bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Practical Synthesis of 5-Substituted 1H-Tetrazoles from Aldoximes Employing the Azide Anion from Diphenyl Phosphorazidate
Authors: Matsugi Masato , Ishihara Kotaro , Kawashima Mayumi , Matsumoto Takatoshi , Shioiri Takayuki
Published: December 2017

5-Substituted 1H-tetrazoles were effectively synthesized from aldoximes and diphenyl phosphorazidate (DPPA) under reflux conditions in xylenes. Various aldoximes underwent the cycloaddition reaction to afford the corresponding 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles in short reaction times and in good yields. Chiral aldoximes derived from amino acids also gave aminotetrazoles with almost no racemization.
Clinical Outcome of Urgent Thoracotomy in Patients with Penetrating and Blunt Chest Trauma: A Retrospective Survey
Authors: Refaely Yael , Koyfman Leonid , Friger Michael , Ruderman Leonid , Saleh Mahmud , Sahar Gidon , Shaked Gad , Klein Moti , Brotfain Evgeni
Published: December 2017

Introduction In contrast to an emergency department of thoracotomy (EDT), an urgent thoracotomy (UT) is defined as a surgical thoracic intervention performed in the operating room within the first 48 hours of the patient's intensive care unit (ICU) stay. The factors affecting survival after UT are not fully understood. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and outcome of patients with blunt and penetrating chest injuries who underwent UT.

Methods All adult patients who had blunt or penetrating chest trauma and who underwent UT, were included in the study. All data were collected from the patients' hospital and ICU records. Forty-five patients with thoracic injuries who underwent UT during the first 48 hours of ICU stay were analyzed. Of these, 25 had penetrating chest injuries, and 20 had blunt thoracic injuries. Of the penetrating injuries, 16 were stab wounds, and 9 were gunshot wounds.

Results Overall ICU mortality was 29% (n = 13) and was significantly higher in the blunt chest trauma group than in the penetrating trauma group (45% vs 16%; p = 0.04). Lung parenchyma injuries (lacerations and contusions) were the most common intraoperative findings in both groups. The following independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were found: an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of >40; an Acute Physiology and Chronic Evaluation II (APACHE II) score of >30; prolonged duration of UT; low body temperature on admission to the ED; abnormal arterial blood lactate, bicarbonate, and pH at the end of UT; and use of vasopressors during the first 24 hours of ICU stay.

Conclusion Mortality after UT was higher in patients with blunt chest trauma. The UT should be performed in both penetrating and blunt chest trauma as quickly as possible and should be limited to damage control. It also emerges that acidosis and hypothermia in chest trauma patients need to be treated extremely aggressively before, during, and after UT.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Postcardiotomy Pediatric Patients—15 Years of Experience Outside Europe and North America
Authors: Ismail Mohamed , Hamouda Tamer , Shaikh Rafik , Mahmoud Alaa , Shihata Mohammad , Alradi Osman , Jamjoom Ahmed , ElMahrouk Ahmed
Published: December 2017

Background The increasing complexity of congenital cardiac surgery has resulted in the increased use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for children who cannot be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The purpose of this research was to assess the mortality and morbidity in children requiring ECMO support after the repair of congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Methods The hospital records of all patients with CHD who required ECMO after a cardiac surgical procedure between January 2001 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Various outcomes were reported and tested for any association with hospital death.

Results A total of 113 children required ECMO for cardiopulmonary support after congenital cardiac surgery; 88 (77.9%) were placed on ECMO in the operating room. Median age of the patients was 3 months (range, 4 days–15 years) and median weight was 3.5 kg (range, 2.2–42.5). Forty-two (37.2%) survived to hospital discharge. In children with single-ventricle physiology, survival to discharge was 37.3% (19/51 patients) and for biventricular physiology, it was 37.1% (23/62 patients). Univariate analysis revealed number of days on ECMO support, renal failure, and stroke as risk factors for hospital mortality, while age and cross-clamp time were found to be statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion Satisfactory results can be achieved in pediatric patients by using ECMO support for postoperative cardiac and pulmonary failure refractory to medical management. Prolonged ECMO support, renal failure, and stroke are risk of mortality.
Apixaban-Calibrated Anti-FXa Activity in Relation to Outcome Events and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the AVERROES Trial
Authors: Bhagirath Vinai , Eikelboom John , Hirsh Jack , Coppens Michiel , Ginsberg Jeffrey , Vanassche Thomas , Yuan Fei , Chan Noel , Yusuf Salim , Connolly Stuart
Published: December 2017

Background In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF), apixaban is given in doses of 5 or 2.5 mg twice daily, according to clinical characteristics. The usual on-treatment range of apixaban drug levels, as determined by apixaban-calibrated anti-factor Xa (anti-Xa) activity, has previously been measured in small cohorts; however, the association between anti-Xa activity and clinical outcomes and the predictors of variability in anti-Xa activity have not been well studied in the AF population.

Methods and Results Anti-Xa activity was measured before taking the morning dose, 3 months after enrollment in the AVERROES study using a calibrated anti-Xa assay (Rotachrom). Patients with two of the following criteria—age >80; weight <60 kg; or creatinine >133 μg/L—received 2.5 mg twice daily (n = 145), while all others received 5 mg twice daily (n = 2,247). A total of 2,392 patients were included, with median follow-up of 1.1 years. Median apixaban anti-Xa activity was 122 ng/mL (interquartile range [IQR]: 63–198 ng/mL) for the entire group; 99 ng/mL (IQR: 60–146 ng/mL) for the 2.5-mg group; and 125 ng/mL (IQR: 64–202 ng/mL) for the 5-mg group (p = 0.003). A relationship was evident between bleeding and anti-Xa activity (p = 0.01), which was driven by minor bleeding. No relationship was evident between major bleeding or stroke/systemic embolism and anti-Xa activity. In those receiving the 5-mg dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, sex, and age had the strongest association with anti-Xa activity.

Conclusion There is considerable variability in anti-Xa activity among AF patients receiving apixaban. Rates of major bleeding and stroke/systemic embolism were low irrespective of anti-Xa activity.

Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00496769; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00496769.
Einfluss der Synovialflüssigkeit auf die Schmiereigenschaften von Gelenkknorpel in vitro
Authors: Thier Steffen , Tonak Marcus
Published: December 2017

Der hyaline Gelenkknorpel besitzt einzigartige tribologische Eigenschaften, die für die Reduktion von Verschleiß und Abrieb essenziell erscheinen. Er ist in der Lage, trotz durchschnittlich 1 – 4 Mill. Belastungszyklen pro Jahr mit Spitzenbelastungen bis 18 MPa seine Funktion jahrzehntelang aufrechtzuerhalten. Maßgeblich scheinen hierfür verschiedene Schmiermechanismen und deren synergistisches Zusammenspiel verantwortlich zu sein. Insbesondere bei der Grenzflächenschmierung sind die physiologischen Schmiermoleküle („Biolubrikanzien“) der Synovialflüssigkeit von übergeordneter Wichtigkeit. Sie gewährleisten in Abhängigkeit vom vorherrschenden Schmiermechanismus eine nahezu friktionslose/kontaktlose Reibung der Gelenkoberflächen. Zur Testung dieser Eigenschaften und Abhängigkeiten wurden im Laufe der letzten Jahrzehnte verschiedene tribologische „In-vitro“-Prüfsysteme entwickelt. Hierdurch wurden Voraussetzungen für die Grundlagenforschung der Arthrose und Entwicklung von Substanzen zur Viskosupplementation geschaffen. Aufgrund der Komplexität und Vielfalt der Prüfsysteme und Prüfbedingungen ist es schwierig, in diesem Zusammenhang den Überblick zu behalten. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen kursorischen Überblick über den Einfluss der Synovialflüssigkeit und ihrer Bestandteile auf die Schmierung von Gelenkknorpel unter In-vitro-Prüfbedingungen vorzustellen und verständlich zu machen.
Der zeitliche Verlauf der Visusentwicklung nach einer Injektion von Aflibercept oder Ranibizumab bei der neovaskulären altersbedingten Makuladegeneration
Authors: Wilke Robert , Finger Robert , Sachs Helmut
Published: December 2017

Hintergrund Die Behandlungswirklichkeit der neovaskulären altersbedingten Makuladegeneration (nvAMD) unterscheidet sich hinsichtlich Injektionsintervallen und langfristiger Visusstabilität von kontrollierten prospektiven Studien. Real-Life-Daten zeigen, dass in der klinischen Routine engmaschige Kontroll- und Wiederbehandlungsintervalle oft nicht eingehalten werden. Wir analysieren an einer Fallserie die tatsächlichen Intervalle für Kontrollen und Wiederbehandlung und untersuchen, wie sich verlängerte Intervalle unmittelbar auf den Visusverlauf auswirken und welche Konsequenzen dies für den langfristigen Visuserhalt hat.

Patienten/Material und Methoden Retrospektive Fallserie von 1324 Augen mit nvAMD, die über einen Beobachtungszeitraum von bis zu 3 Jahren 8150 Ranibizumab-Injektionen (nach PRN-Schema) bzw. 1725 Aflibercept-Injektionen (nach festem Schema) erhalten haben. Die Intervalle zwischen aufeinanderfolgenden Visiten, der Visusverlauf und die Anzahl der Injektionen im Therapieverlauf wurden ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Die angestrebten Intervalle zwischen einzelnen Visiten von 4 bzw. 8 Wochen werden im PRN-Schema häufiger überschritten als im fixen Schema. Im Durchschnitt ist der maximale Visusanstieg nach einer Injektion nicht nach 4 Wochen, sondern erst nach etwa 6 – 8 Wochen erreicht. Ein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Aflibercept und Ranibizumab wurde nicht gefunden. Die besten Visusergebnisse nach 1 und 2 Jahren werden mit einem durchschnittlichen Wiederbehandlungsintervall von 4 – 6 Wochen erreicht. Verlängerte Intervalle gehen mit schlechterem Langzeitvisus einher. Das fixe Schema zeigt auch im Therapieverlauf im 2. und 3. Jahr kürzere Re-Injektionsintervalle und bessere Visusergebnisse als das PRN-Schema.

Schlussfolgerungen Unsere Daten zeigen, dass engmaschige Nachkontrollen und kurze Behandlungsintervalle wichtig und wesentliche Einflussfaktoren für die Visusergebnisse sind. Insgesamt erscheint die Wahl eines Therapieschemas, das dies ermöglicht, wichtiger als die Wahl des Präparates selbst.
Overstretching of B-DNA with various pulling protocols: Appearance of structural polymorphism and S-DNA
Authors: Garai Ashok , Mogurampelly Santosh , Bag Saientan , Maiti Prabal K.
Published: December 2017

We report a structural polymorphism of the S-DNA when a canonical B-DNA is stretched under different pulling protocols and provide a fundamental molecular understanding of the DNA stretching mechanism. Extensive all atom molecular dynamics simulations reveal a clear formation of S-DNA when the B-DNA is stretched along the 3′ directions of the opposite strands (OS3) and is characterized by the changes in the number of H-bonds, entropy, and free energy. Stretching along the 5′ directions of the opposite strands (OS5) leads to force induced melting form of the DNA. Interestingly, stretching along the opposite ends of the same strand leads to a coexistence of both the S- and melted M-DNA structures. We also do the structural characterization of the S-DNA by calculating various helical parameters. We find that the S-DNA has a twist of ∼10° which corresponds to a helical repeat length of ∼36 base pairs in close agreement with the previous experimental results. Moreover, we find that the free energy barrier between the canonical and overstretched states of DNA is higher for the same termini pulling protocol in comparison to all other protocols considered in this work. Overall, our observations not only reconcile with the available experimental results qualitatively but also enhance the understanding of different overstretched DNA structures.
Leakage current characteristics of thick cubic boron nitride films deposited on titanium
Authors: Kawamoto S. , Nakakuma T. , Teii K. , Matsumoto S.
Published: December 2017

Thick cubic and sp2-bonded boron nitride (cBN and sp2BN) films are deposited on Ti substrates by plasma jet enhanced chemical vapor deposition using the chemistry of fluorine, and their direct current-voltage characteristics are studied for Ni-BN-Ti capacitor structures. The resistivity of the cBN film measured at room temperature is of the order of 108 Ωcm, which is three to four orders of magnitude lower than that of the sp2BN film. At high electric fields, Frenkel-Poole emission dominates the conduction of the sp2BN film, while thermionic emission is better able to describe the conduction of the cBN film at temperatures up to 473 K. A lower leakage current indicates lower densities of carriers and trap sites associated with defects, suggesting that a higher-quality cBN film with higher crystallinity and stoichiometry is potentially promising as an ultrahard dielectric material in high temperature condition.
Lindblad equation and its semiclassical limit of the Anderson-Holstein model
Authors: Cao Yu , Lu Jianfeng
Published: December 2017

For multi-level open quantum systems, the interaction between different levels could pose a challenge to understand the quantum system both analytically and numerically. In this work, we study the approximation of the dynamics of the Anderson-Holstein model, as a model of the multi-level open quantum system, by Redfield and Lindblad equations. Both equations have a desirable property that if the density operators for different levels are diagonal initially, they remain to be diagonal for any time. Thanks to this nice property, the semiclassical limit of both Redfield and Lindblad equations could be derived explicitly; the resulting classical master equations share similar structures of transport and hopping terms. The Redfield and Lindblad equations are also compared from the angle of time dependent perturbation theory.
Recombination properties of dislocations in GaN
Authors: Yakimov Eugene B. , Polyakov Alexander Y. , Lee In-Hwan , Pearton Stephen J.
Published: December 2017

The recombination activity of threading dislocations in n-GaN with different dislocation densities and different doping levels was studied using electron beam induced current (EBIC). The recombination velocity on a dislocation, also known as the dislocation recombination strength, was calculated. The results suggest that dislocations in n-GaN giving contrast in EBIC are charged and surrounded by a space charge region, as evidenced by the observed dependence of dislocation recombination strength on dopant concentration. For moderate (below ∼108 cm−2) dislocation densities, these defects do not primarily determine the average diffusion length of nonequilibrium charge carriers, although locally, dislocations are efficient recombination sites. In general, it is observed that the effect of the growth method [standard metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), epitaxial lateral overgrowth versions of MOCVD, and hydride vapor phase epitaxy] on the recombination activity of dislocations is not very pronounced, although the average diffusion lengths can widely differ for various samples. The glide of basal plane dislocations at room temperature promoted by low energy electron irradiation does not significantly change the recombination properties of dislocations.
Large ferroelectric polarization of TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/TiN capacitors due to stress-induced crystallization at low thermal budget
Authors: Kim Si Joon , Narayan Dushyant , Lee Jae-Gil , Mohan Jaidah , Lee Joy S. , Lee Jaebeom , Kim Harrison S. , Byun Young-Chul , Lucero Antonio T. , Young Chadwin D. , Summerfelt Scott R. , San Tamer , Colombo Luigi , Kim Jiyoung
Published: December 2017

We report on atomic layer deposited Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO)-based capacitors which exhibit excellent ferroelectric (FE) characteristics featuring a large switching polarization (45 μC/cm2) and a low FE saturation voltage (∼1.5 V) as extracted from pulse write/read measurements. The large FE polarization in HZO is achieved by the formation of a non-centrosymmetric orthorhombic phase, which is enabled by the TiN top electrode (TE) having a thickness of at least 90 nm. The TiN films are deposited at room temperature and annealed at 400 °C in an inert environment for at least 1 min in a rapid thermal annealing system. The room-temperature deposited TiN TE acts as a tensile stressor on the HZO film during the annealing process. The stress-inducing TiN TE is shown to inhibit the formation of the monoclinic phase during HZO crystallization, forming an orthorhombic phase that generates a large FE polarization, even at low process temperatures.
UV absorption investigation of ferromagnetically filled ultra-thick carbon onions, carriers of the 217.5 nm Interstellar Absorption Feature
Authors: Boi Filippo S. , Zhang Xiaotian , Ivaturi Sameera , Liu Qianyang , Wen Jiqiu , Wang Shanling
Published: December 2017

Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) are fullerene-like structures which consist of quasi-spherical closed carbon shells. These structures have become a subject of great interest thanks to their characteristic absorption feature of interstellar origin (at 217.5 nm, 4.6 μm−1). An additional extinction peak at 3.8 μm−1 has also been reported and attributed to absorption by graphitic residues between the as-grown CNOs. Here, we report the ultraviolet absorption properties of ultra-thick CNOs filled with FePt3 crystals, which also exhibit two main absorption peaks—features located at 4.58 μm−1 and 3.44 μm−1. The presence of this additional feature is surprising and is attributed to nonmagnetic graphite flakes produced as a by-product in the pyrolysis experiment (as confirmed by magnetic separation methods). Instead, the feature at 4.58 μm−1 is associated with the π-plasmonic resonance of the CNOs structures. The FePt3 filled CNOs were fabricated in situ by an advanced one-step fast process consisting in the direct sublimation and pyrolysis of two molecular precursors, namely, ferrocene and dichloro-cyclooctadiene-platinum in a chemical vapour deposition system. The morphological, structural, and magnetic properties of the as-grown filled CNOs were characterized by a means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and magnetometry.
Depth distribution of secondary phases in kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 by angle-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Just J. , Lützenkirchen-Hecht D. , Müller O. , Frahm R. , Unold T.
Published: December 2017

The depth distribution of secondary phases in the solar cell absorber material Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is quantitatively investigated using X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) analysis at the K-edge of sulfur at varying incidence angles. Varying information depths from several nanometers up to the full thickness is achieved. A quantitative profile of the phase distribution is obtained by a self-consistent fit of a multilayer model to the XANES spectra for different angles. Single step co-evaporated CZTS thin-films are found to exhibit zinc and copper sulfide secondary phases preferentially at the front or back interfaces of the film.
Simplified efficient phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes by organic vapor phase deposition
Authors: Pfeiffer P. , Beckmann C. , Stümmler D. , Sanders S. , Simkus G. , Heuken M. , Vescan A. , Kalisch H.
Published: December 2017

The most efficient phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are comprised of complex stacks with numerous organic layers. State-of-the-art phosphorescent OLEDs make use of blocking layers to confine charge carriers and excitons. On the other hand, simplified OLEDs consisting of only three organic materials have shown unexpectedly high efficiency when first introduced. This was attributed to superior energy level matching and suppressed external quantum efficiency (EQE) roll-off. In this work, we study simplified OLED stacks, manufactured by organic vapor phase deposition, with a focus on charge balance, turn-on voltage (Von), and efficiency. To prevent electrons from leaking through the device, we implemented a compositionally graded emission layer. By grading the emitter with the hole transport material, charge confinement is enabled without additional blocking layers. Our best performing organic stack is composed of only three organic materials in two layers including the emitter Ir(ppy)3 and yields a Von of 2.5 V (>1 cd/m2) and an EQE of 13% at 3000 cd/m2 without the use of any additional light extraction techniques. Changes in the charge balance, due to barrier tuning or adjustments in the grading parameters and layer thicknesses, are clearly visible in the current density-voltage-luminance (J-V-L) measurements. As charge injection at the electrodes and organic interfaces is of great interest but difficult to investigate in complex device structures, we believe that our simplified organic stack is not only a potent alternative to complex state-of-the-art OLEDs but also a well suited test vehicle for experimental studies focusing on the modification of the electrode-organic semiconductor interface.
Influence of an in-plane magnetic field on the electronic structure of an inverted InAs/GaSb quantum well
Authors: Wu X. G.
Published: December 2017

The electronic structure of an inverted InAs/GaSb quantum well embedded in AlSb barriers is studied theoretically. The influence of an in-plane magnetic field is examined within the 14-band k⋅p approach. The spin-dependent subband energy dispersion curves are strongly modified by the in-plane magnetic field and by the conduction-valence band hybridization. The dispersion curves in the direction parallel to the magnetic field become quite different from that in the perpendicular direction. At strong magnetic fields, one observes the interplay between the confinement induced by the magnetic field and the confinement due to the quantum well, and the interplay between the strong intrinsic spin-orbit interaction and the spin alignment induced by the magnetic field. The well-known two-dimensional topological insulator model is generalized to take into account the influence of the in-plane magnetic field. The bulk-like state conduction channels become available in addition to the edge state conduction channels for a moderate magnetic field.
Connectedness percolation of hard deformed rods
Authors: Drwenski Tara , Dussi Simone , Dijkstra Marjolein , van Roij René , van der Schoot Paul
Published: December 2017

Nanofiller particles, such as carbon nanotubes or metal wires, are used in functional polymer composites to make them conduct electricity. They are often not perfectly straight cylinders but may be tortuous or exhibit kinks. Therefore we investigate the effect of shape deformations of the rod-like nanofillers on the geometric percolation threshold of the dispersion. We do this by using connectedness percolation theory within a Parsons-Lee type of approximation, in combination with Monte Carlo integration for the average overlap volume in the isotropic fluid phase. We find that a deviation from a perfect rod-like shape has very little effect on the percolation threshold, unless the particles are strongly deformed. This demonstrates that idealized rod models are useful even for nanofillers that superficially seem imperfect. In addition, we show that for small or moderate rod deformations, the universal scaling of the percolation threshold is only weakly affected by the precise particle shape.
Precise measurement of electric potential, field, and charge density profiles across a biased GaAs p-n tunnel junction by in situ phase-shifting electron holography
Authors: Anada Satoshi , Yamamoto Kazuo , Sasaki Hirokazu , Shibata Naoya , Hori Yujin , Kinugawa Kouhei , Imamura Akihiro , Hirayama Tsukasa
Published: December 2017

We combined an in situ biasing technique with phase-shifting electron holography, which can simultaneously achieve a high precision and high spatial resolution, to measure the electric potential, field, and charge density profiles across a GaAs p-n tunnel junction. A thin-film specimen was prepared by thinning one part of a bulk specimen using a cryo focused ion beam (FIB) system. We obtained precise electric potential profiles and successfully converted them into smooth electric field and charge density profiles without any fitting simulations. From the relationship between the applied voltage and measured height of the potential step across the p-n junction, the built-in potential of the p-n junction was determined to be 1.55 ± 0.02 V. The electric field profiles showed that the unbiased p-n junction had a depletion layer with a width of 24 ± 1 nm; the width increased to 26 ± 1 nm under a reverse bias of −0.3 V and decreased to 22 ± 1 nm under a forward bias of 0.5 V. Moreover, the charge density profiles indicated the presence of passivated dopants and/or trapped carriers even in the internal active layer of the specimen, with little damage introduced by FIB milling.
Quantum dynamics of attosecond electron pulse compression
Authors: Baum Peter
Published: December 2017

If an electron beam is periodically modulated in velocity, for example by laser field cycles, it can transform upon further propagation into a train of attosecond or shorter electron pulses. Here, I investigate the quantum mechanics of such an approach by numerically solving the Schrödinger equation in the time domain. There is a limit for the shortest electron pulses that can be achieved, and it depends on simple relations between the electron energy, the laser period, and the modulation strength. These results allow to design future experiments and to compare the measured electron pulse shapes to their quantum limit.
Rapid identification of pathogens responsible for necrotizing fasciitis on an integrated microfluidic system
Authors: Yu Ju-Ching , Hsieh Pang-Hsin , Tsai Hsing-Wen , Chang Wen-Hsin , Liu Ting-Hang , Lee Mel S. , Peng Kuo-Ti , Huang Kuo-Chin , Lee Gwo-Bin
Published: December 2017

Necrotic fasciitis (NF) is a particularly aggressive and serious infection of the fascia that can penetrate into the musculature and internal organs, resulting in death if not treated promptly. In this work, an integrated microfluidic system composed of micropumps, microvalves, and micromixers was used to automate the detection of pathogens associated with NF. The entire molecular diagnostic process, including bacteria isolation, lysis, nucleic acid amplification and optical detection steps, was enacted on this developed system. Mannose binding lectin coated magnetic beads were first used as probes to isolate all bacteria in a sample. In this work, polymerase chain reaction assays featuring primers specific to genes from each of four NF-causing bacteria (Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila, and methicillin-sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus) were used to rapidly and exclusively verify the presence of the respective bacterial strains, and the limits of detection were experimentally found to be 11, 1960, 14, and 11 400 colony forming units/reaction, respectively; all values reflect improvement over ones reported in literature. This integrated microfluidic chip may then be valuable in expediting diagnosis and optimizing treatment options for those with NF; such diagnostic improvements could ideally diminish the need for amputation and even reduce the morality rate associated with this life-threatening illness.
Theory and observation of the onset of nonlinear structures due to eigenmode destabilization by fast ions in tokamaks
Authors: Duarte V. N. , Berk H. L. , Gorelenkov N. N. , Heidbrink W. W. , Kramer G. J. , Nazikian R. , Pace D. C. , Podestà M. , Van Zeeland M. A.
Published: December 2017

Alfvén waves can induce the ejection of fast ions in different forms in tokamaks. In order to develop predictive capabilities to anticipate the nature of fast ion transport, a methodology is proposed to differentiate the likelihood of energetic-particle-driven instabilities to produce frequency chirping or fixed-frequency oscillations. The proposed method employs numerically calculated eigenstructures and multiple resonance surfaces of a given mode in the presence of energetic ion drag and stochasticity (due to collisions and micro-turbulence). Toroidicity-induced, reversed-shear and beta-induced Alfvén-acoustic eigenmodes are used as examples. Waves measured in experiments are characterized, and compatibility is found between the proposed criterion predictions and the experimental observation or lack of observation of chirping behavior of Alfvénic modes in different tokamaks. It is found that the stochastic diffusion due to micro-turbulence can be the dominant energetic particle detuning mechanism near the resonances in many plasma experiments, and its strength is the key as to whether chirping solutions are likely to arise. The proposed criterion constitutes a useful predictive tool in assessing whether the nature of the transport for fast ion losses in fusion devices will be dominated by convective or diffusive processes.
Computation of forces arising from the polarizable continuum model within the domain-decomposition paradigm
Authors: Gatto Paolo , Lipparini Filippo , Stamm Benjamin
Published: December 2017

The domain-decomposition (dd) paradigm, originally introduced for the conductor-like screening model, has been recently extended to the dielectric Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), resulting in the ddPCM method. We present here a complete derivation of the analytical derivatives of the ddPCM energy with respect to the positions of the solute’s atoms and discuss their efficient implementation. As it is the case for the energy, we observe a quadratic scaling, which is discussed and demonstrated with numerical tests.
Control of O-H bonds at a-IGZO/SiO2 interface by long time thermal annealing for highly stable oxide TFT
Authors: Jeon Jae Kwon , Um Jae Gwang , Lee Suhui , Jang Jin
Published: December 2017

We report two-step annealing, high temperature and sequent low temperature, for amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistor (TFT) to improve its stability and device performance. The annealing is carried out at 300 oC in N2 ambient for 1 h (1st step annealing) and then at 250 oC in vacuum for 10 h (2nd step annealing). It is found that the threshold voltage (VTH) changes from 0.4 V to -2.0 V by the 1st step annealing and to +0.6 V by 2nd step annealing. The mobility changes from 18 cm2V-1s-1 to 25 cm2V-1s-1 by 1st step and decreases to 20 cm2V-1s-1 by 2nd step annealing. The VTH shift by positive bias temperature stress (PBTS) is 3.7 V for the as-prepared TFT, and 1.7 V for the 1st step annealed TFT, and 1.3 V for the 2nd step annealed TFT. The XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) depth analysis indicates that the reduction in O-H bonds at the top interface (SiO2/a-IGZO) by 2nd step annealing appears, which is related to the positive VTH shift and smaller VTH shift by PBTS.
Topological insulators double perovskites: A2TePoO6 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Lee Po-Han , Zhou Jian , Pi Shu-Ting , Wang Yin-Kuo
Published: December 2017

Based on first-principle calculations and direct density functional theory calculations of surface bands, we predict a new class of three-dimensional (3D) Z2 topological insulators (TIs) with larger bulk bandgaps up to 0.4 eV in double perovskite materials A2TePoO6 (A = Ca, Sr, and Ba). The larger nontrivial gaps are induced by the symmetry-protected band contact along with band inversion occurring in the absence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) making the SOC more effective than conventional TIs. The proposed materials are chemically inert and more robust to surface perturbations due to its intrinsic protection layer. This study provides the double perovskite material as a rich platform to design new TI-based electronic devices.
Transverse expansion of the electron sheath during laser acceleration of protons
Authors: Svensson K. , Mackenroth F. , Senje L. , Gonoskov A. , Harvey C. , Aurand B. , Hansson M. , Higginson A. , Dalui M. , Lundh O. , McKenna P. , Persson A. , Marklund M. , Wahlström C.-G.
Published: December 2017

The transverse expansion of the electrostatic sheath during target normal sheath acceleration of protons is investigated experimentally using a setup with two synchronized laser pulses. With the pulses spatially separated by less than three laser spot diameters, the resulting proton beam profiles become elliptical. By introducing a small intensity difference between the two pulses, the ellipses are rotated by a certain angle, except if the spatial separation of the two laser pulses is in the plane of incidence. The rotation angle is shown to depend on the relative intensity of the two pulses. The observed effects are found to require high temporal contrasts of the laser pulses. A simple model describing how the transverse shape of the electron sheath on the rear of the target depends on the relative intensity between the foci is presented. The model assumptions are verified, and the unknown dependence of the transverse extents of the sheaths are estimated self-consistently through a series of high resolution, two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The results predicted by the model are also shown to be consistent with those obtained from the experiment.
Optical emission spectroscopy of atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma with mist injection
Authors: Tsumaki Masanao , Ito Tsuyohito
Published: December 2017

This paper describes optical emission spectroscopic diagnostics of atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma with mist injection. Electron number densities and gas temperatures are estimated from Hβ (486 nm) and OH (309 nm) spectra to be on the order of 1015 cm-3 and 440–540 K, respectively, for the conditions tested in this study. Comparison of the rotational temperatures of N2 and OH indicates that two-temperature analysis of OH rotational spectra provides gas temperature even with mist injection.
Elliott traps found to be ineffective for the survey of swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi): a cautionary tale of outdated survey guidelines
Authors: Humphrey Jacinta E. , Robert Kylie A. , Leonard Steve W. J.
Published: December 2017

Context Cryptic (i.e. secretive, elusive or well camouflaged) species are often very challenging to accurately survey. Because many cryptic species are threatened, the development of robust and efficient survey methods to detect them is critically important for conservation management. The swamp skink (Lissolepis coventryi) is an example of an elusive and threatened species; it inhabits densely vegetated, wet environments throughout south-east Australia. The swamp skink occurs in peri-urban areas and faces many human-induced threats including habitat loss, introduced predators and environmental pollution. Effective and reliable survey methods are therefore essential for its conservation. Aims This study aimed to review the current swamp skink survey guidelines to compare the detection success of Elliott traps with two alternative methods: passive infrared cameras (camera traps) and artificial refuges. Methods Detection probabilities for the swamp skink were compared using Elliott traps, artificial refuges and camera traps at two known populations on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. Key results Artificial refuges and camera traps were significantly more successful than Elliott traps at detecting swamp skinks. Conclusions Elliott traps are currently regarded as the standard technique for surveying swamp skinks; however, these traps were the least successful of the three methods trialled. Therefore, the use of Elliott traps in future swamp skink presence–absence surveys is not recommended. Implications Many previous surveys utilising Elliott traps have failed to detect swamp skinks in habitats where they are likely to occur. Our findings suggest that at least some of these past surveys may have reported false absences of swamp skinks, potentially resulting in poor planning decisions. A reduction in the reliance on Elliott trapping is likely to increase future swamp skink detection success, broaden our understanding of this cryptic species and aid conservation efforts. Our results emphasise that it is essential to regularly review recommended survey methods to ensure they are accurate and effective for target species.
Lequemédiatif du français contemporain
Authors: Anscombre Jean-Claude
Published: December 2017

The French constructionheureusement queshows aquethat has been recently analyzed as a very specific relative pronoun, an evidentialque, which introduces a proposition considered as having been previously uttered. On the other hand, the pronounqui – apart from its common use as an anaphoric relative – had a specific function until the end of the 17th century: it could be used with no antecedent, and with an indefinite and suppositive value meaning ‘if one’. The first part of this study draws up a full list of both constructions in French. The second part of the study is mainly diachronic, and explores the origins of these two pronouns in classical Latin, as well as their evolution through Romance languages, namely French, Italian and Spanish.
Effect of Zr on microstructure and mechanical property of dispersion-strengthened Pt-20Rh
Authors: Dai Yu , Ma Quan-yang , Liu Wei-ting , Hu Fa-ping , Zhang Yun , Yang Zong-lun , Tang Hui-yi , Wei Guo-bing , Xie Wei-dong
Published: December 2017

Dispersion-strengthened Pt-20Rh was designed and prepared by powder metallurgy-internal oxidation-sintering. After rolling and annealing, the microstructures, mechanical properties at room temperature and 1000 °C were tested and analysed. Results indicate that the dispersion-strengthened Pt-20Rh alloy consists of Pt and Rh solid solution, Y2O3 and ZrO2. It has a stabilised grain structure at 1000 °C. As the Zr content increases, the strengths at room temperature and high temperature are greatly improved. ZrO2 particles can pin up and block the movement of dislocations, making it possible to enhance the strength. When Zr content is 0.3 wt-%, the room temperature and 1000 °C tensile strengths are up to their maximum, i.e. 555 and 149 MPa, respectively.
Spheroidisation of tungsten powder by radio frequency plasma for selective laser melting
Authors: Zi Xuhui , Chen Chao , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Pengwei , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhou Kechao
Published: December 2017

The growing interest in additive manufacturing of refractory metals is accompanied by the demand on spherical refractory meal powders with good flowability. In this work, the particle size distribution, particle morphology, phase and extent of oxidation of the tungsten powders spheroidised by radio frequency (RF) plasma with different feeding rates were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, laser particle size analysis and X-ray diffraction. It was demonstrated that spherical tungsten powders with extremely fine flowability and high apparent density were obtained by the RF plasma spheroidisation technology. High-density tungsten samples with negligible defects were prepared with the spheroidised powders by selective laser melting. The results would help pave the way for solving the problems in customising refractory metal parts by additive manufacturing.
Designing for sustainable outcomes: espousing behavioural change into co-production programmes
Authors: Mukherjee Ishani , Mukherjee Nilanjana
Published: December 2017

This paper uses a policy design perspective with which to examine the formulation of programmes that are based on the concept of co-production. In doing so, the paper reviews essential literature on policy design and co-production to identify that a limited focus on outcomes and specifically how behavioural change can make these outcomes sustainable represents a major gap in the current discussion of co-production. We firstly argue that in designing programmes involving co-production, outcomes need to be considered at the initial design stages where broad policy objectives are being defined. Secondly, we argue that for these outcomes to be sustainable, behavioural change on the part of policy targets needs to be an important objective of a coproduction programme. To illustrate our point, we use the example of rural sanitation programmes from three developing countries to specifically demonstrate how the absence or inclusion of behavioural change considerations in the early phases of policy design can elicit different levels of success in achieving desired policy outcomes.
Cobl-like promotes actin filament formation and dendritic branching using only a single WH2 domain
Authors: Izadi Maryam , Schlobinski Dirk , Lahr Maria , Schwintzer Lukas , Qualmann Britta , Kessels Michael M.
Published: December 2017

Local actin filament formation powers the development of the signal-receiving arbor of neurons that underlies neuronal network formation. Yet, little is known about the molecules that drive these processes and may functionally connect them to the transient calcium pulses observed in restricted areas in the forming dendritic arbor. Here we demonstrate that Cordon-Bleu (Cobl)–like, an uncharacterized protein suggested to represent a very distantly related, evolutionary ancestor of the actin nucleator Cobl, despite having only a single G-actin–binding Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein Homology 2 (WH2) domain, massively promoted the formation of F-actin–rich membrane ruffles of COS-7 cells and of dendritic branches of neurons. Cobl-like hereby integrates WH2 domain functions with those of the F-actin–binding protein Abp1. Cobl-like–mediated dendritic branching is dependent on Abp1 as well as on Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM) signaling and CaM association. Calcium signaling leads to a promotion of complex formation with Cobl-like’s cofactor Abp1. Thus, Ca2+/CaM control of actin dynamics seems to be a much more broadly used principle in cell biology than previously thought.
Recovering Recovery: On the Relationship between Gauge Symmetry and Trautman Recovery
Authors: Teh Nicholas J.
Published: December 2017

This article (i) uncovers a foundational relationship between the ‘gauge symmetry’ of a Newton-Cartan theory and the celebrated Trautman Recovery Theorem and (ii) explores its implications for recent philosophical work on Newton-Cartan gravitation.
What Do Object Files Pick Out?
Authors: Green E. J.
Published: December 2017

Many authors have posited an “object file” system, which underlies perceptual selection and tracking of objects. Several have proposed that this system internalizes principles specifying what counts as an object and relies on them during tracking. Here I consider a popular view on which the object file system is tuned to entities that satisfy principles of three-dimensionality, cohesion, and boundedness. I argue that the evidence gathered in support of this view is consistent with a more permissive view on which object files select and track according to well-known perceptual organization criteria. Further evidence supplies positive support for the permissive view.
Final report, on-going key comparison BIPM.QM-K1, ozone at ambient level, comparison with CMS-ITRI, June 2016
Authors: Viallon le , Idrees Faraz , Moussay Philippe , Wielgosz Robert , Lin Tsai-Yin , Norris James E , Hodges Joseph T
Published: December 2017

As part of the on-going key comparison BIPM.QM-K1, a comparison has been performed between the ozone national standard of the ITRI Center for Measurement Standards (CMS-ITRI) and the common reference standard of the key comparison, maintained by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), via a transfer standard maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The instruments have been compared over a nominal ozone amount-of-substance fraction range of 0 nmol/mol to 500 nmol/mol.

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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Electrolytic conductivity at 0.5 S m−1 and 5 mS m−1
Authors: Seitz S , Sander B , Snedden A , DeLeeBeeck L , Canaza G T , Asakai T , Maksimov I , Song X , Wang H , Kozlowski W , Dumanska J , Jakusovszky B , Szilágyi Z N , Gavrilkin V , Stennik O , Ovchinnikov Y , Gonzaga F B , Cunha K da Cruz , Ferraz S F , Hanková Z , Máriássy M , Vicarova M , Vospelova A , Ortiz-Aparicio J L , Lara-Manzano J V , Uribe-Godínez J , Stoica D , Fisicaro P , Suvorov V I , Konopelko L A , Smirnov A M , Amaya R C , Quezada H T
Published: December 2017

Key Comparison CCQM-K36.2016 was a follow-up comparison for K36 and provided updated support for the corresponding calibration and measurement capability (CMC) entries in the BIPM CMC database. It aimed to demonstrate the capabilities of the participating NMIs to measure electrolytic conductivity of aqueous electrolyte solutions in the conductivity range 0.15 S m−1 to 1.5 S m−1 and in the conductivity range 1.5 mS m−1 to 15 mS m−1. To this end electrolytic conductivity of a potassium chloride solution (nominal conductivity 0.5 S m−1) and of a HCl solution (nominal conductivity 5 mS m−1) had to be measured. 17 NMIs participated in the comparison. The key comparison reference value (KCRV) of the KCl solution was (0.50999 +/-0.00032) S m−1 and the KCRV of the HCl solution was (4.9877 +/-0.012) mS m−1. Both values were estimated from the medians of the results considered eligible for KCRV calculation. They were given with their expanded uncertainties (95% coverage). The majority of the 0.5 S m-1 results were consistent with the KCRV. Two institutes showed a small inconsistency, one outlier was observed. The conductivity of the HCl solution showed a small, but steady linear drift of 0.00006843 mS m−1 per day during the measurement period and was corrected for KCRV calculation. Some institutes reported unstable measurement conditions for this solution. The results of seven participants have been inconsistent with the KCRV.

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 CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
On two chain models for the gravity operad
Authors: Dupont Clément , Horel Geoffroy
Published: December 2017

In this paper we recall the construction of two chain level lifts of the gravity operad, one due to Getzler–Kapranov and one due to Westerland. We prove that these two operads are formal and that they indeed have isomorphic homology.