bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and energetics of carbon defects in SiC (0001)/SiO2 systems at realistic temperatures: Defects in SiC, SiO2, and at their interface
Authors: Kobayashi Takuma , Matsushita Yu-ichiro
Published: October 2019

We report systematic first-principles calculations that reveal the atomic configurations, stability, and energy levels of carbon defects in SiC (0001)/SiO2 systems. We clarify the stable position (i.e., in SiC, SiO2, or at SiC/SiO2 interfaces) of defects depending on the oxidation environment (an oxygen-rich or -poor condition). At finite temperatures, the chemical potential of atomic species was corrected referring to thermochemical tables in order to obtain the temperature-dependent defect formation energies. Under an oxygen-rich condition, we found that the dicarbon antisite [(C2)Si] in SiC is one of the favorable defects at a typical oxidation temperature of 1600 K and it creates a localized level near the conduction band edge of SiC, being a critical defect for n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). A variety of carbon-dimer defects at a SiC/SiO2 interface, such as Si—CO—CO2, Si—CO—CO—Si, and Si—(CO)—CO2, are stable under the oxygen-rich condition at 1600 K, and they create localized levels relatively close to the valence band edge of SiC, thus being critical defects for p-channel MOSFETs. In the viewpoint of static energetics, our results suggest that the oxidation of SiC under a high-temperature oxygen-poor condition is effective in suppressing the generation of carbon defects.
Ferroelectricity in the 1
μ
C cm−2 range induced by canted antiferromagnetism in (LaMn3)Mn4O12
Authors: Gauzzi A. , Milton F. P. , Pascotto Gastaldo V. , Verseils M. , Gualdi A. J. , von Dreifus D. , Klein Y. , Garcia D. , de Oliveira A. J. A. , Bordet P. , Gilioli E.
Published: October 2019

Pyroelectric current and field-dependent specific heat measurements on polycrystalline samples of the quadruple perovskite (LaMn3)Mn4O12 give evidence of ferroelectricity driven by the canted antiferromagnetic ordering of the B-site Mn3+ ions at TN,B=78 K with record large remnant electric polarization up to 0.56 μC cm−2. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate an anomalous behavior of the monoclinic β angle at TN,B, which suggests that the polarization lies in the ac-plane, where the moments are collinear, and that symmetric exchange striction is the mechanism of spin-driven ferroelectricity. Polarization values up to ∼3–6 μC cm−2 are expected in single crystals or epitaxial films, which would enable the development of practical multiferroic applications.
Study on the charging current of surface traps in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with a slot gate structure
Authors: Cao Qirui , Wang Jinyan , Li Mengjun , Wang Hongyue , Tao Qianqian , Zhang Bin , Wu Wengang
Published: October 2019

The charging current of surface traps in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with a slot gate structure was investigated. A slot was formed in the middle of the gate metal via the lift-off process. Even though the slot gate only partially controlled the channel, the transient drain current gradually decreased toward a saturated off-state value with increasing measurement time after application of an off-state gate voltage. This indicated that the slot gate was still capable of turning off the entire channel. Analysis of the experimental results indicated that electrons were injected from the gate and trapped in the slot region, resulting in the depletion of the slot channel. An equivalent charging current by the surface traps on AlGaN could be inferred via the charge conservation principle. Temperature-dependent measurements of the charging current showed that it could be well fitted by the Poole-Frenkel conduction mechanism, with an extracted trap energy level of 0.129 eV.
Nonlinear phase bores in drift wave-zonal flow dynamics
Authors: Kang H. , Diamond P. H.
Published: October 2019

A minimal model of nonlinear phase dynamics in drift waves is shown to support phase bore solutions. Coupled nonlinear equations for amplitude, phase, and zonal flow are derived for the Hasegawa-Mima system and specialized to the case of spatiotemporally constant amplitude. In that limit, phase curvature (finite second derivative of the phase with respect to the radius) alone generates propagating shear flows. The phase field evolves nonlinearly by a competition between phase steepening and dispersion. The analytical solution of the model reveals that the phase bore solutions so obtained realize the concept of a phase slip in a concrete dynamical model of drift wave dynamics. The implications for phase turbulence are discussed.
Electrically detected-magnetic-resonance identifications of defects at 4H-SiC(0001¯)/SiO2 interfaces with wet oxidation
Authors: Umeda T. , Kagoyama Y. , Tomita K. , Abe Y. , Sometani M. , Okamoto M. , Harada S. , Hatakeyama T.
Published: October 2019

We present electrically detected-magnetic-resonance (EDMR) identification of major and minor interface defects at wet-oxidized 4H-SiC(0001¯)/SiO2 interfaces for C-face 4H-SiC metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors. The major interface defects are identified as c-axial types of carbon-antisite-carbon-vacancy (CSiVC) defects. Their positive (+1) charge state generates a spin-1/2 EDMR center named “C-face defects” and behaves as an interfacial hole trap. This center is responsible for the effective hydrogen passivation of the C face. We also identify a minor type of interface defect at this interface called “P8 centers,” which appear as spin-1 centers. Judging from their similarity to the P7 centers (divacancies, VSiVC) in SiC, they were assigned to be a sort of basal-type interfacial VSiVC defect. Since both the CSiVC and VSiVC defects are known as promising single photon sources (SPSs) in SiC, the wet oxidation of the C face will have good potential for developing SPSs embedded at SiC surfaces.
Planar anisotropic Shubnikov-de-Haas oscillations of two-dimensional electron gas in AlN/GaN heterostructure
Authors: Yang Liuyun , Wang Jingyue , Wang Tao , Wu Meng , Wang Ping , Wang Ding , Yang Xuelin , Xu Fujun , Ge Weikun , Wu Xiaosong , Wang Xinqiang , Shen Bo
Published: October 2019

Two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) buried in ultrathin barrier AlN/GaN heterostructures is the key to exploit high-speed and high-power devices in the aspect of modern semiconductor electronics. Here, we report Shubnikov-de-Haas oscillations of the 2DEG in an AlN/GaN heterostructure with planar anisotropy along [11-20] and [1-100] axes. The effective mass extracted from oscillations exhibits an evident disparity, as (0.19 ± 0.02)me along the [11-20] axis and (0.24 ± 0.02)me along the [1-100] axis. Meanwhile, the quantum scattering time is obviously different along the aforementioned directions, with 0.08 vs 0.26 ps for the first subband and 0.19 vs 0.27 ps for the second subband. Both the effective mass and the quantum scattering time contribute to the anisotropy of the quantum mobility, which are 750 and 1907 cm2/V s for E1 and 1760 and 1980 cm2/V s for E2 along [11-20] and [1-100] axes, respectively. These parameters are obviously crucial in designing devices using AlN/GaN heterostructures.
Asymmetric vortexes induced traveling drop on an oscillatory liquid bath
Authors: Tsai Meng-Hsien , Law Kiat Li , Chu Hong-Yu
Published: October 2019

The traveling and dancing behaviors of the bouncing drops on the oscillating liquid bath have been reported in several investigations. It was shown that the normal force during the impact of the drop on an inclined liquid surface is responsible for the traveling of a 0.8 mm-sized drop. Here, we report that a pair of vortexes can be induced by the repeated impact of a 2 mm-sized drop on an oscillatory liquid bath. The traveling of a large drop on the oscillatory liquid bath with an inclined bottom is found to be associated with the induced asymmetric vortex flow underneath the liquid surface. The effect of the vortex flow becomes significant for the size of a drop larger than 1.8 mm. Two-coupled drops with different sizes are found to be self-propelled on the oscillatory liquid bath with a flat bottom. The coupled drops propagate toward the direction of the small-sized drop. The distribution of the vortex flow is investigated by the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and the numerical simulation of the acoustic streaming model. PIV measurement and numerical simulation of the speed distribution of the vortex flows induced by the single bouncing drop and two-coupled drops show consistent results. It is suspected that the traveling of two-coupled drops is associated with the motion of the small drop and the liquid flow near the liquid surface.
Cryo atomic layer etching of SiO2 by C4F8 physisorption followed by Ar plasma
Authors: Antoun G. , Lefaucheux P. , Tillocher T. , Dussart R. , Yamazaki K. , Yatsuda K. , Faguet J. , Maekawa K.
Published: October 2019

Atomic Layer Etching is performed on SiO2 samples cooled down to a very low temperature (below −100 °C). C4F8 gas flow is injected and molecules physisorb on the cooled surfaces. Etching is then carried out using argon plasma with a low ion energy. Atomic layer etching of SiO2 has been proved for a temperature of −120 °C, whereas no etching was obtained at −110 °C. The etched amount per cycle is 0.4 nm. Self-limiting etching was achieved and evidenced by in situ ellipsometry. It is also shown that working at low sample temperature with this type of process prevents reactor wall contamination. This enables us to process many etching cycles without drift in etched amount per cycle. In order to characterize the surface roughness after etching, Atomic Force Microscopy has been performed, showing a slight increase of about 0.8 nm for a 27 nm SiO2 etched depth.
Quasi-classical trajectory-based non-equilibrium chemical reaction models for hypersonic air flows
Authors: Mankodi Tapan K. , Myong R. S.
Published: October 2019

Phenomenological models, such as Park’s widely used two temperature model, overpredict the reaction rate coefficients at vibrationally cold conditions and underpredict it at vibrationally hot conditions. To this end, two new chemical reaction models, the nonequilibrium total temperature (NETT) and nonequilibrium piecewise interpolation models for the continuum framework are presented. The focus is on matching the reaction rate coefficients calculated using a quasiclassical trajectory based dissociation cross section database. The NETT model is an intuitive model based on physical understanding of the reaction at a molecular level. A new nonequilibrium parameter and the use of total temperature in the exponential term of the Arrhenius fit ensure the NETT model has a simple and straightforward implementation. The efficacy of the new model was investigated for several equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions in the form of heat bath simulations. Additionally, two-dimensional hypersonic flows around a flat blunt-body were simulated by employing various chemical reaction models to validate the new models using experimental shock tube data. Park’s two temperature model predicted higher dissociation rates and a higher degree of dissociation leading to lower peak vibrational temperatures compared to those predicted by the new nonequilibrium models. Overall, the present work demonstrates that the new nonequilibrium models perform better than Park’s two temperature model, especially in simulations with a high degree of nonequilibrium, particularly as observed in re-entry flows.
Air-water meniscus shape in superhydrophobic triangular microgroove is dictated by a critical pressure under dynamic conditions
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Saha Sandip K. , Chakraborty Suman
Published: October 2019

We bring out a critical force for shape transition of air-water meniscus in superhydrophobic triangular microgrooves under dynamic conditions, considering an intricate interplay of the viscous and capillary forces. A closed form theoretical expression for the critical force depicts its explicit dependence on the groove geometry and relevant physical properties. A negative value of this critical force denotes a convex meniscus shape, whereas a positive value signifies a concave meniscus shape. Considering the shape transition, the critical pressure is further interpreted to denote a physical condition under which the meniscus is nontrivially flat, despite the existence of surface tension forces. Our analysis opens up a paradigm by which the meniscus shape in a groove can be virtually controlled at will, consistent with the specific requirements such as drag reduction, as demanded by the application on hand.
Enhanced thermal stability of InP quantum dots coated with Al-doped ZnS shell
Authors: Koh Sungjun , Lee Hyeonjun , Lee Taemin , Park Kyoungwon , Kim Woo-Jae , Lee Doh C.
Published: October 2019

Colloidal InP quantum dots (QDs) have attracted a surge of interest as environmentally friendly light-emitters in downconversion liquid crystal displays and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A ZnS shell on InP-based core QDs has helped achieve high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) and stability. Yet, due to the difficulty in the growth of a thick ZnS shell without crystalline defects, InP-based core/shell QDs show inferior stability against QY drop compared to Cd chalcogenide precedents, e.g., CdSe/CdS core/thick-shell QDs. In this work, we demonstrate the synthesis of InP-based core/shell QDs coated with an Al-doped ZnS outer shell. QDs with an Al-doped shell exhibit remarkable improvement in thermal and air stability even when the shell thickness is below 2 nm, while the absorption and PL spectra, size, and crystal structure are nearly the same as the case of QDs with a pristine ZnS shell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that Al3+ in Al-doped QDs forms an Al-oxide layer at elevated temperature under ambient atmosphere. The as-formed Al-oxide layer blocks the access of external oxidative species penetrating into QDs and prevents QDs from oxidative degradation. We also trace the chemical pathway of the incorporation of Al3+ into ZnS lattice during the shell growth. Furthermore, we fabricate QD-LEDs using Al-doped and undoped QDs and compare the optoelectronic characteristics and stability.
Electronic g-tensors of nanodiamonds: Dependence on the size, shape, and surface functionalization
Authors: Masys Š. , Rinkevicius Z. , Tamulienė J.
Published: October 2019

The electronic g-tensor dependence on the size, shape, and surface functionalization of nanodiamonds (NDs) is theoretically investigated by selecting dangling bonds and single substitutional nitrogen atoms as a main source of the unpaired electrons. The performed g-tensor calculations reveal that aforementioned paramagnetic impurities introduced into octahedrally shaped ND of C84H64 size behave in a very similar manner as those embedded into a smaller octahedral model of C35H36 size. Since cubic and tetrahedral NDs—C54H48 and C51H52—demonstrate a wider range of g-shift values than octahedral systems, the g-tensor dependence on different shapes can be considered as more pronounced. However, a different surface functionalization scheme, namely, fluorination, results in a much larger variation of the g-shifts, pointing to a significant impact the F atoms have on the local environment of the unpaired electrons in C35F36. A partial surface functionalization of C35H36 with benzoic acid and aniline groups indicates that, in some special cases, these linkers might induce a noticeable spin density redistribution which in turn substantially modifies the g-shift values of the system. Additional infrared (IR) spectra calculations show that some of paramagnetic defects in C35H36 and C35F36 possess clearly expressed signatures which could be useful while analyzing the experimental IR spectra of NDs.
Modeling state-selective photodetachment in cold ion traps: Rotational state “crowding” in small anions
Authors: Gianturco F. A. , González-Sánchez L. , Mant B. P. , Wester R.
Published: October 2019

Using accurate ab initio calculations of the interaction forces, we employ a quantum mechanical description of the collisional state-changing processes that occur in a cold ion trap with He as a buffer gas. We generate the corresponding inelastic rates for rotational transitions involving three simple molecular anions OH−(1Σ), MgH−(1Σ), and C2H−(1Σ) colliding with the helium atoms of the trap. We show that the rotational constants of these molecular anions are such that within the low-temperature regimes of a cold ion trap (up to about 50 K), a different proportion of molecular states are significantly populated when loading helium as a buffer gas in the trap. By varying the trap operating conditions, population equilibrium at the relevant range of temperatures is reached within different time scales. In the modeling of the photodetachment experiments, we analyze the effects of varying the chosen values for photodetachment rates as well as the laser photon fluxes. Additionally, the changing of the collision dynamics under different buffer gas densities is examined and the best operating conditions, for the different anions, for yielding higher populations of specific rotational states within the ion traps are extracted. The present modeling thus illustrates possible preparation of the trap conditions for carrying out more efficiently state-selected experiments with the trapped anions.
Thermal emission at the optical topological transition
Authors: Debnath Sanjay , Narimanov Evgenii E.
Published: October 2019

We develop a theoretical description of far-field thermal radiation near optical topological transitions. Our results show a strong asymmetric pattern of reduced emission near the transition from type-I hyperbolic to dielectric responses and are applicable in both naturally available and composite media.
Tunable multimodal magnetoplasmonic metasurfaces
Authors: Musorin A. I. , Chetvertukhin A. V. , Dolgova T. V. , Uchida H. , Inoue M. , Luk'yanchuk B. S. , Fedyanin A. A.
Published: October 2019

The spectrally controllable enhancement of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect is realized in 2D hybrid metal-dielectric magnetoplasmonic metasurfaces. The light diffracted at different interfaces allows one to manipulate light phase in the condition of plasmonic and waveguiding resonance excitation controllable via the azimuthal angle. The multimodal nature of the system provides the flexible tunability of its magneto-optical response.
Compact quantum dot surface modification to enable emergent behaviors in quantum dot-DNA composites
Authors: Dehankar Abhilasha , Porter Thomas , Johnson Joshua A. , Castro Carlos E. , Winter Jessica O.
Published: October 2019

Quantum dot (QD) biological imaging and sensing applications often require surface modification with single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) oligonucleotides. Furthermore, ssDNA conjugation can be leveraged for precision QD templating via higher-order DNA nanostructures to exploit emergent behaviors in photonic applications. Use of ssDNA-QDs across these platforms requires compact, controlled conjugation that engenders QD stability over a wide pH range and in solutions of high ionic strength. However, current ssDNA-QD conjugation approaches suffer from limitations, such as the requirement for thick coatings, low control over ssDNA labeling density, requirement of large amounts of ssDNA, or low colloidal or photostability, restraining implementation in many applications. Here, we combine thin, multidentate, phytochelatin-3 (PC3) QD passivation techniques with strain-promoted copper-free alkyne-azide click chemistry to yield functional ssDNA-QDs with high stability. This process was broadly applicable across QD sizes (i.e., λem = 540, 560, 600 nm), ssDNA lengths (i.e., 10–16 base pairs, bps), and sequences (poly thymine, mixed bps). The resulting compact ssDNA-QDs displayed a fluorescence quenching efficiency of up to 89% by hybridization with complementary ssDNA-AuNPs. Furthermore, ssDNA-QDs were successfully incorporated with higher-order DNA origami nanostructure templates. Thus, this approach, combining PC3 passivation with click chemistry, generates ssDNA-PC3-QDs that enable emergent QD properties in DNA-based devices and applications.
TNF receptor 2 signaling prevents DNA methylation at the
Foxp3
promoter and prevents pathogenic conversion of regulatory T cells
Authors: Tseng Wen-Yi , Huang Yi-Shu , Clanchy Felix , McNamee Kay , Perocheau Dany , Ogbechi Joy , Luo Shue-Fen , Feldmann Marc , McCann Fiona E. , Williams Richard O.
Published: October 2019

Significance

TNF signals via 2 receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2. Anti-TNF biologics, which block signaling via both receptors, are now being used to treat millions of patients worldwide for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. This study demonstrates that TNFR2 plays a major role in limiting the severity and duration of arthritis in animal models and that TNFR2 is important for maintaining the functional activity and phenotypic stability of Treg cells, which are major cellular mediators of immune homeostasis. Treg cells express the functionally important transcription factor FoxP3, and we show that TNFR2 is required for preventing DNA methylation at the
Foxp3
promoter thereby maintaining its transcriptional activity. This suggests that specific blockade of TNFR1 would be advantageous.
GIGANTEA gates gibberellin signaling through stabilization of the DELLA proteins in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Nohales Maria A. , Kay Steve A.
Published: October 2019

Significance

The circadian clock integrates environmental cues with internal biological processes to generate robust rhythms in almost all aspects of plant physiology. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pervasive regulation of plant physiology and development by the circadian clock are still being unraveled. Our study identifies the clock protein GIGANTEA as a key regulator of the response to gibberellins through the regulation of pivotal factors in the signaling of this hormone. Direct modulation of hub components in signaling networks by the circadian clock provides a means through which the oscillator can effectively transduce timing information to an extensive array of physiological pathways.
Disease-associated mutations in Niemann-Pick type C1 alter ER calcium signaling and neuronal plasticity
Authors: Tiscione Scott A. , Vivas Oscar , Ginsburg Kenneth S. , Bers Donald M. , Ory Daniel S. , Santana Luis F. , Dixon Rose E. , Dickson Eamonn J.
Published: October 2019

Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) protein is essential for the transport of externally derived cholesterol from lysosomes to other organelles. Deficiency of NPC1 underlies the progressive NPC1 neurodegenerative disorder. Currently, there are no curative therapies for this fatal disease. Given the Ca2+ hypothesis of neurodegeneration, which posits that altered Ca2+ dynamics contribute to neuropathology, we tested if disease mutations in NPC1 alter Ca2+ signaling and neuronal plasticity. We determine that NPC1 inhibition or disease mutations potentiate store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) due to a presenilin 1 (PSEN1)–dependent reduction in ER Ca2+ levels alongside elevated expression of the molecular SOCE components ORAI1 and STIM1. Associated with this dysfunctional Ca2+ signaling is destabilization of neuronal dendritic spines. Knockdown of PSEN1 or inhibition of the SREBP pathway restores Ca2+ homeostasis, corrects differential protein expression, reduces cholesterol accumulation, and rescues spine density. These findings highlight lysosomes as a crucial signaling platform responsible for tuning ER Ca2+ signaling, SOCE, and synaptic architecture in health and disease.
A homozygous SFTPA1 mutation drives necroptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Takezaki Akio , Tsukumo Shin-ichi , Setoguchi Yasuhiro , Ledford Julie G. , Goto Hisatsugu , Hosomichi Kazuyoshi , Uehara Hisanori , Nishioka Yasuhiko , Yasutomo Koji
Published: October 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease characterized by scattered fibrotic lesions in the lungs. The pathogenesis and genetic basis of IPF remain poorly understood. Here, we show that a homozygous missense mutation in SFTPA1 caused IPF in a consanguineous Japanese family. The mutation in SFTPA1 disturbed the secretion of SFTPA1 protein. Sftpa1 knock-in (Sftpa1-KI) mice that harbored the same mutation as patients spontaneously developed pulmonary fibrosis that was accelerated by influenza virus infection. Sftpa1-KI mice showed increased necroptosis of alveolar epithelial type II (AEII) cells with phosphorylation of IRE1α leading to JNK-mediated up-regulation of Ripk3. The inhibition of JNK ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis in Sftpa1-KI mice, and overexpression of Ripk3 in Sftpa1-KI mice treated with a JNK inhibitor worsened pulmonary fibrosis. These findings provide new insight into the mechanisms of IPF in which a mutation in SFTPA1 promotes necroptosis of AEII cells through JNK-mediated up-regulation of Ripk3, highlighting the necroptosis pathway as a therapeutic target for IPF.
A novel disorder involving dyshematopoiesis, inflammation, and HLH due to aberrant CDC42 function
Authors: Lam Michael T. , Coppola Simona , Krumbach Oliver H.F. , Prencipe Giusi , Insalaco Antonella , Cifaldi Cristina , Brigida Immacolata , Zara Erika , Scala Serena , Di Cesare Silvia , Martinelli Simone , Di Rocco Martina , Pascarella Antonia , Niceta Marcello , Pantaleoni Francesca , Ciolfi Andrea , Netter Petra , Carisey Alexandre F. , Diehl Michael , Akbarzadeh Mohammad , Conti Francesca , Merli Pietro , Pastore Anna , Levi Mortera Stefano , Camerini Serena , Farina Luciapia , Buchholzer Marcel , Pannone Luca , Cao Tram N. , Coban-Akdemir Zeynep H. , Jhangiani Shalini N. , Muzny Donna M. , Gibbs Richard A. , Basso-Ricci Luca , Chiriaco Maria , Dvorsky Radovan , Putignani Lorenza , Carsetti Rita , Janning Petra , Stray-Pedersen Asbjorg , Erichsen Hans Christian , Horne AnnaCarin , Bryceson Yenan T. , Torralba-Raga Lamberto , Ramme Kim , Rosti Vittorio , Bracaglia Claudia , Messia Virginia , Palma Paolo , Finocchi Andrea , Locatelli Franco , Chinn Ivan K. , Lupski James R. , Mace Emily M. , Cancrini Caterina , Aiuti Alessandro , Ahmadian Mohammad R. , Orange Jordan S. , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Tartaglia Marco
Published: October 2019

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by immune dysregulation due to inadequate restraint of overactivated immune cells and is associated with a variable clinical spectrum having overlap with more common pathophysiologies. HLH is difficult to diagnose and can be part of inflammatory syndromes. Here, we identify a novel hematological/autoinflammatory condition (NOCARH syndrome) in four unrelated patients with superimposable features, including neonatal-onset cytopenia with dyshematopoiesis, autoinflammation, rash, and HLH. Patients shared the same de novo CDC42 mutation (Chr1:22417990C>T, p.R186C) and altered hematopoietic compartment, immune dysregulation, and inflammation. CDC42 mutations had been associated with syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders. In vitro and in vivo assays documented unique effects of p.R186C on CDC42 localization and function, correlating with the distinctiveness of the trait. Emapalumab was critical to the survival of one patient, who underwent successful bone marrow transplantation. Early recognition of the disorder and establishment of treatment followed by bone marrow transplant are important to survival.
Migraine with brainstem aura: defining the core syndrome
Authors: Yamani Nooshin , Chalmer Mona Ameri , Olesen Jes
Published: October 2019

‘Migraine with brainstem aura’ – previously ‘basilar migraine’ – is a much disputed entity. By reviewing published case reports, a large dataset from a headache centre and a cohort of telephone-interviewed patients, Yamani et al. confirm the existence of migraine with brainstem aura and develop diagnostic criteria to define the core syndrome.
PRCD is Concentrated at the Base of Photoreceptor Outer Segments and is Involved in Outer Segment Disc Formation
Authors: Allon Gilad , Mann Irit , Remez Lital , Sehn Elisabeth , Rizel Leah , Nevet Mariela J , Perlman Ido , Wolfrum Uwe , Ben-Yosef Tamar
Published: October 2019

Mutations of the PRCD gene are associated with rod-cone degeneration in both dogs and humans. Prcd is expressed in the mouse eye as early as embryonic day 14. In the adult mouse retina PRCD is expressed in the outer segments of both rod and cone photoreceptors. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that PRCD is located at the outer segment rim, and that it is highly concentrated at the base of the outer segment. Prcd-knockout mice present with progressive retinal degeneration, starting at 20 weeks of age and onwards. This process is reflected by a significant and progressive reduction of both scotopic and photopic electroretinographic responses, and by thinning of the retina, and specifically of the outer nuclear layer, indicating photoreceptor loss. Electron microscopy revealed severe damage to photoreceptor outer segments, which is associated with immigration of microglia cells to the Prcd-knockout retina, and accumulation of vesicles in the inter-photoreceptor space. Phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segment discs by the retinal pigmented epithelium is severely reduced. Our data show that Prcd-knockout mice serve as a good model for retinal degeneration caused by PRCD mutations in humans. Our findings in these mice support the involvement of PRCD in outer segment disc formation of both rod and cone photoreceptors. Furthermore, they suggest a feedback mechanism which coordinates the rate of photoreceptor outer segment disc formation, shedding and phagocytosis. This study has important implications for understanding the function of PRCD in the retina, as well as for future development of treatment modalities for PRCD-deficiency in humans.
β-Lactam pharmacodynamics in Gram-negative bloodstream infections in the critically ill
Authors: Wong Gloria , Taccone Fabio , Villois Paola , Scheetz Marc H , Rhodes Nathaniel J , Briscoe Scott , McWhinney Brett , Nunez-Nunez Maria , Ungerer Jacobus , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To determine the β-lactam exposure associated with positive clinical outcomes for Gram-negative blood stream infection (BSI) in critically ill patients.

Patients and methods

Pooled data of critically ill patients with mono-microbial Gram-negative BSI treated with β-lactams were collected from two databases. Free minimum concentrations (fCmin) of aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, piperacillin (co-administered with tazobactam) and meropenem were interpreted in relation to the measured MIC for targeted bacteria (fCmin/MIC). A positive clinical outcome was defined as completion of the treatment course or de-escalation, without other change of antibiotic therapy, and with no additional antibiotics commenced within 48 h of cessation. Drug exposure breakpoints associated with positive clinical outcome were determined by classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

Results

Data from 98 patients were included. Meropenem (46.9%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (36.7%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (28.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.3%). In all patients, 87.8% and 71.4% achieved fCmin/MIC ≥1 and fCmin/MIC >5, respectively. Seventy-eight patients (79.6%) achieved positive clinical outcome. Two drug exposure breakpoints were identified: fCmin/MIC >1.3 for all β-lactams (predicted difference in positive outcome 84.5% versus 15.5%, P < 0.05) and fCmin/MIC >4.95 for meropenem, aztreonam or ceftriaxone (predicted difference in positive outcome 97.7% versus 2.3%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A β-lactam fCmin/MIC >1.3 was a significant predictor of a positive clinical outcome in critically ill patients with Gram-negative BSI and could be considered an antibiotic dosing target.
Sección Femenina: Documenting and Performing Spanish Musical Folklore During the Early Franco Regime (1939–1953)
Authors: Jordan Daniel
Published: October 2019

The Franco regime (1939–75) used Spanish musical traditions as a form of propaganda and cultural diplomacy during the first two decades of the dictatorship––a period that saw Spain transform itself from a supporter of Nazi Germany to a staunch ally of the Western Bloc. Based on archival work conducted in eight archives throughout Andalusia and Madrid, the rather monolithic view of how the Franco regime portrayed Spanish identity within the nation, the Protectorates in Morocco, and the United Kingdom is challenged. The Sección Femenina, the women’s section of the fascist Falange party, represented an official view of folk music and women’s role in society. Thus far unexplored musical transcriptions, correspondence, and newspaper reviews give us a better understanding of how the 30,000-plus members of the Sección Femenina collected, taught, and performed musical folklore while promoting the regime’s differing concepts of history, gender roles, and the ‘Spanish race’ according to different geopolitical circumstances.
Radiation-driven outflows in AGNs: revisiting feedback effects of scattered and reprocessed photons
Authors: Mosallanezhad Amin , Yuan Feng , Ostriker Jeremiah P , Zeraatgari Fatemeh Zahra , Bu De-Fu
Published: October 2019

We perform 2D hydrodynamical simulations of slowly rotating accretion flows in the region of $0.01\!-\!7\, \mathrm{pc}$ around a supermassive black holes with $M_\mathrm{BH} = 10^{8} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. The accretion flow is irradiated by the photons from the central active galactic nucleus (AGN). In addition to the direct radiation from the AGN, we have also included the ‘re-radiation’, i.e. the locally produced radiation by Thomson scattering, line, and bremsstrahlung radiation. Compare to our previous work, we have improved the calculation of radiation force due to the Thomson scattering of X-ray photons from the central AGN. We find that this improvement can significantly increase the mass flux and velocity of outflow. We have compared the properties of outflow – including mass outflow rate, velocity, and kinetic luminosity of outflow – in our simulation with the observed properties of outflow in AGNs and found that they are in good consistency. This implies that the combination of line and re-radiation forces is the possible origin of observed outflow in luminous AGNs.
Particle transport in hybrid PIC shock simulations: A comparison of diagnostics
Authors: Trotta D , Burgess D , Prete G , Perri S , Zimbardo G
Published: October 2019

Recent in situ and remote observations suggest that the transport regime associated with shock-accelerated particles may be anomalous i.e. the mean square displacement (MSD) of such particles scales non-linearly with time. We use self-consistent hybrid particle-in-cell plasma simulations to simulate a quasi-parallel shock with parameters compatible with heliospheric shocks, and gain insights about the particle transport in such a system. For suprathermal particles interacting with the shock we compute the MSD separately in the upstream and downstream regions. Tracking suprathermal particles for sufficiently long times up and/or downstream of the shock poses problems in particle plasma simulations, such as statistically poor particle ensembles and trajectory fragments of variable length in time. Therefore, we introduce the use of time-averaged mean square displacement (TAMSD), which is based on single-particle trajectories, as an additional technique to address the transport regime for the upstream and the downstream regions. MSD and TAMSD are in agreement for the upstream energetic particle population, and both give a strong indication of superdiffusive transport, consistent with interplanetary shock observations. MSD and TAMSD are also in reasonable agreement downstream, where indications of anomalous transport are also found. TAMSD shows evidence of heterogeneity in the diffusion properties of the downstream particle population, ranging from subdiffusive behaviour of particles trapped in the strong magnetic field fluctuations generated at the shock to superdiffusive behaviour of particles transmitted and moving away from the shock.
Profile of and Variability in Double-Peaked Balmer Emission Lines in 3C 445
Authors: Zhang Shaohua , Zhou Hongyan , Shi Xiheng , liu Bo , Pan Xiang
Published: October 2019

We extract the multiple-epoch Balmer-line profiles of the heavily obscured quasar 3C 445 from the spectral curves in the literature, and analyze the emission-line profiles of the Hα and Hβ lines and the profile variability in the Hα line in the large time interval of more than three decades. The profile comparison between the Hα and Hβ lines shows that both Balmer lines share the profile with the same form, while the blue system of the Hβ line is seriously weaker than that of the Hα line. Moreover, the blue system of the Hα line suddenly disappeared completely and then did not appear again, however the other two components did not exhibit significant variation in the velocity or the amplitude. These findings suggest that the blue system of 3C 445, as with SDSS J153636.22+044127.0 and its analogs, is probable the result of the shock-heated outflowing gases. The observation angle of almost edge-on which the previous studies suggested can easily produce the high-speed and high-temperature shock in the collision between the massive outflow and the inner surface of the dusty torus.
Characterization of the precision premium in astrometry
Authors: Lin F R , Peng J H , Zheng Z J , Peng Q Y
Published: October 2019

The precision premium, a concept in astrometry that was first presented by Pascu in 1994, initially means that the relative positional measurement of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter will be more accurate when their separations are small. Correspondingly, many observations have been obtained of these Galilean satellites since it was introduced. However, the exact range of separations at which the precision premium takes effect is not clear yet, nor the variation of the precision with separation. In this article, observations of open cluster M35 are used to study the precision premium and the newest star catalogue Gaia DR2 is used in data reduction. Our results show that the precision premium applies at less than 100 arcsec for two specific objects and the relative positional precision can be well fitted by a sigmoidal function. Observations of Uranian satellites are also reduced as an example of the precision premium.
The Relationship between Centaurs and Jupiter Family Comets with Implications for K-Pg-type Impacts
Authors: Grazier K R , Horner J , Castillo-Rogez J C
Published: October 2019

Centaurs—icy bodies orbiting beyond Jupiter and interior to Neptune—are believed to be dynamically related to Jupiter Family Comets (JFCs), which have aphelia near Jupiter's orbit, and perihelia in the inner Solar System. Previous dynamical simulations have recreated the Centaur/JFC conversion, but the mechanism behind that process remains poorly described. We have performed a numerical simulation of Centaur analogues that recreates this process, generating a dataset detailing over 2.6 million close planet/planetesimal interactions. We explore scenarios stored within that database and, from those, describe the mechanism by which Centaur objects are converted into JFCs. Because many JFCs have perihelia in the terrestrial planet region, and since Centaurs are constantly resupplied from the Scattered Disk, the JFCs are an ever-present impact threat.
Rescue of Replication-Competent ZIKV Hidden in Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Long After the Resolution of the Infection
Authors: Bordoni Veronica , Lalle Eleonora , Colavita Francesca , Baiocchini Andrea , Nardacci Roberta , Falasca Laura , Carletti Fabrizio , Cimini Eleonora , Bordi Licia , Kobinger Gary , D’Ambrosio Valentina , Natale Fabio , Giancotti Antonella , Manganaro Lucia , Del Nonno Franca , Zumla Alimuddin , Liuzzi Giuseppina , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria , Agrati Chiara , Castilletti Concetta
Published: October 2019

The Zika virus (ZIKV) genome, its negative-strand viral proteins, and virus-like particles were detected in placenta-derived mesenchymal cells (MSCs), indicating that ZIKV persists after virus clearance from maternal blood and can be rescued by in vitro cultivation. We report for the first time the presence of replication-competent ZIKV in MSCs from an asymptomatic woman who acquired infection during pregnancy.
Clinical effectiveness of 3 days preoperative treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin in total knee arthroplasty surgery: a clinical trial
Authors: Cao S -L , Ren Y , Li Z , Lin J , Weng X -S , Feng B
Published: October 2019

Aims

The purpose of study is to evaluate the effect and complication of preoperative short-term daily recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) treatment for blood-saving in patients undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

This three-arm randomized clinical trial compared three different rhEPO-based treatment protocols for unilateral primary TKA. Group A: application of daily doses of rhEPO combined with iron supplement starting 3 days before surgery; Group B: application of daily doses of rhEPO combined with iron supplement starting the day of surgery; Group C: iron supplement alone. Perioperative hemoglobin (Hb) level gaps, total perioperative blood loss, reticulocyte levels and treatment-related complications were studied.

Results

A total of 102 patients were included (35, 35 and 32 patients in Groups A, B and C, respectively). Total blood loss (TBL) in Groups A, B and C was 490.84, 806.76 and 924.21 ml, respectively. Patients in Group A had a significant lower TBL than Groups B and C (A vs. B: P = 0.010; A vs. C: P < 0.001). There was no difference as for TBL between Groups B and C (P = 0.377). Group A patients had significant smaller Hb decline than Group C on the third and fifth postoperative day (P = 0.049, P = 0.037), as well as than Group B on the fifth postoperative day (P = 0.048). There was no difference as for Hb decline between Groups B and C. No difference was shown in levels of inflammatory biomarkers or blood-saving protocol-related complications among three groups.

Conclusions

Daily dose of rhEPO combined with iron supplement administered 3 days before TKA procedures could significantly decrease perioperative blood loss and improve postoperative Hb levels, without significantly elevating risks of complication, when compared with admission of rhEPO on the day of surgery and iron supplement alone. Preoperative daily rhEPO treatment could be a more effective blood-saving protocol in TKA procedures.
In vitro pharmacological effects of peficitinib on lymphocyte activation: a potential treatment for systemic sclerosis with JAK inhibitors
Authors: Kitanaga Yukihiro , Imamura Emiko , Nakahara Yutaka , Fukahori Hidehiko , Fujii Yasutomo , Kubo Satoshi , Nakayamada Shingo , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Peficitinib, a novel Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, demonstrated promising results in treating RA in phase 3 clinical trials. This in vitro study was undertaken to characterize the pharmacological properties of peficitinib and investigate the involvement of JAK and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways in the pathological processes of SSc, which is also an autoimmune disease.

Methods

Phosphorylation levels of STAT molecules were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from patients with RA or SSc and healthy subjects, and in skin specimens obtained from 19 patients with SSc. In vitro inhibition of STAT phosphorylation and cytokine/chemokine production by peficitinib, tofacitinib and baricitinib were also characterized.

Results

Higher spontaneous STAT1 or STAT3 phosphorylation was observed in peripheral T-cells and monocytes from patients with RA and SSc compared with healthy subjects. In skin sections from patients with SSc, phosphorylated STAT3–positive cells were found in almost all cases, irrespective of disease subtype or patient characteristics. Conversely, phosphorylated STAT1-positive cells were observed only in samples from untreated patients with diffuse disease of short duration. Peficitinib inhibited STAT phosphorylation induced by various cytokines, with comparable efficacy to tofacitinib and baricitinib. Peficitinib also suppressed cytokine and chemokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and skin fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that JAK/STAT pathways are constitutively activated in SSc and RA, and that the JAK inhibitor may represent a novel therapeutic option for SSc.
RESULTS OF CZECH NATIONAL STUDY OF RADIATION EXPOSURE FROM RADIOTHERAPY OF NON-MALIGNANT DISEASES, IN PARTICULAR OF HEEL SPURS
Authors: Dufek V , Zackova H , Kotik L , Horakova I
Published: October 2019

About 26 000 patients are treated per year with radiotherapy for non-malignant diseases in the Czech Republic. Approximately 75% of them are treated on X-ray therapy units and most of these patients undergo radiotherapy of heel spurs. The evaluation of radiation exposure of these patients was based on measured organ doses and on data from clinical practice. Collective effective doses for particular diagnoses were calculated in order to compare doses resulting from different diagnoses treated on X-ray therapy units. The collective effective dose from radiotherapy of heel spurs in the Czech Republic in 2013 was evaluated to 77 manSv. It represents 25.6% of the total collective effective dose for all diagnoses of radiotherapy for non-malignant diseases treated on X-ray therapy units.
The Melting-Pot Problem? The Persistence and Convergence of Premigration Socioeconomic Status During the Age of Mass Migration
Authors: Catron Peter
Published: October 2019

long-standing debate is concerned over how long premigration socioeconomic differences persisted for immigrants and their descendants who entered at the turn-of-the-twentieth century. Some researchers argue that differences exist today, over one-hundred years after first arrival, while others argue that most differences disappeared after the third generation. However, none of this research has directly measured premigration socioeconomic status nor has it directly linked immigrants to their children. I create a new panel dataset that follows immigrants and their children from the sending country through settlement. Specifically, I link ship manifest records to census records to track how long premigration socioeconomic differences persist across generations. Passenger records provide a wealth of information of individuals including the occupation before arrival. I analyze how long premigration differences persist within and between groups. Although premigration socioeconomic status is associated with the first generation’s economic outcomes after settlement, many of these differences disappear by the second generation. These results suggest that background is not destiny for immigrant descendants. As scholars and politicians debate about whether countries should admit primarily high-skilled or low-skilled immigrants, the results from this article tell us whether such selection policies are necessary to ensure strong migrants’ performance in a period of open borders.