Recoil Distributions in Particle Transfer

Classical Thomas peaks in various fast second-order particle transfer processes are quantum mechanically broadened by energy nonconservation in the intermediate states of collision. This quantum broadening is considered in observable velocity distributions of recoil particles

Maximum consensus localization using lidar sensors

Real world localization tasks based on LiDAR usually face a high proportion of outliers arising from erroneous measurements and changing environments. However, applications such as autonomous driving require a high integrity in all of their components, including localization. Standard localization approaches are often based on (recursive) least squares estimation, for example, using Kalman filters. Since least squares minimization shows a strong susceptibility to outliers, it is not robust. In this paper, we focus on high integrity vehicle localization and investigate a maximum consensus localization strategy. For our work, we use 2975 epochs from a Velodyne VLP-16 scanner (representing the vehicle scan data), and map data obtained using a Riegl VMX-250 mobile mapping system. We investigate the effects of varying scene geometry on the maximum consensus result by exhaustively computing the consensus values for the entire search space. We analyze the deviations in position and heading for a circular course in a downtown area by comparing the estimation results to a reference trajectory, and show the robustness of the maximum consensus localization

Structure and relaxations in liquid and amorphous Selenium

We report a molecular dynamics simulation of selenium, described by a three-body interaction. The temperatures T_g and T_c and the structural properties are in agreement with experiment. The mean nearest neighbor coordination number is 2.1. A small pre-peak at about 1 AA^-1 can be explained in terms of void correlations. In the intermediate self-scattering function, i.e. the density fluctuation correlation, classical behavior, alpha- and beta-regimes, is found. We also observe the plateau in the beta-regime below T_g. In a second step, we investigated the heterogeneous and/or homogeneous behavior of the relaxations. At both short and long times the relaxations are homogeneous (or weakly heterogeneous). In the intermediate time scale, lowering the temperature increases the heterogeneity. We connect these different domains to the vibrational (ballistic), beta- and alpha-regimes. We have also shown that the increase in heterogeneity can be understood in terms of relaxations

Bax monomers form dimer units in the membrane that further self-assemble into multiple oligomeric species

Bax is a key regulator of apoptosis that mediates the release of cytochrome c to the cytosol via oligomerization in the outer mitochondrial membrane before pore formation. However, the molecular mechanism of Bax assembly and regulation by other Bcl-2 members remains obscure. Here, by analysing the stoichiometry of Bax oligomers at the single-molecule level, we find that Bax binds to the membrane in a monomeric state and then self-assembles in <1min. Strikingly, active Bax does not exist in a unique oligomeric state, but as several different species based on dimer units. Moreover, we show that cBid activates Bax without affecting its assembly, while Bcl-xL induces the dissociation of Bax oligomers. On the basis of our experimental data and theoretical modelling, we propose a new mechanism for the molecular pathway of Bax assembly to form the apoptotic pore

Pirfenidone in patients with unclassifiable progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease: design of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial

Introduction: Despite extensive multidisciplinary team (MDT) assessment, some patients have interstitial lung disease (ILD) that is considered unclassifiable (uILD), for which there are currently no approved treatments. This study will assess the efficacy and safety of the antifibrotic pirfenidone in treating uILD. Methods and analysis: This double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial is enrolling adults with fibrosing ILD, including uILD that fulfils proposed research criteria for interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF), that cannot be classified with moderate or high confidence to any category of ILD following MDT discussion. Study participants must have >10% fibrosis on high-resolution CT scan within the previous 12 months, forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥45% and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ≥30% of predicted values. Study participants will be randomised to receive 801 mg pirfenidone or placebo three times daily for 24 weeks. The efficacy of pirfenidone vs placebo will be assessed by daily measurement of FVC using a handheld spirometer over the treatment period. Other functional parameters, patient-reported outcomes, samples for biomarker analysis and safety endpoints will be collected. Additionally, the study will assess the efficacy and safety of pirfenidone with and without concomitant mycophenolate mofetil treatment and in study participants with or without IPAF. Ethics and dissemination: This trial is being conducted in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation E6 guideline for Good Clinical Practice, Declaration of Helsinki and local laws for countries in which the research is conducted

Setup Design and Data Evaluation for DEMS in Sodium Ion Batteries, Demonstrated on a Mn Rich Cathode Material

Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry DEMS is a powerful operando method for analyzing side reactions in batteries. We describe our DEMS setup highlighting the relevance for implementing a reference electrode. Although the method provides valuable information, the correct assignment of the DEMS signals to types of gases and quantifying the amounts released can be challenging. A frequent limitation is that gas concentrations are calculated from single m z ratios. This has the drawback of overlooking unexpected gases which can cause misinterpretation of the signal intensities, or even attributing to gases which are not actually formed. We present a multiple concentration determination MCD algorithm that uses the full MS spectra, which allows a more reliable determi nation of the gas release. We demonstrate this approach for Na ion half cells with P2 Na0.67Mn3 4Ni1 4O2 NaMNO as cathode active material CAM . Studying the gassing behavior for two electrolyte formulations 1 M NaPF6 in propylene carbonate PC and in diglyme 2G . Against the general belief that glymes lead to more gassing at high potentials, we find that gas evolution for PC electrolytes is larger compared to 2G electro lytes. Dimethyl ether is found to be a decomposition product of 2G. Pressure change measurements are used to independently validate the gas quantificatio

Genome Biol.

Background Whole genome sequencing of marine cyanobacteria has revealed an unprecedented degree of genomic variation and streamlining. With a size of 1.66 megabase-pairs, Prochlorococcus sp. MED4 has the most compact of these genomes and it is enigmatic how the few identified regulatory proteins efficiently sustain the lifestyle of an ecologically successful marine microorganism. Small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) control a plethora of processes in eukaryotes as well as in bacteria; however, systematic searches for ncRNAs are still lacking for most eubacterial phyla outside the enterobacteria. Results Based on a computational prediction we show the presence of several ncRNAs (cyanobacterial functional RNA or Yfr) in several different cyanobacteria of the Prochlorococcus-Synechococcus lineage. Some ncRNA genes are present only in two or three of the four strains investigated, whereas the RNAs Yfr2 through Yfr5 are structurally highly related and are encoded by a rapidly evolving gene family as their genes exist in different copy numbers and at different sites in the four investigated genomes. One ncRNA, Yfr7, is present in at least seven other cyanobacteria. In addition, control elements for several ribosomal operons were predicted as well as riboswitches for thiamine pyrophosphate and cobalamin. Conclusion This is the first genome-wide and systematic screen for ncRNAs in cyanobacteria. Several ncRNAs were both computationally predicted and their presence was biochemically verified. These RNAs may have regulatory functions and each shows a distinct phylogenetic distribution. Our approach can be applied to any group of microorganisms for which more than one total genome sequence is available for comparative analysis

Food Loss and Waste country profile for Colombia - Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions and nutritional losses

The UN and the Champions 12.3 Coalition launched the ‘Target-Measure-Act approach’ calling on all governments and companies to set FLW reduction targets, measure FLW, identify hotspots, and to take action to reduce FLW accordingly (Lipinski, 2020). Lack of data makes it particularly difficult for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to specify the hotspot food products and chain stages, to define smart targets and to identify adequate interventions. In order to contribute to this essential information we developed and used a mass flow model based on secondary data (see next section for details). This approach allows to present an indicative country profile showing per food product category and chain stage not only the amount of FLW but also the GHGEs related to producing the FLW and induced nutrient losses. This integrated approach towards FLW reduction can support policy makers and other food system actors taking informed decisions contributing to several sustainability objectives in parallel

Food Loss and Waste country profile for China - Estimates of Food Loss and Waste, associated GHG emissions and nutritional losses

The UN and the Champions 12.3 Coalition launched the ‘Target-Measure-Act approach’ calling on all governments and companies to set FLW reduction targets, measure FLW, identify hotspots, and to take action to reduce FLW accordingly (Lipinski, 2020). Lack of data makes it particularly difficult for low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to specify the hotspot food products and chain stages, to define smart targets and to identify adequate interventions. In order to contribute to this essential information we developed and used a mass flow model based on secondary data (see next section for details). This approach allows to present an indicative country profile showing per food product category and chain stage not only the amount of FLW but also the GHGEs related to producing the FLW and induced nutrient losses. This integrated approach towards FLW reduction can support policy makers and other food system actors taking informed decisions contributing to several sustainability objectives in parallel