bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the structural components of artificial turf systems on impact attenuation in amateur football players
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Gallardo-Guerrero Ana M. , García-Gallart Antonio , Sánchez-Sáez Juan Antonio , Felipe José L. , Encarnación-Martínez Alberto
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of the structural components of different 3rd generation artificial turf football field systems on the biomechanical response of impact attenuation in amateur football players. A total of 12 amateur football players (24.3 ± 3.7 years, 73.5 ± 5.5 kg, 178.3 ± 4.1 cm and 13.7 ± 4.3 years of sport experience) were evaluated on three third generation artificial turf systems (ATS) with different structural components. ATS were composed of asphalt sub-base and 45 mm of fibre height with (ATS1) and without (ATS2) elastic layer or compacted granular sub-base, 60 mm of fibre height without elastic layer (ATS3). Two triaxial accelerometers were firmly taped to the forehead and the distal end of the right tibia of each individual. The results reveal a higher force reduction on ATS3 in comparison to ATS1 (+6.24%, CI95%: 1.67 to 10.92, ES: 1.07; p < 0.05) and ATS2 (+21.08%, CI95%: 16.51 to 25.66, ES: 2.98; p < 0.05) elastic layer. Tibia acceleration rate was lower on ATS3 than ATS1 (−0.32, CI95%: −0.60 to −0.03, ES: 4.23; p < 0.05) and ATS2 (−0.35, CI95%: −0.64 to −0.06; ES: 4.69; p < 0.05) at 3.3 m/s. A very large correlation (r = 0.7 to 0.9; p < 0.05) was found between energy restitution and fibre height in both head and tibial peak acceleration and stride time. In conclusion, structural components (fibre height, infill, sub-base and elastic layer) determine the mechanical properties of artificial turf fields. A higher force reduction and lower energy restitution diminished the impact received by the player which could protect against injuries associated with impacts compared to harder artificial turf surfaces.
Iodine solubility and speciation in glasses
Authors: Cicconi M. R. , Pili E. , Grousset L. , Florian P. , Bouillard J. C , Vantelon D. , Neuville D. R.
Published: May 2019

The study of iodine in glasses and melts is critical in many areas, from geosciences to materials science to waste management. Glasses in the ternary system Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 were studied with the goal of identifying a glass matrix able to dissolve large quantities of this element, and to identify the main parameters affecting the solubility of iodine. Two sets of experiments were carried out: the first one with the aim of determining the solubility limit of iodine, and the second one to identify the structural variations occurring within the glass network upon iodine incorporation, and to identify the parameters influencing the most both iodine solubility and speciation. We demonstrated that there is a strong dependence of iodine incorporation on bulk chemistry and glass physical properties. A solubility limit of ~5 mol% I has been assessed for B2O3-rich glasses and of ~1 mol% for SiO2-rich ones, and this composition dependence has been explained by considering the fragility parameter of the glass network. Structural variations in the iodine local environment and in the glass network were characterized by Raman, X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy, and 11B NMR. Spectroscopy data point out the coexistence of different I species within the glasses, with iodide being the predominant one, surrounded by Na+ ions.
Printed supercapacitors: materials, printing and applications
Authors: Zhang Yi-Zhou , Wang Yang , Cheng Tao , Yao Lan-Qian , Li Xiangchun , Lai Wen-Yong , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

This review summarizes how printing methods can revolutionize the manufacturing of supercapacitors – promising energy storage devices for flexible electronics.
Ameliorative effect of fermentable fibres on adiposity and insulin resistance in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat and sucrose diet
Authors: Jangra Surender , K. Raja Shekar , Sharma Raj Kumar , Pothuraju Ramesh , Mohanty A. K.
Published: May 2019

The consumption of diets rich in fat and refined sugars is recognized to be one of the causes of lifestyle disorders, and dietary fibres are being advocated to ameliorate the complications associated with these disorders.
Direct C-3 alkylation of coumarins via decarboxylative coupling with carboxylic acids
Authors: Jafarpour Farnaz , Darvishmolla Masoumeh , Azaddoost Narges , Mohaghegh Farid
Published: May 2019

A metal-free direct alkylation of coumarins using carboxylic acids in aqueous media with a broad substrate scope is devised.
Isothermal and non-isothermal cold crystallization of tetrabenzofluorene (TBF) molecules
Authors: Boopathi A. A. , Sampath Srinivasan , Narasimhaswamy T.
Published: May 2019

Isothermal and non-isothermal cold crystallization of TBFC homologs is investigated by varying the alkyl chain length from C8 to C18 employing HOPM, DSC and powder XRD techniques.
Exploiting the application of l-aptamer with excellent stability: an efficient sensing platform for malachite green in fish samples
Authors: Luo Xiaowei , Chen Zhifeng , Li Hongfeng , Li Wenqin , Cui Liang , Huang Jiahao
Published: May 2019

Effective monitoring of the content of malachite green (MG) in aquaculture is of great importance for food safety.
Exploring asthenozoospermia seminal plasma amino acid disorder based on GC-SIM-MS combined with chemometrics methods
Authors: Li M. J. , Zhang Z. M. , Fan F. , Ma P. , Wang Y. , Lu H. M.
Published: May 2019

Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility.
Suppression of self-discharge in solid-state supercapacitors using a zwitterionic gel electrolyte
Authors: Ge Kangkang , Liu Guangming
Published: May 2019

The zwitterionic gel electrolyte developed here can be applied to minimize self-discharge whilst maintaining the closed circuit electrochemical performance of solid-state supercapacitors.
Syntheses, structural diversity, and photocatalytic-degradation properties for methylene blue of Co(ii) and Ni(ii) MOFs based on terephthalic acid and different imidazole bridging ligands
Authors: Cui Lian-sheng , Meng Xiang-min , Li Yong-gang , Huang Ke-rui , Li Yuan-cheng , Long Jin-qiao , Yao Peng-fei
Published: May 2019

Six coordination polymers were constructed and characterized by X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.
Mixtures of LiTFSI and urea: ideal thermodynamic behavior as key to the formation of deep eutectic solvents?
Authors: Nandy Aniruddha , Smiatek Jens
Published: May 2019

We studied the dynamic and structural properties of deep eutectic solvents composed of LiTFSI salts in presence of urea.
A recyclable post-synthetically modified Al(iii) based metal–organic framework for fast and selective fluorogenic recognition of bilirubin in human biofluids
Authors: Nandi Soutick , Biswas Shyam
Published: May 2019

The ultra-fast, highly sensitive and selective sensing features of bilirubin in human biofluids by a post-synthetically modified Al(iii) MOF are presented.
The MMCT excited state of a localized mixed valence cyanido-bridged RuII–RuIII,III2–RuII complex
Authors: Su Shao-Dong , Zhu Xiao-Quan , Zhang Lin-Tao , Yang Yu-Ying , Wen Yue-Hong , Wu Xin-Tao , Yang Song-Qiu , Sheng Tian-Lu
Published: May 2019

The MMCT rate or the lifetime of the MMCT excited state could be controlled by a slight change of the substituent group on the metal center and was confirmed by the TA spectra.
Green tea polyphenols prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory liver injury in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Wang Dongxu , Zhang Man , Wang Taotao , Cai Min , Qian Frank , Sun Yue , Wang Yijun
Published: May 2019

Inflammatory liver diseases present a significant public health problem.
Persistent superconductivity in atomic layer-magnetic molecule van der Waals heterostructures: a comparative study
Authors: Uchihashi Takashi , Yoshizawa Shunsuke , Minamitani Emi , Watanabe Satoshi , Takagi Yasumasa , Yokoyama Toshihiko
Published: May 2019

2D superconductor-magnetic molecule heterostructures are created and controlled through coordination chemistry.
A dimethoxypillar[5]arene/azastilbene host–guest recognition motif and its applications in the fabrication of polypseudorotaxanes
Authors: Wang Liyun , Xia Danyu , Chao Jianbin , Zhang Junjie , Wei Xuehong , Wang Pi
Published: May 2019

A host–guest recognition motif based on 1,4-dimethoxylpillar[5]arene (DMP5) and guest trans-4,4′-vinylenedipyridine (trans-G1) was fabricated and applied to construct metallosupramolecular polypseudorotaxanes.
In situsynthesis of poly(ether ester)viadirect polycondensation of terephthalic acid and 1,3-propanediol with sulfonic acids as catalysts
Authors: Gan Ziyao , Bing Dexian , Qu Shuang , Li Shengyi , Tan Tianwei , Yang Jing
Published: May 2019

Sulfonic acid-comprising catalysts were explored toin situfabricate ether segments in the process of esterification of terephthalic acid and 1,3-propanediol, and developing a new pathway of poly(ether ester)s synthesis without the addition of oligoether as starting materials.
Nonlinear optical behavior of n-tuple decker phthalocyanines at the nanosecond regime: investigation of change in mechanisms
Authors: Sekhosana Kutloano E. , Nyokong Tebello
Published: May 2019

Rare-earth n-tuple decker phthalocyanine complexes exhibit superior optical limiting properties than the neutral double-decker derivatives, with the normalized transmittance reduced to about 80%.
Carbon vacancy defect-activated Pt cluster for hydrogen generation
Authors: Bao Xiaobing , Gong Yutong , Chen Yuzhuo , Zhang Hao , Wang Zhe , Mao Shanjun , Xie Lei , Jiang Zheng , Wang Yong
Published: May 2019

Providing specific accommodation for supported metal clusters on the defective sites of supports is vital to disclose the function mechanism of the structural defects on metals and the fabrication of excellent catalysts.
Mechanism of formation governs the mechanism of release of antibiotics from calcium phosphate nanopowders and cements in a drug-dependent manner
Authors: Uskoković Vuk
Published: May 2019

History of formation of the carrier affects the release mechanism, which is drastically dependent on the identity of the drug.
Benzothienopyrimidine as a co-planar type rigid acceptor for high external quantum efficiency in thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters
Authors: Oh Chan Seok , Lee Ha Lim , Hong Wan Pyo , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: May 2019

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters based on a new benzothienopyrimidine acceptor, which is rigid and can form a co-planar structure via hydrogen bonding, were developed as high-efficiency TADF emitters.
Stochastic multi‐stage model for co‐planning of transmission system and merchant distributed energy resources
Authors: Ranjbar Hossein , Hosseini Seyed Hamid
Published: May 2019

In recent years, while energy consumption is still increasing, system peak load is decreasing due to deregulation in power systems, application of demand response programmes, microgrids and smart grids implementation, and so on. Thus, transmission system operators (TSOs), which are usually a public entity, must reinforce the transmission systems to maintain power system reliability. They are not interested in investing transmission network because of high investment costs. In this regard, this study presents a new bi‐level model for co‐planning of transmission system and merchant distributed energy resources (DERs). The upper level takes the TSOs perspective and aims to minimise the line investment cost and cost of buying energy from conventional generators and DERs, while ensuring a given rate of return on DERs investments. The lower level simulates market clearing to find nodal prices for calculating DERs' profit and cost of buying energy. The proposed model is reformulated as a single‐level mixed integer linear programming problem by strong duality technique, bigM method, and the complementary slackness conditions. The IEEE RTS 24 bus test system has been used to show the usefulness of the proposed model.
Comparing extrapolations of the coronal magnetic field structure at 2.5R⊙with multi-viewpoint coronagraphic observations
Authors: Sasso C. , Pinto R. F. , Andretta V. , Howard R. A. , Vourlidas A. , Bemporad A. , Dolei S. , Spadaro D. , Susino R. , Antonucci E. , Abbo L. , Da Deppo V. , Fineschi S. , Frassetto F. , Landini F. , Naletto G. , Nicolini G. , Nicolosi P. , Pancrazzi M. , Romoli M. , Telloni D. , Ventura R.
Published: May 2019

The magnetic field shapes the structure of the solar corona, but we still know little about the interrelationships between the coronal magnetic field configurations and the resulting quasi-stationary structures observed in coronagraphic images (such as streamers, plumes, and coronal holes). One way to obtain information on the large-scale structure of the coronal magnetic field is to extrapolate it from photospheric data and compare the results with coronagraphic images. Our aim is to verify whether this comparison can be a fast method to systematically determine the reliability of the many methods that are available for modeling the coronal magnetic field. Coronal fields are usually extrapolated from photospheric measurements that are typically obtained in a region close to the central meridian on the solar disk and are then compared with coronagraphic images at the limbs, acquired at least seven days before or after to account for solar rotation. This implicitly assumes that no significant changes occurred in the corona during that period. In this work, we combine images from three coronagraphs (SOHO/LASCO-C2 and the two STEREO/SECCHI-COR1) that observe the Sun from different viewing angles to build Carrington maps that cover the entire corona to reduce the effect of temporal evolution to about five days. We then compare the position of the observed streamers in these Carrington maps with that of the neutral lines obtained from four different magnetic field extrapolations to evaluate the performances of the latter in the solar corona. Our results show that the location of coronal streamers can provide important indications to distinguish between different magnetic field extrapolations.
Aggressions-Assessment im stationären Bereich
Authors: Wegmann Denis
Published: May 2019

Auf geschützten Akutstationen liegt der Fokus darauf, Sicherheit für die Hilfesuchenden und das Personal zu gewährleisten. Damit Sie Anzeichen selbst- oder fremdgefährdenden Verhaltens frühzeitig erkennen, stellen wir Ihnen im Interventionskoffer ein Aggressions-Assessment vor.
Alle anderen sind nicht so gut wie ich
Authors: Böckmann Melanie
Published: May 2019

An dieser Stelle starten wir wieder mit den Protokollen zur systemischen Fallbesprechung. Im ersten Fall geht es um eine Patientin mit einer Aktivitäts- und Aufmerksamkeitsstörung, Polytoxikomanie und bipolaren affektiven Störung. Sie empfindet sich als perfekt und behauptet, sie habe keine Probleme. Lesen Sie, wie das Pflegeteam es schafft, mithilfe der systemischen Fallbesprechung neue Perspektiven zu entwickeln. Außerdem möchten wir Sie wieder einladen, sich selbst in die verschiedenen Rollen hineinzuversetzen. Fallen Ihnen weitere Lösungswege ein? Dann schreiben Sie uns an psych.pflegeheute@thieme.de.
Effects of Different Fasting Durations on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Rakvaag Elin , Lund Majbritt Dam , Wiking Lars , Hermansen Kjeld , Gregersen Søren
Published: May 2019

Overnight fasting of varying length is common practice when studying glucose and lipid metabolism in rats. However, prolonged fasting may influence insulin sensitivity, and it is unknown to which extent different fasting durations affect postprandial metabolism in rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different fasting durations (6-, 12-, or 18-h) on fat tolerance and glucose tolerance in male Sprague Dawley rats. We also aimed to examine the effect of two test fats with different fatty acid composition on postprandial triglycerides. We conducted a fat tolerance test, where butterfat or rapeseed oil was administered in a crossover design (experiment 1), and an oral glucose tolerance test (experiment 2). Regarding the fat tolerance test, we found no effects of fasting duration on triglycerides or free fatty acids, whereas the 18-h fast resulted in reduced glucose and insulin area under the curves. We did not find differential effects of butterfat and rapeseed oil on the outcomes. We found decreased fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and increased beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations after 18-h fast compared with shorter fasting durations. Regarding the oral glucose tolerance test, both 12-h and 18-h fast resulted in greater peak insulin concentrations than 6-h fast, and peak glucose concentrations were higher after 18-h than 12-h fast. We found no effects of fasting on the insulin sensitivity index. In conclusion, extending the fasting duration had an impact on glucose metabolism in rats, but did not appear to influence fat tolerance.
A Comprehensive Overview of Coagulation Factor V and Congenital Factor V Deficiency
Authors: Tabibian Shadi , Shiravand Yavar , Shams Mahmood , Safa Majid , Gholami Mohammad Saeed , Heydari Farshad , Ahmadi Abbas , Rashidpanah Jamal , Dorgalaleh Akbar
Published: May 2019

Coagulation factor (F) V is a glycoprotein that plays an essential role in the formation of the prothrombinase complex, which is critical for progressing clot formation. FV deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder with an estimated incidence of one per 1 million in the general population. The disorder is manifested with a wide array of clinical bleeding events. The most common bleeding features of FV deficiency are mucosal bleedings. Life-threatening manifestations are rarely seen in this disorder. FV deficiency is diagnosed using routine coagulation tests and FV activity assay. A wide spectrum of mutations including missense, nonsense, and frameshift is observed throughout the F5 gene. Although fresh frozen plasma is the dominant therapeutic choice, a newly introduced plasma-derived FV concentrate was found effective in in vitro correction of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin generation parameters in severe FV deficiency and should provide more targeted treatment for patients with FV deficiency in the future.
Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm in Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Gatto Luana Antunes Maranha , Seabra Diego do Monte Rodrigues , Chaves Jennyfer Paulla Galdino , Koppe Gelson Luis , Demartini Zeferino
Published: May 2019

Background Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) affects predominantly the cervical and renal arteries and may cause the classical angiographic pattern of string-of-beads. The diagnosis is increasing with the advances of imaging techniques.

Case Report A 37-year-old man presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a dissecting aneurysm of the vertebral artery was treated by angioplasty with stent, with good outcome. All of the cervical and renal arteries were diseased and showed dysplasia and/or ectasias.

Conclusions There are no guidelines or protocols to treat patients with FMD.
Factors Influencing Survivorship in Vasculopathic Patients
Authors: Gad Bishoy V. , Langfitt Maxwell K. , Robbins Claire E. , Talmo Carl T. , Bono Oliva Jane , Bono James V.
Published: May 2019

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with peripheral vascular disease has sparsely been studied. This study examined patient and radiographic factors that could affect reoperation free survival in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed TKA procedures performed in patients with nonpalpable pulses on physical examination between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013. Ninety-two cases met inclusion criteria. Preoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI), date of surgery, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tourniquet use, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, presence of preoperative calcifications, and follow-up data were obtained. Failure was defined as reoperation. Patients were included if they experienced a failure or had at least 2 years of follow-up. Reoperation free survival was calculated by Kaplan–Meier's analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for patient factors; hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by Cox's regression analysis. Ninety-two TKAs were included in the study. Mean age was 68.8 years, mean BMI was 32.15, and mean ASA score was 2.44. Tourniquet was used in 78 patients. Mean preoperative ABI was 1.016. Nine patients had calcifications on X-ray prior to surgery. Reoperation free survival was 9.378 years. Patients with a preoperative ABI of below 0.7 had shorter reoperation free survival (ABI <0.7, 6.854 years; ABI >0.7, 9.535 years; p = 0.015). Patients with a preoperative ABI below 0.7 had greater odds of failure and were at higher risk for earlier failure (OR = 6.5, p = 0.027; HR = 1.678, p = 0.045). When corrected for age, sex, and BMI, the HR for patients with a preoperative ABI below 0.7 worsened (HR = 1.913, p = 0.035) compared with those with an ABI above 0.7. The remaining patient factors produced no statistically significant differences in survivorship, odds of failure, or HRs. No patient factors were associated with increased risk of mortality. These results suggest that patients who undergo TKA with an ABI below 0.7 are at increased risk for reoperation and have shorter reoperation free survival.
The Adaptation and Implementation of a Medical–Dental Electronic Health Record in an Academic Dental Center
Authors: Dolce Maria C. , Parker Jessica L. , Jason Scott , Ramos Catherine R. , DaSilva John D.
Published: May 2019

Background Several large health care systems in the United States have pioneered the integration of dentistry into their medical care delivery models. To date, no studies or case reports on combining medical information into the dental electronic health record within U.S. academic dental centers were found in the extant literature.

Objective This report details how we developed and implemented customized primary care elements into axiUm, a popular dental practice management software primarily used in dental schools, to facilitate medical–dental clinical integration. This work was undertaken to provide the infrastructure for nurse practitioners and dentists to deliver a holistic, integrated, person-centered approach to care.

Methods A multidisciplinary design team used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Framework for Patient-centered Health Risk Assessments, an evidence-based framework to guide the adaptation of the existing axiUm dental record. The design featured individual data fields to source data, generate reports, and analyze information to improve clinical care and operations.

Results To date, medical information on more than 260 dental patients over 600 clinic visits has been documented in the adapted electronic health record.

Conclusion The customization capability of axiUm facilitated efficient and effective development and implementation processes. Training and user support were essential for effective implementation and led to further system refinements.
Frequency of Variants in DNA-Repair Genes in a Southwest Colombian Population
Authors: García-Perdomo Herney Andrés , Bedoya Saldarriaga Mailyn Alejandra , Sánchez Adalberto
Published: May 2019

Objective To describe the frequency of mutations in DNA-repair genes in a southwestern Colombian population.

Methods We have designed an observational study, including 162 people from all ages from southwest Colombia. We have extracted and collected their DNA in filters. We have immersed the DNA in a phosphate buffer along with DNeasy package (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA). The preparation process was with the TruSeq Exome Library Prep (Illumina, Inc. San Diego, CA, USA), then the obtained libraries were normalized with TruSeq Rapid Exome (Illumina, Inc. San Diego, CA, USA). We sequenced the full exome and identified the variants associated with 12 genes (ataxia telangiectasia mutated [ATM], BRCA1 DNA repair associated [BRCA1], BRCA2 DNA repair associated [BRCA2], checkpoint kinase 2 [CHEK2], epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EPCAM], homeobox protein Hox-B13 [HOXB13], mutS homolog 1, 2 and 6 [MLH1, MSH2, MSH6], nibrin [NBN], PMS1 homolog 2, mismatch repair system component [PMS2], and tumor protein p53 [TP53]). Descriptive statistics were performed with the R software (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

Results A total of 7,315,466 pieces of data were sequenced in this population. The most frequently mutated genes were ATM (1,221 pieces of data; 13.2%), BRCA1 (1,178 pieces of data; 12.8%), BRCA2 (1,484 pieces of data; 16.12%), and NBN (965 pieces of data; 10.42%). The most common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these 12 genes were the following: BRCA2 (rs169547, rs206075, rs206076); ATM (rs659243, rs228589); TP53 (rs1625895, rs1042522, rs1642785); PMS2 (rs2228006, rs1805319); NBN (rs709816); and MSH6 (rs3136367)

Conclusion The BRCA2, ATM, BRCA1 and NBN DNA-repair genes were the most frequently mutated in this southwestern Colombian Population.
Loss of bootstrap current in vicinity of magnetic islands
Authors: Wang Feng , Li Jiquan , Qu Hongpeng , Peng Xiaodong , Xiao Yong
Published: May 2019

Profiles of the ion density and bootstrap current in the vicinity of magnetic islands are investigated based on the first principles gyro-kinetic particle simulation via the gyro-kinetic toroidal code. The physics on the recovery of the ion density gradient inside the islands in various collision regimes is discussed. Simulation results show that for small magnetic islands, the ion density gradient can survive inside the island due to the combination effect of both the banana-orbit width of trapped ions and the drift-orbit displacement of passing ions. It is suggested that the recovery of the pressure gradient inside small islands may play a more important role in the reduction of driving force of the ion bootstrap current in the evolution of the neoclassical tearing mode, rather than the so-called finite banana-orbit effects.
Image processing for bubble morphology characteristics in diluted bubble swarms
Authors: Laupsien D. , Le Men C. , Cockx A. , Liné A.
Published: May 2019

The present investigation describes, in detail, a data processing strategy for characterizing bubble sizes and shapes properly from shadowgraph images in diluted bubble swarm conditions. A flat pseudo-two-dimensional bubble column is studied, where two different bubble types (ellipsoidal and spherical caps) can be injected through two different spargers. Various statistical equivalent diameters (D10, D20, D30, D32) are considered, and the morphology is characterized via the eccentricity (χ) as a function of the size. To further broaden the experimental conditions, several Newtonian liquids characterized by different viscosities and gas injection rates ranging from 50 to 200 lh are used. Additionally, an original method for verifying results, using control parameters such as orientation and solidity, is presented.
Measurements of particle transport coefficients using supersonic molecular beam injection modulation on EAST
Authors: Wang S. X. , Liu H. Q. , Jie Y. X. , Wang E. H. , Zeng L. , Zhu X. , Lian H. , Li W. M. , Wei X. C. , Zhang T. , Chu Y. Q. , Wang Y. F. ,   EAST Team
Published: May 2019

A supersonic molecular beam injection modulation experiment with a developed 11-channel polarimeter-interferometer has been performed on EAST. The particle deposition was determined by the edge density profile measured by microwave reflectometry. The particle transport coefficient profiles in low- and high-density discharges including low confinement and the high confinement mode (L mode and H mode) have been obtained by fitting the line-integrated modulation amplitude and phase profiles. The results show that in ohmic discharge, the difference between the edge and center diffusion coefficients is small compared to that in L and H modes. For convection velocity, the edge coefficients are several times larger than the center coefficients. However, this discrepancy is small in ohmic discharge. The H mode is characterized by a large inward convective velocity at the plasma edge which coincides with the steep pedestal.
Electrically active deep levels formed by thermal oxidation of n-type 4H-SiC
Authors: Knoll L. , Kranz L. , Alfieri G.
Published: May 2019

The doubly negative charge state of the carbon vacancy is a lifetime killer defect in n-type 4H-SiC. One way to reduce the concentration of this defect is by thermal oxidation. In this study, we electrically characterized n-type 4H-SiC epilayers that underwent dry thermal oxidation. While we confirm that the reduction of VC is accompanied by the formation of the previously identified ON1 and ON2 levels, we additionally report on the presence of two new shallow levels. These are found at 0.19 and 0.24 eV below the conduction band edge. Their nature is discussed on the basis of their thermal stability and formation kinetics. The former was studied up to 1600 °C, whereas the latter was carried out by performing oxidation in the 1200–1300 °C temperature range and in the 45 min-24 h time range.
Decoupling thermal and electrical transport in α-MgAgSb with synergic pressure and doping strategy
Authors: Yang Jia-Yue , Zhang Wenjie , Hu Ming
Published: May 2019

The Nowotny–Juza α-MgAgSb has been demonstrated to be a promising candidate for room-temperature thermoelectric material, owing to its ultralow lattice thermal conductivity. The challenge of enhancing its figure of merit (ZT) for commercial applications is how to effectively decouple the electrical and thermal transport with available experimental strategies. With a synergic pressure and doping strategy, we demonstrate from first principles that the bandgap of α-MgAgSb enlarges and its electrical and thermal transport can be decoupled. From the perspective of lattice dynamics, the locally vibrating three-centered Mg-Ag-Sb bonds generate multiple low-lying optical phonons which contribute large scattering channels among heat-carrying phonons and thus result in a strong anharmonicity. Under hydrostatic pressure from ambient to 50 GPa, the chemical bonds are strengthened and low-lying optical phonons move upward, which reduces the anharmonic three-phonon scattering events and thus increases lattice thermal conductivity. Under hydrostatic pressure, α-MgAgSb maintains high mechanical stability even at 550 K and 50 GPa, as verified by first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. By combining the pressure and the doping strategy to engineer density of states near the Fermi level, the thermoelectric power factor can be tuned to be significantly high while the thermal conductivity remains reasonably low. The physical insights gained from this work pave the way for decoupling electrical and thermal transport of α-MgAgSb via the synergic pressure and doping strategy toward improving its thermoelectric performance.
Ladder operators and coherent states for multi-step supersymmetric rational extensions of the truncated oscillator
Authors: Hoffmann Scott E. , Hussin Véronique , Marquette Ian , Zhang Yao-Zhong
Published: May 2019

We construct ladder operators, C̃ and C̃†, for a multistep rational extension of the harmonic oscillator on the half plane, x ≥ 0. These ladder operators connect all states of the spectrum in only infinite-dimensional representations of their polynomial Heisenberg algebra. For comparison, we also construct two different classes of ladder operator acting on this system that form finite-dimensional as well as infinite-dimensional representations of their respective polynomial Heisenberg algebras. For the rational extension, we construct the position wavefunctions in terms of exceptional orthogonal polynomials. For a particular choice of parameters and for the three lowest weights μ = −5, −3, and 5, we construct the coherent states, eigenvectors of C̃ with generally complex eigenvalues, z, as superposition of subsets of the energy eigenvectors. Then, we calculate the properties of these coherent states, looking for classical or nonclassical behavior. We calculate the energy expectations as functions of |z|. We plot position probability densities for the coherent states and for the even and odd cat states formed from these coherent states. We plot the Wigner functions for a particular choice of z. For these coherent states on one arm of a beamsplitter, we calculate the two excitation number distributions and the linear entropies of the output states. We plot the standard deviations in x and find squeezing in the regime considered in one of the cases. By plotting the Mandel Q parameters for the coherent states as functions of |z|, we find that the number statistics is sub-Poissonian in all cases.
Effect of self-doping on the charge state of Fe ions and crystal field transitions in YFeO3: Experiments and theory
Authors: Warshi M. Kamal , Kumar Anil , Mishra Vikash , Sati Aanchal , Sagdeo Archna , Kumar Rajesh , Sagdeo P. R.
Published: May 2019

Detailed investigations on the appearance of d-d transitions in optical absorption spectra of YFeO3 samples have been done. For this purpose, pure and self-doped (vacancy at Y, Fe, and O sites) YFeO3 samples have been synthesized using sol–gel, the solid-state reaction route, and hydrothermal synthesis methods. It has been observed that the annealing of prepared samples at different temperatures leads to mixed oxidation states of Fe ions (i.e., the coexistence of Fe ions in mixed valence states such as Fe2+/Fe3+ or Fe3+/Fe4+). Furthermore, soft x-ray absorption (at the Fe L2,3 edge) and diffuse reflectance spectra analysis revealed that the intensity due to d-d transition is a prominent feature and is strongly associated with the annealing temperatures and the defects present in the samples. Experimental results followed by theoretical analysis carried out using density functional theory suggest that nonstoichiometry of the samples leads to the mixed valency (charge states) of Fe ions and hence to d-d transition in the YFeO3 (d5) system.
Tunable modulation of photonic spin Hall effect owing to the defect mode in one-dimensional photonic crystal with plasma
Authors: Chen Wencan , Liu Yunlong , Guo Bin
Published: May 2019

We have investigated theoretically the properties of the photonic spin Hall effect (PSHE) when light propagates through a one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal (PC) with a plasma defect layer. The properties of the PSHE in both asymmetric and symmetric defective PCs are explored. The effects of the defect layer thickness, plasma frequency, and geometry of the structure on the properties of the PSHE are examined in detail. The results show that these factors significantly influence the behavior of the PSHE, which can be enhanced or suppressed by adjusting the plasma layer thickness and plasma frequency or manipulating the geometry of the 1D PC. Moreover, optimal angles for huge transverse displacements are also discussed in detail. These results indicate that the simple structure proposed in this study enables us to realize a tunable PSHE device that can be used to yield meaningful results in the studies of more complex systems related to the PSHE.
Phononic bandgaps protect superconducting qubits from phonon mediated decay
Authors: Kim Meeri
Published: May 2019

Researchers find that adding phononic bandgaps around the device operating frequency may improve coherence of superconducting circuits.
Experimental evidence on promotion of electric and improved biomass cookstoves
Authors: Pattanayak S. K. , Jeuland M. , Lewis J. J. , Usmani F. , Brooks N. , Bhojvaid V. , Kar A. , Lipinski L. , Morrison L. , Patange O. , Ramanathan N. , Rehman I. H. , Thadani R. , Vora M. , Ramanathan V.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Three billion people rely on traditional stoves and solid fuels. These energy use patterns exacerbate the global climate crisis (via increased carbon emissions) and forest degradation/deforestation (via daily fuelwood collection), and expose billions to toxic air pollution generated by dirty fuels. Widespread adoption of improved cookstoves (which use cleaner fuels or burn solid fuels more efficiently) may ease this “triple burden,” but recent research casts doubt on their potential, given low and slow diffusion. We challenge this pessimism based on a multiyear, three-phase field study comprising diagnosis, design, and experimental testing involving 1,000 rural Indian households. We show that demand for these improved energy technologies is high when supply chains are robust, technologies match local needs, and income and liquidity constraints are relaxed.
Kinase pathway inhibition restores PSD95 induction in neurons lacking fragile X mental retardation protein
Authors: Yang Ying , Geng Yang , Jiang Dongyun , Ning Lin , Kim Hyung Joon , Jeon Noo Li , Lau Anthony , Chen Lu , Lin Michael Z.
Published: May 2019

Significance

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by loss of expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein that has been proposed to regulate local stimulus-dependent protein synthesis. However, how FMRP loss affects distributions of newly synthesized proteins remains unclear. Here, we report that local BDNF application promotes persistent accumulation of new PSD95 at stimulated synapses and dendrites, and that this accumulation is absent in FMRP-deficient mouse neurons. We further identify signaling pathways important for the protein synthesis abnormalities. These results provide direct evidence for deficits in local protein synthesis and accumulation in response to local stimulation in FXS, and support mTORC1-S6K1 pathway inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for FXS.
Structure of full-length human phenylalanine hydroxylase in complex with tetrahydrobiopterin
Authors: Flydal Marte Innselset , Alcorlo-Pagés Martín , Johannessen Fredrik Gullaksen , Martínez-Caballero Siseth , Skjærven Lars , Fernandez-Leiro Rafael , Martinez Aurora , Hermoso Juan A.
Published: May 2019

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) is a key enzyme in the catabolism of phenylalanine, and mutations in this enzyme cause phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that leads to brain damage and mental retardation if untreated. Some patients benefit from supplementation with a synthetic formulation of the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH
4
) that partly acts as a pharmacological chaperone. Here we present structures of full-length human PAH (hPAH) both unbound and complexed with BH
4
in the precatalytic state. Crystal structures, solved at 3.18-Å resolution, show the interactions between the cofactor and PAH, explaining the negative regulation exerted by BH
4
. BH
4
forms several H-bonds with the N-terminal autoregulatory tail but is far from the catalytic Fe
II
. Upon BH
4
binding a polar and salt-bridge interaction network links the three PAH domains, explaining the stability conferred by BH
4
. Importantly, BH
4
binding modulates the interaction between subunits, providing information about PAH allostery. Moreover, we also show that the cryo-EM structure of hPAH in absence of BH
4
reveals a highly dynamic conformation for the tetramers. Structural analyses of the hPAH:BH
4
subunits revealed that the substrate-induced movement of Tyr138 into the active site could be coupled to the displacement of BH
4
from the precatalytic toward the active conformation, a molecular mechanism that was supported by site-directed mutagenesis and targeted molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, comparison of the rat and human PAH structures show that hPAH is more dynamic, which is related to amino acid substitutions that enhance the flexibility of hPAH and may increase the susceptibility to PKU-associated mutations.
An investigation of the effect of pulse electrochemical deposition parameters on morphology, hardness and corrosion behaviour in the marine atmosphere
Authors: Prasannakumar R. S. , Bhakyaraj K. , Chukwuike V. I. , Mohan S. , Barik R. C.
Published: May 2019

Corrosion is one of the major problem that we encounter in our society. Engineering the surface properties of metallic materials are very crucial in corrosion protection. Pulse electrochemical deposition with square wave has successfully been applied to deposit copper from acidic vitriol electrolyte. The influence of the pulse parameter and hardness of the electrodeposits were investigated in depth. Based on the analysis of the microstructure the pulsed electrodeposited copper in 3.5% NaCl solution was studied using potentiodynamic polarisation and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Nanoindentation, Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies revealed an increase in hardness and microstructural arrangement respectively with duty cycles. An appreciable increase in corrosion resistance was obtained at high duty cycles and optimised average current density, as indicated by gravimetric and electrochemical methods conducted under flow conditions.
Trade union mobilisation and democratic institutionalisation in the Republic of Niger
Authors: Elischer Sebastian
Published: May 2019

The article examines the effect of union mobilisation on democratisation in the Republic of Niger between 1990 and 2010. It focuses on the Union des syndicats des travailleurs du Niger (USTN), a legacy umbrella union for public sector workers. The effect of union mobilisation on democratisation is not clear-cut. In both 1990 and 1999 union mobilisation was a necessary condition for democratisation. However, union mobilisation inadvertently contributed to the delegitimisation of democratically elected leaders. Between 2000 and 2010 the USTN lost its former strength and the Nigerien government was in a better position to accommodate union demands. As a result, the trade union movement lost its ability to shape the political arena.
Sake cake (sake-kasu) ingestion increases branched-chain amino acids in the plasma, muscles, and brains of senescence-accelerated mice prone 8
Authors: Izu Hanae , Shibata Sachi , Fujii Tsutomu , Matsubara Kiminori
Published: May 2019

To examine metabolic effects of sake cake ingestion, plasma and tissues were analyzed in senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) fed a sake cake diet. As a result, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) were found to be significantly higher in the plasma, gastrocnemius muscles and brains of the sake cake group than in the control group. Mice in the sake cake group showed stronger grip strength than the control group. High levels of circulating BCAA have been reported to be associated with pathological states, such as metabolic diseases, but the parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism were not affected between the two groups. Otherwise, pyridoxal was significantly higher and nicotinamide as well as 1-methylnicotinamide showed a tendency to be higher in the plasma of the sake cake group than in the control group. These findings indicate that intake of sake cake increases the levels of BCAA, vitamin B6, and vitamin B3.

Abbreviation: CE-TOFMS: capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry
A simple, real-time assay of horseradish peroxidase using biolayer interferometry
Authors: Kojima Takaaki , Nakane Ayako , Zhu Bo , Alfi Almasul , Nakano Hideo
Published: May 2019

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) isoenzyme C1a is one of the most widely used enzymes for various analytical methods in bioscience research and medical fields. In these fields, real-time monitoring of HRP activity is highly desirable because the utility of HRP as a reporter enzyme would be expanded. In this study, we developed a simple assay system enabling real-time monitoring of HRP activity by using biolayer interferometry (BLI). The HRP activity was quantitatively detected on a BLI sensor chip by tracing a binding response of tyramide, a substrate of HRP, onto an immobilized protein. This system could be applied to analyses related to oxidase activity, as well as to the functional analysis of recombinant HRP.
Regulation of axon growth by myosin II–dependent mechanocatalysis of cofilin activity
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Feng , Ajeti Visar , Tsai Nicole , Fereydooni Arash , Burns William , Murrell Michael , De La Cruz Enrique M. , Forscher Paul
Published: May 2019

Serotonin (5-HT) is known to increase the rate of growth cone advance via cofilin-dependent increases in retrograde actin network flow and nonmuscle myosin II activity. We report that myosin II activity is regulated by PKC during 5-HT responses and that PKC activity is necessary for increases in traction force normally associated with these growth responses. 5-HT simultaneously induces cofilin-dependent decreases in actin network density and PKC-dependent increases in point contact density. These reciprocal effects facilitate increases in traction force production in domains exhibiting decreased actin network density. Interestingly, when PKC activity was up-regulated, 5-HT treatments resulted in myosin II hyperactivation accompanied by catastrophic cofilin-dependent decreases in actin filament density, sudden decreases in traction force, and neurite retraction. These results reveal a synergistic relationship between cofilin and myosin II that is spatiotemporally regulated in the growth cone via mechanocatalytic effects to modulate neurite growth.
Tumor suppression of novel anti–PD-1 antibodies mediated through CD28 costimulatory pathway
Authors: Fenwick Craig , Loredo-Varela Juan-Luis , Joo Victor , Pellaton Céline , Farina Alex , Rajah Navina , Esteves-Leuenberger Line , Decaillon Thibaut , Suffiotti Madeleine , Noto Alessandra , Ohmiti Khalid , Gottardo Raphael , Weissenhorn Winfried , Pantaleo Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

Classical antagonistic antibodies (Abs) targeting PD-1, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, act through blockade of the PD-1–PDL-1 interaction. Here, we have identified novel antagonistic anti–PD-1 Abs not blocking the PD-1–PDL-1 interaction. The nonblocking Abs recognize epitopes on PD-1 located on the opposing face of the PDL-1 interaction and overlap with a newly identified evolutionarily conserved patch. These nonblocking Abs act predominantly through the CD28 coreceptor. Importantly, a combination of blocking and nonblocking Abs synergize in the functional recovery of antigen-specific exhausted CD8 T cells. Interestingly, nonblocking anti–PD-1 Abs have equivalent antitumor activity compared with blocker Abs in two mouse tumor models, and combination therapy using both classes of Abs enhanced tumor suppression in the mouse immunogenic tumor model. The identification of the novel nonblocker anti–PD-1 Abs and their synergy with classical blocker Abs may be instrumental in potentiating immunotherapy strategies and antitumor activity.
The E3 ligase VHL promotes follicular helper T cell differentiation via glycolytic-epigenetic control
Authors: Zhu Yangyang , Zhao Yanxia , Zou Le , Zhang Danfeng , Aki Daisuke , Liu Yun-Cai
Published: May 2019

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are essential for germinal center formation and effective humoral immunity, which undergo different stages of development to become fully polarized. However, the detailed mechanisms of their regulation remain unsolved. Here we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase VHL was required for Tfh cell development and function upon acute virus infection or antigen immunization. VHL acted through the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)−dependent glycolysis pathway to positively regulate early Tfh cell initiation. The enhanced glycolytic activity due to VHL deficiency was involved in the epigenetic regulation of ICOS expression, a critical molecule for Tfh development. By using an RNA interference screen, we identified the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH as the key target for the reduced ICOS expression via m6A modification. Our results thus demonstrated that the VHL–HIF-1α axis played an important role during the initiation of Tfh cell development through glycolytic-epigenetic reprogramming.