bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional nickel‐coated carbon fiber veil for improving both fracture toughness and electrical performance of carbon fiber/epoxy composite laminates
Authors: Liu Hui , Guo Yunli , Zhou Yong , Wan Guoshun , Chen Zhongli , Jia Yuxi
Published: July 2021

The poor lightning strike resistance limits the application of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites in aircraft. Multifunctional fiber composites can reduce lightning strike damage by improving interlaminar mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. In this study, nickel‐coated carbon fiber (NiCF) veil was explored as a functional interleaf of CFRP composites to simultaneously improve the interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC by 74.75% and GIIC by 36.22%) and through‐thickness electrical conductivity (by 220.49%). The toughening mechanisms of NiCF veils mainly include the pull‐out, debonding, and breakage of NiCFs, as well as peeling and splitting of nickel coating. The improvement of conductivity is mainly attributed to the increase of conductive paths. Furthermore, the NiCF veil‐interleaved laminates still maintained relatively high‐electrical conductivity after delamination, which was formulated as a structure–function relationship expression. The interesting finding is beneficial to lightning protection, especially for damaged composites. The NiCF veil is a potential interleaf for structure–function integration of composites, and has the potential to suppress lightning damage to aerostructures.
Mechano‐opticalbehavior in poly (ethylene terephthalate)/poly (ether imide) blends
Authors: Mutlu Zeynep , Jain Mayank , Yook Sung Ho , Cakmak Mukerrem
Published: July 2021

Mechano‐optical behavior and related structural evolution during uniaxial stretching of melt miscible poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly (ether imide) (PEI) blends were studied near their glass transition temperature using an instrumented machine that measures true stress, true strain and spectral birefringence simultaneously. Stretching from amorphous state, two distinct stress‐optical regimes were observed at temperatures between Tgand Tcc(cold crystallization). Near Tg, a typical photoelastic behavior persists until a critical temperature above which temperature independent initial stress optical behavior is observed. At those temperatures above Tg, where glassy behavior is observed, decreasing stretching rate was also found to eliminate this glassy photo elastic regime leading to the observation of a linear initial stress optical behavior that becomes temperature independent as expected from linear stress optical rule. Increasing PEI concentration in the blends suppresses crystallizability and increases temperature at which initial elastic region disappears giving way to pure liquid behavior where linear stress optical behavior is observed. This is attributed to the increase and broadening of the glass transition temperature with the addition of noncrystallizable PEI. In PET/PEI blends, the stress‐optical coefficient (SOC), determined in a linear stress optical regime, was found to increase linearly with the increase in PEI concentration.
Low volatile monofunctional reactive diluents for radiation curable formulations
Authors: Kury Markus , Ehrmann Katharina , Harakály György Attila , Gorsche Christian , Liska Robert
Published: July 2021

In the last decades the importance of UV curable formulations has increased continuously. Their fast curing speed, solvent‐free polymerization conditions, and the formation of hard and highly crosslinked photopolymer networks represent major benefits. Commercial UV resins generally consist of multi‐functional vinyl oligomers, photoinitiators, additives, and reactive diluents. Mono‐ and multi‐functional reactive diluents serve as thinners to lower the overall resin viscosity and to improve processability. However, many monofunctional reactive diluents like isobornyl (meth)acrylate or benzyl (meth)acrylate exhibit high volatility, often already at room temperature. This causes adverse effects such as unpleasant odor, potential health risks, and changing resin composition during processing. A new group of monomers that show high potential for replacing traditional highly volatile reactive diluents are salicylate (meth)acrylates. In this work, salicylate‐based thinners are synthesized, polymerized, and characterized with respect to their viscosity, volatility, thermal stability, photoreactivity, and thermomechanical properties of their homopolymers. Additionally, a first example of their diluting effect in a highly viscous difunctional polyester urethane methacrylate is demonstrated with 30 wt% of a cycloaliphatically and an aromatically substituted salicylate methacrylate. The polymers of the diluted resin exhibit similarly high glass transition temperatures of 110 and 126 °C, which are in the range of the polymers of the undiluted resin.
Reducing pesticide spraying drift by folate/Zn2+ supramolecular hydrogels
Authors: Song Yuying , Zhu Feng , Cao Chong , Cao Lidong , Li Fengmin , Zhao Pengyue , Huang Qiliang
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to use folic acid and zinc nitrate to construct a biocompatible supramolecular hydrogel loaded with the herbicide dicamba as an ultra‐low‐volume spray formulation. The drift potential of the hydrogel was studied by simulating the field environment in a wind tunnel.

RESULTS

The three‐dimensional network structure of the successfully prepared dicamba hydrogel system was observed using cryo‐scanning electron microscopy. A rheological study of the dicamba hydrogel showed that it has shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties. Using a laser particle size analyzer, it was shown that the droplet size of the dicamba gel (approximately 100 μm) was significantly larger than that of the control group water and dicamba–KOH droplets. Droplet collectors and water‐sensitive papers were arranged in the wind tunnel to evaluate the drift‐reduction performance of the dicamba gel. Compared with dicamba–KOH aqueous solution, dicamba gel has a good effect in reducing drift.

CONCLUSION

This hydrogel containing no organic solvents showed biocompatibility and biodegradability due to its natural and readily available raw materials. The main way in which hydrogels reduce drift is by increasing the droplet size and this is due to the three‐dimensional network structure inside the gel. This research provides a new strategy to reduce spray drift from the perspective of pesticide formulation, and also has prospects for the application of supramolecular hydrogels in agriculture.
Beyond probabilities: A possibilistic framework to interpret ensemble predictions and fuse imperfect sources of information
Authors: Le Carrer Noémie , Ferson Scott
Published: July 2021

Ensemble forecasting is widely used in medium‐range weather predictions to account for the uncertainty that is inherent in the numerical prediction of high‐dimensional, nonlinear systems with high sensitivity to initial conditions. Ensemble forecasting allows one to sample possible future scenarios in a Monte‐Carlo‐like approximation through small strategical perturbations of the initial conditions, and in some cases stochastic parametrization schemes of the atmosphere–ocean dynamical equations. Results are generally interpreted in a probabilistic manner by turning the ensemble into a predictive probability distribution. Yet, due to model bias and dispersion errors, this interpretation is often not reliable and statistical postprocessing is needed to reach probabilistic calibration. This is all the more true for extreme events which, for dynamical reasons, cannot generally be associated with a significant density of ensemble members. In this work we propose a novel approach: a possibilistic interpretation of ensemble predictions, taking inspiration from possibility theory. This framework allows us to integrate in a consistent manner other imperfect sources of information, such as the insight about the system dynamics provided by the analogue method. We thereby show that probability distributions may not be the best way to extract the valuable information contained in ensemble prediction systems, especially for large lead times. Indeed, shifting to possibility theory provides more meaningful results without the need to resort to additional calibration, while maintaining or improving skills. Our approach is tested on an imperfect version of the Lorenz '96 model, and results for extreme event prediction are compared against those given by a standard probabilistic ensemble dressing.
Advances in carbon isotope analysis of trapped methane and volatile hydrocarbons in crystalline rock cores
Authors: Sanz‐Robinson Jethro , Brisco Trevor , Warr Oliver , Jabeen Iffat , Lacrampe‐Couloume Georges , Hanley Jacob J. , Sherwood Lollar Barbara
Published: July 2021

Rationale

The isotopic composition of hydrocarbons trapped in rocks on the microscale (fluid inclusions, mineral grain boundaries, microfractures) can provide powerful information on geological and biological processes but are an analytical challenge due to low concentrations. We present a new approach for the extraction and carbon isotopic analysis of methane (CH4) and hydrocarbons in trapped volatiles in crystalline rocks.

Methods

An off‐line crusher with cryogenic trapping and a custom‐made silica glass U‐trap were attached to an external injector port on a continuous flow gas chromatograph/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometer to demonstrate the accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity of δ13C measurements for CH4.

Results

The method can isotopically characterize CH4 in crushed rock samples with concentrations as low as 3.5 × 10−9 mol/g of rock, and both sample and isotopic standards are analyzed with an accuracy and reproducibility of ±0.5‰. High H2O/CH4 ratios of 98 to 500 have no effect on measured δ13CCH4 values. The method is successfully applied to natural samples from the north range of Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada. The δ13C isotopic signatures of CH4 trapped microscopically in rock from the north range overlap significantly with that of CH4 contained in larger scale flowing fracture fluids from the same part of the Sudbury Basin, indicating a potential genetic link.

Conclusions

A novel method for δ13CCH4 analysis was developed for the extraction of nanomole quantities of CH4 trapped microscopically in rocks. The technique has an accuracy and reproducibility comparable to that of on‐line crushing techniques but importantly provides the capability of crushing larger rock quantities (up to 100 g). The benefit is improved detection levels for trace hydrocarbon species. Such a capability will be important for future extension of such crushing techniques for measurement of 2H/1H for CH4, clumped isotopologues of CH4 and other trapped volatiles species, such as C2H6, C3H8, C4H10, CO2 and N2.
Convergence analysis of the modified adaptive extended Kalman filter for the parameter estimation of a brushless DC motor
Authors: Ding Jie , Chen Lijuan , Cao Zhengxin , Guo Honghao
Published: July 2021

This article concentrates on the parameter estimation of brushless DC motor, where the stator current and winding back electromotive force are taken as the motor states, while the stator resistance and inductance are taken into consideration and augmented into the state vector. Based on this augmented model, a modified adaptive extended Kalman filter is proposed which updates the process noise covariance matrix in real time with the current input‐output data, and takes the state estimates by the traditional extended Kalman filter as one‐step estimation for the calculation of the covariance matrix. The convergence analysis is given to verify the theoretical results. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the estimation accuracy.
Enhancing the mechanical and hydraulic properties of coarse quartz sand using a water‐soluble hydrogel based on bacterial alginate for novel application in agricultural contexts
Authors: Barrientos‐Sanhueza Cesar , Mondaca Pedro , Tamayo Miguel , Álvaro Juan E. , Díaz‐Barrera Alvaro , Cuneo Italo F.
Published: July 2021

Climate change is generating severe changes in the physical behavior of soils (i.e., soil structure, mechanical resistance, and water conductivity), causing negative impacts on different agricultural systems and, therefore, threatening food security. To cope with this situation, hydrogels based on biopolymers have been proposed to modify the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of complex porous materials such as soils, yet most of them are nonsoluble, making their application at field level laborious. In this study, we investigated the effect of a water‐soluble hydrogel based on bacterial alginate on the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of coarse quartz sand. The results from unconfined uniaxial compression test showed that the strength of the sand treated with hydrogel increased by 94.5%, whereas hydraulic conductivity decreased 33%. Interestingly, we observed that bacterial alginate and hydrogel shifted the mechanics of the fluid phase toward a Darcy regime. The aggregate stability tests showed that coarse quartz sand treated with hydrogel displays larger mean weight diameter, reaching 1.5 mm compared with 0.12 mm of the control (i.e., coarse quartz sand). Finally, transmission light microscopy imaging of the hydrogel treatment revealed a new three‐dimensional matrix between the quartz sand particles, changing the microaggregates and macroaggregates and providing a modified structure of the sand material. Our findings suggest that the use of the water‐soluble hydrogel improves the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of coarse quartz sand, allowing better soil conservation against climate change‐related phenomena, and is also potentially applicable in agricultural systems facing water scarcity.
SARS-CoV-2 Research Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Organoids
Authors: Deguchi Sayaka , Serrano-Aroca Ángel , Tambuwala Murtaza M. , Uhal Bruce D. , Brufsky Adam M. , Takayama Kazuo
Published: July 2021

Experimental cell models are indispensable for clarifying the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and for developing therapeutic agents. To recapitulate the symptoms and drug response of COVID-19 patients in vitro, SARS-CoV-2 studies using physiologically relevant human embryonic stem (ES)/induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived somatic cells and organoids are ongoing. These cells and organoids have been used to show that SARS-CoV-2 can infect and damage various organs including the lung, heart, brain, intestinal tract, kidney, and pancreas. They are also being used to develop COVID-19 therapeutic agents, including evaluation of their antiviral efficacy and safety. The relationship between COVID-19 aggravation and human genetic backgrounds has been investigated using genetically modified ES/iPS cells and patient-derived iPS cells. This review summarizes the latest results and issues of SARS-CoV-2 research using human ES/iPS cell-derived somatic cells and organoids.
Penalized regression for left‐truncated and right‐censored survival data
Authors: McGough Sarah F. , Incerti Devin , Lyalina Svetlana , Copping Ryan , Narasimhan Balasubramanian , Tibshirani Robert
Published: July 2021

High‐dimensional data are becoming increasingly common in the medical field as large volumes of patient information are collected and processed by high‐throughput screening, electronic health records, and comprehensive genomic testing. Statistical models that attempt to study the effects of many predictors on survival typically implement feature selection or penalized methods to mitigate the undesirable consequences of overfitting. In some cases survival data are also left‐truncated which can give rise to an immortal time bias, but penalized survival methods that adjust for left truncation are not commonly implemented. To address these challenges, we apply a penalized Cox proportional hazards model for left‐truncated and right‐censored survival data and assess implications of left truncation adjustment on bias and interpretation. We use simulation studies and a high‐dimensional, real‐world clinico‐genomic database to highlight the pitfalls of failing to account for left truncation in survival modeling.
Unit information prior for adaptive information borrowing from multiple historical datasets
Authors: Jin Huaqing , Yin Guosheng
Published: July 2021

In clinical trials, there often exist multiple historical studies for the same or related treatment investigated in the current trial. Incorporating historical data in the analysis of the current study is of great importance, as it can help to gain more information, improve efficiency, and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of treatment. Enlightened by the unit information prior (UIP) concept in the reference Bayesian test, we propose a new informative prior called UIP from an information perspective that can adaptively borrow information from multiple historical datasets. We consider both binary and continuous data and also extend the new UIP to linear regression settings. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that our method is comparable to other commonly used informative priors, while the interpretation of UIP is intuitive and its implementation is relatively easy. One distinctive feature of UIP is that its construction only requires summary statistics commonly reported in the literature rather than the patient‐level data. By applying our UIP to phase III clinical trials for investigating the efficacy of memantine in Alzheimer's disease, we illustrate its ability to adaptively borrow information from multiple historical datasets. The Python codes for simulation studies and the real data application are available at https://github.com/JINhuaqing/UIP.
SERS Quantification of Galunisertib Delivery in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Plasmonic‐Assisted Diatomite Nanoparticles
Authors: Managò Stefano , Tramontano Chiara , Delle Cave Donatella , Chianese Giovanna , Zito Gianluigi , De Stefano Luca , Terracciano Monica , Lonardo Enza , De Luca Anna Chiara , Rea Ilaria
Published: July 2021

The small molecule Galunisertib (LY2157299, LY) shows multiple anticancer activities blocking the transforming growth factor‐β1 receptor, responsible for the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by which colorectal cancer (CRC) cells acquire migratory and metastatic capacities. However, frequent dosing of LY can produce highly toxic metabolites. Alternative strategies to reduce drug side effects can rely on nanoscale drug delivery systems that have led to a medical revolution in the treatment of cancer, improving drug efficacy and lowering drug toxicity. Here, a hybrid nanosystem (DNP‐AuNPs‐LY@Gel) made of a porous diatomite nanoparticle decorated with plasmonic gold nanoparticles, in which LY is retained by a gelatin shell, is proposed. The multifunctional capability of the nanosystem is demonstrated by investigating the efficient LY delivery, the enhanced EMT reversion in CRCs and the intracellular quantification of drug release with a sub‐femtogram resolution by surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The LY release trigger is the pH sensitivity of the gelatin shell to the CRC acidic microenvironment. The drug release is real‐time monitored at single‐cell level by analyzing the SERS signals of LY in CRC cells. The higher efficiency of LY delivered by the DNP‐AuNPs‐LY@Gel complex paves the way to an alternative strategy for lowering drug dosing and consequent side effects.
A Dynamic Calibration Method for Injection‐Dependent Charge Carrier Lifetime Measurements
Authors: Zhu Yan , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: July 2021

Charge carrier lifetime is an important parameter for semiconductor materials. This study proposes a dynamic calibration method for injection‐dependent carrier lifetime measurements. This method is based on the comparison between lifetime measurements under quasi‐steady‐state and non‐quasi‐steady‐state conditions. The proposed method is first demonstrated by numerical simulation. Experimental data are subsequently used to compare the proposed method with conventional calibration methods, demonstrating good agreement between the methods. Furthermore, the calibration method is found to be much less sensitive to measurement noise. When applied to photoluminescence‐based carrier lifetime measurements, the proposed method also provides the net bulk doping concentration.
Prediction of network security situation awareness based on an improved model combined with neural network
Authors: Yuan Li
Published: July 2021

People always pay attention to the security of the network. This paper mainly analyzed the problem of network security situation prediction (NSSP). The radial basis function neural network was improved by the particle swarm optimization algorithm, and a modified particle swarm optimization‐radial basis function algorithm was obtained, which was used as the prediction model. Then, the data from National Internet Emergency Center were used as the experimental data, and the modified particle swarm optimization‐radial basis function algorithm was compared with radial basis function and particle swarm optimization‐radial basis function algorithms. The results showed that the modified particle swarm optimization‐radial basis function algorithm could achieve convergence in about 50 times of iterations, showing a high calculation efficiency and a short operation time, and the mean absolute percentage error value, mean square error value, and root‐mean‐square error value were small (2.13%, 0.0005, and 0.0224), showing that the algorithm had good prediction performance. The results verify the reliability of the modified particle swarm optimization‐radial basis function algorithm in NSSP, which is conducive to further improve network security.
Modeling damage behavior of concrete subjected to cyclic and multiaxial loading conditions
Authors: Monnamitheen Abdul Gafoor Ajmal Hasan , Dinkler Dieter
Published: July 2021

Concrete exhibits a different deformation behavior in tension and compression when subjected to uniaxial and biaxial loads. It also reveals crack‐opening and crack‐closing effects under cyclic loads. This paper discusses a gradient‐enhanced continuum damage model to investigate the deformation and damage behavior of concrete subjected to cyclic and multiaxial loading conditions. An activating variable introduced in the model distinguishes the multiaxial stress states. A single damage criterion that relates the history variable to the equivalent strain limits the elastic domain. The evolution of internal variables confirms their thermodynamic consistency. The gradient enrichment of equivalent strains leads to proper localization of deformation. Comparison of numerical predictions with relevant experimental data and some previous models validates the capability of the model to describe softening/crack‐closure behavior under various loading. Application of the model to fracture problems demonstrates the ability of the model to describe damage initiation and propagation, and its localization.
Overview of campus‐wide essential learning outcomes pilot, implementation, and assessment at Stockton University, 2010–2021
Authors: Hood Carra Leah
Published: July 2021

In this article, the author discusses the multi‐year implementation of essential learning outcomes at Stockton University. The implementation process included strategies for generating faculty buy‐in, creation of a University‐wide steering committee, facilitating summer workshops, and planning for assessment.
Future directions for prior‐learning assessment: Taking essential learning outcomes into consideration
Authors: Baker Gianina R. , Montenegro Erick , Jankowski Natasha A.
Published: July 2021

Through the case example of the Learning Recognition Collaborative, this article examines possible connections between Essential Learning Outcomes, prior‐learning assessment, and equity in learning for today's students.
Pedagogical intersections: ePortfolio practice and essential learning outcomes for 21st century success
Authors: Lehman Regina M. , Mills Michele D. , Gupta Richa , Calderon Olga
Published: July 2021

ePortfolio practice and assessment of essential learning outcomes (ELOs) are well established at LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC). The way in which these practices intersect is via the assessment of authentic student artifacts generated from assignments aligned with ELOs. Student artifacts are deposited into the Core ePortfolio for college‐wide assessment. Benchmark reading data is used to inform ePortfolio practice and pedagogy at the college‐wide and programmatic levels. General Education Core Competencies and Communication Abilities are established across the College and are an integral part of curricular frameworks in all majors. The Core Competencies—Inquiry and Problem Solving, Integrative Learning, and Global Learning—are expressed through the Oral, Written, and Digital Communication Abilities. ePortfolio practice lends itself to the examination of Integrative Learning and Digital Communication. Recognizing ePortfolio as a high‐impact practice, LAGCC developed the Core ePortfolio as a platform for student active engagement in self‐directed learning and reflection about themselves as learners over their entire curricular and co‐curricular experience. Faculty gain a deepened understanding of the student experience and the process of integrative learning.
Training set design in genomic prediction with multiple biparental families
Authors: Zhu Xintian , Leiser Willmar L. , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias
Published: July 2021

Genomic selection is a powerful tool to reduce the cycle length and enhance the genetic gain of complex traits in plant breeding. However, questions remain about the optimum design and composition of the training set. In this study, we used 944 soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] recombinant inbred lines from eight families derived through a partial–diallel mating design among five parental lines. The cross‐validated prediction accuracies for the six traits seed yield, 1,000‐seed weight, protein yield, plant height, protein content, and oil content were high, ranging from 0.79 to 0.87. We investigated among‐family predictions, making use of the special mating design with different degrees of relatedness among families. Generally, the prediction accuracy decreased from full‐sibs to half‐sib families to unrelated families. However, half‐sib and unrelated families also showed substantial variation in their prediction accuracy for a given family, which appeared to be caused at least in part by the shared segregation of quantitative trait loci in both the training and prediction sets. Combining several half‐sib families in composite training sets generally led to an increase in the prediction accuracy compared with the best family alone. The prediction accuracy increased with the size of the training set, but for comparable prediction accuracy, substantially more half‐sibs were required than full‐sibs. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of genomic selection for soybean breeding and, in a broader context, illustrate the importance of the targeted design of the training set.
End‐to‐end anastomosis of the common bile duct and cholecystoduodenostomy for the treatment of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in an 11‐year‐old cat
Authors: Jifcovici Alexandra , Caraty Johan , Vincken Gaëlle , Bongartz Alexandre
Published: July 2021

An 11‐year‐old cat presented with a 10‐day history of anorexia and jaundice. Diagnostic examinations showed hyperbilirubinemia, dilatation of the bile ducts and a mural mass in the common bile duct. Cholecystoduodenostomy, mass resection and end‐to‐end anastomosis of the common bile duct were performed. Histopathology revealed a well‐differentiated cholangiocarcinoma. The cat improved clinically and had a good quality of life for 16 months prior to disease recurrence. Liver biopsy indicated metastasis of the primary tumour. Euthanasia was elected. Cholangiocarcinoma in cats is considered to have a poor prognosis with high rate of metastasis. Given the paucity of information in the veterinary literature and the lack of specific prognostic indicators, guidelines for feline cholangiocarcinoma management have not been fully established. This clinical case report describes an acceptable outcome after tumour resection and biliary diversion in an 11‐year‐old cat with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and no pre‐existing metastases.
Engineering of Biological Pathways: Complex Formation and Signal Transduction
Authors: Junk Philipp , Kiel Christina
Published: July 2021

The rational in silico design of interface mutations within protein complexes is a synthetic biology tool that enables—when introduced into biological systems—the artificial rewiring of biological pathways. Here we describe the three-dimensional structure-based design of “rewiring” mutations using the FoldX force field. Specifically, we provide the protocol for the design and selection of interface mutations in three Ras-effector complex structures (PDB entries 3KUD, 4K81, and 6AMB). Ras mutations that impair binding to some but not all interacting partners are selected.
Modulus τ linking leptonic CP violation to baryon asymmetry in A4 modular invariant flavor model
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Shimizu Yusuke , Tanimoto Morimitsu , Yoshida Takahiro
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We propose an A4 modular invariant flavor model of leptons, in which both CP and modular symmetries are broken spontaneously by the vacuum expectation value of the modulus τ. The value of the modulus τ is restricted by the observed lepton mixing angles and lepton masses for the normal hierarchy of neutrino masses. The predictive Dirac CP phase δCP is in the ranges [0°, 50°], [170°, 175°] and [280°, 360°] for Re [τ] < 0, and [0°, 80°], [185°, 190°] and [310°, 360°] for Re [τ] > 0. The sum of three neutrino masses is predicted in [60, 84] meV, and the effective mass for the 0νββ decay is in [0.003, 3] meV. The modulus τ links the Dirac CP phase to the cosmological baryon asymmetry (BAU) via the leptogenesis. Due to the strong wash-out effect, the predictive baryon asymmetry YB can be at most the same order of the observed value. Then, the lightest right-handed neutrino mass is restricted in the range of M1 = [1.5, 6.5] × 1013 GeV. We find the correlation between the predictive YB and the Dirac CP phase δCP. Only two predictive δCP ranges, [5°, 40°] (Re [τ] > 0) and [320°, 355°] (Re [τ] < 0) are consistent with the BAU.
Spin polarization induced by the hydrodynamic gradients
Authors: Liu Shuai Y. F. , Yin Yi
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We systematically analyze the effects of the derivatives of the hydrodynamic fields on axial Wigner function that describes the spin polarization vector in phase space. We have included all possible first-order derivative contributions that are allowed by symmetry and compute the associated transport functions at one-loop using the linear response theory. In addition to reproducing known effects due to the temperature gradient and vorticity, we have identified a number of potentially significant contributions that are overlooked previously. In particular, we find that the shear strength, the symmetric and traceless part of the flow gradient, will induce a quadrupole for spin polarization in the phase space. Our results, together with hydrodynamic gradients obtained from hydrodynamic simulations, can be employed as a basis for the interpretation of the Λ (anti-Λ) spin polarization measurement in heavy-ion collisions.
Market sentiment and heterogeneous agents in an evolutive financial model
Authors: Cavalli F. , Naimzada A. , Pecora N. , Pireddu M.
Published: July 2021

We study a financial market populated by heterogeneous agents, whose decisions are driven by “animal spirits”. Each agent may have either correct, optimistic or pessimistic beliefs about the fundamental value, which can change from time to time based on an evolutionary mechanism. The evolutionary selection of beliefs depends on a weighted evaluation of the general market sentiment perceived by the agents and on a profitability measure of the existent strategies. As the relevance given to the sentiment index increases, a herding phenomenon in agent behavior may occur and animal spirits can drive the market toward polarized economic regimes, which coexist and are characterized by persistent high or low levels of optimism and pessimism. This conduct is detectable from agents polarized shares and beliefs, which in turn influence the price level. Such polarized regimes can consist in stable steady states or can be characterized by endogenous dynamics, generating persistent alternating waves of optimism and pessimism, as well as return distributions displaying the typical features of financial time series, such as fat tails, excess volatility and multifractality. Moreover, we show that if the sentiment has no or low relevance on belief selection, those stylized facts are abated or are missing from the simulated time series.
Cetacean occurrence offshore of Washington from long-term passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: Rice Ally , Debich Amanda J. , Širović Ana , Oleson Erin M. , Trickey Jennifer S. , Varga Leah M. , Wiggins Sean M. , Hildebrand John A. , Baumann-Pickering Simone
Published: July 2021

A variety of cetacean species inhabit the productive waters offshore of Washington State, USA. Although the general presence of many of these species has been documented in this region, our understanding of fine-scale habitat use is limited. Here, passive acoustic monitoring was used to investigate the spatial and temporal distributions of ten cetacean species at three locations offshore of Washington. Between 2004 and 2013, a total of 2845 days of recordings were collected from sites on the continental shelf and slope, and in a submarine canyon. Acoustic presence was higher for all species at sites farther offshore. Detections were highest during the fall and winter for blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (B. physalus), and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), likely related to reproductive behavior, while minke whales (B. acutorostrata) were only detected on two days. Odontocetes showed temporal separation, with sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) detections highest in spring, Risso’s (Grampus griseus) and Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) highest in summer, and Stejneger’s beaked whales (Mesoplodon stejnegeri), Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), and the BW37V signal type highest in winter or spring. There was interannual variation in detections for most mysticete species, which may be linked to oceanographic conditions: blue and fin whale detections increased during 2007 and 2008, and fin and humpback whale detections increased in 2011. These results inform our understanding of cetacean behavior and habitat use in this region and may aid in the development of conservation strategies suited to the dynamic conditions that drive cetacean distribution.
Coral larval settlement and post-settlement survival facilitated by crustose coralline algae with or without living tissue
Authors: Lei Xinming , Jiang Lei , Zhang Yuyang , Sun Youfang , Zhou Guowei , Lian Jiansheng , Huang Hui
Published: July 2021

Selection of a permanent attachment site of coral larvae can be a critical determinant of recruitment success affecting the structure of coral communities and underpins the ability of coral reef ecosystems to recover from disturbance. Settlement specificity of a threatened coral in Sanya reefs, Acropora millepora, was tested by measuring the larval metamorphosis preferences and post-settlement survival in response to crustose coralline algae (CCA) species Hydrolithon reinboldii and other substrata. In the no-choice experiments, the larvae of A. millepora had similar rates of total metamorphosis with the presence of CCA regardless of the algae tissue being alive or not, and settlement success induced by CCA was higher than by other substrata (tile or glass). In the paired-choice experiments, when CCA was in presence, the coral larvae preferred the surface of the dish and the side of living CCA. In the absence of CCA, total larvae metamorphosis was lower than in the treatments where CCA was present. New recruits of A. millepora had approximately 68% mean survival on all the settlement substrata after 2 weeks maintained in aquaria with flow-through seawater similar to the coral larval sampling site, but with no coral spat survival in the treatments where CCA was absent. However, there were statistical differences between the larvae survival of dead CCA and glass chips treatment and the others where CCA was present. Our results were consistent with the conclusion that some CCA species could facilitate coral larval settlement and post-settlement survivorship, highlighting the importance of substrata selection success for facilitating coral recruitment in the threatened coral reefs.
Anaerobic hydrolysis of complex substrates in full-scale aerobic granular sludge: enzymatic activity determined in different sludge fractions
Authors: Toja Ortega Sara , Pronk Mario , de Kreuk Merle K.
Published: July 2021

Complex substrates, like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, are major components of domestic wastewater, and yet their degradation in biofilm-based wastewater treatment technologies, such as aerobic granular sludge (AGS), is not well understood. Hydrolysis is considered the rate-limiting step in the bioconversion of complex substrates, and as such, it will impact the utilization of a large wastewater COD (chemical oxygen demand) fraction by the biofilms or granules. To study the hydrolysis of complex substrates within these types of biomass, this paper investigates the anaerobic activity of major hydrolytic enzymes in the different sludge fractions of a full-scale AGS reactor. Chromogenic substrates were used under fully mixed anaerobic conditions to determine lipase, protease, α-glucosidase, and β-glucosidase activities in large granules (>1 mm in diameter), small granules (0.2–1 mm), flocculent sludge (0.045–0.2 mm), and bulk liquid. Furthermore, composition and hydrolytic activity of influent wastewater samples were determined. Our results showed an overcapacity of the sludge to hydrolyze wastewater soluble and colloidal polymeric substrates. The highest specific hydrolytic activity was associated with the flocculent sludge fraction (1.5–7.5 times that of large and smaller granules), in agreement with its large available surface area. However, the biomass in the full-scale reactor consisted of 84% large granules, making the large granules account for 55–68% of the total hydrolytic activity potential in the reactor. These observations shine a new light on the contribution of large granules to the conversion of polymeric COD and suggest that large granules can hydrolyze a significant amount of this influent fraction. The anaerobic removal of polymeric soluble and colloidal substrates could clarify the stable granule formation that is observed in full-scale installations, even when those are fed with complex wastewaters.

Key points

• Large and small granules contain >70% of the hydrolysis potential in an AGS reactor.

• Flocculent sludge has high hydrolytic activity but constitutes <10% VS in AGS.

• AGS has an overcapacity to hydrolyze complex substrates in domestic wastewater.

Graphical abstract
Common issues in the hetero-epitaxial seeding on SiC substrates in the sublimation growth of AlN crystals
Authors: Sumathi R. Radhakrishnan
Published: July 2021

Aluminium nitride (AlN) is a futuristic material for efficient next-generation high-power electronic and optoelectronic applications. Sublimation growth of AlN single crystals with hetero-epitaxial approach using silicon carbide substrates is one of the two prominent approaches emerged, since the pioneering crystal growth work from 1970s. Many groups working on this hetero-epitaxial seeding have abandoned AlN growth altogether due to lot of persistently encountered problems. In this article, we focus on most of the common problems encountered in this process such as macro- and micro-hole defects, cracks, 3D-nucleation, high dislocation density, and incorporation of unintentional impurity elements due to chemical decomposition of the substrate at very high temperatures. Possible ways to successfully solve some of these issues have been discussed. Other few remaining challenges, namely low-angle grain boundaries and deep UV optical absorption, are also presented in the later part of this work. Particular attention has been devoted in this work on the coloration of the crystals with respect to chemical composition. Wet chemical etching gives etch pit density (EPD) values in the order of 105 cm-2 for yellow-coloured samples, while greenish coloration deteriorates the structural properties with EPD values of at least one order more.
Roles of interdecadal variability of the western North Pacific monsoon trough in shifting tropical cyclone formation
Authors: Feng Xiaofang , Wu Liguang
Published: July 2021

Consistent with the northward migration of the annual mean latitude of tropical cyclone (TC) lifetime maximum intensity (LMI), the basin-wide mean location of TC formation shifted northward in the western North Pacific (WNP) basin over the past four decades. Whether such a shift was related to the anthropogenic influence is important to understanding the response of TC activity to climate change. Instead of detecting the effects of individual environmental factors on this shift, here we focus on the interdecadal variability of the monsoon trough (MT), within which most TCs in the WNP basin occur, and its roles in the shift of the basin-wide mean location of TC formation using 60-year reanalysis data. Interdecadal variations of the MT exhibit two main modes: one associated with the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) and the other associated with the interdecadal Pacific oscillation (IPO). In addition, the north–south shift of the mean latitude of TC formation is accompanied by east–west extension of the tropical upper tropospheric trough (TUTT) and the tropical eastern Pacific cold tongue indicated by the east–west contrast of sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. The poleward shift of the mean TC formation latitude is closely associated with the IPO mode of the MT. The westward retreat of the northwest-to-southeast-oriented MT and the accompanied westward extension of the TUTT reduced TC formation in the eastern part of the WNP basin when the cold tongue shifted westward. It is indicated that the observed poleward shift of TC formation was mainly attributed to natural variability in recent decades.
Regulatory B cells improve ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction by modulating monocyte migration
Authors: Jiao Jiao , He Shujie , Wang Yiqiu , Lu Yuzhi , Gu Muyang , Li Dan , Tang Tingting , Nie Shaofang , Zhang Min , Lv Bingjie , Li Jingyong , Xia Ni , Cheng Xiang
Published: July 2021

Overactivated inflammatory responses contribute to adverse ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a newly discovered subset of B cells with immunomodulatory roles in many immune and inflammation-related diseases. Our study aims to determine whether the expansion of Bregs exerts a beneficial effect on ventricular remodeling and explore the mechanisms involved. Here, we showed that adoptive transfer of Bregs ameliorated ventricular remodeling in a murine MI model, as demonstrated by improved cardiac function, decreased scar size and attenuated interstitial fibrosis without changing the survival rate. Reduced Ly6Chi monocyte infiltration was found in the hearts of the Breg-transferred mice, while the infiltration of Ly6Clo monocytes was not affected. In addition, the replenishment of Bregs had no effect on the myocardial accumulation of T cells or neutrophils. Mechanistically, Bregs reduced the expression of C–C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in monocytes, which inhibited proinflammatory monocyte recruitment to the heart from the peripheral blood and mobilization from the bone marrow. Breg-mediated protection against MI was abrogated by treatment with an interleukin 10 (IL-10) antibody. Finally, IL-10 neutralization reversed the effect of Bregs on monocyte migration and CCR2 expression. The present study suggests a therapeutic value of Bregs in limiting ventricular remodeling after MI through decreasing CCR2-mediated monocyte recruitment and mobilization.
Interpretation der Photoplethysmographie: Schritt für Schritt
Authors: Betz Konstanze , van der Velden Rachel , Gawalko Monika , Hermans Astrid , Pluymaekers Nikki , Hillmann Henrike A. K. , Hendriks Jeroen , Duncker David , Linz Dominik
Published: July 2021

Basierend auf der Technologie der Photoplethysmographie (PPG) lässt sich mit der Kamera eines Smartphones das Vorliegen von Herzrhythmusstörungen und die Herzfrequenz valide erfassen. Diese Technologie wurde im Rahmen des TeleCheck-AF-Projektes benutzt, um die effektive Durchführung von Telekonsultationen bei Patienten mit Vorhofflimmern zu ermöglichen. Die vorliegende Arbeit soll eine Übersicht über die PPG-Technologie und eine Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung für die Analyse und Interpretation der PPG-Signale bieten. Damit soll eine Integration und Implementierung dieser vielversprechenden und weit verfügbaren Technik in den klinischen Alltag gebahnt werden.
Targeting cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma by inhibiting AMBRA1 dual function in autophagy and STAT3 signalling
Authors: Nazio Francesca , Po Agnese , Abballe Luana , Ballabio Claudio , Diomedi Camassei Francesca , Bordi Matteo , Camera Antonio , Caruso Simona , Caruana Ignazio , Pezzullo Marco , Ferraina Caterina , Milletti Giacomo , Gianesello Matteo , Reddel Sofia , De Luca Carmen Dolores , Ceglie Donatella , Marinelli Sara , Campello Silvia , Papaleo Elena , Miele Evelina , Cacchione Antonella , Carai Andrea , Vinci Maria , Velardi Enrico , De Angelis Biagio , Tiberi Luca , Quintarelli Concetta , Mastronuzzi Angela , Ferretti Elisabetta , Locatelli Franco , Cecconi Francesco
Published: July 2021

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a childhood malignant brain tumour comprising four main subgroups characterized by different genetic alterations and rate of mortality. Among MB subgroups, patients with enhanced levels of the c-MYC oncogene (MBGroup3) have the poorest prognosis. Here we identify a previously unrecognized role of the pro-autophagy factor AMBRA1 in regulating MB. We demonstrate that AMBRA1 expression depends on c-MYC levels and correlates with Group 3 patient poor prognosis; also, knockdown of AMBRA1 reduces MB stem potential, growth and migration of MBGroup3 stem cells. At a molecular level, AMBRA1 mediates these effects by suppressing SOCS3, an inhibitor of STAT3 activation. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy profoundly affects both stem and invasion potential of MBGroup3 stem cells, and a combined anti-autophagy and anti-STAT3 approach impacts the MBGroup3 outcome. Taken together, our data support the c-MYC/AMBRA1/STAT3 axis as a strong oncogenic signalling pathway with significance for both patient stratification strategies and targeted treatments of MBGroup3.