bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of optimal slot/pole number combinations in fractional slot permanent magnet synchronous machines having similar slot and pole numbers
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhu Zi‐Qiang , Gan Chengwei , Brockway Simon , Hilton Chris
Published: May 2019

Here, the selection of optimal slot/pole (Ns‐slot/pr‐pole) number combination between the pairs of fractional slot concentrated winding (FSCW) permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with Ns = 2pr ± 1 or Ns = 2pr ± 2 will be analysed by a modified winding function accounting for slot opening and validated by finite element method. The results show that for FSCW PMSMs with Ns = 2pr ± 1 or Ns = 2pr ± 2, the higher pole machine will have larger winding factor and hence better torque performance than the lower pole one. Moreover, it also reveals that this torque advantage is more evident in the external rotor machine than that in internal rotor machine.
Rapid‐prototyping and hardware‐in‐the‐loop laboratory platform for development and testing of electro‐mechanical actuator controls
Authors: Hogan Diarmaid , Albiol‐Tendillo Laura , Kelleher Brendan , Valdivia‐Guerrero Virgilio , Foley Raymond
Published: May 2019

To meet the challenges posed by the increasing use of electrical actuation on board next generation aircraft, advanced experimental testing capabilities are required to investigate optimal system design, performance and control. Rapid control‐prototyping and hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HiL) techniques provide the ability to expedite experimental testing, allowing for elements of the system to be validated without requiring fully realised hardware. Previously, this would require large scale laboratory setups, where the entire electrical and mechanical system would have to be designed and built prior to experimental testing. This study presents the development of a laboratory HiL and rapid‐prototyping test‐bench, capable of investigating the performance of actuator motor control schemes, under a variety of test conditions. Experimental testing is carried out using a laboratory test‐bench, demonstrating the performance of landing gear electromechanical actuator controls under power system and load transients.
Synthesis of plate‐like α‐alumina crystals by solid state reaction of fir immersed with slurry mixture of gibbsite and non‐fluorine morphological modifiers
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Guangli , Wang Wenhao , Sun Haibin , Du Qingyang , Li Guochang , Li Xiaowei , Ge Xiaolu , Li Chengfeng
Published: May 2019

Solid state reaction without fluorine addition was employed to synthesise plate‐like α‐alumina. Platelets of α‐alumina with non‐uniform thickness were obtained using slurry mixture (SM) comprised of gibbsite and morphological modifiers as starting materials. In comparison, α‐alumina crystals were fabricated with a plate‐like shape with uniform thickness after calcination of fir immersed with SM (FISM). The activation energies of phase transformation from γ ‐alumina to α‐alumina for SM and FISM are determined by the Kissinger method as 109.8 and 132.9 kJ/mol, respectively. These results indicate the rearrangement of atomic stacking during transformation is accomplished with a relatively slow rate in an open space after the decomposition of fir template. The present study demonstrates a facile method to fabricate α‐alumina platelets with extensive applications.
Coupling non-conforming discretizations of PDEs by spectral approximation of the Lagrange multiplier space
Authors: Deparis Simone , Iubatti Antonio , Pegolotti Luca
Published: May 2019

This work focuses on the development of a non-conforming method for the coupling of PDEs based on weakly imposed transmission conditions: the continuity of the global solution is enforced by a finite number of Lagrange multipliers defined over the interfaces of adjacent subdomains. The method falls into the class of primal hybrid methods, which include also the well-known mortar method. Differently from the mortar method, we discretize the space of basis functions on the interface by spectral approximation independently of the discretization of the two adjacent domains. In particular, our approach can be regarded as a specialization of the three-field method in which the spaces used to enforce the continuity of the solution and its conormal derivative across the interface are taken equal. One of the possible choices to approximate the interface variational space – which we consider here – is by Fourier basis functions. As we show in the numerical simulations, the method is well-suited for the coupling of problems defined on globally non-conforming meshes or discretized with basis functions of different polynomial degree in each subdomain. We also investigate the possibility of coupling solutions obtained with incompatible numerical methods, namely the finite element method and isogeometric analysis.
Cestode infections in non-human primates suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles in the area surrounding the Strasbourg primatology center
Authors: Greigert Valentin , Brion Nicolas , Lang Cécile , Regnard Pierrick , Pfaff Alexander W. , Abou-Bacar Ahmed , Wanert Fanélie , Dirheimer Manon , Candolfi Ermanno , Brunet Julie
Published: May 2019

Background: Several cases of infections due to Echinococcus multilocularis, Taenia martis and Taenia crassiceps were recently described in various species of captive non-human primates (NHPs) harbored in the Strasbourg Primate Center (SPC). Furthermore, one of the first cases of human cysticercosis due to T. martis was described in the Strasbourg region. These data suggest the existence of zoonotic cycles of tapeworm infections in the direct environment of the SPC. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of larval cestode infections among intermediate and definitive hosts in the close neighborhood of the center. We analyzed carnivore mammal fecal samples as well as rodent carcasses, collected inside or near the SPC, using PCR. Furthermore, we performed serology for Echinococcus spp. and Taenia spp. on NHP sera. Results: We found that 14.5% (95% CI [8.6; 20.4]) of 138 carnivore feces were positive for E. multilocularis-DNA, as well as 25% (95% CI [5.5; 57.2]) of 12 rodent carcasses, and 5.1% (95% CI [1.4; 8.7]) for T. martis or T. crassiceps. Of all NHPs tested, 10.1% (95% CI [3.8; 16.4]) were seropositive for Echinococcus spp. and 8.2% (95% CI [1.3; 15.1]) for Taenia spp. Conclusions: Our data support the existence of zoonotic cycles of larval cestode infections in the direct environment of the primatology center affecting NHPs harbored in the SPC, potentially threatening the human population living in this area. Since this zoonotic risk is borne by local wildlife, and given the severity of these infections, it seems necessary to put in place measures to protect captive NHPs, and further studies to better assess the risk to human populations.
Prevalence and genotype identification of Toxoplasma gondii in suburban rodents collected at waste disposal sites
Authors: Ivovic Vladimir , Potusek Sandra , Buzan Elena
Published: May 2019

To assess the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in native and commensal rodents as indicators of environmental pollution, we analyzed brain tissue from small mammals collected on legal and illegal waste sites in the Slovenian and Croatian parts of Istria. A total of 136 animals and five species of the family Muridae were analyzed: black rat (Rattus rattus), domestic mouse (Mus musculus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), and yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis). Using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), T. gondii DNA was detected in four homogenized brain tissue samples (2.94%), from all of the analyzed species, except black rat. Out of these, two samples, domestic mouse (Mus musculus) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) had sufficient DNA for genotyping of T. gondii isolates in which we demonstrated the presence of clonal type II using RFLP PCR with four markers (SAG1, SAG2, GRA6 and GRA7). Three of four infected animals (75%) were collected on dumpsites.
Famous optician: Augustin Fresnel and the wave theory of light
Authors: Basdevant Jean-Louis
Published: May 2019

Augustin Fresnel was born in 1788, in the Normandy village of Broglie where his father was employed as an architect by the duc de Broglie. The author of the wave theory of light was thus born on lands that would later belong to Louis de Broglie, the author of the wave theory of matter, whose birth came a century later. Fresnel’s work was accomplished in less than a decade.
A new era for solar energy: hybrid perovskite rocks
Authors: Grancini Giulia
Published: May 2019

With the world population swelling and rapid technological innovations imposing global network and connections, the growing energy demand has reached unprecedented levels: “The energy industry is facing decades of transformation,” reported the World Energy Council at the end of 2018 [1]. Increasing use of renewable energy sources and photovoltaics is thus utmost for Europe to meet the goals imposed by the Paris Agreement. From a research point of view, this pushes an enormous effort into discovery of new materials, new physical phenomena and development of new technologies to sustain such paradigm shift to a low-carbon society.
From basic research to innovations in quantum technologies
Authors: Leduc Michèle , Tanzilli Sébastien
Published: May 2019

First the physics, then the technology. The two main revolutions that took place in physics in the 20th century were quantum physics and relativity. Quantum theory has never been disproved, and although scientists continue to wrangle over what its concepts actually mean and how they should be interpreted, it has been successfully applied in many areas, and new applications are constantly emerging.
Education models and acquisition of biotherapies safety skills in chronic inflammatory rheumatism
Authors: Fayet Françoise , Rodere Malory , Savel Carine , Pereira Bruno , Soubrier Martin , Couderc Marion
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The biotherapies prescribed to chronic inflammatory rheumatism patients carry risks, about which these patients must be informed. Objective: To evaluate which educational model is the best for maintaining optimal safety in terms of biotherapy self-management. Method: This observational retrospective monocentric study involved patients who had received therapeutic education while on biotherapy from 2009 to 2013, categorized in terms of the educational model received (information: M1, individual education: M2, in terms of the educational model received (information: M1, individual education: M2, individual and group education: M3) and given the Biosecure questionnaire (assessing their theoretical and practical understanding of biotherapy) to complete. Results: Overall, 222 patients were included (67% women, mean age: 53.9 years), 106 of whom had received M1, 88 M2, and 28 M3. The highest Biosecure scores were generated by young, female, employed, college-level educated patients, with the most recent diagnoses, and on intravenous biotherapies. The mean Biosecure score was 76.6 (±13.8) (min-max: 11.52–100). On multivariate analysis, the Biosecure total score was highest in the M3 group, compared to M1 (p = 0.02) and M2 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The combination of individual and group education resulted in higher Biosecure scores than individual education or simply providing information.
L’Éducation Thérapeutique du Patient et les rhumatologues libéraux : état des lieux
Authors: Cohen Jean-David , Poivret Didier , Senbel Éric , Tropé Sonia
Published: May 2019

Objectifs :Devant les difficultés de recrutement des programmes hospitaliers d’éducation thérapeutique du patient (ETP) en rhumatologie et dans une réflexion sur la pertinence de réseaux ville-hôpital, il était intéressant de s’interroger sur la place des rhumatologues libéraux.Méthodes :Pour faire un état des lieux des connaissances, perceptions, attentes et intentions des rhumatologues libéraux et mixtes français, une enquête en ligne a été diffusée.Résultats :Les réponses de 96 rhumatologues montrent un véritable intérêt pour une implication personnelle en ETP. Cette implication est conditionnée à une offre de formation et d’outils adaptés à leur pratique, mais aussi à sa valorisation financière et à une coordination avec les autres acteurs de santé. Interrogés sur l’intérêt de réseaux autour de l’ETP, 65 % des répondants y sont favorables.Discussion :Les rhumatologues libéraux, avec l’avantage de proposer un accès direct et privilégié au cabinet favorisant le parcours éducatif, pourraient contribuer à diffuser plus largement l’ETP en rhumatologie et permettre à un plus grand nombre de patients d’en bénéficier.Conclusion :Ces résultats soulèvent des questions sur une possible confusion entre ETP et activités d’information du patient. Pour permettre une meilleure appréhension des particularités et des bénéfices spécifiques de l’ETP, il paraît intéressant d’envisager l’acquisition de compétences en ETP et en posture éducative comme un élément à part entière des activités de Formation médicale continue.
Effects of an 8-Week In-Season Upper Limb Elastic Band Training Programme on the Peak Power, Strength, and Throwing Velocity of Junior Handball Players
Authors: Aloui Ghaith , Hermassi Souhail , Hammami Mehrez , Gaamouri Nawel , Bouhafs El Ghali , Comfort Paul , Shephard Roy J. , Schwesig René , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel
Published: May 2019

Background Team handball is an intense sport with special requirements on technical and tactical skills as well as physical performance. The ability of handball players to make repeated powerful muscular contractions in pushing and throwing the ball is crucial to success.

Objective This study investigated the effects of elastic band training on upper body peak power output, ball throwing velocity, and local muscle volume of junior handball players.

Materials and Methods Thirty handball players (a single national-level Tunisian team) were randomly assigned to a control group (CG; n = 15) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). Pre- and post-interventional measurements included force-velocity tests, one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and pull-over strength, ball throwing velocity in three types of throw (jumping shot, 3-step running throw, and standing throw), and anthropometric estimates of limb volumes. The EG additionally performed an elastic band training programme twice a week for 8 weeks immediately before engaging in regular handball training. The control group underwent no additional elastic band training.

Results The EG demonstrated greater improvements in absolute and relative peak power (p < 0.001; 49.3 ± 22.9 % and 47.9 ± 24.6 %, respectively), 1RM strength (p < 0.001; 25.3 ± 2.2 % and 44.1 ± 9.0 % for 1RM bench press and pull over, respectively), and throwing velocity in all three types of ball throws (p < 0.001; 25.1–26.1 %), compared to the CG (3.9–4.4 %). Limb volumes increased significantly (p = 0.001, 8.0 ± 7.5 %) in the EG, with no significant change (p = 0.175, 2.6 ± 7.0 %) in the CG.

Conclusions We conclude that additional elastic band training performed twice a week for 8 weeks improves measures relevant to game performance, particularly strength, power, and ball throwing velocity.
Update on Molecular Testing in von Willebrand Disease
Authors: Batlle Javier , Pérez-Rodríguez Almudena , Corrales Irene , Borràs Nina , Costa Pinto Joana , López-Fernández María Fernanda , Vidal Francisco ,   on behalf of PCM-EVW-ES Investigators Team
Published: May 2019

Diagnosis of von Willebrand disease (VWD) depends on personal and family history of bleeding and confirmatory laboratory testing. Currently available phenotypic tests for VWD contain potential sources for error that may distort results. Despite an exponential growth of information about the von Willebrand factor gene (VWF), the role of molecular diagnosis in VWD is still controversial. Due to the complexity and high cost of conventional molecular analyses, some investigators have recommended limiting this approach to distinguish suspected type 2N VWD from hemophilia A, type 2B from platelet-type VWD, and the exploration of type 3 VWD. New genetic methodologies and approaches are becoming available, but there is still some reluctance for their implementation in VWD diagnosis. This article discusses the pros and cons of molecular testing in VWD considering the experience obtained through the multicenter project “Molecular and Clinical Profile of VWD in Spain (PCM-EVW-ES).”
Long-Term Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent Therapy in HCV Cirrhosis: Critical Review
Authors: Fehily Sasha R. , Papaluca Tim , Thompson Alexander J.
Published: May 2019

More than 70 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide. Chronic hepatitis C is associated with progressive liver fibrosis, which can result in cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV-related liver disease has been the most common indication for liver transplantation in the past decade. The development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) that are simple, well-tolerated, and highly effective means that most people living with hepatitis C can now be cured, leading the World Health Organization to set targets for reduction in deaths due to viral hepatitis by 2030. In this review, the authors will consider the emerging data showing that curative therapy with DAAs can prevent HCV-related morbidity and mortality, with a focus on patients with HCV-related cirrhosis.
Immunosuppressive Drug Levels in Liver Transplant Recipients: Impact in Decision Making
Authors: Kourkoumpetis Themistoklis , Levitsky Josh
Published: May 2019

To prevent rejection, liver transplant providers largely base their management decisions on their clinical impression and pharmacokinetics. Clinical impression relies on assessing graft function, liver enzymes, and biopsy. High immunosuppressive drug levels, although minimizing rejection, are related to significant side effects such as nephrotoxicity and metabolic syndrome, contributing to long-term morbidity and mortality. Similarly, levels that are lower than necessary can decrease the rate of side effects with a potential toll on rejection and graft survival. Herein, the authors present an update on immunosuppressive drug level monitoring and manipulation strategies according to different scenarios and time from transplant. They also provide a brief overview of next level immunosuppression monitoring strategies that aim to properly balance rejection rates with drug side effect profiles.
The Epidemiology of Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism: An Update
Authors: Mahajan Anjlee , Brunson Ann , White Richard , Wun Ted
Published: May 2019

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is known to be higher in patients with malignancy as compared with the general population. It is important to understand and review the epidemiology of VTE in cancer patients because it has implications regarding treatment and prognosis. Multiple studies have shown that cancer patients who develop VTE are at higher risk for mortality. This article will focus on an update regarding the epidemiology of cancer-associated thrombosis (CT). The authors will describe factors associated with CT risk including cancer type and stage at the time of diagnosis, race and ethnicity, and cancer-directed therapy. In addition, recurrent thrombosis and the effect of thromboembolism on survival in cancer patients will also be addressed.
Global existence of the self-interacting scalar field in the de Sitter universe
Authors: Yagdjian Karen
Published: May 2019

We present some sufficient conditions for the global in time existence of solutions of the semilinear Klein-Gordon equation of the self-interacting scalar field with complex mass. The coefficients of the equation depend on spatial variables as well, which makes results applicable, in particular, to the spacetime with the time slices being Riemannian manifolds. The least lifespan estimate is given for the class of equations including the Higgs boson equation, which according to physics has a finite lifetime.
Strain measurement of a channel between Si/Ge stressors in a tri-gate field effect transistor utilizing moiré fringes in scanning transmission microscope images
Authors: Kondo Y. , Aoyama Y. , Hashiguchi H. , Lin C. C. , Hsu K. , Endo N. , Asayama K. , Fukunaga K-I.
Published: May 2019

We measure the strain of a channel between Si/Ge stressors in a tri-gate p-channel metal–oxide semiconductor device, known as a fin field-effect transistor (FinFET), by utilizing moiré fringes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). These fringes reveal a pseudomagnified Si lattice, resulting from undersampling of the crystalline lattice with the nodes of the scanning grid of STEM. A practical device sample is prepared using a focused ion-beam instrument. The sample lamella is cut along the X direction to allow observation of the strained channel between Si/Ge stressors. The measurement of channel strain in a FinFET is not easy, since the channel is sandwiched between top and bottom layers of gate electrodes and insulators. For the strain measurement, we use the moiré fringes of the Si[220] lattice. These moiré fringes extract only the targeted lattice and act as a real spatial frequency filter. Other fringes with different directions and/or spacings are thereby filtered out. The strain along the channel between the Si/Ge stressors is measured to be −0.9%, with the whole procedure taking less than 5 min, including data acquisition time, using a dedicated program. As the fringe contrast is weak owing to disturbances by the gate and insulator layers, a microscope is equipped with an aberration corrector in the probe-forming system to enhance the contrast. The proposed method offers a high-throughput strain measurement, since it is performed in the image acquisition mode, and is easily incorporated into the standard workflow for critical dimension measurements.
The multi-structure NiCo2S4 prepared by solvothermal method for supercapacitor accompanied with positron annihilation study
Authors: Li Zhong , Yuan Daqing , Zhu Shengyun , Fan Ping , Ma Hailiang , Zhang Qiaoli , Wen Ali , Zhu Jiliang
Published: May 2019

Fluffy spherical structure NiCo2S4 decorated with cubic phase hexagonal nanosheets was successfully synthesized through a two-step solvothermal method for energy storage. The electrochemical measurements reveal its good reversibility together with its high rate ability (1354 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 1128 F g−1 at 10 A g−1). Positron annihilation techniques (positron annihilation lifetime spectra and Doppler broadening spectra) were conducted to investigate the defects and the electronic structure of the two-step synthesized NiCo2S4. The results showed high S/W ratio, which is consistent with the electrochemical results. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled in a button cell using the two-step synthesized NiCo2S4 as the positive electrode material and commercially activated carbon as the negative electrode material. The ASC presents a high energy density of 30.8 W kg−1 at a power density of 352.2 W kg−1 and 15.5 W kg−1 at a power density of 6860 W kg−1, with excellent cycling stability (89.3% capacitance retention after 3000 cycles) and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency.
Bilayer tunneling field effect transistor with oxide-semiconductor and group-IV semiconductor hetero junction: Simulation analysis of electrical characteristics
Authors: Kato Kimihiko , Matsui Hiroaki , Tabata Hitoshi , Takenaka Mitsuru , Takagi Shinichi
Published: May 2019

Operation mechanisms and electrical characteristics of tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs) employing a hetero tunneling junction by utilizing an n-type oxide-semiconductor (OS) and a p-type group-IV-semiconductor are comprehensibly analyzed. Gate-normal band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) has high potential for the superior TFET performance such as high on-state current and small sub-threshold swing (S.S.). Additionally, a hetero tunneling junction with type-II energy band alignment is promising to exponentially increase tunneling probability with keeping small off-state current. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the impact of key material and device parameters such as energy band alignment of source/channel regions and thickness of the OS channel layer or gate insulator based on technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation. The gate-controlled uniform band bending along the source-drain direction realizes uniform BTBT in the entire region of the hetero tunneling junction. Also, the reduction of the tunneling barrier height, which is continuously controlled by the conduction band minimum of the OS-channel and the valence band maximum of the IV-source, is effective to increases on-state current and decrease S.S. value. On the other hand, the thicknesses of OS channel layer and gate insulator have strong influences on tunneling probability and threshold voltage. Therefore, the sub-threshold characteristics of TFETs are sensitive to non-uniformities in the tunneling junction such as channel thickness fluctuation and surface potential fluctuation at the metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) interfaces. These numerical analyses of the device operation are essentially important to understand the effects of key device parameters on the TFET performance and to realize the superior electrical performance.
Conductivity inversion of ZnO nanoparticles in ZnO-carbon nanofiber hybrid thin film devices by surfactant-assisted C-doping and non-rectifying, non-linear electrical properties via interfacial trap-induced tunneling for stress-grading applications
Authors: Dillip G. R. , Banerjee A. N. , Joo S. W.
Published: May 2019

A special nonrectifying, nonlinear current–voltage characteristic is observed in ZnO nanoparticle-anchored carbon nanofiber (ZnO-CNF) hybrid thin film devices, which has interesting applications in nonlinear stress-grading materials for high-voltage devices and overvoltage protectors in multifunctional electronic circuits. A simple chemical precipitation method is used to fabricate the hybrid films, followed by vacuum annealing at elevated temperatures. Interestingly, the organic surfactant (Triton X-114), used as a binder during the film deposition, manifests unintentional carbon doping into a ZnO lattice, which leads to a conductivity inversion of ZnO from n-type in the lower temperature (300 °C) annealed hybrid into p-type in the higher temperature (600 °C) annealed film. Electrical characterizations reveal that the CNF-ZnO interfaces act as a metal-semiconductor junction with low barrier height, leading to nonrectifying junction properties. Also, the surfactant-induced C-atoms create trap states at the interface which “emit” the trapped charges via interfacial field-assisted tunneling, thus imposing nonlinearity (in both forward and reverse directions) on the I–V curves.
Thermomechanical responses of microfluidic cantilever capture DNA melting and properties of DNA premelting states using picoliters of DNA solution
Authors: Jiang Keren , Khan Faheem , Thomas Javix , Desai Parth Rakesh , Phani Arindam , Das Siddhartha , Thundat Thomas
Published: May 2019

Melting or thermal denaturation of a DNA molecule and the different bubble-rich, premelting DNA states that serve as a precursor for DNA thermal denaturation are vital events in DNA thermophysics. In this study, we employ cantilever-based sensing to firstly pinpoint the occurrence of DNA melting and identify the temperature Tm characterizing the melting. Very importantly, this sensing is carried out with an extremely small volume (∼picoliters) of DNA sample with the cantilever demonstrating an extremely high sensitivity on the order of mJ/g⋅K corresponding to pico-Joules of energy input. Secondly, this same large sensitivity of the cantilever is used to quantify the hitherto unknown thermophysical properties of the bubble-rich DNA premelting states. In fact, for both the melting and premelting states, the cantilever provides a framework to calculate the specific heat capacity and the storage and loss moduli of the cantilever-DNA-solution system, thereby establishing a platform for quantifying DNAs' thermo-mechanical behavior.
Ultrafast electron diffraction from a Bi(111) surface: Impulsive lattice excitation and Debye–Waller analysis at large momentum transfer
Authors: Tinnemann V. , Streubühr C. , Hafke B. , Kalus A. , Hanisch-Blicharski A. , Ligges M. , Zhou P. , von der Linde D. , Bovensiepen U. , Horn-von Hoegen M.
Published: May 2019

The lattice response of a Bi(111) surface upon impulsive femtosecond laser excitation is studied with time-resolved reflection high-energy electron diffraction. We employ a Debye–Waller analysis at large momentum transfer of 9.3 Å−1 ≤ Δ k ≤ 21.8 Å−1 in order to study the lattice excitation dynamics of the Bi surface under conditions of weak optical excitation up to 2 mJ/cm2 incident pump fluence. The observed time constants τint of decay of diffraction spot intensity depend on the momentum transfer Δk and range from 5 to 12 ps. This large variation of τint is caused by the nonlinearity of the exponential function in the Debye–Waller factor and has to be taken into account for an intensity drop ΔI > 0.2. An analysis of more than 20 diffraction spots with a large variation in Δk gave a consistent value for the time constant τT of vibrational excitation of the surface lattice of 12 ± 1 ps independent on the excitation density. We found no evidence for a deviation from an isotropic Debye–Waller effect and conclude that the primary laser excitation leads to thermal lattice excitation, i.e., heating of the Bi surface.
Manipulating transverse photovoltage across plasmonic triangle holes of symmetry breaking
Authors: Akbari Marjan , Gao Jie , Yang Xiaodong
Published: May 2019

The transverse photo-induced voltages generated by the photon drag effect under normally and obliquely incident circularly polarized light across the plasmonic symmetry-breaking isosceles-triangle holes and right-triangle holes have been characterized. It is observed that the sign of transverse photovoltage flips when the incident circular polarization is switched for both types of plasmonic triangle holes. However, the unbalanced photovoltage between two circular polarizations is achieved across the plasmonic right-triangle holes, compared to the balanced photovoltage in the plasmonic isosceles-triangle holes. Such manipulation of the sign and the amplitude of transverse photovoltage is enabled by the broken symmetries of the electric and magnetic field patterns supported in the asymmetric triangle holes due to the interplay between the light helicity of circular polarization and the shape symmetries of triangle holes, together with the incident angle. These results will create opportunities for many applications relevant to nonlinear optics, photodetection, and chiral sensing.
Electronic friction in interacting systems
Authors: Chen Feng , Miwa Kuniyuki , Galperin Michael
Published: May 2019

We consider the effects of strong light-matter interaction on electronic friction in molecular junctions within the generic model of a single molecule nanocavity junction. Results of the Hubbard nonequilibrium Green function (NEGF) simulations are compared with mean-field NEGF and generalized Head-Gordon and Tully (HGT) approaches. Mean-field NEGF is shown to fail qualitatively at strong intrasystem interactions, while accuracy of the generalized HGT results is restricted to situations of well separated intramolecular excitations when bath induced coherences are negligible. Numerical results show effects of bias and cavity mode pumping on electronic friction. We demonstrate nonmonotonic behavior of the friction on the bias and intensity of the pumping field and indicate possibility of engineering friction control in single molecule junctions.
Craters on Pluto and Charon show that Kuiper belt collisions are rare
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: May 2019

There are far fewer small bodies in the solar system’s outer reaches than there would be if collisions were common.
Wireless sensors for the tiniest patients
Authors: Miller Johanna L.
Published: May 2019

Paper-thin electronics measure heart rate, blood flow, and more—and could save children’s lives.
The hydrodynamics of a quantum fluid
Authors: Berkowitz Rachel
Published: May 2019

The behavior of a one-dimensional gas of ultracold atoms confirms a generalized theory.
Microswimmers with no moving parts
Authors: Moran Jeffrey , Posner Jonathan
Published: May 2019

Microscopic self-propelled particles could one day be used to clean up wastewater or deliver drugs in the body.
The quest for room-temperature superconductivity in hydrides
Authors: Pickett Warren , Eremets Mikhail
Published: May 2019

Whereas previous discoveries of superconductors were largely serendipitous, the latest advances have emerged from the close coupling of theoretical predictions and high-pressure experiments.
Disease transmission via drops and bubbles
Authors: Poulain Stephane , Bourouiba Lydia
Published: May 2019

Watery air bubbles covered with bacteria or viruses can live far longer than uncontaminated ones. And on bursting, they spawn orders of magnitude more droplets, each one a microbial grenade.
Prediction of primal cuts by using an automatic ultrasonic device as a new method for estimating a pig-carcass slaughter and commercial value
Authors: Janiszewski P. , Borzuta K. , Lisiak D. , Grześkowiak E. , Stanisławski D.
Published: May 2019

The objective of the present work was to develop regression equations to estimate the percentage, weight (in g) and lean meat content (in %) of the primal cuts of a pig carcass by using Auto-Fom and to estimate the commercial value of the carcass on the slaughter line in a meat-processing plant. The research was conducted on 168 pig carcasses. From the whole pork carcass, only the most valuable cuts (i.e. belly, ham, loin, neck and shoulder) and also meat content in ham and shoulder were weighed at a 100 g accuracy and the percentage of each cut in carcass was calculated. Loin ‘eye’ height and belly-muscle thickness were also measured. The regression equations for the prediction of the primal-cut weights and their percentages in the pig carcasses were derived using the partial least-square procedure. The developed equations include 70 variables that are standard measurements taken with an Auto-Fom device. These equations have a satisfactory accuracy rate and are useful in estimating the yield of the elements, especially for loin, ham and belly content. Belly-muscle thickness (R2 = 0.98) and the percentage of meat in the ham (R2 = 0.93) can be estimated with a high precision. It was confirmed that the developed equations may be used in the current Auto-Fom software.
Generation of temperature sensitive mutations with error-prone PCR in a gene encoding a component of the spindle pole body in fission yeast
Authors: Tang Ngang Heok , Fong Chii Shyang , Masuda Hirohisa , Jourdain Isabelle , Yukawa Masashi , Toda Takashi
Published: May 2019

Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants provide powerful tools for investigation of cellular functions of essential genes. We report here asimple procedure to generate ts mutations using error-prone PCR within pcp1 that encodes aspindle pole body (SPB) component in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This manipulation is not restricted to pcp1, and can be suited to any essential genes involved in other processes.
Have product substitution carbon benefits been overestimated? A sensitivity analysis of key assumptions
Authors: Harmon Mark E
Published: May 2019

Substitution of wood for more fossil carbon intensive building materials has been projected to result in major climate mitigation benefits often exceeding those of the forests themselves. A reexamination of the fundamental assumptions underlying these projections indicates long-term mitigation benefits related to product substitution may have been overestimated 2- to 100-fold. This suggests that while product substitution has limited climate mitigation benefits, to be effective the value and duration of the fossil carbon displacement, the longevity of buildings, and the nature of the forest supplying building materials must be considered.
Thermal conductivity enhancement of carbon@ carbon nanotube arrays and bonded carbon nanotube network
Authors: Samani Majid Kabiri , Lu Congxiang , Qinyu Kong , Khosravian Narjes , Chen George , Tan Chong Wei , Rudquist Per , Tay Beng Kang , Liu Johan
Published: May 2019

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are long considered as a promising material for thermal applications. However, problems such as low volume CNT fraction abhorrent to practical applications have been raising the demand for novel architecture of this material. Here we demonstrate two fabrication methods, in which a self-assembly method for fabricating covalent-bonded CNT network (3D CNT) and another method for covalent-bonded C to CNTs (C@CNT) network, and presented both as a potential method to enhance thermal conductivity of CNT arrays. We utilized pulsed photothermal reflectance technique and using new four-layer heat conduction model based on the transmission-line theory to measure thermal conductivity of the samples. The 3D CNT with thermal conductivity of 21 W mK−1 and C@CNT with thermal conductivity of 26 W mK−1 turn out to be an excellent candidate for thermal interface material as the thermal conductivity increased by 40% and 70% respectively as compared to conventional CNT arrays. The improvement is attributed to the efficient thermal routines constructed between CNTs and secondary CNTs in 3D CNT and between C layer and CNTs in C@CNT. The other factor to improve thermal conductivity of the samples is decreasing air volume fraction in CNT arrays. Our fabrication methods provide a simple method but effective way to fabricate 3D CNT and C@CNT and extend the possibility of CNTs towards TIM application.
Ion formation in an argon and argon-oxygen gas mixture of a magnetron sputtering discharge
Authors: Hippler R , Cada M , Stranak V , Hubicka Z
Published: May 2019

Formation of singly and doubly charged Ar
q+ and Ti
q+ (q = 1,2) and of molecular Ar

2

+

, ArTi+, and Ti

2

+

ions in a direct current magnetron sputtering discharge with a Ti cathode and argon as working gas was investigated with the help of energy-resolved mass spectrometry. Measured ion energy distributions consist of low-energy and high-energy components resembling different formation processes. Intensities of Ar

2

+

and ArTi+ dimer ions strongly increase with increasing gas pressure. Addition of oxygen gas leads to the formation of positively charged O+,

O

2

+

, and TiO+ and of negatively charged O− and

O

2

−

ions.
Free nilpotent groups are 𝐶*-superrigid
Authors: Omland Tron
Published: May 2019

The free nilpotent group

G

m
,
n

G_{m,n}

of class

m
m

and rank

n
n

is the free object on

n
n

generators in the category of nilpotent groups of class at most

m
m

. We show that

G

m
,
n

G_{m,n}

can be recovered from its reduced group

C
∗

C^*

-algebra, in the sense that if

H
H

is any group such that

C
r
∗

(
H
)

C^*_r(H)

is isomorphic to

C
r
∗

(

G

m
,
n

)

C^*_r(G_{m,n})

, then

H
H

must be isomorphic to

G

m
,
n

G_{m,n}

.
The edgewise subdivision criterion for 2-Segal objects
Authors: Bergner Julia , Osorno Angélica , Ozornova Viktoriya , Rovelli Martina , Scheimbauer Claudia
Published: May 2019

We show that the edgewise subdivision of a

2
2

-Segal object is always a Segal object, and furthermore that this property characterizes

2
2

-Segal objects.
On the rank of the flat unitary summand of the Hodge bundle
Authors: González-Alonso Víctor , Stoppino Lidia , Torelli Sara
Published: May 2019

Let

f
:
S
→
B

f\colon S\to B

be a nonisotrivial fibered surface. We prove that the genus

g
g

, the rank

u
f

u_f

of the unitary summand of the Hodge bundle

f
∗

ω
f

f_*\omega _f

, and the Clifford index

c
f

c_f

satisfy the inequality

u
f

≤
g
−

c
f

u_f \leq g - c_f

. Moreover, we prove that if the general fiber is a plane curve of degree

≥
5

\geq 5

, then the stronger bound

u
f

≤
g
−

c
f

−
1

u_f \leq g - c_f-1

holds. In particular, this provides a strengthening of bounds proved by M. A. Barja, V. González-Alonso, and J. C. Naranjo and by F. F. Favale, J. C. Naranjo, and G. P. Pirola. The strongholds of our arguments are the deformation techniques developed by the first author and by the third author and G. P. Pirola, which display here naturally their power and depth.
Utility of NKX3.1 Immunostaining in the Detection of Metastatic Prostatic Carcinoma on Fine-Needle Aspiration Smears
Authors: Gan Qiong , Joseph Cicily T , Guo Ming , Zhang Miao , Sun Xiaoping , Gong Yun
Published: May 2019

Objectives

NK3 homeobox 1 (NKX3.1) has been increasingly used to diagnose metastatic prostatic carcinoma in histologic samples. However, its utility and reliability in cytologic direct smears have not been studied.

Methods

A total of 59 fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cases with a definitive diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma from the prostate were included. The cases were grouped based on different Gleason score in their corresponding primary tumors and morphologic variants. For each case, tumor cells were immunostained with NKX3.1, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) on cell-transferred smears.

Results

NKX3.1 was strongly and diffusely positive in all 40 metastatic prostatic adenocarcinomas, including those with ductal features, but negative for the 19 small cell carcinoma (SmCC) cases. NKX3.1 had a better detection rate than PSA (13/50, 26%) and PAP (0/47, 0%).

Conclusions

NKX3.1 immunostaining on FNA smears is highly reliable for detecting metastatic prostatic carcinomas of conventional and ductal types but not for SmCC.
Validation of an Asbestos Job-Exposure Matrix (AsbJEM) in Australia: Exposure–Response Relationships for Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Kamiya Hiroyuki , Peters Susan , Sodhi-Berry Nita , Reid Alison , Gordon Len , de Klerk Nicholas , Brims Fraser , Musk Arthur W , Franklin Peter
Published: May 2019

Objectives

An asbestos job-exposure matrix (AsbJEM) has been developed to systematically and cost-effectively evaluate occupational exposures in population-based studies. The primary aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of the AsbJEM in determining exposure–response relationships between asbestos exposure estimates and malignant mesothelioma (MM) incidence (indirect validation). The secondary aim was to investigate whether the assumptions used in the development of the original AsbJEM provided accurate asbestos exposure estimates.

Methods

The study population consisted of participants in an annual health surveillance program, who had at least 3-month occupational asbestos exposure. Calculated asbestos exposure indices included cumulative asbestos exposure and the average exposure intensity, estimated using the AsbJEM and duration of employment. Asbestos and MM exposure–response relationships were compared between the original AsbJEM and its variations based on manipulations of the intensity, duration and frequency of exposure. Twenty-four exposure estimates were calculated for both cumulative asbestos exposure and the average exposure intensity using three exposure intensities (50th, 75th and 90th percentile of the range of mode exposure), four peak durations (15, 30, 60 and 120 min) and two patterns of peak frequency (original and doubled). Cox proportional hazards models were used to describe the associations between MM incidence and each of the cumulative and average intensity estimates.

Results

Data were collected from 1602 male participants. Of these, 40 developed MM during the study period. There were significant associations between MM incidence and both cumulative and average exposure intensity for all estimates. The strongest association, based on the regression-coefficient from the models, was found for the 50th percentile of mode exposure, 15-min peak duration and the doubled frequency of peak exposure. Using these assumptions, the hazard ratios for mesothelioma were 1 (reference), 1.91, 3.24 and 5.37 for the quartiles of cumulative asbestos exposure and 1 (reference), 1.84, 2.31 and 4.40 for the quartiles of the average exposure intensity, respectively.

Conclusion

The well-known positive exposure–response relationship between MM incidence and both estimated cumulative asbestos exposure and average exposure intensity was confirmed. The strongest relationship was found when the frequency of peak exposure in the AsbJEM was doubled from the originally published estimates.
Deep learning of the back-splicing code for circular RNA formation
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Liangjiang
Published: May 2019

Motivation

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of endogenous RNAs in animals and plants. During pre-RNA splicing, the 5′ and 3′ termini of exon(s) can be covalently ligated to form circRNAs through back-splicing (head-to-tail splicing). CircRNAs can be conserved across species, show tissue- and developmental stage-specific expression patterns, and may be associated with human disease. However, the mechanism of circRNA formation is still unclear although some sequence features have been shown to affect back-splicing.

Results

In this study, by applying the state-of-art machine learning techniques, we have developed the first deep learning model, DeepCirCode, to predict back-splicing for human circRNA formation. DeepCirCode utilizes a convolutional neural network (CNN) with nucleotide sequence as the input, and shows superior performance over conventional machine learning algorithms such as support vector machine and random forest. Relevant features learnt by DeepCirCode are represented as sequence motifs, some of which match human known motifs involved in RNA splicing, transcription or translation. Analysis of these motifs shows that their distribution in RNA sequences can be important for back-splicing. Moreover, some of the human motifs appear to be conserved in mouse and fruit fly. The findings provide new insight into the back-splicing code for circRNA formation.

Availability and implementation

All the datasets and source code for model construction are available at https://github.com/BioDataLearning/DeepCirCode.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evolutionary history of New World ticks of the genus Dermacentor (Ixodida: Ixodidae), and the origin of D. variabilis
Authors: Lado Paula , Klompen Hans
Published: May 2019

This study integrates biogeographical and phylogenetic data to determine the evolutionary history of the New World Dermacentor, and the origin of D. variabilis. The phylogenetic reconstructions presented here strongly support the hypothesis of an Afrotropical origin for Dermacentor, with later dispersal to Eurasia and the Nearctic. Phylogenetic and biogeographical data suggest that the genus reached the New World through the Beringia land bridge, from south-east Asia. The monophyly of the genus is supported, and most of the New World Dermacentor species appear as monophyletic. Dermacentor occidentals constitutes the sister lineage of D. variabilis, and the latter is subdivided into two well-supported clades: an eastern and a western clade. The western clade is genetically more variable than the eastern.

The genus Dermacentor probably originated in Africa, and dispersed to the Palearctic and then to the New World through the Beringian route. Dermacentor variabilis appears to have originated in western North America, and then dispersed to eastern North America, probably in a single migration event.