bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and dynamics of small-scale turbulence in vaporizing two-phase flows
Authors: Boukharfane Radouan , Er-raiy Aimad , Parsani Matteo , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: July 2021

Improving our fundamental understanding of multiphase turbulent flows will be beneficial for analyses of a wide range of industrial and geophysical processes. Herein, we investigate the topology of the local flow in vaporizing forced homogeneous isotropic turbulent two-phase flows. The invariants of the velocity-gradient, rate-of-strain, rate-of-rotation tensors, and scalar gradient were computed and conditioned for different distances from the liquid–gas surface. A Schur decomposition of the velocity gradient tensor into a normal and non-normal parts was undertaken to supplement the classical double decomposition into rotation and strain tensors. Using direct numerical simulations results, we show that the joint probability density functions of the second and third invariants have classical shapes in all carrier-gas regions but gradually change as they approach the carrier-liquid interface. Near the carrier-liquid interface, the distributions of the invariants are remarkably similar to those found in the viscous sublayer of turbulent wall-bounded flows. Furthermore, the alignment of both vorticity and scalar gradient with the strain-rate field changes spatially such that its universal behaviour occurs far from the liquid–gas interface. We found also that the non-normal effects of the velocity gradient tensor play a crucial role in explaining the preferred alignment.
Phonon-assisted relaxation between triplet and singlet states in a self-assembled double quantum dot
Authors: Gawarecki Krzysztof , Machnikowski Paweł
Published: July 2021

We study theoretically phonon-induced spin dynamics of two electrons confined in a self-assembled double quantum dot. We calculate the transition rates and time evolution of occupations for the spin-triplet and spin-singlet states. We characterize the relative importance of various relaxation channels, including two-phonon processes, as a function of the electric and magnetic fields. The simulations are based on a model combining the eight-band $$\varvec{k}\!\cdot \!\varvec{p}$$

k

·

p

method and configuration-interaction approach. We show that the electron g-factor mismatch between the Zeeman doublets localized on different dots opens a relatively fast triplet-singlet phonon-assisted relaxation channel. We also demonstrate, that the relaxation near the triplet-singlet anticrossing is slowed down up to several orders of magnitude due to vanishing of some relaxation channels.
Target position and avoidance margin effects on path planning in obstacle avoidance
Authors: Saeedpour-Parizi Mohammad R. , Hassan Shirin E. , Azad Ariful , Baute Kelly J. , Baniasadi Tayebeh , Shea John B.
Published: July 2021

This study examined how people choose their path to a target, and the visual information they use for path planning. Participants avoided stepping outside an avoidance margin between a stationary obstacle and the edge of a walkway as they walked to a bookcase and picked up a target from different locations on a shelf. We provided an integrated explanation for path selection by combining avoidance margin, deviation angle, and distance to the obstacle. We found that the combination of right and left avoidance margins accounted for 26%, deviation angle accounted for 39%, and distance to the obstacle accounted for 35% of the variability in decisions about the direction taken to circumvent an obstacle on the way to a target. Gaze analysis findings showed that participants directed their gaze to minimize the uncertainty involved in successful task performance and that gaze sequence changed with obstacle location. In some cases, participants chose to circumvent the obstacle on a side for which the gaze time was shorter, and the path was longer than for the opposite side. Our results of a path selection judgment test showed that the threshold for participants abandoning their preferred side for circumventing the obstacle was a target location of 15 cm to the left of the bookcase shelf center.
Funneliformis mosseae inoculation under water deficit stress improves the yield and phytochemical characteristics of thyme in intercropping with soybean
Authors: Amani Machiani Mostafa , Javanmard Abdollah , Morshedloo Mohammad Reza , Aghaee Ahmad , Maggi Filippo
Published: July 2021

Intercropping of medicinal plants/legumes along with bio-fertilizer application is a relatively new sustainable practice for improving the yield and secondary metabolites production. Here, a 2-years field experiment was performed to evaluate the effects of water deficit stress and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) application (as bio-fertilizer) on nutrients concentration, dry matter yield, essential oil quantity and quality of thyme in intercropping with soybean. Three irrigation levels, including (i) irrigation after depletion of 20% (I20) as non-stressed, 50% (I50) as moderate water deficit and 80% (I80) available water as severe water deficit were applied as the main factor. The sub-factor was represented by different cropping patterns including thyme sole culture, replacement intercrop ratio of 50:50 and 66:34 (soybean: thyme) and the third factor was non-usage (control) and usage of AMF. According to our results, the thyme dry yield under moderate and severe water deficit stress decreased by 35 and 44% in the first year, and by 27 and 40% in the second year compared with non-stressed (I20) plants, respectively. Also, the macro- and micro-nutrients of thyme leaves increased significantly in intercropping patterns after application of AMF. The maximum essential oil percentage of thyme was achieved in 50:50 intercropping ratio treated with AMF. Under moderate and severe water deficits, the major constituents of thyme essential oil including thymol, p-cymene and γ-terpinene were increased in intercropping patterns treated with AMF. Generally, AMF application in intercropping ratio of 50:50 may be proposed to farmers as an eco-friendly approach to achieve desirable essential oil quality and quantity in thyme under water deficit stress conditions.
Biodistribution and internal radiation dosimetry of a companion diagnostic radiopharmaceutical, [68Ga]PSMA-11, in subcutaneous prostate cancer xenograft model mice
Authors: Kim Su Bin , Song In Ho , Song Yoo Sung , Lee Byung Chul , Gupta Arun , Lee Jae Sung , Park Hyun Soo , Kim Sang Eun
Published: July 2021

[68Ga]PSMA-11 is a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiopharmaceutical for diagnostic PET imaging. Its application can be extended to targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT). In this study, we characterize the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of [68Ga]PSMA-11 in PSMA-positive and negative (22Rv1 and PC3, respectively) tumor-bearing mice and subsequently estimated its internal radiation dosimetry via voxel-level dosimetry using a dedicated Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the absorbed dose in the tumor directly. Consequently, this approach overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional organ-level (or phantom-based) method. The kidneys and urinary bladder both showed substantial accumulation of [68Ga]PSMA-11 without exhibiting a washout phase during the study. For the tumor, a peak concentration of 4.5 ± 0.7 %ID/g occurred 90 min after [68Ga]PSMA-11 injection. The voxel- and organ-level methods both determined that the highest absorbed dose occurred in the kidneys (0.209 ± 0.005 Gy/MBq and 0.492 ± 0.059 Gy/MBq, respectively). Using voxel-level dosimetry, the absorbed dose in the tumor was estimated as 0.024 ± 0.003 Gy/MBq. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of [68Ga]PSMA-11 in various organs of subcutaneous prostate cancer xenograft model mice were consistent with reported data for prostate cancer patients. Therefore, our data supports the use of voxel-level dosimetry in TRT to deliver personalized dosimetry considering patient-specific heterogeneous tissue compositions and activity distributions.
Swelling behaviours of compacted lime-softening sludge for application in landfill liners
Authors: Dąbska Agnieszka , Léthel Agata
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the swelling potential of compacted lime-softening sludge for application in landfill liners. The study involved the assessment of the effect of compaction and moulding moisture content (30–40%), corresponding to the Proctor standard compaction test. One-dimensional oedometer swell tests were conducted using distilled water, tap water, and municipal landfill leachate, resulting in the determination of the expansion indices. Moreover, changes in the moisture content and dry density during the swelling process were investigated. The expansion index was significantly influenced by the initial moisture content and liquid chemistry. Subsequently, these factors also affected the sludge dry density decrease, and its moisture content increase, whereas the impact of the initial dry density on expansion was of low importance. An increase in the sludge moulding moisture content, limited swelling in all liquids used. The highest expansion, dry density, and moisture content changes due to swelling were identified for leachate at w < wopt. It should be underlined that the effect of liquid on the swelling potential faded away along with a further increase in the moisture content w > wopt. The novelty of the work lies in identifying a significant plunge of the expansion index at w ≈ wopt for the leachate swelling test. The lime-softening sludge non-swelling moisture content was defined as wnon ≈ (wopt + 4.0%) − (wopt + 4.5%). For practical engineering implications, the moisture content between (wopt + 2.0%) and (wopt + 4.0%) was provided for the most suitable sludge application in landfill liners.
Geodiversity impacts plant community structure in a semi-arid region
Authors: De Falco Natalie , Tal-Berger Reut , Hjazin Amgad , Yizhaq Hezi , Stavi Ilan , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: July 2021

Geodiversity refers to the variety of geological and physical elements as well as to geomorphological processes of the earth surface. Heterogeneity of the physical environment has an impact on plant diversity. In recent years, the relations between geodiversity and biodiversity has gained attention in conservation biology, especially in the context of climate change. In this study, we assessed the spatial and temporal change in plant’s community structure in a semi-arid region, Sayeret Shaked Long Term Ecosystem Research (LTER) station, Israel. Vegetation surveys were conducted on different hillslopes, either with or without rock covers in order to study the spatial trends of hillslope geodiversity. The surveys were conducted for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017), of which the second year was drier and hotter and therefore permitted to investigate the temporal change of plant’s community structure. The results of the spatial trends show that (1) geodiversity increases vegetation biodiversity and promotes perennial plants and those of the temporal change show that (2) the positive effect of geodiversity on plants’ community structure and species richness is greater in the drier year than that in a wetter year. The main insight is that in these drylands, hillslopes with higher geodiversity appear to buffer the effect of drier years, and supported a more diverse plant community than lower geodiversity hillslopes.
Tranexamic acid in non-traumatic intracranial bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste , Croizier Carolyne , Baker Julien S. , Pereira Bruno , Moustafa Farès , Outrey Justin , Schmidt Jeannot , Peschanski Nicolas , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: July 2021

Non-traumatic intracranial bleeding (NTIB), comprising subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and intra-cranial bleeding (ICH) is a significant public health concern. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a promising treatment with benefits yet to be fully demonstrated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of TXA on mortality in NTIB. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases for studies reporting mortality data following the use of TXA in NTIB for comparisons with a control group. We computed random-effect meta-analysis on estimates of risk and sensitivity analyses. We computed meta-regression to examine the putative effects of the severity of NTIB, sociodemographic data (age, sex), and publication date. Among potentially 10,008 articles, we included 15 studies representing a total of 4883 patients: 2455 receiving TXA and 2428 controls; 1110 died (23%) during the follow-up. The meta-analysis demonstrated a potential of 22% decrease in mortality for patients treated by TXA (RR = 0.78, 95%CI 0.58–0.98, p = 0.002). Meta-regression did not demonstrate any influence of the severity of NTIB, age, sex, length of treatment or date of publication. Sensitivity analyses confirmed benefits of TXA on mortality. TXA appears to be a therapeutic option to reduce non-traumatic intracranial bleeding mortality, particularly in patients with SAH.
Associations of apparent temperature with acute cardiac events and subtypes of acute coronary syndromes in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Na , Ma Junxiong , Liu Fangjing , Zhang Yan , Ma Pengkun , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: July 2021

Limited evidence is available on apparent temperature (AT) and hospital admissions for acute cardiac events. We examined the associations of AT with admissions for acute cardiac events and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and explored the effect difference between ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction ACS (NSTE-ACS). Poisson regression with distributed lag non-linear model was applied to examine the temperature-lag-admission associations. Stratified analyses were performed by gender and age-groups for acute cardiac events. A total of 11,657 acute cardiac events admissions were collected from hospital-based chest pain centers in Beijing, during 2017–2019. The single day effect of low AT (− 11 °C, 2.5th percentile) appeared on the 2nd day and persisted until the 11th day, with estimated relative risk (RR) ranging from 1.44 (95% CI: 1.159, 1.790) to 1.084 (95% CI: 1.022, 1.150) for acute cardiac events and from 1.034 (95% CI: 1.010, 1.059) to 1.006 (95% CI: 1.000, 1.011) for ACS. The single day effect of high AT (34 °C, 97.5th percentile) was only observed on the current day. The cold effect on acute cardiac events was more pronounced among female and older patients. The cumulative effect of high AT on STEMI admissions and low AT on NSTE-ACS reached a peak RR peak of 2.545 (95% CI: 1.016, 6.375) and 3.71 (95% CI: 1.315, 10.469) on lag 0–6 days, respectively. Both high and low ATs were associated with increased risk of acute cardiac events and ACS admissions. STEMI admissions may be more sensitive to high AT while NSTE-ACS to low AT.
Warming Arctic summers unlikely to increase productivity of shorebirds through renesting
Authors: Saalfeld Sarah T. , Hill Brooke L. , Hunter Christine M. , Frost Charles J. , Lanctot Richard B.
Published: July 2021

Climate change in the Arctic is leading to earlier summers, creating a phenological mismatch between the hatching of insectivorous birds and the availability of their invertebrate prey. While phenological mismatch would presumably lower the survival of chicks, climate change is also leading to longer, warmer summers that may increase the annual productivity of birds by allowing adults to lay nests over a longer period of time, replace more nests that fail, and provide physiological relief to chicks (i.e., warmer temperatures that reduce thermoregulatory costs). However, there is little information on how these competing ecological processes will ultimately impact the demography of bird populations. In 2008 and 2009, we investigated the survival of chicks from initial and experimentally-induced replacement nests ofarcticolaDunlin (Calidris alpina) breeding near Utqiaġvik, Alaska. We monitored survival of 66 broods from 41 initial and 25 replacement nests. Based on the average hatch date of each group, chick survival (up to age 15 days) from replacement nests (Ŝi = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.02–0.22) was substantially lower than initial nests (Ŝi = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.48–0.81). Daily survival rates were greater for older chicks, chicks from earlier-laid clutches, and during periods of greater invertebrate availability. As temperature was less important to daily survival rates of shorebird chicks than invertebrate availability, our results indicate that any physiological relief experienced by chicks will likely be overshadowed by the need for adequate food. Furthermore, the processes creating a phenological mismatch between hatching of shorebird young and invertebrate emergence ensures that warmer, longer breeding seasons will not translate into abundant food throughout the longer summers. Thus, despite having a greater opportunity to nest later (and potentially replace nests), young from these late-hatching broods will likely not have sufficient food to survive. Collectively, these results indicate that warmer, longer summers in the Arctic are unlikely to increase annual recruitment rates, and thus unable to compensate for low adult survival, which is typically limited by factors away from the Arctic-breeding grounds.
The bifidobacterial distribution in the microbiome of captive primates reflects parvorder and feed specialization of the host
Authors: Modrackova Nikol , Stovicek Adam , Burtscher Johanna , Bolechova Petra , Killer Jiri , Domig Konrad J. , Neuzil-Bunesova Vera
Published: July 2021

Bifidobacteria, which commonly inhabit the primate gut, are beneficial contributors to host wellbeing. Anatomical differences and natural habitat allow an arrangement of primates into two main parvorders; New World monkeys (NWM) and Old World monkeys (OWM). The number of newly described bifidobacterial species is clearly elevated in NWM. This corresponds to our finding that bifidobacteria were the dominant group of cultivated gut anaerobes in NWM, while their numbers halved in OWM and were often replaced byClostridiaceaewith sarcina morphology. We examined an extended MALDI-TOF MS database as a potential identification tool for rapid screening of bifidobacterial distribution in captive primates. Bifidobacterial isolates of NWM were assigned mainly to species of primate origin, while OWM possessed typically multi-host bifidobacteria. Moreover, bifidobacterial counts reflected the feed specialization of captive primates decreasing from frugivore-insectivores, gummivore-insectivores, frugivore-folivores to frugivore-omnivores. Amplicon sequencing analysis supported this trend with regards to the inverse ratio of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. In addition, a significantly higher diversity of the bacterial population in OWM was found. The evolution specialization of primates seems to be responsible forBifidobacteriumabundance and species occurrence. Balanced microbiota of captive primates could be supported by optimized prebiotic and probiotic stimulation based on the primate host.
Magnetic Nanoparticles as an Efficient Tool for Analyte Extraction: Challenges and New Opportunities
Authors: Rapa M. , Maddaloni L. , Ruggieri R. , Fratoddi I. , Vinci G.
Published: July 2021

Starting from the 2000s, the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has begun to find a place in the studies of analyte extraction. Within this framework, the synergic collaboration in analytical chemistry and material sciences has developed several methods for the efficient and rapid extraction of analytes, especially in complex matrices. The main application of MNPs in the extraction step is in the environmental field for example in river water, lake water or industrial discharge samples. Other applications have been found in food and biological analysis, such as for urine or blood samples. In this chapter the use of metal nanoparticles for analyte extraction, and the areas of application, i.e., food, environment, and health, are explored. Moreover, the limits of these new methodologies, the new opportunities that are offered and the challenges of these techniques are highlighted.
Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Solid-phase Extraction
Authors: Umut Evrim
Published: July 2021

Superparamagnetic nanosized particles, whose surfaces are functionalized with several site-specific polymers, ligands, peptides and antibodies are used as sorbent materials in the isolation of analytes from a variety of solution matrices by exerting a magnetic force with an application; the so-called magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE). In the two decades since the first application of MPSE, various experimental strategies have been introduced employing numerous combinations of MNPs (transition metals such as Fe, Ni, Co; metal oxides MFe2O4 with M: Mn, Zn, Ni, Co and metallic alloys like FePt, and CoPt) with very different types of coating materials such as octadecylsilane, layered double hydroxide, β-cyclodextrine, carbonaceous nanomaterials (like graphene, graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes), dendrimers, molecularly imprinted polymers, ionic liquids and metal organic frameworks. In this review, the most common approaches and recent advances in MSPE applications will be summarized within the perspective of how the application efficiency depends on the physico-chemical and surface properties of MNPs.
Chromatographic Applications of Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Keçili Rüstem , Dolak İbrahim , Canpolat Gurbet , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles provide many special optical, and electronic properties because of their nanosize. The unique physico-chemical features of nanoparticles differ vastly depending on their dimensions, charge, hydrophobicity and surface coating. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit an additional feature of responding to a magnetic field. Functionalized MNPs can be successfully used for different applications including chromatographic separation processes. This chapter aims at providing, first, a brief overview of the preparation techniques of functionalized MNPs and then recent advancements in their chromatographic applications (i.e., capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and chip-based chromatography).
Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticle (MNPs)-based Biosensors
Authors: Vasić K. , Knez Ž. , Leitgeb M.
Published: July 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained great attention for their remarkable physical and chemical properties in developing biosensors for different applications, such as environmental, clinical and biological. MNPs can be incorporated in the transducers or be dispersed into specimens, which are attracted by an external magnetic field to the active detection surface of biosensors. In this chapter, the synthesis, properties and characterization of MNPs for biosensor applications are discussed, together with recent applications of functionalized MNPs in such biosensor applications. Electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric and magnetic field based biosensors are discussed, considering their analytical properties, as well as enzyme-based biosensors, such as glucose oxidase and cholesterol oxidase-based biosensors.
Magnetoresistance-based Biosensors
Authors: Sharma Apoorva , Chougale Ashok D. , Salvan Georgeta , Patil Prashant B.
Published: July 2021

High sensitivity, high reliability, swift response, and excellent selectivity are the prerequisites for any biosensor. Due to the ability to detect minute amounts of biomolecules in real time, biosensors have applications in clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutics, and environmentally hazardous material detection. The emergence of magnetoresistive (MR) sensors, which has significantly improved the capability to precisely measure magnetic fields, has opened several possibilities to develop magnetic field sensors that can be used in biosensor applications. This device class not only fulfils the prerequisites of biological sensors but also presents the possibility of miniaturization of the biomedical testing. This places the MR sensors among the most promising candidates for Lab-on-Chip applications. In this chapter, the basic working principle of the MR sensors and their applications in biosensing are reviewed. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are an essential component of MR-based biosensors as the conversion from biological information to the magnetic signal is realized by tagging target analytes with MNPs. The strategies used for the surface functionalization of MNPs and different bioassays in conjunction with the MR based biosensor technology are also presented. Included is also a discussion about the contemporary challenges posed by this technology and an overview of the strategies to overcome these challenges.
Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs): Toxicity, Safety and Legal Aspects of Functionalized MNPs
Authors: Rashidi Ladan
Published: July 2021

The toxicity of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been investigated during the last few years. The principal outcomes of exposure to MNPs are the incidence of ROS genotoxicity and apoptosis because of mitochondrial damage and metallic ion generation. Surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles by a coating material possessing suitable functional groups can lead to a reduction in MNP toxicity, active targeting of them, controlling various mechanisms of drug release and loading, increasing the circulation time of particles and so on. This review presents an overview of in vitro and in vivo toxicity or safety data of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. Furthermore, the regulations implemented for reducing the associated risks are discussed.
Functionalization of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Tomorrow's Applications
Authors: Singh Aditya Narayan , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: July 2021

Nanomaterials, in addition to their miniaturized size, exhibit numerous physicochemical properties that are entirely different from their bulk counterpart, making them an ideal candidate for wide-ranging futuristic applications. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are a versatile class of nanomaterials that have garnered intense research interests in all areas of science, engineering, and technology. The additional privilege that MNPs can be detected and remotely manipulated by external magnetic fields open up the opportunity for their deployment in in vivo technologies. Due to their small size, MNPs can be impregnated suitably inside sensing materials to enhance their sensitivity and accuracy significantly. Despite their wide-ranging applications, ligand functionalization on their challenging surface restricts their commercial applications. Herein, this review highlights their synthesis route, their fundamental properties, challenges and strategies toward functionalization, and novel emerging applications in various areas. In this review, several unmet issues are touched upon and personal viewpoints are presented based upon the gained experiences from published literature and lab-works. Penultimately, this review aims not only to provide in-depth insights into the route of synthesis, their functionalization strategies, and novel applications but also aims to attract readers of diverse fields to take up several existing challenges and come up with further advancements in this direction. This review also tries to open a peeping window to look into upcoming robust technologies based on MNPs.
Assessment of the effect of ethanol extracts from Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel on intestinal inflammation using simulated gastrointestinal digestion and a Caco-2/RAW264.7 co-culture system
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Yan Xianghui , Xia Jiaheng , Zhao Junxin , Ma Maomao , Yu Ping , Gong Deming , Zeng Zheling
Published: July 2021

Cinnamomum camphora seeds have multiple bioactivities.
A porous PDMS pulsewave sensor with haircell structures for water vapor transmission rate and signal-to-noise ratio enhancement
Authors: Seok Minho , Yoon Sunghyun , Kim Mookyum , Cho Young-Ho
Published: July 2021

We present a porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pulsewave sensor with haircell structures that improves both water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Interaction of myxobacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles with biofilms: antiadhesive and antibacterial effects
Authors: Goes Adriely , Vidakovic Lucia , Drescher Knut , Fuhrmann Gregor
Published: July 2021

Outer membrane vesicles derived from myxobacteria can be used as antibiotic drug delivery systems. In this study, we investigate their ability to disrupt and inhibit the growth of bacterial biofilms. Image created with BioRender.com.
Electrostatic regulation of blue copper sites
Authors: Bím Daniel , Alexandrova Anastassia N.
Published: July 2021

Intramolecular electric fields in blue copper proteins are oriented in a fixed way to modulate properties of their copper sites: they control the first-shell copper interactions to influence geometric, spectroscopic, and redox behavior.
Hydrothermal fluid ejector for enhanced heat transfer of a thermoelectric power generator on the seafloor
Authors: Gai Xiaotao , Wu Shijun , Yang Canjun
Published: July 2021

A novel cooling method for the hydrothermal power generator which does not need auxiliary power consumption is proposed. The output power of the thermoelectric generator can be increased by 19.5–32.5%.
Rheological implications of pH induced particle–particle association in aqueous suspension of an anisotropic charged clay
Authors: Shoaib Mohammad , Bobicki Erin R.
Published: July 2021

Kaolinite particles are geometrically anisometric and electrostatically anisotropic.
Enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption of magnetic Co nanoparticles/CNTs/EG porous composites with waterproof, flame-retardant and thermal management functions
Authors: Xiang Zhen , Zhu Xiaojie , Dong YanYan , Zhang Xiang , Shi Yuyang , Lu Wei
Published: July 2021

Attributed to rational-designed components and novel nano-micro structures, Co/CNTs/EG porous composites achieved an enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption with favorable waterproof, flame-retardant, and thermal management functions.
A photonic multifunctional moleculator powered by two-step energy transfer
Authors: Paul Provakar , Karar Monaj , Mallick Arabinda , Majumdar Tapas
Published: July 2021

All-photonic multifunctional molecular logic system based on differential fluorescence readouts at different wavelengths under single wavelength excitation powered by excitation energy transfer cascade among coumarin 1, curcumin & rhodamine 123.
Advancing Workplace Diversity Through the Culturally Responsive Teamwork Framework
Authors: Hopf Suzanne C. , Crowe Kathryn , Verdon Sarah , Blake Helen L. , McLeod Sharynne
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Diversification of the profession is an important element of combating racism, bias, and prejudice in the speech-language pathology workforce at national and systemic levels. However, national and systemic change needs to be combined with equipping individual speech-language pathologists to adapt to the challenges that they face to engaging in culturally responsive practice. This paper presents four interacting levels of practice within the Culturally Responsive Teamwork Framework (CRTF): (a) intrapersonal practices, (b) interpersonal practices, (c) intraprofessional practices, and (d) the interprofessional practices.

Conclusion

CRTF is a practical, strengths-based framework that draws on international research and expertise to expand personal and professional practice and describe critical behaviors within the workplace that can be used to promote principles of evidence-based practice and social justice, especially when working with people from nondominant cultural or linguistic groups.
The Frequency of Atypical and Extreme Values for Pharyngeal Phase Swallowing Measures in Mild Parkinson Disease Compared to Healthy Aging
Authors: Gandhi Pooja , Mancopes Renata , Sutton Danielle , Plowman Emily K. , Steele Catriona M.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Dysphagia is thought to be prevalent and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with Parkinson disease (PwPD). The aim of this study was to compare the frequencies of atypical and extreme values for measures of swallowing physiology in PwPD and in an age- and sex-matched cohort of healthy adults. Atypical and extreme values were defined, respectively, as values falling in the 25% and 5% tails of the reference distribution for healthy adults under age 60 years.

Method

A standard videofluoroscopy (VF) protocol was performed in 17 adults with mild PD and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy adults using 20% w/v liquid barium ranging from thin to extremely thick consistency. Blinded VF analysis was performed according to the Analysis of Swallowing Physiology: Events, Kinematics and Timing Method. Frequencies for atypical and extreme values were tabulated by cohort and compared using odds ratios.

Results

Increased frequencies of atypical values (> 25%) were seen in the PwPD for prolonged swallow reaction time, prolonged time-to-laryngeal-vestibule-closure (LVC), and poor pharyngeal constriction. However, these findings were also observed in the healthy controls. The PwPD showed significantly higher odds of atypical values for narrow upper esophageal sphincter (UES) diameter on thin liquids, a short hyoid-burst-to-UES-opening interval on extremely thick liquids, and prolonged time-to-LVC, LVC duration, and UES opening duration on multiple consistencies. The frequencies of extreme values failed to show any significant cohort differences for any parameter.

Conclusions

In this study, a group of people with mild PD did not show clear evidence of swallowing impairments distinct from the changes seen in a healthy age-matched control group when odds ratios were used to compare the frequencies of atypical values between PwPD and the control group; only a few parameters showed significant differences. These were findings of significantly higher frequencies in PwPD of prolonged LVC and UES opening duration.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15032241
Adolescent Language Therapy: Syntax and Semantics for Reasoning and Planning
Authors: Fahy Jill K. , Browning David K.
Published: July 2021

Purpose:

Adolescent students face increased expectations to successfully navigate academic, social, and vocational transitions. As demands increase and support systems fade, adolescents with developmental language disorder and concomitant deficits in executive functions are particularly vulnerable to these high-stakes transitional moments. Limited language systems are not well suited for navigating the subtleties of social nuance, the abstraction of academic and vocational language, and the unfamiliarity of complex planning necessary for self-regulation.

Conclusions:

This clinical focus article proposes a clinical model of language therapy for adolescents with developmental language disorder and concomitant deficits in executive functions. Therapy emphasizes eliciting the most complex syntactic and semantic skills available to the student as they work to formulate specific, reasoned, predictive, strategic plans. Therapy takes place in small group contexts where pairs of students collaborate to use their language and reasoning to solve unfamiliar, challenging, scientific-like problems.
Electrochemical impedance in ac diagnostics of weakly conducting media
Authors: Chikina I. , Timofeev B. , Shikin V.
Published: July 2021

Impedance ac diagnostics is regularly used to study the transport phenomena in conducting systems of differrent dimensionalities. A common reason for using ac methods that are more complex than dc methods is the possibility to exclude the influence on the current-voltage (I−V) characteristic of contact phenomena accompanying dc measurements. In some cases (2d electron systems over helium) dc transport measurements are impossible. In weakly doped semiconductors (diluted electrolytes), the situation is less critical, but problems with the ohmic properties of the conducting contacts remain. The analysis of the details of the formalism that determines the reaction of a conducting medium to an external disturbance depends largely on the form of Ohm’s law for a conductor introduced into the impedance circuit. If there is a reason to define this law by the formula j = σΕ, where j, σ, E correspond to local values of current density, conductivity, and transport electric field, the structure of complex resistance Z^F(ω) is considered as a force one. If there is a diffusion component in Ohm’s law then the structure of complex resistance Z^μ(ω) is considered as an electrochemical one. We describe a standard electrolytic capacitor in series RC with a step load in terms of force or complex electrochemical impedance. Comparison with experiment shows the electrochemical structure of the complex resistance.
Plop, plonk, plunk: The physics of dunking something into water
Authors: Yiu Yuen
Published: July 2021

The dynamics of the air pockets created from dunking something into liquid has applications ranging from the food industry to military operations.
Improving the optics of next-generation telecommunications
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: July 2021

Functionalities of integrated lasers on silicon chips examined.
Application of low-power wide-area network GPS to koala monitoring
Authors: Richardson Allie , FitzGibbon Sean , Barth Benjamin , Gillett Amber , Ellis William
Published: July 2021

We evaluated long range antennae and associated solar-powered global positioning system (GPS) ear tags designed for use with domestic cattle, as a novel system for monitoring ranging behaviour of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). The mean location error of our GPS tags was 33.9 m (s.e. = 0.46). The tags were relatively light (30 g), reported eight locations per day when attached to koala radio-collars and had an operating life that exceeded our study period (8 months). Deployed as a stand-alone, solar powered, remote system, this technology can provide a viable option for wildlife tracking projects.
Effects of ambient temperature and humidity on body temperature and activity of heifers, and a novel idea of heat stress monitoring
Authors: Tian Hongzhi , Liu Jiangjing , Chen Xiaoli , Li Shujing , Li Xin , Mengal Kifayatullah , Lu Yongqiang , Wang Dong
Published: July 2021

Context Heat stress has led to a serious reduction in dairy cows production performance, thus increasing the stress of feeding and reproduction management. Aims Heat stress arises when cows are unable to dissipate excess body heat, we aimed to investigate the effects of ambient temperature (AT) and humidity on diurnal body temperature and activity. Methods For improving the technology for rearing dairy cows, the vaginal temperature (VT) and activity of 60 Holstein heifers in summer (n = 20), autumn (n = 20), and winter (n = 20) were measured using the oestrus monitoring system. Key results We found that VT fluctuated slightly (~38.22–38.32°C) when AT and temperature-humidity index (THI) were lower than 20°C and 68, respectively. However, when this threshold is reached, VT increased significantly with increasing AT and THI, whereas activity decreased significantly. Conclusions Heat stress may be caused when THI is above 68 and cow’s VT reaches 38.32°C. Evidently, when the THI exceeds 68 and VT is more than 38.32°C, suitable measures for reducing the effect of heat stress on the productivity of dairy cows should be taken. Implications The combined monitoring of VT and THI might provide accurate guidance for preventing and controlling heat stress.
Neuroplasticity of second language vocabulary acquisition
Authors: Isel Frédéric
Published: July 2021

The present article reviews a series of selected functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies focusing on the neuroplasticity of second language vocabulary acquisition as a function of linguistic experience. A clear-cut picture emerging from the review is that brain changes induced by second language vocabulary acquisition are observed at both functional and structural levels. Importantly, second language experience is even able to shape brain structures in short-term training of a few weeks. The evidence that linguistic experience can sculpt the brain in late second language learners, and even solely after a short-term laboratory training, constitutes a strong argument against theoretical approaches postulating that environmental factors are relatively unimportant for language development. Rather, combined neuroimaging data lend support to the determining role of linguistic experience in linguistic knowledge emergence during second language acquisition, at least at the lexical level.
Language-related episodes by young CLIL learners
Authors: Martínez-Adrián María , Gutiérrez-Mangado M. Juncal , Gallardo-del-Puerto Francisco , Basterrechea María
Published: July 2021

Task modality has been found to affect the production, nature and resolution of Language Related Episodes (LREs).
However, a substantial number of investigations have been conducted with adult learners (i.e. García Mayo & Azkarai, 2016; Niu, 2009; Payant & Kim, 2019), except for García Mayo and Imaz Agirre
(2019) with child learners. Besides, there is a lack of investigations examining the incorporation of LREs in the final
output of oral and written tasks. In addition, previous studies have not controlled for either the different levels of accuracy
that both task modalities demand as a consequence of their on-line and off-line nature or the opportunity for revising the output
equally in both modalities. This paper compiles the findings from various studies conducted with the same cohorts of 5th and 6th
primary school learners that have overcome the aforementioned methodological limitations, all of which will make possible a more
comprehensive understanding of modality effects in terms of LRE production. In addition, it tackles the relationship between
task-modality and variables such as the use of previously known languages, pair dynamics and pairing method (gender, proficiency
and self-selection). Likewise, it adds to the scant research on young learners’ attitudes towards the tasks administered.
A theoretically-grounded classification of EFL children’s formulation strategies in collaborative
writing
Authors: Roca de Larios Julio , García Hernández Francisco Javier , Coyle Yvette
Published: July 2021

Research into collaborative writing (CW) has drawn on the notion of “languaging”, operationalized as
language-related episodes (LREs), to account for the way learners pool their ideational and linguistic resources, give and receive
immediate feedback on language and, as a result, deepen their awareness of meaning-form mappings. LREs in CW have been examined
from different perspectives, including the degree of noticing shown by learners, the extent of their involvement in the
interaction, the knowledge sources drawn upon, or the cognitive processes deployed to solve their linguistic problems. Yet, in
spite of the alleged “added value” that strategic behaviour brings to learners’ reflection on language, available research on CW
has not yet looked at LREs from the perspective of formulation strategies, i.e., the conscious mental actions engaged in by
writers to address the problems involved in the transformation of ideas into written language. In an attempt to address this
gap, and to extend available, but sill limited, CW research with children, the interactions of 30 young EFL pairs while writing
two narrative picture-story texts were analysed by means of a reconceptualization of LREs as problem-solving strategy clusters,
i.e., chains of strategies activated and applied to the writer’s linguistic knowledge in the course of the activity. The outcome
of these analyses is a theoretically-motivated and pedagogically useful, child-based taxonomy of collaborative formulation
strategies, which can help raise awareness of the mechanisms involved in solving language-related problems in early EFL writing,
thereby promoting more tailored writing instruction and learners’ self-regulation. The taxonomy is also presented as a point of
departure for future research.
Give me a second chance
Authors: Lázaro-Ibarrola Amparo , Hidalgo María Ángeles
Published: July 2021

Collaborative writing (CW) and task repetition have been claimed to aid language acquisition. Students produce
better texts when writing with a peer and their drafts improve if they write the same composition twice (same task repetition,
STR). However, little is known about young learners, about the effects of combining both constructs and, finally, about a more
common type of repetition in language lessons: repeating the same procedure with different content (procedural task repetition,
PTR). This study analyses the effects of CW (vs. individual writing) and of PTR (vs. STR). To do so, the writings of 59 Spanish
young learners (aged 11) of English divided into four groups were analysed. Two of these groups (N = 9,
N = 10) wrote a composition individually while two (N = 20, N = 20) wrote a
composition in pairs. A week later, one individual (N = 9) and one collaborative group (N = 20)
wrote the same composition again (STR) while the other individual (N = 10) and collaborative
(N = 20) groups wrote a new composition following the same procedure (PTR). Unlike findings from adult learners,
our students’ drafts show no differences that could be attributed to the collaboration. However, some improvements upon repetition
were hinted at, with students in the STR group obtaining greater holistic rates.
Agenda-setting instruments: means and strategies for the management of policy demands
Authors: Bali Azad , Halpin Darren
Published: July 2021

Students of public policy have spent considerable effort setting out the types of policy instruments or tools available to policymakers in different stages of the policy process. A nascent strand of this important work concerns the agend-asetting phase, where scholars aim to understand the instruments – procedural and substantive – that government uses to shape the issues that it has to address. There is however limited engagement between scholarship on interest groups and this ongoing discussion around agenda-setting tools. This paper aims to fill this gap by identifying different types of agenda-setting tools deployed by government which are used to shape engagement from organised interests. These tools are classified as those which governments use to routinise demands, regularise demands, generate demands, and impose issues onto the agenda. The paper refocuses attention of policy scholars onto the means and strategies that policymakers deploy to manage government agendas, a process which has clear implications for what becomes a policy problem and thereafter potentially subject to governmental action.
Experimental study on mechanical properties of concrete under sub-high temperature cycles
Authors: Ye Zhongzhi , Guo Guanqun , Su Longlong , Jiang Yongsheng
Published: July 2021

Nuclear power plant containment, large storage tank, industrial cooling tower and some industrial plants under high temperature will be subjected to the sub-high temperature cycles from normal temperature to ~200°C. To explore the durability of the structural concrete, this paper carried out the experimental research on the mechanical properties of concrete under the cyclic environment of normal temperature to sub-high temperature (below 200°C). The uniaxial compression test of different strength concrete was carried out. The axial compressive strength grade ranged from 20 MPa to 70 MPa, and the changes in the appearance feature of concrete with different strengths after different number of times of sub-high temperature cycles were recorded. The evolution rules of mechanical parameters such as Young’s Modulus, peak strength, peak strain, and Poisson’s ratio under temperature cycles are obtained through uniaxial compression tests. The influence of sub-high temperature cycle on the macroscopic mechanical properties of concrete was studied. Moreover, the prediction formulas of mechanical parameters such as strength, peak strain, and Young’s modulus under different number of sub-high temperature cycles were established according to the test data.