bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimalinvasive Schnittführung beim Einsatz des implantierbaren Hörsystems Carina
Authors: Langer Jörg , Pethe Wolfram
Published: March 2020

Hintergrund Die Schnittführung für den Zugangsweg bei der Versorgung mit Cochlea-Implantaten und aktiven Mittelohrimplantaten wie Vibrant Soundbridge und Bonebridge hat sich in den letzten Jahren in Richtung minimalinvasiver Zugangswege entwickelt.

Für das aktive Mittelohrimplantat CARINA wird eine im Vergleich deutlich größere Schnittführung empfohlen, die der der CI-Versorgung vor ca. 2 Jahrzehnten entspricht.

Hierdurch sind erhöhte Komplikationsraten durch die exzessive Schnittführung zu erwarten.

Methoden Um die Komplikationsrate bei der CARINA-Versorgung zu minimieren, wurde die Möglichkeit der minimalinvasiven Schnittführung auch für dieses Implantat überdacht und entwickelt.

Ergebnisse Bisher konnten 4 Patienten mit der minimalinvasiven Schnittführung unter 5 cm Länge erfolgreich und ohne postoperative Komplikationen mit einem CARINA-Implantat versorgt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen Durch eine Optimierung der Fixierung, z. B. durch den Einsatz selbstschneidender Schrauben, kann dieser Zugangsweg als Standard etabliert werden.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy – a Review of the Current Literature and Possible Impact on Maternal and Neonatal Outcome
Authors: Stumpfe Florian M. , Titzmann Adriana , Schneider Michael O. , Stelzl Patrick , Kehl Sven , Fasching Peter A. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Ensser Armin
Published: March 2020

In December 2019, cases of pneumonia of unknown cause first started to appear in Wuhan in China; subsequently, a new coronavirus was soon identified as the cause of the illness, now known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, infections have been confirmed worldwide in numerous countries, with the number of cases steadily rising. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the new severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and, in particular, to deduce from it potential risks and complications for pregnant patients. For this purpose, the available literature on cases of infection in pregnancy during the SARS epidemic of 2002/2003, the MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) epidemic ongoing since 2012, as well as recent publications on cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy are reviewed and reported. Based on the literature available at the moment, it can be assumed that the clinical course of COVID-19 disease may be complicated by pregnancy which could be associated with a higher mortality rate. It may also be assumed at the moment that transmission from mother to child in utero is unlikely. Breastfeeding is possible once infection has been excluded or the disease declared cured.
Actinic Cheilitis: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Wood Neil Hamilton , Khammissa Razia , Meyerov Robin , Lemmer Johan , Feller Liviu
Published: March 2020

In actinic cheilitis, the current view is that the keratinocytes have undergone transformation forming a field of epithelium with the potential for neoplastic transformation. Clinical features include diffuse and poorly demarcated atrophic, erosive or keratotic plaques that may affect some parts of, or the entire vermilion border. Fair-complexioned people, those with albinism and people with eversion of the lip are all subject to actinic cheilitis. Prophylactic measures against all forms of sunlight-induced lesions must include limitation of exposure to the sun during peak sunlight hours, the use of appropriate protective clothing, and the use of a sunscreen cream. In this article, a case of albinism is used to illustrate the nature of actinic cheilitis, its clinical features and its treatment. (Eur J Dent 2011;5:101-106)
Arthroscopic Foveal Reattachment of the Triangular Fibro Cartilaginous Complex
Authors: Kermarrec Gwénolé , Cohen Gilles , Upex Peter , Fontes Didier
Published: March 2020

Background Foveal attachment of the triangular fibrocartilaginous complex (TFCC) is essential for distal radioulnar joint stability. Controversy still exists as to which is the best treatment in case of foveal lesions. Actual arthroscopic techniques either require mini open steps or are complex and expensive. We present a simple all inside knotless repair, providing a strong bony fixation in the fovea.

Materials and Methods Through 3–4 and 6R portals, the ulnar fovea is debrided and a wire is passed percutaneously through the TFCC to place a mattress suture at its free end. It is then reattached to the fovea with an impacted anchor.

Retrospective Study Between 2013 and 2016, a cohort of 5 patients presenting with isolated Palmer 1B, EWAS 2 lesions of the TFCC were operated on with this technique. Clinical evaluation was based on a compared measurement of the grip strength, pain on a visual analogic scale (VAS), different ranges of motion, and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability. We also used functional scores: Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS), Quick disability arm, shoulder and hand (DASH), and patient-related wrist evaluation (PRWE). The average follow-up was 29.4 months (range 9–42 months).

Results On postoperative evaluation, pain was reduced by 5 points (range 1–9) and grip strength averaged 94% of the unaffected side. Range of motion averaged 92% on the unaffected side. DRUJ instability was slight in 4 patients and mild in 1 patient. MMWS was excellent for 1, good for 1, and satisfactory for 3 patients. Quick Dash averaged 17.68 (range 0–38.6) compared with preoperative average of 59.48 (range 45–77) with an amelioration of 43 (range 34–57).

PRWE averaged 20 (range 1–41.5) compared with preoperative average of 60.3 (range 33.5–76.5) with an amelioration of 41 (range 32–58). We reported no complications and particularly no lesions of the dorsal sensory branch of the ulnar nerve.

Conclusions We present a simple arthroscopic technique using a single suture anchor placed in the ulnar fovea. Repairs performed with this technique are simple and the results achieved seem to be similar to those obtained with conventional open or arthroscopic techniques, although further investigation with an increased number of patients and follow-up are required. It however became our first choice of treatment in European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) 2 lesions of the TFCC.
Liver Transplantation for Alcoholic Hepatitis: Standard of Care Yet?
Authors: Cracco Alejandro , Montorfano Lisandro , Vanatta Jason M.
Published: March 2020

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation. However, liver transplantation for alcoholic hepatitis (AH) remains controversial. The morbidity of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is extremely high, with most of the deaths occurring within the first 2 months. Multiple studies have recently demonstrated significant improvement in overall survival following liver transplantation in patients with SAH who failed medical management, with comparable rates to those transplanted electively. Concerns remain due to the small pool of donors and the high risk of alcohol relapse in this population. The traditional requirement of 6 months of abstinence prior to transplantation, or also known as “6-month rule” is controversial and has been criticized as whether it is a good predictor of long-term sobriety. Previous studies among patients with alcoholic cirrhosis have indicated that this rule poorly identifies patients who will relapse after liver transplantation. More recent studies in patients transplanted for SAH, have reported relapse rates that are comparable to those with abstinence periods >6 months. Applying stringent selection criteria appears to be key in identifying patients who are less likely to relapse after transplantation, and therefore prolonging patient and graft life. However, further research is needed to identify patients at risk and create appropriate screening tools. In this article, we present a review of currently available data on this topic.
Forschungsstandort Deutschland und Studien im Krankenhaus
Authors: Rybak Christian
Published: March 2020

Der Nachweis des Nutzens von Methoden, Wirkstoffen etc. und die Überführung in die bestehenden Vergütungssysteme sind seit jeher Gegenstand einer kontroversen Diskussion. Klar ist, dass die Grundsätze der evidenzbasierten Medizin – zu Recht – aus dem SGB V nicht mehr wegzudenken sind. Zugleich ist jedoch seit geraumer Zeit die Tendenz zu beobachten, dass der Forschungsstandort Deutschland zunehmend bedroht ist und die Gefahr besteht, dass sich der Abstand zu anderen Forschungsstandorten vergrößert.
LIEFERENGPÄSSE BEI ARZNEIMITTELN: Rabattverträge werden nicht angetastet
Authors: Doelfs Guntram
Published: March 2020

Was tun gegen die Lieferengpässe bei Arzneimitteln? Mit dem am 13. Februar beschlossenen Faire-Kassenwahl-Gesetz (GKV-FKG) versucht die Politik, die Situation in Griff zu bekommen. Viele strittige Punkte wie die Zukunft von Rabattverträgen oder Exportbeschränkungen bleiben aber zunächst ausgeklammert. Kliniken werden daher selbst aktiv – und vergrößern ihre Lagerbestände.
KLINIK-CAFETERIA: Raum für Genuss
Authors: Reisinger Kathrin
Published: March 2020

Klinik-Cafeterien sind häufig viel zu steril, um gemütlich zu sein. Aber es geht auch anders. Viele Kliniken gestalten ihre Cafeterien, Kantinen und Bistros um und schaffen Räume, in denen das Wohlbefinden aller großgeschrieben wird – für Patienten und Besucher ebenso wie für die Mitarbeiter.
KINDERINTENSIVMEDIZIN: Lebensbedrohliche Krise
Authors: König Romy
Published: March 2020

Kindermedizin ist nicht lukrativ: Die Kosten sind hoch, die Vergütung über DRGs gering. Der Pflegemangel tut sein Übriges. In der Intensivversorgung sind die Folgen besonders gravierend: Immer wieder müssen schwerkranke Kinder in kilometerweit entfernte Kliniken geflogen werden. Das Bundesgesundheitsministerium will nun über Sicherstellungszuschläge beraten.
SPRECHSTUNDE IN DER PR-AMBULANZ: So schützen Sie sich vor Reputationsverlust
Authors: Endele Kerstin
Published: March 2020

Kerstin Endele ist zur Hälfte Journalistin und zur Hälfte Biochemikerin. Seit mehr als 15 Jahren ist sie Expertin für Gesundheitskommunikation und war fünf Jahre Kommunikationschefin und Pressesprecherin der Charité. Wenn sie nicht Klinikvorstände aus Krisen rettet und Pressesprechern diverser Krankenhäuser dabei hilft, ein bisschen Strategie ins übliche Chaos zu bringen, betreibt sie mit der PR-Ambulanz (www.pr-ambulanz.com) einen der größten Blogs zur Klinikkommunikation in Deutschland.
Anomalous band alignment change of SiO2/4H–SiC (0001) and (000–1) MOS capacitors induced by NO-POA and its possible origin
Authors: Kil Tae-Hyeon , Kita Koji
Published: March 2020

For SiO2/4H–SiC (0001) and (000–1) n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors, the relationship between flatband voltage and the thickness of oxide was investigated after NO post-oxidation annealing to evaluate the expected flatband voltage (VFB) without a fixed charge effect. After removal of the fixed charge effect, there was an anomalous negative shift of VFB on (0001) 4H–SiC, which would be attributed to the result of dipole layer formation at the interface. The effects of the dipoles were investigated from the perspective of the SiO2/4H–SiC band alignment shift. We could find the correlation between the shift of VFB and that of the band alignment between SiO2 and the 4H–SiC interface; we concluded that stable Si–N bonds at the interface induce a dipole layer, and this is one of the reasons for the unexpected shift reported for VFB or threshold voltage of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, as well as the fixed charge effects. A significant difference in the band alignment on (0001) and (000–1) was also clarified, which would be one of the reasons for the disagreement of VFB on those faces.
A Riemann–Hilbert approach to the modified Camassa–Holm equation with nonzero boundary conditions
Authors: Boutet de Monvel Anne , Karpenko Iryna , Shepelsky Dmitry
Published: March 2020

This paper aims at developing the Riemann–Hilbert problem approach to the modified Camassa–Holm (mCH) equation in the case when the solution is assumed to approach a non-zero constant at both infinities of the space variable. In this case, the spectral problem for the associated Lax pair equation has a continuous spectrum, which allows formulating the inverse spectral problem as a Riemann–Hilbert factorization problem with jump conditions across the real axis. We obtain a representation for the solution of the Cauchy problem for the mCH equation and also a description of certain soliton-type solutions, both regular and non-regular.
Investigation of total diffuse-photon-density-wave field in semi-infinite turbid media based on the extrapolated Beer–Lambert law
Authors: Luo Zhi-Tao , Wang Jian , Mao Fei-Long , Shen Lang , Wang Sheng , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2020

The accurate description of the total diffuse-photon-density-wave field inside turbid media, especially in the near-field region, is extremely critical but challenging for many decades. Here, the total diffuse-photon-density-wave field of semi-infinite turbid media was calculated by the third-order simplified spherical harmonics approximation (SP3) and compared with Monte Carlo simulations. To improve the SP3 approximation, the extrapolated Beer–Lambert law model considering the contribution of the coherent-photon-density-wave in the near-field region was proposed and implemented by Levenberg–Marquardt and universal global optimization methods. Last, we demonstrated the superiority of the proposed model over the existing model in fitting the accuracy and applicable source–detector distance range. The high accuracy and simplicity of the proposed model would be extremely helpful for biomedical applications involving photothermal radiometry, and rapidly determining optical properties of media, along with photoacoustic imaging and photodynamic therapy.
Soft x-ray nanobeam formed by an ellipsoidal mirror
Authors: Takeo Yoko , Suzuki Akihiro , Motoyama Hiroto , Takei Yoshinori , Kume Takehiro , Matsuzawa Yusuke , Senba Yasunori , Kishimoto Hikaru , Ohashi Haruhiko , Mimura Hidekazu
Published: March 2020

Ellipsoidal mirrors are promising optical devices for soft x-ray focusing. A fabrication process consisting of master fabrication and replication has been developed to produce ellipsoidal mirrors with wide apertures of approximately 10 mm. In the present study, the focusing performance of an ellipsoidal mirror was evaluated using soft x-rays in the soft x-ray beamline BL25SU-a of SPring-8. The focus sizes were measured at photon energies of 300, 400, and 500 eV. A quantitative figure error of the ellipsoidal mirror was also evaluated by analyzing the wavefield of the focused beam retrieved using ptychography. The figure error distributions measured at different photon energies agreed with each other at a root mean square level of 1 nm. The developed focusing system can be used for various types of microscopy, allowing the use of a wide range of x-ray energies.
Investigation of angular log-periodic folded groove waveguide slow-wave structure for low voltage Ka-band TWT
Authors: Wang Hexin , Wang Shaomeng , Wang Zhanliang , Li Xinyi , Xu Duo , He Tenglong , Tang Tao , Gong Huarong , Lu Zhigang , Duan Zhaoyun , Aditya Sheel , Gong Yubin
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a novel angular log-periodic folded groove waveguide (ALFGW) slow-wave structure (SWS) has been investigated theoretically and experimentally for application in Ka-band traveling-wave tubes (TWTs). The dispersion relation for the ALFGW is derived analytically, and the dispersion characteristics are calculated for a Ka-band design. The designed SWS is fabricated using oxygen-free-copper that is silver electroplated. The measured cold-test parameters show good agreement with the simulation results, with S21 varying from −2.7 dB to −4.8 dB and S11 better than −13.6 dB over the frequency range of 30–38 GHz. Simulations of beam–wave interactions using a 4850 V and 0.4 A sheet beam with a high aspect ratio of 28:1 indicate an output power of 128 W, corresponding to a maximum gain and electronic efficiency of 18.1 dB and 6.6%, respectively. Due to the log-periodic form, a higher output power, higher efficiency, wider bandwidth, and lower operating voltage are achieved as compared to a TWT based on the conventional folded groove waveguide (FGW) SWS. These results show that the proposed ALFGW SWS has good potential for application in relatively high-power wideband TWTs.
Epitaxial growth of lattice-matched InSb/CdTe heterostructures on the GaAs(111) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Li Jiaming , Tang Chenjia , Du Peng , Jiang Yilan , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xuyi , Gong Qian , Kou Xufeng
Published: March 2020

We report the growth of InSb/CdTe hetero-epitaxial thin films on the GaAs (111)B substrate using molecular beam epitaxy. The use of (111) orientation enables the fast strain relaxation during the CdTe buffer layer growth, and major crystallographic defects are confined near the CdTe/GaAs interface. Owing to the lattice matching between InSb and CdTe, layer-by-layer 2D growth of InSb is observed from the initial growth stage. Both smooth surface morphology and low defect density of the as-grown InSb/CdTe heterostructures give rise to the enhancement of electron mobility when the InSb layer thickness is reduced below 30 nm as compared to the InSb/GaAs counterparts. The integration of InSb/CdTe highlights the advantage of lattice-matched epitaxial growth and provides a promising approach to design high-quality III–V/II–VI hybrid systems for high-performance device applications.
Toward a quantitative analysis of the temperature dependence of electron attachment to SF6
Authors: Poutsma John C. , Shuman Nicholas S. , Miller Thomas M. , Troe Jürgen , Viggiano Albert A.
Published: March 2020

New flowing afterglow/Langmuir probe investigations of electronic attachment to SF6 are described. Thermal attachment rate constants are found to increase from 1.5 × 10−7 cm3 s−1 at 200 K to 2.3 × 10−7 cm3 s−1 at 300 K. Attachment rate constants over the range of 200–700 K (from the present work and the literature), together with earlier measurements of attachment cross sections, are analyzed with respect to electronic and nuclear contributions. The latter suggest that only a small nuclear barrier (of the order of 20 meV) on the way from SF6 to SF6− has to be overcome. The analysis shows that not only s-waves but also higher partial waves have to be taken into account. Likewise, finite-size effects of the neutral target contribute in a non-negligible manner.
ACE-Molecule: An open-source real-space quantum chemistry package
Authors: Kang Sungwoo , Woo Jeheon , Kim Jaewook , Kim Hyeonsu , Kim Yongjun , Lim Jaechang , Choi Sunghwan , Kim Woo Youn
Published: March 2020

ACE-Molecule (advanced computational engine for molecules) is a real-space quantum chemistry package for both periodic and non-periodic systems. ACE-Molecule adopts a uniform real-space numerical grid supported by the Lagrange-sinc functions. ACE-Molecule provides density functional theory (DFT) as a basic feature. ACE-Molecule is specialized in efficient hybrid DFT and wave-function theory calculations based on Kohn–Sham orbitals obtained from a strictly localized exact exchange potential. It is open-source oriented calculations with a flexible and convenient development interface. Thus, ACE-Molecule can be improved by actively adopting new features from other open-source projects and offers a useful platform for potential developers and users. In this work, we introduce overall features, including theoretical backgrounds and numerical examples implemented in ACE-Molecule.
Efficient and automated computation of accurate molecular geometries using focal-point approximations to large-basis coupled-cluster theory
Authors: Warden Constance E. , Smith Daniel G. A. , Burns Lori A. , Bozkaya Uğur , Sherrill C. David
Published: March 2020

The focal-point approach, combining several quantum chemistry computations to estimate a more accurate computation at a lower expense, is effective and commonly used for energies. However, it has not yet been widely adopted for properties such as geometries. Here, we examine several focal-point methods combining Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2 and MP2.5) with coupled-cluster theory through perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] for their effectiveness in geometry optimizations using a new driver for the Psi4 electronic structure program that efficiently automates the computation of composite-energy gradients. The test set consists of 94 closed-shell molecules containing first- and/or second-row elements. The focal-point methods utilized combinations of correlation-consistent basis sets cc-pV(X+d)Z and heavy-aug-cc-pV(X+d)Z (X = D, T, Q, 5, 6). Focal-point geometries were compared to those from conventional CCSD(T) using basis sets up to heavy-aug-cc-pV5Z and to geometries from explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12 using the cc-pVXZ-F12 (X = D, T) basis sets. All results were compared to reference geometries reported by Karton et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 145, 104101 (2016)] at the CCSD(T)/heavy-aug-cc-pV6Z level of theory. In general, focal-point methods based on an estimate of the MP2 complete-basis-set limit, with a coupled-cluster correction evaluated in a (heavy-aug-)cc-pVXZ basis, are of superior quality to conventional CCSD(T)/(heavy-aug-)cc-pV(X+1)Z and sometimes approach the errors of CCSD(T)/(heavy-aug-)cc-pV(X+2)Z. However, the focal-point methods are much faster computationally. For the benzene molecule, the gradient of such a focal-point approach requires only 4.5% of the computation time of a conventional CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ gradient and only 0.4% of the time of a CCSD(T)/cc-pVQZ gradient.
Soil moisture thresholds for combustion of organic soils in western Tasmania
Authors: Prior Lynda D. , French Ben J. , Storey Kathryn , Williamson Grant J. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: March 2020

The present study aimed to determine moisture thresholds for combustion of organic soils sampled from various vegetation types at 63 locations in Tasmania, Australia. To observe whether the soil sample sustained smouldering combustion, moisture content was experimentally manipulated and heat was applied. Combustion was primarily determined by moisture content, but was also influenced by soil bulk density and organic content: the gravimetric moisture content corresponding to a 50% probability of burning ranged from 25 to 94% as organic content varied from 34 to 96%. There was no evidence of differences among vegetation types in the relationship between soil combustibility and organic content. Combustion in Tasmanian organic soils occurred with moisture levels similar to those reported elsewhere, despite differences in vegetation and environment. It was also found that a hand-held meter that measured volumetric moisture content using time domain reflectometry could be used to satisfactorily predict organic soil combustion. Finally, combining the data with estimates of volumetric soil moisture based on high-resolution gridded weather data (Bureau of Meteorology Atmospheric high-resolution Regional Reanalysis for Australia, or BARRA), it was demonstrated that most Tasmanian organic soils are likely to be combustible at some time almost every summer (December to February).
Influenza A and B viruses with reduced baloxavir susceptibility display attenuated in vitro fitness but retain ferret transmissibility
Authors: Jones Jeremy C. , Pascua Philippe Noriel Q. , Fabrizio Thomas P. , Marathe Bindumadhav M. , Seiler Patrick , Barman Subrata , Webby Richard J. , Webster Robert G. , Govorkova Elena A.
Published: March 2020

Significance

The emergence of influenza viruses with reduced susceptibility to baloxavir marboxil (BXM) would limit the clinical utility of this novel antiviral. To assess the risk of such resistance emerging, we evaluated influenza A and B viruses carrying BXM-reduced susceptibility substitutions and compared their fitness to that of their drug-susceptible wild-type (I38-WT) counterparts. The 38T/F/M substitutions inhibited activity of the virus PA protein, and two of them (38T/F) hindered virus replication in cells. Even so, 38T/F/M viruses could transmit between ferrets, the gold-standard model for human transmission. These findings argue that there is a risk of transmission of BXM-resistant viruses from treated individuals. Whether such viruses could compete with WT viruses in spreading through the wider untreated community is less clear.
Triple oxygen isotope insight into terrestrial pyrite oxidation
Authors: Hemingway Jordon D. , Olson Haley , Turchyn Alexandra V. , Tipper Edward T. , Bickle Mike J. , Johnston David T.
Published: March 2020

Significance

Pyrite is oxidized during weathering to form dissolved sulfate that is carried to the ocean by rivers. This process is thought to incorporate atmosphericO2-derived oxygen; geologically preserved sulfate has thus been proposed to directly trace pastO2isotope compositions. However, this mechanism has not been thoroughly tested in modern weathering environments. We show that dissolved sulfate in Himalayan rivers is predominantly derived from pyrite, yet its oxygen isotope compositions preclude directO2incorporation. Rather, alternative oxygen sources (e.g., reactive oxygen species) may be incorporated during oxidation, prompting reconsideration of the pyrite oxidation mechanism and the interpretation of geologically preserved sulfate as a directO2tracer.
Unraveling the iterative type I polyketide synthases hidden in
Streptomyces
Authors: Wang Bin , Guo Fang , Huang Chunshuai , Zhao Huimin
Published: March 2020

Type I polyketide synthases (T1PKSs) are one of the most extensively studied PKSs, which can act either iteratively or via an assembly-line mechanism. Domains in the T1PKSs can readily be predicted by computational tools based on their highly conserved sequences. However, to distinguish between iterative and noniterative at the module level remains an overwhelming challenge, which may account for the seemingly biased distribution of T1PKSs in fungi and bacteria: small iterative monomodular T1PKSs that are responsible for the enormously diverse fungal natural products exist almost exclusively in fungi. Here we report the discovery of iterative T1PKSs that are unexpectedly both abundant and widespread in
Streptomyces
. Seven of 11 systematically selected T1PKS monomodules from monomodular T1PKS biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were experimentally confirmed to be iteratively acting, synthesizing diverse branched/nonbranched linear intermediates, and two of them produced bioactive allenic polyketides and citreodiols as end products, respectively. This study indicates the huge potential of iterative T1PKS BGCs from streptomycetes in the discovery of novel polyketides.
Unveiling causal interactions in complex systems
Authors: Stavroglou Stavros K. , Pantelous Athanasios A. , Stanley H. Eugene , Zuev Konstantin M.
Published: March 2020

Throughout time, operational laws and concepts from complex systems have been employed to quantitatively model important aspects and interactions in nature and society. Nevertheless, it remains enigmatic and challenging, yet inspiring, to predict the actual interdependencies that comprise the structure of such systems, particularly when the causal interactions observed in real-world phenomena might be persistently hidden. In this article, we propose a robust methodology for detecting the latent and elusive structure of dynamic complex systems. Our treatment utilizes short-term predictions from information embedded in reconstructed state space. In this regard, using a broad class of real-world applications from ecology, neurology, and finance, we explore and are able to demonstrate our method’s power and accuracy to reconstruct the fundamental structure of these complex systems, and simultaneously highlight their most fundamental operations.
Upcycling chitin-containing waste into organonitrogen chemicals via an integrated process
Authors: Ma Xiaoqiang , Gözaydın Gökalp , Yang Huiying , Ning Wenbo , Han Xi , Poon Nga Yu , Liang Hong , Yan Ning , Zhou Kang
Published: March 2020

Significance

Shell biorefinery is an emerging concept that upcycles the major component of crustacean shell waste and the like (chitin-rich) into value-added chemicals and materials. To date, the utilization of waste-derived chitin as carbon and nitrogen sources to produce value-added nitrogen-containing chemicals (NCCs) via microbial fermentation has been underexplored. The lack of a compatible pretreatment method in conjunction with a customized NCC-producing strain has placed a major impediment to the valorization effort. This study tackles this challenge by developing an integrated biorefinery process that combines an efficient pretreatment process with a highly customizable microbial engineering platform, opening a door for the better use of crustacean shell waste-derived chitin as a substrate for microbial manufacturing.
Triad hybridization via a conduit species
Authors: Grant Peter R. , Grant B. Rosemary
Published: March 2020

Significance

Introgressive hybridization of pairs of species can affect the evolution of their populations in several important ways. More rarely, three species form an interbreeding complex (triad), but little is known of the consequences. A long-term study of interbreeding Darwin’s finches on Daphne Major island, Galápagos, shows thatGeospiza fortisacts as a conduit for the passage of genes fromGeospiza fuliginosa, a rare immigrant, toGeospiza scandens, a resident. Surprisingly, the species and the derived dihybrids and trihybrids had approximately equal fitness. Gene flow increased in frequency and apparently caused a morphological convergence of the resident species. These findings illustrate how evolutionary change is potentially increased by hybridization among three species and the assembly of novel combinations of genes.
Self‐reported reproductive health of athletic and recreationally active males in Ireland: potential health effects interfering with performance
Authors: Logue Danielle M. , Madigan Sharon M. , Melin Anna , McDonnell Sarah‐Jane , Delahunt Eamonn , Heinen Mirjam , Corish Clare A.
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The syndrome of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED‐S) consensus statements recognise that male athletes might have impaired fertility in terms of the Exercise Hypogonodal Male Condition (ExHMC). Thus, the aims of this study were to (1) identify risk of ExHMC in active males in various sports and (2) determine if associations between risk of ExHMC and health problems interfering with training and competition exist. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed online (November 2018–January 2019) using questions derived from the “Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male Questionnaire” (ADAM‐Q) to assess risk of ExHMC. Additional questions were included to collect information on participant demographics, injury and illness history and dietary habits. Logistic regression analyses explored differences between groups. Results: Risk of ExHMC was identified in 23.3% (n = 185) of 794 questionnaire participants. Following multivariate analyses, risk of ExHMC was independently associated with a lower than normal sex drive rating within the last month (OR 7.62, 95%CI 4.99–11.63) and less than three morning erections per week within the last month (OR: 4.67, 95%CI 3.23–6.76). Risk of ExHMC was associated with 15–21 days absence from training or competition during the previous 6 months due to overload injuries in the univariate analysis (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.24–5.84). Conclusion: Risk of ExHMC and associated symptoms in this heterogeneous sample may be indicative of RED‐S. Confounding factors such as over‐training, medication use, fatigue and psychological stress need to be considered. Identification of male athletes exhibiting physiological symptoms associated with RED‐S requires more research.
Augmented reality direct current glow discharge experimentation
Authors: Yau Chin Doong , Wildan Ardan , Browning Aidan , Wijesinghe Chamaka , Xiao Kevin , Ng Tuck Wah
Published: March 2020

The glowing discharges of plasma obtained by introducing direct current high voltages between two electrodes in a chamber that contains a low pressure gas produces a spectacular effect that makes it attractive to be used as a laboratory experiment for students. Setting up this experiment is however costly and has crucial safety issues to be addressed. An augmented reality approach here allows students to conduct such an experiment effectively. It was designed to guide students on how to conduct the experiment safely and properly, as well as to allow them to note the voltage breakdown values according to Paschen’s rule. The tool has the strong advantage of allowing students to conduct experimentation without removing any of the real-life and tactile features that help to constitute cognition events in the natural world. It also yielded positive responses when tested on 39 high school students as part of an outreach program for science and technology.
Effective Hamiltonians for interacting superconducting qubits: local basis reduction and the Schrieffer–Wolff transformation
Authors: Consani Gioele , Warburton Paul A
Published: March 2020

An open question in designing superconducting quantum circuits is how best to reduce the full circuit Hamiltonian which describes their dynamics to an effective two-level qubit Hamiltonian which is appropriate for manipulation of quantum information. Despite advances in numerical methods to simulate the spectral properties of multi-element superconducting circuits (Yurke B and Denker J S 1984 Phys. Rev. A
29 1419, Reiter F and Sørensen A S 2012 Phys. Rev. A
85 032111 and Amin M H et al 2012 Phys. Rev. A
86 052314), the literature lacks a consistent and effective method of determining the effective qubit Hamiltonian. Here we address this problem by introducing a novel local basis reduction method. This method does not require any ad hoc assumption on the structure of the Hamiltonian such as its linear response to applied fields. We numerically benchmark the local basis reduction method against other Hamiltonian reduction methods in the literature and report specific examples of superconducting qubits, including the capacitively-shunted flux qubit, where the standard reduction approaches fail. By combining the local basis reduction method with the Schrieffer–Wolff transformation we further extend its applicability to systems of interacting qubits and use it to extract both non-stoquastic two-qubit Hamiltonians and three-local interaction terms in three-qubit Hamiltonians.
Upper bounds on absorption and scattering
Authors: Gustafsson Mats , Schab Kurt , Jelinek Lukas , Capek Miloslav
Published: March 2020

A general framework for determining fundamental bounds in nanophotonics is introduced in this paper. The theory is based on convex optimization of dual problems constructed from operators generated by electromagnetic integral equations. The optimized variable is a contrast current defined within a prescribed region of a given material constitutive relations. Two power conservation constraints analogous to the optical theorem are utilized to tighten the bounds and to prescribe either losses or material properties. Thanks to the utilization of matrix rank-1 updates, modal decompositions, and model order reduction techniques, the optimization procedure is computationally efficient even for complicated scenarios. No dual gaps are observed. The method is well-suited to accommodate material anisotropy and inhomogeneity. To demonstrate the validity of the method, bounds on scattering, absorption, and extinction cross sections are derived first and evaluated for several canonical regions. The tightness of the bounds is verified by comparison to optimized spherical nanoparticles and shells. The next metric investigated is bi-directional scattering studied closely on a particular example of an electrically thin slab. Finally, the bounds are established for Purcell’s factor and local field enhancement where a dimer is used as a practical example.
Spin current pumped by confined breathing skyrmion
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Wang Jianing , Jin Chendong , Zeng Zhaozhuo , Xia Haiyan , Wang Jianbo , Liu Qingfang
Published: March 2020

Spin pumping is a widely recognized method to generate the spin current in the spintronics, which can be found in varieties of magnetic materials and is acknowledged as a fundamentally dynamic process equivalent to the spin-transfer torque. In this work, we theoretically verified the oscillating spin current mixed by AC and DC components can be pumped from the microwave-motivated breathing skyrmion. The spin current can be pumped within a relatively low-frequency microwave compared with the in-plane ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). Although the amplitude of spin current density for a single confined skyrmion is several times lower than the FMR spin pumping, the pumped current would be improved to be the same order as the FMR through a tight skyrmion lattice. Based on the spin pumping of breathing skyrmion, we designed a high reading-speed racetrack memory model whose reading speed is much higher than the SOT (spin–orbit torque)/STT (spin-transfer torque) skyrmion racetrack. Our work focuses on the spin pumping phenomenon inside the breathing skyrmion, and it may contribute to the applications of the skyrmion-based device.
Erratum: Nonlinear spherical perturbations in quintessence models of
dark energy
Authors: Manvendra Pratap Rajvanshi  , J.S. Bagla
Published: March 2020

Please see the PDF file for details.
Design of a novel high holding voltage LVTSCR with embedded clamping diode*
Authors: Zhu Ling , Liang Hai-Lian , Gu Xiao-Feng , Xu Jie
Published: March 2020

In order to reduce the latch-up risk of the traditional low-voltage-triggered silicon controlled rectifier (LVTSCR), a novel LVTSCR with embedded clamping diode (DC-LVTSCR) is proposed and verified in a 0.18-μm CMOS process. By embedding a p+ implant region into the drain of NMOS in the traditional LVTSCR, a reversed Zener diode is formed by the p+ implant region and the n+ bridge, which helps to improve the holding voltage and decrease the snapback region. The physical mechanisms of the LVTSCR and DC-LVTSCR are investigated in detail by transmission line pulse (TLP) tests and TCAD simulations. The TLP test results show that, compared with the traditional LVTSCR, the DC-LVTSCR exhibits a higher holding voltage of 6.2 V due to the embedded clamping diode. By further optimizing a key parameter of the DC-LVTSCR, the holding voltage can be effectively increased to 8.7 V. Therefore, the DC-LVTSCR is a promising ESD protection device for circuits with the operation voltage of 5.5–7 V.
Inhibiting radiative recombination rate to enhance quantum yields in a quantum photocell*
Authors: Chen Jing-Yi , Zhao Shun-Cai
Published: March 2020

Inhibiting the radiative radiation is an efficient approach to enhance quantum yields in a solar sell. This work carries out the inhibition of radiative recombination rate (RRR) in a quantum photocell with two coupled donors. We perform explicit calculations of the transition rates, energy gaps and the absorbed solar wavelength-dependent RRR, and find that two different regimes play the crucial roles in inhibiting RRR. One is the quantum coherence generated from two different transition channels, the other includes the absorbed photon wavelength and gaps between the donor and acceptor in this proposed photocell model. The results imply that there may be some efficient ways to enhance the photoelectron conversion compared to the classic solar cell.
Uncovering the internal structure of five-fold twinned nanowires through 3D electron diffraction mapping*
Authors: Fu Xin
Published: March 2020

Five-fold twinned nanostructures are intrinsically strained or relaxed by extended defects to satisfy the space-filling requirement. Although both of metallic and semiconductor five-fold twinned nanostructures show inhomogeneity in their cross-sectional strain distribution, the evident strain concentration at twin boundaries in the semiconductor systems has been found in contrast to the metallic systems. Naturally, a problem is raised how the chemical bonding characteristics of various five-fold twinned nanosystems affects their strain-relieving defect structures. Here using three-dimensional (3D) electron diffraction mapping methodology, the intrinsic strain and the strain-relieving defects in a pentagonal Ag nanowire and a star-shaped boron carbide nanowire, both of them have basically equal radial twin-plane width about 30 nm, are non-destructively characterized. The non-uniform strain and defect distribution between the five single crystalline segments are found in both of the five-fold twinned nanowires. Diffraction intensity fine structure analysis for the boron carbide five-fold twinned nanowire indicates the presence of high-density of planar defects which are responsible for the accommodation of the intrinsic angular excess. However, for the Ag five-fold twinned nanowire, the star-disclination strain field is still present, although is partially relieved by the formation of localized stacking fault layers accompanied by partial dislocations. Energetic analysis suggests that the variety in the strain-relaxation ways for the two types of five-fold twinned nanowires could be ascribed to the large difference in shear modulus between the soft noble metal Ag and the superhard covalent compound boron carbide.
Extraordinary propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves in one-dimensional anti-PT-symmetric ring optical waveguide network*
Authors: Xu Jie-Feng , Yang Xiang-Bo , Chen Hao-Han , Lin Zhan-Hong
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we design a one-dimensional anti-PT-symmetric ring optical waveguide network (1D APTSPROWN). Using the three-material network equation and the generalized Floquet–Bloch theorem, we investigate its photonic mode distribution, and observe weak extremum spontaneous anti-PT-symmetric breaking points (WBPs) and strong extremum spontaneous anti-PT-symmetric breaking points (SBPs). Then the transmission spectrum is obtained by using the three-material network equation and the generalized eigenfunction method. The 1D APTSPROWN is found to generate ultra-strong transmission near SBPs and ultra-weak transmission near WBPs and SBPs, with the maximal and minimal transmissions being 4.08× 1012 and 7.08× 10−52, respectively. The maximal transmission has the same order of magnitude as the best-reported result. It is not only because the distribution of photonic modes generated by the 1D APTSROWN results in the coupling resonance and anti-resonance, but also because the 1D APTSROWN composed of materials whose real parts of refractive indices are positive and negative has two kinds of phase effects, which results in the resonance and anti-resonance effects in the same kind of photonic modes. This demonstrates that the anti-PT-symmetric and PT-symmetric optical waveguide networks are quite different, which leads to a more in-depth understanding of anti-PT-symmetric and PT-symmetric structures. This work has the potential for paving a new approach to designing single photon emitters, optical amplifiers, and high-efficiency optical energy saver devices.
Development of self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for black seed oil (Nigella sativa L.)
Authors: Priani S E , Maulidina S S , Darusman F , Purwanti L , Mulyanti D
Published: March 2020

One strategy to improve oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs like black seed oil with formulate them into self nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). The aim of this study is to develop black seed oil into liquid SNEDDS formulation to enhance oral bioavailability. The optimization of SNEDDS was carried out using various comparison between oil, surfactant and cosurfactant. The formulated SNEDDS were evaluated for transmittance percentage, emulsification time, dispersebility, robustness, thermodynamics stability and globul size determination. The best formulation of SNEDDS obtained from tween 80 as surfactan and PEG 400 as cosurfactant (2:1) with ratio of oil and mix surfactant-cosurfactant 1:8. The formulation of SNEDDS met the requirement of transmittance percentage (97.80%), emulsification time (35.00 second), grade A of dispersibility, stable of robustness and thermodynamic stability tests and the average of globul size was 65.4 nm. The SNEDDS formulation containing black seed oil has good physical characteristic and stability.
The impact of online transportation growth on the level of road services
Authors: Ekasari A M , Odah O , Damayanti V
Published: March 2020

The presence of online transportation has met the needs of the citizens of the city of Bandung for public transportation services that are safe, fast, cheap, and comfortable. This potential market is captured by online transportation companies by increasing the number of service fleets through the recruitment of driver partners of online transportation companies. The research objective is to identify whether the growth of online transportation has an impact on the level of service of Bandung city’s road network. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach, trying to explore the perceptions of consumers and driver partners and road service level data. The results showed that in the period of 2015 to 2018, where the mobility of people and goods used online transportation services, it was accompanied by a decrease in the level of road services. Traffic volume has approached or exceeded the road capacity. Local governments must prepare mass public transportation that is responsive to requests; flexible routes according to community needs; the capacity of the vehicle is bigger than the motorbike and city car but smaller than the bus; ability to compete with the private sector.
Mobile based chatbot application for HIV/AIDS counseling using artificial intelligence markup language approach
Authors: Ardiana D P Y , B Joni I D M A , D Udayana I P A E
Published: March 2020

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a fearsome epidemic for modern society as the virus itself shortening the human life expectancy. Based on the report issued by the National committee of sexually transmitted diseases monitoring agency. In the 3rd quarter of 2017, Bali is the 4th most province with major HIV infection in the country. One of the foundations that focuses on HIV/AIDS assistance and prevention in Bali is Spirit Paramacitta Foundation. The problems faced by the Foundation are the limitations of the counselor and the reluctance of the community to consult. With the advancement of the information technologies and to support the goodwill of foundation is the basis of why this research exists. The goal of this research is to build a mobile-based chatbot application using Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML), that will aid the foundation in giving people a reliable HIV/AIDS related information. AIML is used because it can make bots close to human capabilities. The application would be able to emulate the human conversation as good as the usual counseling session. The result of this research is chatbot has been able to help Spirit Paramacitta Foundation in counseling and disseminate information related to HIV/AIDS to the community.