bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel framework for automatic localisation of gun carrying by moving person using various indoor and outdoor mimic and real‐time views/Scenes
Authors: Debnath Rajib , Bhowmik Mrinal Kanti
Published: March 2021

Hand held gun detection has an important application in both the field of video forensic and surveillance, because, gun is operative by hand only while committing any crime with it. The significant application encompasses the vulnerable places, such as around airport, marketplace, shopping malls, etc. In view of non‐availability of relevant public data set, this study provides a newly created mimicked video data set for detection of gun carried by a person and entitled as Tripura University Video Data set for Crime‐Scene‐Analysis (TUVD‐CSA). Effects of illumination, occlusion, rotation, pan, tilt, scaling of gun are effectively demonstrated in it. Moreover, the authors proposed an Iterative Model Generation Framework (IMGF) for gun detection, which is immune to scaling and rotation. Instead of locating the best matched object (gun) in the whole reference image to a query model via exhaustive search, IMGF searches only where the moving person carrying gun appears, which drastically reduces the computational overhead associated with a general template matching scheme. This has been employed by the background subtraction algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed IMGF performs efficiently in gun detection with lesser number of true‐negatives compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Constructing an efficient and adaptive learning model for 3D object generation
Authors: Hu Jiwei , Deng Wupeng , Liu Quan , Lam Kin‐Man , Lou Ping
Published: March 2021

Studying representation learning and generative modelling has been at the core of the 3D learning domain. By leveraging the generative adversarial networks and convolutional neural networks for point‐cloud representations, we propose a novel framework, which can directly generate 3D objects represented by point clouds. The novelties of the proposed method are threefold. First, the generative adversarial networks are applied to 3D object generation in the point‐cloud space, where the model learns object representation from point clouds independently. In this work, we propose a 3D spatial transformer network, and integrate it into a generation model, whose ability for extracting and reconstructing features for 3D objects can be improved. Second, a point‐wise approach is developed to reduce the computational complexity of the proposed network. Third, an evaluation system is proposed to measure the performance of our model by employing various categories and methods, and the error, considered as the difference between synthesized objects and raw objects are quantitatively compared, is less than 2.8%. Extensive experiments on benchmark dataset show that this method has a strong ability to generate 3D objects in the point‐cloud space, and the synthesized objects have slight differences with man‐made 3D objects.
Learning adaptive spatial–temporal regularized correlation filters for visual tracking
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Li Yangxiao , Zhou Zhenghua
Published: March 2021

Recently, there have been many visual tracking methods based on correlation filters. These methods mainly enhance the tracking performances by considering the information of background, space, or time in the appearance model. This paper proposes an effective tracking method, named adaptive spatial–temporal regularized correlation filter (ASTRCF) tracker, based on the popular adaptive spatially regularized correlation filter (ASRCF) tracker. That is, the continuity of object's motion in the process of tracking is considered by introducing a temporal‐regularized term in the appearance model of ASRCF tracker. Furthermore, its solution is inferred by applying the alternating direction method of multipliers. The proposed appearance model contains a background‐awareness term, a spatially regularized term, an adaptive‐weight term, and a temporal‐regularized term. Therefore, it can not only keep the good performances of ASRCF tracker, such as learning the background information and the spatial information adaptively to enhance the discriminating ability, but also take advantage of the relation of correlation filters in the last frame and the current frame for addressing the complex cases, such as occlusion, and fast motion. Extensive experimental results on various challenging databases show that the proposed ASTRCF tracker achieves better tracking performances than some state‐of‐the‐art trackers.
Cloud property trends in hot and ultra-hot giant gas planets (WASP-43b, WASP-103b, WASP-121b, HAT-P-7b, and WASP-18b)
Authors: Helling Ch. , Lewis D. , Samra D. , Carone L. , Graham V. , Herbort O. , Chubb K. L. , Min M. , Waters R. , Parmentier V. , Mayne N.
Published: March 2021

Context. Ultra-hot Jupiters are the hottest exoplanets that have been discovered so far. Observations begin to provide insight into the composition of their extended atmospheres and their chemical day/night asymmetries. Both are strongly affected by cloud formation.

Aims. We explore trends in cloud properties for a sample of five giant gas planets: the hot gas giant WASP-43b and the four ultra-hot Jupiters (UHJs) WASP-18b, HAT-P-7b, WASP-103b, and WASP-121b. This provides a reference frame for cloud properties for the JWST targets WASP-43b and WASP-121b. We further explore chemically inert tracers to observe geometrical asymmetries of UHJs and if the location of the inner boundary of a 3D global circulation model (3D GCM) matters for the clouds that form.

Methods. A homogeneous set of 3D GCM results was used as input for a kinetic cloud formation code to evaluate the cloud opacity and gas parameters such as C/O, mean molecular weight, and degree of ionisation. We cast our results in terms of integrated quantities to enable a global comparison between the sample planets.

Results. The large day/night temperature differences of UHJs cause the following chemical asymmetries: cloud-free days but cloudy nights, atomic versus molecular gases and their different mean molecular weights, deep thermal ionospheres versus low-ionised atmospheres, and undepleted versus enhanced C/O. WASP-18b, as the heaviest planet in the sample, has the lowest global C/O.

Conclusions. The global climate may be considered as similar amongst UHJs, but different to that of hot gas giants. The local weather, however, is individual for each planet since the local thermodynamic conditions, and hence the local cloud and gas properties, differ. The morning and the evening terminator of UHJs will carry signatures of their strong chemical asymmetry such that ingress and egress asymmetries can be expected. An increased C/O ratio is a clear sign of cloud formation, making cloud modelling a necessity when utilising C/O (or other mineral ratios) as a tracer for planet formation. The changing geometrical extension of the atmosphere from the day to the nightside may be probed through chemically inert species such as helium. Ultra-hot Jupiters are likely to develop deep atmospheric ionospheres which may impact the atmosphere dynamics through magneto-hydrodynamic processes.
Welche Relevanz hat Advance Care Planning für die pädiatrische Intensivstation?
Authors: Keller Simone
Published: March 2021

Advance Care Planning hat in der Palliative Care einen hohen Stellenwert. Dabei werden Wünsche und Bedürfnisse von Patienten und deren Familien erfasst, Therapieziele und Maßnahmen für den Krankheitsverlauf und das Lebensende frühzeitig diskutiert und festgehalten. Bei der Betreuung von kritisch kranken Kindern auf der Intensivstation sind Kommunikation und Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse von großer Wichtigkeit, und sie stellen hohe Anforderungen an das Behandlungsteam. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt den Nutzen und die positiven Aspekte von Advance Care Planning, auch für das Setting der Intensivstation.
Recent Advances on Benzofuranones: Synthesis and Transformation via C–H Functionalization
Authors: Qiu Renhua , Kambe Nobuaki , Tang Zhi , Tong Zhou , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: March 2021

The benzofuranone structure is important in many fields, such as natural products, pharmaceuticals, building blocks, antioxidants, and dyes. The efficient synthesis and transformation of benzofuranones have attracted great attention in organic synthesis. They can be synthesized by the Friedel–Crafts reaction and intramolecular dehydration ring-closing and transition-metal-catalyzed reactions, among others. Their direct utilization in the preparation of other functional molecules further enhance their application. Due to their low pK
a value and easy enolization, the transformation of benzofuranones via C(3)–H bond functionalization has been a hot issue since 2010. Herein, we highlight advances in the synthesis of benzofuranones and their transformation via C–H functionalization. Other transformations related to benzofuranones are also discussed.

1 Introduction

2 Synthesis of Benzofuranones

3 C–H Functionalization of Benzofuranones

4 Other Types of Reactions of Benzofuranones

5 Conclusion and Outlook
On the α-Navier–Stokes–Vlasov and the α-Navier–Stokes–Vlasov–Fokker–Planck equations
Authors: Pinheiro Cristyan , Planas Gabriela
Published: March 2021

We consider the α-Navier–Stokes equations coupled with a Vlasov type equation to model the flow of an incompressible fluid containing small particles. We prove the existence of global weak solutions to the coupled system subject to periodic boundary conditions. Moreover, we investigate the regularity of weak solutions and the uniqueness of regular solutions. The convergence of its solutions to that of the Navier–Stokes–Vlasov equations when α tends to zero is also established. The results are extended to the model with the diffusion of spray, i.e., to the α-Navier–Stokes–Vlasov–Fokker–Planck equations.
Scanning x-ray microscopy imaging of strain relaxation and fluctuations in thin patterned SiGe-on-insulator nanostructures
Authors: Girard G. , Berthelon R. , Andrieu F. , Leake S. J. , Chahine G. A. , Schülli T. , Eymery J. , Favre-Nicolin V.
Published: March 2021

Strain engineered performance enhancement in SiGe channels for p-MOSFETs is one of the main drivers for the development of microelectronic technologies. Thus, there is a need for precise and accurate strain mapping techniques with small beams. Scanning X-Ray Diffraction Microscopy (SXDM) is a versatile tool that allows measuring quantitative strain maps on islands as thin as 13 nm quickly. From the high velocity and robustness of the technique, statistical information can be extracted for a large number of individual islands of different sizes. In this paper, we used the advantages of SXDM to demonstrate the effectiveness of the condensation method used to grow ultra-thin layers of strained SiGe and to determine their relaxation lengths at patterned interfaces.
Parametric analysis of the transient back extrusion flow to determine instantaneous viscosity
Authors: Fakhari A. , Galindo-Rosales F. J.
Published: March 2021

Rotational rheometers are extremely sensitive instruments that are able to provide very accurate measurements of low values of different material functions, such as viscosity and viscoelastic moduli, under certain ideal flow conditions. Nevertheless, they fail in providing reliable data for the viscosity when measured at short time scales due to either instrument or fluid inertia. In 1948, Bikerman [“A penetroviscometer for very viscous liquids,” J. Colloid Sci. 3, 75 (1948)] proposed the penetroviscometer device as an instrument to measure the viscosity of highly viscous (102–104 Pa · s) Newtonian fluids under steady shear conditions. In the penetroviscometer, the fluid sample undergoes a kind of flow, which is currently known as back extrusion flow, and it is nowadays used to characterize the rheological properties of foodstuff under steady flow conditions. In this study, we perform a parametric analysis (blockage ratio, initial position, velocity profile of the inner cylinder, and viscosity of Newtonian fluids) of the back extrusion flow to determine its potential to provide reliable viscosity measurements at short time scales. Three-dimensional numerical simulations including free surface effects and inertial terms allowed us to determine its limits of operation. We additionally provide an analytical expression to calculate the time-resolved viscosity, relating the force and velocity of the inner cylinder by means of a geometric factor.
Dual-mode auto-calibrating resistance thermometer: A novel approach with Johnson noise thermometry
Authors: Drung D. , Krause C.
Published: March 2021

A dual-mode auto-calibrating resistance thermometer (DART) is presented. The novel DART concept combines in one instrument the fast and accurate resistance thermometry with the primary method of Johnson noise thermometry. Unlike previous approaches, the new thermometer measures the spectral density of the thermal noise in the sensing resistor directly in a sequential measurement procedure without using correlation techniques. A sophisticated data analysis corrects the thermometer output for both the parasitic effects of the sensor wiring and the amplifier current noise. The instrument features a highly linear low-noise DC coupled amplifier with negative feedback as well as an accurate voltage reference and reference resistor to improve the gain stability over time and ambient temperature. Therefore, the system needs only infrequent calibrations with electrical quantum standards and can be operated over long intervals and a wide temperature range without recalibration. A first prototype is designed for the industrially relevant temperature range of the IEC 60751 (−200 °C to +850 °C); a later extension of the measurement range is being considered. A proof-of-principle measurement with a calibrated Pt100 sensor at room temperature yielded an uncertainty of about 100 µK/K. The final device is expected to reach uncertainties of below 10 µK/K, suitable for accurate measurements of the difference between thermodynamic temperatures and temperatures traceable to the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90).
Plasma-assisted combustion synthesis of p-type transparent Cu incorporated NiO thin films—Correlation between deposition chemistry and charge transport characteristics
Authors: Singh Chetan C. , Roy Choudhury Aditya N. , Sutar Dayanand S. , Sarkar Shaibal K
Published: March 2021

Optically transparent and conducting Cu-incorporated NiO thin films are deposited by low-temperature plasma-assisted solution combustion synthesis. The hole conductivity, crystallographic nature, and the film morphology in this semiconductor highly depend upon the amount of Cu incorporation in the material, which is found to have a strong influence on the defect density in these films, ultimately leading to a larger variation in their optoelectronic properties. The change in conductivity with Cu incorporation follows the generalized effective medium theory model with a fitted percolation threshold near zero. Under optimal composition of the Cu to Ni ratio in the as-deposited thin film, the p-type electrical resistivity of 0.85 Ω cm is obtained with a hole concentration of 3.9 × 1018 cm−3 and hole mobility of 1.9 cm2 V−1 s−1, with an average visible transmittance of 76%. Hole transport over a wide range of temperatures and Cu incorporation can be successfully modeled by Mott variable range hopping.
Scaling laws for the water entry of a three-dimensional body
Authors: Lugni Claudio , Wang Jingbo , Faltinsen Odd Magnus , Bardazzi Andrea , Lucarelli Alessia , Duan Wenyang
Published: March 2021

The present experimental investigation is a new way of conducting tests on model scale and of interpreting the results for the water entry of a free-falling conical body shape entrapping an air cavity. A three-dimensional body free to fall from different heights against a flat water surface is studied. Accurate measurements of the acceleration and velocity in water are performed; for the first time, local measurements of the pressure field in the air cavity entrapped behind the falling body are executed. The use of a depressurized channel enabled the scaling of the local loads as a function of Froude and Euler numbers. In spite of their uniqueness, the present results refer to one specific body shape and one specific mass-ratio value. Other similar studies are needed for a full comprehension of the universality of the scaling law for this physical phenomenon. The availability of such an experimental analysis enables a proper validation of the numerical models that can be, then, used for more general studies.
Identification of structural phases in ferroelectric hafnium zirconium oxide by density-functional-theory-assisted EXAFS analysis
Authors: Sahiner Mehmet Alper , Vander Valk Rory J. , Steier Joshua , Savastano Jared , Kelty Stephen , Ravel Bruce , Woicik Joseph C. , Ogawa Yohei , Schmidt Kristin , Cartier Eduard A. , Jordan-Sweet Jean L. , Lavoie Christian , Frank Martin M.
Published: March 2021

Crystalline phase identification for hafnium-based ferroelectrics by diffraction techniques has been elusive. We use density-functional-theory (DFT)-assisted extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) to determine the crystal symmetry of thin hafnium zirconium oxide (Hf0.46Zr0.54O2) films grown by atomic layer deposition. Ferroelectric switching in TiN/Hf0.46Zr0.54O2/TiN metal–insulator–metal capacitors is verified. Grazing-incidence fluorescence-yield mode Hf L3 and Zr K absorption edge EXAFS data are compared with reference data calculated from DFT-based atomic coordinates for various structural phases of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2. Via EXAFS multiphase fitting, we confirm that the frequently invoked polar orthorhombic Pca21 phase is present in ferroelectric hafnium zirconium oxide, along with an equal amount of the nonpolar monoclinic P21/c phase. For comparison, we verify that paraelectric HfO2 films exhibit the P21/c phase.
Phenomenological model of viscoelasticity for systems undergoing sol–gel transition
Authors: Suman Khushboo , Shanbhag Sachin , Joshi Yogesh M.
Published: March 2021

A material undergoing sol–gel transition evolves from the pre-gel (sol) state to the post-gel state through the critical gel state. It is well-known that critical gels exhibit power-law rheology. The faster decay of the relaxation modulus in the pre-gel state can be empirically described by modifying this power-law decay with a stretched exponential factor. A phenomenological analytical expression for the relaxation modulus in the post-gel state is proposed by invoking the symmetry associated with the evolution of the relaxation time on either side of the critical gel state and by accounting for natural constraints. This expression, which depends on the extent of cross-linking, can be suitably transformed to obtain analytical expressions for the dynamic moduli and the continuous relaxation time spectrum. Thus, the proposed model facilitates a comprehensive description of viscoelastic evolution from the pre-gel to the post-gel states. It is validated by carrying out experiments on a model colloidal gel-forming system and by considering other diverse gel-forming systems studied in the literature. After calibrating the parameters of the phenomenological model, it is found to be in excellent agreement with experimental data. Such a well-calibrated phenomenological model can be used to determine any linear viscoelastic response over a wide range of frequencies and extents of cross-linking encompassing the entire sol–gel transition.
A new setup for low-temperature gas-phase ion fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Kjær Christina , Langeland Jeppe , Lindkvist Thomas Toft , Sørensen Emma Rostal , Stockett Mark H. , Kjaergaard Henrik G. , Nielsen Steen Brøndsted
Published: March 2021

Here, we present a new instrument named LUNA2 (LUminescence iNstrument in Aarhus 2), which is purpose-built to measure dispersed fluorescence spectra of gaseous ions produced by electrospray ionization and cooled to low temperatures (<100 K). LUNA2 is, as an earlier room-temperature setup (LUNA), optimized for a high collection efficiency of photons and includes improvements based on our operational experience with LUNA. The fluorescence cell is a cylindrical Paul trap made of copper with a hole in the ring electrode to permit laser light to interact with the trapped ions, and one end-cap electrode is a mesh grid combined with an aspheric condenser lens. The entrance and exit electrodes are both in physical contact with the liquid-nitrogen cooling unit to reduce cooling times. Mass selection is done in a two-step scheme where, first, high-mass ions are ejected followed by low-mass ions according to the Mathieu stability region. This scheme may provide a higher mass resolution than when only one DC voltage is used. Ions are irradiated by visible light delivered from a nanosecond 20-Hz pulsed laser, and dispersed fluorescence is measured with a spectrometer combined with an iCCD camera that allows intensification of the signal for a short time interval. LUNA2 contains an additional Paul trap that can be used for mass selection before ions enter the fluorescence cell, which potentially is relevant to diminishing RF heating in the cold trap. Successful operation of the setup is demonstrated from experiments with rhodamine dyes and oxazine-4, and spectral changes with temperature are identified.
Tailoring the anomalous Hall effect of SrRuO3 thin films by strain: A first principles study
Authors: Samanta Kartik , Ležaić Marjana , Blügel Stefan , Mokrousov Yuriy
Published: March 2021

Motivated by the recently observed unconventional Hall effect in ultrathin films of ferromagnetic SrRuO3 (SRO), we investigate the effect of strain-induced oxygen octahedral distortion in the electronic structure and anomalous Hall response of the SRO ultrathin films by virtue of density functional theory calculations. Our findings reveal that the ferromagnetic SRO films grown on SrTiO3 (in-plane strain of −0.47%) have an orthorhombic (both tilting and rotation) distorted structure, and with an increasing amount of substrate induced compressive strain the octahedral tilting angle is found to be suppressed gradually, with SRO films grown on NdGaO3 (in-plane strain of −1.7%) stabilized in the tetragonal distorted structure (with zero tilting). Our Berry curvature calculations predict a positive value of the anomalous Hall conductivity of +76 S/cm at −1.7% strain, whereas it is found to be negative (−156 S/cm) at −0.47% strain. We attribute the found behavior of the anomalous Hall effect to the nodal point dynamics in the electronic structure arising in response to tailoring the oxygen octahedral distortion driven by the substrate induced strain. We also calculate strain-mediated anomalous Hall conductivity as a function of reduced magnetization obtained by scaling down the magnitude of the exchange field inside Ru atoms finding good qualitative agreement with experimental observations, which indicates a strong impact of longitudinal thermal fluctuations of Ru spin moments on the anomalous Hall effect in this system.
Photodetachment spectroscopy and resonant photoelectron imaging of cryogenically cooled 1-pyrenolate
Authors: Qian Chen-Hui , Zhang Yue-Rou , Yuan Dao-Fu , Wang Lai-Sheng
Published: March 2021

We report an investigation of the 1-pyrenolate anion (PyO−) and the 1-pyrenoxy radical (PyO) using photodetachment spectroscopy and resonant photoelectron imaging of cryogenically cooled anions. The electron affinity of PyO is measured to be 2.4772(4) eV (19 980 ± 3 cm−1) from high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy. Photodetachment spectroscopy reveals a dipole-bound state (DBS) for PyO− 280 cm−1 below the detachment threshold as well as a broad and intense valence excited state (shape resonance) 1077 cm−1 above the detachment threshold. The shape resonance with an excitation energy of 21 055 cm−1 is due to excitation of an electron from the highest occupied molecular orbital of PyO− to its lowest unoccupied molecular orbital in the continuum. Twenty-nine vibrational levels of the DBS are observed, including 27 above-threshold vibrational levels (vibrational Feshbach resonances). Twenty-seven resonant photoelectron spectra are obtained by tuning the detachment laser to the vibrational Feshbach resonances, resulting in highly non-Franck–Condon photoelectron spectra and rich vibrational information. In total, the frequencies of 21 vibrational modes are obtained for the PyO radical by the combination of the photodetachment and resonant photoelectron spectroscopy, including 13 out-of-plane bending modes.
On

-endomorphisms of the two-dimensional torus
Authors: Grines V. Z. , Zhuzhoma E. V. , Kurenkov E. D.
Published: March 2021

It is proved that in each homotopy class of continuous mappings of the two-dimensional torus to itself that induce a hyperbolic action on the fundamental group, as long as it is free of expanding mappings, there exists an

-endomorphism

whose nonwandering set consists of an attracting hyperbolic sink and a nontrivial one-dimensional collapsing repeller, which is a one-dimensional orientable lamination, locally homeomorphic to the direct product of a Cantor set and a line segment. Moreover, the unstable

-invariant subbundle of the tangent space to the repeller has the property of uniqueness.

Bibliography: 23 titles.
Monocyte markers correlate with immune and neuronal brain changes in REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Farmen Kristine , Nissen Sara K. , Stokholm Morten G. , Iranzo Alex , Østergaard Karen , Serradell Mónica , Otto Marit , Svendsen Kristina B. , Garrido Alicia , Vilas Dolores , Borghammer Per , Santamaria Joan , Møller Arne , Gaig Carles , Brooks David J. , Tolosa Eduardo , Pavese Nicola , Romero-Ramos Marina
Published: March 2021

Significance

This study shows that the myeloid immune response in isolated rapid-eye-movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) patients involves both brain and periphery, and that these responses are related, supporting a cross-talk between the brain and the peripheral immune system. Furthermore, these immune events were correlated with dopaminergic neuronal changes, strongly supporting a role for the immune system in the neuronal process associated with iRBD and putatively with Parkinson’s disease. These findings support monocytes as biomarkers and potential targets. Future studies should address possible association between monocytic changes and disease progression in longitudinal cohorts and the use of monocytes as accessible prognostic markers of brain events in synucleinopathies.
Discordant clinical features of identical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy twins
Authors: Repetti Giuliana G. , Kim Yuri , Pereira Alexandre C. , Ingles Jodie , Russell Mark W. , Lakdawala Neal K. , Ho Carolyn Y. , Day Sharlene , Semsarian Christopher , McDonough Barbara , DePalma Steven R. , Quiat Daniel , Green Eric M. , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman J. G.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Genetics, notably pathogenic genetic variants in sarcomere protein genes, play a major role in development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, degree of contribution from epigenetic and environmental factors in clinical presentation of HCM is currently unclear. We investigated phenotypic differences between identical twins with pathogenic sarcomere protein gene variants and demonstrated their discordant HCM presentation despite having virtually identical genomes. Our study underscores the important contribution of epigenetics and environment in disease progression in genetically diagnosed HCM patients.
Neuronal metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 protects against neurodegeneration in CNS inflammation
Authors: Woo Marcel S. , Ufer Friederike , Rothammer Nicola , Di Liberto Giovanni , Binkle Lars , Haferkamp Undine , Sonner Jana K. , Engler Jan Broder , Hornig Sönke , Bauer Simone , Wagner Ingrid , Egervari Kristof , Raber Jacob , Duvoisin Robert M. , Pless Ole , Merkler Doron , Friese Manuel A.
Published: March 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system with continuous neuronal loss. Treatment of clinical progression remains challenging due to lack of insights into inflammation-induced neurodegenerative pathways. Here, we show that an imbalance in the neuronal receptor interactome is driving glutamate excitotoxicity in neurons of MS patients and identify the MS risk–associated metabotropic glutamate receptor 8 (GRM8) as a decisive modulator. Mechanistically, GRM8 activation counteracted neuronal cAMP accumulation, thereby directly desensitizing the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). This profoundly limited glutamate-induced calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent cell death. Notably, we found Grm8-deficient neurons to be more prone to glutamate excitotoxicity, whereas pharmacological activation of GRM8 augmented neuroprotection in mouse and human neurons as well as in a preclinical mouse model of MS. Thus, we demonstrate that GRM8 conveys neuronal resilience to CNS inflammation and is a promising neuroprotective target with broad therapeutic implications.
Integrated 3D printed microfluidic circuitry and soft microrobotic actuators via in situ direct laser writing
Authors: Alsharhan Abdullah T , M Young Olivia , Xu Xin , Stair Anthony J , Sochol Ryan D
Published: March 2021

Over the past two decades, researchers have advanced and employed integrated microfluidic circuitry to enable a wide range of chemical and biological ‘lab-on-a-chip’ capabilities. Yet in recent years, a wholly different field, soft robotics, has begun harnessing microfluidic circuitry as a promising means to enhance soft robot autonomy. Unfortunately, key challenges associated with not only the fabrication of microfluidic circuitry, but also its integration with soft robotic systems represent critical barriers to progress. To overcome such issues, here we present a strategy that leverages ‘in situ direct laser writing (isDLW)’—a submicron-scale additive manufacturing (or ‘three-dimensional (3D) printing’) approach developed previously by our group—to fabricate microfluidic circuit elements and soft microrobotic actuators directly inside of enclosed microchannels. In addition, we introduce ‘normally closed’ microfluidic transistors that comprise free-floating sealing discs designed to block source-to-drain fluid flow until the application of a target gate pressure. As an exemplar, we printed microfluidic transistors with distinct gate activation properties as well as identical soft microgrippers downstream of each drain within 40 µm-tall microchannels. Experimental results for a source pressure of 100 kPa revealed that microgripper deformation was prevented in the absence of a gate input; however, increasing the gate pressure to 300 kPa induced actuation of one set of microgrippers, while a further increase to 400 kPa led to both sets of microgrippers actuating successfully. These results suggest that the presented isDLW-based strategy for manufacturing and integrating 3D microfluidic circuit elements and microrobotic end effectors could offer unique potential for emerging soft robotic applications.
Carbon dioxide adsorption and activation on gallium phosphide surface monitored by ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Ye Yifan , Su Hongyang , Lee Kyung-Jae , Larson David , Valero-Vidal Carlos , Blum Monika , Yano Junko , Crumlin Ethan J
Published: March 2021

Gallium phosphide (GaP) is a promising catalyst material used in the photo-electrochemical carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction reaction (CO2RR). However, experimental data needed to interpret the interactions between CO2 and GaP at their interfaces must be gathered in order to develop advanced GaP based catalysts for the CO2RR. Here we used ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize the surface chemistry at 298 K on the GaP surface exposed to CO2 alone and in the presence of H2O under both dark and illuminated conditions. We found that a carbonate-like configuration is stable on the GaP surface exposed solely to 0.35 Torr CO2. Shining solar light promoted the CO2 dissociation process on the surface while negligibly influencing the CO2 adsorption configuration on GaP. Based on the surface chemistry change under dark and illuminated conditions, we propose a CO2 dissociation pathway on GaP. We also found that linear physisorbed CO2 formed on the surface of GaP when 0.35 Torr CO2 is co-dosed with 0.35 Torr H2O. Co-dosing H2O with CO2 also created a surface dipole, which is further influenced by solar light illumination. This work provides a fundamental atomic level understanding of how CO2 adsorption and activation happened on the GaP surface and how it was further influenced by solar light.
Performance enhancement of charge plasma-based junctionless TFET (JL-TFET) using stimulated n-pocket and heterogeneous gate dielectric
Authors: Hussain Sazzad , Mustakim Nafis , Hasan Mehedhi , Saha Jibesh Kanti
Published: March 2021

Junctionless tunneling field-effect transistor (JL-TFET) is an excellent potential alternative to conventional MOSFET and TFET due to the lack of a steep doping profile, which makes it easier to fabricate. JL-TFET not only offers a lower subthreshold swing (SS) compared to MOSFET, but mitigates the low on-current problem associated with conventional TFET. The DC and analog characteristics of JL-TFET can be further improved by design modifications. In this research, we have presented two novel structures of JL-TFET: stimulated n-pocket JL-TFET (SNPJL-TFET) and SNPJL-TFET with heterogeneous gate dielectric. The performance of these devices has been gauged against conventional JL-TFET. Both novel structures exhibit excellent performance including point SS around 20 mV/dec, high I
ON/I
OFF in the order of 1014 and lower threshold voltage (V
T). By analyzing RF and linearity parameters such as the transconductance generation factor, F
T, transit time, total factor productivity, second-order voltage intercept point, third-order voltage intercept point, third-order input intercept point and third-order intermodulation distortion, it is observed that the proposed devices are more suitable for RF applications since they show superiority in most of the analyzed parameters.
A study of Type B uncertainties associated with the photoelectric effect in low-energy Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Valdes-Cortez Christian , Mansour Iymad , Rivard Mark J , Ballester Facundo , Mainegra-Hing Ernesto , Thomson Rowan M , Vijande Javier
Published: March 2021

Purpose. To estimate Type B uncertainties in absorbed-dose calculations arising from the different implementations in current state-of-the-art Monte Carlo (MC) codes of low-energy photon cross-sections (<200 keV). Methods. MC simulations are carried out using three codes widely used in the low-energy domain: PENELOPE-2018, EGSnrc, and MCNP. Three dosimetry-relevant quantities are considered: mass energy-absorption coefficients for water, air, graphite, and their respective ratios; absorbed dose; and photon-fluence spectra. The absorbed dose and the photon-fluence spectra are scored in a spherical water phantom of 15 cm radius. Benchmark simulations using similar cross-sections have been performed. The differences observed between these quantities when different cross-sections are considered are taken to be a good estimator for the corresponding Type B uncertainties. Results. A conservative Type B uncertainty for the absorbed dose (k = 2) of 1.2%–1.7% (<50 keV), 0.6%–1.2% (50–100 keV), and 0.3% (100–200 keV) is estimated. The photon-fluence spectrum does not present clinically relevant differences that merit considering additional Type B uncertainties except for energies below 25 keV, where a Type B uncertainty of 0.5% is obtained. Below 30 keV, mass energy-absorption coefficients show Type B uncertainties (k = 2) of about 1.5% (water and air), and 2% (graphite), diminishing in all materials for larger energies and reaching values about 1% (40–50 keV) and 0.5% (50–75 keV). With respect to their ratios, the only significant Type B uncertainties are observed in the case of the water-to-graphite ratio for energies below 30 keV, being about 0.7% (k = 2). Conclusions. In contrast with the intermediate (about 500 keV) or high (about 1 MeV) energy domains, Type B uncertainties due to the different cross-sections implementation cannot be considered subdominant with respect to Type A uncertainties or even to other sources of Type B uncertainties (tally volume averaging, manufacturing tolerances, etc). Therefore, the values reported here should be accommodated within the uncertainty budget in low-energy photon dosimetry studies.
A Mechanistic Overview of Taste Bud Maintenance and Impairment in Cancer Therapies
Authors: Gaillard Dany , Barlow Linda A
Published: March 2021

Since the early 20th century, progress in cancer therapies has significantly improved disease prognosis. Nonetheless, cancer treatments are often associated with side effects that can negatively affect patient well-being and disrupt the course of treatment. Among the main side effects, taste impairment is associated with depression, malnutrition, and morbid weight loss. Although relatively common, taste disruption associated with cancer therapies remains poorly understood. Here, we review the current knowledge related to the molecular mechanisms underlying taste maintenance and disruption in the context of cancer therapies.
Economic fluctuations and pseudo-wealth
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E , Guzman Martin M
Published: March 2021

What can explain the large changes in aggregate demand that occur in the absence of any seemingly corresponding shock to the underlying state variables of the economy? We show that macroeconomic volatility can arise from dispersions of beliefs among agents. Such dispersion gives rise to bets and other trades in speculative assets. Such trades give rise to pseudo-wealth, wealth that individuals believe they have on the basis of expectations of returns on these gambles. In the aggregate, when there are enough opportunities for trade and large enough dispersions in beliefs, this perceived wealth may be dangerously untethered to either market wealth or the real wealth of the economy. Given the increased dispersion in beliefs that naturally arises from unprecedented shocks, the theory of pseudo-wealth provides new understandings of both the origins of unanticipated fluctuations and their magnitude, markedly different from prevailing theories grounded in common knowledge and beliefs among individuals. This paper explores the empirical and theoretical underpinnings of pseudo-wealth, links the concept to observed macroeconomic fluctuations, and lays out a research agenda that might help us better understand the role of pseudo-wealth and the circumstances in which it is pronounced.
The pandemic economic crisis, precautionary behavior, and mobility constraints: an application of the dynamic disequilibrium model with randomness†
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E , Guzman Martin M
Published: March 2021

This article analyzes the economic impact of the pandemic, providing insights into the consequences of alternative policies. Our framework focuses on three key features: (i) The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a sectoral shock of unknown depth and duration affecting some sectors and technologies more than others; (ii) there are constraints in shifting resources across sectors; and (iii) there is a high level of uncertainty about the disease and its economic aftermath, inducing a high level of precautionary behavior by some agents and leading to others facing more severe credit constraints. Because of macroeconomic externalities, precautionary behavior exacerbates the downturn, and even sectors where COVID-19 does not directly affect consumption or production may face unemployment. Multipliers associated with different government expenditure programs differ markedly. The article describes policies that can mitigate precautionary behavior, leading to reduced unemployment. Greater wage flexibility may lead to increased unemployment.
The precautionary principle and genetically modified organisms: A bone of contention between European institutions and member states
Authors: Guida Alessandra
Published: March 2021

This manuscript examines how the Precautionary Principle has been applied to provide a mechanism for protection of the environment and health in response to the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in Europe. It discusses how the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) handled national requests across four cases in which Member States had failed in their attempt to trigger the Precautionary Principle in order to uphold a ban or suspension of the cultivation or sale of GMOs in their territory. The analysis of these judgements suggests that the court has applied a narrow interpretation to the scientific evidence emerging from risk assessments, and has thereby limited the potential for precautionary measures by Member States to be upheld by the court. This outcome reflects a `weak' application of the Precautionary Principle by the court in contrast with the `moderate' formulation and `strong' interpretation of the principle offered by the European legal framework. Moreover, the analysis highlights that the CJEU's rulings are not keeping pace with the development of the European normative framework which considers the Precautionary Principle as a key tenet and, through the 2015 Directive, enables Member States to ban GMO cultivation without referring to scientific evidence.
Neutron conversion–diffusion: a new model for structured short gamma-ray burst jets compatible with GRB 170817
Authors: Preau Edwan , Ioka Kunihito , Mészáros Peter
Published: March 2021

We present a generic theoretical model for the structuring of a relativistic jet propagating through the ejecta of a binary neutron star merger event, introducing the effects of the neutron conversion–diffusion, which provides a baryon flux propagating transversely from the ejecta towards the jet axis. This results naturally in an increased baryon load structure of the outer jet with the approximate isotropic energy distribution Eiso(θ) ∝ θ−4, which is compatible with the first gravitational wave and short gamma-ray burst event GW170817/GRB 170817A observed at an off-axis angle of the jet.
On-sky measurements of atmospheric dispersion – II. Atmospheric models characterization
Authors: Wehbe B , Cabral A , Sbordone L , Ávila G
Published: March 2021

Differential atmospheric dispersion is a wavelength-dependent effect introduced by Earth’s atmosphere that affects astronomical observations performed using ground-based telescopes. It is important, when observing at a zenithal angle different from zero, to use an Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC) to compensate this atmospheric dispersion. The design of an ADC is based on atmospheric models that, to the best of our knowledge, were never tested against on-sky measurements. We present an extensive models analysis in the wavelength range of 315–665 nm. The method we used was previously described in the paper I of this series. It is based on the use of cross-dispersion spectrographs to determine the position of the centroid of the spatial profile at each wavelength of each spectral order. The accuracy of the method is 18 mas. At this level, we are able to compare and characterize the different atmospheric dispersion models of interest. For better future ADC designs, we recommend to avoid the Zemax model, and in particular in the blue range of the spectra, when expecting residuals at the level of few tens of milli-arcseconds.
Formation of dwarf galaxies in major gas-rich disc–disc mergers
Authors: Dumont Amélie , Martel Hugo
Published: March 2021

Galaxies usually follow a mass–metallicity relation, where higher mass galaxies are typically more metal-rich than lower mass galaxies. Yet, tidal dwarf galaxies are outliers to this relation. These kinds of dwarfs are formed in galactic mergers. Since their material comes from the parent galaxies, they are typically more metal-rich than regular dwarfs. However, galaxies were far less enriched when the Universe was younger. One can ask if tidal dwarfs that formed at high redshift could be chemically distinguished from regular dwarfs. To answer this question, we performed a series of numerical simulations of gas-rich galaxy mergers at high redshift. We then identified the dwarf galaxies that formed in these mergers, and studied the evolution of their metal content. While the initial abundance of metals in the progenitors was low, the merger allows rapid enrichment and all tidal dwarf galaxies end up with high abundances. Their mass–metallicity relation is well fitted by the relation $12+\log ({\rm O/H})=5.47+0.415\log (M_*/\,{\rm {M}_\odot})$, putting them well above the observed relation for local dwarfs galaxies. We conclude that tidal dwarfs should be outliers to the mass–metallicity relation, no matter the epoch of formation.
TISIGNER.com: web services for improving recombinant protein production
Authors: Bhandari Bikash K , Lim Chun Shen , Gardner Paul P
Published: March 2021

Experiments that are planned using accurate prediction algorithms will mitigate failures in recombinant protein production. We have developed TISIGNER (https://tisigner.com) with the aim of addressing technical challenges to recombinant protein production. We offer three web services, TIsigner (Translation Initiation coding region designer), SoDoPE (Soluble Domain for Protein Expression) and Razor, which are specialised in synonymous optimisation of recombinant protein expression, solubility and signal peptide analysis, respectively. Importantly, TIsigner, SoDoPE and Razor are linked, which allows users to switch between the tools when optimising genes of interest.
If You Mix Them, They Will Learn: Using Simulation to Foster Multilevel Peer-to-Peer Engagement Through an Innovative Clinical Make-Up Program
Authors: Fieler Gina , Hart Julie A. , Nordheim Shawn M.
Published: March 2021

Clinical experiences are an essential component of nursing education. However, at times, students are unable to attend scheduled clinical experiences because of illness or personal issues. We describe how a baccalaureate program of nursing used an innovative approach to manage clinical absence. Simulation educators placed students from every level of the program in teams during clinical make-up simulation scenarios. Students participating in the multilevel simulations identified leadership, mentorship, reinforcement of nursing concepts, clinical skill improvement, and the opportunity to support one another as benefits of the program.