bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piezoelectric modulation of nonlinear optical response in BaTiO3 thin film
Authors: Kormondy Kristy J. , Cho Yujin , Posadas Agham B. , Zheng Lu , Lai Keji , Wang Qingxiao , Kim Moon J. , He Qian , Borisevich Albina Y. , Downer Michael C. , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: September 2018

We study the nonlinear optical response in a strained thin film ferroelectric oxide BaTiO3 using piezoelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (001) as a variable strain substrate and La-doped SrTiO3 as a conductive buffer layer. The rotation-anisotropic second harmonic intensity profile shows hysteretic modulation corresponding to the strain variation from the inverse piezoelectric response of the substrate. An enhancement of 15% is observed at 1.2 kV/cm, while a control sample shows negligible change as a function of piezovoltage. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy reveal the epitaxial interface. X-ray diffraction and piezoresponse force microscopy confirm tetragonal distortion and ferroelectricity of the BaTiO3 overlayer. Our results suggest a promising route to enhance the performance of nonlinear optical oxides for the development of future nano-opto-mechanical devices.
Settling velocity of fine heavy particles in turbulent open channel flow
Authors: Wang Y. , Lam K. M. , Lu Y.
Published: September 2018

The settling velocity of heavy particles with sub-millimetre diameters falling in a turbulent open channel flow is investigated using a two-camera imaging technique of simultaneous particle image velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry. Flow images of heavy particles are separated from those of the fluid flow field based on different wavelengths of light emitted by the fluorescent heavy particles and flow-following seeding particles. Some flow configurations of weak turbulence are generated in the open channel flow with a turbulence grid. The effect of turbulence intensity, vorticity, and small length scale on the settling velocity of fine solid particles in these cases of relatively weak turbulence is studied. Experimental results reveal that the settling velocity of heavy particles in most cases is increased from its still-water value by the weak turbulence. The increase becomes larger when the turbulent Reynolds number is increased for similar flow configurations. The interaction between particle movements and small turbulent scales appears to be responsible for the enhancement of particle settling velocity. The ratio of particle diameter to the local Kolmogorov length scale is found to correlate well with the increase in particle settling velocity. A reduction in settling velocity is only observed when this ratio is less than 0.5. Even in this case, the enhancement phenomenon of settling velocity in low vorticity regions can also be observed. Possible effects of the nonlinear drag and loitering effect are also investigated.
A diffusive atmospheric pressure glow discharge obtained by applying an external transverse magnetic field
Authors: Wang Yong Sheng , Ding Wei Dong , Wang Jia Chen , Ge Chong Jian , Wang Ya Nan
Published: September 2018

The atmospheric pressure glow discharge has a good industrial application prospect, but it is difficult to obtain a stable and diffusive atmospheric pressure glow discharge, especially in the large ambient air gap. In this paper, with a transverse magnetic field applied in the pin-to-ring electrode gap, a stable and diffusive atmospheric pressure glow discharge in ambient air was obtained. The influence of different factors such as the output-voltage amplitude of the power supply, the intensity of the external magnetic field, and the different sizes of ring-cathode were studied from the discharge voltage and current waveforms and the discharge morphology. The results show that a more diffusive and bigger-volume glow discharge can be obtained by increasing the amplitude of the output voltage or the intensity of the external magnetic field, and the more uniform and effective glow discharge can be obtained when choosing the smaller pin-to-ring inter-electrode gap.
Resonant streaming instability in a non-degenerate quantum plasma including the electron quantum recoil effect
Authors: Lee Myoung-Jae , Jung Young-Dae
Published: September 2018

The dispersion relation for the surface waves propagating at the interface of a semi-bounded quantum plasma containing non-degenerate electrons and streaming ions. The electron quantum recoil effect is included in the dielectric permittivity, and the growth rate of the surface waves which are resonant with the streaming ions is derived. It is found that the resonant growth rate decreases with an increase in the plasmon energy; hence, the increase in electron oscillation is found to suppress the instability of the surface wave. However, the resonant growth rate increases with an increase in the electron thermal energy because the energy surplus by electrons is responsible for the unstable mode. As the wave number increases, the rate of decline of the resonant growth rate decreases gradually.
Interfacial characteristics of Au/Al2O3/InP metal-insulator-semiconductor diodes
Authors: Kim Hogyoung , Kim Yong , Choi Byung Joon
Published: September 2018

The interfacial properties of Au/n-InP contacts with a thin layer of Al2O3 (0.7 or 2.7 nm) deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were investigated using temperature-dependent current-voltage (I–V–T) and depth-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Schottky barrier inhomogeneity provided a good description of the charge transport at the interface of all the samples. Based on XPS analysis, the removal of native oxide occurred due to a self-cleaning effect via the ALD process, especially for the thicker Al2O3 layer. The significant diffusion of In into the Al2O3 of the thinner layer may have formed In2O3 and degraded the Al2O3 film. XPS analysis also showed that with increasing Al2O3 thickness, emission from In2O3 decreased while that from InPO4 increased.
Multimode optical fiber photonic doppler velocimetery
Authors: Horovitz Yossef , Berkovic Garry , Shafir Ehud , Saadi Yair
Published: September 2018

A new optical fiber head for Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) made from a combination of fiber types [multimode (MM) and single-mode (SM)] and lenses is described. The input laser beam is delivered by a SM fiber and imaged onto the target by simple optics, including an imaging lens centered inside a larger lens, whose role is to collect and image the back reflected light into the MM collection fiber. The large core of the MM fiber enhances the collection efficiency and also reduces its dependence on the target angle. Transmission through the MM fiber reduces the heterodyne fringe visibility considerably, but the Fourier analysis still enables very accurate resolution of the fringe frequency (and hence the velocity). The new PDV head with 20 GHz bandwidth was tested in a dynamical shock wave experiment to measure velocities of ∼3 km/s (∼3.9 GHz), and the results agreed very well with measurements by a standard SM PDV.
Tunnel diode resonator for precision magnetic susceptibility measurements in a mK temperature range and large DC magnetic fields
Authors: Kim Hyunsoo , Tanatar M. A. , Prozorov R.
Published: September 2018

Precision radio-frequency measurements of the magnetic susceptibility using the tunnel diode resonator (TDR) technique are used to study the delicate effects in magnetic and superconducting materials. High resolution (in ppb range) measurements are particularly important for studies of the London and Campbell penetration depths in a superconductor and for the investigation of magnetic transitions in (anti)ferromagnets. Due to the small rf magnetic-excitation in a mOe range, the TDR is especially useful at low-temperatures in a mK range, if Joule heating generated in the TDR circuitry is efficiently removed and the circuit is stabilized with sub-mK precision. Unfortunately, the circuit has significant magnetic field dependence, and therefore, most of the precision TDR measurements at low-temperatures were conducted in zero magnetic field. In this work, we describe the design of a setup for precision TDR measurements in a dilution refrigerator down to ∼40 mK with a 14 T superconducting magnet. The key features of our design are the separated electronics components and the placement of the most field sensitive parts in the field-compensated zone far from the center of solenoid as well as the heat-sinking at a higher temperature stage. The performance of the working setup is demonstrated using several superconductors.
Effect of nitrogen passivation on interface composition and physical stress in SiO2/SiC(4H) structures
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Lee Sang Soo , Li Mengjun , Ermakov Alexei , Medina-Ramos Jonnathan , Fister Timothy T. , Amarasinghe Voshadhi , Gustafsson Torgny , Garfunkel Eric , Fenter Paul , Feldman Leonard C.
Published: September 2018

The electron density and physical stress at the thermally oxidized SiC/SiO2 interface, and their change with nitrogen incorporation, were observed using x-ray reflectivity, Raman scattering, and in-situ stress measurement. There is no evidence for residual carbon species at the SiO2/SiC. Instead, a ∼1 nm thick low electron density layer is formed at this interface, consistent with interfacial suboxides (SiOx, 0.3 < x < 2), along with high interfacial stress. Nitrogen passivation, a known process to improve the interface state density and electronic properties, eliminates the low density component and simultaneously releases the interface stress. On the basis of these findings, a chemical interaction model is proposed to explain the effect of the nitrogen in terms of both stress reduction and elemental control of the dielectric/SiC interface, resulting in a higher quality gate stack on SiC.
Impulsive alignment of 4He–CH3I: A theoretical study
Authors: Vindel-Zandbergen Patricia , Jiang Ji , Lewerenz Marius , Meier Christoph , Barranco Manuel , Pi Martí , Halberstadt Nadine
Published: September 2018

We simulate the non-adiabatic laser alignment of the weakly bound 4He–CH3I complex based on a quantum mechanical wave packet calculation for a model He–CH3I interaction potential. Two different regimes are found depending on the laser intensity. At intensities typical of non-adiabatic alignment experiments, the rotational dynamics resembles that of the isolated molecule. This is attributed to the fact that after the initial prompt alignment peak the complex rapidly dissociates. The subsequent revival pattern is due to the free rotation of the molecule detached from the helium atom. It is superimposed to a flat background corresponding to ∼20% of the wave packet which remains bound, containing lower rotational excitation. At lower intensities, dissociation is avoided but the rotational excitation is not high enough to provide an efficient alignment and a broad non-regular structure is observed. Besides, the interaction of the He atom with the molecule quenches any possible alignment. These interpretations are based on the calculation of different observables related to the rotational motion. We compare our findings with recent experimental and theoretical results of non-adiabatic alignment of linear molecules solvated in helium nanodroplets or weakly interacting with one helium atom.
Evolution of structural topology of forming nanocrystalline silicon film by atomic-scale-mechanism-driven model based on realistic network
Authors: Zhang Yixiong , Wang Hong , Jiang Shaoji
Published: September 2018

To establish a description of realistic structural evolution of a growth film, we propose a local definite continuous-random-network (CRN) structure combined with a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) method based on an atomic-scale mechanism from first-principles density-functional-theory computations and molecular-dynamics computations. The proposed CRN-KMC method elucidates the evolution of elaborate topological structure and the transformation from amorphous phase to nanocrystalline phase of Si films, which is essentially attributed to the atomic interactive behavior of film growth. The method further predicts the realistic structural networks of a growing film at various temperatures based on various atomic-scale mechanisms competing with each other, mechanisms that not only essentially drive the radical from physisorption to chemisorption with the film surface, but also decidedly influence the film-surface chemical composition. In particular, we find the evolution of topological structure’s critical dependence on the compositions of the film surface and H-induced crystallization mechanism, which provide the important information for the strategy for determining optimized deposition conditions for local crystal formation. The results of the evolution of the structural network indicate that the structure of film is similar the CRN model’s representation at relative lower temperature, and is in full agreement with the inhomogeneous crystalline model at relative higher temperature without an abrupt phase change from polycrystalline to amorphous. Our CRN-KMC realistic structure model has significance for exploring the relation of various atomic-scale mechanisms to the phase transformation of growing films.
Symmetry breaking in high frequency, symmetric capacitively coupled plasmas
Authors: Kawamura E. , Lieberman M. A. , Lichtenberg A. J.
Published: September 2018

Two radially propagating surface wave modes, “symmetric,” in which the upper and lower axial sheath fields (Ez) are aligned, and “anti-symmetric,” in which they are opposed, can exist in capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharges. For a symmetric (equal electrode areas) CCP driven symmetrically, we expected to observe only the symmetric mode. Instead, we find that when the applied rf frequency f is above or near an anti-symmetric spatial resonance, both modes can exist in combination and lead to unexpected non-symmetric equilibria. We use a fast 2D axisymmetric fluid-analytical code to study a symmetric CCP reactor at low pressure (7.5 mTorr argon) and low density (∼3 × 1015 m−3) in the frequency range of f = 55 to 100 MHz which encompasses the first anti-symmetric spatial resonance frequency fa but is far below the first symmetric spatial resonance fs. For lower frequencies such that f is well below fa, the symmetric CCP is in a stable symmetric equilibrium, as expected, but at higher frequencies such that f is near or greater than fa, a non-symmetric equilibrium appears which may be stable or unstable. We develop a nonlinear lumped circuit model of the symmetric CCP to better understand these unexpected results, indicating that the proximity to the anti-symmetric spatial resonance allows self-exciting of the anti-symmetric mode even in a symmetric system. The circuit model results agree well with the fluid simulations. A linear stability analysis of the symmetric equilibrium describes a transition with increasing frequency from stable to unstable.
Efficient evaluation of the geometrical first derivatives of three-center Coulomb integrals
Authors: Samu Gyula , Kállay Mihály
Published: September 2018

The calculation of the geometrical derivatives of three-center electron repulsion integrals (ERIs) over contracted spherical harmonic Gaussians has been optimized. We compared various methods based on the Obara–Saika, McMurchie–Davidson, Gill–Head-Gordon–Pople, and Rys polynomial algorithms using Cartesian, Hermite, and mixed Gaussian integrals for each scheme. The latter ERIs contain both Hermite and Cartesian Gaussians, and they combine the advantageous properties of both types of basis functions. Furthermore, prescreening of the ERI derivatives is discussed, and an efficient approximation of the Cauchy–Schwarz bound for first derivatives is presented. Based on the estimated operation counts, the most promising schemes were implemented by automated code generation, and their relative performances were evaluated. We analyzed the benefits of computing all of the derivatives of a shell triplet simultaneously compared to calculating them just for one degree of freedom at a time, and it was found that the former scheme offers a speedup close to an order of magnitude with a triple-zeta quality basis when appropriate prescreening is applied. In these cases, the Obara–Saika method with Cartesian Gaussians proved to be the best approach, but when derivatives for one degree of freedom are required at a time the mixed Gaussian Obara–Saika and Gill–Head-Gordon–Pople algorithms are predicted to be the best performing ones.
A scanning tunneling microscope for spectroscopic imaging below 90 mK in magnetic fields up to 17.5 T
Authors: Machida T. , Kohsaka Y. , Hanaguri T.
Published: September 2018

We describe the development and performance of an ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope working under combined extreme conditions of ultra-low temperatures and high magnetic fields. We combined a top-loading dilution refrigerator and a standard bucket dewar with a bottom-loading superconducting magnet to achieve 4.5 days operating time, which is long enough to perform various spectroscopic-imaging measurements. To bring the effective electron temperature closer to the mixing-chamber temperature, we paid particular attention to filtering out radio-frequency noise, as well as enhancing the thermal link between the microscope unit and the mixing chamber. We estimated the lowest effective electron temperature to be below 90 mK by measuring the superconducting-gap spectrum of aluminum. We confirmed the long-term stability of the spectroscopic-imaging measurement by visualizing superconducting vortices in the cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ.
On quantum separation of variables
Authors: Maillet J. M. , Niccoli G.
Published: September 2018

We present a new approach to construct the separate variables basis leading to the full characterization of the transfer matrix spectrum of quantum integrable lattice models. The basis is generated by the repeated action of the transfer matrix itself on a generically chosen state of the Hilbert space. The fusion relations for the transfer matrix, stemming from the Yang-Baxter algebra properties, provide the necessary closure relations to define the action of the transfer matrix on such a basis in terms of elementary local shifts, leading to a separate transfer matrix spectral problem. Hence our scheme extends to the quantum case a key feature of the Liouville-Arnold classical integrability framework where the complete set of conserved charges defines both the level manifold and the flows on it leading to the construction of action-angle variables. We work in the framework of the quantum inverse scattering method. As a first example of our approach, we give the construction of such a basis for models associated with Y(gln) and argue how it extends to their trigonometric and elliptic versions. Then we show how our general scheme applies concretely to fundamental models associated with the Y(gl2) and Y(gl3) R-matrices leading to the full characterization of their spectrum. For Y(gl2) and its trigonometric deformation, a particular case of our method reproduces Sklyanin’s construction of separate variables. For Y(gl3), it gives new results, in particular, through the proper identification of the shifts acting on the separate basis. We stress that our method also leads to the full characterization of the spectrum of other known quantum integrable lattice models, including, in particular, trigonometric and elliptic spin chains, open chains with general integrable boundaries, and further higher rank cases that we will describe in forthcoming publications.
Note: Thermal conductivity measurement of individual porous polyimide fibers using a modified wire-shape 3ω method
Authors: Qiu L. , Ouyang Y. , Feng Y. , Zhang X.
Published: September 2018

Porous polyimide fiber enjoys a good reputation as a high temperature resistant thermal insulation material in an aircraft-carrier, a spacecraft, and other military sophisticated products. Understanding its thermal conductivity is especially important for the design optimization and thermal management in these applications. In this study, a modified wire-shape 3ω method is developed to measure the thermal conductivity of individual porous polyimide fibers, utilizing a platinum layer heater/thermometer deposited along the circumferential direction of the fiber. The new method is first validated using a platinum wire with known thermophysical properties such as thermal conductivity at room temperature and then applied to porous polyimide fibers with diverse porosities. The thermal conductivity of porous polyimide fibers at room temperature is 0.06–0.15 W m−1 K−1, which reflects a good thermal insulation performance.
Socioeconomic differences in access to care in Australia for women fearful of birth
Authors: Toohill Jocelyn , Callander Emily , Fox Haylee , Lindsay Daniel , Gamble Jenny , Creedy Debra , Fenwick Jennifer
Published: September 2018

Objective
Fear of childbirth is known to increase a woman’s likelihood of having a Caesarean section. Continuity of midwifery care is known to reduce this risk, but less than 8% of women have access to this relationship-based, primary care model. The aims of this study were to determine whether healthcare use and access to continuity models are equal across different indicators of socioeconomic status for women who are fearful of birth.

Methods
A secondary analysis was conducted of data obtained during a randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducation intervention by trained midwives to minimise childbirth fear (the Birth Emotions and Looking to Improve Expectant Fear (BELIEF) study). In all, 1410 women were screened, with 339 women reporting high levels of fear (Wijma-Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire ≥66). Demographic, obstetric information, birth preference and psychosocial measures were collected at recruitment and at 36 weeks gestation for the 339 fearful women, with the birth method and health service use returned by 183 women at 6 weeks after the birth.

Results
Univariate analysis revealed no significant difference in the number of general practitioner and midwife visits between women of high and low income and high and low education. However, women with higher levels of education had 2.51-fold greater odds of seeing the same midwife throughout their pregnancy than women with lower education (95% confidence interval 1.25–5.04), after adjusting for age, parity and hospital site.

Conclusions
Given the known positive outcomes of continuity of midwifery care for women fearful of birth, health policy makers need to provide equity in access to evidence-based models of midwifery care.

What is known about this topic?
Caseload midwifery care is considered the gold standard care due to the known positive outcomes it has for the mother and baby during the perinatal period. Pregnant women who receive caseload midwifery care are more likely to experience a normal vaginal birth.

What does this paper add?
There is unequal access to midwifery caseload care for women fearful of birth across socioeconomic boundaries. Midwifery caseload care is not used for all fearful mothers during the perinatal period.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Health policy makers seeking to provide equity in access to maternity care should be aware of these inequalities in use to target delivery of care at this specific cohort of mothers.
Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by CuNi@C Derived from Metal–Organic Frameworks Precursor
Authors: Huang Xue , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiao , Wu Qing-Ping , Yan Chun-Hui
Published: September 2018

Calcined Cu-based metal–organic frameworks impregnated with nickel nitrate catalysts (CuNi@C) were synthesised. X-Ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were applied for the characterisation of the synthesised catalyst, which revealed an octahedral particle shape, rough surface, and metallic copper (Cu, CuO) and nickel (Ni, NiO) particles. CuNi@C was fabricated as a novel peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for the oxidative degradation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in aqueous media. Results showed that the CuNi@C/PMS system can efficiently degrade nearly 100 % of 0.02 mmol L−1 AO7 within 60 min. In addition, the trapping experiments confirmed the participation of sulfate radicals (SO4•−) and hydroxyl radicals (HO•) as reactive species in the system. Furthermore, the effects of parameters including catalyst and PMS dosages, initial concentration of AO7, and pH were studied. Results showed that the decolourisation efficiency increased with the increase of catalyst dosage, but decreased with the increase of AO7 concentration. The optimal PMS concentration was 0.675 mmol L−1, and initial pH showed no significant effect on the degradation of AO7. Moreover, the CuNi@C could be reused four times with good activity and reusability. Findings revealed that the CuNi@C/PMS system shows potential for degrading contaminants in the environment, due to its catalytic activity and non-negligible adsorption.
Fish catch and community composition in a data-poor Mekong River subcatchment characterised through participatory surveys of harvest from an artisanal fishery
Authors: Patricio Harmony C. , Zipper Stephen A. , Peterson Matthew L. , Ainsley Shaara M. , Loury Erin K. , Ounboundisane Sinsamout , Demko Doug B.
Published: September 2018

Many inland artisanal fisheries have not been surveyed by scientists. In this study we used some participatory research methods to characterise a data-poor fishery in a tributary of the Mekong River. Sixteen local villagers from four villages were trained to record harvest data along a 25-km reach of the lower Nam Kading River. Catch records included 65 fish genera representing at least 93 species, with 11 species of concern on the IUCN Red List. During 894 individual fisher landing surveys, a total of 1433.8kg of fish catch was reported. The majority of fishers (87%) used nets, and the catch per unit effort with gill-nets averaged 66g net–1h–1. Analysis revealed differences in catch rates and the genus assemblage among villages. High levels of diversity, and the presence of species assessed as endangered by the IUCN Red List, highlight the need for further studies and conservation interventions in the area. The National Fisheries Law in Lao PDR provides a unique opportunity for co-management, because shared management between civil society and government is written into the law and implemented extensively. Participatory research activities can serve as a bridge for communities to engage with government to inform fisheries management.
Limiting the effects of hydropower dams on freshwater biodiversity: options on the Lancang River, China
Authors: Xu Hongzhang , Pittock Jamie
Published: September 2018

China has planned 23 dams on the main stream of the Lancang (upper Mekong) River. The Chinese Government’s Thirteenth Five-Year Plan on Hydroelectricity Development (TFP) has goals to mitigate adverse effects on freshwater biodiversity. These measures are of international importance because China is the largest developer of hydropower projects. Herein we analyse the effects of the existing and planned dams on the fish fauna in the Lancang River. Drawing on development documents, the different types of mitigation measures on the proposed cascade of dams are assessed against the goals of the TFP. We find that: (1) migratory species (25% of total) are severely affected and there are few effective mitigation measures to conserve them; (2) a further 20% of species may be affected by lack of thermal pollution control or mitigation of peaking flow releases in the main stream; (3) fortunately, most species (81.14%) can be protected in tributary nature reserves in the lower Lancang, but many (54.4%) are inadequately protected in the upper Lancang; and (4) none of the 20 dams for which there is information meet all the five TFP conservation goals. There are lessons for mitigating the effects on biodiversity of Chinese-financed hydropower dams inside and outside China.
Moorland vegetation responses following prescribed burning on blanket peat
Authors: Whitehead Siân C. , Baines David
Published: September 2018

Moorlands provide several key ecosystem services, as well as supporting shooting of red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica Latham). Prescribed burning of heather is an integral aspect of grouse-moor management but is sometimes presented as ecologically damaging. However, a long-term burning experiment at Moor House National Nature Reserve, North Pennines, northern England, showed that more frequent burning actually increased the cover of peat-building species such as Sphagnum mosses and cotton grass (Eriophorum vaginatum L.). Here we compare those findings with data from another deep-peat site in the North Pennines, but one that is actively managed as a grouse moor. We describe post-fire vegetation change using aerial images to construct a time-series of burns. Comparable with the Moor House study, we found highest levels of Sphagnum and Eriophorum cover on fires last burned within 3–10 years, whereas heather (Calluna vulgaris L.) cover, that of other mosses, and overall vegetation height all increased in a linear manner over time since burning. These results from an actively managed grouse moor subject to prescribed burning demonstrate that the cover and species richness of Sphagnum, a key peat-forming group, correlated with reduced dominance of tall heather, can benefit from a post-burn period of up to 10 years.
Sediment starvation destroys New York City marshes’ resistance to sea level rise
Authors: Peteet Dorothy M. , Nichols Jonathan , Kenna Timothy , Chang Clara , Browne James , Reza Mohammad , Kovari Stephen , Liberman Louisa , Stern-Protz Stephanie
Published: September 2018

Significance

Worldwide, coastal marshes are facing extreme impacts, including urban encroachment, pollution, upriver dams, and sea level rise. Our research provides a method of sediment history reconstruction to understand the role of plant/animal (organic) and mineral (inorganic) matter in their growth and maintenance, including the effects of humans on the sediment burial. We find that, due to urbanization, these marshes have experienced a remarkable loss of mineral sediment and increase in organic sediment, significantly enhancing the risk of marsh loss with sea level rise by making them structurally weak. Future resilience depends upon active enrichment of mineral sediment in both borrow pits and marshes, ensuring the marshes outpace sea level rise, provide wildlife habitat, and retain polluted sediments beneath them.
Single-stranded telomere-binding protein employs a dual rheostat for binding affinity and specificity that drives function
Authors: Glustrom Leslie W. , Lyon Kenneth R. , Paschini Margherita , Reyes Cynthia M. , Parsonnet Nicholas V. , Toro Tasha B. , Lundblad Victoria , Wuttke Deborah S.
Published: September 2018

Significance

Proteins that bind nucleic acids are frequently categorized as being either specific or nonspecific, with interfaces to match that activity. In this study, we have found that a telomere-binding protein exhibits a degree of specificity for ssDNA that is finely tuned for its function, which includes specificity for G-rich sequences with some tolerance for substitution. Mutations of the protein that dramatically impact its affinity for single-stranded telomeric DNA are lethal, as expected; however, mutations that alter specificity also impact biological function. Unexpectedly, we found mutations that make the protein more specific are also deleterious, suggesting that specificity and nonspecificity in nucleic acid recognition may be achieved through more nuanced mechanisms than currently recognized.
MAVS deficiency induces gut dysbiotic microbiota conferring a proallergic phenotype
Authors: Plantamura Emilie , Dzutsev Amiran , Chamaillard Mathias , Djebali Sophia , Moudombi Lyvia , Boucinha Lilia , Grau Morgan , Macari Claire , Bauché David , Dumitrescu Oana , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Lippens Saskia , Plateroti Michelina , Kress Elsa , Cesaro Annabelle , Bondu Clovis , Rothermel Ulrike , Heikenwälder Mathias , Lina Gerard , Bentaher-Belaaouaj Azzak , Marie Julien C. , Caux Christophe , Trinchieri Giorgio , Marvel Jacqueline , Michallet Marie-Cecile
Published: September 2018

Significance

Growing evidence suggests that prominent changes in the gut microbial communities (dysbiosis) play a key role in the development of allergic disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we used a murine model of human allergic contact dermatitis to demonstrate a regulatory role of the adaptor mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) RIG-I–like receptors on disease outcome by modulating gut barrier function and bacterial ecology. Our results highlight an unexpected role of the RIG-I–MAVS pathway in maintenance of intestinal barrier function and modulation of gut commensal flora to prevent the development of inflammatory diseases such as allergy. These data provide a rationale for manipulating the gut microbiota as a therapeutic intervention in subjects at risk of developing allergy.
Anatomical and microstructural determinants of hippocampal subfield functional connectome embedding
Authors: Vos de Wael Reinder , Larivière Sara , Caldairou Benoît , Hong Seok-Jun , Margulies Daniel S. , Jefferies Elizabeth , Bernasconi Andrea , Smallwood Jonathan , Bernasconi Neda , Bernhardt Boris C.
Published: September 2018

The hippocampus plays key roles in cognition and affect and serves as a model system for structure/function studies in animals. So far, its complex anatomy has challenged investigations targeting its substructural organization in humans. State-of-the-art MRI offers the resolution and versatility to identify hippocampal subfields, assess its microstructure, and study topographical principles of its connectivity in vivo. We developed an approach to unfold the human hippocampus and examine spatial variations of intrinsic functional connectivity in a large cohort of healthy adults. In addition to mapping common and unique connections across subfields, we identified two main axes of subregional connectivity transitions. An anterior/posterior gradient followed long-axis landmarks and metaanalytical findings from task-based functional MRI, while a medial/lateral gradient followed hippocampal infolding and correlated with proxies of cortical myelin. Findings were consistent in an independent sample and highly stable across resting-state scans. Our results provide robust evidence for long-axis specialization in the resting human hippocampus and suggest an intriguing interplay between connectivity and microstructure.
Glyphosate perturbs the gut microbiota of honey bees
Authors: Motta Erick V. S. , Raymann Kasie , Moran Nancy A.
Published: September 2018

Significance

Increased mortality of honey bee colonies has been attributed to several factors but is not fully understood. The herbicide glyphosate is expected to be innocuous to animals, including bees, because it targets an enzyme only found in plants and microorganisms. However, bees rely on a specialized gut microbiota that benefits growth and provides defense against pathogens. Most bee gut bacteria contain the enzyme targeted by glyphosate, but vary in whether they possess susceptible versions and, correspondingly, in tolerance to glyphosate. Exposing bees to glyphosate alters the bee gut community and increases susceptibility to infection by opportunistic pathogens. Understanding how glyphosate impacts bee gut symbionts and bee health will help elucidate a possible role of this chemical in colony decline.
l
-Serine–modified polyamidoamine dendrimer as a highly potent renal targeting drug carrier
Authors: Matsuura Satoru , Katsumi Hidemasa , Suzuki Hiroe , Hirai Natsuko , Hayashi Hidetaka , Koshino Kazuhiro , Higuchi Takahiro , Yagi Yusuke , Kimura Hiroyuki , Sakane Toshiyasu , Yamamoto Akira
Published: September 2018

Significance

Delivery of most drug carriers to the kidney is limited because of their uptake by the reticuloendothelial system in the liver and spleen. We have developed
l
-serine (Ser)–modified polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) as a potent renal targeting drug carrier for the treatment of kidney diseases. Pharmacokinetic and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography studies indicated that Ser modification results in efficient kidney targeting of PAMAM. Ser-PAMAM accumulated predominantly in proximal tubules, a pattern associated with the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma and chronic renal failure. Efficient renal distribution and pharmacologic effect of captopril was observed after i.v. injection of the Ser-PAMAM-captopril conjugate. Thus, our results demonstrate successful kidney targeting of a drug carrier via Ser modification.
Origin and significance of Si and O isotope heterogeneities in Phanerozoic, Archean, and Hadean zircon
Authors: Trail Dustin , Boehnke Patrick , Savage Paul S. , Liu Ming-Chang , Miller Martha L. , Bindeman Ilya
Published: September 2018

Significance

The crust or its chemically weathered derivatives likely served as a substrate for the origin of life, which could have occurred by 4.1 Ga. Yet no known bona fide terrestrial rocks from this time remain. Studies have thus turned to geochemical signatures within detrital zircons from this time. While zircons do not directly record low-temperature weathering processes, they inherit isotopic information upon recycling and remelting of sediment. We developed a method to fingerprint the identity of material involved in water–rock interactions >4 Ga, bolstered by a large Si and O isotopic dataset of more modern zircon samples. The data presented here provide evidence for chemical sediments, such as cherts and banded iron formations on Earth >4 Ga.
A mapping exercise
Authors: Federici Federico M. , Walker Callum
Published: September 2018

This chapter focuses on the most prolific period of eye-tracking research in Translation Studies considered against the broad backdrop of the four eras of eye-tracking-based research in other disciplines that have used eye-tracking experiments for several decades. Subdivided into two sections, the chapter offers a contextualisation of eye tracking whilst first asserting the widely accepted relationship between visual attention and cognitive effort. By mapping out this emergent niche in Translation Studies, observations on the diachronic developments and the synchronic demands of eye-tracking research in Translation Studies are brought to the attention of the readers. In its desire to contextualise the field, the chapter raises critical questions regarding current methodologies and data analysis in Translation Studies research within this niche and correlated experiment-based approaches. The chapter goes on in the second part to discuss future developments in the field with opportunities to triangulate eye-tracking data in multi-sensorial experiments, by adopting additional complex tools to measure other physiological responses, as part of a broader encapsulation of the body-mind relationship into our conceptualisations of cognitive effort. In its final remarks, the chapter looks at a broader reconceptualisation of the discipline in relation to the growing cross-disciplinary demands of any holistic experimental approach to evidence-based studies of translation phenomena.
Recognition and characterization of translator attributes using sequences of fixations and keystrokes
Authors: Martínez-Gómez Pascual , Han Dan , Carl Michael , Aizawa Akiko
Published: September 2018

As the demand for high quality translation continues to increase, there is a growing interest in developing effective computer-assisted tools that support translators in their routines. However, the development of such tools requires a deeper understanding of the translation process that allows us to identify the motoric, perceptual and cognitive bottlenecks of the task. With the ubiquitous presence of computers and logging software, researchers could record the keystrokes of translators, which allowed us to analyze the motor activities of text production. However, the translation process is much more complex and keystroke logging can only capture a marginal fraction of the perceptual and cognitive activities of translators, which are often the source of most translation effort. In recent years, eye-tracking devices became more affordable and they were integrated in our logging interfaces, thus giving us access to both eye-movement and keystroke events during a translation session. Here we present a framework where we use keystrokes and eye movements as low-level measurements of translation behavior. These measurements are then interpreted as sequences of higher-level activities that we use to create interpretable models of translation. The parameters of these models are estimated with the objective to maximize the recognition accuracy of several translator personal attributes given measurements of their translation behavior. These classifier models can then be queried with the purpose to retrieve the most characterizing features of translators that distinguish a certain target personal attribute. In this chapter we formalize this framework, show its effectiveness in a real task and point the reader towards possible extensions of this work.
Subtitling of British stand-up comedy into Italian
Authors: Filizzola Teresa
Published: September 2018

As Chiaro (1992: 5) points out, ‘[t]he concept of what people find funny appears to be surrounded by linguistic, geographical, diachronic, socio-cultural and personal boundaries’. Nevertheless, empirical research on the perception of subtitled humour is still limited, even though scholarly interest in the rendering of humour within Audiovisual Translation Studies has increased considerably over the past decade (Veiga 2009: 3). Moreover, most of the existing literature on the audience of translated audiovisual products mainly relies on the use of survey tools such as questionnaires (see Bairstow 2011 and Di Giovanni 2012) or group discussions (see Tuominen 2011), thus recording and observing people’s reactions based on their subjective opinion. Even publications presenting research projects that use more experimental methods such as eye tracking tend to focus on the translator’s activity rather than on the recipients of its products (see Muñoz Martín 2010 and Lachaud 2011). Furthermore, no works examining the subtitling of British stand-up comedy humour into Italian have been produced, implying that there is no literature on this topic from the audience’s perceptive. In order to bridge the research gaps highlighted above, this work studies the perception and reception of a clip taken from British comedian Eddie Izzard’s show Dress to Kill (1998) by a sample of 103 Italians, adopting a two-step methodology combining an online survey questionnaire and eye tracking. In the specific case of Eddie Izzard, the sense of humour originates from culture-bound and metalinguistic elements, references to sensitive subjects such as history and religion (Glick 2007), as well as surrealism (Friedman 2011: 38; Johnston 2014), which may be challenging for an Italian audience as normally these features are not found in Italian stand-up comedy and humour.
Psychopathic Traits and Deviant Sexual Interests: The Moderating Role of Gender
Authors: van Bommel Rob , Uzieblo Kasia , Bogaerts Stefan , Garofalo Carlo
Published: September 2018

The present study examined associations between psychopathic traits and deviant sexual interests across gender in a large community sample ( N = 429, 24% men). Correlation analyses supported the positive link between psychopathic traits and deviant sexual interests. Regression analyses indicated that the unique variance in the antisocial facet of psychopathy predicted all six deviant sexual interests. The interpersonal facet predicted voyeuristic and exhibitionistic interests, whereas the affective facet predicted pedophilic interests. Moderation analyses revealed that gender moderated most of the relations between the antisocial facet of psychopathy and deviant sexual interests, such that those positive associations were stronger among women. On the contrary, the associations between the interpersonal facet and voyeuristic interests, as well as between the lifestyle facet and sadistic interests, were stronger among men. Findings appear to suggest that deviant sexual interests represent a domain in which the manifestation of psychopathic traits may differ across gender. These findings emphasize the relevance of psychopathic traits for the understanding and risk assessment of sexual deviance, while suggesting the need for gender-sensitive considerations.
Principles of Electronic Media
Authors: Carpentier Francesca Dillman
Published: September 2018

William R. Davie and James R. Upshaw. Principles of Electronic Media (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2006, 432 pp., ISBN 0205449751 (paperback).
GTP hydrolysis promotes disassembly of the atlastin crossover dimer during ER fusion
Authors: Winsor James , Machi Ursula , Han Qixiu , Hackney David D. , Lee Tina H.
Published: September 2018

Membrane fusion of the ER is catalyzed when atlastin GTPases anchored in opposing membranes dimerize and undergo a crossed over conformational rearrangement that draws the bilayers together. Previous studies have suggested that GTP hydrolysis triggers crossover dimerization, thus directly driving fusion. In this study, we make the surprising observations that WT atlastin undergoes crossover dimerization before hydrolyzing GTP and that nucleotide hydrolysis and Pi release coincide more closely with dimer disassembly. These findings suggest that GTP binding, rather than its hydrolysis, triggers crossover dimerization for fusion. In support, a new hydrolysis-deficient atlastin variant undergoes rapid GTP-dependent crossover dimerization and catalyzes fusion at an initial rate similar to WT atlastin. However, the variant cannot sustain fusion activity over time, implying a defect in subunit recycling. We suggest that GTP binding induces an atlastin conformational change that favors crossover dimerization for fusion and that the input of energy from nucleotide hydrolysis promotes complex disassembly for subunit recycling.
EURAMET.M.D-S3: Solid density comparison
Authors: Medina N , Lumbreras A , Bettin H , Davidson S , Popa G F
Published: September 2018

A comparison of volume standards was undertaken between CEM (ES), NPL (UK), PTB (DE), and INM (RO). For the comparison three silicon spheres are used as transfer standards with masses 1 kg (provided by PTB), 30 g (provided by PTB) and 125 g (provided by NPL).

The aim of the EURAMET.M.D-S3 solid density comparison is to compare the results of the density (and volume and mass) determinations of solid samples of the participating laboratories and to evaluate the degrees of equivalence according to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement. The reference conditions for density and volume determination were 20 °C and 101 325 Pa.

KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH

Density, silicon sphere, Monte Carlo, comparison

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).