bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
About 250/285 GHz push–push oscillator using differential gate equalisation in digital 65‐nm CMOS
Authors: Fahs Bassem , Wu Kefei , Aouimeur Walid , Mansha Muhammad Waleed , Gaquière Christophe , Gamand Patrice , Knap Wojciech , Hella Mona M.
Published: June 2019

This study presents a push–push oscillator architecture based on differential gate equalisation to enhance the oscillation frequency while providing relatively high output power with ultra‐compact layout form factor. The frequency enhancement is derived as a function of the equivalent RLC model of the oscillator's main constituents. The proposed principle is applied to a terahertz oscillator in the 200–300 GHz range to mitigate the excessive substrate and skin effect losses in standard digital 65‐nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor technology at such high frequencies. The design concept is validated using two single‐stage push–push oscillators. The first oscillator shows −8.1 dBm output power at 250 GHz oscillation frequency and −106.8 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 MHz offset while consuming 76 mW power from 1.5 V DC supply voltage. The chip area is 200 × 250 μm2. The second oscillator provides −14.8 dBm output power at 285 GHz and −106 dBc/Hz phase noise at 10 MHz offset with 80 mW power consumption from 1.5 V DC supply. The chip area is 200 × 200 μm2.
High‐power impedance tuner utilising substrate‐integrated evanescent‐mode cavity technology and external linear actuators
Authors: Semnani Abbas , Shaffer Garrett S. , Sinanis Michael D. , Peroulis Dimitrios
Published: June 2019

A 100 W electronically controlled impedance tuner is introduced and experimentally investigated here. The proposed tuner is composed of two individually controlled coupled evanescent‐mode (EVA) cavity resonators implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB) using substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The contactless tuning mechanism relies on two high‐resolution external linear actuators controlling the gap size of each resonator with submicron accuracy. A 3.3 GHz prototype tuner successfully handled up to 100 W of input power with ∼90% Smith chart coverage at the centre frequency and about 52% bandwidth demonstrating at least 50% coverage. Exhibiting low loss of 0.56 dB and very high stability as well, the proposed impedance tuner is a viable solution for high‐power applications where electronic precise tuning is desired.
Compact broadband internal monopole antenna with parasitic strips and sleeve feed for UHD‐TV applications
Authors: Van Trinh Thai , Jung Chang Won
Published: June 2019

In this study, an internal antenna integrated into a 49‐inch TV model is presented, operating in the ultra‐high frequency (UHF: 470‒771 MHz) band for signal reception in ultra‐high definition television (UHD‐TV) applications. The design of the proposed antenna has encountered major challenges such as relatively narrow impedance bandwidth, limited space, the effect of material properties, and the electromagnetic interference from the other components inside the TV that deteriorate the performance of the antenna considerably. The antenna is positioned directly on the bezel frame (made of polycarbonate‐acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: ԑr = 3.5, tan δ = 0.005) of the TV model as the substrate for the antenna. A monopole‐type antenna is chosen to easily implement along the long side of the bezel frame in a very narrow spacing between the display and the casing of a TV (∼2.5 mm). Combined with a sleeve feed, tapered line, and parasitic strips, the proposed internal antenna exhibits a wideband impedance characteristics. The measured results show that a radiation efficiency of higher than 70% and a peak gain of 4.8 dBi are obtained over the operating frequency range of 430‒940 MHz (relative bandwidth of 75%), which cover the entire UHF band. These results indicate that the proposed antenna is very suitable for UHD‐TV applications.
Near‐constant beamwidth quadruple bandwidth double‐ridged horn antenna design
Authors: Isenlik Turker , Yegin Korkut , Barkana Duygun Erol
Published: June 2019

It is well known that the beamwidths of horn antennas are inversely proportional to frequency. Previous studies point to minimum ±12% beamwidth stability within a maximum of 2.5:1 bandwidth (BW) ratio. To extend this BW, a design methodology for broadband double‐ridged horn antenna (DRHA) is proposed and applied to 4.5–18 GHz frequency band. Firstly, a conventional DRHA is designed and studied to compare the beamwidth variation of wideband horn antennas. By explicitly addressing the shortcomings of conventional DRHA, DRHA is redesigned and near‐constant beamwidth DRHA is proposed using the modifications implemented on the sidewalls. The antenna utilises ridges to extend the frequency band, unlike other wideband constant beamwidth horns. The authors show that ridged horns, whose dimensions are appropriately designed and modified, can have stable beamwidths. Then, properly positioned curved pinwalls are designed to provide considerable improvement in H‐plane beamwidth constancy. Broadband double‐ridged waveguide‐to‐coaxial adapter is also designed for 50 Ω reference. The prototype is manufactured, and the measured antenna exhibits wideband characteristics with 30.9° ± 2.7° half power beamwidth in H‐plane over 4:1 BW ratio. This variation corresponds to ±8.7% beamwidth stability along with the target frequency band.
Dossier : Perspectives franco-brésiliennes autour de l’agroécologie – Les réseaux Rad et Rede Capa : la technique au service du projet politique d’un autre modèle agricole ?
Authors: Coquil Xavier , Soares Junior Dimas , Lusson Jean-Marie , Miranda Marcio
Published: June 2019

La transition agroécologique en France et au Brésil appelle à impulser un autre développement dans les territoires ruraux dominés par l’industrialisation agricole. Deux réseaux structurés autour d’un projet politique, le réseau Agriculture durable (Rad) et le Centro de Apoio e Promoção da Agroecologia (Capa) œuvrent pour le développement d’une agriculture plus durable selon des gouvernances très différentes. Ces deux réseaux contribuent au développement de systèmes agroécologiques. L’acquisition d’une pensée autonome des agriculteurs est une condition de participation au Rad et non au Capa : cette différence d’orientation structure le développement, le fonctionnement, les actions, les connaissances mises en circulation tout en répondant au projet politique respectif des deux réseaux. Au sein de ceux-ci, les interactions avec la recherche convergent en partie sur l’évaluation des performances des systèmes agroécologiques comme outil de promotion des projets politiques des réseaux.
Traumakonfrontative Behandlung mit EMDR – neue
Entwicklungen und Studienergebnisse
Authors: Sack Martin , Stingl Markus
Published: June 2019

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) ist eine manualisierte
Therapiemethode zur konfrontativen Bearbeitung von traumaassoziierten
Symptomen. Sie wird vornehmlich zur Behandlung der posttraumatischen
Belastungsstörung (PTBS) eingesetzt, inzwischen aber auch bei weiteren
Störungen mit Traumabezug. Der Beitrag ordnet EMDR als Methode der
Bearbeitung von Traumafolgesymptomen ein und zeigt neue Studienergebnisse
dazu auf.
The Relationship between Knee Biomechanics and Clinical Assessments in ACl Deficient Patients
Authors: Kono Yoshifumi , Deie Masataka , Fujita Naoto , Hirata Kazuhiko , Shimada Noboru , Orita Naoya , Iwaki Daisuke , Asaeda Makoto , Terai Chiaki , Kimura Hiroaki , Adachi Nobuo
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between knee biomechanics and clinical assessments in ACL deficient patients. Subjects included 22 patients with unilateral ACL rupture and 22 healthy controls. Knee kinematics and kinetics during walking and running were examined using a 3-dimensional motion analysis system. The passive knee joint laxity, range of motion of knee joint, and knee muscle strength were also measured. Correlations between the knee kinematic and kinetic data and clinical assessments were evaluated. In the ACL deficient patients, there were no significant relationships between tibial translation during walking and running and passive knee joint laxity. The correlations between knee kinematics and kinetics and range of motion of knee joint were also not significant. Additionally, there were no significant correlations between knee kinematics during walking and knee muscle strength. However, there were several significant correlations between knee kinematics during running and knee muscle strength. The results demonstrate the importance of knee muscle strength for knee kinematics and kinetics during running in ACL deficient patients. Patients with stronger knee muscle strength may demonstrate more nearly normal knee joint movement during dynamic activities such as running.
Distale Myopathien
Authors: Zierz Stephan , Kraya Torsten , Mensch Alexander
Published: June 2019

Distale Myopathien stellen eine heteroge Gruppe von Erkrankungen dar, die sich durch einen prädominanten Befall körperferner Muskelgruppen auszeichnen und zunächst innerhalb weniger klinischer Phänotypen unter Verwendung von Eponymen klassifiziert worden sind. Genetische Hochdurchsatzverfahren haben das genotypische Spektrum der distalen Myopathien in den letzten Jahren erheblich erweitert. Ausgehend vom historischen Kontext wird die aktuelle Klassifikation distaler Myopathien vorgestellt, häufige Krankheitsbilder diskutiert und das diagnostische Vorgehen anhand eines strukturierten Handlungspfades erörtert.
Overview of Deep Dermal Fillers
Authors: Liu Michael H. , Beynet David P. , Gharavi Nima M.
Published: June 2019

Dermal fillers have become an integral part of both medical and cosmetic dermatology. Our expanding knowledge of the aging face has allowed us to shift the focus from skin-reduction lifting procedures to soft tissue augmentation. Within the past 5 years alone, nine new dermal fillers have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for soft tissue augmentation. The rise in both the use and number of dermal fillers in recent years is a testament to their safety and efficacy. Dermal fillers can be broken down to three major types: temporary, semipermanent, and permanent. The former, which include hyaluronic acid based fillers, provide safe and effective correction but only for a limited time, typically approximately 1 to 2 years at best. This review will cover the semipermanent (poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite) and permanent (polymethylmethacrylate and liquid silicone) injectable fillers. These so-called deep dermal fillers are valuable, durable tools in correcting the aging face. Given their extended duration of effect, these fillers inherently carry their own risk for potential adverse events. Thus, it is essential that clinicians have a thorough understanding of these products to best counsel, recommend, and perform soft tissue augmentation using these fillers.
Overview of Kybella (Deoxycholic Acid Injection) as a Fat Resorption Product for Submental Fat
Authors: Liu Michael , Chesnut Cameron , Lask Gary
Published: June 2019

There has been an increasing interest in addressing the issue of submental fat (SMF) when it comes to cosmetic medicine. With the rise of social media, video calls, and the now almost omnipresent accessibility of cameras, there is perhaps now more than ever an emphasis on the facial image. Although invasive procedures such as liposuction and neck lift still play a significant role in reducing SMF, the trend toward minimally invasive methods has finally given rise to a single Food and Drug Administration-approved injectable that is both safe and effective: ATX-101, also known as Kybella in the United States.
Longitudinal Radiographic Outcomes of Vestibular Schwannoma in Single and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Khattab Mohamed H. , Newman Neil B. , Wharton David M. , Sherry Alexander D. , Luo Guozhen , Manzoor Nauman F. , Rivas Alejandro , Davis L. Taylor , Chambless Lola B. , Attia Albert , Cmelak Anthony J.
Published: June 2019

Management of vestibular schwannoma (VS) includes stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in single or fractionated treatments. There is a paucity of literature on the three-dimensional (3D) volumetric kinetics and radiological changes following SRS and no consensus on appropriate post-SRS surveillance imaging timeline. This is a retrospective cohort study with institutional review board approval. A total of 55 patients met study criteria. We collected volumetric kinetic data in VS treated with SRS over time using a target volume contouring software. We also tracked radiographic phenomena such as pseudoprogression and necrosis. A secondary objective was to describe our overall treatment success rate and any failures. For all treatments groups, pseudoprogression most typically occurred within 12 months post-SRS, after which tumor volumes on average normalized and then decreased from pretreatment size at the last follow-up. Only two patients required salvage therapy post-SRS and were considered SRS treatment failures. Both patients were in the five-fraction cohort but with a lower biologically equivalent dose. Our study is first to collect 3D volumetric kinetics of VS following single and fractionated SRS in contrast to extrapolations from single and two-dimensional measurements. Our longitudinal data also show initial increases in volume in the first 12 months post-SRS followed by later declines, setting up interesting questions regarding the utility of early posttreatment surveillance imaging in the asymptomatic patient. Finally, we show low rates of treatment failure (3.6%) and show in our cohort that SRS dose de-escalation posed a risk of treatment failure.
Epatient Survey 2019: Kein Gießkannenprinzip bei digitalen Therapien
Authors: Schachinger Alexander
Published: June 2019

Gesundheits- und Therapie-Apps kommen im ersten Gesundheitsmarkt an. Zunehmend erhalten Bürger und Patienten digitale Helfer von ihren Krankenkassen und Leistungserbringern. Das sind einige der Ergebnisse des 8. EPatient Survey 2019, der jährlichen größten Befragung unter Gesundheits-Surfern in Deutschland.
16. DGIV-Bundeskongress: Lösungen müssen auf den Tisch
Authors: Spitzer Stefan G.
Published: June 2019

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Integrierte Versorgung im Gesundheitswesen (DGIV) führt den diesjährigen Kongress unter dem Thema „Faire Bedingungen für integrierte Versorgungsformen“ in Berlin durch.
Influence of deeply trapped energetic ions on tearing modes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxi , Cai Huishan , Wang Zheng-Xiong
Published: June 2019

The effects of deeply trapped energetic ions (DTEIs) on the stability of tearing modes through stability criterion Δ′ are studied. In contrast to the stabilizing adiabatic effect of background plasma pressure, the adiabatic contribution of the DTEI destabilizes due to the direct coupling between the bad curvature and asymmetrical pressure of energetic ions. When the orbit width is much larger than the island width, the nonadiabatic effect of the DTEI stabilizes, which counteracts the major destabilizing adiabatic contribution. DTEIs are shown to have a net destabilizing effect on the tearing mode. The main physics of destabilization of Δ′ comes from the modification of the Mercier index.
Effect of liquid-dissolved gas components on concentrations of the aqueous reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
Authors: Yang Ying , Li Zhiyu , Nie Lanlan , Lu Xinpei
Published: June 2019

The reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) conversion process occurring in a liquid environment is a key issue in plasma biomedical applications and clinical treatment processes. The liquid-dissolved gas components could participate in the aqueous RONS forming process, which is very important for better understanding the chemical mechanism of the aqueous RONS formation. In this article, double distilled water (DDW) with five different gas compositions (unprocessed DDW, DDW without air, DDW with O2, DDW with N2, and DDW with CO2) is first used in experiments to help systematically understand the reaction mechanism of the aqueous RONS with different liquid-dissolved gases. It was found that the presence of dissolved O2 favored the formation of hydroxyl, while CO2 was somewhat detrimental to the formation of hydroxyl. Both dissolved O2 and CO2 are beneficial to the formation of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite, but the effect of CO2 is slightly stronger. Also, they both have a similar effect on the formation of nitrate. Nitrogen has a certain promoting effect on the formation of hydroxyl, nitrite, and nitrate. In summary, the liquid-dissolved gas contents play important roles in the formation of the aqueous RONS.
Characterization of high spatial resolution lithium fluoride X-ray detectors
Authors: Mabey P. , Albertazzi B. , Michel Th. , Rigon G. , Makarov S. , Ozaki N. , Matsuoka T. , Pikuz S. , Pikuz T. , Koenig M.
Published: June 2019

The response of lithium fluoride (LiF) crystal detectors to monochromatic X-rays is measured in the multi-kilo-electron-volt range. This response, as a function of the X-ray dose, is independent of photon energy with no saturation level found. The response, as a function of the incident energy flux, is found to increase for photons of lower energy due to the differing attenuation lengths of X-ray photons within the crystal. Small differences are seen between different confocal microscopes used to scan the data, suggesting the need for absolute calibration. The spatial resolution of the LiF is also measured (1.19–1.36 μm) and is found to be independent of incident photon energy. Finally, a photometric study is performed in order to assess the feasibility of using these detectors at current X-ray free electron laser and laser facilities worldwide.
Enhanced electrocaloric effect for refrigeration in lead-free polymer composite films with an optimal filler loading
Authors: Lu Yu-Chen , Yu Junyi , Huang Jingyu , Yu Shuhui , Zeng Xierong , Sun Rong , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: June 2019

The electrocaloric effect (ECE) has been investigated in composites containing a ferroelectric poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)] terpolymer matrix and lead-free BaTi0.89Sn0.11O3 (BTSn11) fillers prepared by the solution-processed method. Large electrocaloric (EC) effect values including an adiabatic temperature change of ΔT = 9.08 K and an isothermal entropy change of ΔS = 79.0 kJ m−3 K−1 have been achieved in the BTSn11/P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) composite with 7.5 vol. % filler under an electric field of 1000 kV cm−1 at room temperature. Compared to the neat terpolymer and BTSn11 ceramics, the ECE in the composite is enhanced by about 50% and 1400%, indicating the synergistic effect of the matrix and filler. The EC strength of the polymer composites as a function of temperature and filler loading is calculated and |ΔT/ΔE| = 0.009 K cm kV−1 with 7.5 vol. % fillers at 40 °C is obtained, which is higher than most values reported previously in the polymer composites. Finite element simulation is used to explain the enhanced EC effect and mechanisms while composites with 7.5 vol. % BTSn11 display the best ECE performance from a filler content of 2.5 vol. % to 10.0 vol. %, which has not been clearly interpreted before.
Carbon dots for energy conversion applications
Authors: Cao Li , Shiral Fernando K. A. , Liang Weixiong , Seilkop Austin , Monica Veca L. , Sun Ya-Ping , Bunker Christopher E.
Published: June 2019

Quantum dots (QDs), generally referring to semiconductor nanocrystals that display the quantum confinement effect, have been widely pursued for many energy conversion applications. More recently, carbon dots (CDots), which are small carbon nanoparticles with various surface passivation schemes, have been found to possess optical properties and photoinduced redox characteristics resembling those of conventional semiconductor QDs and thus are amenable to some of the same uses in energy conversions. Among the various carbon nanomaterials, fullerenes have been extensively investigated for their use as critical components in optoelectronic devices and systems. Carbon nanoparticles, representing a largely ignored nanoscale carbon allotrope, are in fact more effective in some of the same functions, which are materialized and much enhanced upon the surface passivation of the nanoparticles in CDots. In this perspective article on CDots for energy conversion applications, the optical properties and redox characteristics of CDots, including the related mechanistic framework and its relationship to the use of CDots as potent photocatalysts for the conversion of CO2 into small organic molecules, are highlighted. Also highlighted are results from representative studies using CDots in light-emitting diodes and various solar cells to demonstrate their excellent potential for a wide range of roles in optoelectronic devices and systems. Issues and opportunities in the further development of the CDots platform and related technologies are discussed.
Solid state MXene based electrostatic fractional capacitors
Authors: Tu Shaobo , Jiang Qiu , Zhang Xixiang , Alshareef Husam N.
Published: June 2019

Here, we report the fabrication of electrostatic fractional capacitors based on two-dimensional Ti3C2 MXene/vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene–chlorofluoroethylene terpolymer [P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)] composites. The bandwidth of MXene-based fractional capacitors varies between 200 kHz and 2 MHz, while the phase angle varies less than ±2°. Additionally, the constant phase angle of the MXene/P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) can be precisely tuned from −67° to −34° by varying the volume ratio of MXene nanosheets in the polymer matrix. The results presented in this work demonstrate the potential of MXene/P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) composites as solid-state electrostatic fractional capacitors.
Magneto-spectroscopy of exciton Rydberg states in a CVD grown WSe2 monolayer
Authors: Delhomme A. , Butseraen G. , Zheng B. , Marty L. , Bouchiat V. , Molas M. R. , Pan A. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Ouerghi A. , Renard J. , Faugeras C.
Published: June 2019

The results of magneto-optical spectroscopy investigations of excitons in a CVD grown monolayer of WSe2 encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride are presented. The emission linewidth for the 1s state is of 4.7 meV, close to the narrowest emissions observed in monolayers exfoliated from bulk material. The 2s excitonic state is also observed at higher energies in the photoluminescence spectrum. Magneto-optical spectroscopy allows for the determination of the g-factors and of the spatial extent of the excitonic wave functions associated with these emissions. Our work establishes CVD grown monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides as a mature technology for optoelectronic applications.
Molecular inner-shell photoabsorption/photoionization cross sections at core-valence-separated coupled cluster level: Theory and examples
Authors: Tenorio Bruno Nunes Cabral , Moitra Torsha , Nascimento Marco Antonio Chaer , Rocha Alexandre Braga , Coriani Sonia
Published: June 2019

Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon K-shell photoabsorption and photoionization cross sections have been calculated within core-valence-separated coupled cluster (CC) linear response theory for a number of molecular systems, namely, water, ammonia, ethylene, carbon dioxide, acetaldehyde, furan, and pyrrole. The cross sections below and above the K-edge core ionization thresholds were obtained, on the same footing, from L2 basis set calculations of the discrete electronic pseudospectrum yielded by an asymmetric-Lanczos-based formulation of CC linear response theory at the CC singles and doubles (CCSD) and CC singles and approximate doubles (CC2) levels. An analytic continuation procedure for both discrete and continuum cross sections as well as a Stieltjes imaging procedure for the photoionization cross section were applied and the results critically compared.
Direct evidence of Mg diffusion through threading mixed dislocations in GaN p–n diodes and its effect on reverse leakage current
Authors: Usami Shigeyoshi , Mayama Norihito , Toda Kazuya , Tanaka Atsushi , Deki Manato , Nitta Shugo , Honda Yoshio , Amano Hiroshi
Published: June 2019

Mg diffusion is a common problem in GaN devices with p–n junctions. Although this impurity diffusion is reported to occur through threading dislocations (TDs), no direct evidence has yet been obtained. Therefore, we tried the direct observation of Mg diffusion by atom probe tomography (APT) analysis. The n-type drift layer of the fabricated p–n diode was exposed, and etch pits were formed on the drift layer to identify the TD position. The APT analysis around TDs was carried out by lifting out the drift layer around specific etch pits using a focused ion beam to include TDs. The relationship between the etch pit shape and the TD type was confirmed by cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy observation. The APT analysis of two types of etch pits formed on the mixed dislocations was performed, and Mg diffusion was clearly observed through the mixed dislocations. In this work, we show direct evidence of Mg diffusion via mixed dislocations in GaN p–n diodes and its effect on reverse leakage current.
Vibrational investigation of nucleobases by means of divide and conquer semiclassical dynamics
Authors: Gabas Fabio , Di Liberto Giovanni , Ceotto Michele
Published: June 2019

In this work, we report a computational study of the vibrational features of four different nucleobases employing the divide-and-conquer semiclassical initial value representation molecular dynamics method. Calculations are performed on uracil, cytosine, thymine, and adenine. Results show that the overall accuracy with respect to experiments is within 20 wavenumbers, regardless of the dimensionality of the nucleobase. Vibrational estimates are accurate even in the complex case of cytosine, where two relevant conformers are taken into account. These results are promising in the perspective of future studies on more complex systems, such as nucleotides or nucleobase pairs.
Physiological response of Posidonia oceanica to heavy metal pollution along the Tyrrhenian coast
Authors: Bertini Laura , Focaracci Francesca , Proietti Silvia , Papetti Patrizia , Caruso Carla
Published: June 2019

Heavy metal (HM) pollution of marine coastal areas is a big concern worldwide. The marine phanerogam Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is widely considered to be a sensitive bioindicator of water pollution due to its ability to sequester trace elements from the environment. The analysis of specific biomarkers, like reactive oxygen species scavengers, could allow us to correlate the physiological response of P. oceanica meadows to water pollution. In this study, we analysed the activity of some antioxidant enzymes and the expression level of the corresponding genes in the leaves of P. oceanica plants harvested from four meadows distributed along the Tyrrhenian coast; lipid peroxidation and the expression level of two genes related to HM response, metallothionein-2b and chromethylase, were also measured. The results of biochemical and molecular analyses were correlated with the concentration of some HMs, such as Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb, measured in P. oceanica leaves. We found a very strong antioxidant response in plants from the Murelle meadow whose HM concentration was the lowest for most of the analysed HMs, particularly Cu.
Does attending Work It Out – a chronic disease self-management program – affect the use of other health services by urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with or at risk of chronic disease? A comparison between program participants and non-participants
Authors: Hu Jie , Basit Tabinda , Nelson Alison , Crawford Emma , Turner Lyle
Published: June 2019

Work It Out is a holistic chronic disease self-management program for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland, which is part of an integrated and comprehensive system of care for chronic disease management. This study examines differences in primary healthcare services use between Work It Out participants and non-participants. This retrospective observational study of services use, analysed data extracted from the clinical medical records system and Work It Out program assessments. General practitioner and allied health services use were compared among the participants and non-participants using logistic regression models and zero-truncated Poisson and negative binomial regression models. Compared with non-participants, Work It Out participants were more likely to use GP management plans, GP team care arrangements, GP mental health consultation and subsequent allied health services. Among those who used the services more than once, Work It Out participants had higher service use rates than non-participants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, GP management plans, team care arrangements and podiatry, physiotherapy and dietetic services. Engagement in Work It Out can facilitate the use of primary healthcare services, which are important for chronic disease management for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Genome skimming provides well resolved plastid and nuclear phylogenies, showing patterns of deep reticulate evolution in the tropical carnivorous plant genus Nepenthes (Caryophyllales)
Authors: Nauheimer Lars , Cui Lujing , Clarke Charles , Crayn Darren M. , Bourke Greg , Nargar Katharina
Published: June 2019

Nepenthes is a genus of carnivorous plants consisting of ~160 species that are distributed in the paleotropics. Molecular systematics has so far not been able to resolve evolutionary relationships of most species because of the limited genetic divergence in previous studies. In the present study, we used a genome-skimming approach to infer phylogenetic relationships on the basis of 81 plastid genes and the highly repetitive rRNA (external transcribed spacer (ETS)–26S) for 39 accessions representing 34 species from eight sections. Maximum-likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference were performed separately for the nuclear and the plastid datasets. Divergence-time estimations were conducted on the basis of a relaxed molecular-clock model, using secondary calibration points. The phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear and plastid datasets yielded well resolved and supported phylogenies. Incongruences between the two datasets were detected, suggesting multiple hybridisation events or incomplete lineage sorting in the deeper and more recent evolutionary history of the genus. The inclusion of several known and suspected hybrids in the phylogenetic analysis provided insights into their parentage. Divergence-time estimations placed the crown diversification of Nepenthes in the early Miocene, c. 20 million years ago. This study showed that genome skimming provides well resolved nuclear and plastid phylogenies that provide valuable insights into the complex evolutionary relationships of Nepenthes.
β-Actin mRNA interactome mapping by proximity biotinylation
Authors: Mukherjee Joyita , Hermesh Orit , Eliscovich Carolina , Nalpas Nicolas , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Maček Boris , Jansen Ralf-Peter
Published: June 2019

The molecular function and fate of mRNAs are controlled by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Identification of the interacting proteome of a specific mRNA in vivo remains very challenging, however. Based on the widely used technique of RNA tagging with MS2 aptamers for RNA visualization, we developed a RNA proximity biotinylation (RNA-BioID) technique by tethering biotin ligase (BirA*) via MS2 coat protein at the 3′ UTR of endogenous MS2-tagged β-actin mRNA in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We demonstrate the dynamics of the β-actin mRNA interactome by characterizing its changes on serum-induced localization of the mRNA. Apart from the previously known interactors, we identified more than 60 additional β-actin–associated RBPs by RNA-BioID. Among these, the KH domain-containing protein FUBP3/MARTA2 has been shown to be required for β-actin mRNA localization. We found that FUBP3 binds to the 3′ UTR of β-actin mRNA and is essential for β-actin mRNA localization, but does not interact with the characterized β-actin zipcode element. RNA-BioID provides a tool for identifying new mRNA interactors and studying the dynamic view of the interacting proteome of endogenous mRNAs in space and time.
Genome sequencing and transcriptome analyses of the Siberian hamster hypothalamus identify mechanisms for seasonal energy balance
Authors: Bao Riyue , Onishi Kenneth G. , Tolla Elisabetta , Ebling Fran J. P. , Lewis Jo E. , Anderson Richard L. , Barrett Perry , Prendergast Brian J. , Stevenson Tyler J.
Published: June 2019

Synthesis of triiodothyronine (T
3
) in the hypothalamus induces marked seasonal neuromorphology changes across taxa. How species-specific responses to T
3
signaling in the CNS drive annual changes in body weight and energy balance remains uncharacterized. These experiments sequenced and annotated the Siberian hamster (
Phodopus sungorus
) genome, a model organism for seasonal physiology research, to facilitate the dissection of T
3
-dependent molecular mechanisms that govern predictable, robust, and long-term changes in body weight. Examination of the
Phodopus
genome, in combination with transcriptome sequencing of the hamster diencephalon under winter and summer conditions, and in vivo-targeted expression analyses confirmed that proopiomelanocortin (
pomc
) is a primary genomic target for the long-term T
3
-dependent regulation of body weight. Further in silico analyses of
pomc
promoter sequences revealed that thyroid hormone receptor 1β-binding motif insertions have evolved in several genera of the Cricetidae family of rodents. Finally, experimental manipulation of food availability confirmed that hypothalamic
pomc
mRNA expression is dependent on longer-term photoperiod cues and is unresponsive to acute, short-term food availability. These observations suggest that species-specific responses to hypothalamic T
3
, driven in part by the receptor-binding motif insertions in some cricetid genomes, contribute critically to the long-term regulation of energy balance and the underlying physiological and behavioral adaptations associated with the seasonal organization of behavior.
Measuring the activation energy barrier for the nucleation of single nanosized vapor bubbles
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhou Kai , Wang Yongjie , Gao Jia , Yuan Tinglian , Pang Jie , Tang Shu , Chen Hong-Yuan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2019

Significance

While it is generally believed that bubble nucleation process is highly heterogeneous and stochastic, little is known on the nucleation rate and activation energy barrier of single nanosized bubble due to the lack of suitable techniques. We developed an optical apparatus consisting of optical tweezers (for bubble generation) and surface plasmon resonance microscopy (for measurement) to demonstrate the capability to quantify these important kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the nucleation of single nanobubbles. We mapped the distribution of local nucleation rate and local roughness on a flat substrate with a spatial resolution of 100 nm. The results show a previously unseen dependence of the nucleation activation barrier on the surface chemistry.
Order in the creole speech community
Authors: Daleszynska-Slater Agata , Meyerhoff Miriam , Walker James A.
Published: June 2019

Creolists and variationists often conceptualize variation in multilectal speech communities as a continuum of linearly ordered linguistic features. Using the variationist comparative method, we analyze variation in past tense marking in a creole speech community (Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines), comparing across groups of speakers (communities and age-groups) in terms of frequencies of past-marking, language-internal constraints on past-marking and the ranking of factors within those constraints. Based on these multiple lines of evidence, the analysis shows that placing groups on a continuum is not straightforward, in line with local language ideologies. We argue that linear models of variation may reify relationships between varieties in terms of differences that are not sustained across different levels of analysis. We also show that the relationships between lects even in quite small communities are subject to change across generations.
The ecology of variation and change in the context of language attrition
Authors: Avelino Heriberto
Published: June 2019

Language attrition arises in sociocultural niches which are less than optimal for the survival of a speech community. Analogously to what happens with species in nature, the risk of extinction and the evolution of their systems are determined by internal and external conditions as well by the extent of their impact over the population. Changes in the vitality and maintenance of the language and transformations of its structural properties are partly a response to broader and more general socio-historical factors. This paper discusses striking differences of the phonological system of contemporaryʔuzãʔ(Otomanguean) with respect to descriptions made at the beginning of the 20th century. A detailed phonetic description of the variation and change of the sound patterns inʔuzãʔare explained as a function of a general process of language obsolescence. It is claimed that the same ecological predictors of extinction for natural species account for the decline of the language.
On the relevance of voice quality in contact varieties
Authors: Perez Danae , Zipp Lena
Published: June 2019

This paper focuses on the role of voice quality variation in the system of a contact language, Afro-Yungueño Spanish, a restructured variety of Spanish spoken in the Bolivian Yungas valleys. Based on case studies of naturally occurring conversation between multiple speakers, we show that certain non-modal phonation types, in this case falsetto and breathy voice, are used to index expressiveness, intensification, or emphasis. We argue that these practices have discursive meaning that could otherwise also be encoded by means of grammatical and lexical resources, and that they are an integral part of the linguistic system of this variety. We claim that these practices may have resulted from the specific socio-historical context in which this variety evolved. This suggests that voice quality and ecological factors should not be underestimated in order to reach a more complete picture of how meaning is conveyed in apparently simplified contact languages.
Mind-reading motivation
Authors: Carpenter Jordan M. , Green Melanie C. , Fitzgerald Kaitlin
Published: June 2019

Previous research suggests a link between perspective-taking and the tendency to become immersed in narratives or literature. We extend that research by considering both individual differences and persuasion outcomes. Specifically, Mind-Reading Motivation (MRM) is an individual difference in the willingness to effortfully engage with other people’s perspectives and mental states. Stories may be most influential when readers put themselves in the place of another person, even a fictional other. In Study 1, higher MRM was correlated with more fiction reading but not more nonfiction reading. Studies 2a and 2b demonstrated that higher MRM was associated with greater transportation into a narrative. We replicated this effect in Study 3, showing that MRM was associated with both higher transportation and narrative persuasion. The effect of MRM on persuasion is mediated by connections to the characters. This research helps identify which individuals are most likely to be persuaded by narrative communications.
In situ study of two-dimensional dendritic growth of hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Felter Janina , Raths Miriam , Franke Markus , Kumpf Christian
Published: June 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride, often entitled the ‘white graphene’ because of its large band gap, is one of the most important two-dimensional (2D) materials and frequently investigated in context with stacked arrays of single 2D layers, so called van der Waals heterostructures. Here, we concentrate on the growth of hBN on the coinage metal surface Cu(1 1 1). Using low energy electron microscopy and diffraction, we investigate the self-terminated growth of the first layer in situ and in real time. Most prominently, we find dendritic structures with three strongly preferred growth branches that are mostly well aligned with the Cu(1 1 1) substrate and exhibit a three-fold symmetric shape. The observation of dendritic structures is very surprising since hBN was found to grow in compact, triangular-shaped islands on many other metal substrates, in particular, on transition metal surfaces where it shows a much stronger interaction to the surface. We explain the unexpected dendritic growth by an asymmetry of the bonding energy for the two possible ways a borazine molecule can attach to an existing hBN island, namely either with one of its boron or one of its nitrogen atoms. We suggest that this asymmetry originates from different dehydrogenation states of the adsorbed borazine molecules and the hBN islands. We call this mechanism ‘Dehydrogenation Limited Aggregation’ since it is generic in the sense that it is merely based on different dehydrogenation energies for the involved building blocks forming the 2D layer.
Specialized eRpL22 paralogue-specific ribosomes regulate specific mRNA translation in spermatogenesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Mageeney Catherine M. , Ware Vassie C.
Published: June 2019

The functional significance of ribosome heterogeneity in development and differentiation is relatively unexplored. We present the first in vivo evidence of ribosome heterogeneity playing a role in specific mRNA translation in a multicellular eukaryote. Eukaryotic-specific ribosomal protein paralogues eRpL22 and eRpL22-like are essential in development and required for sperm maturation and fertility in Drosophila. eRpL22 and eRpL22-like roles in spermatogenesis are not completely interchangeable. Flies depleted of eRpL22 and rescued by eRpL22-like overexpression have reduced fertility, confirming that eRpL22-like cannot substitute fully for eRpL22 function, and that paralogues have functionally distinct roles, not yet defined. We investigated the hypothesis that specific RNAs differentially associate with eRpL22 or eRpL22-like ribosomes, thereby establishing distinct ribosomal roles. RNA-seq identified 12,051 transcripts (mRNAs/noncoding RNAs) with 50% being enriched on specific polysome types. Analysis of ∼10% of the most abundant mRNAs suggests ribosome specialization for translating groups of mRNAs expressed at specific stages of spermatogenesis. Further, we show enrichment of “model” eRpL22-like polysome-associated testis mRNAs can occur outside the germline within S2 cells transfected with eRpL22-like, indicating that germline-specific factors are not required for selective translation. This study reveals specialized roles in translation for eRpL22 and eRpL22-like ribosomes in germline differentiation.
Constricted migration modulates stem cell differentiation
Authors: Smith Lucas R. , Irianto Jerome , Xia Yuntao , Pfeifer Charlotte R. , Discher Dennis E.
Published: June 2019

Tissue regeneration at an injured site depends on proliferation, migration, and differentiation of resident stem or progenitor cells, but solid tissues are often sufficiently dense and constricting that nuclei are highly stressed by migration. In this study, constricted migration of myoblastic cell types and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) increases nuclear rupture, increases DNA damage, and modulates differentiation. Fewer myoblasts fuse into regenerating muscle in vivo after constricted migration in vitro, and myodifferentiation in vitro is likewise suppressed. Myosin II inhibition rescues rupture and DNA damage, implicating nuclear forces, while mitosis and the cell cycle are suppressed by constricted migration, consistent with a checkpoint. Although perturbed proliferation fails to explain defective differentiation, nuclear rupture mislocalizes differentiation-relevant MyoD and KU80 (a DNA repair factor), with nuclear entry of the DNA-binding factor cGAS. Human MSCs exhibit similar damage, but osteogenesis increases—which is relevant to bone and to calcified fibrotic tissues, including diseased muscle. Tissue repair can thus be modulated up or down by the curvature of pores through which stem cells squeeze.
Identification of a mitofusin specificity region that confers unique activities to Mfn1 and Mfn2
Authors: Sloat S. R. , Whitley B. N. , Engelhart E. A. , Hoppins S.
Published: June 2019

Mitochondrial structure can be maintained at steady state or modified in response to changes in cellular physiology. This is achieved by the coordinated regulation of dynamic properties including mitochondrial fusion, division, and transport. Disease states, including neurodegeneration, are associated with defects in these processes. In vertebrates, two mitofusin paralogues, Mfn1 and Mfn2, are required for efficient mitochondrial fusion. The mitofusins share a high degree of homology and have very similar domain architecture, including an amino terminal GTPase domain and two extended helical bundles that are connected by flexible regions. Mfn1 and Mfn2 are nonredundant and are both required for mitochondrial outer membrane fusion. However, the molecular features that make these proteins functionally distinct are poorly defined. By engineering chimeric proteins composed of Mfn1 and Mfn2, we discovered a region that contributes to isoform-specific function (mitofusin isoform-specific region [MISR]). MISR confers unique fusion activity and mitofusin-specific nucleotide-dependent assembly properties. We propose that MISR functions in higher-order oligomerization either directly, as an interaction interface, or indirectly through conformational changes.
Probability Distributions of Crop Yields: A Bayesian Spatial Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Ramsey A Ford
Published: June 2019

Probability distributions of crop yields are important for understanding technological change, the effects of weather on crop production, and production risk. It can be difficult to model these distributions because they are time‐varying and do not follow a particular parametric form. To overcome some of the empirical challenges inherent in yield modeling, we implement a Bayesian spatial quantile regression model for the conditional distribution of yields. The statistical model is semiparametric, borrows information across space and quantile level, and models the complete quantile process. We use the model in two empirical applications where flexible modeling of the yield distribution is essential. First, we evaluate the effects of weather across quantiles and conduct a Bayesian test of the difference in the rate of technological change at opposite ends of the yield distribution. We then derive crop insurance premium rates and compare the predictive performance of the Bayesian spatial quantile regression to other existing approaches for modeling time‐varying yield distributions.
Input Use Decisions with Greater Information on Crop Conditions: Implications for Insurance Moral Hazard and the Environment
Authors: Yu Jisang , Hendricks Nathan P.
Published: June 2019

Emerging precision agriculture technologies allow farms to make input decisions with greater information on crop conditions. This greater information occurs by providing improved predictions of crop yields using remote sensing and crop simulation models and by allowing farms to apply inputs within the growing season when some crop conditions are already realized. We use a stylized model with uncertainty in yield and price to examine how greater information on crop conditions (i.e., a “forecast”) affects input use for insured and uninsured farms. We show that moral hazard decreases—farms apply more inputs—as the forecast accuracy improves when the forecast indicates good yields, and vice versa when the forecast indicates bad yields. In the long run, moral hazard decreases in response to an improvement in forecast accuracy. Even though moral hazard decreases in the long run, indemnity payments are likely to increase in the long run—driven by the increase in moral hazard when the forecast indicates bad crop conditions. We use the results of our model to discuss the potential impact of different technologies and types of inputs on the federal crop insurance program and the environment.