bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel imine-linked covalent organic frameworks: preparation, characterization and application
Authors: Wu Xingchun , Wang Bowei , Yang Ziqi , Chen Ligong
Published: February 2019

Two novel COFs are constructed using nonlinear C2-linkers and display excellent properties for metal ion detection and Knoevenagel condensation catalysis.
Critical roles of potassium in charge-carrier balance and diffusion induced defect passivation for efficient inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yin Xuewen , Han Jianhua , Zhou Yu , Gu Youchen , Tai Meiqian , Nan Hui , Zhou Yangying , Li Jianbao , Lin Hong
Published: February 2019

Critical roles of potassium in charge-carrier balance and diffusion induced defect passivation for highly efficient inverted PSCs are revealed.
High-performance NO2-gas sensing of ultrasmall ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles based on surface charge transfer
Authors: Li Ke , Luo Yuanyuan , Liu Bo , Gao Lei , Duan Guotao
Published: February 2019

Ex situ photoluminescence characterization reveals the gas-sensing mechanism of ZFO NPs to NO2 based on charge transfer.
Bead-type polystyrene/nano-CaCO3(PS/nCaCO3) composite: a high-performance adsorbent for the removal of interleukin-6
Authors: Chai Yamin , Chen Jie , Wang Tingting , Chen Jian , Ma Yingda , Cheng Guanghui , Li Chunran , Zhang Qian , Ou Lailiang , Li Wenzhong
Published: February 2019

A novel nano-CaCO3(nCaCO3) particle composite-derived polystyrene (PS) resin can show high adsorption capacity for interleukin-6 from human plasma.
Near-infrared fluorescent aza-BODIPY dyes for sensing and imaging of pH from the neutral to highly alkaline range
Authors: Staudinger Christoph , Breininger Johanna , Klimant Ingo , Borisov Sergey M.
Published: February 2019

New aza-BODIPY pH indicators with spectral properties modulated solely by photoinduced electron transfer (PET) are presented.
Homochiral iron(ii)-based metal–organic nanotubes: metamagnetism and selective nitric oxide adsorption in a confined channel
Authors: Jia Jia-Ge , Feng Jian-Shen , Huang Xin-Da , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Li-Min
Published: February 2019

Homochiral nanotubular metal phosphonates (R)-or (S)-[Fe(pemp)(H2O2)2] [pemp2− = (R)- or (S)-(1-phenylethylamino) methylphonate] are reported which are the first examples of metal–organic nanotubes combining chirality, metamagnetism and highly selective nitric oxide absorption in the same molecular composite.
Theoretical predication of the high hydrogen evolution catalytic activity for the cubic and tetragonal SnP systems
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Yu Guangtao , Zhang Ran , Huang Xuri , Chen Wei
Published: February 2019

Both the cubic and tetragonal SnP systems, with a layered structure similar to phosphorene, can exhibit a considerably high HER catalytic activity over a wide range of hydrogen coverage.
Two‐dimensional DOA estimation for multi‐path environments by accurate separation of signals using k‐medoids clustering
Authors: Molaei Amir Masoud , Zakeri Bijan , Hosseini Andargoli Seyed Mehdi
Published: February 2019

The authors propose a two‐dimensional direction‐of‐arrival (DOA) estimation for multi‐path environments, in which there are uncorrelated, partially correlated and coherent signals. The inability to identify non‐coherent signals from coherent ones results in a considerable waste of sensors. In this work, an adaptive and automated threshold is considered for the efficient separation of noise, non‐coherent signals, and coherent groups. First, non‐coherent signals, coherent groups, and noise subspace are separated using k‐medoids clustering. After determining the number of sources, non‐coherent signals and coherent groups, non‐coherent DOAs are estimated separately. The number of coherent signals in each coherence group is determined by the minimum descriptive length criterion. Finally, coherent DOAs are estimated in each group by constructing a coherent estimation matrix. The proposed method does not require any prior information such as knowing the number of signals or the covariance matrix of uncorrelated signals. The simulation results show that the proposed method is able to distinguish between the non‐coherent and coherent signals, even at low signal‐to‐noise ratios and a small number of snapshots. Also, in terms of detection probability and estimation accuracy, it shows an improvement of over 1.2 and 83%, respectively, compared with the conventional forward−backward spatial smoothing scheme.
Novel cyber fault prognosis and resilience control for cyber–physical systems
Authors: Bi Shanshan , Wang Tianchen , Wang Lei , Zawodniok Maciej
Published: February 2019

Cyber–physical systems (CPSs) consists of a network, computation, and physical process. Embedded networks, which deliver control and sensing signal, can potentially affect CPSs performance. However, the degradation of physical system performance caused by the embedded networks is frequently oversimplified with strong assumptions. The proposed scheme effectively relaxes those assumptions in the existing works that network delays are bounded in a specific range or its distribution is time invariant. Most of the existing works on fault diagnosis and prognosis addressed the physical system fault detection and isolation, and ignore cyber network faults. A novel cyber network fault prognosis scheme is proposed to deal with both of cyber and physical system fault. It can identify when a cyber fault has occurred, and pinpoint the type of fault based on CPS system performance prediction, then, trigger resilience controller at an appropriate time to minimise the computational overhead. Thus, it can guarantee the stability of the entire CPS and substantially reduce computational overhead of the resilience control by triggering it if necessary.
Evolutionary‐games approach for distributed predictive control involving resource allocation
Authors: Barreiro‐Gomez Julian , Obando Germán , Ocampo‐Martinez Carlos , Quijano Nicanor
Published: February 2019

This study proposes a distributed model predictive control (DMPC) scheme based on population games for a system formed by a set of sub‐systems. In addition to considering independent operational constraints for each sub‐system, the controller addresses a coupled constraint that involves the sum of all control inputs. This constraint models an upper bound on the total amount of energy supplied to the plant. The proposed approach does not need a centralised coordinator when having a coupled constraint involving all the decision variables. The proposed methodology, which takes advantage of evolutionary game theory concepts, provides an optimal solution for the described problem. Moreover, it is shown that the methodology has plug‐and‐play features, i.e. for each already designed local MPC controller nothing changes when more sub‐systems are added/removed to/from the global constrained control problem. Furthermore, the stability analysis of the proposed DMPC scheme is presented.
Finite‐time filtering for Itô stochastic Markovian jump systems with distributed time‐varying delays based on optimisation algorithm
Authors: Wu Zhengtian , Jiang Baoping , Kao Yonggui
Published: February 2019

This study is concerned with the problem of finite‐time filter design for a class of Itô stochastic systems with Markovian switching and distributed time‐varying delays. Firstly, a partially mode‐dependent filter is designed to accommodate to unreliable network transmission. The attention is focused on deriving sufficient conditions for the filtering error system to ensure the finite‐time boundedness and to satisfy a prescribed disturbance attenuation. Then based on stochastic functional theory, the existence of filter is presented by solving existing linear matrix inequalities optimisation problems. Furthermore, the result is extended to the case where the mode information is completely transmitted. Finally, a numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Investigation on the multi‐DoF 3‐D model and levitation behaviour of radial‐type superconducting magnetic bearing
Authors: Ai Liwang , Zhang Guomin , Li Wanjie , Qiu Qingquan , Si Jikai
Published: February 2019

It is crucial to calculate the levitation force and model the levitation behaviour in the designation of superconducting magnetic bearing (SMB). At present, the related research focuses on the single degree of freedom (DoF) levitation behaviour of the SMB independently, for instance the axial or radial levitation force. Practically, the superconducting magnetic levitation is passive levitation at directions of multi‐DoF. Additionally, the non‐ideal conditions in fabrication, such as the joint effect of superconducting bulks, lead to complex 3‐D‐induced current distributions which generate the levitation force. There are coupling effects which affect the levitation forces at the directions of different DoFs. This paper investigates the multi‐DoF modelling and levitation behaviour of the radial‐type SMB. By adopting the Power‐law E‐J relation, the dependence of conductivity on electric field is derived to define the superconductive material. Then, the software MagNet is employed to establish the 3‐D multi‐DoF finite element model. Under the external disturbance of the PM rotor with axial constant speed and constant load, the multi‐DoF levitation behaviours of radial‐type SMB are discussed considering the joint effect of superconducting bulks. It is also obtained that the influence of the revolving speed, the static, and dynamic eccentricity on the axial levitation force.
Participation of distributed resources and responsive loads to voltage unbalance compensation in islanded microgrids
Authors: Sheshyekani Keyhan , Jendoubi Imen , Teymuri Mohammad , Hamzeh Mohsen , Karimi Houshag , Bayat Mohammad
Published: February 2019

This study presents a new method for voltage unbalance compensation in islanded microgrids using distributed resources (i.e. distributed generations, storage systems) and responsive loads. The proposed method adopts the Newton trust‐region approach to perform the load flow calculation. The sensitivity coefficients obtained from the load flow solution are incorporated into an optimisation problem whose cost function is defined based on voltage unbalance factor at all microgrid buses. The problem is solved using the particle swarm optimisation method. The results of the optimisation method in the form of correction commands are transmitted to the responsive loads and resources via a communication structure. The responsive resources even those with limited capacity and various types of loads including residential, commercial, and industrial are considered in the presented studies. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed strategy, two different cases, namely, with and without energy storage devices, are simulated. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method in the voltage unbalance correction of islanded microgrids.
Drug-Eluting Balloons and Drug-Eluting Stents in the Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Authors: Lindquist Jonathan , Schramm Kristofer
Published: February 2019

In the last 20 years, peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been increasingly recognized as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The endovascular treatment of PAD has seen a marked rise as minimally invasive techniques and devices have been refined. Two newer devices, drug-eluting stents and drug-eluting balloons, are on the forefront of the battle against limb loss from PAD. This review focuses on the data backing the use of drug-eluting technologies for use in the peripheral arterial system.
Development and Formative Assessment of the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management
Authors: Oree Preyanca , Sanchez Victoria , Reed Nicholas , Chisolm Theresa , Arnold Michelle
Published: February 2019

Hearing aids are a demonstrated efficacious intervention for age-related hearing loss, and research suggests that good hearing loss self-management skills improve amplification satisfaction and outcomes. One way to foster self-management skills is through the provision of patient education materials. However, many of the available resources related to the management of hearing loss do not account for health literacy and are not suitable for use with adults from varying health literacy backgrounds. To address this issue, we developed the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management as part of a manualized, best practices hearing intervention used in large clinical trial. We incorporated health literacy recommendations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in a series of modules that address a variety of common problem areas reported by adults with hearing loss. A formative assessment consisting of feedback questionnaires, semistructured interviews, and a focus group session with representatives from the target audience was conducted. Findings from the development assessment process demonstrate that the Hearing Loss Toolkit for Self-Management is suitable for use with adults with age-related hearing loss who have varying health literacy backgrounds and abilities.
Superior Sagittal Sinus Invasion by Malignant Glioma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Figueiredo Gonçalo , Moreira Sérgio , Pinheiro Célia , Calheiros Alfredo
Published: February 2019

Anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AOs) correspond to ∼ 23% of all oligodendrogliomas. They correspond to a tumor with malignant histological characteristics, focal or diffuse, associated with a worse prognosis. In the present case report, we describe the case of a 30-year-old female submitted to resection of a right parietal lesion whose histology showed to be an AO. She underwent complementary treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to the Roger Stupp protocol. Four years after the initial diagnosis, there was tumor recurrence within the superior sagittal sinus, with no evidence of recurrence elsewhere. In the literature, we have found no similar published case reinforcing the rarity of this condition
Identification of the Regulatory Elements and Target Genes of Megakaryopoietic Transcription Factor MEF2C
Authors: Kong Xianguo , Ma Lin , Chen Edward , Shaw Chad , Edelstein Leonard
Published: February 2019

Megakaryopoiesis produces specialized haematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow that give rise to megakaryocytes which ultimately produce platelets. Defects in megakaryopoiesis can result in altered platelet counts and physiology, leading to dysfunctional haemostasis and thrombosis. Additionally, dysregulated megakaryopoiesis is also associated with myeloid pathologies. Transcription factors play critical roles in cell differentiation by regulating the temporal and spatial patterns of gene expression which ultimately decide cell fate. Several transcription factors have been described as regulating megakaryopoiesis including myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C); however, the genes regulated by MEF2C that influence megakaryopoiesis have not been reported. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and Gene Ontology data we identified five candidate genes that are bound by MEF2C and regulate megakaryopoiesis: MOV10, AGO3, HDAC1, RBBP5 and WASF2. To study expression of these genes, we silenced MEF2C gene expression in the Meg01 megakaryocytic cell line and in induced pluripotent stem cells by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. We also knocked down MEF2C expression in cord blood-derived haematopoietic stem cells by siRNA. We found that absent or reduced MEF2C expression resulted in defects in megakaryocytic differentiation and reduced levels of the candidate target genes. Luciferase assays confirmed that genomic sequences within the target genes are regulated by MEF2C levels. Finally, we demonstrate that small deletions linked to a platelet count-associated single nucleotide polymorphism alter transcriptional activity, suggesting a mechanism by which genetic variation in MEF2C alters platelet production. These data help elucidate the mechanism behind MEF2C regulation of megakaryopoiesis and genetic variation driving platelet production.
Modulating near-field heat transfer using oxygen-contaminated piezoelectric aluminum nitride nanomaterials
Authors: Baltaji R. , Kazan M.
Published: February 2019

We investigate the modulation of near-field heat transfer between piezoelectric aluminum nitride thin plates and nanospheres. Temperature-dependent infrared spectroscopic measurements showed soft phonon modes indicating a sharp change in the atomic structures of defect complexes in aluminum nitride at a transition temperature. The analysis of the measured infrared spectra showed a drastic change in the infrared dielectric properties upon switching between the observed defect complexes. By using the dielectric properties obtained from measurements, we demonstrate theoretically that the radiative heat transfer between aluminum nitride nanospheres can be dynamically modulated with a peak-to-peak value ranging from 0% to 40% of the maximum net heat transfer upon switching between the atomic structures of defect complexes. The high piezoelectric properties of aluminum nitride materials allow imitating the observed effect of thermal stresses by mechanical stresses resulting from the application of an external electric field.
Laser-induced fluorescence saturation effects on ion velocity distribution functions in the vicinity of reflecting surfaces
Authors: Pigeon V. , Claire N. , Arnas C. , Doveil F.
Published: February 2019

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of Argon ions performed in the sheath/pre-sheath facing a floating metallic plate and a BNSiO2 ceramic one immersed in a low temperature plasma exhibit unexpected features. It appears that a strong fluorescence signal which could be unduly attributed to ions moving backward in the sheath is detected, even though the floating potential is far below the plasma potential. Moreover, this signal may be stronger than the one corresponding to ions having a forward motion. It is demonstrated that this abnormal measurement is due to the optical pumping saturation of the incident laser beam, while this saturation does not exist for the scattering of the beam at the sample surface. The reflected signal is unambiguously identified using a theoretical beam scattering model. It is also shown that the presence of the sheath/pre-sheath density gradient is able to trigger the LIF saturation effect, complicating ion density measurements.
Atomic-scale identification of crystalline GaON nanophase for enhanced GaN MIS-FET channel
Authors: Cai Xiangbin , Hua Mengyuan , Zhang Zhaofu , Yang Song , Zheng Zheyang , Cai Yuan , Chen Kevin J. , Wang Ning
Published: February 2019

In this work, we demonstrate an easy channel-engineering method using oxygen-plasma treatment followed by in-situ annealing before gate dielectric deposition on GaN. A crystalline GaON nanophase was identified to serve as an optimized channel layer in the gate region of E-mode GaN metal-insulator-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MIS-FETs). The atomic-scale element distribution and crystalline structure of the GaON nanophase were revealed by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. First-principles calculations further correlate the enhanced thermal stability with the atomic observation of the refined structure in the GaON nanophase. Owing to the atomically sharp gate-dielectric/channel interface and low interface trap density (Dit), the boosted performance of the E-mode MIS-FET was achieved with the GaON channel. This study not only validates an approach of local channel modification for high-performance normally off GaN MIS-FETs but also opens possibilities of utilizing this crystalline GaON nanophase as a promising channel material in various GaN devices.
Estimating uncertainty in homogeneous turbulence evolution due to coarse-graining
Authors: Mishra Aashwin Ananda , Duraisamy Karthik , Iaccarino Gianluca
Published: February 2019

Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) closures assume that the state of the turbulent flow field can be uniquely described using a finite set of tensors. However, these tensors are averaged statistics, and thus, varied turbulent flow fields with different internal structuring can correspond to the same values for this finite tensor basis. This causes the modeled initial value problem governing turbulence evolution to be ill-posed. This non-unique specification of the initial turbulent flow field may lead to non-unique evolution for the real turbulent flow at this level of description, introducing epistemic uncertainty in the RANS modeling problem. In this investigation, we show that for homogeneous turbulence, there is a range of possible evolution of a real turbulent flow field if only a finite set of local tensors are specified. Furthermore, this range can include diametrically opposite behavior of the flow. The dependence of this uncertainty is analyzed and quantified for different mean velocity gradients and at different flow parameters. It is exhibited that this uncertainty is engendered by the linear mechanisms in turbulence physics. The magnitude of sensitivity of flow evolution on flow history is explained, using the spectral space structure of the linear instabilities manifested for different mean flows.
Advances in the experimental exploration of water’s phase diagram
Authors: Salzmann Christoph G.
Published: February 2019

Water’s phase diagram displays enormous complexity with currently 17 experimentally confirmed polymorphs of ice and several more predicted computationally. For almost 120 years, it has been a stomping ground for scientific discovery, and ice research has often been a trailblazer for investigations into a wide range of materials-related phenomena. Here, the experimental progress of the last couple of years is reviewed, and open questions as well as future challenges are discussed. The specific topics include (i) the polytypism and stacking disorder of ice I, (ii) the mechanism of the pressure amorphization of ice I, (iii) the emptying of gas-filled clathrate hydrates to give new low-density ice polymorphs, (iv) the effects of acid/base doping on hydrogen-ordering phase transitions as well as (v) the formation of solid solutions between salts and the ice polymorphs, and the effect this has on the appearance of the phase diagram. In addition to continuing efforts to push the boundaries in terms of the extremes of pressure and temperature, the exploration of the “chemical” dimensions of ice research appears to now be a newly emerging trend. It is without question that ice research has entered a very exciting era.
Wakefield excitation by a powerful sub-nanosecond 28.6 GHz microwave pulse propagating in a plasma filled waveguide
Authors: Cao Y. , Bliokh Y. , Leopold J. G. , Rostov V. , Slutsker Ya. , Krasik Ya. E.
Published: February 2019

High-power microwave pulse generation (∼1.2 GW, ∼0.4 ns, 28.6 GHz) by a super-radiant backward wave oscillator (SR-BWO) and the feasibility of wakefield-excitation with this pulse in a plasma-filled waveguide are presented. The SR-BWO is driven by an electron beam (∼280 keV, ∼1.5 kA, ∼5 ns) generated in a magnetically insulated foilless diode and propagating through a slow-wave structure in a guiding magnetic field of 8 T. The plasma produced by an array of flashboards filling a cylindrical wire-array waveguide attached at the exit of the SR-BWO is also characterized. 1D and 3D numerical simulations demonstrate that for the experimental parameters of the microwave pulse and the flashboard plasma filling the waveguide, a wakefield forms accompanied by significant periodic density modulations such that their radial location and depth can be controlled by the waveguide radius, plasma density, and microwave power.
Range extension of Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
Authors: McBride Timothy C. , Organ Aaron , Pryde Elizabeth
Published: February 2019

We report spotlight and camera-trap observations of Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) at six locations up to 15km east of its described range. Half of our records occurred in fire-affected, mixed-species forest, with a tree species and seral stage composition that differs markedly from its predominant habitat: late-mature forests dominated by Eucalyptus regnans, E. delegatensis and E. nitens.
Virulence factors and phylogenetic group profile of uterine Escherichia coli in early postpartum of high-producing dairy cows
Authors: de Cássia Bicudo Luana , Oba Eunice , Bicudo Sony Dimas , da Silva Leite Domingos , Siqueira Amanda Keller , de Souza Monobe Marina Mitie , Nogueira Meghi , de Figueiredo Pantoja José Carlos , Listoni Fernando José Paganini , Ribeiro Márcio Garcia
Published: February 2019

Escherichia coli is the most common contaminant of the bovine uterus in the first few weeks postpartum, and one of the most important pathogens involved in uterine infections. This bacterium is characterised by diverse virulence factors (VF); however, the profile of E. coli VF in physiologic postpartum uterine contamination is not well established. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of intrauterine bacteria, a set of virulence factors and phylogroups of E. coli isolates, leukogram and uterine cytology in 75 Holstein cows at 24 h (Sampling time 1) and 14 days (Sampling time 2) postpartum. Escherichia coli, α-haemolytic Streptococcus, Trueperella pyogenes, and Pasteurella multocida were the most common microorganisms isolated in pure culture, whereas E. coli and Clostridium perfringens Type A, E. coli and α-haemolytic Streptococcus, and E. coli and Proteus mirabilis were the most frequent microorganisms in mixed colonies at both studied sampling times. In the 59 E. coli isolates after 24 h (n = 35) and 14 days (n = 24) postpartum, the genes detected for VF were fimH, iucD/aer, kps, hlyA, usp, vt1 and vt2. Most E. coli strains detected in both moments of study belonged to Commensal phylogenetic groups A and B1, whereas Pathogenic groups D and B2 were identified at 24 h and 14 days postpartum respectively. All cows presented suitable immune response against the presence of bacteria in uterine lumen, observed by leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis at leukogram and a high number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in uterine cytology, in both studied moments. Thus, a complex diversity of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is involved in uterine contamination in the early postpartum of cows, besides the predominance of E. coli. Moreover, the genes fimH, iucD/aer, hlyA, kps, usp, vt1 and vt2 play a key role in the virulence of E. coli in this period.
Tellurium behaviour in a major European fluvial–estuarine system (Gironde, France): fluxes, solid/liquid partitioning and bioaccumulation in wild oysters
Authors: Gil-Díaz Teba , Schäfer Jörg , Dutruch Lionel , Bossy Cécile , Pougnet Frédérique , Abdou Melina , Lerat-Hardy Antoine , Pereto Clément , Derriennic Hervé , Briant Nicolas , Sireau Teddy , Knoery Joël , Blanc Gérard
Published: February 2019

Environmental contextThe environmental behaviour of tellurium is poorly understood. We investigate the transport of tellurium in both dissolved and particulate forms from the river watershed to the Gironde Estuary, where a 30-year historical record provides insight on tellurium bioaccumulation in wild oysters. These results constitute the first comprehensive study on natural tellurium behaviour in a major fluvial-estuarine system, information essential for predictive modelling of tellurium risk assessment.
AbstractTellurium (Te) is a technology critical element (TCE) with largely unknown environmental behaviour, especially in continent-ocean interface systems. The unknown behaviour results from the lack of studies in aquatic environments and from analytical challenges limiting the determination of its naturally low (ultra-trace) environmental levels. We performed a comprehensive study of Te in the Lot–Garonne–Gironde fluvial–estuarine system to better understand seasonal variations, solid/liquid partitioning (Kd), gross fluxes, estuarine dynamics, and transfer to wild oysters at the estuary mouth. A temporal record (2014–2017) of dissolved (Ted) and particulate (Tep) Te concentrations at five sites in the Lot–Garonne River system shows little differences between sites, with average ~0.9ngL−1 and ~50µgkg−1 respective concentrations. Watershed Ted and Tep follow parallel seasonal patterns, which result in constant partitioning (log10 Kd ~4.75Lkg−1), with constant annual gross dissolved fluxes (~15.0kgy−1) and variable gross particulate fluxes (from 6.50 to 140kgy−1) entering the Gironde Estuary. Estuarine reactivity in contrasting hydrological conditions (from flood to drought) suggest that grain-size effects and/or estuarine hydrological residence times strongly affect Tep behaviour. Historical records (1984–2017) of Te in wild oysters at the estuary mouth vary from 1.33 to 2.89µgkg−1 dry weight (d.w.), without any clear long-term trend. This study provides rare knowledge on Te environmental dynamics in aquatic systems, and suggests that, although no current anthropogenic sources were identified in the economically developed Lot-Garonne-Gironde fluvial-estuarine system, there is a non-negligible bioaccumulation in wild oysters at the estuary mouth.
Combining morphological and molecular data resolves the phylogeny of Squilloidea (Crustacea : Malacostraca)
Authors: Van Der Wal Cara , Ahyong Shane T. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Lins Luana S. F. , Lo Nathan
Published: February 2019

The mantis shrimp superfamily Squilloidea, with over 185 described species, is the largest superfamily in the crustacean order Stomatopoda. To date, phylogenetic relationships within this superfamily have been comprehensively analysed using morphological data, with six major generic groupings being recovered. Here, we infer the phylogeny of Squilloidea using a combined dataset comprising 75 somatic morphological characters and four molecular markers. Nodal support is low when the morphological and molecular datasets are analysed separately but improves substantially when combined in a total-evidence phylogenetic analysis. We obtain a well resolved and strongly supported phylogeny that is largely congruent with previous estimates except that the Anchisquilloides-group, rather than the Meiosquilla-group, is the earliest-branching lineage in Squilloidea. The splits among the Anchisquilloides- and Meiosquilla-groups are followed by those of the Clorida-, Harpiosquilla-, Squilla- and Oratosquilla-groups. Most of the generic groups are recovered as monophyletic, with the exception of the Squilla- and Oratosquilla-groups. However, many genera within the Oratosquilla-group are not recovered as monophyletic. Further exploration with more extensive molecular sampling will be needed to resolve relationships within the Oratosquilla-group and to investigate the adaptive radiation of squilloids. Overall, our results demonstrate the merit of combining morphological and molecular datasets for resolving phylogenetic relationships.
Resolving the early life history of King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus: Perciformes) using otolith microstructure and trace element chemistry
Authors: Rogers Troy A. , Fowler Anthony J. , Steer Michael A. , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: February 2019

Understanding the early life history processes of fish that lead to recruitment is critical for understanding population dynamics. This study explored the early life history of King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus) that recruited to an important nursery area in South Australia in 2016 and 2017. The early life history was reconstructed based on the retrospective analysis of otolith microstructure and chemistry for settlement-stage larvae collected fortnightly from July to November. These fish hatched between March and July, but a 3-week period in May led to 52–71% of recruitment. Recruits from successive sampling occasions differed in age, size and growth rate, potentially related to seasonal changes in water temperature and larval food availability. During both years, there were significant changes in otolith elemental chemistry among the groups of recruits that primarily related to changes in Sr:Ca. There are two hypotheses to account for the differences in otolith chemistry: either (1) a single, primary spawning source and within-season environmental change; or (2) multiple spawning sources. Further investigation with oceanographic models of larval dispersal will help differentiate between these. The retrospective analysis of otoliths has improved the understanding of early life history for this important species, with implications for fishery management.
Validating the Short Form-12 and the development of disease-specific norms in a cohort of Australian private health insurance members
Authors: Le Grande Michael R. , Tucker Graeme , Bunker Stephen , Jackson Alun C.
Published: February 2019

Despite the large number of Australians with private health insurance (PHI), normative quality-of-life data are not available for this population. The Short Form (SF)-12 has been used to characterise the health-related quality of life of Australians in the general population, but there is debate concerning the appropriate algorithm that should be used to calculate its physical and mental component summary scores. The standard (orthogonal method) approach assumes that the mental and physical components are unrelated, whereas an alternate approach (the correlated method) assumes that the two components are related. A consecutive sample of 24957 PHI members with four major initial disease conditions were administered the SF-12 via phone and 4330 participants were followed up at a mean of 16 months after the first survey. The SF-12 was scored using both the orthogonal and correlated methods, and both scoring models were assessed for model fit and ability to discriminate between the four major disease conditions. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated superior model fit and improved discriminative validity when the SF-12 was scored using the correlated method instead of the default orthogonal method. Further, the correlated method demonstrated utility by producing scores that were responsive to change over time.
Survey of Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurses' attitudes and practice relating to preconception health promotion
Authors: Hammarberg Karin , Taylor Leanne
Published: February 2019

Environmental factors including poor nutrition, obesity, smoking, exposure to toxins and drug and alcohol use at the time of conception can adversely affect the future health of the offspring. As primary health care (PHC) professionals who interact with women of reproductive age, Maternal, Child and Family Health Nurses (MCaFHNs) are ideally placed to promote preconception health to women who want another child. The aim of this study was to assess MCaFHNs attitudes towards preconception health promotion, whether and under what circumstances they talk to their families about this, and what might help them start a conversation about preconception health. Of the 192 respondents, most (65%) agreed it is part of the MCaFHNs role to promote preconception health but only one in eight (13%) felt very confident that they knew as much as they needed and less than half (46%) ‘routinely’ or ‘sometimes’ promoted preconception health in their clinical practice. Almost all agreed that more information and education on the topic would increase their confidence to discuss preconception health. The findings suggest that, with adequate educational and structural support, most MCaFHNs are willing to deliver preconception health promotion in their clinical practice. As most new mothers access MCaFHNs, the potential health benefits of this are considerable.
Patient access to opioid substitution treatment pharmacy and medical service providers in South Australia: geospatial mapping
Authors: Le Phuong-Phi
Published: February 2019

This cross-sectional study geospatially maps patient access to opioid substitution treatment (OST) pharmacy and medical providers in South Australia (SA), Australia. De-identified data from a total of 2935 public and private OST patients (1092 public cases and 1843 private cases) were included in the study. Geospatial mapping of OST patient locations, their dosing community pharmacy and prescriber was undertaken. The geospatial modelling methods used in this study presents an application whereby information about patient travel patterns to reach OST providers can be used as a tool for treatment service planning.
Corrigendum to: Enumerating the population eligible for funded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in New Zealand
Authors: Saxton Peter J. W. , McAllister Susan M.
Published: February 2019

Background:Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) became publicly funded in New Zealand (NZ) on 1 March 2018. PrEP could have a substantial population-level effect on HIV transmission if scaled up rapidly. An accurate estimate of the size of the PrEP-eligible population would guide implementation. Methods: We drew on nine sources to estimate the PrEP-eligible population, namely Statistics NZ data, Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) data on adults receiving funded antiretroviral treatment (ART), expert advice, estimates of the HIV care cascade, surveillance of undiagnosed HIV in a community sample of gay and bisexual men (GBM), surveillance of HIV diagnoses, NZ Health Survey data on sexual orientation among males, behavioural surveillance among GBM and behavioural data among people living with HIV (PLWH) from the HIV Futures NZ study. From these sources we derived three estimates relating to GBM, non-GBM and total eligible population. Sensitivity analyses examined different assumptions (GBM denominators, proportion PLWH diagnosed, proportion of diagnosed PLWH treated). Results: We estimated that 17.9% of sexually active HIV-negative GBM would be eligible for PrEP, equating to 5816 individuals. We estimated that 31 non-GBM individuals would be eligible for PrEP. Thus, in total, 5847 individuals would be eligible for PrEP, comprising 99.5% GBM and 0.5% non-GBM. Sensitivity analyses ranged from 3062 to 6718 individuals. Conclusions: Policy makers can use enumeration to monitor the speed and scale in coverage as implementation of publicly funded PrEP proceeds. Sexual health and primary care services can use enumeration to forecast PrEP demand and plan accordingly. Better quality data, especially on transgender adults in NZ, would improve the accuracy of estimates.
Retaining change in attitudes and emotions toward coyotes using experiential education
Authors: Sponarski Carly C. , Vaske Jerry J. , Bath Alistair J. , Loeffler T. A.
Published: February 2019

Context
Education programs concerning wildlife conservation and safety typically include the biology of the wildlife species and public safety information. Information retention using traditional means such as signs, pamphlets and static presentations have been shown to be minimally effective at changing attitudes and behaviour when it comes to human–wildlife interactions.

Aims
An experiential education program with interactive modules was designed to support information retention in participants. On the basis of previous research, a targeted experiential education program focusing on perceptions of risk and preventative behaviours was produced to increase people’s comfort level when in coyote habitat.

Methods
Pre-, post- and retention-test questionnaires were used to study differences in attitudes and risk perception instantly following (post-test) as well as 1 year after participating in the program (retention test).

Key results
Overall, the program had significant positive effects on participants’ attitudes, and significant decreases in their overall perception of risk in terms of potential interaction with coyotes. These positive effects were observed instantly and 1 year after participants were surveyed.

Conclusions
Targeted and interactive educative experiences can have impacts on participants’ perceptions over the long term. This technique might be useful when dealing with human–wildlife interactions.

Implications
Designing targeted educative experiences for people may also support lasting positive change in human–wildlife interactions.
Pits or pictures: a comparative study of camera traps and pitfall trapping to survey small mammals and reptiles
Authors: Dundas Shannon J. , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Hardy Giles E. St.J. , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: February 2019

Context
Camera trapping is a widely used monitoring tool for a broad range of species across most habitat types. Camera trapping has some major advantages over other trapping methods, such as pitfall traps, because cameras can be left in the field for extended periods of time. However, there is still a need to compare traditional trapping methods with newer techniques.

Aims
To compare trap rates, species richness and community composition of small mammals and reptiles by using passive, unbaited camera traps and pitfall traps.

Methods
We directly compared pitfall trapping (20-L buried buckets) with downward-facing infrared-camera traps (Reconyx) to survey small reptiles and mammals at 16 sites within a forested habitat in south-western Australia. We compared species captured using each method, as well as the costs associated with each.

Key results
Overall, we recorded 228 reptiles, 16 mammals and 1 frog across 640 pitfall trap-nights (38.3 animal captures per 100 trap-nights) compared to 271 reptiles and 265 mammals (for species likely to be captured in pitfall traps) across 2572 camera trap nights (20.8 animal captures per 100 trap-nights). When trap effort is taken into account, camera trapping was only 23% as efficient as pitfall trapping for small reptiles (mostly Scincidae), but was five times more efficient for surveying small mammals (Dasyuridae). Comparing only those species that were likely to be captured in pitfall traps, 13 species were recorded by camera trapping compared with 20 species recorded from pitfall trapping; however, we found significant (P<0.001) differences in community composition between the methods. In terms of cost efficacy, camera trapping was the more expensive method for our short, 4-month survey when taking the cost of cameras into consideration.

Conclusions
Applicability of camera trapping is dependent on the specific aims of the intended research. Camera trapping is beneficial where community responses to ecosystem disturbance are being tested. Live capture of small reptiles via pitfall trapping allows for positive species identification, morphological assessment, and collection of reference photos to help identify species from camera photos.

Implications
As stand-alone techniques, both survey methods under-represent the available species present in a region. The use of more than one survey method improves the scope of fauna community assessments.
Modification of excitation and charge transfer in cavity quantum-electrodynamical chemistry
Authors: Schäfer Christian , Ruggenthaler Michael , Appel Heiko , Rubio Angel
Published: February 2019

Significance

Excitation and charge transfer are fundamental processes in nature, and controlling these processes is a major goal of quantum chemistry. While these processes are well understood for the usual free-space case, when the electromagnetic vacuum is changed due to, e.g., a cavity, these processes can be dramatically different. We consider these changes in transfer processes with real-space donor–acceptor models, where we put an emphasis on the impact of electron–electron correlations. We find results in line with recent experiments, where strong light–matter interaction leads to enhanced transfer reactions, even when in the corresponding free-space situation no transfer should be possible. We highlight that the processes depend crucially on the Coulomb and self-polarization interactions.
Infiltration of CD8
+
T cells into tumor cell clusters in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Xuefei , Gruosso Tina , Zuo Dongmei , Omeroglu Atilla , Meterissian Sarkis , Guiot Marie-Christine , Salazar Adam , Park Morag , Levine Herbert
Published: February 2019

Significance

The infiltration of cytotoxic T cells into tumors is a critical factor in immunotherapy efficacy. We developed an algorithm to quantify infiltration level using whole-section immunohistofluorescence images from different patients. We observed consistent infiltration patterns of cytotoxic T cells (on the tumor cell cluster level) at the core and margin of each tumor. These spatial distributions enabled us to generate several hypotheses for mechanisms underlying the various infiltration levels. We used mathematical models to test which hypothetical mechanisms could recapitulate these patterns. One hypothesis, that of a fibrotic barrier, was shown to be unlikely. The other, involving a T cell chemorepellent, agrees with the data and can be tested in future experiments that directly measure the chemokine spatial patterns.
Differences in Human Leukocyte Antigen Expression Between Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Patients and the General Population
Authors: Tevis Sarah E , Hunt Kelly K , Miranda Roberto N , Lange Caitlin , Butler Charles E , Clemens Mark W
Published: February 2019

Background

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon T-cell lymphoma associated with textured-surface breast implants. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms have been described with other forms of lymphoma, but have not been described for BIA-ALCL.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate HLA polymorphisms in BIA-ALCL patients.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated HLA alleles in patients with BIA-ALCL. HLA was analyzed by probe-based sequence-specific testing and sequence-based typing. The frequencies of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, and HLA-DQB1 alleles were evaluated. Allele frequencies in the Caucasian European general population were obtained from the National Marrow Donor Program to serve as normative controls. We estimated the relative risk of BIA-ALCL with 95% confidence intervals from a t test.

Results

Thirteen patients who had undergone BIA-ALCL and HLA testing were identified from 2017 to 2018. Patients carried 10, 11, and 9 HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C alleles, respectively. There were 8 DRB1 alleles and 5 DQB1 alleles in the BIA-ALCL patients. The A*26 allele occurred significantly more frequently in the general population compared with BIA-ALCL patients (0.2992 vs 0.07692, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results identify a difference between HLA A*26 in patients who develop BIA-ALCL and the general population, and may signify genetic susceptibility factors responsible for germline genetic variation in HLA in patients with BIA-ALCL. Further work is needed to elucidate if these alleles are predictive for BIA-ALCL in women with textured-surface breast implants.

Level of Evidence: 4