bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aeroacoustic computation of fluid-structure interaction problems with low Mach numbers
Authors: Valášek Jan , Sváček Petr
Published: March 2019

This contribution deals with the acoustic simulation of aerodynamical noise generated by a flow over an airfoil or by flow in a flexible channel. Since the considered flow has low Mach number the hybrid approach of acoustic analogies can be applied here with benefits. The fluid-structure-acoustic interaction problem is generally described as a quite complicated problem comprising of three different physical fields - the vibration of the elastic body, the unsteady fluid flow and the acoustics together with mutual couplings. The fluid flow in time dependent domain is governed by the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in arbitrary Langrangian-Eulerian formulation and the elastic structure is modelled by the means of linear elasticity theory. The Lighthill analogy and acoustic perturbation equation (APE) is considered to describe the sound propagation. The simulation of fluid-structure (FSI) interaction and acoustic field is implemented using the FEM in an in-house solver. The sound sources computed from FSI results are analyzed and within sound propagation simulation the perfectly matched layer technique is used. In the end the results of Lighthill and APE analogy are compared.
Determination of the applicability limits of the ideal gas model for the calculation of moist air properties
Authors: Vestfálová Magda , Šafařík Pavel
Published: March 2019

The submitted paper deals with the finding of such moist air states in which the components of moist air and hence the humid air itself can be described by the ideal gas model while maintaining a predefined accuracy. Both components of moist air (dry air and water vapor) can be described by a model of ideal gas at sufficiently low pressures and sufficiently high temperatures. In the paper, we are looking for such combinations of pressures and temperatures for both components, where the relative deviation in the density calculation using the ideal gas model does not exceed the desired value. In addition, on the basis of the mixture theory, such moist air conditions (characterized by pressure, temperature and specific humidity) are searched, on which the accuracy of the calculation meets the required conditions. Subsequently, diagrams are constructed that can be used to help identify the interface between a moist air area that can be described by a simple ideal gas model, and areas where it is necessary to use a more accurate model for one of the components.
Control of droplet size in rain-zone in wet cooling tower
Authors: Vitkovicova Rut , Vitkovic Pavol
Published: March 2019

The performance of the wet cooling tower is significantly affected by the droplet size occurring in the rain zone. In order to effectively manage the size of these droplets, it was necessary to experimentally determine the effect of the fills of the cooling towers on droplets. Five types of cooling fillers were used for experimental measurements: 3 film fills and 2 splash fills - trickle and grid. Drop size measurements were performed using the LIF method. Histograms of droplets size were obtained from measured droplet sizes under each fill, and for each fill, the Sauter droplet diameter was then calculated. According to a theoretical analysis of a breakdown of droplets, the combinations of some fills and the effect of their surface treatment on the droplet diameter were then measured for comparison.
Internal phosphorus loading as the response to complete and then limited sustainable restoration of a shallow lake
Authors: Kowalczewska-Madura Katarzyna , Dondajewska Renata , Gołdyn Ryszard , Rosińska Joanna , Podsiadłowski Stanisław
Published: March 2019

The urban Swarzędzkie Lake, into which sewage had been diverted many years ago, was still characterised by low ecological status. Three restoration methods were used in order to improve the water quality,i.e.aeration of the waters overlying the bottom sediments, inactivation of phosphorus in the water column with iron sulphate and magnesium chloride and biomanipulation with pike stocking. The aim of the research was to define seasonal and spatial changes of phosphorus internal loading from bottom sediments and to compare this with previous years. We also considered changes in the process of P release when the restoration treatments were limited after 3 yr from 3 methods to 1 method. The highest phosphorus release from bottom sediments was found in the profundal zone, where in summer periods it would reach up to 29.2 mgP m−2 day−1. The lowest P release was observed in the littoral zone, down to a depth of 3 m, where it did not exceed 10.0 mgP m−2 day−1. 31% of the whole load of P released from the bottom sediments was originated from this zone. The research showed an increase of phosphorus release in the first years of restoration treatment and a systematic decrease at all stations in the following years.
Influence of clogging of a T-shaped desulfurization lance on the flow field in a hot metal ladle
Authors: Ma Wenjun , Li Haibo , Zhang Jun , Cui Yang , Sun Liang
Published: March 2019

Lance injected desulphurization become ineffective when injection ports become obstructed. In this work, the difference of the flow fields between single and double hole injection was investigated by numerical simulations. When one of the openings in a T-shaped injection lance is blocked, a dead zone occurs in the ladle over approximately 1/4th of the volume, and there is not an active flow field on the surface of clogging side. To decrease clogging, industrial experiments examining different diameter lances were carried out. The results showed that clogging can be reduced by increasing the injection pressure and optimizing the injection hole diameter to be approximately 10 times the particle size of desulphurizer.
L’avenir de la socioéconomie écologique. Environnement et valeur au-delà du Yalta disciplinaire
Authors: Renou Gildas
Published: March 2019

Dans leur récent ouvrage, les économistes Ali Douai et Gaël Plumecocq considèrent que l’absence de théorie de la valeur constitue une lacune majeure, tant scientifique que politique, de la socioéconomie écologique actuelle. Cet article exprime son désaccord avec cette thèse et en expose les raisons. Il suggère au contraire que le champ interdisciplinaire de la socioéconomie écologique s’abstienne de toute définition aprioride la valeur, afin de rendre les chercheurs attentifs aux différentes façons d’attribuer une valeur à l’environnement et aux entités naturelles. Pour rendre compte de l’intérêt de ce déplacement, l’article s’attache à présenter des outils permettant d’étudier les processus sociaux d’attribution de valeur à l’environnement. Deux approches – en apparence éloignées – s’avèrent complémentaires : le courant « conventionnaliste » en sociologie et, en économie, l’« environnementalisme des pauvres » de Joan Martinez-Alier.
Schilddrüsen-Elastografie
Authors: Bojunga Jörg , Mondorf Antonia
Published: March 2019

Schilddrüsenknoten sind ein häufiger Befund insbesondere in Regionen mit
unzureichender Iodversorgung. Ultraschall ist das sensitivste Verfahren zum
Nachweis von Schilddrüsenknoten, hat aber eine nicht ausreichende Genauigkeit
bei der Unterscheidung zwischen gutartigen und bösartigen Schilddrüsenknoten.
Daher ist bei auffälligen Knoten in der Sonografie derzeit die
Feinnadel-Aspiration-Biopsie (FNAB) diagnostisches Verfahren der Wahl. Dennoch
wird bei einer relevanten Anzahl von Patienten mit letztlich gutartigen
Schilddrüsenknoten eine Operation mehr aus diagnostischer als aus
therapeutischer Intention durchgeführt. Ein klassisches Kriterium der
Bösartigkeit ist eine harte oder feste Konsistenz bei Palpation. Bisher war
dieses Kriterium subjektiv und abhängig von der Erfahrung des Untersuchers. Mit
der Einführung der ultraschallbasierten Elastografie steht eine reproduzierbare
Beurteilung der Gewebekonsistenz zur Verfügung. Ziel des vorliegenden Artikels
ist eine aktuelle Darstellung der verschiedenen verfügbaren Techniken sowie
deren Ergebnisse, sowohl für die Differenzierung von Schilddrüsenknoten als auch
für diffuse Schilddrüsenerkrankungen. Vorteile und Grenzen der Elastografie
werden kritisch diskutiert.
Nah an der Realität
Authors: Lerner Dieter , Luiz Thomas
Published: March 2019

Die fortschreitende Digitalisierung eröffnet auch dem Pflegebereich völlig neue
Wege für das Training und Lernen. Virtual-Reality-Technologien werden dabei
künftig eine zunehmend große Rolle spielen. So lässt sich an virtuellen
Patienten mittlerweile vieles effektiver erlernen als am realen Patienten, noch
dazu ohne diesen durch Fehlverhalten eventuell zu schädigen. Didaktisch sinnvoll
eingesetzt, kann die neue Technik eine wertvolle Ergänzung zur nachhaltigen
Kompetenzentwicklung sein.
Vom „Silver Worker“ bis zur „Generation Z“
Authors: Wilden Tanja
Published: March 2019

Arbeitgeber haben es heute mit sehr unterschiedlichen Generationen zu tun, die
ganz verschiedene Kompetenzen, aber auch Ansprüche an ihren Arbeitsplatz
mitbringen – auch in der ambulanten Intensivpflege. Wie geht man mit diesen
verschiedenen Typen um? Wie motiviert man sie? Wie kann man sie an den
Arbeitsplatz binden? Und wie lässt sich deren Gesundheit erhalten? Autorin Tanja
Wilden hat sich die Generationentypen näher angesehen und versucht, Antworten
auf diese Fragen zu finden.
Wenn man sich selbst einfach nicht „riechen”
kann
Authors: Schmidt René , Haiduk Michael , Grocholewski Anja
Published: March 2019

Die Olfaktorische Referenzstörung (ORS) ist ein bisher wenig erforschtes und kaum
bekanntes Phänomen, welches in den letzten Jahren jedoch stärker in das
Interesse der Forschung rückt. Mit diesem Übersichtsartikel sollte die bisherige
Literatur zusammengefasst und mithilfe einer Kasuistik an einem Beispiel
verdeutlicht werden. Für die Recherche wurden die Datenbanken Pubmed, PsychNet,
PsychPub, Hogrefe EContent und die Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) nach Schlagwörtern
im Abstract und in den Stichwörtern durchsucht. Die identifizierte Literatur
macht deutlich, dass ein eklatanter Mangel an gut angelegten Studien zum ORS
vorherrscht, der alle nosologischen Bereiche dieses Phänomens betrifft. Da der
von ORS Patienten geschilderte Leidensdruck erheblich ist, wäre für eine
effiziente Behandlung eine gezielte Grundlagenforschung dringend anzuregen.
Synthesis of Polyfunctionalised 2-Piperidinones Catalysed by Fe(acac)3
Authors: Talbot Eric
Published: March 2019

Herein is reported the synthesis of polyfunctionalised piperidines and 2-piperidinones, through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) chemistry catalysed by Fe(acac)3. The nature and substitution around the Michael acceptor, as well as the allylic amine, allowed access to all positions of the piperidine ring. The chemistry tolerates a range of different functionalities, allowing the investigation of new and diverse scaffolds.
Contralateral Approach to Paraclinoid Aneurysms: Angiographic Analysis and Surgical Results of 12 Patients
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Wu Jun , Cao Yong , Kan Zhisheng , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2019

Background and Study Aims To explore the usefulness of a unilateral approach for clipping multiple aneurysms including a contralateral paraclinoid aneurysm.

Materials and Methods Between January 2011 and May 2016, the unilateral approach was used to clip a contralateral paraclinoid aneurysm plus additional ipsilateral aneurysms. The records of these patients were analyzed retrospectively.

Results A total of 27 bilateral aneurysms in 12 patients were clipped successfully via a unilateral pterional craniotomy. All patients showed a good recovery (Glasgow Outcome Scale score: 5). Postoperative digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography did not show any residual aneurysm. Of the three patients with preoperative visual symptoms, two showed improvement. No visual function impairment was observed among the others.

Conclusion The contralateral approach remains a safe and reliable treatment option for selected paraclinoid aneurysms and allows to clip additional ipsilateral aneurysm(s). Feasibility depends on the type of paraclinoid aneurysm and other specific related features. It is an alternative approach for experienced neurosurgeons.
Alpha-fetoprotein for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Transplant Selection
Authors: Trevisani Franco , Garuti Francesca , Neri Andrea
Published: March 2019

Reliable biomarkers are of great clinical value in predicting cancer occurrence/recurrence, anticipating its detection at an asymptomatic stage, supporting the radiological diagnosis, stratifying patients for prognosis and proper therapy, and measuring the response to treatment. Despite the plethora of biomarkers proposed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the first one identified, α-fetoprotein (AFP), remains the most utilized. This article reviews the lights and shadows of AFP as a surveillance test for patients at risk of HCC, and as a diagnostic test for those with chronic liver disease and a suspected hepatic mass. Moreover, the article scrutinizes the large body of evidence supporting the prognostic relevance of AFP in patients undergoing both curative and palliative treatment of HCC and the growing importance attributed to this biomarker (as a static or a dynamic variable) in the selection of potential candidates for liver transplantation. In fact, the inclusion of AFP among transplant criteria would improve the ability of identifying poor candidates due to an unacceptable risk of HCC recurrence regardless of tumor burden, and of adopting flexible morphological selection criteria.
Free Tissue Transfer Penile Reconstruction
Authors: Cohn Jason , Wang Weitao , Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Ducic Yadranko , Kropp Bradley
Published: March 2019

Phalloplasty can be a challenging plastic surgery procedure associated with complications and unsatisfactory results. Phalloplasty has become an important procedure in the setting of trauma, partial or complete excision of the penis, and gender affirmation. Advances in microsurgery has expanded penile reconstruction through free tissue transfer techniques which include the radial forearm free flap, fibular osteocutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh flap, latissimus dorsi flap, scapular flap, and abdominal flaps. Each procedure has advantages and disadvantages; most of the procedures achieve adequate cosmetic results with high patient satisfaction. Most of the surgical complications are related to the reconstruction of the urethra or creating rigidity for intercourse. The main goals of reconstruction are to create a cosmetically appealing phallus with satisfactory sexual function.
Postoperative Free-Flap Monitoring Techniques
Authors: Kohlert Scott , Quimby Alexandra , Saman Masoud , Ducic Yadranko
Published: March 2019

Free tissue transfer is commonly employed in the reconstruction of large or complicated defects. Postoperative flap failure from microvascular compromise is an uncommon but major potential complication of this procedure. As such, many postoperative monitoring techniques devices have been developed. This paper provides an overview of the wide variety of options available for surgeons today.
Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Scalp
Authors: Sokoya Mofiyinfolu , Misch Emily , Vincent Aurora , Wang Weitao , Kadakia Sameep , Smith Jesse , Ducic Yadranko
Published: March 2019

Reconstruction of scalp defects can be accomplished by many methods, but larger defects, especially those in which the periosteum is absent or calvarial defects are present, require free tissue transfer. Various methods of scalp reconstruction, as guided by the defect components and size, are presented herein, with a focus on free tissue transfer. Different free flaps for scalp reconstructed are described with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, free tissue transfer for scalp defects provides a reliable, durable, and cosmetically adequate reconstructive option.
Saline Load Test for Detecting Traumatic Arthrotomy in the Wrist
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Bohl Daniel D. , Frank Rachel M. , Slikker William , Fernandez John J. , Cohen Mark S. , Wysocki Robert W.
Published: March 2019

Background Open injuries communicating with the wrist joint are essential to detect to facilitate timely, appropriate treatment. While the saline load test to detect traumatic arthrotomy has been well studied in the knee and ankle, it has not been studied in the wrist, and therefore the appropriate volume of saline infusion to detect traumatic arthrotomy is not known.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to utilize wrist arthroscopy to determine the saline infusion volume necessary to achieve 99% sensitivity in detecting traumatic arthrotomy.

Methods Twenty consecutive patients undergoing elective wrist arthroscopy were prospectively enrolled. A 5-mm arthrotomy was established between the third and fourth dorsal extensor compartments. An 18-gauge needle was inserted into the 6R portal on the radial side of the extensor carpi ulnaris. Sterile normal saline was injected into the wrist joint through the needle at a rate of 0.1 mL per second until extravasation from the 3–4 portal was visualized. Saline volumes required for extravasation were analyzed.

Results The mean saline volume required for extravasation was 0.8 mL. The volume of saline needed to achieve sensitivities of 50, 90, 95, and 99% were 0.4, 2.2, 2.3, and 2.5 mL respectively.

Conclusions The saline infusion volume required to detect a dorsal radiocarpal arthrotomy with 99% sensitivity was 2.5 mL. We recommend using at least 2.5 mL when performing the saline load test to rule out a potential arthrotomy to the wrist in the traumatic setting.

Level of Evidence: This is a Level II, diagnostic study.
Assessing Adverse Childhood Experiences during Pregnancy: Evidence toward a Best Practice
Authors: Nguyen Megan , Heberlein Emily , Covington-Kolb Sarah , Gerstner Anne , Gaspard Amber , Eichelberger Kacey
Published: March 2019

Objective To quantify the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a diverse urban cohort of pregnant women.

Study Design The ACE survey was self-administered to 600 women categorized evenly between the waiting room, private examination rooms, and CenteringPregnancy group spaces. The percentage of women willing to complete the survey per location was compared using chi-square tests, and the mean ACE score per arm was compared using Wilcoxon's rank–sum test.

Results Of the 660 women approached for participation, 5% declined; 67% reported ≥ 1 ACE exposure and 19% reported an ACE score of ≥ 4. By domain, 59% experienced household dysfunction, 25% abuse, and 25% neglect. Women in the waiting room were more likely to decline participation (p < 0.01), and those participating in the postpartum inpatient arm had a significantly lower proportion affirming 8 of 10 ACE questions, were less likely to report ≥1 ACE, and had a lower mean ACE score when compared with the outpatient arm (p < 0.01).

Conclusion The prevalence of ACEs in this diverse pregnant cohort was high. The ideal locations to distribute the survey are the outpatient examination rooms.
Dislocation structure and microstrain evolution during spinodal decomposition of reactive magnetron sputtered heteroepixatial c-(Ti0.37,Al0.63)N/c-TiN films grown on MgO(001) and (111) substrates
Authors: Calamba K. M. , Pierson J. F. , Bruyère S. , Febvrier A. L. , Eklund P. , Barrirero J. , Mücklich F. , Boyd R. , Johansson Jõesaar M. P. , Odén M.
Published: March 2019

Heteroepitaxial c-(Ti0.37,Al0.63)N thin films were grown on MgO(001) and MgO(111) substrates using reactive magnetron sputtering. High resolution high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron micrographs show coherency between the film and the substrate. In the as-deposited state, x-ray diffraction reciprocal space maps show a strained epitaxial film. Corresponding geometric phase analysis (GPA) deformation maps show a high stress in the film. At elevated temperature (900 °C), the films decompose to form iso-structural coherent c-AlN- and c-TiN-rich domains, elongated along the elastically soft <100> directions. GPA analysis reveals that the c-TiN domains accommodate more dislocations than the c-AlN domains. This is because of the stronger directionality of the covalent bonds in c-AlN compared with c-TiN, making it more favorable for the dislocations to accumulate in c-TiN. The defect structure and strain generation in c-(Ti,Al)N during spinodal decomposition is affected by the chemical bonding state and elastic properties of the segregated domains.
Scanning microwave imaging of optically patterned Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Johnston Scott R. , Ng Edwin , Fong Scott W. , Mok Walter Y. , Park Jeongwon , Zalden Peter , Sakdinawat Anne , Wong H.-S. Philip , Mabuchi Hideo , Shen Zhi-Xun
Published: March 2019

The measurement of inhomogeneous conductivity in optically crystallized, amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) films is demonstrated via scanning microwave impedance microscopy (MIM). Qualitative consistency with expectations is demonstrated in spots crystallized by focused coherent light at various intensities, exposure times, and film thicknesses. The characterization of process imperfections is demonstrated when a mask is used to optically pattern the nanoscale features of crystalline GST in the amorphous film. These measurements show the ability of MIM to resolve partial crystallization, patterning faults, and other details in optically patterned GST.
X-ray preheat shield in laser direct-drive ramp compression experiments
Authors: Xue Quanxi , Jiang Shaoen , Wang Zhebin , Wang Feng , Liu Yanpeng , Zhao Xueqing , Ding Yongkun
Published: March 2019

Laser drive ramp compression is an important method to achieve an extremely high-pressure but relatively low-temperature material state. In this study, we found VISAR streaks disappearing under high pressure. To solve this problem, the mechanism of probe-laser absorption in laser drive ramp compression experiments has been studied, and X-ray preheat is found to be the main factor in this mechanism. Subsequently, target configuration optimization and code simulation were performed based on previous experiments, and laser drive ramp compression experiments were performed on the SHENGGUANG prototype facility. In the experiments, the probe-laser reflectivity was above 90% at 450 GPa, which is much higher than those in previous experiments, demonstrating that the X-ray preheat was shielded well with the optimized target configuration.
Magnetic transition and magnetocaloric effect of Gd4Sb3-xRx (R=Si, Ge, Sn, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) compounds
Authors: Chen Shaohui , Yao Guiquan , Zhang Jinsong , Fan Xiaomeng , Yin Xiaowei , Chen Zixin , Cui Weibin , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2019

The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Gd4Sb3-xRx (R = Si, Ge, Sn, x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75) compounds have been studied systematically. The Curie temperature (Tc) of these compounds can be tuned from 270 K to 305 K depending on the substitution amount. All the compounds undergo a second-order magnetic transition from ferromagnetic (FM) state to paramagnetic (PM) state and exhibit considerable reversible MCE near room temperature. The maximum of magnetic entropy change (ΔSMmax) for a magnetic field change of 7 T can reach 4.25 Jkg-1K-1 in Gd4Sb3 phase and independent on Si substitution amount. By Ge and Sn substitution, reduced ΔSMmax of 3.5 and 4.25 Jkg-1K-1 can be obtained in Gd4Sb2.75Ge0.25 and Gd4Sb2.75Sn0.25 alloys respectively. The considerable MCE with no hysteresis and working temperature near room temperature suggests that these materials could be promising candidates as ambient magnetocaloric materials.
Wind farm power optimization via yaw angle control: A wind tunnel study
Authors: Bastankhah Majid , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: March 2019

Yaw angle control is known nowadays as a promising and effective technique to mitigate wake effects in wind farms. In this paper, we perform wind tunnel experiments to study the performance of a model wind farm with five turbine rows under a wide variety of yaw angle distributions. Electrical servo controllers are used to monitor and control the operating conditions of each model wind turbine, which consists of a recently developed, highly efficient rotor with a diameter of 15 cm. Each turbine is used as a sensor to detect its own inflow conditions. Using this method ensures us that all the turbines within the wind farm always operate with an optimal rotational velocity, regardless of their yaw angles or inflow conditions. Wind farm power measurements are carried out for more than 200 cases with different yaw angle distributions. Our results show that yaw angle control can increase the overall wind farm efficiency as much as 17% with respect to fully non-yawed conditions. Special emphasis is placed on studying yaw angle distributions with different levels of simplicity and power improvement. Among different yaw angle distributions, the most successful ones are those with a relatively large yaw angle value for the first turbine row, and then, the yaw angle decreases progressively for downwind rows until it eventually becomes zero for the last one. In addition, power measurements show that yaw angle control can improve the wind farm efficiency more noticeably for a larger number of turbine rows although this improvement is expected to reach a plateau after several rows.
Boundary waves in a microfluidic device as a model for intramural periarterial drainage
Authors: Coloma Mikhail , Schaffer J. David , Huang Peter , Chiarot Paul R.
Published: March 2019

The failure to clear amyloid-Beta from an aging brain leads to its accumulation within the walls of arteries and potentially to Alzheimer's disease. However, the clearance mechanism through the intramural periarterial pathway is not well understood. We previously proposed a hydrodynamic reverse transport model for the cerebral arterial basement membrane pathway. In our model, solute transport results from fluidic forcing driven by the superposition of forward and reverse propagating boundary waves. The aim of this study is to experimentally validate this hydrodynamic reverse transport mechanism in a microfluidic device where reverse transport in a rectangular conduit is driven by applying waveforms along its boundaries. Our results support our theory that while the superimposed boundary waves propagate in the forward direction, a reverse flow in the rectangular conduit can be induced by boundary wave reflections. We quantified the fluid transport velocity and direction under various boundary conditions and analyzed numerical simulations that support our experimental findings. We identified a set of boundary wave parameters that achieved reverse transport, which could be responsible for intramural periarterial drainage of cerebral metabolic waste.
Physicochemical origin of improvement of magnetic and transport properties of STT-MRAM cells using tungsten on FeCoB storage layer
Authors: Chatterjee Jyotirmoy , Gautier Eric , Veillerot Marc , Sousa Ricardo C. , Auffret Stéphane , Dieny Bernard
Published: March 2019

We investigated and compared the structural and magnetic properties of MgO/FeCoB based out-of-plane magnetized tunnel junctions at the thin film level and the magneto-transport properties of the corresponding patterned spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory(STT-MRAM) cells comprising either Ta1 nm or W2/Ta1 nm cap layers for different annealing temperatures up to 455 °C. The W material in the cap was found to improve the structural stiffness of the perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (pMTJs) and most importantly prohibits Fe diffusion from the FeCoB storage layer to the cap layer, remarkably improving the thermal robustness and magneto-transport properties of the stacks and of the corresponding patterned memory cells. As a result, the interfacial anisotropy constant of the MgO/FeCoB interfaces is improved by 17%–29% compared to the Ta cap. The STT-MRAM cells fabricated from the pMTJ stacks with the W/Ta cap reveal a significant improvement of the tunneling magnetoresistance and thermal stability factor, which are 120% and 52 as compared to 70% and 35 for the stack with the Ta cap, respectively. This improvement is ascribed to the enhancement of MgO crystallinity upon higher temperature annealing (425 °C) and prohibition of Fe out-diffusion.
Effect of aggregated gas molecules on dewetting transition of water between nanoscale hydrophobic plates
Authors: Li Weijian , Zuo Xiaoliang , Zhou Xiaoyan , Lu Hangjun
Published: March 2019

Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have investigated the hydrophobic interactions and influence of nitrogen molecules on the critical distance of dewetting between the nanoscale hydrophobic plates. We show that dewetting transition is very sensitive to the distribution of nitrogen molecules. The nitrogen molecules prefer to aggregate in the vicinity of the two hydrophobic plates and exclude water molecules. Furthermore, our simulation results indicate that the effective range of hydrophobic attraction between the two nanoscale plates is enhanced by the aggregated nitrogen molecules. In particular, we find that the distribution patterns of nitrogen molecules are very different when the inter-plate region is filled with water or dewetted. These findings are helpful to understand the effects of gas molecules dissolved in water on hydrophobic interactions.
Wide field-of-view lensless fluorescence imaging device with hybrid bandpass emission filter
Authors: Sasagawa Kiyotaka , Ohta Yasumi , Kawahara Mamiko , Haruta Makito , Tokuda Takashi , Ohta Jun
Published: March 2019

We demonstrate a highly sensitive lensless fluorescence imaging device with a wide field-of-view by using a hybrid bandpass filter composed of interference filters, an absorption filter, and a fiber optic plate. The hybrid filter shows high excitation light rejection characteristics even in a lensless setup. In this study, we fabricated a hybrid bandpass filter and improved fluorescence observation performance for a target with auto-fluorescence. The filter was combined with a large image sensor with an imaging area of 67 mm2. As a demonstration, a brain slice from a green fluorescent protein transgenic mouse was observed and fluorescent cell bodies were detected with the lensless imaging device.
Theory of coherent two-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Jansen Thomas la Cour , Saito Shinji , Jeon Jonggu , Cho Minhaeng
Published: March 2019

Two-dimensional (2D) vibrational spectroscopy has emerged as one of the most important experimental techniques useful to study the molecular structure and dynamics in condensed phases. Theory and computation have also played essential and integral roles in its development through the nonlinear optical response theory and computational methods such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and electronic structure calculations. In this article, we present the fundamental theory of coherent 2D vibrational spectroscopy and describe computational approaches to simulate the 2D vibrational spectra. The classical approximation to the quantum mechanical nonlinear response function is invoked from the outset. It is shown that the third-order response function can be evaluated in that classical limit by using equilibrium or non-equilibrium MD simulation trajectories. Another simulation method is based on the assumptions that the molecular vibrations can still be described quantum mechanically and that the relevant molecular response functions are evaluated by the numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation. A few application examples are presented to help the researchers in this and related areas to understand the fundamental principles and to use these methods for their studies with 2D vibrational spectroscopic techniques. In summary, this exposition provides an overview of current theoretical efforts to understand the 2D vibrational spectra and an outlook for future developments.
Improved sphericity error evaluation combining a heuristic search algorithm with the feature points model
Authors: Huang Jingzhi , Jiang Lin , Chao Xiangzhang , Ding Xiangshuai , Tan Jiubin
Published: March 2019

This paper describes a high-speed method of evaluating sphericity errors using a heuristic search algorithm combined with a feature points model (HSA–FPM). First, the sphere center and sphericity of the least-squares sphere are calculated to establish the initial candidate points of the sphere center. An iterative search procedure is then conducted based on the specified heuristic search algorithm and sphericity evaluation criterion, and the current globally optimal sphere center O is obtained under certain termination conditions. To determine the decisive feature points and construct a sphericity evaluation model, the distances di between the sphere center O and all sampling points are calculated and sorted. The modified sphere centers are then determined using the corresponding feature points model. As an application example, the Nelder–Mead algorithm is combined with the feature points model. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the exact sphericity solution with relatively few iterations, requiring only ∼0.01 s for the whole evaluation procedure. This corresponds to an improvement in evaluation efficiency of ∼26%–61% over previous methods. The proposed HSA–FPM method is in complete agreement with several well-known evaluation criteria and is quite suitable for real-time measurements and evaluations of sphericity errors.
Spin valve effect induced by spin-orbit torque switching
Authors: Zhang R. Q. , Su J. , Cai J. W. , Shi G. Y. , Li F. , Liao L. Y. , Pan F. , Song C.
Published: March 2019

The spin valve effect driven by the magnetic field in sandwich structures stands out as a seminal phenomenon in the emerging field of spintronics, but it has not been realized in low-power-dissipation devices operated via electrical means. Here, we investigate spin-orbit torque switching in a perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB/Mo/CoFeB sandwich, where the spin current generated in the Mo layer flows upward and downward to the ferromagnetically coupled CoFeB layers. When scanning the current, two CoFeB layers can be switched from one antiparallel state to a parallel state and then to the other antiparallel state, producing an unprecedentedly current-dependent spin valve effect. Such a spin valve effect is sensitive to the additional magnetic field direction due to the small spin torque efficiency and efficiency difference of the two CoFeB layers. The experimental observations are supported by the dynamics simulation based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. Besides the fundamental interest, our finding would add a different dimension to energy efficient memory devices and sensors.
Structural, electronic, and optical properties of α-Te tubular nanostructures: A first-principles study
Authors: Guo Yanrong , Wang Songyou , Jia Yu , Su Wan-Sheng
Published: March 2019

We employed density functional theory to investigate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of α-Te tubular nanostructures. These α-Te tube-like structures, which are similar to carbon nanotubes in terms of their armchair and zigzag structures, are semiconductors with moderate bandgaps. The nanotubes in armchair configurations have an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition as tube diameter is decreased to a specific critical tube size, while those in zigzag configurations are always semiconductors with a direct gap independent of tube diameter. The calculated projected density of states reveals that such an indirect-to-direct bandgap transition found in armchair nanotubes can be attributed to the contributions of the different p-orbitals near the valence band maximum edges. The optical absorption spectra of α-Te nanotubes are found to be anisotropic and vary with the tube diameters. These findings are not only helpful for better understanding the physical characteristics of α-Te nanotubes but also opening up new possibilities for use in device applications.
Analytical study of AC electroosmotic mixing in 2-dimensional microchannel with time periodic surface potential
Authors: Kim Sung Jae , Yoon Byung Jun
Published: March 2019

This work reported an analytic study of AC electroosmotic flows with a view to control the degree of mixing in a rectangular microchannel. Only with spatially non-uniform zeta potential distribution, fluid particles travel back and forth along a vortical flow field developed inside a microchannel. Although complex patterns of electroosmotic vortical flows can be obtained by various types of non-uniform zeta potential distributions, fluid particles always follow regular paths due to a laminar flow limit. To further facilitate the mixing of sample fluid, we propose a scheme that the zeta potential distribution was temporally non-uniform as well. General solutions for both the double layer potential distribution and the AC electroosmotic flow field are analytically determined by solving the unsteady Stokes equation with an electrostatic body force. As an illustrative example, we consider a case where two different types of non-uniform zeta potential distributions alternate with each other and the effects of both the AC frequency and the frequency of the alternation of the two zeta potential distributions on flow characteristics are examined using the Poincaré sections. Conclusively, one can either enhance or prevent mixing compared to a static electroosmotic flow, which is in line with previously demonstrated experimental works. Thus, the results presented would be an effective mean for controllable electroosmotic flow in a microfluidic platform.
Predictability of human differential gene expression
Authors: Crow Megan , Lim Nathaniel , Ballouz Sara , Pavlidis Paul , Gillis Jesse
Published: March 2019

Differential expression (DE) is commonly used to explore molecular mechanisms of biological conditions. While many studies report significant results between their groups of interest, the degree to which results are specific to the question at hand is not generally assessed, potentially leading to inaccurate interpretation. This could be particularly problematic for metaanalysis where replicability across datasets is taken as strong evidence for the existence of a specific, biologically relevant signal, but which instead may arise from recurrence of generic processes. To address this, we developed an approach to predict DE based on an analysis of over 600 studies. A predictor based on empirical prior probability of DE performs very well at this task (mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, ∼0.8), indicating that a large fraction of DE hit lists are nonspecific. In contrast, predictors based on attributes such as gene function, mutation rates, or network features perform poorly. Genes associated with sex, the extracellular matrix, the immune system, and stress responses are prominent within the “DE prior.” In a series of control studies, we show that these patterns reflect shared biology rather than technical artifacts or ascertainment biases. Finally, we demonstrate the application of the DE prior to data interpretation in three use cases: (i) breast cancer subtyping, (ii) single-cell genomics of pancreatic islet cells, and (iii) metaanalysis of lung adenocarcinoma and renal transplant rejection transcriptomics. In all cases, we find hallmarks of generic DE, highlighting the need for nuanced interpretation of gene phenotypic associations.
Interhemispheric plasticity is mediated by maximal potentiation of callosal inputs
Authors: Petrus Emily , Saar Galit , Ma Zhiwei , Dodd Steve , Isaac John T. R. , Koretsky Alan P.
Published: March 2019

Significance

The corpus callosum is a large fiber bundle which connects contralateral brain regions. After unilateral perturbations such as stroke or amputation, interhemispheric connectivity is altered and often leads to bilateral somatomotor cortical hyperactivity in patients with poor recovery. This study reports that callosal targeting of deprived layer 5 neurons is maximally potentiated in mouse primary somatosensory barrel cortex after unilateral whisker denervation. These neurons also experience an increase in excitability and spontaneous excitatory amplitudes. These results should be relevant to the cortical responses observed in human patients after unilateral nerve transection, amputation, or stroke.
Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
employs both evasion and resistance to subvert innate immune-mediated zinc toxicity for dissemination
Authors: Stocks Claudia J. , Phan Minh-Duy , Achard Maud E. S. , Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Condon Nicholas D. , Gawthorne Jayde A. , Lo Alvin W. , Peters Kate M. , McEwan Alastair G. , Kapetanovic Ronan , Schembri Mark A. , Sweet Matthew J.
Published: March 2019

Significance

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is responsible for most urinary tract infections and is also a frequent cause of sepsis, thus necessitating an understanding of UPEC-mediated subversion of innate immunity. The role of zinc in the innate immune response against UPEC infection, and whether this pathogen counters this response, has not been examined. Here we demonstrate, both in vitro and in vivo, that UPEC both evades and resists innate immune-mediated zinc toxicity to persist and disseminate within the host. Moreover, we have defined the set of UPEC genes conferring zinc resistance and have developed highly selective
E. coli
reporter systems to track zinc toxicity. These innovative approaches substantially enhance our understanding of immune-mediated metal ion toxicity and bacterial pathogenesis.
Microbiomes in ruminant protein production and food security.
Authors: Myer P. R. , Clemmons B. A. , Schneider L. G. , Ault T. B.
Published: March 2019

The global population is rapidly increasing and will surpass 10 billion people within the next 20 years. As diminishing resources continue to impact agriculture, and with the necessity to feed the world by 2050, the agricultural sector must be able to sustainably and efficiently produce high-quality sources of food that are both attainable to the global population and contribute to healthy, balanced nutrition. Ruminants are a unique contributor towards a sustainable and food secure world, as they are available and utilized across all economic and social demographics, and can produce high-quality protein from otherwise inedible plants from land that is typically unsuitable for crop production or cultivation. Thus, developing tools, methodologies, and systems for optimizing the production of protein from ruminants stands to make great impacts on food security. Breeding and genetics have played a role in this development, but cannot be a singular solution. Microbes are present at abundances that equal or exceed host cell counts, are ubiquitous throughout all mammalian systems and are required for regular host-physiological functions. Optimizing these host-microbe-symbioses in ruminants permits the opportunity to augment the utility and efficiency of microbiomes and their functions to produce production-specific phenotypes and outputs. This review, therefore, examines the role of microbiomes in ruminants to efficiently and sustainably produce high-quality protein for human consumption to aid in efforts to achieve global food security.
From Hérodias to Hérodiade: Massenet’s Idiosyncratic Take on the Salomé Myth
Authors: Claeys Phaedra
Published: March 2019

Massenet’s Hérodiade (1881) is today one of the lesser-known variations of the Salomé myth. Although based on Flaubert’s Hérodias (1877) and written and premiered at the height of the narrative’s popularity, the opera displays some peculiar deviations from both Flaubert’s tale and other, especially fin-de-siècle, renderings of the myth. By situating Hérodiade’s departures from Flaubert’s short story within both the framework of operatic conventions and the broader context of the opera’s genesis, this article highlights Hérodiade’s status as a self-contained rendering, rather than a mere dramatic rewriting of the story—let alone an unfaithful adaptation. In doing so, three main elements that played an essential role in the process of (re)creation are brought to attention: the conventions of grand opera, Massenet’s own aesthetics and interpretation of the tale, and the impact of the socio-political context of France’s Third Republic on the opera’s development.
Genomic Research and American Indian Tribal Communities in Oklahoma: Learning From Past Research Misconduct and Building Future Trusting Partnerships
Authors: Chadwick Jennifer Q , Copeland Kenneth C , Branam Dannielle E , Erb-Alvarez Julie A , Khan Sohail I , Peercy Michael T , Rogers Mark E , Saunkeah Bobby R , Tryggestad Jeanie B , Wharton David F
Published: March 2019

Research misconduct and consequential harms have been inflicted upon American Indian/Alaska Native communities for decades. To protect their people and culture and to retain oversight over research, many Native communities have established tribal health research and institutional review boards. The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) Study showcases a successful, trusting research collaboration with tribal nations and academic investigators in Oklahoma. In 2006, the TODAY Study investigators proposed a modification of the study protocol to collect biological specimens from participants for genomic analyses and indefinite storage. Partnering American Indian tribal nations elected not to participate in the genomics collection and repository proposal. Reasons included 1) protection of cultural values, 2) concerns regarding community anonymity, 3) a potential threat to tribal services eligibility, 4) broad informed consent language, and 5) vague definitions of data access and usage. The nations believed the proposed genomics analyses presented a risk of harm to their people and nations without clear benefit. Since the 2006 proposal and the advancement of genomics research, many tribal communities in Oklahoma, appreciating the potential benefits of genomic research, are developing policies regarding oversight of/access to data and biological specimens to mitigate risks and provide members and communities with opportunities to participate in safe and meaningful genomic research.
Relationships of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Levels With Albuminuria in US Adults: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Database, 2009–2012
Authors: Zhu Xiu-Juan , Wang Jing-Jing , Mao Jian-Hua , Shu Qiang , Du Li-Zhong
Published: March 2019

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated associations between cadmium, lead, and mercury levels and the presence of albuminuria in US adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during the period 2009–2012. A total of 2,926 adults aged ≥20 years were included, representing a population-based sample of 18,264,307 persons. Data on blood and urinary levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury and urinary albumin concentration (albuminuria, measured as albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g) were obtained. Multivariate linear regression was used to analyze associations between log-transformed cadmium, lead, and mercury levels and the presence of albuminuria. Urinary ACR was significantly higher among participants with a blood cadmium level of 0.349–0.692 μg/L (quartile 3) than in those with a blood cadmium level less than or equal to 0.243 μg/L (quartile 1) (crude β = 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.28). Participants with a urinary cadmium level greater than or equal to 0.220 μg/L had a significantly higher ACR (0.220–0.403 μg/L (quartile 3): crude β = 0.12 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.21); ≥0.404 μg/L (quartile 4): crude β = 0.29 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.39)) than those with a urinary cadmium level less than or equal to 0.126 μg/L (quartile 1). In conclusion, only blood and urinary cadmium levels, not mercury or lead levels, were associated with albuminuria among adults in this population.