-analogs have been identified, and there is a need for a predictive model to guide experiment to the discovery of new MAl12 species. Here, we present a density functional theory (DFT) and thermodynamics approach to predicting favorable heteroatom substitution reactions, alongside structural analyses on hypothetical ε-MAl12 nanocluster models. We delineate trends in energetics and geometry based on heteroatom cation properties, finding that Al3+–O bond lengths are related to heteroatom cation size, charge, and speciation. Our analyses also enable us to identify potentially isolable new ε-MAl12 species, such as FeAl127+. Based upon these results, we evaluated the Al3+/Zn2+/Cr3+ system and determined that substitution of Cr3+ is unfavorable in the heteroatom site but is preferred for Zn2+, in agreement with the experimental structures. Complimentary experimental studies resulted in the isolation of Cr3+-substituted δ-Keggin species where Cr3+ substitution occurs only in the octahedral positions. The isolated structures Na[AlO4Al9.6Cr2.4(OH)24(H2O)12](2,6-NDS)4(H2O)22 (δ-CrnAl13-n-1) and Na[AlO4Al9.5Cr2.5(OH)24(H2O)12](2,7-NDS)4(H2O)18.5 (δ-CrnAl13-n-2) are the first pieces of evidence of mixed Al3+/Cr3+ Keggin-type nanoclusters that prefer substitution at the octahedral sites. The δ-CrnAl13-n-2 structure also exhibits a unique placement of the bound Na+ cation, which may indicate that Cr3+ substitution can alter the surface reactivity of Keggin-type species.
Thermal transparency with periodic particle distribution: A machine learning approach
Authors: Liu Bin , Xu Liujun , Huang Jiping
Published: February 2021

The periodic interparticle interaction mechanism has been previously proposed for heat management, especially the practical application of thermal transparency. In our mechanism for engineering and manipulating thermal metamaterials, particles are arranged in periodic lattices with symmetric interactions. In this work, we relax the constraints in the previous work and allow rectangle lattice and arbitrary relative positioning between the two types of particles. We use a machine learning-based approach to solve the inverse design problem by training autoencoders to compress the dimensionalities of both the design space and the response space and training a neural network tailored for the inverse design problem. We employ the finite-element method for generating the training set for the neural network and for validating the calculated design parameters for a given thermal transparency problem. We also discuss the possibility of extending the machine learning-based workflow to other problems, such as thermal camouflage.
The Raman jet spectrum of trans-formic acid and its deuterated isotopologs: Combining theory and experiment to extend the vibrational database
Authors: Nejad Arman , Sibert Edwin L.
Published: February 2021

Revisiting recently published Raman jet spectra of monomeric formic acid with accurate high order perturbative calculations based on two explicitly correlated coupled-cluster quality potential energy surfaces from the literature, we assign and add 11 new vibrational band centers to the trans-HCOOH database and 53 for its three deuterated isotopologs. Profiting from the synergy between accurate calculations and symmetry information from depolarized Raman spectra, we reassign eight literature IR bands up to 4000 cm−1. Experimental detection of highly excited torsional states (ν9) of trans-HCOOH, such as 4ν9 and ν6 + 2ν9, reveals substantial involvement of the C–O stretch ν6 into the O–H bend/torsion resonance ν5/2ν9, which is part of a larger resonance polyad. Depolarization and isotopic C-D substitution experiments further elucidate the nature of Raman peaks in the vicinity of the O–H stretching fundamental (ν1), which seem to be members of a large set of interacting states that can be identified and described with a polyad quantum number and that gain intensity via resonance mixing with ν1.
Contact-induced change of the bandgap of semiconductors of the wurtzite structure
Authors: Yang Fuqian
Published: February 2021

Progress in the synthesis of semiconductors of nanoscale structures has revived an interest in using semiconductors of different structures in the sensing of mechanical deformation through the change of photoluminescent characteristics under external stress/strain. In the heart of the deformation-induced change of photoluminescent characteristics is the deformation-induced change of the bandgap of semiconductors. In this work, we investigate the bandgap changes of bulk semiconductors of the wurtzite structure due to elastic indentation by a rigid, axisymmetric indenter. Using deformation potentials and the analytical solutions for the contact problems, we obtain closed-form solutions of the contact-induced change of the bandgaps for the elastic indentation by three different indenters of flat-ended, spherical, and conical shapes. For the elastic indentation by a flat-ended indenter, the bandgap changes are proportional to the indenter displacement/indentation load. For the elastic indentation by a spherical indenter, the bandgap changes are proportional to the cubic root of the indention load. For the elastic indentation by a conical indenter, the bandgap changes exhibit the characteristic of shape-similarity, independent of the indentation depth/load.
Effect of Ga composition on soft and high-frequency magnetic properties of Fe85.1−xGaxB14.9 thin films
Authors: Muramatsu Shogo , Miyazaki Takamichi , Endo Yasushi
Published: February 2021

The effects of Ga composition (x) on soft and high-frequency magnetic properties of 10-nm-thick B-doped Fe–Ga (Fe85.1−xGaxB14.9) thin films were investigated. A uniaxial magnetic anisotropy appeared regardless of the Ga composition. The damping constant values and magnetic inhomogeneous broadening at a zero frequency were much lower than those of the Fe–Ga polycrystalline film for all Ga compositions. These results indicate that adding B atoms to Fe–Ga thin films improves the soft and high-frequency magnetic properties of these films and suggest that Fe–Ga–B thin films are candidate magnetostrictive materials for high-frequency devices.
Critical magnetic behavior in [Ag8/Co0.5]x64, [Ag8/Co1]x32 and [Ag16/Co1]x32 epitaxial multilayers
Authors: Navarro Enrique , Alonso María , Ruiz Ana , Magen Cesar , Urdiroz Unai , Cebollada Federico , Balcells Lluís , Martínez Benjamín , González Jesús M. , Palomares F. Javier
Published: February 2021

We investigate the low temperature magnetic behavior of three epitaxial Co/Ag multilayers, grown onto MgO (001) substrates, with a nominal content per period of either half a monolayer or one monolayer of Co, and either 8 or 16 Ag monolayers. The samples were studied by X-ray reflectivity and diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, magnetometry and ac susceptometry. The results indicated a well defined stacking sequence in the growth direction, the number of periods and of Ag monolayers per period being coincident with the nominal values for each sample. The Co layers were found to be discontinuous and corresponded to a quasi-monodisperse in-plane distribution of Co nanoparticles embedded in a Ag(001) matrix. The zero-field cooled and field cooled temperature variations of the low field magnetization indicated the presence of irreversibilities at temperatures below 20 K. The ac field frequency (f) and temperature (T) dependencies of the real part of the susceptibility (χ′) corresponded to a Vogel–Fulcher behavior in the three samples, and indicated a frequency shift parameter (Γ) of the order of 4 x 10-2. For each sample, the experimental data corresponding to the variations of the imaginary part of the ac susceptibility (χ″) with f and T were found to collapse into a single curve according to the dynamic scaling law. Taken together, these results allow us to conclude that the three multilayers experience a phase transition of the paramagnetic to superspin glass type, driven by the dipolar interactions between the Co nanoparticles. Regarding the influence of the multilayer features, we found a clear dependence of the order parameter of the transition on the nominal number of Co monolayers per period.
Magnetic properties measurement and analysis of electrical steel sheet under cutting influence
Authors: Li Yongjian , Fu Yu , Dou Yu , Zhang Changgeng , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2021

The cutting process of silicon steels is a necessary manufacturing technique in electrical equipment. Different cutting methods have different effects on the internal structure and magnetic properties of the electrical steel sheets. Laser cutting can produce thermal stress during processing, while mechanical cutting may cause plastic deformation near the cutting edge, which both lead to deterioration in the magnetic properties of the material. Therefore, studying the effect of different cutting techniques on magnetic properties is of great significance to accurately predict the iron losses of electrical equipment. In this paper, a mobile B-H sensing structure is designed to sense the distribution of local magnetic properties near the cutting edges. Magnetic properties of the non-oriented (NO) silicon steel samples B35A270 and 50JN470 are measured and characterized with the variation of distance from cutting edges. The results demonstrate that the deterioration of magnetic properties depends on the cutting methods and the material characteristics. Wire cutting has little effect on magnetic performance and the effect can be observed near the cutting edge. As a contrast, the decrease of the relative magnetic permeability can be observed in a deeper width of the steel strips cutting by laser. Moreover, the multiple trends of laser cutting loss which vary with cutting depth are compared and discussed. This research can provide a reference for the application of electrical equipment under actual working conditions.
Phylogenomic re-evaluation of Triaenonychoidea (Opiliones : Laniatores), and systematics of Triaenonychidae, including new families, genera and species
Authors: Derkarabetian Shahan , Baker Caitlin M. , Hedin Marshal , Prieto Carlos E. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: February 2021

The Opiliones superfamily Triaenonychoidea currently includes two families, the monogeneric New Zealand–endemic Synthetonychiidae Forster, 1954 and Triaenonychidae Sørensen, 1886, a diverse family distributed mostly throughout the temperate Gondwanan terranes, with ~110 genera and ~500 species and subspecies currently described. Traditionally, Triaenonychidae has been divided into subfamilies diagnosed by very few morphological characters largely derived from the troublesome ‘Roewerian system’ of morphology, and classifications based on this system led to many complications. Recent research within Triaenonychoidea using morphology and traditional multilocus data has shown multiple deeply divergent lineages, non-monophyly of Triaenonychidae, and non-monophyly of subfamilies, necessitating a revision based on phylogenomic data. We used sequence capture of ultraconserved elements across 164 samples to create a 50% taxon occupancy matrix with 704 loci. Using phylogenomic and morphological examinations, we explored family-level relationships within Triaenonychoidea, including describing two new families: (1) Lomanellidae Mendes & Derkarabetian, fam. nov., consisting of Lomanella Pocock, 1903, and a newly described genus Abaddon Derkarabetian & Baker, gen. nov. with one species, A. despoliator Derkarabetian, sp. nov.; and (2) the elevation to family of Buemarinoidae Karaman, 2019, consisting of Buemarinoa Roewer, 1956, Fumontana Shear, 1977, Flavonuncia Lawrence, 1959, and a newly described genus Turonychus Derkarabetian, Prieto & Giribet, gen. nov., with one species, T. fadriquei Derkarabetian, Prieto & Giribet, sp. nov. With our dataset we also explored phylogenomic relationships within Triaenonychidae with an extensive taxon set including samples representing ~80% of the genus-level diversity. Based on our results we (1) discuss systematics of this family including the historical use of subfamilies, (2) reassess morphology in the context of our phylogeny, (3) hypothesise placement for all unsampled genera, (4) highlight lineages most in need of taxonomic revision, and (5) provide an updated species-level checklist. Aside from describing new taxa, our study provides the phylogenomic context necessary for future evolutionary and systematic research across this diverse lineage. ZooBank Registration: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:81683834-98AB-43AA-B25A-C28C6A404F41
Exploring the property space of periodic cellular structures based on crystal networks
Authors: Lumpe Thomas S. , Stankovic Tino
Published: February 2021

Significance

Finding genuine novelty in cellular structures is inherently difficult due to the numerous possible topological and geometrical configurations and their complex mechanical and physical interrelations. Here, we draw inspiration from the incredibly rich collection of crystallographic periodic networks that we interpret from a structural point of view to identify and design novel cellular structures with unique properties. We provide a ready-to-use catalog with more than 17,000 unique entries and show how crystallographic symmetries relate to their mechanical properties. Our work provides a foundation to support future applications in science and engineering, ranging from mechanical and optical metamaterials, over bone tissue engineering, to the design of electrochemical devices.
Multisensory interactions regulate feeding behavior in
Drosophila
Authors: Oh Soo Min , Jeong Kyunghwa , Seo Jeong Taeg , Moon Seok Jun
Published: February 2021

Significance

Many studies show how a single sensory cue contributes to behaviors. To better understand external environments, however, animals use multisensory integration, referring to the enhancement of response induced by single sensory cue due to concurrent inputs from other sensory modalities. We show the proboscis extension reflex (PER), a proxy for food preference, is accomplished via multisensory integration in
Drosophila
. The taste-evoked PER is significantly enhanced by concurrent inputs of food odor and texture. Controlled delivery of three different sensory cues proves the simultaneous activation of three distinct sensory modalities produces a supraadditive PER. Our work shows flies employ an efficient way to find and ingest foods when the taste of the food alone is insufficient to stimulate feeding.
Structural basis for differential recognition of phosphohistidine-containing peptides by 1-pHis and 3-pHis monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Kalagiri Rajasree , Stanfield Robyn L. , Meisenhelder Jill , La Clair James J. , Fuhs Stephen R. , Wilson Ian A. , Hunter Tony
Published: February 2021

Significance

Phosphohistidine (pHis) is a labile posttranslational modification with two isoforms, 1-pHis and 3-pHis, involved in many cellular processes across the kingdoms of life. Due to its lability, it is difficult to study the pHis modification using standard biochemical tools and techniques. Previously, we developed monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the 1-pHis and 3-pHis modifications using stable phosphotriazolylalanine mimetics as immunogens. These antibodies are promising tools to uncover the role of pHis in eukaryotic cells. Here, we report the crystal structures of five of these mAbs bound to their cognate phosphotriazolylalanine peptides, thus providing insight into the structure–function relationships that guide pHis recognition and establishing a foundation for the structure-guided design of improved pHis antibodies.
The evolution of developmental thresholds and reaction norms for age and size at maturity
Authors: Nilsson-Örtman Viktor , Rowe Locke
Published: February 2021

Significance

Why most—but not all—organisms mature earlier in better growth conditions remains a mystery. Theory suggest that a solution may lie in the existence and evolution of critical size thresholds during development. The threshold model makes two unique predictions on the evolution of reaction norms between species and the effect of food reductions within species. We test this model experimentally using five damselfly species aligned along an ephemeral–permanent gradient, finding strong support for each prediction. Permanent habitats favor large thresholds and early maturation in better conditions, whereas ephemeral habitats favor small thresholds producing the rarer pattern with delayed maturation. The evolution of developmental thresholds is critical for understanding natural and human-induced variation in age and size at maturity.
Tropospheric carbonyl sulfide mass balance based on direct measurements of sulfur isotopes
Authors: Davidson Chen , Amrani Alon , Angert Alon
Published: February 2021

Significance

Assessment for large-scale photosynthesis-climate feedbacks is needed. Carbonyl sulfide (COS) is an emerging proxy for the terrestrial photosynthesis. This proxy is limited by uncertainties related to the magnitudes of COS sources and sinks. Here, we demonstrate measurement-based assessments for the isotopic signal of: tropospheric COS, marine and anthropogenic COS emissions, and the isotopic fractionation of COS by plant uptake. All of these resulted in an isotopic mass balance for the COS budget which gives an important constraint for its sources.
L. V. Ščerba’s conception of language
Authors: Campbell-Thomson Olga
Published: February 2021

This contribution offers an introduction to an essay by the Russian linguist Lev Vladimirovič Ščerba (1880–1944),
“О трояком аспекте языковых явлений и об эксперименте в языкознании” (“The threefold aspect of linguistic
phenomena and experiment in linguistics”), which was first published in 1931. This introduction is followed by an annotated
translation of Ščerba’s essay, proposed here for the first time to an English-speaking readership (Read the English translation at 10.1075/hl.00075.sce).

The critical introduction provides the backstory behind Ščerba’s conception of language as a means of helping the
reader to understand the connectedness of the various strands of his linguistic research. As is shown in our introduction,
Ščerba’s general distinction between linguistic raw material, the linguistic system and individual speech activity (the “threefold
aspect” alluded to in the title of his essay) serves as a framework to conceptualise metalinguistic practice and the relation of
the social dimension of language to its individual embodiment. An examination of the explanatory potential of Ščerba’s conception
of language for general linguistic problems suggests that his achievements lay in formulating a cohesive account of the
interconnectedness of language phenomena, identifying the linguistic means with which to understand the social nature of language,
and providing a theoretical basis for addressing the practical tasks of linguistics.
Cartography and selection in subjunctives and
interrogatives
Authors: Shlonsky Ur
Published: February 2021

On the assumption that a head c-selects the head
of its sister phrase, the question I try to answer is how to
implement selection of (indirect) questions and of subjunctive
complements. The question is relevant to cartography because the
head encoding Q (in interrogatives) and Mood-Subjunctive (in
subjunctive complement clauses) is presumably not the head of ForceP
but is merged lower down. I argue that it is always Force° which is
selected and the relation between Force° and material lower in the
left periphery is mediated by Agree. I further show that an Agree
probe in the left periphery, whose search domain is TP, must
implicate Fin, which I argue to be a phase head.
The syntax and information-structural semantics of negative
inversion in English and their implications for the theory of
focus
Authors: Honda Masatoshi
Published: February 2021

Negative inversion in English (e.g. Never
have I seen such a hippopotamus.) has inspired
empirical and theoretical interest because it shows complex
syntactic and semantic properties. One widely-held cartographic view
(e.g. Haegeman (2000,
2012)) has been that
negative inversion targets FocP in the CP domain, thereby satisfying
the NEG-criterion that requires the fronted NEG operator to be in a
Spec-Head configuration with the Foc head occupied by the inverted
auxiliary. Focusing on the syntax and information-structural
semantics of negative inversion, this study aims to develop the
criterial approach in terms of Cruschina’s (2011) split CP model, according to which
the Focus projection splits into two: Contrastive Focus (CFoc) and
Information Focus (IFoc). On the empirical side, drawing on Leonetti & Escandell-Vidal’s
(2009) insights into QP-fronting in Spanish, it is
demonstrated that negative inversion displays certain properties
related to (non-contrastive) polarity emphasis, which does not
contribute to a split between Focus and Presupposition. On the
theoretical side, it is argued that the properties relevant to
polarity emphasis in negative inversion are attributed to IFoc
fronting operations. The proposed analysis, a sophisticated version
of the criterial approach proposed in Haegeman (2000, 2012), naturally captures the
otherwise-unexplained polarity emphasis effects in negative
inversion.
Quantifictional binding without surface c-command in Mandarin
Chinese
Authors: Huang C.-T. James , Lin Jo-wang
Published: February 2021

This article discusses quantificational binding
without surface c-command in Mandarin Chinese. Jin (1998) pointed out that Chinese
quantificational NPs (Q-NPs) headed by mei ‘every’
are capable of binding out of containers such as sentential
subjects, relative clauses or adverbial clauses and there is a
subject/object asymmetry with respect to such binding. This
asymmetry, if correct, is reminiscent of the non-coreference rule on
pronominal anaphora which also displays an effect of subject/object
asymmetry (cf. Huang 1982
and Teng 1985) and would
call for a unifying treatment of the two phenomena. However,
contrary to Jin’s observation, this article shows that universal
Q-NPs in object position may actually bind out of their containers
just like universal Q-NP subjects, thus making it infeasible to
define a common locality domain to which both quantificational
binding and referential pronominal anaphora are sensitive. Instead,
this article argues that quantificational binding is an LF
phenomenon constrained by LF mechanisms. A minimum requirement for
quantificational binding is that the pronoun bound by a given
quantifier must be within the scope of that quantifier at LF. Though
this minimum requirement in principle enables Q-NPs to have high
scope, they are subject to other conditions such as the general
Condition on Scope Interpretation, which prevents a Q-NP from taking
scope over another one that c-commands it at surface structure. The
interaction of the two conditions explains why in some cases Q-NPs
may take high scope and bind a pronoun that they do not c-command
but not in some other cases. Backward quantificational binding, on
the other hand, is a result of the interaction of several
independently motivated mechanisms, including the possibility of
reconstruction at LF, the Chinese-specific non-coreference rule and
Chomsky’s Leftness Condition.
Attitudinal applicative in action
Authors: Lau Seng-Hian , Tsai Wei-Tien Dylan
Published: February 2021

In this study, we have investigated a rather
peculiar attitudinal construal of an applicative pronoun in Taiwan
Southern Min (TSM), which may well advance our understanding of the
split affectivity in Chinese dialects (cf. Tsai 2017), as exemplified below:

(1)

Guá
beh
lim
hōo
i
kàu-khuì!

1sg

want

drink

hoo

3sg

satisfied

“I want to drink to my satisfaction!”

It is also established that this type of
pronominal usage is not specific to TSM but widely observed
crosslinguistically (e.g., Vietnamese, Finnish, West Flemish, and
Dominican Spanish; see Greco
et al. 2017). Furthermore, the attitudinal applicative
pronoun, though non-referential, has its root in an Affectee
argument in association with the causative/passive marker of
hōo. As it turns out, the expression
hōo i has developed a speaker-oriented
construal, expressing the intention to carry out the activity to the
extreme.
Focus prosody by Korean learners of English
Authors: Liu Jun , Lee Yong-cheol
Published: February 2021

This study examined whether Korean learners of English attained native-like performance in English focus prosody by conducting production and perception experiments using digit strings. Language learners were classified into advanced-, intermediate-, and low-level groups according to their proficiency and compared with native speakers. Native speakers’ focus prosody was clearly prominent in the focus positions, and their post-focus positions were considerably compressed. Their focused digits were easy to detect, resulting in a 97% identification rate. Although advanced-level speakers produced acoustic cues quite similar to those of native speakers, their post-focus production did not resemble that of native speakers. Their identification rate was 81%, 16% lower than that of native speakers. Neither intermediate- nor low-level speakers’ focus-cueing changes were distinguished whatsoever in the focus and post-focus positions. Their identification rates were just over 10%, similar to the level of chance in a 10-digit string, implying that their focus productions were not sufficiently salient to be recognized in the experiment. The results suggest that second language acquisition is hindered by a negative transfer between English and Korean. The acquisition of second language focus prosody proceeds slowly; second language learners approach native-like proficiency once they become advanced.
Induced superconductivity in linear carbon chains and engineering of zero-bias peaks with geometric angles: a new approach
Authors: Norouzi Milad , Seyed-Yazdi Jamileh
Published: February 2021

We investigated the effect of slip angle, a geometric parameter named as α in superconducting quasi-one-dimensional carbon structures, by engendering resonant peak of linear carbon chains. We studied also the density of states and the effect of different slip angles on this structure. We found the interesting role of the slip angle, similar to the mixed superconducting state, creating a mass-like gap in the electron-hole excitation spectrum of the superconducting quasi-one-dimensional carbon structure. In the framework of the Dirac-Bogoliubov–de Gennes formalism, we investigated the transport properties in the superconducting linear carbon chain. The superconductor gap is taken to be a spin-singlet and spin-triplet superconducting state.
Fabrication of micro-optical connectors for electro-optical sensor devices by a combined femtosecond laser system
Authors: Epifanov E O , Tarkhov M A , Timofeeva E R , Trofimov I V , Asharchuk I M , Obydennov D V , Li Weichang , Gonchukov S A , Minaev N V
Published: February 2021

The article demonstrates the fundamental possibility of creating microstructures for various functional purposes using the capabilities of the two-photon femtosecond polymerization method. The developed technological approach for creating a micro-optical holder for standard single-mode and multimode fibers is demonstrated. This type of holder can be used to manufacture a unit for optical matching of optical fibers with sensitive optical elements. The possibility of optical matching of fibers with a superconducting single-photon detector, an array system of bolometric superconducting microbridges, and spherical self-formed microlenses by near infrared-sensitive photopolymerization has been experimentally shown. The device manufacturing process was carried out in a combined single laser micromachining facility using femtosecond laser radiation for lithography with submicron resolution, texturing of the sensor surface, and the formation of microstructures for installing single-mode optical fibers.
Enhanced spin-orbit torque efficiency in Pt100–x
Ni
x
alloy based magnetic bilayer*
Authors: He Congli , Chen Qingqiang , Shen Shipeng , Wei Jinwu , Xu Hongjun , Zhao Yunchi , Yu Guoqiang , Wang Shouguo
Published: February 2021

The binary alloy/ferromagnetic metal heterostructure has drawn extensive attention in the research field of spin–orbit torque (SOT) due to the potential enhancement of SOT efficiency via composition engineering. In this work, the magnetic properties and SOT efficiency in the Pt100 – x
Ni
x
/Ni78Fe22 bilayers were investigated via the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) technique. The effective magnetic anisotropy field and effective damping constant extracted by analyzing the ST-FMR spectra show a weak dependence on the Ni concentration. The effective spin-mixing conductance of 8.40 × 1014 Ω−1 ⋅ m−2 and the interfacial spin transparency T
in of 0.59 were obtained for the sample of Pt70Ni30/NiFe bilayer. More interestingly, the SOT efficiency that is carefully extracted from the angular dependence of ST-FMR spectra shows a nonmonotonic dependence on the Ni concentration, which reaches the maximum at x = 18. The enhancement of the SOT efficiency by alloying the Ni with Pt shows potential in lowering the critical switching current. Moreover, alloying relatively cheaper Ni with Pt may promote to reduce the cost of SOT devices.
Relative probabilities of breakup channels in reactions of 6,7Li with 209Bi at energies around and above the Coulomb barrier *
Authors: Yao Yong-Jin , Lin Cheng-Jian , Yang Lei , Ma Nan-Ru , Wang Dong-Xi , Zhang Gao-long , Zhang Guang-Xin , Jia Hui-Ming , Yang Feng , Zhong Fu-Peng , Wen Pei-Wei , Qin Xiu-Bo , Zhao Hong-Ming
Published: February 2021

Coincidence measurements of breakup fragments in reactions of

with

at energies around and above the Coulomb barrier were carried out using a large solid-angle covered detector array. Through the Q values along with the relative energies of the breakup fragments, different breakup components (prompt breakups and delayed breakups) and different breakup modes (

,

,

, and

) are distinguished. A new breakup mode,

, is observed in

-induced reactions at energies above the Coulomb barrier. Correlations between breakup modes and breakup components as well as their variations with the incident energy are investigated. The results will help us better understand the breakup effects of weakly bound nuclei on the suppression of a complete fusion, particularly for the above-barrier energies.
Modeling the integrity of course learning using percolation through intra-disciplinary connections
Authors: Gnitetskaya Tatyana , Tsoy Alexey
Published: February 2021

This article deals with the problem of modeling the assessment of the level of integrity of the physics course content learned by students. The need for such modeling is due to the need to bring education courses to online format. The degree of learning integrity is proposed to be established by modeling the percolation of intra-disciplinary connections established in the course structure. The modeling uses a graph model of intra-disciplinary connections (Gnitetskaya T.) and the principles of percolation theory (P-theory). The article provides some practical solutions for the use of P-theory. An algorithm has been developed that allows forming the topics of the physics course into the structure examined for percolation.
Ensuring compatibility as an element of a technical system life cycle management
Authors: Plakhotnikova E V , Vasin S A , Ermakova O V
Published: February 2021

The article considers the issue of ensuring compatibility in the implementation of the life cycle processes of technical systems. A logical diagram is given explaining the reasons for the decline in the quality of objects due to insufficient attention to the requirements for technical compatibility. On the basis of static calculations, the possibilities of improving the quality of systems of electric shut-off valves are presented due to the correct provision of technical compatibility of the form “product - lubricant”. Alternative options for combining valves and electric drives with reduced power and weight characteristics are proposed.
Simulation and approbation of the marking laser process on metal materials
Authors: Ganzulenko O Y , Petkova A P
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the technological process modeling of marking on the surface of metal products using a pulsed laser. The described mathematical model allows us to select the optimal technological parameters of the laser marking complex in order to form the desired marking symbols on the surface of steel and alloy products with various chemical compositions, taking into account the physical properties of the marked material. The developed technological regimes have been tested and recommended for industrial applications in various industries, such as engineering, automotive, aircraft manufacturing and railway transport, as well as for the widespread usage of marking serial products from metal materials.
Improving the torque direct control method of the asynchronous motor in the converter using the active rectifier
Authors: Kozyaruk A.E , Tung Le Van , Vasilev Bogdan
Published: February 2021

The frequency converter study has shown that controlled rectifiers, also known as active rectifiers, have many advantages over uncontrolled rectifiers (diode bridges). The frequency converter with an active rectifier ensures that the input current is sinusoidal, the power factor is 1, the DC voltage constant at the output, the energy exchange according to bidirectional is between the load and grid. The voltage oriented control for the active rectifier will measure the grid voltage and use current control circuits or instantaneous power control circuits. The paper analyses the advantages of using the method of controlling the current in the rectifier circuit when working with the three-phase motor load. The torque direct control method of the motor is enhanced by selecting a new switch table of the voltage vector. The combining power, an active rectifier circuit, inverter, motor, and load create a complete electric drive system with improved working efficiency. The research results were verified by Matlab&Simulink software.
Influence of the relative location of distributed energy sources on the current protection of the electric network
Authors: Ivanchenko D I , Voytyuk I N , Smirnov A I
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on studying the influence of additional sources of electricity generation on the traditional distribution grid, which leads to a change in the direction of the power flow in the grid. Consequently, the sensitivity and speed of current protection are not provided due to the dynamic operation of distributed generation sources. This paper considers the effect of distributed generation on the protection of the power grid. A special emphasis is on problems which may occur in the power grid in the presence of distributed generation. The theoretical background of blinding and calculation of the effect is also presented. The studies presented are made by computer modelling in Matlab/Simulink.
The software adaptive system for managing the heavy cargo transportation process based on the automated vehicle weight and size control system
Authors: Safiullin R N , Reznichenko V V , Safiullin R R
Published: February 2021

The article presents the results of research on the software adaptive system for managing the transportation of heavy loads through the automated weight and size control in order to minimize the adverse impact of motor vehicles on the roads by creating an information center for managing heavy loads, identifying factors at all stages of the transportation process, searching for an optimal solution for every stage, automating the heavy load transportation planning process and reducing the impact on roads.