bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of heat loss: Ramirent rental modules
Authors: Edula Kristjan
Published: June 2020

Ramirent Modular Factory (RMF) has conducted the study in cooperation with Tallinn University of Technology to measure heat loss and calculate estimated energy consumption and monthly energy cost of common Ramirent rental modules. The need for the study emerged from Ramirent’s rental customers who have requested more environmentally friendly modules. This research was initiated to prove the theoretical assumption that the 2 wooden modules included in the study, which were produced by Ramirent Modular Factory, have lower heat loss and lower monthly energy costs per m², compared to the steel modules. There were 6 different modules included in the study, 2 steel modules with mineral wool insulation, 2 steel modules with polyurethane insulation and 2 wooden modules with mineral wool insulation. The energy consumption was measured between 21.12.2018 -15.05.2019. Exterior and interior climate of the modules was measured during the research. The conclusion is that 2 wooden modules produced by RMF are most energy efficient and have remarkably lower heat loss per m² than other modules included in the research. The calculated heat loss of a wooden module was in correlation with the energy consumption measurements. The real measured energy consumption of the steel modules was higher than calculated values. Future studies of heat loss are needed to eliminate disturbing factors and considering the use of ventilation aggregate with heat exchanger vs. direct forced air extraction, while maintaining healthy interior climate requirements.
Benefits of Investigating the Thermal Component for Moisture Safety in Ventilated Attics
Authors: Claesson Johan , Wallentén Petter
Published: June 2020

Cold ventilated attics often have mould problems in Sweden. This is valid both for old and sometimes newly built attics. Increased insulation on the attic floor is assumed to increase the problem. To investigate this, numerical 1D models like WUFI or WUFI+ are typically used. These models give results but the physical processes are not so transparent for the user due to the complex numerical techniques involved and takes a long time to simulate. The problem is mainly related to the temperature in the attic, the ventilation rate and possible of leaks from the living space. All exposed surfaces in the attic will buffer moisture variations. But if this buffering is neglected and the leakage is treated as a constant the moisture content in the attic is only dependent on the ventilation with outside air and the assumed leakage. This would make a pure thermal investigation meaningful. An analytical model for the thermal problem was developed that took into account radiation between the interior surfaces and the different boundary conditions at the outside and inside surfaces. Using this model a parameter study of exterior roofing insulation was done using a moisture transport model that only took into account convection exchange. The results were compared with WUFI Pro and WUFI+ simulations which included the moisture exchange between air and internal surfaces. The comparison showed that the pure thermal model gave, as expected, larger variations in relative humidity, but that the results were qualitatively very similar. This indicates that analytical solutions of thermal problems can be used as a base in qualitative investigations of certain combined heat and moisture problems.
Methodology for Praxis-Oriented Development of a Building Refurbishment Concept Including Consideration of Potentially Existing Moisture Related Problems and Facade Restoration Measures
Authors: Sonntag Heike , Grunewald John
Published: June 2020

When renovating historic buildings with facades worth preserving, the use of internal insulation is often the only way of thermal renovation of existing exterior walls. On the basis of the analysis of the building stock, suitable insulation concepts have to be developed. Demanding renovation planning, taking into account the requirements of the preservation of historical monuments, includes the determination of potential moisture-related causes of damage and the elaboration of measures for elimination and future damage prevention. In this paper, a renovation guide is presented that translates the scientific results of building physics research into renovation practice. As part of the knowledge transfer, the authors have been involved in renovation projects for years, using the methods and software tools they developed themselves. The individual steps of the refurbishment guide are explained using examples from refurbishment practice, starting with an on-site inspection, carrying out in-situ tests and measurements and determining the material properties in the laboratory. On this basis, necessary immediate measures for building protection can be formulated, and together with the owner / architect, various options regarding the intended use of the building and the actual condition determined in the investigation phase are developed. The development of the planning guide also allows conclusions to be drawn about the applicability of the simulation tools developed in the scientific environment and promotes their further development towards fully-fledged, economically usable planning tools.
Modification of building energy simulation tool TRNSYS for modelling nonlinear heat and moisture transfer phenomena by TRNSYS/MATLAB integration
Authors: Nayak Ajaya Ketan , Hagishima Aya
Published: June 2020

Software for numerical simulation of various types of energy used in buildings, i.e. building energy simulation (BES), have become an essential tool for recent research pertaining to building physics. TRNSYS is a well-known BES used in both academia and the construction industry for a wide range of simulations, such as the design and performance evaluation of buildings and related facilities for heating, cooling, and ventilation. TRNSYS has a modular structure comprising various components, and each component is interconnected and compiled through a common interface using a FORTRAN compiler. Its modular structure enables interactions with various external numerical simulation tools, such as MATLAB, Python, and ESP-r. For ordinary simulations of building energy load using TRNSYS, the generic module Type 56 is usually recommended, which provides detailed physics modelling of building thermal behaviours based on unsteady energy conservation equations and Fourier’s law for each building material. However, Type 56 explicitly depends on the transfer function method to discretise the original differential equations; therefore, it cannot model nonlinear phenomena, such as latent heat and moisture transfer between a building surface and ambient air. In other words, the current TRNSYS cannot be used to estimate the effectiveness of evaporation during cooling, which is a typical passive design method. Hence, the authors developed a MATLAB/TRNSYS integration scheme, in which TRNSYS was modified to model simultaneous heat and moisture transfer from the wet roof surface of a building. This scheme enabled TRNSYS to calculate the rate of evaporative heat and moisture transfer dynamically from the roof surface, assuming a control volume approximation of the roof surface. Finally, the effect of evaporative cooling on the thermal performance of an Indian building was estimated using the modified model.
Proposed Method for Probabilistic Energy Simulations for Multi-Family Dwellings
Authors: Burke Stephen , Carling Pär , Davidsson Henrik , Davidsson Kristin , Ekström Tomas , Harderup Lars-Erik , Kronvall Johnny , Sahlin Per , Sundling Rikard , Wiktorsson Magnus
Published: June 2020

As regulations regarding energy use and emissions of CO2 equivalents in buildings become more stringent, the need for more accurate tools and improved methods for predicting these parameters in building performance simulations increases. In the first part of this project, a probabilistic method was developed and applied to the transient energy calculations and evaluated using a single-family dwelling case study. The method was used to successfully predict the variation of the energy use in 26 houses built in the same residential area and with identical building characteristics and services. This project continues the development and testing of the probabilistic method for energy calculations by applying it to a multi-family building. The complexity of the building model increases as the multi-family model consists of 52 zones, compared to the single-zone model used for the single-family dwelling. The multi-family model also includes additional parameters that are evaluated, such as the domestic hot water circulation losses. This paper presents the probabilistic method applied to the building performance simulations used to predict the energy use for the multi-family building and discusses the differences between the previous and new method used in this study.
Let’s take this discussion online
Authors: Akhmerov Anton , Bonet-Monroig Xavier , Fatemi Valla , Greplova Eliska , van Nieuwenburg Evert , Seradjeh Babak , Varjas Daniel
Published: June 2020

With the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers turn to online conferencing. While posing new challenges, this format also brings multiple advantages. We argue that virtual conferences will become part of our regular scientific communication and invite community members to join the movement.
Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium 2020
Authors: Arnheim Katharina
Published: June 2020

Beim fortgeschrittenen Leberzellkarzinom (HCC), lange Zeit systemisch kaum anzugehen, wurden in den letzten Jahren erhebliche therapeutische Fortschritte erzielt. Andererseits wurde auf dem diesjährigen Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO-GI) deutlich, dass neue Therapieoptionen bei Gallengangs- und Pankreaskarzinomen fehlen. Sie sind weiterhin nur unbefriedigend zu behandeln.
Erfahrungen mit der Wassermethode bei totgeborenen Babys
Authors: Tiemens-van Putten Ilona , Molewijk-Hebrink Janet
Published: June 2020

Wenn ein Kind tot geboren wird, ist das für die Eltern eine der schmerzlichsten Erfahrungen überhaupt. In Ruhe Abschied nehmen zu können, ist dabei essenziell für die Trauerverarbeitung. Die Wassermethode erleichtert diesen Schritt. Die Autorinnen des vorliegenden Artikels erläutern die Methode und erklären, welche Vorteile sie bietet.
Stereotaktische Strahlentherapie bei Oligometastasierung
Authors: Hoegen Philipp , Hörner-Rieber Juliane , Debus Jürgen
Published: June 2020

In der Onkologie findet seit einigen Jahren ein Paradigmenwechsel statt: bei Vorliegen weniger Metastasen spricht man von Oligometastasierung. In diesem Fall ist ein kurativer Therapieansatz sinnvoll, wie zuletzt in mehreren Studien gezeigt wurde. Eine Möglichkeit der Lokaltherapie ist die stereotaktische Bestrahlung (SRS bzw. SBRT). Durch hochdosierte Bestrahlung in wenigen Sitzungen kann eine vollständige Tumorkontrolle erzielt werden. Neue Entwicklungen wie Hybridgeräte aus MRT und Linearbeschleuniger ermöglichen eine präzise, schonende Behandlung.
Small bowel angioectasia as a marker of frailty and poor prognosis
Authors: Robertson Alexander R. , Koulaouzidis Anastasios , Brindle William M. , Robertson Andrew J. , Plevris John N.
Published: June 2020

Background and study aims This study aimed to establish 5-year survival of patients diagnosed with bleeding small bowel (SB) angioectasia, with the hypothesis that many will suffer deaths relating to comorbidity rather than gastrointestinaI bleeding.

Patients and methods SB capsule endoscopy (SBCE) procedures, performed for suspected SB bleeding or iron deficiency anemia, with angioectasia isolated as the cause of SB bleeding and at least 5 years of follow-up data were isolated (n = 125) along with an age-matched group with “normal” SBCE procedures (n = 125). These were retrospectively analysed with further information on mortality and comorbidity gathered through hospital records.

Results Those with angioectasia had a median age of 72.7 years and comorbidities were common. The 5-year survival was 64.0 % (80/125) compared to 70.4 % (88/125) in those with “normal” SBCE. Those with significant cardiac or vascular comorbidity had a poorer survival (52.9 % (37/70) at 5 years) but anticoagulation/antiplatelets/ number of lesions or requirement endoscopic treatment seemed to make little difference. In those with SB bleeding secondary to angioectasia none of the subsequent deaths were directly attributable to gastrointestinal bleeding.

Conclusions In this cohort, SB angioectasia did not lead to any deaths but the 5-year survival was poor due to those diagnosed often being older and having comorbidities. This would support the hypothesis that a diagnosis of SB bleeding secondary to angioectasia suggests frailty.
Nierenzellkarzinom
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: June 2020

Der ASCO GU brachte 2020 für das Nierenzellkarzinom u. a. Langzeitergebnisse für die Therapie mit Checkpoint-Inhibitoren. Die Kombination von Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab als Erstlinientherapie konnte mit einer Nachbeobachtungszeit von 4 Jahren aufwarten, für Nivolumab in der 2. Therapielinie liegen bereits die 5-Jahres-Daten vor.
EFFICACY OF FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (FNMES) IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF HAND FUNCTIONS IN ACUTE STROKE SURVIVALS
Authors: K. Mohamed Faisal C. , Prakash Priyabandani Neha Om , S. Ajith
Published: June 2020

Stroke is a worldwide health problem. Hand function is one of the important factors which are affected in stroke. Stroke patients are usually given a conventional physiotherapy but if an additional FNMES is given it might show better improvement. By keeping these facts in view, the present study aims at evaluating and comparing the efficacy of conventional physiotherapy and adding FNMES will make any better outcome in the acute stroke survivals. The subjects were randomly assigned to any of the two groups; control group consisted of 15 subjects who received only conventional therapy for 4 weeks and experimental group consisting of 15 subjects who received an additional FNMES along with conventional physiotherapy for 4 weeks. The hand function was assessed on day 1 and to know the recovery, at the end of four weeks of intervention with the help of action research arm test (ARAT) and box and block test (BBT). At the end of 4 weeks of intervention both the groups showed significant improvements. On ARAT, control group showed a mean of 10.2000 whereas, experimental group showed mean of 20.8000 with p = 0.001 (p ≤ 0.05) and on BBT, the control group showed a mean of 21.666 and experimental group showed 30.933 with p = 0.41 (p ≤ S 0.05). Therefore the study concludes that, though there was improvement in both the groups, the experimental group who received an additional FNMES along with conventional physiotherapy showed better improvement in hand functions in the acute stroke survivals.
Hyper IgE syndrome (hies; job syndrome): A case report
Authors: Ameta Priyanka , Dhyani Anuj , Nayak Vignesh Hebri , Goyal Suresh
Published: June 2020

The hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by high serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), recurrent cutaneous and pulmonary infections, chronic dermatitis and a variety of connective tissue and skeletal abnormalities. These patients share characteristic facial appearance and many oral manifestations. We report a case of hyper IgE syndrome (HIES) also known as “Job syndrome“.
Level I Nodal Positivity as a Factor for Involvement of the Submandibular Gland in Oral Cavity Carcinoma: A Case Series Report
Authors: Pasha Hamdan Ahmed , Dhanani Rahim , Ghaloo Shayan Khalid , Ghias Kulsoom , Khan Mumtaz Jamshed
Published: June 2020

Introduction The routine practice of neck dissection in the surgical management of oral carcinoma has evolved into a more functionally conservative approach. Over time, the rationale for removal of the submandibular gland has been questioned. Routine extirpation of the submandibular gland can aggravate the xerostomia experienced by many patients, significantly affecting their quality of life.

Objective The objective of the present study was to determine the incidence of submandibular gland metastases in oral cavity carcinoma and to identify possible factors that may affect their involvement.

Methods A total of 149 cases of oral carcinoma presenting at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, over the course of 1 year were reviewed retrospectively.

Results Histopathological data showed that the submandibular gland was involved in 7 (4.7%) cases. Involvement of level I lymph nodes was found in all of the cases. Direct extension of primary tumor was noted in two cases when the primary tumor was in the floor of the mouth.

Conclusion The results suggest that preservation of the submandibular gland during neck dissection for oral carcinoma can be practiced safely when there is no evidence of direct extension of the primary tumor toward the submandibular gland or when there is no clinical or radiological evidence of neck disease in level I. Presence of pathological lymph nodes in level I requires caution when contemplating preservation of the submandibular gland.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Symptoms, Signs, and Presence of Pepsin in Saliva - A Reliable Diagnostic Triad
Authors: Divakaran Shilpa , Rajendran Sivaa , Thomas Roshan Marie , Jacob Jaise , Kurien Mary
Published: June 2020

Introduction Twenty-four-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance with double probe pH monitoring (MII-pH), though considered the most sensitive tool for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is invasive, time consuming, not widely available, and unable to detect non-acid reflux. In contrast, the presence of pepsin in the saliva would act as a marker for reflux, considering that pepsin is only produced in the stomach.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of salivary pepsin in diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) as suggested by the results of reflux symptom index (RSI > 13), reflux finding score (RFS > 7), and positive response to treatment with a 4-week course of proton-pump inhibitors.

Methods This prospective study was done at a tertiary care hospital on 120 adult patients attending ENT OPD with clinical diagnosis of LPR. The presence of pepsin in their pharyngeal secretions and saliva using a lateral flow device, the Peptest, was compared with RSI, RFS, and with the response to medical treatment using the Chi-squared test.

Results Salivary pepsin was found to be positive in 68% of the patients, with 87.5% of them showing positive response to treatment. Chi-squared analysis showed a significant association between positive salivary pepsin and RFS > 7, RSI >13, a combination of RFS > 7 and RSI > 13 as well as with response to treatment (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion When considered along with the clinical indicators of RFS and RSI of more than 7 and 13, respectively, and/or with a response to treatment, a positive salivary pepsin test indicates statistically significant chance of presence of LPR.
The Effect of Learning English on P300 in Children
Authors: Marques Pâmela Mariel , Mattiazzi Ângela Leusin , Ferreira Laís , Oppitz Sheila Jacques , Biaggio Eliara Pinto Vieira
Published: June 2020

Introduction Learning a second language is an essential task in today's world, and is experienced by many children. The cognitive auditory-evoked potential (P300) is related to cognitive activity, attention and concentration, enabling the investigation of the effect of a second language on the central auditory pathway.

Objective To analyze the effects of learning English on P300 latency and amplitude in children and to correlate them with age, time of exposure to English, and time in class.

Method An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, in which 33 children, aged between 5 and 9 years and 11 months, of both genders participated, 14 of them in the process of learning English (study group) and 19 without this experience (control group). All subjects had their P300 evaluated using the Intelligent Hearing Systems (IHS, Miami, FL, US) Smart EP equipment. A total of 300 binaural stimuli were used in 75 dBnHL, as well as 240 frequent and 60 rare stimuli, using the pairs /ba/ and /di/ respectively.

Results There was a statistically significant difference regarding P300 latency between the groups, and children exposed to English classes had lower latency in this component. No statistical difference was found between P300 amplitudes. No correlation was observed regarding age, time of exposure to English, time in class, and electrophysiological responses.

Conclusion The Children exposed to English classes had the most stimulating auditory pathway, because their P300 had lower latency, being a resource for the speech therapy clinic.
A Comparative Analysis of Patient Satisfaction following Total Knee Arthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Forgotten Joint Score
Authors: Singh Vivek , Zak Stephen , Schwarzkopf Ran , Davidovitch Roy
Published: June 2020

Measuring patient satisfaction and surgical outcomes following total joint arthroplasty remains controversial with most tools failing to account for both surgeon and patient satisfaction in regard to outcomes. The purpose of this study was to use “The Forgotten Joint Score” questionnaire to assess clinical outcomes comparing patients who underwent a total hip arthroplasty (THA) with those who underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent primary THA or TKA between September 2016 and September 2019 and responded to the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) questionnaire at least at one of three time periods (3, 12, and 21 months), postoperatively. An electronic patient rehabilitation application was used to administer the questionnaire. Collected variables included demographic data (age, gender, race, body mass index [BMI], and smoking status), length of stay (LOS), and FJS-12 scores. t-test and chi-square were used to determine significance. Linear regression was used to account for demographic differences. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 2,359 patients included in this study, 1,469 underwent a THA and 890 underwent a TKA. Demographic differences were observed between the two groups with the TKA group being older, with higher BMI, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, and longer LOS. Accounting for the differences in demographic data, THA patients consistently had higher scores at 3 months (53.72 vs. 24.96; p < 0.001), 12 months (66.00 vs. 43.57; p < 0.001), and 21 months (73.45 vs. 47.22; p < 0.001). FJS-12 scores for patients that underwent THA were significantly higher in comparison to TKA patients at 3, 12, and 21 months postoperatively. Increasing patient age led to a marginal increase in FJS-12 score in both cohorts. With higher FJS-12 scores, patients who underwent THA may experience a more positive evolution with their surgery postoperatively than those who had TKA.
Ultrasound assessment of the external occipital protuberance in young adults. Clinical implications
Authors: Benito Domingo Adrián , García Godino Alberto
Published: June 2020

Introduction The current lifestyle, related to the indiscriminate use of screens from early ages with sustained postures, can cause structural changes (osteophytes) to the upper trapezius enthesis on the external occipital protuberance. Such findings in the skull are rare and usually asymptomatic, especially in young adults. Therefore, it is important to analyze, evaluate and correlate these findings with the patient's symptoms. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is an ideal tool to enable the evaluation of these structural alterations. Description of the Exam Prone position avoiding cranio-cervical hyperextension. A linear probe is used with a low frequency range (8–10 Mhz) The scan used as a reference is the transverse exam of the bone prominence. Subsequently, this is confirmed with a longitudinal exam, which is used to measure the osteophyte. The normal reference value is <10 mm. Discussion The ultrasound exam described above enables the easily reproducible assessment and measurement of osteophytes and insertional soft tissue at this level to enhance treatment planning.
Effect of a boomerang-shaped Conchal cartilage graft for Type three Tympanoplasty on Hearing
Authors: Elaprolu Snigdha , Alexander Arun , Ganesan Sivaraman , Manu Coimbatore Balakrishnan
Published: June 2020

Introduction Chronic suppurative otitis media atticoantral disease (CSOM-AAD) is often associated with ossicular erosion resulting in significant hearing loss. Absence of the stapes suprastructure is a poor prognostic indicator of hearing outcome, which necessitates an effective reconstruction technique for ossicular continuity and restoration of middle ear volume. In the present study, we used a boomerang-shaped conchal cartilage graft.

Objective To evaluate the improvement in hearing using a boomerang-shaped conchal cartilage graft for Type III tympanoplasty in cases of CSOM-AAD in which the stapes suprastructure was absent and to study the incidence of intraoperative/postoperative complications of this procedure.

Method A total of 21 patients with CSOM-AAD who were found to have absent stapes suprastructure intraoperatively were included. A boomerang-shaped conchal cartilage graft was placed over the stapes footplate for reconstruction following canal wall down mastoidectomy. Pure tone audiogram (500, 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 Hz) was done preoperatively and at 12 weeks postoperatively. Hearing outcome and incidence of complications were noted.

Results There was a statistically significant reduction in the hearing loss for air conduction and air-bone gap (ABG) of 6.1 dB and 6.9 dB respectively (p < 0.05). Air-bone gap < 30 dB could be achieved in 71.4% of the patients as compared with 23.8% preoperatively. No significant difference was noted in the bone conduction threshold (p > 0.05). A better hearing outcome was observed at higher frequencies (2,000, 4,000 Hz). No major complications were encountered.

Conclusion A boomerang-shaped conchal cartilage graft is effective when used for Type III tympanoplasty, especially at higher (2,000, 4,000 Hz) frequencies, and is comparable to newer materials such as titanium total ossicular reconstruction prosthesis (TORP). No major intraoperative/postoperative complications were noted.
Interface-induced spiral magnetic structure of epitaxial Fe films on GaAs(001)
Authors: Gao Cunxu , Miao Yu , Wang Yutian , Chai Guozhi , Chen Peng , Xue Desheng
Published: June 2020

We investigated the magnetic structure in epitaxial Fe films on GaAs(001) by taking advantage of planar Hall effect combining with static and dynamic magnetization measurements. The depth dependence of the magnetic structure was evidenced as a result of competition between in-plane interfacial uniaxial and bulk cubic magnetic anisotropies. The competing results exposed by these techniques allow us to image a spiral magnetic structure nearby the interface of the Fe/GaAs(001) system. This work provides an insight for electrical and magnetic properties in an ultrathin hybrid ferromagnet/non-magnet system.
Combined mean field limit and non-relativistic limit of Vlasov–Maxwell particle system to Vlasov–Poisson system
Authors: Chen Li , Li Xin , Pickl Peter , Yin Qitao
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider the mean field limit and non-relativistic limit of the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell particle system to the Vlasov–Poisson equation. With the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell particle system being a starting point, we carry out the estimates (with respect to N and c) between the characteristic equation of both the Vlasov–Maxwell particle model and the Vlasov–Poisson equation, where the probabilistic method is exploited. In the last step, we take both a large N limit and a non-relativistic limit (meaning c tending to infinity) to close the argument. Deriving such a mean-field limit for interactions with Coulomb singularity is a difficult task; therefore, we introduce an N-dependent mollifier to smoothen the interactions. Note that the length scale of our mollifier is N−α for an α that can be chosen arbitrarily close to but smaller than 1/3, which improves previous results in the literature on deriving Vlasov–Maxwell in the non-relativistic setting.
Pre-launch radiometric calibration of the infrared spectrometer onboard SuperCam for the Mars2020 rover
Authors: Royer Clément , Poulet F. , Reess J.-M. , Pilorget C. , Hamm V. , Fouchet T. , Maurice S. , Forni O. , Bernardi P. , Montmessin F. , Lapauw L. , Parisot J. , Bonafous M. , Gasnault O. , Wiens R. C.
Published: June 2020

Near-infrared spectroscopy has become a well-known remote sensing technique for the surface characterization of planetary objects. Among them, Mars was observed in the past by three imaging spectrometers from orbit. The Infrared Spectrometer/SuperCam instrument performs near-infrared spectroscopy from the martian surface for the first time, with a 1.15 mrad field of view, in the 1.3 µm–2.6 µm range, enabling the identification of a variety of mafic and altered minerals. Before integration aboard the rover, the spectrometer underwent a calibration campaign. Here, we report the radiometric and linearity responses of the instrument, including the optical and thermal setups used to perform them over its nominal range of operations, in terms of instrument detector temperatures and spectral range. These responses were constrained by accuracy requirements (20% in absolute radiometry, 1% in relative). The derived instrument transfer function fits within these requirements (<15% in absolute and <0.8% in relative) and shall be used to calculate the expected instrumental signal-to-noise ratio for typical observation scenarios of mineral mixtures expected to be found in the Jezero crater, and ultimately to retrieve the spectral properties of the regions of interest observed by the rover.
Vortex line density and thermal pulse dynamics in superfluid helium
Authors: Kondaurova L. P.
Published: June 2020

The propagation of intense rectangular thermal pulses in superfluid helium is studied numerically using superfluid turbulence hydrodynamics with various equations for vortex line density dynamics. It is shown that the experimental data are most adequately described by the Vinen equation. The impact of the background vortex line density on the dynamics of the pulses at different temperatures of the unperturbed fluid is studied by using the Vinen equation that describes the vortex line density dynamics. It is found that a high background vortex line density leads to a significant change in the pulse shape and overheating of the fluid. At the same values of the heat flux supplied to the heater and the background vortex line density, the temperature perturbations decrease with the increasing temperature of the unperturbed fluid. This is due to changes in the thermodynamic properties of the fluid and the vortex line density dynamics. As the temperature increases, the increase in the vortex line density slows down, as a result of which the fluid temperature perturbations decrease significantly.
Detecting and determining the nature of an anomalous x-ray optical effect in two-Layer substrate–coating systems
Authors: Finkel V. A. , Sukhareva T. V. , Sungurov M. S.
Published: June 2020

The authors have detected an anomalous X-ray optical effect in the Ni(1−x)Wx/TiN system, which consists of a rise in the intensity of certain diffraction lines of the substrate with increasing coating thickness. Based on the observed effect, this article has conceptualized the optimization of the architecture of two-layer systems with a substrate of TiN-coated NiW paramagnetic alloys, which provides an increase in the current-carrying capacity of second generation high temperature superconductors (2G HTS).
The effect of irradiation with high-energy electrons on the superconducting transition and the electrical resistivity anisotropy of YВа2Сu3О7−δ single crystals
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Samoilov A. V. , Vovk R. V.
Published: June 2020

The temperature dependences of the longitudinal and transverse conductivity of YВа2Сu3О7−δ single crystals irradiated with high-energy electrons were measured. It was found that, in contrast to unexposed YВа2Сu3О7−δ single crystals, the absolute value of the electrical resistivity anisotropy ρc/ρab significantly decreases with an increase in the number of structural defects in the experimental sample volume. The dependence ρc/ρab(Т) is well described both by the universal “1/2 law” and by the usual exponential expression for thermally activated conductivity.
Kinetics of low-temperature plasticity of nanocrystalline titanium
Authors: Smolianets R. V. , Moskalenko V. A.
Published: June 2020

The temperature dependences of the offset yield strength, strain-rate sensitivity of deformation stress, and the activation volume of plastic deformation in VT1-0 nanocrystalline titanium, have been determined under quasistatic tension in the temperature range 4.2–395 K. Thermal activation analysis of experimental data has been performed. The low-temperature plasticity of nanocrystalline titanium is shown to be controlled by the thermally activated passage of dislocations through local barriers formed by interstitial impurity atoms. The empirical values of the theoretical parameters of the dislocation–impurity interaction have been determined.
Strain dependence of Auger recombination in 3 μm GaInAsSb/GaSb type-I active regions
Authors: Underwood Kenneth J. , Briggs Andrew F. , Sifferman Scott D. , Verma Varun B. , Sirica Nicholas S. , Prasankumar Rohit P. , Nam Sae Woo , Silverman Kevin L. , Bank Seth R. , Gopinath Juliet T.
Published: June 2020

We differentiate the effect of strain induced by lattice-mismatched growth from strain induced by mechanical deformation on cubic nonradiative Auger recombination in narrow-gap GaInAsSb/GaSb quantum well (QW) heterostructures. The typical reduction in the Auger coefficient observed with lattice-mismatched growth appears to be due to the concomitant compositional change rather than the addition of strain, with implications for mid-IR semiconductor laser design. We induced a range of internal compressive strain in five samples from −0.90% to −2.07% by varying the composition during the growth and mechanically induced a similar range of internal strain in analogous quantum well membrane samples. We performed time-resolved photoluminescence and differential reflectivity measurements to extract the carrier recombination dynamics, taken at 300 K with carrier densities from 2.7×1018 cm−3 to 1.4×1019 cm−3. We observed no change with strain in the cubic Auger coefficient of samples that were strained mechanically, but we did observe a trend with strain in samples that were strained by the QW alloy composition. Measured Auger coefficients ranged from 3.0×10−29 cm6 s−1 to 3.0×10−28 cm6 s−1.
Quasielastic neutron scattering studies on couplings of protein and water dynamics in hydrated elastin
Authors: Kämpf Kerstin , Demuth Dominik , Zamponi Michaela , Wuttke Joachim , Vogel Michael
Published: June 2020

Performing quasielastic neutron scattering measurements and analyzing both elastic and quasielasic contributions, we study protein and water dynamics of hydrated elastin. At low temperatures, hydration-independent methyl group rotation dominates the findings. It is characterized by a Gaussian distribution of activation energies centered at about Em = 0.17 eV. At ∼195 K, coupled protein–water motion sets in. The hydration water shows diffusive motion, which is described by a Gaussian distribution of activation energies with Em = 0.57 eV. This Arrhenius behavior of water diffusion is consistent with previous results for water reorientation, but at variance with a fragile-to-strong crossover at ∼225 K. The hydration-related elastin backbone motion is localized and can be attributed to the cage rattling motion. We speculate that its onset at ∼195 K is related to a secondary glass transition, which occurs when a β relaxation of the protein has a correlation time of τβ ∼ 100 s. Moreover, we show that its temperature-dependent amplitude has a crossover at the regular glass transition Tg = 320 K of hydrated elastin, where the α relaxation of the protein obeys τα ∼ 100 s. By contrast, we do not observe a protein dynamical transition when water dynamics enters the experimental time window at ∼240 K.
Cluster-based dual evolution for multivariate time series: Analyzing COVID-19
Authors: James Nick , Menzies Max
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes a cluster-based method to analyze the evolution of multivariate time series and applies this to the COVID-19 pandemic. On each day, we partition countries into clusters according to both their cases and death counts. The total number of clusters and individual countries’ cluster memberships are algorithmically determined. We study the change in both quantities over time, demonstrating a close similarity in the evolution of cases and deaths. The changing number of clusters of the case counts precedes that of the death counts by 32 days. On the other hand, there is an optimal offset of 16 days with respect to the greatest consistency between cluster groupings, determined by a new method of comparing affinity matrices. With this offset in mind, we identify anomalous countries in the progression from COVID-19 cases to deaths. This analysis can aid in highlighting the most and least significant public policies in minimizing a country’s COVID-19 mortality rate.
Role of thermal gradients on the depolarization and conductivity in quenched Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-BaTiO3
Authors: Zhang Mao-Hua , Breckner Patrick , Frömling Till , Rödel Jürgen , K. V. Lalitha
Published: June 2020

Quenching has been demonstrated to increase the thermal stability of the piezoelectric properties of relaxor (1−x)Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3-xBaTiO3 (NBTxBT) by 40 °C. This work establishes a correlation between the quenching temperature and salient electrical (conductivity, piezoelectric and dielectric) properties of two NBTxBT variants. The impact of quenching on the mechanical properties is quantified in terms of changes in Young's modulus. The perspective for application is interrogated using a variation in the sample thickness and separating the sample interior from the sample surface. An in situ measurement of surface temperature during the quenching treatment is applied to validate the simulation for thickness-dependent thermal transport in the material and ensuing transient thermal stresses. The calculated stress intensity factor is then compared with the fracture toughness of the material. This study asserts that air quenching can be conducted without mechanical degradation. Thus, it can be an important alternative to existing industrial strategies to enhance the thermal stability of the piezoelectric properties of relaxor NBTxBT.
Introduction to Focus Issue: Symmetry and optimization in the synchronization and collective behavior of complex systems
Authors: Taylor D. , Skardal P. S. , Sun J.
Published: June 2020

Synchronization phenomena and collective behavior are commonplace in complex systems with applications ranging from biological processes such as coordinated neuron firings and cell cycles to the stability of alternating current power grids. A fundamental pursuit is the study of how various types of symmetry—e.g., as manifest in network structure or coupling dynamics—impact a system’s collective behavior. Understanding the intricate relations between structural and dynamical symmetry/asymmetry also provides new paths to develop strategies that enhance or inhibit synchronization. Previous research has revealed symmetry as a key factor in identifying optimization mechanisms, but the particular ways that symmetry/asymmetry influence collective behavior can generally depend on the type of dynamics, networks, and form of synchronization (e.g., phase synchronization, group synchronization, and chimera states). Other factors, such as time delay, noise, time-varying structure, multilayer connections, basin stability, and transient dynamics, also play important roles, and many of these remain underexplored. This Focus Issue brings together a survey of theoretical and applied research articles that push forward this important line of questioning.
Effects of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) knockdown on porcine testis morphology and spermatogenesis
Authors: Tang Tao , Lin Qiyuan , Qin Yufeng , Liang Xinyu , Guo Yang , Cong Peiqing , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Yaosheng , He Zuyong
Published: June 2020

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFB) superfamily that plays an essential role in mammalian ovary development, oocyte maturation and litter size. However, little is known regarding the expression pattern and biological function of BMP15 in male gonads. In this study we established, for the first time, a transgenic pig model with BMP15 constitutively knocked down by short hairpin (sh) RNA. The transgenic boars were fertile, but sperm viability was decreased. Further analysis of the TGFB/SMAD pathway and markers of reproductive capacity, namely androgen receptor and protamine 2, failed to identify any differentially expressed genes. These results indicate that, in the pig, the biological function of BMP15 in the development of male gonads is not as crucial as in ovary development. However, the role of BMP15 in sperm viability requires further investigation. This study provides new insights into the role of BMP15 in male pig reproduction.
Inhibition of
DUX4
expression with antisense LNA gapmers as a therapy for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lim Kenji Rowel Q. , Maruyama Rika , Echigoya Yusuke , Nguyen Quynh , Zhang Aiping , Khawaja Hunain , Sen Chandra Sreetama , Jones Takako , Jones Peter , Chen Yi-Wen , Yokota Toshifumi
Published: June 2020

Significance

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD) is an inherited disabling muscular disorder caused by misexpression of
DUX4
in skeletal muscles. FSHD has variable onset; its infantile form has a more severe disease course. There is no cure for FSHD. Here, we show the potential of antisense oligonucleotides called locked nucleic acid (LNA) gapmers for treating FSHD. We designed LNA gapmers to knock down
DUX4
messenger RNA and found that its expression was effectively reduced in patient-derived cells and an FSHD mouse model. Functional benefits and minimal off-targeting were observed in vitro. Our study facilitates progress toward finding new candidates for treating FSHD. The screening protocol used here for antisense oligonucleotides targeting
DUX4
can also be adapted by other efforts developing similar treatments for FSHD.
Single-molecule dynamics of Dishevelled at the plasma membrane and Wnt pathway activation
Authors: Ma Wenzhe , Chen Maorong , Kang Hong , Steinhart Zachary , Angers Stephane , He Xi , Kirschner Marc W.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Canonical Wnt signaling is one of the most important and widely distributed pathways in metazoan development. Dishevelled is thought to serve as an essential bridge between the membrane receptors and downstream signaling components, which has the tendency to aggregate in vitro and to form large aggregates of dubious significance in vivo, when overexpressed. To obtain a molecular understanding of the role of Dvl in Wnt signaling, while circumventing these aggregation problems, we have expressed a fluorescent-tagged Dishevelled in cells at its physiological concentration and quantified the size distribution of Dishevelled before and after Wnt treatment. We found that limited oligomerization in response to the Wnt ligand is very dynamic and provides a key step in signal transduction.
Unusual activated processes controlling dislocation motion in body-centered-cubic high-entropy alloys
Authors: Chen Bing , Li Suzhi , Zong Hongxiang , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Ma Evan
Published: June 2020

Significance

This work demonstrates dislocation dynamics in body-centered-cubic (BCC) high-entropy alloys (HEAs). The local composition inhomogeneity in these concentrated solutions leads to an unconventional rate-controlling mechanism that governs dislocation mobility. The activated process becomes nanoscale detrapping, of kinks on screw dislocations and of trapped segments of edge dislocations, presenting an activation barrier of similar magnitude for both dislocation types. Their sluggish mobility explains the elevated strength and strain hardening in BCC HEAs.
A demographic and evolutionary analysis of maternal effect senescence
Authors: Hernández Christina M. , van Daalen Silke F. , Caswell Hal , Neubert Michael G. , Gribble Kristin E.
Published: June 2020

Significance

Maternal effect senescence, the decline in offspring quality with increasing maternal age, is common in animals despite its negative impact on fitness. To understand how maternal effect senescence might evolve, we built matrix population models to calculate selection gradients on survival and fertility as functions of maternal age. We estimated the model’s parameters with data from an aquatic invertebrate. The strength of selection eventually declines with age and maternal age, implying that maternal effect senescence could be favored by selection and evolve in the same way as senescence. Our framework can be applied to investigate maternal effect senescence in organisms with diverse life histories and unifies the demographic approaches to age-related and maternal effect senescence.
The
Arabidopsis
epigenetic regulator ICU11 as an accessory protein of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2
Authors: Bloomer Rebecca H. , Hutchison Claire E. , Bäurle Isabel , Walker James , Fang Xiaofeng , Perera Pumi , Velanis Christos N. , Gümüs Serin , Spanos Christos , Rappsilber Juri , Feng Xiaoqi , Goodrich Justin , Dean Caroline
Published: June 2020

Significance

Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is associated with switching between chromatin states characterized by distinct histone modifications. Polycomb/Trithorax regulation involves the mutually exclusive H3K27me3/H3K36me3 modifications, but how these states are faithfully inherited through DNA replication, yet can switch from one to another, is still poorly understood. One mechanism that would aid switching is the association of histone methyltransferases with factors demethylating the opposing histone modification. Here, we show that an
Arabidopsis
2-oxoglutarate–dependent dioxygenase, an activity associated with histone demethylation in other organisms, physically associates with the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2. We propose that physical association of histone methylation/demethylation activities will be generally important to coordinate switching between chromatin states.
Divergence of chemosensing during the early stages of speciation
Authors: van Schooten Bas , Meléndez-Rosa Jesyka , Van Belleghem Steven M. , Jiggins Chris D. , Tan John D. , McMillan W. Owen , Papa Riccardo
Published: June 2020

Significance

Insects are dependent on olfactory cues to complete biological processes, such as foraging, oviposition, and mate choice. While extensive experimental evidence supports the importance of chemical cues in these processes, genes involved in chemosensory integration of complex behavioral responses remain largely unknown. Using a combination of differential gene expression and genome-wide signals of gene flow, we describe the chemosensory expression profiles of sensory tissues and identify candidate genes for mate and host plant recognition in a pair of
Heliconius
butterflies. We find that candidate chemosensory genes are physically unlinked from color-pattern genes. Our results suggest the independent evolution of loci associated with the chemosensory and visual systems of
Heliconius
, both potentially mediating behaviors that promote reproductive isolation and downstream speciation.