bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First occurrence of Maiasaura (Dinosauria, Hadrosauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous Oldman Formation of southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: McFeeters Bradley D. , Evans David C. , Ryan Michael J. , Maddin Hillary C.
Published: December 2020

We describe a new partial skull with braincase of a maiasaurin hadrosaurid from the Milk River Ridge Reservoir near Warner, southern Alberta, as the first diagnostic occurrence of Maiasaura in Canada. This material was collected in the Oldman Formation, at approximately the same stratigraphic level as a nearby bonebed of the ceratopsid Coronosaurus brinkmani. The assignment of this specimen to Maiasaura, rather than to Brachylophosaurus, is supported by the narrow and acute posterior margin of the external naris, the relationship between the postorbital and squamosal in the supratemporal bar, and the morphology of the frontals, which are greatly thickened and elevated anteriorly, with the dorsal surface not completely covered by the nasofrontal contact at adult size. The occurrence of both Maiasaura and Brachylophosaurus in approximately similar-aged deposits of the Comrey Sandstone zone in southern Alberta provides support for some cladogenesis in the evolutionary history of Maiasaurini. Geographically, the more western distribution of Maiasaura localities with respect to all Brachylophosaurus localities is consistent with the hypothesis that a preference for more inland versus seaway-adjacent habitats may have influenced the phylogenetic divergence of these taxa.
The role of visfatin and resistin in an in vitro model of obesity-induced invasive liver cancer
Authors: Miethe Candace , Torres Linda , Beristain Jessica , Zamora Megan , Price Ramona S.
Published: December 2020

Obesity is associated with the development of liver disease and its progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. This link may be attributed to adipocytokines such as visfatin and resistin which have been shown to promote liver cancer incidence and progression. Studies have yet to determine the role of visfatin and resistin in liver cancer, specifically in the context of obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of neutralizing visfatin and resistin in obese (OB) or normal weight (NW) sera to determine the contribution of these proteins in obesity-induced invasive liver cancer. Sera from OB or NW males was used to determine the efficacy of neutralizing visfatin and resistin to reduce the obesity-induced liver cancer phenotype. HepG2 and SNU-449 cells were exposed to OB and NW sera ± antibodies for visfatin or resistin. The neutralizing antibodies differentially suppressed invasion, reactive oxygen species production, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion. These changes corresponded with a decrease in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases and protein kinase B in HepG2 cells, but differences were not observed in CAP1 or β-catenin. In conclusion, visfatin and resistin have differential roles in obesity-associated liver cancer and may be potential targets to reverse the impact of obesity on liver cancer progression.
Strong Gelfand subgroups of F ≀ Sn
Authors: Can Mahir Bilen , She Yiyang , Speyer Liron
Published: December 2020

The multiplicity-free subgroups (strong Gelfand subgroups) of wreath products are investigated. Various useful reduction arguments are presented. In particular, we show that for every finite group [Formula: see text], the wreath product [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a Young subgroup, is multiplicity-free if and only if [Formula: see text] is a partition with at most two parts, the second part being 0, 1, or 2. Furthermore, we classify all multiplicity-free subgroups of hyperoctahedral groups. Along the way, we derive various decomposition formulas for the induced representations from some special subgroups of hyperoctahedral groups.
R&D IN INDIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS: EFFECTS OF AGE, SIZE & TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Authors: KHANNA RUPIKA , PANT ABHAY , KUMAR GAURAV
Published: December 2020

Using firm-level data from 7165 firms from Indian manufacturing, this paper explores the effects of firm age and size on its inclination to invest in research and development (R&D). The paper addresses the inadequately answered question on the choice between in-house R&D and technology purchase from foreign firms. To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first study to examine the impact of age, size and technology transfer on firm’s inclination to invest in R&D for the manufacturing sector in India. Our results suggest that young firms are more likely to invest in R&D. A firm’s exports further increase its propensity towards R&D. Contrary to the previous results, we show that young and small firms possibly use in-house R&D as a complementary input with purchased foreign technology. Thereafter, policy prescriptions are drawn.
Searches for new phenomena in final states involving leptons and jets using the ATLAS detector
Authors: Novak Tadej
Published: December 2020

Final states containing both leptons and jets can be used to probe for physics beyond the Standard Model. Searches for new physics models with these signatures, such as heavy neutrinos or leptoquarks, for example, are performed using the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. The results of the most recent searches on 13 TeV [Formula: see text] data will be presented.
New results from the DANSS experiment
Authors: Skrobova Nataliya
Published: December 2020

We present new results of the DANSS experiment on the searches for sterile neutrinos. They are based on more than 2 million of inverse beta decay events collected at 10.7 m, 11.7 m and 12.7 m from the reactor core of the 3.1 GW Kalinin Nuclear Power Plant in Russia. This data sample is 2.4 times larger than the data sample in the previous DANSS publication. The search for the sterile neutrinos is performed using the ratio of [Formula: see text] spectra at two distances. This method is very robust against systematic uncertainties in the [Formula: see text] spectrum and the detector efficiency. We do not see any statistically significant sign for the [Formula: see text] oscillations. This allows us to exclude further a large and interesting part of the sterile neutrino parameter space. A Gaussian CL[Formula: see text] method was used to obtain exclusion areas. This method is more conservative than a Raster Scan method.
Status and results from the CUORE experiment
Authors: Campani A. , Adams D. Q. , Alduino C. , Alfonso K. , Avignone F. T. , Azzolini O. , Bari G. , Bellini F. , Benato G. , Biassoni M. , Branca A. , Brofferio C. , Bucci C. , Caminata A. , Canonica L. , Cao X. G. , Capelli S. , Cappelli L. , Cardani L. , Carniti P. , Casali N. , Chiesa D. , Chott N. , Clemenza M. , Copello S. , Cosmelli C. , Cremonesi O. , Creswick R. J. , D’Addabbo A. , D’Aguanno D. , Dafinei I. , Davis C. J. , Dell’Oro S. , Di Domizio S. , Dompè V. , Fang D. Q. , Fantini G. , Faverzani M. , Ferri E. , Ferroni F. , Fiorini E. , Franceschi M. A. , Freedman S. J. , Fujikawa B. K. , Giachero A. , Gironi L. , Giuliani A. , Gorla P. , Gotti C. , Gutierrez T. D. , Han K. , Heeger K. M. , Huang R. G. , Huang H. Z. , Johnston J. , Keppel G. , Kolomensky Yu. G. , Ligi C. , Ma Y. G. , Ma L. , Marini L. , Maruyama R. H. , Mei Y. , Moggi N. , Morganti S. , Napolitano T. , Nastasi M. , Nikkel J. , Nones C. , Norman E. B. , Novati V. , Nucciotti A. , Nutini I. , O’Donnell T. , Ouellet J. L. , Pagliarone C. E. , Pagnanini L. , Pallavicini M. , Pattavina L. , Pavan M. , Pessina G. , Pettinacci V. , Pira C. , Pirro S. , Pozzi S. , Previtali E. , Puiu A. , Rosenfeld C. , Rusconi C. , Sakai M. , Sangiorgio S. , Schmidt B. , Scielzo N. D. , Sharma V. , Singh V. , Sisti M. , Speller D. , Surukuchi P. T. , Taffarello L. , Terranova F. , Tomei C. , Vignati M. , Wagaarachchi S. L. , Wang B. S. , Welliver B. , Wilson J. , Wilson K. , Winslow L. A. , Zanotti L. , Zimmermann S. , Zucchelli S.
Published: December 2020

The Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is a tonne-scale cryogenic experiment located at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso that exploits bolometric technique to search for neutrinoless double beta decay [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]Te. The detector consists of a segmented array of 988 natural [Formula: see text] cubic crystals arranged in a cylindrical compact structure of 19 towers. The detector construction was completed in August 2016 and data taking started in Spring 2017. In this work, we present a brief description of the bolometric technique for rare events search and the CUORE detector, then we concentrate on the data analysis results. In this respect, we focus on the procedure for data processing and on the first [Formula: see text] results we obtained from a total [Formula: see text] exposure of [Formula: see text]. Next, we illustrate the main background sources and the CUORE background model, from which we obtain the most precise measurement of [Formula: see text]Te [Formula: see text] half-life to date. Finally, we discuss the improvements achieved with 2018 and 2019 detector optimization campaigns and the current perspectives of our experiment.
DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 results and implications on several dark matter scenarios
Authors: Bernabei R. , Belli P. , Caracciolo V. , Cerulli R. , Merlo V. , Cappella F. , d’Angelo A. , Incicchitti A. , Di Marco A. , Dai C. J. , He H. L. , Ma X. H. , Sheng X. D. , Montecchia F. , Ye Z. P.
Published: December 2020

The first DAMA/LIBRA–phase2 model-independent results (exposure: [Formula: see text], and software energy threshold at 1 keV). They further confirm — with high confidence level — the evidence already observed by DAMA/NaI and DAMA/LIBRA–phase1 on the basis of the exploited model-independent dark matter (DM) annual modulation signature. The total exposure of the three experiments above the 2 keV software energy threshold is [Formula: see text]. Here, several DM candidate particles and related scenarios are analyzed including the latest results. Thanks to the increased exposure and to the lower software energy threshold, corollary model-dependent analyses permit to significantly restrict the allowed regions for the parameters spaces of various dark matter candidates and astrophysical, particle and nuclear physics scenarios.
Influence of external magnetic field on high-harmonic generation upon propagation of an ultrashort optical airy pulse in a CNTs photonic crystal
Authors: Dvuzhilova Y. V. , Dvuzhilov I. S. , Konobeeva N. N. , Belonenko M. B.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we consider the influence of magnetic pump field on the propagation of three-dimensional ultrashort optical pulse with Airy cross-section in a medium of a photonic crystal made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is shown, that the pulse remains localized in a limited region of space and propagates quasi-stable. The possibility of efficient generation of high harmonics under the influence of an external magnetic field that were initially absent is observed.
Classical excluded volume of loosely bound light (anti) nuclei and their chemical freeze-out in heavy ion collisions
Authors: Grinyuk Boris E. , Bugaev Kyrill A. , Sagun Violetta V. , Ivanytskyi Oleksii I. , Borisyuk Dmitry L. , Zhokhin Anatoly S. , Zinovjev Gennady M. , Blaschke David B. , Bravina Larissa V. , Zabrodin Evgeny E. , Nikonov Edward G. , Farrar Glennys , Kabana Sonia , Kuleshov Sergey V. , Taranenko Arkadiy V.
Published: December 2020

From the analysis of light (anti)nuclei multiplicities that were measured recently by the ALICE collaboration in Pb+Pb collisions at the center-of-mass collision energy [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]TeV, there arose a highly nontrivial question about the excluded volume of composite particles. Surprisingly, the hadron resonance gas model (HRGM) is able to perfectly describe the light (anti) nuclei multiplicities under various assumptions. Thus, one can consider the (anti)nuclei with a vanishing hard-core radius (as the point-like particles) or with the hard-core radius of proton, but the fit quality is the same for these assumptions. It is clear, however, that such assumptions are unphysical. Hence we obtain a formula for the classical excluded volume of loosely bound light nuclei consisting of A baryons. To implement a new formula into the HRGM, we have to modify the induced surface tension concept to treat the hadrons and (anti)nuclei on the same footing. We perform a thorough analysis of hadronic and (anti)nuclei multiplicities measured by the ALICE collaboration. The HRGM with the induced surface tension allows us to verify different assumptions on the values of hard-core radii and different scenarios of chemical freeze-out of (anti)nuclei. It is shown that the unprecedentedly high quality of fit [Formula: see text] is achieved, if the chemical freeze-out temperature of hadrons is about [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV, while the one for all (anti)nuclei is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MeV.
Uncovering Two Decades of Open Innovation Benefits: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oumlil Rachid , Faouzi Hicham , Juiz Carlos
Published: December 2020

Research on open innovation (OI) benefits has received growing interest from researchers and practitioners in the past two decades. But it lacks valuable frameworks that categorize these benefits. This paper aims to explore OI benefits since 2003 and to come up with a comprehensive framework categorizing them. To do so, the authors conducted a qualitative meta-analysis of 708 articles from the Scopus platform by mobilizing IRAMUTEQ 0.7 Alpha2 and NVivo12 solutions for text mining and qualitative content analyzes. The findings highlight six categories of the following interrelated OI benefits: (1) Performance, (2) innovation process, (3) market, (4) product and service, (5) knowledge, and (6) customer. This classification offers researchers constructs for potential models of OI impacts and brings innovation managers potential indicators for the dissemination and absorption of OI practices by organizations.
Preparation of Antibacterial Nanocomposites of Zinc Oxide-Doped Graphene Reinforced Polypropylene with High Comprehensive Properties
Authors: Wen Yi-Hua , Tsou Chi-Hui , De Guzman Manuel Reyes , Wu Chin-San , Liao Bin , Du Juan , Wei Wei , Sun Ya-Li
Published: December 2020

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most widely used polymers in many areas. But it also has some drawbacks. In this work, a novel nanomaterial — zinc oxide-doped graphene (G-nZnO) — was melt-blended with PP to prepare an antibacterial nanocomposite. It was found that the mechanical properties, thermal stability and barrier properties of nanocomposites reached the highest value when the content of G-nZnO was 0.2[Formula: see text]phr. The tensile properties of nanocomposites were 36% higher than those of pure PP, and the barrier properties were increased by 113%. The results of antibacterial tests showed that the antibacterial activity of nanocomposites increased with the G-nZnO content. Compared with previous studies on PP/graphene and different PP composites, this study that examined new nanocomposites was better in terms of improving various properties of PP. This kind of composite materials with excellent comprehensive performance has great potential for application in the fields of packaging and functional materials.
Mutually Enhanced Catalytic Activity of Doped Cobalt in Porous MoS2 for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Qiao Wen , Xu Wei , Wu Niandu , Zhong Wei , Yan Shiming
Published: December 2020

In molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), cobalt (Co) doping is an effective way to introduce catalytic active sites on the basal plane. For improving their capability of electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), it is desirable to produce more active sites and endow them with highly electrocatalytic activity. In this work, we used silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanospheres as template to prepare porous Co-doped MoS2 with different Co content. We found that the prepared porous catalyst has improved the catalytic performance. Furthermore, the increase in Co content not only increases the number of active sites, but also can improve the activity for each Co atom. First-principle calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) suggest that this mutually enhanced activity originates from the shift of the density of state (DOS) of the vertical d[Formula: see text] orbital near the Fermi energy level caused by the interaction among the Co atoms.
Development and status of active volcano monitoring in China
Authors: Pan Bo , Liu Guoming , Cheng Tao , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Zigang , Ma Baojun , Wu Haijun , Liang Guojing , Guo Mingrui , Kong Qingjun , Wei Feixiang , Zhao Ciping , Zhao Qiang
Published: December 2020

Following decades of geological surveys and studies, 14 active volcanic fields have been identified in China. Evidence for Holocene volcanism in several of these areas highlights the need to understand and monitor volcanic hazards in those regions. Six volcano observatories have thus been established in the past 40 years. This work reviews China's national capability and history of volcano monitoring, with emphasis on the Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano Observatory and the Tengchong Volcano Observatory. The Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano Observatory (CTVO) was constructed in 1996 and began monitoring in 1999, with limited recorded observations dating back to 1973. Currently, CTVO is the largest and most advanced observatories in China. The monitoring network of the CTVO incorporates 11 seismic and 15 GPS stations, two levelling routes and three gas geochemistry sampling points. The Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano experienced unrest during 2002–05, evidenced in elevated levels of seismicity and ground deformation, as well as shifts in gas geochemistry. After 2006, the volcano returned to quiescence, with activities at background levels as recorded in 1973–2001. The monitoring network of Tengchong Volcano Observatory incorporates eight seismic stations, 20 GPS points, 95 levelling points and three gas geochemistry sampling points. The observations made since 1965 indicate significant seismicity, with more than 3000 events recorded in 2011, mostly related to regional tectonics. Tengchong is known for its widespread hot springs, with temperatures up to 105°C recorded at Dagunguo spring. The four other observatories are Longgang Volcano Observatory, Jingbohu Volcano Observatory, Wudalianchi Volcano Observatory and Qiongbei Volcano Observatory. They are equipped with seismic, geodetic and geochemical monitoring equipment. These areas saw only low levels of activity over the past several decades, but related fault systems are relatively active. In a relatively short time, China has gained considerable experience in observatory design and volcano monitoring and has trained up a sizeable task force, laying the foundation for sustained volcano monitoring at the national level. Future efforts must focus on maintaining and expanding observational capacity, as well as gaining better dynamic understanding to inform volcano hazard assessment.
Identifying references to volcanic eruptions in Chinese historical records
Authors: Chen Zhengquan , Chen Zheng
Published: December 2020

In this study, we collect and translate observations and witness accounts suggestive of volcanic eruptions in ancient and modern China. The documents from the literature covered confirmed volcanic eruptions and suspected volcanic events. Recorded events concerning Tianchi (
c.
946 AD), Wudalianchi (1720, 1721) and Ashikule (1951) volcanoes relate to confirmed volcanic eruptions. Detailed records of Tianchi eruptions in historical documents span from 946 to 1903 AD. The real-time observations of the 1720–21 eruptions recorded by the government are presented. They describe a violent explosion and the development of lava flows at Laoheishan volcano. Evidence for events suggestive of volcanic activity are also presented for Dayingshan (1609, Tengchong), Man'anling (1883, Haikou), Chahayan (Heilongjiang), the South China Sea, Kui-shan Tao (late 1770s, Taiwan) and Penjia Islet (19 May 1916 and 29 June 1927, Taiwan). However, some supposed historical volcanic activities including Helanshan (Ningxia), Datong volcano, Rendagou (Sichuan) and Shizishan (Hunan) remain highly suspect according to their unclear positions and rough geological settings. These events may arise from the spontaneous combustion of coal. Records in Tianshan and Beiting Beishan (Xinjiang) may represent mud volcanoes. One case of an ancient Chinese Fengshui master interpreting geological processes from mythology is helpful when inspecting volcanology-related myths.
Non-pollen palynomorphs in freshwater sediments and their palaeolimnological potential and selected applications
Authors: McCarthy Francine M. G. , Pilkington Paul M. , Volik Olena , Heyde Autumn , Cocker Scott L.
Published: December 2020

The earliest eukaryotes recorded in continental environments are non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) in Mesoproterozoic strata, and NPP provide our best insights into lacustrine ecosystems through the Paleogene. They have been underexploited in studies of younger lake sediments, either ignored or only qualitatively observed, because many NPP are destroyed by standard processing techniques for pollen and embryophyte spores. The palaeoenvironmental potential of palynomorphs, with representatives from all eukaryotic kingdoms as well as cyanobacteria and from all trophic levels in various lacustrine environments, has been recognized by a few Quaternary palynologists in the past few decades. NPP have proven particularly valuable in archaeological and environmental monitoring studies of human impact on freshwater ecosystems, with spores of some fungi and eggs/egg cases of some flatworms and roundworms associated with faeces of humans and livestock, and the acid-resistant remains of various life stages of cyanobacteria, algae and their aquatic consumers responding to increased turbidity and nutrient influx associated with permanent human settlements, particularly those associated with agricultural activity. Descriptions of NPP commonly encountered in Quaternary lake sediments and case studies illustrating applications to various research questions should encourage more palynologists that ‘“Quaternary non-pollen palynomorphs” deserve our attention!’, to quote Prof. Bas van Geel (2006,
Review of Paleobotany and Palynology
,
141
, vii–viii,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2006.04.001
), undisputed Father of NPP research.
Circuit Analysis of Ionizing Surface Potential Measurements of Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Adel Tehseen , Velez-Alvarez Juan , Co Anne C. , Allen Heather C.
Published: December 2020

Surface potential measurement values of the gas-liquid interface can be ambiguous despite the numerous electrochemical approaches used for quantification of the reported values. Calibration and normalization methods are not standardized, which often undermines the robustness of the reported values. Surface potential instrumentation and data interpretation also varies significantly across literature. Here, we propose a circuit model for an ionizing surface potential method based on the alpha decay of a radioactive americium-241 electrode. We evaluate the robustness of the circuit model for quantifying the surface potential at the air-aqueous interface. We then show successful validation of our circuit model through determination of the surface tension of the air-electrolyte interface with comparison to respective surface tension literature values. This validation reveals the reliability of surface potential measurements using the americium-241 ionizing method. We also report the surface potential difference of the air/water interface to be −0.49 V ± 0.01 V consistent with hydrogens of water pointing toward the air phase.
Electrical Conductivity, Liquidus Temperatures and Raman Spectra of YbCl3–KCl–Yb2O3 and YbCl3–KCl–NaCl–Yb2O3 Systems
Authors: Nikolaeva Elena V. , Zakiryanova Irina D. , Bovet Andrey L. , Korzun Iraida V.
Published: December 2020

The electrical conductivity of 0.507KCl–0.493YbCl3 and 0.5YbCl3–0.25KCl–0.25NaCl chloride melts with the ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3) additions ranging from 0 to 3.15 mol% was measured depending on both the temperature and concentration of Yb2O3. The liquidus temperatures of the studied systems containing from 0 to 3.35 mol.% Yb2O3 were determined by DSC method and the electrical conductivity measurements. The Yb2O3 additions increase the liquidus temperatures of the systems under study. The high-temperature Raman spectra of chloride (YbCl3–KCl–NaCl) and oxide-chloride (YbCl3–KCl–NaCl–Yb2O3) melts were recorded. In the oxide-chloride melt an additional band was detected in the region of 460 cm−1 corresponding to stretching-vibrations of the Yb–O bond in [OYb3Cln] oxychloride associates. There was no evidence of vibrational bands related to ytterbium oxide. Such changes in the Raman spectrum points to the dissociation of ytterbium oxide and modifications to the local structure of the chloride melt.
A Simplified Mathematical Model for Heating-Induced Thermal Runaway of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Haodong , Buston Jonathan E. H. , Gill Jason , Howard Daniel , Williams Rhiannon C. E. , Read Elliott , Abaza Ahmed , Cooper Brian , Wen Jennifer X.
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to develop a simplified mathematical model for the evolution of heating-induced thermal runaway (TR) of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This model only requires a minimum number of input parameters, and some of these unknown parameters can be obtained from accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) tests and previous studies, removing the need for detailed measurements of heat flow of cell components by differential scanning calorimetry. The model was firstly verified by ARC tests for a commercial cylindrical 21700 cell for the prediction of the cell surface temperature evolution with time. It was further validated by uniform heating tests of 21700 cells conducted with flexible and nichrome-wire heaters, respectively. The validated model was finally used to investigate the critical ambient temperature that triggers battery TR. The predicted critical ambient temperature is between 127 °C and 128 °C. The model has been formulated as lumped 0D, axisymmetric 2D and full 3D to suit different heating and geometric arrangements and can be easily extended to predict the TR evolution of other LIBs with different geometric configurations and cathode materials. It can also be easily implemented into other computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code.
Comparing the Lithiation and Sodiation of a Hard Carbon Anode Using In Situ Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Linsenmann Fabian , Pritzl Daniel , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: December 2020

We present in situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data measured during (de)sodiation and (de)lithiation of a commercial hard carbon (HC) anode material. For this purpose, two different systems of micro-reference electrodes (μ-RE) were used: a gold-wire reference electrode (μ-GWRE) for Li/HC half-cells and a tin-wire reference electrode (μ-TWRE) for Na/HC half-cells. We show that for both (de)sodiation (using EC/DMC + 1 M NaPF6 electrolyte) and (de)lithiation (using EC/EMC + 1 M LiPF6 electrolyte) the impedance spectra are dominated by a charge transfer resistance (RCT) which is reversibly decreasing/increasing with increasing/decreasing state-of-charge. The contributions to the HC electrode resistance (Ranode), i.e., charge transfer (RCT), pore (Rpore), and separator resistance (RHFR), were obtained by fitting the impedance spectra using a representative equivalent circuit. We conclude that the RCT associated with sodiation of HC is ≈10-fold higher compared to the lithiation of HC at 100% SOC. Furthermore, we compare the evolution of Ranode measured in situ over 52 cycles at the same SOC. We find that the higher electrode resistances for sodiated HC result in a considerably reduced rate capability for HC sodiation. For a potential future commercialization of sodium-ion batteries, the fast-charging properties (=HC sodiation) would be a crucial performance indicator.
Imaging microphysiological systems: a review
Authors: Peel Samantha , Jackman Mark
Published: December 2020

Microphysiological systems (MPS), often referred to as “organ-on-chips,” are microfluidic-based in vitro models that aim to recapitulate the dynamic chemical and mechanical microenvironment of living organs. MPS promise to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models and ultimately improve the translation from preclinical animal studies to clinical trials. However, despite the explosion of interest in this area in recent years, and the obvious rewards for such models that could improve R&D efficiency and reduce drug attrition in the clinic, the pharmaceutical industry has been slow to fully adopt this technology. The ability to extract robust, quantitative information from MPS at scale is a key requirement if these models are to impact drug discovery and the subsequent drug development process. Microscopy imaging remains a core technology that enables the capture of information at the single-cell level and with subcellular resolution. Furthermore, such imaging techniques can be automated, increasing throughput and enabling compound screening. In this review, we discuss a range of imaging techniques that have been applied to MPS of varying focus, such as organoids and organ-chip-type models. We outline the opportunities these technologies can bring in terms of understanding mechanistic biology, but also how they could be used in higher-throughput screens, widening the scope of their impact in drug discovery. We discuss the associated challenges of imaging these complex models and the steps required to enable full exploitation. Finally, we discuss the requirements for MPS, if they are to be applied at a scale necessary to support drug discovery projects.
Antioxidative effect of DJ-1 is enhanced in NG108-15 cells by DPMQ-induced copper influx
Authors: Chin Ting-Yu , Wang Che-Chuan , Ma Kuo-Hsing , Kuo Chia-Wei , Hu Ming-Kuan , Chueh Sheau-Huei
Published: December 2020

Disruption of copper homeostasis is closely involved in neurodegenerative disorders. This study examined whether a hybrid copper-binding compound, ( E)-2-(4-(dimethylamino)phenylimino)methyl)quinolin-8-ol (DPMQ), is able to protect NG108-15 cells against oxidative stress. We found that treatment of cells with rotenone or hydrogen peroxide increased cellular oxidative stress and resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. The cellular levels of Nrf2 and the Cu2+ chaperone DJ-1 were also decreased. These oxidative detrimental effects were all inhibited when cells were cotreated with DPMQ. DPMQ increased cellular Cu2+ content, DJ-1 protein level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and Nrf2 nuclear translocation under basal state. The activity of SOD decreased under redox imbalance and this decrease was blocked by DPMQ treatment, while the protein level of SOD1 remained unaltered regardless of the oxidative stress and DPMQ treatment. Using endogenous proteins, coimmunoprecipitation showed that DJ-1 bound with SOD1 and Nrf2 individually. The amount of Nrf2, bound to DJ-1, consistently reflected its cellular level, while the amount of SOD1, bound to DJ-1, was potentiated by DPMQ, being greater in the basal state than under redox imbalance. Simultaneous inclusion of nonpermeable Cu2+ chelator tetrathiomolybdate or triethylenetetramine during DPMQ treatment blocked all aforementioned effects of DPMQ, showing that the dependency of the effect of DPMQ on extracellular Cu2+. In addition, silencing of DJ-1 blocked the protection of DPMQ against oxidative stress. Taken all together, our results suggest that DPMQ stabilizes DJ-1 in a Cu2+-dependent manner, which then brings about SOD1 activation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation; these together alleviate cellular oxidative stress.
The effect of estimating chest wall compliance on the work of breathing during exercise as determined via the modified Campbell diagram
Authors: Gideon Elizbeth A. , Cross Troy J. , Coriell Catherine L. , Duke Joseph W.
Published: December 2020

The modified Campbell diagram provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the work of breathing (Wb) during exercise, wherein the resistive and elastic work of inspiration and expiration are quantified. Importantly, a necessary step in constructing the modified Campbell diagram is to obtain a value for chest wall compliance (CCW). To date, it remains unknown whether estimating or directly measuring CCW impacts the Wb, as determined by the modified Campbell diagram. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the components of the Wb differ when the modified Campbell diagram is constructed using an estimated versus measured value of CCW. Forty-two participants ( n = 26 men, 16 women) performed graded exercise to volitional exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. CCW was measured directly at rest via quasistatic relaxation. Estimated values of CCW were taken from prior literature. The measured value of CCW was greater than that obtained via estimation (214 ± 52 mL/cmH2O vs. 189 ± 18 mL/cmH2O; P < 0.05). At modest-to-high minute ventilations (i.e., 50–200 L/min), the inspiratory elastic Wb was greater and expiratory resistive Wb was lower, when modified Campbell diagrams were constructed using estimated compared with measured values of CCW ( P = 0.001). These differences were however small and never exceeded ±5%. Thus, although our findings demonstrate that estimating CCW has a measurable impact on the determination of the Wb, its effect appears relatively small within a cohort of healthy adults during graded exercise.
Diffuse Scattering Directive Model Parameterization Method for Construction Materials at mmWave Frequencies
Authors: Ren Ming-Hao , Liao Xi , Zhou Jihua , Wang Yang , Shao Yu , Liao Shasha , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2020

The determination for diffuse scattering model parameters is of critical importance to improve the accuracy of prediction and analysis for millimeter-wave radio propagation. In this paper, a reliable parameterization method with a simplified tuning procedure for a diffuse scattering model is proposed and validated based on measurements and ray-tracing simulations. Typical construction materials are measured from 40 GHz to 50 GHz, and the complex permittivity is estimated by the propagation coefficients match method. The directive model, which can better characterize the scattering patterns of construction materials in this paper, is adopted to calibrate the ray-tracing simulation. Model parameterization is performed and simulated results with the optimal model parameters show distinct accuracy improvement.
Simultaneous Optimization of the Liner Shipping Route and Ship Schedule Designs with Time Windows
Authors: Jiang Xi , Mao Haijun , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes to address the problem of the simultaneous optimization of the liner shipping route and ship schedule designs by incorporating port time windows. A mathematical programming model was developed to minimize the carrier’s total operating cost by simultaneously optimizing the port call sequence, ship arrival time per port of call, and sailing speed per shipping leg under port time window constraints. In view of its structure, the nonlinear nonconvex optimization model is further transformed into a mixed-integer linear programming model that can be efficiently solved by extant solvers to provide a global optimal solution. The results of the numerical experiments performed using a real-world case study indicated that the proposed model performs significantly better than the models that handle the design problems separately. The results also showed that different time windows will affect the optimal port call sequence. Moreover, port time windows, bunker price, and port efficiency all affect the total operating cost of the designed shipping route.
Health Communication and Behavioural Practice towards Ending Hepatitis B Virus in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adesina Evaristus , Adeloye Davies , Falola Hezekiah , Adeyeye Babatunde , Yartey Darlynton , Kayode-Adedeji Tolulope
Published: December 2020

Responding to the international call for strategic information to understand viral hepatitis, this study investigated the health communication practice on hepatitis B virus in Southwest Nigeria. Existing studies on HBV in Nigeria have primarily concentrated on health practitioners and their patients while neglecting detailed empirical data on semiurban and urban demographic information. This study examines health communication channels as predictors of knowledge, attitude, and behavioural practices with an emphasis on three Southwest states (Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun) in Nigeria that have the highest prevalence rate of HBV. Data were gathered through a survey from a total of 600 respondents of Southwest Nigeria randomly selected through the multistage sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested with the use of multiple regression. The result reveals that health communication channels for hepatitis B virus management had a significant influence on knowledge (F = 12.708, Df = 581,

P
<
0.05

, Sig. at 0.000), attitude (F = 3.430, Df = 581,

P
<
0.05

, Sig. at 0.000), and preventive practices (F = 11.075, Df = 581,

P
<
0.05

, Sig. at 0.000) of residents of Southwest Nigeria, respectively. The study concludes that health communication channels such as the television, Internet, radio, newspaper, and health workers positively influence the behavioural practices of residents of Southwest Nigeria. The study recommends the development of a nationwide communication system on HBV targeted at putting an end to the disease in line with the 2030 global elimination objective of Sustainable Development Goal 3.
Danshen Attenuates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration via Antioxidation in SD Rats
Authors: Qin Rongqing , Dai Shouqian , Zhang Xing , Liu Hongpeng , Zhou Bing , Zhou Pin , Hu Chuanliang
Published: December 2020

Objective. To investigate the effects of Danshen on the imaging and histological parameters, expression levels of ECM-associated proteins and inflammatory factors, and antioxidative activity in the degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD) of SD rats. Methods. Sixty male rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, IDD, and Danshen IDD). Percutaneous needle puncture in Co8-9 intervertebral disc was conducted in all rats of the IDD and Danshen IDD groups to induce intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). After operation, animals of the Danshen IDD group were administrated with Danshen granules (3 g/kg body weight ) by gavage once a day. Four weeks later, the coccygeal vertebrae were harvested and used for imaging (disc height and MR signal), histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical [water content, glycosaminoglycans (GAG), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA)] analyses. Results. The puncture induced significant decreased IVD space and MR T2 signal at both 2 and 4 weeks, which were attenuated by Danshen treatment. The disc degeneration in the IDD group (HE and Safranin O-Fast Green histological staining was markedly more serious compared with that in the control group. Four weeks of Danshen treatment significantly alleviated this degeneration compared with the IDD group. Needle puncture resulted in the upregulation of IL-1β and TNF-α, MMP-3, and downregulation of COL2 and aggrecan in the IDD group. However, this change was significantly weakened by Danshen treatment. Significantly lower water and GAG content, as well as the SOD2 and GSH levels, in the IDD group were found compared with those in the control group. However, the above parameters of the Danshen IDD group were significantly higher than those of the IDD group. Danshen treatment significantly decreased the content of MDA which was increased by needle puncture in the IDD group. Conclusion. Danshen can attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration in SD rats by suppressing the oxidation reaction.
Nonlinear Dynamics and Suppressing Chaos in Magnetic Bearing System
Authors: Chang Shun-Chang
Published: December 2020

A nonlinear mathematical model of a magnetic bearing system has been obtained by applying a modified conventional identification technique based on the principle of harmonic balance. In this study, we examined the rich nonlinear dynamics of a magnetic bearing system with closed-loop control using phase portraits, Poincaré maps, and frequency spectra. The resulting bifurcation diagram can be used to evaluate the operational range of systems employing nonlinear actuators. Estimates of the largest Lyapunov exponent based on the properties of synchronization revealed the occurrence of chatter vibration indicative of chaotic motion. Various control methods, such as the state feedback control and the injection of dither signals, were then used to quench the chaotic behavior.
Evaluation of the Established IoT Smart Home Robot Teaching Module Based on Embedded Thematic-Approach Strategy
Authors: Yao Kai-Chao , Huang Wei-Tzer , Hsu Li-Chiou , Yang Chin-Kun , Lai Jian-Yuan
Published: December 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology–based intelligent robots are constructed using different technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), big data, deep learning, machine learning, neural network, and expert system. This particular type of robots can increase the work efficiency of humans and improve their quality of life. From the industry perspective, AI robots possess unlimited potential for development, and they are projected to be a 10-trillion-dollar industry. In this study, the critical technology of IoT is applied to develop a teaching module for an IoT smart home robot. Teaching and evaluation are performed through an embedded thematic-approach teaching strategy in the course named Automatic Measurement and Monitoring. This research aims to teach students how to integrate IoT technology into robot design and construction to build IoT smart home robots. This cross-disciplinary research incorporates emerging technology—integration of smart home, robot construction, and IoT technologies—into industrial education, teaching material and equipment development, and experimental teaching and evaluation. The participating students were juniors or seniors from the Department of Electrical Engineering or Electromechanical Engineering at the University of Technology.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD)—Clinical Characteristics and Pathogenic Variant Analysis of Three Nonsyndromic Deafness Families
Authors: Zhai Rongqun , Feng Haifeng , Li Qingli , Lu Wei , Liu Danhua , Tian Yongan , Liu Huanfei , Li Ruijun , Zuo Bin , Tang Wenxue , Xu Hongen , Chen Bei
Published: December 2020

Objective. To analyze the phenotypic features and pathogenic variants of three unrelated families presenting with nonsyndromic auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Methods. Three recruited families that were affected by congenital deafness were clinically evaluated, including a detailed family history and audiological and radiological examination. The peripheral blood of all patients and their parents was collected for DNA extraction, and then, the exonic and flanking regions were enriched and sequenced using targeted capture and high‐throughput sequencing technology. Bioinformatics analyses and the Sanger sequencing were carried out to screen and validate candidate pathogenic variants. The pathogenicity of candidate variants was evaluated by an approach that was based on the standards and guidelines for interpreting genetic variants as proposed by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Results. Four patients in three families were diagnosed as nonsyndromic ANSD, and all exhibited OTOF gene mutations. Among them, two individuals in family 1 (i.e., fam 1‐II‐2 and fam 1‐II‐3) carried homozygous variants c.[2688del];[2688del] (NM_194248.3). Two individuals from family 2 (fam 2‐II‐1) and family 3 (fam 3‐II‐4) carried compound heterozygous variants c.[4960G>A];[1469C>G] and c.[2675A>G];[2977_2978del], respectively. Conclusions. Three unrelated pedigrees with ANSD were caused by pathogenic variants in the OTOF gene. Five mutations were found and included c.2688del, c.2675A>G, c.2977_2978del, c.4960G>A, and c.1469C>G, of which the first two are novel and expanded mutational spectrum of the OTOF gene, thus having important implications for genetic counseling of the family.
A Framework of Abnormal Behavior Detection and Classification Based on Big Trajectory Data for Mobile Networks
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Luo Yonglong , Yu Qingying , Sun Liping , Li Xuejing , Sun Zhenqiang
Published: December 2020

Big trajectory data feature analysis for mobile networks is a popular big data analysis task. Due to the large coverage and complexity of the mobile networks, it is difficult to define and detect anomalies in urban motion behavior. Some existing methods are not suitable for the detection of abnormal urban vehicle trajectories because they use the limited single detection techniques, such as determining the common patterns. In this study, we propose a framework for urban trajectory modeling and anomaly detection. Our framework takes into account the fact that anomalous behavior manifests the overall shape of unusual locations and trajectories in the spatial domain as well as the way these locations appear. Therefore, this study determines the peripheral features required for anomaly detection, including spatial location, sequence, and behavioral features. Then, we explore sports behaviors from the three types of features and build a taxi trajectory model for anomaly detection. Anomaly detection, including sports behaviors, are (i) detour behavior detection using an algorithm for global router anomaly detection of trajectories having a pair of same starting and ending points; this method is based on the isolation forest algorithm; (ii) local speed anomaly detection based on the DBSCAN algorithm; and (iii) local shape anomaly detection based on the local outlier factor algorithm. Using a real-life dataset, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our methods in detecting outliers. Furthermore, experiments show that the proposed algorithms perform better than the classical algorithm in terms of high accuracy and recall rate; thus, the proposed methods can accurately detect drivers’ abnormal behavior.
AT1R/GSK-3β/mTOR Signaling Pathway Involved in Angiotensin II-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis after HIE Both In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Si Wei , Li Banghui , Lenahan Cameron , Li Shirong , Gu Ran , Qu Hao , Wang Lu , Liu Jiapeng , Tian Tian , Wang Qian , XikeWang  , Hu Xiao , Zuo Gang
Published: December 2020

Objective. The focus of the present study is to evaluate the effects of Angiotensin II (Ang II) on neuronal apoptosis after HIE and the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods. Primary neonatal rat cortical neurons were used to study the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model. The expressions of Ang II, AT1R, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, mTOR, p-mTOR, Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 were detected via western blot. IF and flow cytometry were used to evaluate neuronal apoptosis. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of Ang II in vivo. Cerebral infarction areas were detected by 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The righting and geotaxis reflexes were also recorded. In addition, Fluoro-Jade C staining and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate neuronal degeneration and apoptosis. Results. Ang II significantly increased the rate of neuronal apoptosis, upregulated the expression of cleaved caspase-3, and downregulated Bcl-2/Bax ratio after OGD insult. For vivo assay, the expressions of endogenous Ang II and AT1R gradually increased and peaked at 24 h after HIE. Ang II increased NeuN-positive AT1R cell expression. In addition, Ang II increased the area of cerebral infarction, promoted neuronal degeneration and apoptosis, aggravated neurological deficits on righting and geotaxis reflexes, and was accompanied by increased expressions of phosphorylated GSK-3β and mTOR. The application of valsartan (Ang II inhibitor) or SB216763 (GSK-3β inhibitor) reversed these phenomena triggered by Ang II following HIE. Conclusion. Ang II increased neuronal apoptosis through the AT1R/GSK-3β/mTOR signaling pathway after experimental HIE both in vitro and in vivo, and Ang II may serve as a novel therapeutic target to ameliorate brain injury after HIE.