bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebrospinal fluid proteomics implicates the granin family in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rotunno Melissa S. , Lane Monica , Zhang Wenfei , Wolf Pavlina , Oliva Petra , Viel Catherine , Wills Anne-Marie , Alcalay Roy N. , Scherzer Clemens R. , Shihabuddin Lamya S. , Zhang Kate , Sardi S. Pablo
Published: February 2020

Parkinson’s disease, the most common age-related movement disorder, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with unclear etiology. Better understanding of the underlying disease mechanism(s) is an urgent need for the development of disease-modifying therapeutics. Limited studies have been performed in large patient cohorts to identify protein alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), a proximal site to pathology. We set out to identify disease-relevant protein changes in CSF to gain insights into the etiology of Parkinson’s disease and potentially assist in disease biomarker identification. In this study, we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode to identify Parkinson’s-relevant biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. We quantified 341 protein groups in two independent cohorts (n = 196) and a longitudinal cohort (n = 105 samples, representing 40 patients) consisting of Parkinson’s disease and healthy control samples from three different sources. A first cohort of 53 Parkinson’s disease and 72 control samples was analyzed, identifying 53 proteins with significant changes (p < 0.05) in Parkinson’s disease relative to healthy control. We established a biomarker signature and multiple protein ratios that differentiate Parkinson’s disease from healthy controls and validated these results in an independent cohort. The second cohort included 28 Parkinson’s disease and 43 control samples. Independent analysis of these samples identified 41 proteins with significant changes. Evaluation of the overlapping changes between the two cohorts identified 13 proteins with consistent and significant changes (p < 0.05). Importantly, we found the extended granin family proteins as reduced in disease, suggesting a potential common mechanism for the biological reduction in monoamine neurotransmission in Parkinson’s patients. Our study identifies several novel protein changes in Parkinson’s disease cerebrospinal fluid that may be exploited for understanding etiology of disease and for biomarker development.
Identification of patients with and without minimal hepatic encephalopathy based on gray matter volumetry using a support vector machine learning algorithm
Authors: Chen Qiu-Feng , Zou Tian-Xiu , Yang Zhe-Ting , Chen Hua-Jun
Published: February 2020

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is characterized by diffuse abnormalities in cerebral structure, such as reduced cortical thickness and altered brain parenchymal volume. This study tested the potential of gray matter (GM) volumetry to differentiate between cirrhotic patients with and without MHE using a support vector machine (SVM) learning method. High-resolution, T1-weighted magnetic resonance images were acquired from 24 cirrhotic patients with MHE and 29 cirrhotic patients without MHE (NHE). Voxel-based morphometry was conducted to evaluate the GM volume (GMV) for each subject. An SVM classifier was employed to explore the ability of the GMV measurement to diagnose MHE, and the leave-one-out cross-validation method was used to assess classification accuracy. The SVM algorithm based on GM volumetry achieved a classification accuracy of 83.02%, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 82.76%. The majority of the most discriminative GMVs were located in the bilateral frontal lobe, bilateral lentiform nucleus, bilateral thalamus, bilateral sensorimotor areas, bilateral visual regions, bilateral temporal lobe, bilateral cerebellum, left inferior parietal lobe, and right precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus. Our results suggest that SVM analysis based on GM volumetry has the potential to help diagnose MHE in cirrhotic patients.
Influence of concurrent chemotherapy on locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy: A retrospective matched analysis
Authors: Wang Fangzheng , Jiang Chuner , Wang Lai , Yan Fengqin , Sun Quanquan , Ye Zhimin , Liu Tongxin , Fu Zhenfu , Jiang Yangming
Published: February 2020

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plus concurrent chemotherapy (CC) will be the new standard treatment for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. However, many patients fail to receive CC for multiple reasons. We aimed to investigate long-term survival outcomes and toxicities in these patients with NPC treated with additional NAC plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or IMRT alone. In total, 1,378 previously untreated, newly diagnosed locoregionally advanced NPC patients receiving NAC plus IMRT with or without CC were retrospectively reviewed. We used a propensity score-matched (PSM) method with 1:1 matching to identify paired patients according to various covariates. Survival outcomes and toxicities were compared between the two groups. In total, 288 pairs were identified. With a median follow-up of 86 (range: 8–110) months, the estimated 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival rates in patients treated with NAC plus CCRT vs. NAC plus IMRT alone were 96.1% vs. 94.7% (P = 0.201), 93.7% vs. 89.8% (P = 0.129), 91.3% vs. 85.1% (P = 0.024), and 93.0% vs. 90.6% (P = 0.362), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that CC omission was a prognostic factor for worse PFS. In a subgroup analysis, PFS did not differ significantly between two groups of female patients or aged <60 years or stage T1–2 or stage N0-1 disease. However, fewer acute complications were observed in the NAC plus IMRT alone group. NAC with IMRT alone confers similar survival rates and less acute toxicities. Specifically, NAC plus IMRT alone may be enough for female patients <60 years with stage T1-2 or stage N0-1. However, a prospective randomised trial is needed to validate these results.
A Targeted Quantitative Proteomic Method Revealed a Substantial Reprogramming of Kinome during Melanoma Metastasis
Authors: Miao Weili , Li Lin , Liu Xiaochuan , Qi Tianyu F. , Guo Lei , Huang Ming , Wang Yinsheng
Published: February 2020

Kinases are involved in numerous critical cell signaling processes, and dysregulation in kinase signaling is implicated in many types of human cancers. In this study, we applied a parallel-reaction monitoring (PRM)-based targeted proteomic method to assess kinome reprogramming during melanoma metastasis in three pairs of matched primary/metastatic human melanoma cell lines. Around 300 kinases were detected in each pair of cell lines, and the results showed that Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) was with reduced expression in the metastatic lines of all three pairs of melanoma cells. Interrogation of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data showed that reduced expression of JAK3 is correlated with poorer prognosis in melanoma patients. Additionally, metastatic human melanoma cells/tissues exhibited diminished levels of JAK3 mRNA relative to primary melanoma cells/tissues. Moreover, JAK3 suppresses the migration and invasion of cultured melanoma cells by modulating the activities of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9). In summary, our targeted kinome profiling method provided by far the most comprehensive dataset for kinome reprogramming associated with melanoma progression, which builds a solid foundation for examining the functions of other kinases in melanoma metastasis. Moreover, our results reveal a role of JAK3 as a potential suppressor for melanoma metastasis.
Ir(iii)-Catalyzed direct C–H functionalization of N-phenylacetamide with α-diazo quinones: a novel strategy for producing 2-hydroxy-2′-amino-1,2′-biaryl scaffolds
Authors: Li Xingjun , Wang Jiang , Xie Xiong , Dai Wenhao , Han Xu , Chen Kaixian , Liu Hong
Published: February 2020

A novel strategy is reported for the construction of 2-hydroxy-2′-amino-1,1′-biaryl scaffolds via Ir(iii)-catalyzed direct C–H bond activation under mild reaction conditions.
Achieving rational design of alloy catalysts using a descriptor based on a quantitative structure–energy equation
Authors: Ding Yunxuan , Xu Yarong , Mao Yu , Wang Ziyun , Hu P.
Published: February 2020

Rational design of high-activity alloy catalysts for NO oxidation.
Macroscopic macroporous titanosilicate constructed of a micro-mesoporous ultrathin nanofilm
Authors: Hu Lixia , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Hui , Cheng Wenjing , Liang Yunxiao
Published: February 2020

MNCMM-TiSis have been successfully prepared by a templating approach and show excellent catalytic performance in the epoxidation of bulky alkenes.
Evolution of surface relief of epitaxial diamond films upon growth resumption by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shu G. , Ralchenko V. G. , Bolshakov A. P. , Zavedeev E. V. , Khomich A. A. , Pivovarov P. A. , Ashkinazi E. E. , Konov V. I. , Dai B. , Han J. , Zhu J.
Published: February 2020

Homoepitaxial diamond growth may proceed with stops and resumptions to produce thick crystals. We found the resumption procedure to take place in a complex way,viaa disturbance of step growth features, followed by the recovery after a certain time.
Absorption spectra of xanthines in aqueous solution: a computational study
Authors: Gómez Sara , Giovannini Tommaso , Cappelli Chiara
Published: February 2020

We present a detailed computational analysis of the UV/Vis spectra of caffeine, paraxanthine and theophylline in aqueous solution.
Automated exploration of the low-energy chemical space with fast quantum chemical methods
Authors: Pracht Philipp , Bohle Fabian , Grimme Stefan
Published: February 2020

We propose and discuss an efficient scheme for thein silicosampling for parts of the molecular low-energy chemical space by semiempirical tight-binding methods combined with a meta-dynamics driven search algorithm.
Structures of mixed manganese ruthenium oxides (Mn1−xRux)O2 crystallised under acidic hydrothermal conditions
Authors: McLeod Lucy K. , Spikes Geoffrey H. , Kashtiban Reza J. , Walker Marc , Chadwick Alan V. , Sharman Jonathan D. B. , Walton Richard I.
Published: February 2020

Redox hydrothermal chemistry at low pH yields a solid-solution series of β-(Mn1−xRux)O2 materials, with structures verified by diffraction and spectroscopy.
A novel self-assembled Na{Cu12Zn4} multifunctional material: first report of a discrete coordination compound for detection of Ca2+ions and selective adsorption of cationic dyes in water
Authors: Iman Khushboo , Shahid M. , Ahmad Musheer
Published: February 2020

A novel discrete Na{Cu12Zn4} unit is discovered with the ability to sense calcium ions (with ultra-low detection limit) as well as to adsorb cationic dyes in the aqueous phase with high performance.
Graphene oxide nanocomposite magnetic microbeads for the remediation of positively charged aromatic compounds
Authors: Minati L. , Speranza G. , Micheli V. , Dalla Serra M. , Clamer M.
Published: February 2020

Integrating graphene within an agarose matrix enables the creation of a unique hybrid composite combining the peculiar chemical and physical properties of graphene with the high porosity of the agarose gel.
The post-functionalization of Co(iii)PPh3 triarylcorroles through Suzuki–Miyaura couplings and their tunable electrochemically-catalyzed hydrogen evolution and oxygen reduction
Authors: Liang Xu , Qiu Yuanyuan , Zhang Xifeng , Zhu Weihua
Published: February 2020

The post-functionalization of six novel symmetric and asymmetric meso-expanded Co(iii) corroles through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions has been successfully accomplished and is reported along with their structural characterization.
Nanoplastic ingestion induces behavioral disorders in terrestrial snails: trophic transfer effectsviavascular plants
Authors: Chae Yooeun , An Youn-Joo
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the transfer of plastic debris in a terrestrial environment from the soil to a plant (the mung bean,Vigna radiata), and then to a consumer (the African giant snail,Achatina fulica).
Replacement of forage fiber with non-forage fiber sources in dairy cow diets changes milk extracellular vesicle-miRNA expression
Authors: Quan Su-yu , Nan Xue-mei , Wang Kun , Zhao Yi-guang , Jiang Lin-shu , Yao Jun-hu , Xiong Ben-hai
Published: February 2020

Replacement of forage fiber with non-forage fiber sources in dairy cow diets changes milk extracellular vesicle-miRNA expression.
Determination of uranium in ores using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Li Qingzhou , Zhang Wen , Tang Zhiyang , Zhou Ran , Yan Jiujiang , Zhu Chenwei , Liu Kun , Li Xiangyou , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: February 2020

LIBS-LIF technology is proposed to enhance the spectral intensity of uranium in ores and eliminate spectral interference to achieve the purpose of improving detection sensitivity.
Deep learning: a new tool for photonic nanostructure design
Authors: Hegde Ravi S.
Published: February 2020

We review recent progress in the application of Deep Learning (DL) techniques for photonic nanostructure design and provide a perspective on current limitations and fruitful directions for further development.
Quality of physicochemical data on nanomaterials: an assessment of data completeness and variability
Authors: Comandella Daniele , Gottardo Stefania , Rio-Echevarria Iria Maria , Rauscher Hubert
Published: February 2020

An assessment of data availability and completeness for selected physicochemical properties and nanomaterials in support of grouping and read-across.
Self-assembly of small molecules at hydrophobic interfaces using group effect
Authors: Foster William , Miyazawa Keisuke , Fukuma Takeshi , Kusumaatmaja Halim , Voϊtchovsky Kislon
Published: February 2020

Group effect allows non-tethered small molecules to form a wide variety of self-assembled structures at solid–liquid interfaces.
Rapid quantification of prion proteins using resistive pulse sensing
Authors: Healey Matthew J. , Sivakumaran Muttuswamy , Platt Mark
Published: February 2020

Prion diseases are a group of fatal transmissible neurological conditions caused by the change in conformation of intrinsic cellular prion protein (PrPC).
A gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of tetrodotoxin
Authors: Li Yue , Xu Xinxin , Liu Liqiang , Kuang Hua , Xu Liguang , Xu Chuanlai
Published: February 2020

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent marine neurotoxin.
Synthesis of cyclobutane-fused oxygen-containing tricyclic framework via thermally promoted intramolecular cycloaddition of cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes
Authors: Zhai Shengxian , Qiu Shuxian , Chen Lunjian , Niu Yongsheng , Yu Youzhu , Yang Bo , Zhang Beining , Han Chuchu , Yang Liguo , Zhai Hongbin
Published: February 2020

A unique approach for the thermally-promoted cycloaddition of cyclohexadienone-tethered allenes to form versatile cyclobutane-fused oxygen-containing tricyclic framework is reported.
Diamine-mediated N2-selective β-selenoalkylation of triazoles with alkenes
Authors: Zhu Li-Li , Tian Lifang , Cai Bin , Liu Guanglu , Zhang Hui , Wang Yahui
Published: February 2020

A U-shaped reaction intermediate enables N2-selective β-selenoalkylation of 1,2,3-triazoles with alkenes.
Development of an engineered thermostable amine dehydrogenase for the synthesis of structurally diverse chiral amines
Authors: Liu Lei , Wang Dong-Hao , Chen Fei-Fei , Zhang Zhi-Jun , Chen Qi , Xu Jian-He , Wang Zhi-Long , Zheng Gao-Wei
Published: February 2020

Structurally diverse chiral amines and amino alcohols were synthesized using an engineered thermostable amine dehydrogenase, demonstrating its extensive synthesis potential.
Insights into the carbon balance for CO2 electroreduction on Cu using gas diffusion electrode reactor designs
Authors: Ma Ming , Clark Ezra L. , Therkildsen Kasper T. , Dalsgaard Sebastian , Chorkendorff Ib , Seger Brian
Published: February 2020

The carbon balance during high-rate CO2 reduction in flow electrolyzers was rigorously analyzed, showing that CO2 consumption should be taken into account for evaluating catalytic selectivity of gas products.
A combined periodic DFT and QM/MM approach to understand the radical mechanism of the catalytic production of methanol from glycerol
Authors: Sainna Mala A. , Nanavati Sachin , Black Constance , Smith Louise , Mugford Karl , Jenkins Harry , Douthwaite Mark , Dummer Nicholas F. , Catlow C. Richard A. , Hutchings Graham J. , Taylor Stuart H. , Logsdail Andrew J. , Willock David J.
Published: February 2020

Hydroxymethyl radicals deprotonate over MgO(100) and can disproportionate to methanol and formaldehyde; DFT calculated pathway matched to experimental product analysis.
Hierarchical CuO@ZnCo LDH heterostructured nanowire arrays toward enhanced water oxidation electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhu Xiaojuan , Liu Qian , Lu Siyu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: February 2020

As a durable electrocatalyst for water oxidation, a hierarchical heterostructured CuO@ZnCo layered double hydroxide nanowire array on a copper foil requires a low overpotential of 270 mV to attain 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Oxidative trifluoromethylselenolation of 1,3-dicarbonyls with [Me4N][SeCF3]
Authors: Tan Kai-Li , Dong Tao , Zhang Xue-Qiong , Zhang Cheng-Pan
Published: February 2020

The first oxidative trifluoromethylchalcogenation of 1,3-dicarbonyls with [Me4N][XCF3] (X = Se and S) and an oxidant is described.
Inorganic polyphosphate in mammals: where's Wally?
Authors: Desfougères Yann , Saiardi Adolfo , Azevedo Cristina
Published: February 2020

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is a ubiquitous polymer of tens to hundreds of orthophosphate residues linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. In prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes, both the presence of polyP and of the biosynthetic pathway that leads to its synthesis are well-documented. However, in mammals, polyP is more elusive. Firstly, the mammalian enzyme responsible for the synthesis of this linear biopolymer is unknown. Secondly, the low sensitivity and specificity of available polyP detection methods make it difficult to confidently ascertain polyP presence in mammalian cells, since in higher eukaryotes, polyP exists in lower amounts than in yeast or bacteria. Despite this, polyP has been given a remarkably large number of functions in mammals. In this review, we discuss some of the proposed functions of polyP in mammals, the limitations of the current detection methods and the urgent need to understand how this polymer is synthesized.
Tuning T helper cell differentiation by ITK
Authors: Elmore Jessica P. , McGee Michael C. , Nidetz Natalie F. , Anannya Orchi , Huang Weishan , August Avery
Published: February 2020

CD4+ effector T cells effectuate T cell immune responses, producing cytokines to orchestrate the nature and type of immune responses. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase IL-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK), a mediator of T cell Receptor signaling, plays a critical role in tuning the development of these effector cells. In this review we discussed the role that signals downstream of ITK, including the Ras/MAPK pathway, play in differentially controlling the differentiation of TH17, Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells, and Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells, supporting a model of ITK signals controlling a decision point in the effector T cell differentiation process.
Rehabilitation und Teilhabe
Authors: Buschmann-Steinhage Rolf
Published: February 2020

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,

auch in diesem, noch einigermaßen neuen Jahr 2020 wollen wir Sie in dieser
Zeitschrift über wichtige Entwicklungen aus dem weiten Feld der
Rehabilitation informieren. Wir wollen so unseren Teil dazu beitragen, dass die
Rehabilitation ihr Ziel erreicht, die Teilhabe oder genauer: Selbstbestimmung und
volle, wirksame und gleichberechtigte Teilhabe am Leben in der Gesellschaft, wie es
das Sozialgesetzbuch IX (in § 1) formuliert. Rehabilitation ist so das
Mittel und Teilhabe das Ziel. Dementsprechend heißen die
Rehabilitationsleistungen im Gesetz „Leistungen zur Teilhabe“. Und
in der Konvention der Vereinten Nationen über die Rechte von Menschen mit
Behinderungen (UN-BRK, Art. 3c) ist die „volle und wirksame Teilhabe an der
Gesellschaft und Einbeziehung in die Gesellschaft“ („full and
effective participation and inclusion in society“) ein allgemeiner
Grundsatz. Teilhabe ist Einbezogensein in Lebenssituationen wie z. B.
Familie, Schule, Arbeit, Kino, Sportverein.
Servicehelfer in der Klinik für Geriatrische Rehabilitation
Authors: Rieder-Hintze Stephanie
Published: February 2020

„Servicehelfer/in im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen“ ist ein
neuer Ausbildungsberuf, der jungen Menschen mit schwierigen Startchancen den
Berufseinstieg ermöglicht. Er begann 2007 als Modellprojekt der Robert Bosch
Stiftung in Baden-Württemberg, erhielt 2010 die staatliche Anerkennung und
wird seit 2013 vom Verein Caro Ass bundesweit vorangetrieben. Kliniken, ambulante
Dienste, Pflegeheime und Einrichtungen der Behindertenhilfe gehören zu den
beteiligten Arbeitgebern. Auch Dr. Petra Koczy, seit 2006 Therapieleiterin an der
Geriatrischen Rehabilitationsklinik im Stuttgarter Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus,
schätzt die jungen Mitarbeiter. Sie kennt das Servicehelfer-Konzept seit dem
Start und sagt: „Es hat sich in unserer Klinik sehr
bewährt“.
Traumaassoziierte Koagulopathie: Pathophysiologie und Therapie
Authors: Schlömmer Christine , Meier Jens
Published: February 2020

Die anhaltende unkontrollierte Blutung ist eine der führenden Todesursachen bei polytraumatisierten Patienten 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Hypoperfusion durch große Blutverluste führt zu Gewebeschäden, generalisierter Immunantwort sowie Aktivierung des Gerinnungssystems und damit zu einer traumaassoziierten Koagulopathie (TAK) 4, 5. Durch eine adäquate, frühzeitige Behandlung der TAK können Morbidität und Mortalität signifikant reduziert werden.
Spiroergometrie kompakt – Physiologie, Durchführung und Auswertung
Authors: Glaab T. , Schmidt O. , Fritsch J.
Published: February 2020

Die kardiorespiratorische Fitness gilt als unabhängiger Prognosefaktor für Morbidität und Mortalität unterschiedlicher Genese. Patientenrelevante Symptome wie latente Belastungsdyspnoe, körperliche Leistungsdefizite und Erschöpfung korrelieren oft schlecht mit der kardiopulmonalen und bildgebenden „Ruhediagnostik“. Die Spiroergometrie als Goldstandard der Belastungsanalyse dient der Früherkennung, Differenzialdiagnostik, Verlaufs- und Therapiekontrolle von kardiopulmonalen Erkrankungen und deren Prognose. Als integrative Untersuchungsmethode des Lungen-Herz-Kreislauf-Muskel-Systems ist sie bei geringem zeitlichem Mehraufwand deutlich aussagekräftiger und informativer als alternative Messmethoden und ermöglicht auch Aussagen im submaximalen Belastungsbereich. Trotz dieser enormen Bedeutung wird die Spiroergometrie aus verschiedenen Gründen (z. B. Aufwand, Budget, Expertise) auch hierzulande zu selten durchgeführt. Die Methode ist komplex, aber nicht unbedingt kompliziert. Ziel dieser Übersicht ist es daher, allen Interessierten diesen häufig wegweisenden Globaltest leichter zugänglich zu machen. Inhaltlich werden sowohl die physiologischen Grundlagen, die Indikationen und praktischen Aspekte der Messung als auch die strukturierte Auswertung spiroergometrischer Befunde übersichtlich vorgestellt. Damit soll auch das Interesse und der eigene Anspruch geweckt werden, diese fachspezifische Referenzuntersuchung in indizierten Fällen selbst häufiger durchzuführen.
Primary Ovarian Leiomyoma—A Common Tumor at an Uncommon Site
Authors: Pradeep Aswathy , Bhat Shubha Padmanabha , Nandan Neetha , Laxminarayana Kishan Prasad Hosapatna , Kaliyat Sajitha , Venugopala Kishan Prasad Holalkere
Published: February 2020

Leiomyoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor that commonly occurs in the uterus, ovary being a rare site. Ovarian leiomyomas constitute 0.5 to 1% of all benign tumors. They probably arise from the smooth muscle cells in the ovarian hilar blood vessels. They occur most commonly in premenopausal women. We report a case of primary ovarian leiomyoma in a 39-year-old female patient.
Institutional change and the limitations of consumer activism
Authors: Reese Jacy
Published: February 2020

Organizations that aim to encourage or mitigate social change frequently face strategic trade-offs between changing the behaviour of individuals or institutions. This paper provides a conceptual analysis of this trade-off and an initial case study on the grand challenge of industrial animal agriculture. The nascent movement attempting to address this global issue has so far heavily focused on changing individual consumption with central messages like ‘go vegan’ and tactics like handing out pro-vegetarian leaflets. This paper critiques that focus, proposing instead what we call an institutional approach that focuses on changing governments, firms, social norms, and the like, particularly through developing and commercializing new food technologies. This paper argues from a perspective of effective altruism, aiming to maximize positive impact, that an increased use of the institutional approach may help organizations more effectively achieve their ethical goals. There are some cost-effective uses for the individual approach, so it should not be abandoned entirely, but a significant reduction may be prudent, at least in this context, and further research is warranted on this trade-off in other social contexts.
Low-frequency sound-absorbing metasurface with a channel of nonuniform cross section
Authors: Han Yu , Wang Xiaopeng , Xie Guolin , Tang Xu , Chen Tianning
Published: February 2020

In this letter, we propose a theoretical description of double nonuniform cross-section (DNUCS) channels, which can achieve the designed absorption coefficient with a shorter channel overall. Introducing channels with a nonuniform cross section changes the period of the surface acoustic impedance, which has a significant impact on the dominant operating frequencies. In this paper, we give the relation between the absorption peak position and the geometric parameters, which can be used to design DNUCS channels with a specific operating frequency. Furthermore, multiple nonuniform cross-section channels can be studied in the same way. Based on the above theory, we reduce the operating absorption frequency range of a new type of Fabry–Pérot absorbers to a lower regime in a constant volume. Our theoretical framework may be important in designing absorption metasurfaces and for further research.
Structure of shock waves in particulate composites
Authors: Rauls M. B. , Ravichandran G.
Published: February 2020

The shock compression response of particulate heterogeneous solids was investigated using normal plate impact experiments and numerical simulations. A model composite system of silica glass spheres embedded in a matrix of thermoplastic polymer, polymethyl methacrylate, was developed to mimic the impedance mismatch of structural and energetic heterogeneous materials. Shock wave profiles were measured at multiple points on the rear surface of the composite specimens to characterize shock dispersion and spatial heterogeneity in material response due to the random distribution of particles. Composites with single mode as well as bimodal bead diameter distributions were subjected to plate impact loading at ∼1000 m/s resulting in an average shock stress of ∼4 GPa. Shock rise times were measured for composites of 30% and 40% glass by volume, with spherical particles of diameters in the range of 100–1000 μm. In the case of single mode composites, the shock wave rise times were observed to scale linearly with particle diameter divided by the bulk shock wave speed. The addition of a second bead size to a base size in a 30% glass by volume composite mix resulted in significant increases in shock rise time. Numerical simulations were used to develop insights into scattering and the development of shock structure in particulate composites. Shock disruption mechanisms due to particles and matrix/interface damage effects are discussed.
Saturable absorption properties and femtosecond mode-locking application of titanium trisulfide
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Liu Mengli , Liu Ximei , Wang Xiaoting , Teng Hao , Lei Ming , Wei Zhongming , Wei Zhiyi
Published: February 2020

Titanium trisulfide (TiS3) is regarded as a candidate material for optoelectronic devices and nano-transistors due to its photoresponse. However, its nonlinear optical response in a mode-locked laser is yet to be investigated. Here, the performance of TiS3 as a saturable absorber in a mode-locked laser is demonstrated. The generated mode-locked pulses achieve pulse duration as short as 147.72 fs at 1555 nm, which indicates that TiS3 as a potential functional material has applications in nanomaterial-related photonics.
Reduction of asymmetric wall force in JET and ITER disruptions including runaway electrons
Authors: Strauss H. , Joffrin E. , Riccardo V. , Breslau J. , Paccagnella R. , Fu G. Y. ,   JET Contributors
Published: February 2020

It was shown that asymmetric vertical displacement event disruptions in JET and ITER do not produce a large asymmetric force on conducting structures surrounding the plasma, provided that the current quench (CQ) time is less than the resistive wall penetration time. This is verified with JET data. In ITER, the CQ is expected to be comparable to the resistive wall penetration time, which gives a small wall force. It is shown that runaway electrons (REs) in JET do not produce a large wall force, and this is verified with JET data. This occurs if the RE current is about half of the initial plasma current. In ITER, the RE current might be comparable to the initial current, and REs might lengthen the CQ time sufficiently to produce a large wall force.
Three-dimensional localization of a rotating magnetic dipole from the Fourier integrals of its magnetic flux density with acceleration data
Authors: Chiba A. , Nara T.
Published: February 2020

Indoor localization of objects when these bodies are affected by occlusion remains challenging. This paper presents a novel method to estimate the position of a magnetic marker that can be attached to objects such as a robot or a moving vehicle for indoor localization. We derive a formula to compute the azimuth and zenith angles of and the distance to a rotating magnet from the Fourier components of the magnetic flux density at the marker’s rotational frequency. The proposed method does not require temporal changes in the direction of the magnetic moment. As a result, the method does not require communication between the sensor and the marker. Also, using a Fourier component enhances the robustness of the method to environmental noise. The method is verified experimentally and shows an average error of 49.9 mm for estimation of the three-dimensional position of the marker in a 4000 mm by 2000 mm domain where z = 350 mm. In addition, we verified that the marker position can be estimated even if the sensor is tilted with respect to the horizontal plane using the sensor’s acceleration data.
Visualizing light trapping within textured silicon solar cells
Authors: Manzoor Salman , Filipič Miha , Onno Arthur , Topič Marko , Holman Zachary C.
Published: February 2020

Random pyramids are the most widely used texture in commercial monocrystalline silicon solar cells to trap weakly absorbed photons with near-bandgap energies. There has been steady improvement in efforts to model the light-trapping performance of random pyramids, including a shift from an assumed pyramid base angle of 54.7° (ideal-random pyramids) to smaller values that are consistent with measured average angles. However, simulations have not yet considered the effects of a distribution of base angles (real-random pyramids), which all real textured wafers have. In this contribution, we benchmark the light-trapping capability of real-random pyramids against ideal-random pyramids and Lambertian scatterers by performing ray tracing of an accurate three-dimensional topographical map of the surface of a textured silicon wafer measured using atomic force microscopy. The angular distribution function (ADF) of light rays within the wafer, calculated at each pass as rays bounce between the front and rear surfaces, reveals that real-random pyramids are superior to ideal-random pyramids in trapping light precisely because of the distribution in their base angle. In particular, the ADF inside a wafer with real-random pyramids evolves to be Lambertian within just two passes—by the time (non-absorbed) light re-arrives at the front surface. Furthermore, the total path-length enhancement of light reaches nearly 60—exceeding that of a wafer with Lambertian surfaces—for narrow angles of incidence, though it falls short of the Lambertian reference for oblique angles.
Anisotropy and kinetics of the migration-induced layer formation in TeO2
Authors: Kulikov A. G. , Blagov A. E. , Ilin A. S. , Marchenkov N. V. , Pisarevskii Yu. V. , Kovalchuk M. V.
Published: February 2020

The dynamics and anisotropy of the formation processes of near-surface structures in paratellurite (α-TeO2) single crystals due to the migration of charge carriers induced by an external electric field are studied by x-ray diffraction and electrophysical methods. Significant yet reversible variations in the parameters of the diffraction rocking curves are observed. A diffraction peak broadening occurs for both polarities with a simultaneous shift of its maximum only occurring on the surface with a positive electric potential. For the [100] direction, a much higher velocity of saturation and relaxation processes was registered compared to the [110] direction. Moreover, a significant increase in the integral intensity of the 200 diffraction peak was observed. The electric field application along the fourth-order axis [001] does not lead to visible changes in the diffraction peak parameters. The dynamics and amplitude of the diffraction peak variation reflect the structural changes in the thin near-surface region of the crystal volume. This corresponds to the measured kinetics and value of the electric conductivity and the formation of the electrical double layer close to the insulator–metal interface, which is attributed to the oxide ion migration process from the crystal volume to its surfaces. The thickness of the structure formed close to the surface is estimated by mathematical calculations (the Debye screening length) and by x-ray diffraction (a layer with mechanical deformations) obtained at different diffraction orders. The experimental data are compared with the results of the x-ray diffraction peak simulations considering the crystal lattice strain with the depth attenuation.
Enhanced surface superconductivity in Ba(Fe0.95Co0.05)2As2
Authors: Parzyck Christopher T. , Faeth Brendan D. , Tam Gordon N. , Stewart Gregory R. , Shen Kyle M.
Published: February 2020

We present direct evidence for an enhanced superconducting Tc on the surface of cleaved single crystals of Ba(Fe0.95Co0.05)2As2. Transport measurements performed on samples cleaved in ultra-high vacuum show a significantly enhanced superconducting transition when compared to equivalent measurements performed in air. Deviations from the bulk resistivity appear at 21 K, well above the 10 K bulk Tc of the underdoped compound. We demonstrate that the excess conductivity above the bulk Tc can be controllably suppressed by application of potassium ions on the cleaved surface, indicating that the enhanced superconductivity is strongly localized to the sample surface. Additionally, we find that the effects of the potassium surface dosing are strongly influenced by the presence of residual gas absorbates on the sample surface, which may prevent effective charge transfer from the potassium atoms to the FeAs plane. This further supports the conclusion that the effects of the dosing (and enhanced superconductivity) are localized within a few layers of the surface.
Defect proliferation in CsPbBr3 crystal induced by ion migration
Authors: Zhang Bin-Bin , Wang Fangbao , Zhang Hongjian , Xiao Bao , Sun Qihao , Guo Jun , Hafsia Ahmed Ben , Shao Aihui , Xu Yadong , Zhou Jian
Published: February 2020

Ion migration in halide perovskite materials usually brings an intractable problem in the working stability of solar cells and photoelectrical detectors. The mechanism of ion migration and its impact on physical properties are still open questions. In this work, the ion migration behavior in solution-grown CsPbBr3 crystals was observed by the hysteresis in current–voltage curves and the temperature dependent reversed current–time measurements. Defect proliferation phenomena (new defects of [VCs]− and [PbBr]2+) originating from ion migration were verified by thermally stimulated current spectroscopy. Our results also give evidence that Cs+ ions also participate in the process of ion migration except the widely considered Br− ions. Furthermore, the photoelectric properties of the CsPbBr3 device were found to be seriously deteriorated after the ion migration. Our work demonstrates the strong correlation between the ion migration and physical properties in halide perovskites.
Electron–Langmuir wave resonance in three dimensions
Authors: Harding James C. , Cairns Iver H. , Melrose Donald B.
Published: February 2020

In the one-dimensional (1D) treatment of Langmuir wave generation by a particle distribution via the kinetic beam instability, there is a one-to-one resonance between the electron speed v and the phase speed vϕ of the wave. The 1D condition for wave growth is ∂f/∂v>0 with v=vϕ, and f(v) evolves due to quasilinear relaxation toward a plateau distribution ∂f/∂v=0. We show here that none of these results apply in a 3D treatment of the problem. For a wave with wavevector k and phase speed vϕ, there is a many-to-one resonance with all electrons with v>vϕ moving obliquely to k. Although growth requires a region with ∂f/∂v>0 below a peak in f(v), the growth can be driven primarily by particles above the peak where ∂f/∂v<0, and growth can even occur at phase velocities vϕ where ∂f/∂v|v=vϕ<0. Resonance at v≫vϕ favors diffusion of the particle distribution in angle, rather than plateau formation. These properties imply that intuition based on the 1D model can be seriously misleading, with far-reaching implications for modeling phenomena such as type III solar radio bursts.
Velocity-amplified monostable dual-charged electret dome energy harvester using low-speed finger tapping
Authors: Feng Yue , Zhou Zilong , Fu Dongxiao , Ren Wei
Published: February 2020

Power generation from linear finger-tapping-based electrostatic energy harvesting (FTEEH) devices is hindered by the slow capacitance variation under low-speed finger-tapping (FT) motion. Herein, a velocity amplification mechanism is proposed, which exploits the snap-through behavior of a dual-charged electret monostable dome structure and thus greatly enhances the power generation of FTEEH devices from slow FT motion. The kinetic energy and velocity amplification during the buckling event were effectively predicted for various specimens using the modified Föppl–von Kármán equations and Hamilton's principle. A high degree of dynamic velocity amplification was demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally and quantified with respect to the velocity gain and power gain. Specifically, the velocity of the capacitance variation of the designed FTEEH device, driven by a slow FT motion at 2.7 cm/s, was substantially increased to 18.5 cm/s, affording a high velocity gain of 6.9 and a correspondingly large power gain of 6.8. The proposed velocity-amplified nonlinear FTEEH device was compared with recently developed linear FTEEH devices that do not utilize this velocity amplification mechanism and found to yield a large pulse width of 90.0 ms (full width) and a high volumetric power density of 1015.7 μW/cm3.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth and optical characterization of AlGaN nanowires with reduced substrate temperature
Authors: Zhong Y. , Berikaa E. , Lu J. , Yin X. , Zhao S.
Published: February 2020

The requirement of high growth temperature for high-quality epitaxial AlGaN, which is typically around 100 °C higher than the growth temperature of GaN, is unfavorable for p-type dopant (Mg) incorporation, representing a grand challenge for AlGaN deep ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting devices. In this context, we show high-quality AlGaN nanowires emitting in the deep UV band grown at merely the growth temperature of GaN nanowires by molecular beam epitaxy. This is enabled by the discovery of a narrow GaN nanowire template growth window. We have further compared the room-temperature internal quantum efficiency of the samples emitting around 255 nm grown in the low-temperature regime and high-temperature regime. It is found that the sample grown in the low-temperature regime can possess optical quality close to the sample grown in the high-temperature regime. This study, therefore, suggests that even with a low growth temperature, using nanowire structures can still lead to AlGaN alloys with a relatively high optical quality, and the use of low substrate temperature could be beneficial for p-type doping.
Combining laser polishing with a steady magnetic field creates smoother, harder surfaces
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: February 2020

The addition of a magnetic field to laser polishing processes induces a Lorentz force that suppresses secondary roughness.
Modelling of breech strike risk and protective efficacy of mulesing in adult Merino sheep
Authors: Horton B. J. , Corkrey R. , Smith J. , Greeff J. , Karlsson L. J. E.
Published: February 2020

Context Mulesing provides a high degree of protection against beech strike, but wool producers need to be able to predict the level of risk of flystrike if they cease mulesing. Aims To use data from trials of mulesed and unmulesed sheep to estimate the distribution of adult breech scores (wrinkle, breech cover and dag) from mean flock values, and use those scores to estimate the risk of breech strike in Merino sheep flocks. Methods Breech scores and breech strike from flocks with comparable mulesed and unmulesed sheep were examined using logistic functions to relate breech scores in mulesed sheep to those in unmulesed sheep, and to estimate the risk of breech strike in sheep for any given combination of breech scores. Key results Functions are given to estimate whole flock adult breech wrinkle and breech cover using combinations of the breech traits that are available. Unmulesed Merino sheep have a 6-fold increased risk of breech strike compared with mulesed sheep under the same conditions. There were increased relative risks of breech strike of 2.0 for each unit increase in dag score, 2.2 for each unit increase in breech wrinkle score and 1.7 for each unit increase in breech cover score. Mulesing reduced each of these risk factors, but had an additional 3.2-fold benefit independent of these factors. Adult breech wrinkle was most reliably estimated from neck wrinkle or from marking breech wrinkle (before mulesing). Breech cover was estimated from face cover, or from marking breech cover. The risk of breech strike if adult sheep were to be left unmulesed in a commercial flock was predicted using a centred log ratio transformation to estimate the distribution of dag scores in the unmulesed sheep, given the actual distribution in the mulesed flock. If the distribution was not known, then the mean dag score of the mulesed sheep could be used to estimate the distribution of dag scores in unmulesed sheep using a 2/3 power function to transform the mean dag score. Conclusions A flock of unmulesed sheep would need to lower breech wrinkle, breech cover and dag scores by 0.5 for each score to achieve a comparable level of risk of breech strike in mulesed sheep. Implications The use of the model will allow wool producers to selectively breed for sheep with lower risk of breech strike, while continuing to mules the sheep as long as it is necessary to do so. They will be able to estimate what the risk of strike would be if they cease mulesing, due to the proportion of sheep with potentially high wrinkle score, high breech cover or high dag scores at any stage of their breeding program.
Plant resistance inducers (PRIs): perspectives for future disease management in the field.
Authors: Sandroni M. , Liljeroth E. , Mulugeta T. , Alexandersson E.
Published: February 2020

Plants are confronted with numerous biotic stresses that may affect productivity. Besides their constitutive defence, plants can activate specific metabolic processes to enhance resistance upon stress detection. These defence mechanisms can also be activated through the recognition of plant resistance inducers (PRIs). This review highlights some of the current challenges that prevent the adoption of PRIs in agriculture, and explore research topics and knowledge gaps to be addressed for bringing PRIs closer to practice. First, we present studies on the variance of induced defence responses and examine the possibility of employing inducibility in breeding strategies as well as the possible role of epigenetics. We also discuss the efficiency of PRIs in future climate and knowledge gaps on this subject. Remote sensing, high-throughput phenotyping and modelling in combination with PRIs as part of decision support systems and integrated pest management are further possibilities to advance the use of PRIs. Finally, we discuss the challenges which need to be addressed to make PRIs available for small-scale farmers in low-income countries. Although PRIs have successfully presented significant rates of disease prevention under controlled conditions, converting these findings into field application still depends on more studies, e.g. on how they can be integrated into disease management programmes. Better mechanistic understanding of IR together with the coupling of PRIs to new disease monitoring and protection strategies can give PRIs a stronger role in future agricultural practice.
Buruli ulcer: currents status and options for future prevention.
Authors: Maman I. , Makagni T. K. , Piten E. , Yao HoeKou [Yao H. K. P. ] , Maman H. , Tchacondo T.
Published: February 2020

Buruli ulcer (BU) is a serious skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans infection. Over the last 10 years, the understanding of the epidemiology, ecology, aetiology and physiopathology of BU has progressed considerably. This paper reviews the current knowledge of BU and the options for future prevention. Currently, the BU is distributed in areas where people are living near swampy areas with stagnant or slow-flowing streams, practicing activities related to water contact with evidence of the presence of M. ulcerans in the environment such as soil, plants, water and aquatic insects. Future options for infection control should be focused on the one hand on the disease diagnosis with development of new laboratory point-of-care tests, and patient treatment by encouraging oral drugs treatment as well as the initiation of traditional plant-based treatments in the context of low- and middle-income countries. On the other hand, the prevention could also be strengthened by wound management as pillar in the BU management and encourage sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services and practices.