bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the gas barrier, mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lei Weiwei , Schutz Jurg , Liu Dan , Tang Bin , Wang Chun H. , Wang Xungai
Published: February 2019

New multifunctional materials with both high structural and gas barrier performances are important for a range of applications. Herein we present a one‐step mechanochemical process to prepare molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets with hydroxy functional groups that can simultaneously improve mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and gas permittivity of a polymer composite. By homogeneously incorporating these functionalized MoS2 nanosheets at low loading of less than 1 vol %, a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer exhibits elongation at break of 154%, toughness of 82 MJ/m3, and in‐plane thermal conductivity of 2.31 W/m K. Furthermore, this composite exhibits significant gas barrier performance, reducing the permeability of helium by 95%. Under fire condition, the MoS2 nanosheets form thermally stable char, thus enhancing the material's resistance to fire. Hydrogen bonding has been identified as the main interaction mechanism between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix. The present results suggest that the PVA composite reinforced with 2D layered nanomaterial offers great potentials in packaging and fire retardant applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 406–414
Reasons for low uptake of a psychological intervention offered to cancer survivors with elevated depressive symptoms
Authors: van der Donk Loek J. , Tovote K. Annika , Links Thera P. , Roodenburg Jan L.N. , Kluin‐Nelemans Johanna C. , Arts Henriette J.G. , Mul Veronique E.M. , van Ginkel Robert J. , Baas Peter C. , Hoff Christiaan , Sanderman Robbert , Fleer Joke , Schroevers Maya J.
Published: February 2019

Objective

In line with screening guidelines, cancer survivors were consecutively screened on depressive symptoms (as part of standard care), with those reporting elevated levels of symptoms offered psychological care as part of a trial. Because of the low uptake, no conclusions could be drawn about the interventions' efficacy. Given the trial set‐up (following screening guidelines and strict methodological quality criteria), we believe that this observational study reporting the flow of participation, reasons for and characteristics associated with nonparticipation, adds to the debate about the feasibility and efficiency of screening guidelines.

Methods

Two thousand six hundred eight medium‐ to long‐term cancer survivors were consecutively screened on depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Those with moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10) were contacted and informed about the trial. Patient flow and reasons for nonparticipation were carefully monitored.

Results

One thousand thirty seven survivors (74.3%) returned the questionnaire, with 147 (7.6%) reporting moderate depressive symptoms. Of this group, 49 survivors (33.3%) were ineligible, including 26 survivors (17.7%) already receiving treatment and another 44 survivors (30.0%) reporting no need for treatment. Only 25 survivors (1.0%) participated in the trial.

Conclusion

Of the approached survivors for screening, only 1% was eligible and interested in receiving psychological care as part of our trial. Four reasons for nonparticipation were: nonresponse to screening, low levels of depressive symptoms, no need, or already receiving care. Our findings question whether to spend the limited resources in psycho‐oncological care on following screening guidelines and the efficiency of using consecutive screening for trial recruitment in cancer survivors.
The use of distress thermometer in advanced cancer inpatients with pain
Authors: Guan Bingqing , Wang Kun , Shao Yuejuan , Cheng Xianjiang , Hao Jianlei , Tian Chang , Chen Lei , Ji Kai , Liu Weishuai
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study aimed to provide support for the extensive application of Distress Thermometer (DT) in advanced cancer inpatients with pain and explored factors associated with high DT scores among this population.

Methods

Advanced cancer patients with pain were recruited from Department of Pain Relief in Tianjin Cancer Hospital and Institute, China. They completed the DT with problems list and HADS within 48 h after admission. The cutoff score of DT was evaluated against Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for its sensitivity and specificity by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multiple logistic regression model analysis was performed to investigate correlates of DT scores.

Results

Four hundred forty one inpatients with mixed diagnoses were recruited. Referring to the cutoff of 15 on HADS, DT cutoff score of 5 yielded AUC of 0.757, with an optimal sensitivity of 0.861 and specificity of 0.531. Using the cutoff scores of greater than or equal to 5, 70.5% of the patients were distressed. Logistic regression analysis of DT found that the breakthrough pain, poorer KPS, higher pain degree, and emotional problems were the predictive factor for current distress.

Conclusion

DT is efficacious in screening for psychological distress in advanced cancer inpatients with pain. Psychological distress is prevalent with a cutoff score of greater than or equal to five. To better identify the distressed cancer patients with pain, pain degree, performance status, and emotional problems should be considered together.
A Network Pharmacology Approach for the Identification of Common Mechanisms of Drug‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: de Anda‐Jáuregui Guillermo , McGregor Brett A. , Guo Kai , Hur Junguk
Published: February 2019

Drug‐induced peripheral neuropathy is a side effect of a variety of therapeutic agents that can affect therapeutic adherence and lead to regimen modifications, impacting patient quality of life. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of this condition have yet to be completely described in the literature. We used a computational network pharmacology approach to explore the Connectivity Map, a large collection of transcriptional profiles from drug perturbation experiments to identify common genes affected by peripheral neuropathy‐inducing drugs. Consensus profiles for 98 of these drugs were used to construct a drug–gene perturbation network. We identified 27 genes significantly associated with neuropathy‐inducing drugs. These genes may have a potential role in the action of neuropathy‐inducing drugs. Our results suggest that molecular mechanisms, including alterations in mitochondrial function, microtubule and cytoskeleton function, ion channels, transcriptional regulation including epigenetic mechanisms, signal transduction, and wound healing, may play a critical role in drug‐induced peripheral neuropathy.
Edge Effect on the Photodetection Ability of the Graphene Nanocrystallites Embedded Carbon Film Coated on p‐Silicon
Authors: Zhang Xi , Peng Da , Lin Zezhou , Chen Wencong , Diao Dongfeng
Published: February 2019

A sensitive photodetector of graphene nanocrystallites embedded carbon (GNEC) film coated on p‐silicon has been proposed. Different from the conventional growth mode of graphene, GNEC film contains a large amount of vertically grown graphene nanocrystallites (GNs). Edges of GNs act as electron trapping centers, increasing the ability to capture electrons. Different types of films are prepared under various deposition biases (20, 40, 60, and 80 V), which have different density of edges (Nedge). Edge entrapment improves the photocurrent responsivity of 40 V film (high Nedge) to 0.401 A W−1, compared with 0.126 A W−1 of 20 V film (amorphous, no Nedge) and 0.194 A W−1 of 80 V film (low Nedge). A high specific detectivity of 1.34 × 1012 cm Hz1/2 W−1 is exhibited at zero bias. GNs maintain a charge transport channel, which makes it have a fast response time τrise = 260 ns.
Enhancing the Performance of Phase Change Memory for Embedded Applications
Authors: Li Xi , Chen Houpeng , Xie Chenchen , Cai Daolin , Song Sannian , Chen Yifeng , Lei Yu , Zhu Min , Song ZhiTang
Published: February 2019

Focusing on meeting the requirements for embedded applications of faster switching and sensing, lower‐power consumption, higher reliability, longer cycling endurance, and higher temperature retention, a lot of progress in the phase change memory (PCM) field has been made, including materials improvement, process optimization, new circuits design, and better operation algorithms. Finally, a 128 MB embedded PCM chip has been demonstrated in 40 nm node. Using carbon‐doped Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change material and 3 nm thick heating bottom electrode contact (BEC) with nitride coating, a resistance ratio of more than two orders of magnitude has been achieved in Reset and Set states. Combined with the parasitic matched sensing circuit, optimized ramp‐down SET pulses, adaptive pre‐read and write‐verify methods, and automatic configure and test procedures, the chip exhibits excellent data retention and endurance characteristics with minimum program time of 200 ns, and the Reset/Set resistance ratio becomes even larger after 260 °C soldering test. The estimated data retention time is 10 years at 128 °C, and in a 128 MB full integrated chip the endurance over 109 cycles is achieved. It is confirmed that this PCM technology is suitable for embedded applications, especially for those with crucial requirements of high access speed, high thermal stability, and cycling endurance.
Cardiovascular effects of cannabis (marijuana): A timely update
Authors: Sánchez Artiles Angel E. , Awan Areeba , Karl Mitchell , Santini Antonello
Published: February 2019

Cannabis (medical marijuana) is generally considered a low toxicity drug. The plant belongs to the family Cannabaceae (Urticales). Two main species may be recognized: Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Plants of this species contain many psychoactive components, the cannabinoids, including the primary psychoactive compound Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active substance present in Marijuana. The history of its cultivation and use dates back thousands of years. A possible first documented use for medical purposes of this drug is found in Chinese records dated from 28th century BC. Moreover, the presence of THC has been detected in several internal organs from an Egyptian mummy with a 14C‐dating of approximately 950 BC.

Evidence of therapeutic potential for marijuana and its components has been suggested for a large number of medical conditions. Despite this, a variety of cardiovascular complications have been documented. Dysregulation of the endogenous lipid mediators endocannabinoids and their G‐protein‐coupled cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 has been, in fact, linked to different cardiovascular pathologies. Here, we describe a timely update of possible cardiovascular effects of its use for medical purposes.
Water‐Dispersible Candle Soot–Derived Carbon Nano‐Onion Clusters for Imaging‐Guided Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhang Xiaodong , Jia Hao‐Ran , Zhu Ya‐Xuan , Guo Yuxin , Gao Ge , Li Yan‐Hong , Wu Fu‐Gen
Published: February 2019

Herein, water‐dispersible carbon nano‐onion clusters (CNOCs) with an average hydrodynamic size of ≈90 nm are prepared by simply sonicating candle soot in a mixture of oxidizing acid. The obtained CNOCs have high photothermal conversion efficiency (57.5%), excellent aqueous dispersibility (stable in water for more than a year without precipitation), and benign biocompatibility. After polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) modification, the resultant CNOCs‐PEI‐PEG have a high photothermal conversion efficiency (56.5%), and can realize after‐wash photothermal cancer cell ablation due to their ultrahigh cellular uptake (21.3 pg/cell), which is highly beneficial for the selective ablation of cancer cells via light‐triggered intracellular heat generation. More interestingly, the cellular uptake of CNOCs‐PEI‐PEG is so high that the internalized nanoagents can be directly observed under a microscope without fluorescent labeling. Besides, in vivo experiments reveal that CNOCs‐PEI‐PEG can be used for photothermal/photoacoustic dual‐modal imaging‐guided photothermal therapy after intravenous administration. Furthermore, CNOCs‐PEI‐PEG can be efficiently cleared from the mouse body within a week, ensuring their excellent long‐term biosafety. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the first example of using candle soot as raw material to prepare water‐dispersible onion‐like carbon nanomaterials for cancer theranostics is represented herein.
Recent Progress in Time‐Resolved Biosensing and Bioimaging Based on Lanthanide‐Doped Nanoparticles
Authors: Ma Qinqin , Wang Jie , Li Zhiheng , Lv Xiaobo , Liang Ling , Yuan Quan
Published: February 2019

Luminescent nanomaterials have attracted great attention in luminescence‐based bioanalysis due to their abundant optical and tunable surface physicochemical properties. However, luminescent nanomaterials often suffer from serious autofluorescence and light scattering interference when applied to complex biological samples. Time‐resolved luminescence methodology can efficiently eliminate autofluorescence and light scattering interference by collecting the luminescence signal of a long‐lived probe after the background signals decays completely. Lanthanides have a unique [Xe]4fN electronic configuration and ladder‐like energy states, which endow lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles with many desirable optical properties, such as long luminescence lifetimes, large Stokes/anti‐Stokes shifts, and sharp emission bands. Due to their long luminescence lifetimes, lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles are widely used for high‐sensitive biosensing and high‐contrast bioimaging via time‐resolved luminescence methodology. In this review, recent progress in the development of lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles and their application in time‐resolved biosensing and bioimaging are summarized. At the end of this review, the current challenges and perspectives of lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles for time‐resolved bioapplications are discussed.
Molecular Imprinting with Functional DNA
Authors: Zhang Zijie , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2019

Molecular imprinting refers to templated polymerization with rationally designed monomers, and this is a general method to prepare stable and cost‐effective ligands. This attractive concept however suffers from low affinity, low specificity, and limited signaling mechanisms for binding. Acrydite‐modified DNA oligonucleotides can be readily copolymerized into acrylic polymers. With molecular recognition and catalytic functions, such functional DNAs are recently shown to enhance the performance of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in a few ways. First, DNA aptamers are used as macromonomers to enhance binding affinity and specificity of MIPs. Second, DNA can help produce optical signals to follow binding events. Third, imprinting can also improve the performance of catalytic DNA by enhancing its activity and specificity toward the template substrate. Finally, MIP is shown to help aptamer selection. Bulk imprinting, nanoparticle imprinting, and surface imprinting are all demonstrated with DNA. Since both DNA and synthetic polymers are cost effective and stable, their hybrid materials still possess such properties while enhancing the function of each component. This review covers recent developments on the abovementioned aspects of DNA‐containing MIPs, a field just emerged in the last five years, and future research directions are discussed toward the end.
Carbon Dots‐in‐Matrix Boosting Intriguing Luminescence Properties and Applications
Authors: Li Jiyang , Wang Bolun , Zhang Hongyue , Yu Jihong
Published: February 2019

As a new class of luminescent nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have aroused significant interest because of their fascinating photoluminescence properties and potential applications in biological, optoelectronic, and energy‐related fields. Strikingly, embedding CDs in host matrices endow them with intriguing luminescent properties, in particular, room temperature phosphorescence and thermally activated delayed fluorescence, due to the confinement effect of the host matrix and the H‐bonding interactions between CDs and the matrix. Here, the state‐of‐the‐art strategies for introducing CDs in various host matrices are summarized, such as nanoporous materials, polyvinyl alcohol, polyurethane, potash alum, layered double hydroxides, amorphous silica, etc. The resultant luminescent properties of the composites and their emission mechanisms are discussed. Their applications in bioimaging, drug delivery/release, sensing, and anticounterfeiting are also presented. Finally, current problems and challenges of CDs‐based composites are noted for future development of such luminescent materials.
Beyond Capture: Circulating Tumor Cell Release and Single‐Cell Analysis
Authors: Wu Lingling , Xu Xing , Sharma Bineet , Wang Wei , Qu Xin , Zhu Lin , Zhang Huimin , Song Yanling , Yang Chaoyong
Published: February 2019

As the most promising “liquid biopsy”, analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provides noninvasive access to obtain biological information of solid tumors. It not only advances the understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance, but also promotes the development of precision medicine. Over the past decade, the rapid advances in micro/nanomaterials and microfluidics have overcome the technical challenges of capturing CTCs, allowing efficient enrichment and sensitive detection. Beyond the capture of CTCs, major challenges of in‐depth CTC analysis are the release of CTCs from capture platforms and the inherent heterogeneity in CTCs. A variety of technologies have now emerged for release and single‐cell analysis of CTCs. This review focuses on recent progress along this direction. First, different release strategies are outlined and discussed, including their design principles and characteristics (merits and limitations). Then, existing methods for single CTC analysis at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional level are summarized. Finally, some perspectives are provided on current development trends, future research directions, and challenges of CTC studies.
Implanting CNT Forest onto Carbon Nanosheets as Multifunctional Hosts for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Changtai , Wang Zhao , Tan Xinyi , Huang Huawei , Song Zhongxin , Sun Yipeng , Cui Song , Wei Qianbing , Guo Wei , Li Ruying , Yu Chang , Qiu Jieshan , Sun Xueliang
Published: February 2019

Lithium (Li) metal anodes are considered an ideal anode for the next‐generation Li batteries with high energy density. However, some intrinsic problems, such as Li dendrite growth and tremendous volume change, inhibit their practical applications. Here, an unstacked microstructure is tailored by planting an N‐doped carbon nanotube (CNT) forest on the surface of biomass‐derived large‐aspect‐ratio N‐doped carbon sheets (CSs) (CS‐CNT), which can effectively overcome the easy aggregation properties of CSs. As the host material for Li metal anode, the N‐doping and unstacked natures of CS‐CNT offer sufficient Li nucleation sites, large surface area, and space for smooth and uniform Li deposition, effectively preventing the formation of dendritic Li. As a result, the cell with this electrode can keep high and stable Coulombic efficiency of 98.8% for over 2000 h, superior to the pure CSs and Cu foil electrodes. Additionally, the symmetric cell exhibits significantly enhanced cycle life up to 1500 h as well as lowered hysteresis. The present study sheds light on the design of unstacked porous carbon materials and offers an opportunity to develop high efficiency Li metal anode.
Manipulating the Phase Distributions and Carrier Transfers in Hybrid Quasi‐Two‐Dimensional Perovskite Films
Authors: Zhou Meng , Fei Chengbin , Sarmiento Julio S. , Wang He
Published: February 2019

Quasi two‐dimensional perovskites are promising alternatives to conventional three‐dimensional perovskites because of their high stability and easy tunability. However, controlling the phase distribution according to device architecture remains a major challenge. Here, the manipulation of phase purity and vertical distribution proven by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, and their effect on device characteristics are reported. By adding ethyl acetate as antisolvent, the growth direction of the perovskite film is flipped. CH3NH3Cl and dimethyl sulfoxide are used to slow the growth rate of the crystal, which gives better phase purity. The direction of carrier transfer is tuned accordingly. It is found that solar cell performance is more sensitive to phase purity relative to vertical distribution. These findings are of importance for the applications of quasi‐2D perovskites in different types of devices that require to change phase purity and vertical distribution.
Genetic Assessment Reveals Population Fragmentation and Inbreeding in Populations of Brook Trout in the Laurel Hill of Pennsylvania
Authors: Beer Stephanie Dowell , Bartron Meredith L. , Argent David G. , Kimmel William G.
Published: February 2019

Whether natural or man‐made, landscape features often influence the patterns of genetic variation within a species and can have important conservation implications. This is especially true for Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, which are typically restricted to high‐quality headwater streams. In this study, we characterized the patterns of genetic partitioning and diversity among Brook Trout populations in the Laurel Hill of southwestern Pennsylvania with respect to landscape features and potential barriers to migration. In total, 354 wild Brook Trout samples collected across 10 streams were analyzed using 12 microsatellite loci. Our results showed a wide range of genetic diversity (allelic richness AR = 3.404–7.124; expected heterozygosity He = 0.432–0.727) and effective population size estimates (Ne = 13.5–1,106.6) and indicated that some sites contained small, low‐diversity populations of Brook Trout. Three populations were located upstream of reservoirs; however, our results did not show significant differences in the genetic diversity metrics between upstream and downstream populations. Although isolation by distance could be a factor, the patterns of genetic differentiation revealed minimal contemporary gene flow between watersheds and among most streams. Overall, our results highlight the need for continued population monitoring and habitat restoration for Brook Trout populations in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Traction force estimator of tracked mobile robot supported by the back‐to‐back test
Authors: Moriyama Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2019

In a wheel‐type mobile robot driven by DC motors, an estimator for deriving the traction force from the armature currents is necessary in building the motion control system. When the mobile robot has chain tracks, however, the motion in itself is very complicated because of the slippage phenomenon and torque transmission loss occurring at the chain tracks. Hence, simplification of the estimator is essential for the real‐time motion control. This article introduces a testing method that may satisfy the demand. It consists of two steps. The first step is the back‐to‐back test with two DC motors that were connected directly in a mobile robot, or, with two mobile robots in which the chain tracks were faced parallel. One of the two DC motors or one of the two chain tracks is turned forcibly by another, that is, it operates as an electric brake. Through this test, the sprocket torque related to the traction force is formalized as a linear expression on the armature current. The second step is the running test that a mobile robot moves on a straight‐line path according to a step‐traveling command. The linear expression established at the first step is applied to an inverse calculation of the motion equation to estimate the traction force from the traveling speed data. The usefulness of this testing method is examined by experiments with small mobile robots available on the market. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Endangered species management and climate change: When habitat conservation becomes a moving target
Authors: Wilkening Jennifer , Pearson‐Prestera Wendy , Mungi Ninad Avinash , Bhattacharyya Sabuj
Published: February 2019

As climate conditions continue to shift, species assemblages and composition within ecological communities may be reshuffled in unpredictable ways. Some habitat types may cease to exist while others may expand in size; protecting ecosystems and species in their current locations will become increasingly difficult. Threatened and endangered species are likely to be disproportionately affected by climate change because they are often habitat specialists and relatively rare. In the United States, the 1973 Endangered Species Act has prevented the extinction of many species. The identification and conservation of critical habitat is an important tool for species preservation. But how do we designate and preserve habitat for protected species when we are unsure about future habitat conditions? We address this question based upon the concept of managing for anticipated change, rather than focusing on the maintenance of existing conditions. We used an ecological niche modeling program (MaxEnt) to model current and future climatic niche for an endangered mammal endemic to southern California, USA; the Stephens’ kangaroo rat (SKR, Dipodomys stephensi). Our results indicate that the climatic niche of SKR was governed primarily by precipitation during the dry season, precipitation seasonality, annual mean temperature, and mean summer temperature. Projecting current species‐presence relationships to different scenarios predicted for the future revealed substantial loss in climatic niche with increased emission rates. Areas of future suitable climatic niche were evaluated in relation to land ownership and identified as potential reserves or translocation sites, which can aid in conservation planning for this species. Additionally, species vulnerability assessments and a climate‐change analysis tool were utilized to demonstrate how overall understanding of climate change effects can be enhanced. Information presented here can serve as guiding principles for the inclusion of climate change considerations into management plans, and can better inform overall decision‐making related to endangered species management. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Updating bounds on R-parity violating supersymmetry from meson oscillation data
Authors: Domingo Florian , Dreiner Herbert K. , Kim Jong Soo , Krauss Manuel E. , Lozano Víctor Martín , Wang Zeren Simon
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We update the bounds on R-parity violating supersymmetry originating from meson oscillations in the B

d/s

0
and K
0 systems. To this end, we explicitly calculate all corresponding contributions from R-parity violating operators at the one-loop level, thereby completing and correcting existing calculations. We apply our results to the derivation of bounds on R-parity violating couplings, based on up-to-date experimental measurements. In addition, we consider the possibility of cancellations among flavor-changing contributions of various origins, e.g. from multiple R-parity violating couplings or R-parity conserving soft terms. Destructive interferences among new-physics contributions could then open phenomenologically allowed regions, for values of the parameters that are naively excluded when the parameters are varied individually.
Deconstructing defects
Authors: Hayling Joseph , Niarchos Vasilis , Papageorgakis Constantinos
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We use the exact-deconstruction prescription to lift various squashed-S
3 partition functions with supersymmetric-defect insertions to four-dimensional superconformal indices. Starting from three-dimensional circular-quiver theories with vortex-loop-operator insertions, we recover the index of four-dimensional theories in the presence of codimension-two surface defects with (2,2) supersymmetry. The case of deconstruction with Wilson-loop insertions is discussed separately. We provide evidence that a certain prescription leads to the index of four-dimensional theories in the presence of surface defects with (4,0) supersymmetry. In addition, we deconstruct the index of four-dimensional gauge theories with codimension-one

$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

-BPS defects, starting from three-dimensional circular-quiver theories containing localised matter/gauge-field insertions at specific nodes. We also clarify certain calculational and conceptual points related to exact deconstruction.
The large proper-time expansion of Yang-Mills plasma as a resurgent transseries
Authors: Aniceto Inês , Jankowski Jakub , Meiring Ben , Spaliński Michał
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We show that the late-time expansion of the energy density of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma at infinite coupling undergoing Bjorken flow takes the form of a multi-parameter transseries. Using the AdS/CFT correspondence we find a gravity solution which supplements the well known large proper-time expansion by exponentially-suppressed sectors corresponding to quasinormal modes of the AdS black-brane. The full solution also requires the presence of further sectors which have a natural interpretation as couplings between these modes. The exponentially-suppressed sectors represent nonhydrodynamic contributions to the energy density of the plasma. We use resurgence techniques on the resulting transseries to show that all the information encoded in the nonhydrodynamic sectors can be recovered from the original hydrodynamic gradient expansion.
On the relation between the magnitude and exponent of OTOCs
Authors: Gu Yingfei , Kitaev Alexei
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We derive an identity relating the growth exponent of early-time OTOCs, the pre-exponential factor, and a third number called “branching time”. The latter is defined within the dynamical mean-field framework, namely, in terms of the retarded kernel. This identity can be used to calculate stringy effects in the SYK and similar models; we also explicitly define “strings” in this context. As another application, we consider an SYK chain. If the coupling strength βJ is above a certain threshold and nonlinear (in the magnitude of OTOCs) effects are ignored, the exponent in the butterfly wavefront is exactly 2π/β.
Positioning children's literature to confront the persistent avoidance of LGBTQ topics among elementary preservice teachers
Authors: Buchanan Lisa Brown , Tschida Christina , Bellows Elizabeth , Shear Sarah B.
Published: February 2019

Using a queer theory and disrupting heteronormativity framework, we applied a model lesson in the elementary methods course to understand preservice teachers’ experiences with LGBTQ individuals and families and their beliefs about utilizing children's literature portraying LGBTQ families in the elementary classroom. Participants reported a range of personal experiences with LGBTQ individuals and families and relatively positive responses to the family text set presented but wavered on LGBTQ themed books due to perceived conflict, religious beliefs, and ideas about what is appropriate content for young learners. A discussion of the findings also includes preservice teachers’ intentions for future teaching related to LGBTQ topics. Implications for teacher education and social studies education are explored.
Quantum electrodynamics experiments with colliding petawatt laser pulses
Authors: Turcu I. C. E. , Shen B. , Neely D. , Sarri G. , Tanaka K. A. , McKenna P. , Mangles S. P. D. , Yu T.-P. , Luo W. , Zhu X.-L. , Yin Y.
Published: February 2019

A new generation of high power laser facilities will provide laser pulses with extremely high powers of 10 petawatt (PW) and even 100 PW, capable of reaching intensities of $10^{23}~\text{W}/\text{cm}^{2}$ in the laser focus. These ultra-high intensities are nevertheless lower than the Schwinger intensity $I_{S}=2.3\times 10^{29}~\text{W}/\text{cm}^{2}$ at which the theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED) predicts that a large part of the energy of the laser photons will be transformed to hard Gamma-ray photons and even to matter, via electron–positron pair production. To enable the investigation of this physics at the intensities achievable with the next generation of high power laser facilities, an approach involving the interaction of two colliding PW laser pulses is being adopted. Theoretical simulations predict strong QED effects with colliding laser pulses of ${\geqslant}10~\text{PW}$ focused to intensities ${\geqslant}10^{22}~\text{W}/\text{cm}^{2}$.
High efficiency second harmonic generation of nanojoule-level femtosecond pulses in the visible based on BiBO
Authors: Galletti Mario , Pires Hugo , Hariton Victor , João Celso Paiva , Künzel Swen , Galimberti Marco , Figueira Gonçalo
Published: February 2019

We demonstrate high efficiency second harmonic generation (SHG) of near infrared femtosecond pulses using a $\text{BiB}_{3}\text{O}_{6}$ crystal in a single-pass tight focusing geometry setup. A frequency doubling efficiency of $63\%$ is achieved, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the highest value ever reported in the femtosecond regime for such low energy (nJ-level) pumping pulses. Theoretical analyses of the pumping scheme focusing waist and the SHG efficiency are performed, by numerically solving the three wave mixing coupled equations in the plane-wave scenario and by running simulations with a commercial full 3D code. Simulations show a good agreement with the experimental data regarding both the efficiency and the pulse spectral profile. The simulated SHG pulse temporal profile presents the characteristic features of the group velocity mismatch broadening in a ‘thick’ crystal.
Non-equilibrium thermal transport and entropy analyses in rarefied cavity flows
Authors: Venugopal Vishnu , Praturi Divya Sri , Girimaji Sharath S.
Published: February 2019

Thermal transport in rarefied flows far removed from thermodynamic equilibrium is investigated using kinetic-theory-based numerical simulations. Two numerical schemes – unified gas kinetic scheme (UGKS) and direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) – are employed to simulate transport at different degrees of rarefaction. Lid-driven cavity flow simulations of argon gas are performed over a range of Knudsen numbers, Mach numbers and cavity shapes. Thermal transport is then characterized as a function of lid Mach number and Knudsen number for different cavity shapes. Vast deviations from the Fourier law – including thermal transport aligned along the direction of temperature gradient – are observed. Entropy implications are examined using Sackur–Tetrode and Boltzmann$H$-theorem formulations. At low Knudsen and Mach numbers, thermal transport is shown to be amenable to both entropy formulations. However, beyond moderate Knudsen and Mach numbers, thermal transport complies only with the Boltzmann$H$-theorem entropy statement. Two extended thermodynamic models are compared against simulation data and found to account for some of the observed non-equilibrium behaviour.
Perceptions of Canadian Indigenous teachers and students on movement integration in the classroom
Authors: Kerpan Serene , Humbert M. Louise , Abonyi Sylvia
Published: February 2019

Abstract The focus of this article is understanding the perceptions that Canadian Indigenous teachers and students have on a novel physical activity teaching method that is utilised in the classroom. We explore the role that physical activity plays in the healthy growth and development of children, with special attention to Indigenous children. Through participatory action research and qualitative methods, Indigenous teachers and students share their thoughts on physical activity in the classroom and the barriers and facilitators that exist to implementing classroom physical activity. This work is discussed in the context of the recent Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and provides the reader with tangible suggestions for movement integration in the classroom.
Area formulas for certain convex quadrilaterals
Authors: Josefsson Martin
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this paper is to collect for the first time area formulas for all convex quadrilaterals that can be expressed in terms of their four sides alone. There are presently 23 such classes that we know of. Many mathematics teachers would probably find it challenging just to name that many different classes of quadrilaterals, and even more difficult to tell how to calculate their different areas. Several of these classes of quadrilaterals are included neither in MathWorld, Wikipedia nor in any other encyclopedia that we know of. The formulas can be sorted into four categories as either well known, a special case of another formula, less known, or previously unknown (at least to us). The last category only includes two formulas and we will prove these.
Diets enriched with whole grains reduce premenstrual syndrome scores in nurses: an open-label parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Esmaeilpour Mozhgan , Ghasemian Sedigheh , Alizadeh Mohammad
Published: February 2019

Although previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of some components of whole grains on premenstrual syndrome (PMS), our literature review shows that no clinical trial has studied the effect of whole grain consumption on PMS so far. Therefore, the present study was designed to study the effect of diets rich in whole grains on PMS among nurses. This study is a parallel controlled clinical trial with a 3-month intervention period in which, after following two menstrual cycles among nurses, 100 nurses diagnosed with PMS were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control, with fifty individuals in each. Those in the intervention group replaced at least four servings of refined grains in their daily diets with whole grains. To supply four servings, 120 g of bread made with whole flour was given to the intervention group on a daily basis. Those in the control group, however, continued their regular daily consumption of grains. The two groups were compared regarding PMS symptoms after adjusting the confounding variables. The repeated measurement test showed that the interaction between the time factor and the experimental group on the mean score of PMS symptoms was significant. That is, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in the general, mood, physical and behavioural symptoms of PMS compared with the controls (P<0·001,P=0·01,P<0·001 andP=0·003, respectively). Therefore, daily consumption of whole grains in place of refined grains can contribute to improvement in PMS symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Effect of an individualised high-protein, energy-restricted diet on anthropometric and cardio-metabolic parameters in overweight and obese Malaysian adults: a 6-month randomised controlled study
Authors: Mitra Soma Roy , Tan Pui Yee
Published: February 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Hipcref (high-protein, energy-restricted, high-vitamin E and high-fibre) diet in Malaysian adults on body composition and metabolic parameters after an intervention period of 6 months. Overweight/obese Malaysian adults (n128; BMI≥23 kg/m2) were randomised to the Hipcref (n65) or control diet (n63). The intervention group received Hipcref diet charts based on their personal preferences. The control group followed a generalised dietary advice based on Malaysian Dietary Guidelines, 2010. All participants were responsible for preparing their own meals. There was a significant treatment group×time effect on anthropometric parameters (P<0·05) on an intention-to-treat basis. Pairwise comparisons revealed that Hipcref diet participants had significant reduction in weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and percentage body fat at months 3 and 6 compared with baseline (P<0·001). The control group had significant increase in weight and BMI at months 3 and 6 compared with baseline (P<0·05). The Hipcref diet group had higher reduction in fasting insulin, insulin resistance and C-reactive protein levels compared with the control group at month 6 (P<0·05). Post-intervention, compared with the control group, the Hipcref diet group was found to consume significantly higher percentage energy from protein, and PUFA, higher energy-adjusted vitamin E (mg) and fibre (g), and lower total energy, lower percentage energy from fat and carbohydrate (P<0·05). The success of the Hipcref diet on overweight/obese Malaysian adults may be due to the combined effect of the nutrient composition of the Hipcref diet.
A Representation Theoretic Study of Non-Commutative Symmetric Algebras
Authors: Chan D. , Nyman A.
Published: February 2019

We study Van den Bergh's non-commutative symmetric algebra 𝕊nc(M) (over division rings) via Minamoto's theory of Fano algebras. In particular, we show that 𝕊nc(M) is coherent, and its proj category ℙnc(M) is derived equivalent to the corresponding bimodule species. This generalizes the main theorem of [8], which in turn is a generalization of Beilinson's derived equivalence. As corollaries, we show that ℙnc(M) is hereditary and there is a structure theorem for sheaves on ℙnc(M) analogous to that for ℙ1.
Survey of slug-parasitic nematodes in East and West Flanders, Belgium and description ofAngiostoma gandavensisn. sp. (Nematoda: Angiostomidae) from arionid slugs
Authors: Singh P.R. , Couvreur M. , Decraemer W. , Bert W.
Published: February 2019

A survey for slug-associated nematodes in five locations of East and West Flanders in Belgium revealed the presence of one new and six known slug-parasitic nematodes,Agfa flexilis(Dujardin, 1845),Alloionema appendiculatum(Schneider, 1859),Angiostoma dentiferum(Mengert, 1953),Angiostoma limacis(Dujardin, 1845),Angiostoma norvegicum(Rosset al., 2017) andPhasmarhabditis hermaphrodita(Schneider, 1859).Angiostoma norvegicumandP.hermaphroditaare recorded for the first time in Belgium. The six known species are documented by light microscopy (LM) microphotographs and informative DNA sequences.Angiostoma gandavensisn. sp. (Angiostomatidae), discovered from arionid slugs, is described based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular data. Based on analyses of D2D3 expansion segment of 28S and 18S rDNA sequences, this new species is found to be related toA.limacis,A.norvegicum,A.margaretae(Rosset al., 2011) andA.milacis(Ivanova and Wilson, 2009). The new species can be distinguished from these others based on morphological characters such as the distinctive mucronate structures at the tail tip of both sexes, presence of lateral ala, reflexed female ovaries and the number and arrangement pattern of male genital papillae.
Evaluation of antioxidant and oxidant status of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) naturally infected withHaemonchus contortus
Authors: Rashid S. , Irshadullah M.
Published: February 2019

The present study aimed to assess the antioxidant and oxidant status of goats naturally infected withHaemonchus contortus. Based upon the parasite burden, infection in goats was categorized as heavy (> 500 worms), mild (100–500 worms) or low (< 100 worms). Abomasal tissues from non-infected and infected goats were used for the determination of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) aminotransferases, acid (ACP) and alkaline (ALP) phosphatases, superoxide content (O2−), protein carbonyl (PC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH). A significantly higher level of CAT, GST and GR activity and a lower level of GPx activity were recorded in infected compared to non-infected tissue. A significant increase in the level of AST, ALT, ALP and ACP was found in the abomasal tissue of the infected animals, which was related to the worm burden. The oxidative stress markers were also altered, with a significant decline in GSH levels, whereas MDA, PC and O2−concentrations showed a marked increase. In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that haemonchosis in goats resulted in considerable oxidative stress, which was directly related to the worm burden.
A decade of shaping the futures of polar early career researchers: A legacy of the International Polar Year
Authors: Hindshaw Ruth S. , Mariash Heather , Vick-Majors Trista J. , Thornton Alexander E. , Pope Allen , Zaika Yulia , Lenz Josefine , Nielsen Hanne , Fugmann Gerlis
Published: February 2019

The Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) is an important legacy of the International Polar Year (IPY). APECS continues to foster engagement in education, outreach and communication (EOC) activities relating to the polar regions and provide training for early career researchers (ECRs). We highlight opportunities for training, leadership and skills development, such as the annual Polar Weeks and Antarctica Day celebrations. Participation and engagement in EOC activities actively contributes to career development by enabling ECRs to develop valuable soft skills such as networking, communication and interdisciplinary knowledge. A pilot survey on EOC engagement highlighted that those who organise events also gain leadership skills such as team management. We discuss several factors contributing to the success of APECS in training the next generation of polar leaders. These include the geographical rather than discipline-specific focus of the organisation, utilisation of online resources, including social media, and the strong links with partner organisations. These examples demonstrate how the EOC legacy of IPY has continued due to APECS’ targeted efforts to create EOC opportunities and provide skills and leadership training for ECRs.
‘The different sets of ideas at the back of our heads’: Dissent and authority at the International Court of Justice
Authors: Mistry Hemi
Published: February 2019

Additional opinions (AOs) – dissenting opinions, separate opinions and declarations, whether authored individually or jointly – are a distinctive characteristic of the ICJ’s jurisprudence. Few decisions of the International Court of Justice (the Court, ICJ) are delivered without any additional opinion attached to it. Yet, despite their ubiquity, there is still significant disagreement as to their relationship to the authority of the Court and its decisions. Although this disagreement is commonly attributed to the different approaches and attitudes traditionally associated with the ‘civil law’ and ‘common law’ traditions, few ask specifically why those traditions take the approach they do, and even fewer consider the appropriateness of the extension of those attitudes to the ICJ, which of course is neither ‘civil law’ nor ‘common law’. In this article, using the work of Mirjan Damaška, I offer a contextually coherent and contextually contingent understand of the theory and practice of additional opinions at the ICJ upon which engagement with this practice – by judges, scholars and practitioners – can be premised. This effort to understand the relationship between additional opinions and institutional authority will, by its very nature, lead to a broader enquiry into the very nature of institutional authority at the ICJ. Having explained the importance of AOs to the structural integrity of the Court’s authority, I will close this article by highlighting the role of various stakeholders when engaging with that practice to ensure that their institutional function is discharged.