bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel analysis of the Harderian gland transcriptome response to Newcastle disease virus in two inbred chicken lines
Authors: Deist Melissa S. , Gallardo Rodrigo A. , Bunn David A. , Kelly Terra R. , Dekkers Jack C. M. , Zhou Huaijun , Lamont Susan J.
Published: April 2018

Behind each eye of the chicken resides a unique lymph tissue, the Harderian gland, for which RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis is novel. We characterized the response of this tissue to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in two inbred lines with different susceptibility to NDV across three time points. Three-week-old relatively resistant (Fayoumi) and relatively susceptible (Leghorn) birds were inoculated with a high-titered (107EID50) La Sota strain of NDV via an oculonasal route. At 2, 6, and 10 days post infection (dpi) Harderian glands were collected and analyzed via RNA-seq. The Fayoumi had significantly more detectable viral transcripts in the Harderian gland at 2 dpi than the Leghorn, but cleared the virus by 6 dpi. At all three time points, few genes were declared differentially expressed (DE) between the challenged and nonchallenged birds, except for the Leghorns at 6 dpi, and these DE genes were predicted to activate an adaptive immune response. Relative to the Leghorn, the Fayoumi was predicted to activate more immune pathways in both challenged and nonchallenged birds suggesting a more elevated immune system in the Fayoumis under homeostatic conditions. Overall, this study helped characterize the function of this important tissue and its response to NDV.
Sub-noxious Intravesical Lipopolysaccharide Triggers Bladder Inflammation and Symptom Onset in A Transgenic Autoimmune Cystitis Model: A MAPP Network Animal Study
Authors: Kogan Paul , Xu Suming , Wang Yaoqin , O’Donnell Michael A. , Lutgendorf Susan K. , Bradley Catherine S. , Schrepf Andrew , Kreder Karl J. , Luo Yi
Published: April 2018

Patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) can potentially develop symptom flares after exposure to minor bladder irritants such as subclinical bacterial infection. To reproduce this symptom onset, we intravesically instilled a sub-noxious dose of uropathogenic E. coli component lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in young URO-OVA/OT-I mice, a transgenic autoimmune cystitis model that spontaneously develops bladder inflammation at ≥10 weeks of age. Female URO-OVA/OT-I mice (6-weeks old) were treated intravesically with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or PBS containing a sub-noxious dose (1 μg) of LPS. Mice were evaluated for bladder inflammation, pelvic pain, and voiding dysfunction at days 1, 7, and 14 post-treatment. Mice treated with LPS but not PBS developed early bladder inflammation with increased macrophage infiltration. Accordingly, the inflamed bladders expressed increased levels of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) and pain mediator (substance P precursor). In addition, LPS-treated mice exhibited pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction such as increased urinary frequency and reduced bladder capacity. These functional changes sustained up to day 14 tested. Our results indicate that a single sub-noxious dose of intravesical LPS triggers early bladder inflammation and symptom onset in URO-OVA/OT-I mice, providing a useful model for IC/BPS symptom flare study.
Nanofabrication of Conductive Metallic Structures on Elastomeric Materials
Authors: Tan Edward K. W. , Rughoobur Girish , Rubio-Lara Juan , Tiwale Nikhil , Xiao Zhuocong , Davidson Colin A. B. , Lowe Christopher R. , Occhipinti Luigi G.
Published: April 2018

Existing techniques for patterning metallic structures on elastomers are limited in terms of resolution, yield and scalability. The primary constraint is the incompatibility of their physical properties with conventional cleanroom techniques. We demonstrate a reliable fabrication strategy to transfer high resolution metallic structures of <500 nm in dimension on elastomers. The proposed method consists of producing a metallic pattern using conventional lithographic techniques on silicon coated with a thin sacrificial aluminium layer. Subsequent wet etching of the sacrificial layer releases the elastomer with the embedded metallic pattern. Using this method, a nano-resistor with minimum feature size of 400 nm is fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and applied in gas sensing. Adsorption of solvents in the PDMS causes swelling and increases the device resistance, which therefore enables the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Sensitivity to chloroform and toluene vapor with a rapid response (~30 s) and recovery (~200 s) is demonstrated using this PDMS nano-resistor at room temperature.
Internalization of CD239 highly expressed in breast cancer cells: a potential antigen for antibody-drug conjugates
Authors: Kikkawa Yamato , Enomoto-Okawa Yurie , Fujiyama Aiko , Fukuhara Takeshi , Harashima Nozomi , Sugawara Yumika , Negishi Yoichi , Katagiri Fumihiko , Hozumi Kentaro , Nomizu Motoyoshi , Ito Yuji
Published: April 2018

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are attractive in cancer therapy because they can directly bind to cancer cells and provide anticancer activity. To kill cancer cells with ADCs, the target antigens are required not only to be highly and/or selectively expressed on cancer cells but also internalized by the cells. CD239, also known as the Lutheran blood group glycoprotein (Lu) or basal cell adhesion molecule (B-CAM), is a specific receptor for laminin α5, a major component of basement membranes. Here, we show that CD239 is strongly expressed in a subset of breast cancer cells and internalized into the cells. We also produced a human single-chain variable fragment (scFv) specific to CD239 fused with human IgG1 Fc, called C7-Fc. The binding affinity of the C7-Fc antibody is similar to that of mouse monoclonal antibodies. Although the C7-Fc antibody alone does not influence cellular functions, when conjugated with a fragment of diphtheria toxin lacking the receptor-binding domain (fDT), it can selectively kill breast cancer cells. Interestingly, fDT-bound C7-Fc shows anticancer activity in CD239-highly positive SKBR3 cells, but not in weakly positive cells. Our results show that CD239 is a promising antigen for ADC-based breast cancer therapy.
Diversity, structure and sources of bacterial communities in earthworm cocoons
Authors: Aira Manuel , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Domínguez Jorge
Published: April 2018

Animals start interactions with the bacteria that will constitute their microbiomes at embryonic stage. After mating, earthworms produce cocoons externally which will be colonized with bacteria from their parents and the environment. Due to the key role bacterial symbionts play on earthworm fitness, it is important to study bacterial colonization during cocoon formation. Here we describe the cocoon microbiome of the earthwormsEisenia andreiandE. fetida, which included 275 and 176 bacterial species, respectively. They were dominated by three vertically-transmitted symbionts,Microbacteriaceae,VerminephrobacterandCa. Nephrothrix, which accounted for 88% and 66% of the sequences respectively.VerminephrobacterandCa. Nephrothrix showed a high rate of sequence variation, suggesting that they could be biparentally acquired during mating. The other bacterial species inhabiting the cocoons came from the bedding, where they accounted for a small fraction of the diversity (27% and 7% of bacterial species forE. andreiandE. fetidabedding). Hence, earthworm cocoon microbiome includes a large fraction of the vertically-transmitted symbionts and a minor fraction, but more diverse, horizontally and non-randomly acquired from the environment. These data suggest that horizontally-transmitted bacteria to cocoons may play an important role in the adaptation of earthworms to new environments or diets.
Light-activated cell identification and sorting (LACIS) for selection of edited clones on a nanofluidic device
Authors: Mocciaro Annamaria , Roth Theodore L. , Bennett Hayley M. , Soumillon Magali , Shah Abhik , Hiatt Joseph , Chapman Kevin , Marson Alexander , Lavieu Gregory
Published: April 2018

Despite improvements in the CRISPR molecular toolbox, identifying and purifying properly edited clones remains slow, laborious, and low-yield. Here, we establish a method to enable clonal isolation, selection, and expansion of properly edited cells, using OptoElectroPositioning technology for single-cell manipulation on a nanofluidic device. Briefly, after electroporation of primary T cells with CXCR4-targeting Cas9 ribonucleoproteins, single T cells are isolated on a chip and expanded into colonies. Phenotypic consequences of editing are rapidly assessed on-chip with cell-surface staining for CXCR4. Furthermore, individual colonies are identified based on their specific genotype. Each colony is split and sequentially exported for on-target sequencing and further off-chip clonal expansion of the validated clones. Using this method, single-clone editing efficiencies, including the rate of mono- and bi-allelic indels or precise nucleotide replacements, can be assessed within 10 days from Cas9 ribonucleoprotein introduction in cells.
A reaction-based ratiometric fluorescent sensor for the detection of Hg(ii) ions in both cells and bacteria
Authors: Pan Sheng-Lin , Li Kun , Li Ling-Ling , Li Meng-Yang , Shi Lei , Liu Yan-Hong , Yu Xiao-Qi
Published: April 2018

A novel reaction-based fluorescent probe via the “covalent assembly” principle was presented and successfully applied for imaging of Hg(ii) in HeLa cells and E. coli.
In situ semi-quantitative assessment of single-cell viability by resonance Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mao Zhu , Liu Zhuo , Yang Jin , Han Xiaoxia , Zhao Bing , Zhao Chun
Published: April 2018

We developed a novel method for quantifying single-cell viability with high selectivity by resonance Raman scattering. This powerful tool will allow researchers to study cellular metabolism at the level of a single cell.
Unique homo–heterojunction synergistic system consisting of stacked BiOCl nanoplate/Zn–Cr layered double hydroxide nanosheets promoting photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into solar fuels
Authors: Tang Lanqin , Chen Ruotian , Meng Xianguang , Lv Bihu , Fan Fengtao , Ye Jinhua , Wang Xiaoyong , Zhou Yong , Li Can , Zou Zhigang
Published: April 2018

A unique homo–heterojunction synergistic system of stacked BiOCl nanoplate/Zn–Cr LDH nanosheets was constructed via simple electrostatic interactions.
Predicting mechanical properties of crystalline materials through topological analysis
Authors: Bryant M. J. , Maloney A. G. P. , Sykes R. A.
Published: April 2018

With the aim to develop simple, programmatically generated, topology-based descriptors of crystal structures for application to mechanical properties prediction methods, we have developed a new geometric analysis protocol using the CSD Python API.
Combined effect of hydrogen bonding interactions and freezing of rotameric equilibrium on the enhancement of photostability
Authors: Golec Barbara , Nawara Krzysztof , Gorski Alexandr , Thummel Randolph P. , Herbich Jerzy , Waluk Jacek
Published: April 2018

Rigid structure and hydrogen-bonding interactions provide a higher photostability of organic chromophores.
Correction: The stability of biradicaloid versus closed-shell [E(μ-XR)]2 (E = P, As; X = N, P, As) rings. Does aromaticity play a role?
Authors: Grande-Aztatzi Rafael , Mercero Jose M. , Ugalde Jesus M.
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘The stability of biradicaloid versus closed-shell [E(μ-XR)]2 (E = P, As; X = N, P, As) rings. Does aromaticity play a role?’ by Rafael Grande-Aztatzi et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 11879–11884.
Mechanistic insights into 4-nitrophenol degradation and benzyl alcohol oxidation pathways over MgO/g-C3N4model catalyst systems
Authors: Ramacharyulu P. V. R. K. , Abbas Sk Jahir , Sahoo Smruti R. , Ke Shyue-Chu
Published: April 2018

Visible light active MgO/g-C3N4composites for 4-nitrophenol degradation and selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol.
Sulfonation of carbonized xylan-type hemicellulose: a renewable and effective biomass-based biocatalyst for the synthesis of O- and N-heterocycles
Authors: Ma Jiliang , Peng Xinwen , Zhong Linxin , Sun Runcang
Published: April 2018

The application of biomass-based carbonaceous solid acids in catalysis is attracting increasing attention in the field of chemistry.
Single-electron transport through stabilised silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Basu Tuhin Shuvra , Diesch Simon , Scheer Elke
Published: April 2018

The electronic transport measurement of luminescent silicon nanocrystals at the single particle level by using a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (300 mK).
Correction: EUV photofragmentation study of hybrid nonchemically amplified resists containing antimony as an absorption enhancer
Authors: Moura Cleverson Alves da Silva , Belmonte Guilherme Kretzmann , Reddy Pulikanti Guruprasad , Gonsalves Kenneth E. , Weibel Daniel Eduardo
Published: April 2018

Correction for ‘EUV photofragmentation study of hybrid nonchemically amplified resists containing antimony as an absorption enhancer’ by Cleverson Alves da Silva Moura et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 10930–10938.
Optimised heterojunctions between [100]-oriented rutile TiO2 arrays and {001} faceted anatase nanodomains for enhanced photoelectrochemical activity
Authors: Ballestas-Barrientos Alfonso , Li Xiaobo , Yick Samuel , Masters Anthony F. , Maschmeyer Thomas
Published: April 2018

This work showcases the application of crystal and facet engineering combined with techniques to provide insights into the development of materials for solar energy conversion.
Multimodal characterization of solution-processed Cu3SbS4absorbers for thin film solar cells
Authors: Albuquerque Gustavo H. , Kim Ki-Joong , Lopez Jonathon I. , Devaraj Arun , Manandhar Sandeep , Liu Yi-Sheng , Guo Jinghua , Chang Chih-Hung , Herman Gregory S.
Published: April 2018

Optimized sulfurization process and final spectrum of the absorption coefficient of the Cu3SbS4thin films.
Perovskite nanostructures for photovoltaic and energy storage devices
Authors: Kostopoulou A. , Kymakis E. , Stratakis E.
Published: April 2018

Exploring perovskite nanostructured materials of different morphologies, structures and compositions as viable materials for high performance energy technologies.
Well-defined alternative polymer semiconductor using large size regioregular building blocks as monomers: electrical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Lim Bogyu , Long Dang Xuan , Han Song-Yi , Nah Yoon-Chae , Noh Yong-Young
Published: April 2018

We report an effective synthetic strategy to achieve well-defined regioregular alternative conjugated polymers using large molecular weight regioregular monomers.
A nonfullerene acceptor utilizing a novel asymmetric multifused-ring core unit for highly efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Li Chao , Xie Yuanpeng , Fan Bingbing , Han Guangchao , Yi Yuanping , Sun Yanming
Published: April 2018

In this communication, a novel asymmetric ladder-type thiophene-phenylene-thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-fused building block TPTT and the corresponding asymmetric nonfullerene acceptor TPTT-IC were reported for the first time.
Local actin polymerization during endocytic carrier formation
Authors: Hinze Claudia , Boucrot Emmanuel
Published: April 2018

Extracellular macromolecules, pathogens and cell surface proteins rely on endocytosis to enter cells. Key steps of endocytic carrier formation are cargo molecule selection, plasma membrane folding and detachment from the cell surface. While dedicated proteins mediate each step, the actin cytoskeleton contributes to all. However, its role can be indirect to the actual molecular events driving endocytosis. Here, we review our understanding of the molecular steps mediating local actin polymerization during the formation of endocytic carriers. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is the least reliant on local actin polymerization, as it is only engaged to counter forces induced by membrane tension or cytoplasmic pressure. Two opposite situations are coated pit formation in yeast and at the basolateral surface of polarized mammalian cells which are, respectively, dependent and independent on actin polymerization. Conversely, clathrin-independent endocytosis forming both nanometer [CLIC (clathrin-independent carriers)/GEEC (glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein enriched endocytic compartments), caveolae, FEME (fast endophilin-mediated endocytosis) and IL-2β (interleukin-2β) uptake] and micrometer carriers (macropinocytosis) are dependent on actin polymerization to power local membrane deformation and carrier budding. A variety of endocytic adaptors can recruit and activate the Cdc42/N-WASP or Rac1/WAVE complexes, which, in turn, engage the Arp2/3 complex, thereby mediating local actin polymerization at the membrane. However, the molecular steps for RhoA and formin-mediated actin bundling during endocytic pit formation remain unclear.
Capturing dynamic conformational shifts in protein–ligand recognition using integrative structural biology in solution
Authors: Kang Hyun-Seo , Sattler Michael
Published: April 2018

In recent years, a dynamic view of the structure and function of biological macromolecules is emerging, highlighting an essential role of dynamic conformational equilibria to understand molecular mechanisms of biological functions. The structure of a biomolecule, i.e. protein or nucleic acid in solution, is often best described as a dynamic ensemble of conformations, rather than a single structural state. Strikingly, the molecular interactions and functions of the biological macromolecule can then involve a shift between conformations that pre-exist in such an ensemble. Upon external cues, such population shifts of pre-existing conformations allow gradually relaying the signal to the downstream biological events. An inherent feature of this principle is conformational dynamics, where intrinsically disordered regions often play important roles to modulate the conformational ensemble. Unequivocally, solution-state NMR spectroscopy is a powerful technique to study the structure and dynamics of such biomolecules in solution. NMR is increasingly combined with complementary techniques, including fluorescence spectroscopy and small angle scattering. The combination of these techniques provides complementary information about the conformation and dynamics in solution and thus affords a comprehensive description of biomolecular functions and regulations. Here, we illustrate how an integrated approach combining complementary techniques can assess the structure and dynamics of proteins and protein complexes in solution.
Education and training for industrial biotechnology and engineering biology
Authors: Delebecque Camille J. , Philp Jim
Published: April 2018

Industrial biotechnology is focused on the production of bio‐based fuels, chemicals and materials such as plastics and textiles. Engineering biology, synonymous with synthetic biology, provides a platform technology that brings an engineering approach to harnessing biotechnology for industrial production. The two combine within the political construct of the future bioeconomy, in which bio‐based gradually replaces fossil‐based production. There are many barriers to this future, including technical, political and social aspects. Behind all of these is a need for a new form of workforce not seen before, in which various skills and knowledge bases merge and combine. The required multi‐ and interdisciplinary skills challenge higher education to get out of the discipline‐dominated paradigm. This study examines some of the current and future critical issues and provides some examples of how higher education is rising to the challenge.
Unrestricted LR detection for biomedical applications using coarse‐to‐fine hierarchical approach
Authors: Abu‐Qasmieh Isam , Al‐quran Hiam
Published: April 2018

In this study, the authors present a simple, reliable, fast, unrestricted‐shape geometry, and accurate algorithm which runs in O(log2 n) time to find the axis‐parallel largest rectangle (LR) inside a given region of interest (ROI), where n is the image size in one dimension, which means that the proposed model can work in real time. The proposed approach is successful in detecting the LR of arbitrary orientation that is fully contained in the ROI as well. Also, the present algorithm can find the largest empty rectangle in a space containing a set of zero points, whether the axis‐parallel rectangle or the oriented one. The strategy followed here is to accelerate LR detection process by searching the rectangle with the largest area inscribed in the ROI, by starting first with the lowest‐resolution version of the original image for determining the LR four corners’ coordinates, then next searching the new LR corners’ scaled coordinates in the higher power resolutions in a multiple resolutions hierarchical model and therefore, a corresponding coarse‐to‐fine inference procedure recursively eliminates the search space of the LR four corners coordinates. For finding the largest oriented rectangle, the same hierarchical procedures are followed, but combined with rotation‐angle resolution.
Efficient 3D mesh salient region detection using local homogeneity measure
Authors: El Sayed Abdul Rahman , El Chakik Abdallah , Alabboud Hassan , Yassine Adnan
Published: April 2018

Visual saliency is defined by the perceptual information that makes possible to detect specific areas which attract to guide the human visual attention. In this study, the authors present an efficient method for salient regions detection on three‐dimensional (3D) meshes using weighted graphs representation. To do so, the authors propose a novel 3D surface descriptor based on a local homogeneity measure. Then, they define the similarity measure between vertices using normal deviation similarities, a two‐dimensional projection height map, and the mean curvature. The saliency of a vertex is then evaluated as its degree measure based on the local patch descriptor and a height map. In addition, the authors introduce a custom version of hill climbing algorithm in order to segment the 3D mesh regions according to the saliency degree. Furthermore, they show the robustness of their proposed method through different experimental results. Finally, the authors present the stability and robustness of their method with respect to noise.
Robust user scheduling with COST 2100 channel model for massive MIMO networks
Authors: Bashar Manijeh , Burr Alister , Haneda Katsuyuki , Cumanan Kanapathippillai
Published: April 2018

The problem of user scheduling with reduced overhead of channel estimation in the uplink of massive multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems has been investigated. The authors consider the COST 2100 channel model. In this paper, they first propose a new user selection algorithm based on knowledge of the geometry of the service area and location of clusters, without having full channel state information at the BS. They then show that the correlation in geometry‐based stochastic channel models (GSCMs) arises from the common clusters in the area. In addition, exploiting the closed‐form Cramer–Rao lower bounds, the analysis for the robustness of the proposed scheme to cluster position errors is presented. It is shown by analysing the capacity upper bound that the capacity strongly depends on the position of clusters in the GSCMs and users in the system. Simulation results show that though the BS receiver does not require the channel information of all users, by the proposed geometry‐based user scheduling algorithm the sum rate of the system is only slightly less than the well known greedy weight clique scheme.
Integrating ultra‐fast charging stations within the power grids of smart cities: a review
Authors: Meyer Danielle , Wang Jiankang
Published: April 2018

Plug‐in electric vehicles (PEVs) have become a key factor driving towards smart cities, which allow for higher energy efficiency and lower environmental impact across urban sectors. Industry vision for future PEV includes the ability to recharge a vehicle at a speed comparable to traditional gas refuelling, i.e. <3 min. per vehicle. Such a technology, referred to as ultra‐fast charging (UFC), has drawn much interest from research and industry. However, UFC poses unprecedented challenges to existing electricity supply infrastructure due to its large power density, impulsive, and stochastic load characteristics. Planning the locations and electric capacities of UFC stations is critical to preventing detrimental impacts. In particular, efforts must be made of mitigate grid asset depreciation, grid instabilities, and deteriorated power quality. The authors first review planning methods for conventional charging stations. Next, they discuss outlooks for UFC planning solutions by drawing an analogy with renewable energy (RE) source planning. This analogy is based on the similar power density and stochastic characteristics of RE and UFC. While this study mainly focuses on UFC planning from the power grid perspective, other urban aspects, including traffic flow and end‐user behaviour, are examined for feasible UFC integration within smart cities.
The HADES RV Programme with HARPS-N at TNG
Authors: Pinamonti M. , Damasso M. , Marzari F. , Sozzetti A. , Desidera S. , Maldonado J. , Scandariato G. , Affer L. , Lanza A. F. , Bignamini A. , Bonomo A. S. , Borsa F. , Claudi R. , Cosentino R. , Giacobbe P. , González-Álvarez E. , González Hernández J. I. , Gratton R. , Leto G. , Malavolta L. , Martinez Fiorenzano A. , Micela G. , Molinari E. , Pagano I. , Pedani M. , Perger M. , Piotto G. , Rebolo R. , Ribas I. , Suárez Mascareño A. , Toledo-Padrón B.
Published: April 2018

We present 20 yr of radial velocity (RV) measurements of the M1 dwarf Gl15A, combining five years of intensive RV monitoring with the HARPS-N spectrograph with 15 yr of archival HIRES/Keck RV data. We have carried out an MCMC-based analysis of the RV time series, inclusive of Gaussian Process (GP) approach to the description of stellar activity induced RV variations. Our analysis confirms the Keplerian nature and refines the orbital solution for the 11.44-day period super Earth, Gl15A b, reducing its amplitude to 1.68−0.18+0.17 m s−1 (M sin i = 3.03−0.44+0.46 M⊕), and successfully models a long-term trend in the combined RV dataset in terms of a Keplerian orbit with a period around 7600 days and an amplitude of 2.5−1.0+1.3 m s−1, corresponding to a super-Neptune mass (M sin i = 36−18+25 M⊕) planetary companion. We also discuss the present orbital configuration of Gl15A planetary system in terms of the possible outcomes of Lidov–Kozai interactions with the wide-separation companion Gl15B in a suite of detailed numerical simulations. In order to improve the results of the dynamical analysis, we have derived a new orbital solution for the binary system, combining our RV measurements with astrometric data from the WDS catalogue. The eccentric Lidov–Kozai analysis shows the strong influence of Gl15B on the Gl15A planetary system, which can produce orbits compatible with the observed configuration for initial inclinations of the planetary system between 75° and 90°, and can also enhance the eccentricity of the outer planet well above the observed value, even resulting in orbital instability, for inclinations around 0° and 15°−30°. The Gl15A system is the multi-planet system closest to Earth, at 3.56 pc, and hosts the longest period RV sub-Jovian mass planet discovered so far. Its orbital architecture constitutes a very important laboratory for the investigation of formation and orbital evolution scenarios for planetary systems in binary stellar systems.
Accurately predicting the escape fraction of ionizing photons using rest-frame ultraviolet absorption lines
Authors: Chisholm J. , Gazagnes S. , Schaerer D. , Verhamme A. , Rigby J. R. , Bayliss M. , Sharon K. , Gladders M. , Dahle H.
Published: April 2018

The fraction of ionizing photons that escape high-redshift galaxies sensitively determines whether galaxies reionized the early Universe. However, this escape fraction cannot be measured from high-redshift galaxies because the opacity of the intergalactic medium is large at high redshifts. Without methods to measure the escape fraction of high-redshift galaxies indirectly, it is unlikely that we will know what reionized the Universe. Here, we analyze the far-ultraviolet (UV) H I (Lyman series) and low-ionization metal absorption lines of nine low-redshift, confirmed Lyman continuum emitting galaxies. We use the H I covering fractions, column densities, and dust attenuations measured in a companion paper to predict the escape fraction of ionizing photons. We find good agreement between the predicted and observed Lyman continuum escape fractions (within 1.4σ) using both the H I and ISM absorption lines. The ionizing photons escape through holes in the H I, but we show that dust attenuation reduces the fraction of photons that escape galaxies. This means that the average high-redshift galaxy likely emits more ionizing photons than low-redshift galaxies. Two other indirect methods accurately predict the escape fractions: the Lyα escape fraction and the optical [O III]/[O II] flux ratio. We use these indirect methods to predict the escape fraction of a sample of 21 galaxies with rest-frame UV spectra but without Lyman continuum observations. Many of these galaxies have low escape fractions (fesc ≤ 1%), but 11 have escape fractions >1%. Future studies will use these methods to measure the escape fractions of high-redshift galaxies, enabling upcoming telescopes to determine whether star-forming galaxies reionized the early Universe.
Ultraluminous X-ray sources: new distance indicators?
Authors: Różańska A. , Bresler K. , Bełdycki B. , Madej J. , Adhikari T. P.
Published: April 2018

Aims. In this paper we fit the NuSTAR and XMM-Newton data of three sources: NGC 7793 P13, NGC5907 ULX1, and Circinus ULX5.

Methods. Our single model contains emission from a non-spherical system: a neutron star plus an accretion disk directed towards the observer.

Results. We obtained a very good fit with the reduced χ2 per degree of freedom equal to 1.08 for P13, 1.01 for ULX1, and 1.14 for ULX5. The normalization of our model constrains the distance to the source. The resulting distances are D = 3.41−0.10+0.11, 6.55−0.81+0.69, and 2.60−0.03+0.05 Mpc for P13, ULX1, and ULX5 respectively. The distances to P13 and ULX5 are in perfect agreement with previous distance measurements to their host galaxies.

Conclusions. Our results confirm that P13, ULX1, and ULX5 may contain central hot neutron stars. When the outgoing emission is computed by integration over the emitting surface and successfully fitted to the data, then the resulting model normalization is the direct distance indicator.
Offene Ausschaltung des infrarenalen Aortenaneurysmas
Authors: Fellenberg Jana , Wieker Carola
Published: April 2018

Die offene Ausschaltung des infrarenalen Aortenaneurysmas mittels Bifurkations- oder Rohrprothese wird am Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg jährlich zirka sechzig
Mal durchgeführt. Das Operationsprinzip besteht darin, den erkrankten Aortenabschnitt durch eine Polyesterprothese zu ersetzen. Die Exposition der Aorta erfolgt
über einen abdominellen Zugang.
Strukturelle Veränderungen des Gehirns bei einem Aufenthalt im All
Authors: Schmitz Jan
Published: April 2018

Bislang ist bekannt, dass Aufenthalte in Schwerelosigkeit neben vielfältigen Effekten insbesondere eine Abnahme der Muskelmasse sowie eine Abnahme der Knochendichte begünstigen 1. Untersuchungen über die Auswirkungen von Schwerelosigkeit auf das zentrale Nervensystem (ZNS) sind allerdings rar. Diese Untersuchungen haben insbesondere dann Relevanz, wenn man Langzeitaufenthalte im All betrachtet, wie zum Beispiel bei bemannten Flügen zum Mars. Forscher der Universität von South Carolina, der Uniklinik Frankfurt und der Shihezi Universität in China haben sich nun in einer Studie mit dem Einfluss von Schwerelosigkeit auf strukturelle Veränderung im ZNS beschäftigt, welche im November 2017 im New England Journal of Medicine publiziert wurde.
Endemische systemische Mykosen – Besonderheiten bei Reisenden
Authors: Salzer Helmut
Published: April 2018

Die Diagnosestellung einer endemischen Mykose ist häufig schwierig, insbesondere in Nichtendemiegebieten. Eine genaue Reiseanamnese ist entscheidend. Die Histoplasmose ist die häufigste endemische Mykose bei Reisenden. Besichtigungen von Fledermaushöhlen oder Renovierungsarbeiten im Hotel sind mögliche Infektionsquellen. Die Paracoccidioidomykose wurde bei Langzeitreisenden in Südamerika beobachtet, während bei Reisenden nach Südostasien an eine Talaromykose gedacht werden sollte. Abhängig von der Reiseanamnese sind die Coccidioidomykose oder die Blastomykose weitere mögliche endemische Mykosen bei Reisenden. Der kulturelle oder histologische Nachweis ist die Methode der Wahl zur Diagnosesicherung für die meisten endemischen Mykosen. Im Mittelpunkt der antimykotischen Therapie steht Itraconazol bei milden bis mittelschweren und Amphotericin B bei schweren Verlaufsformen.
Bin ich anfällig für Höhenkrankheiten?
Authors: Bärtsch Peter , Dehnert Christoph
Published: April 2018

Absolute Höhe, Vorakklimatisation, Aufstiegsgeschwindigkeit und individuelle Anfälligkeit sind die wichtigsten Prädiktoren der akuten Bergkrankheit (ABK), des Höhenhirnödems (HHÖ) und des Höhenlungenödems (HLÖ). Die Anfälligkeit für akute Höhenkrankheiten lässt sich am besten durch anamnestische Angaben abschätzen. Messungen der Sauerstoffsättigung und der Ventilation in akuter Hypoxie zur Beurteilung der Anfälligkeit für ABK sind aufgrund der ungenügenden Trennschärfe nicht sinnvoll. Obwohl der überschießende pulmonal-arterielle Druckanstieg in Hypoxie ein entscheidender pathophysiologischer Faktor des HLÖ ist, kann er nicht zur Identifizierung von HLÖ-Anfälligkeit im Tiefland herangezogen werden, weil noch weitere (unbekannte) Faktoren in der Pathogenese dieser Krankheit eine Rolle spielen. Ob Tests in Hypoxie bei fehlender Höhenanamnese eine Verbesserung der Vorhersage bringen und zu einer größeren Reduktion von Höhenkrankheiten führen als Beratungen ohne Hypoxietests wurde bisher nicht untersucht. Deshalb können Hypoxietests außerhalb von kontrollierten Studien nicht empfohlen werden. Die Bestimmung genetischer Polymorphismen zur Erfassung der individuellen Anfälligkeit ist wegen fehlender Aussagekraft nicht sinnvoll. Eine gute aerobe Leistungsfähigkeit schützt nicht vor ABK und HLÖ, ist aber eine wichtige Voraussetzung für das Bergsteigen in großen Höhen (> 4000 m). Aus Berganamnese, geplanter Präakklimatisation und Aufstiegsprofil können das individuelle Risiko abgeschätzt und entsprechende Empfehlungen ausgesprochen werden.
Im besten Alter
Authors: Welk Ina
Published: April 2018

Damit die Leistungsfähigkeit und Motivation der Mitarbeiter bis zur Rente erhalten bleibt, muss ein alter(n)sgerechtes Arbeitsumfeld geschaffen werden. Warum das
vor allem im Hinblick auf knappe Personalressourcen wichtig ist, welche Chancen und Potenziale ältere Pflegende haben und wie ihre Kompetenzen optimal ins Team
integriert werden können, beschreibt unsere Autorin.
Eins für alle – alle mit einem
Authors: Sauer Traute
Published: April 2018

Traute SauerUm dem Personalmangel im OP vorzubeugen, werden immer häufiger Mitarbeiter aus unterschiedlichen Gesundheitsfachbereichen eingesetzt. Damit dennoch
eine gleichbleibende Qualität in der Patientenversorgung gesichert ist, wurde von der UKSH Akademie am Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein ein
Bildungskonzept entwickelt, das allen Berufsgruppen eine vergleichbare Qualifikation ermöglicht.
Frühzeitig wärmen
Authors: Gamon Eike
Published: April 2018

Perioperative Veränderung der Körperkerntemperatur während der intraoperativen Nutzung eines konvektiven Luftwärmesystems anhand einer retrospektiven
Untersuchung an 552 Patienten – Bekanntermaßen hat das perioperative Wärmemanagement einen großen Stellenwert hinsichtlich eines möglichen Wärmeverlustes des
Patienten und den daraus resultierenden multifaktoriellen Problemen. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, anhand einer Auswertung von perioperativen
Temperaturaufzeichnungen der Anästhesiepflege festzustellen, wie gut das von uns angewendete Wärmekonzept unter Nutzung eines Systems zur konvektiven
Lufterwärmung den Wärmeerhalt beim operativen Patienten sichern kann.
Maximum and minimum entropy states yielding local continuity bounds
Authors: Hanson Eric P. , Datta Nilanjana
Published: April 2018

Given an arbitrary quantum state (σ), we obtain an explicit construction of a state ρε*(σ) [respectively, ρ*,ε(σ)] which has the maximum (respectively, minimum) entropy among all states which lie in a specified neighborhood (ε-ball) of σ. Computing the entropy of these states leads to a local strengthening of the continuity bound of the von Neumann entropy, i.e., the Audenaert-Fannes inequality. Our bound is local in the sense that it depends on the spectrum of σ. The states ρε*(σ) and ρ*,ε(σ) depend only on the geometry of the ε-ball and are in fact optimizers for a larger class of entropies. These include the Rényi entropy and the minimum- and maximum-entropies, providing explicit formulas for certain smoothed quantities. This allows us to obtain local continuity bounds for these quantities as well. In obtaining this bound, we first derive a more general result which may be of independent interest, namely, a necessary and sufficient condition under which a state maximizes a concave and Gâteaux-differentiable function in an ε-ball around a given state σ. Examples of such a function include the von Neumann entropy and the conditional entropy of bipartite states. Our proofs employ tools from the theory of convex optimization under non-differentiable constraints, in particular Fermat’s rule, and majorization theory.
Dynamic neutral beam current and voltage control to improve beam efficacy in tokamaks
Authors: Pace D. C. , Austin M. E. , Bardoczi L. , Collins C. S. , Crowley B. , Davis E. , Du X. , Ferron J. , Grierson B. A. , Heidbrink W. W. , Holcomb C. T. , McKee G. R. , Pawley C. , Petty C. C. , Podestà M. , Rauch J. , Scoville J. T. , Spong D. A. , Thome K. E. , Van Zeeland M. A. , Varela J. , Victor B.
Published: April 2018

An engineering upgrade to the neutral beam system at the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon, Nucl. Fusion 42, 614 (2002)] enables time-dependent programming of the beam voltage and current. Initial application of this capability involves pre-programmed beam voltage and current injected into plasmas that are known to be susceptible to instabilities that are driven by energetic (E≥40 keV) beam ions. These instabilities, here all Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs), increase the transport of the beam ions beyond a classical expectation based on particle drifts and collisions. Injecting neutral beam power, Pbeam≥2 MW, at reduced voltage with increased current reduces the drive for Alfvénic instabilities and results in improved ion confinement. In lower-confinement plasmas, this technique is applied to eliminate the presence of AEs across the mid-radius of the plasmas. Simulations of those plasmas indicate that the mode drive is decreased and the radial extent of the remaining modes is reduced compared to a higher beam voltage case. In higher-confinement plasmas, this technique reduces AE activity in the far edge and results in an interesting scenario of beam current drive improving as the beam voltage reduces from 80 kV to 65 kV.
Negative differential resistance in nickel octabutoxy phthalocyanine and nickel octabutoxy phthalocyanine/graphene oxide ultrathin films
Authors: Sarkar Arup , Suresh K. A.
Published: April 2018

We find negative differential resistance (NDR) at room temperature in ultrathin films of nickel (II) 1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25-octabutoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine [NiPc(OBu)8] deposited on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) substrate [NiPc(OBu)8/HOPG] and NiPc(OBu)8 on graphene oxide (GO) deposited on HOPG [NiPc(OBu)8/GO/HOPG]. For the NiPc(OBu)8/HOPG system, NiPc(OBu)8 was transferred four times onto HOPG by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique. We have prepared a stable Langmuir monolayer of amphiphilic GO at the air-water interface and transferred it onto HOPG by the LB technique. Further, the monolayer of NiPc(OBu)8 was transferred four times for good coverage on GO to obtain the NiPc(OBu)8/GO/HOPG system. The current-voltage characteristics were carried out using a current sensing atomic force microscope (CSAFM) with a platinum (Pt) tip that forms Pt/NiPc(OBu)8/HOPG and Pt/NiPc(OBu)8/GO/HOPG junctions. The CSAFM, UV-visible spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry studies show that the NDR effect occurs due to molecular resonant tunneling. In the Pt/NiPc(OBu)8/GO/HOPG junction, we find that due to the presence of GO, the features of NDR become more prominent. Also, GO causes a shift in NDR voltage towards a lower value in the negative bias direction. We attribute this behavior to the role of GO in injecting holes into the NiPc(OBu)8 film.
Graphene-based dynamically tunable attenuator on a half-mode substrate integrated waveguide
Authors: Zhang Anqi , Liu Zhenguo , Lu Weibing , Chen Hao
Published: April 2018

We demonstrate that a graphene-based attenuator on a half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) can achieve dynamically tunable attenuation. This attenuator is produced by depositing a graphene sandwich structure (GSS) on the substrate of a HMSIW. By applying a bias voltage on the GSS, the surface impedance of graphene and the attenuation of the attenuator can be tuned. A prototype was fabricated and measured to verify the analysis. The measurement results manifest that as the bias voltage increases from 0 V to 4 V, the attenuation can be increased from 3 dB to 14 dB at the frequency from 7.7 GHz to 19 GHz, while |S11| of the attenuator can always remain at a low level smaller than −20 dB.
An efficient implementation of semiempirical quantum-chemical orthogonalization-corrected methods for excited-state dynamics
Authors: Liu Jie , Thiel Walter
Published: April 2018

We present an efficient implementation of configuration interaction with single excitations (CIS) for semiempirical orthogonalization-corrected OMx methods and standard modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO)-type methods for the computation of vertical excitation energies as well as analytical gradients and nonadiabatic couplings. This CIS implementation is combined with Tully’s fewest switches algorithm to enable surface hopping simulations of excited-state nonadiabatic dynamics. We introduce an accurate and efficient expression for the semiempirical evaluation of nonadiabatic couplings, which offers a significant speedup for medium-size molecules and is suitable for use in long nonadiabatic dynamics runs. As a pilot application, the semiempirical CIS implementation is employed to investigate ultrafast energy transfer processes in a phenylene ethynylene dendrimer model.
Investigating the evolution of local structure around Er and Yb in ZnO:Er and ZnO:Er, Yb on annealing using X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Anjana R. , Jayaraj M. K. , Yadav A. K. , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: April 2018

The local structure around Er and Yb centre in ZnO favouring upconversion luminescence was studied using EXAFS (Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy). Due to the ionic radii difference between Zn and Er, Yb ions, the dopants cannot replace Zn in the ZnO lattice properly. Er2O3 and Yb2O3 impurity phases are formed at the grain boundaries of ZnO. It is found that the local structure around the Er centre in ZnO is modified on annealing in air. The symmetry around both erbium and ytterbium reduces with increase in annealing temperature. Symmetry reduction will favour the intra-4f transition and the energy transitions causing upconversion luminescence. By fitting the EXAFS data with theoretically simulated data, it is found that the Er centre forms a local structure similar to C4ν symmetry which is a distorted octahedron. On annealing the sample to 1200 °C, all the erbium centres are transformed to C4ν symmetry causing enhanced upconversion emission. Yb centre has also been modified on annealing. The decrease in co-ordination number with annealing temperature will decrease the symmetry and increase the near infrared absorption cross section. The decrease in symmetry around both the erbium and ytterbium centre and formation of C4ν symmetry around Er centre is the reason behind the activation of upconversion luminescence with high temperature annealing in both Er doped and Er, Yb co-doped ZnO samples. The study will be useful for the synthesis of high efficiency upconversion materials.
Phase separation and large deviations of lattice active matter
Authors: Whitelam Stephen , Klymko Katherine , Mandal Dibyendu
Published: April 2018

Off-lattice active Brownian particles form clusters and undergo phase separation even in the absence of attractions or velocity-alignment mechanisms. Arguments that explain this phenomenon appeal only to the ability of particles to move persistently in a direction that fluctuates, but existing lattice models of hard particles that account for this behavior do not exhibit phase separation. Here we present a lattice model of active matter that exhibits motility-induced phase separation in the absence of velocity alignment. Using direct and rare-event sampling of dynamical trajectories, we show that clustering and phase separation are accompanied by pronounced fluctuations of static and dynamic order parameters. This model provides a complement to off-lattice models for the study of motility-induced phase separation.
Electrostatic properties of graphene edges for electron emission under an external electric field
Authors: Gao Yanlin , Okada Susumu
Published: April 2018

Electronic properties of graphene edges under a lateral electric field were theoretically studied in regard to their edge shapes and terminations to provide a theoretical insight into their field emission properties. The work function and potential barrier for the electron emission from the graphene edges are sensitive to their shape and termination. We also found that the hydrogenated armchair edge shows the largest emission current among all edges studied here. The electric field outside the chiral edges is spatially modulated along the edge because of the inhomogeneous charge density at the atomic sites of the edge arising from the bond alternation.
Structured optical vortices with broadband comb-like optical spectra in Yb:Y3Al5O12/YVO4 Raman microchip laser
Authors: Dong Jun , Wang Xiaolei , Zhang Mingming , Wang Xiaojie , He Hongsen
Published: April 2018

Structured optical vortices with 4 phase singularities have been generated in a laser diode pumped continuous-wave Yb:Y3Al5O12/YVO4 (Yb:YAG/YVO4) Raman microchip laser. The broadband comb-like first order Stokes laser emitting spectrum including 30 longitudinal modes covers from 1072.49 nm to 1080.13 nm with a bandwidth of 7.64 nm, which is generated with the Raman shift 259 cm−1 of the c-cut YVO4 crystal converted from the fundamental laser around 1.05 μm. Pump power dependent optical vortex beams are attributed to overlap of the Stokes laser field with the fundamental laser field caused by dynamically changing the coupling losses of the fundamental laser field. The maximum output power is 1.16 W, and the optical-to-optical efficiency is 18.4%. This work provides a method for generating structured optical vortices with an optical frequency comb in solid-state Raman microchip lasers, which have potential applications in quantum computations, micro-machining, and information processing.
Role of the different defects, their population and distribution in the LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructure's behavior
Authors: Zaid H. , Berger M. H. , Jalabert D. , Walls M. , Akrobetu R. , Goble N. J. , Gao X. P. A. , Berger P. , Fongkaew I. , Lambrecht W. , Sehirlioglu A.
Published: April 2018

Hetero-interfaces between epitaxial LaAlO3 films and SrTiO3 substrates can exhibit an insulator-metal transition at a critical film thickness above which a quasi-two-dimensional electron gas forms. This work aims to elucidate the significant role the defects play in determining the sources of non-mobile and mobile carriers, the critical thickness, and the dipolar field screening. A model is built based on a comprehensive investigation of the origin of charge carriers and the advanced analysis of structural factors that affect the electronic properties of these hetero-epitaxial interfaces.