bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenatal Exposure to Magnesium Sulfate and Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Extremely Preterm Neonates
Authors: Shalabi Mohamed , Mohamed Adel , Lemyre Brigitte , Aziz Khalid , Faucher Daniel , Shah Prakesh ,   for the Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators
Published: May 2017

Background There have been recent concerns regarding the higher rates of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in preterm infants that have been exposed to intrapartum magnesium sulfate (MgSO4).

Objective To assess the association between intrapartum MgSO4 exposure and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and/or SIP in extremely preterm neonates.

Design A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Infants born at < 28 weeks' gestation admitted to neonatal units in Canada between 2011 and 2014 were divided into two groups: those exposed antenatally to MgSO4 and those unexposed. Stratified analyses for infants born between 22 and 25 weeks' gestation and those born between 26 and 27 weeks' gestation were conducted. The primary outcome was intestinal injury, identified as either NEC or SIP. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results We compared 2,300 unexposed infants with 2,055 exposed infants. There was no difference in the odds of NEC (9.88% exposed vs. 9.59% unexposed; aOR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.75–1.14) or SIP (3.4% exposed vs. 3.39% unexposed; aOR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.75–1.48) between the two groups.

Conclusion Antenatal exposure to MgSO4 was not associated with NEC or SIP in extremely preterm infants.
Einführung der Gefäßversiegelung in einem Schilddrüsenzentrum: Risiken und wirtschaftlicher Nutzen
Authors: Coerper Stephan , Stengl Wolfgang
Published: May 2017

Hintergrund In dieser Arbeit wurde untersucht, ob das LigaSure Small Jaw™ zur effektiven Gefäßversiegelung trotz der zusätzlichen Materialkosten in der Schilddrüsenchirurgie kostendeckend und sicher einsetzbar ist.

Patienten und Methoden Es wurden die Ergebnisse von 224 Schilddrüsenoperationen eines einzigen Operateurs in 3 Zeitintervallen untersucht. Ausgewertet wurden lediglich Thyreoidektomien und fast totale beidseitige Resektionen (einschließlich Dunhill-OP). Einseitige und subtotale Resektionen (Rest > 2 ml) wurden nicht eingeschlossen. Rezidive, minimalinvasive Operationen (MIVAT), Sternotomien und Lymphknotenresektionen wurden ausgeschlossen. Während im 1. Intervall (1/2011 – 6/2011) bei 72 Operationen ausschließlich die Gefäßligatur zum Einsatz kam, erfolgte bei den Operationen in den beiden anderen Intervallen (II: 7/2012 – 12/2012: n = 81 und III: 1/2014 – 6/2014: n = 71) die Gefäßversiegelung mit dem LigaSure Small Jaw. Erhoben wurden Patientencharakteristika, das Resektatgewicht, die Schnitt-Naht-Zeiten und die Komplikationsraten (passagere/permanente Paresen, operationspflichtige Nachblutungen, postoperative Hypokalzämie mit Ca < 2,0 mmol/l). Unterschiede in den Gruppen wurden durch den t-Test und dem Wilcoxon-Rank-Test berechnet. Es werden Mittelwerte + SEM (Standardfehler) angegeben.

Ergebnisse Hinsichtlich des Resektatgewichts und der Operationsindikation (Basedow vs. Knotenstruma) fanden sich keine Unterschiede in den Gruppen, allerdings wurden im 1. Intervall signifikant weniger Thyreoidektomien durchgeführt (p = 0,009). Die Rate der postoperativen Komplikationen zeigte keine Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen (passagere Rekurrenspareserate in % I: 2,17; II: 1,92; III 1,44; Anteil der Hypokalzämien in % I: 20,8; II: 21,0; III 15,5). Durch die Anwendung der LigaSure Small Jaw erreichten wir bei den Thyreoidektomien im Vergleich zum 1. Intervall eine hochsignifikante Reduktion der Schnitt-Naht-Zeit (II: Δ 27,4 min; III: Δ 25,6 min; p = 0,0001). Dies fand sich auch bei den fast totalen beidseitigen Resektionen (II: Δ 24,3 min; III Δ 32,1 min; p = 0,0001). In der InEK-Kalkulation (Institut für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus) werden für die Thyreoidektomie insgesamt 1233 € Personalkosten im OP veranschlagt, eine Reduktion der OP-Zeit um 31 Minuten ergibt ein Einsparungspotenzial von 440 €.

Schlussfolgerung Die Anwendung des LigaSure Small Jaw stellt bei der Thyreoidektomie und den beidseitigen fast totalen Resektionen trotz erhöhter Materialkosten ein sicheres und wirtschaftliches Verfahren dar.
Assessment of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sander Carina , Voelter Hans-Ulrich , Schlake Hans-Peter , Eling Paul , Hildebrandt Helmut
Published: May 2017

One of the most frequent symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS) is fatigue. It has a major impact on quality of life as well as on professional activity. Even nowadays it is still unclear what constitutes an adequate assessment of the perceived fatigue.

The following overview will discuss different possibilities to assess fatigue with the help of questionnaires, clinical interviews or the objective measurement of cognitive performance. Furthermore, a structured guideline for the assessment of fatigue will be proposed. Clinical criteria for MS related fatigue include the main symptoms, their everyday relevance, the possible causal relation with the cause of disease (the underlying MS), as well as an exclusion of other possible somatic or psychological reasons. It is recommended to use the “Würzburger Erschöpfungs-Inventar bei Multipler Sklerose (WEIMUS)” (English: Würzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis) and especially the “Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions” (FSMC), as these questionnaires distinguish between motor and cognitive fatigue and due to the larger number of research studies using the FSMC. Moreover, the presence of depression, quality of sleep and daytime sleepiness should be assessed. In addition, general cognitive performance as well as performance during monotonous stimulation (vigilance) should be assessed. This may be relevant for the evaluation of a patient’s capacity to work, and for determining prognosis, as there are indications for a relation to relapse frequency, a change from a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) to an MS diagnosis with an increase of brain atrophy.

All in all, it can be said, that despite the growing convergence of diagnostic criteria, the available studies of the objective as well as the subjective assessment of fatigue are still not sufficient and further research is needed.
Cold polypectomy for duodenal adenomas: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Kasamatsu Shingo , Ishigami Hideaki , Taida Takashi , Okimoto Kenichiro , Nakagawa Tomoo , Katsuno Tatsuro , Arai Makoto
Published: May 2017

Background and study aims Endoscopic resection is effective in treating nonampullary duodenal adenomas but has a high incidence of complications. Cold polypectomy, including cold forceps polypectomy (CFP) and cold snare polypectomy (CSP), is safe and effective in treating colorectal polyps. However, its utility in sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas has not been investigated. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the safety and efficacy of cold polypectomy for sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas.

Patients and methods Between March 2015 and June 2016, patients who were endoscopically diagnosed with sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas up to 6 mm underwent cold polypectomy. Patients with pathologically confirmed adenomas underwent endoscopic biopsy 3 months after resection. The main outcomes of interest were incomplete resection and complications.

Results Overall, 39 lesions in 30 patients were removed via cold polypectomy (CFP, 9 lesions in 8 patients; CSP, 30 lesions in 22 patients). Seven of 9 (77.8 %) and 29 of 30 (96.7 %) lesions were removed en bloc via CFP and CSP, respectively. Pathologically, 34 of the 39 lesions (87.2 %) were confirmed as adenomas, and their mean size was 3.9 ± 1.2 mm (range 2 – 6 mm). Of the 34 adenomas, 20 (58.8 %) were R0 resection lesions, of which 3 of 9 (33.3 %) and 17 of 25 (68.0 %) had undergone CFP and CSP, respectively. No delayed bleeding or intraprocedural/delayed perforation was observed. All 30 patients with the 34 pathologically confirmed adenomas underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy 3 months after cold polypectomy, and no morphological or pathological recurrence was identified.

Conclusions In this small study, cold polypectomy appeared to be safe and effective in treating diminutive and small sporadic nonampullary duodenal adenomas.

(Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000016829)
Research of shot noise based on realistic nano-MOSFETs
Authors: Jia Xiaofei , He Liang
Published: May 2017

Experimental measurements and simulation results have shown that the dominant noise source of current noise changes from thermal noise to shot noise with scaling of MOSFET, and shot noise were suppressed by Fermi and Coulomb interactions. In this paper, Shot noise test system is established, and experimental results proved that shot noise were suppressed, and the expressions of shot noise in realistic nano-MOSFETs are derived with considering Fermi effect, Coulomb interaction and the combination of the both co-existence, respectively. On this basis, the variation of shot noise with voltage, temperature and source-drain doping were researched. The results we obtained are consistent with those from experiments and the theoretically explanation is given. At the same time, the shot noise test system is suitable for traditional nanoscale electronic components; the shot noise model is suitable for nanoscale MOSFET.
Depolarisation of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-based relaxors and the resultant double hysteresis loops
Authors: Huband S. , Thomas P. A.
Published: May 2017

The temperature-induced depolarisation of (100-x-y)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3-xBaTiO3-yK0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics has been investigated using polarisation-electric field (P-E) loops, current density-electric field loops, dielectric measurements, thermally stimulated depolarisation current measurements, and x-ray diffraction. The depolarisation temperature (Td) values were measured using the thermally stimulated depolarisation current on each furnace to allow the comparison of results between techniques. Td closely agreed with the values determined from the dielectric anomalies resulting from the ferroelectric to relaxor transition (TF-R). Td determined using pinching of P-E loops was 2–9 K higher, and as the maximum applied electric field was increased, the value of Td increased. The pinching of the loop was shown not to be from an antiferroelectric structure; pinching occurs as the induced ferroelectric phase becomes unstable and returns to its unpoled relaxor state. This is the tuning of the transition from the poled non-ergodic state to the ergodic relaxor state with the applied electric field. Above Td, the P-E loops return to a relaxor state before a reverse field is applied, giving the appearance of a classic antiferroelectric P-E loop.
The non-autonomous YdKN equation and generalized symmetries of Boll equations
Authors: Gubbiotti G. , Scimiterna C. , Levi D.
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study the integrability of a class of nonlinear non-autonomous quad graph equations compatible around the cube introduced by Boll in the framework of the generalized Adler, Bobenko, and Suris (ABS) classification. We show that all these equations possess three-point generalized symmetries which are subcases of either the Yamilov discretization of the Krichever–Novikov equation or of its non-autonomous extension. We also prove that all those symmetries are integrable as they pass the algebraic entropy test.
Perturbative density functional methods for cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Tortora Maxime M. C. , Doye Jonathan P. K.
Published: May 2017

We introduce a comprehensive numerical framework to generically infer the emergent macroscopic properties of uniaxial nematic and cholesteric phases from that of their microscopic constituent mesogens. This approach, based on the full numerical resolution of the Poniewierski-Stecki equations in the weak chirality limit, may expediently handle a wide range of particle models through the use of Monte Carlo sampling for all virial-type integrals. Its predictions in terms of equilibrium cholesteric structures are found to be in excellent agreement with previous full-functional descriptions, thereby demonstrating the quantitative validity of the perturbative treatment of chirality for pitch lengths as short as a few dozen particle diameters. Furthermore, the use of the full angle-dependent virial coefficients in the Onsager-Parsons-Lee formalism increases its numerical efficiency by several orders of magnitude over that of these previous methods. The comparison of our results with numerical simulations however reveals some shortcomings of the Parsons-Lee approximation for systems of strongly non-convex particles, notwithstanding the accurate inclusion of their full effective molecular volume. Further potential limitations of our theory in terms of phase symmetry assumptions are also examined, and prospective directions for future improvements are discussed.
Shear flow behaviors of rod-coil diblock copolymers in solution: A nonequilibrium dissipative particle dynamics simulation
Authors: Xu Pengxiang , Lin Jiaping , Wang Liquan , Zhang Liangshun
Published: May 2017

We employed the nonequilibrium dissipative particle dynamics method to study the shear flow behaviors of rod-coil diblock copolymers in solutions. The effects of copolymer concentrations and molecular architecture on the rheology are investigated. The simulated results show that the shear flow behaviors change from Newtonian to non-Newtonian when the morphologies transform from micelles to gels by increasing the copolymer concentrations. For the non-Newtonian systems, it was found that the curve of the viscosity versus shear rate is divided into three regions, that is, shear thinning region I, platform region II, and shear thinning region III. From the physical origin, the three-region behavior is governed by the distinct flow behaviors of the rod and coil blocks and their different time scale in response to the shear field. Additionally, by tuning the molecular architectures, the simulated results reveal that the slopes in region I and region III are influenced by the length of rod and coil blocks, respectively. The present research revealed the microscopic origin of the complex rheological properties of rod-coil diblock copolymers in solutions and could provide useful information for preparing functional materials based on block copolymers.
The least energy sign-changing solution for a nonlocal problem
Authors: Gu Guangze , Yu Yuanyang , Zhao Fukun
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we consider the following general nonlocal problem: −LKu=f(x,u) in Ω and u = 0 in ℝN∖Ω, where Ω⊂ℝN is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary ∂Ω and LK is an integrodifferential operator of fractional Laplacian type. Combining constraint variational method and quantitative deformation lemma, we verify that the problem possesses one least energy sign-changing solution u0. Moreover, the energy of u0 is strictly larger than the ground state energy.
Bond length-bond angle correlation in densified silica—Results from 17O NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Trease Nicole M. , Clark Ted M. , Grandinetti Philip J. , Stebbins Jonathan F. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: May 2017

Pressure induced correlated evolution of the distributions of the Si–O distance and Si–O–Si inter-tetrahedral bond angle in vitreous silica quenched from pressures of up to ∼14 GPa at ambient temperature is measured in unprecedented detail using two-dimensional dynamic-angle-spinning 17O nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that, in contrast to the conventional wisdom, vitreous silica undergoes irreversible structural changes even at pressures as low as ∼8 GPa. These structural changes at the short range involve a progressive reduction in the mean Si–O–Si angle and a broadening of the corresponding distribution, with increasing pressure. This bond angle reduction is accompanied by a concomitant monotonic increase in the mean Si–O distance. The mean values of the Si–O–Si angle and Si–O distance at various pressures closely follow the minimum in the corresponding potential energy surface calculated for the H6Si2O7 dimer molecule.
Comment on “Lie symmetries and group classification of a class of time fractional evolution systems” [J. Math. Phys. 56, 123504 (2015)]
Authors: Singla Komal , Gupta R. K.
Published: May 2017

In this article, the prolongation formulae proposed in Huang and Shen [J. Math. Phys. 56, 123504 (2015)] for the Lie symmetry analysis of time fractional systems of partial differential equations are proved incomplete and the required correct prolongation operators are suggested. With the help of some examples, the efficiency of the operators introduced in this study is illustrated.
Removal of anti-Stokes emission background in STED microscopy by FPGA-based synchronous detection
Authors: Castello M. , Tortarolo G. , Coto Hernández I. , Deguchi T. , Diaspro A. , Vicidomini G.
Published: May 2017

In stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, the role of the STED beam is to de-excite, via stimulated emission, the fluorophores that have been previously excited by the excitation beam. This condition, together with specific beam intensity distributions, allows obtaining true sub-diffraction spatial resolution images. However, if the STED beam has a non-negligible probability to excite the fluorophores, a strong fluorescent background signal (anti-Stokes emission) reduces the effective resolution. For STED scanning microscopy, different synchronous detection methods have been proposed to remove this anti-Stokes emission background and recover the resolution. However, every method works only for a specific STED microscopy implementation. Here we present a user-friendly synchronous detection method compatible with any STED scanning microscope. It exploits a data acquisition (DAQ) card based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is progressively used in STED microscopy. In essence, the FPGA-based DAQ card synchronizes the fluorescent signal registration, the beam deflection, and the excitation beam interruption, providing a fully automatic pixel-by-pixel synchronous detection method. We validate the proposed method in both continuous wave and pulsed STED microscope systems.
Penta- and tetracarbonyls of Ru, Os, and Hs: Electronic structure, bonding, and volatility
Authors: Pershina V. , Iliaš M.
Published: May 2017

Calculations of the electronic structures and properties of M(CO)5 and M(CO)4, where M = Ru, Os, and Hs, have been performed using a variety of relativistic methods such as density functional theory and Dirac-Coulomb correlated ones implemented in program packages such as ADF, DIRAC, and ReSpect. The obtained results show that trends in spectroscopic properties of the M(CO)5 species in group 8 follow the same pattern as that of other compounds of group 4 through group 8 elements. The calculated first M–CO bond dissociation energy (FBDE) of Hs(CO)5 turned out to be significantly weaker than that of Os(CO)5. This was obtained both at the scalar relativistic and spin-orbit levels of theory. The reason for that is the relativistic destabilization and the expansion of the 6d AOs, responsible for weaker σ-forth and π-back donations in the Hs compound. Thus, the FBDEs of M(CO)5 have a Λ-shape behavior in the row Ru–Os–Hs. The non-relativistic FBDEs steadily increase in this row. Using the results of the molecular calculations and a molecule-slab dispersion interaction model, the volatility of the group-8 carbonyls was estimated as adsorption enthalpies, ΔHads, on surfaces of quartz and Teflon used in gas-phase chromatography experiments. It was found that Hs(CO)5 should be almost as volatile as the homologs; however, its interaction strength with these surfaces should be somewhat larger than that of both Ru(CO)5 and Os(CO)5, while the M(CO)4 (M = Ru, Os, and Hs) molecules should be non-volatile. It will, therefore, be difficult to distinguish between group-8 M(CO)5 species by measurements of their volatility as ΔHads on inert surfaces with error bars of ∼4 kJ/mol.
Interfacial instabilities in two immiscible flows in an annular duct: Shear-thinning fluids surrounded with Newtonian fluids
Authors: Ding Zijing , Liu Rong , Liu Zhou
Published: May 2017

In this paper, the stability of two co-axial immiscible fluids flowing in an annular duct is investigated. The inner layer consists of a shear-thinning fluid, which is surrounded by a Newtonian liquid annulus in the outer layer. A constant pressure gradient is applied to drive the flow in the annular channel. Linear stability analysis is employed to investigate the shear-thinning effect on the Rayleigh-Plateau instability and the interface wave instability. Results show that the Rayleigh-Plateau mode can be enhanced and the topological structures of the marginal stability curve of the Rayleigh-Plateau mode can be significantly changed by the shear-thinning effect. When the shear-thinning effect is strong, a case study shows that the Rayleigh-Plateau instability can be slightly suppressed by the viscosity stratification in the inner layer. The shear-thinning effect has a dual influence on the interface wave instability. It can either enhance or suppress the interface wave instability, depending on the thickness ratio and viscosity ratio between the outer layer and the inner layer.
Improved performance of AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes with nano-patterned AlN/sapphire substrates
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Lee Jong Won , Jang Jeonghwan , Shin In-Su , Jin Lu , Park Jun Hyuk , Kim Jungsub , Lee Jinsub , Noh Hye-Seok , Kim Yong-Il , Park Youngsoo , Lee Gun-Do , Park Yongjo , Kim Jong Kyu , Yoon Euijoon
Published: May 2017

We demonstrated AlGaN-based deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) with periodic air-voids-incorporated nanoscale patterns enabled by nanosphere lithography and epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) on a 4-in. sapphire substrate. The nanoscale ELO improved the crystal quality of overgrown epitaxial layers at a relatively low growth temperature of 1050 °C and at small coalescence thickness less than 2 μm. The light output power of the DUV LED was enhanced significantly by 67% at an injection current of 20 mA. We attribute such a remarkable enhancement to the formation of embedded periodic air voids which cause simultaneous improvements in the crystal quality of epitaxial layers by ELO and light extraction efficiency enabled by breaking the predominant in-plane guided propagation of DUV photons.
Two-step photocurrent generation enhanced by miniband formation in InAs/GaAs quantum dot superlattice intermediate-band solar cells
Authors: Watanabe Sho , Asahi Shigeo , Kada Tomoyuki , Hirao Kazuki , Kaizu Toshiyuki , Harada Yukihiro , Kita Takashi
Published: May 2017

We studied the effects of miniband formation on the photocurrent generated by two-step intersubband absorption in an intermediate-band solar cell incorporating an InAs/GaAs quantum dot superlattice (QDSL). The two-step photocarrier generation increases with the electronic state coupling of InAs QDSLs in the intrinsic layer. Because carriers that are excited into the superlattice minibands spatially separate in an internal electric field, the electron–hole recombination rate for the photoexcited carriers decreases, and therefore, the electron lifetime increases. The long-lived electrons in the intermediate states of the QDSL miniband increase the intersubband absorption strength. We confirmed a systematic sensitive change in the two-step photocurrent generation depending on the miniband formation controlled by the temperature.
Recombination processes in passivated boron-implanted black silicon emitters
Authors: von Gastrow Guillaume , Ortega Pablo , Alcubilla Ramon , Husein Sebastian , Nietzold Tara , Bertoni Mariana , Savin Hele
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we study the recombination mechanisms in ion-implanted black silicon (bSi) emitters and discuss their advantages over diffused emitters. In the case of diffusion, the large bSi surface area increases emitter doping and consequently Auger recombination compared to a planar surface. The total doping dose is on the contrary independent of the surface area in implanted emitters, and as a result, we show that ion implantation allows control of emitter doping without compromise in the surface aspect ratio. The possibility to control surface doping via implantation anneal becomes highly advantageous in bSi emitters, where surface passivation becomes critical due to the increased surface area. We extract fundamental surface recombination velocities Sn through numerical simulations and obtain the lowest values at the highest anneal temperatures. With these conditions, an excellent emitter saturation current (J0e) is obtained in implanted bSi emitters, reaching 20 fA/cm2 ± 5 fA/cm2 at a sheet resistance of 170 Ω/sq. Finally, we identify the different regimes of recombination in planar and bSi emitters as a function of implantation anneal temperature. Based on experimental data and numerical simulations, we show that surface recombination can be reduced to a negligible contribution in implanted bSi emitters, which explains the low J0e obtained.
Fabrication and simulation of semi-transparent and flexible PMMA/ATO conductive nanocomposites obtained by compression molding at different temperatures and pressures
Authors: Jin Youngho , Gerhardt Rosario A.
Published: May 2017

This paper investigated the effect of temperature and pressure on the microstructure and electrical behavior of compression molded and mechanically blended polymer composites. Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and antimony tin oxide (ATO) were used as the matrix and conductive filler respectively and the composition was varied from 0 to 1.75 ATO vol %. Mixtures of the two precursor materials were compression molded at temperatures ranging from 150 to 190 °C and pressures ranging from 12 to 50 MPa. It was found that a segregated network microstructure was formed in all cases but that the distribution of the conductive ATO fillers varied as a function of the compression molding temperature and pressure used. The thickness of the specimens, determined by the amount of precursor materials and pressure used during compression molding, was also found to affect the resulting microstructure and concomitant properties. The electrical conductivity of these polymer matrix composites can be increased by up to 2 orders of magnitude by decreasing the processing temperature, while maintaining the processing pressure and the filler concentration constant. On the other hand, the flexibility of PMCs can be improved by increasing the processing temperature. For the compositions evaluated, the maximum electrical conductivity obtained was 5 x 10-3 S/m (about three orders of magnitude lower than the conductivity of the filler). Finite element simulations were used to model this microstructure-driven phase segregated percolation behavior. COMSOL Multiphysics® was used to calculate the electric potential and current density distribution in a 3D geometry. There was good agreement between the experimental and simulation results.
Modulation of persistent magnetoresistance by piezo-strain effect in manganite-based heterostructures
Authors: Li W. , Yan H. , Chai X. J. , Wang S. H. , Dong X. L. , Ren L. X. , Chen C. L. , Jin K. X.
Published: May 2017

Persistent magnetoresistance effects in the phase-separated Pr0.65(Ca0.25Sr0.75)0.35MnO3/SrTiO3 and Pr0.65(Ca0.25Sr0.75)0.35MnO3/0.7PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3–0.3PbTiO3 heterostructures under a low magnetic field are investigated. It is observed that the persistent magnetoresistance effects decrease with increasing temperatures and the values for the heterostructures on 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 and SrTiO3 substrates are about 86.6% and 33.2% at 40 K, respectively. More interestingly, the applied electric field on the 0.7PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3–0.3PbTiO3 substrate can suppress the persistent magnetoresistance effect, indicating that different energy landscapes can be dramatically modulated by the piezo-strain. These results are discussed in terms of the strain-induced competition in the ferromagnetic state and the charge-ordering phase by the energy scenario, which provide a promising approach for designing devices of electric-magnetic memories in all-oxide heterostructures.
Growth of Ga-doped ZnO films by thermal oxidation with gallium and their optical properties
Authors: Yang Qing , Zhang Xiaohong , Zhou Xiaohong , Liang Shuhua
Published: May 2017

Metal gallium was evaporated onto ZnS films by physical vapor deposition method and then the thermal oxidation in the air was subsequently performed for the growth of Ga-doped ZnO films. The microstructures, photoluminescence (PL) and optical absorption properties of the Ga-doped ZnO films prepared under different deposition and oxidation conditions were investigated. The results showed that certain Ga doping can decrease the defects level, improve the crystallinity of ZnO films, and it became more effective with the extension of oxidation time. As the oxidation time increased, the Ga-doped ZnO films became more compact and uniform, displaying higher crystallinity. In addition, the optical band gaps of the ZnO films increased, the PL intensity of the visible emission decreased, and the luminescent center of the visible emission changed. Among them, the 505 nm emission resulted from oxygen vacancy, while the 539 nm emission was associated with oxygen interstitial.
Process to establish 11 primary contact allied health pathways in a public health service
Authors: Stute Michelle , Moretto Nicole , Raymer Maree , Banks Merrilyn , Buttrum Peter , Sam Sonia , Bhagwat Marita , Comans Tracy
Published: May 2017

Objective Faced with longstanding and increasing demand for specialist out-patient appointments that was unable to be met through usual medical consultant led care, Metro North Hospital and Health Service in 2014–15 established 11 allied health primary contact out-patient models of care. Methods The models involved six different allied health professions and nine specialist out-patient departments. Results All the allied health models have been endorsed for continuation following demonstration of their contribution to managing demand on specialist out-patient services. Conclusion This paper describes key features of the allied health primary contact models of care and presents preliminary data including new case throughput, effect on wait times and enablers and challenges for clinic establishment. What is known about the topic? Allied health clinics have been demonstrated to result in high patient, referrer and consultant satisfaction, and are a cost-effective management strategy for wait list demand. In Queensland, physiotherapy-led orthopaedic clinics have been operating since 2005. What does this paper add? This paper describes the establishment of 11 allied health primary contact models of care in speciality out-patient areas including Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynaecology, Urology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, and involving speech pathologists, audiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists as primary contact practitioners. Observations of enablers for and challenges to implementation are presented as key lessons. What are the implications for practitioners? The new allied health primary contact models of care described in this paper should be considered by health service executives, allied health leaders and specialist out-patient departments as one strategy to address unacceptably long specialist wait lists.
Analysing the assembly of cenocrons in the Mexican transition zone through a time-sliced cladistic biogeographic analysis
Authors: Corral-Rosas Violeta , Morrone Juan J.
Published: May 2017

A transition zone shows the overlap between two or more regions and represents an event of biotic hybridisation, where different cenocrons assembled as a result of historical and ecological processes. The Mexican transition zone, the area where the Nearctic and Neotropical regions overlap, includes the following five biogeographical provinces: Sierra Madre Occidental, Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre del Sur, Transmexican Volcanic Belt and Chiapas Highlands. Within this transition zone, the following five cenocrons have already been recognised: Paleoamerican, Mexican Plateau, Mountain Mesoamerican, Nearctic and Typical Neotropical. We undertook three cladistic biogeographic analyses on the basis of 49 cladograms of terrestrial taxa, partitioning them into three time-slices, namely, Miocene (Mountain Mesoamerican cenocron), Pliocene (Mountain Mesoamerican plus Nearctic cenocrons) and Pleistocene (Mountain Mesoamerican, Nearctic and Typical Neotropical cenocrons). For the Miocene time-slice, we observed a close relationship of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt with the Neotropical region, whereas, for the Pliocene and Pleistocene time-slices, the closest relationship of the Transmexican Volcanic Belt was with the Nearctic region. We conclude that the Transmexican Volcanic Belt may have played a different role according to the cenocron analysed, and that the Mexican transition zone differs in its delimitation depending on the taxa analysed, strengthening the idea that it is a complex area.
Maturation arrest in early postnatal sensory receptors by deletion of the miR-183/96/182 cluster in mouse
Authors: Fan Jianguo , Jia Li , Li Yan , Ebrahim Seham , May-Simera Helen , Wood Alynda , Morell Robert J. , Liu Pinghu , Lei Jingqi , Kachar Bechara , Belluscio Leonardo , Qian Haohua , Li Tiansen , Li Wei , Wistow Graeme , Dong Lijin
Published: May 2017

Significance

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally. The evolutionarily conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster, consisting of three related miRNAs, is highly expressed in maturing sensory receptor cells. However, its role in the functional maturation of sensory receptors has not been adequately addressed due to the lack of appropriate in vivo models. We show that deletion of miR-183/96/182 in mice leads to severe deficits in vision, hearing, balance, and smell. These deficits arise from defects in the timing and completion of terminal differentiation in sensory receptor cells associated with dysregulation of networks of genes involved in key processes, such as chromatin remolding and ciliogenesis. Thus, the miR-183/96/182 cluster has an essential role for the maturation of sensory receptors.
Listener evaluations of new and Old Italian violins
Authors: Fritz Claudia , Curtin Joseph , Poitevineau Jacques , Tao Fan-Chia
Published: May 2017

Significance

Old Italian violins are widely believed to have playing qualities unobtainable in new violins, including the ability to project their sound more effectively in a hall. Because Old Italian instruments are now priced beyond the reach of the vast majority of players, it seems important to test the fundamental assumption of their tonal superiority. A recent study found that, under blind conditions, violin soloists generally prefer new violins and are unable to distinguish between new and old at better than chance levels. This paper extends the results to listeners in a hall. We find that they generally prefer new violins over Stradivaris, consider them better-projecting, and are no better than players at telling new and old apart.
Protein composition of the hepatitis A virus quasi-envelope
Authors: McKnight Kevin L. , Xie Ling , González-López Olga , Rivera-Serrano Efraín E. , Chen Xian , Lemon Stanley M.
Published: May 2017

Significance

The nonlytic cellular egress of picornaviruses in extracellular vesicles is likely to be important in disease pathogenesis, but the mechanism(s) underlying this process and the origins of the membranes surrounding virions exiting the cell are poorly understood. We describe a quantitative proteomics analysis of quasi-enveloped hepatitis A virus (eHAV) virions that shows capsids are selected as cargo for vesicular export via a highly specific process, and that infectious eHAV virions possess a host protein complement similar to that of exosomes with CD9 and DPP4 displayed on their surface. eHAV-associated proteins are highly enriched for endolysosomal components and lack markers of autophagy, suggesting an exosome-like mechanism of endosomal sorting complex required for transport-mediated eHAV biogenesis involving endosomal budding that is distinct from the autophagosome-mediated release proposed previously for enteroviruses.
Identifying the landscape drivers of agricultural insecticide use leveraging evidence from 100,000 fields
Authors: Larsen Ashley E. , Noack Frederik
Published: May 2017

Significance

Ecological theory predicts simplified agricultural landscapes composed of large-scale, homogeneous cropland will have increased pest problems due to fewer natural enemies and concentrated host plants, which will result in increased pesticide use and associated environmental degradation. Using detailed data from Kern County, California, for 100,000 field-year observations, we parse apart how different components of landscape simplification affect insecticide use. We find insecticide use decreases with increases in crop diversity and increases with field size, whereas the effect of cropland extent depends on the spatial scale. This refined spatial perspective provides unique understanding of how different components of landscape simplification influence insecticide use, and indicates that neither the traditionally conceived “simplified” nor “complex” agricultural landscape is most beneficial to pest control.
Hybridizing transgenic Bt cotton with non-Bt cotton counters resistance in pink bollworm
Authors: Wan Peng , Xu Dong , Cong Shengbo , Jiang Yuying , Huang Yunxin , Wang Jintao , Wu Huaiheng , Wang Ling , Wu Kongming , Carrière Yves , Mathias Andrea , Li Xianchun , Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: May 2017

Significance

Crops genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) kill some major pests and reduce use of insecticide sprays. However, evolution of pest resistance to Bt proteins decreases these benefits. We report a strategy for combating resistance by crossing transgenic Bt plants with conventional non-Bt plants and then sowing the second-generation seeds. This strategy yields a random mixture within fields of three-quarters of plants that produce Bt protein and one-quarter that does not. An 11-y field study in China shows this strategy countered resistance to Bt cotton of pink bollworm, one of the world’s most devastating pests. This outcome illustrates that non-Bt plants in a seed mixture can boost survival of susceptible insects and delay resistance.
A sociophonetic approach to variation in Japanese pitch realizations
Authors: Takano Shoji , Ota Ichiro
Published: May 2017

This paper explores the flattening of Japanese sentential pitch as a possible nationwide change in progress among younger generations. Comparative data collected by identical protocols are examined in terms of speakers’ age, gender, and native dialects (in the city of Sapporo and in a rural town in Hokkaido, and in the city of Kagoshima in Kyushu). The paper also stresses the significance of including different registers in prosodic analysis and addressing potential problems with standard practices in which read-aloud materials comprise the primary resource. Based on naturalistic speech production data (i.e., spontaneous speech from a picture story description), our results reveal that: (1) regardless of the accentual discrepancies in their native dialects, younger generations characteristically speak in phonetically flattened realizations of pitch accompanying consistent, steeper declination, and (2) an age-linked differentiation also exists in prosodic phrasing, which is closely linked to the flattening of sentential pitch.
Relative clauses in English-Mandarin bilingual children
Authors: Yan Jing , Matthews Stephen
Published: May 2017

The role of cross-linguistic influence in bilingual children’s development remains a matter of debate. Some researchers have proposed that simultaneous bilingual learners develop the linguistic systems of two languages in the same way as matched monolingual children do. Other researchers have argued that bilingual children show different developmental pathways. This study investigates cross-linguistic influence in the acquisition of relative clauses by English-Mandarin bilingual children in Singapore. The elicitation task included narration and interview tasks. Thirty-six primary school students aged 6 to 11 years completed the task in both English and Mandarin. The results reveal that the number of relative clauses increased with age in both languages. Participants had a preference for subject relatives over object relatives. The most frequent error type in Mandarin involves postnominal relative clauses, which have not been reported in monolingual children in the literature and thus can be treated as evidence of transfer from English. The findings of this study provide evidence for cross-linguistic influence in bilingual children’s speech.
Semantics and chunking in written and conversational discourses
Authors: Su Danjie
Published: May 2017

Although much has been written about the differences between written and conversational discourses, less work has been done on how these two discourse types differ in terms of chunking patterns. This study investigates the different meanings and chunking patterns two words have in Mandarin written and conversational discourses. To overcome the problem of comparability between written and conversational corpora, instead of using a single word, I use two near-synonymous Mandarin words,zhihouandyihou, both of which mean roughly ‘after’ or ‘later,’ and compare their meaning and chunking patterns in written and spoken corpora. The investigation regarding semantic distinctions revealed that in both writing and conversation,zhihoufavors past andyihoufavors future, and that in writing but not in conversationzhihouis more often used with immediate high transitivity actions and causal relations, whereasyihouis more often used with low transitivity states. Regarding chunking patterns, whereas conversation preserves different stages of chunking, written discourse mainly has the final clear-cut stage. This study demonstrates the importance of grounding grammatical investigations on discourse types and of the possible usefulness of using near-synonymous words or grammatical constructions as a way of getting round the problem of comparability.
The development of statistical literacy in applied linguistics graduate students
Authors: Gonulal Talip , Loewen Shawn , Plonsky Luke
Published: May 2017

Statistics play an important role in analyzing data in applied linguistics research. Given the increase over time in the field’s reliance on quantitative analysis (Brown, 2004;Gass, 2009), statistical literacy is critical for both producers and consumers of L2 research. Although there has been some investigation into statistical literacy among applied linguists, no research to date has examined how such literacy is obtained by masters and doctoral students in the field. The present study investigated the development of statistical literacy in a sample of such students taking semester-long discipline-specific quantitative research methods courses. Participants completed a pre-course and post-course survey. The results indicate that participants increased their knowledge of basic descriptive statistics and common inferential statistics to a great extent. Furthermore, participants reported that they felt more confident interpreting and using statistics. Based on these findings, recommendations for improving methodological practices and graduate training in our field are provided.
The demobilizing potential of interpersonal conflict in the Pacific
Authors: Dalisay Francis , Yamamoto Masahiro , Kushin Matthew J.
Published: May 2017

Using the case of Guam, the present study examines the politically demobilizing potential of conflict avoidance in the Pacific. An analysis of data from a probability-based mail survey of registered voters (N = 319) in Guam revealed that conflict avoidance is inversely associated with political participation, civic engagement, and attention to interpersonal sources of information on a political issue. An inverse relationship between conflict avoidance and attention to the Internet as a source of information on a political issue was also approaching statistical significance. However, conflict avoidance was not associated with neighborliness. Implications are discussed.
Unpacking cultural conceptualizations in Chinese English
Authors: Xu Zhichang , Sharifian Farzad
Published: May 2017

Considerable depth and breadth of research on Chinese English has been undertaken over the last three to four decades, contributing to the epistemological advancement of a number of academic disciplines, including world Englishes, Intercultural Communication, and Cultural Linguistics. Researching Chinese English involves engaging in ongoing theoretical developments in relevant disciplines that primarily focus on language and cultural studies, and the globalization and nativization of English in China. In this paper, we explore a Cultural Linguistics approach to researching Chinese English, and use cultural conceptualizations, including cultural schema, cultural category, and cultural metaphor, as the analytical framework with which to analyze a range of empirical linguistic data, including interviews, newspaper articles, textbooks, literary works by authors writing in Chinese English, and online media articles about China. We also draw out implications from researching Chinese cultural conceptualizations for intercultural communication involving Chinese speakers of English.
Investigating why Japanese students remain silent in Australian university classrooms
Authors: Sasaki Yusuke , Ortlieb Evan
Published: May 2017

While Australian academic contexts generally prioritize verbal participation, Japanese educational environments expect students to participate silently. This research project explored why Japanese students remain silent in Australian classrooms despite knowing the expectations of western universities. Contrary to prevailing conceptions of silence in classroom contexts, findings revealed that some participants’ silent in-class behavior does not necessarily suggest reluctance or inability. Rather, participants assumed that verbally contributing to the class would impede the teacher’s lecture and their peers’ learning. Additional findings indicated that while cultural, identity traits, and previous education in Japan may have shaped their silent in-class behavior, some participants acknowledged the need to participate verbally to satisfy their teachers and peers in Australian classrooms. Peripheral factors such as the size of classrooms and lack of genuine rapport between classmates also influenced their classroom behavior. The findings expand upon existing literature which shows that Japanese students’ silence in Australian classrooms is often juxtaposed with teacher and student expectations.
Protest and protect
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhou Liling , Han Shufang
Published: May 2017

A phenomenological study reveals Chinese mothers’ perception and interpretation of smartphone (tablet) in their everyday communications and interactions with their young children. In total, 23 in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Data of the current study indicated that Chinese mothers’ perception of smartphone (tablet) in their everyday lives’ communication and interaction with young children is both grounded and reflective of their parenting philosophy and family communication style. Data of the current study indicated that today’s Chinese mothers have a mixed feeling toward the role of smartphone and tablet plays in their parenting practices. According to those participants, the smartphone and tablet both help and hurt their communications and interactions with their children. There are both direct and indirect benefits of using smartphone for parenting. Similarly, the smartphone (tablet) also hurts Chinese mothers’ communications and interactions with their children directly and indirectly.