bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Design Analysis of Storage Cabinet Based on Traditional Palindrome Symbol
Authors: Li Kun , Yu Ying , Zeng Tianrui
Published: May 2020

Based on fundamental research and case analysis of traditional semiotics, the observation to life scenes discovers the humanization and personalization’s demand to storage products. Fret patterns are integrated and reorganized, and then delivered in structure and application of storage lockers. The consumers would experience the fret patterns’ aesthetic connotation of uniform and flouring. The traditional semiotics are applicated into moulding design culture with Chinese characteristics. The semiotics are transformed to design elements. The attractive products according to human qualities will be designed.
A Welding Unit Partition Method of Complex Weld Parts
Authors: Hu Yunfeng , Wu Bo , Lu Jie , Xu Jinli , Liu Xiaogang
Published: May 2020

Welding modularization can make the process planning and manufacturing of complex welding products easier, convenient and synergy. The appropriate units partition is critical for welding modularization. This paper proposes a method of welding units partition for complex welding parts. Firstly, the basic parts and sub parts of welding units are defined. Then, the basic parts are evaluated by using the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) method and the number of basic parts is determined by the improved units partition formula. Furthermore, the welding units are classified by the minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm and the interference matrix is used to evaluate partition results. Finally, a rear sub frame of automobile is taken as an example to validate this method.
Study on Influence of Micro-tool Tip Arc Waviness on Cutting Micro Aspheric Surface
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Chunyu , li Guo , zhang Junjie , Zhang Haijun , song Chengwei
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the influence of the waviness of tip arc profile on the surface quality of micro transition arc workpiece is studied. Firstly, the contour curve of the surface of the micro tool was measured by using the radius amplitude measuring instrument, and the characteristic parameters of the waviness in the contour curve were found. A simulation study of the effect of feed rate on the quality of the machined surface of a sine wave model with different characteristics was performed by Matlab. It can be known from the simulation results that when a sine wave of 0.05sin(10t) exists in the contour of the tool tip arc, when the feed rate is small, the impact on the surface accuracy of the workpiece is greater, and a sin wave of 0.02sin(30t) locally affects the regional surface roughness is greater. With the increase of feed rate, a sin wave of 0.02sin(30t) has no effect on the surface roughness of the partial area, while a sin wave of 0.05sin(10t) still has a greater effect on the surface roughness of the partial area.
Investigation on Drill Wear and Micro Hole Quality in High Speed Drilling of High Frequency Printed Circuit Board
Authors: Liu Xianwen , Shi Hongyan , Huang Guang , Tao Sha , Gao Zhisen
Published: May 2020

Due to the severe wear of micro drill and the difficulty in controlling of hole quality, high speed drilling process of high frequency printed circuit board (PCB) was attracted comprehensive attention. In this investigation, the wear width of drills’ primary face was measured, and the wear morphologies of micro drills were studied at once. Furthermore, regularity of micro hole quality concerning drilling burr and nail heading while drilling with different types of drills were analyzed. The research results indicated that the wear width of diamond coating drill reduced slightly. Abrasive wear and adhesive wear were mainly occurred on uncoated drill and diamond like carbon coating drill, but some micro breaches and pits appeared on uncoated drill. Meanwhile, drilling with diamond like carbon coating drill could obtain better hole quality than drilling with uncoated ones. However, diamond coating drill performed well in terms of ability of wear resistance, as well as micro hole quality.
The effect of drying method on the surface structure of mesoporous sol-gel derived bioactive glass-ceramic
Authors: Panah Neda Ghaebi , Atkin Rob , Sercombe Tim
Published: May 2020

Mesoporous bioactive glass ceramic in the system of 60SiO2-36CaO-4P2O5 (mol.%) named 58S was synthesized using the sol-gel process. The effect of different drying methods (oven-drying, freeze drying, and vacuum drying) on the structure of 58S bioactive glass ceramic was investigated. Samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nitrogen sorption porosimetry (BET). SEM images of the samples after drying and then calcination indicated crystals formed in the 58S glass. The nitrogen isotherm of all samples calcinated at 600 °C revealed a mesoporous structure for 58S glass-ceramics. BET surface area of freeze-dried sample after calcination was greater than that of the oven and vacuum dried specimens. Drying methods had significant effect on morphology, surface area, and shape of pores.
Theoretical investigation on electron transfer-based antioxidant activity of melinjo resveratrol
Authors: Khoirunisa V , Fadilla R N , Boli L S P , Rusydi F , Rachmawati H , Dipojono H K
Published: May 2020

We employ density functional calculations to study the electron transfer-based antioxidant activity of resveratrol derivatives from melinjo. The derivatives are monomer resveratrol which is trans-resveratrol, and dimer resveratrol which are gnetin C, gnetin L, and gnemonoside C. The results show that gnetin C has the lowest adiabatic ionization potential both in gas phase and water environment. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that dimer resveratrol is consistent to have better electron transfer ability than its monomer. This may due to the destabilization of the high occupied molecular orbital energy of resveratrol. However, the presence of glucoside in gnemonoside C does not affect the electron transfer-based antioxidant activity of dimer resveratrol.
Discharge Energy Efficiency Improvement of P(VDF-HFP) Copolymers Thin Films by Stretching and Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Permana A A , Putson C
Published: May 2020

Toward improving the applications for energy-based technology, dielectric polymers is getting attention due to its relatively high dielectric constant, dielectric breakdown and flexibility, with easily preparation, lightweight and low cost. Dielectric contribution and polarization responses lead to different shape and size of hysteresis loop. This work presents the techniques on reducing domain size for slimmer loop, indicating lower energy loss. As-casted P(VDF-HFP), stretched P(VDF-HFP) and electron irradiated-stretched P(VDF-HFP) thin films were prepared by solution casting method. The irradiation was prepared by emitting electron beam. The dielectric and AC conductivity properties were investigated by LCR meter, while polarization-electric field loops were observed by P-E loop instrument. The results show that stretching and electron beam irradiation significantly increase the dielectric constant of P(VDF-HFP). Their ability on modifying the domain size leads to reduce P-E loop of P(VDF-HFP), followed by reducing energy loss but improving storage energy density and discharge energy efficiency.
Multi-electrode Designed Shape for Small Scale Plasma Incinerator
Authors: Kongphet Grich , Wongwuttanasatian Tanakorn , Suksri Amnart
Published: May 2020

Currently electronic waste has increased due to the growth of an industrial economy. Conventional method of waste destruction was to use burner that heats up and finally forming hydrocarbon to an atmosphere. Recently, plasma technology is an alternative method that has an efficiency and safe to use as a mean for waste destruction due to its higher temperature. This research is an improvement design of electrodes tip used for plasma head assembly using small scaled power supply. The designed shape and materials such as graphite, steel and tungsten were simulated and used to evaluate the generated plasma. In addition, electrode designed group were compared for a current density and current distribution from a simulation which will also determine for a plasma length, temperature and durability of material on actual experimental. Electrode shape was designed with sharp cornered that has cross sectional area indicated that it has highest current distribution at the tip of electrode surface. Based on the simulation results, the proposed designed electrode was capable of highest current density when compared with others. The simulated and experimental results have been shown to agreed well for plasma length and temperature.
Effect of Wedge Tip Thickness of Nail Clipper on Cutting Characteristics of Polystyrene Ribbon
Authors: Ruchirabha Thepwachara , Nagasawa Shigeru
Published: May 2020

This research was aiming to investigate cutting characteristics of Polystyrene ribbon that were cut by nail clippers. A pair of rotational-linked fixture of recent designed JIG was developed for measuring the cutting load and displacement of nail clipper arm. Nail clippers had the upper apex angle of αU
= 13°, αU
' = 45° and lower apex angle of αL
=20° and the lower biting edge thickness w
L was chosen 0.06 and 0.25 mm. A 2-mm-width and 1-mm-thickness polystyrene ribbon was cut using the nail-clipper and the load response and the cut trace of sheared zone were investigated under the indentation velocity at V = 0.01 mm⋅s−1. A large force dropped and unstable crack was detected when using w
L = 0.06 mm, while the force drop was disappeared without any large crack when w
L = 0.25 mm due to the frictional restriction for fastening the work piece. While the peak line force was direct variation with tip thickness. When considered to vibration during cutting process by using AE sensor, nail clipper that have lower anvil thickness at 0.25 mm have lowest amplitude. Moreover, the cut traces were detected by microscope CCD camera.
The Potential of Oil Palm Ash and Eggshell Powder as Hybrid Biofillers in Natural Rubber Biocomposites
Authors: Ming Philip Tan Shien , Bao Chai Ai , Kamaruddin Shamsul , Ying Ch’ng Shiau
Published: May 2020

Astronomical amounts of solid biomass wastes are generated globally each day. It is imperative that the potential of conversion and utilisation of these wastes be identified and implemented, thus reducing landfill load and recovering value from this immense source of material. Natural rubber biocomposites were produced by compounding natural rubber matrix with oil palm ash and eggshell powder as hybrid fillers. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites were determined. It is observed that the biocomposites exhibit higher stiffness than the unfilled natural rubber compound. Acid treatment is found to further increase the stiffness of the biocomposites.
Application of Natural Dolomite for Soil Upgrading
Authors: Pimolrat Jakapan , Maneeintr Kreangkrai , Meechumna Pinyo
Published: May 2020

Soil degradation is the conditions with low-soil quality. It can result in low fertility, in soil. To overcome this problem, soil-quality upgrading should be applied. For this study, the acidic soil from Nan, Thailand is used to upgrade the soil conditions to fit well with the agricultural activities by using natural dolomite as a waste from the industries. It is blended with the acidic soil in various ratios from 5-30 % by weight. The optimal conditions for various soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density and soil texture are investigated. From the results, the higher amount of dolomite can improve the soil properties. Acidity is lowered from 4.832 to 6.047. Bulk density is decreased at 1.1114 g/cm3. Particle size distribution is sharply increased with the amount of dolomite. EC values are raised up to 4.25 dS/m. The natural dolomite can increase the soil quality from Nan province.
Developing a Trajectory Planning for Curved-Contoured Surfaces for Use by 8-DoF Workcell in Robotic Fibre Placement
Authors: Ammar Mohamed M.A. , Shirinzadeh Bijan , Zhao Pan , Shi Yaoyao
Published: May 2020

The replacement rate of conventional material by composites is increasing. Possessing high specific strength and stiffness makes composites attractive to many applications. Different techniques are being utilized for composite placement processes. Robotic Fibre Placement (RFP) is introduced as a competing approach for composite fabrication. This approach can provide many advantages; e.g. low labor cost, high performance, quick and effective process. The current work proposes an 8-DoF system established for laying the composite material. This system composed of three main units includes a 6-DoF industrial robot and two mandrel tools with different configurations. A sensory-based feedback control system is developed to manage the placement process. The placement process can be performed on two different surfaces. The end-cap surface has been fabricated then the cylindrical surface. Different geometries of pressure vessels have been generated; e.g. Oxidizer tanks that can be used in many applications such as (Hybrid rockets).
Perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) of 111-surface slab of Fe2CoAl
Authors: Lalrinkima  , Fomin L A , Malikov I V , Zadeng Lalthakimi , Rai D P
Published: May 2020

We have analyzed the surface stability of different orientations(111, 001, 011) of Fe2CoAl (FCA) slabs. Among all the slabs, the orientation with 111-surface is found to be most stable with minimum energy. The surface electronic and magnetic properties along with the atomic orbital resolved magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) has been performed by using first principles density functional theory (DFT). We have reported the surface metallicity with dispersed electronic bands around the fermi energy (E
F
) in all the three terminals Fe/Co/Al. This may be the result of translational broken symmetry in which metallic bonds are broken with the release of free conducting electrons on the surface. We have observed the presence of both the in-plane MAE and the out-plane MAE characterized by the distribution of total MAE over an atomic sites for each Al-, Co- and Fe-terminal. The total MAE favors in-plane magnetization in case of antiferromagnetic configured Al-terminal (MAE = 0.034 meV) and Fe-terminal (0.68 meV) whereas out-plane total MAE is observed in ferromagnetic configured Co-terminal.
Physical properties of 2D MXenes: from a theoretical perspective
Authors: Champagne Aurélie , Charlier Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2020

The family of 2D materials has expanded quite rapidly, especially with the addition of transition metal carbides and nitrides called MXenes, in the last decade. Since their discovery in 2011, about 30 different MXenes have been synthesized, and the structure and properties of several dozens have been predicted by first-principles approaches. Given the outstanding advances in the MXene field, it is thus appropriate to review the most relevant properties of these MXenes and point out their potential applications. In this article, the structural, transport, magnetic, vibrational, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of MXenes are overviewed. The goal is to illustrate how the chemical versatility in the intrinsic composition and surface terminations combined with the potential addition of a fourth element enable to tune MXenes properties to meet the targeted applications.
Preserved layout features embedded in road network development
Authors: Cirunay M T , Soriano M N , Batac R C
Published: May 2020

Road networks are some of the oldest and most permanent man-made structures in space, serving as valuable records of the conditions of the society through long periods of time. Quantitatively analyzing these networks will therefore reveal rich insights into the socio-political conditions of the society through history, and can provide awareness for effectively managing the growth and evolution in the future. Here, we extracted the state of the road network of Manila, Philippines at various points in history through georeferencing and digitization of hand-drawn historical maps. Visual and metrical analyses revealed key well-planned periods punctuating the otherwise self-organized growth, particularly the more recent densification at reclamation areas coincident with the rapid economic growth. The road network of Manila shows statistical regularities that are also observed for other global road network data sets, although the recent reclamation significantly increase the statistics of the very short and peripheral nodes. Finally, the clusters of nodes with the highest closeness centralities mimic the historical shape of the network, allowing for an automatic identification of the core historical sections of the city. Studies such as this one extract useful information from these permanent spatial records, which may then be useful for developing sound policy measures for handling further urbanization.
Simplicial complexes: higher-order spectral dimension and dynamics
Authors: Torres Joaquín J , Bianconi Ginestra
Published: May 2020

Simplicial complexes constitute the underlying topology of interacting complex systems including among the others brain and social interaction networks. They are generalized network structures that allow to go beyond the framework of pairwise interactions and to capture the many-body interactions between two or more nodes strongly affecting dynamical processes. In fact, the simplicial complexes topology allows to assign a dynamical variable not only to the nodes of the interacting complex systems but also to links, triangles, and so on. Here we show evidence that the dynamics defined on simplices of different dimensions can be significantly different even if we compare dynamics of simplices belonging to the same simplicial complex. By investigating the spectral properties of the simplicial complex model called ‘network geometry with flavor’ (NGF) we provide evidence that the up and down higher-order Laplacians can have a finite spectral dimension whose value depends on the order of the Laplacian. Finally we discuss the implications of this result for higher-order diffusion defined on simplicial complexes showing that the n-order diffusion dynamics have a return type distribution that can depends on n as it is observed in NGFs.
Digraphs are different: why directionality matters in complex systems
Authors: Johnson Samuel
Published: May 2020

Many networks describing complex systems are directed: the interactions between elements are not symmetric. Recent work has shown that these networks can display properties such as trophic coherence or non-normality, which in turn affect stability, percolation and other dynamical features. I show here that these topological properties have a common origin, in that the edges of directed networks can be aligned—or not—with a global direction. And I illustrate how this can lead to rich and unexpected dynamical behaviour even in the simplest of models.
Investigation on heat transfer characteristics of nano titania added transformer oil with hotspot temperature
Authors: Swati Kumari , M Vishnu , Arul Prakash K , Sarathi R
Published: May 2020

The heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid produced by mixing nano titania with transformer oil, facilitated by addition of surfactants are analyzed. A 2D model is used to analyze the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of nano fluid for understanding the formation of hot spots in the chamber filled with nanofluid. Governing equations for conservation of mass, momentum and energy for capturing the above characteristics are described. The temperature along the vertical mid line from the hot spot are measured experimentally and compared with simulation results. Temperature distribution obtained for nanofluid and transformer oil under both steady and transient state has revealed high rate of heat dissipation in nanofluid. Streamlines have shown the presence of press board affects flow in the bulk of the cavity. Nusselt number estimated across the edges of the hot spot has shown higher convective heat transfer in nanofluid.
Derivation of field equation of f(R) gravity from Euler-Poisson equation
Authors: Abdelmohssin Faisal A Y , EL Mekki Osman M H
Published: May 2020

We derived the field equations of

f

(
R
)

gravity using Euler-Poisson equation, which allows the boundary term to vanish in a natural way from the principle of Calculus of variation in contrary to the original theory of H. A. Buchdahl in 1970, in which the boundary term neither treated nor elaborated.
Lightning Damage Facilitates Beetle Colonization of Tropical Trees
Authors: Parlato Brady P , Gora Evan M , Yanoviak Stephen P
Published: May 2020

Lightning is a common agent of disturbance in many forest ecosystems. Lightning-damaged trees are a potentially important resource for beetles, but most evidence for this association is limited to temperate pine forests. Here, we evaluated the relationship between lightning damage and beetle colonization of tropical trees. We recorded the number of beetle holes on the trunks of trees from 10 strike sites (n = 173 lightning-damaged trees) and 10 matching control sites (n = 137 control trees) in Panama. The trunks of lightning-struck trees had 370% more beetle holes than control trees. The abundance of beetle holes increased with increasing total crown dieback among both control and lightning-damaged trees, and with larger tree diameter among lightning-struck trees. Beetle holes also were more abundant in trunk sections of lightning-damaged trees located directly below a damaged section of the crown. The results of this study suggest that lightning damage facilitates beetle colonization in tropical forest trees and provide a basis for investigations of the effects of lightning-caused disturbance on beetle population dynamics and assemblage structure.
Does Experiencing an Injury Claim Impact Small Construction Company Leaders’ Participation in a Fall Protection Survey?
Authors: Hurtado David , Greenspan Leah , Vogt Michael , Mansfield Layla , Olson Ryan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Workers in small and medium residential construction companies (≤50 employees) have a high risk of fall-related fatality or disability. However, little is known about effective ways to engage with this subsector for research and training. We tested whether insurance-documented fall-related claims during the past 12 months and lower familiarity with equipment motivated companies’ representatives to engage with a fall protection survey.

Methods

Oregon’s largest workers compensation insurer drew a random anonymous sample of small and medium residential construction that did (n = 197) and did not (n = 195) have a recent fall-related claim. Samples were stratified by size, trade, and region. Company representatives were emailed a 34-item questionnaire about equipment familiarity to enter a raffle to win fall-prevention equipment. We coded survey engagement binarily, indicating whether a participant completed at least half of the survey. Familiarity with 10 pieces of equipment was measured with a scale from 0 (never seen it) to 3 (use it frequently) points.

Results

The survey was initiated by 88 out of 392 representatives (22.4% response rate). Of those, 63 representatives provided the company identifier which was needed to establish claim status. Survey engagement was higher among representatives from companies with claims compared with those without (57.6 versus 42.4%, P = 0.16). Equipment familiarity was lower among company representatives with lower survey engagement (1.15 versus 1.56, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The survey had a relatively encouraging response rate for a hard-to-reach sector. The large but not statistically significant difference in survey engagement rates suggests that adverse events motivate companies to engage with fall protection research. Low equipment familiarity in the sample substantiates the need to identify effective engagement methods for fall protection practices.
A Case Study of Brass Foundry Workers’ Estimated Lead (Pb) Body Burden from Different Exposure Routes
Authors: Julander Anneli , Midander Klara , Garcia-Garcia Sandra , Vihlborg Per , Graff Pål
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The most pronounced occupational exposure routes for lead (Pb) are inhalation and gastrointestinal uptake mainly through hand-to-mouth behaviour. Skin absorption has been demonstrated for organic Pb compounds, but less is known about inorganic Pb species. Several legislative bodies in Europe are currently proposing lowering biological exposure limit values and air exposure limits due to new evidence on cardiovascular effects at very low blood Pb levels. In light of this, all exposure routes in occupational settings should be revisited to evaluate how to lower the overall exposure to Pb.

Methods

The aim of the study was to investigate the possible exposure routes in workers operating computer numerical control-machines in a brass foundry and specifically to understand if metal cutting fluids (MCFs) used by the workers could lead to skin absorption of Pb. The different bronze alloys at the facility may contain up to 20% Pb. After obtaining written informed consent from the workers (n = 7), blood, skin wipes, and personal air samples were collected. In addition, MCFs used on the day of exposure measurements were collected for in vitro skin absorption studies using stillborn piglet skin mounted in static Franz diffusion cells (n = 48). All samples were analysed for Pb content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

Pb air concentration (<0.1–3.4 µg m−3) was well below the Swedish occupational exposure limit value. Blood Pb was in the range of <0.72–33 µg dl−1, and Pb on skin surfaces, after performing normal work tasks during 2 h, was in the range of 0.2–48 µg cm−2. Using the MCFs in diffusion cells showed that skin absorption had occurred at very low doses, and that up to 10% of the Pb content was present in the skin after 24 h exposure. Using these results in the US EPA adult lead model, we could estimate a contribution to blood Pb from the three exposure routes; where hand-to-mouth behaviour yielded the highest contribution (16 µg Pb dl−1 blood), followed by skin absorption (3.3–6.3 µg Pb dl−1 blood) and inhalation (2.0 µg Pb dl−1 blood).

Conclusions

This case study shows that MCF may lead to skin absorption of inorganic Pb and contribute to a systemic dose (quasi-steady state). Furthermore, even though good hand hygienic measures were in place, the workers’ skin exposure to Pb is in all likelihood an important contributor in elevating blood Pb levels. Skin exposure should thus be monitored routinely in workers at facilities handling Pb, to help reducing unnecessary occupational exposure.
Does hunger lead to hybridization in a genus of sexually cannibalistic insects (Orthoptera: Prophalangopsidae)?
Authors: Dupuis Julian R , Judge Kevin A , Brunet Bryan M T , Ohlmann Chan Shawna , Sperling Felix A H
Published: May 2020

Allochronic isolation can be a strong mechanism for reproductive isolation and speciation. However, imperfect allochrony and the expression of phenological plasticity can erode temporal barriers to gene flow and result in hybridization between divergent lineages. Here, we combine behavioural ecology and genomics to investigate this scenario in two closely related species of grigs in the genus Cyphoderris. These species exhibit a unique mating system whereby females feed on the fleshy hind wings of the male during copulation, and copulation with conspecific males is more likely in food-restricted females than in well-fed females. In western Canada, Cyphoderris buckelli and Cyphoderris monstrosa are sympatric but largely allochronically separated, with C. buckelli breeding earlier. However, their breeding seasons can overlap, leading to potential for older C. buckelli females to mate with young C. monstrosa males to obtain resources via sexual cannibalism. We used behavioural assays to test whether female feeding status affects the propensity for interspecific mating between C. buckelli females and C. monstrosa males. We then tested for hybridization and gene exchange in wild populations of both species, using morphology, mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide nuclear markers. We found that interspecific courtship and mating can occur, but the relationship between food restriction and increased propensity for hybridization was not significant. Although we observed intraspecific population genetic structure in both species, we found no signatures of hybridization in the morphological or genetic datasets, which suggests that postmating reproductive barriers might be preventing successful hybridization in the wild.
ACValidator: A novel assembly-based approach for in silico verification of circular RNAs
Authors: Sekar Shobana , Geiger Philipp , Adkins Jonathan , Tassone Erica , Serrano Geidy , Beach Thomas G , Liang Winnie S
Published: May 2020

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved RNA species that are formed when exons “back-splice” to each other. Current computational algorithms to detect these back-splicing junctions produce divergent results, and hence there is a need for a method to distinguish true-positive circRNAs. To this end, we developed Assembly based CircRNA Validator (ACValidator) for in silico verification of circRNAs. ACValidator extracts reads from a user-defined window on either side of a circRNA junction and assembles them to generate contigs. These contigs are aligned against the circRNA sequence to find contigs spanning the back-spliced junction. When evaluated on simulated datasets, ACValidator achieved over ∼80% sensitivity on datasets with an average of 10 circRNA-supporting reads and with read lengths of at least 100 bp. In experimental datasets, ACValidator produced higher verification percentages for samples treated with ribonuclease R compared to nontreated samples. Our workflow is applicable to non-polyA-selected RNAseq datasets and can also be used as a candidate selection strategy for prioritizing experimental validations. All workflow scripts are freely accessible on our GitHub page https://github.com/tgen/ACValidator along with detailed instructions to set up and run ACValidator.
Assessment of left atrial electro-mechanical delay to predict atrial fibrillation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tjahjadi Catherina , Hiemstra Yasmine L , van der Bijl Pieter , Pio Stephan M , Bootsma Marianne , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Delgado Victoria , Bax Jeroen J
Published: May 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently observed in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Total atrial conduction time, estimated by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), the so-called PA-TDI duration, reflects the left atrial (LA) structural and electrical remodelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between PA-TDI and new-onset AF in patients with HCM.

Methods and results

From a large cohort of patients with HCM, 208 patients (64% male, mean age 53 ± 14 years) without AF were selected. PA-TDI duration was measured from the onset P wave on electrocardiogram to the peak A′ wave of the lateral LA wall using TDI. The incidence of new-onset AF was 20% over a median follow-up of 7.3 (3.5–10.5) years. Patients with incident AF had longer PA-TDI duration when compared with patients without AF (133.7 ± 23.0 vs. 110.5 ± 30.0 ms, P < 0.001). PA-TDI duration was independently associated with new-onset AF (hazard ratio: 1.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.05, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Prolonged PA-TDI duration was independently associated with new-onset AF in patients with HCM. This novel parameter could be useful to risk-stratify patients with HCM who are at risk of having AF.
Modeling Early Responses of Loblolly Pine Growth to Thinning in the Western Gulf Coastal Plain Region
Authors: Weng Y H , Grogan J , Coble D W
Published: May 2020

Growth response to thinning has long been a research topic of interest in forest science. This study presents the first 3–4 years of response of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growth to thinning at different intensities. Data were collected from the East Texas Pine Research Project’s region-wide loblolly pine thinning study, which covers a wide variety of stand conditions. Four treatments, light, moderate, and heavy thinning, respectively having 370, 555, and 740 residual trees per hectare after thinning, and an unthinned control, were included. Individual tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and total height were recorded annually for the first 3–4 years after thinning. Results indicate significant differences between treatments in dbh growth in each year after thinning, as well as for all years combined. Each thinning treatment had significantly greater dbh growth than the control in the first growing season with this positive response being more evident in the case of the heavier thinning or at the later years post-thinning. Conversely, the thinning effect on tree height growth was initially negligibly negative, then becoming positive after 2–4 years, with the heavier thinning becoming positive sooner. Tree size class, assigned based on prethinning dbh, had a significant effect on both dbh and height growth responses. Compared to the control, small trees had a greater response both in dbh and in height growth than the medium and large trees over the measurement period. At the stand level, the heavier thinning had significantly less stand basal area per hectare, but the difference in stand basal area per hectare between the thinned and the unthinned plots decreased with years post-thinning. Results from this study can improve our understanding in thinning effects and help forest managers make accurate decisions on silvicultural regimes.
Analysis of the 2017 June Maoxian landslide processes with force histories from seismological inversion and terrain features
Authors: Zhao J , Ouyang C J , Ni S D , Chu R S , Mangeney A
Published: May 2020

A devastating landslide occurred in Maoxian (China) on 2017 June 24, which generated strong signals that were recorded by a regional seismic network. We determined the landslide force history from long-period seismic waves and identified eight subevents. For each subevent, we obtained an independent force history and calculated its sliding path. The shape of the terrain before and after the landslide was found to play a critical role in the motion of the sliding mass. A combination of seismic and terrain data was used to discriminate between or relate the subevents to each other, and to locate the initiation point of each sliding path. We explain the Maoxian landslide dynamics as the combination of the rock collapse, centripetal acceleration of the sliding body, deceleration and acceleration once again after overcoming obstacles along the sliding path.
Decreased B Cells on Admission Associated With Prolonged Viral RNA Shedding From the Respiratory Tract in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hao Shaorui , Lian Jiangshan , Lu Yingfeng , Jia Hongyu , Hu Jianhua , Yu Guodong , Wang Xiaoyan , Xu Kaijin , Ni Qin , Li Yongtao , Liu Jun , Zhao Hong , Zhang Xuan , Yu Liang , Yu Xiaopeng , Xiang Dairong , Chen Yu , Zheng Shufa , Qiu Yunqing , Li Lanjuan , Liang Tingbo , Yang Yida , Sheng Jifang
Published: May 2020

The viral RNA shedding time (VST) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has not been well characterized. Clinical data were collected and compared between patients with short and long VSTs (in the lower and upper quartiles, respectively). The probability of recurrent positive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results decreased sharply to 4.8% after 3 consecutive negative results. A series of ≥3 consecutive negative results was suitable as a criterion for the end of viral RNA shedding. The VST for shedding from the respiratory tract was significantly shorter in patients with normal B-cell counts on admission than in those with decreased B-cell counts (median [interquartile range], 11 [9–13] vs 16 [12–20] days, respectively; P = .001).
Identification and Characterization of Aminopeptidase-N as a Binding Protein for Cry3Aa in the Midgut of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Guo Yajie , Carballar-Lejarazú Rebeca , Sheng Liangjing , Fang Yan , Wang Shaozhen , Liang Guanghong , Hu Xia , Wang Rong , Zhang Feiping , Wu Songqing
Published: May 2020

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins have been widely used over the past decades for many different insect pests, which are safe for users and the environment. The coleopteran-specific Cry3Aa toxin from B. thuringiensis exhibits toxicity to the larvae of Monochamus alternatus. Receptors play a key role in the mechanisms underlying the toxic action of Cry. However, the binding receptor for Cry3Aa has yet to be identified in the midgut of M. alternatus larvae. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the receptor for Cry3Aa toxin in the brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of M. alternatus larvae. Our results indicate that the Cry3Aa toxin binds to the BBMVs (Kd = 247 nM) of M. alternatus via a 107 kDa aminopeptidase N (APN) (Kd = 57 nM). In silico analysis of the APN protein predicted that an 18 amino acid sequence in the N-terminal acted as a signal peptide, and that the Asn residue, located at position 918 in the C-terminus is an anchored site for glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol. Further analysis showed that M. alternatus APN exhibits 75% homology to the APN from Anoplophora glabripenis. Our work, therefore, confirmed that APN, which is localized in the BBMVs in the midgut of M. alternatus larvae, acts as a binding protein for Cry3Aa toxins.
Validating scattering-induced (sub)millimetre disc polarization through the spectral index, wavelength-dependent polarization pattern, and polarization spectrum: the case of HD 163296
Authors: Lin Zhe-Yu Daniel , Li Zhi-Yun , Yang Haifeng , Looney Leslie , Stephens Ian , Hull Charles L H
Published: May 2020

A number of young circumstellar discs show strikingly ordered (sub)millimetre polarization orientations along the minor axis, which is strong evidence for polarization due to scattering by ∼0.1 mm-sized grains. To test this mechanism further, we model the ALMA dust continuum and polarization data of HD 163296 using radmc-3d. We find that scattering by grains with a maximum size of 90  μm simultaneously reproduces the polarization observed at Band 7 and the unusually low spectral index (α ∼ 1.5) between Bands 7 and 6 in the optically thick inner disc as a result of more efficient scattering at the shorter wavelength. The low spectral index of ∼2.5 inferred for the optically thin gaps is reproduced by the same grains, as a result of telescope beam averaging of the gaps (with an intrinsic α ∼ 4) and their adjacent optically thick rings (where α ≲ 2). The tension between the grain sizes inferred from polarization and spectral index disappears because the low α values do not require large mm-sized grains. In addition, the polarization fraction has a unique azimuthal variation: higher along the major axis than the minor axis in the gaps, but vice versa in the rings. We find a rapidly declining polarization spectrum (with p ∝ λ−3 approximately) in the gaps, which becomes flattened or even inverted towards short wavelengths in the optically thick rings. These contrasting behaviours in the rings and gaps provide further tests for scattering-induced polarization via resolved multiwavelength observations.
Multiband observation of LIGO/Virgo binary black hole mergers in the gravitational-wave transient catalog GWTC-1
Authors: Liu Chang , Shao Lijing , Zhao Junjie , Gao Yong
Published: May 2020

The Advanced LIGO and Virgo detectors opened a new era to study black holes (BHs) in our Universe. A population of stellar-mass binary black holes (BBHs) are discovered to be heavier than previously expected. These heavy BBHs provide us an opportunity to achieve multiband observation with ground-based and space-based gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. In this work, we use BBHs discovered by the LIGO/Virgo Collaboration as indubitable examples, and study in great detail the prospects for multiband observation with GW detectors in the near future. We apply the Fisher matrix to spinning, non-precessing inspiral-merger-ringdown waveforms, while taking the motion of space-based GW detectors fully into account. Our analysis shows that, detectors with decihertz sensitivity are expected to log stellar-mass BBH signals with very large signal-to-noise ratio and provide accurate parameter estimation, including the sky location and time to coalescence. Furthermore, the combination of multiple detectors will achieve unprecedented measurement of BBH properties. As an explicit example, we present the multiband sensitivity to the generic dipole radiation for BHs, which is vastly important for the equivalence principle in the foundation of gravitation, in particular for those theories that predict curvature-induced scalarization of BHs.
TopMatch-web: pairwise matching of large assemblies of protein and nucleic acid chains in 3D
Authors: Wiederstein Markus , Sippl Manfred J
Published: May 2020

Frequently, the complete functional units of biological molecules are assemblies of protein and nucleic acid chains. Stunning examples are the complex structures of ribosomes. Here, we present TopMatch-web, a computational tool for the study of the three-dimensional structure, function and evolution of such molecules. The unique feature of TopMatch is its ability to match the protein as well as nucleic acid chains of complete molecular assemblies simultaneously. The resulting structural alignments are visualized instantly using the high-performance molecular viewer NGL. We use the mitochondrial ribosomes of human and yeast as an example to demonstrate the capabilities of TopMatch-web. The service responds immediately, enabling the interactive study of many pairwise alignments of large molecular assemblies in a single session. TopMatch-web is freely accessible at https://topmatch.services.came.sbg.ac.at.
Is German Religionsverfassungsrecht under threat from the European Union?
Authors: Unruh Peter
Published: May 2020

Two recent judgments of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) raise fundamental questions about the relationship between European Union Law and German religious constitutional law. This article outlines the German constitutional context for the law of labour relations within religious associations before considering those judgments in detail. The article argues that in its approach to religious occupational requirements and loyalty obligations the case law of the CJEU risks bringing about a fundamental change in German religious constitutional law. This is in breach of the terms of membership of Germany in the European Union and contrary to European law itself.
UK Parties Abroad and Expatriate Voters: The Brexit Backlash
Authors: Collard Susan , Webb Paul
Published: May 2020

Recent developments in British politics have foregrounded two issues of particular importance to Britons living overseas: their voting rights in the UK and Brexit. In light of this, the number of British expatriates registering to vote has risen sharply and provided an incentive to develop UK parties abroad. We, therefore, set out the history and organisational structures of the major British parties abroad, and report the results of a unique online survey of British expatriate citizens, which tests whether ‘Votes for Life’ and Brexit have significantly impacted on their political preferences. We find that latter has done so, but the former has not. In view of this, the historically embedded expectations of a general expatriate preference for the Conservative Party no longer apply to those based in EU countries. In the wake of Brexit, this group appears to have swung decisively against the party and turned towards Labour and the Liberal Democrats. This suggests that the likelihood of the current Conservative administration introducing legislation to extend expatriate Britons’ voting rights, as pledged in the Queen’s Speech of December 2019, is remote, raising existential questions for the future of UK parties abroad.
What High-Income States Should Do to Address Industrial Antibiotic Pollution
Authors: Malmqvist Erik , Munthe Christian
Published: May 2020

Antibiotic resistance is widely recognized as a major threat to public health and healthcare systems worldwide. Recent research suggests that pollution from antibiotics manufacturing is an important driver of resistance development. Using Sweden as an example, this article considers how industrial antibiotic pollution might be addressed by public actors who are in a position to influence the distribution and use of antibiotics in high-income countries with publicly funded health systems. We identify a number of opportunities for these actors to incentivize industry to increase sustainability in antibiotics production. However, we also show that each alternative would create tensions with other significant policy goals, necessitating trade-offs. Since justifiable trade-offs require ethical consideration, we identify and explore the main underlying normative issues, namely, the weighing of local versus global health interests, the weighing of present versus future health interests, and the role of individualistic constraints on the pursuit of collective goals. Based on this analysis, we conclude that the actors have weighty principled reasons for prioritizing the goal of addressing pollution, but that translating this stance into concrete policy requires accommodating significant pragmatic challenges.
The relationship between glycated haemoglobin levels and the risk of giant cell arteritis – a case–control study
Authors: Mukhtyar Chetan , Myers Holly , Jones Colin , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The EULAR core dataset for observational studies in GCA does not include glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). A multivariable score to stratify the pre-test probability of GCA also does not include HbA1c. There have been contradictory reports about diabetes mellitus being a risk factor for GCA. We report the first study analysing the relationship of pre-diagnosis HbA1c with the risk of GCA.

Methods

This was a single-centre retrospective case–control study conducted in Norfolk, UK. All GCA cases were diagnosed with imaging or biopsy. Each case was assigned two age- and sex-matched controls. The primary outcome measure was the glycaemic status (HbA1c categorized into euglycaemia, pre-diabetes or diabetes mellitus) at diagnosis between cases and controls. The HbA1c was compared between two groups using the Mann–Whitney U test. The glycaemic categorization was compared using the χ2 test.

Results

One hundred and twelve cases and 224 controls were included. The median (interquartile range) of HbA1c of cases and controls was 40 (37, 43) and 41 (39, 47) mmol/mol (P < 0.001), respectively. Ten of 112 cases and 52 of 224 controls had diabetes mellitus. The χ2 test demonstrated a significant interaction between glycaemic state and GCA (P = 0.006). Individuals with diabetes mellitus had an odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.32 (0.13, 0.74) (P = 0.008) of having GCA compared with euglycaemic individuals.

Conclusion

HbA1c in the diabetic range reduces the probability of GCA. HbA1c should be considered in any multivariable score to calculate the risk of GCA, and in future development of diagnostic and classification criteria. There is a need for an epidemiological study looking at the possibility of a protective nature of diabetes mellitus against GCA or whether it is only a mimic.