bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochromic effect in Q-carbon
Authors: Bhaumik Anagh , Narayan Jagdish
Published: June 2018

Here, we report the electrochromic effect in undoped Q-carbon. This unique phase of carbon, Q-carbon, is formed by pulsed laser melting of amorphous carbon and subsequent ultrafast quenching process. The excess amount of unpaired electrons near the Fermi energy level in the Q-carbon causes a 48% increase in the optical absorption at 265 nm with an applied electric field of 10 V. The Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) also indicates that the Fermi level of Q-carbon is situated ∼40 meV higher than that in the neighboring diamond-like carbon region. It is also observed that, with an increase in the tip voltage from 0 to 10 V in KPFM, there occurs an increase in the image phase contrast thereby indicating an increase in the concentration of electrons. This causes an increase in optical absorbance with the application of an electric field in Q-carbon. The direct and indirect optical band gaps in Q-carbon are calculated to be 3.82 and 2.93 eV, respectively, using the Tauc analysis. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction pattern depict the formation and amorphous nature of Q-carbon. Raman and electron energy-loss spectroscopy of Q-carbon reveal over 75% sp3-bonded carbon (rest sp2) and excess electrons near the Fermi level. This discovery of electrochromic effect in Q-carbon shows that highly non-equilibrium synthesis can be elegantly used to fabricate smart windows with immense energy-saving applications.
A precise analysis of the electron capture process through chirping wave frequency from a phase viewpoint
Authors: Akou H.
Published: June 2018

The mechanism of electron capture and acceleration in a chirped plane-wave laser pulse is investigated from the point of view of phase evolution and phase velocity synchronization. An in depth analysis shows that the phase evolution process, under appropriate conditions, changes at one special point due to the chirping effect, which causes the electrons to be captured in the pulse and remain in the acceleration stage for a long time rather than oscillating between acceleration and deceleration. This point is a turning point of the phase evolution, and the changing process of the phase direction is named U-turn.
Experimental demonstration of three-dimensional broadband underwater acoustic carpet cloak
Authors: Bi Yafeng , Jia Han , Sun Zhaoyong , Yang Yuzhen , Zhao Han , Yang Jun
Published: June 2018

We present the design, architecture, and detailed performance of a three-dimensional (3D) underwater acoustic carpet cloak (UACC). The proposed system of the 3D UACC is an octahedral pyramid, which is composed of periodical steel strips. This underwater acoustic device, placed over the target to hide, is able to manipulate the scattered wavefront to mimic a reflecting plane. The effectiveness of the prototype is experimentally demonstrated in an anechoic tank. The measured acoustic pressure distributions show that the 3D UACC can work in all directions in a wide frequency range. This experimental verification of 3D device paves the way for guidelines on future practical applications.
Magnetic energy flow imaging of magnetic recording head with enhanced resolution and sensitivity by A-MFM using high magnetic moment superparamagnetic tip
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Cao Yongze , Suzuki Yudai , Yoshimura Satoru , Saito Hitoshi
Published: June 2018

In this report, the magnetic energy flow of AC magnetic field is imaged from a perpendicular magnetic recording head by alternating magnetic force microscopy (A-MFM) with high magnetic moment Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 superparamagnetic (SP) tip. The present magnetic energy flow imaging phenomenon is able to detect the flow direction of AC magnetic field energy from the recording head. A simple model for the flow direction of the AC magnetic energy is given and revealed that when the AC magnetic field energy from the surface of main pole increases, the energy from the side cross section decreases due to the periodical change of magnetization direction at the main pole area. The A-MFM magnetic energy imaging performance by 100 nm Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 SP tip is compared with the magnetic field imaging with the 25 nm Co0.80Zr0.05Nb0.15 soft magnetic (SM) tip. The spatial resolution measured by Fourier analysis for Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 SP tip is enhanced dramatically to ∼10 nm with low thermal noise, as compared to ∼13 nm by Co0.80Zr0.05Nb0.15 SM tip as well as the previously reported MFM tip. Moreover, the sensitivity and resolution are investigated for a range of head current to confirm the suitability of the magnetic energy flow imaging by Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 SP tip to low as well as high magnetic field source. Further, the A-MFM measurements are performed with the 100 nm Au coated conducting tip to investigate the possibility of electrostatic contribution in magnetic energy imaging by Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 SP tip and revealed that the present A-MFM measurement is free from any electrostatic artifacts. The present magnetic energy flow imaging phenomena with the high magnetic moment Co0.43(GdOx)0.57 SP tip provides an avenue for the analysis of the magnetic field energy component from the head field profile.
Saturation of low-threshold two-plasmon parametric decay leading to excitation of one localized upper hybrid wave
Authors: Gusakov E. Z. , Popov A. Yu. , Saveliev A. N.
Published: June 2018

We analyze the saturation of the low-threshold absolute parametric decay instability of an extraordinary pump wave leading to the excitation of two upper hybrid (UH) waves, only one of which is trapped in the vicinity of a local maximum of the plasma density profile. The pump depletion and the secondary decay of the localized daughter UH wave are treated as the most likely moderators of a primary two-plasmon decay instability. The reduced equations describing the nonlinear saturation phenomena are derived. The general analytical consideration is accompanied by the numerical analysis performed under the experimental conditions typical of the off-axis X2-mode ECRH experiments at TEXTOR. The possibility of substantial (up to 20%) anomalous absorption of the pump wave is predicted.
Harnessing the relativistic Buneman instability for laser-ion acceleration in the transparency regime
Authors: Stark D. J. , Yin L. , Albright B. J.
Published: June 2018

We examine the relativistic Buneman instability in systems relevant to high-intensity laser-plasma interactions under conditions of relativistically-induced transparency, as this instability can generate large-amplitude electrostatic waves at low frequencies that are pertinent to ion dynamics in these systems. Ion flows are shown to significantly alter the range of unstable wave numbers and to increase the phase velocities of the unstable modes; we particularly highlight the relativistic effects from both the ion and electron (with transverse motion) populations. These findings are related to the mode structure seen in particle-in-cell simulation results of a short-pulse laser breaking through an initially opaque target with the onset of relativistic transparency. Additionally, driving mechanisms from free energy present in density and velocity gradients are shown to be capable of significantly enhancing the growth rates, and these instabilities furthermore extend the breadth of the unstable wave number range. Lastly, we discuss how the transverse self-generated magnetic fields characteristic of short-pulse interactions can potentially constrain the unstable wave numbers in a non-trivial manner.
Silicon doped hafnium oxide (HSO) and hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO) based FeFET: A material relation to device physics
Authors: Ali T. , Polakowski P. , Riedel S. , Büttner T. , Kämpfe T. , Rudolph M. , Pätzold B. , Seidel K. , Löhr D. , Hoffmann R. , Czernohorsky M. , Kühnel K. , Thrun X. , Hanisch N. , Steinke P. , Calvo J. , Müller J.
Published: June 2018

The recent discovery of ferroelectricity in thin film HfO2 materials renewed the interest in ferroelectric FET (FeFET) as an emerging nonvolatile memory providing a potential high speed and low power Flash alternative. Here, we report more insight into FeFET performance by integrating two types of ferroelectric (FE) materials and varying their properties. By varying the material type [HfO2 (HSO) versus hafnium zirconium oxide (HZO)], optimum content (Si doping/mixture ratio), and film thickness, a material relation to FeFET device physics is concluded. As for the material type, an improved FeFET performance is observed for HZO integration with memory window (MW) comparable to theoretical values. For different Si contents, the HSO based FeFET exhibited a MW trend with different stabilized phases. Similarly, the HZO FeFET shows MW dependence on the Hf:Zr mixture ratio. A maximized MW is obtained with cycle ratios of 16:1 (HfO2:Si) and 1:1 (Hf:Zr) as measured on HSO and HZO based FeFETs, respectively. The thickness variation shows a trend of increasing MW with the increased FE layer thickness confirming early theoretical predictions. The FeFET material aspects and stack physics are discussed with insight into the interplay factors, while optimum FE material parameters are outlined in relation to performance.
Ab-initio study of boron incorporation and compositional limits at GaN and AlN (0001) surfaces
Authors: Lymperakis L.
Published: June 2018

Density functional theory calculations are employed to investigate B incorporation at the GaN(0001) and AlN(0001) surfaces. It is found that under typical metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and metal rich molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) conditions, the maximum B contents at the surfaces are in the order of 3% for GaN and 15% for AlN. Under MBE N-rich growth conditions the calculations reveal a rehybridization enhanced solubility mechanism that dominates at the surface. This mechanism offers a promising route to kinetically stabilize B contents above the bulk solubility limit and as high as 25%.
Binding energies of benzene on coinage metal surfaces: Equal stability on different metals
Authors: Maaß Friedrich , Jiang Yingda , Liu Wei , Tkatchenko Alexandre , Tegeder Petra
Published: June 2018

Interfaces between organic molecules and inorganic solids adapt a prominent role in fundamental science, catalysis, molecular sensors, and molecular electronics. The molecular adsorption geometry, which is dictated by the strength of lateral and vertical interactions, determines the electronic structure of the molecule/substrate system. In this study, we investigate the binding properties of benzene on the noble metal surfaces Au(111), Ag(111), and Cu(111), respectively, using temperature-programmed desorption and first-principles calculations that account for non-locality of both electronic exchange and correlation effects. In the monolayer regime, we observed for all three systems a decrease of the binding energy with increasing coverage due to repulsive adsorbate/adsorbate interactions. Although the electronic properties of the noble metal surfaces are rather different, the binding strength of benzene on these surfaces is equal within the experimental error (accuracy of 0.05 eV), in excellent agreement with our calculations. This points toward the existence of a universal trend for the binding energy of aromatic molecules resulting from a subtle balance between Pauli repulsion and many-body van der Waals attraction.
Note: Pulsed optically pumped atomic clock based on a paraffin-coated cell
Authors: Lin Haixiao , Deng Jianliao , Lin Jinda , Zhang Song , Hu Yao , Wang Yuzhu
Published: June 2018

We report on the implementation of a pulsed optically pumped atomic clock based on a paraffin-coated cell. The relaxation times are measured, with the longitudinal relaxation time, T1 = 9.7 ± 0.4 ms, and the transversal relaxation time, T2 = 0.40 ± 0.03 ms. We demonstrated that the measured frequency stability of the clock is 3.9 × 10−13 τ−1/2 (1 s ≤ τ ≤ 100 s) and reaches a value of 3.1 × 10−14 for τ = 1000 s, where τ is the averaging time. This is an unprecedented result for a paraffin-coated vapor cell clock, and it makes significant contributions toward improving the performance of the wall-coated vapor cell atomic clock.
Revisiting the positive DC corona discharge theory: Beyond Peek's and Townsend's law
Authors: Monrolin Nicolas , Praud Olivier , Plouraboué Franck
Published: June 2018

The classical positive Corona Discharge theory in a cylindrical axisymmetric configuration is revisited in order to find analytically the influence of gas properties and thermodynamic conditions on the corona current. The matched asymptotic expansion of Durbin and Turyn [J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 20, 1490–1495 (1987)] of a simplified but self-consistent problem is performed and explicit analytical solutions are derived. The mathematical derivation enables us to express a new positive DC corona current-voltage characteristic, choosing either a dimensionless or dimensional formulation. In dimensional variables, the current voltage law and the corona inception voltage explicitly depend on the electrode size and physical gas properties such as ionization and photoionization parameters. The analytical predictions are successfully confronted with experiments and Peek's and Townsend's laws. An analytical expression of the corona inception voltage φon is proposed, which depends on the known values of physical parameters without adjustable parameters. As a proof of consistency, the classical Townsend current-voltage law I=Cφ(φ−φon) is retrieved by linearizing the non-dimensional analytical solution. A brief parametric study showcases the interest in this analytical current model, especially for exploring small corona wires or considering various thermodynamic conditions.
Diamond nano-pyramids with narrow linewidth SiV centers for quantum technologies
Authors: Nicolas L. , Delord T. , Huillery P. , Neu E. , Hétet G.
Published: June 2018

Color centers in diamond are versatile solid state atomic-like systems suitable for quantum technological applications. In particular, the negatively charged silicon vacancy center (SiV) exhibits a narrow photoluminescence (PL) line and lifetime-limited linewidth in a bulk at cryogenic temperature. We present a low-temperature study of chemical vapour deposition (CVD)-grown diamond nano-pyramids containing SiV centers. The PL spectra feature a bulk-like zero-phonon line with ensembles of SiV centers, with a linewidth below 10 GHz which demonstrates very low crystal strain for such a nano-object.
Electron impact elastic and excitation cross-sections of the isomers of C4F6 molecule for plasma modeling
Authors: Gupta Dhanoj , Song Mi-Young , Baluja K. L. , Choi Heechol , Yoon Jung-Sik
Published: June 2018

We report the calculations of elastic (along with its symmetry components) and electronic excitation cross sections by electron impact of the three isomers of C4F6, namely, hexafluoro-1,3-butadiene (1,3-C4F6), hexafluoro-2-butyne (2-C4F6), and hexafluorocyclobutene (c-C4F6) belonging to the point groups C2, D3d, and C2v, respectively, using the R-matrix approach. The electron energy range is from 0.01 eV to 12 eV. We have employed the cc-pVTZ basis set for C and F atoms to generate self-consistent field molecular orbitals to construct the target states for all the isomers included in our calculations. All the target states are constructed by including correlation effects in a configuration interaction (CI) approach. The target properties such as vertical excitation energies and dipole moment of all the isomers are in reasonable agreement with the literature values. Differences in the cross sections of these isomers are strongly influenced by the effect of correlation and polarization effects and their geometrical extent. We have included the ground state and many excited states of each isomer in the trial wave function of the entire scattering system. The resulting elastic cross sections are compared with the available experimental results. The agreement is reasonably good for energies above 5 eV. The shape resonances detected at 2.57, 2.95, and 3.20 eV for c-C4F6, 1,3-C4F6, and 2-C4F6 isomers are associated with the negative anion formation of C3F3- as observed in the mass spectrometry experiments. We have also performed 1-state CI calculation for all the isomers that include only the correlated ground state. The position of resonances shifts to lower energies as the number of target states is increased compared to 1-state calculation for all the isomers. The elastic cross section for 2-C4F6 isomer is larger than the other isomers because of its larger spatial extent. The present cross section data are important for plasma simulation and modeling, especially related to fluorocarbon plasma.
New tools for forecasting steam-blast eruptions
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: June 2018

Satellite data can pinpoint predictors of future explosive activity.
Exogenous application of 5-aminolevulinic acid improves low-temperature stress tolerance of maize seedlings
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Jing , Gu Wanrong , Zhang Qian , Tian Lixin , Guo Shi , Wei Shi
Published: June 2018

The important plant growth regulator 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) could promote low-temperature stress tolerance of many plants; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We investigated the effects of exogenously applied ALA on seedling morphology, antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic capacity of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings under low-temperature stress. Two cultivars, low-temperature-sensitive cv. Suiyu 13 (SY13) and low-temperature-tolerant cv. Zhengdan 958 (ZD958), were subjected to four treatments: low-temperature without ALA treatment, low-temperature after ALA treatment, normal temperature without ALA treatment, and normal temperature after ALA treatment. Plant morphological growth, proline content, antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthetic capacity were determined. ALA treatment significantly decreased the inhibitory effects of low-temperature stress on seedling dry weight and increased proline accumulation under low temperatures in ZD958. Pre-application of ALA significantly improved superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in SY13 under low-temperature stress. Furthermore, treating maize seedlings with ALA resulted in significant enhancement of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase activity under low-temperature stress in both cultivars. Pre-treatment with ALA relieved the damage caused by low-temperature stress to maize seedlings, particularly in the low-temperature-sensitive cultivar. Therefore, ALA at appropriate concentrations may be used to prevent reductions in maize crop yield due to low-temperature stress.
Use of poppers and HIV risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Paris, France: an observational study
Authors: Hambrick H. Rhodes , Park Su Hyun , Palamar Joseph J. , Estreet Anthony , Schneider John A. , Duncan Dustin T.
Published: June 2018

The use of inhaled nitrites, or poppers, among men who have sex with men (MSM) is prevalent, yet has been associated with HIV seroconversion. We surveyed 580 MSM from a geosocial networking smartphone application in Paris, France, in 2016. Of the respondents, 46.7% reported popper use within the previous 3 months. Regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics found that the use of poppers was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the following during the prior 3 months: condomless anal intercourse (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–1.50), use of alcohol and/or drugs during sex once or twice (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) 2.33, 95% CI 1.44–2.03), three to five times (aRRR 5.41, 95% CI 2.98–9.84) or six or more times (aRRR 4.09, 95% CI 2.22–7.56), participation in group sex (aRRR 3.70, 95% CI 2.33–5.90) and self-reported diagnosis with any sexually transmissible infection over the previous year (aRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.18–2.27), specifically chlamydia (aRR 2.75, 95% CI 1.29–4.29) and syphilis (aRR 2.27, 95% CI 1.29–4.29).
Speciation of nickel and enzyme activities in fluvo-aquic soil under organic amendments treatment
Authors: Liu Borui , Huang Qing , Su Yuefeng , Wang Mengyuan , Kelly Ryan M. , Sun Liuye
Published: June 2018

To investigate the efficacy of humic acid and cow dung for nickel (Ni) immobilisation and detoxification in fluvo-aquic soil, the Ni-polluted soil was mixed with amendments of humic acid and cow dung. The Ni speciation (modified BCR sequential extraction method) and enzyme activities were scrutinised. As the humic acid concentration increased (0 to 12 g kg–1), the amount of Ni in the acetic acid-soluble fraction (the bioavailable fraction with high environmental risk) first decreased and then increased. In contrast, the amount of Ni in this fraction continued to decrease as the cow dung concentration increased (P < 0.05). The Ni in the acetic acid-soluble and residual fractions transformed to the oxidisable fraction, leading to lower environmental risk. The fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and alkaline phosphatase activity were negatively correlated with the amount of Ni in the acetic acid-soluble fraction (r = –0.695 and –0.773, respectively, P < 0.01), indicating that Ni in the acetic acid-soluble fraction was toxic and led to enzyme activity inhibition, and the amendments could reduce subsequent damage. When humic acid concentration ranged from 5.01 to 6.47 g kg–1, the acetic acid-soluble Ni level reached the minimum, while the fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and the alkaline phosphatase activity reached their maxima. In conclusion, humic acid and cow dung are effective amendments for Ni immobilisation and reduce devastation of soil enzymes. The humic acid concentration should be between 5.01 and 6.47 g kg–1 to achieve the optimum efficacy.
Beating the classical precision limit with spin-1 Dicke states of more than 10,000 atoms
Authors: Zou Yi-Quan , Wu Ling-Na , Liu Qi , Luo Xin-Yu , Guo Shuai-Feng , Cao Jia-Hao , Tey Meng Khoon , You Li
Published: June 2018

Significance

Entanglement is central to studies in foundations of quantum mechanics, quantum information, and precision measurement. Among the variety of multipartite entangled states, Dicke states form an important class, and their realizations attract widespread interest. Most of the Dicke states produced to date are limited to pseudospin-1/2 (two-level) particles. This work reports the generation of balanced Dicke states comprising spin-1 (three-level) atoms and the subsequent demonstration of enhanced interferometric sensitivity over the standard quantum limit facilitated by them. We expect it will stimulate both experimental and theoretical research efforts on entangled states of higher-spin particles.
Phoma macrostoma
: as a broad spectrum bioherbicide for turf grass and agricultural applications.
Authors: Hynes R. K.
Published: June 2018

Phoma macrostoma
Montagne 94-44B is an effective bioherbicide for broadleaved weed reduction. In 2016, Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act and Regulations, granted full registration for the sale and use of the bioherbicide
P. macrostoma
Montagne 94-44B to control a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds in established turfgrass and new seeding of grasses as well as in field grown nursery plants, trees and container-grown ornamentals.
P. macrostoma
94-44B colonizes susceptible and non-susceptible plant roots, however, only in susceptible plants, such as
Taraxacum officinale
(dandelion), do mycelium proliferate around the vascular trachea interfering with the function of neighbouring cells while not entering them. Macrocidins, secondary metabolites secreted by
P. macrostoma
94-44B mycelia, inhibit multiple steps in carotenoid precursor formation including phytoene desaturase and steps associated with β carotene and lutein carotenoid biogenesis, Fe and Mg chelation and OJIP chlorophyll fluorescence, thus uncoupling the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II from the reaction centre. The combined actions of
P. macrostoma
94-44B and macrocidins elicit photobleaching of the leaves and eventual weed death. Research is underway to exploit Phoma's bioherbicidal actions for weed management in agriculture.
P. macrostoma
94-44B can be used to reduce broadleaved weeds in crops such as wheat, corn, potato, forage grasses and established alfalfa (2nd growth or older). Soil residue studies reveal that neither
P. macrostoma
94-44B nor macrocidins are present after 1 year suggesting that farmers could plant
Phoma
-sensitive crops such as legumes, flax or canola in subsequent years.
Ethnic boxes: the unintended consequences of Habsburg bureaucratic classification
Authors: Stergar Rok , Scheer Tamara
Published: June 2018

The classificatory efforts that accompanied the modernization of the Habsburg state inadvertently helped establish, promote, and perpetuate national categories of identification, often contrary to the intentions of the Habsburg bureaucracy. The state did not create nations, but its classification of languages made available some ethnolinguistic identity categories that nationalists used to make political claims. The institutionalization of these categories also made them more relevant, especially as nationalist movements simultaneously worked toward the same goal. Yet identification with a nation did not follow an algorithmic logic, in the beginning of the twentieth century, sometimes earlier, various nationalisms could undoubtedly mobilize large numbers of people in Austria-Hungary, but people still had agency and nationness remained contingent and situational.
Investigation of trends in extreme significant wave heights in the South China Sea
Authors: Luo Y. , Zhu L. S.
Published: June 2018

The focus of this study was the temporal and spatial variations of extreme significant wave heights and nearshore return-period wave heights in the South China Sea, based on the wave model and European Reanalysis-Interim data from 1979–2016. Measured buoy data were available from near Yongxing Island for comparison with the reanalysis data during the passage of typhoons. Annual maximum significant wave heights showed a statistically significant increasing trend over most of the South China Sea, whereas statistically insignificant decreasing or increasing trends were observed for seasonal maximum significant wave heights associated with the different characteristics of the typhoon events. Nonstationary generalized extreme value analysis was used to investigate the influence of nearshore extreme significant wave heights derived from the Simulating Waves Nearshore model at four offshore locations in the South China Sea. The fastest increase of 100-year return significant wave heights was found to be 0.0033 m yr−1 in the western South China Sea. The results show that, in recent decades, no significant variation trends can be found in return-period wave heights at nearshore of South China Sea, which may be related to tracks of intense typhoons in the region.
Selection procedures in sports: Improving predictions of athletes’ future performance
Authors: Den Hartigh Ruud J. R. , Niessen A. Susan M. , Frencken Wouter G. P. , Meijer Rob R.
Published: June 2018

The selection of athletes has been a central topic in sports sciences for decades. Yet, little consideration has been given to the theoretical underpinnings and predictive validity of the procedures. In this paper, we evaluate current selection procedures in sports given what we know from the selection psychology literature. We contrast the popular clinical method (predictions based on overall impressions of experts) with the actuarial approach (predictions based on pre‐defined decision rules), and we discuss why the latter approach often leads to superior performance predictions. Furthermore, we discuss the “signs” and the “samples” approaches. Taking the prevailing signs approach, athletes’ technical‐, tactical‐, physical‐, and psychological skills are often assessed separately in controlled settings. However, for predicting later sport performance, taking samples of athletes’ behaviours in their sports environment may result in more valid assessments. We discuss the possible advantages and implications of making selection procedures in sports more actuarial and sample‐based.
Vav3-induced cytoskeletal dynamics contribute to heterotypic properties of endothelial barriers
Authors: Hilfenhaus Georg , Nguyen Dai Phuong , Freshman Jonathan , Prajapati Divya , Ma Feiyang , Song Dana , Ziyad Safiyyah , Cuadrado Myriam , Pellegrini Matteo , Bustelo Xosé R. , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa
Published: June 2018

Through multiple cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, epithelial and endothelial sheets form tight barriers. Modulators of the cytoskeleton contribute to barrier stability and act as rheostats of vascular permeability. In this study, we sought to identify cytoskeletal regulators that underlie barrier diversity across vessels. To achieve this, we correlated functional and structural barrier features to gene expression of endothelial cells (ECs) derived from different vascular beds. Within a subset of identified candidates, we found that the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 was exclusively expressed by microvascular ECs and was closely associated with a high-resistance barrier phenotype. Ectopic expression of Vav3 in large artery and brain ECs significantly enhanced barrier resistance and cortical rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, we found that the barrier effect of Vav3 is dependent on its Dbl homology domain and downstream activation of Rap1. Importantly, inactivation of Vav3 in vivo resulted in increased vascular leakage, highlighting its function as a key regulator of barrier stability.
Material selection in a sustainable manufacturing practice of a badminton racket frame using Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE) Method
Authors: Che Hassan Muhammad Firdhaus , Mohd Rosli Mohd Uzair , Mohd Redzuan Muhammad Afiq
Published: June 2018

Badminton is one of the leading sports in the world. It has its own set of rules on the equipments used and general game play. One of the main equipment used is the badminton racket. Each sections of a badminton racket have its own design requirements and one of it is the racket’s material selection. Therefore, material selection is very important to improve the usage of a badminton racket. This study describes the use of the Elimination and Choice Expressing Reality (ELECTRE) method in the material selection of a badminton racket frame with reference to the sustainable manufacturing practice of the frame. By categorizing the materials of the badminton racket frame according to mechanical, physical, chemical and environmental properties, and further detailed sub criteria were set according to the usage of these frames, the ELECTRE I method was used to determine the dominant material. Out of the six materials usually used in the manufacturing of a badminton racket frame, carbon fibre was the dominant material selected from three out of the four properties which are the mechanical, chemical and most importantly the environmental properties, as to comply with the sustainable manufacturing practice of these frames.
BOD and DO Identification of Jeneberrang-River Water as Water Source
Authors: Basir Basir , Haris Ibrahim Abdul
Published: June 2018

Water is a part of life on the surface of the earth. It is not a new substance which no life on earth can survive without water. This study aims to identify the quality of river water of jeneberang as municipal waterworks (PDAM) raw regarding to turbidity parameters, BOD, and DO. The used methodology is observational with descriptive approach. The sampling technique was done by grasping each sample for turbidity parameter, BOD and DO in four IPAM water inlet of Makassar City. This sampling was conducted at Laboratory of Environmental Health Engineering Center (BTKL) and Disease Control using Nephelometric Turbidity Unit, Titrimetry, and Spectrophotometric method. The results of the examination showed that the turbidity level> 5 NTU, so it is not eligible to be drunk directly. The levels for BOD and eligibles for not exceeding the specified limits are <3 mg / l and <25 mg / l and in DO for Maccini Sombala <4 mg / l region, so it is not eligible. The conclusion in this research that turbidity parameter, BOD and DO qualify as the raw water of PDAM have to be processed so that water can be drunk by society.
Soil physicochemical properties to evaluate soil degradation under different land use types in a high rainfall tropical region: A case study from South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Ahmad A , Lopulisa C , Imran A M , Baja S
Published: June 2018

Intensive cropping in the tropical region always becomes one of important driving forces of soil degradation. The primary aim of this study is to analyze the states and the dynamics of soil physicochemical properties to evaluate soil degradation in the tropical region a high rainfall on agricultural areas in South Sulawesi. A number of soil characteristics were analyzed for physical and chemical properties, and clay minerals with X-ray diffractometer. The degree of soil degradation is determined using Wischmeier and Smith equation. This study reveals that mean annual precipitation in 1979-2016 ranged from 1853.15 to 2981.30 mm/year. For land used for paddy field, palm oil, cacao and coffee plantation, the texture dominated with silt loam-clay loam, cation exchange capacity was 18.63-26.32 cmol+ kg-1, 0.98-2.91% of C-organic, 32-55% of base saturation, 0.1-3.5 cm h-1 of permeability, soil clay minerals were montmorillonite-kaolinite-halloysite, and the index erodibility was 0.3-0.5. Land used for mixed plants and shrubs, the texture dominated with silt loam-sandy clay loam, cation exchange capacity was 18.63-27.12 cmol+ kg-1, 1.09-2.89% of C-organic, 32-55% of base saturation, 0.2-4.9 cm/h of permeability, soil clay minerals were kaolinite-halloysite, and index erodibility was 0.1-0.3. Land use for cultivated in the high intensity of rainfall has changed the physicochemical properties of soils, but cultivated in monoculture has at some degree increased soil erodibility.
The use of social media and open data in promoting civic co-management: case of Jakarta
Authors: Widyanarko Pritta A
Published: June 2018

Abstract. With the high number of population and high use of social media, residents willingly share information in the digital world. While cities are sometimes seen as data-scarce, this digital platform produces informal and scattered, but also valuable data. One way to prepare for co-management during disaster situations is to extend these informal networks to include a channel between residents and government agencies. The platform PetaBencana.id crowd-sources these actual and on-ground observations from residents on social media and instant messaging, integrates the informal and formal disaster-related-data, gives the residents access to the same tool used by the government, and provides an interface that answers to residents and government’s needs; thus making the information more useful in co-managing the city during disaster situation. More information-based decisions can be made by both the residents and government through improved situational knowledge, resulting in better disaster response and resilience of the city.
Hybrid Method for Power Control Simulation of a Single Fluid Plasma Thruster
Authors: Jaisankar S. , Sheshadri T. S.
Published: June 2018

Propulsive plasma flow through a cylindrical-conical diverging thruster is simulated by a power controlled hybrid method to obtain the basic flow, thermodynamic and electromagnetic variables. Simulation is based on a single fluid model with electromagnetics being described by the equations of potential Poisson, Maxwell and the Ohm's law while the compressible fluid dynamics by the Navier Stokes in cylindrical form. The proposed method solved the electromagnetics and fluid dynamics separately, both to segregate the two prominent scales for an efficient computation and for the delivery of voltage controlled rated power. The magnetic transport is solved for steady state while fluid dynamics is allowed to evolve in time along with an electromagnetic source using schemes based on generalized finite difference discretization. The multistep methodology with power control is employed for simulating fully ionized propulsive flow of argon plasma through the thruster. Numerical solution shows convergence of every part of the solver including grid stability causing the multistep hybrid method to converge for a rated power delivery. Simulation results are reasonably in agreement with the reported physics of plasma flow in the thruster thus indicating the potential utility of this hybrid computational framework, especially when single fluid approximation of plasma is relevant.
MetQy—an R package to query metabolic functions of genes and genomes
Authors: Martinez-Vernon Andrea S , Farrell Frederick , Soyer Orkun S
Published: June 2018

With the rapid accumulation of sequencing data from genomic and metagenomic studies, there is an acute need for better tools that facilitate their analyses against biological functions. To this end, we developed MetQy, an open–source R package designed for query–based analysis of functional units in [meta]genomes and/or sets of genes using the The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Furthermore, MetQy contains visualization and analysis tools and facilitates KEGG’s flat file manipulation. Thus, MetQy enables better understanding of metabolic capabilities of known genomes or user–specified [meta]genomes by using the available information and can help guide studies in microbial ecology, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.

Availability and implementation

The MetQy R package is freely available and can be downloaded from our group’s website (http://osslab.lifesci.warwick.ac.uk) or GitHub (https://github.com/OSS-Lab/MetQy).
MIDORI server: a webserver for taxonomic assignment of unknown metazoan mitochondrial-encoded sequences using a curated database
Authors: Leray Matthieu , Ho Shian-Lei , Lin I-Jeng , Machida Ryuji J
Published: June 2018

We present MIDORI server, a user-friendly web platform that uses a curated reference dataset, MIDORI, for high throughput taxonomic classification of unknown metazoan mitochondrial-encoded gene sequences. Currently three methods of taxonomic assignments: RDP Classifier, SPINGO and SINTAX, are implemented.

Availability and implementation

The web server is freely available at {http://reference-midori.info/server.php}.
Role of genetics in the prediction of statin-associated muscle symptoms and optimization of statin use and adherence
Authors: Brunham Liam R , Baker Steven , Mammen Andrew , Mancini G B John , Rosenson Robert S
Published: June 2018

Statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events in patients with, or at risk of, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, statins are underutilized in patients for whom they are indicated and are frequently discontinued. Discontinuation may be the result of statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), which encompass a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes from myalgia to severe myopathy. As with many adverse drug reactions (ADRs), inter-individual variability in susceptibility to SAMS is due, at least in part, to differences in host genetics. The genetic basis for SAMS has been investigated in candidate gene studies, genome-wide association studies, and, more recently, studies of multi-omic networks, including at the transcriptome level. In this article, we provide a systematic review of the pharmacogenetic basis of SAMS, focusing on how an understanding of the genetic and molecular determinants of SAMS can be considered in a personalized approach to reduce the incidence of this ADR, optimize statin adherence, and reduce the risk for cardiovascular events.
Massive NGS data analysis reveals hundreds of potential novel gene fusions in human cell lines
Authors: Gioiosa Silvia , Bolis Marco , Flati Tiziano , Massini Annalisa , Garattini Enrico , Chillemi Giovanni , Fratelli Maddalena , Castrignanò Tiziana
Published: June 2018

Background

Gene fusions derive from chromosomal rearrangements. The resulting chimeric transcripts are often endowed with oncogenic potential. Furthermore, they serve as diagnostic tools for the clinical classification of cancer subgroups with different prognosis and, in some cases, they can provide specific drug targets. To date, many efforts have been carried out to study gene fusion events occurring in tumor samples. In recent years, the availability of a comprehensive next-generation sequencing dataset for all existing human tumor cell lines has provided the opportunity to further investigate these data in order to identify novel and still uncharacterized gene fusion events.

Results

In our work, we have extensively reanalyzed 935 paired-end RNA-sequencing experiments downloaded from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia repository, aiming at addressing novel putative cell-line specific gene fusion events in human malignancies. The bioinformatics analysis has been performed by the execution of four gene fusion detection algorithms. The results have been further prioritized by running a Bayesian classifier that makes an in silico validation. The collection of fusion events supported by all of the predictive software results in a robust set of ~1,700 in silico predicted novel candidates suitable for downstream analyses. Given the huge amount of data and information produced, computational results have been systematized in a database named LiGeA. The database can be browsed through a dynamic and interactive web portal, further integrated with validated data from other well-known repositories. Taking advantage of the intuitive query forms, the users can easily access, navigate, filter, and select the putative gene fusions for further validations and studies. They can also find suitable experimental models for a given fusion of interest.

Conclusions

We believe that the LiGeA resource can represent not only the first compendium of both known and putative novel gene fusion events in the catalog of all of the human malignant cell lines but it can also become a handy starting point for wet-lab biologists who wish to investigate novel cancer biomarkers and specific drug targets.
Deformation of Tilting-type Derived Equivalences for Crepant Resolutions
Authors: Hara Wahei
Published: June 2018

We say that an exact equivalence between the derived categories of two algebraic varieties is tilting type if it is constructed by using tilting bundles. The aim of this article is to understand the behavior of tilting-type equivalences for crepant resolutions under deformations. As an application of the method that we establish in this article, we study the derived equivalence for stratified Mukai flops and stratified Atiyah flops in terms of tilting bundles.
Principal Actions of Stacky Lie Groupoids
Authors: Bursztyn Henrique , Noseda Francesco , Zhu Chenchang
Published: June 2018

Stacky Lie groupoids are generalizations of Lie groupoids in which the “space of arrows” of the groupoid is a differentiable stack. In this paper, we consider actions of stacky Lie groupoids on differentiable stacks and their associated quotients. We provide a characterization of principal actions of stacky Lie groupoids, that is, actions whose quotients are again differentiable stacks in such a way that the projection onto the quotient is a principal bundle. As an application, we extend the notion of Morita equivalence of Lie groupoids to the realm of stacky Lie groupoids, providing examples that naturally arise from non-integrable Lie algebroids.
Influence of Cotton Root System Size on Tolerance to Rotylenchulus reniformis
Authors: Galbieri Rafael , Davis Richard F. , Kobayasti Leimi , Albuquerque Maria C. F. , Bélot Jean-Louis , Echer Fabio R. , Boldt Alberto S.
Published: June 2018

The factors that influence the ability of cotton to minimize yield loss despite parasitism by Rotylenchulus reniformis (i.e., tolerance) were evaluated for 12 cotton genotypes. Reproduction of R. reniformis and total length of the root system were measured under greenhouse conditions, and the relationship of those variables to yield loss caused by R. reniformis in infested fields was evaluated. Values for nematodes per gram of root and root length were standardized by setting the genotype with greatest value as 100% and then calculating a percentage for each genotype. There was significant variability among genotypes in yield loss, resistance, and root length. Average yield loss for the genotypes ranged from 10.4% for IAC 26RMD to 43.2% for IMACD 5675B2RF. The least nematode reproduction was on IAC 26RMD, which had 49.6% of the reproduction on the susceptible check, Deltapine 16. The genotype with the shortest total root length was 34% less than the genotype with the greatest length. There was a significant linear relationship between percentage yield loss caused by R. reniformis and root length and nematodes per gram of root, both expressed as a percentage of the maximum, represented by the following equation: Yield loss (%) = 16.1258 – 0.1918*(% maximum root length) + 0.3728*(% maximum eggs + vermiform/g of roots). We conclude that tolerance to R. reniformis in cotton is influenced by the size of the root system and the parasitic load on the plant (nematodes per gram of root). Management approaches that increase root growth may lower the parasitic load, thereby reducing losses in cotton to R. reniformis.
The Family Meal Challenge
Authors: Fruh Sharon M. , Mulekar Madhuri S. , Crook Errol , Hall Heather R. , Adams James , Lemley Trey
Published: June 2018

African Americans have increased rates of overweight and obesity and are least likely to participate in family meals compared with other racial groups. A Family Meal Challenge (FMC) was developed with the objective of empowering individuals to eat healthy meals together as a family. The FMC was presented through four classes in three churches, two faith-based ministries, and two community service programs in health disparity zip codes. Surveys (N = 257) indicated a positive response. Engaging participants and teaching the benefits of eating healthy family meals in a faith-based environment are feasible and may increase the frequency of family meals. Information is provided to create and implement an FMC in any faith setting.
Virtual Prayer Groups
Authors: Jacobson Sheri , Stallwood Lynda
Published: June 2018

Nurses face challenges in their caregiving work, risking compassion fatigue. Online nurse educators, with 24/7 expectations to respond to students, face such issues. This article relates the experience of three online nurse educators who established a virtual prayer group online and found it to be spiritually nourishing. Suggestions for establishing a virtual prayer group are provided.
Faith Lessons from Colleagues and Patients
Authors: Haines Don
Published: June 2018

Although nurses' backgrounds are widely diverse, commonalities exist in faith and belief that can promote unity. Seeking to find shared ideals or beliefs promotes appreciation for team members' contributions, stronger working relationships, and benefit to patients. Vignettes of colleagues and patients illustrate the author's deepened understanding of this facet of nursing practice.