bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prey removal in cotton crops next to woodland reveals periodic diurnal and nocturnal invertebrate predation gradients from the crop edge by birds and bats
Authors: Kolkert Heidi L. , Smith Rhiannon , Rader Romina , Reid Nick
Published: March 2021

Factors influencing the efficacy of insectivorous vertebrates in providing natural pest control services inside crops at increasing distances from the crop edge are poorly understood. We investigated the identity of vertebrate predators (birds and bats) and removal of sentinel prey (mealworms and beetles) from experimental feeding trays in cotton crops using prey removal trials, camera traps and observations. More prey was removed during the day than at night, but prey removal was variable at the crop edge and dependent on the month (reflecting crop growth and cover) and time of day. Overall, the predation of mealworms and beetles was 1-times and 13-times greater during the day than night, respectively, with predation on mealworms 3–5 times greater during the day than night at the crop edge compared to 95 m inside the crop. Camera traps identified many insectivorous birds and bats over crops near the feeding trays, but there was no evidence of bats or small passerines removing experimental prey. A predation gradient from the crop edge was evident, but only in some months. This corresponded to the foraging preferences of open-space generalist predators (magpies) in low crop cover versus the shrubby habitat preferred by small passerines, likely facilitating foraging away from the crop edge later in the season. Our results are in line with Optimal Foraging Theory and suggest that predators trade-off foraging behaviour with predation risk at different distances from the crop edge and levels of crop cover. Understanding the optimal farm configuration to support insectivorous bird and bat populations can assist farmers to make informed decisions regarding in-crop natural pest control and maximise the predation services provided by farm biodiversity.
Molecular fusion of surfactant and Lewis-acid properties for attacking dirt by catalytic bond cleavage
Authors: Frisch Marvin L. , Polarz Sebastian
Published: March 2021

The capability of ordinary surfactants in solubilizing hydrophobic compounds can come to a limit, if the extension of a contaminant is too large. An attractive goal is the development of surfactants which can actively reduce the size of dirt. Because strong Lewis acids are known to catalyze both bond formation and cleavage, an integration into the surfactant's molecular framework is tempting. End-group functionalized hepta-dentate ligands, which coordinate to metal ions preventing deactivation by hydrolysis over a broad range of pH values while maintaining strong Lewis-acidity, are herein presented. After proof of amphiphilicity and surfactant characteristics, catalytic properties are investigated for different reactions including the cleavage of proteins. The compounds perform better than benchmark catalysts concerning the attack of unreactive amide bonds. A study with two Sc3+ species as the active site, one non-amphiphilic, the other one being surface-active, underlines the positive effect of surfactant properties for boosting catalytic efficiency.
The role of plants and soil properties in the enzyme activities of substrates on hard coal mine spoil heaps
Authors: Kompała-Bąba Agnieszka , Bierza Wojciech , Sierka Edyta , Błońska Agnieszka , Besenyei Lynn , Woźniak Gabriela
Published: March 2021

Knowledge about biotic (plant species diversity, biomass) and/or abiotic (physicochemical substrate parameters) factors that determine enzyme activity and functional diversity of the substrate on hard coal spoil heaps is limited. Spontaneously developed vegetation patches dominated by herbaceous species commonly occurring on these spoil heaps: grasses (Poa compressa, Calamagrostis epigejos) and forbs (Daucus carota, Tussilago farfara), were examined. The activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase was twice as high in plots dominated by grass species compared with those dominated by forbs. Significant positive correlations were found between the activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase with pH, available P, soil moisture, and water holding capacity and negative correlations between the activity of urease and soil organic carbon. Strong positive correlations were found between values for Shannon–Wiener diversity index, evenness, species richness and soil functional diversity in plots dominated by grasses. We found that the soil physicochemical parameters had a greater impact on enzyme activity of the substrate than plant biomass and species diversity. However, grasses, through their extensive root system, more effectively increased enzyme activity and health of the substrate than other herbaceous species, and as they stabilize the substrate and form dense plant cover, they can be recommended for reclamation purposes.
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor upregulates CXCR7 expression and enhances CXCL12-mediated migration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Cui Xue Yan , Tjønnfjord Geir Erland , Kanse Sandip M. , Dahm Anders Erik Astrup , Iversen Nina , Myklebust Christiane Filion , Sun Ling , Jiang Zhong Xing , Ueland Thor , Campbell James J. , Ho Mitchell , Sandset Per Morten
Published: March 2021

The infiltration of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells into lymphoid organs correlates with disease severity. CXCL12 is a key chemotactic factor for the trafficking of CLL. Tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) is a serine protease inhibitor and plays a role in CXCL12-mediated hematopoietic stem cell homing. We aim to explore the role of TFPI in CXCL12-mediated migration of CLL cells. In this study, plasma TFPI concentrations were measured by ELISA. CLL cells were isolated from patients and used for trans-endothelial migration (TEM) assays. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of CXCR7, CXCR4 and β-catenin. Immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the binding of TFPI and glypican-3 (GPC3). We found that plasma TFPI levels in CLL patients were higher than in healthy controls, particularly in the patients with advanced disease. TFPI enhanced CXCL12-mediated TEM of CLL cells by increasing the expression of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR7, but not of the CXCL12 receptor CXCR4. The effect of TFPI on TEM was abolished by the CXCR7 inhibitor, CCX771, while the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 strongly increased TEM. TFPI co-localized with GPC3 on the cell surface. An antibody to GPC3, HS20, decreased CXCR7 expression and abolished the effect of TFPI on TEM. TFPI activated β-catenin and the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor IWP4 repressed the effect of TFPI on CXCR7 expression and TEM. We conclude that TFPI may contribute to organ infiltration in CLL patients.
Comparative analysis and phylogenetic investigation of Hong Kong Ilex chloroplast genomes
Authors: Kong Bobby Lim-Ho , Park Hyun-Seung , Lau Tai-Wai David , Lin Zhixiu , Yang Tae-Jin , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: March 2021

Ilex is a monogeneric plant group (containing approximately 600 species) in the Aquifoliaceae family and one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs. However, its taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships at the species level are debatable. Herein, we obtained the complete chloroplast genomes of all 19 Ilex types that are native to Hong Kong. The genomes are conserved in structure, gene content and arrangement. The chloroplast genomes range in size from 157,119 bp in Ilex graciliflora to 158,020 bp in Ilex kwangtungensis. All these genomes contain 125 genes, of which 88 are protein-coding and 37 are tRNA genes. Four highly varied sequences (rps16-trnQ, rpl32-trnL, ndhD-psaC and ycf1) were found. The number of repeats in the Ilex genomes is mostly conserved, but the number of repeating motifs varies. The phylogenetic relationship among the 19 Ilex genomes, together with eight other available genomes in other studies, was investigated. Most of the species could be correctly assigned to the section or even series level, consistent with previous taxonomy, except Ilex rotunda var. microcarpa, Ilex asprella var. tapuensis and Ilex chapaensis. These species were reclassified; I. rotunda was placed in the section Micrococca, while the other two were grouped with the section Pseudoaquifolium. These studies provide a better understanding of Ilex phylogeny and refine its classification.
A retrospective analysis of trends in primary knee arthroplasty in Germany from 2008 to 2018
Authors: Worlicek Michael , Koch Matthias , Daniel Popp , Freigang Viola , Angele Peter , Alt Volker , Kerschbaum Maximilian , Rupp Markus
Published: March 2021

Unicompartimental and total knee arthroplasty is one of the most successful and most performed operations worldwide. In the last years the number of primary knee arthroplasty increased constantly. The aim of this study is to analyze the rising numbers of primary knee arthroplasty and to see how it is used in Germany. In this retrospective study data, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany from 2008 to 2018 was analyzed, using operation codes from the German procedure classification system and characteristics like age, sex and type of the prosthesis. We found a slight increase of unicompartimental and total knee arthroplasty over the investigated 10 years from 150.504 in 2008 up to 168.479 procedures in 2018, with a maximum of 169.334 in 2017. Most patients were female and over 65 years old. Interestingly, there was an obvious decrease of regular TKA in the year 2013, with a relevant impact on the total number of procedures. In the following years the number rised again reaching the former level in 2015 and is still increasing. The highest increase was found in partial knee arthroplasty, with a constant rise every year, starting with 7988 in 2008 up to 21.072 in 2018. In contrast, we found a relevant reduction of constrained prosthesis in primary TKA, whereas the number of semi-constrained prosthesis in primary TKA is again rising after a decrease in 2015. We found that the number of bicondylar TKA and especially UKA increased from 2008 to 2018. Regarding an aging population, we can expect a rising number for Primary knee arthroplasty and in consequence a rising number of revision arthroplasty in the future. This will be a challenging cost factor for the healthcare system in Germany.
Association of fall risk factors and non-motor symptoms in patients with early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kwon Kyum-Yil , Park Suyeon , Lee Eun Ji , Lee Mina , Ju Hyunjin
Published: March 2021

The association of non-motor symptoms (NMSs) with fall-related factors in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains to be further elucidated in the early stages of the disease. Eighty-six patients with less than 5 years of the onset of PD were retrospectively enrolled in the study. We assessed potential fall-related risk factors including (1) a history of falls during the past year (faller versus non-faller), (2) the fear of falling (FoF), and (3) the freezing of gait (FoG). Different types of NMSs were measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Parkinson’s disease Fatigue Scale (PFS), and the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson’s disease—Autonomic dysfunction (SCOPA-AUT). The faller group (37.2%) showed higher scores for BDI, BAI, PFS, and SCOPA-AUT, compared to the non-faller group. From logistic regression analyses, the prior history of falls was related to the gastrointestinal domain of SCOPA-AUT, FoF was associated with BAI, and gastrointestinal and urinary domains of SCOPA-AUT, and FoG was linked to BAI and gastrointestinal domain of SCOPA-AUT. In conclusion, we found that fall-related risk factors in patients with early PD were highly connected with gastrointestinal dysautonomia.
Meta-analysis of grey matter changes and their behavioral characterization in patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Spindler Carolin , Trautmann Sebastian , Alexander Nina , Bröning Sonja , Bartscher Sarah , Stuppe Markus , Muehlhan Markus
Published: March 2021

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is associated with reductions in grey matter (GM) volume which can lead to changes in numerous brain functions. The results of previous studies on altered GM in AUD differ considerably in the regions identified. Three meta-analyses carried out between 2014 and 2017 yielded different results. The present study includes the considerable amount of newer research and delivers a state-of-the art meta-analysis in line with recently published guidelines. Additionally, we behaviorally characterized affected regions using fMRI metadata and identified related brain networks by determining their meta-analytic connectivity patterns. Twenty-seven studies with 1,045 AUD patients and 1,054 healthy controls were included in the analysis and analyzed by means of Anatomical Likelihood Estimation (ALE). GM alterations were identified in eight clusters covering different parts of the cingulate and medial frontal gyri, paracentral lobes, left post- and precentral gyri, left anterior and right posterior insulae and left superior frontal gyrus. The behavioral characterization associated these regions with specific cognitive, emotional, somatosensory and motor functions. Moreover, the clusters represent nodes within behaviorally relevant brain networks. Our results suggest that GM reduction in AUD could disrupt network communication responsible for the neurocognitive impairments associated with high chronic alcohol consumption.
Author Correction: Factors associated with fear of childbirth among Polish pregnant women
Authors: Ilska Michalina , Brandt-Salmeri Anna , Kołodziej-Zaleska Anna , Banaś Ewa , Gelner Hanna , Cnota Wojciech
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Temporal hierarchy of intrinsic neural timescales converges with spatial core-periphery organization
Authors: Golesorkhi Mehrshad , Gomez-Pilar Javier , Tumati Shankar , Fraser Maia , Northoff Georg
Published: March 2021

The human cortex exhibits intrinsic neural timescales that shape a temporal hierarchy. Whether this temporal hierarchy follows the spatial hierarchy of its topography, namely the core-periphery organization, remains an open issue. Using magnetoencephalography data, we investigate intrinsic neural timescales during rest and task states; we measure the autocorrelation window in short (ACW-50) and, introducing a novel variant, long (ACW-0) windows. We demonstrate longer ACW-50 and ACW-0 in networks located at the core compared to those at the periphery with rest and task states showing a high ACW correlation. Calculating rest-task differences, i.e., subtracting the shared core-periphery organization, reveals task-specific ACW changes in distinct networks. Finally, employing kernel density estimation, machine learning, and simulation, we demonstrate that ACW-0 exhibits better prediction in classifying a region’s time window as core or periphery. Overall, our findings provide fundamental insight into how the human cortex’s temporal hierarchy converges with its spatial core-periphery hierarchy.
The posterior parietal cortex contributes to visuomotor processing for saccades in blindsight macaques
Authors: Kato Rikako , Hayashi Takuya , Onoe Kayo , Yoshida Masatoshi , Tsukada Hideo , Onoe Hirotaka , Isa Tadashi , Ikeda Takuro
Published: March 2021

Patients with damage to the primary visual cortex (V1) lose visual awareness, yet retain the ability to perform visuomotor tasks, which is called “blindsight.” To understand the neural mechanisms underlying this residual visuomotor function, we studied a non-human primate model of blindsight with a unilateral lesion of V1 using various oculomotor tasks. Functional brain imaging by positron emission tomography showed a significant change after V1 lesion in saccade-related visuomotor activity in the intraparietal sulcus area in the ipsi- and contralesional posterior parietal cortex. Single unit recordings in the lateral bank of the intraparietal sulcus (lbIPS) showed visual responses to targets in the contralateral visual field on both hemispheres. Injection of muscimol into the ipsi- or contralesional lbIPSs significantly impaired saccades to targets in the V1 lesion-affected visual field, differently from previous reports in intact animals. These results indicate that the bilateral lbIPSs contribute to visuomotor function in blindsight.
A long-term stable aqueous aluminum battery electrode based on one-dimensional molybdenum–tantalum oxide nanotube arrays
Authors: Jin Bowen , Hejazi Seyedsina , Chu Hongqi , Cha Gihoon , Altomare Marco , Yang Min , Schmuki Patrik
Published: March 2021

One-dimensional molybdenum-tantalum oxide nanotube arrays enable long-term aluminum intercalation in aqueous solution.
Uncatalyzed diastereoselective synthesis of alkyliminofurochromone-derived benzylmalononitriles via a three-component cascade reaction: competition between Diels–Alder cycloaddition and Michael addition
Authors: Teimouri Mohammad Bagher , Mokhtare Zahra , Khavasi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Three new chemical bonds and three stereogenic centres and one heterocyclic ring were assembled stereoselectively in a convenient high atom-economy one-pot operation.
Sodiated NaxSnSb nanoparticles embedded in N-doped graphene sponges direct uniform Na nucleation and smooth plating for high efficiency Na metal batteries
Authors: Wang Zhida , Lu Ke , Xia Fan , Dahunsi Olusola , Gao Siyuan , Li Bomin , Wang Rui , Lu Songtao , Qin Wei , Cheng Yingwen , Wu Xiaohong
Published: March 2021

The synergy of guided growth from NaxSnSb and shielding from N doped graphene allows multifunctional hosts to cycle with nearly unchanged overpotential and charge transfer resistance in both symmetric cells and full cells.
Surface engineering with microstructured gel networks for superwetting membranes
Authors: Jia Yuandong , Guan Kecheng , Zhang Pengfei , Shen Qin , Wang Shengyao , Lin Yuqing , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: March 2021

Local formation of a microstructured gel network on porous membranes enables superwetting surfaces for ultralow oil adhesion underwater.
NOx reduction consequences of lanthanide-substituted vanadates functionalized with S or P poisons under oxidative environments
Authors: An Hyo Jin , Kim Dong Ho , Ha Heon Phil , Kim Jongsik
Published: March 2021

Rare-earth metal vanadates (RMVO4) typically possess an iso-structural tetragonal architecture but vary in terms of their Lewis acidic (LA) properties, which depend on the nature of the RM element.
Switching photodiodes based on (2D/3D) PdSe2/Si heterojunctions with a broadband spectral response
Authors: Aftab Sikandar , Samiya Ms , Liao Wugang , Iqbal Muhammad Waqas , Ishfaq Mavra , Ramachandraiah Karna , Ajmal Hafiz Muhammad Salman , Haque Hafiz Mansoor Ul , Yousuf Saqlain , Ahmed Zaheer , Usman khan Muhammad , Rehman Atteq Ur , Iqbal Muhammad Zahir
Published: March 2021

Noble metal dichalcogenides (NMDs) are two-dimensional (2D) layered materials that exhibit outstanding thickness-dependent tunable-bandgaps that can be suitable for various optoelectronic applications.
Pioneering investigators 2021
Authors: Frey Holger , Pentzer Emily
Published: March 2021

This themed issue of Polymer Chemistry highlights the work of pioneering investigators in the polymer chemistry field. Associate Editors Emily Pentzer and Holger Frey introduce the issue.
Investigation of the solid–liquid ternary phase diagrams of 2HNIW·HMX cocrystal
Authors: Jia Qian , Wang Jia , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Jiaoqiang , Liu Ning , Kou Kaichang
Published: March 2021

The ternary phase diagrams of 2HNIW·HMX cocrystal system in ethyl acetate at 15 °C. In the HMX–HNIW–ethyl acetate system, HMX and HNIW showed congruent dissolution behavior, and the cocrystal exhibits a wider thermodynamically stable region.
Organic electrode materials for non-aqueous, aqueous, and all-solid-state Na-ion batteries
Authors: Holguin Kathryn , Mohammadiroudbari Motahareh , Qin Kaiqiang , Luo Chao
Published: March 2021

In this review, recent advances in developing organic electrode materials for non-aqueous, aqueous, and all-solid-state Na-ion batteries are presented.
Soft template-mediated coupling construction of sandwiched mesoporous PPy/Ag nanoplates for rapid and selective NH3 sensing
Authors: Wei Facai , Zhong Yonghui , Luo Hao , Wu Yong , Fu Jianwei , He Qingguo , Cheng Jiangong , Na Jongbeom , Yamauchi Yusuke , Liu Shaohua
Published: March 2021

We propose a facile soft template-mediated coupling construction strategy for one-step fabrication of sandwiched mesoporous PPy/Ag nanoplates at the liquid interface, and the hybrid showed great chemical sensing performance for NH3 gas.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-mediated ultrasmall gold nanoclusters and hNIS gene synergize radiotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zheng BenChao , Guo Rui , Miao Ying , Li Biao
Published: March 2021

BMSC can carry both human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) and ultrasmall gold nanoclusters (usAuNCs) to target triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), achieving synergistically radioactive enhancement of 131I therapy.
Correction: On-demand removable hydrogels based on photolabile cross-linkings as wound dressing materials
Authors: Wu Haiyang , Qin Zezhao , Yu Xiaofeng , Li Jinge , Lv Hongying , Yang Xiaoniu
Published: March 2021

Correction for ‘On-demand removable hydrogels based on photolabile cross-linkings as wound dressing materials’ by Haiyang Wu et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2019, 7, 5669–5676, DOI: 10.1039/C9TB01544B.
Efficient electron transporting and panchromatic absorbing FRET cassettes based on aza-BODIPY and perylenediimide towards multiple metal FRET-Off sensing and ratiometric temperature sensing
Authors: Rani Kavita , Pandey Upendra K. , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: March 2021

Highly efficient FRET cassettes consisting of aza-BODIPY and perylenediimide show ratiometric temperature sensing, multiple metal sensing by ratiometric FRET-off and appreciable electron mobilities of ∼2–4 × 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1.
Conjoint expression and purification strategy for acquiring proteins with ultra-low DNA N6-methyladenine backgrounds in Escherichia coli
Authors: Chen Zheng , Liu Yan , Wang Hailin
Published: March 2021

DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA), a kind of DNA epigenetic modification, is widespread in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. An enzyme activity study coupled with 6mA detection using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadruple mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) is commonly applied to investigate 6mA potentially related enzymes in vitro. However, the protein expressed in a common Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain shows an extremely high 6mA background due to minute co-purified bacterial DNA, though it has been purified to remove DNA using multiple strategies. Furthermore, as occupied by DNA with abundant 6mA, the activity of 6mA-related proteins will be influenced seriously. Here, to address this issue, we for the first time construct a derivative of E. coli Rosetta (DE3) via the λRed knockout system specifically for the expression of 6mA-related enzymes. The gene dam encoding the 6mA methyltransferase (MTase) is knocked out in the newly constructed strain named LAMBS (low adenine methylation background strain). Contrasting with E. coli Rosetta (DE3), LAMBS shows an ultra-low 6mA background on the genomic DNA when analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. We also demonstrate an integral strategy of protein purification, coupled with the application of LAMBS. As a result, the purified protein expressed in LAMBS exhibits an ultra-low 6mA background comparing with the one expressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE3). Our integral strategy of protein expression and purification will benefit the in vitro investigation and application of 6mA-related proteins from eukaryotes, although these proteins are elusive until now.
Properties of loss cone stars in a cosmological galaxy merger remnant
Authors: Avramov Branislav , Berczik Peter , Meiron Yohai , Acharya Anshuman , Just Andreas
Published: March 2021

Aims.We investigate the orbital and phase space properties of loss cone stars that interact strongly with a hard, high-redshift binary supermassive black hole (SMBH) system formed in a cosmological scenario.

Methods.We use a novel hybrid integration approach that combines the directN-body codeφ-GRAPE with ETICS, a collisionless code that employs the self-consistent field method for force calculation. The hybrid approach shows considerable speed-up over direct summation for particle numbers > 106, while retaining accuracy of directN-body for a subset of particles. During the SMBH binary evolution we monitor individual stellar interactions with the binary in order to identify stars that noticeably contribute to the SMBH binary hardening.

Results.We successfully identify and analyze in detail the properties of stars that extract energy from the binary. We find that the summed energy changes seen in these stars match very well with the overall binary energy change, demonstrating that stellar interactions are the primary drivers of SMBH binary hardening in triaxial, gas-poor systems. We find that 76% of these stars originate from centrophilic orbits, only possible in a triaxial system. As a result, even the slight triaxiality of our system results in efficient refilling of the loss cone, avoiding the final parsec problem. We distinguish three different populations of interactions based on their apocenter. We find a clear prevalence of interactions co-rotating with the binary. Nevertheless, retrograde interactions are the most energetic, contributing only slightly less than the prograde population to the overall energy exchange. The most energetic interactions are also likely to result in a change of sign in the angular momentum of the star. We estimate the merger timescale of the binary to be ≈20 Myr, a value larger by a factor of two than the timescale reported in a previous study.
The Trityl Cation Embedded into a [7]Helicene-Like Backbone: Preparation and Application as a Lewis Acid Catalyst
Authors: Oestreich Martin , Gross Benjamin M.
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of a helically chiral carbenium ion is reported. The new motif is essentially a trityl cation embedded into a [7]helicene-like framework. The key step in its preparation establishes the π-extended fluorenone system in one step by an unprecedented palladium-catalyzed carbonylative annulation of a 4,4′-biphenanthryl-3,3′-diyl precursor. The racemic form of the new carbon Lewis acid was found to catalyze a representative set of reactions typically promoted by the trityl cation.
Vent burst doors as an effective method of suppressing the dangers of gas explosions
Authors: Sun Yashengnan , Zhou Xihua , Bai Gang , Li Ang , Xin Tianyu , Li Dongfang
Published: March 2021

This paper investigated the effectiveness of a vent burst door in isolating the shock waves of gas explosions in coal mines and to reveal the mechanisms of gas explosion overpressure. A 17.5 m × φ 0.63 m columnar explosion test duct with a similar shape to the roadways in coal mines was designed. Explosion overpressure propagation characteristics and the effects of methane concentration at different locations along the duct with and without a vent burst door were experimentally investigated. The results demonstrate that the vent burst door plays a significant role in sealing the explosion area and isolating the explosion propagation. A properly designed vent burst door is a promising technique for suppressing and isolating multiple and continuous gas explosions and is poised to have a significant positive impact on improving the safety of coal mines in China and all over the world.
Beyond Salsburg–Wood: Glass equation of state for polydisperse hard spheres
Authors: Baranau Vasili , Tallarek Ulrich
Published: March 2021

We reconstruct glass equations of state for polydisperse hard spheres with the help of computer simulations. To perform the reconstructions, we assume that hard-sphere glass equations of state have the form Zg(φ, φJ) = Zg(φJ/φ), where Zg, φ, and φJ are the reduced glass pressure (PV/NkBT), sphere volume fraction (packing density), and jamming density of the current basin of attraction, respectively. Specifically, we use the form X = ∑iciYi, where X = (φJ/φ) − 1 and Y = 1/(Zg − 1). Our reconstructions converge to the well-known Salsburg–Wood and free volume equations of state in the limit φ → φJ, but they are also applicable for values of φ ≪ φJ. We support the ansatz Zg(φ, φJ) = Zg(φJ/φ) with extensive computer simulations. We use log-normal distributions of particle radii (r) and polydispersities δ=⟨Δr2⟩/⟨r⟩=0.1−0.3 in steps of 0.05. By supplying the fluid equation of state (EOS) into the new glass EOS, we evaluate equilibrium jamming densities φEJ for a range of φ. By using the ideal glass transition densities φg as an input φ, we estimate the corresponding glass close packing limits φGCP = φEJ(φg). We use the Boublík–Mansoori–Carnahan–Starling–Leland fluid EOS, and we estimate φg from the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann fits—but our method can work with any choice of the fluid EOS and φg estimates. We show that our glass EOS leads to much better predictions for φEJ(φ) than the standard Salsburg–Wood glass EOS.
On cavitation inception and cavitating flow patterns in a multi-orifice microfluidic device with a functional surface
Authors: Hosseinpour Shafaghi Ali , Rokhsar Talabazar Farzad , Zuvin Merve , Talebian Gevari Moein , Villanueva Luis Guillermo , Ghorbani Morteza , Koşar Ali
Published: March 2021

During the last decade, hydrodynamic cavitation has been implemented in various applications such as energy harvesting and biomedical applications. Facile hydrodynamic cavitation methods are required for fulfilling the requirements in these applications. In this study, a new generation microfluidic device containing eight parallel micro-orifices with a new design was fabricated and tested with the purpose of intensifying the cavitating flows and early cavitation inception. The roughness elements in the micro-orifices facilitated cavitation inception. This study presents a general perspective of occurrence of different cavitating flow patterns in microscale and addresses the ambiguities about the conditions for the formation of a specific flow pattern. Cavitation inception occurred with the appearance of small bubbles emerging from roughness elements at a rather low upstream pressure in the open loop experimental setup. A reduction in the cavitation number resulted in the formation of different flow patterns such as cavitation clouds, twin cavities, sheet cavities, and bubbly flows. Having several flow patterns with different intensities all together within a single microfluidic device is the main advantage of the proposed device over the state of the art microfluidic devices. Generation of flow patterns with various released energy levels makes this proposed device a unique multi-functional platform, which can be implemented to a lab on a chip platform for applications such as nanoparticle synthesis and wound healing.
Influence of a split double concentric ring resonator elements axial rotation on the microwave transmission line frequency-selective characteristics
Authors: Fedotov A. A. , Malyshev I. V. , Nikolaev E. V. , Il’in O. I.
Published: March 2021

The work is dedicated toward studying the methods for correcting the frequency characteristics of a passive transmission path of a strip-line or coplanar microwave transmission line, equipped by a split double concentric ring resonator on the transmission section reverse side of the printed circuit board (plate). This correction is carried out by rotation around the center of the concentric rings (or an axis passing through this point and perpendicular to the plane of the substrate) of both constituent elements of the resonator separately and of the whole resonant structure.
A self-propelled flexible plate with a keel-like structure
Authors: Yang Jongmin , Chen Yujia , Zhang Jun-Duo , Huang Wei-Xi , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: March 2021

Caudal keels, a pair of lateral keel-like structures in tunas along the caudal peduncle, are a remarkable specialization. Although various hypotheses about the function of caudal keels have been proposed, our understanding of their underlying hydrodynamic mechanism is still limited. The penalty immersed boundary method was used to explore the hydrodynamics of a self-propelled flexible plate with a keel-like structure on the leading edge of the plate in an effort to understand the role of the caudal keel in nature. The clamped leading edge of the flexible plate was forced into a prescribed harmonic oscillation in the vertical direction but was free to move in the horizontal direction. For comparison, simulations without a keel were also performed. Vortical structures and pressure distributions were visualized to characterize the hydrodynamic benefits of the keel. The keel generates streamwise vortices that result in negative pressure and enhance the average cruising speed and thrust. The underlying propulsion mechanism was analyzed in detail by examining the phase of the heaving stroke. The average cruising speed and the propulsion efficiency are increased by more than 11.0% and 6.7%, respectively, by the presence of the keel. A parametric study was performed to determine the set of parameters of the keel that maximizes the propulsion efficiency η as a function of the reduced length (l/L) and the reduced height (h/L) of the keel.
Radiophotoluminescence of Cu-doped silica glass derived from phase-separated sodium borosilicate glass
Authors: Takada Yuya , Yamamoto Keigo , Kinomura Atsushi , Saito Takeshi , Ichinose Nobuyuki , Okada Arifumi , Wakasugi Takashi , Kadono Kohei
Published: March 2021

Radiophotoluminescence, one of the most interesting phenomena induced in materials by ionizing radiation, is expected to be applied for radiation measurements in various fields. The radiophotoluminescence of silica glasses doped with a small amount of copper was investigated after exposure to x rays and 60Co γ rays. The Cu-doped silica glasses were prepared from porous silica glass, obtained from a phase-separated borosilicate glass, through impregnation of the porous glass in Cu(NO3)2 solutions and sintering it. Among various types of defects generated in the glass by the irradiation, boron oxygen hole centers (BOHCs), i.e., holes trapped in oxygen bonded to fourfold-coordinated boron, were observed in electron spin resonance spectra. Before irradiation, a photoluminescence band attributed to the 3d94s1 → 3d10 transition of Cu+ ions was observed at 2.5 eV. The luminescence intensity increased remarkably after irradiation, and in addition, a new luminescence band at 2.1 eV appeared. The intensities of both bands increased proportionally with the irradiation dose. This was due to the conversion of Cu2+ to Cu+ ions by the capture of electrons generated by the irradiation. The luminescent decay was measured, which revealed that the lifetimes of the 2.5-eV and 2.1-eV emissions were 38 µs and 125 µs, respectively. The induced photoluminescence increased after heat treatment up to a temperature of 300 °C and decreased above 350 °C. The effects of heat treatment on the photoluminescence after irradiation and the thermal stability are discussed for BOHCs. A heat treatment of above 500 °C returned the glass near its initial state before irradiation.
All things morphology
Authors: Haag Marcia , Moradi Sedigheh , Petrovic Andrija , Rees-Miller Janie
Published: March 2021

It is of course too big a promise that this volume would
deliver summaries of important work in all subfields of the vast and ancient
discipline of morphology, like a medieval street fair of arcane
morphological ideas. This is not an encyclopedia, despite the title. Rather,
we have attempted here to provide a view of where the field has been and
where it is today within a particular theoretical framework, gathering up
new and representative work in morphology by both eminent and emerging
scholars, and touching on a very wide range of topics, approaches, and
theoretical points of view. The place where the authors of these seemingly
disparate articles have a common touchstone is in their focus on a
word-based, paradigmatic approach to morphology, which was brought to
attention in the modern era by the likes of Matthews (1965), Aronoff (1976, 1994), and Anderson
(1992). The chapters of this book show that this perspective
accounts for both the independence of morphology and for its interactions
with syntax and phonology. One prominent name missing from the list of
contributors is Mark Aronoff. This is hardly an accident: this volume was
conceived as a way to shine light on the importance of his work by
contributors who in virtually all cases have collaborated with or been
mentored by Prof. Aronoff. We hope that he will be honored with the research
we have produced and see his influence in it.
The suffixing preference
Authors: Harris Alice C. , Samuel Arthur G.
Published: March 2021

The suffixing preference refers to the
observation that cross-linguistically suffixes are more abundant
than prefixes (Greenberg
1963). Hawkins &
Cutler (1988) explain this preference in part by noting
that spoken word recognition relies heavily on the beginnings of
words, making it advantageous to have no prefix. To test the
Hawkins-Cutler hypothesis in Georgian, we carried out lexical
decision experiments, a standard kind of experiment in which the
participant is presented with real words and nonce words and must
identify which is which. In general, responses to Georgian words
with prefixes were more accurate and/or faster than to comparable
words with suffixes. These results suggest that prefixes may be
easier to process than suffixes, contrary to the universalist claim
stated above.
Feature-based competition
Authors: Corbett Greville G.
Published: March 2021

Competition takes many forms. A newly identified
type of competition involves the featural specification of one of
the competitors as a key factor. In the particular instance treated
here, whether a given item has a competitor depends on its number
(and sometimes its person). We focus on the use of the genitive case
versus adjective-like forms in possessive expressions (broadly
understood). The data come primarily from the Slavonic languages,
where a surprising original system of possessive pronouns competing
with personal pronouns has played out rather differently through the
family. We find a variety of outcomes, from conservative to highly
innovative, with some instances of competitors settling into
different niches.
Morphomes all the way down!
Authors: Spencer Andrew
Published: March 2021

Taking Stump’s (2016) PFM2 C(ontent)/F(orm)/R(ealized) paradigm
distinction I argue that the F/R-paradigm features are conceptually
different from C-paradigm features. C-paradigm features interface
with syntax/semantics, hence are ‘interpretable’. F-paradigm
features, by contrast, induce purely formal (morphomic)
partitionings (cf. Boyé &
Schalchli 2019), even for canonical systems (one:one
Content-Form correspondence), a reflection of the true autonomy of
inflectional morphology, ‘morphology-by-itself’. The C-paradigm
features are a subset of Sadler
& Spencer’s (2001) ‘s(yntactic)-features’. Canonical
Content-Form correspondence is achieved by typing features as m- and
s-features.
A primer for linguists on the reading wars
Authors: Battistella Edwin
Published: March 2021

As linguists and teachers, we may be asked our
opinions on contentious issues of reading instruction such as
phonics versus whole language. This chapter reviews debates about
reading instruction in the United States, introducing the relevant
concepts, issues, research, and personalities to linguists. The
chapter begins with a look at pre-nineteenth century views on
reading and nineteenth and early twentieth century practices. The
mid-twentieth century publication of Why Johnny Can’t
Read led to renewed interest in phonics and in
linguistics-based reading materials. At the same time, another
linguistically-inspired approach, whole language, was being
proposed. Today, we have a politically fraught landscape of what are
often described as ‘reading wars.’ The chapter ends with a set of
recommendations for navigating this landscape.
In situ measurement of electron emission yield at silicon dioxide surfaces exposed to argon plasmas
Authors: Sobolewski Mark A
Published: March 2021

Plasma simulations require accurate yield data to predict the electron flux that is emitted when plasma-exposed surfaces are bombarded by energetic particles. One can measure yields directly using particle beams, but it is impractical to create a separate beam of each particle produced by typical plasmas. In contrast, measurements made in situ, during plasma exposure, provide useful values for the total emitted flux produced by all incident particles. Here, in situ measurements were performed in a radio-frequency (rf) biased, inductively coupled plasma (icp) system in 0.67 Pa and 1.33 Pa (5 mTorr and 10 mTorr) of argon gas. The rf current and voltage across the sheath adjacent to the rf-biased electrode were measured, along with Langmuir probe measurements of ion current density and electron temperature. The measurements are input into a numerical sheath model, which allows the emitted electron flux to be distinguished from other current mechanisms. The effective yield, i.e., the ratio of the total emitted electron flux to the incident ion flux, is also determined, as a function of incident ion energy. Results for the effective yield of a sputter-deposited SiO2 film are reported and compared with previous work. The measured effective yield can be considered the yield from Ar+ kinetic emission, which, in these experiments, dominates other emission processes. From additional literature data, emission yields for other processes—incident photons, Ar metastables, fast Ar atoms, and Ar+ potential emission—are recommended and are shown to be consistent.
Using cyclotron radiation emission for ultra-high resolution x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Kazkaz K , Woollett N
Published: March 2021

Cyclotron radiation emission spectroscopy (CRES) is an approach to measuring the energy of an electron trapped in an externally applied magnetic field. The bare electron can come from different interactions, including photoelectric absorption, Compton scatters, beta decay, and pair production. CRES relies on measuring the frequency of the electron’s cyclotron motion, and because the measurement times extend over 106–107 cycles, the energy resolution is on the order of a single electronvolt. To date, CRES has only been performed on internal beta-emitting radioisotopes, but the technology can be applied to x-ray spectrometery through appropriate selection of a target gas and sufficient intensity of the distinct x-ray source. The applications of this technology range from high-precision measurements of atomic energy levels to calibrations of basic science experiments, to trace element identification. In this work we explore the use of CRES for x-ray spectroscopy within the rubric of measuring the energy levels of argon. Though the energy levels of argon are well established, we adopt this motivation as an example question around which a detector may be designed. The issues we explore include target material, density, electron trapping depth, noise levels, and overall efficiency. We also discuss spectral deconvolution and how the multiple peaks obtained from a single target/source pair can be used to enhance the robustness of the measurement.
Two model equations with a second degree logarithmic nonlinearity and their Gaussian solutions
Authors: Liu Cheng-Shi
Published: March 2021

In the paper, we try to study the mechanism of the existence of Gaussian waves in high degree logarithmic nonlinear wave motions. We first construct two model equations which include the high order dispersion and a second degree logarithmic nonlinearity. And then we prove that the Gaussian waves can exist for high degree logarithmic nonlinear wave equations if the balance between the dispersion and logarithmic nonlinearity is kept. Our mathematical tool is the logarithmic trial equation method.
Combining direct current and kilohertz frequency alternating current to mitigate onset activity during electrical nerve block
Authors: Eggers Thomas , Kilgore Joseph , Green David , Vrabec Tina , Kilgore Kevin , Bhadra Niloy
Published: March 2021

Objective. Electrical nerve block offers the ability to immediately and reversibly block peripheral nerve conduction and would have applications in the emerging field of bioelectronics. Two modalities of electrical nerve block have been investigated—kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) and direct current (DC). KHFAC can be safely delivered with conventional electrodes, but has the disadvantage of having an onset response, which is a period of increased neural activation before block is established and currently limits clinical translation. DC has long been known to block neural conduction without an onset response but creates damaging reactive species. Typical electrodes can safely deliver DC for less than one second, but advances in high capacitance electrodes allow DC delivery up to 10 s without damage. The present work aimed to combine DC and KHFAC into a single waveform, named the combined reduced onset waveform (CROW), which can initiate block without an onset response while also maintaining safe block for long durations. This waveform consists of a short, DC pre-pulse before initiating KHFAC. Approach. Simulations of this novel waveform were carried out in the axonal simulation environment NEURON to test feasibility and gain insight into the mechanisms of action. Two sets of acute experiments were then conducted in adult Sprague–Dawley rats to determine the effectiveness of the waveform in mitigating the onset response. Main results. The CROW reduced the onset response both in silico and in vivo. The onset area was reduced by over 90% with the tested parameters in the acute experiments. The amplitude of the DC pulse was shown to be particularly important for effective onset mitigation, requiring amplitudes 6–8 times the DC block threshold. Significance. This waveform can reliably reduce the onset response due to KHFAC and could allow for wider clinical implementation of electrical nerve block.
Fluctuation-induced inward particle flux during L–I–H transition on HL-2A tokamak
Authors: Wu J. , Lan T. , Ding W.X. , Zhuang G. , Yu C.X. , Xu M. , Nie L. , Wu J.R. , Sheng H.G. , Chen W. , Yu L.M. , Cheng J. , Yan L.W. , Deng T.J. , Xu H.Q. , Zhu J.F. , Zhang S. , Mao W.Z. , Yu Y. , Sun X. , Liu A.D. , Xie J.L. , Li H. , Duan X.R. , Liu W.D.
Published: March 2021

The inward particle flux associated with the global long-lived mode (LLM) during the L–I–H transition on HL-2A tokamak has been measured. The inward particle flux arises from the phase change between density and radial velocity fluctuations, where density and velocity fluctuations are strongly correlated with magnetic fluctuations of LLM. Moreover, the radial velocity and its gradient rather than poloidal flow shear play an important role in particle transport associated with the large-scale mode. The strong nonlinear coupling between LLM and ambient turbulence has been confirmed, and this may contribute to most of the inward particle flux in the LLM during the I-phase state.
Braess’ paradox in the age of traffic information
Authors: Bittihn S , Schadschneider A
Published: March 2021

The Braess paradox describes the counterintuitive situation that the addition of new roads to road networks can lead to higher travel times for all network users. Recently we could show that user optima leading to the paradox exist in networks of microscopic transport models. We derived phase diagrams for two kinds of route choice strategies that were externally tuned and applied by all network users. Here we address the question whether these user optima are still realized if intelligent route choice decisions are made based upon two kinds of traffic information. We find that the paradox still can occur if the drivers (1) make informed decisions based on their own past experiences or (2) use traffic information similar to that provided by modern navigation apps. This indicates that modern traffic information systems are not able to resolve Braess’ paradox.