bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of physical activity and cognitive function and their potential correlation in convalescent patients of cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Kojima Maki , Nagano Akinori
Published: March 2019

Physical activity (PA) is known to influence cognitive function. However, the impact of PA on patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) has not yet been elucidated. PA and cognitive function have not been measured simultaneously over time, which makes it difficult to evaluate their relationship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change in the amount of PA recorded by ActiGraph GT3X-BT and six test scores of cognitive function, and the relationship between them in 15 patients with CVD (six women and nine men; 78.0 ± 11.6 years old). Results showed an increase in the amount of PA and scores of cognitive tests, and a significant decrease in the duration of sedentary behavior during the four months (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between PA Energy Expenditure (PAEE) and Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM) (r = 0.536, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between PAEE and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) (r = 0.271, p = 0.036). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and RCPM (r = −0.606, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between sedentary behavior and SDMT (r = −0.355, p = 0.005). There were significant correlations between Light PA (LPA) and RCPM (r = 0.603, p < 0.0001). There were significant correlations between LPA and SDMT (r = 0.362, p = 0.005).
Wolves lead and dogs follow, but they both cooperate with humans
Authors: Range Friederike , Marshall-Pescini Sarah , Kratz Corinna , Virányi Zsófia
Published: March 2019

Due to their convergent evolution, dogs have been suggested as a good model for the evolution of human social skills, such as tolerance and cooperativeness. However, recent studies have revealed that wolves (dogs’ closest undomesticated relatives) are more tolerant and cooperative with conspecifics than dogs. It is still possible, though, that selection during domestication enhanced cooperative inclinations specifically towards humans, predicting better cooperation with humans in dogs than in wolves. We tested this hypothesis by comparing similarly human-raised wolves and dogs when cooperating with a familiar human partner in a string-pulling task. Both dogs and wolves were highly successful with the human partner, highlighting that dog-human cooperation could have evolved based on wolves’ social skills. However, wolves and dogs differed in how they cooperated with their human partners with wolves being more likely to initiate movement leading the interaction with humans, whereas dogs were more likely to wait for the human to initiate action and then follow. Accordingly, we propose that during the course of domestication, after an initial reduction in fear of humans, dogs were selected for increased submissive inclinations (Deferential Behaviour Hypothesis) in order to minimize conflicts over resources, to ensure safe co-habitation and co-working in a way that humans lead and dogs follow.
Differential gene expression induced by Verteporfin in endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Bang Lisa Gahyun , Dasari Venkata Ramesh , Kim Dokyoon , Gogoi Radhika P.
Published: March 2019

Endometrial cancer (EMCA) is a clinically heterogeneous disease. Previously, we tested the efficacy of Verteporfin (VP) in EMCA cells and observed cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects. In this study, we analyzed RNA sequencing data to investigate the comprehensive transcriptomic landscape of VP treated Type 1 EMCA cell lines, including HEC-1-A and HEC-1-B. There were 549 genes with differential expression of two-fold or greater and P < 0.05 after false discovery rate correction for the HEC-1-B cell line. Positive regulation of TGFβ1 production, regulation of lipoprotein metabolic process, cell adhesion, endodermal cell differentiation, formation and development, and integrin mediated signaling pathway were among the significantly associated terms. A functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes after VP treatment revealed extracellular matrix organization Gene Ontology as the most significant. CDC23 and BUB1B, two genes crucially involved in mitotic checkpoint progression, were found to be the pair with the best association from STRING among differentially expressed genes in VP treated HEC-1-B cells. Our in vivo results indicate that subcutaneous tumors in mice were regressed after VP treatment by inhibiting cell cycle pathway proteins. The present study revealed multiple key genes of pathological significance in EMCA, thereby improving our understanding of molecular profiles of EMCA cells.
Three days of a eucaloric, low-carbohydrate/high-fat diet increases insulin clearance in healthy non-obese Japanese men
Authors: Suzuki Ruriko , Tamura Yoshifumi , Takeno Kageumi , Kakehi Saori , Funayama Takashi , Furukawa Yasuhiko , Kaga Hideyoshi , Sugimoto Daisuke , Kadowaki Satoshi , Someya Yuki , Kanazawa Akio , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka
Published: March 2019

Metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI) is thought to help maintain glucose homeostasis even in healthy subjects. However, the effect of a low carbohydrate/high fat (LCHF) diet on MCRI in healthy subject remains unclear. To investigate the effect of a 3-day eucaloric LCHF diet on MCRI in healthy subjects, we studied 42 healthy non-obese Japanese men. Each subject consumed a eucaloric LCHF diet for 3 days. Before and after the LCHF diet, intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) levels were measured using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and glucose infusion rate (GIR) and MCRI were evaluated with a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. The LCHF diet increased MCRI by 10% and decreased steady state serum insulin (SSSI) and GIR during glucose clamp by 10% and 6%, respectively. To further investigate the role of MCRI, we divided subjects into high-responder (HR) and low-responder (LR) groups based on the median %change in MCRI. The LCHF diet increased IMCL and decreased SSSI during glucose clamp in the HR group, while those were not altered in the LR group. Our results suggested that a 3-day eucaloric LCHF diet increases MCRI in healthy non-obese Japanese men. This change seemed to be beneficial in terms of maintaining euglycemia during low carbohydrate availability.
Improvement of dielectric performance of solid/gas composite insulation with YSZ/ZTA coatings
Authors: Sun Zhu , Fan Weiwei , Liu Zhiyuan , Bai Yu , Geng Yingsan , Wang Jianhua
Published: March 2019

N2 has been introduced to gas-insulated switchgears (GIS) as an environmentally friendly insulation medium for SF6 gas. Considering the low breakdown strength of N2, it’s essential to apply a dielectric coating on part of the electrode in GIS. In the current work, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) ceramics are tactfully applied as dielectric coating materials and successfully coated on the surface of rod electrode via high efficiency supersonic atmospheric plasma spraying method. It is demonstrated that both YSZ and ZTA have excellent thermal stability. In the measured frequency range 10−2–106 Hz, the dielectric constant (ε′) decreases with the increase in frequency. At measured temperatures (0–140 °C), ε′ increases from 15.45 to 16.31 for YSZ ceramic at 1 kHz, while it varies between 30.23 and 39.34 for ZTA ceramic. As compared to that of bare electrode, the 50% BDV (U50) of solid/gas composite insulation system is significantly improved when using YSZ and ZTA as coating materials. Furthermore, the U50 increases with the increase of coating thickness. For the electrode coated with ZTA ceramic (500 μm), the U50 value reaches to 86 kV, which is enhanced about 21.13% in comparison with that of bare electrode. With respect to YSZ ceramic coating (500 μm), a higher U50 value of 88 kV is obtained. This is mainly due to that YSZ has a lower permittivity, which can generate a more uniform electric field distribution between the rod and plane electrodes, bringing about a higher breakdown voltage.
Maintenance of MYC expression promotes de novo resistance to BET bromodomain inhibition in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Coleman Daniel J. , Gao Lina , Schwartzman Jacob , Korkola James E. , Sampson David , Derrick Daniel S. , Urrutia Joshua , Balter Ariel , Burchard Julja , King Carly J. , Chiotti Kami E. , Heiser Laura M. , Alumkal Joshi J.
Published: March 2019

The BET bromodomain protein BRD4 is a chromatin reader that regulates transcription, including in cancer. In prostate cancer, specifically, the anti-tumor activity of BET bromodomain inhibition has been principally linked to suppression of androgen receptor (AR) function. MYC is a well-described BRD4 target gene in multiple cancer types, and prior work demonstrates that MYC plays an important role in promoting prostate cancer cell survival. Importantly, several BET bromodomain clinical trials are ongoing, including in prostate cancer. However, there is limited information about pharmacodynamic markers of response or mediators of de novo resistance. Using a panel of prostate cancer cell lines, we demonstrated that MYC suppression—rather than AR suppression—is a key determinant of BET bromodomain inhibitor sensitivity. Importantly, we determined that BRD4 was dispensable for MYC expression in the most resistant cell lines and that MYC RNAi + BET bromodomain inhibition led to additive anti-tumor activity in the most resistant cell lines. Our findings demonstrate that MYC suppression is an important pharmacodynamic marker of BET bromodomain inhibitor response and suggest that targeting MYC may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome de novo BET bromodomain inhibitor resistance in prostate cancer.
Parameters of Bone and Cardiovascular Health Related to 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Status in Emirati Nationals attending Primary Care and Diabetes services: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Buckley Adam J. , Barakat Maha T. , Holick Michael F. , Lessan Nader
Published: March 2019

Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in people living in the Gulf states. We performed a retrospective analysis of data gathered at the first attendance of 82,396 Emirati nationals to outpatient diabetes, endocrinology and general primary care services at two centres in the United Arab Emirates during 2012–2016. Our aim was to explore associations between vitamin D status and markers of cardiovascular and bone health. In the study population, 67.1% of men and 73.5% of women had serum 25(OH)D of less than 50 nmol/L, with the lowest levels being found in young adults. Among Emirati adults with type 2 diabetes, serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L was associated with an increased risk of a coexisting adverse total cholesterol:HDL (TC:HDL) ratio (odds ratio 2.13 (1.60–2.84), p < 0.001). Correcting for age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c and statin therapy, an increase in 25(OH)D of 1 nmol/L was associated with a 0.01 unit reduction in TC:HDL in this population. In a subset of 1064 adult individuals, 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L was associated with a reduction in DEXA-measured z-score of −0.29 (−0.44 to −0.15, p < 0.001) at the femoral neck and of −0.25(−0.45 to −0.05, p = 0.015) at L1–4, corrected for body mass index, compared with individuals with 25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/L. Our findings raise concerns regarding lifetime burden of cardiovascular disease and bone health for young Emiratis with vitamin D deficiency.
Ligustrum lucidum W. T. Aiton (broad-leaf privet) demonstrates climatic niche shifts during global-scale invasion
Authors: Dreyer Jaqueline Beatriz Brixner , Higuchi Pedro , Silva Ana Carolina
Published: March 2019

Biological invasions are a major threat to global biodiversity.Ligustrum lucidum, native to temperate Asia, is one of the most invasive plant species in the world. Climate is an important ecological factor influencing species distribution. Therefore, we investigated the climatic niche ofL.lucidumin various regions of the world to determine whether it uses different climatic conditions in its invasive ranges than in its native range. The geographical coordinates of its occurrence were extracted from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and Southern African Plant Invaders Atlas databases. Climatic variables and altitude data were obtained from WorldClim. We evaluated niche overlap and performed niche similarity tests, and estimated niche shift parameters.L.lucidumoccurs mostly in warm temperate climates. Niche overlap between native and invaded areas was low. Niche similarity tests indicated that the species could expand its occurrence into regions with climates similar to and different from that of its native range. We concluded thatL.lucidumuses different realized climatic niches in its invasive ranges than in its native range. Warmer and wetter climatic conditions may not necessarily constrain this species from establishing populations outside of its native range.
Microwave treatment regulates the free volume of rice starch
Authors: Yan Bowen , Shen Huijie , Fan Daming , Tao Yuan , Wu Yejun , Wang Mingfu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2019

The aim of this work was to investigate the role of microwave parameters and moisture content on the free volume (FV) changes of rice starch by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy analysis (PALS) and to explore the potential relationship between the changes of FV and physicochemical properties of rice starch. Microwave heating and water molecules lead to the increasing of FV of starch. However, this result is largely influenced by the plasticization of water molecule. The anti-plasticization caused by water evaporation resulting in a decrease in the size and concentration of FV during microwave heating. Significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the thickness of amorphous region of microwave-heated rice starch was found by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and the glass transition temperature (Tg) and gelatinization temperature significantly increase (p < 0.05) after microwave heating. According to correlation analysis, the power intensity and heating time were correlated negatively with the lifetime of o-Ps. In addition, the changes of amorphous region and Tg of rice starch were strongly related to FV changes. These results provided a theoretical basis for further research on the directional regulation of FV and improvement the quality of starch-based food by using microwave treatment.
Two-dimensional photonic crystal with ring degeneracy and its topological protected edge states
Authors: He Mengjia , Zhang Li , Wang Huaping
Published: March 2019

We propose a two-dimensional photonic crystal that possesses a degenerate ring in the momentum space. The photonic crystal is composed of the parallel-plate metal filled with a periodically arranged square array of metallic cylinders. Opening an air gap breaks the z-inversion symmetry, leading to the modes coupling (bi-anisotropy response) of TE and TM waves. This induced electric-magneto coupling, a similar role of the spin-orbit interaction in the condensed matters, results in a complete topological band gap around the degenerate frequency. The bulk bands below the band gap take non-zero Z2 topological invariant characterized by the evolution of the Berry phase. As a consequence, the interface of two photonic crystals with opposite bi-anisotropy supports topological protected edge states that exhibit one-way propagation and are highly resistant to disorders. Our work might be very useful for the design of topological photonic crystals and may serve as a platform for studying pseudo-spin photonics.
Functional responses of Daphnia magna to zero-mean flow turbulence
Authors: Serra Teresa , Müller Mara F. , Colomer Jordi
Published: March 2019

Daphnia are important to understanding the biogeochemistry of aquatic ecosystems, mainly because of their ability to filter bacteria, algae and inorganic particles as well. Although there are many studies on the general effects that biotic and abiotic stressors, increased temperature and hypoxia, salinity, metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, etc., have on Daphnia populations, little is known about the impact elevated turbulence has. Here, we show that turbulence affects Daphnia magna survival, swimming behaviour and filtering capacity. Our data demonstrate that altering their habitat by induced mixing from turbulence, induces an increased filtering capacity of the Daphnia magna individuals, provided the level of background turbulence (defined by the dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy) is lower than ε = 0.04 cm2 s−3. The filtering capacity reduced exponentially with increasing ε, and at ε > 1 cm2 s−3 both mobility and filtration were suppressed and eventually led to the death of all the Daphnia magna individuals.
Direct Effects of Nicotine Exposure on Murine Calvaria and Calvarial Cells
Authors: Durham Emily , Howie R. Nicole , Warren Graham , LaRue Amanda , Cray James
Published: March 2019

Despite the link between adverse birth outcomes due to pre- and peri-natal nicotine exposure, research suggests 11% of US women continue to smoke or use alternative nicotine products throughout pregnancy. Maternal smoking has been linked to incidence of craniofacial anomalies. We hypothesized that pre-natal nicotine exposure may directly alter craniofacial development independent of the other effects of cigarette smoking. To test this hypothesis, we administered pregnant C57BL6 mice drinking water supplemented with 0, 50, 100 or 200 μg/ml nicotine throughout pregnancy. On postnatal day 15 pups were sacrificed and skulls underwent micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histological analyses. Specific nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, α3, α7, β2, β4 were identified within the calvarial growth sites (sutures) and centers (synchondroses). Exposing murine calvarial suture derived cells and isotype cells to relevant circulating nicotine levels alone and in combination with nicotinic receptor agonist and antagonists resulted in cell specific effects. Most notably, nicotine exposure increased proliferation in calvarial cells, an effect that was modified by receptor agonist and antagonist treatment. Currently it is unclear what component(s) of cigarette smoke is causative in birth defects, however these data indicate that nicotine alone is capable of disrupting growth and development of murine calvaria.
Targeted drug delivery via caveolae-associated protein PV1 improves lung fibrosis
Authors: Marchetti Gabriela M. , Burwell Timothy J. , Peterson Norman C. , Cann Jennifer A. , Hanna Richard N. , Li Qing , Ongstad Emily L. , Boyd Jonathan T. , Kennedy Maureen A. , Zhao Weiguang , Rickert Keith W. , Grimsby Joseph S. , Dall’Acqua William F. , Wu Herren , Tsui Ping , Borrok M. Jack , Gupta Ruchi
Published: March 2019

Systemic administration of bio-therapeutics can result in only a fraction of drug reaching targeted tissues, with the majority of drug being distributed to tissues irrelevant to the drug’s site of action. Targeted delivery to specific organs may allow for greater accumulation, better efficacy, and improved safety. We investigated how targeting plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PV1), a protein found in the endothelial caveolae of lungs and kidneys, can promote accumulation in these organs. Using ex vivo fluorescence imaging, we show that intravenously administered αPV1 antibodies localize to mouse lungs and kidneys. In a bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mouse model, αPV1 conjugated to Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a known anti-fibrotic agent, significantly reduced collagen content and fibrosis whereas a non-targeted PGE2 antibody conjugate failed to slow fibrosis progression. Our results demonstrate that PV1 targeting can be utilized to deliver therapeutics to lungs and this approach is potentially applicable for various lung diseases.
Biodistribution and toxicological evaluation of micron- and nano-sized erythrocyte-derived optical particles in healthy Swiss Webster mice
Authors: Vankayala Raviraj , Mac Jenny T. , Burns Joshua M. , Dunn Eugene , Carroll Stefanie , Bahena Edver M. , Patel Dipti K. , Griffey Stephen , Anvari Bahman
Published: March 2019

Particle-based systems provide a capability for the delivery of imaging and/or therapeutic payloads.
Adsorption and migration of alkali metals (Li, Na, and K) on pristine and defective graphene surfaces
Authors: Olsson Emilia , Chai Guoliang , Dove Martin , Cai Qiong
Published: March 2019

Identification of defects proved to be beneficial for metal storage and adsorption on graphene, but are detrimental to metal migration, hence affecting the battery performance.
Precisely controlled preparation of an advanced Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode material for sodium ion batteries: the optimization of electrochemical properties and electrode kinetics
Authors: Gu Zhen-Yi , Guo Jin-Zhi , Yang Yang , Yu Hai-Yue , Xi Xiao-Tong , Zhao Xin-Xin , Guan Hong-Yu , He Xiaoyan , Wu Xing-Long
Published: March 2019

Electrochemical properties of the Na3V2(PO4)2O2F cathode for sodium-ion batteries are optimized by precisely controlling the preparation parameters.
Boosting the performance of sky-blue fluorescent OLEDs based on DPA-containing electron-transporting materials with a “V-shaped layout of triplet energy levels”
Authors: Ye Shaofeng , Guo Runda , Xiang Songpo , Zhang Qing , Lv Xialei , Liu Wei , Fan Lianwei , Leng Panpan , Sun Shuaiqiang , Wang Lei
Published: March 2019

High-performance blue OLEDs were obtained based on ETMs with a “V-shaped layout of ETs” strategy.
An efficient Nozaki–Hiyama allenylation promoted by the acid derived MIL-101 MOF
Authors: Luan Yi , Cai Zonghui , Li Xiujuan , Ramella Daniele , Miao Zongcheng , Wang Wenyu
Published: March 2019

A concise synthesis of the sulfonic acid-containing MIL-101 MOF catalyst was reported using commercially available materials.
Deposition and application of a Mo–N back contact diffusion barrier yielding a 12.0% efficiency solution-processed CIGS solar cell using an amine–thiol solvent system
Authors: Uličná Soňa , Arnou Panagiota , Abbas Ali , Togay Mustafa , Welch Liam M. , Bliss Martin , Malkov Andrei V. , Walls John M. , Bowers Jake W.
Published: March 2019

The use of a Mo–N barrier for solution-processed CIGS results in reduced MoSe2 formation. This enabled longer selenization time, enhanced grain growth and performance.
Small-angle neutron scattering studies of pore filling in carbon electrodes: mechanisms limiting lithium–air battery capacity
Authors: Zakharchenko Tatiana K. , Avdeev Mikhail V. , Sergeev Artem V. , Chertovich Alexander V. , Ivankov Oleksandr I. , Petrenko Viktor I. , Shao-Horn Yang , Yashina Lada V. , Itkis Daniil M.
Published: March 2019

Mechanisms limiting the capacity of lithium–air batteries are accessed by small-angle neutron scattering of electrodes discharged in DMSO and acetonitrile electrolytes.
Non-invasive isolation of rare circulating tumor cells with a DNA mimic of double-sided tape using multimeric aptamers
Authors: Chen Yongli , Wang Wei , Tyagi Deependra , Carrier Andrew J. , Cui Shufen , He Shengnan , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2019

An efficient, selective, and non-invasive double-sided tape (DST) DNA device was developed to isolate rare circulating tumor cells from whole blood.
Low-dimensional formamidinium lead perovskite architectures via controllable solvent intercalation
Authors: Shin Mingue , Kim Joonyun , Jung Young-Kwang , Ruoko Tero-petri , Priimagi Arri , Walsh Aron , Shin Byungha
Published: March 2019

We report the formation of a new class of solvent-intercalated two-dimensional (SI-2D) formamidinium lead halide perovskites.
Active whispering-gallery-mode optical microcavity based on self-assembled organic microspheres
Authors: Tao Yi Chen , Wang Xue Dong , Liao Liang Sheng
Published: March 2019

The self-assembled organic microspheres of (E)-3-(4-(dip-tolylamino)phenyl)-1-(4-fluoro-2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DTPHP) function as active whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators with high group refractive index.
Using Measurement Invariance to Study Social Withdrawal in Children With Developmental Language Disorders
Authors: Fujiki Martin , Brinton Bonnie , Hart Craig H. , Olsen Joseph , Coombs Maille
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Teacher ratings were used to compare children with developmental language disorders (DLD) and their typically developing peers on 2 subtypes of social withdrawal (shyness and unsociability). Measurement invariance analysis was utilized to determine if teachers rated the 2 groups using the same underlying construct for each of the rating scale items that have been designed to assess withdrawn behavior.

Method

The Teacher Behavior Rating Scale (TBRS;C. H. Hart & Robinson, 1996) was administered to the teachers of 173 children with DLD and 182 typically developing children (age range: 5;0–12;11 years;months) to compare 2 subtypes of withdrawal, shyness and unsociability. Measurement invariance analysis was used to establish an appropriate basis for comparing the latent group means and other structural parameters, and partial invariance models were used to compare the groups.

Results

For the TBRS, shyness and unsociability were measured by 4 and 5 items, respectively. The measurement invariance analysis indicated that classroom teachers approached 1 item on each of these scales using a different underlying construct when rating the 2 groups of children. Taking this into account, the groups were compared. Teachers rated children with DLD as significantly more withdrawn on both shyness and unsociability in comparison with typically developing children. Age and gender were not significant factors.

Conclusions

When conducting assessments, it should not be assumed that teachers or other raters approach even commonly used rating scale items using the same underlying perception for typically developing children and children with disorders. However, the analysis of invariant items on the TBRS reconfirmed that children with DLD are at risk for social withdrawal as operationalized by assessments of both shyness and unsociability.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7789472
Mode selection schemes for D2D enabled unmanned aerial vehicle‐based wireless networks
Authors: Omri Aymen , Hasna Mazen O. , Shakir Muhammad Zeeshan , Shaqfeh Mohammed
Published: March 2019

In this study, the authors present and evaluate the performance of two mode selection schemes for device‐to‐device (D2D) enabled unmanned aerial vehicle‐based wireless networks. The proposed schemes are based on a threshold received signal strength and an average threshold D2D distance to select the D2D mode. The focus of the two schemes is either to enhance the quality of the signal or the connectivity in case of emergency situations. To evaluate the performances of the schemes, they derive the corresponding expressions of the probability of using D2D mode and ergodic capacity. Numerical results show the advantage of the presented schemes in off‐loading traffic from aerial platforms and shed lights on the effect of the environment on the performance of D2D enabled aerial networks.
Simultaneous packet transmission (SPT) using multiple streams
Authors: Bo Yu , Fonseka John P.
Published: March 2019

A simultaneous packet transmission (SPT) technique is proposed to increase the throughput of a communication system. A SPT scheme employs multiple levels and employs multiple streams at each level above the first level. Every stream of the SPT has its assigned partition on the overall constellation. Symbols of an N‐level SPT are formed by taking , bits from a selected stream of every level. The SPT scheme can employ higher code rates on streams at higher levels to increase the system throughput. Numerical results show that the SPT offers 15–30% throughput enhancement in turbo‐coded LTE systems.
Effective electrical parameters evaluation for non‐dispersive metamaterials with highly interaction fields
Authors: Firestein Chen , Shavit Reuven
Published: March 2019

Here, the authors apply Lorenz–Lorentz and Maxwell Garnett homogenisation theory in order to extract the effective constitutive parameters of a metamaterial. The authors demonstrate the significance of extracting the polarisability coefficients of a metamaterial taking in consideration the interaction fields of a unit cell neighbours in an infinite periodic structure. The validation process is done using full wave analysis by comparing reflection and transmission coefficients of the periodic structure to the results from a bulk characterised by the extracted electrical effective parameters. The presented method helped us to evaluate the effective parameters of non‐dispersive metamaterials with highly interaction fields. In addition, several new geometries of metamaterials that are characterised by unique non‐dispersive diagonal and are presented.
Theory and design of phase‐inverted balanced coupled‐line DC‐blocker
Authors: Abdolhamidi Mostafa , Moahammad‐Taheri Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

A planar DC‐blocker suitable for differential mode signalling applications is designed and fabricated. The theory of this component is explained in a new form which utilises the wave scattering transfer matrix. The proposed interpretation of the transfer matrix is most suitable for series (cascade) elements like DC‐blockers. In addition to the theoretical enhancement, design of a compressed balanced DC‐blocker inserted through a shielded broadside coupled stripline (SBCSL) transmission line (TL) is presented. The return loss of better than 10 dB is obtained at 50‐ohm differential‐mode input ports of the fabricated DC‐blocker in the entire frequency range of 5.6–8.4 GHz. The other achievement of this paper is design and fabrication of a wideband substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW)‐mediated balun structure for single‐ended measurement of a balanced SBCSL component. The fabricated balun exhibits a nearly perfect coaxial‐mode to coupled‐stripline differential‐mode conversion in the full range of 5–9 GHz. The presented balun is successfully utilised to derive the scattering parameters (S‐parameters) of the fabricated balanced SBCSL DC‐blocker.
Intrinsic and observed dual AGN fractions from major mergers
Authors: Solanes J. M. , Perea J. D. , Valentí–Rojas G. , del Olmo A. , Márquez I. , Ramos Almeida C. , Tous J. L.
Published: March 2019

A suite of 432 collisionless simulations of bound pairs of spiral galaxies with mass ratios 1:1 and 3:1, and global properties consistent with the ΛCDM paradigm, is used to test the conjecture that major mergers fuel the dual AGN (DAGN) of the local volume. Our analysis was based on the premise that the essential aspects of this scenario can be captured by replacing the physics of the central black holes with restrictions on their relative separation in phase space. We introduce several estimates of the DAGN fraction and infer predictions for the activity levels and resolution limits usually involved in surveys of these systems, assessing their dependence on the parameters controlling the length of both mergers and nuclear activity. Given a set of constraints, we find that the values adopted for some of the latter factors often condition the outcomes from individual experiments. Still, the results do not, in general, reveal very tight correlations, the clearest effect being the tendency of the frequencies normalized to the merger time to anticorrelate with the orbital circularity. In agreement with other theoretical studies, our simulations predict intrinsic DAGN abundances that range from ∼ a few to 15% depending on the maximum level of nuclear activity achieved, the higher the bolometric luminosity, the lower the fraction. At the same time, we show that these probabilities are reduced by about an order of magnitude when they are filtered with the typical constraints applied by observational studies of the DAGN fraction at low redshift. Seen as a whole, our results prove that consideration of the most common limitations involved in the detection of close active pairs at optical wavelengths is sufficient alone to reconcile the intrinsic frequencies envisaged in a hierarchical universe with the small fractions of double-peaked narrow-line systems which are often reported at kpc-scales.
Versorgungscharakteristika und Ergebnisqualität in der
Spezialisierten Ambulanten Palliativversorgung (SAPV): Analyse und Verlauf von
Patienten- und Versorgungsdaten am Beispiel eines SAPV-Teams
Authors: Dengler Robert , Kirchgessner Colina , Albrecht Elisabeth , Rockmann Katharina , Cassens Manfred
Published: March 2019

Hintergrund Die spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV)
soll Patienten mit aufwändiger Versorgung am Lebensende ein
professionell begleitetes Sterben in vertrauter Umgebung
ermöglichen. Untersuchungen zur Veränderungen von
Patientencharakteristika oder Betreuungsinhalte im Zeitverlauf liegen bisher
kaum vor. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, Versorgungsparameter und
Änderungen zu evaluieren sowie eine qualitative Erfassung des
Sterbeprozesses und der Belastung der Angehörigen vorzustellen.

Methode Es wurden anonymisierte Routinedatensätze von
Patienten der Zeiträume 2012–2016 retrospektiv analysiert
sowie die Daten aus 2012 mit denen von 2016 verglichen, um den Aufwand,
Versorgungsmerkmale sowie Entwicklungen der Arbeit im Zeitverlauf beurteilen
zu können. Analog zum bei Aufnahme erfassten „palliative
care problem severity score“ (PCPSS) wurde ein Instrument
(„Sorgepunkte“) zur Beschreibung der Qualität des
Sterbeprozesses sowie der Belastung der Angehörigen entwickelt.

Ergebnisse Im gesamten Beobachtungszeitraum wurden 1806 Fälle
betreut. Das mittlere Alter betrug 74 Jahre. 82% hatten eine
Tumordiagnose. Bei 36% fand ein Beratungsbesuch statt, 14%
wurden als Koordination, 50% in Teilversorgung betreut. 98%
der Patienten konnten am Wunschort versterben. Der Vergleich von 2012 zu
2016 zeigt: Die Patienten des Jahres 2016 sind im Vergleich zu 2012
älter, haben zunehmend nicht-onkologische Diagnosen, sind
kränker zu Betreuungsbeginn, werden seltener ins Krankenhaus
eingewiesen, werden intensiver betreut (steigende Besuchsdichte). Der
Sterbeprozess gelingt ruhiger.

Schlussfolgerung Versorgungsrelevante Daten dokumentieren die
Veränderungen in der Komplexität sowie Verdichtung der
Arbeit im Zeitverlauf. Die zur Beschreibung des Sterbeprozesses entwickelten
Sorgepunkte können als Instrument für die
Ergebnisqualität der Patienten- und Angehörigenbetreuung
auch für andere SAPV-Teams hilfreich sein.
Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Adults Without a History of Nephrolithiasis or Fractures: A Prospective Study
Authors: Rosário Pedro , Calsolari Maria
Published: March 2019

The prevalence and the diagnostic criterion of “normocalcemic” primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT) are still uncertain and there is no consensual definition. This prospective study evaluated the prevalence of NPHPT in 676 adults without a history of fractures or nephrolithiasis and who would be submitted to thyroidectomy, the impact of adopting different cut-off values for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and the agreement between biochemical diagnosis and the surgical finding of altered parathyroid glands. NPHPT was diagnosed in patients with normal total and ionized calcium and elevated PTH (in 2 measurements) and without a known cause of secondary HPT, including eGFR<40 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D<20 ng/dl. The 4 parathyroid glands were fully explored in these patients. Forty-six patients (6.8%) had a laboratory diagnosis of NPHPT. Altered parathyroid glands were detected in only 4 patients, corresponding to 0.6% of all patients and to 8.7% of those with a biochemical diagnosis of NPHPT. The latter was confirmed in 0/174 men, 1/252 premenopausal women, and 3/250 postmenopausal women. Among the 42 patients with elevated PTH and without altered parathyroid glands, 25 had 25-hydroxyvitamin D between 20 and 30 ng/dl, 7 had eGFR between 40 and 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and 9 had both. The prevalence of NPHPT was 0.74% in this adult population without a history of nephrolithiasis or fractures. The diagnostic criterion using eGFR>60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D>30 ng/dl was more appropriate considering the agreement with the surgical finding of altered parathyroid glands.
The ambiguous influences of fire safety on people with mental health problems in supported housing
Authors: Friesinger Jan Georg , Topor Alain , Bøe Tore Dag , Larsen Inger Beate
Published: March 2019

Over the last few decades, various housing types for people with mental health problems have been developed for use in the community. These housing types differ in their objectives, staff support and design. In this study, we focus on how fire safety influences the lives of tenants in supported housing. The qualitative study was designed with a multi-sited ethnography approach. Fieldwork was conducted in seven different Norwegian supported housing settings in 2017 with 105 participants (29 tenants, 70 staff, five managers, and one planner). The empirical data consist of field notes, recorded interviews and pictures, which were analyzed with grounded theory and situational analysis. The analysis reconstructed how fire safety was organized and tenants’ experiences of it. These experiences could be positive (such as feeling protected) or negative (such as feeling annoyed or under surveillance). The tenants coped differently with these situations, and fire safety sets boundaries for tenants. Overall, fire safety was organized differently in the supported housing settings we looked at comparison to in most of the common housing units in Norway. The influences of fire safety on daily life can be understood as ambiguous and can be interpreted as a normalizing factor in a risk society. Thus, we emphasize the need for appropriate and well-considered fire safety as a public health intervention in supported housing.
The dos and don’ts of influencing policy: a systematic review of advice to academics
Authors: Oliver Kathryn , Cairney Paul
Published: March 2019

Many academics have strong incentives to influence policymaking, but may not know where to start. We searched systematically for, and synthesised, the ‘how to’ advice in the academic peer-reviewed and grey literatures. We condense this advice into eight main recommendations: (1) Do high quality research; (2) make your research relevant and readable; (3) understand policy processes; (4) be accessible to policymakers: engage routinely, flexible, and humbly; (5) decide if you want to be an issue advocate or honest broker; (6) build relationships (and ground rules) with policymakers; (7) be ‘entrepreneurial’ or find someone who is; and (8) reflect continuously: should you engage, do you want to, and is it working? This advice seems like common sense. However, it masks major inconsistencies, regarding different beliefs about the nature of the problem to be solved when using this advice. Furthermore, if not accompanied by critical analysis and insights from the peer-reviewed literature, it could provide misleading guidance for people new to this field.
Fundamental insights to topological quantum materials: A real-space view of 13 cases by supersymmetry of valence bonds approach
Authors: Chou Fang-Cheng
Published: March 2019

We present a real-space view of one-dimensional (1D) to three-dimensional (3D) topological materials with 13 representative samples selected from each class, including 1D trans-polyacetylene, two-dimensional (2D) graphene, and 3D topological insulators, Dirac semimetals, Weyl semimetals, and nodal-line semimetals. This review is not intended to present a complete up-to-date list of publications on topological materials, nor to provide a progress report on the theoretical concepts and experimental advances, but rather to focus on an analysis based on the valence-bond model to help the readers gain a more balanced view of the real-space bonding electron characteristics at the molecular level versus the reciprocal-space band picture of topological materials. Starting from a brief review of low-dimensional magnetism with “toy models” for a 1D Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain, 1D trans-polyacetylene and 2D graphene are found to have similar conjugated π-bond systems, and the Dirac cone is correlated with their unconventional 1D and 2D conduction mechanisms. Strain-driven and symmetry-protected topological insulators are introduced from the perspective of material preparation and valence-electron sharing in the valence-bond model analysis. The valence-bond models for the newly developed Dirac semimetals, Weyl semimetals, and nodal line semimetals are examined with more emphasis on the bond length and electron sharing, which is found to be consistent with the band picture. The real-space valence-bond analysis of topological materials with a conjugated π-bond system suggests that these topological materials must be classified with concepts borrowed from group theory and topology, so that a supersymmetry may absorb the fluctuating broken symmetry. Restoration of a thermodynamic system with higher entropy (i.e., the lower Gibbs free energy) is more appropriate to describe such topological materials instead of the traditional material classification with the lowest enthalpy for the presumed rigid crystal structure.
Tetragonal Mn3Sn Heusler films with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy deposited on metallic MnN underlayers using amorphous substrates
Authors: Ferrante Yari , Jeong Jaewoo , Saha Rana , Faleev Sergey V. , Samant Mahesh G. , Topuria Teya , Deniz Hakan , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: March 2019

Tetragonal Heusler compounds that exhibit large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are promising materials for advanced spintronic devices. A prerequisite are thin films whose tetragonal axis is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the films. Here we show that highly textured, (001) oriented, tetragonal Mn3Sn layers can be prepared using metallic zinc-blende (ZB) MnN as underlayers. Moreover, we show that these layers can be deposited on amorphous substrates using reactive magnetron sputtering. The ferrimagnetic Mn3Sn layers exhibit perpendicularly magnetized hysteresis loops with coercive fields of ∼2 T. Stoichiometric ZB-MnN underlayers share an “equivalent” Mn-Mn layer at the interface with Mn3Sn, thus promoting their oriented growth. Other nitride underlayers are not effective due to their rock-salt (RS) crystal structure and the absence of Mn. Density functional theory calculations confirm that tetragonal Mn3Sn Heusler films are energetically stable when interfaced with ZB-MnN underlayers and not with any of the other RS nitride underlayers considered here. Such Heusler compounds have much promise as electrodes for magnetic tunnel junction memory elements for deeply scaled magnetic random access memories.
Linear analysis of non-local physics in homogeneous turbulent flows
Authors: Mishra Aashwin Ananda , Girimaji Sharath
Published: March 2019

Characterization of non-local physical mechanisms is one of the important challenges toward deeper understanding of turbulent flows. In this investigation, we study the role of pressure in the evolution of three-dimensional incompressible homogeneous turbulent flows. We find that the evolution of turbulence, the nature of inertial physics, and pressure action are dependent on the mean flow invariants. We identify and explain the intercomponent energy transfer induced by the rapid pressure strain correlation for different regimes of flow. Additionally, the structuring effect of pressure on turbulent fluctuations of different alignments is determined and explicated. We exhibit that in regimes of flow where the action of the pressure strain correlation is significant, there is a switching of the flow evolution between diametric stages of evolution. This phenomenon is explained, and its lack of amenability to single-point turbulence modeling is detailed.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in single-crystal-like semiconducting flexible GaAs films
Authors: Singh S. , Dutta P. , Rathi M. , Yao Y. , Gao Y. , Sun S. , Khatiwada D. , Selvamanickam V. , Mavrokefalos A.
Published: March 2019

With the advancement of nano-technology and push toward flexible electronics, the opportunity to generate electricity using solid-state devices has ushered tremendous research interest in improving the thermoelectric (TE) properties of flexible semiconducting materials. The majority of research done so far was focused on finding suitable doping schemes for all-organic flexible substrates or mixing organic and inorganic components to obtain flexible substrates with an optimized thermoelectric performance. Unfortunately, their performance is limited by their low power factor (PF) values and often suffers from degradation issues due to the organic component that limits them to low temperature applications. Here, through coupled microstructural and thermoelectric analysis, we show how to overcome these limitations by introducing a new inorganic GaAs flexible substrate with enhanced TE performance. We show that these flexible thin films are single-crystal-like biaxially textured with low angle grain boundary misalignment; and charge transport is dominated by multi- valley electron conduction. This results in a PF ∼1300 µW/mK2, the highest value for non-toxic inorganic flexible thin films and an estimated 3-fold enhancement in the figure of merit compared with bulk GaAs. We present the temperature-dependent experimental PF, mobility, and carrier concentration data coupled with the theoretical models to elucidate the charge transport characteristics of this new class of films. Moreover, these unique charge transport characteristics are material growth dependent, and thus, such novel thermoelectric properties are expected in different material systems.
Environmental control programs the emergence of distinct functional ensembles from unconstrained chemical reactions
Authors: Surman Andrew J. , Rodriguez-Garcia Marc , Abul-Haija Yousef M. , Cooper Geoffrey J. T. , Gromski Piotr S. , Turk-MacLeod Rebecca , Mullin Margaret , Mathis Cole , Walker Sara I. , Cronin Leroy
Published: March 2019

Significance

We show that materials with different structure and function can emerge from the same starting materials under different environmental conditions, such as order of reactant addition or inclusion of minerals. The discoveries we report were made possible by using analytical tools more common in omics/systems biology for functional and structural characterization, retasked for exploring and manipulating complex reaction networks. We not only demonstrate that environments can differentiate fixed sets of starting materials (both mixtures of pure amino acids and the classic Miller–Urey “prebiotic soup” model), but that this has functional consequences. It has been often said that biology is “chemistry with history” and this work shows how this process can start.
Oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide inotocin regulates cuticular hydrocarbon synthesis and water balancing in ants
Authors: Koto Akiko , Motoyama Naoto , Tahara Hiroki , McGregor Sean , Moriyama Minoru , Okabe Takayoshi , Miura Masayuki , Keller Laurent
Published: March 2019

Significance

Inotocin, the oxytocin/vasopressin-like peptide, is widely conserved in arthropods; however, little is known about its molecular function. Here, we show that, in ants, the expression levels of
inotocin
and its receptor are correlated with the age of workers and their behavior. We also demonstrate that inotocin signaling is involved in desiccation resistance by regulating the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons. We propose that the up-regulation of
inotocin
and its receptor as workers age and switch tasks from nursing to foraging is a key physiological adaption to survive drier environments outside of the nest.