bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How, When, and Why Do Religious Actors Use Public Reason? The Case of Assisted Dying in Britain
Authors: Kettell Steven
Published: March 2019

The public reason criterion is a prominent theme in contemporary political theory. Yet scholars have focused predominantly on conceptual and normative issues at the expense of empirical questions about the language used by actors engaged in political debate. This is a particular problem in the case of religious actors, whose underlying motives for taking part in such debates are frequently driven by theological concerns. This paper explores these issues by analyzing religious opposition to the legalization of assisted dying in Britain. It shows that religious actors have tended toward the use of secular rather than theological modes of argumentation, and that this is consistent with the idea of a strategic shift in response to the increasingly secularized nature of British society.
(Wie) kann die Progression chronischer Nierenerkrankungen verlangsamt werden?
Authors: Flury Stefan , Kistler Andreas D.
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung. Eine Vielzahl ätiologisch unterschiedlicher Nierenerkrankungen können bei Progredienz nicht nur zur Dialysepflichtigkeit führen, sondern auch das Risiko für kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse und die gesamte Mortalität erhöhen. Nach irreversibler Schädigung einer kritischen Masse an Nierengewebe kommt es durch maladaptive Prozesse zu einem progredienten Funktionsverlust des verbleibenden Nierengewebes unabhängig von der ursprünglichen Ursache der Nierenschädigung. Eine medikamentöse Therapie, die durch spezifische und direkte Hemmung profibrotischer Prozesse die Progredienz chronischer Nierenerkrankungen hemmt, existiert leider noch nicht. Die am besten belegte progressionshemmende Therapie besteht in einer konsequenten und ausreichend dosierten Behandlung mit ACE-Hemmern bzw. Angiotensin-Rezeptorblockern bei Patienten mit proteinurischen Nierenerkrankungen. Neuere Daten weisen auf einen günstigen Effekt einer Alkalitherapie hin. Daneben sind wahrscheinlich auch eine Mässigung des Salzkonsums und ein Nikotinstopp günstig. Schliesslich sollten «second hits» vermieden werden. Nebst diesen «unspezifischen» Massnahmen, ist es essentiell, dass ursächlich behandelbare Nierenerkrankungen erkannt werden. Die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen einer progressionshemmenden Therapie bei Niereninsuffizienz werden in diesem Artikel kritisch diskutiert.
Besonderheiten der Pharmakotherapie bei eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion
Authors: Schumacher Deborah , Seckinger Jörg , Varga Daniel , Bodmer Michael
Published: March 2019

Zusammenfassung. Die Arzneimitteltherapie bei niereninsuffizienten Patienten verlangt neben der Erfassung der Nierenfunktion Kenntnisse über die Prinzipien der Dosisanpassung und der Eigenschaften der einzusetzenden Substanzen. Durch die Nierenkrankheit wird neben der renalen auch die hepatische Elimination beeinflusst. Das Aufkommen direkt wirksamer oraler Antikoagulantien hat die Gerinnungshemmung in vielerlei Hinsicht vereinfacht, eine Indikationserweiterung auf ein dialysepflichtiges Patientengut wird von zukünftigem Interesse sein. GLP-1-Agonisten und SGLT-2-Inhibitoren sind neuere Therapieoptionen zur Behandlung eines Diabetes mellitus Typ 2. Die blutzuckersenkende Wirkung von SGLT-2-Inhibitoren lässt mit abnehmender Nierenfunktion nach, positive Wirkungen auf kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse scheinen aber auch bei fortgeschrittener Niereninsuffizienz erhalten. Die Cyclooxygenase-Hemmung durch NSAR beeinflusst Hämodynamik und tubuläre Funktion der Niere. Klinisch signifikante NSAR-induzierte renale Nebenwirkungen sind vor allem im Falle einer Begleitmedikation mit RAAS-Hemmern und Diuretika möglich.
Development and characterization of lanthanide-HPDO3A-C16-based micelles as CEST-MRI contrast agents
Authors: Ferrauto Giuseppe , Beauprez Frederik , Di Gregorio Enza , Carrera Carla , Aime Silvio , Terreno Enzo , Delli Castelli Daniela
Published: March 2019

The synthesis and characterization of a novel HPDO3A-based ligand having a C16 alkyl chain and its Eu3+, Gd3+and Yb3+complexes are reported.
Heteroatom substitution effects in spin crossover dinuclear complexes
Authors: Zaiter Samantha , Kirk Charlotte , Taylor Matthew , Klein Y. Maximilian , Housecroft Catherine E. , Sciortino Natasha F. , Clements John E. , Cooper Richard I. , Kepert Cameron J. , Neville Suzanne M.
Published: March 2019

Through examining a range of heteroatom substituted dinuclear species a variety of spin crossover properties emerge, including a rare two-step spin-state transition.
A sub 20 nm metal-conjugated molecule junction acting as a nitrogen dioxide sensor
Authors: Wani Ishtiaq H. , Jafri S. Hassan M. , Warna John , Hayat Aqib , Li Hu , Shukla Vivek A. , Orthaber Andreas , Grigoriev Anton , Ahuja Rajeev , Leifer Klaus
Published: March 2019

A 20 nm gas sensor based on short chain organic molecules detects 55 ppb concentration of NO2.
The graviola impact on human astroglioma cells: functional significance of MUDENG
Authors: Gopal Judy , Lee Yoon-Mi , Shin Juhyun , Muthu Manikandan , Jung Seunghwa , Jeong Somi , Oh Jeongheon , Oh Jae-Wook
Published: March 2019

Graviola (Annona muricate) is a coveted tropical plant that has been found to be effective against many human cancers.
Functional selenium modified microgels: temperature-induced phase transitions and network morphology
Authors: Tan Kok H. , Demco Dan E. , Fechete Radu , Pich Andrij
Published: March 2019

Selenium modified microgels were characterized by DSL and1H NMR using modified Flory–Rehner theory and a two-state model.
Photo-induced hydrogen-bonding complexes for drug periodic release
Authors: Zhang Jingyan , Si Dong , Wang Shifeng , Chen Xiaoming , Zhou Haiou , Yang Mingdi
Published: March 2019

A convenient approach for periodic drug release was accomplished through photo-induced hydrogen-bonding complexation, and then by further disruption upon heating.
Porous networks based on iron(ii) clathrochelate complexes
Authors: Bila José L. , Pijeat Joffrey , Ramorini Andrea , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Scopelliti Rosario , Baudat Emilie , Severin Kay
Published: March 2019

Iron clathrochelate complexes were used for the preparation of microporous polymers. The networks display permanent porosity with apparent Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface areas of up to SABET = 593 m2 g−1, and they are not susceptible to hydrolytic degradation.
Four-component relativistic 31P NMR calculations for trans-platinum(ii) complexes: importance of the solvent and dynamics in spectral simulations
Authors: Castro Abril C. , Fliegl Heike , Cascella Michele , Helgaker Trygve , Repisky Michal , Komorovsky Stanislav , Medrano María Ángeles , Quiroga Adoración G. , Swart Marcel
Published: March 2019

We report a combined experimental–theoretical study on the 31P NMR chemical shift for a number of trans-platinum(ii) complexes.
Solvating power series of electrolyte solvents for lithium batteries
Authors: Su Chi-Cheung , He Meinan , Amine Rachid , Rojas Tomas , Cheng Lei , Ngo Anh T. , Amine Khalil
Published: March 2019

From dictating the redox potential of electrolyte solvents to shaping the stability of solid-electrolyte interfaces, solvation plays a critical role in the electrochemistry of electrolytes.
Few-layer MoS2 nanosheet-coated KNbO3 nanowire heterostructures: piezo-photocatalytic effect enhanced hydrogen production and organic pollutant degradation
Authors: Jia Shufan , Su Yiping , Zhang Boping , Zhao Zhicheng , Li Shun , Zhang Yunfei , Li Pucai , Xu Mingyuan , Ren Ran
Published: March 2019

MoS2 nanosheets coated KNbO3 nanowires showed enhanced piezo-photocatalytic degradation of organic pollution and hydrogen production performance.
Constructing hyperbranched polymers as a stable elastic framework for copper sulfide nanoplates for enhancing sodium-storage performance
Authors: Qin Aiqiong , Wu Hao , Chen Jie , Li Ting , Chen Shenghui , Zhang Daohong , Xu Fei
Published: March 2019

Hyperbranched polymers are used as additive to enhance the Na-storage performance of copper sulfide nanoplates.
Bi-metal–organic frameworks type II heterostructures for enhanced photocatalytic styrene oxidation
Authors: Liu Lulu , Zhang Lei , Wang Feng , Qi Kun , Zhang Haiyan , Cui Xiaoqiang , Zheng Weitao
Published: March 2019

A dendritic bi-MOFs (UiO-66-NH2@MIL-101(Fe)) heterostructure was prepared, which shows considerable photocatalytic activity, strong light absorption and effective photogenerated carrier separation.
Electrically conductive polymer/rGO nanocomposite films at ambient temperature via miniemulsion polymerization using GO as surfactant
Authors: Fadil Yasemin , Agarwal Vipul , Jasinski Florent , Thickett Stuart C. , Minami Hideto , Zetterlund Per B.
Published: March 2019

A facile method to synthesize colloidally stable polymer nanoparticles decorated with GO sheets via miniemulsion polymerization, which enables the preparation of electrically conductive films using a simple dropcasting method.
A 2D nonsymmorphic Dirac semimetal in a chemically modified group-VA monolayer with a black phosphorene structure
Authors: Jin Kyung-Hwan , Huang Huaqing , Wang Zhengfei , Liu Feng
Published: March 2019

A symmetry-protected 2D Dirac semimetal has attracted intense interest for its intriguing material properties.
Mechanical size effects of amorphous polymer-derived ceramics at the nanoscale: experiments and ReaxFF simulations
Authors: Vashisth Aniruddh , Khatri Sumit , Hahn Seung Ho , Zhang Weiwei , van Duin Adri C. T. , Naraghi Mohammad
Published: March 2019

Here we report an unprecedented mechanical size effect at the nanoscale in polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) nanofibers.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots encapsulated in the mesoporous channels of SBA-15 with solid-state fluorescence and excellent stability
Authors: Chang Qing , Yang Shanshan , Xue Chaorui , Li Ning , Wang Yanzhong , Li Ying , Wang Huiqi , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: March 2019

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots encapsulated in the mesoporous channels of SBA-15 (NCDs-in-SBA-15), with excellent structural, thermal and photostability, are successfully achieved.
Palladium-catalyzed allylation of aminophenol with alkynes to construct C–N bonds
Authors: Lu Chuan-Jun , Yu Xin , Chen Dong-Kai , Wang Hong , Song Qing-Bao , Gao Jian-Rong
Published: March 2019

A palladium catalyzed allylic of alkylation of aminophenol with alkynes was developed with high chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivities.
Correction: Directed evolution of mevalonate kinase in Escherichia coli by random mutagenesis for improved lycopene
Authors: Chen Hailin , Liu Changqing , Li Meijie , Zhang Haibo , Xian Mo , Liu Huizhou
Published: March 2019

Correction for ‘Directed evolution of mevalonate kinase in Escherichia coli by random mutagenesis for improved lycopene’ by Hailin Chen et al., RSC Adv., 2018, 8, 15021–15028.
A mixed ligand approach towards lanthanide-based gels using citric acid as assembler ligand: white light emission and environmental sensing
Authors: Sebastian Alphy , Mahato Malay Krishna , Prasad Edamana
Published: March 2019

Lanthanide-based gels, using citric acid as an assembler ligand, provide pure white light emission and monitor changes in pH as well as temperature over a wide range through a mixed ligand design strategy.
Exploring the dimming event of RW Aurigae A through multi-epoch VLT/X-shooter spectroscopy
Authors: Koutoulaki M. , Facchini S. , Manara C. F. , Natta A. , Lopez R. Garcia , Fedriani R. , Caratti o Garatti A. , Coffey D. , Ray T. P.
Published: March 2019

Context. RW Aur A is a classical T Tauri star that has suddenly undergone three major dimming events since 2010. The reason for these dimming events is still not clear.

Aims. We aim to understand the dimming properties, examine accretion variability, and derive the physical properties of the inner disc traced by the CO ro-vibrational emission at near-infrared wavelengths (2.3 μm).

Methods. We compared two epochs of X-shooter observations, during and after the dimming. We modelled the rarely detected CO bandhead emission in both epochs to examine whether the inner disc properties had changed. The spectral energy distribution was used to derive the extinction properties of the dimmed spectrum and compare the infrared excess between the two epochs. Lines tracing accretion were used to derive the mass accretion rate in both states.

Results. The CO originates from a region with physical properties of T = 3000 K, NCO = 1 × 1021 cm−2 and vk sin i = 113 km s−1. The extinction properties of the dimming layer were derived with the effective optical depth ranging from τeff ~2.5−1.5 from the UV to the near-IR. The inferred mass accretion rate Ṁacc is ~1.5 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1 and ~2 × 10−8 M⊙ yr−1 after and during the dimming respectively. By fitting the spectral energy distribution, additional emission is observed in the infrared during the dimming event from dust grains with temperatures of 500–700 K.

Conclusions. The physical conditions traced by the CO are similar for both epochs, indicating that the inner gaseous disc properties do not change during the dimming events. The extinction curve is flatter than that of the interstellar medium, and large grains of a few hundred microns are thus required. When we correct for the observed extinction, the mass accretion rate is constant in the two epochs, suggesting that the accretion is stable and therefore does not cause the dimming. The additional hot emission in the near-IR is located at about 0.5 au from the star and is not consistent with an occulting body located in the outer regions of the disc. The dimming events could be due to a dust-laden wind, a severe puffing-up of the inner rim, or a perturbation caused by the recent star-disc encounter.
An alternative interpretation of the exomoon candidate signal in the combined Kepler and Hubble data of Kepler-1625
Authors: Heller René , Rodenbeck Kai , Bruno Giovanni
Published: March 2019

Context. Kepler and Hubble photometry of a total of four transits by the Jupiter-sized exoplanet Kepler-1625 b have recently been interpreted to show evidence of a Neptune-sized exomoon. The key arguments were an apparent drop in stellar brightness after the planet’s October 2017 transit seen with Hubble and its 77.8 min early arrival compared to a strictly periodic orbit.

Aims. The profound implications of this first possible exomoon detection and the physical oddity of the proposed moon, i.e., its giant radius prompt us to examine the planet-only hypothesis for the data and to investigate the reliability of the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) used for detection.

Methods. We combined Kepler’s Pre-search Data Conditioning Simple Aperture Photometry (PDCSAP) with the previously published Hubble light curve. In an alternative approach, we performed a synchronous polynomial detrending and fitting of the Kepler data combined with our own extraction of the Hubble photometry. We generated five million parallel-tempering Markov chain Monte Carlo (PTMCMC) realizations of the data with both a planet-only model and a planet-moon model, and compute the BIC difference (ΔBIC) between the most likely models, respectively.

Results. The ΔBIC values of − 44.5 (using previously published Hubble data) and − 31.0 (using our own detrending) yield strong statistical evidence in favor of an exomoon. Most of our orbital realizations, however, are very different from the best-fit solutions, suggesting that the likelihood function that best describes the data is non-Gaussian. We measure a 73.7 min early arrival of Kepler-1625 b for its Hubble transit at the 3 σ level. This deviation could be caused by a 1 d data gap near the first Kepler transit, stellar activity, or unknown systematics, all of which affect the detrending. The radial velocity amplitude of a possible unseen hot Jupiter causing the Kepler-1625 b transit timing variation could be approximately 100 m s−1.

Conclusions. Although we find a similar solution to the planet-moon model to that previously proposed, careful consideration of its statistical evidence leads us to believe that this is not a secure exomoon detection. Unknown systematic errors in the Kepler/Hubble data make the ΔBIC an unreliable metric for an exomoon search around Kepler-1625 b, allowing for alternative interpretations of the signal.
Spatial genetic subdivision among populations of Pampus chinensis between China and Pakistan: testing the barrier effect of the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Li Yuan , Gao Tianxiang , Zhou Yongdong , Lin Longshan
Published: March 2019

Tissue samples from 84 Pampus chinensis individuals were collected from four geographic regions within the Indo–Pacific Ocean and analyzed using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers. Distinct genetic heterogeneity was found for both types of markers between Chinese and Pakistani populations, while the diversity of this species was high in all populations. In combination with published information on marine species with similar distributions, these results suggested that the Malay Peninsula, or a less effective supplement, played a role in shaping the contemporary genetic structure. This population structure was presumably reflected in P. chinensis, whose populations were genetically isolated during Pleistocene glaciations and then did not experience secondary contact between previous refuge populations. However, P. chinensis showed genetic continuity in China or Pakistan, which indicated that the populations in different geographical regions constituted a single panmictic stock with high gene flow, respectively. The spatial genetic subdivision evident among populations indicates that P. chinensis in this Indo–Pacific region should be managed as different independent stocks to guide the sustainability of this fisheries resource.
Comprehensive Coagulation Profiling at the Point-of-Care Using a Novel Laser-Based Approach
Authors: Nadkarni Seemantini
Published: March 2019

Delays in identifying internal bleeding are life-threatening, thus underscoring the need for rapid and comprehensive coagulation profiling at the bedside. The authors review a novel optical coagulation profiler that measures several coagulation metrics including prothrombin time, activated clotting time, clot polymerization rate (α-angle), clot stiffness (maximum amplitude), fibrinolysis (LY), and platelet function, using a single multifunctional instrument. The optical profiler is based on the principles of Laser Speckle Rheology that quantifies tissue viscoelasticity from light scattering patterns called laser speckle. To operate the optical profiler, whole blood (40 μL) is loaded into a disposable cartridge, laser speckle patterns are recorded via a camera, and the viscoelasticity of clotting blood is estimated from speckle intensity fluctuations. By monitoring alterations in viscoelastic moduli over time during clot initiation, thrombin generation, fibrin crosslinking, clot stabilization, and LY, global coagulation parameters are obtained within 10 minutes using a drop of whole blood. Clinical testing in over 500 patients to date has confirmed the accuracy of the optical profiler for comprehensively assessing coagulation status against conventional coagulation tests and thromboelastography. Recent studies have further demonstrated the capability to quantify platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate in a drop of platelet-rich-plasma in the absence of applied shear stress. Together, these studies demonstrate that global coagulation profiling in addition to platelet function may be accomplished using a single multifunctional device. Thus, by enabling rapid and comprehensive coagulation and platelet function profiling at the bedside, the optical profiler will likely advance the capability to identify and manage patients with an elevated risk for hemorrhage.
Feedback pinning control of collective behaviors aroused by epidemic spread on complex networks
Authors: Yang Pan , Xu Zhongpu , Feng Jianwen , Fu Xinchu
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates feedback pinning control of synchronization behaviors aroused by epidemic spread on complex networks. Based on the quenched mean field theory, epidemic control synchronization models with the inhibition of contact behavior are constructed, combined with the epidemic transmission system and the adaptive dynamical network carrying active controllers. By the properties of convex functions and the Gerschgorin theorem, the epidemic threshold of the model is obtained, and the global stability of disease-free equilibrium is analyzed. For individual’s infected situation, when an epidemic disease spreads, two types of feedback control strategies depending on the diseases’ information are designed: the first one only adds controllers to infected individuals, and the other adds controllers to both infected and susceptible ones. By using the Lyapunov stability theory, under designed controllers, some criteria that guarantee the epidemic controlled synchronization system achieving behavior synchronization are also derived. Several numerical simulations are performed to show the effectiveness of our theoretical results. As far as we know, this is the first work to address the controlled behavioral synchronization induced by epidemic spread under the pinning feedback mechanism. It is hopeful that we may have deeper insights into the essence between the disease’s spread and collective behavior under active control in complex dynamical networks.
Measurement of the injecting time of picosecond laser in indirect-drive integrated fast ignition experiments using an x-ray streak camera
Authors: Zhang Feng , Li Jin , Shan Lianqiang , Wu Yuchi , Hu Xin , Yu Minghai , Yuan Zongqiang , Cui Bo , Bi Bi , Liu Dongxiao , Wang Weiwu , Tian Chao , Yang Lei , Zhou Weiming , Cao Leifeng , Gu Yuqiu
Published: March 2019

The injecting time of the picosecond laser in an indirect-drive integrated fast ignition experiment was measured by using an x-ray streak camera. Despite overlapping spatially and temporally in experiments, the soft x-ray signal from the nanosecond laser ablating the inner wall of an Au hohlraum and the hard x-ray signal from the bremsstrahlung radiation of hot electrons generated by a picosecond laser were separated by different image processes by filtering and collimating the two signals differently. The time sequence between the two x-ray signals was analyzed to extract the injection time of the picosecond laser relative to the hohlraum emission. By tracking the neutron yield as a function of the injection time of the picosecond laser, a clear positive correlation between the neutron yield enhancement and the derived injection times was exhibited. The heating effect of the picosecond laser was confirmed. It is concluded that this method could be used to measure the injecting time and validate the picosecond laser injection.
Chaos in wavy-stratified fluid-fluid flow
Authors: Vaidheeswaran Avinash , Clausse Alejandro , Fullmer William D. , Marino Raul , de Bertodano Martin Lopez
Published: March 2019

We perform a nonlinear analysis of a fluid-fluid wavy-stratified flow using a simplified two-fluid model (TFM), i.e., the fixed-flux model (FFM), which is an adaptation of the shallow water theory for the two-layer problem. Linear analysis using the perturbation method illustrates the short-wave physics leading to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI). The interface dynamics are chaotic, and analysis beyond the onset of instability is required to understand the nonlinear evolution of waves. The two-equation FFM solver based on a higher-order spatiotemporal finite difference scheme is used in the current simulations. The solution methodology is verified, and the results are compared with the measurements from a laboratory-scale experiment. The finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) based on simulations is comparable and slightly higher than the autocorrelation function decay rate, consistent with previous findings. Furthermore, the FTLE is observed to be a strong function of the angle of inclination, while the root mean square of the interface height exhibits a square-root dependence. It is demonstrated that this simple 1-D FFM captures the essential chaotic features of the interface dynamics. This study also adds to a growing body of work indicating that a TFM with appropriate short wavelength physics is well-behaved and chaotic beyond the KHI.
Negative thermal expansion of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide membranes
Authors: Forzani L. , Ramos C. A. , Vassallo Brigneti E. , Gennaro A. M. , Koropecki R. R.
Published: March 2019

We have measured the thermal expansion of Ni nanowires (NWs) electrodeposited into self-organized nanoporous amorphous aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes without an Al substrate using X-ray diffraction between 110 K and 350 K. The results indicate an average thermal expansion of the Ni NWs—along the wire axis—of α¯NiNW=−1.6 ± 1.5×10−6  K−1. Assuming a bulk-like thermal expansion of the isolated Ni NWs, this result indicates that AAO also has a negative thermal expansion. We estimate the thermal expansion of nanoporous AAO to be αAAO=−5 ± 1×10−6 K−1. We show that data obtained previously on the thermal expansion of metallic NWs grown in the nanoporous AAO may be interpreted as originating from a negative thermal expansion of the matrix.
Embodied neuromechanical chaos through homeostatic regulation
Authors: Shim Yoonsik , Husbands Phil
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we present detailed analyses of the dynamics of a number of embodied neuromechanical systems of a class that has been shown to efficiently exploit chaos in the development and learning of motor behaviors for bodies of arbitrary morphology. This class of systems has been successfully used in robotics, as well as to model biological systems. At the heart of these systems are neural central pattern generating (CPG) units connected to actuators which return proprioceptive information via an adaptive homeostatic mechanism. Detailed dynamical analyses of example systems, using high resolution largest Lyapunov exponent maps, demonstrate the existence of chaotic regimes within a particular region of parameter space, as well as the striking similarity of the maps for systems of varying size. Thanks to the homeostatic sensory mechanisms, any single CPG “views” the whole of the rest of the system as if it was another CPG in a two coupled system, allowing a scale invariant conceptualization of such embodied neuromechanical systems. The analysis reveals chaos at all levels of the systems; the entire brain-body-environment system exhibits chaotic dynamics which can be exploited to power an exploration of possible motor behaviors. The crucial influence of the adaptive homeostatic mechanisms on the system dynamics is examined in detail, revealing chaotic behavior characterized by mixed mode oscillations (MMOs). An analysis of the mechanism of the MMO concludes that they stems from dynamic Hopf bifurcation, where a number of slow variables act as “moving” bifurcation parameters for the remaining part of the system.
Exploring adaptive optics on focus-scan for nonlinear materials characterization
Authors: dos Santos Fábio R. P. , Valente Denise , de Araujo R. E. , Rativa Diego
Published: March 2019

Z-scan is a well-established technique used to measure the nonlinear refractive index and absorption coefficient of thin and transparent materials. The method requires the displacement of the sample along the focus of a laser beam. Therefore, the Z-scan is not suitable for experiments where the sample cannot be axially translated. Here, we explore a deformable mirror to create controllable defocus aberrations, translating the focus of the beam through the sample, alternatively to the sample displacement. The technique is based on time behavior analysis of the light beam transmitted by the nonlinear sample, at different defocus configurations. The method is validated by measuring reference samples (CS2 and SiO2) and comparing them with the conventional Z-scan technique.
Critical region phase transitions in the quasi-2D magnet CrCl3
Authors: Bykovetz N. , Hoser A. , Lin C. L.
Published: March 2019

CrCl3 has been known for a long time to be a quasi-2D ferromagnet (FM) with a specific-heat peak at 16.8K. Its 3D ordering is antiferromagnetic (AFM) with alternating 2D FM sheets perpendicular to the c-axis. Kuhlow [Phys. Stat. Sol. A 72, 161 (1982)] carried out Faraday rotation measurements on CrCl3 and concluded, on fairly tenuous grounds, that there are actually two closely spaced magnetic transitions, one at “16.7K” at which 2D FM sheets of in-plane spins start ordering, but do so with random alignment relative to the c-axis (the latter being perpendicular to the 2D FM sheets), and one in which a 3D AFM alignment of the 2D sheets of spins takes place, that being at TN ∼15.5K. We have carried out an extensive series of precision SQUID magnetometer measurements as a function of temperature, from very low fields (≥2.5G) and up to ∼2 kG on a high-purity single-crystal platelet, with the magnetic field both parallel and perpendicular to the c axis. The measurements provide more definitive evidence that there are two transitions, possibly three (at ∼16.8K, 16.0 and ∼14.3K, in our measurements). These data provide some support to Kuhlow’s conjecture that the initial phase transition is to a phase consisting of 3D-disordered, 2D-ordered, planes of spins. The very low field measurements provide the strongest support for this picture. To clarify the situation further neutron scattering (NS) measurements were carried out on a batch of the same material. The NS temperature-dependence measurements appear to provide additional support by showing a change in curvature in the magnetization (M) curve near 14K, and then an apparent linear decrease in M above 14K. Additionally, the NS data show a possible hysteresis near 16K during cooling. Possibly (though unlikely) the critical-region phase-transition behaviors observed in CrCl3 are unique to this quasi-2D system.
In situ
small-angle X-ray scattering environment for studying nanocrystal self-assembly upon controlled solvent evaporation
Authors: Lokteva I. , Walther M. , Koof M. , Grübel G. , Lehmkühler F.
Published: March 2019

We present a sample environment for the investigation of nanoparticle self-assembly from a colloidal solution via controlled solvent evaporation using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering. Nanoparticles form ordered superlattices in the evaporative assembly along the X-ray transparent windows of a three-dimensional sample cell. The special design of the sample cell allows for monitoring the superlattice formation and transformation at different stages of the assembly process during the movement of the evaporation front in real time. The presented sample environment can be used to study the self-organization of a wide range of colloidal particles and other soft materials.
AlScN: A III-V semiconductor based ferroelectric
Authors: Fichtner Simon , Wolff Niklas , Lofink Fabian , Kienle Lorenz , Wagner Bernhard
Published: March 2019

Ferroelectric switching is unambiguously demonstrated for the first time in a III-V semiconductor based material: Al1-xScxN—A discovery which could help to satisfy the urgent demand for thin film ferroelectrics with high performance and good technological compatibility with generic semiconductor technology which arises from a multitude of memory, micro/nano-actuator, and emerging applications based on controlling electrical polarization. The appearance of ferroelectricity in Al1-xScxN can be related to the continuous distortion of the original wurtzite-type crystal structure towards a layered-hexagonal structure with increasing Sc content and tensile strain, which is expected to be extendable to other III-nitride based solid solutions. Coercive fields which are systematically adjustable by more than 3 MV/cm, high remnant polarizations in excess of 100 μC/cm2—which constitute the first experimental estimate of the previously inaccessible spontaneous polarization in a III-nitride based material, an almost ideally square-like hysteresis resulting in excellent piezoelectric linearity over a wide strain interval from −0.3% to + 0.4% and a paraelectric transition temperature in excess of 600 °C are confirmed. This intriguing combination of properties is to our knowledge as of now unprecedented in the field of polycrystalline ferroelectric thin films and promises to significantly advance the commencing integration of ferroelectric functionality to micro- and nanotechnology, while at the same time providing substantial insight to one of the central open questions of the III-nitride semiconductors—that of their spontaneous polarization.
Role of α and β relaxations in collapsing dynamics of a polymer chain in supercooled glass-forming liquid
Authors: Mukherjee Mrinmoy , Mondal Jagannath , Karmakar Smarajit
Published: March 2019

Understanding the effect of glassy dynamics on the stability of bio-macromolecules and investigating the underlying relaxation processes governing degradation processes of these macromolecules are of immense importance in the context of bio-preservation. In this work, we have studied the stability of a model polymer chain in a supercooled glass-forming liquid at different amounts of supercooling in order to understand how dynamics of supercooled liquids influence the collapse behavior of the polymer. Our systematic computer simulation studies find that, apart from long time relaxation processes (α relaxation), short time dynamics of the supercooled liquid, known as β relaxation, is also correlated with the stability of the model polymer. We also show that anti-plasticizing effect found in this context can be rationalized using the β-relaxation process and how it is modified due to changes in the specific interactions between the biomolecules and the solvent molecules or changes in the local packing around the biomolecules. Our results corroborate with other recent results which suggest that it is important to take in to account both the α and β relaxation times while choosing appropriate bio-preservatives. We believe that our results will have implications in understanding the primary factors in protein stabilization in the context of bio-preservation.
Numerical construction of Wannier functions through homotopy
Authors: Gontier D. , Levitt A. , Siraj-dine S.
Published: March 2019

We provide a mathematically proven, simple, and efficient algorithm to build localised Wannier functions, with the only requirement that the system has vanishing Chern numbers. Our algorithm is able to build localised Wannier for topological insulators such as the Kane-Mele model. It is based on an explicit and constructive proof of homotopies for the unitary group. We provide numerical tests to validate the methods for several systems, including the Kane-Mele model.
A novel method based on the pseudo-orbits to calculate the largest Lyapunov exponent from chaotic equations
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Wang Xingyuan , Wang Zhen , Zhang Chuan
Published: March 2019

To reduce parameter error caused by human factors and ensure the accuracy of the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE) obtained from chaotic equations, this paper proposes a simple method based on two nearby pseudo-orbits. First, a point is selected from a solution trajectory of chaotic equation by the roundoff error. Second, the selected point is used as an initial condition to solve the same equation to obtain another solution trajectory. Third, the evolution distance of the two solution trajectories is calculated. Finally, the LLE is the slope of the linear region in the curve of the track distance of the natural algorithm. Our method has been successfully applied to simulate five well-known chaotic systems and some non-chaotic systems. The results show that, compared with other traditional methods, the proposed method is efficient, simple, and robust without reconstructing phase space and computing the Jacobian matrix.
Improved gating device of time-of-flight ion mass analyzer for ion sources
Authors: Choe Kyumin , Kim DongHwan , Chung Kyoung-Jae , Hwang Y. S.
Published: March 2019

A gating device is a critical component in a time-of-flight (TOF) ion mass analyzer for identifying ion species extracted from ion sources according to their mass-to-charge ratio. It consists of several concentric ring electrodes to deflect as many ions as possible within a very short gate time, thus increasing the ion current collected in a Faraday cup. In this study, we further improve the ion collection efficiency of the gating device by minimizing potential distortion along the paths of ions, by modifying the structure of gate electrodes and applying a bipolar gate pulse on them. Using the improved gating device, we find that the ion beam current increased by nearly 50% compared to the conventional one without changing the noise level. The improved TOF system is well applied to identify the spectrum of ion species extracted from a cold cathode Penning ion source, depending on the operating conditions.
A Rydberg atom-based mixer: Measuring the phase of a radio frequency wave
Authors: Simons Matthew T. , Haddab Abdulaziz H. , Gordon Joshua A. , Holloway Christopher L.
Published: March 2019

Rydberg atoms have been shown to be very useful in performing absolute measurements of the magnitude of a radio frequency (RF) field using electromagnetically induced transparency. However, there has been less success in using Rydberg atoms for the measurement of the phase of an RF field. Measuring the phase of a RF field is a necessary component for many important applications, including antenna metrology, communications, and radar. We demonstrate a scheme for measuring the phase of an RF field by using Rydberg atoms as a mixer to down-convert an RF field at 20 GHz to an intermediate frequency on the order of kHz. The phase of the intermediate frequency corresponds directly to the phase of the RF field. We use this approach to measure the phase shift on an electromagnetic wave from a horn antenna as the antenna is placed at different distances from the Rydberg atom sensor. The atom-based RF phase measurements allow us to measure the propagation constant of the RF wave to within 0.1% of the theoretical value.
Disharmony in harmony with diachronic stability
Authors: Djamouri Redouane , Paul Waltraud
Published: March 2019

Chinese is an intriguing case of syntactic stability. Since the earliest available documents (13th c. BC) up to today, it has displayed SVO order in combination with a head final NP as well as – in subsequent stages – other phenomena said to be typical of SOV languages, such as postpositions (since 1st c. BC) and a head-final CP (since 5th c. BC). This contradicts the received wisdom in the literature that highly ‘disharmonic’ stages are unstable and liable to change towards a (more) ‘harmonic’ one. Taking Chinese as a starting point, the assumption that the concept of stability itself – although inaccessible to the child acquirer and only observable with hindsight by the linguist – is an inbuilt part of human language and hence of universal grammar, is shown to be wrong.
A variational theory of specialization in acquisition and diachrony
Authors: Wallenberg Joel C.
Published: March 2019

This article presents an empirical case study in the diachronic specialization of morphosyntactic forms for different syntactic contexts, and uses it to develop a theory of variational specialization. This theory links specialization in diachrony to specialization in language acquisition, sociolinguistic coordination in a speech community, and a general understanding of evolutionary dynamics. The case study illustrates these relationships with the specialization of melted and molten in Early Modern English, and tests the hypothesis that even diachronic specialization in a lexical domain will not take the same trajectory for different speakers, but that the community will nevertheless coordinate on a direction of specialization given multiple generations. In doing so, it answers a question referred to as Yang’s Paradox: how can we reconcile diachronic results showing that specialization is slow, with experimental results on acquisition showing that it’s fast? The study ultimately shows that specialization in a speech community is orders of magnitude slower than specialization for an individual child in an experimental setting, due to the problem of coordinating the dimension and direction of specialization among many speakers. I also show how Yang’s (2000) variational grammar learning model can be extended to the problem of specialization, and that children plausibly do not play an active role in specializing linguistic forms: they only need to identify potential contexts that the forms could specialize for, and the learning analog of natural selection does the rest.
Stable variation in multidimensional competition
Authors: Kauhanen Henri
Published: March 2019

The Fundamental Theorem of Language Change (Yang 2000) implies the impossibility of stable variation in the Variational Learning framework, but only in the special case where two, and not more, grammatical variants compete. Introducing the notion of an advantage matrix, I generalize Variational Learn-ing to situations where the learner receives input generated by more than two grammars, and show that diachronically stable variation is an intrinsic feature of several types of such multiple-grammar systems. This invites experimentalists to take the possibility of stable variation seriously and identifies one possible place where to look for it: situations of complex language contact.
Compressive properties and cracking behaviour of 3D interpenetrating hierarchical Al2O3p/steel composite
Authors: Lu Dehong , He Guangyu , Wang Likun , Liao Chong
Published: March 2019

A hierarchical-architectured Al2O3/40Cr steel composite was fabricated by squeeze casting. In the composite, the Al2O3 particulate-reinforced 40Cr steel matrix composite and pure 40Cr steel formed a 3D interpenetrating composite. The uniaxial compressive properties as well as the cracking behaviour, the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of the composite were investigated and discussed. The compressive strength, fracture strain, and elasticity modulus of the architectured composite are 903.5 MPa, 18.8%, and 197 GPa, which are 1.5, 4.0, and 1.7 times the values of the uniformly Al2O3p-reinforced composite, respectively. Special origination and propagation ways of the cracks in the composites were observed with a 3D X-ray microscope, and the contributions of 3D framework structure on the strengthening and toughening of the composite were confirmed.
The influence of Graphene quality on performance of a Si/Graphene nanocomposite anode
Authors: Cen Yinjie , Qin Qingwei , Tao Mingjiang , Sisson Richard D. , Liang Jianyu
Published: March 2019

Si/Graphene nanoparticles represent attractive alternative anode materials for Lithium-ion batteries. Graphene nanosheets with different properties, including surface area, defect distance, and charge-transfer resistance, were fabricated and characterised in Si/Graphene nanocomposites formed by static-electric self-assembly then by an in-situ reduction process. Graphene nanosheets that exhibited the highest surface area, the shortest defect distance, and the lowest charge-transfer resistance demonstrated the best overall electrochemical performance, with a high initial discharge capacity of 2692 mAh g−1, good cycling performance of 1135 mAh g−1, at the 200th cycle at the current rate of 0.5 C. This work shows the preferable graphene quality for Si/Graphene nanocomposite anode and provides insights into the design of graphene nanocomposite electrodes, regardless of the graphene synthesis method.
Substance use is Independently Associated with Pneumonia Severity in Persons Living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Jolley Sarah E. , Welsh David A.
Published: March 2019

Background: Pneumonia is common in persons living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). Alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana impact pneumonia pathogenesis. We hypothesized that substance use was independently associated with pneumonia severity in PLWH and modified the effect of alcohol on pneumonia severity. Methods: Retrospective data analysis of PLWH admitted with a diagnosis of pneumonia was conducted. Alcohol use disorder was defined by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score ≥14. Drug use was quantified by self-report. Pneumonia severity was defined by the pneumonia severity index (PSI). Multivariable linear regression was used to test independent associations with pneumonia severity and effect modification by sex. Results: Of 196 PLWH, the mean age was 44 (SD = 9) years and the majority were men (71%). Ten percent ( n = 19) of subjects met criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). In subjects reporting alcohol use, 25% reported concomitant crack/cocaine use and 16% reported marijuana use. PSI scores were higher with lifetime use of crack/cocaine (mean PSI: 63.1 vs. 57.3, P = .06) and/or injection drug use (68.4 vs. 54.9, P = .04). PSI scores were lower with active marijuana use (51.5 vs. 62.2, P = .01). There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes. Sex modified the effect of drug use on PSI, with greater PSI scores in women with an AUD (β = 58.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 46.7 to 69.5, P < .01), whereas active marijuana use mitigated the effect of AUD on PSI in men (β = −12.7, 95% CI: −18.8 to −6.6, P < .01). Conclusions: Active alcohol and/or crack/cocaine use was associated with increased pneumonia severity in PLWH, with less severe pneumonia with marijuana use. Alcohol and marijuana effects on pneumonia severity differed by sex, with increased PSI in women and decreased PSI in men with concomitant marijuana and AUD.
Profiles of SAVRY risk and protective factors within male and female juvenile offenders: A latent class and latent transition analysis
Authors: Hilterman Ed L. B. , Vermunt Jeroen K. , Nicholls Tonia L. , Bongers Ilja L. , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs
Published: March 2019

This longitudinal study explored the existence of, and the transition between, latent classes based on risk/need domains of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY). The study included 4,267 male and 661 female justice-involved juveniles who had at least one SAVRY assessment completed between 2006 and 2011. A three-step approach was used for the latent class analyses (LCA): (1) A standard LCA estimated the classes; (2) the class-membership was determined; and (3) latent transition analyses estimated the likelihood of transition between the subgroups. For male adolescents, five latent classes were identified: (a) low risk/needs (36%); (b) low-moderate risk/needs (26%); (c) moderate risk/needs (11%); (d) moderate-high risk/needs (19%); and (e) high risk/needs (8%). For female adolescents, three subgroups were identified: (a) low risk/needs (30%); (b) moderate risk/needs (51%); and (c) high risk/needs (19%). Recidivism rates differentiated the subgroups, and the likelihood of transition within a 12-months timeframe was low.