bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mining potentially actionable kinase gene fusions in cancer cell lines with the KuNG FU database
Authors: Somaschini Alessio , Di Bella Sebastiano , Cusi Carlo , Raddrizzani Laura , Leone Antonella , Carapezza Giovanni , Mazza Tommaso , Isacchi Antonella , Bosotti Roberta
Published: November 2020

Inhibition of kinase gene fusions (KGFs) has proven successful in cancer treatment and continues to represent an attractive research area, due to kinase druggability and clinical validation. Indeed, literature and public databases report a remarkable number of KGFs as potential drug targets, often identified byin vitrocharacterization of tumor cell line models and confirmed also in clinical samples. However, KGF molecular and experimental information can sometimes be sparse and partially overlapping, suggesting the need for a specific annotation database of KGFs, conveniently condensing all the molecular details that can support targeted drug development pipelines and diagnostic approaches. Here, we describe KuNG FU (KiNase Gene FUsion), a manually curated database collecting detailed annotations on KGFs that were identified and experimentally validated in human cancer cell lines from multiple sources, exclusively focusing on in-frame KGF events retaining an intact kinase domain, representing potentially active driver kinase targets. To our knowledge, KuNG FU represents to date the largest freely accessible homogeneous and curated database of kinase gene fusions in cell line models.
Predation impacts of invasive raccoons on rare native species
Authors: Oe Sakura , Sashika Mariko , Fujimoto Ayako , Shimozuru Michito , Tsubota Toshio
Published: November 2020

In Japan, there are concerns that invasive alien raccoons prey on rare native species during their spawning season from late winter to early summer. We investigated raccoon predation impact by examining the predation presence using DNA metabarcoding and extent of predation on rare native species using stable isotope analysis. We captured raccoons in Hokkaido, Japan from April to August in 2018 and 2019. We analysed raccoon faeces and gastric contents by DNA metabarcoding to detect the rare native Hokkaido salamander and Japanese crayfish. Hokkaido salamanders were detected from gastric contents, but Japanese crayfish were not detected in any samples. Stable isotope analysis of raccoon muscle samples and the Bayesian mixing model were used to estimate each food resource’s contribution to the raccoon diet. Animal food resources accounted for 70% of total consumed food. The foraging ratios of amphibians and crustaceans were about 9% and 5%, respectively. Raccoons have been found to use amphibians at a higher rate than previously reported, including a rare endangered species, the Hokkaido salamander. Hokkaido salamander and Japanese crayfish spawn in the spring, and increased predation pressure by raccoons may directly impact populations of these rare native species.
Expression profiling of sexually dimorphic genes in the Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica
Authors: Okuno Miki , Miyamoto Shuntaro , Itoh Takehiko , Seki Masahide , Suzuki Yutaka , Mizushima Shusei , Kuroiwa Asato
Published: November 2020

Research on avian sex determination has focused on the chicken. In this study, we established the utility of another widely used animal model, the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), for clarifying the molecular mechanisms underlying gonadal sex differentiation. In particular, we performed comprehensive gene expression profiling of embryonic gonads at three stages (HH27, HH31 and HH38) by mRNA-seq. We classified the expression patterns of 4,815 genes into nine clusters according to the extent of change between stages. Cluster 2 (characterized by an initial increase and steady levels thereafter), including 495 and 310 genes expressed in males and females, respectively, contained five key genes involved in gonadal sex differentiation. A GO analysis showed that genes in this cluster are related to developmental processes including reproductive structure development and developmental processes involved in reproduction were significant, suggesting that expression profiling is an effective approach to identify novel candidate genes. Based on RNA-seq data and in situ hybridization, the expression patterns and localization of most key genes for gonadal sex differentiation corresponded well to those of the chicken. Our results support the effectiveness of the Japanese quail as a model for studies gonadal sex differentiation in birds.
Retraction Note: Suppressor capacity of copper nanoparticles biosynthesized using Crocus sativus L. leaf aqueous extract on methadone-induced cell death in adrenal phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cell line
Authors: Zhang Peng , Cui Jian , Mansooridara Shirin , Kalantari Atoosa Shahriyari , Zangeneh Akram , Zangeneh Mohammad Mahdi , Sadeghian Nastaran , Taslimi Parham , Bayat Ramazan , Şen Fatih
Published: November 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77741-4.
Actively tunable THz filter based on an electromagnetically induced transparency analog hybridized with a MEMS metamaterial
Authors: Huang Ying , Nakamura Kenta , Takida Yuma , Minamide Hiroaki , Hane Kazuhiro , Kanamori Yoshiaki
Published: November 2020

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) analogs in classical oscillator systems have been investigated due to their potential in optical applications such as nonlinear devices and the slow-light field. Metamaterials are good candidates that utilize EIT-like effects to regulate optical light. Here, an actively reconfigurable EIT metamaterial for controlling THz waves, which consists of a movable bar and a fixed wire pair, is numerically and experimentally proposed. By changing the distance between the bar and wire pair through microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology, the metamaterial can controllably regulate the EIT behavior to manipulate the waves around 1.832 THz, serving as a dynamic filter. A high transmittance modulation rate of 38.8% is obtained by applying a drive voltage to the MEMS actuator. The dispersion properties and polarization of the metamaterial are also investigated. Since this filter is readily miniaturized and integrated by taking advantage of MEMS, it is expected to significantly promote the development of THz-related practical applications such as THz biological detection and THz communications.
Structural characterization, thermal properties, and molecular motions near the phase transition in hybrid perovskite [(CH2)3(NH3)2]CuCl4 crystals: 1H, 13C, and 14N nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Lim Ae Ran
Published: November 2020

The structural characterization of the [(CH2]3(NH3)2]+ cation in the perovskite [(CH2)3(NH3)2]CuCl4 crystal was performed by solid-state 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The 1H NMR chemical shifts for NH3 changed more significantly with temperature than those for CH2. This change in cationic motion is enhanced at the N-end of the organic cation, which is fixed to the inorganic layer by N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds. The 13C chemical shifts for CH2-1 increase slowly without any anomalous change, while those for CH2-2 move abruptly compared to CH2-1 with increasing temperature. The four peaks of two groups in the 14N NMR spectra, indicating the presence of a ferroelastic multidomain, were reduced to two peaks of one group near TC2 (= 333 K); the 14N NMR data clearly indicated changes in atomic configuration at this temperature. In addition, 1H and 13C spin–lattice have shorter relaxation times (T1ρ), in the order of milliseconds because T1ρ is inversely proportional to the square of the magnetic moment of paramagnetic ions. The T1ρ values for CH2 and NH3 protons were almost independent of temperature, but the CH2 moiety located in the middle of the N–C–C–C–N bond undergoes tumbling motion according to the Bloembergen–Purcell–Pound theory. Ferroelasticity is the main cause for the phase transition near TC2.
Efficacy of biofeedback rehabilitation based on visual evoked potentials analysis in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Verdina Tommaso , Piaggi Stefania , Ferraro Vanessa , Russolillo Valeria , Peschiera Riccardo , Chester Johanna , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Cavallini Gian Maria
Published: November 2020

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive and degenerative disorder of the macula. In advanced stages, it is characterized by the formation of areas of geographic atrophy or fibrous scars in the central macula, which determines irreversible loss of central vision. These patients can benefit from visual rehabilitation programmes with acoustic “biofeedback” mechanisms that can instruct the patient to move fixation from the central degenerated macular area to an adjacent healthy area, with a reorganization of the primary visual cortex. In this prospective, comparative, non-randomized study we evaluated the efficacy of visual rehabilitation with an innovative acoustic biofeedback training system based on visual evoked potentials (VEP) real-time examination (Retimax Vision Trainer, CSO, Florence), in a series of patients with advanced AMD compared to a control group. Patients undergoing training were subjected to ten consecutive visual training sessions of 10 min each, performed twice a week. Patients in the control group did not receive any training. VEP biofeedback rehabilitation seems to improve visual acuity, reading performances, contrast sensitivity, retinal fixation and sensitivity and quality of life in AMD patients.
The scattering order problem in Monte Carlo radiative transfer
Authors: Krieger A. , Wolf S.
Published: November 2020

Radiative transfer simulation is an important tool that allows us to generate synthetic images of various astrophysical objects. In the case of complex three-dimensional geometries, a Monte Carlo-based method that simulates photon packages as they move through and interact with their environment is often used. Previous studies have shown, in the regime of high optical depths, that the required number of simulated photon packages strongly rises and estimated fluxes may be severely underestimated. In this paper we identify two problems that arise for Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations that hinder a proper determination of flux: first, a mismatch between the probability and weight of the path of a photon package and second, the necessity of simulating a wide range of high scattering orders. Furthermore, we argue that the peel-off method partly solves these problems, and we additionally propose an extended peel-off method. Our proposed method improves several shortcomings of its basic variant and relies on the utilization of precalculated sphere spectra. We then combine both peel-off methods with the Split method and the Stretch method and numerically evaluate their capabilities as opposed to the pure Split & Stretch method in an infinite plane-parallel slab setup. We find that the peel-off method greatly enhances the performance of these simulations; in particular, at a transverse optical depth of τmax = 75 our method achieved a significantly lower error than previous methods while simultaneously saving > 95% computation time. Finally, we discuss the inclusion of polarization and Mie-scattering in the extended peel-off method, and argue that it may be necessary to equip future Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations with additional advanced pathfinding techniques.
Effect of plasma gas atmosphere on hydroxyapatite-coated titanium-based implants
Authors: Kotian Ravindra , Bangera Madhu Keshava , Boaz Karen , Madhyastha Prashanthi S.
Published: November 2020

The study was designed to understand the influence of different atmospheres of plasma gas on hydroxyapatite-coated commercially pure Titanium (Ti) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). Ti and Ti-6Al-4V were plasma spray-coated with hydroxyapatite in argon, nitrogen, argon/hydrogen, and nitrogen/hydrogen atmospheres. The microstructure, porosity, calcium to phosphate (Ca-P) ratio, surface roughness, and hardness of the coat were characterized using a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy, image analyzer, profilometer, and Vickers hardness tester. The analyses of the coatings obtained in different plasma gas atmospheres showed variation in microstructure, morphology, porosity, surface roughness, and hardness. As the enthalpy decreased, an increase in porosity was observed in nitrogen/hydrogen, nitrogen, argon/hydrogen, and argon atmospheres, respectively. Peak Ca-P ratio was observed in argon, which is the most inert atmosphere compared to other tested plasma atmospheres. Atmospheres with high enthalpy presented an even surface with comparatively low surface roughness. Hardness value decreased with increasing porosity. The plasma gas atmosphere has a significant influence on Ca-P ratio, porosity, and microcracks of hydroxyapatite-coated oral implants.
Was ist neu bei der Diagnostik und Therapie des malignen Melanoms?
Authors: Persa Oana-Diana , Mauch Cornelia
Published: November 2020

Was ist neu?

Diagnostik des malignen Melanoms Die Wächterlymphknotenbiopsie spielt eine wichtige Rolle für die korrekte Stadieneinteilung beim Melanom und für die Entscheidung zur Durchführung einer adjuvanten Therapie. Eine systematische, radikale Lymphadenektomie nach positivem Wächterlymphknoten verbessert das Überleben der Patienten nicht. Die Sensitivität der Bestimmung der zellfreien Tumor-DNA ist höher als beim Tumormarker S-100 und ermöglicht die frühe Erkennung eines Rezidivs beim Melanom.

Adjuvante Therapien Neben der adjuvanten Therapie mit Interferon wurden zwischenzeitlich die PD-1-Inhibitoren Nivolumab und Pembrolizumab sowie die BRAF/MEK-Inhibitoren Dabrafenib und Trametinib für die adjuvante Therapie im Stadium III zugelassen. Für die adjuvante Therapie im Stadium II ist weiterhin nur Interferon zugelassen, während für das vollständig resezierte Stadium IV nur Nivolumab zugelassen ist.

Therapie der lokoregionären Metastasierung Die intraläsionale Injektion von Talimogen laherparepvec (T-VEC) hat zu einer signifikanten Verringerung der Tumorlast im Vergleich zu intraläsionalem GM-CSF geführt und ist für das Stadium III–IV (nur M1a) zugelassen.

Therapie bei Hirnmetastasen Sowohl die zielgerichtete Therapie mit Dabrafenib und Trametinib als auch die Immunkombinationstherapie zwischen Ipilimumab und Nivolumab sind bei Hirnmetastasen wirksam. Die sequenzielle Systemtherapie mit zielgerichteter und Immuntherapie beim metastasierten malignen Melanom sowie die Kombination zielgerichteter Therapien mit Immuntherapien werden aktuell in klinischen Studien überprüft.
Weltweite Trends in der Adipositas-Chirurgie: Was machen wir in Deutschland anders?
Authors: Birk Dieter , Ahrens Markus
Published: November 2020

Die Entwicklung der Adipositas-Chirurgie hat in Deutschland eine etwas andere Entwicklung als in den meisten anderen westlichen Ländern genommen. Verursacht durch die sehr restriktive Haltung der Krankenkassen, wurde eine langsame, aber von einer guten Struktur begleitete Entwicklung der Adipositas-Chirurgie notwendig. Die niedrigen Raten an Komplikationen und einer Mortalität von weniger als 0,5%, die in den Registerstudien ausgewiesen wird, belegen die hohe Versorgungsqualität.

Mit der Initiative „Leitliniengerechte Operation ohne Kostenzusage“, die seit 2018 durch die CAADIP propagiert wird, hat zu einer Vereinfachung des Verfahrens zum Nutzen der Patienten in vielen Kliniken geführt. Im internationalen Vergleich werden aber immer noch unterdurchschnittlich wenige Patienten operativ versorgt. Die Verfahrenswahl ist vergleichbar mit der des Auslandes, die Schlauchmagenoperation ist inzwischen auch in Deutschland die häufigste Operationsform geworden.
On the measurements of magnetic nanoparticle concentration in a biological medium using a superconducting quantum magnetometer
Authors: Bondarenko S. I. , Avrunin O. G. , Bondarenko I. S. , Krevsun A. V. , Koverya V. P. , Rakhimova M. V.
Published: November 2020

Magnetic nano-particles are used in medicine both as medical means, and for the transport of medicines in the pathological area of an organism. Simultaneous influence on these particles of ultrasonic radiation and a constant magnetic field allows summarising a magnetic field of an nano-particles ensemble to the value, sufficient for its registration by the remote magnetic detector. The parity connecting the measured magnetic flux of the nanoparticles with parameters of the particles, ultrasound, and the measuring system using as the magnetic detector superconducting quantum magnetometer is received. Calculations have shown, that such a system can measure a concentration of the nano-particles in colloidal solution, modeling the biological medium, in the unattainable earlier dynamic range of values (from 1 vol % to 10−7 vol %).
A handbook for the standardised sampling of plant functional traits in disturbance-prone ecosystems, with a focus on open ecosystems
Authors: Wigley B. J. , Charles-Dominique T. , Hempson G. P. , Stevens N. , TeBeest M. , Archibald S. , Bond W. J. , Bunney K. , Coetsee C. , Donaldson J. , Fidelis A. , Gao X. , Gignoux J. , Lehmann C. , Massad T. J. , Midgley J. J. , Millan M. , Schwilk D. , Siebert F. , Solofondranohatra C. , Staver A. C. , Zhou Y. , Kruger L. M.
Published: November 2020

Plant functional traits provide a valuable tool to improve our understanding of ecological processes at a range of scales. Previous handbooks on plant functional traits have highlighted the importance of standardising measurements of traits to improve our understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. In open ecosystems (i.e. grasslands, savannas, open woodlands and shrublands), traits related to disturbance (e.g. herbivory, drought, and fire) play a central role in explaining species performance and distributions and are the focus of this handbook. We provide brief descriptions of 34 traits and list important environmental filters and their relevance, provide detailed sampling methodologies and outline potential pitfalls for each trait. We have grouped traits according to plant functional type (grasses, forbs and woody plants) and, because demographic stages may experience different selective pressures, we have separated traits according to the different plant life stages (seedlings saplings and adults). We have attempted to not include traits that have been covered in previous handbooks except for where updates or additional information was considered beneficial.
Understanding how Aboriginal culture can contribute to the resilient future of rangelands – the importance of Aboriginal core values
Authors: Ridges Mal , Kelly Mick , Simpson Geoff , Leys John , Booth Sandy , Friedel Margaret , Country Ngyampaa
Published: November 2020

There are numerous examples illustrating the integration of Aboriginal knowledge and participation in rangelands management. At the 2019 Australian Rangelands Conference we aimed to explore how Aboriginal culture and its core values have something deeper to contribute to rangelands management. We explore this through a Yungadhu (Malleefowl) cultural depiction and story. The depiction and story explain the often cited, but not well understood, concepts of Kinship, Country, Lore, and Dreaming. The story provides insight into Aboriginal people’s world view and is used in this paper to illustrate how well it aligns with current thinking about resilience in rangelands landscapes and communities. Significantly, we explain how the deep wisdom that resides in Aboriginal cultures has something meaningful to contribute to achieving the conditions for resilience.
Final report on GULFMET supplementary comparison of AC energy (GULFMET.EM-S5.1)
Authors: Velychko Oleh , Bartholomew Jon
Published: November 2020

Main text

A bilateral supplementary comparison for standards of electrical energy has taken place within the framework of GULFMET. The comparison, piloted by State Enterprise 'Ukrmetrteststandard' - UMTS (Ukraine), has involved two laboratories (UMTS and QCC EMI, United Arab Emirates) from regional metrological organizations GULFMET and COOMET. The results presented in this report provides confidence in maintaining traceability for active energy and reactive energy for 1.0, 0.5 Lag, 0.5 Lead power factors at frequencies of 50 Hz and 53 Hz.

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Effects of laser light and AC signals on opto-electrohydrodynamic flow with twin microvortices: I. non-uniform AC electric fields
Authors: Park Choongbae , Wereley Steven T
Published: November 2020

This paper describes both qualitative and quantitative analysis of rapid microvortex flow generation and manipulation induced by opto-electrohydrodynamic technique. A flow named twin opposing microvortex (TOMV) is generated by infrared laser light under non-uniform alternating current (AC) electric fields. For the AC electric fields, frequency ranges from 3 kHz up to 2 MHz while the voltage is changed up to 10 Vp-p(peak-to-peak voltage). Simultaneously, the laser shines either of a pair of electrodes with a power of 0.5 W. Micron-resolution particle image velocimetry technique has been used to construct the velocity fields of the TOMV flow. The strength of the TOMV flow can be tuned by adjusting the AC voltage and frequency. The maximum measurable in-plane velocity of 54.7µm s−1outside electrode regions can be achieved with an AC signal of 9 Vp-pand 107 kHz and a laser beam of 0.5 W. This is achieved with indium tin oxide electrodes located on the top surface of a microchamber, in which the electrodes are 16µm wide and 300µm long with a spacing of 73µm between them. This three-dimensional flow generation can be used forin situmicropump and mixing.
Multiply-excited states and their contribution to opacity in CO2 laser-driven tin-plasma conditions
Authors: Sheil J , Versolato O O , Neukirch A J , Colgan J
Published: November 2020

A recent study (2020 Nat. Commun. 11 2334) has found that transitions between multiply-excited configurations in open 4d-subshell tin ions are the dominant contributors to intense EUV emission from dense, Nd:YAG-driven (laser wavelength λ = 1.064 μm) tin plasmas. In the present study, we employ the Los Alamos Atomic code to investigate the spectral contribution from these transitions under industrially-relevant, CO2 laser-driven (λ = 10.6 μm) tin plasma conditions. First, we employ Busquet’s ionisation temperature method to match the average charge state ⟨Z⟩ of a non-local-thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) plasma with an LTE one. This is done by varying the temperature of the LTE calculations until a so-called ionisation temperature T

Z
is established. Importantly, this approach generates LTE-computed configuration populations in excellent agreement with the non-LTE populations. A corollary of this observation is that the non-LTE populations are well-described by Boltzmann-type exponential distributions having effective temperatures T
eff ≈ T

Z
. In the second part of this work, we perform extensive level-resolved LTE opacity calculations at T

Z
. It is found that 66% of the opacity in the industrially-relevant 2% bandwidth centred at 13.5 nm arises from transitions between multiply-excited states. These results reinforce the need for the consideration of complex, multiply-excited states in modelling the radiative properties of laser-driven plasma sources of EUV light.
High thermoelectric performance in two dimensional chalcogenides systems: GaSe and GaTe
Authors: Marfoua Brahim , Hong Jisang
Published: November 2020

Among the group-III chalcogenides, the two-dimensional (2D) GaSe and GaTe materials have been synthesized, but recent theoretical studies have raised controversial results regarding their thermoelectric (TE) properties. Hereby, systematically investigated the temperature and carrier concentration dependent TE properties of 2D GaSe and GaTe. We found that the GaSe had an indirect band gap of 2.94 eV while the GaTe had an indirect band gap of 1.88 eV. Both materials had almost the same Seebeck coefficients, but the p-type GaTe had the longest carrier relaxation time. We obtained the largest electrical conductivity over the thermal conductivity ratio in p-type GaTe compared with all other systems. This results in a very high p-type ZT of 0.91. Moreover, this high ZT performance is only changed by approximately 7% in a wide range of temperatures (300–700 K) and carrier concentration (1011–1013 hole cm−2). Compared with previously reported results, we find that it is necessary to consider the carrier relaxation time and spin–orbit coupling effect for determining reliable TE property. Overall, we propose that the p-type GaTe have outstanding TE property, and it can be utilized for potential TE device applications.
Scalable wavelength-selective solar absorber based on refractory TiN nanostructures
Authors: Nishikawa Kazutaka , Yatsugi Kenichi
Published: November 2020

Scalable wavelength-selective solar absorbers with both high selectivity and thermostability are desired for efficient utilization of solar thermal energy. In this study, we present a refractory titanium nitride (TiN) moth-eye-like nanostructure, fabricated via oblique deposition, that provides high solar-light absorptivity (0.9) and low emissivity (0.17) at 100 °C under atmospheric conditions. The strong visible-light absorption of the structure is complemented by a Fabry−Pérot resonance that broadens the strong absorption band into the near-infrared light region for certain structure dimensions. In addition, TiN is a promising material, due to its refractory nature, having a very high melting point of 2930 °C. The oblique deposition method used to obtain the nano-structured TiN does not require the use of lithographic techniques or expensive nano-templates, thus it is suitable for large-scale fabrication. The nanostructure and its fabrication method have significant potential for practical applications requiring efficient use of solar-light energy.
The 3D printing of dielectric elastomer films assisted by electrostatic force
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Zhou Yanfen , Li Wenyue , Liu Zhanxu , Zhou Bangze , Wen Shipeng , Jiang Liang , Chen Shaojuan , Ma Jianwei , Betts Anthony , Jerrams Stephen , Zhou Fenglei
Published: November 2020

Compared with traditional methods for preparing dielectric elastomer (DE) films, electrohydrodynamic (EHD) 3D printing displays many advantages, notably full automation, computer control and flexible design. It also confers high printing resolution, high preparation efficiency with minimal probability of nozzle clogging. In this article, EHD 3D printing was employed to fabricate silicone rubber (SR) based DE films. In order to increase their dielectric constant, high dielectric copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) particles were added into the SR ink. Optimal printing conditions were determined by analyzing the effects of printing voltage and ink properties on the formation of liquid cone and the printed line width. The SR/CuPc composite film with 3 wt% CuPc particles (SR/CuPc-3) exhibits a high dielectric constant of 5.52, with a large actuated area strain of 23.7% under an electric field of 39.4 V μm−1. Furthermore, under 100 cycles of electric field loading, SR/CuPc-3 demonstrate excellent electromechanical stability, indicating that EHD 3D printing holds a considerable potential for fabricating high-performance DE films in an efficacious manner.
Structural and chemical properties of superconducting Co-doped BaFe2As2 thin films grown on CaF2
Authors: Grünewald L , Langer M , Meyer S , Nerz D , Hänisch J , Holzapfel B , Gerthsen D
Published: November 2020

Thin films of Co-doped BaFe2As2 of similar thickness (~40 nm) were grown with different growth rates (0.4 Å s−1 and 0.9 Å s−1) by pulsed laser deposition on CaF2(001) substrates. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was applied to analyze the microstructure and secondary phases. The formation of BaF2 and a high concentration of planar defects (mainly stacking faults) are observed for the sample grown at a low rate. A higher growth rate results in high-quality epitaxial films with only few antiphase boundaries. A higher T
c was measured for the sample grown at a low growth rate, which is attributed to the difference in strain state induced by the high concentration of defects. Large crystalline Fe precipitates are observed in both samples. Chemical analysis shows a pronounced O and slight F content at the planar defects which highlights the role of O in defect formation. Electron-beam-induced irradiation damage during TEM measurements is observed and discussed.
Critical current density defined at low electric field criterion and energy margin of superconducting MgB2 wires in wide temperature and magnetic field range
Authors: Kodama Motomune , Kotaki Hiroshi , Suzuki Takaaki , Tanaka Hideki
Published: November 2020

High-temperature superconductors (HTS) and MgB2 may potentially improve the usability of superconducting magnets dramatically owing to their large energy margin. When HTS and MgB2 wires are used for magnets operated in the persistent current mode, such as in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, the electric field generated in the wires must be lower than 10−10 V m−1. In this paper, critical current density, J
c, defined at an electric field criterion of 10−10 V m−1 is evaluated from a magnetisation decay measurement for state-of-the-art monofilamentary MgB2 wires. By using the obtained J
c, a critical line of our multifilamentary MgB2 wire is shown on the temperature-magnetic field plane. Here, the critical line is defined as a line on which an electric field of 10−10 V m−1 is generated at a coil current density of 150 A mm−2. The area inside the critical line is demonstrated to be large enough to fulfil the requirement of 1.5 T MRI scanners operated at 10K–15K. In addition, the iso energy-margin lines are shown on the temperature-magnetic field plane and compared with those of NbTi wires. The MgB2 wire has an order of magnitude greater energy margin than the NbTi wires in most of the area inside the critical line. This suggests that the MgB2 wire is highly unlikely to be quenched due to mechanical disturbances.
Internal energy change in Darcy-Forchheimer Carreau fluid model past a vertical stretching sheet with magnetic dipole and variable thermo-physical properties
Authors: Salahuddin T , Khan Mair , Alharbi Sayer Obaid , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: November 2020

In this research work, we consider a thermal energy system with a different controlling effects which impact the entire system. These controlling effects include the variable thermo-physical properties of Carreau fluid flow causing change in internal energy (viscous dissipation) of the permeable thermal conversion problem. The disturbance in fluid’s motion is created by applying magnetic dipole. After converting the thermal system from partial differential into ordinary differential, the developed system is solved by using midpoint method in combination with bisection. The thermal energy extrusion system consists of velocity and temperature fields. The related controlling parameters include variable thermal conductivity parameter, Darcy-Forchheimer parameter, Eckert number, mixed convection parameter, variable viscosity parameter, ferrohydrodynamic interaction variable, Weissenberg number, curie temperature and Prandtl number. The sketched results provides good thermal effects on entire system for small and large values of these parameters. Carreau fluid model is performed to analyse the properties of shear thinning and thickening. It is noticed that velocity distribution reduces for large values of Williamson parameter, ferrohydrodynamic interaction variable, porosity parameter and variable viscosity parameter but opposite behavior is achieved for large values of Darcy-Forchheimer parameter. The temperature profile shows great impact by emerging parameters appearing on it. The small parameter and Eckert number shows enhancement in temperature distribution, but large reduction is noticed in temperature distribution for greater values of Prandtl number and curie parameter. Comparison of current thermal system is calculated for limited values of these parameters.
Entropy generation and Dufour and Soret effects in radiative flow by a rotating cone
Authors: A Khan Sohail , Hayat T , Alsaedi A , Momani S
Published: November 2020

Here thermo-diffusion and diffusion-thermo behaviors in mixed convection radiative flow by a rotating cone is examined. Viscous dissipation and radiation in energy equation are present. Dufour and Soret effects are discussed. Entropy optimization is considered. Nonlinear PDEs are reduced to ODEs through appropriate variables. Nonlinear expressions are solved by ND-solve technique. Characteristics of different involved variables of concentration, entropy optimization, Bejan number, temperature and velocity are deliberated. Computational results of gradient of velocity, Nusselt number and mass transfer rate are scrutinized via tables. Comparative study of current and previous published results in literature is also made. A good agreement is noticed. Tangential and azimuthal velocity components are decreased for higher slip parameter. Azimuthal and tangential velocities have reverse effects against mixed convection parameters. Temperature has contrasting effect for larger radiation parameter and Prandtl number. Entropy optimization have similar behavior versus radiation parameter.
Local electronic structure of stable monolayers of α-MoO3−

x
grown on graphite substrate
Authors: Kowalczyk Dorota A , Rogala Maciej , Szałowski Karol , Kozłowski Witold , Lutsyk Iaroslav , Piskorski Michał , Krukowski Paweł , Dąbrowski Paweł , Belić Domagoj , Cichomski Michał , Klusek Zbigniew , Kowalczyk Paweł J
Published: November 2020

We report on van der Waals epitaxy of two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum trioxide (MoO3−x
) with monolayer thickness directly grown on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite by thermal evaporation under ultrahigh vacuum. The chemical composition, electronic and crystalline lattice structures of the mono-and few-layer MoO3−x
sheets are analysed. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, we investigate the electronic properties of MoO3−x
as a function of the number of layers and measure the apparent energy gap to be 0.4 eV for the first three layers of MoO3−x
on graphite. We carried out density functional theory calculations to shed light on the mechanism underlying the observed narrow bandgap with oxygen deficiency. Moreover, the air exposure effect on monolayer MoO3−x
is investigated confirming that the apparent bandgap closes, and additionally we show the reduction of the work function from 5.7 to 4.7 eV. We prove that it is possible to synthesize the 2D, non-stoichiometric, and electrically conductive MoO3−x
.
Effect of short carbon fiber/SiC on tribological properties of aluminium matrix hybrid composites
Authors: Joshi Tanmay Vivek , Mohanty Akash
Published: November 2020

This research study was carried out to combine the beneficial properties of Silicon Carbide (SiC) and carbon fiber (CF) as reinforcements in the aluminum matrix to develop the composites for automotive and aerospace applications. Powder metallurgy was used to fabricate five samples with different compositions. Optical microscopy was used to visualize the microstructure and the phases of the composite. Linear wear, coefficient of friction, density, and Vickers hardness of the samples were determined and were compared. The sample with 6 wt.% CF and 10 wt.% SiC was found to have the optimal properties for the application. The linear wear was 52.32% less and the hardness was 14.58% more than the base.
The evolution of a cell biologist
Authors: Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer
Published: November 2020

I am honored and humbled to receive the E. B. Wilson Medal and happy to share some reflections on my journey as a cell biologist. It took me a while to realize that my interest in biology would center on how cells are spatially and dynamically organized. From an initial fascination with cellular structures I came to appreciate that cells exhibit dynamism across all scales—from their molecules, to molecular complexes, to organelles. Uncovering the principles of this dynamism, including new ways to observe and quantify it, has been the guiding star of my work.
Drivers of alloparental provisioning of fledglings in a colonially breeding bird
Authors: Ogino Mina , Maldonado-Chaparro Adriana A , Farine Damien R
Published: November 2020

Reproduction is costly. Despite this, evidence suggests that parents sometimes feed unrelated offspring. Several hypotheses could explain this puzzling phenomenon. Adults could feed unrelated offspring that are 1) of their close social associates to facilitate these juveniles’ integration into their social network (the social inheritance hypothesis), 2) potential extrapair offspring, 3) at a similar developmental stage as their own, 4) coercing feeding by begging, or 5) less-developed (to enhance their survival, which could benefit the adult or its offspring; the group augmentation hypothesis). Colonial breeders are ideal for investigating the relative importance of these hypotheses because offspring are often kept in crèches where adults can exhibit allofeeding. Using automated monitoring of replicated captive zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) colonies, we found that while parents selectively fed their own offspring, they also consistently fed unrelated offspring (32.48% of feeding events). Social relationships among adults prior to breeding did not predict allofeeding, nor was allofeeding directed toward potential genetic offspring. Instead, adults with more-developed offspring preferentially fed less-developed non-offspring over non-offspring at a similar developmental stage as their own offspring, and this tendency was not explained by differences in begging behavior. Our study suggests that allofeeding is consistent with group augmentation, potentially benefiting adults through colony maintenance or increased offspring survival.
Moving Toward versus Away from Another: How Body Motion Direction Changes the Representation of Bodies and Actions in the Visual Cortex
Authors: Bellot Emmanuelle , Abassi Etienne , Papeo Liuba
Published: November 2020

Representing multiple agents and their mutual relations is a prerequisite to understand social events such as interactions. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging on human adults, we show that visual areas dedicated to body form and body motion perception contribute to processing social events, by holding the representation of multiple moving bodies and encoding the spatial relations between them. In particular, seeing animations of human bodies facing and moving toward (vs. away from) each other increased neural activity in the body-selective cortex [extrastriate body area (EBA)] and posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) for biological motion perception. In those areas, representation of body postures and movements, as well as of the overall scene, was more accurate for facing body (vs. nonfacing body) stimuli. Effective connectivity analysis with dynamic causal modeling revealed increased coupling between EBA and pSTS during perception of facing body stimuli. The perceptual enhancement of multiple-body scenes featuring cues of interaction (i.e., face-to-face positioning, spatial proximity, and approaching signals) was supported by the participants’ better performance in a recognition task with facing body versus nonfacing body stimuli. Thus, visuospatial cues of interaction in multiple-person scenarios affect the perceptual representation of body and body motion and, by promoting functional integration, streamline the process from body perception to action representation.
Isolation and Purification of Five Phloroglucinol Derivatives From Agrimonia Pilosa Ledeb by Counter-Current Chromatography Using Non-Aqueous Solvent Systems
Authors: Fu Lulu , Lu Chenghua , Tong Shengqiang , Xu Min , Tang Lan , Shan Weiguang
Published: November 2020

Five non-polar phloroglucinol derivatives, viz. pseudo-aspidin, α-kosin and agripinol A-C were isolated and purified from Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb by semi-preparative counter-current chromatography. The separation was performed by a two-step elution with non-aqueous solvent systems. In the first step, an elution mode of a two-phase solvent system consisting of n-hexane-acetonitrile-dichloromethane-methanol (6:6:0.5:0.5, v/v/v/v) was used. We obtained sample Ι containing three components (47.0 mg) and sample ΙΙ containing two components (24.8 mg) from crude extract (371.0 mg). In the second step, sample Ι was successfully separated by closed-loop recycling mode with a solvent system consisting of n-hexane-acetonitrile-dichloromethane (10:7:3, v/v/v), yielding 17.8 mg of pseudo-aspidin, 18.5 mg of α-kosin and 6.4 mg of agripinol A. The other two compounds—8.7 mg of agripinol B and 13.6 mg of agripinol C—were obtained from sample ΙΙ in the same manner. All the isolated compounds had a high purity exceeding 95%.
Using social media to recruit study participants for a randomized trial for hypertension
Authors: Feyz Lida , Wang Yale , Pathak Atul , Saxena Manish , Mahfoud Felix , Sanghvi Kintur , Peterson Rose , Kirtane Ajay J , Azizi Michel , Iyer Mano , Daemen Joost
Published: November 2020

Aims

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of social media as an approach to recruit hypertensive subjects.

Methods and results

In addition to conventional trial recruitment, Facebook ads were run. Over a 115-day recruitment period, Facebook reached 5.3 million people in 168 separate campaigns run in the proximity of 19 sites in the USA and 14 sites in Europe. A total of 182 839 participants (3.4%) clicked on the ad; of those 10 483 subjects (5.7%) completed a dedicated questionnaire. This resulted in 3632 potential candidates. A total of 285 potential candidates were recruited by various recruitment strategies in the specified time period, of which 184/285 (64.6%) came from Facebook. When comparing Facebook with a 7-day radio spot in the same time period, 48 radio spots were launched; resulting in nine inquiries with eventually five potential candidates and two consents.

Conclusion

Targeted social media was a successful and efficient strategy to recruit hypertensive subjects.
The dynamic effect of coronary artery bypass grafting on the instantaneous wave-free ratio in the collateral donor artery of a patient with chronic total occlusion
Authors: Rey Florian , Degrauwe Sophie , Noble Stéphane , Iglesias Juan F
Published: November 2020

Physiological assessment is challenging in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) with a chronic total occlusion (CTO) and may result in inappropriate treatment decisions. We report herein, for the first time to our knowledge, on the dynamic changes of the instantaneous wave-free ratio in the CTO collateral donor artery before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Our case highlights the paramount importance of collateral circulation when interpreting invasive indices of coronary stenosis severity to guide decision-making for CABG in MVD patients with a CTO. This may be particularly relevant to reduce the risk of early graft failure in patients with MVD undergoing CABG.
Rationale, design and initial results of an educational intervention to improve provider-initiated HIV testing in primary care
Authors: Bogers Saskia J , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F , van Dijk Nynke , Groen Karlijn , Groot Bruinderink Marije L , de Bree Godelieve J , Reiss Peter , Geerlings Suzanne E , van Bergen Jan E A M
Published: November 2020

Objectives

In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) perform two-thirds of sexually transmitted infection (STI) consultations and diagnose one-third of HIV infections. GPs are, therefore, a key group to target to improve provider-initiated HIV testing. We describe the design and implementation of an educational intervention to improve HIV testing by Amsterdam GPs and explore trends in GPs’ testing behaviour.

Methods

Interactive sessions on HIV and STI using graphical audit and feedback started in 2015. Participating GPs developed improvement plans that were evaluated in follow-up sessions. Laboratory data on STI testing by Amsterdam GPs from 2011 to 2017 were collected for graphical audit and feedback and effect evaluation. The primary outcome was the HIV testing rate: number of HIV tests per 10 000 person-years (PY). Secondary endpoints were chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing rates and HIV positivity ratios.

Results

Since 2015, 41% of GPs participated. HIV testing rate declined from 2011 to 2014 (from 175 to 116 per 10 000 PY), more in women than men (176 to 101 versus 173 to 132), and stabilized from 2015 to 2017. The HIV positivity ratio declined from 0.8% in 2011 to 0.5% in 2017. From 2011 to 2017, chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing rates declined in women (from 618 to 477 per 10 000 PY) but remained stable in men (from 270 to 278).

Conclusions

The stabilization of the downward trend in HIV testing coincided with this educational intervention. Follow-up data are needed to formally assess the intervention’s impact on GP testing behaviour whilst considering contextual factors and secular trends.
Utilization of low-molecular-weight organic compounds by the filterable fraction of a lotic microbiome
Authors: Ghuneim Lydia-Ann J , Distaso Marco A , Chernikova Tatyana N , Bargiela Rafael , Lunev Evgenii A , Korzhenkov Aleksei A , Toshchakov Stepan V , Rojo David , Barbas Coral , Ferrer Manuel , Golyshina Olga V , Golyshin Peter N , Jones David L
Published: November 2020

Filterable microorganisms participate in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) cycling in freshwater systems, however their exact functional role remains unknown. We determined the taxonomic identity and community dynamics of prokaryotic microbiomes in the 0.22 µm-filtered fraction and unfiltered freshwater from the Conwy River (North Wales, UK) in microcosms and, using targeted metabolomics and 14C-labelling, examined their role in the utilization of amino acids, organic acids and sugars spiked at environmentally-relevant (nanomolar) concentrations. To identify changes in community structure, we used 16S rRNA amplicon and shotgun sequencing. Unlike the unfiltered water samples where the consumption of DOC was rapid, the filtered fraction showed a 3-day lag phase before the consumption started. Analysis of functional categories of clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (COGs) showed that COGs associated with energy production increased in number in both fractions with substrate addition. The filtered fraction utilized low-molecular-weight (LMW) DOC at much slower rates than the whole community. Addition of nanomolar concentrations of LMW DOC did not measurably influence the composition of the microbial community nor the rate of consumption across all substrate types in either fraction. We conclude that due to their low activity, filterable microorganisms play a minor role in LMW DOC processing within a short residence time of lotic freshwater systems.