bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning the in vitro sensing and signaling properties of cyanobacterial PII protein by mutation of key residues
Authors: Selim Khaled A. , Haffner Michael , Watzer Björn , Forchhammer Karl
Published: December 2019

PII proteins comprise an ancient superfamily of signal transduction proteins, widely distributed among all domains of life. In general, PII proteins measure and integrate the current carbon/nitrogen/energy status of the cell through interdependent binding of ATP, ADP and 2-oxogluterate. In response to effector molecule binding, PII proteins interact with various PII-receptors to tune central carbon- and nitrogen metabolism. In cyanobacteria, PII regulates, among others, the key enzyme for nitrogen-storage, N-acetyl-glutamate kinase (NAGK), and the co-activator of the global nitrogen-trascription factor NtcA, the PII-interacting protein-X (PipX). One of the remarkable PII variants from Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 that yielded mechanistic insights in PII-NAGK interaction, is the NAGK-superactivating variant I86N. Here we studied its interaction with PipX. Another critical residue is Lys58, forming a salt-bridge with 2-oxoglutarate in a PII-ATP-2-oxoglutarate complex. Here, we show that Lys58 of PII protein is a key residue for mediating PII interactions. The K58N mutation not only causes the loss of 2-oxogluterate binding but also strongly impairs binding of ADP, NAGK and PipX. Remarkably, the exchange of the nearby Leu56 to Lys in the K58N variant partially compensates for the loss of K58. This study demonstrates the potential of creating custom tailored PII variants to modulate metabolism.
Crown ether-appended calix[2]triazolium[2]arene as a macrocyclic receptor for the recognition of the H2PO4−anion
Authors: Cho Jihee , Verwilst Peter , Kang Minjung , Pan Jia-Lin , Sharma Amit , Hong Chang Seop , Kim Jong Seung , Kim Sanghee
Published: December 2019

We report the synthesis of a crown ether-appended calix[2]triazolium[2]arene receptor that shows excellent selectivity for H2PO4−and the binding ability and mode of the receptor to H2PO4−were demonstrated by1H NMR studies and DFT calculation.
Unraveling the unusual effect of fluorination on crystal packing in an organic semiconductor
Authors: Komissarova Ekaterina A. , Dominskiy Dmitry I. , Zhulanov Vladimir E. , Abashev George G. , Siddiqui Afzal , Singh Surya P. , Sosorev Andrey Yu. , Paraschuk Dmitry Yu.
Published: December 2019

Two-atom variation in the chemical structure of a naphthalene diimide derivative induced an unexpected crossover from pi-stacking to herringbone molecular packing.
An amorphous nickel boride-modified ZnxCd1−xS solid solution for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Cao Yue , Wang Guorong , Ma Qingxiang , Jin Zhiliang
Published: December 2019

In this work, the rational design of amorphous NixB as a co-catalyst for the modification of ZnxCd1−xS was achieved.
Manipulating the triboelectric surface charge density of polymers by low-energy helium ion irradiation/implantation
Authors: Li Shuyao , Fan Yong , Chen Huaqiang , Nie Jinhui , Liang Yanxia , Tao Xinglin , Zhang Jian , Chen Xiangyu , Fu Engang , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2019

Modification of polymers by ion irradiation improves their effective charge density due to the generation of electron-donating groups.
Transport mechanisms of water molecules and ions in sub-nano channels of nanostructured water treatment liquid-crystalline membranes: a molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Nada Hiroki , Sakamoto Takeshi , Henmi Masahiro , Ogawa Takafumi , Kimura Masahiro , Kato Takashi
Published: December 2019

Transport mechanisms of water molecules and ions in the liquid crystalline (LC) membranes with sub-nano channels formed by self-organization of thermotropic ionic LC compounds were elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations.
Propacin, a coumarinolignoid isolated from durian, inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in macrophages through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways
Authors: Huang Yuying , Wang Yihai , Xu Jingwen , Feng Jianying , He Xiangjiu
Published: December 2019

Durian, known as the king of fruits, is rich in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals.
An overview of the optical properties and applications of black phosphorus
Authors: Chen Xing , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Han
Published: December 2019

Since the year 2014, when scientists first obtained black phosphorus using a sticky tape to peel the layers off, it has attracted tremendous interest as a novel two-dimensional material.
Cu(ii)-Catalyzed formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition between quinone methides (QMs) and electron-poor 3-vinylindoles
Authors: Huang Hong-Ming , Wu Xu-Yan , Leng Bo-Rong , Zhu Yi-Long , Meng Xin-Chao , Hong Yu , Jiang Bo , Wang De-Cai
Published: December 2019

A new Cu(ii)-catalyzed formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition between quinone methides (QMs) including para-quinone methides (p-QMs) and ortho-quinone methides (o-QMs) and electron-poor 3-vinylindoles was established.
Elucidating the unexpected electrocatalytic activity of nanoscale PdO layers on Pd electrocatalysts towards ethanol oxidation in a basic solution
Authors: Krittayavathananon Atiweena , Duangdangchote Salatan , Pannopard Panvika , Chanlek Narong , Sathyamoorthi Sethuraman , Limtrakul Jumras , Sawangphruk Montree
Published: December 2019

Pd-based catalysts are typically used in many applications; however, the effect of their oxide layer has not been fully investigated to date.
Ubiquitin fold modifier 1 activates NF-κB pathway by down-regulating LZAP expression in the macrophage of diabetic mouse model
Authors: Hu Xiaolei , Zhang Hengyan , Song Yuan , Zhuang Langen , Yang Qingqing , Pan Minglin , Chen Fengling
Published: December 2019

Inflammatory response is closely related with the development of many serious health problems worldwide including diabetes mellitus (DM). Ubiquitin-fold modifer 1 (Ufm1) is a newly discovered ubiquitin-like protein, while its function remains poorly investigated, especially in inflammatory response and DM. In the present study, we analyzed the role of Ufm1 on inflammatory response in DM, and found that the proinflammatory cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β) and Ufm1 expression were highly increased both in the peritoneal macrophages of db/db mice and Raw264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Western blot and luciferase reporter assay showed that NF-κB pathway was obviously activated in macrophages and the expression of LZAP, an inhibitor of NF-κB pathway, was down-regulated. With the LZAP knockdown plasmid and activation plasmid, we demonstrated that NF-κB/p65 activation was inhibited by LZAP in macrophages. The interaction of Ufm1 and LZAP was further proved with co-immunoprecipitation assay in HEK293 and Raw264.7 cells. The LZAP expression was also related with the presence of Ufm1 demonstrated by Ufm1 knockdown plasmid and activation plasmid. Besides that, we finally proved that the expression and activation of Ufm1 induced by LPS were regulated by JNK/ATF2 and JNK/c-Jun pathway with the use of SP600125. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Ufm 1 could activate NF-κB pathway by down-regulating LZAP in macrophage of diabetes, and its expression and activation were regulated by JNK/ATF2 and c-Jun pathway.
Candidacy for Amplification in Children With Hearing Loss: A Review of Guidelines and Recommendations
Authors: Fitzpatrick Elizabeth M. , Cologrosso Emilia , Sikora Lindsey
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The 1st point in the intervention process for the majority of children is the fitting of hearing devices. The objective of this review was to compile guidelines and recommendations for candidacy criteria for children with hearing loss.

Method

Electronic databases (e.g., MEDLINE, Embase, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and websites were searched. Any document referring to children with hearing loss that discussed amplification guidelines or protocols was included. Documents specific to implantable devices or addressing only remote microphone systems were excluded. One reviewer screened all potentially relevant documents, and a subset was screened by a 2nd reviewer. Guidelines/recommendations referring to pediatric amplification candidacy were extracted.

Results

A total of 40 documents were included for data extraction. Studies were categorized according to hearing loss of any degree, with separate categories for documents providing specific criteria for mild bilateral, unilateral, and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders. Guidelines ranged from generic statements about the need for amplification to criteria based on specific audiometric thresholds. In guidelines recommending audiometric cut-points, the majority considered > 25 dB HL as a criterion for consideration for amplification. Overall, guidelines for children with mild bilateral and unilateral loss remain more ambiguous, and there was some variation across the recommendations. Guidelines for auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder stressed the need to obtain results from behavioral audiometry before considering amplification.

Conclusions

Numerous organizations have established candidacy guidelines for pediatric amplification. Most guidelines specify criteria for amplification as audiometric threshold levels. There is considerable variation in the guidelines for mild bilateral and unilateral hearing loss with candidacy criteria ranging from 15 to 30 dB HL, and many guidelines recommend a case-by-case decision approach.
Stability and stabilisability of switched discrete‐time systems based on structured Lyapunov functions
Authors: Lacerda Márcio Júnior , Gomide Thales da Silveira
Published: December 2019

This study addresses the stability and the stabilisability problem for discrete‐time switched systems under arbitrary switching, by employing structured Lyapunov functions. The main contributions are: (i) the development of new necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability problem in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) that can provide stability certificates requiring a smaller number of decision variables and LMI rows than existing approaches; (ii) a new LMI condition derived in terms of the modes of the switched system to deal with the stabilisability problem considering switching state‐feedback gains. The stabilisation problem makes use of the structured Lyapunov function to provide less conservative results. Benchmark examples from the literature are presented to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Fixed‐time attitude tracking control for rigid spacecraft
Authors: Wang Zeng , Su Yuxin , Zhang Liyin
Published: December 2019

This study addresses the fixed‐time attitude tracking for rigid spacecraft with inertia uncertainties and external disturbances. Firstly, a new fixed‐time sliding surface based on the bi‐limit homogeneous theory is proposed. Secondly, a non‐singular sliding mode control is designed to solve the robust fixed‐time attitude tracking problem. It is proved that the proposed control can ensure that the sliding surface and attitude tracking errors converge to zero within fixed time. The appealing features of the proposed control are exact fixed‐time tracking stability with fast convergence, high precision, strong robustness and easy implementation. Simulations verify the effectiveness and improved performance of the proposed approach.
Negotiation strategy of discharging price between power grid and electric vehicles considering multi‐agent
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ding Zhuwei , Tan Weiyu , Xie Wenrui , Li Yan
Published: December 2019

The electricity price plays an important role in stimulating electric vehicles (EVs) to participate in the power grid's scheduling. It is necessary to formulate a reasonable discharging price for the power grid and electric vehicles. Here, a negotiation strategy of electric vehicles participating in optimal scheduling under the multi‐agent situation which aims to formulate reasonable discharging price is proposed, and then a two‐stage negotiation model considering multiple agents is established. First, a charging and discharging optimisation scheduling model considering EV travel characteristics is proposed, based on which the bidding limits of the power grid and EV agents are calculated. Then, the negotiation process is divided into two stages. In the first stage, all negotiators offer tentative bidding; in the second stage, negotiators will adjust their bidding based on learning other negotiators and the discharging price is obtained finally. In numerical cases, the proposed negotiation model is proved to be effective in balancing benefits of power grid and electric vehicles as well as peak load shifting.
Modular multilevel DC–DC converter with arm interchange concept
Authors: Elserougi Ahmed , Abdelsalam Ibrahim , Massoud Ahmed , Ahmed Shehab
Published: December 2019

Conventional modular multilevel converters (MMCs) are promising converters for high‐voltage high‐power applications. Unlike DC–AC conversion, DC–DC conversion of MMCs suffers from unbalanced capacitor voltages due to the energy drift problem. In this study, a new modular DC–DC converter is proposed, which consists of front‐end half‐bridge MMC with half‐bridge submodules followed by full‐bridge MMC with full‐bridge submodules. The proposed modular multilevel DC–DC converter can be used effectively for connecting two different DC voltage levels in high‐/medium‐voltage DC grids. The proposed architecture provides successful DC–DC conversion with balanced capacitor voltages throughout the arm interchange concept. It also provides a high conversion ratio, bidirectional power flow, low losses, low current stresses, reduced number of submodules, and DC fault blocking capability. Detailed illustration, operational concept, and design of the proposed architecture with the arm interchange concept are presented. Simulation results for a high‐voltage high‐power DC–DC converter with the suggested approach are presented to demonstrate the system performance during different normal as well as abnormal operating conditions. Finally, a scaled‐down prototype has been implemented for validation. The extracted simulation and experimental results elucidate the presented claims.
Cosec2 hybrid travelling/resonant antenna for maritime surveillance applications
Authors: Morini Antonio , Mencarelli Davide , Farina Marco , Pierantoni Luca , Malaspina Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

In this contribution, the authors present guidelines for an effective design of an X‐band 2D array of slotted waveguides for surveillance applications. The radiation pattern, with a narrow beam and cosec2 profile, respectively, in azimuth and in elevation, is obtained by a beam forming network based on a hybrid architecture, in which the main corporate feed line feeds identical 11‐element travelling wave slotted arrays. The latter produces a radiation pattern that is frequency‐independent in azimuth and only slightly frequency‐dependent in elevation. The fabricated antenna features a horizontal beam width (at −3 dB) of 1.16°, gain >31 dBi, and 30 dB sidelobe level in the 300 MHz operative band. The overall array is made up of three stacked layers: the first two for the corporate feed line and the third for the travelling wave radiating elements, resulting in remarkably compact external dimensions (170 cm × 25 cm × 2 cm) and relatively low weight (8 kg in total).
Higher mode‐based wideband antenna design using an engineered cylindrical dielectric resonator
Authors: Gupta Poulomi , Guha Debatosh , Kumar Chandrakanta
Published: December 2019

A new design mechanism has been explored to realise a single higher mode driven wideband dielectric resonator antenna (DRA). It targets an aperture coupled cylindrical DRA to operate in HEM11Δ mode, which indeed is a first‐order repetitive form of HEM11δ mode. Innovative engineering has been realised on the DRA body as a mode‐filtering technique to maintain the modal purity and hence, the radiation uniformity. A C‐band prototype has been experimentally verified indicating as much as 24% impedance bandwidth with 8.5 dBi maximum gain. This design appears commercially viable and superior to the earlier, higher mode based developments, especially in terms of gain, but without involving any additional cost, weight, or design complexity.
Highly steerable microwave beamforming system near Ku band based on the application of linearly CFBG
Authors: Raghuwanshi Sanjeev Kumar , Srivastava Nimish Kumar , Singh Mandeep
Published: December 2019

In this study, the authors present theoretical and experimental results of wideband beamforming networks steered by a single linear chirped fibre Bragg grating (CFBG). The standard single‐sideband modulation technique is followed to validate the wideband (at 18 GHz) operation of the proposed system. CFBG has been fabricated by phase mask technology for the desired specification to be compatible with the antenna array. To the authors knowledge, the effect of dispersion slope feature of fabricated FBG on the performance of beam‐steering capability of the antenna is reported for the first time in this study. Theoretically preceded by experimental testing, it was found that the scanning angle increased with the rise in the number of antenna elements and the frequency of modulating microwave signal.
Capacity enhancement of an indoor visible light communication system using cooperative transmission
Authors: Romero‐Munoz Gabriela Alejandra , Lee Kyesan , Kim Changwoo , Han Doohee
Published: December 2019

This study investigates cooperative inter‐lighting interference cancellation (C‐ILIC) in indoor multiple‐input single‐output (MISO) visible light communication (VLC) to overcome co‐channel interference (CCI) and provide connectivity, even if there is link blockage. C‐ILIC exhibits great improvement in the average bit error rate (BER) performance and the transmission capacity. VLC plays an important role in handling the increasing data traffic in indoor environments. When the transmitters simultaneously send unique data over the same frequency resources, and the receiver obtains the different signals, CCI occurs because the signals interfere with each other. C‐ILIC employs cooperative transmission to forward a composite data, which consists of the high received power data and the low received power data, and ILIC to decode the high received power data and reduce CCI in the low received power data before decoding. Through computer simulations, the BER performance of C‐ILIC overcomes the conventional ILIC in any position because the receiver power ratio always complies with the threshold. Despite the BER performance deteriorating in the presence of link blockage, the data connection is guaranteed when the obstruction is not severe. Therefore, C‐ILIC can provide reliable communication and full connectivity within a room.
Wind farm clutter suppression for air surveillance radar based on a combined method of clutter map and K‐SVD algorithm
Authors: He Wei‐Kun , Zhang Xin , Bi Feng‐Hua , Yang Lei
Published: December 2019

A clutter suppression method based on a combined method of clutter map and K‐SVD algorithm has been proposed, which aims at reducing false alarm rate of air surveillance radar caused by wind farm clutter. First, a clutter map, based on the fixed position and Doppler spectral width characteristics of wind turbines, is established using constant false alarm rate detection. The obtained clutter map is then used to process the traces detected by radar. To retain the target while the clutter is suppressed, the traces in the clutter area are processed using the K‐SVD algorithm, which is first proposed to mitigate wind turbine clutter in this study. The experimental results of measured data show that the false alarm caused by the wind turbines can be effectively reduced.
Realisation and measurement of (6–15) keV single‐energy X‐rays
Authors: Li Mengshi , Wu Jinjie , Lu Xingqiang , Guo Siming
Published: December 2019

Since the German physicist Roentgen discovered X‐rays, X‐rays have been widely used in medical diagnostics, industrial non‐destructive testing, and scientific research. There are four main types of single‐energy X‐ray generation: k ‐fluorescence, radioactive sources, X‐ray machines (relying on monochromators), and synchrotron radiation. In view of the advantages of using X‐ray machines to generate continuous energy points and non‐nuclear pollution, this study uses Oxford fluorescent tubes and crystal diffraction methods to generate single‐energy X‐rays. The diffracted crystal uses Si111 and calculates the different energy values obtained by diffracting different Bragg angles. This study uses the silicon drift detector to measure the energy spectrum of (6–15) keV single‐energy X‐rays, the stability of the Oxford fluorescent tube, and spot size with a charge‐coupled device detector. The obtained energy spectrum is compared with the theoretical energy calculated to verify the correctness of this method and provides important reference for crystal diffraction in low‐energy sections.
Study on the performance of X‐ray machines used in K‐fluorescent devices
Authors: Li Mengshi , Lu Xingqiang , Wu Jinjie , Guo Siming
Published: December 2019

Since Roentgen discovered X‐rays, X‐rays have been widely used in medical diagnosis and industrial non‐destructive testing. With the improvement of the performance of aviation technology and instrumentation, higher requirements have been set for the calibration of detectors. X‐ray machine performance is very important for calibration. Tube voltage, tube current, and inherent filtration are important parameters of the X‐ray machine and directly affect the image imaging quality and radiation dose. Here, the voltage performance of the X‐ray machine was measured using HPGe detector. Measure the tube voltage of the X‐ray machine using the end of the spectrum method, it is shown that the performance of the X‐ray machine shows the tube voltage within ±2%. Measurement of the linearity of the X‐ray tube current and current stability using the PTW30013 ionisation chamber. The relative deviation of the actual measured tube current is 0.08%. The inherent filtration of the X‐ray machine was measured by the half‐value layer method, and the inherent filtration was 0.058 mm Al. The inherent filtration of the K‐fluorescent device was measured to be 1.487 mm Al.
Evaporative cooling of icy interstellar grains
Authors: Kalvāns Juris , Kalnin Juris Roberts
Published: December 2019

Context. While radiative cooling of interstellar grains is a well-known process, little detail is known about the cooling of grains with an icy mantle that contains volatile adsorbed molecules.

Aims. We explore basic details for the cooling process of an icy grain with properties relevant to dark interstellar clouds.

Methods. Grain cooling was described with the help of a numerical code considering a grain with an icy mantle that is structured in monolayers and containing several volatile species in proportions consistent with interstellar ice. Evaporation was treated as first-order decay. Diffusion and subsequent thermal desorption of bulk-ice species was included. Temperature decrease from initial temperatures of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, and 20 K was studied, and we also followed the composition of ice and evaporated matter.

Results. We find that grain cooling occurs by partially successive and partially overlapping evaporation of different species. The most volatile molecules (such as N2) first evaporate at the greatest rate and are most rapidly depleted from the outer ice monolayers. The most important coolant is CO, but evaporation of more refractory species, such as CH4 and even CO2, is possible when the former volatiles are not available. Cooling of high-temperature grains takes longer because volatile molecules are depleted faster and the grain has to switch to slow radiative cooling at a higher temperature. For grain temperatures above 40 K, most of the thermal energy is carried away by evaporation. Evaporation of the nonpolar volatile species induces a complete change of the ice surface, as the refractory polar molecules (H2O) are left behind.

Conclusions. The effectiveness of thermal desorption from heated icy grains (e.g., the yield of cosmic-ray-induced desorption) is primarily controlled by the thermal energy content of the grain and the number and availability of volatile molecules.
Investigation of the γ-ray spectrum of CTA 102 during the exceptional flaring state in 2016–2017
Authors: Sahakyan N.
Published: December 2019

The flat spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 entered an extended period of activity from 2016 to 2017 during which several strong γ-ray flares were observed. By using Fermi large area telescope data, a detailed investigation of γ-ray spectra of CTA 102 during the flaring period was performed. In several periods, the γ-ray spectrum is not consistent with a simple power-law, having a hard photon index with an index of ∼(1.8−2.0) that shows a spectral cut-off around an observed photon energy of ∼(9−16) GeV. The internal γ-ray absorption via photon-photon pair production on the broad-line-region-reflected photons cannot account for the observed cut-off and break even if the emitting region is very close to the central source. This cut-off and break are likely due to a similar intrinsic break in the energy distribution of emitting particles. The origin of the spectral break is investigated through the multiwavelength modeling of the spectral energy distribution in considering a different location for the emitting region. The observed X-ray and γ-ray data is modeled as inverse Compton scattering of synchrotron and/or external photons on the electron population that produces the radio-to-optical emission, which allowed to constrain the power-law index and cut-off energy in the electron energy distribution. The obtained results are discussed in the context of a diffusive acceleration of electrons in the CTA 102 jet.
The GALEX Ultraviolet Virgo Cluster Survey (GUViCS)
Authors: Longobardi A. , Boselli A. , Boissier S. , Bianchi S. , Andreani P. , Sarpa E. , Nanni A. , Miville-Deschênes M.
Published: December 2019

Aims. We present the first detection of diffuse dust in the intra-cluster medium of the Virgo cluster out to ∼0.4 virial radii, and study the radial variation of its properties on a radial scale of the virial radius.

Methods. Analysing near-UV – i colours for a sample of ∼12 000 background galaxies with redshifts 0.02 <  z <  0.8, we find significant colour reddening and relate it to variation in E(B − V) values.

Results. The E(B − V) mean profile shows a dust component characterised by an average reddening E(B − V) ∼ 0.042 ± 0.004 mag within 1.5 degrees (∼0.3 rvir) from the cluster centre. Assuming a Large Magellanic Cloud extinction law, we derive an average visual extinction AV = 0.14 ± 0.01 for a total dust mass, Md = 2.5 ± 0.2 × 109 M⊙, hence a dust-to-gas mass ratio Md/Mg = 3.0 ± 0.3 × 10−4. Based on the upper limits on the flux density I250μm = 0.1 MJy sr−1 derived from Herschel data, we estimate an upper limit for the dust temperature of Td ∼ 10 K. However, similar densities can be obtained with dust at higher temperatures with lower emissivities.

Conclusions. The Virgo cluster has diffuse dust in its intra-cluster medium characterised by different physical properties as those characterising the Milky Way dust. The diffuse dust in Virgo is transported into the cluster space through similar phenomena (stripping) as those building up the optical intra-cluster light, and it constitutes an additional cooling agent of the cluster gas.
A new limit of the 129Xenon Electric Dipole Moment
Authors: Allmendinger Fabian , Engin Ilhan , Grasdijk Olivier , Heil Werner , Jungmann Klaus , Karpuk Sergei , Krause Hans-Joachim , Niederländer Benjamin , Offenhäusser Andreas , Repetto Maricel , Schmidt Ulrich , Willmann Lorenz , Zimmer Stefan
Published: December 2019

We report on the first preliminary result of our 129Xe EDM measurement performed by the MIXed collaboration. The aim of this report is to demonstrate the feasibility of a new method to set limits on nuclear EDMs by investigating the EDM of the diamagnetic 129Xe atoms. In our setup, hyperpolarized 3He serves as a comagnetometer needed to suppress magnetic field fluctuations. The free induction decay of the two polarized spin species is directly measured by low noise DC SQUIDs, and the weighted phase difference extracted from these measurements is used to determine a preliminary upper limit on the 129Xe EDM.
Design of the magnet system of the neutron decay facility PERC
Authors: Wang Xiangzun , Ziener Carmen , Abele Hartmut , Bodmaier Stefan , Dubbers Dirk , Erhart Jaqueline , Hollering Alexander , Jericha Erwin , Klenke Jens , Fillunger Harald , Heil Werner , Klauser Christine , Konrad Gertrud , Lamparth Max , Lauer Thorsten , Klopf Michael , Maix Reinhard , Märkisch Bastian , Mach Wilfried , Mest Holger , Moser Daniel , Pethoukov Alexander , Raffelt Lukas , Rebrova Nataliya , Roick Christoph , Saul Heiko , Schmidt Ulrich , Soldner Torsten , Virot Romain , Zimmer Oliver ,   (PERC collaboration)
Published: December 2019

The PERC (Proton and Electron Radiation Channel) facility is currently under construction at the research reactor FRM II, Garching. It will serve as an intense and clean source of electrons and protons from neutron beta decay for precision studies. It aims to contribute to the determination of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing element Vud from neutron decay data and to search for new physics via new effective couplings. PERC's central component is a 12 m long superconducting magnet system. It hosts an 8 m long decay region in a uniform field. An additional high-field region selects the phase space of electrons and protons which can reach the detectors and largely improves systematic uncertainties. We discuss the design of the magnet system and the resulting properties of the magnetic field.
Cryogenic design for a high intensity ultracold neutron source at TRIUMF
Authors: Kawasaki Shinsuke , Okamura Takahiro ,   (TUCAN collaboration)
Published: December 2019

The TUCAN (TRIUMF Ultra-Cold Advanced Neutron) collaboration has been developing a source of high-intensity ultra-cold neutrons for use in a neutron electric dipole search. The source is composed of a spallation neutron source and a superfluid helium ultra-cold neutron converter, surrounded by a cold moderator. The temperature of the superfluid helium needs to be maintained at approximately 1.0 K to suppress up-scattering by phonons. The Kapitza conductance and the heat transport by the superfluid helium are key parameters which need to be well characterized. We have therefore investigated them in first experiments. Current efforts are directed at optimizing the design of the helium cryostat.
Neutron scattering cross section of diamond nanoparticles
Authors: Mishima Kenji , Otomo Toshiya , Ikeda Kazutaka , Ohshita Hidetoshi
Published: December 2019

Due to their large coherent scattering cross section, diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) are considered as a promising candidate material for a new neutron reflector. For investigation of scattering cross sections of packed samples, we have developed a technique for mechanical compression of DNP powder. Application of 220 MPa allowed us to increase the bulk density from 0.40 g/cm3 to 1.1 g/cm3. The differential cross sections of uncompressed and packed samples were measured using the high-intensity total diffractometer instrument NOVA at J-PARC, covering transfer wavenumbers (q) from 0.6 to 100 nm−1. The q dependence for the compressed sample agreed with the theoretical expectation derived from the Born approximation applied to homogeneous spheres with inclusion of a hard-sphere model to account for the inter-particle structure, whereas the results obtained from the powder sample disagreed. This implies that the theoretical description does not well represent the mesoscopic structure of the DNP powder sample.
3D printed magnets for neutron spin manipulation
Authors: Wagner Richard , Brandl Laurids , Kersten Wenzel , Sponar Stephan , Hasegawa Yuji , Huber Christian , Bruckner Florian , Suess Dieter
Published: December 2019

Devices for manipulation of the neutron spin are vital for experiments in neutron optics such as neutron interferometry. Here we introduce a new type of such devices which are based on a magnetic material that can be 3D printed in complex shapes. We have constructed a spin flipper wherein the angle of spin rotation can be adjusted by variation of the distance between magnetized pieces. As the device does not contain any heat dissipating coils we expect interferometric measurements to become more stable and hence more accurate. Results of an experiment using polarized neutrons verify the device's functionality, and indicate the potential of the new method. A second experiment for demonstration of the 4π spinor symmetry of fermionic wave functions is in progress.
Modelling of thermal effects in a slim tin fixed-point cell
Authors: Carvajal Sergio A. , Ramírez J. Herney , Bohórquez Andrés J. , Sánchez Ciro A.
Published: December 2019

Slim fixed-point cells are an economic and suitable alternative for calibration of industrial platinum resistance thermometers, which are widely used in research and industrial applications. The most relevant disadvantage of slim cells is related with thermal effects produced by interactions between the cell and the furnace used for the realization of the fixed-points. This work presents the implementation of a two-dimensional numerical model that considers the transient heat transfer due to conduction, radiation and latent heat. The main goal was to evaluate different geometrical parameters in the design of slim fixed-point cells. Results show that thermal effects are mitigated when the annular distance between interior and exterior walls of the crucible is maximum, while the length of the cell and the thermo-well must be setup according to the temperature gradients in the furnace to avoid undesirable heat fluxes.
Michel Jouvet, de la découverte du sommeil paradoxal et de l’atonie musculaire au rôle des neuropeptides
Authors: Luppi Pierre-Hervé
Published: December 2019

Cet article porte sur les contributions que Michel Jouvet a apportées à la connaissance des systèmes responsables de l’atonie musculaire du sommeil paradoxal. Michel Jouvet a été le premier à décrire les structures du tronc cérébral responsables de l’atonie musculaire pendant le sommeil paradoxal à l’aide de chats dits « pontiques » (dont le cerveau, après ablation, est réduit à sa partie postérieure à partir du pont de Varole) ou porteurs de lésions localisées au niveau du pont. Les recherches en cours dans les années 1980, alors que Michel Jouvet était à la recherche du facteur hypnogénique, sont également abordées. À cette époque, Jouvet pensait que ce facteur était sécrété par l’hypophyse mais il s’est finalement avéré que deux types de populations de neurones antagonistes, les neurones à hypocrétine/orexine et ceux à hormone de mélanoconcentration situés dans l’hypothalamus latéral, étaient impliqués. Plusieurs moments inoubliables avec Michel Jouvet sont décrits, qui se sont déroulés entre 1983 et ses derniers moments.
Seasonal succession of phytoplankton functional groups in Lake Fuxian and its driving factors
Authors: Dong Jing , Li Chenlu , Dai Dujuan , Yao Shuangshuang , Li Sen , Zhou Qichao
Published: December 2019

The concept of phytoplankton functional groups was proposed based on data from numerous European lakes and has been widely used in lakes, reservoirs, rivers worldwide. However, the application of this concept to subtropical plateau lakes has rarely been reported. In this study, 16 sampling sites were selected across the entirety of Lake Fuxian, Yunnan, China. Eighteen phytoplankton functional groups (F, G, J, X2, X1,T, P, MP, D, C, H1, LO, S1, M, Y, E, W1 and W2) were classified according to the investigation of surface water and gradient depth samples. Nine of these groups, namely LO, H1, C, MP, P, T, X1, J and F, were identified as dominant species (>5% total biomass). Furthermore, LO, H1 and T were considered predominant (accounting for the maximum percentage of biomass in each month). The sampling showed that the seasonal succession of predominant assemblages in surface water was T (October) to H1 (January) to H1 (April) to Lo (July) and T+Lo (October) to T (January) to H1 (April) to Lo (July) in the gradient depth water. Redundancy analysis (RDA) combined with the indicator function of the phytoplankton groups suggested that WT and TN/TP were important factors in driving the succession of predominant assemblages all year around.
Experimental Study of Structural Performance of Precast Concrete Insulated Sandwich Panels with Cruciform Cross Section GFRP Connectors
Authors: Yang Xiaohong , Jiang Yu , Sun Huyue , Sun Zhenghua
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the structural performance of precast concrete insulated sandwich panels with cruciform cross section glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) connectors, based on tensile and shear tests. 5 tensile specimens and 4 shear specimens were fabricated and tested. The load-displacement relation and failure mode of the specimens were analyzed. The results revealed that the average ultimate tension load of the tested specimens with single GFRP connector was 13.14kN with concrete splitting or concrete partial cone failure. For the shear specimens, the average ultimate shear load was 14.83kN with rupture failure of GFRP connector. Furthermore, durability of sandwich panels was investigated, by fabricating and testing 48 tensile specimens with GFRP connectors immersed in tension load had sufficient safety in different design situations.
Use of Renewable Energies in Sustainable Facilities for Rural Housing Module
Authors: André Ccorisapra , Jonathan Mora , César Lozano , Carlos Huerta
Published: December 2019

Many rural homes, due to their distance to the main population centres, do not have the basic infrastructure, at the level of facilities, required by the needs demanded by its inhabitants. The design of electrical and sanitary installations of a sustainable nature is intended, and its implementation in a rural housing module. For which is based on the treatment of reliable data and existing in each place, determining the supply of renewable resources of greater predominance, such as solar, wind and rainwater. The estimation of global solar energy is determined by the method based on the Bristow-Campbell model; the Weibull distribution is used as a calculation methodology to adjust the frequency distribution of the wind speed in wind energy; likewise, a rainwater collection system is proposed, only for the toilet of the dwelling, which is treated by a biodigester; improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of the rural area through the management of sustainable facilities.
Les formations en éducation thérapeutique du patient : une transformation des professionnels ou l’approfondissement d’une prédisposition ?
Authors: Olivier Florian , Bondier Morgane , Letondal Anne , Euvrard Glori , Chassagne Aline , Trimaille Hélène , Cretin Elodie , Aubry Régis , Zimmermann Cécile
Published: December 2019

Introduction :  Si les professionnels formés en éducation thérapeutique du soignant (ETP) n’ont fait l’objet que de peu d’études, un constat régulier invite à penser que ce processus de formation engendrerait une véritable transformation des professionnels, dans la manière dont ils envisagent leur pratique au quotidien. C’est ce que le travail relaté dans cet article explore. Description : À l’issue d’une enquête qualitative et longitudinale menée auprès de professionnels inscrits à des formations qualifiantes, il apparaît que la curiosité ou l’attrait pour l’ETP va de pair avec des dispositions préalables congruentes avec le cadre éthico-pratique transmis lors des formations. L’appropriation d’une posture explicitement tournée vers le respect et le développement de l’autonomie du patient constitue une continuité logique de la posture initiale des professionnels en formation moins qu’une rupture. Ce qui s’exprime par le passage d’une pratique vécue comme spontanée, intuitive, à une pratique nourrie par l’obtention d’outils spécifiques et de conseils divers. Conclusion : Moins qu’un processus de transformation identitaire, c’est celui d’une confirmation identitaire indissociable d’un processus de réassurance des soignants qui se met en place lors du suivi de formations en ETP. Répondant indubitablement à des besoins réels, c’est peut-être au final le manque régulier d’ETP dans les formations initiales des professionnels de santé qui est questionnée ici.
Connecting Teaching and Research in Homoeopathy: Why and How?
Authors: Nayak Chaturbhuja
Published: December 2019

Linking teaching with research in any stream is the need of the hour. Homoeopathy, being an integral part of health care delivery system in India and many other countries, goes no exception to it. Both teaching and research are inter-related, dependent and complementary to each other. Without quality teaching, research is like learning without curiosity, or like cataract surgery without restoring visual equity, or like studying Materia Medica without knowledge in Organon of Medicine. Similarly, sans high standard research, teaching in any medical discipline is like searching without direction, or like operating upon a human subject without knowing anatomy. In spite of the fact that some of the teaching institutions have taken up research projects and the outcomes of such research studies have been published in reputed medical journals, yet the quality of such articles needs further improvement. Many homoeopathy research organisations as well as the researchers, on certain aspects, have failed to update with the recent advancements in the field of education. Absence of mandatory provision for conducting research in teaching curriculum at undergraduate (UG) level and lack of proper training on research methodology and biostatistics at postgraduate (PG) level have led to the non-involvement of academicians and students in research studies. As a result, a void has been created in scientific publications by the faculty and students of homoeopathic colleges. The latest progresses in the field of research are useful for teaching of the individual subjects of UG and PG courses. The academicians as well as the researchers have to sit and discuss across the table the modalities of meaningful integration of teaching and research for mutual benefit. Hence, different facets of connecting teaching and research need to be deliberated upon to find out mutually acceptable solutions.
Polycrystalline diamond film fabrication using modulated inductively coupled thermal plasmas at different pressure conditions
Authors: Hata Kazufumi , Tanaka Yasunori , Nakano Yusuke , Arai Takashi , Uesugi Yoshihiko , Ishijima Tatsuo
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates pressure influence on polycrystalline diamond formation using sawtooth-waveform modulated induction thermal plasma. Modulated induction thermal plasma was used to promote nucleation of diamond particles in the first stage. The operating pressure was set to 32, 60, and 90 Torr. The deposited diamond films were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopic observation. Experimental results indicated that a lower pressure condition provided a higher deposition rate and a qualitatively better diamond film. Spectroscopic and high-speed video camera observation showed that a lower pressure condition expanded the thermal plasma flow axially onto the substrate. Numerical simulation was also made for Ar/CH4/H2 induction thermal plasma to study the influence of pressure on the thermal plasma flow. Calculation results showed that lower pressure involves a higher particle flux of neutral hydrocarbon species on to the substrate surface because of higher convective transport of these species before their ionization. These results imply that neutral hydrocarbon would play a more important role for diamond deposition than hydrocarbon ions in the present thermal plasma diamond film deposition.
Ultrafast intramolecular proton transfer reactions and solvation dynamics of DMSO
Authors: Jen Myungsam , Jeon Kooknam , Lee Sebok , Hwang Sunjoo , Chung Won-jin , Pang Yoonsoo
Published: December 2019

Ultrafast intramolecular proton transfers of 1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone (alizarin-h2) and its deuterated product (alizarin-d2) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been investigated by femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy. The population dynamics in the solute vibrational mode of νC=O and the coherent oscillations observed in all of the skeletal vibrational modes νC=O and νC=C clearly showed the ultrafast excited-state intramolecular proton transfer dynamics of 110 and 170 fs for alizarin-h2 and alizarin-d2, respectively. Interestingly, we have observed that the solvent vibrational modes νS=O and νCSC may also represent ultrafast structural dynamics at the frequencies for its “free” or “aggregated” species. From the kinetic analysis of the νS=O and νCSC modes of DMSO, the ultrafast changes in the solvation or intermolecular interactions between DMSO molecules initiated by the structural changes of solute molecules have been thoroughly investigated. We propose that the solvent vibrational modes νS=O and νCSC of DMSO can be used as a “sensor” for ultrafast chemical reactions accompanying the structural changes and subsequent solute-solvent interactions.
Festschrift for Professor Hsueh-Chia Chang
Authors: Pethig Ronald
Published: December 2019

This special collection of Biomicrofluidics serves as a Festschrift to honor Professor Hsueh-Chia Chang, Bayer Professor at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame. We acknowledge not only his role as Chief and Founding Editor of Biomicrofluidics (from 2006 through 2018) but also his seminal contributions as a researcher in micro/nanofluidics, particularly in the area of nanoelectrokinetics. This research has also been recognized by the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award of the AES Electrophoresis Society to him.
'I make sure my doctor doesn't know that I use meth': perceived barriers to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among community peer educators in Seattle (WA, USA)
Authors: McMahan Vanessa M. , Violette Lauren R. , Andrasik Michele P. , Martin Aleks , Garske Lindsay , Stekler Joanne D.
Published: December 2019

Background
HIV disproportionately affects cisgender men and transgender people who have sex with men (MSM/TG) and use methamphetamine. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake has been slow in this group. It is important to understand perceptions about PrEP and barriers to its use among MSM/TG who use methamphetamine to reduce new HIV infections. Methods: We conducted four focus groups with peer educators of a harm reduction program. We assessed their perspectives of PrEP and barriers across the PrEP continuum among MSM/TG who use methamphetamine. Results: Notably, stigma related to the multiple marginalised identities of MSM/TG who use methamphetamine (e.g. MSM/TG-related stigma, methamphetamine-related stigma) was a barrier at each step. We developed a framework that combined the PrEP continuum and a stigma-based treatment cascade to explore these themes and describe the effects of stigma on PrEP engagement. Methamphetamine-related barriers were also identified. Conclusions: The findings of this study emphasise the importance of incorporating stigma reduction into PrEP delivery for MSM/TG who use methamphetamine.