bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of chemical composition of halide surface ligands on the electronic structure and stability of lead sulfide quantum dot materials
Authors: Sloboda Tamara , Svanström Sebastian , Johansson Fredrik O. L. , Bryngelsson Erik , García-Fernández Alberto , Lindblad Andreas , Cappel Ute B.
Published: May 2022

The chemical composition, electronic structure, and stability of quantum dots with iodide and bromide ligands are investigated with photoelectron spectroscopy and compared to reference samples.
Long-ranged heterogeneous structure in aqueous solutions of the deep eutectic solvent choline and geranate at the liquid–vapor interface
Authors: Felipe Alfredo , Lovenduski Christopher A. , Baker Joseph L. , Lindberg Gerrick E.
Published: May 2022

The deep eutectic solvent choline and geranate (CAGE) has shown promise in many therapeutic applications.
Single ion free energy calculation in ASIC1: the importance of the HG loop
Authors: Vallée Cédric , Howlin Brendan J. , Lewis Rebecca
Published: May 2022

The re-entrant loop containing the conserved 'HG' motif in ASIC1 (PDB entry 6VTK) plays an important role for binding permeating cations. The proximity of the 'HG' motif with the 'GAS' motif, also known as the selectivity filter, gives new perspectives regarding ion selectivity in ASICs.
Single-molecule magnet behaviour in a centrosymmetric dinuclear dysprosium(iii) complex: sequential differentiation of triple relaxation pathways
Authors: Song Xiao-Jiao , Jing Yu , Feng Xin , Hu Zhao-Bo , Kong Ming , Xue Xiao-Ming , Zhang Yi-Quan , Song You
Published: May 2022

A centrosymmetric dinuclear Dy-based complex, Dy2L2(H2L)Cl2(EtOH)2, was successfully synthesised, and exhibits a typical SIM behaviour and unusual triple relaxation pathways.
Assembly of bimetallic (Au–Ag)FON composite films at liquid/solid interfaces and their tunable optical properties
Authors: Zhao Xinyu , Wang Mingzhen , Wang Yingxue , Li Jinqi , He Dongqing , Zou Yongjin , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2022

The bimetallic (Au–Ag)FON composite film can be assembled by regulating the galvanic replacement (GR) reaction at the liquid/solid interface.
Stable and efficient narrow-band red emitters with high colour purity for white LEDs and plant growth applications
Authors: Singh Kasturi , Vaidyanathan Sivakumar
Published: May 2022

A series of new narrow-band red-emitting phosphors have been synthesized and explored for white LED applications.
Highly selective one-pot production of 2,5-furandimethanol from saccharides
Authors: Xu Ling , Lyu Xilei , Jiang Yuxi , Wei Xiwen , Nie Renfeng , Lu Xiuyang
Published: May 2022

A cascade catalytic system (NiCl2/FA/Co-NC) can fulfil the one-pot production of FDM from glucose and di/polysaccharides without the separation of unstable intermediates under mild conditions, showing great potential for the industrial applications.
Immunomagnetic leukocyte differential in whole blood on an electronic microdevice
Authors: Civelekoglu Ozgun , Ozkaya-Ahmadov Tevhide , Arifuzzman A. K. M. , Islak Mutcali Sibel , Sarioglu A. Fatih
Published: May 2022

A cartridge-based, disposable magnetophoretic cytometer testing 3-part leukocyte differentials for point-of-care or self-testing applications.
Organocatalytic (5+1) benzannulation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates: synthesis of multisubstituted 4-benzylidene pyrazolones
Authors: He Shurong , Wang Jie , Zheng Jinfeng , Luo Qing-Qing , Leng Haijun , Zheng Sixiang , Peng Cheng , Han Bo , Zhan Gu
Published: May 2022

DABCO-catalyzed (5+1) cycloaddition of MBH carbonate undergoes an α-double deprotonation pathway to de novo assemble the benzene ring.
Recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed directed C–H alkenylation with maleimides
Authors: Liu Shuang-Liang , Ye Changchun , Wang Xiaoge
Published: May 2022

Transition-metal-catalyzed directed C–H alkenylation with maleimides provides straightforward access to a wide array of structurally diverse molecules containing maleimide units.
Regulation and function of elF2B in neurological and metabolic disorders
Authors: Hanson Filipe M. , Hodgson Rachel E. , de Oliveira Madalena I. Ribeiro , Allen K. Elizabeth , Campbell Susan Gerarda
Published: May 2022

Eukaryotic initiation factor 2B, eIF2B is a guanine nucleotide exchange, factor with a central role in coordinating the initiation of translation. During stress and disease, the activity of eIF2B is inhibited via the phosphorylation of its substrate eIF2 (p-eIF2α). A number of different kinases respond to various stresses leading to the phosphorylation of the alpha subunit of eIF2, and collectively this regulation is known as the integrated stress response, ISR. This targeting of eIF2B allows the cell to regulate protein synthesis and reprogramme gene expression to restore homeostasis. Advances within structural biology have furthered our understanding of how eIF2B interacts with eIF2 in both the productive GEF active form and the non-productive eIF2α phosphorylated form. Here, current knowledge of the role of eIF2B in the ISR is discussed within the context of normal and disease states focusing particularly on diseases such as vanishing white matter disease (VWMD) and permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM), which are directly linked to mutations in eIF2B. The role of eIF2B in synaptic plasticity and memory formation is also discussed. In addition, the cellular localisation of eIF2B is reviewed and considered along with the role of additional in vivo eIF2B binding factors and protein modifications that may play a role in modulating eIF2B activity during health and disease.
In-depth direct imaging and spectroscopic characterization of the young Solar System analog HD 95086
Authors: Desgrange C. , Chauvin G. , Christiaens V. , Cantalloube F. , Lefranc L.-X. , Le Coroller H. , Rubini P. , Otten G. P. P. L. , Beust H. , Bonavita M. , Delorme P. , Devinat M. , Gratton R. , Lagrange A.-M. , Langlois M. , Mesa D. , Milli J. , Szulágyi J. , Nowak M. , Rodet L. , Rojo P. , Petrus S. , Janson M. , Henning T. , Kral Q. , van Holstein R. G. , Ménard F. , Beuzit J.-L. , Biller B. , Boccaletti A. , Bonnefoy M. , Brown S. , Costille A. , Delboulbe A. , Desidera S. , D’Orazi V. , Feldt M. , Fusco T. , Galicher R. , Hagelberg J. , Lazzoni C. , Ligi R. , Maire A.-L. , Messina S. , Meyer M. , Potier A. , Ramos J. , Rouan D. , Schmidt T. , Vigan A. , Zurlo A.
Published: May 2022

Context.HD 95086 is a young nearby Solar System analog hosting a giant exoplanet orbiting at 57 au from the star between an inner and outer debris belt. The existence of additional planets has been suggested as the mechanism that maintains the broad cavity between the two belts.

Aims.We present a dedicated monitoring of HD 95086 with the VLT/SPHERE instrument to refine the orbital and atmospheric properties of HD 95086 b, and to search for additional planets in this system.

Methods.SPHERE observations, spread over ten epochs from 2015 to 2019 and including five new datasets, were used. Combined with archival observations, from VLT/NaCo (2012-2013) and Gemini/GPI (2013-2016), the extended set of astrometric measurements allowed us to refine the orbital properties of HD 95086 b. We also investigated the spectral properties and the presence of a circumplanetary disk around HD 95086 b by using the special fitting tool exploring the diversity of several atmospheric models. In addition, we improved our detection limits in order to search for a putative planet c via the K-Stacker algorithm.

Results.We extracted for the first time the JH low-resolution spectrum of HD 95086 b by stacking the six best epochs, and confirm its very red spectral energy distribution. Combined with additional datasets from GPI and NaCo, our analysis indicates that this very red color can be explained by the presence of a circumplanetary disk around planet b, with a range of high-temperature solutions (1400–1600 K) and significant extinction (Av≳ 10 mag), or by a super-solar metallicity atmosphere with lower temperatures (800–300 K), and small to medium amount of extinction (Av≲ 10 mag). We do not find any robust candidates for planet c, but give updated constraints on its potential mass and location.
Causal modelling of the enablers of CPFR for building resilience in manufacturing supply chains
Authors: Hemant Joshi , Rajesh R , Daultani Yash
Published: May 2022

Supply chain resilience is widely receiving attention during the past decade. Collaboration and visibility enhancement in supply chains is a key to achieve resilience and robustness in supply chains. Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) is always been one of the difficult, yet powerful tool for collaboration in supply chains. Companies, in general attempt to address the technological side of changes, but avoid addressing the non-technological side of it, while implementing CPFR. This paper aims to explore the technological and non-technological enablers of CPFR, separately considering the Indian manufacturing industries and study their causal relations, using the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM). The results are beneficial, as managers can concentrate on causal enablers, while implementing CPFR. The success factors for implementation can slightly vary across different industries, but the applicability of the result is wider due to several common issues that arise during its implementation. Thus, the paper aims to provide directions for considering the most influencing enablers that can act as critical factors in the successful implementation of the CPFR. These influential enablers can be given much focus to reduce the vulnerabilities and to enhance the resilience capabilities of firms and their supply chains.
Single machine group scheduling problem with makespan objective and a proportional linear shortening
Authors: Wang Ji-Bo , Jia Xue , Yan Jia-Xuan , Wang Si-Han , Qian Jin
Published: May 2022

This paper considers a group scheduling problem with shorten (i.e., a proportional linear shortening) job processing times and ready times on a single machine. If the jobs are in the same group, they have independent and constant ready times. The setup time of a group is independent constant setup time between each group. The goal is to determine the optimal group sequence and the job sequence within the groups such that the makespan (i.e., the maximum completion time) is minimized. For the general case of the problem, an initial heuristic algorithm (an upper bound) and some lower bounds are proposed, and then a branch-and-bound algorithm can be developed to solve the problem.
Implantatspezifische Komplikationen aufgrund von Implantatfehllage –
Ursachen, Vermeidungs- und Behandlungskonzepte
Authors: Ryang Yu-Mi
Published: May 2022

Die häufigste implantatspezifische Komplikation ist die Pedikelschraubenfehllage
thorakolumbal. Fehllagen als auch andere Komplikationen scheinen nach aktueller
Datenlage jedoch eher selten geworden zu sein. Insbesondere schwere
neurovaskuläre Komplikationen als auch die Notwendigkeit einer
Schrauben-bedingten Revisions-Operation sind insgesamt gering. Es zeigt sich,
dass der Einsatz moderner Techniken, insbesondere der spinalen Navigation zu
einer Verbesserung der Genauigkeit, Sicherheit, Effektivität und
Revisionsnotwendigkeit beiträgt. Die besten Ergebnisse scheint dabei die
CT-Navigation zu erzielen. Neben der spinalen Navigation sind weitere nützliche
technische Innovationen hinzugekommen, wie elektronische Konduktivitäts-Devices
und patienten-spezifische 3D-gedruckte Führungsschablonen, die die Genauigkeit
und Sicherheit bei spinaler Instrumentation ebenfalls verbessern können. Diese
Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die aktuelle Datenlage und neue innovative
Techniken, die zu einer Verbesserung Implantat-spezifischer Komplikationen,
insbesondere Schraubenfehllagen beitragen können und gibt praktische Tipps zur
Verbesserung navigierter Eingriffe.
Descemet-Stripping ohne Transplantat bei Fuchsʼscher endothelialer Hornhautdystrophie?
Authors: Menzel-Severing Johannes , Geerling Gerd
Published: May 2022

Traditionell wird das Hornhautendothel als postmitotisch angesehen, sodass von einer spontanen Regeneration nach Verlust von Endothelzellen (z. B. im Rahmen der Fuchsʼschen endothelialen
Hornhautdystrophie) nicht ausgegangen wird. Dennoch konnte in mehreren Fällen beobachtet werden, dass eine ödematöse Hornhaut nach Entfernung eines kleineren Areals der Descemet-Membran
aufklart. Der posteriore Aspekt dieses Bereichs wurde von Hornhautendothelzellen wieder bedeckt. Hieraus entstand ein operatives Therapiekonzept ohne posteriores lamelläres Transplantat:
„Descemet stripping only“. Zugleich legen Daten aus In-vitro-Versuchen nahe, dass Rho-Kinase-Inhibitoren (ROCK-Inhibitoren) pharmakologische Wirkstoffe sind, die eine Proliferation und
Migration des Hornhautendothels fördern und somit den Heilungsverlauf nach Descemet-Stripping positiv beeinflussen. Mittlerweile liegen erste Daten aus kleineren prospektiven, kontrollierten
klinischen Studien vor, die durchweg gute Ergebnisse nach Descemet-Stripping und ROCK-Inhibitor-Augentropfen berichten. Offene Fragen bestehen jedoch derzeit noch hinsichtlich der
Charakteristika der Patientengruppe, die von diesem Therapieansatz besonders profitiert und hinsichtlich der Nachhaltigkeit eines Therapieerfolgs.
Das europäische Netzwerk INNODIA
Authors: Bode Karsten , Reschke Felix , Weiskorn Jantje , Pisarek Nicole , Polier Mareike Polier , Landsberg Sarah , Kordonouri Olga , Danne Thomas
Published: May 2022

Hinter dem typischen klinischen Erscheinungsbild des Typ-1-Diabetes (T1D) können sich sehr unterschiedliche Krankheitsverläufe verbergen. Bei vielen Menschen ist zum Zeitpunkt der Manifestation noch eine nicht unerhebliche Restfunktion der Betazellen nachweisbar. In Europa hat sich, finanziert durch die Projekte INNODIA und INNODIA HARVEST der europäischen „Innovative Medicines Initiative“, ein neues Netzwerk zur T1D-Forschung gebildet. Es besteht einerseits aus Grundlagenforschern zur Entdeckung neuartiger Biomarker und Therapien. Anderseits sind darin akkreditierte klinische Zentren mit höchsten Qualitätsstandards organisiert. Das Konsortium führt gegenwärtig 4 klinische Studien an Menschen mit neu diagnostiziertem T1D durch. In Zusammenarbeit mit der Regulationsbehörde EMA entwickelte INNODIA ein einheitliches Studienprotokoll („Masterprotokoll“), um ab dem Alter von 5 Jahren die Untersuchung neuer Einzelsubstanzen und Kombinationstherapien zu beschleunigen.
Typ-1-Diabetes Risikoscreening bei Neugeborenen und Studien zur Prävention des Typ-1-Diabetes
Authors: Kordonouri Olga
Published: May 2022

Typ-1-Diabetes ist eine chronische Autoimmunerkrankung und Ergebnis eines komplexen Zusammenspiels zwischen Umweltfaktoren und Mikrobiom, Genom, Stoffwechsel und Immunsystem, das von Fall zu Fall unterschiedlich ist. Der Beginn des Autoimmunprozesses findet in der Regel Jahre vor der Manifestation der klinischen Symptome statt. Bereits kurz nach der Geburt kann anhand der Bestimmung eines genetischen Scores das Risiko für die Entwicklung des Autoimmunprozesses in der frühen Kindheit ermittelt werden. In dieser Arbeit werden Screeningstrategien zur Typ-1-Diabetes-Risiko-Ermittlung bei Neugeborenen und aktuelle Studien zur Primärprävention der Erkrankung vorgestellt und diskutiert.
Development of laser heterodyne photothermal displacement method for mapping carrier nonradiative recombination centers in semiconductors
Authors: Harada Tomoki , Ikari Tetsuo , Fukuyama Atsuhiko
Published: May 2022

The laser heterodyne photothermal displacement (LH-PD) method was used to characterize the nonradiative recombination centers of semiconductors, such as defects and deep-lying electronic levels. When a semiconductor surface is irradiated with a modulated continuous wave laser, the irradiated area is periodically heated and expanded owing to the nonradiative recombination of the photoexcited carriers. The LH-PD can measure an absolute value of surface displacement and its time variation at various excitation beam frequencies (fex). Si and GaAs substrate samples were used to confirm the usefulness of the proposed method. The obtained time variation of the surface displacement was well explained by theoretical calculations considering the carrier generation, diffusion, recombination, heat diffusion, and generated thermal strain. Because nonradiative carrier recombination generates local heat at defects in semiconductors, the LH-PD technique is useful for analyzing defect distributions. Additionally, measurements of intentional Fe-contaminated Si samples confirmed that this technique is suitable for defect mapping. Displacement mapping with changing fex suggests the potential to measure the distribution of nonradiative recombination centers in the sample depth direction.
Identification of kink instability in 3D helical flux ropes at VEST
Authors: Park Jong Yoon , Kim June Young , Kim Seongcheol , Jung E. C. , Hwang Y. S.
Published: May 2022

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-inductive startup and current drive method via Taylor relaxation for the spherical torus. In achieving Taylor relaxation, it has been suggested that kink instability in 3D helical flux ropes plays an important role. However, the role and occurrence of kink instability during LHI have yet to be validated. Experimentally, determining the kink mode in a flux rope relies on measuring internal information using a probe. However, for LHI, the 3D geometry complicates this measurement process. Here, we propose a new approach for determining the kink modes of 3D helical flux ropes without any internal probe measurements. It is confirmed by this approach that flux ropes exhibit two different kink modes. With increasing plasma current in the flux ropes, a transition from the coherent internal kink mode to the external kink mode is observed. Kink mode properties such as rotating frequency calculated from the kink theory agree well with the magnetic signature driven by the kink mode. During the LHI experiment in the versatile experiment spherical torus, three distinguishable phases are confirmed by the approach, consistent with NIMROD simulation. Before driving the toroidal plasma current, the external kink mode is observed for 3D helical flux ropes. As the toroidal plasma current increases, the external kink mode disappears while generating broadband internal modes instead of coherent internal kink of flux ropes. Decoupling between the toroidal plasma and flux rope results in both decay of toroidal plasma current and re-appearance of the external kink mode in the flux ropes.
Comprehensive study on interactions of cold atmospheric plasma and perilla seed oil
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Xiao-Long , Tian Shu-Qi , Yao Xi , Fan Yu-Tao , Zhang Yuan-Tao
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the interactions of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and liquids have attracted increasing attention and shown great advantages in plasma medicine. In this study, a CAP jet produced by Ar + O2 gas discharge was used to treat perilla seed oil (PSO) to produce plenty of new reactive groups with the formation of plasma-activated perilla seed oil (PAPSO). A significant decrease in unsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids is observed by experimental diagnostic, embodied in the dissociation of double C=C bonds, the breaking of C–H bonds, and the formation of O–H, C–O bonds with the production of peroxides and carboxylic acids in PAPSO, which is proved to be stable for at least three months. Reactive molecular dynamic simulation was performed to explore the interaction details of reactive oxygen species in CAP and five fatty acids in PSO. The dissociation of double C=C bonds, the H abstraction from fatty acids, and some other reactions are also observed in the simulation, resulting in the formation of aldehyde, ketone, alcohol groups, and small molecule carboxylic acids, which show good agreement with experimental diagnostic. This study provides comprehensive insight into the generation of PAPSO, unveiling the formation and breaking of chemical bonds and the production of new reactive groups, which deepens the understanding of the interactions of CAP and liquids.
High-temperature electrical conductivity in piezoelectric lithium niobate
Authors: Lucas Killian , Bouchy Sévan , Bélanger Pierre , Zednik Ricardo J.
Published: May 2022

Lithium niobate is a promising candidate for use in high-temperature piezoelectric devices due to its high Curie temperature (≈1483 K) and strong piezoelectric properties. However, the piezoelectric behavior has, in practice, been found to degrade at various temperatures as low as 573 K, with no satisfactory explanation available in the literature. We, therefore, studied the electrical conductivity of congruent lithium niobate single crystals in the temperature range of 293–1273 K with an 500 mV excitation at frequencies between 20 Hz and 20 MHz. An analytical model that generalizes the universal dielectric relaxation law with the Arrhenius equation was found to describe the experimental temperature and frequency dependence and helped discriminate between conduction mechanisms. Electronic conduction was found to dominate at low temperatures, leading to low overall electrical conductivity. However, at high temperatures, the overall electrical conductivity increases significantly due to ionic conduction, primarily with lithium ions (Li+) as charge carriers. This increase in electrical conductivity can, therefore, cause an internal short in the lithium niobate crystal, thereby reducing observable piezoelectricity. Interestingly, the temperature above which ionic conductivity dominates depends greatly on the excitation frequency: at a sufficiently high frequency, lithium niobate does not exhibit appreciable ionic conductivity at high temperature, helping explain the conflicting observations reported in the literature. These findings enable an appropriate implementation of lithium niobate to realize previously elusive high-temperature piezoelectric applications.
Construction and characterization of conductive collagen/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films for nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Li Qian , Yue Chengfei , Chen Tao , Ding Changkun , Zhang Hongtian
Published: May 2022

Currently, a growing number of biomaterials have been evaluated to be beneficial to the application of neural tissue engineering. However, their deficient mechanical and electrical properties limit their further application, especially for nerve regeneration. Therefore, the combination of biological matrix and conductive materials has been applied to meet the requirements for nerve tissue engineering. In this work, conductive collagen (COL)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composite films with different MWNT concentrations were developed by the solvent–evaporation method. The effects of rigid MWNT on the structure, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the flexible COL-based film were evaluated. The evaluation of mechanical properties revealed that the tensile strength of the COL/MWNT composite films was almost eight times as high as that of the pure COL film. The electrical property assessment demonstrated that the electrical conductivity of COL/MWNT-0.25% reached 0.45 S/cm, meeting the electrical stimulation conditions required for nerve growth. Furthermore, the cell viability assays revealed that the COL/MWNT composite films were non-cytotoxic and appropriate for cell growth. Our work proved that the conductive COL/MWNT composite films exhibited great potential for nerve tissue engineering application, which provided a novel self-electrical stimulated platform for the treatment of neural injuries.
Vacancy-assisted ferroelectric domain growth in BaTiO3 under an applied electric field: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Tsuzuki Takahiro , Ogata Shuji , Kobayashi Ryo , Uranagase Masayuki , Shimoi Seiya , Durdiev Dilshod , Wendler Frank
Published: May 2022

BaTiO3 is a well-known piezoelectric material, which is widely used in various devices. In general, the ferroelectric state of BaTiO3 is composed of polarized domains. The growth of these domains due to an applied electric field or stress is related to the piezoelectric performance. We investigated the effects of various point defects, monovacancies {VBa, VTi, VO}, and first- and second-neighbor divacancies {VBa–VO, VTi–VO} on polarized domain growth in BaTiO3 under an applied electric field by molecular dynamics simulations using the core–shell inter-atomic potential. We found that (i) the first-neighbor divacancy VBa–VO is the most effective in assisting the domain growth under an applied electric field (i.e., a smaller coercive electric field) in an asymmetrical manner with respect to the electric field direction. This is mainly due to the creation of an electric field around VBa–VO by significant Ti shifts toward VBa with the assistance of VO. (ii) Domain growth proceeds in a 1+2 dimensional manner. The domain growth velocity in the direction of the applied electric field is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than that in the perpendicular direction. (iii) Increasing the density of the divacancy VBa–VO further lowers the coercive electric field when the applied electric field is parallel to the divacancy dipoles. The present results will be essential for designing the type, orientation, and density of defects to modify the coercive electric field of BaTiO3 in defect engineering.
Effects of an island-wide rodent eradication programme on two threatened bird species
Authors: Segal Richard D. , Whitsed Rachel , Carlile Nicholas , Massaro Melanie
Published: May 2022

Context For the past 50 years, rodent eradications have been conducted worldwide to reverse the devastating impacts of introduced rodents on island species. However, few studies have quantitatively measured the effects of rodent eradications on native species. Aims This study investigated the effects of a rodent eradication on Lord Howe Island on two native birds. Methods To mitigate the risk of Lord Howe currawongs being poisoned during baiting operations, 30–40% of the population were taken into captivity during baiting, while the remaining currawongs were left in the wild. We studied currawong survival, nesting density and breeding success pre- and post-eradication to test how the baiting, a period in captivity, and the removal of rodents affected currawongs. We also investigated breeding success of white terns as they were expected to benefit from the eradication due to predator reduction. Key results We found that many currawongs left in the wild disappeared during the baiting period and nesting densities in one part of the island were significantly lower after the eradication. These currawongs likely died of poisoning as they were not resighted for 2 years post-eradication. White tern breeding success did not increase after the rodent eradication, although their predators were largely eliminated. Conclusions The captive management of currawongs mitigated the adverse effects of the baiting. As those currawongs that survived had high breeding success, we predict that the population will soon recover to pre-eradication size. Implications Our study reinforces the necessity of integrating ecological monitoring as part of future eradications on islands.
Analysis of changes in the proteomic profile of porcine corpus luteum during different stages of the oestrous cycle: effects of PPAR gamma ligands
Authors: Kunicka Zuzanna , Mierzejewski Karol , Kurzyńska Aleksandra , Stryiński Robert , Mateos Jesús , Carrera Mónica , Golubska Monika , Bogacka Iwona
Published: May 2022

Context The corpus luteum (CL) is an endocrine gland in the ovary of mature females during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. There is evidence of a relationship between the secretory function of the CL and PPARs. Aims In this study, we investigated the changes in the proteome of the CL in relation to the phase of the oestrous cycle and the impact of PPARγ ligands on the proteomic profile of the CL during the mid- and late-luteal phase of the oestrous cycle. Methods The porcine CL explants were incubated in vitro for 6 h in the presence of PPARγ ligands (agonist pioglitazone, antagonist T0070907) or without ligands. Global proteomic analysis was performed using the TMT-based LC-MS/MS method. Key results The obtained results showed the disparity in proteomic profile of the untreated CL – different abundance of 23 and 28 proteins for the mid- and late-luteal phase, respectively. Moreover, seven proteins were differentially regulated in the CL tissue treated with PPARγ ligands. In the mid-luteal phase, one protein, CAND1, was downregulated after treatment with T0070907. In the late-luteal phase, the proteins SPTAN1, GOLGB1, TP53BP1, MATR3, RRBP1 and SRRT were upregulated by pioglitazone. Conclusions Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that certain proteins constitute a specific proteomic signature for each examined phase. Moreover, the study showed that the effect of PPARγ ligands on the CL proteome was rather limited. Implications The results provide a broader insight into the processes that may be responsible for the structural luteolysis of the porcine CL, in addition to apoptosis and autophagy.
La construcción temporal
Authors: Gisbert José Manuel Bustos
Published: May 2022

Abstracta

Este artículo analiza el uso del pretérito perfecto compuesto y el pretérito perfecto simple en los textos expositivos escritos en español y dotados o no de dimensión argumentativa. En primer lugar, se estudia su función en la organización de los textos; se evalúa su presencia en los párrafos iniciales, en los enunciados iniciales de párrafo y en los enunciados iniciales de texto. Asimismo, se analiza su función en la construcción de referencias intertextuales y cotextuales. En segundo lugar, se describe su función en la configuración de dos tipos de informaciones relevante en el discurso expositivo, como son los acontecimientos de partida y las premisas y los saberes conocidos. El trabajo demuestra que el pretérito perfecto compuesto es la herramienta más útil en la expresión de estos dos tipos de información debido a razones, no de naturaleza temporal, sino de estrategia discursiva.
Quantum Continual Learning Overcoming Catastrophic Forgetting
Authors: Jiang Wenjie , Lu Zhide , Deng Dong-Ling
Published: May 2022

Catastrophic forgetting describes the fact that machine learning models will likely forget the knowledge of previously learned tasks after the learning process of a new one. It is a vital problem in the continual learning scenario and recently has attracted tremendous concern across different communities. We explore the catastrophic forgetting phenomena in the context of quantum machine learning. It is found that, similar to those classical learning models based on neural networks, quantum learning systems likewise suffer from such forgetting problem in classification tasks emerging from various application scenes. We show that based on the local geometrical information in the loss function landscape of the trained model, a uniform strategy can be adapted to overcome the forgetting problem in the incremental learning setting. Our results uncover the catastrophic forgetting phenomena in quantum machine learning and offer a practical method to overcome this problem, which opens a new avenue for exploring potential quantum advantages towards continual learning.
Structural Evolution of D
5h
(1)-C90 under High Pressure: A Mediate Allotrope of Nanocarbon from Zero-Dimensional Fullerene to One-Dimensional Nanotube
Authors: Wang Yan , Yao Mingguang , Hua Xing , Jin Fei , Yao Zhen , Yang Hua , Liu Ziyang , Li Quanjun , Liu Ran , Liu Bo , Jiang Linhai , Liu Bingbing
Published: May 2022

The hybridization of fullerene and nanotube structures in newly isolated C90 with the D
5h
symmetric group (D
5h
(1)-C90) provides an ideal model as a mediating allotrope of nanocarbon from zero-dimensional (0D) fullerene to one-dimensional nanotube. Raman and infrared spectroscopy combined with classical molecular dynamics simulation were used to investigate the structural evolution of D
5h
(1)-C90 at ambient and high pressure up to 35.1 GPa. Interestingly, the high-pressure transformations of D
5h
(1)-C90 exhibit the features of both fullerene and nanotube. At around 2.5 GPa, the D
5h
(1)-C90 molecule in the crystal undergoes an orientational transition to a restricted rotation. At 6.6 GPa, the tubular hexagonal part occurs and transforms into a dumbbell-like structure at higher pressure. The material starts to amorphize above 13.9 GPa, and the transition is reversible until the pressure exceeds 25 GPa. The amorphization is probably correlated with both the intermolecular bonding and the morphology change. Our results enrich our understanding of structural changes in nanocarbon from 0D to 1D.
Anisotropic Fermi Surfaces, Electrical Transport, and Two-Dimensional Fermi Liquid Behavior in Layered Ternary Boride MoAlB
Authors: Nie Pan , Zuo Huakun , Zhao Lingxiao , Zhu Zengwei
Published: May 2022

We report a study of fermiology, electrical anisotropy, and Fermi liquid properties in the layered ternary boride MoAlB, which could be peeled into two-dimensional (2D) metal borides (MBenes). By studying the quantum oscillations in comprehensive methods of magnetization, magnetothermoelectric power, and torque with the first-principle calculations, we reveal three types of bands in this system, including two 2D-like electronic bands and one complex three-dimensional-like hole band. Meanwhile, a large out-of-plane electrical anisotropy (ρbb
/ρaa
∼ 1100 and ρbb
/ρcc
∼ 500, at 2 K) was observed, which is similar to those of the typical anisotropic semimetals but lower than those of some semiconductors (up to 105). After calculating the Kadowaki–Woods ratio (KWR = A/γ
2), we observed that the ratio of the in-plane A

a,c
/γ
2 is closer to the universal trend, whereas the out-of-plane A

b
/γ
2 severely deviates from the universality. This demonstrates a 2D Fermi liquid behavior. In addition, MoAlB cannot be unified using the modified KWR formula like other layered systems (Sr2RuO4 and MoOCl2). This unique feature necessitates further exploration of the Fermi liquid property of this layered molybdenum compound.
Lieb Lattices Formed by Real Atoms on Ag(111) and Their Lattice Constant-Dependent Electronic Properties
Authors: Li Xiaoxia , Li Qili , Ji Tongzhou , Yan Ruige , Fan Wenlin , Miao Bingfeng , Sun Liang , Chen Gong , Zhang Weiyi , Ding Haifeng
Published: May 2022

Scanning tunneling microscopy is a powerful tool to build artificial atomic structures that do not exist in nature but possess exotic properties. In this study, we constructed Lieb lattices with different lattice constants by real atoms, i.e., Fe atoms on Ag(111), and probed their electronic properties. We obtain a surprising long-range effective electron wavefunction overlap between Fe adatoms as it exhibits a

1

r
2

dependence with the interatomic distance r instead of the theoretically predicted exponential one. Combining control experiments, tight-binding modeling, and Green’s function calculations, we attribute the observed long-range overlap to being enabled by the surface state. Our findings enrich the understanding of the electron wavefunction overlap and provide a convenient platform to design and explore artificial structures and future devices with real atoms.
A meshless method to compute pressure fields from image velocimetry
Authors: Sperotto Pietro , Pieraccini Sandra , Mendez Miguel A
Published: May 2022

We propose a meshless method to compute pressure fields from image velocimetry data, regardless of whether this is available on a regular grid as in cross-correlation based velocimetry or on scattered points as in tracking velocimetry. The proposed approach is based on radial basis functions (RBFs) regression and relies on the solution of two constrained least square problems. The first one is the regression of the measurements to create an analytic representation of the velocity field. This regression can be constrained to impose boundary conditions (e.g. no-slip velocity on a wall or inlet conditions) or differential constraints (e.g. the solenoidal condition for an incompressible flow). The second one is the meshless integration of the pressure Poisson equation, achieved by seeking a solution in the form of a RBF expansion and using constraints to impose boundary conditions. We first illustrate the derivation of the two least square problems and the numerical techniques implemented for their solution. Then, we showcase the method with three numerical test cases of growing complexity. These are a 2D Gaussian Vortex, a 2D flow past a cylinder from CFD and a 3D Stokes flow past a sphere. For each case, we consider randomly sampled vector fields simulating particle tracking measurements and analyze the sensitivity to noise and seeding density.
Optical properties of copper helical nanostructures: the effect of thickness on the SPR peak position
Authors: Potočnik J , Božinović N , Novaković M , Barudžija T , Nenadović M , Popović M
Published: May 2022

In this study, we have investigated the effect of thickness on the structural and optical properties of copper (Cu) helical nanostructures. Thin films with thicknesses of 160 nm, 280 nm, 450 nm, and 780 nm were obtained by e-beam glancing angle deposition. The morphology and the microstructure were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, while for the optical analysis measurements spectroscopic ellipsometry was used. The results show that the deposited structures are porous with nanometer-sized crystallites preferentially oriented along (111) planes, as well as that the diameter of the helices increases with thickness. Detailed analyses of optical properties have demonstrated that the dielectric function of Cu structures is greatly influenced by the films thicknesses. With increasing thickness from 160 nm to 780 nm, the surface plasmon resonance peak was shifted from 1.31 eV to 1.05 eV, which was correlated with the growth mechanism and the size of deposited nanostructures.
Adsorption-enhanced photocatalytic property of Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 composite by incorporating cotton-based biochar
Authors: Kuan Junling , Zhang Hui , Gu Haoshuai , Zhang Yaning , Wu Hailiang , Mao Ningtao
Published: May 2022

In this study, the biochar obtained from waste cotton fibers was introduced into the Ag-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 hybrid composite through a facile one-step hydrothermal process. The morphology, elemental composition, crystal structure, microstructure, specific surface area, chemical bonding state, energy band structure, and separation efficiency of photoinduced charge carriers of the resultant composite were examined using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer, x-ray diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, surface area analyzer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscope, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscope, and photoluminescence spectroscope. The adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of the biochar, Ag-doped g-C3N4/TiO2 and Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 were evaluated using the model methyl orange dye. The photoacatalytic degradation of the model pollutants including methyl orange, methylene blue, congo red, and tetracycline hydrochloride and the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) ions were also assessed under visible light. Experimental results indicated that the photocatalytic property of the Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 was significantly enhanced through the synergic effects compared with the Ag-doped g-C3N4/TiO2. This was due to the uniform doping of multi-scale porous biochar with g-C3N4 nanosheet, Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles. The adsorptive enhancement induced by the biochar resulted in the narrowed band gap, suitable electronic energy band structure, and fast separation of photoinduced charge carriers of the Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2, which was probably due to the coexistence of multi-valence Ti+4/+3 and Ag0/+1 species and oxygen-containing groups of biochar. The major reactive species of the Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 were 1O2 and h+. The MO dye adsorption onto the Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 followed the Langmuir isotherm model, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, and the adsorption process was an endothermic reaction with entropy reduction effects. As such, the Ag-doped biochar/g-C3N4/TiO2 exhibited a promising application for the treatment of wastewater containing multi-pollutants especially organic dyes and heavy metal ions.
Early-time measure in eternal inflation
Authors: Khoury Justin , Wong Sam S.C.
Published: May 2022

In a situation like eternal inflation, where our data is replicated at infinitely-many other space-time events, it is necessary to make a prior assumption about our location to extract predictions. The principle of mediocrity entails that we live at asymptotic late times, when the occupational probabilities of vacua has settled to a near-equilibrium distribution. In this paper we further develop the idea that we instead exist during the approach to equilibrium, much earlier than the exponentially-long mixing time. In this case we are most likely to reside in vacua that are easily accessed dynamically. Using first-passage statistics, we prove that vacua that maximize their space-time volume at early times have: 1. maximal ever-hitting probability; 2. minimal mean first-passage time; and 3. minimal decay rate. These requirements are succinctly captured by an early-time measure. The idea that we live at early times is a predictive guiding principle, with many phenomenological implications. First, our vacuum should lie deep in a funneled region, akin to folding energy landscapes of proteins. Second, optimal landscape regions are characterized by relatively short-lived vacua, with lifetime of order the de Sitter Page time. For our vacuum, this lifetime is ∼ 10130 years, which is consistent with the Standard Model estimate due to Higgs metastability. Third, the measure favors vacua with small, positive vacuum energy. This can address the cosmological constant problem, provided there are sufficiently many vacua in the entire ensemble of funnels. As a concrete example, we study the Bousso-Polchinski lattice of flux vacua, and find that the early-time measure favors lattices with the fewest number of flux dimensions. This favors compactifications with a large hierarchy between the lightest modulus and all other Kähler and complex structure moduli.
Atlas of phenotypic, genotypic and geographical diversity present in the European traditional tomato
Authors: Pons Clara , Casals Joan , Palombieri Samuela , Fontanet Lilian , Riccini Alessandro , Rambla Jose Luis , Ruggiero Alessandra , Figás Maria
del Rosario , Plazas Mariola , Koukounaras Athanasios , Picarella Maurizio E , Sulli Maria , Fisher Josef , Ziarsolo Peio , Blanca Jose , Cañizares Joaquin , Cammareri Maria , Vitiello Antonella , Batelli Giorgia , Kanellis Angelos , Brouwer Matthijs , Finkers Richard , Nikoloudis Konstantinos , Soler Salvador , Giuliano Giovanni , Grillo Stephania , Grandillo Silvana , Zamir Dani , Mazzucato Andrea , Causse Mathilde , Díez Maria José , Prohens Jaime , Monforte Antonio Jose , Granell Antonio
Published: May 2022

The Mediterranean basin countries are considered secondary centres of tomato diversification. However, information on phenotypic and allelic variation of local tomato materials is still limited. Here we report on the evaluation of the largest traditional tomato collection, which includes 1499 accessions from Southern Europe. Analyses of 70 traits revealed a broad range of phenotypic variability with different distributions among countries, with the culinary end use within each country being the main driver of tomato diversification. Furthermore, eight main tomato types (phenoclusters) were defined by integrating phenotypic data, country of origin, and end use. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses identified associations in 211 loci, 159 of which were novel. The multidimensional integration of phenoclusters and the GWAS meta-analysis identified the molecular signatures for each traditional tomato type and indicated that signatures originated from differential combinations of loci, which in some cases converged in the same tomato phenotype. Our results provide a roadmap for studying and exploiting this untapped tomato diversity.
The biochemical and molecular investigation of flower color and scent sheds lights on further genetic modification of ornamental traits in Clivia miniata
Authors: Li Yueqing , Gao Ruifang , Zhang Jia , Wang Yanan , Kong Peiru , Lu Keyu , Adnan   , Liu Meng , Ao Feng , Zhao Chunli , Wang Li , Gao Xiang
Published: May 2022

Clivia miniata is renowned for its evergreen and strap-like leaves, whereas its floral color and scent are lacking diversity. Here, anthocyanin, volatile terpene, and carotenoid metabolisms were integrally investigated in C. miniata flowers. The results showed that pelargonidins and lutein might cooperate to confer orange or yellow color to C. miniata flowers, but only a trace amount of (+)-limonene was detected. The expression levels of CmF3′H and CmDFR appeared to be responsible for the ratio of cyanidin and pelargonidin derivatives in C. miniata, and the low expression of CmF3′H was responsible for the lack of cyanidins in flowers. Moreover, the CmF3′H promoter could not be activated by CmMYBAs, suggesting that it was controlled by novel regulators. Only two CmTPSs were functional, with CmTPS2 responsible for (+)-limonene synthesis, contributing to the monotonous flower volatile terpenes of C. miniata. CmCCD1a and CmCCD1b were able to cleave carotenoids at the 5,6 (5′,6′), and 9,10 (9′,10′) positions to generate volatile apocarotenoids, whereas the substrates found in low-quantities or specific subcellular localizations of CmCCD1s might constrain volatile apocarotenoid release. Consequently, activating F3′H and introducing novel F3′5′H or versatile TPS may be effective ways to modify the floral color and scent, respectively. Alternatively, modifying the carotenoid flux or CCD1 localization might affect floral color and scent simultaneously. Taking these results together, the present study provides a preliminary deciphering of the genetic constraints underlying flower color and scent development, and proposes possible schemes for further genetic modification of ornamental traits in C. miniata and other plants.