bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributed Multisensor Multitarget Tracking Algorithm with Time-Offset Registration
Authors: Li Song , Cheng Yongmei , Wang Huibin , Gao Shibo
Published: October 2020

In multisensor systems, the signal processing delay, measurement acquisition delay, and other factors will lead to imprecisely time-stamped measurements, namely, the problem of time-offset. To deal with the measurement time offsets in distributed multisensor systems, a distributed multisensor multitarget tracking algorithm with time-offset registration is proposed. The local processors track multiple targets in the presence of false alarms and missed detections based on the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) algorithm and the extended Kalman filter (EKF), providing the time-biased local tracks. In the global processor, in allusion to the global track accuracy degradation introduced by the time offsets of local tracks, the equivalent measurements are firstly constructed based on local tracks by using the inverse Kalman filter. The pseudo-measurement equation of time offset for constant velocity targets is derived and the pseudo-measurement calculation method is presented. Then, the pseudo-measurement based relative time-offset estimation algorithm is presented, by using the recursive least squares estimation (RLSE) and the Kalman filter (KF) to jointly estimate the state in space and time domains, respectively. Finally, a framework of distributed multisensor multitarget tracking with time-offset registration is presented, where the time-varying relative time-offset estimation and compensation, 'equivalent measurement to global track' association, and global track update are included. Simulations for multisensor multitarget tracking in the presence of false alarms and missed detections are conducted, demonstrating that the present algorithm effectively improves the accuracy of fused global tracks.
Effect of Vanadium Carbide on Sintering Properties and Microstructure Evolution of Powder High Speed Steel
Authors: Hao Yanrong , Liu Rutie , Xiong Xiang
Published: October 2020

The effects of different proportions of vanadium carbide(VC) particles instead of V powder on the density, microstructure and properties of powder metallurgy high-speed steel(PM HSS) were studied in this paper. The difference of strengthening phase composition and the mechanism of material properties under different sintering time were analyzed. The testing results show that the bonding state between elemental V and matrix is improved and the sintering densification of HSS is effectively promoted with the increasing proportion of VC particles. When holding time is 90 minutes, a large number of lath-like M2C carbides appear in the sample structure with VC particles. When holding time is extended to 120 minutes, the M2C carbides in the high-speed steel structure decompose completely, and a large number of fine M6C and MC carbides are produced. The mechanical properties of HSS can be improved by increasing the proportion of VC particles. The maximum strength of HSS is up to 2597 MPa when the proportion of VC particles is 150% and the sintering time is 120 minutes. The hardness of HSS is mainly related to density and properties of strengthening phase. The hardness of HSS prepared in this experiment is about 51~52 HRC.
U-GAN Model for Infrared and Visible Images Fusion
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Fang Ming , Chai Xu , Fu Feiran , Yuan Lihong
Published: October 2020

Infrared and visible image fusion is an effective method to solve the lack of single sensor imaging. The purpose is that the fusion images are suitable for human eyes and conducive to the next application and processing. In order to solve the problems of incomplete feature extraction, loss of details, and less samples of common data sets, it is not conducive to training, an end-to-end network architecture for image fusion is proposed. U-net is introduced into image fusion, and the final fusion result is obtained by using the generative adversarial network. Through its special convolution structure, the important feature information is extracted to the maximum extent, and the sample does not need to be cut to avoid the problem of reducing the fusion accuracy, but also to improve the training speed. Then the U-net extracted feature is confronted with the discriminator containing infrared image, and the generator model is obtained. The experimental results show that the present algorithm can obtain the fusion image with clear outline, prominent texture and obvious target. SD, SF, SSIM, AG and other indicators are obviously improved.
Former en ligne au recrutement de patients partenaires : l’apport des formations par concordance
Authors: Jackson Mathieu , Descôteaux Annie , Nicaise Louise , Flora Luigi , Berkesse Alexandre , Codsi Marie-Pierre , Karazivan Philippe , Dumez Vincent , Deschênes Marie-France , Charlin Bernard
Published: October 2020

Contexte et problématique : L’un des nombreux défis auxquels s’affrontent ceux qui entreprennent des projets de partenariat avec des patients est le recrutement des patients. Afin de rehausser l’efficacité du recrutement, la formation est un élément incontournable. Nous avons développé à cet effet une formation par concordance (FpC) diffusée en ligne, destinée à ceux qui entreprennent des projets de partenariat. Objectifs : Les buts de cet article sont de (1) présenter comment la FpC a été adaptée pour permettre l’apprentissage au recrutement de patients partenaires ; (2) décrire les défis techno-pédagogiques posés par l’utilisation de Moodle et les solutions qui ont été trouvées. Exégèse : Notre démarche a permis de démontrer que la FpC peut être adaptée pour des contextes pédagogiques différents, que des utilisations habituelles en formation clinique et que les outils classiques de Moodle peuvent être configurés à cet effet. Nous proposons que ce type d’adaptation, qui pourrait être utilisée dans d’autres contextes, porte le nom de FpC interprétative (FpCi).
Nouveau nucléaire : le principe de précaution énergétique
Authors: Witkowski Didier
Published: October 2020

Avec la fermeture définitive de la centrale de Fessenheim le 30 juin 2020, quelques jours après une poussée inédite des écologistes aux élections municipales, la France a symboliquement acté sa volonté de réduire la part du nucléaire dans son mix électrique. Le même jour pourtant, le ministre de l’Économie Bruno Le Maire évoquait la perspective de nouveaux réacteurs en France et un autre projet EPR au Royaume-Uni. On conçoit que les Français n’y comprennent plus grand chose et s’interrogent sur la raison d’être d’un « nouveau nucléaire ».
Publicité, jusqu’où aller dans la déontologie
Authors: Crampon Cécile
Published: October 2020

Suite à une étude menée par l’Institut BVA en 2019 sur « La perception des Français et le nucléaire », Orano a lancé à l’automne 2019 une campagne de marque autour des idées reçues des Français sur le nucléaire. Une campagne qui a fait l’objet d’attaques d’opposants à l’énergie nucléaire et qui a donné lieu à un certain nombre d’enseignements chez Orano. Le point avec Christophe Neugnot, directeur de la communication du groupe.
Les nouveaux mouvements citoyens pour le nucléaire
Authors: Crampon Cécile , Guillaume Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Ces trois dernières années, une prise de parole libre et puissante de citoyens défendant ouvertement le nucléaire comme moyen de lutte efficace contre le réchauffement climatique a émergé et s’est affirmée d’une manière grandissante. Au-delà d’une présence active sur les réseaux sociaux et dans les médias, ce sont aussi de nombreuses actions qui se sont organisées en France et dans le monde.
Hormoninaktive Hypophysentumoren – Kurzpräsentation der ersten deutschen Leitlinie
Authors: Deutschbein Timo , Jaursch-Hancke Cornelia , Fassnacht Martin
Published: October 2020

Allgemein Jeder Patient mit einem Hypophysentumor soll interdisziplinär betreut werden. Obligat sind Vertreter aus Endokrinologie, Neurochirurgie und (Neuro-) Radiologie einzubinden.

Diagnostik Bei Erstdiagnose eines Hypophysentumors sind Hormonstörungen (Exzess- und Mangelsituationen) zuverlässig auszuschließen. Die Magnetresonanztomografie der Sellaregion ist das radiologische Verfahren der Wahl. Eine augenärztliche Diagnostik ist nur bei Symptomen oder bei bildmorphologischem Tumorkontakt zur Sehbahn erforderlich.

Therapie Bei den meisten hormoninaktiven Hypophysentumoren ist eine alleinige Observation möglich. Medikamentöse Therapieoptionen bestehen bislang nicht. Ist eine Operation indiziert (z. B. bei Nähe des Hypophysentumors zur Sehbahn oder bei relevantem Größenwachstum), sollte diese durch einen in der Hypophysenchirurgie erfahrenen Neurochirurgen vorgenommen werden. Bei relevanten Rezidiven kommen entweder eine Reoperation oder eine Bestrahlung infrage.

Nachsorge Eine regelmäßige, langfristige und individualisierte Begleitung ist zur Vermeidung potenzieller Komplikationen essenziell. Dabei ist stets zu prüfen, ob die diagnostischen Prozesse zu (de-) eskalieren sind.

Schulung und Beratung Vor allem bei Vorliegen eines großen Hypophysentumors oder nach stattgehabter Operation bzw. Bestrahlung der Sellaregion müssen Patienten und deren Umfeld über relevante Hormonmangelzustände aufgeklärt werden.

Besondere Patientengruppen In speziellen Situationen (Schwangerschaft, multimorbide und gebrechliche Patienten) muss ggf. vom üblichen Vorgehen abgewichen werden.
Chronisches Koronarsyndrom
Authors: Keranov Stanislav , Nef Holger
Published: October 2020

Was ist neu?

Vortestwahrscheinlichkeit In den aktualisierten Leitlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (European Society of Cardiology, ESC) wird die stabile koronare Herzkrankheit zum chronischen Koronarsyndrom (CCS) umbenannt. Unter CCS werden 6 verschiedene Szenarien definiert, die der Heterogenität Rechnung tragen. Die diagnostische Beurteilung der Vortestwahrscheinlichkeit spielt auch in der aktuellen Leitlinie bei möglichem Vorliegen einer stenosierenden KHK eine wichtige Rolle. Die Hinzunahme von Dyspnoe und der klinischen Wahrscheinlichkeit als zusätzliche Variablen zur besseren Abschätzung der Vortestwahrscheinlichkeit sind 2 wichtige Neuerungen.

Diagnostische Verfahren Bildgebende Verfahren wie die CT-Angiografie wurden als diagnostische Verfahren zur Detektion von KHK deutlich aufgewertet, während das Belastungs-EKG diesbezüglich nicht mehr routinemäßig empfohlen wird. Die invasive Koronarangiografie mit Revaskularisationsoption bleibt ein zentrales diagnostisches und therapeutisches Verfahren.

Therapie Neben der antianginösen, lipidsenkenden und antithrombotischen Therapie wird in der aktuellen CCS-Leitlinie ein besonderes Augenmerk auf Prävention mittels Lebensstilmodifikation gelegt.
Therapie der Mukoviszidose – neue Medikamente geben Hoffnung
Authors: Eschenhagen Patience , Schwarz Carsten
Published: October 2020

Was ist neu?

Therapieansatz Bis vor kurzem bestand die medikamentöse Therapie der Mukoviszidose nur aus einer rein symptomatischen Therapie, aber der Defekt des Chloridkanals konnte nicht beeinflusst werden. Mit der CFTR-Modulatortherapie besteht nun erstmals eine ursächliche und effiziente Therapie, die eine Verbesserung der Lungenfunktionswerte erzielt wie keine der bisherigen Therapien.
Schmerzfrei durch Teilversteifung – Betätigungszentrierte Handtherapie bei Arthrose
Authors: Fischer Marion
Published: October 2020

Verletzungen oder Erkrankungen im Handgelenk können zu einer Arthrose führen. Sie geht mit dauerhaften Schmerzen einher, die früher nur durch eine Versteifung des Handgelenks (Arthrodese) reduziert werden konnten. Heutzutage sind Teilarthrodesen möglich, die dem Patienten in Kombination mit einer betätigungszentrierten Handtherapie wieder schmerzfreie Bewegung im Alltag ermöglichen.
Blockade of CCL2/CCR2 Signaling Pathway Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Attenuates Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Genetic Mice Model
Authors: Qi Xinying , Xing Yanping , Wang Xuezhen
Published: October 2020

The chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and its receptor CCR2 are involved in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study aims to explore the effects of CCL2 blocking on GDM. Serum CCL2, interleukin (IL)-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were determined in GDM patients and healthy volunteers. C57BL/KsJdb/+mouse was used as the GDM model and CCL2 antibody (αCCL2) was applied. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the frequency of macrophages. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were determined to detect the mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied to determine the levels of inflammatory cytokines and serum insulin. Serum CCL2 was correlated with inﬂammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the GDM patients. Besides, the results showed high expressions of CCL2 in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and placenta tissue in the GDM mice. Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining showed the accumulations of macrophages in these tissues. Treatment of αCCL2 attenuated the GDM symptoms and ameliorated the inflammation. Furthermore, the treatment of αCCL2 improved reproductive outcomes in the GDM mice. Blockade of CCL2 attenuated GDM symptoms and reduced inflammatory cytokines in a genetic mice model.
Auditive Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Gaumenspalte
Authors: Hofer-Martini Susanne , Hofer Mathias , Hemprich Alexander , Berger Thomas , Fuchs Michael , Meuret Sylvia
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund Patienten mit Gaumenspalte haben sehr häufig im Kindesalter einen binauralen Paukenerguss. Die konsekutive Schallleitungsschwerhörigkeit gilt als Risikofaktor für die Entwicklung einer auditiven Verarbeitungs- und Wahrnehmungsstörung. In der internationalen Literatur finden sich nur wenige Studien über die auditive Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung bei dieser Population. Daher hatte diese Untersuchung das Ziel, ein eigenes Patientenklientel mit vorhandener Spalte unterschiedlicher Ausprägung hinsichtlich Auffälligkeiten auditiver Leistungen zu bewerten und in Kontext mit der vorhandenen Studienlage zu setzen.

Material und Methoden In die Studie konnten 48 Patienten im Alter von 5–16 Jahren eingeschlossen werden. Alle hatten eine nichtsyndromale Gaumenspalte und zum Zeitpunkt der Untersuchung ein peripheres Normalgehör. Bei allen Patienten wurde eine HNO-ärztliche und audiologische Untersuchung durchgeführt (Ohrmikroskopie, Reintonaudiogramm, Tympanometrie, Sprachverständnis im Störschall, dichotische Diskrimination, auditives Kurzzeitgedächtnis) sowie ein Elternfragebogen (DGPP-AVWS-FB) erhoben.

Ergebnisse Die Mehrzahl der Eltern gab im DGPP-AVWS-FB keine Auffälligkeiten hinsichtlich der Leistungen der auditiven Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung ihrer Kinder an. Das Hören im Störschall war bei 69 % auffällig, das auditive Kurzzeitgedächtnis sowie auch die dichotische Diskrimination bei 16,7 %. Insgesamt zeigte sich in der Altersverteilung, dass sowohl beim auditiven Gedächtnis als auch beim dichotischen Hören vor allem die jüngeren Kinder Defizite hatten. Kinder mit Auffälligkeiten beim Hören im Störschall waren über alle Altersgruppen verteilt.

Schlussfolgerung Kinder und Jugendliche mit einer Gaumenspalte haben ein erhöhtes Risiko, Probleme im Bereich der auditiven Verarbeitung und Wahrnehmung zu entwickeln. In der vorliegenden Studienpopulation war vor allem das Hören im Störschall auffällig. 90 % der Kinder hatten bereits eine Sprachtherapie absolviert, die bereits mögliche Probleme im Bereich der auditiven Merkfähigkeit oder des dichotischen Hörens therapiert/kompensiert haben könnte, jedoch weniger das Hören im Störschall.
Intravesical Glycosaminoglycans Experience for Chronic Lower Urinary Tract Pathology Treatment
Authors: Roa Verónica Tobar , Alvarez Jaramillo Juliana
Published: October 2020

Objective Intravesical glycosaminoglycans (GAG) treatment is one of the therapeutic options for chronic bladder pathologies and is approved for Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), radiation cystitis, and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic characteristics of patients with such pathologies in our population and to evaluate treatment response.

Methods It is a retrospective study of patients with the aforementioned pathologies, who received treatment with GAG. Demographic characteristics and subjective improvement with treatment were evaluated. A bivariate analysis was performed to study possible improvement predictors.

Results 53 patients were evaluated. Of them, 33 (62.3%) with BPS, 12 (22.6%) with recurrent UTIs, and 8 (15.1%) with radiation cystitis. The dose range received was between 4 - 20 instillations, with a median of 6 doses. 67.9% of patients showed improvement of symptoms with treatment, this percentage being even higher for the group of patients with recurrent UTIs (91%). No treatment response predictors were found.

Conclusions Intravesical GAG treatment is a therapeutic alternative for patients with chronic bladder pathologies, with satisfactory results in the medium term. Prospective studies are needed to support the findings of this study.
Single neuron detectors using 3D electrode micro-arrays
Authors: Larter Raima
Published: October 2020

Simulations of a device featuring a single-use microsieve with reusable 3D electrodes shows promise for impedance-based cell detection.
An integrated packaged resonant accelerometer with temperature compensation
Authors: Li Bo , Li Cun , Zhao Yulong , Han Chao , Zhang Quanwei
Published: October 2020

This paper describes the design, fabrication, and testing of an integrated packaged sensor that is composed of a micro resonant accelerometer and a temperature sensor. The resonant accelerometer with differential configuration consists of double quartz resonators and a silicon substrate. When acceleration is applied along the sensing axis, the inertial force induced by the proof mass will transfer force to the resonators, which causes an opposite frequency shift of the dual quartz resonators. The loaded acceleration can be measured through detecting the differential frequency shift. The symmetric differential configuration response to spurious effects of thermal loading and inelastic effect causing prestress in the resonators is similar, which can be reduced by detecting the differential frequency, effectively. However, during the manufacture and packaging process, the otherness of residual stress in two quartz resonators results in that the response of resonators to temperature variation is not strictly the same. In other words, this temperature drift cannot be eliminated by the structure design. Thus, a temperature sensor and an accelerometer were packaged in a shell together. These novel integrated sensors can measure acceleration and temperature simultaneously. With the testing temperature data, a novel temperature compensation that is a combination of the variable coefficient regression and least squares support vector machine is used for improving the performance of the accelerometer. By means of this compensation and field programmable gate array, a real-time and online compensation is achieved. The tumble testing results indicate that the sensitivity of the accelerometer is ∼16.97 Hz/g. With the temperature compensation, the output drift of the scale factor is improved by 0.605 Hz/g in the full temperature range, which is from 0.072 Hz/g to 0.015 Hz/g. The drift of zero bias is improved from 345 mg to 1.9 mg.
Capacitive detection of magnetostriction, dielectric constant, and magneto-caloric effects in pulsed magnetic fields
Authors: Miyake Atsushi , Mitamura Hiroyuki , Kawachi Shiro , Kimura Kenta , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kihara Takumi , Tachibana Makoto , Tokunaga Masashi
Published: October 2020

We report on the development of a capacitance measuring system that allows measurements of capacitance in pulsed magnetic fields up to 61 T. By using this system, magnetic-field responses of various physical quantities, such as magnetostriction, magnetic-field-induced change in complex dielectric constant, and magneto-caloric effect, can be investigated in pulsed-magnetic-field conditions. Here, we examine the validity of our system for investigations of these magnetic-field-induced phenomena in pulse magnets. For the magnetostriction measurement, magnetostriction of a specimen can be measured through a change in the capacitance between two aligned electrodes glued on the specimen and a dilatometer. We demonstrate a precise detection of valley polarization in semimetallic bismuth through a magnetostriction signal with a resolution better than 10−6 of the relative length change. For the magnetic-field-induced change in complex dielectric constant, we successfully observed clear dielectric anomalies accompanied by magnetic/magnetoelectric phase transitions in multiferroic Pb(TiO)Cu4(PO4)4. For the measurement of magneto-caloric effect, a magnetic-field-induced change in sample temperature was verified for Gd3Ga5O12 with a capacitance thermometer made of a non-magnetic ferroelectric compound KTa1−xNbxO3 (x = 0.02) whose capacitance is nearly field-independent. These results show that our capacitance measuring system is a promising tool to study various magnetic-field-induced phenomena, which have been difficult to detect in pulsed magnetic fields.
Aurore: A platform for ultrafast sciences
Authors: Fedorov N. , Beaulieu S. , Belsky A. , Blanchet V. , Bouillaud R. , De Anda Villa M. , Filippov A. , Fourment C. , Gaudin J. , Grisenti R. E. , Lamour E. , Lévy A. , Macé S. , Mairesse Y. , Martin P. , Martinez P. , Noé P. , Papagiannouli I. , Patanen M. , Petit S. , Vernhet D. , Veyrinas K. , Descamps D.
Published: October 2020

We present the Aurore platform for ultrafast sciences. This platform is based on a unique 20 W, 1 kHz, 26 fs Ti:sapphire laser system designed for reliable operation and high intensity temporal contrast. The specific design ensures the high stability in terms of pulse duration, energy, and beam pointing necessary for extended experimental campaigns. The laser supplies 5 different beamlines, all dedicated to a specific field: attosecond science (Aurore 1), ultrafast phase transitions in solids (Aurore 2 and 3), ultrafast luminescence in solids (Aurore 4), and femtochemistry (Aurore 5). The technical specifications of these five beamlines are described in detail, and examples of the recent results are given.
Stiffness of out-of-plane-motion stages with large-motion folded fractal flexible hinges
Authors: McCloud Kaitlin , Lobontiu Nicolae , McFerran Brock Jennifer
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a new planar flexible hinge of fractal configuration to be incorporated in out-of-plane-motion compliant stages that cover a wide stiffness range. The large-displacement fractal hinge consists of a series of scaled-down, concentric, circular-axis flexible segments that are connected in a folded manner by radial rigid links. In-plane and out-of-plane compliance matrices are derived for fractal hinges with variable planar geometry features. The flexible hinges are assembled in a radial architecture to form compliant stages that can be utilized for piston-type, out-of-plane sensing or actuation. The analytical model calculates the stage active, out-of-plane stiffness, as well as its parasitic, in-plane stiffness. The stage analytical stiffness is confirmed by the experimental testing of a prototype and by finite element simulation. Furthermore, analytical-model simulation is performed to evaluate the variations in the active and parasitic stiffnesses with key geometric parameters, which also enables optimization.
Development of a compact coaxial cusped periodic permanent magnet focusing system
Authors: Wu Xiaoling , Chen Changhua , Teng Yan , Li Xiaoze , Tan Weibing , Hu Xianggang , Wang Sen , Fan Ruyu
Published: October 2020

To achieve the application of a periodic permanent magnet in high power microwave, a compact coaxial cusped periodic permanent magnet (CPPM) focusing system is constructed. The system consists of permanent magnets with different magnetization directions and soft magnets. Taking the required magnetic field performance and the effect of demagnetization into account, NdFeB and FeCoV are selected as the permanent and soft magnet materials. After the system is constructed, the magnetic field is measured. The results show that the guiding magnetic field strength and period of the CPPM are about 0.29 T and 26 mm, respectively, and the magnetic field distribution of measurement shows good agreement with the simulation results. However, there are some differences between the measurement and simulation results, and the differences are compared and analyzed here.
On the validity of force balance models for predicting gravity-induced detachment of pendant drops and bubbles
Authors: Kumar Alok , Gunjan Madhu Ranjan , Raj Rishi
Published: October 2020

We show that it is fundamentally inaccurate to apply force-balance models to predict the gravity/buoyancy induced detachment of quasi-steadily growing pendant droplets/bubbles. We solve the governing Young–Laplace (Y–L) equation to clarify that all forces acting on a droplet/bubble always sum up to zero, even prior to or beyond the well-accepted critical volume of detachment. Accordingly, the typical force balance models reported in the literature do not hold any physical justification and are merely a curve fit to the experimental trends. We clarify that the physical constraints imposed by the contact line conditions and the surface geometry are instead responsible for detachment.
Genetic diversity and gene flow patterns in two riverine plant species with contrasting life-history traits and distributions across a large inland floodplain
Authors: Higgisson William , Gleeson Dianne , Broadhurst Linda , Dyer Fiona
Published: October 2020

Gene flow is a key evolutionary driver of spatial genetic structure, reflecting demographic processes and dispersal mechanisms. Understanding how genetic structure is maintained across a landscape can assist in setting conservation objectives. In Australia, floodplains naturally experience highly variable flooding regimes that structure the vegetation communities. Flooding plays an important role, connecting communities on floodplains and enabling dispersal via hydrochory. Water resource development has changed the lateral-connectivity of floodplain-river systems. One possible consequence of these changes is reduced physical and subsequent genetic connections. This study aimed to identify and compare the population structure and dispersal patterns of tangled lignum (Duma florulenta) and river cooba (Acacia stenophylla) across a large inland floodplain using a landscape genetics approach. Both species are widespread throughout flood prone areas of arid and semiarid Australia. Tangled lignum occurs on floodplains while river cooba occurs along rivers. Leaves were collected from 144 tangled lignum plants across 10 sites and 84 river cooba plants across 6 sites, on the floodplain of the lower and mid Lachlan River, and the Murrumbidgee River, NSW. DNA was extracted and genotyped using DArTseq platforms (double digest RADseq). Genetic diversity was compared with floodplain-river connection frequency, and genetic distance (FST) was compared with river distance, geographic distance and floodplain-river connection frequency between sites. Genetic similarity increased with increasing floodplain-river connection frequency in tangled lignum but not in river cooba. In tangled lignum, sites that experience more frequent flooding had greater genetic diversity and were more genetically homogenous. There was also an isolation by distance effect where increasing geographic distance correlated with increasing genetic differentiation in tangled lignum, but not in river cooba. The distribution of river cooba along rivers facilitates regular dispersal of seeds via hydrochory regardless of river level, while the dispersal of seeds of tangled lignum between patches is dependent on flooding events. The genetic impact of water resource development may be greater for species which occur on floodplains compared with species along river channels.
Phase separation by ssDNA binding protein controlled via protein−protein and protein−DNA interactions
Authors: Harami Gábor M. , Kovács Zoltán J. , Pancsa Rita , Pálinkás János , Baráth Veronika , Tárnok Krisztián , Málnási-Csizmadia András , Kovács Mihály
Published: October 2020

Significance

Cells must rapidly and efficiently react to DNA damage to avoid its harmful consequences. Here we report a molecular mechanism that gives rise to a model of how bacterial cells mobilize DNA repair proteins for timely response to genomic stress and initiation of DNA repair upon exposure of single-stranded DNA. We found that bacterial single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB), a central player in genome metabolism, can undergo dynamic phase separation under physiological conditions. SSB condensates can store a wide array of DNA repair proteins that specifically interact with SSB. However, elevated levels of single-stranded DNA during genomic stress can dissolve SSB condensates, enabling rapid mobilization of SSB and SSB-interacting proteins to sites of DNA damage.
Genome mapping of a
LYST
mutation in corn snakes indicates that vertebrate chromatophore vesicles are lysosome-related organelles
Authors: Ullate-Agote Asier , Burgelin Ingrid , Debry Adrien , Langrez Carine , Montange Florent , Peraldi Rodrigue , Daraspe Jean , Kaessmann Henrik , Milinkovitch Michel C. , Tzika Athanasia C.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Reptiles exhibit a spectacular diversity of skin colors generated by interactions among black melanophores, red and yellow xanthophores, as well as iridophores producing structural colors. Here, we use the corn snake to investigate the generative mechanisms of skin colors beyond the zebrafish model. We perform sequencing and annotation of a nearly chromosome-quality genome of the corn snake, followed by mapping-by-sequencing and identification of a mutation in the lysosomal trafficking regulator gene (
LYST
) in the lavender variant with strongly affected coloration. Further analyses indicate that color-producing organelles of all chromatophores are substantially impacted in the
LYST
mutant, indicating that not only melanosomes, but also xanthosomes and iridosomes, are all lysosome-related organelles.
Estrogen receptor β regulates AKT activity through up-regulation of INPP4B and inhibits migration of prostate cancer cell line PC-3
Authors: Chaurasiya Surendra , Wu Wanfu , Strom Anders M. , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: October 2020

Significance

Dysregulation of PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling is a common characteristic of prostate cancer (PCa). Loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN occurs frequently in PCa and leads to overactive AKT signaling. Complete loss of PTEN is associated with increased metastasis and castration resistance in PCa. However, another tumor suppressor, inositol-polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B), can partially compensate for the loss of PTEN. INPP4B is up-regulated by the androgen receptor, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) would be expected to lead to hyperactive AKT due to concomitant loss of both PTEN and INPP4B. However, the present study shows that ERβ agonists induce expression of INPP4B and down-regulate AKT. This study provides a rationale for further investigations to understand the role of ERβ1 in advanced PCa.
Revisiting particle dry deposition and its role in radiative effect estimates
Authors: Emerson Ethan W. , Hodshire Anna L. , DeBolt Holly M. , Bilsback Kelsey R. , Pierce Jeffrey R. , McMeeking Gavin R. , Farmer Delphine K.
Published: October 2020

Significance

Dry deposition is a key sink of atmospheric particles, which impact human and ecosystem health, and the radiative balance of the planet. However, the deposition parameterizations used in climate and air-quality models are poorly constrained by observations. Dry deposition of submicron particles is the largest uncertainty in aerosol indirect radiative forcing. Our particle flux observations indicate that dry deposition velocities are an order of magnitude lower than models suggest. Our updated, observation-driven parameterizations should reduce uncertainty in modeled dry deposition. The scheme increases modeled accumulation mode aerosol number concentrations, and enhances the combined natural and anthropogenic aerosol indirect effect by −0.63 W m
−2
, similar in magnitude to the total aerosol indirect forcing in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.
Inactivation of rice starch branching enzyme IIb triggers broad and unexpected changes in metabolism by transcriptional reprogramming
Authors: Baysal Can , He Wenshu , Drapal Margit , Villorbina Gemma , Medina Vicente , Capell Teresa , Khush Gurdev S. , Zhu Changfu , Fraser Paul D. , Christou Paul
Published: October 2020

Significance

The properties of starch can be modified by manipulating enzymes that extend the polymer backbone, add new branches, or remove them. The effects of such interventions on wider metabolism are rarely investigated but could help to predict the best metabolic engineering strategies. We mutated the rice geneOsSBEIIbencoding starch branching enzyme IIb, which is required for the synthesis of densely branched amylopectin in the endosperm. We investigated the effect on starch properties, seed morphology, and the expression of starch biosynthesis genes in the endosperm and leaf, observing broad transcriptional reprogramming. The mutation also had a wide effect on general primary and secondary metabolism in the endosperm, causing the accumulation of sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and phytosterols.
Deep-level defects in gallium oxide
Authors: Wang Zhengpeng , Chen Xuanhu , Ren Fang-Fang , Gu Shulin , Ye Jiandong
Published: October 2020

As an ultrawide bandgap semiconductor, gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has superior physical properties and has been an emerging candidate in the applications of power electronics and deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics. Despite numerous efforts made in the aspect of material epitaxy and power devices based on β-Ga2O3 with rapid progresses, the fundamental understanding of defect chemistry in Ga2O3, in particular, acceptor dopants and carrier compensation effects, remains a key challenge. In this focused review, we revisited the principles of popular approaches for characterizing defects in semiconductors and summarized recent advances in the fundamental investigation of defect properties, carrier dynamics and optical transitions in Ga2O3. Theoretical and experimental investigations revealed the microstructures and possible origins of defects in β-Ga2O3 bulk single crystals, epitaxial films and metastable-phased α-Ga2O3 epilayers by the combined means of first-principle calculation, deep level transient spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence. In particular, defects induced by high-energy irradiation have been reviewed, which is essential for the identification of defect sources and the evaluation of device reliability operated in space and other harsh environments. This topic review may provide insight into the fundamental properties of defects in Ga2O3 to fully realize its promising potential in practical applications.
Morphological characteristics of streamer region for long air gap positive discharge
Authors: Gu Jianwei , Huang Shengxin , Fu Yufei , Chen Weijiang , Cheng Dengfeng , Shi Weidong , Fu Zhong , Pei Zhehao , Fan Xing , He Tianyu
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of leader corona is the basis for long spark discharge modelling, which is critical to understand the underlying physics of lightning flashes and dielectric breakdown of long air gap widely utilized in power systems. This paper presents an accurate observation of the leader corona. The morphology of the leader corona region during the discharge was obtained using a high-speed camera and an image-enhanced charge-coupled device camera. Statistical results showed that the morphology of the streamer region varied at different discharge sub-phases. The first corona was a conical region with the average apex angle of 118.91°; the leader corona region behaved as a cone with an average vertex angle of 75.87° during the leader propagation process; the streamer area in the final jump was a combination of a cylinder and a cone with the average vertex angle of 82.61°. Noting that the obtained cone apex angle of the leader corona during the leader propagation phase was significantly smaller than that in photographical reports, and the observation results were related to the selected temporal resolution of the optical image apparatus. The discussion on the effect of the single-frame exposure time on observation results found that the average vertex angle of the conical streamer region gradually decreased with the decrease of the single-frame exposure time, and eventually tended to a stable value of about 75.96°. For comparison purposes, discharge experiments under two gap-distances demonstrated that on the premise of stable leader, the statistical distribution characteristics of the leader corona vertex angle were consistent, indicating the universal applicability to the simulation researches. Finally, it is found that the distortion of the electric field caused by the space charge explained the variation of the streamer area during the discharge process.
Large electrocaloric effect and energy storage performance of site-engineered lead-free Ba1-x
(Bi0.5Li0.5)
x
TiO3 ferroelectric oxides
Authors: Pal Subhajit , Biswas Pranab Parimal , Rath Martando , Rao M S Ramachandra , Miryala Muralidhar , Murakami Masato , Murugavel Pattukkannu
Published: October 2020

Environment-friendly solid-state cooling technology necessitates the search for energy-efficient electrocaloric (EC) materials. In this regard, the EC effect and energy storage performance have been investigated on a site-engineered lead-free Ba1-x
(Bi0.5Li0.5)
x
TiO3 (x = 0.0, 0.10, 0.125, 0.15 and 0.175) system from the perspective of its enhanced characteristic parameters. The ferroelectric and dielectric studies reveal the tunable polarization and Curie temperature as a function of composition. The EC measurements on these samples display superior EC parameters compared to the values reported for other polycrystalline ferroelectric systems. The observed EC parameters for the x = 0.10 sample, such as the change in entropy (ΔS), adiabatic temperature change (ΔT) and EC coefficient are 2.63 J kg−1 K, 2.03 K and 0.68 K mm−1 kV, respectively. Notably, the x = 0.15 sample displays near room-temperature (307 K) EC response with ΔT ≥ 0.30 K over a broad 24 K temperature range. In addition, the energy storage performance studies elucidate that the Ba1-x
(Bi0.5Li0.5)
x
TiO3 compound with x = 0.175 displays large energy storage efficiency (96.7%) with 144 mJ cm−3 as the storage density. The tunable EC characteristics and high energy storage efficiency demonstrated in this work illustrate the application potential of site-engineered BaTiO3 samples in efficient cooling and storage devices.
The interaction of an atmospheric pressure plasma jet with liquid water: dimple dynamics and its impact on crystal violet decomposition
Authors: Kondeti V S Santosh K , Bruggeman Peter J
Published: October 2020

The interaction of atmospheric pressure plasmas with a liquid can result in the deformation of the gas–liquid interface. In this paper, we report on the gas–liquid interfacial dynamics during the impingement of an argon radio frequency driven atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). The dynamics of the dimples generated during the impingement of the APPJ on the liquid depends on the plasma power, gas flow rate, size of the liquid container and the distance of the APPJ nozzle to the liquid surface. When the plasma is in contact with the liquid, the dimple oscillation frequency correlates with the dynamics of the plasma filament. At larger jet-liquid distances, the APPJ behaves similar to a gas jet although in most cases with an enhanced deformation of the liquid interface or change in dimple dynamics. The observed dimple oscillations can significantly enhance the decomposition efficiency of crystal violet by enhancing liquid phase convection. The conditions studied in this paper are similar to typical conditions for in vitro plasma-bio-interaction studies and the plasma-induced interfacial liquid dynamics, which is often not considered in many studies, might enhance plasma-induced liquid phase chemistry and reactivity.
Effect of tungsten doping on the variability of InZnO conductive-bridging random access memory
Authors: Gan Kai-Jhih , Liu Po-Tsun , Ruan Dun-Bao , Hsu Chih-Chieh , Chiu Yu-Chuan , Sze Simon M
Published: October 2020

The characteristics of conductive-bridging random access memory (CBRAM) with amorphous indium-tungsten-zinc-oxide (a-InWZnO) switching layer and copper (Cu) ion—supply layer were prepared by sputtering. It was found that the doping ratio of tungsten has a significant effect on the memory characteristics of the CBRAM, and the doping of tungsten acts as a suppressor of oxygen vacancies in the InWZnO film. The O 1s binding energy associated with the oxygen-deficient regions in the α-InWZnO thin film decreases with increasing tungsten doping ratio, which can be demonstrated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. When the tungsten doping ratio is 15%, the a-InWZnO CBRAM can achieve the excellent memory characteristics, such as high switching endurance (up to 9.7 × 103 cycling endurance), low operating voltage, and good retention capability. Moreover, the electrical uniformity and switching behavior of InWZnO device are evidently improved as the doping ratio of tungsten in the switching layer increases. These results suggest that CBRAM based on novel material InWZnO have great potential to be used in high-performance memory devices.
Development of control mechanisms for a laser wakefield accelerator-driven bremsstrahlung x-ray source for advanced radiographic imaging
Authors: Underwood C I D , Baird C D , Murphy C D , Armstrong C D , Thornton C , Finlay O J , Streeter M J V , Selwood M P , Brierley N , Cipiccia S , Gruse J-N , McKenna P , Najmudin Z , Neely D , Rusby D , Symes D R , Brenner C M
Published: October 2020

A high power laser was used to accelerate electrons in a laser-driven wakefield accelerator. The high energy electrons were then used to generate an x-ray beam by passing them through a converter target. This bremsstrahlung source was characterised and used to perform penetrative imaging of industrially relevant samples. The photon spectrum had a critical energy in excess of 100 MeV and a source size smaller than the resolution of the diagnostic (

≲

150 µm). Simulations indicate a significantly smaller source is achievable. Variations in the x-ray source characteristics were realised through changes to the plasma and converter parameters while simulations confirm the adaptability of the source. Imaging of high areal density objects with 150 µm resolution was performed, demonstrating the unique advantages of this novel source.
Machined helical springs from NiTiHf shape memory alloy
Authors: Benafan O , Gaydosh D J
Published: October 2020

Machined helical springs were fabricated from rod stock using a Ni-rich Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 (at. %) high-temperature shape memory alloy. Springs with three different spring rates of 35, 87.5, and 175.1 N mm−1 were designed, and the rectangular cross-section spring formulas were used to approximate the deflection and shear stresses. Springs were then subjected to isothermal testing at room temperature and constant-force thermal cycling experiments at varying loads. Actuation displacements on the order of 19 mm were obtained for starting flexures of 20 mm in length, resulting in nearly 95% total actuation extension. Thermal cycling under loads ranging from 0 to ∼500 N (stresses of 0 to ∼500 MPa) showed higher actuation displacements for springs with the lowest spring rates compared to the stiffer, higher spring rate counterpart. With increasing applied load, actuation displacements were still increasing even at stresses near 500 MPa (no maxima reached), indicating more actuation potential at higher loads. Two-way shape memory effect was assessed at 0 load and found to be very minimal (less than 3 mm) due to lack of training.
A novel energy-motion model for continuous sEMG decoding: from muscle energy to motor pattern
Authors: Liu Gang , Wang Lu , Wang Jing
Published: October 2020

At present, sEMG-based gesture recognition requires vast amounts of training data; otherwise it is limited to a few gestures. Objective. This paper presents a novel dynamic energy model that decodes continuous hand actions by training small amounts of sEMG data. Approach. The activation of forearm muscles can set the corresponding fingers in motion or state with movement trends. The moving fingers store kinetic energy, and the fingers with movement trends store potential energy. The kinetic energy and potential energy in each finger are dynamically allocated due to the adaptive-coupling mechanism of five-fingers in actual motion. Meanwhile, the sum of the two energies remains constant at a certain muscle activation. We regarded hand movements with the same direction of acceleration for five-finger as the same in energy mode and divided hand movements into ten energy modes. Independent component analysis and machine learning methods were used to model associations between sEMG signals and energy modes and expressed gestures by energy form adaptively. This theory imitates the self-adapting mechanism in actual tasks. Thus, ten healthy subjects were recruited, and three experiments mimicking activities of daily living were designed to evaluate the interface: (1) the expression of untrained gestures, (2) the decoding of the amount of single-finger energy, and (3) real-time control. Main results. (1) Participants completed the untrained hand movements (100/100,

p

< 0.0001). (2) The interface performed better than chance in the experiment where participants pricked balloons with a needle tip (779/1000,

p

< 0.0001). (3) In the experiment where participants punched a hole in the plasticine on the balloon, the success rate was over 95% (97.67 ± 5.04%,

p

< 0.01). Significance. The model can achieve continuous hand actions with speed or force information by training small amounts of sEMG data, which reduces learning task complexity.
Associations of Occupational Exposures to Electric Shocks and Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields With Motor Neurone Disease
Authors: Chen Grace X , Mannetje Andrea ’t , Douwes Jeroen , van den Berg Leonard H , Pearce Neil , Kromhout Hans , Glass Bill , Brewer Naomi , McLean Dave J
Published: October 2020

In a New Zealand population-based case-control study we assessed associations with occupational exposure to electric shocks, extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and motor neurone disease using job-exposure matrices to assess exposure. Participants were recruited between 2013 and 2016. Associations with ever/never, duration, and cumulative exposure were assessed using logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, sports, head or spine injury, and solvents, and was mutually adjusted for the other exposure. All analyses were repeated stratified by sex. An elevated risk was observed for having ever worked in a job with potential for electric shocks (odds ratio (OR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.98, 1.86), with the strongest association for the highest level of exposure (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.31, 3.09). Analysis by duration suggested a nonlinear association: Risk was increased for both short duration (<3 years; OR = 4.69, 95% CI: 2.25, 9.77) and long duration (>24 years; OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.36) in a job with high level of electric shock exposure, with less pronounced associations for intermediate durations. No association with ELF-MF was found. Our findings provide support for an association between occupational exposure to electric shocks and motor neurone disease but did not show associations with exposure to work-related ELF-MF.