bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the impact of a single nucleotide polymorphism in a Plasmodium berghei ApiAP2 transcription factor on experimental cerebral malaria in mice
Authors: Akkaya Munir , Bansal Abhisheka , Sheehan Patrick W. , Pena Mirna , Cimperman Clare K. , Qi Chen Feng , Yazew Takele , Otto Thomas D. , Billker Oliver , Miller Louis H. , Pierce Susan K.
Published: August 2020

Cerebral malaria (CM) is the deadliest form of severe Plasmodium infections. Currently, we have limited understanding of the mechanisms by which Plasmodium parasites induce CM. The mouse model of CM, experimental CM (ECM), induced by infection with the rodent parasite, Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbANKA) has been extensively used to study the pathophysiology of CM. Recent genomic analyses revealed that the coding regions of PbANKA and the closely related Plasmodium berghei NK65 (PbNK65), that does not cause ECM, differ in only 21 single nucleotide polymorphysims (SNPs). Thus, the SNP-containing genes might contribute to the pathogenesis of ECM. Although the majority of these SNPs are located in genes of unknown function, one SNP is located in the DNA binding site of a member of the Plasmodium ApiAP2 transcription factor family, that we recently showed functions as a virulence factor alternating the host’s immune response to the parasite. Here, we investigated the impact of this SNP on the development of ECM. Our results using CRISPR-Cas9 engineered parasites indicate that despite its immune modulatory function, the SNP is neither necessary nor sufficient to induce ECM and thus cannot account for parasite strain-specific differences in ECM phenotypes.
Efficacy and safety of continuous antiviral therapy from preconception to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Pan Xingfei , Chen Jingsi , Zhou Liyang , Ou Xueting , He Fang , Liu Yifen , Zheng Shuo , Wang Haibin , Cao Bin , Wang Zhijian , Liu Huishu , Liu Guocheng , Huang Zhenyu , Shen Guanxin , Liu Shiliang , Chen Dunjin
Published: August 2020

Few studies were conducted to assess safety and efficacy of continuous antiviral therapy administrated from preconception. In the present study, 136 eligible women with chronic HBV infection were recruited, and assigned to active chronic hepatitis B (CHB) (Group A, B or C) or chronic HBV carrier (Group D). Antiviral therapy was administrated in preconception (Group A), in early (Group B) or late pregnancy (Group C and Group D). Immunoprophylaxis was administrated to all infants. Mothers’ HBV status and ALT were assessed at delivery and 7 months postpartum. Offspring’s HBV status was examined at 7 months old. Group A women showed low HBV DNA level and normal ALT throughout pregnancy. All women at delivery had an HBV DNA level of less than 106 IU/ml, but the proportion of patients with lower HBV DNA level in Group A was higher than any of other three groups (P < 0.05). No differences in obstetrical complications were found among the four groups. None of infants who completed follow-up showed positive HBsAg at age of 7 months. Congenital malformation and infant growth indicators were similar among study cohorts. Continuous antiviral therapy from preconception to entire pregnancy is effective and safe for active CHB mothers and their infants.
Contrast sensitivity and retinal straylight after alcohol consumption: effects on driving performance
Authors: Casares-López Miriam , Castro-Torres José J. , Martino Francesco , Ortiz-Peregrina Sonia , Ortiz Carolina , Anera Rosario G.
Published: August 2020

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of alcohol intake on visual function and driving performance, as well as on the relationship between these. A total of 40 healthy participants took part in three experimental sessions: one baseline session and two further sessions after consuming two different quantities of alcohol (300 ml and 450 ml of red wine). The breath alcohol content (BrAC) was measured using a breath analyzer. The contrast sensitivity and retinal straylight due to the forward intraocular scattering were measured to characterize visual function, and driving performance was assessed in three different scenarios using a driving simulator. The results showed a deterioration in contrast sensitivity and retinal straylight after drinking alcohol, in addition to an impaired ability to drive, especially for the highest alcohol intake. We also observed that the deteriorated driving performance was a function of the contrast sensitivity and retinal straylight under the effects of alcohol, indicating that these visual variables can partially predict driving performance in these conditions.
Enhancement of the water-resistance properties of an edible film prepared from mung bean starch via the incorporation of sunflower seed oil
Authors: Lee Jung-Soo , Lee Eun-sil , Han Jaejoon
Published: August 2020

Mung bean starch (MBS)-based edible films with incorporation of guar gum (GG) and sunflower seed oil (SSO) were developed in this study. MBS, GG, and SSO were used as the main filmogenic biopolymer, thickener, and hydrophobicity-imparting substance, respectively. To investigate the effect of SSO content on the physicochemical, mechanical, and optical properties of the films, they were supplemented with various concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2%, w/w) of SSO. Increasing SSO content tended to decrease tensile strength, elongation at break, crystallinity, water solubility, and the water vapor permeability; in contrast, it increased the oxygen transmission rate and water contact angle. Consequently, the incorporation of SSO into the matrix of MBS-based films decreased their mechanical strength but effectively enhanced their water-resistance properties. Therefore, the MBS-based film developed here can be properly used as an edible film in settings that require high water-resistance properties but do not call for robust mechanical strength.
Arginine as an environmental and metabolic cue for cyclic diguanylate signalling and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: Barrientos-Moreno Laura , Molina-Henares María Antonia , Ramos-González María Isabel , Espinosa-Urgel Manuel
Published: August 2020

Cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) is a broadly conserved intracellular second messenger that influences different bacterial processes, including virulence, stress tolerance or social behaviours and biofilm development. Although in most cases the environmental cue that initiates the signal transduction cascade leading to changes in cellular c-di-GMP levels remains unknown, certain l- and d-amino acids have been described to modulate c-di-GMP turnover in some bacteria. In this work, we have analysed the influence of l-amino acids on c-di-GMP levels in the plant-beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440, identifying l-arginine as the main one causing a significant increase in c-di-GMP. Both exogenous (environmental) and endogenous (biosynthetic) l-arginine influence biofilm formation by P. putida through changes in c-di-GMP content and altered expression of structural elements of the biofilm extracellular matrix. The contribution of periplasmic binding proteins forming part of amino acid transport systems to the response to environmental l-arginine was also studied. Contrary to what has been described in other bacteria, in P. putida these proteins seem not to be directly responsible for signal transduction. Rather, their contribution to global l-arginine pools appears to determine changes in c-di-GMP turnover. We propose that arginine plays a connecting role between cellular metabolism and c-di-GMP signalling in P. putida.
Peach volatile emission and attractiveness of different host plant volatiles blends to Cydia molesta in adjacent peach and pear orchards
Authors: Lu Peng-fei , Qiao Hai-li
Published: August 2020

The oriental fruit moth (OFM),Cydia(= Grapholitha)molesta, is a highly damaging pest; peaches are its primary host, and pears serve as post-peach secondary hosts during the late season in China. We collected volatiles from detached peach shoots and fruits, and identified them with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Antennally active compounds were identified by gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection (GC-EAD), and these were further tested in the laboratory and field. We detected consistent electroantennographic activity was for ten compounds. Significantly moreC. molestafemales were caught with a mixture of female EAD-active compounds identified from the detached matured peach fruits (nonanal, butyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, hexyl acetate, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, linalool and farnesene) than other mixtures mimicking the volatile profile from detached matured fruits or shoots. We identified a new GC-EAD active mixture from intact peach shoots composed of nonanal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, (E)-β-ocimene, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. In the field test, the background odour of orchards could affect trap catches, and two peach-derived blends together with two previously known pear-derived blends were proven to be able to monitor the seasonal OFM population dispersal in adjacent orchards. These host plant blends will be effective for further designing candidate attractants for season-longC. molestapopulation dynamic monitoring.
Automated recognition of postures and drinking behaviour for the detection of compromised health in pigs
Authors: Alameer Ali , Kyriazakis Ilias , Bacardit Jaume
Published: August 2020

Changes in pig behaviours are a useful aid in detecting early signs of compromised health and welfare. In commercial settings, automatic detection of pig behaviours through visual imaging remains a challenge due to farm demanding conditions, e.g., occlusion of one pig from another. Here, two deep learning-based detector methods were developed to identify pig postures and drinking behaviours of group-housed pigs. We first tested the system ability to detect changes in these measures at group-level during routine management. We then demonstrated the ability of our automated methods to identify behaviours of individual animals with a mean average precision of$$0.989 \pm 0.009$$0.989±0.009, under a variety of settings. When the pig feeding regime was disrupted, we automatically detected the expected deviations from the daily feeding routine in standing, lateral lying and drinking behaviours. These experiments demonstrate that the method is capable of robustly and accurately monitoring individual pig behaviours under commercial conditions, without the need for additional sensors or individual pig identification, hence providing a scalable technology to improve the health and well-being of farm animals. The method has the potential to transform how livestock are monitored and address issues in livestock farming, such as targeted treatment of individuals with medication.
Magnetic heating of nanoparticles as a scalable cryopreservation technology for human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Ito Akira , Yoshioka Kantaro , Masumoto Shinya , Sato Keiichiro , Hatae Yuki , Nakai Tomoki , Yamazaki Takashi , Takahashi Masazumi , Tanoue Shota , Horie Masanobu
Published: August 2020

Scale-up of production is needed for industrial applications and clinical translation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). However, in cryopreservation of hiPSCs, successful rewarming of vitrified cells can only be achieved by convective warming of small volumes (generally 0.2 mL). Here, we present a scalable nano-warming technology for hiPSC cryopreservation employing inductive heating of magnetic nanoparticles under an alternating magnetic field. The conventional method by water bath heating at 37 °C resulted in a decrease of cell viability owing to devitrification caused by slow warming of samples with large volumes (≥ 20 mL). Nano-warming showed uniform and rapid rewarming of vitrified samples and improved viability of hiPSCs in the 20-mL system. In addition to single cells, hiPSC aggregates prepared using a bioreactor-based approach were successfully cryopreserved by the nano-warming technique. These results demonstrate that nano-warming is a promising methodology for cryopreservation in mass production of hiPSCs.
High performance crystalline nanocellulose using an ancestral endoglucanase
Authors: Alonso-Lerma Borja , Barandiaran Leire , Ugarte Lorena , Larraza Izaskun , Reifs Antonio , Olmos-Juste Raquel , Barruetabeña Nerea , Amenabar Iban , Hillenbrand Rainer , Eceiza Arantxa , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: August 2020

Improving the efficiency of enzymes towards decomposing substrates has been one of the central goals in the biotechnology industry. However, the modification of enzymes for upgrading natural materials to high-value performant materials is largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that the ancestral form of a Cel5A bacterial endoglucanase, unlike its modern descendant from Bacillus subtilis, was able to generate cellulose nanocrystals (EnCNC) chemically pure, maintaining native cellulose structure and displaying higher thermal stability and crystallinity than standard CNC obtained by acidic treatment. We demonstrate that EnCNC alone is a suitable matrix to grow cells in 2D and 3D cultures. Importantly, EnCNC accepts well graphene derivatives to fabricate conductive hybrids inks forming a stable flat surface where cells also attach and proliferate. Our results demonstrate that EnCNC has physicochemical properties unattainable with standard CNC, making it a unique material ideal as a matrix for the design of biocompatible advanced materials for tissue engineering and other applications.
A hemicyanine-based “turn-on” fluorescent probe for the selective detection of Cu2+ ions and imaging in living cells
Authors: Li Bai , Kou Jiejian , Mei Huihui , Gu Xin , Wang Minghui , Xie Xinmei , Xu Kuoxi
Published: August 2020

A novel hemicyanine-based fluorescent probe was developed for the fast, selective, and reversible detection of Cu2+ ions with “turn-on” fluorescence response in the aqueous solution.
Rhodium-catalyzed multiple C–H activation/highlymeta-selective C–H amination between amidines and alkynes
Authors: Xu Fen , Song Yuan-Yuan , Zhu Wen-Jing , Liu Chun-Sen , Lu Ya-Zhou , Du Miao
Published: August 2020

A tandem process of multiple C–H activation, intermolecular highlymeta-selective C–H amination, and intramolecular C–H amination between amidines and alkynes has been developed.
An experimental and theoretical study of the high temperature reactions of the four butyl radical isomers
Authors: Randazzo John B. , Sivaramakrishnan Raghu , Jasper Ahren W. , Sikes Travis , Lynch Patrick T. , Tranter Robert S.
Published: August 2020

Insights into the structure dependence of butyl radicals in recombination, disproportionation and nonthermal reactions in the autoignition region.
Ethanol–ethylene conversion mechanism on hydrogen boride sheets probed by in situ infrared absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Fujino Asahi , Ito Shin-ichi , Goto Taiga , Ishibiki Ryota , Osuga Ryota , Kondo Junko N. , Fujitani Tadahiro , Nakamura Junji , Hosono Hideo , Kondo Takahiro
Published: August 2020

The catalytic ethanol dehydration process on hydrogen boride (HB) sheets are found to involve the hydrogen atoms of the HB sheets.
Shining light on the electronic structure and relaxation dynamics of the isolated oxyluciferin anion
Authors: Patel Anand M. , Henley Alice , Parkes Michael A. , Assmann Mariana , Worth Graham A. , Anderson James C. , Fielding Helen H.
Published: August 2020

A combined photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry study of the light emitting oxyluciferin anion. Copyright: photo of firefly, iStock/ruiruito.
Investigation of new routes for the preparation of mesoporous calcium oxide supported nickel materials used as catalysts for the methane dry reforming reaction
Authors: El Samrout Ola , Karam Leila , Jabbour Karam , Massiani Pascale , Launay Franck , El Hassan Nissrine
Published: August 2020

Calcium oxide mesoporous supports were successfully synthetized and used to disperse nickel nanoparticles for the dry reforming of methane catalytic reaction.
Preparation and the anticancer mechanism of configuration-controlled Fe(ii)–Ir(iii) heteronuclear metal complexes
Authors: Shao Mingxiao , Liu Xicheng , Sun Yiwei , Dou Shuaihua , Chen Qi , Yuan Xiang-Ai , Tian Laijin , Liu Zhe
Published: August 2020

Configuration-modified Fe(ii)–Ir(iii) heteronuclear metal complexes show potential anticancer activity, especially cis-configurational ones.
An aqueous hybrid electrolyte for low-temperature zinc-based energy storage devices
Authors: Chang Nana , Li Tianyu , Li Rui , Wang Shengnan , Yin Yanbin , Zhang Huamin , Li Xianfeng
Published: August 2020

A frigostable aqueous hybrid electrolyte enabled by the solvation interaction of Zn2+–EG is proposed for low-temperature zinc-based energy storage devices.
Integrating Mn-ZIF-67 on hollow spherical CdS photocatalysts forming a unique interfacial structure for the efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and degradation under visible light
Authors: You Dan , Shi Dajun , Cheng Qingrong , Chen Yanling , Pan Zhiquan
Published: August 2020

CdS@Mn-ZIF-67 heterojunction photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for TC degradation and hydrogen evolution under visible light irradiation and are more effective than the single Mn-ZIF-67 or the hollow CdS nanospheres.
A non-traditional biomass-derived N, P, and S ternary self-doped 3D multichannel carbon ORR electrocatalyst
Authors: Huang Nai-bao , Zhang Jun-jie , Sun Yin , Sun Xian-nian , Qiu Zhong-yu , Ge Xiao-wen
Published: August 2020

A synthetic non-traditional biomass-derived ORR catalyst is developed to overcome traditional shortcomings, that is, the existence of solid micron blocks and fewer heteroatoms.
Boosting the performance of D–A–D type hole-transporting materials for perovskite solar cells via tuning the acceptor group
Authors: Sun Zhu-Zhu , Hao Mengyao , Feng Shuai , Ding Wei-Lu , Peng Xing-Liang
Published: August 2020

Phenanthrothiadiazole (PT) and triphenylenobisthiadiazole (TBT) are proposed as the acceptor groups of D–A–D-type HTMs, and compared with the benzothiadiazole (BT) unit, three small molecule HTMs are investigated theoretically.
Reduced graphene oxide–silsesquioxane hybrid as a novel supercapacitor electrode
Authors: Czepa Włodzimierz , Witomska Samanta , Ciesielski Artur , Samorì Paolo
Published: August 2020

Modified polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) is used to improve the electrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through the enhancement of porosity and the extension of interlayer space allowing effective electrolyte transport.
Ag(i)-Mediated hydrogen isotope exchange of mono-fluorinated (hetero)arenes
Authors: Hu Guang-Qi , Li En-Ci , Zhang Hong-Hai , Huang Wei
Published: August 2020

An efficient approach to install deuterium into mono-fluorinated (hetero)arenes by a Ag2CO3/Sphos-mediated HIE protocol with D2O as the deuterium source has been disclosed.
Intramolecular hydrogen bond-induced high chemical stability of metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Keke , Wang Qunmin , Wang Xiong , Wang Mei , Wang Qin , Shen Hai-Min , Yang Yun-Fang , She Yuanbin
Published: August 2020

Intramolecular hydrogen bonds in ligands restrict the rotation of carboxyl groups and consequently enhance the chemical stability of MOFs.
Dearomative [4 + 2] annulations between 3-nitroindoles and enals through oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis
Authors: Huang Hua , Li Qing-Zhu , Liu Yan-Qing , Leng Hai-Jun , Xiang Peng , Dai Qing-Song , He Xiang-Hong , Huang Wei , Li Jun-Long
Published: August 2020

A novel intermolecular dearomative [4 + 2] annulation of 3-nitroindoles and enals under oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis has been developed. This protocol was also suitable for the oxidative cyclisation of 2-nitrobenzothiophenes with enals.
The effect of post-deposition annealing conditions on structural and thermoelectric properties of sputtered copper oxide films
Authors: Abinaya Chandrasekaran , Bethke Kevin , Andrei Virgil , Baumann Jonas , Pollakowski-Herrmann Beatrix , Kanngießer Birgit , Beckhoff Burkhard , Vásquez G. Cristian , Mayandi Jeyanthinath , Finstad Terje G. , Rademann Klaus
Published: August 2020

This study reveals the interplay between the composition and thermoelectric performance of mixed copper oxide thin films, which can be finely adjusted by varying the annealing atmosphere.
Fabrication of paper microfluidic devices using a toner laser printer
Authors: Ng James S. , Hashimoto Michinao
Published: August 2020

We developed a method to fabricate microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) using a toner laser printer. We addressed a potential problem of pyrolysis that resulted from long duration of heating required for the penetration of the toner.
Linear β-amino alcohol catalyst anchored on functionalized magnetite nanoparticles for enantioselective addition of dialkylzinc to aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Sappino Carla , Primitivo Ludovica , De Angelis Martina , Righi Francesco , Di Pietro Federica , Iannoni Marika , Pilloni Luciano , Ciprioti Stefano Vecchio , Suber Lorenza , Ricelli Alessandra , Righi Giuliana
Published: August 2020

The catalytic activity of a linear β-amino alcohol ligand anchored on functionalized magnetite/silica core–shell nanoparticles has been evaluated in the addition of dialkylzinc to aldehydes leading to promising results.
Fluorescence enhancement of quinolines by protonation
Authors: Tervola Essi , Truong Khai-Nghi , Ward Jas S. , Priimagi Arri , Rissanen Kari
Published: August 2020

The acid–base interactions of quinolines are studied in both liquid and solid-state to explore efficient tools for fluorescence enhancement.
Microwave dielectric properties of low-temperature-fired MgNb2O6 ceramics for LTCC applications
Authors: Wu Chenghao , Hu Yongda , Bao Shengxiang , Wang Gang , Jiang Pengbo , Chen Jie , Duan Zongzhi , Deng Wenhui
Published: August 2020

MgNb2O6 ceramics doped with (Li2O–MgO–ZnO–B2O3–SiO2) glass were synthesized by the traditional solid phase reaction route.
Investigation of the carbon dioxide adsorption behavior and the heterogeneous catalytic efficiency of a novel Ni-MOF with nitrogen-rich channels
Authors: Aryanejad Sima , Motlagh Naser Valipour
Published: August 2020

MOFs have attracted remarkable attention as solid sorbents in CO2capture processes for their low-energy post-combustion.
Thermal resilience of ensilicated lysozyme via calorimetric and in vivo analysis
Authors: Doekhie A. , Slade M. N. , Cliff L. , Weaver L. , Castaing R. , Paulin J. , Chen Y.-C. , Edler K. J. , Koumanov F. , Marchbank K. J. , van den Elsen J. M. H. , Sartbaeva A.
Published: August 2020

Ensilication is a novel method of protein thermal stabilisation using silica. It uses a modified sol–gel process which tailor fits a protective silica shell around the protein to enable room temperature storage of biopharmaceuticals.
The roles of chalcogenides in O2 protection of H2ase active sites
Authors: Yang Xuemei , Darensbourg Marcetta Y.
Published: August 2020

At some point, all HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) catalysts, important in sustainable H2O splitting technology, will encounter O2 and O2-damage.
Dissipative self-assembly, competition and inhibition in a self-reproducing protocell model
Authors: Post Elias A. J. , Fletcher Stephen P.
Published: August 2020

The bottom-up synthesis of a self-reproducing protocell model enables the study of emergent properties distinctive to life.
Use of a cyclo-P4 building block – a way to networks of host–guest assemblies
Authors: Peresypkina Eugenia , Bielmeier Martin , Virovets Alexander , Scheer Manfred
Published: August 2020

A one-pot self-assembly template-controlled reaction is reported to result in a 2D coordination network of first host-guest assemblies P3Se4@[{(Cp′′Ta(CO)2(η4-P4))Ag}8]8+ of 2.49 nm in size based on an organometallic complex with a cyclo-P4 end-deck.
Highly stable and ordered intermetallic PtCo alloy catalyst supported on graphitized carbon containing Co@CN for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Jung Won Suk , Lee Woong Hee , Oh Hyung-Suk , Popov Branko N.
Published: August 2020

Ordered intermetallic PtCo synthesized from N-doped graphitic carbon-containing Co presents the high durability with low Pt loading after 30 000 load-simulated cycles in proton exchange membrane fuel cells.
MoP@NiCo-LDH on nickel foam as bifunctional electrocatalyst for high efficiency water and urea–water electrolysis
Authors: Wang Tuo , Wu Huimin , Feng Chuanqi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Jiujun
Published: August 2020

Water electrolysis is an important way to produce hydrogen at the cathode, but the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode has a high overpotential.
Performance modulation of a MgZnO/ZnO heterojunction flexible UV photodetector by the piezophototronic effect
Authors: Duan Yuhan , Zhang Shuqing , Cong Mingyu , Jiang Dayong , Liang Qingcheng , Zhao Xinjing
Published: August 2020

The modulation of the performance of a dual-band MgZnO/ZnO heterojunction flexible UV photodetector by the piezophototronic effect.
Solid-state white-light emission from a pyrylium dye obtained in one synthetic step
Authors: Muñoz Resta Ignacio , Miravet Juan F. , Yamaji Minoru , Galindo Francisco
Published: August 2020

Compound 2-methyl-4,6-bis(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)pyrylium tetrafluoroborate, prepared in one synthetic step, emits white-light in the solid-state upon UV excitation.
Suppressed efficiency roll-off in blue light-emitting diodes by balancing the spatial charge distribution
Authors: Wang Fangfang , Zhang Huimin , Lin Qingli , Song Jiaojiao , Shen Huaibin , Zhang Hanzhuang , Ji Wenyu
Published: August 2020

Suppressed efficiency roll-off and bright blue QLEDs have been demonstrated by using propanethiol-modified ZnCdSeS QDs as the emitting layers. Their EQE can be sustained at >75% of the peak value in the range of 100–10 000 cd m−2.
Constraining the origin and models of chemical enrichment in galaxy clusters using theAthenaX-IFU
Authors: Mernier F. , Cucchetti E. , Tornatore L. , Biffi V. , Pointecouteau E. , Clerc N. , Peille P. , Rasia E. , Barret D. , Borgani S. , Bulbul E. , Dauser T. , Dolag K. , Ettori S. , Gaspari M. , Pajot F. , Roncarelli M. , Wilms J.
Published: August 2020

Chemical enrichment of the Universe at all scales is related to stellar winds and explosive supernovae phenomena. Metals produced by stars and later spread throughout the intracluster medium (ICM) at the megaparsec scale become a fossil record of the chemical enrichment of the Universe and of the dynamical and feedback mechanisms determining their circulation. As demonstrated by the results of the soft X-ray spectrometer onboard Hitomi, high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy is the path to differentiating among the models that consider different metal-production mechanisms, predict the outcoming yields, and are a function of the nature, mass, and/or initial metallicity of their stellar progenitor. Transformational results shall be achieved through improvements in the energy resolution and effective area of X-ray observatories, allowing them to detect rarer metals (e.g. Na, Al) and constrain yet-uncertain abundances (e.g. C, Ne, Ca, Ni). The X-ray Integral Field Unit (X-IFU) instrument onboard the next-generation European X-ray observatoryAthenais expected to deliver such breakthroughs. Starting from 100 ks of synthetic observations of 12 abundance ratios in the ICM of four simulated clusters, we demonstrate that the X-IFU will be capable of recovering the input chemical enrichment models at both low (z = 0.1) and high (z = 1) redshifts, while statistically excluding more than 99.5% of all the other tested combinations of models. By fixing the enrichment models which provide the best fit to the simulated data, we also show that the X-IFU will constrain the slope of the stellar initial mass function within ∼12%. These constraints will be key ingredients in our understanding of the chemical enrichment of the Universe and its evolution.
When do solar erupting hot magnetic flux ropes form?
Authors: Nindos A. , Patsourakos S. , Vourlidas A. , Cheng X. , Zhang J.
Published: August 2020

Aims. We investigate the formation times of eruptive magnetic flux ropes relative to the onset of solar eruptions, which is important for constraining models of coronal mass ejection (CME) initiation.

Methods. We inspected uninterrupted sequences of 131 Å images that spanned more than eight hours and were obtained by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory to identify the formation times of hot flux ropes that erupted in CMEs from locations close to the limb. The appearance of the flux ropes as well as their evolution toward eruptions were determined using morphological criteria.

Results. Two-thirds (20/30) of the flux ropes were formed well before the onset of the eruption (from 51 min to more than eight hours), and their formation was associated with the occurrence of a confined flare. We also found four events with preexisting hot flux ropes whose formations occurred a matter of minutes (from three to 39) prior to the eruptions without any association with distinct confined flare activity. Six flux ropes were formed once the eruptions were underway. However, in three of them, prominence material could be seen in 131 Å images, which may indicate the presence of preexisting flux ropes that were not hot. The formation patterns of the last three groups of hot flux ropes did not show significant differences. For the whole population of events, the mean and median values of the time difference between the onset of the eruptive flare and the appearance of the hot flux rope were 151 and 98 min, respectively.

Conclusions. Our results provide, on average, indirect support for CME models that involve preexisting flux ropes; on the other hand, for a third of the events, models in which the ejected flux rope is formed during the eruption appear more appropriate.
Stärkung des Immunsystems durch Sport – Eine Frage der Intensität
Authors: Freese Jens , Proschinger Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Sport und körperliche Aktivität haben nicht nur präventivmedizinische Bedeutung für die Gesundheit, sondern auch für die Leistungsfähigkeit des Immunsystems. Entscheidend ist die Dosis: Diabetiker profitierten in einer Studie von moderater Aktivität mit besserer kardiorespiratorischer Fitness, niedrigerem Körperfettanteil, niedrigerem LDL-Cholesterin und besserer Insulinsensitivität. Leistungssportler hingegen leiden auffällig häufig an Infekten der oberen Atemwege, gastrointestinalen Störungen und Erschöpfungssyndromen.

Die sportimmunologische Forschung ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten exponentiell gewachsen. Auf Basis des derzeitigen Wissens kann abgeleitet werden: Das Immunsystem lässt sich trainieren, mit der individuell angepassten Dosis. Die Immunoseneszenz ist durch tägliche Bewegung positiv beeinflussbar. Und immer deutlicher zeigt sich: Die Intensität ist ein entscheidender Faktor, um das Immunsystem zu stimulieren.
Usability Testing a Potentially Inappropriate Medication Dashboard: A Core Component of the Dashboard Development Process
Authors: Richter Lagha Regina , Burningham Zachary , Sauer Brian C. , Leng Jianwei , Peters Celena , Huynh Tina , Patel Shardool , Halwani Ahmad S. , Kramer B. Josea
Published: August 2020

Background With the increased usage of dashboard reporting systems to monitor and track patient panels by clinical users, developers must ensure that the information displays they produce are accurate and intuitive. When evaluating usability of a clinical dashboard among potential end users, developers oftentimes rely on methods such as questionnaires as opposed to other, more time-intensive strategies that incorporate direct observation.

Objectives Prior to release of the potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) clinical dashboard, designed to facilitate completion of a quality improvement project by clinician scholars enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) workforce development Geriatric Scholars Program (GSP), we evaluated the usability of the system. This article describes the process of usability testing a dashboard reporting system with clinicians using direct observation and think-aloud moderating techniques.

Methods We developed a structured interview protocol that combines virtual observation, think-aloud moderating techniques, and retrospective questioning of the overall user experience, including use of the System Usability Scale (SUS). Thematic analysis was used to analyze field notes from the interviews of three GSP alumni.

Results Our structured approach to usability testing identified specific functional problems with the dashboard reporting system that were missed by results from the SUS. Usability testing lead to overall improvements in the intuitive use of the system, increased data transparency, and clarification of the dashboard's purpose.

Conclusion Reliance solely on questionnaires and surveys at the end stages of dashboard development can mask potential functional problems that will impede proper usage and lead to misinterpretation of results. A structured approach to usability testing in the developmental phase is an important tool for developers of clinician friendly systems for displaying easily digested information and tracking outcomes for the purpose of quality improvement.
A painful matter: the sandal as a hitting implement in Athenian iconography
Authors: Young Yael
Published: August 2020

The article examines a series of images on Athenian ceramic vases in which sandals are depicted as a hitting implement. This iconographic motif appears mainly in two contexts: educational scenes, where an adult hits a subordinate, and erotic scenes, where the hitting action is almost always performed by males upon female prostitutes. The utilisation of this specific mundane object, rather than equally available others, for these violent acts is explored in light of psychologist James J. Gibson’s term “affordance”, which refers to the potentialities held by an object for a particular set of actions, stemming from its material properties. I suggest that the choice of the sandal is not arbitrary: it supports these aggressors’ desire to cause pain to those of lower status, thereby controlling and humiliating them. The affordances of the sandal, stemming from its shape and material and the inherent potentialities for action, are perceived and exploited by the hitters. Though not designed as a hitting implement, in the hands of these privileged figures in these specific situations, the mundane, ordinary sandal becomes the medium, a social agent, by which their control attains physical embodiment. Thanks to the Athenian vase painters, we are able to register and visualise latent affordances of the sandal that previously lay out of sight. It seems that in the context of Athenian society, the supposed dichotomy between the ordinary usage and the extraordinary violent usage of the sandal collapses. In this particular case, hitting with a sandal seems as ordinary as donning it in everyday use.
Experimental investigation of dielectric wall material effects on low-power HEMP thruster
Authors: Zeng Ming , Liu Hui , Qiao Lei , Wang Fufeng , Huang Hongyan , Yu Daren
Published: August 2020

The high efficiency multi-staged plasma (HEMP) thruster, also known as the cusped field thruster, becomes a candidate microthruster of new generation space observation missions for its low complexity and potential long life over a wide range of thrust. Since there is a lack of relevant research of the wall material effects on the HEMP thruster, a low-power HEMP thruster with three different dielectric wall materials is tested to discover the effects on performance and discharge characteristics. A Faraday probe, a retarding potential analyzer, and a Langmuir probe are employed to diagnose the plume, and the plasma behavior differences in ionization and acceleration processes are indicated. The result shows that the secondary electron emission coefficient of the wall material has definite effects under a low mass flow rate, which is similar to the effects on the Hall thrusters, but no distinct difference is found in high flow rate conditions.
Acousto-optic modulation in lithium niobate on sapphire
Authors: Sarabalis Christopher J. , McKenna Timothy P. , Patel Rishi N. , Van Laer Raphaël , Safavi-Naeini Amir H.
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate the first acousto-optic modulators in lithium niobate films on sapphire, detailing the dependence of the piezoelectric and optomechanical coupling coefficients on the crystal orientation. This platform supports highly confined, strongly piezoelectric mechanical waves without suspensions, making it a promising candidate for broadband and efficient integrated acousto-optic devices, circuits, and systems.
Droplet size distributions in liquid–liquid semi-batch Taylor vortex flow
Authors: Campbell Charlton , Olsen Michael G. , Vigil R. Dennis
Published: August 2020

Optical methods were used to measure droplet size distributions in a liquid–liquid Taylor vortex reactor oriented vertically along its main axis and operated in a semi-batch fashion with continuous feed of the dispersed phase and no feed or removal of the continuous liquid. The effects of two operational parameters on droplet size distributions were considered, including the inner cylinder angular velocity and the dispersed phase inlet flow rate. Both the mean droplet diameter and the droplet size distribution were found to depend upon the jet Reynolds number and were independent of cylinder rotation speed up to the largest azimuthal Reynolds number investigated (60 000). The droplet size distribution underwent a transition from a unimodal distribution at low cylinder rotation speeds to a bimodal distribution at intermediate speeds. At the largest rotation speeds considered, the bimodal distribution became right-skewed. These observations provide support for the hypothesis that the mean droplet size and size distribution are determined primarily by jet breakage dynamics at the tips of inlet nozzles. Furthermore, the mean droplet size data collected from two geometrically distinct reactors can be collapsed onto a universal curve by plotting the Weber number against the jet Reynolds number.
Machine learning shadowgraph for particle size and shape characterization
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Shao Siyao , Hong Jiarong
Published: August 2020

Conventional image processing for a particle shadow image is usually time-consuming and suffers degraded image segmentation when dealing with images consisting of complex-shaped and clustered particles with varying backgrounds. In this paper, we introduce a robust learning-based method using a single convolution neural network for analyzing particle shadow images. Our approach employs a two-channel-output U-net model to generate a binary particle image and a particle centroid image. The binary particle image is subsequently segmented through a marker-controlled watershed approach with the particle centroid image as the marker image. The assessment of this method on both synthetic and experimental bubble images has exhibited a better performance compared to the state-of-art non-machine-learning method. The proposed machine learning shadow image processing approach provides a promising tool for real-time particle image analysis in industrial applications.
Monte Carlo implementation of new algorithms for the evaluation of averaged-dose and -track linear energy transfers in 62 MeV clinical proton beams
Authors: Petringa G , Pandola L , Agosteo S , Catalano R , Colautti P , Conte V , Cuttone G , Fan K , Mei Z , Rosenfeld A , Selva A , Cirrone GAP
Published: August 2020

We exploited the power of the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit to study and validate new approaches for the averaged linear energy transfer (LET) calculation in 62 MeV clinical proton beams. The definitions of the averaged LET dose and LET track were extended, so as to fully account for the contribution of secondary particles generated by target fragmentation, thereby leading to a more general formulation of the LET total. Moreover, in the proposed new strategies for the LET calculation, we minimised the dependencies in respect to the transport parameters adopted during the Monte Carlo simulations (such as the production cut of secondary particles, voxel size and the maximum steplength). The new proposed approach was compared against microdosimetric experimental spectra of clinical proton beams, acquired at the Italian eye proton therapy facility of the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN-LNS, Catania, I) from two different detectors: a mini-tissue equivalent proportional chamber (TEPC), developed at the Legnaro National Laboratories of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics (LNL-INFN) and a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microdosimeter with 3D sensitive volumes developed by the Centre for Medical Radiation Physics of Wollongong University (CMRP-UoW). A significant increase of the LET in the entrance region of the spread out Bragg peak (SOBP) was observed, when the contribution of the generated secondary particles was included in the calculation. This was consistent with the experimental results obtained.
Cerebellar adaptive mechanisms explain the optimal control of saccadic eye movements
Authors: Kalidindi Hari Teja , Vannucci Lorenzo , Laschi Cecilia , Falotico Egidio
Published: August 2020

Cerebellar synaptic plasticity is vital for adaptability and fine tuning of goal-directed movements. The perceived sensory errors between desired and actual movement outcomes are commonly considered to induce plasticity in the cerebellar synapses, with an objective to improve desirability of the executed movements. In rapid goal-directed eye movements called saccades, the only available sensory feedback is the direction of reaching error information received only at end of the movement. Moreover, this sensory error dependent plasticity can only improve the accuracy of the movements, while ignoring other essential characteristics such as reaching in minimum-time. In this work we propose a rate based, cerebellum inspired adaptive filter model to address refinement of both accuracy and movement-time of saccades. We use optimal control approach in conjunction with information constraints posed by the cerebellum to derive bio-plausible supervised plasticity rules. We implement and validate this bio-inspired scheme on a humanoid robot. We found out that, separate plasticity mechanisms in the model cerebellum separately control accuracy and movement-time. These plasticity mechanisms ensure that optimal saccades are produced by just receiving the direction of end reaching error as an evaluative signal. Furthermore, the model emulates encoding in the cerebellum of movement kinematics as observed in biological experiments.
Research on Controlling Limits for Electromagnetic Environment in China
Authors: Tu Anqi , Zhang Zhiyong , Runa A , Zhang Han
Published: August 2020

With the remarkable growth of power demand, power transmission and transformation facilities are gradually developing towards the direction of large capacity and ultra high voltage. In China, 500kV EHV AC power grid is mainly used for long-distance power transmission. However, people have panic and psychological pressure for the electromagnetic environment problems caused by high-voltage transmission lines. This paper concentrates on electromagnetic environment control limits around 500kV EHV AC electric power transmission lines in China. The power frequency electric field and power frequency magnetic field of two buildings under the transmission lines are monitored. With the support of objective scientific data, reducing or even eliminating public excessive panic about the electromagnetic environment caused by 500kV EHV AC transmission system.
Study on the Influence of Household Consumption on Energy Consumption under the Threshold of Rising House Price
Authors: Yan Li , Wei Kang , Pei-ci Yan , Hui-qing Liu , Xiang-yu Zhang , Shi-xuan He , Xiang-min Kong , Liang-hong Zhang , Hui-wen Zheng , Jia-hong Wei
Published: August 2020

In order to understand the impact of residents’ consumption on energy consumption in a more comprehensive way, this paper divides the residents’ consumption into two dimensions: total consumption and consumption structure, and introduces the house price as the threshold variable, using the provincial data of 2007-2017, constructs the panel threshold model of residents’ consumption on energy consumption. The results show that: the total consumption and consumption structure of residents have a double threshold effect on energy consumption; the promotion of total consumption promotes energy consumption, while the upgrading of consumption structure restrains energy consumption; when the rise of house price is in the middle level, due to the “wealth effect” caused by the rise of house price, the rise of total consumption and consumption structure The upgrading of the structure has the strongest effect on energy consumption, but when the house price further rises beyond the maximum threshold, the “crowding effect” brought by the rising house price will significantly weaken the impact of total consumption and consumption upgrading on energy consumption.
An energy internet efficient regional optimal allocation method based on block data
Authors: Hou Lei , Li Jin , Zhang Yusen , Huang Furong
Published: August 2020

In the operation of energy internet, the problem of uneven regional energy distribution which caused by the different social, economic, geographical and environmental factors has existed for a long time, and has become the most complex and intractable problem to solve at the Multi-space energy allocation. To alleviate the problems of uneven regional energy distribution, combined with the rapid development of block data, in this paper, an energy internet efficient regional optimal allocation method based on block data is explicitly proposed. Especially, by means of considering the difference of social, economic, geographical and environmental factors in each region, a concept of dynamic spatial energy allocation adjustment is proposed in this paper. Energy utilization rates and a new objective functional is proposed to support regional energy allocation strategy which adjusting dynamically to optimize the energy utilization ratio when the regional energy allocation is found to be unreasonable. The traversal algorithm method is applied in the strategy to ensure the comprehensiveness and stability of adjustment scheme selection in practical application. A fractional steps computing solution that simultaneously emphasizes the insufficient computational capabilities of hardware and out of memory error is implemented to deal with the huge amount of block data caused by complex energy internet. As a result, a promising approach is introduced for the energy internet efficient regional optimal allocation adjustment.
Research on output frequency of linear phase-shifting transformer
Authors: Zhang Shuheng , Zhao Jinghong , Zhou Yangwei , Wu Mei
Published: August 2020

The article briefly introduced the basic structure of linear phase-shifting transformer and the working principle of inverter system. After the previous work of the research group, based on the maxwell simulation software, the high-frequency output of the linear phase-shifting transformer is subjected to finite element simulation analysis, and an improved design is proposed for the high-frequency output. Finally, the feasibility of simulation analysis is verified through experiments, which provides strongly support for subsequent prototype optimization.