bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rh(iii)-Catalyzed switchable C–H monoalkenylation and dialkenylation of 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine with alkenes via rollover cyclometalation
Authors: Meng Haifang , Yang Fang , Chen Mengjia , Chen Chen , Zhu Bolin
Published: December 2020

We have demonstrated Rh(iii)-catalyzed switchable C–H monoalkenylation and dialkenylation of 2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine with alkenes via rollover cyclometalation.
Deaminative carbonylative thioesterification of activated alkylamines with thiophenols under transition-metal-free conditions
Authors: Zhao Fengqian , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: December 2020

A transition-metal-free radical carbonylation of activated alkylamines with thiophenols has been successfully developed. Various thioesters were selectively produced with moderate to good yields.
Analysis of the effects of acoustic levitation to simulate the microgravity environment on the development of early zebrafish embryos
Authors: Li Li , Gu Ning , Dong Huijuan , Li Bingsheng , T. V. G. Kenneth
Published: December 2020

Influence of acoustic standing wave field creating acoustic levitation, on each development stage of early zebrafish embryos has been studied.
Pressure dependent half-metallic ferromagnetism in inverse Heusler alloy Fe2CoAl: a DFT+U calculations
Authors: Rai D. P. , Lalrinkima  , Lalhriatzuala  , Fomin L. A. , Malikov I. V. , Sayede Adlane , Ghimire Madhav Prasad , Thapa R. K. , Zadeng Lalthakimi
Published: December 2020

We report the electronic and magnetic properties along with the Curie temperature (TC) of the inverse full Heusler alloy (HA) Fe2CoAl obtained using the first-principles computational method.
Iodine-mediated formal [3 + 2] annulation for synthesis of furocoumarin from oxime esters
Authors: Pham Quyen T. , Le Phong Q. , Dang Ha V. , Ha Hiep Q. , Nguyen Huong T. D. , Truong Thanh , Le Tri Minh
Published: December 2020

A novel synthesis of furocoumarins was developed by a reaction between oxime esters and 4-hydroxycoumarins.
Designing a high-performance smart drug delivery system for the synergetic co-absorption of DOX and EGCG on ZIF-8
Authors: Haghi Ahmad , Raissi Heidar , Hashemzadeh Hassan , Farzad Farzaneh
Published: December 2020

Adsorption free energy of a molecule depends on where and how the molecule meets ZIF-8 surface.
Dissipation enhancement effect from titania semiconductor modulation of graphene-based electromagnetic absorbing composites
Authors: Lixi Yi , Jinwu Wu
Published: December 2020

Eddy current occupying contribution to EMC absorbers with semiconductor modulation due to uniformity from SCF-assisted mixing.
An alternative electrochemical approach for toluene detection with ZnO/MgO/Cr2O3 nanofibers on a glassy carbon electrode for environmental monitoring
Authors: Alam M. M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Uddin M. T. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Islam M. A.
Published: December 2020

In situ fabrication of a sensitive electrochemical toluene sensor probe using wet-chemically prepared ternary ZnO/MgO/Cr2O3 nanofiber (NF)-decorated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with Nafion adhesive was the approach of this study.
Monohydrate and anhydrate of nylon 5I monomer 1,5-pentanediamine–isophthalate
Authors: Li Zihan , Xu Mengjie , Liu Haodong , Wen Qingshi , Fu Jinqiu , Zhuang Wei , Yang Pengpeng , Wu Jinglan , Ying Hanjie
Published: December 2020

Monohydrate and anhydrous phases of PDA–IPA single crystals have been identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The monohydrate and anhydrate phases can achieve mutual transformation under certain conditions, and depend strongly on the temperature and water activity.
Robust and cost-effective silver dendritic nanostructures for SERS-based trace detection of RDX and ammonium nitrate
Authors: Vendamani V. S. , Rao S. V. S. Nageswara , Pathak A. P. , Soma Venugopal Rao
Published: December 2020

We report the fabrication and performance evaluation of cost-effective, reproducible silver nanodendrite (AgND) substrates, possessing high-density trunks and branches, achieved by a simple electroless etching and used for the trace detection of RDX and Ammonium Nitrate.
Super-tough PVC/CPE composites: an efficient CPE network by an MGA copolymer prepared through a vibro-milling process
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Xuejian , Xiong Ying , Guo ShaoYun
Published: December 2020

Vibro-milling, a solid-phase mechanochemistry method, was used to prepare an amphiphilic composite particle, which is referred to as MGA.
Extensive removal of thallium by graphene oxide functionalized with aza-crown ether
Authors: Pan Shu-Xin , Xie Ting-Zheng , Xiao Tang-Fu , Xie Jie-Hui
Published: December 2020

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic heavy metal, and its pollution and remediation in aquatic environments has attracted considerable attention.
Achieving the robust immobilization of CoP nanoparticles in cellulose nanofiber network-derived carbon via chemical bonding for a stable potassium ion storage
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Zhou Dan , Chen Mingyang , Yang Jiaqi , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: December 2020

A robust CoP@CNFC with enhanced electrochemical performance was synthesized via chemical bonding and demonstrates a promising potential toward an efficient K-storage.
Engineering mono- and multi-valent inhibitors on a modular scaffold
Authors: Diamante Aurora , Chaturbedy Piyush K. , Rowling Pamela J. E. , Kumita Janet R. , Eapen Rohan S. , McLaughlin Stephen H. , Roche Marc de la , Perez-Riba Albert , Itzhaki Laura S.
Published: December 2020

We exploit the simple modular architecture of repeat proteins to create a platform for single- and multi-functional display in diverse programmable geometries and demonstrate proof of concept by building potent inhibitors of a key signalling pathway.
Supramolecular-induced regiocontrol over the photochemical [4 + 4] cyclodimerization of NHC- or azole-substituted anthracenes
Authors: Bai Sha , Ma Li-Li , Yang Tao , Wang Fang , Wang Li-Feng , Hahn F. Ekkehardt , Wang Yao-Yu , Han Ying-Feng
Published: December 2020

A supramolecular templating strategy that enables the photochemical [4 + 4] cycloaddition of 2,6-difunctionalized anthracene derivatives with unique stereoselectivity has been developed based on metal-NHC units.
Fast reversible isomerization of merocyanine as a tool to quantify stress history in elastomers
Authors: Chen Yinjun , Yeh C. Joshua , Guo Qiang , Qi Yuan , Long Rong , Creton Costantino
Published: December 2020

A mechanochemistry based approach is proposed to detect and map stress history during dynamic processes.
Introduction to the organic materials for energy conversion and storage themed collection
Authors: Delgado Juan Luis , Palomares Emilio
Published: December 2020

Guest Editors Juan Luis Delgado and Emilio Palomares introduce the Sustainable Energy & Fuels themed collection on organic materials for energy conversion and storage.
Disulfide bond and Diels–Alder reaction bond hybrid polymers with high stretchability, transparency, recyclability, and intrinsic dual healability for skin-like tactile sensing
Authors: Yeh Chun-Ming , Lin Chun-Hsiu , Han Tzung-You , Xiao Yu-Ting , Chen Yi-An , Chou Ho-Hsiu
Published: December 2020

For next-generation electronics, it is crucial to be able to accurately mimic the nature of human skin and develop skin-inspired materials and devices for electronic skin (e-skin) applications.
Multiple local therapeutics based on nano-hydrogel composites in breast cancer treatment
Authors: Tang Rui-Zhi , Liu Zhen-Zhen , Gu Sai-Sai , Liu Xi-Qiu
Published: December 2020

This review highlights nano-hydrogel composites for recent local therapy strategies in breast cancer and provides perspectives on future development.
Optoelectronic functional fibers: materials, fabrication, and application for smart textiles
Authors: Xing Yi , Xu Yiman , Wu Qilin , Wang Gang , Zhu Meifang
Published: December 2020

This review presents the recent advances of optoelectronic functional fibers in material selection, fabrication, as well as applications in energy conversion, photoelectric sensing, and logical response.
Measuring the micromechanical properties of oesophageal mucosa with atomic force microscopy
Authors: Lin Chengxiong , Xie Jingyang , Li Wei
Published: December 2020

The micromechanical properties of soft tissue can be used as markers for the physiological state and function of the tissue. Deep understanding of the micromechanics of soft tissue, such as the oesophagus, is of great significance to the design of artificial oesophagi, endoscope materials and coatings for medical devices. Here, the micromechanical properties of oesophageal mucosa were studied under different loading rates, deflections, and dwell time by using atomic force microscopy. The micromechanical properties of soft tissue included elastic modulus, plasticity and adhesion force. Results showed that the micromechanical properties changed with increasing loading rate, deflection and dwell time. The micromechanical properties of oesophageal mucosa were related to time‐dependent behaviours, such as contact stress, energy transformation, and strain gradient plasticity. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of oesophageal mucosa affected the micromechanical properties. The force mapping mode was a reliable and effective means to study the micromechanical properties of soft tissue. The results can provide a basis and technical support for the diagnosis of oesophageal diseases from a microscale as well as a material design perspective.
Transient and stability analysis of heterogeneous micro‐grid networks subject to uncertainties
Authors: Mendoza Fernando Genis , Bauso Dario , Namerikawa Toru
Published: December 2020

In this study, networks of interconnected heterogeneous micro‐grids are studied. The transient dynamics is modelled as an averaging process whereby micro‐grids are assimilated to dynamic agents in a network. An analysis of the convergence of the consensus dynamics is carried out under different assumptions on the damping and inertia parameters and the topology of the network. This study provides an insight into the relation between the network topology and the system's response. An analysis of the ways in which the heterogeneous inertial parameters affect the transient response of the network is also implemented. Additionally, the conditions that guarantee stability are identified when the system is under the influence of uncertain non‐linear parameters. Finally, simulations are carried out based on a model calibrated on an existing network in the UK under parameter uncertainties.
Using the RE-AIM framework to evaluate safe food village development programme through the food safety movement in village in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Amalia Rohmah Rizqi , Suryo Prabandari Yayi , Arsanti Lestari Lily
Published: December 2020

Unsafe food is a major threat to public health both globally and in the Southeast Asia region. In Indonesia, various food safety problems are still encountered such as cases of food poisoning, food containing hazardous materials and poor food handlers’ sanitation hygiene. One of The National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NADFC)’s efforts to overcome food safety issues in Indonesia is the development of safe food villages with village community-based food safety interventions through the Food Safety Movement in Village (Gerakan Keamanan Pangan Desa/GKPD). The study used RE-AIM framework with a case study design. The study sites were Pandowoharjo Village, Sendangsari Village and Mangunan Village, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Informants were selected purposively as many as 73 people. Data were collected through six FGDs, 16 interviews face to face and using telephone, observation and document review. The analytical approach used was qualitative content analysis with Opencode software version 3.6.2.0. The results of the study showed that the GKPD program involved community policy makers (village officials), the formation of food safety cadres from various community groups (family health empowerment organization, youth organizations, teachers) and the fostering of various food provider communities in the village (housewives, home-industries, food retailers, school canteen, and street food vendors), as well as the involvement of public health centre, but in its implementation there were obstacles to the adoption of food safety practices by the food vendors community which caused the program to not be fully effective in changing food safety behaviour due to economic and human resources factors.
The influence of oil-refrigerant mixture on thermal and physical processes on friction joints
Authors: Grigorieva Elena , Kulichkov Sergei , Andreeva Larisa
Published: December 2020

The paper deals with the influence of refrigerants dissolved in oil on the thermo-physical properties of the lubricant and the operation of friction joints in refrigeration machines. It is demonstrated that in the axial and circumferential directions the bearing temperature, if lubricated with a mixture of T-30 – R-22 is significantly lower than when lubricated with T30 oil.
Public-private partnership as a mechanism for the development of heat supply
Authors: Bataev Aleksey , Samorukov Dmitry , Glushkova Antonina , Potyarkin Vitaly
Published: December 2020

The relevance of the research topic is caused by the need to form new innovative approaches in the field of heat supply, aimed at modernizing thermal power plants that provide heat to urban areas. In recent years, the Russian government has adopted several state programs related to environmental protection, directed towards reducing the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Thermal power plants are objects whose emissions significantly pollute the environment. Considering the wear of equipment, according to various estimates, reaches 60-80% in different regions, such equipment is extremely necessary to be modernized. Using the mechanism of public-private partnership in the field of heat supply is examined in this study. An algorithm for constructing a model in the field of creating mini thermal power plants is considered. They provide heat supply to individual urban areas, as well as to ensure a significant reduction in the level of environmental pollution. The main financial indicators are estimated based on the above algorithm. This project’s performance is assessed on the basis of financing both from the state and private companies. Conclusions about using the proposed model for the development of heat supply are drawn.
Assessment of occupational risk of enterprises producing energy using sources of ionizing radiation
Authors: Usypko Andrey , Uljanov Aleksei
Published: December 2020

The article considers an algorithm for assessing professional risk for employees of energy production enterprises using sources of ionizing radiation. The problematic issues in determining the professional risk of employees are identified and the ways of their solution are proposed. There are also two criteria for assessing professional risk: “Dose load” and “Permissible work experience”. When assessing professional risk, it is proposed to take into account the impact on the environment and sustainable development of society.
Description du processus éducationnel mis en place par les infirmières auprès de personnes avec la dystrophie myotonique de type 1
Authors: Lavoie Mélissa , Gallagher Frances , Chouinard Maud-Christine
Published: December 2020

Introduction : Les personnes avec la dystrophie myotonique de type 1 (DM1) présentent des atteintes multisystémiques. Elles doivent réaliser plusieurs apprentissages pour assurer l’autogestion de leur santé. Cependant, les infirmières œuvrant auprès d’elles rapportent que leurs interventions éducatives sont peu efficaces. But : Décrire le processus éducationnel mis en place par les infirmières auprès des personnes avec la DM1 ainsi que les facteurs l’ayant influencé. Méthode : Une recherche formative [QUAL + quan] a été réalisée auprès d’infirmières (n = 3) et de personnes avec la DM1 (n = 30) à partir d’observations non participantes et d’entrevues individuelles. Résultats : Les infirmières ont réalisé des interventions éducatives à l’intérieur d’un suivi annuel. Les objectifs qu’elles ont poursuivis étaient davantage axés sur l’évaluation de la condition de la personne. Le choix des stratégies éducatives utilisées par les infirmières ont reposé sur les caractéristiques de cette population afin de soutenir leur pouvoir d’agir. Plusieurs barrières liées à la personne avec DM1 (ex. atteinte des fonctions exécutives) et à l’organisation des soins et des services (ex. temps dédié aux interventions éducatives limité) ont été observées dans la mise en œuvre du processus éducationnel. Les compétences éducationnelles ont été un facteur facilitant associé à l’infirmière. Conclusion : Pour un processus éducationnel optimal, celui-ci doit être structuré, planifié et adapté aux caractéristiques des personnes avec la DM1.
Update: Selective adrenal venous sampling (AVS) – Indication, technique, and significance
Authors: Loberg Christina , Antoch Gerald , Stegbauer Johannes , Dringenberg Till , Steuwe Andrea , Fürst Günter , Haase Matthias , Rump Lars Christian , Schimmöller Lars
Published: December 2020

Background Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common detectable cause of secondary hypertension. The majority of patients have either an adrenal aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) demanding different therapeutic approaches. Screening tests and imaging cannot reliably distinguish between a unilateral or bilateral PA.

Methods This review article gives an overview concerning etiology, diagnostics, and therapeutic options of PA, and reviews the indication, the technique, and relevance of selective adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in the context of the current literature and the authors’ experience.

Results AVS can verify or exclude a unilaterally dominated secretion with a high success rate. Patients with PA and a unilateral APA can be treated curatively by adrenalectomy.

Conclusions AVS is an established diagnostic examination for differentiation of unilateral from bilateral adrenal disease in patients with PA.

Key Points:

Citation Format
Análisis bibliométrico del balance vida/trabajo en mujeres médicas
Authors: Solano Catalina , López Beatriz Johanna Vega , Parra Adriana Chaves , Ospino Catalina Osorio , Malaver Lisset Fernanda Arroyo , Carvajal Luisana Castillo , Saavedra Daisy Ximena Roa
Published: December 2020

Objetivo Realizar un análisis bibliométrico para conocer las tendencias de publicación en calidad de vida y balance vida/trabajo de mujeres médicas.

Métodos Se realizó un análisis bibliométrico retrospectivo de la literatura médica disponible desde 1996 hasta 2019 en la base de datos de MEDLINE, utilizando las herramientas estadísticas de FABUMED y PubReminer para la obtención de la información de las variables. Se utilizó el Journal Citation Reports 2017/2018 para el factor de impacto y el programa de software VOSviewer para el análisis de mapeo bibliométrico.

Resultados De un total de 204 referencias en 115 revistas, se presentó un crecimiento del 70,5% de las publicaciones los últimos años. El país, revista e institución con mayor número de manuscritos fue Estados Unidos (22.5%), Acad Med (4.9%) con factor de impacto de 4,9 years Harvard medical School, respectivamente. El autor con mayor número de artículos fue Nomura K con 6 publicaciones y un HI de 21. El mapeo y análisis de las evoluciones de las palabras clave con respecto a la línea de tiempo, se centró principalmente en: balance vida –trabajo, sexismo, liderazgo mentoría, mujeres cirujanas.

Conclusiones Las publicaciones sobre el tema balance vida/trabajo se han incrementado, permitiendo visualizar esta problemática y quizá lograr un impacto en el diseño de estrategias que permitan una mejor calidad de vida especialmente a las mujeres, quienes siguen teniendo una alta exigencia y responsabilidad en su vida familiar y a su vez, barreras profesionales e inequidad laboral.
The classical limit of mean-field quantum spin systems
Authors: van de Ven Christiaan J. F.
Published: December 2020

The theory of strict deformation quantization of the two-sphere S2⊂R3 is used to prove the existence of the classical limit of mean-field quantum spin chains, whose ensuing Hamiltonians are denoted by HN, where N indicates the number of sites. Indeed, since the fibers A1/N=MN+1(C) and A0 = C(S2) form a continuous bundle of C*-algebras over the base space I={0}∪1/N*⊂[0,1], one can define a strict deformation quantization of A0 where quantization is specified by certain quantization maps Q1/N:Ã0→A1/N, with Ã0 being a dense Poisson subalgebra of A0. Given now a sequence of such HN, we show that under some assumptions, a sequence of eigenvectors ψN of HN has a classical limit in the sense that ω0(f) ≔ limN→∞⟨ψN, Q1/N(f)ψN⟩ exists as a state on A0 given by ω0(f)=1n∑i=1nf(Ωi), where n is some natural number. We give an application regarding spontaneous symmetry breaking, and moreover, we show that the spectrum of such a mean-field quantum spin system converges to the range of some polynomial in three real variables restricted to the sphere S2.
Field dependent conductivity and threshold switching in amorphous chalcogenides—Modeling and simulations of ovonic threshold switches and phase change memory devices
Authors: Scoggin Jake , Silva Helena , Gokirmak Ali
Published: December 2020

We model electrical conductivity in metastable amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) using independent contributions from temperature and electric field to simulate phase change memory devices and ovonic threshold switches. 3D, 2D-rotational, and 2D finite element simulations of pillar cells capture threshold switching and show filamentary conduction in the on-state. The model can be tuned to capture switching fields from ∼5 to 40 MV/m at room temperature using the temperature dependent electrical conductivity measured for metastable amorphous GST; lower and higher fields are obtainable using different temperature dependent electrical conductivities. We use a 2D fixed out-of-plane-depth simulation to simulate an ovonic threshold switch in series with a Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change memory cell to emulate a crossbar memory element. The simulation reproduces the pre-switching current and voltage characteristics found experimentally for the switch + memory cell, the isolated switch, and the isolated memory cell.
Double-walled carbon nanotube film as the active electrode in an electro-optical modulator for the mid-infrared and terahertz regions
Authors: Gagnon Philippe , Lapointe François , Desjardins Patrick , Martel Richard
Published: December 2020

The lack of efficient optical components operating with terahertz (THz) radiation is a limiting step in the ongoing large-scale development of this technology in fields such as telecommunication and imaging. In this work, we propose the use of double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) films as the active electrode in THz modulation devices. Using six bounces in an internal total reflection configuration in a silicon waveguide prism, we achieved high attenuation from a 5 nm thin film, reaching up to −ΔT/T=6% at 50 THz, albeit with a slow speed of modulation on the order of minutes. Moreover, this attenuation −ΔT/T attains a value of 20% at 30 THz using a thicker 20 nm DWCNT film. As a consequence of doping, the modulation of a phonon-related Fano resonance is also observed in the mid-infrared, which could be used as a modulable narrow-band optoelectronic filter. Our study provides a sense of the capabilities unlocked by exploiting the optical and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes in the terahertz and infrared regimes.
Simulating photodissociation reactions in bad cavities with the Lindblad equation
Authors: Davidsson Eric , Kowalewski Markus
Published: December 2020

Optical cavities, e.g., as used in organic polariton experiments, often employ low finesse mirrors or plasmonic structures. The photon lifetime in these setups is comparable to the timescale of the nuclear dynamics governing the photochemistry. This highlights the need for including the effect of dissipation in the molecular simulations. In this study, we perform wave packet dynamics with the Lindblad master equation to study the effect of a finite photon lifetime on the dissociation of the MgH+ molecule model system. Photon lifetimes of several different orders of magnitude are considered to encompass an ample range of effects inherent to lossy cavities.
Quantum light-induced nonadiabatic phenomena in the absorption spectrum of formaldehyde: Full- and reduced-dimensionality studies
Authors: Fábri Csaba , Lasorne Benjamin , Halász Gábor J. , Cederbaum Lorenz S. , Vibók Ágnes
Published: December 2020

The coupling of a molecule to a cavity can induce conical intersections of the arising polaritonic potential energy surfaces. Such intersections give rise to the strongest possible nonadiabatic effects. By choosing an example that does not possess nonadiabatic effects in the absence of the cavity, we can study, for the first time, the emergence of these effects in a polyatomic molecule due to its coupling with the cavity taking into account all vibrational degrees of freedom. The results are compared with those of reduced-dimensionality models, and the shortcomings and merits of the latter are analyzed.
Distribution and Status of The Eastern Pygmy Possum
(Cercartetus nanus) in New South Wales.
Authors: Bowen M. , Goldingay R.
Published: December 2020

The eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) has a wide distribution in New South Wales (NSW), but is infrequently detected in fauna surveys. We collated available information on the distribution, habitat and detection rates for C. nanus in NSW from results of published and unpublished fauna surveys. These data, and those from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Australian Museum databases, suggest that C. nanus populations are concentrated in south-eastern NSW and are sparsely distributed throughout the rest of the state. Several records extend the distribution of this species further west than currently shown by published distribution maps. Records show differences in habitat types occupied by C. nanus between south-eastern and north-eastern NSW. In south-eastern NSW, C. nanus occupies a range of habitats including heath, woodland and open forest, at a range of altitudes. In north-eastern NSW, C. nanus appears to be associated mainly with rainforest at high altitudes. Of the range of techniques available, nest boxes and Elliott traps positioned against flowering Banksia species are most effective at capturing C. nanus. Given the large survey effort and the small number of surveys detecting >I0 C. nanus, it appears that this species is rare throughout most of NSW. We recommend that C. nanus be considered for listing as a vulnerable species in NSW.
Distribution of the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) in New South Wales: Results of The 1994-96 New South Wales Rivers Survey.
Authors: Grant T.R. , Gehrke P.C. , Harris J.H. , Hartley S.
Published: December 2020

Data from the New South Wales Rivers Survey on the occurrence of platypuses have provided the most recent and comprehensive record of platypus distribution in the State. The species was most commonly reported from the montane and coastal regions, being less common on the western slopes and uncommon in the rivers of the western lowlands. The observations confirmed those from earlier community-based surveys. In contrast to the distribution of native fish species, there appears to have been little change in the overall state-wide distribution of the platypus in response to degrading processes in the rivers of New South Wales, although nothing is known of the stability of their population numbers.
Seasonal Changes in the White Blood Cell Population and the Ability of Lymphocytes to Proliferate in Captive Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) .
Authors: Baker M.L. , Gemmell R.T.
Published: December 2020

Brushtail possums in our captive colony die more frequently in winter than in summer. The present study examined whether the increased number of deaths in winter is due to a decreased immune response. The number and proportion of white blood cells, the proliferation of lymphocytes in response to the T cell mitogen, phytohaemagglutin (PHA) and the plasma cortisol concentration were determined in six male and six female possums during summer and winter. The total numbers of white blood cells, the numbers of lymphocytes, the proliferation of lymphocytes and the plasma cortisol concentration did not vary significantly between summer and winter. However, significant differences were observed in the numbers of neutrophils and the ratio of lymphocytes to neutrophils (L:N ratio) between the two seasons. The numbers of neutrophils in male and female possums (n=6, P=O.Ol) and 3.15 x 10 /ml (n=6, P=0.04) respectively during winter. The L:N ratio in male and female possums changed from 93:7 (n=6) and 87:12 (n=6) during summer to 78:20 (n=6; P=0.0004) and 65:33 (n=6; P=0.03) respectively during winter. The changes in the blood parameters in possums during winter are similar to those observed in unhealthy possums that subsequently die. These results suggest that possums face more difficult conditions in winter and this may play a role in the greater number of deaths observed at this time of the year.
Reproductive Strategies of Female Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats
Authors: Woolnough A.P.
Published: December 2020

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Developing A Management Plan for The Thredbo River Platypuses.
Authors: Goldney D.
Published: December 2020

A management strategy to conserve platypuses in the Thredbo River has been developed for the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Thredbo River flows through a multi-use land system with headwaters in the wilderness area of the Kosciusko National Park. A range of recreational activities dominated by skiing interests centre around Thredbo Village and the Ski-Tube link and their associated infrastructure. Further down the valley the predominant land use on the southern side of the river is grazing on private land. The river's historic confluence with the Snowy River is now the site of Lake Jindabyne, part of the Snowy River Hydro-electric Scheme. The dam wall is assumed to be an impenetrable barrier to platypus movement. The plan was developed on the basis of:
*Characterising some aspects of platypus population biology in a 2-year study;
* comparing these data with limited baseline data;
*Observing and interpreting the impacts of a major flood event on population dynamics coinciding with the ' melt' phenomenon;
*Identifying likely impacts on the platypus population particularly in relation to water quality and siltation-sanding and determining the probable trends of these impacts.
It was then possible to suggest actions to ameliorate impacts on the platypus.
Stress and Adrenal Function in The Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).
Authors: Handasyde K.A. , McDonald I.R. , Evans B.K.
Published: December 2020

The platypus is a difficult species to maintain in captivity and very few zoo animals attain a natural lifespan. Although the failure of some individuals to acclimatise to captivity appears to be related to stress there have been few studies on the stress response of this species. Preliminary data, that we presented previously, indicated that platypuses exhibited a marked and rapid adrenal response, with catecholamine concentrations being extremely high within 15 minutes of disturbance. Plasma glucocorticoid concentrations also rose rapidly after animals were entangled in nets. This was accompanied by a rise in free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations but no significant change in plasma glucose levels. The latter indicates that the platypus, like the echidna, is resistant to the glucose mobilising effects of glucocorticoids. This paper presents further data to support the earlier findings. In matched sets of blood samples, from individual animals, glucocorticoid concentrations rose from around 100 nmol/L at 15 minutes after entangled in the net, to 300 nmol/L by 65 minutes after disturbance. Dexamethasone treatment caused a marked decline in plasma glucocorticoids, in comparison to untreated control animals, indicating that negative feedback control of ACTH secretion occurs in the platypus. Further, subsequent treatment with ACTH caused a rise in plasma glucocorticoids in comparison to untreated control animals. These data indicate that while the adrenal response in the platypus is very large its control is similar to most other mammals.
Occurrence of The Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) Remains in The Faecal Pellets of Cats, Foxes and Dingoes in The Tanami Desert, N.T.
Authors: Paltridge R.
Published: December 2020

Little ecological information has been collected on the Marsupial Mole, Notoryctes typhlops, since its discovery in 1888. The only field data published on the species this century has resulted from opportunistic encounters with the animal (Johnson and Walton 1989), and no reliable methods for capturing it or monitoring its abundance and distribution have been developed. In 1920 a second species of Marsupial Mole, Notorcytes caurinus, was described from specimens collected in north-western Australia. The distributions of the two species have not been clearly differentiated however, and the two species are often regarded as synonymous (e.g. Johnson 1995). In this paper the potential for a second species was disregarded and reference is made only to N. typhlops due to the proximity of the study sites to the location of recent records of this species.
Plant miR397 and its functions
Authors: Huang Shili , Zhou Jiajie , Gao Lei , Tang Yulin
Published: December 2020

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding, small RNAs of 20–24 nucleotides (nt) and function critically at the post-transcriptional level to regulate gene expression through cleaving mRNA targets or interfering with translation of the target mRNAs. They are broadly involved in many biological processes in plants. The miR397 family in plants contains several conserved members either in 21-nt or in 22-nt that mainly target the laccase (LAC) genes functioning in lignin synthesis and are involved in the development of plants under various conditions. Recent findings showed that miR397b in Arabidopsis could also target to Casein Kinase II Subunit Beta 3 (CKB3) and mediate circadian regulation and plant flowering. This review aims to summarise recent updates on miR397 and provides the available basis for understanding the functional mechanisms of miR397 in plant growth and development regulation and in response to external adverse stimulation.
On the use of simulation in robotics: Opportunities, challenges, and suggestions for moving forward
Authors: Choi HeeSun , Crump Cindy , Duriez Christian , Elmquist Asher , Hager Gregory , Han David , Hearl Frank , Hodgins Jessica , Jain Abhinandan , Leve Frederick , Li Chen , Meier Franziska , Negrut Dan , Righetti Ludovic , Rodriguez Alberto , Tan Jie , Trinkle Jeff
Published: December 2020

The last five years marked a surge in interest for and use of smart robots, which operate in dynamic and unstructured environments and might interact with humans. We posit that well-validated computer simulation can provide a virtual proving ground that in many cases is instrumental in understanding safely, faster, at lower costs, and more thoroughly how the robots of the future should be designed and controlled for safe operation and improved performance. Against this backdrop, we discuss how simulation can help in robotics, barriers that currently prevent its broad adoption, and potential steps that can eliminate some of these barriers. The points and recommendations made concern the following simulation-in-robotics aspects: simulation of the dynamics of the robot; simulation of the virtual world; simulation of the sensing of this virtual world; simulation of the interaction between the human and the robot; and, in less depth, simulation of the communication between robots. This Perspectives contribution summarizes the points of view that coalesced during a 2018 National Science Foundation/Department of Defense/National Institute for Standards and Technology workshop dedicated to the topic at hand. The meeting brought together participants from a range of organizations, disciplines, and application fields, with expertise at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and physics-based simulation.
A polynomial algorithm for best-subset selection problem
Authors: Zhu Junxian , Wen Canhong , Zhu Jin , Zhang Heping , Wang Xueqin
Published: December 2020

Significance

Best-subset selection is a benchmark optimization problem in statistics and machine learning. Although many optimization strategies and algorithms have been proposed to solve this problem, our splicing algorithm, under reasonable conditions, enjoys the following properties simultaneously with high probability: 1) its computational complexity is polynomial; 2) it can recover the true subset; and 3) its solution is globally optimal.
Nursing home staff networks and COVID-19
Authors: Chen M. Keith , Chevalier Judith A. , Long Elisa F.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Nursing homes account for 40% of US COVID-related fatalities as of August 31, highlighting the urgent need to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes in these facilities. Our large-scale analysis of smartphone location data reports half a million individuals entering a nursing home following the March 13 federal ban on visitors. With 5.1% of these individuals entering two or more facilities, a nursing home snapshot network emerges. More connections, likely arising from contractors and staff working at multiple facilities, are highly predictive of COVID-19 cases, whereas traditional regulatory quality metrics are unimportant in predicting outbreak size. With an estimated 49% of nursing home cases attributable to cross-facility staff movement, attention to highly connected nursing facilities is warranted.
Heading perception depends on time-varying evolution of optic flow
Authors: Burlingham Charlie S. , Heeger David J.
Published: December 2020

Significance

Instantaneous optic flow, image velocity across the visual field, contains information about self-motion (heading). Indeed, computer vision algorithms estimate heading from instantaneous optic flow accurately despite co-occurring rotation. Similarly, the consensus in perceptual psychology is that instantaneous optic flow suffices for heading perception. But as we navigate through the world, visual motion evolves over time. We generated videos showing either an evolving or nonevolving view of navigation through a virtual world. The nonevolving view was insufficient for accurate heading perception in the presence of rotation. Rather, accurate performance relied on time-evolving optic flow. This suggests that most existing models of heading perception are incorrect. We hypothesize that heading perception is based on optic acceleration, the temporal derivative of optic flow.
Who do you hang out with?
Authors: Xie Yushan , Liu Yongcan
Published: December 2020

Social interactions that take place during study abroad in linguistically rich settings are important for oral proficiency
development; however, few studies have explicitly examined the underlying network structure of students’ social experiences in study abroad
contexts and its role in oral proficiency development. This mixed-methods research examined the relationship between self-reported social
network structures and self-perceived English oral proficiency gains among 88 Chinese international students at a UK university. While the
majority of participants’ networks consisted of Chinese-speaking peers, most of them managed to develop strong and frequent relations with
English-speaking peers. Students reported gains in oral proficiency, especially in areas related to language use that require higher levels
of proficiency. Diverse networks with significant and high-frequency English-speaking relationships were more likely to be associated with
L2 oral proficiency gains, while dense networks with only frequent and strong in-group relationships could potentially limit L2
development.
Conceptualizing Protective Family Context and its Effect on Substance Use: Comparisons across Diverse Ethnic-Racial Youth
Authors: Constante Kevin , Huntley Edward D. , Si Yajuan , Schillinger Emma , Wagner Christine , Keating Daniel P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Although family behaviors are known to be important for buffering youth against substance use, research in this area often evaluates a particular type of family interaction and how it shapes adolescents’ behaviors, when it is likely that youth experience the co-occurrence of multiple types of family behaviors that may be protective.

Methods

The current study ( N = 1716, 10th and 12th graders, 55% female) examined associations between protective family context, a latent variable comprised of five different measures of family behaviors, and past 12 months substance use: alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and e-cigarettes.

Results

A multi-group measurement invariance assessment supported protective family context as a coherent latent construct with partial (metric) measurement invariance among Black, Latinx, and White youth. A multi-group path model indicated that protective family context was significantly associated with less substance use for all youth, but of varying magnitudes across ethnic-racial groups.

Conclusion

These results emphasize the importance of evaluating psychometric properties of family-relevant latent variables on the basis of group membership in order to draw appropriate inferences on how such family variables relate to substance use among diverse samples.
Enhancing the accuracy of in-process springback measurements of complex tube bending processes using cost-effective embedded sensors
Authors: Ghiotti Andrea , Simonetto Enrico , Bruschi Stefania , Savio Enrico
Published: December 2020

Geometrical errors due to springback are the main causes of variability in bending of thin-walled tubular profiles. This limits the process capability and determines an increase of the overall production costs due to both scrap or rework, and to the quality control operations. Despite the evolution of bending processes in the last decade, with the adoption of full-electric, highly automated CNC machines, the workpieces’ geometry is usually still verified off-line downstream from the forming stage. This paper presents an innovative on-machine, integrated measuring approach for fast in-process inspection of bent tube geometrical features through cost-effective micro-electromechanical system inertial measurement sensors. These embedded sensors are affected by systematic errors due to both measuring principle and process-related effects; therefore a methodology to correct such errors is proposed. Error compensation is applied to drift and cross-axis sensor errors, as well as to mandrel kinematics and wear effects. An additional sensing system, placed on the tube end for monitoring of the metrological performances and to enabe quick adjustments, is also presented. The results of the validation tests highlight how the proposed system can be used to measure on-machine the final workpiece angle. The final mean absolute errors, for bending angles between 15° and 90°, were, respectively, 0.03° and 0.1° for the sensors embedded in the mandrel and on the tube end depending on the configuration, which are lower than the maximum deviations actually accepted in such processes. However, the performance of the former can be further improved by the proposed periodic quick adjustment procedure. The newly developed on-machine metrology solution enables not only a shortening of the quality control chain, but also significant economic benefits, and a case study is documented.
Cascaded residual U-net for fully automatic segmentation of 3D carotid artery in high-resolution multi-contrast MR images
Authors: Zhu Chenglu , Wang Xiaoyan , Teng Zhongzhao , Chen Shengyong , Huang Xiaojie , Xia Ming , Mao Lizhao , Bai Cong
Published: December 2020

Accurate and automatic carotid artery segmentation for magnetic resonance (MR) images is eagerly expected, which can greatly assist a comprehensive study of atherosclerosis and accelerate the translation. Although many efforts have been made, identification of the inner lumen and outer wall in diseased vessels is still a challenging task due to complex vascular deformation, blurred wall boundary, and confusing componential expression. In this paper, we introduce a novel fully automatic 3D framework for simultaneously segmenting the carotid artery from high-resolution multi-contrast MR sequences based on deep learning. First, an optimal channel fitting structure is designed for identity mapping, and a novel 3D residual U-net is used as a basic network. Second, high-resolution MR images are trained using both patch-level and global-level strategies, and the two pre-segmentation results are optimized based on structural characteristics. Third, the optimized pre-segmentation results are cascaded with the patch-cropped MR volume data and trained to segment the carotid lumen and wall. Extensive experiments demonstrate the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art 3D Unet-based segmentation models.
Modern methods of signal processing applied to gyrokinetic simulations
Authors: Kleiber R , Borchardt M , Könies A , Slaby C
Published: December 2020

Numerical simulations, like the ones necessary for e.g. electromagnetic gyrokinetic models in plasma physics, require large computational resources and long run times. Using tools from signal processing, it is possible to draw conclusions about frequencies, damping rates and mode structures using shorter runs. These tools can also be applied to analyse transient signals. We give a pedagogical review of two contemporary methods from signal processing: damped multiple signal classification and stochastic system identification. An application to simulations of Alfvén modes in a tokamak is presented.
Design of GGNMOS ESD protection device for radiation-hardened 0.18 μm CMOS process
Authors: Wu Jianwei , Yu Zongguang , Hong Genshen , Xie Rubin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the ESD discharge capability of GGNMOS (gate grounded NMOS) device in the radiation-hardened 0.18 μm bulk silicon CMOS process (Rad-Hard by Process: RHBP) is optimized by layout and ion implantation design. The effects of gate length, DCGS and ESD ion implantation of GGNMOS on discharge current density and lattice temperature are studied by TCAD and device simulation. The size of DCGS, multi finger number and single finger width of ESD verification structures are designed, and the discharge capacity and efficiency of GGNMOS devices in ESD are characterized by TLP test technology. Finally, the optimized GGNMOS is verified on the DSP circuit, and its ESD performance is over 3500 V in HBM mode.
An antiferromagnetic two-dimensional material: Chromium diiodides monolayer
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Yang Jin , Lin Liangzhong , Zhu JiaJi
Published: December 2020

The two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic materials and the related van der Waals homostructures have attracted considerable interest, while the 2D antiferromagnetic material has not yet been reported. Based on first-principles calculations, we investigate both electronic structures and magnetic orderings of bulk and monolayer of chromium diiodides (CrI2). We demonstrate a counter-intuitive fact that the ground state of the free-standing monolayer of CrI2 is antiferromagnetic though the bulk possesses macroscopic ferromagnetic ordering. The interlayer interaction remains antiferromagnetic up to few-layer scenarios. The unique feature of CrI2 makes it an ideal workbench to investigate the relation between magnetic couplings and interlayer van der Waals interactions, and may offer an opportunity to 2D antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.