bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of fish community structure along the Jakarta Bay–Pulau Seribu reef complex
Authors: Polónia A.R.M. , Cleary D.F.R. , Duine A.A. , Van Dijk J. , De Voogd N.J.
Published: March 2018

Coastal ecosystems have been increasingly subjected to poor water quality. Remote sensing has been used to monitor water quality, but few studies have integrated remotely sensed data with compositional and/or abundance data of coral reef taxa. In the present study, fish biomass was assessed along the Jakarta Bay Thousand Island reef system and variation in the biomass of selected fish families related to substrate cover and remotely sensed data. Overall, fish biomass and the biomass of each of the families Acanthuridae, Apogonidae, Caesionidae, Chaetodontidae, Ephippidae, Pomacentridae, Labridae and the subfamily Scaridae were much higher mid- and offshore than inshore. Substrate cover and chlorophyll-a concentrations proved to be significant predictors of spatial variation in fish biomass, suggesting an important impact of reef degradation and eutrophication on reef fish abundance.
Accuracy, Authenticity, Fidelity: Aesthetic Realism, the “Deficit Model,” and the Public Understanding of Science
Authors: Vidal Fernando
Published: March 2018

Argument

“Deficit model” designates an outlook on the public understanding and communication of science that emphasizes scientific illiteracy and the need to educate the public. Though criticized, it is still widespread, especially among scientists. Its persistence is due not only to factors ranging from scientists’ training to policy design, but also to the continuance of realism as an aesthetic criterion. This article examines the link between realism and the deficit model through discussions of neurology and psychiatry in fiction film, as well as through debates about historical movies and the cinematic adaptation of literature. It shows that different values and criteria tend to dominate the realist stance in different domains:accuracyfor movies concerning neurology and psychiatry,authenticityfor the historical film, andfidelityfor adaptations of literature. Finally, contrary to the deficit model, it argues that the cinema is better characterized by a surplus of meaning than by informational shortcomings.
On the irrationality measure of the Thue–Morse constant
Authors: BADZIAHIN DZMITRY , ZORIN EVGENIY
Published: March 2018

We provide a non-trivial measure of irrationality for a class of Mahler numbers defined by infinite products. This class includes the Thue–Morse constant. Among other things, our results imply a generalisation to [12].
A SCHUMPETERIAN GROWTH MODEL WITH FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
Authors: Sunaga Miho
Published: March 2018

This study introduces financial intermediaries into the Schumpeterian growth model developed by Aghion et al. (2005, Quarterly Journal of Economics, Vol. 120, pp. 173–222). They collect deposits from households, provide funds for entrepreneurial projects, and monitor the entrepreneurs. I consider an economy with moral hazard problems: entrepreneurs can hide the result of a successful innovation and thereby avoid repaying financial intermediaries if the latter do not monitor entrepreneurial performance. I analyze the effects of financial intermediaries' activities on technological progress and economic growth in such an economy. I show that financial intermediaries need to monitor entrepreneurs in an economy where the legal protection of creditors is not strong enough. Such monitoring can resolve the moral hazard problem; however, it does not always promote technological innovation, because it could increase the cost of entrepreneurial innovation and thus reduce the amount invested for innovation. I also examine how monitoring by financial intermediaries affects the welfare of individuals through the stringency of financial markets.
Determinants of poor sleep quality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hypertension in Singapore
Authors: Chiang Grace S. H. , Sim Brenda L. H. , Lee Jeannette J. M. , Quah Joanne H. M.
Published: March 2018

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess determinants of poor sleep quality which is an under-diagnosed and under-treated problem in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Background

Poor sleep quality is linked to decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality. Poor sleep quality is common in the elderly population with associated cardiometabolic risk factors such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study undertaken in the primary healthcare setting (Singhealth Polyclinics-Outram) in Singapore. Singaporeans aged 65 years and above who had at least one of the three cardiometabolic risk factors (diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia) were identified. Responders’ sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and were divided into those with good quality sleep and those with poor quality sleep, based on the PSQI score. Information on demographics, co-morbidities and lifestyle practices were collected. Descriptive and multivariate analyses of determinants of poor sleep were determined.

Findings

There were 199 responders (response rate 88.1%). Nocturia (adjusted prevalence rate ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.06–2.26) was found to be associated with an increased risk of poor sleep quality in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Nocturia, a prevalent problem in the Asian elderly population, has been found to be associated with poor sleep quality in our study. Hence, it is imperative to identify and treat patients with nocturia to improve sleep quality among them.
Amygdala – and serum – neurotrophic factor levels depend on rearing condition in male rats
Authors: Babri S. , Mohaddes G. , Mosaferi B.
Published: March 2018

Early life experiences could determine brain and behavioral development. Neurotrophic factors are likely to mediate the effects of the experience on brain structures and function. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a central role in psychiatric disorders. To investigate the effects of early rearing condition on the amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels, we reared male Wistar rats from weaning (postnatal days 21) to adulthood (postnatal days 119) in three different rearing conditions: (1) enriched, (2) standard and (3) isolated. We found that long-term post-weaning environmental enrichment leads to lower amygdala – and serum – BDNF levels as well as lower brain weights. Grouped rearing in standard laboratory cages enhanced body weight. Thus, early rearing condition might play a crucial role in adult healthiness by predetermining individual BDNF profiles.
Phenology of Five Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Populations Grown in Northern Indiana and Arkansas
Authors: Spaunhorst Douglas J. , Devkota Pratap , Johnson William G. , Smeda Reid J. , Meyer Christopher J. , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: March 2018

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeriS. Watson) is a problematic weed encountered in U.S. cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] production, with infestations spreading northward. This research investigated the influence of planting date (early, mid-, and late season) and population (AR, IN, MO, MS, NE, and TN) onA. palmerigrowth and reproduction at two locations. All populations planted early or midseason at Throckmorton Purdue Agricultural Center (TPAC) and Arkansas Agriculture Research and Extension Center (AAREC) measured 196 and 141 cm or more, respectively. Amaranthus palmeriheight did not exceed 168 and 134 cm when planted late season at TPAC and AAREC, respectively. Early season plantedA. palmerifrom NE grew to 50% of maximum height 8 to 13 d earlier than all other populations under TPAC conditions. In addition, the NE population planted early, mid-, and late season achieved 50% inflorescence emergence 5, 4, and 6 d earlier than all other populations, respectively. All populations established at TPAC produced fewer than 100,000 seeds plant−1. No population planted at TPAC and AAREC produced more than 740 and 1,520 g plant−1of biomass at 17 and 19 wk after planting, respectively. Planting date influenced the distribution of male and female plants at TPAC, but not at AAREC. Amaranthus palmerifrom IN and MS planted late season had male-to-female plant ratios of 1.3:1 and 1.7:1, respectively. Amaranthus palmeriintroduced to TPAC from NE can produce up to 7,500 seeds plant−1if emergence occurs in mid-July. An NEA. palmeripopulation exhibited biological characteristics allowing it to be highly competitive if introduced to TPAC due to a similar latitudinal range, but was least competitive when introduced to AAREC. AlthoughA. palmerioriginating from different locations can vary biologically, plants exhibited environmental plasticity and could complete their life cycle and contribute to spreading populations.
Kognitive und neuropsychiatrische Frührehabilitation
Authors: Müller Thilo
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Hirnverletzte Patienten mit besonders schwer ausgeprägten Störungen in kognitiven Funktionen, wie z. B. Orientierungs- und Gedächtnisleistungen, Aufmerksamkeits- und Exekutivleistungen, Wahrnehmungsverarbeitung und Kommunikation benötigen im Anschluss an die Akutversorgung möglichst zeitnah intensive stationäre Neurorehabilitation. Nicht selten scheitert die Integration dieser Patientengruppe in klassische Rehabilitationssettings aufgrund deliranter Symptomatik, starker Antriebsminderung oder Agitiertheit, fehlendem Störungsbewusstsein sowie fremd- und selbstgefährdendem Verhalten im Rahmen reduzierter Verhaltenssteuerung und Impulskontrolle. Die stationäre Neurorehabilitation dieser Patientenklientel erfordert daher ein flexibel am individuellen Bedarf orientiertes milieutherapeutisches Stationssetting, spezialisierte therapeutische, medizinische und pflegerische Angebote sowie ein eng kooperierendes interdisziplinäres Behandlungsteam. Der intensive Einbezug des sozialen und familiären Kontextes sowie ein langfristig angelegtes Rehabilitationskonzept sind von besonders hoher Bedeutung. Zielsetzung ist die Reduktion von nicht indizierten Verlegungen neurologischer Patienten in psychiatrische Behandlungsformen und Institutionen der Langzeitpflege sowie die Einleitung der Reintegration in den prämorbiden Lebenskontext.
Neurorehabilitation kognitiver Störungen
Authors: Gutbrod Klemens , Heinemann Dörthe , Müri René
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Eine erworbene Hirnschädigung ist die häufigste Ursache für eine chronische Behinderung im Erwachsenenalter. Trotz neurologischer Erholung können neuropsychologische Störungen persistieren und die Lebensqualität des Patienten einschränken. Aus diesem Grund ist die kognitive Rehabilitation eine wichtige Komponente der Neurorehabilitation. Kognitive Störungen nach einer Hirnschädigung finden sich am häufigsten in den Bereichen Gedächtnis, Aufmerksamkeit, exekutive Funktionen und Neglect. Für jeden dieser Bereiche werden in dieser Überblicksarbeit die verschiedenen Therapiemöglichkeiten beschrieben. Für alle diese kognitiven Domänen existieren evidenzbasierte Studien zur spezifischen Therapiewirksamkeit, welche eine Empfehlung eines Standards für die klinische Praxis erlauben.
Neuroophthalmologische Rehabilitation – Diagnostik und Therapie neurovisueller Störungen
Authors: Reckert Iris , Müri René
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung. Neuroophthalmologische Störungen sind in der Rehabilitation hirnverletzter Patienten ein häufiges Phänomen, das sich sehr facettenreich präsentiert. Sehschärfe, Augenstellung und Gesichtsfeld gilt es zu messen, um eine zielgerichtete Therapie mit optischen Hilfsmitteln, Trainingsverfahren oder einer augenärztlichen Intervention zu veranlassen. In das interdisziplinäre Team einer neurologischen Rehabilitationseinrichtung gehören daher neuroophthalmologisch kompetente Fachpersonen.
Erratum: Inter-comparison of multiple statistically downscaled climate datasets for the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Jiang Yueyang , Kim John B. , Still Christopher J. , Kerns Becky K. , Kline Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2018

Scientific Data 5:180016 doi: 10.1038/sdata.2018.16 (2018); Published 20 February 2018; Updated 27 March 2018. In Fig. 5 of this Data Descriptor the bottom-most y-axis label was inadvertently changed from ‘ΔPPT (mm)’ to ‘ΔPPT (min)’ during the production process. The correct version of Fig. 5 appears below as Fig.
Nanoconfined phase change materials for thermal energy applications
Authors: Aftab Waseem , Huang Xinyu , Wu Wenhao , Liang Zibin , Mahmood Asif , Zou Ruqiang
Published: March 2018

This review presents a summary of recent progress and strategies in fabricating nanoencapsulated PCMs for thermal energy applications.
Comparison of the suitability of alkaline or enzymatic sample pre-treatment for characterization of silver nanoparticles in human tissue by single particle ICP-MS
Authors: Vidmar Janja , Buerki-Thurnherr Tina , Loeschner Katrin
Published: March 2018

The method using enzymatic tissue treatment followed by spICP-MS is efficient for determination of mass and number concentration and size distribution of AgNPs in human placental tissues.
Self-locked dipillar[5]arene-based pseudo[1]rotaxanes and bispseudo[1]rotaxanes with different lengths of bridging chains
Authors: Jiang Shuo , Han Ying , Cheng Ming , Sun Jing , Yan Chao-Guo , Jiang Juli , Wang Leyong
Published: March 2018

The relationships between lengths of bridging chains and self-locked behaviors of dipillar[5]arene-based pseudo[1]rotaxanes and bispseudo[1]rotaxanes were studied in detail.
Well-dispersed cellulose nanocrystals in hydrophobic polymers by in situ polymerization for synthesizing highly reinforced bio-nanocomposites
Authors: Geng Shiyu , Wei Jiayuan , Aitomäki Yvonne , Noël Maxime , Oksman Kristiina
Published: March 2018

An in situ polymerization method is developed and utilized to achieve superior dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals in hydrophobic polymer matrices, resulting in highly reinforced bio-nanocomposites with a very low fraction of cellulose nanocrystals.
Large-scale chirality in an active layer of microtubules and kinesin motor proteins
Authors: Kim Kyongwan , Yoshinaga Natsuhiko , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Nakazawa Hikaru , Umetsu Mitsuo , Teizer Winfried
Published: March 2018

The large scale active chiral rotation of aligned microtubules is driven by kinesin molecular motors on a glass surface.
Confirmation of the antiviral properties of medicinal plants via chemical analysis, machine learning methods and antiviral tests: a methodological approach
Authors: Drevinskas Tomas , Mickienė Rūta , Maruška Audrius , Stankevičius Mantas , Tiso Nicola , Šalomskas Algirdas , Lelešius Raimundas , Karpovaitė Agneta , Ragažinskienė Ona
Published: March 2018

Machine learning methods identify antiviral phytochemicals using CART decision trees.
A titanium dioxide nanoparticle sandwiched separator for Na–O2 batteries with suppressed dendrites and extended cycle life
Authors: Yang Hao , Sun Jianchao , Wang Hang , Liang Jing , Li Haixia
Published: March 2018

A new TiO2 sandwiched separator is used in Na–O2 batteries, effectively inhibiting dendrites and extending their cycle life.
From isodesmic to highly cooperative: reverting the supramolecular polymerization mechanism in water by fine monomer design
Authors: Casellas Nicolas M. , Pujals Sílvia , Bochicchio Davide , Pavan Giovanni M. , Torres Tomás , Albertazzi Lorenzo , García-Iglesias Miguel
Published: March 2018

A comprehensive understanding of the different interactions involved in the self-assembly of two different structures has been accomplished.
Low-voltage-driven soft actuators
Authors: Kim Onnuri , Kim Seung Jae , Park Moon Jeong
Published: March 2018

A key strategy for achieving high-performance polymer actuators that can be operated with a small battery is the design of polymer electrolytes.
Manganese catalyzed reductive amination of aldehydes using hydrogen as a reductant
Authors: Wei Duo , Bruneau-Voisine Antoine , Valyaev Dmitry A. , Lugan Noël , Sortais Jean-Baptiste
Published: March 2018

The first alkylation of amines via reductive amination of aldehydes catalyzed by a manganese bidentate pyridinyl–phosphine complex.
Pillars of crystal engineering: crystal energies and symmetry operators
Authors: Gavezzotti A.
Published: March 2018

Molecular pairs with top-ranking interaction energy are sorted out for 1235 organic crystal structures, in relationship with the corresponding symmetry operators. Top pairing energies compare with 20–40% of the total lattice energies (see figure).
Electron-density distributions in selected ferrocenyl-pyrazolyl late transition-metal complexes
Authors: Peck M. A. , Hearne G. R. , Obuah C. , Darkwa J.
Published: March 2018

57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy has been used to study electronic dispersions in complexes of Fe, Co, Ni and Pd anchored onto 3-ferrocenyl-5-methylpyrazolylmethylenepyridine and 3-ferrocenylpyrazolylmethylenepyridine ligands.
Synthesis and crystal structure of solvent-free dodecahydro closo-dodecaborate of nickel, NiB12H12
Authors: Sadikin Yolanda , Didelot Emilie , Łodziana Zbigniew , Černý Radovan
Published: March 2018

Ball milling of Na2B12H12 + NiCl2 mixtures followed by hydration in air produces closo-borate containing octahedral hexa-aqua complex. The water molecules are easily removed by heating under dynamic vacuum leading first to octahedral tetra-aqua complex, and then to anhydrous pseudo-cubic NiB12H12.
Spin crossover Fe(ii) complexes of a cross-bridged cyclam derivative
Authors: Drahoš Bohuslav , Trávníček Zdeněk
Published: March 2018

Fe(ii) complexes of a cross-bridged cyclam derivative (L) show spin-crossover depending on the counter anion and crystal solvent molecule(s).
Highly efficient novel carbon monoxide gas sensor based on bismuth ferrite nanoparticles for environmental monitoring
Authors: Chakraborty S. , Pal M.
Published: March 2018

Creation of novel functionality in materials is always fascinating for researchers/scientists.
Demonstration of cellular imaging by using luminescent and anti-cytotoxic europium-doped hafnia nanocrystals
Authors: Villa Irene , Villa Chiara , Monguzzi Angelo , Babin Vladimir , Tervoort Elena , Nikl Martin , Niederberger Markus , Torrente Yvan , Vedda Anna , Lauria Alessandro
Published: March 2018

The first use of Eu3+-doped hafnium dioxide nanocrystals for optical imaging of cellular systems is reported.
Two-electron oxidation of water to form hydrogen peroxide catalysed by silicon-porphyrins
Authors: Remello Sebastian Nybin , Kuttassery Fazalurahman , Mathew Siby , Thomas Arun , Yamamoto Daisuke , Nabetani Yu , Sano Keito , Tachibana Hiroshi , Inoue Haruo
Published: March 2018

Under basic condition, SiTPyP(O−)2exerts two-electron oxidation of water to form hydrogen peroxide as the primary product in aqueous acetonitrile, which is initiated through one-electron oxidized process on the electrode with faradaic yield of 84–92%.
Patterning nonisometric origami in nematic elastomer sheets
Authors: Plucinsky Paul , Kowalski Benjamin A. , White Timothy J. , Bhattacharya Kaushik
Published: March 2018

Nematic elastomers dramatically change their shape in response to diverse stimuli including light and heat.
Making strong polyelectrolyte brushes pH-sensitive by incorporation of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Boyaciyan D. , Krause P. , von Klitzing R.
Published: March 2018

Incorporation of pH-sensitive gold nanoparticles in an inert polymer brush triggers a pH-sensitive response.
Immobilization of tungsten disulfide nanosheets on active carbon fibers as electrode materials for high performance quasi-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Qiu Xiaoming , Wang Luning , Fan Li-Zhen
Published: March 2018

A novel tungsten disulfide/active carbon fiber (WS2/ACF) nanocomposite was synthesized through electrospinning and a subsequent hydrothermal method, with the WS2 nanosheets homogeneously decorated on the surface of the one-dimensional active carbon fiber.
Nickel telluride as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting in alkaline medium
Authors: De Silva Umanga , Masud Jahangir , Zhang Ning , Hong Yu , Liyanage Wipula P. R. , Asle Zaeem Mohsen , Nath Manashi
Published: March 2018

Ni3Te2 has been reported as a highly efficient OER electrocatalyst with an overpotential of 180 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and also showing HER catalytic activity in alkaline medium.
Matrix-bound AGEs enhance TGFβ2-mediated mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells via the noncanonical pathway: implications for secondary cataract formation
Authors: Nam Mi-Hyun , Nagaraj Ram H.
Published: March 2018

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are post-translational modifications formed from the reaction of reactive carbonyl compounds with amino groups in proteins. Our laboratory has previously shown that AGEs in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins promote TGFβ2 (transforming growth factor-beta 2)-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs), which could play a role in fibrosis associated with posterior capsule opacification. We have also shown that αB-crystallin plays an important role in TGFβ2-mediated EMT of LECs. Here, we investigated the signaling mechanisms by which ECM-AGEs enhance TGFβ2-mediated EMT in LECs. We found that in LECs cultured on AGE-modified basement protein extract (AGE-BME), TGFβ2 treatment up-regulated the mesenchymal markers α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) and αB-crystallin and down-regulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin more than LECs cultured on unmodified BME and treated with TGFβ2. Using a Multiplex Assay, we found that AGE-BME significantly up-regulated the noncanonical pathway by promoting phosphorylation of ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinases), AKT, and p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinases) during TGFβ2-mediated EMT. This EMT response was strongly suppressed by inhibition of AKT and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. The AKT inhibitor LY294002 also suppressed TGFβ2-induced up-regulation of nuclear Snail and reduced phosphorylation of GSK3β. Inhibition of Snail expression suppressed TGFβ2-mediated α-SMA expression. αB-Crystallin was up-regulated in an AKT-dependent manner during AGE-BME/TGFβ2-mediated EMT in LECs. The absence of αB-crystallin in LECs suppressed TGFβ2-induced GSK3β phosphorylation, resulting in lower Snail levels. Taken together, these results show that ECM-AGEs enhance the TGFβ2-mediated EMT response through activation of the AKT/Snail pathway, in which αB-crystallin plays an important role as a linker between the TGFβ2 and AGE-mediated signaling pathways.
Non-vesicular lipid trafficking at the endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria interface
Authors: Giordano Francesca
Published: March 2018

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles involved in various cellular processes such as energy production, regulation of calcium homeostasis, lipid trafficking, and apoptosis. To fulfill all these functions and preserve their morphology and dynamic behavior, mitochondria need to maintain a defined protein and lipid composition in both their membranes. The maintenance of mitochondrial membrane identity requires a selective and regulated transport of specific lipids from/to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and across the mitochondria outer and inner membranes. Since they are not integrated in the classical vesicular trafficking routes, mitochondria exchange lipids with the ER at sites of close apposition called membrane contact sites. Deregulation of such transport activities results in several pathologies including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. However, we are just starting to understand the function of ER–mitochondria contact sites in lipid transport, what are the proteins involved and how they are regulated. In this review, we summarize recent insights into lipid transport pathways at the ER–mitochondria interface and discuss the implication of recently identified lipid transfer proteins in these processes.
Spectral models for binary products: Unifying subdwarfs and Wolf-Rayet stars as a sequence of stripped-envelope stars
Authors: Götberg Y. , de Mink S. E. , Groh J. H. , Kupfer T. , Crowther P. A. , Zapartas E. , Renzo M.
Published: March 2018

Stars stripped of their hydrogen-rich envelope through interaction with a binary companion are generally not considered when accounting for ionizing radiation from stellar populations, despite the expectation that stripped stars emit hard ionizing radiation, form frequently, and live 10–100 times longer than single massive stars. We compute the first grid of evolutionary and spectral models specially made for stars stripped in binaries for a range of progenitor masses (2–20M⊙) and metallicities ranging from solar to values representative for pop II stars. For stripped stars with masses in the range 0.3–7M⊙, we find consistently high effective temperatures (20 000–100 000 K, increasing with mass), small radii (0.2–1R⊙), and high bolometric luminosities, comparable to that of their progenitor before stripping. The spectra show a continuous sequence that naturally bridges subdwarf-type stars at the low-mass end and Wolf-Rayet-like spectra at the high-mass end. For intermediate masses we find hybrid spectral classes showing a mixture of absorption and emission lines. These appear for stars with mass-loss rates of 10−8−10−6M⊙yr−1, which have semi-transparent atmospheres. At low metallicity, substantial hydrogen-rich layers are left at the surface and we predict spectra that resemble O-type stars instead. We obtain spectra undistinguishable from subdwarfs for stripped stars with masses up to 1.7M⊙, which questions whether the widely adopted canonical value of 0.47M⊙is uniformly valid. Only a handful of stripped stars of intermediate mass have currently been identified observationally. Increasing this sample will provide necessary tests for the physics of interaction, internal mixing, and stellar winds. We use our model spectra to investigate the feasibility to detect stripped stars next to an optically bright companion and recommend systematic searches for their UV excess and possible emission lines, most notably HeIIλ4686 in the optical and HeIIλ1640 in the UV. Our models are publicly available for further investigations or inclusion in spectral synthesis simulations.
The dynamically selected stellar halo of the Galaxy withGaiaand the tilt of the velocity ellipsoid
Authors: Posti Lorenzo , Helmi Amina , Veljanoski Jovan , Breddels Maarten A.
Published: March 2018

Aims.We study the dynamical properties of halo stars located in the solar neighbourhood. Our goal is to explore how the properties of the halo depend on the selection criteria used to define a sample of halo stars. Once this is understood, we proceed to measure the shape and orientation of the halo’s velocity ellipsoid and we use this information to put constraints on the gravitational potential of the Galaxy.

Methods.We use the recently releasedGaiaDR1 catalogue cross-matched to the RAVE dataset for our analysis. We develop a dynamical criterion based on the distribution function of stars in various Galactic components, using action integrals to identify halo members, and we compare this to the metallicity and to kinematically selected samples.

Results.With this new method, we find 1156 stars in the solar neighbourhood that are likely members of the stellar halo. Our dynamically selected sample consists mainly of distant giants on elongated orbits. Their metallicity distribution is rather broad, with roughly half of the stars having [M/H] ≥ −1 dex. The use of different selection criteria has an important impact on the characteristics of the velocity distributions obtained. Nonetheless, for our dynamically selected and for the metallicity selected samples, we find the local velocity ellipsoid to be aligned in spherical coordinates in a Galactocentric reference frame. This suggests that the total gravitational potential is rather spherical in the region spanned by the orbits of the halo stars in these samples.
Applegate mechanism in post-common-envelope binaries: Investigating the role of rotation
Authors: Navarrete F. H. , Schleicher D. R. G. , Zamponi Fuentealba J. , Völschow M.
Published: March 2018

Context. Eclipsing time variations are observed in many close binary systems. In particular, for several post-common-envelope binaries (PCEBs) that consist of a white dwarf and a main sequence star, the observed-minus-calculated (O–C) diagram suggests that real or apparent orbital period variations are driven by Jupiter-mass planets or as a result of magnetic activity, the so-called Applegate mechanism. The latter explains orbital period variations as a result of changes in the stellar quadrupole moment due to magnetic activity.

Aims. In this work we explore the feasibility of driving eclipsing time variations via the Applegate mechanism for a sample of PCEB systems, including a range of different rotation rates.

Methods. We used the MESA code to evolve 12 stars with different masses and rotation rates. We applied simple dynamo models to their radial profiles to investigate the scale at which the predicted activity cycle matches the observed modulation period, and quantifiy the uncertainty. We further calculated the required energies to drive the Applegate mechanism.

Results. We show that the Applegate mechanism is energetically feasible in 5 PCEB systems. In RX J2130.6+4710, it may be feasible as well considering the uncertainties. We note that these are the systems with the highest rotation rate compared to the critical rotation rate of the main-sequence star.

Conclusions. The results suggest that the ratio of physical to critical rotation rate in the main sequence star is an important indicator for the feasibility of Applegate’s mechanism, but exploring larger samples will be necessary to probe this hypothesis.
Les micro-exploitations agricoles de plantes aromatiques et médicinales : élément marquant de l’agriculture urbaine à Ziguinchor, Sénégal
Authors: Dasylva Maurice , Ndour Ngor , Sambou Bienvenu , Toussaint Soulard Christophe
Published: March 2018

L’agriculture urbaine est une activité reconnue pour sa multifonctionnalité. En Afrique, elle peut contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire et à la réduction de la pauvreté. Souvent associée au maraîchage, et de plus en plus, à l’élevage urbain, la production de plantes aromatiques et médicinales est une forme d’agriculture urbaine peu étudiée. Elle est présente à Ziguinchor, au Sénégal, où a été menée l’étude. L’objectif de cet article est de caractériser cette agriculture et d’apprécier ses fonctions environnementales et socioéconomiques. La méthode combine une cartographie des sites agricoles et une enquête auprès de 70 producteurs. Les résultats montrent qu’il s’agit de micro-exploitations qui se développent dans les interstices urbains. La tenure foncière est dominée par l’emprunt gratuit à des propriétaires qui peuvent reprendre leurs terres à tout moment. Les espèces cultivées sontMentha spicataL., Mentha X piperitaL. etOcimum basilicumL. La culture de ces plantes est l’œuvre des femmes qui en tirent des revenus significatifs. Ces revenus sont destinés à l’achat de denrées alimentaires et à la scolarisation des enfants. En plus de réduire les situations de pauvreté, ces micro-exploitations contribuent à l’assainissement de la ville, car la fertilisation provient des ordures ménagères organiques et de la fumure animale. Les menthes recèlent d’autres vertus, notamment médicinales, peu connues des producteurs. Malgré ces atouts, cette activité est limitée dans son développement alors que des solutions d’amélioration technique et de valorisation commerciale seraient possibles.
The Effect of Surface Parameters to the Performance of Reverse Engineering Process
Authors: Nawawi Azli , Mohamed Nor Mohd Hadri , Hafiz Abdul Halim Muhamad Amir , Sidek Noor Azizah
Published: March 2018

Reverse engineering (RE) process is capable of producing CAD models from the existing part without the need of a blueprints or CAD drawing. One of the method to implement RE is via 3D scanning and the main goal is to produce CAD files that have the highest accuracy possible when compared to the actual parts. Any effort to improve the 3D scanning process should be encouraged because it will save a lot of time and expenses. As a result, this research tends to investigate the effects of surface parameters (Percentage of triangles and Grids resolution) to the performance of RE. Design of Experiments (DOE) method was used and the responses are measured in terms of File size and Error percentage. From the results, it is very interesting to note that the percentage of triangles does not have a significant effect to the file size but plays a major role in minimizing the dimension error. The grids resolution has the significant effects to the file size and error percentage. It can also be concluded that in order to get the best RE performance, the percentage of triangles and file size should be set to maximum. This will ensure that the generated CAD files will have the highest accuracy and from here, high quality products can be made from the RE process.
Health benefits of dairy lipids and MFGM in infant formula
Authors: Huërou-Luron Isabelle Le , Lemaire Marion , Blat Sophie
Published: March 2018

Human breast milk (HBM) is the gold standard for the early nutrition of the neonates. The best way to improve infant formulas (IFs) is to mimic both the composition and the structure of HBM components. Supplementation of IF with dairy lipids or bovine milk components such as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), in partial replacement of plant oils that are currently mainly used, has health benefits for infants. In this article, results of clinical studies on the impact of IF supplementation with MFGM and dairy lipids on psychomotor development and infectious disease prevalence in infants are reviewed and supported by recent pre-clinical studies. Numerous human studies have reported beneficial effects of MFGM supplementation on neurocognitive development and protection against infectious agents without deleterious impact on growth. Based on rodent and porcine studies, benefits of adding bovine MFGM and dairy lipids in IFs on gut digestion, physiology and protection against pathogens and inflammatory challenges have also been highlighted. However, more randomized controlled trials testing IF supplementation with bovine milk fat, and specifically apolar lipids and associated glycoproteins, must be performed to increase scientific-based knowledge, address safety concerns, and study its potential programming role of adult health.
Immunonkologie beim Nierenzellkarzinom – Aktueller Stand
Authors: Grimm Marc-Oliver , Foller Susan
Published: March 2018

Durch die Zulassung des Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitors Nivolumab (Opdivo®) und neuer Multikinaseinhibitoren (Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib, Tivozanib) hat sich die systemische Therapie des metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinoms in den letzten 2 Jahren erheblich verändert. Nivolumab und Cabozantinib sollen als zweite Therapielinie nach Versagen einer VEGF basierten Therapie lt. S3-Leitlinie eingesetzt werden. In der zulassungsrelevanten Studie hatte sich für den Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitor Nivolunab im Vergleich zu Everolimus ein besseres medianes Gesamtüberleben (26 Monate vs. 19,7 Monate; Hazard ratio 0,73; p = 0,0006), eine signifikant höhere Ansprechrate (26 % vs. 5 %) und ein günstigeres Nebenwirkungsprofil gezeigt.

Aktuell werden zahlreiche Kombinationen mit PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren in der Erstlinientherapie gegen Sunitinib getestet. Die randomisierte Phase-III-Studie CheckMate 214 zeigte als erste eine signifikant höhere objektive Ansprechrate (42 % vs. 27 %, p < 0,0001) sowie ein längeres Gesamtüberleben (Median für Nivo + Ipi bisher nicht erreicht (28,2 – NE) vs. 26,0 Monate; Hazard ratio 0,63) für die Kombination aus Nivolumab und dem CTLA-4 Antikörper Ipilimumab bei intermediate und high risk Patienten nach IMDC. CheckMate 214 zeigt darüber hinaus Vorteile für die Immuntherapie in Bezug auf Nebenwirkungen und Lebensqualität gegenüber Sunitinib. Allerdings zeigt sich eine deutliche Zunahme immunvermittelter Nebenwirkungen. Eine randomisierte Studie mit dem PD-L1-Inhibitor Atezolizumab kombiniert mit dem VEGF-Antikörper Bevacizumab ergab für PD-L1-positive Patienten ein signifikant längeres progressionsfreies Überleben gegenüber Sunitinib; dieser Vorteil fand sich in allen Risikogruppen. Weitere Phase-III-Studien mit neueren VEGFR-TKIs (Axitinib, Cabozantinib, Lenvatinib) und PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren laufen aktuell.

Zusammenfassend wird der PD-1-Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitor Nivolumab eine Standardtherapie beim metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinom nach antiangiogenetischer Vortherapie bleiben. Die Kombination aus Nivolumab und Ipilimumab wird Standardtherapie bei Patienten mit intermediärem bzw. hohem Risiko in der Erstlinie. Für eine Bewertung der Kombinationen aus PD-1/PD-L1-Inhibitoren und Bevacizumab bzw. VEGFR-TKIs werden weitere Daten (Gesamtüberleben, Nebenwirkungsspektrum) benötigt.
Demonstration of fast-electron populations in a low-pressure, low-power, magnetized RF plasma source
Authors: Jandovitz P. , Swanson C. , Matteucci J. , Oliver R. , Pearcy J. , Cohen S. A.
Published: March 2018

Using x-ray spectroscopy, we demonstrate the existence of 0.3–6 keV electrons in a low-pressure, low-power, magnetized plasma source, heated by an external radio-frequency antenna located at one end of an axisymmetric tandem mirror. X-ray measurements on low-bulk-temperature, Te,b ∼ 4 eV, hydrogen, neon, argon, and gas-mixture plasmas show spectra with high-energy tails having a near-Maxwellian form with Te,f up to 650 eV. The fast electrons producing these x-rays have densities in the range of 107–109 cm−3, 0.01%–1% of the bulk plasma density (up to 3 × 1011 cm−3), and so carry a significant fraction of the plasma energy and represent an important mechanism relevant to power coupling and heat flow in similar plasma sources.
Dynamical photo-induced electronic properties of molecular junctions
Authors: Beltako K. , Michelini F. , Cavassilas N. , Raymond L.
Published: March 2018

Nanoscale molecular-electronic devices and machines are emerging as promising functional elements, naturally flexible and efficient, for next-generation technologies. A deeper understanding of carrier dynamics in molecular junctions is expected to benefit many fields of nanoelectronics and power devices. We determine time-resolved charge current flowing at the donor-acceptor interface in molecular junctions connected to metallic electrodes by means of quantum transport simulations. The current is induced by the interaction of the donor with a Gaussian-shape femtosecond laser pulse. Effects of the molecular internal coupling, metal-molecule tunneling, and light-donor coupling on photocurrent are discussed. We then define the time-resolved local density of states which is proposed as an efficient tool to describe the absorbing molecule in contact with metallic electrodes. Non-equilibrium reorganization of hybridized molecular orbitals through the light-donor interaction gives rise to two phenomena: the dynamical Rabi shift and the appearance of Floquet-like states. Such insights into the dynamical photoelectronic structure of molecules are of strong interest for ultrafast spectroscopy and open avenues toward the possibility of analyzing and controlling the internal properties of quantum nanodevices with pump-push photocurrent spectroscopy.
Effect of time-delay and dissipative coupling on amplitude death in coupled thermoacoustic oscillators
Authors: Thomas Nevin , Mondal Sirshendu , Pawar Samadhan A. , Sujith R. I.
Published: March 2018

We here systematically investigate amplitude death (AD) phenomenon in a thermoacoustic system using a mathematical model of coupled prototypical thermoacoustic oscillators, the horizontal Rijke tubes. AD has recently been identified as a relatively simple phenomenon, which can be exploited to stop the unwanted high amplitude pressure oscillations resulting from the occurrence of thermoacoustic instability. We examine the effect of time-delay and dissipative couplings on a system of two Rijke tubes when they are symmetrically and asymmetrically coupled. The regions where appropriate combinations of delay time, detuning, and the strengths of time-delay and dissipative coupling lead to AD are identified. The relative ease of attaining AD when both the couplings are applied simultaneously is inferred from the model. In the presence of strong enough coupling, AD is observed even when the oscillators of dissimilar amplitudes are coupled, while a significant reduction in the amplitudes of both the oscillators is observed when the coupling strength is not enough to attain AD.
Compositional descriptor-based recommender system for the materials discovery
Authors: Seko Atsuto , Hayashi Hiroyuki , Tanaka Isao
Published: March 2018

Structures and properties of many inorganic compounds have been collected historically. However, it only covers a very small portion of possible inorganic crystals, which implies the presence of numerous currently unknown compounds. A powerful machine-learning strategy is mandatory to discover new inorganic compounds from all chemical combinations. Herein we propose a descriptor-based recommender-system approach to estimate the relevance of chemical compositions where crystals can be formed [i.e., chemically relevant compositions (CRCs)]. In addition to data-driven compositional similarity used in the literature, the use of compositional descriptors as a prior knowledge is helpful for the discovery of new compounds. We validate our recommender systems in two ways. First, one database is used to construct a model, while another is used for the validation. Second, we estimate the phase stability for compounds at expected CRCs using density functional theory calculations.
Precision saturated absorption spectroscopy of H3+
Authors: Guan Yu-Chan , Chang Yung-Hsiang , Liao Yi-Chieh , Peng Jin-Long , Wang Li-Bang , Shy Jow-Tsong
Published: March 2018

In our previous work on the Lamb-dips of the ν2 fundamental band transitions of H3+, the saturated absorption spectrum was obtained by third-derivative spectroscopy using frequency modulation with an optical parametric oscillator (OPO). However, frequency modulation also caused errors in the absolute frequency determination. To solve this problem, we built a tunable offset locking system to lock the pump frequency of the OPO to an iodine-stabilized Nd:YAG laser. With this improvement, we were able to scan the OPO idler frequency precisely and obtain the saturated absorption profile using intensity modulation. Furthermore, ion concentration modulation was employed to subtract the background noise and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. To determine the absolute frequency of the idler wave, the OPO signal frequency was locked to an optical frequency comb. The absolute frequency accuracy of our spectrometer was better than 7 kHz, demonstrated by measuring the wavelength standard transition of methane at 3.39 μm. Finally, we measured 16 transitions of H3+ and our results agree very well with other precision measurements. This work successfully resolved the discrepancies between our previous measurements and other precision measurements.
Path integral molecular dynamic simulation of flexible molecular systems in their ground state: Application to the water dimer
Authors: Schmidt Matthew , Roy Pierre-Nicholas
Published: March 2018

We extend the Langevin equation Path Integral Ground State (LePIGS), a ground state quantum molecular dynamics method, to simulate flexible molecular systems and calculate both energetic and structural properties. We test the approach with the H2O and D2O monomers and dimers. We systematically optimize all simulation parameters and use a unity trial wavefunction. We report ground state energies, dissociation energies, and structural properties using three different water models, two of which are empirically based, q-TIP4P/F and q-SPC/Fw, and one which is ab initio, MB-pol. We demonstrate that our energies calculated from LePIGS can be merged seamlessly with low temperature path integral molecular dynamics calculations and note the similarities between the two methods. We also benchmark our energies against previous diffusion Monte Carlo calculations using the same potentials and compare to experimental results. We further demonstrate that accurate vibrational energies of the H2O and D2O monomer can be calculated from imaginary time correlation functions generated from the LePIGS simulations using solely the unity trial wavefunction.
Note: Force- and torque-detection of high frequency electron spin resonance using a membrane-type surface-stress sensor
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Ishimura Kento , Okamoto Tsubasa , Ohmichi Eiji , Ohta Hitoshi
Published: March 2018

We developed a practical useful method for force- and torque-detected electron spin resonance (FDESR/TDESR) spectroscopy in the millimeter wave frequency region. This method uses a commercially available membrane-type surface-stress (MSS) sensor. The MSS is composed of a silicon membrane supported by four beams in which piezoresistive paths are integrated for detecting the deformation of the membrane. Although this device has a lower spin sensitivity than a microcantilever, it offers several distinct advantages, including mechanical strength, ease of use, and versatility. These advantages make this device suitable for practical applications that require FDESR/TDESR.
Enhanced betatron radiation by steering a laser-driven plasma wakefield with a tilted shock front
Authors: Yu Changhai , Liu Jiansheng , Wang Wentao , Li Wentao , Qi Rong , Zhang Zhijun , Qin Zhiyong , Liu Jiaqi , Fang Ming , Feng Ke , Wu Ying , Ke Lintong , Chen Yu , Wang Cheng , Xu Yi , Leng Yuxin , Xia Changquan , Li Ruxin , Xu Zhizhan
Published: March 2018

We have experimentally realized a scheme to enhance betatron radiation by manipulating transverse oscillation of electrons in a laser-driven plasma wakefield with a tilted shock front (TSF). Very brilliant betatron x-rays have been produced with significant enhancement both in photon yield and peak energy but almost maintain the e-beam energy spread and charge. Particle-in-cell simulations indicate that the accelerated electron beam (e beam) can acquire a very large transverse oscillation amplitude with an increase in more than 10-fold, after being steered into the deflected wakefield due to the refraction of the driving laser at the TSF. Spectral broadening of betatron radiation can be suppressed owing to the small variation in the peak energy of the low-energy-spread e beam in a plasma wiggler regime. It is demonstrated that the e-beam generation, refracting, and wiggling can act as a whole to realize the concurrence of monoenergetic e beams and bright x-rays in a compact laser-wakefield accelerator.
Reinforced dynamics for enhanced sampling in large atomic and molecular systems
Authors: Zhang Linfeng , Wang Han , E Weinan
Published: March 2018

A new approach for efficiently exploring the configuration space and computing the free energy of large atomic and molecular systems is proposed, motivated by an analogy with reinforcement learning. There are two major components in this new approach. Like metadynamics, it allows for an efficient exploration of the configuration space by adding an adaptively computed biasing potential to the original dynamics. Like deep reinforcement learning, this biasing potential is trained on the fly using deep neural networks, with data collected judiciously from the exploration and an uncertainty indicator from the neural network model playing the role of the reward function. Parameterization using neural networks makes it feasible to handle cases with a large set of collective variables. This has the potential advantage that selecting precisely the right set of collective variables has now become less critical for capturing the structural transformations of the system. The method is illustrated by studying the full-atom explicit solvent models of alanine dipeptide and tripeptide, as well as the system of a polyalanine-10 molecule with 20 collective variables.