bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems biology analysis of the Clostridioides difficile core-genome contextualizes microenvironmental evolutionary pressures leading to genotypic and phenotypic divergence
Authors: Norsigian Charles J. , Danhof Heather A. , Brand Colleen K. , Oezguen Numan , Midani Firas S. , Palsson Bernhard O. , Savidge Tor C. , Britton Robert A. , Spinler Jennifer K. , Monk Jonathan M.
Published: October 2020

Hospital acquired Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection is exacerbated by the continued evolution of C. difficile strains, a phenomenon studied by multiple laboratories using stock cultures specific to each laboratory. Intralaboratory evolution of strains contributes to interlaboratory variation in experimental results adding to the challenges of scientific rigor and reproducibility. To explore how microevolution of C. difficile within laboratories influences the metabolic capacity of an organism, three different laboratory stock isolates of the C. difficile 630 reference strain were whole-genome sequenced and profiled in over 180 nutrient environments using phenotypic microarrays. The results identified differences in growth dynamics for 32 carbon sources including trehalose, fructose, and mannose. An updated genome-scale model for C. difficile 630 was constructed and used to contextualize the 28 unique mutations observed between the stock cultures. The integration of phenotypic screens with model predictions identified pathways enabling catabolism of ethanolamine, salicin, arbutin, and N-acetyl-galactosamine that differentiated individual C. difficile 630 laboratory isolates. The reconstruction was used as a framework to analyze the core-genome of 415 publicly available C. difficile genomes and identify areas of metabolism prone to evolution within the species. Genes encoding enzymes and transporters involved in starch metabolism and iron acquisition were more variable while C. difficile distinct metabolic functions like Stickland fermentation were more consistent. A substitution in the trehalose PTS system was identified with potential implications in strain virulence. Thus, pairing genome-scale models with large-scale physiological and genomic data enables a mechanistic framework for studying the evolution of pathogens within microenvironments and will lead to predictive modeling to combat pathogen emergence.
Author Correction: BCG and BCGΔBCG1419c protect type 2 diabetic mice against tuberculosis via different participation of T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Segura-Cerda Cristian Alfredo , Marquina-Castillo Brenda , Lozano-Ordaz Vasti , Mata-Espinosa Dulce , Barrios-Payán Jorge Alberto , López-Torres Manuel O. , de Jesús Aceves-Sánchez Michel , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Flores-Valdez Mario Alberto
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Session-specific effects of the Metacognitive Group Training for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: significant results for thought control
Authors: Miegel Franziska , Cludius Barbara , Hottenrott Birgit , Demiralay Cüneyt , Jelinek Lena
Published: October 2020

The investigation of the session-specific effects is central for the understanding of psychological interventions. For the present study, we investigated the session-specific effects of the Metacognitive Group Training for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (MCT-OCD), which was revised based on data of a pilot study. Thirty-four outpatients with OCD participated in the MCT-OCD once a week over 8 weeks. Different metacognitive beliefs (e.g., thought control) and cognitive beliefs (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty), OC symptoms, as well as associated comorbid symptoms were assessed before and after each session. Linear mixed effects models showed that patients’ obsessions and compulsions, thought control, the belief of being well informed about the disorder, and action fusion improved over the course of the training. The only session-specific effect emerged for thought control, which improved immediately after the respective module. We were able to replicate the findings of the pilot study and thus corroborate the session-specific effect of the module targeting thought control. Moreover, we generated information on the mode of action of the individual modules of the MCT-OCD that allows a more in-depth evaluation of the intervention. Notably, we were able to eliminate the adverse effects of the pilot version of the MCT-OCD.

Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien [DRKS]; DRKS-ID: DRKS00013539; registration date: 22/02/2018).
Biomechanical analysis of costochondral graft fracture in temporomandibular joint replacement
Authors: Mao Yi , Chen Xuzhuo , Yu Shiqi , Xu Weifeng , Qin Haiyi , Zhen Jinze , Qiu Yating , Zhang Shanyong , Yang Chi
Published: October 2020

This study is the first attempt to explore the reason of costochondral graft fracture after lengthy mandible advancement and bilateral coronoidectomy by combining finite element analysis and mechanical test. Eleven groups of models were established to simulate costochondral graft reconstruction in different degrees of mandible advancement, ranging from 0 to 20 mm, in 2 mm increment. Force and stress distribution in the rib-cartilage area were analyzed by finite element analysis. Mechanical test was used to evaluate the resistance of the rib-cartilage complex. Results showed a sharp increase in horizontal force between 8 and 10 mm mandible advancement, from 26.7 to 196.7 N in the left side, and continue increased after 10 mm, which was beyond bone-cartilage junction resistance according to mechanical test. Therefore, we concluded that bilateral reconstruction with coronoidectomy for lengthy mandible advancement (≥ 10 mm) may lead to prominent increase in shear force and result in a costal-cartilage junction fracture, in this situation, alloplastic prosthesis could be a better choice. We also suggested that coronoidectomy should be carefully considered unless necessary.
Mapping the conducting channels formed along extended defects in SrTiO3 by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Rodenbücher Christian , Bittkau Karsten , Bihlmayer Gustav , Wrana Dominik , Gensch Thomas , Korte Carsten , Krok Franciszek , Szot Kristof
Published: October 2020

Mixed ionic-electronic-conducting perovskites such as SrTiO3 are promising materials to be employed in efficient energy conversion or information processing. These materials exhibit a self-doping effect related to the formation of oxygen vacancies and electronic charge carriers upon reduction. It has been found that dislocations play a prominent role in this self-doping process, serving as easy reduction sites, which result in the formation of conducting filaments along the dislocations. While this effect has been investigated in detail with theoretical calculations and direct observations using local-conductivity atomic force microscopy, the present work highlights the optical properties of dislocations in SrTiO3 single crystals. Using the change in optical absorption upon reduction as an indicator, two well-defined arrangements of dislocations, namely a bicrystal boundary and a slip band induced by mechanical deformation, are investigated by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy. In both cases, the regions with enhanced dislocation density can be clearly identified as regions with higher optical absorption. Assisted by ab initio calculations, confirming that the agglomeration of oxygen vacancies significantly change the local dielectric constants of the material, the results provide direct evidence that reduced dislocations can be classified as alien matter embedded in the SrTiO3 matrix.
The transcription factor Sox10 is an essential determinant of branching morphogenesis and involution in the mouse mammary gland
Authors: Mertelmeyer Svenja , Weider Matthias , Baroti Tina , Reiprich Simone , Fröb Franziska , Stolt C. Claus , Wagner Kay-Uwe , Wegner Michael
Published: October 2020

The high mobility group-domain containing transcription factor Sox10 is an essential regulator of developmental processes and homeostasis in the neural crest, several neural crest-derived lineages and myelinating glia. Recent studies have also implicated Sox10 as an important factor in mammary stem and precursor cells. Here we employ a series of mouse mutants with constitutive and conditional Sox10 deficiencies to show that Sox10 has multiple functions in the developing mammary gland. While there is no indication for a requirement of Sox10 in the specification of the mammary placode or descending mammary bud, it is essential for both the prenatal hormone-independent as well as the pubertal hormone-dependent branching of the mammary epithelium and for proper alveologenesis during pregnancy. It furthermore acts in a dosage-dependent manner. Sox10 also plays a role during the involution process at the end of the lactation period. Whereas its effect on epithelial branching and alveologenesis are likely causally related to its function in mammary stem and precursor cells, this is not the case for its function during involution where Sox10 seems to work at least in part through regulation of the miR-424(322)/503 cluster.
Multiscale consensus habitat modeling for landscape level conservation prioritization
Authors: Poor Erin E. , Scheick Brian K. , Mullinax Jennifer M.
Published: October 2020

Globally, wide-ranging carnivore populations are imperiled due to human-caused habitat fragmentation. Where populations are fragmented, habitat quantification is often the first step in conservation. Presence-only species distribution models can provide robust results when proper scales and data are considered. We aimed to identify habitat for a fragmented carnivore population at two scales and aid conservation prioritization by identifying potential future habitat fragmentation. We used location data and environmental variables to develop a consensus model using Maxent and Mahalanobis distance to identify black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) habitat across Florida, USA. We compared areas of habitat to areas of predicted sea level rise, development, and protected areas. Local-scale models performed better than state-scale models. We identified 23,798 km2of habitat at the local-scale and 45,703 km2at the state-scale. Approximately 10% of state- and 14% of local-scale habitat may be inundated by 2100, 16% of state- and 7% of local-scale habitat may be developed, and 54% of state- and 15% of local-scale habitat is unprotected. Results suggest habitat is at risk of fragmentation. Lack of focused conservation and connectivity among bear subpopulations could further fragmentation, and ultimately threaten population stability as seen in other fragmented carnivore populations globally.
An exact analysis of unsteady MHD free convection flow of some nanofluids with ramped wall velocity and ramped wall temperature accounting heat radiation and injection/consumption
Authors: Anwar Talha , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the influence of ramped wall velocity and ramped wall temperature on time dependent, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection flow of some nanofluids close to an infinitely long vertical plate nested in porous medium. Combination of water as base fluid and three types of nanoparticles named as copper, titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide is taken into account. Impacts of non linear thermal radiation flux and heat injection/consumption are also evaluated. The solutions of principal equations of mass and heat transfer are computed in close form by applying Laplace transform. The physical features of connected parameters are discussed and elucidated with the assistance of graphs. The expressions for Nusselt number and skin friction are also calculated and control of pertinent parameters on both phenomenons is presented in tables. A comparative study is performed for ramped wall and isothermal wall to evaluate the application extent of both boundary conditions.
Novel and potent antimicrobial effects of caspofungin on drug-resistant Candida and bacteria
Authors: Sumiyoshi Makoto , Miyazaki Taiga , Makau Juliann Nzembi , Mizuta Satoshi , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Ishikawa Takeshi , Makimura Koichi , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takazono Takahiro , Saijo Tomomi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Shimamura Shintaro , Yamamoto Kazuko , Imamura Yoshifumi , Sakamoto Noriho , Obase Yasushi , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Kohno Shigeru , Mukae Hiroshi
Published: October 2020

Echinocandins, including caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin, are first-line antifungal agents for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. They exhibit fungicidal activity by inhibiting the synthesis of β-1,3-d-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. However, they are active only against proliferating fungal cells and unable to completely eradicate fungal cells even after a 24 h drug exposure in standard time-kill assays. Surprisingly, we found that caspofungin, when dissolved in low ionic solutions, had rapid and potent antimicrobial activities against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida and bacteria cells even in non-growth conditions. This effect was not observed in 0.9% NaCl or other ion-containing solutions and was not exerted by other echinocandins. Furthermore, caspofungin dissolved in low ionic solutions drastically reduced mature biofilm cells of MDR Candida auris in only 5 min, as well as Candida-bacterial polymicrobial biofilms in a catheter-lock therapy model. Caspofungin displayed ion concentration-dependent conformational changes and intracellular accumulation with increased reactive oxygen species production, indicating a novel mechanism of action in low ionic conditions. Importantly, caspofungin dissolved in 5% glucose water did not exhibit increased toxicity to human cells. This study facilitates the development of new therapeutic strategies in the management of catheter-related biofilm infections.
Bioinformatic analysis of the expression and prognostic value of chromobox family proteins in human breast cancer
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Gou Junhe , Li Hongjiang , Yang Xiaoqin
Published: October 2020

Chromobox (CBX) family proteins control chromatin structure and gene expression. However, the functions of CBXs in cancer progression, especially breast cancer, are inadequately studied. We assessed the significance of eight CBX proteins in breast cancer. We performed immunohistochemistry and bioinformatic analysis of data from Oncomine, GEPIA Dataset, bcGenExMiner, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal. We compared mRNA and protein expression levels of eight CBX proteins between breast tumor and normal tissue. The expression difference of CBX7 was the greatest, and CBX7 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. The expression of CBX2 was strongly associated with tumor stage. We further analyzed the association between the eight CBX proteins and the following clinicopathological features: menopause age, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2 receptor status, nodal status, P53 status, triple-negative status, and the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade (SBR) and Nottingham prognostic index (NPI). Survival analysis in the Kaplan–Meier Plotter database showed that the eight CBX proteins were significantly associated with prognosis. Moreover, CBX genes in breast cancer patients had a high net alteration frequency of 57%. There were significant co-expression correlations between the following CBX protein pairs: CBX4 positively with CBX8, CBX6 positively with CBX7, and CBX2 negatively with CBX7. We also analyzed the Gene Ontology enrichment of the CBX proteins, including biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. CBX 1/2/3/5/8 may be oncogenes for breast cancer, whereas CBX 6 and 7 may be tumor suppressors for breast cancer. All eight CBX proteins may be predictive for prognosis. Clinical trials are needed to confirm the significance of the eight CBX proteins in breast cancer.
Functional input and membership characteristics in the accuracy of machine learning approach for estimation of multiphase flow
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Taghvaie Nakhjiri Ali , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed
Published: October 2020

In the current study, Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach was used for the learning of a physical system. We applied four inputs and one output in the learning process of AI. In the learning process, the inputs are space locations of a BCR (bubble column reactor), which are x, y, and z coordinate as well as the amount of gas fraction in BCR. The liquid velocity is also considered as output. A variety of functions were used in learning, such as gbellmf and gaussmf functions, to examine which functions can give the best learning. At the end of the study, all of the results were compared to CFD (computational fluid dynamics). A three-dimensional (3D) BCR was used in this research, and we studied simulation by CFD as well as AI. The data from CFD in a 3D BCR was studied in the AI domain. In AI, we tuned for various parameters to achieve the best intelligence in the system. For instance, different inputs, different membership functions, different numbers of membership functions were used in the learning process. Moreover, the meshless prediction was used, meaning that some data in the BCR have not participated in the learning, and they were predicted in the prediction process, which gives us a special capability to compare the results with the CFD outcomes. The findings showed us that AI can predict the CFD results, and a great agreement was achieved between CFD computing nodes and AI elements. This novel methodology can suggest a meshless and multifunctional AI model to simulate the turbulence flow in the BCR. For further evaluation, the ANFIS method is compared with ACOFIS and PSOFIS methods with regards to model’s accuracy. The results show that ANFIS method contains higher accuracy and prediction capability compared with ACOFIS and PSOFIS methods.
Unsupervised microstructure segmentation by mimicking metallurgists’ approach to pattern recognition
Authors: Kim Hoheok , Inoue Junya , Kasuya Tadashi
Published: October 2020

An efficient deep learning method is presented for distinguishing microstructures of a low carbon steel. There have been numerous endeavors to reproduce the human capability of perceptually classifying different textures using machine learning methods, but this is still very challenging owing to the need for a vast labeled image dataset. In this study, we introduce an unsupervised machine learning technique based on convolutional neural networks and a superpixel algorithm for the segmentation of a low-carbon steel microstructure without the need for labeled images. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with optical microscopy images of steel microstructures having different patterns taken at different resolutions. In addition, several evaluation criteria for unsupervised segmentation results are investigated along with the hyperparameter optimization.
Neuromuscular block monitoring by smartphone application (i-TOF© system): an observational pilot study
Authors: Schiavoni Lorenzo , Pascarella Giuseppe , Grande Stefania , Agrò Felice Eugenio
Published: October 2020

Neuromuscular block monitoring is recommended by international guidelines to improve myorelaxation during surgery and reduce the risk of postoperative residual curarization. We conducted a pilot study to verify the efficacy of i-TOF, a wireless neuromuscular monitoring device connectable to a smartphone, comparing it with TOF WATCH SX. We enrolled 53 patients who underwent general anesthesia. For each patient, we recorded by both devices, in different time intervals, train-of-four (TOF) count/ratio after induction to general anesthesia (TI0–TI3) and during recovery (TR0–TR3). Moreover, post-tetanic count (PTC) was evaluated during deep neuromuscular block (TP0–TP2). We noticed no significant differences between the devices in recorded mean values of TOF ratio, TOF count, and PTC analyzed at time intervals for every phase of general anesthesia, although the i-TOF tends to an underestimation compared to TOF WATCH SX. For each patient, data sessions were successfully recorded by a smartphone. This aspect could be relevant for clinicians in order to have a stored proof of good clinical practice to be added on anesthesiologist records. By our results, i-TOF demonstrates a comparable efficacy to TOF WATCH SX, suggesting that it could be a proven alternative to standard devices for neuromuscular block monitoring. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Declines over the last two decades of five intertidal invertebrate species in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Petraitis Peter S. , Dudgeon S. R.
Published: October 2020

Climate change has already altered the environmental conditions of the world’s oceans. Here we report declines in gastropod abundances and recruitment of mussels (Mytilus edulis) and barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides) over the last two decades that are correlated with changes in temperature and ocean conditions. Mussel recruitment is declining by 15.7% per year, barnacle recruitment by 5.0% per year, and abundances of three common gastropods are declining by an average of 3.1% per year (Testudinalia testudinalis,Littorina littorea, andNucella lapillus). The declines in mussels and the common periwinkle (L. littorea) are correlated with warming sea temperatures and the declines inT. testudinalisandN. lapillusare correlated with aragonite saturation state, which affects rates of shell calcification. These species are common on shores throughout the North Atlantic and their loss is likely to lead to simplification of an important food web on rocky shores.
Generic theory of the dynamic magnetic response of ferrofluids
Authors: Fang Angbo
Published: October 2020

Ferrofluids belong to an important class of highly functional soft matter, benefiting from their magnetically controllable physical properties.
Rapid detection of mozzarella and feta cheese adulteration with cow milk through a silicon photonic immunosensor
Authors: Angelopoulou Michailia , Petrou Panagiota S. , Raptis Ioannis , Misiakos Konstantinos , Livaniou Evangelia , Makarona Eleni , Kakabakos Sotirios
Published: October 2020

Immunochemical detection of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana and Feta cheese adulteration with cow milk using integrated silicon Mach–Zehnder interferometers.
Synthesis of cubic transition-metal networks from polymer cubosome templates
Authors: Lee Heelim , Kim DoGyun , Ma Hyunji , Kim Kyoung Taek
Published: October 2020

The interfacial topology of block copolymer cubic mesophases opens only one of two internal water channel networks for diffusion.
Field-induced SIM behaviour of a Co(ii) complex with a 1,1′-diacetylferrocene-derived ligand
Authors: Tupolova Yulia P. , Shcherbakov Igor N. , Popov Leonid D. , Morgunov Roman B. , Korchagin Denis V. , Lebedev Vladimir E. , Palii Andrew V. , Aldoshin Sergey M.
Published: October 2020

Field-induced SIM properties are registered for the hexacoordianate Co(ii) complex with a ferrocenylene-derived ligand.
Operando X-ray spectroscopy visualizing the chameleon-like structural reconstruction on an oxygen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Cao Dengfeng , Liu Daobin , Chen Shuangming , Moses Oyawale Adetunji , Chen Xingjia , Xu Wenjie , Wu Chuanqiang , Zheng Lirong , Chu Shengqi , Jiang Hongliang , Wang Changda , Ge Binghui , Wu Xiaojun , Zhang Jing , Song Li
Published: October 2020

The ambiguous mechanism of electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) greatly hinders their industrial applications toward renewable and clean energy conversion.
Monetary values estimates of solvent emissions
Authors: Tobiszewski Marek , Bystrzanowska Marta
Published: October 2020

Monetary values are estimated for generic emissions of 52 solvents, to be applied in economic assessments of chemical processes.
Fabrication of syntactic foam fillers via manipulation of on-chip quasi concentric nanoparticle-shelled droplet templates
Authors: Wu Hao , Ren Yukun , Hou Likai , Jiang Tianyi , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: October 2020

A facile “on-chip prototype generation plus heat treatment” approach to improve the fabrication of syntactic foam.
A comparative study of silver nanoparticle dissolution under physiological conditions
Authors: Steinmetz Lukas , Geers Christoph , Balog Sandor , Bonmarin Mathias , Rodriguez-Lorenzo Laura , Taladriz-Blanco Patricia , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara , Petri-Fink Alke
Published: October 2020

The dissolution and aggregation behaviour of silver nanoparticles under physiological conditions and in biologically relevant environments is investigated by exploiting their plasmonic properties.
Amine-functionalized metal–organic framework-based Pd nanoparticles: highly efficient multifunctional catalysts for base-free aerobic oxidation of different alcohols
Authors: Taher Abu , Susan Md. Abu Bin Hasan , Begum Noorjahan , Lee Ik-Mo
Published: October 2020

Metal–organic framework-based palladium nanoparticles are found to be highly efficient multifunctional catalysts for the base-free aerobic oxidation of different aliphatic, aromatic and hetero-aromatic alcohols.
Boosting the oxygen evolution activity in non-stoichiometric praseodymium ferrite-based perovskites by A site substitution for alkaline electrolyser anodes
Authors: Ward Steve , Isaacs Mark A. , Gupta Gaurav , Mamlouk Mohamed , Pramana Stevin S.
Published: October 2020

More abundant and economically friendly Sr-doped praseodymium ferrites show an increase in the electrocatalytic activity as the amount of Sr dopant increases that is linked to the increasing concentration of oxygen vacancy.
Allosteric inhibition of LRRK2, where are we now
Authors: Soliman Ahmed , Cankara Fatma Nihan , Kortholt Arjan
Published: October 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, it has been shown that leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) has a crucial function in both familial and sporadic forms of PD. LRRK2 pathogenic mutations are thought to result in an increase in LRRK2 kinase activity. Thus, inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity has become a main therapeutic target. Many compounds capable of inhibiting LRRK2 kinase activity with high selectivity and brain availability have been described. However, the safety of long-term use of these ATP-competitive LRRK2 kinase inhibitors has been challenged by several studies. Therefore, alternative ways of targeting LRRK2 activity will have a great benefit. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in the development of allosteric inhibitors of LRRK2, mainly via interfering with GTPase activity, and propose potential new intra and interprotein interactions targets that can lead to open doors toward new therapeutics.
A ‘tad’ of hope in the fight against airway disease
Authors: Dubaissi Eamon
Published: October 2020

Xenopus tadpoles have emerged as a powerful in vivo model system to study mucociliary epithelia such as those found in the human airways. The tadpole skin has mucin-secreting cells, motile multi-ciliated cells, ionocytes (control local ionic homeostasis) and basal stem cells. This cellular architecture is very similar to the large airways of the human lungs and represents an easily accessible and experimentally tractable model system to explore the molecular details of mucociliary epithelia. Each of the cell types in the tadpole skin has a human equivalent and a conserved network of genes and signalling pathways for their differentiation has been discovered. Great insight into the function of each of the cell types has been achieved using the Xenopus model and this has enhanced our understanding of airway disease. This simple model has already had a profound impact on the field but, as molecular technologies (e.g. gene editing and live imaging) continue to develop apace, its use for understanding individual cell types and their interactions will likely increase. For example, its small size and genetic tractability make it an ideal model for live imaging of a mucociliary surface especially during environmental challenges such as infection. Further potential exists for the mimicking of human genetic mutations that directly cause airway disease and for the pre-screening of drugs against novel therapeutic targets.
Robust stability of moving horizon estimation for non‐linear systems with bounded disturbances using adaptive arrival cost
Authors: Deniz Nestor , Murillo Marina , Sanchez Guido , Giovanini Leonardo
Published: October 2020

The robust stability and convergence to the true state of a moving horizon estimator based on an adaptive arrival cost are established for non‐linear detectable systems in this study. Robust global asymptotic stability is shown for the case of non‐vanishing bounded disturbances, whereas the convergence to the true state is proved for the case of vanishing disturbances. Two simulations were made to show the estimator behaviour under different operational conditions and to compare it with the state of the art of estimation methods.
Prosumer site power interruption attacks: exploiting the reactive power control feature in smart inverters
Authors: Kandasamy Nandha Kumar
Published: October 2020

Increased adoption of distributed energy resources in the form of renewable energy sources (RESs) to handle the capacity expansion in the power distribution system (PDS) is a new paradigm. RESs being intermittent in nature, present operational issues that worsen with increasing RES penetration rate. An attractive approach for handling the intermittency is coordinated reactive power control (RPC) of the RESs in the PDS. RPC leverages on the reactive power capacity of the RES inverters and hence is a significantly cheaper option than the conventional solutions such as energy storage systems. Oversizing of inverters is considered to improve the robustness of RPC, however, malicious attackers may exploit the oversized capacity to strengthen their attacks. In this study, a demonstration of data integrity attacks launched against RPC and its impact on the availability of the power supply at the prosumer premises are presented. Validation for the attack using simulations and emulated experiments in a scaled‐down power system test‐bed is also presented. The analytical, simulation and experimental results illustrate the feasibility of tripping the circuit breaker at the prosumer site and causing power supply interruption. Finally, a defense mechanism is proposed to minimise the impacts and it is validated using MATLAB–SIMULINK simulations.
Voltage–current technique to identify fault location within long transmission lines
Authors: Abu‐Siada Ahmed , Mosaad Mohamed I. , Mir Saif
Published: October 2020

Current industry practice to identify fault location in transmission lines is based on visual inspection, travelling waves, and line impedance measurement. Unfortunately, these techniques are only developed to detect the fault location upon its occurrence without the ability to predict abnormal events that usually precede major faults and issue a timely warning signal to avoid potential consequences for power line failures. Furthermore, the current fault locating techniques exhibit some drawbacks that limit their wide practical implementation. This includes cost, access to required data, and low accuracy when employed for specific power line topologies. This study is aimed at presenting and validating a new cost‐effective technique based on the line voltage–current characteristics to predict and identify the location of various abnormal and fault events in real‐time. By measuring the currents and voltages at both ends of the line, a unique line fingerprint can be identified. Any change in this fingerprint can be detected and analysed by a software installed in the control centre in real‐time to identify the location, type, and level of the abnormal events or emerging faults. Robustness of the proposed technique is assessed through simulation analysis conducted on various case studies along with a practical case study.
A Virgo Environmental Survey Tracing Ionised Gas Emission (VESTIGE)
Authors: Longobardi A. , Boselli A. , Fossati M. , Villa-Vélez J. A. , Bianchi S. , Casasola V. , Sarpa E. , Combes F. , Hensler G. , Burgarella D. , Schimd C. , Nanni A. , Côté P. , Buat V. , Amram P. , Ferrarese L. , Braine J. , Trinchieri G. , Boissier S. , Boquien M. , Andreani P. , Gwyn S. , Cuillandre J. C.
Published: October 2020

Aims. We measure far-infrared (FIR) emission from tails of stripped dust following the ionised and atomic gas components in galaxies undergoing ram pressure stripping. We study the dust-to-gas relative distribution and mass ratio in the stripped interstellar medium and relate them to those of the intra-cluster medium (ICM), thus linking the cluster-ICM-galaxy evolution at small-scales. The galaxy sample consists of three Scd Virgo galaxies with stellar masses in the range of 109 ≲ M* ≲ 1010 M⊙ and within 1 Mpc from the cluster centre, namely NGC 4330, NGC 4522, and NGC 4654.

Methods. Through the analysis of Virgo Environmental Survey Tracing Ionised Gas Emission (VESTIGE) Hα, Herschel SPIRE FIR, and VLA Imaging of Virgo in Atomic gas HI data, we trace the spatial distribution of the tails and infer the dust and gas masses from the measured FIR 250 μm and HI flux densities. Dust-to-gas mass ratios in the tails are analysed as a function of the galaxy mass, metallicity, and dust temperature.

Results. Along the stripped component, the dust distribution closely follows the HI and Hα emitting gas, which extend beyond the optical disc (defined by the B-band 25th magnitude isophote). In these regions, the dust-to-gas mass ratios are 2.0 ± 0.6 × 10−3, 0.7 ± 0.1 × 10−3, and 0.4 ± 0.03 × 10−3 for NGC 4330, NGC 4522, and NGC 4654, respectively. Thus, dust is widespread in the stripped material with a lower dust-to-gas mass ratio (up to a factor of 15) than the one measured in the main body of nearby galaxies. We also find a negative trend in the dust-to-gas mass ratio as a function of the metallicity that can be explained in terms of a dust component more centrally concentrated in more metal-rich systems. Together with the finding that the stripped dust is cold, Td ≲ 25 K, our results can be interpreted as a consequence of an outside-in stripping of the galaxy interstellar medium.

Conclusions. Gas and dust in galaxies are perturbed in a similar fashion by the cluster environment, although their relative contribution differs from the one measured in the main body of the galaxies. When this value is considered, ram pressure stripping is consistent with being one of the key mechanisms in building up the Virgo intra-cluster component, injecting dust grains into the ICM, thus contributing to its metal enrichment.
Panchromatic calibration of Ca II triplet luminosity dependence
Authors: Dias B. , Parisi M. C.
Published: October 2020

Context. The line strength of the near-infrared Ca II triplet (CaT) lines are a proxy for measuring metallicity from integrated and individual stellar spectra of bright red giant stars. In the latter case it is a mandatory step to remove the magnitude (proxy for gravity, temperature, and luminosity) dependence from the equivalent width (EW) of the lines before converting them into metallicities. For decades the working empirical procedure has been to use the relative magnitude with respect to the horizontal branch level or red clump, with the advantage that it is independent from distance and extinction.

Aims. The V filter is broadly adopted as the reference magnitude, although a few works have used different filters (I and Ks, for example). In this work we investigate the dependence of the CaT calibration using the griz filters from the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) and the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS), the G filter from Gaia, the BVI filters from the Magellanic Clouds photometric survey (MCPS), and the YJKs filters from the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) InfraRed CAMera (VIRCAM). We use as a reference the FOcal Reducer and low dispersion Spectrograph 2 (FORS2) V filter used in the original analysis of the sample.

Methods. Red giant stars from clusters with known metallicity and available CaT EWs were used as reference. Public photometric catalogues were taken from the Survey of the MAgellanic Stellar History (SMASH) second data release, VISTA survey of the Magellanic Clouds system (VMC), Gaia, MCPS surveys, plus VIsible Soar photometry of star Clusters in tApi’i and Coxi HuguA (VISCACHA) GMOS data, for a selection of Small Magellanic Cloud clusters. The slopes were fitted using two and three lines to be applicable to most of the metallicity scales.

Results. The magnitude dependence of the CaT EWs is well described by a linear relation using any filter analysed in this work. The slope increases with wavelength of the filters. The zero point (i.e. reduced EW), which is the metallicity indicator, remains the same.

Conclusions. If the same line profile function is used with the same bandpasses and continuum regions, and the total EW comes from the same number of lines (2 or 3), then the reduced EW is the same regardless the filter used. Therefore, any filter can be used to convert the CaT equivalent widths into metallicity for a given CaT calibration.
The MURALES survey
Authors: Balmaverde B. , Capetti A. , Marconi A. , Venturi G. , Chiaberge M. , Baldi R. D. , Baum S. , Gilli R. , Grandi P. , Meyer E. T. , Miley G. , O’Dea C. , Sparks W. , Torresi E. , Tremblay G.
Published: October 2020

We present the final observations of a complete sample of 37 radio galaxies from the Third Cambridge Catalogue (3C) with redshift < 0.3 and declination < 20° obtained with the VLT/MUSE optical integral field spectrograph. These data were obtained as part of the MUse RAdio Loud Emission line Snapshot (MURALES) survey with the main goal of exploring the AGN feedback process in the most powerful radio sources. We present the data analysis and, for each source, the resulting emission line images and the 2D gas velocity field. Thanks to the unprecedented depth these observations reveal emission line regions (ELRs) extending several tens of kiloparsec in most objects. The gas velocity shows ordered rotation in 25 galaxies, but in several sources it is highly complex. We find that the 3C sources show a connection between radio morphology and emission line properties. In the ten FR I sources the line emission region is generally compact, only a few kpc in size; only in one case does it exceed the size of the host. Conversely, all but two of the FR II galaxies show large-scale structures of ionized gas. The median extent is 16 kpc with the maximum reaching a size of ∼80 kpc. There are no apparent differences in extent or strength between the ELR properties of the FR II sources of high and low gas excitation. We confirm that the previous optical identification of 3C 258 is incorrect: this radio source is likely associated with a quasi-stellar object at z ∼ 1.54.
KiDS-1000 cosmology: Cosmic shear constraints and comparison between two point statistics
Authors: Asgari Marika , Lin Chieh-An , Joachimi Benjamin , Giblin Benjamin , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Kannawadi Arun , Stölzner Benjamin , Tröster Tilman , van den Busch Jan Luca , Wright Angus H. , Bilicki Maciej , Blake Chris , de Jong Jelte , Dvornik Andrej , Erben Thomas , Getman Fedor , Hoekstra Henk , Köhlinger Fabian , Kuijken Konrad , Miller Lance , Radovich Mario , Schneider Peter , Shan HuanYuan , Valentijn Edwin
Published: October 2020

We present cosmological constraints from a cosmic shear analysis of the fourth data release of the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS-1000), which doubles the survey area with nine-band optical and near-infrared photometry with respect to previous KiDS analyses. Adopting a spatially flat standard cosmological model, we findS8=σ8(Ωm/0.3)0.5= 0.759−0.021+0.024for our fiducial analysis, which is in 3σtension with the prediction of thePlanckLegacy analysis of the cosmic microwave background. We compare our fiducial COSEBIs (Complete Orthogonal Sets of E/B-Integrals) analysis with complementary analyses of the two-point shear correlation function and band power spectra, finding the results to be in excellent agreement. We investigate the sensitivity of all three statistics to a number of measurement, astrophysical, and modelling systematics, finding ourS8constraints to be robust and dominated by statistical errors. Our cosmological analysis of different divisions of the data passes the Bayesian internal consistency tests, with the exception of the second tomographic bin. As this bin encompasses low-redshift galaxies, carrying insignificant levels of cosmological information, we find that our results are unchanged by the inclusion or exclusion of this sample.
Quiet-Sun hydrogen Lyman-α line profile derived from SOHO/SUMER solar-disk observations
Authors: Gunár S. , Schwartz P. , Koza J. , Heinzel P.
Published: October 2020

Context. The solar radiation in the Lyman-α spectral line of hydrogen plays a significant role in the illumination of chromospheric and coronal structures, such as prominences, spicules, chromospheric fibrils, cores of coronal mass ejections, and solar wind. Moreover, it is important for the investigation of the heliosphere, Earth’s ionosphere, and the atmospheres of planets, moons, and comets.

Aims. We derive a reference quiet-Sun Lyman-α spectral profile that is representative of the Lyman-α radiation from the solar disk during a minimum of solar activity. This profile can serve as an incident radiation boundary condition for the radiative transfer modelling of chromospheric and coronal structures. Because the solar radiation in the Lyman lines is not constant over time but varies significantly with the solar cycle, we provide a method for the adaptation of the incident radiation Lyman line profiles (Lyman-α and higher lines) to a specific date. Moreover, we analyse how the change in the incident radiation influences the synthetic spectra produced by the radiative transfer modelling.

Methods. We used SOHO/SUMER Lyman-α raster scans obtained without the use of the attenuator in various quiet-Sun regions on the solar disk. The observations were performed on three consecutive days (June 24, 25, and 26, 2008) during a period of minimum solar activity. The reference Lyman-α profile was obtained as a spatial average over eight available raster scans. To take into account the Lyman-α variation with the solar cycle, we used the LISIRD composite Lyman-α index. To estimate the influence of the change in the incident radiation in the Lyman lines on the results of radiative transfer models, we used a 2D prominence fine structure model.

Results. We present the reference quiet-Sun Lyman-α profile and a table of coefficients describing the variation of the Lyman lines with the solar cycle throughout the lifetime of SOHO. The analysis of the influence of the change in the incident radiation shows that the synthetic spectra are strongly affected by the modification of the incident radiation boundary condition. The most pronounced impact is on the central and integrated intensities of the Lyman lines. There, the change in the synthetic spectra can often have the same amplitude as the change in the incident radiation itself. The impact on the specific intensities in the peaks of reversed Lyman-line profiles is smaller but still significant. The hydrogen Hα line can also be considerably affected, despite the fact that the Hα radiation from the solar disk does not vary with the solar cycle.
Statistical analysis of orientation, shape, and size of solar wind switchbacks
Authors: Laker R. , Horbury T. S. , Bale S. D. , Matteini L. , Woolley T. , Woodham L. D. , Badman S. T. , Pulupa M. , Kasper J. C. , Stevens M. , Case A. W. , Korreck K. E.
Published: October 2020

Context. One of the main discoveries from the first two orbits of Parker Solar Probe (PSP) was the presence of magnetic switchbacks, whose deflections dominated the magnetic field measurements. Determining their shape and size could provide evidence of their origin, which is still unclear. Previous work with a single solar wind stream has indicated that these are long, thin structures although the direction of their major axis could not be determined.

Aims. We investigate if this long, thin nature extends to other solar wind streams, while determining the direction along which the switchbacks within a stream were aligned. We try to understand how the size and orientation of the switchbacks, along with the flow velocity and spacecraft trajectory, combine to produce the observed structure durations for past and future orbits.

Methods. The direction at which the spacecraft cuts through each switchback depended on the relative velocity of the plasma to the spacecraft and the alignment direction for that stream. We searched for the alignment direction that produced a combination of a spacecraft cutting direction and switchback duration that was most consistent with long, thin structures. The expected form of a long, thin structure was fitted to the results of the best alignment direction, which determined the width and aspect ratio of the switchbacks for that stream.

Results. We find that switchbacks consistently demonstrate a non-radial alignment in the same sense as the Parker spiral field, but not the background flow direction within each stream. This alignment direction varied between streams. The switchbacks had a mean width of 50 000 km, with an aspect ratio of the order of 10.

Conclusions. We conclude that switchbacks are not aligned along the background flow direction, but instead aligned along the local Parker spiral, perhaps suggesting that they propagate along the magnetic field. Since the observed switchback duration depends on how the spacecraft cuts through the structure, the duration alone cannot be used to determine the size or influence of an individual event. For future PSP orbits, a larger spacecraft transverse component combined with more radially aligned switchbacks will lead to long duration switchbacks becoming less common.
Orthodontie et occlusion. À propos d’un cas
Authors: Bert Marc
Published: October 2020

La déglutition à vide nécessite une intercuspidie et l’activation des muscles élévateurs et abaisseurs de la mandibule, 1 500 à 2 000 fois par jour. La malposition d’une dent va entraîner une adaptation du cycle de fermeture et un évitement de l’obstacle, faisant intervenir en plus un muscle propulseur, le ptérygoïdien latéral dont la capacité physiologique n’est pas adaptée à un nombre aussi élevé de contractions. Ce muscle va présenter au cours de la journée une contracture, souvent confondue avec une algie essentielle du trijumeau. Le cas clinique présenté montre une telle pathologie après un traitement orthodontique mal conduit et décrit les éléments fondamentaux permettant sa compréhension et son traitement.