bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elliptical fibre dielectric waveguides: a transverse transmission line analysis
Authors: Boucouvalas Anthony C. , Papageorgiou Christos , Georgantzos Euripides
Published: May 2019

The authors present a new method for determining the optical properties of arbitrary refractive index elliptical core fibres. The method applies the elliptic cylindrical coordinate system to Maxwell's equations and appropriately, using Fourier Transforms, operated on an elliptical core optical fibre waveguide, derives a flexible algorithm, which can be used to determine the optical properties of elliptical fibre waveguides. By dividing the fibre into a series of uniform consecutive thin dielectric layers transversely across the elliptical cross section with suitable transforming functions representing voltage and current themselves based on the electromagnetic field components, leads to transverse transmission line equations. The resonance frequencies of the cascaded matrices determine the mode propagation constants. The analysis leads to a numerical algorithm for calculating the exact modes of propagation constants. The method is analytically exact and computationally accurate, leading to algorithmic implementation, without making use of Mathieu functions which are solutions for step index waveguide. The advantage of this work is also the fact that it can be applied to arbitrary refractive index profiles. They present results of modal diagrams for various fibre ellipticities and also apply this method to determine the birefringence of graded index profile fibres and mode cut‐off frequencies.
Experimental demonstration of narrowband multi‐bistatic Doppler radar tomography
Authors: Heading Emma , Tran Hai‐Tan , Ng Brian
Published: May 2019

This article demonstrates the novel approach of multi‐bistatic Doppler radar tomography for high‐resolution imaging of a generally non‐cooperative target using narrowband signals. An imaging system consisting of a single narrowband transmitter and multiple bistatic receivers is considered. The signal processing is performed centrally. This technique requires the bistatic angles to be estimated with sufficient accuracy before the final image inversion step. Results from an experimental dataset are used to demonstrate the imaging algorithm, which reaffirm the widely held expectation that the spatial diversity of a multi‐bistatic narrowband radar system can provide a system resource equivalent to a wide signal bandwidth.
Stokes inversion based on convolutional neural networks
Authors: Asensio Ramos A. , Díaz Baso C. J.
Published: May 2019

Context. Spectropolarimetric inversions are routinely used in the field of solar physics for the extraction of physical information from observations. The application to two-dimensional fields of view often requires the use of supercomputers with parallelized inversion codes. Even in this case, the computing time spent on the process is still very large.

Aims. Our aim is to develop a new inversion code based on the application of convolutional neural networks that can quickly provide a three-dimensional cube of thermodynamical and magnetic properties from the interpreation of two-dimensional maps of Stokes profiles.

Methods. We trained two different architectures of fully convolutional neural networks. To this end, we used the synthetic Stokes profiles obtained from two snapshots of three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic numerical simulations of different structures of the solar atmosphere.

Results. We provide an extensive analysis of the new inversion technique, showing that it infers the thermodynamical and magnetic properties with a precision comparable to that of standard inversion techniques. However, it provides several key improvements: our method is around one million times faster, it returns a three-dimensional view of the physical properties of the region of interest in geometrical height, it provides quantities that cannot be obtained otherwise (pressure and Wilson depression) and the inferred properties are decontaminated from the blurring effect of instrumental point spread functions for free. The code, models, and data are all open source and available for free, to allow both evaluation and training.
First report of Leishmania (Viannia) lindenbergi causing tegumentary leishmaniasis in the Brazilian western Amazon region
Authors: Cantanhêde Lilian Motta , Mattos Cristiane Batista , de Souza Ronconi Camila , Filgueira Camila Patrício Braga , da Silva Júnior Cipriano Ferreira , Limeira Claudino , de Jesus Silva Helen Paula , Ferreira Gabriel Eduardo Melim , Porrozzi Renato , Ferreira Ricardo de Godoi Mattos , Cupolillo Elisa
Published: May 2019

Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (TL) in the Brazilian Amazon region is associated with several Leishmania species. In this report, we describe two cases of TL related to Leishmania lindenbergi occurring in different locations of Rondônia state. After clinical diagnosis, lesion samples were collected for parasitological diagnoses via direct microscopic visualization, parasite isolation, and PCR. PCR reactions were positive in both clinical samples. Parasite isolation was possible for both patients, and isolates were submitted to species identification by isoenzyme electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. This report is the first to describe human infections caused by L. lindenbergi since the initial description and record of human infection by this species in 2002.
Wie gehen chronisch Schizophrene mit dem Symptom Stimmenhören um?
Authors: Henrich Tobias , Weisbrod Sabine , Boller Janina
Published: May 2019

Was hilft chronisch Schizophrenen, um den Alltag zu meistern und welche Unterstützung wünschen sie sich speziell von Pflegenden? Antworten auf diese spannenden Fragen erhielten unsere Autoren durch Recovery-orientierte Interviews mit Betroffenen.
Fachweiterbildung oder Akademisierung?
Authors: Illichmann Ulrike
Published: May 2019

Weiterbildungsteilnehmer und Hochschulabsolventen im Fachbereich der Psychiatrie werden sich in naher Zukunft gegenseitig ergänzen und voneinander profitieren – trotz aller Unterschiede. Denn nur die Kombination aus patientenbezogener Pflege und wissenschaftlichen Kompetenzen ermöglicht es, die Pflegequalität gemeinsam zu verbessern. Ein Plädoyer für ein Miteinander.
Professionelle Pflege von suizidalen Menschen – Primary Nursing nach Manthey
Authors: Höhne Lance
Published: May 2019

In der letzten Ausgabe haben wir Ihnen die beziehungsgestaltenden und interaktiven Elemente der professionellen Pflege bei Suizidalität nach Bernd Kozel vorgestellt. Im zweiten Teil erläutern wir das System des Primary Nursing nach Marie Manthey und prüfen, ob und wie die Kernelemente von Kozel innerhalb dieser Pflegeorganisationsform umgesetzt werden können.
Effect of Metformin Treatment on Insulin Resistance Markers, and Circulating Irisin in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Masaeli Asiyeh , Nayeri Hashem , Mirzaee Mohammadreza
Published: May 2019

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered as a common endocrinal dysfunction among adult women characterized by polycystic ovaries, anovulation, and hyperandrogenism. Irisin is associated with metabolic parameters and insulin resistance. However, the association of irisin with PCOS remains poorly delineated. This study was aimed to examine circulating irisin levels and effects of metformin on this parameter in women with PCOS. Moreover, the association of irisin with insulin resistance markers was determined. Thirty-nine females with PCOS, aged 20–40 years, participated in this study and received 500 mg of metformin once daily for 3 months. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and irisin were assayed in the studied groups. Circulating irisin was significantly higher in PCOS women. Circulating irisin levels correlated with 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and insulin. Three months metformin treatment decreased circulating irisin in PCOS women and improved IR. Circulating irisin is directly associated with insulin resistance in PCOS women and may be used as a biomarker for IR in these patients. Moreover, metformin as a confounding therapy in metabolic diseases can be used to regulate circulating irisin levels in PCOS women.
Bilateral Pulmonary Langerhans's Cell Histiocytosis is Surgical Challenge in Children: A Case Report
Authors: Soyer Tutku , Özyüksel Gül , Türer Özlem Boybeyi , Çakmakkaya Kübra , Yavuz Sinan , Yalçın Bilgehan , Orhan Diclehan , Yalçın Ebru , Doğru Deniz , Bayrakçı Benan , Kiper Nural , Akyüz Canan
Published: May 2019

Background Pulmonary Langerhans's cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare cause of interstitial lung disease in children and more than half of the cases are bilateral. Persistent respiratory distress due to spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in bilateral PLCH may refractory to conservative treatment and posed a great challenge to surgical modalities. A 3-year-old boy with SP due to bilateral PLCH is presented to discuss the surgical options of recurrent and refractory PLCH cases in children.

Case Report The patient was admitted to the emergency department with severe respiratory distress and SP. After chest tube insertion, biopsy from neck mass revealed Langerhans's cell histiocytosis. Chemotherapy including vinblastine and prednisone was initiated. Due to persistent respiratory difficulty and air leaks, talc pleurodesis and thoracoscopic bullae excision with pleural decortication were performed. Two months after the admission, due to nosocomial infection and severe respiratory distress, extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) support was initiated. The patient was died of ECMO complications on 24th day of ECMO.

Conclusion Despite the use of chemotherapy and surgical excision of cystic lesions, bilateral PLCH in children may have lethal outcome. Other treatment options including respiratory support with ECMO and lung transplantation should be considered as last resort of treatment alternative in persistent cases.
Cadaveric Study of Anatomical Variations in the Musculocutaneous Nerve and in the Median Nerve
Authors: Priya Abhilasha , Gupta Chandni , D'souza Antony Sylvan
Published: May 2019

Introduction The musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve are branches from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus with a root value of C5, C6, and C7. The medial root of the median nerve is a branch of the medial cord. The present study aims at observing any variations in these peripheral nerves, so that this knowledge can be utilized by surgeons, anesthesiologists, and orthopedicians during surgical procedures and nerve block.

Materials and Methods The present study was carried on 30 adult embalmed cadavers (60 upper limbs) in the department of anatomy of the Kasturba Medical College , Manipal, India. The infraclavicular part of the brachial plexus was dissected, and any anatomical variations in the formation and in the branching pattern of the musculocutaneous nerve and of the median nerve were noted and photographs were taken.

Results The median nerve was noted to be formed from 3 roots in 8 out of 60 dissected upper limbs (13.33%). The musculocutaneous nerve was absent in 5% of the dissected limbs, and communications between these 2 nerves were noted in 13.33% of the dissected limbs.

Conclusions Noted variations of the nerves may be of help to surgeons operating in the axillas and in the arms.
Fetal Myocardial Function as Assessed by N-Terminal Fragment Brain Natriuretic Protein in Premature Fetuses Exposed to Intra-amniotic Inflammation
Authors: Irani Roxanna A. , Buhimschi Catalin S. , Cross Sarah N. , Zhao Guomao , Copel Joshua A. , Bhandari Vineet , Buhimschi Irina A. , Bahtiyar Mert Ozan
Published: May 2019

Objective This study aimed to determine the relationship between fetal exposure to intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) and fetal heart ventricular function as assessed by circulatory levels of N-terminal fragment brain natriuretic protein (NT-proBNP) and the Tei index.

Study Design We analyzed 70 samples of paired amniotic fluid (AF) and cord blood retrieved from mothers who delivered preterm at <34 weeks as follows: Yes-IAI (n = 36) and No-IAI (n = 34). IAI was diagnosed by amniocentesis and AF mass spectrometry. Fetal exposure to inflammation was determined through the evaluation of cord blood haptoglobin (Hp) switch-on status and level, and interleukin (IL)-6 levels by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Fetal heart function was assessed by cord blood NT-proBNP immunoassay and fetal echocardiogram (Tei index).

Results IAI was characterized by significantly higher levels of AF (p < 0.001) and umbilical cord IL-6 (p = 0.004). Cord blood Hp levels and frequency of switch-on status were higher in fetuses exposed to IAI (p < 0.001, both). Fetuses exposed to IAI did not have higher levels of NT-proBNP. Following correction for gestational age and race, neither cord blood NT-proBNP nor the Tei index was significantly different in fetuses with Hp switched-on status (p > 0.05, both).

Conclusion Fetal myocardial left ventricular function does not seem to be significantly impaired in fetuses born alive due to IAI if delivery of the fetus occurs immediately following the diagnosis of IAI.
Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Short-Term Complications and Risk Factors
Authors: Rezzadeh Kevin , Behery Omar A. , Kester Benjamin S. , Dogra Tara , Vigdorchik Jonathon , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: May 2019

There is a paucity of literature regarding the short-term readmission, reoperation, and complication rates of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA). The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors of 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing PFA. A retrospective cohort study of subjects who underwent PFA from 2010 to 2015 was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Perioperative outcomes and 30-day postoperative complications were ascertained, and patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed using linear and binomial logistic regression analyses to determine risk factors for postoperative complications. Among the 1,069 patients identified in the NSQIP database, there was a 30-day readmission rate of 4.3% and a 30-day reoperation rate of 1.5%. The leading complications identified were bleeding requiring transfusion (11.7%), urinary tract infection (0.8%), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (0.8%). Younger age was a risk factor for superficial wound infection (p = 0.012). Older age was a significant risk factor for longer hospital stays, readmission, bleeding requiring transfusion, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia (p < 0.05 for all). Male sex was a risk factor for longer operation time and DVT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), while female sex was associated with greater incidence of bleeding requiring transfusion (p = 0.049). Elevated body mass index (BMI) was a risk factor for longer hospital stays, greater total operation time, and bleeding requiring transfusion (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Nonwhite race was a significant risk factor for readmission (p = 0.008). This represents the largest study on early readmissions and the associated risk factors after PFA. PFA 30-day readmission and reoperation rates were <5%. Older age and elevated BMI were both identified as risk factors for adverse perioperative outcomes, including longer operation times, longer hospital stays, and bleeding requiring transfusion.
Efecto del Cigarrillo Electrónico sobre los Espermatozoides Humanos: Aproximación in vitro
Authors: Morales Velásquez Mateo , Puerta Suarez Jenniffer , Cardona Maya Walter D.
Published: May 2019

Introducción Los cigarrillos electrónicos (E-Cig) aparecieron en el mercado hace 15 años como una alternativa para combatir el consumo de tabaco, un problema de salud pública, sin embargo, su efecto sobre la salud reproductiva no ha sido completamente evaluado. El objetivo del presente estudio, fue evaluar los efectos de los E-Cig sobre los espermatozoides humanos in vitro.

Métodos Un dispositivo para incubar en contacto directo a los espermatozoides con el vapor a partir de dos esencias diferentes (TNT y Sugar Drizzle), el humo del cigarrillo o aire como control negativo fue construido. Adicionalmente, usando el mismo dispositivo, se elaboró el extracto a partir del aire, de las dos esencias con el E-Cig y con el cigarrillo Piel Roja sin filtro en medio para incubar en contacto indirecto con los espermatozoides.

Resultados Se observó disminución de la movilidad con el E-Cig en más del 38% en el tiempo y una disminución de la viabilidad en más del 18% que se mantenían con el tiempo mientras que con el cigarrillo convencional afectaba la movilidad y la viabilidad en casi el 100%. Finalmente se encontró que se afecta más la movilidad de los espermatozoides con la esencia de Sugar Drizzle que contaba con menos concentración de nicotina que con la esencia de TNT.

Conclusiones En conclusión, tanto el cigarrillo convencional como el E-Cig afectan los parámetros seminales (movilidad y viabilidad), y se postula que el uso del E-Cig, aunque es menos citotóxico y afecta menos que el cigarrillo convencional, también puede generar a largo plazo problemas de infertilidad.
Quantum thermodynamics and open-systems modeling
Authors: Kosloff Ronnie
Published: May 2019

A comprehensive approach to modeling open quantum systems consistent with thermodynamics is presented. The theory of open quantum systems is employed to define system bath partitions. The Markovian master equation defines an isothermal partition between the system and bath. Two methods to derive the quantum master equation are described: the weak coupling limit and the repeated collision model. The role of the eigenoperators of the free system dynamics is highlighted, in particular, for driven systems. The thermodynamical relations are pointed out. Models that lead to loss of coherence, i.e., dephasing are described. The implication of the laws of thermodynamics to simulating transport and spectroscopy is described. The indications for self-averaging in large quantum systems and thus its importance in modeling are described. Basic modeling by the surrogate Hamiltonian is described, as well as thermal boundary conditions using the repeated collision model and their use in the stochastic surrogate Hamiltonian. The problem of modeling with explicitly time dependent driving is analyzed. Finally, the use of the stochastic surrogate Hamiltonian for modeling ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum control is reviewed.
High-transmission negative refraction in the gradient space-coiling metamaterials
Authors: Tong Shuaishuai , Ren Chunyu , Tang Weipeng
Published: May 2019

In this work, we show that negative refraction with ultrahigh transmission can be obtained via gradient space-coiling metamaterials. By using a retrieval method for our design, we find that both the effective density and bulk modulus of metamaterials are simultaneously negative in the sense of the effective medium, accompanied by nearly perfect impedance matching. The negative refraction effects with the impedance matched prism and plate are numerically demonstrated, and the transmission coefficients are higher than 90% with the scattered-wave energy less than 4%. The numerical analyses of the subwavelength imaging effect of the superlens based on the proposed metamaterials are also presented, and the super-resolution beyond the diffraction limit and ultrahigh efficiency are evidenced.
Fire regime and ecosystem responses: adaptive forest management in a changing world (Part 1)
Authors: Moya Daniel , Certini Giacomo , Fulé Peter Z.
Published: May 2019

Although fire is an intrinsic factor in most terrestrial biomes, it is often perceived as a negative disturbance that must be suppressed. The application of successful fire prevention policies can lead to unsustainable fire events for ecosystems adapted to a specific fire regime. In addition, new climate and land use scenarios are influencing fire parameters and ecosystem services. Consequently, adaptive forest and landscape management must include knowledge on vulnerability, resistance and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems. To help address this need, we convened a special issue (divided in two separate parts) to synthesise ongoing research focused on obtaining a better understanding of wildfire response decisions and actions, including preventive management and post-fire restoration. We conceived a collection of research studies covering a wide diversity of geographical settings characterised by different climates and forest types, under scenarios of changing climate and land use. Here, we summarise the key findings from the six papers published in the first section of the special issue. They deal with diverse topics and assessments, such as adaptions to fire regimes, the effects of burn severity on the plant–soil interface, and post-fire management taking advantage of indices obtained from satellite images (dNBR, NDVI), dendrochronology, soil sampling and analysis of biological indicators. We highlight the new knowledge developed to enhance fire management decision making in a time of rapidly changing scenarios around the world.
Single-cell RNA sequencing unveils the shared and the distinct cytotoxic hallmarks of human TCRVδ1 and TCRVδ2 γδ T lymphocytes
Authors: Pizzolato Gabriele , Kaminski Hannah , Tosolini Marie , Franchini Don-Marc , Pont Fréderic , Martins Fréderic , Valle Carine , Labourdette Delphine , Cadot Sarah , Quillet-Mary Anne , Poupot Mary , Laurent Camille , Ysebaert Loic , Meraviglia Serena , Dieli Francesco , Merville Pierre , Milpied Pierre , Déchanet-Merville Julie , Fournié Jean-Jacques
Published: May 2019

γδ T lymphocytes represent ∼1% of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and even more cells in most tissues of vertebrates. Although they have important anticancer functions, most current single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies do not identify γδ T lymphocytes because their transcriptomes at the single-cell level are unknown. Here we show that high-resolution clustering of large scRNA-seq datasets and a combination of gene signatures allow the specific detection of human γδ T lymphocytes and identification of their T cell receptor (TCR)Vδ1 and TCRVδ2 subsets in large datasets from complex cell mixtures. Int-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding plots from blood and tumor samples, the few γδ T lymphocytes appear collectively embedded between cytotoxic CD8 T and NK cells. Their TCRVδ1 and TCRVδ2 subsets form close yet distinct subclusters, respectively neighboring NK and CD8 T cells because of expression of shared and distinct cytotoxic maturation genes. Similar pseudotime maturation trajectories of TCRVδ1 and TCRVδ2 γδ T lymphocytes were discovered, unveiling in both subsets an unattended pool of terminally differentiated effector memory cells with preserved proliferative capacity, a finding confirmed by in vitro proliferation assays. Overall, the single-cell transcriptomes of thousands of individual γδ T lymphocytes from different CMV+and CMV−donors reflect cytotoxic maturation stages driven by the immunological history of donors. This landmark study establishes the rationale for identification, subtyping, and deep characterization of human γδ T lymphocytes in further scRNA-seq studies of complex tissues in physiological and disease conditions.
Effects of thermal exposure on high-cycle-fatigue behaviours in Ni-based superalloy GH4169
Authors: Jiang R. , Ji D. W. , Shi H. C. , Hu X. T. , Song Y. D. , Gan B.
Published: May 2019

Effects of thermal exposure (TE) on high cycle fatigue (HCF) behaviours in Ni-based superalloy GH4169 have been investigated in this study. GH4169 specimens were thermally exposed at 650°C for 1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 days before fatigue test. These TEs produced eruptions, bulge-like features and pits at surface due to oxidation of carbides/nitrides. Fatigue life was not reduced evidently by TE as compared to the specimens in virgin conditions, indicating the insignificant influence of TE on HCF life. Fracture morphology analysis showed fatigue crack mainly initiated from oxides, crystallographic facets and subsurface inclusions. Although long TE is not necessarily related to crack initiation from oxides, crack initiation from oxides is generally associated with a shorter fatigue life.
CD81 is a novel immunotherapeutic target for B cell lymphoma
Authors: Vences-Catalán Felipe , Kuo Chiung-Chi , Rajapaksa Ranjani , Duault Caroline , Andor Noemi , Czerwinski Debra K. , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: May 2019

The tetraspanin CD81 was initially discovered by screening mAbs elicited against a human B cell lymphoma for their direct antiproliferative effects. We now show that 5A6, one of the mAbs that target CD81, has therapeutic potential. This antibody inhibits the growth of B cell lymphoma in a xenograft model as effectively as rituximab, which is a standard treatment for B cell lymphoma. Importantly, unlike rituximab, which depletes normal as well as malignant B cells, 5A6 selectively kills human lymphoma cells from fresh biopsy specimens while sparing the normal lymphoid cells in the tumor microenvironment. The 5A6 antibody showed a good safety profile when administered to a mouse transgenic for human CD81. Taken together, these data provide the rationale for the development of the 5A6 mAb and its humanized derivatives as a novel treatment against B cell lymphoma.
Kantowski–Sachs cosmology with Vlasov matter
Authors: Fajman David , Heißel Gernot
Published: May 2019

We analyse the Kantowski–Sachs cosmologies with Vlasov matter of massive and massless particles using dynamical systems analysis. We show that generic solutions are past and future asymptotic to the non-flat locally rotationally symmetric Kasner vacuum solution. Furthermore, we establish that solutions with massive Vlasov matter behave like solutions with massless Vlasov matter towards the singularities.
Combined DLTS/MCTS investigations of deep electrical levels of regular dislocation networks in silicon
Authors: Trushin M , Varlamov A , Loshachenko A , Vyvenko O , Kittler M
Published: May 2019

Local electronic states of regular dislocation networks produced by n- and p-type silicon wafer bonding with different screw dislocation density were studied with deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and minority carrier transient spectroscopy (MCTS). A drastic sadden changes of the electric level spectrum with increasing of dislocation density from two shallow bands located near the edges of valence and conduction bands towards two deep bands with energy positions about Ec - (0.22-0.26) eV and Ev + (0.4-0.53) eV were found. The origin of the electric level spectrum changes is ascribed to the changes of dislocation core structure from dissociated to perfect ones that occur when interdislocation distances became comparable with the dislocation equilibrium dissociation width. The obtained results correlate well with the results of recent studies of recombination activity of grain boundaries in mc-Si.
Deep traps localization in AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMTs by a comparative study using capacitance and current deep level transient spectroscopies
Authors: El-Khatib Mariam , Ferrandis Philippe , Morvan Erwan , Guillot Gérard , Bremond Georges
Published: May 2019

In this study, deep traps in multiple-finger normally-off AlGaN/GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor high-electron mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs) were identified. The localization of these traps has been established by a comparative study using capacitance and current deep level transient spectroscopies (DLTS). The Cgd-DLTS measurements cover the GaN buffer region between the gate and drain contacts. On the other hand, the IDS-DLTS measurements cover the channel region in GaN including the zone under the gate. Two electron traps, E2 (0.31eV) and E4 (0.5eV) have been detected. They are respectively attributed to reactive ion etching (RIE) induced surface damage. These two traps are more likely located in the GaN channel close to the gate. Two other deep electron traps E5 (0.64eV) and E6 (0.79eV) have also been detected and are localized in the GaN buffer layer.
Effect of temperature on Xe implantation-induced damage in 4H-SiC
Authors: Jiang C , Declémy A , Beaufort M-F , Boulle A , Barbot J-F
Published: May 2019

Damage formation in implanted 4H-SiC was studied as a function of dose and temperature of implantation. At RT the maximal strain as well as the surface swelling linearly increases suggesting a point defects swelling. With increasing temperature the slope decreases due to irradiation-induced dynamic recovery with activation energy of 0.13±0.02eV. From 300°C the amorphisation is avoided and the strain build-up can be fitted according to a direct impact model. At 300°C the as-induced strain profile consists of three different zones of damage with depth, resulting from the damage accumulation in the near surface region, the formation of Xe-vacancy complexes in the ion distribution and beyond a zone of end-of-range strain associated with interstitial accumulation.
Water quality in Thanh Luong rice vermicelli and fresh noodle craft village, Thanh Oai district, Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Hue T T , Hien V T , Ha N T H , Hang N T A
Published: May 2019

Traditional production in craft villages has released large amounts of wastes into the environment, which may pose negative impacts on human health and ecosystems. This study was conducted to assess the current state of the water quality in the Thanh Luong rice vermicelli and fresh noodle craft village. Water samples at 12 sites were collected for determination of BOD5 and COD values. Social survey was also performed at 19 production and 30 non-production households. The results showed that BOD5 and COD values in water samples varied from 29 to 2620 mg/l and from 91 to 3600 mg/l, respectively. 100% of wastewater samples with BOD5 and COD values exceeded the regulation limits (QCVN 40: 2011/BTNMT). The highest BOD5 and COD values in wastewater were 37 and 18 times higher than the limits regulated by QCVN 40: 2011/BTNMT, respectively; those in surface water were 23 and 25 times higher than the values set by QCVN 08-MT:2015/BTNMT and 1/2 of the groundwater samples with COD exceeded the QcVN 09-MT:2015/BTNMT. The results of social survey demonstrated the medium effectiveness of the local environmental management (43% of household questionnaires) and low to medium awareness of local community for environmental protection. Solutions for environmental protection in Thanh Luong village have also been discussed in this study.
Audience Fragmentation and Journalism in the U.S. Context
Authors: Lee Angela M.
Published: May 2019

The association between audience fragmentation and journalism is an intricate one. On the one hand, the word “audience” refers to an assembly of a group of consumers, such as book or magazine readers, moviegoers, radio or podcast listeners, television viewers, and website visitors, and they are primarily distinguished by the particular media product, genre, or outlet that they choose to consume. Webster stated in 2016 that oftentimes the purpose and consequence of audience research are financial—i.e., book publishers tend to break down their market by readers of different genres, which allows them to better tailor their content and promotions to relevant audiences in order to maximize book sales—and thus the goal of audience research in such contexts lies in finding the balance between capturing the largest number of media users who share similar consumption patterns and the narrowest content clusters—i.e., those separated by topic or genres.

On the other hand, whereas the purpose of audience conceptualization fundamentally revolves around fragmentation, the motivation for journalism in democratic societies is arguably the opposite. That is, if one were to believe, as Kovach and Rosenstiel posited in 2007, that the purpose of journalism is to inform and educate the people so they can self-govern and make better civil decisions in democratic societies, then it follows that the primary objective of journalism lies in serving as many citizens with the same information as possible. In short, the purpose of audience fragmentation and journalism is—in many ways—ontologically contradictory, with the former being more pluralistic in nature.

The topic of audience fragmentation is approached primarily from a commercial perspective, and in the context of the US market. It should be acknowledged, however, that this topic can and has been approached differently, via critical studies and across other markets. The end of this article offers a cursory comparative analysis between the USA and other Western countries to help contextualize findings from the USA in a global context. For those with deeper interest in such other inquiries, the recommended readings provided at the end of this article may offer a good starting point.

It should be noted that one of the biggest obstacles in the study of audience fragmentation, at least in the USA, lies in the fact that large-scale media reports of such data (e.g., those published by the Pew Research Center) often compare apples and oranges (e.g., either using survey questions with different operationalizations as the basis for comparison or reporting on different facets of audience fragmentation in its longitudinal studies, as this article will explain). To this end, this article is a first step in offering a baseline cross-sectional overview of how American audiences are consuming the news in 2018 via analysis of select Pew data files with comparable sampling method and survey instruments.
The Schuman Plan and the Start of Supranational European Integration
Authors: Ludlow Piers
Published: May 2019

France turned to European integration out of an awareness of the weakness of its international position in 1950. In particular it was conscious of the way in which it had been marginalized in the debate about the treatment of postwar Germany, forced to watch as a much stronger Federal Republic re-emerged than the French were comfortable with. But it was this defeat that spurred the radicalism of the Schuman Plan—the bold announcement by the French foreign minister in May 1950 that his country was willing jointly to operate its coal and steel sectors with Germany and whichever other European states felt able to join. The idea of building a strong European structure to control both French and German heavy industry was not an idealistic move, but something that would help avoid the likely triumph of German industry and the damage it could do to French recovery. In the process it would save the Monnet Plan, the economic blueprint for French postwar reconstruction put together by the author of the Schuman Plan, Jean Monnet. But it also would advance the wider goal of establishing a European framework within which Germany’s re-emergence could be controlled. That same framework, furthermore, appealed to Adenauer’s Germany as one that would both facilitate the new state’s international rehabilitation and bind the country securely to the Western bloc. To this central Franco-German bargain four other European countries would rally, partly out of enthusiasm for the wider goal of European unity, partly through fear of exclusion from a Europe built exclusively by their two largest neighbors. But crucially for future developments the United Kingdom would choose to abstain principally because it was too content with the European status quo of 1950 to need to embark on institutional experiments. This constituted a choice, the repercussions of which have endured into the early 21st century. The Schuman Plan thus constitutes a vital formative episode in the European integration process: it inaugurated a key French tactic and German response, it determined the cast list of the early integration story, and it introduced an institutional structure and modus operandi that, significantly modified, still lie at the heart of the 21st-century European Union.
Traditional Institutions of Governance in Africa
Authors: Mengisteab Kidane
Published: May 2019

Most African countries are characterized by parallel institutions, one representing the formal laws of the state and the other representing the traditional institutions that are adhered to more commonly in rural areas. The parallel institutional systems often complement each other in the continent’s contemporary governance. Oftentimes, however, they contradict each other, creating problems associated with institutional incoherence. Why the traditional systems endure, how the institutional dichotomy impacts the process of building democratic governance, and how the problems of institutional incoherence might be mitigated are issues that have not yet received adequate attention in African studies. The evidence suggests that traditional institutions have continued to metamorphose under the postcolonial state, as Africa’s socioeconomic systems continue to evolve. Despite such changes, these institutions are referred to as traditional not because they continue to exist in an unadulterated form as they did in Africa’s precolonial past but because they are largely born of the precolonial political systems and are adhered to principally, although not exclusively, by the population in the traditional (subsistent) sectors of the economy. Subsequent to the colonial experience, traditional institutions may be considered to be informal institutions in the sense that they are often not sanctioned by the state. However, they are not merely customs and norms; rather they are systems of governance, which were formal in precolonial times and continue to exist in a semiformal manner in some countries and in an informal manner in others. Another issue that needs some clarification is the neglect by the literature of the traditional institutions of the political systems without centralized authority structures. In general, decentralized political systems, which are often elder-based with group leadership, have received little attention, even though these systems are widespread and have the institutions of judicial systems and mechanisms of conflict resolution and allocation of resources, like the institutions of the centralized systems. Careful analysis suggests that African traditional institutions lie in a continuum between the highly decentralized to the centralized systems and they all have resource allocation practices, conflict resolution, judicial systems, and decision-making practices, which are distinct from those of the state.
The Ethics of Voting
Authors: Taylor James Stacey
Published: May 2019

The first question that is often raised in a discussion of the ethics of voting is whether or not there is a duty to vote. The view that there is a duty to vote is supported by two main arguments. The first holds that since the value of democratic governance is high persons should vote to preserve stable democracy. The second is that there is a duty to vote because if nobody voted the effects would be disastrous. The first of these arguments is criticized by Jason Brennan, who holds that since each individual vote will play little to no role in preserving stable democracy nobody has a duty to vote. The second is criticized by Loren Lomasky and Geoffrey Brennan, who argue that it is incomplete unless its supporters can show that democracy needs everyone to vote to continue. The question of whether there is a duty to vote naturally leads to the question of whether it is permissible for persons to vote in their own self-interest. Jason Brennan argues that persons should only (morally) vote for candidates or policies that they are justified in believing would promote the common good. It is unclear, however, what “the common good” consists of. This discussion of the morality of voting in one’s self-interest leads to the question of whether voting for a politician because she has made campaign promises is morally analogous to a voter selling her vote. In discussing this issue it is important to distinguish between the “restricted” defense of markets in votes (that the purchased votes are to be cast in favor of what the buyer is justified in believing is the common good) and the “unrestricted” defense of such a market (that purchased votes can be cast in any way the buyer pleases). Much of this discussion focuses on the morality of unrestricted markets in votes. Christopher Freiman has offered four main arguments in favor of such a market: (1) that it will make both the buyer and the seller better off; (2) that it is required by respect for voter liberty; (3) that it is relevantly similar to other practices that are currently allowed, such as logrolling; and (4) that it would enable electoral outcomes to better express voter preferences. None of these arguments are persuasive. The first is based on illicitly inferring from the claim that persons would voluntarily buy and sell votes if a market were allowed to the claim that they would thereby desire that this market be allowed. The second argument is flawed because if some persons would prefer that a market not be allowed, this could provide a sufficient reason to restrict their liberty by precluding them from selling their votes. The third argument overlooks important disanalogies between votes traded between voters, and votes traded between legislators. The fourth argument is based on the implausible assumption that vote sellers would not misrepresent their political preferences in a market for votes.
Protest and Religion: The U.S. Pro-Life Movement
Authors: Munson Ziad
Published: May 2019

Religion, and particularly the Catholic Church, was at the center of the emergence and initial mobilization of the pro-life movement in the United States. The movement originated in Catholic opposition to the liberalization of abortion law beginning in the 1950s, and accelerated rapidly after 1973 when abortion was legalized nationwide by the Supreme Court. Protestants began entering the movement in large numbers beginning in the 1980s, which corresponded with a peak in the amount of antiabortion street protest (and violence). All forms of pro-life protest—educational outreach to influence public opinion, political and legal involvement to influence the legal status of abortion, the development of crisis pregnancy centers to persuade individual pregnant women to carry their pregnancies to term, and direct action against abortion providers—have their roots in this formative period of movement mobilization, and all have continued to be important elements of the movement over the last half century. All these forms of protest activity include a religious component. They involve activists of deep religious faith, motivated by religious ideas, using religious principles in arguments about abortion, and depending on the leadership and resources of religious organizations. But the role of religion in the movement is sometimes overstated. Religion has not been the sole source of support for the movement. Pro-life protest has always included activists and organizations that are partially or wholly outside these strands of religious influence. Religion has also been a frequent source of tension and conflict in the movement, in addition to being a source of support. And the relationship between religion and the movement in recent decades does not distinguish it from the underlying partisan political landscape in which it is now firmly rooted.
Religious Traditions in Politics: Judaism
Authors: Wald Kenneth D.
Published: May 2019

Lacking sovereignty, a well-developed theology of politics, and a central organizing mechanism, the Jewish political experience is unique among the three Abrahamic faiths. Apart from research on the political content implicit in Jewish scriptures, there has been little scholarship on what Jews do when they engage in political action. Using a contextual framework, this article examines the politics of Jews by reviewing both single-country studies and the few extant cross-national analyses. In considering why Jewish political behavior differs from one place to another, political process theory and Medding’s theory of Jewish interests guide the analysis. Medding argued that Jewish politics is primarily a response to threats perceived in the political environment. The ability of Jewish communities to resist such threats depends largely on the rules governing the political environment, the political opportunity structure. Where Jews are a majority and control the rules, as in the state of Israel, they have adopted a regime that prioritizes the Jewish character of the state against perceived threats from the country’s Arab citizens. Where Jews are a minority, as in the United States, their ability to control the political environment is limited. However, the political rules of the game embodied in the U.S. Constitution have levelled the playing field to the advantage of religious minorities like Jews. Specifically, by rejecting “blood and soil” citizenship and denying the religious character of the state, those rules provide Jews and other minorities a valuable resource and access to sympathetic allies in the political system. Hence American Jews have been able to counter what they perceive as the major threat to their political interests—a replacement of the secular state by a confessional regime. Focusing on threats, the political opportunity structure, and political context helps to anchor Jewish political studies in research on ethnic political cohesion and to bring such research into the scholarly mainstream.
Religious Regulation in China
Authors: Reardon Lawrence C.
Published: May 2019

Establishing a totalitarian state after 1949, Chinese Communist Party elites formulated religious regulations that ensured strong national security and guaranteed the Party’s hegemonic control of the state. The party state eliminated all foreign religious connections and established Party-controlled religious organizations to co-opt the five recognized official religious beliefs. By the Cultural Revolution, Mao Zedong prohibited all religious beliefs except in himself. As the post-totalitarianism of the 1980s evolved into consultative authoritarianism of the 1990s, Communist elites resurrected the Party-controlled religious organizations and implemented a new series of religious regulations in 1994 and 2005 that permitted the operation of officially recognized religions to strengthen moral standards and to supplement the state’s social welfare functions. Facing perceived challenges from foreign religions and fearing the growing popularity of religious belief, the party state adopted a third set of religious regulations in 2017 to strengthen Party hegemony.